April 11, 2024

The planet we share... Gaza - Ceasefire and peace

Haiti End to gang violence

Ukraine - Stop the death and destruction U.S. - Stop hate mongering. It has no future

Says Foreign Minister Avery Browne, the country will provide financial support instead JAMAICA Page 6

Father Gerard Paul criticized the war and chastised by Bishop Clyde Harvey PRIEST SUSPENDED FOR COMMENTS ON GAZA T&T NO MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO HAITI

Declares former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. Declining voter turnout is of grave concern. Jamaicans not understanding the value of the vote APATHY A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY Page 3 NEW YORK CITY

Council launched by Mayor Adams to provide more job opportunities for New Yorkers WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 12

CaribNews

Love for the Outdoors is a Gift that Pays Forward by Ben Jealous - P 9

AFRICA

The genocide survivor protected by a mass murderer

WORLD BRIEFS

Getting children back to school in deadly gang-ravaged Haiti

Millions Across North America Awed by Total Solar Eclipse Phenomenon by Stacy M. Brown - P 9

HEALTH

World Health Day: PAHO Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Right to Health For All People - P 16

SPORTS

Sizzling Performances and Records Highlight the Carifta Games - P 20

HOW YOU CAN HELP HAITI

Haiti’s security issue is a US National Security problem.

Congressman Mike Johnson and Michael McCaul please vote to fund the international security mission to Haiti to avoid a genocide.

National security is not a partisan issue. People are dying every day in Haiti, show your humanity!

Call to Action, please call, urgent action is needed now.

Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House (202) 225-2777

Hon. Mike McCaul, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee (202) 225-2401

When the Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda began in April 1994 Eric Eugene Murangwa was a footballer at one of the country’s top clubs. Although he is a Tutsi, he was protected by a member of the notorious Interahamwe, responsible for killing hundreds of thousands. Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the genocide, marked on 7 April, Mr. Murangwa shared his extraordinary story with UN News.

In the early 1990s, Mr. Murangwa was a star player for Rayon Sports in the capital Kigali. As a Tutsi, his life was in extreme danger when the 100-day genocide, which led to over 800,000 people, overwhelmingly Tutsi, being killed. His status as a well-known footballer saved his life many times, and prompted him to start his own organization, today known as the Ishami Foundation, which uses the power of sport to build tolerance and peace.

Mr. Murangwa told UN News that, the day before the killings began, he and his friends had no idea of the horror that was about to unfold.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. “It was a normal day like any other day, a very beautiful, sunny day. I was training with teammates, preparing for a game against a Kenyan team. We finished a bit earlier on that day because we wanted to go and watch African Nations Cup games, so we jumped into our club bus and were driven to different places where people wanted to go to watch the game.

Aid lifeline reaches Darfur region in bid to avert ‘hunger catastrophe’

Two aid convoys carrying lifesaving supplies have reached Sudan’s Darfurs for the first time in months, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday, as humanitarians try to avert a “hunger catastrophe”, after nearly a year of heavy fighting.

“The UN WFP has managed to bring desperately needed food and nutrition supplies into Darfur; the first WFP assistance to reach the war-wracked region in months,” said Leni Kinzli, WFP Communications Officer in Sudan. The convoys crossed into Sudan from Chad in late March carrying enough food and nutrition supplies for 250,000 people facing acute hunger in North, West and Central Darfur.

Constant flow needed

Despite this welcome development, the UN agency spokesperson warned that unless the people of Sudan receive a constant flow of aid “via all possible humanitarian corridors from neighbouring countries and across battle lines”, the country’s hunger catastrophe will only worsen.

Last month, WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned that the war in Sudan risks triggering the world’s worst hunger crisis unless families in Sudan and those who have fled to South Sudan and Chad receive desperately needed food assistance.

Against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis and gang violence in Haiti, UN agencies are warning that children are suffering not just from a lack of schooling but also through witnessing violence. Students in the capital Port-au-Prince have missed hundreds of hours of class time over the past year and now, now, more than one million Haitians are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity, according to a new UN-backed report. As deadly threats to school security continue in Port-au-Prince, and northern parts of the Artibonite department, UN News examined the situation on the ground and how the UN is responding to the worsening educational crisis.

Massive school closures

By the end of January, a total of 900 schools had temporarily closed mainly in Port-au-Prince, depriving around 200,000 children of their right to education, according to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Many other schools abruptly shut in Port-au-Prince in late February, when armed gangs coordinated breakouts in jails, freeing around 4,500 prisoners. Gangs reportedly now control 80 to 90 per cent of the capital, and in the ensuing chaos, UN agencies on the ground reported cases of armed groups recruiting children, spiralling violence, looting and destruction.

Ecuador-Mexico: ‘Cardinal principle’ of diplomatic inviolability must be upheld says UN chief

The decision by Ecuador to forcibly enter the Mexican Embassy on Saturday and arrest a former vice president of the Andean country on corruption charges represents a breach of international law, the UN Secretary-General has said.

In a statement released on Saturday night, António Guterres said he was alarmed by the raid on the embassy in the capital Quito which led to the arrest of Jorge Glas.

The Secretary-General “reaffirms the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, emphasizing that this principle must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law”. Said the statement released by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

Mexico had granted asylum to Mr. Glas who was sheltering in the embassy, but the Government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa argued that normal diplomatic rules were invalid due to the corruption charges he faced.

‘Normal relations’ at risk

“The Secretary-General stresses that violations of this principle jeopardize the pursuit of normal international relations, which are critical for the advancement of cooperation between States”, said Mr. Dujarric.

Haiti – Gangs with More Powerful American Firearms Than the Police

The French-speaking Caribbean Island is currently experiencing a political and humanitarian catastrophe as a result of the aftermath of gang violence. Sylvie Bertrand, the regional representative for UNODC, told UN News that there are “unprecedented levels of lawlessness” at the moment.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) most recent assessment on the illicit firearms trade in Haiti, a surge in the trafficking of more sophisticated weaponry, including Israeli Galil assault rifles and American-made AR-15s and Russian AK-47s, has seized Haiti since 2021.

Recent press reports of random sniper assaults, widespread looting, kidnappings, and raids on prisons to liberate thousands of convicts have been linked to many of these illicit firearms. As a result, more than 362,000 Haitians have been forced to leave the carnage.

According to independent analyst and author of Haiti’s Criminal Markets Robert Muggah, certain gangs are utilizing arms trafficking

to support their ambitions to spread their influence and seize important areas that are impeding efforts to stop the illegal entry of even more firearms.

Mr. Muggah stated, “We have a very disconcerting and unsettling situation in Haiti, probably the worst I’ve seen in over 20 years of working in the country.”

These “deadly arsenals,” which are mostly trafficked from the US, give gangs “firepower that exceeds that of the Haitian National Police,” according to a UN panel of specialists tasked with overseeing the sanctions the Security Council placed on Haiti in 2022 in response to the country’s escalating armed gang violence.

According to Ms. Bertrand of UNODC, the issue is that when more guns enter the country, gangs take control of vital locations like ports and highways, making it harder for law enforcement to stop arms trafficking.

Haitian medical personnel informed the UN expert panel, “The increasing number of weapons in circulation as well as the upgrading

of arsenals is having an impact on the lethality and severity of the wounds being inflicted.”

Based on his observations, between 150 and 200 armed organizations are active in Haiti, which is located on the island of Hispaniola shared with the Dominican Republic, according to Mr. Muggah, an independent security and development specialist.

Currently, about 23 gangs are active in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region. These gangs have split into two sizable coalitions: G-Pèp, which is commanded by Gabriel Jean Pierre, better known as Ti Gabriel, and the G9 Family and Allies, which is led by Jimmy Chérizier, popularly known as Barbecue.

According to him, the two opposing groups have been “effectively forcing their will and expanding their territory” by orchestrating “coordinated attacks” within the past few weeks at the airport, the National Theatre, the National Palace, hospitals, schools, police stations, customs offices, and ports.

Mr. Muggah remarked, “Gangs are controlling very strategic areas of the capital and the main roads connecting Port-au-Prince to the ports and to the land borders as well as coastal towns and areas, where we see a lot of the trafficking happening.”

The panel of specialists discovered that the trafficking of arms is a highly profitable enterprise, especially when dealing in tiny amounts, due to the rising demand and high pricing of firearms.

A 5.56mm semi-automatic rifle, for instance, that would normally cost several hundred dollars in the United States is commonly offered for $5,000 to $8,000 in Haiti.

Additional research revealed the existence of “ghost guns,” which are easily constructed privately by buying components online and eluding the regulatory procedures that are in place for firearms produced in factories. Since these weapons are not serialized, it is impossi-

ble to track them down.

According to the UNODC research, a tiny number of Haitian gangs are extremely skilled at obtaining, stockpiling, and distributing weapons and ammunition.

According to UNODC’s Ms. Bertrand, the majority of guns and ammunition that are smuggled into Haiti, either directly or via another nation, come from the United States. They are usually bought from authorized retail stores, gun fairs, or pawn shops and transported by sea.

She also mentioned suspicions about illicit operations involving unregistered aircraft, little airports along the coast of South Florida, and the existence of concealed airstrips in Haiti. According to UNODC, there are four routes through which people use Haiti’s porous borders to carry out drug trafficking. Two of these routes travel from Florida to Port-au-Prince via cargo ships and the additional two travel via the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos, the north and west coasts, and small aircraft that land in Cap Haitian, the northern city.

According to UNODC, many US government seizures have taken place in Miami. Even though control agencies increased the number of searches in 2023, authorities occasionally fail to discover illegal weapons and ammunition, which are frequently concealed amid densely packed parcels of various sizes.

According to Ms. Bertrand, to significantly reduce “the flow of arms in the country,” the UN agency is training “control units” in ports and airports, which are made up of Coast Guard, police, and customs officers, to recognize and examine high-risk cargo and containers. It is also working to make it easier for these units to use radar and other essential tools.

T&T Will Provide Monetary Help to Haiti, Not Military Assistance

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government on Tuesday said that it would not be providing any military assistance to ensure security in Haiti, where criminal gangs are seeking to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry.

Last month, Henry traveled to Kenya where he signed an agreement that would allow the African country to lead a United Nations Security Council sanctioned Multinational Security Mission (MSS) to restore peace and security in Haiti. Last October, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of the MSS to back Haiti’s beleaguered police force, which Kenya offered to lead. A 2022 sanctions regime, targeting gang leaders and their financiers, was also renewed.

But in January, the Kenya High Court ruled against sending troops to Haiti as part of the MSS.

The High Court ruled the deployment, initially expected by January, unconsti-

tutional in the absence of a “reciprocal arrangement” with the host government. But according to the “reciprocal arrangement” signed in Nairobi, Kenya hopes it will satisfy the court’s objections to its plan to send 1,000 police officers to Port-auPrince.

Speaking at a news conference, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, told reporters that the government had taken a position regarding sending troops to join the MSS.

“Trinidad and Tobago has been in support of action to treat with the Haiti situation.

We have provided financial support as well as human resources to CARICOM Good Offices efforts, to the Eminent Persons Group and to the other diplomatic foundation that has been laid in preparation for the Multinational Force,” said Browne, flanked by the Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds. He said with respect to the “contributions of boots on the ground as it were, the

Prime Minister has made it very clear that is the current position of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, that we are not in a position to contribute military forces, police officers or boots on the ground at this stage for that particular effort.

“So that position is maintained,” he told reporters, adding that he would be joining CARICOM leaders virtually on Tuesday to

discuss the Haiti situation and “to receive updates and to contribute to CARICOM and further interface with that very concerning crisis”.

The Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda are the other CARICOM countries that have already indicated a willingness to assist the MSS in carrying out its mandate.

Guyana – Condemns Venezuela Approving Annexation Referendum

The government of the neighboring South American nation harshly denounced on April 4, 2024, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s decision to enact into law the outcome of a recent vote asserting sovereignty over twothirds of Guyana. The bill’s content was not made available to the public immediately after the announcement.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana declared that it will not cede any territory to Venezuela, branding the action that targets the western Essequibo area of Guyana as an “egregious violation of the most fundamental principles of international law.”

Declaring that the territory, which comprises two-thirds of Guyana and is rich in minerals and oil, was stolen when the boundary was formed more than a century ago, Maduro conducted a referendum early in December to assert sovereignty over the area.

Lately, Maduro commemorated the referendum

with a signing ceremony, a “stellar and historic moment.”

“The decision of December 3 has now become the Law of the Republic, to form part of the legal structure of the internal political and institutional movement of our country,” Maduro tweeted on X formerly known as Twitter on the day of the signing ceremony.

“The decision made by the Venezuelans in the consultative referendum will be fulfilled in all its parts, and with this Law, we will continue the defense of Venezuela on international stages.”

A few hours later, the government of Guyana reacted sharply: “If Venezuela wants to contest title to the territory in question, the proper forum is the International Court of Justice.”

The argument that Venezuelan authorities should have control over Essequibo is not well understood.

The selection of an Essequibo governor, according to Maduro, will stay in his hands until the conflict is settled, and the National Assembly will continue to be the territory’s legislative body. He didn’t give any further information. Tensions have been high between Guyana and Venezuela over the region for many years, and they grew even more intense in 2015 when large oil resources were discovered in offshore regions across the disputed territory close to Guyana’s coast.

Guyana brought the issue to the top court of the United Nations in 2018, requesting a ruling that an 1899 boundary decision is legitimate and legally enforceable. Venezuela, meanwhile, maintains that the initial arbitration was void due to an agreement from 1966. Before the end of the year, a court decision is not anticipated.

Caricom United Behind Guyana in Dispute with Venezuela

Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, has urged Venezuela to uphold Guyana’s territorial integrity. He claims that Caricom is still unified on this matter. Browne recently made similar remarks as Guyana voiced concerns over what it saw as Venezuela’s most recent attempt to seize Essequibo, a portion of its territory.

The International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ) is now hearing arguments about regional sovereignty.

Guyana has expressed additional worries in response to remarks made by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on April 3 regarding the implementation of “the Organic Law for the Defense of Guyana Essequibo,” a bill that would permit Venezuela to annex Essequibo.

The Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated on the day the establishment of the bill was announced, “This attempt by Venezuela to annex more than twothirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and make it part of Venezuela is an egregious violation of the most fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS) and customary international law.”

Additionally, the ministry stated that the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace, which both nations committed to on December 14, 2023, is contradicted in letter and spirit by Venezuela’s most recent move.

The Argyle Declaration, which Maduro and Guyana President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali signed on that day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), forbade any further escalation of their conflict over Guyana’s Essequibo area and rejected any threat of violence. Both nations decided to submit any incident to Caricom, CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), and Brazil instead of escala-

ting any dispute between them.

In addition, the statement stipulated that Guyana and Venezuela form a joint committee to resolve the Essequibo conflict in three months. The statement mentioned Venezuela’s denial of the ICJ’s jurisdiction to settle the conflict and Guyana’s support for it. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) decided on December 1st that Venezuela should not take Essequibo from Guyana.

According to Ali, Venezuela now has the chance to follow Guyana in exhibiting respect for international law and the values that underpin peaceful coexistence in light of the ICJ’s verdict. Additionally, Ali asked all countries that value peace to push Venezuela to uphold the UN and the ICJ.

According to the ministry, “This unlawful act calls into question Venezuela’s obligation to abide by the principles of that declaration.”

In a statement, the ministry stated that Guyana was informing the UN, Caricom, Venezuela, and the OAS that it would not consent to any portion of its sovereign territory being taken, occupied, or annexed. “Guyana has always stood by the principles of the UN Charter, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

The ministry highlighted that Guyana and Venezuela were before the ICJ to settle this dispute because of the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

“The ICJ has ruled that it has jurisdiction to decide on the case brought before it by Guyana regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which definitively settled the land boundary between the two countries.”

The government declared that Guyana and Venezuela would have to abide by the court’s ruling, which would be definitive. The ministry went on to say that if Venezuela wanted to dispute ownership of the Essequibo area, the ICJ was the appropriate court to resolve the matter. “objectively and according to the law.”

Furthermore, the ministry stated that Maduro’s remarks on April 3 had not been overlooked. “It is unfortunate that the commitment made at Argyle to ‘the pursuance of good neighborliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean’ is now again seriously threatened by President Maduro’s words and action today.”the legal structure of the internal political and institutional movement of our country.”

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

Guyana to Seek Global Parliamentary Support for Border Dispute with Venezuela

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Attorney General

Anil Nandlall says Guyana will be seeking global parliamentary support for its border dispute with Venezuela, particularly following the South American country’s latest claim to the Essequibo region that makes up about twothirds of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.

Nandlall, speaking on his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ broadcast on social media Tuesday night, said Georgetown welcomed the support given by delegates at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva last week.

Nandlall, who is also the Minister of Legal Af-

fairs, had represented Guyana at the conference and told viewers that he intends to write all the countries that indicated support for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country during the IPU Assembly, urging that they raise the matter in their respective parliaments.

“After the presentation, the Guyana delegation received widespread support and so what I plan to do is to write to the various parliaments who were present and who expressed their support to give effect to that support”.

He said he would be inviting them “to speak in their parliaments and to condemn the actions of Venezuela and to call on Venezuela to com-

ply with international law, to call on Venezuela to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he added.

Nandlall said that he will also urge the parliamentarians “to demand that Venezuela employs diplomacy and dialogue rather than threats and confrontation.

“Once I write those letters and disseminate them, hopefully, the support which we received at that conference will then be translated into actions by the various parliamentarians in their respective parliaments around the world.”

Guyana – Calls on International Communities to Condemn Venezuela

GEORGETOWN, Guyana– Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana will be seeking global parliamentary support for its border dispute with Venezuela, particularly following the South American country’s latest claim to the Essequibo region that makes up about two-thirds of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.

Nandlall, speaking on his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ broadcast on social media

Tuesday night, said Georgetown welcomed the support given by delegates at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva last week.

Nandlall, who is also the Minister of

Legal Affairs, had represented Guyana at the conference and told viewers that he intends to write all the countries that indicated support for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country during the IPU Assembly, urging that they raise the matter in their respective parliaments.

“After the presentation, the Guyana delegation received widespread support and so what I plan to do is to write to the various parliaments who were present and who expressed their support to give effect to that support”.

He said he would be inviting them “to speak in their parliaments and to condemn the actions of Venezuela and to call

on Venezuela to comply with international law, to call on Venezuela to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he added.

Nandlall said that he will also urge the parliamentarians “to demand that Venezuela employs diplomacy and dialogue rather than threats and confrontation.

“Once I write those letters and disseminate them, hopefully, the support which we received at that conference will then be translated into actions by the various parliamentarians in their respective parliaments around the world.”

Grenada – Catholic Priest Suspended For Criticism of Gaza War

A Grenada-based Roman Catholic priest has had his ministry immediately and indefinitely stopped due to statements he made on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as his criticism of the church.

Father Gerard Paul was suspended effective April 4, 2024, following a spectacular and well-reported altercation with Clyde Harvey, the bishop of the Diocese of St George’s in Grenada.

Regarding the suspension, Bishop Harvey stated in a recent statement, “The Church has rules, clear expectations, and protections for the People of God, enshrined in the Code of Canon Law and the ordinary teaching of Popes and bishops.” He added, “When Fr. Paul said, ‘I have no regrets and I will do it again’, he put himself beyond review and fraternal correction. After events in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on March 27, 2024, and Father Paul’s remarks on several media platforms, accusing the Grenadian church of failing to denounce the Gaza crisis, the debate erupted. He said that the matter was not even brought up or discussed during a recent clergy retreat. “I call upon the Church today to get its freedom and to get its voice and speak up for justice,” He said this while denouncing the Gaza War as a “wholesale slaughter” of Muslims and Palestinians. “We cannot rightly ever preach the Gospel if we do not stand for justice. It’s time the Catholic Church stands for justice. It’s time we hear the voices of the pastors of the church, we hear the voices of the priests of the church, we hear the voices of the bishops, we hear the voices of the archbishops, we hear the voice of the pope standing for justice. When you stand in silence, when you sit in silence, you are part of this injustice in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

A Chrism Mass in St George’s was met with retaliation by Bishop Harvey, “I was inclined to say nothing because the Eucharist is not a place to divide us,” he remarked. “We all stand up for justice. How we stand up for justice depends on our insights, and how we see things. It is not true to say that the clergy of this diocese went on a retreat and did not think about Gaza. That is just not true and I want that to be made clear. I don’t hold Father Jerry accountable for what he does not know. He was not there every day,

every hour, every Mass at the retreat as far as I remember.”

Bishop Harvey elaborated on the issue in a recent statement, stating that Father Paul’s words and deeds had offended and even terrified a lot of people.

“What was done, deliberately choreographed, seems to be an act of self-promotion more than a cry for justice,” he said. “The former is unworthy of Father Paul as a priest of Jesus Christ.”

While acknowledging that many people agreed with Father Paul’s assessment of the Gaza situation, the Diocese of George’s released a statement on Sunday denouncing Father Paul’s ongoing attacks on the Catholic Church and its leadership as “erroneous and divisive.”

It stated that his suspension stemmed from a “persistent pattern of behavior” that included false allegations and assaults against the Church, rather than just his comments on March 27.

Bishop Harvey claimed that such attitudes weaken the authority of the Church and are deceptive to everyone, and it was reported that Father Paul had been called upon to cease such behavior but had shown no intention of doing so.

According to Bishop Harvey’s statement, the action was required to remedy the harm done to the faithful and the diocese.

On October 3, 2023, Hamas, a violent Palestinian group that has been labeled a terrorist organization by several western nations and that has promised to completely destroy Israel, launched an unexpected attack on southern Israel, sparking the start of the Gaza War. The Israeli government claims that over 250 individuals were transported as hostages to Gaza and that almost 1,200 people were killed.

Israel has responded by declaring war on Gaza and threatening to destroy Hamas. Large tracts of the Gaza Strip have been turned to rubble, and Hamas claims that more than 33,000 Palestinians have died since then.

The Catholic Church’s hierarchy has consistently expressed opposition to the war.

On February 13, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state of the Vatican, discussed the issue with the media in Rome.

“Israel’s right of self-defense, which has been invoked to justify this operation, must be proportional, and with thirty thousand dead, it certainly isn’t,” he stated.

This led to a statement from Israel’s embassy in the Vatican describing Parolin’s answer as “unfortunate.”

The day following the attack by Hamas, Pope Francis addressed the matter, stating, “Let the

attacks and weapons cease, please, because it must be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of many innocent people.”

On October 29, 2023, at the Sunday prayer service, Francis demanded a cease-fire in Gaza, stating, “Stop, brothers and sisters: war is always a defeat—always, always!”

Jamaica – PJ Patterson Sees Voter Apathy as A Threat to Jamaica’s Democracy

The nation’s democracy is in danger, thus former prime minister PJ Patterson is urging a careful examination of possible

solutions to address the indifference that has greeted the most recent national elections.

In a recent, exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer a local paper, Patterson said, “It must be of concern when we see declining voter turnout. It should be something of concern to both [major] political parties, and indeed to the entire country, because we are failing to convert into actual meaning something [universal adult suffrage] that is so fundamental to our progress as a country.”

Although Patterson acknowledges that other concerns need to be addressed, he believes that the narrowing ideological gap between the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) may contribute to the decline in interest in voting in national elections.

Patterson remarked, “More and more people feel it doesn’t matter how I vote, my life is not going to change and there is a level of individual materialism that no matter what, no matter which government is in power, I’m going to be alright.”

Allegedly, an insufficient number of Jamaicans are aware that the victory for universal adult suffrage in November 1944 meant that all adults in Jamaica would now be eligible to vote in the country’s elections

for the first time.

Patterson expresses how disconnected the people are from their history which would have aided in garnering a character that craves a sense of purpose and a drive to success, “We are not being taught enough about ourselves, who we are, the struggles we have undertaken, and really giving some sense of purpose and, I would almost say, of value.”

87 percent of voters cast ballots in the 1980 General Election, which was an ideological contest between the right-leaning JLP and the left-leaning PNP, which was in power.

Being that there has been a consistent decrease in the number of Jamaicans casting ballots; the turnout for the 2020 general election was 37%, the lowest since 1983, the year the PNP abstained from polling. Even more concerningly, just 30% of voters cast ballots in the local government elections held before that in 2016. This year, 29.6% of voters participated in the local government elections that took place on February 26.

CARICOM Condemns Tensions Between Guyana and Venezuela

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today criticised Venezuela for the “unacceptable escalation of tensions” with Guyana over the border dispute regarding the ownership of the Essequibo – an oil-rich region that makes up about two-thirds of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.

In a statement, the regional integration movement of which Guyana is a member said also that it considers that the adoption of “the Organic Law for the Defence of Guyana Essequiba” by Venezuela on April 3 this year “has threatened to undermine peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

The 15-member CARICOM grouping said that in its adoption of “the Organic Law”, Venezuela “has acted unilaterally, precipitously, and potentially, dangerously”. It continued, “In the process, it has (i) offended ‘the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela’ of December 14, 2023; (ii) subverted international law; and (iii) signaled a possible embrace of an unworthy aggression to achieve its own articulated goals or purposes”.

CARICOM said that it acknowledges that both Venezuela and Guyana have “divergent stances on “the border issues”, on all matters consequential to the border

controversy, and on the specific modes for their resolution.

“However, both countries have agreed that the issues and consequential matters are to be resolved peacefully, and in accordance with international law and its relevant mechanisms, inclusive of the Geneva Agreement of 1966,” the regional body said.

CARICOM said it acknowledges, too, that Guyana has the right to pursue its claim through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“At the same time, each country renounces threats to peace and the use, or threatened use, of violence in the pursuance of their respective claims or interests,” it said.

Accordingly, CARICOM urges the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to refrain from any further actions that would hinder regional and hemispheric peace and stability. We insist that dialogue and an adherence to international law are the only viable paths to achieve a just and lasting settlement of the issues-at-hand.”

CARICOM added, “The alternatives are too horrific to contemplate. We demand, likewise, a patience and a calm, and an end to any possible unilateral, aggressive actions.”

Guyana has vowed to maintain its position regarding the ownership of the Essequibo region and that it will not back down from

protecting its land and sovereignty.

It said Venezuela’s latest actions are a form of annexation by decree, in clear contravention of the Argyle Declaration and the judicial process currently before the ICJ. On the weekend, Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, said by this new law, Venezuela purports to exercise control over two-thirds of the sovereign territory of Guyana. “Venezuela’s latest actions appear to directly contravene the ICJ Order and also the

spirit of the December 14, 2023 Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela where both states agreed to use international law and diplomatic means to address the controversy and to refrain from escalating the conflict,” Scotland said. “The Commonwealth affirms that the ICJ process is the appropriate and lawful means to address the matter under international law.”

Deal Reached to Form Haiti’s Transitional Council

Haitian leaders have reached a critical milestone by finalizing a deal for a temporary government to navigate their nation through the turmoil fueled by gangs.

However, before the plan can be set in motion, it must receive approval from the current authorities, as confirmed by media on Monday.

Late Sunday, members of the transition council submitted their comprehensive plan to CARICOM, the regional Caribbean body. This landmark agreement outlines the formation of a nine-member council, comprising representatives from political parties, the private sector, and civil society. Their primary objective is to facilitate presidential elections by early 2026, with a mandate set to conclude on February 7, 2026.

The incoming authorities are poised to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who tendered his resignation on March 11 amidst Haiti’s descent into deadly gang violence.

A political official disclosed that the accord was formally presented to CARICOM on Sunday, underscoring the pivotal role

the organization has played in mediating discussions amid Haiti’s latest crisis.

However, one crucial step remains: the formal acceptance of the deal by Haiti’s current administration.

The immediate task for the council will be to elect a prime minister who, in tandem with the nine-member team, will form an interim government tasked with steering the country until the conduct of democratic, free, and credible elections. Notably, individuals from the council or the interim government will be ineligible to contest in these upcoming elections.

Haiti’s longstanding political instability and security challenges have hampered the holding of elections since 2016. The situation exacerbated in late February with widespread attacks by armed gangs on law enforcement institutions and governmental facilities, resulting in the closure of vital infrastructures such as the airport in Port-au-Prince.

The closure of the airport has impeded the return of Prime Minister Henry, who remains abroad after traveling to Kenya in efforts to garner Nairobi’s support for an

Guyana – Puts Venezuela on Notice – No Annexation

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding its territorial integrity, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a strong warning to the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The warning comes in response to Maduro’s recent activation of legislation with the intention of annexing portions of Guyana’s territory, specifically Essequibo, following a referendum held last December.

President Ali’s declaration, made on Wednesday, underscores Guyana’s unwavering. commitment to principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He categorically stated that any attempt by Venezuela to annex Guyanese territory would not be tolerated.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes to put on notice the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Governments of the Caribbean Community and the Latin American and Caribbean Community of Nations, as well as the Secretary

General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the Organization of America states, that it will not countenance the annexation, seizure, or occupation of any part of its sovereign territory, President Ali reiterated. The government of Guyana condemned Maduro’s actions as a flagrant violation of international law, citing breaches of the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organization of American States, and customary international law. President Ali emphasized that Maduro’s maneuvers stand in stark contradiction to the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace, a landmark agreement signed in December 2023.

In this light, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes to put on notice the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the governments of the Caribbean Community and the Latin American and Caribbean Community of Nations, as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, that it will not countenance the annexation, seizure, or occupation of any part of its sovereign territory, President Ali reiterated.

The statement also invoked the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which provides the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with jurisdiction to adjudicate on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award settling the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana. President Ali stressed the importance of resolving disputes through established legal mechanisms, emphasizing the ICJ as the proper forum for contesting territory.

international security mission sponsored by the United Nations.

This breakthrough over the weekend signifies a significant step forward after protracted negotiations marred by internal discord and legal disputes.

CARICOM will now undertake the responsibility of transmitting the accord, along with a decree confirming its validity, to the outgoing Henry government for the formal investiture of the new council.

The transitional body has outlined three critical priorities:

- Enhancing security

- Implementing constitutional and institutional reforms

- Ensuring the conduct of fair and transparent elections.

Furthermore, the agreement outlines the establishment of a national security council comprising Haitian experts to oversee international security assistance agreements, including the deployment of the UN-backed mission.

Haiti - A Glimmer of Hope

The country of Haiti that has been suffering from instability since 2016 when no elections were held, and has been subjected to all kinds of corruption and in recent months gang violence and gang domination is finally seeing some hope for a solution, and it is the hope and prayer of so many Haitians in Haiti and abroad and so many well wishers that Haiti this mighty country, this country that has been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom of black people for centuries will finally resume that role

and be a factor in the Caribbean region for true democracy and development. This glimmer of hope takes the form of a finalized deal that was organized by the Transition Council that was agreed to by Caricom and other major stakeholders to carve a way to bring Haiti back to some form of governance; a plan that was finalized by the Transition Council now sits with Caricom for their approval and support for implementation and it is this plan that carries this glimmer of hope.

The plan establishes a nine person Council- 7 voting members and two observers representing political party, the private sector and civil society, and they will be in operation for 22 months up through February of 2026 when they would have had an election for President. This plan, apart from Caricom has to be approved by the outgoing administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry who announced his resignation March 11 after he was prevented from re-entering Haiti, but it is formal recognition

that will allow the nine-person Council to take charge and to provide a government for this gang torn country. The Council, as soon as it is formed will elect a Prime Minister who, in collaboration with the 9 member team will form a government charged with leading the country until “democratic free and credible elections can be held”- no members of the Council or soon to be formed government will be allowed to run in the elections.

The agreement that was announced also created a National Security Council of Haitian experts who will oversee agreements on International Security assistance including dispatch of the UN backed mission. For several weeks Haitian political parties, civil society organization and diaspora groups have been negotiating, discussing the transitional government and what it should look like and one thing became very clear, that the government should not reward the violent leaders who were controlling the streets and who have

been the source of the violence, massacre and rape, that they should not be a part of any interim government. For this transitional government to work it has to be a collaborative effort between every sector of the Haitian society, the Haitian diaspora, the Caricom community, United States, of course who has always played an oversized role in Haiti, an international community to provide ongoing support and there must be a way to rid the country of the gang violence that has been such a plague around the country, and stability is very unlikely without this course. The country and the people deserve a chance to make an effort to govern themselves after this period of instability, violence and pure anarchy. The country deserves and should get, and we all should work for this kind of stability; a transitional government might not be perfect but let us get it working so we can get to a point that democracy can be restored fully in Haiti.

The Eclipse, A Sense of Common Unity

We in North America and Mexico have witnessed a once in a lifetime phenomenon - a total eclipse of the moon and the sun. It is a rarity that is observed when the moon completely covers the sun when they meet in this rare occasion, and it is a celestial event, almost a celestial dance that one experiences as you watch the two elements, the sun and the moon and how they come together with such precision and beauty. This once in a lifetime experience can be treated for its sheer beauty and the power and precision of the universe, but it is also a clear reminder of who we are in the scheme of things, how insignificant we are as individuals in this vast universe, and how and why we should look to preserve this planet that we all share, preserved in a way that in the short time we are on it we can enjoy all the beauty and all the power that is derived in witnessing something like the eclipse. It is difficult to experience it and not go away with some sense of connectivity, some sense of wonder why; as the moon covers the

sun you felt a noticeable silence and quiet where you can contemplate, and it’s not just the humans but the animals themselves seemed to be aware of this moment and they too get quiet and at the moment of total eclipse when the sun and the moon become one, a sense of unity is transmitted to us here on earth - a transmission that should have a message for us all how we treat this earth and how we treat each other. It is difficult not to seek solace and some message from this grand scheme of the universe; it’s an alignment that suggests that there should be more alignment on earth among us, it’s a coming together of unity and purpose that should signal to us that what we need to do is come together more in unity, and that our differences are not of a natural nature but one of a man made nature. Even for the non religious it provides a religious experience, a moment to reflect on us being just human seemingly advanced and intelligent but yet crippled by our own behavior and power and not taking

a cue from what is profound in the planet and the universe working together in such harmony. It is a rare feeling and in some way it’s a private feeling, but we are obliged to look at it in shared feeling, shared feeling as to how we as human intelligent beings are behaving on planet earth.

The various conflicts that we are facing today in Gaza where death and destruction are just widespread leading to more death and destruction the question is why maybe this can signal that there needs to be a ceasefire and there needs to be peace, there needs to be harmony. In Haiti, a country that is known for its brilliance is suffering from gang violence, death and destruction; we need to see coming together, unity, and that death and destruction have no real future. We have Ukraine and the violence and war there and the killing and destruction that’s not a part of sharing the earth and being equal on the earth living in harmony and living in the rhythm of the planet and the universe,

and we have the United States of America where hate mongering is widespread and leads to divisiveness, violence and to just so many situations of discomfort, that we need to take account of what we are doing as intelligent human beings inhabiting this planet.

In looking at the eclipse it was not only seen in its beauty but you could feel its presence, its presence of harmony, peace, joy, and in every location where people gathered that was the sense, the sense of experiencing that togetherness, that harmony, the joy that you witness in this celestial event. We should take a cue from this event and we should make the effort to deliberately live as we have witnessed the elements moving in harmony, to live together in harmony on a planet we all share and a planet that we must preserve in a way that the future augurs well for our children and children’s children - we certainly owe it to the future as much as we owe it to ourselves

Love for the Outdoors is a Gift that Pays Forward

by Ben Jealous

When we see a 75-year-old white man out in the woods with a group of Black and brown kids from low-income neighborhoods, teaching them about nature, few of us assume he is there because that is where he feels most comfortable.

Probably even fewer of us assume many of those kids look just like the ones he grew up with in public housing projects more than 60 years ago. Rocky Milburn grew up as one of the few white kids in a mostly Black public housing development in southern Indiana. His family was very poor. They were still poor when they moved into an old farmhouse in the country. That was where Rocky fell in love with the outdoors. Even though his parents struggled financially – perhaps even worse than when they lived in the projects – Rocky did not care.

“We lived right across the street from a creek,” Rocky pronounces it “crick,” “and I spent my days running the fields. You can kind of say it was my drug at the time.”

For more than 25 years, Rocky has been an Outings Leader with the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) program in Tampa, Florida. The program takes youth from underserved communities on outings such as camping and canoe trips and visits to the beach. Rocky says, “many of these kids live two miles from the beach but have never seen the ocean.”

His own experience has taught Rocky the importance of sharing his love of the outdoors. When the kids stand around Rocky and learn from him about nature, they do not see his age or his race. They see his heart. And they know his heart understands them and the challenges they are facing because he is from the same type of place. People like Rocky who serve as nature’s ambassadors to young people, and people of any age who are nature-deprived, are heroes. The kids in his program learn how to appreciate and be good caretakers of nature. They experience firsthand the lessons nature has to teach us; how being outdoors benefits both our physical and mental health. And they carry these lessons with them throughout their lives. Levi Randolph attended the Academy Prep Center of Tampa, which has a partnership with the ICO program. While at Academy Prep, a private middle school designed to give bright children from lowincome families top-notch educational opportunities, Levi went on his very first camping trip: an outing led by Rocky Milburn. Now an adult, Levi is an Outings Leader with the Tampa ICO group alongside Rocky.

Levi is paying forward his experience. He is pursuing a career working with animals and investing his time to make sure other kids from his old neighborhood and

school get the same chance he had to explore and enjoy nature. This is a story that repeats itself in families and communities in every pocket of our country. And we should encourage and celebrate it. As someone who comes from a long line of outdoors enthusiasts who passed the love of nature on to me, I try to do the same for my kids. Whether we are skiing in the winter, paddling and fishing in the summer, or visiting national parks year round, I try to do my part to make sure my family stays connected to the great outdoors. Everyone can do this, whether it is a community affair, a family affair, or both. Vedia Barnett is a disabled Air Force veteran.

After suffering a minor stroke, it was reconnecting with the outdoors and her love of nature that gave her a renewed sense of purpose to get back on her feet. “Just hearing the birds and feeling the sun on my face, it was like giving me life back.” Now Vedia works with Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors campaign, getting other women veterans outdoors.

She recounts one woman who left the service in the 1970s: “This was the first time she felt like she was in community with veterans who looked like her. And I think It’s important even for veterans to understand that all these lands are for us – they’re for everybody.” Vedia’s mom,

a Marine Corp veteran, has also gotten involved, bringing senior women veterans in their 70s out to join the group’s outings. This month is Earth Month. It is a perfect time to get outside. Bring your friends and family out there with you. If there is a local program near you that helps get kids – or anyone – outside who doesn’t typically have a lot of access to nature, consider chipping in your time. A love of nature is infectious. And it is one infection that is very worth spreading.

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

Millions Across North America Awed by Total Solar Eclipse Phenomenon

by Stacy M. Brown

The eagerly anticipated celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse finally descended upon North America after a seven-year hiatus, captivating millions of skywatchers on Monday. With its grand entrance at the Mexican beachside resort town of Mazatlan, the eclipse marked the beginning of a mesmerizing journey along the “path of totality,” stretching across various regions of the continent.

Eclipse enthusiasts congregated at numerous vantage points along the path, which spanned from Mexico’s Pacific Coast through Texas, traversing 14 other U.S. states before reaching Canada. Cities like Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia, Penn., Baltimore, Md., and New York City witnessed citizens stepping outside their usual routines to behold this historic event. Similar scenes unfolded in urban centers across Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, where individuals paused to witness the cosmic marvel.

At a duration of up to 4 minutes and 28

seconds, the 2024 total eclipse exceeded its predecessor’s duration in 2017, which lasted up to 2 minutes and 42 seconds. According to NASA, total eclipses can range from a fleeting 10 seconds to an astonishing 7-1/2 minutes.

Other cities along the path of totality, such as San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; both Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, along with Montreal, Quebec, hosted eager eclipse-watchers. Approximately 32 million people in the United States reside within the path of totality, with federal officials predicting an additional 5 million to witness the phenomenon.

Numerous eclipse-watching events unfolded at bars, stadiums, fairgrounds, and parks along the eclipse’s trajectory, offering diverse opportunities for people to experience this rare event. Scientists estimated that the entire process, from

the initial moment the moon begins to obscure the sun to the culmination of totality and the subsequent return to normalcy, took about 80 minutes. Veteran eclipse observers have described the moments preceding totality as ominous, with shadows taking on a peculiar sharpness and sunlight assuming an eerie hue. Just before totality, a phenomenon known as “shadow bands” may manifest, creating shimmering patterns akin to those seen at the bottom of a swimming pool.

As totality approaches, stars become visible in the midday sky, while the abrupt darkness causes temperatures to plummet. “When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep,” NASA officials wrote on the agency’s website. The final glimpse of brilliant sunlight before totality creates the enchanting

“diamond ring effect,” wherein a bright spot appears along the lunar edge as the sun’s corona forms a luminous ring around the moon.

According to NASA, the next solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will occur on Aug. 23, 2044.

NYC – Mayor Adams Launches Work Force Development Program

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the launch of the New York City Workforce Development Council, a group of leaders from the business community, educational institutions, unions, and training providers who will help develop and sustain strategies that will aid New Yorkers in finding family-sustaining careers and help employers tap the talent they need to succeed. Chaired by Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Speyer, the new advisory board will be comprised of over 30 external stakeholders

committed to rebuilding and strengthening the city’s talent and workforce development system for a post-pandemic labor market. The Workforce Development Council will make recommendations to the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) and the New York City Workforce Development Board, which is responsible for stewarding between $60 million and $100 million in annual federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding.

Additionally, the Adams administration is today releasing two Requests for Proposals to advance its moonshot goal of connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships by the year 2030, a key commitment of Mayor Adams’ 2023 State of the City Address. An initial investment of $3.5 million — from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding — will identify potential private-sector and non-profit partners that are interested in developing new apprenticeship programs and transforming existing talent development initiatives into structured apprenticeships.

“While our city has recovered all of the private-sector jobs lost during the pandemic, our recovery has not benefitted every New Yorker equitably. To change this, we need partners

from every corner of our city to help build an economy with real pathways to family-sustaining careers,” said Mayor Adams. “The Workforce Development Council will tap expertise from business leaders, like Rob Speyer and dozens of others from across our city, to develop strategies and partnerships that will lead to real opportunities for New Yorkers. Additionally, our administration is investing millions in the nonprofits, unions, and other employers that will invest in our young people through apprenticeships.”

“I am proud to serve as the inaugural chair of the New York City Workforce Development Council,” said Rob Speyer, CEO, Tishman Speyer. “The Workforce Development Council’s work will build on Mayor Adams’ remarkable track record for private-sector job creation. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow members on this council to identify the most promising career paths for New Yorkers today and tomorrow.”

“The Workforce Development Council is an example of how the Adams administration is preparing the next generation of New Yorkers for the workforce,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “For too long, communities have been excluded from the tremendous eco-

nomic growth that New York has experienced. Our moonshot goal of connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships is an important step in changing that reality — and can only be done through partnership with the private sector. This Workforce Development Council, with its breadth of leadership and expertise, is a great example of how public-private partnerships really come together to support all New Yorkers.”

“Since we released our ‘Pathways to an Inclusive Economy’ blueprint, this administration has been focused on delivering on our promises to connect more New Yorkers to jobs,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “With today’s announcement, we will strengthen the city’s Workforce Development Board and Workforce Development Council through increased private-sector leadership and will expand access to apprenticeships by making $3.5 million in funding available to nonprofits, employers, labor unions, and training providers. Thank you to leaders from across the city, including new Workforce Development Council Chair Rob Speyer, for your partnership in meeting these commitments.”

NYC Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix Sues E-Cigarette Distributors

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix announced that the City of New York has filed a lawsuit against 11 wholesalers for their part in the illegal sale of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, the most popular vaping devices among middle school and high school youth. The 11 defendants – located in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and upstate New York – are alleged to have distributed, and continue to distribute, youth-friendly-flavored disposable e-cigarettes – such as Strawberry Colada, Mellow Mint, Blueberry Energize, and Frozen Creamsicle – to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and directly to consumers over the internet, in violation of federal, New York state, and New York City law.

The lawsuit seeks to block the defendants from further sales of these illegal items and seeks damages and penalties under state and city statutes. The lawsuit is a companion to the city’s pending 2023 federal lawsuit, in which two defendants in that case are already subject to court orders barring their sales and shipments of flavored e-cigarettes into the city.

“Part of protecting public safety means protecting the health of New Yorkers, including our most vulnerable – our children – and this administration is committed to enforcing the law when it comes to illegal vape sales,” said Mayor Adams. “This lawsuit will help hold 11 wholesalers accountable for their part in the illegal sale of flavored disposable e-cigarettes at a time when nicotine addiction among middle and high school youth is exploding. We will not stand by and allow this greedy, harmful, and openly illegal behavior to continue.”

“This lawsuit continues the city’s enforcement effort against companies that flout the law by selling flavored vapes to retailers and directly to consumers in the city,” said Corporation Coun-

sel Hinds-Radix. “The City of New York will use every tool it can against businesses that are fueling the epidemic of e-cigarette use among young people and undermining public health.”

“Today’s action is one of many in a constellation to support and protect New Yorkers’ health, particularly young people,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “We know that young people are susceptible to marketing campaigns and products more akin to candy flavors. Thus, we are holding distributors accountable for selling illegal products and protecting our young people from these devices that often contain higher levels of nicotine than found in combustible cigarettes.”

“We will not standby when companies repeatedly put profits over the health of New Yorkers, especially our precious young people” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Holding manufacturers and wholesalers accountable helps decrease the chances of these harmful products getting into the hands of young people. With this lawsuit, New York City is fighting for the health of all New Yorkers, especially the next generation of leaders and do-ers in our great city.”

“Our city remains committed to upholding equity and integrity, protecting public safety, and building a cannabis industry that benefits all New Yorkers,” said Cannabis NYC Founding Director Dasheeda Dawson. “The correlation between stores selling illegal nicotine vapes and those illegally selling cannabis products is undeniable. Shutting down these operators is not only essential for public safety, but also crucial for safeguarding the historic progress we’ve made thus far. Greater local enforcement authority granted from the state along with funding and technical assistance to accelerate

Future of Energy + Black and Brown Communities to be Discussed at NAN Convention

New York, NY — Reverend Malcolm T. Byrd, Former Senator Mary Landrieu, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, former Congressman Kendrick Meek, and former U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretary of Minority Business Development Donald Cravins will host a panel called “Affordable Energy is a Civil Rights Issue: Why we can’t leave Black and Brown voices out of the clean energy conversation” at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) Convention on Thursday, April 11. The NAN Convention is set to address critical issues in the ongoing fight for civil rights. It comes at a critical time – seven months ahead of the 2024 election – amid threats to voting rights, reproductive rights, and diversity programs nationwide.

Nutter, Meek, Landrieu, Cravins, and Byrd will discuss how natural gas in combination with renewables can lower emissions, ensure an affordable and reliable energy transition, and address energy disparities among Black and Brown Americans. For decades, Black, Brown, and low-income Americans have been excluded from conversations surrounding affordable and reliable energy, despite being most impacted by climate change and rising energy costs. Black, Brown, and low-income communities are often left struggling to keep the lights on as the U.S.

charts a path towards a green future – nearly 4 in 10 (38.3%) of Black Americans are not able to pay part or all of their energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, low-income households, a demographic in which Black and Brown Americans are disproportionately represented, contribute and average of 8.6% of their income to energy bills, compared to 3% for non-low-income households.

Panelist Rev. Malcolm Byrd has experienced this first-hand. Byrd shells out a staggering $6,000 every ten days to keep his NYC congregation warm with fuel oil during the winter, while a natural gas pipeline is nearby. It’s imperative for Byrd’s congregations, a sanctuary for the Black community, to withstand energy costs without the added burden of impractical energy solutions. The decisions our legislators make about affordable energy access in 2024 will affect Black and Brown communities for years to come. The former lawmakers, part of a national energy coalition called Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, want to make the public aware of key factors to consider as we reduce our carbon footprint – most importantly, that we can’t leave anyone behind.

Dominica – PM Skerrit

Pleased with Visit to China

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has announced a substantial pledge of over EC$27 million from China towards budget support, following his official visit to Beijing last week.

Skerrit, leading a delegation to commemorate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, described the visit as a major success.

During a press conference, Skerrit expressed gratitude for the warm reception received in China, noting the high level of consideration shown by all with whom they interacted. He highlighted the pivotal

meeting with President Xi Jinping, during which they reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Dominica and China over the past two decades.

President Xi and I agreed that our relations are a testament to successful collaboration and mutual respect between developing countries, Skerrit remarked, emphasizing China, role as a true ally of Dominica.

Skerrit disclosed that President Xi assured him of China’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening ties...

DR – National Jailed in US For Drug Ring Operation

A Dominican Republic national, who was part of an international drug ring that used various Caribbean ports in their international efforts to distribute cocaine in the United States, has been jailed for more than 13 years. According to court documents, Lazaro Viton Rodriguez, 55, was sentenced to 13 years and one month in prison for his role in an international conspiracy to distribute more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States.

The documents noted that from 2014

through May 2019, Rodriguez participated in a drug trafficking network based in the Dominican Republic that transported cocaine from South America, through the Caribbean, to the United States.

The court was told that the drug trafficking network used vessels, such as sailing yachts and sport fishing boats, to transport the cocaine, often stopping in various Caribbean ports while transporting the cocaine to give a cover of legitimacy to each voyage.

Colombia to Join Genocide Case Against Israel in Gaza

Colombia has requested permission from the International Court of Justice to intervene in South Africa’s lawsuit alleging Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, the court said on April 5, 2024. Colombia requested that “the safety and, indeed, the very existence of the Palestinian people” be guaranteed by the court in its case. States are permitted to intervene and voice

their opinions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest court in the United Nations system. Although several governments have expressed interest in getting involved in the case, only Colombia and Nicaragua have made a formal request yet.

The justices of the ICJ recently gave Israel an injunction directing it to take all necessary and practical steps to guarantee

that Palestinians in Gaza get essential food supplies on time.

January saw an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ, or World Court) compelling Israel to guarantee that its soldiers do not commit crimes of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and to desist from any actions that may be covered by the genocide treaty.

Colombia has requested permission

from the International Court of Justice to intervene in South Africa’s lawsuit alleging Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, the court said on April 5, 2024.

Colombia requested that “the safety and, indeed, the very existence of the Palestinian people” be guaranteed by the court in its case.

CARIBHEALTH

World Health Day: PAHO Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Right to Health For All People

For World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reiterated its commitment to the right to health for all people, without discrimination of any kind.

“At PAHO, we strive to fulfill this right to health by working with our Member States to advance universal health for all, including for those populations living in situations of vulnerability,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said.

The theme of this year’s World Health Day is “My health, my right,”and seeks to promote the right of all people, everywhere, to access to quality health services, education and information, as well as to safe drinking water and sanitation, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent environmental and working conditions, adequate social protection and freedom from discrimination, among others.

In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized health as a human right in its Constitution. However, in the Americas, almost 30% of the population has unmet health care needs, a situation that is exacerbated in

low-income countries and in the most impoverished and vulnerable communities.

To ensure the right to health, Dr. Barbosa stressed the importance of addressing the historical inequalities that prevent many from exercising this right, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Socioeconomic conditions such as poverty and limited access to basic services expose people to a higher risk of disease,” he said. “Financial, geographic and cultural barriers also hinder access to care for some populations.”

PAHO recommends transforming health systems based on primary health care (PHC), a model centered on people and communities, which focuses on health, not disease. It also calls for addressing the social and environmental determinants that condition the health, well-being and health equity of individuals and communities through intersectoral action. Other recommendations to ensure equitable access to services include increasing investment in health to at east 6% of GDP, investing 30% of these resources in the first level of care, and eliminating direct

payments at the point of care.

The PAHO Director emphasized that the Organization continues to make progress in the implementation of its initiative to eliminate more than 30 infectious diseases and to promote actions against non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. He also emphasized PAHO’s work to strengthen the region’s health services by introducing

innovations and technologies to enable them to respond more effectively and equitably to health threats.

“Health and well-being are central aspects of living a full life and should not be regarded as a privilege, but rather viewed as the foundation from which society develops, grows, and prospers,” the PAHO Director said.

Guyana Aims to Accelerate Efforts to Eliminate Several Communicable Diseases by 2030

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) collaborates with the Guyana’s Ministry of Health in eliminating several communicable diseases and conditions by 2030 and beyond. The technical team facilitating the workshop comprised of five facilitators: Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, Director, Prevention, Control, and Elimination of Communicable Diseases, Dr. Martha Saboyá, Senior Advisor, Communicable Diseases Elimination Initiative, Mr. Christopher Lim, Chief, Strategic Fund for Public Health Supplies, Regional Funds, Dr. Orielle Solar, Unit Chief, Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health, and Mr. Carlos Otero, International Consultant, Information Systems and Digital Health. The diseases and conditions include Lymphatic Filariasis, Leprosy or Hansen’s disease, Chagas, soil-transmitted Helminths (worms), malaria, hepatitis, C, vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, some vaccine preventable diseases, and cervical cancer. In October 2023, MoH convened and established the country’s disease elimination working group, the first of its kind in the Region of the Americas, setting out different elimination targets for each of the diseases.

The Ministry of Health is currently reinforcing several of its programmes for disease elimination, towards making medications and treatments easily and readily available. There are likewise school programmes, community programmes and those targeted to individuals. In Latin America, the poverty situation remains a pressing concern, especially in the context of the diseases and conditions that the country envisions to eliminate. It is noted that at least 180 million people live below poverty, and it is in this category that these diseases are mostly prevalent. The impoverished and marginalized populations are often heavily burdened with neglected infectious diseases (NIDs) and other poverty-related infectious diseases. This group of infectious diseases continues to take a

measurable toll on families, communities, and nations’ socio-economic development.

Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, indicated that most of the programmes operates vertically. He added that for elimination activities to achieve the greatest success they should be integrated into the existing structure and this will call for the Ministry of Health to regroup and change its strategies on the way the Ministry operates. “It is difficult for us to make that transformation, but we have to try if we are going to achieve the results that we would like to see, therefore, we have to find ways and means of how we are going to integrate these vertical programs” said Hon. Ministry Anthony.

Meanwhile, Dr. Luis Codina, PAHO/WHO representative, highlighted the pioneering work of Guyana in championing disease elimination among its people and in the Region. He emphasized that some of these diseases such as malaria is a border health issue, with many other factors including target populations such as miners, sometimes violence,illegal crossing, and other specific issues that have implications on technical cooperation approaches. He said it is not the nets and the treatment we only have to address, but it incorporates a lot of things intervening at the same time, that needs attention.

“The Minister of Health is championing the integration of elimination and sustainable elimination of communicable disease. This is why it is very important to build on the achievements and lessons learned from elimination efforts. Therefore, I think this is one of the most important efforts in the country today, said Dr. Codina.

As Guyana move forward to accelerate the elimination of communicable diseases, PAHO/ WHO will continue to work steadily and provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in achieving its goal in the elimination of several diseases by 2030 and beyond.

Grammy Award-Winning Reggae Artist Kabaka Pyramid Announces Deluxe Version of Grammy Award-Winning Album The Kalling & Collaborates with Multi Award-Winning Icon Sean Paul

Renowned reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid has teamed up with the legendary dancehall artist Sean Paul for an electrifying remix of his single “Energy’, featuring the talented Jemere Morgan of the esteemed Morgan Heritage lineage. This invigorating track showcases the Jamaican artists’ jubilant spirits as they bask in the joys of life and repel any negativity in their path.

Produced by the acclaimed Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, the remix will be included in the deluxe edition of Kabaka’s Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed album ‘The Kalling’ released in 2022. This collaboration is set to infuse a fresh and dynamic perspective into the original song, further enhancing the brilliance of an already stellar album.

Scheduled for release on Friday, March

29, the first single from the deluxe edition of ‘The Kalling’, the ‘Energy’ remix promises to captivate audiences, accompanied by an exhilarating music video directed by the visionary Xtreme Arts.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Sean Paul shared, “Energy is a fundamental element needed to connect with people genuinely. The energy Kabaka gave me when we first met is one that stayed pwith me, reflecting how my music influenced him during his formative years. Working on this remix was truly uplifting, as Kabaka has swiftly made his mark in the music industry

despite his relatively short time here.” Prepare for an explosive collaboration that is poised to ignite the reggae and dancehall realms with its infectious energy and pulsating rhythms.

‘AfroPoP’ Celebrates Kenyan Cinema this April

AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, the acclaimed series from Black Public Media and WORLD that has brought documentaries to American audiences for fifteen seasons is bringing them something new in season 16 as it presents narrative features for the first time. Continuing its focus on presenting stories from across the African diaspora, AfroPoP includes two narrative Kenyan films offering audiences a unique look at community, belonging, life and death, all through an Afrofuturistic lens for season 16.

The second episode is Supa Modo from Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina. Jo, a 9-year-old girl facing terminal cancer, keeps her spirits uplifted through the superhero movies they screen at her children’s hospital. When Jo’s mother decides to bring her home, the girl occupies herself with daydreams of becoming a superhero herself. As her illness and isolation worsen, her older sister, Mwix, joins Jo in her superhero fantasies and soon has the young girl, and their entire village, believing that she may in fact be a true superhero. Freezing a group of children at play? Jo can do it! Thwarting would-be robbers at a nearby store? Here comes Jo to the rescue!

A family-friendly and honest exploration of childhood illness, life and death, and the im-

portance of family and community, Supa Modo proves that superheroes live forever.

Supa Modo premieres on Monday, April 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) on-air on WORLD and streaming.

A reflective take on the mysteries of life, the afterlife, and the in-between arrives on Monday, April 15 in Kati Kati by Nairobi-born director Mbithi Masya. Kati Kati follows Kaleche, a woman with amnesia who wakes up in the wilderness and makes her way to a lodge called Kati Kati. There she meets a group of strangers all now living there, all now trying to process the loss and regret from their lives and wondering what’s next for them. A moody meditation on life and death, the film presents audiences with an Afrofuturistic view of loss, forgiveness, the now and the hereafter.

Watch the Kati Kati trailer here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=67FwlaXU8vU.

Supa Modo and Kati Kati premiere on WORLD on April 8 and April 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central), respectively, when each film begins streaming on the WORLD YouTube Channel, the Black Public Media YouTube Channel and the PBS App.

Other films this season of AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange include the documentaries Commuted by Nailah Jefferson, following a New Orleans woman given second chance at life after her prison sentence is commuted by President Obama; and season finale Freedom Hill from Resita Cox, a profile of the residents of Princeville, North Carolina as they work to save their community from the effects of environmental injustice and the now frequent “100-year” floods that threaten to wash it away. New episodes of AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange premiere every Monday through April 22 on WORLD.

In the words of Kabaka Pyramid, ‘Energy’ is about safeguarding your vitality from those who seek to diminish your spirit.

Collaborating with SP for the first time was a dream come true, given his profound impact on my musical journey. His remarkable verse exceeded my expectations, embodying humility and devotion to music, much like myself and Zilla. Jemere’s uplifting vocals infuse the track with a lively dynamic that resonates with enthusiasm.”

As we gear up for the music video’s release, expect a visual that echoes the vibrancy and exuberance of the track, encapsulating a fusion of high energy, dance sequences, and a dash of theatrical flair, illustrating that no one can dampen our spirits.

Guyana – United Airways Inaugurates New Service

The first-ever non-stop flight by United Airlines has been warmly received by the Guyana administration, which believes it would significantly improve the nation’s access to the world travel market.

At the ceremony welcoming the United Airlines aircraft from Houston to Georgetown, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce

Oneidge Walrond remarked, “This is a significant development for Guyana’s tourism industry. It underscores the increasing interest in travel between Guyana and the United States, a key source market for us. This new service will not only provide our citizens with greater travel options but also serve as a major catalyst for further enhancing Guyana’s connectivity to the global tourism marketplace.”

“This direct flight will make it easier and more convenient for travelers from the United States to experience Guyana’s unique beauty and diverse offerings. We expect this to lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the tourism sector,” she noted.

The government’s objective for more accessible air travel was physically represented by the service, according to Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill.

“This is a concrete example of our government’s vision for increased airlift and positioning Guyana as a significant hub for the Caribbean and beyond. It also serves as a powerful testament

to the ongoing infrastructural development taking place within the country, which will further fuel interest and investment in Guyana’s immense potential.”

“This venture also demonstrates that the international community has confidence in our nation’s growth and potential. This new connection will not only facilitate travel and trade but also catalyze further economic development and investment in Guyana. We are committed to fostering a thriving aviation sector that connects Guyana to the world and propels us towards a brighter future,” he continued. Nicole Theriot, the US ambassador to Guyana, emphasized how crucial it is to grow such commercial endeavors to fortify the US-Guyana alliance. “United Airlines’ new flight to Guyana is more than just a flight; it represents yet another significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. It’s a clear and exciting message that our commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growing number of U.S. companies coming to do business in Guyana.”

She added, “Moreover, this new route will unlock incredible tourism opportunities by inviting even more travelers to experience the many offerings of both of our countries. Simply put,

Freedom of Movement of Caricom Citizens Under Discussion

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have been unable to sign off on the arrangements to facilitate the free and full movement of CARICOM nationals by the end of last month as had been hoped following their summit in Guyana earlier this year.

“At the last virtual heads meeting, it was decided that a series of meetings will take place leading up to the next meeting in Grenada to complete outstanding amendments to the treaty,” informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Tuesday.

At the end of the summit in Guyana in February, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has lead responsibility for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), had told reporters “We are on target” as it pertained to the free movement of CARICOM nationals. The regional leaders were due to have met in mid-March for the anticipated sign-off on the arrangements to facilitate the free and full movement of CARICOM nationals by the end of that month.

The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labor, and services across the region.

Under the existing free movement of skills regime, persons seeking to work in member countries are required to obtain a CARICOM Skills Certificate.

But apart from university graduates, artists, musicians, sportspeople, media workers, nurses, teachers, associate degree graduates, domestic and artisans, all other categories of workers would need to work permit for the country which they are entering. Mottley, who was among regional leaders addressing the end of a summit news conference in Georgetown, told reporters then that the community is on track to fulfill the mandate regional leaders gave at their historic 50th-an-

niversary summit in Trinidad and Tobago in July last year for free and full movement of CARICOM nationals from March 31, 2024. She said then that two outstanding matters must be resolved before full free movement can be operationalized.

These two policy issues were referred to heads for settlement by the intergovernmental task force on free movement.

The task force was due to meet on March 7 and CARICOM’s Legal Affairs Committee was due to have signed sign off on the draft decisions the following day.

“Heads of Government will meet on the 15th of March with the hope that we can sign off in time for the deadline given in Trinidad of the 31st of March for the full freedom of movement of people. As you know, people have the right to move now for six months without question.

“What we are talking about is removing that six-month constraint, but we equally have to understand what are the minimum rights that are guaranteed to our citizens when they move from one country to the other and those are being resolved and settled now,” Mottley had said.

But in this process of negotiation, Antigua and Barbuda had already signaled that it wished to maintain its use of the current skills regime, which allows it to focus on addressing labor force demand in the local market.

“The policy is pragmatic and realistic to avoid dislocation of the indigenous population, protecting jobs, and avoiding exacerbation of our economic/fiscal challenge,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr Clarence Henry.

The Bahamas and Bermuda have also indicated that they would not be part of the free movement of people across the region. (CMC)

it’s a win-win for our economies, our cultures, and our close people-to-people ties.”

Customers will have quick and simple access to both locations with the new service, which operates four times a week. Additionally, United Airlines continues to strengthen its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, expanding its summer schedule by over 10% across the area, and it provides flights to more locations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all US carriers combined.

The airline’s dedication to the area was emphasized by Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances at United Airlines.

Quayle stated, “We are excited to connect Houston, as well as the broader United network, with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.”

“This new route will offer our customers convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52 unique destinations in the region – more than all other carriers combined,” he mentioned.

Sizzling Performances and Records Highlight the Carifta Games

The Carifta Games, held from 30 March to 1 April at the Kirani James Stadium in St Georges, Grenada, was a tremendous success for the host country, commemorating its 50th year of Independence.

As they have done since 1985, Jamaica dominated the proceedings, topping the medals table with 83 medals, including 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze. The Bahamas was next with 34 medals (nine gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze), followed by Trinidad and Tobago with 27 medals (four gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze).

In a memorable U20 men’s 100m final, the Cayman Islands clinched gold and silver for the first time. Davonte Howell successfully defended his title with a national U20 record of 10.15, putting him second on this year’s world U20 list. The University of Tennessee sprinter was followed home by teammate Jaiden Reid (10.34), who held off the fast-finishing Jamaican Javorne Dunkley, who was also given the same time.

In an exciting U20 women’s 100m final, Sabrina Dockery sped to a lifetime best time of 11.26 to defeat her Jamaican teammate and pre-race favourite Theianna Lee Terrelonge (11.32), reversing their placing from the Jamaican High School Championships a week prior.

Guyana’s Athaleyha Hinckson, who finished seventh last year, this time struck gold in the U17 girls’ 100m in a PB of 11.44. In the boys’ equivalent, Jamaica’s Nyrone Wade continued his purple patch with a convincing victory, equalling his PB of 10.43.

De Gannes secures Austin Sealy Award, Bramwell breaks Bolt’s record

Trinidad & Tobago’s Janae De Gannes won the U20 women’s long jump with a Games record of 6.50m. The mark, which moves her to second on this year’s outdoor world U20 list, was adjudged the most outstanding performance of the Games, earning her the Austin Sealy Award. Jamaica and Guyana shared the four age-

group 400m titles on offer, with two wins each.

Jamaica’s Nickecoy Bramwell won the U17 boys’ 400m in 47.27, eclipsing Usain Bolt’s championship record of 47.33 that had stood for 22 years.

Tianna Springer of Guyana proved too strong for the field in the U20 women’s 400m, winning with a PB of 52.31. Springer’s compatriot Malachi Austin overpowered Jamaica’s Marcinho Rose (46.59), who led for 350m, to win the U20 men’s 400m in a PB of 46.35.

Thanks in no small part to the individual U20 400m champions, Guyana won the mixed 4x400m commandingly, setting a Games record of 3:23.51.

In the U20 men’s 4x100m, Trinidad & Tobago (40.45) prevented Jamaica (40.55) from completing a sweep of the sprint relays. Just a few minutes earlier in the U17 boys’ final, Trinidad & Tobago (41.53) had given their Jamaican counterparts (41.30) a run for their money.

Smith shows her pedigree

Michelle Smith of the US Virgin Islands successfully defended her U20 400m hurdles title in 56.28, missing the Games record by just 0.06. She also won the 800m in 2:06.18, earning her sixth gold medal in three years.

Jamaica’s Robert Miller set a Games record of 52.19 to win the U17 boys’ 400m hurdles title.

The U20 sprint hurdles finals were breezy affairs. Jamaica’s Shaquane Gordon won the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.15 (2.1m/s), while his teammate Habiba Harris, who missed last year’s Games through injury, won the U20 women’s 100m hurdles in a wind-aided 12.93 (2.4m/s).

Trinidad & Tobago’s Kadeem Chinapoo won the U17 boys’ 200m in 21.78, but Jamaica gained revenge in the U20 men’s event as Gary Card ran a fantastic curve and transitioned well down the home straight to cross the finish line in a PB of

20.60.

His teammates Shanoya Douglas and Natrece East won the U20 and U17 categories, respectively.

Bygrave reigns supreme on his farewell Jamaica dominated all the 1500m finals, with Shemar Green leading the charge in the U17 boys’ event. With just two laps remaining, Green went from 11th to first, claiming gold in 4:11.91. In the U20 men’s event, Kemarrio Bygrave outfoxed the field to win in 3:58.10. The Jamaican returned on the final day to win the 800m in 1:51.43.

Following a fifth-place finish in the 1500m, Demetrie Meyers of Belize made amends by retaining his U17 3000m title in 9:05.86.

Elsewhere, Antigua and Barbuda’s Maleik Francis set the mood for the field events in the first morning session, winning the U17 boys’ javelin with 68.84m, the first record of the Games. Dior-Rae Scott of The Bahamas also rewrote the record books with a Games record of 52.53m in the U17 girls’ javelin.

Jackie Henrianne Princesse Hyman of Guadeloupe won the U20 women’s discus with a Games record of 55.06m, improving her third-place finish from last year. In the men’s equivalent, Jamaica’s Shaiquan Dunn saved the best for last with a winning throw of 61.47m in the final round.

Joshua Williams produced a lifetime best of 7.03m on his last attempt to snatch victory in a closely contested U17 boys’ long jump final from Trinidad & Tobago’s

Tyrique Vincent (7.00m). Williams then added the U17 boys’ high jump gold thanks to a clearance of 2.00m.

His teammate Brenden Vanderpool added 24cm to the pole vault Games record he set last year in front of his home crowd, clearing 5.30m.

On the opening day, Zavien Bernard kicked things off for Jamaica by winning the U17 girls’ high jump on countback from Bahamian Alexandria Komolafe, both clearing 1.71m. Bernard’s teammate Rasheda Samuels won the U20 category with an equal PB of 1.78m.

Jamaica’s Jaeda Robinson revised the Games record twice in the U17 girls’ triple jump, bounding to 12.66m and then 12.69m in first two rounds. Her teammate Javontae Smith established a Games record in the U17 boys’ shot put with 18.80m.

Jamaica closed the proceedings by winning all four 4x400m finals by huge margins, though the final event was not without controversy, as Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas protested due to the malfunctioning of the starter’s gun. These three teams had to run a separate race, and eventually Trinidad & Tobago (3:11.10) ran fast enough to clinch the silver medal behind Jamaica (3:10.58), with Guyana (3:14.05) securing bronze. (World Athletics)