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PRIMARY ELECTIONS UNDERWAY THE MOST WIDELY CIRCUL ATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

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THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2026

More than 6,000 disabled parking permit applications fail Miami-Dade audit

VOTE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Florida voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 18, for the 2026 Primary Election, with major statewide, congressional and local races on the ballot. The primary will determine which Republican and Democratic candidates advance to the November general election, while voters in many counties will also decide nonpartisan contests for judges, school board members, county commissioners and other local oﬃces.

With early voting underway, election officials are encouraging voters to review their sample ballots, confirm their polling locations and understand which races they are eligible to participate in before casting a ballot. Florida operates under a closed primary system, meaning voters generally may only participate in the primary of the political party with which they are registered. Registered Democrats will receive Democratic primary contests, while registered Republicans will vote in Republican races. Voters registered with no party affiliation, commonly referred to as NPA voters, typically cannot participate in partisan primaries. They may, however, vote in nonpartisan races and Universal Primary Contests. A Universal Primary Contest occurs when all candidates for an office belong to the

same political party and the winner of the primary will face no opposition in the general election. In those cases, all registered voters may participate regardless of party aﬃliation. Because ballots vary by party, precinct and local district, voters are encouraged to view their personalized sample ballot before voting.

What is on the ballot? Among the major statewide races are contests for governor, U.S. Senate, chief financial officer and commissioner of agriculture. Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited, meaning Florida will elect a new governor in November who is scheduled to take office in January 2027. The U.S. Senate race is also significant. The seat was vacated by Marco Rubio after he became U.S. Secretary of State in 2025 and is currently held by Sen. Ashley Moody, who continues on A10 – Disabled permits

More than 6,000 disabled parking permit applications have failed a final audit in Miami-Dade County as officials step up efforts to combat fraud and misuse of permits, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office announced Thursday. Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said the office has reviewed more than 75,000 applications as part of a countywide audit aimed at protecting access to disabled parking spaces for seniors, veterans and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities. Of the applications that have undergone a final audit, 6,190 have failed the review process, while thousands of additional applications remain subject to review and verification. “This audit is producing results,” Fernandez said. “More than 6,000 applications have failed our final audit. Behind every permit that is improperly obtained or used is a parking space that could be taken away from someone with a legitimate disability. We are going to continue protecting this program and the residents who depend on it.” The Tax Collector's Office has also expanded its coordination with law enforcement as part of its efforts to combat disabled parking permit fraud and misuse. Fernandez has recently joined enforcement efforts with the Doral Police Department and Coral Gables Police Department. The office also continues to work with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies. Officials said the partnerships combine the Tax Collector's auditing and verification efforts with law enforcement activity in communities across the county, helping identify potential misuse and hold violators accountable. Under Florida law, fraudulent use of a disabled parking permit can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Violators may also be disqualified from obtaining a disabled parking permit for up to four years.

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

NEWSMAKER From the airwaves to the baordrooms, Chin-Loy Chang earns Order of Jamaica a3

CARIBBEAN Guyana opposition eader calls for review of CCJ judges’ internal dispute A4

WOMEN IN FOCUS Janelle Hopkin honored with Trailblazer Award A9

ENTERTAINMENT Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra to receive honors at 2026 Caribbean Music Awards B5

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 A youngster shows oﬀ her Jamaican ou it during the Independence Day celebra ons in Brooklyn.

Grand Marshal for the inaugural Jamaica Day Parade Nadine Sutherland helps cut a ribbon art the event in Brooklyn on August 8.

2 e g a P A birthday girl took part in the fes vi es at the inaugural Jamaica Day Parade in Brooklyn to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence Day.

Lauderhill hosted its 64th Jamaican Independence Celebra on with Marcia Griﬃths among the headliners.

Jamaicans are all smiles at the inaugural Jamaica Day Parade in Brooklyn.

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam made rounds in the community on Monday to welcome children back ton school.

Chargé d’Aﬀaires, a.i., at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington D.C, Lishann Salmon (at le ), is presented with a Mayoral Proclama on by Mayor Phylecia E. Nembhard of the City of New Carrollton, Maryland, at Jamaica Fest, held on Sunday August 8 at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland. The proclama on recognizes Jamaica’s Independence Day, which will be celebrated yearly in New Carrollton. – Photo Derrick Sco

Grammy-nominated Jamaican ar ste Etana gives a cap va ng performance to the enthusias c crowd at Jamaica Fest, held on Sunday August 8 at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland. – Photo Derrick Sco

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 20, 2026 –

NEWSMAKER From Jamaica’s airwaves to Canada’s boardrooms

Donette Chin-Loy Chang earns Order of Jamaica For more than four decades, Donette ChinLoy Chang has built a career at the intersection of journalism, communications, public aﬀairs, education and philanthropy — moving from Jamaica’s airwaves to some of Canada’s most inﬂuential institutions. This year, Jamaica is recognizing that contribution with one of its highest national honors. Chin-Loy Chang is among 140 Jamaicans selected to receive national honors and awards in 2026, and she will be awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the country’s fourth-highest national honor, for her contribution to nation building in Jamaica and Canada. The honor adds another distinction to an already remarkable career that has seen the Jamaican-born communications strategist advise government leaders, build successful communications companies, champion education and become the ceremonial head of one of Canada’s leading universities. Since October 2024, Chin-Loy Chang has served as the sixth chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she is also a proud alumna. As chancellor, she serves as an ambassador for the university in Canada and internationally, presides over convocations and confers degrees and diplomas. Her relationship with TMU stretches back decades and has been shaped as much by philanthropy as by professional achievement. She has supported hundreds of students through scholarships and well-being initiatives, establishing bursaries across the university, including at the DMZ, The Chang School and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created an emergency fund for students and has also supported the university’s Viola Desmond Awards and President’s Awards to Champion Equity campaign.

For Chin-Loy Chang, the recognition brings together two worlds that have deﬁned her life — Jamaica, where her professional journey took root, and Canada, where she has spent decades building institutions, mentoring others and giving back.

Chin-Loy Chang

“TMU always challenges the status quo with bold and innovative action, responding to the needs of learners in an ever-changing world,” Chin-Loy Chang said when she accepted the chancellorship. “I accept this role with great humility and am proud to be part of an extraordinary community that truly values excellence, equity and reconciliation.” Her path to university leadership began in journalism. After graduating from TMU in 1978 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism, Chin-Loy Chang worked as a reporterproducer with CBC Radio before eventually leading the overseas service of Radio Canada International in Toronto. She also wrote for Canadian publications and trained journalists in several English-speaking Caribbean countries and Haiti. Her career later took her into strategic

communications and public aﬀairs. As a strategist with global public relations ﬁrm Ruder Finn & Rotman, she advised Jamaica’s prime minister, government ministers, heads of Crown corporations and media practitioners. She was subsequently appointed head of radio at the Jamaica Information Service, bringing her communications expertise into Jamaica’s public sector. In the early 1990s, she founded Donette Chin-Loy and Associates, which became a leading communications agency in the Caribbean. A decade later, she partnered with fellow TMU alumna Lucy La Grassa to establish La Grassa Chin-Loy Communications in Canada. But professional success has been only one part of Chin-Loy Chang’s story. Together with her late husband, G. Raymond Chang, who served as TMU’s third chancellor, she has dedicated herself to philanthropy focused on education, health care, social justice and the arts in Canada and internationally. She is a former co-chair of Food For The

Poor Canada and a co-patron of the University of the West Indies annual benefit awards, one of the largest Canadian fundraisers supporting student scholarships. Her leadership extends across several major Canadian institutions. She serves on the boards of the BlackNorth Initiative and the Toronto International Film Festival, chairs TMU’s Alumni Council and sits on the advisory boards of the Onyx Initiative and TMU’s AntiAsian Racism Taskforce. She has also maintained strong ties to the Caribbean. A visiting lecturer at the University of the West Indies’ Faculty of Mass Communications, she received an honorary degree from the university in 2018. TMU awarded her an honorary degree in 2021. The Order of Jamaica now adds one of Jamaica’s highest national distinctions to that list. For Chin-Loy Chang, the recognition brings together two worlds that have defined her life — Jamaica, where her professional journey took root, and Canada, where she has spent decades building institutions, mentoring others and giving back. Her career has never been confined to a single title. Journalist, strategist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator and university chancellor, Chin-Loy Chang’s influence has stretched across borders and generations. The OJ is, in many ways, a recognition not only of what she has achieved, but of the enduring connection she has maintained with Jamaica while building a legacy abroad.

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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Jamaica records 20% decline in murders so far this year Jamaica recorded 333 murders between Jan. 1 and Aug. 8, an 19.8% decline from the 415 killings recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest crime statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The latest ﬁgures show that 82 fewer people were killed during the period compared with the same period last year. St. James recorded the highest number of murders, with 41 killings reported through Aug. 8, up seven, or 20.6%, from the 34 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. St. Andrew South recorded the secondhighest number of murders, with 27, although that represented a 46% decline from the 50 killings recorded during the same period last year. St. Catherine South also recorded 21 murders, down 40% from 35 in 2025, while Clarendon recorded 25, up 13.6% from 22. St. Elizabeth recorded the largest percentage increase in murders during the

period. The division recorded 21 killings, compared with eight during the corresponding period last year — an increase of 13 murders, or 162.5%. Manchester also recorded an increase, with 23 murders compared with 16 last year, a 43.8% rise. Kingston Eastern recorded 21 murders, up 40% from 15, while St. Andrew Central recorded 27, an increase of 28.6%. Several divisions recorded substantial declines. St. Mary recorded a 63.2% decline,

from 19 murders last year to seven this year. St. Andrew North recorded eight murders, down 63.6% from 22. Portland recorded three murders, down 62.5% from eight, while Kingston Central recorded ﬁve, a 58.3% decline from 12. St. Andrew South recorded the largest numerical reduction, with 23 fewer murders than during the same period last year. The JCF recorded 320 shooting incidents between Jan. 1 and Aug. 8, down 101, or 24%, from the 421 reported during the corresponding period in 2025. St. Andrew North recorded the largest percentage decline in shootings, with seven incidents compared with 30 last year, a 76.7% reduction. Hanover also recorded a 76.5% decline, from 17 shootings last year to four this year. St. Andrew South recorded 25 shootings, down 56.1% from 57, while St. Ann recorded 11, a 54.2% decline from 24. However, shootings increased in several divisions, including Manchester, where they

rose 50% from 16 to 24, and Trelawny, where they increased 40% from five to seven. The latest figures show declines across the other major crime categories tracked by the JCF. Rape declined 11%, from 246 cases during the first seven months of 2025 to 219 this year. Robberies fell 22.5%, from 440 to 341, while break-ins declined 9.8%, from 685 to 618. Overall, the JCF recorded 1,831 incidents across the major crime categories tracked in its report, compared with 2,207 during the corresponding period last year — a decline of 376 incidents, or 17%. Despite the overall decline in serious crimes, several divisions recorded increases in specific categories, including St. James, where break-ins more than doubled from 23 to 49. St. Mary also recorded an 89.5% increase in break-ins, from 19 to 36, while Portland recorded a 27.3% increase, from 33 to 42. The figures cover the period from Jan. 1 through Aug. 8, 2026, and are based on the JCF’s latest Serious Crimes Report.

US Deputy Sec. of State says Washington is refocusing on Caribbean The United States is seeking to deepen its relationship with the Caribbean, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau saying Washington’s ties with the region’s countries have not been as close as they should have been. Speaking Monday at the reopening of the Ibis Steel Company in Trinidad and Tobago, Landau said the United States and Caribbean countries share strong geographic and historical connections and have signiﬁcant opportunities to work together. “I feel, I really do feel like this Prime Minister here in Trinidad today is really opening the door for a new vision of USCaribbean relations that nobody has ever opened before,” Landau said, referring to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “I am here to show that both sides are reaching out their hands of friendship,” he added. Landau’s remarks came as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen its engagement with the Caribbean amid growing U.S. concerns over security, drug traﬃcking and China’s expanding economic presence in the region. The deputy secretary of state said his presence at the reopening of the steel facility was “a sign of recognition and respect and appreciation” for the partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. The Ibis Steel Company, a local subsidiary of U.S.-based Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium Corporation, occupies the site of the former ArcelorMittal steel mill, which closed in March 2016. Landau said the plant represents the potential of closer economic ties between the United States and the Caribbean. “It’s a great symbol of the renaissance that we have in our relationship and really the incredible opportunities in the future, not just for Trinidad, but really across the entire Caribbean region,” he said. He added that the Trump administration, under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is refocusing on the region. “I think it’s a region with huge economic opportunities. And it’s one, frankly, that, you know, the United States is refocused on this region under President Trump, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” Landau said.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 20, 2026 –

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Guyana opposition leader calls for review of CCJ judges’ internal dispute Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is calling for an independent examination of concerns raised in internal correspondence among judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), including allegations about the handling of his extradition appeal. The correspondence, reported by the Trinidad Express, details an internal dispute among CCJ judges that began over a proposed judicial dress code but expanded into broader concerns about the leadership of CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, judicial independence and the administration of the court. Mohamed's office said Sunday that the correspondence raises questions about the administration of the regional court and the handling of the extradition case involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. However, there is no indication in the correspondence reported by the Express that the disagreement among the judges would have changed the outcome of the case. All six judges ultimately agreed on the decision announced in the Mohameds' case, and four of the five judges who had raised concerns about Anderson's leadership participated in the reading of the unanimous judgment. The dispute reportedly involved concerns raised by Justices Chile Eboe-Osuji, Chantal Ononaiwu, Arif Bulkan, Maureen RajnauthLee and Peter Jamadar about Anderson's leadership, including consultation, working relationships and judicial independence, according to excerpts of the correspondence cited by the Express. Jamadar reportedly described an increasingly “toxic” environment at the court and identified the Mohamed extradition matter as one of two cases that he said affected

Eboe-Osuji

Mohamed

Jamadar

the court's core judicial decision-making function. According to the Express, Jamadar said he had experienced what he regarded as an attempt to inﬂuence colleagues whose opinions diﬀered from those of the CCJ president. “What concerns me is what I perceive, certainly potentially, as emerging or creeping patterns of anti-democratic approaches to us as judges of the court in matters that directly and indirectly impact our core functions,” Jamadar was quoted as saying. He said that if his concerns were valid, they could pose a threat to the administration of justice in both the court's original and appellate jurisdictions. Jamadar also described his experience as going “far beyond anything” he had encoun-

tered during his years as an appellate judge and said other judges had expressed concerns. Eboe-Osuji subsequently backed Jamadar's concerns, according to Mohamed's oﬃce, and referred speciﬁcally to the Mohamed case. Eboe-Osuji reportedly alleged that Anderson intended to announce the court's decision at a time and in a manner that a majority of the judges had strongly objected to. “In the Mohameds’ case, it was stunning to hear Winston pointedly inform us that he was going to announce a decision of the court at a time and in a manner in which a clear majority of his colleagues had very strongly communicated to him as inappropriate,” Eboe-Osuji was quoted as saying. The correspondence, as reported, indicates that the disagreement concerned the

Kari Lake’s confirmation as U.S. ambassador to Jamaica delayed until September Kari Lake’s confirmation as the next U.S. ambassador to Jamaica has been delayed after the Senate did not vote on her nomination before beginning its August recess. Lake’s nomination was listed for consideration on the Senate’s executive calendar, but senators did not take a final confirmation vote. Her nomination remains pending and has not been rejected. The Senate is now scheduled to return Sept. 14, meaning Lake will have to wait until lawmakers resume their sessions for another opportunity to be confirmed. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced Lake’s nomination in July, agreeing to favorably report her nomination to the full Senate. President Donald Trump nominated Lake in May to serve as the United States’ ambassador to Jamaica. If confirmed, she would become the U.S. chief diplomatic representative in Jamaica and take up residence at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Following Trump's nomination announcement, Lake said Jamaica was a country she knew well and expressed her desire to strengthen relations between the two countries. “If confirmed, I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our nations, advancing America’s interests abroad, and building on the deep friendship shared by the American and Jamaican people,” Lake said. During her June confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lake outlined several priorities for her potential tenure in Kingston. She said she would work with the Jamaican government to address transnational criminal organizations,

Lake

narcotics trafficking and lottery scamming operations that target U.S. citizens. Lake also raised concerns about China's growing economic presence in Jamaica, pointing to Chinese investments in ports, infrastructure and other strategic sectors and arguing that they have longterm security implications for the United States. She described Jamaica as an important U.S. trading partner in the Caribbean, noting that bilateral trade exceeded $3 billion in 2025 and that U.S. visitors accounted for more than 70% of Jamaica's tourist arrivals. China has pushed back against concerns over its relationship with Jamaica, defending its more than five decades of diplomatic relations with the country and pointing to more than $2.1 billion in investments and disaster-relief assistance as evidence of what it describes as a mutually beneficial partnership. For now, Lake's nomination remains before the Senate. The next opportunity for lawmakers to act on her confirmation is expected after the Senate returns from its recess in September.

timing and manner in which the decision would be announced. It does not establish that the judges who objected to those issues disagreed with the substance or eventual outcome of the ruling. The CCJ on July 29 unanimously dismissed an appeal by Mohamed and his father challenging a decision by Guyana's home affairs minister to issue an Authority to Proceed with extradition proceedings requested by the United States. The ruling cleared the way for extradition proceedings in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to resume. The United States is seeking the extradition of the two men to face an 11-count indictment alleging conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering. The Mohameds have challenged the extradition proceedings in Guyana's courts. Mohamed's office said the internal correspondence nevertheless raises questions about whether attempts were made to influence judges during deliberations and whether established procedures governing judicial decision-making were followed. It called for “full transparency and an appropriate independent examination” of the allegations. “The integrity of the CCJ is too important to the Caribbean to permit allegations of this magnitude, emanating from within the Court itself, to remain unanswered,” the opposition office said. Mohamed had previously met with Anderson during the CCJ president's visit to Guyana last year, when Anderson also met with other political leaders. The CCJ is Guyana's final court of appeal and serves as the final court for several other Caribbean countries.

Preliminary report details final minutes before Bahamas plane crash that killed 10 The Bahamas’ Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority has released its preliminary report into the July 10 crash of a Flamingo Air aircraft near San Andros Airport that killed all 10 people aboard. The report provides new details about the aircraft’s movements, the pilot’s experience, the condition of the wreckage and the airline’s regulatory history, but investigators have not determined what caused the crash. The Cessna 402C, registered as C6-FLX, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau at about 12:30 p.m. on its third outbound flight to San Andros in North Andros. The aircraft had taken on 60 gallons of aviation gasoline and had completed two round trips before the fatal flight, according to the preliminary report. Investigators did not establish when the fuel was loaded and made no finding linking the amount of fuel purchased or the aircraft’s earlier flights to the crash. Radar data provided investigators with a minute-by-minute account of the aircraft’s final 18 minutes. At about 12:41 p.m., C6-FLX canceled air traffic services while approximately 10 nautical miles east of San Andros Airport. Two minutes later, the aircraft made a slight right turn onto a northwesterly track consistent with joining the traffic pattern for Runway 12 at an altitude of about 2,500 feet. By about 12:46 p.m., the aircraft had made a left turn consistent with the traffic pattern and was descending through approximately 1,800 feet. The final radar return, recorded at about 12:48 p.m., showed the aircraft at approximately 300 feet and traveling at an indicated airspeed of 62 knots. While on final approach, the aircraft struck tall pine trees in a heavily wooded area.

Investigators determined that the left wing made the initial contact. The aircraft then continued through the trees, deviating from its alignment with Runway 12 before coming to rest approximately one nautical mile from San Andros Airport. A post-impact fire consumed and destroyed the aircraft. One male passenger was able to evacuate the aircraft after the crash but later died from his injuries. The report also noted differences in the condition of the aircraft’s two propellers. The left engine was damaged by a combination of fire and impact forces. Its propeller remained attached to the hub and showed minimal signs of impact damage to its three blades. The right engine was extensively damaged by fire and impact forces. Its propeller also remained attached, but all three blades showed substantial impact damage and were twisted and bent. The main debris field covered approximately 2,455 square feet, while an outer debris zone extended across approximately 15,500 square feet. The left-wing navigation light was the furthest identified piece of aircraft debris, found about 85 feet from the main wreckage. The aircraft was piloted by 45-year-old Franklyn Cambridge, who had accumulated more than 13,000 hours of total flight experience, according to investigators. The nine passengers killed were Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot, Tra’vis Johnson, Melvin Henfield, Quintin Myers, Macaro Rolle and 16-year-old Nicholas Oliver Jr.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM

HAITI NEWS

Haiti government urges rapid push to prepare country for elections Haiti’s government is calling for an accelerated national campaign to prepare citizens for elections, saying the country must move beyond simply following an electoral calendar and create a broader culture of participation around the vote. Sandra Paulemon, minister of planning and external cooperation, made the call during a meeting of the Steering Committee for the Electoral Process Support Project this week. The meeting brought together Jacques Desrosiers, president of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), electoral advisers, United Nations oﬃcials and representatives of international organizations and development partners. Among those participating were Carlos Ruiz Massieu, special representative of the U.N. secretarygeneral and head of the United Nations Integrated Oﬃce in Haiti

Paulemon. The minister said an entire generation of young Haitians has grown up without experiencing national elections or the democratic debates that typically accompany them. While the electoral calendar represents an important step, she said Haiti has not yet fully entered what she described as “electoral mode.” Paulemon called for the rapid rollout of a nationwide public information and awareness campaign designed to make the electoral process more visible to citizens. “We want to hear special election programs on radio and television, see information panels and posters in the streets, awareness campaigns in neighborhoods, young people discussing democratic issues, families exchanging information about their right to vote, citizen

“Our commitment is clear: the electoral calendar will not be slowed down by State budgetary procedures,” – Paulemon (BINUH), Xavier Michon, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Haiti, and representatives of the United Nations Oﬃce for Project Services (UNOPS-Haiti) and the Organization of American States. Paulemon said organizing elections remains the government’s priority and that public institutions have been mobilized around a common roadmap intended to ensure coordination in implementing the electoral calendar. But she argued that technical and ﬁnancial preparations alone will

not be enough to ensure successful elections. In February, key national stakeholders signed the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections, which brought together state institutions, political parties, civil society, the private sector, religious organizations, the media and citizens around a commitment to credible, peaceful and inclusive elections, according to

organizations mobilizing, and public institutions conveying a uniﬁed message of hope,” she said. She urged the CEP to take steps to create a national dynamic around the elections, arguing that the process should be about more than adhering to a schedule. “The elections must be visible, audible, and present in the daily lives of citizens, so that everyone feels fully involved in this historic event,” Paulemon said. Paulemon also outlined measures the government says it has taken to support the electoral process, including a ﬁnancial commitment of US$120 million for organizing the elections. She said the government would take steps to ensure the funds are mobilized quickly and would prevent ordinary budgetary procedures from delaying the electoral calendar.

Haiti electoral council approves 15 of 18 political groups Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council has approved 15 of the 18 political groupings registered for the country's upcoming elections, giving the three groups that were not approved until Tuesday to regularize their status. The CEP announced the list of approved political groups Aug. 10, citing Article 129 of the Electoral Decree of June 2, 2026. The three groups that were not approved are Platfòm Politik Gras Pou Ayiti, known as PPGA, represented by Mike Onel Marette; Grand Rassemblement National Démocrate,

or GRAND, represented by Iswick Theophin; and Gwoupman Rasanble, or RASANBLE, represented by Innocent Joseph. The three groups were given until this week to regularize their status with the electoral council. The registration process for political groups is continuing this week, from Aug. 1014, in accordance with Haiti's electoral calendar. The calendar calls for voter registration to continue through Oct. 13, while candidate registration is scheduled to begin Aug. 20 and

run through Oct. 2. The first round of presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum, is scheduled for Dec. 13. Preliminary results are expected to be published Dec. 19, with final results for the first round scheduled for Jan. 9, 2027. A second round of presidential and legislative elections, along with local elections, is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2027. Final results for the second round of presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for March 7, with final local election results expected March

12. The electoral campaign for the ﬁrst round is scheduled to begin Oct. 5 and run through Dec. 12. The campaign for the second round is scheduled for Jan. 10 through Feb. 20, 2027. The CEP's approval of political groups is one of several steps leading up to the elections, which are expected to be Haiti's ﬁrst national elections in years. The electoral council said the process is proceeding according to the current electoral calendar.

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 20, 2026 –

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Drought creating crisis in the Caribbean The Caribbean is experiencing severe drought, spawning a crisis in many countries. Last week, Puerto Rico began indefinite 48hour rotating water rationing in parts of the country. Authorities cannot say exactly when it will end, as that depends heavily on rainfall. Jamaica is also experiencing severe drought, unusual heat and water shortages, with the National Water Commission (NWC) recently announcing rotating water lock-offs and strict restrictions on water usage. The drought affecting the region is caused primarily by the meteorological phenomenon El Niño, which has strengthened in the Pacific Ocean and is currently impacting the Caribbean, suppressing the rising air and thunderstorms that normally produce rainfall. NOAA’s latest assessment says El Niño is producing a strong suppression of rainfall in Puerto Rico, Jamaica and other Caribbean countries. It is expected to keep drought and hot weather in place. Heat makes drought considerably worse. When temperatures are very high, water evaporates more rapidly from reservoirs, rivers and streams, soil and vegetation. In recent months, several Caribbean countries have recorded near-record heat and drought. Rainfall has been more than 60% below normal in some areas. The severity of drought and water-supply shortages differs from country to country. The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) warns of recurrent heat waves and drought conditions across the region. Apart from Jamaica and Puerto Rico, other countries and territories experiencing drought and water shortages include the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and The Bahamas. The regional climate center specifically identifies St. Lucia, Martinique and St. Kitts and Nevis as countries where longer-term drought can persist, while Jamaica, Cuba and The Bahamas are among the countries expecting particularly unusual heat. Barbados is not currently experiencing a water crisis on the scale of Puerto Rico and Jamaica, but it is watching the situation carefully. The Barbados Water Authority warns that continued below-normal rainfall could produce drought and water-supply stress later in 2026. However, Barbados has invested considerably in groundwater management and water conservation, and its water system is relatively accustomed to dealing with limited resources. Trinidad’s meteorological service forecasts drought conditions in northeastern Trinidad by the end of August, with rainfall deficits, high temperatures and increased evaporation contributing to the problem. Jamaica’s and Puerto Rico’s water systems have limited resilience because of aging infrastructure, leakage and dependence on reservoirs and groundwater. Reservoir levels are falling, groundwater is not adequately recharging, and streams are running at exceptionally low levels. Consequently, there is heavy dependence on frequent rainfall. Unfortunately, NOAA’s current forecast is not encouraging, with 70% below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures

projected for August through October in Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands. El Niño is expected to suppress tropical-wave and hurricane activity, restricting one of the Caribbean’s usual sources of rainfall. The Caribbean needs to become less dependent on rainfall. Countries such as Jamaica and Puerto Rico could substantially improve water security by repairing and replacing leaking water mains; expanding and modernizing reservoirs; increasing groundwater recharge; reusing treated wastewater; installing additional rainwater-capture systems and cisterns; improving agricultural irrigation efficiency; and developing emergency water-storage capacity. These measures would make droughts less devastating. Climate change is also a factor. Heat increases water evaporation, and with less rainfall, reservoirs dry out faster. Droughts cannot be prevented, but water crises caused by drought can be. Jamaica and Puerto Rico have experienced previous droughts, so they should be prepared. Although both have drought-response plans and infrastructure projects underway, these have not yet made their water systems drought-resilient. Jamaica’s NWC has known for years that prolonged droughts cause supply restrictions and has identified drought as a major cause of water interruptions. Jamaica’s government is attempting to address the underlying problem. The Western Water Resilience project involves 65 kilometers of new transmission pipelines between the Martha Brae, Montego Bay, Lucea and Negril systems. The NWC is also trying to reduce water leakage by repairing pipes. This increases the available water supply without requiring new water sources. Historically, drought in the Caribbean was treated as an occasional emergency rather than a long-term planning problem. Governments planned around hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Drought received less attention because the Caribbean is perceived as a wet region. Then came climate change. More water infrastructure is needed, but building it is extremely expensive.

Governments must choose between strengthening water systems and addressing other urgent needs. Politically, a new reservoir needed five years from now can be harder to justify than building a hospital or school. It is important that authorities in Caribbean countries facing severe water shortages significantly reduce water leakage and build more community water-storage facilities to carry communities through prolonged dry periods. There cannot be a reliance on a single reservoir to supply entire metropolitan areas. Governments must find ways to capture more water when it rains rather than allowing rainwater to flow into the sea. They must also diversify water sources, including through desalination, rather than depending almost entirely on rainfall-fed surface water. Caribbean countries are not running out of water permanently, but they are vulnerable to large swings between abundance and scarcity. Droughts cannot be prevented, but greater water resilience can be secured through sound planning so that, when drought strikes, people barely notice it in their pipes.

Election Primaries was appointed to the position. Florida voters will also consider numerous U.S. House and state legislative races, depending on where they live. Local ballots may include county commission seats, school board races, county court judges, municipal contests and referendums. South Florida voters will see several closely watched congressional and local races. In Broward County, Congressional District 20 has attracted signiﬁcant attention, with voters selecting nominees for a district that includes portions of central Broward County. Broward voters may also see congressional contests in Districts 24 and 25, depending on their address. The Broward County Commission District 6 seat is also open because Commissioner Beam Furr has reached his term limit. In Miami-Dade County, voters will consider several County Commission contests as well as multiple School Board races. Congressional races include District 24, where voters are choosing candidates to succeed retiring Rep. Frederica Wilson, and contests in Districts 25 and 27. City of Miami voters will also decide a referendum concerning the future of Miami Marine Stadium. The exact races appearing on each ballot depend on a voter's residential address.

How to cast a ballot Florida voters have three primary ways to vote: vote-by-mail, early voting or voting in person on Election Day. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the primary was Aug. 6. Voters who already received mail ballots may return them by mail or through authorized ballot return locations. Completed vote-by-mail ballots must reach the local Supervisor of Elections oﬃce

from A1

by 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 to be counted. Mail ballots cannot simply be turned in as completed ballots at regular Election Day polling places. Early voting is currently underway. Closing dates vary by county, with early voting ending Aug. 15 or Aug. 16 in many areas. During early voting, voters can generally use any designated early-voting location within their county. On Election Day, however, voters must cast their ballots at their assigned precinct. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. is permitted to vote. Check your sample ballot before voting County election oﬃces have made sample ballots available ahead of Election Day. Voters in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties can visit their respective Supervisor of Elections websites to view sample ballots and, in many cases, access a personalized ballot based on their registration and precinct. Reviewing the ballot in advance can help voters research races and candidates before arriving at the polls, particularly because local contests can diﬀer considerably even among voters living in the same county. Voters may also bring a sample ballot with them for reference when voting.

What identification is required? Florida voters should bring a current and valid photo identification that also includes a signature. Before heading to vote, residents should also verify their registration information and, for Election Day voting, confirm their assigned polling place.

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WOMEN IN FOCUS

Caribbean Women Take Charge of Your Health Encourages Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun As a result, symptoms such as chronic stress, exhaustion and hormonal changes are often ignored until they begin affecting quality of life. Through her book, she hopes to encourage women to pay closer attention to their bodies, seek answers when something feels wrong and recognize that prioritizing their health is not an act of selfishness but one of self-preservation. "Too often, women are praised for how much they can endure," she says. "I want them to know they deserve to heal, too." A recurring theme throughout the book is joy. While many health guides focus primarily on illness, Dr. Tanya argues that cultivating joy, meaningful relationships, rest and purpose are essential components of overall wellbeing. These principles form the basis of her MOre Joy Method, which integrates physical, emotional and spiritual health. Although based in Saint Lucia, Dr. Tanya's work has attracted international attention, including appearances on Oprah Winfrey's The Life You Want platform, where she proudly represented both her homeland and the wider Caribbean. With Held and Healed, she hopes to continue that mission by giving Caribbean women a trusted resource that reflects their lived experiences and empowers them to take charge of their health. "My hope is that every woman who reads this book feels seen," she says. "That she understands her health matters, her voice matters and that healing is possible." As conversations around women's health continue to evolve across the Caribbean and its diaspora, Dr. Tanya hopes her book will inspire women not simply to manage illness, but to embrace a healthier, more intentional and more joyful way of living.

For years, physician Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun has cared for women navigating everything from hormonal changes and chronic stress to metabolic disorders and the everyday demands of balancing careers, families and caregiving. Along the way, she began to notice a troubling pattern. Many women were living with persistent fatigue, anxiety, brain fog and other health concerns, yet often accepted these symptoms as a normal part of ageing or simply the price of being a woman. Today, Dr. Tanya hopes to change that conversation. The Saint Lucian physician, functional medicine practitioner and founder of the MOre Joy Method has published Held and Healed: A Physician's Guide to Healing the Body, Calming the Mind and Living in Joy, a new book that encourages women to take a more proactive, holistic approach to their health and wellbeing. "I realized there was nobody in the Caribbean addressing our health," says Dr. Tanya. "So I wrote this book for us as a people, but also for women in general." Drawing on decades of medical experience, Held and Healed explores topics including hormonal health, inﬂammation, nutrition, stress, metabolism, emotional wellbeing and lifestyle habits that can inﬂuence long-term health. Rather than focusing solely on treating disease, the book encourages readers to understand the

connection between the body, mind and spirit and to view healing as a lifelong journey. For Dr. Tanya, the book is also deeply personal. After experiencing serious illness herself, she gained a new perspective on healthcare—not simply as a physician, but as a patient. That experience reinforced her belief that good medicine is about more than diagnosing disease. It is about listening, understanding and caring for the whole person. Those lessons became the foundation for both her medical practice and the message at the heart of Held and Healed. Dr. Tanya believes many Caribbean women have been conditioned to put their own needs last while caring for everyone else.

Destang-Beaubrun

WOMEN IN FOCUS

Janelle Hopkin honored with NABHOOD Trailblazer Award Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort, has received the Hank Thomas Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), recognizing her leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry. Hopkin accepted the award during NABHOOD’s annual conference in Miami, where she also participated in a Women in Hospitality panel and engaged with hospitality students about careers in the industry. The award recognizes individuals whose vision, leadership and commitment have helped shape the future of hospitality while expanding opportunities for others. For Hopkin, the recognition also carries a strong family connection. Her late father, Sir Royston O. Hopkin, KCMG, received the same award in 2019 for his contributions to Caribbean tourism and his leadership in establishing Spice Island Beach Resort as one of the region’s premier luxury properties. “Receiving this award from an organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and leadership in hospitality is a tremendous honor,” Hopkin said. “It is especially meaningful to follow in my father’s footsteps and continue the legacy he built while representing Grenada and the Caribbean hospitality industry.” Hopkin said her participation in the conference was about more than accepting the award. She highlighted the opportunity to exchange ideas with other

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor. It is especially meaningful to follow in my father’s footsteps and continue the legacy he built while representing Grenada and the hospitality industry.” – Hopkin

hospitality professionals and speak with students considering careers in the sector. She described the experience as both rewarding and inspiring, particularly the opportunity to contribute to discussions focused on women’s leadership in hospitality and encourage the next generation of industry professionals. Founded by Andy Ingraham, NABHOOD works to increase the representation of Black hotel owners, operators and developers while providing professional development, education and business opportunities across the hospitality industry. The Trailblazer Award is named for Hank Thomas, a longtime hospitality executive and civil rights activist who was among the original Freedom Riders and later became a prominent hotel owner and developer. Hopkin’s recognition adds another chapter to the history of Spice Island Beach Resort, which has been familyowned and operated for more than six decades. Under the Hopkin family’s leadership, the Grenada resort has built a reputation for luxury accommodations, personalized service and Caribbean hospitality, while maintaining a prominent role in the country’s tourism industry. The award also underscores the growing role of Caribbean hospitality leaders in shaping conversations around ownership, leadership and opportunities within the global tourism sector.

Daughter of Haitian Compas Festival founders launches beauty brand in Miami Annave Noel, the 21-year-old daughter of the founders of Miami’s annual Haitian Compas Festival, is launching a body care brand that blends Haitian beauty traditions with modern cosmetic science. Noel, a licensed esthetician and Biology major at Spelman College, will oﬃcially introduce Luminous SKN Care on Aug. 15 during a brand launch event at ASTRA Miami in Wynwood. The event, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will bring together members of Miami’s Haitian and Caribbean communities, beauty enthusiasts, media and invited guests to mark the brand’s debut. Luminous SKN Care is rooted in Noel’s experiences growing up in a Haitian-American household, where she was exposed to natural remedies and beauty practices passed down through generations. That early exposure led Noel to explore the relationship between traditional beauty rituals and modern skincare science. “As a Haitian-American and daughter of Haiti, I created Luminous SKN to keep my roots close while I await my return to the land of my ancestors,” Noel said. “Luminous SKN was born from the soul of the diaspora, a story rooted in heritage, memory and the scents that connect us to home.” Her parents, Rodney and Evrose Noel, founded the Annual Haitian Compas Festival, which has helped showcase Haitian music and culture in Miami and to audiences beyond South Florida. Growing up around the festival exposed Noel to the role that cultural events and businesses can play in preserving heritage and connecting the Haitian diaspora. With Luminous SKN Care, she is taking that legacy into the beauty industry while developing an identity of her own. The brand launch will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ASTRA Miami’s VIP Room, 2121 NW 2nd Ave. in Wynwood. The event will follow a Miami-themed dress code and feature a tropical aesthetic inspired by the Caribbean and its diaspora.

A10 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA

Broward schools start year smoothly as enrollment falls by 11,000 students Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn said the district’s first day of classes went smoothly Monday, despite a few air-conditioning issues, as the district begins the school year with about 180,000 students. “You want to start how you want to finish,” Hepburn said at a press conference. “We’re starting well this year.” The district, the sixth-largest school district in the nation and second-largest in Florida, is again facing declining enrollment, with about 11,000 fewer students enrolled compared with the previous year. The decline represents roughly $100 million less in funding for the district. Hepburn said the majority of the expected loss was already accounted for in the district’s budget. “We've budgeted for the expected decline for the majority of this,” he said. “We hope that enrollment continues to climb, and that we're not in the red, but we kind of climb up into black.” Hepburn said he visited seven schools on the first day and saw parents and students continuing to enroll through school front offices. The district is expected to have official enrollment figures on Sept. 14, and Hepburn said officials are hoping student numbers

“We've budgeted for the expected decline for the majority of this. We hope that enrollment continues to climb, and that we're not in the red, but we kind of climb up into black.” – Hepburn

increase as the school year progresses. “We're hoping that students continue to show up,” he said. The enrollment decline comes as school districts across South Florida contend with demographic changes and the potential impact of federal immigration policies. At a recent budget hearing, Hepburn raised concerns that the termination of

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Haitian immigrants could further aﬀect enrollment in Broward County. Florida has about 113,000 Haitian TPS holders, the largest population in the country, while South Florida is home to the nation’s largest concentration of Haitian residents. Hepburn also sought to reassure immigrant families about student safety and

access to public schools amid heightened immigration enforcement. “Broward County Public Schools is probably the safest environment for our students,” he said Monday. “Any law enforcement agency, they have to have court orders to come in our school and remove a student, and we haven't had that happen yet since the whole immigration policies have been implemented.” Despite the enrollment and funding challenges, Hepburn said the district’s focus remains on maintaining stable operations and providing students with a strong start to the new school year.

FLL airport job fair to connect job seekers with employers Aug. 28 Job seekers will have an opportunity to connect with employers supporting Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport during a job fair scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Broward County Convention Center. The 2026 FLL Airport Job Fair, hosted by the Broward County Aviation Department, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the convention center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. The free event will bring together companies and agencies involved in airport operations, including retail and concessions, ground transportation, parking services, security, janitorial services, law enforcement, airline subcontractors and other airport-related operations. Organizers said the event is open to people age 16 and older, whether they are starting their careers, seeking a career change or looking for opportunities to advance in the airport environment. Free parking will be available. In addition to meeting employers and learning about available positions, attendees can participate in career development sessions covering professional image and etiquette, interview techniques and resume preparation. From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Broward County Human Resources Division will offer one-on-one resume reviews. Participants will receive 15- to 20-minute reviews with a human resources professional and actionable feedback on how to strengthen their resumes. No appointments are required, but participants will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring printed copies of their resumes. CareerSource Broward will host a professional image and etiquette session from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The session will cover professional attire, first impressions, email and phone etiquette, virtual communication and managing an online presence. Organizers encouraged job seekers to follow FLL Airport on social media for updates, featured employers and additional job-search resources.

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COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA

Brooklyn celebrates Jamaican pride with first-ever Jamaica Rising Day Parade Jamaican pride filled the streets of Brooklyn on Saturday as thousands gathered for New York City’s first-ever Jamaica Rising Day Parade, a new celebration of Jamaican culture, heritage and the contributions of Jamaicans and Jamaican Americans. The inaugural parade took place Aug. 8, beginning at Church Avenue and Ocean Avenue in Flatbush before traveling north along Ocean Avenue and ending at Lincoln Road near Empire Boulevard. The event brought together members of Brooklyn’s large Jamaican and Caribbean community, along with elected officials, performers and cultural organizations, in a celebration that organizers hope will become an annual tradition. “We’re excited to be out here, the first ever Jamaican Day Parade,” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said. “You see all the Jamaican flags out there. You see different cultures coming out to celebrate one culture.” The parade came as Jamaica prepares to mark its 64th anniversary of independence on

The historic inaugural Jamaica Rising Day parade commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 8, at the intersection of Church and Ocean Avenues in Brooklyn.

Aug. 6, highlighting the strong cultural ties between Jamaica and its diaspora in New York. Organizers have described the event as America’s ﬁrst Jamaica Rising Day Parade. The celebration was designed to showcase

Levine Cava

Jamaican music, food and culture while promoting cultural preservation, education, community empowerment and economic development within the Jamaican diaspora. The festivities began earlier in the day with a VIP breakfast before the parade took over the

streets of Flatbush. DJ Danglez, a Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent and member of Federation Sound, was among the featured entertainment for the celebration. For organizers and attendees, the inaugural parade represented more than a day of festivities. It was also an opportunity to recognize the inﬂuence of Jamaican immigrants and Jamaican Americans on New York City and to create a dedicated platform for celebrating Jamaican identity. Brooklyn has long been a center of Jamaican life in New York, with Jamaican businesses, restaurants, cultural organizations and community institutions concentrated throughout neighborhoods including Flatbush and East Flatbush. The Jamaica Rising Day Parade is intended to build on that legacy and establish a new annual tradition for the city's Jamaican community and the broader diaspora.

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COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA

Lauderhill man pleads guilty to smuggling at least 140 firearms to Haiti A 53-year-old Lauderhill man has pleaded guilty to his role in a firearms trafficking operation that illegally exported at least 140 firearms from the United States to Haiti over several years, federal prosecutors said. Jean Robert Casimir, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Haitian National Police officer, pleaded guilty Aug. 4 in U.S. District Court to conspiracy, smuggling and violations of U.S. export control laws. According to court documents, Casimir illegally exported at least 140 firearms to Haiti between August 2020 and December 2024 without obtaining the required license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. Casimir purchased at least 108 firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers and another 30 to 35 firearms from a person in Florida, prosecutors said. The weapons included rifles, pistols and shotguns of various makes and models. Investigators said Casimir and his coconspirators used multiple methods to conceal the firearms before shipping them to Haiti. In one method, they cut open industrial air compressors, concealed disassembled rifles and handguns inside them using foam

Casimir

insulation, and then welded the compressors back together. The packages were subsequently shipped to Haiti aboard boats departing from the Miami area, according to court documents. Casimir was arrested Dec. 16, 2024, in Lauderhill and was indicted in January 2025. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Miami Field Oﬃce, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security

Investigations in Washington, D.C., and HSI Miami, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Officials involved in the case included Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia, FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles and HSI Miami Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Dean for the District of Columbia and Justice Department National Security Division Trial Attorney Beau Barnes, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. The prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established under Executive Order 14159, which directs federal agencies to work together to investigate and prosecute transnational criminal organizations, cartels, gangs and human smuggling and trafficking networks. Federal officials said the task force is focused on using interagency cooperation to investigate criminal organizations operating in the United States and abroad.

Miami-Dade SOE joins GEM in Colombia earthquake relief effort Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia is partnering with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to support humanitarian relief eﬀorts for communities aﬀected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia.

Garcia

Garcia and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections are encouraging employees and community members to support GEM’s ongoing response through financial contributions. The office has previously partnered with GEM on humanitarian relief efforts, most recently supporting aid for people in Venezuela. That effort collected more than 200 pallets and over 300,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies for communities in need. Garcia said the office is proud to continue its partnership with GEM as the organization responds to the earthquake in Colombia. “At times of tragedy, our community has always demonstrated an extraordinary willingness to come together and help those in need,” Garcia said. “We are proud to once again stand alongside Global Empowerment Mission as they provide critical assistance to families and communities affected by this devastating earthquake.” GEM is currently requesting financial contributions instead of physical donations, allowing the organization to respond to the most urgent needs and direct resources to affected communities. “Miami-Dade County is home to a vibrant Colombian community, and we stand with them, their loved ones and all those affected during this difficult time,” Garcia said. “We continue to pray for the people of Colombia and for everyone working to provide relief, comfort and hope.” Contributions can be made directly through Global Empowerment Mission. The office said participation and contributions are entirely voluntary.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra to receive honors at 2026 Caribbean Music Awards International recording artist, politician and humanitarian Shyne will receive the Global Ambassador Honor at the fourth annual Caribbean Music Awards, while calypso legend Calypso Rose, Haitian-American singer-songwriter Alan Cavé and Jamaican dancehall icon Patra will also be recognized during the ceremony. The Caribbean Music Awards will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Presented by Tourism Trinidad Limited, with support from the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, and Global Trinidad and Tobago, this year’s ceremony will serve as the centerpiece of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience. The three-day celebration, taking place Sept. 18-20 throughout Trinidad and Tobago, will bring together artists, fans, industry leaders, cultural tastemakers and visitors from across the Caribbean and beyond to celebrate the region’s music and cultural inﬂuence. Inspired by the theme “Sounds of the Caribbean,” the 2026 awards will honor four artists whose careers have helped shape Caribbean music’s international reach. Patra will receive the Lifetime Achievement Honor for her

Shyne

Calypso Rose

Alan Cavé

Patra

pioneering contributions to dancehall, reggae and global Black music. Her inﬂuence extended beyond reggae and dancehall, with appearances in music videos for major American hip-hop artists including The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Her style and crossover presence also helped open doors for subsequent generations of female dancehall performers. Shyne will receive the Global Ambassador Honor for his evolution from internationally known recording artist to cultural leader, humanitarian and advocate for Belize and the Caribbean. In the years since, Shyne has

shifted much of his focus toward public service, youth empowerment and cultural advocacy. He has also served as Belize’s Music and Goodwill Ambassador. Tobago-born calypso icon Calypso Rose will receive the Elite Calypso Honor for her decades-long contribution to Caribbean music and her role in bringing calypso to audiences worldwide. A trailblazer for women in Caribbean music, Calypso Rose has spent more than six decades performing and recording, becoming one of the genre’s most influential figures. She made history as the first woman to win Trinidad and Tobago’s

Road March title and later achieved international recognition, including with her platinum-selling album Far From Home. Haitian-American singersongwriter Alan Cavé will receive the Elite Konpa Honor for his inﬂuence on Haitian music and the international Konpa movement. Known as the “King of Kompa Love,” Cavé has spent more than three decades building a career as a songwriter, vocalist and performer. The four honorees will be celebrated as part of the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, which will feature a welcome reception, industry programming, cultural activations,

fan experiences, the awards ceremony, an official after-party and a special Steelpan celebration featuring Stars and Steel. The event marks an international expansion for the Caribbean Music Awards following three successful years in Brooklyn, New York. Organizers said the move to Trinidad and Tobago reflects the awards’ broader mission of celebrating Caribbean music and culture across different parts of the region. Tickets and additional information about the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience are available at CaribMusicAwards.com.

Caribbean City turns up the heat with ‘Unlimited Vibes’ in South Florida South Florida’s Caribbean party scene is getting another major dose of Caribbean City with its latest experience, Unlimited Vibes, on Saturday, Aug. 15. Following the success of previous Caribbean City events, the upcoming edition promises another high-energy night where music, fashion, culture and nightlife collide. As with previous events, the party will take over DAER Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The event has built a reputation for creating an atmosphere where the music, crowd and overall experience are just as important as the lineup itself. With Unlimited Vibes, organizers are looking to take that experience even further. The night will bring together some of South Florida’s popular selectors, with Dutty Dex, DJ Majestic, DJ Stunna and DJ Fergie providing the soundtrack. Patrons can expect a musical journey spanning dancehall, soca, Afrobeats and reggae, with the DJs keeping the energy high throughout the night. Unlimited Vibes is being billed as a Glow Party, with immersive UV lighting and glow eﬀects transforming the venue into a vibrant nighttime playground. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, with white and neon-bright attire highly recommended to enhance the glow experience. With ticket prices expected to increase and VIP sections limited, those planning to attend are encouraged to secure their spots early. VIP guests can celebrate from reserved sections with dedicated bottle service, while food will also be available throughout the night. As with any upscale nightlife experience, a dress code will be enforced. Athletic shorts, tank tops, slides, durags and bonnets are not permitted, with guests expected to adhere to upscale nightlife attire. The event is strictly 21 and over, with valid government-issued identiﬁcation required. For Caribbean City, the philosophy behind the event remains simple: “It’s a Party... Not a Place.”

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Beyond the discus circle! Chad Wright builds a legacy across two sports athletics setting the standard and a pathway for all athletes in Jamaica.” For Mears, Wright’s accomplishment is therefore not simply a personal success. It oﬀers a model of what can emerge when Jamaican athletes are given the opportunity and support to pursue ambitious goals across sporting disciplines.

When the history of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Centenary Games is written, Chad Wright’s name will stand out for a feat that stretched well beyond the traditional boundaries of athletics. The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has saluted the country’s sportsmen and women who competed at the Games, but Wright’s campaign carried a distinction all its own. The Jamaican discus thrower left Santo Domingo as a gold medalist and then returned to the weightlifting platform to produce a personal best in the men’s +110 kg category. It was a remarkable demonstration of versatility, discipline and competitive ambition, with Wright successfully navigating two physically demanding sports on the same international stage. For Wright, however, the achievement represents more than a memorable Games. It is another step in a rapidly developing journey that has seen his progress in weightlifting complement his performances in the discus.

A champion in one, a personal best in another Wright’s first major statement came in the discus, where he secured the gold medal for Jamaica. His work was not finished there. Only days later, he switched disciplines and returned to competition in weightlifting, where he produced a personal-best performance in the +110 kg category. The combination of results underscored the unusual nature of his sporting career and confirmed that his decision to pursue both disciplines continues to yield dividends. Wright reflected on the experience with a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation.

Eyes on Lima, the World Championships and Los Angeles

Wright

“So it has been three years now I have been weightlifting competitively and I have been loving it so far. Every year I have gotten better and since getting better in weightlifting my throwing has gotten more consistent and this year coming into the CAC Games it was exciting to be competing in two events and then going through both events and being able to win the discus and then coming back in weightlifting couple days later and being able to hit a personal best. It is totally a great feeling for me and I am looking forward to next year PanAm and also to the World Championships and the LA Olympics.” His comments capture the evolution of a dual-sport athlete who is increasingly seeing the disciplines reinforce one another rather than compete for his attention. The achievement has also drawn strong praise from the National Weightlifting

Association of Jamaica (NWAJ), whose president, Omarie Mears, believes Wright’s performances have highlighted the depth of Jamaica’s sporting talent. “I am very proud of Chad’s performance, competing in two explosive sports is an exceptional feat, and this further highlights our, Jamaica’s, elite ability on the international stage. Chad has excelled and he continues to progress achieving PBs in weightlifting, which have complemented his performance in

Vin Blaine takes Belize job with bold mission to transform football Vin Blaine has returned to the regional football spotlight with a new challenge, this time tasked with reshaping the game in Belize. The former Jamaica Reggae Girlz head coach has been appointed director of football of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), signing a two-year contract with an option for renewal. The appointment brings Blaine back to a role he previously held with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), while also drawing on his experience as technical director in Grenada and director of football for the US Virgin Islands. His mandate in Belize extends well beyond the performance of the senior national team. Blaine wants to build a stronger international program while changing how football is organized, administered and developed at multiple levels.

“One vision, one mission” Blaine arrived with a clear philosophy and an equally clear objective. “One vision, one mission, that is what we want. I want to see their football able to challenge for titles, and I would like to see the development and improvement of the game here, as well as improvements in young referees and refereeing.” The ambition is not simply to produce short-term results. Blaine wants to leave behind a structure capable of sustaining progress after his tenure ends. “I would like to leave a legacy where a local director of football can take over when I leave,” Blaine said. That emphasis on succession places development at the heart of his assignment, with the ultimate goal of creating a football system that can operate eﬀectively without depending on outside leadership.

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Santo Domingo may have delivered a defining chapter, but Wright is already looking beyond it. His next targets include the Lima 2027 Pan American Games and the World Championships, before turning his attention to the ultimate objective, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. With a CAC gold medal already secured in the discus and a personal best added in weightlifting, Wright’s ambitions are becoming increasingly expansive. For Jamaica, his journey offers the prospect of something more enduring than medals: the emergence of an athlete capable of challenging convention, excelling across two demanding sports and leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the results sheet. Chad Wright is not simply competing in two sports. He is attempting to redefine what a Jamaican elite athlete can be, and, in the process, writing a history of his own.

Blaine will not have the luxury of a lengthy settling-in period. Several important competitions are

Blaine

already approaching, creating an immediate test of his ability to assess talent, coordinate coaches and prepare Belize’s national teams. “The reason why I came this early is because they have several things happening in October, all around the same time. I’ve had several meetings with the coaches. I have another meeting on Monday with the U15, U16 and U17 coaches. I have to hit the ground running.” The first priority is identifying the strongest available players. No senior Nations League squad has yet been selected, giving Blaine an opportunity to cast a wider net before decisions are made. “We have not named a squad yet for Nations League training. We are going to make that assessment on the full weekend of Belize Premier League games, to see if we can find any talent that was never invited in the first place.” For Blaine, the immediate objective is straightforward: close the gap between Belize and the region’s stronger football nations. “I want to make Belize more competitive internationally. I have started my assessment already and when the time comes, everyone will know exactly what the expectations are.” His challenge now is to turn that blueprint into results, and make Belize a team that opponents can no longer afford to underestimate.

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