Following general and regional elections. Results posted online by the Guyana Elections Commission
In the Caribbean, with warships, troops and nuclear submarines to fight drugs, trafficking and protect U.S. companies
NEW YORK MARCH ON WALL STREET
Demanding economic justice and equity. Thousands attended. Led by Rev. Al Sharpton, MLK III, and other community leaders
Calling on the Trump administration to extend TPS for Haitian immigrants
Sudan: Hundreds feared dead in Darfur landslide
Humanitarians “will spare no effort” to ensure that aid reaches people affected by a deadly landslide in a remote mountain village in Sudan, a senior UN official in the country said on Tuesday.
Up to 1,000 people are feared dead in the tragedy, which occurred on Sunday in Tarsin village, located in the Jebel Marra range on the border of Central and South Darfur states.
The landslide was triggered by days of heavy rain.
NY – Racism Row at U.S. Open as Ostapenko’s Outburst Draws Backlash - P 20
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Sudan at this tragic time,” Luca Renda, interim UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in the country said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the UN and partners are mobilizing to provide support to the affected population.
“The humanitarian community stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and will spare no effort to ensure that aid can reach those in need without delay,” he said.
Sudan: Guterres calls for ceasefire in El Fasher, deplores ‘relentless’ militia attacks
António Guterres said he was “appalled by the relentless attacks” by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on the North Darfur state capital, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
The paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been battling for control of devastated country since April 2023 and El Fasher has been the epicentre of fighting for more than 500 days.
Recent weeks have seen near-continuous shelling in the city and repeated deadly incursions into the adjoining Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were identified last December.
Since 11 August, the UN has documented the killing of at least 125 civilians in the El Fasher area, including summary executions – although the actual number is likely to be higher.
“The Secretary-General is alarmed at the grave risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, including ethnically motivated ones,” said Mr. Dujarric. Meanwhile, supplies are pre-positioned near El Fasher, but the UN and partners continue to face obstacles in moving them into the city.
Some 70 trucks of humanitarian assistance are currently waiting in Nyala, South Darfur, a top official with the UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Thursday in New York.
Mr. Dujarric also noted that repeated attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets in North Darfur have occurred over recent months.
“The Secretary-General calls for an immediate ceasefire in and around the El Fasher area,” he said.
Furthermore, the UN chief “insists that immediate steps must be taken to protect civilians and enable the safe, unhindered and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance into the
Aid effort underway after Afghanistan quake ‘wipes out’ villages
“I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today,” the Secretary-General said in an online message.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The UN team in Afghanistan is mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas.”
On the ground, several UN agencies reported devastation across four eastern provinces of Afghanistan including Nangarhar and Kunar, where staff and humanitarian partners are already supporting relief efforts.
Hundreds of houses are believed to have collapsed in remote hillside communities, where many likely crumbled on top of others located on terraces further downhill.
“When an earthquake of this magnitude happens, the homes basically tumble on top of each other,” Salam Al-Jabani from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) told UN News. “And because it was so late at night, families were at home sleeping and that’s why we see such big losses.”
The UN Humanitarian Air Service has scheduled additional flights connecting Kabul and Jalalabad for personnel and cargo to scale up the response.
Pakistan floods leave villages cut off as monsoon devastation continues
Aid agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to reach the hardest-hit areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said nearly 800 people have died since late June – almost three times the toll during the same period last year.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been hardest hit, where flash floods and landslides swept away homes and schools in mountainous districts, cutting off entire villages and communities.
Punjab – the country’s most populous province – is also on high alert as rising waters on the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers threaten downstream communities. Authorities fear that upstream water levels and near-full reservoirs could trigger further flooding in the coming days. Over 200 children have lost their lives in the floods across Pakistan since June. Behind every number is a child’s life cut short and a family left grieving..
Behind every number is a child’s life cut short and a family left grieving..
Glacier outbursts compound crisis
In Gilgit-Baltistan, so-called glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have added another layer of devastation – destroying homes, water systems and power infrastructure in remote valleys. These floods occur when heavy rains or rising temperatures cause glacial lakes to burst through natural barriers, suddenly releasing vast amounts of water and debris.
According to Newsroom Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, 45, is projected to win a second term in office following general and regional elections held on Monday.
Results from most election poll statements posted online by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) show that Dr. Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic
(PPP/C) have won the majority of votes. In a message before GECOM announced the official results, President Ali urged Guyanese “to celebrate our democratic values as we open another chapter in the development of our beautiful country.”
Over 372,000 people voted on Monday, and of the votes cast, the PPP/C secured more than 200,000 votes. This means that
the PPP/C will make up the majority in the 65-seat legislature and form the next government.
The results represent a decisive victory for Dr. Ali’s administration, which has overseen Guyana’s rapid economic transformation following major oil discoveries in recent years.
Significantly, Newsroom projects that the PPP/C will win Region Four, the country’s largest electoral district. It is a district that the PPP has never won since Guyana gained independence in 1966.
This breakthrough in Region Four marks a historic shift in Guyana’s electoral landscape and demonstrates the expanding appeal of the PPP/C beyond its traditional strongholds.
The Statements of Poll (SOPs) show that the PPP/C has won eight of the country’s 10 electoral districts – Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9.
This comprehensive victory across the majority of electoral districts provides Dr. Ali with a strong mandate to continue his government’s policies and development agenda.
The newcomer, We Invest in Nationhood (W.I.N.) party, led by billionaire Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by the United States for bribery and corruption,
has won the other two districts.
The fortunes of W.I.N. will put it as the main opposition party, dethroning the Aubrey Norton-led People’s National Congress (PNC).
This represents a significant shake-up in Guyana’s political opposition, with the traditional PNC being displaced by the newly formed W.I.N. party despite controversies surrounding its leadership.
Dr. Ali’s projected second term comes at a crucial time for Guyana as the country continues to navigate its emergence as a major oil producer while working to ensure the benefits of newfound wealth reach all citizens.
The election results suggest voters have endorsed the current administration’s handling of the economy and development priorities, while the emergence of W.I.N. as the main opposition indicates a desire for new voices in Guyana’s political discourse.
Official results from GECOM are expected to be announced shortly, confirming these projections and formally beginning the process for Dr. Ali’s second term as president.
Brooklyn leaders and elected officials are condemning the gun violence that marred the close of the West Indian Day Parade on Monday, urging stronger measures to prevent similar incidents at future city events.
“After a day of celebration for the community and city, the plague of gun violence struck,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said Tuesday. “The best way to prevent that violence is to stop someone from picking up a gun in the first place, in part by strongly limiting access to these weapons of war.”
According to the NYPD, seven people were wounded in four separate incidents near the parade route along Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. All are expected to survive. Police said the first shooting happened shortly after 5:30 p.m., just after the parade’s final float had passed. A man was arrested in connection with a shooting that injured a 53-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman.
The West Indian Day Parade, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage, typically draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to Central Brooklyn, alongside a weekend of parties, cookouts, and music. But in recent years, the festivities have too often been shadowed by violence. Last year, a 25-year-old man was fatally shot and several others wounded in incidents tied to the celebrations.
Pastor Gilford Monrose, faith adviser to
Mayor Eric Adams, said despite Monday evening’s incidents, the weekend was largely peaceful. Still, he condemned those who brought weapons to the parade. “We can’t sugarcoat what they’re doing,” Monrose said. “What they’re doing is not just normal violence. What they’re doing is
causing terrorism on a community that is beloved and enjoying their culture.”
In a statement, the NYPD acknowledged the “tough end to Labor Day weekend” but pointed to broader progress, noting that citywide gun violence is at its lowest recorded level in decades for the first eight months of the year. The department said it continues to focus on removing illegal firearms, targeting gang activity, and deploying resources based on safety data. Residents near the parade route expressed disappointment over the shootings but said the day overall felt safe. “Yesterday it was really pretty chill, really relaxed,” said Ricardo Lima, who lives a block from Eastern Parkway. “In general it’s pretty safe here—everyone is rather neighborly, even when it’s loud.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who joined the festivities, said the violence was heartbreaking against the backdrop of such a spirited cultural celebration. “It breaks my heart to see violence take place on a day meant to uplift the joy of community and the beauty of our cultures,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago’s main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has described as “unfortunate, reckless and sinister” the statement by the government supporting the decision of the United States to deploy “military assets” into the Caribbean region to destroy what it described as “the terrorist drug cartels”. The country’s former foreign affairs minister, Dr Amery Browne, told a news conference that the statement made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar that Port of Spain has “not engaged and has no intention of engaging” the 15-member regional integration grouping Caricom “on this matter” is “unfortunate”.
The government said that on this matter, each Caricom member state “can speak for themselves” and that “Trinidad and Tobago has been helplessly drowning in blood and violence for the last 20 years”. But Browne said he is aware that efforts are being made to convene a meeting of
the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) so as to present a united Caricom position on the matter.
“Look how the prime minister dismissed Caricom in her statement…and this is extremely unfortunate,” said Browne, noting that in the quasi Caricom cabinet, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has responsibility for security in the region.
“That is a repudiation of her duties and responsibilities to our regional community,” he said, adding that the prime minister had also “boldly, recklessly and completely out of place” indicating that each member state can speak for itself.
“In other words, every country for itself. Who is she to make such a statement, especially when we in this country has worked so hard to uplift and build the profile of the very same Caricom and we have always taken our responsibilities very seriously.
“We, as an opposition have to condemn in the very clearest possible terms those words and the disregard the prime minister of this nation is showing to the Caribbean Community,” Browne said.
“It is really unfortunate and I have to say sinister because even as that statement was being released by the prime minister there are efforts underway to mobilise Caricom to examine these very issues towards building a consensus.
“So what was done there over 24 hours ago is to fire a shot across the bow of Caricom solidarity and literally sabotaged our region’s ability to form a consensus and craft a united position.”
The 15-member regional integration
movement, Caricom, has not issued any statement on the matter, while Guyana and Barbados governments have reiterated the need for the region to be a zone of peace. Last week, the United States ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.
A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser are also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission.
Browne told reporters he was also concerned at the response of Trinidad and Tobago to a statement made last week when United States Vice President James D Vance, in speaking about crime in his country, referenced Trinidad and Tobago as an example.
Browne quoted Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Sean Sobers, as saying he believes that Vance was speaking about “the PNM Trinidad and Tobago.
“ Now what is that. That is a serious comment from a government cabinet minister…there is no such thing as the Trinidad and Tobago of the PNM…we have one nation here, Browne said, adding “when serious countries engage with us or reference us, they are engaging with the state and not any political party.
“So leave those references to our domestic discourse and engaging with others there is no PNM or UNC (United National Congress) Trinidad and Tobago”.
Browne was also critical of the statements made by Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to Caricom, Ralph Maraj, who in supporting Washington’s move, said “the sovereign will of Venezuelans must be restored.
“However this unfolding situation off the coast of Venezuela turns out, of one thing there should be no doubt.
“The will and welfare of the people of Venezuela must be restored. Their freedom and democracy must be returned,” Maraj said, adding that ”their suffering must end and the almost eight million citizens who have fled their homeland must be allowed to resume their lives.
“The people must have the chance to share in the prosperity and opportunities provided by their nation. The sovereign will of Venezuelans must be restored to become the major force determining the future of their nation.
“These are the critical issues in this scenario before us for most right-thinking people in the region and beyond,” said Maraj, a former foreign affairs ministers here.
Browne said Maraj “spoke in some detail about regime change” in Caracas.
‘Very unusual …he is not talking about Caricom he is talking about regime change in a sovereign state,” Browne said.
“In reality what these three officers of Trinidad and Tobago have been doing is making a mockery of generations of hard work that has gone into crafting and building a credible and respected foreign policy for this our beloved nation”. CMC
As our communities face a mounting economic crisis disproportionately devastating African Americans and the marginalized, we declare that now is the time for the faith community to rise and speak with moral clarity. Just as Dr. King before us, today’s religious leaders must carry the mandate and mantel to fight for social and economic justice for all people.
On August 28, 2025 in solemn commemoration of the historic 1963 March on Washington, a united coalition of churches and the Black Press led by Dr. Boise Kimber, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, and Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr, President and CEO of NNPA:
The Black Press of America will join Civil Rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, to lead a protest march on Wall Street in New York City, the epicenter of economic power and privilege. The march will feature prominent religious and Civil Rights leaders and activists, who will speak and much more.
As our communities face a mounting economic crisis disproportionately devastating African Americans and the marginalized, we declare that now is the time for the faith community to rise and speak with moral clarity. Just as Dr. King before us, today’s religious leaders must carry the mandate and mantle to fight for social and
economic justice for all people.
The march not only honors the legacy of those who came before us but also confronts the urgent injustices of today. Economic disparity is not just a political issue; it is a moral one. We will not be silent. We will not yield to systems or policies that rob our people of opportunity, dignity, and basic human rights.
This is more than a moment; this is a movement. Together, we will stand. Together, we will march. Together, we will speak. Together, we will rise.
Joint Coalition of Churches & National Action Network (NAN). (BlackPressUSA)
Haitian police announced Tuesday that they have retaken control of a major telecommunications hub outside Port-auPrince, a rare victory against heavily armed gangs that have seized swaths of the capital and disrupted essential services.
The operation at the Téléco site in Kenscoff began before dawn Monday and lasted about two hours, according to Michel-Ange Louis Jeune, spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police. He said officers recovered several automatic weapons with scratched-off serial numbers, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and secured the site without disclosing casualties.
“This is a strong message that the new police chief sent,” Jeune said, referring to André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, who was appointed earlier this month. “When the population is sleeping, the police are not sleeping. They are working to ensure
that people can sleep.”
The gangs’ brief occupation of Téléco disrupted air traffic and internet connections, underscoring the vulnerability of Haiti’s infrastructure. In videos released last week, gunmen were seen dismantling servers and threatening to “burn the whole system” if the government did not respond to their ultimatum. The attack was attributed to Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang federation designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. earlier this year. Haiti’s civil aviation agency later said the seizure caused only minor interruptions after emergency measures were put in place. Still, the raid highlighted the gangs’ reach: last year, Viv Ansanm was linked to the forced closure of Haiti’s main international airport and the mass prison break that freed some 4,000 inmates.
At Tuesday’s press briefing, Godfrey
Otunge, the Kenyan commander leading the UN-backed multinational force, urged Haitians to remain hopeful. “Be patient; you will see results,” he said, as police pledged more raids in gang-held neighborhoods.
Téléco is located near an orphanage where gangs kidnapped eight people earlier this month, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, who remain missing. Kenscoff, once considered a refuge from Port-au-Prince’s violence, has been targeted repeatedly this year as gangs seek to expand control.
Despite the successful operation, gangs are still estimated to control nearly 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, leaving Haiti’s police and their international partners facing an uphill battle to restore stability.
Brooklyn, NY — Local officials, labor leaders, and community advocates gathered in Flatbush on August 27 for a “United with Haiti” rally, urging the Trump administration to grant a two-year extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. The event, held at Hillel Plaza and led by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, came just weeks before TPS for Haitians is set to expire on September 2, 2025. In June, the administration announced its intent to end the program, but a federal court in New York temporarily blocked the decision, ruling it unlawful and extending deportation protection until February 2, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security has said it will appeal, leaving thousands of Haitian families in limbo.
Haitians were first granted TPS in 2010 after a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The designation, which applies to Haitians in the U.S. who arrived before January 12, 2010, has been extended multiple times under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Reynoso stressed that the rally was about solidarity, not politics.
“Today, Brooklyn is coming together to show that when you come for one of us, you come for all of us,” he told the crowd. “Removal of TPS is something that just should not and cannot
happen.”
Brooklyn is home to an estimated 150,000 Haitians — part of the roughly half-million Haitian immigrants nationwide who risk losing protection if TPS ends. Reynoso pledged to work with local nonprofits to provide legal and social services to Haitian families.
Community leaders underscored the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Haiti, where escalating gang violence and famine have displaced more than 1.3 million people. The United Nations reports that gangs now control 85 percent of Port-au-Prince, and nearly 5,000 people were killed between October 2024 and June 2025.
“Haitians cannot afford to go back to Haiti now,” said Pastor Samuel Nicolas. “What Haitians need now is healing.”
Council Member Farah Louis, who represents Flatbush, said the court ruling was a critical step but warned the fight is not over.
“Trump’s TPS termination is rooted in straight racism and xenophobia,” Louis said. “When they come for our Haitian neighbors with lies and hatred, they attack the very fabric of what makes Brooklyn strong.”
Council Member Rita Joseph highlighted the Haitian community’s contributions:
“We are builders, caregivers, entrepreneurs, educators, [and] essential workers. We have always given to this city and this country, and it is only right that this country honors its promise to us.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams urged continued unity.
“This is not about public safety; it never has been. This is about the erasure of people and communities. This is about demonizing immigrant communities,” he said.
The rally ended with calls for federal action to protect Haitian TPS holders and recognition that Brooklyn’s strength lies in its diversity and solidarity.
John Chiarello’s story is quintessentially New York—a tale of working-class grit meeting unwavering principle. A lifelong Brooklyn native and graduate of Grady Vocational High School, Chiarello understood the value of hands-on work long before he walked through the doors of NYC Transit as a provisional Car Inspector in September 2001.
The timing was significant. Starting his transit career in the shadow of 9/11, Chiarello witnessed firsthand how essential workers kept the city moving through its darkest hours. Perhaps it was this baptism by fire that sparked his immediate involvement in union leadership. Within just a year, by 2002, his coworkers had elected him to the Executive Board—a testament to the natural leadership that would define his career.
For over two decades, Chiarello climbed through virtually every position the union had to offer. From shop steward to chairman, from vice president to treasurer, he learned the union from the ground up. “I’ve held almost every position in the union,” he reflects with the wisdom of experience. This wasn’t just career advancement—it was an education in what it meant to fight for workers’ rights at every level.
The Reluctant Leader
In 2024, fate intervened in a way Chiarello hadn’t anticipated. After years serving as Secretary-Treasurer, the path to the presidency opened before him. “The funny thing was I wasn’t looking for the job,” he admits with characteristic humility, “but fate and God had a different plan.”
When he assumed the presidency of TWU Local 100 in 2025—leading the largest local of TWU International—Chiarello brought with him not just experience, but a deep understanding of what the job demanded. He had served directly under three presidents, learning from giants like John Samuelsen and Tony Utano. Yet even with this preparation, the weight of the title still catches him off guard.
“I still don’t fully feel like the actual title,” he confesses. “You know you’re so busy every day and I’m a humble guy. I don’t like awards. I’ll be honest with you. I’m not big on that stuff.” But his humility doesn’t diminish his commitment: “I know that I have to do—represent my union and that I will do no matter what.”
Fighting on Multiple Fronts
Under Chiarello’s leadership, TWU Local 100 has already notched significant victories. He secured a commitment from the MTA to hire 300 more maintenance workers—a crucial win in an era of staffing shortages. His partnership with the NYPD’s Benevolent Association to improve transit safety shows his understanding that worker protection requires building bridges, not just manning barricades.
The recognition came quickly. City & State magazine named him one of the 2025 Labor Power 100, acknowledging what union members already knew: Chiarello was a force to be reckoned with.
But the challenges facing Local 100 are as complex as the city it serves. The union
represents workers across 12 bus industries, the yellow bus sector, all the subways, and most of the city’s public transit infrastructure. Each sector brings its own challenges, its own needs, its own fights.
“There’s an issue with hiring,” Chiarello observes, pointing to a generational shift that troubles him. “Not a lot of the younger generation seems to want to work with their hands. They all want to be influencers and on the Internet, and that’s not the reality of life.” It’s a frank assessment from someone who built his career with his hands and sees the dignity in blue-collar work that offers “good union class jobs that could be a great future.”
Building Tomorrow’s Union
Recognizing this generational challenge, Chiarello has thrown himself into training the next generation of union leaders. He understands that young workers “don’t want to hear from people like me—they want to hear from people their age.” So he’s investing in developing leaders who reflect the union’s changing demographics: Caribbean, Black and Brown workers, and a growing Bangladeshi community.
“I look forward to the next generation of immigrants,” he says with genuine enthusiasm, “because everybody who came to the United States was an immigrant, unless somehow you came on a Mayflower.” It’s this inclusive vision that drives his outreach efforts, even as he acknowledges the brutal reality: “It really pisses me off, the people that really [are] giving the immigrants [a hard time]. It’s horrible what’s going on in this country.”
The Political Battlefield
Chiarello doesn’t shy away from political realities. With a new presidential administration “not known to be union friendly,” he sees storm clouds gathering over federal
funding for transit infrastructure. “It’s very contentious times,” he acknowledges, noting the divisions even within his own union membership.
But contentious times are when fighters shine brightest. “Based on what I’ve seen and my experience, we have to keep fighting as a union to make sure we get the best for members—whether it’s contracts, health insurance, or pensions—we need to fight and carry on the tradition of this great union family.”
The Heart of a Fighter
At his core, John Chiarello is driven by something deeper than titles or accolades.
“As a true union advocate, I love helping people,” he says simply. “I don’t like when people are being harassed or disrespected, and I’ve been like this my entire life.”
This isn’t just rhetoric. Whether he’s standing in a courtroom supporting a stabbed worker, negotiating with the MTA for better staffing, or training the next generation of leaders, Chiarello embodies the fighting spirit of Local 100. “We’re the flagship union in New York City,” he declares with pride. “We’re a fighting union, and we’re gonna make sure we fight for every inch and never give up.”
For John Chiarello, the kid from Brooklyn who worked his way up from car inspector to union president, the fight isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Every member’s struggle is his struggle. Every victory, no matter how small, matters. And in a city that never sleeps, served by workers who never stop, John Chiarello stands ready to fight another day.
“Local 100 is a fighting union,” he repeats, as if it’s both a promise and a battle cry. And with John Chiarello at the helm— humble, determined, and unafraid—that fight continues, one member, one day, one victory at a time.
Port of Spain — Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and former senator Stuart Young have publicly denounced the United National Congress for its recent remarks regarding Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago’s founding Prime Minister.
At the heart of the controversy is a statement from the UNC suggesting that Dr. Williams did not hold the title of the nation’s first Prime Minister. Both Rowley and Young swiftly responded, describing the assertion as both historically inaccurate and deeply disrespectful to Williams’ legacy.
“This is not just a misstep in historical
understanding—it’s a profound disrespect to one of our nation’s founding architects,” Rowley asserted. “We cannot allow political narratives to undermine the truth of our history.”
Young echoed this sentiment, reiterating the importance of upholding accuracy in public discourse: “Dr. Williams laid the foundation for modern Trinidad and Tobago. To deny his place in history reflects poorly on those who make such claims.”
The backlash from the PNM-affiliated figures suggests strong political pushback ahead, even as the UNC has yet to issue a clarification or apology for the matter.
What began as a dream rooted in determination and unwavering persistence culminated in victory for 22-year-old Chandini Baljor, who was crowned Miss Universe Guyana 2025 at a glittering ceremony on Saturday night at the Marriott Hotel. With this win, Baljor secures her place to represent Guyana at the Miss Universe pageant this November in Thailand. The coronation was nothing short of spectacular. The stage’s sleek, modern design allowed each contestant to command attention with grace and poise, while an intimate but lively audience filled the venue with cheers and anticipation. When Baljor’s name was announced, the room erupted in celebration, marking the
triumphant end of her two-year journey to the crown.
This was not her first attempt at the title. In 2022, Baljor competed but fell short of winning. Rather than walking away, she returned with renewed focus and stronger resolve.
Speaking with The Waterfalls after her victory, she said through tears of joy:
“I am extremely honored and excited to finally own this title. Hard work always pays off.” Her persistence extends beyond the runway.
Baljor is currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of Guyana, a goal she achieved after applying three times before finally being accepted. “If I could fight that hard to get into medical school, I knew I could fight just as hard to win this crown,” she explained proudly.
Baljor described her preparation as rigorous and demanding. For the past two months, her days began at 5 a.m. with gym training, followed by hospital duties from 8 to 12, classes, exams, and modeling jobs in the afternoons. In the evenings, she dedicated time to her pageant preparation before ending each day in prayer.
“It was exhausting, but I trusted myself and put in the work,” she said.
The young queen also shared her excitement about the opportunity to compete internationally:
“This will be the second time I’m traveling for
a pageant, and I’m extremely excited. Pageants allow you to experience new cultures, meet different people, and grow as an individual. I cannot wait to represent Guyana in Thailand.” Her victory did not come without challenges. Baljor admitted struggling at first with her stage walk and the stress of balancing her medical studies with pageant duties. Yet, resilience kept her grounded. “Resilience is the one quality that got me to where I am today. To young girls out there: don’t let criticism shake you. With resilience, any goal is attainable.” Among the nine registered contestants, eight made it to the final competition. Contestant #2, Nichola Munroe, withdrew due to personal reasons. The other finalists were Khadeshia Walker (#3), Keefia Ebony Younge (#4), Malika Allicock (#5), Jemima Wilson (#6), Nikita Seepaul (#7), Mallissa Dennis (#8), and Makeda Braithwaite (#9).
The runners-up also shone brightly. First runner-up, Malika Allicock, said her debut pageant experience was life-changing:
“I’m overwhelmed with joy. I know everyone wants the crown, but I truly believe Chandini is very deserving. This journey helped me grow, and maybe I’ll enter another one,” she laughed. Allicock’s motivation came from a desire to inspire confidence in others while raising awareness for her advocacy platform, Safe Roads Guyana. “I wasn’t always bold, but now
I want to show young women that you can step out of your comfort zone, dream big, and achieve more.” She thanked her supporters, adding, “My friends, family, and coaches have been my rock through this journey.”
Second runner-up, Khadesia Walker, brought years of pageant experience, having competed in Miss America and Miss Connecticut USA since childhood. For Walker, the Miss Universe Guyana stage was both a challenge and a new opportunity. “Even after years in pageantry, rejection still happens. But you must never give up. If it’s not your time, it means God has another plan.”
The evening’s panel of judges included urban and rural planner Elsie Harry, pageant consultant Harry Narine Nawbatt, and former contestant Imarah Radix. They faced the difficult task of selecting a winner from a group of talented young women, but ultimately agreed that Baljor embodied the poise, resilience, and vision of a Miss Universe Guyana.
As she took her final walk in a dazzling pink gown, radiating confidence and grace, Baljor’s triumph was more than just a crown—it was proof that persistence, hard work, and faith can transform dreams into reality. With her eyes now set on the international stage, Chandini Baljor is ready to represent Guyana with pride and resilience in Thailand.
For centuries, the Caribbean has been a stage for global rivalries, military interventions, and external powers imposing their will on small states. From colonial wars to Cold War showdowns, the region has too often been drawn into conflicts not of its making. But in recent decades, Caribbean nations have been determined to chart a different path—one grounded in peace, sovereignty, and non-intervention. That determination was crystallized in 2014, when the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) formally declared the Caribbean and wider Latin American region a Zone of Peace.
This declaration was more than symbolic. It was a solemn commitment to resolve disputes peacefully, respect sovereignty, reject foreign military intervention and bases, and keep the Caribbean free of external conflicts. The vision resonated deeply across the region, especially given the painful history of Grenada’s 1983 U.S. invasion and the decades-long embargo and hostility toward Cuba. For Caribbean people, the Zone of Peace commitment was both an affirmation and a promise: our seas and our islands would not become staging grounds for great-power conflict.
Caribbean leaders, through CARICOM and CELAC, have been clear: this region belongs to its people. They have repeatedly affirmed that the Caribbean must remain outside of foreign geopolitical confrontations. This aspiration is not an abstract diplomatic stance—it reflects the lived desires of Caribbean societies that have suffered enough from wars,
coups, interventions, and proxy battles. From Jamaica to Trinidad, from Barbados to Belize, the people of the Caribbean understand that peace is the foundation for development. Tourism, trade, education, cultural exchange, and community uplift depend on stability. The Zone of Peace is not only a foreign policy declaration; it is the bedrock of the region’s economic and social aspirations. Yet today, that vision is under strain. In recent months and years, the Caribbean has witnessed a disturbing increase in U.S. military activity. Warships have patrolled our waters, nuclear submarines have surfaced in the region, and troop movements through the Panama Canal have been reported. This buildup is disconcerting. It raises more questions than it answers, and so far, Washington has not provided a transparent explanation for the scale and scope of these deployments.
The stated reasons—that these forces are needed for counternarcotics operations or to protect U.S. companies—are not convincing. The drug appetite is overwhelmingly within U.S. borders, and while trafficking does occur, it is hardly of a magnitude to justify such heavy naval and submarine activity. As for protecting U.S. corporations, there is no evidence of credible threats against their operations in Caribbean states. Indeed, American businesses have thrived here for decades under stable and cooperative relationships.
What the people of the Caribbean see instead is a creeping militarization of their seas, a quiet transformation of the
Zone of Peace into something that looks uncomfortably like a forward staging area for potential conflicts far from our shores.
The Caribbean has been down this road before. Grenada’s invasion scarred the region and remains a painful reminder of what happens when great powers substitute their judgment for the sovereignty of small states. Cuba’s decades-long isolation and threats of intervention kept the Caribbean on edge through much of the Cold War. Even beyond the Caribbean, Latin America’s experience with coups and interventions—often externally supported—illustrates the dangers of militarization.
The 2014 CELAC declaration was meant to draw a line under that history. It was a region-wide effort to say: no more. The Caribbean is not a chessboard for global powers to move pieces across. It is a community of independent nations with equal rights under international law. The urgency of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace cannot be overstated. The world today is already marked by devastating wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Tensions between great powers are rising, and flashpoints from the South China Sea to Eastern Europe threaten to spiral further. In this climate, small nations are at risk of being swept into confrontations not of their choosing.
The Caribbean must resist this fate. Our region has no interest in being drawn into rivalries between global powers.
The Zone of Peace is both shield and strategy—it protects our sovereignty and ensures that our limited resources can be devoted to development, education, health care, and climate resilience, not militarization.
It is therefore imperative that CARICOM, CELAC, and other regional institutions raise their voices forcefully at the United Nations and in international forums. The buildup of U.S. forces in the Caribbean is not consistent with the spirit of the Zone of Peace. Silence or ambiguity will only embolden further deployments.
The region must speak with one voice: foreign military bases and forces are not welcome here. Peaceful cooperation,
trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement are the pathways the Caribbean embraces—not nuclear submarines and warships.
International partners, too, must respect and support this position. The United Nations, the African Union, the NonAligned Movement, and global peace advocates should lend their voices in solidarity with the Caribbean people’s desire for peace.
As the authentic voice of Caribbean America and a chronicler of the region’s struggles and triumphs, Carib News stands firmly on the side of peace. We join the call of CELAC, CARICOM, and countless citizens who insist that the Caribbean must remain a Zone of Peace. We believe the United States and all global powers must respect this designation, curb military buildups, and engage the Caribbean on terms of equality and mutual respect. The region’s future lies not in battleships but in classrooms, not in submarines but in sustainable development, not in troop deployments but in cultural and economic partnerships. The Caribbean people have chosen peace. They have lived through enough turmoil to know that peace is not weakness but strength—the strength to say no to being used, no to foreign militarization, and yes to sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination.
The Caribbean Zone of Peace is not just a diplomatic slogan; it is a lifeline for the region’s future. The U.S. and other external actors must be reminded that these waters are not theirs to militarize. The Caribbean belongs to its people, and its people have spoken.
As wars rage across the globe, the Caribbean must remain a sanctuary from conflict, a place where disputes are settled not by arms but by dialogue, where sovereignty is not a bargaining chip but a sacred principle.
Carib News calls upon leaders, institutions, and citizens alike to keep the banner of peace flying high over the Caribbean Sea. For in peace lies the true promise of our region—its prosperity, its dignity, and its rightful place in the world.
Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway exploded with color, music, and culture on Labor Day as the New York Carnival marked its 58th anniversary with a massive celebration of Caribbean pride and creativity.
Organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the event is recognized as the nation’s largest Caribbean cultural festival, drawing more than a million revelers and spectators each year. WABC-TV Channel 7 proudly sponsored the 2025 New York Carnival Parade, streaming the festivities live across abc7NY.com, mobile and connected TV apps, YouTube, and TikTok.
For many, the parade—often called the West Indian Day Parade—was a long-awaited highlight of the summer. “We live in upstate New York, we drove two hours to get here,” said Eugene Jarvis. “Awesome, just the vibes of the Caribbean, the people, the food, the music.” Fellow spectator Kim Eastwood agreed: “I love it. It’s nice weather, nice culture, everybody just having a good time.”
The festivities kicked off at midnight with J’ouvert, rolling seamlessly into the grand parade, where steel drums echoed, and Caribbean heritage took center stage. This year’s theme, Vive Le Carnivale, brought dazzling costumes, pulsating rhythms, and vibrant performances representing the full
sweep of the Caribbean diaspora.
“This is a costume from the Barbados Carnival called Crop Over, and the parade I was in is called the Kadooment,” explained reveler Andrea Brown, proudly showcasing her outfit. Nyallah Fowler, Miss 2024 Panamanian Queen, described her look as “beautiful, colorful, and all love.” For reveler Yaridzel Morrison, the day was about more than spectacle. “I’m celebrating life—the party, the food, everything about the countries being celebrated.”
The celebration also drew dignitaries, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who reflected on his lifelong ties to the Carnival. “I’ve been participating and enjoying this parade since I was a 15-yearold boy,” Adams said. “Now, to be out here as mayor means a lot. This is a rich and important community, and I’m happy to celebrate it.”
Festivities stretched beyond the parade, including Saturday night’s spirited steelband competition, where community bands faced off for bragging rights.
The New York Carnival’s roots trace back to the 1920s in Harlem before moving to Brooklyn in the mid-1960s, where it has since grown into one of the city’s most vibrant and unifying cultural traditions.
Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks at the West Indian Day Carnival Association Breakfast prior to marching in the West Indian Day Parade.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Good morning everyone. Why did he say brief remarks? I’m the Governor. Give me a couple seconds more than that. I am so proud to be the Governor of a state with the largest Caribbean population outside that beautiful part of our world. Are we fired up today or what? Oh, I can’t hear you. Am I in the right place here? Are we ready to celebrate, dancing down the streets of Brooklyn? I know I’m ready. I got my party dress on. I’m ready. I’m ready. Let me tell you this, my friends — we are so focused on lifting the people of our communities up, and I know in light of what has been happening under the new administration in Washington, there’s a lot of fear and anxiety. I’m here to tell
you that today we’ll celebrate, tomorrow we’ll get back up and fight like hell and say you’re not going to separate our families, our children. We’re going to continue to embrace the incredible culture and the customs and the cuisine of the Caribbean, and I’m going to continue focusing on creating trade relationships, sending more teams from Empire State Development to the islands to help give them catalysts of dollars and resources to be successful.
We have to focus on people in these communities, making sure we have money to help with more money back into your pockets and high quality healthcare as we reimagine SUNY Downstate. You fired up for that as well? A billion dollars to give people the healthcare they deserve.
So I’ll see you out there. Same time next year and the year after and the year after. But thank you for making me so proud to be your Governor.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a major victory after the federal government resumed funding for AmeriCorps programs that support the work of over 200,000 volunteers nationwide. The resumption of funding is the result of a lawsuit filed in April by Attorney General James and a coalition of 24 states shortly after the Trump administration canceled approximately 80 percent of AmeriCorps grants and began placing hundreds of staff on administrative leave. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) agreed to release over $184 million in funding, including $14.7 million for projects in New York, ensuring volunteers and staff will be paid for this year’s projects and work will continue into the next federal fiscal year.
“This is an important victory for the dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers across the country and the communities they serve each and every day,” said Attorney General James. “For decades, AmeriCorps has provided critical programs that provide education, health care, and other vital services to those in need. Thanks to the hard work of this coalition, that work will now continue.”
AmeriCorps has operated since 1993 as an independent federal agency, supporting more than 200,000 unpaid members and volunteers each year who serve in communities throughout the country. These members operate disaster relief, anti-poverty, education, environmental protection, community health, and veterans’ programs in every state. For the current fiscal year, Congress appropriated over $1.2 billion for AmeriCorps to support these services. While AmeriCorps directly administers several volunteer programs, most of its funds support programs operated by state and local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations.
In New York, the Commission on National and Community Service administers dozens of AmeriCorps programs statewide. AmeriCorps members in New York provide a range of critical services at more than 300 locations throughout the state, including tutoring and mentor services for students, housing assistance and legal services, environmental restoration, support for veterans and military families, opioid addiction services, and much more.
In June, Attorney General James and the coalition secured a court order stopping
the Trump administration’s policies to close AmeriCorps programs and requiring the reinstatement of thousands of volunteers nationwide. On July 23, Attorney General James joined the coalition in filing an amended lawsuit challenging OMB’s attempt to gut AmeriCorps programs. When their response for these actions was due in court on August 28, OMB and AmeriCorps instead agreed to fully release the previously withheld funds. This relief means that service programs across the
country will be protected from the administration’s devastating attempted cuts. Joining Attorney General James in this effort are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, along with the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
New York Attorney General, Letitia James, Tuesday moved to stop the illegal treatment of Caribbean and other immigrants arrested in New York, including those detained after attending immigration court proceedings and routine check-in appointments at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In an amicus brief filed in a case brought by detainees held at the ICE building on 26 Federal Plaza, James argues that ICE has violated the law by holding immigrants at the field office for days in inhumane conditions.
She said until June, ICE guidelines limited
the use of field office holding rooms for detentions to a maximum of 12 hours, “but now, recent reporting has revealed that hundreds of people have been held there for days at a time in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.”
“The abhorrent treatment of immigrants at 26 Federal Plaza is illegal and it must stop,” James told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), adding “no one should be held in horrendous conditions for days in unfit and unsafe facilities.
“I am urging the court to order the federal government to follow the law and improve conditions for anyone detained there,” she said, noting that, in May 2025, ICE began making mass arrests of immigrants in New York City, including those who came to the building for immigration court and routine check-in appointments.
She said recent detainees include a sevenyear-old child who was arrested with her mother and brother.
The New York Attorney General said those arrested have been held in several small holding rooms that are intended only for short-term use of a few hours, typically for those who are being transferred to or from a court or detention facility.
But she said following a change in ICE
guidelines in June, these holding rooms have held hundreds of people for days at a time.
The lawsuit filed by the detainees alleges that the federal government is holding dozens of people in small rooms for days in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
According to the lawsuit, detainees are crowded into rooms with only a single toilet and sink, are not provided with beds or sleeping mats, and receive only two meals per day.
The lawsuit states medical personnel are not available overnight, and family and attorneys are not permitted to visit.
James said recent arrests of students, small business owners, and workers have upended communities and significantly disrupted the lives of detainees.
“These detentions threaten the livelihoods and wellbeing of families across the city.
Families that lose a wage-earning parent or relative to immigration detention are at substantially greater risk of losing their housing and being unable to pay for basic needs such as groceries, electricity, and medical care.
“Children whose parents are detained may be forced into foster care. Unnecessary detention of immigrants also threatens New
York City’s economy, where undocumented immigrants account for nearly one in 20 workers and pay approximately US$6.7 billion in federal and state taxes.”
The New York Attorney General said that the federal government cannot detain individuals in unsafe and inhumane conditions.
She is also asking the court to grant the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction and order the federal government to take concrete action to make conditions at 26 Federal Plaza safer and more humane.
Caribbean immigration advocates have been demanding that ICE immediately close its detention center, particularly after Senior Judge of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York Lewis Kaplan issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) last Tuesday, requiring that ICE meet baseline conditions for holding people on the 10th floor of the building.
“No New Yorker should fear being abducted because they went to immigration court to follow our country’s legal immigration process,” Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a leading umbrella Caribbean immigration advocacy group, told CMC. (CMC)
Georgetown—Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has reaffirmed that the regional bloc’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago remains strong, even as political debate swirls over the country’s stance on U.S. military activity in the Caribbean.
In a statement issued August 29, Barnett congratulated Trinidad and Tobago ahead of its 63rd Independence anniversary on August 31. She praised the twin-island nation’s cultural, economic, and regional contribu
tions, noting that it has much to celebrate after more than six decades of sovereignty.
“Trinidad and Tobago is blessed with spectacular natural beauty, abundant natural resources, and impressive cultural diversity, as well as talent and ingenuity,” Barnett said. She highlighted the country’s achievements in the energy and manufacturing sectors while also underscoring its global impact through music and literature.
“TT’s role as an exponent of the rich Caribbean musical and literary culture has been a
source of pride for all CARICOM countries, complementing notable achievements in the energy and manufacturing sectors,” she said. Barnett emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in CARICOM activities has been both consistent and influential, particularly in the areas of energy and security.
“CARICOM’s relationship with TT, a founding member of the Caribbean Community, remains strong,” she affirmed. “We recognise TT’s enduring commitment to regional integration, through its contributions to CARICOM activities and decision-making, and especially through leadership in the fields of energy and security for which TT bears responsibility within the CARICOM quasi-Cabinet.”
Her statement comes as political tensions rise over remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who recently declared that CARICOM is already fractured. Persad-Bissessar also openly supported the U.S. deployment of military forces, including a nuclear submarine, to the Southern Caribbean to target drug cartels.
The Prime Minister said Trinidad and Tobago would not engage CARICOM on the matter, arguing that each member state has
the right to take its own position. She further pledged that her government would allow the U.S. access to TT territory if Venezuela invaded Guyana and Washington requested support for counter-military operations. Her comments drew sharp criticism from skeptics, including the governments of Venezuela and Cuba, who accused Washington of using drug trafficking as a pretext to station troops close to Venezuela’s borders. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley also warned that Persad-Bissessar’s stance was “lighting a match” in the region.
In response, Persad-Bissessar dismissed claims that she was the cause of division within CARICOM. “This issue that I’m fracturing CARICOM – CARICOM was already fractured,” she insisted, pointing out that some member states aligned with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) had already pledged their support for Venezuela before her remarks. Despite her defense of U.S. actions, Persad-Bissessar reiterated her commitment to CARICOM and expressed willingness to work with regional neighbors, even as divisions on security and foreign policy remain apparent.
By Albert Williams
When you step into an HBCU stadium, you’re not just watching a football game— you’re investing in a legacy. Every play on the field and every note from the band represents the hard work, dedication, and excellence of young Black men and women who carry the pride of their institutions on their backs. These athletes and musicians aren’t just putting on a show; they’re competing for scholarships, funding, and the national recognition that has long been denied to historically Black colleges and universities. Yet, too often, the stands tell a different story.
HBCU sports and band programs don’t survive on tradition alone. They need butts in seats. Ticket sales, television ratings, and corporate sponsorships hinge on one thing— fan engagement. Every empty seat is a missed opportunity, another reason for networks and big-name brands to overlook our institutions in favor of predominantly white schools, which benefit from packed stadiums and high ratings. The average attendance at Southeastern Conference (SEC) football games is over 75,000 per game, while the top HBCU classic games average closer to 50,000 but struggle with consistency. That gap translates into millions of lost dollars in media deals and sponsorships.
HBCU programs will only get the funding, media attention, and opportunities they deserve if we show up. That’s how the business of college athletics works. We’ve seen the power of our presence in mainstream sports—just look at the attention Deion Sanders brought to Jackson State. But we don’t need a celebrity coach to validate what HBCUs have always been: a powerhouse of Black talent, culture, and innovation. Showing up isn’t just about sports—it’s about
sending a message to corporate America. Brands don’t invest in potential; they invest in proof. If they see that HBCU games and classics draw massive crowds, they’ll pour money into sponsorships, scholarships, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals for HBCU athletes. In 2023, Power Five schools generated over $3.3 billion in athletic department revenue, while the combined revenue of all HBCU athletic programs is estimated at less than 10% of that. Fan turnout is the lever that can start to close that gap. We know the numbers. Black consumer spending is projected to reach $1.8 trillion this year. But are we using that spending power strategically? Are we showing brands that HBCUs deserve the same level of investment as major conferences like the SEC or Big Ten? Or are we letting our dollars get siphoned into tailgate tents and party promoters instead of the programs that need them most?
Let’s be real—HBCU tailgates are legendary. The culture, the music, the food, the camaraderie—it’s an experience like no other. But if the main event for you is the parking lot, then you’re missing the bigger picture.
If you’re willing to drop money on parking, food and drinks, and a new fit for the weekend, but you won’t spend on a ticket to the game, then let’s call it what it is: prioritizing the party over the program. Tailgating doesn’t fund scholarships. Sitting in the stands does.
Supporting HBCUs isn’t complicated— just buy a ticket. The HBCUNY Classic is happening soon, and tickets are available at www.hbcunyclassic.com. But let’s also challenge corporations to do more. Sponsoring events is great, but how about buying blocks of tickets for students from underserved communities? Exposing young people to HBCU culture and excellence is an investment in the future—not just for them, but for the schools that have been shaping Black leaders for generations. Studies show that HBCUs produce nearly 20% of all African American college graduates, and more than 80% of Black judges and 50% of Black doctors and lawyers are HBCU alumni. That pipeline exists because these institutions have been sustained through community commitment.
Baton Rouge, LA – LSU recently announced that Alena Allen, the first woman and first Black person to serve as dean of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, will step down at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Allen, who assumed the role in July 2023, will remain at the university as a full-time faculty member after leaving the deanship. Her tenure marked a historic milestone for LSU, where she broke multiple barriers in one of the institution’s most prominent academic leadership positions.
Interim LSU Provost Troy Blanchard said the university will launch a national search for her successor, with the new dean expected to take office at the end of the spring 2026 semester.
Allen’s departure adds to a growing list of high-profile exits among Black leaders at LSU this year. In June, William Tate, the university’s first Black president, left to assume the presidency at Rutgers University. Earlier, Winston DeCuir,
LSU’s first Black general counsel, stepped down in January to accept a oneyear faculty post at the law school.
Kimberly Lewis, the university’s chief administrative officer, was asked to resign in February and has since joined Tate at Rutgers.
The leadership shuffle leaves LSU with multiple critical vacancies. In addition to the law dean position, three other deanships on the Baton Rouge campus are being filled on an interim basis.
The university is also searching for a permanent president, provost, and a new chancellor for LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport.
Allen’s historic tenure, though relatively brief, will likely be remembered as a symbol of progress in LSU’s leadership ranks, even as her departure underscores the challenges of stability and retention in the university’s top administration.
Havana—The Cuban government has strongly condemned the United States’ deployment of military forces in the Caribbean Sea, calling the move a dangerous provocation that threatens the sovereignty and stability of the region.
In a statement issued August 28, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the U.S. operation as “an aggressive show of force” that blatantly disregards the 2014 declaration by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which designated the region a Zone of Peace.
Cuba rejected what it termed “absurd pretexts” advanced by Washington to justify the buildup, including unsubstantiated allegations linking the Venezuelan government of President Nicolás Maduro to narcotics trafficking. Havana pointed to the most recent U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency report, which does not list Venezuela as a significant actor in operations affecting the American market.
“The United States resorts to lies and manipulations to justify interventionist
policies,” the statement read, comparing the situation to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, when claims of weapons of mass destruction were used to rationalize military action. “This pretext served to attack and invade a sovereign country, causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of its citizens and the forced displacement of a similar figure.”
The Cuban government argued that the U.S. itself is the single largest consumer of narcotics worldwide, thereby fueling the very trafficking networks it now claims to combat. It further criticized Washington for failing to confront the problem domestically while externalizing blame onto Latin America and the Caribbean.
The statement also drew attention to the role of the U.S. arms industry in feeding organized crime and violence across the region.
“No one with minimum common sense and honesty believes that the quantity of troops, combat matériel, naval forces— including nuclear submarines—and the firepower that the U.S. has sought...
By Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
In these punishing times under Donald Trump’s authoritarian rule, even rest has become an act of resistance. For Black Americans and other marginalized groups shouldering the weight of Trump’s harmful agenda, sleep is more than recovery—it is survival. As protections are stripped away and inequality deepens, the inability to secure restorative rest threatens both health and life itself.
Congressman Bennie Thompson has cautioned that Trump’s actions—tearing down Black Lives Matter Plaza, dismantling diversity programs, slashing HBCU funding, and erasing Black figures from government websites—are a direct attack on Black voices and history. Meanwhile, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) has tracked what it calls a “triple
threat” to Black households: cuts to food assistance, reductions in Medicaid, and tariffs that destabilize Black-owned businesses. The result is constant financial stress that fuels exhaustion and erodes the chance for healthy sleep. Science is clear. A review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology found that poor sleep and disrupted body clocks drive obesity and metabolic disease by throwing appetite hormones out of balance. A systematic review in Sleep Medicine Reviews linked sleep quality to self-control, showing how exhaustion weakens decision-making. Research in Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental showed that sleep loss increases hunger and insulin resistance, pushing people toward type 2 diabetes. Studies in Obesity confirmed the long-term links
between chronic sleep deprivation, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. And neuroimaging research in the Journal of Neuroscience revealed that even one night without rest alters brain activity, making high-calorie foods more tempting. According to the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, lack of sleep is now a driver of global epidemics in obesity and diabetes.
For Black communities, the collision between political oppression and health vulnerability is stark. Trump’s agenda forces families to choose between food, rent, and medical care.
The CBPP reports that in 2023, more than 11 million Black people lived in households receiving food assistance, while 13 million relied on Medicaid or CHIP—programs now under
direct attack. The loss of such lifelines doesn’t just destabilize finances; it intensifies stress and insomnia, worsening long-term health outcomes.
“Black Americans have worked hard and sacrificed for generations. One man can’t silence our voice or erase our legacy,” Congressman Thompson said. Yet the erosion of sleep, the most basic pillar of health, shows how deeply Trump’s policies cut into the foundation of Black well-being. In today’s America, where authoritarian politics threatens both democracy and daily survival, the struggle for rest has become inseparable from the struggle for justice.
by Karlene S. Lawrence, DNP, ANP-C
September is the time for healthcare providers to provide and discuss Prostate cancer Preventive health education and information, for males not diagnosed with the illness; while also providing support for persons at risk of developing Prostate cancer, have symptoms, and / or already diagnosed with this illness. Most prostate cancers are found early, through screening, before it has a chance to cause noticeable problems. However, not everyone chooses to get prostate cancer screening, and screening may not catch all cancers.
Prostate Cancer facts:
Since 2014, the incidence rate of prostate cancer has increased by 3% per year overall and by about 5% per year for advanced-stage prostate cancer. It is estimated that: in 2025 approximately 288,300 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, and approximately 34,700 will not survive.
Since 2014, the incidence rate of prostate cancer has increased by 3% per year overall and by about 5% per year for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
Black men are 17x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are 2.1x more likely to die from prostate cancer
than white men. Approximately 1 in 41 men will die from the disease.
Some men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Speak with your Health Care
Provider about prostate cancer screening if you are:
40 to 54 years-old
Have / had a father, uncle, brother or son diagnosed with prostate cancer
However, when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable… most men with prostate cancer do not die from this health problem.
There are 3.1+ million men in the U.S. diagnosed with prostate cancer that are still alive.
✓Signs and symptoms of early prostate cancer:
Early prostate cancer may not have any symptoms.
✓ If present early Prostate cancer symptoms may include:
Problems urinating: including a slow or weak urinary stream
Need to urinate more often, especially at night
Blood in the urine or semen
✓Advanced Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms:
When prostate cancer is advanced, it has grown larger, have possibly spread to other areas, and may cause other symptoms, including:
Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas, from cancer that has spread to the bones
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control, from cancer in the spine pressing on the spinal cord
Weight loss
DOWNSTATE PHYSICIANS IN COLLABORATION WITH SENATOR ZELLNOR MYRIE PRESENT THE 4 TH ANNUAL
Celebrating Awareness for Men’s and Children’s Health
Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00am to 4:00pm 445 Lenox Road (at Brooklyn Ave.) Transportation: B12, B35, B41, B44, 2 and 5 trains
This is a FREE community event, sponsored by Physicians of University Hospital at Downstate (UHD) and Residency Program Coordinators Forum in collaboration with the Offices of Graduate Medical Education, Government & Community Relations, the Diversity Equity Inclusion House Staff Council, and State Senator Zellnor Myrie.
Disclaimer: Some screenings will require you to present your insurance card(s). Children must be present to receive giveaways.
Scan the QR Code or visit https://tinyurl.com/vspjutta
GIVEAWAYS AND ACTIVITIES
Community Resources
Raffles • Health Screenings
Giveaways • Kids Activities
Movement Classes
Older Adult Activities Men’s Activities
FOR MORE INFO
UHDHealthfair@downstate.edu
Alishia Goodridge – (718) 270-3866
Kino Williams – (718) 270-8906
Guyana’s first international airport hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, has officially opened its doors, providing approximately 100 employment opportunities for Guyanese and further expanding the nation’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
On Wednesday, the country’s President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, commissioned the US$20 million investment, located within walking distance from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).The six-story hotel features 150 rooms, including five executive suites, along with a range of modern amenities that appeal to airline crew, diplomats, business travelers, and transit guests. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Ali described the newest addition to the hospitality landscape as both a symbol of ambition and a demonstration of confidence in Guyana’s future.The president said his government is implementing a broader and deliberate strategy to position the tourism sector as an important pillar of the economy, and investments like these are key to this vision. He added that the government is making targeted investments to attract international events, from business summits to sporting and cultural festivals and to support
tourism niches such as adventure, heritage and eco-travel. To complement this, he underscored his administration’s commitment to modernizing CJIA into a world-class facility, positioning Guyana as a global travel and business hub.
“Guyana is not on the margins of the map. We are the center of it, and with the right infrastructure, services and partnerships, we can connect people and cargo, travelers and businesses, families and opportunities from one part of the globe to another,” he stated. “That is why we’re expanding the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.”
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, who also attended the commissioning ceremony, said the launch reflects strong confidence in the government’s vision for Guyana’s economic development.
The modern hotel was built by local construction company Cardinal Investments Inc on 2.5 acres of government-leased land.
The Courtyard team is made up of 99 per cent Guyanese staff. (CMC)
Antigua and Barbuda took center stage at the 25th anniversary of Taste of Tennis on August 21, delighting guests with bold island flavors, English Harbour Rum tastings, and an exclusive prize giveaway to the award-winning Carlisle Bay Resort.
The event, held at Aqua New York in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, drew a star-studded lineup of celebrities and tennis champions including Genie Bouchard, Sloane Stephens, Vicky Mboko, Elena Rybakina, Chris Eubanks, Jordan Thompson, Jelena Ostapenko,Nishesh Basavareddy and more, all gathered to celebrate the official kickoff to the U.S. Open. The Antigua and Barbuda booth was a major draw, attracting a steady stream of visitors, including acclaimed movie and television star Leon Robinson, known for his iconic roles in Waiting to Exhale, Cool Runnings, The Five Heartbeats, and the award-winning mini-series The Temptations.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda was Chef Claude Lewis, a Chopped champion and proud son of Antiguan parents, who crafted a menu that showcased the islands’ culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. Guests indulged in a curated tasting experience that brought the spirit of the twin-island nation—and the Caribbean itself—to New York City. Canadian Tennis Pro Vicky Mboko, Chef Claude Lewis, former US Open Singles Champion Sloane Stephens, and Arah Robins, U.S. Marketing & Public Relations Executive, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Highlights from Antigua & Barbuda’s Taste of Tennis Menu included: Jerk Chicken & Waffle Skewer – Jerk-marinated chicken paired with crisp mini plantain waffles, finished with a drizzle of vanilla maple glaze. Panko-Crusted Fungee Bites with Scotch Bonnet Rémoulade – Golden cornmeal and okra bites served with a creamy, spicy rémoulade.
Spiced Rum Cake Squares – Moist spiced cake with nutmeg and cinnamon, topped with whipped caramel cream cheese.
Goat Water with Fresh Thyme & Roti Crumble – Traditional goat stew presented in shooter glasses with crispy roti shards.
Guests also enjoyed premium tastings of English Harbour Rum, Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned spirit, further elevating the island-inspired culinary journey.
“Taste of Tennis was an incredible opportunity to showcase the soul of Antigua and Barbuda—our bold flavors, rich culture, and elevated travel experiences,” said Dean Fenton, U.S. Director of Tourism for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “From Chef Claude’s inspired dishes and English Harbour Rum tastings to our Carlisle Bay giveaway, guests were treated to a truly authentic taste of paradise— just a preview of what’s to come during Antigua and Barbuda’s Culinary Month next May. With signature events like Restaurant Week, the new Food, Art & Beverage Festival, and our beloved Eat Like A Local experience, we’re ready to welcome travelers with unforgettable culinary journeys across our islands.”
Celebrating Tennis in Paradise
As part of its sponsorship, Antigua and Barbuda spotlighted Carlisle Bay Antigua, an oceanfront luxury resort renowned for its championship tennis facilities and five-star amenities. One lucky guest walked away with an exclusive stay at Carlisle Bay, underscoring the destination’s growing appeal as a premier tennis and wellness travel escape.
Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its reputation as a hub for racquet sports enthusiasts—including pickleball—with resorts such as Curtain Bluff, Blue Waters, Jumby Bay, and St. James’s Club offering tennis clinics, retreats,
Naomi Osaka has condemned remarks made by Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko after the former French Open champion directed a furious tirade at American opponent Taylor Townsend following her second-round defeat at the U.S. Open.
Townsend, who is African American, said Ostapenko accused her of having “no education and no class” during a heated exchange after Wednesday’s match. The comments were widely denounced as racist on social media, prompting Ostapenko to issue a late-night denial.
“Wow how many messages I received that I am a racist,” Ostapenko wrote on Instagram. “I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me it doesn’t matter where you come from.” She insisted her criticism stemmed from what she saw as poor etiquette, not race.
But the controversy spilled into Thursday as fellow players weighed in.
Osaka, who has Haitian and Japanese heritage, said Ostapenko’s remarks were
“terrible” and carried painful historical connotations.
“I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority white sport,” Osaka said after her own second-round win. “I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked and I know how smart she is. She’s the furthest thing from uneducated… It’s ill-timed and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don’t know if (Ostapenko) knows the history of it in America. But I know she’s never going to say that again in her life.”
Men’s sixth seed Ben Shelton, Townsend’s mixed doubles partner, also rebuked the Latvian star:
“Some shocking comments towards (Townsend), and not the smartest thing
to say to an American in New York City. Kind of speaks for itself, right? Crazy.”
For her part, Townsend said she did not interpret the remarks as racist, though she acknowledged the damaging stereotype they invoked.
“I didn’t take it in that way,” she said. “But that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated, when it’s the furthest thing from the truth. I don’t really take that personally, because I know that it’s so far from the truth. I’m very strong. I’m very proud as a Black woman being out here representing myself, representing us, and our culture.”
The uproar comes as tennis continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusivity in a sport where Black players remain underrepresented at the elite level.
Shericka Jackson, Danielle Williams and Antonio Watson have been named on the Jamaican team to defend their titles at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 taking place from 13-21 September.
Jackson has been announced for the 100m, 200m and 4x100m after taking the world 200m title two years ago, while Williams will defend her 100m hurdles title and Watson his 400m crown.
Jackson will be joined in the 100m and 4x100m squad by 10-time world gold med-
allist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is set to race at her final World Championships.
The men’s 100m features Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson, Akeem Blake and Oblique Seville, while another Olympic silver medallist – Shanieka Ricketts – is named for the triple jump.
Jamaican Women team for Tokyo
100m: Tina Clayton, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson
200m: Shericka Jackson, Gabrielle Mat-
thews, Ashanti Moore
400m: Dejanea Oakley, Nickisha Pryce, Stacey Ann Williams
800m: Kelly Ann Beckford, Natoya Goule-Toppin, Adelle Tracey
1500m: Adelle Tracey
100m hurdles: Amoi Brown, Ackera Nugent, Megan Tapper, Danielle Williams
400m hurdles: Rushell Clayton, Andrenette Knight, Shiann Salmon
High jump: Lamara Distin
Long jump: Ackelia Smith
Triple jump: Shanieka Ricketts, Ackelia Smith
Shot put: Lloydricia Cameron
Discus: Samantha Hall
Hammer: Nayoka Clunis
4x100m: Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Jonielle Smith, Jodean Williams
4x400m: Leah Anderson, Shaquena Foote, Roneisha McGregor, Dejanae Oakley, Nickisha Pryce, Stacey Ann Williams
