June 11, 2025

VOL. XLIV NO. 2222 WEEK OF JUNE 11 - 17, 2025

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Page 6 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

PM QUESTIONS ACCESS TO U.S. DOLLARS

As citizens continue to struggle to obtain foreign exchange for essential items like medicine

Page 4

NEW YORK

JTB CELEBRATES 70 YEARS Workers at heart of tourism excellence says Minister Bartlett

Page 19 BUSINESS

LEE-CHIN COULD LOSE CONTROL OF NCBFG The entrepreneur is currently in deep discussion with the bond holder

Page 5

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AMONG CARIBBEAN NATIONS TO STRENGTHEN POSITION

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

AFRICA

WORLD BRIEFS

Sudan emergency: We need more help to prevent famine, says WFP

Gaza: Search for food puts lives on the line

“Over the past six months, WFP scaled up assistance and we are now reaching nearly one million Sudanese in Khartoum with food and nutrition support,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan. “This momentum must continue; several areas in the south are at risk of famine.”

In an update from Port Sudan, Mr. Bukera reported that a mission to Khartoum had found many neighbourhoods abandoned, heavily damaged and akin to a “ghost city”.

Pressure on overstretched resources will only intensify, he insisted.

And as conflict still rages between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, sparked by a breakdown in transition to civilian rule in 2023, the veteran aid worker also explained that communities on the frontlines were at “breaking point” and unable to support displaced families any longer.

Despite many generous contributions to the UN agency’s work in Sudan, it faces a $500 million shortfall to support emergency food and cash assistance for the coming six months.

“The international community must act now by stepping up funding to stop famine in the hardest hit area, and to invest in Sudan’s recovery,” Mr. Bukera insisted.” We must also demand respect for the safety and the protection of the Sudanese people and aid workers.”

Since the end of May, aid distribution in Gaza has been carried out by a mechanism backed by Israel and the United States bypassing UN agencies and their established partners, which has been plagued by deadly incidents and chaos.

On Monday, UN partner the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 29 casualties arrived at its field hospital in west Rafah that morning, eight of whom had died.

Almost all had explosive trauma wounds, with two others suffering gunshot wounds.

“The UN reiterates that civilians must always be protected,” said Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking from Headquarters in New York.

“No person, anywhere, should be forced to choose between risking one’s life and feeding one’s family.”

Meanwhile, fuel stocks in Gaza are dangerously low, putting further strain on critical services and humanitarian operations.

Mr. Haq said that some 260,000 litres of fuel were looted in northern Gaza over the weekend.

Prior to this, the UN had repeatedly tried to reach these stocks to retrieve them, but the Israeli authorities denied these attempts – with 14 denials since 15 May. “Our attempts to reach fuel supplies in Rafah, in the south of Gaza, also continue to be denied,” he added.

Central Africa at a crossroads amid rising tensions and instability

‘It is an elephant’: Ukraine’s unexploded mine problem

With violence worsening in both the Lake Chad Basin and the Great Lakes, the Security Council met on Monday to examine the threats confronting the wider region.

“Central Africa remains rich in potential, but the challenges are still significant,” said Abdou Abarry, Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA).

While countries such as Chad and Gabon have made progress in terms of political development, newly elected authorities must capitalise on this momentum to implement key democratic reforms, said Mr Abarry.

In Chad and Gabon, recent elections and reforms have promoted greater participation of women in the democratic process.

Today, women represent 34 per cent of Chad’s National Assembly, while Gabon’s new electoral code mandates that women must account for at least 30 per cent of electoral lists provided to voters.

In recent months, online disinformation and hate speech have been on the rise in Cameroon, said Mr Abarry. UNOCA reported that 65 per cent of political content shared on social media between January and April this year was either false or previously manipulated.

At the same time, Cameroon has seen a surge in intercommunal violence in the southern and central regions of the country.

These are the results of the ammunition from last nights’ attacks, or at least from the munitions which exploded.

At a briefing in New York, Paul Heslop, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) advisor in Ukraine, described the impact of the unexploded ordnances which have contaminated large swaths of land in the country.

“Contaminated land is not just dangerous. It is lost hope, recovery and livelihood,” he said.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, this contamination has spread throughout the territory, making it impossible for residents to return home and farmers to cultivate crops. Children are often among the most vulnerable to unexploded ordnances.

UNMAS and its partners on the ground are working diligently to comb over this land and declare it safe for returning residents and agricultural cultivation.

Millions of mines and unexploded ordnances are currently scattered throughout Ukraine. This makes it the most heavily contaminated country since the end of the Second World War, said Mr. Heslop.

UNMAS estimates that over 20 percent of land — or 139,000 square kilometres — in Ukraine is contaminated by mines or unexploded ordnances.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

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Barbados PM Mia Mottley Calls for Regional Unity to Tackle Global Issues Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is calling on Caribbean nations to support the Bridgetown Initiative, a proposal urging urgent and decisive reform of the international financial system.

Speaking Sunday night in the west coast village of Dublanc, Dominica, during the 70th anniversary celebration of the ruling Dominica Labor Party (DLP), Mottley—who also serves as chair of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—emphasized the need for deeper regional collaboration.

“As we fight these battles—rising debt, cost-of-living increases we try to shield you from—it’s essential that Caribbean nations work more closely together,” she said.

Mottley highlighted how global supply chain disruptions have made previously standard practices, such as local utilities stocking spare parts, obsolete. “They no longer keep inventory sitting idle. Our whole understanding must change,” she explained.

“We have to find common purpose and work together. If we are stronger together, we can achieve our goals together.”

She stressed the region’s collective struggle to secure better financing terms: “We can’t build schools and hospitals with

10- or 15-year money. It’s too short. When you buy a house, you borrow for 20 or 25 years. Governments should be no different.

If we’re limited to 10-year terms, it chokes future development.”

The Bridgetown Initiative, led by Barbados, advocates a fairer global financial framework, especially in how wealthy countries support developing nations facing climate change. It includes six key areas for action and gained traction during the COP27 summit in Egypt, where a loss and damage fund was established.

“We need longer debt terms and cheaper debt so we can build sustainable societies where people want to stay,” Mottley added.

“If our people feel hopeful at home, they won’t seek opportunities abroad. That’s why regional unity is essential.”

Her visit to Dominica sparked criticism from local opposition groups, including the Electoral Reform Coalition, who urged her to avoid partisan engagement while serving as CARICOM chair. Responding, Mottley said, “Leadership matters in today’s world—because without the right leadership, there will be confusion.” —CMC

Jamaican Diaspora Organizations Rally to Support Education and Healthcare

New York, USA — As the new school term approaches, several Jamaican diaspora organizations in the United States are intensifying their efforts to support education and healthcare initiatives across the island.

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council for the Northeast U.S. and the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation have teamed up to secure over $9 million to assist students in 18 schools with essential supplies, including computers, uniforms, and footwear.

“An estimated 3,000 students and staff will benefit from this initiative,” said Stanford Grant, head of the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation. The schools set to receive aid are located across several parishes, including St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew, and Westmoreland.

Michelle Tulloch-Neil, representing the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council for the Northeast U.S., noted that the beneficiary schools range from basic and primary to infant and high schools. She added that representatives from both organizations will personally distribute the supplies at the Jamaica Legion on South Avenue, Swallowfield, Kingston.

In addition to these donations, Tulloch-Neil said that some students facing financial hardship, as well as high achievers needing further support, will receive individual grants of US$300 each. “Due to financial constraints,

this amount has been reduced from the usual US$500,” she explained.

Grant also highlighted that the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation plans to donate computers to Port Henderson Primary School in St. Catherine, Operation Friendship, and The Scout Association of Jamaica’s headquarters in Kingston. The foundation is also working to establish a learning center in August Town, St. Andrew, utilizing an existing building. “We intend to use the facility to teach students coding skills—the foundation of software and digital systems that enable computers to perform specific tasks,” Grant told reporters.

Beyond education, other diaspora groups and individuals are preparing or have already contributed toward health care projects. Elder Benjamin Powell of the North Bronx Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York shared that he and his church are partnering with the Good Samaritan Inn in downtown Kingston—a center serving homeless individuals—to enhance its services.

Powell said a team of 20 to 30 volunteers, including doctors and nurses, will travel to Jamaica on July 15 and 16, 2025, to provide medical care. The team will also bring non-perishable food, medical supplies, and clothing.

Similarly, the New Jersey-based Help Jamaica Medical Mission, co-founded by Dr. Robert Clarke and Dr. Rudolph Willis in 2010, is expanding its annual health care outreach.

More than 500,000 Jamaicans have benefited from the mission’s screenings, medication distribution, and life-changing treatments over the years.

In Connecticut, retired social worker Primrose Hanchard-Taylor of the Hanchard Family Foundation said the health care services launched last year will continue during this year’s annual family reunion on August 2 in Mt. Regale, St. Mary. The focus will remain on screening for diabetes, high blood pressure, and providing medical and dental care.

Meanwhile, the New York Police Department’s Jamaican-American Law Enforcement Organi-

zation recently raised $1.2 million to support 60 Grade 12 students at Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St. Ann, ensuring they have the financial resources to complete their education.

Lastly, the Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica in New York is aiming to raise funds at its upcoming annual banquet to increase the number of scholarships it offers. Three scholarships are slated to be awarded at this event.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Haiti – Trump’s Travel Ban Endangering Lives of Sick Children

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — A United States (US) based medical aid organisation is calling on the Donald Trump administration to reconsider a new travel ban that threatens to block Haitian children with critical heart conditions from accessing urgent care abroad.

The International Cardiac Alliance (ICA), which has arranged more than 100 surgeries for Haitian children in the United States and other countries, warns that a dozen patients could miss life-or-death procedures due to the restrictions. The order, first issued under former President Donald Trump and now set to take effect Monday, targets travelers from 19 countries—but lacks provisions for those seeking medical treatment.

“These children are somebody’s child and somebody’s grandchild, and they don’t have access to lifesaving care,” Dr John Clark, a paediatric cardiologist who has worked with ICA, said in an NBC News report. “Is there any room for compassion?”

While the executive order allows for certain exceptions, such as lawful permanent residents and individuals travelling for major sporting events, there is no clear exemption for patients with urgent health needs. It remains uncertain whether medical cases would qualify

under the clause that permits visa waivers deemed in the “United States national interest”.

The ICA’s Executive Director, Owen Robinson, says the new policy could halt travel plans for Haitian children who were days away from surgery.

“Some of them might be able to wait a few months, and others, if they don’t go now, they’re going to pass away very quickly,” he said.

He added that the organisation’s waitlist for Haitian patients in need of heart surgery currently stands at 316, ranging from infants to young adults.

“We do have kids die every week waiting because there’s not a lot of international slots for these kids,” he said. In the past, Haitian children have routinely been granted visas for medical travel through the US. Dr. Clark participated in missions to Haiti until 2019, when worsening gang violence and political instability drove most international doctors out. One hospital ambulance was attacked, and a staff member was stoned to death, according to ICA. Since then, most children needing advanced care have had to seek help abroad.

T&T Prime Minister Questions Access to U.S. Dollars for Vybz Kartel Performance While Medicine Shortage Persists

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has raised serious concerns over the alleged easy access to U.S. dollars by the promoters of the One Caribbean Music Festival, while citizens continue to struggle to obtain foreign exchange for essential items such as medicine.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Red House on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar questioned how promoters were able to secure large sums of foreign currency while small business owners and the health sector reportedly face ongoing difficulties accessing forex.

“You can’t get foreign exchange to buy

medicine, and you are getting all this money?” the Prime Minister asked. “Of course it concerns me. On what grounds were they able to access it?”

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has not yet presented a report on the matter to the Cabinet. Persad-Bissessar noted that it remains unclear whether the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has been cooperative in providing necessary information to facilitate the investigation.

The situation gained public attention after it was revealed that Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel—whose legal name is Adidja Palmer—had been contracted to headline the music festival for US$1.35 million, with US$950,000 already reportedly paid. Kartel later pulled out of the event, citing the promoter’s failure to meet contractual obligations.

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin confirmed that the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) has launched a formal investigation into how the promoters accessed foreign exchange to finance the payment.

Minister Tancoo also expressed his own reservations over the weekend, describing the transaction amounts as “intriguing,” and confirmed that a probe had been initiated into how those funds were secured.

In response to the controversy, Jacho

Entertainment, the festival’s production company, issued a statement on Wednesday asserting that all foreign currency transactions related to Kartel were conducted “through legal, regulated, and verifiable financial channels.”

During the same media briefing, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar was asked about whether ministers were being discouraged from awarding contracts to friends and relatives or recusing themselves from Cabinet meetings in such situations.

She confirmed that contracts under the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) were not subject to open bidding, and the government is currently auditing those agreements.

She stated firmly, “I will be frowning on it very highly if ministers were to come to Cabinet to recuse themselves. I will not tolerate a minister coming 171 times to recuse themselves from a Cabinet meeting.”

The comment appeared to be a veiled reference to ongoing public frustration over ethics in governance and transparency in contract awards.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

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Guyana – US Sanctioned Wealthy Guyanese Family

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyanese government on Tuesday said it has sent the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas “on leave with immediate effect” after she was named along with two other Guyanese nationals for their roles in public corruption in the CARICOM country.

The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said that in addition to imposing the sanctions on Thomas, Nazar Mohamed, his son, Azruddin Mohamed, and their company, it had also designated two other entities, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, for being owned or controlled by Mohamed’s Enterprise and Azruddin, respectively.

OFAC said that these individuals and entities are sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

“Today’s action underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to exploit Guyana’s underdeveloped gold sector for personal gain,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E Nelson.

“Treasury, in close coordination with our

partners in US law enforcement, will continue to take action to safeguard the US financial system from abuse by corrupt actors,” Nelson added.

In a statement, the Guyanese government said it has taken “careful note” of the United States Department of the Treasury informing of the matter involving the three Guyanese nationals.

“Based on the information referenced in the press release, the Ministry of Finance and rel-

evant statutory agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority, will be requesting additional information on the matters highlighted, with a view to aiding local law enforcement agencies.

“The Government of Guyana takes very seriously the claims contained in the press release and will continue to engage relevant United States entities on these matters. In the meantime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Ms Mae Thomas has been sent on leave with immediate effect.”

The Irfaan Ali government said that it will continue to work with the United States government “on all matters of mutual interest, including the respect for the rule of law and order”.

The US authorities say gold is one of Guyana’s main exports, but it remains a highly fractured industry with small-scale gold mining operations in Guyana occupying a majority share of the country’s gold production.

It said these small, family-owned businesses have informal relationships with larger purchasers and traders like Mohamed’s Enterprise and that “once mined, Guyanese gold is sold and traded throughout international markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union.

It said that Nazar Mohamed founded Mohamed’s Enterprise in Guyana before expanding to the United States as a moneychanger and transitioned into gold trading, growing

Mohamed’s Enterprise into one of Guyana’s largest gold exporters.

In time, Azruddin Mohamed ultimately took over Mohamed’s Enterprise, which also now does business as “Confidential Cambio.”

Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise allegedly evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports and defrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenues by under declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities.

It is alleged that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the government of Guyana.

OFAC said that Thomas, while serving as Permanent Secretary to Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, used her position to offer benefits to Mohamed’s Enterprise and Azruddin, among others, in exchange for cash payments and high-value gifts.

“Thomas misused her position to influence the award of official contract bids and the approval processes for weapons permits and passports on behalf of Mohamed’s Enterprise.”

OFAC said as a result of the sanctions “all property and interests in property of the designated persons…that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC”.

Michael Lee-Chin at Risk of Losing Control of NCB Financial Group Amid Bond Troubles Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaican-born billionaire and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin may be on the verge of losing control of NCB Financial Group (NCBFG), the largest financial institution in the northern Caribbean. The revelation follows disclosures in a new preliminary offering memorandum released as the company prepares to raise US$300 million on the international capital markets this week.

Lee-Chin, who acquired a majority stake in NCBFG in 2002, has pledged 50.5 percent of the company’s shares as collateral for debts raised through his affiliated investment firms.

If bond negotiations falter and defaults persist, creditors could move to enforce the pledges—potentially stripping Lee-Chin of control over the company he has led for more than two decades.

Several of Lee-Chin’s affiliated companies remain in active discussions with bondholders.

Specialty Coffee Investments Company Ltd., one of his entities, has been engaged in talks over a J$1.9 billion (US$11.84 million) bond.

While discussions have been ongoing since 2023 and intensified between March and June 2025, bondholders have rejected certain extension requests.

AIC (Barbados) Ltd., another Lee-Chin affiliate, convened bondholders on April 23 to address 12 instruments totaling US$72.84 million. One of its J$1.5 billion (US$9.35 million) bonds received a one-year extension in December 2024. AIC has also sold over 53.9

million shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange between June 2023 and March 2025, raising more than J$3 billion (US$20.19 million).

Between January and March 2025 alone, it sold 10.3 million shares, generating J$509.63 million (US$3.18 million).

Portland (Barbados) Ltd. has several bonds under review. Discussions were held on a US$80 million bond in March and a US$7.5 million note in May. One US$10.49 million bond failed to secure the required votes for extension.

Additional meetings are scheduled for June 10 and 11.

The June 4 offering memorandum warns that several of these bonds are delinquent, with both principal and interest payments overdue.

A restructuring plan has been submitted to bondholders, but approval is pending. The document notes: “Enforcement of the related security interest could result in our controlling shareholder and chairman losing control of the group without the consent of our other shareholders or noteholders.”

If a new party acquires 20 percent or more of NCBFG shares through enforcement, that transaction would require Central Bank approval and could usher in new strategic directions for the company.

A US$23 million bond held by Portland Barbados and registered in Trinidad and Tobago matured in April 2024 but was not repaid on time. Investors were paid in full by September

2024, initially drawing on US$4 million in cash collateral, followed by three payments totaling US$16 million. The bond carried a 10.25 percent interest rate, including a 2.00 percent default premium.

NCBFG is publicly traded on both the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange. As of March 31, 2025, it had 47,698 shareholders, including more than 1,600 on its T&T register. However, the T&T listing does not necessarily reflect residency.

A dividend of J$0.50 per share is scheduled to be paid tomorrow, totaling J$1.29 billion (US$8.05 million), with J$597.53 million (US$3.72 million) going to AIC (Barbados).

NCB Global Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of NCBFG, owns 61.77 percent of Guardian Holdings Ltd. (GHL). According to GHL’s 2024 annual report, Lee-Chin maintains majority control of NCB Global, which holds the GHL stake.

The offering memorandum further disclosed that a services agreement between NCBFG and AIC Global Holdings Inc.—a Lee-Chin-owned entity—is scheduled to conclude in July 2025.

The company has provided administrative support to NCBFG under a US$4.8 million annual contract. AIC received more than US$10 million in 2024 and an additional US$6.05 million between October 2024 and March 2025. All due payments have already been settled.

Lee-Chin remains chairman of the board, though his role is currently being renegotiated.

The new terms are expected to align with those of other non-executive board members.

NCBFG had previously agreed to sell a 30.20 percent stake in Bermuda-based Clarien Group to Cornerstone Financial Holdings Ltd. However, that agreement expired on May 8, 2025, without extension.

NCBFG initially acquired a 50.10 percent stake in Clarien in 2017. Simultaneously, Lee-Chin’s Portland Private Equity Ltd. purchased a 17.92 percent share for US$10 million. With the expiration of the sale agreement, a previously agreed exit clause was triggered. As a result, NCBFG is now set to reacquire the 17.92 percent stake from a minority shareholder group—valued at approximately US$20 million, according to the memorandum.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Karine Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party, Declares Independence and Announces New Book New York, NY – Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced her departure from the Democratic Party, declaring herself an Independent and unveiling a forthcoming memoir titled Independent, set for release on October 21.

The announcement, made via a video on her Instagram account, comes amid heightened political turmoil following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office.

According to publisher Hachette Book Group, based in New York City, Independent will offer a candid critique of America’s “broken two-party system” and chronicle Jean-Pierre’s personal and political evolution. The book encourages Americans to “embrace life as Independents”

and rethink traditional party loyalties.

Jean-Pierre, a Queens, New York native who made history as the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary, said she made the difficult decision to leave the Democratic Party after what she described as a betrayal by party leadership. The book recounts the chaotic three-week period leading up to Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign—an outcome spurred by mounting concerns about his cognitive health following a widely criticized debate performance in June 2024.

“She takes us through the three weeks that led to Biden’s abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision,” the publisher revealed in a press statement.

“This book, Independent, is about looking

outside of boxes, not just always being in a partisan stance,” Jean-Pierre said in her video, explaining her decision to forge a new political path.

Before serving under Biden, Jean-Pierre held senior roles on both of President Barack Obama’s winning campaigns and was chief of staff to Kamala Harris during her 2020 vice-presidential run. She became White House press secretary in 2022 following the departure of Jen Psaki, who left for a prominent role at MSNBC. Jean-Pierre’s Independent is expected to provide an unflinching inside look at recent developments within the Democratic Party and challenge readers to explore political independence as a meaningful alternative.

Caribbean Leaders Condemn Trump’s Travel Ban Targeting Haiti and Other Nations Brooklyn, NY – Haitian-American lawmakers and U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke have voiced strong condemnation of President Donald J. Trump’s newly implemented travel ban, which blocks entry to the United States from 12 countries, including Haiti.

Alongside Haiti, the countries affected by the ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, Trump has placed further restrictions on travelers from Cuba, Venezuela, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan.

New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and daughter of Haitian immigrants, expressed grave concern in a statement to reporters.

“It is with outrage and concern that Trump’s administration has imposed a new travel ban that disproportionately affects African and Caribbean nations, including Haiti,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents Brooklyn’s 42nd Assembly District. “As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I condemn this discriminatory policy. This decision will create chaos, threaten families, and harm diplomatic relations, causing fear and uncertainty.”

She urged Americans to reject “Trump’s racist and xenophobic policies” and defend democratic principles across all branches of government.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis, who is of Haitian and Bahamian descent, called the decision “a despicable and deeply troubling moment for our community.”

“Haiti is once again being unfairly targeted,” said Louis, representative for Brooklyn’s 45th Council District. “This is clearly an intentional attack on our identity and dignity. The federal government has exhibited ongoing hostility toward Haitians, many of whom have built lives and contributed significantly to our economy.”

Louis warned that this latest move exacerbates existing threats, noting the administration’s ongoing deportation plans set for August 2025.

“Turning away Haitians fleeing violence and political instability is a cruel policy wrapped in false justification,” she said. “The United States has a moral obligation to protect, not punish, the vulnerable.”

Louis also announced that the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network would soon unveil a “comprehensive, coordinated national strategy” to support Haitian nationals impacted by the travel ban.

Brooklyn City Council Member Rita Joseph, who was born in Haiti and represents the 40th District, said Trump’s policy ignores the scale of the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Haiti.

“This travel ban punishes victims of extreme violence and political unrest,” Joseph told reporters. “In 2024 alone, over 5,600 Haitians were killed in gang violence, and one million people — half of them children — have been displaced.”

Joseph emphasized the severity of the crisis, noting that the United Nations has described Haiti’s plight as nearing “a point of no return,” with nearly half of the population facing acute food insecurity.

“Instead of closing our doors to Haitians, the U.S. should be working alongside the Haitian Diaspora and international partners to address the root causes of this crisis,” she said.

The council member further highlighted the expansion of gang violence into new regions, including at least four massacres that claimed over 400 lives in recent months.

“These travel restrictions come at a time when Haiti desperately needs international support,” she stressed. “Nearly half the Haitian population is in need of humanitarian assistance. Denying legal pathways to migration only deepens the suffering.”

Joseph called on Trump to reverse the ban and to support efforts aimed at restoring security, increasing humanitarian aid, stabilizing Haiti’s economy, and tackling the arms trade fueling the violence.

“Our Haitian community has always strengthened the fabric of this nation,” Joseph said.

“We must not abandon them now. As a city representative of a large Haitian population, I will continue to fight for their protection and support lasting solutions that restore peace and prosperity.”

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke, a Brooklyn native and the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, echoed her colleagues’ outrage, describing Trump’s move as “bigotry in the name of security.”

“We’ve seen this before,” said Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “We remember the Muslim Ban. We remember what he said about ‘shithole’ countries. His hate isn’t new. But tonight, the president saw the world’s most suffering people — and chose to make them suffer more. What kind of man is he?”

In an official proclamation on Wednesday, Trump defended the travel restrictions as vital to national security. He cited a return to policies implemented during his first administration, which he claimed successfully kept potential threats out of the U.S. and were upheld by the Supreme Court.

The order, titled Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, outlines a policy to “prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the United States Government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose.”

Trump claimed the restrictions are necessary to encourage cooperation from foreign governments and to enforce immigration laws aligned with national security and counterterrorism goals.

Despite these justifications, critics say the policy disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations — especially Haitians fleeing violence, poverty, and political turmoil — and represents a continuation of xenophobic rhetoric cloaked in security concerns.

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Honoring the Legacy of Charles B. Rangel The Arrangements June 9 & June 10, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Congressman Rangel will lie in repose at St. Aloysius Church. Members of the public, especially his beloved Harlem community, are invited to visit the Church to pay their respects.

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Public Activities Lying in Repose St. Aloysius Church, 219 W 132nd St, New York, NY 10027

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NEW YORK, NY – The family of retired Congressman Charles B. Rangel announces a series of activities to honor his remarkable life and legacy leading up to his funeral service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Congressman Rangel, a steadfast champion for Harlem and the nation, as well as a distinguished figure in American politics, will be memorialized in the coming days, with opportunities for the public to pay their respects.

Lying in State City Hall, New York, NY June 11 & June 12 Congressman Rangel will lie in state at City Hall, offering the community and dignitaries a formal opportunity to honor his service and dedication to the nation.

Funeral Service (Mass) St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 5th Ave between 50th St. and 51st St., New York, NY 10022 June 13, 9:45 AM Originally planned as a private service, this Mass is open to the public, celebrating the life of Congressman Rangel. Seating will be limited, but the public is welcome to join the family in remembering a leader who dedicated his9.875” life to service.

Link for the stream: https://youtube.com/live/ bEOleKKbIZo?feature=share

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

From Rural Jamaica to Harvard Valedictorian, Tashauna Holmes The morning of June 30 was filled with anticipation as members of the the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Class of 2025 gathered to take their seats for the University’s 374th Commencement ceremony. It was a poignant moment that celebrated their accomplishments and marked the beginning of the next phase of their professional lives.

Among them was 31-year-old Jamaican-born Tashauna Holmes, HSDM Class of 2025 president, who served as the School’s Class Day speaker, where she shared that success and service aren’t mutually exclusive and that true impact begins when one shows up with empathy, courage, and commitment to change. She

said: “As we enter a profession that grants us not only titles, but trust, we have an obligation to use our skills not just to elevate ourselves, but to uplift others,” she said.

“We can build thriving careers and compassionate communities. We can pursue excellence and promote equity. We can earn well and serve well.”

Holmes grew up in the quiet, rural community of Johnson in St. James, Jamaica, and could never have imagined that one day she would stand as valedictorian of Harvard University’s 2025 graduating class. Her journey – from humble beginnings and early culture shock in the United States to the pinnacle of academic

excellence is what the American Dream is all about.

She is a proud alumna of Montego Bay High School for Girls and Herbert Morrison Technical High School, and attended Miami Dade University in Florida in 2012 before moving to University of Florida in Gainesville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Holmes plans to pursue private practice in Miami, Florida while remaining dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

NY - AG James Stops Trump’s Mass Closure of AmeriCorps by Court Order

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today won a court order stopping the Trump administration’s mass closure of AmeriCorps programs and requiring the reinstatement of thousands of volunteers nationwide. On April 29, Attorney General James joined a coalition of 24 other states in suing the Trump administration to stop cuts to AmeriCorps after the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directed the agency to end the service of thousands of volunteers and canceled hundreds of millions of dollars of grants.

Today the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted a preliminary injunction based on a motion brought by Attorney General James and the coalition, halting the administration’s policies that would close AmeriCorps programs and strip communities of the valuable services its members provide.

“The administration’s unlawful cuts to AmeriCorps are a direct attack on one of our nation’s most valuable community service programs,” said Attorney General James. “From providing housing assistance to protecting our environment, AmeriCorps members are a vital lifeline for communities across the country. I will continue to stand in firm defense of AmeriCorps and its indispensable role in strengthening our nation.”

Attorney General James and the coalition argued in their lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injunction that the administration’s attacks on AmeriCorps, which oversees more than 200,000 volunteers nationwide, are illegal and unconstitutional. Authorized by Congress, AmeriCorps has operated as an independent agency of the federal government since 1993, providing critical services in vulnerable communities including housing assistance, environmental restoration, and tutoring and mentor services for students. The preliminary injunction granted today ensures AmeriCorps programs can continue and halts the Trump administration’s attempts to eliminate AmeriCorps’ programs and volunteers.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, along with the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBOPINION

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Celebrating Father’s Day 2025 Father’s Day is often marked with neckties, socks, and a card that gets the job done.

But for us at Carib News, this day carries a deeper resonance—a call to honor, uplift, and reframe the way we see and speak about Black and Caribbean fathers. For 35 years, we’ve committed ourselves to telling the stories that mainstream narratives ignore, and this Father’s Day, we’re setting the record straight.

Let’s be honest: the image of the absent Black father has been repeated like a bad song on a broken loop—lazy, tired, and flat-out wrong. It’s a stereotype rooted in systemic bias, fueled by a media machine that prefers drama over truth, and perpetuated by those who benefit from ignoring the complex, beautiful reality of Black family life. Because the truth is this: Black and Caribbean fathers are present.

They are deeply engaged. They are raising children, holding down households, building legacies, and serving as anchors in communities weathering storms far greater than most can imagine. They are not just fathers in title—they are fathers in action.

In Caribbean culture, fatherhood often looks like early mornings and late

nights, working two or three jobs to ensure children have the chance to chase dreams. It’s fathers who migrate alone, sending money home for years before finally bringing their families together in a new land. It’s Sunday mornings at church, wisdom shared over simmering pots, and discipline wrapped in love, not fear. Our fathers have passed down more than genes. They’ve handed us steel pan rhythms, Anansi tales, and a sense of pride too big to be confined by borders or zip codes. They have taught us what it means to carry a name with dignity.

Yet, the social and economic challenges they navigate are no small feat—especially in systems that are not built for their success. Discrimination in employment, disproportionate incarceration rates, economic barriers, and immigration hurdles are just a few of the roadblocks that Black and Caribbean fathers have had to overcome just to show up. But still, they rise.

Every single day.

At Carib News, we’ve spent over three decades putting a spotlight where the mainstream refuses to look. We’ve profiled fathers who lead community organiza-

tions, coach neighborhood sports teams, advocate for justice, and instill pride in their children against the odds. We’ve covered the fathers who run small businesses, guide their families through tragedy and triumph, and pass on lessons learned not just from life—but from legacy. These stories are not anomalies. They are the norm. And it’s high time they were treated as such.

We refuse to allow statistics—often cherry-picked and taken out of context—to tell our story. Because if you walk through our neighborhoods, attend our family gatherings, or talk to our children, you’ll find a very different truth: Black and Caribbean fathers are foundational. They are not missing—they are mission-driven.

Media portrayals matter. They shape public perception, policy, and even selfworth. When Black fathers are shown as absent or apathetic, the damage is not just offensive—it’s dangerous. It tells young Black boys they are destined to fail before they even start. It tells society not to invest in or support the structures that lift these fathers up. It devalues the very real work being done in homes and communities every day.

So this Father’s Day, we choose celebration over condemnation. We choose truth over tired tropes. We honor the father who may not say much, but who shows up to every school meeting. The father who cooks, who prays, who listens, who corrects. The father who leads with quiet dignity or bold activism, whose love may be wrapped in few words but speaks volumes in action.

Let this not be a one-day photo op or a feel-good headline. Let it be a shift in how we acknowledge and support Black and Caribbean fathers year-round. Let us invest in resources that lift them up—mental health care, economic opportunity, legal reform, and education. Let us teach our children to honor their fathers not just on this designated Sunday in June, but with every hug, every phone call, and every “thank you” that often goes unsaid.

At Carib News, we see you. We salute you.

We celebrate your resilience, your wisdom, and your love. To the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and father-figures who give of themselves in a world that too often fails to give back—we honor you.

Happy Father’s Day. Your story matters.

And we will never stop telling it.

“404 - Page Not Found.”

At least this was the situation last Friday when I checked. I searched her name on defense.gov just in case the page was moved. No results.

Burying the achievements and contributions of our heroes rewrites history to fit a warped narrative of America that serves no one. What does serve all our interests is remembering.

And, on Juneteenth especially, that includes remembering not only that historical nail in slavery’s coffin, but the people, places, and events that were part of the long fight to end that abhorrent institution.

Remembering that Harriet Tubman was not only the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad but a nurse and a spy for the Union Army and the first woman in US history to lead a military raid.

That raid – at Combahee Ferry in South Carolina – freed more than 700 people in a single night.

Remembering that Black churches like Quinn Chapel AME – the oldest Black church in Chicago – and Pilgrim Baptist in St. Paul, were not just places of worship. They were stations on the railroad to freedom.

Remembering the story of Joshua Glover – a man who escaped slavery in Missouri, was captured in Wisconsin under the Fugitive Slave Act, and then liberated from jail by a crowd of thousands of abolition-

ists. His rescue helped spark the creation of the Republican Party – back when it was the party of Lincoln.

These are not footnotes. They are the foundation.

They tell us something essential about who we have been, who we are, and who we can still be.

Now, as the Trump administration attacks anything and everything recognizing diversity, as it moves to gut staff and resources from the very departments tasked with preserving our history, we need to be worried. We need to be worried about the future of sites that are part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

The battle to preserve our history – including the history still being made today – is not separate from the fight for our future.

What we remember shapes what we do.

When we tell the stories of the people who fought for freedom, we see ourselves in them– and find the courage to keep going.

Juneteenth is about facing the hardest parts of our past without flinching and celebrating the progress we have made. It is about believing that America can still become the country it claims to be.

That belief is what sustained my grandmother. It is what fuels me. And it can be a source of hope for all of us.

Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Truth Makes Us Free

By Ben Jealous

My grandmother taught me we are all born into a great, unfinished struggle.

She meant the struggle for justice. For truth. For dignity.

Next week is Juneteenth, a time of year I always think about this lesson. I think about all the freedom fighters – famous and forgotten – who walked before us.

And I think about all of us who walk now, still trying to finish what they began.

Juneteenth is not just about the day the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is about the delay. The gap between law and justice. It is about how long freedom takes when you leave it up to power.

But most of all, Juneteenth is about the power and importance of truth.

In every generation, there are people who want to bury the truth. We are living through one of those times right now.

Recently I wrote about how the Trump administration’s attempts to omit Black heroes and accomplishments from the American story – as well as those from other marginalized groups – in its scorched earth assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As we fight the erasure of important heroes and historymakers from our past, there are pathbreaking heroes of today’s generations who have been targeted. I was recently reminded of this by Major Elizabeth Stephens.

“There’s a lot of focus on dead people, but a lot of us are still here,” Maj. Stephens told me. “People don’t understand what it’s like to watch yourself be erased, watch your achievements invalidated and the recognition you’ve received for those achievements taken away.”

Among her many distinctions, Maj. Stephens is the first Black female graduate of the US Naval Academy to be selected as a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps. She was the first Black woman to pilot the CH46E and the first woman to pilot the MV22 Osprey. For years, pictures of her and commemorations of these groundbreaking accomplishments were regular features in government buildings, Naval events, and on military websites.

Now, just because she is a Black woman, her image and achievements are being swept into the dustbin, along with many other notable examples of Black heroism, as part of the Trump administration’s “DEI purge.”

Indeed, if you Google Elizabeth Okoreeh-Baah – Major Stephens’s name at the time she served – one of the top results is a link to the US Department of Defense for a photo titled “Osprey Pilot” with the description, “Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth A. Okoreeh-Baah, the first female MV-22 Osprey pilot, stands on a flightline in Iraq after a combat operation, March 12, 2008.”

However, click the link and you end up on a defense.gov page with the error message

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBAROUND

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Professor Ivelaw Griffith Launches New Book at Canada-Caribbean Institute on July 8 The Canada-Caribbean Institute is pleased to be hosting the book launch of Prof. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith’s new publication…

“Oil and Climate Change in Guyana’s Wet Neighbourhood: Probing Promises and Potential Peril”.

It will be a virtual event held on July 8, 2025. It will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This promises to be a great event.

In addition to Prof. Griffith the panel will include Associate Prof. Janette Bulkan (UBC), Amb. Cyril Hunte (retired Guyanese High Commissioner to South Africa) Joel Bhagwandin (Finance Specialist) and Prof. Norman Munroe (FIU and University of Guyana). All of the speakers have links to Guyana and/or the University of Guyana.

Registration is now open for this event.

Scan the QR code in the flyer to register.

NYS BPHA Legislative Caucus Hosts Gun Violence Awareness Albany Advocacy Day 2025

ALBANY, NY – Today, Chair Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (D-Elmont) joined Senator Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem) and Assemblymember Monique Chandler Waterman (D-Brookyln) to host the 2025 Gun Violence Awareness Albany Advocacy Day. Members, their constituents, and advocates from community based organizations across the state came together at the Million Dollar Staircase to highlight how they continue to address gun violence in our communities.

Members of the community spoke during the press conference not only to discuss the work that they are doing on the ground level to combat gun violence, but to also express their frustration with the loss of loved ones being taken from them. Following the press conference, there was aRoundtable Discussion hosted by the BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee. Citations and accolades were given out to advocates, survivors of gun violence and members of the community who continue to carry the trauma of losing a loved one.

“In light of the tragedies that we are reminded of today, my fellow elected officials and I must strive to help make New York State a place where every life, no matter the skin color,

is valued and protected. We will continue to fight for the allocation of resources and policy changes that can change these horrific outcomes for the better. If we are going to stop gun violence, we must ensure that the young people in our communities can have a place where they can comfortably be themselves.

Communities of color all across the country are the ones affected most by this issue, and we need to take action in the Legislature on their behalf.” stated Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.

“Our communities are at a crucial moment in a time where real investments towards the eradication of gun violence for NYS are vital more now than ever. The highest office in this nation has showcased their disinterest in preserving lives, during this national public health crisis, of gun violence, hence, we as state leaders will continue to fight for legislation and key legislation and investments for everyone.

Thanks to the advocacy of the AD 58 Taskforce, BPHA Anti-gunviolence Subcommittee, key community groups and stakeholders, we have done so much to lock in investments in our 2025-2026 NYS Budget including a perma-

nent NYS Office of Gun-violence Prevention, allowing it to play a central role in New York State’s efforts to address gun violence. Gun Violence is a national and local issue and it is time for meaningful change to address the gun violence crisis in an effective way and prioritize safety for everyone. Let’s continue to stand up against the public health crisis of gun violence and make the crucial steps of putting an end towards this epidemic, and preserve the lives of all New Yorkers.” said Assemblywoman Chandler Waterman, Chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee.

“We are disheartened to have this event because that means someone’s loved one was murdered.

We know as it gets hotter in temperature outside, it gets hotter in the streets. That’s why this legislation is so important. We need to do all we can to prepare for a safe summer and, ultimately, make safer communities. I am committed to continue working collaboratively with my colleagues towards a day when we can say another child or loved one’s life was cut short by gun violence. I am grateful for the leadership of Chair Solages of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus and continuing to make a stand against this senseless violence. “stated Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.

“Each life lost to gun violence tears through the fabric of our communities—a rupture that demands courage, not complacency. As a proud member of the BPHA Caucus, I stand with all who seek to turn pain into policy, and tragedy into transformative change. This fight is not just against bullets, but against the systemic neglect that breeds violence. Through legislation rooted in justice and care, we affirm a simple truth: every New Yorker deserves to live free from the trauma of gun violence. Real safety comes not from fear, but from solidarity, investment, and

action.” said Senator Robert Jackson.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that continues to devastate families and communities across our state. We must be bold in our efforts to enact common-sense gun safety laws, invest in community-based solutions, and protect our neighborhoods from the senseless loss of life. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe—in their schools, in their homes, and on their streets.” Said Assemblyman Demond Meeks.

“Gun violence remains a problem across our state, especially in our Black and Brown communities. Every day we see the residual harm gun violence causes. In the City of Buffalo, in my own district, we are still feeling the effects of the racist attack on our community and mourning those loved ones we lost. By supporting initiatives like GIVE and SNUG and other local, community-based anti-violence organizations, we can steer people away from the allure of street life and save lives. I want to thank my colleagues in the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee for working to make our communities safer.” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

“Gun violence is not just a crisis in our communities, it’s a direct result of decades of disinvestment, easy access to weapons, and a failure to center healing. In Southeast Queens, we’ve seen the power of community-based solutions: credible messengers, youth programs, and mental health supports that interrupt violence before it happens. I stand with my colleagues in calling for real investments, not just in law enforcement, but in the people and programs that are saving lives every day. This is a public health emergency, and it demands a public health response”. Said NYS Senator Leroy Comrie.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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Live the Life of Sandcastle Royalty.

Introducing the newest village at Beaches® Turks and Caicos.

Meet Treasure Beach Village, an immersive island playground where sand and sea meet in perfect harmony. From brand-first suites to world-class dining, every moment is designed for amazing vacationing and easy fun. The deeper your clients dive, the close they’ll become — to the ocean, the island, and each other.

Here, play comes easy. Guests can splash through winding water pathways, float in a zero-entry lagoon pool, and relax in suites designed to make them stop and stare. With 11 all-new room categories — including the first-ever CrystalSky Reserve Villas

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and the mega-spacious Chairman’s Penthouse Suite — your clients will have space to roam, adventure, and always come back together.

Cravings? Consider them covered. From craft coffee at Bru to the firstever Beaches Butch’s Island Chop House, plus a world of flavors at Pinta Food Hall, every meal tells a story they’ll never forget. Catch a movie at the Starfish Cinema or the stars from the balcony – whatever they’re in the mood for, we have it. And with all of Beaches Turks and Caicos next door, there’s a legendary sandbox to explore.

The real treasure here? Moments and laughter shared together, under the Caribbean sun.

Explore More

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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Jim Furey, Travel Industry Veteran and Champion of Caribbean Tourism, Has Passed Away HAWLEY, PA – Following a brief illness, Jim Furey, a pioneering voice in Caribbean tourism and founder of Furey & Associates, passed away May 31. He was 85.

A trusted advisor, gifted storyteller, and tireless advocate for the region he helped bring to prominence, Jim got his start in the publishing business at the Bayonne Times and later worked at the New York Herald Tribune. Later, he joined The New York Times and in 1969, was named Western Hemisphere Promotion Manager, where he pioneered a series of special advertising sections dedicated to the Caribbean. These early efforts helped define the way the region would be introduced to generations of travelers.

In 1976, Jim and his wife Barbara founded Furey & Associates, a marketing and communications firm focused on what they called “travel marketing through targeted publishing.” Over nearly three decades, the firm became one of the most respected marketing agencies working to promote the emerging islands of the Caribbean. Jim served as a publisher’s representative for some of the country’s most prestigious media brands—including Business Week, The

Los Angeles Times, Southern Living, Sports Illustrated, U.S. News & World Report, and The Star-Ledger—building lasting bridges between destinations and the audiences they hoped to reach.

Early in his career, Jim joined with other travel industry luminaries to launch the first Caribbean Tourism Association chapter (now the Caribbean Tourism Organization - CTO) in New York, laying important groundwork for promoting the region. In the early 1980s, he and Barbara launched Caribbean Sales Seminars, a precursor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual State of the Industry Conference.

Widely admired for his intelligence, warmth, and wit, Furey believed deeply in the power of connection. He leaves behind an industry better for his presence and a legacy that continues in the work of those he mentored, collaborated with, and inspired.

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CARIBBRIEFS

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Jamaican Woman in Florida Guyanese Singer Amrita Charged with Falsifying U.S. Naraine Joins Guinness Citizenship to Vote World Record Tallahassee, FL – A Jamaican national is facing up to five years in prison and possible deportation after being charged with falsely claiming U.S. citizenship in order to vote in the 2024 presidential primary election in Florida.

According to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Michelle Spaven, 52-year-old Jacqueline Dianne Wallace was arrested last month on a federal criminal complaint for

unlawfully declaring herself a U.S. citizen.

Court documents state that Wallace arrived in the United States in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa and failed to return to Jamaica as required. In January 2024, she allegedly registered to vote in a federal election through an online system that required self-certification of U.S. citizenship—an assertion she was not legally permitted to make.

Georgetown, Guyana – Guyana’s Amrita Naraine has officially earned a place in the Guinness World Records as a contributor to a groundbreaking global music project titled 195. The initiative featured 195 women from 195 different countries— each contributing vocals to a single track—setting the record for “Most Nationalities to Contribute Vocals to a Musical Recording (Single Song).”

The historic song debuted on January 20, 2025, during the World Economic Forum

in Davos, Switzerland, as part of the Frequency School event. Sung in the healing 528Hz frequency, 195 stands as an anthem for unity, peace, and global sisterhood.

“Being part of 195 was both a personal honor and a professional alignment with my mission—using creative expression, supported by technology, to bring people closer together,” said Naraine.

Jamaica – US Citizen on Visit Missing Since January, Police Seeking Help The Jamaica Constabulary Force has issued a Missing Persons Alert for a US National they said has been missing since January 2025. The force posted the following to their Facebook account: Twenty-seven-year-old TaeJon Thomas of Wren Street, Rochester, New York and

Waterloo Road, in Kingston has been missing since Friday, January 24.

He is of fair complexion, stout build and about 182 centimeters (6 feet) tall.Reports from the Montego Bay Police are that on the aforementioned date, Thomas was last seen at his address in Kingston. His mode

of dress when last seen is unknown. He has not been heard from or seen since and was reported missing on Monday, June 2.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of TaeJon Thomas is asked to contact the Montego Bay Police at 876-952-3572, 119

police emergency number or the nearest police station.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBHEALTH

June 2025 - Men’s Health Month June 2025 is Men’s Health Month will focus on closing the “Empathy Gap” in men’s health, highlighting the need for more attention to their physical and mental well-being, including issues like mental health, cancer screenings, and suicide prevention. The theme emphasizes the importance of advocacy, awareness, and action to address the disparities in care and support for men.

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

The Empathy Gap: Men’s Health Month aims to address the lack of care, funding, and support for men’s health issues, including mental health, cancer screenings, and suicide prevention.

Mental Health Focus: There’s a strong emphasis on men’s mental well-being, recognizing the silent crisis of men’s mental health and the need for support and reduced stigma.

Social Connection and Support: The month also highlights the importance of social connection and seeking support

when needed, addressing the fact that men are often less likely than women to turn to friends or family for emotional support.

Action and Advocacy: The theme encourages action and advocacy to raise awareness and address disparities in care for men’s health issues.

Men’s Health Week 2025 celebrated on June 9 -15, aims to address the Empathy Gap by driving policy changes, increasing research funding, & promoting proactive healthcare initiatives to ensure men & boys receive the critical health support. The focus is on 4 specific areas: - Prostate / Testicular Cancer Awareness - Men’s Mental Health Awareness - Employer-Led Health Checkups - Father’s Day The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

CARPHA Uses Science-Based Tools to Reduce The Impact of FoodBorne Diseases Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - Foodborne diseases (FBDs) continue to pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Caribbean residents and visitors, impacting approximately 1 in 49 people annually. Studies show that this risk escalates during large events or mass gatherings, where 1 in 11 people suffer from illnesses caused by contaminated food.

With an estimated 142,000 cases of foodborne illness in the Region annually, about 43% affect children under five years old.

Foodborne illnesses may be caused by germs like Norovirus and Salmonella, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal, systemic, or neurological symptoms. Beyond the health impact, these and other foodborne diseases disrupt tourism, trade, and overall national productivity, sectors that are critical to the Caribbean’s economy. This highlights an urgent need for effective food safety measures to be implemented across the Region.

“The health and economic security of the Caribbean depend on our ability to detect and respond quickly to food safety threats,” said Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

She explained, “Science gives us the tools to protect our communities by improving surveillance, fostering collaboration, and guiding timely actions. Our Integrated Foodborne Disease Programme is a prime example of science in action, helping to keep food safe from farm to table. By applying laboratory diagnostics, digital surveillance platforms, real-time data sharing, and cross-sectoral analysis, we protect the health, safety, and economies of our Member States.”

Science is at the heart of food safety. For this reason, the theme of World Food Safety Day,

commemorated on 7th June, is “Science in Action”. It draws attention to the use of scientific knowledge as key to reducing illness, cutting costs and saving lives.

In recent years, the burden of FBDs in the Caribbean has been made worse by several factors, including fragmented health systems, differences in epidemiological data collection, limited laboratory capacity, and limited workforce capacity. The Region’s reliance on tourism, trade, and imported foods, combined with the porous borders of small island states, also increases vulnerability to outbreaks.

In addition, many foodborne outbreaks go undetected or are reported late due to underreporting and varying levels of emergency preparedness. This delay reduces opportunities for early intervention and increases the risk to public health.

To tackle these challenges, Dr. Indar pointed out, “CARPHA’s integrated foodborne disease programme applies a science-based One Health approach—recognising the close connection between human, animal, and environmental health”.

The Programme enhances foodborne disease surveillance and strengthens regional food safety systems through multisectoral coordination. CARPHA uses innovative scientific tools such as syndromic surveillance, laboratory testing, digital alert systems, and environmental monitoring to detect threats quickly, respond efficiently, and minimise the impact of foodborne illnesses.

This comprehensive, science-driven strategy empowers Caribbean countries to act faster and smarter, protecting citizens and supporting the region’s economic resilience. (CARPHA)

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CARIBA&E

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Sheryl Lee Ralph Pushes Through 106-Degree Fever for Comedy: “They Said, You’re Still Funny”

Sheryl Lee Ralph has always been the epitome of dedication and comedic brilliance — and now, she’s revealing just how far she’s gone for the sake of laughter.

During Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist Comedy Actors Roundtable, the beloved Abbott Elementary star stunned her fellow panelists with a jaw-dropping confession: she once reported to work with a 106-degree fever.

“Show up. Even though I had a temperature of 106,” Ralph shared without hesitation. Her revelation left fellow comedy stars Uzo Aduba

(The Residence), Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), David Alan Grier (St. Denis Medical), Nathan Lane (Mid-Century Modern), and Michael Urie (Shrinking) gasping in disbelief.

“I should’ve been at home or in the hospital — it was a literal 106,” Ralph emphasized. “But I came to work anyway.”

Ralph, who has spent over five decades in the entertainment industry, acknowledged that this kind of grueling, all-in work ethic is gradually fading. “And thank God,” she added with a knowing laugh. But at the time, no one was

willing to send her home.

“They said, ‘Sheryl, we’d send you home, but you’re still funny,’” she recalled. Her story prompted a quip from Grier, who joked in the voice of a director, “Even when you’re dying, you’re amusing — so we need to film it.”

Lifting her glass, Ralph responded in perfect comedic timing: “To that!”

That kind of relentless commitment has become a trademark for Ralph, who plays the no-nonsense, deeply principled kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on ABC’s hit sitcom

Abbott Elementary. And while she now acknowledges that this level of intensity is “dying slowly in the industry,” she admits it was still very much alive when she showed up to work sick — and hilarious.

The physical toll of comedy hasn’t let up, either. Ahead of Abbott’s fourth season, Ralph confessed that she was growing weary of the increasingly physical gags written for her character.

Buju Banton Returns to LA After 20 Years, Delivers Electrifying Performance at BET Experience 2025 Los Angeles, CA – Reggae icon Buju Banton made a triumphant return to Los Angeles on June 5, 2025, headlining the opening night of the BET Experience at the Hollywood Palladium. This performance marked his first in the city in over two decades, igniting the stage with his signature rebel spirit and captivating energy.

Known as “The Gargamel,” Buju Banton’s return was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. With over 30 years in the music industry, the Grammy-winning artist delivered a powerful set that resonated with fans old and new, reaffirming his status as a global reggae

legend.

The BET Experience 2025, presented by SheaMoisture, is a multi-day celebration of Black culture, featuring music, comedy, and community events leading up to the BET Awards on June 9. Buju Banton’s performance set the tone for the festivities, showcasing the enduring influence of reggae music on the global stage.

Lighting up the stage at the Hollywood Palladium, Buju captivated fans with his commanding presence, message-driven lyrics, and unmistakable rebel energy. The sold-out crowd was

a mix of longtime loyalists and new fans, all drawn into the unrelenting spirit and timeless sound that have made him a global cultural force.

Next stop: Las Vegas. On June 7, Buju Banton will make history again performing for the first time ever in Las Vegas and becoming the first reggae dancehall artist to headline Planet Hollywood. This landmark performance is part of a rare and intimate stateside run for the Jamaican superstar, whose presence on U.S. stages remains a special occasion for fans.

As Buju Banton continues his return to the

spotlight with purpose and power, his performances are reminders of the movement he represents—rooted in consciousness, culture, and the fire of the people.

With Tables, Chairs, Space 20x50 feet, Back Porch and Parking lot

Beautiful art center space for: Release Party Book Signing Arts and Crafts Display Small Party Karaoke Conferences Pottery Class Hair Styling Makeup Classes Real Estate Classes

Call for information and viewing VP Records Retail store (next door) 170-19 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY 11432 718 297 5802 - 718 291 7058

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

CARIBTRAVEL

Sandals Caribbean Heritage Month Summer Sale In celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month, Sandals Resorts has launched a limited-time summer sale offering up to $1,000 in savings at all 17 of its Caribbean resorts. The offer is valid for bookings made through June 15 and includes free cultural excursions for stays of five nights or more.

The Caribbean Sale Starting at $199 per person per night, the promotion includes: Up to $1,000 in instant credits A $100 web booking bonus One free night in select room categories Flexible payment options Complimentary Island Routes excursion for stays of 5+ nights The deal applies to travel through December 24, 2025.

“There’s no better time to visit the Caribbean

than in the summer, when the air is filled with music, flavor, and celebration,” said Gary C. Sadler, Executive VP of Sales at Unique Vacations, Inc., Sandals’ global marketing affiliate.

Each resort includes a free Island Routes excursion tailored to its location: Jamaica: Bamboo river rafting or catamaran tours to Dunn’s River Falls Saint Vincent & the Grenadines: Dark View Falls and historical coastline tour Antigua: English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard sightseeing Saint Lucia: Northern historical landmarks and communities Barbados: UNESCO Garrison Historical Tour Curaçao: Explore Willemstad’s colorful districts Grenada: Farm-to-table culinary experiences Bahamas: Sunset catamaran tours in Nassau For details, visit sandals.com/sale

JTB Celebrates 70 Years With 70 Days of Jamaica Love Special Offer

The Jamaica Tourist Board is celebrating its landmark 70th Anniversary with 70 days of savings on accommodations, attractions and more across the island. The “70 Days of Jamaica Love” special islandwide offers are available on bookings made between June 4 and August 12, 2025, with travel valid through April 30, 2026.

“Since our founding in 1955, the Jamaica Tourist Board has been dedicated to highlighting Jamaica’s beauty, culture, and warm hospitality to travelers worldwide,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “As we prepare to again welcome more than four million visitors in 2025, our growth reflects seven decades of strong partnership, unwavering dedication, and the welcoming spirit of the Jamaican people.”

Travelers can access special rates, valueadded packages and exclusive promotions by visiting www.visitjamaica.com/deals.

“For 70 years, we’ve helped shape how the world sees Jamaica—rich in natural beauty, alive with rhythm, and rooted in history,” said Donovan White, Director of

Tourism, Jamaica. “This special promotion is both a thank-you and a welcome. It’s an invitation to feel the pulse of reggae, to sip Blue Mountain coffee at sunrise, and to create memories on our beaches, mountains, and in our vibrant towns. There’s never been a better time to fall in love with Jamaica.”

Jamaica offers unforgettable experiences suited to every kind of traveler. In Montego Bay, visitors enjoy bustling nightlife, white-sand beaches, and destination dining. Ocho Rios is home to iconic attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain, alongside top-rated family resorts. Negril invites serenity with its legendary 7-mile beach and cliffside sunsets, while the South Coast charms with quiet escapes in Treasure Beach and nature tours along the Black River. The lush vegetation of Port Antonio and the cultural heartbeat of Kingston, the island’s capital, all add up to an enchanting and unmatched Caribbean destination.

For more information on visiting Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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CARIBSPORTS

Racers Grand Prix Thompson, Broadbell Show Out Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson produced an emphatic run to win the men’s 100m in 9.88 (0.0m/s) at the Racers Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday (7).

Thompson, drawn in lane four, reacted quickly to the starter’s gun and pulled away from the field at the midway mark. His compatriot Oblique Seville finished with a flourish to clinch second place in a season’s best of 9.97 ahead of the South African pair of Gift Leotlela (10.04) and world U20 champion Bayanda Walaza (10.06).

“Today, I put together a decent race,” said Thompson, who registered a season’s best. “I went through my phases as best as I could, and I’m super grateful for finishing injury-free.

I want everyone to be patient because great things are going to happen.”

Seville, last year’s winner, was also satisfied with his performance. “I am pleased with dipping under 10 seconds because I had to run conservatively due to a niggle that I picked up in the Atlanta City Games,” he said. “Tonight’s run has given me the confidence that I will do well at the national senior championships in three weeks’ time.”

In the women’s equivalent, two-time world U20 champion Tina Clayton ran a season’s best of 10.98 (1.8m/s) to defeat USA’s Jacious Sears (11.04).

In the men’s 110m hurdles, Olympic bronze medallist Rasheed Broadbell defeated the red-hot US athlete Trey Cunningham in a tight contest – 13.06 to 13.08 (0.7m/s). It was Broadbell’s third win against Cunningham in five finals.

“Each time I compete, I get better and better.

Tonight, my execution was clean, my aim was to be in front after the first six hurdles, and once I achieve that, I will not be caught,” said

Broadbell, who set a meeting record.

Following in Armstrong’s wake was world indoor champion Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas in a season’s best of 12.65.

The men’s 200m was one of the most highly anticipated events on the night, and it almost lived up to its billing. Jamaican champion Bryan Levell solidified his growing reputation with a scintillating run, bursting the tape at 19.79.

However, the celebrations from the 15,000 spectators were muted when the wind reading of 2.5m/s appeared on the scoreboard. Levell’s compatriot Christopher Taylor, returning from a two-year suspension, came through for second place in 20.39.

World champion Shericka Jackson won the women’s 200m in a season’s best of 22.53 (1.0m/s).

Returning from a serious-looking injury suffered a month ago at the Miami Grand Slam Track meeting, Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke showed no signs of discomfort as he triumphed in the 400m hurdles in 48.65. The world U20 record-holder had to withstand a late surge in the home straight from his compatriot Assinie Wilson, who clocked 48.77.

USA’s world indoor champion Christopher Bailey continued his love affair with Jamaica’s stadium track, winning the 400m in 44.74.

Bailey dragged Jamaica’s Delano Kennedy to a 45.22 PB. “I felt a little sloppier than normal at the start, but I knew I could rely on my finish. I have a great finish, and I was happy to go sub-45 here again,” said Bailey, who opened his outdoor season in Kingston in April with an impressive 44.34 clocking. His compatriot Lynna Irby-Jackson made it a US sweep of the 400m when she ran a season’s best of 50.23 to deny Jamaica’s Stacy-Ann Williams (50.56).

(World Athletics)

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2025

Efforts Underway to Recruit 3 NBA Players for Jamaica’s National Basketball Team

Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) has confirmed early discussions are underway to recruit three NBA players—Scottie Barnes, Isaiah Stewart, and Devin Vassell—to represent Jamaica in international competition.

All three athletes are eligible to play for Jamaica through their fathers. Barnes plays for the Toronto Raptors, Stewart for the Detroit Pistons, and Vassell for the San Antonio Spurs.

JABA President Paulton Gordon expressed optimism about the outreach, emphasizing that the addition of such elite players would significantly enhance Jamaica’s competitiveness on the international stage. “We’re building a team that can compete at the highest level, and having players like Scottie, Isaiah, and Devin would be transformative,” said Gordon.

This effort follows recent commitments from Los Angeles Clippers standout Norman Powell and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Minott, both of whom will compete in the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers this August.

Additionally, twins Amen and Ausar Thompson—of the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, respectively—have expressed interest in joining the national team and are in the process of obtaining Jamaican passports.

JABA’s strategy reflects a broader trend of utilizing diaspora talent to elevate national teams. With several NBA players in the pipeline, Jamaica’s chances of qualifying for its first Olympic basketball appearance look increasingly promising.