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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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18 suspects in President Moïse assassination transferred to Florida social media post. “Five years later, we are still bringing defendants before American courts, and we are not finished,” he added, saying 30 suspects have now been indicted in connection with the assassination. Among those transferred is Joseph Félix Badio, a former official in Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a key suspect in the investigation, according to Haitian government and police sources cited by AFP. The other suspects transferred are Colombian nationals accused of participating in the operation that killed Moïse. Moïse, 53, was shot and killed at his
Eighteen suspects in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse have been transported from Haiti to Florida to face trial, U.S. officials said Sunday. The suspects were flown to the United States aboard a military aircraft and are expected to face proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. “Eighteen transported in military plane from Haiti to face American justice in the Southern District of Florida,” federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quiñones said in a
“Five years later, we are still bringing defendants before American courts, and we are not finished.” – Quiñones
Moïse
continues on B2 – 18 Suspects
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER North Miami to name street after Haitian-American leader a3
CARIBBEAN NEWS Trinidad PM warns of threat posed by criminal networks at UN A5
COMMUNITY Jolly and Donalds at odds over debates in Florida Governors Race B2
SPORTS Moqim breaks Kingsmen, Jangoo nishes the job as Falcons lift CPL trophy B7
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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The AfriKin Ladies: Leah, Mitzie, Friend and Makeeba ge ng ready to Limbo at Taste of AfriKin.
Broward Commissioner Alexandra Davis and U.S. Senate Democra c nominee Angie Nixon pictured at the Broward Black Chamber of Commerce Mul -State Black Chamber of Commerce recep on.
Gio (Director of Copper Bridge), Former Councilman Sco Galvin, Robbie Condorosious, Alfonso D. Brooks (Director of AfriKin), Current Councilman Kevin Burns (District 1), and Carol Ann Taylor at Taste of AfriKin.
Metris Ba s of the Women's Fund (le ) and the Eritrean Women's Club at Taste of AfriKin Tamarac Commissioner Krystal Pa erson poses with civil rights a orney Ben Crump at a gathering hosted by the Na onal Women of Color organiza on.
For Interna onal Peace Day Ceremony in Coral Springs, youngsters pay tribute to deceased Hai an-American Commissioner Nancy Metayer.
Page 2 Miami Gardens Councilwoman Katrina Baskin poses in front of a Princess Tiana display while a ending the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C.
The City of Lauderhill is set to roll out a new online u lity billing system, requiring all customers to register for new accounts ahead of its official launch on April 6, 2026.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
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NEWSMAKER
Jacques Despinosse North Miami to name street after Haitian-American leader North Miami will name a stretch of roadway after former City Councilman and longtime HaitianAmerican civic leader Jacques Despinosse this week, recognizing decades of public service and political advocacy in South Florida. The city will hold a street naming ceremony for “Councilman Jacques Despinosse Street” on Thursday, September 24, at 11 a.m. The designation covers Northeast 131st Street from Northeast 2nd Avenue to North Miami Avenue and Northwest 131st Street from Northwest 2nd Avenue to Northwest 13th Avenue. North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin, who represents District 3, will host the ceremony in partnership with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, whose District 2 includes North Miami. Despinosse represented District 3 on the North Miami City Council from 2001 to 2009. He was first elected in 2001 and reelected without opposition in 2005. “Councilman Jacques Despinosse has made a lasting impact on North Miami through his commitment to public service and our community,” Estimé-Irvin said. “Naming this street in his honor is a meaningful way to recognize his legacy and ensure that his
Despinosse
contributions to our city are remembered for generations to come.” But Despinosse’s influence in South Florida extends well beyond his eight years in elected office. Born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, in 1945, Despinosse immigrated to the
United States in 1968 and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he became a small-business owner. He moved to South Florida in 1977 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1979. Over the following decades, he emerged as an advocate for
H ai t i an- Ame ri c an p o l i t i c al participation and civic engagement in South Florida. Despinosse founded the Haitian American Democratic Club of Greater Miami in 1985 and later established the Haitian American Citizenship and Voter Education Center, an organization focused on citizenship, voter education and increasing civic participation among Haitian immigrants. He also helped establish the South Florida Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Haiti National Foundation. His involvement in electoral politics began well before his election to the North Miami council. Despinosse ran for the Florida House in 1994 and served as a delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions. He was also selected during the Clinton administration to serve as an observer of elections in Haiti and has made numerous trips to Washington and Tallahassee to advocate on issues affecting the Haitian-American community. After winning a seat on the North Miami City Council in 2001, Despinosse served two terms representing District 3. Following his departure from the council in 2009, he remained active in politics and community advocacy, including through his longtime “Radio Citizen” program, and later mounted campaigns for mayor of North Miami. The decision to name a street after Despinosse followed debate last year over how the city should
recognize his contributions. In June 2025, the North Miami City Council voted 4-1 to codesignate portions of Northeast and Northwest 131st Street as “Councilman Jacques Despinosse Street.” During the same meeting, the council rescinded an earlier resolution to rename Breezeswept Park in his honor. North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme voted against both measures, saying his position reflected the Despinosse family’s preference for the park to bear the former councilman’s name. Despite the disagreement over the form of the tribute, Desulme praised Despinosse’s contributions to the city and South Florida. “Councilman Jacques Despinosse is a pillar in North Miami and throughout all of South Florida,” Desulme said at the time, describing him as a HaitianAmerican immigrant whose “advocacy and impact transcends the local Haitian community.” Desulme also called Despinosse a “living icon” and said he and other members of the City Council stood on trails paved by the former councilman. The street designation was ultimately approved by both the North Miami City Council and Miami-Dade County. Residents, community leaders and members of the public are invited to attend Thursday’s ceremony.
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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
CARIBBEAN NEWS
King Charles refers Jamaica’s slavery reparations petition to Privy Council King Charles III has referred Jamaica’s petition seeking legal advice on slavery and reparations to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Culture Minister Olivia Grange told Parliament on Tuesday. Grange said the King referred the petition, filed on behalf of the Jamaican people on Sept. 7, to the Judicial Committee, which serves as Jamaica’s highest court of appeal. “The King could have ignored us. The King could have delayed responding to us. The King could have made a decision not to refer the questions to the Privy Council, or he could make a decision to refer the questions,” Grange said. “Mr. Speaker, Honourable Prime Minister, colleagues, King Charles has referred the petition, filed on the 7th of September 2026, on behalf of the people of Jamaica, to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council,” she said. Grange described the development as “a really big deal.” The petition asks the King, as Jamaica’s
head of state, to refer three legal questions to the Privy Council for advice. The questions concern whether the forced transportation and enslavement of Africans in Jamaica under British rule were lawful, whether the actions violated international law, and whether the United Kingdom has a legal obligation to provide a remedy for the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica and its
continuing consequences. The Jamaican government announced in 2025 that it planned to use the legal process to seek advice from the Privy Council on the questions. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in remarks delivered to the High-Level Global Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice last week that the Attorney General, acting on
behalf of the Jamaican people, submitted the petition to the King on Sept. 7. He described it as a request for legal guidance rather than a claim seeking a specific amount of compensation. Grange said Jamaica is now awaiting directions from the Privy Council on the next steps. She said the Attorney General is preparing to handle the case. “We look forward to the opportunity to argue our case, as we believe we have the best arguments,” Grange said. Earlier this month, Grange led a Jamaican delegation to the United Kingdom to formally lodge the petition. The delegation included lawyers and members of Jamaica’s National Council on Reparations and met with members of the Jamaican diaspora, British lawmakers, church leaders and cultural institutions. The reparations initiative forms part of Jamaica’s broader efforts to address the legacy of slavery and seek reparatory justice. The Privy Council’s Judicial Committee is based in London and hears appeals from several Commonwealth jurisdictions, including Jamaica. Its role in Jamaica’s case will initially concern the legal questions referred to it through the petition.
Jamaica gets rst nonstop ights to Mexico with new Aeroméxico route Jamaica will get its first nonstop air service to Mexico next year, with Aeroméxico announcing a new route connecting Mexico City and Montego Bay. The Mexican flag carrier will launch flights between Mexico City International Airport and Sangster International Airport on March 18, 2027, subject to government approvals. The service will operate three times weekly on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, providing Jamaica with direct access to the Mexican market while also opening connections to more than 40 cities across Aeroméxico’s domestic network. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett welcomed the new service, describing it as a vote of confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector and an opportunity to expand the island’s reach in Latin America. “For the first time, Jamaica and Mexico will be connected by nonstop air service, operated by Aeroméxico, Mexico’s flag carrier and one of Latin America’s most recognised airlines,” Bartlett said. “This new route demonstrates confidence in Jamaica and opens important opportunities to attract visitors from Mexico and other destinations across Aeroméxico’s extensive network.” Bartlett said the government intends to use the additional connectivity to generate greater economic benefits for Jamaican businesses, workers and communities. The flight schedule is designed to allow passengers traveling from other Mexican cities to make same-day connections through Mexico City to Montego Bay. Giancarlo Mulinelli, Aeroméxico’s senior vice president of global sales, said the service would also strengthen links between Mexico and Jamaica. “We are thrilled to connect Mexico City with Jamaica for the first time in our history, opening access to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations,” Mulinelli said. “We are confident that this route will create new ties between our two countries while providing customers with more options to connect to world-class destinations.”
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Trinidad PM warns of threat posed by criminal networks at UN Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has warned that criminal networks pose a direct threat to citizens, institutions and development, particularly in small island states. Addressing the United Nations General Debate on Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar said the threat posed by transnational criminal networks was not abstract for Trinidad and Tobago. “For Trinidad and Tobago, this is not an abstract threat. These networks directly endanger our citizens, endanger our institutions and endanger our development,” she said. Persad-Bissessar thanked US President Donald Trump for inviting Trinidad and Tobago to join the newly formed Shield of the
Persad-Bissessar
Americas and the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. She said the partnerships would help promote freedom, security and prosperity in the region. Trinidad and Tobago will serve on the UN Security Council in 2027 and 2028. PersadBissessar said the country will use its membership to advocate for greater international cooperation to address the sources, movement and diversion of illicit weapons. She also said Trinidad and Tobago would encourage greater consideration of the implications of “super intelligence” for international peace and security. “We acknowledge that these technologies can support conflict prevention, early warning, peacekeeping and the protection of civilians,” she said.
T&T backs Haiti security efforts Turning to Haiti, Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago fully supports international efforts to help the country restore security and stability. She stressed, however, that Haiti’s political future must ultimately be determined by Haitians. “Security assistance is necessary, but lasting stability will also require functioning institutions, economic opportunity and a credible political process,” she said. Persad-Bissessar’s remarks came as Trinidad and Tobago prepares to begin its two-year term on the Security Council in January 2027.
Grenada PM tells supporters to ‘get ready’ for general election Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has urged supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prepare for the next general election, amid growing expectations that voters could head to the polls before the end of the year. Addressing an NDC “mini-rally” on Sunday night, Mitchell called on party supporters to begin mobilizing voters by knocking on doors, ensuring people are registered and helping them identify their polling divisions. “So when we leave here tonight…it is boots, boots, boots,” Mitchell said. “Thank you very much. I love you, and remember, get ready. The conch shell will blow.” Mitchell has not announced an election date. Grenada's laws allow Parliament to be dissolved and an election called before the end of its five-year term.
The prime minister, who led the NDC to victory in the June 2022 general election, told supporters it was “clear you’re ready” and suggested the party was moving closer to election mode. “Once you’re ready, and I’m ready, and we are ready, then it’s you, me, us ready,” he said. Mitchell also said the NDC endorsed its 14th candidate over the weekend as it works to complete its slate for the 15 constituencies. The NDC won nine of the 15 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2022 election, returning to power after nine years. The New National Party won the remaining six seats. Mitchell expressed confidence that his party could make gains along Grenada's west coast, telling supporters in St. Mark and St. George North West that “deliverance day is coming.” “Proper representation is coming. And we
Mitchell
want to show you that when we say we will deliver, we deliver,” he said. The prime minister also used the rally to highlight his administration's record, pointing to pension payments to public servants, twicemonthly salary payments and the introduction of a national minimum wage. He also highlighted Grenada's falling unemployment rate, which declined from 16.6 percent in the second quarter of 2021 to 7.5
Auditor details vote discrepancies in Guyana’s 2020 election fraud trial A forensic auditor has testified that disputed declarations from Guyana’s largest electoral district recorded about 20,000 more votes for the then-ruling APNU+AFC coalition than were reflected in certified Statements of Poll he examined from the country’s controversial 2020 general election. Terrence Jaskaran presented the findings as part of the ongoing trial of nine former and current Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials accused of fraud in connection with the March 2, 2020 election. Jaskaran, a chartered accountant and forensic audit consultant, was tasked with comparing certified Statements of Poll, or SoPs, from Region Four with Form 24 declarations issued following the election. His analysis found that the certified SoPs he examined recorded 116,215 votes for APNU+AFC in Region Four. That figure was 20,243 votes lower than the 136,458 votes recorded for the coalition in a March 5 declaration. A second declaration issued on March 13 recorded 136,057 votes for APNU+AFC, a difference of 19,842 votes from Jaskaran’s tally. The analysis also found that the certified SoPs recorded 80,288 votes for the PPP/C, compared with 77,329 votes in the March 5 declaration and 77,231 in the March 13 declaration. Those represented differences of 2,959 and 3,057 votes, respectively. Jaskaran continued his testimony Monday before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, with prosecutors arguing that the discrepancies were significant enough to change the apparent outcome of the election. Prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat said Jaskaran’s tabulation of the certified SoPs showed the PPP/C leading the other parties nationally by more than 15,000 votes. The prosecution contends that the disputed Region Four declarations erased that advantage and instead placed APNU+AFC ahead. “The declarations of the 5th of March 2020 changed the results of the 2nd of March election, giving the APNU+AFC the victory,” Rahamat told the court. Senior Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani previously said that if the disputed declarations had stood, APNU+AFC would have received approximately three additional parliamentary seats, while the PPP/C would have been
denied more than four seats. Jaskaran told the court that the certified SoPs used in his analysis were obtained from the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court. He entered the figures into spreadsheets, calculated the totals for each political party and compared them with the Form 24 declarations. His analysis also identified smaller discrepancies involving several other parties. However, some certified SoPs were blank or were not presented and were therefore excluded from his calculations. The prosecution has argued that Jaskaran’s findings should be considered alongside testimony from people who were present during the controversial Region Four tabulation at the Ashmin’s Building in Georgetown. According to Rahamat, earlier witnesses testified that figures were called from a spreadsheet rather than directly from Statements of Poll and that some did not correspond with copies of the SoPs held by political parties. The controversy over the Region Four count triggered a prolonged dispute over the results of Guyana’s 2020 election. A national recount was subsequently conducted, after which the PPP/C was declared the winner and Irfaan Ali was sworn in as president on August 2, 2020. The nine defendants in the current case have pleaded not guilty. The court has not made any findings that the accused committed fraud, and the trial remains ongoing.
percent by October 2025, according to government figures. Youth unemployment fell from 42 percent to 20.2 percent over the same period. “So when people are working, when the minimum wage is rising, poverty is going to crumble,” Mitchell said. “Poverty will decline. Dignity, respect, economic growth will take place.” Mitchell said unemployment had fallen among several demographic groups, including young women, who have historically recorded some of the country's highest unemployment rates. The latest rally comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the next election. Mitchell has also said an election announcement will come “soon,” while the NDC has been developing its next manifesto and selecting candidates.
Caribbean Airlines completes audits dating back to 2017 Caribbean Airlines has completed its audited financial statements for 2017, 2018 and 2019, clearing part of a nine-year backlog as the airline works to strengthen financial accountability and governance. The airline said the audited financial statements for 2020 are targeted for completion by the end of October 2026, while audits for the 2021 through 2025 financial years are on schedule for completion. The update was provided at Caribbean Airlines’ ninth annual general meeting on Sept. 22 at the airline’s head office in Piarco, Trinidad. Caribbean Airlines Chairman Reyna Kowlessar said bringing the airline’s financial statements up to date is an important part of efforts to strengthen the company and support its long-term sustainability. “Bringing the airline’s audited financial statements up to date, following an inherited nine-year backlog, is an essential part of our focus on rebuilding, growing and positioning Caribbean Airlines for lasting success,” Kowlessar said. She thanked employees for their work and continued dedication as the airline addresses the backlog. The airline said the audit work is part of a broader programme aimed at improving its financial viability and operational performance. Caribbean Airlines is undertaking the work amid continued pressure on the global aviation industry, including elevated fuel costs, which represent one of the largest expenses for airlines. The carrier said it is responding by increasing financial and operational discipline while maintaining essential connectivity. As part of those efforts, Caribbean Airlines introduced a route rationalisation programme in 2025 to assess its network and ensure that routes remain aligned with market demand and commercial conditions. The airline is also implementing a fleet optimisation strategy that includes the sale of two ATR aircraft. One of the aircraft has already been delivered to its new owner. Caribbean Airlines said the measures are being supported by policy reforms and strengthened financial compliance and oversight.
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
HAITI NEWS
Haiti electoral council reports progress as voter registration surpasses 628,000 Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) says more than 628,755 voters have been registered for the upcoming elections, as the country’s electoral machinery continues to take shape. The figure represents more than 10 percent of the potential electorate, defined by the CEP as citizens holding a National Identification Card, two months after voter registration began. The CEP said in an update dated Sept. 21 that 1,285 Registration and Polling Centers (CIVs) were operational nationwide. Several departments had more than 95 percent of their centers functioning, including Grand’Anse with 117 centers, Southeast with 132, South with 168, Nippes with 105 and Northeast with 104. In the West Department, 148 centers were receiving voters daily to complete registration for the electoral roll. The Southeast, Grand’Anse and Nippes departments recorded the highest registration rates, at 16 percent, 15 percent and 14.5 percent
of their voting-age populations, respectively. Voter registration operations began in stages on July 20 and 21 in nine departments and on July 30 in the West Department. The process is continuing across the country. The CEP has also completed the registra-
tion of political parties and groups, followed by a public draw assigning campaign numbers to approved political entities. The electoral body said 30 authorized political entities — 18 political parties and 12 political groupings — have submitted lists of
their members, adherents or supporters through the candidate registration platform. As of Sept. 21, the platform had recorded seven presidential candidacies, 162 Senate candidacies, 419 Chamber of Deputies candidacies, 162 municipal council candidacies, 180 CASEC candidacies and 89 ASEC candidacies. The online registration and submission of candidate documents, which began Aug. 20, will remain open until Oct. 9. The CEP is also recruiting and training temporary personnel needed to conduct the elections. So far, the council said it has recruited and trained 2,853 Electoral Registry Agents (ADRE) and 4,643 Electoral Security Agents (ASE). The electoral institution also completed a series of training sessions on electoral disputes on Sept. 17. More than 1,000 electoral law commissioners and electoral judges from nine departments participated in the training. The CEP said the measures are part of its ongoing efforts to put the electoral machinery in place ahead of the upcoming elections.
More than 250,000 children in Haiti projected to face acute malnutrition More than a quarter-million young children in Haiti are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition over the next year as violence, displacement and food insecurity continue to deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis. An estimated 253,725 children between 6 months and 5 years old are expected to experience acute malnutrition between June 2026 and May 2027, according to a new UNbacked assessment. Of those, 93,873 children are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent treatment. Another 159,852 are expected to experience moderate acute
malnutrition. The analysis also estimates that 25,750 pregnant and breastfeeding women will need nutritional support. The assessment was released by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population with support from UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme and other nutrition partners. The findings come as armed violence continues to uproot families and disrupt access to food, healthcare and other essential services. Approximately 1.47 million people were internally displaced across Haiti as of mid-May, according to the assessment. “Behind these figures are children whose
lives can change when they receive the right care at the right time,” UNICEF Representative in Haiti Geeta Narayan said. Conditions are expected to deteriorate further between December 2026 and May 2027, when 29 of Haiti’s 140 municipalities are projected to reach Phase 3, or “serious,” on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s acute malnutrition scale. Cité Soleil and Cabaret are projected to reach Phase 4, classified as “critical” and the second-highest level on the scale. The worsening conditions are expected to increase demand for malnutrition treatment and add pressure to health and humanitarian services already struggling to meet existing
needs. FAO Representative in Haiti Pierre Vauthier said addressing malnutrition will require tackling its underlying causes, including families’ limited access to diverse and nutritious foods. He called for measures to protect agricultural livelihoods and strengthen local food production. UN agencies are urging the Haitian government, donors, civil society groups and international organizations to expand community nutrition screening and treatment and ensure adequate supplies of therapeutic foods.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
OPINION
A7
EDITORIAL
Don’t fear AI, fear its misuse by humans N ew concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) have arisen following warnings from an AI creator that the technology could kill humans within the next decade if it is not controlled. Is AI potentially dangerous because humans can weaponize it, or could AI become dangerous by itself? AI experts believe both pathways are possible but discern very different risks. Since it is humans who use and manipulate AI, the most immediate danger is humans weaponizing it. Malicious individuals can use AI in several areas of concern, including:
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Biological threats: Advanced AI models can assist with biological research. The concern is that increasingly capable systems could lower the expertise and time required for someone to design or modify harmful biological agents. Autonomous weapons: AI can be incorporated into drones, missiles, surveillance and targeting systems. The danger increases when machines are given the authority to select and attack targets without meaningful human intervention. Mass deception: AI can produce convincing fake voices, videos and documents, potentially facilitating fraud, blackmail, social destabilization or manipulation. Critical cyberattacks on infrastructure: An AI-assisted cyberattack against electrical grids, financial systems, telecommunications or other infrastructure could indirectly cause deaths.
The 2025 International AI Safety Report specifically identifies AI-enabled hacking and biological attacks as significant emerging risks. For AI to kill people, the risk is not necessarily an evil AI, but humans with bad intentions using a sufficiently capable AI tool. On the other hand, there is also concern that AI itself could get out of human control. There is speculation that sometime during the next decade, an AI system could be developed that is much more capable than today's systems. AI's objective could conflict with human interests in some unforeseen way. A very capable system could potentially discover strategies that its designers never anticipated. This, in its extreme form, would be a loss-ofcontrol scenario. The International AI Safety Report defines loss-of-control scenarios as situations in which AI systems operate outside anyone's control, with no means to regain control. Importantly, the report says there is broad agreement that current AI does not have the capabilities required for such a scenario, while experts disagree substantially about how likely it is to occur as AI capabilities advance. Yet the question remains: How could AI itself become so out of control that it kills
people? Those concerned foresee a situation in which AI becomes extraordinarily capable, obtains significant autonomy, gains access to important systems and resources, and develops or pursues objectives that conflict with human survival. If humans attempt to stop it but the AI takes actions to prevent that intervention, it could then become a danger to life. A sufficiently capable autonomous AI system could hypothetically manipulate people into doing dangerous things on its behalf; exploit computer vulnerabilities; copy itself into other computer systems; interfere with communications; manipulate financial or industrial systems; control connected machines or robots; interfere with human attempts to deactivate it; and potentially assist in the creation of biological or other physical threats. The International AI Safety Report explicitly says the chance of loss of control leading to catastrophic outcomes is unclear and that estimates of such a probability are highly contested. AI systems do not have human emotions such as hatred, anger or a desire for revenge. The real danger is competence without human values. Consider a hypothetical super-powerful AI system designed to “maximize human happiness.” There would most likely be great demand to use this system since most humans seek happiness. But what if this AI system determines that the best way to create happiness among humans is to eliminate those it perceives as evil and ends up killing both good and bad people? Responding to this hypothesis, some AI experts say this would be a programming problem, not AI getting out of control and killing people. The problem would be one in which AI pursues an objective extremely effectively in a way humans did not anticipate. However, there is a huge difference between what happens hypothetically and what
happens in reality. Experts disagree greatly about the probability of catastrophic loss of control. The international safety report specifically describes the issue as unusually uncertain, with some experts considering it implausible and others considering it plausible. What is factual is that humans decide whether an AI system has access to the internet, weapons, factories, financial systems, power grids, laboratories, robots, military systems and other computers. Those decisions matter enormously. The human weaponization problem is already real, while the autonomous superintelligence problem remains prospective. There is also an interesting middle ground to consider. Humans may create danger without intending to. If corporations and governments progressively delegate more decisions to AI because it is cheaper, faster and more capable, eventually nobody may fully understand what the interconnected systems are doing. Humans could gradually give up control because the AI is useful. The 2025 international report specifically indicates that AI experts are growing concerned because greater delegation to AI reduces human oversight and can contribute to accidents, malicious use and potentially loss of control. Other AI experts and researchers argue that the risk narrative is overstated. No one knows if “AI is going to kill humanity.” But it is prudent to recognize two separate dangers: humans using advanced AI against other humans, and humans creating advanced AI systems without the ability to reliably control them. The second is more speculative, but the consequences could be vastly greater. This potential danger gives reason to effectively regulate AI's operation.
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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
TLC TRAVEL
LIFESTYLE
CUISINE
Why Caribbean Americans Fall in love with Jamaica Inn Luxury Without the Rush
For Caribbean Americans, returning to the Caribbean is not always about discovering somewhere new. Often, it is about reconnecting with something familiar: the food, hospitality, landscape, music and rhythms of daily life—or simply the feeling of being somewhere that does not require explanation. That is part of what makes Jamaica Inn, the family-owned hotel in Ocho Rios, especially compelling. Rather than presenting Jamaica merely as the backdrop for a luxury vacation, the Inn offers an experience rooted in the island’s people, history and natural environment. For Caribbean Americans, a stay can feel less like a conventional resort getaway and more like seeing a familiar place from a different perspective.
A Jamaica That Feels Familiar Jamaica Inn has been part of Jamaica’s tourism landscape since 1958, when Charles Morrow and his business partner Matthew “Archie” Archibald acquired the
Ocho Rios property. More than six decades later, the Morrow family remains involved, with a fourth generation now part of the business. While the hotel has evolved, it has retained the intimate character that made it distinctive. Antique furnishings, lush gardens, a private beach and personalized service give the property a strong sense of place. The island itself remains central to the experience. Guests can visit the Ocho Rios Farmers’ Market with Executive Chef Maurice before returning for a cooking demonstration featuring Jamaican favorites such as ackee and saltfish or escoveitch fish. Other experiences include visits to Bob Marley’s birthplace, the Blue Mountains and Stush in the Bush, as well as rafting on the Martha Brae.
For someone who grew up eating Jamaican food or hearing stories about the island from parents and grandparents, these experiences can mean more than sightseeing. They can become opportunities to reconnect with traditions in an unhurried setting.
Hospitality That Feels Personal Perhaps the strongest connection is found in the people who work at Jamaica Inn. Room attendant Jacqueline Latty, who has been with the Inn for 20 years, says returning guests often become part of the hotel’s extended community.“We have many guests who return year after year, so over time they become like friends and family,” Latty says. “We know their names, we know what they like, and they know the
staff members.”When those guests return, she says, “it doesn’t feel like they’re checking into a hotel—they say it feels like they’re coming home.”That approach may feel particularly familiar to Caribbean Americans. Across the Caribbean, hospitality has traditionally been deeply personal—remembering someone’s name, asking about family or noticing what a guest needs before they ask. Front Office Manager Marie Clarke, who has worked at the Inn for more than two decades, says even after 23 years, the surroundings still have an impact.“Even after 23 years, I never get tired of the view at Jamaica Inn,” she says. “You can walk through the lobby every day and still have that ‘wow’ feeling.” The longevity of employees like Clarke and Latty contributes to a sense of continuity that guests can feel.
Jamaica Inn also offers an alternative to the highly programmed resort experience. There are deliberately no televisions, radios or clocks in the guest rooms, reflecting the Inn’s long-standing philosophy of encouraging guests to disconnect and spend more time outdoors. A day might involve swimming, reading on a veranda, walking through the gardens, lingering over a meal or simply sitting beside the sea. For Caribbean Americans accustomed to demanding schedules in cities across the United States, that slower pace may be part of the appeal. Jamaica may be familiar, but the opportunity to experience it without rushing can make it feel new again. For Caribbean Americans, Jamaica Inn does not require Jamaica to feel unfamiliar in order to make it special. Instead, it offers the chance to experience familiar elements—food, culture, landscape, history and hospitality—with the comfort and intimacy of a luxury property. After more than 65 years, Jamaica Inn does not have to manufacture a feeling of Jamaica. The feeling is already there. For those looking to reconnect with the Caribbean without sacrificing comfort, it offers something increasingly rare: the chance to feel at home while seeing home anew.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
B1
TLC TRAVEL
LIFESTYLE
CUISINE
Royal Caribbean Group buys 50% stake in Sandals Resorts for US$3 billion Royal Caribbean Group is moving into the all-inclusive resort business with an agreement to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately US$3 billion. The deal will create a joint venture between the two companies, bringing together Sandals and Beaches' more than four decades of experience in Caribbean hospitality with Royal Caribbean Group's cruise and vacation businesses. Royal Caribbean Group operates Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, along with a portfolio of private destinations and a new river cruise business. The companies said the partnership will include Sandals and Beaches' collection of allinclusive resorts across the Caribbean and will provide opportunities to expand the brands' reach and accelerate their growth. For Royal Caribbean Group, the deal also expands its business into another part of the global vacation market. Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the agreement builds on the company's efforts to expand the ways it serves travelers. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests,” Liberty said. “Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey — bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world.”
Jason Libery of Royal Caribben Group and Adam Stewart of Sandals, inking the deal in Miami
“We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world... Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey.” – Liberty Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said the agreement builds on the vision of his father, company founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, who established Sandals in Jamaica in 1981. “My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality.” – Stewart names in hospitality,” Adam Stewart said. “Today is proof of how far that vision can go.” Stewart said the deal will give Sandals the ability to grow faster while working with a partner that shares its focus on hospitality, long-term investment and established brands. “Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating
Anguilla records nearly 82,000 stayover visitors in record first half of 2026 Anguilla welcomed a record 81,907 stayover visitors during the first half of 2026, as the Caribbean island continued a strong tourism run that saw arrivals reach new highs in each of the first six months of the year. Data from the Anguilla Statistics Department show stayover arrivals increased 19.9% from 68,287 between January and June 2025, representing an additional 13,620 visitors. The growth built on Anguilla’s strongest first quarter on record, when the island received 46,691 stayover visitors, a 24.6% increase from the same period last year. Another 35,216 visitors arrived during the second quarter, up 14.3% year over year. June also set a monthly record, with 11,067 stayover visitors, a 13% increase from June 2025. The United States remained by far Anguilla’s largest source market, sending 60,415 visitors during the first six months of the year. Americans accounted for 73.8% of all stayover arrivals during the period. That share was even higher in June, when 8,746 U.S. visitors represented 79% of the island’s stayover arrivals. Anguilla also recorded a sharp increase in excursionists, or daytrippers. Some 15,771 excursionists visited in June, up 71.5% from 9,194
in June 2025. When stayover visitors and excursionists are combined, Anguilla received 171,143 visitors during the first half of 2026, a 34.9% increase from 126,841 during the same period last year. Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor said the figures showed that the momentum established during the first quarter continued into the middle of the year. “Stayover growth is especially important because its benefits reach accommodations, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers and stakeholders across our communities,” Connor said. He credited the Anguilla Tourist Board, led by Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester, along with tourism workers and industry partners, for helping sustain the growth. The record arrivals come as Anguilla continues to strengthen its
standing in the luxury travel market. At Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, Anguilla ranked No. 1 among Caribbean destinations and No. 3 among countries worldwide for festive travel, which Virtuoso defines as travel between Dec. 15 and Jan. 7. Anguilla’s West End also ranked No. 8 among individual festive destinations worldwide. Connor, who represents West End, said the recognition reflected the island’s accommodations, cuisine, beaches and service while reinforcing the importance of responsible tourism growth. “This recognition is also a win for the entire island,” he said. “It strengthens our commitment to growing tourism responsibly while protecting the character, hospitality and sense of place that set Anguilla apart.”
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even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades,” he said. Stewart will retain a leadership role as executive chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and will help guide the company's long-term strategic growth. The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Existing reservations, loyalty programs and resort operations will continue as usual, the companies said. The US$3 billion transaction represents a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10 times. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The deal is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and other closing conditions. Royal Caribbean Group said the transaction is expected to be accretive to its earnings next year. The partnership will also explore opportunities to broaden distribution and deepen engagement with travelers across the two companies' vacation offerings. For Sandals, Stewart said the expansion would not change the company's focus on its Caribbean roots. “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home,” he said. The deal brings two major tourism companies with deep Caribbean ties into a single ownership structure, linking Royal Caribbean Group's cruise and privatedestination operations with Sandals and Beaches' land-based all-inclusive resorts.
PortMiami welcomes record 10 million cruise passengers in single year PortMiami has welcomed 10 million cruise passengers in a single fiscal year for the first time, setting a new annual record as cruise traffic continues to grow at the South Florida port. The port welcomed its 10 millionth passenger on September 14, more than two weeks before the end of its 2026 fiscal year on September 30. The milestone puts PortMiami well above its previous annual record of 8,564,225 cruise passengers, representing an increase of at least 16.8 percent with two weeks of passenger traffic still to be counted. Miami-Dade County officials attributed the growth to strong demand for cruises departing from Miami, investments in new and upgraded terminals, and an expanding range of cruise offerings. “Breaking the 10 million passenger threshold is a testament to PortMiami’s unwavering dedication to service, sustainability and economic vitality,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. “This extraordinary milestone underscores our port’s role as a global gateway and a driver of job creation, tourism and local business growth.” PortMiami Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels credited port employees and cruise industry partners for reaching the milestone. “Reaching 10 million passengers reflects our focus on innovation, efficiency and superior passenger experience, as we continue to modernize PortMiami’s infrastructure and expand our capacity for future growth,” Daniels said. PortMiami has invested in new and upgraded cruise terminals capable of accommodating some of the world's largest cruise ships. County officials said the infrastructure has helped increase capacity while improving passenger movement during embarkation and disembarkation. The record comes amid continued expansion of Miami's cruise industry, which supports businesses across the tourism, hospitality, transportation, retail and maritime sectors. County officials said cruise passengers contribute billions of dollars to the regional economy through hotel stays, restaurants, entertainment and transportation. PortMiami, which bills itself as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” will record its final passenger total for fiscal year 2026 after the reporting period ends September 30.
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
18 Suspects
from A1
private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021, in an attack involving a group of mostly Colombian former soldiers. His wife, Martine Moïse, was wounded in the attack. FBI Special Agent Brett Skiles said the latest arrests demonstrate the agency’s continued effort to prosecute those allegedly involved in the plot. “Today’s multi-location and international arrests underscore the FBI’s continued commitment to bringing all participants in this plot to justice,” Skiles said. The latest development follows the conviction of four men in a Miami federal court in May on charges that included conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moïse, conspiracy to provide material support and violations of the U.S. Neutrality Act related to an illicit military operation abroad. The four, who face possible life sentences, were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company. Federal prosecutors said they were drawn into the plot by the prospect of securing lucrative contracts following Moïse’s removal from office. U.S. authorities have pursued suspects because portions of the alleged plot were organized in South Florida. Moïse’s assassination plunged Haiti further into a prolonged political and security crisis. The country has not had an elected president since his death and has not held national elections since 2016. Haiti is currently preparing for presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum, scheduled for December 13, 2026, although persistent insecurity remains a major challenge. Armed gangs continue to control large parts of Port-au-Prince, while kidnappings, armed robberies and other violent crimes remain widespread.
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Jolly and Donalds at odds over debates in Florida Governors Race Democratic nominee David Jolly says he will not debate Republican nominee Byron Donalds ahead of Florida’s November gubernatorial election, accusing his opponent of engaging in “repeated lies and bad faith.” Jolly announced the decision Sunday, days after both candidates accepted multiple debate invitations but failed to agree on a shared event. If no debate takes place, the 2026 governor’s race would be Florida’s first in more than 50 years without a general election debate. “It is clear, given the tenor of the current campaign environment, including Byron’s repeated lies and bad faith, that debates this cycle would not create constructive, honest conversation and only further stoke division, animosity, and bad will,” Jolly said in a statement. “That’s not something I wish to do for our state.” Jolly also took to social media to defend his decision, writing on X: “You can’t debate a liar.” His campaign said it had previously accepted multiple debate invitations that Donalds did not accept. Jolly had agreed to events with Tampa Bay Tiger Bay and CBS Miami, while Donalds accepted separate proposals from Telemundo and NBC 6 in South
Donalds
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Florida, Spectrum News in Orlando and Tampa, and News4Jax in North Florida. The competing commitments meant the candidates had not agreed to appear at the same debate. Donalds, who had publicly challenged Jolly to three debates earlier in the campaign, criticized the Democrat’s decision. “I said 3 debates. Jolly said 12 debates. Yesterday, Jolly said no debates. Who’s the liar Dave?” Donalds wrote on X. In a separate statement Monday, Donalds accused Jolly of avoiding scrutiny of his policy positions, describing his opponent’s agenda as “too far Left and too expensive for Florida.” Jolly, however, said Donalds had declined debate opportunities his campaign had previously accepted before announcing his own choices. “We accepted multiple debates before this week,” Jolly said. “Byron refused them and instead set his own rules by press release.” Jolly said he plans to continue campaigning through town halls and other events with voters rather than sharing a debate stage with Donalds. The dispute comes with just weeks remaining before Florida voters choose their next governor in the November 3 general election.
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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
B3
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
JCJ marks 10 years of bringing dental care to Jamaica For the past decade, Jamaicans Caring for Jamaicans (JCJ) has been bringing much-needed dental care to under-served communities in Jamaica, providing treatment, relieving pain and helping hundreds of people gain access to oral healthcare that might otherwise be beyond their reach. Led by JCJ President Junior Taylor, the Atlanta-based organization has spent the past 10 years taking dental professionals and volunteers into communities across Jamaica, with missions serving St Elizabeth, Hanover, St James and Trelawny. The most recent mission, held in Montego Bay in July 2026, provided dental services to more than 450 patients, with the value of the
services and supplies estimated at J$4 million. Over the past decade, the missions have provided more than J$50 million in dental services, supplies and related assistance to Jamaicans.
For Taylor, the work is rooted in a simple commitment to giving back and helping those who are most in need. The journey began in 2012, when Taylor, then living in Jamaica, sat with a group of
friends in Montego Bay and discussed ways they could assist Jamaicans who were less fortunate. The group initially organized wellness outreaches to elderly people and shut-ins in rural areas of St James, often providing transportation to health clinics for check-ups and distributing care packages. The initiative took a significant turn in 2015, when the group was asked to assist with a medical mission from Jacksonville, Florida. It was during that mission that Taylor met Dr Joseph Dove and Dr Anthony Polk, two dentists from Memphis, Tennessee, who were providing dental services and expressed an interest in returning to Jamaica to conduct dental-specific missions. After several days of treating families and providing much-needed care, a partnership began to take shape. Dove and Polk subsequently joined MB2 Dental, a dental partnership organization based in Dallas, Texas, bringing additional resources and professional support to the vision of providing dental care in Jamaica. Within a year, the team launched its first dental mission in St James, where more than 500 Jamaicans were served in just two days. What began as a small effort among friends gradually developed into a sustained dental outreach program that has continued for a decade. The importance of the work is particularly evident in rural and under-served communities, where access to dental treatment can be limited. Many people can go years without receiving professional dental care, sometimes enduring prolonged pain and untreated oral health problems. The missions bring dental professionals directly into these communities, providing treatment while also educating patients and families about the importance of maintaining good oral health. For many patients, the service provides immediate relief from pain and can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life. In 2023, Taylor relocated to Georgia following his marriage but remained committed to serving Jamaica. He shared his desire to continue the work with his wife, who was already involved in charitable activities, and together they brought together a group of like-minded individuals committed to making a difference. That effort resulted in the formal establishment of Jamaicans Caring for Jamaicans Inc. as a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a seven-member board based in Duluth, Georgia. The organization describes itself as more than a nonprofit, but as a movement of people committed to serving Jamaica and improving the lives of people in under-served communities. Its mission is to improve the health, dignity and quality of life of people in rural Jamaica by providing compassionate, accessible and essential dental care to those who need it most. Through its dental missions, the organization brings skilled dental professionals and volunteers directly into communities where access to oral healthcare is limited. The work includes treatment, pain relief, preventive care and education aimed at helping individuals and families understand the importance of lifelong dental health. The organization’s guiding philosophy is captured in the biblical passage Luke 12:48, which speaks to the responsibility that comes with being blessed. For JCJ, that principle is reflected in its belief that those who have been blessed should, in turn, be a blessing to others.
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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Election officials launch voter participation push ahead of November election Election officials in South Florida are stepping up efforts to encourage voter registration and participation ahead of the November general election, with initiatives targeting voters across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The supervisors of elections for the three counties will hold their first joint news conference on Wednesday, Sept. 23, as part of a regional effort to encourage eligible residents to register, learn about their voting options and cast ballots in the Nov. 3 election. Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link will participate in the event, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. The initiative comes ahead of Florida's Oct. 5 voter registration deadline and is focused on voter education and participation in local, state and federal races. Scott noted that turnout tends to decline in nonpresidential election years, even though decisions made by state and local officials can
have a significant effect on residents' daily lives. He encouraged voters to make a plan for how they intend to participate, whether by mail, during early voting or at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Link said the three counties are working together to promote voter registration and education, while Garcia said the region has particular significance because about one in
four registered Florida voters lives in MiamiDade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. The tri-county campaign follows a separate Miami-Dade initiative aimed at increasing electoral participation among neurodiverse residents. Garcia and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado are scheduled to join community leaders and advocates on Monday, Sept. 21, for a news conference
focused on encouraging eligible neurodiverse residents to vote. The initiative will highlight voting accessibility and efforts to ensure residents can participate independently and confidently. Miami-Dade provides voting options for residents with disabilities, including accessible voting systems at polling locations. “Our priority is to deliver secure, accurate and accessible elections for every voter, and that commitment extends to members of our neurodiverse community who want to participate, contribute and make their voices heard through the power of the vote,” Garcia said. Regalado said government decisions involving transportation, education, housing and health care directly affect neurodiverse residents and argued that barriers to their participation should be removed. The 2026 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Florida residents who are not already registered to vote have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register.
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Florida reports rst dengue death of 2026 as locally acquired cases surge Florida has reported its first dengue fever death of 2026 as the state experiences a sharp rise in locally acquired cases of the mosquitoborne disease. The death occurred in Hillsborough County, which has emerged as the center of this year’s dengue outbreak, the Florida Department of Health confirmed Friday. The patient was an 80-year-old Tampa-area woman. Florida had recorded 338 dengue cases as of September 12, including 152 infections acquired within the state and the remainder associated with international travel. The number of locally acquired infections
represents a 145 percent increase from the 62 reported during all of 2025. State surveillance data show that 2025 cases were concentrated primarily in Brevard and Miami-Dade counties. Hillsborough County accounts for the overwhelming majority of this year’s local infections, with 134 cases reported through mid-September. State health officials had already described the increase in the county as unusual earlier this month, when the local total stood at 59. Other locally acquired cases have been reported in Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Pasco, Orange and Palm Beach counties.
Orange County health officials announced two additional locally acquired cases on September 18 and increased mosquito-control measures in affected communities. The growing number of infections has prompted mosquito-borne illness alerts or advisories across several Florida counties. “We are reminding all residents and visitors throughout the state to take precautions from mosquito-borne illnesses by appropriately applying insect repellent, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, draining any standing water, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible – especially during sunrise and sunset, when
mosquitoes are most active,” Florida Department of Health spokesperson Claire Maher said. Health officials are urging residents to reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, repairing damaged window and door screens and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed. The Florida Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, chikungunya, malaria, Eastern equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
B5
ENTERTAINMENT
The race for the 2027 Reggae Grammy Award by Toni-Ann Latty With the eligibility window now closed, a formidable collection of Jamaican artists awaits the Recording Academy’s first-round voting process. Among the names generating interest are Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Masicka, Alkaline and Protoje, all of whom released projects during the 2027 Grammy eligibility period. But their presence on the release calendar does not automatically translate into a Grammy nomination. The technical process is important. For the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, recordings had to be released between August 31, 2025, and August 28, 2026, to be eligible for consideration. The Recording Academy's Online Entry Period ran from July 7 through August 21, meaning eligible recordings also had to be formally entered before that deadline. That distinction means that an album being released within the eligibility period does not necessarily mean it is in contention. It must also have been submitted and subse-
quently cleared through the Academy's eligibility and genre-screening processes. The countdown begins First-round voting is scheduled for October 12 to 22, 2026. The nominations will then be announced on November 16. After that, the nominees move into the final round of voting, scheduled for December 10, 2026, through January 7, 2027, with the winners to be revealed at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards on February 7, 2027, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. That makes the coming weeks particularly important for Jamaica's reggae and dancehall fraternity. The 2027 eligibility period produced one of the more interesting collections of Jamaican albums in recent years. Vybz Kartel's God & Time, released June 5, immediately debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. It became Kartel's 12th entry on that chart and his 10th to reach the Top 10. According to data supplied by Luminate, the album generated 2,776 U.S. album-equivalent units in its opening week,
including 1,098 pure album sales, 1,639 streaming-equivalent album units and 39 track-equivalent units. The album also carries a broad collaborative footprint, with appearances from artists including Wizkid, Spice, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Mavado and Farruko. Buju Banton enters the conversation with Too Too Bad, released July 17. The 13-track project marked his return to a more dancehalloriented sound and became his first Billboard chart appearance in six years. It debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart before moving to No. 10 in its second week. The album also made an immediate digital impact, debuting at No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums chart. Its lead single, “Butterflies,” had surpassed 1 million cumulative streams before the album's release. Then came Masicka. Released August 14, Forever Reign delivered the highest Billboard Reggae Albums debut by a Jamaican dancehall act in 2026, opening at No. 4. The 17-track project subsequently held the No. 9 spot in its second week and was also reported to be topping
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Apple Music's album chart in Jamaica. Spotify tracking showed the album had accumulated more than 11 million streams by September 20, with “Slip & Slide” and “Boasty” among its most-streamed tracks. For Masicka, the release was accompanied by another major milestone: a sold-out headline performance at Brooklyn's Barclays Center one day after the album arrived. Beenie Man entered the period with Eminence, released August 20, just eight days before the eligibility window closed. The album's commercial performance provided one of the more striking late-period developments. Eminence reached No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes All Genres chart and held the position for three consecutive days. The 16track project includes collaborations with Rick Ross, T.I., Ashanti, Snoop Dogg, Mýa, Rotimi and others. Shaggy, meanwhile, brought Lottery, released May 15. The album includes collaborations with Robin Thicke, Sting and Akon. “Looking Lovely,” featuring Robin Thicke, debuted on Billboard's Rhythmic Airplay chart, while “Boom Body,” featuring Akon and Aidonia, also charted. Protoje's The Art of Acceptance, released in April, debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and passed 11 million Spotify streams. The project includes appearances from Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Shenseea and Masicka. Alkaline's NPT also entered the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, debuting at No. 10 and subsequently climbing to No. 9. Chronixx's Exile, released October 10, 2025, falls squarely within the eligibility period and opened at No. 5 on Billboard's Reggae Albums chart. The album also debuted at No. 15 on the UK Official Download Albums chart. Other projects released during the period include Queen Ifrica's Breath of Life, Capleton's Heights of Fire, Ginjah's Soul Connection, Yaksta's The Microphone Saved Me, Delly Ranx's Better Than B 4 and Samory I's Revelation. But does commercial success equal a Grammy? Not necessarily. Billboard chart positions, streaming numbers, sales and international visibility provide measurable evidence of an album's consumption and reach. They do not determine Grammy nominations. The Recording Academy's process is peervoted, and its screening and voting procedures are separate from commercial charts. A commercially successful album can therefore be eligible without being nominated, while the eventual nominees are determined through the Academy's voting process. However, the numbers tell part of the story. Kartel has a Top 10 Billboard debut. Buju has returned to the chart with a new album and international collaborations. Masicka has produced the year's highest debut among Jamaican dancehall albums on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Beenie Man has taken a new project to the top of the U.S. iTunes overall albums chart. Protoje has crossed eight figures in Spotify streams on his latest project. Chronixx has returned with a Top Five Billboard debut. Shaggy remains one of Jamaica's most internationally established reggae stars. The albums have been released. The eligibility period has closed. The submissions have been entered. Now, the Recording Academy's voters will determine which projects survive the first cut. On November 16, the world will discover which names made the official ballot.
B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 –
B7
SPORTS
Moqim breaks Kingsmen, Jangoo finishes the job as Falcons lift CPL trophy Sufyan Moqim produced a spell that will stand among the Caribbean Premier League’s (CPL) greatest final performances, ripping through the Jamaica Kingsmen before Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz completed a dominant chase to send the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to their first CPL championship. The three-year-old franchise sealed an emphatic eight-wicket victory at Kensington Oval on Sunday night, reaching 173 for two in only 16.4 overs after restricting the Kingsmen to 170 for nine. Maaz Sadaqat had already made history by becoming the first batsman to score a century in a CPL final, but his extraordinary 114 from 58 balls could not withstand Moqim’s intervention. The left-arm spinner finished with a remarkable 4-14, the best bowling figures ever recorded in a CPL final, transforming a Kingsmen innings that had been threatening to explode into one that never quite recovered. With Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne among a massive crowd at Kensington Oval, the Falcons then completed the job in devastating fashion.
Moqim turns the final The Kingsmen appeared to be building toward a total beyond 200 when Sadaqat and Saim Ayub combined for 80 from 46 deliveries. At 110 for two after 11 overs, Jamaica was firmly in command. Sadaqat had already reached his second half-century of the playoffs, bringing up the milestone from 27 balls with a two off Rahkeem Cornwall. He had arrived in the final carrying the momentum of his century against the Barbados Tridents in Wednesday's Eliminator.
Then came Moqim. Ayub miscued a slog sweep and was caught at mid-on for 29. In the same over, captain Rovman Powell lasted only three deliveries before chipping the ball to Shamar Springer at backward point. Suddenly, 110 for two had become 110 for four. The collapse accelerated. Shadab Khan removed Romaine Morris lbw for a duck in the following over, before Moqim returned to remove Hassan Khan for one and Keemo Paul for three. By the 15th over, the Kingsmen had plunged to 127 for seven. Moqim had changed the complexion of the final.
Sadaqat stands alone Yet the Kingsmen still had Sadaqat. The young batsman responded to the collapse by taking complete responsibility for the innings, unleashing a succession of powerful strokes that dragged Jamaica toward a defensible total.
His landmark moment arrived in the 17th over when he launched Joshua James for consecutive sixes before taking a single to deep cover. The century came from 49 balls, a remarkable achievement in a CPL final, but there was no fairytale ending for the Kingsmen. Sadaqat was dismissed from the penultimate delivery of the innings, caught by Springer at long-off for 114 from 58 balls, having struck nine sixes and eight fours. His century had broken new ground in the competition. But Moqim's four-wicket assault had already done the more damaging work. Alzarri Joseph provided further support with 2-27 as the Falcons held Jamaica to 170 for nine.
Cornwall ignites the chase The Falcons wasted little time in showing that 171 was within reach. Rahkeem Cornwall attacked from the opening delivery of the reply, smashing Saim
Ayub for two sixes and two fours in the first over before being bowled from the final ball. Evin Lewis immediately kept the pressure on, striking Andre Russell for two fours before reaching another significant CPL milestone. His boundary against Ayub took Lewis to 3,000 CPL runs, while his aggressive start helped carry the Falcons to 30 for one after three overs. Jangoo then joined the assault. The wicketkeeper-batter punished Hunain Shah for two fours and a six as the Falcons raced beyond 50. Jamaica appeared to have another breakthrough when Lewis miscued a pull and was caught at long-on. But the reprieve came when replay showed Russell had overstepped. Lewis made Jamaica pay. He drilled the resulting free hit for four before tearing into Ayub for two sixes and another boundary in a 17-run sixth over. At the end of the power play, Antigua and Barbuda stood at 76 for one.
Jangoo and Nawaz end the fight Vitel Lawes finally ended Lewis's assault in the eighth over, bowling him off the inside edge for 38 from 26 balls. But by then, the Falcons had complete control. Jangoo took charge of the chase, and Nawaz provided the finishing surge as the pair refused to give Jamaica another opening. Jangoo remained unbeaten on 57 from 34 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Nawaz finished on 47 not out from 35 deliveries, striking three sixes and three fours. Together, they added an unbroken 89-run partnership from nine overs. The final was over with 20 balls still remaining.
Deitz sees Zimbabwe tour as proving ground for young Windies West Indies Women head coach Shane Deitz is expecting his younger players to seize the spotlight when the team begins its white-ball tour of Zimbabwe on Wednesday, with a three-match ODI series providing the first test of a youthful squad. The West Indies will face Zimbabwe in three ODIs from September 24 to 30 before the teams meet again for three T20 Internationals from October 3 to 7. The tour comes with veteran Deandre Dottin and opener Qiana Joseph absent from the 15-member squad, creating opportunities for several less experienced players to strengthen their claims for more permanent roles. For Deitz, that is one of the most significant elements of the assignment. “We are looking forward to this tour of Zimbabwe,” Deitz said. “They are a side we haven’t played much, and, in their conditions, there will be some challenges.” Zimbabwe will offer the West Indies an unfamiliar test, with the two teams having had limited recent exposure to each other and this tour marking their first bilateral series across formats. Deitz expects the conditions to add another dimension, particularly for a squad containing several players still establishing themselves at international level. Rather than viewing the tour solely through the lens of results, the coach sees it as another stage in the development of the team, with younger players expected to absorb the demands of international cricket while competing for places. The tour also gives the West Indies an opportunity to continue building on the
Deitz
progress made during their recent assignments. The West Indies enter the series in fifth place in the Women's Championship standings, having collected four victories from nine matches. They also arrive with confidence after completing a 3-0 ODI sweep of Ireland. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, sit 10th in the Championship table after losing all six of their matches in the current cycle. Those contrasting records give the West Indies a statistical advantage entering the series, but Deitz is conscious that Zimbabwe's home conditions can present a different challenge from the one reflected in the standings. For the younger members of the squad, however, the assignment represents an opportunity that goes beyond the Championship table. The immediate task is to perform in unfamiliar conditions. The bigger prize for those seeking to establish themselves is to show Deitz and the selectors that they can become regular contributors to the West Indies Women.
B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM ADVERTISEMENT