Caribbean National Weekly May 18, 2023

New Florid laws spark debate

Florida Governor Ron Desantis recently signed several bills, some of which have provoked much debate among the state’s residents and the country at large. From restricting teen golf cart drivers and defunding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, to modifying middle and high school start times, with these new laws in place, some Floridians will experience drastic change in the near future

Here is a round-up of the recent bills signed

Bill combating illegal immigration

Gov Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 last week to tackle the dangerous effects of illegal immigration caused by the federal government’s border policies

The law requires that hospitals that receive Medicaid question patients about whether they are U S citizens and are legally present in the country Hospitals are also expected to report the responses to the state

The new law will crack down on the smuggling of immigrants, stop municipalities from issuing ID cards to people in the state illegally, and ensure that employers are hiring American citizens or people in the country legally

The new measure:

Requires private employers to use the EVerify system to verify the eligibility of newly hired employees, fines employers $1,000 per day if they fail to use E-Verify, and suspends the

WHAT’S INS

licenses of those employers until they come back into compliance

Suspends licenses of employers who knowingly employ illegal aliens, and makes using a fake ID to gain employment a felony

Enhance penalties for human smuggling, including making knowingly transporting five or more immigrants without legal status or a single minor a second-degree felony subject to a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison

Provide $12 million to continue the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program to relocate immigrants to sanctuary jurisdictions if they lack legal status

Ban local governments and nongovernmental organizations from issuing identification documents to people without legal status and invalidates all out-of-state driver's licenses issued exclusively to people in the U S illegally

Bill restricting teen golf cart drivers

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill

Haitian-American

that will restrict teens who are driving golf carts

The new law, House Bill 949, was approved by DeSantis last week The law goes into effect on October 1

Under the bill, golf cart drivers under the age of 18 must be at least 15 with a learner's permit, or 16 with a driver's license

Florida minors will be unable to drive golf carts without proper identification under a new measure Anyone who is 18 or older must have a valid government-issued ID to drive a golf cart Florida law had previously allowed anyone 14 and older to drive a golf cart

Bills regarding education and workforce

Governor Ron DeSantis signed three bills on Monday, May 15 to further strengthen Florida's position as the top state for higher education, and to advance the objective of becoming the top state for workforce education by 2030

The Governor signed Senate Bill 266 to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

programs at all public universities in the state DeSantis called DEI a “distraction from the core mission ”

The law prohibits Florida state colleges from using state or federal funding to promote, support, or maintain programs that “advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism ”

DeSantis explained that this move is to reorient the universities back to their traditional mission- to treat people as individuals, “not to try to divy them up based on any type of superficial characteristics ”

According to the law, general education courses “ may not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity politics” based on “theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities ”

The Governor also signed House Bill 931 to prohibit Florida’s public institutions from requiring students, faculty, or staff to pledge loyalty to any "ideology or movement," including

continues on B2 – Bills spark debate

AfriKin Intuition: Where Music, Art and Culture collide

Andre Coley, Daren Sammy appointed West Indies head coaches

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

Celebrity makeup artist, Shennel Patr embracing black beauty

instructor to serve as Academic Marshall at Columbia University

Performer and playwright Ingrid Griffith portrays one of the 15 characters she represents in her one-woman show Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed and Unbowed presented by Island SPACE on Mother's Day. | Photo by David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)

Bernadee Morris (center) with current team members of Sonshine Communicaons at their 30th anniversary recepon in Aventura last Friday. – Contributed

City of Miramar Commissioner Yvee Colbourne is pictured bringing Mother’s Day flowers to community members at the City of Miramar Senior Center. – Contributed

Shirley Chisholm: ‘Unbossed and Unbowed’ performer and playwright Ingrid Griffith (2nd from le) pictured with Bridget Edwards (le) and Carson "Eddy" Edwards of Riddims Markeng with his mother, Sulvia Gibson at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center on Mother's Day – Photo by David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)

Dancehall arst Shabba Ranks performed for a sold out crowd on May 12th at the Miramar Cultural Center Artspark (Photo: City of Miramar)

Bernadee Morris, Sole Owner, Founder and CEO of Sonshine Communicaons receiving the Miami Dade County’s “Bernadee A. Morris Day” Proclamaon from City of North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean, at a Welcome Recepon celebrang Sonshines' 30th Anniversary last Friday at the Aventura Hylton in Miami. – Contributed

Miramar’s Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis hosted a Job Fair held at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 11th with over 2,000 job seekers in aendance and 50 companies hiring. – Contributed

(L-R) Miramar’s Assistant City Manager Adam Burden, Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis and City Manager Dr. Roy Virgin at the Haian Cultural Celebraon at Shirley Branca Park in Miramar May 13th. – Contributed

Celebrity makeup artist, Shennel Patrick, Embracing Black Beauty

Shennel Patrick sparkles with delight as she learns I’m calling from Jamaica. The Grenadian-born, New York-based makeup artist, beauty expert, and content creator, widely recognized as “Nelli”, yearns for her homeland, especially during the extended New York winter

Patrick’s work has been featured on several media platforms, including Essence, Teen Vogue, VIBE Magazine, Bravo TV, the Today Show, and more Her high-profile clientele includes the likes of Chimamanda Adichie, Cynthia Bailey, Ashley Blaine, Khadeen Ellis, Robyn Dixon, and others

Before captivating audiences with her extraordinary makeup artistry, Patrick was an undocumented teenager in a foreign city with minimal support It takes a little persuasion to get her to discuss this challenging period of her life She prefers to focus on the positive, insisting that dwelling on negativity would have hindered her survival and subsequent success As I share my mother’s similar experience as an undocumented immigrant, she agrees, “It’s crucial to discuss the reality many Caribbean people face ”

Patrick left Grenada at the tender age of 16 “I missed my graduation and ball,” she jests She confesses to having been “pretty naive” upon her arrival A year and a half later, she discovered her undocumented status, causing her dreams of law school to be abruptly put on hold This realization, coupled with a shrinking support network, left her grappling with potential homelessness and

working any job she could find just to stay afloat

Despite her naive outlook, the birth of her daughter jolted her into responsibility At 23, Nelli became a mother and found solace in beauty and makeup, which, to her surprise, transformed into a career “It gave me an identity,” she shares, “and opened numerous doors ”

Celebrating Black Beauty

Patrick has built her career around the celebration of Black beauty. She enthusiastically states, “I adore creating luminous, bronzy skin against bursts of jewel tones ” Her striking work has garnered attention from several media outlets, including Essence, Vibe Magazine, and Teen Vogue, among others One glance at her work, and her talent is indisput-

able. She masterfully enhances black and brown skin tones under any lighting conditions, making them glow radiantly

We discuss how black skin is often marginalized in the world of film and photography Patrick articulates that the camera has historically been a biased tool

Traditional photography training propagates a range of longstanding biases, where “light skin” is considered the norm, and camera settings are calibrated to prioritize pale skin tones. Patrick acknowledges the restrictive nature of such practices when working with Black skin

Despite this revelation being new to Patrick, she assures me that it will inform her future discussions

However, she hasn’t been oblivious to its implications in her field. While she provides her own studio spaces, she has also collaborated with photographers and filmmakers as an on-set makeup artist She admits to having encountered biases and limited understanding among some colleagues who fail to recognize the “limitless potential of dark skin ”

Patrick’s makeup chair doubles as a therapy space Not only does she accentuate the natural beauty of dark skin, but she also offers a safe space for intimate conversations “I recall a 60-year-old woman from Grenada who came in one day,” Patrick reminisces They discussed life in the big city, their shared homeland, and their experiences in the U S amid rising xenophobia following the Trump election Patrick notes that society often disregards the beauty of older women, assuming it fades

between the

ages of

40 and 60

The second time beauty rescued Patrick’s life, it was in a more direct, tangible way In 2016, a horrific car accident left her bedridden and unable to walk Facing yet another hurdle, she turned to faith “I made a promise to God that if He would allow me to stand on my feet again, I would use my gift,” she shares “I promised that I would serve with purpose, or not at all ” Her miraculous recovery forged a mantra she still holds dear: “I transmute pain into purpose ”

Continued Transformation

Starting a business is no small feat While success stories often take center stage, most entrepreneurial ventures face significant challenges and don’t survive in the long term At the end of every interview, I ask, ‘Where do you see yourself in the future?’ and ‘What advice do you have for prospective entrepreneurs?’

Shennel Patrick’s response is refreshingly candid “I am uncomfortable with the current season in my life ” She openly admits that she doesn’t have everything figured out Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that success is not linear –it ebbs and flows Despite her victorious battle with immigration, she is also grappling with the closure of her brick-and-mortar business

Yet, in the face of these challenges, Patrick remains steadfast, “Sometimes life hits you in a way that you have to sit still and listen to the one who guided you here,” she smiles

US announces new measures to deter Caribbean migrants from illegally entering country

The United States Department of State and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have announced additional sweeping measures to deter Caribbean and other migrants from illegally entering the country

The announcement came a day before the May 11 end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and the lifting of the pandemicera Title 42 public health order, which allowed the government to halt the entry of people and imports to prevent the introduction of a communicable disease from outside the borders of the continental US

The State Department said that when the Title 42 order is lifted by midnight Thursday, the United States would be strengthening its enforcement of long-standing Title 8 immigration authorities to expeditiously process and remove individuals, who arrive at the US border unlawfully and do not have a legal basis to remain

“Individuals who cross into the United States at the southwest border without authorization or without having used a lawful pathway, and without having scheduled a time to arrive at a port of entry, will be presumed ineligible for asylum, absent an applicable exception,” the State Department warned

“If removed, they will be barred from reentry for at least five years and subject to potential criminal prosecution for repeated attempts to enter unlawfully,” the State Department added

The US said Haitians, Cubans and Venezuelans are among migrants flooding the country’s southern border in their attempt to enter the country Many who have managed to cross the border have sought asylum

As part of the comprehensive, multicontinues onA5 – Caribbean migrants

Cuba’s LGBTQ community celebrates same-sex marriage with pride conga

On Saturday, May 13 around 200 Cubans marched in Havana to the rhythm of conga, a popular dance, protesting against homophobia and transphobia, and celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriage

Chanting “Socialism yes, homophobia no,” demonstrators swayed their hips and beat rhythmically on drums as they cheered the ‘Family Code’, passed last September

The code permits surrogate pregnancies as long as no money changes hands and legally recognizes same-sex adoptions, as well as several fathers or mothers in addition to the biological parents

It also defines marriage as the union between two people, rather than that of a man and a woman, while boosting the rights of children, the elderly, and the disabled

“It was a debt the revolutionary process owed” to Cuba’s LGBTQ community, Ana Clara Leon, a student parading with a rainbow flag tied around her waist, told AFP

Yoilan Balon, a coordinator for the

Transcuba network promoting trans rights, said, “It was something that all gay people were waiting for, who wanted to consummate their couple relationship ”

Diana Pena, who organizes the network’s youth outreach, said the conga pride parade suited Cuba’s spirit

“It is the conga of pride We Cubans are very much about partying, conga, fun, and this way we can express our diversity ”

The march was led by Mariela Castro, daughter of one of Cuba’s revolutionary leaders Raul Castro and a supporter of the Family Code, alongside Lis Cuesta, wife of President Miguel Diaz-Canel

Cuba’s machismo culture was exacerbated in the 1960s and 1970s, when the government ostracized the LGBTQ community, sending many to militarized agricultural labor camps

Oil company pumps billions of dollars into Guyana’s economy

Oil company ExxonMobil Guyana says it has injected more than GUY$80 billion into the local economy as the government this week approved its 2023 plan as well as providing a certificate for complying with its local content plan last year

The GUY$80 billion in investment forms part of the more than GUY$180 billion spent since 2015

“By the end of 2022, the company and contractors had employed over 5,000

Guyanese workers, representing more than 65 per cent of the overall workforce in the local oil and gas industry

“Notably, the numbers of Guyanese working offshore continued to grow Among the 2,700 personnel committed to supporting ExxonMobil Guyana’s operations, over 1,300 were Guyanese, constituting approximately 48 per cent of the offshore workforce,” the company said in a statement

The company said in the 2023 plan it

intends to execute projects and implement systems to promote the development of local content this year

“ExxonMobil Guyana’s evolving strategic plan for operational growth includes balancing meeting the needs of the business while developing Guyanese content in a phased approach,” the company said, adding “It is assessed annually to ensure objectives are met in a sustainable and systematic manner ”

Reducing nurse shortage in the Caribbean key for next pandemic

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says that reducing the shortage of nurses in the Americas, including the Caribbean, is key to a better response to the next pandemic

According to the health body, between 600,000 and two million more healthcare professionals, including nurses, are needed to meet the health needs of the population of the Americas

It, therefore, called for greater investments to close this gap and ensure the region has the personnel necessary to better respond to the next health emergency

“A well-educated, skilled, and equitably distributed workforce is critical to building

resilient health systems, meeting population health needs, and better preparing for future threats and pandemics,” said PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa

During an event at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland to celebrate International Nurses Day, the PAHO director highlighted the fundamental role played by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged those who lost their lives

According to Barbosa, the investment made by countries of the region in the health workforce to respond to COVID-19 was essential

However, he said the nursing workforce

“continues to face challenges related to shortages, poor distribution, and inadequate working environments ”

Barbosa said nurses represent 56 percent of the total health workforce in the Americas, making them the mainstay of health services

According to recent estimates, Latin America and the Caribbean have around 44 3 nursing professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, lower than the estimated 70 6 per 10,000 needed to meet the United Nations’ goal of universal health access and coverage by 2030

To address the future needs of health systems, the PAHO director called for a redoubling of efforts in three key areas: health financing, including education and retention of

US Customs ofcers discover cocaine load on ight from Jamaica

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it seized over 12 pounds of cocaine on a flight from Jamaica on Thursday, May 11 at Philadelphia International Airport

CBP said the drugs, with a street value of about US$400,000, was on a flight that arrived from Montego Bay Law enforcement officers discovered the cocaine concealed behind a cargo hold blowout panel, CBP said

“CBP officers routinely examine aircraft spaces after flights arrive from overseas locations During a search of the Montego Bay flight, officers discovered a draw-string bag adorned with the face of reggae legend Bob Marley concealed behind a cargo hold blowout panel,” the VBP said

“From that bag, officers extracted five

bricks of a white, powdery substance

“Officers tested the substance with a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified it as cocaine hydrochloride,” it added

CBP said no arrests have been made, and that the cocaine was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia for further criminal investigation by the Border

Enforcement Security Task Force that operates at the Philadelphia International Airport

“Customs and Border Protection officers conduct aircraft hold inspections of international flights every day, so this cocaine seizure is both rewarding and concerning for us,” said Rene Ortega, Acting Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia

“It validates that transnational criminal organizations may be focusing on importing narcotics through Philadelphia again, and it is further proof that our continued diligence is essential and necessary to help protect our communities ”

CBP said officers and agents seized an average of 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs every day at the US air, land and sea ports of entry

nurses; quality of education, to ensure that future nurses are well-trained; and expanding the professional role of nurses in primary care to reduce gaps in coverage and access

“On this International Nurses Day, let us join efforts to work together to recover stronger and better from COVID-19, and make the necessary investments for the development of the health workforce throughout the Region of the Americas,” Barbosa said

PAHO said there are about 27 9 million nursing professionals in the world, 30 percent of which are in the Americas

In the region, PAHO said nurses account for 56 percent of all health professions, with 89 percent being women

Caribbean Migrants from

A4

agency, multi-country plan to prepare for the return to processing of Caribbean and other migrants under Title 8, the Biden administration said additional sweeping measures will include opening the first regional processing centers to direct individuals to lawful pathways; deploying a first group of additional troops to support border patrol; surging additional resources to manage increased encounters; issuing new rules to encourage migrants to use lawful pathways; and ramping up efforts to counter misinformation

The State Department said it plans to eventually open about 100 regional processing centers at key locations in the Western Hemisphere, and, in the coming days, will launch an online platform for individuals to make appointments to arrive at a centers near them

Tourism: The undisputed champion?

Tourism continues to medal for the Jamaican economy

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On May 10th at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022 Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and warm weather have remained undisputed champions as the island continues to decipher the formula for economic stability Like any other industry, there are challenges, but as Jamaicans we must acknowledge that the sector remains a pillar for foreign exchange and employment opportunities The resilience of the tourism industry has been tested and proven with the recent pandemic

Thousands of persons continue to benefit from job opportunities in tourism The newspapers and social media platforms are constantly flooded with new opportunities for prospective employees Therefore, as many persons contemplate employment prospects tourism continues to present an opportunity

Job fairs continue to advertise a plethora of positions in the industry which reflects how significantly this industry contributes to job acquisition, especially in regions such as the North Coast

The question now is, which hotel is not hiring? What a brilliant turn of events! Additionally, we cannot forget the number of persons who are not directly employed but are making a living from the spin offs Whether it is the taxi driver who is a part of the relay that assists the tourists in exploring the cascading falls or the coconut vendor that supplies the nutrients after such marathons

Interestingly, the industry has spread its wings and is now opening doors in many other areas of the island Treasure Beach for example

has entered the field with community tourism

In fact, the national training agency has recognized this growth and has even started offering community tourism as a vocational area of study in an effort to adequately prepare Jamaicans to fill this gap in the market

It wasn’t quite 9 58 seconds for Treasure Beach but with Jakes Hotel and the stamina of the people of Treasure Beach they have diminished the hurdles and come in for the medal haul Need not mention, how the spirit of people has widened the arena by merging with YS Falls, Bubbling Spring Mineral Bath, Appleton Estate, Lovers Leap and Alligator Pond with an effective shuttle system to cement a place at the finish line Hence, providing an income for so many people across the field Now, they are not known just as the bread basket of Jamaica but as an anchor in tourism as well Indeed, the baton has been well received and carried

It would be ludicrous to speak of the tourism industry in Jamaica and not highlight the significant financial contribution of the cruise industry With the minister expecting 1 4 million passengers for 2023, the effects will be farreaching as well Let us not forget the thousands

of Jamaicans who leave to work in the cruise industry Clearly, the financial contribution of the tourism industry cannot be overstated It’s the diamond race Port Royal is the latest testament to that

The continued investment in Tourism is indeed reaping rewards as the improved signage, corridors and additional upgrades to rooms continue to make Jamaica the ideal destination The place of choice In fact, citizens can now proudly boast ‘ we live where you vacay ’ So, tourism is medaling in all aspects Now that is sustainable development

There is no doubt that the millions of visitors every year contribute tremendously to the financial sector In fact, it is difficult to discuss Jamaica’s economic growth and not mention tourism The industry rakes in billions for Jamaica in gross foreign exchange revenues Tourism brings hope to Vision 2030 with its record-breaking spree over several decades Consequently, irrespective of all that is going on in Jamaica, when it comes to the tourism industry we must give credit where credit is due With tourism, it almost feels like ‘Jamaica: No problem man ’

Haiti

Haitian-American instructor to serve as Academic Marshall at Columbia University

On Wednesday, May 17, the Columbia University commencement ceremony of the 269th academic year took place on the Morningside Campus. On the same day, violet banners flew high over Yankee Stadium as New York University convened its 190th commencement exercises for the class of 2023

A selected number of students are lucky enough to graduate from either institution Few educators are even luckier to teach these students But Haitian-American Dr Eli Joseph is one of the very few instructors that teaches at both institutions at the same time In addition to teaching at Columbia University and NYU, he also teaches at UCLA

Despite his distinguished accomplishments, Dr Joseph is no stranger to failure and rejection In his lifetime, he’s been turned down by more than 1,500 employers, 30 colleges, and 75 scholarship foundations

He was denied admission to other elite institutions like Princeton, UPenn, Cornell University, Dartmouth University, and Brown University

Back in 2012, Dr Joseph received a letter of rejection from Columbia University Today, he serves as an associate faculty in the applied analytics program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies

Back in 2016, Dr Joseph was also rejected by the New York University Tandon School of Engineering Now he currently teaches graduate students at the NYU School of

Professional Studies

Additionally, he has seen thousands of rejection notices from various firms in finance, technology, and managerial consulting Some of these companies include JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Google, Amazon, Facebook, BCG, McKinsey, Deloitte,

and Bain

Though Dr Joseph experienced a plethora of rejections from various firms and institutions, he has successfully overcome personal and professional challenges, including the recent loss of his older brother last year

Through it all, Dr Joseph used his failures as fuel for motivation to succeed He recently delivered two TEDx talks this past fall entitled, “Time Is Your Biggest Competition” and “No Trace, No Case ”

Dr Joseph earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from Felician University, becoming the first-ever graduate to complete the curriculum at the age of 24 He is the author of the book entitled The Perfect Rejection Resume: A Reader’s Guide to Building a Career Through Failure

Haitian-Dominican radio personality Supa Cindy selected for Black Women in Radio distinguished Inaugural 30

Haitian-Dominican radio personality and hip-hop content producer, Supa Cindy, was selected as one of the Black Women in Radio (BWIR) distinguished Inaugural 30

The BWIR highlighted stellar professionals and their distinctive contributions to radio on a local, regional, and national scale

This is a class of women whose careers will be archived in the Library of Congress by the Radio Preservation Society

The celebration includes a visit to the White House to meet with Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black White House Press Secretary

This will be followed by a discussion on “The State of Black Radio,” and an announce-

ment of the “Legends Historic Collection” project launch, which features women and men who have had significant careers in radio

Supa Cindy, whose real name is Cindy Doucet, is known as the Voice of Miami, hosting “The Afternoon Get Down” show on 99 Jamz

She is not only a radio host and media personality but is also an event MC, entrepreneur, and philanthropist She operates her own company Cin D.Media, a recording and promotional agency Supa Cindy was born in Miami and raised in Astoria, Queens, and is fluent in both Spanish and English, as she is of Haitian and

Dominican descent. She graduated from Miami-Dade College with a degree in Radio and Television Production and immediately began working in the industry as an intern at 99 Jamzas before rising through the ranks over the last decade

Supa Cindy has taken use of the numerous opportunities the industry provides to meet both new and established artistes over the years

She aims to be a great role model while giving back to the community as she seeks to educate and empower South Florida youth

Joseph

STRICTLY LEGAL

New Florida bills that may affect Caribbean Americans

This past week, the Florida legislature pushed through multiple bills signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. These bills cover a broad swath of areas including abortion, firearm permits, and tort law reform

Some of these laws will affect the large Caribbean immigrant population in the state of Florida. Here’s a breakdown of a couple of the bills that may affect the Caribbean immigrant community most

Anti-Immigration Bill

On Wednesday, May 10, Senate Bill 1718 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis

In a statement about the bill, DeSantis said, “The Biden Border Crisis has wreaked havoc across the United States and has put Americans in danger. In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country The legislation I signed today gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting back against reckless federal government policies and ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration ”

Senate Bill 1718 stipulates:

More severe penalties for human trafficking

Business owners with 25 or more employees are now required to use the e-verify system to ensure the employees hired are legally eligible

Healthcare providers that accept Medicaid are required to collect data on the immigration status of their patients

$12 million from the General Revenue Fund will enact the “unauthorized alien transport program ” - an initiative that transports illegal immigrants to sanctuaries in Democrat-led cities and states

The issuing of Identification Cards (ID) to

illegal immigrants, which invalidates ID cards issued in other states

Defunding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

On Monday, May 15th, Senate Bill 266 was passed The bill will put an end to college and university diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in Florida

“In reality, what this concept of DEI has been is an attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university And not even necessarily in the

classroom, but through the administrative apparatus of the university itself,” DeSantis said “We are eliminating the DEI programs, we ’ re gonna treat people as individuals ”

Under the new bill, tertiary educational institutions will be barred from spending tax dollars to develop, promote, sustain, and expand initiatives that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion

“This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda and that is wrong," DeSantis said "In fact, if you look at the way this has actually been implemented across the country, DEI is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination, and that has no place in our public institutions "

DEI programs assist students who exist on a variety of margins, including sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and of course race and ethnicity Caribbean national and first-generation Americans have used DEI programs to their advantage to secure tertiary education

Curricula will also be affected “If you want to do things like gender ideology, go to [the University of California] Berkeley,” DeSantis added “There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but for us with our tax dollars, we want to focus on the classical mission of what a university is supposed to be The governor goes on to delineate DEI as dividing individuals with “superficial” criteria

Tips On Preparing For Your Naturalization Interview

Most U S Residents who apply for naturalization feel excited about the prospect of becoming a U S Citizen, but very nervous and apprehensive about taking the required Civics test But aside from the testing component of the process, most applicants don’t think much about the other aspects of their Naturalization appointment at USCIS

That is why it’s important to understand that much more happens at the interview than just taking the test and properly preparing for all the aspects of the appointment will help you to feel more confident and ensure that your interview goes smoothly

It generally takes about six to eight months (or longer due to covid-19 delays) to be scheduled for your naturalization appointment after the application is filed So of course, there is plenty of time to study for the Civics test in order to answer up to 10 of the 100 civics questions, of which 6 must be correct and to write a simple sentence in English, as dictated by the officer

Once you have arrived for your naturalization appointment and gone through security, you will need to check-in at the front desk, give the personnel your interview notice and show your green card as identification

After checking in, you will be directed to go to the waiting room in order to wait to be called for your interview Take this time to relax, think calming thoughts and feel empowered, knowing that you will pass the test with flying colors!

Within 15 minutes to an hour or so, the officer will call your name and have you follow them to the office Once you arrive at the office, they will generally have you remain standing, raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, to which you answer, “ yes ” After that, the officer will ask you to take a seat and request your green card, driver’s license and passport

From this point, many officers will immediately begin the civics test questions, then once complete, have you write a sentence in English (dictated by the officer) on a USCIS provided iPad After the test, the officer will usually print out a paper saying you have passed the testing portion of the examination

The next part involves review of your naturalization application Most officers will go over every single question from the beginning

of your application to the end So be sure to review your application a few days before your appointment so that it is fresh in your mind and to update the officer on address, employment or other changes to your application Importantly, be sure to review all the questions beginning on page 12 through 15 so you are familiar with what you will be asked, since some officers will ask you every single one!

Finally, if you are in certain categories, the officer will request more documentation from you Here is a list of some other documentation that should be provided, depending upon your particular case:

Selective Service

Men who were subject to selective service (18 through 25,) should have a copy of their selective service registration printout

Early Naturalization

Residents who have applied for early naturalization due to marriage with a U S Citizen should bring their original marriage certificate, divorce or death certificates for previous spouses and marital documents to prove that the couple continues to live together in a bonafide marriage, including: joint taxes, property deed or lease, bank statements, utilities, birth certificates for children, etc

Criminal Background

Residents with criminal charges or convictions must bring certified copies of police reports and court dispositions

Travel Abroad While Naturalization case is pending

Those who have travelled abroad after filing for naturalization must provide the officer with an updated list of the dates of such trips and countries visited

Child Support

Those with child support obligations must bring proof of child support payments This usually includes, a certified copy of the court ordered child support and printout from registry showing all the payments are up to date Those without court orders must still provide proof of child support payments, normally a letter from the child’s other parent confirming the payment amount and that child support payments are up to date and bring copies of western union or other money transfer statements or receipts to prove payments

IRS Debts

Residents who owe IRS taxes should bring a copy of the IRS Installment agreement and a printout of payments made to the IRS to date (request from IRS) or bank statements showing automatic debits, or copies of cancelled checks

Once the officer has completed your civics and written test, reviewed your naturalization application and reviewed any additional documents necessary for your case, your interview is over Be sure to ask the officer if you can be sworn in the same day in case they have a slot open In many cases, they will accommodate you if they have availability Congratulations!

Legal Considerations for Starting a Small Business in Florida

By Nicanor Gordon

Transitioning your side hustle to a full-fledged business is a daunting, but exciting time for any entrepreneur. It’s a landmark moment where you push all your figurative chips in. The transition to a business comes with certain legal requirements that you have to be on top of

Here are some legal considerations for anyone starting a small business in the United States Protect Intellectual Property

(IP)

Your branding, name and logo are all the lifeblood of your business As soon as possible, look into copyrights, patents, and trademarks It’s easier now than ever to fall victim to copycats or business impersonation, especially if your business is online IP protection laws exist on a national and state level

Establish Written Employment Policies

Employees are the backbone of any business, but if your business has any proprietary techniques that are trade secrets, certain policies need to be enacted to protect these techniques during inevitable employee turnover To combat this, you should look into implementing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Non-Competition Policies When starting a business in Florida, it's essential to familiarize yourself with state and federal employment laws These laws cover areas such as minimum wage, overtime, discrimination,

worker's compensation, and hiring practices

Additionally, businesses must verify the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States by completing Form I-9 Complying with employment laws is vital to ensure a fair and inclusive work environment while avoiding legal complications

Registering under the Correct Entity Structure

The legal entity structure that your business falls under will determine many aspects of not only its day-to-day existence, but also how the business is taxed and what business loans can be procured Take time to review the different types of business structures, such as Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporations, Partnerships and Nonprofits, to decide what works best for you

Taxes and Financial Obligations

Understanding the tax obligations associated with running a business in Florida is crucial The state does not impose a personal income tax, but businesses are subject to various taxes, including sales tax, corporate income tax (for C corporations), and employer taxes Depending on your business structure, you may also have to pay self-employment taxes Consulting with a tax professional or accountant can help you navigate the complexities of tax obligations and ensure compliance

Safeguard Data

In an increasingly digital world, the privacy of your customers and employees' data is incredibly important It’s crucial to be upfront about what data you ’ re recording, and outline

the privacy policies in place to protect that data Sensitive information such as email addresses, home addresses, demographics, logins, etc need to be protected If you ’ re in the business of selling customer information to other companies (for advertisement purposes, etc ) then you also need to be upfront about that, usually in a terms and conditions statement that the customer will be required to sign off on

Zoning and Regulatory Compliance

Before leasing or purchasing a commercial space for your business, ensure that the property is zoned appropriately for your intended use Local zoning regulations dictate where and how certain businesses can operate within specific areas Understanding zoning laws can help you avoid costly setbacks or conflicts with local authorities

Business Banking Accounts

Having a separate account with business finances distinct from your own is important not just for keeping track of expenses and revenue, but also decreases the risk of personal liability if an audit were to occur

Consult a professional

Business law is complicated and, on the surface, unapproachable To prevent mistakes or run-ins with the law, a consulting professional will guide you on the right path preventing potentially costly mistakes

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Officers won’t ask for paperwork during stops in light of new immigration law

After Governor Ron DeSantis signed a strict new immigration bill into law, the expected changes are causing concern both inside and outside of the immigrant community

Fear among immigrants is expected to result in labor shortages, which could hurt our economy in South Florida and across the state

“Fear at first, and anxiety,” said Kevin Costello who owns K&N Nursery in Boynton Beach “I thought the world was coming to an end ”

Costello’s business employs more than 100 people Starting in July, businesses like his with 25 or more employees will be required to use the e-verify system to check their legal status and find businesses that fail to comply

“Anyone that is an existing employee as of the first of July, is grandfathered in as long as they work at that company,” said Costello, who is trying to calm his workforce

Costello is also concerned about how employees will come and go from his nursery

DeSantis bills spark debate

to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Furthermore, DeSantis signed SB 240 to expand workforce education programs and increase access to career and technical education (CTE) programs

The laws will go into effect on July 1

Bills to combat human trafficking

Governor Ron DeSantis signed four laws on Tuesday, May 16 to combat human trafficking, improve awareness of the signs and impacts of human trafficking, and implement critical reforms to hold human traffickers accountable

Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7064, which supports victims of human trafficking and strengthens penalties for human traffickers by:

Establishing a civil action for victims of human trafficking against traffickers and providing that victims can recover damages and attorney’s fees from adult entertainment establishments

Allowing seized property from a human trafficker to be sold and proceeds to be paid as restitution to victims

Requiring adult establishments to verify the identity and ages of all employees and establish-

ing a third-degree felony for owners or operators of adult establishments that do not retain such records

Requiring offenders of prostitution, lewdness, or related acts to attend an educational course on the impacts of human trafficking and the negative impacts of commercial sex on people and their communities

The Governor also signed SB 1690, Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking, which expands human trafficking awareness programs and increases human trafficking victim support by:

Cracking down on repeat violators of human trafficking awareness requirements by shortening the cure period for an initial violation from 90 days to 45 days and imposing daily fines for any subsequent violation

Requiring residential treatment centers for children to place signs on their premises to warn children about the dangers of human trafficking and to demonstrate avenues for reporting instances of human trafficking

Mandating the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the regulation of adult safe houses, which provide

The new law will punish drivers who transport undocumented people into the state who came into the US illegally

Sources with FHP tell NBC6 that troopers will be briefed and trained on how to enforce the new law and drivers could be arrested

Miami-Dade Police is trying to reassure the community that they will not pull people over and ask everyone to show their status

“We’re not going to be asking for any paperwork to try to confirm your legal status,”

housing and care specifically for survivors of human trafficking

Ensuring security measures for safe houses and safe foster homes includes detection of possible trafficking activity, coordination with law enforcement, and emergency response plans to search for absent or missing children

Requiring safe houses and foster homes to give kids age-appropriate programming to educate them on the signs and dangers of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, approved by the Department of Children and Families

He also signed HB 1465 which makes human traffickers eligible for mandatory minimum sentences when they possess or discharge a firearm during the course of their crimes

Moreover, DeSantis signed SB 1210 which provides that a petition for human trafficking victim expunction and all pleadings and documents related to the petition are confidential and exempt from public records requirements

5 Bills targeting drag shows, pronouns, bathroom use, and transgender children

On Wednesday, May 17, Governor DeSantis signed bills that ban gender surgical procedures

said Alberto Zabaleta with MDPD “For us, a victim is a victim from the beginning to the end Director Ramirez does not want to lose the trust of our community ”

The new law is expected to attract litigation which critics hope will lessen its impact before full implementation

The DeSantis administration feels that this is the right time for this new law with the end of Title 42, because they anticipate more people coming into the US that could end up in Florida

for minors, restrict pronoun use in schools, and force people to use the bathroom corresponding with their sex in some cases

He said the new law will prevent the mutilation of minors, protect children from “sexually explicit” entertainment and keep pronouns from being forced on students

Bill enforcing later start times for middle and High schools

Many Florida students may see a change in their school start times in the future, following the signing of a bill by Governor DeSantis

The Florida Senate approved the bill during the final week of the recent legislative session, while the House passed the measure in March

Middle schools will be prohibited from starting the school day before 8 a m , while high schools will be barred from starting before 8:30 a m According to reports, about 48% of Florida’s public high schools currently start school before 7:30 a m Another 19% of high schools start between 7:30 a m and 8 a m

These changes will go into effect by July 2026

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to commission one firm or joint venture (JV) having full architectural and engineering services available within the entity, or with consultants, as Architect/Engineer of Record (A/E) for the following General Obligation Bond (GOB) funded projects:

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this solicitation will be accepted via e-mail as noted below under the Cone of Silence until 1:00 pm local time, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Questions and Answers (Q&As) will be posted under legal ad 198 in the “INFO” icon at http://solicitations.dadeschools.net.

RFQ RESPONSES DUE: Firms or companies desiring to participate in this selection process shall respond with one (1) original RFQ response in a 3-ring binder; one (1) copy in a 3-ring binder; and three (3) flash drives (each containing the entire response as a single PDF document) no later than 1:00 pm local time, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 to the attention of:

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Department of A/E Selection & Negotiations

Carlton Crawl, Professional Selection Analyst

School Board Administration Building 1450 NE 2 Avenue, Room 305 Miami, Florida 33132

REQUIREMENTS: This is an abbreviated ad; the complete legal ad with requisite proposal information, Mandatory Sub-consultant Utilization Goals, project details and instructions for this solicitation, including selection procedures and required U.S. General Services Administration Standard Form 330, are available at http://solicitations.dadeschools.net under legal ad 198.

In accordance with Board policies, a Cone of Silence, lobbyist requirements and protest procedures are hereby activated. Failure to comply with requirements of this legal ad and Board policies shall be grounds for disqualification. These, and all related Board policies, can be accessed and downloaded at https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/sbmd/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=welcome

Calabar alumni grace school employees with JM$1,700,000

For the fourth consecutive year, Calabar High School Alumni Chapters based overseas in partnership with Calabar Parent Teachers Association have banded together to show appreciation to the teachers at their alma mater

The old boys chapters in Washington, DC, New York, Atlanta, and Florida have all combined to provide a cash gift to all teachers, guidance counselors, and support staff at Calabar for Teachers Appreciation Week 2023 The chapters, in collaboration with the PTA, will also offer a day of relaxation at a resort for these dedicated teachers

“It is with great pride that the chapters got together once again to thank our teachers They are among the most dedicated and caring professionals as they go above and beyond on a daily basis as they influence those formative years of high school,” says Michael McPherson, head of the Washington, DC Chapter

“We at Calabar, parents and students alike,

are thankful for the countless hours of dedication, compassion, and commitment displayed by our diligent teachers,” stated Kenneth Lawrence, president of Calabar PTA

“We have to honor our teachers Without them, then, who are we as a society? The Florida chapter is happy to support this initiative,” remarked Derrick Munroe, president of the Florida chapter

“We applaud any activity or program that celebrates our teachers,” said Dennis Sherwood of the New York chapter

“We have to honor the amazing educators who drive the future leaders of tomorrow Showing appreciation to our teachers for all they do and all that they sacrifice is a must in my book So I am always glad to be a part of showing support for our children’s educators and expressing how much their commitment and dedication to our children is so appreciated,” added David Anderson, President of the Atlanta chapter

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SHE BUILDS

Future Festival connects people of color across diaspora

The 2023 #SHE BUILDS Future Festival is set to be a game-changer for women entrepreneurs and creators worldwide With a focus on digital transformation in business, technology, art, and culture to name a few, this dynamic event aims to serve as a platform to propel economic prosperity in communities of color across the globe

The annual festival is making its footprint for the first time in Miami this year

The #SHE BUILDS Future Festival, hosted from June 8 to 10, is moving full steam ahead with its mission to empower women of color from around the globe

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Shaïna Silva, the #SHE BUILDS Future Festival is more than just a conference: it’s a movement

By connecting individuals from different industries, sectors, and regions, the festival creates opportunities for participants to share their knowledge and expertise This meeting of the minds enables collaboration and enhanced perspective on solution design to complex challenges, which leads to more effective and sustainable development in underserved markets

Through a series of cutting-edge conversations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and inspiring keynote speeches, the festival will explore a variety of methods to catalyze small business growth, preserve cultural heritage, and leverage technology to create stronger bonds between people of African descent

Ultimately, by bringing together individuals from different parts of the African diaspora, the festival is creating a powerful network of change-makers who are working together to build a brighter future for their communities and their native countries

The festival is also home to a pitch competition powered by Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition, which provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get access to capital and network with investors

According to the World Bank, women-led businesses account for approximately 40 per cent of all businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, with women in the region being twice as likely as men to start a business Despite this, women-led businesses in the region often face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, markets, and networks In the Caribbean, women-led businesses account for approximately 30 percent of all businesses but face similar challenges in terms of accessing financing and markets

Across Africa and the African diaspora, women-led businesses are a growing and important part of the economy By collaborating with ecosystem partners such as Black Ambition, platforms like #SHE BUILDS make it possible to build a bridge between nations and cultures, while also addressing the challenges small businesses face in accessing capital, mentorship, and networks

Crossword Puzzle Across

Down

Sudoku

AfriKin Intuition

Where music, art and culture collide

AfriKin’s cutting-edge approach to the arts has revolutionized the way people in South Florida experience the arts, allowing them to connect with artists on a deeper level

With Iniko, Danay Suárez, Fùnké, and Myoka leading the charge for the upcoming AfriKin Intuition on Friday, June 2nd, at the Miami Beach Bandshell

Iniko , with their massive viral smashes “The Kings Affirmation and Jericho” with over 1 2 million followers and 17+ million Spotify streams and coming off their sold-out Cosmic Lounge tour, are ready to “break down walls like Jericho crumble”

Iniko is one of New York’s most celestial new voices on the indie soul scene A gifted s o n g w r i t e r , p r o d u c e r , a n d m u l t iinstrumentalist of Afro-Jamaican descent, Iniko leads an alternative soul revolution They rose to fame with their massive viral smash

“The Kings Affirmation” which started as an Acapella freestyle Today, it garnered millions in streams, and 10’s of millions in views Their sound is an amalgam of many music styles which leaves

one ’ s palette fresh and wanting to hear more Inspired by a plethora of music, as well as the unknown, Iniko is sure to bridge the gap between dimensions

They are supported by Afro-Cuban Danay Suárez is a young Cuban singer and songwriter, born in Havana in 1985 With hits like “Yo Aprendi” and her new EP, “CAMBIO” Her great versatility and ability to move between Jazz, Hip Hop and the traditional genres of Cuban music have positioned her not only as one of the most elegant and unique of her generation but as the representative of female Cuban Hip Hop with one of the most intelligent lyrics and one of the most exquisite voices

Also featured on this amazing roster is the Sonic Griot Fùnké from New Orleans Conjured from the watery crossroads of the Mississippi and Wolf River, Fùnké blends a hypnotic brew of Ancestral, Deep, Afro-House, Broken Beat, and Global Soul Memphis native and Bulbancha based, Fùnké sees the dance floor as a sacred container that holds everything from

the joys to the woes and uses the healing power of music as a vehicle to move us out of our minds and into our spirits

And from the shores of Jamaica also featured is Myoka is a woman of musical greatness and excellence in the field of the performing arts She is a recording artist, a songwriter, dancer, video director, actress and entertainer, for all areas as it relates to the arts Her writing skills display a woman who possesses an enormous amount of creativity and one classified as a visionary

Experience what all the buzz is about Iniko said: “I know what is to come I know that I will and have already been condemned I know there are those that look at me and grimace because of who I am I know I will and do make many people uncomfortable I know my existence disrupts the norm It always has ” As their lyric says: “I’m the missing link of this illusion I am not really here, I’m an intrusion” because I have been told countless times that who I am and how I am does not exist ”

Pompano Beach Arts celebrates Black Music Month with free concert featuring Melton Mustafa Jr.

Pompano Beach Arts is thrilled to welcome back musician Melton Mustafa Jr to the Ali Cultural Arts Center to celebrate Black Music Month

The Grammy-nominated saxophone player will be performing with a group of outstanding musicians and will take audiences on a melodious journey through the history and impact of jazz

The evening will also feature the art of spoken word by renowned poet Eccentrich This free performance will take place at 6 p m on Saturday, June 24, 2023

Interested persons can register at

www pompanobeacharts org

“The concert celebrates the resilience and strength of jazz music throughout history The performers will weave beautiful words and music together to tell a tale,” said Ty Tabing, Director, Cultural Affairs Department “Join us for a night of music, good vibes, and compelling storytelling!”

Melton Mustafa, Jr , is a two-time Grammy-nominated saxophone player who was recently featured at Jazz in The Gardens Music Fest in Miami Mustafa, Jr is also the son of the late internationally renowned jazz trumpeter and composer Melton S Mustafa,

and he started playing music in high school under the direction of Frank Neal at Miami Carol City HS

He received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University, where he served as section leader of the saxophone section, and head of the dance routine committee for the legendary Marching 100

While at FAMU, Mustafa performed with the FAMU Strikers at the Apollo Theatre and traveled the world with the Marching 100 He received a master’s degree in education from Florida International University and is working on his doctoral degree in leadership

Anthony Cruz

Andre Coley, Daren Sammy appointed West Indies head coaches

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday, May 12 announced the appointments of the new head coaches for the West Indies senior men ’ s teams

Andre Coley has been appointed head coach for the Test and ‘A’ Teams, and Daren Sammy has been appointed the head coach for the white ball One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) teams

The new head coaches were selected following an open and transparent interview process, and the appointments were confirmed following the CWI Board of Directors meeting on Thursday

Daren Sammy’s first assignment will be the three-match ODI Series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah in June, ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe Andre Coley’s first assignment will be the two-match Test Series against India in the Caribbean in July

Sammy is a former West Indies captain in all three formats, who led the West Indies to the ICC T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016 Since retirement, he has coached franchise teams in the Pakistan Super League and the Caribbean Premier League

C o l e y i s a f o r m e r J a m a i c a wicketkeeper/batsman who has coached at all levels in West Indies cricket He was Interim head coach of the West Indies team on the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa earlier this year with his most recent assignment as head

coach of the West Indies Academy

The 39-year-old Sammy said: “It will be a challenge but one that I’m ready for and excited about I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, especially looking at the players we have and the impact that I believe I can have in the dressing room I believe I will bring the same approach as I had as a player: the passion, the desire for success, and my undying love for West Indies cricket

“When I look around there is an abundance of talent, and what I saw in South Africa in the white ball matches under new captains Shai Hope and Rovman Powell and the leadership provided by Andre Coley, there is great belief that we can do well

“I’m looking forward to imparting my knowledge, my tactical acumen, my communication skills and my man-management skills I get excited about putting the plans together and seeing the players execute them,” Sammy

continued

Coley, 48, said: “I am honored to be appointed West Indies men ’ s head coach of the red-ball team after serving in the interim role on the Zimbabwe and South Africa tours I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, as well as the opportunities as we sharpen our focus on moving up the Test rankings, and qualifying for the World Test Championship final in June 2025

“I also look forward to working with all our stakeholders, deepening relationships and fostering a high-performance mindset I am also excited to work closely with the ‘A-Team’ as we seek to optimize opportunities for teams to play competitive cricket outside of our firstclass competition and give players greater exposure to different conditions at the international level

“I believe that my expertise in the use of analytics, my leadership style and technical

Reggae Boyz set for 2-game friendlies at pre-tourney Gold Cup camp

In preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Jamaica will stage a pre-tournament camp and play two international friendly games in Wiener Neustadt, Austria

The team will gather for a camp on June 11 They will take on the former World Cup host Qatar on June 15 before tackling Jordan on June 19

“We want to place coach Hallgrimsson (Heimir) and his team in the best position to perform at their optimum at the Gold Cup,” said Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) “This is the third year consecutively that we will be hosted in this city, a location that is perfect for preparation I believe that with the quality of the team we now have, combined with the quality of coaching, we have an outstanding opportunity to create history by winning the coveted trophy,” added Ricketts

Both games will be played at the Weiner Neustadt Ergo Arena The team will then leave for Chicago on June 20, where they will play the United States in their first game of the Gold Cup on June 24

Dwayne

Bravo

returns to Knight Riders

Dwayne Bravo has returned to Trinbago Knight Riders ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

Bravo returns to the Knight Riders after two seasons with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, having won the title with them in 2021

Bravo is the leading wicket-taker in T20 history

and has more wickets than any other player at the CPL with 124 victims in these 97 matches

Bravo is also the leading wicket-taker for the Knight Riders with more than 100 wickets for his home franchise

Bravo represented the Trinidad franchise from 2013 to 2020 claiming the title four times in that period With five CPL titles, Bravo is the most successful player in the tournament’s history and he is synonymous with Trinidad cricket so his return to his home team will be an exciting prospect for Knight Riders fans

The complete squads for the Republic Bank CPL will be announced during the draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June 2023

Kieron Pollard, TKR captain said: “Very exciting times. The champion DJ Bravo is coming back to his home franchise TKR Our relationship and our friendship is second to none and this is a very good opportunity for us both to represent TKR together once again, in the upcoming season We are very happy to have him back in red and black ”

Venky Mysore, TKR Team Director said: “DJ (Champion) Bravo has been one of the key pillars on which TKR has been built We are delighted to welcome him back home & look forward to another enjoyable season There’s no doubt the entire #TeamTKR and our fans will eagerly look forward to seeing him back in TKR colours”

knowledge along with collaborative efforts alongside Daren, will make a positive contribution to player development and team performances,” Coley stated

In March, CWI announced that the role of head coach for the West Indies senior men ’ s teams will be split into two separate positions, a decision made with reference to the recommendation by the independent three-member World Cup review group to consider splitting coaching duties as one factor to help improve preparation

Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI said: “We are delighted to announce the appointments of Andre and Daren to the positions of red-ball and white-ball head coaches of the senior men ’ s teams They are well-equipped for their roles, and we are confident they will bring different perspectives, skills and a real passion to the West Indies dressing room

“The introduction of separate coaches signals the start of a new approach for the West Indies men ’ s teams, and we know it will enable greater focus on player communication, team planning and preparation to the benefit of our players and West Indies cricket ”

The recruitment process for a head coach of the West Indies Women’s team has commenced and the deadline for applications is Wednesday

The timing and process for appointing a new head coach of the West Indies Academy to replace Coley will be announced at a later date

CWI views are clear on ICC revenue distribution and global T20 franchises

Chief executive officer Johnny Grave said Cricket West Indies (CWI) has long made its views known on two news items in the sport that caught international headlines over the past week

Grave said CWI had already written extensive reports to the ICC, the sport’s world body, on the issue of its revenue distribution model, and the lure of players away from the international stage to franchise Twenty20 tournaments around the globe

The issue of the ICC revenue distribution model became topical when it was revealed that under a proposed new deal, the Indian board was projected to collect nearly 40 per cent of net surplus, about U S $230 million per year of annual earnings of U S $600 million, from the world body’s next four-year commercial cycle

“There have been no discussions at the ICC chief executives committee meetings on the core distributions from 2024 onwards,” Grave said during a virtual news conference recently, following a CWI board meeting the previous day

“Clearly, on the back of improved media rights deals that the ICC have announced a few months ago, we would certainly be expecting more revenue for CWI from ICC, but we are working to assiduously improve all our revenue streams and explore other diverse revenue opportunities, including the investment we have made here in Antigua at the Coolidge Cricket Ground ”

Grave said there was likely to be discussions about the new revenue distribution model at the next ICC board meeting that will happen about the time of the World Test Championship final in June in London – but CWI’s view have been made clear for the past four years

“We wrote a paper to the ICC back in 2019 about the economics of cricket and talking about the importance of equal revenue sharing and the importance of competitive balance to ensure that as many teams as possible have the opportunity to be successful, to create that uncertainty about who wins in matches, and to keep the sport at all levels across the world, not only sustainable, but also grow,” he said

“The philosophy of CWI is that we need all the full members of ICC and the associates to be growing the sport, and protecting the sport in their countries, and clearly, the more teams that have a genuine chance in the eyes of fans of winning world cups will create the greatest contest on the field, will create the greatest interest in our sport That remains our philosophy ”

It also emerged during the past week that five-time Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians could offer Barbados-born, England speedster Jofra Archer a lucrative, year-round deal that will require him to play for its partner teams around the world and force the England & Wales Cricket Board to seek permission from the franchise for him to play international matches

Both Grave and new CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow said the franchise vs international team discussion was nothing new, but the latest development could threaten the stability of the sport globally

“It’s something that if you were doing a SWOT analysis, you would consider it a ‘threat’,” Shallow said “It’s something we must discuss formally One of the committees we set up (on Thursday) was to review NOCs, and I would expect this will be quite high on the agenda

Sammy

Coley