November 29, 2023 by caribnews

VOL. XLII NO. 2144 WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

KAMLA FOR BIPARTISAN CRIME TALK

Leader of the opposition, stating violent crimes are terrorizing citizens

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JAMAICA PM HOLNESS

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BARBADOS

CARIBBEAN TOP SALARIES According to survey by Pay Pulse Antigua Barbuda second, Jamaica third

Page 6 GUYANA

UAE OPENS EMBASSY IN GEORGETOWN Announced by President Ali - to deepen diplomatic and business relations

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CARICOM WANTS

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN Sec-Gen Barnett urges governments to invest more in preventative violence against females

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FOR TWO STATE SOLUTION FOR ISRAEL/GAZA WAR ENABLING THE PALESTINIANS AND ISRAEL TO LIVE IN PEACE AND DIGNITY

HAITI

ONE OF MOST DANGEROUS PLACES IN THE WORLD According to Global Peace Index Criminal gangs control half of the country

MACY’S PARADE

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A&E

RIHANNA UNDER FIRE Following the announcement of her new fashion line with Puma

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MRS. CLAUS FIRST BLACK CELEBRITY MUST BE SHERYL LEE RALPH ALSO THE JAMAICAN QUEEN

CARIBNEWS

CaribNews OPED For Too Many Kids Getting Outside Is Easier Said Than Done by Ben Jealous - P 8

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

AFRICA Somali-born champion of refugee education wins top UNHCR award.

Abdullahi Mire grew up in the sprawling Dadaab refugee complex in northeastern Kenya with its population today of more than 240,000 registered refugees, mostly from Somalia. EDITORIAL The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) coordinates operations Barbados Celebrating 57 Years of there together with partners, relying also on the support of Independence - P 8 the Kenyan Government and host communities. The majority of the population, around 56 per cent according to 2020 figures, are children. At that point there were over 60,000 students enrolled up HEALTH to secondary school level, but despite that, the demand for Global health community calls for urgent teachers, supplies and classroom space, has long outstripped action on climate and health at COP28 supply, leading to poor educational outcomes. Of those - P 16 managing to complete secondary school only a small number have been able to carry on into tertiary education. Mr. Mire spent 23 years living in the Dadaab complex SPORTS himself, from the early 1990s, and eventually went on to 2023 Road to W Gold Cup graduate with a diploma in journalism and public relations in Referee Appointments: November and December Matches - P 20 2013 from Kenya’s Kenyatta University. After working for the UN migration agency IOM, in Somalia, specialising in the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants, he realised that without being literate, many were being brainwashed and radicalized. Fighting gender-based violence door-to-door with support of Ugandan men

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In the second of a two-part series from Uganda, Timothy Mbene Masereka spoke to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) ahead of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, marked annually from 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day. As a village health worker, Mr. Masereka goes from house to house in some of the remotest locations in Kasese district in western Uganda. He enjoys helping people and is adept at managing illnesses such as malaria and pneumonia. However, there was one health emergency that he didn’t know how to address: violence against women and girls.s services, including for pregnant women to reach hospitals,” said Mr. Spindler. Another 100 families at the Kakuma camp in northwest Kenya also were forced to move due to massive soil erosion from the rains. “During my sessions [in people’s homes], I saw that gender-based violence was a problem, and I tried to handle it at a lower level, using my own reasoning, but I lacked the skills to really solve the issue,” he said. What Mr. Masereka saw wasn’t unusual – violence against women and girls is the world’s most pervasive human rights violation, affecting one in three women globally. In Uganda, almost 30 per cent of women and girls reported experiencing intimate partner violence in the past 12 months. Despite its prevalence, Mr. Masereka said violence against women and girls was treated as a private issue.

WORLD BRIEFS Gaza doctors ‘terrified’ of deadly disease outbreak as aid teams race to deliver “Priorities include transporting fuel to the north of the war-torn enclave, so that it can be used to power hospitals, provide clean water and maintain other vital civilian infrastructure. Such services have been massively impacted by weeks of Israeli bombardment in response to Hamas’s 7 October massacres in southern Israel that left some 1,200 dead and around 240 taken hostage. Gazan health authorities have reported that more than 15,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in attacks to date. In an update from southern Gaza, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder said that a doctor from Al-Shifa hospital in the north had told him that the threats to children were “very much from the air and now very much on the ground”, in the form of diarrhoea and respiratory infections. “He was terrified as a medical professional in terms of the disease outbreak that is that is lurking here and how that will devastate children whose immune systems and lack of food… is making them perilously weak,” Mr. Elder added. From the Field: A destroyed Ukrainian village rebuilds “Blackberries grew in front of my house and local children constantly ate them,” he told UN human rights monitors. “Now the blackberries are drying up and no one touches them. This makes me very sad.” As invading Russian troops rolled into the area in the spring of 2022, Ivan’s spacious two-story house took direct rocket hits, one landing in the kitchen and at least three more nearby, entirely destroying the pear orchard he had proudly planted and cared for. Now, his village is being rebuilt and life is slowly returning. According to UN human rights monitors, the village saw intense fighting, resulting in an exceptionally high level of destruction. On a recent visit, UN staff saw that the site where the school once stood was cleared of rubble in preparation for a new construction. There were other signs that rebuilding had started in Posad-Pokrovske, even though it was not immediately clear how many residents have returned so far. Documenting destruction of civilian infrastructure is one of the tasks of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine which also monitors other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The latest finding on this topic is included in the periodic report on the human rights situation issued in March 2023.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Haiti – One of the Most Dangerous Countries in the World Haiti has been listed as the 34th most dangerous country in the world, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, which evaluates the safety of countries in the world each year. This year Haiti recorded the second-largest deterioration of peacefulness, dropping 17 places to 129th out of 163 countries. This is the lowest ranking that Haiti has had on the index since its inception in 2008. Haiti recorded significant deterioration in all three GPI domains, with the largest occurring in the Safety and Security domain. According to the report, the internal security situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state has significantly worsened over the past year, with an increase in violent crime and political stability. The report noted that since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has entered a crisis of insecurity with criminal gangs controlling over half of the country, forcing thousands out of their homes.

The report added that the scale of the internal security problem in Haiti has increased to the point where it has now been classified as outright violent conflict, with the intensity of internal conflict indicator rising to a score of five, the highest possible score. The report also said that the country has descended into extreme instability, with a variety of organized crime groups, which control much of the country, unleashing violence against civilians and openly battling security forces. Multiple election delays have meant that the terms of most elected officials have expired, which has affected the ability of the government to properly formulate a security strategy. There is also a high level of corruption and collusion between political elements and organized crime groups, which have also infiltrated government security forces. The report listed Iceland as the safest country in the world, followed by Denmark and Ireland. The countries at the bottom of the list are Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan. (CMC)

Jamaica – State of Emergency Declared in Three Parishes States of Public Emergency (SOE) have been declared in the western parishes of Hanover and St James as well as the central parishes of St Catherine and Clarendon. Two weeks ago, an SOE was declared for St James following the murders of two schoolboys in a gun attack that claimed the lives of three people. A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said the crucial decision for the SOEs, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to the safety and security of Jamaicans, release from the OPM said. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen authorized the SOEs upon the advice of the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Defense Staff. The SOEs will initially last for 14 days, commencing at 12:01 on November 23, 2023. Major General Antony Anderson, Commissioner of Police, outlined the alarming situation in these divisions: The Clarendon Police Division recorded the fifth-highest number of murders (99) among all police divisions, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Clarendon and St Catherine, being adjoining parishes, intensify our concerns, accounting for 24 percent of the nation’s murders since the beginning of the year.” “In the St James police division, the highest number of murders across all divisions was recorded, totaling 169 from January 1 to November 15, 2023. This division also experienced the highest number of shooting incidents, totaling 101 during the same period. “The adjacency of St James and Hanover

further exacerbates the situation, with their combined geographical area accounting for 20 percent of the nation’s murders since the year’s start,” Anderson said. Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defense Staff of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF), expressed firm support for the declaration. “The JDF is dedicated to working alongside the JCF to stabilize these parishes,” she stated. Meanwhile, Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, urged the public to perceive these measures as a united stand against crime. “We call on citizens nationwide to back these efforts. Together, as a nation, we can triumph over these criminal elements,” he emphasized. Holness stressed the vital role of community cooperation in cauterizing crime.“The cooperation of every Jamaican is essential. We must unite to ensure our nation’s safety. These measures are temporary but critical in augmenting the efforts of our security forces, which have yielded significant results. The government continues to invest in enhancing our nation’s security infrastructure,” he stated. “The SOEs enable the security forces, including the JDF, to conduct targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing murders. The government assures the public that the safety and security of all Jamaicans remain its highest priority.” The boundaries for the SOEs encompass the entire parishes of Hanover, St James, St Catherine, and Clarendon. (CMC)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

Barbados – New US Ambassador Confirmed

The United States’ newest ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is Roger Nyhus. Nyhus has been nominated as an official ambassador for one year. He will represent Barbados, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as ambassador after submitting his Certificate of Demonstrated Competence under the Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4). In a statement he released last week to congratulate Nyhus, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said: “I’m pleased that Seattle business and civic leader Roger Nyhus has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate to serve as the US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.” He continued, “Throughout his successful

career in our city and state, Mr Nyhus has been an advisor to business, government, and nonprofit leaders and prioritized building meaningful relationships and trust with a diverse range of stakeholders. He participated in international trade missions that have strengthened partnerships and has been actively involved with local causes championing economic development, civil rights, and environmental conservation.” He sent Nyhus best wishes for his endeavor, acknowledging that he is entering a new area of relationships and business. “His experience with global engagement and passion for advocacy will serve him well as an ambassador representing the American people, and I wish him the best as he moves into international diplomacy.”

Guyana – US Defense Officials to Visit

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo says teams from the United States Department of Defense will arrive in Guyana from next week amid the ongoing tension between the CARICOM country and Venezuela over the ownership of the mineral and forest-rich county of Essequibo. “We are interested in maintaining peace in our country and our borders but we are going to be working with our allies …We will have from the United States Department of Defence next week. [We will have] two visits to Guyana by two teams and then several other visits in the month of December and high-level presence representation from the Department of Defence here,” Jagdeo told a news conference.

Jagdeo said Georgetown has never threatened peace as it depends heavily on diplomacy and international law, while Venezuela is actively engaged in peddling misinformation, attempting to paint Guyana as the aggressor. “We have never threatened the peace. Venezuela has been an aggressive country threatening peace…All options available to us to defend our country will be pursued. We’re not an aggressive power…but we have to ensure that we also protect our country against the lies and campaign peddled by misinformation,” he told reporters. Jagdeo said that Guyana has the world’s support in the ongoing controversy, reminding that the 1899 Arbitral Award and the 1966 Geneva Agreement have already resolved the decade-old controversy. “We have the solidarity of the world in this issue. The CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the OAS including the two main parties at the tribunal when it was set up, the United States of America and the United Kingdom,” he added. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) last week reserved its judgement to Guyana’s claim that it has evidence that Venezuela intends to gain ownership of the mineral and forest-rich county of Essequibo through a referendum on December 3. Both Guyana and Venezuela made presentations to the ICJ during two-days of hearing into the case relating to the 1899 Arbitral Award

after Guyana, in its request, had said that the Venezuelan government, through its National Electoral Council had published a list of five questions that it intends to put before the people of Venezuela in a “Consultative Referendum” next month. On Thursday, President Irfaan Ali visited several communities in Region One, assuring residents that Guyana remains committed to peacefully resolving the ongoing border dispute peacefully. “We are not taking anything for granted… That is why our overall strategy is nothing to be alarmed about. There is absolutely nothing to fear. We are doing everything in accordance with international guidelines, and we believe that Venezuela will not act recklessly,” Ali told residents at Kumaka in the Mabaruma sub-district. He urged Guyanese nationals to remain vigilant against Venezuela’s propaganda designed to instil fear among the population. “All of us as one Guyana understand clearly that Essequibo belongs to Guyana; there is no doubt about that…We have to ensure that we don’t allow statements coming out of Venezuela to drive fear among us. Although we are of the opinion that Venezuela will not act recklessly, we cannot be unprepared. We have to ensure that we do everything within our own environment

Guyana - UAE To Open Embassy in Georgetown The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that it will establish an embassy in Guyana. The announcement was made late Friday by President Irfaan Ali as he spoke at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber annual awards ceremony. He noted that this will further improve Guyana’s growing economy. “We have expanded our diplomatic reach to the extent that the UAE has confirmed that they are going to build their embassy here in Guyana, Qatar has confirmed that they will

build their embassy here in Guyana and then we are working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia so they too will build and bring their embassy here. “It is not just a building of the embassy and having a diplomatic presence, it is what these countries bring with them, the type of development funds that they bring with them.” He noted that the construction of several hotels here means that people need to utilize these services and this is where the bilateral

relations come into play, as more embassies are built, the relationships are deepened and investments are made. “By 2030, we may not have three million people living here, but by 2030, we have to put the mechanisms in place and invest in the type of economy that will bring three million people to pass through our economy and utilize the services here,” Ali said. (CMC)

to secure our environment,” President Ali said, adding “in the coming days, weeks, and months, you will see greater collaboration with our international partners. Meanwhile, the Guyana-based online publication, Demerarawaves.com reported that Venezuelan troops appear to be withdrawing from near the disputed border and the X (formerly Twitter) feeds of several top Venezuelan officials have toned down their references to the Essequibo County. “A usually reliable government official said “they have been told to deescalate” by a number of friendly nations. Those countries have been backing Guyana’s position that the territorial controversy with Venezuela must be settled at the ICJ and that the December 3 referendum, as currently drafted, allows for Venezuela to abandon that court and seize Guyana’s territory,” the publication reported. It said people who visited Imbotero in north-western Guyana on the border with Venezuela on Thursday said military hardware, including tanks, and personnel have left that area. The Venezuelan military strength at that point has been reduced to about 15 persons who normally monitor the area. “Venezuelan military personnel opposite other Guyanese locations were also said to be retreating,” the online publication added.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

CARIBNEWS

USVI – Biden Declares Emergency Over Level of Lead in Water The US Virgin Islands has been contaminated with lead-based water for more than a century, according to studies conducted on St. Croix. These findings represent the worst outcomes any US municipality has seen in decades, prompting President Joe Biden to declare an emergency earlier this week. Resident Frandelle Gerard, Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, Incorporation’s executive director noted, “On a personal level, it’s been frightening and frustrating.” Officials distributed bottled water coupons and instructed residents to stop using their taps due to lead exposure, which can have a harmful impact on a child’s IQ, behavior, and development. However, specialists that The Associated Press spoke with claimed that the alarming findings might not be accurate because they were derived from tests that did not adhere to EPA regulations. “The data should be thrown into the garbage,” said Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech lead and water expert who helped identify the lead problems in Flint, Michigan. Residents of St. Croix will not be the first

to get misleading information. Disregarding information often makes it difficult for residents of communities where Black people predominate to know whom to trust. Higher than normal lead levels were initially concealed by Flint officials. Newark officials stressed the safety of the city’s reservoirs when levels rose, even though the problem is usually with lead pipes rather than the source. In Benton Harbor, Michigan, residents were forced to rely on bottled water while they waited months for inspectors to validate the filter’s effectiveness. Some of those problems were avoided by officials on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, who promptly informed the locals of the outcome. An emergency was proclaimed by the governor. The leader of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, Andrew Smith, stated, “This is not something that we shy away from talking about.” According to Edwards, there is an issue with the way the samples were obtained and the extremely high results do not accurately reflect reality. Workers typically use water from a domestic faucet to test for lead. However, the samples taken from

T&T – Kamla Wants Bipartisan Anti-Crime Talks

Political head of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA) and former police commissioner Gary Griffith has “put his inclusion on hold,” according to Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has revived calls for bipartisan negotiations to address the nation’s crime problem. Persad-Bissessar said in a statement that she hoped this would convince Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to reevaluate holding anti-crime talks. Persad-Bissessar noted, “Many citizens have called for the Government and Opposition to work together to start bipartisan anti-crime talks. I absolutely agree with their calls, as this is a time for humility and cooperation and not arrogance. One thing we must have in common is our love for the people and our country.” She added, “Therefore, after consultation with

Mr. Griffith, he has selflessly put his inclusion on the opposition team on hold as he did not want to be scapegoated as a reason for these talks to be scuttled. The opposition leader stated, “Hopefully, Mr. Griffith’s non-attendance will assuage the fears and insecurities of the Prime Minister, who will now reconsider his refusal to attend the proposed crime talks. As leaders, we cannot take intractable stances on these talks while violent criminals terrorize our beloved citizens.” While further adding that “The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are unequivocally correct in requesting cooperation from their elected representatives to stem the violent crime crisis. She made a pledge to gather individuals who can provide crucial information as it relates to various disciplinary approaches in combating crime, “Therefore, I reaffirm my commitment to leading a team on behalf of the UNC to attend the anti-crime talks to explain our multidisciplinary approach to the Government on combating the violent crime crisis.” According to Persad-Bissessar, there is no criminal case against Griffith, and it was misrepresented that the UNC would not hold anti-crime negotiations without him. “On November 20, 2023, at a press conference, Keith Rowley falsely stated that the UNC put forward a “deal breaker” that there would be no anti-crime talks if former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith were not present. Read more at www.nycaribnews.com

the meter were the ones that tested so high on St. Croix. “When you (unscrew) it, you are literally ripping the leaded brass apart and a chunk of leaded brass gets in your sample”, he remarked. It generates findings that are inflated. Tom Neltner, an expert in chemicals and

lead at the Environmental Defense Fund, concurred that the water meter’s testing isn’t reliable. He added that there were “a lot of abnormalities” in the way that St. Croix was sampled. Thus, parents in St. Croix are still unaware of the amount of lead their children were exposed to.

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

Jamaica – PM Holness Calls for Two-State Solution in Israel-Gaza War The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been going on for almost two months, and Prime Minister Andrew Holness is pleading with the relevant parties to look for a long-term resolution. As the UN General Assembly adopted a nonbinding resolution advocating for a “humanitarian truce” in the Gaza-Israel conflict on October 27, Holness’s government came under heavy fire. Holness brought up the issue on Sunday at the 80th annual conference of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), which was held at the National Arena. The PM stated, “We remain convinced that this (permanent solution) can only be achieved by a negotiated two-state solution enabling the Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and dignity.” After Hamas gunmen infiltrated into southern Israel on October 7 and killed at least 1,200 people while capturing about 240 captives, the current Gaza-Israeli conflict broke out. The prime minister has said almost little since then. Since then, the United Nations and Gaza’s Health Ministry report that Israel has continued its relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip, killing an estimated 15,000 Palestinians, including nearly 6,000 children, destroying entire neighborhoods, and uprooting about 1.8 million of the 2.3 million

people living in Gaza. Holness stated that the combat had stopped for four days after Hamas promised to free Palestinian detainees’ hostages in exchange for more aid—such as gasoline, food, and medication— entering Gaza. According to Holness, “Jamaica supports the cooperative system of nations, and we will do our part to make the world a better place”. He declared that the government will stick with this strategy, “whether it’s support for disaster recovery for our neighbors as we did in Dominica and the Bahamas or in supporting peacebuilding in Haiti”. Holness mentioned, “Jamaica is consistent in its support for the universal respect and adherence to the principles of international law and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations. We condemn all forms of terrorism and support the right of nations to defend themselves and pursue their security while preserving the rights of innocent civilians to live in peace and dignity”. “We are deeply concerned at the rising human cost in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and we welcome the current pause in hostilities,” he remarked.

Barbados – Tops for Salaries in The Caribbean

Barbados has the highest percentage of firms paying wages above market value, according to a report conducted this year using data from 117 companies in 15 Caribbean countries. On the other hand, the highest

percentage of businesses making below-market payments was found in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to the Caribbean Society for Human Resource Professionals’ (CSHRP) Caribbean Salary Survey Report: PayPulse 2023, 53.3% of Barbados’ occupations were found to be overvalued. The results of PayPulse 2023 show that Antigua and Barbuda ranked second with 16.7% of employment earning over market value, followed by Jamaica in third place with 13.3%. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is at the bottom of the ranking, with 73.3 percent of incomes below the average market value in the area, as per the poll. According to CSHRP, the study, which highlights 30 different job titles across 26 different industries in 15 countries, is the most thorough and up-to-date resource in the area. The 2023 research expands upon the understanding obtained from the 2022 report,

which gathered information from more than 200 businesses in 22 Caribbean nations. Rochelle James, CEO of CSHRP, emphasized the value of having regional statistics during her remarks at the survey’s November 22 launch. James stated during the event, which took place in Kingston’s Exim Bank Conference Room, “In the region, when officials speak, they often tell us about surveys conducted in the US or the UK, which has very little relevance to us; we need our own data to tell our stories effectively.” She went on to say that she will perform the survey every year and share the results in November. A joint endeavor spanning 15 countries and 117 firms covering 30 job titles in 26 industries, the PayPulse 2023 study is the result of extensive collaboration. Kim Isava, general manager of CaribbeanJobs.com, a CSHRP partner, discussed the

significance of pay data in the recruitment business as well as the survey’s effects on employers and job seekers. According to her, job applicants frequently question her organization as to why salaries are not listed in job advertisements. “It’s a highly competitive environment now. If you (the employer) want that top talent, job seekers are going to bypass your ad if they don’t know what the compensation package is”, Isava noted. The PayPulse 2023 report’s principal researcher, Kimberly Largie, reported that 81 revealed organizations provided data, with 29 choosing not to reveal their identities. 36, according to her, were regional businesses that operated throughout many Caribbean countries. Read more at www.nycaribnews.com

Caricom – End Violence Against Women and Children Dr. Carla Barnett, the secretary general of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is urging the member states in the region to make investments in the prevention of violence against women and girls as well as the empowerment of marginalized communities by providing them with access to high-quality healthcare and education. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Human Rights Defenders’ Day on November 29, World AIDS Day on December 1, and Human Rights Day on December 10 are the four significant observances that are included in the CARICOM Secretariat’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which concludes on December

19. Barnett made this announcement in a statement. These commemorations, according to her, serve as a reminder that violence keeps women and girls from fully exercising their basic rights. Activists launched the campaign in 1991 at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute’s founding, more than thirty years ago. The United Nations Secretary-General started the “UNITE by 2030” campaign to End Violence against Women in 2008 in support of this civil society-led initiative. This campaign runs concurrently with the 16 Days of Activism. “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” is this year’s UNITE Campaign focus, according to Barnett. According to her, the theme is also in line with

the Commission on the Status of Women’s 2024 priority theme, which is centered on “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of all Women and Girls by Addressing Poverty and Strengthening Institutions and Financing with a Gender Perspective”. Barnett stated, “The campaign calls on everyone, including development partners, civil society organizations, women’s organizations, youth, the private sector, and the media, to join forces to address VAWG. It also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention. Read more at www.nycaribnews.com

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

A N I M P O R TA N T M E S S A G E F R O M M E D I C A R E

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

Barbados Celebrating 57 Years of Independence Barbados since independence has strived to be a progressive and prosperous country, and through the decades has, in fact, achieved a consistent and admirable growth rate in the Caribbean. It has prided itself as being one of the world’s best managed black societies, and as the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan remarked that Barbados is a country that punches about its weight; Barbados still today remains an example of emerging countries that have steadied their ship and is making advances in the economic development world; in fact, in the most recent Caribbean salary survey organized by PayPulse 2023 according to their finding, Barbados is a highest paying salary country in the

Caribbean - 53.3% of jobs surveyed in Barbados surpass market value, so Barbados has a lot to be proud of as it celebrates its independence this year. Barbados remains an example of a strong recovery coming out of COVID and the tough years of the pandemic, and is now showing a firm and assertive way for their economy and indeed for the Caribbean region, and in many instances, speaking out on world matters. Prime Minister Mottley has demonstrated courage and vision to bring the country into full position of independence, free of royal ties. In the last two years, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has also taken to the international stage to bring the

world’s attention to those issues that are impactful on Barbados and the Caribbean and other small states, and has been eloquent making the case for restructuring international financial architecture, providing more flexible input from small nations, debt relief, and showing the burden of these countries that the financial structure has created, and has eloquently been pleading for removal and relief. Her voice is heard with respect to gender equality, respect to trade liberation, and has taken on the mantle to be the voice of the Caribbean to bring about on the international stage, the issues of the region in a significant way; so it behooves us all in the region to wish the people of Barbados,

and their Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her government, a Happy Independence celebration and salute them for the work they have done in the area of regional integration and providing a voice, a real voice for the Caribbean region. So, as they celebrate their 57th Anniversary of Independence and the second Anniversary as a Republic, we wish Barbados a Happy Independence and ask them to keep on keeping on. We need the voice of Barbados and its action. Happy Independence!

For Too Many Kids Getting Outside Is Easier Said Than Done by Ben Jealous

Last week, after a restful Thanksgiving, my family made a deliberate choice to #OptOutside on Friday. #OptOutside is a growing movement in which participating organizations and companies close their doors on Black Friday, give their employees a paid day off, and encourage all of us to embrace the serenity of nature instead of succumbing to the frenzy of Black Friday shopping. I’m an outdoors enthusiast, from a long line of outdoors enthusiasts. As a dad, I try to instill a strong love of nature in my kids and make sure they reap the vast benefits of spending time outside in and among nature. However, I’m aware that my family’s ability to enjoy the outdoors is a blessing that’s been denied to far too many other Black families. Like pollution and climate change, inadequate access to nature is not a crisis shouldered equally. Sadly, it won’t surprise you that it falls hardest on people of color and low-income communities. A study of park accessibility by the Trust for Public Land concluded that “systemic racism and redlining have led to chronic disinvestment in parks and recreational facilities in marginalized communities.” The result is one that perpetuates a cycle of inequality: “too few parks as well as parks

marred by cracked asphalt, barren fields, and broken play equipment.” All people, and especially children, need easy access to safe, clean outside spaces for healthy bodies and minds. Yet one third of all Americans – among them, 28 million children – don’t have any sort of park or natural space within a 10-minute walk of their home. According to analysis of 2017 demographic data by Conservation Science Partners, people of color were three times more likely than white people to live in an area that is considered nature deprived, with people who identified as Black or African American being the group most likely to live in one of these areas. Sixty-eight percent of people who identified as Black or African American lived in a nature deprived area. Seventy percent of low-income people did. And a whopping 76% of low-income people of color lived in a nature deprived area. Lack of nature access is not only an issue of one’s physical proximity to a park or green space. People of color, especially Black people, have an unfortunate history in this country of segregation and exclusion from public lands and natural places. We’ve been met with threats and violence while in nature. And for too long we were

even excluded from the conservation movement fighting to protect natural lands. The consequences of this are still felt today. What does this nature gap and nature deficit mean for our kids? Years of studies have shown that children who spend less time outdoors are more likely to deal with physical health problems, ranging from childhood obesity to vitamin D deficiency, as well as reduced motor skills development and higher rates of emotional illnesses like anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, we also know that when kids spend time in nature, besides the general benefits of exercise, it helps build confidence, reduce stress, and promote creativity. So, closing the nature gap, as a goal, should be a priority to all of us who have fought long and hard to close the opportunity gaps faced by our kids and our communities. That’s why I’m glad that this week marks a broad, rejuvenated push for Congress to pass the bipartisan Outside For All Act, which would increase access to nature and opportunities for outdoor recreation in urban and low-income communities. By codifying the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program into federal law, the Outdoors For All Act would make

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the immense benefits of local parks more equitable and accessible to all. Those benefits, according to the office of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, one of the bill’s sponsors, include job creation, shade and tree cover, and clean air, as well as “new trails, green spaces, playgrounds, cultural gathering spaces, and more.” It all adds up to healthier bodies and minds for our children, and building more of a shared understanding, for all of us, of why spending time outdoors and protecting nature are so critical to our wellbeing. Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.”

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Barbados – Bar Association Guyana – Essequibians Not to Crack Down on Attorney Interested in Venezuelan Theft Citizenship The Barbados Bar Association has proposed extensive revisions to the Legal Profession Act, including a stricter disciplinary process and a rigorous mechanism for inspecting attorneys’ client accounts, in an attempt to address the issue of attorneys embezzling from their clients more successfully. To obtain their practice certifications, lawyers would also need to complete a required yearly training program. These are only a handful of the fresh ideas that the Association has put out for an updated Legal Profession Bill, which is still plagued by cases of lawyers embezzling thousands of dollars from their customers. They hope that the new regulations will take effect in the upcoming year.

The new modifications were emphasized in a news release that President Kaye Williams sent last week. The Barbados Bar Association has been advocating for changes to the Legal Profession Bill, and if these changes are passed, attorneys will have to navigate a more stringent legislative and regulatory framework starting in 2024. The Law Reform Commission has informed the Bar Association that a draft of the revised Bill will be provided by January 2024 at the latest. “One such proposal includes imposing prerequisites that must be met every year in order to practice.

On November 26, 2023, hundreds of Guyanese who reside along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon – Supenaam) assembled in Anna Regina to demonstrate their unwavering support for the area they have called home and to protest Venezuela’s attempts to acquire Guyana’s Cinderella Country, Essequibo. A referendum scheduled on December 3 in Venezuela aims to establish the “Guayana Essequibo” as a new state. It also offers to provide Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards to Guyanese residing in the state, with the intention of adding the territory to the country’s map. Nonetheless, many Essequibians were undoubtedly convinced by the loud cries of those who work and reside on the Essequi-

bo region that they are uninterested. Leading the public discussion on the Guyana/Venezuela controversy was Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who emphasized that there was no disagreement inside the country about the matter. According to him, the whole nation is in favor of Essequibo staying part of Guyana. “People are fleeing your country; if you didn’t notice Delcy or Maduro… they don’t want your ID cards. We are happy to be Guyanese and live in our own country. Jagdeo stated, “We don’t want your ID cards, we don’t want you anywhere near our country.” In addition to the fact that Essequibo has been a part of Guyana for more than a century, he expressed his happiness...

T&T – Cop Can Challenge Transfer from Consulate Office in Miami An experienced Special Branch officer is contesting his 2022 transfer from a foreign consulate. In January 2021, Inspector Peter Fraser, a 27-year Special Branch veteran, began serving as Consul Security at the TT embassy in Miami. In May 2022, he was sent back to Trinidad following his allegation of certain anomalies in the embassy. The Attorney General, the Prime Minister, and the Commissioner of Police have all been sued by Fraser. The court has granted him permission to continue pursuing his claim against the

recall decision made before his three-year term ended. Justice Kevin Ramcharan granted him leave and postponed the case until January 24, 2024. Fraser is requesting 11 declarations against the prime minister and the commissioner for their recommendation to revoke Fraser’s Security Consul appointment document in Miami or to transfer it. Fraser asks the court to declare that the respondent “has and continues to act in bad faith” and to set aside the orders rescinding his appointment and transfer.

Gender-Based Violence campaign, which concludes on December 19. Barnett made this announcement in a statement. These commemorations, according to her, serve as a reminder that violence keeps women and girls from fully exercising their basic rights. Activists launched the campaign in 1991 at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute’s founding, more than thirty years ago. The United Nations Secretary-General started the “UNITE by 2030” campaign to End Violence against Women in 2008 in support of this civil society-led initiative. This campaign runs concurrently with the 16 Days of Activism.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

Global Health Community Calls for Urgent Action on Climate and Health at COP28 to act swiftly will render health systems world-

In the run-up to COP28, the World Health Organization (WHO) together with the global health community, is raising its voice to ensure that the impact of climate change on health takes centre stage in the negotiations. It is imperative to broaden the focus to human health in global discussions, leaving no room for excuses, and compelling negotiators to recognize that they bear the responsibility for the well-being of our most invaluable asset: the health of populations worldwide. “Prioritizing health is not just a choice; it is the foundation of resilient societies,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Leaders must deliver in Dubai, providing the strong health outcomes their peoples expect and their economies urgently need. We must change the conversation and demonstrate the massive benefits of bolder climate action on our health and well-being.” The extreme weather events around the world in recent months offer a terrifying glimpse of what lies ahead in a rapidly heating world. The IPCC report says about 3.5 billion people – nearly half of humanity – live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. Heat-related deaths among those aged over 65 years have risen by 70% worldwide in two decades, according to WHO’s figures. Only a dramatic and dedicated effort to limit warming to 1.5 °C will prevent a future much worse than what we see now. Increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, will also strain healthcare infrastructure. Last year’s floods in Pakistan displaced 8 million people and affected 33 million overall. Forecasts from the World Bank indicate that without bold and immediate action, climate change could displace approximately 216 million people by 2050. As the climate crisis jeopardizes lives and livelihoods, global food systems struggle to sustain a growing population, and compromised water sources compound the challenges. In parallel, climate change is catalyzing a surge in infectious diseases like dengue and cholera, endangering millions. Now is the time for decisive and collaborative action to mitigate the health impacts of the climate crisis and build a sustainable future for all. As climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to health systems worldwide, it is also imperative that we strengthen our systems to be resilient, low carbon and sustainable. Failure

wide vulnerable to the overwhelming impacts of climate change. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present danger affecting our health on multiple fronts. The health community asserts that climate change is already affecting our health, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and vector-borne illnesses. There is an urgent need for negotiators to comprehend that climate change is a direct threat to global health that can no longer be ignored or downplayed. Adapting our health systems means upgrading key interventions such as vector control, epidemiological surveillance, and access to safe water and sanitation. Additionally, the training of health staff is crucial, and support is needed to align health systems with the guidance included in WHO’s operational framework for building climate resilient and low carbon health systems. To reduce the negative impact on health, the health community stresses the importance of reducing and stopping emissions. According to WHO, 7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution. Urgent mitigation measures, including transitioning to clean energy sources, are necessary to protect human health and create sustainable outcomes. The health community recognizes the role health systems play in contributing to emissions, and advocates for greening the health sector. This involves decarbonizing health systems, digitalizing medicine and implementing sustainable practices in hospitals and healthcare facilities to significantly reduce the 5% global emissions attributed to the health sector. Over 1 billion people worldwide are served by health-care facilities with unreliable electricity or no electricity at all. For low-income countries lacking access to electricity, the health community calls for an acceleration of access to clean energy. WHO is working with partners to accelerate electrification of health-care facilities through renewable energies and to harmonize medical supplies and lead a transformative change towards cleaner energy sources, better services and reduced reliance on diesel and gas. Recognizing the financial disparity in health systems Acknowledging the financial gap in health systems, the health community calls for increased financing from new sources. The plea is to divest from and end subsidies for fossil fuels, and to mobilize new funds to support health

systems in coping with climate change. The WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) is dedicated to realizing the goals set at COP26 by leveraging the collective influence of WHO Member States and stakeholders to advance climate-resilient health systems. ATACH also focuses on identifying financing needs. With the health sector grappling with unprecedented challenges, it is imperative to address the glaring disparity in financial support. Currently, the sector receives a mere 0.5% of global climate financing. To effectively confront the many challenges ahead – from the ongoing global health crisis to the ever-evolving landscape of medical research and technological advancements – a substantial increase in resources is not only warranted but essential. By multiplying financial support, we can strengthen the sector’s ability to innovate, adapt and provide optimal care, ensuring a resilient healthcare infrastructure for the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow. WHO urgent call for climate and health action at COP28 As the world unites at COP28, the health community calls for decisive action. We urge negotiators to recognize that climate action is health action, and failure to address this reality will have profound consequences for the

well-being of current and future generations. The WHO call to action unites the health community in demanding a commitment to building resilient health systems, reducing emissions, and prioritizing health. The first-ever Health Day is set to elevate the global profile of the climate and health nexus and integrate health within the climate change agenda. Health Day and Ministerial session The first-ever Health Day is set to elevate the global profile of the climate and health nexus and integrate health within the climate change agenda. For the very first time, a record number of health ministers will be attending COP28. The presence of a significant number of health ministers underscores the commitment to prioritize health in the context of climate discussions and reinforces our commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable future. The Ministerial session promises to amplify the urgency for action by bringing together global leaders to implement sustainable solutions. This historic gathering will focus on addressing the crucial intersection of health and climate change. The legacy of COP 28 will be a commitment to a healthier planet, where the health arguments for climate action are not just heard but lead to tangible results.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

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Rihanna Under Fire for Collaboration with Puma Following the announcement of her new fashion line with Puma, which sparked calls for a boycott of the sportswear company, Rihanna faced backlash on social media. Photographs of singer and businesswoman Rihanna were made public. She was seen wearing a stylish ensemble and posing with Puma sneakers up against her face. The Fenty fashion brand, owned by Rihanna, collaborated with Puma to create the latest Creeper styles. In a formal statement, Rihanna stated, “We took our OG Creeper [from 2015] and made it bigger and badder.” The pop icon added, “When designing the Creeper Phatty we wanted to reinvent the OG Creeper that was loved by so many. It’s a classic silhouette that has been missed, so its return had to be bigger.” The “Disturbia” singer’s latest project with Puma, who appointed her as

creative director in 2014, is the campaign. However, the ad has faced a torrent of criticism on social media from detractors who want to boycott Puma for supporting the Israel Football Association (IFA). A ceasefire has been demanded because of worries for the Palestinian people. According to a recent news report, people in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have increased operations, have been without power, water, or access to humanitarian supplies for weeks. A heated debate about the war has been raging online, and several celebrities have come under fire from social media users for adopting a position that they may not agree with. Although Rihanna hasn’t commented on the ongoing dispute in public, her new fashion line has provoked criticism.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Was Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Mrs. Claus

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-winning actress, will grace the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her presence on Thursday as the first-ever celebrity Mrs. Claus and first Black Mrs. Claus at the yearly event. The 66-year-old actress of Abbott Elementary made her debut on the recognizable last float. Speaking ahead of the event, Ralph said, “I am so honored to have been asked by Macy’s to be their first celebrity Mrs. Claus for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!” Ralph remarked. The multi-talented mother of two added, “It’s such a festive and enjoyable role, bringing warmth and joy to the start of the holiday season. I get to spread love and embody the spirit of giving. The perfect role for me!” It’s only fitting that Ralph establishes a standard in his next position. Over the past 18 months, the Dreamgirls veteran has been recognized with an Emmy, a SAG Award, and a Critics Choice Award for

her exceptional portrayal of the harsh yet compassionate teacher Barbara Howard on ABC’s Abbott Elementary. Her storied career spans 46 years in TV, film, and theater. Ahead of Thursday, Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer said, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the biggest stage for entertainers during the holiday season.” He added, “We are thrilled to welcome an icon of film, stage, and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, to this year’s 97th edition as Mrs. Claus, bringing joy to millions across the nation.” The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade delighted spectators and viewers at home, as it has in the past. At least 31 imaginative floats, 25 enormous balloons, and musical performances by artists such as Cher, Brandy, David Foster, Kathrine McPhee, Jon Batiste, and Jessie James Decker were displayed for this year’s parade. Favorite balloons like Ronald McDonald and Spongebob SquarePants returned to the skies, accompanied by new balloons. In addition, six “balloonicles”—hybrid balloon vehicles—traveled the route, which ended on 34th Street in Manhattan. Olympic hopefuls Kelly Cheng, Sara Hughes, and Ezra Frech, as well as performers Lacey Chabert, Andy Cohen, Leslie Odom Jr., Abigail Spencer, Kenan Thompson, and Kel Mitchell, were featured throughout the show. The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is hosted by Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

Caribshopper Brings The “Spirits” Of The Caribbean To The US

As the primary online marketplace specializing in Caribbean products, Caribshopper is thrilled to announce the introduction of authentic Caribbean liquor to its extensive product catalog, arriving just in time for the holiday season. This exciting expansion brings the islands’ exotic and vibrant “spirits” even closer to customers in the United States. As the holiday season approaches, Caribshopper is proud to present an assortment of premium Caribbean liquors that will make the perfect addition to festive gatherings, celebrations, and gift-giving occasions. The Caribbean region is celebrated for its distinctive and diverse liquor offerings, each rooted in local traditions and centuries-old recipes. Caribshopper’s curated selection of Caribbean liquors allows customers to savor the Caribbean’s unique flavors and cultural richness while celebrating the holidays with an authentic island twist. Whether it’s the smooth and flavorful

beers from Jamaica, like Red Stripe, the rich and aromatic spiced rums of Trinidad and Tobago, such as House of Angostura, or the tropical fruit-infused spirits from both islands, including Shandy Carib and Red Stripe Sorrel Beer, Caribshopper is the ideal destination for those looking to add the spirit of the Caribbean to their holiday celebrations. “Our mission at Caribshopper is to provide a gateway to the vibrant culture and products of the Caribbean,” said Kadion Preston, CEO and Founder of Caribshopper. “By introducing authentic Caribbean liquor just in time for the holiday season, we are offering our customers the opportunity to enjoy the richness and traditions of the islands during this special time of year. It’s the gift of the Caribbean, delivered to your doorstep.” Caribshopper’s commitment to delivering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience is further highlighted by the inclusion of Caribbean liquor in its product offerings.

Mia Amor Mottley Joins GCA Advisory Board

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has accepted an invitation from Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the Board of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of GCA to become a member of the Advisory Board. On accepting the invitation, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados said: “For those who are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and for whom the current system isn’t working, the stakes couldn’t be higher. I look forward to working with the Global Center on Adaptation to ensure governments engage with greater urgency to fix a broken financial system and fulfil their

commitment to double adaptation finance by 2025.” Ban Ki-moon commended the Prime Minister’s work to reform the global financial system through the Bridgetown Initiative, a proposal for the creation of new instruments and the reform of existing institutions to finance climate resilience and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): “Prime Minister Mottley is shaking up the status quo to ensure inclusivity and that resilient finance will enable the GCA and climate vulnerable states to address the climate crisis effectively. I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at GCA to ensure funding reaches those who need it the most through our innovative and ground breaking adaptation programs.” Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation said: “The world’s poorest and most climate-vulnerable nations are falling into a destructive debt and climate disaster trap. The economic cost of climate disasters in developing countries is projected to reach as much as $580 billion a year by 2030. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley to break this vicious cycle. We need far greater investment in climate resilience – money invested in climate adaptation today will reduce the cost of dealing with climate disasters tomorrow.

The liquors are available immediately, ensuring customers can access these exceptional products in time for their holiday celebrations. Customers can explore and purchase a wide array of Caribbean liquors and other authentic Caribbean-made products on the Caribshopper website, with convenient delivery options available for both the US. With holiday festivities approaching,

there’s no better time to experience the essence of the Caribbean with top-quality spirits from the region. For more information about Caribshopper’s new Caribbean liquor offerings, including the perfect selections for the holiday season, and to browse their complete product catalog, visit caribshopper.com.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

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Speaking My Truth, Authentically and Fearlessly By Rev. Mary Wood

I never thought I’d look back on my life and see stuttering as a gift. But it was the catalyst that started me on a journey from fear to faith and helped me understand I am a spiritual being capable of great, transformative change and growth. I spent decades as a stutterer. In fact, I was almost 50 when I first heard these life-changing words: My mind controls my body. What I think about I bring about. I grew up believing the opposite. My father stuttered, and I believed I had inherited my stuttering from him. Stuttering shaped me from an early age. I spent so much of my energy trying to hide it, avoiding speaking specific words I knew I would stutter on. I did this to avoid the hurt of mean comments, laughter, and teasing, especially from my classmates at school. When I was about 10 years old, I stopped speaking altogether and wrote what I wanted to say on a small, portable blackboard. Those early experiences took root in my

mind as I grew up. When I was introduced to Unity in 1994 and learned of Unity cofounder Myrtle Fillmore’s healing journey, my life changed. Myrtle believed she had inherited illness and was destined to live as a sickly woman. I believed I had inherited stuttering and was destined to live with it. The words Myrtle had heard during a lecture in the 1800s—I am a child of God, and therefore I do not inherit sickness—resonated perhaps as powerfully for me a century later as they had for her at the time. The story goes that Myrtle took those words to heart and used affirmations and other positive statements of spiritual Truth to change her thinking and ultimately her health. I did the same. My affirmation—I am love. I am joy. I am enough.—helped me see myself as so much more than a person who stuttered. As my beliefs began to change, I began to really examine my thoughts. I discovered I was focused not on the words I wanted to

say but on whether I would stutter as I said them. I was a covert stutterer, ashamed and fearful. This realization also helped me understand that stuttering covered a deeper issue, my fear of rejection. Of course, I had the fear that I would not be loved and accepted as a person who stuttered, but I came to see how this fear showed up in other areas too. For instance, I was 68 when I was ordained. I wondered, Am I too old? Am I able to prepare meaningful, touching Sunday lessons? I would even say what I thought someone wanted to hear, afraid to speak my truth. As I grew spiritually, my goal shifted from wanting to speak fluently to accepting myself as a person who stutters. In this place of acceptance, understanding where my fear came from and working with spiritual principles—specifically, There is only one presence and power, and I am an individualized expression of that One—guided and strengthened me. I now have the faith

to say what is mine to say and embark on new experiences. Wherever I go and whatever I do, the presence of God is always with me. It’s who I am. I was ordained in 2005 and recently retired after 16 years. After years of being afraid to talk, getting paid for public speaking still makes me smile. I have traveled throughout the United States and internationally presenting workshops for people who stutter. I share my story and offer techniques, but mostly I show up authentically and in full acceptance of myself. I am no longer a covert stutterer. I stutter occasionally and practice voluntary stuttering when I do. Self-acceptance has helped me do this, and that sure didn’t happen overnight. My journey of acceptance began when I heard Myrtle’s words and knew them to be true for me. With my faith in God and the Truth Unity teaches, I know I am never alone, wherever my journey takes me. I am truly grateful.

items from the ether. Is it possible that one day we may be able to literally pull a loaf of bread out of thin air? Who knows? But it may have been what happened on that hillside thousands of years ago. Later in that book, Fillmore shared how God is the substance from which everything is created. God is not the man in the sky who drops food at our doorstep; rather, God fills us with divine ideas and guidance that, when followed, result in the outer satisfaction of our needs and desires. Whether we pull what we need from thin air or heed the direction from divine inspiration, gratitude is an important ingredient in unlocking the divine power and presence of Spirit. However it happened that day on the hillside, Jesus fed thousands of people— either with actual food, by his words, or both—and as a result, his listeners were changed by the event. They became more aware of God’s good in their lives. Something life-transforming happened that day, and its effects continue to reverberate. And giving thanks in advance was a vital part of the day’s lesson. We in the modern world say “thank you” in advance all the time. Think of the times you have ordered something over the phone. You described the item and even provided your credit card information, trusting that within a given amount of time, the mail carrier would drop off the item at your house. You then thanked the salesperson for his or her service and the item.

Expressing thanks in advance with God is no different. We’re acknowledging a need and giving thanks before actually having it met. As Jesus showed us, in order for our thanks to be effective, we must ask from a state of trust or belief that our requests will be fulfilled. … When we live in a state of gratitude, our focus shifts to the good in our lives, on what is working. This does not mean that we are in denial. We are not ignoring the facts in our lives. But Jesus modeled faith that God, or Infinite Substance, is always present and active, even when that presence is not obvious. He understood that he was the channel through which this energy expressed itself. He built his life around this belief, and it showed. Again, he knew that the food he had before him was not enough, but he focused on the unlimited supply of substance, and God as the infinite supplier of good. Jesus saw how substance flowed through him because he was a channel for God’s abundance. He didn’t see God as a withholder of good. He understood that even in physical form, he was not separate from the Father. Rev. Felicia Blanco Searcy, ordained in 2008, was the founding minister of Unity Church of Life in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is now a professional speaker, coach, author, minister, and certified Life Mastery Consultant. She wrote the book Do Greater Things: Following in Jesus’ Footsteps, which explores the spiritual teachings of Jesus.

Gratitude in Action By Felicia Searcy

The story of how Jesus fed the five thousand is a wonderful illustration of the practice of gratitude as a causative agent. You’ll recall from your Bible studies that Jesus had been teaching all day to a crowd of thousands of men, women, and children on a hillside. Evening came, and the people were hungry. Dealing with 5,000 or so restless, hungry people in the middle of the desert would certainly have been a challenge. Jesus’ disciples knew this and started to get a bit nervous; in fact, they tried to whisk Jesus out of there before the crowd became too disorderly. I see them as first-century secret service ready to put Jesus into a chariot and get him out of there fast. But Jesus would not have any of that. First he suggested to the disciples that they feed everyone. They reacted with a doubter’s typical response: “How do you expect us to take care of all of these people? What could you possibly be thinking?” You can almost hear them mumbling among

themselves about how Jesus had been in the sun too long and must be suffering from heatstroke. Jesus then took the matter into his own hands and asked those around him to gather any food they could find among the crowd. There was a young boy in the crowd who had two loaves of bread and five fish to share. Making no judgment, Jesus acknowledged what he had, and with poise and confidence, he took the bread and fish and blessed them. … According to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, to bless means “to confer prosperity or happiness upon.” When Jesus blessed the fish and loaves, he saw the appearance of prosperity and gave thanks for it. His gratitude gave him the ability to look beyond the appearance of insufficiency and instead see the potential waiting in the invisible realm. Unlike Jesus, we get locked into appearances. We perceive things with our senses and form opinions that create our beliefs, and then claim that what we see is the gospel truth. Jesus taught us to look beyond what our five senses tell us to the realm of Spirit, or the invisible, and to give thanks for what we know is present even though we might not be able to see it. Blessing something with the power to confer goodness is another way of saying “thank you” in advance. Charles Fillmore, cofounder of Unity, wrote in his book Prosperity that scientists were close to discovering how to manifest

CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2023

2023 Road to W Gold Cup Referee Appointments: November and December Matches REF: CRYSTAL SOBERS (Trinidad and Tobago) AR1: CARISSA DOUGLAS (Trinidad and Tobago) AR2: KRYSTAL DELANCY-EVANS (Bahamas) 4TH: CECILE HINDS (Trinidad and Tobago) Bahamas vs US Virgin Islands REF: SMEEDLY SAINT JEAN (Haiti) AR1: FALONE DIEURISMA (Haiti) AR2: IVETT SANTIAGO (Cuba) 4TH: SULEIMY LINARES (Cuba)

Concacaf has announced the Referees appointed for the 2023 Road to W Gold Cup Group Stage matches taking place between November 29 - December 5, 2023. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 Jamaica vs Panama REF: MELISSA BORJAS PASTRANA (Honduras) AR1: SHIRLEY PERELLO (Honduras) AR2: LOURDES NORIEGA (Honduras) 4TH: MERLIN VANESSA SOTO (Honduras) Dominica vs Guyana REF: KEDEEN FOSTER (Cayman Islands) AR1: NATASHA TROTT (Bermuda) AR2: TYRA WILKINSON (Saint Kitts and Nevis) 4TH: SHANDOR WILKINSON (Saint Kitts and Nevis) Antigua & Barbuda vs Suriname REF: JANEISHKA CABAN (Puerto Rico) AR1: GABRIELA JIMENEZ (Costa Rica) AR2: NELLY ALVARADO (Costa Rica) 4TH: KARITZA GUERRA (Honduras) Nicaragua vs Honduras REF: ALEX BILLETER (USA) AR1: MARIE-HAN GAGNON CHRETIEN (Canada) AR2: SHIRLY BATEN (Guatemala) 4TH: GLENDA LOPEZ (Guatemala) Martinique vs El Salvador

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 Costa Rica vs Haiti REF: ODETTE HAMILTON (Jamaica) AR1: STEPHANIE-DALE YEE SING (Jamaica) AR2: SUELLE SHEPPERD (Suriname) 4TH: FRANCIA GONZALEZ (Mexico) Anguilla vs Curacao REF: ASTRID GRAMAJO (Guatemala) AR1: IRIS VAIL (Guatemala) AR2: HEIDY CAAL (Guatemala) 4TH: DILIA BRADLEY (Guatemala) Aruba vs Turks & Caicos Islands REF: ANYA VOIGT (USA) AR1: NIKESHA GAGE (Antigua and Barbuda) AR2: ABIGAIL MCKENZIE (Antigua and Barbuda) 4TH: ALYSSA NICHOLS (USA) Bonaire vs Belize REF: PRISCILA PEREZ (Mexico) AR1: CAROLINA BRIONES (Mexico) AR2: MAYRA MORA (Mexico) 4TH: DIANA PEREZ (Mexico) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 Puerto Rico vs Mexico REF: CARLY SHAW-MACLAREN (Canada) AR1: MELISSA SNEDDEN (Canada) AR2: STEPHANIE FORTIN (Canada) 4TH: MYRIAM MARCOTTE (Canada) Bermuda vs St. Vincent & the Grenadines REF: MARJORIE PONCE (Nicaragua) AR1: SALMA PEREZ (USA) AR2: YESICA AGUILAR (Nicaragua) 4TH: SAPHIRE STOCKMAN (Costa Rica) Barbados vs Dominican Republic REF: KARITZA GUERRA (Honduras)

AR1: AR2: 4TH:

NELLY ALVARADO (Costa Rica) GABRIELA JIMENEZ (Costa Rica) JANEISHKA CABAN (Puerto Rico)

St. Lucia vs Guadeloupe REF: CECILE HINDS (Trinidad and Tobago) AR1: MEGHAN MULLEN (USA) AR2: CARISSA DOUGLAS (Trinidad and Tobago) 4TH: NATALIE SIMON (USA) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023 Guatemala vs Jamaica REF: KATIA GARCIA (Mexico) AR1: ENEDINA CAUDILLO (Mexico) AR2: KAREN DIAZ (Mexico) 4TH: AMAIRANY GARCIA (Mexico) Suriname vs DominicaREF: SHANDOR WILKINSON (Saint Kitts and Nevis) AR1: TYRA WILKINSON (Saint Kitts and Nevis) AR2: NATASHA TROTT (Bermuda) 4TH: KEDEEN FOSTER (Cayman Islands) Guyana vs Antigua & Barbuda REF: NERESSA GOLDSON (Jamaica) AR1: STEPHANIE-DALE YEE SING (Jamaica) AR2: TONIA DEANE (Barbados) 4TH: CRYSTAL SOBERS (Trinidad and Tobago) El Salvador vs Nicaragua REF: KAREN HERNANDEZ (Mexico) AR1: SANDRA RAMIREZ (Mexico) AR2: JESSICA MORALES (Mexico) 4TH: ITZEL HERNANDEZ (Mexico) Honduras vs Martinique REF: DANIELLE CHESKY (USA) AR1: JENNIFER GARNER (USA) AR2: SUELLE SHEPPERD (Suriname) 4TH: ADORAE MONROY (USA) US Virgin Islands vs Grenada REF: DILIA BRADLEY (Guatemala) AR1: HEIDY CAAL (Guatemala) AR2: IRIS VAIL (Guatemala) 4TH: ASTRID GRAMAJO (Guatemala) MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023

St. Kitts & Nevis vs Costa Rica REF: NATALIE SIMON (USA) AR1: SANTA MEDINA (Dominican Republic) AR2: KATARZYNA WASIAK (Poland) 4TH: KARITZA GUERRA (Honduras) Curacao vs Cayman Islands REF: DIANA PEREZ (Mexico) AR1: MAYRA MORA (Mexico) AR2: CAROLINA BRIONES (Mexico) 4TH: PRISCILA PEREZ (Mexico) Aruba vs Belize REF: ALYSSA NICHOLS (USA) AR1: ABIGAIL MCKENZIE (Antigua and Barbuda) AR2: NIKESHA GAGE (Antigua and Barbuda) 4TH: ANYA VOIGT (USA) Turks & Caicos Islands vs Bonaire REF: MIRIAN LEON (El Salvador) AR1: LIDIA AYALA (El Salvador) AR2: TERESA MORAN (El Salvador) 4TH: SANDRA BENITEZ (El Salvador) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023 Trinidad & Tobago vs Mexico REF: MARIANELA ARAYA (Costa Rica) AR1: KIMBERLY MOREIRA (Costa Rica) AR2: KINDRIA AGUERO (Costa Rica) 4TH: BELKIS FLORES (Honduras) Dominican Republic vs Bermuda REF: MARIE-SOLEIL BEAUDOIN (Canada) AR1: CHANTAL BOUDREAU (Canada) AR2: GABRIELLE LEMIEUX (Canada) 4TH: ALEX BILLETER (USA) St. Vincent & the Grenadines vs Barbados REF: GLENDA LOPEZ (Guatemala) AR1: LESBIA TZUL (Guatemala) AR2: DINA SOCOP (Guatemala) 4TH: GENESIS DE LEON (Guatemala) Cuba vs St. Lucia REF: DEILY GOMEZ (Costa Rica) AR1: KATHERINE PRESCOD (Panama) AR2: PAMELA BERNAL (Panama) 4TH: KIMBERLY SANCHEZ (Costa Rica)