November 1, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2140 WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1 - 7, 2023 ANTIGUA/BARBUDA CELEBRATE

WWW.NYCARIBNEWS.COM

(OUT OF TOWN) $1.50

JAMAICA

42 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE See scroll of outstanding Antiguan-Americans

DOMINICA CELEBRATES

45 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE See scroll of outstanding Dominican-Americans

CARICOM CEASE FIRE IN GAZA To allow for humanitarian aid to reach millions

Page 5 HAITI

40,000 DRIVEN FROM HOME By gun violence says the UN

Page 5 JAMAICA

AL SHARPTON CALLS FOR UNITY Celebrating Morant Bay rebellion

Page 6

JAMAICA ROCKED

5.6 EARTHQUAKE STRUCK JAMAICA DAMAGE AND CASUALTY BEING DETERMINED

GUYANA

A&E

VP RECORDS HONORS BOB ANDY On late legendary reggae singer’s 79th birthday

Page 6

VISIT US AT NYCARIBNEWS.COM FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

MEMBER, NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (NNPA) BLACK PRESS OF AMERICA GATEWAY TO 20 MILLION READERS WEEKLY

NY/GUYANA TALKS DELEGATION OF NEW YORK LAWMAKERS MEETS WITH GUYANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

CARIBNEWS

2

CaribNews OPED “Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future” - Antigua’s 42nd Anniversary of Independence Celebration - P 12

OPED “Anou Selebwe”- Dominica’s 45th Anniversary of Independence Celebration - P 12

HEALTH WHO: Civilians, Patients, and Health Workers in Gaza Spend Night in Darkness and Fear - P 18

SPORTS Haiti Flexes Muscles Against St. Kitts - P 19

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

AFRICA Libya floods aftermath: Response continues amid the wreckage

Lebanon: School occupations condemned as violence grips Palestine refugee camp

Over the weekend, agency staff led missions into Derna, Shahat, Soussa and al Bayda, delivering emergency medical supplies, food, water purification kits and shelter material.

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

Derna bore the brunt of the floods after two dams on the city’s outskirts collapsed, sending a torrent of water through the streets that swept entire buildings out to sea.

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

According to the Libyan Red Crescent, over 11,000 people are reported dead there, with a further 10,100 missing. More than 30,000 people have been displaced out of a population of around 150,000 before the disaster.

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

Clashes between rival factions in the Ein el Hilweh camp, the largest in Lebanon, has also displaced thousands of refugees, according to reports.

Armed groups have taken over eight schools run by UNRWA, the UN agency providing support to Palestine refugees, preventing around 6,000 children from accessing the classroom as a new school year gets underway.

‘Safe and neutral spaces’ “Education institutions must be safe and neutral spaces, critical for children’s learning, well-being, and growth,” Imran Riza, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, said in a statement.

He underscored that use of schools by armed groups are not only a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws but also jeopardize the future of the entire community.“I urge armed groups to stop the fighting in the camp and vacate these schools immediately.”

“I also call for the facilitation of the work of UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations to provide much-needed protection and assistance to families in need in the camp,” Mr. Riza added.

Ethiopia: Mass killings continue, risk of further ‘large-scale’ atrocities

Subscribe to CARIB NEWS The New York Carib News is published weekly by Carb News Corp., 1745 Broadway, 17th Fl, New York, NY 10019 (212) 944-1991 Periodical postage paid at New York, NY 10001 (UPS-696-350) POSTMASTER Send address changes to The New York Carib News is published weekly by Carib News, 1745 Broadway, 17th Fl, New York, NY 10019 (ISSN NUMBER - 0845-8428) Subscription price - $80.00 Yearly Add $8 for out-of-state residents

WORLD BRIEFS

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

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

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

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

Multiple urban centres in the region are under curfew, and a militarized “Command Post” system without civilian oversight has been deployed. The Commissioners said “such structures are often accompanied by serious violations”. “We are deeply alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Amhara and the continued presence of risk factors for atrocity crimes,” they said.

Ukraine: UN adds historic Kyiv cathedral and monastery to danger list The Ukrainian capital has suffered multiple Russian missile strikes during the war, prompting the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to highlight the threat of destruction facing the iconic St. Sophia’s Cathedral and KyivPechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves.

The agency also added the medieval centre of the western city of Lviv to its danger list.

The Committee cites the continue threat from Russia, in its announcement first made on Friday.

“Faced with the risk of direct attack, these sites are also vulnerable to the shockwaves caused by the bombing of the two cities”.

According to news reports, a Ukrainian government official has welcomed the move.

UNESCO said Ukrainians officials have taken considerable steps to preserve their cultural properties but inclusion on the danger list should remind Member States of their responsibility to contribute to their protection, and open the door to more financial aid and emergency protective measures.

The latest designations follow a decision this year to name the historic centre of the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa also “in danger”.

The list, which now includes more than 55 sites, is meant to mobilize

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBNEWS

3

Caricom Calls for End to Fighting in Israeli/ Gaza War

The Israel/Palestine conflict has been described by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as heinous and disastrous to common people, since over 4,600 Palestinians have died in ceaseless attacks since October 7.

According to a CARICOM announcement on Friday, hundreds of regular residents have been left with injuries or have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict. It states that the degree of suffering in the two countries “cannot go unabated” and that the acts of the attackers are intolerable.

The statement noted, “Ordinary Israeli citizens – men, women and children – were murdered, wounded, abducted and assaulted. Some 200 plus people, including citizens of other states and nationalities, were taken hostage. This is unacceptable.”

It further stated, “CARICOM notes that Israel’s response to the attacks has been devastating to ordinary Palestinians in Gaza. Over 4,600 lives have been

lost; more than 14000 people have been wounded; and approximately 1.4 million have been displaced. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening daily, with women and children being disproportionately impacted. This unacceptable level of human suffering cannot go unabated.”

The organization calls for a cease of fire by both Palestine and Israel, “CARICOM, therefore, joins the call for an immedi

ate cessation of hostilities by all parties, the opening of humanitarian corridors to facilitate unhindered access to food, medical supplies, fuel, water, and other humanitarian products and services so desperately needed by the affected civilian population.”

Additionally, CARICOM took advantage of the occasion to thank the United Nations officials and its secretary general

for their efforts in organizing help for the impacted parties. It also voiced worries that a longer battle in the area would result from the current one if it doesn’t finish soon.

“CARICOM expresses its concern that if the conflict is not immediately brought to an end, it could escalate into a wider regional conflict with significant implications for the stability and welfare not just of that region, but also of the broader international community, with devastating consequences, especially for vulnerable small island states such as those in CARICOM who are already struggling to overcome multi-faceted challenges,” In the statement, parties were urged to take the required actions to restore “peace and stability.”

They concluded, “Let us once and for all acknowledge and accept the utter futility of war, violence, and terror and recognize that dialogue and diplomacy constitute the only viable pathway to a lasting peace.”

Jamaica – Failure to Vote on Ceasefire in Israeli/ Gaza War Criticized As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a nonbinding resolution advocating for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza that would end hostilities between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas authorities, Jamaica abstained from voting.

Kamina Johnson Smith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade stated that discussions were still ongoing when the vote was finalized in an update posted on X, previously Twitter, this evening.

Smith stated, “Regrettably, consultations were underway w/ Kingston which did not conclude in time for the close of vote.

[Jamaica] welcomes the action taken by the UNGA and hopes that it contributes to progress. JA chairs the CARICOM caucus at the UN and earlier delivered the statement attached.”

Social media users have criticized Jamaica for not voting.

The resolution received twelve votes from CARICOM member nations.

The 193-member world body rejected a Canadian amendment supported by the US before passing the resolution by a vote of 120-14 with 45 abstentions.

The resolution produced by Hamas does not reference the demand for the immediate release of hostages abducted by Hamas or the categorical condemnation of the organization’s October 7 “terrorist attacks.”

Only four European nations—Austria, Croatia, Czechia, and Hungary—as well as Israel and the United States, its closest friend, were among the 14 countries that voted against the resolution.

The majority of European nations abstained or voted yes.

Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s permanent representative to the UN, described the assaults on Israel as “abhorrent” and “acts of terror that must never be condoned” in a statement made on behalf of CARICOM. The speaker declared, “Ordinary Israeli

citizens—men, women, and children—were murdered, wounded, abducted, and assaulted.”

He then demanded the unconditional and prompt release of all captives.

According to Wallace, nearly “4,600 lives have been lost” and the Israeli retaliation “has been devastating to the ordinary Palestinians in Gaza.”

“CARICOM, therefore, joins the calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties, the opening of humanitarian corridors to facilitate unhindered access to food, medical supplies, fuel, water, and other humanitarian products and services so desperately needed by the affected civilian population.”

Jamaica “condemns in strongest terms” the Hamas attack, according to a statement made

by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on October 7. He also stated that there was no place for “violence and terror” and that diplomatic solutions should be sought.

Read more at www.nycaribnews.com

Guyana – New York State Officials Meet with Government Officials Prime Minister Mark Phillips met with a delegation of high-ranking New York state officials, which included Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves. According to a CHPA press statement, the meeting took place

this morning at the Prime Minister’s Office. The team learned about groundbreaking initiatives and the nationalhousing program. Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, Chair of Social Services, and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, Chair of the Committee of Standing Committees, are leading the visiting delegation that will be in Guyana from October 25–30,

2023. It is Guyanese, Persaud. Among the others present at the meeting were the Ministers of Health (Dr. Frank Anthony), Education (Priya Manickchand), Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Kamme McCoy, and CH&PA’s Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart.

CARIBNEWS

4

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

US Agents Conduct Deportations to the Caribbean The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says it has coordinated with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in facilitating multiple removal flights, including single adults and family units, to Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. ICE recently said that nationals from Angola, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela were also deported as part of dozens of other routine removal flights conducted throughout the hemisphere and around the world.

Since May 2023, ICE DHS has removed or returned more than 300,000 individuals, including more than 45,000 individual family unit members, to their respective countries.

“Individuals who lack a lawful basis to stay in the United States are ordered removed, consistent with US law,” ICE said. “All individuals who are removed have been screened for protection concerns.

“This policy applies to all non-citizens regardless of nation-

ality to ensure the orderly and humane processing, transfer, and removal of single adults, family units, and others determined to be removable,” it added.

ICE said non-citizens placed into removal proceedings receive their due process from immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Due to operational security reasons, ICE said it does not confirm or discuss future or pending transportation operations.

ICE said its Air Operations facilitates the transfer and removal of non-citizens, including family units, via commercial airlines and charter flights in support of ICE field offices and other DHS initiatives.

In fiscal year 2022, ICE said its Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted 72,177 removals to more than 150 countries worldwide. (CMC)

Jamaica – Son Arrested in Murder of US 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 suspect 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.

Miami, US – Life Sentence for Colombian in Assassination of Haitian President A retired Colombian army soldier was found guilty of conspiring to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which led to enormous unrest in the Caribbean nation, by a federal judge in Miami on Friday. The commander was given a life sentence.

Prosecutors in the United States have described this as a plot to hire mercenaries to kidnap or kill Moïse, who was killed on July 7, 2021, at his private home near the capital Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. Germán Alejandro Rivera García, 45, is the second of 11 accused perpetrators imprisoned and charged in Miami to be sentenced in this case.

In September, Rivera also referred to as “Colonel Mike,” entered a guilty plea for his involvement in and support of an attempt to assassinate the president of Haiti. He was reportedly informed that the president would not be kidnapped but rather killed, and on the day of the killing, he was a member of a convoy that was driving to Moïse’s home, according to court papers.

Rivera signed a cooperation agreement with U.S. authorities, which could have resulted in a reduced sentence. Currently, he faces the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

On occasion, U.S. attorneys ask judges to lessen a conviction if they find that the convicted individual cooperates with their investigation.

The sentence was given by Federal Judge José E. Martínez during a brief hearing in Miami that lasted less than thirty minutes.

Once the judge agreed to suggest that the Colombian be kept in a federal prison in South Florida, as he had requested, she replied, “Good luck to you, Mr. Rivera.”

Moments before, in June, businessman Rodolphe Jaar, who is Haitian-Chilean, was found guilty of Moïse’s murder and given a life sentence. In the meanwhile, the December sentencing date is scheduled for former Haitian senator John Joel Joseph. In the US, there are eight more defendants who will go on trial in 2024.

Wearing a beige shirt and pants meant for prisoners, Rivera arrived at the hearing. He was sitting next to his lawyer, listening to the judge’s decision while wearing handcuffs and ankle shackles.

When the court asked the Colombian whether he had anything to say, he declined to speak. “Not at the moment, your honor,” Rivera said.

The allegations state that Rivera, Jaar, Joseph, and a few other people—roughly twenty Colombian citizens and a few dual-American citizens—participated in the scheme. The conspirators revised their original intention to assassinate the Haitian president instead of kidnapping him. According to investigators, the plotters had planned to get contracts under Moïse’s successor.

Upon his residence being broken into by attackers, Moïse was slain. The late president passed away at the age of fifty-three.

As the newest investigating judge continues his questioning, over 40 suspects in the case are still being held in Haiti and have been imprisoned for more than two years following the killing.

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

Joseph Félix Badio, a major suspect who had worked for the government’s anti-corruption unit and Haiti’s Ministry of Justice, was apprehended by police last week, which gave the case a boost. After more than two years on the run, he was apprehended in Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital.

Haiti has seen an increase in gang violence after the killing, prompting the prime minister to call for the deployment of military forces. Early in October, the U.N. Security Council decided to assist in combating the gangs by sending a multinational force under Kenyan leadership.

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

5

THANK YOU

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

For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted Black communities and kids with menthol cigarettes, profiting while cigarettes kill 45,000 Black Americans each year. Menthols are more addictive and easier for kids to start smoking. Your support to eliminate menthol cigarettes will protect kids, advance health equity and save lives.

100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA, INC.

BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE

AFRICAN AMERICAN TOBACCO CONTROL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER ACTION NETWORK AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

MOCHA MOMS, INC. NAACP NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC. NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund

NYC SMOKE-FREE, PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS PARENTS AGAINST VAPING E-CIGARETTES (PAVe) THE CENTER FOR BLACK HEALTH & EQUITY THE NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION

6

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Jamaica – Court Dismisses Challenge to Gay Law The Supreme Court has decided that the savings law provision in the Constitution precludes an investigation of the validity of three parts of the Offences Against the Person Act. Gay rights campaigner Maurice Tomlinson’s appeal to the buggery legislation is dismissed by the judgment.

On behalf of a panel of three justices, Justice David Batts delivered the unanimous decision.

The speaker stated that the 2011 constitutional revisions make it apparent that the Parliament aimed to shield legislation pertaining to sexual offenses from being examined for their unconstitutionality.

The three justices were asked to decide whether the Offences Against the Person

Act (OAPA) sections 76, 77, and 79 may be investigated for legality under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act’s Savings Law provision.

Existing laws that criminalize sexual interactions between males and prohibit the legal recognition of gay partnerships are immune from constitutional challenge under Sections 13(12) and 18 of the Jamaican Charter of Rights and Freedoms, respectively. In the Commonwealth Caribbean, they are known as “savings law” clauses.

The laws that are in effect in Jamaica are those that were in place prior to the adoption of the charter. In 1864, the OAPA came into being.

Jamaica – Al Sharpton Calls for Unity of Black People at Rebellion Memorial

Renowned American civil rights activist, Reverend Al Sharpton, delivered a message of unity among black people at a memorial service for Paul Bogle and the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion. Sharpton, who was unable to attend the event physically but addressed the large gathering at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay via a video presentation, said that black people continue to face oppression, double standards, lack of funds, and lack of resources even in the present day.

Noting that there is strength in numbers, he said it is time for people of African descent to unite and rise above petty arguments and disagreements.

“We are at a level now that we can reach across the diaspora and work together and put our strengths together. We must realize that we are as strong as we are together. It is time for us to lock arms,” he pointed out.

He said it is time to rise to a higher level and complete the journey started by Bogle and the other ancestors.

“We don’t have to agree on every political

point, but we have the dignity of knowing that people [gave] their lives for us and we owe them more than taking cheap shots at each other,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Sharpton challenged the people of St Thomas to emulate Bogle by finding their purpose in life and fighting for a cause.

“When he fought there, he fought for black people and oppressed people everywhere.

Bogle lost himself in the cause of liberating his people. Bogle lost himself in the cause of breaking the shackles of oppression.

What does your life mean? What have you found that you are alive for?” he asked.

A member of the Baptist denomination like Bogle, the Reverend underscored that the fight of Paul Bogle must not be forgotten, especially as generations achieve personal success.

“I look at those that have made it into some level of political power, economic stability, some level of educational achievement and I want to say to them, ‘don’t forget.

If it weren’t for people like Paul Bogle, you would not have the title you have,” he pointed out.

“Don’t be so impressed with yourself that you forget the people who paid the price to get Independence, that paid the price with their life to open doors for you,” Sharpton continued.

He said that heroes like Bogle, having paid the price, deserve to have their story told: “because their story changed our story”.

The memorial service, put on by the St Thomas Municipal Corporation and Morant Bay Mayor, Hubert Williams, commemorated the 158th anniversary of the 1865 rebellion, in which Paul Bogle sought to challenge the oppression being faced by the people of the parish and

Jamaica in general.

He was captured, convicted, and hanged on October 24, 1865, in the Morant Bay courthouse.

For his sacrifice, Bogle was named a National Hero by the Jamaican Government in 1969.

On October 11, Jamaica marked the first Paul Bogle Day, to be observed annually on the day of the rebellion.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023 WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 7, 31,2023 2023 WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER

©2023 New New York York Lottery Lottery || MAGIC MAGIC 8 8 BALL™ BALL™ © © 2023 2023 Mattel Mattel ©2023

PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. Must be 18+ to purchase a Lottery ticket.

Gambling problem?

Visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org.

PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. Call the 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY. Must be HOPEline 18+ to purchase a Lottery ticket.

Gambling problem? Visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org.

Call the HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY.

CARIBA&E CARIBA&E CARIBNEWS

17 17 7

8

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 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: Dr. Hazel Dukes and Carl Heastie

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes is President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Executive Committee and well as an active member of various NAACP board sub-committees.

Dr. Dukes is a woman of great strength and courage. Her dedication to human rights and equality is exemplified by her role linking business, government and social causes. Dr.

Dukes is an active and dynamic leader who is known for her unselfish and devoted track record for improving the quality of life in New York State.

A harsh system of civil and human injustice persists; intimidation, violence, and the recent rash of “nooses,” speak to the widespread de facto absence of a civil and human rights agenda in America says Dukes, and the fires of frustration continue to burn.

Dr. Dukes is President of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm, specializing in the areas of public policy, health and diversity.

Dr. Dukes is the recipient of numerous awards for her outstanding leadership activities, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice, Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award, and the 2007 The Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business Award, member Ford Motor Company Funds Committee of Honor for Freedom’s Sisters, was honored and received a Proclamation at the New York City Council’s Third Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Awards ceremony at City Hall in New York. Dukes is an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Northern Manhattan Alumnae Chapter and has been selected to receive the sorority’s Althea T.L. Simmons

CARIB NEWS THE VOICE OF THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

CARIB NEWS CORPORATION DEDICATED TO THE BUILDING OF A STRONG CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL DIVISION 1745 BROADWAY 17th FLOOR NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019 (212) 944-1991 FAX: (212) 937-3565 E-mail CARIB NEWS at caribdesk@gmail.com

THE NEW YORK CARIB NEWS IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY CARIB NEWS CORPORATION KARL B. RODNEY CHAIRMAN/CEO FAYE A. RODNEY PRESIDENT/ADVERTISING

Carl E. Heastie is the 100th Speaker of the New York State Assembly. He has the historic distinction of being the first African-American to serve as leader of the Chamber’s 150 members representing communities across the state of New York. Since February 3, 2015, he has led the Assembly Majority in efforts to uplift communities and promote a Families First agenda that prioritizes strategic investments in the health, safety, economic and social well-being of New York’s families. Under his leadership, the Assembly has won a number of landmark victories that deliver on the Assembly MaKARLISA RODNEY VICE PRESIDENT PROMOTIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS CARIB NEWS welcomes letters from readers. Short typed letters stand the best chance of being published. Include your name address and phone number. Names will be withheld at your request.

Copyright 1998 CARIB NEWS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED/ Karl B. RODNEY

jority’s promise to expand opportunities for achievement in communities around the state.

Prior to becoming Speaker, Heastie – a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights – served as chair of the Assembly Labor Committee. He was the principal negotiator in securing an increase in the minimum wage and in 2015, with the support of his Majority colleagues began the fight for $15 in the New York State Legislature. These efforts culminated in 2016 with the successful enactment of a graduated plan to raise the minimum wage across the state to provide workers at the lowest rungs of the economic ladder a fair chance to achieve financial independence and success. Before becoming Speaker he was also the prime sponsor of the Wage Theft Prevention Act that provided a framework for the State Department of Labor to root out incidences of wage theft and help aggrieved workers reclaim their illegally withheld earnings.

Under Speaker Heastie’s leadership, New York has ushered in reforms to lead the criminal justice system into the 21st century. During the SFY 2017-18 Budget, Speaker Heastie, alongside his Majority colleagues, successfully negotiated a measure passed by both houses to strengthen New York’s indigent legal defense program and finally raise the age of adult criminal responsibility.

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

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBEDITORIAL

9

Happy 42nd Anniversary of Independence to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda, two of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean that feature rare natural beauty. With a population of just over 100,000 it has, since gaining independence in 1981, transformed itself into one of the Caribbean’s more successful stories. It has moved from an agriculture based economy where it once depended on sugar as the dominant factor and is now one of the Caribbean’s most visited set of islands; it has developed a tourism industry that is

successful, brought about the development of the country, and has expanded itself into Offshore Financial Services.

Antigua and Barbuda’s reliance on tourism has however made the nation vulnerable to a downturn in that market, as was experienced during the COVID pandemic, where most of the Caribbean countries and their tourism industry suffered significantly and had a tremendous impact on those areas that in the past provided Antigua Barbuda with a strong economy.

But Antiguans have through the years demonstrated a strong sense of exploring new ways to provide development for the country. Antigua and Barbuda saw a very profitable industry in online gambling and was at the forefront in developing that in the Caribbean and employing more than 4000 people. It was a major contributor to the growth of the economy.

It is paradoxical to say that the United States who has encouraged Caribbean countries to diversify their economy, in the case of Antigua, that country questioned the United States, an industrialized country that spoke loudly about the importance of respecting democratic principles at home, failed to live up to the same identical standard abroad. As Antigua/ Barbuda became the victim of unacceptable behavior by the rich and powerful United States; there were financial and legal obligations that the United States had to live up to with Antigua and Barbuda, and refused to do so. The case was taken to the World Trade Organization and even when that Organization found it in favor of Antigua, Washington consistently declined to settle the damages, thus denying the country the money it could use for education, to upgrade its health system and to spend on climate change and other areas of development, and that fallout continues today.

But Prime Minister Dr. Gaston Brown

continues to chart a strong voice within the region for Antigua/Barbuda; a voice in climate change he’s been quite outspoken on reparations for slavery and general economic development. So Antigua is playing a very strong role in the region and has been moving the country in a forward position consistently. Antigua has made it a policy over the years to engage the diaspora, particularly in New York, and they have made their mark in a significant contribution they have made, and they have celebrated this connection to their diaspora with a wonderful building in Harlem that represents Antigua and Antigua House, and the connection between the countries of Antigua and the diaspora.

So, Antigua is moving aggressively to restore the vibrancy of its economy, and the population of Antigua is a determined and industrial population with very strong roots in the diaspora.

And so the future looks very strong for Antigua/ Barbuda as they celebrate their 42nd year of independence. We can only encourage them to continue this strong connection with the diaspora and the region as they celebrate their independence and their movement forward.

Happy Independence Antigua/ Barbuda

Dominica Celebrates 45th Year of Anniversary With the theme - Anou Selebwe - meaning Let us Celebrate, Dominicans have launched their full independence celebration for 2023. The independence theme is considered to be significant in that In the most difficult times the indomitable spirit of Dominicans is still there and will take the country through the tough times ahead right now. As the country faces challenges, the Dominican people, known for their determination, will not only survive, but will flourish and prosper. And so we welcome the spirit of Dominica as they celebrate their 45th anniversary.

Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is a small country in the Caribbean with a population of 72,000 but a country with a vibrant culture and a very interesting history. Known to be a strong and resilient people, In the struggle for freedom they were one of the first colonies to have a black controlled legislature back in 1838, and has continued, through different colonial powers to show the resistance and to emphasize their own personal courage as a people,

and they in the small island assert themselves and assert themselves with pride.

The current Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, who has been Prime Minister since 2004, is the longest serving Prime Minister in Dominica, and he has charted a very strong course for the country, keeping it safe and stable and as he put it now, the people of Dominica are secured and the country is still moving forward, even with the winds of a global environment. Prime Minister Skerrit is very strong on the future of the country of Dominica and he has great plans for this country’s development.

He is looking to tourism as a great area for more job creation for the people.

He wants to enhance fisheries and the farming sector which he sees as a natural fit, and can provide a decent living for people through expansion within the national capacity. The Prime Minister is very big on security for the people, physical security and the dignity of the citizens, and he has promised to do everything in his grasp that this be so for the future of the country. In looking to the future, he’s looking at digital

Dominica, as he says, to accelerate the transition to digital economy in Dominica.

So, there are great plans for this small country as they celebrate their 45th anniversary.

We wish to commend and congratulate the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica. A culturally rich country maintaining their strong tradition to

the culture and to nature as they in their own way, celebrate through their village festivals and cultural activities a special way of embracing their independence.

Throughout their celebration is a mix of European, African heritage and Indian flavor, all mixed together.

Happy Anniversary to the country and people of Dominica!

10

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBNEWS

11

12

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

“Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future” - Antigua’s 42nd Anniversary of Independence Celebration The Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, is pleased to announce the unveiling of the official Logo, Theme, and Schedule of Events for the 42nd Anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda Independence Celebrations. This year’s celebration promises to be a vibrant and memorable occasion, showcasing our nation’s rich cultural heritage and achievements. Earlier this year, the ABFC launched the 42nd Anniversary of Independence Theme Competition, which received overwhelming support from Antiguans and Barbudans, locally and abroad. After robust deliberation and revision from the ABFC, the Commission submitted its top two (2) nominations to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda for final reification. The winning Theme emerging from Ms. Chaneil Imhoff of Avada Digital is “Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future”. The 42nd Anniversary of Independence Celebration will honor the achievements of our past while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. This theme embodies the spirit of our nation, highlighting our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage and forging a path towards continued growth and development.

Minister of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, the Honourable Daryll Matthew, expressed, “The official Theme captures the essence of our proud nation while incorporating expressions that symbolize cohesion, resilience, and progress”. The Minister also congratulated Nigel Francis (Takumi Media) for designing “a dynamic Logo reflecting the energy and dynamism of Antigua and Barbuda as we embrace our heritage and legacy while shaping a promising future”. A diverse range of activities has been meticulously planned to engage citizens and visitors throughout our Independence celebrations from October 23 to November 01, 2023. The ABFC is committed to ensuring that all activities adhere to health and safety protocols to protect participants and attendees. Detailed guidelines will be provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The 42nd Independence Celebration is a testament to the resilience of the Antiguan and Barbudan people, which will provide a platform to showcase our talents, achievements, and cultural diversity to both the local and international communities.

“Anou Selebwe”- Dominica’s 45th Anniversary of Independence Celebration Dominica’s most vibrant and patriotic season of celebrations has officially commenced with the opening of independence 2023 on September 30.

Dominica achieved full independence on November 3, 1978 and will recognize its 45th anniversary of independence under the theme, “Anou Selebwe” meaning “Let Us Celebrate.”

Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports And Community Development, Hon. Gretta Roberts highlights the significance of this year’s theme.

“This year’s independence theme is simple in expression but significant in meaning. It is a reminder that even in what may seem to be the most difficult times the indomitable Dominican spirit is always guaranteed to take us through. As a government we have faced a succession of challenges both natural and manmade yet we forge ahead fully cognizant of our sworn responsibility to secure a brighter more hopeful future for our Dominican people. Our determination to not only survive but flourish and prosper and our strength and courage as a people are why we celebrate,” Minister Roberts stated.

Minister Roberts says independence celebrations offer Dominica an opportunity for nation building, addressing socio-economic issues and follows the Prime Minister’s call for a national reset.

“Our celebrations over the next month offer

us the ideal opportunity to reflect on how we can join hearts, hands and minds to continue building our nation. As we reflect it is important to ask ourselves what contributions we can make individually and collectively to confront the issues plaguing our development.

This is how we heed the Prime Minister’s call for a reset; this reset will require solidarity and collective work to drive our country forward,” the Culture Minster noted.

Parliamentary Representative of the Mahaut Constituency Hon. Cassani Laville warmly welcomed the public and spoke deeply of the contributions of Mahaut to Dominica. He says citizens have a collective responsibility for nation building.

“Friends, we in Mahaut welcome you to this place and to this unique celebration because as a community we help to reshape the nations thrust towards a new paradigm of enterprise, of cultural rebirth and greater awareness of the possibilities of building a more prosperous nation and a country of greater quality and opportunities for its people. That this is work still in progress that this is still our collective responsibility and desire to achieve as we strive to work together to build further on the foundation laid out for us over those 45 years.,” Hon. Laville stated.

Hon. Laville recalled the rich contributions of his constituency in shaping culture in Dominica.

“I am reminding you, that it is Mahaut who produced the legendary Wells Combo, who played their part in revolutionizing Dominica’s music and entertainment landscape for well over three decades; that they were one of the greatest proponents of Dominica’s Cadence Lypso Music touring extensively to other Caribbean islands, Canada and the USA and still to this day receiving ode play not just here but across the creole speaking world. But this is the home of Opharell Benjamin and the legion of Champion Folk Loris where Bele, Quadrille, Conch Shell Blowing and just about any folk form this great men and women some unknown outside of these crafts but masters of their own craft,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Cultural Officer, Mr. Earlson Matthew has called for the active participation of citizens in cultural preservation.

“What we ask for in turn is that everyone plays their part. Sometimes our nature is such that we want to see the traditions stay alive until we are called upon to participate. We are all green and environmentally conscious until it’s time to clean up after ourselves. We all advocates for eating local produce until it is time to plant. So as we remain wary of developing a reputation of all talk and no action let us continue to encourage those who do accept their social, environmental and most

importantly cultural responsibilities whether through physical, emotional, moral or financial support,” Mr. Matthew stated.

Mr. Matthew has advised individuals to be tolerant with the next generation and provide guidance to those who follow in their footsteps.

The Dominica 2023 Independence Calendar promises a diverse range of activities which caters to everyone.

Journee Panyen (basket day) October 6; History week October 9 October 13 October 13; Journe Chap Pay October 14; Market Day With A Difference Portsmouth Market 8 am National Emblems Week October 16- 20 October 19, National Madam Wob Dwiyet Pageant, Old Mill Cultural Centre 8 pm Flag Day October 16 Had Kweyol Friday Afro Hair Day October 20 Festival Dwive October 20 National Heritage Day October 22 National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant October 25 WCMF 2023 October 27-29 National Youth Rally November 2 Independence Day November 3 Every Friday during independence season individuals are encouraged to wear their creole wear.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CL

CARIBNEWS

13

SER

TO WHAT MATTERS MOST

There are as many ways to celebrate your time together as there are shades of blue here in the islands. Shared adventures that ignite new discoveries about the world, and about each other. Getting lost together in a moment of pure serenity. At Sandals® Resorts, every experience is designed to bring you closer to what matters most…each other.

SAN DA LS.COM 1.800. SAN DA LS OR CALL YOUR TR AVEL ADVISOR JAMAICA | ANTIGUA | SAINT LUCIA | THE BAHAMAS | GRENADA | BARBADOS | CURAÇAO | SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is the affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

SAN 45415 CLOSER-3-CARIB-NEWS_FP_cf.indd 1

10/27/23 3:40 PM

14

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBNEWS

15

CARIBNEWS

16

T&T to Finalize Oil Deal with Venezuela Energy and Energy Industries Related Minister, Stuart Young, is to travel to Venezuela next week to finalise the conditions regarding Trinidad & Tobago’s involvement in the purchase of natural gas from the South American country.

Speaking at the end of the weekly post cabinet news conference, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley told reporters that Wash-

ington had recently agreed to allow Port of Spain to purchase the natural gas from the Dragon Field and make payments in US dollars, Venezuelan Bolivares, fiat currency and humanitarian aid.

Dr. Rowley said Trinidad & Tobago’s partner in the gas deal, Shell will be moving ahead expeditiously with the technical side of the arrangement.

Guyana - Talks With Russia, Cuba About Venezuela President Irfaan Ali (centre) recently met with the Ambassador of Russia to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz (fifth from right) and the Ambassador of Cuba to Guyana, Jorge

Francisco Luis (fourth from right) at State House.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd;

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Barbados Economy Grew by More Than 4% Barbados’ economy expanded by 4.4 per cent in the first nine months of this year, the largest nine month expansion since 2006, excluding the pandemic recovery period, the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) reported on Friday.

In its Review of the Barbados Economic Performance January to September 2023, the CBB said this performance also accounts for the 10th consecutive quarter of economic growth.

“Broad-based growth boosted tax collections, improved labour market conditions, reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio, narrowed

the trade deficit, increased foreign reserve levels, and improved credit quality as well as bank profitability,” the central bank said.

Central bank Governor, Dr Kevin Greenidge, told reporters that the consistent economic expansion over the past 10 quarters demonstrates that Barbados is on a sustainable growth path.

He said after increasing by 13.8 per cent in 2022, economic growth is projected to moderate to around 4.5 per cent in 2023 which still surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Minister of

Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma were also part of the meeting.

US Seize $445 Million in Illegal Drug Bust

The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 33,200 pounds of cocaine and 12,400 pounds of marijuana, valued at approximately $448 million, at Port Everglades on Thursday.

The crew of the national security cutter

USCGC James conducted the offload following 13 separate seizures involving multiple ships from the USCG and Navy in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. “This offload is crucial for national security,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “It represents one part of a strong interagency team that closely collaborates with our allies and international partners to intercept dangerous and illegal drug smuggling into the United States.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively involved in combating drug cartels. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida, is responsible for

Grenada – $100 Million Loan from Saudi for Development Grenada has signed a US$100-million loan with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), nearly two months after the Dickon Mitchell government sought authorization from the Parliament.

Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall signed the loan agreement with the Fund on the sidelines of the recently held 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakech, Morocco.

This is Grenada’s first loan from the SFD, with the island becoming the 91st country to receive financial assistance from SFD. The loan is expected to help develop climate-smart infrastructure in the towns of St George’s, Grenville, and neighboring

areas in Grenada.

“The project will include constructing breakwaters, developing hydro and sewage networks, modernizing the waste treatment system, and using remote sensors to monitor air pollution, thus helping the Caribbean nation become more environmentally friendly and climate-smart,” said the SFD in a statement.

“The assistance provided by the organization is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region. The project also reflects the importance that SFD places on mitigating climate change through smart and environmentally friendly projects,” it added.

(CMC)

detecting and monitoring drug transit, while the Coast Guard 11th District in California and the 7th District in Miami lead the law enforcement operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, respectively, including interdictions and boardings.

The USCGC James operates under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, based in Portsmouth, Virginia, which oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBA&E

17

African Artist Bruce Melodie and Shaggy to Team Up Bruce Melodie, a multi-award-winning Rwandan music artist, collaborated with Jamaican dancehall superstar Shaggy for the song “When She’s Around” (Funga Macho).

AJR produced the tune, which was made available on S-Curve Records this past Friday. Friday is when the companion video—directed by Jay Will—is supposed to be released.

The genre-defying song, which combines the greatest African rhythms with reggae vibes, highlights the distinct skills of Bruce Melodie and Shaggy and represents a cultural interchange that encourages listeners to explore the common feelings and experiences that unite us all.

The “Azana” singer noted, “Collaborating with Shaggy has been a dream come true.

It’s an incredible opportunity to bring our distinct styles together. “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” is a fusion of our worlds and I’m excited for fans around the

world to hear it.”

Shaggy noted that the African artist’s talent is “undeniable”, and noted that the collaboration “opens up new horizons for both of us. I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and hope it spreads joy and happiness the world over.”

The song was performed live for the first time by the pair on October 21 at the first Trace Music Awards, which took place in Rwanda.

Bruce Melodie, who is well-known for his unique fusion of R&B, Pop, Afrobeats, and Amapiano, was born and raised in Kigali, Rwanda. In addition to participating in the Coke Studio Africa campaign in 2017, he has achieved extraordinary success in the African music industry, garnering several prizes, including multiple victories at The Choice Awards (2021, 2022). The most prominent music competition in Rwanda, Primus Guma Guma, has also awarded him the Superstar Award.

VP Records Honors Bob Andy on His Birthday

Tarrus Riley’s live rendition of Bob Andy’s iconic song, “Desperate Lover,” in honor of the late legendary reggae singer’s 79th birthday, is available through VP Records.

This passage is taken from “We Remember Bob Andy - Live,” the final concert of Reggae Month 2023, which honors the legacy of the late Jamaican singer-songwriter. The concert was produced by Dean Fraser.

The album, which was released on February 10, includes 15 rerecordings of Bob Andy songs by artists including Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Romain Virgo, Luciano, and Nadine Sutherland.

The “Lion Paw” singer remarked in reference to the project, “You can maybe find yourself in a Bob Andy song, or you know somebody who been the subject of the song, so maybe I can relate to the Desperate Lover.”

Bob Andy, real name Keith Anderson, was one of the original members of The Paragons, along with Howard Barrett and Tyrone Evans. Vic Taylor eventually

replaced John Holt, who had joined briefly earlier. Following Holt’s return, Andy departed and worked as a record delivery and songwriting intern at Studio One before starting a solo career.

“I’ve Got to Go Back Home”, his first solo breakthrough record, came out in 1967.

Desperate Lover, Feeling Soul, Unchained, and Too Experienced followed. In addition, he wrote songs for other reggae artists, such as Melody Life for Marcia Griffiths and Feel Like Jumping, Truly, and I Don’t Want to See You Cry for Ken Boothe.

In the latter part of the 1960s, he achieved a number of successful singles, such as Feel the Feeling, My Time, Feeling Soul, Going Home, and The Ghetto Stays in the Mind. A few of songs, along with his 1992 breakthrough song “Fire Burning,” are now considered reggae standards and have been covered multiple times by other artists.

An important contributor to the growth of Jamaican music, he made reggae popular throughout the world with his famous song “Young Gifted and Black,” a duet with Marcia Griffiths.

Over the years, hundreds of covers and adaptations of Bob Andy songs have been made, and these songs are now considered essential to the larger canon of original Jamaican music and recordings. Bob Andy is a musical genius whose melodies, lyrics, and rhythms have permeated Jamaican popular music for over 50 years, whether through well-known renditions like Barrington Levy’s version of Too Experienced or through the beats of songs like Desperate Lover.

LET’S GET DOWN to

THE BONE

SoSOBONE.com

CARIBHEALTH

18

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

WHO: Civilians, Patients, and Health Workers in Gaza Spend Night in Darkness and Fear During a night of intense bombardment and ground incursions in Gaza, with reports of hostilities still continuing, health workers, patients and civilians have been subject to a total communication and electrical blackout.

WHO reiterates its calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and reminds all parties to the conflict to take all precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

This includes health workers, patients, health facilities and ambulances, and civilians who are sheltering in these facilities. Active measures must be taken to ensure they are not harmed and safe passage provided for the movement of desperately needed medical supplies, fuel, water and food into and across Gaza.

Reports of bombardment near the Indonesia and Al Shifa hospitals are gravely concerning. WHO reiterates that it is impossible to evacuate patients without endangering their lives. Hospitals across Gaza are already operating at maximum capacity due to the injuries sustained in weeks

of unrelenting bombardment, and are unable to absorb a dramatic rise in the number of patients, while sheltering thousands of civilians.

Health workers who have stayed by their patients’ sides face dwindling supplies, with no place to put new patients, and no means to alleviate their patients’ pain. There are more wounded every hour. But ambulances cannot reach them in the communications blackout. Morgues are full. More than half of the dead are women and children.

WHO has not been able to communicate with its staff in Gaza, nor have other agencies. Furthermore, WHO is trying to gather information on the overall impact on civilians and health care.

WHO appeals to the humanity in all those who have the power to do so to end the fighting now, in line with the UN resolution adopted yesterday, calling for a humanitarian truce, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held captive.

A New Resolve to Eliminate Cholera in DRC

The complex health crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has worsened since the beginning of 2023. In the east of the country, entire villages have been burned to the ground as intercommunal clashes and armed conflict rage, forcing people to leave their homes for their safety and survival. The area has also seen floods and landslides, further increasing the risk of outbreaks of deadly diseases.

One of these diseases is cholera. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces containing the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. While the disease has been eliminated from many parts of the world, it continues to affect eastern DRC, marred by years of underdevelopment, conflict and extreme climate events.

In October 2023, the government of DRC launched a plan to eliminate the disease by 2030.

A long and terrible outbreak After a few years of declining cases, cholera flared up once again in DRC in 2023, with cases concentrated in the conflict-affected east. Over 41 000 cases, including 314 deaths, have been reported this year, making it one of the largest outbreaks of cholera in the world.

A concerning feature of this outbreak is that the country has reported consistently high cases throughout the year. After an initial peak in April, about a thousand cases have been

reported each week. Larger and longer lasting outbreaks mean additional challenges for health workers, who are already overstretched, responding to a number of diseases in extremely challenging circumstances.

WHO has been working closely with the health authorities in the country to respond to this outbreak, providing medical supplies and expertise, facilitating transportation of test samples to labs, as well as building treatment centres to bring healthcare closer to the people facing outbreaks. Cholera is an easily treatable disease, but time is of the essence. In severe cases, quick treatment can make the difference between life and death.

Fighting cholera amidst global shortages The importance of these measures has become even more important as another tool, the oral cholera vaccine, continues to be in short supply globally. One year ago, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision— the body which manages emergency supplies of vaccines—made an unprecedented decision to move from a two dose to one dose vaccination regimen for cholera. This decision was compelled by an acute global shortage of the vaccine.

This has meant that vaccines supplied to all countries, including DRC, have fallen short of the need. Still, the country carried out a vaccination campaign reaching over 360 000 people with a single dose each, and a further 5 million people will be reached in the near-future.

An ambitious new plan Although vaccines are important, eliminating cholera needs many parts of society to work together, with a focus on getting people safe water and well managed toilet systems. The DRC’s new plan to eliminate cholera uses an all-of-government approach. It aims to mobilize more than 22 key ministries to achieve the goal of eliminating cholera, the drivers of which lie outside the health sector. This approach was welcomed by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control, a global partnership working towards a 90% reduction in cholera deaths and cholera elimination in 20 countries by 2030.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

19

Haiti Flexes Muscles Against St. Kitts MIAMI, Florida – Haiti flexed their scoring muscles with a 13-0 victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis in Group C of League A of the Road To W Gold Cup on Monday evening at the SKNFA Technical Centre in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Following this victory and last Thursday’s 11-0 win versus Saint Kitts and Nevis, Haiti now sit atop the group with a perfect three wins in three games, while Saint Kitts and Nevis remain on the hunt for their first point after three matches.

Haiti raced out to a strong start and took a 1-0 lead in the 4’ when Kethna Louis smacked in a header from close-range off a corner kick. It was doubled to 2-0 in the 8’ when Nerilia Mondesir cut back to

Batcheba Louis, who swept in a rightfooted shot.

Melchie Dumornay, fresh off her five-goal outing last Thursday, increased the lead to 3-0 in the 13’ with an excellent left-footed finish.

Kethna Louis bagged her second of the night in the 17’ by chesting down a ball and beating Saint Kitts and Nevis GK Kyra Dickinson to make it 4-0.

Batcheba Louis then equaled that feat by scoring her second of the day in the 20’ by tucking home a ball that was pinballing in front of the Saint Kitts and Nevis area to extend the advantage to 5-0.

Batcheba Louis was then the recipient of Mondesir’s second assist of the night to

complete her hat-trick in the 26’, giving Haiti a 6-0 lead.

Dumornay then scored her second of the night and Haiti’s first of the second half in the 54’ with a strong header for a 7-0 lead.

She then completed her own hat trick in the 62’ with a powerful left-footed strike for an 8-0 advantage.

A clever pass from Dumornay set up Batcheba Louis’s fourth goal of the evening and a 9-0 lead for the visitors in the 63’.

Haiti’s night was then capped in the late going with goals from Josephine Vanuxeem (84’), Danielle Etienne (89’), Mondesir (90+2’) and Batcheba Louis (90+6’) to round out the 13-0 scoreline.

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson on Shortlist For International Fair Play Award Six moments have been shortlisted for this year’s International Fair Play Award, with fans invited to vote for their favourite moment.

Following nominations from fans, members of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) and World Athletics formed a jury to decide on the shortlist of moments. Now fans can vote via World Athletics’ social media platforms for the moment that they feel best exemplifies fair play.

These votes will be combined with the votes from the jury to determine three finalists for the Fair Play Award. The finalists will be announced on 7 November. The winner will be revealed on World Athletics’ platforms in the lead up to the World Athletics Awards in Monaco on 11 December.

Shortlist • Daniel Ebenyo In first place during the closing stages of the men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23, Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo saluted his teammate Sebastian Sawe as Sawe overtook him for gold.

• Letesenbet Gidey After securing silver in the women’s 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey went back to

comfort Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan after Hassan’s dramatic fall on the home straight.

• Sifan Hassan After her aforementioned fall while leading the 10,000m final at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan was gracious in defeat and went on to claim 5000m silver and 1500m bronze.

• Shericka Jackson and Sha’Carri Richardson After their respective gold and bronze medal wins in the women’s 200m final, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson spontaneously embraced at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

• Nina Kennedy and Katie Moon Locked in battle, Australia’s Nina Kennedy and USA’s Katie Moon decided to share gold in the pole vault at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 after their attempts at 4.95m still couldn’t separate them.

• Jessica Warner-Judd After finishing eighth in the 10,000m final at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, Britain’s Jessica Warner-Judd was the only athlete to wait and shake hands with the final placed runner who completed the event some distance behind the rest of the field.

Head to the respective posts on Facebook,

Instagram and X to vote for your favourite moment. Voting closes at midnight CET on Sunday 5 November.

The CIFP was established 60 years ago to promote the principles of fair play in sport: fair competition, respect, friendship, team spirit, equality and sport without doping. It honours those who respect the written and unwritten rules of sport, which include integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence and joy, and who set an example for others, on and off the field.

The CIFP’s first collaboration with World Athletics dates back to the 2003 World Athletics Championships in Paris. Ten awards have been handed out since then.

Holly Bradshaw and Moon were the latest recipients of the award at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon in 2022. Bradshaw injured herself after her pole snapped during the pole vault warm-up session. Her fellow competitor Moon ran over to immediately support her. Knowing she would no longer be able to contend for a place in the final, Bradshaw withdrew from the competition, thus allowing another athlete to advance. Bradshaw received a lot of abuse on social media for withdrawing, but Moon again offered support by defending her competitor.

20

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 7, 2023