2228 FINAL

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Page 4 STATE OF EMERGENCY 56 ARRESTED

In first 24 hours, six guns seized. The operation conducted 629 searches targeting organized criminals and gangs

IMMIGRATION

HAITIAN TPS EXTENDED Page 5

Along with work permits until February 2026 allowing thousands of Haitians to stay and work in the US

NEW YORK

A celebration of Culture, Legacy, and Community- August 17. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Our Magic”

A&E

SHERYL LEE RALPH NOMINATED FOR ANOTHER EMMY

The fourth time for her role in Abbott Elementary - for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Page 14

HARLEM WEEK 2025 Page 18

A&E

VYBZ KARTEL KING OF DANCEHALL

Crowned at Sumfest in Jamaica

CHLOE BAILEY IN ST. LUCIA AGAIN

Visiting her favorite Caribbean island - her happy place

CaribNews

EDITORIAL

Deporting Redemption — The Troubling Case of Orville Etoria - P 9

OPINION

National Urban League Declares ‘State of Emergency’ for Black America in 2025 Report by Stacy M. Brown - P 9

TRAVEL

The Bahamas - Carnival Opens $600M Celebration Key - P 18

SPORTS

Looking Back at Jamaica in the Women’s 100m at the 2022 World Championships - P 20

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Food lifeline fading for millions in South Sudan hit by conflict and climate shocks

Earlier this month, the UN agency began airdropping emergency food assistance in Upper Nile state after surging conflict forced families from their homes and pushed communities to the brink of famine.

Nationwide, the picture is just as alarming, with half the country’s population – more than 7.7 million people – officially classified as food insecure by UN partner the IPC platform. This includes more than 83,000 facing “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity.

“The scale of suffering here does not make headlines, but millions of mothers, fathers and children are spending each day fighting hunger to survive,” said WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, following a visit to South Sudan last week. The worst-hit areas include Upper Nile state, where fighting has displaced thousands and relief access is restricted. Two counties are at risk of tipping into famine: Nasir and Ulang. South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011. This gave way to a brutal and devastating civil war which ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in Upper Nile state, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and return the nation to conflict.

The humanitarian emergency crisis has been exacerbated by the war in neighboring Sudan.

‘Bet on youth’ to realize Africa’s digital potential, UN deputy chief says

In 2024, only 34 per cent of women and 45 per cent of men on the continent used the internet, compared to global averages of 65 and 70 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of Africans under the age of 18 do not complete school with even basic STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, reflecting long-term underinvestment in education.

This slow progress in digital integration and STEM education is impeding Africa’s ability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the report noted. The “digital divide” hits marginalized groups hardest, including women and rural communities.

“Africa is a vast and populous continent, rich in natural endowments and talents. Yet much of that potential remains underutilized,” said Philémon Yang, the President of the General Assembly in a message to the meeting.

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, told delegates that Africa must “bet on youth.”

By 2050, there will be over 850 million young people in Africa.

“This is an incredible opportunity. Realizing this potential means investing in STEM education now. It means building digital infrastructure that connects talent to opportunity,” Ms. Mohammed said.

UN envoy urges Colombia to ‘stay the course’ as peace faces new strains

Briefing the Security Council for the last time as head of the UN Verification Mission, Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu said the peace agreement provided a roadmap for addressing the root causes of conflict.

“The Final Peace Agreement of 2016 set out the path to be followed: a holistic and comprehensive roadmap for addressing deep-rooted structural issues that have driven violence in Colombia for decades,” he told ambassadors.

He cited progress in land reform, rural development, the reintegration of more than 13,000 former combatants, the start of a “complex journey” for truth and reconciliation and opening of political space.

“Today, Colombia is a very different country from that it was in the years prior to the signing of the peace agreement,” he added, noting, however, that gaps and challenges remain.

Chief among these is the limited presence of civilian and military state institutions in various regions of the country where existing peace dividends remain inadequate and violence persists, including against social leaders and ex-combatants.

At least 472 former fighters have been killed since 2016, four in recent weeks alone, Mr. Ruiz Massieu said, urging measures to strengthen their protection and ensure accountability.

Desks become beds as Haitian school shelters people displaced by violence

The classrooms at Anténor Firmin school in Hinche in central Haiti are no longer studiously quiet.

Once a place of learning, it now echoes with the sounds of babies crying, water containers clanking, and voices murmuring through the night.

Over 700 people displaced by violence are crammed into the crumbling compound, sleeping on floors where children once solved math problems.

Among them is Edens Désir, a former teacher, who continues to believe that education should be the key to a more prosperous and peaceful future for this beleaguered Caribbean Island nation.

A trained accountant and former secondary-school teacher, his life was upended by the violent clashes that erupted in March 2025 in Saut-d’Eau and Mirebalais, two small towns south of Hinche. Like 6,000 others, he fled massacres, rape, arson, and looting.

“Everything I built, little by little, was destroyed,” he said. “I walked away with nothing.”

Warring gangs have long controlled most of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, some 30 miles (48 km) away.

It is only recently that their sphere of influence has moved to more the more rural areas of Centre department where, Hinche and Saut-d’Eau are located.

Edens Désir, found refuge in the school where he once studied, a place now stripped of its purpose.

Deported Jamaican to Africa, A Betrayal of a Decent Man

I sat beside Orville Etoria in the college classrooms at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. We shared ideas, challenged one another, and supported each other through every step of the academic journey. We stood shoulder to shoulder — cap and gown, head held high — as graduates, not statistics. We were proof that transformation is not only possible, it’s already happening.

That photo you see? It was taken during a moment that made history. In 2018, Orville and I graduated as part of the largest college commencement ever held inside Sing Sing — a milestone so significant it was formally recognized and celebrated by Mercy College:

We were not anonymous. We were not invisible. We were documented, uplifted, and held up as examples of what redemption looks like.

And now, Orville has been erased — deported to a country that doesn’t know his name

Orville wasn’t running from anything. He served his sentence, earned a Bachelor’s degree through Hudson Link and Mercy College, and was enrolled in the New York Theological Seminary’s Master’s Program. In 2021, he was granted parole — something hard-won and rare in New York State.

He was rebuilding his life.

But recently, the U.S. deported him — not to Jamaica, his home — but to Eswatini, a third-world country in southern Africa with:

No cultural, legal, or family ties to him

An average daily income of $4

And a correctional system that immediately placed him in solitary confinement

This isn’t enforcement. This is exile.

He’s now locked away again — not because he failed, but because he succeeded too quietly.

When Orville walked that graduation stage, he carried generations with him. He wasn’t just earning a degree — he was

reclaiming his humanity.

That 2018 graduation wasn’t symbolic — it was substantive. We were acknowledged by faculty, DOCS administrators, public figures, and peers alike. It was covered, celebrated, and remembered.

And yet, despite all that, they labeled him “barbaric.”

This is the ultimate betrayal: to praise a man’s growth while quietly plotting his removal.

America celebrated Orville when it needed a good story. Then it discarded him when it no longer did.

Black immigrants, especially those formerly incarcerated, live under a double shadow:

One of criminalization.

One of disposability.

Orville did what we ask people to do: He took responsibility He pursued education He gave back He changed

But transformation in America is too often seen as temporary — or conditional. And for men like Orville, the terms are never disclosed until it’s too late.

This is about a system that punishes people twice. First with incarceration. Then with deportation — even after parole, after degrees, after decades of transformation.

It’s about how redemption is political, and how freedom, for some of us, remains

rented — never owned.

And it’s about those of us who walked beside Orville refusing to let him vanish without a fight.

Orville Etoria is not a threat. He is a graduate, a seminary student, a paroled scholar, and a brother. He was part of one of the most celebrated educational moments in New York prison history.

And yet — he now sits in solitary confinement in a foreign country that never knew his name.

We did. We still do. And we won’t be silent about it.

Call to Action

Tag the organizations that need to speak up: @HudsonLink @MercyCollege @ VeraInstitute @FortuneSociety @OsborneNYC @ImmigrantDefenseProject

Share this article with journalists, advocates, immigration attorneys, and policy leaders

Ask your elected officials: What protections exist for people like Orville — who did everything we say we want them to do?

Say his name. Tell his story. Don’t let silence bury dignity.

Jamaica Denies Refusing Repatriation of Any National

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith has confirmed that the Jamaican government has not refused the repatriation of any of its nationals, amid swirling reports that a Jamaican citizen may have been deported from the United States to the African nation of Eswatini.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday, Minister Johnson Smith acknowledged growing concerns after reports surfaced alleging that one Jamaican was among five individuals deported by the U.S. to a country that is not their own.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is aware of reports in the public domain, of the transfer of individuals purportedly including a Jamaican national, to Eswatini,” Johnson Smith wrote. “The Ministry has initiated enquiries with the U.S. authorities to ascertain the veracity of the reported inclusion of a Jamaican in the transfer.” She stressed that Jamaica has never refused to accept the return of any of its citizens, and should the reports be confirmed, the government will work with U.S. counter-

parts to facilitate the individual’s return to Jamaica.

“We will keep the public updated as soon as further verified information is obtained,” she added.

The situation intensified after Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, took to X on Monday to tout the deportation flight as part of the Trump administration’s controversial third-country expulsion policy.

“This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” McLaughlin posted. “These depraved monsters have been terrorising American communities, but thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, they are off of American soil.”

While McLaughlin did not name the deportees, she included photos and stated that they hailed from Yemen, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and allegedly Jamaica. The reported offenses included crimes such as child rape and murder.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the Trump administration to resume third-country deportations, which

involve sending individuals to nations that are not their country of origin. The administration has argued that the policy is necessary when certain countries decline to repatriate their nationals.

This new development has sparked alarm in Jamaica and among human rights advocates, who have raised questions about due process, state sovereignty, and the potential violation of international law

when deportations bypass an individual’s home country.

As of Thursday, the identity and citizenship status of the deportee in question remain unconfirmed. The Jamaican government is expected to issue further updates once its diplomatic channels receive clarification from U.S. authorities.

T&T- State of Emergency, 56 Arrested In 24 Hours

The police in Trinidad and Tobago made 56 arrests and seized six illegal firearms and 33 rounds of ammunition during the first 24 hours of a state of emergency (SOE) declared in the twin-island republic.

From midnight on July 18 to the same time on July 19, officers carried out 104 operations across multiple divisions, targeting organized criminal and gang-related activity. In the process, they conducted 629 searches and recorded 407 traffic offences from strategic roadblock operations.

In a statement on Saturday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the coordinated actions were part of efforts to dismantle armed criminal networks and restore public confidence and safety.

“These actions formed part of a strategic

offensive targeting individuals affiliated with organized criminal syndicates and gangs operating across multiple divisions,” the TTPS said.

“Several zones registered heightened activity, with concentrated efforts aimed at intercepting persons linked to criminal networks.”

The guns recovered in the operations included pistols, a revolver, a shotgun and a rifle.

“These recoveries reflect the TTPS’ focus on dismantling armed elements within known gang corridors and neutralizing the identified threat actors who pose a risk to public safety,” the police said.

“The TTPS remains steadfast in its mission to protect citizens and restore order. Law enforcement operations will continue with

tactical precision and community sensitivity throughout the emergency period with little disruption to law-abiding citizens, who are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through official channels.”

The SOE was declared last Friday, with authorities reporting that police intelligence had pointed to a criminal network operating from within the prison system, with plans to assassinate senior police officers, members of the judiciary and employees at the state prosecution office.

The TTPS said it remains resolute in its actions to subdue the identified threat actors, suppress gang activity and uphold the rule of law. (CMC)

T&T - Former PM Rowley Detained

On Interpol List

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) —

Former prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, Monday said he had been detained on a stopover in Antigua and Barbuda and that his name had been placed on a watch list of the Paris-based International Police (Interpol). Rowley, a trained geologist, who stepped down from active politics in April, said that he was on his way to Montserrat to participate in activities marking the 30th anniversary of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Scientific Opening last Monday when he was stopped.

Rowley described the ordeal as a dastardly act of political persecution, accusing state entities in Trinidad and Tobago of fabricating and executing what he called a “vicious defamation” campaign.

“This is not just a mistake, it is a deliberate, calculated attempt to tarnish my name

on an international stage,” Rowley told a news conference, adding “it is state-sponsored slander”.

Rowley, who said he was stunned to learn that Trinidad and Tobago authorities may have caused his name to be flagged internationally, has since called on both Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, to indicate what role they in having his name placed on the Interpol watch list.

“What crime or interest do I pose that justifies this?” Rowley asked. “Let the people of this country know what you are accusing me of—because I have done nothing wrong.”

“If this can be done to a former prime minister, imagine what can be done to the average citizen,” he added.

Haiti - U.S. Restores Haitian TPS Protections, Work Permits Until February

In a controversial move, the Trump administration announced on June 27, 2025, that it would terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, putting roughly 348,000 Haitian nationals at risk of deportation after September 2—a mere 67-day window to prepare. The decision abruptly reverses the Biden administration’s earlier extension of Haiti TPS through February 2026 and has ignited legal pushback and protests from immigrant advocates.

On July 1, a federal judge temporarily blocked the termination, ruling that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violated statutory protections by failing to provide adequate notice. The court emphasized that TPS holders are entitled to a structured transition period, typically ensured by allowing prior extensions to expire as scheduled.

However, the broader legal outlook remains grim. On May 19, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip TPS from 350,000 Venezuelans under similar circumstances. While the Court’s unsigned opinion did not explicitly address notice requirements, its ruling signals that the Haiti termination could ultimately survive judicial review.

The Trump administration has aggressively targeted TPS designations, arguing that temporary protections should not become “de facto permanent residency.” Advocates counter that Haiti—still reeling from political instability, gang violence, and the aftermath of the 2021 earthquake—remains unsafe for return.

Haiti TPS Timeline: 2010: Originally designated after earthquake.

2021: Biden extends through 2023, later pushes to 2026.

2025: Trump terminates with 67-day notice.

With the temporary injunction in place, Haitian TPS holders gain breathing room, but the administration is expected to appeal. If the termination proceeds: Thousands face deportation to a nation in crisis.

Families with U.S.-born children could be separated.

Legal challenges may hinge on whether courts enforce notice protections.

“This is cruelty disguised as policy,” said Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. “Haiti is not prepared for mass returns, and neither are the families who’ve built lives here.”

As the battle shifts back to the courts, 348,000 lives hang in the balance— with the Supreme Court’s shadow looming large.

Haiti - Call to The Crisis of Hunger in the Country by UN

United Nations has reiterated its call for an improvement in the situation in Haiti, stating that hunger continues to worsen across the country.

“The food crisis is compounded by ongoing violence, which is disrupting local food production in areas such as the commune of Kenscoff and the Artibonite department. These regions are often referred to as Haiti’s breadbaskets,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

“As we mentioned, as of May, more than 5.7 million people in Haiti are estimated to be food insecure, with many unable to meet their basic food needs. That’s what our humanitarian colleagues are telling us.

“We and our partners are responding wherever and whenever we can. Between January and May, more than 1.1 million people have received emergency food distributions, while nearly 247,000 others received support to restore their agricultural livelihoods or strengthen their resilience,” Dujarric said.

He said that in addition, 242,000 people

who were sheltering at displacement sites received hot meals.

“But overall, we have been able to reach just 38 per cent of the people we aim to support on food security this year – that’s 1.33 million out of 3.4 million in total.

This is due to ongoing violence, to insecurity, severe underfunding of the response, and the obvious access challenges,” he said.

Dujarric said as of today, Haiti remains, unfortunately and sadly, the least-funded of the many humanitarian appeals that we coordinate.

He said funding shortfalls for food security in Haiti are even more extreme, with just over two percent of the US$425 million having been received to date.

Dujarric said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to work closely with partners to scale up food assistance.

“However, we just need more money to do our work to reach those people who need it,” he added. CMC

The

Guyana - Pleased with US Legislation to Deter Venezuela on Essequibo

Guyana’s government has welcomed legislation introduced in the United States (US) Senate to bolster Washington’s security cooperation with Georgetown and deter continued threats from Venezuela.

The bipartisan show of support came through a bill tabled by US Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The legislation mandates that the US Secretary of Defense assess and report to Congress on the current state of security cooperation with Guyana and consider whether further US assistance is needed to prevent potential aggression from Venezuela.

“As Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro continues to threaten Guyana, the United States must work with Guyana to deter such aggression,” said Bennet. “This bill will force the Pentagon to evaluate current cooperation and determine where improvements can be made.”

Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

described the move as significant and timely.

“We’re pleased that they will see it important…to have the Department of Defense regularly report on Venezuelan aggression towards Guyana,” he said. “And hopefully, to ensure that their designs on our country, which is an aggressive design, will not succeed.”

The legislation comes amid heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region, a vast swathe of resource-rich territory that Venezuela claims despite an 1899 arbitral award that established the boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela and recognized the Essequibo as part of Guyana.

The dispute has reached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has twice issued provisional measures barring Venezuela from taking unilateral actions in the contested area.

Historic Moment in Suriname - First Female

President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons

In a historic and jubilant ceremony marked by national pride and pageantry, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was officially sworn in as the first female President of the Republic of Suriname, becoming the country’s tenth head of state. The transition of power took place at a special session of the National Assembly, held at the Anthony Nesty Indoor Stadium in Paramaribo.

The outgoing President, Chan Santokhi, formally handed over the presidential sash to Simons, sealing the peaceful transfer of power before an exuberant crowd. As the patriotic anthem “Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro” filled the stadium, Simons took her seat in the presidential chair, visibly moved and greeted by thunderous applause.

“I declare and promise this,” she affirmed solemnly, raising her right hand. “So help me God Almighty.”

The oath was administered moments after Simons was ceremoniously led into the hall, her arrival accompanied by a standing ovation and live musical accompaniment. Her radiant smile and confident stride were a reflection of both the gravity of the moment and the hope it symbolizes for the Surinamese people.

Following the administration of the oath, Simons and Santokhi both signed the official proclamation of transfer, marking the constitutional handover. Speaker of the National Assembly Ashwin Adhin then formally declared Simons the President of

the Republic of Suriname.

The ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Vice President-elect Gregory Rusland, who took the oath with the words, “I declare and affirm this,” succeeding outgoing Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk. The proclamation of transfer was signed by both men, after which Rusland officially assumed the role of vice president. He received warm congratulations and applause as he took his place beside the outgoing president.

Simons and Rusland were elected unopposed on July 6 following a single nomination, signaling widespread consensus within the National Assembly and marking a new chapter in Surinamese political leadership.

As the first woman to ascend to the presidency, President Simons’ inauguration represents a watershed moment in the nation’s history. A longtime politician and former Speaker of the National Assembly, she brings decades of experience and is widely respected for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to democratic governance.

The day’s events were not only a constitutional milestone but a celebration of gender progress and national unity, with thousands witnessing the moment that redefined the political landscape of Suriname.

Permanent Resident With Ties to Haitian Gangs Can Be Deported

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) —

The Trump administration says it is taking deportation actions against legal permanent residents in the United States (US) affiliated with the Haitian foreign terrorist organisation (FTO), Viv Ansanm.

“I am pleased to announce the latest US actions against individuals whose presence and activities in our country have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.

“Specifically, the Department of State has determined that certain individuals with US lawful permanent resident status have supported and collaborated with Haitian gang leaders connected to Viv Ansanm, a Haitian foreign terrorist organisation,” added the son of Cuban immigrants, who was born in Miami.

Rubio said Viv Ansanm is a driver of the violence and criminality in Haiti contributing to the island’s instability.

“The United States will not allow individuals to enjoy the benefits of legal status in our country while they are facilitating the actions of violent organisations or supporting criminal terrorist organisations,” said Rubio.

He said with this determination, the US Department of Homeland Security can pursue the removal of these individuals under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“These new actions demonstrate the Trump administration’s firm commitment to protecting the American people, ad-

vancing our national security interests and promoting regional security and stability,” he said.

In May, the San Diego, California-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) urged the Trump administration to reverse its designation of FTOs for two prominent Haitian gangs.

At the time, Rubio announced the State Department’s designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as FTOs and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs).

HBA said that it was “strongly” opposed to the designation of FTOs for the two Haitian gangs.

Instead, HBA urged the Trump administration to impose “targeted sanctions” under the global Magnitsky Act.

“The current designation, absent a comprehensive strategy that addresses Haiti’s insecurity and humanitarian crisis, would be legally unsound, diplomatically damaging and devastating to innocent Haitians,” HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“Haitian gangs, while undeniably violent and destabilising, are criminal in nature, not ideological. Their motives are rooted in territorial control, extortion and survival amid state collapse— not in political or religious extremism.

“These groups do not fit the statutory definition of terrorism and should not be characterised to justify punitive immigration or security policies,” she added.

Meanwhile, HBA has condemned the Trump administration’s recent policy changes that strip millions of immigrants of their right to bond hearings and facilitate mass arrests during immigration court proceedings.

“These actions undermine the rule of law, violate constitutional protections and erode the integrity of the judicial system,” Jozef told CMC, noting that this policy applies retroactively to individuals who entered the US unlawfully, regardless of their duration of residence or ties to the community.

National Urban League - State of Emergency in Black America

The report also warns of a rise in digital extremism. “During the 2024 election cycle, accounts supporting progressive candidates also saw their accounts blocked and shadow-banned without explanation,” the report documented.

In its most urgent warning to date, the National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency” for democracy and civil rights in the United States. The organization’s 49th annual State of Black America report, unveiled at its conference in Cleveland, Ohio, outlines what it describes as a deliberate, coordinated campaign to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans. “A democracy willing to destroy itself rather than deliver justice is a democracy in crisis,” the report states. “The work is difficult. The road is long,” National Urban League President Marc H. Morial added. “But we know from experience that the arc of history does not bend toward justice on its own—it must be bent by those with the strength and will to see it through.” This year’s report, titled “State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack,” sounds the alarm over efforts to dismantle civil rights protections, suppress voting access, and strip away diversity initiatives. “The notion that we are living through a ‘state of emergency’ is not rhetorical flourish. It is an honest reckoning with a government increasingly determined to sacrifice its founding principles—equality,

by Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

liberty, and justice—rather than accept the truth of a diversifying nation and deliver equitable opportunity to all,” Morial wrote in his foreword. Among the most pressing threats detailed in the report is the systematic rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“Almost daily, since January 20, 2025, the federal government, at the direction the White House, has set fire to policies and entire departments dedicated to protecting civil and human rights, providing access to an equal education, fair housing, safe and effective healthcare, and ensuring that our democratic process is adhered to across the nation,” the report authors wrote. It also describes the radical transformation of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “Under its new leadership, the Civil Rights Division has been hollowed out and repurposed, transforming from a guardian of justice into a tool for political retribution,” the report said. Within weeks of the new administration taking power, “cases against election deniers who’ve tampered with the election equipment were dismissed and January 6th rioters were pardoned.”

The report also warns of a rise in digital extremism. “During the 2024 election cycle, accounts supporting progressive candidates also saw their accounts blocked and shadow-banned without explanation,” the report documented. It calls this “a digital rollback of rights mirroring what’s happening in courts

and legislatures.” Describing the coordinated backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, the report stated: “Following the murder of George Floyd, far-right extremists seized an opportunity to stop the calls for racial equity by reframing the policies as ‘woke’ and anti-American.”

The American Alliance for Equal Rights, led by Edward Blum, “continued its assault on organizations with ‘unfair,’ ‘race-based’ diversity and equity programs.” In one high-profile case, the group sued the Fearless Fund, “forcing it to suspend its $20,000 grant program for women of color entrepreneurs, claiming ‘anti-white’ bias.”

The National Urban League’s response, detailed in the report, includes a broad campaign of legal challenges, advocacy, and community organizing. It has launched the Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives division, established the 21 Pillars for Public Safety framework, and coordinated the Fair Budget Coalition to push for a “just and inclusive FY2026 federal budget.” The League also filed suit, alongside Lambda Legal and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, challenging executive orders that target diversity and equity. “This is not business as usual,” Morial said. “This is an emergency. The National Urban League urges vigilance, mobilization, solidarity, and support. This year’s State of Black America is a call to action to stand together as we defend our rights and the

principles of American democracy in our courts, our communities, and our coalitions.”

Contributors to the report include civil rights leaders, attorneys, and elected officials such as Damon Hewitt, Kristen Clarke, Janai Nelson, LaTosha Brown, U.S. Representatives Steven Horsford and Hakeem Jeffries, and others committed to defending democracy. “We are witnessing something more than policy shifts.

We are watching an attempt to turn back the clock to an era when the full humanity of all Americans was not recognized—when the idea of true equality was treated as a threat to the social order,” the report authors concluded. “What we face today is a deliberate, coordinated effort to deny the future of a more just and inclusive America.”

(Black Press: USA)

Attorney General James Defends TPS Status for Immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful and baseless attempt to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan immigrants, threatening their legal status in the United States. The TPS program is a critical humanitarian lifeline established by Congress in 1990 that protects immigrants from being returned to countries that have been deemed unsafe, allowing them to work and build a life in the United States. In an amicus brief filed today in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, Attorney General James and the coalition highlight the devastating economic and humanitarian consequences of ending these TPS protections and urge the court to postpone the proposed actions.

“New York is proudly home to a large, vibrant immigrant community,” said Attorney General James. “Revoking TPS for 60,000 people will do nothing except cause chaos throughout New York and other states and stoke fear in immigrant communities. By eliminating their legal status, this administration is putting thousands

of New Yorkers in danger and breaking up families across the country.”

On June 6, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem moved to terminate Nepal’s designation for TPS protection, revoking TPS for approximately 7,200 Nepali immigrants who have lawfully lived and worked in the United States for more than a decade since the catastrophic 2015 earthquakes. On July 8, Secretary Noem announced DHS would also terminate TPS designations for Honduras and Nicaragua, revoking the status of 51,000 and 2,900 immigrants, respectively. TPS holders from Honduras

and Nicaragua, who were granted TPS status in 1999 due to the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch, have built their lives in the United States for more than 25 years. In total, the three TPS terminations would strip more than 60,000 people of the legal status that has enabled them to participate in and strengthen the civic life and economy of the United States.

The attorneys general warn that thousands of families of Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan TPS holders across their states will be profoundly harmed if the terminations are not postponed. In 2022, around 68,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Honduran TPS holder, approximately 13,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Nicaraguan TPS holder, and approximately 23,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Nepali TPS holder. In total, over 100,000 U.S. citizens lived in mixed-status households with people who are now at risk of losing their legal status, potentially leading to devastating family separations. Now, TPS holders from these countries face a devastating choice between: Returning to their country of origin alone, facing danger and instability, and leaving their families behind; Taking their family members, some of

whom are American citizens, with them to a dangerous country that they do not know; or

Staying in the United States and retreating into the shadows, knowing that they cannot work legally and could be ripped from their families at any time.

New York is a safe home to approximately 56,800 TPS holders from all countries. In particular, Queens County in New York City is home to the largest number of Nepali immigrants in the country. Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that TPS holders bring enormous benefits to their states, and stripping these individuals of legal status will harm states’ economies and workforces.

The attorneys general are urging the court to issue preliminary relief postponing these revocations and protecting immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua.

Joining Attorney General James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Deporting Redemption — The Troubling Case of Orville

Etoria

In a world where we often clamor for justice, redemption, and second chances, the recent deportation of Jamaican national Orville Etoria to Eswatini—a nation with which he has no ties—rings like a dissonant note in an already troubled symphony. Etoria’s story is not just about one man being uprooted; it’s about the moral costs of political expediency, the erosion of human dignity, and the danger of policies that prioritize optics over humanity.

Let’s be clear: Etoria is no saint. He was incarcerated in the United States for a serious crime, and he paid for it with years of his life behind bars. But unlike the stereotypical portrayals often served up by political rhetoric and media headlines, Etoria did not languish idly in prison. He changed. He studied. He graduated. He mentored. He built a life from inside the walls meant to contain him. Through the Hudson Link program and Mercy College, Etoria earned a bachelor’s degree. He then enrolled in a master’s program at the New York Theological Seminary, demonstrating not only a commitment to intellectual growth but a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. These are not the hallmarks of a man who is “uniquely barbaric,” as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security so coldly labeled him. These are the actions of a man who found a path to redemption—and walked it.

Yet, redemption apparently has a statute of limitations in the eyes of certain policymakers.

Orville Etoria’s deportation was carried out under the continuation of the Trump-era “third-country deportation” policy, which allows the U.S. to send non-citizens to

countries other than their own if their home nation refuses repatriation. Etoria was one of five individuals deported under this policy, alongside others from Cuba, Yemen, Laos, and Vietnam. All were sent to Eswatini, a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa that none of them has any connection to.

Let that sink in: a Jamaican man, who served his time and had begun to reintegrate into society, was deported to a country that doesn’t share his language, culture, history, or family. According to the Eswatini government, these men are merely “in transit,” but in the meantime, they’re being held in solitary confinement—a cruel irony for those who were supposedly being released. It is worth asking: what purpose does this serve?

If public safety were the true priority, why deport someone who had been paroled and was under supervision in the U.S., rather than continue their rehabilitation and reintegration in a community where they have ties and support? If international law and bilateral respect matter, why was Jamaica not properly consulted, especially since the Jamaican government has stated it never refused to take Etoria back?

The truth is more uncomfortable. Policies like third-country deportation are less about safety and more about sending messages— messages rooted in xenophobia, fear, and performative toughness. They signal to voters that the government is “cracking down,” even when it means bulldozing individual lives and ignoring the nuances of rehabilitation. And in Etoria’s case, the message is loud and cruel: it doesn’t matter if you change. Once labeled, always disposable.

This isn’t just a Jamaican issue—it’s a Caribbean issue, an immigrant issue, a human issue. Across the Caribbean diaspora, families have long straddled borders—contributing to economies, enriching cultures, and, yes, sometimes encountering the criminal justice system. But to treat Caribbean nationals as stateless burdens when things go wrong, rather than partners in a broader global migration and justice conversation, is deeply disrespectful. Jamaica’s rightful outrage is a reminder that smaller nations must not be treated as afterthoughts in larger geopolitical maneuvers.

The United States, for all its might and muscle, has long championed itself as a beacon of second chances and individual transformation. Its prison education programs are often held up as models of rehabilitation. So what happens when someone takes full advantage of those opportunities—only to be discarded anyway? What message does that send to the thousands of other incarcerated individuals striving to better themselves?

Redemption has to mean something. Etoria’s case is a test not just of U.S. immigration and deportation policy, but of our collective humanity. It challenges us to examine whether justice ends at incarceration, or whether it includes the possibility of reinvention. It calls on governments— American, Jamaican, and Eswatini alike—to prioritize fairness over bureaucracy, dignity over dogma.

It also raises urgent legal and ethical questions. Was due process followed in deporting Etoria to a third country? Were international norms observed? How can a country legally deport someone to a place that has never

been their home? Solitary confinement, even temporarily, adds another layer of human rights concern—one that cannot be ignored. For its part, Jamaica must remain firm. If Etoria is their national, he deserves to be repatriated there—not warehoused like a problem no one wants to own. The Jamaican government should demand answers from U.S. authorities and ensure this case sets a precedent: no Jamaican citizen should be displaced arbitrarily. And if there is a delay in his return, they must push for transparency and humane treatment in the interim.

Meanwhile, Eswatini—already bearing the burden of an unjust policy—should not be left to clean up this mess alone. The international community, including human rights organizations, must step in to monitor the conditions of the deportees and hold the originating government accountable.

As for the United States, this is a moment for reflection. Policies that outsource punishment to nations with no connection to the deported individuals are not only reckless—they’re morally indefensible. They reveal a system more interested in appearances than outcomes, more focused on exile than equity. Orville Etoria is not just a deportee. He is a symbol of what we risk losing when we abandon the belief that people can change. His story is a painful reminder that the path to redemption, no matter how well walked, can be abruptly erased by politics.

And that, perhaps, is the real crime.

Carib News will continue to follow this story and urge Caribbean leaders to demand justice—not just for Orville Etoria, but for every citizen caught in the cruel gears of broken immigration policy.

IN MEMORIAM: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Beloved Star of “The Cosby Show,” Dies at 54

by Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

WASHINGTON — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. Warner reportedly drowned while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, according to a family source cited by People magazine. His death was confirmed on Sunday, July 21. Warner’s sudden passing has stunned fans and colleagues alike. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities have been kept private throughout his career. Authorities in Costa Rica have not released additional details, but Warner’s death is being described as a tragic accident.

Warner became a household name in the 1980s as the wisecracking middle child of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, one of the most successful and influential sitcoms in television history. His

portrayal of Theo earned him an Emmy nomination and endeared him to millions of viewers during the show’s eight-season run from 1984 to 1992. After The Cosby Show, Warner continued to build a diverse and acclaimed career. He starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000, and held recurring roles in numerous TV dramas and comedies, including Major Crimes, Suits, Community, The Resident, Reed Between the Lines, Jeremiah, and 9-1-1. He also voiced “The Producer” on the popular animated series The Magic School Bus and served as an executive producer on the show. Warner’s talents extended well beyond acting. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his work on the song “Jesus Children” with Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. He was also a published poet,

musician, and director, and in recent years had become an outspoken advocate for mental health, particularly in the Black community. Just days before his death, Warner released what would be his final episode of his podcast Not All Hood, a series focused on unpacking generational trauma, wellness, and healing within marginalized communities.

Fans and celebrities flooded social media on Sunday, expressing shock and heartbreak. One longtime fan, 43-year-old Jalen Cooper of Washington, D.C., said, “He was more than Theo to us—he represented a generation of young Black men who finally saw themselves reflected on TV. His voice will be missed.” Warner’s enduring presence in American pop culture spanned four decades, and he remained active in film, television, music, and podcasting until his final days. As tributes

continue to pour in from across the entertainment industry and beyond, many are remembering Warner as a trailblazer who helped redefine Black manhood on screen. Actor and director Keegan-Michael Key posted simply, “Rest easy, King. You gave us more than you know.”

Warner’s family has asked for privacy during this time of grief. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.

Joy Reid Ambushed by Piers Morgan, Hits Back

Former MSNBC host Joy Reid has accused Piers Morgan of misleading her about the nature of his podcast interview, claiming he used the appearance to launch a premeditated attack on her record and views on race.

Reid, who appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored this week, revealed on her own show, The Joy Reid Show, that she had agreed to the interview under the premise of a broad discussion on politics, including topics like Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s political ambitions, and her post-MSNBC career. Instead, she says, Morgan spent nearly the entire 45-minute segment interrogating her about race—particularly why she and other Black commentators frequently address racial issues in politics. Reid dismissed Morgan as a thirsty little troll desperate for attention, not just from Meghan Markle but from any high-profile Black woman willing to engage with him. She noted that Morgan’s team had initially

framed the conversation as a free-flowing exchange on current events, only for him to pivot sharply into challenging her past statements and social media posts—including her stance on books with LGBTQ+ content in schools.

According to Reid, Morgan’s fixation on race was hypocritical, given his own history of controversial remarks about Black women, from Meghan Markle to Simone Biles and Omarosa Manigault Newman. She argued that conservative figures like Morgan often accuse Black commentators of obsessing over race while simultaneously making it their primary line of attack. Reid was joined on her show by former Ohio state senator Nina Turner, who later appeared on the same episode of Morgan’s podcast and witnessed Reid’s interview. Turner called Morgan’s approach wild and weak, describing the segment as a total setup—especially when Morgan brought on an anti-Reid podcast-

er unannounced.

Despite the contentious exchange, Reid clarified that she did not walk out of the interview, unlike Morgan, who famously stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain in 2021 after being challenged over his comments about Markle.

Morgan, meanwhile, promoted the episode as an explosive interview with fired MSNBC host Joy Reid—a framing Reid rejected as dishonest. The full interview aired Thursday, allowing both sides to present their perspectives, with Reid using her platform to counter what she called a disingenuous ambush.

The clash highlights Morgan’s long-standing reputation for provocative interviews, particularly with Black women in the public eye—a pattern Reid and Turner argue reveals more about his own preoccupations than theirs.

Carlene Davis Adding a Voice Against Oppression on Mandela Day

As the world observes Mandela Day on July 18, Jamaican music legends Tommy Cowan and his wife, Dr. Carlene Davis, are revisiting their powerful reggae anthems honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of freedom and justice. Their songs, spanning decades, pay homage not only to the South African leader but also to his ex-wife, Winnie Mandela, whose resilience became a symbol of resistance.

The couple’s journey began in the 1980s when they were moved by Winnie Mandela’s unwavering strength during Nelson’s 27-year imprisonment. Inspired by her autobiography, A Part of My Soul Went With Him, Davis recorded Winnie Mandela in 1987—one of the first reggae tributes to the anti-apartheid icon. Over the years, their music chronicled Mandela’s historic milestones: Welcome Home Mr Mandela celebrated his 1990

release, Rise Up marked his presidential inauguration, and Thank You Mr Mandela honored his passing in 2013. Each song was accompanied by stirring visuals, amplifying their message of hope and unity. Davis vividly recalls meeting Winnie Mandela during the couple’s 1991 visit to Jamaica. “The entire island was electrified,” she said. Performing Welcome Home Mr Mandela before a packed National Stadium remains a career highlight. “When Winnie embraced me and whispered, ‘Thank you for your songs—music like yours kept us believing,’ it was a moment I’ll never forget,” Davis shared.

Beyond Jamaica, Davis has performed at global Mandela tributes, including an event at New York’s Gracie Mansion hosted by the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins. For Cowan and Davis, reggae is more than entertainment—it’s a divine tool for advocacy. “Our mission is to spread love, justice, and unity across all divides,” Davis emphasized.

As the Rotary Club of New Kingston prepares to host ‘Odes to Nelson Mandela –The Inspiration & The Impact,’ the couple hopes their music continues inspiring new generations to uphold Mandela’s vision of equality. “Let us use music to better the world,” Davis said. “That’s the power of reggae.”

Mandela, who died in 2013 at 95, and Winnie, who passed in 2018 at 81, remain immortalized in these timeless melodies— proof that music can be as revolutionary as the movements it celebrates.

Golden Krust Opens in JFK’s Terminal 8

The premier Jamaican fast-casual restaurant group with over 100 locations – opens its first airport location at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport today as part of the airport’s massive $19B renovation and expansion program. The new restaurant, located at the baggage claim carousel 7 in Terminal 8 (which services American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, and more), will offer all of the Golden Krust classics.

Highlights include Braised Oxtail with succulent, slow-cooked, tender oxtail

cooked in a rich gravy; a savory and spicy slow-cooked Jerk Chicken; and a hearty Curried Goat with tender pieces cooked to the bone. Sides include Fried Dumplings, Fried Sweet Plantains, Rice & Peas, Steamed Vegetables, among others. The new John F. Kennedy International Airport location will offer Caribbean classics served with a choice of rice, steamed vegetables, and fried sweet plantains as well as Golden Krust’s signature Jamaican patties. Available flavors include beef, chicken, jerk chicken, spinach, and more.

“We’re proud to bring a taste of the Caribbean to one of the world’s busiest airports,”  said Steven Clarke, Vice President of Marketing at Golden Krust. “Opening in JFK Terminal 8 is more than just a milestone for Golden Krust—it’s a chance to welcome travelers from around the globe with the warmth, heritage, and bold offerings that have defined our brand for over 35 years.”

“Bringing Golden Krust to JFK Terminal 8 has been a labor of love”, says franchisees Conroy and Samantha Champagne. “As someone who’s proudly operated Golden Krust restaurants across Queens for decades, opening in the airport is deeply meaningful—it’s a chance to showcase our Caribbean roots on a global stage, and to serve everyone from first-time visitors to familiar members of the diaspora with the same warmth and quality they expect from us.

Golden Krust was founded in 1989 by Lowell F. Hawthorne and his siblings, who immigrated to New York from Jamaica in the 1980s. Operating restaurants came naturally to Lowell and his siblings, as their parents, Mavis and Ephraim Hawthorne, founded Hawthorne & Sons

Bakery in St. Mary, Jamaica in 1949. Since Golden Krust’s inception, the family-run operation has grown from a single location in the Bronx, New York (which is still operational) to locations across eight states (Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas) and grocery products in 22,000 stores. After over 35 years, the Hawthorne family remains at the helm of the business, and through Golden Krust, has acted as the de facto stewards of Jamaican and Caribbean heritage in the U.S. Golden Krust is beloved for their signature Jamaican patties, of which they produce more than 50 million patties per year, in addition to popular steam table options on their menu like Jerk Chicken and Oxtail, as well as a full assortment of Jamaican baked goods.

The restaurant will be open 5:30am11:30pm, 7 days a week. For more information, visit goldenkrust.com or follow @goldenkrust on Instagram.

The restaurant is currently in soft opening mode, and Golden Krust will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration in the upcoming months.

HARLEM WEEK 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Legacy, and Community

Harlem’s largest annual celebration returns this summer as the 51st edition of HARLEM WEEK kicks off on August 1 and runs through August 17. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Our Magic,” pays tribute to the enduring cultural, spiritual, and historical legacy of Harlem, while spotlighting a lineup of events designed to inspire, uplift, and engage residents and visitors alike.

Founded in 1974 as a one-day event by the late Hon. Percy Sutton to revitalize Harlem during a period of economic despair, HARLEM WEEK has grown into a 17-day global celebration with both live and virtual experiences. Co-founder and current chairman Lloyd Williams emphasized the event’s enduring

power: “Our rich history and culture is just that, magic. From the cultural revival that was the Harlem Renaissance to institutions like the Apollo Theater and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this year’s theme embodies that despite challenges we may face, our creativity and our joy is magic.” This year’s programming features over 100 events across arts, music, health, business, technology, and education, while honoring icons such as civil rights trailblazer Hazel Dukes, Rep. Charles Rangel, music legends Kool & The Gang, Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, Angie Stone, DJ Clark Kent, and the centennial of Malcolm X. The life and legacy of Harry Belafonte will also be honored with a street renaming ceremony.

HARLEM WEEK 2025 officially begins with Senior Citizens Day on August 1 at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Attendees can expect health screenings, tech panels, and performances tailored to Harlem’s elder community. The following weekend, on August 2 and again on August 9 and 16, “Summer Streets Celebrating HARLEM WEEK” will transform Harlem’s blocks into car-free zones for live music, biking, roller-skating, and dancing, offering what organizers call the

“hottest block party in the nation”. On August 9, Harlem’s streets will fill with runners and walkers for the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run and the Hazel Dukes Memorial Family Health Walk, followed by “Great Jazz on the Great Hill” in Central Park, featuring performances from renowned jazz musicians.

The festival continues on August 11 with the HARLEM WEEK Youth Conference, followed by Economic Development Day on August 12, and the NYC Jobs & Career Fair on August 13 at City College, where over 40 employers across various industries will recruit talent and host development workshops. Black Health Matters and HARLEM WEEK will host a major health summit on August 14 at Riverside Church, offering wellness panels, screenings, and community engagement focused on health equity. That evening, food lovers will gather for the Uptown Night Market, a celebration of global cuisines, culture, and family activities. One of HARLEM WEEK’s most anticipated days—“Summer in the City”—takes place August 16, featuring Harlem Broadway Row performances, a fashion show, health screenings, and hundreds of vendors. The day concludes with the HARLEM WEEK/IMAGENATION Outdoor Film Fes-

tival screening of Wicked at St. Nicholas Park. Children and families will enjoy the Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee on August 16, as well as the NYC Children’s Festival at Howard Bennett Playground on August 16-17, featuring arts & crafts, face painting, double dutch, and performances.

HARLEM DAY, the grand finale on August 17, will take over 135th Street from Fifth Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue. Featuring three entertainment stages, Harlem Health Village, and musical genres ranging from jazz to gospel to soca, HARLEM DAY reflects the vibrancy and global influence of Harlem itself. “Harlem Week celebrates that talent in all its various aspects,” said Vincent Boudreau, President of City College of New York. “It’s a joy for us to be part of the celebration.” HARLEM WEEK is presented by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and supported by sponsors including Amazon Access, City College of New York, and Chase Bank. Nancy Dalton, Director of Amazon Access, noted, “Together, we’re creating more effective pathways to affordable, nutritious food.”

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit harlemweek.com.

Trinidadian Sentenced in Florida for Gun Smuggling

Miami, Florida — A 44-year-old dual national of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, Videsh Chandoo, has been sentenced to 18 months in a Florida federal prison after pleading guilty to smuggling firearms and ammunition from the United States into Trinidad and Tobago.

The sentence was handed down in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, following Chandoo’s guilty plea on April 4, 2025. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Stampede

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain on July 15, Chandoo was charged with smuggling seven pistols and 332 rounds of ammunition. The illegal items were intercepted by Trinidad and Tobago’s Customs and Excise Division during a routine inspection at Shed 10, Port of Spain, on July 14, 2023. Rather than contest extradition, Chandoo voluntarily traveled to the United States in January 2025 to face the charges.

Rikers Island Inmate Named High School Valedictorian

folded as Tylik Thomas, a young African American inmate at Rikers Island, was named valedictorian of his graduating class at East River Academy, the high school operating within the correctional facility.

Thomas stood at the podium last week, addressing 63 fellow graduates with a powerful message of transformation, resilience, and redemption.

“In some of the harshest and roughest living conditions known to man, we

found light in a place where darkness and negativity reign supreme,” he told ABC 7 New York.

Rikers Island, one of the most notorious jails in the United States, has often been a symbol of institutional neglect and overcrowding. But on this day, caps and gowns replaced uniforms, and diplomas served as symbols of second chances.

The graduation theme — “Resilience” — echoed through the ceremony, capturing the determination of students...

at Reggae Sumfest Leaves Several Injured — Organizers Pledge Immediate Safety Overhaul

Reggae Sumfest 2025 took a chaotic turn early Saturday morning after a stampede left several patrons injured during what was otherwise a historic night at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay.

The incident occurred amid overwhelm-

ing excitement as fans gathered in record-breaking numbers to witness the crowning of dancehall icon Vybz Kartel as the official King of Dancehall. The festival’s organizer, Downsound Entertainment, has since pledged to implement immediate crowd control and safety enhancements in response.

In an official statement, Downsound confirmed that Festival Night I drew “arguably the largest turnout in the festival’s history,” with fans from around the world converging on the venue for the highly anticipated coronation.

“However, amidst the overwhelming excitement, the event experienced an incident during the early hours of Saturday morning that resulted in a stampede,” the release stated. “Unfortunately, the incident led to injuries among several of our patrons.”

Immigration - NY AG James Defends Critical Services for Unaccompanied Children

York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 19 other states in defending essential legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children, many of whom fled violence, human trafficking, and other threats in their native countries and have no parent or guardian in the United States to protect them. In an amicus brief filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Attorney General James and the coalition

argue that federal law requires the federal government to ensure legal representation for these children to the greatest extent practicable, and that cutting these services will endanger vulnerable children who depend on immigration lawyers to access housing, health care, education, and more.

“Abandoning support for children who have come to America fleeing violence and abuse is unbelievably cruel,” said Attorney General James. “Everyone – no matter who they are – deserves legal help, especially children without a parent or guardian to rely on. Immigration lawyers can help children get the health care, housing, and education they need, and I will keep fighting to ensure no child is left to fend for themselves.”

In 2024, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, which requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to fund legal service organizations that provide direct immigration legal representation for certain unaccompanied children. The Trump administration’s cancellation of the federal contract that funds these legal services will jeopardize children, including thousands in New York, who are facing the

life-altering consequences of deportation alone and without any legal help.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that unaccompanied children depend on these services to protect their rights and advocate for them as their immigration cases proceed. Children without legal representation are more than twice as likely to be deported, and a recent study indicated that nearly all children who were granted relief in immigration court (such as asylum, withholding of removal, or other forms of relief) were represented by counsel.

In New York, stripping these legal services will impact thousands of children. ICare, one of the main providers of legal services for unaccompanied children in New York, estimates that between 2021 and 2026, over 10,600 unaccompanied children will arrive in the state and likely need legal representation. Attorney General James and the coalition note that the legal assistance unaccompanied children receive can help them access health care, housing, education, and a guardian to care for them. Children who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect rely on immigration attorneys to help them navigate child welfare proceedings and find safety and

stability.

Attorney General James and the coalition also argue that ORR’s action cutting off federal funds for legal services is unlawful. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) requires the federal government to ensure all unaccompanied immigrant children have legal counsel to the greatest extent practicable to represent them and protect them from mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking. Congress has appropriated funding for these legal services, and ORR’s action here unlawfully withholds them.

Attorney General James and the coalition are requesting that the court uphold a lower court’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction barring the Trump administration from cutting off support for these critical legal services.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District Of Columbia.

Jamaican Among Migrants Deported to Africa Under Controversial U.S. Policy

Washington, D.C. — A Jamaican man is among five foreign nationals deported from the United States to Eswatini, under a controversial third-country deportation policy that has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of due process and transparency. The deportees were described by U.S. officials as “barbaric” and “depraved,” prompting further concerns over the language and legal framework surrounding such removals.

In a statement posted Monday on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, announced the deportation flight to Eswatini — a landlocked Southern African country — characterizing the individuals involved in stark terms.

“This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” McLaughlin wrote.

“These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities, but thanks to [President] Trump and [Secretary] Noem, they are off of American soil.”

The deportees, all men, were not named in the release, though photos were shared publicly. Among them was a Jamaican man, described as dark-skinned and griz-

zled in appearance, who was reportedly convicted of multiple serious offenses, including murder (25 years’ imprisonment), robbery (6 years), and illegal possession of a weapon (6 months).

He was deported alongside citizens of Yemen, Cuba, Vietnam, and Laos, who were also reportedly convicted of crimes ranging from murder to child rape. The deportation to Eswatini, which has no known ties to the deportees’ nationalities, reflects a growing use of so-called “third-country” deportation — in which the U.S. removes individuals to nations other than their country of origin, especially when their home governments refuse repatriation. The move comes days after the Washington Post published a leaked memorandum from Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, which revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may now deport individuals to third countries with as little as six hours’ notice and without diplomatic assurances that the deportees will be protected from persecution or torture. Under the memo: Deportees being sent to countries without assurances of safety are to be informed 24 hours in advance, or six hours in “exigent” circumstances.

If the receiving country has provided such assurances, no prior notice to the individual is required.

Human rights groups have expressed concern that such practices may violate international asylum and humanitarian protections. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Eswatini cited “credible reports of arbitrary killings, torture, and political repression,” and noted serious concerns about media freedom, judicial independence, and civil liberties. Despite these warnings, the U.S. currently

maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Eswatini, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution in the country. The deportation aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed push for mass deportations, which has been a central theme of his administration’s second-term immigration agenda. While the Biden and Obama administrations also faced challenges with repatriating individuals to uncooperative countries, the Trump-era policies have accelerated and broadened the scope of removals — often circumventing traditional diplomatic and legal review processes.

Critics argue that the public language used by officials like McLaughlin risks dehumanizing deportees and undermining the rule of law, while supporters say the measures are necessary to protect American communities from violent offenders.

As legal experts and human rights observers monitor developments, the use of third-country deportations — particularly to countries with documented human rights concerns — is likely to remain a flashpoint in U.S. immigration policy debates.

New

Op-Ed: Supportive Cancer Care Is Mental Health Care. Black Patients Deserve Equal Access

by Sheri Biller and Kamera Museau

July marks National Minority Mental Health Month, a time to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color. While much of the conversation rightly focuses on access to therapy and overcoming stigmas related to seeking help, one critical area that is often overlooked is the emotional toll of serious illness — especially cancer. For many patients of color, the cancer journey is not just a medical crisis; it’s a mental health emergency shaped by longstanding inequities, medical mistrust, and unequal access to care.

Supportive cancer care can be a powerful tool for both psychological and physical healing. Supportive care helps patients and caregivers address the unique and multifaceted challenges that come with a life-altering diagnosis, from emotional distress to financial stressors. It includes services like pain and symptom management, counseling, and help with decision-making. Yet too often, patients of color are left out of these services or encounter barriers that delay or deny their access. As we reflect on mental health this month, we must also confront how cancer care systems can either deepen trauma or become a source of healing. As a Black woman who is supporting a national

coalition on supportive care and a lifelong health advocate who founded a philanthropic foundation, each of us has seen how communities of color are expected to carry the weight of illness with quiet strength. Black patients are often praised for being resilient, but resilience shouldn’t mean suffering in silence or without support. The emotional toll of cancer doesn’t end at the diagnosis. It extends into the long waiting rooms, the overwhelming paperwork, and the sense that you’re navigating it all alone. For example, in a 2024 study, Black cancer survivors described how racism shaped their care in ways that left lasting psychological scars.

One patient in the study recalled being ignored in a waiting room while white patients were seen first. Another recounted how an emergency room doctor “did not give credence to what I was telling her, she did not listen and take me seriously. [I…] had all the classic symptoms of colorectal cancer and she ignored them all.” These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a broader pattern that erodes trust and discourages Black patients – and those from other racial communities – from seeking the very care that could ease their suffering. Supportive cancer care, on the other hand, can be a lifeline, offering patients and their

caregivers relief from pain, anxiety, and fear. As one patient in another study shared, “I had a meltdown [and] I finally emailed my oncologist and I said I don’t know what I need. But I need something and it’s not in my head … And she immediately referred me to somebody and I started talking to someone on the phone.” But as the word “finally” in this patient’s testimony shows, too often supportive care comes late in treatment or not at all for patients of color. To begin addressing these inequities, we must expand access to supportive cancer care in every community — especially those historically underserved. We need to invest in culturally responsive and racially equitable care teams who understand and reflect the communities they serve. We must integrate supportive services early in the cancer journey, not as an afterthought, but as a standard part of treatment from day one. And we must ensure that every patient — regardless of their background or zip code — has access to the emotional, physical, and practical support they need to navigate cancer with dignity. Policymakers, health systems, and insurers all have a role to play in making this care the standard, not the exception.

But change doesn’t only come from the top. If

you or someone you love is facing cancer, ask your doctor about supportive care. It’s not just for end-of-life — it’s for anyone who wants to live better while facing a serious illness. And if you’re a provider, advocate, or policymaker, ask yourself: Are we doing enough to make this care available early, equitably, and compassionately — especially to communities that have long been excluded?

This National Minority Mental Health Month, let’s take action:

Patients and families: Ask about supportive care early. You don’t have to wait until things get worse to get help.

Health systems and clinicians: Make culturally responsive supportive care a standard, not a privilege.

Policymakers and insurers: Fund it, integrate it, and hold systems accountable for equitable access.

All of us: Speak up, share stories, and push for care that heals the whole person — not just the disease.

Healing the body means caring for the mind — and every patient and caregiver deserves both.

Northwell’s Sandra Lindsay to be Inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing

Honoring her courage during the COVID-19 pandemic and her tireless advocacy for the medical and scientific community throughout her career, Northwell Health’s Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, RN, vice president of public health advocacy, has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

The Academy is a policy organization and an honorific society that recognizes nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration and academia.

On December 14, 2020, Dr. Lindsay gained international acclaim as the first person in the United States to receive the COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial. This courageous act earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden on July 7, 2022, along with numerous other accolades. She has since become a leading voice for scientific and clinical advocacy, global health, health equity and nursing leadership. Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession. Fellows are selected based on their significant contributions and impact to advance the public’s health.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be inducted into the American Academy of Nursing. This recognition is not just for me, but for my entire nurse family at Northwell and beyond, who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the health and well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Lindsay. “This fellowship affirms the vital role nurses play in shaping health care, advocating for our patients, and advancing the profession.

It inspires me to continue working towards a more equitable and just health care system for all, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way.”

Dr. Lindsay is a champion for community health and public policy, working to correct misinformation and promote both medical research and global health equity. She brings nearly three decades of nursing experience to this role, including her previous position as director of patient care services in critical care at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center. As vice president of public health advocacy and host of Northwell’s award-winning 20-Minute Health Talk podcast, Dr. Lindsay has used her platform to focus on improving health care access, particularly overseas and in her homeland, Jamaica. In addition to leading clinical trips abroad, she has also championed efforts to address period poverty, ensuring young girls and women in Jamaica have access to essential menstrual supplies and resources.

“Sandra’s induction into the American Academy of Nursing is a tremendous accomplishment that recognizes her extraordinary contributions,” said Maureen White, Northwell’s executive vice president and Chief Nursing Officer. “Her career and personal achievements exemplify the power of hard work and dedication, while her unwavering commitment to the medical community, especially during and after the pandemic, is inspiring.

On behalf of Northwell Health, and particularly our dedicated nursing staff, we congratulate her on this prestigious honor.”

Her writing has appeared in publications such as TIME Magazine, American Nurse Jour nal, and Nursing Management, and she is a sought-after speaker at international forums and events on public health topics. Dr. Lindsay also authored the memoir “First in Line: How COVID-19 Placed Me on the Frontlines of a Health Care Crisis,” which chronicles her life’s journey from her upbringing as an immigrant to becoming a prominent advocate for health equity.

Dr. Lindsay immigrated to the United States from Jamaica with her siblings in 1986 to fulfill her aspiration of becoming a nurse. Her academic credentials include an associate degree in nursing from Borough of Manhattan Community College, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from St. Joseph’s College, a Master of Science in nursing from Herbert Lehman College, and both a Master of Business Ad ministration and an honorary doctorate from Hofstra University.

Dr. Lindsay and the 2025 inductees will be recognized for their substantial, sustained and significant contributions to health and health care at the Academy’s annualHealth Policy Conference, taking place on October 16-18, 2025 in Washington, D.C., during the Induc tion Ceremony on the evening of October 18th. After the ceremony, the new inductees can use their FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) credential, the most prestigious recognition in nursing.

Kerri Scanlon, MSN, RN, FAAN, Northwell’s

expertise will soon bolster the collective impact

Vybz Kartel Officially Crowned ‘King of Dancehall’ at Reggae Sumfest

In a landmark moment for Jamaican music, Vybz Kartel was formally crowned the King of Dancehall during the early hours of Saturday morning at Reggae Sumfest, held at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Sharing the stage for the symbolic occasion were Queen of Dancehall Spice and Downsound Entertainment’s CEO, Joe Bogdanovich.

Kartel, who last graced the Sumfest stage in 2011—shortly before his arrest and eventual incarceration—was presented with two crowns atop a ceremonial pillow, from which he was

invited to choose. The gesture marked a turning point in the genre’s history, with the artist finally receiving a title many fans have long believed he deserved.

Addressing the euphoric crowd, Kartel expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters and paid homage to those who paved the way.

“People, it’s a joy to sit here in my own country and hear the people say, ‘Worl’ Boss, you finally, officially deserve it.’ Big up yourself,” he said to roaring applause. Demonstrating both humility and respect for his predecessors, he added, “I’m

gonna be the bigger person. Big up to Beenie Man, the former king.”

The acclaimed deejay also acknowledged the foundational influence of Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, and Ninja Man, crediting them as key inspirations in shaping his career and legacy.

Joe Bogdanovich, who has long championed the evolution of dancehall, underscored the significance of the moment.

“This is a great historical milestone, and we’re fortunate to witness it,” he said. “Sometimes emotions run high, but in the end, it’s about

love, transformation, and community. This man—big him up!”

The coronation not only cements Vybz Kartel’s status in dancehall history but also signals a moment of unity, reflection, and celebration within the genre.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Celebrates Fourth Consecutive Emmy Nomination for Abbott Elementary

Elementary, earning her fourth consecutive nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Taking to Instagram shortly after Tuesday’s announcement, Ralph posted a heartfelt video thanking voters and fans:

“It never gets old to me,” she said. “I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who had anything to do with voting for me… I’m very, very thankful once again, and I appreciate it. I really appreciate your consideration.” Ralph’s nomination honors her portrayal of

Barbara Howard, the wise, no-nonsense veteran teacher and moral compass at the heart of Quinta Brunson’s award-winning ABC comedy. The role earned her a historic win in 2022, her first nomination that year, followed by nods in 2023, 2024, and now, 2025.

She joins a formidable slate of nominees in this year’s category:

Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Kathryn Hahn (The Studio), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Catherine O’Hara (The Studio), and Jessica Williams (Shrinking).

Abbott Elementary continues its Emmy streak, receiving multiple nominations this season, including:

Outstanding Comedy Series

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series –Quinta Brunson

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series –Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Janelle James (Ava Coleman)

Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling

Since its 2021 debut, the mockumentary-style series has amassed 30 Emmy nominations and 4 wins, solidifying its reputation as a cultural and critical phenomenon.

Beyond the accolades, Ralph’s nomination is a milestone in a career defined by both longevity and reinvention. From Moesha and Instant Mom to Sister Act 2 and Broadway’s Dreamgirls, Ralph has consistently captivated audiences with her strength, dignity, and comedic timing.

The Bahamas - Carnival Opens $600M Celebration

Key

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, and Captain Paolo Severini marked the opening by unveiling Celebration Key’s signature attractions, cutting the ribbon for Lokono Cove retail village, and toasting the debut at Pearl Cove Beach Club, the destination’s premier adults-only retreat.

What Guests Can Expect at Celebration Key

The new port is designed to be a “perfect beach day” destination, offering something for every type of traveler:

Paradise Plaza: A vibrant welcome hub with live Bahamian music.

Starfish Lagoon: A family-friendly zone with a 275,000-square-foot lagoon, splash pad, sports courts, winding body slides, casual dining, and a swim-up bar.

Calypso Lagoon: An adult-focused retreat with a second 275,000-square-foot lagoon, a DJ Island, and the world’s largest swim-up bar with

166 in-water seats.

Pearl Cove Beach Club: The largest adults-only cruise retreat, featuring an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, luxury cabanas, supervillas, and upscale dining.

Lokono Cove: A retail and cultural village with Bahamian art, murals, and locally crafted goods.

Across the destination, guests will find over 30 food and drink venues, live entertainment including Junkanoo parades, and more than a mile of pristine beach along Grand Bahama’s coastline.

Celebration Key is expected to host over two million guests annually at launch, with capacity projected to double to four million by 2028 as pier expansions allow up to four of Carnival’s largest ships to dock simultaneously. The development is poised to significantly boost the island’s economy, creating hundreds of permanent jobs and establishing Grand Bahama as a premier hub for Caribbean cruise tourism.

Chloe Bailey Finds Joy—and Creative Solace— on Her Beloved

Island of St. Lucia

Chloe Bailey is back in paradise. The Grammy-nominated singer and actress has once again returned to St. Lucia, a Caribbean island she holds especially dear, sharing vibrant glimpses of her latest visit with her 7 million Instagram followers. “Was gonna save for a dump but f it, ima post in real time,” Bailey captioned a series of sun-kissed images posted this week. The 27-year-old radiated joy as she posed beneath a cascading waterfall in a sleek black bikini, hiked through the island’s lush jungle, and lounged poolside against the backdrop of St. Lucia’s breathtaking landscape.

This isn’t her first escape to the island—far from it. Bailey has developed a deep and personal connection to St. Lucia over the years. Just this past May, she vacationed there with her sister Halle Bailey and baby nephew Halo, soaking in the serenity and sunshine as a family.

For Chloe, St. Lucia is more than a pic turesque getaway. It’s a place of healing,

self-love, and inspiration. In a 2024 interview, she revealed that the island played a pivotal role in the making of her sophomore album Trouble in Paradise, both emotionally and creatively.

“I can walk around with no makeup. I can walk around loving my body. I can go to the ocean, truly just pray to God and thank Him for the blessings that I have,” she shared. “It reminds me that life isn’t all about what my career is. It’s not about outer validation but the inner peace.”

She continued, “I just really wanted people to feel the peace and the love that this place has brought me—where it was able to open up my creative mind and my spirit to literally write my troubles away in paradise.”

Bailey’s return to St. Lucia is yet another reminder that, sometimes, the most powerful creative muse is found not on stage, but in nature’s quiet beauty—and in the spaces where one feels most free.

Looking Back at Jamaica in the Women’s 100m at the 2022 World Championships

As the countdown to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 continues, we shine a spotlight on some of the podium sweeps that have lit up past editions of the global showpiece.

This five-part series continues with a look back at Jamaica’s dominance in the women’s 100m in Oregon in 2022.

Following a Jamaican sweep of the women’s 100m podium at the Olympics in Tokyo one year prior, the same trio headed to the World Championships in Oregon looking to repeat

that feat.

At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Elaine Thompson-Herah won gold ahead of fellow Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson. Thompson-Herah was a convincing winner, setting an Olympic record of 10.61 with Fraser-Pryce just holding off Jackson, 10.74 to 10.76.

While the trio was elated, the empty stadium – due to the pandemic – meant the sweep was only quietly celebrated in Tokyo. But the World Championships in Oregon gave athletes an

opportunity to celebrate in front of a packedout stadium. And for the Jamaican contingent, it was a chance to upset their US rivals on home turf.

The outcome in Oregon was another Jamaican sweep, but in a different order.

All three women had progressed comfortably throughout the rounds, earning lanes three, four and six for the final. Fraser-Pryce, aged 35, got a strong start and could not be caught, earning her 10th World Championships medal. She won in a championship record of 10.67

with Jackson (10.73) and Thompson-Herah (10.81) following her across the line.

“It’s good to be able to be from a small island and to know you have such an impact on the women and girls in your community,” said Fraser-Pryce, who won her first Olympic title in 2008, the same year that Bolt earned his first Olympic gold.

“So many people believe that when women turn 35, it somehow diminishes our gift,” she added. “But I’m still able to line up and compete, and that is very special.”

USVI Soccer Federation Launches First-Ever

CDiploma Coaching Program

Concacaf’s commitment to expanding coaching excellence throughout its Member Associations has reached the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), as the USVI Soccer Federation (USVISF) launched its first-ever C Diploma coaching programme. The programme is being delivered with technical support from Concacaf to ensure alignment with the standards of the Coaching Convention.

Set to take place across eight weeks, the initiative kicked off on June 1 and comprises two parallel courses: one in St. Croix, running from May 30 – July 26, and another in St. Thomas, running from June 6 – July 27. Each course blends practical application with theoretical training, giving aspiring coaches from across the USVI a comprehensive learning experience. The programme also aligns with the Concacaf Coaching Convention, reinforcing the region’s commitment to standardized coach education and certification.

“Launching our first C License course is a proud moment for our federation. We’ve been

working toward this for a while, and it’s rewarding to see it underway. Stronger coaching means stronger teams, better players, and ultimately a better football environment for everyone involved,” said Firas Idheileh, General Secretary, USVI Soccer Federation. The C Diploma is the entry point into the Concacaf coaching pathway and is designed for coaches working at the grassroots level which is defined as football for all, football that is nonelite and non-professional. It emphasizes core coaching competencies, including player-centered development, planning and delivering training sessions, effective communication and leadership, and safe, inclusive team environments.

USVISF’s C Diploma coaching programme is being delivered with technical support from Concacaf, including shaping the course design to meet Coaching Convention standards and mentoring local educators as they deliver the course content to student coaches. This approach guarantees a high-quality learning

experience for every participant while building lasting coaching expertise in the USVI.

USVI Soccer Federation Head of Coaching Education Stephan De Four highlighted the deeper purpose behind the launch, emphasizing its long-term value for coach and player development. “I am very happy to be involved with delivering the first ever C coaching course in the USVI. This course is more than just a certification; it’s about creating a culture of coaching excellence. We’re laying a stronger foundation for the future by equipping our coaches with the knowledge and confidence to help our players reach their full potential,” said De Four.

“Concacaf extends its sincere congratulations to the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Association on the launch of its first-ever C Diploma Coaching Program,” said Concacaf Chief Football Development Officer Jason Roberts. “This initiative marks a significant step in the federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technical capacity and enhance coaching standards. It

reflects their belief in the transformative power of coach education and its role in shaping the future of football. As part of our commitment to supporting all Member Associations, particularly those in emerging football nations, Concacaf is proud to accompany USVISF on this important journey toward sustainable football development through education.”

The C Diploma focuses on the non-elite and non-professional side of the game and sits at the base of the Concacaf coaching pathway which includes the B, A, and Pro Diploma courses. The C Diploma coaching programme in the USVI will feature practical and theoretical sessions, focusing on essential coaching principles, player development, session planning and delivery, and leadership. Once successful, the coaches can then look forward to doing the B Diploma, the next step in the pyramid.