National Weekly April 8, 2021

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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021

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TOP STORIES Trinidad PM Keith Rowley in Stable Condition After COVID-19 Diagnosis

South Florida Loses a

Stalwart

Groups Rush to Get Florida Farmworkers Vaccinated Florida Governor Issues Order Banning ‘Vaccine Passports’

By Garth A. Rose

Congressman Alcee Hastings Dies at Age 84 South Florida--particularly its African- and CaribbeanAmerican communities--has lost a stalwart of a man.

Democratic Congressman Alcee Hastings, civil rights activist and lawyer, and politician succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, April 6, after ailing for two years.

Fighting his way through a very racially segregated Florida in the 1950s to be the first African American to hold several positions in the state, Hastings also fought his illness and confounded the political community when he sought reelection in the District 20 congressional district last November. With the news of his illness, pundits assumed he would give up his seat, but with grit and determination, he sought reelection to win his 15th hold on the seat he held since 1992—the longest-serving congressional representative in Florida.

Tributes From Local Officials During his tenure as a congressman, Hastings has influenced many local politicians, and several of whom paid tribute to him on his passing.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness said, “Today, I lost a friend, a giant of a man, and a fearless fighter for justice, equality, and opportunity for all. Congressman Hastings was a voice for those without a voice, and his impact on all our lives will be long lasting.”

His sentiments were echoed by Florida State Sen.

Dancehall Artists Hit Back At Andrew Holness for Criticism of Jamaican Music Leon Bailey Foundation Donates Tablets to Children’s Home

continues on B4 – Hastings

Biden Advances COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Date for Adults serious threats still exist from new variants of the virus.

“We aren’t at the finish line. We still have a lot of work to do. We’re still in a life-and-death race against this virus,” Biden said Tuesday in his White House remarks. “Cases are going back up, hospitalizations are no longer declining, ” he added.

While acknowledging his administration is on schedule to beat his recently revised goal of distributing 200 million doses of the vaccine within his first 100 days in office, Biden said, “Even

By CNW Reporter Ending confusing restrictions regarding vaccine eligibility across the nation, President Joe Biden earlier this week advanced the deadline for states to make all adults eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to April 19—two weeks ahead of the previous deadline.

However, the president cautioned the nation that while they are making “incredible progress” with over 160 million vaccines given as of Tuesday,

continues on B4 – Vaccine Eligibility

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

HAITI

SPORTS

Jamila Souffrant Exemplies the Financial Possibilities for Caribbean Immigrants A3

Health Minister Anticipates Greater Turnout for COVD-19 Vaccinations A4

Floods in Haiti Leave Three Dead, Hundreds Homeless A7

Windies Coach Wants Regional Cricket Pitches Improved C3

Barbados Calls for Coordinated Regional Action to Tackle Pandemic Bermuda Schools Switch to Remote Learning for All Students

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 30 YEARS AND COUNTING: Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers is flanked by husband Cli on (le ) and Ruben Lujo, owner of Broward Meat and Fish. The three were at the supermarket's 30th Anniversary celebra on in Lauderdale Lakes on Tuesday. - Photo by U. Benne

GOOD READ: These guests take a look at a copy of the Na onal Weekly as they enjoy the offerings at the Broward Meat and Fish 30th Anniversary celebra on at the supermarket's loca on in Lauderdale Lakes on Tuesday. - Photo by U. Benne

WORTH THE JAB: Jamaican-American Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins gets vaccinated at the Jackson South Medical Center in Miami on April 5, 2021. - Contributed

KEEPING FIT: Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair snaps a picture with Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam during Messam's annual health and fitness 5k Run/Walk on April 3, 2021, in Miramar. - Contributed

A SHOT IN THE ARM: Consul General from Jamaica to New York, Alsion Wilson (center) hangs ght to her husband Omar Wilson (le ) as she gets her shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York office on April 4, 2021. - Contributed

CELEBRATING: Grace Kennedy execu ve Derrick Records (le ) shares a moment with Broward Meat and Fish owners Ruben Lujo (center) and wife Denise, as they celebrate the supermarket's 30th anniversary. - Photo by U. Benne

ONE LOVE: - A rare sigh ng, Marley matriarch Rita Marley poses for a photo with her grandson, JamaicanAmerican musician Skip Marley, the son of Cedella Marley, on April 6, 2021. -Contributed

MILESTONE: Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams (le ) shows off a Broward Meat and Fish 30th Anniversary plaque at an event to mark the milestone on Tuesday in Lauderdale Lakes. Looking on are a endees to the event. - Photo by U. Benne

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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NEWSMAKER Jamila Souffrant Jamaican American Exemplies the Financial Possibilities for Caribbean Immigrants In early March, Jamaican American Jamila Souffrant's Journey To Launch podcast topped a New York Times list of most approachable podcasts for demystifying finances. The rising financial guru was also featured by financially oriented CNBC cable-TV in both January and February.

With over two million podcast downloads, a monthly audience of over 150 thousand, a backlog of over 200 episodes, and new episodes released weekly, there's no sign of Souffrant slowing down anytime soon.

Her podcast tackles every topic imaginable to steer her audience towards financial independence. In her latest CNBC appearance, she describes her platform as, “dedicated to helping others achieve financial freedom. It was born out of my own experience saving and investing $169,000 in two years and making the leap from my corporate job to being my own boss.”

Jamaican Roots for Financial

Success Souffrant says, however, she wouldn't be where she is today without the guidance and provision from her Jamaican mother and grandmother. Her talent as a master saver and affinity for learning, and now teaching, can all be traced back to these two Jamaican women.

At just age 20, her mother gave birth to her in Jamaica, and by the time Souffrant was nine months old, her mother made the difficult decision that many Jamaican mothers still make today—she left Souffrant in the caring hands of her grandmother while she migrated to Brooklyn, New York. And, also like many Jamaicans living overseas, Souffrant's mother quickly started working multiple jobs, sending half her paycheck back home.

When her mother was finally able to bring Souffrant to live with her in New York, things began to settle for the mother-daughter duo.

Her mother would go on to first earn an associate's degree, then a Bachelor of Social Work, and later a master's degree in the same field. “I didn't want to work a minimum wage job for the rest of my life,” her mom recalls on an episode of Journey To Launch.

Now in her 30s, Souffrant and her husband have accumulated more savings than most Americans

Souffrant says it's her mother and grandmother who were responsible for instilling in her the basics of nancial management.

Both women regularly saved their money, urging Souffrant to do likewise, despite neither having any background in nance. do in a lifetime, and live debt-free besides their mortgage. She is also a mother of three young children and lives in Brooklyn.

A System That Works To get there, Souffrant made radical changes in spending and saving, using the FIRE (Financially Independent Retire Early) system.

The FIRE movement is all about saving and investing intelligently and aggressively—at least 50 percent of your income. The aim is in the name: to become financially independent, that is, to have enough wealth as early as possible, so you don't have to work to afford

Souffrant

necessities.

Souffrant can point to the catalyst that drew her to adopting the system.

At 31, she had a good job that paid well. But, the commute was hell—two hours from home to work,

and two hours back, on a good day.

One day, while pregnant with her first child, she remembers being stuck in traffic for over four hours. It was then that she decided, enough was enough. Not only did she not want to be stuck in a car for hours, continues on A7 – Souffrant

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN JAMAICA

Health Minister Anticipates Greater Turnout for COVD-19 Vaccinations Jamaica's Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is anticipating a greater turnout for the upcoming island-wide coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination blitzes, as additional stakeholders come on board to assist in encouraging more persons to get inoculated.

“We have included in the mix, the very important role of the political representatives … and the intention is to roll that out across the country where, in another week or so, we are going to have a national blitz in every parish.

Essentially, what it is about is to mobilize all stakeholders, to encourage in the first instance, our vulnerable groups to be a part of the … immunization blitz,” he said.

The blitz is the mass vaccination plan being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to inoculate 1,000 persons in a day at

TT Prime Minister Keith Rowley tests positive for COVID-19 Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, April 6, the Office of the Prime Minister said Rowley started experiencing flu-like symptoms late Monday and was subsequently tested for the virus.

The prime minister is now in isolation and under medical supervision.

Meanwhile, the chief secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Ancil Dennis, is now in quarancontinues on B4 – Rowley

Tufton

a single location.

Persons, 75 years and older, are now being targeted for vaccinations island-wide, with a reserve list to include members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and individuals over 60 years.

Tufton said the government is working with several stakeholders, including the church and senior citizens groups, to assist in getting people inoculated.

“What we really want to get out of this is a unified message to the country that this is a risk that affects all of us and so it requires a solution from all of us,” he emphasized.

He further noted that a key player in the mobilization effort was Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie, who he said was instrumental in

getting several members of his West Kingston constituents vaccinated.

McKenzie said he was optimistic the local government ministry's involvement in the vaccination drive “will go a far way in enhancing the program.”

He advised he will be enlisting the assistance of all 63 members of Parliament and 230 municipal councilors across Jamaica in further bolstering the initiative. He also plans to meet virtually with the mayors, inspectors of the poor, and other key ministry stakeholders.

McKenzie encouraged Jamaicans to dispel the false narrative regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, stressing that “I took it,” adding that he experienced mild side effects for a few days.

US Mayor Names Vincentian American Poet Laureate Los Angeles, Calif. Mayor Eric Garcetti has named Vincentian American Lynne Thompson as the new poet laureate of the city.

Thompson, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is the daughter of late Vincentians Brennan Irwin “Tom” Thompson and Cecily Thompson, née Hazell.

Garcetti said that Thompson—a winner of the Marsh Hawk Prize, Perugia Book Award, and the Great Lakes Colleges Association's New Writers Award—will serve as an official ambassador of Los Angeles' arts community, “promoting

poetry across the city and celebrating its rich literary tradition and culture.

“Lynne is an acclaimed writer and outspoken force who uses words to tell stories, bring communities together, and open up new avenues of art and thinking,” said Mayor Garcetti in a statement.

“Los Angeles is an international capital of creativity, a place for dynamic dreamers who shape global culture, ignite trends, and inspire—and I know Lynne will use her drive to show Angelenos and beyond the immense power of poetry,” he added.

The Los Angeles Poet Laureate Program is a collaboration between the

Thompson

city's Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL).

Thompson, a Los Angeles resident, said she was “humbled and honored to have been selected as Los Angeles' next Poet Laureate. – (CMC)

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Talk Up!

TALKUP

Should Women Be Paid the Same Salaries As Men for All Jobs?

President Joe Biden committed to closing the pay gap between men and women in the United States. In an event marking Equal Pay Day on March 24, Biden hosted members of the U.S. Women's soccer team, who have been pushing for equal pay since their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup win.

Equal Pay Day is commemorated on a different date every year and marks how many more days the average American woman must work in order to earn what the average man made in the previous year.

According to the National Women's Law Center, women working full time, year-round are paid on average 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The pay gap is even wider for Black women, who earn 63 cents on the dollar of the average man, and Latina women, who earn 55 cents.

"My administration is going to fight for equal pay," Biden said. "It's about justice, it's about fairness, it's about living up to our values, who we are as a nation. Equal pay makes all of us stronger."

We asked members of the diaspora whether women should earn the same as men for the same jobs. Here are the responses:

Peter Gay - As a person who identifies with individuals within equity-seeking groups, I understand and have experienced systemic barriers as a result of the color of my skin. With that in mind, l believe a woman should be compensated the same amount as a man if they are evenly qualified.

Charles Duke - In the United Kingdom, it is against the law to pay different salaries for similar jobs. This law, therefore, gave rise to the arguments of Racial Pay Gap, Religious Pay Gap, and any other discriminatory type of Pay Gap. The problem with equal pay for women is that women will go off on maternity leave while their male colleagues will be promoted and/or given salary increases. After maternity leave, most women return on a part-time basis because of the responsibility of child-rearing, which means less salary paid. And also, women in most cases do not help themselves. For instance, research shows that women prefer male bosses and are more likely to discuss work-related problems with their male colleagues rather than their female colleagues.

Akil Ysylo - Your pay should be based on quantity and quality of work as well as prior experience and that's all. Not sex, race, religion, affiliations, etc. But also, if you felt like you were fairly compensated before you found out what your peers make, I don't think you should be able to raise the goalposts. They always tell you your wage before you start a job, it's your choice.

Davette Hemans - If you find out you're getting paid less than the person who sits next to you doing the same job, you should walk your butt down to HR and say, “Hi, I'm worth more. pay me more.”

Dominique Johnson - It depends on the job because there are some jobs where I feel that women should make more than men and vice versa. For instance, I am a teacher but there could be a male teacher who is more advanced and has the skill set to educate and reach students better than I do. So just because we're doing the same job does it mean that we should get equal pay? If he does it better he should get more. Overall pay should be based on your ability, not your gender.

Barrington Cooper – Women should be paid equally as their male counterparts especially if they are tasked equally. I'll endeavor to say if she is performing better at a similar task she deserves to be compensated or paid more than the male. As we all know, there are more single women than men as the only income in the home. They have the same expenses (sometimes more), so I say pay equally.

Andrea Taylor - The Equal Pay Act was passed over 40 years ago which stipulates men and women should be paid equally for equal jobs. Women have famil[ies]. Sometimes they are the breadwinners. They are similarly educated. We sometimes have to work harder to prove our worth. We are definitely worth it.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

editorial

Focus on Diasporic Tourism R

ecently, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett published an article in a Jamaican newspaper calling for the island to look “more seriously at diasporic tourism for accelerating investments in the country's tourism product.” This is such an excellent idea. One wonders why the minister is placing it in a newspaper, rather than making a submission to the Cabinet of his government so the idea can be discussed, and most likely, translated into policy.

With over an estimated three million Jamaicans living overseas, mostly in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the diaspora provides an excellent market for the island's goods and services.

It is often wondered why more thrust isn't given by Jamaica's public and private sectors in including the diaspora into their trading plans.

While a variety of the island's products, mostly food and drinks, are exported to the U.S., UK, and Canada, these goods are usually brought in by importers and distributers not related to the diaspora.

But this is not a Jamaican issue. The onus is also on the diaspora to be more engaged in establishing strong trading links with the homeland.

Obviously, Minister Bartlett realizes the Jamaican diasporic market has the potential to help fill the yawning gap COVID restrictions have created in the island's tourism market.

Whether they left the homeland decades ago or more recently, Jamaicans in the diaspora yearn to return home not only to visit family and friends, but also to indulge in the highly touted tourism experience.

Despite the current travel inconveniences, members of the diaspora still visited Jamaica and stayed in hotels allowed to accept overseas visitors.

Many more people are willing to visit as tourists should the government make it more convenient and affordable.

We're not suggesting the Jamaican government should compromise its efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus by giving a free pass to members of the diaspora to visit the island. But, there are several policies that can be

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MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com implemented to make it less complicated to travel home.

For one, diaspora members who have been fully vaccinated should be considered for travel to Jamaica as tourists or to visit relatives, without the restrictions those who are not vaccinated must endure.

The risk of COVID-19 repercussions to Jamaican tourism and Jamaica, in general, would be significantly mitigated if visiting Jamaica were less complicated for those who have been vaccinated.

Another way to attract the diaspora and boost tourism would be for the Jamaican government and hotel owners to agree on special, affordable visitor packages. Annual average incomes among the Jamaican diaspora are middle-class incomes.

So, even with improved accessibility to visit the island, despite COVID-19 restrictions, not many people would be able to afford the high rates charged by most all-inclusive hotels.

And, there is planning needed within the diaspora too. It would help if diasporic groups are formed to liaise with the Jamaican public and private sectors in streamlining mutually accepted policies for diasporic visits to Jamaica.

As Minister Bartlett outlined in his article, the diaspora can play a major role in the development

of the Jamaican economy other than being tourists. “The indicators suggest that Diaspora members do not return home merely for sun and relaxation, but also to invest and do business, to improve education, to establish a new home, to attend festivals or family events, such as weddings or funerals, and, especially in the case of second and third generations, to find out more about Caribbean heritage and lineage.”

It is primarily first-generation Jamaicans in the diaspora who are intent on visiting the homeland. A mutual effort is needed between Jamaica and the diaspora to motivate and mobilize second- and third-generation Jamaicans in the diaspora to visit and invest in the island.

It is often said the Jamaican diaspora is a potential 'gold mine' to the homeland. But other than the lucrative financial remittance flows to Jamaica, the potential of this gold mine is not being fully realized. The diaspora unquestionably comprises a very potent market for Jamaican goods and services.

While the tourism sector agonizes over the losses created by COVID, solutions do exist in tapping into the resources of the Jamaican diaspora as a new, formidable tourism market.

Now, over to you, Minister Bartlett, to begin implementing your excellent idea.

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la section haitienne at Least Souffrant

Floods in Haiti Leaves 3 Dead, Hundreds Homeless Torrential rain in Haiti caused by the passage of a frontal system that impacted the country for at least three days resulted in the loss of life of three people. While three others are missing, and extensive damage reported in several departments.

Floods and river overflows have been recorded in the Center, North, North-East, and NorthWest, and several communes are affected by flooding.

One person lost his life in Jean-Rabel and 149 houses were flooded. President Jovenel Moïse visited the affected families and declared, "I visited the affected families following the flood in Jean-Rabel. On this occasion, I spoke with the city authorities including the mayoress, members

of the civil protection. I have asked the prime minister to issue instructions to the ministers of the interior and of social affairs in order to come to the aid of some sixty affected families.”

Two deaths were also confirmed in the commune of Bois de Lance (North) while at least

three other people are missing in the department. More than 1,270 houses were flooded in the communes of Terrier-Rouge, Caracol and Trou-du-Nord (North-East)... Interventions mobilizing volunteers from Civil Protection made it possible to shelter 137 families in Terrier-

Rouge and Caracol.

Heavy rains affected several main streets in the city of Cap Haitien and the districts of BlueHills, Haut du Cap, Petite Anse, Charrier, Zo-Vincent Cité du Peuple, Fort Saint Michel, BasChampin were flooded. A shelter that has been activated in Cap Haitien houses around 85 people.

The departmental directorates of Civil Protection partially activated their emergency operations centers.

The torrential rain continued on Tuesday, April 6, and threatened to spread to the rest of the country, according to a bulletin from the Hydrometeorological Unit.

World Bank Appoints New Country Manager for Haiti The World Bank has appointed Laurent Msellati, a French national, as its new country manager for Haiti.

The Washington-based financial institution said that Msellati's appointment was effective April 1, 2021, and he will be based in Port-auPrince, the Haitian capital.

In this new role, Msellati's top priorities will be to lead the bank's engagement with the Government of Haiti, work closely with key development partners and stakeholders, manage the country program and team, and support staff in the Haiti Country Office.

“Haiti has experienced several challenging years, and the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been severe,” Msellati said. “I look forward to continuing our

work to support the Haitian people, focused on inclusive growth, and building resilience.

“I will work closely with stakeholders across Haitian society to support the country's development priorities, and provide support for the most vulnerable,” he added.

Since joining the World Bank in 1991, the bank said Msellati has held several positions in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean regions.

The World Bank said Msellati recently served as World Bank Country Manager for Mauritania and has also been Practice Manager of the Agriculture Global Practice in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Msellati holds a Master's of Business

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Administration in finance and economics from the Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi (Italy), and a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes (France), the World Bank said.

The World Bank said Msellati will lead the implementation of the bank's program in Haiti, which includes an active portfolio of 20 projects worth about US$915 million, financed by the International Development Association and trust funds.

Project areas include transport, energy, agriculture and food security, health, education, water supply and sanitation, finance, governance, macroeconomics, social protection and jobs, and digital development, the World Bank said.

from A1

but she realized she also didn't want to work in an office, or for a boss, for that matter. Instead, she wanted to have more time for her family.

She came up with a financial plan and also started Journey To Launch, which began as a blog to record her journey to financial independence. “If I put this out to the world—to the two people who were reading my blog at the time—it should keep me accountable,” she revealed on the pilot episode of the podcast.

Becoming a Resource for Others What surprised Souffrant was how many people were connecting with her story and wanted to know how to make a similar change in their own lives. “I wanted to be a resource. I wanted to provide tips and tools,” she shares.

Today, Souffrant is considered a financial thought leader in the personal finance field and is the resident financial expert on a weekly segment on News12, the mostwatched local TV news station in NYC. She has also been featured in Essence, Refinery 29, Money Magazine, CBS, Business Insider, and more. The podcast was also named one of "27 Podcasts You Need To Start Listening To” by BuzzFeed.

Needless to say, Souffrant has indeed accomplished her mission.

She's living her financial dream while helping others do the same—as a resource for many people around the world. She's also a testament to the possibilities for Caribbean immigrants to the U.S., and how our strong work ethics, plus cultural belief systems, can lead us to a level of financial success our forefathers could never dream of.

Contributed: By Nicanor Gordon - allabouttheculture.com

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY COVID-19

April is National County Gov’t Month As counties across the nation seek to raise public awareness about the vital roles they play in the overall health of their communities, Broward County is celebrating April as National County Government Month along with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

This year's theme, “Counties Matter,” demonstrates how counties help to improve people's lives every day, especially for local government workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. It also focuses on ways county programs deliver essential services to ensure a healthy, safe and vibrant community and enhance the community's quality of life by providing effective, efficient, people-centered services that matter.

With more than 60 agencies, Broward County is working to make sure residents known about county services that can benefit them and is playing a vital role in keeping residents informed and safe during the persistent COVID-19 pandemic.

This month, the county is highlighting some of the many programs and initiatives in the areas of public safety, health services, emergency notifications, children and family services, business opportunities, education, and recreational resources.

These programs and more can be accessed on the county's “Counties Matter” website, on social media at Twitter and Facebook, and on displays in the lobbies of the Governmental Centers in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Plantation later this week.

To learn more about this initiative, visit the NACo website. For more information on National County Government Month and Broward County's effort to serve the community, visit Broward.org/CountiesMatter.

Residents Age 16+ Now Eligible for Vaccine According to the Florida Department of Health, as of Monday, April 5, all Florida residents 18 years of age and older became eligible to receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine is now also authorized for individuals ages 16 and 17.

All persons under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form.

Although vaccine trials on children between the ages of 12 and 15 indicate a 100 percent

efficacy rate, the vaccine is not yet available to children under the age of 16.

The expansion of vaccine eligibility is welcome news for Broward County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), which continues to prioritize the health and well-being of their students and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These school districts have been guiding their decisions regarding the safety of students, employees, and the community based on science-driven recommendations provided by public health experts.

M-DCPS is currently exploring

opportunities for voluntary vaccination of eligible students at pre-designated sites, similar to what has been offered with COVID19 testing for students and employees, as well as vaccination efforts for employees.

Parents/guardians and employees are encouraged to visit the state's vaccine locator site at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccinelocator/ for the latest information on available vaccine providers. In order to keep the community safe, residents are encouraged to observe COVID-19 prevention practices, including the wearing of facial coverings, frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, and social distancing whenever possible.

Commissioner Holness Wants Equal Pay Solutions for Minority Women

By Sheri-Kae McLeod On National Equal Pay Day, March 24, U.S. President Joe Biden said his administration is committed to closing the pay gap between men and women.

Equal Pay Day is commemorated in the U.S. on a different date every year. It marks how many more days the average American woman must work in order to earn what the average man made in the previous year.

During an event at the White House, which featured members of the U.S. national women's soccer team, President Biden said he wants to make equal pay a reality for all women.

According to data from the National Women's Law Center, white women in

America working full time are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The pay gap is much larger for Black women, who earn 63 cents on the dollar, and Latina women, who earn 55 cents.

The wider pay gap for minority women was raised by Jamaican-born Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness during a recent commission meeting. Holness says there need to be different solutions geared at closing the pay gap for Black and Latina women. “ ... In the U.S., women, in general, will achieve equity with males in 2059. However, Black women will have to wait until 2133 and Latino women will have to wait until 2220. Is there any consideration given to what we ought to be doing to change these dynamics so we can get to equity for women, and for

minority women sooner than that?” Holness asked.

The Commissioner was making reference to an equal pay report that was presented to the commissioners during the meeting.

“We need to break down the gaps as it pertains to Black women and Latino women.

The solution won't be the same for white women, Latino women, and Black women because the gaps are hugely different. If we're gonna look to solve this problem, then we need to have that differentiation,” he added.

His comments were also echoed by Senator Nan Rich, who said that the pay gap, and especially the gap between white women and minority women “is something that definitely needs to be focused on going forward.”

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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FEATURE

Cuba's COVID-19 Vaccines

By Elizabeth Morgan Cuba is the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean developing COVID-19 vaccines. There has been an interest in these vaccines within the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In Jamaica, there have been calls for the government to explore the possibilities with Cuba and it was reported recently that Suriname wants to take a Cuban vaccine. There is long-standing cooperation between CARICOM and Cuba and there's a CARICOM/Cuba trade agreement.

This is a truly commendable achievement for Cuba, a small state, which, among the many, has four (4) vaccines listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in various stages of development.

It has vaccines among the 23 at the advanced phase 3 in the development process. The Cuban vaccine, Soberana 02, is one of two vaccines being developed by the Finlay Vaccines Institute. The others are being developed by the country's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

Cuba has a population of 11.3 million and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 was estimated at US$91.2 billion with its per capita income at US$6,530.

With the impact of COVID-19 and the early restrictions to contain it, the economy contracted by 11 percent in 2020. Since the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, like other countries in the Caribbean, Cuba has become increasingly dependent on tourist arrivals, principally from Canada and the European Union (EU), and like its Caribbean neighbors, Cuba is facing a new economic crisis.

Like other Caribbean countries also, Cuba managed COVID-19 infections in the country quite well in 2020 until it began to reopen its borders in November and cases began to increase. In August 2020, Cuba indicated its intention to develop a homegrown COVID-19 vaccine. The country currently has recorded 71,584 cases with 414 deaths. The approved local vaccine will first be used to inoculate the Cuban population of at least 6 million people.

Since the 1959 Revolution and the 1962 U.S. trade embargo, Cuba was forced to be self-reliant and selfsufficient. More so with the reduction of Russian support within the last 30 years. Cuba, however, does receive some support from Canada and the EU.

A technician shows a vial of the Cuban made COVID-19 vaccine called “Soberana 02” at the packaging processing plant of the Finlay Vaccine Institute in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. The director of the Finlay Institute said that Cuba hopes to immunize the country’s entire population this year. (Yamil Lage/Pool via AP)

It was reported that by March 4, the WHO recognized national regulatory body, the Cuban Center for the State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED), gave approval for the Soberana phase 3 clinical trials to commence. The trial involves 44,000 people mainly based in Havana, the center of COVID infections, and 150,000 health care workers. In addition, 100,000 doses were sent to Iran as part of the trial. This vaccine can be stored at normal freezer temperatures and requires 2 doses.

A nurse observes the vitals signs of a healthcare worker who was injected with a dose of the Soberana-02 COVID-19 vaccine, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

(Ramon Espinosa/Pool Photo via AP)

In this situation, it is recorded that Cuba prioritized the development of its main natural resource, its people, investing in education and its healthcare sector.

The Cuban government emphasized research and development in the treatment of diseases affecting its people and on prevention and rehabilitation. Cuba has developed expertise in biotechnology and immunology with 8 of 13 vaccines

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administered to children developed and produced locally.

CARICOM countries have benefitted, over the years, from scholarships to students study in Cuba. Cuban doctors and nurses have regularly worked in the region including recently to assist with COVID, and many Cuba.

The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the hemispheric arm of WHO, has been

monitoring this process and seems optimistic that Cuba will be the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to produce a national vaccine.

At the end of the clinical trials, the CECMED will then be in a position to determine whether this vaccine can be approved for general use in Cuba. They are hoping that this should occur by June with fullscale vaccinations commencing in August. For the vaccine to be used outside of Cuba, it would be preferable it is approved by the WHO for emergency use.

It now appears a second of the Cuban vaccines, Abdala, has just arrived at phase 3 clinical trials, and there's also a nasal spray vaccine, Mambisa, in the queue.

At the World Trade Organization (WTO), where discussions have been ongoing on a proposal, originally from India and South Africa, for a waiver from patents and other intellectual property rights under the Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), it is not surprising that Cuba, as a vaccine developer, is not a co-sponsor. It seems this could jeopardize its position as an innovator, producer and exporter.

This waiver proposal is not as straightforward and beneficial for all developing countries as it may seem on the surface. As with many things, the devils are in the details.

I am rooting for Cuba, as a small State in the Caribbean, to produce at least one successful COVID vaccine approved by the WHO. Of course, I want to see it sold and administered in this region.

Imagine what we could accomplish as a region if we learned how to better collaborate.

*CMC's Elizabeth Morgan is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B3

ENTERTAINMENT

'The Harder They Come' album Named Among US Library of Congress' 25 Audio Treasures The classic reggae album, The Harder They Come by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has been inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on March 24 named 25 recordings as audio treasures worthy of preservation based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in the nation's sound heritage.

“The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years,” Hayden said.

“We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public's input as the Library of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”

The Library of Congress is America's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress.

Each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses 25 recordings showcasing the range and diversity of American recorded sound heritage in order to increase preservation awareness.

The Harder They Come soundtrack to the 1972 film of the same title, starring Jimmy Cliff, was among the 2020 selections and is the second reggae album to ever be inducted into the United States' recording registry.

The first was Burning by The Wailers, added in 2006.

The Harder They Come soundtrack album, which featured other reggae musicians like The Melodians, Desmond Dekker, and Toots and the Maytals, is believed to have brought the reggae genre to the world and pushed Jimmy Cliff to international fame.

In 2003, the album was ranked number 119 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and 122 in a 2012 revised list.

Jamaican Prime Minister Gets Harsh Pushback From Dancehall Artists Several Jamaican dancehall artists have hit back at Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his recent criticisms of some local music, which he said contained lyrics that contribute to the high crime rate on the island.

On March 30, in the aftermath of the brutal murder of 20-year-old Portmore resident Khanice Jackson, Prime Minister Holness lashed out at local artists who glorify violence in their music in an address to the Jamaican parliament.

“In our music and our culture, in as much as you are free to reflect what is happening in the society, you also have a duty to place it in context,” Holness said.

While acknowledging the artist's freedom to reflect what is happening in the society, Holness appealed to their duty “to place it in context.”

“Dat yuh tek up the AK-47 and tun it inna a man head … That is not right.

And though you have the protection of the constitution to sing about it, you also have a duty to the children who are listening to you,” Holness said.

Holness said that entertainers hid behind the excuse that they are street reporters, merely reflecting the harsh realities of the society they exist in when they were, in fact, glorifying violence.

But his comments haven't gone over well with some members of the music fraternity in Jamaica, who said continues on B4 – Harsh Pushback

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Hastings

Rowley

from A1

Shevrin Jones who said he was devastated at Hastings' passing. “Even as he battled health issues, he continued to serve South Florida's vibrant communities with the same grace and passion that defined his decades of service on behalf of our community. From his inimitable spirit to his empowerment of up-and-coming local leaders, this loss leaves a void that can never be filled.”

Another trailblazing politician, City of Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers, said Hastings “was a dedicated mentor, someone you could also rely on for guidance and honesty.

He was a warrior for the underprivileged with such a passion that will be hard to emulate.”

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson also shared her sense of loss, tweeting, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, colleague, and fellow Fiskite, Rep. Alcee Hastings. He leaves behind an enormous legacy for future generations to cherish and emulate.”

Man of Action Hasting, who was born in Altamont Springs, Florida on September 5, 1936, became a civil rights activist at a young age and was jailed for participating in several civil rights protests in the 1950s.

Gaining his law degree from Florida A&M University, he decided to be a civil rights lawyer.

Based in South Florida, he fought for the desegregation of local hotels, restaurants and schools. A blunt, and fearless personality who openly spoke his mind, he angered the establishment. But this did not deter Hastings to try and break down barriers.

He decided to break this barrier in 1970 when he became the first Black Floridian to run for the U.S. Senate. He admitted knowing he would lose the race, but despite death threats from the establishment, he was determined to

from A4

Hastings

prove he wasn't afraid of challenging that establishment. He believed his candidacy would help Black people overcome any inferiority complex and “stand up and out.”

After losing the senate race, as he anticipated, he sought several other elected offices, losing each time.

Hastings' political maneuvers and reputation as a fearless civil rights lawyer him statewide and national recognition. In 1977, then-Florida Gov. Reubin Askew appointed him as a Broward County Circuit Court judge, and in 1979, then-President Jimmy Carter made Hastings the first Black federal judge in Florida by appointing him to the U.S. District Court.

He continued his fearless, brash approach on the federal bench, even blocking President Reagan's order to deport Haitians—while seeking to mete out justice to the underprivileged.

Another Hurdle Cleared In what some people still maintain was politically motivated, in 1981 Hastings' judicial career was ruined.

Vaccine Eligibility moving at the record speed we're moving at, we're not even halfway through vaccinating over 300 million Americans.”

The White House explained eligibility isn’t the same as actually being vaccinated. Being eligible means people can sign up to reserve their place in a virtual line until they can schedule an appointment.

“No more confusing rules. No more confusing restrictions,” Biden said.

While touting his administration’s pace of vaccinating Americans, Biden said he “directed states in early March to make educators and ... childcare workers eligible for vaccines,” with a goal allowing those who wanted to get a vaccine to be able to do so in March. However, he said on Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that about 80 percent

He was charged with allegedly soliciting a $150,000 bribe for reducing the sentence of two local mobsters. Although he was acquitted of the charge in 1983, he was targeted to be removed from the bench. In 1988, five years after his acquittal the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach him on several charges including perjury and conspiring to accept bribes. He was subsequently convicted by the Senate and removed from the bench in 1989.

But impeachment did not deter Hastings.

He switched his focus to politics. Still seeking to break barriers, he first announced he planned to run for governor but decided to run for secretary of state instead, losing in his bid.

Then, in 1992 he ran for the congressional seat in District 23, which included parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. He won the seat and has never lost it since. In 2012 the District was redistricted to become District 23 including sections of Palm Beach and Broward counties.

On five occasions, he ran unopposed for reelection to the seat.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Holness proposed renaming a portion of Northwest 6th Court, from Northwest 27th Avenue to Northwest 31st Avenue, between Lauderhill and Fort Lauderdale, Alcee Hastings Street.

However, the proposal wasn't passed since county rules prohibit the renaming of streets after people who are still alive. With the congressman's passing, the Broward Commission is expected to pass the proposal.

Congressman Alcee Hastings is survived by his wife of many years, Patricia, and three children.

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from A1

of teachers, school staff and childcare workers had gotten at least one shot by that timeline.

Reopening too soon?

While some states like Texas and Florida have reopened their economy despite the rise of COVID cases, and the persistent threat from the new variants across the country, Biden and many of his advisers have warned against reopening the economy too quickly and easing mask mandates, because of the risks of a new surge in virus cases.

Since Monday, at least a dozen states, including Florida, opened vaccine eligibility to people aged 16 and older. New Jersey and Oregon have announced all residents 16 and older will become eligible on April 19.

Biden recently announced that by April 19, 90 percent of adults would be eligible for

COVID-19 vaccines and would have a vaccination site as close as 5 miles from their homes.

“The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective. That should give us real hope, but it can't let it—we can't let it make us complacent,” Biden said. “Despite the progress we're making as a nation, I want every American to know in no uncertain terms that this fight isn't over.”

At a press briefing by the White House COVID-19 Response Team and health officials on Monday, acting administrator Andrew M. Slavitt said, “As of today, nearly one in three Americans and over 40 percent of adults have at least one shot, and nearly one in four adults are fully vaccinated. Seventy-five percent of seniors have now been vaccinated, and more than 55 percent of seniors are fully vaccinated.”

tine after he was exposed to a primary contact of a recent COVID-19 positive case.

In a statement on Monday, Dennis said while his exposure to the primary contact was minimal and mask-wearing and socially distancing were observed during the interactions, “I hastened to get tested for COVID-19 as is compulsory in the circumstances and received a negative result.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, I will remain quarantined until April 16 when the full 14-day quarantine period ends. I will work from home during this period and discharge the responsibilities of my office through virtual meetings and other forms of relevant communication.”

The chief secretary also urged residents to remain cautious and vigilant, “even in light of the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines.” – (CMC)

Harsh Pushback from B3

that the prime minister was using local music as a scapegoat.

“Why is this man blaming crime on music,” Dancehall artist Mavado wrote in an Instagram post. “…that has nothing to do with entertainment no one voted for us to lead that's your job! what u need to do is clean up your corrupted Government and stop intimidate the people! Tyad a you.”

Dancehall artist Masicka, who voiced a Just A Minute dubplate for Holness during the 2020 election campaign, also ridiculed the PM's remarks and mocked his assumed moniker of “BroGad.” “Brogad. Boy Jamaica sorry fi uno.

Once gunman song stop, the crime stop fi true,” he said. “Educate uno self ghetto yutes make some money. Protect uno self ghetto and family. Educate dem too… Never vote, never will,” he wrote.

Dancer 'Tall Up' reasoned: “tyad a him fi real man, really. A come try put blame on music …so a music n party mek yah lock dung the country? So nuh the same music wah put JA pon the map whether it did violent or not?”

While dancehall artists remain an easy target, many believe it is the main responsibility of a government to keep its citizens safe but the Jamaican government is unwilling or unable to all the steps necessary to reduce the abysmal crime rate.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Charlotte Caribbean Carnival Returns for Second Staging with Virtual Event She is excited for the return of this year's carnival because “with everything happening around the world right now it's only best to celebrate Caribbean Heritage. It's a night to celebrate and share a little piece of Caribbean [culture].”

Joseph, along with other persons of Caribbean descent, first brought the carnival to Charlotte in 2019 because she wanted the city to experience the type of celebration that she previously had to travel to the Caribbean to attend.

The festival brought thousands of visitors to Charlotte looking to watch and participate in the festivities. Charlotte Caribbean Carnival hosted Mas Band performances, Carnival Queen Fete, arts and culture, food, and entertainment.

Highlights from 2019 include the crowning of Miss Puerto Rico as the Caribbean Carnival Queen, Island Buzz was recognized as Mass Band of the Year, and a special performance by soca artiste Olatunji.

In recognition of AmericanCaribbean Heritage Month in June, the Charlotte Caribbean Carnival returns for its second year to present “Quanival.”

The first festival in Charlotte, Florida, took place in June 2019 with a week of activities culminating with a street festival held at the, then, Charlotte Open Air Market. This year's festival will take place virtually and will be hosted Saturday, June 26, 2021 beginning at six o'clock in the evening.

The 2021 virtual experience will continue to display the arts and culture through live costumes presentations, soca performances and music featuring some of the most sought-after Caribbean DJs. Organizer Natalie Joseph, a Grenadian native, has lived in Charlotte for over 10 years.

The First-Ever True Blue Virtual Sound Clash For April 10 The St. George’s and Jamaica College Old Boys Associations of Florida will host their first-ever friendly sound clash on Saturday, April 10.

The True Blue Sound Clash of 2021 is replacing the traditional True Blue weekend soccer event held every year.

This year marks the 17th year for the South Florida event though it will be held in a different format. The True

Blue Sound Clash will be hosted online

by VP Records and broadcast on their Facebook page (facebook.com/vprecords/) & YouTube Channel (youtube.com/vprecords) starting at 7:00 p.m.

The MC for the clash will be popular South Florida radio personality Steven “Sir Rockwell” Warner. The virtual True Blue Sound Clash Series will also feature Christopher “Chris Goldfinger” Clarke of Jamaica College vs. Neilton “Johnny Ringo” Lee of St. George’s College and DJ Ronnie (JC) playing against DJ Fergie (STGC).

The yearly fundraising event provides the schools with the funding necessary to present scholarships to Jamaica College and St. George’s College students. Nearly 2,000 soccer enthusiasts and supporters typically participate in the annual event.

This event is held in honor of Dennis Ziadie, who coached players at both schools to Manning Cup victories.

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C3

SPORTS

US Athletes Can Kneel, Raise Fists in Protest at Olympic Trials

By Eddie Pells The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will not sanction athletes for raising their fists or kneeling during the national anthem at Olympic trials, previewing a contentious policy it expects to stick to when many of those same athletes head to Tokyo this summer.

The USOPC released a nine-page document to offer guidance about the sort of “racial and social demonstrations” that will and won’t be allowed by the hundreds who will compete in coming months for spots on the U.S. team. The document comes three months after the federation, heeding calls from its athletes, determined it would not enforce longstanding rules that ban protests at the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50 is an ongoing source of friction across the globe. Many U.S. athletes have spearheaded the call for more freedom in using their platform at the Olympics to advance social justice causes. But others, both in and outside the U.S., balk at widespread rule changes that they fear could lead to demonstrations that sully their own Olympic experiences.

The wide-ranging debate traces its most visible roots to the ouster of U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos from the 1968 Games. Their raised fists on the medals stand in Mexico City led to the seminal

snapshot of social protest in sports history.

With guidance from its recently formed Council on Racial and Social Justice, the USOPC released a list of dos and don’ts as part of its document. The list of allowable forms of demonstration included holding up a fist, kneeling during the anthem and wearing hats or face masks with phrases such as “Black Lives Matter” or words such as “equality” or “justice.”

Not allowed are hate symbols, as defined by the Anti-Defamation League, and actions that would impede others from competing, such as laying down in the middle of the track.

The document takes pains to define as much as it can, including making clear that acceptable demonstrations should involve “advancing racial and social justice; or

promoting the human dignity of individuals or groups that have historically been underrepresented, minoritized, or marginalized in their respective societal context.”

It sets out a process by which cases that step outside the rules can be decided. It also makes clear that while the USOPC will not sanction athletes for many actions, it cannot “prevent ... third parties from making statements or taking actions of their own, and that each Participant must make their own personal decision about the risks and benefits that may be involved.”

Those third parties could include the IOC itself. The body that runs the Olympics is in the process of its own review, led by an athletes’ commission, that could lead to tweaks in Rule 50. It is not expected to go as far as what the USOPC is doing. That review is expected to be complete next month, and the USOPC could adjust its guidance if needed.

But the USOPC’s original decision—announced in December—that it would not punish athletes who run afoul of Rule 50 in Tokyo drew a line in the sand that sets the stage for possible conflict. Under many circumstances in the past, a nation’s Olympic committee has been expected to deliver sanctions to athletes on its team that run afoul of rules at the Olympics. The USOPC has made clear it won’t do this in many cases that fall under Rule 50.

CRICKET

Windies Coach Wants Regional Cricket Pitches Improved West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has urged Caribbean authorities to prepare more results-oriented pitches, following the nil-all draw in the recent two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Both matches finished in tame stalemates on flat wickets at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, and Simmons said it was important to provide more competitive pitches in the region in order to lift the profile of Test match cricket.

“I think we from a country standpoint need to get better wickets where we can have Test matches that will create results,” he contended.

“Even if we lost a Test match after it's gone to the fifth day, you will still think that we've done well to get to the fifth day and were in with a chance of winning the Test match, so I think that's an important part of it.”

The home side was frustrated on Good Friday when Sri Lanka comfortably batted out the final day of the second Test to earn a draw.

Set a target of 377 runs, Sri Lanka resumed the final day on 29 without loss and lost only two wickets, on the way to reaching

Simmons

193 before the game was called off.

The first Test had taken a similar direction with West Indies easily batting out the final day after being asked to get 375 for victory.

West Indies employed a five-pronged attack for the series with four seamers and offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall being utilized, and Simmons said it was more the tranquility of the pitch and not the effectiveness of the bowling group, that led to the drawn matches.

“I don't think you can reinforce [the attack]. The only thing you can do sometimes is adjust the make-up of the five bowlers,” the

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former Test all-rounder pointed out.

“In this case, the pitch looked like it would deteriorate a little bit more and Rahkeem would have come into it but the pitch just got better and better, and that's not in our hands.

So next time we look at it, we might play two spinners or we might play five fast bowlers but it just depends on how we read the pitch.”

Simmons said he was comfortable with the current composition of the attack, however. “We had the bowlers there who we wanted to be in the Test team. Everybody else is still work in progress and still looking to put themselves in contention so right now these five bowlers are our main bowlers.”

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach was the leading Windies bowler with nine wickets at 23 runs apiece. – (CMC)

COMMENTARY

VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES

Gov’t Restrictions Putting a Damper on Sports in Jamaica As sure as night follows day, there is bound to be a domino effect following the decision taken by the management of Portmore United and Waterhouse football clubs to withdraw from the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship.

The Jamaican representatives were forced to take such an unpopular decision because they believe there is not enough time to properly prepare for the tournament due to the continued restrictions imposed by the Government of Jamaica.

And more so, because there is still no specific date for contact sport training to resume.

The Government had hinted that contact sport training could resume but it has yet to provide a formal authorization with approved protocols.

Portmore United’s long-standing general manager Clive Marshall was left distraught.

“The decision to withdraw from the Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship 2021 edition was most difficult and painful. Our players, in particular, look forward to these international platforms to showcase their talents. It has proven very successful over the years in providing a pathway to the international club market.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to train and play for over a year due to the pandemic and the lack of approval from the Government. Indeed, we're devastated by this decision but we have to be prudent. We cannot compete in any competition without proper preparation, let alone a regional tournament against teams that have been in active competition. Our players have suffered tremendously over the past 13 months.”

And Chris Williams, chairman, Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), the marketing arm responsible for monetizing the league, said his organisation was in full support of the clubs that play in the league that he is responsible for.

“This decision by two of our clubs saddens the PFJL, but we remain 100 per cent in support of their decision given the circumstances that have occasioned their pulling out of the most important regional tournament that has realised much success for many of our clubs in years past.”

He also argued that football will continue to suffer in this way if the Government fails to grant permission for the resumption of the sport on the island.

According to its president Michael Ricketts, though he understands the need for caution from the authorities, he is exasperated with the current stalemate and worries for the immediate future. “With the lack of football activity over an extended period comes a downturn in quality at all levels.

Ricketts still harbours hope that the Premier League will get underway even with the limited time left, saying the local players must get a chance to perform so the best of them can be promoted to the next level.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 8 – APR 14, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T