May 29, 2024

BRONX, NEW YORK

Community leaders and elected officials come together in remembrance of the many lives lost COVID-19 REMEMBRANCE Page 3

SAN FRANCISCO

Advancing the effort to provide restitution to descendants of slavesBill heads to the Assembly

NEW YORK CITY LAWMAN LYNCH TO RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL

Jamaican-born political activist to run to represent District 41 in Brooklyn Page 3

REPARATIONS BILLS PASSED IN SENATE Page 6

Says NYPD - calls Kardell Lester’s death in NY reprisal killing for 2023 murder in Kingston KILLING IN NY TIED TO CONFLICT IN JAMAICA

NEW YORK CITY Page 5

BUJU BANTON TO PERFORM IN NY

After a 14-year absence - the reggae icon is glad to be back in the US after being incarcerated on drug charges

CaribNews

HEALTH

Mental Health - Teens Are Asking Schools To Play A Critical Role In Their Needs - P 16

SPORTS

Cuba - Yakelin Estornell, The Olympic Boxing Hopeful - P 19

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Sudan: Deteriorating situation in El Fasher, health system collapsing nationwide

The humanitarian situation for some 800,000 civilians in El Fasher, Sudan, and surrounding areas in North Darfur continues to deteriorate amid ongoing clashes between rival military forces, the UN reported on Friday.

The fighting has reportedly forced thousands of people to flee since 10 May and caused hundreds of civilian casualties, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

“Unfortunately, in El Fasher South Hospital – which is the only functioning hospital in that state – only 10 days of supplies are left, with an urgent need to restock the hospital,” he said.

Aid delivery blocked

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in battle since April 2023.

The conflict has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with some 18 million people across the country going hungry and five million on the brink of famine.

Mr. Dujarric said more than a dozen trucks carrying aid for more than 121,000 people have been trying to reach El Fasher for over a month, but have been hampered because of the security situation.

Remove access constraints

Turning to the wider Darfur region, he said that despite the insecurity and severe access constraints, a truck from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) was able to cross into North Darfur from Chad on Thursday.

‘Now is the time to unleash Africa’s peace power’ Guterres tells Security Council

Peace is the key to unlocking Africa’s future and for strengthening the continent’s voice and influence in building peace globally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.

“Now is the time to unleash Africa’s peace power,” he said, opening a debate on its critical role in addressing global security and development challenges, convened by Mozambique, the Council president for May.

Calling Africa “an important voice for the global good”, he cited examples of how the continent has shown “unity and solidarity in a fractured world”, which include focusing on ending poverty and hunger, supporting refugees, achieving sustainable development, and pushing for reform of the decades-old global financial system.

Ceasefire for Sudan

Mr. Guterres said that although efforts like these require peace in Africa and beyond, “too many Africans are caught up in the hell of conflicts or living with the relentless danger of terrorism and violent extremism in their communities.”

Addressing the war and “deepening humanitarian nightmare” in Sudan, he warned that increased hostilities in El Fasher are “opening an alarming new chapter” in the conflict, now in its second year.

Small island development ‘a test case’ for climate and financial justice, says Guterres

Some of the key developments so far on day one of the conference where leaders from governments, the UN, civil society, business, academia and youth activists, have gathered to chart a course towards resilient prosperity for existentially threatened island nations.

Main points this Monday:

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressing the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).

UN Photo

UN chief António Guterres said it was time for both climate and financial justice across the vulnerable small island developing nations

This means an end to a “two-speed financial world” and SIDS paying the highest price due to climate change they played no part in causing SIDS have born the brunt of global shocks due to COVID, extreme weather, and regional wars causing volatility in the global economy

The new Antigua and Barbuda Agenda “will outline steps to achieve resilient prosperity in partnership with the international community”, said Mr. Guterres

In Antigua, island youth build ‘wall of commitment’ to turn tide against climate crisis

It may be built out of recyclable cardboard boxes, but when world leaders officially open the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) on Monday, one of the manifestations of young people’s hopes for a better future that will greet them is a solid “wall of commitment” imploring them to take more action against the ravages of climate change.

The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit taking place this weekend on the University of the West Indies campus of the beautiful island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, which is hosting SIDS4, bonded together 80 or so young people from all three official SIDS regions – the Caribbean, Pacific and AIS (Indian Ocean and South China Sea) over 3 days of brainstorming.

They noisily and excitedly hunkered down in a large and airy university hall on Saturday to write down their own personal commitments to action.

Another brick in the wall

One of the cardboard “bricks” even featured an empty plastic bottle – the scourge of many of their island homelands – taped inside with a rallying cry for “plastic-free islands, sustainable islands.”

The powerful event was the brainchild of Ashley Lashley, a lifelong activist who, after being crowned Miss World Barbados in 2018, set up the Ashley Lashley Foundation to build awareness of major social, environmental and health issues...

Bronx COVID-19 Remembrance - P 9

Africa Day 2024 Message by Hon. P.J. Patterson - P 9

T&T – Structural Change to Carnival to Realize Full Potential

The view amongst professionals during The University of the West Indies’ (The UWI) recently held National Conversations Series, hosted by the Trade and Economic Development Unit, titled “FOREX earning potential of T&T Carnival” is that for Trinidad and Tobago to generate foreign exchange from Carnival, it must be structured, and more importantly it must be measured.

Dr Keith Nurse, president of the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), “Many countries around the world are now measuring the economic impact of their festivals. Trinidad and Tobago has not been doing so and that is a major glaring error of omission from a policy standpoint and I think we really need to rectify that in a significant way. We have never done a proper economic impact assessment taking into the account all the key flows associated with the Carnival.”

Nurse was part of a panel discussion hosted by former UWI principal, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, that also included coach/mental therapist, Dennise Demming, and Professor Emeritus Patrick Watson, Professor of Economics at The UWI. Noting the unique nature of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival in comparison to other Carnivals around the world, Nurse said three key art forms shape T&T’s Carnival: calypso, mas, and pan.

He also said that it is bigger than the art form, as it is also a festival of arts. Drawing from his research, Nurse said: “The issue of data capture is very weak, we don’t consider things like the creative industry to be an important

element of our economies and maybe it has to do with the fact we don’t think these things really matter.

“But in Trinidad and Tobago’s context and in terms of festival economics, I would argue that there are four key areas that need to be capturing data to understand the economic impact and the foreign exchange impact. The first is festival tourism and I call it cultural and festival tourism, accommodation, travel and hospitality and those sub-sectors are really important to capture, for example, what is the occupancy rate during Carnival. Well, for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, we know that most of the established hotels, guest houses, villas, and now Airbnb, we have been averaging accommodation rates, occupancy rates in excess of 90%. Similarly, we know that the earnings in terms of visitor arrivals peak during the period, it’s the highest rate of arrivals for Trinidad and Tobago and the data we capture are generally in a three-week period,” he explained.

Demming described Carnival as both a product and an experience, emphasizing that the lack of structure weakens the overall offering. She highlighted the distinction between the product and the experience, explaining that the product includes elements like costumes, Carnival bands, and the pan yards.

“The Carnival product is truly amazing, and it is promoted and supported by our citizens,” Demming remarked. “This product needs to be marketed in such a way that others will want to participate and enjoy it.

California – Senate Passes Reparations Bills

The California state Senate passed three significant reparations bills on Tuesday, moving forward a legislative initiative aimed at providing restitution to descendants of slaves.

The proposed legislation seeks to issue an apology to Black Californians for the state’s historical role in enacting slave laws and discriminatory practices, and are part of a broader effort by the California Legislative Black Caucus, which introduced over a dozen reparations bills earlier this year. The bills will now proceed to the California State Assembly for further votes. In January, California introduced a comprehensive package of reparations bills, which included provisions for property compensation and cash payouts to descendants of slaves and other Black Californians. Previous bills, such as those providing homeownership aid and property tax relief for descendants of slaves, were voted down by the assembly.

One of the newly passed bills, SB 1403, focuses on the establishment of the California Freedmen Affairs Agency. This agency would ensure that recipients of potential reparations meet eligibility criteria, requiring them to be descendants of slaves or free Black individuals living in the U.S. before the end of the 19th century.

SB 1050 mandates that the California

signed into law by the governor, as reported by ABC7.

Democrat state Senator Steven Bradford of Southern California, who authored the three bills, stated on the Senate floor, “If you can inherit generational wealth, you can inherit generational debt.” He emphasized, “Reparations is a debt that’s owed

to descendants of slavery. These are not a handout or charity by any measure. It is what was promised, it’s what is owed and what is 160 years overdue.”

These legislative efforts follow the California Assembly’s recent passage of a bill acknowledging responsibility for historical harms and atrocities committed by the state. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas highlighted the state’s complicity in the oppression of African Americans, noting that “California’s history is tarnished by the subjugation of Black people” and stressing the need for healing.

California’s actions are part of a broader trend, with local and state governments across the U.S. establishing task forces to recommend reparations measures. In Boston, Massachusetts, task force members are proposing reparations measures based on historical research for City Hall’s consideration. New York Governor Kathy Hochul established a reparations task force in December of last year.

Governor Gavin Newsom has also commissioned a reparations task force to identify best practices for implementation. However, a poll released in September indicated that a majority of California voters oppose cash payments to qualifying Black residents.

Freedmen Affairs Agency compensate families whose property was seized through “race-based” eminent domain. SB 1331 allocates funds for reparations policies

Dr. Keith Nurse, President of COSTAATT

Haiti - US Missionaries Leaving Church Killed in Gang Violence

A US missionary couple were among three people killed in Haiti amid ongoing gang violence plaguing the country. Natalie Lloyd, 21, her 23-year-old husband David, and 20-year-old Haitian Jude Montis were ambushed by gunmen as they left a church.

The deaths of the couple were confirmed on Facebook by Natalie’s father, Missouri State Senator Ben Baker. “They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed,” he wrote. “They went to heaven together.” The couple had been married since 2022.

Their organization, Missions in Haiti, confirmed to US media that Mr. Montis was the third victim. In an earlier Facebook post, the organization described the attack, stating that the three were first ambushed by gunmen in three vehicles. When another armed group arrived, a gang member was shot dead, leading to the missionaries being trapped in a house under heavy gunfire.

Missions in Haiti confirmed that all three were dead three hours later.

The US State Department acknowledged the deaths and offered condolences to the families. Missouri Governor Mike Parson described the deaths as “absolutely

heartbreaking news” on X.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the White House on Friday called for the swift deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational force to stabilize Haiti. A National Security Council spokesperson emphasized that the security situation in Haiti “cannot wait,” noting President Joe Biden’s support for the “expedited deployment” of the force in talks with Kenya’s president on Thursday. “Our hearts go out to the families of those killed as they experience unimaginable grief,” the spokesperson added. Kenyan President William Ruto, in an interview with the BBC, cited such incidents as a driving reason for his country’s decision to deploy forces to Haiti. “We shouldn’t be losing people. We shouldn’t be losing missionaries. It is the reason why we made this decision,” he said, stressing the shared responsibility for Haiti’s security. “We are doing this to forestall and to stop more people losing their lives to gangs,” he added.

This tragedy echoes a similar incident in 2021 when 17 North American missionaries were kidnapped and held east of Port-au-Prince.

Haiti – Health System on Verge of Collapse

Haiti’s healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse, with 60% of hospitals barely functioning, UNICEF warned on Wednesday. The UN children’s agency highlighted the dire situation amid a backdrop of deadly gang violence and an impending international intervention led by Kenya.

“Haiti’s health system is on the verge of collapse,” stated Bruno Maes, UNICEF’s representative in Haiti. He emphasized that millions of children are at heightened risk of disease and malnutrition. “The combination of violence, mass displacement, dangerous epidemics, and increasing malnutrition has bent Haiti’s health system, but the strangling of supply chains may be what breaks it.”

Medical supplies are in critically short supply, as both domestic and international cargo flights have only recently resumed following a 2.5-month closure of Port-auPrince’s airport. UNICEF reported that containers filled with vital supplies have been delayed or looted, leaving hundreds of containers filled with humanitarian

aid stranded in the capital, unable to be distributed.

“We cannot allow vital supplies that could save children’s lives to remain blocked in warehouses and containers. They must be delivered now,” Maes urged.

The gang violence in Port-au-Prince has forced tens of thousands of people to flee, many seeking refuge in southern Haiti, which is now struggling to cope with the increased demand on its health services.

The UN agency noted that 40% of medical staff have left Haiti due to the ongoing turmoil.

Haiti is also grappling with severe food insecurity, with 4.4 million people in need of food aid and 1.6 million facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity. Additionally, a cholera outbreak since October 2022 has resulted in 82,000 suspected cases. The arrival of the rainy season is expected to exacerbate the situation, increasing the prevalence of water-borne diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria. The country has been mired in political instability for decades. In February, gangs launched coordinated attacks on key sites, claiming their intent to overthrow thenPrime Minister Ariel Henry. Henry has since resigned, and a transitional ruling council was sworn in last month, marking the first step toward forming a new government.

In response to the crisis, Kenya is set to deploy police officers as part of a UNbacked multinational mission to combat the gangs controlling most of Port-auPrince. A first contingent from Kenya could arrive in Haiti this week, coinciding with Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington.

Bruno Maes, UNICEF

NYC – Cops Blame Conflict in Kingston, Jamaica For Death of Man in NY

Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives for the New York Police Department (NYPD), announced that an ongoing conflict in Kingston, Jamaica, is linked to the death of 25-year-old Kardell Lester.

Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Kenny revealed that Lester’s death was a

reprisal killing related to a 2023 murder. The incident is part of an ongoing feud between rival groups from Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens.

“There’s been violence back and forth between these groups,” Kenny explained. “It starts in Jamaica, and when they encounter each other in southern Queens, the conflict continues.”

Kenny detailed that Lester was inside a building in Queens when gunfire erupted, resulting in a bullet striking him in the head.

“It’s like a one-in-a-million shot. [Lester] was standing in a hallway, [the bullet] went through the hallway and hit him in the head,” Kenny stated.

Lester, a visitor from Jamaica, was killed in Queens, New York, on May 4. No arrests have been made so far.

Jamaica – PM Holness Makes Changes to Cabinet

Prime Minister has once gain reshuffled his cabinet, moving ministers around in what some describe as a a key move as the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) seeks to refine its communications machinery for national elections due next year.

Senator Dr. the Honorable Dana Morris Dixon who was a Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Skills and Digital Transformation replaces Robert Morgan as Information Minister. Dr. Dixon is a 2004 Fulbright Scholar and an alum of the University of the West Indies where she completed BSs. Economics (First Class Honours) and MSc. Government (Distinction). She is also a graduate of Josef Korbel School of International Studies where she completed a PhD in International Studies, as well as the executive program of the Harvard Business School. Morgan has been appointed to oversee works in the Ministry of Economic

Growth and Job Creation.

Previously, this portfolio was managed by Everald Warmington, who resigned from the Cabinet in February following controversial remarks suggesting he would withhold public funds from an elected People’s National Party councillor.

In other changes, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley has been designated as a parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). A parliamentary secretary assists a senior minister in their duties. According to an OPM statement, these changes will take effect immediately.

“The adjustments will assist the administration in more efficiently and effectively delivering its policies and programmes for the Jamaican people,” the OPM said.

This shift finalizes Morgan’s transition away from the central role in the government’s information and communication strategy, a system he was instrumental in developing following the JLP’s 2016 election victory. However, over the past two years, he faced significant internal pressure due to the administration’s communication challenges with the electorate. He resigned as chairman of the JLP’s public relations committee in April, nearly two months after the party’s lackluster performance in the February local government elections.

Morris Dixon has emerged as a respected member of the political executive, less than a year after her entry into national politics with a Cabinet assignment. She and Fitz-Henley, a former broadcast journalist with Nationwide News Network, were appointed to the Senate in May 2023.

Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives for the NYPD

Congresswoman Clarke Introduces Legislation to Establish Climate Justice Working Group

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced the Climate Justice Act of 2024, legislation that establishes a Climate Justice Working Group comprised of representatives from federal agencies, community organizations, cities, states, and indigenous nations with the mission of helping to guide the country’s just and equitable transition towards a clean, climate-resilient, zero-emission economy.

Despite communities of color and low-income communities contributing the least to environmental pollution and the climate crisis, they have long remained disproportionately affected by the worst impacts of climate change. Simultaneously, communities of color and low-income communities have also received the least amount of investment in clean-energy technologies and resilient infrastructure that protect against climate impacts and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Justice Act addresses these longstanding disparities by ensuring that the communities most impacted by climate change are able to influence the equitable transition to a green economy and federal investment in climate resistance.

“Investing in a clean energy future begins with confronting the many injustices that continue to harm the United States’ most underserved and overlooked communities,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “As we work to modernize America’s infrastructure for the challenges of our 21st Century world, we must ensure the frontline communities facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis are prioritized and protected. Through the Climate Justice Working Group established by this legislation, we will, at long last, address and amplify climate justice at the federal level. I am proud to be leading our nation’s charge towards an equitable transition to a zero-emission economy that centers human life and our pursuit of accountability.”

“Our Climate is proud to support the Climate Justice Act of 2024 from its inception at the New York State level to its reintroduction at the federal level. The bill is a meaningful step in ensuring the interests and expertise of frontline communities are at the heart of the federal government’s efforts towards a just, zero-emissions future for all,” said Joséphine Crespo Helm, Policy Analyst at Our Climate.

NYC - Lawman Lynch, Jamaican, to Run for NY City Council

Lawman Lynch has announced his candidacy for a Brooklyn City Council seat, aiming to become the first Jamaica-born male to serve on the New York City Council. He is running to represent Council District 41, which includes areas such as Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, East New York, and Ocean Hill. If elected in November 2025, Lynch would make history following in the footsteps of Una Clarke, the first Jamaican to serve on the council after winning the seat for Council District 40 in Brooklyn.

Lynch’s campaign focuses on education, business development, and ensuring that the district receives necessary resources. He prioritizes homework help and STEM education for students. Encouraged by former city councilwoman Una Clarke, Lynch has engaged with community leaders, church leaders, and business people to build support for his run.

Born in Woodford Park, Kingston, Lynch attended several schools in Jamaica, including the Salvation Army Basic School, Alpha Infant School, and Wolmer’s Boys’ School, before briefly attending The University of the West Indies. He migrated to the United States in 2010 after surviving a politically motivated firebomb attack on his car in Jamaica.

Upon moving to Brooklyn, Lynch settled in the same area he now seeks to represent. His professional background includes serving as a regional trainer in Citizenship Education for Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and working for national and global nonprofits focused on child, youth, and community development.

Lynch is an author, musician, and award-winning activist, recognized with the CSJP Community Development Award and the Prime Minister’s Youth in Excellence Award for Leadership. He founded the Lawman Lynch Foundation Inc. (LLF), a New York-based nonprofit supporting child, youth, and community development in the US and Jamaica. Additionally, he is the CEO of CariGlo Diaspora LLC, a human services and fintech company, and has held various leadership roles, including Jamaica Diaspora New York State chair and chairman of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States Civil Society Forum in Brussels.

Lynch holds a BA in Communications and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is currently a PhD candidate focusing on Ethical Leadership in Education, the Private, and the Public Sectors. He views himself as a lifelong learner dedicated to facilitating the upward mobility of those he serves.

Con Edison Invests $2.3 Billion to Strengthen Grid

Reliability for Summer

Con Edison has invested $2.3 billion on infrastructure projects across New York City and Westchester County to keep service reliable during another hot summer and advance the region’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

The projects include the installation of new substation equipment, 28 underground and 69 overhead transformers that regulate voltage, 938 sections of underground and overhead cable, and 241 poles. These components make the electric delivery system robust and keep Con Edison’s service among the most reliable in the world, as the need for power increases.

Two utility workers working around a manhole. Con Edison is building an electric delivery system capable of delivering reliable clean energy from solar arrays, wind turbines and other renewable resources to support New York State’s climate goals. The company is investing in energy efficiency programs, new substations, transmission lines to carry renewable energy, incentives for electric vehicle chargers, and other measures to usher in a clean energy future.

“These critical infrastructure projects support New York’s transition away from fossil fuels and improve the reliability of our grid by helping us meet the increased demand for power as buildings and vehicles become electrified,” said Matthew Ketschke, the president of Con Edison. “Our investments provide value for every customer and ensure that our grid remains resilient and reliable in the face of extreme weather such as heat waves and storms, which are becoming more frequent and

intense due to climate change.”

Infrastructure projects managed by Con Edison’s dedicated, highly skilled workforce include:

Brooklyn: The energization of 74 new sections of underground cable to establish two new feeders and enhance reliability in Williamsburg.

Queens: The energization of 115 sections of underground cable to support increasing demand for power in Ridgewood and Glendale; moving overhead electric delivery equipment underground in an area of Maspeth to protect it from tree damage during storms and avoid outages.

The Bronx: Increasing distribution supplies and reconfiguring circuits so that they can carry more power to enhance reliability in the Highbridge, Claremont Village, Morrisania, Charlotte Gardens, and Soundview areas; investments in the southern Bronx to reduce supply interruptions. This will increase the delivery system’s capacity in anticipation of the electrification of vehicles and buildings.

Staten Island: New switchgear and substation transformers, along with the reconfiguration of overhead circuits in Dongan Hills; new transformer vaults, the replacement of dozens of poles and spans of wire in the New Dorp Beach area, where the demand for power is growing; new cable, poles and manholes to serve West Brighton, Travis, Port Richmond and South Beach.

Westchester County: Investments to improve

the reliability of overhead lines in New Rochelle, Larchmont and the villages within Mount Pleasant. These improvements will allow the company’s crews to restore service more quickly when outages do occur.

In Manhattan, Con Edison is in the final construction phase of a multi-year project to create a new electrical network and increase capacity in the Midtown West area. The company is also beginning a project to improve reliability and accommodate future load growth in Yorkville and Harlem. This project will include the installation of 4.6 miles of cable.

Con Edison has completed projects throughout the area to place overhead wiring underground. The company plans to continue strategically moving overhead lines underground in areas that are vulnerable to tree damage during storms.

The company continues to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit from its clean energy investments in terms of improved quality of life and climate-resilient energy infrastructure.

The company has committed up to $3 million over the next three years to help local organizations combat the effects of extreme heat and other weather events in disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities across the five boroughs and in Westchester County. The rates customers pay fund these investments in clean energy and enable the company to continue providing the level of reliability its

uniquely dense service area needs.

Based on 2023 data, the typical Con Edison customer would experience an outage once every seven years, not counting interruptions caused by storms.

The company forecasts that the demand for power will peak at 12,800 megawatts this summer. Last year’s peak was 11,565 megawatts, which occurred on July 27, 2023. The all-time record is 13,322 megawatts, which occurred during a heat wave on July 19, 2013.

Manage Usage, Manage Bills

Con Edison encourages customers to use energy wisely this summer and consider enrolling in an energy efficiency program to save money and help the environment.

Two men are standing near a residential construction site, reviewing paperwork. The company expects bills to be higher than they were last summer. One driver of this is an increase in base delivery rates approved by the New York State Public Service Commission in July 2023. Another is a provision that allows the company to collect revenue to make up for a prior period when the company did not collect as much as expected to support investments.

A typical New York City residential customer using 350 kilowatt hours per month can expect a 10.9 percent increase from last summer and an average monthly bill of $141.06 from June to September 2024.

Continued online at nycaribnews.com

NYC – Judge Hubert Delany, Street Co-Named In His Honor

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, his birthday, the corner of 145th Street was co-named Judge Hubert T. Delany Way after the Harlem civil rights pioneer, attorney, politician, Assistant US Attorney, the first Black Tax Commissioner of New York, and one of the first appointed NYC Black judges. Judge Delany was a 75+ years resident of Harlem at Riverside Drive and 145th Street. His children, Dr. Madelon Delany Stent and Dr. Harry M. Delany, their families’ and his great-granddaughter all lived on Riverside Drive.

Sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu and supported by Congressman Charles B. Rangel,(ret.) who knew Judge Delany, stated “that the magnitude of those he represented and served made him a true trailblazer in the village of Harlem and the country. I can think of no one more-deserving of a ceremonial street-naming then Judge Hubert T. Delany.”

Hubert Thomas Delany, May 11, 1901 – December 28, 1990, was on the board of Directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Harlem YMCA and became an active leader in the Harlem Renaissance. During his career as a civil rights attorney, he represented many of the Renaissance writers, actors and artists. He also served as a Vice President of the

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Judge Delany graduated from City College of New York in 1923. He received his law degree from New York University School of Law in 1926, admitted to the bar in 1926, and admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court in 1932. He served five years as Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and was appointed Manhattan Tax Commissioner by Mayor LaGuardia in 1934. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the first Greek-letter organization to be founded by Black men.

Delany had a long career serving as both a justice in the New York City Domestic Relations Court as well as an attorney and adviser to civil rights activists Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., US Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and poet Langston Hughes. He also advised clients in the entertainment and sports industries including famed opera singer Marian Anderson, singer and actor Paul Robeson, cartoonist E. Simms Campbell, bandleader Cab Calloway, Josephine Baker and Jackie Robinson.

In 1929, Delany ran for a House of Representatives seat from Manhattan’s 21st District, now partially the 13th Congressional District; he lost, but earned the life-long respect and friendship of Mayor

LaGuardia. In 1954, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt made a visit to Harlem and a reception was given in her honor at the Delany home on 145th Street and Riverside Drive where Judge Delany and his wife Willetta became the first Black family to host an incumbent First Lady. His love of Harlem was evident in his own words, “ Because I have ceaselessly fought against segregation, discrimination, Jim Crow-ism, injustice and oppression

of human beings, wherever it exists, and for first-class citizenship for the Negro in America, my soil would not rest easy and would be in constant conflict with everything the Southland stands for if even my body was buried there and permitted, in the course of time to become a part of the Southand of the United States.

I have therefore requested my remains buried in the State of New York, which, while not a place that measures up to

CARICOM – Urges US to Delist Cuba As Sponsor of Terrorism

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers have renewed calls for the United States to remove Cuba from its list of states that are “not cooperating fully” in the fight against terrorism.

A statement issued following the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) late Friday noted that the foreign ministers of the 15-member regional integration grouping had welcomed the decision by Washington to remove Havana from its list of State Sponsor of

Terrorism (SSOT).

“COFCOR notes, however, that the Republic of Cuba remains on the US State Department’s list of countries that have been deemed by the USA to be State Sponsors of Terrorism. COFCOR therefore renews its call for the urgent removal of Cuba from the list of countries deemed to be State Sponsors of Terrorism,” according to the brief statement issued by the regional foreign ministers.

Earlier this week, Belize joined Dominica that had earlier called for Washington to reverse “this unmerited and unjust listing of Cuba as a state which sponsors terrorism,” with Roseau saying it holds firmly that there is no evidence of state-sponsored terrorism acts being supported by Havana.

In its statement, Belmopan said it is “deeply concerned with the arbitrary decision” of the United States to continue to list Cuba on the US State Department’s website as SSOT.

“The government of Belize denounces these baseless accusations as there is no evidence that the government of the Republic of Cuba is involved in any such activities,” it said, calling on Washington “to immediately remove Cuba from that list, which has caused and continues to cause much suffering to the Cuban people.”

Last week, Washington said it had removed Cuba from a short list of countries it alleges

are “not cooperating fully” in its fight against terrorism.

The US State Department cited the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between Cuba and the US as one the reasons why the previous designation was deemed “no longer appropriate.

“The department determined that the circumstances for Cuba’s certification as a ‘not fully cooperating country’ have changed from 2022 to 2023,” the official said.

Former US President Donald Trump separately designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism just prior to leaving office, a jab that Cuba maintains has contributed to a severe economic crisis on the island, and to shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

The Caribbean foreign ministers also reaffirmed their “rejection of the unilateral imposition by the United States of America of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba.

“Both the designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and the 62-year-old embargo are unjust and wrongly imposed upon the Cuban people and must be terminated,” they said in their statement following their two-day meeting.

Bronx COVID-19 Remembrance

We must commend the elected and civic leaders who have come together to bring about this COVID-19 remembrance and we should add how pleasing it is to see that this initiative is happening in the Bronx Borough with strong ties and collaboration with the immigrant community; a borough that produced General Colin Powell of Jamaican immigrant roots who made history in Washington first as Joint Chief of Staff and then as Secretary of State. Look again today at another immigrant’s history story - the first black speaker of the New York Assembly, most honorable Carl Heastie, an immigrant

again playing an important role in the resurgence of the economy of New York and indeed parts of the US.

The hip hop culture revolution has fused the music of the Jamaican style with the talent of the American artiste and revolutionized the music and cultural industry that continues to impact this country even today. The Bronx was the home of Cleveland Robinson, the blind labor leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with both Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, a proud Caribbean immigrant; so the ties are very strong with the CaribbeanAmerican community in the Bronx and

Africa Day 2024 Message

by Hon P.J. Patterson

On this Africa Day, we at the P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy celebrate the importance of this day and of Africa as the true motherland for many in the Caribbean and the wider African Diaspora. We celebrate our commitment to building a brighter future through education and collaboration with African countries. Our Shared African-Caribbean Connections

As Caribbean people, we owe much to Africa for our culture and sense of belonging. It is this acknowledgment of the undeniable historical ties between the Caribbean and Africa, where both regions were profoundly shaped by the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, a tragic chapter in human history that forcibly displaced millions of Africans to the Caribbean. Despite the brutality of this experience, it’s essential to recognize the resilience and strength of those who survived and the enduring cultural legacies they carried with them.

Across the Caribbean and Africa, there exists a wealth of traditional knowledge passed down through oral traditions, storytelling, music, and art. This folk information encompasses a vast array of subjects, from medicinal practices and agricultural techniques to spiritual beliefs and historical narratives. The interconnectedness between the Caribbean and Africa offers a powerful platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. By recognizing and embracing our shared heritage, we can harness the wealth of traditional knowledge and cultural practices that have sustained our communities for generations. As we continue to learn from the past, we recognize that education is a tool for empowerment and a pathway to healing and transformation. Indeed, it is fitting that this year’s theme for Africa Day is ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.’

Central to this vision is the need to build resilient education systems that ensure increased access and equity for all learners. We must remove barriers to education, whether they be economic, cultural, or systemic, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow to his or her full potential.

But access alone is not enough. We must also prioritize the quality and relevance of education, ensuring that it equips learners

so recognizing the pain of all people is so important and this is what the COVID Remembrance is achieving.

For the immigrant community, COVID-19 was the perfect storm, suffering mortality rates far higher than the general population, increased lack of job opportunities, lack of services and pre-existing inequalities including racism, providers of essential services from basic janitorial and delivery services, to nurses and doctors in our hospitals and healthcare facilities; the effort of the immigrant group is hardly recognized, underappreciated, and in many instances just outright ignored. With the COVID remembrance project they will be recognized, they will be remembered and they will be memorialized; this then is why the COVID-19 Remembrance is so meaningful. This is why the Jamaica Progressive League is so vigilant to work for the respect and value of immigrants. It is a mission that the League has undertaken for decades and was the first black organization to sue the US federal government over immigrant rights. It was the only black organization that lobbied for the repeal of the Walter-Mccarran Act (The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952),

with the skills they need to succeed in the modern world. This means embracing innovative teaching methods, incorporating technology into the classroom, and fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills and knowledge of Africa. Moreover, education must be lifelong and inclusive, extending beyond the classroom and reaching learners of all ages and backgrounds. Whether through formal schooling, vocational training, or community-based initiatives, we must create opportunities for continuous learning and skill development throughout people’s lives.

As we strive to educate African and Caribbean people fit for the 21st century, we must also confront the legacies of colonialism and oppression that continue to shape our education systems. This means decolonizing curricula, promoting indigenous knowledge systems, and celebrating the diversity of African cultures and languages. We must work together, across borders and boundaries, to share best practices, resources, and expertise. By harnessing African peoples’ collective wisdom and ingenuity, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. Today, we honor the resilience of African peoples and reaffirm our dedication to creating inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning opportunities for all people in the Caribbean, Africa and the wider African diaspora. One of the most significant opportunities lies in the retention and revitalization of folk information. By incorporating this folk information into formal education systems, we can create more inclusive and culturally relevant curricula that resonate with students’ lived experiences. This not only enriches the learning process but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among learners, strengthening their connection to their heritage and identity.

On this Africa Day, let us envision a future where Africa and people of African descent claim their rightful place at the forefront of the international stage. It is a vision of a world where diversity is celebrated, prejudices are dismantled, and equity reigns supreme.

As we commemorate this day, let us aspire to forge a new world order built on principles of fairness, respect, and sovereignty for all nations, regardless of their size or military power. With its rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions, Africa has

and had it successfully replaced with the 1965 Immigration Act, a sign-in ceremony to which the then president of the Jamaica Progressive League was invited to by president Lyndon Johnson to attend.

The League in its Jamaica House office in the 70’s established free immigration advisory service among other immigrant services it rendered. Communities must come together for equality and justice, this wall, this COVID remembrance is a symbol, and it’s just the beginning of marking an era, the legacy of so many doing work that are making a difference. We must show appreciation for leaders and encourage them to continue to act in what we call the partnership for progress.

Mrs. Sadie Campbell, president of the Jamaica Progressive League who worked to bring this remembrance about, to Senator Jamaal Bailey who led the effort of the elected officials and for his colleagues Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Congressmember Jamaal Bowman, City Council members Kevin Riley and Eric Donovich and their respective staff; working together we can get things done – this COVID remembrance is showing us the way.

long been overlooked and underestimated. But now, the time has come for Africa to rise, lead, and shape the future through education, building a future where education serves as a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and social justice across the Caribbean, Africa, and the wider African diaspora

There lie tremendous opportunities for growth and transformation. to address the educational challenges facing the Caribbean, Africa, and the wider African diaspora. It’s crucial to recognize the profound connections that bind our regions together, not only through shared history but also through cultural heritage and the retention of valuable folk information.

Furthermore, embracing the cultural connections between the Caribbean and Africa can facilitate greater academic and economic opportunities for individuals and communities. Collaborative initiatives in areas such as research, technology, and entrepreneurship can help bridge the gap between these regions, fostering innovation and sustainable development. As a collective, we can forge a path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Darien Gap – Surge in Child Migration, Up 40 Percent So Far This Year

An increase in the number of children migrating through the dangerous Darien Gap so far this year puts the route on track for a fifth consecutive year of record levels of child migration, according to UNICEF analysis.

In the first four months of 2024, more than 30,000 children on the move crossed the Darien Gap, a 40 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Child migration through the jungle of the Darien Gap has become a protracted crisis. Based on the trends observed in the first four months and the regional context,

it is estimated that 800,000 people, including 160,000 children and adolescents, could cross the jungle in 2024, with many likely to require critical humanitarian assistance.

“The Darien Gap is no place for children. Many children have died on this arduous, dangerous journey. Women have given birth while en route, bringing new life into the world in the most challenging of circumstances. Many of those who survive the journey arrive sick, hungry, and dehydrated, often with wounds or infections and in desperate need of support,”

said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban. “But with children making up a fifth of those making this journey, UNICEF’s presence and response is more important than ever. Adequate funding is critical in order to allow us to be there for children, no matter their country of origin or destination.”

Of the 30,000 children on the move so far this year, nearly 2,000 of them were unaccompanied or separated from their families. The number of unaccompanied and separated children tripled in comparison to the same period in 2023. The number of children in transit is also growing fivetimes faster than the number of adults.

“The stories we hear from children and parents who have made the journey are incredibly harrowing,” said Chaiban.

“During my visit last month to the community of Bajo Chiquito, I met Esmeira, an 11-year-old girl from Venezuela who separated from her mother during the crossing through the jungle. Through tears, Esmeira shared with me how difficult it was for her to be alone in the jungle. She had to cross swollen rivers, pass injured and hungry people on the route, and at night, she told me, it was very dark and she heard scary noises. Esmeria was hungry. She had not eaten in two days. Esmeria had not studied for months, and she hoped that her mother would arrive soon

to follow their path. No child should have to live through or witness these things.” UNICEF staff have been supporting children on the move in the Darien and in Panama since 2018, when 522 children and adolescents crossed the rainforest. With financial support from the United States Government and the European Union, as well as with its own funding, UNICEF delivers services at hotspots along the migration route in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), child protection, case management, child and maternal health, and gender-based violence. Actions also includes support to ten host communities that migrants pass through. In 2024, UNICEF appealed for US$7.64 million to address the urgent needs of the growing numbers of children and families on the move in Panama. Currently, only 10 per cent of this new funding has been received.

“I commend the host communities, donors, and the government of Panama for helping to provide essential services to children on the move and their families, ensuring that they will not be abandoned,” said Chaiban. “The dangers to children and their unmet needs are increasing as we speak. We need to continue to ensure that no child is left behind. If the response is underfunded, the reach will be limited.”

Guyana – Cut Some Agri Imports, Save Millions of Dollars

Guyana aims to produce more than 60 percent of its onion needs and achieve self-sufficiency in corn, soya, feed, blackeyed peas, and red beans, potentially saving over US$150 million annually in foreign exchange, President Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission, President Ali detailed the country’s agricultural plans. “We have experimented with onion production and proven that we have the right mix of soil,” he said. Although the initial capital cost might be high, Ali projected that in just over a year, Guyana could produce all the onions it currently imports. “Within about 16 months, we might be in a position to say that we can cut our imports on onion by more than 60 percent,” he noted.

The anticipated US$150 million saving would include the cost of fertilizer, which is also set to be produced locally. Ali further announced that large-scale planting of black-eyed peas and red beans would commence in four days, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in these items by

the first quarter of 2025. He stated that one year later, Guyana would be able to supply all markets in the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM). “The small farmers will help to support the local market,” he added.

By October 2024, Guyana expects to p roduce “all the feed we need for aquaculture,” reducing the cost of this input by 50 percent. The government has also announced plans for full self-sufficiency in corn and soya by the end of 2025, with

an additional 3,000 acres under cultivation in the Tacama area. “That would allow us to have all the backward and forward linkages to have the full feed production for livestock and poultry right here in Guyana,” Ali said.

Looking ahead to 2027, Guyana hopes to capture at least 35 percent of the regional market for corn, soy, and feed. Ali suggested that other Caribbean producers could benefit from setting up factories in Guyana to take advantage of a 50-percent reduction in electricity costs and largescale production of raw materials. “The better thing for producers in the rest of the region to do is to partner with our local private sector and create their manufacturing facilities here,” he proposed. Historically, Guyana had experimented with producing onions locally in the 1970s and 1980s, but high transportation costs from the interior made the initiative unprofitable. Black-eyed peas had also been produced locally during that period.

Education – 17-Year-Old Attains Her Doctorate

By age 14, Dorothy Jean Tillman had already obtained an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree. Despite these impressive achievements, Tillman turned to her mother and said, “I think I want to pursue a doctorate degree.”

Her mother, Jimalita Tillman, was surprised. It was the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Dorothy was busy launching a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) camp startup and seeking funding for the organization.

“I asked why,” Jimalita told CNN. Dorothy

explained her mission was to positively impact young people’s mental health. Understanding this, Jimalita lent her support. Fast forward two years, 17-year-old Dorothy successfully delivered her dissertation. Now, at 18, she is officially Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, having walked at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions convocation on May 8.

In an interview with CNN, Jimalita expressed her pride, saying, “I knew what it took for her to go through that. She had to sacrifice a lot, especially during the pandemic. She emerged as a leader with-

New Jersey - 17-Year-

Old Earns HS Diploma and Associate’s Degree

Adrian Ottah has spent countless hours at his computer, but not playing video games. At just 17 years old, he has simultaneously earned a high school diploma and a twoyear associate’s degree.

“My true motivation was my parents, my immigrant parents. I know they didn’t have the opportunity to do this, so when I had the opportunity, I just took it and ran with it,” Ottah said.

Ottah’s parents moved to New Jersey from Nigeria a few years before he was born, seeking the opportunities America promises.

out fear, showing others how to navigate online schooling.”

From a young age, Dorothy excelled academically. By age 7, she was already doing high school work and taking college-level module tests to apply credits toward higher education.

“It was always hard to mentally cope with being so young in college. Now I can be comfortable being a teenager and not worry about what comes next,” Dorothy said.

At Arizona State University, she studied integrated behavioral health. Her dissertation explored the stigma that prevents university students from seeking mental health treatment.

In addition to her studies, Dorothy runs the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which inspires underserved young people in Chicago and abroad in countries like Ghana and South Africa to pursue STEAM careers. The program features guest speakers and discussions on each of the five areas of STEAM.

“We aim to provide them with all the resources and the best foundation to start pursuing their dreams,” she said. Despite her achievements, Tillman remains a normal teen who spends time with family and friends. She credits her

mother as one of her greatest motivators. “I definitely couldn’t have gotten this far without her. She’s the best teammate and supporter,” she said.

Another inspiration for Tillman is her grandmother, former Chicago alderwoman Dorothy Tillman, who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.

After graduating from ASU, Tillman plans to continue developing her camps and apply her studies in integrated behavioral health to her work. She hopes to franchise the camps to benefit more children and work more with kids in Africa.

“I’ve been focusing on my studies and haven’t gone as often as I should,” Tillman said. “Now I’m glad to have the time for things like that.”

While she has achieved a lot at her age, Tillman attributes her success to having a supportive family.

“It’s teamwork that makes the dream work,” she said. “It takes a village to build the land. Having those people there with you is what upholds you at the end of the day.”

Caribbean-American Heritage

“For greener pastures. I heard in America you could live your dream, so I said, ‘OK, let me go see that dream,’” said Ottah’s mother, Miriam Watson.

Ottah attends University High School in Newark, where a special program allows college professors to teach college-level courses to select students.

Through this program, Ottah earned 60 college credits after countless days of hard work. He admits that while college classes are challenging, they are not insurmountable for him.

“I’m graduating with over a 3.0 GPA in my college classes while also juggling high school classes, where I have a 3.5 GPA,” said Ottah.

His mother, deeply proud of her son’s achievements, recognizes the significance of his accomplishments.

“It’s amazing. I’m at a loss for words—I’m so proud of him,” she said.

Ottah aspires to honor his parents’ sacrifices and alter the course of his family’s future within a single generation. With the college credits he has already earned, he is on track to graduate from college by the time he is just 19 years old.

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

Karl & Faye Rodney President and CEO

Covid 19 Memorial for Local Community

On Saturday, May 18th community leaders and elected officials came together at Bissel Garden Park to memorialize the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic from which the community suffered disproportionately in the way of victims the effort was spearheaded by Mrs. Sadie Campbell president of the Jamaica Progressive League and state Senator Jamaal T Bailey. Mr. Bailey was joined by many of his colleagues Speaker Carl Heastie, and Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Council Member Kevin Riley then Council Member Eric

Dinowitz also supporting the effort was the Jamaica Benevolent Cultural Center and several local business persons.

Mrs. Campbell remarked that during the pandemic years, people were unable to grieve their loved ones, there was no place for people to gather to mourn those departed.

Guests were invited to bring photos of their departed family members and loved ones to serve as a fitting remembrance Senator Bailey spoke of his own loss of a mother-in-law and how painful it was, he urged the community to come together and stay together and he pledged to focus on the health and well-being of the community Congressman Bowman of the 16th Congressional District also spoke about the personal loss he suffered during the COVID pandemic and pledged his effort to continue to fight for justice on all levels including health care for all people of the community. Council Member Kevin Riley pledged to continue his support to bring the best health care to the community and to support the efforts of local organizations Council Member Eric Dinowitz spoke of his record of bringing resources to the community and pledged to continue particularly when it comes to the health of the community Carl Rodney President Emeritus of the Jamaica progressive league and Publisher of Carib News spoke of the history of the league’s work with elected officials for the well-being of the community and how effective this has been and urged a continu-

ation of this meaningful collaboration. The event was sponsored by Anthem Health, McCalls Funeral Home, Granby Funeral Home, and several local businesses the reception for the community was held right after the dedication ceremony the community members were pleased with their effort over the years to bring recognition to the suffering of the community due to the COVID pandemic and that it was finally recognized and memorialized.

Turks and Caicos – Criticized US Congressman’s Remarks

Turks and Caicos officials have criticized remarks from US lawmakers pressing for the release of Americans arrested on ammunition charges, facing potential 12-year sentences.

Premier Washington Misick, in a House of Assembly address, called US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s accusations against the Turks and Caicos government and people “diabolic falsehoods.”

Reschenthaler had claimed that Americans were being wrongfully detained in the islands every third week. He also highlighted concerns about the prison condi-

tions flagged by the UN.

A US congressional delegation visited the islands to advocate for the release of five Americans charged with possession of ammunition. The Americans, including Michael Lee Evans, Bryan Hagerich, and Tyler Wenrich, have pleaded guilty.

Hagerich’s sentencing is imminent, while others await court decisions.

Reschenthaler demanded that the Americans receive no jail time, arguing their actions were innocent mistakes, typically resolved with fines in other countries.

Cuba – Removed by US From Countries Not Cooperating

Fully Against Terrorism

A State Department official announced on Wednesday that the United States has removed Cuba from a short list of countries it previously alleged were “not co-operating fully” in the fight against terrorism. The official pointed to the resumption of

law enforcement cooperation between Cuba and the U.S. as a key factor in this decision, deeming the previous designation no longer appropriate.

“The department determined that the circumstances for Cuba’s certification as

a ‘not fully cooperating country’ have changed from 2022 to 2023,” the official stated.

This decision represents a cautious but symbolically significant step by the Biden administration, which has mostly retained

Trump-era restrictions on the Communist-run island thus far.

It’s important to note that the cooperation against terrorism list, which the State Department is obligated by law to provide to the U.S. Congress...

T&T - Police Warn About Facebook Marketplace Scams

Port of Spain – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)

TTPS Cyber and Social Media Unit (CSMU) on Wednesday warned of the prevalence of scams targeting unsuspecting online buyers, particularly those using Facebook Marketplace.

In a statement, the CSMU said that criminals were exploiting this

platform to orchestrate robberies, a trend not unique to Trinidad and Tobago, but prevalent worldwide.

“The CSMU expresses concern over numerous reported cases where individuals advertising goods online fall victim to robberies or more serious crimes after being deceived by criminals posing as buyers as well as seller,” it said,

adding that these criminals arrange meet-ups under the guise of purchasing items, such as electronics or vehicles, advertised on Facebook Marketplace.

But CSMU said what initially

appears as smooth transactions, take a dangerous turn when the suspects brandish firearms and demand cash and other valuables from the victims.

Mental Health - Teens Are Asking Schools To Play A Critical Role In Their Needs

A poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

finds that most teens are comfortable talking about mental health, but often don’t start the conversation. They are looking to their schools and parents for information and support. They want schools to play a big role in their mental health, and they trust the information they get there, but feel like schools are not doing enough.

“While the pandemic has taken a toll on our young people’s mental health, which was already showing troubling signs, this poll of young people shows that adults and schools have the opportunity — and an obligation — to help,” said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI.

According to the poll, about 1 in 4 teens have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 64% feel the world is more stressful now than when their parents were their age.

Key Findings: 64% feel the world is more stressful now than

when parents were their age

About 1 in 6 report experiencing negative emotions all the time or often

Girls more likely to say they are anxious or stressed out often or all the time

1 in 4 have been diagnosed with a mental health condition

28% report having received mental health treatment

Boys more likely to say they don’t need mental health treatment right now

65% say they feel comfortable talking about their mental health with those who are closest to them. But:

Only 48% talk regularly with parents about their mental health and only 22% talk regularly with friends

Only 34% seek mental health information from parents, 18% from friends, 8% from the internet, 7% from teachers or trusted adults outside their family, and 6% from social media.

Among those who have sought information about mental health, 95% trust their parents and 78% trust their friends

Teens want schools to play a big role in their mental health, and they trust the information they get there

2 in 3 agree schools should teach about what mental health is, including where and how to seek treatment

4 in 5 who seek mental health information from teachers say they trust their teachers and other adults at their school to provide it

67% think schools should offer days off for mental health

Teens don’t think their schools are doing enough

56% say their school thinks that mental health matters

40% say their school has specific programs or resources to support mental health

This poll was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of NAMI between July 15–Aug. 1, 2022, using the KnowledgePanel®. It is based on a representative sample of 1,015 U.S. teens (ages 12–17) recruited through their parents. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Antigua/Barbuda - PM Browne Blasts Climate Change Empty Promises

At this decade’s summit for Small Island Developing States, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is also the summit president, harshly criticized the “empty” and “grossly inadequate” climate pledges from wealthy nations. He accused these nations of failing to meet their obligations to limit the damages caused by carbon emissions.

Small island states in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean, which contribute minimally to global emissions, are particularly vulnerable to economic crises and rising temperatures due to their susceptibility to natural disasters, high debt levels, and dependence on imports and tourism.

The Atlantic hurricane season, which begins in June, is expected to be more active than usual because of near-record warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and cooler surface waters in the Pacific.

“It is not sufficient for nations to simply make empty and grossly inadequate commitments under the Paris Agreement,”

Browne said, referencing the 2015 treaty

aimed at limiting emissions and preventing global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This threshold is considered crucial to avoiding severe and irreversible climate events. Scientists have warned that without aggressive action, the planet is on track to warm between 2.5C and 2.9C.

Browne called for increased climate financing, a global carbon tax on oil companies, an end to fossil fuel subsidies, and a faster transition to renewable energy sources. He urged wealthy nations to fulfill their promise of providing $100 billion annually to poorer countries to help reduce emissions and mitigate extreme weather impacts.

A Reuters investigation revealed that much of the funds sent so far have been funneled back to rich nations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that Small Island Developing States have “every right” to demand better financing options and greater contributions to the “loss and damage” fund.

“The idea that an entire island state will become collateral damage for profiteering by the fossil fuel industry or competition between major economies is simply obscene,” Guterres said.

The loss and damage fund, announced at last year’s COP28 summit after persistent calls from island states, was designed to help poor countries recover from climate disasters. However, funding from wealthy nations has been insufficient.

“The major contributors to climate change have failed to meet their obligations,” Browne asserted.

Florida – Rapper Sean Kingston and Mother Arrested on Fraud

Rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been accused of committing over a million dollars in fraud, involving the theft of money, jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, and furniture, according to documents released on Friday. Kingston, 34, and Turner, 61, face charges of organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and related crimes, as stated in arrest warrants from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The arrests occurred on Thursday after a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion in suburban Fort Lauderdale, where Turner was taken into custody. Kingston was apprehended at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was performing.

Known for his 2007 No. 1 hit “Beautiful Girls” and the collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Eenie Meenie,” Kingston is currently held in a California jail, awaiting transfer to Florida. Robert Rosenblatt, the attorney for Kingston and his mother, expressed that Kingston is willing to return voluntarily, which would “save the state the expense of extradition and the costs of travel for the detectives and Sean.”

Turner is being held on a $160,000 bond at the Broward County jail.

“We look forward to addressing these charges in court and are confident of a successful resolution for Sean and his mother,” Rosenblatt said.

The warrants detail that between October and March, Kingston

and Turner allegedly stole nearly $500,000 in jewelry, over $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, over $100,000 from First Republic Bank, $86,000 from a customized bed manufacturer, among other smaller amounts. Kingston, legally named Kisean Anderson, is already on two years’ probation for trafficking stolen property, though further details on that conviction were not available.

Federal court records show that Turner’s criminal history includes a 2006 bank fraud conviction, for which she served nearly 1.5 years in prison after stealing over $160,000.

The pair have also faced multiple lawsuits. In 2015, they were successfully sued for $356,000 in a New York City federal court for failing to pay for customized watches. In 2018, a New York jeweler won a $301,000 lawsuit against them for scamming the store out of nine items.

More recently, a Florida entertainment systems company sued Kingston in February, alleging he failed to pay $120,000 of a $150,000 bill for a 232-inch television installed in his home. Kingston allegedly claimed that if given a low down payment and credit, he and Bieber would create commercials for the company, which never happened. The company’s attorney stated that Bieber had no involvement and that Kingston had falsely used his name.

Buju Banton’s First US Show in 15 Years

After a 15-year absence, Grammy award winning, reggae icon Buju Banton is set to make a triumphant return to the United States. Fans and music lovers alike can rejoice as Buju Banton, along with The Shiloh Band, will be gracing the stage at the renowned UBS Arena in New York on Saturday, July 13. This highly anticipated return of the legendary artist and philanthropist brings an air of celebration and triumph symbolizing resilience and hope for all. Rightfully titled “Long Walk To Freedom – N.Y.” Buju Banton’s comeback is a continuation of his return to the worldwide stage, which he kicked off his world tour at home in Kingston’s famed National Stadium, which was one of the biggest music events in Jamaica’s history with over 30,000 in attendance.  A true testament to the power of perseverance, determination of his faith and triumphant career, Buju Banton starts a new chapter of The Long Walk To Freedom journey. On Saturday July, 13th this will also be a celebration of life as Buju Banton celebrates his birthday. “I give thanks for

life each day, but on this weekend, there is a special thanksgiving and I look forward to celebrating with all of my family, friends and everyone who has prayed and supported me over the years” says Buju Banton.

“It’s a true honor to witness the return of a legend, as history unfolds before our eyes once again. On January 16th 2011, we produced Buju Banton’s last concert dubbed “Before the Dawn” in Miami, Florida, his return concert Long Walk To Freedom Jamaica, and today we announce, Buju Banton’s return to U.S. concert “Long Walk to Freedom- NY”, slated for Saturday July 13th 2024. We look forward to presenting an exceptional concert as we partner with AG Consulting and Dahved Levy, whose experience in the market is profound” says Joseph Budafuco, Buju Banton’s manager.

“From his last show at Madison Square Garden in 2008 to now first show back in New York at the UBS Arena, it is with great pleasure to be a part of history. Buju Banton is the baddest DJ ever to ride a dancehall riddim and all I can say is I won’t miss this show” says Dahved Levy, radio personnel at WBLS and host of Long Walk To Freedom-NY.

Buju Banton will perform his world-renowned classic hits and beloved songs that have captured the hearts of many over the years. With his signature sound and undeniable talent, Buju Banton’s return is sure to be a night to remember for all in attendance. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness history and join Buju Banton and The Shiloh Band on July 13 for a night of unforgettable music and memories.

For ticket information and event details, visit www.bujubanton.com.

Belize – One of the Fastest-Growing Destinations in the Caribbean

Belize, known for its pristine reefs of Ambergris Caye, sparkling beaches of Placencia, and rugged natural beauty of the Cayo District, is captivating travelers from all over the world. Whether seeking a rainforest retreat, a river lodge stay, or a sandy beach getaway, Belize offers something for every type of traveler.

The Caribbean coast country of Central America is experiencing a significant travel boom. International arrivals to Belize have surged by 30 percent this year, with air arrivals showing the same impressive growth rate compared to 2023. This makes Belize the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean.

According to the latest Caribbean report by analytics firm ForwardKeys, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Belize’s growth outpaces that of other popular destinations like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and even the high-demand Dutch Caribbean locales such as Curacao and Aruba. Curacao’s arrivals are up 24 percent, while Aruba has seen a 20 percent increase. ForwardKeys describes Belize’s growth as “impressive,” highlighting its steady rise since the country reopened to tourism in the early stages of the post-pandemic travel resurgence.

“As the Caribbean seeks to build on its success in the global tourism recovery, a data-based approach to desti-

nation promotion and management will be foundational for a sustainable, resilient, and profitable future for the

Jamaica – Expects 2 Million Visitors By End of May

As Jamaica continues to see robust growth in tourist arrivals, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett projects that the island will achieve an unprecedented milestone of two million stopover and cruise visitors in the first five months of the year.

To date, Jamaica has welcomed approximately 1.8 million visitors, comprising 1.1 million stopover arrivals and 733,000 cruise passengers.

“For the first time in our history, Jamaica will record two million visitors in stopover and cruise in the first five months of the year,” Bartlett stated.

He emphasized that “the state of the tourism industry in Jamaica is strong and flourishing,” with projected gross earnings for the 2023/24 fiscal year expected to

reach US$4.38 billion.

The tourism minister expressed confidence that Jamaica is on track to meet its ambitious goal of attracting five million visitors and earning US$5 billion by 2025, given the current momentum.

Bartlett made these remarks on Tuesday at the CHTA 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James from May 20-22.

The tradeshow, which features representation from over 40 countries and more than 1,000 delegates, is being covered by a significant media presence, including 50 representatives from major international, regional, and local outlets, with a combined reach of over 400 million people.

region’s tourism sector,” said Olivier Ponti, Director of Intelligence and Marketing at ForwardKeys.

Cuba - Yakelin Estornell, The Olympic Boxing Hopeful

Yakelín Estornell was born in Guantánamo, Cuba 38 years ago and is the only female boxer from the nation competing at the final qualifier for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which takes place in Bangkok, Thailand from 24 May to 2 June.

Even though Cuba competing in a boxing tournament is far from unusual, particularly when you consider that the nation is one of the most successful in Olympic boxing history, in reality, this is a historic moment.

In December 2022, Estornell was a wrestling trainer in Guantánamo. It was at that time that women were officially given permission to practice boxing in Cuba. The news changed her life or, to put it another way, allowed her to find a new one.

In January 2023, the national school of boxing in Cuba opened its doors to women and, in less than 12 months, three of the dozen boxers who make up the elite team participated in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. This was the first qualifier in history in which Cuba’s female boxers could obtain a quota for the Olympic Games. None of the three achieved their goal in Chile nor at the

first World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy in March.

Now there is just one opportunity left, at the Second World Qualification Tournament in Thailand, and only one boxer from Cuba can take it: Yakelín Estornell.

“To qualify for the Olympics would be a source of pride for the people of Cuba, it would be the first time that a female boxer qualified for the Olympic Games,” Estornell, who fights in the -66kg category, told Olympics.com.

Estornell is the personification of a common dream for Cuba’s women’s boxers: “Las Marianas of Boxing”, as they are known, in honour of Mariana Grajales, who is considered the Mother of the Nation and a symbol of Cuban women after she devoted her life to the fight for Cuban independence in the 19th century.

“The Cuban woman is very strong and knows how to impose herself,” Estornell told us. “I also try to give the best of myself and it is a source of pride for a Cuban woman to compete in every sport, particularly in women’s boxing, which is a new sport. It makes me proud to be a representative of women’s boxing and women in general.”

Obed McCoy Replaces Jason Holder On ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announces a key update to the West Indies squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Jason Holder has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury and left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy has been named as his replacement.

While Jason Holder’s absence is notable, CWI is confident that the team remains strong and competitive with the inclusion of McCoy. Holder’s injury, sustained during the County Championship 2024, will require a recovery period, and the team’s medical staff will provide all necessary support to ensure his swift and complete recovery.

Dr. The Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, Lead Selector of CWI, shared his thoughts on this development:

“Jason is an experienced player in our setup. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon.”

Dr. Haynes continued,

“While it is unfortunate to lose a player

of Jason’s caliber, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy. Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad.”

The final West Indies squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be:

Rovman Powell (Captain)

Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain)

Johnson Charles

Roston Chase

Shimron Hetmyer

Shai Hope

Akeal Hosein

Shamar Joseph

Brandon King

Obed McCoy

Gudakesh Motie

Nicholas Pooran

Andre Russell

Sherfane Rutherford

Romario Shepherd

players have been named, ready to step in if needed. These reserves are:

Kyle Mayers

Matthew Forde

Fabian Allen

Hayden Walsh

Andre Fletcher

Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed his

“We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks. Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise.”