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THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
WILL IT BE? Florida could have its first Black governor and senator
Florida’s primary elections on August 18 were highlighted by strong victories by two African Americans. Byron Donalds, the son of a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father, overwhelmingly won the Republican primary for governor with about 48%. He now faces David Jolly, who won the Democratic primary. In the biggest upset of the night, Angie Nixon, a progressive, defeated Alex Vindman 56% to 44%, despite being dramatically outspent in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Nixon will now face Republican Ashley Moody in November. Should either or both Donalds or Nixon win in November, they will make Florida history. Donalds would become the state’s first Black governor, while Nixon would become its first female and Black senator. continues on B1 – Could it be?
16 Broward County high schools ranked among nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report Sixteen Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) high schools have been ranked among the top 26% of schools nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings.
Four BCPS schools placed within the top 5% of all ranked schools nationally: Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, Pompano Beach High School, William T. McFatter Technical High School and Cypress Bay High School. U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 27,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. About 18,000
schools received national rankings based on factors including college readiness, breadth of college curriculum, state assessment performance and proficiency, and graduation rates. Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy led Broward County schools, ranking No. 93 nationally, placing it among the top 0.52% of all ranked schools. Pompano Beach High School ranked No. 274 nationally, placing it in the top 1.53%, while William T. McFatter
Technical High School ranked No. 461, placing it in the top 2.57%. Cypress Bay High School ranked No. 810 nationally, placing it among the top 4.51% of ranked schools. Other BCPS schools included in the national rankings were: •
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: No. 1,289 nationally, top 7.18% continues on B4 – Broward schools
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER Brian Langrin newly appointed as Bank of Jamaica governor a3
CARIBBEAN Rowley asks T&T gov’t to disclose number of nationals with US visas revoked A4
STRICTLY LEGAL US government revokes more than 600 visas in birth tourism crackdown A9
ENTERTAINMENT Cardi B to headline BZR WKND Jamaica in rst Caribbean stadium concert B5
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
PAGE A2 Prime Minister Andrew Holness gets a surprise informal courtesy call from Asafa Powell and Junelle Lyles.
Tamarac residents pictured at the recent Back to School Community Resource Fair prior to the start of the new school year.
In celebra on of the recent Sidewalk Improvement Projects, Miramar Commissioner Yve e Colbourne gave away brandnew bikes to one lucky boy and one lucky girl!
60 and loving it: Magali was all smiles at her birthday celebra on in Davie last Sunday Miami Carol City Class of 1990 showed up for their community! As part of the Keep Miami Gardens Beau ful Adopt-A-Road Program, MCC Class of 1990 rolled up their sleeves and collected over 110 pounds of li er from their adopted roadway.
2 e g a P Michelle J. Gomez, the mayor of the city of Tamarac, pictured at the city’s Back-to-School Community Fair.
Magali dancing up a storm with family and friends at her birthday celebra on
Janice McIntosh presents an award of apprecia on to Consul General Oliver Mair, while his wife, Tanya, and daughter Serena share in the occasion.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 –
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NEWSMAKER
Brian Langrin appointed Bank of Jamaica governor, succeeding Richard Byles Dr. R. Brian Langrin has been appointed governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), succeeding Richard Byles, whose seven-year term ends Tuesday. Langrin will assume office Wednesday, Aug. 19, following his appointment by the Governor-General on the recommendation of Cabinet, in accordance with the Bank of Jamaica Act. His appointment follows a selection process led by a search committee established in April, which considered a field of local and international candidates before selecting Langrin. Langrin brings more than two decades of experience in central banking, financial stability and international finance, including senior roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and World Bank Group. During his tenure at the IMF, Langrin served as regional financial stability adviser, providing guidance on financial-sector issues across the Caribbean. He later served as executive director at the Inter-American Development Bank Group, where he chaired the Board’s Audit and Assurance Oversight Committee. At the World Bank Group, Langrin was board adviser to the executive director representing Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean. Most recently, he advised the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on modernizing the region’s digital financial market infrastructure, giving him experience in an area that is becoming increasingly important to central banks and financial institutions. Langrin also has extensive experience at the Bank of Jamaica, having previously served as chief economist in the Research and
Brian Langrin (left) with Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, and Former BOJ Governor Richard Byles
“I am committed to preserving the Bank’s hardwon credibility and independence, to keeping inflation low and stable, and to advancing the modernization of our financial system for the benefit of every Jamaican,” – Langrin Economic Programming Division before becoming head of the Financial Stability Department. In that role, he advanced policy, legislative and institutional reforms and served as technical lead for the Government of Jamaica during two sovereign debt restructurings.
He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master's degree in economics and a bachelor's degree in economics and management from The University of the West Indies. Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams described Langrin as a “forward-looking leader” whose experience in monetary policy, financial stability, innovation, and regional and international cooperation will help Jamaica navigate a changing global economy. “The Government reaffirms its full commitment to the independence of the Bank of Jamaica and to the continuity of the sound monetary and financial policies that have anchored our economic stability,” Williams said. Langrin said he was honored to take on the role at a pivotal time for Jamaica. “I am committed to preserving the Bank’s hard-won credibility and independence, to
keeping inflation low and stable, and to advancing the modernization of our financial system for the benefit of every Jamaican,” he said. Langrin succeeds Byles, who has led the central bank since Aug. 19, 2019. His term concludes Aug. 18, 2026. During his tenure, Byles guided monetary policy through several major economic shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a global surge in inflation, Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Hurricane Melissa in 2025, and the Middle East war and resulting oil shock in 2026. Under Byles, the Bank of Jamaica strengthened its formal inflation-targeting framework and worked to return inflation toward its target range while maintaining financial system stability. His tenure also included the implementation of the Bank of Jamaica’s statutory independence under the Bank of Jamaica (Amendment) Act, 2020, and the launch of JAM-DEX, Jamaica’s central bank digital currency. Williams thanked Byles for what she described as “distinguished and consequential service,” saying he guided the country’s monetary policy through an extraordinary period. “He leaves the Bank stronger and more independent than he found it,” Williams said. “He leaves a legacy of stability on which Dr. Langrin will build.” The Bank of Jamaica said it remains committed to carrying out its statutory mandates in the interest of all Jamaicans. Langrin is married and has three children.
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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Rowley asks T&T government to disclose number of nationals with US visas revoked Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is calling on the Trinidad and Tobago government to disclose how many nationals have had their United States visas revoked after Washington said visas had been canceled for reasons including conduct that “endangered national security.” In a statement posted to Facebook on Monday, Rowley questioned whether the government had reported Trinidad and Tobago nationals to US authorities for possible visa cancellation. Rowley noted that calls had previously been made by individuals in Trinidad and Tobago for his US visa, as well as that of former Prime Minister Stuart Young, to be canceled. He also said that, more recently, members of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) and people close to the party had been warning citizens about potentially losing their US visas. Rowley said he wanted to thank US authorities “for going public to tell the traumatized citizenry in this country the
Rowley
conditions under which visas are revoked”. According to Rowley, the US Department of State said in a news release on Aug. 10 that visas had been revoked from individuals who violated the terms of their US visas, committed crimes, called for violence against US citizens, defrauded Americans, abused the immigration system or endangered national security. Rowley questioned whether he or Young had committed any of the offenses cited by the US government. “Today I want to ask Mrs. Kamla PersadBissessar and all the others who made this call and even wrote to the US Government calling for the visas of both Stuart Young and Rowley to be canceled: which of these offenses were they guilty of?” He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the visa of a person he described as a close associate and messenger of Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar. “Incidentally, is the Prime Minister prepared to share with the country which of these offenses her close friend and messenger
violated, resulting in the cancellation of his visa well before she came into office?” Rowley further called on Persad-Bissessar to disclose whether her government had communicated with US authorities about other Trinidad and Tobago nationals. He asked the prime minister to “tell the country, besides Rowley and Young, how many other citizens she and her Government have reported to the US Government with a recommendation to have their visas canceled?” Rowley’s comments come amid heightened attention in Trinidad and Tobago over US visa revocations and the circumstances under which Washington can cancel visas held by foreign nationals.
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Jamaica to establish UTech scholarship in memory of coach Francis The Jamaican government will establish a scholarship at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in memory of legendary track and field coach Stephen Francis. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced the initiative during a thanksgiving service celebrating Francis' life at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on Saturday, Aug. 15. Francis, affectionately known as "Franno" by friends and athletes, died on July 4 following a period of illness. He was 63. During her tribute, Grange said the government would work with UTech and Francis' family to establish a lasting tribute to
the coach. "The Government will have discussions with UTech and with Paul (Francis) to see how we can ensure that there is a lasting tribute to Franno," Grange said. She said further details about the scholarship would be announced after consultations with UTech and Francis' family. UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed the initiative and thanked Grange for offering the scholarship in Francis' memory. "We look forward to giving that (scholarship) to a worthy recipient in the new academic year," Brown said. Francis played a major role in the
Francis
development of Jamaican track and field athletes through the Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club, which he founded and coached.
Over three decades, athletes trained under Francis won numerous medals at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships and World Junior Championships, while also setting national, world and Olympic records. Among the athletes whose careers were shaped by Francis were Kishane Thompson, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Tajay Gayle, Sherone Simpson and Brigitte Foster-Hylton. Francis' coaching legacy has made him one of the most influential figures in Jamaica's track and field development, with his athletes helping to cement the country's reputation as a global sprinting powerhouse.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 –
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
St. Lucia signs US agreement to facilitate deportation of third-country nationals The St. Lucia government has signed a non-binding agreement with the United States that could allow Washington to transfer thirdcountry nationals facing deportation to the Caribbean country. External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste told Parliament that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Washington following discussions that began in 2025, when the US approached several CARICOM countries about cooperation on immigration matters. Baptiste stressed that the agreement is non-binding and that any proposed transfer would remain at the discretion of both governments. The MOU establishes a framework under which the US government may propose transferring third-country nationals to St. Lucia, while the St. Lucian government would have the discretion to accept or reject each proposal, in whole or in part. "The MOU further states at Section 2.1, the Government of the United States of America may in its complete discretion propose to the Government of St Lucia the transfer of such third-country nationals, and the Government of St Lucia may in its complete discretion consider accepting such a proposal in whole or in part," Baptiste said. Under the agreed operating procedures, individuals eligible for transfer would have to
meet specific criteria, including having final or expedited orders of removal from the United States and receiving medical authorization to travel from the US Department of Homeland Security. Certain individuals would be excluded from the arrangement. They include unaccompanied minors under 18, St. Lucian citizens or nationals, and individuals with criminal records known to US authorities, except where those records relate to violations of US immigration law. The agreement also establishes a preliminary limit of no more than 10 people per quarter who could be transferred to St. Lucia. The US is expected to provide St. Lucian
Guyana’s fifth FPSO to push oil production beyond 1 million barrels per day Guyana is on track to surpass 1 million barrels of oil production per day with the arrival of its fifth Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, marking another major expansion of the country’s petroleum production capacity and economic potential. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the fifth production vessel, which set sail from Singapore in early August, is expected to arrive off Guyana’s coast this week, with first oil targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. Built by MODEC at a reported cost of US$12.7 billion, the vessel is designed to add approximately 250,000 barrels per day to Guyana’s production capacity. “It is a larger FPSO in Guyana’s fleet … and will push national output above one million barrels a day for the first time,” Ali said during a press conference Tuesday. The new vessel will join the four FPSOs currently operating in the Stabroek Block: Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and One Guyana. Together, the vessels are producing approximately 900,000 to 920,000 barrels of oil per day. Ali also highlighted the growing benefits to Guyana under the existing production-sharing agreement, noting that the production-sharing formula remains unchanged from the 2016 agreement. Under the arrangement, royalty is paid first, while up to 75% of production can be allocated to cost recovery. The remaining profit oil is then shared equally between Guyana and the Stabroek Block co-venturers. Ali said Guyana’s share of Stabroek Block profit oil has increased from 12.5% to 39.8%, largely because the project’s cost bank was recovered earlier than initially anticipated. He explained that while as much as 75 barrels out of every 100 previously went toward cost recovery, only about 20 barrels are now allocated to costs. The reduction in the proportion of production allocated to cost recovery means a significantly greater share of Guyana’s oil production is now available as profit oil, the president said. He said this is reflected in Guyana receiving approximately 39.8 barrels out of every 100 barrels as its share of profit oil. The expansion of production is expected to strengthen government revenues and provide additional resources for national development, including continued investments in infrastructure, health care, education, housing and other public services. With the fifth FPSO expected to begin production before the end of 2026, Guyana is poised to enter a new phase of its petroleum development. National output is projected to exceed 1 million barrels per day, while a growing share of production is expected to translate into resources for the country’s long-term development.
authorities with a flight manifest five days before a proposed removal. St. Lucia would then have two days to respond with the cases it accepts and identify anyone who should not be permitted to board the flight.
St. Lucia seeks US financial support Baptiste said a major consideration for the government has been the financial cost of implementing the arrangement. He said the Philip J. Pierre administration has limited resources and wants to ensure that any agreement does not place an undue burden on St. Lucia. "The major consideration for St Lucia in
all this has been the extent to which the United States was committed to financially support the program it had requested of St Lucia to undertake, taking into account St Lucia's limited resources and circumstances," Baptiste told legislators. "Given the potential policy, financial and institutional implications of such an arrangement, the government considered it necessary to undertake a comprehensive technical assessment to determine the resources, governance arrangements and financial commitments that would be required to implement the program effectively," he added. Baptiste said Cabinet last week approved a memorandum from the Ministry of External Affairs outlining St. Lucia's financial requirements for implementing the agreement. The package has since been submitted to the US Embassy, with the government awaiting Washington's response. The MOU also provides for US funding to be provided to a competent international organization to assist with services for people transferred under the arrangement. St. Lucia has engaged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to finalize that collaboration, Baptiste said, adding that negotiations are now in their third and final phase.
Online counseling platform to launch for families affected by MV Barima tragedy The Guyana Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will this week launch EMBRACE, a national online counseling platform aimed at providing long-term psychosocial support to families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud announced the initiative during an interview on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday. EMBRACE will connect affected individuals with counselors and specialists, including volunteers from the Guyanese diaspora, through confidential audio and video sessions. Persaud said the platform was tested last week and is expected to go live this week, initially focusing on survivors and families affected by the MV Barima disaster before being expanded to a wider population. "It’s going to be a system where persons can request a time. They will see the list that is available, their specialties, and they can have confidential therapy and counseling from any one of these persons," Persaud said. The minister said the government has also formally
Persaud
requested assistance from the Red Cross, the United Nations and other agencies. The UN Resident Representative’s Office and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have already responded, she said. Support for families Persaud said the ministry is also assessing financial assistance for families who lost a sole breadwinner in the disaster. The assistance, which would cover immediate needs such as food and transportation, is being assessed on a case-by-case basis and is separate from any compensation related to the disaster. "If it’s a breadwinner, we need to make sure they have food support, we need to make
sure the children are taken care of, we need to make sure that the parents have that kind of support," Persaud said. She added that the Office of the First Lady will directly manage support relating to children and their parents. The breadwinner assistance forms part of the HEART initiative, a broader framework for responding to families affected by tragedies that was launched by President Irfaan Ali last month. The MV Barima capsized and sank off Guyana’s northwestern coast on July 18. Dozens of people died in the disaster, while efforts to recover victims and address the needs of affected families have continued. Persaud acknowledged that families who are still waiting for the recovery of loved ones are experiencing a distinct and ongoing form of grief. She appealed to the public to show empathy toward affected families amid criticism of the government’s response and cautioned against exploiting their grief. The minister also said the private sector is welcome to contribute to the government's efforts to support survivors and families affected by the tragedy.
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
HAITI NEWS Haitian politician André Michel calls for security before elections Haitian politician and lawyer André Michel is calling for a minimum level of security to be restored in Haiti before elections are held, warning that armed gangs could otherwise seize the opportunity to gain greater political influence. Michel, who has previously announced his intention to contest the presidency, made the comments ahead of the arrival of a high-level Organization of American States (OAS) delegation that includes Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. In a statement, Michel said Haiti should use the presence of the OAS and Caricom delegation to reinforce the need for improved security ahead of the long-awaited elections. He said “that without a minimum level of security, armed gangs will win the elections”. Michel said restoring access to Haiti’s national highways should be a priority before voters go to the polls. “Unblocking the national highways remains the fundamental condition for holding the elections,” he said, adding “we cannot hold elections only to hand power back to armed gangs and their political allies.” “The international community and the government must assume their responsibilities. I will register to vote in Port-au-Prince this week,” he said, urging his supporters and sympathizers to do the same.“Security is essential for a successful electoral process. The transition has gone on for too long. It must end,” said Michel. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said last week that “the elections will take place this year, no matter what,” as Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announced the publication of the final list of approved political groups. The CEP has scheduled the first round of presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum, for Dec. 13. The vote would mark the first time Haitians have participated in national elections since 2016, when Jovenel Moïse was elected president. Moïse was assassinated on July 7, 2021, plunging the country into a prolonged political and security crisis.
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Haiti PM vows elections will take place this year Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has vowed that long-awaited elections will take place this year as the country's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) moves ahead with preparations for presidential and legislative polls. “The elections will take place this year, no matter what," Fils-Aimé said while touring Haiti's South Department, urging eligible citizens to register to vote. The CEP has scheduled the first round of presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum, for Dec. 13, 2026. The vote would be Haiti's first national election since 2016, when Jovenel Moïse was elected president. Moïse was assassinated on July 7, 2021. Preliminary results from the first round are expected to be published Dec. 19, with final results 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 presidential and legislative races are expected March 7, while final local election results are scheduled for March 12. The campaign for the first round is scheduled to run from Oct. 5 through Dec. 12. The campaign period for the second round is scheduled to begin Jan. 10.
17 political groups approved The CEP said 17 of 18 political groups representing 228 political parties have been approved to participate in the elections. The electoral council reminded political groups that the registration period will close Friday at 5 p.m. local time, in accordance with the current electoral calendar. The council has also expanded voter registration capacity, adding 36 new registration centers to 29 centers already operating in the West Department. The CEP said the move is intended to bring registration services closer to residents and facilitate participation in the electoral process. The council is also preparing to assess electoral participa-
Fils-Aimé
tion among Haitians living overseas. A CEP delegation is scheduled to visit countries with large Haitian populations next week, including the United States, Canada, France, Chile and Brazil. The delegation will assess conditions for Haitian diaspora participation in the upcoming elections. Fils-Aimé has encouraged eligible Haitians to register and participate in the electoral process as the country prepares for the December vote. Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action Pythagore Dumas also urged Haitians, particularly young people, to register. Dumas recently visited Horatius Laventure High School in Delmas 75 to register to vote and told young Haitians that voting is both a right and a responsibility for those seeking to build a more just and democratic country. During his visit to the South Department, Fils-Aimé also met with Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of Les Cayes, to discuss national issues and the role of the Catholic Church and other religious groups in Haitian society. The meeting focused in part on the role religious organizations can play in efforts to find lasting solutions to the country's challenges. Fils-Aimé said his engagement with religious leaders and other stakeholders was intended to promote dialogue and called for greater unity, responsibility and collective commitment as Haiti moves toward elections.
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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 –
OPINION
EDITORIAL
Solutions to land squatting in Jamaica needed fast Most people in the Jamaican diaspora may have seen the devastating images circulating on social media of homes being bulldozed at Cooper’s Pen in the Jamaican parish of Trelawny. The demolition of more than 20 residences has left several families homeless, resulting in considerable controversy. Some people are sympathetic toward the residents, while others are not because they were squatters on private land and were aware of the risks of being forcibly removed. Squatting and informal settlements are significant problems in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries, but the Trelawny situation cannot be treated simply as “landowners’ rights versus squatters.” There are legitimate rights and responsibilities on both sides. Some of the displaced residents reportedly lived there for decades and received little or no warning. The controversy has prompted calls for an inquiry into how land rights are established. Legally, the answer regarding land rights differs from the humanitarian answer. If someone knowingly occupies another person’s private property without permission, the owner has a legitimate right to recover the property. Otherwise, private property rights become almost meaningless. Jamaica has not established a system in which occupying somebody else’s land gives occupiers the right to it. But there should be a distinction between removing new trespassers and demolishing the homes of families who have lived on the land for up to 30 years. If people established homes on the land, raised children, invested their life savings in those homes and have nowhere else to go, demolition should be the last step. The troubling questions in Trelawny are what happened before the bulldozers arrived: Was adequate notice given? Were individual circumstances considered? Were alternative accommodations offered? Was there an opportunity to challenge the action? The government should provide answers. Squatters can be divided into three groups. First, there are deliberate land grabbers who see vacant private land, move onto it, build quickly and hope eventually to obtain the property. This should be stopped. Waiting 10 years makes the problem enormously harder. Second, there are long-established communities of poor families who live on private land for many years because they cannot afford legal land or housing. These people should be treated very differently. The government should first determine whether the community can be regularized or relocated. Third, there are people occupying dangerous or strategically important land, such as riverbeds, gullies, unstable hillsides, drainage areas or land needed for schools and other infrastructure. Relocation is then genuinely necessary but should be accompanied by a humane relocation program. According to reports, successive Jamaican
governments have been aware of the conundrum related to the squatters at Cooper’s Pen. In 2015, the then government attempted to purchase land from the property owners to legally relocate the residents, but the proposal was denied following an Appeal Court ruling in 2016. After the Appeal Court ruling, no additional houses should have been allowed to be built to prevent the problem from escalating. Attempts should also have been made to determine how long each family had lived there, whether the owner was still interested in reclaiming the land, whether there were elderly people, children or disabled residents, and whether the land could still be legally regularized. It is unclear whether, since 2016, the government tried to renegotiate with the landowner so that portions of the land could be purchased and legally assigned to the residents. If the government tried and failed to reach a renegotiated settlement with the landowners, attempts should have been made to relocate the residents before demolishing their homes. The solution to squatting is making land available and affordable to landless people, with security of tenure. That is essentially what Jamaica’s Operation PRIDE program was designed to accomplish: planned settlements, upgrading existing communities and providing lowincome Jamaicans with secure tenure. Prime Minister Holness has previously said that Jamaica cannot solve squatting through enforcement alone and that the country needs more houses at prices ordinary Jamaicans can actually afford, so squatting becomes unnecessary. The housing shortage in Jamaica needs to be dealt with sensibly and urgently. Every suitable parcel of government-owned land should be identified, with parcels made available to people who want legal land. Since not everyone can afford to build expensive houses, a program is needed to allot low-income families small, legal lots with the relevant infrastructure, allowing them to build incrementally — probably starting with a modest one-bedroom structure and adding rooms eventually. The government does not have to provide the entire house. It needs to
provide the legal framework and infrastructure that make self-help housing possible. Since some people cannot afford homeownership, the government, in association with private developers, could build affordable rental apartments with controlled rents, giving people somewhere to live while they improve their economic circumstances. Once the government provides affordable landownership and housing alternatives, squatting should be prohibited. Not because people are poor, they should have a right to somebody else’s land. That is unfair to landowners. Neither is it right that because people are trespassing, their houses should be bulldozed, leaving them homeless. A civilized society must be capable of protecting property rights and human dignity simultaneously. For the displaced families in Cooper’s Pen, the priority should be permanent relocation into decent housing or serviced land. In the long term, there should be a sustained policy ensuring that legal land and affordable housing are sufficiently available so ordinary Jamaicans do not have to squat on land in the first place.
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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
STRICTLY LEGAL USCIS to require electronic filing of certain immigration forms U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will be able to require applicants to file certain immigration forms electronically under a new Department of Homeland Security rule aimed at improving efficiency, fraud detection and national security screening. The interim final rule, announced Aug. 10, allows USCIS to require electronic filing for any immigration form that has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. Before requiring electronic filing for a specific form, USCIS will notify the public on its website at least 60 days in advance. Applicants will need to use a USCIS online account to submit the form, either by completing it online or uploading a PDF of the completed form along with supporting evidence. DHS said the initiative will reduce reliance on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's physical lockbox services and accelerate the transition to electronic fee payments. The agency expects the shift to generate cost savings and improve government efficiency. USCIS said electronic filing will also make information easier to receive, store and access, allowing the agency to strengthen fraud detection and identity management and conduct national security screening more quickly. The agency said e-filing can also reduce errors and incomplete submissions and shorten the time needed to make decisions on applications. Electronic filing is already available for many USCIS forms, and the agency emphasized that the rule does not create a new way for applicants to submit electronic benefit requests. Applicants who are unable to file electronically may request a waiver. USCIS said waivers may be granted at the agency's discretion in cases involving undue hardship.
US government revokes more than 600 visas in birth tourism crackdown The US government has revoked more than 600 visas from foreign nationals as part of a global crackdown on birth tourism and has established a new task force to identify and dismantle networks facilitating the practice. The Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force, established by the US Department of State, is reviewing the activities of visa holders worldwide to identify cases in which foreign nationals may have traveled to the United States primarily to give birth. The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and involves analyzing and connecting information held across US government agencies. The State Department said the task force is examining travel histories of individuals from around the world, with the goal of identifying potential cases of birth tourism, revoking visas when appropriate and targeting networks that profit from the practice. "The Birth Tourism Task Force has taken action by revoking more than 600 visas from foreign nationals across the globe to safeguard our nation from this abuse," the department said. The department generally
revokes visas when there are indications that a person may be ineligible. It also said the secretary of state has broad discretionary authority to revoke visas. The State Department described birth tourism as a growing for-profit industry involving facilitators who arrange services for foreign nationals seeking to give birth in the United States. According to the department, some facilitators market themselves as doulas, midwives or wellness advocates while advertising services such as US childbirth arrangements, visa coaching and hospital bookings. The department also alleged that some facilitators forge medical documents or coach clients to conceal their actual travel purpose and avoid hospital
bills. It said birth tourism involves nationals from countries across every region of the world and that the government is targeting both the networks facilitating the practice and individuals who participate in fraudulent activity.
Visa fraud cases The State Department said its task force and consular officers at US embassies and consulates have uncovered cases involving alleged misrepresentation of travel purposes. Foreign nationals who willfully misrepresent the purpose of their travel or entry into the United States may become permanently ineligible for a US visa or admission to the country, according to the department.
In one case, a couple allegedly used a conference and vacation shopping trip as cover for traveling to the United States to give birth to two children. The department said the couple lied about their travel purpose in two separate visa applications and concealed that they already had a child during the second application. Their visas were revoked. In another case, a foreign government official obtained a visa to travel to the United States for one week on behalf of her government but allegedly remained for three months, gave birth in the country and then departed. The department revoked her visa. In a third case, a traveler applied for a visa to vacation in Orlando but instead traveled to Los Angeles and gave birth five days after arriving in the United States. The visa was subsequently revoked. The US government said the new task force is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the country's visa and immigration systems and prevent their exploitation. "Foreign nationals who abuse the visa system, and those who help them do so, may lose their visa, their access, and their future in the United States," the State Department said.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 –
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STRICTLY LEGAL
Four Caribbean countries among nations subject to US$20,000 visa bond Citizens of four Caribbean countries — Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda — are among nationals who may be required to post a visa bond of up to US$20,000 before receiving certain US visitor and business visas. The US government made its Visa Bond Program permanent on Aug. 3, following what it described as a successful 12-month pilot launched in August 2025. Under the finalized rule, nationals of designated countries applying for B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas may be required by US consular officers to provide a refundable financial guarantee before their visas are issued. The bond can be set at US$10,000, US$15,000 or US$20,000. Officers are generally expected to set the amount at US$15,000, although it may be reduced or increased based on an applicant's individual circumstances. Factors that may be considered include the applicant's purpose of travel, employment, income, education, skills and ties to the United States. The bond is not an additional visa application fee and does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa. Instead, the US government describes it as a financial guarantee intended to encourage travelers to comply with the terms of their visas, maintain lawful immigration status and leave the United States within their authorized period of stay. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has already indicated that it is lobbying Washington to remove its citizens from the visa bond requirement.
How the visa bond works Applicants from designated countries are advised to make payments only after receiving official instructions from a US consular officer. Payments are processed electronically through the designated US government system. US authorities have also warned travelers to rely on information provided directly by US embassies and consulates and to avoid unofficial websites or third parties when making bond payments. The requirement does not apply automatically to every citizen of a designated country or to every US visa category. It specifically applies to covered B-1 and B-2 visa applications. Applicants who are otherwise eligible for a visa will generally have to post the assigned bond before the visa can be issued. A waiver may be granted if US authorities determine that waiving the requirement would serve a national or humanitarian interest. Applicants cannot independently apply for such a waiver.
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Travelers subject to the bond must enter and leave the United States through commercial airports, including approved US Customs and Border Protection preclearance locations. Land and sea ports generally cannot be used to meet the program's entry and exit requirements. The bond is refunded when the traveler complies with the conditions, typically by departing the United States within the authorized period. It may also be returned if the applicant is ultimately denied the visa or is denied admission at a US port of entry. No interest is paid on refunded bonds. However, the full bond may be forfeited if a traveler overstays the authorized period or substantially violates other conditions associated with the bond.
Why countries are selected The finalized rule identifies several factors that the US government may consider when
deciding which countries are subject to the program. These include visa overstay rates, information-sharing arrangements with US authorities, the ability to verify identities, access to criminal records, screening procedures and the security of travel and civil documents. The rule does not identify citizenship-byinvestment programs as the sole basis for a country's inclusion. Instead, it points to a broader range of security, immigration and document-verification considerations. The policy could have a significant effect on travel plans for Caribbean residents subject to the requirement, particularly business travelers and families who may need to place thousands of dollars on deposit before obtaining a US visitor visa. The US Department of State's list includes roughly 50 countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific and other regions in addition to the four Caribbean countries. Washington has indicated that countries can be added to or removed from the program as conditions change. For travelers from the affected Caribbean countries, the requirement means that obtaining a US visitor or business visa could involve a substantial upfront financial commitment, even though the bond is generally refundable if the traveler complies with its conditions.
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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Miami-Dade deputies issue more than 2,500 citations in aggressive driving crackdown The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) issued more than 2,500 traffic citations during a six-month enforcement initiative aimed at reducing speeding, aggressive driving, reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors on roads across Miami-Dade County. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through a state-funded traffic safety grant, involved targeted enforcement by deputies from the MDSO Air Support Unit and Motorcycle Unit. Over the six-month period, the units conducted 58 enforcement details and made 3,100 contacts with motorists, resulting in 2,545 citations. The operations also led to nine arrests, including two felony arrests,
two misdemeanor arrests, four arrests on bench warrants and one DUI arrest. The initiative focused on areas where speeding, traffic crashes and
aggressive driving had been identified as ongoing concerns. MDSO said the enforcement efforts were designed to improve roadway safety, encourage
responsible driving and reduce preventable crashes. The operations targeted violations that can place motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users at risk. In addition to traffic enforcement, MDSO deputies participated in community events to educate residents about the dangers of excessive speeding and aggressive driving. The sheriff’s office also partnered with the Florida Highway Patrol during the Southern Slow Down Campaign. The joint enforcement efforts were conducted on the Florida Turnpike, Palmetto Expressway and other local expressways. MDSO is urging motorists to obey posted speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, avoid
aggressive driving and remain focused while behind the wheel. Drivers are also being encouraged to eliminate distractions and share the road responsibly with pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to working with community and state partners to enhance traffic safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors throughout Miami-Dade County. “A citation can be costly, but the consequences of reckless or aggressive driving can be far greater,” MDSO said, urging motorists to slow down and drive responsibly.
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Gilbert wins Democratic primary in Florida’s 24th Congressional District Miami-Dade County Commissioner and former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert III has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, advancing to the November general election for a seat in the U.S. House. Gilbert defeated his Democratic opponents in Tuesday’s primary and will face Republican Te Brown in the general election on Nov. 3. The victory positions Gilbert to succeed longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who announced in May that she would not seek reelection. Wilson endorsed Gilbert and has backed his campaign to represent the heavily Democratic South Florida district. “This race was never about me. It was
about who makes decisions for the people of South Florida: the voters, the working families; or moneyed interests in Washington,” Gilbert said in a statement following his victory. “Tonight, the voters of District 24 made it clear that it is the people who make the decisions around here.” Gilbert thanked voters, volunteers, labor organizations, faith leaders and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for supporting his campaign. He gave special recognition to Wilson, saying she had encouraged him to run and carry forward her work on behalf of children, families and the district. “She has spent decades fighting for children, for families, for this district,” Gilbert
said. “Her legacy is not just what she built. It is what she demanded of those who carry it forward. I carry that torch.” Gilbert, who previously served as mayor of Miami Gardens, has been a Miami-Dade County commissioner since 2020. The 24th Congressional District encompasses parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including Miami Gardens, North Miami, Opa-locka, Brownsville, Little Haiti, Miami Beach and portions of Miramar, Pembroke Park and West Park. The district has a large Black and Caribbean American population and has long been considered a Democratic stronghold.
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Donalds is in a strong position for November because Florida remains a heavily Republican state, and Democrats have not won a Florida gubernatorial election since 1994. Nixon’s surprise victory indicates there is considerable dissatisfaction with the traditional Democratic establishment. In her primary campaign, she mobilized labor, Black churches and progressive voters across the state. President Donald Trump’s endorsement helped Donalds tremendously, but several Trump-backed candidates elsewhere in Florida lost, including Catalina Lauf, who lost her congressional race, while scandal-plagued Republican Congressman Cory Mills was also defeated. Donalds’ and Nixon’s results were fascinating because they simultaneously showed continued Republican dominance and growing dissatisfaction with establishment politics on both sides. A Black Republican winning the governorship of Florida would be an extraordinary historical development. It would indicate how much Florida’s political coalition has changed since the days when it was considered a genuine swing state. South Florida voters supported both Donalds and Nixon heavily, although voter turnout in the region was low. Donalds received 58% of the vote in Miami-Dade, 54% in Broward, and 59% in Palm Beach County. Nixon received 60% in Miami-Dade and 56% in Broward, but 44.6% in Palm Beach County, where she lost to Vindman, who received 55.4%. Nixon’s primary victory shows Democrats can still generate substantial enthusiasm among their core voters. She defeated Alex Vindman despite being dramatically outspent, having raised less than $1 million compared with Vindman’s roughly $16 million. Despite the racial factor, both Donalds and Nixon did well in Northern Florida. In
Brevard County, for example, Donalds received 46.1%, and in Lake County, 45.18%. His strong performance among conservative Republicans outside South Florida is actually one of the more encouraging aspects of this election from the standpoint of racial politics. A Black Republican didn’t merely squeak through a Republican primary because of Black or minority voters. He won the Republican nomination in a predominantly white, strongly conservative state. That is historically significant. Angie Nixon, who is from Jacksonville, won Florida’s Democratic primary with substantial support in North Florida, particularly in and around Jacksonville. This is important because North Florida is generally much more conservative and whiter than South Florida. Nixon’s victory therefore indicates that a significant portion of North Florida Democrats turned out for her. Her background as a Jacksonville state representative and community organizer gave her an enormous advantage in name recognition and grassroots organization there. Donalds demonstrated that a Black Republican can win substantial support among predominantly white conservatives in North Florida. Nixon demonstrated that a Black progressive woman can mobilize Black and Democratic voters in that same region. The primary elections indicate that North Florida has two very strong and very different political constituencies: conservative white Republicans, who overwhelmingly favor Donalds and the Republican ticket; and Black and progressive Democrats, particularly around Jacksonville and other population centers, who strongly supported Nixon. Political analysts believe that if Nixon can expand that Jacksonville/Black-voter coalition into a much larger statewide coalition among independents, young voters and moderate Democrats, the November race could become considerably more competitive than the conventional “safe Republican” assessment suggests.
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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA Broward Schools • • • • • • • • • • •
Atlantic Technical High School: No. 1,329, top 7.41% Cooper City High School: No. 1,724, top 9.61% West Broward High School: No. 1,762, top 9.82% Fort Lauderdale High School: No. 1,948, top 10.86% Nova High School: No. 2,487, top 13.86% Broward Virtual School: No. 2,523, top 14.06% Everglades High School: No. 3,082, top 17.17% Western High School: No. 3,303, top 18.41% Charles W. Flanagan High School: No. 3,976, top 22.16% Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED: No. 4,113, top 22.92% Coral Glades High School: No. 4,637, top 25.84%
“We’re proud to have our schools ranked among the best in the country. This achievement is something our entire community can celebrate,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “These rankings reflect the dedication of our students, the passion of our educators and the support of our families. Most importantly, they show that our students are gaining the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed in college, careers and life,” he said. The rankings provide a national measure of academic performance and highlight the achievements of students, educators and families across Broward County.
Broward County launches relief campaign for Colombia earthquake victims Broward County has launched a countywide relief campaign to collect essential supplies for communities in Colombia affected by a devastating 7.4magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Aug. 10. The donation drive begins Monday, Aug. 17, with collection bins available at selected Broward County libraries and parks. The earthquake, centered in western Colombia, caused widespread destruction in several communities, including Cali and Pereira. The disaster has killed hundreds of people and left thousands injured as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Broward County is asking residents and businesses to donate essential items to help affected communities recover and rebuild. Requested supplies include nonperishable foods, personal hygiene products, baby items, pet supplies and disaster recovery equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, first aid kits, solar-powered lights, tarps, batteries and work gloves. The county said it will not accept new or used clothing or linens. "The Colombian community is an essential part of Broward County's identity. When their loved ones face tragedy, we stand right beside them," Broward County Mayor Mark D. Bogen said.
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Where to donate Donation bins will be available at the following Broward County library locations beginning Aug. 17: • Miramar Branch Library and Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar — Monday-
Levine Cava
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Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays. North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek — MondayWednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; ThursdaySunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University Drive, Coral Springs — Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. South Regional/Broward County Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines — Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.8 p.m.; Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines — Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W.
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Broward Blvd., Plantation — MondayWednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; ThursdaySunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Collection bins will also be available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at several Broward County Parks locations: Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, 3700 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise Tradewinds Park & Stables, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek
The county said the effects of the earthquake are expected to continue for months and potentially years as affected communities work to rebuild homes and restore power and essential services.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 –
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ENTERTAINMENT
Cardi B to headline BZR WKND Jamaica in first Caribbean stadium concert Global superstar Cardi B is set to make history in Jamaica when she headlines BZR WKND Jamaica 2026, marking her first headlining stadium concert in the Caribbean. The rapper will headline Cardi B & Friends on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Kingston's National Stadium as part of the four-day BZR WKND celebration of music, culture, tourism, fashion and entertainment. The announcement comes following Cardi B's successful sold-out North American tour and the growing profile of BZR WKND, which debuted in Kingston in 2023 with Chris Brown & Friends. The inaugural festival drew fans from Jamaica, across the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and Europe, establishing BZR WKND as a major destination event on the region's entertainment calendar. The 2026 edition will run from Oct. 16-19, with events scheduled throughout the four-day weekend. The festival will open with the BZR WKND Welcome Party on Friday, Oct. 16, followed by
Cardi B
the TIDAL RAVE Beach Party: WYFL Edition on Saturday, Oct. 17. Cardi B & Friends will headline Sunday's program before the BZR WKND Farewell Celebration closes out the festival on Monday, Oct. 19.
Early-bird tickets are scheduled to go on sale Friday, Aug. 21. Organizers expect BZR WKND Jamaica 2026 to attract more than 50,000 attendees throughout the weekend, bringing together music fans, travelers and culture enthusiasts from Jamaica and overseas. The festival is also expected to contribute to Jamaica's tourism and entertainment sectors through visitor spending, international exposure and related economic activity. "Following the incredible success of our inaugural event, we knew BZR WKND had to return even bigger," said Ryan Burke and Roy "Gramps" Morgan, organizers of BZR WKND Jamaica. "Cardi B is one of the biggest artists in the world, and her first-ever headlining stadium concert in the Caribbean represents a defining moment not only for BZR WKND, but for Jamaica's live entertainment industry. We're proud to welcome fans from around the world for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend."
BZR WKND is positioned as more than a music festival, incorporating fashion, food, nightlife, tourism and immersive brand experiences alongside its concert programming. Organizers said attendees can expect VIP hospitality, curated events, interactive activations and performances from internationally acclaimed and Caribbean artists joining Cardi B during the weekend. Additional performers, ticket information, travel packages and festival experiences are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. BZR WKND, short for "Bizarre Weekend," is a Caribbean music and lifestyle festival that brings together international and regional artists for a destination-focused celebration of music, culture and entertainment. Following its sold-out 2023 debut, the festival is returning with an expanded four-day format aimed at showcasing Jamaica to an international audience while supporting tourism and cultural exchange.
Mr. Lexx honored by City of Brampton for contribution to dancehall Dancehall artist Mr. Lexx is receiving flowers for a career that has spanned more than three decades, with the City of Brampton in Canada recently presenting him with a certificate of recognition for his contribution to music and culture. The honor was presented by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown as a gesture of welcome and appreciation for the Jamaican entertainer, whose music and personality have made him a familiar name among dancehall audiences at home and across the diaspora.
Mr. Lexx, whose real name is Christopher Palmer, took to Instagram following the presentation to express his gratitude, saying he truly appreciates the love Canada has shown him throughout his career. He described being recognized for his work as “the greatest feeling” while also thanking God for giving him the opportunity to do what he loves for so many years. He extended his appreciation to his management team and fans, whom he credited with standing by him throughout his journey. “Thanks to the fans #diggynation,” he wrote, adding that their support had carried him “for the entire way.” Mr. Lexx emerged on the Jamaican music scene in the early 1990s under the name Lexxus, gradually building a reputation for his raspy delivery, witty lyrics, energetic performances and unmistakable personality. Although his early recordings helped establish his presence, it was toward the end of the decade that his career truly took off. Songs such as “Get Wid It,” “Yu Nah,” “Cook,” “Ring Mi Cellie” and “Gonna Make Some Money” propelled him into the upper ranks of the dancehall fraternity. His 2000 album, Mr. Lexx, spent five weeks on the Billboard Reggae Chart, peaking at No. 12, and featured several of his bestknown songs, including “Get Wid It,” “Ring Mi Cellie,” “Full Hundred,” “Let Those Monkeys Out,” “Stress” and “Cook.” In recognizing Mr. Lexx, the City of Brampton highlighted his talent, creativity and contribution to dancehall and reggae. The city also acknowledged the broader cultural impact of his music, noting its ability to inspire audiences while helping share the rich traditions of the Caribbean with communities around the world.
B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 26, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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SPORTS
GFA throws full support behind Infantino after FIFA Forward u-turn The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has offered strong public support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, describing the reversal as an important move to protect unity across the global football community. In a statement issued Thursday, the GFA, led by Marlon Glean, praised Infantino’s “swift action” in abandoning the controversial proposal, which had triggered concerns among member associations over the possible centralization of funding and decision-making within FIFA. For Grenada, the decision was more than a policy reversal. It was evidence that the FIFA president remained committed to maintaining cohesion among the organization’s 211 member associations and confederations. “This is evidence that President Infantino prioritises strong unity among Member Associations and Confederations above all else,” the GFA said.
A warning over institutional processes While the Grenadian federation welcomed Infantino’s decision, it also used the statement to draw a firm line against any attempt to bypass FIFA’s established structures. The GFA said it would not “support or recognise any action by any Member Association or Confederation that threatens to circumvent or undermine the established institutional processes within FIFA.” Good governance, due process and transparency, it added, are “fundamental and non-negotiable.”
Wright Infantino
Glean
The message underscored Grenada’s position that disagreements within international football should be handled through the established institutional framework rather than through actions that could weaken the governing system. Beyond the political dimensions of the FIFA Forward debate, the GFA devoted significant attention to what it regards as the tangible benefits of Infantino’s leadership. The association expressed gratitude for what it called “unprecedented financial and technical support” delivered during the past decade, arguing that FIFA investment has produced meaningful changes throughout Grenadian football. The impact, according to the GFA, stretches from grassroots development to the expansion of girls’ and women’s programs.
But perhaps the clearest transformation has come through increased opportunities for the national teams. Grenada’s teams have been able to travel
and compete internationally with greater frequency, taking part in friendlies and tournaments that previously would have been difficult to access. The GFA sees that expanded exposure as central to the development of smaller football nations. It pointed specifically to Cape Verde as an example of what can happen when emerging football countries receive greater financial backing and competitive opportunities. The island nation’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, the GFA argued, demonstrates that investment in smaller associations can produce results on the world stage. “That is a compelling example of what can be achieved through greater opportunities and support for smaller footballing nations,” the statement read. For Grenada, the debate surrounding FIFA Forward therefore extends beyond a single initiative. It is tied to a broader belief that continued investment, opportunity and institutional unity can help smaller Caribbean nations close the gap with the established powers of world football.
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Bravo and Bishop make history as CPL unveils inaugural Hall of Fame The Caribbean Premier League is opening the doors to a new chapter in its history, and two Trinidadians who helped shape the tournament from very different vantage points will walk through them first. Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and acclaimed cricket commentator Ian Bishop have been selected as the inaugural inductees into the newly established CPL Hall of Fame. Bravo will enter as the first player honored, while Bishop will receive recognition in the non-player category for his contribution to the growth and success of the tournament since its launch in 2013. Their induction will officially take place at a landmark Hall of Fame gala at The Hilton Hotel in Barbados on September 15. At 42, Bravo leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in T20 cricket. Across an 18-year playing career, he accumulated more than 15 T20 titles around the world, combining explosive lower-order batting, clever variations with the ball and the competitive edge that became his trademark. His international résumé includes two ICC Men's T20 World Cup triumphs with West Indies, in 2012 and 2016, while his franchise career brought multiple Indian Premier League championships with Chennai Super Kings, along with titles in the Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League. But within the CPL, Bravo's record is even more imposing. He won five championships as a player, four with Trinbago Knight Riders in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020, and another with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2021. He then added a sixth CPL championship in 2025, this time from the dugout after guiding the Knight Riders to the title as head coach. His impact was also felt through his bowling. Bravo became the first bowler in T20 cricket to reach 500 wickets and remains the CPL's third-highest wickettaker, with 129 wickets. That combination of longevity, success and influence makes him a natural choice to become the Hall of Fame's first player. For Bravo, the honor carries particular significance because the CPL represents more than another stop on the global T20 circuit. “It’s a real honour to be the first player inducted into the CPL Hall of Fame. This
Bravo
Bishop
tournament has been a huge part of my career, and I will always treasure every title I’ve won here. His words underline what made the tournament so important to his career: the opportunity to perform at the highest level while doing so in front of Caribbean supporters and within a distinctly regional sporting culture. If Bravo helped define the CPL on the field, Bishop helped give it a voice. The former West Indies fast bowler has become one of cricket's most respected commentators, bringing knowledge, passion and unmistakable energy to broadcasts around the world. His connection with the CPL has extended from its earliest days, helping transform individual matches into stories that resonated beyond the boundaries. The CPL recognized Bishop not for wickets or runs, but for his role in communicating the significance of the tournament and celebrating the players, culture and personalities that have made it a regional sporting institution. For Bishop, the recognition represents an opportunity to honor the game that shaped his own life. “Cricket has given me so much, and commentary has allowed me to give something back to a game and a region I love deeply. To be inducted into this inaugural CPL Hall of Fame class, and to be recognised for the stories I’ve had the privilege of telling, is an honour I’ll carry with me always. “This tournament has always represented something bigger than the sport itself; it’s a stage for Caribbean talent, culture and pride, and I’m grateful to have had a courtside seat to its history,” Bishop said.
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