MUSIC IS LIFE THE MOST WIDELY CIRCUL ATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Blind fan Lisa Hart credits Beres Hammond’s music for coma recovery
At the Jammins Events-produced Reggae In Action concert in Newark, New Jersey, last Saturday, Lisa Hart, who is legally blind, finally got to do something she'd been dreaming about for years — she stood in front of, touched and hugged her hero, Beres Hammond, the man whose voice she believes saved her life. In the runup to Lisa's exclusive meeting with Beres, her cousin, Benji — guitarist for the Ruff Kut Crew — walked Caribbean National Weekly through the whole journey: how a devoted fan's brush with death became bound up with the man whose music once played on repeat beside her hospital bed. continues on B2 – Music Is Life
Legally blind patron, Lisa Hart embraces Beres Hammond on stage at the Reggae In Action concert in New Jersey
South Florida man arrested after returning from Jamaica with 17 stolen cards A South Florida man was arrested at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after returning from a trip to Jamaica with more than a dozen credit and debit cards belonging to other people, according to federal court documents.
Petit-Phare
Mardoche Petit-Phare, 30, of North Miami, was taken into custody Monday after arriving on a JetBlue flight from Montego Bay and now faces a federal charge of aggravated identity theft. According to a federal criminal complaint, Petit-Phare was selected for additional examination at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint after his arrival. During a search of his cross-body bag, officers allegedly discovered bank-issued credit
and debit cards belonging to at least 15 other people. Authorities said two additional cards belonging to other individuals were found in his carry-on luggage. Petit-Phare told investigators he received the cards from “his friend,” according to the complaint. Federal investigators subsequently contacted several of the cardholders, who reported thousands of dollars in unauthorized transactions. continues on B3 – Stolen cards
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER Caribbean music pioneer Granville Straker dies at 86 a3
HEALTH & WELLNESS PCOS is now PMOS: Why experts renamed a condition affecting 1 in 8 women B1
COMMUNITY Lauderhill names three nalists for police chief role B2
SPORTS Bravo’s No. 47 goes into the rafters as TKR immortalizes a legend B7
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
PAGE A2 The Key to the City of Lauderhill was presented to Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers by Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant, last week. Also pictured (from L-R) are Lauderhill City Manager Kennie Hobbs, Jr., Commissioner John Hodgson, Lauderhill Vice Mayor Richard Campbell.
Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright pictured with Veronique Pierre, former Ms. Interna onal World, at the HERS: Honoring Excep onally Regal Sisters event held at Island Space Museum. Ms. Erica Williams-Connell, daughter of Trinidad and Tobago’s first Prime Minister and Father of the Na on, Dr. Eric Williams, addressing the audience at the City of Lauderhill’s 64th Trinidad and Tobago Independence Entrepreneurship Awards.
Melky Jean, Grammynominated ar st and sister of Wyclef Jean, pictured with Calibe Thompson at the HERS: Honoring Excep onally Regal Sisters event held at Island Space Museum.
Robert L. Stephens III was officially sworn in for a second full term as Councilman for the City of Miami Gardens, Seat 6, in a private ceremony.
2 e g a P Dancers entertained guests at the City of Lauderhill’s 64th Trinidad and Tobago Independence Entrepreneurship Awards.
The City of Miramar hosted its weekly Low Impact Aerobics class at the Vernon E Hargray Youth Enrichment Center in Miramar last Friday
Miramar Commissioners Eddy Edwards and Avril Cherasard suppor ng the Miramar Patriots recently.
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NEWSMAKER
Caribbean music pioneer Granville Straker dies at 86 Granville Leonard Straker, the Vincentian-born music producer and entrepreneur whose influential Straker’s Records helped bring generations of calypso and soca artists to international audiences, has died. He was 86. Straker died on Aug. 27, according to his family, which announced his passing in a statement. Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Sept. 12, 1939, Straker became one of the most influential figures in the production, preservation and distribution of Caribbean music, building an operation that connected artists from the region with audiences throughout the diaspora. His involvement in the music business began in Brooklyn in the 1960s, where he established record stores catering to New York’s growing Caribbean immigrant community. His businesses included the landmark Straker’s Records store at 242 Utica Ave. and another location on Nostrand Avenue, with additional retail operations in St. Vincent and Trinidad. In 1971, Straker founded the Straker’s Records label in Brooklyn, creating a platform for Caribbean performers at a pivotal period in the growth of New York’s West Indian community. Over approximately three decades, the label built an extensive catalog of Caribbean popular music. Straker estimated that it released between 600 and 700 albums, more than 1,000 12-inch records and several thousand singles. Its roster included some of the biggest names in calypso and soca, among them Calypso Rose, The Mighty Shadow, Black Stalin, Chalkdust, Lord Nelson, Lord Melody, Mighty Duke, Explainer, Winston Soso, Singing Francine and Machel Montano.
Among the recordings associated with the label was The Mighty Shadow’s “Bassman,” which became one of the Trinidadian calypsonian’s signature songs. Black Stalin’s “Ah Feel to Party” also became part of the influential Straker’s catalog and later provided the title for the retrospective collection “The Best of Straker’s: Ah Feel to Party.” Straker’s influence extended beyond his role as a label owner. During his career, he worked as a producer, promoter, talent scout and distributor, travelling throughout the Caribbean in search of performers and helping artists gain access to professional recording and international distribution. His Brooklyn businesses also became gathering places for Caribbean immigrants looking for the music and culture of home, while helping establish the borough as an important center for Caribbean music production and distribution. Another important chapter in Straker’s career began in 1978 when fellow Vincentian musician and arranger Frankie McIntosh joined Straker’s Records as musical director. McIntosh led studio band The Equitables, arranged music for numerous artists and oversaw hundreds of recording sessions. Their partnership helped develop a distinctive Brooklyn-based calypso and soca sound that reached audiences across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Straker's contribution to Caribbean music earned him several honors during his lifetime. He received the Martin’s International/Inter-Culture Award of Honor at the 2009 International Reggae & World Music Awards. In 2014, he was honored in Brooklyn for “Excellence in Worldwide Music Production over the Years.”
His family said his work created opportunities for Caribbean artists who otherwise might have struggled to gain access to the international recording industry, connecting performers with audiences in New York, Toronto, London and elsewhere. “My father spent his life creating opportunities for Caribbean artists and making certain that our music could be heard beyond the shores of the islands,” his daughter, Dr. Suzanne Straker Greenidge-Hewitt, said. “For our family, preserving his legacy means preserving an important part of Caribbean history. His work lives in the music, in the artists he championed and in generations of people around the world who still hear home when they hear those recordings.” Straker was predeceased by his first wife, Jean “Patsy” Straker Jackson, who his family said played a foundational role in the early development of Straker’s Records. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Beverly Straker; his children, Leroy, Shirley, Suzanne, Granville Jr., Lavern, Clement and Allan; 15 grandchildren; and other relatives. His family described him as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to Caribbean culture influenced generations.
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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Johnson Smith urges Jamaicans overseas to invest, create opportunities at home Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith is calling on Jamaicans overseas to play a more direct role in the country’s development, saying diaspora engagement should increasingly extend beyond remittances and philanthropy to investment, entrepreneurship and the transfer of expertise. Johnson Smith made the call Saturday while addressing the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey Independence Gala, where she and several others were honored as Jamaica marked its 64th anniversary of Independence. The minister, who also has responsibility for diaspora affairs, said Jamaicans abroad should not be viewed as detached observers of the country’s development but as active participants in shaping its future. “Whether your contribution is your capital, your knowledge, your professional expertise, your business networks, your advocacy — or simply your time — there is a role for you in that work,” Johnson Smith said. “I therefore invite you, as you remain connected to Jamaica, [to] also help us build the country to which you, your children and
your grandchildren will always be able to return.” Johnson Smith pointed to Jamaica’s reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa as an opportunity to rethink the relationship between the country and its diaspora. She praised Jamaicans overseas for providing relief in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane but said the reconstruction process provides opportunities for deeper involvement. “That assistance was invaluable. But reconstruction also gives us the opportunity to move the relationship to another level: From relief to rebuilding. From giving to investing and creating wealth. From supporting Jamaica, to participating directly in her development,” she said. The minister said rebuilding will require expertise in engineering, architecture, construction management, technology and logistics, along with investment and innovation in housing, energy, water, transportation and disaster resilience. Much of that expertise and capital already exists within Jamaican communities overseas,
Johnson-Smith
she said. Johnson Smith said there should be opportunities for Jamaican engineers, architects, planners, entrepreneurs and investors abroad, as well as second- and thirdgeneration Jamaicans who want to contribute despite never having lived on the island. She also called for stronger commercial links between Jamaican businesses at home and those operated by members of the diaspora. Such partnerships, she said, could help open supply chains, transfer technology,
expand markets and allow small and mediumsized businesses to participate in Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts. Johnson Smith argued that the diaspora’s contribution should increasingly be measured by economic and developmental outcomes. She said the government, in turn, has a responsibility to make it easier for members of the diaspora to identify credible opportunities, navigate government institutions and invest in Jamaica with confidence. Johnson Smith also pointed to the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, saying its mandate extends beyond replacing infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Melissa. “For all the damage Hurricane Melissa caused, it has compelled us to confront longstanding questions about how we build, where we build, and how effectively the State delivers the infrastructure a modern, resilient Jamaica requires,” Johnson Smith said. “I look forward to the next chapter of our partnership as, together, we build a safer, stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Jamaica,” she said.
St. Lucia to receive first group of migrants from US under third-country nationals program St. Lucia will receive its first group of migrants from the United States later this week under a third-country nationals program established through a bilateral agreement between the two countries, the government announced Monday. Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste said six people — five men and one woman — will be permitted to enter St. Lucia as part of the program. “Over the next two years, St. Lucia will receive up to 10 persons each quarter,” Baptiste told the weekly Cabinet news conference. He said the arrangement followed discussions with Washington after the U.S. government asked St. Lucia to assist with implementing the third-country nationals program. “The United States remains a strong and valued partner to St. Lucia,” Baptiste said. “Our relationship is built on cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing regional and international challenges responsibly.” Acknowledging concerns surrounding the agreement, Baptiste stressed that the people being transferred have not been identified as criminals. “These individuals are not criminals. Their circumstances are administrative,” he said. “They were unable to establish normalcy in their immigration status in the United States and were therefore identified for removal.” Baptiste said the St. Lucia government is working with the International Organization for Migration to provide the migrants with two options: voluntary repatriation to their countries of origin or, for those who choose to remain in St. Lucia, assistance with following the appropriate legal procedures and integrating into society. “Our agreement to this program reflects the values we proudly uphold as a nation,” Baptiste said, citing “compassion, human dignity and respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the UN Charter.” Baptiste also stressed that the migrants would be treated with dignity upon their arrival in St. Lucia.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Bahamas will not renew contracts of 31 Cuban teachers The Bahamas government will not renew the contracts of 31 Cuban teachers for the new academic year, while the recruitment of Cuban healthcare workers remains suspended amid discussions with the United States over Cuba’s overseas labor program. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the teachers would not be re-engaged, although some had expressed an interest in returning to the public school system. The ministry said contract renewal was never guaranteed and that the affected teachers would be given adequate time to settle their personal affairs before leaving the country. “Our priority continues to be the recruitment and engagement of qualified Bahamian educators,” the ministry said, adding that a significant number of new local teachers had already been hired and recruitment was continuing. The ministry said foreign teachers could be recruited in cases where vacancies cannot be filled by suitably qualified Bahamians. The decision has prompted concerns about possible staffing shortages, particularly in specialized areas such as welding, agriculture and other technical disciplines. Central Grand Bahama Member of Parliament Frazette Gibson criticized the manner in which the Cuban educators were informed and warned that their departure could disrupt existing programs.
Cuban teachers at a school in the Bahamas, archive image. / Granma
An unidentified Cuban teacher told a local newspaper that the group learned their contracts would not be renewed during a meeting shortly after arriving in The Bahamas. Meanwhile, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville said negotiations with U.S. officials concerning Cuban healthcare professionals were continuing. He said government officials were scheduled to meet with Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marcof Sánchez to discuss the matter. The Tribune reported that the Public Hospitals Authority had also declined to extend the contracts of Cuban medical workers, except for those with legal status in the country or who are married to Bahamians.
The United States has accused Cuba of using coercive practices to control workers deployed overseas and retaining much of their earnings. Havana has repeatedly rejected the allegations. Washington last year expanded visa restrictions against officials it alleged were involved in Cuba’s overseas medical program. The Davis administration subsequently terminated its contractual arrangements with Cuba’s state-operated medical recruitment agency and proposed employing Cuban healthcare professionals directly if they wished to remain in The Bahamas. However, those arrangements have not been finalized, and the recruitment of additional Cuban medical personnel remains on hold.
Antigua PM seeks US explanation over visa restrictions Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is pressing the United States for an explanation as to why the Caribbean nation is considered a national security concern warranting visa restrictions. Speaking Saturday, Browne said his administration remains engaged in discussions with officials from the U.S. State Department and has written directly to President Donald Trump seeking clarification on the measures. The prime minister said his government is unaware of any action by Antigua and Barbuda that could reasonably be considered hostile to the United States or pose a threat to its national security. Browne also questioned the treatment of Caribbean countries that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, under which qualifying foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in exchange for making an approved investment. He noted that several countries affected by U.S. measures maintain diplomatic relations with China, while some Caribbean states that recognize Taiwan have not faced similar restrictions. Browne stressed that he was making an observation and was not suggesting that the United States should impose restrictions on other countries. The prime minister has maintained that Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to work with Washington to address any legitimate concerns surrounding its CBI program and other issues affecting bilateral relations.
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
HAITI NEWS
One in 13 young children in Haiti suffering from acute malnutrition, UNICEF says Approximately one in 13 children under age five in Haiti is suffering from acute malnutrition as worsening insecurity and economic hardship continue to limit families’ access to nutritious food and healthcare, according to new findings released by UNICEF. Preliminary results from Haiti’s 2026 National Nutrition SMART Survey show that 7.4% of children between 6 months and 5 years old are experiencing global acute malnutrition, up from 5.1% in 2023. Global acute malnutrition includes moderate or severe wasting and nutritional swelling and can become life-threatening without timely treatment. “The findings emerge against a backdrop of prolonged insecurity, economic hardship and humanitarian needs that continue to constrain families’ access to sufficient nutritious food, health care and nutrition services,” UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti Yannig Dussart said. “Preventing and treating malnutrition in Haiti requires urgent action and attention by stakeholders and actors to ensure children can access the lifesaving services they need.” Acute malnutrition can occur when children do not receive enough nutritious food or suffer from repeated illnesses. Children experiencing severe acute malnutrition face a heightened risk of death, particularly when illness is combined with limited access to medical care. The worsening nutrition crisis
comes as children face increasing threats from Haiti's widespread violence. According to UNICEF, grave violations against children tripled between 2023 and 2025. Those violations include denial of access to humanitarian assistance and attacks on schools and hospitals where children receive nutrition services. Despite the rise in acute malnutrition, the survey found improvements in several other indicators of children's health and nutrition. The prevalence of chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five declined from 22.8% in 2023 to 17.3% this year. The proportion of children benefiting from early initiation of breastfeeding also increased from 48% to 68%, while exclusive breastfeeding nearly doubled from 17.5% in 2023 to 33% in 2026. UNICEF and its partners are working with Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population to expand screening and treatment for malnour-
ished children. Those efforts include deploying community health workers and mobile teams to reach children living in hardto-access and insecure areas. A more comprehensive analysis of the survey findings, together with an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition assessment, is expected in the coming month. UNICEF said the findings will help guide humanitarian and development responses. However, the UN agency warned that its efforts face a significant funding shortage as humanitarian needs across Haiti continue to grow. UNICEF said there is a funding gap of more than 64% for nutrition interventions unde r its 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal. The agency is calling for increased international support to maintain supplies of ready-to-use therapeutic foods and expand access to nutrition services for vulnerable children and women.
US-born children among latest group of Haitians deported from US Several children, including a one-year-old born in the United States, were among 57 Haitians deported to Haiti on Thursday as the U.S. government steps up removals to the crisis-hit Caribbean country. Haitian authorities confirmed that the group arrived in Cap-Haïtien aboard an ICE Air charter flight. Several other U.S.-born children were reportedly among those on board. The flight was the second deportation flight to arrive in Haiti within a week, marking an increase from the roughly once-a-month schedule previously reported. The accelerated removals come amid uncertainty surrounding protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the United States. The U.S. government has sought to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, a humanitarian designation that has allowed more than 300,000 people to legally live and work in the United States because of conditions in their home country. Haitian immigrant rights organizations and other advocates have argued that conditions in Haiti remain too dangerous for large-scale returns, pointing to widespread gang violence, displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has maintained that conditions have improved sufficiently to allow Haitians to return. More than half of Haiti's nearly 12 million residents are estimated to need humanitarian assistance as the country continues to grapple with armed violence, political instability and poverty. The security crisis has also driven record levels of displacement. By May, nearly 1.47 million people were internally displaced across Haiti, more than half of them children. The figure is comparable to the number displaced following the devastating 2010 earthquake, after which the United States initially designated Haiti for TPS. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported earlier this week that at least 1,408 people were killed and another 656 injured between April and June. The number of casualties was approximately 14% lower than during the first three months of the year, but the U.N. cautioned that the decline masked sharply different security conditions across the country.
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OPINION
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EDITORIAL
Are increasing natural disasters really natural? It seems Earth is very unsettled, with so many earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, droughts, fires, strong hurricanes and other natural disasters. Some people, not surprisingly, attribute these disasters to biblical prophecies of end times, signaled by “earthquakes in diverse places.” Others don’t think these disasters are wholly “natural” but attributable to human irresponsibility. Earth itself isn’t suddenly unsettled, and humans aren’t responsible for every natural disaster. Humans are, however, changing the climate in ways that are making several kinds of dangerous weather more likely or more severe. Of course, some disasters, like earthquakes, are fundamentally natural. Earth has always been a violent planet. Earthquakes are primarily caused by movements of Earth’s tectonic plates. Human activity can induce some earthquakes, such as through wastewater injection, mining, reservoirs and other activities, but the vast majority are natural. Other natural disasters, like volcanic eruptions, tornadoes and hurricanes, are natural phenomena that have existed for thousands, probably millions, of years. Floods, droughts and wildfires also occurred long before industrial civilization. So, it’s not completely accurate to say humanity has caused the Earth to become geologically unstable. What’s more, humans are changing the environment in which these disasters occur. This is where human irresponsibility has become extremely important. The scientific evidence is particularly strong regarding heat, heavy rainfall, drought, wildfire conditions and some aspects of hurricanes. Human-caused global warming has changed weather extremes worldwide. Heat waves have become more frequent and intense, and human influence has contributed to heavier precipitation and certain droughts, wildfire conditions and tropical cyclone characteristics. Warmer air holds more moisture, so when a storm develops, there can be more water available to fall as extremely heavy rain. Scientists estimate atmospheric moisture capacity increases by roughly 7% for every 1 degree Celsius of warming. This doesn’t mean global warming causes a hurricane, but it can mean human-caused warming can result in more extreme storms and floods. Earth has experienced periods vastly more extreme than today’s climate. There have been ice ages, enormous volcanic eruptions, massive droughts, catastrophic floods and climate changes that dwarfed anything people today have experienced. What’s unusual is the speed and breadth of the changes occurring during the period of human civilization. The scale of recent changes in the climate system is unprecedented over many centuries to many thousands of years. Another important factor is the vast global population. There are some 8 billion people,
enormous cities along coastlines and rivers, billions of dollars of infrastructure, and instant worldwide communications. A hurricane that would once have affected a relatively small population with little publicity now becomes an international news event within minutes. What is seriously concerning in today’s world is the combination of natural disasters and other factors, such as intense heat leading to prolonged drought; dry vegetation contributing to wildfires; warmer oceans contributing to heavier rainfall, hurricanes, dangerous storm surge and devastating flooding; and drought leading to crop failure and water shortages. Human influence has increased the probability of certain compound extremes, including simultaneous heat waves and droughts, which are more concerning than the number of hurricanes or earthquakes. Humans must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as there is sound scientific evidence that every fraction of additional warming increases future climate risks. This means creating more solar and wind energy, improving electrical grids, making buildings more efficient, developing cleaner transportation and eventually implementing much more effective carbon removal. But even if humanity stopped all emissions tomorrow, the climate would not instantly return to its previous state. There’s a great need for countries to focus on stronger flood defenses, better drainage, stronger buildings, hurricane-resistant infrastructure, reliable early-warning systems, droughtresistant agriculture, better water management and protection against extreme heat. This is particularly important in places like Florida and the Caribbean. Humans must stop building recklessly in vulnerable places. This may save lives faster than some climate policies. To continue
building communities on floodplains, earthquake faults, vulnerable coastlines and wildfire-prone land is to plan for future disasters. A natural phenomenon becomes catastrophic largely because vulnerable people and infrastructure are placed in its path. Ironically, nature is an enormous protective system. Forests absorb carbon and help regulate water. Wetlands absorb floodwater. Healthy soils retain moisture. Mangroves reduce coastal flooding and storm damage. Destroying those systems while simultaneously warming the planet removes natural safety mechanisms while humans keep increasing the danger. Humans today have a responsibility to understand the consequences of their actions and protect coming generations. People must stop ignoring potential risks that can have disastrous consequences for entire communities. Contrary to what some people think, Earth hasn’t suddenly become naturally hostile to humanity, and no human knows the time of the prophetic “end times.” Earth remains the same. But humanity has altered the conditions under which many natural climatic processes operate and has simultaneously put millions of people and enormous amounts of infrastructure directly in harm’s way. That combination is what makes today’s climatic situation so serious. The needed response shouldn’t be despair. Humans are extraordinarily capable of adapting when they recognize a problem early enough. Many of the things that can make Earth substantially safer are already known. The problem is getting governments, businesses and ordinary people to act collectively and consistently. Humans cannot make Earth perfectly safe, but they can make it more resilient to Earth’s disasters.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Sepsis: The warning signs you should never ignore What are the warning signs?
An infection that begins in the lungs, urinary tract, skin or even the gastrointestinal tract can sometimes trigger a far more dangerous medical emergency: sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection sets off a chain reaction that can damage its own tissues and organs. Without rapid treatment, the condition can progress to organ failure, septic shock and death. This September, during Sepsis Awareness Month, health advocates are urging people to learn the warning signs of a condition that remains a major cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that sepsis affects about 49 million people and is associated with approximately 11 million deaths globally each year — about 20% of deaths worldwide. Nearly half of estimated cases occur among children younger than 5. In the United States, at least 1.7 million adults develop sepsis annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 350,000 adults who develop the condition die during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice. Yet sepsis can be difficult to recognize because there is no single symptom that definitively signals the condition.
What causes sepsis? Sepsis begins with an infection. According to the CDC, infections that lead to sepsis most commonly start in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin or urinary tract. Bacterial infections cause most cases, but viral and fungal infections can also result in sepsis. Essentially, the body's attempt to fight an infection becomes harmful itself. The immune response becomes dysregulated, damaging
One of the challenges is that the symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses. A person with sepsis may experience one or several symptoms, and their condition can change quickly. The CDC says warning signs can include: • Fever, shivering or feeling very cold • Confusion or disorientation • Shortness of breath • A high heart rate or weak pulse • Clammy or sweaty skin • Extreme pain or discomfort
tissues and organs rather than simply attacking the infection. The result can be a rapid deterioration in a person's condition. Anyone who has an infection can potentially develop sepsis, but certain people face greater risks. These include adults 65 and older, babies younger than 1, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease and kidney disease. People who have recently experienced a severe illness, undergone surgery or been hospitalized are also at increased risk. Pregnant and postpartum women are among the groups considered more vulnerable.
The WHO also lists rapid breathing, low blood pressure and decreased urine output among possible signs. Sepsis Alliance encourages people to remember the acronym TIME: T for temperature that is higher or lower than normal; I for signs or symptoms of infection; M for mental decline, such as confusion, sleepiness or difficulty waking; and E for feeling extremely ill, including severe pain, discomfort or shortness of breath. The presence of these symptoms, particularly in someone who has or recently had an infection, warrants urgent medical attention.
Why acting quickly matters Sepsis is a medical emergency, much like a heart attack or stroke. Once sepsis develops, a person's condition can deteriorate rapidly. The CDC says health care providers should immediately evaluate and treat people who may have sepsis. Treatment can include antibiotics when appropriate, intravenous fluids and measures to maintain blood flow to vital organs. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue damaged by infection. Early recognition is therefore critical. The CDC advises people with an infection that is
not improving or is getting worse to seek medical attention immediately and ask a health care provider whether the infection could be leading to sepsis.
Can sepsis be prevented? Not every case of sepsis can be prevented, but reducing the risk of infection can lower the chances of developing it. Recommended measures include keeping up to date with appropriate vaccinations, properly managing chronic health conditions, washing hands regularly and keeping cuts and wounds clean and covered until they heal. Recognizing when an infection is getting worse is equally important. Sepsis Alliance, which established September as Sepsis Awareness Month in 2011, is marking the observance's 15th anniversary in 2026. This year's campaign is also emphasizing a straightforward message: preventing infections can help prevent sepsis. Despite the potentially devastating consequences, public understanding of sepsis remains limited. Sepsis Alliance says fewer than 15% of U.S. adults can identify its signs and symptoms. Knowing those signs can make a critical difference. If an infection is getting worse instead of better — particularly if it is accompanied by confusion, difficulty breathing, extreme pain, abnormal temperature, clammy skin or a rapid heart rate — don't wait to see whether it passes. Sepsis can progress quickly, and getting medical care quickly can save a life.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
PCOS is now PMOS Why experts renamed a condition affecting 1 in 8 women For decades, millions of women have known the common hormonal condition as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. But as the world marks awareness month for the condition this September, it has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. The change, announced earlier this year following a global consensus process, is intended to better reflect what scientists now understand about the condition — and eliminate a long-standing misconception embedded in the term “polycystic." PMOS affects an estimated one
in eight women and more than 170 million women of reproductive age worldwide, according to a consensus report published in The Lancet in May. The condition can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, metabolism, skin and hair, as well as longterm physical and psychological health. Despite its prevalence, experts say the old name has contributed to confusion about what the condition actually is.
Why did PCOS become PMOS? One of the biggest problems with "polycystic ovary syndrome" is that women with the condition do not necessarily have ovarian cysts. In fact, the structures commonly seen on the ovaries of some patients are follicles rather than pathological cysts, and their presence is not required in all
Diagnosis can already be challenging because PMOS does not look the same in everyone. Researchers estimate that as many as 70% of affected people may remain undiagnosed.
patients for a diagnosis. The Lancet consensus report said the old name inaccurately implied the presence of ovarian cysts while obscuring the condition's wide-ranging endocrine and metabolic features. Experts said the terminology could contribute to misunderstanding, delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and
stigma. The problem with the name has been recognized for years. A U.S. National Institutes of Health workshop recommended as far back as 2012 that a new name be considered because the existing terminology did not adequately describe the condition. Momentum for a change grew as researchers learned more about its effects beyond the ovaries. PMOS can involve disturbances in insulin, androgens and other hormones and is associated with metabolic issues including dysglycemia, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. It can also cause irregular menstrual cycles, problems with ovulation, infertility, acne, excess facial or body hair and thinning scalp hair. People with the condition can also experience anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life.
What does PMOS mean? T h e n e w n a m e — polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome — was deliberately chosen to reflect the broader nature of the condition. "Polyendocrine" recognizes that multiple hormonal systems are involved, while "metabolic" acknowledges the important metabolic features of the disorder. "Ovarian" retains the connection to ovarian dysfunction without incorrectly suggesting that cysts define the condition. The new terminology emerged from a multistep international consensus process involving 56 leading patient, clinical and academic organizations. Researchers built on 7,708 previous survey responses and conducted two additional global surveys that generated 14,360 responses from 10,411 people living with the condition and 3,949 health professionals. Participants represented regions around the world. Researchers also conducted workshops and considered whether the new terminology would be scientifically accurate, easy to communicate, culturally appropriate and less stigmatizing. Ultimately, "polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome" received consensus support. The name change also seeks to address another misconception: that PMOS is primarily a fertility or gynecological disorder. While problems with ovulation, menstruation and fertility are
important features, researchers increasingly describe PMOS as a multisystem condition with effects that can extend well beyond a woman's reproductive years. That distinction matters because focusing primarily on periods, ovaries and fertility can mean other health risks receive less attention. The consensus report noted that the old terminology had helped reinforce a reproductive focus and failed to adequately capture the condition's endocrine, metabolic, psychological and dermatological features. Diagnosis can already be challenging because PMOS does not look the same in everyone. Some women may seek medical care because of irregular or absent periods, while others first notice persistent acne, excess facial hair, scalp hair thinning or difficulty becoming pregnant. Metabolic problems can also be part of the condition. Researchers estimate that as many as 70% of affected people may remain undiagnosed.
The old name won't disappear overnight Patients may continue seeing both PCOS and PMOS for some time. The international group behind the change has opted for a gradual transition rather than treating PMOS as if it were an entirely new condition. Implementation is expected to take place over three years as health systems, researchers, educational institutions, clinical guidelines and disease-classification systems adopt the new terminology. That means medical records, websites and other health information may still use PCOS during the transition. Importantly, the change in terminology does not mean that people previously diagnosed with PCOS suddenly have a different disease. PMOS is the new name for the same syndrome, based on a more complete understanding of its biology and wide-ranging effects. For experts and advocates behind the change, however, getting the name right is about more than semantics. They hope that moving beyond the misleading focus on "cysts" will help patients and health professionals better recognize the condition, encourage earlier diagnosis and more comprehensive care, and strengthen research and public understanding.
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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA Young Jamaicans gain leadership, career exposure through JN Group Eight young Jamaicans participating in the United States-based Valda Mae Care Foundation’s (VMCF) NextGen Leadership Programme recently gained firsthand exposure to the corporate world during a visit to the JN Group’s offices in Jamaica. Organized in collaboration with the JN Foundation, the visit allowed participants to interact with JN executives and professionals while learning about leadership, career development and the operations of a major Jamaican organization. The young leaders met professionals from several departments and heard how careers can develop through challenges, unexpected opportunities and continued learning. JN Group CEO Earl Jarrett also spoke with the group, encouraging them to embrace opportunities and view leadership as a responsibility rather than simply a position.“I’m just like you; I started in the same place,” Jarrett told the participants.“Being a leader makes you question everything. You need to be willing to challenge everything, test it against the facts and determine whether it is accurate and appropriate as you move forward,” he added. For 12-year-old St. Andrew Technical High School student Kofi Massey, the experience reinforced the importance of persistence.“I learned numerous things, including the importance of consistency and discipline. I also learned that I should keep trying,” Massey said.Cornwall College student Joeldean William said the visit provided valuable exposure to a professional environment.“I learned about the importance of structuring yourself to grow to achieve the career you’re interested in,” he said. Kayla Buckle, 15, of St. Hugh’s High School, said interacting with professionals was particularly valuable for young people still considering their futures.“This was important for us because we are young and still becoming, so having this kind of positive influence is necessary,” she said. VMCF President and Founder Dejoron Campbell said the partnership was intended to show participants what they could achieve by exposing them to successful professionals within their communities.“This opportunity created a space for them to acknowledge how far they can go when they see people who look like them in executive or senior leadership roles,” Campbell said.
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Lauderhill names three finalists for police chief
McDonald
Perez
Rivera
The City of Lauderhill has named three finalists in its search for a new police chief and is inviting residents to meet the candidates during a community forum next week. The finalists — Easton L. McDonald, Richard Perez and Angel D. Rivera — will take part in a two-day selection process Sept. 8 and 9, the city announced Tuesday. The second day will be open to the public and credentialed members of the media. Residents, community leaders and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to meet the candidates during a community breakfast at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Ken Thurston Inverrary Community Center, 3300 Inverrary Blvd. The breakfast will be followed by a moderated forum from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is free and registration is not required. Dr. Cedric Alexander will moderate the forum, with questions collected from community members in advance and several questions taken from the audience.
Attendees will also be able to submit feedback through a community survey, with responses going directly to City Manager Kennie Hobbs Jr. McDonald, a former chief of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police in Pennsylvania, has 28 years of law enforcement experience. His career has also included executive leadership roles with the Alexandria Police Department and Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Perez is a police commander overseeing strategic planning, performance and special projects with the Miami Police Department. A 30-year public safety veteran, he previously served as first assistant chief and second-in-command of the department. Rivera is an assistant chief with the North Miami Police Department, where he has served for more than 26 years. He has spent more than a decade in executive leadership and has also served as interim police chief. “Lauderhill is a community on the rise, and the safety of our residents, businesses,
and visitors is something we work on every single day,” Hobbs said. “A ranking does not tell the full story, our investment in proven technology, our commitment to transparency, and the caliber of the leadership we are recruiting do.” “We are committed to a seamless Police Chief transition that keeps our neighborhoods safe and moves our City forward,” he added. The three finalists were selected following a nationwide search. The position was posted from June 2 to 26, and candidates were interviewed between June 30 and Aug. 24. Hobbs is expected to select a finalist by Sept. 14 after the two-day selection process and a review of community feedback. The selected candidate will then undergo a comprehensive background investigation. The city expects the incoming chief to serve alongside current Police Chief Constance Stanley for a transition period before Stanley retires in November.
Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero elected president of statewide association Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero has been elected president of the Florida Association of County Managers for the 2026-2027 term. Cepero’s election was made official during the association’s recent annual meeting in Orlando. The Florida Association of County Managers, or FACM, is a professional organization that brings together county administrators from across Florida to promote collaboration, education and the exchange of best practices in local government. The organization serves leaders from all 67 Florida counties. Broward County Mayor Mark D. Bogen congratulated Cepero on the appointment, saying her election reflects the respect she has earned across the state during her career in government. “On behalf of the County Commission, I congratulate Monica Cepero on her well-
Music Is Life from A1
Lisa Hart and her cousin Benji' – guitarist of the Ruff Kut Crew: Anthony Turner photo As Benji tells it, Lisa had a brain tumor and needed brain surgery twice. "She actually lost her vision from those surgeries," Benji shared. Worse, "the surgery left her in a coma," and by his account, doctors weren't sure whether she'd come out of it at all. "She was on machines, on a drip...her life hanging in the balance," he said. Benji recalls that it was Lisa's daughter who told hospital staff that her mother was a huge fan of Beres Hammond. "She would play Beres' music in the house every day," Benji recalled. The staff put Beres' music into the room's system, and from then on, he says, Beres was "on repeat" for her, day after day. Then, Benji says, "When she woke up she heard the music but she couldn't speak." The coma and the surgeries had taken her voice along with her sight, and by his telling,
Lisa Hart and her cousin Benji' – guitarist of the Ruff Kut Crew: Anthony Turner photo
"She had to learn to speak all over again." It was that same music, he says, that helped her start forming words again, humming and singing the songs until language came back to her. "Her brain is back," he says simply. Her sight is the only thing that never returned.
deserved election as President of the Florida Association of County Managers,” Bogen said. “This election is a testament to the statewide respect she has earned throughout her career, and I know her executive vision and collaborative spirit will serve the state well during her tenure.”
Cepero said she was honored to take on the leadership role. “I am deeply honored to step into the role of President and lead this dedicated team with integrity, authenticity, and a steadfast commitment to serving all Florida residents and visitors,” she said. “The camaraderie within FACM gives me ultimate confidence that, together, we can transform today's challenges into lasting opportunities that strengthen the resilience and vibrancy of our communities.” Cepero has more than 35 years of experience in state and local government management. As Broward County administrator, she serves as the county’s chief executive officer and oversees an annual budget of $8.8 billion. Broward County has more than 2 million residents and a workforce of nearly 7,000 employees across more than 65 agencies.
Benji explains that he didn't actually learn Lisa's full story until about eight months ago — he'd been traveling with the Ruff Kut band when it all happened and only heard about the surgery afterward. When he found out, he told Lisa that he and Beres were friends and went back more than 35 years. She started crying on the spot, he recalls. Not long after that conversation, Beres had a show in New York, and Lisa left the house to go see it. But by Benji's account, she never got the chance to actually meet him that night. So when Beres booked a show at the Prudential Center in her own city of Newark, New Jersey, Benji says she was "on top of the world." He'd already told Beres the story himself. "I told Beres about this maybe 5 or 6 months ago," he shared, so the two of them knew what this moment meant before it happened. As Benji describes it, he ducked backstage right before Beres came out of his dressing room to tell him she was there, waiting in a chair to meet him. And then it happened. "When I said, 'Lisa, Beres is touching you,' her whole expression just lightened up and changed like the sun just came out in the morning. And that means the world to her," he
said. To hear Benji explain it, this wasn't a simple meet-and-greet. It was, in his words, a piece of her life story — "that's why she's alive right now, because of him," he said candidly. "Her surgery happened 4 years ago but she's adjusting all this time" he explained. Adjusting to blindness after a lifetime of sight "beat her up pretty bad," he confessed, and by his account, she's still fighting parts of that loss even now. Being able to reach out and, in her own way, touch Beres's face was something she'd wanted for a long time. Benji adds a bit more color to who Lisa is. She grew up mostly in the U.S., in New Jersey, though her family hails from Vineyard Town, Jamaica, and she's kept her accent, he explained. Before the surgery, he says, she used to travel back to Jamaica every couple of years to visit family, friends and the property they still hold there — trips that have become far harder for her to make since. At the end of the night, what stayed with Benji most was simple: This was never just something Lisa wanted. It was something she needed — because, in a very real way, by his own telling, Beres Hammond's music is the reason she's still here to want it at all.
Cepero
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 –
B3
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
BSO highlights threat management efforts to bolster school safety The Broward Sheriff’s Office is highlighting its countywide approach to school safety, including the use of nearly 30,000 cameras and specialized teams to identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate. In a September statement, Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said BSO’s Threat Management Division reviews and investigates reports involving possible threats or concerning behavior and coordinates responses aimed at keeping schools across Broward County safe. Reports can range from alarming social media posts by students to concerns raised by parents, teachers or other members of the community. A key part of the effort is BSO’s Real Time Crime Center, or RTCC, which allows investigators to monitor incidents across the county as they unfold. According to BSO, the center has access to live video feeds from nearly 30,000 cameras, including cameras in all Broward County Public Schools. Investigators can use the system to monitor calls for service, track active
threats and relay information to first responders at the scene. The RTCC also plays a role in receiving and evaluating reports involving school safety. BSO said more than 400 school safety-related tips were submitted through its reporting systems and evaluated by the center during the last fiscal year. Each tip is reviewed for potential concerns, allowing investigators to gather additional intelligence and determine whether further action is necessary. When a potential threat is identified, BSO’s Threat Management Unit and Behavioral Health Licensed Therapists work together to address both law enforcement and behavioral health concerns. Threat Management Unit detectives conduct criminal investigations, gather intelligence, evaluate information and take law enforcement action when warranted. BSO said the unit investigates every tip it receives in an effort to identify credible threats while ensuring potential warning signs are not overlooked.
Tony
Behavioral health therapists, meanwhile, assess behavioral health needs and risk factors and help connect individuals with mental health services, treatment providers and other community resources. BSO said its behavioral health therapists
received more than 360 student referrals last year, with 36% of those students accepting services. According to the agency, connecting students with services can help address problems early and reduce the potential for future public safety risks. The Threat Management Division's various investigative units are intended to provide a coordinated response from the time an initial concern is reported through any subsequent investigation or intervention. Tony also urged students, parents, school employees and other members of the public to report potential threats or suspicious activity. “It’s important to remember, if you see something concerning, say something,” the sheriff said. “Whether it’s a potential threat or suspicious activity, your report can give us the opportunity to act before a situation escalates.” Suspicious activity can be reported through BSO’s non-emergency line at 954764-HELP (4357) or through the SaferWatch app. BSO advised residents to call 911 in an emergency.
Stolen Cards from A1
One victim’s card was allegedly used the previous Tuesday and Wednesday for transactions totaling nearly $3,300 at a RIU resort in Montego Bay. Authorities said the transactions appeared to have been made online. Three $1 transactions were then made in person at the resort on Friday, according to investigators, who said they appeared to be test transactions using contactless and chip readers. Another victim’s card was allegedly used for more than $1,000 in transactions in or near Kingston.
Investigators said a search of Petit-Phare’s cellphone uncovered photographs of multiple allegedly fraudulent driver’s licenses bearing his photograph but containing other people’s biographical information, including dates of birth and driver’s license numbers. Authorities also allegedly found photographs of credit cards in other people’s names and images of checks, including high-value U.S. Department of the Treasury checks, made payable to other individuals. The complaint states that Petit-Phare became combative as officers attempted to escort him to a holding cell and had to be restrained by several officers before being placed in handcuffs and leg restraints. Petit-Phare faces a federal aggravated identity theft charge, which carries a mandatory two-year prison term upon conviction under federal law. He was scheduled to make an appearance in federal court in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday. Records also showed that he was being held at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
ADVERTORIAL
Medical Cannabis Reclassification Raises Concerns Over Drug Testing The reclassification of medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III has raised concerns about how the change could affect safety-sensitive jobs and workplace drug policies.
Cannabis can contain varying levels of THC, which may impair motor skills and judgment. Hamilton encourages employers to “shift their thinking from how do we handle marijuana to how do we keep our workplace safe?”
Drug testing experts Angela Garrison, chief operating officer of Tomo Drug Testing, and Shana Hamilton, vice president of client advocacy, warn that the shift could create unintended risks for employers, employees and the public. Garrison believes the new classification could create confusion around Department of Transportation (DOT) testing requirements for workers such as pilots, railroad employees, truck drivers and school bus operators. “There needs to be a safety carve-out,” she says, emphasizing that safety-sensitive occupations should continue testing for cannabis regardless of its classification or whether use is medical or recreational. Garrison and Hamilton agree employers should determine testing policies based on whether a position requires constant alertness to perform safely. Cannabis can contain varying levels of THC, which may impair motor skills and judgment. Hamilton encourages employers to “shift their thinking from how do we handle marijuana to how do we keep our workplace safe?” She recommends policies that reflect different job responsibilities, noting that an office worker may require different rules than someone who drives, operates heavy equipment, cares for patients or works with the public. Employers should clearly communicate policies, consistently enforce them, train supervisors to recognize impairment and provide employee assistance programs. Garrison also notes that employees may seek
Garrison
accommodations for medical cannabis under the Americans with Disabilities Act, although employers are not required to compromise workplace safety. Employees who use cannabis off the job may also test positive because THC can remain detectable after impairment has ended. Both experts recommend employers work with a medical review officer (MRO), who can determine whether a positive test has a legitimate medical explanation. Hamilton also encourages recovery-friendly and secondchance hiring strategies rather than eliminating marijuana testing simply to expand the talent pool. Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University. Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIJuly2026 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring drug testing experts Angela Garrison and Shana Hamilton discuss “A New Era of Drug Testing Practices.”
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 –
B5
ENTERTAINMENT
Ky-Mani Marley returns with first studio album in more than a decade Jamaican reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley has released “Love and Energy,” his first studio album in more than a decade, featuring collaborations with several prominent names in reggae. Released Aug. 28 through Marley’s Konfrontation Muzik label in partnership with New York-based DubShot Records, the project features 14 songs and two spoken-word reflections. Sizzla, Gyptian, Anthony B, Agent Sasco, Bugle, Andrew Tosh, Lutan Fyah and Iba Mahr are among the Jamaican artists featured on the album. “Love and Energy” explores relationships, struggle, personal growth, spirituality and social issues while remaining rooted in reggae. Marley, the son of reggae icon Bob Marley, served as a co-producer on all but one of the tracks. “The title Love and Energy for me represents the idea that what we give to the world matters,” Marley said. “The album carries a message of love, resilience, hope, and positive energy, even through difficult times.”
Ky-Mani Marley
The album opens with the previously released “New Creature,” which reached No. 1 on Jamaican charts, followed by the title track featuring Lutan Fyah and Iba Mahr. The music video for “Love and Energy” has amassed nearly 2 million views since its release last year. Other tracks include “Miss Electric,” “All This Love” and the Afrobeats-influenced “City Views,” while Marley teams up with Gyptian on “Love Is Key.” One of the album’s more personal songs, “A Little Bit (I’m Okay),” was written by Marley, his daughter Imani Marley and longtime collaborator Shaquel Leon. The song reflects on mistakes, uncertainty, resilience and acceptance and became a crowd favorite during the European leg of Marley’s recent Love and Energy summer tour. A live video was filmed during his performance at the Toulouse Rio Loco Festival in France in June. The track was produced by Marley, Anthony Smith and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown and features a classic one-drop reggae rhythm
alongside pedal steel guitar by Tal Morris. Marley shifts to an acoustic sound on “Breathe You In,” which he describes as an “intimate love song,” while “Love TKO” offers his reggae interpretation of the R&B classic made famous by Teddy Pendergrass. “I’m a big Teddy Pendergrass fan, and this is actually one of my favorite songs, so I think, ‘why not not cover one of your favorite songs,’” Marley said. Social commentary also features prominently on the album. “Poor Man’s Cry” examines desperation driven by poverty, while “One Family,” featuring Bugle, focuses on unity and reflects a message Marley said was championed by his father. “No matter your color or your religion, we’re all one. We’re all God’s children. We’re all one family under the sun,” Marley said. The album also includes two spoken-word “Reflections” exploring Marley’s thoughts on music and social justice. “Love and Energy” marks Marley’s eighth solo studio album.
Vybz Kartel signs Shenequa as first female artist on GreedyLion label Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has signed rising singer and songwriter Shenequa as the first female artist to join his GreedyLion/Vybz Kartel Muzik label. The move marks a major milestone for Shenequa as she seeks to expand her presence in the Dancehall industry, with Kartel already hinting that collaborations between the two are in the works. “Shenequa is entering a new chapter. With the backing, visibility and creative energy, the team and I will be taking her career to another level, so stay tuned,” Kartel said in a release. Kartel also confirmed that Shenequa is officially signed to the label and said collaborations are being planned. Shenequa is currently promoting her latest single, My Show, which is accompanied by a new music video highlighting her sound and personality. “It’s an amazing feeling to be signed by one of the world’s greats. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity, and it’s only up from here,” she said. The singer describes music as a form of self-expression and said her approach to creating is centered on producing the best work possible. “Music, to me, is expressing how you feel on a beat. It’s never wrong or right. It’s an art, so just create your masterpiece and do it beautifully,” Shenequa said. Her growing catalog includes My Show and Emotionally Scarred, and she says she hopes to use her career to challenge perceptions about the level of success female Reggae and Dancehall artists can achieve. “I aim to change the perception that female Reggae/Dancehall artistes are limited to a certain level of success in the music industry. And if there was ever any truth to that perception, we will change it. With God, all things are possible,” she said. Shenequa said her work ethic is guided by a quote she learned in high school: “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.” She said she applies that principle to her career, aiming to improve with every song she writes and records. With Kartel’s backing and potential collaborations on the horizon, Shenequa is now looking to reach a wider audience as she begins the next stage of her career.
B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 –
B7
SPORTS
Bravo’s No. 47 goes into the rafters as TKR immortalizes a legend No player will wear No. 47 for the Trinbago Knight Riders again. The franchise has permanently retired the number worn by Dwayne Bravo, making the former captain and five-time Caribbean Premier League champion the first player in CPL history to receive the honor. The announcement came before TKR’s CPL 2026 clash with the Jamaica Kingsmen in Port of Spain on Saturday night, celebrating one of the tournament’s most decorated careers.“Dwayne Bravo's contribution to the Knight Riders and to the CPL is impossible to measure,” Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said.“Retiring No. 47 is our way of ensuring that his legacy will forever be a part of this franchise.”Bravo won five CPL championships as a player between 2015 and 2025, including titles in 2017 and 2018 as TKR captain. He also captained the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to the 2021 CPL championship. Now serving as TKR head coach, Bravo remains closely involved with the franchise he helped establish as a championship powerhouse. The former all-rounder played 107 CPL matches and claimed 129 wickets at an economy
rate of 8.74. Despite last playing in 2024, he remains among the tournament’s leading wickettakers.Current TKR captain Nicholas Pooran praised Bravo’s influence beyond cricket.“Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model,” Pooran said. “Thank you for being a bigger brother. Thank you for being a father figure at times for us.”Sunil Narine also hailed Bravo’s competitive spirit and influence on younger players.“You have paved the way for a lot of young cricketers,” Narine said, highlighting Bravo’s energy and constant desire to win. Kieron Pollard, who captained TKR to the 2020 championship, said Bravo also helped create a culture where winning and enjoyment went hand in hand. From the Red Steel years to the dominant Knight Riders era, Bravo has been central to the franchise’s identity as captain, teammate, mentor and now coach. No. 47 now belongs to Dwayne Bravo permanently — a symbol of an era, a championship legacy and an impact on Caribbean cricket that extends far beyond statistics.
Dwayne Bravo show his retired No. 47 jersey
Jamaica books Tottori, sets sights on Beijing 2027 glory Jamaica has secured Tottori Prefecture in Japan as its pre-championship training base ahead of the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. The agreement, signed Monday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, allows the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to begin organizing travel, accommodation, training and other logistics well in advance.“The earlier the better because we are able to book enough tickets,” JAAA President Garth Gayle said. “We can also have the coaches be aware of the plans leading into Beijing 2027.” Gayle said the goal is to provide athletes with the best possible preparation while
Gayle
allowing them to acclimatize before travelling to China. Jamaica’s relationship with Tottori dates back to 2007 and has developed into a longstanding partnership involving athletics, cultural exchange and community engagement.“Our relationship with Tottori has not been merely about the facilities of the training camp. It’s mainly about people,” Gayle said. Jamaica also used Tottori as its training base ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where Oblique Seville went on to win gold. Sports Minister Olivia Grange said the partnership has grown far beyond sport.“What began in 2007 in the wake of the World
Athletics Championships in Osaka has evolved into more than a training arrangement,” Grange said. “It has become a lasting friendship between Jamaica and Tottori.” The relationship has also included community activities and sporting exchanges, including Jamaican Olympian Christine Day serving as a sports exchange advisor in Tottori. With the agreement now secured, Jamaica will return to a familiar environment as it prepares for Beijing 2027.Tottori will serve as the launchpad. Beijing will provide the stage.
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B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM ADVERTISEMENT