National Weekly December 17, 2020

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2020

TOP STORIES Caribbean Airlines to Extend Layoffs for Three Months

NY Governor Signs Law Limiting Arrest of Immigrants in State Court Houses

PIONEER

Jamaican-American Nurse is First Recipient of COVID-19 Vaccine in US

By Garth A. Rose

Despite some reticence among the community to take a COVID-19 vaccine, there was pride with the Jamaican diaspora in the U.S. that New York City ICU nurse Sandra Lindsay, a Jamaican American, was the first person in the U.S. to receive the Pfizer vaccine recently approved by the FDA. continues on C4 – Pioneer

Usain Bolt Voted 'Greatest Male Track Athlete' in Last 75 Years Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has been voted the best male track and field athlete in the past 75 years by Athletics Weekly.

The UK-based track and field publication recently marked their diamond anniversary (75th anniversary) by asking readers to vote for the top male and female athletes to have graced the sport since 1945.

The majority of readers who voted, 55.3%, said the title of “Greatest” went to Usain Bolt. He received more votes than Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie (17.1%) and Czechoslovak longdistance runner, Emil Zatopek (14.5%).

There is perhaps little surprise that Bolt won the title. During his career, he dominated the sport for

almost a decade and changed the face of Jamaican sprinting.

“I don’t think any athlete, any sportsman or woman since Muhammad Ali has captured the public imagination and propelled their sport as quickly and as far as Usain Bolt has,” World Athletics president Seb Coe once said of the sprinting superstar.

An eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016).

He also won two 4 × 100 m relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory.

Bolt is also an 11-time World Champion. He retired from the sport in 2017.

Jamaican Legislators Table New NIDS Act in Parliament

Palm Beach County Ofcials Host Holiday Meal Distribution Event on Friday

Commissioner Dale Holness to Host Christmas Toy Giveaway

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Apologizes for Controversial Statement About Venezuelans

CWI Conrm Third West Indies Tour Amid COVID-19

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

FEATURE

SPORTS

US Diplomat of Jamaican Heritage Appointed White House Domestic Adviser A3

Newly Elected Belize Legislator Dies from COVID-19 A4

COVID: The Grinch That’s Stealing Christmas B3

West Indies “Not Good Enough” Against New Zealand D3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE 2 WE'RE BACK! Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartle (center), greets a passenger, who disembarked the Bri sh Airways flight out of Gatwick London Airport, which arrived at the Sangster Interna onal Airport in Montego Bay on December 12. At le is Bri sh High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Asif Ahmad. Bri sh Airways resumed flights to Jamaica following an 11-year hiatus. – Photo by JIS

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION: Former Lauderhill Commissioner and Jamaica Na onal (JN) member Richard Campbell (right) accepts a token of apprecia on from Janice McIntosh, chief representa ve officer of the JN Bank Florida Representa ve Office, for his involvement in the Caribbean Americas Soccer Associa on (CASA) and the work his has done with Jamaica Na onal over the years. – Contributed.

KEEPER OF THE CULTURE: Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, chairs the mee ng of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Commi ee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage on Wednesday. More than 800 online par cipants in nearly 140 countries are registered to a end six online sessions chaired from Jamaica with the support of the UNESCO Secretariat in Paris. – Contributed

HONORING: Grand Marshal Tito Puente, Jr., Billboard Music Award winner and namesake and son of the Hispanic musical icon displays a cita on from the City of Miramar with Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers (center) and Penn House Produc ons dancers in the parade of cars on Saturday, December 12 to celebrate the community's rich Hispanic heritage and raise funds for student scholarships. – Contributed WELCOMING THE LITTLE ONES: Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartle (le ), engages with children who arrived on a Bri sh Airways flight out of Gatwick London Airport, which landed at the Sangster Interna onal Airport in Montego Bay on December 12. Bri sh Airways resumed flights to Jamaica following an 11-year hiatus. – Photo by JIS

CARAVAN FIESTA: Miramar Vice Mayor Maxwell B. Chambers, host of the first annual Hispanic Scholarship Caravan Fiesta rides on a car with a costume-clad par cipant on Saturday, December 12 to celebrate the community's rich Hispanic heritage and raise funds for student scholarships. – Contributed

MEN OF HONOR: L-R Vivian Walters, Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, Hugh Bryan, and Jamaican Men of Florida (JMOF) vice president Melvin Foster pose for a photo at the JMOF Scholarship Recep on held at a private residence in Southwest Ranches on Saturday. – Contributed

PEAK SEASON: Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartle (le ) in conversa on with Bri sh High Commissioner to Jamaica Asif Ahmad (center) and Diane Corrie of Bri sh Airways following the return of Bri sh Airways service from London at the Sangster Interna onal Airport on Saturday. – Contributed

MAKING HISTORY: Jamaican American Danielle Cohen-Higgins was formally installed and pinned as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 8 during a ceremony at the county's government office on Wednesday. CohenHiggins is the first person of Jamaican descent to serve as a commissioner in Miami-Dade. – Photo via Cohen-Higgins/Instagram

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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Susan Rice

US Diplomat of Jamaican Heritage Appointed White House Domestic Adviser From 2013 to 2017, Rice served as national security advisor. During her tenure, she supported major U.S. efforts on the Iran nuclear deal of 2015, the Ebola epidemic, reopening to Cuba and the ght against the Islamic State.

Susan Rice, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and National Security Adviser in the Obama administration, has joined the ranks of women that will serve in the White House come January 2021.

She also joins Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as Jamaican Americans on the hierarchy of the incoming Joe Biden Administration.

Harris' father is a Jamaican.

Rice, whose maternal grandparents are Jamaicans, was appointed last week as the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council by President-elect Joe Biden.

According to Politico, Rice was also highly considered for the position of vice president, as well as U.S. secretary of state. However, it is assumed controversy over attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Libya involvement during her tenure as national security advisor could have proven problematic on her being approved by the U.S. Senate for the post of secretary of state.

A major advantage of her new appointment is that she does not require confirmation by the Senate.

Rice will have deep involvement the administration's plans for racial equity, immigration and health care when she officially takes her place in the White House on January 20, 2021. The new domestic role will be a change of pace for her, as she is best known for her involvement in foreign policy.

Rice was born in Washington, D.C., to education policy scholar Lois Rice and Emmett

Rice

J. Rice, the second Black governor of the Federal Reserve System. Her maternal grandparents were Jamaican immigrants to Portland, Maine.

As a youngster, Rice excelled in academics and athletics.

She attended Stanford University, where she won a Truman Scholarship and graduated with a bachelor or arts degree with honors in history in 1986. She later attended New College, Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, where she earned Master of Philosophy (1988) and Doctor of Philosophy (1990) degrees, both in international relations.

While doing her master's, she served as a foreign policy aide to Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis during the 1988 presidential election.

Rice served in the Bill Clinton administration in various capacities: at the National Security Council (NSC) from 1993 to 1997 (as director for international organizations and peacekeeping from 1993 to 1995, and as special assistant to the president and senior director for African affairs from 1995 to 1997); and as assistant secretary of state for African affairs from 1997 to 2001. Rice's tenure saw significant changes in U.S.-Africa policy, including the passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and an increased U.S. focus on fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

In 2001, she made the switch to private entities, working as managing director at Intellibridge, a political risk consultancy, and as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, an American research group. During the 2004 presidential campaign, Rice served as a foreign policy adviser to John Kerry.

Rice went on leave from the Brookings Institution to serve as a senior foreign policy adviser to Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign. She was one of the first high-profile foreign policy staffers to sign onto

Obama's campaign, as most of her peers had supported Hillary Clinton during the presidential primaries.

In December 2008, President-elect Obama announced he would nominate Rice to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations, a position which he restored to cabinet level. During her tenure at the United Nations, Rice championed a human rights and antipoverty agenda, elevated climate change and women's rights as global priorities, and committed the U.S. to agreements such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.

From 2013 to 2017, Rice served as national security advisor, a position that also does not require Senate approval. During her tenure, she supported major U.S. efforts on the Iran nuclear deal of 2015, the Ebola epidemic, reopening to Cuba and the fight against the Islamic State.

Post-President Obama's administration, Rice became a distinguished visiting research fellow in the School of International Service at American University in 2017. A year later, she was appointed to the board of directors at Netflix. She stayed in that position until her recent appointment to President-elect Biden's cabinet.

Rice endeared herself to Jamaicans at home and the diaspora last week when in her address accepting her appointment by President-elect Biden, she acknowledged her Jamaican maternal grandparents and ancestry, turning to her fellow Jamaican American, VP-elect Harris, with a coy smile as she did so.

In 1992, Rice married former ABC News executive producer Ian Officer Cameron, who had been her college boyfriend at Stanford. The couple has two children, Jake and Maris.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

New Belize Legislator Dies from COVID family, the people of Corozal Bay and the nation.

“The Honourable David Vega will be given a state funeral and all flags will be flown at halfmast over the entire country until the date of his funeral,” he added.

The late career math teacher was intubated at a private hospital in Belize City since Dec 5 and despite hopes of recovery, he succumbed on Friday, December 11.

A moment of silence was observed by parliamentarians at the inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Belmopan for the first-time area representative.

“The doctor that was attending to him told me that the last thing that Dido told him—because he knows the doctor; they are both from Corozal—he told the doctor. I have to

Recently elected Member of Parliament for the Corozal Bay area in Belize, David Vega, 47, died after contracting COVID-19.

“It is with a sad heart that I inform the nation of the passing this morning of the Honorable David “Dido” Vega. David, known to us as Dido, would have been swearing the same oath as we did earlier,” Prime Minister John Briceño said Friday as new members of parliament were being sworn into office.

Briceño, who led his People's United Party (PUP) to victory in the November 11 general election, paid extended condolences to Vega's

Vega

CNW Presenter Abi-Gaye Smythe Among the 2020 Prime Minister's National Youth Awardees Among the 30 outstanding Jamaican youth who were presented with a 2020 Prime Minister's National Youth Award is CNW presenter, AbiGaye Smythe.

Smythe

Smythe, the host of CNW90 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, was awarded in the category of nation-building during the virtual awards ceremony on Sunday, December 13. She was honored for her philanthropic efforts.

Abi-Gaye lives with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), a rare and progressive disease.

A diagnosis of ARVD essentially means that the right side of Abi's heart does not function as it should. The right ventricular wall is thinner and her

heart is slightly bigger than it should be. She has two leaking valves which can cause her heart to race to the point where it can send her into cardiac arrest at any time. Since her diagnosis, Abi has been wearing an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, which monitors every heartbeat and corrects irregular heartbeats.

In 2013, she started the 'I Have A Heart' Foundation which aims to raise awareness on heart disease. She says her long-term goal is to help source financial support for persons with heart diseases and to form support groups. She also has plans to do more to raise awareness of heart diseases including a school tour and more public education work through social media.

In 2019, she met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who said that he was touched by her story.

Other young Jamaicans were recognized for their contributions to science and technology, arts and culture journalism, youth development, sports

get out of here, I have to go dig some drains because some people are flooding. That's just the kind of man that Dido was. That he was about his family, about his community and about his country; always wanting to serve. But God had other plans for him and as much as it pains us and it hurts us, we accept it,” Prime Minister Briceno added.

Prime Minister Briceño, who last week returned to work after himself contracting the virus, said there will be a bye-election, but doesn't know when it will be held.

Vega is survived by his wife and two children.

Bermuda Gets First Female and First Black Governor Rena Lalgie, Bermuda's first Black and female Governor, was sworn into office on Monday during closed ceremony at Government House. continues on A7 – Rena Lalgie

Lalgie

continues on B1 – Abi-Gaye Smythe

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS

WEEKEND SPECIAL

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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Talk UP

How Will You Be Spending Christmas 2020?

All across the diaspora, people are preparing for a Christmas like no other.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted all major traditions involving gatherings, and residents have had to get used to a new normal which includes smaller group events and more Zoom calls. Even with a vaccine now being distributed, many states and counties still have COVID-19 restrictions. As a consequence, the festive season will be celebrated in a completely different way for many people this year. We asked some Jamaicans how they are planning to celebrate the holidays.

Chrystal - I'm gonna go to work like normal on Christmas Eve and then have dinner with my family on Christmas day.

There's really not much to do outdoors because of the restrictions so I'll be spending the holidays at home.

Jevaughn - I don't really have any plans. I know there will be a small family dinner on Christmas Day. I don't usually go out or party or anything so its kinda the same the same this year.

These new Covid regulations havent affected me as much as others, becuase I pretty much do the same thing that I always have been doing.

Mahailla - There's really not gonna be any major gatherings this year. There will be a Christmas dinner but most of my family that usually visit are unable to come this year. I usually go to Grand Market on Christmas Eve, but because of the nightly [7 PM] curfew in Jamaica, that won't happen. I don't really have anything eventful to do this Christmas.

Ben - This Christmas will be different as the Government have already curtailed us with an imposition of an early curfew starting at 7:00 PM in Jamaica. The usual Grand Market traditions and other activities this year are cancelled. So it will be church in the morning and a family brunch instead of our usual dinner party.

Kareem - My plans haven't really changed this Christmas. I will be having Christmas dinner with family and then hopefully try and get together with friends. That's normally what happens during Christmas for me so COVID-19 hasn't really stopped anything. I know for other people, they usually want to party or go to the beach on Boxing Day [December 26] but I can do without those activities.

Iyanna - Christmas 2020 will be different due to the pandemic. My family and I will attend Church Service in the morning to celebrate the reason for the holiday followed by a family brunch. The number of attendees will be reduced but time spent with family will be merry.

Andrea - I know this Christmas will be different for a lot of people because of the pandemic. Everyone's major priority will be to stay safe. For me, I plan to go to church and have a small dinner with my family. But the rest of the holidays will be spent indoors.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Is Celebrating a COVID-19 Vaccine Premature?

T

here is celebration in the scientific community, and media hype, surrounding the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) giving emergency authorization to pharmaceutical company Pfizer to begin distributing its COVID-19 vaccine to Americans age 16 and older.

Since February, when the pandemic first hit the U.S., the death toll has risen to a staggering 300,000-plus, some 16 million people have been contracted the virus and in recent days the daily death toll is over 3,000 people. Amid this devastating new wave, news of a vaccine brings some hope, yet there is a cloud of doubt from many quarters.

There's no evidence of general public acceptance of this, or other vaccines, being developed to stem COVID-19. Several surveys indicate only 60 percent of Americans are confident in being vaccinated.

The reluctance is greater among the Black community where surveys indicate only 32 percent is willing to take the vaccine.

Associated with this doubt, is the fact that the sheer size of the U.S. population of over 350 million, which means it will take several months before everyone can be vaccinated. So, while some people will be up front in line to get the vaccine as early as this week, the virus will still be around placing millions at risk. To be fully effective, the vaccine must create herd immunity or succeed in making the majority of Americans immune to the virus.

But the primary challenge, even if there were unlimited amounts of the vaccine available, is the lack of trust with this vaccine.

Responding to why they doubt the effectiveness of the new vaccine, several people have expressed concern in the rapid pace of its development. Some believe political pressure was placed on pharmaceutical companies to produce a vaccine in record time. Others believe the companies may have deliberately cut corners to produce a vaccine to increase their profits.

The doubt among a large percentage of the

Black population is steeped in historical atrocities perpetrated on Black people by the scientific and medical communities. The Tuskegee syphilis study comes to mind. Several years from 1932, over 600 Black men were used as guinea pigs to determine progression of untreated syphilis. The men were told they were being treated for the disease, but were instead given placebos and allowed to suffer through the disease's progression.

Although it's evidentiary that COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting low-income Black communities, and it would have been advisable that these communities be among the first to get the vaccine, several people within these communities are fearful of being again used as guinea pigs.

Another factor spawning distrust among some people in the Black community is the limited ratio of Black physicians to the Black population. In 2019, there were indications only 2.6 percent of America's physicians, and 7.3 percent of medical school students were Black.

Many people in South Florida's CaribbeanAmerican community prefer being treated by an African- or Caribbean-American physician. But there isn't a proliferation of either Caribbean- or African-American doctors in the region. Most people have no alternative but being treated by physicians who are of other races.

Several studies have shown Black people tend to

have better outcomes when treated by trusted Black doctors and nurses.

Black people not only trust and are more inclined to be treated by medical personnel of their own race, but are more willing to heed advice given

by Black medical personnel. It is believed that more Black Americans would be willing to take the vaccine if Black doctors assured them it was safe.

Health officials now have the twin goal of stemming the spread of COVID-19 within minority communities, while convincing the people to trust the vaccine with the potential to stem the spread.

This is no easy task.

Naturally, to garner this trust, health officials and other leaders need to focus on promotional campaigns to boost the safety of the vaccine.

Additionally, people want to be assured the health of those vaccinated before them is not compromised.

One way of giving this assurance is to place the limited numbers of Black doctors and nurses very high on the priority list for vaccination. Evidence that these doctors and nurses react safely to the vaccine should help alleviate doubt in the safety of the vaccine.

Eric J. Williams, a past president of the National Black Nurses Association and interim associate dean of health sciences at Santa Monica College, California, said he expects Black nurses and doctors to play a major role in persuading other Black people to get vaccinated.

It's most unfortunate that trust is lacking, not only among America's Black population, but a large percentage of the general population, in a vaccine that may stem the spread of COVID-19.

This is going to need a massive promotional movement, and a healthcare system that proves it can be trusted, by all Americans, particularly those from minoity communities.

IRISH MOSS BY

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LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Haiti Opens Consulate in Morocco The Haitian government on Monday opened a consulate general in the city of Dakhla, in the north western African nation of Morocco.

This makes Haiti the first non-Arab and non-African country to open its diplomatic representation in Western Sahara—a display of its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region.

The inauguration ceremony of the consulate was chaired by minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the Ambassador of Haiti to Canada, Weibert Arthus.

“This city has become an important diplomatic center with its location, its vocation as a platform towards Sub-Saharan Africa, and its potential and which presents real prospects

Haiti’s Ambassador to Canada, Weibert Arthus, (3rd left) and Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita (right), cut the ribbon on Haiti’s new consulate in Dakhla, Western Sahara on Dec. 14.

for regional development,” said Bourita after the ceremony.

Arthus, for his part, expressed Haiti's wish “to bring together not only the two peoples but also the communities of the two countries,

mainly those of Dakhla which are very active” and said Haiti will always defend Morocco's territorial integrity.

Haiti first announced its decision to open its consulate general in Dakhla on November 24—the consulate is the 17th of its kind in Morocco's southern provinces.

Haiti's diplomatic move comes to concretize its support for Morocco's territorial integrity.

During the inauguration ceremony, Bourita told reporters that a year ago, Morocco forecasted only 10 consulates to open in the southern provinces, but that expectation has now doubled. Morocco's top diplomat also said that two more consulates could open in Dakhla, in addition to that of the United States.

Bourita affirmed that in addition to the

Florida-Based Immigration Group Welcomes Extension of TPS for Haitians A major Haitian immigration advocacy group in Miami has welcomed the United States' extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Haiti until October 4, 2021.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it was also extending TPS, until the same time, for beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan.

“This is wonderful news” said Marleine Bastien, the Haitian-born executive director of Family Action Network Movement (FANM).

“Folks have been frantic and restless worrying about the January deadline.

“TPS holders and their families can rest easier after months of anguish,” she added.

But Bastien said, while her organization and Haitian TPS beneficiaries are relieved by the U.S. government's decision, “TPS recipients need permanent and not temporary protection.

“FANM will continue to organize our

members and fight for those in the (U.S.) Senate to pass The Dream and Promise Act,” she said. “We will not stop until we have a path to permanent residency for all TPS holders.

“We urge the Senate to act promptly to find a permanent solution for all TPS recipients and their families,” Bastien added.

Through the notice in the Federal Register, the Daily Journal of the United States Government, DHS said it was taking actions “to ensure its continued compliance with the preliminary injunction orders” of a number of U.S. district courts.

Several immigrant advocacy groups had filed lawsuits in district courts challenging the Trump administration's decision to terminate TPS for nationals from Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan.

Last month, a Haitian refugee group in New York urged the incoming Joe Biden administration in the United States to rescind President Donald J. Trump's “racist policies on

immigration.” The Brooklyn-based Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees's Temporary Protected Status Committee told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that it was collaborating with the Haitian National TPS Alliance in holding Biden to his promise of reversing Trump's immigration policies.

The Haitian National TPS alliance recently conducted a “Road to Justice” bus tour to Brooklyn in its continuing push to reverse Trump's “draconian immigration policies.”

New York boasts of the second-largest concentration of Haitians with TPS status in the United States, with Florida having the largest.

FANM said Florida is home to over 50,000 TPS holders, with 35,000 from Haiti, 9, 000 from Honduras and 6,000 from El Salvador.

The Haitian immigration advocacy group also said over 275,000 U.S.-born children in America have parents from Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal Sudan and El Salvador who have TPS status.

supportive value that these consulates represent for Morocco in the question of Western Sahara, they mark the city of Dakhla as an important diplomatic center, and a bridge between North and sub-Saharan Africa.

Haiti's consulate general in Dakhla comes only two days after the Caribbean country opened its embassy in Morocco's capital, Rabat, on December 12. The embassy is Haiti's second diplomatic representation in Africa, after an embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

During the inauguration of the embassy in Rabat, Haiti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Claude Joseph reiterated his support for Morocco's territorial integrity.

He said Morocco is “a true partner” for Haiti, adding that his visit to North Africa will further boost bilateral ties.

Rena Laglie from A4

Lalgie, who arrived from Britain on Sunday, said: “It is a privilege to have begun my service as Governor of Bermuda. My family and I look forward to settling into Bermudian life.”

Premier David Burt, Chief Justice Narinder Hargun and Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque attended the swearingin ceremony as Bermuda grapples with a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases.

A government spokeswoman said “all necessary health guidelines and precautions were observed” at the event.

She said a public ceremony to mark the arrival of the new Governor would be held next year “when conditions become safe to do so.”

Lalgie replaces John Rankin, a Scotsman, who has left to take up a similar post in the British Virgin Islands, a sister British Overseas Territory.

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JN Group to Host 'Together We're Strong' Christmas Concert The Jamaica National Group will seek to raise funds for children in places of safety and other vulnerable persons, while it lifts the spirits of Jamaicans across the diaspora, with a grand Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20.

Dubbed “Together We're Strong,” the virtual event will seek to encourage Jamaicans at home and abroad to support the work of the Mustard Seed Communities, a philanthropic

organisation, which provides care, food and medicine to vulnerable groups in Jamaica, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe and Malawi. These groups include the physically and mentally disabled; abandoned children and pregnant teenagers at risk, as well as persons living with HIV/AIDS. Slated for 2:00 p.m., Jamaica time, the concert will feature performances from some of Jamaica's finest reggae, conscious dancehall and gospel artistes, such as JN Group Ambassadors: dancehall sensation Agent Sasco and gospel star, Minister Kevin Downswell; veteran reggae songstress Marcia Griffiths, internationally-acclaimed songbird Tessanne

Florida Rolls Out Covid-19 Vaccinations in Nursing Homes POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Nursing homes around Florida began inoculating patients and staff Wednesday against COVID-19 with doses of the first U.S.-approved vaccine against the disease that has killed more than 20,000 people in the state.

At the John Knox Village near Fort Lauderdale, 90 of the 100 residents of its skilled-nursing facility were getting vaccinated Wednesday. The village has about 1,000 residents overall with most living independently in homes or apartments with others in assisted living. The state says three village residents have died of the virus, but Mark Rayner, its director of health services, disputed that number. He said the three had recovered and died of other causes.

Rayner said none of the skilled nursing patients had gotten the disease and one employee who contracted COVID-19 has since recovered. The patients in the sixcontinues on C4 – Nursing Homes

Chin, as well as the enigmatic dub poetry band, No-Maddz, and a host of other performers.

The Together We're Strong concert will also include performances from upcoming singer, Jamila Falak; recording artistes and JN employees, Clara 'CK' Kahwa and Davell 'D' Suave' Thompson, as well as performances from Jamaicans in the diaspora.

The hilarious comedy duo, Ian 'Ity' Ellis and Alton 'Fancy Cat' Hardware and entertainers Tami Chin Mitchell and her husband, Wayne 'Wayne Marshall' Mitchell from the popular YouTube series, 'Meet the Mitchells,' will share hosting duties.

The event will be streamed live via the

Group's social media platforms.

Claudine Allen, member ombudsman, JN Group, says the intent of the concert is to lift spirits and bring holiday cheer to JN members and Jamaicans at home and overseas, as they grapple with the ills and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, while, at the same time, provide support to the most vulnerable, who have experienced diminished charity due to the limitations and financial challenges.

“This year has been a trying year for many of us. We have lost loved ones, jobs, businesses have closed and persons have suffered mental anguish because of COVID-19,” Allen says.

Miami and Palm Beach Enforce New COVID-19 Curfews While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to come under fire for his reluctance to take more aggressive action in imposing mitigation measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 in South Florida, officials in two cities are not following his lead.

The city of Miami and the town of Palm Beach recently enforced new nightly curfews in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus which has spiked in South Florida over the last week. Major concern is that the spread of the virus could increase further over the Christmas and New Year's holidays if some restrictions are not enforced.

Miami's curfew went into effect over the past weekend and runs from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. The town of Palm Beach implemented its curfew on Monday, Dec 14 and will from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Miami-Dade County currently has a curfew in place, but most of the cities in the county were not enforcing it.

Last week the City of Miami Commission voted to have police begin enforcing the curfew, however people breaking the curfew may not be subject to monetary fines, in accordance with DeSantis earlier ordinance that bans cities from collecting fines for breaking curfews or for not wearing masks.

According to a Sun Sentinel report, the town of Palm Beach voted to pass its curfew as a proactive measure, taking into account the town's elderly population, but the town doesn't plan on enforcing fines. Law enforcement officials said police officers will take an educational approach in informing residents of the curfew.

Neither Palm Beach County nor Broward County currently have curfews in place. However, individual cities are able to make decisions based on the circumstances related to the spread of the virus in those cities. So can other cities in Miami-Dade County.

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COVID

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CHRISTMAS FEATURE

The Grinch That’s Stealing Christmas

By Garth A. Rose

It already denied people of the accustomed religious experiences of Easter, and the close family interactions of Thanksgiving, now the dreaded pandemic—COVID19, is robbing them of the traditional celebratory joy of Christmas.

“How can we enjoy the usual joy and spirit of Christmas this year when every day we learn of hundreds more being sick and dying,” bemoaned 78-year-old Miramar resident and Caribbean American Greta Belnavis as she contemplated the approaching Christmas of 2020.

The Christmas Season, which for people from the Caribbean begins the first day of December and lasts until New Year’s Day, is a time of special joy and celebration, characterized by decorated homes, brightly lit Christmas trees, food and drinks galore, exchange of gifts, visits to homes of friends and relatives, and church services with lusty caroling, will not be the same this year.

“Most people, even doctors like myself, were hopeful when the coronavirus pandemic reached

America last February that it would be under control by mid-year and people could resume their normal life. But we did not know much about the virus then. We are still learning today, and far from having the virus under control,” said West Kendall general practitioner Dr. Leopold Angus.

On Tuesday, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warned that at the current rate of COVID19 infections some 330,000 Americans could die from the virus by Christmas Day, with cases approximating 20 million. Again, like over the Thanksgiving holiday people are being warned to stay home over the Christmas holidays, not to travel to visit relatives, and refrain from having visitors to their homes.

This advice is totally contrary to the Christmas most Caribbean Americans know.

Traditionally, Caribbean Americans travel home to the Caribbean than any other time of the year.

Miami travel agent Winsome Ricketts said in her experience, “Every year since 2000 the period from December 20 to January 2 has seen the heaviest bookings by Caribbean Americans traveling to and from the Caribbean. This year, reservations are down some 74 percent. People are just not traveling home to the Caribbean this year.”

Actually, it isn’t easy to travel home to the Caribbean, or neighboring Canada. Canada continues to impose a travel ban on travelers from the U.S. to that country, and to travel to

Caribbean countries like Jamaica, travelers must apply online for permission to travel, must be pretested and proven negative for COVID. Moreover, several Caribbean leaders are encouraging the Caribbean diaspora not to travel home this year. Those who persist in traveling home have been forewarned that strict curfews exist and they’ll not be able to enjoy the traditional celebration with house parties, and joyous visits with friends and relatives.

Thelma and Hugh Foster, Jamaican Americans living in Plantation, Florida, have traveled home for Christmas every year since 2013.

“Christmas just isn’t the same here in America like Jamaica. It’s just special in Jamaica.

The mood, the music, the church services, the food, the love. We look forward to going home every year. We booked our tickets to go home this year from February. But we can’t go home this year. Even our own family in Jamaica don’t want us to come home because of COVID,” said Thelma.

“I guess we can greet one another through Zoom over Christmas,” said Trinidadian Vicky

Mendez of Port St. Lucie, “But, Lord man, we can’t hug and touch the people we love and want to be with over Zoom. This will be a painful Christmas not able to visit home and be with those we love.” “‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ is my most popular Christmas song, looking forward to return to Antigua for Christmas holidays. This year, I will be truly home for Christmas, only it’s my Tamarac home,” quipped Monty Bird sarcastically.

Monica Dreyfus, another Jamaican in West Kendall, has two married daughters living in Brampton, Canada. She said they had made plans from last year to be home with their families this Christmas but, because of COVID, those plans are canceled. “I had made so many plans, especially to welcome my three grandchildren. Now I don’t even feel to put up the Christmas tree. It was for the kids. It will be a sad Christmas. Not even the Christmas music is bringing me joy this year.”

But, Rev. Muriel Lofters, a Methodist cleric in South Miami, said although some people are bemoaning that some of the Christmas traditions won’t be possible this year, they should be happy and thankful for two special gifts. “If they are healthy and alive on Christmas Day they must rejoice for the gifts of health and life. Many people across the world will not receive these gifts.”

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Christmas in the Eyes of Children It is often said that the celebrations associated with Christmas is best enjoyed by children. What does Christmas really mean to children?

This is what Christmas means to the following children residing in Jamaica and South Florida. These answers were very surprising and touching.

Brittany Chiles, 11 - Kingston, Jamaica There’s many things I like about Christmas. But most of all I like the smell of Christmas.

The smell of the Christmas tree that my dad brings home. The smell of the cakes my mom bakes for Christmas, also the smell of the ham in the oven and the smell of the new curtains and sheets, and the smell of new paint as my house usually gets new paint at Christmas. Christmas time also smells so nice.

Brandon Haughton, 9 - Miramar, Florida I love my family more at Christmas. I love that we laugh and have fun as my mom, dad, sisters and brothers and also my grandpa gather around and help to decorate the Christmas tree in the family room. The best feeling in the whole wide world is when we are finished and Dad or Mom switches on the lights on the Christmas tree. There is a little thing that Mom put on the tree that sounds like a bird singing, and that’s so, so cool. But what I don’t like is when the tree has to be taken down when Christmas is gone. I get very sad.

Nydia Abdul, 12 - Tamarac, Florida My mom doesn’t work at Christmas and for several days after Christmas. That’s what I really love. To have my mother at home for those several days. She is a nurse and so for many days she isn’t at home. But she makes it special at Christmas to be home with me and my brothers. That’s so cool. She cooks the nicest food, and gives the best gifts, but even without those it is great that my mother is with us for Christmas. My mom is Christmas to me.

Kellie Wongsam, 11 - West Kendall, Florida Every Christmas I get the chance with my friends to get toys and other things for children who are poorer than us, or don’t have anyone to give them toys. So many children have toys and stuff they no longer use, so when you ask them you can get a lot of good, old toys to give away to the poorer kids. But we don’t only give old toys. My dad usually takes me to buy new toys, and I have fun selecting these new toys. But the best thing of all is to be able to give the toys to the poorer kids, because they really, really like to get these toys. I feel good to see they are happy with the things we give them.

Ethan Wedderburn, 9 - Falmouth, Jamaica Music. I love the Christmas music, and to sing Christmas Carols at Sunday school. I love to hear the choir sing at church, and hear the story about baby Jesus born in a stable. How could a baby be born in a place were cows and horses stay? It’s a nice story. I like to sing too, I sing on my Sunday school choir, and I try to sing the loudest about baby Jesus at Christmas.

My Favorite Christmas Song

By Garth A. Rose Ask people what is their favorite thing about Christmas and you are likely to receive a different response, but its likely most will say the favorite thing is the music at Christmas.

I fully agree with 84-year-old Maizie Russell of Perrine, Florida, that Christmas would not be Christmas without Christmas songs and carols.

Today, with 24-hour access to multiple streaming services and devices like our cell phones, its hard to escape the music during the holidays.

Like the majority of people who responded to CNW surveys in recent years, my favorite Christmas carol was “Silent Night” especially the version song by the Temptations, closely followed by “O Holy Night.”

But, this year while watching a Christmas special on YouTube featuring the University of the West Indies Chorale, I fell in love with a song I’d heard before but paid little attention. It’s particularly fitting this year, because of the many challenges that 2020 brought with it.

Reminiscent of an old Negro Spiritual, the song, “Mary Did You Know,” is my new favorite because it aptly conveys the real message of Christmas, the birth and life of Jesus Christ and what his birth means to the world.

This is a relatively new Christmas song, written in 1984 and first recorded in 1991.

The lyrics are placed, I invite you to focus on the lyrics, even if you are already familiar with them, and tune into YouTube or any other music portal and enjoy this song. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

MARY DID YOU KNOW When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?

This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

The blind will see.

The deaf will hear.

The dead will live again.

The lame will leap.

The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?

Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Mary did you know. Ooo Ooo Ooo

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

The

ingredients

Course: Dessert Cuisine: Jamaican Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

The Chirstmas Cake

The Highlight of Every Caribbean Christmas

F

or Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals, one of the highlights of the Christmas season is the traditional cake or pudding. In the days leading to Christmas, one can be sure to catch the special aroma of the deliciously spiced, rum-filled cakes being baked.

Despite publishing this recipe almost every year, some Caribbean Americans, especially among the millennials, are not sure what goes in to making that delicious Christmas fare.

The Jamaican Christmas cake, which is also referred to as Jamaican black cake has long been the most popular Jamaican dessert on the island.

Jamaican black cake is thought to be derived from the British figgy pudding, but with an island twist. While it has traditionally been thought of as a Christmas cake, it is also frequently used as a wedding cake.

This delicious cake be found on every table in Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora, and around the Christmas season.

The Jamaican Christmas cake, which is also referred to as Jamaican black cake, has long been the most popular Jamaican dessert on the island. Jamaican black cake is thought to be derived from the British ggy pudding, but with an island twist. While it has traditionally been thought of as a Christmas cake, it is also frequently used as a wedding cake.

16 oz Dark Brown sugar 16 oz Unsalted Butter 12 Large Eggs 2 tbsp Vanilla 2 tbsp Rose Water 2 tbsp Mixed Essence 6 oz All Purpose Flour Sifted 6 oz Bread Crumbs Plain 1 tbsp Salt 2 tbsp Baking Powder 2 tbsp Cinnamon 2 tbsp Ginger Grounded 1 tbsp Mixed Spice 1 tbsp Nutmeg Grounded 1/2 tbsp Cloves Grounded 1/2 cup Raisins Dried

The 1.

Resting Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes Servings: 30 Calories: 326 kcal Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

1/2 cup Currants Dried 1/2 cup Cranberries Dried 1/2 cup Prunes Chopped and Pitted 1/2 cup Dates Chopped and Dried 1/2 cup Candied Cherries 1/2 cup Candied Mixed Peel 2 cups Red Port Wine 1 cup Jamaican White Rum Wray and Nephew brand 2 tbsp Molasses 4 tbsp Browning 1 tbsp Baking Soda 2 tbsp Almond Flavor

instructions

Cream 16 oz of dark brown sugar and 16 oz of unsalted butter in an electric mixer until smooth.

2. Add 12 large eggs to your creamed butter and sugar mixture (Add 3 eggs at a time until they are all incorporated into your mixture).

3. Add 2 tbsp vanilla, 2 tbsp rose water 2 tbsp mixed essence and 2 tbsp of almond flavor to your mixture.

4. Combine in a bowl, 6 oz all-purpose sifted flour, 6 oz plain bread crumbs, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbs baking powder, 1 tbs baking soda, and cinnamon, 2 tbs ground ginger, 1 tbs mixed spice, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.

5. Now it's time to prepare your dried fruits.

6. Simmer over low heat, 2 cups of port wine and 1 cup of Jamaican White Rum, add 1/2 cup dried raisins, 1/2 cup dried currants, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pitted prunes, 1/2 cup chopped dried dates, 1/2 cup candied cherries and 1/2 cup candied mixed peel.

7. When all liquid has evaporated let your fruits cool.

8. Alternate your flour and fruit mixture to your cream mixture and blend in your electric mixer (Do not beat).

9. Add 2 tbs molasses, and 4 tbs browning to your mixture and blend slowly in your electric mixer. (Do not beat).

10. Grease and line 2 eight-inch baking pans with butter or nonstick spray 11. Fill pans 3/4 full, Heat oven to 350 degrees (Do not preheat).

12. Bake until done (approximately 45 mins) 13. Remove from oven while still hot, mix together 1/4 cup port wine and 1/8 cup white rum and pour over cakes.

14. Leave cakes in pan to cool.

Source: Myjamaicarecipes.com

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CHRISTMAS FEATURE

FRES H

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM

Pioneer

from A1

Lindsay, a critical care nurse in the ICU department at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, received her vaccine on Monday morning, and it was streamed live on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s website.

The governer, who witnessed the procedure, congratulated Lindsay for being a pioneer.

“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” Lindsay said after getting the shot. “I feel like healing is coming. I hope this marks the end of a very painful time in our history.”

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first coronavirus vaccine last week. It was developed jointly by Pfizer and BioNTech and requires two doses several weeks apart.

Hospital workers, like Lindsay, across the country are among the first group of people to get the vaccine.

Lindsay was born and raised in Jamaica.

She immigrated to the United States in 1986 to further her education, and eventually embarked on a career in nursing.

Lindsay appeared as a guest on ABC TV’s “The View” on Tuesday morning. She said she

Nursing Homes story facility have individual apartments, with 12 people per unit who come together for meals and socializing. Rayner said that layout, social distancing, protective equipment for staff and daily testing have kept the virus at bay.

Resident Vera Leip, 88, was set to get her vaccination Wednesday. Liep, who taught elementary school in Ferguson, Missouri, for 40 years, said she was excited to get her shot.

“I hope it will help me from getting COVID,” she said. “I don’t know if it (the vaccines) will help or not. I hope they do. … I don’t know anything about it (the disease), but I would prefer not to have it.” She said even with the pandemic, she has been able to visit with her two daughters, her son and three grandchildren. They meet in designated areas or outdoors and she has

experienced “absolutely no side effects” from the vaccine, and encouraged all those who doubts taking the vaccine to do so. “Over the past few months, I have experienced first hand the devastating effects of COVID-19, It’s very real and devastating. Take the vaccine,” she said.

Broward County physician receives South Florida’s first vaccine The vaccine arrived at the Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County on Monday morning, and Aharon Sareli, a critical care physician, was the first healthcare worker in South Florida to be vaccinated. After receiving the vaccine, Sareli said it was just like “getting a flu shot” and “it was an honor to be the first in South Florida.”

The arrival of the vaccine in South Florida is particularly good news, especially since over the last few days the virus has been spiking in the region. Over 20,000 people have died from the virus in Florida where the total number of infections reached over 1.2 million on Tuesday.

Florida has received only a limited 179,400 doses of the vaccine in its first batch, and

application of the vaccine will be limited, in accordance with the CDC regulations, to healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Essential workers such as teachers, firefighters and corrections officers are next.

Then will follow adults with medical conditions, making them high risk for COVID-19 complications, and seniors over age 65.

On Tuesday, the Jackson Health System in Miami identified employees with direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients as the top priority of employees to be vaccinated.

Two Caribbean-American nurses at Jackson South in South Miami, Yasmin Rose-Green and Alicia Bernard, say they are anxiously waiting to be vaccinated “as soon as possible.” They both said there is “absolutely no fear of the vaccine, The fear is contracting the virus and putting the risk of our families and the general community at risk of contracting the virus.”

Five other Broward County hospitals will commence vaccinating their employees later this week. These are the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, Broward Health Medical Center, Holy Cross

Health and Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.

It’s anticipated that by the end of this week, several hospitals in Florida would have vaccinated large numbers of their workers who are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.

It is likely the supply of vaccines in Florida and the rest of the U.S. could increase significantly by next week with the anticipation that the vaccine produced by the pharmaceutical company Moderna, will be approved by the FDA this week. Moreover, the Moderna vaccine will not have the severe freezing requirements that the Pfizer vaccine has, which could make the logistics related to its distribution less complicated and faster.

While the general public awaits the availability of the vaccine, there is a small ray of hope in the Caribbean-American community of trusting the vaccines. Four weeks ago, CNW research indicated three in 10 residents in the community are willing to take the vaccine. This increased to four out of 10 when the question was asked on Monday.

Abi-Gaye Smythe

from B1

from A4

given them hugs. “I don’t know if I was supposed to, but I did,” she laughed.

Such homes have borne the brunt of the state’s outbreak, with 7,765 of its 20,365 confirmed deaths reported there. Thirty-nine Florida nursing homes have had two dozen or more deaths among residents and staff, including a nursing home in the South Florida community of Hialeah with 70 resident deaths.

Florida is receiving about 180,000 doses of the initial Pfizer vaccine approved for emergency use, and hospitals around the state began vaccinating front-line health workers Monday. Several nursing homes were beginning the jabs Wednesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has focused much of his pandemic messaging around protecting nursing homes. Previously, the state had

imposed early restrictions on visitations and barred the return from hospitals of viruspositive patients unless those facilities had COVID-19 wards. With Florida’s high percentage of retirees and large number of nursing homes, the toll on the elderly was an acute concern early in the pandemic.

In some early periods about 50 percent of the deaths in Florida were linked to nursing homes. That figure has now been brought down to 38 percent of the total, just a tad below the national average of 39 percent computed by the Covid Tracking Project.

Florida has the second-highest nursing home population in the country behind California. However, the percentage of its population living in long-term health facilities is only 23rd in the nation.

and academics. The other recipients included 2019 IAAF World Champion long jumper, Tajay Gayle, founder of Street People Liberation, AshliAnn Broughton, CEO of PreeLabs tech company, Yekini Wallen-Bryan, among others.

Some 70 youth were nominated for awards this year, which were presented during a virtual ceremony under the theme: 'Resilient Through Entrepreneurship, Training Hope, Innovation, Networking and Knowledge: Rethink.'

Addressing the awardees, Holness said investing in youth and education are the greatest investments Jamaica can make in its future. He said it's important for Jamaica to celebrate it's youth and their achievement.

“The efforts of young entrepreneurs to make the bold step to start up businesses, or youth leaders making a difference in their communities, are often not highlighted,” he commented.

“The projects you undertake, the experience and passion you bring will change the lives of others and are of great value,” he told awardees.

Minister of education, youth and information Fayval Williams said the achievement of the awardees is an affirmation of their commitment to nation-building.

“Our young people today are finding new ways of being innovative, creative in various sectors, especially as you navigate and manipulate new technologies,” she said. She also applauded them for their keen involvement in civic society to engender inclusiveness and improve decision-making.

Williams said the ministry will be creating regular and sustained avenues for youth to partner with government and society on issues that matter to them.

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Miqueal-Symone Williams is Miss Universe Jamaica 2020

Buju Banton Wins Best Reggae Act at 2020 MOBO Awards International reggae icon Buju Banton won Best Reggae Act at this year's annual MOBO Awards for his long-awaited album, Upside Down 2020—his first full-length studio album in a decade.

The album was released this summer on June 26 and it has also been nominated for a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

The MOBO Awards is described as UK's biggest celebration of Black music and culture. The awards ceremony

Miqueal-Symone Williams, a 23-yearold model, has been crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2020.

Williams, the favorite of the 10 finalists, was crowned during the coronation held on December 12 at the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Resort in St. Ann, Jamaica. She also received the Best Evening Gown award.

Abigail Pinnock was named first runner-up and Monique Thomas, second runner-up.

The newly crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 attended the Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston, Jamaica. In September 2016, she enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona in Kingston.

In April 2018, Williams started modeling professionally in London, England, United Kingdom. A Pulse/Select Model Search winner, she traveled around the world and modelled for several magazines including ELLE and Marie Claire and luxury brands such as Armani and Valentino.

While competing for the Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 crown, Williams was completing her degree in marketing and psychology.

She will represent Jamaica at the 69th Miss Universe pageant, which is expected to be held next year. No date has yet been announced.

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Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 Miqueal-Symone Williams (centre), is flanked by first runner-up, Abigail Pinnock (left) and second runner-up, Monique Thomas. – Contributed

Up-and-coming Trinidadian Artist Savanna Releases New Female Empowerment Anthem, “Name Man”

By Sheri-Kae McLeod Although Trinidadian singer Savanna is still a new artist, she seems to have already found her lane following the release of her second single, “Name Man.” The upbeat new song is a new-school female empowerment anthem, but still unlike anything ever heard on a soca riddim. Born out of firsthand experiences, the song lashes out at men who wield their patriarchal control over women.

“Men don't understand how they instill fear in women,” she explained in an interview with CNW Network. “It may not ever be intentional, but it happens. I can't even walk down the road without being harassed. I can't do anything any

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While many other artists have experienced more cons than pros due to COVID-19, the pandemic helped to push Savanna into this new phase of her career. She began doing background vocals in 2013 and can be heard on hits such as Voice's “Cheers for Life” and Problem Child's “Whole Heart.” But the pandemic gave her the opportunity to be more creative and branch out on her own, something that she has always wanted to do.

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Windies Not Good Enough Laments Holder After 2nd Loss in Test Series With New Zealand Test captain Jason Holder has hailed West Indies' second innings performance in the teams second Test match with New Zealand and the encouraging debuts by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva and fast bowler Chemar Holder but says the team was “still not good enough”, following their second successive innings defeat on Monday.

West Indies were dismissed for 317 in their second innings on the final day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve, the first time in four innings of the two-Test series they had managed to pass 250.

Under-pressure opener John Campbell topscored with 68 while Da Silva, replacing the first-choice gloveman Shane Dowrich who left the tour for personal reasons, struck 57.

And with Chemar Holder impressing with a couple of wickets, Holder said those performances were the only silver lining from an otherwise disappointing outing. “[We were] good in patches. Obviously, I thought our bowlers were outstanding, just tough we didn't take our opportunities when they came,” Holder told a media conference on Monday.

“Then when we batted in the first innings, we just didn't set up the game well. The pitch was really good, but I was really really happy to see the fight in the second innings.

“The way John Campbell went about it, I gave him that support because I thought he was shaping to put something together quite big for us and it just wasn't coming off but it was good to see him knuckle down again and go through his same processes and get a score.

“We would've liked him to go on a bit longer

Sprint Teen Briana Williams returns to the track in Christmas Classic Jamaica double Under-20 World champion Briana Williams will return to the track this weekend when she competes in the 300m and 150m event at the Christmas Classic AllDistance Meet in Freeport, Bahamas, on December 18 and 19.

West Indies captain Jason Holder (C) strikes the ball during the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between New Zealand and the West Indies at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

but still pleased with the way he went out and applied himself.”

He continued: “Likewise Joshua Da Silva in the second innings. I was really really pleased with both debutants actually – I thought Joshua was outstanding and Chemar Holder.”

Chemar Holder bowled impressively to claim two wickets in New Zealand's first innings of 460. Da Silva was tidy behind the stumps and helped to prop up the Windies second innings.

He posted an 82-run, seventh-wicket partnership with skipper Holder (61), before adding a further 30 for the eighth with Alzarri Joseph (24) and 25 for the ninth with Chemar Holder (13 not out).

When Da Silva arrived at the crease with West Indies deep in trouble on 170 for six late on the third day, Holder said he quickly realized

the 22-year-old was prepared to fight.

Despite the bright sparks, West Indies lost the second Test by an innings and 12 runs before lunch to follow up their innings and a 134-run drubbing in the first Test in Hamilton, also before lunch on the fourth day.

Holder conceded his side had lacked the consistency expected of them. He said, “New Zealand is a very good team in their backyard.

They do it against most if not all the opposition teams that come over here to play. Not making an excuse but they're very good in their conditions.

“What I do expect, however, from this group is a little bit more consistency than we have been giving in the recent past. We've just got to be better.”

Coe Expects 2021 Tokyo Olympics Will Take Place Before Large Crowds

Coe

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According to an AFP report, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe recently said he was confident the Tokyo Olympics will take place next year while hoping a passionate crowd will be able to watch the events if COVID-19 precautions allow.

The Games are scheduled to start in July 2021 after they were postponed from summer this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic in a move unprecedented in peacetime.

“I think the Games will go off,” Coe told reporters from international news agencies including AFP. “What nobody is clearly across at the moment is—I sincerely hope so—whether we are going to have a stadium populated by good, noisy, passionate fans.

“I guess there will still be an element of

social distancing.”

The Tokyo organizers have said they are examining a range of options to be able to admit spectators.

Coe, who was chief organizer of the 2012 London Olympics, said when he had visited Tokyo last month to hold talks with the organizing committee working to keep the Games on track, he felt: “I share your pain here.

“I can't imagine what I would have been saying if someone had knocked on my door in March or April 2012 and said 'by the way, we're not going until 2013. It's an enormous challenge,” he said.

“I think we should be enormously grateful that it's the Japanese that are dealing with this.

Because this is a first-class organising committee.”

Williams last competed officially in the 60m in February 2020 at the Millrose Games. She was unable to compete much during the 2020 season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted the cancellation of several local and international meets.

Her coach Trinidad and Tobago sprint star Ato Boldon believes her competing in the Christmas Classic will be good for her as preparation intensifies for the 2021 season, “The truth is, Briana trains much better when she's chasing

Williams

something like getting ready for a meet.

This is not a big meet as it's still December, but she is training so well that I want to break up the monotony which this meet allows for.”

Williams is also looking forward to the preseason challenge. “I'm super excited to be competing in The Bahamas.

I can't wait to see how I'll do with my time because my coach has been saying that I've been doing well in training this year.

I've seen a big improvement over last year and I just can't wait to see what I can do and if I can even catch a personal best in both events.”

The Christmas Classic All-Distance Meet is being hosted by the Neymour's Athletic Club, with the 300m slated for Friday and the 150m on Saturday.

D4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T