February 28, 2024

45 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

See scroll of outstanding Saint Lucian-Americans

VIOLENT MUSIC OVERTAKING CULTURE

Warns President Ali - urges Caricom to deal with it

CARICOM

URGED TO SUSPEND TIES WITH ISRAEL

By a group of NGOs over the war in Gaza, contrary to international laws

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO DENIES TAXES ON LOCAL ARTISTS

The government denies any plan to tax overseas performances

GRENADA

DR. CAMILLE LEWIS GETS TOP U.S. ENGINEERING AWARD

Grenadian-born recognized as technology leader

DELAWARE, US

DELAWARE PLANS BOB MARLEY MUSEUM

To promote cultural awareness

GUYANA

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SAINT LUCIA CELEBRATES

EDITORIAL

Biden’s Walk Can Beat Trump’s Talk with the Working Class, But He Needs to Speak Up by Ben Jealous - P 9

EDITORIAL

Intriguing Insights: Joy-Ann Reid Explores Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ Love Story and Impact on Civil Rights by Stacy M. Brown

HEALTH

Celebrating Black “Health” Month in Brooklyn by Dr. Lesly Kernisant - P 26

SPORTS

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Unveiled As New CPL Franchise - P 28

Drawing a line in the sand as communities adapt to climate change

Communities in some of the most climate-change-affected areas in southern Madagascar are finding ways to thrive in increasingly challenging environments by becoming more resilient and adapting to unpredictable weather patterns.

UN News’s Daniel Dickinson traveled to Madagascar ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly, which is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26 February, to ask people how they are coping.

Life is becoming increasingly challenging in the village of Zanavo Fagnalenga on the southernmost tip of Madagascar.

Years of under-development, a series of humanitarian crises and the impact of climate change has pushed this village of several hundred people into poverty and has made it almost uninhabitable at times.

Small wood and grass triangular-shaped dwellings dot the dusty and arid landscape. A few villagers sell peanuts piled up in small rusty cans, and manioc are arranged in rows and available to anyone who can afford them.

The small amount of water that is available is dedicated to human consumption and to keeping a few crops alive on the margins of the settlement.

Sudan: UN struggles to cope with thousands of daily arrivals in South Sudan transit camps

South Sudan, one of the world’s poorest countries, is dealing with the influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees from its northern neighbour, Sudan, which has been in the grip of a major conflict between the government and the Rapid Support Forces since April of last year.

Since the outbreak of fighting, the influx of people fleeing Sudan has increased sharply at multiple border points, and more than half a million individuals have crossed the South Sudan border, according to UN estimates.

At the UN-run transit centres in Renk, staff are helping exhausted individuals to travel onwards to their final destinations in the hope of avoiding large numbers staying in this extremely remote, poorly resourced part of the country.

Yvonne Ndege, a spokesperson with the UN migration agency, IOM, travelled to Renk to assess the conditions in the camp.

She described the scene to Ben Malor from UN News.

Yvonne Ndege: This is one of the most remote parts of South Sudan. There’s hardly any water, food, sanitation, security or shelter. Many of the thousands of people who have crossed the border from Sudan are vulnerable and traumatized. They fled terrible violence and have spent weeks, in some cases months, trying to cross into South Sudan to reach safety.

UN News: How is the UN helping those arriving in Renk?

Yvonne Ndege: Hundreds of thousands of people have been assisted by the UN migration agency to continue moving to other destinations. This assistance is critical because what IOM and other UN agencies don’t want is for refugee camps to spring up in this location as it is so remote.

WORLD BRIEFS

Aid delivery to Gaza falls by half since January: UNRWA

Very little humanitarian aid has entered besieged Gaza this month, with a 50 per cent reduction compared to January, the head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees (UNRWA) said on Monday. Writing on the social media platform X, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that “aid was supposed to increase not decrease” to meet the huge needs of Gaza’s two million people, who are living in desperate conditions.

He listed some of the obstacles to aid delivery, including lack of political will, the regular closing of the two crossing points into the enclave, as well as insecurity due to military operations and the collapse of civil order.

He said a ceasefire, along with “lifting the siege to allow meaningful lifesaving aid and commercial supplies, are long overdue”.

Security concerns and crossing closures

On average, nearly 98 aid trucks entered Gaza this month, UNRWA said in its latest situation report, issued on Monday.

‘High time for peace’, UN chief says, as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters third year

The UN Secretary-General addressed the Security Council on Friday, underscoring the fundamental need to honour the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as the full-scale invasion by Russia of the country marks its second anniversary.

“Two years on and a decade since Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the war in Ukraine remains an open wound at the heart of Europe,” António Guterres said.

“It is high time for peace – a just peace, based on the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions,” he stressed.

Addressing Security Council members, with several Ministers and ambassadors in attendance, the Secretary-General reminded them of the United Nations principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.

He stated that as per the UN Charter, international disputes shall be settled by peaceful means, and that all States shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State.

‘In any war, everyone suffers’

Mr. Guterres pointed to the suffering of civilians on both sides of the war.

In Ukraine, at least 10,500 civilians have died and many more have been injured; schools, hospitals and other vital civilian infrastructure have been destroyed, and several hundred towns and villages are cut off from electricity during a brutal winter.

Several million people have been driven from their homes, and countless families, especially on the frontlines, depend on humanitarian assistance.

CARICOM - Urged to Cut Ties With Israel

Caricom leaders were called out by a group of NGOs to suspend all ties to Israel to protest the war conflict in Gaza. They are pressing leaders to join legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). As Caricom heads meet in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago Solidarity With Palestine wrote a letter to them. It was signed by several NGOs including David Abdulah of the Movement for Social Justice, Imtiaz

Mohammed of Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago, Shabaka Kambon of the Caribbean Freedom Project, Carol Noel of the Women’s Network of NGOs, and Jacquie Burgess of Working Women, Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada of the Emancipation Support Committee, and Ozzie Warwick of the Joint Trade Union Movement The group urged Caricom leaders to endorse and support South Africa’s case at

the ICJ, Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

The group called on Caricom heads to suspend ties with Israel.

“Suspend diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel must be seen as a pariah state since it brazenly refuses to accept international laws, acts with impunity in violating UN Security Council Resolutions and thumbs its nose at the ICJ.

The group urged the suspension of the credentials of Israel’s ambassador to various Caricom member States.

It urged, “Suspend all trade, economic and financial dealings with Israel. Suspend all sporting and cultural contact with Israel as we did with apartheid South Africa. “Honourable Heads, we urge you to give very serious consideration to our proposals. They are neither frivolous nor vexatious. They are simply acts of solidarity in the name of humanity.”

“Surely, in this matter, a joint Caricom position would have a positive impact, being stronger together.”

The letter said, “South Africa has significantly won the first round of that matter, but the substantive issues are still to be determined. We need to join in solidarity

with South Africa and other nations in this case.”

The letter also urged Caricom heads to support another ICJ case, “Legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” which arose out of a UN General Assembly Resolution 77/247 adopted on December 30, 2022.

The statement said 30,000 Palestinians were killed in the past four months and 70,000 injured, many women and children. Some 1.5 million people were displaced. “Nothing can justify these actions of absolute barbarism. It is abundantly clear that Israel’s military and political leadership are carrying out genocide.”

The BBC News website said, “On the morning of October 7, waves of Hamas gunmen stormed across Gaza’s border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Hamas also fired thousands of rockets. Those killed included children, the elderly and 364 young people at a music festival. “Hamas took more than 250 others to Gaza as hostages. The BBC has also seen evidence of rape and sexual violence during the Hamas attacks.”

Delaware – Plans Bob Marley Museum for Cultural Empowerment

Delaware is home to over 6,000 Jamaicans, although the group doesn’t seem to have many services or a designated center.

Judy Malcolm is attempting to fill that gap. At the age of fifteen, Malcolm traveled from St. Catherine, Jamaica, to the United States. She is Bob Marley’s second cousin. She is actively striving to gather resources and establish the Jamaican Heritage and Reggae Museum because she is passionate about reggae music and Jamaican heritage. She thinks it will serve as a hub for Delaware’s Jamaican community to stay united.

She believed that there was greater unity than ever between Jamaicans and other people of color when she first came in Delaware. She didn’t discover until much later that the forced bussing policy, which moved city kids to suburban schools in an effort to diversify the student body, was the underlying cause of what she initially believed to be a feeling of solidarity.“I didn’t even know that it was bussing until years later… they were bussing us from Wilmington to Glasgow. That’s where I went to school,” she remarked. “I was so busy trying to just acclimate to say, ‘I’m okay. I’m in a new place. I’m not with my mom. I’m not in a very familiar place.’”

Whatever the cause, according to Malcolm, there was a genuine sense of Jamaican solidarity. She remembers that they used to all speak Patois, a poetic Creole language rooted in English that with West African overtones.

“We came here as a small community. Our culture was very, very strong, we spoke Patois, we were able to go to a Jamaican club which no longer exists,” she shared. “Everybody was tight, but what has happened is that everybody kind of filtered out over the generations and time.”

Her goals are to bring the Jamaican community back together and create a secure environment.

“That was the reason why I felt that this particular area in Wilmington [needs] to have a heritage center. Not only can people come and learn about our culture, but our own Jamaicans, we need to harness and get people to come back together,” Malcom stated.

Thinking back on her own parenting experiences, she couldn’t help but wonder if her kids knew who Jamaica’s prime minister is at the moment. The thought that they might not be aware of it brought home how important the museum is.

The museum wants to educate tourists about Jamaican culture and its impact by offering seminars, cultural events, and displays. Children might explore it and even enroll in Patois lessons as an educational facility.

The museum’s exhibit on the late 1960s-era reggae genre, which features key figures like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Toots and the Maytals, is one of its highlights.

Malcolm’s goals go beyond her relationship with Bob Marley, although there is no denying his impact on the global music landscape.

Interest in her intentions is also influenced by his relationship with Wilmignton. “You can’t say reggae music without Bob Marley,” she noted. “All people want to talk about is Bob.”

In 1966, Marley resided on Tatnall Street with his mother. Under the identity “Donald Marley,” he labored as a lab assistant at DuPont and on the assembly line at the former Chrysler factory in Newark to earn money for launching his own record company in Jamaica. Marley’s 1977 Wailers hit song “One Love/People Get Ready” inspired the renaming of a park across the street from the Marleys’ residence as “One Love Park.”

In honor of Marley, his mother Cedella Booker, and other departed family members, Malcolm recently took the rest of the family to attend the

just-released film “Bob Marley: One Love.”“Part of [what] I would like to see happen, is the remaining Bob Marley family, I would really like to bring the next family generation, that’s still here in Wilmington, I would like to take them with me to see the movie and capture it and let that be a part of the museum,” Morgan stated. She expected a modest gathering because of everyone’s distance and varied locations. She was shocked to see over a hundred family members at the Christiana Cinemark. Malcolm stated that a frame would be placed on the wall of the Jamaican Heritage and Reggae Museum to honor the family get-together. Malcolm is striving to acquire money and choose the ideal site for the museum. In the end, she wants the museum to be located along the Wilmington Riverfront.

Judy Malcolm leading the effort for the Bob Marley Museum in Delaware

Guyana – President Ali Warns Not to Let Violent Music Overtake Culture

Dr. Irfaan Ali, the President, has stated that music from the Caribbean should be music of inspiration rather than music appropriated by artists with anti-social ideologies.

He was giving a speech at Georgetown, Guyana, to mark the beginning of the 46th regular meeting of Caricom leaders.

“Sometimes, as a region, we are in tough positions, and we have to take tough measures but always the region’s toughness is always in the interest of the region’s people,” the president shared.

He said that culture was the soul of the area since, only moments earlier, guests had undoubtedly been compelled to move in time to

the drumming.

“We in Guyana have taken a conscious decision in ensuring we invest in culture as a tool and a mechanism of unifying our people and as a tool and mechanism of telling the story of who we are as a people.”

According to Ali, local culture is distinct and has to be maintained for the next generations. “We do not need lyrics that promote violence in this region, he questioned.”

“We have the ability to promote good lyrics and lyrics that will move people in the positive direction and move people to think, act and behave positively.”

“As leaders of this region, we have to take this situation very seriously and ensure the lyrics of the region are the lyrics of Bob Marley, the lyrics of positivity and the lyrics of positive living and positive change. We must take this responsibility on today.”

According to President Ali, this is a basic problem. He recounted a previous meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, at which a number of people had questioned Guyana’s decision to deny entrance to a certain musician.

“That artiste is on an Interpol red list.

“We cannot allow our culture to be captured in

this narrative.”

According to him, regional culture has to be reoriented toward its original purpose of promoting pleasant life and advancement.

“This is not about anyone or against anyone. This is for our region and for the future of the young people in this region.”

Although Ali refrained from naming names, Guyana outlawed Jamaican dancehall musician Kevon “Skeng” Douglas’ public concerts in June 2022. Other than that, Ali said he has noticed complaints about the trips taken by Caricom officials, but they still put in a lot of effort for their people.

“Every day, you have to go out and fight for attention for the region.

“You can’t do it sitting at home.”

According to Ali, the leaders had talked about Haiti’s crisis—which calls for peace, security, and effective leadership—all morning. In a speech during the inaugural ceremony, Roosevelt Skerrit, the departing chairman of Caricom, urged immediate action to support Haiti.

“I have full faith that the Caribbean spirit of unity and determination will continue to guide us. We have the talent, the resources and the

collective will to overcome any obstacle.” His message to all Caricom members was to keep working together to create a better future for the Caribbean.

“A future where every country thrives and every voice is heard. And in this regard, my dear friends, lest we forget Haiti, a sister country of the Caribbean Community.”

“Haiti needs the support of everyone in this world, every country in this world. He added, “I do not believe we have the time or the luxury of time to continue talking about helping Haiti. We need to help Haiti yesterday. May God bless our efforts.”

Earlier, Skerrit reminisced with fondness about how Caricom had mediated negotiations between Presidents Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana last year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the Essequibo region, stating that the result was a model for other parts of the world.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland was present, together with Adel alJubeir, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, United Nations, Canada, Ghana, and Lesotho.

T&T – Government Denies Plans to Tax Artists Performing Overseas

The Trinidad and Tobago government has dismissed a suggestion by an opposition legislator that the authorities consider taxing local artists who perform overseas. Opposition legislator, Rodney Charles, raised the issue during a sitting of the Joint Select Committee on Foreign Affairs earlier this week, suggesting that consideration should be given to collecting revenue through taxation from artists who perform abroad.

But, in a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts said that “currently no such measure is under consideration by the Ministry nor the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Such a measure can have restrictive implications and negatively impact the industry. Additionally, all cultural practitioners, including artistes working both locally and abroad, are presently subject to

the tax provisions of the country, as are all other citizens,” it added.

The ministry said that it would continue “to encourage the export of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural products and remains committed to developing the industry through working with all of its stakeholders to redound to the benefit of all citizens.” (CMC)

Grenada-Born Camille Lewis Gets Top US Engineering Award

Dr. Camille Lewis, a native Grenadian, has been formally acknowledged as a Modern-Day Technology Leader at the 38th Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA), which took place in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 15–18, 2024. Every year, a group of innovative US IT experts who are advancing the field are awarded this accolade.

For her exceptional work at Lockheed Martin (LM), where she has worked for over 15 years and recently started her second threeyear term as an LM Fellow, Dr. Lewis was awarded the esteemed technological award. This prestigious position is only open to extraordinary Lockheed Martin workers who have made a name for themselves as thought leaders inside the company.

Ms. Tanya Spencer, Chief Diversity Officer, GE Gas Power/GE Vernova, gave Dr. Lewis the award at BEYA’s Technology Recognition Event on February 16.

Supporters of the event included Amazon, BAE Systems, Ford Motor Company, GE, HII, Leidos, Worldwide Technology, HP, and Peraton. Lockheed Martin, US Black Engineer & IT Magazine, and The Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities served as hosts. When considering her achievement as a BEYA Modern-Day Technology Leader, Dr. Lewis stated, “I am truly honored to receive this prestigious BEYA award and I am inspired to continue doing my part in helping to drive technological innovation and advancement while ensuring that persons from minority communities are meaningfully engaged in the process. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me along my journey, including my dedicated mother Myra Lewis, sister Simone Lewis, brother Damian Lewis, my wonderful daughter Laurie Satchell, and my many friends and

supporters over the years.”

Dr. Lewis added, “I owe a debt of gratitude to: my teachers in Grenada who nurtured my early interest in Math and Science during my formative years; my Professors and

Instructors at college and university who believed in me and pushed me to do my very best; my incredible mentors throughout my career who have guided me along my career path; and of course the senior executives at Lockheed Martin who nominated me for the award.”

Notably, Dr. Lewis was named among the top 100 engineers in the US and was admitted into the US National Academy of Engineering in 2018. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with an MS in Applied Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics in 2006. She also proudly graduated from St. Joseph’s Convent in St. Georges, Grenada, in 1992 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with a minor in physics from Midwestern State University in 1998.

NYC - Council Joins Lawsuit Against Mayor Adams Over Rent Laws

The refusal of Mayor Eric Adams and his administration to pass legislation that would have

expanded the city’s rental assistance program has led to the New York City Council now joining a class action lawsuit against them.

The council enacted regulations last summer that would remove the requirement that a person must be in a homeless shelter for at least ninety days to qualify for these housing vouchers, as well as broaden their income range.

These laws were vetoed by the mayor, but the council overrode him.

The legislation was supposed to take effect on January 9th, but according to Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, nothing has changed.

“The administration did absolutely nothing, which means that they didn’t put in any additional funding,” Ayala remarked.

“The city council has jurisdiction over the

creation of these laws and the city has to implement them. Right now, they’re derelict in their responsibilities and their refusal is really frustrating.”

The mayor’s office claims that this measure will cost the city about $17 billion in the next five years and is therefore excessively costly; however, the council does not agree with this estimate.

Additionally, the administration of the mayor claims that these measures surpass the council’s legal jurisdiction.

Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg stated, “It’s our belief as a legal matter that that law goes beyond the City Council’s authority and that it’s preempted by existing state law.” He added, “So, there are significant legal issues and

NYS - Homegrown Marijuana Approved

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is sharing a preview of the proposed adult-use home cultivation regulations package to be considered by the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) during its February 16 Board Meeting. The preview focuses on activity authorized under the proposed regulations. These regulations are designed to allow for New Yorkers to grow their own cannabis in their homes for adult-use. If these regulations are approved by the CCB, they will go to a 60-day public comment period. If there are no significant changes after the comment period, OCM will present the proposed regulations to the CCB for final approval. However, if there are any significant changes to the proposed regulations after the comment period, OCM will present the revised regulations to the CCB for review again, with a 45-day public comment period to follow. In New York State, it could often take anywhere from six to 12 months from initial proposal to final adoption for regulation packages like these.

If you plan to submit a comment on proposed regulations to OCM, there is no specific format or form that is required; any email or letter sent to the addresses below is sufficient. However, the tips included here are intended to help you submit a strong comment that will best

explain your views and improve the proposed regulations on which you are commenting. Comments on the proposed regulations can be submitted by email to: regulations@ocm.ny.gov or mailed to:

New York State Office of Cannabis Management, P.O. Box 2071, Albany, NY 12220. Under these proposed regulations for adult-use, New Yorkers over the age of 21 will be authorized to:

• Cultivate a maximum of three (3) mature and three (3) immature cannabis plants per person;

or

• Cultivate no more than six (6) mature plants and six (6) immature plants per private residence;

• Possess up to five (5) pounds of: Cannabis flower that has been trimmed from plants that have been cultivated in or on the grounds of said person’s private residence; or the equivalent weight of such cultivated cannabis in cannabis concentrate; or a mixture of both cannabis flower and the equivalent weight of such cultivated cannabis in cannabis concentrate.

To ensure safety, New Yorkers over the age of 21 interested in cultivating cannabis at home for adult-use must:

• Store cannabis plants in a secure location, that

is not plainly visible from public view, including the street outside the residence;

• Store cannabis in a manner that prevents theft, loss or access to residents under the age of 21;

• Only utilize a single site for personal adultuse cannabis cultivation (i.e. if a New Yorker has multiple residences in New York State, they cannot cultivate cannabis at multiple addresses);

• Remediate odor issues if they become a nuisance to neighbors. OCM will continue to work with municipalities across New York to offer support and guidance on this subject.

How will New Yorkers buy cannabis plants or seeds for home cultivation? These proposed regulations also authorize:

• Licensed adult-use retail dispensaries, microbusinesses and registered organizations with dispensing (RODs) may be approved to sell adult-use immature cannabis plants to consumers for the purposes of personal adult-use cannabis home cultivation;

- These cannabis businesses will be required to obtain and maintain an active Nursery Dealer Registration Certificate from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Division of Plant Industry) to sell immature

NYC - Noncitizen Vote Unconstitutional

In a ruling of 3 to 1, the state Appellate Court, Second Department, declared on February 21, 2024, that a New York City statute, which would have allowed certain noncitizens to cast ballots in city elections, was unconstitutional. This conclusion mostly sustains a 2022 decision made by the Staten Island Richmond County State Supreme Court.

The legislation, dubbed Local Law 11, would have allowed lawful permanent residents—including those in possession of green cards—to vote in the municipal elections for mayor, public advocate, city comptroller, City Council, and borough president. Additionally, it would have needed establishing a different voter registration system by the New York City Board of Elections for a brand-new category of “municipal voter.”

After hearing oral arguments during the summer in response to an appeal filed by New York Mayor Eric Adams, the city Law

Department, and several individual residents, the opinion was recently released. The appeal’s goal was to reverse the lower court’s ruling and grant the right to vote in local elections to nearly a million legal permanent residents. The court took issue with the law’s enactment through legislation rather than a ballot referendum, mandated under the Municipal Home Rule Law when altering the process of electing municipal officials. The majority ruling was authored by Justices Angela Iannacci, Paul Wooten, and Helen Voutsinas.

“The enactment of the Local Law without a referendum improperly obviates the fundamental right of the voters to participate in the electoral process,” The justices wrote the majority opinion.

They said that altering the eligibility to vote in local elections may also alter the composition of the elected bodies, implying that the legislation might let non-citizens serve in municipal

leadership roles.

Justice Lillian Wan argued in her dissent that the majority’s view endangered towns’ autonomy in choosing their own local elections.

“The majority, by deeming the noncitizen voting law invalid, effectively prohibits municipalities across the state from deciding for themselves the persons who are entitled to a voice in the local electoral process,” Wan noted. She also mentioned the resolve of the majority, which “also disenfranchises nearly one million residents of the City, even though its people’s duly elected representatives have opted to enfranchise those same residents.”

Election law experts warned that in the present volatile political environment, supporters may face difficult challenges because of the decision to void the legislation, which was partially motivated by the necessity for a referendum.

“Right now, with all the noise about migrants and the way people feel about that, that’s going

they will play out in court.”

The Legal Aid Society initially filed the case last week on behalf of four homeless New Yorkers who would qualify for the CityFHEPS voucher program should the legislation go into force. They expressed gratitude to the council for supporting them in their legal battle.

“Living in a shelter is a significant hardship and I think that any stay in a shelter should be as short as possible,” According to Robert Desir, a Legal Aid Society staff attorney.

Approximately 36,000 families are now participating in the CityFHEPS housing voucher program. This housing voucher program is not available to migrants.

cannabis plants to customers.

- These cannabis businesses will also be required to affix a label to every plant for sale that includes, but is not limited to: strain name, date of harvest, a warning to keep out of reach of children, and any other information OCM determines necessary.

Thanks to the Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, cannabis seeds can be sold in the United States. That means New Yorkers over the age of 21 interested in home cultivation of adult-use cannabis can purchase seeds over the internet, or from adult-use cannabis retailers who choose to sell seeds.

Note, that the Office of Cannabis Management does not regulate the sale of seeds and operators do not need any additional certifications to sell seeds.

to bleed over,” stated Sarah Steiner, a New York City election law attorney who was not party to the lawsuit directly. “I think the timing is not right for a referendum.”

Staten Island borough president Vito Fossella, who filed a lawsuit against the city the day the law went into force in 2022, acknowledged as much, “You can’t just on a whim say, ‘Alright now we’re going to allow hundreds of thousands of people, even though they are noncitizens, the right to vote and choose in local municipal elections.”

The Municipal Law Department’s spokeswoman stated that the department was analyzing the decision and deciding its next action. A mayor’s office representative did not immediately answer an inquiry for comment.

The law’s supporters said they were considering all of their options and did not exclude filing an appeal with the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court.

UWI - High Praises for Sir Hilary as Giant Leader

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the UWI, Professor Densil Williams, commended Sir Hilary giving him the prestigious title of “ a giant leader of the UWI” at a book launch on February 15, 2024, at the University of West Indies Mona. The book was edited by UWI professors Verene Shepherd, Dr. Henderson D. Carter, and Dr. Ahmed N. Reid and published by Ian Randle Publishers.

Professor Williams said that the “Festschrift” [which suggests the combination of intellectual work through several individuals who come together in honor of an immaculate scholar] “ to celebrate an academic administrator par excellence, an advocate by devotion and one of the rare breed of true intellectuals who are tenanting with us on Mother Earth”  In the book, he stated that“ colleagues near and far not only memorialized Sir Hilary’s work but have placed the man in his rightful intellectual and philosophical place”.

Dr. Luz Longsworth, a former pro-vice-chancellor and principal of UWI Global, chaired the Festschrift, which featured special remarks from Carl Campbell, an emer-

itus professor of history; a personal reflection by Errol Miller, an emeritus professor of teacher education; and an editor’s conversation led by Professor Kris Manjapra, the director of arts and humanities at the Social Action Lab at Northeastern University, who had “conversations” with the three editors.

The Akwaaba Drummers greeted the guests, and they were treated to a performance of a scene from Sir Hilary’s play “The Betrayal,” which was given by a group of former members of the UWI Dramatic Arts Society. The group was housed at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the UWI, Mona Campus, and was led by Michael Holgate, the Center’s Head. The entertainment portion concluded with a moving jazz performance by the UWI Classical and Jazz Ensemble (CAJE).

In his reply, Sir Hilary thanked his friends, family, and coworkers, citing them as sources of inspiration and support for his vision for the UWI and outlining his thirty-year tenure at the university.

Among his numerous accomplishments were the founding of The Five Islands University in Antigua and

Barbuda, the UWI’s fifth campus, and the university’s excellent ranking by the esteemed The Times Higher Education (THE).

The institution was placed in the top 4% of all universities worldwide starting in 2019. In 2020, the Institution of the West Indies (UWI) was rated as the best university in the Caribbean, the top global university for students aged 50 to 80, and in the top 1% of universities in Latin America. The UWI has been ranked better every year, and by 2021 THE placed it in the top 1.5% of institutions worldwide.

T&T - CARICOM, Africa, Latin America Should Speak with One Voice on Oil

The Global North would find it difficult to disregard the opinions of countries in CARICOM, Latin America, and Africa if they spoke together on matters concerning the oil industry. During the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, which took place at the Marriott Hotel from February 19 to 22, the strength of this kind of cooperative force was recently demonstrated.

In his remarks on the second day of the conference, Minister Young stated that the necessity for nations to attain energy security has become more pressing due to the geopolitical ramifications and market disruptions brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Additionally, according to Minister Young, it clarified the expectations of the Global North for the response to climate change from CARIOM countries—Latin America and Africa. According to him, certain countries are under pressure from the Global North to limit the use of their natural resources, so as not to exacerbate climate change and the ensuing natural disasters. Young, however, believed that this expectation of CARICOM, Latin America, and African countries was unjust given those “wealthy and developed nations” of the Global North have unrestricted freedom to exploit their resources and those of other countries to further their economic development. Young also emphasized the fact that, since their gas supply from Russia was cut off, nations all

over Europe started up coal plants to generate electricity during the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to the Minister of energy, coal is among the worst sources of carbon that adds to the problem of climate change. “But what it shows is that once there is a crisis, this will once again be the reaction of certain wealthy, developed countries in the world,” the minister noted.

According to Young, CARICOM, Latin America, and Africa must work together to make sure that these countries are held accountable and forced to act in the global interest, and “be a voice that cannot be ignored.”

“I want to utilize the opportunity here this morning where we are just days away from the CARICOM meeting on Monday (February 26, 2024) to bring this sense of responsibility to us and for us to start working more collaboratively, working as one loud voice because if we do so, we can, and I  am convinced, contribute to the decisions that are being made around the world that directly affect us,” said Minister Young.

He continued, “What we need is an equal voice and an equal seat at those tables of decision-making.” This trilateral group, according to Young, has the ability to spearhead the effort on energy security because of Guyana’s expanding hydrocarbon resource pool, the significant barrels that have been unlocked in Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago’s century-long experience in the sector.

“We hold the opportunity right here in our hands to influence this energy security conversation taking place across the world,” noted Young. The politician from T&T emphasized that even though CARICOM, Africa, and all of Latin America collectively contribute less than three percent of global emissions, they nevertheless bear the brunt of the consequences, emphasizing how important it is that this group step up to the plate and advance the conversation about the power of collaboration. Minister Young restated his plea for unity while hinting that there is something fundamentally wrong with this equation.

Washington DC – Gathering of Descendants of Civil Rights Icons

On February 13, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to the descendants of some of the most significant civil rights activists of the 1950s and 1960s and other important historical figures at a Black History Month event held at the White House. For many families, it was their first time coming together in one space. Attendees included notable celebrities who are considered household names in every black home, such as Emmett Till,

Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X. Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, and According to Harris, the descendants are “extraordinary American heroes” who exemplify the Constitution’s and the country’s promise. “They’ve passed the baton to us,” Harris said during her speech. Executive orders about police accountability and President Joe Biden’s signing of

the legislation designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday were among the administration’s actions that White House Office of Public Engagement director Stephen K. Benjamin presented.

In honor of Black History Month, the group, known as “The Descendants,” came together to pay tribute to their ancestors. According to Joshua Jordison, one of the planners, talks to unite this heterogeneous group started a few years ago. “It was amazing that many of them had never met,” Jordison remarked. Other prominent families were also invited, but a few of them could not attend because of schedule issues and other circumstances. Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington’s descendant Kenneth B. Morris Jr. claim that The Descendants wanted to lead the country in solidarity and cooperation. “This historic event marks the beginning of coalescing The Descendants’ families and like-minded leaders and organizations to catalyze transformative positive societal change amongst the most significant challenges faced by our country,” Morris explained. In addition to the White House reception, the descendants’ families had a full schedule of events scheduled for Tues-

day and Wednesday in Washington. The program included visits to the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dinners and chances for group discussions were also provided. A great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt, was one of the people who expressed delight at meeting the descendants of other freedom fighters. “It’s an equal collaboration. We are all coming together,” Morris noted. Approximately one hundred attendees attended the luncheon, including officials from the administration and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. During her keynote address, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) praised the families for their selfless efforts and personal sacrifices made to maintain and safeguard the legacy of their ancestors. “At a time when our fundamental freedoms are once again under attack, we are grateful to President Biden not only for convening this event but for his commitment to furthering the progress that our foremothers and forefathers fought and died to achieve,” Sewell stated.

Con Edison

in Better Tools For the People Who Are Building The Clean Energy Future

Con Edison is developing technology that will help improve the safety of its highlyskilled workers as they build, maintain and repair the underground electric cables that carry the power needed to achieve a clean energy future.

“To meet ambitious climate goals and mitigate the impacts of climate change, the energy industry is undergoing seismic shifts in the speed and scope of its work,” said Patrick McHugh,senior vice president, Electric Operations, Con Edison. “That’s why Con Edison is thinking boldly about what we do and how we do it with safety as our top priority. We are investing in technology that will help keep energy workers safer, make their work more efficient, and produce consistent results that will improve reliability and resiliency for customers.”

Con Edison is working on two projects that will improve worker safety by putting a machine rather than a person near the underground power cable to do the work.

Thousands of cable splices are required each year to maintain service to customers while repairs, maintenance and upgrades are made.

Splicers, the people who perform splices, often work in cramped underground structures subject to the elements – snow, sleet, rain, and extreme temperatures. They have used the same tools for generations.

Earlier this month Con Edison and ULC Technologies began field testing the Underground Live End Cap Machine. The live end cap machine makes isolating damaged cables safer for workers and improves the precision, uniformity, and speed of their work.

End capping is an essential technique used to isolate faulty sections of cable and allow the working portions of the cable to be restored to service to alleviate stress on the grid and reduce customer outages.

The other project, with Prysmian, Exelon and the U.S. Department of Energy

be used for creating networks as well as repairing sections of damaged cable.

Splicers will be able to operate the tool remotely to improve their safety, with greater efficiency, and accuracy, which will

ultimately improve the reliability of the nation’s grid. In addition to reducing risk and the time cable splicing crews need to spend underground, the device will improve the reliability of the splices and the time needed to complete a splice. The ARPA-E has provided $4.5 million in funding for this effort.

State Senator Kevin Parker Empowers Minority and Women-Owned Businesses at Housing Event

Brooklyn, NY – State Senator Kevin Parker took a significant step toward fostering economic empowerment and growth within the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) community by hosting a transformative housing event during the recent New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus weekend in Albany. Senator Parker expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The housing event with MWBEs was an incredible opportunity to bring together expertise and resources to empower minority and women-owned businesses. By demysti-

fying government contracting, we are unlocking the immense potential within this sector, ensuring that MWBEs are well-prepared to seize the opportunities and contribute significantly to our community’s economic growth.”

The event featured an impactful panel discussion that demystified government contracting by shedding light on the untapped billions available to MWBEs. Distinguished panelists brought valuable insights and resources to the table thereby offering attendees a roadmap for success in government contracting. The workshop provided a platform for open dialogue allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available and equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of government contracts.

The Senator emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared success and encouraged MWBEs to leverage the knowledge gained during the event to propel their businesses to new heights.

As a champion of economic inclusivity, Senator Parker remains committed to creating an environment where MWBEs not only survive but thrive in government contracting and foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy (ARPA-E) will develop a machine that can join two cables at their ends. This machine will

Black History Today - Celebrating Living Witnesses - Those Who Are Creating Black History Today

February, as you know, is set aside to celebrate the history of black people in the United States and their contribution to the development and advancement of black people in this country. Black History grew out of a movement by Carter G. Woodson who felt it was time to recognize this contribution formally, and Black History Month came out of what was once known as Black History Week and is now officially recognized.

We have in the pages of Carib News made it our duty to celebrate the contribution, advancement, and inspiration of black people in the country. Great developments and great moments have been made by so many black pioneers and black explorers in the advancement and the struggle for our people and for this country. The study of black history is for us to know our past

and what doors have been opened to us by our ancestors and to see doors open to the future for us as a people and doing what needs to be done today. This is where this year we are looking at living witnesses, those who are making black history today, and those who are contributing today. We have identified a few to salute, to pay tribute to in their role as changemakers in today’s society. Of course, each and every one will tell you that they are standing on the shoulders of others who came before them, who have paved the path and paid the price, and for them, now is an opportunity to move forward, to make their impact, and to pave the way continually for the advancement of black people. It is people who are making a difference, that we need to know about, that we need to salute. These are people who are inspiring

what makes sense for the future; they are pioneers in their field, are first-timers in many areas, and they are changemakers, and we need to know and recognize these people in our midst.

Their achievement goes beyond the racism that pervades this country and is breaking ceilings in a wide variety of roles. We are seeing and witnessing a process of making history today through the activities of those whom we are celebrating in this year’s Black History Special. We just need to shine a special light on these black females and males who have accomplished much, have made an impact, and will inspire many for future generations. Even as we list a few, it is our responsibility to look around us in our daily activities and show appreciation for those who are on the frontline, those leaders who are

making a difference, those who are in the background making things work in the foreground, and those who are paving the way for future development. They are all in our presence, and they all should be recognized because through the efforts of today’s game changers will the future of black people, and indeed the society of the United States be determined. We need to, in our present time here and now, look to those people and celebrate them as we celebrate ourselves during the month of February and other months, to pay tribute to the work, the necessary work that needs to be done, that is being done day in and day out by the living witnesses in today’s history. They are not only changing today, but they are shaping tomorrow.

Saint Lucia Celebrating 45 Years of Independence

The past 45 years have been an exciting era for the Eastern Caribbean country of Saint Lucia. The island of less than 200,000 people, 185,000 to be precise, according to United Nations estimate, began the decades of the 1970s as an Associated State of Britain, but transformed itself from a struggling British colony to an economy with a 1.5 gross domestic product, and a per capita income purchasing power of power parity of 15,000 - one of the highest

in the Caribbean and Latin America.

On February 22nd, Saint Lucia, whose peaks are the attractive sight of those seeking to get away from the biting cold of the wind in North America and Europe, will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the attainment of independence.

Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre has pronounced the motto or theme for this year’s celebration as “Douvan Ansanm” .

Douvan ansanm means building a nation

through unity, resilience and creativity, and this is the charge from Prime Minister Pierre. The Prime Minister went on in his message of independence to say, “although we attained independence 45 years ago, we are still encumbered by some aspects of colonial rule. It was just last year our country acceded to the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, as a final Appellate Court to replace United Kingdom based Privy Council. But this is not the end. We have to acknowledge that at this juncture in nation building, there is still work to be done to finally proclaim a true liberation from colonial rule”.

Prime Minister Pierre has laid down plans for the next five years in emphasizing economic growth while cutting the fiscal deficit and putting more people to work. It’s much as clear economic diversification must be a priority to reduce reliance on tourism and offshore financial services, at the same time giving manufacturing a much needed shot in the arm; It is going to kick start its agricultural sector with a return to bananas.

Saint Lucia too, like the rest of the Caribbean, is suffering from the increased crime

and violence that is plaguing the region. The United States, in sending Independence Greetings to Saint Lucia, has noted that it is prepared to work with Saint Lucia in resolving, among other things, the crime and violence that is so troubling, and of course, working along with Saint Lucia on climate change. Interestingly enough, Saint Lucia has an enviable record of attracting foreign direct investment, largely because of its reputation of slashing red tape and making business owners feel welcome to the land of the pitons. Overall, Saint Lucia has done exceedingly well since the day when the British flag came down for the last time in Castries. It has earned the praise being showered on it at this time, and the admiration of the region to the hundreds of Saint Lucians in the New York area and the diaspora. We who have been supportive of your homeland, and to the people and government of Saint Lucia, we wish this little but dynamic country a wonderful 45th Independence celebration and continued success.

Biden’s Walk Can Beat Trump’s Talk with the Working Class, But He Needs to Speak Up

by Ben Jealous

Spoiler alert! Donald Trump will be allowed to remain on the ballot this fall.

One way or another, the Supreme Court is going to decide that a state cannot remove Trump from based on the 14th amendment’s ban on insurrectionists holding elected office.

Trump is an insurrectionist. But that is not the question currently before the Court. The decision will likely be joined by some of the Court’s moderates. It could even be unanimous.

Regardless of the reasoning behind or the narrowness of the ultimate decision, another barrier will be removed for Trump. His base will be further energized.

Increasingly, the question on many people’s minds is this: with the Trump train picking up speed again, what can President Biden really do to stop it?

The first step is to recognize what we’re dealing with. Yes, many Americans are depressed about this election, and depressed about it being a rematch between the same people who were on the ballot last time. However, turnout will still be high.

It is still a presidential year. The media coverage will not let any of us escape constantly hearing about the election. And people know there is a ton at stake.

Each side sees a lot to fight against. Each side sees a lot to fight for. This election is likely to go to the side that working class America believes is fighting for them.

In order to understand working class America today, we have to understand a huge swath of working-class America generally has the same

address. It is the place where the factory shut down and opiate addiction, meth addiction, and suicide shot up.

The economic and social struggles of this broad base of American society define the political moment that we are in. It is a populist one. This has allowed Donald Trump to speak to Americans’ anxieties with no intention of following through, and in completely dishonest ways.

Trump has been stealing Bernie Sanders’ talking points since back in 2016. Remember before the all the “rigged election” rhetoric, Trump spoke of the “rigged economy.” He truthfully told voters our healthcare system is broken but dishonestly said he would give us a better one. And, of course he lambasted NAFTA as the disaster it was. It was all empty rhetoric. Trump lacked the conviction, knowledge, and genuine desire to do anything about these issues.

Take the issue of trade. All of Trump’s tough “America first” talk about trade belies the fact that his policies would do nothing to ensure American competitiveness. Despite China being a favorite target from the stump, Trump would allow China to dominate the emerging global economy by preventing the domestic growth of the industries at its center.

The irony is that what working class America is demanding, Joe Biden is delivering. He is just not talking about it.

Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is reopening American factories, rebuilding American manufacturing, and creating jobs. Our current president is backing up

industrial unions like the United Auto Workers when they find themselves in a real fight. And he is ensuring that America seizes the moment to lead the world economy in this century like we did the last one.

In a world where Donal Trump talks the talk and Joe Biden walks the walk, we should assume that the talker has the advantage. The only way to bridge that gap is for President Biden to start talking the talk too. As a guy from Scranton, he knows how to do it and it is authentically in his heart.

President Biden does not need to sound more like Trump. Trump is all bluster and aims only to foment anger. What President Biden needs to do is make it clear that when it comes to cars and energy, there is only one future: electric vehicles and renewable sources like solar and wind.

He needs to speak plainly about how if America does not seize these markets and support the manufacturing sectors behind these industries, China will. China already controls more than 80 percent of the world’s solar manufacturing capacity and the Chinese electric car industry is growing rapidly.

To be sure, there are many, many factors at play in this year’s election. But many of the big ones tie back to the working class. For instance, the gender gap has grown – but not necessarily in Biden’s favor. Women skew more heavily towards Biden in polls that follow public displays of Trump’s misogyny or news of his sexual assaults. But in general, recent polls are showing Biden’s base advantage with women

has shrunk. Meanwhile, the gender gap for men skews more and more heavily towards Trump. That is driven by the trend among working-class men. And it is working-class men of all races – including growing numbers of Black men.

Democratic politicians need to get over their default inclination to disregard working-class white men in their messaging. It ultimately leads to disregarding working-class people across the board.

We all grew up hearing that actions speak louder words. But talking the talk is becoming more and more important in our politics. This is not a case against action. Rather, where President Biden is already showing great leadership with his actions, he needs to also make sure the American people hear about it.

Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Intriguing Insights: Joy-Ann Reid Explores Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ Love Story and Impact on Civil Rights

by Stacy M. Brown

In an interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Let It Be Known morning show, Joy-Ann Reid delved into the intricacies of her latest book, “Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America,” which sheds light on the enduring love between civil rights activists Medgar and Myrlie Evers and their profound impact on the civil rights movement.

The conversation revolved around themes of courage and conviction and standing up for justice and displaying bravery in the face of adversity. Reid, one of the most influential and outspoken voices in all of news, also touched on several issues including the book.

“What inspired me to do this piece was Myrlie Evers-Williams herself,” Reid recalled. “Just meeting her in person for the first time in 2018 and hearing her talk about her late husband had been almost six decades, but she still spoke about him with this incredible and deep love.”

The 352-page book relives Medgar Evers’s central role in pivotal civil rights events, such as the Civil Rights Act and the March on Washington. “What I learned in doing the research for the book is just how central Medgar Evers was to the whole story, to all the stories that we know more about, to the Civil Rights Act,” she explained.

Regarding the relationship between Medgar

and Myrlie, Reid emphasized, “They were an intellectual romance before they were a physical romance.” She highlighted the challenges they faced but underscored the strength of their marriage, stating, “They stuck through it because, in the end, Merle Evers admired her husband. She admired his manliness, determination, and love for his people.”

Reid praised individuals like Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Cori Bush, and the two Tennessee state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. “In the face of a lot of cowardice, you do have a lot of really strong, really powerful voices of courage,” Reid asserted.

Regarding South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, Reid criticized his alignment with the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former President Donald Trump, expressing bewilderment at Scott’s decision to associate with someone who “wants to tear down democracy.” She blasted Scott’s choice to quote Fannie Lou Hamer in support of Trump, calling it “madness.”

“This man had the nerve to quote Fannie Lou Hamer, who I also researched for this book.

Fannie Lou Hamer, who quoted ‘First Class Citizenship,’ which was Medgar’s line when she went to the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City and tore it up so much that Lyndon Johnson said, get this woman off the TV

because her voice was so powerful as she demanded what Medgar Evers wanted,” Reid stated, tearing into Scott. “She was in prison. When he was in jail, I should say, when he died. And she lamented that, and she carried forth this anger of Black folks, this demand, this righteous demand for the right to vote and the right to live dignified lives.

“For him to quote that woman, that great Black woman, that icon, and do that in favor of Donald Trump, someone who wants to tear down democracy, who says he would unleash police on Black people and take away any limitations to the violence they could in part upon our bodies, for him to use that, it’s madness to me. I see very wealthy hip-hop artists after Donald Trump is found liable for sexual assault and fined millions for defamation, then they decide, now it’s time to marry my brand to Donald Trump. I don’t understand that. I don’t understand anybody Black who, knowing all we now know, those of us who lived in New York, knew who Donald Trump was; we knew what he was. We knew the Central Park Five is the Exonerated Five, so we knew that story. I was a teenager when that happened, so I never saw Donald Trump as anything other than a bigot and a madman.” Reid also revealed a surprising aspect of her research, emphasizing the close relationship

and sisterhood bond among Dr. Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, and Merle Evers-Williams. She described it as “the group chat before we had group chats” and highlighted the joyfulness with which Merle Evers-Williams shared the story of her friends.

As the conversation encapsulated the profound love story of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and its impact on American history, Reid concluded her thoughts with a powerful message: “They had no money. They had no power. What they had was conviction and love, love for each other, love for their people, love for their family, and even love for their state in this country. And that’s all the armor that they needed.”

St. Lucia Independence Messages

St. Lucia Diaspora Message by Honorable Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre

It is with tremendous pride and gratitude that I address you, on the occasion of the 45th Anniversary of our country’s Independence. This momentous occasion is not just a commemoration of our nation’s journey to sovereignty, but also a reflection on the collective strength, unity, resilience, and creativity, that defines the uniqueness of our beloved nation.

As we look back on the past four and a half decades, it is essential to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Saint Lucian Diaspora. You, the sons and daughters of this island, scattered across the globe, have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s narrative and advancing our shared aspirations for progress and prosperity.

Congratulatory Message to Saint Lucia Re: 45th Independence Anniversary

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat presents its compliments to the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, and has the honour to request the latter’s kind assistance in having the following congratulatory message from Dr. Carla N. Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, transmitted to the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, on the occasion of the country’s Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence on 22 February 2024.

Begins:

“Honourable Prime Minister, On behalf of the Caribbean Community

OECS Extends Congratulations to Saint Lucia on its 45th Anniversary of Independence

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission extends its congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Saint Lucia on its 45th Anniversary of Independence.

This year, Saint Lucia celebrates its independence under the theme “Douvan Ansanm: Building a Nation Through Unity, Resilience and Creativity”. The OECS Commission commemorated the occasion by hosting a virtual flag-raising ceremony. The event featured remarks from the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and the Director General of the OECS.

Delivering an address to the citizens of the OECS, the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia remarked:

“Fellow citizens of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as Saint Lucia celebrates 45 years of Independence as a sovereign country, we take great pride in our demonstrated capacity to successfully manage our external affairs and internal affairs and that

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Douvan Ansanm; Building a Nation Through Unity, Resilience and Creativity”, is a testament to the importance of ensuring that everyone is meaningfully engaged in the business of our national development, which essentially requires us to maintaining strong connections with all our people at home and abroad. The bonds that tie us together, transcending geographical boundaries, have proven to be instrumental in our nation’s development; whether in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, or beyond, the Saint Lucian spirit remains unyielding, a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Our diaspora has been a continual source of inspiration and support, not just in financial terms but also in the form of intellectual capital, skills, and cultural enrichment. Many of you have excelled in your respective fields, becoming ambassadors for Saint Lucia on the global stage. Your achievements in business, academia, arts, and sports continue to inspire us; bringing honour not only to your families but by elevating the standing and character of our nation.

But importantly, let us not forget that with success comes a responsibility to give back.

I urge the diaspora to continue playing an

(CARICOM), I am pleased to congratulate the Government and People of Saint Lucia on the joyous occasion of your Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence.

The theme “Douvan Ansanm: Building a Nation through Unity, Resilience, and Creativity” captures the indomitable strength, culture and spirit of Saint Lucia, and its remarkable progress and journey over the past four and a half decades. On this momentous occasion, the Community joins you in celebrating the rich legacy of a nation that has consistently embodied the values of stability and unwavering determination in the face of challenges. May this unyielding spirit continue to guide Saint Lucia on its journey towards a future filled with peace and prosperity.

The contributions of Saint Lucia to the regional

we have been able to work closely with our sister OECS nations, to broaden and deepen functional cooperation among ourselves for the overall development of the citizens of our sub-region. e right of self-determination which brought about our independence from colonial rule, brought with it the right to pursue our national aspirations and full responsibility for all aspects of our development. Over the years, we have governed our country by forging relations with various organisations and countries in keeping with our shared values, principles and the expectations of our people. In this regard the OECS has been an invaluable development partner and has played a pivotal role in Saint Lucia’s development since its formation in the early 1980’s.

As Saint Lucia celebrates 45 years of independence, we reflect on our shared history, and the values and principles of democracy, free and fair elections, press freedom, social justice and the rule-of-law, which binds us together with our OECS neighbours. And in that spirit of celebration I take the opportunity to reaffirm Saint Lucia’s unwavering commitment to this enduring partnership with our OECS

active role in the development of Saint Lucia. Whether through investments, mentorship programmes, or collaborations with local initiatives; your involvement is crucial in propelling our country toward sustainable growth. In these current times, the world is facing unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic, the wars in Ukraine and Palestine, and escalating food prices are all testing the strength of nations and communities alike. It is during such times that the true spirit of solidarity and resilience shines through. I extend my deepest gratitude to you the Diaspora, for your unwavering support during these trying times. Your contributions, both tangible and intangible, have been a lifeline for many of our people facing hardships.

As we celebrate our independence, let us also reflect on the principles and values that define us as a nation. Our commitment to democracy, social justice, and the rule of law remains steadfast. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but together, as one Saint Lucian family, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.

This government is dedicated to creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity. We are investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to ensure a better

integration movement are well noted.

Honourable Prime Minister, the Community has benefitted considerably from your stewardship as Lead Head in the CARICOM QuasiCabinet with responsibility for Sustainable Development, including Environment and Disaster Management, and Water. These issues remain vital to the advancement of the Community’s objective of improving the quality of life and well-being of its citizens.

The Community is likewise pleased to celebrate Saint Lucia’s recent election to the Presidency of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Saint Lucia’s leadership will steer the critical processes of selecting a new Director-General of the Organization and allow for enhanced visibility for Small Island

sisters and brothers.”

Congratulating Saint Lucia on the ‘significant milestone’ of their 45th Anniversary of Independence, the Director-General of the OECS, His Execellency Dr. Didacus Jules, remarked: “Douvan Ansanm – literally “forward together” highlights the imperative of unity as a basic precondition for progress. If we examine the chronicle of Caribbean history, we will see that unity has been the cornerstone of our progress. As a small island nation, we do have our differences but ultimately these do not distinguish us. It is always our unity and national will that gives us strength. Our ancestors, coming from diverse backgrounds, fought to lay a foundation for a society that would value harmony and mutual respect. Today, as we navigate the complexities of the modern world, unity should remain our guiding principle. It is only by standing together, as one people, moving together as one that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Se sa Douvan Ansamn Signifye.

Let us pledge, on this auspicious day, to renew our commitment to unity - to understand our differences, celebrate our diversity, and forge a shared identity that is uniquely Saint Lucian.

quality of life for all our citizens. I call upon you in the Diaspora to actively engage in these initiatives and to contribute your expertise and resources towards building a brighter future for Saint Lucia.

Moreover, the preservation of our cultural heritage is paramount. Our customs, traditions, and the unique Saint Lucian way of life are the threads that weave the fabric of our identity. The Diaspora, with its rich diversity, plays a crucial role in keeping our cultural flame burning brightly overseas.

I encourage you to actively participate in cultural exchange programmes, support local artists, and promote the rich tapestry of Saint Lucian heritage across the world.

In closing, let me extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you, for your love for our homeland, your dedication to its well-being, and your relentless pursuit of excellence. You are indeed an integral part of the Saint Lucian story. As we celebrate our 45th Year of Independence, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with a sense of unity, purpose, national pride, and with renewed vigour and commitment.

Happy Independence Day, to each and every one of you. May God bless you, and may God bless our beloved Saint Lucia!

Developing States (SIDS) in the promotion of education, science, culture, communications, peace and sustainable development.

On this special Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence, I extend best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of Saint Lucia, and assure you of the unwavering support of the Caribbean Community for your continued progress and unity.” Ends.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, the assurances of its highest consideration.

As we celebrate 45 years of independence, let us remember that our journey is far from over. The theme “Going Forward Together: Building a Nation Through Unity, Resilience, and Creativity” is not just a reflection of where we have been; it is a call to action. And it is a call to action not just for Saint Lucia but for the entire OECS and the Caribbean. In a world in which might is always right and power defines possibility, the survival of small states can only be assured by being stronger together. It is a reminder that the future of our nation rests in our hands. Let us embrace this opportunity to build a more unified, resilient, and creative Saint Lucia that is inextricably part of a vibrant OECS. Let us go forward together, with courage and conviction, to build a nation that future generations will be proud of.”

As the OECS sub-region joins with the Government and people of Saint Lucia in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Independence, the Commission encourages citizens of the OECS to view Saint Lucia’s 45th Anniversary Independence Military Parade on YouTube. Key highlights may also be viewed via the Saint Lucia Independence Facebook Page.

T&T – Businessman

Escapes Kidnappers

Arshad Mohammed, the abduction victim, was hog-tied with straps and had a severed seatbelt. He was bleeding from his wrists and feet and was sitting under a coconut tree, crying out in a desperate attempt to survive.

When he screamed, a goat farmer heard and responded, saving his life while the kidnappers tried to talk him out of paying a $500,000 ransom.

Speaking to the media, Arshad expressed his gratitude to the Basta Hall, Couva, farmers who he said saved his life and that he may have died otherwise. Mohammed recalled the horrifying incident in which two armed men tied him up and shoved him into the

back seat of his Nissan X-Trail when he was going to drop off his mother, Annie Mohammed, in their yard at Rahamut Trace, Woodland.

Mohammed said that the guys had hidden his face and that they had asked him intimate questions while savagely beating him on the head.

Mohammed expressed his amazement at the men’s extensive knowledge of him and his family’s farming operations.

“They were asking me questions and if I took too long to answer, they would hit me on the top of my head,” he noted. When pressed for details, Mohammed replied, “One man asked where I was living,

Dominica – Student Makes History at US College

Verena Lake, a Dominican student, joined the Surveying Engineering Program at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and created history by becoming the first female Black student to do so. As part of Black History Month in the US, Eyewitness News, which serves Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, and the newspaper highlighted Lake’s accomplishment.

The newspaper article stated that she did not follow the usual route to become a surveying engineer. It said that she obtained three associate degrees

in Dominica: one in biology, one in physics, and one in geography. However, it was unclear what she intended to do with them.

“Afterward I researched what can I do with the degrees that I have already and that’s how I found out about surveying engineering because it’s very physics and geography intensive,” Lake shared with the newspaper in a recent interview. She had to overcome several obstacles before deciding to join the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus.

Grenada – US Couple on Yacht Missing, Kidnapping a Possibility

Suellen Desmarais from the Treasure Coast is preserving optimism after claiming that her brother and sister-in-law disappeared while residing on their boat in the Caribbean nation of Grenada. Three escaped convicts, according to the police, may be related to their disappear-

ance.

According to the victim’s sister, her brother Ralph Hendry and his spouse Kathy Brandel are the missing pair. The couple, who are in their 60s, resided on “Simplicity,” a catamaran boat.

Every winter season, they would spend

time on their yacht in Fort Pierce, Florida, visiting with loved ones. However, this year they missed the vacation in favor of an incredible excursion to Grenada. Desmarais shared that the couple lives a simple life, “This was their whole life, they didn’t own another home, they didn’t own

cars they owned Simplicity.” She went on to say, “And when you were invited onto Simplicity, you were made to feel as magical as they were and as magical as that boat was.”

Celebrating Black “Health” Month in Brooklyn

by Dr Lesly Kernisant

The East Flatbush community welcomes the new Morris Heights Health Center at 1095 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, strategically located to serve the largest Caribbean-American community in New York City. Like other minority communities, the prevalence of heart disease and racial disparities are a noxious combination of factors that contribute to premature, but preventable deaths among blacks and other ethnic minorities.

February is not only a month to celebrate and honor our black achievers, but also a month to reflect on certain aspects of Health in Black America. During the entire month of February, red is the color in full display to celebrate the survivors of heart disease, the leading cause of death in both men and women in America. It is also important to note that Black Americans die of heart disease at a rate 30% higher than their white counter-

parts. There are many factors for such a high prevalence among races and ethnic groups. Of course, besides the obvious ill-effects of poverty, there are environmental factors, genetic make-up, and behavioral characteristics that are considered major risk factors as well. Also, the social construct that defines race in America also creates the living condition that provides health equity to a dominant race. The country’s health system was originally designed to favor the rich at the expense of the poor. The ability to prevent and alleviate heart-related maladies can only be afforded by the rich while the daily stress of life continues to erode the poor people’s lifespan. When one considers the high rate of obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, high incidence of stress-related hypertension, diabetes added to the health constraints deeply embedded in systemic racism, some of these risk factors

could easily be modified to prevent some of deleterious effects of heart diseases. The Morris Heights Health organization, by expanding into the Brooklyn healthcare market, made a commitment to change these sobering health statistics in a community with the highest reported rate of hypertension, diabetes, and poor black maternal health outcome. These days, the Brooklyn healthcare market is intensely competitive attracting new players such as the major academic centers from Manhattan after new markets created by the recent demographic shift in the borough, the urgent care centers chasing after the quick and episodic young “care seekers”, and the many retail pharmacies extending into traditional clinical services.

Different from by this sudden proliferation of health centers being opened in response to business opportunity of a widespread gentrification phenomenon,

the MHHC-Brooklyn center at 1095 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn was conceived with a different set of goals and purposes. It is a community project with the specific mission of providing access to health services sorely needed by a subset of vulnerable residents. The overarching goal is to reverse the trend of worst health stats in Flatbush in terms of premature deaths from chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancers. It is a full-service center offering a comprehensive array of services to ensure continuity and long-term care plan to the people of East Flatbush. It has a simple mission: improving the health of the community by putting outcome over profit and quality over quantity. That will be achieved through easy access to care with a menu of quality, patient-centricity, and affordability.

A Mulitsectoral Approach to Climate Resilient Food and Water Safety Planning in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) hosted two national workshops from January 24th – 31st, 2024 in Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, focusing on the validation of newly developed national Climate Resilient Food and Water Safety Plans.

In 2021 and 2022, Barbados and Trinidad were selected as pilot countries to develop climate integrated food and water safety plans after conducting a baseline risk assessment under the European Union CARIFORUM Climate and Health Project – “Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean”. Subsequently, in September 2023, an inception workshop was hosted in both countries. The outcomes of these workshops included a thorough assessment of the water infrastructure and systems in selected catchment areas, as well as local food safety systems and policies. In attendance at the recent three-day workshops, was a diverse group of ministerial and agency representatives from various sectors including health, agriculture, environment, public utilities, finance, economics, gender, and child affairs as well as works and transportation ministries. Also attending were local emergency and disaster response units, regulatory bodies, the national meteorological services, the water and sewage services, non-governmental organisations, the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, the Barbados Roofs to Reef Program, Coastal Zone Management, as well as the Food and Agricultural Organization, and InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. The high level of representation and multi-sectoral discussions among national stakeholders ensure that these draft plans compliment existing national strategies and are in alignment with national food and water safety policies for Barbados and Trinidad.

During the opening of workshop proceedings, Dr Horace Cox, Assistant Director Surveillance Disease Prevention and Control/ Head of Vector borne Diseases, at CARPHA

highlighted that “climate change has already shown significant impacts” and the “increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, acidification of oceanic waters, prolonged droughts, fires and intense storms have been experienced globally. These changes directly and indirectly impact food and water safety including changes in pathogen proliferation and transmission, as well as chemical and heavy metal contamination of food and water supplies. The need for building climate resilience into the national planning process for maintaining future food and water safety becomes more critical than ever.”

Dr. Cox expanded on the relevance of these food and water safety plans stating, “For Caribbean SIDS, the vision of realising the resilient future we would like to see will require not only a robust means of implementation, but also the commitment and political will of our governments, and the readiness to pursue collective and cooperative action, with continued strong support from our international development partners and donors.”

At the Barbados opening ceremony, the PAHO/ WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Amalia Del Riego, and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Arthur Phillips highlighted the importance of collaboration in the development, validation and implementation of multisectoral draft food and water safety plans.

Key components of these plans will involve periodic food and water safety infrastructural risk assessments; capacity building, and the adoption of climate-related food and water safety cooperative crisis response mechanisms. The outcomes of these workshops included stakeholder validation and agreement on the draft plans. Post governmental approval, these plans will be formally adopted and oversight committees in each country will monitor implementation.

Sandals Foundation Unveils Early Childhood Learning and Development Center in Saint Lucia

Sandals created history in Saint Lucia in February when it became the very first corporate institution on the island to establish an Early Childhood Learning and Development Center catering specifically to its team members. Initially the center will cater for 60 infants between the ages of 3-5.

Team members will be able to apply and access the facilities of the center at a subsidized cost. The early childcare center will support team members who struggle to find a place to take care of their infants when they go to work, and is in line with the company’s purpose that its team members are able to enjoy more prosperous and fulfilling lives, and its commitment to be the employer of choice in the Caribbean.

WINSTON ANDERSON - MANAGING DIRECTOR, SAINT LUCIA, GRENADA $ ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES.

“Our team members come to work every day with huge smiles, taking care of our guests that

come to our shores, and ensuring they leave with great memories. But the most important thing for them is their family, and our Exec Chairman cemented that in his thinking that as a company, the only we can become the employer of choice, the only way we can truly take care of people is creating loving families, creating fulfilling lives for the people that work with us. That is the mission we are on, to create an environment where people are treated so well, not just those who work with us but their families, so that they will not want to go anywhere else at all.”

DR. ERNEST HILAIRE – DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF TOURISM, INVESTMENT, CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, CULTURE AND INFORMATION.

“This is the first time it has ever been done, certainly in Saint Lucia to my knowledge, and maybe the entire Caribbean. Now, think about that, I mean why would Sandals do it?

And I think Mr. Anderson gave us the answer, it’s about Sandals take care of its family, and its family includes its workers. Now that’s a very powerful concept, that they see you, the workers and by extension your families, as Sandals’ family, that they have a responsibility to take care of you the workers, and to take care of your children, and therefore solving some of our social challenges that we have in the country.”

SHAWN EDWARD – MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

“This really speaks to the impressive record in terms of how you have been able to honour your corporate social responsibilities in this country. It is not enough in 2024 for businesses or companies to be established and to look to maximize profit with absolutely no regard or care for the wider society. And this invest-

ment here is yet another of the many instances where you have demonstrated that yes, you will go after the profit and look to improve your balance sheet, but equally important to you, in your programming as managers and as a lead tourism enterprise in the country, you have demonstrated that you are committed to the well-being of the people of Saint Lucia. And so on behalf of the Ministry of Education and by extension my colleagues in the cabinet, we want to thank you immensely.”

Blue Diamond Resorts Unveils “Diamond Jetsetter Experience” The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure

Blue Diamond Resorts, the most innovative and fastest growing resort chain in the Caribbean, is flying high with the unveiling of its new Diamond Jetsetter Experience: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure with upscale offerings to delight the most discerning travelers at beachfront Royalton Luxury Resorts and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts in Antigua, Cancun, Montego Bay, Punta Cana and Saint Lucia, and transportation via the brand’s new luxury private aviation service Blue Diamond Jets to get them there and back in style. Together, the inspired offerings reveal just how far over the top the Blue Diamond Resorts is ready to go to tailor remarkable hospitality experiences, amenities and services for guests to make memories amid the tropical beauty and inviting spirit of the Caribbean.

Blue Diamond Jets offers private jet service from Toronto or New York. This ensures a soaring start to the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package getaways, featuring personalized air transportation for six guests (additional guests quoted separately). Guests are headed for a once-in-a-lifetime, 5- or 7-night escape in Chairman and Producers Luxury Suites, two-bedroom swim-out, and oceanfront suites. These luxurious accommodations span over 3000 square feet, including spacious living room and dining room areas, a kitchen, pool table, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, as well as king-size and queen-size bedrooms.

Guests can look forward to pick up at their home by a Personal Butler in a private SUV, with assistance available for packing. Complete flight check-in and the delivery of personalized resort bracelets enable them to access their suite at the destination. Additionally, a host of luxury services and amenities await them upon arrival at the resort. Personal Butler services continue in-flight with amenities including aromatherapy with essential oils from The Royal Spa and a dining menu crafted by a signature Royalton or Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts Restaurant highlighted by bottomless mimosas.

Upon arrival in the Caribbean, the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package will kick into high gear with refreshments and personal greeting by hotel executive staff and direct access for guests via their special bracelets to their Chairman or Producers Suite, as top-of-the-line accommodations at Royalton and Planet Hollywood addresses are known, arrayed with distinctive amenities including monogrammed slippers and robes, top-shelf spirits, an aromatherapy menu, and nightly turndown service with pastries.

Guests hungry for more will get it – and then some – with package inclusions such as private dinner experiences at restaurants and on the beach. Additionally, they will enjoy a spirited Mixology Class and a Wine Tasting Session poured under the light of noon. Lunch will be prepared in their suite by a resort chef, and daily breakfast service will be provided on their private terrace. Additional complimentary offerings include daily access to a private beach or pool cabana with a personal catering of lunch from the resort restaurants, a beach photoshoot to frame memories as pretty as they can be, and much more. All spa treatments are included for guests booking this package, along with unlimited hydrotherapy sessions at The Royal Spa or PH Spa. Package guests will also be treated to a Private Catamaran Sunset Excursion tracing beautiful coastlines lapped by the crystal-blue sea, as well as a Cultural Experience in keeping with the destination.

Blue Diamond Resorts’ new Ultimate All-Inclusive Package starts at $139,999 USD for 6 guests traveling as a group, with pricing covering all package inclusions: Private flights by Blue Diamond Jets from New York City or Toronto; stay at Royalton Luxury Resorts and/or Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts in top suites from the Diamond Club™ and Star Class™ room categories; luxury roundtrip airport-to-hotel land transportation; exclusive resort experiences and amenities; deluxe destination excursions.

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Unveiled As New CPL Franchise

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, the newly unveiled franchise, will replace Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. Worldwide Sports Management Group, owners of the franchise, made the announcement on Tuesday, February 20, in an opening ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which is set to be their home ground.

“The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will bring a unique energy and vitality to the Republic Bank CPL,” Krishna Persaud, founder and president of Worldwide Sports Management Group, said. “We want to establish a winner’s culture within the team and also a culture of winning and success off the field - among every individual associated with this franchise and the amazing fans we will have at our special home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in lovely Antigua.”

Antigua previously hosted a franchise named Antigua Hawksbills in the first two CPL seasons, but they won only three matches and were replaced by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.

Jamaica Tallawahs to be replaced in CPL by Antigua-based franchise

Antigua & Barbados’ entry means Jamaica will not host a game in CPL 2024. A CPL spokesperson had mentioned there will be efforts to create a Jamaica-based franchise but that it will be in 2025 at the earliest. Sabina Park, in Jamaica, last hosted a CPL match in 2019 and league’s chief executive Pete Russell had criticised the island for its reluctance to engage with cricket.

Details on the overall structure of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and the coaching and management staff for the team will be announced at a later date.

The 2024 edition of the CPL will take place from August 28 to October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in ten years. Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago are the other venues. The National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, will host the final.

From Brazil’s Northern Dunes to Global Recognition: Bobo Makes His Mark

When it came to using his feet, it would be unfair to say that Tiago Santos, better known as Bobo, was one of the worst players around on the dunes of his hometown of Tutoia, in northern Brazil.

The Brazil goalkeeper, who has just picked up the adidas Golden Glove at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™, is the first to admit, however, that keeping the ball up and generally looking after it with his feet were not his strongest suits.

Instead, those attributes include his superb shot-stopping. Aside from keeping out a crucial penalty in the group-phase win against Portugal, Bobo pulled off a number of outstanding reflex saves throughout the tournament to keep favourites Brazil on track.

And yet, another reason why that accolade came his way and why Brazil secured their sixth world title was his ability to use his feet to great effect and build play, so much so that only two players served up more assists than he did during the course of the tournament.

Tied with him were two more goalkeepers, Japan’s Yusuke Kawai and Portugal’s Pedro Mano, while yet another keeper, IR Iran’s Hamid Behzadpour was second on the list with five assists.

“It’s not been easy at all, but ball control and the quality of my passing is something I’ve

been working on for a long time,” the 32-yearold Bobo told FIFA.com “When the game developed and started to demand more from keepers, I saw that I might get left behind.

“So, I started working on it at home and really applied myself at training too. I’ve put a lot of work into it and my passing is up there with the best now. I’m a good finisher too.”

Brazil v Italy | Final | FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™ | Highlights

Watch the highlights from the match between Brazil and Italy played in Dubai on Sunday, 25 February 2024 at 19:30 (local time).

A chip off the old block Bobo was born to be a beach soccer player, with sand and dunes all around him. Home to many urban beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Atlantic, Tutoia is the gateway to the sandy expanses and lagoons of the Lenções Maranhenses National Park, one of Brazil’s most popular tourist attractions.

“It’s a wonderful city,” he said. “I grew up on the sand and I’ve been playing since I was a kid. I never had the makings of a great player. There were no beach soccer or football academies at the time, but with God’s help and thanks to playing barefoot in the dunes with my friends, I’ve been able to make it.”

Given Bobo’s surroundings, beach soccer was an obvious choice. Also influential in his career path was his father, who played for the city’s representative team and was so agile between the posts that he was nicknamed Mão de Onça (Jaguar Hands).

“I’ve always played in goal,” explained Brazil’s No1. “My father used to take me to his training sessions, and I’d watch him play and make all these saves. He’s the reason why I’m here.”

That was the first step, though it took a while for Bobo to realise the potential he had and that a professional career was an option for him, the main reason for that being that he lived so far away from Brazil’s major football cities.

“I began to understand that beach soccer would be a turning point in my life when I saw players start to leave Tutoia and play in other states,” he

said. “I began to take an interest in them and follow what they were doing.”

Bobo, who plays his club beach soccer for Sampaio Correa, has come a long way in the last decade or so and can now call himself a world champion. He has had the time of his life in Dubai, where he has finally excelled on the World Cup stage, having made the squad at the 2021 tournament but failed to get any playing time.

The Brazilian was a nominee for Beach Soccer Worldwide’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in

2023 but was beaten to it by Italy’s Leandro Casapieri, who kept Brazil at bay in Sunday’s final before being sent off. And, as Bobo showed in Dubai, he is only getting better and better.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play a single game in 2021, though I took a lot away from it. I gained a lot of experience and now, thanks to God, here I am representing Brazil,” he said. “I’m very happy and it’s great to be with such a fantastic team. I’m convinced we’re going to achieve more big things in the future.”