June 28, 2023

OPED

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Horn of Africa: Around 60 million in urgent humanitarian need

Haiti: ‘Take urgent action now’ urges ECOSOC President Lachezara Stoeva

PROFILES

“About five million children under the age of five are estimated to be facing acute malnutrition in 2023 in the Horn region, in the Greater Horn. That is about 10.4 million, that is just a staggering figure,” said Liesbeth Aelbrecht, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) incident manager for the greater Horn of Africa emergency.

Three year high

HEALTH

“What our colleagues are seeing in clinics and in hospitals, since the beginning of this year, are the highest level of severely malnourished children who are now coming to these facilities with medical complications since the crisis began three years ago.”

SPORTS

Echoing that alert, World Food Programme (WFP) Senior Emergency Officer Dominique Ferretti said that almost three years of drought had given way to rains and devastating flash floods: “While we just concluded a rainy season which performed better than predicted, one rainy season is not enough to bring an end to the crisis.”

Sudan: OHCHR calls for ‘urgent action’ to end militia attacks on people fleeing El Geneina

The explosion of ethnic violence in Darfur largely by nomadic “Arab” groups in alliance with the RSF who have been battling national army forces for control of the country since mid-April, has led tens of thousands to flee into neighbouring Chad.

‘Horrifying accounts’

In a statement, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said interviews with people fleeing the decimated city of El Geneina have revealed “horrifying accounts” of people being killed on foot by the RSF-supported militia.

“All those interviewed also spoke of seeing dead bodies scattered along the road – and the stench of decomposition”, she said. “Several people spoke off seeing dozens of bodies in an area referred to as Shukri, around 10km from the border, where one or more of the Arab militias reportedly has a base.”

She said immediate action to halt the killings was essential.

“The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the RSF leadership to immediately, unequivocally condemn and stop the killing of people fleeing El-Geneina, and other violence and hate speech against them on the basis of their ethnicity. Those responsible for the killings and other violence must be held accountable.”

She added that people fleeing El Geneina must be guaranteed safe passage and humanitarian agencies allowed access to the area so they can collect the bodies of the dead.

“Out of 16 people we have so far been able to interview, 14 testified that they witnessed summary executions and the targeting of groups of civilians on the road between El-Geneina and the border – either the shooting at close range of people ordered to lie on the ground or the opening of fire into crowds.”

The civilian exodus from the city intensified following the killing of the state governor on 14 June just hours after he accused the RSF and militias of “genocide” – raising the spectre of the hundreds of thousands killed between 2003-2005 during a Government-orchestrated campaign of violence.

was addressing a special crisis meeting on Haiti organized by ECOSOC to address the country’s urgent food security needs and noted that the humanitarian response plan for this year is only 22.6 per cent funded.

Wake-up call

“This plan targets 3.2 million Haitian people whereas around 5.2 million Haitian people are in need. This should be our wake-up call”, she told the group of Prime Ministers, UN aid chiefs, civil society and other stakeholders gathered at UN Headquarters in New York. During the high-level meeting, both the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced they would be travelling to Haiti in the next few days to highlight the depth of the crisis there.

The recent earthquake, flooding and landslides, have exacerbated political and economic turmoil combined with rampant insecurity and violence perpetrated by armed gangs – all of which has triggered a food and health crisis for millions.

Ukraine’s ‘Wild West’: Rebuilding a ‘new’ Kharkiv during an invasion

“It is impossible to understand what is happening here from a distance,” he explained. “It is difficult to understand even from the inside because the situation is dynamic. It changes all the time. We make an appointment for a Zoom meeting, and then there is nightly shelling. When we come to the issue of, say, energy security, the situation has completely changed.”

He said he is “in love” with his city, makes films about it, and can talk about its history and people for hours. Since the beginning of the war, when Kharkiv began to be systematically shelled, many have moved to other parts of Ukraine or gone abroad, but he said he never thought about leaving.

The total damage caused to Ukraine’s housing sector since Russia’s invasion is estimated at more than $50 billion.

According to the City Council of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, 3,367 apartment buildings and 1,823 single-family houses have been destroyed, along with urban infrastructure. The frontier city is the “Ukrainian Wild West”, Mr. Rosenfeld said, referring to its mid-17th century beginnings.

“People who came here were ready to take risks in order to take advantage of the opportunities that were opening up,” he said, providing a snapshot of its rich history, from its changing character in the early 19th century once a university was built to its early 20th century role as the capital of Soviet Ukraine.

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Guyana – Set to be The Richest Nation in South America

According to Newsmakers’ Andrea Sanke, Guyana is set to join the ranks of the world’s wealthiest countries. The small South American nation with less than 1 million people will soon become the fourth largest offshore oil producer in the world, after discovering oil there in 2015. However, there are concerns by experts about the potential negative consequences that oil discovery brings with it.

With 1.6 billion in revenue so far, the government so far has upgraded all of its infrastructure – building 12 hospitals, a deep water port, tow major highways, and a 1.9 billion gas to energy project. Despite the increasing wealth, President

Irfaan Ali is committed to a low-carbon development strategy to protect his people, although some experts are concerned that the small nation does not have the history of good governance, and legal and regulatory framework to handle the tantamount growth. They fear Guyana could become like Venezuela – rife with political corruption, the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer.

Arthur Deakin, Director of the Energy Practice at AMI says the wealth is not translated to the lowest levels of the economy, and it’s difficult to get the field labor to fill the local contact law based on Guyana’s legal frameworks. He also said he has seen no budget for the money.

Guyana’s budget is 3.6 billion, 1 billion coming from oil. Tom Sanzillo, Director of Finance for IEEFA, counters and says there is a plan on how the budget gets spent each year – to keep the existing political structure in power and the rich, rich. There is no long-term plan for the country.

In terms of affecting the lives of ordniary people, Melinda Janki, amn international lawyer, called out ExxonMobil, claiming they are not complying with national legislation like doing an environmental assessments, and they are involved in extractivism. She warned that if an oil spill occurs they will rely on ExxonMobil to do cleanup because they have no experience.

Canada, CARICOM Pledge to Strengthen Existing Relationship

Deployment Mechanism completed 48 capacity-building initiatives in 2022 alone.”

The communique noted that Canada re-committed to joint advocacy for the needs of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within multilateral fora, including at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the OAS.

“Ministers look forward to the report of the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and welcomed future consultations on potential uses of the MVI.”

The meeting also discussed further exploration of reforms to the global financial architecture, including the Bridgetown Initiative and to address the specific vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country “is a humanitarian challenge and destabilizing influence in the region and that it must be addressed through coordinated international action and Haitian-led solutions.

Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have reaffirmed the “enduring value of the deep and dynamic partnership” strengthening their commitment to sustainability, resilience, climate action, access to finance, regional security, and shared values.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat Friday released the text of a joint communique issued following a meeting held earlier this week between Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and several CARICOM foreign affairs ministers and diplomats on the margins of the ongoing Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Washington.

The CARICOM team was led by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, who is also the chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR).

The communique noted that Joly and

Johnson Smith co-chaired the CanadaCARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Group meeting, where the delegates underscored the need for continued vigilance in mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change, pursuing concrete action to rebuild resilient and sustainable economies, cooperating on regional security, and increasing collaboration in multilateral forums among other matters.

The communique noted that the meeting reviewed the “concrete progress” on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, with the ministers noting results in key areas such as climate resilience, trade, inclusive governance, and multilateral engagement.

“For example, as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2023, Canada is now implementing CAD$44.8 million (One Canadian dollar=US$0.75 cents) in new initiatives to support CARICOM in addressing the climate crisis, and the Canada-CARICOM Expert

“They welcomed the renewal of CARIBCAN and discussed additional ways to bolster trade and investment between Canada and the region, including for a clean and green transition,” the communique said adding that the ministers underscored the need for collective and urgent action to combat climate change, including adequate climate financing for adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, and looked ahead to operationalizing the new loss and damage funding arrangement and fund.

“Ministers called for new joint and innovative approaches to tackle food insecurity and escalating regional security challenges; highlighting the need to collectively address the challenge of migration in the region and the desire for improved mobility between CARICOM Member States and Canada.”

Regarding Haiti, the ministers acknowledged that the ongoing political and security crisis in the French-speaking

“They re-affirmed the need for a national, inclusive political dialogue to reduce tensions in Haiti and that collective efforts towards such a dialogue must continue. Ministers summarized the key priorities for Haiti, including strengthening the security sector, supporting inclusive political dialogue, imposing targeted sanctions, and addressing humanitarian needs.” The communique said that the meeting commended Canada’s coordination role with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the Haitian National Police to facilitate international security assistance to Haiti.

“Canada welcomed CARICOM’s concrete action, including their efforts to support political dialogue, the recent appointment of an Eminent Persons Group, the extension of the Community’s good offices to the Government of Haiti and Haitian stakeholders, including the Kingston Talks hosted in Jamaica, and the offers to train Haitian police and service personnel. Ministers emphasized the need to maintain forward momentum and not lose sight of the daily impacts of the crisis on all Haitians.”

The meeting also agreed to continue working collaboratively towards the establishment of a permanent mechanism to deepen the strategic partnership between Canada and CARICOM, building on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, and addressing the ongoing political and security crisis in Haiti, the communique added.

Brooklyn NY - PM Gonsalves Addressed Caribbean Research Center at MEC

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves delivered the featured address last Thursday at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College (MEC) during the Caribbean Research Center’s (CRC) Speaker Series.

The event that simultaneously commemorated Caribbean-American History Month celebrations was themed “Honoring Our Journey, Facing the Future: The Role of the Diaspora in the Future.” It was sponsored by CASNY and CACCI.

Gonsalzes described the Caribbean as a symphony. He stated that all countries and territories shape the Caribbean. He also noted that 14 countries, largely Englishspeaking, comprise the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He also alluded to the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean states proposed on February 23, 2010, as integral to the Caribbean.

“This Caribbean metaphorically is like

a symphony,” the prime minister said.

“We’re the sounds of the Indigenous people, we’re the melody of Africa. Like all the symphonies, from time to time, we have dissonances.”

“We resolve from the genius of our people...This Caribbean civilization, this journey, has been very interesting.”

He reiterated his message saying that the heritage of the Caribbean is “not isolated”, noting the arrival of African American “bodies” in Virginia in June 1619.

The SVG leader touched on America’s continued economic and trade embargo against Cuba saying, “We are our brother’s keepers,” Gonsalves declared. “So, what do we do? History has made us compromises, but we don’t have to be compromising. So, we make accommodation; and, in addition, we resist creatively.”

On the call for a new World Order by hegemonic powers, the prime asked: “What’s new? Which world? Who gives the order?

He continued: “In shaping the future, we need not desecrate it. All countries in the

world we have to engage.”

Among others addressing the forum were: Dr. Castro, who brought brief remarks on behalf of Dr. Ramsey; Jamaican Horace Davis, president of the Caribbean American Society of New York (CASNY); Panamanian Anna Walker, representing the Brooklyn-based Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI); and Vincentian Adrian Peters, vice president of New York Community Bank.

Attendees included, among others, newly-appointed MEC Provost and Vice President Dr. Antoinette Coleman; Senior Advisor to MEC President Dr. Patricia Ramsey, Dr. Evelyn Castro; Chair of MEC’s Social Science Department Dr. Maria DeLongoria; CRC’s Montserratianborn director Dr. Ken Irish-Bramble, who served as Master of Ceremonies; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to New York Rondy “Luta” McIntosh.

UK - Britain Celebrates 75th Anniversary of ‘Windrush’ Arrivals

British life.

A cross-government celebration of their contribution is marking Windrush 75, including: 45 community projects across the UK are being funded by the £750,000 Windrush Day Grant Scheme including cricket matches held at the Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club and a procession celebrating the Windrush generation from Clapham Common to Brixton’s Windrush Square.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and leading social mobility charity Speakers for Schools have teamed up to organise a series of in-person and virtual talks with a host of inspirational and well-known figures connected to the Windrush generation. This includes Levi Roots – musician and celebrity chef; Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE – leading mathematician; and Paterson Joseph – actor and author.

the life of our nation.

Activities and events that took place for Windrush 75 included:

A major programme of events will take place at Tilbury Docks in Essex.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is hosting a season of displays, talks, workshops and events. National Archives has a web portal of Windrush migration stories, online events, exhibitions and learning resources.

‘Windrush: Portraits of a Generation’ – project commissioned by HRH King Charles III. The 75-minute programme of art is being released on National Windrush Day.

The National Lottery Community Fund, sponsored by DCMS, is offering Windrush 75 grants of up to £10,000 throughout the year for community-led events and activities.

On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, carrying over 1,000 passengers from the West Indies. National Windrush Day 2023, marked 75 years this year since the MV Empire Wind-rush arrived in the UK, marking a seminal moment in shared history. Mainly former service personnel, this was the first wave of post war immigration with many of the passengers taking up roles in the NHS, which launched just two weeks later.

The journey of the early Black and minority ethnic colleagues in the NHS, and in British society, was not an easy one. Faced with overt racism, discrimination and public outcry, they were not always welcome. The same experiences were faced by those who followed over the next few decades.

Today, ethnic minority colleagues make up

almost a quarter of the NHS workforce and 42% of medical staff.

As part of our plans to mark the NHS’s 75th birthday, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Windrush and diversity of the NHS workforce. From the Windrush generation of 1948, the south Asian arrivals in the 1960s and 70s, to today’s workforce which currently represents over 200 nationalities.

Celebrations took place at projects and events throughout the country to promote community cohesion and understanding of the Windrush story.

The Windrush generation – those original pioneers who came from across the Caribbean – helped to rebuild the nation following the Second World War, and they and their descendants continue to contribute to all aspects of

DLUHC has also launched a new educational resource for schools on the National Windrush Monument website

The Department for Health and Social Care will be marking the NHS’s 75th birthday by celebrating the diversity of the NHS workforce, which currently represents over 200 nationalities. 100 NHS staff will take a river cruise from Waterloo to Tilbury Docks.

Ministry of Defence flag-raising ceremony for Windrush veterans on Armed Forces Day on 24 June in Birmingham.

Minister for Communities at DLUHC, Lee Rowley, said:

Today is a celebration of the Windrush generation and the wider Caribbean community’s contribution to British society.

The events taking place today and all this week are a chance to reflect upon and recognise those who have done so much to strengthen

The Royal Mail has released a set of special commemorative stamps, and the Royal Mint to release a new coin commemorating the Windrush generation.

An evening of music at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre as part of their Windrush season.

The Southport Caribbean Carnival on 24 June. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of both Windrush and the NHS, Windrush Day was first announced by the government in June 2018 to take place on 22 June each year to encourage communities across England to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants.

To date, the government has dedicated £3.75 million in funding toward honouring the Windrush legacy, including £2.75 million across 5 years of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, and £1 million allocated to the National Windrush Monument.

PM Rowley – UWI Moving Away From its Mission

volcano and earthquake forecasting using both conventional strategies and techniques developed in-house.”

Congratulating the UWI’s Seismic Research Centre on the milestone achieved, Dr Rowley said, “This is a legacy not only to be cherished by those directly involved but to be nourished by every student who enters and claims UWI as alma mater. It also should be a beacon and an imprimatur for every lecturer and researcher in every single Department, with a motto that says Oriens Occidente, that light shining in the west. We are all rays in that great beam. Let us all endeavour to keep shining.”

and even from aging to introduction of species.”

He continued: “A university that has its pedigree in the great work done in research as the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture cannot be satisfied with professional or senior staff CVs dominated by columns, inches of questionable opinionated expressions in the local daily or Sunday papers.”

Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Keith Rowley and Mrs. Sharon Rowley attended the 70th Anniversary of the UWI Seismic Research Centre, at The UWI St Augustine Campus on Wednesday 21 June.

Dr. Rowley was celebrated as the First Caribbean-born, UWI-trained scientist to be appointed Head of the Seismic Research Centre.

In his feature address under the theme

‘Honouring Legacies & Fostering the Future’, Prime Minister Rowley said, “The history of the agency is rooted in applied science, with the function being to provide a seismological and volcanological service to the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean, by keeping the governments advised about all matters relating to seismic and volcanic hazards. In that regard, for decades the SRC has practised operational

The Prime Minister went on to say, “There are still hundreds of areas of stimulating research to be explored and published, and such publications and edification stimulated by collection and analysis of data in every field can do wonders for decision-making at every level of the society, from Government to small entrepreneurs.” “Those fields range from construction to diet, from land use to pollution levels

President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Nigel de Freitas, Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister in the Ministry of Education, the Hon. Lisa Morris-Julian, Minister of National Security, the Hon. Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Hon. Donna Cox, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and Chancellor, The University of the West Indies, Mr Robert Bermudez were among the specially invited guests in attendance.

CARICOM 50th Celebrations in T&T

The Forty-Fifth Regular Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government will be held in Trinidad and Tobago, 3 – 5 July 2023, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon, Roosevelt Skerrit.

Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne made the announcement at a media conference on Thursday. He said, “Given this is the 50th anniversary, we have so many well-wishers for our region, guest delegations, and other personalities who really want to be a part of our celebrations and we are doing our best to accommodate, host and include a number of special guests.”

From July 1 to 2, there will be a prelude to the celebration starting with a five-kilome-

tre race followed by a 10-kilometre race, the latter ending in Chaguaramas. Chaguaramas is significant to Caricom as this is where the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed which established the body on July 4, 1973.

Among those expected to attend are Han Duck-soo, prime minister of South Korea; a high-level senior delegation from the US State Department and the US Congress; Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the UN; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology; and president-designate of COP28 joining virtually.

Browne also outlined that the Prime Minister will deliver remarks at the opening ceremony.

The incoming chair of Caricom, Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica and Secretary General of Caricom, Dr. Carla N Barnett, and others are also expected to speak.

The next day, guests will be hosted by President Christine Kangaloo at a special reception at President’s House.

A formal flag-raising event will also take place at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre on July 4.

Following this, heads of government will then begin the business session of the celebration which will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

On July 6, the regional leaders will return to their respective countries.

Caricom Statement on the Passing of Erskine Sandiford

The Caribbean Community is deeply saddened at the passing of Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, former Prime Minister of Barbados.

Sir Lloyd’s life was defined by selfless service to his country, as statesman for over three decades, and diplomat. He was an esteemed educator, and is credited with having pioneered significant national post-independence educational initiatives. His contributions as a Member of CARICOM’s Conference of Heads of Government were characterised by passion and professionalism, and helped to advance

the Community’s high aspirations for deeper integration set out in the Grande Anse Declaration and Work Programme for the Integration Movement. We give thanks for the life of this distinguished son of our Community and extend heartfelt condolences to his widow Lady Angelita Sandiford and other family members, the Government and people of Barbados, and all who mourn his loss.

May his soul rest in peace.

St. Kitts-Nevis – Recognizing The Rights of Rastafarians

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drew has issued a formal apology to members of the Rastafarian movement as the Parliament approved legislation aimed at bringing them “closer together as a people”.

The Parliament gave the green light to the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill (2023) with Drew saying it is “indeed a historic moment and an emotional moment not just for me, but the entire Rastafarian community”.

He said that the government “stands resolute in our decision to raise the level of equality and equity within our Federation and this is just one of the many steps forward in that direction as we continue to work towards becoming a sustainable island state.

“It is a suite of things we are doing to make sure where we did not have it right that we get it right and we do it with humility and we do it with respect no malice at all, but really with an effort to bring us closer together as a people,” Drew noted.

“What has gone, I would say, we must be mature enough to recognise that wrongs were done and we have the opportunity to correct some of those wrongs,” Drew told legislators, adding ”I would like to apologise to the Rastafari community.

“This took too long to come. They suffered a lot,” an emotional Drew added.

He noted that as a result of the passage of the legislation, members of the Rastafari movement will now receive the full legal right to cultivate, harvest, dry, trim, cure or possess and smoke cannabis as a sacrament for their upliftment or edification at their places of assembly.

The bill also provides for the process of registration of Rastafari groups, recognition of various rights related to the use of cannabis by registered Rastafari groups, and licencing for the freedom of conscience possession and use of cannabis in certain public places.

A registered Rastafari group may apply through the Ministry to the Cabinet of Ministers for several waivers and concessions, including waivers of licence fees granted pursuant to the Cannabis Act (2020), waivers on business licence fees granted pursuant to the Licences on Business and Occupations Act, as well as concessions on the payment of unincorporated business income tax pursuant to the Unincorporated Business Income Tax Act.

The groups will also apply for concessions on the payment of corporate income tax as well as the payment of customs import duties on goods imported into the twin-island Federation.

They may also apply for waivers on property tax granted pursuant to the Property Tax Act and the lease of parcels of Crown land at concessionary rates.

Barbados Demands to Transform the Global Financial System

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for a transformation of the global financial system that goes beyond reforming international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“Global problems like the climate crisis show us that we simply cannot address modern issues with institutions, which were created for a very different world nearly 80 years ago. Change is needed.

That is why I am in Paris for the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact,” she said.

“What is required of us now is an absolute transformation and not a reform of our institutions,” Mottley stressed at the

high-level summit promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Don’t leave Paris without understanding there must be transformation, not reform. Step up the pace and let’s get going,” she said addressing over 50 world leaders and IFIs delegates, who are participating in a summit that is supposed to recognize the relationship between human development, poverty, and climate change.

The Paris meeting is also expected to provide concrete mechanisms to finance sustainable development, clean energy investments, and climate change adaptation actions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

The Summit for a New Global Financial Pact counts with the presence of Latin American leaders such as presidents Lula da Silva (Brazil), Gustavo Petro (Colombia), and Miguel Diaz-Canel (Cuba). Also present are United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres, the IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Yanet Yellen.

Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate reminded participants that “broken promises cost lives” and called for overturning the fossil fuel economy, which yields notable profits for Western oil consortia but very little for resource-supplying countries.

Former Barbados PM, Erskine Sandiford Dies

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government has confirmed that former prime minister, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here early on Monday.

It did not give details surrounding the death of the 86-year-old politician, but said that a period of national mourning will be observed until June 28 “and on the day of the State Funeral after consultation with the family”.

In addition all flags will be flown at halfmast until the interment of the island’s fourth prime minister from 1987 to 1994 and later served as Barbados’ first resident ambassador in Beijing, China from 2010 to

2013.

The government statement said that Labour and Social Partnership Relations Minister, Colin Jordan, will be the coordinating minister for the funeral arrangements as it extended “sincerest condolences to his wife, Lady Sandiford, his son Garth, his daughter Inga and his extended family”. In 1967, one year after independence, he was appointed to the Senate. Sandiford left the Senate to run in the 1971 elections , in which he won a seat in the Parliament. The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) under Errol Barrow formed the government and Sandiford served in many cabinet positions including as Minister of Education.

Haiti - Wife of Slain President Sues Suspects

Former first lady Martine Moïse, widow of slain Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and his children, Jomarlie and Jovenel Moïse Jr. have filed a lawsuit in a Miami-Dade County court, seeking a trial and unspecified damages against several suspects charged in the killing of her husband. The family is seeking to hold defendants “responsible for their heinous acts that resulted in President Moïse’s assassination and that injured” his wife. President Moïse was shot a dozen times inside his private bedroom on July 7, 2021, and his wife was seriously injured.

More than 40 individuals have been accused in the plot, in which 18 Colombian commandos are accused of storming the president’s residence along with Haitian police officers and two HaitianAmericans posing as translators. There are currently 11 suspects in custody in the United States, with the exception of two, Walter Veintemilla, head of Miramar-based Worldwide Capital Lending Group and Rodolphe Jaar, a HaitianChilean businessman who recently pleaded guilty in the case.

The civil lawsuit names all 11 suspects currently charged in the U.S. criminal case as well entities controlled by some of them, such as Counter Terrorist Unit Security.

The lawsuit states that “several master minds and accomplices recruited, financed, trained, and housed a team of mercenaries; provided them with weapons, transportation, and other equipment; and orchestrated a plot to kidnap or murder the President of Haiti.” “The mercenaries carried out this plan in the middle of the night by deceiving and restraining the heavily guarded home where President Moïse., First Lady Moïse., and their family were resting,” the lawsuit says.

“The implausible goal of the co-conspirators, after the assassination of President Moïse in cold blood, was to install their own kangaroo government that would then summarily pardon the assassins.”

Attorney Paul Turner said while the United States can only bring charges against and arrest individuals it has jurisdiction over, “we believe that there are other people involved outside of the United case that the U.S. doesn’t have jurisdiction over,” and the family wants this exposed to the public.

“We do not want to take any action that could jeopardize the criminal proceedings here in the U.S. And if [Martine] Moïse was to go be interviewed, go give statements or whatever, it is possible that those could be used against her somehow in the

U.S. government’s case,” Turner said. “I’ve requested that she refrain from providing any interviews or information to any sources outside the U.S. government.”

While the case is moving in the US, the opposite is happening in Haiti, where four prosecutors selected to preside over the case were dismissed.

US Supreme Court Blocks Boost to Deportations

On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a Republican-led challenge to a longblocked Biden administration policy that prioritizes the deportation of immigrants who are deemed to pose the greatest risk to public safety or were picked up at the border.

In United States v. Texas, the justices voted 8-1 to allow the policy to take effect, recognizing there is not enough money or manpower to deport all 11 million or so people who are in the United States illegally.

The court held that the states lacked the legal standing, or right to sue, despite Louisiana and Texas arguing that federal immigration law requires authorities to detain and deport even those who pose

little or no risk.

At the center of the case is a September 2021 directive from the Department of Homeland Security that paused deportations unless individuals had committed acts of terrorism, espionage, or “egregious threats to public safety.” The guidance, issued after Joe Biden became president, updated a Trump-era policy to remove people who were in the country illegally, regardless of criminal history or community ties.

The case displayed a frequently used litigation strategy by Republican attorneys general and other officials that has succeeded in slowing Biden administration initiatives by going to Republican-friendly courts.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in his opin-

ion for the court that the executive branch has no choice but to prioritize enforcement efforts.

“That is because the Executive Branch invariably lacks the resources to arrest and prosecute every violator of every law and must constantly react and adjust to the ever-shifting public-safety and public welfare needs of the American people,” Mr. Kavanaugh wrote.

Mr. Kavanaugh’s opinion spoke for just five justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberals. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett agreed with the outcome for other reasons.

BK Borough President Antonio Reynoso Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month

Hundreds of Brooklynites joined Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on Saturday to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with a day-long, outdoor party on Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza.

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the organization known for NYC’s Labor Day Carnival Parade down Eastern Parkway, was the proud partner of the celebration that highlighted the borough’s rich Caribbean roots. The day featured a live DJ, multiple performances by Afro-Caribbean dance groups, steel pan music, spoken word, a parade of Mas, arts and crafts for children, and much more fun for the entire family. Food trucks on the Plaza gave out free samples of Caribbean foods from across the islands.

“I’m the son of two Dominican immigrants who sacrificed everything to come here and give my siblings and me the best futures they could, so to now serve as Brooklyn’s first Caribbean American president is the privilege of a lifetime,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m so happy Brooklyn could gather at the People’s House this weekend to celebrate our stories and cultures, each

of us bringing a bit of our own island together to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month in style. The flavors of our food, the sounds of our music, the freedom of our dance, the words of our authors, and the people of the islands from which our families came will always be welcome here in Brooklyn – Saturday was a celebration and a promise of that.”

The day-long celebration, made possible by WIADCA’s partnership and Ponce Bank’s support, kicked off with a live set by Caribbean DJ Dr. Haze, who kept the beats going throughout the festival. Next, Batalá New York – New York City’s premier all-women, Black-led, percussion ensemble – raised the energy with a powerful drum performance before Brooklyn’s own eight-year-old extraordinaire Jewel Alexis-Josey, who co-founded Where Love Wins, Inc., presented a spoken word piece. Then, leading up to remarks from Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Reverend Kim Council, youth dancers from WIADCA performed Caribbean dance and steel pan music and Brooklyn-based Layla Charles read a poem to the audience. Brooklynites next enjoyed a dance by Monét Movement Productions: The

Collective (MMPTC), a project-based dance company founded in New York City in May 2020 by dancer and choreographer Makayla Peterson that seeks to create works that embrace and proliferate Caribbean culture and the cultural values of Trinidad and Tobago. Brooklyn-born 14-year-old artist KJ sang original soca songs celebrating his Grenadian American heritage and youth steel pan group Genesis brought even more music to the party, followed by a portrayal of Ole Mas characters and more steel pan tunes from Pan in Motion and friends. A parade of Mas closed out the day-long festival. Throughout the performances, families and children enjoyed arts and crafts activities including a tiara and fabric headpiece workshop, a painting station, and a reading carpet tent where listeners heard Caribbean authors hosted read-alouds. The Plaza also hosted food trucks from Trini Bites and Island Spice Grill that gave out free samples of their Caribbean menus from jerk and curry chicken, sweet plantains, and spring salad. Shaved ice and snow cones were provided by 1CATOSNOCONE, a Brooklyn-based business that focuses on healthier sweets that are also vegan, kosher, gluten- and fat-free. The day’s festivities are made possible by the partnership of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association and the support of Brooklyn for All, Inc. and Ponce Bank.

“On behalf of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), it is a pleasure to partner with Brooklyn Borough Hall in its tradition of highlighting the Arts and Culture of the Caribbean Community as one of the many aspects of Caribbean Heritage Month,” said Michelle Gibbs, Chair of the West Indian Amer-

ican Day Carnival Association. “We are highlighting our contribution to Brooklyn, New York City, and the World. Everyone was welcomed to come out and enjoy and learn about the various aspects of who we are in the Arts and Culture of NY. The Dance, The Steel Pan, The Music, The Spoken Word, The Costumes. See it all, as we also ‘kick off’ the season of Carnival in New York and throughout the Caribbean.”

“At Ponce Bank, we’ve always championed the role that every ethnic group plays in contributing to the diverse mosaic that is the great Borough of Brooklyn and the City of New York in its entirety,” said Carlos P. Naudon, President of Ponce Bank. “As we celebrate Caribbean American Month there is indeed a lot to celebrate. From the festivities this weekend at Brooklyn Borough Hall with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, to the range of events, culture, music, food, arts and crafts, and celebrations throughout the borough, we are reminded of the immense contributions of our neighbors and friends who hail from throughout the Caribbean and who can point to their beginnings in the region. Their dedication to the Borough of Brooklyn and to the city as a whole is inestimable, as are their contributions to the culture of our city. At Ponce Bank, we are proud to participate in Caribbean American Month. The Caribbean American community is our community. We have always been there to serve this most deserving group of New Yorkers and will continue to do so going forward. We extend our best wishes to everyone in the Caribbean American community for a happy and festive series of events, and for a safe and fun-filled celebration throughout this month of June.”

If you listen closely, you can hear 100,000 of your co-workers clapping for you.

Congratulations to our colleague, Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group Vice President, State Government Affairs and all the honorees for their achievements.

Spectrum is proud to support the Carib News Caribbean American Power 100.

From The Publisher and The President A Celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month

This year is the 17th anniversary of June being celebrated as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States, a celebration that Carib News is proud to be a part of, and a celebration that Carib News feels particularly connected to because of the number of years we have been recognizing outstanding Caribbean-Americans and the Caribbean American community as a whole, and the value and hard work we bring to the United States.

For several years at the annual Carib News Multi-National Business Conference, Congressmembers were lobbied to bring about this recognition and we were delighted to work with other partners to make this a reality.

We have labeled the contribution of the Caribbean American population in the United States as what is called a `’partnership of progress’ because the Caribbean-American community has been involved in just about all aspects of America’s growth and development since its beginning. Since its founding, Caribbean Americans have had a role in its development and its success. This partnership for progress grows out of what former president Barack Obama said in his 2016 Presidential Proclamation acknowledging Caribbean Heritage Month.

“The bonds between the United States and the Caribbean remain strong, both rooted in similar legacies of trial and triumph, oppression and liberation -- our narratives have advanced on a similar path of progress, driven forward by our shared dedication to fostering opportunity and forging a brighter future for all.” This partnership for progress goes back to the very War of Independence, when the first casualty of that war was Crispus Attucks, a Barbadian who was killed in the Boston Massacre making him the first American killed in the American Revolution It goes back to the founding of the city of Chicago by Jean Baptiste

Point du Sable who created that very city that is of so much importance to the United States today. The very building, the U.S. Capitol building, was designed by architect Dr. William Thornton of the British Virgin Islands. Not to mention Marcus Garvey who led the awareness, the movement, the largest black movement ever of Black power to exist in the world. James Weldon Johnson, who composed the well-known, Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing.

You could trace through the Civil Rights movement, Harry Belafonte and Cleveland Robinson, from Jamaica and Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) from Trinidad and Tobago.

Constance Baker Motley, from St. Kitts, the legal genius, Shirley Chisholm, the political icon from Barbados, so our presence has been felt in so many significant ways. Today we have the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris with Jamaican roots, we have several members of the US Congress, Yvette Clarke, Shelia Lee Jackson, and Member Steven Horsford who now chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. Caribbean-American, Carl Heastie, the leader of the New York State Assembly, and so even today, we are playing critical roles in a number of significant areas, and that is much to be applauded and much to be celebrated.

We at Carib News have instituted the recognition and salute of our Caribbean American contributors, Caribbean icons over the decades, and we invite people, to not only look at the scroll of outstanding Caribbean Americans who are contributing in significant ways today, but to also help to recognize those in your circles that should be a part of this recognition.

From its inception, 40 years ago, Carib News saw as its mission, the need to bring together the Caribbean -American community with a voice and an agenda

that can work jointly, collaboratively, to advance the empowerment and positions of the Caribbean-American communities and the Caribbean American region, and we recognize that that has to be done when we work together in collaboration and as a united force. In the United States today, over 8.5 million people consider themselves to be Caribbean-American, either born in the region or of Caribbean ancestry. This is nothing to sneeze at – a united Caribbean American population working together can be a strong force of influence in this country. This can only happen though if we work together, pull together and move in a common interest in regional agenda and a regional agenda. As we celebrate the 17th year of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the success of Caribbean Americans and their contribution to the progress of this country, and we must look at that as a major contribution. We must safeguard against being marginalized and categorized, divided into country loyalties, while each and every person has the right to be proud of their country of origin we should also be proud of being part of the CaribbeanAmerican community. There are those that wish to divide countries from the region and remove what powers we would have as a united community, united regional force, working for the good of our community and for the good of the region. People will look to develop or propose coalitions of convenience that will serve their needs, but not the needs of our communities or the countries, and people will also look to develop alliances for their own political advantages without any sustained interest in the region. We must be mindful of and safeguard against being used, being divided, being mischaracterized, as we grow as a community and as we grow in significance, that that growth is developed and

devoted to the growth and development of the Caribbean community, the Caribbean region, and each and everyone together.

Much in the same way, other groups either by geography or other identification, work together for the common good, we in the Caribbean-American community must seek to do that kind of work, not to be splintered by ourselves or by anyone, but to remain focused and united as to what we can do and achieve together - together with us as a community, together in the larger context of black liberation and black success, and be a true partner in the drive to progress and to share and continue to be a force to be reckoned with as it relates to our interest in so many areas.

So during this time, we have celebrated the achievement of millions of Caribbean Americans, and we should do that and should commit ourselves to working together collaboratively to be supportive of each other because within the Caribbean, the problems we have, the challenges we have to face eventually have to be solved by Caribbean people working together. Even if there are outside forces and outside help and within our communities, we need to bring up our own leaders to lead our communities, who will know and support and guide the interest of the community. We cannot outsource that leadership with the hope and a promise.

We have to be united among ourselves, even when there are slight differences in terms of islands or country, but we know the common heritage and we know the common mission, and we know we have to find a common solution. So let Caribbean Heritage Month serve as a catalyst to pull us together, to work together, and be stronger together.

Power 100 Profile - Renee Hastick-Motes

Renee Hastick-Motes is the Vice President of External Affairs at Episcopal Health Services Inc., and President of the St. John’s ICARE Hospital Foundation, LLC. As a member of the executive team, she is responsible for developing and implementing the hospitals government and external relations strategy, oversees marketing, public relations/communications, philanthropic activities, grant acquisition efforts and clinical pastoral education.

Ms. Hastick-Motes is passionate about providing the Rockaway community with quality health care and building community awareness of availability of health services. She was instrumental in the creation of the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital mobile health initiative (managed by the population health team) which brings medical services to the community through the hospital’s traveling mobile health van.

Ms. Hastick-Motes is an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University, teaching in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications in the department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations. She was also an instructor at The City University of New York, Medgar Evers College, School of Business, in the Public Administration Department.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hastick-Motes has held several leadership positions including Associate Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for one of New York City’s largest human service agencies.

In this capacity, she led an advisory committee that was pivotal in changing the NYC Health Penal Law, worked with local community groups to advocate and resolve issues around the stigma of mental health, and created programming to heighten the agency’s profile.

Ms. Hastick-Motes also served as the Special Assistant/ Policy Analyst at the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. In this role, she collaborated and worked with various elected officials, community leaders and organizations to build capacity and create borough-wide initiatives.

Ms. Hastick-Motes is the recipient of Schneps Media’s Lifetime Achievement and Caribbean Impact Awards. The Senatorial Rising Star Award, Community Service certificates from the NYC Public Advocate, NYS Assembly and the recipient of the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., Honorable Pauline Rhodd Cummings Award for her service to the Queens, NY Rockaway Community and a host of other awards and recognition of community service.

Ms. Hastick-Motes earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Notre Dame College of Ohio and a Master (with distinction) in Public Administration from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus. She is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Healthcare Association of New York State Community Health Task force, American College Healthcare Executives and on track to receive Fellow-

ship. She is a CHIEF Member (the only private  membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders) and a Board Director for the Levittown Community Council. Most importantly, she is a Wife and Mother of three beautiful children.

Power 100 Profile - Camille Joseph-Goldman

Camille Joseph-Goldman is the Group Vice President for Charter Communications, where she oversees government affairs in the northeastern United States from Harlem to Bangor, Maine.

Joining in 2016, Camille brings over a decade of political experience to Charter, working every day to connect communities throughout the northeast to Spectrum’s growing network and ever-expanding suite of products.

After serving as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Adviser, Camille was appointed Deputy Comptroller for Public Affairs in 2014, becoming the youngest appointed Deputy Comptroller in New York City history.

Camille got her start in politics at a young age, working for both Governor Spitzer and Governor Paterson in college. During that time, she also served as a field organizer for then-Senator Barack Obama, years later going on to become National African American Vote Deputy Director on President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Shortly after a second historic victory with the Obama Campaign, Camille returned to New York City to

serve as Political Director and Campaign Manager for former U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner’s 2013 mayoral campaign.

Camille is deeply committed to the communities she works in and has the pleasure of proudly serving on the board of the National Action Network, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, The Lower Eastside Girls Club, and as a trustee for the Citizen’s Budget Commission of New York City.

Camille values the importance of education and youth empowerment, both in her own life and in others. Today, she participates as a mentor at various youth empowerment programs across the City and is involved in several educational and healthcare initiatives for underserved youth in Jamaica and Haiti.

Camille was born and raised in the Bronx and attended New York University as a Presidential Scholar earning both a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Politics, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Camille lives in New York with her husband and daughter.

Soul Vibrations Corner

YOUR WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JUNE 19 - 25, 2023

5 Tips to Enhance Your Wedding Decor

Aries (Mar 20 - Apr 19)

This is an excellent time to work on improving your relationships, whether they are business or personal. How can you relate to others differently? At times personal experience teaches you more than anything you read in a book or receive from a teacher. Look at productive ways of using your experience and knowledge.

Lucky numbers: 46, 28, 13, 41, 42, 24, 35

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

Boredom at work and challenges from a boss or supervisor may prompt you to scan the papers for a new job. Working to gain the material comforts you need is important to you, but you also need to be happy. Friends are more grateful for your help than they let on.

Lucky numbers: 6, 40, 27, 7, 37, 34, 33

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)

You have the energy and wisdom to deal with unresolved relationship issues. Honesty in your partnership earns you protection, trust, and deep love. Trying to achieve a no longer important goal could lead to a dead end. It may be time to reassess what you want in life.

Lucky numbers: 38, 8, 42, 5, 28, 16, 15

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)

You can get the ball rolling again after all the delays and hitches at work. Everyone looks to you to sort out a troublesome situation, but you would rather avoid it. An act of kindness earns you brownie points with family members. Could you check your messages for a love note from someone special?

Lucky numbers: 25, 32, 31, 46, 2, 36, 8

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)

To prevent confusion later, make sure all your agreements are in writing. Your budget might not accommodate the high standard of living that you want, but at least you are focused and prosperity is in sight. Mostly, careful financial planning will do the trick. Apply self-control during a conflict situation with family.

Lucky numbers: 22, 21, 14, 8, 6, 35, 39

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

You may be impatient for change, but you can’t alter destiny now. Your relationships with the opposite sex may be based more on friendship than passion. A good friend seems insightful about an area of your life about which you were unsure. Balancing your work with rest periods during the day will keep energy levels stable.

Lucky numbers: 41, 42, 6, 15, 2, 24, 21

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

You do not have much time for love if you are single and pursuing your career goals. Try a different approach if you find it difficult to motivate yourself to finish chores and repairs around your home. Allocate some of your spare time to friends. Arrange a special get together.

Lucky numbers: 17, 35, 26, 38, 41, 3, 24

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Avoiding contact with a loved one because you prefer evasion to confrontation is a short-term solution. You will need to face matters directly and honestly at some point. The adventure bug may bite and the thought of planning a journey appeals. Seek an exotic location that you have never explored.

Lucky numbers: 4, 12, 22, 29, 16, 49, 6

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Could you make a point of spending time with those who inspire you? If your head is in the clouds you may miss the chance of meeting a special new someone you could love. Exercise caution in physical activities that might affect your health and wellbeing. Aim to maintain harmony in family relationships.

Lucky numbers: 41, 7, 31, 2, 17, 12, 39

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

A friend may arrange a blind date for you if you are single and looking. Keep an open mind, but do not be fooled by appearances. Your focus is likely to switch from money to communications and having fun with family at weekends. New studies may be an option.

Lucky numbers: 29, 23, 9, 26, 40, 17, 33

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 18)

Dramas at work are the last thing that you want to deal with while the pressure is on. If you set goals that are too far into the future, you may lose interest before you start. Be realistic about what you want to achieve both in love and work.

Lucky numbers: 39, 38, 13, 48, 37, 46, 26

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 19)

Resist the urge to spend recklessly, even though you feel that some retail therapy would lift your spirits. Your persuasive talents get you nowhere when you target someone whose mind is already made up. Grant others the freedom to determine their own future. You won’t do anyone a favour by trying to control their destiny.

Lucky numbers: 26, 32, 34, 44, 13, 18, 3

Wedding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can help add more flair for the big day. Use a natural venue. Many couples choose wedding venues that require immense amounts of decorations, but a venue with organic scenery or a beautiful view can help alleviate the stress. Consider having the ceremony near a garden or beach with enough natural surroundings to keep guests in awe. Make the cake a centerpiece. Wedding cakes are almost guaranteed to be filled with flavor, but they can also serve as a decorative centerpiece for the reception. Choosing a cake topped with flowers, highlighting bright colors and placing it in a prominent spot at the reception can grab guests’ attention while also keeping them eager for a bite. Choose table accessories that pop. Leave guests in amazement as they make their way to their seats for the reception with beautifully decorated tables. Table accessories can be anything ranging from patterned table runners to flowers in full-bloom placed in simple, elegant vases. If you are not having a formal sit-down reception, try using paper lanterns or hanging flowers from the ceiling to create an eye-catching atmosphere to remember.

Add classic lighting. At times, finding the right lighting to match the mood of a wedding venue can be tricky. In this case, less may actually be more. Try opting for a classic candlelit ceremony or reception to create a more romantic setting. This can save both money and countless hours spent attempting to configure elaborate light fixtures, and also provide a timeless feel.

Place engagement photos around the venue. With any wedding, you want the day to feel personal and intimate for the couple and guests alike. Consider decorating the venue with engagement photos of the soon-to-be spouses as they popped the question. This can allow the newlyweds to reminisce while guests view those cherished moments and revel in the occasion.

For more tips to prepare for life’s special moments like marital bliss, visit elivingtoday. com.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Guyana to Host Wastewater Conference

GEORGETOWN – Guyana will host the 32nd annual conference and exhibition of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) in October.

“I presented this to Cabinet and there is an endorsement of us hosting this conference…we want to use this opportunity to showcase what we are doing here in Guyana,” said Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal with reference to the October 23 to 27 event.

He said the conference would provide a unique platform for experts, stakeholders, and heads of government to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions to the issue facing the Caribbean region.

“This is a new area for everybody… if we are we are talking about a modern coun-

try, a developed country, then that’s where we have to start,” Croal said.

Guyana anticipates that the conference will most likely be one of the largest with an estimated participation of 300 delegates including Caribbean government ministers and local and international investors. In addition, there will be approximately 100 booths on display, showcasing various industry advancements and solutions and Georgetown hopes that the conference and exhibition will also serve as a platform to promote Guyana as a tourism destination while also presenting investment opportunities.

The conference will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Change in the Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Sectors”. (CMC)

PAHO Executive Committee Kicks Off Discussion to Improve Health of People of the Americas

when we pursue our goals with a common voice and a common purpose.

The PAHO Director urged countries to “work together to ensure that public health remains a political priority now that the pandemic is over” and to “collectively push for the region to be a leader in public health innovation and play a more prominent role in shaping the global health agenda”.

During his speech, Dr Barbosa, who took office almost five months ago, recalled the five pillars of his administration and detailed the changes he has already implemented in to increase PAHO’s efficiency in addressing public health challenges in a post-COVID-19 world.

guay, who are members of the Committee, will receive an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, as well as final reports on issues such as the elimination of neglected infectious diseases, tobacco control, and health and tourism, among others.

In addition, they will be presented with progress reports on a number of issues such as the Disease Elimination Initiative, the strategy on donation and equitable access to organ, tissue and cell transplantation, and the strategy on universal health access and coverage.

Washington, D.C. - The Executive Committee of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) began its 172nd session today. The Committee will examine the resolutions, strategies and policies to be presented to PAHO’s 60th Directing Council in September, with the aim of improving the health of the population of the Americas.

The Committee, which is composed of nine PAHO Member States, will establish new priorities for the Organization’s technical cooperation. It will take place until Friday 30 June in Washington, DC.

Among the main topics to be addressed include a policy to strengthen the health workforce for resilient health systems; a policy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in children, adolescents, and youth; strategic public health communication for behavior change; and a strategy to improve mental health and suicide prevention in the region.

PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa addressing the 172nd session of the Executive Committee.

PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa addressing the 172nd session of the Executive Committee. In his opening speech, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa called on countries to renew the spirit of Pan Americanism. “We are stronger when we work together and more effective

“The risk of vaccine-preventable diseases is at an all-time high and there is an urgent need to increase surveillance and immunization coverage,” Dr Barbosa said. He also considered it “critical” to improve maternal, newborn and child health indicators and to address “the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including mental health conditions.” He stressed that climate-related threats pose additional risks.

“And yet, I am more confident than ever in our region’s ability to respond. The pandemic put the Americas to the test, but it also revealed what’s possible when we work as a collective and make public health our highest priority,” he said.

Dr. Barbosa asserted that “the urgency, innovation and solidarity we employed to overcome COVID-19 should not be reserved only for times of emergency” and stressed that, as Director of PAHO, he wants to “bring the same urgency and innovative approach to address our most pressing health challenges and ensuring equitable access to health care for everyone in the Americas”.

“This Executive Committee meeting provides a valuable platform to shape the Organization’s approach to addressing these challenges and ultimately improving health outcomes” in the Americas, he said.

During this week’s meeting, representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Jamaica, Suriname, the United States and Uru-

Alvarez the Motor Behind Rejuvenated Mexico in Gold Cup

thanks to Luis Romo and extended the lead thanks to the player’s brace. Orbelin Pineda and Luis Chavez sealed the win with goals of their own in the second half.

Edson Alvarez was influential in helping see out the clean sheet. The 25-year-old’s flexibility to play as a defensive midfielder and center back made it easy for head coach Jaime Lozano when deciding his defensive line against the menacing Honduran attack of Alberth Elis and Jorge Benguche.

Speaking with Concacaf.com, Álvarez shared his thoughts on the importance of the victory.

as the coach of the senior national team last Wednesday, in part for his work at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he guided the Mexican contingent to a bronze medal.

“From the first moment, we felt very identified with him,” said Álvarez. “We’re going step by step. He also does not have to feel the pressure all of a sudden. We are going to take it little by little,” said Alvarez.

are good things for me.”

HOUSTON, Texas – Mexico kicked off with a 4-0 victory against Honduras to begin with the top spot in Group B of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

From the first minute, Mexico took the lead

“It is a very good start. We know that starting with a win always gives us a lot of confidence in the group, especially because of the way the national team was coming. And, well, we are very happy, grateful and we are going step by step. This is just the beginning,” he said. It is literally the beginning for the team with Lozano at the helm. The former Mexican national team midfielder, and member of Mexico’s 2007 Gold Cup squad, was announced

Entering the cusp of his career, Alvarez has reached great heights with the national team in the form of two FIFA World Cup appearances, and the 2019 Gold Cup title. In the 2021 edition, Alvarez was Mexico’s leader in passes (401), had the most successful passes (380), and was a Best XI selection.

“As a lesson,” Alvarez described the current stage of his career. “I believe that everything is learning. In my career I have had many moments of learning. That is why I believe I have had the opportunity to play in Europe, because of all that, because of all those experiences, good, bad, whatever they are, I know that they

In his 17th Gold Cup encounter, he boasted a 91% passing accuracy to help Mexico control possession and manage the lead. He also picked up a third successful result in Houston to deliver joy to the Mexican supporters in attendance. “As always, we are very grateful to them, very happy because they are always with us. I know that there have been very difficult moments, but wherever we are, they have always supported us, they have helped us and I believe that today we were able to give them a beautiful exhibition,” said Álvarez.

With most of the players that were part of the third-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League Finals, and a group stage elimination at Qatar 2022, this Mexico squad is looking for redemption. The opportunity to conquer a ninth Gold Cup title is now the focus and the team is three points closer to its ultimate goal. “The illusion is, clearly, the championship. There are five games, God first, and I believe we are on the right track,” Álvarez concluded.

Daren Sammy Bemoans West Indies’ Sloppy Catching Despite Win

West Indies’ head coach Daren Sammy has pulled up his fielders for their sloppy effort that let Zimbabwe off the hook and set their side up for a heartbreaking defeat in Harare.

West Indies dropped Sikandar Raza twice, first on 1 and then on 7, with the batter taking advantage of those reprieves to become the top scorer in the game with 68 off 58 balls. In all, West Indies shelled four catches; Alzarri Joseph was responsible for creating three of those chances.

“Extremely disappointed. At the toss, we got to do what we wanted to do, which is to bowl first,” Sammy said at his post-match press conference. “Look, if we continue to display this type of fielding - we’ve spoken about it for the last few games - and if you keep giving the opposition’s best batters chances, eventually the cricket gods will catch up with you. “And it did with us today, but [a target of] 269 on that surface… Again, these are the things we’re trying to change. We’ve seen it happen in the past before and the direction that I want this team to move forward…Today was really poor and it’s about taking responsibility and we didn’t do that today. And hence we didn’t deserve to win at all today.”

Captain Shai Hope was also quite scathing in his assessment of West Indies’ fielding after they crashed to a 35-run defeat.

“To be honest, too much is on my mind right now,” Hope said at the post-match presentation. “I don’t know if I can explain it but [there is] certainly a lot of hurt and disappointment. But the tournament is not over as yet. Catches: plain and simple. We created chances. We always ask the bowlers to create chances and they’re just doing that but we’re not supporting them in the field like we should and then with the bat again. Like I said, if we had 260 to chase before the day’s start, we would’ve been happy with that.”

“I tell them, who wants to get a ticket has to

come and buy that ticket at the ticket office. At the moment, some of us are not buying that ticket for that train to move on.”

Coach Daren Sammy wants more from his side West Indies were among the pre-tournament favourites to qualify for the World Cup in India along with Sri Lanka, but their defeat to Zimbabwe has now jeopardised their chances of progressing to the main event later this year. West Indies dropped two points, which they could’ve carried forward to the Super Sixes (two points are carried forward for each win against other teams that qualify from your group - Zimbabwe and Netherlands in West Indies’ case), but Sammy insisted that it wasn’t the end of the road yet.

“I wouldn’t say it hampers [our qualification] but it makes it more difficult,” Sammy said.

“You’d love to go into the Super Six with four points. We knew from the time we left home that this game would’ve been very important to us. And again, like I said, the way we’ve played… I kept telling the guys that we kept on winning games [by] not playing our best cricket. Today again, we asked so much of ourselves. When you put on a display of fielding like this and then you get yourself in a good position and take the game for granted, the cricket gods will make you pay and that’s exactly what I’m going to tell them in the dressing room. We did not deserve to win, and we did not play to win today and now we have a lot of work to do - firstly to get to the Super Six and take on the other teams that we face.

“We’ve made our road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 a bit more difficult, but I don’t give up on anything. I’ll keep encouraging the boys and challenging them to be better because the trend I’ve started here is going to be moving. And I tell them, who wants to get a ticket has to come and buy that ticket at the ticket office. At the moment, some of us are not buying that ticket for that train to move on.”