YORK CITY Mayor Adams, Rev. Sharpton, and faith leaders call for unity in light of the attempted assassination of Trump APPEAL FOR
10-point plan to seek justice from eleven European countries - a full and formal apology
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s son, Etienne Maurice, weds Stephanie Wash, an Emmy-winning TV producer
Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaccs with her entry “One Jamaica” winning a prize of JM$3 million
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‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ by Jimmy Cliff Hits 100 Million Streams - P 16
Jamaica Names Team for Paris Olympics - P 19
Sudan: 800,000 still trapped in El Fasher where supplies running out, warns WHO Hunger and fear of famine stalk Sudan where a staggering 800,000 people still remain trapped in the North Darfur capital El Fasher without enough food, water or medical support, the World Health Organization, WHO, said on Tuesday. In an alert, Dr Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative to Sudan, said that heavy fighting between Sudan’s rival militaries had made access to El Fasher “completely impossible”, as the country’s warring parties continue to hold talks in Geneva. The latest warning about the emergency comes 15 months since heavy conflict erupted between rival militaries in Sudan over a proposed transition to civilian rule, following a military coup in 2021 and the 2019 ousting of long-time President Omar Al-Bashir.
“The Darfurs, Kordofans, Khartoum and Al Jazira states are all but cut off from humanitarian and health assistance due to the relentless fighting,” the WHO official told journalists in Geneva. “The situation in Darfur is particularly alarming, where in places like El Fasher…the wounded cannot get the urgent care they need; children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are weak due to acute hunger.”
Large parts of Sudan have been impacted by the fighting, after hostilities involving heavy weapons and fighter jets spread from the capital, Khartoum, to other regions and states including the Darfurs, located in the west of the vast country.
The Gambia: UN salutes ‘monumental achievement’ as lawmakers uphold FGM ban
Five senior UN officials have welcomed the decision by The Gambia to uphold its ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling it a critical win for women’s and girls’ rights. Parliamentarians in the West African country voted on Monday to reject a bill that sought to overturn a 2015 law against the harmful practice, which involves cutting or removing some or all of the external female genitalia.
FGM is mostly carried out on infants and young girls. It can inflict severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological damage, including infection, later childbearing complications, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Commitment to rights and well-being
“Following the vote today by the National Assembly of The Gambia, we commend the country’s decision to uphold the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its commitments to human rights, gender equality, and protecting the health and well-being of girls and women,” the UN officials said in a joint statement.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the government, civil society, and communities in The Gambia in the fight against FGM.”
The statement was issued by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA); Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO); Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, and Volker Türk. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Philippines: Humane approach to incarceration relieves chronic prison overcrowding
A more humane approach to dealing with people accused of breaking the law in the Philippines is helping relieve overcrowding in one of the world’s most congested prison systems.
At the Manila City Jail in the Philippines capital, prisoners lie in neat rows as they demonstrate how they sleep every night. In male dormitory number 4 most do not have a mattress or even a bed; indeed it’s not even possible due to a lack of space to lie down on your back.
Instead, prisoners wearing their regulation yellow prison t-shirts curl up on their sides often using their immediate neighbour as a pillow as they struggle to get a proper night’s sleep in humid and cramped conditions.
Carlo* has been incarcerated and awaiting trial for six years. He told UN News on a visit to the jail that “men sleep in rows of maybe 200 to the end of the dormitory, and it’s difficult to move” adding that although “it is not comfortable, as years go by, I have become accustomed to sleeping on my side. People on the outside may find this depressing but comfort is a relative term.”
Gaza: Fresh airstrikes reported in centre, south, as conflict intensifies
New Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck southern and central areas of Gaza on Monday as UN humanitarians and partners continued to treat the victims of a deadly strike on Al Mawasi in southwest Gaza on Saturday that reportedly left at least 90 dead and around 300 injured.
In an update from Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis where victims have been admitted, veteran UN aid official Scott Anderson reported witnessing “some of the most horrific” scenes he had experienced in his nine months in Gaza.
“With not enough beds, hygiene equipment, sheeting or scrubs, many patients were treated on the ground without disinfectants, ventilation systems were switched off due to a lack of electricity and fuel, and the air was filled with the smell of blood,” said Mr. Anderson, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator and Director of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. Left on hospital floor
The overwhelmed facility received more than 100 severe cases in one day, the UNRWA official continued. “I saw toddlers who are double amputees, children paralyzed and unable to receive treatment and others separated from their parents,” Mr. Anderson said, adding that parents had moved into the “so-called humanitarian zone” of Al Mawasi, in the hope that their children would be safe there.
In a statement, the Israeli military said that it had been targeting a Hamas military commander at Al Mawasi, which lies west of Khan Younis city, by the coast. The sand and seafront zone is now home to hundreds of thousands of people...
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after an incident took place at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania involving former President Donald Trump:
“The events that unfolded at today’s rally in Pennsylvania are horrific. No matter our disagreements, we must all agree that violence of any kind is unacceptable. I am praying for the safety of former President Trump and anyone else who may have been injured in the attack in the incident today.
“While we continue to gather more information, we will be surging officers to certain sites across the five boroughs.”
Mayor Adams, on Sunday, joined faith leaders including Rev. Al Sharpton and
City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli joined faith leaders to denounce the normalization of political violence following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday.
The event was held as elected officials continued to react to the incident in which Trump was injured while delivering a speech at a rally in Pennsylvania. According to federal law enforcement, a gunman fired at Trump, killing one person and wounding two others before Secret Service agents neutralized the shooter.
The coalition of New York City officials and faith leaders spoke out against the “toxic violence” infiltrating American politics, invoking Trump’s own calls for unity in their appeals.
The Reconstituted National Committee on Reparations held its media launch at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on July 8.
Last October 3, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr. Amery Browne announced the appointment of a national reparations committee by the Cabinet. This committee’s chairs will sit on the Caricom Regional Commission on Reparations.
At the launch, Professor Verene Shepherd, Director of the Caricom Centre for Reparations Research (CRC) at UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica, expressed her organization’s readiness to assist the TT Reparations Committee with research, as they have done for other committees regionally and internationally. “We are a small center
with just three members of staff, but we are committed to promoting research and advocating around the legacies of conquest, genocidal actions against indigenous peoples, the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans, and African chattel enslavement. Additionally, we address the impact of colonialism and its legacies on the Caribbean, striving for justice and positive transformation for affected societies,” Shepherd said.
The CRC’s ten-point action plan seeks justice from 11 European countries: France, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway. Key points include: Full and Formal Apology: Groups subjected to deceptive systems of indenture de-
serve a full and formal apology for healing and cultural restoration.
Indigenous Peoples Development Programs: Address the historical and ongoing marginalization of indigenous communities in Caricom member states through development initiatives.
Funding for Reparations to Africa: Establish resettlement programs for descendants of Africans who were trafficked and enslaved, in coordination with willing African states.
Cultural Institutions and Heritage Return: Support the restoration of historical memory and cultural heritage through museums and research centers.
Public Health Crisis Remedy: Participate in alleviating health crises linked to enslavement’s legacy, providing hospitals and healthcare.
Education Programs: Improve education systems to address the flaws inherited from colonialism, providing scholarships and building educational capacity.
Historical and Cultural Knowledge Exchanges: Reverse the impact of forced acculturation by funding cultural and educational exchange programs.
Psychological Rehabilitation: Address the psychological trauma inflicted by colonialism through comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Development Through Technology: Engage in technology transfer and science sharing to support Caricom’s development.
Debt Cancellation and Monetary Compensation: Support the cancellation of international debt and provide direct monetary payments to address the harm caused by colonialism.
Professor Shepherd emphasized the need
for a multifaceted approach to reparations, involving financial compensation, educational initiatives, and cultural restoration to achieve justice and development for Caribbean societies affected by colonial legacies.
Thai Jones, in his Washington Post article “Slavery reparations seem impossible – In many places, they’re already happening,” highlights examples such as Chicago’s 2015 reparations ordinance for African Americans tortured by police and Georgetown University’s fund for descendants of enslaved people. Adeel Hassan and Jack Healy, in their New York Times article “America Has Tried Reparations Before, Here Is How It Went,” detail Congressional reparations for Japanese-Americans interned during World War II, showcasing successful reparation efforts in the U.S.
Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister Garry Conille and the country’s police chief visited Port-au-Prince’s largest hospital on Tuesday after authorities regained control of the institution from armed gangs over the weekend.
Haitian police chief Normil Rameau announced in a news conference on Monday that police had taken control of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, also known as the General Hospital, on Sunday night. This action came after months of escalating attacks by armed groups.
Rameau, who did not take questions from the media, stated, “Haitians will wake up one morning and find the operation done, the bandits stopped, and neutralized.”
He was joined by Kenyan officer Godfrey Otunge, who noted that the UN-backed Kenyan police contingent plans to collaborate closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to rebuilding Haiti.
The ongoing violence from criminal groups
has severely strained Haiti’s health system, causing a surge in patients with serious illnesses and a shortage of resources to treat them. Gangs have been looting, setting fires, and destroying medical institutions and pharmacies in the capital, where they control up to 80% of the area.
Haiti’s healthcare system, already struggling before the violence, faces additional challenges from the rainy season, which is likely to exacerbate conditions and increase the risk of water-borne diseases. Poor hygiene conditions in camps and makeshift settlements have heightened the risk of diseases like cholera, with over 84,000 suspected cases reported by UNICEF.
In addition to the hospital, gunmen have seized police stations, attacked the main international airport (which was closed for nearly three months), and stormed Haiti’s two largest prisons.
A report from the UN migration agency indicated that the violence in Haiti has displaced nearly 580,000 people since March.
Cuba first disclosed details of a significant plot last December, revealing that a Cuban man living in the United States had arrived on the island by jetski, armed with guns, ammunition, and military gear, to recruit others and carry out acts of violence.
After a seven-month investigation, Víctor Álvarez, a lead criminal investigator with Cuba’s Interior Ministry, announced that the plot involved 32 Cuban residents and a U.S.based group called La Nueva Nación Cubana, which Cuban authorities claim continues to plan attacks on Cuba from U.S. soil. Cuba stated that it had informed U.S. government agencies of the investigation’s findings but asserted that the individuals involved continue to operate without consequences.
“These individuals continue to act with impunity in North American territory, or-
ganizing, financing, and supporting violent activities to subvert the internal order of our country,” Álvarez said.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged the latest allegations. “U.S. law enforcement prosecutes individuals based on U.S. law and does not take direction from foreign governments,” a State Department official told Reuters via email on Monday.
Cuban authorities provided Reuters with what they claimed was a videotaped confession from Ardenys García, who allegedly entered Cuba by jetski in November before recruiting others. García, now detained in Cuba, also faces human trafficking charges in the United States.
For decades, Cuba has alleged that the United States turns a blind eye to plots by Cuban nationals in the U.S. to foment unrest and destabilize its government. In December, Cuba published a list of foreign nationals and entities, including La Nueva Nación Cubana, accusing them of terrorism. The list features many long-time dissidents living in the U.S. and includes individuals implicated in hotel bombings, unrest plots, and assassination attempts against Fidel Castro, many of which date back decades.
The publication of this list appears to be Cuba’s response to the U.S. decision to keep Cuba on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that subjects Cuba to severe sanctions and significant economic hardship.
NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Bahamas government has dismissed as “material misstatements” pronouncements made in the United States media regarding the ongoing investigation into the case of missing Chicago transgender woman Taylor Casey. The authorities said Casey, 41, travelled to the Bahamas to attend the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Centre on Paradise Beach and was last seen on June 19.
Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, told US television network, CBS News, that she last heard from her daughter on June 18. Casey’s American passport has not been found, but police discovered her phone in more than 50 feet of water off Paradise Island.
At a news conference last week, Emily Williams, a friend of Casey’s, said this only happened after a relative tracked the phone’s location and shared it with police.
Last month, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) announced that it had sought assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) in the ongoing search for the American national. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed suggestions that the local authorities were not handling the investigation into Casey’s disappearance properly, noting that Bahamian law enforcement had been praised by both the missing transwoman’s family and US officials.
“There are a number of material misstatements in the press
about this matter attributed to various spokespersons for the family. The facts as they are now established do not bear the interpretations which are being described in the US media and are being advanced by various spokespersons for the missing person,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its statement.
“The record of cooperation and thoroughness of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, including calling on technical expertise from the United States, is clear.
“It is understandable in grief there is anxiety for a solution. We share in the concern and our country is anxious to see that this matter is resolved. There have been no complaints from US authorities on how this matter has been conducted. In fact, we have been congratulated by both the family and the US authorities,” the ministry said.
The government urged people not to make comments about the case that are prejudicial and untrue.
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said police have launched an aggressive search effort, which included divers, the canine unit, and drone surveillance.
But some US media reports have questioned if there is a connection between the recent suspension of a senior police officer and the investigation into Casey’s disappearance.
Last Thursday, the RBPF said it was aware of an article and video that was shared on social media linking the two matters.
“Police wish to advise that the information is erroneous and unequivocally unrelated to the investigations of missing person Taylor Casey, which is still actively being investigated,” the RBPF said in a press release.
THE Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the private sector, will host a job fair on July 27, 2024, at the La Guardia Marriott, 10205 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, New York, targetting Guyanese in the diaspora.
According to a press release, the event which will be held from 09:00 hours to 17:00 hours, presents a unique opportunity for skilled Guyanese abroad to explore career prospects in Guyana and actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing development initiatives.
The job fair will feature participation from key private sector leaders and stakeholders, offering attendees insights into the diverse opportunities available across various sectors within Guyana.
Participants during the event can interact with prominent figures from key industries in Guyana and have the opportunity to explore job opportunities which includes a wide range of exciting career openings.
Persons can learn about companies, gaining insights into small, medium, and large enter-
prises operating in Guyana.
Additionally, they will be able to understand the Remigration Process and according to the release, they will receive information on the process of returning home.
Participants also can expect to learn how their skills can contribute to Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.
“This job fair underscores our commitment to harnessing the talents and expertise of our diaspora community. By deploying their skills and experience, they can play a pivotal role in the country’s development and economic growth.
“We invite all Guyanese in New York and surrounding states to join us and explore the abundant opportunities available in our vibrant nation,” the release said.
For more information and registration details, persons can visit https://guyanaconsulatenewyork.org/job-fair-registration
(courtesy The Guyana Chronicle)
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made a plea during the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and 50th Anniversary Tent event on Saturday, July 6, 2024, held in National Heroes Square, urging the
youth to put away their weapons, maintain peace, and fully embrace the annual Crop Over Festival.
The Prime Minister said: “Our country means that we not only have
the right to enjoy it and celebrate during Crop Over, but we also have the obligation to tell those who want to cause trouble by shooting guns and other violent acts, ‘not here’.”
“Your family, friends, and community deserve better than to be threatened by a handful of individuals in this country.”
On July 15, 20204, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Barbados addressed the nation and shared her thoughts on nation building and the scoruge of violence plaguing the country.
Read her statement in part below:
Good evening, everyone. Yesterday morning I woke up and decided to do something that I don’t normally do. I wrote down my thoughts that I wanted to share with you today.
In this conversation, I do not want in any way for any word to be misplaced or indeed for anything to be omitted. I have already spoken to you about the role that law enforcement in this country must play in curbing the surge of violence, about the additional resources and approaches taken by the Police Service and about the legislative changes that we must bring to increase the efficiency of our court systems and indeed to modernise our criminal justice system which is caught in a 19th/20th century position.
We will continue to speak to you on these issues as we must.
But today my friends, this is a conversation with Bajans and all who live here and who love our country as if it were their own. This country of ours is great because when it has mattered most, we have always come together to confront and rise above challenges. We have done so throughout our history and certainly in my time as leader.
We’ve saved our way of life by saving our dollar and we’ve saved lives and livelihoods as we fought to overcome the personal and societal dread of COVID-19. We have grown stronger to fight this new reality of ours, this climate crisis, and we will continue to work together to become even more resilient because we’re not where we need to be to fight that battle.
But my friends, we must now come together again to confront the tendency towards violence in this country, a violence driven by anger very often and the inability or unwillingness to resolve conflicts peacefully.
We face the scourge of greed and gangs fighting for dominance and territory and we’re seeing a rising incidence equally of mental and physical abuse. The mental health challenges have been compounded especially since COVID brought the restrictions on movement and individual choices. You remember indeed from the same room I addressed you many times. These matters are made worse by other issues that we must consciously control as leaders wherever we are; whether as parents or guardians and godparents or indeed extended family or neighbors, friends, employers, members of the community, sporting or cultural groups in which we interact. And we must do so whether in our homes, our place of work, our businesses, and indeed we must do so where we worship, in our churches, our mosques, our temples, wherever we go for religious or spiritual worship. We must im-
mediately address the absence of religious and moral grounding of our children. We have talked about it for too long without serious progress. We must teach them and they must learn the basic difference between right and wrong and the need to respect human life, their own lives, and indeed that of others. We need to control the inappropriate use of social media to circulate memes that hurl insults or share videos that denigrate groups like young women, young girls, or promote the attraction of guns or indeed the sending of direct messages to issue threats and to deliberately generate fake news, news that we know to be fake.
We must monitor and balance the excessive screen time and exposure to violent content. This nation’s children are being desensitized to violence through the non-stop playing of video games and the overuse and misuse of social media through the cartoons that they’re watching in some instances. It is interesting that it is called social media as it quite often leads to anti-social behavior and this is now being recognized the world over. This overexposure desensitises not only the children but indeed some of the parents to the presence of guns and killing. Our children, my friends, are spending hours on these devices, pausing only to eat and to drink and returning to the games where they have been killed multiple times for the day already.
And they’re still playing and after a while what happens? Killing means nothing to them. Everything on social media is a trend and unfortunately we have seen gun violence trend not only here but globally reminding us of the fragile nature of our peace.
Zero tolerance for guns and drug abuse must not only be engaged and articulated by law enforcement, but across our society; in our institutions, in our homes and indeed yes on our blocks. You know, Judge Judy has a saying that if a song’s too good to be true, it is normally not true.
If the bulging pocket in your son or your grandson’s or granddaughter’s or your best friend’s pocket looks like a gun, is shaped like a gun, it bulges like a gun, my friends it is most likely a gun.
By closing our eyes and remaining silent we are indirectly authorising its indiscriminate and unlawful use. This is a stage at which as parents, as guardians, as godpar-
ents, as teachers, as brethren and sistren on a block, we need to say to each other this is not the right way to go. It will not, this will not have any happy ending. Get rid of it.
And if you don’t trust them to get rid of the guns then ask them to hand it to you and you give it to your pastor if you don’t want to surrender it to the police. We must find a way to reduce the number of guns in this society even as the police do their job and the customs and others do their job to restrict their entry into Barbados. My friends, a shooting does not come like a sudden rain or an earthquake. There is usually notice, and the notice starts with the presence of a gun. As I speak to you today there are many parents or indeed there are many brethren and sistren from blocks and communities who know persons in possession of firearms. The presence of these firearms is going to cause problems. They’re going to injure or kill people. Do not wait until it is too late. I remind you as I say all the time; guns don’t walk, guns don’t talk, guns don’t do none of them things on their own.
Equally the abuse of drugs is also something that we have to deal with as a society. We know the reality.
Many start with trying a thing, trying a cigarette, trying a spliff. That is not even so much the problem, but it is when that trend leads to four and six and eight a day and when people start to move on to other drugs; drugs that take control of your mind, drugs that will embarrass you in the eyes of your peers, your friends, others, because you will be exploited and you’ll be made to look foolish in front of all, in front of everybody and you ain’t going have no capacity to fight back, because the drugs have taken control of your mind. I remind us all the time Usain Bolt, Sada Williams, Dwight Yorke, none of them could be where they are today if they did not take care of their minds and their body. If they drank or smoked in a way to affect their lungs far less anything else, where would they be? Certainly not recognized by others globally.
You cannot do 30 minutes of extra time in football if your lungs can’t carry it. Who are you fooling? 30 on top of 90 minutes and your lungs can’t hold it? Who you fooling?
Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs’ song “#One Jamaica” has claimed the top spot in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition. The announcement was made recently at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.
Isaacs was chosen as the winner through a combination of votes from a panel of judges and public voting.
Out of the 10 finalists, Isaacs, who is visually impaired, was one of six women to make it to the final of this year’s competition, marking the highest female representation in the contest’s nearly 60-year history.
Isaacs has a notable history with Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions, having secured second place in the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition in 2009 and being a finalist
in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition in 2021.
Other notable finalists in this year’s competition included Miss Hanover Festival Queen 2023 Tricia ‘Trisstar’ Cunningham with “Jamaica Jamaica,” and media personality Pepita Little with “We are Jamaicans.” Isaacs will receive a share of the $3 million cash prize, which is divided among the winning song’s performer, songwriter, and producer.
The other finalists in this year’s competition included Auraiya Hope with “Proud Jamaican,” Sister Novelette with “Fi Mi Island Home,” TrishMaq with “Jamaica is a Big Brand,” Lex M.D. with “Jah Love this Land,” Renzzah with “Waa Back Jamaica,” Reggae Maxx with “Better Jamaica,” and Casey Donaldson with “Sweet Jamaica.”
Barbados finds itself at the center of a scheme involving Nigerian nationals, not for money, but for passports. Over the past three years, numerous Nigerians have been traveling to Barbados to give birth, aiming for their children to become Barbadian citizens and obtain the highly coveted Barbados passport, which grants visa-free access to over 150 countries.
Reports reveal this has become a widespread racket, with thousands of dollars being paid to a specific medical practitioner known for assisting in these deliveries.
Two weeks ago, a prominent Nigerian influencer with over four million followers posted videos on Instagram and YouTube, advising fellow Nigerians on how to travel to Barbados to deliver their children and obtain a Barbados passport. The influencer, who has two toddlers, revealed she delivered both children at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), with the second child being born in February 2023. She had documented her arrival in Barbados just days before the delivery and shared the delivery process at QEH.
A senior official at the QEH confirmed awareness of this situation, describing it
as a “racket.” The hospital and the government have taken steps to address the issue. “This issue came to our attention about two years ago. We had to put pressure on the Nigerians and reached out to Immigration to handle the matter. It was raised at the highest level,” the official said.
He explained that the hospital faced a challenging situation: “Once the person was in distress, we had to provide care. We couldn’t let the person suffer or die. We identified the doctor involved and put pressure on him.”
Investigations by Weekend Nation revealed the medical practitioner was being paid between US$12,000 and US$20,000 to deliver the babies.
A source explained that Nigerians often arrived at the airport just days before their due dates, sometimes lying about their pregnancy stages to board the plane.
When denied entry by Immigration, they would claim they were not feeling well and were going into labor. The doctor would then declare them unfit to fly, allowing them to stay in Barbados under his care.
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams confirmed the situation, stating, “This is being factored into the new immigration legislation.”
Additionally, unsuspecting Barbadians were being offered up to $5,000 to house pregnant Nigerian women.
The Nigerian influencer bragged about her experience in Barbados, holding up two Barbadian passports and outlining the benefits of delivering babies there.
“Barbados has some of the greatest
medical facilities I’ve ever seen. The attention, care, and love from the doctors and hospital staff are exceptional,” she said. “It’s one of the greatest Caribbean countries you can visit. It’s safe for you and your baby. Your baby will have lifetime health insurance. With a Barbados passport, you can access over 148 countries, now 166 as of today,” she added, noting the potential to obtain a ten-year U.S. visa. She advised her followers on how to enter Barbados while pregnant, highlighting the importance of having a guarantor and warning against lying to Immigration.
“There are some countries where pregnant women are sent back. Barbados is visa-free for Nigerians, but there are no direct flights. You need a valid UK, U.S., or Schengen visa to enter Barbados,” she explained.
“In Barbados, Immigration is very nice. The only thing they don’t like is lying. Don’t lie about being pregnant or your due date. You need a guarantor who provides information to Immigration before your doctor, landlord, or hospital,” she advised. She revealed paying 500,000 Nigerian naira (BDS$619.43) to get a guarantor’s contact and urged her followers to follow her process to avoid scams.
“The only reason I’m sharing this is because many of you asked. It’s pinned on my Instagram as a top post because I was tired of answering questions. This is the best gift, the golden opportunity you can give your child,” she concluded.
Former Governor Cuomo’s recent criticism of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s decisions regarding the case against Donald Trump and his handling of protestors at Columbia University has stirred controversy in New York City. Prominent figures including Congressman Charles Rangel, NAACP NY President Hazel Dukes, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, and President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Lloyd Williams, have responded to Governor Cuomo through an op-ed article.
Read below:
Dear Former Governor Cuomo, We have known you and your family, and collaborated with you throughout your career in public service, for years. We’ve worked together, broken bread together, and fought side-by-side together on a range of critical issues. Through all the ups and downs, we’ve always managed to find common ground. That’s why we were so surprised, disappointed, and angered by your recent op-ed on antisemitism that singled-out for criticism Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg, the first Black person to hold this prestigious position. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that occurred on October 7, and all subsequent antisemitism and targeted violence that has occurred across the city, including at college campuses, since that awful day. D.A. Bragg does as well. He attended the UJA Federation & JCRC rally on October 10 and joined elected leaders at Congregation Ansche Chesed
to mourn and pray. But you not only ignored or got flat-out wrong so many truths about D.A. Bragg’s career commitment to fighting hate and antisemitism; you also mysteriously ignored virtually identical charging decisions in very similar situations by several white prosecutors across the state.
The sad truth is many in New York and across the country have made the cynical decision to bolster themselves and their political ambitions with false smears against D.A. Bragg. He’s been vilified unfairly in the national media; deluged with vile racist attacks, and bomb and death threats for simply doing his job; and routinely attacked by anyone and everyone seemingly looking for a quick, cheap headline to advance themselves. We fear that your recent op-ed is a craven replication of the worst, basest instincts of other self-serving politicians, because of so much you got wrong, and so much you left out.
For instance, if you had taken the time to gather all the facts, you would have learned that:
There are more than 30 protest cases still ongoing at both Columbia University and City College, including felony charges of Assault in the Second Degree and charges related to trespass and burglary.
D.A. Bragg’s Office conducted a joint investigation with NYPD and charged Anas Saleh for Coercion in the Third Degree for threatening “Zionist” passengers on the subway on June 10.
In coordination with the NYPD, his Office
thwarted a terrorist attack on the Jewish community and indicted two individuals who had spoken about shooting up a synagogue. He has charged people who have vandalized synagogues, attacked Israeli tourists, shouted antisemitic comments on the street and assaulted Jews who have worn religious necklaces.
The District Attorney has a clear record of being tough on Hate Crimes. One of the first things he did was secure $1.7 million funding from the city to significantly expand the resources available to the Office’s Hate Crimes Unit.
The D.A. has publicly said that under his leadership, hate crimes prosecutions have increased 41% from 2021 to 2023, to address the rise in both antisemitic attacks and all bias-motivated crimes, and that their docket is at an all-time high.
He recently championed newly enacted legislation to expand the number of hate crimes offenses in the penal code which resulted in 28 new crimes being added to the statute.
D.A. Bragg’s office conducted dozens of hate crimes trainings with community leaders and institutions across the borough and trained new NYPD recruits on best practices for responding to hate crimes.
Moreover, D.A. Bragg approached the Columbia University student protest cases in similar ways as the DA’s from Suffolk and Westchester counties – where large numbers of student protest cases were dismissed – including some for trespassing charges, and as it turns
out, who are both white. Similar outcomes occurred for protesters at University at Buffalo (Erie) and Cornell University (Tompkins) as well. It’s curious you chose to focus on D.A. Bragg and D.A. Bragg alone.
As you well know, there is a long history of antisemitism and anti-Black racism going hand in hand. We see this with the “Great Replacement Theory” on the right, the conspiracy theory that Jews are masterminding an effort to replace white people with immigrants and Black people. This despicable belief motivated both the Tops supermarket shooting in Buffalo and the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. Singling out a Black district attorney with spurious allegations of antisemitism and stoking division between Black people and Jews only bolsters the equal-opportunity bigots who hate both groups. Our communities are all safer when we stand together in solidarity, supporting each other and opposing all forms of intolerance.
D.A. Bragg is doing a good job as Manhattan District Attorney: crime is down in Manhattan and the borough is driving the overall Citywide decline New York has been recently experiencing. For the good of the borough, the city, and the country, we won’t be silent if you take cheap shots against D.A. Bragg.
Signed,
Former Congress Member Charlie B. Rangel
Dr. Hazel Dukes, President, NYS NAACP H. Carl McCall, Former NYS State Comptroller
St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) has initiated a multi-million-dollar project titled ‘Achieving A Rapid Decarbonisation of the Energy Sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis.’ The project, dubbed ‘SKN-100,’ aims to hasten the country’s shift to 100 percent renewable electricity and 100 percent high energy efficiency in public buildings within the next three years.
The SKN-100 project is being financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by the Barbados-based Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE).
Delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the project recently, the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley, said that decarbonisation is not merely an environmental imperative but an economic and social necessity. Noting that the project will help propel the country towards a sustainable future, he said its first stage has already seen the Alexandra Hospital in Nevis installing solar PV, resulting in the healthcare facility using 30 percent less power.
He stated, “The adverse effects of climate change pose a significant threat to the stability and prosperity of nations worldwide, particularly small island states like
ours. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is crucial for mitigating these risks, promoting energy independence, and ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our communities. Through this project, we are taking decisive action to address these challenges, setting a precedent for responsible and resilient growth.”
Premier Brantley further highlighted the impact of climate change on the Caribbean region, referring to the recent Category 5 Hurricane Beryl. He pointed out that a significant portion of the region’s debt is due to the need for continual borrowing for rebuilding after such climatic events. Therefore, he stressed the need for increased assistance from the developed world, stating, “We are being asked to cash the check that we did not write. We are the ones who have been asked to carry the burden and to rebuild.”
In his remarks, Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, and Domestic Transport, also spoke about the specific vulnerabilities of small island developing states to climate change.
“Never before have we had a category five hurricane in the Caribbean region at the beginning of July. This is unheard of, and it is scary to think of what the future holds for us. And it is particularly scary because,
as mentioned, we do not contribute anything to the changing weather patterns that we have or to the changing climate. Yet, we have to then find 20 to 30 to 40 percent of our social expenditure just to rebuild every time we get on a sound footing, compared to maybe about one percent for many developed countries. So, these catastrophic events underscore the urgent need for robust climate action, making initiatives like this crucial for mitigating impacts and building resilience in our energy sector,” the Energy Minister contended.
In setting the context of the project, Senator the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, expressed appreciation to GEF, UNEP, and the CCREEE for their assistance in bringing the project to fruition. Minister Clarke explained that the project closely aligns with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 61 percent by 2030. As such, she stated her ministry’s commitment to supporting the Energy Ministry in integrating climate action and energy resilience into mainstream policies while ensuring a direct link between GHG
emission reduction and the new energy sector.
In her remarks, Ruth Zugman do Coutto, Chief of the Mitigation Branch in the Climate Change Division of UNEP, commended St. Kitts and Nevis for its leadership in the Caribbean in addressing climate change. She added that the project, if successful, will also decrease the country’s reliance on imported oil and improve its energy security and balance of payments. Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Head of Technical Programmes, Dr. Devon Gardner, explained that as the executing agency, the CCREEE was looking forward to overseeing the project’s day-to-day operations. Dr. Gardner also highlighted the Caribbean’s potential to help the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while pointing out the unprecedented opportunities for the region to shift its energy systems away from fossil fuels. Through the three-year project, St Kitts and Nevis intends to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhance its energy security and independence, stabilise energy prices, and create new economic opportunities through the development of the sustainable energy sector.
As he continues to battle the twice-impeached and 34-times-convicted felon and Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has not stopped working to improve the lives of the poor, disadvantaged, and disenfranchised. In his latest effort to level the playing field, Biden announced a series of actions to make renting more affordable for millions of Americans.
The President’s plan includes:
Legislative Push: Calling on Congress to pass a law forcing corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5% or lose valuable federal tax breaks.
Public Land Repurposing: Utilizing public land to create up to 15,000 affordable housing units in Nevada.
Housing Rehabilitation: Revitalizing distressed housing and neighborhoods, particularly in Las Vegas, Nevada. Biden emphasized the urgent need for Congressional action to make the American Dream accessible to more families. His proposed Biden-Harris Housing Plan aims to build 2 million homes and provide $10,000 in mortgage relief, potentially unlocking homeownership for millions. Housing construction has already reached its highest level in over 50 years, with new housing starting up 17%
compared to the previous administration.
Holding Corporate Landlords Accountable
A significant element of Biden’s plan is cracking down on corporate landlords who have exploited housing shortages by imposing steep rent hikes. “Corporate landlords have raised rents far beyond their own cost increases, reaping huge profits while millions of Americans struggle to afford their homes,” Biden stated.
The President is urging Congress to pass legislation that gives corporate landlords a choice: cap rent increases at 5% or lose federal tax benefits. This policy would apply to landlords with over 50 units and is designed to stabilize rents while new housing is built.
Protecting Renters and Expanding Housing Supply
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will introduce new protections for renters in multifamily properties financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These include a mandatory 30-day notice before rent increases, lease expirations, and a five-day grace period for late fees.
Repurposing Public Land for Housing
The administration is also repurposing federal land to build thousands of affordable homes.
by Stacy M .Brown
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will sell 20 acres of public land to Clark County, Nevada, at below-market rates, enabling the construction of nearly 150 affordable homes. Additionally, 562.5 acres in Southern Nevada have been identified for potential housing projects, which could create up to 15,000 new units.
The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) will lease land for workforce housing and repurpose surplus properties for housing developments.
Community Revitalization
HUD is announcing $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods grants to build new affordable homes, spur economic development, and revitalize communities nationwide. These grants will fund the construction of over 6,500 units and leverage $2.65 billion in additional investments. Cities such as Las Vegas, Syracuse, Chattanooga, and Miami are among the recipients.
Legislative Roadblocks and Republican Opposition
Despite these initiatives, Republicans in Congress have blocked Biden’s housing agenda. Efforts to cut rental assistance and programs
that lower mortgage costs have been stymied, and Senate Republicans are currently holding up a bipartisan bill to help build 200,000 affordable homes.
Biden remains committed to his housing goals, stressing the importance of Congressional support. Experts said the President’s ambitious plans likely would be repealed under a potential Trump administration where the conservative Project 2025 would make America devastatingly cruel to people with low incomes and disenfranchised, as well as the middle class and most African Americans, Latinos, LGBTQ, and other minorities.
“We must stand up to corporate landlords and build more homes to lower rents,” Biden asserted.
The smoke pollution from Canadian wildfires last summer killed more than 100 people in Michigan — about two dozen in Detroit alone, according to a Cornell University study.
Other Detroiters, like June Mack, saw their medical conditions worsen dramatically. Mack, a retiree living in Northwest Detroit who has asthma, was confined to her home and still could not escape the smoke’s impact. She suffered vertigo and double vision that required her to wear an eye patch and give up driving for months. And it left her worrying about the effectiveness and cost of her asthma inhaler. Mack told Planet Detroit, “I’m concerned that if the air quality is still bad…will [it] work? Or do I have to go to something else more expensive?”
Wildfire smoke and its impacts have long been an issue for many in the western United States. But the fires there are getting worse there too. They are getting worse everywhere. It is climate change in action.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as of July 6, 150,082 acres had burned so far this year in wildland fires in the state. That is nearly fourand-a-half times the five-year average (34,257 acres) for the same time interval.
“The world is on fire” is no longer a metaphor. In the United States, that means almost 16,000 deaths per year from wildfire smoke. That number could nearly double by mid-century, according to an April analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Another study this year out of Yale found that we could
by Ben Jealous
already be near 30,000 deaths per year, when factoring in all the additional harm to heart, lung, kidney and mental health in the aftermath of smoke exposure.
In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary. The destruction does not end with the fires and smoke. There are the floods that follow the fires. And all the injuries and illness also carry both extreme human and financial costs.
A study published last month found that in California, between 2008 and 2018, there were 52,480 premature deaths associated with exposure to the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke. And the health care costs from that exposure exceeded $432 billion. Climate change creates the conditions for these fires and ignites them. But, part of a vicious cycle, the fires themselves also help fuel climate change.
Our North American forests have an especially big role in cleansing our air. They are among the forests sometimes referred to as “the Earth’s lungs.” These forests are particularly carbon-dense, because of all the carbon their trees pull out of the atmosphere. Therefore when these forests burn, the fires release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which in turn creates more warming. And that in turn creates more fires.
Moreover, while the underlying conditions for longer fire seasons and more intense blazes are supercharged by global warming, new research shows that hotter temperatures are themselves likely causing fires to start. We have known that
fires continue to smolder under the snowpack in our Arctic forests as so-called “zombie fires.”
Then, when the weather warms, if there is ample vegetation for those fires to consume, they can essentially rise from the ashes of last year’s fire with new life. But new research indicates it could be the heat itself that is lighting the new fires and increasing the prevalence of zombie fires.
The soils of North America’s Arctic and boreal forests are rich in peat. Rapid increases in temperature above ground can cause peat-rich soils to heat up to smoldering temperatures underground, without any other spark or ignition. Add forest fires started by spontaneous combustion to the list of the impacts of climate change.
So, what can we do? For one, we need to break our fossil fuel addiction immediately. The cycle of wildfires, carbon release and atmospheric warming described above can only be broken if we stop pushing the problem along by continuing to burn fossil fuels.
The other thing we can do is protect our trees and plant more of them. Old growth forests are especially important because they are more fire resistant and absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts. And those forests have a well-developed understory — the layer of vegetation between the ground and the upper forest canopy. Many understory plants are perennials that come back after a fire.
That means the initiatives from the Biden-Harris administration to protect old growth forests and to plant trees in American cities are crit-
ical. The most obvious start is preserving mature and old-growth forests and trees on federal lands from being cut. And the $1.5 billion investment in urban forestry by this administration is another great step. Expanding urban tree canopies directly benefits communities with the addition of much-needed shade and green space. And with 84% of Americans living in or just outside cities, that is important. We should be planting trees in every community.
As we work to slow the warming and increase protections for trees and forests, if you live in a place with fires or fire smoke, take care, and stay inside when needed. If you live somewhere with an acute risk of fire or post-fire flooding, consider taking precautions like having an emergency plan and packing a go-bag.
This is our new normal, but we do not need to just accept it. The solutions are right in front of us. We just need to find the will to reach for them.
Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
Etienne Maurice, the multi-talented son of the Abbott Elementary star, tied the knot with ABC News journalist Stephanie Wash on Saturday, July 6. The couple, who got engaged in the summer of 2023, exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Jamaica, surrounded by family and friends.
“I am so blessed and happy to see my son find and marry such a smart and beautiful partner who has added so much to his life. It fills my heart with overwhelming joy and happiness,” Ralph exclusively tells PEOPLE. “It is as if all the love and good vibes in the world have come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren too!”
Stephanie Wash, an Emmy-winning TV producer, has worked on notable shows including 20/20 and Soul of a Nation. Etienne Maurice is a filmmaker, actor, and
philanthropist who founded WalkGood LA, a community wellness organization led by Black and Brown individuals. The romantic ceremony took place just days after Hurricane Beryl was expected to hit Jamaica. On July 2, Ralph posted a video on X (formerly known as Twitter), asking for prayers as the island prepared for the Category 4 storm.
“From the looks of the sky, it looks like Beryl is gonna be here much sooner than the news keeps saying,” Ralph, 67, said while looking out a window. “It’s very calm here in Jamaica, the sky is so beautifully clear. And they said that the sea looked like glass today.”
Despite the impending storm, the couple did not plan to delay or postpone the wedding.
Ralph tells PEOPLE magazine: “I’m still in awe how 300 people from around the globe made it through a hurricane, didn’t
give up, and showed up for this spectacular celebration of love. What a story for my grandchildren!”
Some attendees arrived just hours before the ceremony began at 5 p.m. local time, after their flights were initially canceled due to the hurricane. Guests enjoyed an authentic Jamaican experience and a culinary feast by Alex D’Great. The reception continued until 3 am, with DJ Courtney and DJ Yannick Jones providing the music .
Notable guests included Wash’s aunt, The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell, Lynn Whitfield, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Chef Alexander Smalls, ABC News national correspondent Steve Osunsami, Emmy-winning casting director Robi Reed and P-Valley breakout Brandee Evans were also in attendance.
Jamaican journalist Andrea LawfulSanders has resigned from WURD Radio in Philadelphia after admitting to using questions provided by U.S. President Joe Biden’s aides during an interview with the president last week.
Lawful-Sanders announced her resignation on Instagram, stating that WURD Radio had accepted it. According to a Guardian article, her resignation followed her appearance on a CNN program where she disclosed that she had used four questions supplied by Biden’s team for the interview.
“The questions were sent to me for approval — I approved of them,” Lawful-Sanders said. “I got several questions — eight of them. And the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved.”
Twenty-four hours later, Lawful-Sanders posted on Instagram: “On July 2, 2024, I received a call from the White House communications team inviting me to speak with President Biden. As an independent contractor for WURD, it has been a standard practice to book my interviews and develop questions for my guests without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration from station management.” She continued, “Upon accepting the invitation, I began working with the team regarding suggested topics to be discussed. Throughout my communications with the White House communications team, there was never any guarantee that the interview would be aired on WURD as they contacted me directly and, to my knowledge, not the station.”
The interview with Biden aired on July 4. The Guardian reported that WURD Radio released a statement on Sunday, claiming that Lawful-Sanders had arranged the interview “without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration with management” and violated the station’s editorial independence by accepting questions from Biden’s team.
The statement further noted that Biden aides’ decision to supply questions perpetuated a historical practice of marginalizing and “de-legitimizing Black voices” in U.S. media.
“WURD Radio is not a mouthpiece for the Biden or any other administration,” the statement obtained by The Guardian said.
Five CUNY senior colleges were listed among the best colleges in the United States by Money, the personal finance website. The colleges — Baruch College, City College of New York, Hunter College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Lehman College — were named
among the top 745 colleges in the country based on an analysis of graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid offerings and graduates’ salaries.
“We are thrilled to once again see CUNY colleges recognized as some of the best in the country for students who are looking for an excellent and affordable education that will lead to a prosperous career,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Prospective CUNY students should remain assured that our colleges are ready and able to set them up for success as they pursue their professional and personal goals.”
Money’s ranking, which uses a five-star rating system to compare the listed colleges, awarded Baruch College five stars under this methodology and four-and-a-half stars to the four other schools.
This ranking is the latest recognition of CUNY’s success in providing an affordable and high-quality college education. Last year, CUNY colleges featured prominently in an interactive college ranking, created by the New York Times, that allowed users to prioritize such factors as high earnings, academic profile, economic mobility, low sticker price, low net price, racial diversity and economic diversity.
Similarly, five CUNY colleges — Baruch, Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter and Queens College — were listed among “The Best 389 Colleges for 2024” by The Princeton Review, based on survey and opinion data from
165,000 students who attend the 389 recognized four-year schools.
The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City. Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today has seven community colleges, 11 senior colleges and seven graduate or professional institutions spread across New York City’s five boroughs, serving more than 225,000 undergraduate and graduate students and awarding 50,000 degrees each year.
CUNY’s mix of quality and affordability propels almost six times as many low-income students into the middle class and beyond as all the Ivy League colleges combined. More than 80 percent of the University’s graduates stay in New York, contributing to all aspects of the city’s economic, civic and cultural life and diversifying the city’s workforce in every sector. CUNY’s graduates and faculty have received many prestigious honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes and 26 MacArthur “genius grants.” The University’s historic mission continues to this day: provide a first-rate public education to all students, regardless of means or background. To learn more about CUNY, visit https:// www.cuny.edu.
New York – Jamaican born engineer and community leader Lesleyann Samuel is celebrating a lifetime of volunteer service with her latest accolade – the Kingston College Old Boys Association USA (KCOBA) Community Award for Leadership and Philanthropy. The award is one of several handed out annually by the New York Chapter of the Kingston College alumni organization to individuals who have contributed significantly to their communities in the USA. Samuel, an alumna of the Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) in Jamaica and a former president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA), was recognized for her contribution to the ICHS Alumnae Association and for her achievements as UJAA President during her eight year tenure from 2014 to 2022. Presented at the KCOBA USA Annual Reunion and Awards Gala at Auntun’s in Queens Village, New York in May, the award is the latest in a long line of tributes that have been bestowed on Samuel for her voluntary and philanthropic community efforts, which span
nearly four decades.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica to R. Karl and Olga Samuel, Samuel’s passion for community service was ignited at an early age by her aunt, the late Dothlyn Joyce (“Dotty”) Campbell, former head of dance at Jamaica’s Festival Commission (now the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission – JCDC).
According to Samuel, “In addition to her job, my aunt volunteered in a number of organizations and was always helping others. I learnt then that life is more than just our day-to-day jobs. Life is about stepping up to our calling. For me, that means doing what I believe I am supposed to do in the service of others who may need whatever help I may be able to offer.”
Samuel immigrated to the USA at the age of 13 and attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn (now Meyer Levin Junior High School), going on to earn a scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an engineering school in upstate New York. She graduated from Rensselaer with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, which would lead to her becoming one of a small but growing number of black female engineers being hired at major communication and tech companies in the early 1980’s. She landed a position with New Jersey Bell – which later became Bell Atlantic and, ultimately, Verizon. After spending over a decade working with Verizon in Maryland, she returned to the Tri state area with her desire to “give forward” as strong as ever.
“It started with my getting involved with my alma mater Immaculate at first, because I was a part of the fifthgeneration in my family to attend the school. My mom was always involved
in the alumnae association, in Jamaica and then in New York, so my sisters and I followed suit. Then by 2012, I was working extensively with UJAA- on the board and really enjoying travelling to Jamaica and making my contribution. So in 2014, I decided to take the next major step and run for UJAA president, following in the footsteps of my sister Karlene who was president before me.”
Karlene encouraged Lesleyann to “step up” and supported her through the entire journey. According to Samuel, “Most of us are active in our alumni associations because we attended phenomenal schools with phenomenal teachers. By giving forward (I deliberately do not ever use the word giving “back,” because that is not our direction), we demonstrate our patriotism – our love for Jamaica – by helping to ensure that those who come after us have as good or better experiences than ours.”
Her term as UJAA president was extended due to the COVID pandemic and by the time it was over in 2022, the UJAA membership had grown from 32 to over 60 alumni organizations during her presidency – an achievement of which she is especially proud.
With her engineering background, she has also been a major force behind UJAA’s support of robotics in Jamaican schools, and has chaperoned several Jamaican student delegations to international robotics competitions in recent years. Her latest project with her own Immaculate Alumnae Association includes extending the robotics program to Immaculate’s Preparatory school, where they participated in the FIRST® LEGO League Jamaica program in late June.
Samuel finds that the one of the great ironies in her life of service has been the way in which her community volunteer activities have influenced her professionally, rather than the other way around.
“Curiously, my leadership and communication skills were developed through my community efforts and helped me in my engineering career- not the other way round. To both, I bring my commitment to a high standard of performance. I also understand that working with volunteers is very different than working with persons who are being paid to do a job. And I also stay positive, and proceed as if success is inevitable.”
In addition to her latest award from KCOBA, Samuel has been the recipient of numerous others including The Bob Marley One Love Leadership Award from The Stop The Violence Alliance, The Caribbean Life Impact Award, The Founders Award from the ICHS Alumnae Association and the United States House of Representatives Proclamation from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
As for the future, Samuel is not yet ready to slow down.
“I would like to obtain my doctorate in Organizational Leadership,” she says, “So I’m currently looking for the right programs for me. I would also like to do more work in Jamaica and am always looking at how to contribute in new ways. But generally, I’m staying open to the possibilities – ready as I’ve always been to step through the doors as they open.”
CASTRIES, St LUCIA (CMC) – Carnival celebrations in St Lucia were marred by at least one murder as a result of separate shooting incidents, police reported Monday.
According to authorities, in the first case, 31-year-old Kerdel Amedee was shot and killed during an incident in Barre Denis on the outskirts of the capital, Castries. Police have not yet determined a motive for the killing.
Meanwhile, a teenager was among two individuals who were left injured following
a shooting at Gros Islet on Monday. Police said that the incident occurred during the early hours on Monday and that the men, aged 19 and 31 years old, were transferred to the OKEU Hospital.
St Lucia is into the final two days of its annual carnival celebrations with the traditional street parade of bands taking place on Monday and Tuesday.
On Sunday, patrons to the annual Calypso Monarch competition expressed their displeasure with the judging in the competition that featured several former winners.
Gunmen wreaked havoc across Trinidad over a 24-hour period starting at 4 pm on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. The victims, including two women and seven men under the age of 45, were killed in shootings that occurred in the north, east, and south regions of the country, pushing the year’s murder toll to 315.
In Arima, a three-year-old boy narrowly escaped serious injury during a double murder. The wave of violence began on Friday afternoon on Agostini Street in
Belmont, where 29-year-old Hasani Bonas and 19-year-old Jaheim Shallow were gunned down. Bonas and Shallow were reportedly socializing on the street when a convoy of three vehicles—a white panel van, a white Nissan AD Wagon, and a silver Toyota Fielder—arrived. Several men exited the vehicles and opened fire, hitting Bonas and Shallow multiple times. Bonas died at the scene, while Shallow succumbed to his injuries at the Port of Spain General Hospital later that evening.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali conducted a walkabout exercise in Zeelugt (Old Scheme and Railway View) and Meten-Meer-Zorg, Region Three, on Saturday.
Several issues were addressed in those areas, including roads and drainage infrastructure and security.
In Zeelugt, the president upbraided regional engineers and contractors for the slow pace of road and bridge construction works in the area.
He urged the Ministry of Public Works to take the necessary steps to expedite the works so that the residents can benefit from improved infrastructure.
President Ali also met with a group of residents squatting on government reserve in Zeelugt North (Sideline Dam). Many of them had been allocated land as part of their relocation process. He assured continued support in the relocation of the residents to developed housing schemes within the region. This
include the provision of steel and cement to accelerate the construction of their homes.
“So, all who got house lots when you move we are going to help you…you got this steel and cement vouchers…. Importantly, you can’t stay here…. It’s not good for the children, it’s not good for you...”
York, NY – Following the resounding success of two sold-out shows, with over 36,000 concert goers at the prestigious UBS arena in Long Island, New York, Buju Banton, the legendary Grammy award winning reggae artist, is proud to announce his inaugural Arena Tour, “The
‘You
Overcomer.” Buju Banton, backed by Shiloh Band, captivated fans with a thrilling 90-minute performance over the weekend that showcased his unmatched talent and energy, cementing his status as the first reggae artist to achieve such record-breaking ticket sales in two days.
Rightfully titled, “The Overcomer” tour will feature billboard chart topping special guest artist Fridayy. Known for his exceptional musical abilities, Fridayy, a Haitian American singer, songwriter, and record producer, has made waves in the music industry with his “When It Comes To You”, Stand By Me”, “Without You” and his triple Grammy nominated song “God Did” by Dj Khaled featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and John Legend.
In a statement regarding this significant milestone, Buju Banton’s manager, represented by Joesph Budafuco, expressed great pride in Buju Banton’s accomplishments and the monumental nature of his
first-ever arena tour. Budafuco highlighted the significance of Buju Banton returning to tour in the United States after a 15-year hiatus, emphasizing the anticipation and excitement surrounding this momentous tour.
Today Buju Banton continues his dominance as one of the most significant artists in music as he hit several arenas throughout the United States. This summer’s hottest Reggae concert ticket is produced by black owned AG Touring in association with Gargamel Music, XO Management, Mammoth and Eventim. The historical run kicks off on August 24th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Amerant Bank Arena, making stops across United States to Tampa, Washington DC, Boston Massachusetts, Atlanta, Houston, TX, Inglewood CA before heading to Brooklyn NY, Barclay Center.
All tickets available at www.bujubanton. com.
Tour Dates
Aug 23- Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 25- Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Aug 27- Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Aug 30 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Sep 1- Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Sep 6- Hartford, CT – XL Center
Sep 8- Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sep 12- Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sep 13- Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Sep 15- Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Sep 18 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
Sep 23 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
Sep 29 – Chicago, IL – All State Arena
Nov 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
For more information and ticket details, please visit www.bujubanton.com
Originally released in July 1970, “You Can Get It If You Really Want” has maintained its appeal over the decades. Interestingly, within weeks of Cliff’s release, fellow Jamaican singer Desmond Dekker recorded his version of the song. Dekker’s rendition became a major hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Today, Dekker’s version has garnered over 17 million streams on Spotify.
The song’s popularity soared thanks to the 1972 film The Harder They Come, which featured Cliff in the lead role and included four of his compositions, including
“Behaviour’
“You Can Get It If You Really Want.” This film played a crucial role in introducing reggae music to a global audience and is considered one of the Caribbean’s greatest cinematic exports.
The track’s popularity has extended far beyond the 70s, featuring in numerous films and TV shows over the years. It has graced the soundtracks of movies such as Fool’s Gold (2008), Hitch (2005), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), The Match (1999), and Speed 2 (1997), as well as TV series like I Am Groot (2022), Baywatch (1994), and Miami Vice (1986).
In an interview with British singer Estelle for Apple Music’s Essentials Radio, Cliff discussed the song’s personal significance. “It’s an inspirational song,” he explained. “It came to me at one of the moments in my life when I was motivating myself. Songwriting is like this for me at least. Some songs are autobiographical, in some songs you are describing a situation; that was an autobiographical song that I was inspiring myself.”
Last Friday night at Regal UA Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, supporters gathered to celebrate the private movie screening of “Behavior,” directed by Haitian filmmaker Wanly Florexile. The theater was packed with community members, other actors, and influencers. Florexile’s film provides a compelling exploration of mental health issues and the pressures young people face in urban America.
Set against the backdrop of cultural tensions between Haitian and Dominican communities, “Behavior” delves into the intricate relationships and personal struggles of its young protagonists, portrayed by Daniel Jean and Jodell Lewis. Kelvin Hammond, playing the character CJ, shows signs of severe anger issues from a young age, including destroying a stuffed animal given to him by his father. Jodell
Lewis, who plays CJ’s father, recognizes the cries for help but opts against therapy, fearing it might jeopardize his application to the police force. Meanwhile, CJ’s mother advocates for seeking professional help for their son. As CJ grows older and finally begins therapy, his sessions reveal worsening conditions.
“Behavior” highlights the significant impact of mental health on children’s lives and how many parents overlook the signs, often unaware that they might be contributing to the problem. The film emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help to prevent harm to both children and their families. Check Out the Trailer .
Dancehall star Rygin King, born Matthew Smith, and his wife, Ileene Parker-Smith, were arrested in New York early Monday morning on multiple weapons possession charges.
King, 29, was found in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with a loaded Palmetto State Armory 9 mm firearm during a stop by the NYPD’s 113th Precinct. The Deputy Commissioner Public Information Office confirmed the arrest to DancehallMag, stating it occurred at 4:30 a.m. on July 8 at 179th Street and 114th Road in Queens. King faces five charges, including criminal
possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm), criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (ammo clips), possession of an ammunition feeding device, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Five others were also charged: Ileene Parker-Smith, 41; Kemor Palmer, 30; Derol Tate, 30; Rashaun Linton, 27; and the driver, Jovaughn Brown, 23. Brown faces additional charges, including a vehicle and license violation, false impersonation, and an illegal signal.
The 113th Precinct announced the
recovery of the weapon on Twitter, stating, “Yesterday, 113 pct Midnight Public Safety Team made an arrest and recovered this loaded firearm. Excellent work! #onelessgun.”
King’s first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, July 12, at 9 a.m. in the Queens Supreme Criminal Court. He is represented by court-appointed attorney Marc B. Laykind.
In New York, the top charge of criminal possession of a loaded firearm carries a minimum sentence of three and a half years in prison for first-time offenders,
with a maximum of 15 years.
In 2020, Rygin King survived a life-altering incident in the Struie district of Westmoreland, Jamaica. While traveling with his entourage, two men opened fire on the group, killing his manager’s wife, Sashalee Blackwood. King was chased into a ditch and shot three times, spending several weeks in medical facilities undergoing critical surgeries. Now bound to a wheelchair, he left Jamaica in 2021 for orthopedic consultations and therapy in the US.
July 9 marked a significant milestone for the King of Calypso, The Mighty Sparrow, as he celebrated his 89th birthday. On this special occasion, well-wishers and calypso enthusiasts have expressed their love and admiration for the eight-time Road March champion, reflecting on his remarkable contributions to the calypso industry. In a press release shared on Tuesday, supporters shared their heartfelt sentiments:
Bob Marley, the iconic reggae legend, not only left an indelible mark on music and culture but also had profound relationships with the women in his life. These women, each significant in their own right, influenced Marley and played essential roles in his journey. Here, we explore the stories of some of the key women who were part of Bob Marley’s life.
Rita Marley: The Matriarch of Reggae Alpharita Constantia Anderson, known as Rita Marley, was Bob’s wife and the mother of several of his children. She met Bob in the mid-1960s, and the two married on February 10, 1966. Rita was not only Bob’s partner in life but also in music. She was a member of the I-Threes, the trio of backup singers for Bob Marley and the Wailers, alongside Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths.
Rita Marley was a pillar of strength and support for Bob throughout his career. Her dedication
to his legacy has been unwavering. After his death, Rita continued to promote his music and humanitarian efforts, helping to keep his message of love and unity alive. She has also been instrumental in various charitable initiatives, particularly in Jamaica and Africa.
Cindy Breakspeare: The Beauty Queen
Cindy Breakspeare, a Jamaican jazz singer, musician, and former Miss World 1976, was another influential woman in Bob Marley’s life. Their relationship resulted in the birth of their son, Damian Marley, who has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a successful musician known as “Junior Gong.”
Cindy and Bob’s relationship was marked by mutual respect and love for music. Cindy has often spoken about Bob’s profound impact on her life and career, and their son Damian has paid tribute to his father’s legacy through his own music, which blends reggae with contemporary sounds.
Esther Anderson: The Creative Muse
Esther Anderson, a Jamaican actress and filmmaker, had a significant relationship with Bob Marley during the early 1970s. She is credited with helping to promote Bob and the Wailers to a global audience. Esther was instrumental in the development of Bob’s image and the international promotion of his music.
“We, a group of Trinidad and Tobago nationals and Caribbean people, are fully appreciative of this extraordinary human being that God has delivered to us here in Trinidad and Tobago, the rest of the Caribbean, and indeed the world. We send greetings to ‘Birdie’ at his New York home, wishing him all the best on this wonderful
day and in the days to come as decreed by God.”
Slinger Francisco, fondly known as The Mighty Sparrow, is celebrated for his iconic songs such as “Congo Man,” “Jean and Dinah,” “Ten to One,” and many more.
he U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals celebrates a successful culmination of the 2024 Carnival Season with the St. John Celebration.
The annual carnival event, held on the island of St. John, welcomed revelers from throughout the territory and across the world to Love City for seven days of festive events centered around the annual observance of Emancipation. On the heels of last year’s 175th anniversary of Emancipation, the St. John community came together again to carouse another momentous observance as they commenced the 70th annual Celebration.
“From the historical reenactments to treasured longtime traditions including pageants and food fairs, St. John Celebration continues to inspire the future by holding strong to the deep values that helped to shape who we are as a people,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
The 2024 Celebration Village honoring St. John native Ms. Gwenda Dagou featured performances from Kes the Band, Patrice
Roberts, Dexta Daps, Mr. Killa, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, Asa Bantan, Adam O, Richie Spice, Nadia Batson, Cool Session and more. International superstar, Wyclef Jean gave a oncein-a-lifetime performance on Wednesday night, with breakout star and Virgin Island’s native Pumpa closing out the weeklong celebration on the 4th of July with an epic homecoming show.
“Every year, we aim to bring top-notch performances and experiences to our Carnival Villages, and this year, we continued that trend by welcoming top musicians from across the Caribbean, further supporting the region’s One Caribbean motto,” shared Director Ian Turnbull of the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Festivals.
Additional highlights from the St. John Celebration included the crowning of the 2024 Carnival Queen, Princess and Prince, J’ouvert, and Parade Day, which featured revelers adorned in ornate and traditional costumes processing through the streets of Cruz Bay.
The biggest news is that American Airlines is adding a brand-new destination to its route map: South Caicos Airport, Turks and Caicos (XSC).
This new route will launch on February 15, 2025, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from American’s Caribbean hub at Miami International Airport (MIA).
The airline will use a 76-seat Embraer 175 regional jet for the 628-mile journey. Flights will depart Miami at 10:05 a.m. and arrive in South Caicos at 12:27 p.m. The return flight will leave South Caicos at 1:44 p.m. and land back in Miami at 3:55 p.m. Miami already serves as American’s gateway to Latin America, and this new
flight will open up access to South Caicos for travelers from over 75 destinations across the U.S. and Canada, a destination previously unserved by any U.S. airline. Map watching: The award for “sexiest new route” of the year goes to ...
“American has flown to Turks and Caicos for more than 30 years and we are thrilled to announce the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Caicos starting next February. Customers from across North America will now have faster and more convenient access to this idyllic island and all that it offers,” said Jason Reisinger, American’s managing director of global network planning, in a statement.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Hansle Parchment are among the global champions who feature on Jamaica’s team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Fraser-Pryce claimed 100m titles at both the 2008 and 2012 Games and secured 100m silver in Tokyo. Jackson, a two-time world 200m champion, claimed 100m bronze behind Fraser-Pryce in Tokyo and in Paris she is entered for both the 100m and 200m.
Parchment will defend his 110m hurdles title, while Kishane Thompson, who won the national 100m title in 9.77, will contest that sprint event.
World U20 champion Jaydon Hibbert is entered for the triple jump and Danniel Thomas-Dodd, the 2019 world silver medallist, is confirmed for the shot put.
Jamaican team for Paris
100m: Tia Clayton, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson
200m: Niesha Burgher, Shericka Jackson, Lanae-Tava Thomas
400m: Junelle Bromfield, Nickisha Pryce, Stacey Ann Williams
800m: Natoya Goule-Toppin, Adelle
Tracey
1500m: Adelle Tracey
100m hurdles: Janeek Brown, Ackera Nugent, Danielle Williams
400m hurdles: Rushell Clayton, Janieve
Russell, Shiann Salmon
High jump: Lamara Distin
Long jump: Chanice Porter, Ackelia Smith
Triple jump: Shanieka Ricketts, Ackelia
Smith, Kimberly Williams
Shot put: Lloydricka Cameron, Danniel
Thomas-Dodd
Discus: Samantha Hall
Hammer: Nayoka Clunis
4x100m: Tia Clayton, Shashalee Forbes,
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson
4x400m: Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Nickisha Pryce, Stacey Ann Williams
MEN
100m: Ackeem Blake, Oblique Seville, Kishane Thompson
200m: Andrew Hudson, Bryan Levell
400m: Sean Bailey, Jevaughn Powell, Deandre Watkin
800m: Navasky Anderson
110m hurdles: Orlando Bennett, Rasheed Broadbell, Hansle Parchment
400m hurdles: Roshawn Clarke, Jaheel
Hyde, Malik James-King
High jump: Romaine Beckford
Long jump: Tajay Gayle, Carey McLeod,
Wayne Pinnock
Triple jump: Jaydon Hibbert, Jordan Scott
Shot put: Rajindra Campbell
Discus: Ralford Mullings, Traves Smikle, Roje Stona
4x100m: Ackeem Blake, Jehlani Gordon, Oblique Seville, Kishane Thompson
MIXED
4x400m: Zandrian Barnes, Raheem Hayles, Andrenette Knight, Ashley Williams
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association of Football (Concacaf) has joined forces with the Generation Amazing (GA) Foundation to foster football development across the region. As part of Concacaf’s Bigger Game Social Responsibility strategy, 2024 marks the second year of this transformative initiative, culminating in a two-day celebration of sport and community in Belize which took place earlier this year.
Concacaf and GA remain committed to building a long-term football infrastructure that not only cultivates talent but also promotes social values among young people.
Local coaches engaged in intensive training sessions over a two-day period. These sessions were specifically designed to equip coaches with the necessary tools to create positive impacts within their communities through football. The festival play, a highlight of the event, saw these newly trained coaches bring their learnings to life, facilitating engaging
and fun activities for over 600 children and 50 coaches from local communities.
At the event, Concacaf Chief Development Officer, Jason Roberts, interacted with participants and delivered an address during the ceremony. “After what we’ve witnessed so far, we are even more convinced that football can be a potent force for social change judging by the happiness and excitement of the young players and their coaches here in Belize. And that’s exactly what we’re aiming for with this program – to develop our young people’s character and give them the tools they need to lead their communities, not just football skills, and enjoy themselves in the process,” he highlighted.
Sergio Chuc, President of the Football Federation of Belize and Member of the Concacaf Council, welcomed the partnership with Generation Amazing, commenting, “We are pleased here at the FFB with the response we got from Concacaf football chief and the directors of Generation Amazing. The Football Federation of Belize teaming up with 25 primary schools to launch the program is seen as a module to emulate by other Concacaf member associations.”
Also in attendance was GA Executive Director, Nasser Al Khori, who reflected on the impact of the joint initiative. “This initiative is not just a programme; it’s a legacy—a testament to the enduring partnership between Generation Amazing Foundation and Concacaf, and it is crucial to our mission to unlock football as a force for good. Through our joint efforts, we’ve seen firsthand football’s transformative power in bringing communities together, fostering inclusivity, and promoting key life skills,” he added. “It’s truly inspiring to see first-hand the positive changes unfolding in the lives of these young participants”.
The year was 1992. Civil unrest had gripped South Central Los Angeles in the wake of the Rodney King trial verdict. Employees at Nissan’s then-U.S. sales headquarters watched it unfold out their office windows just blocks from the riot’s epicenter. In the days and weeks that followed, Nissan employees resolved to do something.
Together, they created the Nissan Foundation. Opens in a new tab.
In the 32 years since its founding, the Nissan Foundation has been awarding grants to nonprofits – big and small – that work to educate and inspire people to embrace diversity. More than 150 nonprofits have received grants during the Foundation’s lifetime, and more than $17 million has been awarded. And this year, Nissan will award its most grants ever in a single grant cycle.Opens in a new tab.
“The Nissan Foundation is unique in its laser-sharp focus on just one thing: embracing our diversity,” said Chandra Vassar, Nissan Foundation president. “Everything we do and every organization we support does this in some way, shape or form.”
Grantees in action
The Foundation for Mississippi History, which operates the interconnected Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, is a four-time Nissan Foundation grantee. A centerpiece of the U.S.
Civil Rights Movement, Mississippi has many complicated stories of tragedy and triumph to tell, and the Two Mississippi MuseumsOpens in a new tab. create an immersive space for sharing them.
The Nissan Foundation’s support of these museums helps ensure that each K-12 student in Mississippi has at least one chance to visit the museums before they graduate – regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
During the museum tours, students can meet Hezekiah Watkins, who was arrested over 100 times as a member of the Freedom Riders, a group of activists who participated in “Freedom Rides” in the early 1960s to protest segregated bus terminals. ”In our heads, the Freedom Riders and those pushing the movement forward feel so far away, but seeing such an accomplished person give his firsthand account really made everything we had been learning feel so much more real,” wrote Jax and Max, two eighth grade students who visited the museum and heard Watkins share his story of being the youngest Freedom Rider in Jackson.
A six-time Nissan Foundation grantee, the Zekelman Holocaust CenterOpens in a new tab. in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has used its grants over the years to train teachers in Holocaust education. The center will use its 2024 grant to train English Language Arts educators
in the use of memoirs for their classroom Holocaust instruction.
“Many students’ first experience with the Holocaust is through literature,” explained Ruth Bergman, the Zekelman Holocaust Center’s director of education. “A lot of teachers are nervous about teaching the Holocaust – it’s a huge subject. We help them bring the Holocaust into the classroom to give students the historical and cultural context they need to understand the literature and the history that surrounds it.”
One of the Nissan Foundation’s newest grantees is the Midori FoundationOpens in a new tab., which provides a tuition-free music education program for underserved youth. The Foundation’s Celebrate! Music program brings live performances by diverse ensembles to New York City classrooms. With a front row seat, students experience different cultures through music.
“Through interactive live concerts and artist-led workshops, students are exposed to diverse cultures, fostering empathy and understanding,” said Luz MacManus, the Midori Foundation’s vice president, development.
“This exposure promotes a sense of global citizenship and community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity and promoting the values of acceptance and unity.”
More need than ever
Three decades after the Nissan Foundation’s
first grants were awarded, the number of applicants continues to rise. In fact, the number of organizations applying for a 2024 grant tripled from 2023. Ali Tonn, Nissan Foundation executive director, thinks this has something to do with a deep need for connection.
“Coming out of the pandemic, there’s a lot of need for a sense of belonging,” Tonn said.
“Many people felt unseen, unheard and isolated. We get connection from perspective sharing, which is at the heart of the work the Nissan Foundation supports. It’s not surprising, then, that so many nonprofits are coming forward to create spaces for people to be seen, be heard and be understood, and to seek the Nissan Foundation’s support in this endeavor.”
Meeting this increase in programming, the Nissan Foundation awarded its most grants ever in a single grant cycle this year. Forty-four grantee organizations will initiate or continue programs grounded in the idea that diversity fosters connection and is an enhancing factor of society.
“I’m thrilled that we’re able to further the innovative programming of 44 grantees this year,” Tonn said. “These organizations are continually coming up with ways to reach new audiences and share the benefits of living and working together in a diverse society. Our grantees do really important work, and it’s a privilege to be a part of supporting their efforts.”
