CLIMATE CHANGE - COP CARIBBEAN WANTS MORE ACCESS TO GLOBAL FUNDS
Looking to change rules to expand project finance for the region
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NEW 18-MEMBER CABINET NAMED
By new Prime Minister Alix Didier FilsAimé with the task of overseeing the country until February 2026
NEW YORK
$45 MILLION SETTLEMENTNURSING HOME
Secured by Attorney General Letitia James in lawsuit against operators of facilities in New York HAITI
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Leads the most powerful organization advocating on behalf of American’s 50 years and older
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A&E
Shares her reaction to being as the highest ranked African Contestant of 2024 MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA - RUNNER UP NEW YORK DR. MYECHIA MINTER-JORDAN, AARP’S NEW CEO
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A&E
Dancehall star receives Honorary Degree from University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) during their graduation ceremony DR. SEAN PAUL Page 18
America’s Healing Can Start with Family Around the Holidays by Ben Jealous - P 9
HEALTH
Sandals and Beaches Resorts Announce Black Friday Sale - P 16
SPORTS
Howard University’s 1974 Soccer Team Inducted Into Hall of Fame - P 20
AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS
ICC Prosecutor appeals for global support to
bring Libyan war criminals to justice
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday called on the UN Security Council to help execute arrest warrants against suspects allegedly linked to a brutal Libyan militia blamed for committing atrocity crimes in the town of Tarhuna, where mass graves were discovered in 2020.
The six who remain at large were either key members or associated with the Al Kaniyat militia that controlled Tarhuna from at least 2015 to June 2020, when government forces ousted them from the city, which is located about 65 kilometres (about 40 miles) southeast of Tripoli.
The arrest warrants against Abdurahem Khalefa Abdurahem Elshgagi “Al Khani”, Makhlouf Makhlouf Arhoumah Doumah “Douma”, Nasser Muhammad Muftah Daou “Al Lahsa”, Mohamed Mohamed Al Salheen Salmi “Salheen”, Abdelbari Ayyad Ramadan Al Shaqaqi “Al Shaqaqi” and Fathi Faraj Mohamed Salim Al Zinkal “Al Zinkal” were unsealed last month. Since June 2020, hundreds of bodies have been exhumed from mass graves in and around Tarhuna, allegedly victims of crimes amounting to war crimes, including murder, torture, sexual violence and rape.
Dignified, steely determination
Briefing ambassadors on the Security Council from the Libyan capital Tripoli, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan spoke of his meetings and interactions with families of the victims.
Rights experts call for immediate end to post-election violence in Mozambique
UN independent human rights experts on Friday called on Mozambican authorities to prevent and end ongoing violence and repression of demonstrators in the wake of contentious general elections last month.
Weeks of violent protests have marked the outcome of the disputed 9 October presidential elections, which saw ruling party Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo emerge the winner amid widespread allegations of fraud. Frelimo has been in power since 1975.
Multiple news reports indicate that violent and repressive measures were used by security forces against protesters who were taking part in peaceful demonstrations which continued until 7 November, causing at least 30 deaths – including a child – and injuring a further 200.
At least 300 protesters have also been arrested in connection with these demonstrations.
According to reports, authorities deployed the military last week to stop the protests, while protest leaders have announced multiple phases of demonstrations, including at provincial capitals and border crossings.
Protesters have also allegedly carried out reprisals against suspected police officers, including at least one killing, according to authorities.
Violence very disturbing
“The violations of the right to life, including of a child, deliberate killings of unarmed protesters...
Colombian conflict survivors turn forest heroes in search of climate change solutions
“What do I want the river to carry away?
The deforestation,” Sandra Donado says, her voice competing with the sudden storm lashing her canoe as it floats down the Guaviare River in Colombia’s Amazon biome region.
This waterway, a silent witness to the turmoil of the municipality of Mapiripán, has seen it all – the wildlife trafficking, the coca harvests that fuelled conflict, the human bodies left behind amid a heinous massacre and the relentless erosion of the rainforest it once nourished.
Now, Sandra hopes it will carry away the pain of the past and usher in an era of healing for her community and for its land.
Mapiripán has long been trapped in a cycle of conflict and environmental degradation exacerbated by climate change. Many years ago, it was known for its illegal wildlife fur trade; later, it became a coca-growing region, attracting armed groups that turned the lush rainforest into a battleground.
Promise of prosperity
A young Sandra, facing extreme poverty and violence, arrived in Mapiripán in the early 2000s, drawn by a promise of prosperity. “There was an economic boom,” she recalls, “but it came from illicit crops – there was no other way to live.”
Lebanon: Increased violence is the ‘ horrific new normal’ for children, warns UNICEF
Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), told reporters in Geneva that ground clashes inside Lebanon – some of them very close to UNIFIL positions – have become “more violent”.
Peacekeepers have witnessed the “shocking” destruction of villages in southern Lebanon along the UN-patrolled Blue Line that separates the country from Israel, along with ever-deeper Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground incursions and continuing Hezbollah attacks, the UN said on Tuesday.
While the Mission’s monitoring capabilities are limited because of the hostilities, it has seen Israeli forces carry out incursions about “two or three kilometres deeper” inside Lebanese territory before withdrawing, he said.
Speaking to reporters from Beirut, Mr. Tenenti reported daily Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as well as missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah into Israel that have caused “widespread destruction” of towns and villages on both sides of the Blue Line.
Villages destroyed
On the Lebanese side, the destruction “has been huge, shocking”. Villages like Kfar Kila, Maroun al-Ras and others “have been completely destroyed by the incursions of the IDF,” he said.
NYC – Shirley Chisholm Day Declared by Council to Honor Her on November 30
Every year on November 30, New Yorkers will remember Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first female candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
The New York City Council declared November 18, 2024, “Shirley Chisholm Day” in remembrance of the political trailblazer and Bedford-Stuyvesant native. This action was taken before November 30, which would have been Chisholm’s 100th birthday.
Chisholm, who passed away in 2005, served seven terms from 1969 to 1983 as the representative for Brooklyn’s 12th Congressional District, which included a large portion of Bedford-Stuyvesant. In subsequent years, her memory was honored with several awards, such as a statue in Prospect Park that municipal officials authorized and a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
The proposal was sponsored by Brook-
lyn Councilmember Farah Louis, who highlighted the significance of Chisholm’s legacy in motivating the next generation of leaders. She also added that it would “show young women in our city, particularly Black women and women of color, that their dreams are valid and their voices matter).”
Louis noted, “This legislation is more than a recognition – but an affirmation – of the contribution of Shirley Anita Chisholm, who unlocked and opened doors for generations of political leaders who were excluded simply for being Black.”
After Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the first Black woman elected vice president, in the most recent election, the City Council took action. New York City voters gave Harris over twice the number of votes that they gave the now-standing president who is a product of the 2024 general election, President Trump.
The Caribbean Wants More Access to Global Climate Funds
Caribbean development organizations say they continue to trail the world as it relates to accessing available climate funds and implementation of climate-resilient projects.
Speaking of the region’s challenges at an event hosted on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), the executive director of Belize-based Caribbean Climate Change Centre (CCCC), Dr. Colin Young, said the Caribbean is the least funded region under the Global Climate Fund reportedly accessing only US$5 million of available resources.
“We’re behind Asia-Pacific, we’re behind the Least Developed Countries and we’re behind Africa…while we are agitating for changing of rules that would be more fit-for-purpose…we must also ensure that there are demands made for the simplification of the access architecture and reducing of the fragmentation of the donor relationships,” Young said.
The acting director of projects at the Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), L. O’Reilly Lewis, said that while there has been a significant expansion in climate finance for developing countries like those in the Caribbean, “there remains a need to enable the shift towards low emission climate resilience to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, ensuring the underlying quality or effectiveness of climate finance is also crucial.”
The event was held under the theme ‘Climate Finance Effectiveness in the Caribbean’ and the Division Chief, of Environmental Sustainability at CDB, Valerie Isaac, said the financial institution is actively addressing this challenge.
“The quality and quantity of climate finance is important for its effectiveness and in the case of the Caribbean scaling up this finance requires multi-faceted approaches. These approaches need to address both the immediate financial needs as well as the longer-term sustainability of the sort of climate action required in the region,”
she said.
The CDB said it is engaging global resources to assist the Caribbean with its coordination and collaboration and the simplification of the climate finance architecture.
The bank is leveraging partnerships through its soon-to-be-established climate change preparation fund which will assist in circumventing key barriers inhibiting those finance flows in the region.
CDB is also working with its member countries to develop an ambitious pipeline of programs and projects for co-financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will be catalytic in scaling up investment in climate action in the Caribbean.
CDB said it has also mobilized Project Preparation Facility (PPF) grants to support the development of three large-scale capital projects.
The panel also discussed the challenges of delays and the importance of building strong partnerships with donors while also endorsing more flexible approaches tailored to the needs of the Caribbean.
The chief executive officer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF), Rodinald Soomer, advanced recommendations to improve the current track record.
“We need to strengthen our relationships with the climate funds that have been established, including the loss and damage fund…ensuring that those of us…already in the space are recognized by the loss and
damage fund as actors and viable partners that can bring the climate finance to the region,” he said.
“We also need to strengthen our partnerships with donors that are active in the space,” he added, noting that the recently launched Caribbean Community Resilience Fund is an example of regional financing innovation.
A senior St Lucia government official, Paul Hilaire, spoke of the prolonged timeframe for the funding agencies to make the monies available at the national level.
“Whether it be climate finance or…any other donor agency…there seems to be an inordinately long period of time,” he said.
Senior Social Development Specialist at the European Investment Bank (EIB), Marko Davila, endorsed a more programmatic approach to the implementation of climate projects by Caribbean governments and institutions.
He said that greater flexibility was being pursued by some funding agencies and partners to further integrate the needs of the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) concerning accessibility and efficacy of climate financing to address some of the accessibility challenges.
The COP 29 conference ends in Azerbaijan on Friday. (CMC)
Haiti - New Prime Minister Selects 18-member
Cabinet
Newly installed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has named an 18-member Cabinet, retaining eight of the ministers who were chosen by his ousted predecessor.
Government published a decree on Friday naming the Cabinet that replaces Garry Conille’s administration which lasted just five months amid a prolonged governance crisis and escalating gang-fueled insecurity.
The new team, unveiled less than a week after Fils-Aimé was sworn in, is tasked with overseeing the country until February 7, 2026.
Retained from the Conille Cabinet are: Antoine Augustin, minister of National Education and Vocational Training;
Violence surged amid political unrest on November 14, 2024, sending large numbers of citizens fleeing a gang-police clash that was ongoing in one of the few areas in Haiti’s capital that gangs had not completely overrun. Families flew from the Solino neighborhood, one of the few places in Port-au-Prince where a group of gangs known as Viv Ansanm and police have been engaged in a bloody firefight for the past few days, clutching their belongings on their heads and cramming mattresses and furniture into cars.
Jean-Jean Pierre, 52, stated, “We barely made it out,” as he escaped the area with crowds of others while holding his son in his arms. “I’ve lived here 40 years of my life and I’ve never seen it this bad.”
In Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Nazon area, residents evacuate their houses on the day of the event to avoid gang violence.
Since the temporary prime minister was dismissed by Haiti’s transitional council, which was established to restore democratic order, on Sunday due to political infighting, violence has erupted in the capital. Due in significant part to the gang violence, the Caribbean country has not had an election since 2016.
At the U.N. in New York, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric informed reporters that over 4,300 people had left their homes in Port-auPrince and other communities since Sunday, according to the U.N. International Office for Migration.
Gangs like the Viv Ansanm alliance frequently take advantage of political unrest to attempt power grabs, such as the one that occurred in Solino recently.
Gangs also shot several planes, wounded one flight attendant on Monday, and essentially
Georges Wilbert Franck, minister of Social Affairs and Labour; James Monazard, minister of Commerce and Industry; Ketleen Forestal, minister of Planning and External Cooperation; Lynn Sarah Devalis Octavius, minister of Youth, Sports, and Civic Action; Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils, minister of Environment; Raphaël Hosty, minister of Public Works, Transport, and Communications; and Vernet Joseph, minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development.
The 10 new ministers are: Alfred Metellus, minister of Economy and Finance; Duckenson Lorthe Blema, minister of Public Health and Population; Erick Dessources: minister of Tourism; Harvel Jean Baptiste, minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship;
Jean Michel Moise: minister of Defence; Katia Verdier, minister of Haitians Living Abroad; Patrick Delatour, minister of Culture and Communication, heading a ministry that was merged with the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training under Conille; Patrick Pélissier, minister of Justice and Public Security; Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, minister of the Interior and Local Government; and Pedrica St-Jean, minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights. Political observers say the mix of fresh appointments and experienced individuals could help stabilize and jump start the government quickly.
closed the nation’s primary airport. In a single day, the UN claimed to have recorded 20 armed conflicts in Port-au-Prince. According to U.N. estimates, 85% of the city is under gang control.
Residents of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Nazon area evacuate their houses to avoid gang violence.
The bloodshed has not been stopped by a U.N.backed operation headed by Kenyan police who were supposed to bring the gangs under control.
The fugitive father, Pierre, stated that he and his family are unsure of their next destination and that he has not noticed any indication of the U.N.-backed operation in their area. Other locals said that gang members had destroyed their possessions and evicted them from their houses.
“These gangs are more powerful than the police,” Pierre stated.
According to spokesperson Dujarric, the UN has organized relief.
He stated that over the last two days, U.N. population and migration agencies have set up mobile health clinics and are supplying clean water, while UNICEF, the organization that works with children, has given money to around 1,500 individuals who are displaced in the city. The U.N. World Food Program began delivering food to over 50,000 displaced persons in Port-au-Prince on Thursday, he added. “Across Haiti, WFP has also provided cash to nearly 100,000 people and is delivering daily meals to 430,000 children in 2,000 schools across the country,” Dujarric noted.
Since taking office on November 11, 2024, the nation’s new temporary prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has mostly kept quiet about the bloodshed. However, on the 13th of November, he issued a statement denouncing the aircraft shootings. His office reported that he gave police orders to retake the airport and its environs.
As gunshot reverberates from the streets of the Solino neighborhood in recent days, social media footage has depicted smoke billowing up from the region.
Children sleep on the floor of a classroom in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where gang-violent Nazon area residents have taken sanctuary. It was unclear at first how many people were
escaping the violence in Solino, but it seemed like a large portion of the neighborhood was emptying.
A police officer who was a community leader and was fighting back against the gangs was slain by gang members, according to the locals. Although they were unable to verify the de
ceased with authorities, local media outlets also reported the incident.
The same gang coalition launched a similar savage assault on the Solino neighborhood in October, burning down houses and forcing residents to leave with all they had or phone radio stations to beg for assistance.
NY - Council Eliminates Broker’s Fees For Most Tenants
The New York City Council on Wednesday November 13, voted to pass legislation that would reform broker fees to increase affordability for renters. New York City is in the midst of a housing and affordability crisis, with workingand middle-class residents struggling to keep up with high rents and other rising costs. Over half of New York City households are considered rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Moving costs add to the growing expenses. Prospective renters already face a host of upfront costs, including the first month’s rent, security deposit, credit report fees, background checks, and often a fee for a real estate broker hired by the property owner. Broker fees can range from one month’s rent to as much as 15% of the annual rent. Between January and September of this year, the average New Yorker moving to a new apartment on average spent nearly $13,000 in upfront costs – the highest average recorded in New York City since at least 2010 when the data began to be tracked. The Council also passed legislation to establish a Charter Revision Commission that prioritizes
improving city government, transparency and accountability, restoring public confidence in local democracy. It also aims to restore standards for Charter Revision Commissions after the recent one by the mayor lowered them. In contrast to Mayor Adams’ recent Charter Revision Commission that rushed completion of its process in less than two months, the proposed legislation would provide at least eight months for the commission’s work before its earliest submission of proposals for a General Election in 2025 and up to 20 months for the 2026 General Election.
“To address the affordability crisis in our city, we must make the process of renting an apartment more transparent and affordable for working-class New Yorkers,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to pass this historic bill to protect our city’s renters, ensuring that tenants aren’t on the hook for fees for services they did not request. Many New Yorkers can’t afford these major upfront payments, blocking them from the ability to secure a home. This bill would deliver economic fairness to renters, and greater transparency in
the rental process.
“The Council is also proud to pass legislation authorizing a Charter Revision Commission that can help restore public confidence in city government and strengthen our local democracy. Our goal is also to re-establish model standards for Charter Revision Commissions to prioritize improving the City Charter for the long-term governance of our city.”
FARE Act
Introduction 360-A, also known as the FARE Act, sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé, seeks to alleviate financial burdens on renters by ensuring that tenants are not forced to pay the fee for the services of a real estate broker they did not hire. The bill would prohibit brokers from passing their fee onto tenants when the broker is exclusively representing the landlord’s interests. This would include brokers who publish listings with the landlord’s permission. Landlords or their agents would be required to disclose the fees that the tenant must pay in their listings and rental agreements. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Miss Universe Nigeria Runner UpHer Reaction
The first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 contest in Mexico, Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, sent a poignant message of togetherness and thanks following the conclusion of the Miss Universe 2024 competition. Her placement is Nigeria’s highest at any Miss Universe pageant.
In an Instagram comment, Adetshina, who finished ahead of Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran and second behind Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, shared her thoughts on the event.
“History has been made for Nigeria,” Adetshina remarked in a recent post. “To Nigeria: Thank you is not enough for all
would enforce this bill and would conduct education and outreach. Any person who violates this bill would be subject to a civil penalty or civil action.
“The system of forced broker fees is an affront to all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “Today, we end that system. The victims of the old paradigm are too many to count. Families unable to have another child, because they cannot afford to move into a larger home. Children aging out of their parents homes unable to find a place in their own communities. Victims unable to flee domestic violence. Workers unable to live near their jobs, or in their city at all. Anyone who is hoping to bring their talents and passion to our great city but can’t afford to get through the front door. Today the New York City Council proved it can put the interests of the people first and be an example of good governance. This is a win for our city and for healthy democracy.”
Continued online at www.nycaribnews.com
the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life and you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me.”
Although Adetshina fell just short of the title, being named first runner up,she was still crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as the highest ranked African Contestant of 2024.
Adetshina grew up in Cape Town. As of 2024, she is a law student.
NY - AG Letitia James $45 Million Settlement for Nursing Home Fraud
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a major settlement with the owners, operators, management company, landlords, and various related parties of four nursing homes managed by Centers for Care, LLC (Centers) that will require them to pay $45 million and address years of resident mistreatment and neglect. The Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) investigation revealed significant financial fraud and chronically insufficient staffing at four Centers nursing homes: Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Beth Abraham Center) in Bronx County, Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Buffalo Center) in Erie County, Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare (Holliswood Center) in Queens County, and Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Martine Center) in Westchester County.
Centers and its owners will pay a total of $45 million, including $35 million to directly fund improved resident care and staffing. Centers will also increase staffing and continue to make reforms as directed by an Independent Health Care Monitor (IHM). The Independent Financial Monitor (IFM) will also continue
to oversee the nursing homes’ finances. The IHM and IFM were appointed by the court in July and August 2023, respectively, as a result of OAG’s lawsuit and have already improved resident care at the nursing homes. Centers and its owners are also prohibited from closing or selling the facilities for at least three years. This is the third case in which OAG has secured major reforms at nursing homes in New York.
“Residents at these Centers nursing homes endured years of tragic and devastating mistreatment and neglect, while the owners made millions of dollars in profit,” said Attorney General James. “Centers’ owners operated the nursing homes with insufficient staffing so that they could pocket tens of millions of taxpayer dollars meant for resident care. Residents suffered tragic harm and their families were often left in the dark or in despair about their loved ones. Now, Centers and its owners will pay for the harm they caused and will continue to make major reforms at their facilities to ensure residents receive the care they deserve. My office will continue our work to make sure that nursing homes are safe and supportive environments for seniors to live out their years with dignity.”
Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against Centers in June 2023 for significant financial fraud and repeated illegality including resident neglect, insufficient staffing, and failing to limit admissions to residents to whom they could provide adequate care. Shortly after filing the lawsuit, a court granted OAG’s motion for a preliminary injunction to immediately address the ongoing issues at the facilities, including installing both an Independent Health Care Monitor and an Independent Financial Monitor to oversee facility operations and finances. Since those monitors began this oversight work in July 2023, the Independent Health Care Monitor has made recommendations that the nursing homes and Centers have implemented, notably increasing the number of staff and improving resident care at the nursing homes.
The OAG’s lawsuit alleged that Centers’ owners and operators violated laws designed to protect residents. This includes failing to deliver adequate care to their residents, operating the nursing homes with insufficient staffing to provide required care, continuing admissions of residents to the nursing homes even though they operated with insufficient staff to provide required care to existing residents, and
committing and tolerating countless acts of neglect against residents of the nursing homes. The lawsuit alleged that overburdened staff members were assigned to more residents than they could care for and often failed to help residents with the basic activities of daily living, such as using the bathroom, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene. Call bells regularly went unanswered, residents were forced to sit in their own urine and feces for hours, meals were not provided in a timely manner, and personal belongings, including hearing aids, dentures, and clothing, were often lost or stolen. Residents, visiting family members, and staff reported unsanitary conditions, including neglected food trays, vermin, flies, and persistent smells of human waste.
Miss Universe T&T Hits Back at Haters
Trinidad and Tobago’s Miss Universe delegate, Jenelle Thongs, has shown grace and resilience in the face of criticism, emerging stronger and proving she’s “always that girl.” Thongs, 32, was crowned Miss Congeniality during the preliminary competition in Mexico City, a testament to her authenticity and warmth. However, the road leading up to the honor wasn’t without its challenges. In recent days, she faced criticism on social media, with some questioning her wardrobe choices, appearance, and even her age. But Thongs didn’t let the negativity dim her light.
“I Am That Girl”
In a candid video shared on the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page, Thongs addressed the backlash head-on, saying, “I’m sorry to disappoint the haters, but I am that girl!”
Reflecting on the moments before stepping onto the Miss Universe stage, she admitted to being “appalled and surprised” by the comments but chose to channel the negativity into positivity.
“Your words don’t get to me; they fuel me. I will never dim my light for anyone else,” she said with confidence.
Her determination didn’t go unnoticed.
Fellow Miss Universe contestants, includ
ing Miss Lebanon and Miss Cambodia, voiced their support in the video, with Miss Cambodia declaring, “Yes, she’s the best!”
A Community Champion
Despite the criticism, Thongs has received an overwhelming wave of love from her home country. Many Trinidadians have taken to social media to applaud her resilience and offer words of encouragement.
The Miss Congeniality award, given to the contestant deemed most approachable and kind-hearted by her peers, highlights Thongs’ ability to connect with others.
“I am so blessed and honored to be given this award,” she shared in a video. “It means I achieved what I set out to do: make lasting connections and impressions with the girls, the team, and everyone involved.”
Thongs also used the platform to spotlight her personal project, The Sprouting Onion, which empowers individuals by addressing psychological and cognitive barriers to personal growth.
“I want to help others shine as brightly as they can,” she said, echoing her commitment to fostering unity and empowerment.
A National Pride
Ahead of the finals, Thongs shared a heartfelt message thanking her supporters. “To Trinidad and Tobago, I bleed red, white, and black for you, living our national motto of unity every day on this global stage,” she wrote.
Her unwavering faith and gratitude shone through as she credited God for guiding her journey.
The Miss Universe organization celebrated her spirit, stating, “Her kindness and warmth have captured our hearts.”
As the finals of the 73rd Miss Universe unfold at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Thongs stands as a beacon of resilience, a proud representative of Trinidad and Tobago, and a
reminder that kindness and authenticity always win the day.
Jamaica - Festival Queen 2023 Named Rhodes Scholar
2025
Aundrene Cameron has been named Jamaica’s Rhodes Scholar for 2025, marking another milestone in her remarkable journey of academic and personal achievement. The announcement was made by King’s House following an intensive day of interviews with ten finalists, all vying for the prestigious scholarship. Cameron, a first-
class honours graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, earned her degree in Law and is currently pursuing her Legal Education Certificate at the Norman Manley Law School.
A past student of Ardenne High School and Campion College, Cameron’s impressive résumé includes being the 2024 Governor
A Jamaican-born spinal surgeon, Dr. Kingsley Chin, and his business, SpineFrontier Incorporated, were charged with money laundering, but a federal judge in Massachusetts dismissed the case while scolding the government for initiating the charge.
The grand jury discussions are confidential and not open to the public, but the judge has sealed the arguments presented in court at the government’s request, despite efforts to get the transcripts.
Following a settlement of a civil case in which Chin agreed to pay the US Department of Justice (DOJ) a certain amount and give the DOJ 50% of his business for five years, the money laundering charge was dropped. The DOJ filed the lawsuit against Chin and SpineFrontier Inc. under the False Claims Act, alleging that SpineFrontier paid kickbacks to spine surgeons who provided consulting services to the company. In October, the civil case was resolved and the money-laundering accusation was dropped; however, the firm and Chin are still facing kickback charges, which will go to trial in the middle of 2014.
Concerning the money-laundering case, the federal judge expressed skepticism regarding the charges, asking how transfers that were made public under the Physicians Payments Sunshine Act could have been concealed. Manufacturers are required by the Sunshine Act to disclose payments and other value transfers to teaching hospitals and physicians. In keeping with a report by the legal news
service Law360, the judge found it difficult to comprehend how the defendant could have allegedly disguised unlawful transfers to surgeons while also revealing them publicly in compliance with the Sunshine Act’s requirements. The judge’s observation implied that the supporting evidence might not as straight-forward as be initially presented.
According to the report, the judge cited several issues that questioned the veracity of the claims, and an assistant US attorney concurred with the judge that proof of a cover-up was necessary to establish a money laundering case.
The DOJ allegedly appointed three separate grand juries before bringing charges against Chin and his business.
Chin, who resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and operates a medical device manufacturing firm, has opposed the US Federal case against him, stating that he and his company were caught up in an effort by the federal government to tighten on medical enterprises utilizing physicians as consultants.
Approximately 15 federal marshals arrived at his home with weapons drawn to take him into jail, Chin noted in an exclusive interview shortly after his arrest on September 7, 2021. He noted, “In civil cases, this does not happen. The criminal complaint caught myself and my lawyers completely by surprise...” In any case, this is normally handled by the suspect being asked to come to the police station and turn himself in.”
General Achievement Award recipient and a former Miss Jamaica Festival Queen. Known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, she intends to pursue postgraduate studies in Criminology and Criminal Studies at the University of Oxford.
Cameron’s academic and leadership journey has been defined by a dedication to making a positive impact. As Valedictorian of UWI’s Class of 2023, she delivered an inspiring address that reflected her prep school’s motto:
“Only Your Best Is Good Enough.”
“You can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she said during her address. “I didn’t know I would win [Miss Jamaica Festival Queen], but I tried. Don’t let the fear of failure hinder you from pursuing your dreams.”
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program. It provides fully funded postgraduate opportunities at the University of Oxford and fosters a global community of scholars committed to addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.
Rhodes Scholars are selected through a rigorous process that assesses academic excellence, character, leadership, and a commitment to creating positive change.
This year’s selection committee, chaired by
Professor Gordon Shirley, included distinguished members such as Dr. Nadiyah Figueroa, Professor Trevor Munroe, and Mariame McIntosh Robinson.
In a statement, the Rhodes Trust emphasized the significance of the scholarship:
“The Rhodes selection process aims to choose young people with proven academic excellence who also show exceptional character, leadership, the energy to use their talents to the full, and a commitment to solving humanity’s challenges.”
As Jamaica’s Rhodes Scholar for 2025, Cameron will join an elite cohort of scholars from around the world in October 2025. She views this opportunity as a stepping stone to creating impactful change in her home country and beyond.
Her selection committee expressed confidence in the candidates’ potential to influence Jamaica’s future positively, highlighting Cameron’s drive and commitment to excellence as a beacon of hope.
Aundrene Cameron’s journey to Oxford stands as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose, reminding all Jamaicans that the sky is truly the limit.
In a move both momentous and overdue, the daughters of Malcolm X have filed a lawsuit against the United States government, seeking accountability for the assassination of their father nearly six decades ago. With prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump leading their legal charge, this case is poised to be a seismic moment in America’s reckoning with its history of racial violence and governmental complicity in silencing Black leaders.
Malcolm X, a towering figure in the fight for Black liberation, was gunned down on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. His death, shrouded in controversy and unanswered questions, has remained a painful reminder of the lengths to which systems of power will go to stifle dissent and maintain white supremacy. Now, with this lawsuit, his family is demanding answers and accountability from the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for what they allege was a conspiracy to assassinate him.
The accusations at the heart of this lawsuit are staggering. Malcolm X’s daughters contend that the NYPD, FBI, and CIA not only had prior knowledge of threats against Malcolm X’s life but actively participated in creating the conditions that led to his murder. The family’s claims build upon decades of scholarship,
declassified documents, and investigative journalism, which suggest that Malcolm X was under extensive surveillance by federal and local authorities, and that these agencies may have deliberately failed to prevent his assassination.
The lawsuit is partly informed by revelations from a 2021 documentary series, Who Killed Malcolm X?, and the subsequent exoneration of two men who were wrongfully convicted of his murder.
Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam spent decades in prison for a crime they did not commit, a miscarriage of justice rooted in manipulated evidence and prosecutorial misconduct.
Their exoneration highlighted glaring omissions in the original investigation and raised questions about the NYPD’s and FBI’s handling of the case.
Attorney Ben Crump, often referred to as “Black America’s attorney general,” framed the lawsuit as a necessary step toward justice. “This is about more than Malcolm X,” Crump declared at a press conference announcing the legal action.
“It’s about a pattern—a systemic effort to destroy Black leadership and suppress Black liberation movements in America.”
Malcolm X’s assassination fits a broader, tragic pattern of state violence against Black leaders during the civil rights era.
From Medgar Evers to Fred Hampton, too many Black revolutionaries were targeted, surveilled, and killed under suspicious circumstances, often with the direct or indirect involvement of law enforcement. The FBI’s infamous COINTELPRO
program sought to “neutralize” Black activists and organizations, using tactics that ranged from infiltration and disinformation to outright violence.
The legacy of this governmental oppression has left deep scars. While Malcolm X’s daughters now have the courage and resources to pursue legal recourse, countless families of other slain leader were left to grieve in silence, denied the justice they deserved. This lawsuit is not just a pursuit of justice for Malcolm X; it is a demand for accountability for the countless lives disrupted or destroyed by a system that saw Black liberation as a threat.
Ben Crump’s involvement in this case is significant. Over the years, Crump has built a reputation as a relentless advocate for Black families seeking justice, from representing the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd to litigating cases of police brutality and systemic racism. His decision to take on Malcolm X’s case signals the weight of its implications.
“This is about showing that Black lives mattered then, and they matter now,” Crump said at the press conference. “We cannot allow history to erase the crimes committed against our leaders. If the truth about Malcolm X’s assassination comes to light, it will shine a light on all the other atrocities committed in the shadows of history.”
Crump’s words underscore a central truth: the fight for accountability is as much about the present as it is about the past. The systemic racism that enabled Malcolm X’s assassination persists in new forms, from police killings of unarmed Black people to the continued suppression of Black political power. By forcing a reckoning with Malcolm X’s death, this lawsuit could pave the way for broader demands for justice and reparations. The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom. It raises critical questions about the United States’ willingness to confront its history of racial violence and state-sanctioned oppression. Will this lawsuit finally force the NYPD, FBI, and CIA to disclose the full extent of their surveillance and interference in Black liberation movements? Will it inspire other families to demand justice for crimes committed decades ago?
These questions are not just theoretical. They strike at the heart of America’s ongoing struggle with racial justice. The Black Lives Matter movement, which emerged in response to police violence, has already shifted public discourse about the value of Black lives and the role of systemic racism. But this case challenges us to consider how the failures of the past continue to shape the present.
It is no coincidence that Malcolm X’s daughters are pursuing this lawsuit at a time when the very teaching of Black history is under attack. Efforts to ban books and curricula that address systemic racism and the legacy of slavery are part of a broader attempt to sanitize America’s history. In fighting for accountability for their father’s death, Malcolm X’s family is also fighting to preserve the truth about his life and legacy.
The road to justice in this case will be long and fraught with challenges. The NYPD, FBI, and CIA have historically resisted transparency, and legal battles against powerful institutions rarely yield quick results. Yet the significance of this lawsuit cannot be overstated. It represents a step toward healing—not just for Malcolm X’s family but for a nation still grappling with the wounds of its racial past. As we reflect on this moment, it is worth remembering Malcolm X’s own words: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” By seeking accountability for the past, his daughters are preparing for a future in which the truth is no longer buried, an justice is no longer delayed.
This lawsuit is not just about Malcolm X; it is about the countless Black leaders whose lives were cut short by violence and whose deaths have yet to be fully reckoned with. It is a call to action for all of us to demand a nation that values Black lives—not just in rhetoric but in action.
As we watch this case unfold, we must remember that justice, though delayed, can still be pursued. It is not too late to right historical wrongs, to honor the legacies of those who fought for freedom, and to ensure that the future they envisioned becomes a reality for generations to come.
America’s Healing Can Start with Family Around the Holidays
by Ben Jealous
With the holiday season approaching, it seems that our country could not be more divided. That division has been perhaps the main overarching topic of our national conversation in recent years. And it has taken root within many of our own families.
Blood may be thicker than water, but for many American families it seems like it is not as thick as politics. Or, if not politics specifically, then the cultural rifts that have been widened and inflamed within our political debate.
Maybe our national healing can start with our families, around the holiday table. There are mixed views within my own family, just like there are in millions of American families. And within my family there are stories of division and stories of healing.
My family traces its roots in America on my dad’s side back 400 years to Massachusetts – the home of the first Thanksgiving. My mom’s family has also been here the better part of 400 years, but in Virginia and Maryland, tracing back to that area’s earliest white settlers and their African slaves.
When my parents fell in love as young civil rights activists in Baltimore and got married, their marriage was illegal in Maryland. Their relationship was taboo at the time. My father’s family disowned him for marrying a Black woman and he lost his inheritance. So, I grew up on America’s racial fault line.
And learning about my own family’s history has provided an important perspective on the nature of division both within the family itself and the country – our big, messy American family.
Using DNA research to trace my own family’s origins, I discovered that like President Barack Obama, I am distant cousins with former Vice President Dick Cheney. That revelation was interesting. But the revelation that I am also distant cousins with Robert E. Lee was a little harder to swallow. I was the youngest ever national president of the NAACP. He was the Confederate general who essentially fought to preserve the institution of slavery.
The Civil War itself was a conflict that famously divided families. “Brother against brother” is a phrase commonly used to describe those divisions that emerged within many American families, especially in the border states like my home state of Maryland.
And after the Civil War, America’s divisions certainly did not go away. But there are inspiring stories of coming together as well that simply have not been told as much as the stories of division and oppression. My grandmother’s grandfather was at the center of one of those stories. In the years immediately following Reconstruction, Edward David Bland – who had been born into
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slavery – led Virginia’s Black Republicans into coalition with former white Confederate soldiers to form a third party that took over the Virginia state government.
How many of us grew up learning that freedmen and the same Confederates that had fought to keep them enslaved actually came together to form a winning political party based on the common desire to save their state’s public schools?
Known as the Readjusters, the bipartisan, multiracial movement won all statewide elected offices and controlled the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1881 to 1885. In that time, they abolished the poll tax and the whipping post, radically expanded Virginia Tech and created Virginia State University, and readjusted the terms of the Civil War debt to save the free public schools and take the state from a financial deficit into a surplus.
That is just one story that illustrates how as a country we have managed to work through our divisions and move forward. We have common ground. We just need to look for it. And it should not be that difficult to search for and find that common ground within our own families.
Families can be great composites of many different backgrounds and experiences, just like America itself. And just like America, there can also be room for different view-
points within families.
Most of us want the same things: a better life for our children, safe communities, good schools, freedom. That we might have different perspectives on what some of these things mean does not make for insurmountable differences. Instead, it begs for conversation and ultimately understanding of why we see things differently. Because whether our ancestors arrived as settlers or immigrants, were enslaved or were among this land’s Indigenous peoples, what we have in common is we are all in the same boat now. Whether we sink or float, it will be together. And to truly thrive, we must heal our divisions. Within our own families is as good a place as any to start.
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Get help with drug costs.
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How to Navigate Political Conversations at the Thanksgiving Table This Year
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, connection, and sharing a meal with loved ones. But it’s also a time when clashing opinions—especially about politics—can turn the cozy family table into a battleground. Whether your family leans into spirited debates or avoids the topic altogether, here’s how to handle political conversations with grace and keep the holiday joyful.
1. Set the Tone Beforehand
If you’re hosting, make it clear that Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate togetherness.
You can gently suggest avoiding divisive topics. For example, include a line in your invitation:
“Let’s focus on what unites us this Thanksgiving—good food, great memories, and gratitude!”
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If you’re a guest and anticipate heated discussions, consider reaching out to the host beforehand to ask how they’d like such conversations to be handled.
2. Stay Calm and Listen
If politics come up, the key is to remain calm. Instead of jumping in to argue, take a breath and listen. Sometimes, people simply
want to feel heard. Respond with curiosity rather than confrontation:
“That’s an interesting perspective. Can you tell me more about why you feel that way?”
This approach can diffuse tension and create a more respectful dialogue.
3. Use Humor to Shift the Mood
Humor can be a lifesaver during tense moments. If you sense the conversation heading toward a heated debate, gently redirect with a light-hearted comment:
“Wow, this turkey is so good it might run for office next year!”
A little levity can remind everyone why they’ve gathered in the first place.
4. Know When to Step Away
Not every conversation needs your input. If the discussion becomes too intense, it’s okay to excuse yourself. Take a break, refill your drink, or start a side conversation with someone who’s not involved.
You can also set a boundary if necessary:
“I think we see this differently, and that’s okay. Let’s talk about something else—how about dessert?”
5. Find Common Ground
Even in divisive times, there are shared values most families can rally around, like a commitment to kindness, the importance of family, or favorite traditions. When conversations get heated, steer the discussion toward shared memories or upcoming family milestones.
6. Have a Plan for Hot Topics
If you know certain issues are bound to come up, prepare your responses ahead of time. For example:
“I think this is a complex issue, and I’m still learning about it. What matters most to me is that we treat each other with respect.”
This keeps the conversation neutral and shows that you value respect over winning an argument.
7. Don’t Forget Gratitude
At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. Consider introducing a tradition where everyone shares something they’re thankful for this year. Focusing on gratitude can shift the tone of the gathering and remind everyone of what truly matters.
8. Keep Perspective
Remember, the Thanksgiving table is just one moment in time. Heated debates won’t solve political divides, but they can strain relationships. Prioritize your connections over being “right” in the moment.
Thanksgiving is about bringing people together. By handling political conversations with empathy, humor, and boundaries, you can help ensure the day remains a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, no matter what’s on the menu—or the debate table.
Here’s to a harmonious holiday!
NY – Malcolm X Family Files Lawsuit Around His Assassination
The estate of Malcolm X has filed a lawsuit against the United States Government, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the New York Police Department. The lawsuit alleges these entities played a significant role in the events leading to Malcolm X’s assassination and engaged in a decades-long cover-up to shield their involvement from the public. According to the complaint, U.S. government agencies and the NYPD were aware of serious, credible threats to Malcolm X’s life and failed to intervene, allowing the tragic assassination to take place on February 21, 1965. It asserts that these entities, under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, then-head of the FBI, went beyond mere allegedly illegal surveillance of Malcolm X, actively conspiring to reduce his protection and leaving him vulnerable to an attack they knew was imminent. For decades, these agencies viewed Black activism as a threat to national security, resulting in the unchecked targeting of prominent leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Garvey. This
lawsuit seeks accountability for the systemic negligence and intentional actions that deprived Malcolm X’s family and the world of his life and legacy.
According to the lawsuit, the FBI and CIA collaborated with undercover agents within the Nation of Islam. Despite knowing the gravity of the threats, the FBI failed to protect Malcolm X, instead actively compromising his safety by arresting his security team days before his assassination, removing security officers from the ballroom where he was killed, and not approving permits allowing him to purchase a firearm.
The estate’s lawsuit includes the following allegations:
The NYPD and federal agencies were aware of imminent threats but failed to safeguard Malcolm X’s life.
The NYPD and federal agencies removed security personnel from the ballroom, reducing his protection.
Federal and local agencies allegedly encouraged the assassination and directly facilitated conditions that made it possible.
Federal agents, including undercover operatives, were in the ballroom during the assassination and took no steps to intervene.
After the assassination, a coordinated effort was made to conceal the involvement of these agencies, preventing the Shabazz family from seeking justice in court.
“This cover-up spanned decades, blocking the Shabazz family’s access to the truth and their right to pursue justice,” said Attorney Ben Crump. “We are making
history by standing here to confront those wrongs and seeking accountability in the courts.”
The lawsuit details nine causes of action, which include excessive use of force against Malcolm X, deliberate creation of danger, failure to protect, and the denial of access to the courts for Malcolm’s family. It also charges the defendants with conspiracy, fraudulent concealment, and wrongful death.
Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, AARP’s New CEO
For Myechia Minter-Jordan, stepping into her new role as AARP’s CEO feels like a natural evolution of her lifelong commitment to service and advocacy. A physician by training, Minter-Jordan began her career in clinical practice, driven by a passion for helping patients. But she quickly realized her impact could be far greater.
“I loved helping my patients, but I wanted to do more,” says Minter-Jordan, 52. “I saw that improving health systems and addressing broader challenges could help reach more people and deliver better care.” That vision led her to leave Johns Hopkins Medicine, where she served as an attending physician and instructor, to lead Boston’s Dimock Community Health
Center. There, she worked with some of the city’s most vulnerable populations, embracing a mission of transforming health care through advocacy and community engagement.
Now, as she takes the helm of AARP, an organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older, Minter-Jordan is bringing that same passion and drive to a broader stage.
A Doctor’s Perspective on Advocacy Minter-Jordan’s years as a physician shape how she approaches leadership. “My career has prepared me for this opportunity,” she reflects. “My parents instilled in me the importance of giving back through service to others, especially those less fortunate.”
Her work at Dimock and later as president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health deepened her understanding of health care inequities. She learned that health care must address not only physical and mental health but also social determinants like the environment, nutrition, and financial wellness.
“That passion for improving lives translates from my work as a physician to what I’ll now do on a much larger scale with AARP,” she explains.
Advocating for Older Americans
As she steps into her new role, Minter-Jordan is clear about her priorities: ensuring AARP remains a strong advocate for Social Security, Medicare, and family caregivers. These issues are front of mind for AARP members, particularly in the wake of an election where voters over 50 comprised more than half the electorate.
“For more than 65 years, AARP has worked with every administration and Congress to advance the priorities of older Americans,” she says. “We’ll continue to do the same now.”
Minter-Jordan also wants to challenge outdated perceptions of aging. “There’s this antiquated notion that energy and innovation are tied to youth,” she says. “But people disprove that every day. I’d love to include myself in that!”
She points to data illustrating the economic powerhouse that older adults represent. In 2018, Americans over 50 accounted for
$8.3 trillion in spending — more than half of the nation’s total. By 2050, that figure is projected to grow to $26.8 trillion. “We need to continue dispelling myths about aging through data, storytelling, and leadership,” she says.
With more than 110 million Americans over 50 today — and one in five Americans expected to be over 65 by 2030 — Minter-Jordan is also focusing on engaging younger generations. As Millennials and Gen Z step into caregiving roles and discover AARP’s resources, the organization is seeing a growing interest from younger members.
In her first 100 days, Minter-Jordan plans to listen, learn, and build on AARP’s success under former CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “I want to understand the organization, the people, and the metrics of success,” she says. “And then, how do I evolve AARP’s strategy to continue meeting the needs of our members?”
On a personal level, Minter-Jordan is embracing this new chapter with her family by her side. “I’m a mother of two daughters, and my husband is an incredible supporter,” she shares. “We’re all excited about this new adventure in our lives.”
With her vision and experience, Myechia Minter-Jordan is poised to guide AARP into an exciting future, championing the issues that matter most to older Americans while reshaping the narrative around aging and possibility.
The BE: FREE Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement Conversation Series Wraps its 2024 Events and Looks to 2025…and Beyond
Over 250 people came together on the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to be in community with one another to watch the Presidential Election results. This historic event was graciously hosted in partnership with the Black Education: Faith, Race, and Educational Equity (BE: FREE) Research Project and Harlem Stage, a North Star for the global community of activists, artists, and creatives who have worked to amplify Global Majority voices on as well as off the stage for nearly 41-years.
Harlem Stage, a nonprofit devoted to inspiring world-class, innovative works by artists of the Global Majority to ignite artistic freedom, was the perfect venue to host the over 250 voters and future voters for the highly anticipated Election Night Watch Party. Food, drinks, music spinning by beloved DJ Stormin’ Norman, and community fellowship flowed freely. Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Harlem Stage’s new CEO and Artistic Director, members of her team, and Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, a prominent faith leader and Senior Advisor in Raben’s Culture, Strategy, and Organizational Design practice area for the powerful DC-based consulting group shared brief remarks and welcome. Award-winning comedienne LeighAnn Lord served as the Election Watch Night Party
host, providing much-welcomed comic relief throughout the evening.
The Election Watch Night Party can be considered as the culmination of the recently launched Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement Conversation Series led by Dr. Phillip A. Smith, Assistant Professor in Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education and the founder of The Black Education: Faith, Race, and Educational Equity (BE: FREE) Research Project Initiative. BE: FREE explores the intersections of community, race, faith, equity in education, and civic engagement as part of Black educational leadership, showcasing innovative, culturally rich educational practices, leadership, critical conversations, and community engagement, towards sustained outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
Many Harlem residents and pillars of the community were in attendance on election night in addition to many other prominent faith and academic leaders such as Rev. Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Brooklyn; Rev. Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard, Executive Chief of Staff to the President at Borough of Manhattan Community College; Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, Senior Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Harlem; Rev.
Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor of Mother AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Zion Church in Harlem; along with Civil Rights icon and faith leader Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason. Award-winning opera singer J’Nai Bridges, globally renowned opera singer Karmesha Peake, and celebrated vocalist, composer, arranger, as well as recording artist C. Anthony Bryant were also in attendance, as well as many other guests and community members.
No one could have imagined an Election Night Watch Party would end up being the materialization of the work Dr. Smith, along with friends and colleagues Rev. Dr. Hoggard, Rev. Dr. Harkins, Rev. Dr. Moore, Rev. Dr. Eboni Marshall, Associate Justice Tanya A. Kennedy, Schomburg Center for Research in Culture Director Joy Bivins, Africa Owes, attorney, and Broadway Women’s Fund Manager Jamila Ponton Braggbegan to put together in August of this year. Collectively, these leaders within the community were interested in engaging in and being engaged with others to discuss the intersectional nature of faith, race, and civic engagement which led to a conversation series aimed specifically at addressing the political needs and interests of Black people to mobilize Black people to work as a community to
do something to positively contribute to our collective success as Black people. This series occurred within one of this nation’s most divisive sociopolitical landscapes, as a result, we had two incredible panel conversations centered on civic engagement leading up to the presidential election. The tenor of the conversations shifted from a conversation about intersectionality to one more focused on our collective duties as people of Faith to represent our interests as Black people through Civic Engagement. Our notable speakers encouraged all of us to be present in the political process and to encourage others to also be present and participate. Community discourse as evidenced by the questions posed by the audience suggested many understood the critical importance of how and why racially underrepresented communities need to be energized and motivated as part of the election process, nationally and locally.
In response to this need, the Pi Kappa Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. provided an on-site voter education and registration drive at the end of each Conversation Series held at the Fordham University, Lincoln Center campus as a separate initiative. Continued online at www.nycaribnews.com
Tourism Mourns a Pioneer Leader
The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Lorine Charles-St. Jules, former CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Mrs. Charles-St. Jules’s commitment to travel and tourism was evident in her various leadership roles spanning over 20 years. She held the position of Chief Tourism Project Planner with the Ministry of Tourism from 1995 to 1997, where her responsibilities included the reviewing and monitoring of tourism products.
From 2007 to 2016, she worked in the capacity of Regional Director for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, responsible for Public Relations, Sales and the development of marketing campaigns to achieve maximum benefits for the Destination. In February 2022, Mrs. Charles-St. Jules was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), responsible for leading the team at the SLTA towards developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies for Saint Lucia locally, regionally and internationally which led to the rebound of the Destination post COVID-19.
Her other notable achievements include USA Account Manager (Anguilla Tourist Board), CEO of the global marketing agency PEAEYE7 Marketing International and Business Development Consultant for luxury resort marketing throughout the Caribbean, the USA and Canada. The Minister, Permanent Secretary and staff of the Ministry of Tourism extend deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mrs. Lorine Charles-St. Jules. Her stellar contribution towards tourism development will forever be remembered.
DR - Legislators Against Closing Border with Haiti
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, (CMC) – Amid Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating violence, both government and opposition senators in the Dominican Republic have expressed disagreement with a complete border closure with the neighboring country that shares the island of Hispaniola. Instead, they are advocating for increased controls to prevent the illegal entry of Haitian migrants.
According to Senator Alexis Victoria Yeb, closing the four border points would negatively impact the provinces that rely
heavily on bi-national trade. Another Senator, Santiago Zorrilla, has suggested strengthening border controls to prevent the undocumented migration of Haitians.
While the opposition, represented by Fuerza del Pueblo, supports increased surveillance along the border to manage the situation, Senator Antonio Marte emphasized the need for measures targeting sectors that employ undocumented Haitian workers.
Haiti - Gang Attack on Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemns in the strongest terms the killing of at least two patients who were executed after an MSF ambulance was stopped by members of a vigilante group and law enforcement officers.
On November 11, an MSF ambulance transporting three young people with gunshot wounds was stopped by Haitian police about
325 feet from the MSF hospital in the Drouillard area of Port-auPrince and was forced to proceed with a transfer to a public hospital. After an attempt to arrest the patients and firing shots in the air, the police escorted the ambulance to Hôpital La Paix. Once there, law enforcement officers and members of a self-defense group surrounded the ambulance, slashed the tires, and tear-gassed MSF personnel...
Barbados - 19.5% Unemployment Based on ILO Info
Official data indicates youth unemployment in Barbados has fallen over the past year.
However, with the jobless rate among young people at 19.5 percent at the end of June, it is higher than the Caribbean and global level, based on information from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Calling youth unemployment here “con-
cerning”, President of the Human Resources Association of Barbados Nicholas Roberts says the worry extends to the number of youth who are under-employed.
A Central Bank of Barbados staff analysis of titled, Labour Market Performance In The First Half Of 2024 and based on data from the Barbados Statistical Service, says that the overall unemployment rate dropped from 8.5 per cent in the second
Jay-Z to Launch Financial Education Program at HBCUs
Jay-Z is expanding opportunities for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with a transformative financial education initiative.
On Wednesday, the Shawn Carter Foundation announced the Champions for Financial Legacy (CFFL) program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Designed to empower HBCU students and their surrounding communities, the program provides tools for managing personal finances and
fostering community wealth.
The initiative is a continuation of the foundation’s commitment to uplifting underserved communities. Founded in 2003 by Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and his mother, Gloria Carter, the foundation has already made a significant impact through scholarships and community programs, donating over $20 million to date.
“Every day at the Shawn Carter Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting students and communities that are underserved,” Gloria Carter shared in a statement. “To launch a financial education program that will reach more students and communities, along with dedicated partners like Toyota and the Wharton School of Business, is a vision we are finally seeing come to fruition.”
The program, developed in partnership with the Coalition for Equity and Opportunity and supported by Toyota Motor North America, aims to enhance financial literacy while encouraging students to use their knowledge to build wealth within their communities.
quarter of 2023 to 7.7 per cent in the second quarter of this year.
“Youth unemployment also saw an improvement, decreasing from 22.1 per cent over the first half of 2023 to 19.5 per cent over the corresponding period of 2024. This trend reflects enhanced opportunities for young job seekers, possibly due to expanding job opportunities in sectors like retail and hospitality that typically absorb
younger workers,” the analysis published as part of the January to September economic review states.
While a decline, the youth unemployment rate in Barbados is higher than that for the region and world.
The ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 report states: “The 2023 youth unemployment rate, at 13 percent, equivalent to 64.9 million people...
CARIBTRAVEL
Sandals and Beaches Resorts Announce Black Friday Sale
Sandals Resorts International invites travelers to bask in the Caribbean’s bright blue hues with its Black Friday sale kicking off today, offering up to 65% off and up to a $1,500 booking credit, plus one night free on select room categories, on bookings made through December 3rd (Travel Tuesday). The limited-time offer includes a flex pay 0% financing option for 12 months, extending a special perk for vacationers to treat themselves during the year’s busiest shopping season, and is valid for travel through December 3, 2025.
To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the brands’ philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, Sandals and Beaches will donate $15 for every booking made from Black Friday (November 29) to Travel Tuesday (December 3), helping support ocean conservation and more, preserving the Caribbean’s vibrant blues for generations to come.
Caribbean Memories for Less at Sandals Resorts
Travelers who book at any one of Sandals Resorts’ 17 adults-only resorts will enjoy up to 65% off and up to $1,500 in credit off their vacation (up to a $1,000 instant credit and
a $500 air credit). From the newly-opened Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Sandals Dunn’s River to the vibrant Sandals Royal Curaçao and Sandals Grenada, each Sandals Resort offers dynamic dining experiences, beautifully appointed accommodations, and unlimited land and water activities, while authentically immersing in the Caribbean’s captivating culture. Guests who stay for 7+ nights in select room categories at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, or Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia, will receive one free night to bask in paradise a little longer.
Family Fun and Caribbean Sun at Beaches Resorts
Families can take advantage of major savings and book at Beaches Turks & Caicos, Beaches Negril or Beaches Ocho Rios, where they will enjoy up to 65% off and up to $1,000 in credit off their vacation (up to a $400 instant credit and a $600 air credit). Those who stay 6+ nights at Beaches Negril or 7+ nights at Beaches Ocho Rios will receive one night free on select room categories for more fun under the Caribbean sun. Beaches makes it easy for
families of all sizes to plan, stay and play, with a variety of accommodation types, all-day entertainment, land and water sports, and an array of dining options.
Giving Back to the Blue: Celebrating 15 Years of the Sandals Foundation
For each booking made between November 29 (Black Friday) and (December 3), also known as Giving Tuesday, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts will donate $15 to the Sandals
Foundation in celebration of the non-profit’s 15th anniversary. The Sandals Foundation supports projects in three core areas – environment, education and community – with 100% of proceeds directly benefiting the Caribbean communities where Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts operate.
For more information and to book your vacation, visit www.sandals.com/sale and www. beaches.com/sale.
Jamaica Honored at the 2024 TRAVVY Awards
Jamaica was celebrated as a world-renowned tourist destination at the 10th annual Travvy Awards, where it earned six awards in the gold, silver and bronze categories. The presentation ceremony was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 7th, 2024.
The destination was recognized with a gold statuette for the ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ category and silver statuettes for the ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board –Caribbean’ categories. Jamaica was also awarded bronze statuettes for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’.
“We are grateful to our travel advisor
partners for their continued support and for these prestigious honors,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “Hospitality is ingrained in our DNA and what makes our island such a special destination. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our destination partners, who set the highest standards in their respective trades, from dining and tours to accommodations – so much so, our repeat visitor rate remains high at 42%.”
“We are particularly honored to receive a gold statuette for our Jamaica Travel Specialist program,” said Phillip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “With over 51,000 specialists currently enrolled, our dedicated group of Jamaica ambassadors are experts in telling our story – from the magic of our cascading waterfalls and turquoise waters to the lively and historic music and culture woven throughout the island. Their incredible dedication and commitment are just one of the reasons why we are on track to welcome a record-breaking 4.3 million visitors this year. We anticipate just as bright a future for Jamaica in 2025, where we expect increased air capacity from global markets and approximately 8,000 new hotel rooms.”
The annual Travvy Awards, presented by TravelPulse, part of Northstar Travel Group, recognized the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry, as voted on by industry leaders and travel professionals.
For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.
Black Male Health - Four Problems You Should Be Concerned About
High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease top the list of health conditions concerning Black men 50 and older, according to a recent AARP survey on the health of older African Americans. Experts say these fears are not unfounded.
“The problem is real, the concern is real,” says Omofolarin Fasuyi, M.D., an assistant professor of family medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. “We have disparities across the spectrum of both physical and mental health issues in the Black population.”
Black adults in the U.S. are 30 percent more likely than their white counterparts to have high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, and they’re 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Both conditions are risk factors for heart disease, which is more likely to kill Black men than white men, research shows.
The reason for these disparities, experts say, can be attributed to a range of factors. Some of it may be biological, Fasuyi says, but other forces — including economic opportunities, structural racism and medical mistrust — are also at play.
Although you can’t control your genetics or swiftly and single-handedly change systemic issues, there are several things individuals can do to help lower their risk of being diagnosed with these chronic diseases.
“There are things that are in our control, and there are things that are out of our control,” says Sachin Shah, M.D., associate professor of medicine at University of Chicago Medicine.
“We really need to focus on our modifiable risk factors, the things that are in our control.”
Here are seven steps that three experts recommend:
1. Lower the amount of sodium in your diet. Do this, and your blood pressure will follow. According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day — more than twice the recommended daily intake of 1,500 mg.
Cutting back doesn’t necessarily mean you need to toss the saltshaker; most of the sodium we consume comes from packaged and prepared foods. Though avoiding these foods can be difficult — especially for people who don’t have access to fresh, healthy options,
or those strapped for time — curbing your intake by even 1,000 mg a day (the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or a few slices of thinly sliced deli meat) can significantly improve blood pressure, research shows.
2. Know your numbers.
If you’re aware that you have high blood pressure (that’s anything over 130/80 mm Hg) or worried you may be at risk, Shah suggests keeping a blood pressure cuff at home (you can find one for about $20) and staying on top of your numbers. You can also get free blood pressure readings at some pharmacies and retail stores.
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, affects about 56 percent of Black adults in the U.S. and can be symptomless, so monitoring levels is key. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.
3. Exercise often.
Regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, many types of cancer, depression and anxiety and dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also help to ease pain caused by osteoarthritis — the wear-and-tear arthritis that becomes more common with age and affects Black adults more than white adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
“This doesn’t mean you need to have a Peloton or even a gym membership,” Shah says. A brisk walk will do the trick.
Though most Black men 50 and older report feeling good about their health, AARP’s research found that less than a quarter of respondents get the recommended amount of weekly exercise.
4. Find a doctor you trust — and visit regularly.
Again, this can be difficult for people who face barriers to care, such as lack of health insurance or lack of sick leave. But routine doctor’s appointments are critical to your health, says David Stewart, M.D., associate professor of family medicine at the University of Maryland Medical System. Your doctor can make sure you’re up to date on screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes and various forms of cancer. Left undetected and untreated, these conditions can turn deadly.
“Find somebody who knows you, knows your culture, knows your quirks,” Stewart says.
“Those are the people who get the best health care whether they’re white or Black.”
According to AARP’s research on Black men’s health, 87 percent of respondents say they have a regular doctor or health care provider, and 85 percent saw their health care provider in the past year. The vast majority of Black men who participated in AARP’s survey report feeling comfortable with and trusting their doctor.
“Building a relationship with a provider that we can trust is very important in terms of prevention of health conditions that we can pick up early and mitigate the effects,” Fasuyi says.
5. Ask questions.
When you see your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions. AARP’s research found that many proactive discussions on diet, weight and mental health aren’t happening between patients and their providers, and many Black patients miss out on routine screening tests that could catch diseases in an early, more treatable, state.
“Sometimes in busy appointments, your primary care doctor might not always address everything or might forget to say something. Weight is a big one — we measure it, we calculate BMI (body mass index, your height-toweight ratio), but we don’t always talk about it. It can be an uncomfortable topic at times, but that’s a good question to bring up,” Shah says.
In addition to discussing whether you’re at a healthy weight, the experts suggest asking your doctor:
Is it time I had some of my regular blood work done?
How does my blood pressure look? Are there things I can do to improve blood pressure or cholesterol?
Am I due for any cancer screenings?
“It’s nice to set the tone and say, ‘I’m here because I want to really optimize my own health.’ If you can form that partnership and build that therapeutic alliance, it goes a long way,
Talking to your family about your health — and theirs — is important, Shah says. So is paying attention to your family’s health history.
“If your parents have diabetes or high blood pressure, you’re certainly at higher risk of developing it, and it’s something that you want to stay pretty vigilant about,” Shah says.
AARP’s research found that about 61 percent of the Black men surveyed have a family history of hypertension; 44 percent have a family history of diabetes.
7. If you smoke, quit.
Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to the CDC. Respondents to AARP’s survey report they are not heavy consumers of tobacco or alcohol. Still, Black men across all age groups have the highest rates of smoking in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association.
Talk to your doctor about quitting; there are resources that can help.
“These are all lifestyle interventions that we can implement on the individual level to reduce our risk of these multiple health conditions that disproportionately affect black men,” Fasuyi says.
Keep others in the loop.
CARIBA&E
Sean Paul Given Honorary Degree by Utech
Grammy-winning dancehall icon Sean Paul Henriques, now Dr. Sean Paul, electrified the Class of 2024 at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) during their graduation ceremony.
Receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa, the global music sensation shared words of wisdom grounded in resilience, adaptation, and dreaming fearlessly.
Speaking to a captivated audience, Sean Paul urged the graduates to focus their aspirations on making a positive impact. “If your dream negatively impacts your surroundings, the planet, or the people in it, it’s time to adjust. You don’t want to contribute to the existing problems,” he advised.
Reflecting on his journey, Sean Paul opened up about his own struggles and transformations. Born and raised in Kingston, he once walked the same campus halls, unsure of his future. “I dreamed of becoming an architect but didn’t have the grades to meet the requirements,” he admitted. His passion for music ultimately redirected his path, leading him to leave UTech, then known as CAST, before completing his studies.
Despite this, Sean Paul credited his time at UTech for instilling the discipline and work ethic that later fueled his success.
“During those formative years, I learned that the only constant in life is change. I embraced that fact, riding the waves of highs and lows, determined to secure a better future for my family and me,” he said.
He reminisced about juggling studies, family responsibilities,
and personal growth, recalling the kitchen shifts and front-desk experiences that shaped his character. “Back then, I was a blank canvas. I didn’t know what the painting of my future would look like, but I gave my best effort regardless of the outcome,” he shared.
The dancehall legend drew parallels between his journey and the graduates’ own paths, encouraging them to remain steadfast despite challenges. “The music business, like any industry, is full of ego, shattered disappointments, and broken promises. But I didn’t give up, and neither should you,” he said, inspiring applause.
Sean Paul’s honorary degree celebrates his indelible contributions to music, culture, and philanthropy. With iconic hits like *Gimme the Light*, *Get Busy*, and *Temperature*, his three-decade career has elevated dancehall to global acclaim. He has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy, multiple Billboard hits, and recognition for his role in promoting Jamaican culture worldwide.
As the ceremony closed, Sean Paul left the graduates with a lasting message: “Don’t be afraid to dream big, adapt to life’s twists and turns, and embrace the inevitability of change. The world is waiting for your impact.”
His journey from a young UTech student to an international music icon embodies the resilience and determination he now passes on to the next generation of Jamaican trailblazers.
Alkaline and New Era Productions Announce New Rules Festival in London
Alkaline and New Era Productions are pleased to officially announce that their signature event, New Rules Festival, will take place on April 17, 2025, at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, United Kingdom.
This concert will see one of Jamaica’s most prominent contemporary dancehall figures returning to the UK after eight years. Dubbed a landmark event for fans and followers of the genre, the iconic OVO Arena Wembley, a premiere venue, will showcase one of the most highly anticipated dancehall events.
“It’s been in the works for some time now, and I know my fans in the UK have been waiting a long time, and now the date is locked. So, get your tickets,” Alkaline added.
Following the festival’s triumphant return to Kingston, Jamaica, in the summer of 2022, fans across major cities in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, and Africa have been eagerly anticipating the New Rules Festival. The upcoming 2025 edition promises to be a memorable and exciting event.
“Alkaline’s brand and the demand for the New Rules Festival are undeniable. When we analyse the fan base, which is expanding globally, there
is a clear appetite for culturally significant and wholesome entertainment experiences. New Rules Festival provides the market with that,” said Kereena Beckford, Alkaline’s Manager.
Alkaline’s Success
Alkaline, arguably the most successful independent artist to emerge in reggae-dancehall, has undeniably impacted the genre globally over the past decade. His influence can be felt in numerous singles and chart-topping albums dominating digital streaming platforms (DSPs) and globally acclaimed charts, making his fans worldwide proud.
During its 2021 expansion into over 80 countries, Spotify named Alkaline the face of its ‘Back A Yard’ playlist. This playlist, which features the ‘largest and biggest tracks from Jamaica’s dancehall scene,’ is a testament to Alkaline’s influence and popularity. It showcased 51 dancehall tracks from genre-leading headliners, with Alkaline’s tracks consistently outperforming his peers. In fact, he boasted the highest pure sales for any dancehall act within the first week of the streaming era, a clear indication of his global appeal and the demand for his music.
Alkaline’s return to the UK follows recent successes, including a BPI Silver certification for his collaboration with WSTRN on the track Txtin’. This collaboration showcased his versatility as an artist and his ability to cross into different music genres. His groundbreaking feature in Givenchy’s 2023 Summer Collection campaign further solidified his influence, as he became the face of the men’s global advertising campaign for Givenchy Spring-Summer 2023. This collaboration highlighted the contrast between Givenchy’s tailoring heritage and the urban aesthetic Matthew M. Williams had established for the brand, further cementing Alkaline’s status as a trendsetter in the music and fashion industries.
General ticket sales start on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM (GMT)
Howard University’s 1974 Soccer Team Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Howard University celebrated the groundbreaking accomplishments of its 1974 men’s soccer team fifty years after a phenomenal undefeated season and NCAA championship, by inducting them into its Athletics Hall of Fame earlier this month.
Head coach Lincoln Phillips was on hand for an induction into the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday and special dinner on Sunday emceed by alumnus Rock Newman. Remarks were delivered by alumnus Shaka Hislop (BS ’92), who played soccer for Howard from 1987 to 1991 and became an ESPN soccer analyst following his professional career. The ticketed event will took place at the Armour J. Blackburn Center Ballroom from 4 to 7 p.m.
The soccer team made history after being inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The team’s remarkable journey saw them become the first HBCU to win an NCAA national championship, claiming victory after an undefeated season.
Goalkeeper Trevor Leiba, reflecting on the team’s impact and legacy, “I don’t think I realized just how big this was, for Howard and for Black people.”
Back then, this was a massive win for Black athletes in the sport. For head coach Lincoln Phillips, the 1974 victory was a rightful reclaiming of their 1971 championship title, which had been controversially revoked. He coached the Bison from 1970 to 1980.
He recalled, “Truth crushed to Earth shall rise again,” underscoring the team’s resilience. He also noted how the success helped lay “the groundwork for the game to become what it is for our people.”
“Back then, soccer was really a minor sport, but now, it has grown so much and so many people, including Black people, appreciate the game,” Phillips said. “What we were doing back in the 1970s was really setting the groundwork for the game to become what it is for our people.”
The team’s legacy was previously captured in the 2016 documentary Redemption Song, which chronicled their journey and highlighted the team’s transformative influence on soccer, particularly within the Black community.
HU Bison Sports and Howard’s official Instagram account shared the great news with members of the championship team.
The caption reads: “We kicked off the weekend walking through history with some of our greats! Members of the historic 1974 men’s soccer team took a trip to the National African American Museum of History and Culture ahead of the HOF banquet. Come out to Greene Stadium at Noon as we recognize the ONLY national championship team to go undefeated in the history of the NCAA, Howard University’s 1974 men’s soccer team! #BleedBlue” The university also shared a throwback of the championship team from 1974 with
the caption: “Fifty years after a phenomenal undefeated season and NCAA championship, Howard University’s 1974 men’s soccer team will be inducted into the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame today. Howard was the first HBCU to win a NCAA national championship.”
Cleve ‘Cutta Hype’ Ottey Wins Cars & Camo VIII Drift Competition in Trinidad
Jamaican Cleve ‘Cutta Hype’ Ottey won the Cars & Camo VIII drift competition held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on November
field, as he deftly guided the Altezza around the Stadium course.
Ottey will next be in international competition at the Red Bull Car Park Drift World Final in Muscat, Oman, December 6 & 7, 2024.
The JMMC congratulates Cleve for his win and defense of his Cars & Camo title and wishes him good luck for a safe and successful Red Bull Car Park Drift World Final.
