March 6, 2024

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CaribNews

EDITORIAL

by Ben Jealous - P

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EDITORIAL

by Stacy M. Brown

HEALTH

- P 17

SPORTS

UN crime prevention chief pledges enhanced cooperation in Somalia

The Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Waly has highlighted the threats of transnational organized crime, terrorism and corruption that is plaguing Somalia.

On a mission to the Horn of Africa nation, Executive Director Waly underscored on Friday that “Somalia faces daunting challenges that range from terrorism to resurgent piracy, poverty and the consequences of climate change.”

A complicated crisis

Speaking to UN News in Mogadishu, Ms. Waly said interlinked threats included piracy, illegal fishing, different types of trafficking and smuggling together with terrorism, all underpinned by money laundering and corruption.

These threats also have an impact far beyond Somalia. Firearms trafficking across the Gulf of Aden supplies Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups while migrant smugglers operating along Somalia’s northern coast transfer people towards the Arabian Peninsula.

At the same time, unregulated foreign fishing fleets are exploiting Somalia’s marine resources, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods in the Indian Ocean.

Drug trafficking could also be an expanding threat, Ms. Waly added, due to the difficulty of policing Somalia’s long coastline and the country’s connectivity in terms of air travel.

Water and electricity ‘will save us from famine’

An initiative to rapidly develop villages in some of the most drought-prone and poorest rural areas of southern Madagascar could help people to avoid the danger of famine, according to people benefiting from a collaboration with the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).

Droughts, partly caused by climate change and the resulting lack of water, have driven many communities to the brink as they have been unable to grow the crops they rely on for survival. Many are forced to rely on humanitarian aid. But now, the availability of electricity and water is reviving many villages, including Fenoaivo in the Anosy region, according to the WFP’s Avimaro Mikendremana.

“The people of Fenoaivo have suffered greatly. In 2020, they experienced famine-like conditions after successive rains failed, and they were unable to grow enough food to eat. The effects of the drought were very severe, and the village needed to be supported with humanitarian relief aid. When we asked what they needed most, the answer was always water and then electricity. People told me that this combination would save them from experiencing near famine again and having to rely on others to bring in humanitarian aid.

It’s clear that water and electricity are the essential building blocks of development, so we wanted to pilot a programme which would look at what impact that combination would have on some of the poorest villages in the south of Madagascar.

WORLD BRIEFS

UN chief appeals for greater support for small islands fighting climate change More funding is needed to support small island developing States (SIDS) on the frontlines of climate change, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Saturday in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mr. Guterres visited a project that is helping the Caribbean nation to combat the effects of coastal erosion and rising seas, which are among the impacts of global warming.

While commending the initiative, known as the Georgetown Sea Defense, he underlined the need for greater solidarity and financial support.

Climate justice

“We must have stronger support from the international community – what we call climate justice – which means adequate financing at low cost, quickly decided in order to allow for all these works that we have been seeing to protect the island against the sea and against the floods and storms,” he said.

Responding to a journalist’s question, Mr. Guterres said that SIDS must have quick and easy access to climate finance through the Loss and Damage Fund.

The long-awaited mechanism to help vulnerable countries offset the damage from droughts, floods and other extreme weather caused by climate change finally became operational at the UN COP28 climate conference in Dubai last year.

North Gaza aid mission reveals more infants may die from hunger

A rare opportunity to deliver desperately needed supplies to hospitals in northern Gaza for the first time in months has been welcomed by UN humanitarians who on Tuesday issued a fresh alert about “appalling” conditions in medical facilities where more children risk are battling life-threatening malnutrition.

“WHO and partners managed to access (Al) Shifa (hospital) in the north and deliver fuel, some lifesaving supplies for 150 patients and treatment of 50 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and also bring it vaccines,” said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, UN World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

For the first time since 7 October the WHO mission also reached Kamal Adwan hospital further north.

The facility’s paediatric unit was where 10 children reportedly died from hunger and dehydration in recent days and it was “overwhelmed with patients”, Dr. Peeperkorn said.

The situation in Al-Awda Hospital was “particularly appalling”, he continued, in an urgent appeal for sustained humanitarian access. “The deconfliction mechanism needs to continue working so aid can reach those in need,” the WHO medic insisted, referencing the protocol whereby combatants are pre-notified of aid locations.

Whales Are Dying and the Fossil Fuel Industry is Lying

Biden Administration Takes Step to Curb Credit Card Fees, Bridge Racial Disparities

One in Eight People Are Now Living With Obesity

Alfred Makes History for St. Lucia with 60m Win in Glasgow - P 20

NYC - Mayor Adams Announces $50 Million Support for Minority Housing Developers

Housing Preservation Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr., and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin today announced a new initiative to provide up to $50 million to help Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) developers overcome historical financial barriers and fully participate in the development of critically needed affordable housing for New Yorkers. Established in partnership with the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs and the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) the new “New York City Minority Business Enterprise Guaranty Facility” is expected to enable as much as $500 million in private construction lending to MBEs.

Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Adams’ commitment to fight the housing crisis as he continues calls made in his State of the City Address for Albany to deliver a housing package this session that will help create the affordable homes New Yorkers need and deserve.

“For too long, Minority Business Enterprises have faced systemic barriers and restrictive financial requirements in our construction sector that have prevented them from being a part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s $50 million initiative is a major step forward towards our goal of building a fairer, more equitable New York City while creating housing, jobs, and opportunity for all. As we said in this year’s State of the City address: this city and this nation are facing a massive housing crisis. To face this moment, we must be a ‘City of Yes’ — ‘yes’ in my backyard, ‘yes’ on my block, ‘yes’ in my city, and ‘yes’ to our MBEs.”

“Minority Business Enterprises are critical drivers of affordable housing development across the five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This new initiative is a powerful way to combat our housing crisis while addressing the historical inequities and gaps in capital for MBE businesses. I am excited to see this unprecedented investment bolster diverse businesses and

help us forge a clear path for equitable growth in our city.”

“In order for New York City to stay competitive on a global stage, we must ensure we’re building the affordable housing we need, and minority-housing development partners are a key part of that path forward,” said HPD Commissioner Carrión. “This new initiative, in partnership with Goldman Sachs, CPC, and HDC, is a major step in the right direction, removing barriers that will allow minority developers to grow, stay competitive, and build more housing — just as our city needs it the most.”

“With the launch of the MBE Guaranty Facility, the city is making strides to address barriers that have historically limited minority-owned business enterprises from participating in the development of affordable housing,” said HDC President Enderlin. “HDC is proud to partner with HPD, CPC, and Goldman Sachs to provide more equitable access to low-cost capital through the facility and promote greater opportunity for our MBE development partners to succeed.”

“In establishing the MBE Guaranty Facility, New York City is taking action against entrenched barriers to entry to this industry that have their roots in a history of structural racism,” said New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “I’m proud to see HPD and HDC partner with Goldman Sachs

and the Community Preservation Corporation on this $50 million initiative, which not only proactively removes obstacles that have prevented minority-owned firms from taking part in the creation of affordable housing, but that will stimulate even greater opportunities and access to capital going forward.”

“Access to affordable housing remains a persistent and considerable generational challenge for large urban cities like our own,” said Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner.

“Far too often, working- and middle-class families, who are most responsible for ensuring that our great city continues to operate like one, are unable to participate in its benefits. That dynamic also holds true with our diverse community of minority-owned businesses that are critical to supporting local economies yet are often left out of meaningful city development opportunities funded by taxpayer dollars. This partnership between the city, Goldman Sachs, and Community Preservation Corporation is an example of what we can achieve through great publicprivate partnerships and the political will to accomplish meaningful things. I applaud and stand alongside Mayor Adams in his commitment to ‘Get Stuff Done’ the right way, and in assisting New York City certified minority-owned developers who’ve historically been excluded.”

NYC – Summer Youth Employment Program

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) today announced the extension of applications for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) through Friday, March 15. SYEP is providing 100,000 summer jobs and other paid opportunities to young people ages 14-24.

SYEP applications can be completed

online or through participating community-based organizations found at nyc.gov/ syep during the application period. Applications also remain open for employers who would like to provide work experiences for SYEP participants by becoming a worksite.

SYEP runs for six weeks in July and August. The initiative provides youth with

paid opportunities to explore potential career interests and pathways, allowing participants to engage in learning experiences that help develop their professional, social, civic, and leadership skills. Participants aged 14 and 15 receive a stipend for the summer; older youth aged 16-24 are paid the prevailing minimum wage. Last summer, participants got a jump start

St. Vincent – Three Men Suspected

on their careers at nearly 18,000 worksites in industries such as business/finance, fashion, philanthropy, technology, arts/ culture, engineering/construction, healthcare, legal services, real estate, transportation, advertising/marketing, hospitality/ tourism, media/entertainment, and retail.

in Disappearance of American Couple To Be Deported

Deportation from St. Vincent was ordered for three men from Grenada who were accused of being involved in the disappearance of a U.S. couple whose catamaran was abducted.

The three men—a 30-year-old sailor named Ron Mitchell, a 25-year-old farmer named Abita Stanislaus, and a 19-yearold jobless guy named Trevon Robertson—had entered guilty pleas to immigration-related crimes in a St. Vincent, Eastern Caribbean court.

Their return to their home country is mandated by Senior Magistrate Colin John “as soon as practicable.”

Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel were on board the catamaran when the guys, who are accused of hijacking it, escaped from a

police holding cell in Grenada on February 18.

As the accused proceeded to St. Vincent, where they were apprehended on February 21, police have stated that they think the couple was thrown overboard. In this situation, they are not charged.

Authorities report that violence was seen on the couple’s abandoned yacht near St. Vincent, where the inquiry is still underway.

Hendry and Brandel were referred to by the charity Salty Dawg Sailing Association as “veteran cruisers” who took part in the Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua last year and intended to spend the winter sailing in the eastern Caribbean.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City

UK - Church of England to Raise Billions of Dollars to Address Linkage to Slavery

An advisory council recommends that the Church of England establish a £1 billion fund to redress its historical ties to slavery. That is ten times what the church had previously allocated.

A 100 million pound fund revealed last year was deemed inadequate in comparison to the church’s riches, according to an unbiased oversight panel that was established by the church “the moral sin and crime of African chattel enslavement.”

The financial arm of the church, the Church Commissioners, said that it had accepted the

group’s proposals, which included setting aside £1 billion “and above” for a fund called the Fund for Healing, Repair, and Justice.

The church said that it would not be increasing its £100-million pledge right now. However, instead of spending the first money over nine years as planned, it will do it over five, and by the end of the year, it wants to begin disbursing it, according to Church Commissioners Chief Executive Gareth Mostyn.

He mentioned other organizations or people who wanted to confront their own connections to slavery might contribute to the fund and

Dominican Republic Applies for CARICOM Membership

During the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) conference in Georgetown, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali declared that Martinique and the Dominican Republic have submitted applications to join.

“The process for these countries to become associate members has already begun,” Ali stated at the summit’s final remarks, which were streamed on his social media platforms.

“The (Caricom) secretariat will work with both Martinique and the Dominican Republic to comply with the procedural aspect of things, so that by the time we

“join us on this journey.”

The fund was started as a part of the Anglican church’s attempts to address its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. In 2019, the Church Commissioners, the body in charge of managing the church’s £10 billion wealth fund, employed forensic accountants to search the church’s records for any indications of possible connections to the slave trade.

They discovered that Queen Anne’s Bounty, a fund created in 1704 to aid in the upkeep of destitute clergy, was the source of the church’s enormous holdings. It made significant investments in the South Sea Company, which had a monopoly on bringing slaves from Africa to ports under Spanish rule in the Americas. 34,000 passengers were carried by the firm on at least 96 trips between 1714 and 1739. Several wealthy slave traders also contributed to Queen Anne’s Bounty, notably Edward Colston, a British slave dealer whose statue in his hometown of Bristol was overturned by anti-racism demonstrators in 2020.

Although the British government banned the slave trade in 1807, it did not pass laws emancipating slaves within its borders until 1833.

The head of the Church of England, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has pledged to rectify the “shameful past.” The

ideas, according to him, mark “the beginning of a multi-generational response to the appalling evil of trans-Atlantic chattel enslavement.”

The new fund’s investments will go toward underprivileged Black communities with the goal of “backing their most brilliant social entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare givers, asset managers, and historians,” The report of the oversight committee said.

Some activists have demanded that organizations that profited from slavery compensate the descendants of those who were slaves, and this promise falls short of their demands.

The oversight committee also demanded an apology from the church, “for denying that black Africans are made in the image of God and for seeking to destroy diverse African traditional religious belief systems.”

The monitoring group’s leader, Rosemarie Mallett, the bishop of Croydon, stated that no amount of money can “fully atone for or fully redress the centuries-long impact of African chattel enslavement, the effects of which are still felt around the world today” in bleak opportunities for many Black individuals.

However, she said that the church was “stepping forth quite boldly, quite audaciously, and saying: ‘We can do this, others should join in.’”

reach July (the month of the next regular meeting), the full mechanism will be in place and the recommendations will come,” President Ali stated.

The Dominican Republic’s widespread expulsion of Haitians was the reason for the last suspension of negotiations.

Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are among the countries that make up Caricom.

Haiti - Five Countries Pledge Troops for Haiti Security

According to a recent U.N. spokesperson, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad have officially informed the UN of their intention to provide men to an international force to assist the Haitian national police in combating armed gangs.

A trust fund to support the international security support operation has also received contributions totaling $10.8 million, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric informed reporters, adding that other commitments totaling $78 million have also been made.

A foreign security mission to Haiti was approved by the UN Security Council in October, one year after the Caribbean nation requested assistance in battling vicious gangs that had fully taken over its city, Port-au-Prince. The resolution passed by the 15-member council mandates that nations notify Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, of their involvement in the security mission. Despite having Security Council ap-

proval, the mission is not a U.N. undertaking.

The difficulty in locating a nation ready to spearhead a security aid operation caused a delay in responding to Haiti’s appeal for assistance. Kenya committed to providing 1,000 police last year, but the action was later halted by a local court for being unconstitutional. The proposal will proceed, according to Kenyan President William Ruto, although Guterres has not yet been informed.

Benin has stated it intends to deploy around 1,500 people, according to Dujarric. The number of soldiers offered by the remaining four countries was not immediately apparent.

The UN claimed separately that half of Haiti’s population, or around 5.5 million people, require humanitarian relief, and it is requesting $674 million in 2024. According to Ulrika Richardson, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Haiti, the organization barely got a third of the funding it requested last year.

Haiti – PM Promised CARICOM Leaders to Hold Elections by Mid-2025

Caribbean leaders recently announced late on that, in response to international pressure to gather funds for a foreign armed force to combat gang violence in Haiti, the beleaguered prime minister, Ariel Henry, has agreed to hold general elections by mid-2025.

Following a four-day conference in Guyana, members of the Caricom regional trade bloc said that Henry concurred that elections must be held to fulfill this aim, and they must collaborate with civil society organizations and the opposition.

According to the statement, elections and the

restoration of democracy in a poor nation devoid of elected leaders would need compromises from all parties involved in Haitian society, including Henry.

“Caricom heads expressed their deep concern over the continued deterioration of the security, humanitarian, and political situation and the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate, which has blocked the possibility of free and fair elections,” the statement bloc noted.

“Caricom heads underlined the critical and immediate need for a clear political path forward

which should be participatory and inclusive.”

The United States, Canada, and the UN will form an assessment team to assist Haiti in getting ready for elections.

Henry’s office spokesperson declined to comment. Henry had left Guyana and was headed for Kenya, according to authorities.

Since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July 2021, Henry has often promised to organize elections. However, he and other authorities claim that gang violence has prevented him from following through on these pledges.

At the summit’s last press conference, Bahamas

Prime Minister Philip Davis described the situation in Haiti as “truly terrible.”

PM Davis noted, “Haiti is hemorrhaging. … We are deeply concerned about the continued deterioration of the security situation.” He stated that as the region works to find a political solution for the nation, Caricom would shortly convene a gathering of important Haitian players in Jamaica.

A Kenyan police force that was being sent to Haiti with U.N. support has encountered legal challenges in that East African country, as a judge has declared the proposal to be unlawful.

Haiti - Hundreds of Prisoners Escaped Amid Escalating Violence

Hundreds of prisoners escaped from Haiti’s National Penitentiary after fighting broke out on March 2, 2024. According to local reports, armed men set fire to the surroundings of the prison and continued their progression guided by drones, which informed them of the location of police officers stationed at the prison.

A video taken by a drone circulated online along with an image of the prison. In the video, a voice could be heard reporting the lack of police presence in the prison yard and informing the gang members that they could move forward.

Several police officers deployed at the peni-

tentiary and prison administration agents attempted to repel the coordinated attacks of the attackers, but despite their efforts, after hours of intense exchanges of gunfire, they had to retreat.

The national penitentiary houses more than 11,000 prisoners, including 18 Colombians accused in the assassination plot against President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, as well as the head of security of the National Palace, Dimitri Hérard and the security coordinator, Jean Laguel Civilian as well as dangerous gang leaders and criminals awaiting trial.

Among the escapees are former gang leader “Djouma”, “Bout Janjan” the former leader of La Saline and “Chinay” a notorious criminal.

In a post on social media, one of Haiti’s Police Unions pleaded for all officers in the capital with access to cars and weapons to assist police battling to maintain control of the penitentiary and warned that if the attackers were successful “we are done. No one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra bandits now effective.”

The most recent surge in violence, which began Thursday, has targeted police stations, the international airport, and the National Penitentiary.

On Friday, Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, said he would continue in his effort to try and oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

“We ask the Haitian National Police and the military to take responsibility and arrest Ariel Henry. Once again, the population is not our enemy; the armed groups are not your enemy. You arrest Ariel Henry for the country’s liberation,” Cherizier said, adding “With these weapons, we will liberate the country, and these weapons will change the country.”

Cherizier is a former police officer who heads an alliance of gangs. He has faced sanctions from both the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury.

Public frustration, which had been building against Henry over his inability to curb the unrest, boiled over after he failed to step down last month, citing the escalating violence.

Under a previous agreement, he had committed to hold elections and transfer power by February 7.

Last Wednesday Caribbean leaders said that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry had agreed to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025.

The recent fighting started as Henry was visiting Kenya to finalize details with Kenyan President William Ruto for the expected deployment of a multinational security support mission to Haiti.

Meanwhile, gunfire near the airport on Thursday forced airlines to suspend flights. The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert Friday, warning of gunshots and disruptions to traffic near the domestic and international terminals, as well as surrounding areas, including a hotel and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police.

Haiti has been gripped by a wave of unrest and gang violence in recent years.

Warring gangs control much of Port-auPrince, choking off vital supply lines to the rest of the country.

Gang members have also terrorized the metropolitan population, forcing over 300,000 people to flee their homes amid waves of indiscriminate killing, kidnapping, arson and rape.

Some 1,100 people were killed, injured, or kidnapped in January alone, in what the United Nations called the most violent month in two years. (CMC)

San Francisco – Apologizes to Black Residents for Systemic Discrimination

After decades of institutionalized racism and intentional acts of violence, San Francisco is formally apologizing to its Black citizens.

In a recent historic vote, the city’s 11 Board of Supervisors members all agreed to endorse a resolution apologizing to Black citizens and pledging to “the rectification and redress of past policies and misdeeds.”

According to San Francisco’s legislation, the resolution “apologizes on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco to African Americans and their descendants for systemic and structural discrimination, targeted acts of violence, and atrocities.”

Supervisor Shamann Walton expressed gratitude to the African American

Reparations Advisory Committee, which creates suggestions for making amends in Black communities, at the meeting and mentioned, “We have much more work to do but this apology most certainly is an important step.”The Board of Supervisors has adopted this resolution as the committee’s initial recommendation.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen considered the large-scale demonstrations that followed George Floyd’s death and the national cry for reform that served as impetus for the official apologies.

Ronen stated, “People in the United States were everywhere all across the country out in the streets and saying enough is enough.” She then added, “It was one of the most exciting moments that I’ve ever gotten to live through because it felt

like there was a real fundamental change and reckoning happening.”San Francisco was one of the first big cities to issue an official apology of this type, along with Boston.

One of the biggest reparations campaigns for Black Americans in recent U.S. history was approved by a task committee on state reparations in California in May of 2023.

Task force chair Kamilah Moore stated that the group recommended that qualified Californians be granted atonement under the five categories of reparations recognized by international law: restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and assurances of non-repetition.

CARICOM – Denounces Violence in Music

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officials have called for a stop to this kind of entertainment, voicing their strong opposition to the alarming trend of glorifying violence in the Caribbean entertainment sector.

Recently, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, highlighted the critical need for coordinated action to address the growing issue of crime and violence afflicting the region during the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, which was held in Guyana. His speech focused mostly on denouncing attitudes and songs that encourage crime and violence. The prime minister of Grenada declared, “Crime, violence, and public safety, it is a matter of fundamental importance to CARICOM.”

Prime Minister Mitchell highlighted the concerning rise of this tendency in the entertainment industry of the Region, especially in the southern Caribbean noting, “The Caribbean has produced some of the world’s most renowned

entertainers, from Machel Montano to the Mighty Sparrow…to Bob Marley. Their lyrics have always been inspiring, uplifting, funny, entertaining, but they never promoted violence, they never encouraged violence, they never glorified violence, they never denigrated women.”

To do this, the leader of the Caribbean demanded that encouraging and upbeat material be promoted. The importance of the creative industries in the region was also emphasized by Prime Minister Mitchell as a means of securing the ideals of Caribbean civilization for future generations and fostering a more promising future.

“We are not here to say that you do not have the right to your cultural expressions, artistic expression, (and) poetic lifestyle but all societies have to again, determine what our values are,” the head of CARICOM said. He said that although it appears like normalizing and mainstreaming violence and celebrating criminality is happening, CARICOM leaders are certain that it shouldn’t be.

Additionally, Prime Minister Mitchell said, “Heads have committed to ensuring that we liberally, strategically and resourcefully commence the process across all spectrums on the issue of how we can use our creative…to bring us back to where we were.”

He clarified that CARICOM aspires to be a constructive and motivating entertainment business. “We are not here to talk censorship, we are not here to curtail anyone’s right to speak or to say what they want, what we are saying is that we need to encourage positive inspiring content, that looks after our young people that encourages them to appreciate that they don’t need to die at 20 or 21 years,” Mitchell emphasized.

Con Edison Awards $4 Million in Grants to Train New York’s Next Clean Energy Workforce

Con Edison, as part of its ongoing commitment to usher in New York’s clean energy transition, is granting awards totaling more than $4 million to four New York nonprofit organizations. These organizations will train more than 1,200 participants from underserved communities for careers in clean energy and technology fields over the next three years.

The four nonprofit organizations include: Green City Force, LaGuardia Community College, Public Housing Community Fund, and RETI Center.

These awards reflect Con Edison’s charitable grant efforts to invest in nonprofits that share the company’s vision to combat the effects of climate change, advance social justice, and create green jobs in the communities it serves.

“Con Edison’s vision is for every New Yorker to be able to share in the benefits of the clean energy transition,” said Tim Cawley, chairman and CEO, Con Edison. “We are proud to invest in these partners who will create pathways to well-paying careers in clean energy. We want to help build a clean energy economy that will make New York a model for the rest of the country.”

“These grants represent Con Edison’s investment in the people we serve, helping them develop skills, competencies and receive experiential learning opportunities so they can enjoy rewarding careers in clean energy fields that will in turn benefit our communities and

our environment,” Cawley continued.

The four nonprofit agencies were chosen for their efforts to break down barriers and increase opportunities for participation in historically disadvantaged communities. They include:

Green City Force (GCF) will train hundreds of program participants in clean energy, building on its current curriculum. Con Edison’s support will help GCF increase its staff expertise in clean energy and efficiency sectors. It will help provide its members with career preparation, job placement, advancement support, and job coaching at all steps in their professional career. This will help young adults build the career readiness skills they need to enter the green workforce.

“Green City Force is thrilled to build on our longstanding partnership with Con Edison.” said Tonya Gayle, executive director, Green City Force. “This multi-year investment will expand our capacity to enable young adults of color from low-income backgrounds to learn about the growing clean energy field during their service term, provide trainings, and create job pathways for them. In the fight against climate change, this ensures that frontline communities--often overlooked--have a say in solutions that impact their lives, while developing the next generation of skilled workers in the green economy.”

LaGuardia Community College, in partnership

with Urban Upbound and Building Skills NY, will recruit from low-income communities of color, including public housing residents from the Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Astoria Houses, to train job seekers as solar installation technicians and electrical helpers, and connect them to a range of clean energy jobs. In addition, with the help of Con Edison volunteer mentors, the program will provide retention services and financial counseling to graduates for one year to help participants succeed and advance their careers over time.

“We are grateful to Con Edison for supporting the launch of our Solar Technician Workforce program,” said Kenneth Adams, president of LaGuardia Community College. “With support from Con Edison, training and supporting individuals from communities that have borne the brunt of environmental and economic injustice, such as public housing residents in Long Island City and Astoria, will lead to both the economic empowerment of these communities and improved quality of life for workers and their families. LaGuardia looks forward to providing training to NYCHA residents for rewarding careers in solar energy.”

Public Housing Community Fund, in partnership with New York City College of Technology (City Tech), will support NYCHA Caretaker H Heating Technology Training Program. This program teaches about traditional and innovative heating technologies, with a special

emphasis on providing a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training in heating fundamentals, mechanics, repair, and maintenance of heating equipment and provision of heat and hot water for all NYCHA-managed properties.

“The Public Housing Community Fund is immensely grateful for Con Edison’s support, which marks a transformative step towards empowering NYCHA residents through the NYCHA Caretaker H Heating Technology Training Program. This grant fuels our mission to provide vital skills, training, and knowledge in clean energy technologies and paves the way for sustainable, long-term employment opportunities within our communities,” said Public Housing Community Fund Executive Director Alex Zablocki. “Through a partnership with the New York City Housing Authority and CUNY City Tech, funding from Con Edison allows us to nurture a new generation of green energy professionals. This public-private partnership is a testament to the power of community, education, and industry to forge a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for New York City.”

“The Caretaker H program will teach NYCHA residents the fundamentals of heating technology, repair, and maintenance,” said NYCHA

Continued online at www.nycaribnews.com

Guest Editorial: Guterres Urges Support for Haiti in Remarks to Regional Leaders

by Secretary-General António Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed on Friday for greater support for an international mission to help Haiti combat rampant gang violence in remarks to regional leaders meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The island nation is hosting the latest summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which comprises more than 30 countries.

With the bloc meeting “to help foster solutions for the region and for the world”, Mr. Guterres highlighted the need for solidarity in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, social cohesion and climate action.

‘Peace is possible’

“Latin America and the Caribbean have shown how uniting for peace is possible and makes a difference,” he said.

He pointed to the “significant strides” made in the peace process in Colombia and the joint declaration signed recently by Guyana and Venezuela aimed at reducing border tensions. However, he noted that organized crime continues to plague many countries.

“Arms trafficking has become the most important security threat to the region,” the UN chief said. “It will not be possible to fight it effectively without much stronger internation-

al cooperation, from the source to the streets.” In this regard, he welcomed the security partnership launched recently by Andean countries to assist Ecuador, while the new Government in Guatemala “offers a chance to advance democratic development, the rule of law and other key aspects of the peace agenda.”

Help for Haiti

He warned that the already dire situation in Haiti is getting worse by the day, as gangs hold the country hostage and use sexual violence as a weapon.

Last October, the UN Security Council authorized a multinational security support mission to back-up the national police, which Kenya has offered to lead. Several countries, including CELAC members, made additional pledges of support during an event on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Brazil last week.

“I welcome these efforts, but much more must be done to secure the deployment of this mission without further delay and a political solution that could resolve the country’s fundamental problems,” he said.

According to news reports, Kenya and Haiti signed a formal security agreement on Friday which will allow the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers which will form the core of the new UN-backed multinational

mission.

Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly said that thanks to the breakthrough deal, the mission can now be fast-tracked. The bilateral agreement is a key pre-condition laid down by Kenya’s High Court for allowing the police deployment.

Sustainable development stimulus

Addressing sustainable development, the Secretary-General reported that efforts to achieve a more just and equitable global future are in danger.

This is occurring at a time when millions in the region are facing hunger and poverty, and as many countries are drowning in debt.

Last September, world leaders endorsed his proposal for $500 billion in annual financing to boost sustainable development but “unfortunately, the resistance has been severe”. He expressed hope that the Summit of the Future at UN Headquarters this September will make progress towards reforming “a global financial architecture that is unfair, outdated and ineffective”.

Climate justice and finance

The Secretary-General arrived in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday. At a press conference that afternoon in the capital,

The International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day celebrated in the month of March when the US has its Women’s History Month is a movement working for the advancement and the rights of women globally. International Women’s Day was officially organized by the United Nations in 1975 and has been celebrated in some 80 countries world

wide; this has become a part of the women’s right movement and helped to create an awareness and to seek action on gender biases. The struggle for women’s rights and gender equality has been a long journey. The first national Women’s Day was observed on the 28th of February 1909 when women demanded shorter work

hours, better pay, and voting rights; it started with a march through New York City demanding change to society; it was then picked up by the women in the Democratic Party in Germany and they formally suggested that every year, in every country, on the same day there should be a demonstration for gender equality and to use that as a symbol to press their demands. This effort went on for several years and was recognized by the United Nations in 1975. While there is much to celebrate with respect to advancement in women’s rights, there is much more to go. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is invest in women, accelerate progress. With the world facing multiple crises and tremendous pressure on various communities, it is a time when gender equality is more vital than everwomen are taking up responsibilities in so many areas and have been the mainstay for so many communities that ensuring the woman’s right would ensure a more

Kingstown, he expressed solidarity with small island developing States who are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change. He appealed for greater action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which he said “is essentially a responsibility of the G20 countries” as these richer nations are the main polluters.

“But, we need much more climate justice, which means much more finance available at reasonable cost for adaptation and mitigation for developing countries and in particular for small island developing States,” he said.

prosperous and just economy internationally for now and future generations. The United Nations appeal is to invest in women, this becomes a key challenge of the day and we certainly agree with this assessment and with this demand - as the theme says, if we invest in women we will be seeing an acceleration of progress. The cry is time is running out and gender equality remains one of the largest challenges of human rights, and so investing in women, in human rights, building an inclusive society, progress for women will benefit all. The current international economic system increases poverty, inequality and environmental degradation, and this impacts women in a significant way; to change this to an alternative economic model there has to be a shift with the understanding that investment in women is key to prosperity - let us get engaged in this year’s International Women’s Day activities to look to a better future for all.

Whales Are Dying and the Fossil Fuel Industry is Lying

By Ben Jealous

Whoever would have thought fossil fuel industry front groups would make whales and other marine species a cultural wedge issue? However, thanks to a deception campaign targeting wind energy that’s exactly where we find ourselves.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey rescues and rehabilitates live beached animals and performs necropsies on the remains of dead ones to pinpoint their causes of death. Sheila Dean, one of the group’s founders, describes how the rampant misinformation connecting whale deaths to sonar used in surveying the seafloor for offshore wind farms is making her job more difficult. And it is distracting people from what is really killing the whales: vessel strikes, climate change, plastic pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris.

“I’ve been doing this for 47 years. We had a lot of whale deaths in 2023 but there have been years we’ve had more. In 2013 we had a lot of whales and dolphins washing up. Our necropsy data show a wide variety of possible causes of death, including blunt force trauma from suspected vessel strikes. If the sonar from mapping was killing marine life, our shores likely would have been littered with hundreds, if not thousands of dead and dying marine mammals.”

The frenzy that has been whipped up against offshore wind energy has thrust Dean’s organization into the storm. Anti-wind activists and the people they have duped are demanding close examination of

whale’s ears to show signs of damage from sonar. But most beached whale remains are in an advanced state of decomposition, making that impossible.

Where there have been beached animals that have not been too decomposed, mostly dolphins, the MMSC and its partners have gone the extra mile and incurred great cost for CT scans and lab analysis. The results? No evidence of auditory trauma. Scientists have been clear. Disruptions in the whales’ feeding patterns, water salinity, and currents are likely the result of climate change. Dean points out the whales are following their food source, which is what brings them into the shipping lanes.

Finding no evidence that sonar mapping for offshore wind farms is connected to the whale deaths, groups like Dean’s are being targeted as if they are part of some cover up fueled by the wind industry. Dean is clear that her organization takes no money from the wind industry.

Meanwhile, the real problems behind the increase in whale deaths go unaddressed. And with climate change perhaps the largest overriding problem, and our transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy the solution… well, it is not hard to see how this is by design.

Lies and deceit have always been the stockin-trade of the fossil fuel industry’s public relations and lobbying efforts. Back in 2009 when I was national president of the NAACP, the lobbying firm for a major coal industry group faked a letter to Congress

from our Albemarle-Charlottesville chapter in Virginia to stop a climate bill. The letter even used NAACP letterhead and declared opposition to the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a bill we actually supported!

So let us follow the money behind the rising tide of local front groups opposing offshore wind development. The organizing efforts and litigation come from organizations with benign names like the American Coalition for Ocean Protection and Save Right Whales. Those organizations link back to dark money groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the Caesar Rodney Institute, and the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow. And those groups are funded by fossil fuel interests like ExxonMobil and the Charles Koch Foundation. Major players include operatives who have been on the forefront of climate denial for years and involved in previous political smear jobs like the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth. These groups opposing wind energy are not just screaming their lies into the wind. They are shifting public opinion. A Monmouth poll shows public support for New Jersey’s offshore wind projects has dropped from 76 percent to 54 percent in the wake of the disinformation campaign around whale deaths.

The Northeast as a region has been among the most forward-thinking when it comes to the use and development of renewable energy. If these groups are successful in

blocking the development of renewable energy adoption and production in the Northeast, it does not bode well for the rest of the country. And the fossil fuel industry knows it.

We are already seeing Big Oil and Gas target solar with blatant misinformation targeted at communities across the country. A recent NPR report detailed how one group connected to polluters and climate deniers, the so-called Citizens for Responsible Solar, “has helped local groups fighting solar projects in at least 10 states including Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.”

So if it has not already, misleading campaigns of the fossil fuel industry could be coming to a town near you. Remember if you see a group opposing clean energy, it is usually a good idea to follow the money behind the message.

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

Biden Administration Takes Step to Curb Credit Card Fees, Bridge Racial Disparities

by Stacy M. Brown

In a move to confront racial disparities in credit terms, the Biden administration has unveiled a proposal to cap credit card late fees at $8, challenging the longstanding issue of “junk fees” that disproportionately affect people of color and minorities. The ambitious plan, announced on Tuesday, March 5, aims not only to alleviate immediate financial burdens for consumers but also addresses the systemic inequities faced by those residing in predominantly Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino communities.

Recent studies have shed light on the stark differences in credit terms, revealing that cardholders in these minority-majority neighborhoods face lower credit limits and higher interest rates than their counterparts in predominantly white areas, even considering factors like credit scores and income. One analysis of a diverse sample of cardholders uncovered troubling

trends, including credit limits for those in majority Black and Hispanic zip codes, which were, on average, $3,412 and $4,285 lower, respectively. Also, interest rates for individuals in these zip codes were, on average, approximately 1.3 and 1.4 percentage points higher, respectively.

Beyond the immediate financial relief for consumers, the White House said the proposed regulation aligns with the broader mission of the Biden administration to dismantle systemic economic disparities.

By reducing excessive fees, particularly those impacting people of color, the administration aims to create a more level playing field and alleviate the financial burdens marginalized communities face.

The disparities in credit terms impact the upfront costs of credit and have broader implications. Individuals in the majority Black and Hispanic zip codes often carry their credit card balances for extended

periods, leading to higher overall costs. Lower credit limits can also result in elevated credit utilization rates, potentially contributing to lower credit scores.

As part of a comprehensive strategy, Biden announced that his administration is forming a new “strike force” to combat illegal and unfair pricing across various sectors, including groceries, prescription drugs, health care, housing, and financial services. Officials said the multifaceted approach underscores the administration’s commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and promoting financial inclusivity. While the proposal is expected to save Americans up to $10 billion annually, the White House said its potential impact on racial and economic disparities signifies a critical step towards building a more just and equitable financial system.

“Credit card companies collect billions of dollars in excessive late fees at the expense

of economically vulnerable families every year,” Chuck Bell, advocacy program director at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. “It’s simply unfair to impose a steep late fee penalty that far exceeds the credit card company’s costs, especially when someone is just a few hours or a couple of days late making their payment.”

A Celebration of Life: Harry Belafonte at the Riverside Church

The Riverside Church in New York was filled, including all the galleries, and standing room only when hundreds of fans and admirers attended the celebration service, for the icon Harry Belafonte. The service was held on March 1st Harry Belafonte’s birthday, almost a year after his death.

Mr. Belafonte did not wish for a formal funeral, but the outpouring of his memorial celebration was simply amazing. Apart from the capacity audience, the church was filled with all the notables, entertainers, politicians, power brokers, movers,

and shakers, who all came to salute and pay tribute to Harry Belafonte. Harry Belafonte is a world-class entertainer of stage screen. And television. An artist who refused to separate his artistry from his activism. And who used his celebrity status to do good for those in so many areas, locally, nationally, and internationally, was remembered in a loving, caring, and admiring way. Martin Luther King, I was among those at the tribute, and it was a reminder of the tremendous role that Harry Belafonte played in the civil rights movement.

From funding, organizing, and making sure that his colleagues in the entertainment industry were educated on and showed support for the Civil Rights movement. A close adviser and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry Belafonte was the main founder of the movement and made sure it got support.

In the March on Washington in 1963, Belafonte not only showed up for the march and supported the march, but he was also a key organizer of the march and enlisted Marlon Brando to chair a leading delegation from Hollywood; and brought to the

march Paul Newman, Lena Horne and Rita Moreno, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Ruby Dee. Burt Lancaster, Sidney Poitier, James Garner, Charlton Heston, Sammy Davis, Junior, Gregory Peck, Joan Woodward, Nina Simone, and so many others showed their visible support for the march and its movement. That was Harry Belafonte and his commitment to the cause.

The celebration was fitting in that we had a drum procession bring in the evening’s celebration, a wonderful start to a beautiful evening. There were several tributes from Clarence Jones, George Gresham, Angela Davis, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, and many others.

But in truth and fact, the evening stars were the children and grandchildren of Harry Belafonte, who spoke not only lovingly and caringly about their father and grandfather but were clearly moved by his impact on the world and certainly his impact on them.

And as we contemplate the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte, listening to the children and grandchildren, we see that his legacy lives in them. They were articulate, they were very clear-eyed, and very com-

mitted to what their father and grandfather stood for and did. Gina Belafonte and her dad Harry created the Sankofa Organization, to educate, motivate, and activate artists and their associated activities in the service of grassroots activities. Living out Belafonte’s belief, which he articulates as artists, as the gatekeepers of society, Gina is working with the others to make this a reality.

David is working through the Belafonte Family Foundation to continue the work of his father, Harry Belafonte, in education, economic empowerment, and so on.

And the others are all in their way, carrying out his legacy formally, through organization, and informally. And so, from the celebration service, the takeaway is Harry’s legacy is in good hands and just needs to support it.

There were performances by Sweet Honey in the Rock and Aloe Blacc who sang with the Harlem Choir and on his own. The Rev. James Forbes gave a stirring message on the life and impact of Harry Belafonte. And in fine style, ending the program Winston Marsalis with the New Orleans

Photo: Nina Wurttzel

Photo: Nina Wurttzel

Photo: Nina Wurttzel

Ormat Technologies Signs PPA for a New Geothermal Power Plant in Guadeloupe

Ormat Technologies, Inc. a leading renewable energy company, announced today that it has signed a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Electricité de France (EDF) for the development of a new 10MW geothermal power plant on the Island of Guadeloupe, in which we own a 63.75% equity interest. The new plant development will be added to Ormat’s existing 15MW Bouillante geothermal power plant. The project’s field development is completed with resource secured and is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The new power plant will be a sea water-cooled binary system using stateof-the-art Ormat Energy Converters (OEC). The system will be positioned approximately 100 meters above sea level and will incorporate an intermediate cooling loop, which will optimize energy efficiency. This milestone reflects Ormat’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of clean energy development and cutting-edge clean energy technolo-

gy, while continuing to set the stage for a more sustainable future through the ongoing energy transition.

Doron Blachar, CEO of Ormat Technologies, affirms, “This landmark agreement is the second agreement with EDF, reflecting the strength and value creation of our existing relationship. With the addition of the new Bouillante power plant in Guadeloupe and the recent signing of the new 10MW power plant to be built in Dominica, our total geothermal capacity in the Caribbean region will be 35 MW by the end of 2025. Further, this long-term agreement to expand generation capacity and supply clean, renewable, and reliable power to the island demonstrates our steadfast commitment to sustainable low carbon energy solutions. Not only are we transforming the energy landscape, but we’re also enhancing the quality of life for residents in the geographies in which we operate.”

CARIBBRIEFS

T&T – Police Seized $200 Million in Drugs

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it remains “relentless and focused” on dismantling drug trafficking networks after narcotics estimated at nearly TT$200 million (J$4.5 billion) were seized in the southwest of the country over the weekend.

“This is a significant seizure for the TTPS and a major victory in our ongoing fight against illegal drugs and drug trafficking networks,” said Police Commissioner, Erla Christopher.

“We will continue to work alongside other arms of law enforcement to gather the

requisite intelligence and through our strategic action, criminals will get the message that their illegal activities will not be tolerated,” she added.

In a statement, the TTPS said that after extensive surveillance, officers conducted an exercise in the Southwestern Division, venturing into a swampy forested area in Cedros where they found 67 crocus bags, each containing approximately 25 to 35 blocks of high-grade marijuana and cocaine.

Jamaican Accused of Shooting Police Officer

A Jamaican man, Stephen Claude Rattigan, 48, has been accused of shooting three police officers in Washington DC. The shooting reportedly occurred on February 14 and led to an hours-long standoff. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rattigan, who is in the country illegally, reportedly has a criminal history that dates back to 1995, including previous convictions for larceny and drug charges.

ICE says he was deported to Jamaica in 2001 and re-entered the United States illegally.

Rattigan was arrested on February 14, hours after police attempted to serve a warrant at his home for alleged animal cruelty. The police report that a concerned citizen called the Washington Humane Society in early January over concerns of dogs being neglected at Rattigan’s home. When officers arrived, Rattigan fired several shots through his front door, hitting three officers. He then barricaded himself inside and refused to come out for 12 hours. The standoff ended with the peaceful arrest of Rattigan.

Barbuda – Residents Win Case to Protect Land from Developers

Two inhabitants of the tiny Caribbean island of Barbuda have the right to contest the building of an airfield, which opponents claim threatens delicate ecosystems and was started without the necessary licenses, according to a ruling by a top court in London.

Antigua and Barbuda’s government

was sued in July 2018 by retired teacher Jacklyn Frank and marine biologist John Mussington. Their legal battle is seen as a major victory following the Privy Council’s decision.

Mussington and Frank did not have the legal standing to file a lawsuit, according to the Antigua and Barbuda authorities.

Leslie Thomas, a lawyer from the United Kingdom who is representing the Barbudans, stated that the plaintiffs now intend to request that the government demolish the existing structures. “This is a real David and Goliath battle,” Thomas noted.

“We’re up for another big fight.”

According to Mussington, the decision

would’ve “significant implications for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda who have long been suffering from the lack of transparency and accountability from key institutions and officials charged with implementing the planning laws.”

The decision is also anticipated to provide a precedent for other Caribbean countries

One in Eight People Are Now Living With Obesity

New study released by the Lancet shows that, in 2022, more than 1 billion people in the world are now living with obesity. Worldwide, obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and has quadrupled among children and adolescents (5 to 19 years of age). The data also show that 43% of adults were overweight in 2022.

The study also shows that even though the rates of undernutrition have dropped, it is still a public health challenge in many places, particularly in South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Countries with the highest combined rates of underweight and obesity in 2022 were island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean and those in the Middle East and North Africa. Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight and obesity. Undernutrition is responsible for half of the deaths of children under 5 and obesity can cause noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some cancers. WHO has contributed to the data collection

and analysis of this study. The full dataset is now also disseminated through the Global Health Observatory.

“This new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from WHO and national public health agencies. Importantly, it requires the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products”.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease. The causes are well understood, as are the interventions needed to contain the crisis, which are backed by strong evidence. However, they are not implemented. At the World Health Assembly in 2022 Member States adopted the WHO Acceleration plan to stop obesity, which supports country-level action through 2030. To date, 31 governments are now leading the way to curb the obesity epidemic by implementing the plan.

Leaders Call for Scale-up in Implementing One Health Approach

Adopting a One Health approach that recognizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment offers promising solutions for addressing unprecedented challenges.

Speaking at the Second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya today, WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “We need sustained political will to ensure One Health principles are embedded in national and international policies. Implementation in countries; resource mobilization; science and evidence; and political will. These are the four priorities that we must pursue together in the year ahead.”

Leaders of the four organizations of the Quadripartite collaboration on One Health -- the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Environment Programme,

the World Health Organization, and the World Organisation for Animal Health have worked together to advance the One Health approach worldwide.

In the meeting today, the organizations reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance the plan’s policy impact and mobilize sustainable resources to support One Health implementation at all levels.

The One Health Joint Plan of Action launched in 2022 is designed to integrate systems and capacity so that we can collectively better prevent, predict, detect, and respond to health threats. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, while contributing to sustainable development.

The newly launched One Health Joint Plan of Action Implementation Guide is a cornerstone of the global efforts, providing practical guidance for translating One Health theory into action. The One Health High Level Expert Panel collated existing resources and tools developed the One Health inventory list for the Guide.

“The ultimate goal and value of our One Health collaboration lie in effecting positive changes at the country level,” said Dr Amina Benyahia, Head a.i. WHO One Health Initiative. “By empowering countries, strengthening health systems, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, we have the opportunity to drive transformative change from the ground up to achieve improved health and well-being globally.”

The core interventions are:

actions to support healthy practices from day 1, including breastfeeding promotion, protection and support;

regulations on the harmful marketing of food and beverages to children;

school food and nutrition policies, including initiatives to regulate the sales of products high in fats, sugars and salt in proximity of schools; fiscal and pricing policies to promote healthy diets; nutrition labelling policies; public education and awareness campaigns for healthy diets and exercise; standards for physical activity in schools; and integration of obesity prevention and management services into primary health care.

“There are significant challenges in implementing policies aimed at ensuring affordable access to healthy diets for all and creating environments that promote physical activity and overall healthy lifestyles for everyone,” stated Dr Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Nutrition and Food Safety Department and one of the co-authors of the study. “Countries should also ensure that health systems integrate the prevention and management of obesity into

the basic package of services.”

Addressing undernutrition requires multisectoral action in agriculture, social protection and health, to reduce food insecurity, improve access to clean water and sanitation and ensure universal access to essential nutrition interventions.

Rhode Island – Jamaican Colin Channer Named Poet Laureate

Colin Channer, a writer whose origin lies in the beautiful island of wood and water, Jamaica, is the seventh poet laureate for Rhode Island in the United States.

Governor Dan McKee recently nominated him to the five-year post, praising him as “an accomplished writer whose talent and work have touched the lives of so many people.”

“I’m excited to see him continue his craft here in the Ocean State where he will not just be a leader in poetry but serve as a

poetry and literary inspiration to Rhode Islanders across our state,” he noted.

Channer remarked, “To be named State Poet is a gushy surprise and leveling honor. Poetry is many things, including a reachable, teachable way to strengthen empathy and stretch toward transcendence. It’s also just a bunch of fun.”

“I was born lucky, as my mother Phyllis, a retired pharmacist, just loves to say. This shocking honor proves her point. And hey, she’s always right!” he noted.

Channer is a well-known poet, fiction writer, and editor around the globe. His latest book, Console, is a collection of poems that was both a nominee for the New England Book Award and a New Yorker Magazine Best Book of 2023. At Brown University, Channer holds the director of Graduate Studies position and is an associate professor in the Department of Literary Arts.

Sean Paul to T&T Artists – Singing About Violence Will Bring It to Them

Dancehall singer Sean Paul known for popular hit songs such as “Temperature” and “Gimme the Light”, a multi-platinum Grammy Award winner, is once again encouraging “Trinibad” musicians to balance their music rather than concentrating solely on the unpleasant aspects of it.

When questioned about the predicament of Trinibad artist Kashif “Kman 6ixx” Sankar—who has been barred from performing in Grenada, Guyana, and multiple regional territories—after escaping a fatal drive-by shooting on a highway while returning to Trinidad and Tobago from a performance in neighboring Barbados, he made the statement. Sankar was lately accused of having gang affiliations as well.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, Sean Paul had counseled Trinibad actors to “balance their catalog with positive messages.”

He was questioned once more on the circumstances and any guidance he might provide to artists in that scenario after meeting with the co-founder of the conference and Jamaican publicist Judith Bodley one-on-one at the Island Music Conference on Saturday.

Says he: “People will do what dem want to

do. You cyan lead the horse to the water, but you cyan make dem drink it, yuh see... “Me cyan only tell yuh de truth wey me know. Writing and singing and speaking about violence brings it into your life more so, that’s all I can say. He must weigh him life and the people around him and his family and know there’s steps that he can take—where he has opportunities and doors open to him now—me na tell him fi sell out—he afi do what is true to him, but at the same point in time, well if we are gonna be artistes that reflect life, reflect some ah the light too cause everything that is dark is not the whole truth. There is always light as well and we should speak about that as well as artists.”

Sean Paul expressed gratitude and admiration for the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their support of dancehall and reggae music and culture, and he expressed his want to visit the nation again soon. He mentioned having delegates for the T&T Carnival.

“My wife came down for the Carnival just the other day, so I sent representatives, but ah doh reach yet and she bring back couple doubles fi me so I was satisfied ah lickle bit, but ah wan come thru. It’s always been a territory that has supported reggae and dancehall … and my music especial-

ly too, so big up Trinidad and we soon forward.”

Attendees of the second iteration of the five-day Island Music Conference, which was hosted by Grammy Award-winning and diamond-selling superstar Orville “Shaggy” Burrell along with co-founders Sharon Burke and Judith Bodley, gathered in Kingston, Jamaica, last week. The conference brought together a large number of celebrities from the Caribbean and even as

far away as Zimbabwe.

In addition to a number of showcase and performance events each night, including the release of Teejay’s new EP, I Am Chippy, and an interesting concert with up-and-coming young acts alongside local and international stars like Wyclef Jean, Stonebwoy, Yohann Marley, and others, the seminar featured educational and engaging panel discussions every day.

St. Kitts and Nevis Unveils the Investment Gateway Summit

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis proudly announces a landmark achievement in its ongoing commitment to realizing the Sustainable Island State Agenda. In a ground-breaking move, the nation unveils an unprecedented initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment to propel the twin-federation into a prosperous future.

This pivotal moment not only signifies a significant stride towards sustainability but also underscores the Government’s visionary approach to uniting its global citizens. In an extraordinary display of inclusivity, St Kitts and Nevis extends its arms to every citizen worldwide, ushering them to partake in shaping the nation’s trajectory.

The Government will host their inaugural event, “The Investment Gateway Summit” in May, marking a historical moment in the country’s journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Island State Agenda. This momentous event presents an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and invest in shaping the future of the twin-federation.

It’s a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his Government to engage citizens and investors to come to the

country for this exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit taking place from 11 to 15 May 2024!

Through this forward-thinking endeavour, the Government unites individuals under a common banner – that of being a proud citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, while fostering opportunities for success as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.

Each day of the five-day Summit promises unique events and interactions with the leaders of the country and global experts to ensure an engaging and interactive experience in the twin-island federation.

Who will attend the Summit?

This Summit is all about the St Kitts and Nevis citizens. The event also promises a mix of discerning investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking prospects; prospective Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applicants and entrepreneurs, CEOs and C-Suite businesspeople and the wider investor immigration community.

Why is this Summit not to be missed?

This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded global citizens, investors, HNWIs

and special guests, as well as identify potential new business opportunities in the idyllic twin-island federation. This unique platform will unlock new ventures for growth throughout various sectors of the country’s economy, including agriculture, information technology, renewable energy and tourism.

From diverse panel discussions and networking opportunities to exclusive investment highlights and site visits, the Summit is crafted to connect, collaborate and celebrate the country and its global citizens.

Investment Opportunities in St Kitts and Nevis

To showcase St Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to the Sustainable Island State Agenda, the Summit will highlight initiatives that global investors can participate in to nurture community development, empower businesses and foster growth and development.

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis together with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) look forward to hosting this riveting event and opening their nation‘s doors to explore the twin federation’s active investment projects, spectacular beaches, distinct tourism amenities and luxury accommodation.

This is not just a unique investment opportunity in a tropical Caribbean country, it is a meeting of minds to form meaningful connections, through engaging workshops and insightful panel discussions. Additionally, the Government aims to build strong communities with shared values of excellence.

Get Involved

Should you like to promote your brand, business services or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, you can leave your comment here with your interest in the contact form, and you will receive a response with available packages.

CTO Foundation Honours the Visionary Jean Holder by Dedicating its Newest Scholarship to His Memory

The CTO Foundation – the charity that funds Caribbean nationals pursuing further studies in tourism and related subjects – will honour the memory of the late Jean Holder, the first secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with its newest scholarship.

The foundation is introducing the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship of up to US$7, 500 to a Caribbean national seeking to enhance their skills in any area of sustainable tourism development.

Recognised globally as the father of Caribbean tourism development, Mr. Holder, who died in January 2022, played a critical role in changing the course of Caribbean tourism. He dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to the development and expansion of the sector in the region by charting its path towards becoming the primary foreign exchange earner and the engine of economic growth.

Among his many priorities were ensuring the region’s tourism sector became sustainable, and

helping Caribbean nationals understand that employment in the tourism industry provided a career of service. He stressed the need for Caribbean children to be taught the importance of tourism from a very early age and pioneered the eco-tourism conference, which later became the Sustainable Tourism Conference.

“Jean Holder was a champion of tourism education at all levels in the Caribbean and an architect of the CTO Scholarship Foundation. He was also a relentless advocate for sustainable tourism in all its forms. Therefore, it is fitting that we name this scholarship after him in honour of the yeoman service he gave to Caribbean tourism for over three decades,” said Jacqueline Johnson, chairman of the CTO Foundation and CEO of MarryCaribbean. com, a division of Global Bridal Group “The foundation is thankful to Mr. Holder’s children for allowing us to recognise his contribution in this way.”

Applicants may also apply for the Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship, the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship, the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship or a study grant.

The CTO Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) entity established in 1997. Its main aim is to provide opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism and other tourism-related disciplines, including hospitality and language training.

To apply for the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship, or any of the scholarships or grants being offered by the foundation this year, please visit https://ctofoundation.org/apply.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday 10 May 2024.

Alfred Makes History for St. Lucia with 60m Win in Glasgow

There were tears aplenty before and after the women’s 60m final at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships on Saturday (2 March).

Tears of joy for Julien Alfred who came through late to beat Ewa Swoboda in 6.98, equalling the world lead set by her Polish rival in the semi-finals. The same was true for Italy’s Zaynab Dosso who was delighted after taking the bronze.

But there was dismay for medal hope

Aleia Hobbs who could not race due to an apparent calf injury having walked out to the starting blocks.

The American sprinter, who beat Dosso in the semi-finals, wept as she was pushed away in a wheelchair.

Dosso made a fine start and led until halfway. But Swoboda and Alfred were bearing down on her, and it was the 22-year-old

from St Lucia - a country that had never previously won a medal at any global athletics competition - who finished fastest to take gold.

Zoe Hobbs of New Zealand was fourth in a new Oceania record of 7.06, ahead of USA’s Mikiah Brisco.

Having made history for St Lucia in Glasgow, Alfred will have her sights set on winning a first Olympic medal for her country later this year at Paris 2024.

Femke Bol breaks own world record to clinch 400m title Miltiadis Tentoglou edges out teenage “beast” Mattia Furlani in long jump thriller World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024: All track and field results.

Cricket Fiesta in St. Kitts: As The Region’s Best Set to Dazzle in CG United Women’s SUPER50 Cup

The CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze are set to entertain cricket fans in St. Kitts starting Monday, showcasing the Caribbean’s top female cricket talent. The Super50 Cup, spanning from 4 to 25 March, will unfold across three venues: Warner Park, the Conaree Cricket Centre, and St. Paul’s Sports Complex. These 50-over matches promise to deliver high-quality cricket, starting at 10am local time, setting the stage for exciting competition among the participating teams. Adding to the excitement, the T20 Blaze will captivate audiences from 17 to 25 March at Warner Park, featuring a full itinerary of matches under the dazzling lights. With three matches daily at 10am, 2:30pm, and 7pm, fans are guaranteed non-stop action and entertainment.

Windward Islands Women

Barbados, under the leadership of Kycia Knight, enters as the defending champions in both formats, aiming to uphold their title against formidable opponents such as the Trinidad & Tobago Divas, Guyana, Jamaica, Windward Islands, and hosts Leeward Islands. However, Barbados will

face the challenge without their star player and captain, Hayley Matthews, who will be participating in the Women’s Premiere League in India. Knight, embracing the responsibility, emphasizes the need for the team to play quality cricket and for younger players to seize the opportunity to shine in Matthews’ absence.

Fans can attend all the matches for free and all matches will be streamed live with commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, along with live scorecards and ball-by-ball scoring on the windiescricket.com match centre.

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

CG United Super50 Cup – play starts at 10am

Round 1: Monday 4 March

Leeward Islands vs Guyana

Barbados vs Jamaica

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Windward Islands

Round 2: Wednesday 6 March

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica

Guyana vs Windward Islands

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Barbados

Round 3: Friday 8 March

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Jamaica

Guyana vs Barbados

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands

Round 4: Monday 11 March

Jamaica vs Windward Islands

Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas

Barbados vs Leeward Islands

Round 5: Wednesday 13 March

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Leeward Islands

Jamaica vs Guyana

Barbados vs Windward Islands