April 16, 2025

VOL. XLIV NO. 2214 WEEK OF APRIL 17 - 22, 2025 HAITI

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CELEBRATING

Coalition of criminal gangs threatening to seize power control governance arrangement in the country Page 3 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

NEW CRIME FIGHTING PROGRAM Announced by PM Young for national security and suppression of criminal gang activity

Page 4

NEW YORK CITY

ADAMS OPENING PRISON FOR ICE OPERATIONS

Condemned by immigration advocates - as predatory and a violation of New Yorkers civil rights with impunity Page 6

PJ’S 90th 90 th

GUYANA

ACCUSED OF CONCEPT THEFT

By overseas-based Guyanese designer Marissa Wilson with regards to the Guyana Fashion festival

Page 19

A&E

DRAKE GIFTS VYBZ KARTEL A custom Alex Moss OVO chain to honor his return to New York

MAX ROMEO REGGAE LEGEND A pioneer of the genre dies at age 80 - succumbs to heart failure

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WITH LOVE AND UNITY

PATTERSON, THE FORMER JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER ENJOYED THE OUTPOURING OF APPRECIATION AND AFFECTION

SAINT LUCIANS

IVY LEAGUES TO

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CaribNews EDITORIAL SAVE Act: A New Weapon Against Black and Brown Voters

by Stacy M. Brown - P 9

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

AFRICA Sudan: 15 million children require humanitarian assistance after two years of war

The number of children in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan has doubled as the war between rival militaries enters a third year on Tuesday.

OPINION The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 15 million boys and girls require support, up from 7.8 million at the

by Ben Jealous - P 9 start of 2023 – the year fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former ally the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

UNICEF said violence by warring parties against children, HEALTH hunger and disease are surging, while displacement continMiami - AFJ Gala Raised $100 Million ues to disrupt lives. This is happening as both humanitarian for Jamaican Charities - P 16 access and funding are shrinking and as the rainy season approaches in May. “With the rainy season around the corner, children who are already reeling from malnutrition and disease will be harder SPORTS to reach,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Tournament Set to Ignite Antigua - P 20 She urged the international community “to seize this pivotal window for action and step up for Sudan’s children.”

Sudan is currently the world’s largest humanitarian and child displacement crises. More than 30 million people overall need humanitarian assistance this year.

DR Congo crisis: Children subjected to deliberate, systemic sexual violence

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Sexual violence against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached staggering proportions, with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reporting thousands of new cases in just two months – evidence that it’s being used as a systemic weapon of war and deliberate terror tactic.

Spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva via video link from Goma that children could account for up to 45 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence documented in January and February, amid heightened tensions between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Government forces across the mineral-rich region, where dozens of armed groups are active.

This translates to a horrifying reality – “a child was raped every half an hour,” he said.

“We are not talking about isolated incidents; we are talking about a systemic crisis. We are seeing survivors as young as toddlers. It is a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror. And it destroys families and communities.”

The crisis is likely worse than the reported figures suggest, Mr. Elder added. Stigma, fear, and insecurity means many cases go unreported, creating a hidden epidemic of sexual violence that should “shake us to our core.”

He underscored the urgent need for intervention by the international community.

“What should that action look like? We need additional prevention efforts, survivor-centred services, and safe, accessible ways for survivors to report abuse without fear. Survivors must see the world stand with them, not turn away.

WORLD BRIEFS The ‘chinamperos’ have provided Mexico City with food for generations.

Do they have a future?

Xochimilco, nestled in the heart of Mexico City, is home to the ‘chinamperos,’ farmers who have used indigenous techniques to grow food for centuries.

Today, their way of life is under threat from environmental degradation, urban expansion and climate change.

The chinamperos get their name from ‘chinampas,’ the human-made islands of floating gardens on which they farm.

It was the Aztecs who discovered that, by layering mud, plants and branches on shallow lake beds, they could create highly fertile plots of land.

For hundreds of years, the chinampas sustained farming communities, but the climate crisis, a lack of enthusiasm for farming amongst younger people and the huge, growing water needs of the metropolis, could combine to ensure that this ancestral way of life is under threat.

A team from from UN University met with the farmers of Xochimilco ahead of the release of the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks report which tracks how disasters are linked to each other as well as human behaviours.

They discussed the history of the Xochimilco community, and how their way of life can be saved for future generations.

Thousands of Gaza patients waiting for urgent medical evacuation The Israeli bombardment of Al-Ahli, a Gaza City hospital, has put even more pressure on the remaining health facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, where the delivery of aid and movement of humanitarian workers is highly restricted by the Israeli authorities.

On Monday, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Rik Peeperkorn told UN News about the desperate conditions he had seen at Al-Ahli before the attack, and the severe restriction on movement that is preventing thousands being evacuated for medical treatment outside of Gaza.

“I was in Gaza several weeks ago and I came out in early March, just before the aid blockade started and the attacks started up again.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, chief of the WHO office for the West Bank and Gaza, interviewed by UN News.

UN News/Anton Uspensky When I was there, during the ceasefire, we were organising polio vaccinations and medevacs (medical evacuations), and we stocked up on essential medicine and medical supplies. This was also the only time there were proper food stocks in Gaza.

There was almost a ray of hope among all the misery. Places I’d been before, like Rafah in the south, or Jabalia in the north, were utterly devastated wastelands, but people, including our own staff, were going back to their homes, trying to repair destroyed houses or building makeshift camps.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

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Haiti - CARICOM Fears Criminal Gangs are Seizing Control of the Country The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are deeply concerned by recent reports that a coalition of criminal gangs is currently threatening to seize power and compel a change in the governance arrangements in Haiti. This is completely unacceptable.

CARICOM strongly condemns any attempt to replace the transitional arrangements by force and violence. These arrangements were put in place by Haitian stakeholders to pave the way for free and fair elections by February 07, 2026, and to return Haiti to constitutional authority.

Moreover, any further organized violence will only exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis. The International Organization on Migration (IOM) reported that in mid-January of this year there were 1,041,000 internally displaced Haitians, some of whom are already risking their lives in attempting to leave by any means

necessary. Over the last month alone, close to 60,000 Haitians have been displaced. Increased violence will simply hurt those who are least capable of protecting themselves.

This too is completely unacceptable.

In view of the looming threat, CARICOM has been in consultation with Haiti and its international partners to urgently provide further security assistance to Haiti.

CARICOM salutes the efforts of the Haitian security forces and the MSS spearheaded by the Kenyans to enforce order and to protect the citizens of Haiti.

CARICOM urges the international community, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States, to take all necessary steps to support the Haitian authorities as they address this crisis.

CARICOM will continue to monitor the situation closely.

US Recognizes Panama’s Sovereignty Over the Canal

Despite earlier aggressive language from Washington, Panama declared that the United States accepted its authority over the Panama Canal. During his visit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed Panama’s sovereignty and highlighted the strategic significance of the canal, saying the U.S. and Panama will work together to safeguard it instead of China. In addition to being the first Pentagon leader to visit Panama in decades, the visit featured agreements to improve U.S. military training in the nation.

At a news conference in Panama City, Hegseth stated, “We are helping to take back the Panama Canal from communist Chinese influence.” The Panamanian administration has vehemently denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that China controls the vital canal.

The United States has valid security worries about China’s involvement in Panama, however, according to current and former U.S. officials and academics. These concerns include the possibility that Chi-

nese-owned ports and other infrastructure may be exploited for military spying.

The United States and Panama jointly released remarks for strengthening security cooperation during Hegseth’s visit. However, a statement referring to Panama’s authority over the canal that was included in the Spanish-language version issued by Panama was omitted from the Pentagon’s English translation.

The statement notes, “In addition, Secretary Hegseth recognized the leadership and inalienable sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas.”

Just before he boarded his trip back to Washington, Hegseth told reporters, “We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians and the Panama Canal.”

He was appreciative that U.S. forces were allowed to enter Panama “by invitation through rotational, joint exercises.”

Frank Abrego, Panama’s public security minister, declared that the country would not permit long-term military installations.

Abrego shared with reporters, “Secretary Hegseth, in the meeting we had in private, recognized the sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal.”

Over two-thirds of the vessels that travel through the second-busiest interoceanic canal in the world every day are part of the Panama Canal, which handles more than 40% of the container traffic in the United States, valued at over $270 billion annually.

Hegseth’s visit came as rumors circulated that the Trump administration had asked

the U.S. military for alternatives to guarantee access to the canal, which the US constructed over a century ago and gave to Panama in 1999.

Trump has claimed that the United States lost out on a good bargain when the canal was turned over. Trump has used more general language and has not ruled out the use of military force, whereas Hegseth discussed collaborating with Panama to eliminate “malign” Chinese influence.

Speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, a U.S. defense official stated that the United States recognized and honored Panama’s sovereignty sensitivities.

Hegseth noted, “Any sense or specter of infringement on their sovereignty, or any suspicion of ‘taking’ I guess by anyone – whether it would be the U.S. or the Chinese — is hugely problematic.”

Hegseth recently met with Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, who is a willing partner for the United States in combating Chinese influence, according to current and former U.S. officials and academics.

Mulino has supported Trump’s immigration crackdown and declared Panama’s official withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative in February. Hegseth frequently lauded Mulino, claiming that his administration recognized China’s threat.

Hegseth stated, “We are deeply grateful for the friendship of our Panamanian counterparts, your partnership and your leadership here in Panama and across the region.”

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

T&T - PM Young’s New Crime Fighting Program

The establishment of an elite tactical team for high-priority criminal threats is one of several new crime-fighting measures that will be implemented if the PNM regains power.

Prime Minister Stuart Young made this announcement during a People’s National Movement meeting held Thursday night in Signature Hall, Chaguanas, where he also presented measures for crime prevention and national security.

Young, who held the position of Minister of National Security from 2018 to 2021, first made fun of the UNC’s remarks on crime prevention and national security before outlining some of his party’s agenda.

According to Young, there were plans to employ the best personnel with the “best equipment, the best intelligence, and the best training” possible since crime suppres-

sion required a specialized squad to handle high-level threats.

To prevent sensitive material from leaking, Young stated that the officers in the unit will be subjected to polygraph testing in addition to having the best resources possible for operational success.

Young stated, “You need a squad of people that they know when they join that squad they are the best of the best and anytime they get intelligence or are told that a crime going to happen here, a drug deal happening there, a gang operating there, not one of them in that squad are going to pick up that phone to call or warn anybody.”

“They get the intelligence tonight from the equipment that is existing and they know that a drug shipment coming on the southwestern peninsula tonight, quietly, efficiently they are there and as you come, they hit them hard.”

Young stated that the new unit will be commanded by the TTPS with support from the Defense Force and that its troops will undergo the “best tactical training in the world.”

According to him, the unit’s duties would not be included in regular police security drills.

In November of last year, T&T and the US government agreed to create a vetted squad to combat crime.

In 2003, the Special Anti-Crime Unit of TT (SAUTT) was established during the Patrick Manning government. Its legal standing was questioned, nevertheless, and the People’s Partnership administration

dismantled it in 2010.

The Special Operations Response Team (SORT) was established in 2018 under the direction of former police commissioner Gary Griffith.

Joel Belcon and Andrew Morris allegedly died from beatings while in police custody, and the unit was abolished in 2022. Andrea Bharatt, a 22-year-old legal clerk from Arima, was abducted and killed in 2021, and Morris and Belcon were the suspects.

In its stead, the National Operations Task Force (NOTF) was established.

Young’s ideas for a special squad are not new, according to retired Senior Sergeant Roger Alexander, the UNC candidate for Tunapuna.

Young was charged by Alexander, the head of the SORT and later the NOTF, with “copying” the UNC’s ideas.

He stated, “Every time we say something we realize two days later it is said in a different way, in a different forum, but what we have prepared a manifesto and within that manifesto, we see that certain types of piggy-backing is coming from that proposal but we are treating with our situation, whatever they choose to do is on them.”

Young also said that draft legislative rules were created to insulate undercover police

personnel from criminal culpability while they collect evidence and information about crimes.

Alexander, however, argued that law had already been debated and questioned the applicability of such operations in a contemporary setting when information might be obtained by other ways besides human intelligence, particularly in relation to international crimes.

Garvin Heerah, a regional security specialist who was contacted for comment, stated that although Young’s ideas are a “step in the right direction,” politics should not have any impact on them. He recommended including skilled and knowledgeable professionals who could direct the application of any plans.

“It is in this critical space of implementation that the guidance, input, and leadership of subject matter experts become indispensable. The real-time security environment is dynamic, complex, and often unforgiving.”

Heerah stated, “As such, it requires the steady hands of trained professionals with deep field experience, analytical capabilities, and a pulse on local, regional, and international trends to drive these initiatives from concept to sustained impact.”

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Jamaica - Experienced a Drop In Murder Rate by 36%

In comparison to the same period in 2024, there were 36% fewer murders between January 1 and April 5 of this year, and all major crimes decreased by 18%. As a result, Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake praised the men and women under his command.

However, Monday’s two incidents in which the police shot six suspected criminals dead in less than 12 hours have sparked a

renewed discussion over how the police are combating crime on social media and among verandah chairs.

During his weekly Force Orders talk, Blake stated that the first quarter of 2025 witnessed the most substantial decline in serious crimes since 2001 and the fewest murders in over 20 years.

The accomplishment is a result of consistent efforts at all organizational levels, the commissioner said, adding that it is the sixth straight quarter that fewer murders have occurred.

But since the beginning of the year, the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has noted a dramatic rise in police-perpetrated fatal shootings. According to an unofficial Jamaica Observer count, the number is currently very nearly 90.

Blake has frequently stood out among police officers, saying that criminals who want to confront officers should never prevail.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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PJ Patterson Institute and Afreximbank in AI Collaboration for Education

An AI-powered pilot project is being started by the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy with the goal of enhancing education and promoting development and prosperity in both areas. Patterson, the sixth prime minister of Jamaica, made the announcement over the weekend of his 90th birthday festivities.

The institution is working tirelessly to complete the planning and execution of a pilot project for an AI center that would promote research, education, technical advancement, and the growth of new industries in Africa and the Caribbean.

Patterson stated, “This initiative, in collaboration with Afreximbank, will be formally launched by early June.”

He pointed out that the second annual symposium of the institute, titled “Educational Transformation in Africa and The Caribbean: Centering African Heritage and Identity,” which took place in February 2025, concluded that education is the key to securing inclusive

prosperity for all our people and gaining global economic market power.

To fully realize its potential, African and Caribbean leaders must create and follow a daring and thrilling journey with a strong sense of purpose.

According to the elder statesman, “We dare not wait patiently for the developed and powerful, in accordance with their national interests, to prevent our entry into the halls and corridors that determine our economic well-being, human flourishing, and civic progress.”

He emphasized that education, “has to be catapulted as the most formidable weapon in our arsenal for progress in a world where we have been, for ages, victims of human savagery and exploitation of our natural resources”.

The institution is thus determined that the current crises of catastrophic uncertainties and worldwide turmoil “oblige us to make these the best of times and no longer the worst.”

The former PM stated, “As we build on the rich heritage of our pioneering advances in mathematics, medicine, architecture, and philosophy, we must not shirk the challenge to empower this and future generations with the tools to navigate and shape the global technological landscape.”

He urged, “Indeed, we have no choice in order to live. We are compelled to seize the unique moment to pivot in building an economy that is innovative and accelerates the flow of our knowledge-intensive skills. Our jobs must include high value-added outputs and the use of our natural resources as equity investment in global initiatives. We who belong to global Africa must spur our own AI development and digital transformation for our own growth and shared prosperity.”

The Caribbean’s symbiotic relationship with Africa is “deliberately designed by us as free people of sovereign nations, based on voluntary choices, to reflect the exercise of our political relationships that affect our collective economic fortunes”.

“It will be grounded on the recognition of our capacities, endowments, overlaps and comparative advantages. It will reflect our determination to occupy and enjoy our rightful place on the single planet where all humankind must

Jamaica - Celebrating PJ at 90, a Pan-African Mural Unveiled

Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson presented a Pan-Africanist mural, honoring 17 liberation warriors to The University of the West Indies in celebration of his 90th birthday. The PJ Patterson Institute contributed the mural, which was displayed in the university’s Cultural Heritage Park and is a replica of Barrington Watson’s The Pan-Africanists. It represents Caribbean heritage, cultural identity, and black tenacity.

Along UWI Mona’s Ring Road, the artwork is located next to 14 ackee trees that were planted

by Africans who were held as slaves on the former Hope and Mona farms. It complements an existing memorial dedicated to the ancestors who formerly roamed the present-day campus of the institution.

Margaret Bernal, the project director of the PJ Patterson Institute, declared, “This is sacred space.” “This mural connects the living trees, the bones unearthed here, and the mission of education and remembrance. It is part of a larger story of where we’ve come from and who we honor.”

Doreen Watson, the artist’s widow, claims that the piece was inspired on the day that she was supposed to meet with US President Lyndon B. Johnson; however, the appointment was canceled because of Dr. King’s murder.

She remarked, “From that moment, he knew he had to create something bold, a statement for Black people everywhere.” She further mentioned, “That’s how The Pan-Africanists came to be. And P.J. Patterson truly loved this piece.”

The original canvas remains owned by the Watson family, but the university received a

high-resolution mural reproduction as a legacy gift, which now serves as the first installation in the campus’s planned Cultural Heritage Park.

Sincere thoughts on the occasion and his heritage were provided by Patterson, who respectfully requested that no remarks be made at the 90th birthday celebration. He mentioned that he and Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first prime minister, were both from Cacoon, Hanover, and that they had gone to school together under the guidance of his grandpa, William James.

The former PM remarked, “William James has produced two prime ministers who’ve reached this age.” He then noted, “And when you combine our years of service, we are the two longest-serving prime ministers to date.”

Using the painting as a starting point for future projects, he stated that plans to develop the Cultural Heritage Park had been accepted by the principal and vice-chancellor of the Mona campus.

“Your (friends and family in attendance) presence here symbolizes the unity we need, not just in Jamaica, but across the Caribbean and the developing world,” Patterson added.

“I’ve been truly blessed, and for that, I give thanks.”

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Charles Washington Misick, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his wife Lorna, former Bahamas Prime Ministers Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham, and Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness were also present at the ceremony.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

NYC - Immigration Advocates Condemn Adams’ Decision to Open Prisons for ICE Operations The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams have strongly condemned Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement regarding the opening of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York that would facilitate the deportation of immigrants.

This follows Adams’ coordination and public appearances with US “border czar” Thomas Homan, and comes after Adams’ corruption case was dropped by US federal prosecutors at the behest of President Donald Trump.

“For centuries, immigrants have built the economy and culture of New York City – and for years, our sanctuary laws and policies have protected immigrant New Yorkers from ICE’s predatory enforcement practices. While Trump

is detaining and disappearing people across the country without due process, Mayor Adams and his administration is rolling out the welcome mat for violating New Yorkers’ civil rights with impunity,” NYIC’s President and CEO Murad Awawdeh told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Wednesday.

“Adams is making a run around on the city’s longstanding sanctuary laws – public safety measures that make New York safer for everyone – and attacking the very ideals that make New York the greatest city in the world,” Awawdeh added.

“Now is the time for New York’s elected officials to stand firm in protecting our immigrant families, as our mayor has once again proved he is unwilling to,” he continued. “We will work with the NYC City Council with urgency to fight this.”

Speaker Adams, no relations with Mayor Adams, noted that First Deputy Mayor Randy

Mastro on Tuesday issued Executive Order 50 to re-establish the ability for ICE agents to operate on Rikers Island for criminal enforcement.

“The mayor’s decision to compromise the city’s sovereignty, threaten chaos, and risk harm to our families ultimately resulted in the resignation of four deputy mayors,” she added.

“As we have made abundantly clear, Local Law 58 of 2014 has clear guidelines that prohibit the use of office space on Rikers for the enforcement of civil immigration enforcement,” Speaker Adams continued. “The Council is closely reviewing the order, and is prepared to defend against violations of the law to protect the safety of all New Yorkers.”

Executive Order 50 notes that Rikers Island is the site of correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and currently houses members and associates of designated terrorist organizations,

among other individuals incarcerated there.

(CMC)

Jamaica - Treatment of Undocumented Migrants Questioned by Local Committee

The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families has raised questions on Jamaica’s current bilateral agreements in place, most notably with Canada, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), and the treatment of undocumented migrants.

The committee on Thursday concluded its consideration of the combined initial and second periodic report of Jamaica, and while it commended the country on training programs, it raised questions on the current bilateral agreements.

Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, Ermal Frasheri, said Jamaica should be congratulated on the state’s various training programs for officials, asking questions about specific trainings of the convention, while another committee member, Persad Kariyawasam, asked about the labor agreements in place between Jamaica and the US, Canada and the UK. Kariyawasam expressed concern about how the provisions affected Jamaican migrant workers in those countries, the kind of consular diplomatic representation Jamaica had in those countries, what the main challenges faced were, and whether Kingston addressed these challenges.

Jasminka Dzumhur, a fellow committee member, raised questions about migrants approaching Jamaica from Cuba by boat and

how they were treated when they did not have documents.

“How did the state return them? What happened to those who were found undocumented in Jamaica? Where were they sent? Who provided legal aid to migrants?”

But the Jamaica delegation, headed by acting Charge d’Affaires of Jamaica’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Miss Tyesha Turner, said Jamaica had bilateral working arrangements in place with Canada and the US, although the agreement with the US was not a written agreement and was more of an understanding.

She noted that many Jamaicans had travelled to the UK after World War II to work, but there was no current bilateral agreement in place with the UK. According to the Jamaica delegation, a seasonal agricultural worker program was in place with Canada, which had been created in 1966 and re-signed in 1995.

Each worker was required to sign an employment contract, which entitled them to lodgings, meals, and payment of wages. Jamaica has appointed liaison officers in Canada, across four offices, where the largest concentrations of workers were located.

The delegation said Jamaican law considered irregular migrants as being in breach of the detention law, and when they were detained, their rights were enshrined within the Jamaican constitution.

“Irregular migrants are held at local police stations, usually close to their place of entry. If a person requests to apply for refugee status, they cannot be removed from Jamaica until this application is considered, regardless of their nationality or means of entering the country.

“The state does not seek to criminalize those in irregular migration. There is no cross-contamination of migrants with convicted men and women, even if they were housed in correctional facilities.”

Continued online at www.nycaribnews.com

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

Celebrating the 90th Birthday of the Honorable P.J. Patterson—A Statesman for the Ages From the Publisher and President

On the auspicious occasion of his 90th birthday, Carib News proudly joins the chorus of voices from Jamaica, the Caribbean, and across the globe in offering heartfelt congratulations to the Most Honorable Percival James Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica. This milestone is not only a celebration of longevity but a tribute to a life marked by visionary leadership, diplomatic mastery, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Caribbean and the developing world.

Born on April 10, 1935, P.J. Patterson’s journey is emblematic of the possibilities that emerge when brilliance meets duty.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he emerged as one of the region’s most enduring and effective political figures, serving as Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1992 to 2006—the longest uninterrupted tenure in Jamaica’s history.

During that time, he led with a steady hand and an unflinching eye on the future, guiding the country through turbulent economic times, championing social reforms, and elevating Jamaica’s position on the world stage.

The outpouring of appreciation, admira-

tion, and affection that has accompanied his 90th birthday is a testament not only to his political legacy but also to the warmth, wisdom, and integrity with which he has carried himself in both public and private life. Whether speaking in Parliament, addressing heads of state, or engaging with ordinary citizens, Mr. Patterson has always done so with a grace that transcends political partisanship and with a dignity that inspires.

Carib News has been particularly fortunate to benefit from Mr. Patterson’s enduring support and partnership over the decades. We fondly remember his integral role in launching the very first Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference (CMBC)—an initiative that aimed to foster greater economic collaboration among Caribbean nations and between the region and the broader global community. His belief in the mission of the CMBC and his steadfast encouragement helped lay the foundation for what has become a cornerstone platform for Caribbean progress and global engagement.

Even in retirement, Mr. Patterson has not rested on his laurels. His most recent undertaking, the P.J. Patterson Institute for

Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, is a powerful reflection of his continued devotion to the unity and upliftment of the Global South.

The Institute serves as a beacon of hope and a hub of ideas aimed at deepening cooperation between the African continent and the Caribbean diaspora—a cause close to his heart and aligned with his lifelong advocacy for reparative justice, cultural affirmation, and geopolitical solidarity.

Throughout his career, Mr. Patterson has demonstrated that effective leadership requires more than charisma and policy knowledge. It demands moral clarity, a firm grasp of history, and an ability to project a shared vision for the future.

From advocating for greater investment in education and infrastructure in Jamaica, to representing the Caribbean’s interests at global summits, to championing the call for reparations for the injustices of slavery and colonialism, he has been unrelenting in his dedication to justice, equity, and sustainable development.

He has also served as a mentor and counselor to generations of Caribbean leaders, reminding us all of the value of diplomacy, patience, and consensus-building. His international stature as a statesman is

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matched only by his personal humility, and his capacity to listen and inspire— qualities that are increasingly rare in today’s often divisive political climate.

At 90, the Honorable P.J. Patterson continues to demonstrate that one’s contributions to nation and humanity need not cease with formal office. His voice remains vital, his counsel sought after, and his presence reassuring. As a people, we are blessed to have among us a leader whose legacy is still unfolding and whose influence continues to ripple through the Caribbean and beyond.

On this celebratory occasion, Carib News extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Patterson—for his wisdom, his partnership, and his lifelong dedication to bettering the world. We wish him continued good health, happiness, and the strength to carry forward his good works. May the light he has lit for our people never dim, and may his example inspire generations yet to come.

Happy 90th Birthday to an icon, a patriot, and a global elder—P.J. Patterson.

KARL B. RODNEY PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF KARLISA RODNEY NEWS EDITOR MELL P MANAGING EDITOR

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBOPINION

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The New “Great Dying” Deserves Our Attention and Action

by Ben Jealous

My childhood growing up in Pacific Grove, California was blessed with the kind of exposure to and immersion in nature that all kids deserve. We played among towering redwood trees that seemed to reach all the way to heaven. We surfed at Asilomar Beach, and marveled at both how small we are in our place in nature yet how connected we all are.

And, a privilege of living in Pacific Grove specifically, we got to witness the migration of western monarch butterflies.

Those monarch butterflies are just a fraction of the weight of a feather. Yet, they were so numerous when I was growing up that they would bend and bounce the tree branches as they landed on them by the tens of thousands.

According to Natalie Johnston of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, “Accounts in Pacific Grove as late as the 1990s showed 45,000 monarchs, which we do not see today.”

To say those numbers have shrunk significantly since then would be an understatement. At the same we used to see tens of thousands of monarchs, this past season, Pacific Grove saw just 228. A site in Santa Barbara that saw more than 33,000 monarchs as recently as last winter this year saw just 198.

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation says, along the California coast, 4.5 million monarchs overwintered in the

1980’s. That number was down to 1.2 million by the late 90s, 293,000 by 2015, 30,000 by 2019, and in 2020, it was less than 2,000.

And while factors including climate change-fueled droughts have likely led to the decline in migrating monarchs in coastal California, other human activity has led to similar declines in other parts of the country.

For example, in the upper midwest, use of herbicides has led to the loss of milkweed, an essential host plant for monarch larvae.

In Iowa, milkweed shrank in abundance by 58% between 1999 and 2010. As a result, monarch reproduction declined by 81% in the Midwest over that time period.

The numbers are startling. And that is the kind of math – basic subtraction – everyone can understand.

In December, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed protecting monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. FWS estimated that the eastern migratory population of monarchs declined by around 80% over the past four decades. As for the western population I grew up with, that has declined by more than 95% since the 80s. According to FWS, that means the western monarchs stand more than a 99% chance of extinction by 2080.

The nosedive in the populations of this iconic species and vital pollinator should be setting off alarm bells for all of us. This is the extinction crisis in action.

Because species typically go extinct over many years, and because many of the species going extinct are not the ones we see everyday, most people do not realize we are in an extinction crisis arguably worse than the one that killed the dinosaurs. A catastrophic meteor impact and other natural events caused that mass extinction. The mass extinction we are now in – the Earth’s sixth mass extinction event – is being caused by us.

Under natural circumstances, species go extinct at a rate of about one to five species per year. Right now, we are at 1,000 to 10,000 times that rate. It is a wide range, to be sure. But even the low end of that range is terrifying.

The human-caused changes to our planet that are driving the crisis include pollution, habitat destruction like deforestation, industrial-scale agriculture land use, and, of course, wrapped up in all of it, climate change.

The two existential crises facing our planet and the human race – the extinction crisis and the climate crisis – are closely intertwined. Global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels worsens all the threats contributing to our modern mass extinction event. High temperatures themselves can play a role in whether or not a species declines. And experts say falling short of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by enough could result in the extinction of

between a third and half of all animal and plant species.

It is time to act. The solution to this crisis begins simply with us moving to embrace a more sustainable future. That means leaving the fuels that powered us last century in the past and completing our transition to the one that is already fueling much of America: clean energy. In doing so, we will reduce pollution and can conserve and restore as much land and as many ecosystems – both land and marine – as we can. Our kids and our grandkids deserve the clean water in which to swim and surf as we have enjoyed, and the pristine forests that touch our souls and awaken our splendor in our natural world. They deserve a world full of critters of all kinds; to witness an abundance of species, each playing their vital role in the ecosystems on which we all depend.

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

SAVE Act: A New Weapon Against Black and Brown Voters

by Stacy M. Brown

Since the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, Republicans have worked relentlessly to chip away at protections for voters — particularly Black Americans, other people of color, and women. Those efforts reached a fever pitch after Barack Obama’s historic victories in 2008 and 2012, which sparked what many observers say was the modern white supremacist movement and reignited GOP efforts to suppress the vote. Now, with Donald Trump’s return to the White House and Republicans emboldened by a far-right agenda, the House has passed one of the most aggressive voter suppression bills in decades — the so-called SAVE Act, or “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.” The legislation, passed by a 220–208 vote, would require in-person documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote — a move voting rights experts warn will disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, especially women and people of color. What’s more, four Democrats — Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Henry Cuellar, and Ed Case — broke ranks and supported the bill.

Trump, who once promised on the campaign trail that his supporters would never have to vote again, now appears to be halfway to delivering on that threat. The SAVE Act, introduced

by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, would amend the National Voter Registration Act to require in-person citizenship verification using documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or

naturalization certificate. It would effectively end online and mail voter registration, severely restrict voter registration drives, and allow lawsuits against election officials who do not enforce the new rules. Voting rights advocates say this would create enormous hurdles for poor people, rural residents, Black Americans, naturalized citizens, and the nearly 70 million women whose current legal names differ from those on their birth certificates due to marriage. “This is a dangerous and unnecessary attack on voting rights that could block millions of eligible citizens from voting,” said Molly McGrath, director of the ACLU’s national democracy campaigns. “This isn’t about protecting voters or our elections. It’s about politicians who want to protect themselves and pick and choose their voters. But that’s not how democracy works.”

Critics also point out that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections — a crime punishable under law. Federal law mandates that registrants swear under penalty of perjury that they are citizens. Noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare, and courts have repeatedly blocked states from adding proof-ofcitizenship requirements in federal races. The ACLU condemned the bill, citing its resemblance to a now-defunct Kansas law that purged more than 30,000 voters before it was struck down in federal court. The group urged the Senate to reject the measure, which they say

would destabilize election administration and disproportionately impact naturalized citizens, Native American voters, first-time voters, and those with limited access to personal documentation. The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) also slammed the legislation. “The SAVE Act erects a discriminatory barrier to the ballot while pretending to ‘solve’ a problem that does not exist,” said Janai S. Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of LDF. “Its true purpose, rooted in fear of the multiracial democracy the United States can and must become, is to limit access to the ballot and stifle the political power of our increasingly diverse electorate.” Under the bill’s provisions, rural residents without access to government offices, married women whose identification does not match their birth certificates, and young voters without driver’s licenses would face some of the steepest barriers to registration. Studies show that only half of all Americans — and just one-third of Black Americans — hold valid U.S. passports. Nearly half of all Black Americans under 30 do not have a driver’s license with their current name and address.

“The SAVE Act would cause nothing but harm to Black communities, rural communities, and so many others who would be stripped of their right to vote if it becomes law,” Nelson said.

The law’s potential effects extend beyond individuals. Voter registration drives, which have long played a crucial role in expanding

access to the ballot in marginalized communities, would be all but destroyed. And with racial turnout disparities widening over the last decade, advocates say the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, denounced the bill. “My Republican colleagues crafted and passed one of the most damaging voter suppression bills in modern history. There’s no doubt that women, military members, and people of color will be disproportionately impacted,” he said. “The fight to stop this bill — to protect Americans’ sacred right to vote — is not over. I will do everything in my power to ensure every eligible American has access to the ballot box.”

The Senate’s path forward on the SAVE Act remains uncertain. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has introduced a companion bill with 20 Republican co-sponsors. However, Senate Republicans would still need at least 60 votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster and send the bill to Trump’s desk.

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CARIBAROUND

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBAROUND

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

GOP Votes to Cut Medicaid to Feed Billionaires’ Tax Cuts

House Republicans on Thursday approved a budget blueprint that slashes vital programs like Medicaid and child nutrition assistance to help fund an extension of the 2017 Trump tax law. According to a new congressional estimate, this move will cost as much as $5.5 trillion over the next decade when factoring in interest.

The plan, backed by House GOP members

would extend tax breaks overwhelmingly benefiting the wealthy and large corpo rations. Despite claims from Republican senators that the cost would be offset, the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) and Congressional Budget Office (CBO) now project a staggering long-term price tag: $4.6 trillion without interest and $5.5 trillion, including debt service costs over

the next 10 years.

According to the JCT estimate, the permanent extension includes maintaining the Trump-era income tax rate brackets, boosting standard deductions, and preserving other business-friendly tax provisions like 100 percent bonus depreciation. The costliest element—extending individual tax provisions—would drain $3.8 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade. Business tax cuts would add another $832 billion to the deficit.

Meanwhile, rising debt interest costs tied to the extensions would increase outlays by over $871 billion.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.), and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) requested the estimate to expose what Democrats have called a fiscally irresponsible giveaway to billionaires at the

expense of working families. “The country is rapidly undergoing an intensifying economic crisis created by Trump and Congressional Republicans, and the only legislative solution they’ve put forward is to double down on tax cuts for billionaires while eliminating health care access and food assistance for millions of Americans,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness.

“While Congressional Republicans have so far ignored the demands of their constituents—this fight is far from over,” Kass continued. “Americans will not stand by as price-gouging corporations raise their costs while billionaires amass even greater wealth. We call on Republican members of Congress to listen to their constituents: no cuts to Medicaid and SNAP and finally raise taxes on the rich to make billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share.”

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Michelle Obama - “I Am Not Divorcing Barack, I’m Choosing Me”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is setting the record straight about her marriage, brushing off rumors of a split from former President Barack Obama and calling out the sexist assumptions that fueled them. In part two of her appearance on the “Work in Progress” podcast hosted by Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama addressed the online speculation that ramped up earlier this year when Barack Obama appeared alone at several high-profile events, including the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of Donald Trump. Critics quickly jumped to conclusions — but Michelle Obama made it clear that her choices had nothing to do with marital discord.

“This year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself,” Obama said. “They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?”

She added, “That’s what society does to us.

We start actually finally going, What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.” The bestselling author and former First Lady, who spent eight years in the White House without scandal — unless one counts Barack Obama’s infamous tan suit — said her efforts to make room for her voice and decisions have often been misinterpreted.

“I feel like it’s time for me to make some big girl decisions about my life and own it fully,” she said. “Because if not now, when? What am I waiting for? Look, the summers are—we’re in the summer countdown at 61, right? It’s not so tragic if

something happens to you and you’re 80.

So now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of who do I truly want to be every day?” Michelle also spoke about the discomfort women often feel when asserting themselves. “When I say ‘no,’ for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’ and I’m OK,” she said. “That’s the thing that we, as women, I think we struggle with — disappointing people.”

Despite the rumor mill, the Obamas have continued to share affectionate public messages. On Valentine’s Day, Barack posted a photo with Michelle, writing, “Thirty-two years together, and you still take my breath away.” Michelle echoed the sentiment in her post: “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @ BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be.” The couple met in 1988 at a Chicago law firm. Michelle, a 25-year-old Harvard Law graduate, was assigned to mentor Barack, then a summer associate finishing law school. They married in 1992 and have two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23. Many on social media, especially in Black communities, were quick to ridicule the divorce rumors, pointing out that the Obamas — whose biggest scandal was wearing a tan suit — are still treated with more suspicion than Donald Trump, a twice-impeached and 34-time convicted felon who routinely is ensconced in scandals. “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” Michelle Obama said. (NNPA)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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St. Lucia - From Ivy Leagues to Island Innovation, Tech Hub

Silicon Valley gave rise to the idea of Silicon Forest, a technological development method focused on the Caribbean.

Paul stated, “[We want to] build our own technology for ourselves and for our governments as opposed to outsourcing a bunch of stuff.” He added, “Oftentimes, the technology sent down to our islands is often the lowest tier. They don’t really cater to our specifications and our specific needs.”

Paul stated that the three are dedicated to aiming for greatness, “I always like to make sure folks back home know what is possible and what can be done no matter what.”

The group’s long-term goal is to establish a network of innovation hubs throughout the Caribbean.

Paul explained, “Fostering co-collaboration, co-creation, co-development of our entire region through technology is what we’re trying to achieve.”



Three alumni of St. Mary College launched the Orbtronics Innovation Hub in Rodney Bay on March 31, 2025. Shergaun Roserie (26), Keeghan Patrick, and Dylan Paul  (28), three aspirational Saint Lucian businessmen, hope the innovation hub will establish the “Silicon Forest of the Caribbean.”

The renovated area, which is situated in Rodney Bay Commercial Centre, has contemporary equipment, such as PCs and 3D printers for hardware development. It will hold networking events and eventually link innovators with possible investors to promote collaboration.

Paul noted, “The last part of the approach is to bring in investors, potentially, as well as companies, to come in, see what folks are building and see if they can utilize their technologies in their workspaces and offer long-term investment.”

Orbtronics was founded four years ago and first concentrated on STEM education throughout the Caribbean before branching out into software development. Their six-person team has redesigned systems for government agencies like the Fisheries Department and collaborated on digital Founder Dylan Paul, who is now enrolled literacy initiatives with organizations like in Harvard Business School’s MBA prothe Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. gram, told a local newspaper, “The goal The founders’ educational backgrounds is to create an ecosystem and an environ9.875”at US Ivy League universities reflect their ment to allow innovators, entrepreneurs, career goals: Roserie is pursuing a master’s and technology enthusiasts to come where degree in mechanical engineering at Stanthey can work together, create and develop ford, while Patrick has a master’s degree new ideas.” in engineering from MIT. Their visit to

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso Delivers 2025 State of the Borough Address

BROOKLYN, NY – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso delivered his 2025 State of the Borough address last night, bringing together over 800 New Yorkers to Boys and Girls High School in Bed-Stuy. Lamenting the city’s stagnant growth, the Borough President called on New York City to return to its roots as a city of big ideas; one that invests in its people and paves the way for the rest of the world to follow. Throughout his remarks, Borough President Reynoso announced several new initiatives supporting maternal health, workforce development, emerging artists, and more. Deputy Borough President Kim Council served as MC for the

night, Pastor Steven Eugene Carter, Sr. of Mount Ararat Church of Brooklyn delivered the invocation, Mill Basin resident Suleila Clarke performed the National Anthem, and the Nelson Mandela Drumline performed an original piece. For the third year, BRIC served as the media partner.

“New York City was once synonymous with progress and opportunity – but not anymore.

As the rest of the world builds, we’ve become obsessed with keeping things the same and keeping people out. New York City must return to the business of opportunity,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

“That means ensuring that every block, every neighborhood, every borough is a gateway to the resources – schools, jobs, public transit, healthcare, parks, and more – that can provide New Yorkers with stability and the pathway to a better life. A system based in possibility and hope is possible, all it takes is political will and a bet on Brooklyn.”

Launching New York State’s First CreditBearing Maternal Health Program In his first year in office, Borough President Reynoso set an ambitious goal to make Brooklyn the safest borough in New York City to give birth. Building on that commitment, the Borough President announced a new partnership

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with Brooklyn College to launch New York State’s first credit-bearing Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) Advanced Certificate Program. The program will prepare healthcare, mental health, early intervention, and early educational professionals to support pregnant mothers and birthing parents experiencing mental distress.

Mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in New York City, underscoring a major need to create more mental health support systems for expectant mothers. Borough President Reynoso and Brooklyn College partnered to establish the program and designed the rigorous, year-long program that includes 120 in-person clinical hours in collaboration with the Borough President’s Maternal Health Task Force.

Brooklyn College is piloting two PMH courses this spring and will host its first full cohort in Fall 2025. To learn more about the program, click here.

Introducing Brooklyn’s First-Ever Arts Ambassador Recognizing Brooklyn’s role as a global leader in arts and culture, Borough President Reynoso unveiled a new Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Initiative to spotlight emerging artists and connect Brooklyn creatives with opportunities.

At the address, Reynoso introduced

the public to Brooklyn’s first-ever Arts Ambassador: renowned multi-disciplinary artist and fashion designer Colm Dillane, also known as KidSuper.

Dillane – who spent his days as a student at Brooklyn Tech High School making and selling t-shirts – started KidSuper only a few blocks away from the Barclays Center. KidSuper blends fashion, art, and community storytelling through and is known for its bold, colorful designs and playful approach to streetwear. In 2021, Dillane was awarded the coveted Karl Lagerfeld Prize by global luxury goods corporation LVMH. In 2023, he guest-designed the Louis Vuitton Homme Autumn/Winter 2023 menswear collection. Dillane has collaborated with major brands like the Brooklyn Nets and PUMA. Today, KidSuper Studios is based in Williamsburg, where Dillane has built a hub for creatives that features not only his store but also an art gallery, podcast studio, screenprinting shop, and more.

As the inaugural Brooklyn Arts Ambassador, Dillane was charged with the unique honor of redesigning a limited edition run of the official Brooklyn pin.

The full 2025 Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn will be released in the coming weeks.

Continued online at www.nycaribnews.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBNEWS

Bahamas - US Citizen on Vacation Found Dead Dinari McAlmont, a 23-year-old music producer from Bowie, Maryland, was found dead on a beach in the Bahamas during a family vacation. He had arrived at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort on April 4 and went missing after dinner that evening. His body was discovered early the next morning. While authorities have ruled the cause of death as drowning, McAlmont’s family suspects foul play due to visible injuries and is calling for a thorough investigation.

Sometime later, hotel staff showed up at

the family’s room and asked them about McAlmont’s whereabouts.

Michelle McAlmont, the victim’s mother, told the outlet, “The police said they were looking for him because he spat on some staff in a restaurant.” She went on to say that she unsuccessfully tried to contact her son via text for the following few hours.

She searched the hotel after realizing that the location on his phone was broken, but she was unable to locate him and filed a missing person’s report.

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Barbados - Named World’s Most Expensive Country Barbados has been named the world’s most expensive holiday spot for 2025.

According to a recent survey, tourists from all over the world spend some time on vacation on the island country because of its stunning landscapes and natural beauty.

According to the poll, Barbados has emerged as the most popular destination among tourists in the Caribbean, despite the availability of several other affordable and convenient choices. It is also considered a clear favorite among Americans

seeking a vacation in the Caribbean.

The survey also found that visitors found some of Barbados’ best deals on insurance and financial products. Barbados can provide several more reasonably priced vacation possibilities, even though the place is quite popular with visitors and expensive.

It is closely followed by several other Caribbean Island locations because of its breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and unspoiled beauty.

Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills to Hit the Road Together on Tour Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills—four female R&B, pop, and soul icons—will embark on a unique tour together. The Queens is the tour’s name! Legends four. In 2025, 1 Night will run from May to October.

Rated R&B reports that the tour will start in Las Vegas on May 9th and travel to Oakland, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn

before ending in Indianapolis on June 1st.

A second leg, which will begin in Greensboro on September 19 and conclude in Cleveland on October 5, will add nine extra dates due to tremendous demand.

Khan expresses her enthusiasm for the tour by stating, “Sharing the stage with my amazing sisters is an absolute honor.

Music is about connection, and this will

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be a celebration of the joy, power, and love that it brings to us all.”

In line with the sentiment, LaBelle states, “I am so excited to join these icons, whom I call sisters, on this tour! It’s going to be something special. And I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Mills also expressed her elation towards the tour, “I’m excited to tour with my

beautiful sisters! Our different styles unite in love, compassion, and understanding, and it’s important to come together now.

Performing with Chaka, Patti, and Gladys for you will be electrifying. We can’t wait to see you.”

The Black Promoters Collective produces the Queens Tour.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

Miami - AFJ Gala Raised $100 Million for Jamaican Charities At a Miami charity banquet, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) donated over $100 million (approximately US$650,000) to support social projects and organizations in Jamaica. To support Jamaican groups in need, AFJ organizes two significant US fundraisers annually, according to Executive Director Caron Chung.

Chung stated, “One is held in Miami in April or May, and the other in New York, usually in October. Proceeds from both those galas are combined to fund our discretionary grants program. In November, we put out an announcement inviting applicants to submit their applications for grants through AFJ.” “We hold the gala and we recognize esteemed honorees who have contributed to nation-building. Saturday night we honored Lee Issa, the chairman of Couples Resort, and Paul Issa, the chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation,” Chung further noted.

She revealed, “This past year we got 79 grant applications. The [application] cycle starts in November and the deadline is February each year. So, between February and April when we come to Jamaica to present the grants there is an AFJ grants committee that goes through all the applications.”

She emphasized that candidates are chosen after fulfilling the requirements listed on the company’s website.

“We have a very stringent process. We announce it on social media, on the radio, and on the television. On our website afj. org the application is found there and the list of criteria. Entities have to be registered charities in Jamaica and have to have a board of directors with someone accountable for finance” remarked the AFJ executive director.

Chung emphasized that AFJ influences social development, healthcare, and early childhood education initiatives through its funding program.

Caribbean Leaders Unite to Catalyze Climate Investment Regional and international leaders, development partners, investors, financiers and youth advocates convened in Grenada from March 31- April 2 for the Third Caribbean Nationally Determined Contributions Finance Initiative (NDCFI) Investment Forum and Marketplace, under the theme, “Investing in Climate Action for a Resilient Caribbean.” Hosted by the Government of Grenada and the OECS Commission in partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia, the event mobilised dialogue ​partnerships, and financial commitments to accelerate climate action across the Eastern Caribbean.

In his opening remarks to attendees, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules noted that the NDC Investment Forum has grown to become the Caribbean’s signature climate action event - a space not just for dialogue, but for action. The first and second forums, held in Saint Lucia in 2018 and 2022, respectively, laid the groundwork.

He stated: “The NDCFI was designed to do something radical: to empower Caribbean nations to finance their own future. To move beyond declarations to implementation. To bring together

governments, development banks, private financiers, and communities around a common purpose – to make our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) real, measurable, and bankable.”

Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy of Grenada, in her opening address, emphasised the urgency of taking concrete action in the region.

“The time for incremental change is over.

The survival of our people, economies, and ecosystems depends on how effectively we can implement projects and hold international partners accountable for their pledges. It is our time to deliver rapid action on climate issues.”

Keynote speakers included senior representatives from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC, the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the NDC Partnership, and the Global Green Growth Institute, all of whom reiterated their commitment to financing climate resilience through strategic partnerships and innovative tools.

“We all come together and we contribute to the nation-building of this country. We all have to come together to help move this country forward. The onus is not only on Government and private sector. The Government, private sector philanthropists, we all have a role to play in this and the AFJ has been contributing significantly over the years to programmes in Jamaica,” Chung explained.

The event featured Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the main speaker. Senators Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, as well as government ministers, joined him to the occasion.

Among the distinguished guests at the dinner was Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami Dade.

In 1982, a group of Jamaicans and Americans created the AFJ. Since then, the non-profit organization has raised almost $20 million to fund philanthropic causes in Jamaica.

To assist various activities on the island, American Friends recently gave grants totaling US$740,000 to 54 applicants.

Among other things, they covered gender-based violence, education, music, sports, homelessness, health, skills training, the arts, coding, veterinary care, envi

ronmental preservation, school nutrition, and peacebuilding initiatives.

At the AFJ’s awards ceremony, which took place at the US Embassy in Kingston, grant certificates were given to the recipients.

Speaking during the occasion, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, praised the AFJ for its service-oriented spirit and heritage of philanthropy.

Dr. Morris Dixon noted, “For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities or modernizing public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us.”

Dr. Morris Dixon emphasized that although the government is dedicated to speeding up change, it cannot do it alone.

She stated, “We need partners like the AFJ who understand that sustainable development and transformation in education are built on trust, collaboration and long-term investment.”

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBA&E

17

Max Romeo, Reggae Legend, Dies at Age 80

One of the Legendary reggae pioneers, Max Romeo, passed away. According to reports, he died of a cardiac condition on Friday. He was eighty years old.

Over several decades, Max Romeo enjoyed chart success in both Jamaica and the United Kingdom. In addition to having many songs with the singing group The Emotions, he achieved his first solo success with the explicit song “Wet Dream” in 1968.

He is also well-known for classic pieces like the highly regarded album Let the Power Fall. It featured several politically charged songs when it was released in 1971, the majority of which supported the democratic socialist People’s National

Party (PNP), which selected his song Let the Power.

Romeo’s album War Inna Babylon, which was published in 1976, is regarded as his greatest effort. Along with the hit tune Chase the Devil, which would go on to become one of his most well-known songs, this album had profound political and theological topics. Romeo clarified that the devil represents anything bad in our thoughts in a 2010 BBC interview, saying that “the iron shirt is our strength of spirit that allows us to cast out the devil.”

Several artists, including Earl Sixteen, Madness, Dreadzone, and the UK band The Prodigy, have covered the song.

Lucifer, a song by Jay Z from his 2003

album The Black Album, was produced by super-producer Kanye West using samples from Chase the Devil.

He sued Polygram Publishing, Inc. and Universal Music Group in 2023 for $15 million, alleging that he had not received royalties for his work for more than 50 years.

The eight-week voyage that was Max Romeo’s farewell tour in 2023 was organized

by Free People Entertainment-Mediacom and comprised 50 shows in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, the UK, and Switzerland. The Ultimate Tour, his last tour, also included his son Azizzi Romeo and daughter Xana Romeo.

Drake Celebrates Vybz Kartel’s Return with Gift of OVO Chain After being released from prison, Vybz Kartel, the pioneer and legend of Jamaican dancehall, sold out consecutive gigs when he recently returned to New York City after a two-decade hiatus.

Drake commemorated his comeback by gifting the “Fever” artist a personalized OVO owl chain to commemorate Vybz Kartel’s two recently sold-out performanc-

Youssou Ndour to Perform at King’s Theatre WMI and Kings Theatre welcome Senegal’s legendary Youssou NDOUR back to NYC, to celebrate the April 4th release of his new album, Eclairer le monde (Light the World).

Hailed by Peter Gabriel as “simply one of the best singers alive”, NDOUR is the GRAMMY Award-winning musician and cultural icon from the Senegalese capital of Dakar. Known for his extraordinary voice and vocal range – he was named in NPR’s 50 Great Voices list – his influence spans continents and decades, solidifying his place as a global changemaker and ambassador for African culture.

Born into a griot family on his maternal side, his musical journey began at a young age, singing alongside his mother at religious ceremonies. In his late teens, he formed his first group, Star Band de Dakar (members of which later formed Étoile de Dakar), renowned for blending traditional Senegalese and Wolof music with other genres, pioneering a style that would eventually become known as mbalax.

In 1986, NDOUR collaborated with Peter Gabriel on the iconic track “In Your Eyes” from Gabriel’s award-winning album So, captivating global audiences with his electrifying performance. His subsequent duet with Neneh Cherry, “7 Seconds”, dominated the international charts, selling over 2 million copies worldwide and garnering Europe’s Song of the Year at the 1995 World

Music Awards in Monaco. In 1994, NDOUR released The Guide (Wommat), propelling him further to global stardom, and his release of Egypt in 2004 won the Grammy Award for Best World Album.

Beyond his music career, Youssou NDOUR has been a tireless advocate for social change. He has been actively involved in issues such as access to internet and healthcare, and human rights, working closely with organizations like Amnesty International.

His commitment to these causes led him to enter the political arena, serving as Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Culture and as Minister of Tourism and Leisure.

Over four decades, Youssou NDOUR has not only shaped the sound of African music but has also used his platform to drive meaningful change around the world. His work continues to inspire new generations, and his voice remains a powerful symbol of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and bright future. Rolling Stone aptly describes him as “a singer with a voice so extraordinary that the history of Africa seems locked inside it.”

WMI’s CHANGEMAKERS series highlights artists who, aside from enriching lives through the arts, positively impact society and their communities via their philanthropic, advocacy, and/or educational contributions and activism.

es at the Barclays Center.

Drake’s talent has long been greatly influenced by the dancehall powerhouse, from his distinctive sound to his cadence and lyrics. Drake mentioned Vybz Kartel as one of his main games influences a few years back.

Drake solidifies Kartel’s influence on his music by giving Worl’ Boss Teacha his

own OVO chain. The Camo Owl, which is “1 of 2” pieces that show The Boy and Kartel have matching parts, was created by Alex Moss New York. The all-over camo print, which combines white, green, and black diamonds, is uniquely assembled and placed over a gold OVO owl that is emblematic of Drake’s brand.

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

Jamaica Bets on the Future: First Casino Hotel Set to Redefine Island Tourism Amid Global Uncertainty

Jamaica is preparing to open an exciting new chapter in its tourism story with the debut of the Princess Grand Jamaica, its first-ever casino hotel, in November 2025. Set against the lush backdrop of Green Island, Hanover, the resort marks a turning point in how the island blends its signature sun-drenched experiences with new luxury and entertainment offerings—without losing sight of its cultural roots.

The 509-suite oceanview property, complete with three pools, nine restaurants, and eight bars, represents the largest foreign investment in Jamaican tourism to date. More than just a resort, the Princess Grand Jamaica signals the country’s push to diversify its tourism portfolio, attract new visitor segments, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global travel industry.

But this moment of transformation comes with challenges that extend far beyond the island’s shores.

Jamaica’s bold move is unfolding in what Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has described as a “period of global disruption.”

Speaking recently at a press event, Bartlett pointed to increasing instability—driven in part by U.S.-imposed global tariffs—as one of many external shocks reshaping the travel industry. While tourism is not a trade of goods, these tariffs, he said, still “cast a shadow over planning and airline tickets.”

According to Bartlett, the only real certainty in tourism is uncertainty. The sector remains vulnerable to everything from economic disruptions and climate events to geopolitical conflict and public health crises. Yet, as history has shown, tourism is also the fastest-recovering global industry. Representing 10% of global labor and GDP, tourism is now essential to more than 100 countries worldwide, and nowhere is this more true than in the Caribbean—the most tourism-reliant region in the world.

Jamaica itself is a case study in resilience.

Post-pandemic, the country rebounded with remarkable speed: visitor numbers surged from under three million to 4.3 million, and tourism earnings doubled from under $2 billion to $4 billion. Employment in the sector supports 175,000 people directly and another 300,000 indirectly. Perhaps most telling, Jamaica boasts a 42% repeat visitor rate—a sign of deep customer loyalty and destination appeal.

The Princess Grand Jamaica is emblematic of a nuanced strategy: embracing innovation without eroding the island’s core identity. Bartlett has been firm in messaging that Jamaica is not pivoting to a casino-centered economy. “We don’t want to be a casino destination,” he emphasized. “We want to be a destination where casinos are one option.”

This sentiment is shaping policy. Any resort

T&T - Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Nigeria

A bilateral aviation services agreement between Trinidad & Tobago and Nigeria might allow for direct flights between the two countries, cutting the journey duration to eight hours. The agreement was signed on April 14, 2025, in the VIP Lounge of Piarco International Airport by Ministers Festus Keyamo (Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria) and Rohan Sinanan (Works and Transport, Trinidad).

Sinanan said the deal had been in the works through various administrations and represented a reconnection between

the two countries.

He claimed that with the current condition of world events, it could not have arrived at a better moment.

According to Keyamo, the government would start searching for airlines right now to fill the route. He urged T&T to serve as a bridge connecting the Caribbean and Africa.

Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and Commercial Affairs said the deal will provide more affordable and accessible air travel at a time when the global environment has grown unstable.

development over 500 rooms must now provide housing for staff, and the country has instituted pension plans to professionalize its tourism workforce. These are steps not just toward inclusivity, but toward long-term sustainability.

Further infrastructure upgrades—including new roads and a soon-to-be-built airport in Negril—are part of Jamaica’s larger plan to manage growth and avoid overtourism in popular areas. There’s even consideration of a tourism resilience fee, collected at points of consumption, to fund recovery during future disruptions.

As luxury, wellness, and sports tourism rise, Jamaica is actively expanding its offerings to cater to evolving global tastes. The integration of a casino within an all-inclusive model is part of this strategic pivot. Rather than attracting only gaming enthusiasts, the Princess Grand Jamaica will appeal to families, wellness seekers, and affluent travelers looking for immersive, multifaceted experiences.

Kingston, the capital, is also getting its moment in the spotlight. Long seen as Jamaica’s cultural hub, the city is now being positioned as a major tourism destination in its own right, thanks to its restaurants, entertainment scene, and event spaces. Bartlett envisions Kingston as “the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.”

Jamaica’s evolution is taking place as the entire Caribbean contends with the challenges of a shifting global order and the resurgence of

nationalism. Bartlett stressed the need for greater Caribbean integration in tourism as a way to bolster resilience across the region.

Still, the most crucial factor, he said, may be trust.

“Tourism is soft power that builds relations between nations,” Bartlett remarked. “The erosion of that soft power is cumulative… and we are seeing a shift already.”

Advisors and storytellers, he added, play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions. “Perception is everything. If a destination feels unwelcoming, it affects travel.”

At this inflection point, Jamaica is carefully calibrating its path. The opening of the Princess Grand Jamaica is not a gamble—it’s a calculated step into a broader vision for tourism that respects the past while embracing the future.

With two additional casinos already approved and a global network of tourism resilience centers established—one of which Jamaica pioneered—this small island nation is helping to lead the conversation on how the world’s second-largest industry can adapt, innovate, and endure.

As Minister Bartlett noted, “We do want to navigate these changes so we can maintain our growth.”

In doing so, Jamaica just might provide the playbook for tourism resilience in the 21st century.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CARIBNEWS

19

Rihanna and Tyler Perry Tied for 13th in the Black Billionaire Club

In Forbes’ prestigious World Billionaires list, American actor and media tycoon Tyler Perry and Barbados’ national hero and worldwide superstar Rihanna Fenty share the spotlight as they rank 14th out of 23 black billionaires.

A record-breaking 3,028 billionaires with a total worth of $16.1 trillion are on the 2025 list, which was unveiled on April 1.

Despite making up only 0.8% of the total, black billionaires are a powerful group of

innovators. With a $23.9 billion fortune powered by the completion of Africa’s largest oil refinery in 2024, Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote is leading the race and is now the richest black billionaire.

With $3.5 billion, basketball superstar Michael Jordan is in seventh place, mostly because of his historic selling of a Charlotte Hornets share. Patrice Motsepe and Oprah Winfrey each have $3 billion, which puts them in seventh position. LeBron James

and Tiger Woods are behind Perry and Rihanna with $1.3 billion apiece, while music mogul Jay-Z takes tenth place.

While Perry’s extensive film and television career further emphasizes his media domination, Rihanna’s multidimensional empire, spanning music, fashion, and beauty, solidifies her as an enduring impact. Collectively, these black business titans stand for innovation, aspiration, and global success.

Guyana Fashion Designer Accused Government of Stealing Fashion Concept

For its forthcoming Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival, the Government of Guyana is allegedly utilizing Guyanese fashion designer Marrisa Wilson’s intellectual property without her permission. Wilson is in the United States.

Wilson, the designer, just posted on Instagram with the accusation. “I’m going to share with you all something that is deeply upsetting surrounding my work… three years ago, I pitched a proposal to the Guyanese Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Walrond, a fashion runway show to celebrate Guyanese culture, grow the local fashion industry, and bring tourism to the country.”

The designer said that despite weeks of interaction and a formal proposal sent to the festival’s event director, she never heard back until her concepts and image were incorporated into the government project.

According to her, the organizing director contacted her team and asked them to join them as the production and creative team and to assist with educational initiatives.

She revealed, “Over several weeks, we shared ideas, brand materials-including videos and images of my work. As a follow up, he asked for a full proposal. We delivered. Then we never heard from him again. Now, we see the government is using our ideas, language, and even photos and videos of me and my work to legitimize this event. Without our approval. Without our participation. And without

compensation.”

“They are using my brand and my name to suggest credibility, garner press and gain sponsors, while ignoring every aspect of the proposal and strategy that would actually make an impact for the Guyanese people,” she remarked.

Wilson stated unequivocally that she opposes the Origins fashion event and insisted that all content pertaining to her be removed immediately.

Minister Waldron reacted on the afternoon of April 11,2025, dismissing Wilson’s assertions as untrue.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce rejects the false claims being made by Marrisa Wilson New York and supported by known political activists that the ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival represents her ideas and not those of the Government of Guyana and those persons assembled to deliver this landmark event,” the minister stated.

Minister Waldron stated, “The 2022 proposal referred to in her post will be shared on my page. There was nothing original about that proposal.”

Waldron claims that a member of Alex Graham’s team in the US got in touch with Wilson and her group. She said that the inaugural event’s event director is Graham.

“Mr. Graham met virtually with Marrisa Wilson and her team on March 13, 2025.

In that meeting, the goals of the ORIGINS Guyana Fashion Festival were first shared and there was a meeting of minds on the goals and on a general approach about how Marissa, her Brand, and her Team could participate,” she noted.

The minister stated that although internal talks over Wilson’s further involvement were still going on, her team had produced a film that was screened at the festival’s March 26 premiere.

She pointed out that Wilson’s idea addressed a few topics that other Guyanese fashion designers are currently working on.

Minister Waldron remarked, “So internal discussions were still ongoing regarding the scope of Marrisa’s participation. It is during these deliberations that Marissa responded with the erroneous and mischievous video that has now been reposted by several

others.”

The minister added that Wilson’s accomplishments and efforts are exceptional. But she added, “it is therefore disappointing that someone of Guyanese roots, who had an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the industry here, quickly chose to go public with distortions, exaggerations, and lies in response to our effort to include her and her team.”

According to Minister Waldron, the Origins Fashion Festival was created by a group of

Guyanese business professionals and event planners that the ministry brought together to expand government funding for Guyana’s fashion sector.

She stated, “It is unfortunate that Marissa Wilson and her team have chosen this route and thereby denied themselves the opportunity to be part of this ground breaking event, for and on behalf of our creative professionals and aspirants alike.”

The Guyana Fashion Festival is slated to take place in May.

20

CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2025

CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Tournament Set to Ignite Antigua ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The future of West Indies cricket will be on full display as Cricket West Indies (CWI) today unveiled the match schedule for the 2025 Rising Stars Under-15 Championship—set to bowl off from April 15 to 23 in Antigua.

Six regional teams will battle it out across five thrilling rounds of 50-over cricket at four historic venues: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Recreation Ground, and Liberta Sports Ground. It’s all to play for, as the team with the most points at the end of the tournament will be crowned champions!

This premier youth tournament is a crucial stepping stone for the next generation of West Indies cricket stars. Keep an eye on Barbados, who return to defend their title and aim to hold onto the crown.

Cricket fans across the region won’t miss a

moment—every match will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. Ball-byball scoring, match reports, and updates will also be available on www.windiescricket.com.

All matches start at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time / 8:30 a.m. in Jamaica. Get ready for a week of action-packed cricket as the Rising Stars shine bright in Antigua!

FULL SCHEDULE Round 1- April 15 Jamaica vs Barbados @Liberta Sports Ground Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @ Coolidge Cricket Ground Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Round 2- April 17 Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago @ Liberta Sports Ground

Cricket Ground Windward Islands vs Guyana @Antigua Recreation Ground Leeward Islands vs Jamaica @ Liberta Sports Ground

Leeward Islands vs Barbados @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Guyana vs Jamaica @Antigua Recreation Ground Round 3- April 19 Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago @Coolidge

Round 4- April 21 Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica @Coolidge Cricket Ground Barbados vs Windward Islands @ Antigua Recreation Ground Leeward Islands vs Guyana @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Round 5- April 23 Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago @ Antigua Recreation Ground Barbados vs Guyana @Coolidge Cricket Ground Jamaica vs Windward Islands @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Saint Lucia’s Sprint Princess Naomi London Blazes to National Record in Stunning Comeback Austin, Texas – The track world has been waiting for Naomi London’s return – and the 18-year-old Saint Lucian phenom just announced it with fireworks. In her first major race of the season at the prestigious Texas Relays, the “Sprint Princess” didn’t just compete— she made history.

London clocked a blistering 11.23 seconds in the women’s 100m, smashing Julien Alfred’s Saint Lucian junior national record (11.39) set in 2019. Despite racing against seasoned professionals, the Vieux Fort native claimed 2nd in her heat and an eye-catching 5th place overall—all while benefiting from a legal 1.9 m/s tailwind.

Though yet to debut for the University of Texas, London’s work with coach Edrick Floreal’s elite

group—including world champions Julien Alfred and Dina Asher-Smith—is clearly paying off. Her time makes her the world’s #2 U20 sprinter this year (surpassing USA’s Brianna Selby’s 11.26), just outside the all-time U20 top 100, and a CARIFTA gold medal threat With the CARIFTA Games looming in Port of Spain, London’s rivals now include: Adaejah Hodge (BVI) & Sabrina Dockery (Jamaica) – both on the U20 all-time list Dockery’s 11.08 at Boys and Girls Champs signals a fierce showdown ahead This wasn’t just a comeback—it was a statement. As London told fans post-race: “This is just the start. Saint Lucia’s flag will keep flying higher.” With her trajectory, don’t bet against it.