October 25, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2139 WEEK OF OCTOBER 25 - 31, 2023 ST.VINCENT & GRENADINES

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44 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE See scroll of outstanding Vincentian-Americans

HAITI

ASSASSINATION SUSPECT ARRESTED The main suspect in the President Moise murder has been taken into custody

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JAMAICA SON CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF VISITING MOTHER She was visiting him and other relatives in St. James

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NYC

REP. CLARKE URGES REVIEW OF MEDICARE OPTIONS During the open enrollment period

Page 8 NYC

THELMA GOLDEN WINS $250,000 Director of Harlem Studio Museum wins the Lillian Gish Prize

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JAMAICA

HIP HOP 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

$1.8 BILLION TRADE DEAL

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By Dj Kool Herc scheduled for December in Jamaica

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14-YEAR-OLD HEMAN BEKELE NAMED TOP YOUTH SCIENTIST FOR INVENTING SOAP TO TREAT SKIN CANCER

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CaribNews OPED

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

AFRICA

Government urged to support safe withdrawal of UN Mission from Mali “The UN underscores the responsibility of the Malian Transitional Government for the safety and security of peacekeepers and calls on it to extend all necessary cooperation to facilitate MINUSMA’s withdrawal,” the global OPED body said in a note to correspondents issued on Sunday.

Steel Mills Can Steal from the Least MINUSMA was established in 2013 by the UN Powerful Security Council, and has been called the deadliest place to

by Ben Jealous - P 9 be a peacekeeper. The Council terminated its mandate in June following a request by the country’s military government.

HEALTH The Mission is on track to leave the West African country Life in the Pause Breaking Down Barriers by 31 December and “is fully committed to respecting this of the Past to Shine Light on Menopause timeframe.” for Women Over 50 MINUSMA completed the accelerated withdrawal of troops - P 20 and civilian personnel from its base in Tessalit in the restive north of Mali on Saturday, but remains concerned about the SPORTS safety of a land convoy heading to Gao, some 550 kilometres Road to Paris’ Qualification Tracking (roughly 342 miles) away. “The departure from Tessalit marks Tool Launches - P 19 the first camp closure of MINUSMA in the Kidal region of northern Mali, amid a deteriorating security situation endangering the lives of hundreds of uniformed and civilian personnel,” the note said.

Justice Department’s Initiative Secures $107 Million in Relief for Redlining Victims

by Stacy Brown - P 9

Somalia: Insecurity worsens, civilians pay the price

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Briefing Ambassadors in New York, UN Special Representative for Somalia Catriona Laing, described the country as being at a critical juncture.

“Last year, we saw the largest increase in civilian casualties since 2017. Sadly, early data indicate a similar trend in 2023, with 1,289 civilian casualties recorded so far,” she said.

The military campaign against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia faced setbacks, though the national army and allied clan militias were able to initially retake significant territory.

“In response to its own setbacks, Al-Shabaab has increased the use of 107mm rockets, particularly in Mogadishu. It has also conducted targeted attacks on high profile Somali politicians,” Ms. Laing added.

The Special Representative, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) highlighted collaboration with the Government through a joint programme on women’s involvement in peacebuilding. These include strengthening the role of women as peacemakers, capacity building to increase the number of women parliamentarians and enhancing legal frameworks against sexual violence.

“I recently met with courageous Somali women leaders and heard of their pioneering work to ensure women play a significant role in critical areas, from politics to climate change,” Ms. Laing said.

The humanitarian situation in the country remains deeply concerning, with nearly four million people facing hunger and about 1.2 million people displaced, the UN envoy said.

WORLD BRIEFS Israel-Palestine: Lack of fuel in Gaza now critical says WFP In an interview with UN News, the agency’s Alia Zaki emphasized that shortage of fuel is a major concern.

Without it, hospitals and bakeries could simply grind to a halt.

While UN agencies and aid workers are working flat out to get aid in, they are confronted with the need to reduce rations and prioritize the distribution of food and other essentials.

Jerusalem-based Ms. Zaki also stressed the urgent necessity for a humanitarian ceasefire, which would allow aid workers to deliver supplies in safety for both themselves and those in need.

Without fuel, hospitals will not be able to operate and bakeries will not be able to operate.

Let me tell you a bit about above the bakeries: what the WFP has been doing on the ground within the first 48 hours of this escalation is that we provided wheat flour to bakeries. The bakeries are producing fresh bread that then gets distributed to the UN shelters for the displaced people.

We started off with almost 23 bakeries that we were working with to deliver food for the people in shelters. Right now, only four are able to operate. They do not have enough power to get the machines working. And unfortunately, some were also hit.

Kosovo: Dialogue and building trust, key to defusing tensions Briefing ambassadors, Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General cited a “serious” incident on 24 September, that saw five people – including a Kosovo police officer - killed and others injured. “[These events] exacerbated an already deteriorating security environment, characterized by an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and contradictory perceptions touching much of the population,” she said, especially in northern Kosovo and among Kosovo-Serb communities elsewhere in Kosovo.

April elections boycott Ms. Ziadeh, also the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), added that the deteriorating security situation was compounded by the Kosovo-Serb community’s boycott of local elections in April, particularly significant in areas where they constitute the majority.

“The current political impasse, with its impact on the security and well-being of the population, can only be overcome through compromise,” she urged.

Political responsibilities As the situation continues to escalate, political leaders on both sides bear a significant responsibility for addressing the security needs and broader socio-economic concerns of all segments of society, Ms. Ziadeh said.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

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Jamaica – Al Sharpton to Attend Morant Bay Rebellion Anniversary

A special guest, renowned American civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, will attend a memorial service in St. Thomas on October 24. The service will commemo-

rate the 158th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion, led by National Hero, the Right Excellent Paul Bogle.

The event, to be held at Paul Bogle Square in Morant Bay commencing at 6:00 p.m., will also feature a candlelight vigil. Speaking during a recent press launch for the event, Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Hubert Williams, said with Rev. Sharpton slated tospeak during the service, this year’s remembrance of the historic events of 1865 will be special.

“We are going to be blessed by the presence of one of the world’s most renowned civil rights leaders, and I must say this, Rev. Al was so happy to visit the people of St. Thomas, the daughters and sons of Paul Bogle, that he gave us a gift by paying his air fare for himself and his entire entourage,” Councillor Williams disclosed.

He added that this development proves that “there are people out there, well-known people, who understand and appreciate the work of Paul Bogle; and it’s about time [that] we the people of St. Thomas really celebrate Paul Bogle to the full extent.”

Mayor Williams, who described Rev. Sharpton’s visit to the parish as “a big deal”, said “We just want Jamaica and the world to know that St. Thomas is open for business and we are the most cultural parish in Jamaica.

“We want tourists to come here to know about and experience our deep heritage and culture,” he added.

The service is being hosted by the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the Paul Bogle Foundation.

Objectives of the ceremony include reminding the citizens of St. Thomas and

NYC – Thelma Golden Director of Harlem Studio Museum Wins $250,000 Prize

The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, which carries a $250,000 cash award and honors someone who has significantly contributed to the arts, was won by Thelma Golden, director and head curator of New York’s Studio Museum in Harlem.

Since Golden took over as director of the Studio Museum in 2005, the organization has experienced significant growth ever since. It is now relocating into a new residence on West 125th Street as it continues to physically expand.

She had previously served as a curator at the Whitney Museum, where she curated exhibitions including the 1993 Biennial and 1994’s “Black Male,” a thorough examination of perceptions toward Blackness and masculinity in contemporary art that continues to have an impact on many people today.

Golden delivers a statement that expresses gratitude for the recognition, “As a curator

and museum director who has been privileged to work for and on behalf of artists for my entire career, I am humbled to receive this prize that was created by an artist and has been given to so many creative leaders I greatly admire. Working in service of artists in general, and very specifically Black artists, has allowed me to engage broadly in the world. I gratefully accept the Gish Prize and wholly acknowledge what an honor it has been to be able to provide space, alongside the many institutional colleagues, Board members, and supporters who are equally committed to advancing the work these artists do.”

Filmmakers Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay, architects Maya Lin, choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones, and author Chinua Achebe are a few of the award’s previous recipients.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

Jamaica – Moody Upgrades Credit Rating to Positive The long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings of Jamaica were raised from “B2” to “B1” by the rating agency Moody’s Investors Service, which also changed its outlook from “stable” to “positive.”

According to Moody, the decision to raise the rating was made in light of the fact that Jamaica, although experiencing different external shocks, remained unwavering in its commitment to a sustainable fiscal strategy based on the nation’s medium-term debt objective.

The organization said that the government has effectively reversed the rise in debt levels brought on by the COVID-19

outbreak and implemented budgetary measures to support the debt metrics’ ongoing improvement.

The level of debt in Jamaica has already fallen significantly from pre-pandemic levels—it went from 110 percent in 2020 to 78 percent in 2022—and is predicted to keep going down.

The agency’s conclusion that a persistent positive fiscal trajectory resulting from measures implemented to strengthen fiscal, monetary, and economic policy efficacy would continue to support the nation’s credit resilience is reflected in the outlook’s adjustment to “positive.”

Dr. Nigel Clarke, the Minister of Finance,

responded to the news by saying that the rating upgrade is yet another illustration of how well the Government’s economic policy framework has improved Jamaica’s economic independence and fostered an environment that encourages investment, supports jobs, and growth.

He noted, “Our economic policy framework has been principled, unwavering, and disciplined, even in the face of monumental adversity in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the Jamaican economy is stronger as a result.

We must do everything to preserve and maintain these gains.”

Canada-CARICOM Summit Joint Communiqué As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrates 50 years since its creation, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada and Prime Minister Skerrit of Dominica, Chair of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, co-chaired the Canada-CARICOM Summit, under the theme “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future.”

To mark the occasion of the first CanadaCARICOM Summit held in Canada, leaders launched a Strategic Partnership, establishing a new permanent mechanism for structured high-level engagement and follow through on joint actions. They reaffirmed their unwavering friendship, built on strong people-topeople, historical and cultural ties, shared economic interests, and a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Discussion focused on priorities of climate change, access to finance, regional and global security, and trade and investment.

On climate change, leaders called for an intensified collaborative effort to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While recognizing recent efforts on mitigation, adaptation, and the protection of biodiversity, they expressed the importance of practical actions, such as assistance on carbon pricing and operationalising a fund on loss and damage from climate change in the lead up to COP28 and beyond.

CARICOM leaders welcomed Canada’s new support of $64.5 million in new climate financing, and $10 million for resilient agriculture systems.

On access to finance, leaders acknowledged the particular vulnerabilities of CARICOM countries to external shocks and offered perspectives on how to overcome systemic

challenges in order to access finance. Focus was placed on reforming the international financial architecture, including the proposals of the Bridgetown Initiative. They agreed to work together in advancing solutions, such as new criteria to access finance at the Caribbean Development Bank, the widespread adoption of climate resilience debt clauses, and jointly advocating for common interests through Canada and CARICOM members’ shared constituency at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

On regional security, leaders focused on the crisis in Haiti. They welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699

(2023) adopted on 2 October 2023 and emphasized the importance of establishing a strong transitional government of unity to support the role of the MSS, the multinational security support mission (MSS). Leaders fully supported the central role of CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in advancing political dialogue to establish a stable and representative arrangement that can effectively govern towards free and fair elections, and work with the international community to set the parameters for the MSS. Leaders welcomed Canada’s coordination role in building the Haitian National Police (HNP) capacity, including additional training support of the

HNP. While discussions focused on Haiti, leaders also engaged on key security challenges in the region, including illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs, and surging violent crime.

In support of this, Canada committed $6.6 million to tackle illegal arms trafficking in Haiti and the wider Caribbean, as well as $4.6 million to address gender-based violence and women’s rights in the Eastern Caribbean.

Leaders also spoke of the importance of our common commitment to enhancing peace and security in both the Western Hemisphere and the world, including in Venezuela and the Middle East.

On trade and investment, leaders shared their perspectives on growth opportunities in the region to deepen commercial ties between Canada and CARICOM. CARICOM leaders welcomed Canada’s expansion of the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff program (CCCT), which gives countries in the region duty-free trade access to the Canadian market, to include textiles and apparel, as well as a new foreign labour program for agriculture and fish processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Shared priority sectors outlined for trade and investment included agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure. Leaders also offered insights on addressing ongoing supply chain issues; increasing the movement of people, goods, and investments; facilitating educational exchanges; and critical development needs. They emphasized the importance of engaging Caribbean diaspora communities in Canada to build strong and sustainable economies.

Jamaica – Son Arrested in Murder of Visiting Mother Following an altercation on Wavell Avenue in St. Andrew on the morning of October 26th, 2023. a US citizen, 55, was fatally stabbed, and her 35-year-old son was arrested.

Marvel Johnson, a resident of Lauder Lake, Florida’s Northwest 30th Street, has been identified as the deceased.

According to Observer Online reports, investigators have seized a knife they sus-

pect to be the murder weapon. The alleged suspect is a Red Hills Road mason.

According to reports, Johnson, who had only recently returned to the island from the US, went to Wavell Avenue at 7:20 a.m. to hunt for family and take care of her son.

The now-deceased is said to have been attacked with a knife and stabbed several times throughout her body when she was

in one of the bedrooms.

According to reports, family members responded to her cries for aid, dragged the culprit away, and then dialed 911. Johnson was transported to the Kingston Public Hospital where, after receiving medical attention, she was later declared dead.

After the event, the son was taken into custody.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

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T&T – Citizen Repatriated From Israel Another T&T resident has reportedly been evacuated from Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.

The ministry stated in a news statement that the citizen, a male, departed Israel on October 16 with help from the Dutch government.

According to the ministry, it asked the Dutch embassy in Port of Spain for assistance and got it so that he could be put on an aircraft out of Israel for repatriation.

When he left Amsterdam, the ministry was able to plan and manage his further travel, and on October 18, he returned home. After the Palestinian militant group Hamas began attacking Israel on October 7, he is the second T&T national who is a resident of Israel and has been safely evacuated.

More than 1,400 individuals were killed in the Hamas assaults, while more than 3,400 people in Gaza have been killed as a consequence of Israeli reprisal bombings.

Due to major international airlines canceling both incoming and outgoing flights due to the deterioration in regional security, foreign nationals in Israel are finding it difficult to leave the country.

For T&T nationals in Israel who want to be evacuated or want to let others know they are in the area, the ministry has subsequently established an email helpline, ttnationalsisrael@foreign.gov.tt.

The ministry declared that it would keep an eye on the Middle East’s condition while also getting in touch with any TT residents who are currently living there.

Black 14-Year-Old Boy Named America’s Top Young Scientist

A 14-year-old named “America’s Top Young Scientist” created a soap that heals skin cancer.

The honorable prize from 3M and Discovery Education, regarded as one of the finest middle school scientific competitions in the nation, was won by Heman Bekele, a ninth student from Annandale, Virginia.

“I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world,” Heman said in his submission for the award.

“I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas,” he noted.

For the past four months, Heman has been vying to be dubbed “America’s Top Young Scientist” against nine other finalists. The goal of the competition is to assist students in grades 5 through 8 in developing an original concept that will

improve the world.

Young scientists who are recognized with the award get a financial incentive of $25,000 in addition to the renowned title.

According to a press statement announcing the award, Heman received the top honor this year at 3M’s St. Paul, Minnesota, headquarters on October 9 and 10.

A ninth-grader from San Jose, California named Shripriya Kalbhavi won second place for creating an inexpensive patch that enables self-automated medicine distribution without tablets or needles.

Third-place winner Sarah Wang, a seventh-grader from Andover, Massachusetts, created a glove that can recognize specific epileptic episodes through regular hand movements.

The children who came in fourth through tenth place each received a $1,000 reward and a $500 gift card, while Shripriya and Sarah each received $2,000. Among others, the other students from Portland, Oregon, Baltimore, New Rochelle, New York, Austin, Texas, and Oviedo, Florida, are represented.

Heman created a soap bar made of compounds with melanoma treatment in mind. Making one bar of soap costs roughly fifty cents.

Over the following five years, Heman plans to improve his invention and establish a non-profit company to provide the soap to underserved areas, as reported by 3M and Discovery Education.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

Barbados – Calls for A Regional Approach to The Fight On Crime

While acknowledging that the traditional strategy of punishment and jail is ineffective, there has been a constant need for a localized regional approach to combating crime and social violence.

The regional law enforcement agencies will need to work together more to combat crime.

These were some of the suggestions made by a panel of experts who took part in a regional town hall meeting on the first day of the recent three-day seventh biannual law conference, which was held at the Hilton Barbados.

Pre-trial detention and sentencing practices have not altered in the Caribbean since the

1800s, according to Dr. Janeille Matthews, deputy dean of the law faculty at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill campus (UWI).

She referred to an analysis done by a Cave Hill law student in collaboration with the University of Leicester and the law department.

She noted, “In large part, we keep doing what we have always done so that many of our well-intended attempts at reform end up resembling what was proffered 50, even 85 years ago.”

T&T – Police Seized Second Major Illegal Firearms Cache in a Week Less than a week after the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service said it had made the largest seizure of illegal firearms in the country’s history in Santa Cruz, the law enforcement agency is reporting yet another major haul of illegal weapons in the same area.

Police Commissioner Erla Christopher says the “strategies and the Violent Crime Reduction Plan are working, and I have every confidence that as we continue to update our strategies and implement our plans, we will continue to get the desired results”.

According to the police, during an operation on Tuesday, officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the Guard and Emergency Branch, and the Canine Unit, journeyed approximately two miles in a forested area in Santa Cruz, where they found and seized the weapons.

The police said they included four AK-47 Rifles, one 50cal Desert Eagle, one .45 Revolver, two Shotguns, more than 150 rounds of ammunition, rifle magazines as well as an assortment of assault rifle parts, several items of police kits, four police bulletproof vests and blue swivel lights.

“We expect that this seizure will again significantly impact the incidence of violent crimes committed with the use of firearms, especially homicides and home invasions. I would like to thank and commend the officers involved in this seizure, you have placed yourselves in harm’s way and put your lives at risk with the aim of keeping our nation safe. I also thank the public and especially those who see something and say something,” Christopher said.

“We will maintain our intensity in the seizure of illegal firearms, and we will relentlessly

pursue those bent on being involved in criminal activity,” she added.

Last week, the weapons seized were classified among the deadliest of weapons namely 13 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, two Draco rifles, one M-16 rifle, two UZI Sub-machine guns, one Beretta Sub-machine gun, one Ruger 30 caliber rifle, and one Ruger Precision 50 caliber rifle.

The police said the seizure also included 1152 rounds of assorted ammunition, namely 45 mm, 50 caliber, 12-gauge, 7.62 mm, 9 mm, and 6.5 caliber armor-piercing ammunition.

Several major firearm component parts were also seized, including 10 laser pointers, 23 rifle stocks, 53 trigger guards, 13 selectors, 15 triggers, four rear sights, and four buffers.

No one has been arrested in connection with the finds. (CMC)

Haiti – Suspect in the Assassination of President Moise Arrested

A former judicial official who is thought to be one of the prime suspects in the murder of Haitian President Jovenel Mose in 2021 was recently apprehended in the nation’s capital after more than two years on the run, according to authorities.

Before being terminated for suspected ethical transgressions a few weeks before the killing, Joseph Badio had previously worked for Haiti’s Ministry of Justice and the government’s anti-corruption unit. According to Garry Desrosiers, a spokesman for the National Police, Badio was taken into custody in Port-au-Petion Prince’s Vile neighborhood.

On July 7, 2021, Moise was shot 12 times in his house, triggering a political upheaval in Haiti.

After Moise’s murder, several persons had been detained, including 11 men who are currently in US jail. According to US prosecutors, there was a widespread scheme to recruit mercenaries to overthrow Moise so that

conspirators in Florida and Haiti could profit from contracts under a future regime.

One of the 11 persons detained in the US, former Haitian senator John Joel Joseph, entered a guilty plea to the assassinationrelated charges last week. His sentencing date was scheduled for December 19 by a federal court. The former senator was extradited to the US from Jamaica in June on charges that he had planned to kill someone or abduct someone outside of the country and had given them financial assistance in exchange for their deaths. Additionally, two additional persons have entered guilty pleas. Rodolphe Jaar, a businessman of Haitian and Chilean descent, received a life sentence in June.

German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, a former soldier for Colombia, will be sentenced on October 27.

18 former Colombian soldiers who are being held in detention in Haiti are among those who were detained following the murder.

The Caribbean Island has also seen an increase in gang violence after the killing, which prompted the prime minister to ask for the deployment of an armed force.

Early in October, the UN Security Council

eventually decided to send a multinational force headed by Kenya to assist in the fight against the gangs.

The deployment’s date has not been specified by Kenya.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Cuban Agricultural Experts to Help Guyana The agricultural industry in Guyana will soon be receiving technical assistance from their counterparts in Cuba following the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, which was signed by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd, and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Saturday morning, provides a framework for cooperation in the areas of agriculture to include vegetable products, livestock and animal products, beekeeping, forestry, and other areas.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Delma Nedd, and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis Ramraj said Guyana has several hectares of undeveloped land that offers enormous potential for beekeeping and the apiculture sector, which he says will help Guyana meet the 25 by 2025 initiative, by increasing its honey production for Guyana to become an exporter of honey in Caribbean Community (Caricom).

“Guyana’s forest has a great potential for apiculture, if exploited, it can create employment and sustainable income for the population residing in the hinterland areas…I look forward to the fruitful collaboration between our countries as we actively develop our agriculture sector to

greater food security,” Ramraj noted.

Guyana is forging ahead with the transformation of the region’s agricultural food systems towards full commercialization and is forming partnerships with nations that possess some of the greatest agricultural methods.

Ramraj said the country will soon sign a technical assistance agreement with the Cuban Company, CATEC-Labiofam to boost the honey industry in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Luis said the signing of the MoU is an important step towards advancing food security and food production in the region.

“As both leaders of Cuba and Guyana have stated, we should join efforts and forces to make our capabilities come together to strengthen our production and our technical assistance,” he said.

Ambassador Luis stressed that Guyana has a leading role to play in food security and production within the Caricom.

“Cuba is making that contribution in that area…we are certain that we are going to achieve higher results by working together to make our technical and production capacities achieve bigger and better results,” Luis added.

Ramraj and Luis both said Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed cordial relations for a long time.

(CMC)

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

NYC – Adams Limits Migrant Families New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced additional policies to help asylum seekers in the city’s care take the next steps in their journeys, as the current surge at the border and additional bussing from the State of Texas results in an unsustainable spike of migrants arriving in New York City seeking shelter. The city has made every effort to continue serving the more than 126,700 asylum seekers who have arrived in New York City since last spring, but with an average of approximately 600 people arriving daily in the last week and over 64,100 migrants still currently in the city’s care, New York City is full and past its breaking point — having responded to this humanitarian crisis without the level of support needed from other levels of government to manage this national crisis.

As the city still seeks further and timely support from federal and state partners, it will begin providing 60 days notice to families with children seeking asylum to find alternative housing along with intensified casework services to help them explore other housing options and take the next steps in their journeys. Each household given notice will have multiple touchpoints with case workers over their 60 days to discuss their options and plan their next steps. This announcement builds on the city’s work giving 30 day and 60 day notices to adults and providing intensified casework services.

Additionally, the city announced that Floyd Bennett Field will open in the coming weeks to serve families with children seeking asylum in a semi-congregate setting. Privacy dividers with locks will be installed to provide approximately 500 families with children a

place to stay.

As cities and states across the nation continue to see an unsustainable surge in migrants, just this week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker joined the calls of Mayor Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and others for a national solution to this national crisis. In response, the White House cited New York’s “best practices” put in place to deal with the asylum seeker crisis.

“For over a year, New York City has led the response to this national crisis, but significant additional resources, coordination, and support are needed from all levels of government. With over 64,100 asylum seekers still in the city’s care, and thousands more migrants arriving every week, expanding this policy to all asylum seekers in our care is the only way to help migrants take the next steps on their journeys,” said Mayor Adams.

“This step builds on our work providing

notices and intensified casework services to adults in the city’s care to help them move to alternative housing. We appreciate the White House citing our ‘best practices’ as other cities also deal with this crisis, but with the current surge we’re seeing, a comprehensive, coordinated effort from the federal government to decompress the pressure New York City is under is needed now.”

“As we continue to respond to this ongoing humanitarian crisis and manage this unprecedented surge, we must continue to implement new strategies to relieve the pressure on our shelter system,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This action of providing time specific notices to families paired with intensive and sustained case management will help us resettle people more quickly helping them on their journey to independence and providing some relief to our already strained emergency housing system.

Without additional support from our federal partners, we have to use all of the tools available to us to manage this humanitarian crisis.”

“Our mission is to help asylum seekers complete their journeys and find a better life for themselves and their children,” said Ted Long, MD, MHS, senior vice president, Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Throughout this crisis, New York City has proudly helped over 126,700 asylum seekers, and with our help nearly half have taken the next step in their journey and left our city system.

Going forward, case management will be a cornerstone of our response, giving us the ability to provide targeted support to help asylum seekers and their families resettle.

This will ensure we continue to deliver life-changing assistance for the thousands of asylum seekers from around the world who turned to us for help.”

Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action, already opening over 210 emergency shelters, including 17 total large-scale humanitarian relief centers; standing up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolling thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; launching the Asylum Application Help Center to help thousands of migrants with their asylum applications; and more. Earlier this spring, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke on Medicare Renewal For years, the price of health care services and prescription drugs have soared, with little relief for working families. That’s why progressives in Congress and the Biden administration have been working hard to lower healthcare costs for those who need it most. We’re already seeing the effects of that fight. In fact, millions of Americans are already saving money on the medication they need — especially seniors.

On October 15, the Medicare Open Enrollment period began and seniors now have the opportunity to sign up for the program. This year, they are able to choose Medicare plans with new cost-saving benefits that came out of laws that Congressional Democrats and President Biden passed, including the Inflation Reduction Act. Today, I’m reaching out to make sure you know about those options.

First: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the cost of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries is now capped at $35 per month. For many, that monthly cost will come down from as high as $200 per month. But that’s not all: Second: Starting October 15, many beneficia-

ries will now pay less for prescription drugs.

Any drug covered by Medicare Part B will have a lower coinsurance if the price has increased above inflation. In 2024, Medicare Part D enrollees who have drug costs high enough to go beyond a certain threshold will no longer be required to pay any cost sharing for their Part D drugs. Starting January 1, 2024, this threshold is set at $8,000.That means seniors with some of the highest prescription drug costs could see thousands of dollars in savings next year. By 2025, this will move to a flat $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, saving nearly 19 million seniors an average of $400 a year.

Third: Recommended vaccines are now covered under Medicare without cost-sharing.

That means no out-of-pocket cost for vaccines to prevent shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, COVID, and flu.

And fourth: Starting this month, if a drug company raises the price of a Medicare Part D prescription by more than the rate of inflation, the manufacturer will have to pay the differ-

ence in price back to Medicare. That means more money for Medicare to cover costs — savings that will be passed onto seniors.

To find out more about Medicare Open Enrollment, how you can change your own plan or work with the seniors in your life to get them on Medicare, visit here.

None of this happened by accident. In the 116th Congress, the Congressional Progressive Caucus pushed hard for the House to pass bold legislation that lowers health care costs.

By holding the line during the Build Back Better negotiations, we were able to ensure that provisions like these were included in the final Inflation Reduction Act. This is such incredible progress — but that work isn’t finished. It’s time to achieve true equality in our healthcare system through Medicare for All. As your representative in Congress, I’ll keep working to lower healthcare costs for you and your family so that no one has to worry about being able to afford the medicine they need to live.

CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

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Guest Editorial: In Independence Message, Commissioner Calls for ‘Peace to reign in SVG’

by Mr. Enville Williams Commissioner of Police (Ag) My fellow Vincentians, as we commemorate the Forty-Fourth (44th) Anniversary of Political Independence from Great Britain, I extend warmest greetings and congratulations to you on behalf of the Gazetted Officers, and other ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and is Auxiliary Force. The RSVGPF is one of the many institutions that we inherited from Great Britain. It remains one of the oldest organizations in SVG, established in 1834. Based on its history, the RSVGPF started with just three (3) divisions – each division was staffed by one (1) Sergeant and four (4) men. Besides maintaining law and order, some of the police force’s duties back then included: – Assistance with administration/supervision of excise duty on rum.

Collection of Customs duty and registration of births.

Assist with mail, poor relief distribution, and controlling district telephone exchanges.

Today, the responsibilities are far greater and diverse. The RSVGPF is much more sophisticated, better equipped, and trained to protect and serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with its 1087 members. Very soon, another 115 officers will be added to its ranks after this current batch of recruits graduate from training.

I am very humbled to have been appointed to the high and consequential office of Commissioner of Police (in an acting capacity). I pledge to you with every fiber of my being, to do my best to uphold the traditions and ideals that are associated with the office; to maintain law and order, and to preserve the Public’s Peace without fear or favor, malice or ill-will to anyone.

I profoundly thank my predecessor, Former Commissioner of Police, Mr. Colin John for his service to the RSVGPF and the people of SVG. We wish him God’s richest blessings for the years ahead as he transitions into retirement.

The Year 2023 has been a challenging year for the RSVGPF. On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, SVG was catapulted into ‘unchartered water’ when five Vincentian (5) males, including a juvenile, were mercilessly and violently massacred at Upper Kingstown (Harbor Club). This brutal

incident sent shockwaves throughout SVG and the Caribbean. What we have analyzed from this incident is that the criminal elements among us are becoming more wicked and evil. We cannot let the criminals win! There must be a collective outrage against acts of criminality by every citizen. I wish to assure you that with the efforts of our hardworking investigators, and the support and information from you, the members of the public, the RSVGPF will solve this dastardly crime.

Fellow Vincentians, I wish to posit that there is an urgent need for behavioral change in SVG. The Late Mahatma Gandhi encourages us to be the change that we wish to see in this beautiful world.

Therefore, if you wish for SVG to continue to be a peaceful and safe country for all of us to live in, then you and I need to make the first move in that regard. We need to be our brother’s keeper. We need to be more loving and kinder towards one another. We need to utilize more amicable means to settle our differences. We need to respect each other. That includes police officers and members of the public alike. I would admit that sometimes, the way police officers approach a suspect, or a member of the public is not always the most tactful, thus creating an adversarial response. Police Officers must be peacemakers. The Father of modern policing, the Late Robert Peel echoed this when he said, “Police officers should keep the peace by peaceful means.”

Equally, the public must respect and cooperate with the police while they are executing their duties. No matter how short, tall, slim, or chubby a police officer appears to be, he or she is vested with and is acting under the powers and authority entrenched in the Police Act and other relevant laws of SVG. Ladies and gentlemen, while crimes are trending downwards generally in SVG, I am very concerned about the uptick in homicides and the upsurge in the use of illegal firearms, especially in the commission of these and other offences. I wish to reiterate that the RSVGPF is not sitting passively doing nothing to curb these unwelcome incidents. In the last quarter of 2022, the RSVGPF executed “Operation TIFOS” –Taking Illegal Firearms off the

Streets. This operation has resulted in the seizure of 35 illegal firearms (of different make and models) and 251 rounds of ammunition. Operation TIFOS continues in 2023 and I am happy to report that during this current period, the RSVGPF has seized 26 illegal firearms and 266 rounds of ammunition. Amongst these were two (2) AR-15 rifles with extra-long magazines. I wish to commend all of the officers who were involved in these operations. We will not relent until our streets are free from these deadly weapons.

Over the last decade, from 2012 to 2022, in SVG there has been a marked decrease in reported crimes. As can be seen in the table attached, crime has generally trended downwards with 2018 and 2022 being exceptions, as there were moderate spikes which in succeeding years reverted to the original trend, being even lesser than years prior. While one crime committed is one ‘too many’ these are very comforting statistics when compared to some of our regional counterparts. Let us continue to work hand in hand to further reduce, control, and effectively manage the vexing issue of crime. Let us all work together to create safer communities by forming Neighborhood Watch and community groups, and positively engage our young people.

Ladies and gentlemen, the youths of our nation are of vital importance to its future development and transformation. Let us continue to steer them away from a life of crime and into a pathway of self-sustenance, personal development, and advancement. Encourage them to join reputable civic organizations like the Police Youth Clubs, the SVG Cadet Force, The Girls Guides, the Pathfinders, and many more like-minded groups that can instill a sense of pride, belonging, citizenship, purpose, and hope in them.

Please permit me to update you on some aspects of the RSVGPF Counter Crime Strategy. The RSVGPF cannot fight crime alone – and neither should it be done in silos. Accordingly, the RSVGPF in collaboration with the Government and partners in the public and private sectors have joined together to counter criminal activities that are being perpetrated in several areas we have classified as “Hot

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Spots”. During the reporting period, the RSVGPF launched “Operation Boots on the Ground” in the communities of Paul’s Avenue and Rose Place where there is a heightened 24-your police presence. As a result, we have seen a drastic reduction in the commission of crimes in these and other areas. In addition, the RSVGPF continues to conduct strategic patrols (both on land and sea) and Stop and Search Operations with much success.

We will continue these and other strategies in the coming year including Town Hall Meetings, Community Walkthroughs, improved police-public partnerships, Lectures in schools, Radio and Television Programs, Crime Prevention exhibitions, Rebranding of the Force, Increased detection of crimes and prosecution of criminals among others. In addition, the RSVGPF will soon roll out its 3-year Strategic Crime Plan. This plan would be the road map for combating crime and other nefarious activities in SVG. Fellow Vincentians, a more developed and trained police force will be more effective and efficient in the execution of its duties and functions. To this end, my senior executive management team and the gazetted officers have been relentless in organizing and facilitating local, regional, and international training for members of the RSVGF. Just one week ago, 30 police officers graduated from a Crime Scene Management Course which was facilitated by the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and the Regional Security System (RSS). Moreover, police officers have been taking a keen interest in personal development. In 2023, several officers graduated with Diplomas, first degrees, and master’s degrees from various universities. Many more are currently pursuing higher educational training. I wish to thank and congratulate them on their achievement.

As I conclude, please permit me to join with the Late Phyllis Joyce Punnett and say “Whate’er the future brings. Our faith will see us through. May peace reign from shore to shore. And God bless and keep us true.” Happy Independence my fellow Vincentians.

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

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CARIBOPINION

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 24, 2023

Justice Department’s Initiative Secures $107 Million in Relief for Redlining Victims

by Stacy M. Brown

The Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative announced the recovery of over $107 million in relief for communities of color nationwide who have long suffered from unfair lending practices. Within the sum, the Department unveiled a $9 million agreement with Ameris Bank, aimed at rectifying allegations of redlining primarily in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. Redlining, a prohibited practice, involves lenders withholding credit services from individuals in communities of color based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

“Today’s case underscores that redlining remains a contemporary issue,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a news release, emphasizing the initiative’s ongoing importance. “The Justice Department is committed to rectifying the harm caused by discriminatory lending practices, with over two dozen active investigations underway across the nation.”

In October 2021, Garland launched the Combating Redlining Initiative, marking the Department’s most comprehensive endeavor to combat this systemic issue. The initiative collaborates with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal financial regulatory agencies, and state Attorneys General offices to

enforce federal fair lending laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Since its inception, officials have secured ten settlements with financial institutions, facilitating increased credit access for communities of color in various cities, including Houston, Memphis, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville. The DOJ said the settlements have empowered marginalized communities, enabling them to pursue homeownership, a right unjustly denied them for far too long.

Ameris Bank later reached a resolution in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, contingent on court approval. The DOJ’s complaint alleged that Ameris Bank deliberately excluded majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville from its mortgage services, steering applicants away from home loans. The bank’s lending focus disproportionately favored white areas of the city.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stressed the significance of combating modern-day redlining, noting that it fosters equal economic opportunity and enables communities of color to fulfill the American Dream.

“Combating modern-day redlining is one of the most important strategies for ensuring equal economic opportunity today,” Clarke stated. “By taking on the discriminatory lending practices of banks and mortgage companies, we are helping to ensure that more Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color are able to buy a home, generate wealth, and fulfill the American Dream. This settlement marks a new pinnacle in our efforts to bring an end to redlining and provides.”

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida heralded the agreement with Ameris Bank as a historic moment, signaling a positive shift for Black and Hispanic communities previously denied vital economic resources.

“For far too long, redlining has negatively impacted communities of color across our country,” Handberg asserted. “Today’s agreement with Ameris Bank represents the first redlining case brought by the Department of Justice in the state of Florida and signals a step forward for Black and Hispanic communities in Jacksonville that were previously denied access to economic resources for generations. This settlement means that Ameris Bank will provide financial remedies to

Jacksonville’s underserved communities, and it demonstrates our commitment to guaranteeing equal access to housing and credit resources for all Americans.”

Under the proposed consent order, Ameris Bank will invest $9 million to expand credit opportunities in Jacksonville. This includes a $7.5 million loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, $900,000 for targeted outreach, and $600,000 for community partnerships to bolster access to residential mortgage credit. Additionally, Ameris Bank will open a branch in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood, allocate at least three mortgage loan officers to serve these communities, and implement comprehensive compliance measures.

Steel Mills Can Steal from the Least Powerful

by Ben Jealous

U.S. Steel gave birth to Gary, Indiana in 1906. The city, named after a chairman of the corporation’s board, started as housing for steelworkers. The Gary Works opened in 1908 and for most of the 20th century was the largest steel mill in the world; it’s still the largest in this country.

Kimmie Gordon understands the civic pride that grew from that history and knows about the 30,000 jobs that Gary Works offered at one time. There’s more to the story, she said. And those chapters need to be appreciated.

“You’re looking at 115 years of degradation of our natural resources, starting with our air,” Gordon said, noting that emergency room visits for respiratory issues are 30 percent higher in Gary than in neighboring counties.

“We not only smell it and are harmed by it now, it’s our entire lives.”

A report last month from the Sierra Club named the Gary Works as the largest greenhouse gas polluter among more than 200 industrial plants nationwide.

The consequences don’t end at the steel mill’s gate, she explained. “People look at Gary, Indiana, and see we’ve been run over and dumped on for decades. They say let’s put our trucking company there or our plant to turn trash into jet fuel.” She and other residents formed Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD) to oppose projects like a trucking hub in the west side neighborhood where Gordon grew up or a gasification plant to turn Chicago’s plastic trash into fuel.

Gordon’s story about Gary is familiar in so many places that get deemed disposable because they lack political and economic power. In places like Gary, where the poverty is more than double the national level, people are forced to make an impossible choice between their health and jobs that pay for groceries.

The historic investments in clean energy, jobs, and infrastructure that President Biden and Congress pledged in 2021 and 2022 offer an unprecedented opportunity to change the narrative in places like Gary. More

than $6 billion will got to reduce carbon pollution from steel mills and other industrial plants. Communities that have had to bear a disproportionate brunt from corporate polluters qualify for nearly $3 billion in recovery block grants. There’s funding to cut diesel trucking emissions and to provide more monitoring in neighborhoods on the fence lines of plants.

The challenge now is to make sure Gordon and community advocates like her have a say in applying for and deploying those investments. The Environmental Protection Agency can help by implementing much more stringent air pollution standards for steel mills.

Gordon works to get more people of color into the outdoors through a group she founded called Brown Faces Green Spaces. Gary has natural places like the Ivanhoe Dune and Swale, the Brunswick Oak Savannah Trail, and the western tip of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that other communities lack, she said.

Industrial sites are nearby, Gordon explained. “When we do get a day when there’s no ozone alert, we try to get people outdoors for recreation, reflection, prayer, or meditation. Going and enjoying those places, you can’t get away from how close it all is to being degraded.”

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 24, 2023

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THANK YOU

REPS. TORRES, MEEKS & BOWMAN FOR BEING HEROES FOR HEALTHY KIDS AND COMMUNITIES.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBNEWS

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Minister Welcomes SANDALS International

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Hon. Carlos James is delighted to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Sandals Resorts International as they establish their presence in our beautiful island nation. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in our continued efforts to

bolster tourism and enhance the economic prosperity of SVG. Sandals Resorts International recently announced the opening of the brand’s eighteenth resort in the Caribbean at Buccament Bay, on mainland St. Vincent scheduled for March 27th, 2024. Minister James embraced the news of this prestigious brand in St. Vincent and the Gren-

adines (SVG) and anticipates increased visitors from the USA, St. Vincent and the Grenadines main market. “Americans have shown great confidence in our destination, and this is evidenced by year over year increases in visitor arrivals from the USA,” said Minister James. “With increased airlift on the horizon, access to our multi-island destination will give Americans more options to fly to SVG.” “We welcome Sandals 300 – room property to our list of ultra luxury and exclusive offerings, and this will add significant value to our tourism product,” Minister James said. The Tourism Minster expressed his optimism about the numerous benefits that Sandals Hotels will bring to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He highlighted the anticipation of a positive spill-off effect, which will not only benefit the hospitality sector, but also have a far-reaching impact on various other industries within the country.

Furthermore, Minister James emphasized the potential increase in the sale of local produce. Sandals’ commitment to sourcing food and other products locally, will undoubtedly boost our agricultural sector, leading to higher sales of fish, fruits, vegetables, and other locally sourced items.

This aligns perfectly with our government’s efforts to support local farmers and producers.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is on the cusp of an exciting 2024. In addition to

the 300-room Sandals property, a 93-room Holiday Inn Express is scheduled to also open in the coming year, just in time for the announcement that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will host five matches of the International Cricket Council (ICC) championship in June 2024. Additionally, construction for a Marriott Hotels on mainland St. Vincent is scheduled to start next year.

Minister James said, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known for its high-end exclusive luxury offerings on the Grenadine islands, is now opening its mainland, St. Vincent, as a major tourism hub.”

Currently, the only Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Soho House in the Caribbean operate on Canouan, and Mustique is known for its high-end villas. Petit St. Vincent Resort and Palm Island Resort offers luxury and seclusion and a string of boutique hotels in the multi-island destination provide exclusive accommodation.

In conclusion, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Carlos James extends his heartfelt appreciation to Sandals Resorts International for choosing St. Vincent and the Grenadines as their destination of choice.

He is confident that this collaboration will not only elevate our tourism industry but also contribute significantly to the economic development and prosperity of our beautiful island nation.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Siana Black - Awarded the President’s Award For Educational Excellence The President’s Award for Academic Excellence, a GPA of 99.9%, six scholarship offers, several merit/academic awards.

The President’s Award For Educational Excellence provides individual recognition from the President of the United States of America and the U.S. Secretary of Education. It is given to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet the challenging standards of excellence. These students must have maintained an A+ average throughout their academic career and must have been nominated by two teachers.

She is a First-Degree Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. She was previously a member of the Advanced Chorus and played the trombone in the Advanced Band Ensemble.

She is currently in high school and is on the Girls Varsity Tennis Team.

Views of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

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 Strength-

en 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.

The Caribbean’s only luxury 5 star inclusive resort.

CMBC 28 -2023 Speakers: Hon. Diane Abbott & Dr. Lesly Kernisant and Thames Television, as well as working as a public relations consultant.

In 2008 Diane was awarded the Spectator / Threadneedle Speech of the Year Award and a Human Rights Award from Liberty.

Diane is founder of the London Schools and the Black Child initiative, which aims to raise educational achievement levels amongst Black children.

The Rt Hon Ms Diane Abbott is the Independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, and has been an MP continuously since 11 June 1987.

In 1987 Diane Abbott made history by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament. She has since built a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster and commentator.

Born in London in 1953, she attended the Harrow County grammar school and went on to Newnham College Cambridge where she obtained a Masters degree in history.

Upon leaving Cambridge, Diane joined Government as a Home Office Civil Servant.

She went on to work for the lobby group the National Council for Civil Liberties, before moving into journalism. She worked extensively as a freelancer and then as a reporter for the breakfast television company TV-AM

In Parliament From the outset of her career, Diane has championed global justice, human rights, peace and security issues at home and abroad.

She has been a vocal campaigner around race-relations, transparency and justice around policing, surveillance, Stop and Search, and detainment without trial.

She was elected on to the National Executive of the Labour Party and, for most of the 1990s, served on the Treasury Select Committee. As a member of this committee she helped author a series of official reports around issues including Britain’s entry into the Euro. She went on to serve on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee as Shadow Public Health Minister.

In 2015, Diane was re-elected to her Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency with a landslide majority and, in September 2015, was appointed Shadow Secretary for International Development. Diane became Shadow Secretary for Health in June 2016 before serving as the first black female Shadow Home Secretary until earlier this year. Diane also Chairs the British-Caribbean All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and the APPG for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia.

Dr. Lesly Kernisant, an eminent gynecologist, distinguished clinical teacher , a corporate executive and a great Haitian-American is the CEO and President of Societe Immobiliere d’ Agriculture, de Commerce et de Tourisme (SIMACT), one of the Haitian-American business groups targeting Haiti as the main focus of their investments.

As a practicing gynecologist for more than 30 years, Dr Kernisant is well known for his high moral integrity, great surgical skills, great intellect and fair-mindedness. He is the product of the Brooklyn Public school system where he enrolled soon after his emigration to New York City at the tender age of 14 and continued his higher education in Washington, D.C. where he obtained his M.D. degree from Howard University School of Medicine as an “accelerated student”. He then did a four-year residency training at Harlem/Columbia-Presbyterian University hospital in Obstetrics-Gynecology where he was named the “Best Chief Resident” for that year. Dr Kernisant has been a clinical instructor at most of the major hospitals in

Brooklyn, including Brookdale University hospital, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Methodist Hospital and Long Island College hospital. As the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Group for more than 18 years , Dr Kernisant is credited for being responsible in transforming this group of 22 obstetricians/gynecologists into the best comprehensive healthcare providers for women in Brooklyn.

He is a member of many professional organizations, including AMA, American College of Ob-Gyn Fellows, Clinical Provident Society, Board members of OMAT, past executive member of both Central and local NY chapter of AMHE. He has delivered several keynote addresses at different events, ceremonies and important fund-raising gatherings.

More importantly, Dr Kernisant never abandoned his roots. He has maintained a solid bond with his homeland, Haiti. His dream of an eventual “Haitian Renaissance” has led him to rally a number of Haitian professionals under the banner of SIMACT,INC (Societe Immobiliere, d’Agriculture, de Commerce et de Tourisme), a company that started as an idea and mushroomed into a movement calling for a unified Diaspora to use its collective financial power to change Haiti. As founder and CEO of SIMACT, Dr Kernisant is mindful of the difficulties in implementing the company’s ambitious mission and realizes that team spirit, hard work, abiding faith and great personal sacrifices on the part of his associates are key to a successful journey. It is a company with a dual purpose: to provide monetary rewards to its investors while at the same time create a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities involved.

Despite his very active professional lifestyle, Dr Kernisant still finds time to be a caring husband and affectionate father.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

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CARIBBRIEFS

T&T – Two Guilty of Trafficking Cocaine in Diplomatic Bags Nearly 20 years ago, two men were convicted guilty of smuggling cocaine in diplomatic pouches.

A Port of Spain jury recently convicted Micah Smith and Kurt Alexis guilty.

Alexis was found guilty on one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, while Smith was found guilty of two counts of trafficking cocaine.

They were exonerated on a count of conspiring to distribute cocaine at the beginning of their trial because the prosecution had no proof. The accusation of conspiring to distribute cocaine was also dropped against the third man in question.

Until their November 9 sentence, Smith and Alexis were held in jail.

Smith was accused of trafficking cocaine on May 5 and 6, 2004, according to the prosecution. He mailed multiple envelopes to the Toronto High Commission and the New York consulate between March 2004 and May 2004 while purportedly working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, between December 2003 and March 2004, he mailed seven envelopes to a person at the London High Commission.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

UN Security Council Resolution on Haiti The United States welcomes the UN Security Council’s October 19 unanimous adoption of resolution 2700, which renews an arms embargo on Haiti to prevent the supply of weapons to non-state actors, as well as a targeted assets freeze and travel ban measures.

Since October 2022, the United States has taken steps to impose sanctions and visa restrictions on over 50 individuals for undermining Haiti’s democratic processes, supporting or financing gangs and criminal organizations, or engaging in significant corruption and human rights violations.

In addition, the United States continues to take steps to stem the illegal outflow of firearms from the United States to the

Caribbean, including Haiti. The U.S. Government is using new criminal authorities in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to identify and hold firearms traffickers accountable.

To bolster these efforts, in June 2023, Vice President Harris announced the creation of a Department of Justice Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions, including Haiti. The Department of State is also supporting the regional Crime Gun Intelligence Unit in Trinidad and Tobago to help Caribbean partner nations solve gun- related crime cases, deter gun crimes in the region and bring criminals to justice.

Guyana – President Wants Oil Refinery Operational by Year-End

The Guyana government says it intends to finalize the 30,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, by the end of the year.

It said that several bids have been submitted for the design, financing, and construction of an oil refinery at the mouth of the Berbice River.

A government statement issued here quoted President Irfaan Ali as saying, “we come closer to realizing the opportunity

with the energy project here in Region Six, we are working on the 30 000-bpd refinery – the proposals that came in – because we are hoping that before the end of this year, we must finalize the refinery”.

Ali said that the proposed refinery would reshape the region’s economic outlook, generating abundant opportunities for its residents.

“For those who cannot be excited with the development that is taking place across

Bahamas - Children Born to Haitian Parents At Risk of Deportation NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas Acting Immigration Director, William Pratt has sought to clarify the stance taken by his office to deport children born in the country to Haitian parents who lack legal status to be in the country.

He was responding to Human Rights Bahamas —a group that often advocates for immigrants— which stated that children born in The Bahamas should not be deported even if their parents lack legal status.

Pratt’s comment came after the friend of a woman who was recently apprehended allegedly for her lack of legal status visited a local newspaper to complain that no one could take care of her friend’s 10-year-old daughter, who was left behind because she was in school when her mother was taken.

According to the newspaper report, the friend said her efforts to reunite the girl

with her mother, including a visit to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, failed.

The girl, Lugina Pette’Homme, said she loved her mother and cried after learning immigration officers arrested her.

Lugina, a primary school student said she did not want to go to Haiti because she had never been there and was born and raised in The Bahamas.

When contacted, Pratt told the newspaper that immigration officials would investigate a claim that the mother had a work permit application for which the only outstanding requirement is payment.

He said if the mother has no legal right to be in the country and no relatives want to adopt the girl, the child would be deported to Haiti with her mother.

our country and here in Region six, something is wrong with them.”

The statement said that an oil refinery was a factory that turned crude oil into useful products like diesel, gasoline, lubricants,

and heating oil, among others.

“Following extraction from the ground, processing at oil refineries is the second step in the production of different petroleum products.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBNEWS

FREE FLU SHOT EVENT No appointment necessary!

Hosted by:

Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Councilman Kalman Yeger

Sponsored by:

Monday, Thursday, October 30, 2023 December 5, 2019

4:00 –- 7:00 4:00 7:00pm pm

Office of of Assemblyman Assemblyman Office Simcha Eichenstein Simcha Eichenstein 131048th 48th Street, Street, 2nd 1310 2ndFloor floor Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn, NY11219 11219

For more information on this FREE event or any other community concern, please contact the office of Assemblyman Eichenstein at 718-853-9616.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

‘Life in the Pause’ Breaking Down Barriers of the Past to Shine Light on Menopause for Women Over 50 Did you know that October is World Menopause Awareness Month and that October 18 was World Menopause Awareness Day? Neither did I. Sisters, we’ve been in the dark.

On October 7, I was blessed to come into the light with an invitation to attend the inaugural Life in the Pause Festival hosted by two women of Caribbean heritage – cofounders Dixie Lincoln-Nichols (Trinidad) and Monique Cupid (St. Vincent).

They created this festival to empower women over 50 navigating the menopausal transition by fostering awareness, community, and celebration. The festival aims to reshape the menopause narrative and provide valuable resources for this transformative life phase.

With my own struggles of being propelled into perimenopause far too early after fibroid surgery, I was excited to see what the festival had to offer.

Hosted at the Caelum Gallery in Chelsea, New York, the event was a combination of empowering workshops with expert-led panels that addressed topics including symptom management, mental health, nutrition, self-care, and

more; a marketplace with curated vendors provided products and services tailored to menopausal needs, from holistic remedies to fashion essentials; and live entertainment and music.

This festival hit the mark for me, not just because the information I received was so deeply personal, but because I believe everyone who attended walked away with something – whether it was vital information, a connection with another woman, or just an awareness of what to expect during menopause.

If you’re like me and come from a Caribbean household where during your childhood and teenage years everything was taboo and would not be discussed, then Lincoln-Nichol’s goal of “breaking down the barriers of the past and embracing the true essence of the menopausal journey” resonates deeply. She believes “gone are the days of silent suffering.”

I concur!

Cofounder Cupid is intent on rewriting the narrative and “challenging long-held beliefs about menopause by creating an environment where people experiencing perimenopause

and menopause can come forward, share their stories, and embrace this sacred rite of passage for women.”

My own experience at the festival left me feeling connected and more empowered to do a deep dive into my symptoms to find answers and possible solutions to my own suffering over the past three years.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years.

While some women embrace this transition with excitement, others may find it challenging.

It’s important to acknowledge that menopause can bring about various symptoms that can impact a woman’s well-being.

One of the most common symptoms experienced during menopause is hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of intense heat that can lead to sweating and discomfort. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is another common issue that women may face, making them feel tired and drained. Additionally, sexual dysfunction can be a distressing symptom for many women, affecting their intimate relationships.

It’s worth noting that these symptoms can persist for an extended period, sometimes lasting 15 years or even longer. This prolonged duration can further contribute to feelings of discomfort, demoralization, and in some cases, a sense of serious illness.

One of the blaring facts I learned at the festival, and which I’ve struggled with for the last few years, is the belly fat that is prevalent in so many middle-aged women is caused by the onset of perimenopause/menopause when our bodies begin to change and react differently to the foods we eat. So is brain fog. Can’t think straight? You might be experiencing the fog.

Continued at www.nycaribnews.com

Joint Statement by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and WHO on Humanitarian Supplies Crossing into Gaza

A first, but limited, shipment of life-saving humanitarian supplies from the United Nations and the Egyptian Red Crescent entered Gaza today on 20 trucks, passing through the Rafah Crossing.

It will provide an urgently needed lifeline to some of the hundreds of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, who have been cut off from water, food, medicine, fuel and other essentials. But it is only a small beginning and far from enough. More than 1.6 million people in Gaza are in critical need of humanitarian aid. Children, pregnant women and the elderly remain the most vulnerable. Nearly half of Gaza’s population are children.

With so much civilian infrastructure in Gaza damaged or destroyed in nearly two weeks of constant bombings, including shelters, health facilities, water, sanitation, and electrical systems, time is running out before mortality rates could skyrocket due to disease outbreaks and lack of health-care capacity.

Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties.

Civilians face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies. Health facilities no longer have fuel and are running on small amounts they have secured locally. These are expected to run out in the next day or so. Water production capacity is at 5 per cent of normal levels. Pre-positioned humanitarian supplies have already been depleted. Vulnerable people are at greatest risk and children are dying at an alarming rate and being denied their right to protection, food, water and health care.

Nearly one-third of the population of Palestine was food insecure before this conflict in Gaza.

Today stocks in shops are nearly exhausted and bakeries are closing, while tens of thousands of people are displaced and unable to cook or safely purchase food.

We call for a humanitarian ceasefire, along with immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza to allow humanitarian actors to reach civilians in need, save lives and prevent further human suffering. Flows of humanitarian aid must be at scale and sustained, and allow all Gazans to preserve their dignity.

We call for safe and sustained access to water, food, health – including sexual and reproductive health – and fuel, which is necessary to enable essential services.

We call for the protection of all civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including health-care facilities.

We call for the protection of humanitarian workers in Gaza who are risking their lives in the service of others.

And we call for the utmost respect of international humanitarian law by all parties.

Gaza was a desperate humanitarian situation before the most recent hostilities. It is now catastrophic. The world must do more.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBA&E

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DJ Kool Herc to Hold Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Event in Jamaica DJ Kool Herc, the father of hip-hop and a living legend whose real name is Clive Campbell, will host a star-studded celebration in Jamaica in December 2023 to honor the genre’s 50 illustrious years.

Some of the greatest names in hip hop and reggae/dancehall have been invited for this event, which is being organized by the Jamaican sibling combo Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell and is scheduled for December 29 and 30 at Plantation Cove in St. Ann. Together, they do not only intend to honor the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the globally beloved genre but also pay homage to its Jamaican roots, a release from Reggae Hip-Hop Connection said.

The occasion will also mark Kool Herc and Missy Elliot’s entrance into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.

The first known instance of hip-hop may be found at a party Campbell threw at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx in 1973. Clive ‘DJ Kool Herc’ Campbell, her older brother, was operating the turnta-

bles.

The Jamaican government awarded DJ Kool Herc the coveted Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD) in appreciation of his accomplishments.

Numerous legendary artists have emerged from hip hop, including Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, P Diddy, and Dr. Dre, who is a millionaire.

Busta Rhymes, a well-known rapper, has fervently emphasized the Jamaican origins of hip hop, hailing Kool Herc as “a true Jamaican” during the recent BET 50th Anniversary hip hop homage.

Additionally, DJ Kool Herc’s legacy has long been promoted by hip-hop producer and personality Swizz Beatz among the genre’s ardent followers.

The 50th anniversary of hip-hop was celebrated with a number of activities around the country, including a grand extravaganza at Yankee Stadium. One of the event’s organizers, Nas, invited a starry array of hip-hop greats.

According to the press release, it’s crucial

to acknowledge that pioneers of contemporary Jamaican music like King Stitt, Count Machukie, U Roy, and Big Youth had a significant effect on the sound system techniques used in hip hop.

Campbell noted in a statement, “We are inviting the very best, both past and present, from the realms of hip hop and Jamaican music. We are immensely proud

of our Jamaican heritage and want the world to share in our pride.”

Kool Herc is looking forward to the big show in Jamaica, where it all started, and gives appreciation to the sound system operators from his time in locations like Franklyn Town.

“This is going to be huge,” he declared.

Jamaica - Festival Song Album Submitted for Grammy Consideration

LET’S GET DOWN to

THE BONE

SoSOBONE.com

Jamica’s Culture Minister, Olivia Grange, says this year’s Jamaica Festival Song Album is being considered for a Grammy nomination.

The 11-track album titled ‘Jamaica Festival Song 2023 Competition’ is being reviewed by eligible voting members of the Recording Academy, whose votes will determine the nominees in the Reggae category.

The nominees will be announced in November.

Minister Grange expressed delight at the Festival Song album being nominated for

a third year since what she describes as the revitalisation of the competition.

The album features songs performed by Slashe, Mento Tones, Avante, Lady Denna & The Whole Note Mento Band, Hot Rod, Shuga, N-Rich, Princess Black, Prince Fabulous, Eric Donaldson, and Exco Levi.

The album is available for streaming and download on several digital music platforms across the world, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Spotify.

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

Just Cuffed: SANDALS is Giving Away a Free Vacation to a Summer Romance that Became the Real Thing With the summer season coming to a close, “cuffing season” is quickly approaching - the period from October to just after Valentine’s Day when summer romance turns into real relationships as the heat fades to welcome winter weather. The Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort brand, Sandals Resorts, is celebrating new found love by giving away one free honeymoon period to a newly official couple. Through December 1, couples can fill out a brief questionnaire sharing the story of how and when they met, for a chance to win a free three-night stay at one of Sandals’ 18 island resorts.

“We have long championed the search for real, genuine, storybook romance, and believe that all relationships, whether time weathered and stable or newly sparked and riveting, should be celebrated,” said Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Sandals Resorts’ Director of Romance. “This is why

we are eager to give one lucky couple the chance to experience what Sandals does best: provide quality time in a captivating setting, giving couples an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level of connection in a place where they can return to year after year.”

A recent survey conducted by the Sandals Institute of Romance cited beach vacations (67%) and secluded places (57%) as the preferred settings for connection among adults, giving all the more reason for newly committed couples to solidify their relationship with a tropical escape to any one of Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts – from the newly opened Sandals Dunn’s River in majestic Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to the soon-to-open Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (coming March 2024) and beyond.

The winning couple will enjoy luxury accommodations with views of the bright

blue Caribbean sea, an array of culinary experiences, unlimited watersports and scuba diving for certified divers, complimentary green fees at select Sandals locations, and more – all complemented by the Caribbean’s most beautiful sunsets.

To enter to win, visit https://sandals. com/justcuffed. Entries must be made from October 1 to December 1, and the sweepstakes winner will be announced on December 5, 2023.

British Virgin Islands Wins CTO’s 2023 Regional Tourism Youth Congress

In an inspirational demonstration of passion, preparation and poise, Naomi Onwufuju, Junior Minister of Tourism of the British Virgin Islands, brought home the winner’s plaque at the 19th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress, held at Beaches Turks & Caicos in Providenciales on Friday.

Competing against students from 13 other Caribbean destinations, the 16-year-old skillfully presented three innovative strategies her country could undertake to develop and implement an initiative whereby tourism stakeholders and their allied partners can work together to enhance access, safety, use, and enjoyment of the destination’s tourism offerings by visitors with disabilities.

“Accessibility is not only a responsible tourism policy but also a moral obligation,” declared the Elmore Stoutt High School student as she described her vision for increasing accessibility to the islands’ beaches, restaurants and other attractions ensuring inclusivity and equity for all visitors.

Elated upon hearing the declaration of her victory, Onwufuju was effusive in her praise of

her fellow contestants.

“I love my country and I am honored I have gotten the chance to represent and to win this [award] for my Territory to be able to be an influence in tourism so that my ideas and the ideas of everyone who participated in this competition today can be heard. Truly, everyone had amazing ideas!” she stated during a press conference immediately following the Youth Congress event, which was attended by ministers and commissioners of tourism from numerous CTO member countries and territories.

Seventeen-year-old Jordan Greig of Barbados, a student at Harrison College, who was named the second-place winner, was recognized for his polished presentation of his thoughts related to executing a strategy for addressing tourism workforce issues facing the island’s tourism industry.

Tobago’s Junior Minister of Tourism Jael Morgan was awarded the third-place award. The 17-year-old student from Signal Hill Secondary School described three innovative strategies her country could carry out to realize an initiative to offer visitors unique, sustainably developed wellness tourism experiences.

Layla Leathen, Junior Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, was recognized for her performance with an Honorable Mention for an excellent presentation on the topic of wellness tourism, which demonstrated a unique approach to promoting health and well-being for visitors.

Sharon Banfield-Bovell, Director of Resource Mobilization and Development for the CTO, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the competition, lauded the participants for demonstrating excellence in their research, ideas and presentations. “It is extremely evident that the future of Caribbean tourism is filled with great promise and potential in the hands of these future leaders,” she stated.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

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Road to Paris’ Qualification Tracking Tool Launches World Athletics has launched ‘Road to Paris 2024’, an online tool to help athletes, media and fans track the qualification process for next year’s Olympic Games.

Searchable by discipline, country and qualification status, the tool provides a real-time view of each event over the course of the Paris 2024 qualification period, which ends on 5 May for the marathon and on 30 June for all other events.

The qualification system for the athletics competition in Paris, to be held between 2-11 August, was released in December 2022.

As was the case for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and the World Athletics Championships in Oregon and Budapest,

the qualification system is based on a dual pathway, with 50% of athletes qualifying through entry standards and the remaining 50% qualifying through world rankings.

The Road to Paris 2024 tool is only intended to give an overview of which athletes are in a qualifying position; it doesn’t, and will not, indicate which athletes have been selected for entry by their National Olympic Committee.

Final entries will be published nearer to the time of the Games.

The tool also covers the qualification status for the five relay events, though these are not dependent on entry standards or world rankings.

Road To W Gold Cup Swings Back Into Action The Road to W Gold Cup swings back into action on Wednesday, as some of the teams at the top of their groups in League A will look to draw closer to a berth in the 2024 W Gold Cup, while the leaders in League B continue to set their sights on the W Gold Cup Prelims.

League A Opportunity knocks in Group A of League A for Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, who meet in two consecutive matches with both teams aiming for a first win and trying to chase down group leaders Mexico (6 points) Jamaica enter the fray in Group B and will look to quickly overtake Panama (3 points) and Guatemala (3 points) in a visit to Panama on Wednesday, followed by a home date with Guatemala on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Haiti (3 points) can really put some pressure on Group C rivals Costa Rica (3 points) and Saint Kitts and Nevis (0 points) with back-to-back encounters with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

League B In League B, Group A leaders Suriname can put some distance between themselves and second-place Guyana, as those two teams face off on Wednesday and again on Sunday.

Thursday in Tegucigalpa will be the site for

a massive game in Group B, where second-place Honduras (4 points) host leaders El Salvador (6 points), with the winner arriving at the midway point with the group lead. They then meet again on Sunday in San Salvador.

League C It is a similar story in Group C on Friday, as second-place Barbados (3 points) look to make up a three-point deficit at home against first-place Bermuda (6 points). Barbados will then travel to Bermuda to close out the window on Tuesday, October 31.

The US Virgin Islands (0 points) have the chance to move up the table in Group C of League C first with a visit to leaders Grenada (6 points) on Wednesday, followed by a home date with Bahamas (0 points) on Sunday.

In Group A, Belize (6 points) will look to continue their winning ways and stay atop the group, as they pursue another two victories in a pair of meetings with Turks and Caicos Islands (1 point), while Cuba (3 points) can rise to the top of Group B in a pair of match-ups with Guadeloupe (0 points).

In Group D, Curacao will also get their first taste of action in League C, as they travel to second-place Cayman Islands (1 point), followed by a home date against leaders Anguilla (4 points).

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023