May 3, 2023

EDITORIAL

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

WFP resumes operations in Sudan, amid full-blown humanitarian ‘catastrophe’

‘Transformative change’ needed to get Global Goals back on track, says UN deputy chief

EDITORIAL

The World Food Programme (WFP) has lifted a temporary suspension of operations in Sudan as fighting between rival military groups pushes millions into hunger, Executive Director Cindy McCain announced on Monday.

WFP had paused its life-saving activities after three staff were killed in North Darfur on 15 April, the first day of clashes between the Sudanese army and the rival Rapid Security Forces (RSF).

Safety first

HEALTH

Ms. McCain said food distribution is expected to begin in four states - Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala and White Nile – in the coming days.

SPORTS

Jamaican High Schools Find Success

At Penn Relays - P 19

As the security situation is still highly precarious, WFP is considering locations where humanitarian access is assured, while also strongly taking security, capacity and accessrelated considerations into account.

“We will take utmost care to ensure the safety of all our staff and partners as we rush to meet the growing needs of the most vulnerable,” she said.

Hunger expected to rise

Ms. McCain underscored the need to end the fighting, noting that more than 15 million people were already facing severe food insecurity prior to the conflict.

She warned that numbers are expected to “grow significantly” as the unrest continues.

UN humanitarians will return to Khartoum ‘as quickly as possible

The UN has been forced to essentially halt all aid operations across Sudan due to the continuing fighting between rival militaries, but humanitarians who have re-located to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast are determined to return to Khartoum “as quickly as possible”, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator said on Thursday.

Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Abdou Dieng, speaking from Port Sudan, told reporters in the briefing room in New York that senior leadership would be returning to the Sudanese capital, as soon as the situation allows.

The needs are urgent, and widespread, he said, as the final few hours of a US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire neared, with fighting continuing. Hundreds have been killed, and thousands wounded as the rival militia of the country’s top two generals continue to battle each other in civilian areas. Dire needs, before fighting erupted

Before the fighting began nearly two weeks ago, one in three Sudanese was already in need of aid, and it’s proving “extremely difficult” to properly assess the level of need today, Mr. Dieng said.

The pre-conflict Humanitarian Response Plan called for $1.7 billion, of which only 15 per cent has been pledged, he said. In reply to questions about an uptick in inter-communal violence in West Darfur and food shortages, he said the UN was extremely worried about food supplies, and the deteriorating

In a visit to Chile, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed met with Chilean Government officials and other key actors and stressed in her other activities that we need transformative change – now, and from all countries –to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda.

Wednesday morning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, Ms. Mohammed met at the Palacio de La Moneda with President Gabriel Boric to discuss the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

The President delivered the National Strategy for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The UN Resident Coordinator in Chile, María José Torres, the Minister of Social Development and Family, Giorgio Jackson, the Undersecretary of International Relations, Gloria de la Fuente, and the Chilean Ambassador to the UN, Paula Narváez, were also present.

Later, Ms. Mohammed spoke with indigenous women leaders – from the Mapuche, Rapa Nui, Licanantay (Atacameños), Aymara, Diaguita, Chango, Quechua, Kawéskar and Colla peoples –at the Mahuidache Ceremonial Center, commune of El Bosque, a social advocacy space focused on the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and their participation.

Syria: UN envoy points to ‘important juncture’ in efforts towards peace

Renewed diplomatic attention on Syria in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquakes that hit the country and neighbouring Türkiye could help to unlock stalled peace efforts, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Thursday.

“We are at a potentially important juncture, with renewed attention on Syria – particularly from the region –that could assist our efforts in advancing a political solution to this conflict”, he said.

“But for this renewed attention to help unlock progress, many actors will need to take concrete steps – not just one set of actors.”

Diplomatic engagement continues Mr. Pedersen said since the February earthquakes, diplomacy has continued involving the Syrian Government and the “Astana players”- a reference to the December 2019 meeting between Russia, Türkiye and Iran in the Kazakh capital - as well as “new openings of engagement” between Syria and Arab countries.

The envoy also continues his engagement towards facilitating a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process. He stressed that “the UN cannot do this alone” and needs the support of all key players.

Tribute to Harry Belafonte by PJ Patterson - P 8

NYC H+H, HPD, and Comunilife Break Ground on New $41.5m Building with Affordable, Supporive Housing - P 16

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Stephenson

Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson Congratulates Jamaican Ruel E. Stephenson on his Promotion to Assistant Chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD)

New York, NY, April 28, 2023 - Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson of Jamaica is pleased to congratulate Assistant Chief Ruel E. Stephenson on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD). In his new role, he will have responsibility for NYPD Patrol Borough Manhattan North. Chief Ruel R. Stephenson joined the New York City Police Department in June 1995 and began his career on patrol in the 70 Precinct. He has served in various capaci-

ties in the NYPD, including the 28, 30, 32, 47, 50, and 81 Precincts, Patrol Borough Manhattan North, the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Housing Bureau. He has been promoted several times during his illustrious career, rising from Sergeant to Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, and most recently, Deputy Chief.

“Chief Stephenson’s promotion to this esteemed position is well-deserved, and I congratulate him on this milestone achievement,” said Consul General Wilson. “His distinguished career in law enforcement, combined with his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to serving the people of New York, make him an outstanding choice for Assistant Chief.

We are fortunate to have him as a member of the NYPD family.”

“As a Jamaican, who now serves in the highest ranks of the NYPD, he continues to show the immense possibilities of our people,” added Consul General Wilson. “On behalf of all Jamaicans here in New York and those at home I extend the heartiest congratulations to Chief Stephenson. Continue to fly the flag high.”

Chief Stephenson was born and raised in Racecourse Clarendon, Jamaica, where he spent his formative years prior to migrating to the United States.

Congratulations Chief Stephenson on this well-deserved promotion!

Mayor Adams, Sheena Wright Convene Child Care Experts For NYC’s First-Ever Summit On Reimagining Child Care System

“As a father, I understand first-hand the difference high-quality child care can make for children and parents,” said New York City Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser.

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright today hosted the administration’s first-ever ‘Reimagining Early Education and Child Care System Summit’ - convening parents, child care providers, policy advocates, and government agencies to discuss how to strengthen New York City’s early childhood and child care system. Building off the success of “Blueprint for Child Care & Early Childhood Education in New York City,” the summit spotlighted the city’s accomplishments with partners in this space and outlined an all-handson-deck strategy in pursuit of high-quality, accessible child care for children, families, and providers across the five boroughs. “It used to take a village to raise a child, but these days, it takes a city and that means working collaboratively with everyone,” said Mayor Adams. “When I announced our child care blueprint, I said that we were going to tackle our early education and child care needs head on, and make sure that we provide services and support to those who need our help the most. Nearly one year later, we are in the process of investing $2 billion over the next four years in early child care, launched our MyCity portal to ensure that families who qualify for free or low-cost child care can access it one place, and

signed seven bills that support families and make child care more affordable to all New Yorkers. Today’s child care summit will allow this administration to collaborate more seamlessly with partners and build off the work we have done to continue to make this city better for working families.”

“Entering into this administration, more than half of New York City families with children under age four could not afford child care, and no family should have to choose between their children or their career,” said First Deputy Mayor Wright.

“We know in order to ‘Get Stuff Done’ we need to tear down silos and work together. That is the approach that got us this far, and that is the approach we will need to transform child care truly. Today’s conversation is part of an ongoing dialogue to do just that.”

“Bold futures begin with bright starts. Under Deputy Chancellor Dr. Kara Ahmed’s leadership, we are committed to building a comprehensive birth to five early childhood education system that prioritizes families’ needs,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “With strong partnerships, we will rise to meet challenges, ensuring all New York City children have access to world-class education and a bright start.”

“As part of the mayor’s child care blueprint, we at the Administration for Children’s Services are pleased to be connecting thousands of families to affordable child care that meets parents’ needs and helps their children thrive. I look forward to hearing the innovative ideas that come from this important summit on child care.”

“It is encouraging to sit in partnership with parents, educators, advocates, community-based organizations, and members of this administration to discuss strategies to support our youngest New Yorkers and their families,” said Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Executive Director Michelle Paige. “These conversations underscore the importance of collaboration, and we will continue to move forward together to champion on behalf of our children and families.”

Today’s summit focused on the complicated and burdensome issues the early childhood sector is facing. Topics included professional retention due to record numbers departing the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic which have yet to recover; the need to pay teachers more equitable and sustainable wages, especially workers of color; and the need to develop a robust workforce development and business support system. The early childhood workforce is facing a national crisis, and New York City has not been immune. Consistent, reliable, transparent, and equitable access to affordable child care will connect New York City children and families to high-quality early childhood education and care.

Providers, parents, policy experts, and more gathered ideas on how the city can be a greater partner to evolve and strengthen the sector. This group will continue to collaborate to cut red tape and break down silos in the sector in the hopes of creating new policy to transform the way the city supports working families. “Learning begins in the womb, well before children reach school age. For decades, high-earning families have invested in high-quality early education experiences to enrich the lives of their children. But this is an investment all families deserve – high quality childcare is one of the best ways we can lift New Yorkers out of poverty today,” said Robin Hood CEO Rich Buery Jr. “After the disruption of the pandemic, New Yorkers are returning to work and are eager for strong child care programs, close to their homes. We’re so pleased to do our part alongside the Adams Administration to ensure all families – regardless of where they live or what job they work -- get the best support for their children.”

“ECE on the Move is thrilled to participate in Mayor Adams’ Reimagining Early Education and Care Summit. This Summit is a testament to the city’s continued commitment to making quality, affordable child care a reality for New York City families and lifting up our early childhood professionals”, said ECE on the Move Director of Operations Shanita Bowen. “This incredible gathering of early childhood stakeholders gave space to discuss the ways our city can support our provider workforce. I thank Mayor Adams and First Deputy Mayor Wright for hosting and providing a spotlight on the supports and resources providers need to thrive as business owners and educators.”

T&T – Kamla To PM Rowley, Let’s Meet On Crime

In order to work together to combat the criminal plague engulfing the nation, the Opposition Leader is urging the Prime Minister to change his mind and meet with the UNC and others.

According to a press statement issued by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the political leader of the UNC, the crime epidemic requires all leaders to act with humility and caution in order to safeguard the public. She noted that both parties must work together despite their differences, “We must set aside vanity and egotism as too many lives are being lost and destroyed, we must work together. Therefore, I request that Keith Rowley reconsider his refusal to the offers of co-operation from the UNC and all other interested and willing stakeholders in our country to address the crime crisis.”

Dr. Rowley firmly declined the opportunity to meet with former police commissioner Gary Griffith to talk about crime-fighting tactics during the Prime Minister’s Question and Answer period of the recent House of Representatives meeting. Additionally, he claimed to meet with

the opposition in Parliament on a regular basis and charged the UNC with thwarting all efforts by the government to combat crime.

stating that he is ready to meet with the opposition both inside and outside of the parliament if they are willing to adjust their stance.

Persad-Bissessar, however, said that neither the government nor crime should make any distinctions in their treatment of victims when she was freed.

The Opposition leader noted, “The victims and perpetrators of crime span all political affiliations, ethnicities, religions, social standings, and income levels. No matter which sector of society we identify with, we must have the humility to accept this fact, put aside emotions, and work together for all our citizens. All citizens must equally feel safe in Trinidad and Tobago.”

She emphasized the need of demonstrating to the criminal element that everyone is working together to safeguard civilians and that there is a commitment to stopping the crime problem.

The Siparia MP voiced dissatisfaction over

Rowley’s categorical rejection of working with her, the UNC, and Griffith, stating that there was a chance to combine state policy and operational expertise in the battle against crime.

Persad-Bissessar also recalled that, while serving as the leader of the opposition, she had previously met with Rowley twice to discuss a joint strategy for combating crime.

“Multiple proposals were put forward by the UNC, (but) Keith Rowley refused to consider these proposals,” she remarked. She emphasized that the unprecedented amount of crime necessitates a multifaceted and collaborative strategy that incorporates knowledge from all spheres of society.

She said that the UNC had provided a thorough strategy to deal with the underlying causes of crime and put short-, medium-, and long-term remedies into place. These solutions include; increased investment in education, job creation, Social programs, rehabilitation policies and plans for prisoners, bail reform, updated l

law enforcement training, adjustments to ministerial portfolios, scientific improvements in training, investigations and data analysis for crime prevention, new legislation such as stand your ground and home invasion laws and increased access to legal firearms for citizens.

US – Immigration Policy – Increase Deportations, Expand Legal Pathways

cally with the unprecedented number of migrants apprehended illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and has progressively stepped up border enforcement. Republicans claim Biden has failed to reduce crossings and call for a return to the harder policy used by former President Donald Trump, who is currently the front-runner for their party’s presidential candidate.

Venezuela earlier this year significantly decreased as the United States started swiftly deporting them back to Mexico in accordance with Title 42 limitations.

A U.S. official stated during a teleconference with reporters that the US intended to continue sending those individuals to Mexico under the post-Title 42 plans. A request for a response from the Mexican government was ignored.

As it prepares for a potential increase in illegal border crossings when COVID-Next month, 19 limitations will come to an end, according to U.S. authorities.

According to a fact sheet detailing their intentions, the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed they would increase by two to three the number of deportation flights to certain nations and seek to process migrants caught crossing the border illegally “in a matter of days.”

In addition, the U.S. will encourage migrants to use two new processing facilities in Guatemala and Colombia rather than traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border in order to apply for refugee resettlement or other types of admission.

With the United Nations assistance, the centers want to screen 5,000 to 6,000 migrants each month as part of the country’s commitment to taking in more refugees

from the Western Hemisphere. According to U.S. authorities, Canada and Spain have also stated that they will welcome migrants through the facilities.

According to U.S. authorities, the centers will also handle applications for family reunions, a program that was previously only open to Cubans and Haitians and is now also open to citizens of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The program enables a specific group of immigrants to enter the country lawfully and find employment while they wait for their U.S. visas.

In order to combat a potential rise in illegal immigration when COVID-19 border limitations, in effect since 2020, are anticipated to cease on May 11, U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal includes a combination of immigration enforcement measures and new legal routes to enter the country.

A Democrat, Biden has battled politi-

Biden, who plans to run for re-election in 2024, has attempted to walk a fine line between upsetting some Democrats and immigration activists by embracing more stringent policies while simultaneously offering a more compassionate approach than Trump.

At a recent news conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “Our border is not open and will not be open after May 11.”

Title 42, Biden’s proposed proposal to abolish COVID limits, is based on a new rule that is anticipated to be approved soon and is similar to Trump-era regulations that were thwarted by American courts.

The rule would bar asylum for travelers who traveled via other countries without first looking for refuge there or who neglected to follow U.S. legitimate entry channels.

According to the Biden administration, this combination of legal sanctions and deterrents has reduced the number of border crossers in the past.

The number of migrants apprehended crossing from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and

President Biden started a program in January that permits 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the nation by plane with sponsors from the United States each month. Those openings will continue to be available, and migrants will also be able to use an online application to request an appointment to cross the border.

The CBP One app will have more appointments accessible as part of the strategy, according to the Biden administration. According to migrants, appointments presently fill up every day in a matter of minutes.

DHS said that any Cubans apprehended attempting to travel by water will now be disqualified for the humanitarian parole program introduced in January, in an effort to deter Cubans from trying to reach the United States via risky boat excursions.

In line with remarks made by a senior official earlier this month, Mayorkas reiterated that the Biden administration does not intend to imprison migrant families but may monitor them using GPS monitoring devices or a scheme akin to home arrest.

Stop Deporting Haitians: Rights Experts’ Appeal to Countries in Americas

Countries in the Americas should suspend forced returns of Haitians on the move and adopt measures to protect them instead, UN-appointed independent human rights experts said on Friday.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) sounded the alarm after 36,000 people of Haitian origin were deported during the first three months of the year, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Some 90 per cent were deported from the Dominican Republic.

Violations and abuses against Haitians

The experts expressed concern over collective expulsions which did not take into consideration individual circumstances and needs.

They also highlighted alleged human rights violations and abuses against Haitians on the move along migration routes, at borders and in detention centres in the Americas region, “as a result of strict migration control, the

militarization of borders, systematic immigration detention policies and the obstacles to international protection” in some countries.

Such obstacles exposed these vulnerable migrants to “killings, disappearances, acts of sexual and gender-based violence, and trafficking by criminal networks”, the Committee warned.

Demanding protection for Haitian refugees Caribbean countries, such as the Bahamas as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, have announced measures against undocumented Haitian migrants. The United States in January also made public new border policies to permit fast-tracked expulsions to Mexico of Haitian migrants and others, crossing the southern border of the US without documentation.

Considering the desperate situation in Haiti, which does not currently allow for the safe and dignified return of Haitians to the country, as pointed out by the UN High Com-

missioner for Human Rights, the Committee called for an end to the collective expulsions of Haitians on the move.

It also said assessments of each individual case needed to be carried out, to identify protection needs in accordance with international refugee and human rights law, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups.

Combatting racism and xenophobia

The independent human rights experts requested States parties in the Americas to investigate all allegations of excessive use of force, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and racial profiling against Haitians. They also demanded protection of refugees against other allegations of human rights violations and abuses committed by both State and non-state actors; including at borders, migrant detention centres and along migration routes, to punish those responsible and to provide rehabilitation and reparations to victims or their families.

The experts also called for measures to prevent and combat xenophobic and racist violence and incitement to racial hatred against people of Haitian origin, and to publicly condemn racist hate speech, including those uttered by public figures and politicians. Independent human rights experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva. They are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.

Guyana – World’s Fastest Growing Economy Because of Oil

It was merely eight years ago that ExxonMobil had its first offshore discovery in Guyana. Since then the country has emerged as a major oil producer and exporter. According to the International Monetary Fund, oil production have catapulted Guyana to the position of being the world’s fastest-growing economy during 2023.

The international government organization has forecast that the country’s gross domestic product will expand by a whopping 37.2% this year which is the highest forecast growth rate globally for a sovereign state.

Simultaneously, Guyana’s GDP is also expected to expand by an impressive 45.2% during 2024 as petroleum production and industry investment rise further. This is great news for the former British colony, whose President just announced that he wants all families to benefit from oil.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, as of the end of February this year, Guyana was pumping 383,000 barrels per day, produced from the Liza oilfield in the Stabroek Block, which has a nameplate capacity of 360,000 barrels per day. This oil boom is also driving the country’s economy at a rapid rate and will continue to do so for as long as the oil boom continues to gain momentum.

A recent interview with Sam Hinds, Am-

bassador to the U.S., revealed he expects GDP to double by 2027. Indeed, it is forecast that GDP per capita will double from $6,000 to $12,000 over that period, which based on 2022 IMF data, indicates Guyana will become the fifth wealthiest country in South America, placing it ahead of Brazil. For 2023 alone, petroleum exports are expected to earn more than $1.6 billion for Georgetown, and that is on top of the $1.1 billion received during 2022.

The Yellowtail development targets a rated production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day which is expected to come online during 2025.

Investment in offshore Guyana, now the world’s hottest oil frontier, continues to expand as international energy companies consider how they can buy in. The capital, Georgetown, launched the first-ever licensing round in December 2022, offering 14 offshore blocks, three deepwater and 11 shallow-water, to bidders. Submissions were due to close on April 14, 2023, but that has been delayed until July 2023 to give prospective bidders more time to prepare their submissions and for Georgetown to implement the new regulatory framework and production sharing agreements.

The auction has attracted considerable interest from energy heavyweights, including Shell, Chevron, and Petrobras. Another oil auction is being considered for 2024 which to drive further investment.

With all attention focused on the once cash-strapped country, GDP is forecasted to expand by an impressive 37%, good news for the government and for the people

NYC – Black Drivers Pay More for Car Insurance

Consumer Federation of America and New Yorkers for Responsible Lending Call on State Lawmakers to End Auto Insurance Pricing Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New York drivers pay substantial insurance premium penalties if they have fair or poor credit scores, according to a new report released today by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). In its new study, CFA researchers found that insurance companies charge drivers with poor credit hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional premiums, even if they have perfect driving records.

The report is prompting calls from CFA and New Yorkers for Responsible Lending for state lawmakers to protect drivers from discriminatory auto insurance pricing. The groups are supporting legislation introduced by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes that would prohibit insurers from using a driver’s credit history and other socioeconomic factors to determine how much they pay for auto coverage.

“On average, New Yorkers with poor credit are charged almost three times as much for auto insurance as residents with excellent credit, even if they have the exact same driving history, and the credit penalties are most severe in the state’s majority Black and Latino ZIP codes,” said Douglas Heller, CFA’s Director of Insurance. “State law requires every driver to buy auto insurance, so the Legislature and Governor have a special obligation to ensure that pricing is fair and reasonable and they should take action to address the unfairness of credit-based premium hikes for good drivers.”

CFA acquired auto insurance premium data for every ZIP code in New York from Quadrant Information Services LLC for ten New York auto insurers, representing about 80% of the state insurance market. Analysis of the data found significant differences in premiums for New Yorkers solely due to their credit history. The data below show the average premium (weighted by company market share) charged for the minimum required auto insurance coverage to residents with clean driving records.

In percentage terms, the penalty for having fair credit rather than excellent credit is a 57% premium hike. Drivers with poor credit pay 187% more on average.

“People have poor credit for a lot of reasons— including medical crises, job losses, poverty, and the legacy and persistence of systemic bias in financial services – and the price they pay for mandatory auto insurance should not be impacted by their credit history,” said Michael DeLong, CFA’s Research and Advocacy Associate. “With this report, we hope state officials will come to understand just how harsh the insurance industry’s credit penalties are on financially vulnerable New Yorkers.”

In certain cities and boroughs, credit surcharges are even worse than the statewide average. For example, Buffalo drivers with poor credit pay on average $2,259 for auto insurance.

Queens drivers with poor credit pay an average of $5,152. And Brooklyn drivers with poor credit face premiums averaging $5,971 annually.

As the study reveals, average premiums are already much higher in New York’s communities of color due to the ZIP code pricing that companies use. Since Black and Latino

consumers are more likely to have poorer credit than white consumers, as other research demonstrates, the combination of the credit penalty and the impact of ZIP code pricing brings into stark relief the severity of credit-based insurance premiums.

“Using socioeconomic and non-driving factors that are not inherently related to a person’s ability to operate a car safely forces good drivers who are of lower socioeconomic status to pay more for our state’s obligatory auto insurance,” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “I am deeply concerned that the use of credit history is having a highly negative impact on low and moderate income drivers, especially Black and Latino drivers who live in neighborhoods where auto insurance is already very expensive.”

In addition to its own data analysis, CFA highlights the findings of a 2015 study by Consumer Reports, which shows that the credit penalty on low credit safe drivers serves to subsidize the premiums currently charged to more dangerous drivers who happen to have high credit scores. The Consumer Reports study found that New York drivers with poor credit and a clean driving record were charged $589 more

on average than drivers with excellent credit and a drunk driving conviction.

“It makes absolutely no sense that a good driver with a poor credit record can end up paying hundreds of dollars more for insurance than someone with a DUI conviction who happens to have excellent credit,” said Chuck Bell, advocacy program director for Consumer Reports. “Insurance should be priced fairly based on a person’s driving record, not on credit scores that result in higher premiums for low income drivers and communities of color.”

While New York law currently allows insurance companies to incorporate consumer credit history into insurance pricing, it prohibits insurers from unfairly discriminating against any customer. In 2017, the New York Department of Financial Services adopted new rules aimed at preventing unfair discrimination by insurers that sought to vary auto insurance premiums based on drivers’ level of education or their occupation.

“Auto insurance is already extremely costly in many low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities of color, and the use of credit scoring is making it worse,” said David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society. “We strongly support bill A843 which will ban the use of credit history and other socioeconomic factors like gender and housing status for auto insurance pricing.”

Consumer Federation of America, noting that three states (California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) prohibit the use of credit in insurance pricing, urges lawmakers, the Governor, and the Department of Financial Services to review its report and take action to eliminate the use of credit history in auto insurance pricing.

T&T - PM Rowley Rejects Stand Your Ground Law, It’s Used For Murder

day at the Toco Composite High School on Sunday afternoon, Rowley said arming citizens was not the answer to the country’s crime problems, and the proposal by the Opposition to enact stand-yourground legislation is also not a viable solution.

As Prime Minister Keith Rowley attempts to address the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago, he once again rejected a proposal by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to use deadly force, stand-your-ground laws for home invasions.

Rowley rejected the proposal saying it can be used to commit ‘legal murder’. He even went so far to call the proposal “dog whistling” and urged his supporters to reject the notion of crime and criminality linked to race, with one targeting the other.

Speaking at the PNM’s sport and family

“We will bring legislation to Parliament to create a specific criminal offense of home invasion, which will involve increasing the sentences for larceny, burglary, serious assault, unlawful entry to your properties, whether it be your homes or businesses; and that you will be able to use force –they come using force with guns, cutlasses, whatever it may be.”

Speaking at the United National Congress (UNC) Monday Night Forum in April, Persad-Bisessar said if in power, the UNC would enact such legislation. She said: “That to me is one of the most terrifying experiences that you could ever imagine. And so we have taken note of this unacceptable situation, and while Dr. Rowley spends two full days talking foolishness at the Hyatt...the UNC will do the following to put an end to this devilish offense of home invasion.

“We will bring legislation to Parliament to create a specific criminal offense of home

invasion. I propose that our next UNC government will create this full offense; this will involve increasing the sentences for larceny, burglary, serious assault, and unlawful entry to your properties, whether it be your home or your businesses, and that you will be able to use force, firearm, weapon, cutlass, whatever it may be...we will create that offense with a penalty of 25 years in jail.”

“We will also bring ‘stand your ground’ laws. At the moment the law is, a man invades your house, a woman invades your house, and...you have to use something they call reasonable force. A man going with a gun in your face and you must do nothing.

“I propose that we adopt the ‘stand your ground’ legal principle...this means putting into our laws the legal principle that allows a person to use force in self-defense without retreating.”

Rowley, however, referred to such laws as American-based legislation, which, he pointed out, were currently being challenged in US states that had passed it, although he admits violent behavior, violent crime, violent crime involving the use of firearms, the associated individual and group mental health trauma accompa-

nying violent behavior, pose a far greater destructive threat than many diseases and on that basis alone qualifies violence as a public health emergency.

He said dealing with crime has become a significant drain on the country’s economy and agrees it must be urgently addressed. Rejecting an invitation to meet with Persad-Bissessar and former police commissioner-turned-politician Gary Griffith on crime solutions, Rowley said the government would win the fight against crime but not through meeting with people who are part of the problem. The current Section 29 of the Larceny Act states:

“Any person who, with intent to commit any arrestable offence therein—

(a) enters any dwelling house in the night; or

(b) breaks and enters any dwelling house, place of divine worship, or any building within the curtilage, or any school-house, shop, warehouse, counting-house, office, store, garage, pavilion, factory or workshop, or any building belonging to the State, or to any Government department, or to any Municipal or other public authority, is liable to imprisonment for seven years.”

Jamaica – Rastas Protest Ganja Charges

A group of Rastafarians gathered outside the St. James Parish Court this morning to protest one of their Rastafarian brethren being arrested and charged with possession of ganja. The group is part of the Rastafari and Grassroots Ganja Association (RAGGA)

The members staged a silent protest outside the front entrance of the courthouse with placards and artwork depicting the persecution of the Rastafarian community.

The man arrested and charged is Charles ‘Ras Neus’ Largie for two pounds of ganja. He is charged with possession of and dealing in ganja.

Edward ‘Firstman’ Wray, RAGGA spokesperson condemned Largie’s arrest as a violation of Rastafarians’ right to freely use ganja as part of their sacraments, in keeping with previous discussions that the Rastafarian community had with the Government.

UWI – Plans To Make Its Own Money

Speaking at the UWI’s Meeting of University Council open session which was streamed on UWI-TV, UWI-TV’s Facebook page, and UWI-TV’s channels on Flow on Wednesday, Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) shared his vision for the financial reliance model of the university to change, so there is less dependency on the public.

Citing his concern with the Caribbean’s macroeconomic situation, his hope is for the institution to become an entrepreneurial university by generating entrepreneurial interest and activity in the market economy which will yield revenue.

During his presentation, he said, “We believe

that it is possible in the next five years to turn around the financial funding model of this university so that our reliance upon the public revenue will be significantly diminished, while the university itself, in its own entrepreneurial activity, would generate far more resources than it has ever done in the past.” Beckles believes the University has a proven track record of “pushing access beyond traditional boundaries and frontiers”. He shared the decision to institute the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda, an accomplishment made with the assistance of the government of Antigua and Barbuda via an US$80 million loan from the Saudi Development Fund.

Highway to Be Named in Honor of Belafonte

prime minister. He went on to say that the reason this particular stretch of the road was chosen was because it goes past St Ann, close to where Belafonte spent some of his formative years. In 1936, they moved from New York to Jamaica together with their younger brother. In 1940, they went back to their mother. Melvine, their mother, was born in St. Ann’s quaint rural community of Aboukir.

According to Holness, the renaming of the highway in Belafonte’s honor will be postponed until a final decision is made on its upgrading, which might include realigning the route.

The UWI Five Islands Campus will emerge as a state-of-the-art part of the UWI family. The agreement was signed on January 17 and Beckles said Denzel Williams, principal and pro-vice chancellor, has already rolled out a master plan for the expansion of the campus featuring all the modern facilities a university should have. He reminded attendees of the wider regional struggles – climate change, disaster mitigation and management, covid19 and non-communicable diseases, crime and security, re-energizing Caribbean economic growth, and sustainable development goals advocacy –which the university has long tried to bring awareness and protect lives.

“This is how we have positioned the university. We took the strategic decision that the univer sity must be on the vanguard and the frontier of all of these issues. Never let it be said that the voice of the UWI has not been heard on any major issue facing our people. This is the university that we have tried to create.”

Sir Hilary also shared several examples of how the UWI is tackling some of these issues from climate change through its Seismic Research Unit with 40 years of data to COVID-19 via its COVID-19 Task Force and working with governments in different islands to mitigate potential disasters there.

The late singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte renowned for hit songs including the Banana Boat Song (Day-O), Matilda, Shake Senora, and many others, had passed away at the age of 96 in his home in Manhattan, New York. The Jamaican government will commemorate him by renaming a portion of the North Coast Highway in his name.

The announcement was recently made during a meeting where the House of Representatives paid respect to Harry Belafonte the nation’s beloved and iconic musician.

PM Holness remarked, “The Government of Jamaica considered how we should recognize this icon and we concluded that we would name a highway in his honor.”

He continued by revealing that the renaming of the highway in honor of Belafonte has been approved, “We approved the naming of a section of the North Coast Highway from Priory to Salem in St Ann in honor of Harry Belafonte…that segment will be renamed the Harry Belafonte Highway.”

Prior to Belafonte’s passing, the Cabinet had already made the decision, according to the

In addition, the prime minister declared that a cutting-edge performing arts center will be built in St. James and dedicated to Belafonte.

Edmund Bartlett, the minister of tourism, revealed that the building’s lands had already been acquired.

Belafonte was raised in poverty in Harlem during the Great Depression as the child of Jamaican immigrants and went on to achieve significant black crossover success in popular music.

Throughout his five decades as a movie, television, and stage star, he continued to break through several barriers. As a result of his conviction that “the role of art isn’t just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be,” his creative and humanitarian efforts regularly crossed over.

Belafonte donated money from his success in the entertainment industry to support international and domestic human rights campaigns.

Mark Golding, Edmund Bartlett, and Olivia Grange, the minister for gender, culture, entertainment, and sport, were among those who paid homage to Belafonte on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Ruel R. Stephenson On his Promotion in the NYPD

Congratulations are in order with the recent announcement by the New York Police Department on the promotion of Ruel R. Stephenson to the position of Assistant Chief, Commander Manhattan - North, it is certainly a well-deserved promotion because Stephenson has had a distinguished career in the police department for several decades, and during that time he has distinguished himself in so many significant roles in different areas of New York City, from Brooklyn to Harlem and in the Northeast Bronx. He has been held in high esteem in every area that he has served and has been an innovator and a person committed to the commu-

nity and its engagement with the police department.

In the Northeast Bronx, which is heavily Caribbean, during his tenure Chief Stephenson promoted several innovative programs, opening the precinct to the community for meetings and youth activities, engaging in toy drives for the young people, and always made himself available in the community to provide a role model and inspiration to the young people. He was in attendance for community and church activities way beyond his duty in the police force. But he saw that as part of his work as a community leader and as one who had

a stake in the community’s wellbeing. So with some degree of gladness, we can extend congratulations to a Jamaican born who has now moved into the highest rank of the police department. Born in the parish of Clarendon, where he spent his early years, he then migrated to the United States, where he has now distinguished himself in so many ways and is now rewarded with this promotion. Carib News has had the opportunity to interact with Chief Stephenson, we. have interviewed him in the past and have seen the work that he has done, and we must say again, well deserved. We agree with the Consul General of

Jamaica, the Honorable Alsion Roach Wilson, when she said that Chief Stephenson’s promotion to this esteemed position is well deserved. We congratulate him on this milestone achievement. His distinguished career in law enforcement, combined with his leadership expertise and unwavering commitment to serving the people of New York, makes him an outstanding choice for Assistant Chief; we are fortunate to have him as a member of the N Y P D family. We join in saying well-deserved Congratulations to a son of the soil and a real role model to be emulated.

Tribute - Dr. The Honourable Harry Belafonte, O.M.

by PJ Patterson

Born in Harlem, the eight years he lived with his maternal grandmother from Aboukir, St. Ann made Harry Belafonte a Jamerican for life. He repeatedly proclaimed his Jamaican heritage His immense contribution to the promotion of our rich indigenous culture, in a format which became an effective marketing tool in attracting visitors to our shores, deserves our fullest admiration.

This iconic entertainer fashioned in his own unique style, a blend of mento and folk music in a charming calypso presentation which reflected an exquisite mix of melody and rhythm that would command alluring appeal to the widest markets in North America, Europe and eventually Japan. His domination of the Billboard charts opened the floodgate for the Carib-

bean flavor which has since gone viral. Among his innumerable awards are The Emmy, Grammy, Tony and the Oscar with a string of other distinguished conferments for exemplary Humanitarian achievements. Dr the Honourable Harry Belafonte, O.M., was committed to use his superb talents in the fields of music, theatre and television as a springboard for his social activism. He did not hesitate to devote his kinetic energy, his powerful intellect and his hard earned income in the fight for freedom and the entitlement of justice and human dignity for all – regardless of colour, class and creed.

The P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy (INAFRICARA), joins in proud salute to the memory of Harry Belafonte whose commitment to humanitarian causes and social upliftment made him a stalwart in the Civil Rights Movement which sought to break the chains of racial segregation and inequality in the Southern States. History will never forget how he stood alongside Martin Luther King, Jnr in the March on Washington and later became a fortress of considerable strength for the family after his assassination. He was bold and fearless in his advocacy of the right to self-determination and agency for the people of Africa subject to colonial rule and their descendants across the Atlantic.

In the relentless Liberation struggle, Belafonte loudly and persistently denounced the evils of Apartheid and demanded the full release of Nelson Mandela. That required the fortitude to resist all temptation for professional engagements accruing from the greed of those Corporations who continued to invest and trade in South Africa. His preparedness to engage on the domestic front or in the African Continent – indeed wherever there was oppression or a calamity of any kind, natural or manmade - was always evident by his immediate and generous response.

Who else but this UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Belafonte, could have comman

deered, with the enormous proceeds to combat Hunger in Africa, such an aggregation of musical legends to record in 1985 – We are the World, We are the People?

The Board, Distinguished Scholars and Friends of Inafricara Institute, hereby extend our profound sympathy to his widow, children, entire family and colleagues.

The legacy Harry Belafonte bequeaths must serve as a perpetual source of inspiration to this and future generations: For “There comes a time when we need a certain call. When the world must come together as one.”

That time is now.

Harry Belafonte Tributes

Harry Belafonte Tributes

Harry Belafonte Tributes

Harry Belafonte Tributes

Harry Belafonte Tributes

More Than 2,000 Guns From the US Seized in the Caribbean

The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Bureau shared that at least 2,000 illegal guns in the Caribbean have been traced back to the US. The information was given at the opening of a threeday seminar on guns in the region.

The seminar hosted by the Caribbean Basin Security Institute (CBSI) along with the Caribbean Implementation Agency For Crime And Security (Impacs) dealt with preventing the illicit trafficking of firearms.

The ATF Bureau reported that in January 2020 to December 2021, 2,491 pistols, 440 revolvers, 275 rifles, 162 shotguns, and 88 guns listed as “other” were seized based on their e-tracking system. They have also identified the top four kinds of handguns seized in the region as

very similar, saying it was “quite revealing” and “unexpected”.

According to US Deputy Chief of Mission Shante Moore, the goal for the multi-day meetings was to “enhance citizen security by exchanging best practices, gaining a better understanding of new trends, and facilitating cooperative efforts to combat illicit trafficking in firearms in the Caribbean”.

Executive director at Impacs, Lt. Col Michael Jones, said he wanted to focus his speech on solutions, which he said were dependent on the involvement of every Caribbean country. Col. Jones has a vision of a Caricom Crime Gun Intelligence Unit, as he shared the “fight is complex and multifaceted, and our co-operation extends to the UN Regional Centre for Peace,

Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol, the OAS (Organization of American States), World Customs Organisation and all others who bring their own strengths to the table.”

He added that the unit will fuse information and develop actionable intelligence for investigations and with multi-country links.

The meeting followed up CARICOM leaders voicing their concerns at the recent Crime Summit citing the high level of gun violence across the region and making a decision to establish prohibitions on assault-style guns, which are mostly made in the US.

Protect Domestic Workers in the Region Urges The ILO

working conditions, low pay, and limited access to social protections.

It said the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic further exposed the vulnerability of domestic workers, with many losing their jobs and facing economic hardship.

According to the CDWN, the ILO estimates that there are 503,897 domestic workers in the Caribbean and that “this means that fighting for better working conditions for domestic workers in our region will positively impact more than 2.5 million Caribbean citizens, as their families often depend on them for day-today living.”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN) is calling on regional countries to ratify and implement the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention that recognises and protects the rights and decent work conditions of domestic workers.

In a message to mark Labour Day (the international day set aside to recognise workers), the CDWN said it wanted to give a “special salute to the women and men who work in homes and support families throughout our communities.”

“Domestic Workers are workers and deserve the same rights and protections as any other worker. It is because of domestic workers that our societies can function, businesses can run, schools can be open, and doctors at hospitals can take care of the sick. Domestic Workers are a critical part of the fabric of our countries.”

But the CDWN, a network of unions and associations from Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, St Kitts-Nevis and St Lucia, said domestic workers have been among the least protected workers worldwide, facing long long-standing challenges such as lack of recognition, poor

CDWN said it is calling on regional governments to ratify and implement the ILO Convention 189 to recognise and protect the rights and decent work conditions of domestic workers while applauding the governments of Guyana, Jamaica, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda for ratifying the Convention.

“But that is only four of 20 Caricom countries. We are pushing for all Caricom countries to ratify C-189,” it said, adding “ratification is the first step to show commitment to protecting and respecting domestic workers.”

“It is critical that laws provide pensions, sick leave benefits, injury benefits, overtime benefits, severance pay and other social security benefits to domestic workers. The National Insurance Schemes (NIS) across all Caribbean countries provide the legal framework for these social protections, but the laws are not enough.”

CDWN said even in the countries where Convention 189 is ratified, too many domestic workers go unprotected and vulnerable to poverty as the laws are not enforced.

“Governments must enforce them and make them real to impact the lives of Domestic Workers in tangible ways. How can a domestic worker work in a household for more than 20 years and on retirement has no pension to rely on? The NIS helps in these situations! Employers must live up to their obligations!”

NYC H+H, HPD, and Comunilife Break Ground on New $41.5m Building with Affordable, Supportive Housing

to lead a healthy, meaningful life. We all know that housing is a key social determinant of health and that without a safe, affordable and permanent place to live, it is almost impossible for vulnerable New Yorkers to overcome their health and social issues. By partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals, which is equally as committed to providing housing as a means of improving health outcomes, we know that the residence, when it opens in late 2024, will have a profound effect on the lives of the 56 supportive housing clients who will call it home.”

panels on the roof, and landscaping that uses native or adapted species with efficient irrigation.

As part of the system’s Housing for Health initiative, NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Comunilife today broke ground on the Comunilife Throop Residence, a new, $41.5 million 93-unit apartment building at 171 Throop Avenue in Brooklyn on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. Patients of NYC Health + Hospitals who are experiencing homelessness will be selected for the building’s 56 units of supportive housing, and they will receive services from Comunilife and health care from Woodhull Hospital. The remaining apartments comprise 21 affordable homes for extremely low-income seniors, 15 affordable homes for low-income New Yorkers, and 1 super’s unit. A video of the groundbreaking is available here.

Expected to open in late 2024, this is the second phase of affordable and supportive housing development on NYC Health + Hospitals Woodhull campus. The first phase, the Woodhull Residence at 179 Throop Avenue, was also built on NYC Health + Hospitals land, financed by HPD, and developed by Comunilife. It opened in 2019 and has 89 units of affordable and supportive housing. This project is one of several that will contribute to Housing for Health’s commitment to create nearly 650 new affordable homes in the next five years; upcoming projects include Just Home in the Bronx and 1727 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. Last year, NYC Health + Hospitals provided care for 49,800 patients experiencing homelessness. Developing housing on hospital land is a key part of Housing for Health, NYC Health + Hospital’s initiative to connect patients experiencing homelessness to stable, affordable housing and a strategy outlined in Mayor Eric Adams’ housing plan, “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness.

“In the Housing Our Neighbors blueprint, our administration committed to an array of bold ideas to create more safe, stable homes for New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Today, we’re seeing how NYC Health + Hospitals, HPD, and other partner agencies are collaborating to change lives by giving more New Yorkers a place to call home.”

“The evidence is undeniable that stable housing allows patients to better manage their health,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and

CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “NYC Health + Hospitas is in the business of caring for our patients, and that extends to finding them a permanent place to live. Today, we’re using our land to create nearly 100 new apartments on our campus at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. We hope health care systems nationwide follow suit.”

“With this new building, we will double the housing on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate Leora Jontef. “Using our land to create new units of affordable and supportive housing is a key part of our Housing for Health initiative, and today’s groundbreaking will help us house even more of our patients.”

“On behalf of Woodhull’s staff, patients and community, I express our thanks and appreciation to Comunilife for their vision and dedication to this Comunilife 2 Building project. The partnership between NYC Health + Hospitals, Woodhull, Comunilife, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the other partners has been solid.

Our joint shared commitment to addressing the problem of homelessness for the underprivileged population of this community has helped us to overcome obstacles to make this a reality. The Comunilife 1 project has been extremely successful in this regard and we expect continued success of this objective with this second building which should be completed by the end of 2024,” said Gregory Calliste, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.

“New York City has a dire need for supportive housing for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.

“With on-site services provided by Comunilife, health care from Woodhull Hospital, and 93 high-quality affordable homes, we’re providing future residents of 171 Throop Ave with the level of care and attention they need and deserve.”

“Our new 93-unit Comunilife Throop Residence will build on Comunilife’s continuum of 3,059 units of supportive and affordable housing and is an example of our mission to provide vulnerable communities with housing and culturally sensitive supportive services,” said Dr. Rosa Gil, Comunilife’s President and CEO. “Comunilife believes that no one should be without the housing and supports they need

Supportive housing residents at Comunilife Throop will receive supportive services through awards from the NYC 15/15 program. Comunilife is the project’s developer and service provider. Comunilife serves 3,000 low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers annually with supportive services and affordable housing. Amenities at Comunilife Throop will include 24-hour security, laundry, a community room, a computer room, and a bike room. The new building will connect to the previous building on the first floor and share a commercial kitchen, community space, and a back garden. The new development meets design and sustainability standards set by Enterprise Green Communities, the green housing standard for affordable housing, including a smoke-free building, energy efficient appliances, solar

NYC Health + Hospitals contributed the land to the project through a 99-year ground lease. Financed through HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, the project includes $14.6 million in City subsidy, $500,000 in Reso A funds from the Brooklyn Borough President, $15.5 million in NYC Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $7.5 million loan from Webster Bank. The project also receives funding for rent and supportive services through the NYC 15/15 program, which Mayor Adams committed to accelerating in the Housing Our Neighbors Blueprint to create 15,000 supportive homes by 2028.

Housing for Health is NYC Health + Hospitals’ comprehensive initiative to facilitate housing opportunities and supports for patients experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that the chronic health issues of unhoused individuals cannot be treated without stable housing, this initiative seeks to improve their health and wellbeing of New Yorkers by focusing on four strategic areas: navigation services, medical respite beds, affordable housing on hospital property, and social service support for patients in permanent housing.

Film At Lincoln Center and The NYAFF Announce Complete Lineup for the 30th Edition, May 10-16

NEW YORK (April 10, 2023) — Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) will celebrate the kickoff of the 30th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) at FLC from May 10 to 16. Launched in 1993, the NYAFF is one of the first film festivals in the United States to reflect on the myriad ways African and diaspora filmmakers have used the moving image to tell complex nuanced stories of cultural and aesthetic significance. Under the banner title, Freeforms, the festival will present over 50 films from more than 25 countries that explore and embrace the visionary, probing and fearless spirit of African film and diaspora storytelling.

“The New York African Film Festival was founded to counteract the voice over, where Africans were being spoken for over grim images and to provide a place where the seventh art could become a weapon for us to reclaim our voices, to reappropriate our images and to add layers to the narrative,” said NYAFF founder and AFF Executive Director Mahen Bonetti. “In each frame presented by the festival over three decades we have found our connection with each other and our footing in other people’s spaces, while presenting myriad stories about all corners of the African diaspora and the human experience itself.”

Opening Night marks the New York premiere

of Moussa Sène Absa’s Xalé, the third film in his trilogy focused on women. When twin brother and sister Awa and Adama’s grandmother passes away, their Aunt Fatou and Uncle Atoumane pledge to marry to preserve the family union. Tired of waiting to consummate their marriage, Atoumane commits an act from which there is no return.

The Centerpiece selection is the U.S. premiere of Hyperlink, comprised of four short films and directed by South African filmmakers Mzonke Maloney, Nolitha Mkulisi, Julie Nxadi, and Evan Wigdorowitz, who reflect on the seductive, and at times treacherous, illusory reality of the internet. Using humor, suspense and social criticism, this collective production sketches a society dominated by idealized projections of the dreamt self.

Four festival features are U.S. premieres: Fatou Cissé’s A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Father: Souleymane Cissé, an intimate portrayal of the life and career of Souleymane Cissé, one of Africa’s most celebrated filmmakers; Ottis Ba Mamadou’s Dent Pour Dent, a comedic drama placing the unemployed Idrissa in the position of being entirely dependent on his wife after budgetary restrictions imposed by the IMF and seeking revenge; Katy Léna N’diaye’s Money, Freedom, a Story of CFA Franc, a revealing account of why a currency holdover resulting

Caribbean Week Returns to New York City in June

Walters explained that Caribbean Week’s hiatus over the last few years was due to the pandemic. Travel restrictions implemented globally presented not only resource challenges but also general uncertainty regarding the recovery of travel. As a result, the ability to resume activities in the marketplace was impacted.

Caribbean Week 2023 is set to showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings, including those involving the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Council of Ministers and Commissioners. These discussions will focus on the critical issues that are shaping the direction and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.

from French colonialism is still in use to this day; and Ery Claver’s Our Lady of the Chinese Shop, a delicate urban tale that reveals a family and city full of resentment, greed and torment in Luanda, Angola, in part due to a peculiar, holy plastic figure of Our Lady.

The festival is also proud to host the world premiere of Chadrack Banikina and Cecilia Zoppelletto’s Ota Benga, an animated film that captures a moment in the true-life story of Ota Benga (1883–1916), the pygmy who was exhibited at the Bronx Zoo. It will also feature the U.S. premiere of Babetida Sadjo’s Hématome, about a woman who after twenty-five years, breaks her silence for a rape she suffered as a child and seeks justice.

Other highlights from the slate include the New York premiere of Know Your Place, Zia Mohajerjasbi’s slice of life drama set in present-day Seattle in which an errand undertaken by Robel, a 15-year old Eritrean-American, transforms into an odyssey across the rapidly gentrifying city; and Souleymane Cissé’s Den Muso, an exploration of repercussions of a mute girl’s assault, that shines a light on the societal and economic challenges facing women in urban Mali during the 1970s. The film was restored by Cissé – who was among the first wave of sub-Saharan African filmmakers – and La Cinémathèque française in 2020, in

collaboration with the Cinémathèque Afrique and the French Institute, thanks to the support of Pathé.

Acclaimed Senegalese filmmaker Moussa Sène Absa will present a free masterclass on Saturday, May 13, at 11:30 am, which will probe the impact of migration on familial and community bonds with particular attention to the perspectives of the mothers of migrants. The event takes place in the Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center with tickets available through www.africanfilmny.org.

NEW YORK, NY (March 28, 2023) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the highly anticipated return of Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled for June 5-8, 2023, in “The Big Apple”. The event, being held under the auspices of the CTO Foundation, aims to showcase the vibrant Caribbean culture, foster engagement with the media, promote thought leadership, and encourage networking within the tourism industry.

Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the CTO noted, “We are thrilled to be able to bring back this important event that highlights the dynamism of the Caribbean and our strong connection to the Northeastern USA, which is one of our primary source markets.”

A Welcome Cocktail Reception hosted by CTO Allied Members is scheduled during the week, and attendees can also look forward to a Tourism Industry Marketing Conference aimed at exploring trends in destination growth.

The CTO will stage a press breakfast, along with the popular Media Marketplace, which will provide a platform for Caribbean countries to engage with trade, consumer and diaspora media.

Funds raised during Caribbean Week will go towards scholarships and grants for Caribbean students in the region and the diaspora. For more information about Caribbean Week 2023, visit caribbeanweek.com.

The Love Affair Continues: SANDALS® Resorts International Partners With ASTA to Celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – In partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Sandals Resorts International (SRI) –parent company of luxury all-inclusive brands Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts – is celebrating the integral role of travel advisors through exclusive programming and incentives in honor of Global Travel Advisor Day.

“Travel advisors have been key characters throughout every chapter of our more than 40-year history and have played a leading role in the industry’s resurgence,” said Gary C. Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

“We’re proud to have them as partners in our joint success and to champion the critical work of ASTA in recognizing the incredible travel advisor community today, and every day.”

As the exclusive sponsor of Global Travel Advisor Day 2023, Sandals Resorts and ASTA are celebrating travel advisors with a Facebook Live on May 3 that will feature a one-on-one session between ASTA President Zane Kerby and Gary Sadler, who will also be speaking on stage at ASTA’s Global Conference in Puerto Rico on the same day. While discussing the

latest trends in travel, Sadler and Kerby will have an opportunity to dive into the latest research fielded by ASTA which shows that 68% of Americans believe planning a trip is more complex now and that 50% of people are more likely to use a travel advisor today than they were in the past—a 14% increase year over year.

“We’re excited to partner with Sandals to celebrate the accomplishments of travel advisors who are a vital part of the travel and tourism industry as they provide unparalleled customer service to their clients,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors. “Our members tell me that their businesses are growing, because Americans want to get out and see the world. Travel is more than a priority. It is essential. We’re proud to work with companies like Sandals who both appreciate and support the travel advisor community—not just during special events like today, but every day.”

During the Facebook Live, hosted from 2-4pm EST on ASTA’s Facebook page, lucky travel advisors will have the opportunity to win a trip to Sandals Dunn’s River, the newest luxury resort within the Sandals Resorts portfolio set to debut May 24, 2023. Showcasing appreciation for travel advisors’ commitment to service,

Carnival in Jamaica Attracts Thousands of International Visitors

Jamaica Tourist Board to Leverage the Annual Event to Bring More Visitors to the Destination

said Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, Donovan White.

dedication to education and role within the customer booking journey, new bookings of 6 nights or longer at Sandals Resorts made directly with Unique Vacations, Inc. from May 4-31, for travel through December 24, 2023, will also be eligible for additional booking incentive up to $200.

“Programming surrounding Global Travel Advisor Day is important, but for us, it amplifies an extensive suite of tools – including our BDM team, the largest and most active sales force of

any Caribbean hotel brand, to help advisors sell more effectively,” said Sadler. “We are there for advisors, not merely through a call center, but as partners in the field.”

Sadler points to the recent launch of a new online training tool, which now allows travel advisors from around the globe to become Sandals Elite Advisors at their own pace, as an example of the company’s innovative professional development and educational opportunities. Advisors will retain access to the program even after completion, allowing them to revisit lessons and access new or updated reference materials including the latest information on specific resorts, room categories, and programming across the Sandals and Beaches portfolio. In addition to the new online course, the company continues to enhance its offerings, launching initiatives such as its “Let’s Talk” webinar series and “Back to the Beach” series hosted by BDM’s.

For more information and details on the company’s special Global Travel Advisor Day incentives, please visit: https://taportal.sandals. com/. For additional details on Global Travel Advisor Day, please visit ASTA’s celebration toolkit Global Travel Advisor Day 2023 (asta. org).

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Jamaica

Tourist Board has indicated that the Carnival in Jamaica is a major cultural experience that can attract even more visitors to the island. As part of the destination’s Sports and Entertainment marketing pillars, the event continues to see an uptick in overseas participants with weeklong fetes culminating in a road parade.

“Carnival in Jamaica has become a melting pot of international, regional and local participants who want to experience the energy of Kingston through music, food and friends. It has become the ideal platform to reinforce Kingston as the cultural capital of the Caribbean and we want to maximize that to help boost arrivals and spending from our visitors on island,”

Preliminary data shows that from April 1- 20, which coincides with Carnival activities, over 26 thousand visitors arrived in Kingston. The Carnival in Jamaica Committee has also indicated that there were over 8,000 revelers and 50,000 spectators. “These numbers, while just shy of what would have been achieved before the pandemic, are very positive for the growth of the event and its economic benefits. It also speaks to the unifying element that music can achieve with both revelers and spectators all enjoying the fun. Carnival 2024 is expected to keep getting bigger and the Jamaica Tourist Board plans to capitalize on the marketing opportunities,” Director White continued.

Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carnival in Jamaica returned in 2023 with the ultimate carnival experience in Ocho Rios and Kingston. The main event, the Road March, took place in Kingston on Sunday, April 16, to a sea of bands in costumes and spectators.

Jamaican High Schools Find Success At Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA - The 2023 Penn Relays for high school girls and boys have officially been announced and Jamaica has seen victory on both sides.

The relay events for the high school level were: 4x100, 4x400, 4x800, and distance medley relay, and included exceptional talent from all over the country and the Caribbean islands.

Competing in the girls’ field were three teams that stood apart from the rest with seed times at or below 8:50:

Union Catholic (N.J.), Edwin Allen

(Jamaica), and Holmwood Tech (Jamaica).

Edwin Allen was the defending champions at the Penn Relays, while Union Catholic finished third last year.

Edwin Allen High finished in second place in the 4x400 and 4x800 and, for the first time since 2013, failed to win a single relay gold medal.

Holmwood Technical won the High School Girls’ 4x100m International final in 46.81 seconds, with St. Mary High (46.85) and St. Catherine High (47.22) finishing in second and third place, respectively.

For the boys, six teams entered with season best times of 7:50 or faster, led by Jamaica College seeded at an outstanding 7:40. Jamaica College were the defending champs in the event, running the third-fastest time in Penn Relays history at 7:28.

Both Jamaica College and KC claimed the High School Boys’ 4x100 and 4x400 Championship of America titles.

Unfortunately, Ryan Beegle from Chatham High School in New Jersey edged out Ainsley Campbell of Kingston College (KC), coming in a second ahead of the Jamaicans.

On the second day of the competition, Jamaican high school boys narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of the 4x100m, 4x400m, and 4x800m relays.

On the final day, Hydel High School had a standout performance, winning their first-ever Penn Relays double. The Corey Bennet-coached team claimed victory in the High School Girls’ 4x100 and 4x400 Championship of America races. Hydel won the 4x100m for the first time and retained the 4x400m crown, earning their fourth title in the last five stagings.