June 12, 2024

CaribNews

EDITORIAL

Black Fathers Matter Today and Every Day - P 9

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Rights abuses against civilians still rampant in eastern DR Congo

Human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are still rampant in the war-wracked east of the country.

Carbon Pipelines are a Bad Deal (For Everyone Who Is Not Getting Rich from Them) by Ben Jealous - P 9

HEALTH

Black Health Names Shirley Torso As New President & CEO - P 16

SPORTS

Elaine Thompson-Herah Sustains Injury, Carried Off Track at 2024 New York Grand Prix - P 19

That’s the worrying finding of a new report from UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which said on Monday that children have been killed, abducted, sexually abused and exploited by armed groups in North Kivu province.

During May, the agency recorded 164 alerts involving children; almost 90 per cent took place in combat zones, including Goma-Nyiragongo.

Clashes intensify

UNHCR noted that an intensification of clashes in Masisi and Rutshuru, along with attacks against civilians in Beni, have forced more than 250,000 people from their homes and shelters.

Those displaced and returning to their homes are the most common victims of rights abuses, with Masisi, Beni and Rutshuru territories the worst affected.

The UN agency said that the increase in abuses since April was likely attributable to fighting between the M23 armed group and rival Allied Democratic Forces in southeast Masisi and northern Rutshuru.

Since 27 May, the UN Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) has conducted more than 50 patrols to protect civilians in addition to securing routes from Kilambo, Mirangui, Kanyabayonga, Kania and Kirumba towards camps for the displaced.

Envoy highlights progress towards a new political landscape in Central Africa

The adoption of a new constitution in Chad alongside new inclusive dialogue in Gabon, standout as positive recent developments in Central Africa, the head of the UN office for the region said on Monday.

But, briefing the Security Council, Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the region also warned that insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to plague nations.

Observers had reported Chad’s presidential elections in May took place “under good conditions”, albeit with some isolated incidents which had not compromised the conduct or credibility of the polls, he said.

“The difficult environment in which Chad finds itself [reminds us] of the need to continue our support to the authorities to assist the country as it searches for stability, particularly at this new point in its history,” he said.

Mr. Abarry, who also heads the UN Regional Office for the Central Africa (UNOCA), added that he will continue supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in the country, in the light of the Doha Peace Agreement.

‘Turning point’ in Gabon Gabon also reached “an important turning point” with the convening of a national inclusive dialogue in April...

‘Gender apartheid’ in Afghanistan

The oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August 2021 is unmatched in terms of scale and generational impact, according to a new update on gender discrimination in the country from UN Women released on Monday.

Key international actors, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, have used terms such as “gender apartheid” to describe the high levels of discrimination.

“Gender apartheid is not merely a theoretical possibility or legal construct, but a real threat and lived reality for millions of women and girls around the world,” in February.

While there is no conventional legal framework currently in place in Afghanistan, a series of written and verbal decrees issued by the de facto authorities have forcefully curtailed the freedoms of women and girls.

UN Women is calling for immediate global action to end the injustice.

Mounting oppression

The decrees founded on the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic law dictate women’s attire, strictly limit their movement and restrict access to education and professional opportunities, in effect eliminating their voices from public spaces.

Climate action plans falling short on forests, warns UNEP

Despite global commitments to end deforestation by 2030, only eight of the top 20 countries that are levelling trees the fastest have related quantifiable targets in their national climate action plans (NDCs), the UN Environment Program (UNEP) warned on Monday. That’s according to the UN-REDD report on accelerating climate action to protect forest cover worldwide, which is a key part of the effort to capture carbon and slow global warming.

The report reveals a major gap in forest protection, management and restoration in current NDCs, which lay out plans to adapt and mitigate climate change.

Falling short

Pledges submitted from 2017 to 2023 do not meet the global ambition to halt and reverse deforestation, said UNEP. Forests have the potential to contribute up to one third of the emissions reductions needed to close the 2030 mitigation gap.

Although 11 of the NDCs do contain targets relating to tree replacement or reforestation, mitigating the impacts of climate change requires reducing deforestation first, as it takes many years to capture the carbon being lost.

UNEP said it was crucial for NDCs to integrate existing national strategies to curb emissions from deforestation, which 15 of the 20 countries examined have adopted.

Jamaica – PJ – Privy Council Never Intended As Final Court of Appeal

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson has emphasized that Jamaica’s constitution was never intended to permanently retain the British Privy Council as its highest Court of Appeal. Speaking at the University of the West Indies at Mona, Patterson stated that both Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante did not support the Privy Council’s continued role, which was meant to uphold British colonial interests.

Patterson, who played a key role in the creation of Jamaica’s constitution, noted that the Privy Council was a temporary measure following the dissolution of the West Indies Federation. He asserted that Jamaica’s founders envisioned a Caribbean Court at the apex of the judicial system, a goal that should not be compromised by political expediency.

“No valid reason has been presented for keeping this colonial institution,” Patterson said, adding that if Bustamante had believed it was permanent, he would have insisted on its deep entrenchment.

The idea for a Caribbean Court of Appeal originated from a 1970 recommendation

by the Caribbean Commonwealth Bar Association and was approved by Prime Minister Hugh Shearer. In 1987, Caribbean Heads of Government, including Jamaica’s Edward Seaga, agreed to establish a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court for English-speaking Caribbean countries.

The Judicial Privy Council accepted a framework allowing the final court’s removal by a two-thirds vote in both houses, without requiring a referendum.

Patterson stressed the importance of establishing the CCJ as a court representative of Caribbean people. He highlighted Jamaica’s full financial contribution and the court’s success over ten years.

“It’s time to end the incongruity of His Majesty’s Judicial Privy Council being our final legal authority when the Monarch is no longer part of our reality,” Patterson said. “Sixty-two years after independence, Jamaica should no longer rely on an Order in Council but instead develop its own Caribbean jurisprudence.”

Guyana – Job Fair in NY to Target Diaspora

The Government of Guyana is set to host a job fair in New York, aiming to attract skilled members of the Guyanese Diaspora back to their homeland. This initiative addresses a significant skills and resource gap identified by international and local assessments, which highlight the need for approximately 100,000 skilled professionals due to the rapid transformation of Guyana’s economy.

A research paper by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals that around 550,000 Guyanese live abroad.

The study also indicates that between 1965 and 2000, nearly 90% of Guyanese nationals with tertiary-level education and 40% of those with secondary education emigrated from Guyana.

In response to Guyana’s recent economic advancements, there has been a noticeable trend of Guyanese nationals returning home. The government has introduced various policies and initiatives to encourage this reverse migration.

“This will be happening very soon, targeting the diaspora to inform them about the opportunities in Guyana, the skills we need, and how they can contribute,” said Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Persaud emphasized that not only are expatriates returning, but their children are also being encouraged to contribute to the country’s development.

“We are already seeing an influx of returnees addressing the skills gap of over

100,000. There is renewed interest from the second generation, who have built their capacities in various sectors, and they are also returning to Guyana,” he noted.

The positive economic climate in Guyana creates a favorable environment for both returnees and new migrants, ensuring their retention within the country. Persaud highlighted the detrimental impact of the brain drain over the past decades and the importance of reversing this trend.

“Any developing country such as ours, losing one skilled worker can have an impact. Unfortunately, in Guyana, we’ve lost many skilled workers and some of our biggest minds. Over the last half-century, Guyanese have significantly contributed to other countries and industries worldwide. This brain drain has negatively impacted our country, and we are working to change that,” he explained.

To address this, the government is rolling out initiatives aimed at retaining talent within the country and developing the capacity of its workforce to propel Guyana’s burgeoning economy.

As Guyana continues to grow, these efforts to reconnect with its diaspora are critical in bridging the skills gap and ensuring sustainable economic development. The upcoming job fair in New York marks a significant step towards achieving these goals, inviting skilled professionals to return home and be part of Guyana’s promising future.

Jamaica – PJ Calls for Holness/Golding Summit on Republic Status

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who was intimately involved in the drafting of the Jamaican Constitution shared his firsthand experience and invaluable politico-legal perspective about the Constitution, as calls for constitutional reform reach another fever pitch on the island.

This critical reasoning event titled “A Reasoning with the Most Honorable PJ Patterson about the Jamaican Constitution”, came at a time when debates about the role of the monarchy and the potential for Jamaica to become a Republic have once again been placed on the front burner. The event took place at the Faculty of Law, Law Lecture Theatre 11, The UWI, Mona Campus.

About one week ago Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that his government remains optimistic about the prospects for Jamaica’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. While noting that the process has not gone as he had expected, in relation to the anticipated stakeholder support, he still holds out hope for constitutional transformation being achieved.

In a statement he said, “It has not gone quite as I had expected, we needed to have the support of the Opposition, we still hold out hope that maybe we can actually do this. We will carry it as far as we can with the great hope that we can reach to some understanding and consensus. It is truly my wish for Jamaica to become a republic.”

In response to this, Patterson suggests a lock-in between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding until an agreement is reached on critical aspects regarding the constitutional reform process.

He said: “My view is, the political leadership should meet; there is absolutely no reason, I know of no just cause or impediment why Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Leader of the Opposition Mr Mark Golding, and their respective teams, cannot gather in a suitable facility while Vale Royal is being repaired and get a supply of food and drink and bedding if necessary. If you have to get some rooms in a hotel, so let it be, it’s worth it, the country needs it.” He also added, “Lock down in there and don’t

move until you get agreement, and if you need to call anybody on the side for a little help there are people that both sides can identify to call in and help. There must be a way, we have to find it.”

“It’s one Jamaica; we show we are capable of greatness. I am not suggesting that political contest cease and rivalry and debate discontinue. What I am saying is that there are some issues that are compelling… we are destroying ourselves,” he declared.

Patterson insisted that common ground should be found – “If the two leaders can’t agree, or can’t find a way of talking with each other, they have to find surrogates and authorize them to

do the communication between themselves in accordance with the instructions that they are given.

He added: “If there is such a personality clash between the two leaders we cannot afford that to be to the detriment of the national interest of the country, we must find a way if we say we love Jamaica, and I think we do, if we say we want to advance the welfare of Jamaica, and I think we do, then we must find a way of getting it done.”

Patterson also expressed discomfort with the proposed two-tiered method of appointment of the president of the Jamaican republic by the committee among other issues. “It’s not easy, but it can be done, it must be done, Jamaica demands, needs urgently, some symbol that there is some source of uniting us. It cannot be a foreign monarch. It has to be one of our own that represents what our people stand for and aspire to be, and I think we can find it. We must insist that our leaders meet and continue to dialogue and if they can’t do it, they find people and authorize them to do it on their behalf,” he said.

Haiti – New Prime Minister Fell Ill, Now Out of The Hospital

Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Garry Conille, was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after spending the night receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition.

In a YouTube video, Conille reassured the public that he was feeling well and ready to address the country’s pressing issues, including the ongoing security crisis and healthcare challenges.

“The entire time I was at the hospital, I kept thinking about this: People who need to go to the general hospital can’t get there due to widespread violence. People who need healthcare can’t afford it,” Conille said in the video.

Conille arrived in Haiti on June 1 after being selected by a transitional council as the new prime minister. Before his appointment, he served as UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The new prime minister faces significant challenges, including addressing rampant gang violence and severe poverty, with inflation soaring to a record 29%, according to the latest data.

In recent years, gangs have taken control of at least 80% of Port-au-Prince, displacing more than 360,000 people and dominating key routes from the capital to Haiti’s northern and southern regions, often disrupting the transport of essential goods.

Conille’s predecessor, Ariel Henry, resigned in April after coordinated gang attacks seized police stations, raided prisons, and fired on the main international airport during Henry’s official trip to Kenya. The Haitian government is now awaiting a U.N.-backed police force deployment from Kenya and other countries.

A close associate of Conille, who wished to remain anonymous as they were not authorized to speak to the media, told The Associated Press on Saturday night that Conille, who is asthmatic and sometimes uses an inhaler, appeared to have trouble breathing. The associate contacted high-ranking officials, who arranged for Conille to be taken to the hospital. In the video released Sunday, Conille appeared in good spirits, wearing a purple shirt and speaking against a backdrop of trees and bushes. “I hope that by early next week we can have a government in place,” he said. “I am doing everything we can to get out of this crisis.”

T&T - Pan As National Instrument, Minister Tables Bill

The steelpan is poised to receive formal recognition through the National Musical Instrument Bill, 2024, which was introduced in the House of Representatives on Friday by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, Randall Mitchell.

This bill, which will be debated in both Houses, is officially titled an Act to provide for the designation of the Steelpan as the National Musical Instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and for related matters.

The preamble of the bill emphasizes the Government’s commitment to “developing, safeguarding, and promoting culture and the arts.” It highlights that the steelpan, originally created and pioneered in Trinidad and Tobago by its innovative and enterprising citizens, stands as a significant source of national pride and is

central to the nation’s musical heritage and cultural identity.

The Government has long considered the steelpan the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and in its efforts to modernize, it deems it prudent to enshrine this policy into law.

The bill acknowledges the international recognition and global acclaim the steelpan has garnered through various events, schools, and festivities. Given its continuous highlight on the world stage through accolades, achievements, and awards, the bill argues it is expedient to officially and legally declare the steelpan as the national musical instrument, recognizing its fundamental value to Trinidad and Tobago and its citizens.

According to the bill, the term “steelpan” refers to a definite pitch percussion

musical instrument in the idiophone class with notes on a concave playing surface, with or without a skirt, divided into convex sections by channels that may contain grooves or bores, or both, with each convex section being a note tuned to a definite pitch.

The legislation states, “The steelpan is hereby declared the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Additionally, the culture minister is required to prepare and present a report to Parliament every two years from the commencement of the act. This report will cover the recognition, status, promotion, development, and impact of the steelpan at national, regional, and international levels.

Haiti – Kenya Has Religious Pastors to Guide Mission of Forces

In the months leading up to Kenya’s deployment of police officers to Haiti, President William Ruto has sought advice from political advisers, security officials, and foreign leaders regarding the prominent anti-gang mission. However, he also consulted a group of Christian evangelical pastors close to him and his wife for guidance.

These pastors have provided recommendations to Ruto and acted as intermediaries between Haitian communities and the president, according to interviews with

two of the pastors and three Haitian and American evangelical leaders. Spokespeople for President Ruto and his wife, Rachel, did not respond to requests for comment on this matter.

Ahead of the deployment, scheduled to begin later this month, the pastors’ efforts have included meetings with Haitians in the United States, evangelical counterparts, U.S. government officials, and even Haiti’s most notorious gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier.

Guyana - Government Agencies To No Longer Use

The Word ‘Negro’

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other state agencies have been instructed to discontinue the use of terms like ‘Negro’ and ‘East Indian’ when referring to ethnic groups in Guyana.

On Friday, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, announced that the Cabinet has revised the terminology used for identifying and describing various ethnic groups in Guyana. This change comes after attorney Nigel Hughes wrote to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) regarding the GPF’s description of his client, Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member, Kidackie Amsterdam, as a ‘Negro.’

Amsterdam faces charges under cybercrime laws for alleged threats made

against the President and other government officials during a call on his talk show. In his letter to the ERC’s Chief Executive Officer, Gomin Camacho, Hughes argued that the term “negro” is rooted in colonialism and slavery, used historically to dehumanize and oppress people of African descent.

Hughes stated, “Its usage today is not only outdated but also perpetuates a legacy of racism and exclusion,” urging the ERC to direct the Police Force to stop using the term ‘Negro’ and any other derogatory language when referring to individuals of African descent. He recommended that this directive be widely communicated within the Force to ensure compliance.

Minister Teixeira’s statement indicated that the Cabinet, acknowledging that

many Guyanese find the terms “Negro” and “East Indian” offensive, decided on June 6, 2024, to change the terminology used by the Guyana Police Force, Immigration, and the Health Sector for ethnic identification and epidemiological references. The new terms to be used are Guyanese of African descent, Guyanese of Indian descent, Guyanese Amerindian, Guyanese of mixed ancestry, Guyanese of Portuguese descent, and Guyanese of Chinese descent.

Additionally, Teixeira instructed all relevant state entities to implement the Cabinet’s decision and update their operational manuals and protocols accordingly.

Toronto – Well-Known Jamaican Shot to Death Playing Dominoes

The Toronto Police Service currently investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at approximately 10:53 p.m. Reports are that police responded to a call for a shooting in the parking lot of North Albion Collegiate Institute. It is reported that a group of men were gathered in the parking lot area after a soccer game when a dark pickup truck arrived in the parking lot. Two suspects got out and shot at the group of men before fleeing the area in the truck officers arrived on scene and located five victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All victims were transported to hospital

Washington, DC – 50 Cent, Ben

and one victim, a 61-year-old man, succumbed to his injuries in hospital The four remaining victims have life-altering and non-life-threatening injuries.

The deceased victim has been identified as Delroy “George” Parkes, 61, of Woodstock. An image of the victim has been released.

Two suspects are outstanding and police are appealing to the public for any information.

Crump Collaborate for Increased Minorities in Liquor Industry Business

On Wednesday, June 5, multifaceted artist, 50 Cent, and attorney Ben Crump visited Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to advocate for Black-owned liquor brands and their challenges in the competitive luxury spirits industry. 50 Cent took to Instagram to share his meeting with the Black Congressional Caucus amidst his ongoing legal battle with Suntory Global Spirits, previously known as Beam Suntory, concerning his Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne products.

50 Cent wrote on Instagram – “I’m off to DC to talk to the Congressional Black Caucus about how @suntoryglobalspirits has damaged my business.”

“I am pleased to join the legal team representing Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson,

as he is one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in America, and even he is not immune to the biased treatment that minority business owners face every day,” Crump said in a statement. “He has been relentless in his fight to seek fairness and justice over the way he was treated by a corporate giant in the luxury spirits industry.”

In true 50 Cent style, last month he called out Beam Suntory on social media and first hinted at his trip to DC for changing its name before resolving the lawsuit he filed against them.

Back in March, 50 Cent sued the alcoholic beverage company, alleging an embezzlement scheme that reportedly cost him $6 million. In the lawsuit, he claimed his co-

gnac and champagne supplier overcharged his company, Sire Spirits, for the products and then split the profits.

“Because these illicit commissions were baked into the price of the product, Sire Spirits overpaid on taxes, overpaid on customs and duties, and overpaid on insurance, all of which are marked towards the value of the product,” Sire Spirits attorney Craig Weiner explained. “Beam Suntory’s role here is extraordinarily troubling.

Beam Suntory’s Chief Commercial Officer, Julious Grant, acting as an employee and officer of the company, under the authority of Beam Suntory, facilitated the entire fraud as outlined in our complaint.”

Appeals Court Blocks Black Women-Owned Grant Program

The Fearless Fund, a venture capital initiative supporting Black women-owned businesses, has been ordered to halt its grant program by a divided U.S. appeals court. This decision aligns with an anti-affirmative action group that sued the fund.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Atlanta, found merit in the group’s discrimination lawsuit, overturning a lower court’s decision that had

allowed the grant program to continue during the legal proceedings.

This ruling marks a victory for Edward Blum, a conservative activist known for his successful U.S. Supreme Court challenge against race-conscious college admissions policies.

Blum’s organization, the American Alliance for Equal Rights, argued that the Fearless Fund violated a 19th-

century federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in private contracts. The lawsuit specifically targeted the Fearless Fund’s program, which provides $20,000 grants and other resources to Black women entrepreneurs.

According to the Fearless Fund, Black women-owned businesses received less than 1% of the $288 billion invested by venture capital firms in 2022.

The appellate panel, led by Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom, a Trump appointee, determined that the Fearless Fund’s program did not qualify for speech protections under the First Amendment.

Another Trump appointee, Judge Robert Luck, concurred with Newsom’s decision. However, Circuit Judge Robin Rosenbaum, appointed during the Obama administration, dissented, criticizing the plaintiffs for feigning harm from the grant program. The initiative had been suspended due to an earlier appellate court ruling. Fearless Fund’s attorneys stated that Monday’s ruling contradicts over 150 years of civil rights jurisprudence and emphasized that this decision is not the final resolution of the case.

In January, the Fearless Fund argued that it had a constitutional right to advocate for the economic importance of Black women through its charitable activities. Blum, on Monday, reiterated that federal civil rights laws do not allow racial distinctions based on representation disparities across different sectors.

NAACP – Urges Biden to Stop Weapons to Israel As He Tries to Reach Black Voters

The NAACP is urging President Biden to halt the sale of weapons to Israel, arguing that this move could strengthen his support among Black voters ahead of the election.

This appeal follows polls indicating Biden may lose Black voter support due to his stance on Israel amid the ongoing violence in Gaza. A March poll by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda with PerryUndem found that 24 percent of Black voters considered the Israel-Hamas conflict “extremely important” in the context of the upcoming election.

“The NAACP calls on President Biden to draw the red line and indefinitely end the shipment of all weapons and artillery to the state of Israel and other states that supply weapons to Hamas and other terrorist organizations,” the civil rights organization said in a statement, first reported by Reuters. “It is imperative that the

violence that has claimed so many civilian lives, immediately stop.”

While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s October 7 attack, which Israel claims resulted in about 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken, the NAACP also urges Israel to adopt an offensive strategy that complies with international and humanitarian laws.

The Palestinian Health Authority reports over 36,000 Palestinian deaths from subsequent Israeli military actions, along with widespread hunger and displacement. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of violating the genocide convention, allegations that Israel denies.

The NAACP also calls for Hamas to return the hostages and cease all terrorist activities.

The 115-year-old civil rights organization has been cautious in its public commentary on the conflict, though it did recently support

college students’ right to protest. Now, the NAACP warns Biden that failing to leverage his influence with Israel to secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza could result in frustration among Black voters at the polls.

A majority of Black voters want the U.S. to advocate for an immediate cease-fire and believe U.S. military aid to Israel should be conditional, according to a survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Advocates have warned Biden that Black voters feel a connection with Palestinians due to shared experiences of oppression, a sentiment NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson reiterated in an interview with Reuters.

The rising civilian death toll, Johnson said, is “horrifying” Black Americans, particularly the younger generation. “It’s raising a lot of questions around why our tax dollars are being used to harm civilians,” he added.

NYC – Council Passes Bill for More Oversight of Mayoral Operations

City Hall – The New York City Council voted to pass legislation that would require the advice and consent of the Council as part of the appointment process for 20 additional city agency commissioners, upon subsequent approval by voters in a citywide election. Currently, the Council already has advice and consent power for more than a dozen roles, including the Corporation Counsel, Department of Investigations (DOI) Commissioner, and Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner. The Council also voted to approve modifications to the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity citywide zoning text amendment. The Council’s modifications to 14 of the 18 proposals address concerns about the initial proposal by including limitations and safeguards, striking the right balance to expand

opportunities for small businesses, create jobs, and protect neighborhoods and quality of life for all New Yorkers. The Council also secured commitments to regulate last-mile facilities, support the city’s industrial sector, and boost enforcement resources.

Additionally, the Council passed packages of legislation to address the pay disparity in the municipal workforce and to support the needs of migrants and new arrivals.

“Advice and consent is a safeguard of good government, ensuring the city’s agency leaders are qualified and their priority is the public interest,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “When you cut through the noise, the truth is that advice and consent is a common feature of representative democracy in cities and states across this country, including New York, and

New York City is an outlier. Today’s vote to pass this legislation supports the Council’s efforts to advance transparency and is a first step in this important conversation about representative democracy that is accountable to its people, and the final decision ultimately must be made by voters.

“In our ongoing commitment to achieve pay equity for our municipal workforce, the Council is proud to pass a package of legislation to ensure our city employees, especially women of color, have equitable access to the opportunities and tools that help them advance their careers,” continued Speaker Adams. As a women-majority Council, and the most diverse in history, our goal is to make government and our entire city work for all New Yorkers.”

NY – Progressive Caucus Pulls Back Endorsement of Mondaire Jones

The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC announced Thursday that it has revoked its endorsement of former Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., after he backed the primary challenger of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a prominent Progres-

sive Caucus member and fellow Black New York Democrat. Bowman has faced criticism over his stance on Israel.

The New York Working Families Party also withdrew its financial and organizational support for Jones, citing his recent endorsement and asserting that he has “strayed from the values and principles that made us proud to support him in 2020.”

In response Jones said, “I have no regrets about standing up for what I firmly believe in,” Jones said in a statement responding to the Progressive Caucus’ rebuke. “I have known and worked with George Latimer for years.”

“Rep. Bowman and I have very different views on Israel,” Jones continued. “I have been horrified by his recent acceptance of the DSA endorsement, his denial of the sexual assault of Israeli women by Hamas on October 7, and his rush to call for a ceasefire before Israel could hardly begin to defend itself against the worst assault on Jews since the Holocaust.”

This move is notable for the Progressive Caucus, which typically embraces a broad, inclusive approach to expanding its membership and generally avoids enforcing strict ideological criteria, much to the frustration of some leftwing allies.

“A number of factors led to the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC rescinding the endorsement of Mondaire Jones,” stated the PAC’s executive director, Evan Brown, adding that the decision was unanimously made by the PAC board.

The caucus’s campaign arm has been heavily involved in supporting Bowman, initiating an ad campaign for him last week. Bowman holds a leadership position within the CPC as vice chair for labor.

Bowman is engaged in a heated Democratic primary against George Latimer, the executive of Westchester County, where the conflict in Gaza has emerged as a pivotal issue. Bowman has criticized U.S. financial support for Israel,

claiming it contributes to atrocities, while Latimer has maintained his support for the Jewish state.

The June 25 primary is a significant battleground in the broader conflict between the Democratic mainstream and the insurgent left, which aims to defend Bowman, who unseated a 16-term pro-Israel incumbent in 2020. Jones, who was also elected in 2020 during a wave of progressive activism, ran on platforms like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and defunding the police. Alongside a colleague, he became one of the first openly gay Black members of Congress in history.

After losing re-election in 2022, Jones is now seeking a return to Congress. He is the leading Democratic candidate aiming to challenge Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., considered one of the more vulnerable Republicans in the upcoming election.

Black Fathers Matter Today and Every Day

As we celebrate and pay tribute to Black fathers, it is important for us to take a view of a Black father in raising his children in a way to face this world where they will encounter obstacles of racism, and to develop the mechanism and strategy to deal with and overcome this malady of society. Black fathers are fully aware of the issues that have impacted us as a people, and in many instances want to protect their children from those circumstances and work to bring about a realization of a better world for their children. But sometimes that task is difficult and has to

be brought to a realism with the children. He has to work to maintain his status and work even harder to provide hope for his children and for a better world. He has to care and comfort his children when they have experienced racism outside of the family and try to explain to them what the consequences are and how they may want to handle the situation for their own protection and for their own survival, and for their own striving. So the role of the father becomes one of protecting, one of educating, one of inspiring and one of motivating his children to face and be prepared for a world that is waiting on them with all of its problems, challenges and yes, discrimination. So the real impact of fathers, and as we pay tribute to them on Father’s Day, goes beyond just a greeting card, a necktie or some gift. It goes to celebrating the enduring legacy and the power he brings to the relationship and how he shapes the lives of sons and daughters and that of a community, and at the same time put to rest the negative stereotype that society would like to place on Black fathers as being missing. The National Institute of Health in its study reports that the majority of Black fathers live with their children and that Black fathers are more likely to feed, bathe, dress, and play with their children

on a regular daily basis than their white counterparts, and that they are involved in community activities with their children. So we must acknowledge the role of Black fathers, the strength they bring to a community and a task that they have to fulfill facing tremendous obstacles. They have to remain as role models, protectors, defenders and inspirers. Black fathers cannot give up, they must keep fighting those issues that impact his life and that of his family and he must continue to protect and provide and build a strong bond between himself and family, in spite of the pressures that the system has imposed on him as a Black man and on the family as a Black family, and needs to talk the talk and walk the walk that will bring progress to his children and to the community. So let us pay tribute to these men of valor, these fabulous fathers who have been the rock of the family and the community, and pay special tribute to them and all that they have done - it is a huge task and it’s a task that we need to recognize and encourage, support and be grateful for on Father’s Day.

Happy Father’s Day

Carbon Pipelines Are a Bad Deal (For Everyone Who Is Not Getting Rich from Them)

“Isn’t it sad that money controls everything?”

That is what Kim Junker says, as she laments the iron grip wealthy pipeline interests seem to have over some of Iowa’s most powerful lawmakers. What she is referring to is a yearslong fight against a massive carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline project planned to run through the state.

Junker and her husband own farmland in both Grundy and Butler Counties where they grow corn and soybeans. She describes a “David vs. Goliath” fight. The irony is that in this case, David – at least in terms of the number of people on that side of the fight – is bigger.

The Iowans fighting the pipelines, and the use of eminent domain to seize people’s land for the projects, are a wide-ranging coalition of farmers and landowners, environmentalists, county supervisors and attorneys, and others. It is a coalition that crosses all party lines. Junker herself identifies as a Republican-raised conservative who is also a conservationist.

The bill that was in front of legislators this year was overwhelmingly popular (as is opposition to the pipeline project). Written to maximize its chance of passage, it would have protected landowners’ due process rights by allowing them to challenge eminent domain requests in court earlier in the permitting process. Hardly radical stuff. By comparison in neighboring Illinois, state lawmakers just passed a moratorium on all CO2 pipeline projects for two years or until the federal government issues new safety rules.

The bill in Iowa passed the Republican-major-

ity Iowa House of Representatives in March on a whopping 86-7 vote, with massive bipartisan support. That bill was a watered down version of the bill that passed the Iowa House last year by a vote of 73-20. But this year, just like last year, the bill was killed in the state Senate before it could receive a floor vote.

Organizers in Iowa think the bill would have had enough support in the Senate to pass if it got a floor vote. Yet a handful of Senate leaders continue to prevent that… and, in doing so, are conveniently preventing it from getting to the governor’s desk.

You see, Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the current pipeline plans, is owned by one of the state’s largest GOP donors and one of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ biggest benefactors: Bruce Rastetter.

In 2023, as Kim Junker spoke at a rally on the steps of the state capitol in support of that year’s version of the eminent domain bill, a member of the crowd shouted out that if the bill passed in the Senate, “those people won’t get any money from Bruce!” The knowing laughter from the crowd at that sad and frustrating reality showed that Rastetter’s influence is hardly a well-kept secret among Iowans.

The CO2 pipelines in question are part of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, to help capture carbon emissions from the many ethanol plants across the states and pipe them out of state for deep underground storage. There are many reasons why CCS pipelines are not a good solution for curbing carbon emissions. Not the least of which is that the

by Ben Jealous

pipelines themselves are dangerous. The pressure required to liquify CO2 for pipeline transport is immense – three times the pressure required for liquifying natural gas. That creates a dangerous possibility of pipeline ruptures. Any amount of water getting into the pipelines can react with the CO2 to weaken them. Intense storms, which are getting worse and more frequent due to climate change, can threaten pipeline stability. A pipeline explosion can turn the pipeline itself into shrapnel. And then there is the toxic air pollution.

In 2020, a plume of CO2 from a ruptured nearby pipeline settled over Satarcia, Mississippi. Residents felt the effects within minutes. More than 200 were evacuated and 45 people were hospitalized. Experts say it was incredibly lucky no one died. Three years later, some residents reported still dealing with residual health issues like severe asthma attacks, headaches, muscle tremors, and trouble concentrating.

The CO2 pipelines also harm the soil and reduce crop yields – a major concern for farmers. And for people like the Junkers, who have worked hard to own and maintain their land, the threat of losing their land is perhaps the worst dagger in the heart.

Junker says if these eminent domain claims to Iowans’ land were for a public good, it might be a different story – “if it was a road or bridge, or something that was a necessity … but it’s not. It’s not for the public good.” She calls it a “scam.”

“They’re going to use our tax dollars to steal our land from us… they’re getting all these

tax credits and subsidies to do this. We pay for that.”

Perhaps the clearest lesson from this fight goes back to Kim Junker’s point about money and power. People across this country are consistent that they want more examples of bipartisan agreement and progress. Well here it is. But Big Money’s influence in our politics will not let us have it.

Yet, in a battle between organized people and organized money, when the people are truly organized, the people can win. And the Iowans fighting the pipelines and the use of eminent domain for their construction are extremely organized. They are making progress. And they are growing their movement across different communities and viewpoints. It is for these reasons I believe they will ultimately win.

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

Jacqueline Johnson - Expert in Bridal and Luxury Marketing

Jacqueline Johnson, CTC is CEO of an award winning multimedia organization with expertise in marketing, branding, media and e-commerce. She is a frequent lecturer on the business of bridal worldwide and is available for guidance and consultation in the development of the bridal travel industry. She is a dedicated romantic brand strategist leading a flexible team of designers, marketers, on-air talent, user-experience experts,

developers, writers and United States legal consultation. Her services include promotional design, bridal sweepstakes, developing marketing symposiums, interactive marketing and branded activations. She excels on delivering unique value and finding unparalleled opportunities to generate a return on her clients’ financial investment.

What distinguishes Jacqueline from other marketing professionals is that she is successful at virtually every level and with a unique combination of Fortune 500 experience and the keen acumen of an entrepreneur, Jacqueline navigates marketing challenges to achieve desired results. Her scalable network of bright talent allows her competitive advantage in e-commerce, event marketing, consumer facing sweepstakes, public relations, blogging and social media. Among the awards that she has received are Conde Nast: Sales Representative of the Year, Caribbean Tourism Organization: Award of Excellence, Caribbean Tourism Organization: Tourism Medal of Excellence, 50 most influential in Caribbean Tourism, Conde Nast Bridal Group: Sales Person of the Year,

and Jamaica: The Marcella Martinez Award, among others.

Highlight of Jacqueline’s Career

Her professionally repertoire grew exponentially after her stewardship as VP Media Director for a New York Advertising Agency: Jacqueline transitioned to the publishing industry and was a timeless advocate of line extensions to broaden the perspective of magazines, capture incremental audience and ultimately maximize the return on investment. This she accomplished for Conde Nast Bridal Group, which includes, Brides, Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, Brides.com, Brides Destination Weddings; Honeymoons, Brides Reception, Conde Nast W Magazine. She was also a Vice President/Assoc. Publisher of Bridal Guide Magazine and Executive Director for New York Magazine. She hosts Marketing Forums and Bridal Symposiums worldwide, bringing the best talent in the bridal industry to exchange ideas and to further the education and expertise of local citizens.

She also provides her expertise for special editorial projects, such as roundtables,

webinars, bridal promotions and other events that unite buyers and sellers of travel. Her motto: “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

As a seasoned veteran of the travel industry, her 30+ year career has spanned the full spectrum of all phases, from the advertising agency where she oversaw and implemented marketing/media strategies for various travel accounts (cruise, destinations and hotels) to the field of consumer and trade magazines where she further honed her skills. She is a Certified Travel Counselor.

The vast knowledge that she has garnered in the understanding of travel agents, wholesalers and tour operators forms the crucial element in the marketing of her chosen specialty …Travel Marketing.

Jacqueline is a highly sought after speaker in the travel, honeymoon/romance and hospitality industry. She invests timeless energy to stay abreast of the ever-changing dynamics of media and the influencing factors that shape the industry.

CTO Rolls Out Comprehensive Program for Caribbean Week

Celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, CTO will produce this premier event for travel industry professionals, journalists and members of the Caribbean Diaspora with a packed schedule of discussions, awards and networking opportunities.

As a fitting tribute to Caribbean-American Heritage Month, the week will feature a range of activities, including a church service, a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium, and the highly anticipated Caribbean Media Awards and Media Marketplace.

Special sessions will delve into a variety of topics, including the role of artificial intelligence in the travel industry, strategies for service excellence, the importance of multicultural marketing, and the future of smart destination management. Highlights include a leadership breakfast awards event focused on women’s empowerment as well as a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party.

The Origin of Father’s Day

The Origin of Father’s Day

Many people assume Father’s Day (and Mother’s Day for that matter) is a holiday designed by greeting card makers to turn a profit. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The story behind how this day became a holiday is actually a tale of determination by one woman and a decades-long fight to get fathers the recognition they deserve.

Some attribute the first Father’s Day observance to the 1907 Monongah, West Virginia mining disaster that killed 361 men—250 of them fathers— and which

left more than a thousand children without a dad. Grace Golden Clayton, whose father was killed in the tragedy, suggested a service of commemoration to the pastor of her local Methodist chapel. But it never really caught on as an annual observance.

Two years later, in May of 1909, a woman named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, heard a Mother’s Day sermon by Reverend Dr. Henry Rasmussen in her hometown church and thought a similar day should be set aside to honor fathers. Her own father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, raised six children as a single parent.

The Struggle To Make Father’s Day A Holiday

Sonora Louise Smart Dodd, Courtesy of Northwest Museum of Arts Culture/Eastern Washington State Historical Society

On June 6, 1910, Dodd approached the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) with her petition outlining the idea for an annual observance, and she received overwhelming support. Spokane’s held its first Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 19, 1910, with moving speeches by her own pastor and those from other area churches.

The first US President to celebrate it was Woodrow Wilson in June of 1916, who opened the church services by telephone

to Spokane from the Oval Office. Wilson liked the idea so much of a day of observation for fathers that he pushed to make it a national holiday (he had just made Mother’s Day official in 1915), but members of Congress resisted, fearing that such a day would take away support from the Mother’s Day holiday, and commercialize the day for fathers, causing more harm than good.

Undeterred, Dodd took her mission on the road and spoke publicly to fathers to gain their support. But she was met with hard criticism. According to The Spokesman-Review, they laughed at her and said they didn’t want a Father’s Day. “A national fishing day would be better,” they told her. The effort to formally recognize a day for fathers met with even more hurdles over the years. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged states to observe the day nationwide but refused to issue an official proclamation for the holiday, and by the 1930s there was an effort to combine Mother’s Day and Father’s Day into a single “Parent’s Day” holiday. Even the newly formed “Father’s Day Council,” made up (and funded by) of members of men’s clothing retailers, couldn’t get the holiday recognized by 1938, only succeeding in getting calendar makers to mark the third Sunday in June with tie and pipe illustrations. And the general public had no interest in buying cards or gifts for dad that he probably didn’t need.

A Maine Senator’s Harsh Words Maine’s US Senator, Margaret Chase Smith, had her own thoughts on the matter. When the holiday efforts reached another stalemate in Congress, Chase-Smith penned a harsh memo in which she declared, “Either we honor both our parents, mother and father, or let us desist from honoring either one. But to single out just one of our two parents and omit the other is the most grievous insult imaginable.”

More than 50 years after Dodd’s initial efforts, Father’s Day was recognized as a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June by President Lyndon Johnson’s Executive Order in 1966. But it was still not officially recognized as a federal holiday until six years later, in 1972 when, during his re-election campaign, Richard Nixon signed an official proclamation setting Father’s Day permanently on the third Sunday in June nationwide.

So when you’re picking out that special gift and card for dad, remember Sonora Smart Dodd and her efforts to get fathers the recognition they deserve.

In 1978, Mrs. Dodd died at the age of 96. Her grave at Greenwood Cemetery in Spokane reads:

Sonora Smart Dodd Founder of Father’s Day 1882-1978

CARIBTRAVEL

Deputy PM of The Bahamas to Speak at CTO’S Caribbean Week in NY

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is excited to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in the upcoming Caribbean Week, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in New York City from 1621 June 2024. This annual event brings together tourism leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the region’s tourism industry.

Under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity,” Caribbean Week 2024 will feature a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings, focusing on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism. The discussions will provide an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue on topics such as sustainable tourism, marketing strategies and the role of technology in the industry.

As a platinum headline sponsor of the event, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will showcase the unique attractions and experiences that the islands have to offer. The Bahamas delegation will participate in the popular Caribbean Media Marketplace, Caribbean Media Awards, and more. In addition, the Honour-

able I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will be a guest speaker at the Caribbean Airlift Forum on 19th June.

“I look forward to sharing insights of our success in airlift with CTO. We are also thrilled to be a Platinum Sponsor of Caribbean Week 2024 and the opportunity it presents to grow tourism in our country and across the region,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “This annual event is a fantastic platform to share strategies, reinvigorate connections and polish the image of the greater Caribbean as an inviting destination for travel of all types.”

“We believe in the power of unity and collaboration within the Caribbean region. By coming together at this crucial gathering of tourism leaders, our aim is to collectively engage in insightful discussions that shape the future of our tourism landscape,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “As a Platinum headline sponsor, The Bahamas is leading efforts to drive regional growth, celebrating the strength and diversity of our islands. Our culture,

heritage, and sustainable offerings showcase the unique and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean, reinforcing our position as a premier global destination.” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “

West Indies Cricket Legend Joel Garner to be Honored at Caribbean Week in New York

NEW YORK – West Indies cricket legend

Joel “Big Bird” Garner is set to join the lineup of delegates heading to “The Big Apple” for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York, June 16-21, 2024.

The 6’8” former Windies fast bowler will participate in a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party in midtown Manhattan on Monday, June 17, at the Caribbean-owned and -operated S’Aimer NYC restaurant during an event supported by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Garner was a formidable presence for batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s, renowned for his blistering pace, towering bounce and devastating yorkers that often sent stumps flying. Among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, Garner had an impressive average of 20.97. He played his final Test in 1987 alongside his successor,

Courtney Walsh, and was the last of the ‘Awesome Foursome’ – Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner and Colin Croft – to retire.

Garner will be honored during the ceremony, which will be attended by CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, and Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill. During the reception, there will be a live stream of the West Indies vs. Afghanistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match being held in St. Lucia.

“It is important that we recognize the significance of cricket and sports in tourism development, and especially important that we honor our legends,” remarked Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands and Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors. “Their contributions have been invaluable in promoting our region,” added Harris, spokesperson for Caribbean Week in New York.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors include the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Sandals Resorts International is a silver sponsor, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is a bronze sponsor. Additional supporters include Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, and Marketplace Excellence.

CNN Journalist to Headline Women’s Leadership Breakfast at CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York

award-winning journalist Audrey Irvine of CNN will headline the inaugural Women’s Leadership Breakfast Awards during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York on Wednesday, June 19.

Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of

Directors and Spokesperson for Caribbean Week this year, announced that CTO will feature Irvine as the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

The event will honor exceptional women in Caribbean tourism leadership across three categories: the Director of Tourism Award 2024, the Minister of Tourism Award 2024 (both selected by industry peers), and the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service award celebrates a female leader with over 20 years of service, notable contributions to regional tourism, and inspirational support to other women in the industry, selected by the Secretary-General.

“We are delighted to welcome Audrey to Caribbean Week in New York as we showcase a Caribbean-American queen of the news media,” said Harris, noting that Irvine’s achievements inspire countless women and girls across the Caribbean and the Diaspora.

Harris and Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO , will address the attendees at the awards event, which is being sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda

Tourism Authority and Diamonds International.

Irvine, Senior Director of CNN’s Newsource Newsgathering, is based in Atlanta. Born to Jamaican parents and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, she has worked in the media industry for over 30 years with major industry leaders, including CNN, ESPN, and ABC News.

Currently, she oversees the affiliate news-gathering operation at CNN Newsource, servicing over 1,000 domestic local stations, including those in Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and Guam. In partnership with CNN affiliate partners, her department meets the coverage needs of all CNN platforms, programming, and partners. Irvine earned an Emmy for her contributions to CNN’s coverage of George Floyd and the 2020 summer of protests. She has produced key coverage for CNN, including post-Hurricane Katrina reporting from New Orleans, where she won a Peabody Award.

Before joining CNN, she worked as an assignment editor at ESPN. There, she contributed to Emmy award-winning programs such as SportsCenter, College

Gameday, and Sunday NFL Countdown, and covered two Super Bowls. Irvine expressed her excitement about addressing Caribbean women of excellence during Caribbean Week. “I am thrilled to be among such exceptional women, as I would not have achieved the strides I have made in media without the guidance and inspiration of my late mother, who herself was a Caribbean woman of distinction. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors include Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. The Jamaica Tourist Board and Sandals Resorts International are silver sponsors, and ADARA – A RateGain Company and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority are bronze sponsors. Additional supporters include Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, Marketplace Excellence, and S’Aimer NYC.

Emmy

Bronx, NY – Jamaican Woman Whose Throat Was Slashed, Dies

A Mount Vernon woman was found with her throat slit about 6 am on Saturday morning in The Bronx at Oakley St. in the Williamsbridge section. Her throat was slit.

Reports are that 37-year-old Jamaican Ashley Smith got into a fight on the

LIAT Delayed

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Antigua-based LIAT 2020 has received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), but has slammed the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for further delaying the airline’s return to the regional skies.

The LIAT 2020 airline is being formed in

sidewalk following a rowdy party and believed to have been slashed with a knife or bloody liquor bottle. Sources said both items were found at the scene. There have been no arrests as the suspect is still at large.

The scene on Saturday afternoon depicted

partnership with Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline founded in 2013 and earlier this year Browne had said that Air Peace would be putting in close to US$65 million, while the government is investing US$20 million. But, speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne confirmed that while the AOC had been obtained, the return to the

the aftermath of something truly horrific with evidence consisting of a dried pool of Smith’s blood, along with two of her giant gold hoops and a slew of fake pink fingernails and two pink dreadlocks displayed on the sidewalk which police said belonged to the victim.

skies are being hampered by the tardy response of the CDB to the sales agreement for the planes.

Earlier this year, the Antigua and Barbuda government said it would pay US$12.1 million into an Escrow account for the acquisition of other planes owned by the CDB as efforts continue to launch LIAT

Another set of gold bangles were also found scattered on the ground.

A neighbor near where the gathering occurred reported that a fight broke out on the sidewalk in front of his home after people were being kicked out of the party.

(2020) Limited.

The government has already made an offer to purchase the three aircraft owned by the CDB and had been used by the inter-regional airline, LIAT, which is owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines...

T&T – Reggae Star Anthony B Plea to End Crime

One of Jamaica’s top reggae ambassadors, Anthony B (Keith Blair), urged the youth of Trinidad and Tobago to turn away from violence and criminal activity.

During his 45-minute set at the inaugural World of Reggae concert on June 8, Anthony B made an open plea to the nation’s young people to “stop killing each other” and find peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.

He expressed his dismay at the dramatic changes he observed in Trinidad and Tobago over the years.

“I walked through the streets of TT on Saturday, and usually, the streets are bustling with cars everywhere. But there is a fear in the country now, and we have to address it. That’s not the TT I remember,” he said.

“When I came to TT in the 90s, the only

kind of murder was between jealous sweethearts. We never knew about bad men and gangsters. Garnett Silk once said Trinidad is like heaven, and we wished Jamaica could be like that.”

He addressed those involved in gang-related activities, who use numbers to distinguish themselves by name and territory.

“Youths in Trinidad, don’t kill your brother

because he has a number six, seven, or eight…that’s your brother. We can reason it out. If you step on my toe today and we reason it out, you’re still alive. But if I kill you and want to say sorry tomorrow, you’re already dead.”

Black Health Names Shirley Torso As New President & CEO

The Board of Directors of Black Health is pleased to announce that it has named Shirley Torho as its new President & CEO effective July 2024. Ms. Torho, an energetic leader with a passion for developing initiatives that advance equity and address systems of health, educational, and opportunity disparities that have long impacted Black and other historically marginalized communities, brings a wealth of experience and expertise and currently serves as the Secretary of the Black Health Board. “We’re so pleased to welcome Shirley as our next President & CEO,” said Dr. Bert Petersen, Vice Chair of Black Health’s Board of Directors, Chair of the Board Search Committee, and Chief of Breast Surgery– SBH Health System. “The search committee was fortunate to interview several highly qualified candidates to lead Black Health in the next phase o fits evolution as a leading national organization dedicated to eradicating health disparities and advancing health equity and equality. I am personally excited and inspired to work with Shirley and the entire Board of Directors for the future of a just and equitable national health care system that includes Black Health for Black America.”

Ms.Torho comes with over a decade of experience in public health and education and has served as Director of an Adolescent Sexual Health Program; Project Manager and Subject Matter Expert for a producer, publisher, and distributor of award-winning evidence-based health programs; Director of Social Emotional Learning and Enrichment at the largest Title I provider in the country, and as a public health strategist and consultant for medical institutions, departments of health, children and family service organizations, policy and advocacy institutions, and HIV prevention and treatment organizations around the country.

Previously, she served as Interim Director for the HIV Planning Group for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, where she worked to bridge community with city government during a time of significant staff transition amid the pandemic. In 2019,she led the NYC Health Department’s work on the 2020 Ending the HIV Epidemic: Plan for America, a tremendous effort that included the implementation of community listening sessions and the dissemination of a community-wide survey

that generated over 600 responses. Her work with organizations such as the Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services and the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors has provided her with insight into the health policy arena and how best to mobilize resources for underreached populations.

“I am delighted for Shirley Torho’s appointment as my successor. Having worked with Black Health as a consultant for eight years and served as a member of its Board of Directors, she brings a perspective and strategic direction that is much needed during this time of tran-

Re-Introduction of Mamas First Act

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Cory Booker (D-N.J), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich) announced the re-introduction of the Mamas First Act, legislation that directly and meaningfully addresses the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid to include doula and midwifery care. In response, the Members released the following statement: “America’s ongoing maternal health crisis magnifies the need for federal interventions that can save lives. The Mamas First Act is an important effort because it will expand access to providers who can offer emotional and physical support during and after the birthing process – comprehensive beyond the hospital setting where nearly all U.S. births occur. Our legislation is an opportunity to empower more mothers with doulas and midwives – perinatal professionals who advocate for a mother’s needs. I am thrilled to join my amazing House and Senate maternal health champions in re-introducing this vital legislation,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

“The United States has a terrible track record when it comes to maternal mortality, and it’s costing women their lives,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Now is the time to use all available tools to combat the maternal health crisis, including by expanding Medicaid to cover access to doulas, midwives, and tribal midwives. The Mama’s First Act will take care of our mommas and babies and will help us root out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.”

“Expanding Medicaid to include doula and midwifery care is imperative to combating the maternal mortality crisis dispropor-

tionately impacting Black and indigenous mothers,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Doula-assisted mothers are less likely to experience complications at birth, and midwife-led care is associated with healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies. All mothers deserve support and care throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys, and this legislation is a critical step toward ensuring more equitable access to quality maternal health care.”

“Every mother deserves support and care before, during, and after birth,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “This legislation will help address the maternal health crisis in this country by ensuring that Medicaid covers the full spectrum of care that mothers and infants need.”

“Maternal health justice is racial justice.

While we work to confront the Black maternal morbidity crisis in America, the Mamas First Act would save lives by ensuring pregnancy-related care includes expansive and comprehensive health care coverage for doulas and midwifery services – including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

“Comprehensive, culturally-congruent care should be a reality for all, not just some, and I am proud to reintroduce this vital legislation alongside Rep. Moore and my colleagues. Congress must pass this bill without delay.”

“Good care and support from a doula or midwife can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

sitions,” said Ms. C. Virginia Fields, outgoing President & CEO of Black Health. She is an accomplished, enthusiastic, and committed leader with a wealth of valuable experience at the local, state, and federal levels, and comes to the position at a time when our public health systems face many challenges. “As we look to the future, I am confident that Shirley is the right person to lead Black Health and continue its legacy of addressing the historic and present failings of the US health system to prioritize high quality, equitable and culturally relevant health care to historically overlooked and medically neglected communities.”

Ms. Torho has supported organizations of many sizes and provided executive leadership and oversight to support program development, fundraising and grant writing, staff and board development, partnerships, and operations. Ms. Torho has been featured as guest lecturer at national medical institutions, including the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she addressed implicit bias, the history of race in medicine, and leveraging intersectionality frameworks in public health to address disparities.

Jamaica – Skillibeng Claims $100K in Jewelry Stolen From Luggage at Airport

Dancehall artist Skillibeng has claimed that an airport worker at Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica stole $100,000 worth of jewelry from his luggage. On Thursday, the “Crocodile Teeth” deejay took to Instagram with an ultimatum, demanding the return of his stolen items. He urged the thief to contact him directly or face the consequences.

“Everyone on duty knows who was responsible for searching the bags, so don’t make this hard,” he added.

A spokesperson for the airport shared that the singer has not filed an official claim. “We are not aware of any reports made at the airport about stolen jewelry. A report needs to be made to the police or the airline he flew with. Maybe someone needs to reach out to him and ask him to do that. We cannot do anything without a formal report. When there is a formal report, all relevant airport personnel are informed, and an investigation

is conducted by the police or the airline.”

Of course the incident sparked mixed reactions online from viewers of Skillibeng’s post on a photo of the empty luggage.

One person commented – “At least they left the watch so you can still tell the time.”

Another person commented – “Doesn’t matter where he carries his jewelry; they shouldn’t have taken them. They are too damn thief and should be fired.”

Several other users questioned why the bag was checked. “That should be a carry-on or personal bag still,” one user said. Another replied, “It still doesn’t give the people the right to take it. It doesn’t matter where it is; if it’s in someone’s luggage, you don’t do that.”

Skillibeng, currently signed to Sony Music’s RCA Records in partnership with Eastsyde Records, rose to fame in 2019 with his hit “Brik Pan Brik.” He is known for tracks like “Crocodile Teeth,” “Whap Whap” with F.S., “Not,” “Coke,” “Mr. Universe,” and “Badman.”

Ky-Mani Marley Given ‘Key To The Region’ in Florida

Ky-Mani Marley, the multifaceted entertainer and son to reggae icon Bob Marley, humbly acknowledged his stronger singing prowess compared to public speaking while expressing gratitude at the ‘Key to the Region’ ceremony in Tamarac, Florida last week.

The singer and actor received a standing ovation as Tamarac Commissioner Marlon Bolton, the gala’s founder, presented him with the plaque.

Marley began his speech by saying, “This is my first black-tie event, so I’m overwhelmed. I’m honored to be here with you, beautiful people, sharing such a beautiful moment. I’ve always dedicated my life to bringing smiles to people’s faces. Some might call it a cliché, but for me, that’s the fuel to my fire. Being recognized with such a prestigious award is very humbling.”

The ‘Key to the Region’ award honors individuals or entities that have made significant contributions to their community, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to public service. Marley’s recognition was due to his “tireless efforts in promoting

unity, love, and social justice,” as well as his “charitable initiatives, including the Ky-Mani Marley Foundation.” He was one of two recipients, the other being media personality and attorney Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Wilkinson.

Joined by several elected officials from across South Florida, Marley accepted the award with a heartfelt speech. He emphasized that his endeavors are rooted in making a positive impact on the world.

“This moment celebrates our community, culture, and unity,” Marley remarked. “This key is not just an award but a commitment to preserving our heritage and building a brighter future. Let’s continue working together for a brighter future.”

Reflecting on the honor, Marley added, “On the drive here, I thought about how someone in an office somewhere believed I deserved this award. To that person, I am deeply grateful. Being the change we want to see is what drives me, so thank you.”

Commissioner Bolton praised Marley’s deservingness of the honor. “Many asked, ‘Why this Marley?’ and I responded, ‘Why not this Marley?’ He epitomizes talent and legend. It’s not a competition, but I believe you are the star of your family, and we appreciate you in South Florida. We welcome, love, and cherish you and your work. We know you’re destined for greatness.”

After receiving the accolade, Marley showcased his musical talent, stating, “I can sing better than I can talk,” with a mini-set featuring an upcoming record about world peace and two songs by his iconic father, Bob Marley. Ky-Mani Marley began his music career in the mid-90s with his debut album “Unnecessary Badness,” which caught the attention of esteemed producer Clifton Dillon.

Elaine Thompson-Herah Sustains Injury, Carried Off Track at 2024 New York Grand Prix

Track and field enthusiasts experienced a moment of concern on June 9 when Elaine Thompson-Herah, the two-time Olympic sprint champion appeared to sustain an injury during the 100-meter race at the 2024 New York Grand Prix. The sight of Thompson-Herah being carried off the track moments later sparked fears of a serious injury.

She burst out of the blocks and was initially in contention, but she started to fade midway through the race and began limping near the finish line. She was subsequently carried off the track. Throughout her career, Thompson-Herah has been hampered by an aching Achilles.

“I felt something uncomfortable as I began to push. I still tried to go but it got worse,” Thompson-Herah posted on Instagram less than an hour after the race. “So, I am awaiting professional advice moving forward. Thanks for your continuous support.”

This incident is a significant setback as Thompson-Herah has been preparing to

defend her title at the upcoming Jamaica National Championships. She had been aiming for an unprecedented three-peat double in Paris this summer, following her victories in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. If her condition remains uncertain, Richardson’s chances of winning could increase. Thompson-Herah’s injury has deeply concerned her fans. One worried spectator took to social media to express their fears about her future in track.

The situation looked serious, with another fan commenting on the gravity of the incident.

The varied reactions from fans highlight the uncertainty and emotional toll that injuries can have, not only on the athletes but also on their supporters. As the athletics community awaits further updates, the hope for Elaine Thompson-Herah’s swift recovery and return to form is mixed with concern for her future.

US Cricket Team Stun Pakistan in T20

World Cup

The United States cricket team triumphed over Pakistan in a thrilling super over by five runs on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas during game 11 of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a total of 159 for seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Babar Azam led the charge with a hard-fought 44 off 43 deliveries, supported by Shadab Khan who scored 40, and

Shaheen Shah Afridi who made a brisk 23 lower down the order. For the USA, Nosthush Kenjige took three wickets for 30 runs, while Saurabh Netravalkar claimed two wickets.

In reply, the United States matched Pakistan’s total, reaching 159 for three. USA skipper Monank Patel scored 50, and Aaon Jones, the savior from their first-game triumph against Canada, followed up his 94 with a well-played 36 not out. Nitish Kumar hit a last-ball boundary off Haris Rauf’s bowling to secure the super over – a one-over tiebreaker.

The USA batted first in the super over and scored 18 runs off Mohammed Amir’s over, with Jones contributing 11 runs from six balls. Amir conceded seven wides in his over. Chasing 19 for victory, Pakistan managed only 13 runs, with Netravalkar conceding just nine runs – the other four came from leg-byes, which do not affect his bowling figures.

This marked the first meeting between the two teams in any format of the game. The USA, still an associate nation, defeated a full member team, making it their first win in this year’s edition of the tournament. The USA team, perfect so far in this World Cup, will next play India on June 12. Pakistan is set to play India on June 9.