March 29, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2109 WEEK OF MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2023 NYC

RANDALL ROBINSON International Human Rights activist - passed at age 81 - fought for South Africa liberation, Haiti freedom, Caribbean Banana rights

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UNDER GANG RULE The UN urges the international community to deploy special forces

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AFRICA Libya: Crimes against humanity committed since 2016 – rights probe UN-appointed independent human rights investigators on Monday said there are grounds to believe that Libyan authorities and armed militia groups have been responsible for “a wide array” of war crimes, and crimes against humanity in recent years.

In the case of State security forces, human rights violations were committed to quash dissent and exploit vulnerable migrants, with no justice in sight, according to the latest report, from the Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya.

It documents the “widespread practice” of arbitrary detention, murder, torture, rape, enslavement and enforced disappearance in the country. In addition, the Mission states for the first time that sexual slavery was committed against migrants.

“There is an urgent need for accountability to end this pervasive impunity,” said Mohamed Auajjar, the Mission’s chair.

“We call on Libyan authorities to develop a human rights plan of action and a comprehensive, victim-centred roadmap on transitional justice without delay, and hold all those responsible for human rights violations accountable.”

Libya has been in turmoil since the ouster of former longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, with the country divided between rival administrations and warring militias, with a UN-recognized Government of National Accord based in the capital Tripoli and the forces of General Khalifa Haftar’s so-called Libyan National Army holding sway in the east and southern areas of the oil-rich nation.

Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps Southern African countries hit hard by tropical Cyclone Freddy are reeling from disease outbreaks, with health services stretched to the limit, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

The devastation caused by the cyclone in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique has increased the spread of cholera and malaria, as well as malnutrition.

Meanwhile, more than 300 health facilities have been destroyed or flooded in the three countries, limiting health care access.

The cyclone’s destruction increased public health risks including a surge in the spread of cholera, malaria, malnutrition, COVID-19, and other vaccine-treatable diseases.

WHO said that Malawi was still in the midst of its “worstever” cholera outbreak, although cases are declining. In Mozambique, cholera cases have more than doubled over the past week, to almost 2,400.

“With a double landfall in less than a month, the impact of Cyclone Freddy is immense and deepfelt”, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

“While we work to understand the full extent of the devastation, our priority is to ensure that affected communities and families receive health assistance for immediate needs as well as to limit the risks of water-borne diseases...”

WORLD BRIEFS The Indonesian power ranger Conservation jobs are scarce in the leafy village of Toraut, Indonesia, so when 27-year-old Fadlun Arrayan Bonde returned from university, she answered a call for women to help to patrol the neighbouring national park. She ended up forging a dynamic new career path to protect nature while transforming her community.

Known by her nickname, Ega was one of 15 women selected to participate in the UN Development Programme-supported Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut (Inspiring Women to Partner with Forest Rangers) initiative, which aims to protect the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and provide opportunities to nearby communities.

“I have always been passionate about nature and conservation. I grew up in a village surrounded by forests. Both of my grandfathers inspired me by sharing their local and traditional wisdom and encouraged me to know the forest and plant trees. They told me about nature’s power and explained that the language of nature is the oldest language on Earth, and so we have to listen to it.

It’s kind of a little bit mystical. For example, according to stories, if you see a lot of ants coming up out of the ground, it means it’s going to rain very soon.

UNICEF alert to save millions from desperate hunger in Yemen Without urgent action, millions in Yemen could face ever greater risks of hunger and malnourishment, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday.

Eight brutal years of conflict have left around 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and many of their families facing serious malnourishment.

“The lives of millions of vulnerable children in Yemen remain at risk due to the almost unimaginable, unbearable, consequences of the crushing, unending war,” said Peter Hawkins, the agency’s representative in the country.

“UNICEF has been here, providing desperately needed support throughout the past eight years, and before, but we can only provide so much support to children and families affected without a lasting peace.”

Perpetual cycle of hopelessness The humanitarian crisis in Yemen stems from 2015, when Houthi militias clashed with the forces of the internationally-recognized Government, dividing the country, displacing millions and destroying essential services and infrastructure.

Despite a long truce and recent progress along the road to peace, a devastating convergence of compounding factors has unfolded: eight years of fierce conflict, economic collapse, and a crippled social support system, denying the vulnerable essential services.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

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Caribbean- Corruption Causing Illegal Guns Problem Among the topics covered at the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers Meeting on Wednesday held in Grenada, the problem of illegal firearms crossing borders of Caribbean nations and the violence that results from this problem was included. It was stressed to Member States that in order to address the issue of illegal firearms, corruption must also be addressed.

While the Region has been fairly quiet in terms of Member States not being affected by climatic events or severe weather systems over the prior year, Executive Director-RSS Commodore Errington Shurland stated there has been a conspicuous increase in gun violence, which has had a negative impact on some Member States.

According to Commodore Shurland, this violence is having a significant negative impact on society in terms of physical and psychological damage in addition to the death toll.

He suggests that a whole-society strategy should be used to implement both hard and soft remedies in response to this problem.

With the use of social development programs that regularly target disturbed adolescents and programs that address issues associated with recidivism, soft via constant positive messages to young people.

He claims that in order to implement the required infrastructure to safeguard borders, stop the entry of weapons, and address corruption concerns, one must be willing to take harsh decisions.

“I say corruption because I believe the only way these guns can get into our countries is through our borders and through individuals who facilitate such actions.”

According to Commodore Shurland, the RSS is eager to work with Member States to use the Regional Crime Observatory to diagnose their security and criminal justice issues.

Through thorough analyses and modifications to the coordinated response model, the RSS will continue to execute and support anti-corruption programs as well as support and strengthen the border security system.

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent, and the Grenadines are some of the countries that belong to the RSS.

Grenada - Easy Access to Firearms A Threat To The Country Says PM A major topic of discussion during the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers Meeting on Wednesday was the importation of illicit guns into the Caribbean area, which was described as a plague by Dickon Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada and Chair of the RSS Council of Ministers.

The prime minister announced during his speech on the subject of gun-related crime that Grenada had had a gun-related homicide on Tuesday night with at least six rounds being fired, which resulted in a fatality.

According to Mitchell, initial investigations indicate that it was an execution-style hit and that the attacker might not have been a Grenada native.

He claimed that one issue the area has to deal with is gun-related behavior.

Mitchell, who serves as the chair of the RSS Council of Ministers, announced that the RSS had recently been sent to Saint Lucia to help with the restoration of calm and law and order in a region of the island that had lately seen an increase in criminal activity involving firearms.

He said that the area is now fighting the scourge of the trafficking of weapons and ammunition into nations from sources outside of the Caribbean’s frontiers where these dangerous instruments are produced.

“The easy access to firearms in our countries is one of the greatest threats that we currently face and the various criminal activities spawned from the use of illegal firearms have far-reaching negative impacts on our people and societies.”

Mitchell emphasized that in places where there

is unrest and security uncertainty, economic and social growth is challenging.

According to him, efforts must be taken to ensure that the security climate in the region’s nations fosters investment and supports the various vital economic activities that fuel growth.

The area must also do its share to improve border security and lower the desire for illicit guns among citizens, especially young people.

The RSS, according to Mitchell, is responding to crime in a way that goes beyond the usual methods of imprisonment and penalties. The RSS’s goal is to render criminals bankrupt by taking away the resources necessary to fund or produce these illegal acts, including money and assets.

Caricom Joins Mexico in Filing Suit Against US Gun Manufacturers The Bahamas government says it has joined a brief filed by Mexico in the United States (US) Court of Appeal in the First Circuit, in support of a US$10 billion suit to hold US gun manufacturers liable for the harm caused by their products.

The Bahamas has been joined by Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Human Security (SEHLAC), a network of non-government organizations and affiliated professionals specializing in international humanitarian law and seeking disarmament in the Latin American and the Caribbean region.

The defendants named in the US$10 billion suit include seven major gun manufacturers and one gun wholesaler and distributor.

“The guns used in the commission of violent crimes in The Bahamas are not manufactured here, but instead, are manufactured abroad and illegally trafficked across our borders,” a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister in The Bahamas read in part.

“A critical element of the government’s effort to

reduce violent crime in our country is cracking down on the proliferation of firearms, with particular focus on strengthening borders and entry points and on interrupting networks of illegal smugglers.

“Today, as part of this broader effort to reduce the impact of gun violence in The Bahamas, our country joined an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the United States Court of Appeal in the First Circuit, in support of Mexico, who is appealing their case to hold US gun manufacturers liable for the harm caused by their products,” the statement added.

Earlier this month, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, addressing a political meeting of his ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), said that Mexico, despite having lost an initial approach to US authorities “intends to continue fighting.”

“Mexico has approached Caricom asking us as independent sovereign states with the same problem to join the fight to test it in the courts of America to hold the manufacturers and distributors of handguns and assault weapons into our country, to hold them responsible for

the mayhem that they have unleashed on our societies,” Rowley said, adding “we have to join that fight”.

Rowley said America had passed laws to prevent gun owners from being sued, adding those who are making those guns knowing where they are going and what they could do, have been insulated from lawsuits.

In the court brief, the countries claim that “unlawful trafficking of American firearms must be curtailed at its source: the US gun industry.

The gun manufacturers and distributors from a single nation must not be permitted to hold hostage the law-abiding citizens of an entire region of the world.”

The statement notes that the “brief argues that US gun industry practices, including the bulk sales of guns to dealers who are known to engage in practices correlated with illegal weapons smuggling, have caused significant harm to the countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The brief argued that the US district court could order the defendants, the US gun manufacturers, “to reduce the violence committed abroad involving their products by adopting reasonable retail and manufacturing practices”, including refraining from supplying the small number of dealers “whose misconduct precipitates the vast majority of illegal firearms trafficking”, committing to only work with dealers who take measures to ensure the guns are not sold to criminals, and making manufacturing changes that would reduce the harm caused by the guns. (CMC)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

Man Pleads Guilty of Participating in Assassination of Haiti’s President In a US federal court on Friday, a convicted cocaine dealer admitted to taking part in the 2021 assassination of the president of Haiti.

According to court documents, Rodolphe Jaar, 50, pleaded guilty in Miami to plotting to offer material assistance, doing so, and conspiring to abduct and assassinate President Jovenel Mose.

The first of 11 suspects prosecuted in the United States who were found guilty in the

scheme was Jaar, a Haitian and Chilean. The date of his sentence is June 2.

Numerous people have been detained in Haiti, but due to death threats that have alarmed local judges, the cases are all but deadlocked.

On July 7, 2021, Mose was shot 12 times in his house in a neighborhood close to Port-auPrince, the capital of Haiti.

While the killing took place in Haiti, the

majority of the planning and money, according to the prosecution, took place in South Florida.

According to the authorities, the first idea was to kidnap Mose weeks earlier and fly him to an unknown area, but that failed when the suspects were unable to get a plane or enough weapons.

Jaar allegedly gave Colombian commandos and others food, accommodation, and access to

weapons. Jaar has offered material to help federal investigators strengthen their cases against the other 10 suspects held in US custody as part of a bargain with prosecutors.

Jaar was previously found guilty of distributing cocaine in 2013 and given a four-year, threemonth jail term.

Haiti - Biden, Trudeau Concerned About Ongoing Situation Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden both expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation in Haiti when they met during Biden’s two-day visit to Canada that concluded on Friday.

In a joint statement, the leaders pledged to increase community support to the people of Haiti, particularly by offering security and humanitarian aid and better support for the National Police of Haiti (PNH).

In a press release, its office of Trudeau said that to counter the crisis and support peace and se-

curity, “Canada is investing an additional $100 million to provide enhanced policing support and equipment to the Haitian National Police, to bolster Haitian-led solutions to the crisis and support peace and security”, rather than lead an international force of several thousand men in Haiti.

In addition, the Canadian government said that it will be imposing sanctions on two other members of the Haitian elite – they are former senator Nenel Cassy and businessman and former presidential candidate Steeve Khawly

whose Canadian assets have been frozen.

They are also prohibited from entering Canada.

In addition, Biden said that his administration is looking to support the police department in Haiti and looking into whether the United Nations could play a role to quell the violence in the country.

“The biggest thing we could do, and it’s going to take time, is to increase the prospect of the police department in Haiti having the capacity to deal with the problems,” Biden said during a press conference with Trudeau. (CMC)

Haiti Under Gang Control, More Than 530 Killed

More than 530 people have been killed this year in gang violence in Haiti, the United Nations said Tuesday, with many killed by snipers shooting victims at random.

The UN human rights office said it was concerned that extreme violence was spiraling out of control in Haiti. According to the United Nations, gang violence in Haiti has claimed the lives of more than 530 individuals so far this year. Many of these victims were shot by snipers at random.

Concerned by the out-of-control rise in severe violence in Haiti, the UN human rights office expressed its alarm.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado noted, “Clashes between gangs are becoming more violent and more frequent, as they try to expand their territorial control throughout the capital and other regions by targeting people living in areas controlled by rivals.”

“531 people were killed, 300 injured and 277 kidnapped in gang-related incidents that took place mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince,” she told reporters in Geneva as of March 15.

Hurtado claimed that just in the first two weeks of March, gang fights resulted in at least 208 fatalities, 164 injuries, and 101 kidnappings.

“Most of the victims were killed or injured by snipers who were reportedly randomly shooting at people in their homes or on the streets,” she noted.

Stray gunfire has struck students and instructors, and kidnappings of parents and students near schools have increased, causing several of them to close.

Hurtado said that many youngsters have been forcibly recruited by armed gangs in the absence of the safe school atmosphere.

Since the death of president Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been engulfed in a rising political and economic catastrophe; gangs now rule over more than half of the nation’s land.

According to Hurtado, half of the population is going hungry as a result of the ongoing instability and violence.

A quarter of those living in improvised settlements with restricted access to basic sanitization are among the at least 160,000 individuals who have been displaced and are in perilous situations, she continued.

Hurtado asserted that gangs also employ sexual violence against women and girls in an effort to terrify, control, and punish the general populace. She added that Gangs also utilize sexual assault against families of kidnapped girls in an effort to extract ransom payments.

Volker Turk, the UN human rights official, has urged the Haitian government to improve security right away by strengthening the police and overhauling the court system.

“To break the cycle of violence, corruption, and impunity, all those responsible, including those providing support and finance to the gangs, must be prosecuted and tried according to the rule of law,” Hurtado noted.

She noted, “We also call on the international community to urgently consider the deployment of a time-bound, specialized support force.”

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Guyana - Judge Rules President Violated Constitution

Georgetown – A High Court judge on Friday found that President Irfaan Ali violated Guyana’s Constitution when he suspended the then chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe in 2021.

Justice Gino Persaud ruled also that there had been no mechanism in place to give the former top cop a fair hearing.

“In summary, therefore, the decision of His Excellency the President to suspend the chairman and other members of the Commission was unlawful and in contra-

vention of Article 225 of the Constitution, arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair, in violation of a suspended Chairman and Commissioners constitutional rights that are protection of the law and due process of the law,” Justice Persaud said.

Slowe had sought a declaration from the High Court that his suspension and that of the other PSC members by President Ali was contrary to and in violation of the Constitution of Guyana, in particular articles 225 (6) and 210 (3).

In his ruling, the judge noted the issue should have been put to the tribunal of

the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for ventilation but there is no JSC in place.

Justice Persaud said that President Ali, acting on advice of Prime Minister Mark Phillips, suspended Slowe on June 16, 2021, although there was no Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appoint a Tribunal to hear allegations against the then PSC. He said that the doctrine of necessity would have to be invoked to validate the President’s actions. (CMC)

Jamaican Cleric Sentenced In New York for Terrorism Gets 18 Years A preacher accused of soliciting support for the Islamic State group was apprehended in his home in Jamaica and brought to New York to face state terrorist charges.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday.

In January, the state Supreme Court in Manhattan found Abdullah el-Faisal guilty on charges that included encouraging or supporting acts of terrorism.

His case was the first state-level prosecution on terrorism-related accusations, according to prosecutors, and the state statute he was charged under was implemented following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

After being detained in Jamaica in 2017, El-Faisal was extradited to New York City in 2020. Authorities claim that an under-

cover investigator in New York City began posing as a would-be terrorist in 2016 and corresponding with the group.

The preacher was said to have shared information to enable the officer eventually link with the Islamic State group and to have attempted to facilitate a marriage between the officer and a militant organization member.

El-Faisal, according to the prosecution, has long supported the Islamic State group. They said he was highly powerful, promoting an Islamic empire and inciting violence through online lectures.

He was expelled from Kenya and had previously done time in jail in Britain after being found guilty of inciting and stoking racial hate.

Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., the district attorney

for Manhattan, announced the sentencing in a statement, “Shaikh Faisal’s advocacy, recruitment, and provision of material support to ISIS helped the terrorist organization perform horrific acts, including the murder and kidnapping of innocent people.”

It was unable to contact the cleric’s lawyer, Michael Fineman, through voicemail.

According to federal agents, el-lectures Faisal’s had an impact on persons like Faisal Shahzad, who attempted to detonate a bomb in Times Square in 2010, and Omar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the alleged underwear bomber who attempted to blow up a transatlantic airplane on Christmas Day 2009.

T&T - Considering Foreign Lawyers for DPP’s Office

It is completely untrue, according to Prime Minister Keith Rowley, that he wants to do rid of the DPP. Dr. Rowley stated at the post-cabinet press conference that “There is no action of the government, no intention of the government to interfere with the DPP’s work in his office.”

He claimed to have voiced his worries about the DPP’s office renting an empty facility for $600,000 a month. A building that “has queries” is accessible, he claimed, and those questions have been answered.

That, according to Dr. Rowley, is evidence that the administration both paid attention to the DPP and intends to do away with it.

“So all those who are speculating that what you’re seeing is something to do with the government, and whoever else wants to get rid of the DPP. We have no interest in

that,” He emphasized. “Except, we want to know that the opposite of the DPP job is going on the way it ought to go on and that the DPP can rely whoever is in that office can rely on 110% support from the government of Trinidad and Tobago, where the cabinet is involved to contribute to that work.”

One of the DPP’s chief complaints is that his office is understaffed. Dr. Rowley claimed that because the best attorneys are in private practice and newly graduated attorneys lack the necessary expertise, the government is also thinking about hiring foreign attorneys to work in the DPP’s office.

Prime Minister Rowley noted, “The bulk of the DPP’s work in the court on matters, especially major matters, will have to be

done by certainly experienced lawyers.

And what did we do? We sat down and we discussed that maybe the time has come for us to look outside of Trinidad and

Tobago to bring in whether it’s six or eight or 10 or 12 lawyers to put them in a DPP office.”

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

Ghana – VP Harris High on The Future of Africa As she landed in Ghana on Sunday to begin a week-long trip to Africa with the goal of strengthening US ties amid the struggle over the continent’s future, Vice President Kamala Harris was welcomed by students, dancers, and drummers on the grounds of a great continent known for its rich culture and history.

Harris shared how excited she is about the journey as a further declaration of sustaining a long-term, and very essential bond between the people of the United States and those who live in Africa.

As she got off her plane after all-night travel, the kids shouted and waved American and Ghanaian flags. As she walked by the dancers, she grinned widely and put her palm over her heart.

Harris stated, “What an honor it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa.” She added, “I’m very excited about the future of Africa.”

In addition to wanting to support economic development and food security, she stated how excited she was about the opportunity to “witness first-hand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent.”

Although Ghana is one of the most stable democracies on the continent, Harris is visiting at a time when the West African country is facing significant difficulties.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, its economy was among the world’s fastest-growing. Now, however, it is struggling with a debt crisis and skyrocketing inflation that

is increasing the price of food and other basic necessities.

Ghana, a nation of 34 million people that is slightly smaller than Oregon, is similarly cognizant of dangers posed by regional instability. The Sahel region, which lies north of Ghana, is home to local affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization. Burkina Faso and Mali have each recently had two coups. Millions more have been forced to flee their homes, and many of them have died.

The battle has provided a gap for Wagner, a Russian mercenary group that also took part in the invasion of Ukraine but retains a presence in Africa. After driving out the French forces stationed there, Mali welcomed Wagner, and there are concerns that Burkina Faso would follow suit.

When Harris meets with Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Monday, the issues of security and the economy are expected to come up. In addition, a joint press conference is anticipated.

The previous two meetings between the two presidents took place in Washington.

Akufo-Addo stated at their first meeting in September 2021 that “our big challenge — and it is a challenge of all those who want to develop democratic institutions on our continent — is to ensure and reassure our people that democratic institutions can be a vehicle for the resolution of their big problem,” which is economic growth as a means to eradicate impoverished lifestyle in Africa, Akufo-Addo noted.

Harris is the most well-known official traveling to Africa this year from President Joe Biden’s team. Following Ghana, she intends to go to Tanzania and Zambia. April 2 marks her return to Washington.

The wider reach is meant to offset China’s influence, which has grown recently as a result of infrastructure projects, financial loans, and the expansion of telecommunications networks. For instance, Gha

na agreed to a $2 billion contract with a Chinese business to build roads and undertake other projects in exchange for access to a crucial mineral for aluminum production.

The majority of Harris’ activities in Ghana will be geared toward youth. The average age of people in Africa is 19.

Randall Robinson, International Human Rights Activist Dies

Randall Robinson passed away at the age of 81 from aspiration pneumonia on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts, which he called home for two decades. He was an attorney and human rights activist best known for his support of democracy in Haiti and opposition to South African apartheid.

His daughter Khalea Ross Robinson, who provided NPR

with confirmation of his passing on Sunday, said of him, “He was an incredible father.” She added, “He did a lot on behalf of people he hadn’t even met.”

He was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1941, and he subsequently became active in the civil rights movement.

In a 2005 interview with The Progressive Magazine, he noted, “The insult of segregation was searing and unforgettable.” He claimed to join the social justice movement was “salvaging. We all have to die, and I preferred to have just one death. It seems to me that to suffer insult without response is to die many deaths.”

The Free South Africa Movement, which started in the 1980s and fought to overthrow apartheid, had Robinson as one of its leaders. According to a statement from Robinson’s family, he headed “a range of foreign policy campaigns in his life-long advocacy in defense of democracy and justice in Africa and the Caribbean.”

In order to advance “diversity and equity in the foreign policy arena and justice for the African World,” including the African diaspora, Robinson created the Washington, D.C.-based foreign policy advocacy group TransAfrica in 1977. Up until 2001, he presided over the company as president.

He staged a sit-in outside the South African embassy to protest apartheid during his employment at TransAfrica, among other things, and he embarked on a 27-day hunger

strike to urge the U.S. government to restore Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the democratically elected president of Haiti. In addition, he was a strong proponent of reparations for Black Americans.

He graduated from Harvard Law School with a J.D. and practiced civil rights law in Boston prior to creating TransAfrica and became well-known for his political activities.

He published many books and taught human rights law at Penn State University.

Robinson and his wife, Hazel Ross-Robinson, departed the United States in 2001 to go to St. Kitts in the Caribbean. He reveals in one of his books that he fled the United States for a country that he thought was more tranquil and welcoming to Black people.

He told NPR in his 2004 interview, “I never believed my place was necessarily physically in America.” He continued, “I am as much a Nigerian, a Haitian, a South African, a Kittitian, a Jamaican as I am an American.

There shouldn’t be these partitions between the people of the Black world. I have lived that and I have committed myself to that in everything that I’ve done throughout my life.”

The family has announced that a memorial ceremony in Washington, D.C., will take place in May, and a funeral service will be conducted in St. Kitts in April.

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Vice President Harris On a Trip to Africa US Vice President Kamala Harris is on a three-country tour of Africa. It is refreshing to note that Africa is no longer being referred to as the dark continent, but now Harris’s more positive description and more positive vision for the future of Africa. She has made the reference to Africa as the future of the world.

Upon her arrival in Africa, Harris said, “I’m very excited about the future of Africa. I’m very excited about the impact of the future of Africa on the rest of the world, including the United States of America. When I look at what is happening on this continent and the fact that the median age is 19 years old — and what that tells us about the growth, of opportunity, of innovation, of possibilities — I see in all of that great opportunity not only for the people of this continent, but the people of the world, especially when we understand that by the year 2050, we believe one in four people on Earth will be on the continent of Africa.”

This approach to the continent is welcome and Vice President Harris can be an effective connector on this mission given her heritage and her background. Vice President Harris trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia is a deepening realization by Washington of the need to pay attention to Africa and the opportunities that exist

there that were essentially ignored by the previous administration of Donald Trump, and for some time now has been a playground for China, who has been very aggressive on the continent in providing financing and infrastructure development.

The tour is clearly a part of the Biden Administration’s pushback against the growing Chinese and Russian involvement in the continent and its rich resources, and clearly, the US wants to be more engaged and bring a more positive message; Vice President Harris seems to be an appropriate person to bring this all together.

There is no secret that China has been aggressive in doing some long-term policies on the continent while Donald Trump was calling these countries S…hole countries. And now it is time for the US to build a better relationship with Africa and to broaden its outreach in Africa.

She has clearly said, the US relationship with Africa cannot be defined by competition with China, but with an affirmative agenda in Africa. Vice President Harris has been very careful to emphasize that the US outreach was independent of any geopolitical rivalries. We quote the Vice President, “Yes, we are concerned with security; We are concerned with what is happening on the globe as a whole; We are clear-eyed about that,” she said. “But

this trip is motivated by the importance of the direct relationship between the United States and Africa Ghana, and as I travel the continent, with those countries as well.”

As Vice-President Harris went on to say, “I am more optimistic than I have ever been about the future and the future of the continent of Africa and, by extension, the world, not only because of the work we undertake in government, not only because of the investments in the private sector,” Harris said. “I am optimistic about the future of the world; I feel strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people, and that all people be treated equally.

The topics President Harris is scheduled to discuss will include debt relief, democracy, economic growth, food security and the impact of the Russian War in Ukraine on the continent.

She has decided to also focus on the youth on her trip - the youth in the rapidly growing continent where the average age is 19, and where it is estimated that one in four people in the world could be living by 2050.

Harris’ Trip is welcomed by those who have for decades promoted the need for strong ties with Africa in a positive and constructive way, and would wish that the

outreach by Vice President Harris, her own heritage, would provide a genuine opportunity for the US to make commitments to Africa, and not just Africa, but African diaspora in the Caribbean and in the United States in a combined and constructive effort to move this, what is called the `Golden Triangle’ of African people as a strong force that really represents the future of the world, The future of the people of the world, and the future of the resources of the world.

There are people doing this work day in, day out, and some are making success, making inroads, and it is important for the Harris mission and the Administration to directly embrace what is being done, support it in a constructive way because they have an opportunity that China or Russia does not have, and that is a vast population of the African diaspora that can be mobilized and incentivized to be not only true ambassadors but partners, real partners, as we look to Africa and the Golden Triangle as the future of the world.

This is a start, and it should be not just a reaction to China or the Russians or an attempt to get Africa’s support on certain issues, but of a genuine partnership that can realize ongoing benefits for all.

Randall Robinson, A Fierce Fighter We have lost a great warrior in the person of Randall Robinson who passed recently.

He was an international human rights activist, a civil rights attorney, a visionary with respect to freedom for South Africa, and one of the fiercest Anti-Apartheid demonstrator activists in the early years of that struggle, and he was a visionary who had a message for black people around the world.

Randall Robinson was known for his advocacy for so many important issues.

In 1977 he founded TransAfrica Forum, which served as an organizing institution for the African American community for so many causes in the United States, in Africa, and in the Caribbean.

He was an incredible man who took on issues that others would shy away from, but he was always there, always there fighting for freedom. Robinson was one of the leaders of the Free South Africa movement, which began in the 80s and pushed and pushed for the end of Apartheid with

a whole range of demonstrations, foreign policy campaigns, and a long history of lobbying for justice for South Africa, and was one of the chief lobbyists for the tough sanctions against South Africa, which eventually led to the demise of Apartheid. Robinson exposed the US government’s policy towards Haiti and the ousting Jean-Bertrand Aristide the then President, and even went on a hunger strike, pressured the US to reinstate Haiti’s democratically elected President, JeanBertrand Aristide. He was unrelenting in his effort for Freedom.

Robinson led demonstrations against the US government and their policy towards the Caribbean banana industry when the Clinton administration literally decided through their policy to destroy the banana industry of the smaller Caribbean countries, instead supporting the big international growers, and Randall Robinson led demonstrations throughout Washington in support of the Caribbean nations and

lobbied Congress.

Carib News had the privilege of covering Robinson in many of his activities and had to just admire the decency, sincerity and determination you always found within him, never one to draw away from controversy, never one to bite his tongue.

He told you like it is. He was an impeccable person, tenacious and he was driven by justice ‘The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks’ was published in 2001 Robinson explained his position on reparations that should be given to African Americans and other black people for years of tyranny and discrimination against the community. He has written widely and lectured extensively on the matter.

During his book tour, promoting ‘The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks’, Carib News had the pleasure of hosting a book launch for Randall Robinson, bringing together the Caribbean community to support the book and to hear directly from

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Randall Robinson, who by now. had taken up residence in St. Kitts in the Caribbean with his wife Hazel Ross Robinson. Hazel was also a determined advocate for freedom and justice within the Caribbean. As Randall once said, “I never believed my place was necessarily physically in America. I am as much a Nigerian, a Haitian, a South African, a Kittitian, a Jamaican as I am an American.

There shouldn’t be these partitions between people of color.

A brilliant voice is now silent, but it has made such a difference in so many ways over the years that his accomplishments will last, and his legacy will be appreciated.

Randall Robinson made a difference and so many people benefited from his life’s work, so many people can appreciate it and so many will continue to learn from him.

May He Rest in Peace.

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

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Wisconsin Race Reminds Us How Important Every Election Is

by Ben Jealous

Whether it’s protecting the planet or preserving our democracy, it can seem at times that our individual actions fall short against the biggest challenges. Let me tell you why that isn’t true.

We tend to overlook that issues like these arise in the first place because of the sum of a lot of individual actions. If one by one, half of us switched to powering our homes and cars with

solar and wind energy, emissions and fossil fuel extraction would drop precipitously.

It’s the paradox of the aggregate. One of us doing something has a minimal impact, a lot of us doing the same thing moves the needle – for the good or the bad.

Voting is no different. I’ve spent a good part of my career fighting to ensure people can vote and encouraging them to get out and do it.

Next week, on April 4, Wisconsin will hold a spring election, mainly for local races. It’s the kind of election that historically voters across the country skip. Voter turnout in the Wisconsin primaries last month was 21 percent, and that was a four-point improvement. Badger State voters should see this election differently.

This election will pick the swing vote on the state’s Supreme Court, which is dominated by a far-right majority that’s ruled against

everything from broad use of ballot drop boxes to make voting more convenient to the right of citizens’ groups to challenge environmental permits (the dissenting justices said that decision “slam shut the courthouse doors” to Wisconsinites).

The Wisconsin race may even decide the next Presidential election. Those justices may well be called on in 2024 to rule on election challenges in a state whose 10 electoral votes have decided presidential elections. It happened that way in 2020, and the conservative in this year’s race advised the national and state Republican parties and those who sought to submit fake paperwork for Donald Trump electors after he lost the 2020 race.

A few more people stepping up to vote could decide this race. Statewide contests in the Dairy State often turn on razor thin margins. Wiscon-

sin has 72 counties. If 140 more people in each one chooses to vote for the same candidate in the supreme court race, that’s one percentage point in the typical voter turnout in April. If more 500 people in each county go vote for that person, that’s nearly four points. And even with that boost in turnout, a majority of voters would still have stayed home.

So Wisconsin voters can do a lot to save the country and protect the planet if they cast their ballots. Judging by past races, most Wisconsinites plan to skip this election. The rest of us can do something by texting anyone we know in Wisconsin to let them know how important this election may be. Their State Supreme Court may end up deciding the next President.

Actress and Grammy-Nominated Singer Halle Bailey Helping Make Disney Dreams Come True

by Stacy M. Brown

The Little Mermaid is taking Disney Dreamers Academy “under the sea” this week.

Five-time Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who will play the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” is the Disney Dreamers Academy celebrity ambassador for this year’s event at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Bailey is one of several Hollywood stars participating in the annual mentoring program

by Walt Disney World Resort that brings 100 students from around the country for an immersive career-inspiring weekend at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Some of the other celebrities include R&B singing sensation H.E.R., plus actors Marsai Martin (ABC show “black-ish”), and Jalyn Hall (feature film “Till”).

As the celebrity ambassador, Bailey headlines the list of celebrities and will be a mentor and advocate during the Thursday through Sunday event, which is designed by Walt Disney World Resort to broaden career awareness and create exclusive enrichment opportunities for high school students from diverse communities around the country.

Bailey will share personal insights with the students, drawing from her own unique expe-

riences, like playing the title character in the “The Little Mermaid.” In addition to her role as Ariel, she has starred in television shows and movies such as “Grown-ish,” “Let It Shine,” and “Last Holiday.”

“If it wasn’t for my mentors, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to work with these students and be a mentor for them as they find their passions in life.”

Here are details about the other key celebrity participants: H.E.R., singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is one of the fastest rising young stars in R&B music. Winner of an Academy Award, an Emmy and five Grammys, she has also recently launched her acting career, starring as Belle in the recent ABC special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration. She will join the all-star cast of “The Color Purple” musical

film adaptation as “Squeak” later this year.

Marsai Martin, best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the ABC sitcom “black-ish.”

Martin also starred in the 2019 comedy film “Little,” which she also produced, making her the youngest person ever to produce a studio film. Time Magazine named Martin on its “Time 100 Next.”

Jalyn Hall, an actor who had a breakout performance as Emmett Till in the 2022 biographical film “Till.”

Dominique Thorne, an up-and-coming actress, who recently starred as Riri Williams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s feature film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Up next is her TV series “Ironheart” on Disney+.

Priah Ferguson, who played scene-stealing little sister Erica Sinclair on Netflix’s series “Stranger Things.”

Trump Ramps Up Attack on Manhattan DA with Violent Imagery and Call for ‘Death’ and ‘Destruction’

by Stacy M. Brown

Former President Donald Trump has ramped up the rhetoric and the threats as potential criminal charges loom in New York, Georgia, and Washington.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform and posted a photo of him swinging a bat to the head of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

He also threatened that his anticipated arrest would lead to “death and destruction.”

“What kind of person can charge another person, in this case a former President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in history, and leading candidate (by far!) for the Republican Party nomination, with a Crime, when it is known by all that NO Crime has been committed, & also known that potential death & destruction in such a false charge could be catastrophic for our Country?

Why & who would do such a thing? Only a degenerate psychopath that truly hates the USA!” Trump wrote.

Then in all capital letters, Trump continued his tirade: “EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M 100% INNOCENT, INCLUDING BRAGG, BUT HE DOESN’T CARE. HE IS JUST CARRYING OUT THE PLANS OF THE RADICAL LEFT LUNATICS. OUR COUNTRY IS BEING DESTROYED, AS THEY TELL US TO BE PEACEFUL!” A week before, Trump predicted that authorities from New York would arrest him, however, that never happened.

Bragg’s office said Trump simply misled the public about an imminent arrest.

“We will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process, nor will we let baseless accusations deter us from fairly applying the law,” Bragg said through a spokesperson.

Bragg, 49, maintained that no one is above the law, and everyone receives equal treatment.

“In every prosecution, we follow the law

without fear or favor to uncover the truth,” his statement continued.

“Our skilled, honest, and dedicated lawyers remain hard at work.”

Trump’s social media attack on Bragg could reveal the frustrations and even the concern he might possess over all of the legal problems he currently faces.

Bragg’s case, in which the former President allegedly paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and committed campaign finance crimes, is just the tip of the iceberg for the bombastic Trump.

Most legal experts believe Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis might have a more serious case.

A special grand jury disbanded in January after reportedly recommending charges that include obstruction, bribery, and interfering with a presidential election.

Additionally, a Special Counsel’s investigation into Trump allegedly mishandling classified

documents at his Florida home has amped up with a federal judge ordering the former President’s lawyer to testify.

Finally, the Congressional committee that investigated the January 6 insurrection has recommended serious charges against Trump to the U.S. Department of Justice. Those charges could include treason.

“It would be a travesty of justice,” Mississippi Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson said if Trump isn’t prosecuted by federal authorities for his role in the insurrection.

“Nobody is above the law, not even the President of the United States,” said Thompson, who chaired the commission.

“What we saw after interviewing more than 1,000 people – the majority of who identify with the Republican Party – we are convinced that whatever happened, happened because of one person. So, we are clear in our recommendation.”

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Sheryl Lee Ralph Named USA Today Woman of The Year Sheryl Lee Ralph has been named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, which honors women who have had a particularly positive influence on their communities and the nation as a whole. Hollywood has a dynamic reputation. You might reach unimaginable heights because of it. And occasionally it knocks you into the valley.

Ralph originally rose to fame at the 1981 Broadway premiere of “Dreamgirls.” She is now receiving her greatest awards while sporting the outfits of a kindergarten teacher from the TV series “Abbott Elementary”.

Between, there were the years with little to no work and the bit parts.

“There have been moments where I thought, “Well, if I quit now I have had a great career.’

No one could say that wasn’t true,” she shared.

“But I didn’t quit. I kept moving on. I kept believing.”

She started the DIVA Foundation to help friends who were HIV/AIDS positive becoming

an activist. She appeared onscreen alongside legendary Hollywood actors.

And then she received a call inviting her to join “Abbott Elementary,” where she portrays the harsh but loving teacher Barbara Howard, a role subconsciously influenced by the mother of co-star and show creator Quinta Brunson.

“And here I am,” Ralph noted, “as Barbara Howard in the No. 1 television show around the world.”

She won an Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy in September, becoming only the second Black woman to do so. A few days after I spoke with Ralph, the cast of “Abbott Elementary” received a Screen Actors Guild Award for best ensemble work in a comedy series.

Sheryl Lee Ralph In the ABC television series “Abbott Elementary,” Lisa Ann Walter plays Melissa Schemmenti and Ralph plays Barbara Howard.

When she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” dubbed as the unofficial Black national anthem,

at the Super Bowl Sunday, with an audience span of millions. This particular performance allowed others to witness the powerhouse shine in that moment of highlight.

Even while the song has long been a staple of pre-game performances, this was the first year it was actually sung during a game inside the stadium. Conservatives derided the NFL for what they saw as its polarizing nature.

Ralph decided to disregard the criticism. She made the decision to rise rather than plunge into the valley of bitterness.

“There can be those that can say, ‘But it’s not for me.’ When in fact, it is for all of us,” she said of the song, which was written to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. “It’s for all of us to rise up together in pursuit of liberty and justice – for all. There’s nothing more American than that.”

During her interview with USA Today she was asked about her Super Bowl performance which was tear-jerking.

Bichotte Hermelyn Honored by BWBA Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn was honored at a Women’s History Month Luncheon hosted by the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) on March 17.

Bichotte Hermelyn, an assemblymember from Brooklyn, represents the 42nd Assembly District, which encompasses Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush, and Midwood. She paved the way for others to follow by becoming the first Haitian American woman to be elected to the New York City Council, the first engineer to be elected to the New York State Legislature, and the first woman to chair the Democratic County Party in Brooklyn. A powerhouse indeed.

BWBA President Susan Mauro acknowledged at the occasion that she and Bichotte Hermelyn had just recently met; they had connected at the Appellate Division’s Black History Month celebration the preceding month. However, Mauro said that after hearing her tale, she was so affected that she immediately decided she wanted to memorialize Bichotte Hermelyn.

Mauro had this to say, Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn is a role model for women

and girls everywhere, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.” She added, “She has faced many obstacles throughout her life and career but has overcome them with grace and determination. She is a true inspiration and a trailblazer for women in law and government, and the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association is proud to honor her during Women’s History Month.”

Bichotte Hermelyn, a new mother and thirdyear student at Brooklyn Law School, became the first woman and the first African-American woman with Caribbean ancestry to hold such a position in New York City after Hon. Frank Seddio resigned.

Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn has cosponsored more than 250 bills and presented over 200 since being elected in 2015. Of those, 34 were passed into law. Her legislative accomplishments include a wide range of topics, including voting rights, housing, health, and education. She has been a fierce supporter of issues impacting the community’s quality of life, including immigrant rights, education

Guyanese-American Sits on President Biden Fitness Council One of the 27 individuals whom US President Joe Biden will nominate to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition is Kahina Haynes, executive director of the Dance Institute of Washington and the daughter of Guyanese business professor and accountant Floyd Haynes.

In addition to Stephen “Steph” Curry and his wife Ayesha, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, former Phillies pitcher Ryan Howard, and basketball coach Martin Ingelsby from the University of Delaware will be on the government advisory group, according to a statement from the White House.

The vibrant and dynamic Kahina Haynes shared with the Stabroek news, “I am extremely honored to be appointed as a member of President Biden’s renewed Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

My ongoing and evolving mission is about breaking barriers and changing mindsets to achieve a more equitable and just society—in this case through sports (including dance), fitness, and nutrition.”

reform, healthcare access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women’s and LGBTQ rights, and others.

The maternal healthcare crisis must be resolved and Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn is dedicated to solving maternal mortality inequalities that predominantly affect Black and minority women. The Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law, which is named after her late son

“The number of people that said they cried, that they shed tears of joy, that they were happy to hear that song at that place. And it was the very first time that the NFL had “Lift Every Voice and Sing” inside the stadium. It’s usually outside somewhere or on a remote location.

And this time, here it was center stage. I got to deliver it, and it was magic.”

The interviewer went on to ask Ralph if her experience of receiving her first Emmy award was a special moment.

“There’s something very, very special happening to me right now that I can’t even describe.

All I can do is lean into it. All I can do is respond to the calls. All I can do is rise to the occasion of my own life. These are all of my dreams come true ... All I can do is just keep being me.”

Continued on website at www.nycaribnews.com

and it outlines care standards when a mother visits a hospital worried she may be in premature labor, was supported by her.

Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), played a crucial role in the adoption of laws to support the development and success of MWBEs.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

CARIBBRIEFS

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

UK – Blacks Six Times More Likely to Be Strip-Searched Recent research that was made public indicated that police officers who were tasked with protecting black children in England and Wales were six times more likely to conduct strip searches on them.

According to the Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza, more than half of the strip searches on children between mid2018 and mid-2022 took place without an appropriate adult present.

The inquiry was started when two female cops conducted a strip search on a black 15-year-old student at a London school in 2020 while no other adult was present because the student was suspected of possessing marijuana.

The girl, known as “Child Q,” was menstruating and there were no drugs in her system.

An earlier study indicated racism was a potential cause for the humiliating search.

De Souza remarked, “The bravery of a girl to speak up about a traumatic thing that happened to her” led to the report that found “widespread noncompliance” of safeguards and evidence of a “deeply concerning practice.”

The findings come in the wake of an incriminating report released last week that found the public had stopped believing in the London Metropolitan Police, that the agency was rife with institutional racism, misogyny, and homophobia, and that it wasn’t doing nearly enough to get rid of bad officers. That study was commissioned after an officer raped and murdered a young lady.

According to the current research, search-

es of kids as young as eight were taking place in frequently unsuitable locations including amusement parks, cars, and sometimes even in front of onlookers.

Sometimes there was at least one officer there who wasn’t the same gender as the youngster being searched.

According to population statistics, black children were searched in more than a third of the 2,847 cases, making them more than six times more likely to be searched. The likelihood of searching for white children was nearly half as high.

De Souza referred to the difference as “utterly unacceptable.”

The results, according to the Runnymede Trust, a think tank for racial equality, were somewhat more difficult to take than those from the study on the Metropolitan Police,

which has previously come under fire. The trust demanded that police leave schools and lose their right to conduct children’s strip searches.

They noted, “Officers are often unable to justify the necessity of strip-searching, nor can they report on the safeguarding impact on the child concerned.” While adding, “Quite the contrary. It also confirms that our policing crisis is not just confined to London, it is national.”

De Souza stated that although strip searches may be required, there must be strong precautions to protect kids.

She made 17 suggestions, one of which was for the Home Office to reassess search laws and policies and modify the police and criminal evidence codes specifically.

Con Edison Celebrates 200 Years of Energizing New York

Building on its track record of innovation, Con Edison is making historic investments in clean energy technologies that will help New York meet our climate goals and deliver 100 percent clean energy by 2040.

“Con Edison’s history is New York’s history – a story of relentless ingenuity, achievement, and resilience,” said Tim Cawley, Con Edison’s chairman and chief executive. “Yet for all our history, I believe the most exciting chapter is the one unfolding now. Our commitment to lead the clean energy transition will benefit our customers and all New Yorkers.”

“Congratulations to Con Edison on two centuries of keeping our city running,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “And a big thank you to the essential workers of Con Edison, who are on the job 24/7 to ensure New Yorkers are safe and comfortable in their homes, tourists are able to enjoy the lights of Times Square, our hospitals are performing life-saving work, and businesses are bustling in all five boroughs.

The city looks forward to continued partnership as we build the energy infrastructure of the future, by cutting New York City emissions and bolstering a clean, reliable, and resilient grid.”

“For 200 years, the talented people at Con Edison have provided us with the reliable energy service that makes it possible for New York to be a 24/7 world-class destination,” said Steven Rubenstein, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York. “Now these fellow New Yorkers are meeting the challenge of climate change

by leading our region to a clean energy future in which we power our homes, businesses, and vehicles with electricity from renewable sources. We thank Con Edison for two centuries of contributions to making New York the world’s greatest city.”

“For 200 years, Con Edison has played a vital role in the development and growth of New York City and the metropolitan region, said Tom Wright, president, and chief executive officer of Regional Plan Association (RPA). “Their important work on climate adaptation and resiliency is just as important to our future as their storied history. RPA is proud to congratulate our strong civic partner on this milestone and we look forward to continuing to work with Con Edison on issues that will strengthen our communities and shape the future of this city and region for the next two centuries and more.”

“New York City is proud to be home to Con Edison, which has been at the forefront of discovery and innovation in the global energy industry throughout the past two centuries and provides our region with a reliable and forward-looking electrical distribution system that is essential to our continued growth,” stated Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City An Economic Powerhouse for New York Today, Con Edison ranks among the largest U.S. energy companies, supplying energy to 10 million people in the New York City region and serving as an anchor for the local economy. The company employs nearly 14,000 people and supports one in every 200 jobs in New York City and Westchester County. Con Edison is the longest-continuously listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.

Con Edison was founded in 1823 as a gas lighting company and went on to establish the model for what became the modern electric utility. Among many innovations, the company built the country’s first true power grid using the Pearl Street Station in lower Manhattan, which delivered electric service to an entire neighborhood.

The “First District” Among those early electric customers was The New York Times, which wrote at the time that its new electric lighting service was “a hundred times steadier” than gas.”

By the 1890s, electric service had spread to other parts of New York City, driven by the innovations and ambitions of trailblazers such as Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse, and Lewis Latimer.

The Consolidated Edison Co. of New York

took its current name in 1936, the year the Yankees won the World Series with rookie Joe DiMaggio roaming the outfield. Ten years later, in 1946, Joltin’ Joe played his first night game under the lights in the House that Ruth built.

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15

IDEAS WANTED

Apps • Beauty • Electronics • Housewares • Medical Pets • Tools • Lawn and Garden • Toys and more!

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

Call 855-505-3070 for our FREE Idea Starter Guide.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

WHO Initiates Building a Global Curriculum for Infodemic Management To develop infodemic management capacities for the future, WHO convened a technical consultation on building a global curriculum for infodemic management on 21-23 March in Belgrade, Serbia. Hosted by the School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, the consultation brought together 47 representatives of academia, public health and professional associations, and health authorities from six WHO regions.

Speaking about the importance of moment, Stefan Mandić-Rajčević, coordinator of the Laboratory for infodemiology and infodemic management at the University of Belgrade, noted: “The Faculty of Medicine recognized the importance of infodemic management early on during the pandemic, and we have grown a network which allowed us to improve our response and reduce the harms of the infodemic in Serbia.” Rafaela Rosário from University of Minho in Portugal echoed the significance of integrating infodemic management in teaching and training to prepare public health professionals for new pandemic threats: “infodemiology and Infodemic management are new skills in the public health that will help us better respond to health threats in the future.”

With the aim to (i) define the capacities for

mainstreaming infodemic management in learning and training programmes, and (ii) mapping integration approaches in existing education and learning programmes, the consultation offered a platform for a productive discussion. Tim Nguyen, WHO Unit Head for High Impact Events Preparedness highlighted previously developed competencies for infodemic management as a foundation to build upon: “The competency framework defines the key functions of an Infodemic manager throughout the epidemic response cycle and how adaptive they become as the epidemic evolves.” On integrating infodemic management into training programmes, Elil Renganathan from Sunway University, Malaysia, said: “This is an evolution of public health capacities and skillsets that needs a long-term vision.”

Bringing representatives of both academia and practice together prompted robust discussion of various aspects of the infodemic management from theory to application to training programmes. “Infodemic has brought us to the new challenges of misinformation.

Evidence-based and data-driven decisions are an important part of infodemic management and they have supercharged our community engagement to a new level,” shared Santi Indra

Health + Hospitals Ensures New Yorkers Continue to Have Access to Covid-19 Services as End of Federal Emergency Nears In preparation for the May 11 expiration of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration that ends the funding source for pandemic response, NYC Health + Hospitals today announced plans to ensure New Yorkers continue to have the access to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and treatment, as well as services to address Long COVID. After being on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic for more than three years, NYC Health + Hospitals and the NYC Test & Treat Corps will transition remaining emergency-level operations from our hospital-based walk-in testing tents and mobile Test to Treat units to permanent services inside the public health care system’s hospitals and community-based outpatient care centers. COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination will continue to be available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations by appointment through its online patient portal or by calling 1-844-NYC-4NYC. The health system will also continue to manage the City’s 212-COVID19 hotline, connecting New Yorkers to COVID-19 treatments through NYC Health + Hospitals/Virtual ExpressCare and Long COVID resources through its AfterCare program and COVID-19 Centers of Excellence.

“As the federal pandemic emergency and funding comes to an end, New York City and NYC Health + Hospitals will continue be there for all New Yorkers seeking testing, treatment, vaccination, and support if they’re dealing with

Long COVID,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I also want to thank NYC Health + Hospitals, the NYC Test & Treat Corps, the Health Department and all of the frontline health care workers who stepped up tremendously over the past three years through every phase of the pandemic.”

“The last three years have categorically changed our lives. Thousands of children, families, partners, friends, colleagues, and loved ones have lost someone to the virus. Millions of New Yorkers have had the virus and have recovered,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “While we are now in a new phase of the pandemic where we are repositioning, we will continue providing the needed support to individuals and families that have questions, need to get tested, want to get vaccinated or boosted, or want to consult their health care provider about Long COVID concerns. NYC Health + Hospitals will continue to serve New Yorkers across the city to address each of these issues in a sustainable way, with public health infrastructure that is responsive should the pandemic shift. A profound thank you to our teams at NYC Health + Hospitals, DOHMH, and all of our frontline workers across government who have stepped up to serve their fellow New Yorkers throughout the pandemic.”

Participants of the WHO Technical Consultation in front of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, March 21, 2023

Astuti from Islamic University of Bandung in Indonesia, who also represents an anti-hoax civil society organization MAFINDO. An important part of teaching infodemic management is teaching via simulation to build immersive worlds where infodemics happen and where students are thrust into problem-solving challenges that reflect real-world events. The participants joined colleagues from the local health authorities in a simulation on generating infodemic insights and recommendations for action, followed by deconstructing

the elements of design and delivery of such teaching approaches. “We are excited about the prospect of the concept of the simulation into the Eastern Mediterranean Field Epidemiology training programmes and into Arabic,” said Haitham Bashier of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET).

A meeting report and a plan for mainstreaming infodemic management into learning and teaching programmes is forthcoming.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

CARIBA&E

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Backlash for Bounty Killer After Criticizing Afrobeats Bounty Killer, a contentious dancehall artist, known internationally for hits like “Hey baby” featuring No Doubt, asserts that Afrobeats, a developing genre, “has no lyrics” in comparison to dancehall.

Bounty Killer, who made the remarks in a now-viral interview with I Never Knew TV, compared dancehall with afrobeats.

The dancehall legend claimed that the problem with dancehall is that its “topics,” which are now exclusively restricted to scamming, is the reason why Afrobeats is “taking over.”

“Afrobeats have no lyrics; they have a lot of melody, grove, and topic. Ye ye ye is not a lyric; it is a topic. The song only has a style, melody and topic,” he remarked.

The Warlord discussed the work of Afrobeats artists, to which Jamaicans are sometimes likened, and used Burna Boy’s Ye as an illustration.

“Ye, ye. Dat a lyrics? Dat a topic. Ye, ye, we know what Ye Ye Ye, mean… those are topics and di melody. Style, melody, topic.

Simple!”

One social media account, burna.boy.

news, posted immediately after the outrage, saying: One social media account, burna.boy.news, posted immediately after the outrage, saying:”That man na craze did he listen to the verses? Burna Boy knows how to entertain people while sending a message at the same time, YE is about hustling for a better life. This guy na dust full him head mtcheeeeew.”

Mayowabae, a seperate social media user, made the following claim about dancehall artists:”Lol it’s obvious the dancehall artists are getting jealous of the Afrobeat taking over.”

The contemporary situation of dancehall, which is experiencing its own gloom and lethargy, was discussed by Bounty Killer.

He said that while being “full of lyrics,” many of the songs being produced lacked melodies and dancehall beats and were satisfied to concentrate on subjects that the rest of the world appeared to be mostly disinterested in hearing.

“It’s just the topics. Dancehall artistes don’t have any topics. They are stupid. They are singing some regional things; some corner

President Biden Awards Billie Holiday Theatre National Medal of Arts

Washington, D.C. — The Billie Holiday Theatre (“The Billie”), one of the nation’s preeminent arts and culture organizations founded by the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (“Restoration”) was awarded the National Medal of Arts at the White House during the first in-person ceremony to be held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony celebrated the 2021 National Medal of Arts honorees during which President Biden presented the medal to arts and entertainment leaders including Restoration President and CEO Blondel A. Pinnock, who accepted the medal on behalf of The Billie.

The ceremony was held in the East Room at the White House for which Dr. Jill Biden was also present. Also in attendance were Toni Yuille Williams, Chair, Board of Directors, The Billie Holiday Theatre, Wayne C. Winborne, former

Chair, Board of Directors, Restoration, and Sabine LaFortune, General Manager, The Billie Holiday Theatre.

Founded by Restoration in 1972 during the height of the Black Arts movement, The Billie opened as a means of exposing America to Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of its largest artistic Black communities. Since its inception, The Billie has elevated and promoted the critical voices of Black artists such as Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen and other stellar artists in the Black diaspora. Its programming largely focuses on producing, presenting, and commissioning new and classic works and festivals in theater, dance, music, visual arts, and film; providing artistic and institutional residencies; and serving all ages with educational programming.

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. It is awarded by the president of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States.

Over the years, the National Medal of Arts has honored a wide range of artists and culturally significant institutions and organizations, such as the Apollo Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. In addition to The Billie, 2021 Medal of Arts recipients include Mindy Kaling, Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Antonio Martorell-Cardona, Vera Wang and The International Association of Blacks in Dance.

argument. They are not singing household argument where every household understand what this means. Chappa argument, scamma pan corna; dat not relatable,” he claimed.

“People caan relate to that in every nation and every country. How far that goes?

Fool-fool. People just a sing fi roun di road so that’s why Afrobeats a lead….”

Following the abolition of Billboard’s Reggae Digital Song Sales chart in January 2020, the publication revealed two years later that it has partnered with the music festival and major Afrobeats brand Afro Nation to introduce the first-ever US chart for Afrobeats Songs. The top-downloaded reggae and dancehall songs in the US were rated on the weekly Reggae Digital Song Sales chart, however, years of poor sales may have contributed to that choice.

Weekly updates to the Reggae Albums ranking are still being made.

According to local music experts, the declaration seemed to presage the eventual hegemony of African music over dancehall music.

“That’s Dancehall problem – the topics.

The topics are limited. None a di chapppa artiste nuh big like Charly Blacks. Party Animal. Everybaddy know bout party. Di word party big inna every nation. Which nation don’t party? Simple. So a dat. Our artiste dem don’t choose di topic right. Di argument is regional and wi a sing inna wi own dialect and wi a talk to wiself. Suh dem music deh just go in di diaspora,” Bounty shared.

Bounty Killer praised the current dancehall’s poetry but criticized the songs’ messages. He thinks that by changing the content, the art form would regain its power.

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

JetBlue to Increase Flights to Grenada ST GEORGE’S – The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) says the United Statesbased budget airline, JetBlue will boosting service to the island in time for its biggest cultural festival, Spicemas.

From August 7 to September 1, 2023, the carrier will operate a second daily nonstop flight, a 162-seat A320, leaving New York’s John F Kennedy (JFK) airport at 9:50 p.m. and arriving at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) at 2:47 am.

The returning flight departs GND at 5:01 a.m. and arrives at JFK at 9:57 a.m.

JetBlue currently offers daily nonstop service from New York, and American Airlines offers a daily nonstop flight from Miami, along with a seasonal weekly flight from Charlotte on Saturdays.

Also, in line with the uptick in family travel to the destination, JetBlue has increased capacity on its regular service, from an A320 to the 200-seater A321, for the entire summer peak period from June 15 to September 5.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this expanded service from JetBlue, offering travellers

more options to come to Grenada,” said Tourism Minister Lennox Andrews.

“JetBlue has always been a committed partner and we expect a surge in bookings, as this service allows the destination and our stakeholders the opportunity to welcome even more visitors for Spicemas and showcase how Grenada honours its culture and why we’re truly the Spice Isle of the Caribbean.”

“The USA is the largest tourism market for Grenada and continues to perform exceptionally well. In 2022, the USA closed off the year two per cent over 2019. Currently, Jan-Feb 2023, the market is up 19 per cent over the same period in 2019 and three per cent over for the same period in 2022.

Grenada continues to remain committed to US tourism growth and most recently welcomed a new sales manager in New York, Shanai St Bernard,” said the CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Petra Roach.

According to a Grenada 473 Connect Ambassador, Margaret Hector, the initiative is an excellent one on JetBlue‘s part to add a

redeye flight from JFK to Grenada for the Spicemas season.

“It brings into consideration the people who are avid carnival lovers and need to work during the day, or for those thinking

of a last-minute weekend getaway. It speaks a lot about the love for our country, our cultural celebrations, and our strong diaspora community in the New York City area,” she said. (CMC)

Travel Ban to Florida Sought by NAACP

Following an assault in Florida that targeted Black people, one group is advising people to stay away from the region. A travel advisory for the state of Florida this next weekend will not be issued by the NAACP Florida State Conference without first seeking permission from the organization’s national office.

The NAACP in Florida claims that Black people are being attacked there. When they were all in attendance at the Florida state conference on Saturday, hundreds of leaders, including the president of the NAACP in Lee County, unanimously resolved to request permission from headquarters to issue the travel advice in an effort to convince any Black people who are considering moving to Florida to do otherwise. They issued a warning.

Leaders of the Florida NAACP want to make a strong statement to any and all Black people who are considering traveling to Florida.

James Muwakkil, the Lee County NAACP branch president stated, “What a travel advisory is that it allows us the NAACP to

warn other Blacks across the country to not come to Florida, not send their children to Florida, not to vacation in Florida if you’re Black.”

Muwakkil took part in the decision to issue the travel warning for Florida. He attributes it to one individual and says it is absolutely important.

“The bullseye has been put on Black people’s back by this Governor. And so through this, if getting permission, we’re going to tell the rest of the world that we will not tolerate second-class citizenship,” Muwakkil noted.

A travel ban is nothing new in Florida. For instance, due to some of the policies and rules Florida has implemented, California has stopped all state-funded travel there, despite the fact that tourism is still thriving. But Muwakkil believes millions of people will listen to the travel advice.

“There’s over 2,000,000 card-carrying members of the NAACP nationwide. With 2,200 units, the adult branches, the high school chapters, the college chapters, the youth council. That’s a lot of people who’s going to listen to what we say. There will be impact,” Muwakkil said.

And Muwakkil is aware of the potential implications for black-owned businesses if millions of people do listen.

“There’s always going to be sacrifice when it comes to progress. There will always be burdens But yet, we have to push through it,” Muwakkil remarked.

The Florida NAACP’s efforts, according to Muwakkil, are supported by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

CARIBLEGAL

19

AG Letitia James - Most Influential Legal Professional in New York Letitia James, a resident of Brooklyn, was ranked first on City & State New York’s list of the “2023 Law Power 100,” which was published on Monday and highlighted the borough’s legal giants in politics.

The list includes noteworthy, elected officials, strong prosecutors, high-ranking appointees, partners at illustrious law firms, defense lawyers, public defenders, legal scholars, and other members of the legal community who counsel or oversee governmental bodies, fight for policy changes, or present cases before the highest courts. Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, is at the top of the list, followed by Breon Peace, an assistant U.S. attorney, State Court of Appeals judges, and other renowned attorneys.

According to City & State, James was at the top of their list because he successfully prosecuted The Trump Organization on tax fraud charges and took on other high-profile cases including gun dealers and the cryptocurrency sector.

The list’s No. 2 slot went to Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for New York’s Eastern District, along with the other federal prosecutors from the State. By achieving convictions in well-known instances like

the R. Kelly sexual abuse trial and the Brooklyn subway shooting, he has built a name for himself.

Eric Gonzalez, the district attorney for New York City, was listed at No. 8, while Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, the city’s corporation counsel, was placed No. 6.

In the first quarter of 2022, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City named Hon. Hinds-Radix, a former Administrative Judge of the Kings County Supreme Court and Appellate Division Judge for the Second Judicial Department, as Corporation Counsel of the New York City Law Department. She is currently in charge of the city’s 850-attorney Law Department, which defends the city, the mayor, the city council, and different departments. This is an important position in the Adams administration.

Hinds-Radix has been active in her position; she filed a lawsuit to ban internet ghost gun sellers from selling in Fresh York City, won the case against Con Edison over its property tax proposal, and she just started a new campaign to combat unauthorized marijuana sales in the area. She has also contributed to the development and defense of the administration’s

Senator Bailey Supports Clean Slate Act After passing out of the Finance Committee of the New York State Senate on Tuesday, a revised measure known as the Clean Slate Act that would provide those with criminal convictions the ability to hide their records from the public eye may soon become law in New York.

If adopted, this law will remove barriers caused by the past and make it simpler for individuals to seek housing and employment.

Senator Jamaal Bailey stated, “Once you’ve atoned for these mistakes, you should be able to move forward and make yourself and your families whole,” He added, “You want to stop people from committing crimes, give them a job. You want to make sure you keep people off the street, give them a job.”

As long as there are no more arrests for the offender, the Clean Slate Act would automatically seal any convictions for crimes other than sexual offenses.

Seven years after sentencing or being released from prison, records for offenses that lasted more than a year would be sealed. Three years after punishment or release, criminal records would be sealed.

The bill is now up for consideration once more by state lawmakers after being approved by the Senate but not put to a vote in the Assembly last year. The plan was discussed by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, and now that it has been approved, the whole Senate will vote on it.

Advocates contend that sealing records would provide many of the approximately 2.3 million New Yorkers with criminal histories with a necessary second opportunity, putting a stop

to what amounts to “permanent punishment” for people who are turned down for jobs or housing due to their pasts.

Clean Slate NY noted in a statement, “The passage of the Clean Slate Act out of the Senate Finance Committee and onto the Senate floor underscores the continued momentum for this urgent and historic bill in lead-up to the State Budget.”

“We applaud the Committee and Chairwoman Senator Liz Krueger for advancing legislation that will boost the state’s economic growth, help businesses hire employees, allow people to support their families, and increase community safety. … We urge the legislature and Governor Hochul to pass Clean Slate immediately and bring relief to New Yorkers who have been excluded from economic opportunity, stable housing, and higher education for far too long.”

Republicans oppose the Clean Slate Act because they believe that keeping criminal records secret might put the public at risk.

However, the Business Council of New York State, a typical Republican political ally, has advocated in favor of the law and asserted that it will reduce job barriers and assist address a labor shortage. Several significant firms and labor unions support it as well.

According to recent research, the Clean Slate Act, if implemented, would increase New York State’s yearly profits by an estimated $7.1 billion. Additionally, a number of Fortune 500 corporations and unions that represent over 2 million workers support the legislation.

strategy for removing mentally ill homeless people off the streets.

On the other hand, district attorneys have a lot of influence in New York because they have the discretion to determine which offenses they want to concentrate on and how zealously to pursue convictions or support progressive changes. The 62 district attorneys in New York are elected officials that represent a wide spectrum of stakeholders and voters, with different priorities based on the county or borough they are assigned to.

Gonzalez took over the position in 2017.

He has concentrated on lowering gun violence in Brooklyn, promoting supervised injection facilities, and lowering recidivism through diversionary measures.

He also oversees the office’s Conviction Review Unit, which since its establishment in 2014 has overturned 35 convictions.

Gonzalez has thrown out 378 convictions associated with dishonest NYPD cops and thwarted a cross-state sex trafficking scheme.

Anthony Cannataro, Michael Garcia, Madeline Singas, Shirley Troutman, Jenny Rivera, and Rowan Wilson, who sit on the State Court of Appeals, were ranked No. 4 on the list. Jonathan Lippman, a former Chief Judge, was ranked No (Hon. Janet DiFiore did not appear at all on the list). No. 25 on the list was the Honorable Tamiko Amaker, Acting Chief Administrative Judge.

Other famous residents of Brooklyn include Claire Rush (No. 75), trustee of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, Ken Fisher (No. 32), former Brooklyn District Attorney Elizabeth Holtzman (No. 33), and Arthur Aidala (No. 26), former president of the Brooklyn Bar Association.

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CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 4, 2023

Guatemala, Nicaragua Qualify for 2023 Gold Cup MIAMI, Florida – Nicaragua and Guatemala have qualified for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup following the results of their matches on Monday in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League.

Nicaragua earned a 1-1 draw at Trinidad and Tobago to finish atop Group C of League B, one point ahead of the Soca Warriors, while a 4-0 home victory paced Guatemala to a first-place finish in Group D of League B by two points over Les Yana Dokos.

Nicaragua and Guatemala join Cuba, Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Jamaica and invited nation Qatar as teams that will participate in this summer’s tournament.

The winners and second-place finishers from the League A groups and the winners of each group in League B group directly qualify for the Gold Cup. The second-place teams from the League B groups and the third-place teams from League A will join the winners of each League C group in the Gold Cup Prelims.

Below is the list of the teams qualified thus far for 2023 Gold Cup. Nicaragua The Pinoleros have qualified for their fourth World Cup and first since 2019 after winning Group C of League B. Nicaragua will be seeking their first ever knockout round appearance ina Gold Cup. Guatemala Guatemala are on their way to their 12th Gold Cup. Los

Chapines enjoyed their best finish in the tournament in 1996 when they finished in fourth place.

Cuba Cuba will participate in their 10th Gold Cup and first since 2019 after finishing in first place in Group A of League B. Cuba’s best finishes came in 2003, 2013 and 2015 when they reached the quarterfinal stage.

Haiti Haiti are champion of Group B of League B and have qualified for a third straight Gold Cup. Les Grenadiers achieved their best finish ever in 2019 when they reached the semifinals.

Canada It will be a 16th Gold Cup appearance for Canada, who qualified from Group C of League A. Canada are the only nation outside of the U.S. and Mexico to have won the Gold Cup, achieving that feat in 2000.

Costa Rica Costa Rica are in the Gold Cup for a 16th time and their 14th straight appearance after qualifying from Group B of League A. The Ticos’ best finish came in the 2002 edition when they reached the Final.

Honduras The 1991 finalists are back in the Gold Cup for a 16th time after qualifying from Group C of League A. Honduras reached the quarterfinals in the last edition of the tournament in 2021.

United States

The seven-time Gold Cup champions return to the tournament where they will hope to defend their 2021 title. The U.S. has appeared in every edition of the Gold Cup and were winners of the inaugural tournament in 1991.

Mexico The eight-time winners are back in the tournament, having appeared in every edition since its inception in 1991. Mexico’s last Gold Cup title came in the 2019.

El Salvador The Central American side qualified for their ninth straight Gold Cup and 13th overall by virtue of at least a second place finish in Group D of League A. The best finish for El Salvador in the Gold Cup was the quarterfinals on six different occasions.

Jamaica The Reggae Boyz are back in the Gold Cup for a 13th time thanks to securing at least a second-place finish in Group A of League A. Runners-up in the 2015 and 2017 editions, Jamaica will play in their fifth consecutive Gold Cup. Panama Another two-time finalist, Panama will participate in the Gold Cup for a 10th straight time and 11th overall. The Canaleros are assured of at worst a second-place finish in Group B of League A. Panama were runners-up in 2005 and 2013.

Shallow and Bassarath Elected to Lead Cricket West Indies New president and vice-president to serve two-year terms

Kishore Shallow and Azim Bassarath have been elected as the new president and vice-president of Cricket West Indies (CWI) for two-year terms.

The following people were elected as CWI member directors: Jason King (Barbados), Conde Riley (Barbados), Bissoondyal Singh (Guyana), Deleep Singh (Guyana), Donovan Bennett (Jamaica), Wilford Heaven (Jamaica), Enoch Lewis (Leeward Islands), Leon Rodney (Leeward Islands), Kerwin John (Trinidad and Tobago), Arjoon Ramlal (Trinidad and Tobago), Dwain Gill (Windward Islands), Carol Henry (Windward Islands).

“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I sincerely thank the

outgoing President Ricky Skerritt for his latest contribution to our beloved cricket,” Shallow said. “He has served with distinction and pride in one of the most challenging periods in our lifetime, the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has certainly moved us in the right direction.

“The resounding vote of confidence demonstrated by the shareholders is heartening. My profound gratitude to them and all the stakeholders for supporting me throughout the electoral process. As I embark on this new role with vice president Bassarath, there is no delusion about the considerable workload. My philosophy remains one of unity and inclusivity. For it is only if we pool our resources and efforts together will West Indies cricket make any meaningful advancement as a cricket nation.”