March 8, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2106 WEEK OF MARCH 8 - 14, 2023 HAITI

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Leaders agreed on additional involvement in the task of bringing cessation of violence and cessation to Haiti

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NEW YORK

REP. CLARKE COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING

Request for funding opens until March 17 Page 13

GUYANA

INCREASE IN DRUG SMUGGLING Concerns the government. Alarmed at amount, variety and method of transportation

Page 3 NEW YORK CITY

$5 MILLION A DAY FOR MIGRANTS

Housing and feeding migrants sent to New York from other states

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

TO PUBLISH SEX OFFENDERS LIST Via an online sex offenders registry

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH WOMEN IN THE NEWS

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A&E

RIHANNA/PUMA COLLABORATION

Longtime Fenty/Puma partnership re-established

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MEMBER, NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (NNPA) BLACK PRESS OF AMERICA GATEWAY TO 20 MILLION READERS WEEKLY

Paula Madison

Letitia James

Hon. Juliet Holness

Ingrid Lewis-Martin

Named to prestigious Board of the Television Award Foundation

New York State Attorney General proposes rules to protect against price gouging

Jamaica's First Lady to deliver keynote address at women's conference at Hofstra University

Key advisor to Mayor Adams honored

by New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislators, Inc.

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CaribNews OPED Addressing the Issues Around Public Safety and Policing

by Congressman James E. Clyburn -P9

OPED The State of Women in the Environment

by Renee Hastick-Motes, MPA - P 9

HEALTH Jamaica – Introduction of Electronic Health Records - P 17

SPORTS Cricket West Indies (CWI) and MatchWornShirt Launch New Partnership - P 20

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

AFRICA DR Congo: Guterres urges M23 rebels to respect Tuesday ceasefire agreement The UN Secretary-General has urged leaders of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to respect a ceasefire agreement due to come into effect on Tuesday.

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, António Guterres welcomed the international and regional efforts which took place last week, led by the President of Angola and African Union (AU) Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, João Lourenço, with the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23).

Eastern DRC is home to multiple armed groups, including the rebel M23 force, which has been fighting a major campaign against Government troops in recent months, supported by the UN mission there, known by its French acronym MONUSCO, which puts the protection-of-civilians at the centre of its mandate.

Years of violent unrest Hundreds of civilians have been killed during years of violence at the hands of armed groups, including women and children. More than 600,000 have reportedly been displaced in eastern North Kivu, amidst a territorial advance in recent months by M23 and other groups.

According to news reports, the European Union announced on Saturday that it would set up a “humanitarian aid bridge” to deliver aid to eastern DRC. South Sudan faces ‘make or break’ year on road to lasting peace

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South Sudan sits at a critical crossroad, with swift action needed to quell chronic intercommunal clashes, ramp up assistance to ever more communities in need, and advance progress towards a durable peace, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Monday.

“We see 2023 as a ‘make or break’ year and as a test for all parties on the peace agreement,”said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Briefing the Council on the UN Secretary-General’s latest report on South Sudan, he offered a priority action plan for the critical phase of implementing the nation’s milestone 2018 peace agreement designed to end a devastating civil war.

He also shared progress and reflections during the reporting period of 1 December to 15 February, which saw escalating humanitarian needs amid violence, displacement, hunger, climate shocks, and public health.

‘Stark choice’ “The leadership of South Sudan is now facing a stark choice,” he said. “They can embark upon a path of mutual cooperation and reconciliation in the urgent implementation of their peace agreement, or they can take a low road which privileges self-interest and conflict over nation building.”

Reporting limited progress in implementing the agreement and its road map to peace...

WORLD BRIEFS Peru: UN experts call for end to violence during demonstrations Continuing violence against political protesters in Peru must stop, UN-appointed independent experts insisted on Monday, amid allegations of repression and arbitrary killings by State security forces.

In an appeal for “genuine dialogue” to resolve the crisis, the experts expressed deep concern about the reported repression, arbitrary killings, arrests, detention and enforced disappearances of demonstrators in Peru.

The situation stems from Congress’s removal of then president, Pedro Castillo on 7 December, after he was accused of trying to dissolve it.

Mr. Castillo remains in pre-trial detention on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. He was replaced by Mrs. Dina Boluarte, who was sworn in as the next president.

Democratic ‘credibility crisis’ “People have the right to protest and raise their concerns about political changes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” the experts said, before warning that Peru’s democracy was “facing a credibility crisis”.

More than 850,000 Syrian, Turkish children displaced by earthquakes One month on from the two catastrophic earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria, more than 850,000 children remain displaced after being forced from their damaged or destroyed homes amid millions in dire need of aid, UN agencies said.

“Families forced from their homes by the earthquakes have spent the past four weeks focused on survival, their lives on hold while aftershocks continue to rumble,” said UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Afshan Khan.

She said it is now critical “to do all we can to help families begin to rebuild their lives, providing children with psychosocial support, getting them back into learning as soon as possible, and providing some stability amid the chaos.”

At the same time, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reported on Monday that the situation for the 356,000 pregnant women in earthquake-affected areas remains critical, especially the estimated 38,800 who are expected to deliver in the coming weeks.

Hundreds of hospitals and clinics are either damaged or destroyed, and thousands of women and girls are living in over-crowded, makeshift camps exposed to freezing temperatures, UNFPA said, adding that urgent funding is key to keeping thousands healthy during their pregnancy, to help to deliver their babies safely, and to protect women and girls vulnerable to gender-based violence.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Haiti – Needs the World’s Attention Urgently Says PM Holness

Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their dedication to resolving the problems impacting Haiti in the long run.

The authorities in charge of Haiti gathered yesterday under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, to hear a report from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who led a trip to the nation on February 27.

The team spoke with a wide spectrum of Haitian stakeholders to get their opinions on what might be done to find a long-term solution to the nation’s difficulties, according to a statement from the CARICOM Secretariat.

The statement noted, “The Leaders agreed that there must be a follow-up meeting with the stakeholders to chart a path to consensus building in order to bring peace and stability to the country.”

CARICOM made the decision to support the Haitian National Police’s efforts to address the security challenges for the time being. The Community will place a specific priority on offering training to the HNP as well as humanitarian help to the HNP and the greater Haitian people in light of the challenging humanitarian and security sittuation in Haiti.

“They also agreed to work with the Governments of Canada and the United States as well as the UNDP on the ongoing issues and, at the upcoming Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to approach both International Financial Institutions to ascertain what further assistance they could provide to Haiti.”

The leaders also want to request aid from African nations in order to resolve the problem in Haiti.

T&T - To Publish List of Sex Offenders

An official list of convicted sex offenders has been made available for the first time via an online sex offender register, as controversy about human trafficking and prostitution in Trinidad and Tobago continues to simmer.

The register, which is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and is referred to as the Trinidad and Tobago

Public Sex Offenders Website, now has the names, pictures, addresses, and specifics of the offenses of 16 males who have been found guilty of sex crimes.

Rape, grotesque sexual assault, buggery, indecent assault, sexual contact, and sex with a girl under 14 are among the offenses.

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Guyana – Concerned With Increased Drug Smuggling

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says it continues to observe “alarming cases of increased efforts” to smuggle refined narcotic drugs and other illicit items through personal consignments, such as barrels, boxes, packages, suitcases, and containers at ports of entry into the country.

In a statement, the GRA said that on March 3, the Authority’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division conducted an operation at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, and seized quantities of suspected cannabis and refined marijuana found in a passenger’s luggage on an incoming Caribbean flight.

“The passenger was arrested and has been handed over to the Customs and Narcotic Unit (CANU) for further investigations and possible prosecution,” the statement said.

The GRA said it is “once again” advising all “persons dealing in or contemplating engaging in such illegal activities to cease and desist therefrom.”

“The Revenue Authority continues its plea to the general public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities,” it said, adding “all information provided will be dealt with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act”.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

Haiti - UN Report, Modern Weapons for US Sparks Rise in Gang Violence

A new United Nations report says increasingly sophisticated and high-caliber firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into Haiti, fuelling an ongoing surge of gang violence that has plagued citizens for months.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, ‘Haiti’s criminal markets: mapping trends in firearms and drug trafficking’ – warns that a recent increase in arms seizures alongside intelligence and law enforcement reporting, suggests trafficking of weapons is on the rise.

“By providing a rapid assessment of illicit firearms and drug trafficking, this UNODC study seeks to shed light on the trafficking flows enabling gangs in Haiti and fuelling further violence in a volatile and desperate situation to help inform responses and support to the people of Haiti,” said Angela Me, chief of the UNODC Research and Trend Analysis Branch.

Gang-related violence in Haiti has reached lev-

els not seen in decades, the UN Secretary-General stated in his January report to the Security Council – compounding the severity of a cholera outbreak, increasing food insecurity, displacing thousands, and keeping children out of school.

At the same time, the UN said the incidence of homicides, kidnappings, and displacement is rising across Haiti, “which is suffering the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades.”

Authorities reported 2,183 homicides and 1,359 kidnappings in 2022, almost double the number of cases for the previous year.

The UNODC assessment shows that Haiti remains a trans-shipment country for drugs – primarily cocaine – and cannabis entering via boat or plane at public private, and informal ports, as well as clandestine runways.

“Haiti’s porous borders – including 1,771 kilometres of coastline and a 392-kilometre

land-border with the Dominican Republic – are severely challenging the capacities of the under-resourced and under-staffed national police, customs, border patrols and coast guard, who are themselves targeted by gangs,” the report says.

The assessment also provides an overview of international, regional, and national responses to date, including efforts to increase support for Haiti’s law enforcement and border management.

It also spotlights the need for comprehensive approaches encompassing investments in community policing, criminal justice reform, and anti-corruption investigations.

Last month, another UN report warned of a spike in gang attacks and “gross human rights abuses” in Haiti.

The report says “extreme violence and gross human rights abuses”, including mass incidents of murder, gang rape, and sniper attacks, have

sharply increased in Cité Soleil, on the outskirts of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

“The findings of this report are horrifying,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a visit to Haiti. “It paints a picture of how people are being harassed and terrorized by criminal gangs for months without the State being able to stop it. It can only be described as a living nightmare.”

The report says that from July 8 to December 31, 2022, gang violence resulted in 263 murders in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cité Soleil, an impoverished, densely populated commune near Port-au-Prince.

The report documents at least 57 gang rapes of women and girls, as well as kidnappings and sexual exploitation.

On one day alone, July 8, gang members murdered 95 people, including six children, one of whom was age two, the report says.

The UN human rights chief called for a

Haiti - Lawyers Fight for Man Wrongly Deported to Haiti Paul Pierrilus, who was expelled from the United States two years ago, has been attempting to make a living in a chaotic and dangerous nation where he was not born and had never resided.

While both of his parents are from Haiti, they immigrated to St. Martin in the French Caribbean, where Pierrilus was born. When he was five years old, the family emigrated to the United States without applying for citizenship in Haiti or St. Martin. He was raised in New York and speaks English.

Deported following a protracted process due to a narcotics conviction from two decades ago, Pierrilus is now in Haiti where he is unable to speak Haitian Creole, cannot find employment, and has little funds as he searches for a way out of the country’s growing instability.

Pierrilus added, “You have to be mentally strong to deal with this type of stuff.” He further noted, “A country where people get kidnapped every day. A country where people are killed. You have to be strong.”

In a neighborhood where gunshots frequently reverberate outside, the 42-yearold financial consultant spends the majority of his days confined inside a house reading self-help, business, and marketing books.

The Biden administration is stepping up deportations to Haiti despite requests from campaigners that they are temporarily suspended due to the Caribbean nation’s escalating crisis. Pierrilus’ American attorneys are currently contesting his deportation order, keeping him in limbo in terms of his legal situation.

His situation has come to represent what some campaigners see as the prejudice Haitian migrants experience within the overcrowded U.S. immigration system.

As many more continue to leave Haiti in perilous boat crossings that occasional-

ly result in mass drownings, more than 20,000 Haitians had been deported from the U.S. in the previous year.

People being deported to a place they have never lived in is exceptional, although it does happen periodically, like in Pierrilus’ case.

Jimmy Aldaoud, whose family immigrated to the United States in 1979 and who was born to Iraqi parents in a Greek refugee camp, was deported to Iraq in 2019 after accruing a number of criminal offenses.

He passed away a few months later in Iraq due to health issues and the fact that he didn’t speak the language, an instance that proponents frequently mention.

In order for them to live better lives and for him to have a better education, Pierrilus’ parents brought him to the United States.

He was found guilty of trafficking crack cocaine while he was only starting out in his 20s. Pierrilus was moved from criminal to immigration detention since he was not a citizen of the United States. Due of his paternity, he was declared to be a Haitian national and was ordered deported to Haiti.

Pierrilus was able to postpone deportation by raising many legal objections. He was allowed to be freed, given a work license, and instructed to check in with immigration officials annually since he was not regarded to be a flight risk or a danger to the community.

He afterward went on to work as a financial advisor.

His attorneys are unsure of why he was deported in February 2021 without prior notice.

His appeal has been taken up by lawyers for the Washington-based charity Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights group. “We demand that the Biden administration bring Paul home,” said Sarah Decker, the

group’s attorney.

His family did not apply for French citizenship since French St. Martin does not automatically grant it to anyone born on its soil to foreign parents. Moreover, they did not properly apply for Pierrilus’ citizenship of Haiti, which is his right.

While he may become a citizen of Haiti, according to his attorneys, he is not now a citizen of that country, has never lived there, and shouldn’t be sent to a place with such political unrest.

According to a brief general statement sent to The Associated Press by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, every government is required by international law to accept the return of its citizens who are not permitted to stay in the U.S. or any other country. No other information on Pierrilus’ case, including what evidence the U.S. government has that he is an alleged citizen of Haiti and why 13 years had elapsed before he was abruptly deported, could be released, according to an ICE spokesman.

According to the Board of Immigration Appeals, “it is not necessary for the respondent to be a citizen of Haiti for that country to be named as the country of removal.” Pierrilus’ prior attorneys’ plea to stop his deportation was rejected in 2005.

His current lawyer, Decker, disagrees with that conclusion.

According to Pierrilus, he informed immigration agents, “I’m not going anywhere,” as he was being deported. “I’m not from where you’re trying to send me.”

He said he ceased struggling after being overpowered and restrained. He remembered hearing ladies screaming and kids crying as they boarded the plane. He had the same feeling within. Pierrilus had no idea whether or when he would see his loved ones or friends again.

Someone loaned Pierrilus a mobile phone

so he could call his parents after being processed at the airport. They provided him with the details of a family friend who would let him stay with them temporarily.

He has had to pass through two more residences as a result of gang violence since that time.

With the killing of President Jovenel Mose in 2021, feuding gangs have increased their control of territory in the Haitian capital to an estimated 60%, pillaging communities and raping and slaughtering innocent people.

The United Nations issued a warning in January stating that the humanitarian situation in Haiti is at its worst in decades. In 2017, there were recorded 1,350 or more kidnappings, more than twice as many as in 2016. More than 2,100 murders were reported, a 35% increase.

Pierrilus claims to have witnessed a guy being shot in the face while driving through his neighborhood, as bullets broke the windows and left pock marks on the man’s vehicle.

He noted, “Can you imagine that? This guy is swirling around trying to flee the area. I don’t know what happened to the guy.”

He thus seldom ventures outside and bases his sense of optimism on his beliefs. After seeing a live-streamed service in April 2021 in which gangs broke into the church and abducted a pastor and three worshippers, he claims he stopped attending services.

At least once a week, Pierrilus speaks with his parents, concentrating on the developments in his situation rather than the difficulties in Haiti.

When he initially arrived in Haiti two years ago, he was hesitant to talk about his initial thoughts about the country. “I had mixed feelings,” he confessed. “I wanted to see what it looked like on my time, not under these circumstances.”

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBNEWS

NYC – Spending $5M Per Day on Migrants According to a Daily News investigation, Mayor Adams’ administration is spending an average of roughly $5 million per day to house and feed migrants despite a persistent influx of those seeking refuge at the southern border of the United States.

At a City Council meeting on Friday, Zach Iscol, the emergency management commissioner for Adams, stated that the administration spends, on average, $363 per day on lodging and food for everyone under its supervision.

Later, though, Adams spokesperson Kate Smart stated the charge is $1 higher and that it only applies to households that are requesting refuge under the city’s supervision, not to specific people.

According to Adams’ office, there are presently around 12,700 migrant households living in the city’s shelters and HERRCs. According to the $364 daily cost, it implies the city spends $4.62 million a day on average on housing and food for those 12,700 households.

“This is not sustainable,” Iscol warned of the city’s soaring, $500 million-plus migrant crisis bill.

Since thousands of predominantly Latin American asylum seekers first began arriving last spring, many of whom were escaping violence and poverty in their own countries, the city has mostly carried the financial weight of the migrant crisis alone. According to Adams’ administration, the federal government has only so far given the city funding for

migrant-related projects totaling around $8 million.

Iscol estimates that there are about 8,000 migrants living in the city’s eight HERRCs. There are currently 22,000 more migrants in shelters.

In addition to the eighth HERRC, which is located at a Brooklyn Cruise Terminal warehouse on the waterfront in Red Hook, seven other HERRCs are out of places to stay.

Iscol claims that as of the end of January, the government had spent $141 million alone on the HERRCs. First Deputy Homeless Services Commissioner Molly Park, who was present during the hearing, stated that as of the same time period, her organization had spent $313 million on migrant accommodation.

At the hearing on Friday, Adams officials argued that the city requires significantly more assistance from the federal government and Governor Hochul, adding that the administration anticipates spending up to $1.4 billion on the migrant problem this fiscal year alone.

Hochul has sent National Guard members to assist with the logistics of the migrant response and has given asylum seekers access to some legal tools.

The head of the contracts committee for Queens Council and Democrat Julie Won agreed that the city needed additional help, notably from Hochul.

She said to Iscol, “She can’t just be our governor when it’s convenient. “I agree with you that our

state partners and our federal partners need to step up.”

How much the city spends on feeding refugees was another expense concern that came up during the meeting.

The average daily expense for feeding migrants in the HERRCs is $17 per person, according to Dr. Ted Long, a key official at the city’s public hospital system, which assists in operating the HERRCs. That’s a lot more money than the city spends on feeding the homeless in shelters.

Some shelters, according to Park, only provide $6 in food per person each day.

Council members were admonished by Iscol not to make assumptions about the food price difference.

“Emergencies are going to cost more. There’s a lot of infrastructure that we need to put in place,” he remarked.

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The migrant crisis, according to Adams, has brought the city to a “breaking point,” and he has threatened to cut back on essential services if the federal government doesn’t pick up a sizable portion of the mounting tab.

Gale Brewer, a councilwoman representing Manhattan, expressed worry during the meeting regarding the administration’s efforts to obtain funding from the federal government.

She notified Iscol that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had not yet received all of the administration’s invoices for expenses incurred by migrants.

Iscol said that the administration had submitted receipts for more money than the $8 million it had already gotten from FEMA, but he would not give an exact sum.

During the session, Brewer told The News that she couldn’t understand why Adams’ staff couldn’t provide the Council a total monetary amount for the requested payments. Brewer previously handled federal reimbursement applications on behalf of the city when working in Mayor David Dinkins’ administration.

“How is the public supposed to know that you have such a need if you can’t show the receipts?” Brewer declared. “They should be submitting as much as they can. I hope they’re doing that, but I don’t know because they haven’t said.”

AG James Announces Price Gouging Rules to Protect Consumers and Small Businesses

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today proposed rules to protect consumers and small businesses from corporate profiteering. The rules would strengthen enforcement of New York’s price gouging law, which was updated in 2020 to grant the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) rulemaking authority. The proposed rules will make it more straightforward to investigate and combat price gouging by setting clear guardrails against price increases during emergencies. The proposed rules are a continuation of Attorney General James’ efforts to protect consumers and are open to a 60-day public comment period.

“Soaring costs of essentials have pushed hardworking New Yorkers to the brink and forced hard decisions around kitchen tables,” said Attorney General James. “The rules proposed by my office will bolster our efforts to crack down on price gouging and ensure that large corporations do not take advantage of New Yorkers during difficult times. When times get tough, New Yorkers can trust that my office will

always have their back.”

New York’s price gouging law bans companies throughout the supply chain from taking advantage of a market disruption to increase their profits for vital and necessary goods and services. The statute asserts that an abnormal market disruption is caused by extreme weather events, military action, energy disruptions, strikes, or national or local emergencies, or another event that leads to a declared state of emergency. In 2020, the New York State Legislature amended the law to empower OAG with rulemaking authority.

In March 2022, OAG launched the first-ever price gouging rulemaking process to gather information from consumers and industry experts on how to strengthen and clarify the state’s price gouging statute. The proposed rules announced today are informed by OAG’s decades of experience enforcing the price gouging statute and by the public comments submitted by advocates, trade groups, and economic experts. The proposed rules include actions to: Clarify that a price increase over 10 percent during an abnormal market disruption may constitute price gouging. State law asserts that when there is a “gross disparity” in prices before and after an abnormal market disruption, it may be price gouging. By stating that a 10 percent increase represents a “gross disparity,” the proposed rule makes it easier for consumers and small businesses to identify and report price gouging, deters price gouging, provides enforcers with an easily administrable standard for enforcing the price gouging statute, and is widely used by other enforcers.

Prohibit corporations with large market shares from increasing profit margins during abnormal market disruptions. The rule clarifies that

dominant companies with 30 percent market share, and companies in concentrated markets, have unfair leverage and the power to drive market-wide changes. Therefore, they cannot increase their profits during abnormal market disruptions at the expense of New Yorkers.

Create guardrails for companies that rely on dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing means prices can change depending on demand and time of day, and is favored by some companies, including ride-hailing services. Due to this pricing model, it is currently difficult to determine if a company is price gouging. This rule allows OAG to establish a benchmark by using the median price for the same good or service at the same time one week before the emergency or market disruption. This will allow for a much quicker analysis of whether illegal price gouging occurred during frequent significant weather events and emergencies that abnormally disrupt service markets that use dynamic pricing.

Include protections for products or services introduced after a market disruption. A new product or service that is created following an emergency can be considered vital and necessary, and therefore can become subject to enforcement of the price gouging statute.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, OAG received many complaints about price gouging on goods and services introduced in response to the pandemic, such as COVID-19 at-home tests and medical treatments. These products became vital and necessary after the pandemic started. Future crises also may result in price gouging on new products or services.

Provide clarification for what companies can claim as costs when setting prices. A company that raises their prices more than 10 percent

must show a record of their costs to justify the price increase. This rule details what does and does not count as a cost for purposes of an affirmative defense.

The rules announced today continue Attorney General James’ efforts to combat price gouging and protect consumers. Throughout the pandemic, during major disruptions, and ahead of declared disasters, Attorney General James has issued consumer warnings against price gouging on essential supplies. In December 2022, Attorney General James cautioned against price gouging ahead of a snowstorm that hit Western New York. In May 2022, Attorney General James issued warnings to more than 30 retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices. In April 2021, she recovered 1.2 million eggs from one of the nation’s largest egg producers, Hillandale Farms, for price gouging eggs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed rules are open to comment for a 60-day public comment period. Comments can be submitted by emailing: stopillegalprofiteering@ag.ny.gov. After reviewing public comments, the rules may be promulgated as is or may be revised upon further analysis.

This matter is being led by Special Advisor and Senior Counsel for Economic Justice Zephyr Teachout of the Division of Economic Justice with support from Jane M. Azia, Jack Figura, and Alec Webley of the Consumer Frauds & Protection Bureau, Elinor R. Hoffmann, Tal Elmatad, and Michael Jo of the Antitrust Bureau, and Ester Murdukhayeva of the Division of Appeals and Opinions. The Division of Economic Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

Con Edison Finalizes Sale of One of Its Largest Clean Energy Businesses

NEW YORK - Consolidated Edison, Inc. has successfully completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc. (the “Clean Energy Businesses”), including the transfer of substantially all of its assets, to RWE Renewables Americas, LLC. The transac-

tion is valued at $6.8 billion.

“Con Edison’s focus is on New York,” said Timothy P. Cawley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Con Edison, Inc. “We are leading the transition to a clean energy future, while maintaining a safe, cost-effective system that delivers world class reliability for our customers.”

Con Edison continues to make significant investments in clean energy transmission projects, building electrification, energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure, battery storage and other technologies. In addition, Con Edison wants to invest in and operate renewable generation in New York.

“To help New York reach its ambitious clean energy goals, we continue to seek state approval of utility-owned renewable generation to benefit our customers and all New Yorkers,” Cawley added.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are intended to qualify for the safe-harbor provisions

of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations and not facts. Words such as “forecasts,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “will,” “target,” “guidance,” “potential,” “consider” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements reflect information available and assumptions at the time the statements are made, and accordingly speak only as of that time.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $16 billion in annual revenues and $69 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), a regulated utility providing electric service

in New York City and New York’s Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile-area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and through its subsidiaries invests in electric transmission projects supporting its parent company’s effort to transition to clean, renewable energy. Con Edison Transmission manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.

T&T Opposition Welcomes Trafficking Probe Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has welcomed the police investigation into human trafficking allegations which both she and Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley have leveled at members of each other’s party.

And she has called for all those who have pointed fingers to assist with the probe and even called for the prime minister to be the first to be interviewed.

“I call on everyone who’s making allegations to now provide documented evidence to the TTPS [Trinidad and Tobago Police Service] to support the allegations they’ve made. The time for hearsay and mauvais langue is over,” she said in a statement issued on Thursday, a day after Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher announced that she had appointed a special team of officers to investigate allegations that senior government officials were involved in human trafficking.

The matter being investigated stems from the United States July 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report which stated that the twinisland republic remained on the Tier 2 Watchlist partly because it did not take action against senior government officials alleged in 2020 to be involved in human trafficking.

While Rowley said those officials were members of the United National Congress (UNC), the opposition pointed fingers at the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM).

Persad-Bissessar said she condemns human trafficking as “a vile scourge and evil in our society and all those who enable it should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.

“In this regard, the UNC welcomes the investigation announced by the commis-

sioner of police and the TTPS into human trafficking by ‘senior government officials as identified in the US reports. Hopefully, the Counter-Trafficking Unit, which was formed in 2013 by my UNC government, can contribute to this investigation,” she said.

However, she said she was puzzled why this investigation was only being started, given that ever since ‘senior government officials were identified by the US State Department as being involved in human trafficking, the UNC has sought to get answers in the Parliament on what was being done about this.

“The Rowley government sat on its hands and did nothing. Its inaction caused Trinidad and Tobago to be disgracefully downgraded to the international Tier 2 Watch List for human trafficking,” she said, adding that when the matter was brought up in Parliament last Friday, Rowley “attempted a grand distraction by pointing fingers scandalously and maintaining that he wasn’t responsible for taking the required action”.

“We need the factual basis of the information he supplied last Friday.”

Persad-Bissessar also called on the TTPS to investigate whether advertising in the daily newspapers via ads for escort and other personal services might amount to enabling human trafficking.

“It’s amazing that some media continue to pontificate against human trafficking at the front of their newspapers, whilst in the back in their classified ads section, they may be actively enabling human trafficking,” she said.

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NYC – NYPD Has to Be Held Accountable

On March 1, participants in the NYC Council: NYPD Must Be Held Responsible hearing examined the goals and procedures of the Strategic Response Group of the New York Police Department (NYPD SRG).

The SRG, a division of the NYPD Special Operations Division, reacts to “responds to citywide mobilizations, civil disorders, and major events with highly trained personnel and specialized equipment,” as stated on the agency website.

The unit’s officers are also dispatched to places where there should be more police presence.

The unit’s initial goal was to fight terrorism, hence this is in conflict with that goal. Many Council members, including NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, voiced their unhappiness with the agency’s absence during his opening remarks.

Williams remarked, “I do think just being present, even if it was to read the statement that was submitted, would have shown some respect to the process and to having this conversation in a public forum.”

After that, he talked about some of his encounters with the group during demonstrations including SRG, Occupy Wall Street, and the George Floyd protests in 2020.

He continued, “The SRG beat protestors with batons; sprayed crowds with pepper spray; rammed into protestors on their bikes; entrapped protestors using barriers such as shields, bikes, and metal gates with no way for people to escape (a tactic known as “kettling”); and blasted crowds with noise cannons.”

226 of the 321 protest complaints that were received, according to page 6 of the report, were

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looked into. The Board made evidence-based decisions about 88 of the complaints of misconduct out of those that were looked at.

Jonathan Darche, the executive director of the CCRB, and interim CCRB chair Arva Rice also attended the hearing. The NYPD “continues deviating from CCRB recommendations,” Rice said as a major conclusion from their evidence.

21 Council Members, including Jennifer Gutierrez, Shahana Hanif, Sandy Nurse, Chi Osse, Tiffany Caban, and Althea Stevens, published a letter in support of dissolving the SRG on January 20 of this year in light of the information that has emerged since then.

The members shared, “The SRG’s brutality, bias, and lack of transparency makes the SRG a threat to the safety and First Amendment rights of New Yorkers. We must combat that threat by disbanding the unit, reinvesting its bloated budget into resources and care for communities, and ensuring that the unit and its harmful tactics are not recreated under another name.”

This attitude was mirrored by a number of activists and advocacy organizations in a statement issued by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).

“City lawmakers must disband the SRG and its funds should be reinvested to serve, and not harm New Yorkers,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “Militarized police forces do not belong in our streets.”

Another viewpoint was provided by Eric Vassell, a member of the Justice Committee and the father of Saheed Vassell, a New Yorker who was slain on April 4, 2014, by the NYPD. “Rather than continuing to pour tens of millions of dollars into the SRG, this dangerous unit must be disbanded and those funds must be invested in services like quality mental healthcare that our communities need and deserve,” explained Vassell.

According to Lori Zeno, executive director of Queens Defenders, funds for the SRG should be transferred to projects that, “address the needs of clients targeted by our criminal legal system including mental health and substance use treatment, access to safe and affordable housing, education and job training, and meaningful diversion programs.” Lieberman and Vassell shared this sentiment.

Frantzy Luzincourt, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Strategy for Black Lives, echoed these sentiments when she said, “We need to immediately disband the SRG and prioritize investing in our communities and developing non-carceral solutions to public safety instead of relying on the same violent strategies that have continuously harmed communities.

Especially those that are Black, people of color, and low-income communities. Enough is enough and we must do better!”

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Haiti - Caricom Leaders Plan Further Action in Report Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have resolved to continue efforts to encourage dialogue among Haitian stakeholders and to support efforts at finding solutions to the multi-dimensional crisis facing the country.

The Heads of Government with responsibility for Haiti met on Sunday 5 March under the chairmanship of the Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Chair of CARICOM. They received a report from the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honour-

able Andrew Holness, who led a one-day CARICOM Special Mission to Haiti on 27 February.

The mission met with a broad range of Haitian stakeholders to hear their views on the way forward to a Haitian-led solution and demonstrate CARICOM solidarity with Haiti. The Leaders agreed that there must be a follow-up meeting with the stakeholders to chart a path to consensus building in order to bring peace and stability to the country.

The Heads of Government agreed to support the Haitian National Police in their efforts to

address the security situation. The focus of the Community will be the provision of training for the HNP and the provision of humanitarian assistance to HNP and the wider Haitian society, taking into account the challenging humanitarian and security situation in Haiti.

In acknowledgement of the common historical experiences and the strong African-Caribbean relationship, Heads of Government also agreed to seek support from African countries for Haiti. They also agreed to work with the Governments of Canada and the United States

as well as the UNDP on the ongoing issues and, at the upcoming Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to approach both International Financial Institutions to ascertain what further assistance they could provide to Haiti.

They commended Prime Minister Holness and the CARICOM delegation for their efforts in Haiti and welcomed the comprehensive report which was provided on the mission.

Surge in Gun Trafficking Fuels Spike In Gang Violence Increasingly sophisticated and high-calibre firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into Haiti, fuelling an ongoing surge of gang violence that has plagued residents for months, according to a new UN assessment released on Thursday.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Haiti’s criminal markets: mapping trends in firearms and drug trafficking, warns that a recent increase in arms seizures alongside intelligence and law enforcement reporting, suggests trafficking of weapons is on the rise.

‘Volatile situation’ “By providing a rapid assessment of illicit fire-

arms and drug trafficking, this UNODC study seeks to shed light on the trafficking flows enabling gangs in Haiti and fuelling further violence in a volatile and desperate situation to help inform responses and support to the people of Haiti,” said Angela Me, Chief of the UNODC Research and Trend Analysis Branch.

Gang violence fuelling cholera Gang-related violence in Haiti has reached levels not seen in decades, the UN Secretary-General stated in his January report to the Security Council - compounding the severity of a cholera outbreak, increasing food insecurity, displacing thousands, and keeping children out of school.

At the same time, the incidence of homicides, kidnappings, and displacement is rising across Haiti, which is suffering the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades.

Authorities reported 2,183 homicides and 1,359 kidnappings in 2022, almost double the number of cases for the previous year.

Porous borders As the UNODC assessment has shown, Haiti remains a trans-shipment country for drugs primarily cocaine - and cannabis entering via boat or plane at public, private, and informal ports, as well as clandestine runways.

Haiti’s porous borders – including 1,771 kilometres of coastline and a 392-kilometre

land border with the Dominican Republic – are severely challenging the capacities of the under-resourced and under-staffed national police, customs, border patrols and coast guard, who are themselves targeted by gangs, UNODC said.

The assessment also provides an overview of international, regional, and national responses to date, including efforts to increase support to Haiti’s law enforcement and border management.

It also spotlights the need for comprehensive approaches encompassing investments in community policing, criminal justice reform, and anti-corruption investigations.

UN Report, Modern Weapons for US Sparks Rise in Gang Violence A new United Nations report says increasingly sophisticated and high-caliber firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into Haiti, fuelling an ongoing surge of gang violence that has plagued citizens for months.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, ‘Haiti’s criminal markets: mapping trends in firearms and drug trafficking’ – warns that a recent increase in arms seizures alongside intelligence and law enforcement reporting, suggests trafficking of weapons is on the rise.

“By providing a rapid assessment of illicit firearms and drug trafficking, this UNODC study seeks to shed light on the trafficking flows enabling gangs in Haiti and fuelling further violence in a volatile and desperate situation to help inform responses and support to the people of Haiti,” said Angela Me, chief of the UNODC Research and Trend Analysis Branch.

Gang-related violence in Haiti has reached levels not seen in decades, the UN Secretary-General stated in his January report to the Security Council – compounding the severity of a cholera outbreak, increasing food insecurity, displacing thousands, and keeping children out of school.

At the same time, the UN said the incidence of

homicides, kidnappings, and displacement is rising across Haiti, “which is suffering the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades.”

Authorities reported 2,183 homicides and 1,359 kidnappings in 2022, almost double the number of cases for the previous year.

The UNODC assessment shows that Haiti remains a trans-shipment country for drugs – primarily cocaine – and cannabis entering via boat or plane at public private, and informal ports, as well as clandestine runways.

“Haiti’s porous borders – including 1,771 kilometres of coastline and a 392-kilometre land-border with the Dominican Republic – are severely challenging the capacities of the under-resourced and under-staffed national police, customs, border patrols and coast guard, who are themselves targeted by gangs,” the report says.

The assessment also provides an overview of international, regional, and national responses to date, including efforts to increase support for Haiti’s law enforcement and border management.

It also spotlights the need for comprehensive approaches encompassing investments in community policing, criminal justice reform, and

anti-corruption investigations.

Last month, another UN report warned of a spike in gang attacks and “gross human rights abuses” in Haiti.

The report says “extreme violence and gross human rights abuses”, including mass incidents of murder, gang rape, and sniper attacks, have sharply increased in Cité Soleil, on the outskirts of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

“The findings of this report are horrifying,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a visit to Haiti. “It paints a picture of how people are being harassed and terrorized by criminal gangs for months without the State being able to stop it. It can only be described as a living nightmare.”

The report says that from July 8 to December 31, 2022, gang violence resulted in 263 murders in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cité Soleil, an impoverished, densely populated commune near Port-au-Prince.

The report documents at least 57 gang rapes of women and girls, as well as kidnappings and sexual exploitation.

On one day alone, July 8, gang members murdered 95 people, including six children, one of whom was age two, the report says.

The UN human rights chief called for a

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strengthening of the security forces and the judicial system.

“All perpetrators and those providing support and finance to the gangs must be prosecuted and tried according to rule of law, and all victims recognized and their rights to truth, justice, and reparations must be fulfilled”, he said.

Türk also called on the international community to “urgently consider the deployment of a time-bound specialised support force under conditions that conform with international human rights laws and norms, with a comprehensive and precise action plan.”

He said this must be accompanied by “rapid and sustainable re-establishment” of State institutions in gang-free zones.

In addition, Türk said “a profound reform” of the judicial and penitentiary system in Haiti is needed.

“The sanctions regime is an important first step,” he said. “It needs to be accompanied by bringing perpetrators to justice in Haiti.”

The UN said recent political and humanitarian crises in Haiti have left almost five million people – half the country’s population – facing acute hunger.

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

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBOPINION

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Addressing the Issues Around Public Safety and Policing

by Congressman James E. Clyburn

Following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in 2020 at the hands of law enforcement—two in a long line of avoidable tragedies—Democrats reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that law enforcement truly protect the communities they serve.

House Democrats passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to prevent police misconduct by improving law enforcement practices and enhancing accountability. Regrettably, the bill stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition. Since taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden has restricted the transfer of military equipment to police departments and directed federal law enforcement agencies to end the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants.

Now a renewed call for action has emerged as the country mourns the violent death of Tyre Nichols, yet another unarmed Black citizen murdered by police. It has become undeniable that the culture of policing must improve.

To reform this violent culture, we must enact public safety reforms that address the lack of accountability and transparency in policing while increasing the standards for those who wear the badge.

Our communities deserve meaningful change in how they are policed, and increased accountability will further that goal. It is unconscionable that a police officer can be fired from their local department for misconduct only to find employment in another department without consequence. Lawyers, doctors, public school teachers, and nearly all other professionals face accountability.

Police officers have a sacred responsibility to protect the public—they should certainly not be immune from it.

Increased accountability goes hand in hand with increased transparency. Police department data, information, and policies should be made available to the

communities they serve. There are more than 18,000 local police departments in the United States. However, there is no national requirement for collecting and sharing use-of-force data. Nor is there a nationwide database or registry that tracks problematic officers, preventing those who have been fired from moving on to another jurisdiction without accountability. The lack of transparency erodes public trust and allows dangerous actors to patrol our streets.

Increasing the professional standards for those who serve involves setting national practices and instituting mandatory trainings to ensure officers have the communication and de-escalation skills they need to better connect with their communities and prevent the deadly escalation of force. Training officers in these areas would improve police conduct and help officers better serve their communities.

In his January 7, 2023, State of the Union Address, President Biden urged us to “rise to this moment. We can’t turn away.

Let’s do what we know in our hearts we need to do. Let’s come together to finish

the job on police reform.” It is time for us to enact the reforms necessary to save lives. I call on our colleagues across the aisle to join in this critical effort.

To those who have lost loved ones to police violence, know this: just because you’re not in the headlines doesn’t mean you’re absent from our hearts and minds. South Carolina remembers Walter Scott, who was shot in the back and killed by a North Charleston police officer the morning of April 4, 2015. His brother, Anthony Scott, was my guest for this year’s State of the Union Address.

Together, we heard President Biden’s call for action, and I can assure you that I will do all within my power to answer that call.

2nd Chronicles 15:7 urges, “be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” The road to achieving police reform may be long, but we must not tire. Instead, we must press on in honor of those we have lost and to prevent more Black men and women from falling victim to the same fate.

The State of Women in the Environment

by Renee Hastick-Motes, MPA

Throughout our history, women of every cultural and ethnic background have been trailblazers exemplifying strength, tenacity, and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Women have served as leaders in the forefront of every progressive and social movement that has touched our lives while at the same time maintaining their traditional roles as nurturers, gatekeepers and a comforting light to all humanity. These unique abilities are the essence of their being and women’s history month gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions that women have made, salute those upon whose shoulders we stand, and re-com-

mit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done to ensure that women participate equally in society.

This month, as we embrace our fellow sisters and encourage them to continue making their mark, we will hear countless stories about phenomenal women who have shaped our history, and have the opportunity to share the excitement about how we as women have evolved into this fierce empire. No longer are we having conversations about women voting rights but we are witnessing the power of women and seeing them in places our ancestors would have never imagined.

However, in order for us to have a sustainable trajectory for women, we have to ensure we stay the course with bold actions that will change policies and accelerate our progress. Challenges are inevitable but opportunities will arise for women to play a major role as consumers.

The contributions women have made and continue to make in various sectors is evidence that change is on the

horizon.

President Biden’s 2023 proclamation states “when opportunities for women are withheld, we all suffer; and when women’s lives are improved, we all gain”.

Guided by these words, I encourage you to take the time to learn about the lives, victories and challenges of women globally, while also telling your story and teaching your lessons learned.

The state of women today is a beautiful canvas that portrays hope. We have historically spoken our beliefs, authentically created a graceful articulation of our vision, courageously shaped our trajectory, and we will continue to shift the diversity and inclusion agenda.

There are still many battles to fight, such as the right to gender pay equality. It is no secret that women make a fraction of the dollar compared to men in the workplace. closing the gender pay gap is monumental and will significantly benefit the economical ecosystem of our country. It is a fight that we must win.

As we continue to make our mark, filling spaces for our little girls, must

be an on-going commitment extending beyond women’s history month. Many girls and young women growing up are struggling with issues of independence and self-esteem and are looking to us as mentors.

We need to support them, guide them and inspire them but also teach them that history is made every day and they have a place in it.

Let us use Women’s History Month to applaud women all over the world who have made tremendous contributions to our society and broken glass ceilings.

Let us lift up those who need our help, and continue to dismantle systems that are not equitable. Where we were was necessary, where we are today is rejuvenating and where we are going has endless possibilities.

Happy Women’s History Month! - tell your story, celebrate one another, forge forward, and continue advancing the rights for all women so our young girls can continue to see hope.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

Four Jamaican Women Can Argue Before the US Supreme Court

Four of the 13 black women in Florida who were sworn in last week to represent matters before the US Supreme Court have made history. They are from Jamaica.

Together with Maxine Williams, a magistrate, and Allison Smith, an attorney at law, the Jamaicans also include judges Maxine Cheeman and Cymonie Rowe.

They took their oaths of office before the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Eight of the other women are attorneys, while five of the women are judges. They

have been added to the elite group of eminent attorneys from all throughout the nation who are qualified to present matters before the US Supreme Court.

Cheesman beamingly said, “This was historic as never before has such a large group of black women come to the US Supreme Court to be inducted.” It was also a significant accomplishment for the State of Florida.

Although attorneys are employed by the US Supreme Court, they serve as the nine

justices’ research assistants. These law clerks are ineligible to represent anybody before the Supreme Court.

Yet those who come before the country’s top court, like the 13 who were sworn in this week, must first fulfill specific requirements.

It should be noted that until they are no longer judges, judges like Cheesman cannot practice law or present matters before the Supreme Court. After leaving the bench, they eagerly await this prestigious

position.

Cheesman was appointed to the bench six years ago and presides over Florida’s civil courts. She is accustomed to making waves in the legal community. She was chosen as Palm Beach County’s first black female Circuit Court judge after being born and reared in Kingston. She has dealt with a variety of situations, including real estate, probate, and contracts.

Cheesman received a commendation from the Legal Aid Association of Palm Beach County in 2012 for her pro bono efforts.

Cheesman, a former scientist, switched to the legal field 16 years ago. She hopes to make significant improvements in the legal sector at the age of 67.

“To be a judge is the best way to serve the people. As a judge, I do my best to understand the issues and be fair and impartial,” she stated.

Mona earned a first-class degree from the University of the West Indies. She moved to Miami in 1979 together with her family.

She subsequently earned a degree from Nova Southeastern University. She also belongs to the Sherrie Davis Cunningham Black Women Attorneys Association of Palm Beach County.

When asked if she wanted to be on the US Supreme Court, Cheesman chuckled and said she saw herself working to support marginalized areas and encourage other women to pursue law degrees.

Foundation Announces Paula Madison As New Board Member The Television Academy Foundation named four new members to its board of directors, and among them is Jamaican-American Paula Williams Madison, chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC. She has been elected to three-year terms, effective immediately.

Before becoming chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC, a media consultancy company located in Los Angeles, Madison served as executive vice president of diversity at NBCUniversal (NBCU) as well as a vice president of the General Electric Company, then the parent company of NBCU. During her 22 years with NBCU, Madison held a number of leadership roles including president and general manager of NBC4 Los Angeles and vice president and news director of NBC4 New York before retiring in 2011.

Born in Harlem to a Jamaican single mother, Paula attended Vassar College and with her brothers founded Williams Holdings, a Chicago-based, family-owned company, which has significant investments in media (The Africa Channel), a sports franchise (the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks), and various real estate, consumer, financial and trading businesses. She was recognized by East West Players for her contribution to the Asian American community in 2015, including her book, “Finding Samuel Lowe: China, Jamaica, Harlem,” which told the story of her grandfather’s life and travels, and the documentary, “Finding Samuel Lowe: From

Harlem to China,” which was about the trip she and her brothers took to Guangdong, Lowe’s ancestral village to learn about their father’s side of the family.

Madison has been honored for her work by many organizations, including being named one of the “75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise magazine in 2005, listed in the Hollywood Reporter’s “Power 100” and in 2014 was recognized as one of the “Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business.” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Madison to the Los Angeles Police Commission where she served as vice president from 2013-2015. Madison sits on several boards including her family’s investment company, Williams Group Holdings LLC, which is the majority owner of The Africa Channel.

The Foundation prepares leaders and storytellers through its preeminent education and preservation programs: The College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship Program, The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project and the Media Educators Conference. The Foundation has nurtured thousands of talented students, providing essential resources that help them discover their voices, refine their skills and forge rewarding careers in every sector of the television industry. Foundation alumni include prominent writers, producers, documentarians, creative executives, network presidents and more.

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Councilman Robert Troiano, Jr. & Legislator Siela A. Bynoe cordially invite you to attend a ceremonial street renaming celebrating the accomplishments and birthday of

The Honorable Hazel N. Dukes

President of the NAACP New York State Conference

Saturday, March 18th, 2023 1:00 p.m.

24 Edwards St., Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Please park at the Roslyn LIRR Parking Lot on Warner St. Shuttle Bus will be available or it is a 3-minute walk to the site.

Please call 516-869-6311 to register for the event or for more information

Office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke Grants for District 9 March 2023 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES I would like to share upcoming federal grant opportunities in District 9. Grants are generally available to non-profit organizations or government entities, however, there are opportunities for individuals and private companies as well.

For more information about upcoming opportunities and getting started on the application process, please visit www.grants.gov, or contact Seden Yilmazturk at 718-287-1142.

There are many opportunities for grants throughout the year. Below are just a few upcoming grants that may be of interest to you and your families.

Cultural and Community Resilient (20230112-PN) National Endowment for the Humanities Closing Date May 15, 2023 Award Ceiling – $150,000 The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Cultural and Community Resilience Program. This Pr.am supports community efforts to mitigate climate change and COVID-19 pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural re…es, and foster cultural resilience through identifying documents., and/ or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. The program prioritized projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdiction, and NEH encourages

applications that employ inclusive methodologies.

Additional information – Https://www.neh. gov/program/cultural-and-community-resilience Awards for Faculty (20230412-H3) National Endowment for the Humanities Closing Date: April 12, 2023 Award Ceiling $60,000

The National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) Division of Research Programs accepts applications for the Awards for Faculty program. This program Strengthens the humanities at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, end Tribal Colleges and Universities by encouraging and expanding humanities research opportunities for individual faculty and staff members. Awards support individuals pursuing scholarly research that is of value to humanities scholars, students, and/or general audiences.

Additional Information: Https://www.neh.gov/ divisions/research NEA Challenge America, F12024 (2023NEAO1CA) National Endowment for the Humanities Closing 13., April 27, 2023 Award Ceiling $10,000 Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of Me arts to

groups and communities with rich and dynamic artistic and cultural contributions to share Mat are underserved The program is rooted in principles that include, but are not limited to, or recognition that • Same groups/communities and some geographic areas with rich cultural identities have limital grant funding opportunities, and/or have been historically underserving by national arts funding; • Some small organizations may face terriers to accessing grant funding; and • Some applicants to the NEA may benefit from enhanced technical assistance resources. Challenge America seeks to address these potential barriers for organizations seeking funding. The program features an abbreviated application, a standardized $10,000 grant amount, and a robust structure of technical assistance to facilitate entry to NEA funding opportunities. This category may be a good entry point for organizations that are new to applying for federal funding. First-time applicants to the NEA as well as previous NEA applicants who have not been recommended for funding in any of the three most recent Fiscal Years (FYs 2021. 2022, or 2023) in any of the following grant programs, are eligible to apply: • Grants for Arts Projects, • Research Grants in the Arts, or • Our Town.

Previous NSA applicants recommended for funding in Grants for Arts Project, Research Grants in the Arts, or Our Town FY 2021, FY 2022. or FY 2023 are not eligible to Previous

Challenge America, American Rescue Plan (ARP), and CARES Act applicants and grantees are eligible to apply, as long as they were not recommended for FY 2021, FY 2022, or FY 2023 funding in Grants for Project Research Grants in the Arts, or Our Town.

Additional Information: Https://www.arts.gov/ grants/challenge-america The Office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke is also proud to highlight some of the grants awarded to amazing projects throughout the district this past year.

• Kings Against Violence Initiative, Inc. – awarded by the Department of Justice • STA Bakery LLC – awarded by the Department of Agriculture • Vibe Theater Experience – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts • Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Sciences – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts • Raskin’s Fish Market – awarded by the Department of Agriculture • Brooklyn Academy of Music Inc. – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts • Haiti Cultural Exchange – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts • Brooklyn Public Library – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts • Words Without Borders – awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares Invaluable Lessons Learned On the Way To Fulfilling Her Dreams in her New Book: “DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons from Me For You!” New York, NY - Emmy, Tony and Independent Spirit Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph knows a thing or two about staying power in the capricious world of Hollywood. A seasoned professional, Sheryl has taken her best lessons learned that moved her illustrious career forward and shares them with readers in her new book: DIVA: 2.0: 12 Life Lessons from Me For You! In these personal recollections, Sheryl reveals the ups and downs of stardom, the heartbreaks and triumphs, the strength she found in her family and the kind of love that gives wings.

Whether starring on the big screen with Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Robert De Niro, Jon Voight, or Whoopi Goldberg or on the small screen

in Moesha; Ray Donovan, Motherland: Fort Salem, or in Abbott Elementary Sheryl Lee Ralph can be counted on to bring her D.I.V.A - Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Awesome self to every project. And those DIVA inspired qualities have earned her the respect of her peer’s and recognition from legions of fans.

In DIVA 2.0 Sheryl Lee Ralph uses her life story to empower and encourage anyone seeking to find and live their best life with beauty, dignity and a grace that radiates from within.

As she says in the book, “Fame can be intoxicating…but when you anchor your values and do all you can to love, respect and empower yourself…the risk lessens, and the payback is invaluable.”

“I have always known Sheryl to be a

warrior woman. One who uses her talents and influence to help move the needle along for others. With her fame and level of recognition, choosing Wordeee as her publisher confirms that this woman walks her talk perfectly even in high, high heels.

We are honored to partner with her on this project,” says Marva Allen, founder, and CEO of Wordeee, publisher of DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me From You! DIVA: 2.0: 12 Life Lessons from Me For You! is available for pre-order now wherever books are sold and can be purchased on March 14, 2023, in print, eBook, and audio.

Sheryl is currently working on her forthcoming children’s book, Twinkle, Twinkle Little You! slated for release in 2023.

A LiveSigning March 21st at 4pm EDT

Ingrid Lewis Martin Honored In Albany

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Chief Adviser to New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award during a networking reception at the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference organized by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislatives, Inc. (NYSABPHAL).

It is no secret that Lewis-Martin is a powerhouse and has an enormous influence over the mayor’s decisions, serving as his political strategist.

She was recently named as one of the most prominent power players in City & State’s 2023 Black Power of Diversity 100 list published in early February.

For nearly two decades, she has played the role of campaign manager, gatekeeper, fixer, and protector for Eric Adams as he ascended to the city’s top perch as mayor. She declined a deputy mayor role and instead reports directly to Adams.

This lifetime achievement award recognizes the work and dedication Lewis Martin has brought to New York City.

Her growth and excellence were recognized while serving as senior adviser and chief of staff to former State Senator Adams and during her work as Deputy Brooklyn Borough president. She is also an ordained minister.

The conference was held in Albany, New York, on the weekend of February 17-19, 2023. The event brought together several top politicl figures and included several workshops, a youth conference, networking events and a women’s empowerment luncheon.

This award ceremony was conducted by Minority Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), an entity dedicated to providing business certification, supporting economic development, and diversity inclusion. With Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Amanda Septimo, and Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn as co-chairs.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBBRIEFS

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Jamaica’s First Lady Keynote for Women’s Conference

On March 11, the International Women’s Conference at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, will feature a keynote speech by Juliet Holness, the First Lady of Jamaica and a Member of Parliament (MP).

The “extraordinary” meeting will be held at Nevalliance, a training and development firm run by Dr. Neva Helena Alexander. As the CEO of Nevalliance and a professional speaker, advisor, trainer, and author, Dr. Alexander remarked, “We are thrilled to have the First Lady of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, MP, as our keynote speaker.”

Nevalliance offers college admissions assistance to high school students, according to Dr. Alexander, who founded the non-profit organization NEVA and is also the creator of the National Educational Venture Alliance. She referred to the one-day seminar as “fascinating” and mentioned Holness as one of the prominent speakers.

Dr. Alexander is one of them, along with

Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Dr. Karen Dunkley, the former Northeast USA representative for the Jamaican Diaspora, Dr. Sylvia Forchap-Likambi, the founder and global chair of the Global Visionary Women Network, Dr. Kenia Nunez, the director of the Hofstra University Entrepreneurship Center, Dr. Erise Mary Mbunui Dinga, the president of the EMMI Empire, Carla Hamilton, the CO-OP Alexander said the event is “designed to speak to every woman” and that attendees will have “An opportunity to network, exchange knowledge, connect, facilitate lasting connections, and showcase a range of products and services all under one roof.”

She described it as “an innovative and targeted conference” that started in 2017. The theme of this year’s conference is “The International Women of Influence.”

The purpose of the Women’s Leadership Conference series, according to Alexander, is to “enhance awareness and create a more informed understanding of the opportunities, issues, and approaches of women empowerment with resultant attention and resources directed towards supporting women.”

“Our program is centered on cutting-edge topics from a wide range of fields: international business, entrepreneurship, social issues, and leadership, as well as many other subjects to be covered,” she added, “Our conference will also have two-panel discussions; one panel will discuss women, money, and investment. The second panel will discuss overcoming adversity.”

Alexander stated that the International Women’s Conference also “celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements,” outside of the speaker sessions.

“We celebrate the power of individual women and their vibrant and diverse accomplishments and successes,” she noted.

According to Alexander, the fundamental goal of the International Women’s Conference is to ‘increase awareness and foster better knowledge of the possibilities, challenges, and strategies for women’s empowerment with the consequent focus and resources dedicated toward helping women.

“The underlying objectives of this conference will promote entrepreneurship among women and provide new opportunities to bridge the gaps and increase opportunities for linkages,” she said.

Even though Holness hasn’t written her address yet, she has “so much to discuss” she said to Caribbean Life on Friday.

“I must be an example for every lady,” she noted. “My approach is to be the best parliamentary representative.”

The MP for St. Andrew East Rural continued, “I also want to see what are some of the best practices from the conference,” adding that she is looking forward to taking part in the occasion.

“I made a projection at the last JLP (incumbent Jamaica Labor Party) Caucus; Let us try to give women the support they need,” Holness added.

“With that, I’m very laser-focused on doing what I’m doing.”

Juliet Holness was raised in a close-knit family where scholastic achievement and perseverance were valued values.

It comes as no surprise that she excelled in school at both Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls and St. Catherine High School.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Mona, thanks to her exceptional academic performance and aptitude for hard work.

In addition to being a senior manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, she is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

The Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness is her husband. They have two kids, Adam and Matthew, whose bright futures continue to inspire the couple’s steadfast commitment in Jamaica’s future, according to Mrs. Holness.

Mrs. Holness has carved out a successful career as a recognized real estate developer in addition to her illustrious profession as a chartered accountant.

Along with worrying about her family’s well-being, she claimed that concerns like community development, gender equality, and disenfranchised young also occupy her thoughts frequently.

Visit www.nevalliance.com for details on the global conference for women. Direct inquiries should be made to info@nevalliance.com.

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November 16-19, 2023

Sandals Ochi Beach resort Jamaica

Since the launch of the annual Carib News Multinational Business Conference 27 years ago, the world has experienced life-altering changes. Significant, rapid, and impactful innovations have been seen in technology, politics, global demographics, world system integration, climate change and of course public health.

The 28th Annual Carib News Multinational Business Conference theme will be: “Global Innovation, Driving Change” and promises to address the dynamics of this changing world. Re-envisioned for maximum impact for individuals, communities, global businesses, and for emerging generations, this once again in-person event (now considered the Davos of the region) will provide a time for reflection and a time for looking forward.

The 28th Annual Carib News Multinational Business Conference will bring together legacy leaders from across all sectors and regions of the diaspora and provide a platform for the current, emerging, and brightest minds, who are at the forefront of elevating and executing global change.

Presenters will include: Prime Ministers, Presidents, members of the US Congress, members of the UK Parliament, global private sector leaders, civil society and thought leaders, all of whom are impacting meaningful collaboration and leading game-changing efforts in the frontier markets of the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, and indeed the African diaspora.

We are truly excited about what the 28th Annual Carib News Multinational Business Conference will unveil. That is why we invite you to hold the date of November 16-19, 2023, for our meeting in Jamaica as we come full circle to the site of our very first conference. We cannot wait to see what new and emerging ideas you will bring to the table for discussion and execution. You will not want to miss this gathering and we do not want to miss your valuable contribution.

To Save your space RSVP to CMBC@nycaribnews.com

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBHEALTH

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Jamaica – Introduction of Electronic Health Records The official signing ceremony for the installation of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) System for Jamaica was held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Health & Wellness, marking a significant step forward for the island’s public health.

The system, which operates under the tenet of “one patient, one record,” sees the conversion of patient records to a paperless format and the uploading and exchange of these records across healthcare providers for the efficient and coordinated provision of treatment.

Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton stated, “today, as we usher in the Electronic Health Records System, we mark an important milestone on the road to delivering equitable, comprehensive, and quality health care for the people of Jamaica, and to making reliable and modern infrastructure available for health service delivery.”

Shorter wait times for patients, lower service costs, more productivity, less stressed staff, and higher levels of customer satisfaction

are all expected as a result of the system’s deployment. Its features include a patient registration system for scheduling appointments and assigning patients in a facility’s triage process.

Additional feasible characteristics include a seamless diagnostic imaging interface that will let medical personnel see x-rays and CT scans on in-house PCs and tablets.

Dr. Tufton noted, “Telemedicine also becomes a reality, with collaboration among specialist and primary care health professionals made possible, in and outside of the island.”

He added, “The system also has the capacity to produce reports on the operational efficiency of facilities and will be able to provide information not only to the doctor, but also the patient, facility management and the regional health authorities, as well as the Ministry of Health & Wellness concerning service delivery and standards of care provided.”

Over the course of the following 18 months,

the system will be implemented at 13 healthcare institutions, including the Spanish Town Hospital, where Tuesday’s event took place, for a little over $5 million.

St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, May Pen Hospital, May Pen West Health Centre, Chapelton Community Hospital, May Pen East Health Centre, Mocho Health Centre, Greater Portmore Health Centre, St. Jago Park Health Centre, Old Harbour Health Centre, St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre, Ocho Rios Health Centre, and Brown’s Town Health Centre are additional facilities that will gain from this initial phase.

According to the health ministry, the Inter-American Development Bank provided the Jamaican government with funding in the amount of US$50 million for the Health Systems Strengthening Project, which would be used to pay for the installation of the EHR. A chunk of that money is going toward the EHR. The UK business The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) was chosen to implement the system. Together with new features, such as a patient-focused mobile app, its contractual duties to Jamaica also include a 15-year support term.

Countries Begin Negotiations on Global Agreement to Protect World From Future Pandemic Emergencies Countries of the World Health Organization have begun negotiations on a global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, using the “zero draft” as a basis for negotiating an agreement to protect nations and communities from future pandemic emergencies.

Ending Friday, discussions on the draft pandemic accord took place during the weeklong fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which includes WHO’s 194 countries. Negotiations on the draft will continue over the next year according to a timetable laid out by the World Health Assembly.

Mr Roland Driece, Co-Chair of the INB Bureau, from the Netherlands, said: “The start of discussions of concrete language for the WHO pandemic accord sends a clear signal that countries of the world want to work together for a safer, healthier future where we are better prepared for, and able to prevent future pandemic threats, and respond to them effectively and equitably.”

Fellow INB Bureau Co-Chair, Ms Precious Matsoso of South Africa, said: “The efforts this week, by countries from around the world, was a critical step in ensuring we do not repeat the mistakes of the COVID-19 pandemic response, including in sharing life-saving vaccines, provision of information and development of local capacities.”

Ms Matsoso added: “That we have been able to move forward so decisively is testimony to the global consensus that exists on the need to work together and to strengthen WHO’s and the international community’s ability to

protect the world from pandemic threats.”

WHO Member States will continue negotiations of the zero draft of the pandemic accord at the INB’s next meeting, to be held over 3-6 April, with a view to collecting all inputs necessary to develop the first draft.

According to the process agreed by governments at a special session of the World Health Assembly in late 2021, negotiations on the draft pandemic accord will aim to produce a final draft for consideration by the 77th World Health Assembly in 2024.

During the week, the senior diplomats from Israel and Morocco, who are serving as co-facilitators of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, briefed the INB on their preparations for the 20 September meeting, in order to ensure collaboration between the processes.

In parallel with the pandemic accord negotiations, governments are also discussing more than 300 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) in an effort to make the world safer from communicable diseases and ensuring greater equity in the global response to public health emergencies.

Governments have been working to ensure consistency and alignment across the INB and IHR processes. The proposed IHR amendments will also be presented to the World Health Assembly in 2024, and would together, with a future pandemic accord, provide a comprehensive, complementary, and synergistic set of global health agreements.

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CARIBA&E

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

First Staging of Anthony B’s Black And Proud Concert A Phenomenal Success The first staging of the “BLACK AND PROUD” Reggae Concert brought a piece of Jamaican culture to Queens, NY, on Saturday, February 25th, 2023. The concert was inspired by Anthony B’s “Black and Proud” track on The World Rebirth Riddim released

by Reggae Vibes Music in 2020. Discussions between Anthony B and Reggae Vibes Music CEO, Marlon Folkes, inevitably led to using Reggae Month/Black History Month as the perfect timing for the inaugural concert.

Various media outlets and fans alike showed up to lend their support and get a few photos with the artists at the Meet and Greet event hosted by VP Records at their flagship Retail store in Jamaica Queens at 12 noon. The air was abuzz with talk of the recent activities of each artist from tours across the USA and the world, to the most recent Grammy win for Kabaka Pyramid. The energy was infectious, and one could tell that patrons were in for a one of a kind experience that would unfold later that night at the concert.

The gates opened at 10:00 pm and for one night, Amazura Concert Hall became a reggae paradise with live performances,

island-inspired food, and nothing but good vibes. The night began with early juggling from Kulcha Kartel, Mountain Lion Sound and also Massive B (Bobby Konders and Lando Hype) representing HOT97. Irie Jam Radio’s Dubbmaster Chris was the energetic Master of Ceremonies who kept the vibes elevated between performances. The event boasted an impressive lineup. Patrons greatly received the opening acts which were Rufftop Rock I, KenDallaz, and Dreama who warmed up the crowd with their catchy lyrics and melodies. The leading performers graced the stage shortly after midnight. Prominent reggae acts such as Perfect Giddimani, Turbulence and Pressure Buss Pipe kept the crowd moving and belting out lines from well-known hits like “Hand Cart Boy“, Love and Affection” and “Name and Number”.

First-time Grammy award-winner Kabaka Pyramid, who won best Reggae album for ‘The Kalling’ in February 2023 was welcomed to the stage by reggae veteran Anthony B. Surprise guest Iba Mahr also joined in to add more fuel to an epic collaboration on stage. Together the three entertained their

St. Kitts - Music Festival to Feature Koffee, Chronixx, Air Supply The St. Kitts Music Festival has unveiled its first 10 performers.

On Sunday night, the 25th anniversary of the music festival unveiled its initial wave of musicians. One American band, six Jamaican artists, and two soca artists are among the performers.

The upcoming weeks will see the

announcement of the following round of artists.

The performers include; Air Supply, Koffee, Govana, Skillibeng, Chronixx, Valiant, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, Grand Masters, and Byron Messia.

The St. Kitts Music Festival will be held on June 22–24.

Rihanna Back With Puma

In the shape of Fenty x Puma, Barbadian fashion diva Rihanna makes a comeback to her former haunts. On March 1st, the German sportswear company posted a social media announcement about the partnership.

Fenty and Puma logos appeared in an Instagram post that said, “She’s back,” on their official page. Apart from saying that further information will be forthcoming, nothing more was said.

As the information was released, supporters

reacted with great enthusiasm.

In 2014, Rihanna became the company’s first employee and took on the position of creative director. She introduced special ranges of ready-to-wear and footwear during her time in the office. Who can forget the infamous fur slides and Fenty x Puma creepers?

Rihanna last collaborated with Puma in 2017, the year she also introduced Fenty Beauty.

She made history in 2019—two years later— when she joined the opulent LVMH group and became the helm of the FENTY fashion house as the first black woman to hold that position.

Along with starting the lingerie line Savage x Fenty, Rihanna also launched the skincare label Fenty Skin as part of her cosmetics empire.

The 35-year-old dropped a clue about a potential music comeback in the March edition of British Vogue, but the millionaire mother of two already has a lot on her plate with Fenty X Puma coming up and a potential swimsuit line (Rihanna just registered Fenty Swim).

fans with great backing synergy from the Gennaroots Band and Bonfire Band’s drummer. Anthony B was true to form with his usual high energy performance making his way across the stage with his gravity defying moves. The fans were definitely entertained as they rocked and chanted out messages of freedom, hope and equality.

Anthony B expressed gratitude after the event by saying “Thanks to the fans for their amazing love and support. It’s good to take this journey together to strive for a better world that we can all be proud of and our children and their children can still sing the songs of roots and culture reggae music.

Let’s say it loud we are black and proud and all we are saying is one love to all human race on planet earth” Despite the frigid temperatures, those who braved the cold were not disappointed as all the artists delivered electrifying and stellar performances. Reggae enthusiasts from all over the tri-state area, and those who flew in from other states as far as Florida, and countries as far as Jamaica and Colombia had a fantastic time. The organisers Bornfire

Music Promotions and Reggae Vibes Promotions are looking forward to the second staging of the concert in 2024.

LET’S GET DOWN to

THE BONE

SoSOBONE.com

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

CARIBTRAVEL

Caricom Skilled Workers Program Launched With Secondary School Teacher Attachments The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat launched a CARICOM Skilled Workers Programme on Monday, 6 March, 2023, with a short hybrid ceremony at its Headquarters in Georgetown Guyana.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska and Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM H.E. George Talbot are scheduled to give remarks at Monday’s launch. Ms. Renee Atwell, Dean, CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme and other officials are also expected to give remarks.

The Skilled Workers Programme, which is supported by the European Union, is intended to provide opportunities for the

learning of best practices in the administration of the regimes of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. It is hoped there will be the development of practical skills through the work-related attachments to assist Member States to implement the CSME and decisions of the Organs and Bodies of the Community.

The programme is also intended to create effective advocates for CARICOM integration through the exposure given to participants. Thus, the targeted groups have been selected for the critical role they can play in implementing and sustaining training and advocacy at the national level in respect of the CSME, in particular, the Free Movement of CARICOM skilled nationals.

The launch of the programme will coincide with the component for Secondary

School Teachers. Nineteen CARICOM teachers are being placed on two-week attachments to Secondary Schools in Barbados, Belize, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago during the period 6-17 March 2023.

Other components of the Skilled Workers Programme which will be rolled out later this year involve, attachments to the CARICOM Secretariat for CARICOM Youth Ambassadors; attachments to other CARICOM Member States for Border Control Officers, and National CSME Focal Points.

Monday’s launch will have both in-person participation at the CARICOM Secretariat and other stakeholders joining online.

JetBlue Further Expands Choices For Customers Across the Northeast award-winning service to more customers.”

NEW YORK - JetBlue today announced three new routes launching this summer – enabled in part by its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines – which will further increase competition and choice for travelers across the Northeast. Seats are out for sale starting today with fares as low as $59(a).

“As we prepare for the summer travel season, we are introducing more choices for our customers in the Northeast with the addition of new alternatives for customers traveling between New York and the fabulous destinations of Washington DC, Martha’s Vineyard and Charleston,” said David Jehn, vice president, network planning and partnerships, JetBlue. “These new routes are part of our ambitious growth strategy as we work to bring our unique combination of low fares and

New York City Enabled by the NEA, JetBlue’s new service between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) will deliver a customer-centric alternative for travelers across the busy Northeast Corridor that has historically been dominated by high-fare legacy carriers.

“As a very frequent flyer from JFK in New York’s 5th Congressional District to our nation’s capital, I am excited to see new low fare competition on this route,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks.

“JetBlue has been part of our community in Queens, New York, and JFK for more than 23 years, setting the bar on low fares and customer service. I look forward to even more growth with this long-sought addition to their network.”

Westchester County Westchester County JetBlue is also launching new summer seasonal service from Westchester County Airport (HPN), further bolstering JetBlue’s leadership position in the Greater New York area and offering customers more choices to popular summer travel destinations.

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CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2023

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and MatchWornShirt Launch New Partnership

St. John’s, Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) and MatchWornShirt (MWS) today launched a new partnership giving fans the opportunity to bid for and own an authentic worn and signed West Indies Team shirts. The West Indies will be the first international cricket team to give fans the opportunity to own authentic signed team shirts via global digital auctions held on MatchWornShirt.com’s website.

Starting from the 8 March, fans can bid to own any of the West Indies Test squad’s teams shirts from the current South Africa Series, with each shirt individually signed by the respective player. CWI and MatchWornShirt will create auctions to go live with the first ball bowled in a match or shortly after the match has been completion. In 2023, this will include Test, One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) matches against India, as well as T20I and ODI matches against England. West Indies fans will not just be able to witness a match-winning moment

or performance, they will have the chance to swap shirts with their heroes and own a piece of sporting history.

Fans’ desire to own team and player memorabilia continues to rise strongly, in parallel with the growth of live international sports, especially cricket. The first auction will go live to coincide with the start of second Test Match, South Africa versus West Indies on 8 March 2023 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

The first auction will run for 2 weeks, until 22 March 2023. To celebrate this new partnership, fans will have the chance to win fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s genuine match-worn and signed shirt from the first Test match when he took his first ever Test match five-wicket haul for the West Indies.

This opportunity will be live on MatchWornShirt’s Instagram page from Monday 6 March.

Speaking about the partnership, CWI Commercial Director, Dominic Warne, said:

“Team and players shirts have always been a much-desired piece of memorabilia and for West Indies fans, there is no exception.

With West Indies supporters spread across the Caribbean and the world, we believe

this partnership with MatchWornShirt provides an exciting and fair platform to bid for and own an official match-worn West Indies shirt signed by one of their heroes, or even the entire West Indies squad. The partnership delivers an engaging, reliable and user-friendly auction experience, accessible from anywhere in the world, with safe and secure delivery to fans’ homes.”

Head of Business Development at MatchWornShirt, James Flude, commented, “We have been excited to venture into cricket for a while now and so we are delighted to announce our first substantial partnership with such an iconic international team. The West Indies shirts are globally recognised and have been worn by some of the greatest players ever to play the game - so we are delighted to be bringing them to fans all around the world.”

Zane Maloney Puts Barbados on F1 Map With Third Place Finish On Sunday, March 5, Barbadian Zane Maloney Zane blazed his way to a P3 finish on his Formula Season 2 debut at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain.

In spectacular peformance, there is a buzz, ot about his finish, but about where he came from - P18 to P3.

This proves why he is being hailed as one of the region’s foremost drivers.

By the third lap, he had already made up a whopping 11 places, sending a strong message to the rest of the field.

In an interview with Formula 2 afterward he said: “P3 from P18, to be honest, when I went to bed last night, I would have been happy with one point, so to come away with a podium is amazing. The team gave me an amazing car that I was able go out there and get podium with, so of course, a thank you them.”

And he promised to a big celebration when he’s back in Barbados. he said: “Thank you to everyone back home for the support. Hopefully I’ll be

coming back to you guys soon in Barbados and we can celebrate this and onto the next.”

Maloney partnered with Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc (BTMI) to showcase Barbados as a sports destination and the Motorsport Island.

He races with Rodin Carlin this season and is also part of the Red Bull Driver Academy.