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THURSDAY OCTOBER 8, 2026
DENGUE Florida reports largest outbreak in decades with over reported 250 cases Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in decades, with more than 250 locally acquired cases reported across eight counties as health officials step up mosquito control efforts and urge residents statewide to take precautions.
State surveillance data through Sept. 26 recorded 252 locally acquired dengue cases in 2026, with Hillsborough County emerging as the epicenter.The statewide count has since increased with Broward County confirming its first locally acquired case of the year, bringing the known total to at least 253.Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, accounted for 223 cases through Sept. 26, nearly 90 percent of the total. Pinellas reported 13 cases, MiamiDade eight, Orange and Pasco three each, while Palm Beach and Polk recorded one each. continues on B2 – Dengue
Jamaican man convicted in Florida killings of mother and 1-year-old daughter A Jamaican man accused of killing a young mother, shooting her boyfriend and leaving their 1year-old daughter inside a hot car has been convicted on all counts in Florida. Doujon Griffith, 26, was found guilty last Thursday in an Orange County courtroom in Orlando in connection with the September 2021 killings of 20-year-old Massania Malcolm and her daughter, Jordania Reid.
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Griffith was convicted on six counts, including first-degree murder with a firearm, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and three counts of shooting at, within or into a building. His sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 16. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Griffith shot Malcolm after first shooting her boyfriend, Jordane “Sinnaway” Reid, who survived the attack. Investigators said Malcolm’s 1-year-old daughter was left inside a vehicle in an outdoor parking lot on Lake Ellenor Drive in
Orlando. The child was found dead alongside her mother’s body two days later. Investigators determined that the child died after being exposed to the extreme heat inside the vehicle. Griffith and the couple reportedly knew each other before the killings. Investigators said Malcolm and Reid had taken Griffith into their home after he became homeless. According to investigators, tensions developed after Griffith allegedly failed to contribute to the household and the couple continues on B4 – Convicted
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER UWI to honor Ralph Gonsalves with new public policy research center a3
CARIBBEAN NEWS NaRRA to lease Digicel Building headquarters for US$726,000 a year A5
WOMEN IN FOCUS Annika Ashton: The rst Black woman to serve as Broward County attorney A8
SPORTS Reggae Boyz earn Mexico clash after Honduras draw B7
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 14, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
PAGE A2 Caribbean American Cultural Group President Dawn Bloomfield (far le ) joins Ball Commi ee members Eve Jennings and Janice Mar n and Secretary Faye Linton at the group’s 42nd annual gala, held under the theme “Elegance and Culture.”
Miramar Teen Council Advisory Board gave back to the community by par cipa ng in an Adopt-A-Street cleanup hosted by Commissioner Avril Cherasard.
Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Oliver Mair, poses with Pat Chin of VP Records and her son, Chris Chin, during a welcome recep on in his honour. (Photo by Calvin Hyde)
Jamaican singer Nadine Sutherland entertains guests during a welcome recep on for Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Oliver Mair. (Photo by Calvin Hyde)
The Golden Girls: Daphne Dunn (center) celebrated her 93rd birthday with her long me friends, Inez Hibbert 95 (le ), and Sally Francis 94 at Rus c Inn Crabhouse in Fort Lauderdale recently.
2 e g a P A representa ve of Jamaican-owned Johnny’s Cheesecakes is recognized for providing desserts for a welcome recep on for Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Oliver Mair. (Photo by Calvin Hyde)
Members of the Caribbean American Cultural Group showcase tradi onal fashions represen ng Africa and various Caribbean islands during the group’s 42nd annual gala at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Caribbean American Cultural Group President, members and guests celebrate the organizaon’s 42nd anniversary and its contribu ons to the community during the annual gala.
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NEWSMAKER
UWI to honor Ralph Gonsalves with new public policy research center The University of the West Indies (UWI) says it will dedicate a research scope in honor of former St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister and academic Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Clive Landis made the announcement during the Fifth Owen Arthur Distinguished Lecture last Saturday, at which Gonsalves was the featured speaker. Professor Landis said the University Council, at its April 17 meeting, approved the establishment of a Centre for Public Policy and Governance at the Cave Hill Campus in recognition of Gonsalves’ six decades of service, scholarship and political leadership across the Caribbean. Gonsalves, 80, served as prime minister from 2001 to 2025 and as leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) from 2001. He is the longest continuously serving prime minister since St Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979, having spent almost 25 years in office. He now serves as Opposition Leader after the ULP lost the November 2025 general election to the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by attorney Dr. Godwin Friday. Gonsalves has a longstanding connection to UWI, both as a student and academic. He graduated with distinction in economics from the Mona Campus in 1969 and earned a master’s degree in government from the university in 1971. As a student, he served as president of the Guild of Students and was involved in campaigns surrounding historian and academic Walter Rodney. He later earned a PhD in government from the University of Manchester in 1974. His doctoral research examined the political economy of trade unions and industrial
Gonsalves has a longstanding connection to UWI, both as a student and academic. He graduated with distinction in economics from the Mona Campus in 1969 and earned a master’s degree in government from the university in 1971.
Gonsalves
Landis
relations in Uganda between 1950 and 1971. Gonsalves later returned to UWI as a lecturer, teaching political science at the Mona and Cave Hill campuses. His academic interests have included Caribbean politics, political economy, development and the labor movement, subjects that have also featured in his published work. His writings have examined Caribbean civilization, the regional labor movement, reparatory justice, political leadership and the political history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Before entering frontline politics, Gonsalves practiced law and was called to the
bar at Gray’s Inn in London in 1981. During his political career, he also served in regional and international forums dealing with Caribbean integration, development and the region’s relationships with larger international powers. Landis said Gonsalves had asked that no building or center be named after him. Instead, the university decided to establish a research center focusing on public policy and governance in his honor. The center will examine issues including development, sovereignty and education — themes that have featured prominently throughout Gonsalves’ academic and political career. Landis said the Owen Arthur Distinguished Lecture, named after the late former Barbados prime minister, will serve as the inaugural entry in the body of research to be produced through the Centre for Public Policy and Governance.
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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 14, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
CARIBBEAN NEWS
King Charles, Queen Camilla to visit Guyana ahead of CHOGM King Charles III and Queen Camilla will meet with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, Indigenous leaders, British businesses and young scientists and environmentalists during a two-day visit to Guyana later this month ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. The royal couple will visit Guyana from Oct. 29 to 30 as part of the king’s Autumn Tour, which runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4 and also includes stops in The Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda. The visit will coincide with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Guyana. King Charles, who is head of the Commonwealth, will begin the visit with a meeting with Ali at State House. The two will then attend a state reception in the gardens of State House with representatives from communities across Guyana to mark the anniversary of the bilateral relationship. On the second day, the king will attend a reception with British businesses operating in Guyana and other local stakeholders. The event will highlight economic ties between the two countries, including British partnerships
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
and investment in Guyana, which is among the world's fastest-growing economies. The king will also join members of the Guyanese community, including veterans, at the Georgetown (Rabbit Walk) Memorial. As patron of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, he will lay wreaths commemorating the sacrifices of British, Guyanese and other Commonwealth forces. Indigenous issues and environmental
conservation will also feature prominently during the visit. King Charles is scheduled to meet elected leaders of the National Toshaos Council and visit a garden in Georgetown, where he will learn about its botanical features and conservation efforts. He will also meet young Guyanese involved in environmental clubs and sustainability initiatives. The visit coincides with the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference, providing an opportunity for the king to meet scientists, Indigenous community members and innovators working in biodiversity, conservation and restoration. The king will also hear about the work of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, which manages about 371,000 hectares of tropical forest in Guyana. Charles has served as the organisation's patron since 2000, following his visit to the Iwokrama forest when he was the Prince of Wales. His final engagement in Guyana will take place along the Georgetown seawall, where he will meet participants in the Wilton Park Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative Dialogue.
The visit will highlight efforts to promote sustainable urban development, including renewed work to restore mangroves along Georgetown's coastline to protect against coastal impacts and support wildlife. King Charles last visited Guyana in February 2000, when he was Prince of Wales. The royal visit comes just days before CHOGM 2026, which will be held in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, from Nov. 1 to 4. The meeting will bring together leaders from the 56 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from business, civil society and youth organisations. This year's theme is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
Grenada sets Nov. 5 date for general elections Grenada will hold general elections on Nov. 5, 2026, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced Sunday, setting the stage for a closely watched contest that will determine whether the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains in government. Mitchell made the announcement in a national address, days after advising Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade to dissolve Parliament on Oct. 2. The writ for the election was issued the same day. The dissolution of Parliament formally began the election process, with voter registration also closing on Oct. 2. No new electors can be added to the voters' list for the upcoming election. Nomination Day is set for Oct. 15, while police officers will have a special polling day on Nov. 2. The Supervisor of Elections and the Parliamentary Elections Office are expected to provide additional information on polling stations, election guidelines and voting procedures in the coming weeks. Mitchell, who has led the NDC since it defeated the New National Party (NNP) in the June 2022 general election, thanked voters for their support over the past four years. “Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your partnership. And thank you for believing, as we did, that Grenada could aspire to more,” Mitchell said. The prime minister said the work of transforming the country was not yet complete and urged voters to take an active role in the election campaign. “I encourage every eligible citizen to engage thoughtfully in the discussions ahead, ask critical questions, and exercise your fundamental right to vote,” he said. The NDC won nine of the 15 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2022 election, ending the NNP's tenure in government. The upcoming election will be the first in decades in which the NNP will campaign without longtime leader and former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, who is not related to the current prime minister. Keith Mitchell, who served as prime minister for multiple terms, marked 42 years as a parliamentarian at a special sitting of Parliament on Oct. 1. He is not contesting the upcoming election as the NNP's leader.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NaRRA to lease Digicel Building headquarters for US$726,000 a year The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) is set to begin operations at its new headquarters at the Digicel Building in downtown Kingston on Nov. 1, under a five-year lease costing US$725,972 annually. The authority said Monday that the premises at 14 Ocean Boulevard were leased at a rate of US$26 per square foot. NaRRA said the building was selected in part because it was designed and constructed to withstand multiple environmental hazards and includes structural and engineering features intended to support resilience. The authority said those features align with its mandate to maintain business continuity and critical functions during disasters and national emergencies. “Resilience must be reflected in NaRRA’s operations. Our facilities must support safe working conditions, reliable communication and the continuity of critical functions during emergencies,” said NaRRA Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Antony Anderson. “Seismic resilience and robust backup systems are essential considerations for an entity focused on national reconstruction. Our new headquarters provides the infrastructure required to support that mandate,” he added.
“Resilience must be reflected in NaRRA’s operations. Our facilities must support safe working conditions, reliable communication and the continuity of critical functions during emergencies.” – Anderson
Guyana's MV Barima inquiry to begin public hearings Oct. 14 The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy will begin public hearings on Oct. 14, with more than 100 witnesses expected to testify as commissioners investigate the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking. Javed Shadick, secretary of the commission, announced the start of the formal hearings during a press briefing Tuesday. “On Wednesday, (October 14) we plan to commence the first sitting of the commission here where we will start gathering evidence from persons who wish and who we would have processed,” Shadick said. The hearings will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, where the Commission Secretariat is based. Proceedings are scheduled for Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interpreters and counselors will be available where necessary. Shadick said more than 100 potential witnesses have been identified, including first responders, government officials, survivors and relatives of those who died in the tragedy. However, despite a notice issued last week inviting people with relevant information to come forward, only one person — a survivor — has so far contacted the Secretariat indicating an intention to testify. The commission's counsel are Teni Housty and Arud Gossai. “Counsel for the commission will be interviewing persons who, one, they believe may have some knowledge of events to answer questions towards the Terms of Reference,” Shadick said. Before the formal hearings begin, the five-member commission will conduct meetings and site visits beginning Wednesday.
87-year-old state-owned Guyanese passenger ferry, MV Barima sank on July 18, 2026 where 70 people died
The commission is scheduled to formally begin its work at 10 a.m. Wednesday and later meet with families of survivors in Regions 3, 4 and 5. On Thursday, commissioners will visit Kingston Wharf, the Maritime Administration Department and the Transport and Harbours Department. They will visit two dry-dock facilities on the East Bank Demerara on Friday. The commission will then travel to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma on Oct. 12 and 13, respectively, to meet with survivors and families and visit wharf facilities. Shadick stressed that those meetings will not form part of the formal evidencetaking process. “These meetings are not evidence taking, they won’t be taking evidence. It will just be a meeting as the commissioners wish to reach out to them,” he said.
Scope of the inquiry The commission has been tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy, including the causes and factors related to the loading of the vessel, the boarding of passengers, conditions onboard and the vessel’s capsizing and sinking. It will also examine the adequacy of search, rescue and recovery operations, the vessel’s seaworthiness and mainte-
nance history, and the competence of its crew. The inquiry will further determine whether applicable laws and operating procedures were followed and whether negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or other failures contributed to the disaster. The commission was initially given two months to complete its work, but Shadick said that timeframe will have to be extended because of the amount of evidence that must be gathered. “The two months time frame would have to be extended because I think we could all do the maths and see that the two months are almost up so that would be extended,” he said. Shadick estimated that the inquiry could take about six months, although the timeline will depend on how long the evidence-gathering process takes. “The way it works is that all evidence taken is done. I don’t know how long that is going to take and then the report is done afterwards, so based on our initial estimate I think that maybe six months,” he said. The commission is chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize. Its other members are Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski.
NaRRA said the selection process included a detailed valuation by the National Land Agency, which assessed the proposed lease cost against current market values and the rates paid by other government agencies for office space. According to the authority, the assessment found that the expenditure was in keeping with existing standards and prevailing market rates. NaRRA was established to coordinate Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts and strengthen the country’s resilience following Hurricane Melissa in 2025. The authority said the new headquarters forms part of its efforts to build the institutional capacity and systems needed to carry out its mandate. It said recruitment for positions within the authority is proceeding on schedule and that the new headquarters will provide a central base from which NaRRA can coordinate its work on reconstruction and long-term national resilience. The five-year lease amounts to approximately US$3.63 million over the full term, excluding any other associated costs.
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Sandals Foundation Island Challenge raises funds for Falmouth Hospital The Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica got underway Friday, October 2, bringing together about 30 participants from the United Kingdom for a four-day endurance and fundraising event along Jamaica’s north coast. The challenge, being held in Jamaica for the first time, aims to raise £100,000 to purchase medical equipment and strengthen paediatric and neonatal services at Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny. The event is in its fourth year, having previously been held in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia. The opening day saw participants complete a 10kilometre run from Rio Nuevo Fishing Beach in St. Mary to the Sandals Ochi Beach Club, followed by a five-kilometre kayak route through the White River Fish Sanctuary. On Saturday, October 3, participants climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios before undertaking a 10-kilometre rainforest trek and taking part in a tree-planting exercise in the Bogue II Forest. The third leg of the challenge moved to Falmouth on Sunday, October 4, where the group was joined by 13 local participants for a 21-kilometre half-marathon. The route passed through the historic Georgian town, including the beneficiary Falmouth Public General Hospital and the community of Hague, before ending at Good Hope waterfall. The challenge concluded Monday, October 5, in St. Andrew, with participants taking part in a military-style endurance test in Newcastle before completing part of a hike through the Blue Mountains, reaching elevations of about 4,500 feet above sea level. Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke said the fundraising effort has taken on added significance following the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on Falmouth Public General Hospital. “This initiative has always benefited paediatric and neonatal health. So this one, in particular, is going to be benefiting the Falmouth Hospital’s Paediatric and Neonatal Unit, which was really severely affected by the passing of the hurricane. We’re excited to be able to give them new equipment. [There are some] fantastic doctors down there and nurses that we want to be able to support and [provide] life-saving equipment for babies,” she said.
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 14, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
HAITI NEWS
UN rights chief warns Haiti remains far from conditions for credible elections United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that Haiti remains far from having the conditions needed for credible elections, as gang violence, human rights abuses and a deepening humanitarian crisis continue to affect the country. Addressing the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on October 2, Türk said it was “difficult to conceive” that conditions for credible elections later this year were in place. He also called for people responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses to be barred from entering the electoral race. The warning came as Türk outlined the scale of violence documented by his office between January 1 and September 11. At least 5,700 people were killed or injured by gangs or during operations against them during the period, while more than 230 people were kidnapped and more than 1,000 women and girls were raped. Türk said the actual figures were likely higher. Although gang activity has been contained in parts of Port-au-Prince, he said armed groups continue to adapt and expand into new areas. Recent attacks in Kenscoff and Gressier,
“Those who profit from the current state of disorder are determined to see Haiti fail. We need all eyes on Haiti.” – Volker
Volker
along with an expanding gang presence in the Sud-Est department, indicate efforts to seize territory and key transport routes, he said. The first operations by the UN-mandated Gang Suppression Force marked a longawaited step toward improving security, according to Türk. However, he said the force remains well below the strength required and called for its rapid, full deployment following the renewal of its mandate. He also stressed that human rights safeguards must be built into its operations. Türk said security operations by state
forces have raised concerns over the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force. More than half of all casualties recorded since the start of the year occurred in the context of security operations, with hundreds of people reportedly struck by stray bullets and explosive drones. The number of summary executions by specialized police units has fallen by almost half compared with 2025, but people allegedly associated with gangs continue to be summarily executed. Self-defence groups have also killed or injured about 280 people so far this year, Türk said. The violence has compounded Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. More than half of the
population faces acute food insecurity, while about 40% of Haitians lack access to basic healthcare. Nearly 1.5 million people have been forcibly displaced, according to Türk, while Haiti’s prisons are operating at more than three times their official capacity on average. At least 125 people have died in detention this year. Children are also increasingly being drawn into gang activity. Türk said an estimated 30% to 50% of gang members are children and that the recruitment and use of children by gangs nearly tripled last year. He said children are being exploited, trafficked and abused, while systems to protect them and support their reintegration remain inadequate. Türk also called for stronger enforcement of international sanctions against individuals financing and benefiting from criminal networks, as well as more effective implementation of the UN Security Council’s arms embargo on Haiti. He urged countries to take action against the illicit flow of weapons and ammunition into the country, saying the trafficking must be stopped at its source. The UN official also raised concerns about the forced return of Haitians from other countries in the region. More than 220,000 people, including nearly 20,000 children, have been forcibly returned to Haiti in 2026, according to Türk. He said many had fled because of threats to their lives or those of their families and warned that returning them could violate the principle of non-refoulement. Türk noted that Haitians abroad sent nearly US$5 billion in remittances to the country last year, equivalent to about one-sixth of Haiti’s gross domestic product. He called for greater international support for Haiti’s government, including assistance to strengthen the justice system, improve prison conditions and make specialized judicial units fully operational.
Haiti sets new passport fees for citizens applying abroad Haiti has set new fees for citizens applying for passports at Haitian diplomatic missions and consular posts abroad, while banning additional charges and expedited processing services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs announced the new measures in a circular dated Oct. 1, with the changes taking effect Oct. 5. Under the new fee structure, passport applications will cost US$150 for adults and US$125 for minors. The ministry said any additional fees charged for passport applications are illegal and prohibited. It also ordered Haitian diplomatic missions and consular posts to stop offering emergency and extreme-emergency passport services. All applications are to receive the same treatment, in keeping with what the ministry described as a commitment to serving taxpayers. The ministry also instructed heads of Haitian diplomatic missions and consular posts to transfer any remaining funds from passport fees already collected to the Haitian Treasury. The transfers are to be made by check payable to TRÉSOR PUBLIC-DGI, according to the circular. Diplomatic and consular officials were instructed to take all necessary steps to ensure the measures are strictly implemented and to submit a complete report to the Foreign Ministry detailing how the new rules have been applied.
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EDITORIAL
Caribbean-American voters’ influence depends on how they turn out There’s a tendency within the CaribbeanAmerican community to believe it has become a strong voting bloc in U.S. general elections. But this belief doesn’t seem to be grounded in fact. Caribbean-Americans can make a meaningful difference in U.S. elections, but their influence is much greater in certain states, counties and congressional districts than at the national level. Importantly, “Caribbean-American” isn’t one homogeneous voting bloc. It includes Haitian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, Barbadian, Bahamian, Guyanese and other communities, with different political views and voting patterns. Florida is probably the clearest example. The state has a substantial Caribbean population, particularly in South Florida. Miami-Dade alone has roughly 106,000 people reporting Haitian ancestry and about 38,000 reporting Jamaican ancestry, with West Indian ancestry overall accounting for about 5.9% of the county’s population. Historically, Haitian and Jamaican communities have also demonstrated significant political participation and organized voter mobilization. Estimates during the 2024 election put the number of Haitian-American voters in Florida somewhere between 100,000 and 300,000, although estimates vary considerably because the U.S. Census doesn’t have a “CaribbeanAmerican voter” category. But Caribbean-American voters can still be very effective in midterm and presidential elections when those elections are close. The important distinction is between Caribbean-Americans’ national, state and local (district) influence. Caribbean-Americans are too small a population to determine a presidential election by themselves across the entire country. But in closely contested state elections, a concentrated Caribbean-American electorate can matter considerably. In places like South Florida, Caribbean voters can be a very important constituency for congressional, state and local races. Florida illustrates this particularly well. In 2000, the presidential election ultimately hinged on 537 votes in Florida. That doesn’t mean Caribbean-American voters caused that result. It illustrates how a relatively concentrated community can potentially matter enormously when the statewide margin is extremely small. Florida’s overall electorate is enormous. Pew’s 2024 data show approximately 2.3 million Black eligible voters in Florida, in addition to its large Hispanic and White electorates. Caribbean-Americans constitute only a portion of the Black electorate, so it would be misleading to equate the two groups. One thing that makes Caribbean voters
particularly interesting is that their influence isn’t necessarily proportional to their population because community organization and turnout matter. For example, reporting on Florida’s Haitian-American community has described it as a highly engaged electorate, with substantial participation in elections and community mobilization. So, if, hypothetically, a presidential election in Florida were decided by 20,000 votes, a well-organized community with tens or hundreds of thousands of eligible voters could be consequential — even though it represents only a fraction of the state’s electorate. In short, Caribbean-Americans aren’t large enough to constitute a nationwide “kingmaker” voting bloc by themselves. But in Florida, particularly South Florida, their numbers, concentration and voter participation can give them real electoral influence. In the ensuing midterm elections, should Caribbean-Americans turn out to vote in large numbers, their votes could make a significant difference in Florida’s races for U.S. Senate and governor. As mentioned above, the most recent U.S. Census and election data do not publish a clean count of Caribbean-American voters by nationality because ancestry, birthplace, citizenship and voting eligibility are different things. So, the best figures are population estimates, not voter counts. The 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates about 569,000 Floridians reporting Haitian ancestry alone. The concentration in South Florida is striking. In Broward County, about 14.3% of the population reports West Indian/Caribbean ancestry, including approximately 134,000 Haitians and 117,000 Jamaicans. In Miami-Dade, about 5.9% reports West Indian ancestry, including approximately 106,000 Haitians and 38,000 Jamaicans. Florida had approximately 2.3 million Black eligible voters in 2024, representing 13.8% of the state’s eligible electorate. And research from Pew found something particularly important: Among Florida’s Black
immigrant electorate, 92% originated from Caribbean countries, principally Haiti and Jamaica. So Caribbean immigration has a substantial presence within Florida’s Black electorate. But not every Caribbean-American is Black, not every person reporting Caribbean ancestry is a U.S. citizen, and Caribbean-Americans don’t necessarily vote alike. Therefore, the size of the CaribbeanAmerican community isn’t the same as the number of eligible Caribbean-American voters. For Black immigrants specifically, Pew’s 2024 analysis puts the citizenship rate for Caribbean-born Black immigrants at 64%, which is somewhat higher than the 60% figure for Caribbean immigrants overall. Florida had 13.95 million registered voters for the 2024 general election, of whom 11.00 million actually voted — a turnout of about 79% of registered voters. Therefore, voter registration itself isn’t the final measure of political influence. Voter mobilization and turnout are extremely important. If Caribbean-American voters do not turn out to vote in high percentages in federal, state and municipal elections, their large population and high percentage of eligible voters will not help fulfill the potential for this community to become a formidable voting bloc. In next month’s midterm elections, there are several crucial issues directly affecting the lives and livelihoods of Caribbean-American voters, particularly those in Florida, that will test their political influence. This test will be assessed by the strength of their voter turnout.
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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 14, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
WOMEN IN FOCUS
Annika Ashton The first Black woman to serve as Broward County attorney drafting ordinances and supporting the approximately $1 billion expansion of the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. In her new role, she will advise county commissioners and administrators on legal matters, represent the county in litigation and oversee the preparation of ordinances, contracts and other legal documents. She will also provide legal guidance on county projects and public services, including transportation, environmental matters, consumer protection and zoning.
Jamaican-born attorney Annika E. Ashton has become the first Black woman and Jamaican American to serve as Broward County attorney, taking over the county’s top legal post following the retirement of Andrew Meyers. Ashton, 42, officially assumed the position on Sept. 10 after serving as deputy Broward County attorney. The Broward County Commission unanimously appointed her to the position in March. As county attorney, Ashton will serve as the chief legal adviser to the Broward County Commission and county administration and oversee an office of more than 50 attorneys and support staff. “I’m very excited to work with a really great office of people and have the support of the Broward County Commission,” Ashton said. B r o w a r d C o u n t y Commissioner Nan Rich described Ashton as “the most qualified person to lead the County Attorney’s Office,” noting that the county attorney is one of only three positions directly appointed by the County Commission. Ashton has worked for Broward County since 2014, initially joining the County
Jamaican roots
Ashton
Attorney’s Office as an assistant county attorney. She later became a senior assistant county attorney and was appointed deputy county attorney in 2019. Before taking over as county attorney, Ashton led the County Attorney’s Office’s Finance, Real Property and Housing practice group. She provided legal advice on real estate matters, financial transactions involving capital bond
Janet Caroo appointed St. Lucia’s new ambassador to CARICOM Saint Lucia’s new ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Janet Caroo, was formally accredited on Oct. 2 as the country’s representative to the regional bloc. Caroo presented her Letter of Credence to CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Dr. Carla Barnett during a ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Georgetown. Caroo’s appointment comes as Saint Lucia serves as chair of CARICOM under Caroo Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, whose administration has emphasized ensuring that regional integration delivers tangible benefits to people across the Community, Barnett said. Caroo also serves as head of Saint Lucia’s Regional Integration Unit, placing her in a key role in the country’s engagement with CARICOM’s regional integration agenda. “Saint Lucia has long been an active member of CARICOM and consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional integration and collective action,” Barnett said. She also highlighted Saint Lucia’s role in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet for Sustainable Development as the region addresses climate change, food and energy insecurity, economic vulnerabilities and geopolitical uncertainty. In her inaugural remarks, Caroo said she takes on the role at a time that requires “sustained commitment, deeper cooperation and, above all, even greater deliverables for all our people.” “I come to CARICOM with a deeply felt conviction: regional integration must be measured by the opportunities it creates and the difference it makes in people’s lives,” she said. Caroo outlined four priorities for her work: expanding opportunities for movement, education, skills development and employment across the Community; strengthening trade links for Saint Lucian producers and service providers; deepening institutional, digital and people-to-people connections; and promoting Saint Lucian culture, creativity, talent and ideas across the region. She also identified greater youth engagement and citizen participation as priorities, stressing that regional integration cannot be driven by governments alone. “As we know, the regional integration movement is not driven only by governments; it requires public and popular participation by our citizens,” Caroo said.
issuances and other financing arrangements, and affordable housing programs. She also served as counsel to several county agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, the Finance and Administrative Services Department and the Housing Finance Authority. Ashton’s work with the county has included federal litigation,
Ashton was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and has deep family roots in Clarendon, particularly Palmer Cross. She later migrated to the United States and attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes. She earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Columbia Law School, where she served as editorin-chief of the National Black Law Journal. After law school, Ashton clerked for Judge Adalberto Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and later the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She subsequently worked in private practice in New York and Miami, including in real estate and labor and employment law, before
joining the Broward County Attorney’s Office. Ashton has remained active in the legal profession and is a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association. She is also a member of Class I of the Florida Bar Leadership Academy and previously served on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and several Florida Bar committees. She has credited her Jamaican upbringing and the women who served as examples to her with helping shape her approach to leadership. Ashton has spoken about studying successful Jamaican women in business and public service, as well as community leaders such as Cathy Levy, founder of the Little People and Teen Players Club, which has supported youth arts education in Jamaica for decades. She has also pointed to the Jamaican saying “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” as a reflection of the resilience and ambition that shaped her outlook. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for both Broward County and the JamaicanAmerican community, as Ashton becomes the first Black woman and Jamaican American to lead the county’s legal department.
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Jamaican-American model honored by New York lawmakers Jamaican-American model and humanitarian Camille McDonald was recently honored by New York lawmakers during the Arit Fuller Foundation Inc. gala dinner in Brooklyn. McDonald, who hosted the event, was surprised with a proclamation from New York State Sen. Kevin Parker and a citation from US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. The gala was held at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 4, on 58th Street. “I was hired to host the event and was shocked when I was called to accept these accolades; receiving such distinctions was truly a surprise,” McDonald told Observer Online over the weekend. “It was a spectacular moment, a warm spotlight where I was filled with humility and joy.” McDonald was born in New York to Jamaican parents and spent part of her childhood in St Thomas, where she lived with her maternal great-grandmother. She holds a bachelor's degree in advertising from Howard University and is best known internationally for appearing on Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model.” After the show, McDonald signed with Major Model Management in Milan and pursued an international modelling career. She said her appearance on the programme helped expose her to audiences in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe. “Although I didn’t win, I feel like I won in real life because I hit these prize marks,” McDonald said, referring to the prizes offered on the show, including a modelling contract, fashion magazine exposure and a cosmetics campaign. McDonald said her career on the programme also required her to overcome stereotypes associated with being a Caribbean-American model. “It was a bright, formative chapter in my life that kept moving, and honestly, it still does — the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all,” she said. Beyond modelling, McDonald has remained involved in initiatives focused on Caribbean culture, education, youth and philanthropy. While at Howard University, she served as spokesperson for the Caribbean Student Association and said she helped establish a study-abroad programme between Howard and The University of the
McDonald
West Indies. “I saw a need for Caribbean students, specifically Jamaicans, to get the right accreditation for their classes and graduate on time,” she said, adding that some international students faced financial difficulties and delays in completing their degrees. McDonald has also participated in humanitarian efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa last year. She said she helped distribute more than 100 care packages to women and children across the island, travelling with her daughter, Kennedy, and partnering with organisations including Healing Horizons and Pickney and Friends. “Although Hurricane Melissa is no longer in the media, the people of Jamaica are still affected and are still in need of help,” McDonald said. She said the work reinforced her commitment to giving back to underserved communities. She plans to launch her Signature Walk Model Boot Camp in Jamaica and two other Caribbean countries next summer. In November, she is scheduled to host Jamaica International Fashion Week at Island Village in Ocho Rios. “I’m so grateful to be recognised for the work that I have done and will continue to do as an impactful global citizen,” she said. “I care about representation, culture, and giving back.”
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At 17, Byron Donalds arrived at FAMU on a Greyhound bus from Brooklyn with a trunk full of clothes and a determination to build a better future. Raised by a single mom working two jobs, he learned the American Dream isn’t given. It’s built. That’s the Florida Dream Byron is fighting to preserve, for his family and yours.
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Former Florida congressman David Rivera jailed for acting as Venezuelan agent Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera from Florida has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for secretly acting as an unregistered agent of the Venezuelan government and laundering millions of dollars connected to the work. U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian imposed the sentence Friday after a federal jury convicted Rivera, 61, of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), violating FARA, conspiracy to commit money laundering and four counts of engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Rivera and co-defendant Esther Nuhfer secured a $50 million contract with a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), to advance the interests of the
Venezuelan government in the United States. Rivera and Nuhfer did not register as foreign agents as required by law, prosecutors said. They lobbied U.S. officials, including then-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, and arranged meetings between U.S. policymakers and senior Venezuelan officials, including then-President Nicolás Maduro and then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez. The pair also used coded language in text messages to describe their activities, according to evidence presented at trial. The evidence further showed that Rivera deposited about $1.5 million in proceeds from the contract into his Florida state congressional campaign account between March 2017 and August 2018, among other personal uses, prosecutors said. Nuhfer used about $455,000 in proceeds
Dengue outbreak
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Broward subsequently became the eighth Florida county to confirm local transmission. The statewide total has already surpassed the 186 locally acquired cases recorded in 2023. Tampa Bay remains outbreak epicenter The concentration of infections around Tampa Bay has prompted a heightened public health response. Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties have declared local states of emergency as mosquito surveillance continues to detect dengue activity. While most cases remain concentrated in Hillsborough, health experts warn that mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue are present throughout Florida. Dr. Kleper De Almeida, an infectious disease specialist with Good Samaritan Medical Center, said travel can introduce the virus into communities where local mosqui-
toes can spread it.“Now the entire state has a population of mosquitoes that could transmit dengue,” he said. Florida had also recorded 245 travelassociated dengue cases through Sept. 26.
Broward joins affected counties The Florida Department of Health in Broward County announced its locally acquired case on Oct. 5 and issued a mosquitoborne illness advisory. A locally acquired infection means the person contracted dengue from a mosquito in Florida rather than while traveling abroad. Mosquito control crews treated the area where the infection was identified, although officials have not disclosed the location or information about the patient. The case expands local transmission
to purchase a residence in Key Colony Beach, according to court records. “Today’s sentence reinforces a simple rule: foreign influence in America cannot operate in the shadows,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said. He said people acting at the request, direction or control of a foreign government and engaging in covered political activity must comply with U.S. disclosure laws. “For a former Congressman from South Florida, this betrayal cuts especially deep,” Reding Quiñones said. “Rivera represented a community shaped by generations of families who fled communist oppression and came to this country seeking freedom.” FBI Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles said the sentencing was a step toward restoring public trust in the
integrity of democratic processes. “It also demonstrates the impact of federal partners working together and combining their investigative expertise,” Skiles said. Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles E. Miller of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office said the case demonstrated that illicit funds could not be laundered in the United States without scrutiny. Nuhfer, 52, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to violate FARA, violating FARA, conspiracy to commit money laundering and engaging in a transaction involving criminally derived property. She was previously sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harold Schimkat and Roger Cruz, along with Justice Department National Security Division Trial Attorney David Ryan, prosecuted the case.
further into South Florida, where infections had already been reported in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash,” the Florida Department of Health said. Other symptoms can include severe headaches and pain behind the eyes and may develop within two weeks of a mosquito bite. While many cases are mild, severe dengue can become a medical emergency. Warning signs include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and extreme fatigue. Health officials are encouraging Floridians to eliminate standing water and protect themselves from mosquito bites. Residents are advised to regularly empty containers holding water, clear gutters, use insect repellent and maintain window and door screens. Anyone experiencing fever accompanied by severe headache, muscle or joint pain, particularly following mosquito exposure, should contact a health care provider.
How dengue spreads Dengue is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and does not spread directly from person to person. Mosquitoes can acquire the virus after biting an infected person and later transmit it to others. They commonly breed in standing water around homes and businesses, including buckets, bird baths, flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters and discarded tires. Heavy rainfall can worsen mosquito activity by creating additional breeding sites. Dengue often causes flu-like symptoms without respiratory symptoms.“Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle
Mayor Denise D. Grant has served Lauderhill with distinction — first on the City Commission since 2018, now as our Mayor. A proud Jamaican-American and devoted mom to her son Joshua, Denise leads with heart, fighting for lower property taxes, safer and cleaner neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and programs that support our children and seniors. If you're voting by mail, keep an eye out — your ballot should be arriving soon. Please fill it out and return it as soon as possible so your voice is counted for Denise on November 3rd.
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Convicted from A1
told him he had to leave. On the morning of Sept. 7, 2021, the couple reportedly drove Griffith to a bus stop. Prosecutors said he shot at them during the trip, striking Reid multiple times and killing Malcolm. Reid was hospitalized for several months after the shooting and later provided investigators with details about the attack. Griffith subsequently fled Florida and was arrested during a traffic stop in New Jersey on March 26, 2024. Investigators said he had changed his appearance by growing dreadlocks. He was later extradited to Florida to face charges that included premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder. Griffith and both victims were originally from Glendevon in Montego Bay, St James, and the killings sent shockwaves through the Jamaican community there. Malcolm’s mother, Latoya “Budeisha” Reid, is also known in Montego Bay’s entertainment and party scene and now lives in the United States. Local police previously said Griffith had been involved in gang activity in Jamaica and had entered the United States illegally, though those claims were part of the investigation and are separate from the convictions announced Thursday. The convictions bring the fouryear case closer to its conclusion, with Griffith now scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Nov. 16.
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Miami-Dade approves first transit fare increase in 13 years Miami-Dade County commissioners have approved the county’s first public transit fare increase in more than 13 years, with the additional revenue expected to restore bus service for thousands of riders. The standard Metrobus and Metrorail fare will increase from $2.25 to $2.75 beginning in January 2027. The 50-cent increase, combined with minor Metrorail operating adjustments, is expected to generate about $9.2 million annually. Miami-Dade County said the additional funding will allow the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) to preserve service on 13 routes that had been scheduled for elimination as part of the fiscal 2026-27 budget process. The restored service is expected to benefit about 4,200 daily riders and more than 1.3 million annual trips. “I am grateful to our residents, riders and
County leaders who raised their voices and worked with us to find a path forward,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. “While this is our first fare increase in more than 13 years, we recognize that every dollar matters for working families,” she said. “The additional revenue will help keep more buses running and preserve the service residents rely on.” The preserved routes had been scheduled for elimination beginning in March 2027. They include late-evening service on seven major corridors, Route 279 and five routes serving areas with limited or no other transit options. The restored late-evening service includes 24-hour Routes 11, 79, 77, 3 and 27. The five coverage routes serve 42nd Avenue, Biscayne Park, Florida City west of U.S. 1, 125th Street, and Nicklaus Children’s
Hospital and West Miami. The service restorations will affect residents across all 13 County Commission districts. “We heard the concerns from our riders and our community, and we took them seriously,” said Stacy L. Miller, DTPW director and CEO. Miller said the department worked with the county administration and commissioners to preserve service for riders who rely on public transportation while beginning to establish dedicated funding for the transit system. DTPW said it prioritized the restored routes based on ridership and the availability of alternative transportation, giving priority to routes where riders would otherwise lose access to transit
Miami International Airport earns global accreditation for cutting carbon emissions Miami International Airport has received Level 2 accreditation under Airports Council International's global Airport Carbon Accreditation program after independently verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. MIA is one of 15 airports in the United States to receive Level 2 accreditation under the program, which recognizes airports that measure their carbon footprint and demonstrate reductions in emissions under their operational control. The airport received its accreditation certificate on Sept. 16 during ACI-North America's annual conference and exhibition in Philadelphia. MIA reduced its greenhouse gas
emissions by 4.4% between 2023 and 2025, from 102,789 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to 98,275 metric tons, according to independent third-party verification conducted as part of the accreditation process. The airport has set targets to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% by 2035 and 50% by 2055. The accreditation comes as MIA advances several projects aimed at reducing emissions and modernizing its infrastructure. As part of its $14 billion Modernization in Action plan, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department entered into a 20-year, $547 million agreement with FPL Services in December 2023 to upgrade the airport's
electrical infrastructure. The project includes solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations. MIA also began receiving regular deliveries of sustainable aviation fuel in 2024 through partnerships with DHL Express, World Fuel Services and Signature Aviation. The airport said the deliveries were the first regular supply of sustainable aviation fuel in Florida. In early 2027, MIA expects to begin installing 410,000 square feet of terminal roofing equipped with a solar photovoltaic system. The system is designed to generate nearly 900,000 kilowatts of electricity annually, enough to power as many as 7,000 homes, according to the airport.
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ENTERTAINMENT
National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica to perform in South Forida The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) will bring its latest production, Rise: Rituals of Home, Heritage & Thanksgiving, to South Florida for two performances on October 30 and 31, 2026. The internationally acclaimed Jamaican dance company will perform at the Miramar Cultural Center on Friday, October 30, in a two-hour gala featuring works that explore Caribbean identity, resilience and cultural heritage. The event is presented by the Miramar Cultural Center and Tallawah Cultural Productions Inc. and hosted by Vice Mayor Carson “Eddy” Edwards. Rise features eight works from the NDTC repertoire, combining modern dance, classical technique and traditional AfroCaribbean folk forms. The production explores themes of
home, thanksgiving and cultural continuity through choreography, live music and vocal performances. The works reflect the company’s approach to blending traditional Jamaican and Caribbean forms with contemporary dance. Founded in 1962, NDTC is one of the Caribbean’s longest-running dance companies. The company has performed internationally and is known for productions drawing on Jamaica’s cultural traditions and history. The Miramar performance will be followed by a second South Florida engagement on Saturday, October 31, at 7 p.m. at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in South Miami-Dade County. Tickets for the Miramar performance are on sale at www.miramarculturalcernter.org. Tickets for the Moss Center performance are available at www.mosscenter.org.
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National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica
Sone G wants to take gospel reggae global Jamaican-born, Toronto-based gospelreggae artiste Sone G says leaving Jamaica did not mean leaving the music behind. If anything, the move to Canada has expanded his musical horizons and deepened his appreciation for the reggae sounds that shaped him while growing up in Rocky Point, Clarendon.
Sone G
That evolution is paying off. His single “Rescue Me” recently captured the 2026 Reggae North Music Award for Best Gospel, following its run to No. 1 on the Reggae North Canadian Top 20 chart. The achievement adds to a growing catalogue that includes “Spirit A Move,” “Find A Way” and “Stronger,” as well as his debut EP, New Man, released in July. “My Jamaican roots remain at the heart of my music, but living in Canada has exposed me to different cultures and sounds.” For Sone G, that exposure has not diluted his identity. Instead, it has helped him develop what he describes as a more global sound while retaining the identity he grew up with. Born Cecil Wilson, Sone G was raised around Jamaica's sound-system culture and under the strong Christian influence of his grandmother. Those two worlds now converge in his music, where reggae provides the foundation and gospel provides the message. While the awards and chart success are welcome, Sone G has much bigger ambitions for his music. “My goal is to take the gospel to a global audience through music, music that gives people hope, joy and encouragement.” For him, entertainment is only part of the equation. “I want my music to entertain, but more importantly, I want it continues on B7 – Sone G
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SPORTS
Reggae Boyz earn Mexico clash after Honduras draw Jamaica secured a third consecutive Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal appearance Monday night, battling Honduras to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés to finish second in League A Group B. Tyreece Campbell put the Reggae Boyz ahead with a superb individual goal in the 27th minute, but Luis Palma answered six minutes after halftime with a spectacular long-range strike to force the teams to share the points. The result left Jamaica, Guatemala and Suriname tied on seven points, with Guatemala taking first place, Jamaica second and Suriname third on goal difference. The reward for Jamaica is a two-legged quarterfinal against Mexico in November, with a place in the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup on the line. Head coach Rudolph Speid had called for Jamaica to approach the match with ambition, but Honduras controlled much of the opening exchanges and forced the Boyz to rely heavily on the counterattack. Jamaica nevertheless found the opening goal just before the half-hour mark. Ronaldo Webster supplied Campbell from the left, and the forward drove toward the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a fierce right-footed shot that clipped the upright on its way into the net. Jamaica nearly doubled the advantage soon afterward. Javon East, who had scored both goals in the Boyz’s 2-0 victory over El Salvador, raced clear from the halfway line and found himself with only goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar to beat. But East’s finish drifted wide of the target, allowing Honduras to remain within striking distance. Honduras offered little attacking threat before halftime but emerged with greater urgency after the interval. The pressure produced an equalizer in the 51st minute when Palma unleashed a vicious
Jamaica’s Miguel Freckleton holding off two Honduras players in their 1-1 draw at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés
30-yard effort that flew beyond the reach of Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake. With the momentum shifting toward the hosts, Jamaica was forced to defend deeper while continuing to look for openings on the counter. Another opportunity arrived when Miguel Freckleton released Webster behind the Honduran defense. Webster cut inside his marker and created space for the shot, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Menjivar, who gathered comfortably. Neither side could find a winner, leaving Jamaica with the point it needed to secure passage to the quarterfinals.
Jamaica and Guatemala both finished on seven points, but Guatemala claimed the group because of its superior goal difference. Suriname also reached seven points but finished third. Honduras ended fourth with four points, enough to preserve its League A status. Martinique and El Salvador, also on four points, were relegated to League B. Jamaica’s advancement means the Boyz will now face Mexico over two legs in November. The stakes will extend beyond the Nations League. The winner of the quarterfinal will automatically qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, while the losing team will have to go through the qualifying round.
Sone G
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to impact lives and leave a lasting legacy.” That desire for impact also influences how he views recognition from Jamaica. Home matters. After all, Jamaica is where his musical story began, but Sone G says he is not chasing recognition simply for validation. “Recognition in Jamaica is important. Jamaica is where my story began, so recognition from home is always a good thing, but it's not a crave.” Instead, he sees recognition as an opportunity to wield influence responsibly. “Influence can be a very powerful currency and it's best to use it for the betterment of our world.” His growing collection of awards and nominations, he says, is meaningful because it acknowledges more than the music itself. “I've been blessed with awards and recognition throughout my career. It's meaningful because it distinguishes both the music and the message behind it.” While gospel is at the centre of his musical mission, Sone G's appreciation for Jamaican music extends firmly into dancehall. His dream collaborator? Masicka. “I respect his ability to write and structure music. He is also a '90s type artist, a real Deejay suh yeah.” The potential collaboration would be an interesting meeting of musical worlds — gospel reggae and dancehall — but Sone G's choice says a lot about the musical foundation from which he emerged. For now, he is building from Toronto while keeping Jamaica close to his heart. With “Rescue Me” now an awardwinning gospel track, New Man marking a new chapter and his sights set firmly on a global audience, Sone G is proving that an artiste can leave Jamaica without leaving Jamaica behind. His sound may be travelling. His roots aren't.
CWI backs Mottley’s call for greater investment in cricket Cricket West Indies (CWI) has welcomed Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s call for increased investment in cricket and her commitment to advancing plans for a High-Performance Centre in Barbados. Mottley made the call following the conclusion of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League final, where she stressed the need for sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and confirmed that funding for the proposed facility was moving forward. CWI views the Barbados project as a potential complement to the HighPerformance Centre being developed at its headquarters in Coolidge, Antigua. CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring said the changing international cricket environment makes investment in high-performance facilities increasingly important.
Mottley
“The global cricket landscape has changed, and the investment being made in high-performance infrastructure, sports science and recovery facilities and technology is raising the bar on player development,” Dehring said. “All constituents of West Indies cricket need to build that capacity in order to give our cricketers at every level the chance to properly develop their skills.” He welcomed Mottley’s recognition that significant investment will be necessary to sustain the region's cricketing tradition while creating opportunities for emerging players. “We therefore welcome Prime Minister Mottley’s vision and her recognition of the need for meaningful investment if the region is to build on its proud legacy and create new opportunities for the next generation.” Dehring said CWI's own HPC project in Antigua is being developed around the same objective: providing players with the facilities, technology, expertise, and support systems needed to reach the highest level. “West Indies cricket needs investment in modern training and development infrastructure. These facilities are key components of a reengineered player production pipeline and ecosystem,” he said. CWI's longer-term ambition extends beyond the two proposed facilities. “Our goal is to establish a network of high-performance centres across the Caribbean, connected by technology and a common vision,” Dehring said “That will be transformative for West Indies cricket and expand the opportunities for our players as the global game continues to expand.” CWI said it intends to continue discussions with stakeholders across the Caribbean as the region examines further opportunities to strengthen the infrastructure and development systems supporting West Indies cricket.
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