April 2, 2025

VOL. XLIV NO. 2212 WEEK OF APRIL 3 - 8, 2025 CARICOM

RUBIO IN THE CARIBBEAN - Helping Jamaica with crime - Finds Guyana exciting - US wants strong relations with the region Page 4

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NAACP CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

WASHINGTON

MOTTLEY TO RUBIO US must avert trade crisis in the region with Trump’s tariff policy

Page 3 HAITI

PRIME MINISTER WANTS A STRONG CONSTITUTION

PM Alix Didier Fils-Aime asking for a commitment to a constitution that will restore security and political stability

Page 4

FLORIDA

SEAN KINGSTON AND HIS MOTHER GUILTY OF FRAUD

The rapper and his mother Janice Turner found guilty of wire fraud

Page 7 ANTIGUAN-AMERICAN

FIRST FEMALE PILOT FOR MAJOR AIRLINE

Became first Office for Delta Airlines inducted during Women’s History Month

WOMEN JUDGES MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN NEW YORK HONORED BY THE MID-MANHATTAN BRANCH

PRAYERS FOR HAITI

Page 5

JAMAICA

USAIN BOLT’S FATHER HAS DIED Wellesley Bolt dies at age of 68, after long battle with illness

Page 4

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CaribNews EDITORIAL Louisiana Voters Reject All Four Constitutional Amendments in Major Win for the Left

by Lauren Victoria Burke - P 9

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

AFRICA Tens of millions risk starvation as funding cuts deepen crises in DR Congo: WHO, WFP

Sharply declining aid could force tens of millions across the globe who rely on food aid into extreme hunger and starvation, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday.

OPINION The United Nations agency has received only $1.57 billion of Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Workers. A Smartthe $21.1 billion required to sustain its operations this year, er Trade Strategy Could Empower Them with donations slashed by 40 per cent after cuts from major

by Ben Jealous - P 9 donors like the United States.

“WFP is prioritizing countries with the greatest needs and stretching food rations at the frontlines. While we are doing HEALTH everything possible to reduce operational costs, make no PAHO Issues New Epidemiological Alert mistake, we are facing a funding cliff with life-threatening amid Rising Yellow Fever Cases in the consequences,” said Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Americas - P 16 Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation.

“Emergency feeding programmes not only save lives and alleviate human suffering – they bring greatly needed stability to SPORTS Final Round of 2025 Concacaf Women’s fragile communities, which can spiral downwards when faced with extreme hunger.”

U-17 Qualifiers kicks off - P 20 The drastic reductions are threatening the organization’s global programs in 28 regions, including Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Bracing for the rainy season With the rainy season looming in fighting-stricken South Sudan, two-thirds of its estimated 12.7 million people facing acute food insecurity could go even hungrier.

‘Perfect storm’ in South Sudan demands urgent action, says Guterres

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Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday of a rapidly deteriorating crisis in South Sudan, calling for urgent dialogue, the immediate release of detained officials and renewed commitment to the 2018 peace agreement.

“All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country – and one of the poorest,” Mr. Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

After finally gaining independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011, civil war broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition forces led by his rival Riek Machar, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

In 2018, a peace agreement ended the fighting and established a unity government.

However, the arrest of First Vice President and main opposition leader Mr. Machar on Wednesday – alongside mounting military clashes and reported attacks on civilian populations – signals a severe unravelling of the peace process and a direct threat to millions, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan explained on Thursday.

Combined with growing regional spillover from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan, Mr. Guterres painted a dire picture of a country on the edge.

WORLD BRIEFS Extreme weather impacts cascading ‘from the Andes to the Amazon’ Extreme weather and climate impacts had a damaging toll on Latin America and the Caribbean last year, resulting in dying glaciers, record-breaking hurricanes, debilitating drought and deadly floods, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a new report on Friday.

The study also highlights positive developments amid the bleak news, such as the growing role of renewable energy in the region and the power of early warning systems to save lives.

“In 2024, weather and climate impacts cascaded from the Andes to the Amazon, from crowded cities to coastal communities, causing major economic and environmental disruptions,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

“Drought and extreme heat fuelled devastating wildfires. Exceptional rainfall triggered unprecedented flooding, and we saw the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record,” she added.

Feeling the heat The State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean report reveals that 2024 was the warmest or second warmest year on record, depending on the dataset used.

Myanmar earthquake tragedy ‘compounds already dire crisis’ Entire communities in central Myanmar have been devastated and the full scale of the earthquake disaster “remains unclear”, the UN’s top humanitarian coordinator in the country said on Monday.

Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Marcoluigi Corsi expressed the UN’s profound sorry at the immense loss of life stemming from Friday’s 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude quakes with the death toll rising to around 2,000, according to the country’s military junta.

“The latest reports indicate significant loss of life, widespread injuries, and many still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue,” Mr. Corsi said in a statement on behalf of the UN Country Team.

Urgent support operation continues He stressed that the UN and partners continue to urgently mobilise in support of the emergency response, standing ready to assist all communities “wherever they are”.

The earthquakes struck near Mandalay and Sagaing, with impacts felt across Bago, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw, and parts of Shan State. Hospitals are overwhelmed, while communication and transport routes have been severely disrupted.

Thousands are sleeping in the open, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.

UN-facilitated rescue teams from around 20 countries, including sniffer dogs, paramedics and medical supplies, supported by millions of dollars in aid, continue to arrive in Myanmar.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

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Barbados: PM Mottley Meets with US Secretary of State Rubio Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Mia Mottley today to discuss the strong historic ties between the United States and Barbados.

Secretary Rubio underscored the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting Barbados and all CARICOM Member States in countering transnational threats, including by designating the Venezuelan criminal network, Tren de Aragua, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) consistent with their domestic authorities.

Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Mottley discussed regional security efforts, such as the United States partnership with Barbados under the Caribbean Basin

Security Initiative with efforts focused on countering illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, prosecuting transnational organized crime, and strengthening regional security cooperation. The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed energy cooperation, with the Prime Minister making an economic case for the region premised on energy.

Discussing Haiti, the Secretary commended Prime Minister Mottley’s leadership in the effort to stabilize Haiti, and expressed his interest in working closely with her on that issue.

Haiti - Prime Minister Wants Stronger Constitution

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is urging Haitians to “commit to a stronger Constitution” as efforts continue to restore security and political stability to the French-speaking Caricom country.

In a message marking the 38th anniversary of the 1987 Haitian Constitution, Fils-Aimé said that for the past 38 years, the 1987 Constitution “has been the foundation of our democracy, guaranteeing our freedoms and rights”.

But he acknowledged that “in the face of repeated crises, our nation must evolve.”

“It is time to write a new page in our history. Young people, women, citizens, let us commit to a stronger Constitution, better suited to the challenges of today and tomorrow,” the Haitian leader said.

The Haitian 1987 constitution, adopted after the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, established a semi-presidential republic with a dual executive – President and Prime Minister- a bicameral legislature, and a judicial system, aiming to establish a democratic and social republic. ” The most popular provision of the 1987 Constitution was Article 291, which bars supporters of the previous dictat

orship regime from holding any public office.

Haitian officials have been seeking an overhaul of the country based on an essential constitutional reform, designed to modernize state structures, strengthen the separation of powers and guarantee better representation of citizens.

The constitutional referendum, scheduled for May 2025,

is a decisive step to adapt the 1987 Constitution to contemporary realities and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the democratic system. Furthermore, the organization of inclusive and credible general elections in November 2025 remains an essential condition for the restoration of democratic legitimacy and the consolidation of political stability.

Meanwhile, the prime minister accompanied by Social Affairs Minister Georges Wilbert Franck, the Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs Minister Herwil Gaspard and Serge Gabriel Colin, director of the economic and social assistance fund (FAES), visited the National School of the Republic of Ecuador, now serving as a refuge for displaced families fleeing armed gang violence.

During the visit, Fils-Aimé listened, shook hands, and embraced children whose innocence had been stolen by gang violence. He said everyone deserves more than a makeshift roof and deserves to return home, safe, with their heads held high, “because a dignified people is a people who stand tall”. (CMC)

Barbados - Afreximbank to Build $180 Million Center The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has laid the groundwork for its US$180 million Afreximbank Africa Commerce Centre (AATC) in Barbados.

The bank anticipates that this project would boost commerce and investment in the area., and Guyana stands to gain greatly from the project.

The institution is expected to open by September 2027 and will be the first of the bank’s trading centers outside of Africa.

Professor Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank, informed guests at the event held at Jemmotts Lane in St. Michael that action was finally being taken, not just

plans being made, and the future in bright for the diaspora.

He said, “For the first time in Africa’s relationship with its Diaspora, we are matching our words with concrete action, and we are, by so doing, poised to reclaim our destiny. For the first time, an African multilateral financial institution would be deeply rooted in the rich fields of the Caribbean, flying high its own white flag of openness and prosperity as well as those of its 54 African member states, tied in an unbroken embrace with its 12 Caricom participating states and their people.”

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

Rubio Wants an Alternative to Chinese Infrastructure in the Caribbean

During a news conference in Suriname, as part of his visit to different Caribbean nations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he wants to make sure the United States is offering alternatives to “bad work by the Chinese that never finishes on time” and that nations have alternatives to Chinese infrastructure.

According to Rubio, China never hires local people, and its projects are invariably over budget.

The irritation created in Guyana by Rubio’s comments during a joint press conference with President Irfaan Ali would be strengthened by his additional statements. Ali’s

claim that the US will receive preferential treatment seems to set off a response from the Chinese Embassy here defending the status of ties with Guyana.

China has always “Put China-Guyana Friendship First,” according to the statement. “We honor our commitment with concrete actions. As a matter of fact, China has participated fully at the biggest economic and social transformation in the history of Guyana. Facts and figures speak louder than anything else”.

Jamaica - US to Provide Anti-Crime Fight with Equipment and Technology Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the United States has made significant preparations to enhance Jamaica’s security situation.

According to Rubio, Jamaica has had a 34% decrease in homicides since the beginning of this year compared to the same period last year, along with a 19% decrease in all violent crimes.

However, Rubio announced that the United States wants to do more to help fight crime after bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness in Kingston on March 26, 2025. This comes as crime fears are still high throughout the island.

Many of the firearms used in crimes in Jamaica are known to be imported from the United States, Rubio said.

“We want to commit to doing more to stopping that flow at the same time as we commit to increasing the capacity [of Jamaica].”

Rubio stated, “What we are talking about

here when we talk about American assistance is America helping Jamaica build its own capacity, its own ability to confront these challenges and solve these problems, because security is a baseline for everything.”

Additionally, the secretary of state said that the Joint Operations Linked to Telemarketing (JOLT) Fusion Center, a joint US-Jamaican law enforcement initiative that combats cybercrime and lottery scams, will be reinforced.

“We can announce synthetic detection equipment for Jamaica’s forensic labs, a counter-gang recruitment program that we seek to launch as a result of our visit here today. And I will announce something that I think is very important — software for law enforcement agencies] here in Jamaica to combat gangs. Things like night vision goggles technology, and we look to do more,” Rubio made this announcement after previously stating that the United

States is dedicated to deepening its relationship with Jamaica, one of Washington’s most reliable Caribbean allies.

“The ties between the people of the United States and Jamaica don’t need to be explained — they’re incredibly strong,” noted Rubio.

“Your visit today reaffirms that bond,” said Holness, who welcomed Rubio to Jamaica, adding that the two nations have long been bound together by a shared dedication to freedom, prosperity, and security.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crime, ensuring the collective safety of our citizens and mutually secured borders,” Holness said of the contentious security issue, adding that the conversation with Rubio was fruitful, constructive, and centered on enhancing the two nations’ partnership while expanding opportunities for collaboration.

“We discussed a global war on gangs, and

Usain Bolt’s Father Has Died

Wellesley Bolt, the father of Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt, has died.

It is understood that the senior Bolt passed away on Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 68.

Wellesley often featured in the stands along with wife Jennifer as they supported their son during his rise to global stardom.

The elder Bolt ran a shop in Sherwood Content, Trelawny for 15 years up to 2017. Prior to that he worked at the coffee board for 16 years.

A member of Wellesley’s local community told The Gleaner, “… he got a stroke, and I don’t think he ever recovered from it. He used to play cricket in his younger days, and I believe he became a big track and field fan when Bolt began making a name in the sport.”

As Wellesley maintained a low profile throughout Usain’s sprinting career, he is being hailed as the “quiet force” behind his son’s Olympic run. Shortly after the news about his death broke, tributes started pouring in on social media.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness mourned Wellesley’s death in an emotional statement shared on

there is already significant policy alignment with both countries in this regard.”

The PM noted, “The United States has been instrumental in supporting Jamaica’s efforts to bolster its marine domain awareness and intelligence surveillance capacities, which are crucial in our fight against organized criminal networks.”

Holness added that increasing and repurposing development assistance toward the joint security objectives of both nations was a topic of discussion.

Holness remarked, “This will exponentially expand our cooperation in fighting lottery scammers, transnational organized crime, trafficking in guns, and building safer communities. We are committed to ensuring our partnership delivers results in driving down criminality and trafficking in this hemisphere.”

X that read, “I join with every Jamaican in extending my deepest and most sincere condolences to Usain Bolt, his beloved mother Mrs. Jennifer Bolt, and the entire Bolt family, following the passing of their patriarch, Mr. Wellesley Bolt.”

“Mr. Bolt was the father of a global icon, and a strong, quiet force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons. His presence, support, and guidance helped to shape a legacy that continues to inspire the world,” Holness went on. “Usain, we have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. You celebrated them with pride, and in doing so, you reminded us of the importance of family in our own lives,” he continued.

“As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honour the memory of your father alongside you,” said Holness.

Wellesley is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and three children: Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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Caribbean Reiterates Position on Reparations for Slave Trade

The CARICOM Reparations Commission said it stands in solidarity with the global community in observing the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, saying it is a “poignant moment to reflect on the horrors of this dark chapter in human history.

“The day serves as an essential reminder of the inhumane system that forcibly displaced millions of Africans and subjected them to unimaginable suffering in the Americas. We remember those who perished, we honor their resilience and indomitable fighting spirit and recognize their humanity that was unjustly denied,” the commission said.

It said that this year’s observance coincides with the start of the United Nations-declared Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), which provides a renewed opportunity to confront the ongoing consequences of colonization and enslavement by European nations.

The Commission said its fight for reparations continues in the context of the Second Decade, aiming to draw attention to the enduring impact of these historical injustices and to hold the perpetrators accountable. ”People of African descent continue to suffer from the legacies of enslavement, manifest in systemic inequality and racial discrimination. The enduring impact is evident in continued disparity in access to education and healthcare, high levels of youth unemployment, intergenerational poverty, and the denial of the full enjoyment of their human rights.

“The Commission calls on the global community to acknowledge these legacies of injustice and recognize the obligation to promote healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity to the victims and their descendants.

“On this day of remembrance, the commission renews its call for acknowledgement of the wrongs of the past, the call for reparatory justice, and the call for an equitable future for Africans and people of African descent.” (CMC

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Barbados - PM Mottley Defends Gift to Afreximbank Headquarters

Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, on Monday defended her government’s donation of two hectares of land at a historic site here for the construction of the first Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) outside of Africa, noting that the country has been making similar donations for over 50 years.

Mottley joined with the president of the Cairo-based Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict O. Oramah, to turn the sod for the construction of the AATC even as some Barbadians voiced strong objection to the donation of the land to the multinational financial organization.

Afreximbank opened its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) branch in Barbados in August 2023 and says the construction of the AATC here shows its commitment to the region.

It says AATCs are transformative hubs strategically emerging in key commercial capitals across Africa and in the Caribbean.

They are designed to enhance trade, empower businesses, and drive economic diversification, Afreximbank says, adding that these centers will provide seamless access to integrated trade services, valuable market data, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Mottley told the groundbreaking ceremony that the AATC “isn’t just about commerce and business, but it is also about commerce and business”.

She said her government was “proud to be able to bring into the pantheon of financial institutions in this country, the Afreximbank, not simply as an entity that is leasing a building from somebody for an office, but that as someone who is now about to lay roots and foundations in this country.”

Mottley emphasized that the AATC was the first to be built outside of Africa, just as Barbados was the first Afreximbank

hub outside of the continent.

“And in so doing, we send the signal that we intend to be able to reclaim our Atlantic destiny in ways that allow us not simply to look north, but to continue to look east, west and south,” she said, noting that the AATC will be built on the site that had been home to the first hospital to be built here for the country’s emancipated slaves and opened in 1844, eight years after it was first discussed.

“I am uniquely aware of the history of this site, and there can be no better use for this site to ensure that in the same way people came to tend to sick bodies in 1844 on this site that we come today to tend to those who need prosperity in the Americas from this site here in Bridgetown.”

She said that on September 13, 1994, she left the government headquarters and travelled to the site and entered for the first time, an office where she was a minister in the then government.

“My office was in the building, two buildings behind this tent, and I spent just under two years there while we refurbished the old Queen’s College site, which then became the Ministry of Education.

“I say these things because the simple determination to make whole this site again for purposes that will add value to the people of this nation cannot be reduced to the kind of diatribe that I’ve heard.”

Mottley noted that Barbados is a sovereign state, adding that like other sovereign nations, the government enters into relationships with regional and international bodies that have “acceptable standards and norms”.

She said Barbados took “immense pride” when Kofi Annan, the first secretary general of the United Nations from the African continent, visited at the turn of the millennium to open up the United Nations House.

She pointed out that the Barbados government gave the land to the United Nations and also built the house, adding that this is now taken for granted.

“The same happened with other entities, the most recent of which is the Caribbean Examinations Council building, where we not only gave the land, but we also built the building,” Mottley said, adding that she could limit her references to such donations to financial institutions.

“And if I were so to do, just over 50 years ago, when the Caribbean Development Bank was established and a determination made for it to find its headquarters in this great land, the people and government of Barbados gave the land to the Caribbean Development Bank,” Mottley said.

“My friends, there is nothing like context to allow us to appreciate what we are doing and why we do what we are doing.

And I, therefore, Professor Oramah, ask

you to accept, on behalf of the Afreximbank, the offer of the government of Barbados to make available this just-over-two hectares of land to ensure that an investment that will bring jobs to the people of Barbados, that will bring foreign exchange to the people of Barbados, that will bring investment opportunities to the people of the region…”

Mottley noted that the building would be first and foremost a trade center.

She asked Oramah to accept the donation, “recognizing that the history of the site and the location of the site carries with it so much more than we can ever contain in a speech from this platform.

Earlier, Oramah had traced the relationship between Afreximbank and the Caribbean over the past few years.

“Putting this edifice here in Bridgetown is an honorable thing to do. It was here in Bridgetown that the spirit of self-discovery was reignited,” he said and saluted Mottley “for sustaining that spirit and being a strong and indefatigable leader of this movement”.

Oramah said the iconic twin towers of the AATC will face west “to emphasize that just as Barbados, the nearest island to Africa, was the logistic hub during the era of the infamous ‘Middle Passage’, the AATC would serve as the gateway for Afri-Caribbean trade and investments, creating opportunities for Africans doing business with the Caribbean, and for Caribbeans doing business in Africa”.

He said Afreximbank envisions two towers of 12 storeys each, subject to planning restrictions.

“The complex would include a hotel, which would help improve the supply of hotel rooms in Barbados, critical for tourism promotion.”

Oramah said the AATC will also host Afreximbank’s offices as well as office spaces for rent.

“We expect that most of the lettable spaces would be taken by Caribbean businesses as well as by African banks and businesses that are already beginning to do business in the CARICOM region).”

(CMC)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

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New Rent Guidelines Board Data Supports Rent Freeze For Over 2.4 Million Tenants Landlords’ Income Up 12% After Three Years Of Rent Increases Under Adams-Appointed Board; Tenants Demand Next Mayor Freeze the Rent

NEW YORK – The Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) released its 2025 Income and Expense Study today, finding that landlords’ Net Operating Income has increased 12.1% – supporting tenants’ calls for a rent freeze.

The Rent Guidelines Board is a mayorappointed board that determines rent increases for over 2.4 million rent stabilized tenants each year. Mayor Adams’s Rent Guidelines Board has raised rents on New York City’s three years in a row, while Mayor de Blasio instructed his board to freeze rents three times. The RGB will announce its final decision on rent adjustments in June.

“There’s no dispute: today’s report release shows that a rent freeze is necessary and more than justified. While one in four New Yorkers is struggling to afford groceries and housing, landlords’ income is rising. Another real estate-backed mayor who will put profits for their donors and cronies ahead of tenants will only exacerbate the crisis we’re in. 70% of New Yorkers are tenants and we have the power to decide who becomes the next mayor.

That alone should convince every mayoral candidate to freeze the rent,” said Cea Weaver, director of the New York State Tenant Bloc.

Tenants across New York City are struggling with skyrocketing rents, while landlords’ profits continue to grow. This new report confirms what tenants have been saying all along— that we need a rent freeze now. Anything less would be a

direct attack on the stability of millions of New Yorkers who make this city what it is,” said Joanne Grell, rent stabilized tenant in the South Bronx and co-chair of the Freeze the Rent Campaign.

“We are unsurprised by the RGB’s report that landlord incomes have risen by 12%.

As a union of tenants, we have borne the brunt of rent increases every single year under Mayor Adams. As a union of tenants, we have faced harassment, eviction, displacement, and impossible choices to keep up with the rapidly rising cost of rent. We want NYC’s next mayor to hear us loud and clear: the time for a four-year rent freeze is now.” said Sasha Wijeyeratne, Executive Director of CAAAV Voice.

The call for a rent freeze has emerged as a key issue in the New York City mayoral race. Housing affordability was named voters’ top concern in a February poll

from Gotham Polling.

Three mayoral candidates have fully committed to freezing the rent if elected mayor: Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, State Senator Jessica Ramos, and former Assemblymember Michael Blake.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has also said he will support a rent freeze if the data supports it. District Council 37, the city’s largest public sector union, asked candidates their stances on a rent freeze at their mayoral forum last month.

The NYS Tenant Bloc has launched a campaign to organize 20,000 tenant voters to vote only for mayoral candidates who will freeze the rent. Since February, hundreds of tenants have canvassed across New York City, collecting thousands of petition signatures demanding that candidates commit to a rent freeze.

NY - Immigration Advocates Rally in Albany for Funds for Legal Representation of Migrants

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), partners, legal service providers, immigrant New Yorkers and allies will rally at the New York State Capitol in support of the Access to Representation Act (ARA, S141/A270) and the Building Up Immigrant Legal Defense Act (BUILD Act, A2689/S4538) for the 2025 New York State Legislative Session. They will also be calling for an investment of $165 million in the State budget for immigration legal services and infrastructure.

The ARA would be the first of its kind in the nation, guaranteeing immigrants facing deportation the right to legal counsel in New York State and ensuring they have a fair chance to fight for their freedom. The BUILD Act lays the groundwork for ARA by investing in the critical legal infrastructure needed for service providers to create, maintain and expand programs to protect immigrant New Yorkers.

“As the budget session reaches its final stretch—and in light of unprecedented hostility to immigrants at the federal level—the urgency to create the right to legal representation for immigrants has never been greater,” said Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, New York Immigration Coalition. “Justice and due process are

not privileges; they are fundamental principles that the State must defend. This is a pivotal moment to take bold action and guarantee that every New Yorker, no matter their immigration status, is guaranteed a fair chance at due process and equal rights.”

“We must protect New York’s immigrant community from the attacks that President Trump has promised. Now is the time to make significant financial investments in immigrant legal representation, protect our immigrant communities from overreaches by Donald Trump’s Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and pass the Access to Representation Act (S.141), which I sponsor with Assemblymember Cruz, into law. The ARA will guarantee that all those in New York State facing legal challenges related to their immigration status have access to lawyers, which is not currently the case. Legal representation can quite literally determine if thousands of parents are separated from their children or not. By investing in immigrant legal services we can protect vulnerable communities, stop family separation and reform our broken immigration court system, before Donald Trump has the chance to damage it even further,” said Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, District 47.

“New York has always been a sanctuary for those seeking safety, opportunity, and justice.

But without legal representation, too many of our immigrant neighbors are forced to fight for their futures alone in a system designed to push them out. As we confront the renewed threats of mass deportation and family separation, we must meet this moment with action. Passing the Access to Representation Act and the BUILD Act is not just about policy—it’s about standing up for the fundamental right to due process. Our state must invest $165 million in legal services to ensure that no New Yorker is left without a fighting chance. This is how we uphold our values, protect our communities, and push back against the injustice of an im-

migration system that too often denies fairness to those who need it most,” said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, District 39.

“As families across New York and the nation face increasing threats of deportation, it is vital that our courts uphold the law and ensure every individual has the legal support they need to navigate an increasingly complex system.

The Access to Representation and BUILD Act will provide the necessary legal infrastructure to meet the growing demand for representation in our courts and ensure no families are broken up without a fair fight. Thank you to the CARE for Immigrant Families Coalition and my colleagues in the legislature for continuing to fight for resources to protect fellow New Yorkers,” said Senator John Liu, District 16.

“In these perilous times for immigrants in the United States, maintaining and increasing the resources that will help them is a must. People facing deportation need the representation of a lawyer, and as a co-sponsor of the Access to Representation Act, that’s why I will continue to support immigration legal services. Our many new Americans bolster our communities and contribute greatly to our economy—so let’s invest in their future—and a future that benefits all of us,” said Senator Pete Harckham, District 40.

“Without a lawyer, immigrants in detention or facing deportation have little chance of seeing justice. Imagine being arrested, separated from your family, and forced to navigate an impossibly complex legal system alone. We must pass the Access to Representation Act to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to legal counsel and that all families are protected,” said Assembly Member Claire Valdez, District 37.

“Due process and access to representation are fundamental to justice,” said Assembly Member Grace Lee, District 65. “New York State has always been a place that welcomes immigrants.

We are calling for $165 million in this year’s budget to strengthen immigration rights

services. No New Yorker should be left without representation in the courts. Thank you to Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and NYIC for their leadership on this legislation.”

“Now more than ever, immigrants need every resource to ensure they get due process and access to representation,” said Assembly Member Gabriella A. Romero, District 109. “Passing the Access to Representation Act (ARA) is a critical step to strengthen New York’s immigration legal services. It’s been shown that immigrants in detention with representation are ten times more likely to win their cases than those who don’t have counsel. The stakes are serious: detention, family separation, and deportation.

It’s time New York State gives immigrants the right to counsel and offers more protection as the federal government threatens immigrant communities.”

“The Trump administration’s relentless anti-immigrant agenda has put millions of people at risk for mass deportation, family separation, and indefinite detention. These unlawful attacks will devastate local communities and destabilize New York’s economy. Last Friday, the Trump administration moved to effectively shut down legal representation for unaccompanied children in immigration court. In the face of this dangerous rollback, New York must lead by making investments that ensure that these children have representation and must defend all immigrant New Yorkers against an unprecedented federal assault on their rights.

While the Senate and Assembly proposed $75 million for immigration legal services in their one house budgets, this is simply not enough.

The State must invest $165 million to meet urgent needs and must pass on critical legislation like the Access to Representation and BUILD Acts to protect every New Yorker’s rights. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and leaders must act now,” said Rosie Wang, Program Manager, Advancing Universal Representation initiative, Vera Institute of Justice. (NYIC)

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The Cost of Indifference: How U.S. TPS Policies Undermine Caribbean Immigrants and Our Shared Humanity Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has long been a humanitarian safeguard, offering shelter to immigrants whose home countries have been devastated by war, natural disaster, or political instability. For thousands of Caribbean nationals living in the United States, TPS has meant stability, family unity, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the economy and their communities. However, recent actions and proposed changes under the Trump administration threaten to unravel these protections, putting lives, families, and futures at risk.

At its core, TPS is not a partisan gift—it is a reflection of America’s moral compass. It recognizes that sending individuals back to countries facing humanitarian crises is both unjust and dangerous. The Caribbean region, which includes Haiti, the Bahamas, and others, has seen its share of natural disasters, economic hardship, and political turbulence. TPS was rightly granted to Haitians following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, and extended again in recognition of the continued instability and the cholera epidemic that followed.

Yet, the Trump administration has taken steps to terminate TPS for several nationalities, including Haitians, and has resisted renewing it for others, citing improvements in home-country conditions that, on closer inspection,

remain fragile at best. The administration’s decision ignores on-the-ground realities and places thousands of Caribbean nationals in legal limbo. Many of these individuals have lived in the U.S. for decades, have built lives, raised children, paid taxes, and contributed to the very fabric of American society.

For the Caribbean community, these decisions are not abstract policy shifts—they are direct assaults on family security and economic well-being. Parents face the threat of separation from U.S.-born children. Workers fear deportation from the only country they have known as home in recent years. Entire communities face the destabilizing effects of uncertainty, anxiety, and possible forced displacement.

The implications reach far beyond individual households. Caribbean TPS holders are essential to sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and construction—industries that are particularly vital in states like Florida and New York.

Removing them would not only devastate their families but also leave economic gaps that would hurt local economies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these same workers were deemed essential, risking their lives to keep the country running. To now dismiss their status and contributions is both short-sighted and unjust.

Furthermore, returning people to unstable conditions is not just a logistical error—it’s a moral failure. Take Haiti, for example, which remains gripped by political upheaval, gang violence, and economic collapse. Deporting Haitians to this environment is tantamount to sending them into harm’s way. Similar risks exist for other Caribbean nationals whose countries may appear stable from a distance but are dealing with systemic issues that threaten citizen welfare and safety.

This is not to say that immigration policy should be static or immune to review. Governments have a right to reassess and adapt, but such reviews must be rooted in facts, compassion, and an understanding of global realities—not political agendas or anti-immigrant rhetoric. The Trump administration’s approach to TPS, however, reflects a disturbing pattern of disengagement from humanitarian responsibility and a disregard for communities that have long supported and enriched the United States.

As members of the Caribbean diaspora, we understand resilience. We know what it means to build, rebuild, and persevere. But even the most resilient communities need fair policies, legal clarity, and recognition. TPS recipients are not asking for handouts; they are asking for dignity, for the opportunity to live without fear, and for

a path that acknowledges their contribution to the American story.

To the Trump administration, we offer this appeal: reconsider. Take a clear-eyed look at the conditions in affected countries, listen to the voices of experts, communities, and human rights organizations, and uphold the values that have historically made America a beacon of hope. This is not about politics—it’s about people. It’s about standing by long-held American principles of compassion, justice, and responsible leadership in a world where crises are not contained by borders.

It is possible to be firm on immigration while still being fair. It is possible to uphold national interests without sacrificing humanitarian responsibility. And it is not too late to choose a path that reflects the best of who we are.

The Caribbean-American community stands ready to work with leaders and lawmakers in finding solutions that protect both our national interests and the human rights of those who have already proven themselves valuable members of this country. We ask only that the Trump administration meet this moment with the seriousness and humanity it demands.

Haiti in Crisis: A Nation Held Hostage by Gangs, and the World’s Conscience on Trial

Haiti, the world’s first Black republic, born in fire and revolution, is once again gripped by chaos—this time not from a colonial empire or a foreign occupation, but from within. Gangs now rule vast swaths of the country, terrorizing ordinary citizens, paralyzing the economy, and pushing an already fragile nation further into collapse.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is no longer governed by the state. Instead, it is carved up into zones controlled by more than 200 heavily armed gangs. Kidnappings, arson, rapes, and extrajudicial killings have become daily occurrences. Schools are shut down. Hospitals are overrun. And airports—critical arteries for aid and commerce—have been seized or made inoperable. What we are witnessing is not just a breakdown of law and order but the full erosion of a nation’s sovereignty and dignity.

As a Caribbean publication with a long-standing commitment to the people of Haiti and their right to peace and self-determination, Carib News calls attention to this dire situation not with despair, but with urgency, clarity, and solidarity. Haiti’s suffering should concern all of us in the region—and the world.

To understand the present, we must reckon with the past. Haiti’s descent into disorder cannot be divorced from its history of colonial exploitation, systemic exclusion, and international sabotage.

Haiti’s founding in 1804 as the first nation born of a successful slave revolt sent shockwaves through the colonial world. France, embarrassed and enraged by the loss of its most profitable colony, demanded reparations from its former slaves—crippling the new nation with an impossible debt that took more than 120 years to pay off. The international community, particularly the United States and European powers, responded to Haiti’s independence with isolation and economic strangulation, fearing its revolutionary ideals would inspire similar uprisings.

In the 20th century, the U.S. occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934, under the pretext of stabi-

lizing the country but effectively controlling its economy and suppressing nationalist movements. This occupation laid the foundation for Haiti’s dependence on foreign aid and its pattern of authoritarian rule, which culminated in the brutal Duvalier regimes—father and son—backed by Western powers in the name of anti-communism.

The fall of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier in 1986 did not bring the democratic renaissance many hoped for. Instead, Haiti entered a revolving door of military coups, foreign interventions, and failed elections. The 2010 earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince killed over 200,000 people and left more than a million homeless. The influx of aid—though well-intentioned, was poorly coordinated, and much of it failed to reach those in need. Adding insult to injury, a cholera outbreak introduced

by U.N. peacekeepers killed thousands more, and to this day, the U.N. has not fully accepted accountability.

Now, in 2025, we are seeing the culmination of decades of political instability, poverty, corruption, and failed international policies that have left Haiti vulnerable to the very gangs now holding it hostage.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 marked a turning point. In the absence of a functioning government, gangs rapidly expanded their control. The provisional prime minister, Ariel Henry—never elected— struggled to assert legitimacy or restore order.

Despite international recognition, his administration lacked the capacity to govern, and over time, became increasingly irrelevant to the on-the-ground reality faced by Haitians.

Gangs such as G9 and G-Pèp, once rivals, have now formed loose alliances, consolidating their grip over territory and resources. Some of these groups claim political motives, but their methods—brutal violence, extortion, forced displacement—betray any pretense of representing the people.

Today, nearly half of the capital is under gang control. Police stations are burned. Judges are

threatened or assassinated. Even humanitarian agencies cannot operate safely. The result is a lawless state where impunity reigns and survival is the only daily goal for millions of Haitians.

The international community has responded with platitudes, promises, and platters of aid— but not enough action. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has attempted to facilitate political dialogue, but progress has been glacial and often undermined by internal divisions and a lack of enforcement mechanisms.

In October 2023, the U.N. authorized a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to be led by Kenya and supported by several Caribbean and African nations, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados. The mission’s aim: to support the Haitian National Police in restoring order. Yet, as of early 2025, deployment has been repeatedly delayed by legal challenges, logistical bottlenecks, and lack of clear leadership.

Meanwhile, the United States and Canada have imposed sanctions on gang leaders and some political elites, but such measures are symbolic if not accompanied by concrete efforts to dismantle the networks that fund and arm these groups.

At the same time, Haitian civil society is demanding more than just foreign boots on the ground. They are calling for a homegrown political solution, one rooted in accountability, inclusivity, and constitutional reform. Many rightly fear that another intervention without a long-term development strategy will simply repeat the mistakes of the past.

While the political class debates and the international community equivocates, the Haitian people suffer. Over 1.6 million Haitians are now estimated to be internally displaced. Food insecurity affects nearly half the population.

Schools have become refugee camps, and children are robbed not just of their education but of their futures.

Women and girls are especially vulnerable.

Sexual violence has become a tool of gang warfare. Medical facilities are scarce. International

aid workers have been evacuated in droves.

The Haitian diaspora—especially in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean—is left watching in agony, trying to mobilize resources but unable to stem the tide.

We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions—and yet, the world’s attention remains fleeting.

Despite it all, Haiti is not a nation without hope. Its people, time and again, have shown courage, creativity, and community. From the neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince to the hills of Jacmel, Haitians are organizing mutual aid, defending their communities, and demanding justice. The diaspora continues to send billions in remittances, supporting families and rebuilding infrastructure.

The path forward must include disarming the gangs, strengthening local governance, rebuilding institutions, and investing in longterm economic growth. But more than that, it requires listening to the Haitian people—not imposing solutions from outside, but empowering Haitians to build the future they deserve.

At Carib News, we stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti. We grieve for your losses, feel your pain. And we honor your unbreakable spirit.

To our fellow Caribbean nations, we say: this is our collective responsibility. Haiti is not a burden—it is our sister nation, our shared heritage, and our unfinished promise.

To the international community: your silence is complicity. The time for performative concern is over. Haiti needs meaningful action—now.

To the Haitian people: know that your resilience inspires us. From the embers of your revolution to the rubble of today’s crisis, your courage has never faltered. We believe in your right to live in peace, to build in freedom, and to thrive in dignity.

Let us all rise to this moment, not just with words, but with will.

Haiti must not be forgotten. Haiti must be free.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBOPINION

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Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Workers. A Smarter Trade Strategy Could Empower Them

by Ben Jealous

In the Trump era, economic policy often comes with more bluster than strategy.

His latest round of tariffs is no exception.

Slapped on a broad swath of imported goods without rhyme, reason, or regard for the people who will bear the brunt of the cost – American families and workers – these tariffs are a political stunt masquerading as industrial policy.

Let’s be clear: tariffs can be a tool for economic transformation. But they must be wielded with precision, guided by vision, and paired with bold investments. What Trump is doing is none of that.

His scattershot approach will disturb the ongoing US manufacturing renaissance and raise prices on everything from cars to appliances, hitting working families hardest. The administration’s recently announced 25% tariff on all cars and auto parts not made entirely in the United States could drive up the cost of an average new car by thousands of dollars. And for what? There are no clear signals to industry, no long-term plans for job creation, no environmental guardrails – just chaos and chestthumping.

We’ve seen this movie before. During Trump’s first term, similar tariffs on steel and aluminum were supposed to help revive American manufacturing. And they could have, had he invested in clean, safe,

high-tech production and the American supply chain. Instead, Trump opted for pain and scarcity. Less availability of metals had a negative downstream impact on the industries that relied on them. Prices on goods made with metals went up. And American metals makers didn’t have a reason to invest in advanced manufacturing.

American manufacturing actually has been revived since then, but it was the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and other initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that were responsible. The previous administration’s trade policy was also smarter, with narrowly focused tariff increases specifically targeted to China and on sectors critical to the clean energy transition – solar panels, electric vehicles, EV batteries, semiconductors, and yes, steel and aluminum. Ideally, tariffs should be paired with investments in domestic manufacturing, particularly in facilities that are clean, unionized, and ready to meet the climate challenge. And tariffs should send a clear message to competitors that there will be consequences for polluting, relying on forced labor, and other harmful practices.

This is not just about economics; it is about justice. Low-income and working-class communities have borne the brunt of dirty industry and offshored

jobs. Reindustrializing America has to be different this time. We need a clean, equitable economy built with and for working families.

And here’s the good news: it is possible. I have seen it. From my time crisscrossing the country opposing NAFTA 30 years ago to my current work with the Sierra Club, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with labor leaders, environmental advocates, and frontline communities. We agree more often than not. We want trade policies that lift wages, protect the planet, and rebuild domestic industries – not that rig the game for polluters and drive up prices on already-struggling consumers.

One step in the right direction is for trade agreements and tariffs to address pollution and include carbon border adjustment mechanisms – fees based on the pollution in imported goods exceeding US levels. If your steel pollutes rivers in Mexico or your solar panels are made with coal power in China, you should not get a free pass in the US market. These mechanisms level the playing field, give American manufacturers a reason to go green and become cleaner, and improve conditions for workers and manufacturing communities overseas.

We also need to update agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agree-

ment to include rapid-response mechanisms not just for labor abuses, but for environmental violations too. If a country undercuts us by trashing its air and water, we should be able to act quickly.

Trump’s tariffs don’t do any of that. They are about headlines, not outcomes. And we do not have time for empty gestures.

The climate crisis is here. American workers are tired of being played. And families across this country cannot afford higher prices with no payoff.

We need a real plan. One that brings together labor and environmentalists, manufacturers and frontline communities. One that builds a new industrial vision—not just for profit, but for people and planet.

The path is clear. What we need now is the courage to walk it.

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

Louisiana Voters Reject All Four Constitutional Amendments in Major Win for the Left

by Lauren Burke

At a moment when the nation is looking to take the political temperature of a country rocked by rapid-fire decisions on the federal level, Louisiana residents overwhelmingly rejected four ballot initiatives put in front of voters on March 29. The moment was a defeat for Republican Governor Jeff Landry. Grassroots organizers in Louisiana running the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, led by Gary Chambers and Ashley Shelton, led a series of town hall meetings from February 20 to

March 11 to educate voters on the four initiatives and encourage them to “just say no” to all of them. Voters appeared to have listened. Close to two-thirds of voters in Louisiana rejected all the amendments. The moment takes place against the backdrop of raucous and packed town halls across the nation featuring citizens asking pointed questions about what they can do to protect democracy.

Amendment 1 in Louisiana would have allowed the Louisiana legislature to create

trial courts with specialized jurisdiction and allowed the state Supreme Court to discipline out-of-state lawyers. The voters rejected the idea.

Amendment 2 would have changed Louisiana’s tax policy and cut funding for early childhood education, according to a flyer prepared by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. The voters rejected the idea.

Amendment 3, which was rejected by 66% of voters, would have made it easier to place children in adult jails and prisons and for longer sentences. National justice reform organizations including the Southern Poverty Law Center, spent over half a million dollars in opposition to Amendment 3.

Amendment 4, also rejected, would have allowed election dates for court vacancies to occur at the earliest date allowed by state law — which could be a date likely to result in a very low turnout.

The March 29 defeat of all four consti-

tutional amendments in Louisiana is followed by other signs that voters may be registering discontent regarding GOP policy decisions more broadly. On March 25, Democrat James Andrew Malone won a special election in a Pennsylvania state Senate district President Trump won +15.

On March 27, Trump pulled Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations because polls were showing the GOP was going to lose her NY seat to a Democrat. Another political test will emerge from Wisconsin on April 1. The results of a vote for a State Supreme Court race are widely being viewed as a referendum on President Trump.

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CARIBAROUND

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CARIBNEWS

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

Black Press and Black Church Unity Pressing TARGET on DEI For over 198 years the Black Press and the Black Church have joined together for causes of freedom, justice, equality, equity, and empowerment. Today more than ever before there is renewed urgency for the Black Church and the Black Press to publicly amplify our mutual interests to protect and maintain the hard-fought gains and progress that has been accomplished by African Americans in the last two centuries.

On the record, “We are not going back in America and nowhere else in the world in 2025.” We have already suffered too much from the vicious unprecedented genocide, terrorism, and crimes against humanity during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, global imperialism, racism, colonialism, neocolonialism, reconstruction and Jim Crow, mass incarceration, and present day repressive policies and Executives Orders in an attempt to erase our history and legacy with libelous actions and falsehoods.

The prophetic voice of the Black Church continues to resonate with historic and contemporary inspiration and power. Together we are resolutely demanding respect from Target and those companies that make billions of dollars from our consumership.

We are not begging. We are demanding respect and an equitable business relationship with Target and corporate America. From executive decision makers to marketing and promotions account managers, to Human Resources directors, and to the shareholders of the companies, we demand economic restoration and respect.

We salute the bold leadership of The Reverend Jamal Harrison Bryant and the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta and other Black Church leaders across the nation who are standing up and preaching liberation theology.

TARGET will continue to be our target. We in the Black Press of America will continue our public education and selective buying campaign. No respect, no buying. No justice, no peace.

May God continue to bless the Black Church and the Black Press.

Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and BlackPressUSA

DEI Rollback Cost Target Billions Plus Loyalty

Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retail giant has lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue, seen its stock plunge by $27.27 per share, and is grappling with multiple lawsuits linked to its shifting DEI policies.

Separate but powerful actions from Black-led organizations and faith leaders have intensified pressure on the company.

Rev. Jamal Bryant launched a national Target Fast, calling for continued community mobilization. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NAACP initiated public education and selective buying campaigns. While distinct in approach, the collective efforts have amplified scrutiny and economic consequences for Target.

“Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard,” said Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA. “If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Early data from analytics firms Placer.ai and Numerator confirms a decline in consumer support. Numerator found that Black and Hispanic households are reducing their visits to Target at the highest rates. Placer.ai reported that on the national blackout day last month, Target saw an 11 percent decline in store traffic compared to average Friday visits. Since the

company’s January 24 DEI reversal, Placer. ai data shows Target’s overall foot traffic has fallen every week. In contrast, Costco has gained ground. The warehouse chain rejected a shareholder proposal to weaken its diversity programs and stayed firm in its DEI stance.

Analysts say Costco’s consistency and longstanding commitment to high wages and strong employee benefits may attract consumers frustrated with Target’s retreat. Costco’s shares have outperformed those of Walmart and Target over the same period. Walmart has also seen a dip in foot traffic, though not as sharp as Target.

While grassroots boycotts are not always financially damaging in the long term, Target’s situation may prove different. “Boycotts put a ‘negative spotlight’ on the company that can have reputational consequences,” Brayden King, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told Forbes.

He noted that consumer trust, closely tied to corporate reputation, plays a critical role in shopping habits.

In addition to its woes, Target issued a string of recalls in 2025 involving products sold on shelves due to undeclared allergens and injury hazards. Affected items included Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Dorel Safety 1st Comfort Ride and Magic Squad child car seats, Nuby stroller fans, Baby Joy highchairs, Chomps beef and turkey sticks, and Pearl Milling Company pancake mix. Rev. Bryant said Target Fast has now mobilized more than 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. He urged continued focus and unity in holding the company accountable.

“It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy.

It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” Bryant said. He added, “No, I’m now committed and grateful.” (Black Press USA)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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Guyana - One of the Most Exciting Places, says US Secretary of State Rubio

Guyana’s exceptional potential for revolutionary change has been highlighted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has called Guyana one of the most interesting countries in the world.

These statements were stated by Secretary

Rubio at a news conference held Thursday at the State House in Georgetown, where he reiterated the US commitment to aiding Guyana’s growth and participating in its transition.

Rubio remarked, “I think, and to the people of Guyana, thank you for welcoming us. I hope you fully appreciate and understand this is one of the most exciting places in the world to be right now, because you have the opportunity, at this moment, to transform this country for generations, and we want to be your partner. We want to be your partner in making that possible.

We think it’s of mutual benefit to see that happen.”

In his speech, the newly appointed Secretary of State, who has only been in office for nine weeks, stated that Guyana is ready for a radical change, when many other countries are concentrating on stability or little steps forward.

Rubio stated, “This country has an opportunity to transform. And that’s rare in the history of nations, to have an opportunity for transformative change. And what I

mean by transformative change is not simply oil and gas fields. And that’s very important – natural resources are critical, but that is just the basic ingredient that allows prosperity to happen.”

In addition to oil and gas, he emphasized Guyana’s potential in technology, agriculture, and ecotourism. Rubio noted that Guyana could establish itself as a significant participant in the global digital economy, which includes data centers and artificial intelligence, provided it had access to inexpensive and dependable electricity. He also agreed that peace and security were necessary to safeguard the nation’s expanding wealth.

The oil-rich Stabroek Block is operated by the American oil tycoon ExxonMobil at the time of Rubio’s remark. Since December 2019, when oil production started, Guyana’s GDP has grown considerably.

Hess, a U.S. corporation that owns 30% of the Stabroek Block, and ExxonMobil are also facing off in an arbitration lawsuit. In a US$53 billion deal, Hess and American oil giant Chevron will merge, with Chev-

ron purchasing Hess’s share of the block, which is thought to contain 11.6 billion barrels of oil.

The merger is being contested, though, by Exxon and CNOOC, another block partner, who are claiming their right to first refusal over Hess’ shares.

In addition to allowing for 75% cost recovery and giving oil corporations substantial tax breaks, the agreement regulating the Stabroek Block divides the remaining 25% of income evenly between Guyana and the oil operators. Guyana also receives 2% of the resource’ royalties.

The previous administration’s provisions of the agreement have come under fire for giving preference to oil multinationals over the nation. The Irfaan Ali government has defended its choice to preserve the arrangement by pointing to the integrity of contracts, despite persistent requests for renegotiation.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBNEWS

15

Haiti - In Peril to Become a Florida - Sean Kingston and Mother Guilty of Fraud Failed State Former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding warned Wednesday that Haiti is “perilously close” to being a failed state and urged the international community and other stakeholders to play a more meaningful role in ensuring the future socio-economic stability and security of the country.

Golding, who is one of the three Caribbean Community (Caricom) Eminent Persons Group (EPG), seeking to facilitate inclusive dialogue among Haitian stakeholders to find a solution to the protracted

multi-dimensional crisis in the country, also cast doubt on Haiti holding elections later this year.

Speaking during a World Bank-sponsored webinar on Haiti, Golding said that since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, “gangs have expanded their control over vast sections of Port au Prince, the seat of government, making it virtually impossible to have an election of a new president within the constitutionally mandate period of 120 days”.

News outlets in the United States reported on March 28, 2025, that artist Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, 61, were each found guilty on four separate counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud.

On July 11, the two will appear in the Florida courts to receive their sentences.

The 35-year-old has been placed under house arrest until his sentence, while his mother has been placed under detention in a federal jail.

It is alleged that the artist and his mother defrauded banks and companies of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and furnishings.

Hours after his mother was taken into custody during a raid at his rental property in Florida, Kingston was arrested in California in May of last year. To face the allegations, he was later extradited to Florida.

Black Teen Accepted to 60 Colleges and Offered $1.1 Million in Scholarships More than 60 schools and universities, including Morehouse College, Howard University, and the University of Alabama, have extended $1.1 million in scholarship offers to a 17-year-old African American student, Mantavius Presley, of Douglas County, Georgia.

According to WSB-TV, Presley, whom his friends call “LeBron,” has excelled academically and shown outstanding leadership.

As vice president of the Student Government Association and his senior class, he also holds the positions of president of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Presley’s accomplishments are not limited to his leadership positions. He helps with the yearbook staff, oversees the JV and Varsity cheer squads, and is involved in seven other school groups. Throughout his high school

career, he has completed more than 1,100 hours of community service outside of the classroom. His accomplishment was published on Facebook by Douglas County High School, and it has now received over 10,000 reactions.

As graduation draws closer, Presley is weighing his options before deciding which institution to attend to further his education.

16

CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

PAHO Issues New Epidemiological Alert amid Rising Yellow Fever Cases in the Americas

Washington, D.C., (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization has issued a new epidemiological alert in response to an increase in yellow fever cases across the Americas during the first months of 2025.

The number of confirmed human cases

as of March 22 has more than doubled compared to the total recorded in all of 2024, raising concerns about a potential expansion of the disease.

In the first almost three months of 2025, 131 human cases have been confirmed, with 53 deaths. In comparison, 61 cases were reported throughout 2024, 30 of which were fatal. The cases are located in Bolivia (1 case, 1 death), Brazil (81 cases, 31 deaths), Colombia (31 cases, 13 deaths), and Peru (18 cases, 8 deaths), with cases reported beyond the traditionally affected Amazon region.

Particularly concerning are the new cases reported since October 2024 in the department of Tolima, Colombia, which indicates the virus is appearing in areas not previously affected in past years. In these regions, activities such as agriculture represent a risk factor for exposure to the virus. The increase in cases and their geo-

graphic spread highlights the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control measures to contain the disease.

In addition, the epidemiological situation in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with 34 cases and 19 deaths, is worrying due to its proximity to densely populated urban centers, increasing the risk of a larger outbreak.

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which can be fatal but is preventable through vaccination.

The vast majority of the cases detected have involved individuals who were not vaccinated.

In an alert issued on March 27, PAHO calls for intensifying vaccination efforts in at-risk areas, aiming for coverage rates above 95%. Vaccination is the most effective tool to combat the disease. PAHO also recommends that countries review their vaccine stocks, ensure rapid response

plans for outbreaks, and make sure travelers to endemic areas are informed and vaccinated.

Since the yellow fever epidemic in Brazil between 2016 and 2018, the public health threat of the disease has resurfaced in the Americas. The yellow fever virus remains in a sylvatic cycle between specific species of mosquitoes and non-human primates in 13 countries and territories of the region.

Since 1960, it has caused 9,591 human cases and 3,444 deaths.

In February, based on the increase in cases across several countries during the last months of 2024 and the first weeks of 2025, PAHO published a risk assessment in which it considered the risk of yellow fever outbreaks in the region to be high.

PAHO will continue to monitor the situation and support countries in adopting the best strategies for preventing and controlling yellow fever.

India-UN Fund Supports 15 Caribbean Countries in Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of Diseases Bridgetown, Barbados - (PAHO/WHO) - In an ambitious move to combat mother-to-child transmission of diseases like HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Chagas disease, 15 Caribbean nations are coming together under a project funded by the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund and implemented by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

This initiative is focused on strengthening the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) Plus Framework within maternal and child health services and aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of infectious diseases in Caribbean Member States.

Despite the significant progress made in eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, challenges remain. For HIV, the global goal is to reduce the motherto-child transmission rate to two percent (2%) or less. However, in some regions of the world, rates continue to surpass this target, indicating a need for intensified efforts. Similarly, in the Caribbean, strides towards eliminating congenital syphilis are evident, yet in some countries the reported rates are as high as 1.8 cases per 1,000 live births, significantly above the global elimination target of less than or equal to 0.5 new cases of mother-to- child transmission of syphilis per 1,000 live births.

At the heart of the project’s strategy is a commitment to enhancing maternal and child health services. By focusing on strengthening leadership within these services, improving diagnostic capabilities and upgrading surveillance systems, the initiative aims to address the gaps that have hindered progress toward disease elimination.

Knowledge sharing stands out as a key component, creating a comprehensive community of practice for Caribbean countries to discuss successes, challenges, and innovations through peer-to-peer country support. “The project

will enhance elimination efforts among 15 Caribbean countries, supporting them in moving as one, while ensuring the right of every child to be born and remain free of HIV and syphilis and other perinatal transmitted infections,” noted Dr. Julio Sabido, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness Belize which successfully submitted the project on behalf of CARICOM Member States.

This project will place emphasis on technical systems, particularly in enhancing laboratory services and data collection systems. Reliable diagnostics and effective surveillance are foundational to achievements of the project objectives. Aiming to leverage the collective experience and resources of the region to ensure future generations are born free from these transmissible diseases, the project seeks to ensure the availability of quality diagnostics, primary prevention, treatment services, and a robust health information system to monitor cases, demonstrating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to achieving EMTCT Plus certification.

The project which commenced in 2025 is expected to emphasize the sharing of good practices, experiences and lessons learned from the EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. The PAHO Disease Elimination Initiative seeks to end more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030 in the Region of the Americas, including the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, welcomed the initiative and its impact on improving the health of women and children in the Caribbean. “Ensuring high-quality, integrated health services is a crucial part of PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, which seeks to eliminate 30 diseases and related conditions from the Region of the Americas by 2030,” he said.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBA&E

17

Shaggy to Perform at New York State Fair On August 31, 2025, at 8 pm, a two-time Grammy winner, Shaggy, will perform at Suburban Park during the New York State Fair.

Shaggy’s first platinum album came out in 1995, and his platinum-selling song “Boombastic” dominated the airwaves.

The song landed at No. 3 overall, marking his debut entry on the Billboard Top 100. In 2000, he released the six-time platinum-selling album “Hot Shot,” which further increased his celebrity status. The album featured two megahits, “It Wasn’t

Me” and “Angel,” which both peaked at number one in the US and received three platinum certifications.

He is among the top three most-streamed reggae artists on Spotify, among icons like Bob Marley and Sean Paul, and captivates listeners all over the world with his distinctive fusion of dancehall and reggae.

Admission to the New York State Fair will go on sale later this summer, and the fee includes all shows.

Soca Superstar Kees of Kes the Band Makes History as the First Soca Artist to Sell Out Two SummerStage Shows · May 22 – Guyana - Stinging Nettles · May 24 – Orlando, FL – Soca Fest · June 26 – St. Kitts – St Kitts Music Festival · June 28 – Baltimore MD – Pier Six Pavillion · July 3 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavillion

Photo credit: Karston “Skinny” Tannis

New York, NY – Internationally celebrated soca artist Kees Dieffenthaller, frontman of Kes the Band, has made history once again—this time as the first soca performer to sell out two SummerStage concerts at Central Park within hours of going on sale. Set for July 5 and July 6, 2025, these back-to-back sold-out shows mark a groundbreaking moment not only for Kees but for the entire Caribbean music scene.

This will be Kes’ second appearance at SummerStage, following a sensational 2024 debut where his single show sold out within hours, leaving thousands of fans clamoring for more. This year’s double booking is a testament to his soaring popularity and growing global impact.

Coming off a record-breaking run, Kees’ chart-topping single Cocoa Tea continues to dominate streaming platforms worldwide, while his electrifying IzWe Festival: Trinidad Carnival Edition earlier this year drew massive crowds and united cultures through rhythm and revelry.

The band’s international reach has also expanded significantly, with two sold-out shows in Montreal during their 2024 tour in Canada, proving that the love for soca knows no borders.

As Kes the Band celebrates 20 years in the music industry this year, they continue to lead the charge for soca on the world

stage—waving the red, white, and black of Trinidad and Tobago with pride and purpose.

“We’ve always believed in the power of soca to bring people together,” said Kees.

“To see that vision unfold not just in Trinidad, but in New York, Canada, and beyond—it’s deeply humbling. This moment belongs to all of us.”

Presented by Capital One, SummerStage is renowned for spotlighting dynamic talent from across the globe. Kes’ backto-back sold out shows not only showcase his unmatched showmanship but also reflect a larger cultural shift, as Caribbean music takes its rightful place in the global spotlight.

If you missed Kes the Band tickets for Central Park SummerStage you can catch Kes the Band live at: · April 20 – Tobago - Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival · April 27 – Kingston, Jamaica - GenXs Road March · April 30 – St Thomas UVI - St. Thomas Carnival Village · May 4 – Trinidad – Bedrock All Inclusive · May 9 – Cayman Islands – Festival Green · May 18 – St Pauls Bay, Malta - Ibiza Soca Festival

·

July 5 - New York, NY - SummerStage

Central Park · July 6 – New York, NY - SummerStage Central Park · July 18 – Saint Lucia - Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium · July 26 – Toronto, Canada – IZWE · July 30 – St Michaels – Rise Barbados · August 9 - Santa Elena, Belize - Belize International Music and Food Festival

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

Emirates Airlines Service from UAE to Montego Bay The impending start of Emirates Airlines’ service between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jamaica, via Germany, has been heralded by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett as a “transformative milestone” for the nation’s tourist and economic sectors.

To provide a weekly scheduled aircraft service from Dubai to Montego Bay, with a stop in Frankfurt, Germany, Emirates has applied for a plane license.

Condor Flugdienst has a codeshare arrangement to operate the Frankfurt to Montego Bay section.

Bartlett highlighted the importance of this accomplishment, calling it a significant advancement for Jamaica’s tourist industry worldwide.

Bartlett noted in an interview with a local newspaper, “The commencement of this flight in April is a signatory achievement and it makes the point that Jamaica continues to expand its marketing footprints across the global space.”

“This indeed is a major mega achievement for Jamaica’s tourism,” he stated.

By pointing out that Emirates’ presence in Jamaica may lead to a variety of commercial possibilities around the region, the minister emphasized the wider economic effect.

The tourism minister explained, “Now we can talk about hubbing for the Caribbean, now we can talk about multi-destination tourism in a big way; and now we can certainly talk about how the supply side of tourism can be strengthened because Emirates flying to Jamaica will open up other opportunities for trade, for agricultural and manufactured goods to enter into the markets in the Middle East and elsewhere.”

Bartlett stressed that the benefits extend beyond tourism, providing opportunities for Jamaican manufacturers, agricultural producers, and entertainers to access new markets.

The minister credited years of strategic discussions for the achievement, recalling

talks with Emirates executives dating back to 2021.

“It began with the wider concept of opening the markets of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation

Council) countries, the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area and of course India through the Dubai gateway,” he said.

“As early as 2021, I met with the chairman of Emirates, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and his team, along with my team, and we started working with the NATA (North Atlantic Tourism Association) and other travel partners in the area to build out an arrangement that would allow for Emirates to fly to Jamaica as the opening up of the Caribbean link with the richest market of the world today,” he added.

Bartlett expressed gratitude to his team, including Donovan White, Delano Seiveright, and John Lynch, for their efforts in bringing the plan to fruition and ensuring the longterm success of Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, is based in Dubai and operates a network spanning over 150 destinations.

Sun, Savings, and Solidarity: Why Travelers Are Snubbing the U.S. in 2025

by Mell P

“Why pay in USD when pesos go further in Mexico?”

Forget Florida this spring—Canadians are crossing America off their vacation lists in droves, and airlines are scrambling to keep up. What started as quiet grumbling about weak exchange rates and Trump’s “annexation” jokes has exploded into a full-blown travel boycott, with flight schedules slashed and border crossings plummeting.

But here’s the twist: Canada’s just the tip of the iceberg. From Amsterdam to London, travelers are giving the U.S. the cold shoulder—and the tourism industry is sweating.

The Canadian Snowball Effect By the Numbers: - 70% drop in Canadian advance flight bookings to the U.S. (y/y) - 300,000 fewer road trips across the border in February 2025 (a 13% nosedive) - 25% of flights axed by a budget Canadian airline (cough, Flair) and 7% fewer seats on major carriers like WestJet

Europe’s “Hard Pass” It’s not just Canadians voting with their wallets. Europeans are also rethinking Stateside trips, with: - 15% fewer hotel bookings by EU travelers - Updated travel advisories from 7+ countries warning LGBTQ+ travelers about border risks - Airlines quietly boosting transatlantic flights to anywhere but America (think: Caribbean all-inclusives) “Between detention horror stories and weak exchange rates, the math just doesn’t math,” admits a Brussels-based travel agent.

The Domino Effect With Canadians making up 28% of foreign visitors (and Europeans another 25%), the U.S. travel sector’s $52B deficit could soon look like chump change. The real question? Whether Biden’s team can flip the script before: - Hotels start shuttering in Orlando and NYC - Airlines permanently reroute planes to “friendlier” skies - Local economies from Niagara Falls to Miami Beach feel the pinch The world’s travelers have options—and right now, America’s not making the cut.

Cue the resort deals in Mexico and Costa Rica.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

CARIBLIFESTYLE

19

US - 18 States File Motions Against Trump’s Plan to End TPS According to Border Report, the Trump administration’s proposal to remove temporary protected status for immigrants from Haiti and Venezuela has been challenged in a court filing by a group of 19 attorneys general, headed by New York.

Joining New York Attorney General Letitia James in filing the brief on March 25, were attorneys general from the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The recent motion filed in the federal court in Massachusetts stated, “The public interest will be harmed if Haitian and Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries are stripped of legal status.”

The Department of Homeland Security this week said it will revoke legal protections for hundreds of thousands

of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, setting them up for potential deportation in about a month. The order applies to about 532,000 people from the four countries who came to the United States since October 2022.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that 350,000 Venezuelans who had previously received an extension of these protections under the Biden administration would have their temporary protected status (TPS) lifted in April, allowing them to live and work in the United States for 18 months. This announcement prompted a lawsuit against the Trump administration from several Haitians and Venezuelans, of our communities, our culture, and our economy.”

“Stripping these individuals of their legal status will not make our communities safer or stronger, it will only put immigrants and their families in harm’s way. I urge the court to block this unlawful action and

uphold these potentially life-saving legal protections,” James added.

James claims that neither Haiti nor Venezuela is a safe place for these individuals to go back to, and that if they stay in the US, they won’t be able to work legally and may suffer, which might also have an adverse effect on communities.

“The States can speak to the irreparable harm the termination and vacatur of TPS designations in this case will inflict on the States and their residents. Unless post

poned, this agency action will fracture the States’ communities and schools, damage their economies, deplete their workforces, and compromise public health and public safety within the States,” the motion claimed.According to James, there are more than 56,000 TPS holders in New York, including 5,400 Haitian residents in the city. TPS households in New York made $2.3 billion in 2023 and paid more than $348 million in federal taxes.

Rubio - Law-Abiding Permanent Residents, Visa Holders “Will Be Fine”

United States (US) Secretary of State, Hon. Marco Rubio, says his country will continue to enforce its immigration rules, assuring that law-abiding permanent residents or visa holders have nothing to fear.

He said that over the last few years, approximately 15 million people entered the US unlawfully and irregularly.

“If tomorrow Jamaica announced that anybody who wants to come can come in, you’re going to get a lot of people too and it’s going to be very disruptive. So, we need to have immigration laws and we need to enforce them, and that’s what the President is doing,” he noted.

The US Secretary of State was responding to a question posed during a press conference following bilateral talks with Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Hol-

ness, at the Office of the Prime Minister in St. Andrew on March 26.

He noted that Jamaica is not a major source of illegal migration. “It’s not even in the top 10 or top 20 for that matter, I don’t think,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio warned that severe measures will be imposed on individuals who abuse their visa status or engage in violent activities.

“If you’re a green card holder, you’re legally in the United States unless… you’re some student visa holder who is a sympathiser of some terrorist organisation and is running around in our streets like a lunatic, burning down buildings and attacking students at universities,” he said.

He said that the US will not allow certain categories of individuals to stay in the country.

“If you had told us, I’m going to America, not just to study at your university but to tear up your campus, we would have never let you in, and if you do that once you come into the United States, we’re going to kick you out,” he warned.

“If you’re one of these violent gang members that’s coming to the United States, then we’re going to kick you out. The President’s very committed to that, but if you’re a green card holder and you’re not any of these things, you’re going to be fine,” he said. (JIS)

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20

CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 2025

Final Round of 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers Kicks Off MIAMI – The Final Round of the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers will kick off with the opening matches in Groups A and C on Monday as 12 nationals teams compete for the four available spots in the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025.

Group A matches are set to take place in Mexico, while Trinidad and Tobago will host Group C. Haiti vs. Costa Rica The first match of the day will see Haiti and Costa Rica meet in Group A in at Sede de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol in Toluca, Mexico.

Haiti qualified directly to the decisive stage of the Qualifiers as one of the four top-ranked teams that received a bye to the Final Round and are in search of a historic first-ever qualification to a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Les Grenadières will aim to replicate their form in the 2024 Qualifiers in which the team impressed throughout the campaign and reached the semifinals.

Costa Rica secured its spot in the Final Round after finishing first in Group A in Round One

with a perfect record of two wins. Las Ticas have a long history in this category, winning a silver medal at the 2008 edition and finishing in fourth place as hosts in 2010. Costa Rica also has U-17 World Cup experience, qualifying in 2008 and 2014 as hosts.

El Salvador vs. Honduras El Salvador and Honduras will open Group C at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.

El Salvador will make a fifth appearance in the Final Round after finishing as leaders in Group D in Round One, winning all three matches in the process. La Selecta is in search of qualifying for a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Honduras, meanwhile, topped Group B unbeaten with three wins and will feature in the Final Round for a second time.

Mexico vs. Bermuda Mexico will host Bermuda in Group A at Sede de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol in Toluca, Mexico.

Mexico advanced directly to the Final Round

the decisive stage of the Qualifiers as one of the two Round One best second-place finishers.

as one of the four top-ranked pre-seeded sides.

Mexico previously won the title once and will be in search of advancing to its eighth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Bermuda, meanwhile, will be kicking off its third appearance in the Final Round in search of advancing to the World Cup for the first time. The Caribbean nation secured its spot in

United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago United States and Trinidad and Tobago will close out the matchday with Group C action at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.

USA will begin its campaign in the Final Round after securing its place as one of the four top-ranked teams that received a Round One bye. The Stars and Stripes are the current titleholders after securing the crown in 2024 and claimed the title in six of the past eight editions. USA will aim to advance to the U-17 Women’s World Cup for a seventh time, with the team most recently finishing third at the 2024 edition.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, will make a fifth appearance in the Final Round after securing its berth as one of the two Round One best second-place finishers. The Soca Warriors will aim to return to the U-17 Women’s World Cup after making its historic debut in the competition in 2010.

Olympic Medallists to Clash in Eugene All six medallists from the Paris Olympics women’s 800m and long jump have been announced for the Prefontaine Classic – a Wanda Diamond League meeting – in Eugene on 5 July.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson will go up against Tsige Duguma and Mary Moraa in the 800m, while Olympic gold medallist Tara Davis-Woodhall will clash with Malaika Mihambo and Jasmine Moore in the long jump.

Great Britain’s Hodgkinson and Kenya’s Moraa are both two-time Diamond League champi-

ons. Two-time world silver medallist Hodgkinson claimed her Diamond League titles in 2021 and 2023, the latter in Eugene, while world champion Moraa secured her series crowns in 2022 and 2024. In 2024 they claimed the top two spots at the Prefontaine Classic.

They will renew their rivalry at Hayward Field in July, when they will be joined by Duguma, the Olympic silver medallist and 2024 world indoor champion.

USA’s Davis-Woodhall secured her first Diamond League meeting win in Rome last year,

three weeks after becoming the Olympic long jump champion.

Germany’s Mihambo, the two-time world champion, will be hoping to work towards a second Diamond League trophy this season, to go with the title she claimed in 2019, while USA’s Moore will want to make another statement following her double medal success in the long jump and triple jump in Paris. Last year Moore qualified for the Diamond League final in Brussels in both disciplines.