May 1, 2024

CaribNews

Tireless Activism and the Latest Region to Go Coal-Free by Ben Jealous - P 9

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

UN expresses solidarity with Kenya following deadly floods

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to Kenya in the wake of deadly floods caused by weeks of heavy rains that continue to affect the region.

Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour by Stacy M.

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HEALTH

Seven Things You Can Do To Prevent a Stroke - P 16

SPORTS

Costa Rica, T&T, Aruba Named Hosts for 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship - P 19

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

Mr. Guterres was saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by flash flooding in the capital, Nairobi, and other parts of the country, his spokesperson said on Monday.

The Secretary-General extended his condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Kenya.

On Monday, rescue teams were searching for survivors after a dam burst in Mai Mahiu in western Kenya, killing at least 35 people, according to international media reports.

The heavy rains began in March, killing more than 100 people across the country since then. This season’s flash flooding follows similarly heavy rains that began late last year, affecting almost 600,000 people.

Solidarity and support

The UN Resident Representative in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson also expressed solidarity with the people and Government during an event to distribute emergency aid to flood survivors, which was led by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.

UN official urges South Sudan to lift taxes halting aid

The UN’s top humanitarian official in South Sudan has urged the government to lift newly imposed taxes and charges that are causing aid deliveries to be suspended, affecting tens of thousands of people.

Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country.

These measures have impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, underscored the urgent situation, stating that UN agencies have been forced to halt lifesaving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies.

“We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO [non-governmental organizations] partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need,” she said on Sunday.

Her office further noted that the new taxes contravene the Status of Forces Agreement signed by individual agencies with the South Sudanese Government as well as Section 7 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, which exempts the UN from all direct taxes and duties on imports of supplies for its official use.

Funds for saving lives

According to the Humanitarian Coordinator’s office, the new measures would increase the cost of food assistance and the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) operations by

Could the answer to 100% renewable energy in Dominica be under the ground?

A small but growing number of countries are well on their way to producing all of their electricity from renewable sources.

Dominica, in the eastern Caribbean, is planning to join these pioneers and become the first small island developing State (SIDS) to stop using fossil fuels for energy generation.

It’s called geothermal energy, and it’s an exciting prospect for the country.

Geothermal has none of the intermittency issues of wind and solar – in other words, it provides stable energy day and night – and doesn’t take up any surface real estate, keeping the Roseau Valley in its pristine state.

Most SIDS are dependent on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation and transport, putting a major strain on their resources and jeopardising their energy security by exposing them to the vagaries of the international fuel markets.

Dominica, however, has a powerful clean power source lying in wait below the Roseau Valley, a popular tourist destination a short drive from the capital, Roseau, that is clean, completely renewable and could provide so much energy that the government could even sell excess electricity to neighbouring islands.

Gaza war spillover compounds misery for most vulnerable in Lebanon

Children as young as four are being forced to go to work in Lebanon amid a “massive collapse” in humanitarian funding and escalating hostilities on the country’s southern border with Israel that threaten to spiral into a “full-scale war”, UN child experts said on Tuesday.

In a call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza which sparked intensifying exchanges of fire between armed militants Hezbollah and the Israeli military, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, warned that airstrikes are hitting “deeper and deeper” into Lebanon, with 344 people killed to date including eight youngsters.

“Together with those killed and the scores who have been injured, 30,000 children have now been displaced” out of some 90,000, since Hezbollah fighters stepped up strikes targeting northern Israel, following Hamas-led terror attacks on southern Israel on 7 October and Israel’s subsequent intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip, said UNICEF spokesperson James Elder.

“Even with our greatest efforts, a permanent ceasefire is essential,” Mr. Elder insisted. “Without that ceasefire, Lebanon is at risk of a full-scale war, which will be utterly devastating for the country’s 1.3 million children, as well as well, of course, for the region’s children.”

Inside Lebanon, the UN official reported that key water station infrastructure has now been destroyed, leaving “around 100,000 people now denied access to clean drinking water”.

Brown

Haiti – Transition Council Sworn In

On April 25, 2024, amid a country riven by violence, the long-awaited transitional ruling council was inaugurated and Ariel Henry, the prime minister of Haiti the impoverished Caribbean state, formally resigned.

Following months of upheaval caused by gang warfare, the nine-member Presidential Transitional Council has been installed, symbolizing the beginning of the formation of a new administration.

Social media posts featured the council members being welcomed to the presidential

palace in Port-au-Prince with opulence. A recent interview with the leader of a party represented on the body revealed that they had taken an oath of office.

An official press invitation stated that the prime minister’s office, known as the Villa d’Accueil, will host the ceremonial inauguration event, which the council, consisting of eight males and one woman, is expected to attend.

Henry, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the Haitians for their support and pledged in

March to resign when a council was appointed. The former PM thanked the community, “for the opportunity to serve our country with integrity, wisdom and honor.”

“Haiti will be reborn,” he wrote in his resignation letter dated the previous day from Los Angeles, which was made public the day the transitional council was sworn in.

The outgoing cabinet announced that Michel Patrick Boisvert, the minister of economy, has been named as acting prime minister in the interim until a new administration is formed.

In the last several weeks, Boisvert had assumed control of certain official correspondence, while Henry was in the US and unable to return home following a trip to Kenya.

The council’s installation was repeatedly postponed due to weeks of internal strife; it is currently entrusted with preparing the nation for fresh elections by 2026.

Following a string of crises that included natural catastrophes and economic fragility, political instability in Haiti has gotten worse since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021.

The 11.6-million-person nation has not had elections since 2016 and lacks a sitting legislature.

It is unclear how the nation’s influential gangs, who have expressed resentment at their absence from transitional discussions, would react to the new council, which is composed of individuals from all political persuasions in Haiti.

Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, the head of a gang that dominates areas of Port-au-Prince through his 1,000-member G9 coalition, was one of those left out.

Aid organizations are begging for assistance in Haiti as a result of the violence, which was made worse by jail escapes in February. The country is seeing a surge in poverty, malnutrition, and a shortage of medical treatment. According to the UN, there are over 360,000 internally displaced Haitians, with 95,000 having to leave the city due to gang violence, and five million suffering from “acute hunger.”

An UN-backed team headed by Kenya was supposed to arrive in the nation last year and assist its struggling police in keeping criminal groups in check.

Kenya subsequently said that it had postponed its preparations to deploy the force until after the transitional council was established.

Haiti – Pope Offers Prayers for Peace and Stability in the Country

After months of political unrest, widespread crime, and the breakdown of infrastructure and security, Pope Francis urged everyone to pray for the people of Haiti, who are in dire need of peace and stability.

After Holy Mass on Sunday in Venice, the Pope made a speech before the Regina Coeli prayer. He expressed gratitude to the Patriarch of Venice and everyone who helped make his half-day visit to the city by the lagoon possible. He also asked the Virgin Mary to intercede for worldwide suffering. Pope Francis prayed: “I am thinking of Haiti, where a state of emergency is in force and

the population is desperate because of the collapse of the health system, the shortage of food, and the violence that drives people to flee.”

Furthermore, pointing out that the Caribbean Island nation swore in a transitional administration this past week, the Pope asked for the help of the world community and dedicated the work of the Council to the Lord.

“We entrust to the Lord the work of the new Transitional Presidential Council that took office last Thursday in Port au Prince, so that with the renewed support of the interna-

tional community, it may lead the country to achieve the peace and stability it so badly needs,” he remarked.

Furthermore, the Holy Father directed his thoughts and prayers as he always does to those nations and peoples impacted by war.

“I am thinking of tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, the Rohingya and so many peoples suffering from war and violence,” he noted.

Haiti – CARICOM Welcomes Installation of The Transition Council

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on April 25, 2024, welcomed the formal installation of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council. In a statement, the regional body said the formal installation of the nine-member council at the Palais National in Haiti “marks a significant achievement through a process driven by Haitians in the interest of Haiti. It also represents a critical step forward for both the council and the Haitian people in addressing the protracted multidimensional crisis afflicting the country”.

“This is an opportunity to craft a new beginning which will give all Haitians renewed hope for a return to constitutional government, stability, and sustained development.”

The statement said Caricom Heads of Government are fully aware “that today’s installation, albeit significant, is but one of many necessary steps forward given the daunting challenges confronting the Transitional Presidential Council and the people of Haiti”.

“Caricom is reminded of the commitments made by the Transitional Presidential Council and stands ready to support it, and the Haitian people, in their efforts to put Haiti back on the road to constitutional and democratic legitimacy, stability, and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of the state’s institutions,” the statement added. (CMC)

Barbados – Looking For Reparations From British MP Plantation Owner

The Barbados government has hinted at the possibility of negotiating payment for reparations with British owners regarding the Drax Hall plantation, which for centuries had been the scene of inhumane treatment of enslaved Africans.

Drax Hall, where sugar cane was introduced, driving the plantation slave economy, has been described by historian and University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, as a “killing field”.

An estimated 30,000 enslaved people died on the Drax estates over 200 years.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, whose administration had sought to compulsorily acquire the plantation for a housing project, has indicated that the government has no taking up anybody’s land without paying them.

intention of breaching the Constitution by Critics of the acquisition have suggested the

government should confiscate the property as reparations rather than enriching the pockets of the owner, British Member of Parliament Richard Drax, a descendant of Colonel Henry Drax who introduced sugar cultivation to Barbados within a decade of settlement.

But Mottley, in a late-night broadcast on Tuesday, said that having already met with Drax, and though not happy with the pace at which talks have been progressing, she believes the focus should be on pushing for a reasonable settlement for reparations.

“And to that extent, the government has expressed itself of wanting to be able to find a settlement that would be just for the people of St. George and for the people of Barbados.

“Given the conversation, I believe that it is appropriate for us to pause the acquisition, to allow for greater conversation to take place, and also for us to be able to see where we

are in terms of being able to get some kind of reasonable settlement with Mr. Drax, recognizing that in our conversations, without prejudice to anything else, he is aware that the Government of Barbados feels strongly about this, and will pursue these matters,” she said in the broadcast.

Drax, 66, a parliamentarian in the ruling Conservative Party, was set to receive an estimated three million British pounds from the land purchase.

Mottley said she did not take lightly the concerns of many Barbadians who may feel that they have been robbed of the opportunity of having an appropriate settlement as a result of the reparations that ought to be made as a result of the blood, sweat, and tears of Barbadians over centuries.

“The Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act was enacted and dealt with by successive governments because we recognize the need for the Government of Barbados, whoever that government is, to be able to make reparations for people whose ancestors were forced to live in some of the harshest conditions and who were deprived of all opportunities to be able to make the best for themselves and their families.

“So, we get the concept of reparations domestically, but also as we have been doing, internationally. The reality is that we have been at the forefront in making the call for reparations, against those who contributed to the decimation of this country and the lives of people while at the same time enriching themselves and building out the industrial revolution that has now become the climate crisis caused by the greenhouse gases and emissions coming from the industrial revolution. So, we get it.”

But Mottley reminded Barbadians that the country is governed by the rule of law.

“We have never made it a habit, nor am I aware of any example, where we have expropriated people’s land. When people have land that is the subject of compulsory acquisition, by law we are due to pay for it.

“At the same time, that does not preclude us from going aggressively to be able to pursue, both through our advocacy and as we are seeking to do in recent times, through our preparation through what are our legal options, with respect to being able to take action.”

Mottley said that such action would not only be against the owner of Drax Hall but against all others who have contributed to the country being one of the worst examples of modern racism in the Americas.

She said her government believes there is a justifiable case for it to continue to mount.

“We in fact met with Mr. Drax some time ago. I am not happy with the pace at which these discussions have continued. But believe you me, we will, as we are required to do, pause, and listen to Bajans to understand what is really at stake here, recognizing that we do not cut off our noses to spoil our faces.

“And what do I mean by that? That we should not deny ordinary Barbadians who are in need of housing the opportunity to have housing, but at the same time, that we pursue with greater alacrity, the issue of reparations with Mr. Drax and with respect to any others with whom there is a case and a chain of custody that we can justify.”

Mottley said that Drax Hall is one of the few estates whose chain of custody can be traced back to the 17th century. (CMC)

Portugal – Must Pay Costs of Slavery and Colonial Crimes says President

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recently declared that Portugal was accountable for the atrocities perpetrated during the colonial era and throughout transatlantic slavery, and he implied that reparations were necessary.

At least 12.5 million Africans were abducted, forced to travel great distances by primarily European ships and traders, and enslaved into slavery over more than four centuries.

Some of the survivors of the expedition made money from their labor while others were forced to work on plantations in the Americas, mostly in Brazil and the Caribbean.

More Africans were enslaved by Portugal than by any other country in Europe nearly 6 million but the country has not addressed its past, and its part in the transatlantic slave trade is not well taught in schools. On the other hand, Portugal’s colonial past—which saw the colonization of Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, and portions of India—is frequently seen as a source of pride.

Rebelo de Sousa stated that Portugal “takes full responsibility” for the wrongs of the past and that those atrocities, including colonial killings, had “costs” during remarks made late to international reporters.

“We have to pay the costs,” he stated. “Are there actions that were not punished and those responsible were not arrested? Are there goods that were looted and not returned? Let’s see how we can repair this.”

There has been a global upsurge in the concept of making apologies for transatlantic slavery, including efforts to create a special tribunal to address the matter.

Reparations and public initiatives to combat historical injustices in Portugal, such as institutional racism, are crucial, according to activists.

Rebelo de Sousa hinted last year that Portugal needed to provide a comprehensive apology for colonialism and transatlantic slavery, but he did not go far enough. He argued that accepting accountability and owning up to the past was more significant than expressing regret. Sousa remarked, “Apologising is the easy part.”

UWI – Dr. Dodridge Miller Appointed

New Chancellor

Dr. Dodridge Miller, the seventh Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), the top position in the UWI institution, has been appointed. As of August 1, Miller is scheduled to take office as Chancellor-Designate, a position that will last seven years. Having held the position of Chancellor since 2017, Robert Bermudez will be succeeded by him.

On April 26, 2024, members of the University Council met virtually for their annual business meeting, during which a decision was made.

The UWI noted in their recent announcement that “Miller, a graduate of The UWI, is a Caribbean luminary with over 30 years of leadership experience in the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors.”

Before he retired in March 2023, he served as Sagicor Financial Company’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer for more than 20 years.

Miller is well-known across the world for being the principal architect of Sagicor Financial, the biggest financial services company in the area. It is attributed to him that the Sagicor Caribbean group was formed from the former Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society.

His LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law from The UWI, where he also held a position on the Cave Hill Campus Council, and his MBA from the University of Wales and Manchester Business School round out his education.

Several honors have been bestowed upon

him over his career, such as the Order of Freedom of Barbados (FB), an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from The University of the West Indies (UWI) in 2008, and the status of Professor of Practice in 2019. After receiving confirmation of his nomination, Miller stated, “As Chancellor, I will strive to uphold the strong principles and values of the University, and with your guidance and support hope to contribute to the very important task of fashioning a Caribbean that is sustainable and that can engage the rest of the world on equal terms. I look forward to being a part of UWI’s journey towards the continued development of our region. I am honored.”

Haiti - Wyclef Jean Supports Transitional Presidential Council

Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean is hopeful that the installation of a Transitional Presidential Council would help to “pivot the nation away from past destructive practices”.

In a post on his social media account X (formerly Twitter), the US-based musician said the Transitional Presidential Council, “offers an opportunity to finally listen to and address the needs of the Haitian population especially the most vulnerable”.

Haiti has been steeped in political turmoil and social unrest following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021. Rival gangs have over-run the poverty-stricken French-speaking country, plunging citizens into further despair and forcing several foreign agencies to remove non-essential staff from their offices in Haiti.

Following the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council on Thursday, interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert said the country is at a crossroads and is searching for solutions to overcome the multidimensional political crisis.

In his post, Jean raised the concern that some of the members of the transitional council are believed to be contributors to the Haitian crisis but hastened to add that the mere setting up of the council was a step in the right direction.

“It is important to recognize that, while some elements of this alliance have been viewed as

part of the problem, especially as the instigators and perpetrators of numerous violations that intensified systemic challenges, the establishment of the council represents a significant stride toward filling the governance void,” Jean wrote.

He said the first step towards achieving the broader goal of implementing constitutional reform and holding fair and credible elections within the two-year mandate, is to stabilize the nation and deliver the “necessary aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, where over 1.4 million people are at risk of starvation”.

Jean called for a thoughtful, inclusive approach to a solution that reflects the Haitian context, includes representatives from all sectors of society and walks of life and fosters an environment that supports sustainable peace and development.

“It is important to me that we do not perpetuate a system of exclusion and inequity, as we ensure that everyone’s voice — especially those of the most vulnerable and the unheard, including voices from all factions and sectors — is represented in our efforts to address the challenges we face.”

Jean who failed in his attempt to become a presidential candidate in Haiti in 2010, pledged his commitment to contribute to the discussion “particularly on security issues and peacebuilding efforts, and work towards solutions that honor and protect the interests of all involved parties”.

Following the installation of a transitional council in Haiti, seven countries officially notified the UN Secretary-General on Friday of their intention to contribute personnel to the Security Council-backed support mission for the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation.

The UN said Kenya has offered to lead the multinational mission that aims to provide much-needed backup to the national police in a bid to regain control of the streets from gang rule.

The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica also pledged their support, the UN said. (CMC)

NYC Council Releases 2024 Pay Disparity Report

Showing Continued Wage Disparities in City Workforce

City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams and the New York City Council released its 2024 Pay Disparity Report on wage disparities within New York City’s municipal workforce. It finds persisting gender and racial wage gaps that are largely the result of women of color being paid less, as they are concentrated in job titles that consistently provide lower wages and continue to lack access to jobs predominated by white and male employees and paying higher wages. In conjunction with the release of the report, the Council will be holding a hearing this week on the issue and legislation to address it.

The 2024 report reveals that employees in the municipal workforce that identify as Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino and Other Race/Ethnicities (ABHLO) earn $0.84 for every $1 paid to white city employees.

It also shows that for every dollar earned by white male employees, all other workers earn on average 82 cents, demonstrating that people of color – and women of color, more deeply –are experiencing the overwhelming impact of pay disparities. Female employees of color in the city’s workforce account for more than twothirds of the overall racial pay gap of 16 cents, while male employees of color account for approximately one-third. Across the municipal workforce, female employees of color saw the smallest improvement in their pay gap between 2018 and 2021. The data also demonstrates that 95% of gender and racial pay gaps are explained by occupational segregation that concentrates women and people of color in job titles that pay less across and within agencies. The report includes data for municipal wages up to 2021, as maintained by the Council’s

innovative Pay Equity Law (Local Law 18 of 2019), which requires the Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics (MODA) to publicly report New York City municipal employee pay data on the Office’s open source analytics library and provide the Council with direct access to the data to facilitate its own annual statistical analysis. Last year, the Council passed a package of bills to expand the 2019 law and require city agencies to conduct an analysis of compensation data and measures to address pay disparity and occupational segregation, providing greater real-time access to city employment data that will allow for more timely analysis.

“For our historic most diverse and women-majority Council, the fight for pay equity is personal and a priority to advance equity,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Every member of our diverse workforce should be compensated fairly for their hard work, regardless of race or gender. Pay equity is not only a matter of racial, gender, and economic justice, but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect that improves the city’s ability to retain its talented workforce. When we invest in equal pay, we invest in the future of our city, unlocking the full potential of our diverse workers and driving sustainable growth.”

Other key findings within the latest data, as of 2021, include:

- Agency Diversity, Occupational Segregation, and Pay Gaps

- Racial diversity outpaced gender diversity: of city agencies with over 100 employees, 13 saw a significant increase in the percentage of workers of color from FY 2012 to 2021, but

only three saw a significant increase in women employees – only one of which had an under-representation of female employees.

- Several agencies’ racial/ethnic or gender compositions differ greatly from the demographics of New York City:

- The Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Department of Probation (DOP), Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Department of Correction (DOC), and the Fire Department (FDNY) are the least racially diverse agencies. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and FDNY lack racial diversity and gender diversity, with DSNY being 9% female and 51% white, and FDNY being 12% female and 62% white

- Uniformed agencies (DOC, DSNY FDNY, NYPD) and those agencies related to science and technology (such as the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Department of Transportation (DOT) have large within-agency gender pay gaps.

While there are titles exhibiting gender parity within these agencies, most employees are concentrated in either higher paying, predominantly male positions, or lower-paying, predominantly female titles.

Agencies with the highest percentage of female employees consistently have median salaries below the City workforce’s median, while those with the lowest percentage of female employees have salaries above the median. The same pattern holds for agencies with the highest and lowest percentages of employees of color.

Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19

Guyana – Mark Benschop Sues ‘Guyana Critic’ for Defamation for $100 Million

A new libel and slander action has been filed against Mikhail Rodrigues, also known as the “Guyanese Critic.” Guyanese activist Mark Benschop, who lives in the US, is suing Rodrigues this time.

In the complaint seen by this newspaper, Benschop is demanding damages for defamation against him that occurred on January 23, 2024, via the Facebook program “Morning live with Critic,” totaling over $100 million.

In court records, Rodrigues is charged with disseminating or allowing the dissemination of false information that damages Benschop’s reputation both personally and professionally and negatively affects his social status.

Benschop is therefore requesting a mandatory injunction, in addition to $100 million in damages, requiring Rodrigues to immediately and permanently remove the defamatory remarks from the internet via the respondent’s Facebook social media forum, whether by himself, his servants, agents, assigns, or whomever else.

Together with interest at a rate of 6% annually from the date of filing to the day of judgment and subsequently at a rate of

4% annually from the date of judgment until completely paid, the claimant is also requesting exemplary damages, aggravated damages, and other benefits.

Benschop cited his reputation as a wellknown and well-respected social crusader for Guyana’s democratic principles of social justice, equality, and good governance as evidence for his assertion.

The claimant stated that Keystone Solutions Inc., the firm that runs Benschop radio 107.1FM and is the host of the wellliked daily radio and social media show “Straight Up,” is owned and managed by him. The show is aired on the aforementioned radio station and on social media. Benschop claimed to be a recipient of the national Medal of Service (M.S.) in Guyana in addition to being a political and immigration expert.

The activist stated that the defamatory remarks that were posted on the respondent’s Facebook forum , and widely disseminated, further publishing, transmitting, and broadcasting the remarks in an ordinary and natural way with the intention of causing reasonable harm to his reputation.

According to Benschop, the purpose of the aforementioned defamatory remarks appears to be to harm him as a political, immigration, and social activist. This is intended to diminish his standing in the eyes of morally upright people, make him the target of hostility and rejection from Guyanan citizens, and adversely impact his credibility, reputation, and character. Consequently, the US-based activist claimed, his wife and family received a

barrage of calls, texts, Facebook messages, emails, and WhatsApp communications about the false allegations made by the Rodrigues and their legitimacy and/or honesty.

The Guyanese Critic’s online claims were brought to his and his wife’s attention by numerous individuals, he said, including friends, family, coworkers, notable figures in the industry, government ministers, and officials. These individuals also requested information about the claims made by the Guyanese Critic.

Benschop said that this has seriously and irreversibly harmed his status and reputation both personally and professionally. He asserts that he has experienced, and still experiences, pecuniary harm, ongoing severe misery, shame, humiliation, indignity, and agony.

Benschop claims that the spiteful, blatantly false, and intentionally misleading remarks are without any basis in reality.

The case, which was prepared by Roysdale Forde, SC, claimed that the claimant has as a result suffered grave harm to his reputation, credit, character, and profession as well as public disgrace and contempt.

Patrick Jolly, Former CEO of Tower Isle Frozen Food Passes

Patrick Jolly, the former president, and CEO of Tower Isle Frozen Food Company, one of the Jamaican-American-owned food companies, passed peacefully at his home in Long Island, New York on April 25, 2024.

Patrick Jolly joined the company as a bookkeeper in 1975, he had an engaged a successful career in banking in Jamaica before migrating to the US and held a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in Finance from Pace University.

Mr. Jolly was offered the job as a bookkeeper from Earl and Beryl Love, a Jamaican-born husband and wife team, that founded Tower Isle Frozen Foods in 1968 that’s located in the Crown Heights neighborhood, selling patties to local retailers. With the help and guidance of Patrick Jolly, the company expanded in operation in Brooklyn and became a national operation with improved production and increased sales. His responsibilities have grown with the company’s expansion.

In 1995 when Earl died, Beryl turned to trusted employees like Patrick to continue the company’s success. Earl had left his 50% share to his son and daughter. When

Beryl died in 2011, she left her 50% shares to 20 valued employees. The children sold their 50% shares to these same valued employees and Frozen Food became a 100% employee-owned company. Patrick guided the company’s growth until his retirement in 2018, its 50th anniversary.

Trevor Smith who succeeded Patrick Jolly, called him a “consumate businessman with honesty and integrity in his operation, and humble and caring in his personality.”

Paulette Willoughby, President of the Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation, called Mr. Jolly a steward in supporting community organizations and has strong personal involvement. “

Faye Rodney, President of NY Carib News, referred to Mr. Jolly as a great example of what a business can do to enhance its success, other businesses’ success, and other community improvements.

Patrick Jolly receives national honors from the Government of Jamaica, OD, Order of Distinction.

Left to mourn his loss, his wife Grace, and children Peter and Andrew.

CARIBEDITORIAL

Guest Editorial: What Black Adults Need to Know About Stroke Risk

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Blacks better be aware. Strokes can happen to anyone at any time. But blacks have a higher prevalence of strokes and higher death rate from strokes compared to any other racial group. Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world. We want to use this month to raise the awareness of the serious nature of stroke, the risk factors treatment and care. We are sharing in the editorial space AARP’s article on what black adults need to know about stroke risk.

by Joyce Sampson

Richard Horton, an insurance broker in Pasadena, California, walked around for at least a decade of his middle-aged years with blood pressure hovering around 178/95 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg, the unit of measurement for blood pressure), dangerously close to a hypertensive crisis and a sure candidate for stroke. For comparison, what’s considered a normal level for most adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Diagnosed with high blood pressure during a routine physical exam in the late 1990s, he wasn’t worried. Per his doctor’s orders, he returned for weekly follow-up visits to monitor changes. The numbers didn’t improve. But Horton, who is Black, didn’t receive treatment.

“At that point,” he recalls, “the doctor said that in the medical field, we find that African Americans have a higher blood pressure rate than whites and others. Because of that fact, we’re not going to push medication, but we’ll keep an eye on your pressure. If it gets much higher, then we’ll prescribe medication.” (Research shows Black patients often aren’t offered the full range of appropriate treatments when it comes to blood pressure management.)

In August 2011, while preparing to close a big sale, Horton climbed out of bed and walked into the bedroom wall. He was having a stroke. During a hospital stay that lasted over two months, Horton, who was then 55, had a second stroke. He couldn’t walk, talk or use his left arm.

Nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. have stroke each year — this happens when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or bursts

— and Black adults bear a disproportionate burden of those cases.

In fact, the risk of stroke among Black Americans is nearly twice as high as it is for whites, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows; some studies suggest it’s even higher. Black Americans are also much more likely to die from stroke, and those who do survive are more likely to be disabled than stroke survivors in other racial groups.

The reasons behind these troubling trends are both simple and complex, says cardiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and past president of the American Heart Association (AHA).

There are several risk factors for stroke — high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, to name a few— that are common in the Black community. In fact, over half of Black adults have high blood pressure, according to the AHA, which can damage the blood vessels and pave the way for a blockage

Genetics may play a role in this particular risk factor. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found in a 2019 study that variants in a gene may be associated with high blood pressure among Black adults.

“It is fair to say that people who have a larger ancestry of African genes in their genetic makeup are more prone to higher blood pressure levels, particularly when you put them in an environment like ours where there’s too much sodium in the food supply,” Lloyd-Jones says. “That’s a bad combination, no question. And that’s part of what drives the higher blood pressures in the Black community in this country.”

Racism’s impact on health

Racism can also play a role. Studies show that both interpersonal and structural discrimination are linked to poor health outcomes among Black Americans. And one reason has to do with “the burden of chronic stress” that racism inflicts, says Michael D. Brown, chair of the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland College Park, whose research focuses on hypertension, vascular health and exercise in African Americans. Scientists say that when the human body

faces extreme stress, it releases hormones and neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol. Repeated release of these substances can lead to secondary effects such as high blood pressure. Stress can also trigger inflammation, which has been linked to stroke risk.

“What’s unique to Blacks in this country — maybe not unique, but it’s persistent and prevalent — is kind of this racialized stress, perceived stress from racial discrimination and marginalization that Blacks in this country endure on a daily basis,” Brown says. “It’s always there, and it doesn’t have to be real. There’s this heightened awareness because we’re always anticipating where the next thing is c oming from.”

This phenomenon is known as allostatic load, the cumulative biological burden through daily adaptation to physical and emotional stress. It is considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, cognitive impairment and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, according to the American Psychological Association. Narrowing the gap will require a full-force attack — one that demands science, advocacy and equity, Lloyd-Jones says. “We have to pull out all the stops,” he adds. In the meantime, there is some good news: About 80 percent of strokes are preventable, simply by adopting a healthier lifestyle. And “it is never too late to start” making those healthier changes, LloydJones says.

Anything that you can do — improving your diet, your physical activity, your weight, if you need to stop smoking, get control of your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your blood sugar. Pick one of those things and it will have a huge impact on your health in the coming years,” he says.

In addition to lowering risks, it’s also important to know the signs of stroke, because if you or a loved one suffer one, every second counts. According to the CDC, the most common warning signs of stroke include.

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination.

The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more brain cells die, and the less likely it is that treatments will work. Yet research shows that the vast majority of stroke victims (about 70 percent) don’t receive medical care within the first hour of symptoms.

“Too often, people arrive at the hospital later in the process, where it’s harder for us to salvage brain function and brain tissue,” Lloyd-Jones says. “It’s critically important that we have powerful voices out there telling people that [stroke] is something they need to pay attention to.”

Tireless Activism and the Latest Region to Go Coal-Free

by Ben Jealous

Jerry Curran has been organizing to retire the Merrimack Station coal power plant in Bow, New Hampshire for 17 years. He is one of many local activists who have brought inspiring tenacity and creativity to the fight to make New England coalfree.

Last week, that goal was realized. After lengthy negotiations with the Sierra Club, The Conservation Law Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Granite Shore Power announced it will retire Merrimack and Schiller Stations’ remaining coal units by 2028 and 2025 respectively. That means the end of the last coal power plants in New England, which will now join the Pacific Northwest as the second major region in the country to be free of one of the dirtiest energy sources known to humanity. I am personally elated. My father’s family has been in New England since 1624. I have family in New Hampshire now—the kind of outdoors enthusiasts who helped instill in me my own love of nature. We never could have gotten to this point without years of activism calling attention to the harm caused by coal. In addition to the economics of clean energy, the incremental wins by activists along the way—including hard-won legislation and safeguards—are what ultimately made

it impossible for the last coal plants to continue.

Curran has examples to share:

“Around 2008, New Hampshire ranked in the top four states in the country for childhood asthma rate. We worked with schools to encourage kids to make those paper dolls that link up and make a chain. They created 18,000 of them—representing the 18,000 children in New Hampshire living with asthma. We hung the chain of paper dolls across the statehouse in our grassroots lobbying to pass tougher pollution standards for coal plants.”

And about that same time period, activists recruited local hairdressers for an event at the state capital in which more than 100 legislators had hair samples taken to be tested for mercury. Most of the results were positive. No level of mercury poisoning is safe. In 2008, the biggest single-point mercury polluter in the state was Merrimack Station.

Merrimack has also consistently been one of the state’s top polluting power plants, period. And it has continued spewing high levels of pollution even in its final years, when it operated only about 50 days a year. It is a so-called “peaker” plant, only supplying energy during times of peak demand for the power grid.

While Merrimack’s outsized pollution is a testament to the dangers of coal, it is also a very troubled plant. In February 2023, the New Hampshire Department of Environment Services found the coal plant’s particulate matter emissions exceeded EPA limits by 70 percent. Since then, it has operated more than 500 hours in violation of its permit, according to the state. But this new agreement with Granite Shore Power offers the chance for a drastic change in direction. Jim Andrews, Granite Shore’s CEO, said of Merrimack and Schiller, “I think we’re undertaking a bold step forward and making good on a promise to transition our coal fired plants to clean energy facilities. I think these facilities will pave the way for New Hampshire to be a leader in the clean energy economy.”

Those words are refreshing. And we will hold Granite Shore Power to them. Too much is at stake for us not to.

In the last 14 years, communities across the country have mobilized to retire 381 coal plants. That has meant over 54,000 lives saved, 84,000 heart attacks prevented, and nearly 900,000 asthma attacks averted. Moving beyond coal means fewer lives lost to preventable illnesses. We risk backtracking on this progress, however, if we replace coal plants with

gas. The future is clean energy like wind, solar, and battery storage. Gas development, extraction, shipping, and burning all offer intolerable health risks for people.

Moreover, transitioning to clean energy isn’t just the moral choice for our people and our environment; it is the smart one economically. While the closure of these New Hampshire coal plants may not immediately affect energy costs in New England, the long-term benefits of clean energy are undeniable. Fossil fuels like coal and gas create an unbearably volatile landscape for energy costs. That is a burden households should not have to bear.

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

Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour

by Stacy M. Brown

The tour, which will begin with a moderated conversation in Atlanta on April 29, will see the Vice President visiting several states to emphasize the administration’s commitment to creating an economy where every person can thrive.

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour to spotlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to foster economic growth, build wealth, and ensure American prosperity.

The tour, which will begin with a moderated conversation in Atlanta on April 29, will see the Vice President visiting several states to emphasize the administration’s commitment to creating an economy where every person can thrive. A subsequent event is scheduled for Detroit, with more dates and locations to be announced soon.

“President Biden and I are committed to creating an economy in which every person has the freedom to thrive,” Harris stated. “Our economic approach has deliv-

ered great progress, and we will continue to invest in you, your family, and your future.”

During the tour, Harris plans to highlight the administration’s historic investments that have supported communities and individuals. According to a White House Fact Sheet, these include unprecedented investments in small businesses, the fastest creation of Black-owned small businesses in over 30 years, record job creation, increased access to capital for underserved communities, and significant healthcare reforms such as cutting insulin prices and erasing medical debt.

The vice president will also discuss the administration’s efforts in education, affordable housing, childcare, and boosting the wealth of American families. She will describe additional measures the Biden-Harris Administration takes to build on this work.

The White House said administration officials, members of Congress, local leaders, and others will join Harris on the tour.

Officials said the tour builds on Harris’ extensive travel to communities nationwide.

Since the beginning of 2024, she has made more than 35 trips to 16 states, engaging with small business owners and entrepreneurs in underserved communities to discuss challenges and opportunities. Earlier this year, Harris announced $32 million in funds to support historically underserved entrepreneurs during a visit to Black Wall Street in Durham, NC. She also announced an SBA rule in Las Vegas that ensures individuals who have served time are eligible for SBA loan programs to start and run small businesses.

Officials said Harris has always supported minority, rural, and low-income communities. Last year, she announced over $1.73 billion in grants to 603 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) through Treasury’s CDFI Fund. In 2022, she launched the Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC), a public-private partnership investing tens of billions of dollars to

create opportunity and wealth in historically underserved communities.

As a senator, Harris secured a transformative $12 billion investment for CDFIs and MDIs in December 2020 and has since worked to ensure the success of these programs. “Since that time, she has worked to ensure these programs are as successful as possible,” administration officials stated.

Jamaican Safiya Sinclair Wins OCM Bocas Prize for Literature

Safiya Sinclair, the recipient of the prestigious OCM Bocas Prize, expressed her astonishment at winning the award. Her memoir, “How to Say Babylon: A Memoir,” clinched the overall prize for Caribbean Literature, accompanied by a $10,000 cash award from One Caribbean Media.

Addressing the audience at the award ceremony held in Esperenza Alta, St Ann’s, Sinclair shared her motivations behind writing the book, emphasizing her dedication to Caribbean women and her desire for her father to understand her better. She also dedicated the book to her siblings and her hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Sinclair extended her congratulations to fellow winners Kevin Jared Hosein and Nicole Sealey, expressing gratitude to the writers who paved the way for her own literary journey. She urged Caribbean writers to dream big and challenge

colonial narratives.

In her acceptance speech, Sinclair highlighted the need to end colonial violence globally and reflected on the resilience of Caribbean people in the face of historical injustices. She paid tribute to her mother for igniting her passion for poetry and guiding her back to her roots through the metaphor of the sea.

“How to Say Babylon” was commended by the judges for its poetic prowess and its exploration of personal and societal complexities. It stands as a testament to the rich tradition of Caribbean literature while offering a unique and powerful narrative.

This win marks only the second time in the history of the OCM Bocas Prize that a nonfiction book has claimed the top honor, solidifying Sinclair’s place as a prominent voice in Caribbean literature.

St. Lucian Writer Khadijah Halliday Wins Prestigious Poetry Fellowship

Khadijah Halliday’s poetic odyssey has traversed from the sun-drenched coastlines of St Lucia to the esteemed corridors of Oberlin College in Ohio, culminating in a significant milestone: the prestigious William T Battrick Poetry Fellowship for 2024. This honor propels her to the forefront of emerging poetic talent, positioning her as a promising luminary in the literary realm.

Established through the generous legacy of Oberlin alumnus William T Battrick in 1990, the Battrick Poetry Fellowship annually recognizes a student displaying exceptional promise in the realm of poetry. For Halliday, a third-year student pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing, this accolade stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and remarkable proficiency in the art of verse.

Oberlin College, renowned for its distinguished creative writing programs, provides an ideal milieu for nurturing Halliday’s talents. Her journey to this esteemed fellowship commenced with her captivating spoken word performances, which garnered acclaim and recognition in her native St Lucia. Building upon this foundation, she refined her craft at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and St Joseph’s Convent, where her fervor for poetry blossomed.

The significance of the Battrick Fellowship transcends mere acknowledgment; it serves as a catalyst for Halliday’s ongoing evolution as a poet. In addition to the honor, she will receive a cash award, a tangible manifestation of support that underscores the fellowship’s commitment to cultivating young literary voices.

Halliday’s voyage reaches a pivotal juncture as she prepares to partake in the Creative Writing Awards Reading at Oberlin’s Dye Lecture Hall on April 29. Here, she will showcase her work alongside peers, exhibiting the depth and ingenuity that have earned her this esteemed fellowship.

Beyond her individual triumphs, Halliday’s success illuminates St Lucia’s vibrant cultural legacy. Her narrative echoes the enduring tradition of storytelling and artistic expression that characterizes the island’s rich cultural fabric. As she continues to refine her distinctive voice, Halliday not only becomes a beacon of inspiration but also a source of pride for her community, both locally and globally.

Caribbean-American Heritage

Through the years the Caribbean-American community has been a part of the movement for change and empowerment in the United States, and they have made an impact For over 42 years it has been the mission of CARIB NEWS to highlight these accomplishments todevelop connections with our American brothers and sisters and the larger community in a "Partnership for Progress and Power "

Once again, CARIB NEWS is proud to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage this June to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of this community We look forward to coming together to build stronger communities

The 11th Annual Caribbean-American Power 100 designation will be the feature of this celebration the highly anticipated feature of outstanding Caribbean Americans and their contributions

This year ' s program will be a hybrid of virtual and live The virtual program will be the fullblown vision of all the Power 100 designees with messages of many entertainment from around the Caribbean region, and recognition of outstanding achievements A live reception will be held in New York City with community, diplomatic, elected leaders, and a select group of Power 100 Designees

The program will premiere on many of the digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, CARIB NEWS Website, and will be shared with audiences around the world

We are inviting your company to participate in this year s exciting and expanding celebration of the outstanding Caribbean Americans by placing a print ad in the June 22 issue of the Special Supplement or being a sponsor of the Virtual celebration of the Power 100 It is the kind of program that you can identify with because it represents the best in our communities

We have developed attractive sponsorship opportunities to encourage your participation and a way to join us in this grand celebration in recognition of the contribution of Caribbean Americans

We have developed attractive sponsorship opportunities to encourage your participation and a way to join us in this grand celebration in recognition of the contribution of Caribbean Americans

Karl & Faye Rodney

President

and

CEO

Jamaica to Pay Kartel Privy Council Legal Fees

With the recent UK Privy Council judgment to reverse dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused’s 2014 murder convictions, King Charles the Third has formally ordered the Jamaican government to pay the legal fees of the three individuals.

The official directive was obtained by a local newspaper from Isat Buchanan, the attorney representing Kartel. This comes after the court decided to overturn the convictions of Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St John, and Vybz Kartel (Adijah Palmer), who

were serving time for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

A Privy Council clerk signed the April 10, 2024, order, which stated, “His Majesty was pleased by and with the advice of His Privy Council to approve the report and to order that those charged with administering the Government of Jamaica and all others whom it may concern are to ensure that it is punctually observed and obeyed.” Four recommendations were made in the order by the Privy Council: the appeal should be granted, the convictions of the Appellants should be overturned...

Guyana - Security Recovers US$5,500 For Passenger

Two days ago the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) announced that a passenger’s US$5,500 was recovered. The CJIA’s security division stated in a statement that the traveler reported the stolen cash when she arrived in Guyana on April 18.

After quickly going over the CCTV video, the CJIA security division discovered that a passenger had picked up a box that had dropped from her.

The passenger was found in Berbice, and after reporting their discoveries to the Guyana Police Force, they successfully retrieved the whole amount of money and gave it back to her.

The traveler conveyed her gratitude to the Guyana Police Force and the CJIA security personnel, to CEO Ramesh Ghir and Commander Krishnadat Ramanarine.

Mt. Vernon, NY – Mother and Daughter Going To Prison

In a COVID-19-related relief scam that cost the U.S. Small Business Administration close to $1.7 million loss, a former civilian employee of the Mount Vernon Police Department and her daughter had their requests for leniency denied on April 26, 2024. They were sentenced to jail sentences.

Andrea Ayers, who led the city’s CSEA union, received a 3 1/2-year jail term from U.S. District Judge Nelson Roman. Alicia Ayers, her daughter and an accountant and financial advisor, was sentenced to two years in jail followed by six months of home detention. The two ladies from Mount Vernon fraudulently applied

hundreds of times to the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, hoping to get $10,000 in grants for friends, family, and coworkers. When the money was disbursed, they received kickbacks. When practically none of the applicants had any businesses, they fraudulently claimed that they were the owners of eligible companies

with at least ten employees. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a recent statement, “These defendants stole from a taxpayer-funded program intended to help small businesses that were in desperate need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Coast Guard Return 92 Migrants to Bahamas, Cuba

MIAMI – Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters returned a combined 92 migrants, Wednesday, following four separate interdictions of unlawful, irregular migration attempts over the weekend.

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo transferred 40 people to the Bahamas, following two interdictions of migration attempts on Friday, April 19, 2024. The first of the two interdictions occurred Friday morning when watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami received notification from Border Patrol and CBP

Air and Marine Operations crews that Miami-Dade Police were on-scene with a migrant venture in Biscayne Bay. The second interdiction occurred Friday night when watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West received notification from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crews of a migrant venture south of Key Largo, Florida.

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Trump repatriated 52 people to Cuba, following two migration attempts on April 19, 2024 and April 21, 2024.

Jamaica - American Charged for Ammunition in Luggage

On Saturday night, he police at the Norman Manley International Airport have arrested and charged an American citizen who was allegedly held with ammunition in his luggage.

Shane Samuels, a 41-year-old welder of Westerlage Street, Los Angeles, US, is charged with unauthorized possession of ammunition.

Reports suggest that Samuels was about to board a flight at the airport in Kingston at 9:45 am on Sunday when his luggage was scanned and a magazine containing fifteen 9mm rounds of ammunition was found. The police were summoned and Samuels

arrested and charged. He is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on May 3.

He is the one of three Americans arrested in the Caribbean region on ammunition charges in the last 24 hours.

Ryan Watson, a father of two from Oklahoma, and Tyler Wenrich, a father of a 1-year-old toddler from Virginia, were both arrested and detained this month after Turks and Caicos airport security found bullets in their luggage while they were returning from their vacations on the island.

Seven Things You Can Do To Prevent a Stroke

Introduction:

Strokes, often referred to as “brain attacks,” are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. While they can be devastating, many strokes are preventable with the right knowledge and lifestyle choices. In this article, we delve into the importance of stroke prevention, exploring key strategies to safeguard against this silent killer.

Understanding Stroke:

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in brain damage and permanent impairment. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, and hemorrhagic, caused by a rupture in a blood vessel.

Know the Risk Factors:

Understanding the risk factors for stroke is crucial for prevention. While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many others are modifiable. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and excessive alcohol consump-

tion are all significant risk factors that can be addressed through lifestyle modifications and medical management.

The Power of Lifestyle Changes:

Making healthy lifestyle choices is one of the most effective ways to prevent strokes. Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can also reduce stroke risk by improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy weight.

Manage Chronic Conditions:

Managing underlying health conditions is essential for stroke prevention. Regular monitoring and treatment of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Medications, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing medical care play a crucial role in managing these conditions and preventing complications.

Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol:

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

are major contributors to stroke risk. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and promotes the formation of blood clots, while excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart rhythm abnormalities. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption can significantly lower the risk of stroke and improve overall health.

Stay Active and Engaged:

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities

and maintaining social connections can also support brain health and reduce the risk of stroke. Activities such as reading, puzzles, and socializing with friends and family can help preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of stroke and other neurological disorders.

Know the Warning Signs:

Despite our best efforts at prevention, strokes can still occur. Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical attention is critical for minimizing damage and improving outcomes. Remember the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Acting quickly can save lives and prevent longterm disability.

Conclusion:

Stroke prevention is within reach for many individuals through lifestyle modifications, managing risk factors, and seeking timely medical care. By understanding the importance of stroke prevention and taking proactive steps to safeguard our health, we can reduce the burden of stroke and unlock a future of vitality and well-being.

NYS – First State to Offer Paid Prenatal Leave for Pregnant Mothers

In a statement released by NY Governor Kathy Hochul on April 22, 2024, New York is probably going to be the first state in the union to offer paid leave for expectant mothers.

Included in the $237 billion state budget that New York lawmakers approved on the 19th of April, this bill now goes to Hochul for her expected signature.

Hochul noted, “From supporting pregnant moms to reducing insulin costs, we are taking action to ensure New Yorkers can access the care they need.”

According to Hochul, in addition to the current sick leave, pregnant workers are

now eligible for an extra 20 hours of paid sick time for prenatal care.

Governor Hochul extends postpartum coverage for Medicaid and Child Health Plus subscribers for up to a full year following the conclusion of pregnancy by offering 12 weeks of fully compensated parental leave benefits. The provision would take effect on January 1, 2025. New regulations protecting diabetics, expectant mothers, and low-income patients seeking medical attention are also included in the FY25 budget.

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Documentary “Unexpected” Gets Daytime Emmy Nomination

Emmy award-winning Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is ecstatic that her HIV/AIDS documentary Unexpected has been nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards, marking 51 years of the awards. Produced by Ralph and directed by Zeberiah Newman, it was a documentary on women of color in the South living with HIV/ AIDS.

Hulu’s streaming service premiered Unexpected on December 1, 2023, World Aids Day.

It is up for nomination in the excellent daytime special category alongside the following programs: recipe for Change: honoring black males (Springhill), Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (ABC), and Culture Quest – Ukraine (CBS). The theme tune, “Unexpected Truth,” is up for Outstanding Original tune in the nomination process. Shine (from General Hospital on ABC) and We’re Home (from Reconnecting Roots on PBS) are the other candidates in this category.

Ralph shared a photo on her official Instagram page, saying: “Our documentary short Unexpected has just been nominated for 2 Daytime Emmy Awards! Best Daytime Special and Best Song! God is Good! I am so grateful to my director Zeberiah Newman, and to the amazing women we profiled, CiCi Covin and Masonia Taylor, two black women living with HIV in the rural South, who have channeled their struggles into purpose

and activism. Thank you to B Slade, who crafted the score Unexpected Truth for the film, we did it!!”

The post further noted: “For decades I’ve dedicated my platform to shining a light on HIV awareness. And Unexpected is an important story about the health disparities, especially those affecting vulnerable communities, that we strive to tell.”

Ralph has always been the recipient of praise. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination earlier this year for her work in Abbott Elementary under the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

In 2022, she took home the category’s prize. Unexpectedly had its world premiere at the 2023 Essence Film Festival, and took home the Silver Telly Award, an Award of Excellence from the IMPACT Docs Awards and The Accolade Global Film Competition. Additionally, it has screened at the Cleveland Film Festival, The Women’s Film Festival, the Detroit Black Film Festival, the Black Women Film Network, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, and the DC Black Film Festival.

On June 7, the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, California, will host the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony. The CBS broadcast will be live.

Haiti -Wyclef Jean Supports Transitional Presidential Council

Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean is hopeful that the installation of a Transitional Presidential Council would help to “pivot the nation away from past destructive practices”.

In a post on his social media account X (formerly Twitter), the US-based musician said the Transitional Presidential Council, “offers an opportunity to finally listen to and address the needs of the Haitian population especially the most vulnerable”.

Haiti has been steeped in political turmoil and social unrest following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.

Rival gangs have over-run the poverty-stricken French-speaking country, plunging citizens into further despair and forcing several foreign agencies to remove non-essential staff from their offices in Haiti.

Following the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council on Thursday, interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert said the country is at a crossroads and is searching for solutions to overcome the multidimensional political crisis.

In his post, Jean raised the concern that some of the members of the transitional council are believed to be contributors to the Haitian crisis but hastened to add that the mere setting up of the council was a step in the right direction.

“It is important to recognize that, while some elements of this alliance have been viewed as part of the problem, especially as the instigators and perpetrators of numerous violations that intensified systemic challenges, the establishment of the council represents a significant stride toward filling the governance void,” Jean wrote.

He said the first step towards achieving the broader goal of implementing constitutional reform and holding fair and credible elections within the two-year mandate, is to stabilize the nation and deliver the “necessary aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, where over 1.4 million people are at risk of starvation”.

Jean called for a thoughtful, inclusive approach to a solution that reflects the Haitian context, includes representatives from all sectors of society and walks of life and fosters an environment that supports sustainable peace and development.

“It is important to me that we do not perpetuate a system of exclusion and inequity, as we ensure that everyone’s voice — especially those of the most vulnerable and the unheard, including voices from all factions and sectors — is represented in our efforts to address the challenges we face.”

Jean who failed in his attempt to become a presidential candidate in Haiti in 2010, pledged his commitment to contribute to the discussion “particularly on security issues and peacebuilding efforts, and work towards solutions that honor and protect the interests of all involved parties”.

Following the installation of a transitional council in Haiti, seven countries officially notified the UN Secretary-General on Friday of their intention to contribute personnel to the Security Council-backed support mission for the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation.

The UN said Kenya has offered to lead the multinational mission that aims to provide much-needed backup to the national police in a bid to regain control of the streets from gang rule.

Bahamas – Graycliff Gets First Ever Blue Plaque Award for Excellence from British Government

At a ceremony on April 9, the British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, His Excellency Thomas Hartley presented Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant with the first-ever Blue Plaque for excellence awarded outside of the United Kingdom.

The British Blue Plaque is a symbol of exceptional standards recognizing venues that rise above other establishments and

into a higher echelon. Awarded for outstanding contributions to promoting English wines and spirits in The Bahamas, the plaque signifies both the UK’s appreciation and gratitude, as commended by the British High Commissioner, and Graycliff’s unwavering commitment to excel lence that patrons can always expect.

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant is the first

Jamaica - S Hotel Selected Global in Top Best Hotels

Kingston, JA – Jamaica’s award-winning S Hotel in Montego Bay picked up even more accolades recently from Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform. The resort ranked high on Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels (top 1%) in three major categories: Top All-Inclusive Hotels in the World; Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean and Top 25 All-Inclusive in the Caribbean.

Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best hotels are among the top one percent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor.

“Our Best of the Best Hotels are marvels, acclaimed by thousands of travelers for their remarkable service, stunning design, and wealth of amenities that redefine what it means to have an exceptional hotel experience,” said Dan Mitchell, vice president & general manager hotels, Tripadvisor.

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings specific to each subcategory posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

In recent times, S Hotel, has been picking up numerous accolades including number 1 All-Inclusive Caribbean resort in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 listing. Additionally, the hotel ranked as the number one resort in the Caribbean and Central America and an impressive 16th globally all on the Conde Nast 2023 Best Hotels in the World Readers’ Choice Awards. S Hotel is a Jamaican-owned, managed and staffed resort on the famous Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay. It is the only luxury hotel located on the famed Doctor’s Cave Beach.

recipient of the new British award anywhere in the world. With a long-standing reputation for showcasing rare British gins and Scotch whisky two award-winning English Sparkling Wines were recently added to the world-renowned wine cellar.

While presenting the award, the British High Commissioner said, “I am charged

with bringing Britain and The Bahamas closer together. We’re doing this through trade, education, and sport, and through food and drink. Our very first success was getting a Bahamian rum into the UK market – Bassetts may soon be an international prize winner. And we are now celebrating Graycliff for their promotion of the finest British spirits and English wines. Congratulations to Enrico, Annamaria, and the whole Graycliff team, we’re so proud to present this award to you.”

Enrico Garzaroli thanked the High Commissioner, saying “At Graycliff, we believe in exceeding expectations and embracing innovation. Receiving the British Blue Plaque from the British High Commission underscores our role as pioneers in showcasing the finest British wines and spirits in The Bahamas. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their passion and expertise as we continue to elevate standards and create memorable experiences for our patrons.”

Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Aruba Named Hosts for 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship

Miami, FL - Concacaf has announced that three Member Associations, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Aruba, will host the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship. The fifth edition of the competition will take place from August 5 to 11, 2024, and will include group and knockout stage play in a three-league system (A, B, and C).

“We are very excited to host the fifth edition of the Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship in three fantastic countries. This competition plays a big role in developing the region’s most talented young football players as they compete for a continental title,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio.

“We look forward to working closely with the federations of Aruba, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the participating teams and fans have a great experience,” added Moggio.

The competition’s matches will be split between Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Aruba. The Central American nation will host all League A matches, while Leagues B and C will play in Trinidad and Tobago and Aruba, respectively.

All three leagues will include a group stage and a direct elimination knockout stage, and each will crown its champion. The number of teams per league will be determined based on the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Rankings of March 2024 and the final number of participants.

To date, 35 Concacaf Member Associations have expressed interest in participating. These Member Associations are (in alphabetical order): Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, and the US Virgin Islands.

Further details regarding the competition format will be announced in the coming weeks.

Key Info For World Athletics Relays Bahamas

Multiple global gold medallists – including Noah Lyles, Femke Bol and Bahamian stars Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Steven Gardiner and Devynne Charlton – will be among the athletes in action at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 on 4-5 May. The competition holds extra significance, as it is the main qualifying event for relay events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Competition takes place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau. The programme features five relay events:

Women’s 4x100m and 4x400m

Men’s 4x100m and 4x400m

Mixed 4x400m

One team per nation can compete in each event and a maximum of eight athletes can be entered for each team. Among those

entered, any four athletes may then be used in the composition of each relay team apart from in the mixed 4x400m, where a maximum of six athletes (three men and three women) may be entered with a single substitution allowed after the first round.

Prize money

The top eight teams in each event will be awarded the following prize money:

Team

1st US$40,000

2nd US$20,000

3rd US$10,000

4th US$8000

5th US$6000

6th US$4000

7th US$3000

8th US$2000

If a team breaks a world record, a prize of US$50,000 will be awarded, subject to record ratification.

Olympic qualification

The top 14 teams in each event at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 will automatically qualify for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The remaining two places in each discipline will be awarded based on top lists during the qualification period (31 December 2022 to 30 June 2024).

Olympic places are up for grabs on both days of action in The Bahamas. On the

first day, the top two teams in each heat will advance to the final on day two, while also securing their qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In the finals on day two, teams will compete for prize money and obtain Olympic

lane seeding positions. All other teams will compete on day two in the additional round where the top two teams in each heat will also qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.