March 26, 2025

JAMAICA

RUBIO VISIT TO JAMAICA ON THE AGENDA

Immigration, crime and economies - he will meet with heads of state from Haiti, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago

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WASHINGTON

TRUMP REVOKES TPS FOR HAITIANS, CUBANS, AND VENEZUELANS

Over half a millioneffective April 24

JAMAICA

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CHINA’S ROLE IN REGION - STEADFAST

Says President of Caribbean Development Bank, Daniel Best - an unwavering commitment

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POLITICS

MIA LOVE DIESFIRST BLACK REPUBLICAN

Member of US Congress with Haitian roots serving two termswas not supporter of Trump

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HARLEM, NEW YORK

GHCC - TRIBUTE TO DR. HAZEL DUKES

During the Women’s Month celebration - a moving tribute for her beloved community

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BARBADOS

RIHANNA BRINGS GLAM TO THE ISLAND

Back home to launch Fenty-Puma collection - stepping out in glamorous style

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CaribNews

EDITORIAL

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

South Sudan on the brink of civil war, top UN official warns

South Sudan is teetering on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war as violence escalates and political tensions deepen, the head of the UN Mission in the country (UNMISS) warned on Monday.

OPINION

Preserving Our Natural Wonders is a Patriotic Cause Worth Fighting For by

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HEALTH

Meeks and Meng Hold Press Conference on Medicaid Cuts Impacting Thousands of Queens Residents - P 16

SPORTS

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to Host 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Opening Match on June 14 - P 20

Briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York via videolink from Juba, Nicholas Haysom described indiscriminate attacks on civilians, mass displacement and rising ethnic tensions.

He urged all parties to pull back from the brink and commit to peace before the country plunges into another devastating conflict.

“A conflict would erase all the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed. It would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region, which simply cannot afford another war,” he warned.

Fragile peace at risk

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but the world’s youngest nation has been plagued by conflict and instability ever since.

A civil war erupted in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with his former deputy, Riek Machar. The war – marked by ethnic violence, mass atrocities and widespread humanitarian crisis – lasted until a fragile peace deal was signed in 2018.

UN agency warns of ‘surge’ in AIDS deaths without US funding

Amid continuing uncertainty about the impact of deep US funding cuts to humanitarian work worldwide, the head of the UN agency coordinating the fight against HIV-AIDS warned that an additional 6.3 million people will die in the next four years, unless support is reinstated. “We will see a …real surge in this disease - [we] will see it come back, and we see people dying the way we saw them in the 90s and in 2000s,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima who noted a “tenfold increase” from the 600,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded globally in 2023.

“We also expect an additional 8.7 million new infections. At the last count, there were 1.3 million new infections globally [in] 2023”.

Focusing on Africa – where the eastern and southern regions bear 53 per cent of the global HIV burden – Ms. Byanyima warned that closing drop-in centers for girls and young women without notice would be disastrous. She emphasized that more than 60 per cent of new infections on the continent are among girls and young women.

Speaking to UN News earlier this month, Susan Kasedde, head of the UNAIDS office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighted major uncertainties regarding the extent and scope of cuts to PEPFAR-led programmes. This initiative, launched over two decades ago by former US President George W. Bush to prevent and contain HIV infections, is estimated to have saved around 26 million lives. There are currently around 520,000 people living with HIV in the DRC, including 300,000 women and 50,000 children.

Guterres to reduce UN aid ‘footprint’ inside Gaza following ceasefire collapse

The UN Secretary-General on Monday took the “difficult decision” to reduce the aid operation inside the Gaza Strip following the resumption of deadly Israeli airstrikes – but pledged that “the UN is not leaving” the enclave.

“In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Strip since early March,” said a statement released by his Spokesperson. “As a result, the Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies.”

The UN stressed that it remained fully committed to providing lifesaving aid. Around a third of the approximately 100 international staff working in Gaza will be temporarily relocated.

After cutting off all humanitarian aid into Gaza for three weeks – the longest suspension since 7 October 2023 – Israeli officials have indicated that they intend to continue their military campaign across Gaza and annex territory to pressure Hamas.

Running to bomb shelters, nothing new for Ukraine’s schoolchildren

Classes cut short by air raid sirens have become a routine part of school life for many Ukrainian youngsters in the three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, a new UN report published on Friday details.

There have been a staggering 1,614 recorded attacks on Ukrainian schools up to the end of last year says the report from the UN human rights office OHCHR – part of a legacy of death, injury, disability and family separation. Children’s educational attainment level has plummeted during the unrelenting hostilities, “diminishing their future educational path and ability to realize their full potential in employment and beyond.”

Furthermore, children living in the four regions annexed by Russia in breach of international law, are “especially vulnerable” following the imposition of a Russian school curriculum.

Propaganda exercise

“Military-patriotic training is prioritised, and children are exposed to war propaganda,” Liz Throssell of the Office for Human Rights told journalists in Geneva on Friday.

“Children are also completely restricted from accessing education in the Ukrainian language and have been imposed with Russian citizenship,” she continued. The horrifying impact on Ukraine’s youngest extends way beyond the classroom. As the report unveils, a verified 669 children were killed and 1,833 injured since February 2022, with the actual numbers likely much higher.

Global Protests on April 5: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk by Stacy M. Brown- P 9

Ben Jealous -

Trump Revokes TPS for Haitians, Cubans, and Venezuelans Effective April 24

The Trump administration proposes to terminate temporary legal status for 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, beginning April 24. This terminates a two-year parole program created by Biden, which permitted entrance with U.S. sponsors. Trump has pushed tougher immigration enforcement, including record deportations, and claims these initiatives went beyond federal law.

On March 6, Trump declared that he would make a decision “very soon” on whether to deny parole to over 240,000 Ukrainians who escaped to the United States during the war with Russia. Trump’s comments followed a Reuters story claiming that his administration intended to

strip Ukrainians of their status as early as April.

In 2022, Biden started a parole entrance program for Venezuelans, and in 2023, he extended it to Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans as his government struggled with substantial illegal immigration from those countries. There has been tension in the four nations’ diplomatic and political ties with the US.

As Biden attempted to crack down on unauthorized border crossings between the United States and Mexico, new legal routes were established.

Many migrants may be at risk of deportation if they decide to stay in the United States after the Trump administration

decided to deny them legal status. The number of people who came to the United States on parole and currently have some kind of legal status or protection is still unknown.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated in a notice scheduled to formally appear in the Federal Register on Monday that the migrants’ parole status would be revoked, which would facilitate their placement in “expedited removal,” an expedited deportation procedure.

Certain migrants in the United States may be subject to accelerated removal for two years or less under a Trump-era regulation that was put into effect in January.

NAACP President - Trump Dismantling the Basic Functions of Democracy

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson expressed his belief that President Trump is “deliberately dismantling the basic functions” of American democracy.

Johnson took to the social media site X to criticize Trump’s intentions to close the Department of Education.

Johnson posted, “@POTUS is not only seeking to shut down the Department of Education — he is deliberately dismantling the basic functions of our democracy, one piece at a time.”  He continues, “That decision will only hurt children across America who depend on federal funding for a quality education.”

After being announced weeks ago, Trump’s unilateral order to dissolve the Education

Department was postponed with little justification. In the White House’s East Room on March 20, 2024, the president is anticipated to sign the directive. This comes just after Education Secretary Linda McMahon instructed staff to be ready for their “final mission” and the department let go of almost half of its personnel.

Johnson pointed out in his essay that while Trump cannot completely dissolve a department and his proposal would not be feasible without Congressional action, he may drastically reduce its staff or weaken it.

“Let’s be clear: only Congress can establish or abolish an executive agency. This new

executive order is unconstitutional, but to Donald Trump, the rule of law doesn’t seem to matter,” he stated.

The leading member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), also opposed the decision to close the department.  According to Scott, Trump’s plan would endanger schoolchildren nationwide in addition to having several legal repercussions.

Scott claimed that eliminating the division would “exacerbate existing disparities, reduce accountability, and put low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, rural students, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students at risk.”

US - Rubio says U.S. Canceling 83% of USAID Projects

On March 10, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that 83% of US Agency for International Development (USAID) initiatives will be discontinued.

To allow his administration time to evaluate international expenditures and eliminate programs that do not fit with his “America First” vision, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January calling for a freeze on all US foreign aid.

Rubio said on social networking platform X, “After a 6 week review we are officially cancelling 83% of the programs at USAID.”

Rubio added, “The 5,200 contracts that are now cancelled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.”

US humanitarian aid is distributed globally via USAID, which operates emergency and health programs in

around 120 nations.

The State Department, which oversees USAID, declared on February 26 that it will terminate 5,800 grants and reduce 92% of the agency’s program financing.

The Department of federal Efficiency (DOGE), which billionaire Elon Musk is spearheading to reduce expenses and lay off employees across federal agencies, was specifically commended by Rubio on Monday. According to Trump and his supporters, foreign aid is unnecessary and does not advance US interests.

However, aid organizations contend that a large portion of the help advances US interests by fostering stability and health abroad and caution that reducing aid puts the lives of those in need in jeopardy.

NY - Court Blocks Non-Citizens from Voting in Municipal Elections

New York City’s attempt to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections was recently terminated by the highest court in New York State. In a 6-1 decision, the high court stated that “the New York constitution as it stands today draws a firm line restricting voting to citizens.”

New York City’s 2022 ordinance was never put into effect. According to supporters, it would have applied to around 800,000 foreign nationals who were authorized to work in the US or had legal permanent status there. They would have been able to vote for local politicians like the mayor and municipal council, but not for the president, Congress, or state representatives.

The measure was swiftly challenged by state Republican authorities, and state courts at all levels rejected it.

Republicans applauded Thursday’s decision by the Court of Appeals, the state’s top court.

In a statement, NYGOP Chair Ed Cox stated, “Efforts by radical Democrats on the New York City Council to permit non-citizen voting have been rightly rejected.” Michael Hawrylchak, the Republican lawyer, expressed his satisfaction that the court acknowledged the “fundamental limits” on voter eligibility outlined in the state constitution.

Non-citizen inhabitants of Washington, D.C. can vote in municipal elections, while a few towns in Maryland and Vermont allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. Parents who are not citizens are permitted to vote in school board elections in San Francisco.

Farther south in California, residents of Santa Ana rejected a non-citizen voting measure last year. Some other states specifically prohibit localities from enfranchising non-citizens. According to the state constitution of New York, “every citizen shall have the right to vote” if they are residents of the state and at least

eighteen years old. Voters in county and municipal elections must reside in the appropriate county, city, or village, the text also states. New York City said that “every citizen” did not imply “citizens only,” and that the city had the autonomy to decide whether to provide more people with the right to vote in its own elections. Many individuals who have settled in the city and pay taxes there but have difficult pathways to citizenship now have an electoral voice, according to the law’s advocates. Democrats were accused by the GOP of breaking the state constitution to further their own political agenda. The law was passed by the City Council, which is overwhelmingly Democratic.

Eric Adams, the Democratic mayor, did not sign it or veto it. Rather, he did not sign it into law, stating at the time that he thought “New Yorkers should have a say in their government.”

US Revoking Caribbean Leaders Visas

In a commendable display of leadership and solidarity, Caribbean nations have united to oppose a recent U.S. policy targeting Cuban medical missions. These missions have long been instrumental in bolstering healthcare systems across the region, providing essential services to underserved communities. The U.S. administration’s stance not only threatens to disrupt these vital services but also undermines the sovereignty of Caribbean nations striving to meet the healthcare needs of their populations. Since the early 1960s, Cuba has championed medical internationalism, dispatching healthcare professionals worldwide to assist nations in crisis and to support under-resourced medical systems. This commitment began in 1960 when Cuba sent a team of medics to Chile following a devastating earthquake. Three years later, in 1963, Cuba dispatched medical workers to help newly independent Algeria build its healthcare sector. Over the decades, Cuban medical professionals have served in numerous countries, offering services ranging from emergency response to the establishment of sustainable healthcare infrastructure. In the Caribbean, Cuban doctors have been a cornerstone of healthcare delivery. Their contributions have been particularly significant

in nations grappling with limited resources and challenging health indicators. For instance, in Haiti, Cuban medical teams have been active since 1998, providing continuous support through natural disasters and health crises. They have been credited with performing over 207,000 surgeries, restoring eyesight to 45,000 individuals, and assisting in the birth of 100,000 children. Such interventions have not only saved lives but have also strengthened the healthcare capacities of these nations.

The recent U.S. policy threatens visa restrictions on individuals involved with Cuban medical missions, labeling these programs as “forced labor” that enriches the Cuban regime. This characterization has been met with staunch opposition from Caribbean leaders who recognize the indispensable role of Cuban healthcare professionals in their countries.

Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of over 400 Cuban medical personnel working in Jamaica, stating, “Their presence here is of importance to our healthcare system.” These professionals include doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and technicians who fill critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare delivery.

Similarly, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines emphasized the critical nature of Cuban medical assistance, particularly for patients requiring dialysis treatment. He remarked, “I will prefer to lose my visa than to have 60 poor and working people die.” This statement underscores the profound ethical considerations at play, where the well-being of citizens is prioritized over diplomatic pressures.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, before stepping down, also expressed his readiness to forgo his U.S. visa rather than compromise his nation’s healthcare services. He asserted, “I just came back from California, and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to ... .” Rowley highlighted the long-standing reliance on Cuban medical professionals, who are compensated on par with their local counterparts, refuting claims of

exploitation.

Barbados has maintained a robust relationship with Cuba since establishing formal diplomatic ties in 1972. Over the years, this relationship has been marked by mutual support and collaboration, particularly in healthcare. Cuban medical teams have assisted Barbados in various capacities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, where 126 medical professionals from the Henry Reeve Brigade were dispatched to aid in the country’s response efforts. This collaboration has been pivotal in enhancing Barbados’ healthcare delivery, especially during times of crisis.

The U.S. administration’s decision to impose visa restrictions on those involved with Cuban medical missions is predicated on allegations of labor exploitation. However, this perspective fails to consider the agency of Caribbean nations and their leaders, who actively seek and value Cuban medical assistance. The characterization of these missions as “forced labor” is contradicted by the testimonies of Caribbean leaders who attest to the equitable treatment and essential contributions of Cuban medical personnel.

Furthermore, the policy overlooks the historical context of Cuban medical internationalism, which has been rooted in principles of solidarity and mutual aid. Cuba’s medical missions have been a lifeline for many countries, providing services that would otherwise be inaccessible to large segments of their populations. The unilateral move by the U.S. not only threatens to deprive these nations of critical healthcare services but also undermines regional efforts to achieve health equity.

The firm stance taken by Caribbean leaders is a call for the U.S. to respect the sovereignty of nations in choosing their development partners. The decision to engage Cuban medical professionals is based on pragmatic considerations of healthcare needs and the proven track record of these missions in delivering results. By attempting to curtail these collaborations, the U.S. risks alienating its neighbors and disrupting healthcare systems that rely on Cuban support.

It is imperative for the U.S. to reassess its policy through a lens of mutual respect and understanding. Engaging in dialogue with Caribbean nations and acknowledging the value they place on Cuban medical assistance would be a constructive step forward. Such an approach would not only preserve essential healthcare services but also strengthen diplomatic relations in the region.

The unwavering support of Caribbean leaders for Cuban medical missions is a testament to the profound impact these programs have had on the health and well-being of their populations. The U.S. policy targeting these missions is not only misguided but also detrimental to the progress made in regional healthcare. As the world continues to grapple with health challenges, fostering collaboration and honoring the choices of sovereign nations in determining their healthcare partnerships is more crucial than ever.

The resilience of Caribbean nations in defending their right to access quality healthcare—regardless of geopolitical tensions—demonstrates a commitment to their people’s well-being above all else. Leaders like Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, and Prime Minister Keith Rowley, among others, have set an example of principled leadership, standing up against external pressures to protect their healthcare systems.

The United States should respect the autonomy of Caribbean nations and recognize that their partnerships with Cuba are a matter of health, not politics. Rather than seeking to dismantle these life-saving collaborations,  At the end of the day, the issue at hand is not about ideology—it is about human lives.

The Caribbean has made its position clear: healthcare should never be used as a pawn in political disputes. The international community must acknowledge and support the right of these nations to choose their own healthcare solutions, free from external coercion. It is a stance rooted in justice, self-determination, and, above all, the fundamental principle that access to healthcare is a human right.

China Remains Steadfast in the Development of the Caribbean – CDB

Daniel Best, president of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has reiterated China’s steadfast support for the CDB and the Caribbean.

At a recent 2025 Annual News Confer-

ence, which had as its theme “Rebirth: Innovate, Transform and Thrive for a Resilient Future,” Best, the organization’s seventh president, answered a question from Stabroek News regarding China’s participation in the Caribbean Development Bank’s Special Development Fund (SDF).

Best claimed, “China is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank, just like any of the other 27 members. We are proud to have 28 members, and I am pleased to report that at our pledging meeting last week for the Special Development Fund, the contribution from China was accompanied by a strong statement of support for the Special Development Fund and the CDB and will be pledging later this year.”

He added, “Furthermore, China will be making another pledge later this year, ensuring that their commitment to the CDB, the Caribbean, and the Caribbean people remains steadfast.”

Jamaica - Bob Marley, Miss Lou, National

Heroes in PNP Government

The People’s National Party (PNP), led by Mark Golding, would dominate the government during the next general elections, making cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley and Jamaican reggae sensation Bob Marley national heroes. According to the constitution, the elections must be held by September. The Opposition Leader, Golding, stated that designating Bennett-Cloverley and Marley as national heroes “will be a priority action when we form the government.” “We will confer the Order of National Hero on the Honorable Louise BennettCloverley, making her our second female National Heroine.”

He said that while Jamaica solidifies the essence of Marley’s famous worldwide hymn, “One Love,” a PNP-led administration will likewise honor the importance of the “fi wi” language in identification and expression.

CCJ - Appoints Nigerian Judge to Replace Barbadian Judge

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has appointed Dr Chile Eboe-Osuji of Nigeria and Canada as a judge of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The RJLSC, the independent body responsible for recruiting staff and judges for the CCJ, said that Eboe-Osuj will fill the vacancy created by Justice Andrew Burgess’s retirement on April 11 this year.

It said that Justice Eboe-Osuji is an international jurist who served as a judge of the Haguebased International Criminal Court (ICC), from March 2012 to March 2018 and as ICC president from March 2018 to March 2021. Prior to joining the ICC, Dr Eboe-Osuji was the legal advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and in that capacity, he led the writing of amicus curiae submissions to the European Court of Human Rights and the United States Supreme Court. He has held several posts at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, including head of Chambers and lead prosecution Trial

Counsel.

He practiced law as a barrister before trial courts in Nigeria and Canada and conducted appeals before the Court of Appeal for Ontario (Canada) and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Dr Eboe-Osuji also taught international criminal law as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has an extensive record of legal scholarship and publications, including the books titled International Law and Sexual Violence in Armed Conflicts, and Protecting Humanity.

He is the editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Yearbook of International Law. He served as the legal expert to Nigeria’s delegation to the ICCASP Special Working Group on the Definition of the Crime of Aggression.

He was called to the Bar in Nigeria (1986), Ontario, Canada (1992), and British Columbia, Canada (1992).

“The RJLSC prides itself on a recruitment process that is both meritocratic and fiercely independent. Each appointment reflects our unwavering commitment to selecting individuals of the highest caliber based solely on their expertise, integrity, and dedication to justice,” said CCJ president and RJLSC chairman, Justice Adrian Saunders.

He said during the recruitment process, 26 applications were received from the United States, Canada, Nigeria, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Fiji, Cameroon, Kenya, Pakistan, Australia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Of the applications received, five candidates, three males and two females, were shortlisted for further consideration and subsequently interviewed. This process ensures that our Court continues to be a beacon of fairness and excellence, characterized by the utmost professionalism and impartiality,” Justice Saunders added. (CMC)

Mia Love, First Black Republican Congresswoman with Haitian Roots Dies

The first Black Republican woman elected to the House of Representatives, Mia Love of Utah, a former US politician and the daughter of Haitian immigrants, passed away on March 23, 2024, at age 49.

Love’s family shared the news of her death on her X account.

She just had treatment for brain cancer and then received immunotherapy at Duke University’s brain tumor center as part of a research trial. The former

legislator was no longer responding to therapy, according to her daughter’s assessment earlier last month.

According to the family’s statement, Love passed away in her Saratoga Springs, Utah, home.

Love family posted, “With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully.” They then added, “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences.”

Love’s legacy of service inspired everyone who knew her, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who called her a “true friend.”

After gaining a position on the city council in Saratoga Springs, a developing municipality located around 48 kilometers south of Salt Lake City, Love entered politics in 2003. Later on, she was elected mayor of the city.

Love ran for the House in 2012 but lost by a slim margin to Democratic incumbent former Representative Jim Matheson in a district that includes several

Salt Lake City suburbs. Two years later, she ran again and won by around 7,500 votes over Doug Owens, who was running for the first time.

Love didn’t draw attention to her race throughout her campaigns, but she realized how crucial her election was after winning in 2014. The idea that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not be elected to a seat in Utah’s predominantly white legislature was refuted by her triumph, she added.

During his presidential campaign in the lead-up to the 2016 election, she stayed away from Donald Trump, who was unpopular with many Utah voters, and for a short time, she was considered a rising star in the Republican Party.

Love didn’t draw attention to her race throughout her campaigns, but she realized how crucial her election was after winning in 2014. The idea that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not be elected to a seat in Utah’s predominantly white legislature was refuted by her triumph, she added.

During his presidential campaign in the

lead-up to the 2016 election, she stayed away from Donald Trump, who was unpopular with many Utah voters, and for a short time, she was considered a rising star in the Republican Party.

Love didn’t draw attention to her race throughout her campaigns, but she realized how crucial her election was after winning in 2014. The idea that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could not be elected to a seat in Utah’s predominantly white legislature was refuted by her triumph, she added.

During his presidential campaign in the lead-up to the 2016 election, she stayed away from Donald Trump, who was unpopular with many Utah voters, and for a short time, she was considered a rising star in the Republican Party.

“Yes, Trump says a lot of inconsiderate things that are unfortunate and impossible to defend,” Love posted on social media.

Adding, “However, his policies have a high probability of benefiting all Americans.”

Honoring the Trailblazers: Celebrating Black Women Judges for Women’s History Month

In celebrating Women’s History Month, Carib News proudly honors the pioneering legacy and present-day leadership of Black women judges across New York State. These women stand not only as defenders of justice but as symbols of resilience, brilliance, and the often-unacknowledged strength of Black womanhood in America’s legal system.

The Black woman judge is not a recent phenomenon, though far too often her story has been left out of the broader historical narrative. Her journey has been shaped by both systemic exclusion and extraordinary triumph. From the early struggles for access to legal education and the bar, to being among the first in courtrooms filled with skepticism and silence, Black women have had to do more than just prove their legal competence—they’ve had to fight for their very right to belong. The appointment of Judge Jane Bolin in 1939 as the first Black woman judge in the United States was not just a milestone, it was a revolution. Serving on New York’s Domestic Relations Court, Bolin broke down barriers that were thought to be impenetrable. Today, the lineage she began continues to grow and thrive, reflected in the extraordinary women we recognize this month—women who bring not just legal minds but deep wells of compassion, cultural understanding, and courage to their courtrooms. Take, for instance, the remarkable Hon. Juanita Bing Newton, who recently retired after 45 years of service. She was the first African American woman to serve as Bureau Chief in the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, and later achieved several other “firsts” in New York’s judiciary, including Dean of the Judicial Institute. Each of the judges we honor reflects a commitment not only to uphold the law, but to make the law accessible and humane for the people it’s meant to serve. Hon. Lisa Daley, who currently serves as a Family Court Judge in Bronx Family Court, draws from her background in nursing, advocacy,

and union work to bring compassion and equity to the courtroom. Hon. Lisa Headley, herself of West Indian heritage and raised in public housing, presides with lived experience that resonates with the communities she serves.

Their accomplishments are not mere professional milestones; they are acts of social justice. These women hold positions of influence in a system that has too often failed people of color. But rather than be consumed by that history, they are rewriting it. Like Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy, Associate Justice in the Appellate Division, First Department, whose educational advocacy and leadership inspire young legal minds to dream bigger.

Hon. Margo K. Brodie, the Chief Judge of the Eastern District of New York and born in Antigua, is one such example of rewriting history. Her position as chief judge is not just symbolic of representation—it signals that the judicial voice of Caribbean and African American women matters at the highest levels of the federal court system. Her leadership impacts not only courtrooms but how justice itself is perceived and practiced in diverse communities.

Justice is not only found in criminal trials and appellate rulings—it is also in the daily lives of families, children, and those navigating civil society.

Judges like Hon. Claudia DanielsDePeyster and Hon. Cheryl Joseph bring their cultural and professional breadth to bear in Family and Matrimonial courts. Judge Joseph, appointed to the NYS Court of Claims, has dedicated her career to lifting up families through domestic violence work, academic mentorship, and family court innovation.

So too, does the presence of judges like Hon. LaShann DeArcy Hall—nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama—send a powerful signal that Black women are central, not peripheral, to the nation’s legal foundation. Her resume includes experience with some of the most prom-

inent law firms in the country and leadership roles in ethical governance bodies. She represents a new generation of legal minds: sharp, unflinching, and principled.

Justice, when rendered by Black women, is often more than a verdict— it’s an act of healing. Hon. Sharen Hudson’s work in the Red Hook Community Justice Center embodies this ethos. Her courtroom serves not just to adjudicate, but to restore, mediate, and uplift. It’s a testament to how a judge can be both arbiter and advocate for community well-being. These women are not anomalies. They are part of a growing cohort of Black women who are reshaping the judiciary into an institution that looks, listens, and leads differently.

From Hon. Wavny Toussaint, born in Trinidad and Tobago, to Hon. Barbara Johnson-Lee, born in Jamaica, to Hon. Alison Tuitt, a daughter of the Bronx with Caribbean roots, these jurists reflect the true face of New York and the diversity of the diaspora it houses.

Hon. Bahaati E. Pitt-Burke is a Guyanese-born immigrant who grew up in Bronx County. Pitt-Burke was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department in May 2021.

Hon. Michele Rodney, who sits on the Court of Claims of the New York Supreme Court, carries a powerful portfolio of felony trial work and public interest cases. She is also a leading voice for ethical reform, chairing the Equal Justice Committee for the First Judicial District. Hon. Ericka Edwards brings a similar duality of experience—both as a jurist and a mentor—with a background that stretches from private practice to Harlem-based community law. Then there is Bahamian-American, Hon. J. Machelle Sweeting, a justice with a grounding in Harlem and a vision for innovation. She presided over New York’s first statewide remoteaccess court, expanding legal access to those historically left behind. Her leadership has modernized the judicial

KARLISA RODNEY VICE PRESIDENT

process while preserving the human touch.

Judge Carol Sharpe, Jamaican-born and deeply committed to community service, brings decades of diverse legal experience—from criminal law to transportation and civil litigation— into her role on the Supreme Court, where she continues to shape thoughtful and balanced jurisprudence. Judge Lisa Ottley, of Trinidadian heritage, has been a steady hand in guardianship cases in Kings County, approaching each matter with empathy and deep procedural knowledge.

And most recently appointed, Judge Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint, a Family Court judge in Kings County, exemplifies a new generation of leadership rooted in authenticity, fairness, and a powerful sense of justice as a lived, everyday practice.

As we honor the likes of Hon. Robin K. Sheares, Hon. Norma Jennings, Hon. Lola Waterman, Hon. Inga O’Neale, Hon. Laura Douglas, Hon. Alison Tuitt and the many others, we must also commit to ensuring that their numbers grow. This means investing in legal education, supporting judicial diversity initiatives, mentoring future generations, and continuing to hold open the doors these women have already cracked wide.

The judiciary is one of the most powerful arms of government. Who sits on the bench matters. And when Black women take their rightful seat, they bring the full weight of their history, their heritage, and their humanity with them. Justice becomes not just fair— it becomes fuller, richer, and more reflective of the people it is meant to serve.

Carib News salutes these remarkable women not just for their achievements, but for their example. They are the living legacy of progress—and the promise of a future where justice truly includes us all.

CARIBOPINION

Preserving Our Natural Wonders is a Patriotic Cause Worth Fighting For

By Ben Jealous

Dorothy Gibbs chanted “save our parks” from her wheelchair while holding a sign that read “97 years old, still fighting for public lands!”

She was among an estimated 900 protesters who turned out at Rocky Mountain National Park on March 1 to protest the Trump administration’s mass firings of National Park Service staff last month, conducted through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk. Those 900 were among thousands of Americans who joined protests across the country that day at hundreds of national parks and monuments that day.

Gibbs, perhaps the oldest protester out that day, said for her “it’s personal.” She has volunteered with the National Park Service for 22 years and says her grandfather Charles F. Scott built Rocket Mountain National Park’s oldest remaining cabin. And she – like millions of others across the country – is concerned about the public’s ability to access our national parks.

That access is every American’s birthright. These sanctuaries offer more than breathtaking landscapes; they provide a refuge for the soul, a place where individuals from all walks of life can find solace, inspiration, and a connection to something greater than themselves in nature. However, the recent mass firings within

the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have cast a shadow over these treasured lands. One of the opening salvos of the DOGE-led assault on our public lands was to terminate approximately 1,000 NPS employees and 3,400 Forest Service workers. This decision threatens not only the livelihoods of dedicated public servants but also the very essence of our national parks.

The importance of our national parks cannot be overstated. They serve as living classrooms, offering educational programs that enlighten visitors about ecology, history, and conservation. They are economic engines, attracting millions of tourists annually, and supporting local communities – not to mention providing a vital revenue source for the government. Most importantly, they are democratic spaces where every American, regardless of background, can experience the healing power of nature.

In fact, diversity in our national parks is a tradition as old as the parks themselves. It was the famed African American Buffalo Soldiers who served as the first rangers for America’s early national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia.

The writer and historian Wallace Stegner said, “The national parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

Our national parks stand as a testament to America’s commitment to preserving the natural splendor and cultural heritage that define our nation.

The rangers and staff who steward these lands are the backbone of the park experience. Their knowledge, passion, and commitment ensure that visitors can safely and meaningfully engage with these natural wonders. The recent layoffs have led to concerns about maintenance, operating hours, and public safety within the parks. Reduced staffing means fewer educational programs, delayed maintenance, and diminished visitor services, all of which undermine the foundational purpose of the NPS.

In response to these alarming developments, a national day of action on March 1 saw protests at hundreds of national park sites. At Yosemite National Park, demonstrators expressed their dismay over the staff reductions, emphasizing the critical role rangers play in preserving the park’s integrity. Similarly, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, hundreds braved harsh weather to support NPS and Forest Service employees, highlighting the deep connection communities have with these public lands.

Troy Riling-Anderson is an ecologist whose job offer at North Cascades National Park in Washington State was rescinded before the mass firings in February, two

days after President Trump’s inauguration. He expressed concern that this is about a land grab by corporations.

“The public lands are an American value, and they’re trying to get rid of that value by getting rid of the offices and the people,” said Riling-Anderson. “If that value doesn’t exist, there’s not really any way to stop them from selling off land.”

The Sierra Club and other groups are suing DOGE over these illegal mass firings, in an effort to protect not only our treasured public lands and the stewards of those lands, but Americans’ access to the great outdoors.

Let us remember that the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage is not a partisan issue but a patriotic one. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our national parks and forests endure for generations to come.

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

Global Protests on April 5: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk

By Stacy M. Brown, BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

Tens of thousands of people in the United States and around the world are preparing to take to the streets on Saturday, April 5, in what organizers are calling the largest single day of protest since Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term. With more than 600 events planned across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and multiple international cities, the message is unified and urgent: Hands off our rights, our resources, and our democracy. In London, demonstrators will gather in Trafalgar Square from 3 to 5 p.m. BST, joining the movement alongside Americans, Canadians, Brits, and others from around the world. “They’re threatening to invade Canada, Greenland, and Panama—and daring the world to stop them. Well, this is the world saying NO,” organizers said. “This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.”

Back in the United States, the centerpiece protest is scheduled for Washington, D.C., where thousands are expected to convene

at the Washington Monument at noon for a massive rally on the National Mall.

Organizers say the protests are a response to Trump and congressional Republicans’ efforts to gut essential programs like healthcare, Social Security, public education, and civil rights protections—moves that have sparked nationwide outrage.

“This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies,” organizers in D.C. said. “Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.”

Demonstrations are planned from coast to coast in cities including Buffalo, New York; Columbus, Georgia; Hollywood, Florida; Guilford, Connecticut; York, Pennsylvania; Ames, Iowa; Conroe, Texas; and throughout California, where

organizers are uniting for large-scale actions in Los Angeles and Sacramento. From early morning rallies to afternoon marches, the protests will take many forms—town halls, digital campaigns, and street demonstrations—all grounded in a commitment to nonviolent resistance. Organizers say the April 5 movement builds on growing frustration with the Trump administration’s agenda. The Crowd Counting Consortium reported over 2,085 protests nationwide in February 2025, a sharp rise from the 937 recorded in February 2017. During a recent week-long congressional recess, more than 500 events were held across the country, often in districts where elected officials avoided meeting constituents. At the core of the message is a defense of everyday Americans and the systems they depend on. “We stand with people of color and all those being stripped of their basic human and civil rights,” Buffalo organizers stated. “We stand with our

educational institutions, and the countless faculty, researchers, and students that are being subjected to arbitrary political litmus tests, uncertainty, and censorship in their work.” From London to Los Angeles, from the National Mall to Niagara Square, April 5 is shaping up to be a defining day of resistance against what demonstrators call an authoritarian power grab that threatens the very fabric of democracy.

“We’re not waiting for someone to save us,” D.C. organizers said. “We’re taking action ourselves.”

GHCC Tribute to Hazel Dukes - A Women’s Month Event

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, an organization in operation for nearly 130 years, in saluting 2025 Women’s History Month, paid tribute to Dr. Hazel N. Dukes and honored her legacy.

A former member of the GHCC Executive Board and civil rights icon, who passed away on the first day of Women’s Month this year. Dr. Lloyd A. Williams, President and CEO of GHCC, made the observation that Dr. Dukes was strategic even in dying,

by doing so in Women’s Month, and that it was only appropriate for the Chamber’s Women’s Event that was already planned to be dedicated to an outstanding champion of women.

Dr. Williams said it was a family gathering in Harlem for Dr. Dukes; it was quite a gathering in Harlem and beyond. Remarks were given by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, Judge Milton Tingling, Assemblyman Jordan Wright, Rev. Dennis Dillon, Former

Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, Jackie Rowe Adams, and Tina McCray on behalf of former Congressman Charles Rangel. Dr. Hazel N Dukes

Over 55 years ago, God gave us a very special blessing because we were connected with our “Big Sister” Dr. Hazel Dukes

Since that point in time, Hazel has been one of our closest extended family members, mentor, and advisor, as well as being our “Big Sister”.

Hazel was the 1st person ever honored by HARLEM WEEK 50 years ago, and the last person honored by HARLEM WEEK, as we closed our celebration of our historic 50th Anniversary in October 2024 at Aaron Davis Hall (CCNY).

Because of our never-ending love and admiration for Hazel, we recognize that our Hazel was truly the Phoenix, always rising.

Photos by Leonard McKenzie.

The Women’s History Month Film Series

The African Diaspora International Film Festival Presents: The Women’s History Month Film Series! Join us at Teachers College Columbia University for a weekend celebration of empowering and inspiring films highlighting women’s achievements and struggles.

Festival at a Glance:

Friday, March 28 – 408 zankel

6pm Mother Suriname

A woman looks back on her life, through narration and song. In Mother Suriname – Mama Sranan, filmmaker Tessa Leuwsha uses a stream of fascinating colorized archival footage to illustrate the lives of Surinamese women like

her grandmother, who was a washerwoman. Directed by Tessa Leuwsha, 2023, 71 minute, Netherlands, Documentary, English

7:30pm Power Alley

Seventeen-year-old volleyball star Sofia faces an unwanted pregnancy before a crucial championship. As she seeks an illegal termination, a relentless fundamentalist group targets her. But Sofia and her loved ones refuse to bow to their fanaticism. Directed by Lillah Halla, 2023, 92 minute, Brazil, Sports Drama, Portuguese (with English subtitles)

7:30pm

Sat, March 29 – 408 zankel

1pm Sara Gomez: An Afro-Cuban Filmmaker

Sara Gomez, An Afro-Cuban Filmmaker is a documentary about Sarah Gomez, Cuba’s first female filmmaker. Blending archival footage and interviews, it explores her revolutionary work addressing Afro-Cuban culture, women’s issues, and marginalized communities, highlighting her intelligence, independence, and unique storytelling that bridged contrasting worlds. Directed by Alessandra Muller, 2005, 76 minutes, Cuba, Switzerland, Documentary, Spanish (with English subtitles)

3pm Foreign Body

After fleeing Tunisia’s revolution, Samia struggles to survive in France without papers. She finds work with Leila, but her presence unsettles the household, drawing her into complex power dynamics and escalating sexual tension. Directed by Raja Amari, 2016, 90 minutes, France, Drama/Romance, French, Arabic (with English subtitles)

5pm Big Little Women

Three generations of women rebel against patriarchal prohibitions. Directed by Nadia Fares, 2022, 86 minutes, Egypt, Documentary, Arabic, English, German (with English subtitles)

7 pm The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Beyond her historic role in the Montgomery

Bus Boycott, this comprehensive dive into Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks sheds light on her extensive organizing, radical politics, and lifelong dedication to activism. Directed by Johanna Hamilton, Yoruba Richen, 2022, 96 minutes, USA, Documentary, English

Sun, March 30 – 408 zankel

2pm White Lies

DramaView all films tagged “Drama”A medicine woman - a giver of life - is asked to hide a secret which may protect one life but which will destroy another. Directed by Dana Rotberg, 2013, 96 minutes, New Zealand, Drama, Maori and English (with English subtitles)

4pm A Rising Tide

Seen primarily through the eyes of women and children of color living through housing insecurity in California’s Alameda County, A Rising Tide aims to identify how and why homelessness occurs. Directed by Sarah Webster Fabio, 2013, 93 minutes, USA, Documentary, English

6pm The Disappearance of Miss Scott + Q&A The Disappearance of Miss Scott chronicles Hazel Scott’s meteoric rise as a jazz talent and major Hollywood star before being blacklisted during the Red Scare. Directed by Nicole London, 2025, 80 minutes, USA, Documentary, English

Grenada Writer Eljon Wardally’s ‘Blooming in Dry Season’ in NC theaters This August

The North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NC Black Rep) will partner with Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre on the rolling world premiere of Eljon Wardally’s Blooming in Dry Season, winner of the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF) Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award.

Set in a rum shop on the Spice Isle of Grenada and peppered with music that defines a culture, Blooming in Dry Season tells the story of Fitz, a failed Calypsonian, who faces losing everything when he and his wife, Rose, butt heads over their daughter Garland’s path in life. A gifted steelpan player, Garland has been offered the opportunity to tour with the most famous Calypso group in the Caribbean, but Fitz fears the outcome will repeat his own disappointments in life. As tensions grow and secrets are revealed, the family struggles to mend broken dreams and find their lost harmony.

Blooming in Dry Season will feature original Calypso music by Trinidadian musician Etienne Charles, a Guggenheim Fellow and Creative Capital Awardee recipient, who in November 2024 France awarded the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) Medal. Playwright Eljon Wardally reflected on the upcoming rolling world premiere:

“I’m thrilled that my play, Blooming in

Dry Season, will have a home at NC Black Rep, New Federal Theatre, and at the International Black Theatre Festival. It’s truly an honor to be the recipient of the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award, and I’m deeply grateful to the theaters championing the power of Caribbean stories. It’s time for our narratives to take center stage.”

Blooming in Dry Season will represent Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre’s (NFT) inaugural participation on the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award. NFT Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke shared the following on the theatre’s partnership with NC Black Rep:

“North Carolina Black Repertory Company’s, Producing Artistic Director, Jackie Alexander, initiating a partnership with New Federal Theatre to Co-produce the North Carolina & New York premiere of Blooming in Dry Season, during these arduous times, strengthens both organizations by sharing expenses & resources, by combining our experiences and skills, by broadening our audiences, by creating community, and establishing life-long artistic comrades and friendships. This partnership is a gift and we at New Federal Theatre are ever grateful.”

Blooming in Dry Season will run August 1 – 10, 2025, at NC Black Rep in Winston-

Salem, NC, followed by a six-week run from May 22 – June 28, 2026, at New Federal Theatre in New York City, and the rolling world premiere will conclude with a performance at the 2026 International Black Theatre Festival, July 27 – August 1, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC.

The IBTF Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award was created to assist in discovering and developing new African-American theatre classics, while promoting collaboration between African American theatre companies across the country. It is named in honor of IBTF Executive Producer Emeritus, Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin.

Previous recipients of the award include Phenomenal Woman: Maya Angelou by Angelica Cheri, which received productions in 2023 at NC Black Rep and The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, and is currently in development for Broadway by Corstoria LLC and J. Todd Harris Productions, and Coconut Cake by Melda Beaty, which received five critically acclaimed productions from 2024-2025 at NC Black Rep, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, St. Louis Black Rep, and The Ensemble Theatre in Houston.

For tickets and information, please visit: ncblackrep.org

Photo by Wil Pierce Photography

T&T - Falls 32 Spots in the World’s Happiness Index

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Trinidad and Tobago is ranked 70th out of 147 nations in terms of happiness, a 32-place drop from the most recent statistics released in 2017.

According to data presented in 2025, compared to 2017, the number of Trinidadians experiencing unpleasant emotions increased from 56 in 2017 to 104 in 2025.  Additionally, the 2025 forecast lacks GDP and healthy life expectancy statistics. In honor of the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, the results were released on March 20. Leading authorities

in welfare science analyze them using data from the Gallup World Poll and additional sources, such as the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll.

According to the study, happiness may also be indicated by one’s belief that someone will return a misplaced wallet.

“Believing that others are willing to return your lost wallet is also shown to be a strong predictor of population happiness: Nordic nations once again top the ranking of the world’s happiest countries, but they also rank among the top places for expected and actual return of lost wallets.”

Bounty Killer’s US Visa Reinstated After 15 Years

Following the reinstatement of his visa, dancehall icon Bounty Killer made his first trip back to the United States in fifteen years. He shared the news on social media, praising God for his intervention and praising his fortitude. He also shared a picture of himself on an airplane to mark the occasion.

The Look DJ stated, “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to God, the source of all my blessings, I am forever grateful for His divine intervention.”

The US Consulate General, the US Embas-

sy personnel, his lawyer, his admirers, and his late mother, Ms. Ivey, were all acknowledged. Paul “Bankey” Giscombe was singled out for praise for “your relentless pursuit to restore my visa.”

“Bankey you never lost hope, even when we faced numerous rejections. Thank you, Bankey,” wrote a polite Bounty Killer.

With the caption #GodIsTheGreatest, Vybz Kartel, whose US visa was restored earlier this year, shared a picture of an aircraft.

The United States revoked Bounty Killer’s visa in 2010...

Haiti - US Charged Gang Leader, Izo, Charged

with Holding Citizens as Hostages

WASHINGTON – A criminal complaint, filed in the District of Columbia and unsealed, charges Johnson Andre, aka “Izo,” a Haitian national and leader of the 5 Segond gang, for his alleged role in the March 2023 armed hostage-taking, in Haiti, of a U.S. citizen who was held for ransom by Andre’s gang.

The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Miami Field Office.

According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, Andre and the 5 Segond gang operate in Village de Dieu, Haiti, which is a town on the outskirts of the capital city

Port-au-Prince. The gang actively participates in kidnappings for ransom and robberies and uses the revenue generated from its criminal activity to pay salaries to its members and pay for weapons and ammunition from the United States and elsewhere.

As leader of the 5 Segond gang, Andre is-

sued a general order to his gang members to identify potential victims and kidnap them for ransom. On March 18, 2023, armed gang members forced the victim into a vehicle at gunpoint. The victim was taken to Village de Dieu where he was held in captivity for nine days during which he was beaten and burned with hot plastic.

CARIBHEALTH

Meeks and Meng Hold Press Conference on Medicaid Cuts Impacting Thousands of Queens Residents

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and Grace Meng (NY06) held a Medicaid Day of Action press conference on Tuesday on the Republican plan to cut Medicaid, which would impact hundreds of thousands of Queens Residents.

The Representatives’ press conference took place at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in Jamaica. It highlighted the Republicans’ plan to enact the single largest cut to Medicaid in our nation’s history. This proposed cut would devastate millions of people across the country—families could lose their health care, hospitals and nursing homes may be forced to close, and access to quality care would decline. The Members also toured the hospital’s emergency department and cancer center. Meeks and Meng were joined by Hospital CEO Neil Moore and Council Members Lynn Schulman, Sandra Ung, and Selvena Brooks-Powers.

“The Republicans’ scheme to cut Medicaid would have a catastrophic impact on hundreds of thousands of people in New York’s 5th District,” Rep. Meeks said. “This is unacceptable. Children, seniors, and people with disabilities depend on the vital health services that Medicaid supports. This is Trump’s Project 2025 in action: cutting health care for the hardworking people in Queens in order to reward his billionaire buddies with tax breaks. Rep. Grace Meng and I are going to fight each and every day to stop this reckless, cruel attack on Medicaid.”

“The slashing of Medicaid would wreak havoc on Queens,” Rep. Meng said. “So many local residents would be devastated, especially the most vulnerable in our borough. We cannot allow these draconian cuts to be made on the backs of hard-working families in Queens. I support cutting government waste but putting Medicaid funding on the chopping block is not what that is. Congressman Meeks and I will continue our fight against the assault on Medicaid, and we’ll do everything we can to stop these cuts from taking place.”

“Medicaid ensures lifesaving care for those who cannot afford commercial insurance.

At NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, this program provides critical services such as cancer screenings, prenatal care, and chronic disease management that safeguard health and provide stability for our community,” said Neil Moore, MBA, MPA, FACHE, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Queens. “One of New York City’s largest safety-net hospitals. “Our dedicated healthcare teams deliver this care with compassion and expertise, ensuring no one faces financial hardship when seeking treatment. We thank Congressmembers Meeks and Meng for their partnership in prioritizing equitable health care. Together, we uphold our promise: Care for NYC. No Exceptions.”

“The Republican plan to gut Medicaid is a direct attack on the health and well-being of Queens residents and millions of Americans,” said Lynn Schulman, NYC Council Member, Chair of the NYC Council Health Committee. “Slashing Medicaid would force hospitals to close, cut off access to life-saving care, and put our most vulnerable—seniors, children, and people with disabilities—at risk. This is not just a budget issue; it’s a matter of life and death. I stand with Reps. Meeks and Meng in fighting back against these cruel and reckless cuts. We must protect Medicaid and ensure that every New Yorker has access to the health care they deserve.”

“While Republicans claim these cruel cuts won’t hurt those who rely on Medicaid, we know that’s simply not true,” said Sandra Ung, NYC Council Member. “Federal cuts will not only reduce critical services, but also force states to make impossible choices like cutting eligibility, reducing benefits, and slashing payments to hospitals and providers. We cannot let this happen. We must stand together and fight back against efforts to rip away health care from the American people, and send a message that we will not allow Republicans to balance their budget on the backs of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

“The proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating for working families, seniors, and vulnerable communities across New York City—especially here in Southeast Queens, where we already face serious healthcare gaps,” said Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, New York City Council Majority Whip. “Slashing Medicaid funding would deepen health disparities in our community, leaving too many without the care they rely on. I stand with Representatives Meeks and Meng in rejecting these cruel cuts and demanding a budget that prioritizes people over politics.”

“The Trump administration continues its malicious attacks on working class New Yorkers, threatening critical Medicaid cuts,” said Jessica González-Rojas, NYS Assembly Member. “While some leaders may falter in the face of these actions, my

colleagues and I are steadfast in our fight to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers. As Medicaid faces cuts, we must take every step to safeguard our state’s healthcare system. This means proactively investing in workforce development, recruitment, and retention. We must defend Medicaid, an essential resource for millions of New Yorkers, and push for long-term solutions like the NY Health Act. Our priority must be the health of New Yorkers, and we must pass a budget that ensures widespread access to healthcare. Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we will continue to fight to protect it.”

“The proposed Medicaid cuts are nothing short of an attack on the health and well-being of Queens residents and working families across our state,” said Leroy Comrie, NYS Senator. “Thousands of seniors, children, and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, and these reckless cuts would jeopardize their health and stability. New Yorkers deserve better than policies that strip away vital services while benefiting the wealthy. I stand with our Queens Members of Congress, Greg Meeks and Grace Meng in opposing these cruel cuts, and I will continue fighting on the state level, to protect the healthcare access our communities depend on.”

Welsh Reggae Artist Number One on iTunes Reggae

Chart

With her debut Welsh-language song, Scott, 32, of Rumney, Cardiff, expressed her happiness at having the first Welsh-language number one on the iTunes Reggae list.

The Welsh-language song “Yma O Hyd” peaked at the top of the iTunes UK song chart five years before her achievement. She said that making “music history with my reggae roots and passion for my mother tongue” was “unreal” and that topping the list was “an honor. In 2023, Scott’s album Windrush Baby peaked at the top of the UK iTunes Reggae Chart. Scott stated, “It’s wild that it’s getting plays all over the world, in Italy, America, Japan, Germany.” Adding, “It’s crazy”.

According to the Welsh-Jamaican artist, it was “so important” for her to portray both her Welsh and Jamaican traditions.

“I brought musicians from both worlds to make this track truly special.”

She stated, “Mixing the music of Jamaica with the language and soul of Wales has been a dream come true.”

Following her appearance on S4C’s Iaith ar Daith show in 2023, where she received mentoring from actor Mali Ann Rees, Scott developed a fascination for the Welsh language and started learning the language.

She was selected to coach S4C’s Y Llais two years later, and she has collaborated with fellow

coach Yws Gwynedd and his label Cosh to release her song, “Dod o’r Galon,” which was produced by Pen Dub. Since her debut at Cardiff’s Big Weekend when she was seven years old, Aleighcia has been performing live. When she was little, she always sang, according to Scott.

Scott stated, “I was always making up songs, and singing around the house.” She further mentioned, “My parents loved music, neither

Barbados - Rihanna

Brings

Glam to the Island

Rihanna’s return to Barbados for the launch of her latest Fenty x Puma collection was nothing short of iconic. The event itself was a vibrant celebration of her Caribbean heritage, blending bold aesthetics with athletic functionality. Rihanna showcased her signature ability to mix high fashion with sporty influences, wearing pieces from the collection that reflected the island’s colorful palette. Her ensemble included a green bikini top paired with flowing green ruffled chiffon skirts and an oversized green and white baseball jersey. She completed the look with a distinctive Sabyasachi necklace and an elegant upswept hairstyle. The collection featured standout items like the

can sing, but music was always around me, and growing up in a partly Jamaican household, it’s part of their culture, so it was naturally embedded for me.”

Scott claimed that she realized she just wanted to perform music after visiting the local youth club, Riverside Warehouse, and seeing other performances.

Scott claimed that although she pursued traditional schooling as a child, attending school, college, and university, she never stopped pursuing her dream of being a musician.

“I was going to youth club and recording, at 15 I started a YouTube channel, and then when I was 18, I started going to London to record, because there was nowhere in Wales where I could record reggae,” she noted.

She continued to combine her singing career while working as a teaching assistant at an autism school after graduating from college. That is, until 2015 when she attended a performance in Cardiff.

“Whenever I went to shows, I always carried a backing CD with me, and my friends knew this, one of them was DJing and asked if I had any CDs, I did, and I opened the show.”

Adding, “The next day I handed my notice in, as I realized music was what I wanted to do full-time, and I have been doing [it] ever since.”

Aleighcia now hosts her weekly reggae pro-

gram for BBC Radio Wales, having previously hosted the station’s inaugural Christmas reggae broadcast.

Scott claimed that even with her popularity, she still attends performances and that when she talks, people are perplexed.

“People can’t believe I am a black person with a Welsh accent, because music is so English-centered, or London-centered,” she stated.

“It is a battle, but there are people in Wales doing great things, and although things are changing, I want to keep pushing those barriers for future generations.”

Scott stated, “I know what it’s like to be a Welsh artist, and a Welsh artist of color, and neither is an easy thing so if I can help the next artists coming up, then that’s what it is about.”

“West Indian culture has had such an influence on British culture, from the Windrush, which is everything I stem from, so for me to have achieved this is huge, because it’s everything that came before me.”

“To have the first Welsh language number one on the iTunes Reggae chart is amazing. From singing at a youth club to having a number one, and proudly placing Welsh-language reggae on the international stage,” she remarked.

Fenty x Puma Avanti LS stitched sneakers, inspired by traditional soccer footwear, and the Cat Cleat Jelly sandals, perfect for beachy days. Accessories like the Pocket Bag added a practical yet stylish touch. The launch event was more than just a fashion presentation, it was a celebration of Rihanna’s roots and her journey as a designer. Guests, including Savage X Fenty ambassador Serena Page, enjoyed the festive atmosphere, which emphasized cultural connection and community. Rihanna’s joy and pride in her heritage were evident throughout the gathering, making the event a memorable showcase of her expanding fashion empire.

Jamaica Tourist Board Launches ‘Kingston Season of Excitement’

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is inviting visitors to experience Kingston this spring with the launch of the ‘Kingston Season of Excitement’ digital promotion campaign. The promotion highlights the major sporting and cultural events set to deliver an exciting season filled with world class athletics and entertainment. Kingston, known as the cultural and sporting hub of Jamaica, will offer a unique blend of competition, celebration, and local charm for visitors. With the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (March 25-29), Grand Slam Track (April 4-6), and the festive spirit of Carnival in Jamaica (April 21-28) all set to take place, the city will be buzzing with excitement. Expedia and Caribbean Airlines have also joined the promotion providing convenient travel options for those looking to be part of the action.

“Kingston is the cultural capital of the Caribbean and visitors will fall in love with the energy that this season of excitement

will provide,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “We welcome the additional visitors who will converge on the capital of our country to enjoy authentic experiences and ultimately contribute to our economy.”

In addition to the exciting events, visitors can explore Kingston’s rich history, attractions and night life, savor the worldrenowned Jamaican cuisine, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Jamaica. Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, saying, “This is a great time to visit Kingston. The city will be filled with energy and excitement, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the promoters of events of this caliber to offer some special experiences to our visitors.”

For more information on travel options and event details, go to www.visitjamaica. com/excitement or follow the JTB social media channels.

Now Open for Bookings: Royalton Chic Barbados Expands the Brand’s Caribbean Footprint

St. Michael, Barbadoes - Blue Diamond Resorts is set to turn heads and set pulses racing as it redefines all-inclusive hospitality in Barbados.

As of today, Royalton CHIC Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort –Adults Only, is officially open for bookings, gearing up for a spectacular debut in Spring 2026. Nestled along Barbados’ glamorous Gold Coast, this stylish lifestyle resort is designed for trendsetters who crave excitement and sophistication in equal measure. Guests will indulge in electrifying experiences and effortless luxury, where every moment is unforgettable, vibrant, and unapologetically posh.

“The demand for adults-only, all-inclusive modern luxury has never been stronger, with travelers seeking more than just relaxation—they want engaging social experiences. With both Jamaica and Barbados joining our collection, we are introducing a bold new era of upscale travel, tailored for those who crave indulgence and energy in equal measure,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “Barbados has long been a destination of distinction, making it the perfect setting for the Royalton CHIC Resorts experience.”

As Blue Diamond Resorts’ first property in Barbados, this addition reinforces the brand’s expansion into the Caribbean’s most vibrant and sought-after destinations. Coinciding with the company’s 15th anniversary of innovation in all-inclusive hospitality, Royalton CHIC Barbados marks another bold milestone in the company’s continued growth, delivering high-end indulgence infused with an undeniably social spirit. Much like Barbados itself, an island celebrated for its effortless elegance, lively culture, and jet set appeal, the resort is designed as the ultimate adults only escape, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, all under the signature “Party Your Way” concept.

Designed for spirited, contemporary comfort,

Royalton CHIC Barbados will feature 220 stylish suites, offering options such as oceanfront views, swim-out access, and private terraces. Guests seeking an enhanced stay can opt for the Diamond Club™ suite category, unlocking personalized butler service, exclusive amenities, and private beach and pool areas. The resort’s culinary scene will be just as fabulous, with nine restaurants and three bars blending local flavors with global influences, including a vibrant steakhouse, the dazzling Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge, and an enticing new French-Island-Fusion restaurant that will elevate classic flavors with a Caribbean twist. Embodying the Royalton CHIC Resorts spirit, the resort will curate a dynamic mix of entertainment, wellness, and social experiences. Guests can unwind at The Royal Spa, join high-energy Royalton FIT classes, or revel in non-stop entertainment curated by the CHIC Angels. Whether basking in poolside luxury, enjoying the island’s most vibrant nightlife, or indulging in exclusive experiences, every stay will be designed for unapologetic indulgence and unexpected moments.

Following the buzz of last year’s launch of Royalton CHIC Antigua and the recent announcement of Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, this latest addition strengthens Blue Diamond Resorts’ vision of reimagining the adults-only all-inclusive experience. The arrival of Royalton CHIC Barbados marks yet another bold step in its expansion—proving that adults-only luxury has never been more enticing. Bookings are now open for Spring 2026 stays. For more information or to book your next vacation, visit royaltonchicresorts.com.

CARIBLIFESTYLE

Toronto - Anglican Church Holds Bob Marley Mass

One of Toronto’s oldest churches, St. James Cathedral, celebrated its inaugural Bob Marley Mass on Sunday in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. Reverend Canon Dr. Stephen Fields wrote the hymn. Fields said that the church’s leadership had earlier arranged the Snell Lectures, which included theologian Dr. Brian Walsh, who linked Leonard Cohen’s works to the Bible and stressed the existence of a Cohen Mass.

Filed stated, “I thought, ‘What about Bob Marley?’ to myself because, [in] one of his songs, to paraphrase, he says he has so much things to talk about. I thought let me do some research, let me do some reflecting, let me do some praying and then let me attempt to write a service that draws upon his work. For yes, he has so much things to say to us today – church and unchurch.”

In his sermon, Fields expressed his belief that none of the members of the congregation had ever dreamed of living long enough to enjoy Bob Marley’s singing in a St. James Cathedral or other Anglican church.

“That’s because we grew up in a world held bound by the chains about which Bob Nesta Marley spoke and sang about, chains that not only bound our hands and feet but shackled

our mind and have held us captive. And today, still do so. Bob Marley’s music embodies a spirituality and a theology rooted in his faith. To speak of Bob Marley’s theology is to explore how his body of work reflects his view of God, what he knows of God, of humanity, the world, and we see him both as a musician and a prophet, a prophet of the oppressed.”

According to Fields, the core of Marley’s theology is the faith in Jah, the Rastafarian name for God that is derived from Yahweh.

He explained, “Songs like Jah Live express his belief in God’s nearness, a theme that we Christians hold dearly. Marley understood Jah as one who was engaged in the affairs of the oppressed and was actively working for justice and freedom. This belief infused his music with divine urgency. While Rastas and Christians may differ in some ways, Marley is calling upon God as imminent, liberating, a force that echoes throughout the Christian’s view of our understanding of God’s presence. In human suffering, we share something in common, we speak of a God as being present in flesh and incarnate, in another prophet, Jesus Christ, who came that all may have life and have it in abundance.”

According to him, Marley’s voice was prophetic and spoke to the biblical principles of justice,

Naomi Campbell Speaks About the Chanel Legacy

During a recent interview, longtime Chanel icon Naomi Campbell discussed the nostalgic ’90s inspirations of the brand’s Paris Fashion Week fall presentation.

The performance took place on March 18, 2025, within the grand Grand Palais, “I love the artisan, the workmanship. They go back and look into the history of the DNA of the brand – that’s what they think of first and foremost. And then they create it, but with that twist on it. This show for me had a lot of things that reminded me of the ‘90s, and I loved the silhouettes, the skirt, the jacket, the skirt, and the pants together. Everything was very wearable.”

A layer of translucent silk framed several of the pieces, including diaphanous flounced capes that floated over iconic Chanel designs, flowing blouses draped overcoats, and tulle overlays that slightly twisted the lines of traditional tweed tailoring.

Her thoughts also turned to her friend, the late Karl Lagerfeld, whose vision shaped Chanel for many years. “I really miss his honesty,” she remarked.

Adding, “He had a soft spot, but he never

hope, love, and liberty. “Each song serves as a meditation on God’s activity in the world, the human condition, and the call for transformation. Marley’s haunting, biting, and subversive lyrics often reflect a yearning for freedom and equality mirroring the narrative in the bible of God’s preferential concern for the downtrodden, the oppressed, the outcast, and the marginalized.”

According to him, Marley experienced both bodily and spiritual liberty.

The Barbados-born priest expressed gratitude to the Most Reverend Colin Johnson, a former Toronto bishop, and his 45-year mentor, D.H. Kortright Davis, a theology professor at Howard University School of Divinity, with whom he shared the initial draft of his Marley ceremo-

ny for a critical evaluation.

They provided Fields critical comments, which he integrated into his thoughts when he informed them that he planned to “go outside the box.”

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Bishop Andrew Asbil, the church’s dean, the Very Reverend Dr. Stephen Hance, and “56 Hope Road Limited,” which is home to the Bob Marley Museum and Primary Wave Blue Mountain Music, for their assistance. He thanked Moka, a Caribbean fusion band from Toronto under the direction of Garth Blackman, for providing the service’s music, which featured seven of Marley’s well-known songs. Fields said he met the artists through seasoned event coordinator Joan Pierre.

The reggae superstar’s religious viewpoints and songs served as inspiration for the service, which included the Eucharistic Prayer, the people’s prayers, the prayers over the gifts, and the prayers after communion.

Nathaniel Dett Chorale’s creative director, Dr. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, responded, reflecting on how Marley’s music still speaks to the body, mind, spirit, and ambitions of the downtrodden and disadvantaged. He also discussed the significance of spirituals in the lives of oppressed Black people.

sugarcoated anything. We always worked at night, and sometimes he’d tell me to stay over. It was such an incredible time. His presence is still felt, always.”

Beyond the clothing, Chanel’s diverse advancements were highlighted by Campbell. Chanel’s dedication to representation was further cemented last year when Lupita Nyong’o was appointed a house ambassador, “I have such respect for Chanel for being the first luxury brand to go to sub-Saharan Africa, to Dakar, which I got to witness.”

In 2022, the house held a historic Métiers d’Art exhibition in Dakar, marking the first time a significant luxury brand had a display in the area. It started a program of continuous cultural interaction. It wasn’t an isolated incident.

Chanel has maintained its involvement by sending craftsmen to Senegal and students to Paris, encouraging an innovative discourse.

“That, to me, is action,” Campbell grinned.

“I’m really proud that I got to witness that in my lifetime in this business.”

Throughout her modeling career, she has been outspoken about the bigotry she has encountered. She was not registered by a cosmetics firm until 1999, and despite her fame, she frequently earned fewer advertising assignments than her white peers. “I may be one of the top models in the world, but I in no way make the same money as any of them,” she stated in 1991.

She co-founded the Diversity Coalition to hold the industry responsible for its underrepresentation, and she has utilized her position to advocate for more diversity over the years. It appears that times are changing. Slowly but steadily.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to Host 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Opening Match on June 14

Miami, FL — Concacaf has announced that the opening match of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup – the 18th edition of the Confederation’s flagship men’s national team competition – has been awarded to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match on Saturday, June 14, will feature the 2025 Concacaf Nations League champions, Mexico, who will seek to defend their Gold Cup title after lifting the trophy at SoFi Stadium in 2023.

Tickets for the opening match will be made available to the public starting Thursday, March 27, at 10:00 am (local time) via GoldCup.org.

The match will see Gold Cup action return to SoFi Stadium after hosting the 2023 Final, which saw Mexico defeat Panama 1-0 in front of a sold-out crowd. Mexico holds a record nine men’s Gold Cup titles, followed by the United States with seven and Canada with one.

SoFi Stadium, a FIFA World Cup 2026 host venue, is home to the NFL’s Los

Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, and has hosted some of the world’s most important sporting and entertainment events, including the Gold Cup, Nations League Finals, Copa America, Super Bowl LVI, the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, and WrestleMania, among others.

“We are very excited to announce that the opening match of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, featuring the reigning Gold Cup and Nations League champions, Mexico,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani.

“The incredible passion for football in Greater Los Angeles was on full display during the recently concluded Concacaf Nations League Celebration Week, where more than 125,000 fans came together for an unforgettable festival of elite football, music, and community events.”

“SoFi Stadium proudly welcomes back the Gold Cup, further strengthening our part-

nership with Concacaf and showcasing our ability to host world-class international tournaments,” said Adolfo Romero, vice president of programming and booking at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “With the highly anticipated Mexico tournament debut and the excitement building on the road to the FIFA World Cup next summer, SoFi Stadium continues to solidify its position as a global soccer hub in Los Angeles, bringing together passionate fans and elite athletes on the world stage.”

Last September, Concacaf announced that the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will be played across 14 stadiums and 11 metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. This includes five FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums – AT&T Stadium, BC Place, Levi’s Stadium, NRG Stadium, and SoFi Stadium – and three first-time hosts. The competition will kick off on June 14 with a 16-team group stage, followed by three rounds of Knockout Stage play. The Final, where the region’s champion will be crowned, will take place at NRG Stadium on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Just one year out from the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Concacaf Gold Cup will provide a highly competitive tournament for the region’s best teams and an opportunity for even more fans to engage with the sport at a pivotal time for its growth in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

2025 CONCACAF GOLD CUP QUALIFICATION

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage will include 16 teams—eight that have secured qualification through the 2024/25

Concacaf Nations League, seven set to be determined after the 2025 Gold Cup Preliminary Round (Prelims), and Saudi Arabia (guest nation).

The eight Concacaf teams that qualified for the Gold Cup Group Stage are Canada, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the United States.

The Gold Cup Prelims feature 14 men’s national teams competing in seven matchups. Following the return leg matches, all taking place on Tuesday, March 25, the winner of each matchup will advance to the Gold Cup Group Stage.

2025 GOLD CUP DATES AND COMPETITION FORMAT

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will begin with a 16-team Group Stage – four groups of four teams each. After round-robin play, between June 14-24, the four group winners and four runners-up (eight teams in total) will advance to the Knockout Stage. The Knockout Stage will commence with the Quarterfinals on June 28 and 29, followed by the Semifinals on July 2, and the Final, where Concacaf’s new champion will be crowned, on Sunday, July 6.

Group Stage: June 14-24, 2025 Quarterfinals: June 28 and 29, 2025 Semifinals: July 2, 2025

Final: July 6, 2025

OFFICIAL DRAW

Concacaf will conduct the official draw for the 2025 Gold Cup on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00 pm ET. More details on the draw are available here.