March 5, 2025

NEW YORK CITY Page 3 IMMIGRANTS ‘CITY ID’

HAZEL DUKES

Easier obtained by change approved by the City Council with support from the Mayor, with benefits in housing and health

ESSEQUIBO TERRITORY

For the incursion of naval vessels in local waters claimed by Guyanawarns of consequences USA, GUYANA CONDEMN VENEZUELA Page 3

HAITI

Three times more than last year, causing immense suffering says the UN Coordinator

Page 5

FLORIDA JAMAICAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF COPS

Reece Anglin was arrested for pointing gun at police during an operation

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Calypso MonarchSenator Heron Francis CARNIVAL UPDATE

Ultimate Soca ChampionBlaka Dan

Won the first Ultimate Soca Champion tournament, taking home a $1 million Chutney Soca MonarchMachel Montano

Montano sang his song ‘Pepper Vine’ during his debut appearance  Panorama Big BandExodus

Taking home first place for Voice’s 2025 Carnival hit “Too Own Way”

GANG VIOLENCE DISPLACED OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE Page 5 Page 17

CaribNews

EDITORIAL

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Almost 80,000 flee DR Congo amid fighting, sexual violence: UNHCR

OPINION

HEALTH

SPORTS

The HBCUNY Classic Returns to MetLife Stadium on September 13, 2025 - P 20

In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), insecurity and horrific sexual violence have left tens of thousands fleeing across borders with no sign of the exodus stopping, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. “Near the frontlines, sexual violence and human rights abuses remain rampant, as is the looting and destruction of civilian homes and businesses,” said Patrick Eba, Deputy Director of UNHCR’s Division of International Protection. Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Eba told journalists that that North and South Kivu provinces remain unstable, with “hundreds of thousands of people on the move”.

Close to 80,000 people have fled armed clashes between Congolese Government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels into neighbouring countries and some 61,000 have arrived in Burundi since January, Mr. Eba stressed.

60 rape victims a day

A staggering 895 cases of rape were reported to humanitarian actors in the last two weeks of February alone, the UN refugee agency official continued - an average of more than 60 a day.

‘Rapid expansion’ of synthetic drugs reshaping illicit markets, UN anti-narcotics body warns

Synthetic drugs are rapidly transforming the global drug trade, fuelling an escalating public health crisis, according to the UN administered International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

In its 2024 Annual Report, released on Tuesday, the INCB explains that unlike plant-based drugs, these substances can be made anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute.

The rise of powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes – potent enough to cause overdoses in tiny doses – has worsened the crisis, driving record-high deaths.

“The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat with potentially disastrous consequences for humankind,” said INCB President Jallal Toufiq.

“We need to work together to take stronger action against this deadly problem which is causing hundreds of deaths and untold harm to communities,” he continued.

Traffickers stay ahead of regulations

Criminal groups are constantly adapting to evade law enforcement.

By exploiting legal loopholes, they develop new synthetic compounds and use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.

New smuggling methods – including drones and postal deliveries – make these drugs harder to detect.

Nuclear energy watchdog chief raises ‘serious’ safety concerns over sites in Ukraine and Iran

In his latest address to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Monday, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned of the escalating nuclear safety risks in Ukraine as the conflict grinds on.

Reaffirming the UN-backed IAEA’s commitment to monitoring facilities such as the Khmelnitsky, Rivne and South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), he described how facilities were performing under extreme conditions.

“The electrical grid’s ability to provide a reliable off-site power supply to Ukrainian NPPs was reduced by damage sustained following military attacks in November and December 2024,” Mr. Grossi stated, underscoring the ongoing strain on national energy infrastructure, in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Direct attacks on staff

Direct attacks have complicated the agency’s work. The Director General described a drone strike that severely damaged an IAEA vehicle during a routine rotation

Global biodiversity agreement mobilises $200 billion boost for nature

Governments on Friday reached agreement on a strategy to raise an additional $200 billion each year to better protect the world’s flora and fauna by 2030.

Delegates met in Rome this week for the resumption of the UN Biodiversity Conference to hammer out an agreement at COP16.2 after attempts to reach a deal on financing at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, fell short last November.

It is hoped that the hard-won decisions made by parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity will shore up biodiversity and fragile ecosystems which are bearing the brunt of increased conflict, deforestation, mining, toxic waste dumping and other environmental impacts worldwide.

“We very much welcome this announcement,” the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Friday. “We need to mobilise at least $200 billion dollars a year by 2030 to close the global biodiversity finance gap.”

However, discussions on who pays to protect the Earth’s biodiversity have long been a point of contention, while more than a million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction. Hammering out an agreement “These days of work in Rome have demonstrated the commitment of the parties to advance the implementation of the [Kunming-Montreal] Global Biodiversity Framework,” said COP16 president Susana Muhamad, referring to the landmark 2022 agreement and underscoring “the collective effort to reach consensus of key issues that were left pending in Cali”.

Celebrating the Life of a Hazel N. Dukes by The Editorial Board- P 8

Low Expectations for the Trump Speech by April Ryan - P 8

US – To Revoke Visas for Officials of Countries Using Cuban Medics - P 16

CARIBNEWS

City Council Passes Bill Making Immigrant

‘City

ID’ Easier to Obtain

In New York City, migrants and others can now present expired driver’s licenses, documents from ICE, the Bureau of Prisons, or open cases from city departments, such as housing, among over 100 other types of IDs, to obtain an IDNYC card. This initiative, which was first introduced during the de Blasio administration in 2015, was designed to help migrants access essential services, including health care at public hospitals, banking, housing, education, and more.

The city’s IDNYC program is available to all residents aged 10 and older, regardless of their immigration status. The program has issued around 1.7 million IDs to date, including over 260,000 in 2023 alone.

Critics argue that the easing of access to the IDNYC card undermines federal immigration laws, pointing out that providing legitimate government IDs to individuals in the country illegally grants them access to services and government buildings. Some, including Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, believe that the lack of thorough vetting for the identity documents could allow fraudulent IDs and potentially hinder investigations.

City officials maintain that the backgrounds of ID applicants are thoroughly checked for criminal issues and that personal data is only shared with authorities if a court warrant is issued. Additionally, the city stresses that the IDNYC card serves as a tool for

vulnerable populations to gain stability and access services in their everyday lives.

The program has become a point of contention among local lawmakers, with some viewing the card as a means of legitimizing the presence of undocumented individuals in the country. However, proponents argue that the program helps integrate these individuals into the city’s social fabric, offering them the tools needed to build a better life in New York.

The city recently announced changes to the program, including expanding the types of documents accepted as proof of identity. This update aims to make the ID more accessible, especially to immigrants, students, and taxi drivers. A public hearing on the changes will take place on March 28.

Despite the criticisms, city officials emphasize that these updates are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that all New Yorkers, including immigrants, can obtain a reliable form of identification. They argue that the IDNYC program remains a vital tool for ensuring access to essential services and supporting self-sufficiency for the city’s most vulnerable populations.

While the migrant crisis that overwhelmed the city in recent years has started to ease, the IDNYC card continues to be an important resource for many New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status.

USA and Guyana Condemn Venezuelan Vessel Incursion

The United States recently condemned what it alleged were Venezuelan navy ships posing a danger to an ExxonMobil entity in Guyanaclaimed maritime waters.

Hours after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali claimed that a Venezuelan patrol boat had “approached various assets in our exclusive waters” at approximately 7 a.m. local time

(1100 GMT), the statement threatened repercussions if Caracas’ provocation continued. Guyana has “put its international partners on alert,” he said on Facebook, a widely used social media site.

The U.S. State Department issued a warning against any more intrusion.

The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

of the department issued a statement which notes, “Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.”

The statements warn, “Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime

Tensions with Venezuela over sovereignty of the disputed Essequibo territory, a vast area abundant in natural resources, have escalated in Guyana.

Since 2015, when the petroleum behemoth ExxonMobil found massive oil discoveries that provided Guyana, a nation of 800,000 people with a small military, the world’s largest crude oil reserves, tensions have been high.

Tensions increased when the Georgetown administration awarded ExxonMobil a new contract in April 2024.

According to Ali’s Facebook post, the floating production vessels were “operating legally within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.”

He further mentioned, “Guyana remains committed to peace and the rule of law.”

President Ali noted, “We will continue to seek diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”

Venezuela, on the other hand, stated that it “categorically repudiates the unfounded statements” made by Ali, accusing him of “blatantly lying” when he claimed that its navy had overrun Guyana’s territory.

According to a statement from the foreign ministry, “those waters are not part of Guyanese territory, since it is a maritime zone pending delimitation in accordance with international law.”

On February 17, Guyana reported that six of its soldiers had been injured in an ambush of a supply shipment, reportedly by members of a criminal group from Venezuela. This heightened tensions.

This occurred on the anniversary of the 1966 agreement between Venezuela and Britain, which called for a diplomatic settlement of the territory issue and was signed before to Guyanese independence.

However, Guyana maintains that the disputed line has been settled in its favor by a previous 1899 verdict.

Nicolas Maduro, the socialist president of Venezuela, suggested creating a Venezuelan province in the disputed area in 2023. They committed themselves to refraining from using force “directly or indirectly.”  Maduro described Britain’s port visit to Georgetown with the patrol ship HMS Trent a few weeks after the meeting as a “provocation and threat by the United Kingdom.”

A significant military drill with about 5,600 troops, F-14 fighter planes, amphibious ships, and patrol boats was then initiated by Venezuela in the border area.

T&T – PM Rowley to Resign on March 16

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Keith Rowley says he will resign from office on March 16.

He was speaking during a ceremony on Wednesday morning to rename the D’Abadie/O’Meara Road the Lisa MorrisJulian Boulevard.

“As prime minister, I too am ending my tenure of public service — thankfully, not sadly — but with a certain amount of satisfaction that I have been able to have colleagues around me and been given the responsibility to chart a course of development for this country for a period of time,” he said.

He stated that many people in public life do not believe or forget that service in public life is for a period — no matter how good or important they are.

“As I conclude a number of assignments in these weeks, I do so with some satisfaction that my presence among my colleagues and the national community would have contributed to national development and that I would have done something good with you and for you,” he said.

He noted that, just like in a household, the national budgetary process is never sufficient to accomplish everything that is desired, especially when multiple projects need to be undertaken simultaneously.

“So, we have to accept that it is not feasible to do all that we want to do at the same time such things are required. We have to plan, we have to execute, we have to prioritise,” he said.

The prime minister also reflected on his Government’s achievements and pointed to roadworks across the country, citing

projects in the east in Toco, the west with the Diego Martin Highway and the creation of a new town centre, the southwest with the completion of the Point Fortin Highway, and ongoing works in Chaguanas.

He said the projects have enhanced mobility and ease of transportation, saving time and fuel, and contributing to national efficiency.

Rowley added that before demitting office, on March 10, he will inaugurate the Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital.

He also said that on March 15, he will open the new ANR Robinson Airport terminal building.

“As we do that, I leave you on the 16th of March as prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Anguilla – Elects First Woman Premier

The Anguilla United Front (AUF) won a landslide victory in the general elections conducted on February 25–26, 2025, and Cora Richardson-Hodge became the island nation’s first female premier.

In the Anguilla House of Assembly, Richardson-Hodge’s AUF gained eight of the eleven seats up for grabs, defeating the incumbent Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM), which was led by departing Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster. The AUF is expected to become the new administration in the British Overseas Territory with a resounding majority.

Cora Richardson-Hodge, the party leader, Jose Vanterpool, Jeison Byran, Shellya Rogers, Kyle Hodge, Cordell Richardson, Cardigan Connor, and Evans McNiel are among the recently elected AUF members. Among the opposition will be Webster, parliamentary secretary Merrick Richardson, and former tourism minister Haydn Hughes.

The elections were held using Anguilla’s electoral system, which uses a public vote to pick eleven of the House of Assembly’s thirteen members. Ex-officio members will occupy the final two seats. There was a great deal of voting

in the area, which has 12,432 registered voters out of a total population of over 15,900.

Economic concerns, especially those surrounding the contentious Goods and Services Tax (GST), the administration of Anguilla’s extremely profitable “.ai” domain name, tourism, the cost of living, and growing worries about crime were some of the major factors that influenced the campaign. The idea to deny diaspora Anguillians the ability to vote was one controversial issue that surfaced early in the campaign. But after strong popular opposition, the plan was shelved, maintaining the established election system.

On Thursday, Richardson-Hodge will take the oath of office as premier. Her win also represents a major turning point for gender representation in Anguilla, as the territory now has a female Premier and a female Governor selected by the British, Julia Crouch. With the AUF’s victory, Anguilla’s leadership and policy direction have changed, and many now expect Richardson-Hodge and her administration to handle urgent social and economic issues in the years to come.

CARIBNEWS

Haiti – Gangs Violence Displaced Over One Million People

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, says the ongoing gang violence in the French-speaking country has displaced more than a million people, three times more than last year.

She said the “unprecedented crisis” in Haiti means that every number presented “is a new record.”

“The suffering that this is causing is immense, and I would say it is really heart breaking to see, to witness, to listen to victims of violence,” said Richardson, speaking to reporters from the Dominican Republic.

The situation continues to unfold as funding for humanitarian operations globally dwindles following the recent decision by the United States to halt foreign aid disbursements.

A Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorized by the UN Security Council, is on the ground to assist the Haitian National Police in combatting the gangs. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, recently proposed that the global body assume funding for structural and logistical support.

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, indicated that over 5,600 people were killed last year.

It said sexual violence is “rampant” and UN children’s agency, UNICEF, reports “a staggering” 1,000 per cent in-

crease in cases involving children between 2023 and 2024. “The impact on women and children is enormous,” Richardson said, noting that children comprise half of the displaced.

“They are really bearing the brunt of the crisis. They’re also recruited by gangs. We’ve seen a 70 percent increase in one year of how they coerce children into gangs.”

Meanwhile, five million Haitians require food assistance, the number of children suffering from malnutrition and stunting has increased, and only a third of health institutions are operating.

Haiti is also dealing with the impact of deportations. Last year, some 200,000 nationals were sent back to the country, and many had no home to go to. Haitians are also leaving their homeland, often at great risk. Reports indicate that nearly 400,000 fled last year.

Despite the realities on the ground, and access limitations, humanitarian response continues, including in gang-controlled areas.

“We’ve been able to set up a logistics hub in the north, and this has been very helpful, obviously, to be able to receive humanitarian goods and then trying to bring them into the capital,” Richardson said. (CMC)

Florida – Jamaican Charged with Attempted Murder

Two Cops

Reece Anglin, a 32-year-old man, has been accused of attempting to kill two police officers in Florida, USA. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has charged the Jamaican, whose immigration status is unknown, and Tafari Elliot in connection with the February 12 incident that occurred in Lauderhill.

According to reports, Anglin ran away from the scene, but Tampa police apprehended him two days later on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Anglin was later sent to Broward jail.

On February 12, two armed males aimed weapons at police enforcement when members of the BSO’s Gang Investigations Task Force were carrying out an operation at the Calypso Cay apartments in the 4100 block of Northwest 21st Street, the BSO said in a statement.

After drawing his weapon and introducing

himself as a law enforcement official, the BSO deputy ordered the guys to surrender their weapons. Rather than complying, the guys fired at the officer, who fired back. Elliot was hit, according to the BSO, but he ran away. After that, he was arrested inside the apartment building and transferred to Broward Health Medical Center.

Two days later, Anglin was apprehended, having also escaped the scene. Two attempted murders of a law enforcement official have been brought against him and Elliot.

Numerous firearms were discovered at the scene by detectives, and the officers were unharmed during the interaction.

According to the BSO, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is spearheading the investigation into the event.

Target Takes a Hit of $12.4 Billion Loss in Value

Target Corporation’s stock plummeted by approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value. The drop occurred on February 28, the designated economic blackout day, and coincided with mounting backlash over the retailer’s decision to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has taken action through its Public Education and Selective Buying Campaign. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said, “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard. If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, led calls for a “40-Day Target Fast,” urging Black consumers to withhold their

spending at the retailer. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” Bryant said. “If we withhold our dollars, we can make a statement that cannot be ignored.”

The NAACP also issued a Black Consumer Advisory in response to Target’s DEI rollback, warning Black consumers about corporate retreat from diversity initiatives.

The advisory urges them to support businesses that remain committed to investing in Black communities.

Target is also facing legal battles. Shareholders have filed lawsuits challenging the company’s DEI policies, arguing that the commitments hurt financial performance. Meanwhile, conservative groups have sued over Target’s diversity efforts, claiming they discriminated against white employees and other groups.

“Consumers have the power to demand change, and Target is learning that lesson the hard way,” Chavis said.

(NNPA: Black Press USA)

NYC – Mayor Adams’ Project for Historical Record of Enslaved People in NYC

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced an ambitious project to make accessible the historical records of thousands of formerly enslaved New Yorkers who lived in the five boroughs when the practice of slavery was legal here. Led by the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS), the project will transcribe digitized historical records dating from 1660 to 1827— when slavery became illegal in New York. Transcribed data will help historians and everyday New Yorkers locate the records of enslaved New Yorkers and even, in some cases, trace familial roots. To accomplish the project, the Adams administration is calling for volunteers to transcribe the digital records and help create searchable data. To learn more about the project, visit the digital archive, or volunteer, New

Yorkers can visit Archives.nyc. This announcement comes as the city celebrates Black History Month and all the contributions Black New Yorkers have made to New York City, as well as the city’s 400th anniversary this year.

“We cannot build a better, brighter future without first acknowledging and accepting our past,” said Mayor Adams. “This ambitious project allows everyday New Yorkers to understand the history of enslaved people who shaped our city into what it is today. For too long, enslaved people were forgotten and lost to the past. Today, with projects like this, we shed a light on their story, learn their names, and ensure that time does not leave them behind again.”

“This first phase of the transcription project will make available records documenting enslaved people in New

York City, and subsequent phases we’ll be adding more records,” DORIS Commissioner Pauline Toole. “This is part of the Municipal Archives and Library initiative to engage communities with the historical records of the city.”

The Municipal Archives — a division within DORIS — preserves and makes available city government’s records, dating from 1636 to the present. The Municipal Archives currently has identified and digitized nine volumes of records from towns in Brooklyn, Queens, and Westchester counties, dating from 1660 to 1838. The documents include birth certificates naming enslaved children, and documents that granted enslaved individuals their freedom. The volumes range from 200 to 500 pages, including both original documents and hand-written transcriptions of records. Using From the Page — a platform designed for transcription — volunteers will enter information from each volume into a form that DORIS will then use to publish a searchable guide. The transcribed data will be easily searchable and will help researchers and the general public locate and view records of thousands of formerly enslaved New Yorkers who lived in New York City that would otherwise be difficult to trace.

In December 2024, Mayor Adams announced “Founded By NYC,” a yearlong inclusive, comprehensive acknowledgement of the 400th anniversary of New York City. In partnership with NYC Tourism + Conventions, Founded By NYC will celebrate how New York City has made history, and continues to do so — highlighting the achievements driven

by the creativity and resilience of the five boroughs and it’s people, including the perspectives of marginalized audiences, like those of the Indigenous community, women, and people of color.

Throughout planning for New York City’s 400th anniversary, the mayor’s office has also partnered with the Lenape Center to uplift the voices of the Lenape Indigenous community. Last year, Mayor Adams proclaimed November 20 “Lenape Heritage Day” in a ceremony at Gracie Mansion. This announcement came one year after Mayor Adams hosted the first-ever mayoral reception celebrating Native American and Indigenous heritage at Gracie Mansion, as the city ensures the past contributions and painful experiences of the Lenape people and other Indigenous communities are not lost to history.

“The history of enslaved New Yorkers is an essential part of our city’s story—one that must be preserved and made accessible,” said New York City Councilmember Dr. Nantasha Williams. “I commend Mayor Adams and the Department of Records and Information Services for this initiative to transcribe and digitize these records, ensuring the voices of those once enslaved are not lost to time. This effort deepens our understanding of the past and helps New Yorkers connect with their history. I encourage everyone to support this project by volunteering or engaging with these records as we work toward a fuller, more honest representation of our shared history.”

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Celebrating the Life of Hazel N. Dukes

Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes – a civil rights trailblazer, social justice fighter, housing reformer, education stalwart, political force, health services pioneer, and youth development advocate –dedicated her 92 years to forging a fairer and more just society. It is with profound sadness that we mark her passing on March 1, the first day of Women’s History Month – a symbolic final chapter for a woman who spent her life making history. Dr. Dukes’s legacy is expansive, reaching from New York’s grassroots to the halls of power – and even beyond U.S. shores to the Caribbean.

Born in segregated Montgomery, Alabama in 1932 and later moving to New York City as a teenager, Dukes learned early to question injustice and demand change. From the 1960s onward, Hazel Dukes stood on the front lines of the civil rights movement, challenging inequality at every turn. She began by combating housing discrimination on Long Island and helping to launch President Lyndon Johnson’s Head Start program. By the late 1970s, Dukes had become a powerful voice in the NAACP – eventually leading the New York State conference (a post she held for the rest of her life) and even serving as national president in the early 1990s. In those roles, and on the NAACP’s national board for decades, she was renowned for her unwavering commitment to fighting racism and inequality. Indeed, her advocacy extended to housing, voting rights, and healthcare access, reflecting her belief that equality had to be pursued on all fronts. The NAACP eulogized her as the “living embodiment” of its mission. Her decades of service earned her the

NAACP’s highest honor – the Spingarn Medal – presented by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2023.

She believed that civil rights meant equity in all areas of life – from schools and housing to healthcare – and fought on all those fronts. A firm believer in cultivating the next generation, she mentored young activists throughout her career – a legacy honored in 2024 by a New York fellowship established in her name to prepare future leaders.

Hazel Dukes also wielded significant influence in politics. In an era when few Black women were respected in politics, she broke through barriers with sheer determination. She became the first Black vice-chair of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, using that platform to register Black voters and amplify their voices. Dukes also played a role on the national stage: at the 1972 Democratic National Convention, she seconded the presidential candidacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm – the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination. She advised multiple New York governors and guided New York City’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins. In 2021, Dukes administered the oath of office to Governor Kathy Hochul –the first time a private citizen swore in a New York governor Dukes’ impact was not confined to the United States. Recognizing that the struggles for racial justice and economic empowerment were global, she extended her hand across the African diaspora. She was an active participant in the Caribbean Multinational Business Conference (CMBC), a forum that brings

together leaders from the U.S. and Caribbean. Dukes was a strong supporter of this concept from its inception, highlighting the “commonality of purpose” among people of color internationally and urging collective action. She was unafraid to share her views directly with prime ministers and presidents, impressing upon them the need for unity and cooperation across borders. Among the leaders she worked with was Jamaica’s Portia Simpson Miller, that nation’s first female prime minister, whom Dukes admired for her trailblazing leadership. In turn, Caribbean communities recognized Dukes as a trusted ally in their own struggles for progress and unity. Through The Links, she supported educational and humanitarian projects in Caribbean communities. This helped cement a reputation that was both national and international – a testament to her lifelong aim of bringing people together. In Hazel Dukes’s worldview, the fight for justice transcended borders.

As we celebrate Hazel Dukes’s extraordinary life, we must also acknowledge the profound sadness that her passing brings. Dr. Dukes was more than a public figure; she was a mentor and confidante – known fondly as “Mama Dukes” – nurturing relationships that spanned generations. In the days since her passing, tributes have poured in from every quarter –from governors and mayors to church congregations and neighbors – all testifying to her profound impact. Even in her final years, she remained on the front lines – in 2021, at age 88, she stood in a Harlem church alongside Gov.

Andrew Cuomo to urge Black New Yorkers to get vaccinated against COVID-19

The grief we feel is tempered by gratitude for all that she gave us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dukes’s family, her friends, and her vast network of colleagues and protégés. Hazel Dukes lived to see many fruits of her labor – from the rise of diverse new leaders she mentored to the strengthening of institutions she helped shape.

For the Carib News family, this loss is deeply personal. Dr. Dukes was not just a subject of our reporting, but a cherished friend. We worked alongside her on numerous initiatives – including conferences across the Caribbean where she lent us her wisdom and star power. She always believed in our mission and bolstered us with unfailing encouragement. We will forever remember how she always asked how she could help and lit up the room with her optimism and frank counsel. Carib News would not be what it is today without Dukes’s unwavering support and friendship. As we say goodbye to this titan of justice, we also say thank you. Thank you, Dr. Dukes, for a lifetime of service that made our world better and showed us that progress is possible when we stand together. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we celebrate a woman who made history by refusing to accept injustice as the status quo. Her race is finished, but the torch now passes to us – may we carry it forward with her courage and conviction.

‘We’re Not Running from Our Own House’: CBC Declares War on Trump, Musk, and Project 2025

by Stacy M. Brown

In what might be an unprecedented show of force, a powerful contingent of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) met with African American journalists inside the Democratic Whip’s Conference Room at the U.S. Capitol, laying out their battle plan against Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the far-right’s dystopian blueprint known as Project 2025. CBC Chair Yvette Clarke, First Vice Chair Troy Carter, Whip Sydney Kamlager-Dove, former Chair Steven Horsford, Reps. Jahana Hayes, Summer Lee, and the ever-outspoken Jasmine Crockett made it clear—while they lack the votes to halt Trump’s cruel and life-threatening policies, they are on the offensive with one goal in mind: retaking the House next year to neutralize his agenda.

As Trump prepared to address a joint session of Congress, most CBC members had vowed they would attend—not to validate him, but to “look him in the eye” as he and Musk continue to ravage the country. “Many of us are expecting

lies to be told,” Kamlager-Dove stated. “We’ll be curious to see all of the gaslighting that has happened on the other side too. We want to facilitate ways in which we can work with [The Black Press].” Rep. Marilyn Strickland was blunt about why she won’t be bullied out of attending. “I’m going to this address because this is the People’s House, and people elected me to represent them. He’s not running me out of my own House,” she declared. Maryland Rep. Glen Ivey refused to sugarcoat Trump’s economic disaster. “The things he’s done are terrible. The tariffs he put in place are terrible. They’re taking money out of people’s pockets,” Ivey stated, highlighting how federal employees in his district are being sacrificed for what he called a “big grift” benefiting the billionaire class, including Musk. “Trump is pulling money together for a multi-trillion-dollar tax cut for people like Musk,” he said. Horsford didn’t hold back, slamming Trump’s budget-slashing schemes. “That [stuff] is real. We understand.

The tax cuts—his ultimate goal—so he can screw America, and Black America is at the top of his list,” he warned.

Many members argued that their presence at Trump’s address was itself an act of resistance. “If we don’t show up, they will have people filling those seats and a room full of sycophants cheering for his ass as he continues to gaslight us,” Kamlager-Dove said. “So one oppositional thing to do is to show up and make him look us in the face and lie to our constituents. He’s done nothing about the $15 eggs or a damn thing to keep the planes in the air. An act of resistance is showing up and telling him to his face that he is lying—just like an act of resistance is not showing up and telling him F— you.” Then came Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the CBC’s fiercest fighter, ready to take the war to Trump and the far-right machine. She zeroed in on the Black Press and digital media as crucial allies in breaking through the noise. “The [Black Press] is part of that strategy. To make sure you have a

KARLISA

message from us to get out,” Crockett said. “Everyone wants to pretend things are normal, but they’re not. For everyone trying to be prim and proper, God bless them. Some of us, such as I, are a little rough around the edges, but people respond. Trump is idiot talk, but it resonated.

“But Black America has always been the trendsetters, and we have that in the Black Caucus,” she continued. “We have to make sure we are hitting all parts of our Black demographics. We will talk to them differently. We will engage in the podcast, we will do the platforms. I’m on every single thing.” The CBC told Black journalists they’re also launching a bus tour—not just in their districts, but deep into Republican strongholds, bringing the Black Press along to document their fight. They insisted that this is no ordinary resistance. It’s a declaration of war.

Remembering Dr. Hazel N. Dukes

It is with profound sadness that we share that Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, former President of the NAACP New York State Conference passed away on March 1, at the age of 92. Dr. Dukes has been in the forefront of the Civil Rights movement since the 1960s and has been an important and dynamic activist inspiration to this movement from that period to the present. Up until her passing, she remained a constant fighter for the rights of our people and undeterred by any kind of opposition.

She served as president of the NAACP from 1989 to 1992 and her work with President Lyndon B Johnson’s Head Start program is known throughout the country and for her stellar performance. Hazel Dukes was also the first African-American vice-president of the Nassau County Democratic Committee and served in that position to empower black people in the suburbs for years. She served in the position of President of the NAACP New York Conference since 1929, and has been a relentless leader who never stopped working for the political empowerment of our people, civil rights and human rights.

She is known for her dynamic leadership in the local and national scene. We bear witness to that leadership as Ms.

Dukes tried to resuscitate the Brooklyn Chapter, which was growing cold. We accompanied her to Brooklyn as she worked in the cold and with all kinds of opposition to rebuild and recraft the Brooklyn chapter to be one of the most dynamic in the country today.

Ms. Dukes was a strong supporter of the concept of the Caribbean Multinational Business Conference (CMBC). She has not just been a supporter but an avid participant who has constantly talked about the commonality of purpose and the problems that exist with black people or people of color internationally. And she was not afraid to express her views to Prime Ministers, to Presidents about the need for working together and being stronger as a unit. Ms Dukes through her association with The Links has worked on several projects in the Caribbean, school projects to upgrade schools and to help in so many social areas, so her reputation is national and international, and all contributing to a better world, all contributing to bring people together.

So, we pay tribute to this Titan and thank her for her service and for her support of CARIB NEWS and people of color of the world through the many decades of her long and very active life.

Governor Hochul Directs State Flags to

Be Lowered to Honor the Life of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to be lowered at half staff to honor the life of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, the longtime New York civil rights leader who died this morning at the age of 92.

“The leadership, courage and bravery of Hazel Dukes transformed New York for the better,” Governor Hochul said. “Her unwavering commitment to the fight for civil rights transformed lives and uplifted

our communities. New York is forever indebted to her for the courage, strength, and love she brought to every battle.”

Hazel Dukes was a civil rights activist and former president of the New York State

NAACP. She fought for racial justice, education reform, and voting rights, becoming a prominent advocate for the African American community.

Congresswoman Clarke Issues Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Icon and NAACP President Dr. Hazel. N Dukes

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the passing of civil rights icon and president of the New York chapter of the NAACP, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes:

“New York and our nation have lost a true giant today. I have known Dr. Hazel Dukes for most of my life, and I consider it one of my greatest blessings to have called her my friend, mentor, Soror, Link Sister, and inspiration. My mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, and Dr. Dukes were Democratic Convention companions and were often in the trenches together fighting for the Black

Community at each other’s sides. She lived a life of courage, resolve, and unmatched tenacity, and I will miss her warmth and wisdom so very dearly.

“For more than 70 years, Dr. Dukes devoted her life towards advancing the rights of Black Americans and our fight for equal treatment. Her advocacy and work for racial diversity, equity and inclusion, social change, and economic development within the Black community as a leader within the NAACP and other organizations solidified her as a force for social action and change. She stood tall against the oppressive status quo of Jim Crow and paved the

way forward to a more enlightened, more accepting, more loving era for our country and world. Truly, we owe her a debt that can never be measured.

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with her son Ronald, her daughter-in-law Janet, and all friends and loved ones of the Dukes family during this season of bereavement. May they find comfort in knowing Dr. Dukes’ memory will long serve as a guiding light to those of us who remember just how bright she shined.”

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Mayor Adams’ Statement on Passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes

New York – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes:

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Dr. Hazel Dukes. For over 40 years, Ma Dukes has been an unwavering presence in my life — a trusted advisor, a cherished friend, and a guiding light during some of my most challenging times.

“Ma Dukes was a true trailblazer who dedicated her life to uplifting our community.

As the longtime leader of the NAACP New York State Conference, she fought tirelessly for civil rights, education equity, and economic justice. Her fearless advocacy

opened doors for countless New Yorkers — including myself — and helped shape our city and state into what it is today.

“I will remember Ma Dukes for her remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether in times of crisis or celebration, she could fill a room with her commanding presence yet make everyone feel heard and valued. Her wisdom, compassion, and straight-talking spirit made her a mother figure not just to me, but to several generations of leaders and community members throughout our city who were her ‘children.’

“While today I mourn the loss of a force in our community, I also celebrate a life

richly lived. Ma Dukes embraced every day with purpose and passion. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the changes she helped create in our city and our nation.

“New York City has lost a giant, but heaven has gained a warrior. Rest in power, Ma Dukes. Your work continues through all of us who were blessed to know you.”

Mayor Adams today ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to remain lowered at half-staff in honor of the memory of Dr. Hazel Dukes.

NAACP Mourns the Passing of Decades-Long Leader & Trailblazing Icon Hazel N. Dukes

The NAACP is mourning the passing of our New York State Conference President and organizational leader, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. In addition to her role as New York State Conference President, Dr. Dukes was also a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and an active member of various Board of Directors sub-committees. She also served as President of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm and held several leadership positions within her New York community.

NAACP Chairman of the Board, Leon W. Russell, NAACP Vice Chair of the Board, Karen Boykin Towns, and NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following joint statement:

“No words can convey the devastation that this loss brings upon us as individuals, and the NAACP as an organization. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, known to many as ‘Ma’ was a living embodiment of the NAACP. She led with conviction, always put her communi-

ty first, and stood up to those who tried to bring us down. From leading our National organization to carrying our New York State Conference, serving as a passionate voice on our National Board of Directors, and mentoring our youth, there is no corner of the movement that has been untouched by Dr. Dukes’ legacy.

“While she may have passed on, hers is a legacy that will outlive us all. The NAACP is proud to have served as a home, and our members and fellow leaders an extended family for a force of nature, and source of light as bright as Dr. Dukes. Our hearts are with the Dukes family as we hold her memory close to our hearts while carrying the torch she lit.”

Dr. Dukes received the Association’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, at the 114th National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. The Medal was presented by Hillary Rodham Clinton, who commended Dr. Dukes for her many decades of service to the people of New York and

her dedication to bettering the lives of Black Americans across the country. A full interview from the 114th National Convention can be found here. A daughter of the South turned Harlem

legacy, Hazel was born in Montgomery, Alabama, where her father taught her to question racial segregation, and her community showed her the power of organizing. After her family’s migration to New York in the 1940s, Dr. Dukes got heavily involved in the movement for racial equity across healthcare, education, and housing, and was ultimately selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Head Start program.

Dr. Dukes began her leadership at the NAACP in the 1990s, and has been a leading voice in the organization for nearly 40 years, but her list of accomplishments runs long. Most recently, she was given the key to the city by former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2020, and made history by becoming the first civilian person in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor - Kathy Hochul.

‘She was truly

an icon’ — Medgar Evers College Celebrates The Life of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes

Long-time civil rights activist, public servant, staunch advocate for Medgar Evers College and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes died on Saturday at her New York City home at the age of 92, with her family by her side. She is survived by her son Ronald Dukes and daughter-inlaw Janet Dukes and leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy to the many lives that she touched.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes, an extraordinary leader and cherished friend of Medgar Evers College. Dr. Dukes embraced our institution with unwavering dedication, and me personally with the warmth of family when I began my presidency,” said Dr. Patricia Ramsey, the president of Medgar Evers College.

“Her enthusiasm upon the revival of our campus NAACP chapter was matched only by her pride in our students’ participation as delegates at the national convention in Las Vegas, this past July. She was very generous about sharing the limelight and championed the students and me whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Medgar Evers College bestowed Dr. Dukes with an honorary doctorate in 2009, but she honored us with her wisdom, her courage, and her unwavering belief in our potential. Though she has left us, the seeds of activism and excellence that she planted at Medgar Evers College and in our community must continue to be watered to bring forth good fruit for generations to come.

“Our deepest condolences to her family and dearest friends— she truly was an icon, in every sense of the word.”

An outspoken advocate for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and quality education for all, Dukes dedicated more than seven decades advocating for racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and long-lasting social change. She served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and presided over the NAACP New York State Conference for more than 20 years. In 1989, she was elected national president of the NAACP–one of the few women ever to lead the historic civil rights organization.

Into her 90s, she remained on the frontlines, whether protesting police brutality or pushing

for better health care in underserved neighborhoods.

“Dr Hazel Dukes was my sister who believed in the greatness of the students we serve,” said Dr. Evelyn Castro, Senior Advisor to the President for Community Engagement and Dean, School of Professional & Community Engagement at Medgar Evers College.

“She lifted up the legacy of Medgar Wiley Evers and our fight for equality and justice for all.”

Dr. Dukes is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her many years of commitment to justice and activism including the the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Candace Award for community service, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for patriotism and philanthropy, and the NAACP 108th Spingarn Medal–the highest or noblest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. In January 2023 Dr. Dukes made history by becoming the first layperson in the United States of America to administer the oath of the office to a governor.

Dukes was also a successful entrepreneur and President and founder of Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm and a member of numerous civic organizations including NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

In June 2023, Dr. Dukes (middle) attended Medgar Evers College Prep High School graduation with Dr. Patricia Ramsey (left) and Dr. Una Clarke.

Despite her many titles and distinctions, she often described herself simply as a servant of the people. “…if I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain.”

The life of Dr. Dukes

Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes was born on March 17, 1932, in Montgomery, Ala., the only child of Edward and Alice Dukes. Her father was a Pullman porter who helped organize the first all-Black railroad union alongside A. Philip Randolph, and her family’s neighborhood included civil rights icon Rosa Parks – “I could stand on my front porch and look at Ms. Parks’s front porch,” Dukes recalled to the New

Statement from Speaker Adams on the Passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes

On Saturday, Dr. Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, passed away. Speaker Adrienne Adams issued the following statement.

“Dr. Hazel Dukes committed her entire life to advancing civil rights, racial justice, and economic empowerment of our people. She was a lifelong champion for justice and equity, and never stopped fighting for

York Amsterdam News. In 1955, after a year of college in Alabama, Dukes moved with her parents to Long Island, N.Y. where she studied business at Nassau Community College and quickly got involved with tenant rights and community organizing in the town of Roslyn in North Hempstead. In the 1960s, Dukes was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to his Head Start early childhood education program—one of the oldest and largest programs of its kind.

In 1966 she became the first Black person hired by the Nassau County Attorney’s Office, where she tackled housing and foster care cases. She also served as a community organizer with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, coordinating day care, schooling and job training for disadvantaged families. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University in 1978, nearly three decades after enrolling in college.

By then, Dukes had become a force in Democratic politics. She served as the first Black vice-chair of the Nassau County Democratic Committee and sat on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982. During the Reagan and Bush years, she emerged as a fierce critic of policies she felt undermined civil rights, from cuts to social programs to weak enforcement of school desegregation.

From 1989 to 1992, Dukes served as the national president of the NAACP–the second woman to hold the post. Dukes prioritized mentoring Black youth and fostering alliances with female leaders in business and politics during her term. In 1990, New York mayor David Dinkins appointed her president of the city’s Off-Track Betting Corporation. In New York City in May 2023, Dr. Dukes received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dukes received numerous honors and awards for her many years of commitment to justice and activism. She received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice; The Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business Award; First Annual Ruth Clark Trailblazer Award; National Action Network Legacy Award; City & State Fifty Over 50 Lifetime Achievement

Award; John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award by the Real Estate Board of New York; the first recipient of the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of The Links, Inc. Hazel N. Dukes Social Justice Champion Award; a Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce 2023 125th Anniversary Gala honoree; City and State’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award; the New York Knicks 2024 Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated (Psi Lambda Lambda Chapter), 2024 Citizen of the Year Award; Union Baptist Church (Harlem) 2025 Commemorating Our Heritage Award; New York City 2025 Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Award; and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2020, Dukes was presented the key to New York City by former Mayor Bill de Blasio for years of dedicated public service to New York City, and in 2023, she made history by becoming the first layperson in the United States of America to administer the oath of office to a governor. Dukes was awarded the NAACP 108th Spingarn Medal that same year–the highest or noblest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. In 2024, the State University of New York launched the SUNY Black Leadership Institute and established the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship.

Dukes received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, and completed post-graduate work at Queens College. In 1990, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the City University of New York Law School at Queens College, and in 2009, she was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, New York. In 2012 she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, New York.

Dukes is a member of numerous organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and the National Council of Negro, Incorporated.

Assemblymember

Hermelyn’s Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Icon “Mama Dukes”

a brighter future for our country.

“As she called me ‘daughter,’ I’m so proud to have known her as my ‘Mama Dukes, mentor, and friend.’ Her legacy will live on forever, and we will always remember her extraordinary contributions and impact for generations to come.

“May she Rest in Power.”

“I join our communities with deep sadness in mourning the passing of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a trailblazing activist and President of the NAACP NYS Conference. Hazel was a fearless champion of civil rights, dedicating her life to serving and uplifting Brooklynites, New Yorkers, and individuals in need across the country. Her impact was profound, and it will continue to reverberate throughout the nation.

I knew “Mama Dukes” as a fellow sorority sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,

and to me, and countless others, she was more than a mentor—she was a guiding light who inspired the next generation of leaders working towards a fairer future.

Dr. Dukes was a forefront of the civil rights movement; serving for decades as a champion for justice, and a fierce advocate for civil rights. Her powerful voice for change will live on. May she rest in peace.”

Paul Tazewell, First Black Man to Win Oscar for Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell made history as the first African American man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.” This achievement adds to his Critics Choice, BAFTA, Tony, Emmy, and Costume Designers Guild honors.

Tazewell was previously nominated for an Oscar in 2021 for “West Side Story” and won a Tony for “Hamilton” and an Emmy for “The Wiz Live.” Variety reports he received several industry accolades for “Wicked” this award season, defeating nominees like Janty Yates and David Crossman for “Gladiator II,” Linda Muir for “Nosferatu,” Lisy Christl for “Conclave,” and Arianne Phillips for “A Com-

plete Unknown.

After Ruth E. Carter, who won for Black Panther and its follow-up, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Tazewell is just the second Black individual to win in the category.

Tazewell recognized the historic occasion in his victory speech and thanked the Wicked cast and crew, particularly Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, for their pride and hard work.

Tazewell created more than 1,000 Wicked costumes, including the famous black dress worn by Elphaba and the bubble garment worn by Glinda.

Finance - ‘Dream Exchange’ to List Black Companies on Stock Exchange

Dream Exchange is pleased to announce that its Form 1 application (the “Form 1”) was formally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, and approved to be placed into the Federal Register on February 25, 2025 by the SEC. Once its Form 1 is approved, the Dream Exchange will become a registered national stock exchange, authorized to facilitate trading in national market system (“NMS”) stocks. This accomplishment is the first step in Dream Exchange’s mission to create a public marketplace trading in NMS stock whose common stock is primarily owned by individual investors – in short, a “People’s Exchange.” But the Dream Exchange is not resting on its laurels as it has plans to grow its exchange beyond facilitating the trading of NMS stocks and create a new type of stock exchange, called a venture exchange.  Utilizing proposed legislation known as the Main Street Growth Act (the “MSGA”), Dream Exchange is planning to become

one of the first exchanges, if not the first, to establish a venture exchange, which will be designed to connect early-stage, high-growth companies with investors –fostering wealth creation and economic empowerment where it is most needed.

The Dream Exchange believes that the MSGA represents a significant shift toward democratizing the financial market, providing small and mid-sized businesses with a viable pathway for growth and expansion. It embodies the belief that opening up public capital markets to underserved sectors can strengthen the broader economy and promote innovation nationwide.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted this achievement and Dream Exchange’s mission to create a marketplace for all. Joseph Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, states that: “Being the “People’s Exchange,” our plans for the future include the creation of a venture market that will welcome qualified small and mid-sized businesses to take advantage of accessing the public capital markets like never before.”

At Dream Exchange, we recognize that most businesses may not have the resources required to be eligible for the national market systems that are available for companies to trade their stocks. The creation of a venture exchange aims to reduce the challenges smaller companies face when attempting to go public, such as initial public offering costs, limited liquidity, and intense competition in the traditional stock exchanges dominated by larger companies. The Dream Exchange believes that the MSGA will allow qualified small and mid-sized companies to access the public capital markets for the first time.

NY – Immigration Lawyer Sentenced to 70 Months for Massive Fraud

A former immigration attorney has been sentenced to 70 months imprisonment for a “large-scale” immigration fraud on Caribbean and other immigrants.

Matthew Podolsky, acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that 70-year-old Kofi Amankwaa was sentenced for immigration fraud in connection with his supervision of a multi-year scheme to file fraudulent immigration documents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Podolsky said Amankwaa pled guilty before US District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who imposed the sentence.

“Kofi Amankwaa, a former immigration attorney, made a mockery of the US immigration system and VAWA — a law that provides noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — by filing thousands of immigration documents falsely alleging that his clients were victims of abuse by their children or other family members.”

Apple Shareholders Support DEI Initiatives

In response, Apple said the proposal was unnecessary, pointing to its strong compliance measures and calling the effort an attempt to interfere with how it manages its operations and workforce. Apple has vowed to stick to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite pressure from a Trump-associated group and an atmosphere that derides a diverse and inclusive workforce. Shareholders voted this week to keep the company’s DEI initiatives, rejecting a proposal from a conservative think tank that sought to eliminate them. The vote occurred

during Apple’s annual meeting, during which the company also announced a $500 billion commitment to investments in the United States over the next four years—the largest domestic spending plan in its history.

The National Center for Public Policy Research submitted the proposal, citing recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and a rise in DEI-related lawsuits. The group claimed Apple’s DEI efforts could expose the company to legal risks.

Jamaica - First Model School to Train Young Prospects

My Model University (MU), a newly established organization established in 2024, has established the groundwork for an exciting future with swift expansion, emerging as a major regional and global force in the modeling sector.  Alisha Thorpe, the creator and chief executive officer of My Model University, is key to its success. Her goal is to ensure that young creatives

in Jamaica receive thorough training and exposure so they can succeed on the international scene.

Her in-depth knowledge of the modeling profession, her dedication to perfection, and her enthusiasm for young empowerment have been the driving elements behind MU’s founding and rapid ascent. Thorpes shared a synopsis from one end

of the lens to another, “I was born in front of a camera, the child of a photographer, which sparked my lifelong connection to the art of posing. From an early age, I realized I loved not only being in front of the lens but also teaching others. I was always placed in leadership roles, naturally guiding those around me. As I grew, my community began reaching out, both on-

line and in person, asking for guidance on how to start their modelling journeys.” At first, Thorpe was thinking of using lessons to respond to inquiries from her online community. But she knew in her heart that more than a few lectures would be needed to solve the problem. She was then inspired to produce something that would make an impression that would last.

CARIBHEALTH

US – To Revoke Visas for Officials of Countries Using Cuban Medics

Countries that engage with the Cuban medical system, including Trinidad and Tobago governmental officials, were threatened by the US government with the option to either forfeit their Cuban medical professionals or their US visas. A recent statement by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, sparked concerns about the abrupt cancellation of visas, including the Prime Minister’s, who is now in the US with his wife, Sharon Rowley, after Dr. Rowley disclosed that he had been to California for prostate treatment.

The Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of CARICOM convened on February 28 to examine the United States’ decision to cancel the visas of foreign government leaders whose nations hire Cuban physicians and nurses, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne.

On February 25, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Today, we announce the expansion of an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets forced labor linked to the Cuban labor export program.”

“This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for, or involved in, the Cuban labor export program, particularly Cuba’s overseas medical missions.”

In a statement published on his department’s website, Rubio said that the ban also extended to those individuals’ close family members.

“The department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy.”

Brown stated, “COFCOR held a meeting on this issue this morning (February 28) and has agreed to seek clarification from the (US) State Department on behalf of member states in the region.”

A CARICOM organization called COFCOR oversees member state cooperation and foreign policy coordination. To promote the interests of Caricom member nations, it also collaborates with other parties and international organizations.

Rubio has asserted that the brutal and coercive labor practices of the Cuban dictatorship are widely known and that the country still benefits from the forced labor of its employees.

Rubio stated, “Cuba’s labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba’s overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country.”

According to him, the US is still dedicated to combating forced labor worldwide.

“To do so, we must promote accountability not just for Cuban officials responsible for these policies, but also those complicit in the exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers.”

According to a statement posted on the website of the Cuban embassy, the Ministry of Health and partners of the Cuban Medical Brigade commemorated the 20th anniversary of the start of the Cuban medical partnership in T&T on July 19, 2023.

The event was presided over by Cuban ambassador Tania Diego Olite and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.

Deyalsingh commended Cuba for its assistance over the past 20 years in supplying physicians and nurses to support T&T’s health sector, ac-

cording to a statement posted on the embassy’s website.

Reporters were informed by a ministry source that it was “highly unlikely” that T&T officials would be singled out in any way by the new US foreign policy.

The source stated, “It is more likely Cubans and Venezuelans involved in the design and higher levels of the program who could be targeted.”

The Cuban government responded to Rubio by accusing the United States of claiming that labor exploitation was a part of “a campaign to discredit the prestige of Cuban medical missions.”

However, in a statement published on Granma, the official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, on February 26, it claimed that Cuba had deployed almost half a million medical personnel to nations affected by natural catastrophes.

According to the statement, millions of individuals worldwide and in Cuba may be impacted by the US government’s decision.

“The United States will expand the policy of restricting visas related to Cuba, which will now involve the suspension of those associated with the island’s international medical cooperation agreements.”

According to the statement, the US move will limit visas for Cuban authorities and other officials who are considered “alleged accomplices,” as well as those in charge of this foreign medical care program.

This decision, according to the Cuban government, “once again puts his agenda ahead of the interests of his government.”

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, was quoted in the statement as claiming that the US decision was “based on falsehoods and coercion” and that it was meant to impact the health care of millions of people in Cuba and across the world to enrich specific US special interest organizations.

According to the Cuban government, Rubio’s claims that Cuba exports “exploited labor” were a part of a campaign to undermine the reputation of Cuban medical missions that had been started during Donald Trump’s first term as president in 2017–2021.

“In that period, during which the pandemic of COVID-19 was raging, 58 Cuban medical brigades worked in 42 countries in Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania in the care, treatment and prevention of this scourge.”

“As the Cuban Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated, these accusations seek to associate the island with practices of ‘modern slavery’ and ‘human trafficking’ for the purpose of exploitation, or alleged interference in the internal affairs of the States in which they are located.”

According to the Cuban government, several undisclosed cooperation programs in Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia have had to terminate because of US harassment.

According to the statement, almost 600,000 Cuban healthcare professionals have served all over the world in the last 60 years.

It claimed that Cuban medical professionals have provided assistance to earthquake victims in Algeria (2003), Pakistan (2005), Mexico (1985), Armenia (1988), Iran (1990), Nicaragua (1972), and Peru (1970). Cuban medical assistance during storms, floods, and tsunamis in Honduras (1974–1998), Nicaragua (1988–1998), Guatemala (1998), Venezuela (1999), Guyana (2005), Sri Lanka (2005), and Indone-

sia (2005) was described in the statement. Other Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, have long collaborated on medical and other missions and have profited from the Cuban medical system. This development may hurt the local health system, which has been struggling for years due to the ongoing migration of Jamaican nurses.

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to Rubio’s remarks by saying, “Once again, Marco Rubio puts his agenda before the US interests.”

Adding, “The suspension of visas associated with Cuba’s international medical cooperation is the seventh unjustified aggressive measure against our population within a month.”

In May 2023, there were projected to be more than 300 Cuban medical experts in Jamaica; their history began in 1976, when Michael Manley headed the People’s National Party (PNP). The arrangement was terminated by Edward Seaga’s administration as soon as the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) came to power in the 1980s, and Ulises Estrada, the Cuban ambassador to Jamaica at the time, was removed as a top priority.

Tensions were progressively reduced throughout the JLP and PNP governments, and Cuban medical missions returned to Jamaica.

Cuban medical workers landed in Jamaica as

recently as 2021, after arriving in 2020 in 140 cases and in 2016 in 20 cases. Medical personnel typically work for a while before going back to Cuba.

One of the main projects the two nations collaborate on is the Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Program, which saw 3,476 sight-saving operations carried out between September 2023 and November 2024.

For more than 60 years, Cuban medical aid has benefited other Caribbean countries as well as those in Africa, Latin America, the Pacific, and Europe without any known US intervention. However, the initiative is exploitative, according to Rubio.

The US secretary of state, “Cuba’s labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba’s overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country. The United States is committed to countering forced labor practices around the globe. To do so, we must promote accountability not just for Cuban officials responsible for these policies, but also those complicit in the exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers.”

T&T – Blaka Dan Wins Ultimate Soca Champion and Million Dollar Prize

With a total score of 387 points, Blaka Dan won the first Ultimate Soca Champion tournament, taking home a $1 million cash prize. With an overall budget of $8 million, including $4 million from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, the competition gave $300,000 to Yung Bredda, the runner-up, and $150,000 to Preedy, the third-place finisher. Along with winning the main competition, Yung Bredda was also crowned the Bmobile People’s Champion, a title decided by a text vote via the Bmobile network. He was given a mobile phone, a year of free

mobile service, and a $10,000 cash award. $50,000 was awarded to the fourth through eleventh place finishers.

The taped finale was aired on the night of February 20, 2025. The event was held at Queen’s Park Savannah. In contrast to its predecessor, Soca Monarch, the Ultimate Soca Champion was structured like a reality program. Before creating the framework, which featured several prerecorded episodes leading up to the finale, producer Jerome “Rome” Precilla claimed to have conferred with Simon Cowell.

The final performance was pre-recorded,

edited, and aired on CNC3. Support for the event came from the National Carnival Commission and its CEO, Keiba Jacob Mottley, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, under the leadership of Minister Randall Mitchell. The tournament, which showcased the cultural value of soca music in Trinidad and Tobago, was made possible by sponsors. Recipients and finalists will get information about the formal award ceremony.

T&T - Senator Helon Francis Crowned Calypso Monarch

Helon Francis won his second crown on March 2, 2025, at Dimanche Gras at Queen’s Park Savannah, defeating a field of twelve, including seven previous kings.

“To Whom It May Be,” a song by Francis, beat Kurt Allen by one point. “Your Turn,” Allen’s political commentary, came in second. Akhenaton “Yung Bredda” Lewis, a clear fan favorite, came in third with his anthem-like song “We Rise.” The audience was thrilled by his upbeat performance and afterward expressed sadness that he did not place higher.

According to her pre-general election recommendations, Karene Asche finished fourth in A Leader.

Following his recent victory in the

T&T - Machel Montano, King of Chutney Soca

Machel Montano, known for mega hits such as “The Road”, “Pardy” and “Like Ah Boss”, has been crowned king of Chutney Soca, championing the genre. Alongside Drupatie Ramgoonai and Lady Lava, Montano sang his song Pepper Vine during his debut appearance in the competition.

Nine-time champion Rikki Jai finished third, followed by past winner Neval Chatelal in second place.

Working with Lil Bits, Reshma Ramlal was

crowned Queen of Chutney.  The public was admitted free of charge on March 1, 2025, to the event held in Skinner Park in San Fernando.

In an interview after the results, Machel said that he entered the tournament because of a social media meme. “It was a meme I saw that said Machel next year you winning Chutney Monarch and I said maybe I should try out. I feel so happy, satisfied.”

Chutney Soca Monarch, defending champion Machel Montano finished sixth with the song Bet Yah, which carried on his momentum from the calypso monarch victory the previous year and blurred the distinction between Soca and calypso.

In response to Jamaican dancehall rapper Beenie Man’s critique of the popular street food, Montano’s entire show was riveting, involving a dog sneering avariciously at

doubles, dancing energetically, levitating dangerously far above the stage, and costumed like a jockey.

However, it appears that Montano’s lyrical material did not have enough of an impact.   There was a loud applause from the crowd, but it was nothing compared to the thunderous roar that Yung Bredda received.

his head, Francis told reporters about his journey, including his calm, stoic delivery of a nonpartisan and nonjudgmental story

Blue Diamond Resorts Unveils the Ultimate Dominican Experience: The Luxe Family Escape

Blue Diamond Resorts introduces “The Luxe Family Escape”, an extraordinary five-night escape at the newly reopened and fully renewed Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino. Following a comprehensive renovation, the resort now offers a fully refreshed take on luxury family getaways, redefining all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean with newly redesigned, modern accommodations and personalized service. This exclusive package celebrates the resort’s transformation with an indulgent escape designed for families seeking the ultimate all-inclusive adventure. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with private transportation and fasttrack service at the airport before settling into the completely reimagined Luxury Chairman Two-Bedroom Suite with Diamond Club™ privileges, where a dedicated butler ensures every detail is seamlessly curated. Little guests receive the same level of pampering with a Personalized Children’s Butler, a one-of-a-kind service exclusive to this package.

Every morning, the family can gather for a private in-suite breakfast with unlimited waffles for children and endless mimosas for parents, recreating the warmth of a festive holiday

gathering every morning. As the sun sets, families will enjoy an exclusive private beachfront dinner, a gourmet dining experience under the stars, complete with live music and an authentic Dominican performance. Families will have exclusive access to the resort’s best amenities, including a one-hour private takeover of the Water Park at the neighboring Royalton Splash Punta Cana, transforming it into their own aquatic playground. The adventure continues with a hands-on Chef’s Table private cooking session at the renovated C/X Culinary Experience Restaurant, where the family will prepare a local dinner alongside the Executive Chef, and a private parent-child fitness class designed as a fun scavenger hunt around the renewed resort. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy ultimate relaxation with an all-access spa pass at The Royal Spa, indulging in unlimited rejuvenating treatments, followed by an expert-led Dominican rum tasting experience that introduces them to the rich flavors of the island.

Beyond the resort, once-in-a-lifetime destination experiences elevate this exclusive package. A private helicopter tour offers breathtaking aerial views of Punta Cana’s coastline before

returning guests to the resort in VIP fashion. A private catamaran to Saona Island brings the family to one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque destinations, where a personal chef serves a lobster feast with fine champagne, complemented by curated charcuterie and fresh seafood. On land, a private jungle buggy and horseback riding excursion provides an exhilarating way to explore the Dominican countryside.

With starting rates of $35,000 USD for a five-

night stay, accommodating up to two adults and three children, this exclusive package is available for booking from February 25 –March 18, 2025, with travel dates extending through December 23, 2025. This exclusive offering reflects Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to luxury, inviting families to experience the newly renewed and reopened Royalton Punta Cana in a way that is truly unforgettable.

“Ultimate Dominican Escape: The Luxe Family Escape”

Booking Window: February 25 – March 18, 2025*

Travel Dates: February 25 – December 23, 2025

Starting Rate: $35,000 USD**

Minimum Stay: 5 nights for 2 adults and 3 children

*The package and all included experiences are subject to availability. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Product Exclusively available on demand by booking through media@bluediamondresorts.com

**Prices are based on per-night rates in USD and are subject to change without prior notice. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

CHTA Welcomes the Caribbean’s Most Important Tourism Event to Antigua and Barbuda in 2025

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened registration for the highly anticipated 43rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18-22, 2025. This event is particularly special as it marks the first time the picturesque twin-island nation will host the Caribbean’s premier business-to-business tourism gathering. CTM will serve as a dynamic platform for global buyers and regional suppliers to network, explore new business opportunities, and elevate the Caribbean’s presence on the world tourism map.

“This is an exciting time for us as we prepare to welcome our valued tourism partners from around the world to Antigua and Barbuda,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez. “We are extremely pleased to be showcasing the beauty and culture of our twin-island paradise, as the host country for the 43rd edition of CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace. This event fosters meaningful partnerships that drive business growth and economic success across the Caribbean, and we certainly look forward to welcoming you to our shores for a truly immersive and productive Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025!”

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace is more than just a trade event—it’s a catalyst for business growth, collaboration, and innovation in our region’s tourism industry,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “As we bring Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda for the very first

time, we are excited to create new opportunities for our members, to strengthen global partnerships, and to showcase the diversity of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism product. With many new program elements, CTM 2025 will be a pivotal moment in our industry’s continued evolution.”

This year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) promises an expanded and dynamic agenda, designed to offer fresh insights, resources, and opportunities that will strengthen not only CHTA members but the entire tourism industry. The following events will be featured:

Responsible Tourism Day on Sunday, May 18

– A day dedicated to showcasing sustainable tourism practices, community engagement, and strategies to ensure long-term environmental and cultural preservation.

Caribbean Travel Forum on Monday, May 19

– A high-level gathering bringing together public and private sector leaders to address key tourism challenges and opportunities in the region. Topics such as innovation, investment, and workforce development will be discussed, alongside the presentation of prestigious industry awards recognizing exceptional achievements.

Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition on Thursday, May 22 – A new addition to the program, this one-day event will focus on the latest digital marketing strategies, AI-driven solutions, and tech trends designed to boost direct online bookings and enhance the Caribbean’s digital competitiveness.

The HBCUNY Classic Returns to MetLife Stadium on September 13, 2025

New York - The highly anticipated HBCUNY Classic football game is back and set to take place at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The annual event celebrating the culture and athletic strength of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), showcases the rich traditions, heritage, and spirit of community synonymous with HBCUs.

The decades long rivalry between Morehouse and Howard University is no secret to adoring fans and HBCU alums alike. The highly anticipated Northeast game

between these two powerhouses, marks another captivating chapter in this iconic matchup which is certain to result in an unforgettable event for all in attendance.

“We are excited to host another exhilarating game of college football with the HBCUNY Classic at MetLife Stadium,” said Albert Williams, President & CEO of Sports Eleven05 LLC, the producers of the Classic. “This game celebrates the rich traditions of HBCUs and the excellence of these two very revered academic institutions, Morehouse and Howard University. It’s an honor to create a space for commu-

nity including family, friends, students and alumni to come together in the spirit of camaraderie and joy.”

Fans can expect an exhilarating and energetic atmosphere at MetLife Stadium, with special guest appearances, a dynamic half ;me show, tail gaiting and so much more.

The HBCUNY Classic is not just a football game; it’s an experience that brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate the legacy and impact of HBCUs.

“We look forward to hosting the fourth annual HBCU New York Classic this September,” said Ron VanDeVeen, President

2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers - Top Moments Shared

MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers delivered top moments during its latest edition as Concacaf now has all eight nations qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The 2025 U-17 Men’s Qualifiers set new records. The tournament featured a record-breaking 60 matches and 308 total goals.

Here is a look at the best moments from the top performances of the 2025 tournament:

El Salvador Qualifies for its First-Ever FIFA U-17 World Cup

El Salvador made history as the 11th Concacaf nation to secure a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The qualification marked a significant milestone for the country’s football development, allowing

it to participate for the first time at a FIFA U-17 World Cup.

La Selecta qualified by winning Group H with nine points. The battle for first place came down to the last matchday in the group, where El Salvador defeated Jamaica 2-1 to win the group outright.

Introduction of New Tournament Format

The 2025 qualifiers featured a revamped single-round format, with 35 teams divided into eight groups, increasing pressure on every match. With no second chances, every group-stage match became do-ordie. Teams could not afford to slip up, making the tournament highly competitive from the first match.

The new format delivered thrilling finishes as all eight groups came down to the final matchdays to decide their respective

and CEO of MetLife Stadium. “It is an honor to welcome iconic HBCU teams like Morehouse College and Howard University along with thousands of HBCU alumni and fans to MetLife Stadium for what is sure to be an unforgettable event.”

Tickets for the 2025 HBCUNY Classic are available now and can be purchased online at www.hbcunyclassic.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness history and be part of this thrilling tradition. Join us on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at MetLife Stadium for a day of unforgettable football and HBCU pride.

winners. Group C was the only one to be decided on goal difference as first and second place Mexico and Nicaragua played to a draw.

Belize’s 7-0 debut win over Dominica Belize debuted in the final round with a 7-nil victory against Dominica in Group C. The win set a new record for the biggest debut win in U-17 qualifiers history. The three-point start gave Belize a start on the right foot in the race for first place.

Mexico Reaches 75th win, 300 Goals in U-17 Qualifiers

Luis Gamboa’s penalty against Belize marked Mexico’s 300th goal in U-17 qualifiers, making them the only team to reach this milestone in the competition’s history. The feat came in the 2025 edition’s fourth

matchday on February 11, where Mexico won 3-nil against its southern neighbors.

The Mexican side also achieved its 75th victory during the 2025 edition, making it the first team in history to reach this total.

Haiti ends six-year absence from FIFA U-17 World Cup

Haiti ended a six-year absence from the global stage with its qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Les Grenadiers won Group E with a 2-nil victory against hosts Guatemala on the final matchday. The Caribbean nation finished its campaign with a 3-0-0 record, 10 goals in favor, and no goals conceded.