April 5, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2110 WEEK OF APRIL 5 - 11, 2023

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CRISIS IN HAITI

NYC

A BLESSED EASTER Easter traditions around the world

Page 4 NEW YORK CITY

MAYOR ADAMS’ WOMEN’S HEALTH SUMMIT

First to be held looking at the future of women’s health

Page 16

GUYANA

TO TRAIN 1,000 REGISTERED NURSES To meet the need of the health sector of the country

Page 4

TRUDEAU VISITS MOTTLEY

NEW YORK CITY

COUNCIL WANTS MORE DISCOUNTED FARES

For low-income residents

Page 5 JAMAICA MUSIC

‘IF IT WASN’T FOR RASTA’

VOWS TO WORK TOGETHER ON HAITI AND OTHER ISSUES

JAMAICA

Controversy on the respect and impact rastafarianism has had on society

Page 17

A&E

BOUNTY KILLER WAS RIGHT

Says Gramps Morgan on his assessment of Afrobeats

Page 17

GANG VIOLENCE

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U.S. TO AID IN ANTI-GANG FIGHT

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CaribNews OPED The Struggle Dr. King Gave His Life For

by Ben Jealous - P 9

OPED HUD Announces $5.5 Million Award for HBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research

by Stacy M.Brown - P 9

HEALTH WHO Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Call For Health Equity - P 16

SPORTS Squad lists for the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship - P 19

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

AFRICA Ghana – VP Harris on Visit Promised Aid and Investments US Vice President Kamala Harris hailed Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo for his “democratic principles” during a meeting with the West African leader, who’s experiencing mounting anger over inflation and increasing fears about regional security.

As part of a deliberate attempt to increase US outreach at a time when China and Russia have established interests of their own in Africa, Harris has recently started a week-long tour to the continent that will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia.

The vice president was welcomed into the Jubilee House, the presidential palace of Ghana, where she pledged support for the country’s security and expanded investments while announcing $100 million in US aid to the area.

She addressed the president after their meeting, saying, “under your leadership, Ghana has been a beacon of democracy and a contributor to global peace and security.”

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Akufo-Addo presided over one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world.

However, prices for food and other needs have been rising rapidly, and the nation is in debt because it is finding it difficult to make payments.

Africa – VP Harris’ Painful Visit to Slave Outpost

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In Cape Coast Castle’s female slave dungeon, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared noticeably distressed. Harris laid a bouquet of flowers on the floor of the infamous slave trade outpost’s dungeon and put her hand on a centuries-old wall to directly connect with the anguish of the slaves it had formerly held.

It was an unusual display of emotion from the usually stoic barrier-breaking leader, who is frequently reluctant to discuss her own struggles as a Black woman in America. But when Harris spoke from a makeshift platform in front of the cannons that were positioned along the water, her voice cracked and she occasionally made impromptu comments to convey what she had seen.

At the castle, a monument of American cruelty, Harris remarked, “Being here was immensely powerful.” VP Harris added, “The crimes that were done here. The blood that was shed here.”

Western politicians now visit Cape Coast Castle as part of their trips to West Africa as a means to atone for the crimes of the countries that exported and sold African corpses in the past and to envision a bright future for those descendants who still live on the continent and throughout the world.

Obama visited the landmark with his family in 2009, and Harris’ visit echoed that of Obama at the time. As the first president with a direct lineage to the continent, Obama put his stamp on Cape Coast Castle, which Harris could see as she glanced at a plaque that was revealed by him on the wall to the left of the male prison entrance.

Her personal connection as a Black American woman and person in authority was not mentioned in her statements.

WORLD BRIEFS Afghanistan: OHCHR alarm over arrests of activists speaking up for women and girls The de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan must immediately release activists detained for advocating for girls’ and women’s rights, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Wednesday, expressing alarm over ongoing arrests.

Since the beginning of the year, several civil society activists and journalists have been detained for speaking out against Taliban policies that restrict women and girls’ access to education, work, and most other areas of public life.

“No one should be detained for speaking out in defence of their fundamental rights and the rights of others,” OHCHR Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in a statement.

“Arrest or detention as punishment for the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights, such as the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, is arbitrary under international human rights law,” he added.

Top campaigner arrested The statement comes in the wake of the latest arrest, which occurred on Monday, according to OHCHR. Child deaths hit ‘tragic milestone’ in Ukraine Child casualties in Ukraine have hit a “tragic milestone”, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday, as the UN human rights office (OHCHR) released its latest report on rising numbers of deaths and injuries in the country since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“Since the escalation of the war, at least 501 children have been killed,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This is another tragic milestone for Ukraine’s children and families.”

OHCHR’s latest update recorded 765 civilian casualties in Ukraine, from 1 to 31 March, which included 178 deaths and 587 injuries.

Since the invasion on 24 February 2022 to 2 April 2023, the Office recorded 22,607 civilian casualties: 8,451 deaths and 14,156 injuries.

“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

“Most of the casualties resulted from the Russian forces’ use of wide-impact explosive weaponry in residential neighbourhoods.”

Addressing the Human Rights Council on Friday, he said international law is being violated daily, adding that his Office has documented such crimes as summary executions, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and other grave violations.

‘Behind every number is a family torn apart’

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

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Idris Elba, Sheryl Lee Ralph with VP Harris in Ghana In Ghana, Vice President Kamala Harris shocked bystanders when she visited a small recording studio with two well-known actors.

As part of the vice president’s seven-day trip to Africa, Idris Elba and Sheryl Lee Ralph joined Harris on Monday to explore the Vibrate Space community recording studio in Accra, Ghana.

According to the vice president’s office, the purpose of the event was to draw attention to the expanding creative economy in Africa and the connections between African and American artists. Harris visited the workspace and spoke with aspiring creatives.

While Elba and Ralph’s presence was unexpected, Harris’ trip had been planned in advance.

Ralph’s work on the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” earned her an Emmy, one of the greatest accolades in television. Elba is a wellknown actor in both television and movies.

He played enduring characters on “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe, and on HBO’s “The Wire.”

Ralph spoke to a gathering of young Ghanaian artists and media representatives before performing, singing the opening stanza of Dianne Reeves’ song “Endangered Species” amid cheers.

After the event, British actor Idris Elba, whose mother is Ghanaian, talked to reporters and

claimed that Africa had the greatest development potential in the entire globe.

The actor claimed he wants to continue funding movies in Ghana, where he has already made seven investments.

Elba was asked if Harris would be a “good” president, to which he responded, “Of course.”

As the first Black woman and vice president of the United States, Harris’ visit to Africa is a chance for Joe Biden’s running mate to enhance her reputation in international affairs and raise her profile in advance of an anticipated reelection effort in 2024.

Presidents Harris and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana met separately earlier on Monday to address matters such as security, human rights, advancing democracy, and lowering the federal debt.

In her speech at the presidential palace, Harris emphasized the connections between the two countries and made reference to a 2019 event that aimed to entice people from the African diaspora to travel to the continent. In order to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans’ arrival in what would eventually become the US, hundreds of Black Americans journeyed to Ghana that year for the “Year of the Return.”

PM Trudeau Meets Barbados’ PM Mottley

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Barbados counterpart Mia Mottley have agreed to “continue to work closely together” on a number of global issues, including the ongoing political, socio-economic situation in Haiti.

A statement issued by Canada’s Office of the Prime Minister noted that the two leaders “spoke” over the last weekend expressing “concern over the deteriorating security in Haiti and the need to help address the political, security, and humanitarian crises in the country.

“They emphasized the importance of Caricom’s (Caribbean Community) role in supporting an inclusive political dialogue and recommitted to working together to help address the urgent needs of the Haitian people,” the statement said.

Late last month, Trudeau and the United States President, Joe Biden both expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the French speaking Caricom country and in a joint statement, pledged to increase community support to the people of Haiti, in particular by offering

them security and humanitarian aid and better support for the National Police of Haiti (PNH).

Justin Trudeau said that in order to counter the crisis and support peace and security “Canada is investing an additional CAD$100 million (One Canadian dollar=US$0.74 cents) 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”.

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, and opposition politicians calling for fresh elections and the removal of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry. In addition, armed rival gangs have been terrorizing citizens, engaged in kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities.

The statement said that during their deliberations, both Trudeau and Mottley also discussed “the importance of improving access to concessional financing for countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“They agreed to work together to address today’s global financing needs of developing countries through innovative and inclusive solutions. They also committed to work jointly to advance efforts to reform the international financing system. This would ensure equitable access to resources needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” it said.

The statement said that the leaders also spoke about their roles as co-chairs of the United Nations Secretary-General’s SDG Advocates group and next steps to advance priorities and to ensure continued progress.

“Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mottley agreed to continue to work closely together,” the statement concluded.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

T&T to Host Caricom 50th Anniversary Celebrations Trinidad and Tobago will host the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) that coincide with the annual summit to be held in July this year.

Informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Dominica was originally scheduled to host the July 3-6 summit, but has asked for Port of Spain to be the venue.

According to the sources, the Roosevelt Skerrit government is of the opinion that Trinidad and Tobago should host the 50th-anniversary celebrations given that the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the 15-member regional integration grouping, was signed in Chaguaramas, west of Port of Spain, on July 4, 1973.

The treaty is a juridical hybrid consisting of

the Caribbean Community as a separate legal entity from the Common Market which had its discrete legal personality. It was signed by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago and came into effect on August 1, 1973.

The Revised Treaty, establishing the Caribbean Community, including the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) was signed in the Bahamas on July 5, 2001, and provides inter alia, for integration of efforts in economic matters, co-ordination of foreign policies and functional cooperation in a list of areas including labor administration and industrial relations and social security among subscribing states.

It came into effect on January 1, 2006.

The source told CMC that Trinidad and Tobago has since appointed its Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, to head the committee planning the 50th-anniversary event.

At their last summit in the Bahamas last month, Caricom leaders acknowledged that a 50th anniversary is “a very special occasion for any organization.

They reflected that for the Caribbean Community, marking the occasion should have a dual purpose. First, it should be a time for review, reflection, reform, and renewal, in terms of looking back at the last fifty years and strategizing for the next fifty.

“Second, it should serve as an opportunity for

the entire Community to celebrate in recognition of the achievements to date,” according to the communique issued in Nassau.

It said in that regard, the regional leaders “considered proposals for the Caricom Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations and agreed on the need to develop and implement activities at the national and regional levels in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Caricom”.

The regional leaders are expected to receive an update on their matter when they gather in Port of Spain on April 17-18 for Caricom Regional Symposium addressing crime and violence as a public health issue. (CMC)

Building Named for Sir Arthur Lewis at London School of Economics In 2018, when writer Brian Walker was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the renowned London School of Economics (LSE), he intended to do more than simply graduate with a master’s degree, which he accomplished and did so with distinction.

Walker was studying when he came across two images of Sir Arthur Lewis, an economist who was born in Saint Lucia and was well-known for his contributions to the study of development economics.

Lewis, who received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 1979, has advised various countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as well as numerous international bodies.

The Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) is unique to the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of The West Indies, Mona, where Walker finished his undergraduate studies in journalism at the Caribbean Institute for Media and Communication (CARIMAC).

“When I started at LSE in 2018, I would look around the campus and I only saw two photos of him, coming from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, where we have the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES); Princeton, the University of Manchester and they all have tangible expressions of the pride of place he holds,” Walker noted.

He continued to express his dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition for Sir Author on the university grounds, “I was not satisfied that there was enough tangible recognition here.

And for the whole year I was, like, how can we embed Sir Arthur in the iconography of the school, in the environment, giving him more recognition and visibility that he thoroughly deserves. And I felt the building for the world-renown Department of Economics at London School of Economics was probably the most tangible expression of respect.”

He determined that naming a building after the economist would be a worthy honor after consulting with other black groups. But first, he had to educate the student body about Sir Arthur Lewis’s contributions and value.

Walker shared with the Gleaner News, “He was the first black academic at LSE, where he did his graduate and post-graduate studies. So,

pretty much, LSE was his intellectual home.

Back in 2019 when I completed my dissertation, I got a three-month contract with the communication division at LSE. I told my boss that October 2019, broadly speaking, marked 40 years since he won a Nobel Peace Prize in Economics. Black History month in the UK is October, so I pitched to him the idea of doing a short film on him.”

Walker obtained permission to do so and collaborated on the production of a short film that examined his legacy and how it continues to influence discussions about economics at the university. It served as the launch platform for the other aspect of the strategy. He drafted a request for the Department of Economics building to be named in his honor at the end of October, and both the general secretary of the Students’ Union and the education officer, who are both black students, approved it.

“Writing directly to the president in October 2019, I followed it up through the COVID-19 pandemic, through the whole global transnational reckoning – the Black Lives Matter movement. I kept it on the agenda right here from Kingston, writing to the key people and reminding them that it needs to be done,” Walker noted.

He points out that the school’s president is a global economist who appreciates the value of Lewis’ work.

Walker learned that the suggestion was being taken into consideration two weeks after it was submitted, but that more time was required to create the school’s naming policy. The attempts were launched by the COVID-19 epidemic, but the former print and television journalist remained tenacious. It was announced that it will occur around a year later, with a future date to be determined.

The transformation took place on Thursday in front of Sir Arthur’s granddaughter and daughter.

Walker was given the opportunity to see the renaming.

“The building that houses the Department of Economics and a range of other economics-related centers in honor of Sir Arthur … was previously known as 32 Lincoln’s Inn Fields. It was changed on March 20. The ceremony was Thursday night. It is now (the) Sir Arthur Lewis Building and will be called (SAL) for short,”

Walker shared.

Elizabeth Lewis-Channon, daughter of Sir Arthur Lewis shared with the Gleaner news, “It’s a great honor. I think my dad would have been very pleased. He had very fond memories of LSE. That’s where he got his start, and to have this level of recognition, it’s just great.”

She stated that the honor is an appropriate

homage to his life and accomplishments as well as to the Nobel Laureate who won the award for something other than literature or world peace.

She said that her father arrived while conversations about what may be added to development economics were taking place.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

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NYC – Mayor Adams, Unions Support “Working People’s Agenda”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was joined by labor leaders, other elected officials, and working New Yorkers to rally state lawmakers to double down on their support for the Child Tax Credit and a further expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — a critical initiative that Mayor Adams advocated for and secured in last year’s budget. Thanks to that expansion, a single parent with one child with an income of $14,750 saw their tax benefit increase from $181 to $905 — a 400 percent increase. A married couple with two children and an income of $25,000 saw their New York City benefit increase from $299 to $897 under the city payment — a 200 percent increase.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are lifelines to so many New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “That’s why we were proud to fight alongside our colleagues in Albany last year to push for an expansion of the EITC for the first time in 20 years and to get more funding for child care. And we’re not stopping there — the ‘Working People’s Agenda’ that we’re rallying for today will bring fairer wages, better benefits, and a better quality of life to working New Yorkers.”

“Labor fights for workers. But we don’t stop there. We fight for our working families. For our children and for our communities. 32BJ SEIU is excited to join a powerful coalition to make permanent the New York State supplemental Child Tax Credit,” said Manny Pastreich, president, 32BJ. “When the federal government expanded the Child Tax Credit in

2021, some 120,000 New York City children were lifted out of poverty. This policy works.

Let’s make sure it becomes a permanent fixture within New York’s social safety net system. This is a collective investment in the children who will lead this state one day.”

“As New Yorkers face continuously rising costs, extending and expanding the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit are common-sense proposals that will make a real difference in so many people’s lives,” said Rich Maroko, president, Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC). “These tax credits will support working families who need it the most, and by promoting the well-being of children, will put New York City on more solid footing for years to come. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for actively prioritizing the economic needs of New Yorkers, especially during such a crucial time in our city’s recovery.”

“Access to quality child care is an essential service for working parents across the city,” said Henry Garrido, executive director, District Council 37. “The expansion of both the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit is not only good public policy but also allows us to invest in and protect one of our most vulnerable populations: our children.”

“The Chinese-American Planning Council urges lawmakers in Albany to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers and extend the state’s child care tax credit. Too many families cannot access the EITC and we know that income from these tax credits leads to better outcomes for children.” said Wayne Ho, president and CEO, Chinese-American Planning Council. “As an organization that promotes the economic empowerment of Asian American, immigrant and low-income communities we know how vital equitable access to resources are to ensuring children and families can thrive. We are proud to join Mayor Adams call to action to expand and extend these tax credits to more New Yorkers.”

“Child poverty is a crisis across New York State that costs $60 billion annually in lost

economic productivity and the best solution is to make better policy choices – starting with the 2024 state budget. We can lift tens of thousands of children out of poverty by making the expanded Empire State Child Tax Credit permanent and making eligible children under four and increasing the credit amount for the lowest-earning families,” said Matthew Klein, chief program and impact officer, Robin Hood.

“Not only is this morally sound policy, it’s also a direct investment in the success of our society; fully refundable and inclusive tax credits increase children’s health, education and future earnings while alleviating costs on health care, child protection and crime. In fact, refusing to fund permanent reforms undermines statewide economic growth and entrenches racial disparities in poverty. We can’t afford to play politics with our children’s future. We support city leaders in calling on Albany to step up with permanent solutions that get us on the path to ending child poverty in this budget cycle.”

Mayor Adams’ ‘Working People’s Agenda’ focuses on delivering jobs, safety, housing, and care to working New Yorkers. Other initiatives within this agenda include: Helping 36,000 economically disadvantaged workers and residents of high-poverty communities — including 8,000 construction workers and 28,000 service contract workers — get connected to good jobs every year by working with city partners in Albany to finally empower New York City to require companies with city contracts to hire local community members.

Doubling the city’s current rate of contracting with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), and awarding $25 billion in contracts to M/WBEs over the next four years and $60 billion over the next eight years.

“Thanks to the Earned Income Tax Credit, we saw a historic reduction in the child poverty rate,” said New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “As a policy decision, it’s a no brainer that we should take a look at expanding eligibility to a wider array of New Yorkers.”

“All families, no matter their immigration

status, should be able to benefit from the child tax credit,” said New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés. “I stand in strong support of expanding tax credit eligibility to ensure working-class immigrant families can benefit from the full Earned Income and Child Tax Credits when they file for state and local taxes. More money in working peoples’ pockets means more food on the table and healthier, more secure communities.”

“The Earned Income Tax Credit is an important boost for working families,” said New York City Councilmember Gale Brewer. “An EITCenhanced tax refund can be the difference between struggling and security. By ensuring that families have more resources for items like food, child care, and rent, we make a real impact in addressing poverty.”

“The State and City have a responsibility to uplift working New Yorkers,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “By expanding and broadening access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, we can support New York’s workers and their families. I commend the mayor for putting forward his Working People’s Agenda, and I stand with colleagues in government and union leaders to call for tax relief and job support for workers, as well as an increase in the city’s utilization of minorityand women-owned business enterprises.”

“The Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are lifesaving initiatives that help thousands of people who struggle to make ends meet,” said New York City Councilmember Farah Louis. “As the cost of living continues to sky rocket, we need to protect New Yorkers who need it most. These initiatives put money directly in the pockets of low-income people who are trying to survive. I applaud Mayor Adams’ ‘Working People’s Agenda’ that prioritizes our most vulnerable neighbors, like single mothers, service contract workers, and immigrants. It’s critical we continue to provide these resources so our neighbors are included in our vibrant economy.

NYC – Council Wants More Discounted Subway Fares The New York City Council urged that Mayor Eric Adams’ initial budget of $102.7 billion be increased by at least $2.7 billion in its official response to Mayor Eric Adams’ recent budget proposal.

A budget is “more than just an itemized list of income and expenditures,” Brooklyn Democrat Councilmember Justin Brannan, who serves as the finance committee’s head, said during a recent news conference. For this reason, “why we believe sound fiscal stewardship means focusing budget priorities where they matter most.”

One of its primary initiatives is a plan to increase the number of low-income citizens who may purchase discounted subway fares.

The city wants those “with incomes up to 200 percent of ” the federal poverty line—$60,000 for a family of four—to be eligible for the discounted fares. The Council also demanded the construction of more street infrastructure, outreach initiatives for fire safety, and battery exchange programs.

According to the Council, the city has this

money set aside for the forthcoming fiscal year.

The city’s income forecasts indicate that there is about $5.2 billion available. The Council is recommending that part of the leftover funds, or around $2.7 billion, be used for other city services once a portion of them is allocated to labor settlements.

Speaker Adrienne Adams noted, “Failing to adequately invest in our city and New Yorkers, at a time where we’re facing so many crises, also carries immense risks.” She added, “They could result in families going hungry, worsening mental health and housing crises, and other far-reaching consequences that impact our economy, health, and safety.”

The Council included a list of potential applications for the additional $2.7 billion in its 56-page statement, which officials also covered at the press conference. This comprises of: Approximately $318 million will be used to serve persons in need of affordable housing, financial assistance, and public housing through the New York City Housing Authority. The Mayor had earlier terminated the vacant unit

preparedness program in November, and the Council demanded its reinstatement. $474.3 million will be used to support a variety of social services, including food assistance programs, free legal aid for individuals facing eviction, and the return of financing for libraries, cultural institutions, parks, and public defenders. $117 million will go toward trauma treatment facilities, community-based violence prevention initiatives, and other mental and physical crisis support. In addition, the Council mandated that a reproductive health psychologist be present throughout each NYC Health + Hospital in the city. additional financing for educational resources, such as pay equity for early childhood educators, art instruction, and neighborhood schools.

More than two months after the mayor first unveiled a $102.7 billion spending proposal for the upcoming year, the Council has responded.

The mayor demanded a budget plan with a 2% increase over the prior year, citing the city’s

continuous immigration issue and the unstable economy.

The Council resisted the mayor’s suggested budget cutbacks after a month-long series of budget hearings, requesting additional monies to cover the cost of dealing with asylum seekers and the uncertain economic climate. The Council also demanded that money be restored for social programs including schools, libraries, and other institutions that the mayor had previously cut funds for.

The mayor’s office justified its “prudent fiscal planning to ensure that we are spending within our means” in a statement to Gothamist News.

A representative for the mayor’s office, Jonah Allon, claimed, “The City Council’s failure to account for $4.2 billion in related asylum-seeker costs or potential state cuts is unrealistic and does not properly recognize the city’s current and upcoming fiscal challenges.”

The Council’s budget analysis is now public, and the mayor will have a few weeks to determine whether or not to incorporate any of the suggestions in a draft of the final budget.

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US Citizens Sponsoring Family Members Fight Republicans’ Efforts To End Program Citizens of the United States who are sponsoring family members’ immigration to the country are attempting to get involved in a legal dispute over a crucial immigration policy that has been brought up by numerous Republican-led states.

The so-called humanitarian parole program, which offers a means for migrants from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba who want to enter the US to do so without making the perilous trek to the US-Mexico border, is at the focus of the lawsuit. Finding a sponsor in the US is one of the conditions that migrants must fulfill.

Valerie Laveus, a Florida educator, told CNN, “I want my family members to have the same chance I was given.” One of the seven petitioners, Laveus, is attempting to relocate her brother and nephew from Haiti, where they are now living in perilous circumstances, to the United States.

The Biden administration’s larger plan to try to stop the flow of migrants to the US

southern border now heavily relies on the deployment of the humanitarian parole program. President Joe Biden has frequently praised the initiative and, among other things, credited it with a recent decline in border crossings.

During his recent trip to Canada, Biden stated, “Since we created dedicated pathways in the United States, the number of migrants arriving on our southern border has dropped precipitously.”

However, Republican-led states launched a lawsuit against the humanitarian parole program in late January, claiming that the administration had overstepped its bounds in using the program and asking the court to halt it. The program will likely be defended by the Justice Department.

According to the petition, US citizens are now participating in the case to “defend their interests in the humanitarian and public benefits of the programs,” which include sponsoring family members to immigrate to

interact with the immigration system in a way that people otherwise wouldn’t. I think our intervenors demonstrate the breadth and range of types of people who can and want to engage with the immigration system,” Sung explained.

After dealing with multiple setbacks in attempting to secure a visa for her relatives in Haiti, Laveus told CNN that she was hopeful about the program when it was launched by the Biden administration.

“When [the program] came out, it gave us a big light of hope because we saw an opportunity for them to come and be here and be safe. It’s heart-wrenching to have a part of you not safe,” she noted.

Eric Sype, who intends to sponsor a friend from Nicaragua, Francis Arauz, who is attempting to reconcile with her Nicaraguan spouse, Nan Langowitz, who is supporting family members of a Venezuelan human rights champion, and Nan Sype are other intervenors.

the US. In support of the seven citizens, the Justice Action Center recently filed a court document alongside RAICES and UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy.

Esther Sung, legal director at Justice Action Center noted, “we wanted to illustrate how these programs are being used by ordinary Americans in the United States.”

“All of these programs, I think, are pretty unique in modern-day immigration policy in that they allow the American public to

Jamaica – Gay Activists Claim Horrific Violence, Urge Repeal of Anti-Gay Laws

International activists called on Jamaica to revoke the anti-gay sex statute known as the buggery law on Tuesday, adding that the government has yet to follow the suggestion made by a regional rights commission two years prior.

The request comes as more islands in the traditionally conservative Caribbean area overturn identical but seldom used rules that frequently call for life sentences and hard labor. Being the Caribbean country that is most unfriendly to homosexuals, Jamaica has opposed such a repeal.

According to Devon Matthews of Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian organization that aids members of the LGBTQ community in escaping abuse, “Jamaica is really an outlier.” “The situation has gotten significantly worse in the last number of years.”

In a study issued on Tuesday by Rainbow Railroad and Human Dignity Trust, a nonprofit legal group in the UK, it was discovered that the LGBTQ population in Jamaica is subjected to “horrific violence, discrimination, and persecution and lacks the most fundamental legal rights.”

Since the year 2019, there have been more requests for assistance from LGBT individuals in Jamaica, with 411 violent occurrences recorded in 2018 compared to 377 the year before, according to Matthews, who spoke to the Associated Press by phone.

“The data doesn’t even do justice to the degree of violence that we’re seeing,” she claimed. “It’s truly horrifying.”

With regards to two members of the island’s Gay community who were compelled to leave Jamaica, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights determined in February 2021 that the Jamaican government had violated their rights to privacy, equality protection, humane treatment, and freedom of movement.

Gareth Henry, one of the defendants, is gay and now lives as a refugee in Canada with his

mother, sister, and other family members after being assaulted by Jamaican police multiple times in front of irate crowds. According to Human Dignity Foundation, the other defendant, a lesbian named Simone Edwards, was shot twice as a result of anti-gay violence and was granted refuge in the Netherlands.

At the time, the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Commission on Human Rights urged that Jamaica remove its alleged anti-buggery statute. This hasn’t occurred yet.

If the state had intervened, “a lot of lovely individuals lost in this tragedy might have been protected,” Matthews added.

The government of Jamaica claims that it doesn’t implement its anti-sodomy laws since 1864, but activists claim that keeping them on the books fosters homophobia and violent crimes against the LGBT population in the 2.8 million-person, devout nation.

Even when regulations are not upheld at the state level, according to Matthews, communities, and families will occasionally enforce them.

The prime minister of Jamaica’s office did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Also, Rainbow Railroad claimed that although it is legal for women in Jamaica to participate in same-sex relationships, it is not unusual for their families to plan so-called “corrective rapes” of them or their partners.

Advocates also point out that homosexual people in Jamaica face barriers to employment, healthcare, education, and housing.

Several Caribbean nations that later abolished their same-sex legislation were found to have similar prejudice; Barbados did so in December, following in the footsteps of Antigua & Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis. Nonetheless, five other American nations—Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Vincent, and the Grenadines—continue to have such laws in effect.

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

Easter, A Season for All times and All Things Easter is here after a week where we have experienced some real tragedies in the country and around the world. We have just witnessed the killing of school children and teachers in Nashville, Tennessee, we have seen the war in Ukraine intensify, the former President of the US has been indicted and a tornado has ripped through Southwest United States, leaving destruction and killing dozens; gang violence and drug trafficking have plagued the Caribbean region.

We come to Easter to celebrate and renew our faith, and many of us are emotionally, spiritually and physically exhausted. There is no denying that it is difficult to confront Easter and why a trip to church is so meaningful, and the traditional trappings of the Easter holiday have to be so meaningful. Regardless of what is happening in our world, the power and importance of Easter must remain as it always has been, for even in the time of trouble, we must not forget the message of the day that represents the heart of the Christian belief, the Risen Christ.

The words of comfort were straightforward a thousand years ago after they were first authored, and they remain relevant and a key

part of the foundation on which the faith of about a billion Christians rests.

“Do not be amazed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here.”

With these few words recorded in the gospel of St. Mark, today people are clinging to the Bible for reassurance that their Christian beliefs are firmly grounded in a real-life experience and that the message is being repeated with reverence in prayers, hymns, sermons and other ways during the Good Friday and Easter festivals that are observed in almost every corner of the globe; they are crucial elements of the story of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus that bring tears and later joy and renewal during Holy Week - assurance was given to the woman by a youth dressed in white, and provided comfort to Mary Magdalene and two other believers in Christ.

Come to the tomb carved out of a rock on a hillside called Golgotha, to anoint Jesus’ body with spices.

When they arrived they were in shock, they found an empty burial place, and as Mark explained, they fled trembling and in astonishment, for they were afraid.

So during this Easter season, Church goers will flock to the house of Worships across the world, beginning with Palm Sunday through Good Friday, and extending through Easter Sunday.

They are giving expression and meaning to the passion, the grief, the pain, and finally exhilaration of the risen Christ. The scene began with the tragedy of the trial and the death of Jesus, and culminated with the exhilaration of resurrection.

It is therefore no wonder that the Caribbean immigrants cast their minds back to their respective birthplaces or places of heritage at this time of the year where solemnity is the order of the day. In the US where Good Friday is not a religious or a public holiday Caribbean immigrants from all countries can’t help but think of Easter and its significance in the way it is observed in their birthplace or place of heritage.

Good Friday in New York is just like any other day. You go to work, put in your hours, get on the train and back home to family; not so in the Caribbean, Good Friday is solemnly observed and Holy Week is a time of reflection. In mostCaribbean countries, we look

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back on challenges, opportunities, successes and yes, and of course failure. Essential to all of those things is the mission of Jesus, the prince of peace, as many dutifully and with reverence call him.

We are more aware than ever how desperately we need God in our lives. The opportunity to return to God during the Easter period as Christians celebrate Jesus’ victory over death for all rich and poor, sinners and saints alike.

We must remember that during these challenging times that the hope represented

by Easter helps sustain Christians whose faith was tested by far greater difficulties than those before us.

Focusing on eternal truth reminds us that the troubles we are facing are temporary. Religious faith is a very valuable tool at this time.

It doesn’t mean we should wait for a miracle, but rather we should be inspired as what is necessary to help many who are in need due to this crisis. The promise of a new life is evident for all in this season.

May the hope of a brighter day be an inspiration to us all and that the example of Jesus be our guiding light.

Happy Easter!

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

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

CARIBOPINION

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The Struggle Dr. King Gave His Life For

by Ben Jealous

This week in 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated leading a bold effort to teach America an urgent lesson: Racism is not just the boot on the neck of people of color, it is also the great wedge that divides Americans. And everyone who gets divided loses.

On Dec. 4, 1967, King announced a multiracial “Poor People’s Campaign” that would march on Washington, DC, that summer.

The idea gained traction as groups of poor Whites, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Indigenous People joined the campaign being organized by King and Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

In promoting it, King would decry the “idle industries of Appalachia” in the same breath as the “empty stomachs of Mississippi.” The reality, King made clear, is the economic value of poor Whites’ labor had been depressed since the days of slavery by the forced labor and continuing oppression of Black people. The divided

get conquered.

That idea that working people of all races had common interests to fight for threatened – as it still does today – the old colonial system of divide and conquer that allowed King George and every would-be American oligarch since to extract massive wealth by enforcing massive poverty.

Four months to the day after he announced his Poor People’s Campaign-- 55 years ago this week – King was assassinated on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where he had traveled to stand with striking sanitation workers fighting for decent working conditions.

It’s telling that after all he had been through fighting Jim Crow and segregation -- the bus boycott, the first March on Washington, passage of the Civil Rights Act -- King was murdered fighting to unite working people across racial lines.

He wasn’t alone. Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down not long after as he ran for President on a similar platform.

Even before King and Kennedy, Harry Moore and his wife were blown up in their home on Christmas 1951 by the Klan. The Florida NAACP leader was organizing the Progressive Voters League seeking to unite Floridians across racial lines and had just led an effort that registered 1 million new voters. Even Malcolm X was assassinated after he returned from Mecca and said unity across racial lines was possible.

Killing those who would unite us is an American tradition older than our nation itself. The first revolt by American colonists was in Gloucester, Virginia, more than 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. Indentured Europeans and enslaved Africans organized to rise up against cruel Virginia plantation owners.

The organizers were hanged.

Two years to the day after King announced the Poor People’s Campaign, Black Panther Fred Hampton was leading a “Rainbow Coalition” of Blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and poor Whites in Chicago when he was murdered -- premeditated and carried out with military precision-by local police.

As in 1968, it’s true today that there are almost twice as many Whites trapped in poverty as Blacks. The fact that the nation’s news media render the White poor invisible doesn’t change the facts.

That so many of us still tolerate millions of Americans of every color being trapped in poverty is a factor in the toxic tensions that threaten our domestic tranquility.

It is also proof we never actually learned the lesson Dr. King gave his life trying to teach us.

If you ever forget the logic of King’s final strategy, just pull out a $1 bill and turn it over. It’s right there in the Great Seal of the United States, albeit in Latin. E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free,” published in January.

HUD Announces $5.5 Million Award for HBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research

by Stacy M. Brown

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced awards totaling $5.5 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to conduct housing and community development research.

The announcement came during a Black Media Roundtable hosted by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

Adjoa Asamoah, HUD’s senior advisor for Racial Equity; Melody Taylor, regional director for the Mid-Atlantic Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Alan-

na McCargo, president of Ginnie Mae; and Erica Loewe, the director of African American Media at The White House, also participated in the roundtable.

“HBCUs create economic opportunity both for their students and throughout the communities they serve,” Fudge stated.

“At HUD, we are proud to partner with HBCUs to expand the voices in the housing research space to support strong communities, build affordable housing, create job opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and promote homeownership.”

HUD will provide the funding to Texas Southern University ($3 million) and North Carolina AT&T University ($2.5 million) to establish or bolster their existing Centers of Excellence that conduct housing and community development research.

At Texas Southern, the school’s research will focus on individual and community wealth building, and housing security and

stability. It also will focus on planning and infrastructure inequity that affects underserved communities.

At North Carolina AT&T, the funds will allow the university to establish a center with research that would focus on the production of affordable housing, homeownership, renewable energy, sustainable communities, and post-disaster recovery.

“This funding will bolster efforts HBCUs are making to expand opportunities for underserved communities and strengthen community development,” Fudge stated.

Under Fudge, HUD has worked to advance racial equity and ensure steps to make homeownership more accessible for Black Americans.

In a Fact Sheet, HUD officials noted that through the Federal Housing Administration, the agency has implemented major reductions to the annual premiums it charges homebuyers for mortgage insurance.

Officials said the action will help Black low-and-moderate income residents save an estimated $600 million in the next year, and billions over the next decade.

Additionally, HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity issued a policy statement in 2021 about making way for lenders to resolve inequities in homeownership that individuals of color face.

Previously, the agency published a notice of proposed rulemaking to restore the department’s Discriminatory Effects Standards and allow policies that unjustifiably exclude people from housing opportunities to be challenged.

The powerful tool for HUD and private plaintiffs to address polices that cause systemic inequality in housing, includes policies on criminal records, zoning requirements, lending and property insurance policies that impact equal access to housing opportunities for Black people, HUD officials stated.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

Easter Messages Statement by President Joe Biden on Easter Jill and I join fellow Christians around the world in celebrating Easter Sunday — a day of joy and hope, of renewal and rebirth.

Once again, Holy Week has taken us on a journey from sorrow to salvation. As we reflect today on Christ’s Resurrection, we are reminded that with faith, hope, and love — even death can be defeated.

And, as we emerge from this pandemic, we are grateful that so many are able to celebrate this day of joy and renewal with services and family gatherings in person and together again. But we know this Holy Think on These Things Reverend Frank I. Williams Are you ready for the Word!

“Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard.

And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee… But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying… I do not know the Man!… And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. So he went out and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-76 Peter ran through the dusty roads with tears streaming down his face. His hands clenched tightly, indicative of the growing anger in his heart. He is angry with himself. He just wants to be alone. “No one can see me like this,” he thought to himself. He finds a secluded place and he weeps bitterly. Heaving uncontrollably, he screams into the dawning sky. “It’s over, I failed Him. I failed Him.” His thoughts began to wander. “I remember that day when Andrew came running to me. ‘Simon, Simon, you have to meet this man.

His name is Jesus, He’s from Nazareth.

John the Baptist told me that He is the One – the Christ.’ Really,” with a skeptical hint in his voice. “Take me to him.” There He was, and ordinary looking man. The first thing He does is give me another name. “You are Simon son of Jonah. You shall be called Peter.” “He was a good man, I thought. But there was something about His presence. His presence was so

Day falls on heavy hearts for those who have lost loved ones and those among us living in the dark shadow of war, persecution, and poverty.

On this day and each day, we pray for them, and for peace, freedom, and the basic dignity and respect for all of God’s children. As we look ahead with His blessing, may we share a common hope for the future, reaffirm love and compassion for one another, and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities.

From our family to yours, we wish you hope, health, joy, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding.

Happy Easter and may God bless and keep you. compelling, you were drawn to him, at least I was, but I wasn’t convinced.”

“I took him to my home.” “My wife’s mother was ill with a high fever. We were all so concerned about her. Jesus went over to her, held her hand, and told the fever to leave her body. She opened her eyes, looked at Him, got up, and made us a meal. I observed her keenly; she seemed the strongest that I had seen her in a long time.”

Peter grabbed his garment as he sat in the dark reminiscing. Pounding his fist to the ground, sobbing regretfully. “How could I deny Him?” “How could I say, ‘I don’t know Him?’” “You liar, you coward, you are not worthy to call His name,” he yelled to himself.

Peter recalled that day Jesus spent all night in prayer. “He came down from the mountain early that next morning, and He called us over and named twelve of His disciples to be apostles. I did not know what that meant, but I was the first name He called. He called me first, and here I am denying Him. Here I am swearing that I do not know this man.” “He looked right into my heart as that rooster crowed. He knew I had denied Him” (Luke 22:60-62).

“I failed Him.” Peter’s experience left him distraught and disappointed in himself with feelings of immense guilt. Perhaps you have experienced this in your own personal and spiritual journey. Guilt is a powerful psycho-emotion state that can so dominate your thoughts and emotions that you feel paralyzed. Maybe you feel far from God –– out of touch in your spiritual life.

Perhaps, you have allowed other priorities and pressures to silence your faith, or even cause you to deny it, like Peter did.

Today, I invite you to consider the cross of Christ as a historical location that can still change lives forever. Today, I invite you to consider the resurrection of Christ as a historical event that can change your life forever. All guilt, shame, sins, and regrets can be lifted by the grace and power of God. There is an old hymn that states, “Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary. Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.” You see, after Jesus’ resurrection, He followed up with Peter and lifted His burden of guilt by embracing him and reminding him of his purpose. “Do you love me Peter, then go and take care of my people” (John 21:16). In essence, Jesus empowered Peter to go and be the leader he was called and mentored to be. You are more than your mistakes, mishaps, and misery. Be encouraged

today, knowing that tomorrow can be a better day, if you let the Word of God and the Spirit of God heal your heart and mind. It begins with a small step of faith.

So, I encourage you, if you haven’t done so in a while, this Easter re-enter the worship space at a local church and worship the resurrected King of kings - Jesus Christ our Lord. Until next time, Happy Easter my friends, and think of these things.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

CARIBNEWS

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NYC – NYIC, US/Canada Asylum Seekers Plan Flawed

The United States and Canada’s proposal to restrict the arrival of Caribbean and other asylum applicants at their borders has been dubbed “unfathomably cruel” by immigrant groups in New York.

This followed reports of asylum seekers crossing the US-Canada border illegally at locations like Roxham Road near the country’s northern border.

Over 200 immigrant and refugee rights organizations in New York are collectively represented by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), which on Sunday vehemently condemned this decision and called for expanded protections for asylum seekers, claiming that it “recklessly endangers the lives of asylum seekers.”

Murad Awawdeh, NYIC executive director stated, “Asylum seekers flee violent conditions to build better futures for themselves and their families.” He added, “They undergo extreme journeys across thousands of miles in search of safety and relief.

“To now restrict the movement of asylum seekers is to recklessly endanger their lives,” he continued.” Although Canada’s proposal to create a new refugee program for only 15,000 asylum seekers is a betrayal and is insufficient for either nation to uphold its humanitarian obligations to give sanctuary to all those who require it.

“President Biden cannot continue to shirk his responsibilities and take pages out of the xenophobic Republican playbook for political gain,” Awawdeh noted. “He must honor his promise to protect asylum seekers by welcoming them with open arms.”

Following their recent meeting in Ottawa, US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a joint statement in which they stated that the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection “enshrines our belief that irregular migration requires a regional approach centered on expanding legal pathways and humane border management and recognizes that we must address the underlying economic and security drivers of migration.

“The United States and Canada remain committed partners in advancing the principles of the Declaration,” it noted. “As part of its commitment to these principles, Canada will welcome an additional 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from the Western Hemisphere over the course of the year to continue expanding safe, regular pathways offered throughout the hemisphere as an alternative to irregular migration, with a path to economic opportunities.

“Additionally, US and Canadian officials are now poised to implement an agreement to apply the terms of the Safe Third Country Agree-

ment to asylum seekers who cross between ports of entry, which we anticipate will deter irregular migration at our shared border,” the statement continued. “We will remain in close coordination as we work to implement this new agreement.”

In addition, both leaders stated that they “remain concerned about the deteriorating security in Haiti and committed to increasing international support for the Haitian people, including through security and humanitarian assistance, enhanced support for the Haitian National Police, and by holding accountable those who undermine Haiti’s stability.”

Refugees from Cuba and Haiti have attempted to cross the southern border of the United States.

The Road Forward: Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis, a thorough plan outlining the city’s rebuttal to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis brought on by the surge of Caribbean and other asylum seekers arriving in the five boroughs since last spring, was released earlier this month by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Adams said he would establish the Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) to coordinate the city’s ongoing response with an emphasis on resettlement and legal assistance, as well as a new 24/7 arrival facility for asylum seekers, as the number of asylum seekers arriving in New York City since last April reaches 50,000, with more than 30,000 already in the city’s care.

Many of the asylum seekers are from Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.

The blueprint also outlines new strategies the city will pilot to train asylum seekers for employment, including a program with houses of worship to provide asylum seekers with a place to stay and connection to services, in addition to a partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY) Sullivan to provide job training and housing for asylum seekers as they await work authorization.

The mayor said the city will continue to advocate for the state and federal governments to provide additional financial and operational support to better manage the asylum seeker

crisis moving forward.

Mayor Adams noted, “Over the past year, New York City has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by global forces beyond our control.”

“We have moved mountains to help the tens of thousands who arrived as our shelter population has increased at a dramatic rate.

“As we continue to respond, I’m proud to announce, ‘The Road Forward,’ our blueprint to address the asylum seeker crisis and outline the work that lies ahead,” he noted. “New Yorkers know that the asylum seeker of today is the citizen, the leader, and the innovator of tomorrow, and I’m proud that New York City is leading the way, turning a crisis into an opportunity for progress for the entire country.”

First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright noted, “The asylum seeker crisis has challenged so many of us in various ways – and the city’s response has been and continues to be laden with care and compassion. ”She added, “Our blueprint is a plan for how we will move forward together, and I implore everyone at all levels to help however you can. This affects us all, and together is how we can best navigate this crisis.”

According to Adams, New York City has performed well throughout this crisis, essentially handling the extraordinary influx of asylum applicants on its own.

While more than 50,000 asylum seekers have passed through the city’s intake system since last spring, he claimed that at present, New York City is housing more asylum seekers than any other city in the country with over 30,000.

Tens of thousands of asylum seekers arrived in the city last year, and the city immediately began a quick, coordinated multi-agency effort to meet their basic needs. This effort included providing shelter, food, clothes, access to healthcare, legal advice, education, and more.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center and satellite locations were also established by the city, which, according to the mayor, have helped more than 14,000 asylum seekers by offering casework, legal, medical, and enrollment in school services, among a variety of other services.

UN – Network To Save Migrants Lives In The Caribbean The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) says a new UN-backed network aims to drive action to save migrant lives in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

“Thousands searching for a better life meet their death crossing deserts, rivers, and remote areas in the region,” said the IOM in a statement, adding that its Missing Migrants Project documented 1,433 deaths last year – the highest number since its establishment in 2014.

The project is run by the UN agency’s Global Data Institute (GDI), which last week launched the first Network on Missing Migrants in the Americas.

“The objective is to save lives, improve data collection and support the families of survivors,” IOM said.

“When people have access to safe and regular migration pathways, that increases the likelihood that they can contribute to economic prosperity at home and in their places of destination,” said GDI Director Koko Warner.

She added that a lack of these regular pathways “often has tragic results and is a lost opportunity”.

The IOM said the network connects civil society organizations, government institutions, journalists, and other key actors.

Although the exact number of those who die transiting through the region is unknown, at least 7,495 people lost their lives between 2014 and 2022, according to Missing Migrants Project data.

The IOM said the new network will also work to strengthen national and regional capacities for the collection and exchange of data on migrant deaths and disappearances.

Actions will include issuing recommendations to try and prevent these deaths and disappearances, searching for and identifying the deceased, and providing support and reparation to their families, the IOM said.

“It will also facilitate the creation of strategic alliances among participants by conducting joint investigations, among other measures,” it said.

The launching of the network comes as immigrant advocates in New York have described as “unfathomably cruel” a plan by the United States and Canada to limit the entry of Caribbean and other asylum seekers at their borders.

This came after reports of asylum seekers entering Canada via unofficial points of entry such as Roxham Road along the northern border of the United States.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, strongly denounced this decision, stating that it “recklessly endangers the lives of asylum seekers”, while demanding expanded protections for asylum seekers.

“Asylum seekers flee violent conditions to build better futures for themselves and their families,” Murad Awawdeh, NYIC executive director, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“They undergo extreme journeys across thousands of miles in search of safety and relief.

“To now restrict the movement of asylum seekers is to recklessly endanger their lives,” he added. (CMC)

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CARIBBRIEFS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

Costa Rica – Homicides Increased Because of Drug Trafficking Locals strive to get home by dark in this vibrant Caribbean port, where cruise ship guests are whisked away to jungle excursions in Costa Rica’s interior, while police patrol with high-caliber firearms in the face of escalating drug violence.

With a homicide rate five times the national average, Limon was the epicenter of Costa Rica’s record 657 killings last year.

Public anger has been sparked by the violence in a nation better renowned for its carefree, “it’s all good” mindset and absence of a standing army, and President Rodrigo Chaves’ administration is scrambling to find solutions.

Where Costa Rica had previously been just a pass-through for northbound cocaine from Colombian and Mexican cartels, authorities say it is now a warehousing and transshipment point for drugs sent to Europe by homegrown Costa Rican gangs.

In Limon, that shifting criminal dynamic has mixed with swelling ranks of young unemployed men who make up the majority of the casualties in fierce territorial battles.

Martín Arias, the deputy security minister and head of Costa Rica’s Coast Guard, said Limon’s violence stems from disputes over both the control of cocaine shipped to Europe and the marijuana sold locally.

Authorities busted a gang attempting to transport narcotics via the cargo port in January. Cocaine has been concealed in steel container walls and even packaged with pineapple and yucca that is being sent to Spain and Holland.

Drug traffickers from other countries used to pay Costa Rican fishermen to deliver fuel to their smuggling vessels.

The fisherman and their accomplices first marketed their cocaine locally as crack

since they lacked the connections to sell it internationally. He claimed that they started smuggling cocaine out of the port after they saw how much more it was worth in Europe.

Meanwhile, gang wars sprang out over control of the local market as marijuana arrived from Jamaica and Colombia. According to Arias, those that are killed there are mostly from disadvantaged neighborhoods.

421 of the 657 killings in Costa Rica last year were labeled as “score-settling” by the authorities.

Gustavo Mata, a former minister of security, calculated that the rise in drug trafficking was responsible for 80% of murders in Costa Rica.

Jamaica – US to Assist in Training in Anti-Gang Fight

The government will support the security services’ efforts to find and imprison gang members by conducting Advanced Counter Gang Training in conjunction with the United States.

The program is designed to develop skills for an inter-agency approach to investigations, prosecutions, and the overall deconstruction of transnational organized criminal groups functioning in Jamaica. The first will begin on March 30 at The University of the West Indies, and the second will take place in April. It will include in-person sessions.

Representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Public Service, as well as the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Major Organized Crime Agency, will take part.

A variety of themes, including gang identification, financial investigation, prison intelligence collecting, victim and witness care, digital crime, and trial preparation will be covered in the training’s online instructional materials.

The initiative is the most recent example of the United States government’s ongoing support of regional crime-fighting objectives.

Police Commissioner Antony Anderson, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn, US Ambassador Nick Perry, and other officials were present for the launch on Thursday at The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, Finance and Public Service Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke, and others also attended.

Chuck praised the proposal and said that the

Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction, and Regulation) Act’s passing last year shows the government’s dedication to preventing gun deaths by tackling the issue of illicit firearms.

“Guns are the main and preferred tool used by gangsters, and this far-reaching legislative reform reflects worldwide best practices and updates fines and custodial sentences for those violent offenses perpetuated on law-abiding citizens,” he stated.

“Through the use of guns, gangsters rain terror and violence on each other and also innocent citizens … The Government and our country need all the help and support to rid our streets and communities of illegal guns,” who also pointed out that combating crime requires a careful balancing of techniques for intervention, suppression, and prevention.

The training, in Anderson’s opinion, is an additional step in ensuring that the networks and expertise of law enforcement are greater than those of criminals.

According to Anderson, the training is an additional step in making sure that law enforcement networks and skill sets are more powerful than those of criminals.

“We have seen where organised crime has morphed and changed as we create responses to what they do. It doesn’t just go away,” he explained. “But over the years, we have managed to successfully put significant dents in their operations. Still, they come back, so we always have to be upgrading our skills, sharing information, and understanding what each other is doing.”

The most recent training, according to Anderson, will only strengthen the cadre of resources already available for counter-gang operations while also improving participants’ skill sets.

“Based on the number of gang leaders who are actually in jail at the moment, obviously, something is working, and we have to make sure they stay there,” he added. “This training will boost our training and enable us to get prosecutions. But these matters are complex, they take time, and they have a lot of moving parts.”

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

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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

16

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

NYC – Mayor Adams’ First Ever Summit on Women’s Health

The Adams administration hosted the first-ever Women’s Health Summit at Hunter College, convening more than 100 experts across sectors to shape New York City’s first ‘Women’s Health Agenda,’ set to be released this summer. The summit follows a citywide address New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered in January, where he, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and others — both inside and outside the administration — outlined their vision for an agenda that aims to dismantle decades of systemic inequity that have negatively impacted the health of women across the five boroughs and, instead, make New York City a model city to support women’s health at all stages of life. Participants in today’s summit broke into working groups that focused on four key areas: chronic disease, birth equity, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.

“Health is wealth, and women need both,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City has been shaped by tireless generations of women and today’s Women’s Health Summit brought us one step closer to making this city the nation’s leader when it comes to women’s health. This entire administration is committed to building a city that is here for all women and girls, and I am grateful to everyone who joined the summit today for stepping up to make this vision a reality across all five boroughs.”

“No matter the race, gender identity, body type, and more — all women deserve health care that meets their needs,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “I look forward to continuing to be part of this deeply needed and long overdue change alongside so many dedicated and accomplished women.”

Today’s summit focused on the biggest drivers of mortality and morbidity for women in both New York City and across the United States, such as chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, mental health, and maternal health, as well as sexual and reproductive health including menopause. The summit was centered on equity, inclusion, and intersectionality, centering voices and experiences of women, gender nonconforming and other members of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City.

Takeaways from today’s summit and future convening will inform New York City’s Women’s Health Agenda, a report set to be released later this year. The administration will continue to develop this agenda through future sessions and research to include as many voices as possible. The agenda will include recommendations to promote women’s health that leaders across sectors can implement in their workspaces and steps the city will take to make New York City the national model for supporting women’s health.

Guyana To Train 1,000 Registered Nurses Annually

Starting next month, the Ministry of Health in Guyana will be rolling out a registered nursing program aimed at training 1,000 people annually.

Upon successful completion, persons will be guaranteed a job within the health sector.

“In about a month’s time, we are going to open up to the general public and to persons who are qualified…We are opening a call for persons who are interested in doing the registered nursing program. We want to start a program with 1,000 persons this year,” Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony announced on

Saturday.

He made the announcement while delivering an address at the commissioning of a comprehensive diabetes center located on East Coast Demerara.

According to Anthony, while training has been available for persons interested in nursing over time, space has been limited.

“And because of limited space, persons would apply for nursing and then they are turned down. Now with 1,000 spaces being available this year, we expect that every person who [has] an interest in doing nursing would have an opportunity to nursing,” he said.

“I can assure you that everyone who is interested in doing this now will have a space for you on this program.”

The health minister said the target is to train 3,000 people in nursing over the next three years.

Once successfully completed, he said persons will be guaranteed a job with the Ministry of Health.

Persons interested in the program are required to have a minimum of five CSEC subjects, including Mathematics and English.

Meanwhile, Anthony said seven new regional hospitals are currently being built and all of the hospitals in the hinterland are being updated.

As such, he said with the infrastructure and equipment available, the ministry has recognized the need for trained individuals in the area of medicine. (CMC)

Major focuses of today’s summit included: Expanding access to high-quality maternal health care, including the use of doulas and midwives, to eliminate disparities in maternal mortality and reduce mortality overall; Building a mental health care system designed for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community to best serve their needs; Ensuring the city’s sexual and reproductive health care system provides comprehensive care to women and girls including menopause care, fibroids, infertility, birth control, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) care; Substantially reducing the rates of, and deaths from, chronic diseases, including heart disease — the number one killer of women in New York City — among women.

Promoting awareness of top women’s health issues among New Yorkers and efforts to prevent issues before they start; Developing cross-sector partnerships and collaborations to promote all aspects of women’s health, including technology, business, health care, community, nonprofit, and other sectors; Developing women-friendly workplaces that promote health and wellness through space accommodations and policy reforms; and Expanding research into women’s health issues and reducing disparities in medical research.

“Hunter College is honored to partner with Mayor Eric Adams on this summit and his

courageous plan to undo decades of inequity that have negatively impacted the health of women across the five boroughs,” said Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab. “Hunter has always put the education of women first, and, as a result, is the only college to have two female Nobel Prize winners in medicine.

On top of that, our alumna Evelyn Lauder fearlessly broke down barriers in breast-cancer research. Her husband Leonard’s $52 million gift to Hunter’s School of Nursing in her honor that, in lockstep with Mayor Adams’ vision, will help us train the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners who will serve communities across New York City.”

“By emphasizing digital health, New York City is enabling women to access the care they deserve,” said Dr. Neel Shah, chief medical officer, Maven Clinic. “We are proud to partner with the mayor to build an ecosystem of innovation that can be a model for the nation.”

“The female body shouldn’t be a medical mystery,” said Priyanka Jain, co-founder & CEO, Evvy. “As a femtech company based in New York City, we are honored and grateful to be partnering with Mayor Adams, the city of New York, and leaders across all sectors — medicine, research, policy, and technology — to finally close the gender health gap for good.”

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

CARIBA&E

17

“Bounty Killer Is Right” Says Gramps Morgan Dancehall veteran Bounty Killer has been in the news since an interview he gave to I Never Knew TV last week in which he discussed his opinions on music, particularly dancehall and Afrobeats, and how each influence—or does not—the other. Do you think that dancehall music still has a place in the global music industry in light of the rise of Afrobeats?

While many on social media are thanking Bounty for what they regard to as “an honest evaluation,” he is also receiving some criticism for mentioning Burna Boy’s song Ye while talking about the lack of words in Afrobeats songs.

“Afrobeats have no lyrics; they have a lot of melody, groove, and topic. Ye ye ye is not a lyric; it is a topic. The song only has a style, melody and topic … Ye, ye. Dat a lyrics? Dat a topic. Ye, ye, we know what ye ye ye, mean … those are topic and di melody. Style, melody, topic. Simple!” the Don Gagan stated in his interview.

Burna Boy’s fan website Burna.boy.news was among the first to take the initiative and post comments that aimed to disparage Bounty Killer while protecting their idol. “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.”

But, Morgan Heritage’s producer and vocalist Gramps Morgan supported the dancehall performer’s views and said he saw no need for any sort of retaliation.

He noted,“People need to listen the entire interview and yes … Bounty Killer is right.”

“There’s not much to really say expect the man is talking facts. The song he referenced is explained perfect … there wasn’t much [that was] needed to make the song a hit … just a grey melody, not complicated lyrics or words and a great topic with a great beat,” Gramps responded when questioned about the African Giant hit “Ye”.

Ye does begin with the word “ye” appearing a total of 43 times, and it finishes with “ye” appearing more than 70 times. Ye has received 227 million views on YouTube since its launch on August 6, 2018. Burna Boy’s third studio album Outside, which was released in January 2018, has this song as its sixth single.

In response to a comment made on social media that the Bounty Killer seemed “a little bit sour,” Gramps said, “There should be no competition between family. That is his message.

If It Wasn’t for Rasta Where Would Jamaican Music Be

With the song If It Wasn’t for Rasta, recording artist Macka B, who is based in the UK, has added his voice to the debate between Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kabaka Pyramid and Valiant.

“The song is about how Jamaica would be a much more violent place if not for the words and culture of Rastafari. The positive messages and livity and the emphasis on peace and love give the youths an alternative to the negativity that we see in the world today,” he stated.

According to reports, the dispute between the two musicians began when Valiant released Rasta, which Kabaka deemed to be disrespectful to Rastafarians. Later, Dr. Isis Semaj-Hall, a lecturer at The University of the West Indies in Mona, stated that Kabaka was being hypocritical by saying there wasn’t a public uproar against Americans who sang about Rastafarians.

In response, Kabaka said he anticipated more from Jamaicans since he didn’t think Americans would be honest and know what Rastafarianism was all about.

The song video has Valiant and his crew imitating Rastafarian culture by donning scarves and artificial locs in the classic Rastafarian colors of

black, red, green, and gold.

Although there has been a lot of back and forth over the past several weeks, the tune’s producer, Amanda Ford, believes that the music will showcase the positive aspects of the Rastafarian movement.

“This is a song about the contributions of Rastafarians to Jamaica, and the power of conscious reggae music to change hearts and minds. It fits the present moment perfectly with the recent controversy over Valiant’s song Rasta and Kabaka Pyramid’s comments on it. It wasn’t planned, but it bridges the gap between opposing viewpoints, so we thought we ought to get it out,” Ford noted.

The song can be found on the Go With Jah beat, which also includes performances by Micah Shemaiah, Samory I, and Daweh Congo.

It’s also the first track of the forthcoming Macka B Meets Samory I Showcase, a collaboration between the artist and the label.

“Samory I is an extremely promising [up-andcoming] singer, and I thought an established and esteemed DJ would make for a great showcase album as used to be common in reggae music,” The project’s producer provided further details.

Numerous singles and compilations with artists like Yami Bolo, Aidonia, I Octane, Little Roy, Masicka, and Abijah are among the countless hits produced by Taitu Records.

“I specialize in roots reggae and dub, with a touch of dancehall. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy dancehall, but I know for a fact that conscious reggae music can change not only hearts and minds, but no less than people’s lives. It may sound crazy to some, but I’m living proof, and I know so many others whose lives have been touched by the inspiration and transformative power in conscious roots reggae music,” Ford shared.

Unity and love!”

Sean “Contractor” Edwards, the producer, is adamant that it was all misinterpreted and stated that Bounty “was actually commending the Burna Boy song.”

Edward remarked, “Bounty Killer’s comment was taken out of context,” he then continued,” He was making an example of how these young dancehall artists should make songs. It has a

topic that everybody can relate to. There’s a different language of music around the world.”

Edwards also gave Bounty a verbal spanking for completely refuting any claims that Afrobeats or dancehall must take a backseat in order for dancehall to succeed.

“Afrobeats has nothing to do with dancehall,” Bounty stated in the interview, “Afrobeats is another genre. Afrobeats never came in competition with dancehall or came with aintent to take something from dancehall. I don’t know why people keep on comparing Afrobeats and dancehall. Why? Afrobeats is like a baby from dancehall; it’s a relative.”

As indicated by the newly released single, Who Deh Like You, a Morgan Heritage track that also includes Bounty, Cham, and Stonebwoy, Edwards said that Bounty Killer is undoubtedly not opposed to performing Afrobeats tracks.

On March 17, Who Deh Like You debuted at the top of the US Afrobeats charts. The single has been widely promoted on social media by Bounty Killer, who has expressed his happiness at how well Afrobeats is going and how it “complements dancehall.”

LET’S GET DOWN to

THE BONE

SoSOBONE.com

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CARIBSPIRITUALITY

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

Easter Is Our Story

By Rev. Ellen Debenport

The long-told story of Jesus’ crucifixion, entombment, and resurrection is the story of our lives. We resonate with its loss, darkness, and new life because we cycle through the same process time and again in our human lifetimes.

We all experience deaths—deaths of loved ones, of hope, of plans; deaths of life as we know it when everything changes; deaths of jobs, of relationships, of what is familiar.

Sometimes we experience a public crucifixion that feels as if everyone is watching and jeering—bankruptcy, divorce, arrest.

Although Lent can be observed as a period of letting go and releasing what no longer serves us, sometimes we don’t seem to have a choice about what we must release.

Seeking the Light of a New Day Many crucifixions—these metaphorical deaths—are so painful that we find ourselves in a tomb afterward. Our lives are in limbo. We must recover and regroup. This is the Saturday experience of Jesus’ mother and disciples. When their beloved leader was killed as a common criminal, their hope was lost and everything they believed was thrown into doubt. What a terrible period of grief it must have been.

But there is always a resurrection. That’s

the message of Easter for us. Nothing stays dark forever. A new day always dawns.

We are given new beginnings and fresh starts. The sun comes up again. There is nothing so painful in our lives that it can’t be redeemed for good somehow, and that is our prayer from the tomb: “Show me the good.” Then we can start to create a new day.

Through the cycles of your life, the Easter story’s events and characters might speak to you differently in different years: Some years you might be in the Garden of Gethsemane, dreading what you fear is about to happen, wondering whether you have the courage to let go of life as you know it for the promise of resurrection.

Some years you might be experiencing a crucifixion—in pain, asking why God seems to have forsaken you.

Some years you might identify with Jesus’ grieving mother and his friends after their great loss.

Some years you might be in a tomb, waiting and trusting that something lies beyond this darkness.

Some years you might be exhilarated by the promise of resurrection, of lifting yourself into new life.

Some years you might know the joy of

I Am Love

by Toni Cardarella

your thoughts, and you’ll access the harmonizing power of love.

Words: Speak love by affirming the divine love you hold within, whether aloud with others or in the quiet of your spiritual practice. Then speak with love to others. Let the joy of love flow through your words. Tell people you love them. Speak love with words of appreciation to those you appreciate.

Use your words to express harmony in situations that are less than positive. Catch yourself before you speak. Think good and let the joy of Live a Life Full of Love Love is easy. Easy-going in the way it glides and unfolds in each of us. Love is yours and mine to feel and give, as it is centered in our very nature.

Find ways you can draw from the source of love in thoughts, words, and actions every day, and let love’s light and harmony shine.

Charles Fillmore said of the power of love: “It insists that all is good, and by refusing to see anything but good, it causes that quality finally to appear uppermost in itself and in all things.”

Here are a few ways to reveal the power of your loving heart: Thoughts: To think love is not easy, because it means you must think good of all people and things as you approach your daily situations, even when people and things are not showing their good side.

Think love when someone cuts you off in traffic.

Or, if you find yourself stewing over a remark from a coworker or a disagreement with your partner, think the best of that person. Redirect

love flow through words of kindness or a positive tone.

Actions: The purest action of love is living true to your heart. Acts of kindness will reveal the love you are, as will acts of giving, whether you’re giving time or money.

Also be mindful of actions toward yourself.

Treat your body with care. Let it feel your love when you admire its beauty and tend to the essentials of your physical well-being—sleep, nutrition, personal care, and health.

You can also act love with meditation or other spiritual practices. Unity writer Eric Butterworth referred to meditation as an awareness that takes place in the heart.

“It is essentially an experience in and of love,” Butterworth said. “It is an awakening and unfolding of our true nature by love. Just as a flower unfolds in the rays of the sun, so the heart center opens through daily meditation and the practice of the presence of divine love.”

Love is our true nature. So let your love flow and reveal its remarkable, amazing, and spectacular power in your thoughts, words, and actions

the women who discovered the tomb was empty, realizing a situation is not as bad as you feared.

Some years—every year—Easter can remind you of your own divinity and what your spiritual nature means for your life.

Each year, you can ask: What does the Easter story tell me about myself as an expression of God in human form?

Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life Among its beautiful lessons, the Easter story reveals that death is not the end; it is only a physical event. It happens to our bodies and within our human circumstances, but it cannot touch our spirits, the eternal essence of God that we are. Death in its many forms—the people, places, things, thoughts, and habits we must let go—is not to be feared because we cannot die.

Life is eternal, far beyond this physical existence. In the Unity tradition, resurrection is Jesus’ final teaching for us. The risen Jesus tells us, There’s so much more to life than you have realized.

It puts divinity within our grasp. It reminds us that everything Jesus was, we are and more, just as he said. It lets us know we can survive anything—literally any

thing—because we will always keep living in one form or another. We are the energy of life because we are part of the one eternal presence and power in the universe.

That’s a pretty spectacular message any way you look at it, wherever you are in the cycle of death, tomb, and resurrection.

We celebrate our divine, eternal selves this Easter.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

19

Squad Lists for the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship Cricket West Indies (CWI) today unveiled the six squads for the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship which will be played in Antigua from Tuesday 4 April to Wednesday 12 April.

The tournament will feature the six regional teams who will each play five rounds of 50-over matches at three venues: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Coolidge Cricket Ground, as well as the Liberta Sports Club.

The opening round will see home team Leeward Islands taking on Windward Islands at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium; Trinidad & Tobago will meet Guyana at Coolidge Cricket Ground and Jamaica face defending champions Barbados at Liberta.

All matches start at 9:30am local time (8:30amJamaica).

Fans across the region can follow every match in the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship in the www.windiescricket.com live match centre featuring live ball-by ball scoring and scorecards.

FULL SQUADS Barbados: Raphael Lovell (captain), Gadson Bowens, Reynaldo Bourne, Jayden Chase, Akobi Crichlow-Byer, Kemar Dixon, R’Jai Gittens, Jahidi Hinds, Justin Parris, Jakeem Pollard, Shem Sargeant, Seth Smith, Damarko Wiggins, Javed Worrell.

Guyana: Dave Mohabir (captain), Romario Ramdeholl, Navin Boodwah, Adrian Hetmyer, Arun Gainda, Dhanesh Persaud, Zandon Rose, Razam Koobir, Sohil Mohamed, Jonathan Mentore, Shane Prince, Arif Khan; Emmannuel Lewis, Trilok Nanan Jamaica: Nicol McKenzie (captain), Adrian Silvera, Tyson Gordon jr., Demarco Scott,

Savio Jones, Joel Williams, Geovanni Grey, Damien Daley, Pajay Nelson, Jahdae Moore, Odane Binns, Kevaughn Flemming, Jevaughny Shimm, Ryan Lyttleton Leeward Islands: Matthew Miller (captain), Lythe Browne, Jaheem Clarke, J’Quan Athanaze, Rondre Daniel, Kunal Tilokani, Jhadone Herbert, Tanez Francis, Jathan Francis, Eirette Richards, Lawshorn Bergan, Krishna Girdhari, Amoree Jones, Sachin Saunders Trinidad & Tobago: Brendan Boodoo (captain), Yasir Deen, Alejando Kassiram, Christian Lall, Zakilon Beckles, Darrius Batoosingh, Dimitri Ramjattan, Aadi Ramsaran, Christiano Ramnanan, Ali Khan, Ganesh Corbin, Zane Maraj, Scyon Charles, Aarion Mohammed Windward Islands: Theo Edward (captain), Leon Alexander, Khavaughn Bartholomew, Jorden Charles, Johnathan Daniel, Lybird Darroux, Lebron Douglas, Earsinho Fontaine, Cody Fontenelle, Elran Glasgow, Jaheem Simeon, Aaron St. Claire, Kenneth Valmond, Tyler Venner MATCH SCHEDULE Venues SVRS – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium CCG – Coolidge Cricket Ground LCG – Liberta Cricket Ground Tuesday 4 April Leeward Islands v Windward Islands at SVRS Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana at CCG Jamaica v Barbados at LCG

Thursday 6 April Leeward Islands v Barbados at CCG Guyana v Jamaica at SVRS Trinidad & Tobago v Windward Islands at LCG Saturday 8 April Windward Islands v Guyana at CCG Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados at SVRS Leeward Islands v Jamaica at LCG

Monday 10 April Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago at CCG Windward Islands v Barbados at SVRS Leeward Islands v Guyana at LCG Wednesday 12 April Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago at CCG Jamaica v Windward Islands at SVRS Barbados v Guyana at LCG

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2023