Caribbean National Weekly January 12, 2023

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THURSDAY JANUARY 12, 2023

A DREAM UNFILLED But there's still hope

It's a sense of pride for the African American community that one of the first holidays in 2023 commemorates the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, on January 16. continues on A6

Miramar police to hold guns for funds buyback program The Miramar Police Department will hold another Guns for Funds buyback drive after a successful haul of nearly 200 guns voluntarily turned in in 2021. The event will be held Saturday, January 14, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church located at 2000 South State Road 7, Miramar, FL 33023.

The goal of the Guns for Funds buyback program is to get more firearms off the

streets. It is 100 percent anonymous and allows for individuals to safely dispose of their guns and receive gift cards of up to $100 for each handgun surrendered; up to $150 for each semi-automatic rifle or shotgun and up to $200 for each rifle.

All guns brought to the event must be unloaded and placed in the trunk of a vehicle.

There is no limit to the number of guns dropped off and no identification is necessary. Free gunlocks will also be provided at the event.

“Anything we can do to remove unwanted guns that could get into the wrong hands is what we will continually strive for”

stated Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis who launched The Guns for Funds buyback program. “After overspending during the holiday, January is an opportune time for residents to turn in their unwanted guns for funds.”

The Guns for Funds buyback is in partnership with the Broward Sheriff's Office, Broward League of Women's Voters, and Crime Stoppers.

To learn more about the Guns for Funds buyback program, please call 954602-4000 or visit www.MiramarPD.org/gunsforfunds.

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

Trinidad nominates President of the Senate for head of state position A3

Bank of Jamaica says over J$200B circulated in December A4

The Signicance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Trinidad Carnival is around the corner! Here's how to prepare C1

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A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE 2 USMNT and World Cup (2023) soccer professional, Shaq Moore (center) with Lauderhill Commissioner Denise D. Grant and Coach Milton Baker at the Lauderhill Sports Park. Moore was presented with a proclama on and addressed the teams. – Contributed

Nursing graduate Kayla Croney (center in white) was all smiles on gradua on day recently at Palm Beach State College. (L-R) O s (Dad), Diana (grandmother), Donna (mother), O s Jr, and Nikki Croney. – Contributed

All siblings: In Black (L-R) David, Sherrie, Bobby , Suzze e, and Cheryl celebrate with sister Andrea in white at her birthday party recently in Broward. – Contributed

FamilyTing Toy Drive provided toys for a 195 children.

Their first stop was Oriole Elementary in the City of Lauderdale Lakes. (From le ) Ms. Britney (Interim Counselor), Jackie Conliffe (Founder & CEO of FamilyTing), Vice Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes Karlene Maxwell-Williams, Ms. Blue (Principal), Ms. Ivy (Counselor), & Ms. Williams (Teacher). – Contributed

City of Lauderhill celebrates, Economic Development Coordinator, Amani Mangol on recently gradua ng from FIU with a degree in Public Policy and Service. – Contributed

Nursing graduate Kayla Croney was all smiles on gradua on day recently at Palm Beach State College. – Contributed

Happy New Year: Friends having a blast on New Years Day in Davie recently. (Front L-R) Marcia, Sandra, Judith and Sharon (Back L-R) Dougie, Harry D, Georgia and Mikey – Contributed

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

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NEWSMAKER

Trinidad nominates President of the Senate for head of state position Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Friday named the President of the Senate, Christine Kangaloo as the government's nominee to replace Paula Mae Weekes as the seventh head of state of Trinidad and Tobago.

The announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Rowley and Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar, who later told reporters that she shared her concerns regarding “an active politician holding the post” and that she “strongly objects” to the nomination”.

Persad Bissessar, 70, who since 1995, has been the member of parliament for Siparia, serving as attorney general, minister of legal affairs and minister of education between 1995 and 2001, was a member of the Basdeo Panday government when the late A.N.R. Robinson, an active politician, was elected as the third president of Trinidad and Tobago, serving from March 19, 1997, to March 17, 2003.

Prime Minister Rowley, speaking at a news conference, told reporters that the meeting between the government and opposition delegations “was very cordial” and “we both agreed among ourselves that it would be best if we are able to have consensus, but we are not unmindful of the fact that it is possible we may not have consensus.

“But the meeting went very well. The Opposition was asked whether they had a nominee that they would like to put forward for consideration by our team, name, or names…the Opposition team indicated to us they met and looked over the situation and there is not a name they would want to advance.”

Rowley said the government indicated it was still prepared to have a joint nominee and was allocating five of the 12 spots for parliamentarians to support the

nomination of a new president until the deadline on Monday.

“If we can go to the Parliament with some semblance or element of consensus, if on the other hand that is not to be had, then the government will have no choice but to fill out all 12 slots,” Rowley said, adding “but we would really be happy and I think the country would be better off if a qualified person as Senator Christine Kangaloo is our nominee going forward and we as parliamentarians can agree …that being a member of parliament does not disqualify you or anybody from holding the office”.

The election for a new president is scheduled to be held January 20.

Kangaloo, an attorney, is the only person to serve as both president and vice president of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago, the first woman to serve as Senate vice president and third woman to serve as acting president of Trinidad and Tobago and Senate president.

Kangaloo

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Bank of Jamaica says over J$200B circulated in December 2022 The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) says in December 2022, the overall amount of currency in circulation totaled J$238.8 billion (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents), representing an annual nominal growth of three percent, compared to 19.1 percent at the end of December 2021.

A BOJ communiqué on Friday indicated that when the estimated change in the general level of consumer prices for 2022 is considered, “the currency stock, in real terms, is estimated to have declined for the year by seven percent, compared to real growth of 11 percent for 2021.”

The central bank also advised that currency in circulation during the last ten working days of 2022, between December 19 and 30, rose by

Richard Byles, Governor of Bank of Jamaica

$13.7 billion.

This spurred an overall $27.7 billion or 13.4 percent growth in the figure for the entire month, compared to the outturn for November 2022.

The BOJ pointed out that the figure was also higher than its $21.5 billion or 10.4 percent month-over-month projection for December, and greater than the 11 percent growth recorded for the same period in 2021.

Increases during this period are usually linked to heightened commercial activities and correlating expenditures associated with Christmas.

The BOJ said it is anticipated that most of the currency issued during December 2022 will be redeemed in January 2023.

“For the last five years, net currency redemption in January averaged 76.5 percent of the net currency issued in the preceding month,” the bank added.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Cabinet approves grants for unsponsored Steelbands for Carnival Trinidad and Tobago's Cabinet has approved specific financial measures to assist the Steelband movement for Carnival 2023 and the Panorama competition for 2023.

Following a recent meeting, Cabinet agreed to pay grants of unsponsored steelbands for Carnival 2023; and also make a payment of TT$500.00 remittance (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) to each steelpan player for Panorama 2023.

In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism,

Culture, and the Arts said the measures are For Carnival 2023, Cabinet has approved being taken in recognition of the significant role grants payable in the sum of TT$15- thousand steelbands and the steelband movement play in in support of conventional bands and $7,500 in the cultural and social fabric and development support of single pan bands. in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the financial These grants will be made available to a difficulties faced by individuals and total of 153 steelbands: 94 conventional bands organization in the Steelpan movement as a and 59 single pan bands. consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the ministry, Panorama is a “In recent years, the government has fundamental part of the national Carnival traditionally provided financial support to celebrations and “is a significant ingredient into facilitate the participation of unsponsored our Carnival product.” steelbands in national Carnival celebrations.

“Given the socio-economic climate, it would The allocation of these funds is utilized for Burt prove beneficial to communities to have their essential preparatory activities such as members, especially their youth, associated transportation, the blending, chroming, and with disciplined and structured environment of repairing instruments,” the statement noted. the steelband pan yards.”

In this regard, Cabinet has approved a remittance of $500.00 per steelpan player for Panorama 2023. This measure will benefit an estimated maximum of 6,283 players to assist in funding out-of-pocket expenses as they travel to and from the pan yards.

“These measures are aimed at taking advantage of the opportunities for human and social development, as well as engendering community pride and ownership that are available through greater participation in the steelband movement and the structure and discipline it provides at its pan yards during the Carnival season and throughout the year,” the Ministry noted.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

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CARIBBEAN

CARICOM condemns storming of Congress and Supreme Court in Brazil The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has “strongly” condemned “the violent invasion of government buildings that occurred in Brazil on Sunday as it reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to punish supporters of the country's ex-leader, Jair Bolsonaro after they stormed Congress, the Supreme Court, and surrounded the presidential palace on Sunday.

Lula said there was “no precedent in the history of our country” for the scenes in Brasilia and called the violence the “acts of vandals and fascists.”

Police regained control of the buildings in the capital on Sunday evening after hours of clashes over 300 people have been arrested.

The city's governor, Ibaneis Rocha, has been removed from his post for 90 days by the Supreme Court.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes accused him of failing to prevent the riot and of being “painfully silent” in the face of the attack. Mr. Rocha has apologized for Sunday's events.

In a statement late Sunday, CARICOM described those who invaded the buildings as “a misguided mob refusing to accept the results of

Burt

free and fair democratic elections.

“Those involved should be held to account.

We welcome the quick restoration of order.

CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” the regional integration grouping said in its brief statement.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister

Gaston Browne, who is facing a general election on January 18, also condemned the invasion saying “Mr. Bolsonaro lost the presidential election, found to be free and fair by observers from international organizations, including the Organization of American States (OAS), and the will of the electorate must be fully respected.

“These attacks on institutions of

government by groups, seeking to overturn the results are assaults on democracy, which will not be tolerated by the governments and peoples of the hemisphere.

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda stands in support of democratically-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his government, and we will make this position clear to the OAS and the United Nations in the coming days,” Prime Minister Browne added.

Lula who toured the city to see the damage for himself has ordered the closure of the center of the capital – including the main avenue where governmental buildings are – for 24 hours.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino said some 40 buses which had been used to transport protesters to the capital had been seized and he called the invasion an “absurd attempt to impose [the protesters'] will by force”.

Pro-democracy rallies are being called by leftist leaders and groups across Brazil.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly refused to accept that he lost October's election and last week left the country instead of taking part in inaugural ceremonies, which would have seen him hand over the iconic presidential sash.

BVI Premier dismisses rumors of early general election Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio Wheatley has dismissed rumors that his administration could be moving toward holding an early general election.

General elections are constitutionally due by mid-May, but it has been widely slugged that polls could be held as early as March.

With the House of Assembly (HOA) prorogued weeks ago to end the Fourth Session of the HOA, questions have been raised as to why the HOA was not dissolved instead to facilitate the holding of an election.

But Wheatley addressed those concerns

Wheatley

when questioned by reporters during a recent press conference.

“The first meeting of the House of Assembly in 2019 was in March, I think March 12, so the House has to dissolve by March 12,” said Premier Wheatley whose reference to 2019 highlighted the last general election.

“We are not going to have early elections.”

Premier Wheatley further explained that in the framework agreement for the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations, his government committed to completing a full four-year term.

The premier also confirmed that he intends to lead his Virgin Islands Party into the election as head of the slate.

“My deepest appreciation and love I express to all. May God forever bless our Virgin Islands and the people of the Virgin Islands as our best days are yet ahead,” the former Premier stated.

The resignation was submitted just weeks ahead of his next court appearance in the United States that is scheduled to take place in a Florida court on January 9, 2023.

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

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To some, mainly younger generation millennials, the historical milestone and impact of Rev. King's birthday and his life achievements may not resonate so much as to those who were around when he fearlessly stood up to the establishment in the 1950s and 1960s embarking on his dream of securing equal rights and justice among America's diverse races. As his birthday is again commemorated Rev. King may best be remembered for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for jobs and freedom in 1963.

The visionary leader's speech at the height of the civil rights movement highlighting his vision for racial equality in America inspired millions from all races.

It's ironic after all the optimism the speech created then, and the resulting success King realized in the passage of the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Act in 1965, King's dream of a racially united nation is still relatively elusive.

Perhaps, if Rev. King was around today he would believe he failed in his ambitions for an America where the races live and work together in harmony.

When he made the memorable speech, the racial divide in America was very stark, especially in the southern states, including Florida. African Americans struggled to be recognized; to have access to hotels, restaurants and movie theaters; and attend schools or colleges which previously accepted only white students.

Believing in the creed stated in the American constitution that “All men are born equal” it was King's quest that these words be lived, and real racial and economic freedom and equality be achieved in America.

Sixty-years later it would be disingenuous to say black people in America haven't made significant social and economic progress. There are more liberties blacks currently enjoy that could even be contemplated in1963. But there are still too many overt and covert forces that continue to keep black and white races apart.

Moreover, undoubtedly, the gulf between some white and black communities has widened.

from A1

On reflection, Black America misread the significance of Barak Obama's election in 2008 as America's first Black president. Most Blacks, in their elation, saw this as a manifestation of King's dream with a coalition of races electing a Black man.

However, this historical election unveiled the camouflage covering racism in America, exposing the sad truth that a large percentage of Americans were aggressively opposed to racial equality. Especially, it disclosed the majority of the white Americans resisted a president who emerged from a once ostracized minority race.

Since Obama's election, more evidence of America's deep racism was revealed. This ranged from disrespect for him as president; attempts to block the registration of Black voters and obstacles placed before those with the right to vote; the spread of low-income Black communities characterized by inadequate housing and high employment; the deterioration in the criminal justice system reflected in continued imbalance between the incarceration of Black youth compared to white youth; and, and most disconcerting, the decline in the relationships between some white law enforcement officers and Black residents in several communities.

Sadly, instead of focusing on building bridges to improve the relationship between the races, some politicians today target support from Black voters solely for political gain. However, by doing this, these politicians may not be even aware they have increased the power of Black voters.

It's a fact that in several voting districts in America, and definitely in the presidential election, candidates will be unlikely to succeed in their election bid without the support of the Black vote. In South Florida Black voters, mostly concentrated in Broward and Palm Beach counties, are one of the most important voting blocs nationally.

As candidates compete for the Black vote, it's a perfect opportunity for these voters to ensure the issues that are crucial to their economic and social wellbeing are the focus of the candidates, and election promises are not used just to bribe their votes.

This is why it's important Blacks must continue to register to vote and vote heavily in future elections. The Black vote is more than a means of electing officials who Blacks believe will support them. It's definitely a potential path to racial equality.

The voting rights Dr. King succeeded in obtaining in1965 could be the real link to the racial equality he envisioned in 1963. The more influential the Black vote becomes is the more elected officials should begin focusing on meeting demands from the Black community, ensuring the policies that are implemented are more equitable across the races.

Rev. King's dream for racial equality has not been fulfilled yet. But there's hope as more American Blacks ascend to higher positions of leadership, and the Black vote grows in importance the dream will be realized sooner than later.

2780 N. University Drive Sunrise, FL 33323 954.861.7272

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Haiti

Violence Against Journalists

Haiti Senate President Haiti and Mexico accounted for nearly 30 Joseph cases of journalists being murdered last year Lambert injured in attack The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) says 2022 was the most violent year against journalism in the Western Hemisphere with Mexico and Haiti accounting for at least 29 deaths within the media industry.

The latest killing in Haiti occurred on December 18 when Francklin Tamar, 38, was shot while traveling on a motorcycle, according to local media.

The journalist died on his way to the hospital and the attack near his home in the Carrefour-Feuilles sector in downtown Port-auPrince, was the ninth related murder of journalists in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

IAPA in condemning the murder reiterated a recent call made by seven organizations for governments to combat violence against journalists.

The other journalists murdered this year in Haiti are Fritz Dorilas, killed November 5; Romelo Vilsaint, October 30; Tess Garry, October 24; Frantzsen Charles and Tayson Lartigue, September 11; Maxihen Lazarre, February 23; Wilguens Louissaint and Amady

John Wesley, January 6.

“2022 has the negative connotation of being the most violent year against journalism in the Western Hemisphere of which we have

any record,” said the chairman of the IAPA's Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, Carlos Jornet.

IAPA president, Michael Greenspon said the killings in Haiti, “again demonstrate the risks of violence against communicators, victims of aggressions and abuses by gangs, demonstrators, and the police.”

He has called on the authorities to “investigate with a sense of urgency and responsibility” the nine cases.

At least 16 journalists have been killed in Mexico in 2022, the highest number the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has ever documented in the country in a single year.

In a country characterized by corruption and organized crime, it's unclear how many were targeted directly because of their work. CPJ research has confirmed a journalism-related motive for at least three of the deaths and continues to investigate the others.

President of Haiti's Senate, Joseph Lambert, has been treated at a hospital in the capital, Port au Prince, as he escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday.

The authorities said Lambert underwent an eye operation and his doctors said he remains under observation Media reports said heavily armed individuals opened fire on the vehicle in which Lambert was travelling on Sunday at a roundabout near to the former premises of the Parliament.

The attack on the Senate President came the same day that the mandate of the ten remaining senators ended at midnight on Sunday.

As a result, Denis Cadeau, Jean Marie Ralph Féthière, Jean Rigaud Bélizaire, Garcia Delva, Joseph Lambert, Kédlaire Ausgustin, Patrice Dumont, Pierre François Sildor, Rony Célestin and Wanique Pierre, are no longer regarded as elected legislators or mayor.

The Senate is the upper house of Haiti's bicameral legislature. It consists of 30 seats, with three members from each of the ten administrative departments. Senators are elected by popular vote to six-year terms, with one-third elected every two years.

There are no term limits for senators; they may be re-elected indefinitely.

Lambert

In 2015, the Senate was reduced to only ten members and the chamber of deputies was closed because the election to replace one-third of the senators and all of the deputies in 2013 was delayed indefinitely causing senators and deputies to finish their term in January 2015 without any replacement.

This led to a dysfunctional national assembly. In the 2015 parliamentary election these two-thirds were filled with new elected members, completing the 30 senators. Since January 2020, the number of lawmakers who retain their senate seats has again been reduced to ten since President Jovenel Moïse failed to hold elections in time to replace the others, whose terms expired before his assassination on July 7, 2021.

Last year, the United States Department of State, imposed sanctions on Lambert “for his involvement in significant corruption and a gross violation of human rights”.

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

mlk day Martin Luther King Day 2023 is an annual federal holiday that falls on the third Monday of January and celebrates the life and achievements of the influential American civil rights leader on his birthday January 15.

Martin Luther King Jr. born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929, was an American Baptist minister and activist, one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

An African American church leader and a son of early civil rights activist and minister Martin Luther King Sr., King advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through nonviolence and civil disobedience. Inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, he led targeted, nonviolent resistance against Jim Crow laws and other forms of discrimination.

King participated in and led marches for the right to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and other civil rights. He oversaw the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott. King was one of the leaders of the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The civil rights

President Ronald Reagan signs legislation to create a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Rose Garden of the White House on November 2, 1983. (by National Archives)

movement achieved pivotal legislative gains in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

The idea of Martin Luther King Day as a holiday was promoted soon after his assassination in 1968. After King's death, United States Democrat Representative, John Conyers and, United State Republican Senator, Edward Brooke introduced a bill in Congress to make King's birthday a national holiday.

The bill first came to a vote in the United States House of Representatives in 1979 and fell five votes short of the number needed.

There were two main arguments mentioned by opponents, the first being that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive and, secondly, that a holiday to honor the birth (of a private citizen who had never held public office) would be contrary to the longstanding tradition.

In September 979, Stevie Wonder released a song titled "Happy Birthday". That was meant to make a case for the holiday, calling out anyone who didn't support the idea.

Additionally, six million signatures were collected for a petition to Congress to pass the law. Additionally, North Carolina Republican Senators

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Jesse Helms and John Porter East opposed the holiday and questioned whether King was important enough to receive such an honor and criticized King's opposition to the Vietnam War.

Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long-standing traditions. The annual King Holiday Observance is a time to celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Its traditions are rooted in the idea of promoting equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background.

Some schools celebrate the day by teaching their students about the work of Martin Luther King Jnr and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years it is encouraged Americans give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

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mlk day Places that are open or closed in South Florida for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 Martin Luther King Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Monday, January 16. Also called MLK Day, King Day, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Day, it is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. Here's what will be open and closed in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties on Monday, January 16, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

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Federal offices and banks will be closed.

State offices will be closed.

Post offices will be closed with no regular mail delivery.

Markets: NYSE, Nasdaq, and Bond Markets will be closed.

Tri-Rail will operate a regular schedule. To find train schedules visit tri-rail.com For services in specific cities and towns, please contact the city office directly.

Public schools as well as most colleges and universities.

County offices will be closed.

Florida Department of Health in Broward County will be closed.

The 17th Judicial and Circuit and County Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts will be closed.

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center will be closed. In the event of an animal attack or bite, call 911.

The Broward County Landfill at 7101 SW 205th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, will be closed.

There will be regular garbage, bulk, and recycling collections.

Residents of all other Broward municipalities should contact their city or hauler directly for scheduling information.

The county library system will be closed.

Broward County neighborhood

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open-space parks, and natural areas will be open on January 16.

Broward County Transit will run a modified weekday bus schedule.

There will be no Express or Breeze bus service on Monday.

For bus schedules visit broward.org/bc.

Public schools as well as most colleges and universities will be closed.

The 11th Judicial Circuit will be closed.

Services There will be no regular trash or waste collection The county library system will be closed.

Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover will follow a regular schedule.

The YMCA of South Florida's 19th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend, which honors Dr. King and his legacy through activities that bring communities together in celebration and service to others, kicks off on Friday, January 13 with a breakfast in Broward County beginning at 7:30 a.m. Other activities throughout the weekend include a luncheon, a Teen Town Hall, and Day of Service projects throughout South Florida.

Tickets to the 19th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Breakfast are $150 per person or $2,500 per table. For additional information on the Y's Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend events, including tickets, visit https://ymcasouthflorida.org/event/martin-luther-king-jrinspirational-weekend-2023/.

Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

The YMCA of South Florida seeks volunteers to assist with different community projects in Miami-Dade and Broward County during the 2023 YMCA Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 16. Volunteers may register online, and they may choose their preferred location and project in which they wish to participate: Volunteers in Miami-Dade and Broward County are asked to bring non-perishable items to benefit the La Bodega community food pantry at the Village of Allapattah YMCA Family Center.

For additional information on the Y's Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend events, visit https://ymcasouthflorida.org/event/martin-luther-king-jrinspirational-weekend-2023/.

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community celebration! The event includes a parade, a lineup of live music performances, family-friendly activities, displays, and food vendors, This signature City event kicks off with a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade along Plant Street. The celebration continues with a lineup of top-notch music performances at the Downtown Pavilion. The Gerry Williams Band, Craig Thompson Project, and Selwyn Birchwood will be taking the stage throughout the day.

4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 656-4155.

All of South Florida is invited to join us for our second annual race celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It includes the following events: MLK 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, MLK5K, MLK10K, Virtual MLK5K or 10K, and Kids 100-Yard. See how quickly you can complete a mile and build your stamina for longer races. Participants will receive a t-shirt and a finishers medal.

Registration ends January 21, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.

St., Riviera Beach, FL US 33404

Lauderdale, Florida 33311

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Public schools as well as most colleges and universities will be closed.

The 15th Judicial Court will be closed.

There will be regular trash pickup in unincorporated Palm Beach County.

The county library system will be closed.

Neighborhood open-space parks and natural areas will be open.

Palm Tran will operate on a weekday bus service schedule and administrative offices will be closed.

What: A fun-filled day of food, music, and a kid's zone.

Culminated with the annual parade around Sherman Circle in Dr. MLK Jr's honor Date and time: Mon, January 16, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM FL 33025 For more information call: 954-602-3178 Featuring: R&B artist Michael Sterling

Join Miami's annual parade to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Miami celebrates this federal holiday with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade & Festivities in Liberty City. The festivities begin with Miami's 46th annual MLK Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. It covers eight miles along Northwest 54th Street from 10th. This route traces the steps that Dr. King traveled in Miami during his frequent visits.

Family Festival The parade concludes near Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, where a Family Festival takes place from noon to 5:00 p.m. with live music, dance, cultural programming, and theatrical performances.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

DIASPORA

Hakeem Jeffries formally takes over leadership of US House Democrats On a day characterized by acrimonious infighting by Republicans, Democratic congressman Hakeem Jeffries who is from a heavily-concentrated Caribbean district in Brooklyn, New York has formally taken over the leadership of the Democrats in the United States House of Representatives.

Congressman Jeffries, a lawyer by training, was elected last December to replace Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, of California, who stepped down as House Speaker but remains in the US Congress.

Jeffries – representative for the 8th Congressional District, encompassing Brooklyn and parts of Queens – on Tuesday received 212 votes each time in the three rounds of voting, for Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the new session of Congress that is now narrowly controlled by Republicans.

His votes each time were more than any Republican, including Kevin McCarthy, who has to date failed to secure the majority of votes to be next Speaker. McCarthy on Tuesday pledged to have more rounds of voting until he is elected Speaker.

Democrats on Tuesday demonstrated sheer unity amid Republican disunity and mutiny,

rallying around Jeffries, “He does not traffic in extremism,” said Congressman Pete Aguilar, of California, the No. 3 Democrat, of Jeffries in a nominating speech on the House floor.

“He does not grovel to or make excuses for

a twice-impeached, so-called former president,” added Aguilar, referring to former US President Donald J. Trump. “He does not bend a knee to anyone who would seek to undermine our democracy because, Madam Clerk, that's not what leaders do.”

Last month, Brooklyn Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said she had voted with “a huge sense of pride” for her Brooklyn Congressional colleague to be leader of Congressional Democrats.

Jeffries, 52, thus created history, becoming the first Black person to hold the top position in the House of Representatives.

Jeffries ran unopposed as Democratic leader, with Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark, the former assistant speaker, elected as whip, the lead vote counter for House Democrats.

Aguilar, who was vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, replaces Jeffries as chairman of the caucus.

Immediately after his election, Jeffries said “I stand on the shoulders of Shirley Chisholm and others,” referring to the late Caribbean American congresswoman, whose parents hailed from Barbados and Guyana.

UN refugee agency concerned about US plans to limit migrants from the Caribbean The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United States Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Friday expressed deep concern about plans by the Biden administration to limit migrants from the Caribbean.

On Thursday, the administration announced that it was limiting migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti who enter the country to 30,0000 each month under humanitarian parole, while expelling those who attempt to cross the south western border.

UNHCR decried Biden's move as “not in line with refugee law standards.”

UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov told journalists in Geneva that while the UN agency welcomed the expanded safe and regular pathways for entry to the US for some, the new measures “must not preclude people forced to flee from exercising their fundamental human right to seek safety”.

Due to the “multi-faceted” nature of the US administration's announcement, UNHCR is seeking additional details and analyzing the likely impact of the measures, said Cheshirkov, who said this would enable an “unprecedented number of people” from the four nations to enter.

In addition to considering the wellbeing of thousands already on the move from Latin America and the Caribbean, UNCHR raised concern over the expansion of the controversial COVID pandemic emergency “Title 42” health restrictions order to expel Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans without weighing the dangers they were fleeing or the risks and hardships many of them will face in Mexico.

UNHCR said it had made continuous calls for it to be lifted, noting that the issue has provoked a major court battle in the US, with the Supreme Court ruling at the end of December that the policy allowing migrants to be turned away at the border on health grounds, should remain for now.

He said seeking asylum is “a fundamental human right,” adding that UNHCR will continue to engage with the US and other governments “to expand safe pathways, and develop protection and solutions for asylum seekers – in line with international standards.”

In a purported effort to improve legal pathways for migration and alleviate the conditions at the southwestern United States border, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will now remove up to 30,000 migrants and asylum seekers from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela to Mexico on a monthly basis, if they fail to comply with the new pathways put forth by the Biden administration.

In response to the announcement, the new CBC Chair Steven Horsford, whose mother hails from Trinidad and Tobago, noted that “America is a nation of immigrants,” adding that “access to asylum is, in many instances, a lifesaving right.”

“While the new parole program seeks to fast-track the processing of asylum cases, the reality is that the administration's actions have the potential to threaten migrants' safety and humanity,” said Horsford.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

B3

HEALTH & WELLNESS

B L O O D D O N AT I O N M O N T H

The importance of

Giving Blood with Abi-Gaye T. Smythe

January marks the 52nd anniversary of National Blood Donor Month – a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It is also a time to encourage new and lapsed donors to resolve to give blood during one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply – the winter months.

Caribbean National Weekly caught up with Jamaican AbiGaye Smythe, blood donation advocate and the founder of the 'I Have a Heart' Foundation as she tells us the importance of giving blood and also clears up some of the common misconceptions people have about donating blood.

There is a constant need for blood. Every day people need blood including heart disease patients undergoing surgery. I am a heart disease patient who has undergone five surgeries to date - there always has to be blood on standby in case of an emergency. I see daily where people are on social media appealing to the public to donate blood for their family and friends - this is so because there is always a shortage of blood.

As such, I do what I can to help build and replenish the blood bank's general supply.

Simply put, giving blood saves lives. And donating one pint of blood saves three lives and when an individual donates blood, they could be saving their own life or that of a loved one. In

Members of the “I Have A Heart” foundation

Abi-Gaye T. Smythe

addition to the physical/health benefits of donating blood, donating blood is like a savings account with cash; each time you donate, you are storing units. So, in the event there is an emergency in the future, an individual can pull from their account to help themself or their loved one.

Weeks/months before: Eat iron rich foods....1-2 days before: don't smoke or consume alcohol...The day of: Eat a healthy meal at least 1-3 hours before and , stay hydrated.

There is nothing to be afraid of. Fight the fear. It is a simple and easy process. Donating blood makes you a hero because when you donate blood, you are saving lives and it just might be your very own or that of a loved one.

Abi-Gaye is a zealous and spirited heart disease advocate and has been since 2012, after she was diagnosed with a rare and progressive heart disease, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), and underwent her first of five cardiac procedures, the most recent being June 2019. Though she now depends on a battery in her chest to survive, that does not stop her from advocating and helping others through her 'I Have a Heart' Foundation. The foundation aims to promote, educate and advocate for the need for heart disease awareness in Jamaica.

Knowing that I am saving lives, knowing that I am helping Jamaica's health sector and by extension my country.

Individuals aged 17-60 years old, persons weighing 110 pounds and over, persons with hypertension, asthma, sickle cell trait, diabetes (without the use of insulin), persons with tattoos and piercings over a year old.

So before you even get to the blood drive you are given instructions on what to do before donating - like having a meal before coming to donate.

If you have not eaten, refreshments are given.

There are doctors and nurses on hand to conduct screening like blood pressure, hemoglobin checks etc., to ensure you are fit to donate. After donation, individuals are given sweet refreshments to keep them from getting dizzy or having other problems due to low glucose levels.

Red meat, such as beef, pork, and poultry.... dark leafy greens, such as callaloo, broccoli.... dried fruit, like raisins.... peas, beans, and other legumes...seafood.... iron-fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals…. seeds and nuts.... organ meats such as liver and kidney.

You can donate blood every three months.

Jamaica’s minister of foreign affairs Kamina Johnson-Smith

For the past ten years, she has been raising awareness for heart disease, and between 2019 and 2020, in partnership with the OID from New York, her foundation helped 23 indigent patients receive free heart surgery. They are now preparing to assist an additional 17-20 patients... She has also partnered with the National Blood Transfusion Service to host blood drives to help build and replenish the blood bank's general supply. To date she has done nine blood drives which have garnered well over 200 units of blood. Her advocacy has also led to a meeting with the prime minister which resulted in the government offering scholarships in Perfusion Medicine to aid Jamaica's cardiac care system. Her main goal in life is to change and save lives, and she is just getting started.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

LASCO Financial Services Limited (LFSL) has partnered with Visa to launch Jamaica's first non-bank Visa card, dubbed LASCO GOLD Visa Prepaid Card. LFSL received its license from Visa in 2021 to issue prepaid cards as participants in the Bank of Jamaica's Fintech Sandbox.

The LASCO GOLD Visa Prepaid card is more than a card, it’s an experience! Since June, Jamaicans have been signing up for their LASCO GOLD Visa Prepaid card and enjoying the experience of convenience and safety when they conduct myriad cashless transactions without having a bank account, including receiving remittance directly to the card-anytime, anywhere.

The card is now available in over 70 of LFSL's agent locations islandwide, where customers can register and receive a card immediately, with a valid ID and TRN. Customers can also download the LASCO GOLD app in the Google Play Store, create their profile and request a personalized card through the app.

Customers no longer have to carry around excess amounts of cash or stand in line when they have a LASCO GOLD Visa Card. They have the options to top up their cards with cash in agent locations or online using bank transfer to LFSL, who loads the card with funds after. It can be used at all point-of-sale terminals where Visa is accepted or online, giving customers even more access to electronic financial services such as, online shopping, bill payments, monthly subscription payments, and more.

Additionally, cardholders can receive remittances direct to their LASCO GOLD Visa card when their sender uses a Visa Direct partner or Jamaicans can sign up for LASCO Money Skip Di Line for LFSL to load their funds to their card once they send us a notification with the required information.

The LASCO GOLD app gives customers added convenience and security with various features, including PIN reset, personal profile update, transaction statement and card to card transfers to other LASCO GOLD Visa card holders. Where cardholders need cash, the card can be used at major ATMs, with the use of a PIN. For more details customers may visit ww.lascogold.com or call 888-527-2274.

This card is issued by LASCO Financial Services Limited pursuant to a license from VISA USA Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

C1

entertainment

Trinidad Carnival is around the corner! Here's how to prepare Ask anyone from the Caribbean and they'll all tell you the same thing – carnival in Trinidad is the greatest the region has to offer. This year's carnival will be held February 15 – February 22, with the main carnival event days happening on Monday, February 20 and Tuesday, February 21.

Carnival was brought to Trinidad by the French in the 1700s, when Christians would partake in revelry in the days leading up to Lent. After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, the then freed slaves would flock the streets in “Canboulay.” They would dance, sing, and dress in elaborate costumes skewering the planters.

These traditions live on in today's Trinidadian carnival. The season starts on Boxing Day and ends the Tuesday before Lent.

Nowadays, revelers take to the streets, dancing from sunrise to sunset, drinking, eating, stickfighting, and limbo-ing – celebrating life. It's the most inclusive carnival in the world; the Trinidadian carnival caters to all ages and all budgets.

The main carnival days in Trinidad are Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

If you plan on really making the most of the experience, you might need to physically train for the event. It's roughly 40 hours of party squeezed into those two days.

Also, be sure to keep up to date with your shots; and at the very least get a flu shot.

Trinidad carnival brings together lots of bodies, lots of sweat, and very little sleep. It will also help to stock up on multivitamins and vitamin C to keep your immune system ticking.

Traveling to Trinidad is straightforward depending on where in the world you're traveling from. If you're in Canada or the US, there are direct flight options from many of the major cities. Travelers from Europe should prepare to take a connecting flight path.

Accommodation is dicey and where planning is most important. Trinidadian carnival is, for many, the biggest in the world, doubly so if you're a soca die hard. Thousands upon thousands of partiers descend onto the Queen's Park Savannah as a rite of passage.

Meaning, most of the surrounding hotels have been booked out months in advance.

Once you're on the island and your accommodations are sorted, it's smooth sailing. There are many fêtes throughout the

season. Cooler fêtes are cheaper, bring your own drinks affairs, but no less enjoyable.

Jouvert will have you unrecognizable by the end of the night as paint, mud, and sometimes even chocolate syrup are sprayed on partiers.

If you want the full carnival experience, you have to “play mas.” Here, “mas” means masquerade, as in wearing a costume and dancing. These extravagant costumes made from beads, feathers, rhinestones, etc., can be difficult to procure, so it's advised for novices or anyone seeking a seamless experience to register with a band. All-inclusive bands take the risk out of the experience, supplying partiers with costumes, food, drinks, security, music, and even first aid if necessary.

From here general etiquette is key. Drink responsibly. Wear comfortable sneakers. Wear clothes you're okay with never seeing again if you're going to a jouvert. Remember that everyone is there to have fun, dance, and make memories.

Alkaline Featured in New Givenchy Campaign Jamaican dancehall artiste Alkaline has been making waves in the fashion industry as the artiste has been featured in Givenchy's SS22 campaign.

Photos started circulating on social media of Alkaline in the brand's high end fashion from the French luxury fashion and perfume house.

Born Earlan Bartkey, Alkaline began recording music at the age of 16. In mid 2015 Alkaline pushed himself to the international market with his hit singles such as On Fleek and Ride on Me (Remix) featuring Sean Kingston while consistently working on his debut album New Level Unlocked. In September 2016 he was nominated for a MOBO Award for the second time in the Best Reggae Act category.

Alkaline was considered one of the young hot acts in the dancehall space, not only because of his extreme talent but his huge controversial relevancy.

In early December Alkaline's 2019 single, With the Thing was featured on the video game Grand Theft Auto V "iFruit Radio" soundtrack.

According to World Music Views, the brand's Creative Director, Matthew Williams, shared that his inspiration this season was the style of the Jamaican artiste.

Kendall Jenner is also featured in the SS22 collection, wearing standout pieces and carrying the brand's handbag, known as the “Kenny.”

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 –

C3

SPORTS

WADA forum in Jamaica to advance plans for anti-doping programs in the region Ministers of Sports from 19 Caribbean countries are scheduled to attend a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) forum in Jamaica this month.

Minister of Sports Olivia Grange said the January 26 and 27 event which will also be attended by WADA president Witold Bańka will help to “advance the development of a plan of action for anti-doping programmes across the Caribbean, with the aim of keeping sports clean”.

She said it will be the second forum specifically for sports ministers in the Caribbean and is a follow-up to an online forum held in October.

“At that online forum, Jamaica – because of our leadership position in anti-doping in the region – offered technical guidance to other countries and WADA also agreed to support capacity building and cooperation among nations,” Minister Grange noted.

She said this forum will build on the discussions in October and will also see some delegates touring Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission facilities as part of a study tour.

SOCCER

Bailey, Palmer suffer shock FA Cup defeats, Roofe back in action Reggae Boys Leon Bailey and Kasey Palmer were on the receiving end as their respective clubs made shock exits at the weekend from the third round of the English FA Cup. Bailey's Aston Villa became the latest Premier League team to bow out when League Two side Stevenage produced an incredible fightback on Sunday, stunning their hosts, who finished with ten men, with two goals in the final two minutes at Villa Park to reach the fourth round with a 2-1 win.

The Birmingham Live report was critical of 25-year-old winger Bailey, saying: “Had a bit of a stinker, in truth, with nothing coming off for the Jamaican who was dispossessed, had his

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crosses blocked and slipped over at the vital moments. Was awful. Confidence is shot.”

Palmer, a 26-year-old midfielder, hit the post in both halves and also scored in the 76th minute — his second of the campaign — with a curling 25-yard free-kick that left goalkeeper Mark Howard rooted to the spot as ten-man Championship side Coventry City fought back from 4-1 down against fifth-tier National League highfliers Wrexham on Saturday.

But Coventry were knocked out 4-3 in a thriller at the CBS Arena by a team 60 places below them in the English football pyramid.

The Coventry Telegraph said Palmer, who joined the club from rivals Bristol City on a three-year deal last June, was “closely marked throughout and got a bit frustrated by the attention amid little protection from the referee”.

Another Reggae Boy, Michail Antonio, 32, had better luck, playing for 86 minutes, and helped West Ham reach the fourth round as West Ham United beat Premier League London rivals Brentford 1-0 on Saturday.

Reggae Boy Kemar Roofe, who turned 30 on Friday, ended a two-month-plus spell out injured by coming on as a 78th-minute substitute in second-placed Rangers' 2-0 win at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Rangers' manager Michael Beale said: “It was nice to see Kemar Roofe back — he was our top scorer in the season we won the league [2020-21], and he's been lost to us for a while.”

Roofe, yet to score this season, had last played for Rangers in a 1-1 league draw against Livingston on October 22.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 12 – JAN 18, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T