February 7, 2024

VOL. XLIII NO. 2153 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2024

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

JAMAICA

LOCAL ELECTIONS FEBRUARY 26

After years of delay, the government calls general election - both parties talk of victory

OPPOSITION LEADER WANTS TO

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINALS OPERATION In T&T say cops - PM Rowley meets with the FBI and CIA in Washington

Page 5 BARBADOS

LEAST CORRUPT COUNTRY IN CARIBBEAN Says Corruption Index Report Jamaica and Guyana still high on the list

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END GAZA WAR

HAITI

COURT TO QUESTION MOISE WIDOW Wife of slain president to be questioned by Court

Page 5 TRAVEL

KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR WANTS THE GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TO USE ITS POSITION AT THE U.N. TO END DEATH & DESTRUCTION

ENTERTAINMENT

DOMINIQUE SILVERA

Caribbean marketing guru and the woman behind the game-changing Pinnacle Development

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A&E

BILLIONS IN MEDIA EXPOSURE Bob Marley movie premiere “One Love” has already generated billions of dollars in media value for the country

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GRAMMY FOR MARLEY

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CaribNews EDITORIAL NYC - $19 Billion Transformation of JFK Airport A Boost for Community

by Gregory W. Meeks and Donovan Richards, Jr. - P 9

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

AFRICA

WORLD BRIEFS

UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei

US must uphold judges’ right to speak freely about race and gender bias: rights expert

The UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) has heightened ground and aerial patrols to deter further violence, after brutal fighting in the oil-rich region claimed EDITORIAL dozens of lives over the weekend.

Biden-Harris Administration Take Heavily armed assailants attacked civilians in the villages of Steps to Address Racial Wage Gap Malual Aleu, Banton, Awolnhom, Abathok, Majbong, Awal,

by Stacy M. Brown - P 9 and east of Rumamier, using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, reportedly over a land dispute.

At least 37 people are reported to have been killed and several HEALTH others injured, including women and children. Villages were NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health also set on fire and thousands of cattle were stolen.

Receives $1.1M from Brooklyn Borough “UNISFA strongly denounces the ongoing violence, which is President Antonio Reynoso - P 16 escalating intercommunal tensions and threatening the fragile peace,” the mission said in a statement on Monday.

UNISFA is making all efforts to restore calm, protect civilSPORTS ians, and engage with local authorities, community leaders, T&T – Adidas Trini Carnival civil society, and other stakeholders to prevent retaliatory Inspired Collection - P 20 attacks, it added.

The mission has also increased land and air patrols to deter further violence and protect civilians.

‘Blue helmets’ attacked According to UNISFA, peacekeepers serving with the mission were also targeted during the clashes.

An armoured personnel carrier came under heavy fire during an ambush, and UN ‘blue helmets’ at a base in Marial Achak were fired upon before the attackers were repelled.

Youth-led ‘emergency rooms’ shine rays of hope in wartorn Sudan

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With the war in Sudan triggering widespread violence and instability, youth-driven emergency response rooms (ERRs) are among a growing number of community-led initiatives reaching vulnerable civilians with myriad assistance, from repairing damaged power lines to carving out safe evacuation routes for millions fleeing the conflict.

Emergency response rooms are finding innovative approaches to providing rapid assistance to millions facing war in Sudan. © ERR Emergency response rooms are finding innovative approaches to providing rapid assistance to millions facing war in Sudan.

Teams of volunteer medical staff, engineers and other emergency experts across the country are addressing civilian needs amid the current bout of violence and insecurity stemming from clashes with rival military forces in April 2023.

So far, ERRs have reached more than four million civilians, bucking bureaucracy and finding innovative solutions.

UN News met with three young volunteers who visited UN Headquarters in New York to attend meetings with officials and actors in the humanitarian field.

The goal is simple: reach those facing the risk of death, famine, disease and difficulty obtaining drinking water, electricity and communication services.

Judges in the United States must be free to speak about important issues that threaten judicial independence or affect the administration of justice, an expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Monday.

Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite voiced serious concerns that a Supreme Court Justice in the state of North Carolina, Anita Earls, was investigated for comments made regarding the potential role that implicit biases based on race, gender, and political affiliation can play in the Court’s decision-making.

“Like other citizens, judges are entitled to freedom of expression, provided they conduct themselves in a way that preserves the dignity of their office, and the impartiality and independence of the judiciary,” she said.

“Judges should not face disciplinary investigations for speaking out on issues of vital public interest in a democratic society.”

Interview sparks investigation Justice Earls is the only African American woman justice, and one of two Democrats, on North Carolina’s highest court.

Middle East: Security Council meets on US strikes in Iraq and Syria The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting Monday afternoon at the request of Russia, as the war in Gaza continued to fan tensions across the Middle East, with potentially dramatic consequences for regional peace and security. The UN Political Affairs chief appealed for the Council to help prevent further escalation and ease tensions across the region.

The UN’s Political Affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed ambassadors first, warning that esclating attacks across Middle East fuel chances of miscalculation.

She said that as everyone in the diplomatic world is all too aware, “the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise.”

She said the Secretary-General António Guterres had repeatedly warned about the risk of further military escalation “and miscalculation” since the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October set the region aflame.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefs the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefs the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

“We have witnessed near daily incidents in the region. These include some 165 attacks on United States facilities in Syria and Iraq, prompting US strikes in the two countries”, Ms DiCarlo said.

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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Caricom - Regional Ferry Service Aims to Reduce Food Cost According to the investors, a proposed Caribbean ferry that would be run by the private sector would improve transportation, lower the cost of food imports into the region, and generate employment.

It was announced by the “Connect Caribe” ferry partnership that the project will move agricultural products, both heavy and light, throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

There would also be passenger service and more stations in the area.

By year’s end, Connect Caribe hopes to raise the US$50 million required to establish a cutting-edge regional freight and ferry service.

Three boats will eventually make up the project.

Among the vessels are an 800-person capacity big ferry, a passenger-carrying quick ferry, and a cargo ship that will first serve Barbados, Suriname, St. Vincent, and Saint Lucia before branching out to other nations.

The usual round-trip ticket, excluding different taxes and government levies, should be around $100 (US), according to information released during a news conference late last month.

The investors have made it clear that their project is unrelated to the plans of Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago to launch a new boat service between them.

Jamaicans Urged to Use Restorative Justice in Disputes The Ministry of Justice is encouraging Jamaicans to take advantage of the benefits of its Restorative Justice (RJ) programme, which seeks to heal.

The RJ process is geared towards conflict resolution by providing an opportunity for all parties involved in a matter to come together to reach an agreement.

Speaking at the Restorative Justice National Church Service at the New Beulah Moravian Church in Mandeville, on February 4, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Grace Ann Stewart McFarlane, noted that the process also recognises and promotes positive values, such as respect and compassion.

“Following a crime or harm, it involves providing avenues for victims, offenders and affected communities to discuss the causes, circumstances, and the impacts of

the crime. It also recognises that harm is a violation of individuals and relationships,” she said.

The service served as the official start to Restorative Justice Week, which lasts until Sunday, February 11, under the theme ‘Transformation, Peace and Harmony through Restorative Justice’.

Stewart McFarlane highlighted that rather than retributive action, RJ encourages meaningful engagement, accountability and opportunities for reparation and reintegration.

“This approach contributes to a justice system or conflict resolution mechanism that is accessible, compassionate, and fair. The Ministry of Justice urges every Jamaican to invest in justice that heals and [that] helps to restore broken relationships. Restorative justice is a free, accessible, convenient, and

effective tool for resolving conflicts and disputes, promoting peace and harmony,” the Permanent Secretary noted.

The Ministry operates 20 centres islandwide, staffed with parish and field restorative justice officers, supported by facilitators and community supporters who are trained and sensitised to the process.

“The restorative justice branch of the Ministry takes pride in delivering sensitisation and conducting case conferences, providing restorative practice workshops, and offering training to individuals interested in becoming restorative justice facilitators, restorative practice trainers and trainer of trainers. To reduce conflicts in our society, action is needed from all of us,” the Permanent Secretary said.

For more information on restorative justice or to locate the RJ centre nearest

to you, contact the Ministry of Justice by calling the toll-free number, 888-JUSTICE (587-8423), or visiting their website at moj.gov.jm.

Guyana Independent Management of Oil Account Needed The Natural Resource Fund, which Guyana uses to hold its oil earnings, needs to be managed independently if it is to have any hope of escaping the “resource” curse (NRF).

Global Energy Expert David Goldwyn presented this viewpoint. CNBC, the world’s premier network for financial and business news, recently interviewed him as one of the important stakeholders.

A Natural Resource Fund shouldn’t be thought of as a “silver bullet” or cure-all for the resource curse, according to Goldwyn, the president of Goldwyn Global Strategies, LLC (GGS), a worldwide energy advising group. The specialist in the field stated, “in order for Guyana to avoid the curse they

need to get to the next level. First, they have an NRF but they need independent management of that fund as Norway has.” He said that the Guyanese government should refrain from squandering money and instead have a long-term approach to projects.

He said that strengthening government management of oil and gas as well as all other industries that would see increased growth is another crucial method. For instance, he pointed out that Guyana must improve its capacity to oversee extremely big purchases, such as the billions that would be allotted for the nation’s roads and other vital infrastructure. Governments, according to Goldwyn, are not always eager to choose that course

since it is unpopular politically.

Still, he stated that “without that government capacity, (proper) accounting, and budget supervision, they are going to have a hard time managing that money well.” The energy specialist emphasized that the Guyanese government must direct a portion of the oil revenue toward aiding the underprivileged.

Overall, according to Goldwyn, Guyana would benefit greatly from the aforementioned in fending off the resource curse. For those who are not familiar with the phrase, the resource curse refers to the situation in which a nation suffers after discovering a resource in large amounts. To be frank the discovery has not improved the lot of people.

Local officials have stated that efforts are being made to escape the resource curse, despite worries raised by Goldwyn and others over the nation’s capacity to avoid it.

The administration is committed not to becoming unduly dependent on oil earnings, according to Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil sector Bharrat J agdeo. He also stated that some of the money is being used to guarantee the nation has a diverse economy. According to him, significant funds are being allocated to infrastructure, industry, health care, education, agriculture, and energy change.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

UWI School of Medicine to be Established in Guyana – President Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced that the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) School of Medicine has expressed interest in establishing a medical school in Guyana.

The President said that the School of Medicine would likely be located in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which would allow students from neighbouring Suriname to study there.

“When we launched the New Amsterdam Hospital, we said that in that facility we negotiated a building for teaching services and that message went out regionally and globally,” said Ali. He added, “Today, I’m pleased to inform you that the University of the West Indies School of Medicine has now approached us to be part of this vision in bringing their campus to Guyana and negotiations and discussions would have commenced.”

President Ali made the announcement as he was speaking at the commissioning of the Pathology lab at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to President Ali, negotiations and discussions on the issue have commenced.

“Importantly, in the negotiations, we are now working on ensuring that the rates are the same as local students in Trinidad and Tobago so there will be equity and quality matched together.” Acknowledging that the University of Guyana has its own School of Medicine, Ali remarked that “competition is a part of life and a necessity in improving quality.”

No date was provided for the establishment of the school since, according to the President Ali, discussions are continuing with UWI.

Haiti – Still Hopeful Even After Ruling Against Kenya Forces Coming The government of Haiti expressed optimism for a prompt and favorable resolution, after the decision by a Kenyan court to reject Nairobi’s proposal to send police personnel to bolster the security forces of the tumultuous island nation.

The government of Haiti has long asked for foreign assistance to address its escalating security situation, but the new verdict has cast doubt on the future of a multinational force backed by the UN. The United States and other countries who had previously ruled out deploying their soldiers on the ground applauded Kenya’s government’s recent statement that it was prepared to send up to 1,000 personnel.

In a recent release statement, the Haitian government announced that it was

“following developments in Kenya and expects a swift and positive outcome.”

The stamen also added that it would like to express gratitude to the various nations that offered assistance, “like to thank the many countries that have come forward to offer various types of aid to restore order and security as soon as possible.”

The Kenyan government has promised to appeal the decision of the high court.

President William Ruto of Kenya has referred to the project as a “mission for humanity,” in keeping with his nation’s long history of supporting peacekeeping efforts across the world.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Armed gangs have been waging bloody war on the country for years, destroying the public health and economic

systems in the process.

The nation descended into even more anarchy following President Jovenel Moise’s death in 2021. Since 2016, there have been no elections, and the president is still unfilled.

The international effort, which was first authorized over a year ago, has envisioned Kenyan police going on the attack with their colleagues from Haiti, who are overpowered and outgunned by gang members who roam the country.

Early in October, the mission received approval from the UN Security Council.

Haiti exhorted its people in the statement, “to remain calm, to support our security forces and not to allow themselves to be intimidated by disinformation campaigns and threats of violence.”

Jamaica- February 26th for Local Government Elections The date of the local government elections is set for February 26. The nomination day falls on February 8.

Desmond McKenzie, the Minister of Local Government, made the statement at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James seconds ago.

The venue was the Montego Bay Convention Center in St. James, where local government candidates for the Jamaica Labor Party were gathering.

Nomination Day must occur on at least

five distinct days following the announcement of an election, according to the Representation of the People Act. Election day must occur at least 16 days, but no later than 23 days, following nomination day, according to the legislation.

In Jamaica, local elections were last conducted on November 28, 2016.

The next elections, which are required by the constitution to be held every four years, occurred three months ahead of schedule in November 2020 owing to the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The Parliament decided to push back the deadline by an additional year in February 2021, thus they would now be due by February 27, 2022.

Nevertheless, there was a fourth postponement of the polls, and now the deadline is February 2023.

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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T& T – PM Rowley Meets FBI on International Crime Syndicates The prime minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, expressed grave alarm about the news that there are foreign criminal organizations “interested” in Trinidad and Tobago.

After spending three days in Washington, DC, Dr. Rowley was giving a speech at a media briefing at Whitehall. During his visit, he met with US authorities, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to him, he and his group had a meeting with FBI officials to discuss some “internal problems.”

PM Rowley noted, “We also met with officials of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). We do have some problems in Trinidad and Tobago here which I will not burden you with today…given the nature of our relationship with the United States, the resources of the FBI and the CIA were made available to us to deal with our own internal problems.”

He added, “we are now attracting elements

of international organized crime which is very concerning to the government of Trinidad and Tobago so we are discussing this with the United States to get as much help as we can in ensuring that our bad situation is not worsened by these developments…certain criminals are liking us and these are not small-timers.”

According to Dr. Rowley, they also had meetings with top representatives from the State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Department of Homeland Security.

Along with Dr. Rowley, other attendees at security briefings at Langley and the Pentagon were House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Dr. Philip Gordon, the Vice President’s national security advisor.

Additionally, he had meetings with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, President of Eximbank Reta Jo Lewis, and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

Melissa Dalton.

According to Dr. Rowley, there is also legislation in the works that addresses the trafficking of weapons between the United

States and the Caribbean, which may help lower the number of crimes using illicit firearms in the area.

Haiti – Judge Wants to Interview Wife of Slain President

According to a legal document released via a news press release, late last year, a Haitian judge looking into President Jovenel Moïse’s July 2021 killing issued an arrest warrant for the former president’s wife for not showing up for their scheduled meeting so he could question her about the case.

Judge Walther Voltaire, who is in charge of the longstanding investigation into the death at Jovenal Moïse’s private property, signed the order on October 25. According to the authorities, a gang of heavily armed individuals shot Moïse twelve times, injuring his wife, Martine Moïse.

The warrant was brief, only stating that Martine Moïse would be interviewed by authorities regarding the case. That is about all the detail in it.

It makes no mention of or implication of participation.

Martine Moïse was not immediately available for comment, but a Florida-based attorney for hers said he was attempting to get in touch with the lawyer.

People who were close to her did not respond

to messages.

Martine Moïse received medical attention at a Florida hospital after being evacuated there following the July 7, 2021, assassination.

Less than two weeks later, she unexpectedly made her way back to Haiti, shocking many.

She is said to have moved to the US since then and has occasionally written on X, the website that used to be known as Twitter, discussing the assassination.

She wrote in December that the “assassins… feel that their reign of impunity and untouchability seems to be coming to an end.”

She reiterated her demand last month for an international tribunal to look into the matter, stating, “Haiti stand up so that the social injustice done to the people can be repaired.”

Attorneys for Martine Moïse filed a complaint against the people suspected of the assassination in June of last year, requesting an undefined jury trial and damages.

Requests for comment from Voltaire, the judge overseeing the case, were not immediately answered.

He became the sixth judge to supervise the case when he was appointed in May 2022.

A judge who resigned the previous year claimed to be afraid for his life, while another quit the day after one of his subordinates passed away inexplicably.

More than forty individuals, including eighteen Colombian troops and at least twenty Haitian police officers, were detained in connection with the killings, but the case has essentially stagnated in Haiti.

In the meanwhile, several extradited suspects in the case are being tried by US authorities. Of the eleven suspects in Miami, four—including a former senator from Haiti and a retired officer from the Colombian army—have entered guilty pleas.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Barbados – Least Corrupt Country in Caricom

Transparency International says only Guyana and the Dominican Republic in the Americas have improved their Corruption Perception Index (CPI) scores over the past decade, while the others have either stagnated or significantly declined.

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and businesspeople on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). It analyses how injustice and corruption impact one another around the world. This year’s report will continue to compare levels of corruption over time, highlighting which countries have improved, regressed, or stagnated.

In its 2023 CPI report released here on Tuesday, Transparency International said Guyana and the Dominica Republic have improved their CPI scores over the past decade. All others have either stagnated or significantly worsened their scores In Jamaica, collusion among the powerful, as well as the overwhelming dominance of the executive over the legislature weakens the parliament’s oversight capacities, creating conditions ripe for abuse and corruption, Transparency International said.

“Additionally, the executive’s failure to close gaps in the governance framework weakens the pursuit of corruption cases involving organized crime and fosters impunity of high-level corrupt elites.”

Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua have the lowest scores in the region, with widespread impunity and lack of independence of the judiciary.

“Countries across the region should work towards having strong independent judiciaries to bring about accountability and justice,” said Luciana Torchiaro, the Americas Regional Advisor of Transparency International.

Torchiaro warned that not doing so “erodes the very foundation of democracy and the rule of law.

“The continued weakening of checks and balances will only foster impunity for both the influential and corrupt to the detriment of the general public and the collective welfare.”

Transparency International said that over two-thirds of the countries scored below 50 out of 100 “which strongly indicates that they have serious corruption problems.

“The global average is stuck at 43, while

the vast majority of countries have made no progress or declined in the last decade.

What is more, 23 countries fell to their lowest scores to date this year,” it added.

According to Transparency International, Barbados is ranked the highest among CARICOM countries with a rank of 24 and a score of 69, followed by The Bahamas at 30 with a score of 64.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is ranked 36 with a score of 60, followed by Dominica with a ranking of 42 and a score of 56, St Lucia 45th with a score of 55, and Grenada 49th with a score of 53.

Jamaica is ranked 69th with a score of 44, Trinidad and Tobago 76 with a score of 42,

Guyana 87th with a score of 40, the same as Suriname, while Haiti is ranked 172 with a score of 17.

Transparency International said in Latin America and the Caribbean, the lack of independence and transparency of the judiciary promotes corruption and the undue influence of political and economic elites.

“This renders many justice systems across the region incapable of applying the law effectively in an impartial manner or exercising their function as a check on other branches of government, which is fundamental for all well-functioning democracies.”

Jamaica – Weak in the Closing of Corruption Gap, Index Report

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Transparency International stated in its 2023 report, which was made public, that the legislature’s monitoring functions have been undermined by influential people’s cooperation and the executive branch’s overwhelming control over the legislature, which has made room for corruption and abuse.

It adds that the “executive’s failure to close gaps in the governance framework weakens the pursuit of corruption cases involving organized crime and fosters impunity of

high-level corrupt elites.”

Jamaica is ranked 69th out of 180 countries, and its CPI score is 44.

The best-ever CPI score in the nation is still 44, which was obtained in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Additionally, the nation was ranked #69 out of 180 in 2022, down from #70 in 2021.

When evaluating Jamaica, a score of zero indicates extreme corruption, while a score of 100 indicates extreme cleanliness.

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US Must Help Haiti says PM Rowley On February 2, T&T prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced that he had informed the US government of its need to make an effort to mediate the situation in Haiti.

Since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021, the nation has been overtaken by armed gangs and is further into a humanitarian catastrophe with rapes, kidnappings, murder, and starvation.

At Whitehall, Port of Spain, Dr. Rowley gave media an update on his recent trip to Washington, DC, where he had meetings with authorities, Vice President Kamala Harris among them.

The Caricom leaders were briefed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Haiti in The Bahamas in February of last year. Although the Kenyan government has promised to appeal, a Kenyan High Court judge banned Kenya’s commitment

to provide 1,000 police personnel to spearhead peacekeeping efforts in Haiti.

Rowley provided reporters with updates.

“As a leader in Caricom, the US raised with us our position on, and our involvement in, the calamitous situation in Haiti.”

He noted, “We have committed to working together to strengthen the international rules-based system. Today we acknowledge that Haiti does not have a single elected official.”

Among the Caricom republics, Haiti has the greatest population, and its current condition of affairs is worrying and humiliating, according to him.

Rowley claimed that during his visit, he had made it apparent that the US must take the lead in this area due to the circumstances in Haiti.

“The US cannot wash its hands of Haiti.”

PM Rowley urged democrats to cater to

the cries of the impoverished nation that struggles with gang violence, “If we are in fact the true democrats that we claim to be, we should be concerned that Haiti does not have even a semblance of democracy.

We cannot turn a blind eye to Haiti while trying to perfect Venezuela.”

“Trinidad and Tobago’s position at Caricom and with the US is that the current administration in Haiti needs to make room for the evolution of a trajectory towards an election timetable and an indication that any outside assistance to Haiti cannot be reasonably assumed to be a propping-up of the existing regime.”

He concluded, “That is Trinidad and Tobago’s position, and we made it very clear to the US, and I think they understand it, and Caricom understands it as well.”

Senator Kevin Parker Celebrates Senate Approval of Vital Legislation: The Bilingual

IDEAS WANTED

Brooklyn, NY- In a resounding victory for education equity and diversity, State Senator Kevin Parker proudly announces the successful passage of Bill S3408, The Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program.

This landmark legislation -- a key component of the comprehensive School and Education Diversity Package -- establishes a dedicated teacher recruitment and retention program aimed at attracting and retaining bilingual, certified teachers in areas of greatest need. Senator Parker expresses his profound satisfaction at the Senate’s endorsement of this crucial initiative.

In responding to this milestone Senator Parker said: “I am elated to share the momentous news of the Senate’s approval of The Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program. This legislation, a vital part of our broader School and Education Diversity Package and signifies a giant leap toward addressing disparities in our education system. By creating a specialized program to attract and retain bilingual teachers, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring that our schools reflect the diversity of

our communities. This is a monumental achievement for education equity and a testament to our commitment to providing all students with a well-rounded, culturally responsive learning experience.”

The Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program is integral to the School and Education Diversity Package designed to foster inclusivity and address the unique needs of diverse student populations. By actively recruiting and retaining bilingual teachers in areas where the need is greatest, the program seeks to bridge language and cultural gaps ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education for students in underserved communities.

This legislative success underscores Senator Parker’s unwavering dedication to championing policies that promote diversity and equity in education.

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Corruption a Real Problem for the Caribbean

In 1995 the corruption perception index was created as part of an international research product and became the leading global indicator of public sector corruption. The index offers an annual view of the relative degree of corruption by ranking countries and territories all over the globe. The CPI corruption perception index for 2024 has been published and the Caribbean countries have a real problem of corruption based on the research methodology of CPI. The CPI scores on a “on a scale from 100 (very clean) to 0 (highly corrupt)” which means a country with a score under 50 has serious corruption problems; unfortunately, for several decades now key Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana have been in the below 50. In fact, they are in the 40’s which indicates a serious problem and the consistency of the score over the decades would point to an inability of these countries to bring the issue of corruption under control; and so the question of corruption seems to be embedded in these countries which leads to a serious problem of economic development and of course a democratic government.

This poor scoring on CPI indicates that there is a lack of real control and in fact punishment for bribery and corruption and that the institutions that are geared to protect and respond to the needs of the citizens and the society, those institutions are not working properly hence huge violations and the question of ongoing corruption. The CPI score also suggests that

there is clear collusion between those that are in power and the powerful- those that are in power with respect to the government, executive and legislature, and those that are powerful in terms of businesses and their ability to control conditions.

These low scores also indicate some nepotism, fraud of course - we talked about bribery, kickbacks, clear conflict of interest and a corruption that seems to be normalized now in the Caribbean and is accepted with no outrage or protest by the citizens of these countries, and this is not to mention the outright mismanagement of public funds on projects and the awarding of unqualified contractors resulting in poor infrastructure, the corruption of influence, and of course political financiers, and it’s not unusual to find the gifting of public contracts to friends, girlfriends and family.

These are very sad indicators and it is time that something be done in an organized, sustained and deliberate method to bring this almost runaway corruption in these Caribbean countries into some form of control. The regional security system has made the point that gun violence that is taking such a heavy toll on our society with the tremendous loss of life, the tremendous impact on economic activities and of course the general psychology and trauma of the country is in fact related to some form of corruption, and that corruption has contributed considerably to the illegal gun problems in the Caribbean and corruption must be treated in order to deal with the vast number of firearms that

has invaded the very countries with the low CPI. The executive director of the RSS, Commodore Errington Shurland said – “I say corruption because I believe the only way these guns can get into the countries is through our borders and through individuals who facilitate such action ” so border security becomes a main issue who any robust attempt to bring down the violence and crime wave that is targeting these countries and has to be looked upon as part of the entire corruption scene. Businessmen and women have been complaining for years of the crime control in their business areas where protection money has to be paid, violence is the norm and has to be contended with and in an uneasy and business environment it is daunting, and large investment groups have to factor in corruption elements in doing business in these countries and so it is not a not a slight indicator that can be ignored and just go about everyday operation and activities, the corruption index is a carefully researched measurement of what it takes in a country to advance this society, develop democratic norms and have a smooth and healthy economic development model, and this is what Caribbean region and the Caribbean countries need now. It is also important to point out that there are countries in the Caribbean where this index is quite admirable- Barbados has the lowest level of corruption on CPI index and Barbados should be congratulated for that; and the region can start

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looking at the Barbados model to see what part of that needs to be adopted.

Barbados has a score of 69 which is admirable, followed by the Bahamas with a score of 64. Countries then need to bring about solid strengthening of checks and balances within the country, and to bring about general public awareness for the collective good. It is also very important that in these countries, the judiciary continues to be strong and independent and there can be an accounting to society because it is noted that in many of these low scoring countries of the Caribbean there is a lack of independence of the judiciary; the lack of a strong judiciary promotes corruption and the undue influence of political and economic elites; according to the Transparency International group, this lack of an independent judiciary “ renders many justice systems across the region incapable of applying the law effectively in an impartial manner or exercising their function as a check on other branches of government which is fundamental for all well- functioning democracies.”

The people of the countries ought to be aware of the danger and destruction of corruption, and CPI should be a measurement for all governments by the people as to their effectiveness in fighting corruption; a fight of corruption is for the people and the society and its well-being, not for the individuals.

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

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

CARIBNEWS

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NYC - $19 Billion Transformation of JFK Airport A Boost for Community

by Gregory W. Meeks and Donovan Richards, Jr.

As Queens natives, we take great pride in the fact that for over 75 years, JFK International Airport has been located in our borough, acting as the country’s gateway to the outside world. We have, however, felt more like the doormat than the gateway for far too many of those years.

JFK’s neighbors have suffered through decades of airplane noise over our houses and increasing traffic on our streets without receiving a fair share of the advantages brought about by an international gateway, like jobs and community investment.

It is with great pleasure that we can now announce that the $19 billion JFK reconstruction project will eventually benefit individuals who have endured the hardships of airport hosting. We co-chair the JFK Redevelopment Neighborhood Advisory Council, which has made the community around the airport an active

participant in the project rather than just a spectator.

Since the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established the Community Advisory Council in October 2018, we have collaborated closely with the Port Authority and the private terminal developers to guarantee that our formerly marginalized communities are given equal access to economic opportunities.

The Community Advisory Council, which is made up of local elected officials, community board members, clergy, and leaders in the business and civic sectors, identified opportunities to maximize the historic investment being made at the airport for the benefit of local businesses and residents in the neighborhoods closest to JFK while minimizing the negative effects of construction on our communities.

They are no longer merely objectives. We can announce concrete accomplishments as we collaborate with our airport partners: Over 400 MWBE companies have received over $2 billion in contracts from JFK to far, with approximately $800 million going to Queens-based companies. We anticipate that these figures will rise as the airport will be under construction until 2028.

The Aviation and Aeronautics Academy was established by the Port Authority and

the terminal developers in partnership with York College. Over four years, more than 2,500 children in grades 1 through 12 will participate in STEM programs. Last autumn, the first 300 students came.

Over 1,000 individuals were placed in construction positions at the airport and over 1,100 people in operations roles— nearly 600 of whom were Queens residents—as a consequence of our efforts to connect job seekers in the neighborhood with opportunities.

Individuals with criminal justice records were able to find employment through a second-chance employment program.

Hiring more than 60 workers in 2023 is essential to lowering the recidivism rate.

We prepared the first group of local company owners to compete for opening eateries and retail stores in the new terminals by graduating them from the Institute of Concessions a few months ago.

With the help of the Port Authority’s construction support facility, which will reduce the number of truck trips on local roadways by over 300,000, we were able to mitigate the negative effects of construction on our neighborhoods.

We have insisted that our neighborhoods must be included in a project worth close to $20 billion as co-chairs of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council. The goal here is to make sure that

the communities that have traditionally been excluded from discussions are present at the table.

We have discussed a community-led vision at every stage of this project, and we are witnessing the fruits of those discussions materialize in the form of a brandnew, top-notch airport that will benefit our towns and the surrounding area. We urge everyone who is a part of our community growth to continue to be more involved, including our neighbors. We anticipate that the Community Advisory Council will become a national model for community involvement in economic growth initiatives that prioritize local and regional development.

Biden-Harris Administration Take Steps to Address Racial Wage Gap

by Stacy M. Brown

Taraji P. Henson’s powerful statement that highlighted the glaring wage disparities faced by Black women in Hollywood perhaps pales in comparison to the meager salaries those in America’s workforce historically contend with. And on January 29, the anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled comprehensive measures to tackle persistent gender and racial wage gaps in the United States.

Henson recently emphasized the inequities, stating that “the math ain’t mathing” when it comes to the disproportionate pay differences for Black women in the entertainment industry. Her poignant observation underscored the broader issue of unequal pay in that industry. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed their commitment to equal pay as a fundamental component of their mission to ensure fairness and opportunity for all workers by observing the law that Barack Obama signed in 2009.

The administration said it recognized that women are paid, on average, only 77 cents for every dollar paid to men. The wage gap is even more pronounced for women of color, where African Americans earn only 64 cents and Latina women earn a mere 55 cents for each dollar earned by their male counterparts.

Obama’s legislation, signed on January 29, 2009, responded to the Supreme Court’s decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., which stripped protections against pay discrimination.

“The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act reinstates prior law and emphasizes that pay discrimination claims based on sex, race, national origin, age, religion, and disability ‘accrue’ whenever an employee receives a discriminatory paycheck,” Biden remarked. “This is a crucial step in rectifying historical injustices and creating a fairer future for all.”

Building on the law’s foundation, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is

finalizing a rule to eliminate the consideration of an individual’s current or past pay when determining federal employee salaries. Simultaneously, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council proposes measures to prohibit federal contractors from seeking and considering applicants’ compensation history during the hiring process.

“The wage disparities faced by women, particularly women of color, are not just statistics; they represent real challenges that demand real solutions,” Harris emphasized. “Our actions today are a commitment to building a more equitable future.”

The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will also provide guidance to clarify existing protections against discrimination in hiring or pay decisions for federal contractors.

“Today’s announcements build on our commitment to closing wage gaps, creat-

ing a fairer economy, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender or race,” Biden declared.

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CARIBAROUND

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

CARIBAROUND

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

‘MLK/X’ Fuller Understanding of the Two Icons

The legacies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are closely associated with many African Americans. However, the only encounter between the two individuals that is known to exist was an accidental one on March 26, 1964. The two briefly crossed paths during the Senate’s continuous discussion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and they posed for the few pictures that have been taken of them together.

Malcolm X would die in less than a year, and King would die three years later. They remain significant personalities in our history even after sixty years. And Season 4 of National Geographic’s critically acclaimed “Genius” series, “MLK/X,” which stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, delves deeply into the reasons for it.

The dual approach differs from the series’ sole emphasis, which has emphasized Aretha Franklin, Pablo Picasso, and Albert Einstein. Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood, a power couple in Hollywood, spearheaded the series’ attempt to tackle the genius of King and Malcolm X at the same time. One essential model for the series is the play “The Meeting,” which aired on PBS’s esteemed “American Playhouse” the year 1989. The playwright of the fictional encounter of the two titans, Jeff Stetson, serves as executive producer. The series’ showrunners are Damione Macedon and Raphael Jackson Jr., whose credits include the Starz series “Power.”

“Woman King” director Prince-Bythewood noted, “So often we’re asked to choose between Dr. King and Malcolm X, and so many of us don’t realize that they’re really two sides of the same coin.”

Both men felt that Black people in our nation were not treated fairly, but they approached the pursuit of justice in different ways. King adopted a nonviolent attitude and approach, while the Nation of Islam pastor supported the use of force in self-defense. He even demonized white people in his early support of Black nationalism, autonomy, and independence.

King, on the other hand, was seen as an integrationist who thought that Black and White people might work together to correct those injustices and eventually coexist.

Prince-Bythewood added, “They both had the same objective.”

He added, “They were just going about it

differently. Yet, towards the end of their lives, they were so much more alike than separate and really coming together. That iconic picture was really our jumping-off point of the two of their first and only meeting. So we really wanted to show the importance of both men and to take the villainization off of Malcolm X.” Additionally, Prince-Bythewood mentioned that they aimed to highlight Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King’s, “importance in not just their husbands’ lives, but the movement itself.”

The degree of historical authenticity in the series was chosen on purpose. Bythewood claimed to have brought together a “think tank” of academics and activists, among them historian Peniel E. Joseph, the author of the highly regarded “The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.,” and, among other others, Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the eldest child of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz.

Bythewood, who recently starred in NBA legend Kevin Durant’s AAU basketball series “Swagger” on Apple TV, stated that he and Prince-Bythewood didn’t want to only depend on historical accounts.

Bythewood remarked, “It’s also just really amazing to just get certain things from their personal lives, just little nuances that a lot of us didn’t know.” “There were just very specific things in their personal lives that really helped shape who they are.”

Actors Harrison and Pierre both drew on personal experience and history to bring these two iconic figures to life. The native of New Orleans, Harrison attributes his ability to relate to King more deeply than reading a book to his time spent in Atlanta, the home state of the civil rights activist.

“That helped me in such a real way and gave me such a close proximity to the truth, a close proximity to the excitement and the fire and the passion and the spirituality,” Harrison noted.

Reading gave British performer Pierre a sense of stability. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley” in addition to Joseph’s book “watching the Malcolm X documentary that was guided by Dr. Betty Shabazz, watching endless footage of speeches and panels and interviews.” He also gained an understanding of Malcolm X as a person by living in New York.

Pierre strolled around Harlem, passing by Temple No. 7 and stopping at the site of Malcolm X’s assassination, which was once the Audubon Ballroom. “That was such a beautiful experience just to embrace that energy, feel empowered by that energy, and it fueled me to really go and embark on this massive journey with a lot of love and confidence,” Pierre noted.

Pierre claimed that rather than crumbling under the weight of trying to emulate the role played by his particular hero, Denzel Washington, in the 1992 movie “Malcolm X,” he turned within to create his own version. Additionally, he had the honor of collaborating closely with the multi-award winning actor Ron Cephas Jones, whose final performance was as Elijah Muhammad in “This Is Us.” “Not only was he so generous from an artistic standpoint of imparting advice and guidance in that respect, but he was also incredibly open with me, like an on-set father to me, in giving me personal insight and personal advice and guidance,” Pierre noted. “I’m deeply grateful for him.”

Both Jayme Lawson, who portrays Betty Shabazz and has portrayed Michelle Obama in “The First Lady” and Myrlie Evers in “Until,” and Weruche Opia, a British-Nigerian actor from “I May Destroy You,” who plays Coretta Scott King, expressed that they welcomed the challenge of their parts.

Lawson expressed her happiness at showcasing Shabazz and her husband’s closeness, saying in particular “how giddy she was for Malcolm.” In a society where Black women are frequently seen as simply “these strong, resilient, stoic women,” She claimed that finding out he was a “safe space” where she could express “the fullness of our womanhood, the girlish smiles” privately with him.

“He was impressed by the way in which she saw him,” Lawson added. “Everybody else saw this great man of a movement or ascending in a movement, but she saw him.”

She, in turn, saw to it that he ate and took care of himself, giving him the strength he needed to resist being crushed beneath that burden.

Opia discovered another side to King’s superior. “Coretta Scott King definitely did a lot more than the world tells us she did.

I was ashamed that I didn’t know that, but here we are at this point and I’m correcting it by retelling the information I found out,” Opia said. “I don’t want anyone not to know who she is anymore.”

Prince-Bythewood refers to these famous spouses and wives as “the Big Four,” and one of their primary objectives was to “take them off the pedestal and make them real for audiences to connect with.”

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CARIBNEWS

Grenada 50th Message From Sandals Resorts Executive

Greetings from Sandals Resorts!

It is with great pleasure and sincere congratulations that I extend our heartfelt best wishes to the beautiful Island of Grenada on the joyous occasion of its 50th year of independence.

This remarkable milestone is a testament to the resilience, spirit, and rich cultural heritage of the Grenadian people. As Grenada celebrates five decades of sovereignty, we at Sandals Resorts join in the celebration, acknowledging the island’s incredible journey and achievements over the years.

Grenada, with its enthralling, exotic allure, stands out as one of the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations. From the stunning beaches and majestic waterfalls to the lush rainforests and scenic mountain lakes, Grenada

is a tapestry of natural wonders that never fails to mesmerize. It is a privilege for us at Sandals Resorts to be a part of the Grenadian experience and share in this significant milestone.

Grenada’s allure is undeniable, and we have witnessed firsthand the joy and satisfaction that our guests experience during their stay. The island’s hospitality, combined with its natural splendors, creates an enchanting atmosphere that lingers in the hearts of those fortunate enough to explore its wonders.

As Grenada embarks on the next chapter of its history, we extend our best wishes for continued prosperity, peace, and success. May the celebrations marking this significant anniversary be filled with joy, reflection, and a deep sense of pride for all Grenadians.

Once again, congratulations to the people of Grenada on this golden jubilee of independence. We look forward to many more years of partnership and collaboration as we continue to showcase the beauty and charm of this remarkable island to the world.

Lots of love, Gary C. Sadler, O.D, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations, Unique Vacations, Inc. Affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

CARIBBRIEFS

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Barbuda – Environment Earthquake Rattles Legal Fight Against Wealthy Trinidad A recent judicial battle over environmental issues has broken out in Barbuda between affluent foreigners and incensed locals over plans to develop the Caribbean Island with government backing for the construction of two private houses inside a national park.

The government of Trinidad country of Antigua and Barbuda was sued recently

by George Jeffery, a local tour guide and fisherman, and the NGO Global Legal Action Network, both headquartered in the United Kingdom.

The high-end development was granted by the island’s Development Control Author-

ity, even though the idea was twice rejected by the national environmental agency.

This is why the complaint aims to revoke the building permission.

Following up on a previous lawsuit, Barbudan locals and Global Legal Action Network are fighting the development of hundreds of opulent homes, an 18-hole golf course, a beach club, and a natural gas storage facility on almost 600 acres (240 hectares) of protected marsh in Barbuda.

The director of Global Legal Action Network, Gearóid Ó Cuinn, stated in the latest case...

Continued on www.nycaribnews.com

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 rocked Trinidad on Monday night but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) Unit at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said the quake, the second in the last three days, occurred at 10.18 (local time), while many people were attending various activities as the Carnival celebrations continue here.

Many people took to social media to report feeling the quake, while others said they were unaware until they were told by friends.

The SRC said that the quake was located at Latitude: 11.01N, Longitude: 62.06W at a depth of 32 kilometers.

It was felt 72 kilometers north west of the in the capital, Port Of Spain, 95 kilometers north west of Arima, east of here and 107 kilometers north west in San Fernando...

Grenada Records Several Variants of Covid-19 ST GEORGE’S – Grenada has become the latest Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to register cases of the several variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said that the island had recorded

cases of the JN.1, JN.5 and JG.3 COVID-19 variants.

The Epidemiology Surveillance report, noted that there are 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the period January 21-27.

“This is the first time that these have been identified by CMML

UWI – Prof. Justin Robinson to Head Five Islands Campus Professor C. Justin Robinson was formally sworn in as the new pro-vice-chancellor and principal of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Five Islands Campus during an induction ceremony.

The event, which was full of heartfelt, modest, and thankful moments, was a critical turning point for Eastern Caribbean academia. Professor Robinson began his speech to the audience by jokingly reflecting on his nerves and drawing a comparison to his wedding day 22 years

prior when he last wore a matching suit.

The experienced educator revealed his intense love for West Indies cricket and linked his team’s success to any potential cardiac issues in the future. In his overview of the Five Islands Campus, Professor Robinson emphasized the value of quality, innovation, and knowledge.

He emphasized the institution’s ability to subvert ideas of educational elitism and recognized its special status as the first landed campus in the Eastern Caribbean.

T&T – Cro Cro to Pay for Defamation of Businessman Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins, a calypsonian, has been sentenced to pay $250,000 in damages after defaming businessman Inshan Ishmael in one of his songs. Judge Frank Seepersad recently rendered the decision in a ruling at the Water-front Judicial Center in Port of Spain.

On February 5, 2023, Cro Cro was charged with defaming Ishmael after singing a calypso called “Another Sat is Out-side Again” on stage, which was purportedly named after Ishmael.

Ishmael stated unequivocally at a hearing

held last December that Rawlins had been “singing” about him in the calypso.

According to him, the song openly called him out, identified him, and denigrated him while urging listeners to verbally and physically... assault him and to stop supporting his companies financially.

Gilbert Peterson, SC, the primary counsel for Rawlins, cross-examined Ishmael during the proceedings.

Peterson indicated that his client was generalizing a situation rather than singing specifically about Ishmael.

(CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory) for Grenada,” said the report which is prepared by the Epidemiology Unit in the Ministry of Health.

According to the World Health Organization, these variants are subvariant of the Omicron COVID-19

variant and change their genetic code specifically in the spike protein region.

Besides COVID-19, the other outbreaks in Grenada are Dengue Fever and Acute Respiratory Infection.

CARIBHEALTH

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Receives $1.1M from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso Brooklyn, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced that Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso allocated $1.1 million of his Fiscal Year 2024 capital funding to support necessary infrastructure improvements and enhance patient services. This funding will provide necessary upgrades to various Gotham Health sites in Brooklyn, including replacing outdated (end-of-life) ultrasound machines at Gotham Health, Cumberland and Williamsburg and new ophthalmology equipment at Gotham Health, East New York.

“Brooklyn President Antonio Reynoso’s contribution represents hope, compassion, and a shared vision of a community where everyone thrives in good health,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health CEO Michelle Lewis. “On behalf of Gotham Health and the countless community members and patients who will benefit, I extend our most heartfelt thanks to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

“Gotham Health is essential to the health of Brooklyn, providing high-quality preventative care that strives

to chip away at decades of inequities in the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “It’s my honor to boost the vital services provided at Gotham Health with a $1.1 million investment into brand new equipment and improved infrastructure. As I continue to prioritize maternal health in Brooklyn, I’m particularly excited that some of this funding will be going toward state-ofthe-art ultrasounds that will support healthy pregnancies among Brooklynites. Thank you to the Gotham Health community for the incredible work they do to care for our residents and families.”

“Thank you to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso for his unwavering support and advocacy for Gotham Health,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Chief of Infrastructure and Support Services Officer Roman Ryniewski. “With this support, we are not just supporting medical sites; we are establishing hubs of wellness and care.”

Settlement Approved in $5,035,000 Case for Home Health Aides

New York, NY – On January 31, 2024, Federal Court Judge Stewart D. Aaron of the Southern District of New York granted final approval of a $5,035,000 settlement for home health aides who worked for Avondale Care Group, LLC. Plaintiffs are represented by Getman, Sweeney & Dunn and Bohrer Brady.

The case was brought by three home health aides who worked 24-hour shifts for Avondale Care Group, LLC. The home health aides alleged that Avondale paid them for only 13 hours of a 24-hour shift and deducted time for 3 one-hour meal breaks and an eight-hour sleep period, even though they had to work through their breaks in order to care for their patients. Plaintiffs also brought claims under New York State Labor Laws. Avondale denies these claims and the case was settled without an admission of liability.

This settlement means that over 700 home health aides will receive back pay.

Home health aides are primarily women and immigrants who are typically paid the minimum wage, despite their important

work. The settlement not only provides financial redress for the home health aides, but it also sends a message to the industry about holding employers accountable.

“We commend the strength and the courage of the plaintiffs who stepped up to seek justice for themselves and for other home health aides,” said attorney Matt Dunn.

“All workers deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.”

The home health aide industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. with over 600,000 home health aides nationwide. There are rampant pay violations throughout the home health care industry.

“Home health aides are the backbone of the care network that so many of us must rely on to take care of our sick or elderly family members when we cannot,” says Karen Kithan Yau, lead attorney for plaintiffs. “And yet the agencies that employ them pay the home health aides for only 13 hours but expect them to work through their meal and sleep breaks during 24hour shifts. That is not only unlawful; it is unjust.”

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CARIBA&E

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Jamaica – Bob Marley Movie Premiere Brought Billions in Media Exposure

The Jamaican premiere of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’, which was held at Carib 5 on January 23, has already generated billions of dollars in media value for the country, says President of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Shullette Cox. “Within the first 12 hours of the premiere, based on numbers that I have seen, the premiere generated over a million pounds in the United Kingdom (UK) and in the first 24 hours, $1.9 billion in the United States of America (USA),” she said.

“We haven’t measured what happened after the London premiere, and the Hollywood premiere hasn’t happened yet; that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure Minister [of Tourism, Edmund] Bartlett would be very happy because a lot of that is going to translate into people that now want to visit the place where these stories are told,” she said.

The JAMPRO President was speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (January 31).

Bob Marley: One Love is a biopic of late reggae legend, Robert “Nesta” Marley, and was filmed, in part, in Jamaica.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, in her remarks, hailed the film as a reminder of the power of the telling of stories of the Jamaican people.

“Jamaicans everywhere watched proudly as the premiere unfolded and are even now looking forward to its global public opening on February 14. The premiere of Bob Marley: One Love is a testament to the value of investing in the creative sector,” Ms. Grange added.

The Minister commended all stakeholders involved in the launch of the JSDI, which is expected to be a key pillar in the growth of the local film industry by offering support to Jamaican-made screen-based productions.

Pointing out that Jamaica is already an “unparalleled global brand”, Minister Grange noted that the JSDI is aimed at alleviating the chronic gaps local filmmakers

have in getting scripts written, films distributed, and having their stories funded.

“Perhaps, now, we can join India’s Bollywood, Nigeria’s Nollywood and create Jamaica’s own film industry – Jollywood,” she said.

Julian Marley and Antaeus Win Grammy for Best Reggae Album

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SoSOBONE.com

Julian Marley and Antaeus have won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album of their album Colors of Royal at the 66th GRAMMY Awards. The Grammy statuette was accepted by Alexx Antaeus, as Julian Marley was performing at the same time as the Grammys at the Jammin Reggae Festival in Australia.

Upon accepting the award, Antaeus said, “I dedicate this award to the people of Jamaica who have accepted me as their own, and have lived up to the island’s motto: OUT OF MANY ONE. Reggae and Dancehall have had a significant impact on Afrobeats, Reggaeton and Pop, and we will continue our efforts to bring Jamaican artists to the attention of the world.”

Colors of Royal is an exciting departure from Julian Marley’s previous roots-reggae offerings, and showcases his versatility as an artist. The album is a testament to the

power of collaboration, as Marley and Antaeus have blended their unique styles and influences to create something extraordinary. Colors of Royal showcases a kaleidoscope of sounds and invites listeners to both think about the state of our world today and, at the same time, appreciate and enjoy Life.

The 8-track collection, features production work from Alexx Antaeus (Earth, Wind & Fire, Rolling Stones,Yaksta), Notnice (Popcaan, Spice, Vybz Kartel), Mr. Sonic (Santana, Ricky Martin, Jon Secada), Sean Alaric (Teyana Taylor, Koffee, Protoje), and Prince Productions (Waka Flocka Flame, French Montana). The album was mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Alex Psaroudakis.

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Jamaican Dominique Silvera: Leading the Way in Real Estate with the Pinnacle Development Dominique Silvera has assumed the role of Marketing and Sales Leader for a prestigious luxury residential district overlooking Montego Bay in Jamaica, following her appointment by real estate developers LCH Developments Limited in December 2022.

As a Jamaican national, Dominique brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having served as the principal of Barbados Luxury Listings and as the Christies International Real Estate Affiliate for Barbados.

With over 25 years of expertise in Sales and Marketing, she has held executive management roles with renowned global brands throughout her career.

Prior to launching Barbados Luxury Listings, Dominique served as the Vice President of marketing and business development for Christie’s International Real Estate Barbados.

Dominique’s involvement with The Pinnacle project began at its inception, where she played a pivotal role in naming the development and assembling a world-class team to oversee its design and development stages.

Under her leadership, the project has set new standards in real estate marketing in Jamaica,

elevating its brand and market presence.

Carib News recently had the opportunity to speak with Dominique about the upcoming development in Jamaica, and her insights were nothing short of remarkable. With her extensive knowledge and expertise as a luxury consultant, Dominique effortlessly addressed every question posed to her, showcasing her exceptional skills and understanding of the industry.

She says “This extraordinary new lifestyle destination should be a catalyst for change and opportunity in the area and set a benchmark not only for Jamaica but for the idea region. We are raising the bar and I am thrilled to be part of it”.

Notably, Dominique is part of a diverse group of women involved in the project, each carefully selected to ensure its success from a woman’s perspective. Her contributions highlight her commitment to excellence and innovation in the real estate sector, making her a standout leader in her field.

She is proud of this project and specifically

Discover More Sunshine With Delta: New Routes

PUERTO PLATA Beginning Nov. 23, Delta’s new daily service to Puerto Plata (POP) from Atlanta will allow customers to explore the historic Fort of San Felipe and vibrant Amber Cove. For travelers looking to relax and unwind, look no further than the golden beaches of Playa Dorada.

Good news for customers craving warm-weather getaways: Delta is boosting its flights to Latin America and the Caribbean next winter, launching service from its Atlanta, New YorkJFK and Minneapolis/St. Paul hubs to Barbados, Puerto Plata and Mazatlán. The airline is also adding more flights to Curaçao.

“Delta is establishing vital connections from Atlanta and across the U.S. that allow our customers to reach their dream vacation destinations with ease,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning.

“This latest schedule gives travelers unparalleled choice, with up to 1,000 weekly flights to distinctive places throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Delta will serve a total of 50 cities in Latin America and the Caribbean next winter. Linking these destinations to Delta’s hubs in ATL, JFK, and MSP allows for connecting access from nearly 200 cities around the world.

BARBADOS Delta will launch daily service from Atlanta to Barbados (BGI) Nov. 23 and Saturday-only flights to BGI from New York-JFK beginning Dec. 21. From exploring the historic sites in Bridgetown to savoring the island’s delectable cuisine, customers can rediscover the vibrant culture and pristine beaches that make Barbados extraordinary.

MAZATLÁN Delta will introduce three-times-weekly service from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Mazatlán, Mexico (MZT), starting Dec. 21. From the iconic Malecón to the picturesque Old Town, customers can savor a taste of Mexico’s Pacific Coast like no other.

EVEN MORE CURAÇAO In response to booming demand for Curaçao’s colorful architecture, crystal-clear waters and rich culinary scene, Delta is also increasing flights from Atlanta from Saturday-only to daily service beginning Nov. 23.

AN ELEVATED VACATION EXPERIENCE Customers who are ready to book their vacation to Latin America or the Caribbean can do so through Delta Vacations. With elevated vacation experiences designed especially for SkyMiles Members, Delta Vacations offers flights and curated hotels, rides and activities for every traveler. And, new in 2024, SkyMiles Members will earn miles, earn even more toward Medallion Status and can use miles to pay for some or all of their trip.

All of the new and expanded routes will operate on Delta’s Boeing 737-800, offering First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options. Customers will soon enjoy an improved premium experience on this aircraft as Delta’s newest First Class seat – along with a range of other updates and enhancements – begins rolling out.

the owners. She shared, “A lot of times what happens in Jamaica is that you see big developments come along, and you know people come into the island and bring their team with them. However, these are Chinese Jamaicans. They’ve lived there for 18 years and they didn’t look outside of their shores for their team. They found an entire team within Jamaica to lead the project, so I think that says a lot about them as to why Jamaica and how they’ve not just chosen Jamaica, but they’ve chosen Jamaican people.”

It should be noted here that the project architect and COO are also Jamaican women.

In conclusion, Dominique Silvera’s appointment underscores her exceptional talent and dedication to shaping the future of luxury real estate in Jamaica. With her leadership, The Pinnacle project is poised for unparalleled success, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.

Dominique is a Graduate from The University of Western Ontario, London Ontario Canada, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Business Administration. She is a Caricom Skilled

National and Canadian Citizen and has been residing in Barbados for over Ten years.

The Pinnacle is due to launch in January 2024 and includes apartments, villas and penthouses with a private club and spa, alongside sports amenities, boutique shopping and a small marina.

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CARIBBUSINESS

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NYS – Attorney General Takes on Citibank Fraud Protection

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Citibank, N.A. (Citi) for failing to protect and refusing to reimburse victims of fraud. The lawsuit alleges that Citi does not implement strong online protections to stop unauthorized account takeovers, misleads account holders about their rights after their accounts are hacked and funds are stolen, and illegally denies reimbursement to victims of fraud. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has found that the bank failed to respond to fraudulent activity appropriately and quickly. As a result of Citi’s lax security, New York customers have lost millions of dollars, and in some instances, their entire life savings, to scammers and hackers. Attorney General James is seeking to hold Citi accountable for failing to protect its customers and require the company to pay back defrauded New Yorkers with interest, pay penalties, and adopt enhanced anti-fraud defenses to prevent scammers from stealing consumers’ funds.

“Banks are supposed to be the safest place to keep money, yet Citi’s negligence has allowed scammers to steal millions of dollars from hardworking people,” said Attorney General James. “Many New Yorkers rely on online banking to pay bills or save for big milestones, and if a bank cannot secure its customers’ accounts, they are failing in their most basic duty. There is no excuse for Citi’s failure to protect and prevent millions of dollars from being stolen from customers’ accounts and my office will not write off illegal behavior from big banks.”

Harm to New York Customers Citi is one of the largest banks in the United

States and maintains checking and savings accounts for millions of consumers nationwide, including through online and mobile banking. The lawsuit alleges that scammers are able to steal tens of thousands of dollars from Citi customers because the bank does not implement strong data security and anti-breach practices. As a result of Citi’s lax security protocols and procedures, ineffective monitoring systems, and failure to respond in real-time and properly investigate fraud claims, New Yorkers have lost millions to scammers. Customers have lost their life savings, their children’s college funds, or even money needed to support their day-to-day lives as a result of Citi’s illegal and deceptive acts and practices.

One New Yorker had $40,000 stolen from her retirement savings account. In October 2021, the customer received a text message that appeared to be from Citi instructing her to log onto a website or call her local branch. The customer clicked the link in the message but did not provide additional information as requested in the text message. Afterwards, the customer called her local branch to report the suspicious activity but was told not to worry about it. Three days later, the customer discovered that a scammer changed her banking password, enrolled in online wire transfers, transferred $70,000 from her savings to her checking account, and then electronically executed a $40,000 wire transfer, none of which was consistent with her past account activity. For weeks, the customer continued to contact the bank and submit affidavits, but in the end, she was told that her claim for fraud was denied.

Another New Yorker had $35,000 stolen from her account. She was reviewing her online account and found a message that her account had been suspended and was instructed to call a phone number. She called the number provided and a scammer told her that he would send her Citi codes to verify recent suspicious activity. The scammer then transferred all of the money in the customer’s three savings accounts into her checking account, changed her online passwords, and attempted a $35,000

wire transfer. Citi attempted to verify the wire transfer by calling the customer, but she was working and did not see the call at the time. Less than an hour later, the scammer attempted another $35,000 wire transfer, which Citi approved without ever having made direct contact with the customer. She lost nearly everything she had saved, and Citi refused to reimburse her.

Insufficient Online Banking Security The OAG found that Citi’s systems do not respond effectively to red flags, such as scammers who are using unrecognized devices, are accessing accounts from new locations, or are changing banking passwords or usernames. Additionally, Citi systems do not flag and stop efforts to transfer funds from multiple accounts into a single account and then send tens of thousands of dollars out the door in minutes. Citi also does not automatically initiate investigations or report fraudulent activity to police or law enforcement authorities when consumers first report it to Citi.

In addition, Citi fails to appropriately respond to notifications of fraud by its customers. When victims contact the bank to report fraud, Citi leaves them on lengthy telephone holds, allowing scammers to continue their fraud. Additionally, Citi does not implement sufficient measures to protect consumers from future unauthorized transactions until they visit a local branch. Citi representatives falsely told consumers that their accounts were secure and often promised that their money would be returned, although the bank did not take immediate steps to recover stolen funds.

Citi also falsely tells consumers that they need to visit local branches and execute special affidavits detailing the scams that led to their losses — information Citi then used to blame consumers and deny their claims.

Attorney General James alleges that because Citi makes wire transfers available to consumers online and through mobile banking apps, Citi must reimburse victims of fraud under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), similar to when banks reimburse victims of electronic credit or debit card fraud. Under EFTA, banks such as Citi

are required to reimburse their customers for money in their accounts that is lost or stolen through unauthorized electronic payments. However, Citi illegally exploited a narrow exception in these laws to deny consumer claims for reimbursement, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for New York consumers. Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to stop Citi’s deceptive practices and to collect restitution for victims who were denied reimbursement in the last six years, penalties, and disgorgement.

Attorney General James encourages all consumers who have lost money to scammers who hacked into their online or mobile banking, whether the bank accounts were with Citi or any other bank, to report their experiences to OAG’s Consumer Frauds Bureau.

Today’s lawsuit is the latest action by Attorney General James to hold big banks accountable. Last month, Attorney General James led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting letters to the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging both agencies to ensure that national banks cooperate with investigations being conducted by state attorneys general. In April 2022, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition of attorneys general in calling on the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo to eliminate all overdraft fees on consumer bank accounts.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Chris Filburn with the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.

The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Jane Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Levine and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Jamaica - February 26th for Local Government Elections The date of the local government elections is set for February 26. The nomination day falls on February 8.

Desmond McKenzie, the Minister of Local Government, made the statement at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James seconds ago.

The venue was the Montego Bay Convention Center in St. James, where local government candidates for the Jamaica Labor Party were gathering.

Nomination Day must occur on at least

five distinct days following the announcement of an election, according to the Representation of the People Act. Election day must occur at least 16 days, but no later than 23 days, following nomination day, according to the legislation.

In Jamaica, local elections were last conducted on November 28, 2016.

The next elections, which are required by the constitution to be held every four years, occurred three months ahead of

schedule in November 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Parliament decided to push back the deadline by an additional year in February 2021, thus they would now be due by February 27, 2022.

Nevertheless, there was a fourth postponement of the polls, and now the deadline is February 2023.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2024

T&T – Adidas Trini Carnival Inspired Collection Amid Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season, the Adidas Forum Mid shoe line was just unveiled, with local fashion designer Anya Ayoung-Chee spearheading the design.

The teal-colored and gold metallic Adidas midtop shoe, which is trending on social media, was created in collaboration with AyoungChee, who was instrumental in its design.

The local designer and the US-based School for Experiential Education in Design (SEED), in association with Pensole Design Academy, worked together to portray the tale of Carnival.

The sneakers cost US$160 and can be purchased on the Adidas website.

Adidas slides from the collection were also made available; they cost US$70.

The slides and shoes are a part of a larger line that also includes jewelry and clothes.

Ayoung-Chee conveyed her amazement at the event and her feelings about the local reception so far in an interview with a local newspaper.

Ayoung-Chee explained her connection with the Los Angeles-based SEED program, stating that the group assists gifted African American women in pursuing their goals in design.

With Ayoung-Chee serving as a consultant to ensure that the collection’s design captured

the genuine spirit of Carnival, the team of six women in this SEED program cohort had the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Carnival culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ayoung-Chee told the Express that the effort started when she was approached approximately two years ago to work on it by Cheresse Thornhill, the director of SEED, Design Education and Growth.

The driving force behind the endeavor is Thornhill, an American with Trini ancestry.

During the conversation, Ayoung-Chee commended Thornhill and the group of ladies, underscoring the team’s abundance of skill and hard effort. According to Ayoung-Chee, Bruce Cayonne, the resident artist in the area, was also a factor in the equation.

She pointed out that this preparedness makes it easier for women to get jobs in the field - “So, basically what they do: they train very small, very talented cohorts of young women of color, who have tremendous promise and they do it in an experiential way where they are designing and prototyping shelves with Adidas’s support.”

According to her, the real lesson aligns with Adidas’ business practices, “so this project we started like two years ago because we have to be

in the timeline of deliverables, for the intention was to launch now, obviously for Carnival 2024.”

In her own words, Ayoung-Chee explained her involvement, “So, my role was I consulted with the team of six young women and we worked over six months in the first instance and I brought a perspective of the history of Carnival, the origins of our Carnival story, the business of Carnival, the demographics that participate in Carnival all around the world (a Caribbean version anyway) and how to harness the story to design from an authentic standpoint versus the Carnival that is seen, which is often a very overly commercialized version of Carnival.”

She went on to say that this marketed rendi-

tion, “is very far away from the revolutionary history of Emancipation which is what our Carnival is really about”.

In keeping with that, the team was given access to the local designer’s expertise and comprehension of the Carnival tale.

According to Ayoung-Chee, the line initially consisted solely of adult footwear, but it later included youth and clothing as well.

“And then it expanded into accessories, and it went from being North America to being Europe to being global, and now it is massive activation for Adidas; it is really amazing to see what has happened,” Ayoung-Chee stated.

Ayoung-Chee expressed her hope that this would be the first of many to follow, “So, we are hoping to continue this sort of road show with the collection and telling the story of Carnival and we also hope this will not be the last.”

Ayoung-Chee claimed that since her business, WyldFlwr, embraces the Carnival spirit, the partnership with SEED seemed appropriate.

WyldFlwr is a resort wear brand influenced

by Burning Man and the Trinidad Carnival.

It pays homage to her passion for the culture of the Caribbean and her background in the carnival business.

T&T – Jack Warner’s ‘Nightmare is Over’ by US Court Ruling

According to former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, the “nightmare” that the years long request for extradition by the US had caused him to endure has finally ended. Warner has been resisting the extradition allegations of bribery, money laundering, and other fraud-related offenses.

Warner shared the news in reaction to an article published on January 27, 2024, which said that two people who were convicted of football corruption had those decisions overturned in September of last year by the US Supreme Court and a lower court.

The US Supreme Court ruled, according to an article published by a renowned media house, that US prosecutors went too far in applying US laws against groups of people—many of whom were foreign nationals—who were accused of defrauding FIFA, another international organization with its headquarters located in Switzerland.

“My lawyers have told me that my nightmare is over, and I have every reason to believe what they have said. They are now working to pursue the matter further to see what redress I am entitled to. They have told me that my nightmare is over because the Supreme Court is not a court that you can appeal against — it is the final court in the US,” Warner was cited by the Trinidad Express from a recent radio conversation with sports analyst Andre Baptiste on i95.5FM. Following the US Supreme Court’s decision, several former FIFA football officials—some

of whom had to pay millions of dollars in fines and served jail sentences—are claiming that the bribery schemes for which they were found guilty are no longer crimes in the US. They are now requesting payment for all their penalties as well as compensation for the time they were forced to serve in jail.

Warner added that he was always aware that the US government was going too far in the interview with Baptiste.

“I am in full agreement with the Supreme Court matter. I always knew that the US was wrong to attack and destroy FIFA and destroy people’s lives and so on just because they did not get a World Cup venue. It is utterly ridiculous for people to be imprisoned and to be charged [for] being a member of a private organization such as FIFA, and to be charged by the US Government for what they did or did not do to stay in FIFA.” Warner noted, “I always knew that was an overreach, [an] overkill, and I think the Supreme Court has justified what my thoughts have been in the matter.”

The Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ court is scheduled to hear Warner’s extradition procedures later this month, according to the Saturday Express.

Nonetheless, the US government’s 2015 extradition warrant may be revoked in light of the US Supreme Court’s decision.

“I am feeling relieved. My life has been destroyed, my family’s life has been destroyed, and I have spent tons of money on this matter.

All I did was to tell FIFA that it is time to change the paradigm of giving the World Cup to Europe and South America. I said to them, ‘Just go to the Middle East,’ ” he stated to Baptiste.

“It is this that has caused me to be where I am today. The irony is that people in the Middle East, thanks to my efforts and others, Qatar [which hosted the World Cup in 2022] has produced one of the best World Cups this world has ever seen. So, I feel vindicated in a sense for

what I have done but the price that I have paid for that is overbearing,” Warner stated.

He continued by saying that he also wanted to bring up the matter of the millions of public dollars that the State had used to hire lawyers to have him extradited to the US. “The US Government wants to have me extradited to the US? Then the US should engage lawyers here and spend their own money and not taxpayers’ money — of which part is mine.”

He added, “Here, you have a Government of Trinidad and Tobago spending taxpayers’ money to try to get a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago sent to the US.” Warner stated that his lawyers had filed a Freedom of Information request with the Office of the Attorney General (AG) to ascertain precisely how much money had been disbursed to lawyers up to the time the extradition request was made.