April 26, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2112 WEEK OF APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2023 NEW YORK

ALTON MADDOX DIES Pioneering civil rights attorney represented several victims of civil rights violations

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HARRY BELAFONTE DIES AT 96

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13 GANSTERS BURNT TO DEATH

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DIANE ABBOTT SUSPENDED

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The iconic calypsonian announced he is suffering from the disease - will continue to perform

STAR OF STAGE, SCREEN, TV, STADIUM CONCERTS

As Labor MP - for saying no one has suffered more under racism than Blacks

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CaribNews OPED Harry Belafonte: He Climbed the Mountains

by Tony Best - P 9

OPED Entertainment Icon & Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

by Stacy M.Brown - P 9

NEWS Clarke Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Delay Pending Cuts to Medicaid - P SPORTS SCG Unveils Gates Named After Lara and Tendulkar - P 19

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

AFRICA UN pledges to ‘stand with and work for the Sudanese people’ The UN Secretary-General on Monday welcomed the temporary relocation of hundreds of staff members and their families from the Sudanese capital Khartoum, amid the continuing intense fighting between rival military factions which has now entered its second week.

Speaking in the UN Security Council, António Guterres said: “Let me be clear: the United Nations is not leaving Sudan.

Our commitment is to the Sudanese people, in support of their wishes for a peaceful and secure future. We stand with them, at this terrible time.”

In blunt terms, he said the violence must stop, now. “It risks a catastrophic conflagration within Sudan, that could engulf the whole region and beyond.”

In a statement issued earlier by his Spokesperson, António Guterres said the relocation exercise had been carried out “without incident”, adding that he appreciated the cooperation shown by Sudanese army personnel and paramilitaries from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allowing safe passage to Port Sudan, on the Red Sea. “The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the parties to immediately cease hostilities and allow all civilians to evacuate from areas affected by the fighting.”

Mr. Guterres affirmed “the continued dedication” of the whole UN system, “to stand with, and work for, the Sudanese people, in support of their wishes for a peaceful, secure future and a return to the democratic transition.”

How hate speech triggered genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

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In April 1994, a sinister call was broadcast over radio stations across Rwanda, triggering the start of 100 days of genocide that left more than one million people dead. Henriette Mutegwaraba heard that call.

“Every time I talk about it, I cry,” she told UN News, describing how propaganda spread messages of hate that sparked a deadly wave of unspeakable violence. She lost 60 family members and friends in the mass slaughter.

Ahead of the UN General Assembly’s commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Ms. Mutegwaraba spoke with UN News about hate speech in the digital age, how the 6 January attack on the United States Capitol triggered deep-seated fear, how she survived the genocide, and how she explained the events that she lived through, to her own daughter.

The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

UN News: In April 1994, a call was put out over the radio in Rwanda. What did it say, and how did you feel?

Henriette Mutegwaraba: It was terrifying. A lot of people think the killing started in April, but beginning in the 1990s, the Government put it out there, in the media, newspapers, and radio, encouraging and preaching anti-Tutsi propaganda.

In 1994, they were encouraging everyone to go to every home, hunt them down, kill kids, kill women. For a long

WORLD BRIEFS India poised to become world’s most populous nation India is about to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation in the coming days, the UN population data chief told reporters on Monday.

The main driver of these trends is the fertility level in the two nations, said John Wilmoth, Director of the UN Population Division. Together, China and India’s collective populations equal more than one third of the world’s eight billion citizens.

By the end of April, India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, with projections indicating further growth for several decades more, the UN said.

That’s slightly higher than China’s global record of 1.4 billion in 2022.

“China’s population reached its peak size in 2022 and has begun to decline,” Mr. Wilmoth told a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York.

“Projections indicate that the size of the Chinese population could drop below one billion before the end of the century.”

All about birth rates With nearly identical levels of fertility in 1971, just under six births per woman, the countries’ experiences half a century ago have charted their population path into the 21st century, according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

Yemen health system ‘edging closer to collapse’ warns WHO Yemen’s fragile health system is “severely overburdened” the World Health Organization’s (WHO) leading official for emergency operations in the country said on Friday, and more international funding is urgently needed to stop it deteriorating further.

Hopes are running high of an end to the intense fighting between a Saudi-backed coalition standing alongside Government forces, and Houthi rebels and their allies, which since 2015 has led the near total collapse of the economy, with tens of thousands killed, and 21.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance and protection this year, according to the UN. “Nevertheless, the country’s fragile health system is severely overburdened and edging closer to collapse”, said Dr. Annette Heinzelmann of the WHO in Yemen, “while international donor funding is insufficient to avert further deterioration of the country’s failing health services.”

Acute child malnutrition She said that around 12.9 million Yemenis have urgent humanitarian healthcare needs, with 540,000 children under five, currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition “with a direct risk of death.”

Some 46 percent of health facilities across the country are only partially functioning or completely out of service

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

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Titan Harry Belafonte Dies At 96

Harold George Belafonte, American singer, actor, producer, and activist, who made a name for himself on the folk music scene in the 1950s, died on April 25, 2023 at the age of 96 at his home in Manhattan.

His spokesman Ken Sunshine advised that he died from congestive heart failure.

It was just a short year ago that many assembled at New York City’s The Town Hall Theater to celebrate his life at 95, and pay tribute to this civil rights giant via a concert and Award Ceremony.

It was a fitting salute to someone who cared so much about humanity.

Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City, to immigrant parents of Martinique and Jamaica. His life began in the Depression era and when his mother returned to Jamaica in 1935, he joined her, living there until 1940.

He left high school to serve in the U.S. Navy in the mid-1940s. After returning to New York City, Belafonte studied drama at Erwin Piscator’s Dramatic Workshop, where a singing role led to nightclub engagements and a recording contract as a pop singer. His 1956 album “Calypso” sold more than 1 million copies.

He was known for popularizing calypso music to mainstream America with his famous “Day-O!”. He sang in nightclubs and theaters, on television and on records.

He appeared in the Broadway revues “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac” and “Three for Tonight”. He owns his own music publishing firm and film production company.

His acting career includes playing the love interest of the White actress Joan Fontaine in “Island in the Sun” (1957). He was the first Black man to win a Tony Award on Broadway, for his interpretation of American and Caribbean folk music in the 1953 revue “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.”

In 1959, six years later, he was the first African American producer to receive an Emmy Award, for “Tonight With Belafon

te,” a CBS special that presented a history of Black American life through music.

Mr. Belafonte was tapped as the first Black fill-in host for Johnny Carson in 1968 on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” In true, Harry style he used it as an opportunity to entertain but also to discuss civil rights, the Vietnam War and starvation in Appalachia with guests including presi dential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, and MLK Jr. He was highly critical of presidents throughout his life - from George W. bush to President Barcak Obama, Belafonte said what was on his mind, and was also involved in various social causes, notably the civil rights movement.

He used his international stardom and entertainment fortune to help bankroll the civil rights movement here in the U.S. and many human rights causes worldwide.

Friendship with MLK Jr. Belafonte was a confidant of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., and spent years as a liaison between the civil rights movement and the entertainment capitals of New York City and Hollywood.

Over the years he organized demonstrations, raised money and contributed his personal funds to keep movement activities going.

During the 1960s Belafonte continued to provide financial assistance to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, most notably during the Birmingham Campaign.

Through his friendships with other fanous actors/actresses like Lena Horne, Henry Fonda, Frank Sinatra, and Marlon Brando, he raised more than $100,000 to fund the 1964 Freedom Rides that challenged racial segregation in interstate transportation.

After MLK Jr’s assassination, he helped start TransAfrica, a lobbying group that pressed for economic sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime.

He lobbied for the release of Nelson Mandela and then helped coordinate his first visit to the United States after his liberation in 1990 when he became South African president.

He was a part of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and famine relief through efforts such as the “We Are the World” recording and concerts in 1985.

His Personal Life Belafonte was married three times in his life.

His first marriage, to Marguerite Byrd, ended in divorce in 1957.

He wed Julie Robinson that same year.

When they divorced in 2008, he married Pamela Frank, a photographer who had been involved in his activist projects.

He is survived by his wife Pamela, two daughters from his first marriage, the actress and model Shari Belafonte and Adrienne Biesemeyer; two children from his second marriage, the actress Gina Belafonte and David Belafonte; two stepchildren, Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank; and eight grandchildren.

He will be missed.

RIP Harry Belafonte!

CARIBNEWS

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

Caribbean Crime Summit – Leaders To Ban Assault-Style Weapons Port Of Spain, Trinidad – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders ended a two-day regional symposium on violence as a public health issue, declaring a war on guns to combat the illegal trade which they said “provides the weapons that contribute significantly to crime and violence in our region” In addition, the delegates attending the symposium including academics, crime experts, police commissioners and religious and non government organisations, said that they are alarmed by the epidemic of crime and violence in the Caribbean.

They said it is being fueled by illegal guns and organised criminal gangs that pose a “threat to our democracy and the stability of our societies.”

In the Declaration titled “War on Guns” the regional leaders said they were also calling on the United States to joining the Caribbean in “our war on guns and urgently adopt and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean.

“We lament the disproportionate share of our national budges that we are compelled to allocate to measures to address crime, violence and national security as well as mental health and other health-related challenges that directly result from the illegal exportation of guns to our shores.

“We underscore our commitment to utilize all human, financial and other resources to rid our region of the scourge of illicit weapons, the regional leaders said in their Declaration, adding

“we reiterate that the Caribbean must be a Zone of Peace, which will allow us to achieve our goal of a secure, stable and prosperous Community for all our citizens”.

Speaking at a news conference, host Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley told reporters that the CARICOM leaders who met here had also agreed implement a ban on assault rifles.

He said during the symposium one of the experts had outlined that the production and sale of hand guns in the United States “in recent times saw these heavier, more lethal and destructive assault weapons that are designed for military use, for maximum destruction, those weapons are now weapons of choice and the production levels are higher than the handguns.

“Those weapons have begun to appear in our country. They are now commonly in the hands of criminals who get them through the illegal trade, but they are also being licensed by the state and put in the hands of civilians.

“We are saying that we do not require those weapons within our societies…because of their outcome in the presence of the societies. So we can continue to provide a certain amount of protection with…handguns…and we are saying having the volume of those guns in our communities on a scale where easily available assault weapons can carry with it what we are seeing elsewhere, it has serious destructive outcomes”. (CMC)

Bermuda – Woman Deputy Chief of Police Appointed DON’T JUST KINDA TV. DIRECTV.

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Governor Rena Lalgie has confirmed the appointment of Na’imah Astwood as Bermuda’s new deputy police commissioner.

Astwood’s appointment makes her the first female deputy police chief since Roseanda Young, who held the post from 2005 to 2007. She is set to take over her new role come May 1.

“There is no doubt that Mrs. Astwood is the best candidate to serve as the deputy commissioner of police,” Governor Lalgie said.

“She has the experience and leadership qualities to address the challenges ahead,” he continued.

Astwood, who will be No 2 to fellow Bermudian Darrin Simons, the police commissioner, said that her aim was to make the island safer.

“I am grateful for having been appointed to the role of deputy commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS),” she said.

“Having begun my career with the BPS as a police cadet at the age of 17, I am excited and look forward to leading the men and women of our organization as we continue to serve our community, making Bermuda safer.”

Astwood has been acting deputy commissioner of police since October 2021, after joining the 400-strong service in 1994 and being made a superintendent in 2018.

She has served in several roles within the BPS, including community policing, criminal investigation, serious crime, and strategic change management.

Government House said the position was advertised both locally and internationally and the appointment was made “following an open recruitment process in line with best practice”.

The appointment of the deputy commissioner of police is made by the Governor under Section 87 of the Bermuda constitution. (CMC)

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

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T&T – PM Rowley, Country Will Prosper If There Is Unity In accordance with Islamic custom, the Prime Minister distributed alms to a large crowd who recently assembled in front of the San Fernando Jama Masjid on Mucurapo Street as he and his Ministerial colleagues Kazim Hosein and Stuart Young celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr.

As he got out of his car, he was hailed and cheered enthusiastically by those gathered outside the mosque.

Dr. Rowley extended his hands in acknowledgment before starting to distribute money in tiny amounts to the numerous hands of adults, adolescents, and children who were asking for assistance.

After the epidemic prevented them from coming together for two years, Rowley stated in a message posted inside the mosque that it was a delight to reunite with his Muslim brothers and sisters.

He expressed his satisfaction at returning to the mosque and feeling somewhat safe, noting that ” we have overcome those dark days.”

PM Rowley noted, “It is my pleasure and

honor to join you on an auspicious occasion where you have ended the fast to bring to you a greeting from the Government, to associate with you, not only in the prayers but in the rejuvenation and the strength you would have earned as followers of the teachings of one of the world’s great religion.”

He added, “This is our country and our country is so well blessed with the strength of the teaching of the various religions which all emphasize good over evil and the prospect of blessings if we follow that teaching.”

Rowley remarked in response to Maulana Atif Majeed Sulamani’s “pearls of wisdom and encouragement” that parents should be responsible and help their children who are straying, and that the words “are the words of a nation reaching out to its parents.”

He agreed with Sulamani’s counsel to families to either resolve their issues or harbored resentments because they think their point of view is correct.

Despite the challenges faced, he concurred with Sulamani that Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) were among the most significant

nations in the world.

Rowley encourages his people, saying “Let us not take for granted what others fight for and even lose their lives for, which is the peaceful co-existence of people of different opinions.

Today, we were encouraged to demand that our opinion prevails over all others but to acknowledge and respect other people’s opinions so that peace and harmony can exist among us.

“Those entreaties are good to reflect upon because those are the strength and the lifeblood of this diverse nation of T&T.” Rowley continued by motivating the nation to use the restored strength obtained from the worship to contribute to a stronger nation, “Let us use the strength and rejuvenation of those of you who have done the fast.

You would have done that and we believe that our nation is stronger because you have done that because you have undertaken to follow the authentic guidance given to us today by the leader of this worship.”

Rowley made a call for the country to “live together, pray together, grow together, and

prosper together, in good or bad times.”

“We can all maintain our belief that we would always succeed if we subscribe to the teachings of good over evil,” he continued.

He concluded, “Today, let us celebrate, let us enjoy the breaking of the fast, the ending of the period of fasting, and go forward, stronger and deeper in our belief that T&T would prosper as long as we all live together in unity.

UK – Diane Abbott, Jamaican Roots, Suspended as Labor MP in Parliament

In the UK’s parliament, Diane Abbott of Jamaican descent has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is being done in reference to a letter she sent for the Observer newspaper stating white people, like Jews, do not experience racism.

The MP for Hackney North is now required to serve in the Commons as an independent Member of Parliament due to the judgment.

According to BBC News, the lawmaker said in the letter that was recently released that while “many types of white people with points of difference” might encounter discrimination, they do not always do so “all their lives.”

According to the BBC, Labor criticized the remarks as “deeply offensive and wrong.”

It also included a later tweet from Abbott

in which she apologized for any agony caused and announced that she was retracting her statements.

Irish, Jewish, and Travelers were not compelled to seat in the rear of the bus in pre-civil rights America, according to a statement made by the former shadow home secretary.

She noted, “In apartheid South Africa, these groups were allowed to vote. And at the height of slavery, there were no white-seeming people manacled on the slave ships.”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, which called Abbott’s letter “disgraceful” and her apologies “entirely unconvincing,” reacted negatively to it, according to the BBC.

CARIBNEWS

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

Guyana – Permanent Secretary US Visa Revoked After Cell Phone Seized

Mae Toussaint Thomas, who serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, has returned to Guyana after

being arrested recently for interrogation and had her mobile phone seized by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Miami International Airport.

The US agency reportedly canceled Thomas’s visa, forcing her to take a different transit route back to Guyana.

This is according to reports making the rounds in the media. She may have also been physically abused during a threehour incarceration, according to reports, and she may have been handcuffed.

It was confirmed that Thomas had her phone taken when she was traveling to China.

Although the Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet released a comment about the incident, a news source indicated that Thomas was not traveling for the government on official business.

US officials claim that the cops removed her phone during a check.

In the aftermath of the incident, the permanent secretary of Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper, sought an explanation but was told that

nothing could be provided.

“We do not have any specific information to share,” US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Adrienne Galanek told Harper on Friday in response to an inquiry.

However, the American Embassy’s correspondence merely reproduced standard CBP reasons for conducting secondary checks on all incoming foreigners and American citizens.

“If CBP officers at a port of entry need more information to determine your admissibility into the US; you may be directed to an interview area known as secondary inspection,” the document said.

The American Embassy advised the Guyana government that CBP agents could ask for detailed information about the purpose for visiting the US, and their travel history, and they and their belongings could be searched thoroughly.

“Such inspections may include a search of all electronic information stored on your laptop, cell phone, and other electronic device.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with Demer-

ara Waves Online News, a senior Guyana government official said the United States is not obligated to offer an explanation concerning the seizure of the phone.

“If they wish to, they don’t share. It is not something that they are legally or statutorily required to do. It is a courtesy,” the official said.

The official told the online news outlet that the Guyana government was not formally notified of the incident and so the government would await the return of the permanent secretary.

According to Demerara Waves Online News, the permanent secretary’s mobile phone could potentially contain sensitive national security information as well as communication with top government and ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) officials, as she is the most senior civil servant responsible for police, immigration, prisons, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Registry of Births and Deaths

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Harry Belafonte Tributes

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

He has smashed many racial barriers across the world, the world has indeed lost a real warrior. A warrior for justice, a warrior for civil rights, a warrior for peace, a warrior for human rights, and a warrior for freedom.

His achievements have been documented in so many ways, in so many areas, as an entertainer, as a civil rights activist, a freedom fighter, and humanitarian and in all he has excelled. He has led the way to a new dawn, a new reckoning for people of color and for justice around the world.

Belafonte brought the culture of the Caribbean to the heights, early in the 1950s when he popularized clips of music with a breakthrough album `Calypso’ which was the first album by a solo artist to sell over 1 million copies, nothing surpassed Belafonte’s love and commitment for his homeland and for the region of Jamaica, and it was through his music that the Caribbean and Jamaica was placed on the world stage through the years; from his well-known Banana Boat Song, Jamaica Farewell and Jump in the Line.

Belafonte brought the culture of the people at the highest level that was respected and, his early days as an entertainer brought this awareness he carried this through film and stage and we know of his success as he became the first Black person to win an Emmy at the 1960 awards ceremony, for his performance in “The Revlon Revue: Tonight With Belafonte.

He was a Tony Award winner and the first Black person to host a national TV show, he was nominated for eleven Grammys and won two. We could

watch his career and in fact, see the record-breaking activities of a dedicated human being.

Throughout his career, Belafonte never missed a step to work in the effort for freedom and from the civil rights movements in the 1960s where he not only funded, but guided the movement through many difficult years, through the anti-apartheid movement for South Africa. Mr. Belafonte was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1987, over the decades, he worked for children and eliminate hunger and suffering.

Belafonte was always there from stage one, working and showing the way. We had the personal pleasure of his friendship through decades and had opportunities to listen and be part of conversations that Harry Belafonte would have with other titans like himself, Ambassador Andrew Young, former NYC mayor David Dinkins, Congressman Charles Rangel, Labor Leader Cleveland Robinson, and it was just heartwarming to be in the company of these men and recounting their effort through the years. The loss of Harry Belafonte that the world mourns so adequately and so deeply is also one that we mourn because of a long and rewarding friendship with Mr. Belafonte.

He saw in Carib News’ statement of purpose, a point of view that had consistency and that he could relate to and from our very first meeting was drawn to the mission of working to empower and engage our people and our community and was supportive from day one. And so we have had that friendship through the years.

He encouraged the Carib News Business Conference and the mission of the conference to pull people together from Africa, the Caribbean and African Americans and he attended several conferences, pushing that mission, supporting that mission, and being a part of planning that mission. And so through the years, the opportunity to work with Mr. Belafonte was one that we cherished and one that was rewarding. So for us, the impact and loss of this great human being is personal and immediate.

We must express our appreciation for the many years of his guidance, his support, and his participation in the programs, events, and activities of Carib News over the last 40 years.

His engagement and development of the Caribbean Multi-national Business Conference and his term, what he calls “the banquet of ideas” that comes from these meetings is one that we respect and one that we want to maintain in terms of the quality that would be respectful of his contribution. His support of the American Foundation from the University of the West Indies when Carl was chairing that association, brought support to the mission and through the years was personally involved in the development, We will miss a steadfast support that you could depend on in the darkest of days and in the toughest of situations, you could draw strength from listening to Harry, sharing his stories with us and just by sheer strength of ideas and commitment, we were encouraged to move and press along. We will be forever grateful for the friendship that he has bestowed upon us and for the access he

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has offered to us on the road of life, for the many inspiring stories and demonstrations of life that he has pointed the way for us. He has always demonstrated the best in humanity in words and action, and will always be recognized for the drive for equality and justice that he so fervently fought for throughout his life. And how he has touched so many lives over the decades in the conference that we have organized and so many millions of lives that he has touched around the world and continues to be even in his legacy, inspire.

It is clear that Harry Belafonte’s presence in the world has left this place a better world. His presence in all the areas that we have enumerated from entertainment to civil rights has left the world in a better position. His moral guidance will be missed, but there are lessons to be learned and we can, just from looking at his life, we can cherish the memories and we can work to follow the examples and live the life that he has and the commitment to decency and humanity.

He has selaed his prensence among Titans like himself add Rex Nettleford whom he adored.

We wish to express our personal condolences to his wife Pamela and his children Adrienne, Shari, David, Gina, his grandchildren and other members of the family.

We know that they can all be comforted in the memory and in the pride of the life that Harry Belafonte lived and his achievements in all these many areas.

We honor the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte an inspiration and example for all. Let us use this inspiration in whatever way and manner we can, large or

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

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

CARIBOPINION

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Harry Belafonte: He Climbed the Mountains

by Tony Best

On his 90th, Harry Belafonte reflected on his life, career and contributions to humanity for this newspaper and as usual, he was eloquent, thoughtful, accurate and sincere.

“If there’s anything left for me to do, I had best hurry up and do it, because time is not an ally,” was the way he put it six years ago.

So when time ran out on Tuesday and the news of his death flashed across America and around the world the sense of loss was palpable. Clearly, an icon of icons had passed away.

As one of the world’s best known and highly respected international figures of the stage, screen, music, television and of life whether in the rich United States or developing nations of Africa, Latin America or Africa the Caribbean and Africa, this global citizen, this creative genius and a man of conscience, understanding and vision whose support, financial and otherwise for the civil rights movement and global struggles for equality and justice has left an indelible mark on society. His interest in and support for the work

of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, Michael Manley of Jamaica, John Lewis and a long list of titans and golden trombones for freedom and self- determination in various corners of the globe placed America and the international community in his debt.

And as we contemplate life without him people in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Europe, something is clear: the man who was born in Harlem, partially raised in his mother’s birthplace of Jamaica and who later used his immense talent and celebrity status to help enhance the dignity of the less fortunate and improve the quality of their lives had climb the mountains with grace and verve.

“This last period of my life is absolutely fascinating to me,” he said some time ago. “I’m like, I’m outside looking at a story and I have no idea what’s on the next page –none.”

No need to worry. That’s because his story is a fascinating one. Armed with dreams and talent, a youthful Belafonte, whose mother Melvine, nee Love, a housekeeper, embraced the principle of self-reliance and dignity of Blacks as espoused by Marcus Garvey he leader of the largest mass movement of Blacks in 20th century America, rose to become the country’s first Black matinee idol.

His was an illustrious career. As a singer his music, including the immortal song, including “Day-O” topped the Billboard charts for almost a year in the 1950s, making history by being on the first album in the world ever to sell a million copies. The collection of Caribbean music broke new international

cultural territory, if you will.

The revered figure routinely bucked the establishment in order to help remove the shackles of racism and colonialism. His starring role on the screen, including in the film “Island in the Sun,” a landmark movie that explored inter-racial relationships at a time in the 1950s when such romances were forbidden by law in some parts of the South in the United States cemented his place as one of the country’s leading entertainers. His appearances on Broadway were heralded as outstanding. That was why a glance through his trophy case showed the Tony and Emmy Awards and other coveted accolades that spoke to the high quality of his work.

But that’s only one dimension of his intriguing resume’. Belafonte, a raconteur of the first order, declined to sit in the bleaches as a spectator or stand on the sidelines as tens of thousands of young people and civil rights advocates took to the streets, the lunch counters and the picket lines to protest against widespread racial discrimination and inequity in the United States. He gave some of his resources and lent his name to the national cause of social justice. In the process, he linked arms with Dr. King, one of the greatest human and civil rights leaders and Ambassador Young, America’s first Black United Nations Ambassador to press for global fairness. His battle was our fight and it knew no bounds, helping to prick the collective American conscience and pave the way for the dramatic 2008 election victory of Barack Obama, the first Black commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful

nation.

His cajoling of the powerful Kennedys, President John and his brother Robert, the Attorney General and later U.S. Senator from New York aided Dr. King’s drive for national legislation that opened the voting booths to Blacks and eliminated the abhorrent Jim Crow laws. And when the racist Klu-Klux Klan was at its most violent, he encouraged many of his Hollywood professional colleagues, Sidney Poitier among them, to back the movement against hate. His advocacy and financial support helped to keep the civil rights flame alive. “The March on Washington in the 1960s,” a signal undertaken, benefitted from that support.

Known for his forthrightness and abiding interest in social justice, Belafonte accurately chronicled much of his immense contribution to the social revolution in a well-written memoir, “My Song,” written with Michael Shnayerson, which has become required reading for many who want to make a difference.

His role as co-chair of the Women’s March in Washington and New York that attracted hundreds of thousands of people helped to send a strong message to Washington that extremism and misogynistic impulses wouldn’t be tolerated. What that successful public demonstration did was to underscore an interesting bit of reality: he had made his mark, sharing his wisdom, experience and drive with today’s younger generation of activists.

Entertainment Icon & Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

by Stacy M. Brown

Renowned singer, actor, producer, and legendary civil rights trailblazer, Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96.

His publicist confirmed that the beloved icon died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York.

In addition to his children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, Belafonte leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga, and Zoe Frank.

Known globally for both for his artistic ingenuity and humanitarian ideals, Belafonte became an early, vocal supporter of the Civil

Rights Movement, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and financial backer of countless historic political and social causes and events, including the anti-Apartheid Movement, equal rights for women, juvenile justice, climate change and the decolonization of Africa.

He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington and led a delegation of Hollywood luminaries including his best friend Sidney Poitier, as well as Paul Newman, Sammy Davis, Jr, Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, Tony Curtis, James Baldwin, Burt Lancaster, Joanne Woodward, Diahann Carrol, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, Peter, Paul and Mary and Joan Baez, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis and Tony Curtis.

The following is from Belafonte’s bio on the HistoryMakers: Born to immigrant parents in Harlem on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte spent much of his youth in his mother’s home country of Jamaica.

Though difficult, life in Jamaica was full of rich cultural experiences that influenced Belafonte’s art.

At the beginning of World War II, Belafonte returned to Harlem with his mother and brother. He had trouble integrating into the

new environment and later dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy.

After Belafonte was honorably discharged, he went back to New York, where he worked odd jobs until two free tickets to the American Negro Theatre (A.N.T.) changed his life.

Belafonte auditioned for the A.N.T. and earned his first leading role in Juno and the Paycock.

In 1953, he made his film debut opposite Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road. He won a Tony in 1954 for his performance in Almanac.

At the same time, Belafonte developed his singing talents, having parlayed a series of nightclub performances into a record contract.

His third album, Calypso, topped the charts for thirty-one consecutive weeks and was the first record to sell more than 1 million copies.

Belafonte also secured a television outlet with his hour-long special, Tonight with Belafonte, which won him an Emmy.

He became the first African American TV producer and his company, HarBel, went on to produce one Emmy nominee after another.

In the early 1950s, Belafonte developed a strong relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte worked tirelessly to

mobilize artists in support of the civil rights movement.

In 1985, he again rallied the global artistic community to raise awareness of the famines, wars and droughts plaguing many African nations.

USA for Africa raised more than $60 million for this cause with “We Are the World” and Hands Across America.

A longtime anti-apartheid activist, Belafonte hosted former South African President Nelson Mandela on his triumphant visit to the United States.

Belafonte maintained his commitment to service as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

“The lifelong commitment, courage, global leadership, and legacy of The Honorable Harry Belafonte will always be cherished and remembered by billions of people throughout the world,” said NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Belafonte was a gifted, talented and transformative freedom fighter for all of humanity. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes the memory of Harry Belafonte and recommits to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality that Belafonte so boldly epitomized and embodied.”

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CARIBNEWS

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Harry Belafonte Tributes

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

CARIBNEWS

Harry Belafonte Tributes

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CARIBBRIEFS

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

Haiti – 13 Suspected Gangsters Burnt To Death The reign of gang violence in Haiti has been going strong for over two years, plaguing the nation’s people. Police and witnesses claim that a crowd in the Haitian capital pulled 13 suspected gang members from police custody after a traffic check and then battered and burnt them to death with gasoline-soaked tires.

The horrifying violence highlighted Portau-Prince’s growing lawlessness, where criminal gangs are said to control 60% of the city as a result of President Jovenel Mose’s murder in July 2021.

In a short statement, the Haiti National

Police reported that police in the Canape Vert neighborhood of the city had stopped a minibus, then searched it for contraband, and seized firearms from suspects before they were “unfortunately lynched by members of the population.”

The statement made no mention of how crowd participants managed to subdue the suspects.

According to a witness who identified himself as Edner Samuel and spoke to The Associated Press, members of the mob assaulted and stoned the alleged gang members before throwing tires on them,

dousing them in gasoline, and setting them on fire.

At the scene, a news reporter observed 13 people on fire on a street. In the steep area of the city, the fires attracted hundreds of spectators, many of whom covered their noses to avoid the smoke.

According to Samuel, the suspects were allegedly on their way to another location to join a gang that was engaged in a police shootout. Jean Josue, another witness, reported that the neighborhood had experienced a lot of gunfire since the early hours of the day.

Haiti – China Willing to Help Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean of China, Cai Wai, claims that his nation is “closely monitoring” the worsening crime situation in Haiti.

Following President Jovenel Mose’s murder in 2021, gangs now dominate a large portion of Port-au-Prince, the city, creating havoc on the nation’s people through horrific crimes.

Ariel Henry, the acting president, has pleaded for military foreign intervention

to assist in stabilizing the country through crime reduction, thus, eliminating the gangs’ reign in power. In response to his request, Canada recently stationed Royal Canadian Navy ships off the coast of Haiti in an effort to quell the nation’s pervasive gang violence and instability.

While Haiti doesn’t have any official diplomatic connections to the PRC, but rather Taiwan, Cai stated during a press conference in Beijing that the issue has

Controversial Attorney Alton Maddox Dies

Alton Maddox, best known for his work as a civil rights lawyer grabbing headlines for the high-profile cases he represented in the 1980s, died on Sunday in a nursing home in the Bronx at 77 years old.

Maddox was the civil rights lawyer who became an advocate for Tawana Brawley and other victims of racially charged attacks and police brutality in some of the most racially divisive cases of the era. He worked together with the Rev. Al Sharpton and disbarred attorney C. Vernon Mason.

Most notably, Maddox and the other two men represented Brawley, a Black teenager who accused four white men of kidnapping and raping her in upstate Dutchess County and then leaving her naked but for a trash bag, covered in racial slurs and smeared in feces in 1987.

The accusation turned out to be false and

has dogged the reputations of Sharpton and Maddox ever since.

He was born in Michigan, but grew up in Georgia and he was taught by his parents to distrust the whites.

He graduated from Howard University and got his law degree from Boston College.

In the early 1980s, Maddox moved to New York City.

He was disbarred for filing a false claim of racial bias in 1990.

A viewing service will be held for Maddox, who is survived by an adult son, Charles, at Abyssinian Baptist Church at 132 W. 138th St. in Harlem Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the funeral.

caught his country’s attention.

Akeel Lovell, a representative for Nation News, questioned Cai on China’s willingness to assist the country.

He noted that China has previously helped Haiti, alluding to its humanitarian aid when the country was shaken by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010. He stated they are eager to assist where they can in alleviating the hardships of Haiti and noted that China has previously helped Haiti.

Shots kept going out in several neighborhoods as the situation in the capital remained tense.

According to witnesses there, the suspects were thought to be part of the Kraze Barye gang, whose name means “Breaking Barriers.” Authorities claim that Vitel’Homme Innocent, who is suspected of aiding in the abduction of 17 US missionaries in October 2021 and is also connected to the killing of Mose, is the group’s leader.

CARIBNEWS

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Rep. Clarke at Shirley Chisholm Women’s Conference, Urges Self-Care

Black women should make themselves “the priority,” according to Brooklyn congressman Yvette D. Clarke, who represents the 9th Congressional District. She also advises them to exercise “self-care.”

In her address at the 5th Annual Shirley Chisholm Women’s Empowerment Conference, the congress member remarked, “For generations, Black women have been on the frontlines of many battles. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Women’s Rights March, we have quite literally put our bodies on the line to protect our men, our families, our communities, and one another, and are often taken for granted.”

Clarked added, “But our magic is no longer free,” added the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. “Now more than ever, Black women must focus on ourselves. We must make ourselves the priority. And, we must practice selfcare.

“If we are going to talk about the self-esteem of Black women, we must acknowledge the impact of the daily messages we are bombarded with, that tell us that we are not brilliant, beautiful, powerful, and capable.”

Clarke stated that generations of Black women had been affected by these teachings.

“But we are phenomenal women, are we not?” she asked patrons. “For every negative image, there’s a Shirley Chisholm, Maya Angelou, Tameka Mallory, Maxine Waters, Kamala Harris, and Michelle Obama.

“For every culture vulture, for every appropriator, there is a content creator,” Clarke noted.

The symposium, with the title “Women Self-Esteem: A Light Shining in the Dark,” was sponsored by the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College and co-sponsored by Black Women for Fairness, Equity, and Justice.

The conference provided the community with, among other things, an “opportunity to bring to the attention of the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College major issues that affect the community, so that the center can include those issues in working groups that seek solutions to/or remediation of those issues.”

According to the conference’s planners, the center records and publishes the application of laws that benefit the community as a whole, particularly women.

The Shirley Chisholm Award for a Lifetime of Contributions to Humanity was given to public advocate Letitia James this year. The 2016 recipient was Clarke.

Shirley Anita Chisholm, who passed away on January 1, 2005, was born in Brooklyn to a Guyanese father and a Barbadian mother.

Chisholm, a politician, educator, and author, was elected to the US Congress in 1968, making history as the first Black woman to hold that office.

From 1969 through 1983, she served seven times as the representative for New York’s 12th Congressional District.

Chisholm ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential

nomination in 1972, making history as the first Black woman and contender for the presidency of a major American political party.

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Con Edison Releases Sustainability Report: Powering New York’s Clean Energy Transition

In celebration of Earth Week, Con Edison has published its annual Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s progress in helping New York meet its climate and clean energy goals, while strengthening its diverse workforce and supporting the communities it serves.

A Con Edison employee is standing on a building’s roof that has solar panels installed on it.

Con Edison is investing in a range of clean energy technologies and projects to support New York’s goal of a net-zero statewide economy by 2050, including transmission lines, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, heat pumps, energy efficiency and battery storage.

“As New York’s largest energy-delivery company, we’re investing in clean energy infrastructure that will help the state meet its ambitious climate goals,” said Tim Cawley, Con Edison’s chairman and chief executive. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve

made building a workforce that’s reflective of the communities we serve, passionate about our role in the clean energy transition, and equipped to meet the big challenges ahead.”

Delivering Renewable Power in New York New York’s target of 70 percent renewable power by 2030 requires new transmission lines that will carry energy generated by offshore wind turbines, solar panels and other clean sources to the customers who need it.

In 2022, Con Edison began building the Reliable Clean City project, a major transmission upgrade that will deliver large amounts of power to New York City’s outer boroughs while helping enable the retirement of local fossil fuel plants in environmental justice communities. The first portion of the project, in Queens, is due for completion this year, with two additional sections in Brooklyn and Staten Island due for completion in 2025.

In early 2023, Con Edison finalized the sale of its renewable energy development subsidiary, known as the Clean Energy Businesses, to RWE Renewables America.

The sale allows Con Edison to intensify its focus on its home state of New York, where its investments and expertise have the biggest impact.

Replacing Fossil Fuel Heaters with Electric Heat Pumps The gas distribution system plays a key role in New York’s energy system today, keeping homes and businesses warm and

providing fuel for cooking in many buildings. However, Con Edison expects its deliveries of fossil natural gas will decline significantly in the years ahead, even as demand for electricity rises with the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Con Edison is supporting New York’s transition away from fossil heating systems. The company has incentivized the installation of heat pumps and other clean heat technologies in more than 24,000 buildings to date, with a goal of helping to electrify 150,000 buildings by 2030.

Solar on Rooftops, Electric Vehicles on Roads The shift to electric vehicles is accelerating in New York and will play a critical role in the state’s plan to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Con Edison’s PowerReady incentive program is among the largest of its kind in the nation, offering utility support for EV charging infrastructure. Just two years after its establishment, PowerReady has already supported more than 2,600 charge points, with a goal of 19,000 by 2025 – and 400,000 by 2035.

Solar energy is another market that is growing rapidly in the New York City region. Con Edison’s customers in New York City, Westchester, Orange and Rockland counties have installed more than 60,000 solar systems to date totaling 700 megawatts of capacity, adding significant clean generation capacity.

To complement New York’s growing base

of distributed energy resources, Con Edison has installed smart meters across nearly its entire customer base. Smart meters allow customers to track their energy usage in near-real time while giving Con Edison deeper insight into its electric network, improving system efficiency and reducing the impact of service outages.

Nurturing a Diverse Workforce Con Edison provided financial support to more than 600 nonprofit organizations in 2022, with a focus on groups supporting environmental stewardship and STEM education. The company has begun taking a more systematic approach to protecting and restoring biodiversity in the ecosystems in which it works and operates infrastructure, and recently issued a Biodiversity Action Plan.

In addition to highlighting Con Edison’s clean energy and climate efforts, this year’s report includes new sections on topics such as environmental justice, biodiversity protection, human rights, and a deeper focus on community and stakeholder engagement.

Con Edison remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the company’s teams are becoming more diverse – including the executive team. Employee Resource groups and local DEI Councils are advancing awareness of cultural differences within the company, while helping to recruit and develop the careers of a diverse group of employees.

Clarke Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Delay Pending Cuts to Medicaid WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced H.R. 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, bipartisan legislation to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to delay pending cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments.

“Medicaid DSH payments are critical for hospitals that provide care to millions of Americans, where they serve a disproportionate number of low-income and uninsured patients. The pending cuts in funding would not only strip my district of $692.5 million in essential healthcare funding, but would also deprive hospitals nationwide of more than $5 billion from Medicaid DSH funding and leave the most vulnerable Americans at risk. I’m proud to reach across the aisle to stand with my colleagues on behalf of this vital legislation,” said Congresswoman Clarke (NY-09).

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to protect safety net hospitals across the Houston area. This bill will ensure access to

care for our most vulnerable patients and the hospitals who serve them,” said Congressman Crenshaw (TX-02).

“Ensuring access to quality healthcare is of paramount importance to the well-being of millions of Americans, particularly those who rely on essential hospitals to receive the care they need,” said Congressman Burgess, M.D. (TX-26). “The proposed Medicaid DSH cuts, a vestige of very poor policy included in the Affordable Care Act, pose a significant threat to the ability of these hospitals to fulfill their safety net mission.

We must prevent these cuts and safeguard access to care for individuals and families in communities across the nation.”

“If these cuts go into effect, it will have a devastating impact on hospitals across the U.S. It’s imperative that Congress act now to prevent these cuts from occurring to ensure patients across the country can continue to access the care they need,” said Congresswoman DeGette (CO-01).

“Medicaid DSH cuts are a looming threat to

health care access for millions of Americans and to the ability of essential hospitals to meet their safety net mission,” said Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, president and CEO of America’s Essential Hospitals. “We thank Reps. Clarke, Crenshaw, DeGette and Burgess for their bipartisan leadership to stop these damaging cuts and protect access to care in communities across the country.”

“The Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program is an essential funding stream for safety net hospitals and the vulnerable patients and communities

they serve,” said Kenneth E. Raske, President of the Greater New York Hospital Association. “Securing a delay of the severely harmful Medicaid DSH cuts scheduled to occur in October is critical to the survival of our financially struggling safety net hospitals. The entire hospital community thanks Representatives Clarke, Crenshaw, DeGette, and Burgess for their leadership on this vital issue.”

“If allowed to take effect, the impending Medicaid DSH cuts would have a devastating impact on already strained hospitals that care for our most vulnerable populations,” said Bea Grause, RN, JD, President of the Healthcare Association of New York State.

“We applaud Rep. Clarke for leading the way in the House to avert these massive reductions by introducing the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act. We appreciate her longstanding commitment to preserving access to care and stand with her in this critical effort to protect New York’s hospitals and health systems and the patients they serve.”

CARIBA&E

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Patrice Roberts Performs At IAmWoman Concert in Toronto

Toronto, Canada – On April 21st, Toronto was transformed into a soca mecca as Patrice Roberts’ I AM Woman concert took over Rebel Concert Venue. The live band, Band North, opened up the show to a performance with the Powerhouse Gospel Choir singing Roberts’ song “Bless This Party.”

As the night continued, DJ Steph Honey kept the crowd going as the Savage Society dancers brought the heat. Roberts also brought out

some of her artist friends to perform, such as Skinny Fabulous, Olatunji, Imani Ray, and Tempa.

She shared a romantic moment onstage as she performed the collaboration single “Toxic” with her fiance, soca artist Drue.

Roberts also showed a fan appreciation video and honored her dancers with a special segment during the show. The crowd swayed to her hit singles “Mind My Business”, “Carry On”, “A Little Wine”, “Band

of The Year” and “Like Yuhself.”

Thrilled by the turnout of her second concert in Toronto, she took to her social media, saying, “Another successful #IAmWoman show, and I want to thank everyone who continues to make this possible. I’m so proud that our Toronto community showed up and enjoyed the show!”.

The I AM Woman concert was a night to remember, and Patrice Roberts’ powerful performance was an inspiring reminder of the

strength and resilience that exists within all women.

T&T – David Rudder Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Veteran calypsonian David Rudder is szid to be suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

He has stated that his forthcoming concert, Rudder 7.0, will be his final big performance.

In a recent interview with the media at Kafe Blue on Wrightson Road, the singer revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after completing a few tests a little while back.

Rudder promised to keep performing, just not as frequently.

“This show will be my last marathon show – I can’t do four hours standing up on a stage again.”

However, he noted that he will be entertaining his fans through making music, “I will still be around making music. This is just something that happens in life. I’ll

Chance The Rapper and US Ambassador Perry Discuss Black Star Line Festival The Black Star Line Festival will be held on the island in January 2024, according to HipHop artist Chance the Rapper, who visited the US Embassy as one of several destinations on his birthday tour of Jamaica. Chance the Rapper and the ambassador recently had a meeting. A photograph of the “Blessings” rapper was posted on the US Embassy’s official social media outlets.

The multi-platinum-selling rapper recently revealed information about hosting the Black Star Liner Festival in Jamaica during an interview with Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show.

“We’re actually thinking about hosting the next one in Kingston, Jamaica,” he noted.

In January, Ghana hosted the first-ever

event, which is said to have drawn more than 52,000 visitors.

“It was very successful,” he said. Erykah Badu, Dave Chappelle, T-Pain, Jeremih, Sarkodie, Tobe Nwigwe, Asakaa Boys, and M.anifest were among the artists on the schedule.

Vic Mensa and Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line, which was established in 1919 and was run by Black people to assist connect international shipping and tourist possibilities between America, the Caribbean, and Africa, served as the inspiration for the Black Star Line Festival.

Additionally, the rapper was photographed at the popular Uptown Mondays event near the DJ booth with well-known dancehall DJ Boom Boom.

continue to perform, but I will slow down when I feel I have to. The energy is still there.”

Rudder remarked on his family’s immense support in the wake of his diagnosis.

On May 6, a concert honoring Rudder’s 70th birthday is slated to take place at Soundforge on Mucurapo Road.,

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

Guyana- Luxury Hotel And Casino For Berbice The Sheriff Group of Companies will invest over $100 million in Palmyra, Berbice to build a 150-room hotel and casino, in line with the economy of Guyana’s fast expansion.

The Sheriff Group of Companies stated in a statement on Sunday that the development of an opulent hotel and casino will have all the contemporary conveniences found in developed nations.

The cutting-edge facility’s construction is scheduled to start next week and be finished by December 2024. The goal of the premium hotel and casino is to provide a home away from home. The corporation thinks that this investment would benefit both the local tourism industry and Guyanese citizens.

Following the development of the 150room Sheriff General Hospital, also in Palmyra, a significant investment was made by the Sheriff Group of Companies. This specialist hospital will do heart operations, eye operations, and cancer treatments, among other medical procedures. Additionally, the new hospital’s procedures will supplement those carried out in the other facilities.

The company plans to launch the business in stages so that Berbicians may be em-

ployed and, more significantly, receive topnotch healthcare services at a reasonable cost without having to make the difficult trip to Georgetown.

According to the statement, “These investments will result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs for the residents of Berbice.”

Ameir Ahmad, the owner of the Sheriff ’s security company, stated earlier this year that the Sheriff ’s Group of Companies will also construct a business/shopping center of 500,000 square feet. This will make it possible for companies to lease space in Palmyra for both short- and long-term periods of time.

He also mentioned that Sheriff Security had purchased a 50,000-square-foot (1 acre) block of land that would become its new headquarters.

He shared that the group will be investing a large portion of their budget into Berbice, “We are investing a large chunk of our budget that was supposed to be for the next five years, but we have decided to put a large portion into Berbice. We are taking a lot of risk in Berbice and hope that the Berbicians will support us.”

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

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Costa Rica Beat Guatemala to Secure Final Spot in 2023 CWU20

MIAMI, Florida – 2023 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying wrapped up on Sunday with two games in Group F in which Costa Rica defeated Guatemala to secure the final spot in the 2023 CWU20 next month.

Both of Sunday’s games were at the Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua, where Costa Rica opened the day with a 3-1 win versus Guatemala to clinch their CWU20 berth.

Guatemala were first to strike, with Karen Gonzalez finding the back of the net to make it 1-0, but Costa Rica would respond

with two goals in the final 15 minutes.

Veronica Matarrita scored the equalizer in the 75’ before Marian Solano tallied the winning score in the 89’ to help the Ticas finish Group F with a first-place finish and a perfect 4W-0D-0L record.

Nicaragua finished their CWU20Q campaign on a winning note in front of the home fans with a 3-0 triumph over Saint Lucia.

Ines Navarrete scored two goals in the first half in the 7’ and 21’, followed by a Daniela Manzanares goal in the 84’ to complete the 3-0 scoreline.

SCG Unveils Gates Named After Lara and Tendulkar

The Sydney Cricket Ground has unveiled a set of gates named after Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara on Monday. They join Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris, all New South Wales (and Australia) legends in being honoured thus at the iconic SCG. April 24 was chosen as the date to unveil the gates to mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, and also the 30th anniversary of Lara’s 277 at the SCG, his first Test century, though that Test was played in January 1993.

In a statement, Cricket Australia said that

the gates, situated between the members pavilion’s away dressing room and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand, are the ones visiting players will take to access the field.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground has been my favourite ground away from India,” Tendulkar said in the statement. “I have had some great memories at the SCG right from my first tour of Australia in 1991-92. It is a great honour to have the gates used by all visiting cricketers to access the field of play at the SCG named after me and my good friend Brian.”

Lara said, “I’m deeply honoured to be recognised at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as I’m sure Sachin is. The ground holds many special memories for me and my family and I always enjoy visiting whenever I’m in Australia.”

That innings of 277 remained Lara’s highest at the SCG - he totalled 384 runs at the ground in four Tests overall - while Tendulkar had an average of 157 at the SCG, scoring 785 runs in five Tests over the years

with three centuries, including the memorable 241 not out in January 2004.

The gates were unveiled by SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Rod McGeoch AO, and CEO Kerrie Mather, as well as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

“Sachin Tendulkar’s record at the SCG is simply remarkable, while Brian Lara’s maiden Test century remains one of the most celebrated innings by a visiting player,” Mather said. “Both players continue to hold a deep affection for the SCG and they remain hugely popular whenever they visit Sydney.”

Hockley said, “As the cricketing world celebrates Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, this is a fitting and timely gesture by the SCG to recognise Sachin and Brian Lara as two legends of the international game with exceptional records at the SCG. “Their feats will no doubt be an inspiration to not only visiting international teams, but all players fortunate enough to walk onto the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, for generations to come.” Sharjah Cricket Stadium names stand after Tendulkar

The West Stand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been named after Sachin Tendulkar on the 25th anniversary of his “Desert Storm” back-to-back centuries. The unveiling of the stand coincided with Tendulkar’s 50th birthday.

On April 22 1998, Tendulkar had made a sublime 143 off 131 balls in swirling dust and two days later, he followed it up with 134 off 131 balls to almost single-handedly put the Sharjah tri-nations cup in India’s hands.

“I wish I was there but unfortunately I had prior commitments,” Tendulkar said.

“Playing in Sharjah has always been a magnificent experience. From the electrifying atmosphere to the love, affection and support, Sharjah has been a special venue for Indian cricket fans and lovers of the game from around the globe. It’s given us so many special moments. A big thank you to Mr Bukhatir and his team for this kind gesture on the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm match and my 50th birthday. Feels like the greatest 6 of them all!”

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WEEK ENDING MAY 2, 2023