Caribbean National Weekly December 30, 2021

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021

TOP STORIES

DESMOND

“Internal conicts, dwindling popularity” among Triggers for Barbados Election

TUTU

Jamaican Found Guilty of Narcotics, Fraud & Money Laundering

By T. Wright / CNW Reporter

South African anti-apartheid campaigner, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was instrumental in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system in South Africa died in Cape Town on December 26 at the age of 90.

Belize: Police Charge Man with Murdering the Boyfriend of his Ex-girlfriend Florida Adds 39k New COVID Cases from Christmas Weekend

See story on Page A3

Jamaica Launches Digitalised COVID-19) Vaccination Cards

Fauci: US Should Consider Vaccine Mandate for US Air Travel

Jamaica has officially launched its digitalized coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination card saying that the internationally accepted document was developed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Jamaican-born Nurse Who Received First COVID Shot Now A Vaccine Activist

“It is global, it is accepted and it will certainly place us in a tier among the world’s population that allows us easier freedom of movement as it relates to the screening (aspect) around the COVID-19 response,” Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton said, noting that it is an important step in efforts to digitize the national COVID-19 vaccination program.

The digital card, which will be made available on the Ministry’s www.moh.gov.jm website, features a Quick Response (QR) code to enable the validation of the information on the card and of the person’s vaccination status.

The digital card is accessible via a mobile phone or other electronic device and provides for ease of travel as the QR code is readable on international platforms. It also has the capacity to

Reggae Boyz Antonio, Holness on Mark in Contrasting results

continues on A8 – Vaccine Cards

WHAT’S INSIDE CARIBBEAN

HAITI

COMMUNITY

HEALTH

SPORTS

$51M Super Yacht Sinks Gas Tanker in the Bahamas

NYC Provides $1.5M in Funding to Help Newly-Arrived Haitians A7

Florida Adds 39,000 New COVID Cases from Christmas Weekend B1

Tips for a Healthier Diet in 2022 B4

Mohammed Aiming for Better in 2022; Ends 2021 on a High C1

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Members of Shak’s Hope Sickle Cell Founda on teamed up with Memebers of Builders Rock Founda on for a Christmas Treat for pa ents at Cornwall Regional Hospital (West Jamaica Seventh Day Adven st Conference) Recrea onal Center recently. Gi s were donated by Jamaican na onals and friends across the Southern USA Diaspora. Andrea Hall (3rd le standing) President of Shak's Hope Founda on, a South Florida non-profit organiza on, expressed gra tude to donors and volunteers who she said made the pa ents faces light up with the holiday joy brought to them. – Contributed

Residents enjoying the fes vi es at the City of Lauderhill Christmas Bazaar.

– Luke Ballen ne photo

Espe striking a pose for the lens showing off her ou it before a night out. – Contributed

People Profile President Judith Cunningham (right) shares a light moment with Jo Marie-Peyton from the comedy, Family Ma ers (center), while People Profile Execu ve Director Sandra Gipson looks on. – Allan Cunningham photo

All smiles: Khrisan, Juliet and Debbie show off their smiles for the camera at a recent photo shoot in Lauderhill. – Uriah Benne photo

Founder of the Jamaican Men of Florida Organiza on Dr. Allan Cunningham (le ) and his son-in-law Derrick Cooke celebra ng the season in Davie. – Allan Cunningham photo

Bridge of Complete Unisex salon took me out for the lens at an annual Christmas dinner.

– Uriah Benne photo

Bridge of Complete Unisex salon and Dawn from Peoples Insurance services at an annual Christmas Dinner held recent;y in Lauderhill. – Uriah Benne photo

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MARIJUANA.

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NEWSMAKER

Archbishop Desmond Tutu A

rchbishop Desmond Tutu was a civil and human rights activist, a Nobel Laureate and an Anglican theologian who dedicated his life to serving God and ending racial injustice. He was a man of good moral composition who used nonviolent means to campaign for peace and opposed the apartheid system, a system of institutionalized racial segregation within South Africa, where he lived.

For several decades he functioned as one of the primary voices advocating for the South African government to put an end to the unjust system of apartheid. He wanted to create, in his words, “a democratic and just society without racial divisions,” which comprises of but is not limited to equal civil rights for all and a common system of education. Like his countryman Albert John Lutuli, Desmond Tutu was recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize award in 1984 for being a potent force for nonviolence in the opposition of the apartheid regime in South Africa.

When the apartheid system ended in the early 1990s, Tutu functioned as a moral compass guiding the relationships between white and black citizens in the country. He also functioned as chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he investigated the atrocities that took place during the apartheid era.

He employed a model that puts truth at the forefront and as the foundation for forgiveness and reconciliation, which he determined necessary for the country to move forward.

'The arch,' as he is affectionately called, was born on October 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, South Africa, to a poor family. He received secondary

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the Seeds of Compassion Interfaith Dialogue held in Seattle, Washington, USA on April 15, 2008. Photo by Tomas/Seeds of Compassion

education at Johannesburg Bantu High School, where he excelled academically. After completing high school, Tutu trained as a teacher at Pretoria Bantu Normal College, a teacher training institution, and later graduated from the University of South Africa in 1954. He began his career as a high school teacher, later shifting gears to pursue theology after the introduction of the Bantu Education Act in 1953, which enforced racial segregation in all educational institutions in South Africa.

In 1960, he was ordained as an Anglican priest and was appointed as Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg in 1975, making him the first black person to hold that position. Similarly, four years after he was appointed Dean, Tutu became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. He was a man of God who used his platform to speak out against the official system of racial segregation that was plaguing his country. He emphasized that the system that existed at the time was against the will of God, and it should come to an end. His nonviolent

When the apartheid system ended in the early 1990s, Tutu functioned as a moral compass guiding the relationships between white and black citizens in the South Africa.

In 2009, Tutu is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Barack Obama.

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

approach and support of economic sanctions against South Africa earned him international recognition.

On December 26, 2021, Desmond Tutu died at the age of ninety from cancer in a care facility according to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. His death was confirmed by South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who expressed condolences to his family.

"A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also

tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world," Ramaphosa said.

Other world leaders and organizations took to social media and other mediums to pay tribute and express condolences to the late Desmond Tutu. General Secretary for CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett said in a statement “CARICOM extends its deepest sympathy to the family of

Archbishop Tutu and the Government and people of South Africa on the loss of one of its greatest sons” Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness called Archbishop Tutu one of his “personal heroes,” in a separate statement following his death.

“We mourn his passing, but his life, work, and example give us much to celebrate and emulate. He is a man of peace, dignity and goodwill; a man of God who, with grace and humility, overcame a system of oppression and cruelty. May his soul Rest In Peace and his example shine eternally,” Holness said.

Democratic Caribbean legislators Yvette D. Clarke and Dr. Mathieu Eugene also shared in tendering tributes to the late South African born Nobel Peace Prize-winning Anglican cleric, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Clarke who represents the primarily Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn expressed that Tutu was “the global ambassador of humanity and human rights.”

“He was truly an inspiring leader.

He is leaving behind a legacy that will not only shape generations to come but continue to be transformative, as we advance the movement for a more just and equitable world,” said Clarke.

Meanwhile, New York City Councilman, Haitian-born Dr. Mathieu Eugene described Tutu as a true “Spiritual icon.”

“Bishop Tutu will be remembered as a tireless advocate and voice for those who lived under systematic oppression, and a trusted source of wisdom who understood the need for unity and peace in the face of intolerance and discrimination,” Eugene said.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN Five CARICOM Countries Fail to Achieve WHO 2021 Vaccination Goal

$51M Super Yacht Sinks Gas Tanker in Bahamas A pricey 207-foot US$51 million super yacht, Utopia IV, rear-ended and sank a gas tanker off the coast of New Providence in The Bahamas last Friday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport and Housing. The Bahamas office of the Attorney General has been consulted for legal guidance.

“The Port Department has begun a formal investigation into the incident, and the Department of Environmental Health is also conducting a review of the environmental impact. These activities are currently underway,” the ministry said.

The Utopia IV had been designed and built by Italy’s Rossinavi in 2018. The Italian designers report that the vessel is fitted with four light Rolls Royce engines as well as four hydro jets that provide it with a top speed of 33 knots and an average cruising speed of 26 knots. It is unclear what the speed of the yacht was at the time of the collision.

A statement issued by Maritime Management LLC,

Five Caribbean countries may not meet the goal of having 40 percent of their populations being vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

PAHO said on Wednesday that while its projections are that most countries in the region will have reached or surpassed the WHO target of vaccinating 40 percent of their eligible populations by the end of 2021, “the current estimates are that Haiti, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guatemala, St. Lucia, and Grenada may not attain that 40 percent coverage goal”.

To date, about 57.3 percent of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean has completed their COVID-19 vaccination schedules.

Over 868 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Latin

continues on B1 – Tanker Sinks

continues on B1 – Countries Fail

Bajans Head to the Polls on January 19th in Snap Election

By Patrick Green The people of Barbados will head to the polls on January 19th in a snap election, to elect a new government, just three years after the last election on May 24, 2018. Constitutionally, the next election is due in 2023.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley made the announcement of the snap election on Monday night, using her social media accounts.

Nomination day has been set for January 3rd.

In a national broadcast, the first woman to head a government in Barbados, said she has advised President Sandra Mason to dissolve parliament with immediate effect.

In the last general elections Mottley led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a commanding victory over the then ruling Democratic

Labour Party (DLP) sweeping all 30 seats in the Parliament.

But since then, one of the legislators, Bishop Joseph Atherley, left to become Opposition Leader.

In a 37-minute address to the nation, Mottley listed her government's economic and financial achievements and said the economy was recovering despite the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to the tourism industry.

"I need for us to unite around a common cause, unite behind a single government, unite behind a single leader," she said, pledging to give support to whoever wins the election.

"We have, my friends, a country to build out, and we have a people to mold," she told Barbadians. "Let us go on confident that if we can do so united as a people, there is no major

challenge that can knock us down for the count fully."

But the announcement immediately drew criticism from President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Verla De Peiza. De Peiza said: “It is clear that the government of the day has succumbed to feelings of panic and that the nation’s first call, which is its people’s safety, has been set aside to pursue selfish ends which expose our people to great harm and possible death.”

The DLP leader said: "There is no compelling argument for an election to be called 17 months out, except to be self-serving.

This is not what we expect of sound leadership,” Questioning the economic progress of Barbadians since 2018, She asked whether they are better off than 2018 or finding it easier to

feed their families.

Outgoing Opposition Leader, Bishop Joseph Atherley has listed possible internal conflicts, dwindling popularity, intention to impose “alternative lifestyles,” and severe austerity from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as triggers for the snap election in Barbados on January 19th.

In anticipation of the criticism, and to answer those who suggested that she was power-hungry, Prime Minister Mottley mentioned her party's overwhelming majority in parliament and noted she still had much of her first term left to serve.

"Were I motivated solely by the need to survive," she said, "we could bask, my friends, in the glory of a 29-1 parliament and ride COVID out for the next 18 months."

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TALKUP

What would you like to forget about 2021 & why?

2021, like 2020, turned out to be a tumultuous year. With the pandemic still plaguing us, and an uncertainty about 2022, many of us have had to alter our plans, make work-from-home adjustments and refrain from socializing with family and friends. As we turn the corner into a new year, it’s safe to say that most of us would not like a repeat of such an eventful year, and that there are certain things we would like to forget going forward. Here are a few responses of a few things that persons would like to put to the back of their minds.

Cliff – West Palm beach, FL “I don’t think there’s anything I want to really forget from 2021, I’d say there are a few things I’ve learned. One thing for sure, business wise I realized that sometimes social media can actually play a role in success. I’ve had some lessons in my love life as well and I’ll grow from it all.”

Pam – Sunrise, FL “ One thing I would want to forget about 2021 is all the sickness and people dying before their time. All those who passed away suffering and the family members who had to watch them suffer. If I could forget anything I’ll try to forget all of that and hope that those families are able to keep going.”

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Heather – Ft. Lauderdale, FL “If I could forget anything in 2021 it would be the amount of depression that I know a lot of people I care about went through. 2021 was a very hard year as well as 2020 so for many people they felt like they couldn’t catch a break and it was very hard.”

Darryl – Tamarac, FL “One thing I would like to forget is the financial struggles that happened to me earlier this year. I lost my job as a chef as a result of the hardships my employer was facing because of the pandemic. It was a rough couple of months and it’s not like I can work from home as a chef. I did manage however to get employed at a better restaurant, so I would say everything happens for a reason.”

James – Colorado “I don’t think that there is anything I would like to forget. But there are definitely things that I would like to improve upon. Now that things are possibly going to be back to normal next year, I definitely would like to start my own Amazon business. We are living in a time when working for someone else has become a thing of the past.”

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Melanie – Orlando, FL I wish I could forget the missed opportunities to travel and explore the world due to the pandemic. That is most certainly what I would be looking forward to the most in 2022. As this pandemic has taught us, life is short and time is shorter. It’s time to make the most of it while we still can.”

Kenisha – Jamaica 2021 was filled with many ups and downs.

But the thing I would like most to forget is the loss of those close to me. It was a heartbreaking year, and the death toll as a result of the pandemic was great. I look forward to a brighter 2022, for myself and my loved ones alike.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

This was a Rough Year for CARICOM Countries 2021 was not a good year for CARICOM. While the most challenging and lasting effects came from the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot forget the barbaric assassination of Jovenel Moïse, the president of Haiti, and the devastation caused by the earthquake in that country, with over 2,000 lives lost.

The hurricane season of 2021 was not a very destructive one for the Caribbean, when compared to the past. Elsa did the most damage after becoming a hurricane on July 2 near the Lesser Antilles. It killed one person in St Lucia but caused a lot of damage in other islands, including Barbados which had not seen a hurricane for 65 years.

The biggest hurdle to economic survival for Caribbean nations however, rest with the COVID19 pandemic, which seems stubborn in its willingness to go away. Up to press time 444,727 cases of the virus has been reported. 10, 802 of our Caribbean families, friends and compatriots have lost their lives.

Economically, COVID-19 has destroyed the economic livelihood of our people and our countries. Tourism which helps to put food on the table for nearly 18 million Caribbean people in some form or fashion, cannot seem to recover with any regularity. The minute we get some looseness in border and movement controls, another variant of COVID-19 shows up to prevent progress.

But regardless of the forces of COVID-19, we must take some responsibility for its survival. Even though governments are trying their best to get rid of this unwelcomed guest, there are sections of the population spreading out the welcome mat and

Economically, COVID-19 has destroyed the economic livelihood of our people and our countries. The minute that there is some looseness in border and movement controls, another variant of COVID-19 shows up to prevent progress. preparing the dining table, through their actions.

People still move around without taking the basic precautions such as wearing mask and keeping away from nonessential crowd gatherings. There is also a high percentage of vaccine hesitancy which governments are trying to deal with.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), five Caribbean countries

may not meet the 40 percent vaccination goal by the end of the year. These are Haiti, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Grenada. PAHO analysis also states that COVID19 cases have increased by 16 percent.

There is no doubt that if we are to get out of this rut our behaviors will need to change. We must become active and proactive collectively, to win this battle.

Despite these challenges, there were some bright spots for the Caribbean. The region participated in the first ever CARICOM-Africa Summit in September, bringing together nations of both regions to discuss the way forward for economic and social cooperation.

The region was also well represented at the Glasgow Climate Change Summit, where leaders spoke about the effects of climate change on the world and in particular the region. Barbados' Mia Mottley showed her formidable leadership strengths and presentation skills, with a powerful and passionate delivery. She championed the case for nations to step up and act, while advocating for more help for the smaller nations such as those in the Caribbean. Her speech made such an impact that Mottley was named UN 2021 Champion of the Earth.

In just a few days, a new year will descend upon us. It will not only bring new challenges but new opportunities as well. As Caribbean people, our DNA is coded intrinsically with resilience, strength and the “not-done-yet” atoms. We will bounce forward, only because we know nothing else. Yes, 2021 was rough but as we have done in the past, this experience will make us stronger, better, more productive and successful.

At Caribbean National Weekly, we look forward to keeping our commitment of being the number one outlet for information to you our readers. Great things are in store for us in 2022 and we will be along to share, as we move forward in synergy and progress. Happy 2022 to you!

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la section haitienne

New York City Provides US$1.5 Million in Funding to Help Newly-Arrived Haitians New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Raquel Batista on Wednesday announced that the City will provide US$1.5 million in funding to help newly-arrived Haitians immigrants in New York, access immigration legal assistance and social services.

“This investment is part of the City’s continued commitment in responding to Haiti’s compounding crises over the past few months,” Batista said.

“We are excited to work with CBOs [community-based organizations] staffed by Haitian New Yorkers, and located immediately within our City’s Haitian communities, who provide daily support and services to their fellow community members including those who have recently resettled in New York City.”

Batista said that the funds will be distrib-

Batista

uted to community-based partners that will provide linguistically- and culturally-responsive case management and immigration legal services to newly-arrived Haitian New Yorkers.

She said case managers will work with newly-arrived Haitians to determine eligibility for benefits and connect them to resources and services.

Batista said legal services will include assistance in accessing Temporary Protected

Status (TPS) and other humanitarian forms of relief, removal and deportation defense, and immigration legal services capacity-building among local CBOs and pro bono attorneys.

Efforts will also include an anti-fraud and information messaging campaign across community and ethnic media, Batista said.

She said: “Many of these new arrivals have resettled in the state of New York, which has the second-largest population of foreign-born Haitians in the United States.”

Haitian American New York City Member Farah Louis told CMC that after traveling across several miles and months to seek refuge in the US, thousands of Haitian New Yorkers need critical resources and supportive services to recover from the emotional, mental and physical toll of this ordeal.

“The allocation of US$1.5 million towards trusted community-based organizations will be instrumental in bolstering the extraordinary work already underway to empower, equip and engage these families,” said the daughter of

Haitian immigrants, who represents the predominantly 45th Council District in Brooklyn.

New York State Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn, another daughter of Haitian immigrants, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said that by providing aid to displaced Haitians who have settled in New York, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is “demonstrating a commitment not only to racial justice but to human rights”.

“Immigrants built our nation; and, by ensuring they have the resources needed to resettle, we are investing in the future success of our city and state,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “I look forward to partnering with the organization selected by MOIA and thank the Mayor (Bill de Blasio) for his continued commitment to making our city more just and equitable in our recovery,” she said.

Haitian Group Files Lawsuit Against Biden Administration The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has filed a class action lawsuit against the Biden administration alleging the abuse of asylum-seeking Haitians, whose rights it said had been violated when they were removed from a makeshift camp in Texas in October.

The HBA is also claiming that the Department of Homeland Security violated the rights of thousands Haitian asylum seekers after they fled the French-speaking Caribbean

country because of the danger and insecurity there.

According to the HBA, the Haitians on arrival in the US, joined at least 15,000 Haitian asylum seekers in a makeshift US Customs and Border Protection encampment in Del Rio, Texas, but that they suffered from hunger and dehydration due to encampment conditions.

The asylum seekers said that they “sweltered in triple-digit temperatures” by day and “slept on the ground” at night.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, included a statement from one of the plaintiffs, Mirard Joseph, who said he was “lashed at” by a Border Patrol agent on horseback.

The photo of Joseph’s experience was documented in a photo that was the subject of much criticism, including from President Biden. The incident at Del Rio caused the US Envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, to resign in September. In the same month, New York City Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, wrote to President Biden, appealing to him to stop the deportation of Haitian migrants and end what he described as “the cruel treatment of Haitians.

The lawsuit specifically accuses the Biden administration of failing to prepare for the influx of migrants despite being aware of the immigrants’ imminent arrival. It also says that the government was responsible for physical

and verbal abuse of the migrants as well as failure to provide due process because of COVID-19 policies including Title 42, which allows for the expulsion of people for public health reasons.

Apart from the HBA, several immigrant advocacy groups including Justice Action Center, and Innovation Law Lab are representing the 11 Haitian asylum seekers named in the case.

In the pending lawsuit, the HBA seeks injunctive and declaratory relief. The HBA further aims “to ensure accountability and an end to the Biden Administration’s harmful, discriminatory, and unlawful policies.”

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

“This is Jamaica” Poetry Scholarships Awarded to Ten Jamaican Students

By Patrick Green The newly minted “This is Jamaica” Scholarship Competition was a resounding success in its first year, as ten students from eight parishes were awarded for their poetic skills in a poem about their country.

Created to help students explore poetry as an educational building block, the scholarship competition is the brainchild of Peter Gracey, who wanted Jamaican students to 'express themselves freely through poetry.” The competition was open to applicants between the ages of 6 and 18, attending a primary or high school in Jamaica. Students were required to recite the poem, “This is Jamaica,” written by Mr. Gracey.

Over 200 applications were received, with 79 students submitting their own creative video renditions of the poem. The judges then chose the top ten from which the final three were awarded the main prize of US$1,000 and Tablets to help with school.

First place got $500 while second and thrid place finishers received $300 and $200 respectively. Each of the other ten finalist received $50 each.

Courtney Greaves from Jessie Ripoll Primary School took first place, Gabrielle Buckley of Balaclava Primary School was second, and Central Village High School's Shadecia Dinnall placed third.

Greaves, in a written statement to Caribbean National Weekly, said: “This is Jamaica, and The Peter Gracey Foundation has changed my life. With this, I will continue to do my best to represent the foundation as an ambassador. This scholarship has given me the encouragement and drive to pursue

First place winner Courtney Greaves from Jessie Ripoll Primary School in Jamaica.

my goals as becoming a pediatrician and ultimately the Prime Minister of Jamaica.”

Gabrielle Buckley was also thankful and gracious. “It is with sincere gratitude that I thank the “This is Jamaica scholarship Organization” for giving us children a chance to showcase our love for Jamaica, and to express ourselves by doing a rendition of this beautiful poem.”

Scholarship Ambassador, Dr. Oliver Samuels, Jamaica's King of comedy had high praises for the creation, the students and the execution of the program. “I have met some amazing people and I would like to congratulate all the participants. It was an amazing competition. Some people say it should be the national Poem. This is national and I hope that schools will take it on and give children a sense of pride.” The comedian said: “It is a great, great pleasure to recite that poem and I feel a sense of great pride.”

Continuing in his natural 'Jamaican tongue' he said, “Look here, Jamaica, wi know wi condition and it nuh easy fi cure, and if unu

speak this poem, it will be something that changes nuff a unu mind.”

Consul General Oliver Mair in his endorsement of the scholarship competition said: “This is Jamaica Poetry Scholarship is very important as we want to ensure we have the next Fae Ellington, Blakka Ellis, Oliver Samuels, Chris Daley and Maas Ron. We have so many shining examples of excellence in theatre.”

With this year's success, the organizers and sponsors have committed to increase the prize money from $1,350 to $6,500 for the 2022 edition. This would make it one of the top schools' competitions in Jamaica with direct benefits to students.

Support for the competition came from The Kiwanis Club of Lauderhill, The Jamaica Diaspora taskforce Action network (JDTAN), The Dr. Andrea Thorpe Foundation, The Real Credit Deal (title sponsor), and the Jamaica Teachers Association.

• • • • • • • • • •

The top ten finalist were: Courtney Greaves – Jesse Ripoll Primary Ashley Thomas – The Queen’s School Camara Ritchie – Barracks Road Primary Dhenecia Pinnock – Manchester High School Gabrielle Buckley – Balaclava Primary School Ayele-Ali Cooke – Mona Heights Primary Jolesa Hardie – Manning’s School Shadecia Dinnall – Central High School Mariann Morgan – Redwood Primary Ackeef Nugent – Excelsior High School

Vaccine Cards

from A1

generate a new card on demand. The card can be downloaded or generated in printable format.

Tufton said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the national COVID-19 vaccination program.

He said in light of new and emerging trends around vaccination screening, the development of the digital card is timely as it enables persons to provide proof of vaccination which is increasingly becoming a requirement in accessing and conducting transactions.

The minister said that with regards to the security of personal data, the system has built-in security mechanisms to protect persons’ information.

He also reminded persons to be selective of the entities or individuals with which they share their digital vaccination card and encouraged persons to visit an official vaccination site for assistance in accessing the digital card.

Member of the National Vaccination Operationalization COVID-19 Taskforce, Peter Melhado, said this latest development is an important addition to the island’s current suite of digital solutions, including the Ministry’s COVID-19 vaccination management platform and online scheduling software.

“What that really means is that Jamaica now boasts a complete digital end-to-end experience, from scheduling through to record management and now digital certification,” he said, noting that the system will also allow for input of information on COVID-19 booster shots.

This function is to be made available by the third week in January 2022.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Donneth Edmondson, said the organization’s support of the initiative is in keeping with its global COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

“With the certificate being launched today, Jamaicans now have the ability to provide certified proof of their vaccination status with the touch of a button. As people move around the world again, this will help us to travel with a bit more ease and to have quick access to the certification wherever it is requested,” she said.

The roll out of the Digitization of Jamaica’s COVID-19 Vaccination Card is the collaborative effort of several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the private sector, UNICEF and not-for-profit organization eGovernments Foundation and India.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 –

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COMMUNITY

Florida Adds 39,000 COVID Cases from Christmas Weekend

Countries Fail

America and the Caribbean.

Meantime, PAHO said, the region of the Americas has now surpassed 100 million cases of COVID-19.

In the Caribbean, the PAHO analysis showed cases increased by 16 percent.

Trinidad and Tobago, which has confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, continues to report an increase in cases, and while Barbados and the Cayman Islands have reported large numbers of cases, these are now decreasing, PAHO said.

The Omicron variant has now been reported in at least 19 countries and territories of the Americas, including Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Trinidad and Tobago.

PAHO said it continues to recommend vaccination and public health measures to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and halt the transmission of the virus. These include wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded spaces, especially indoors.

“These measures are effective against all variants, including Omicron,” PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne said recently. “Countries should sustain their public health measures to limit transmission of the virus and adjust them according to local transmission risks.”

Tanker Sinks Florida reported 39,000 new COVID-19 cases on Monday from the Christmas weekend, as thousands of people waited in lines for tests following holiday gatherings and flights on crowded airplanes.

Florida reported 17,955 new cases from Sunday and another 21,040 cases from Christmas Day, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Florida has seen a sharp increase in new COVID19 cases in the past week. Last Friday, it added more than 32,000 cases, a day after reporting 31,000 in one day as well.

Following the Christmas weekend, thousands of Floridians around the state lined up sometimes for hours Monday to get COVID-19 tests. At a testing site on the east side of Orlando, some people waited three hours for their turn.

“I feel terrible. I feel like I wanna be at home in

bed, take a cold shower. It’s getting tough out here,” Irma Bernabe told Orlando television station WESH. At Miami-Dade County libraries, workers handed out 90,000 free take-home COVID tests, according to the Miami Herald. The county also distributed more than 12,000 tests at its libraries on Christmas Eve. The number of new COVID-19 cases even forced the cancellation of the latest performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Miami City Ballet.

The dance company said it had to make “the difficult decision,” and only announced it publicly about an hour before the Sunday afternoon show at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami.

“These are challenging times for all and we truly appreciate your support and understanding as we navigate the necessary changes,” said the statement posted on the company’s Instagram page.

The Miami City Ballet has not yet announced whether the final performances slated for Wednesday and Thursday in West Palm Beach will go on as planned.

from A4

from A4

which managed the ship M/T Tropic Breeze, said the vessel was struck at 10.03 pm on Christmas Eve by the M/Y Utopia IV approximately 15 miles NNW of New Providence.

Maritime Management said the 160-foot tanker was traveling on its proper watch en route to Great Stirrup Cay when it was rear-ended by the 207-foot super yacht.

“The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet,” the company said.

Media reports in Guyana said two Guyanese nationals, identified as chief engineer Colin Ward and Joshua Campbell, were evacuated from the fuel tanker and that all crew members were also rescued.

According to Maritime Management, the tanker’s cargo included all “nonpersistent materials” – LPG, marine gas and automotive gas – “all of which are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.”

The statement added that the vessel, which is registered in Belize, was recently inspected in December of this year “and was found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards.”

“Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,” the company said.

The Ministry of Transport and Housing said that an update will be provided upon completion of the local investigation.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

Masicka Spends Third Week On Billboard With Debut Album '438' Dancehall star Masicka's debut album 438 continues its streak on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart for the third since its debut on December 3.

The album currently holds the No. 10 spot on the sales and streams chart, after debuting at No. 2 then dropped to No. 4 last week. The data provided from Billboard's sales tracker MRC Data, shows 438's total consumption from sales and streaming in the United States, during its third week of release ended on December 23, was 1,000 equivalent album units. The data showed no pure album sales for that week.

The third week's total consumption included 200 in Digital Song Sales, 1,287,700 in On-Demand Audio Streams, and 80,700 in On-Demand Video Streams.

For the album's second week, which ended on December 16, the total consumption from sales and streaming in the US was 1,300 equivalent album units. This included 100 copies in pure album sales.

The second week's total consumption also included 200 in Digital Song Sales, 1,622,700 in On-Demand Audio Streams, and 93,200 in On-Demand Video Streams. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100.

DancehallMag reported that the album sold 2,864 equivalent units during its first week, which included 733 copies in pure album sales. All other Billboard-charting Dancehall albums released in 2021, including those from Usain Bolt, Vybz Kartel, Alkaline and Spice only managed to stay on the chart for one week.

The weekly Billboard Reggae Albums chart, ranks the most popular Reggae albums in the United States based on consumption metrics that are measured in equivalent album units. Each of those units represents one album sale or 10 individual tracks sold from an album or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid subscriptions streams from an album via audio or video streams.

Bob Marley & The Wailers' Legend: Best Of Bob Marley & The Wailers remains at No. 1 for 103 consecutive weeks.

Shaggy's Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection is at No. 2, followed by Bob Marley & The Wailers again with Exodus at No. 3.

Jason Mraz's Reggae album Love For The Good is at No. 4, followed by American band Stick Figure at No. 5 and No. 6 with their Set In Stone and World On Fire albums.

Sean Paul holds the No. 7, 8, and 9 spots with his The Trinity, Dutty Rock, and Mad Love: The Prequel albums, respectively.

Downtown Kingston To Become Music and Tourism Mecca The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Tourism enhancement Fund have approved a major project directed at the development of downtown Kingston into a heritage tourism destination.

Reports from The Jamaica Observer states that “the finer details of the plan and costing are still being worked out but the concept has already been approved for government funding and would be a private-public partnership.”

Regarded as the birthplace of Jamaica's popular music, downtown Kingston will feature “Beat Street, which will be located at the corner of Charles and Orange streets, which is anticipated to be a crowd puller among tourists and is being packaged as “the epicentre of a cultural tourism tour of downtown Kingston”.

This move will no doubt please several of Jamaica's outspoken musical stars including, Bounty Killer, Sean Paul, Chronixx and Foota Hype who have all been vocal over the years about the government's lack of proper time, attention, efforts and investments that are not made into Jamaica's musical influence, and the appeal of reggae and dancehall music globally.

In September 2014, Chronixx criticised the Portia Simpson-led Government whose Youth and

The old Swiss Stores Building at 107 Harbour Street, Kingston Jamaica

Entertainment portfolio was being led

by Lisa Hanna and Damion Crawford.

In an Instagram post, the artiste said they have “never erected a live music venue in honour of Reggae music, even though it is the only reason why people still visiting this beautiful island of bankruptcy”.

Sean Paul had also expressed in an interview in February of this year on Radio Jamaica, that the authorities were not capitalizing on the city's 2015 UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Music, and being the birthplace of Jamaica's six distinct musical genres: Mento, Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady, Dub and Dancehall.

“I keep saying, what I want from this Government is a Mento Yard Boulevard, Ska Corner; wi waan si wen yuh go round deh pure Ska Bar and people guh round deh wid dem afro an dem bell foot pants and tourists can come off on a boat weh dem have inna di harbor (Port Royal) deh and come ova, and guh to

Reggae Road an Dancehall Drive and those things,” he said in the interview.

Orange Street and its environs are where the record stores, the bars, and the tenement yards were located that many of the pioneers and legends of Jamaica’s popular music operated from.

Personalities like Leroy Riley, Jack Taylor, Roy White, Tom “The Great Sebastian” Wong, Headley Jones, Leslie Kong, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Prince Buster, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Bunny Lee, Sonia Pottinger, and so many others made their start in the business within that area.

Jamaica's music holds a premium place internationally, these projects provide an opportunity for local businesses to cash in and take their operations to another level, internationally.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 –

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ENTERTAINMENT Top Five Trending Songs On YouTube Jamaica The online music streaming space is competitive; Apple Music, Deezer, Audiomack, Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud are amongst the most used.

To trend in the top five videos of any region is a coveted feat music makers and video directors look forward to achieving for their productions. In Jamaica, these are the top five trending videos on YouTube right now.

GREATNESS

Kabaka Pyramid and Deejay Theory Hit #4 on Global iTunes Reggae Chart

By Ramona Samuels Jamaican musical lyricist and multifunctioning star Kabaka Pyramid's new song “Greatness”, produced by Deejay Theory debuted at number four last week on the global iTunes Reggae Charts.

The club-ready and empowering, hip hop-based, reggae track's release is the first single from Deejay Theory's debut solo album “Everything Is Energy”, which is expected out in early 2022, on the label Original Ting based in San Francisco.

The song is available on the major streaming platforms; iTunes, Pandora, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer, Audiomack, and Spotify.

“I sent Kabaka the demo with notes pertaining to 'excellence' – embodying

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how it feels to be a champion. Being the flawless lyricist and songwriter he is, he delivered a knockout lyrical performance for what has become "Greatness" – a testament to hard work, perseverance, motivation, and striving for excellence in all areas of life.” Deejay Theory told CNW Network.

The beat progresses and the Liberal Opposer singer deejays, “all of my gangsters and all of my thugs, all of my warriors weh up inna the club, proud to be black, put yuh fist inna di air, everywhere mi look is another millionaire”.

Based in Kingston, Jamaica, the award-winning Bebble Rock artist rose to prominence when his song 'Well Done', blew up the airwaves in Jamaica and the global diaspora. Since then, his mixtape 'Accurate' presented by music

superpower Major Lazer and Walshy Fire proved to be an instant classic amongst reggae/hip hop fans.

In 2017, he topped the Global Reggae Charts with the anthem “Can't Breathe”, the first single off his debut full-length album “Contraband”, executive produced by Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and is a joint release with Bebble Rock Music and Ghetto Youths International.

Kabaka Pyramid, whose given name is Keron Salmon, is respected in reggae circles as a multi-functioning artist, producer, engineer, and songwriter. He was nominated for two Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) awards in 2013; winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year. He also won a Canadian Juno Award for Best Reggae Recording of the Year in 2014.

1. Govana, Intense – Mxrdah On December 17, Govana and Intence released the official music video for their song “Mxrdah”. The Chimney Records produced track has just reached a tad over 430,000 views on the video streaming platform.

2. Masicka & Popcaan – Pain Masicka’s debut album 438 has been all the buzz, and track two from the No.2 Billboard Reggae Albums charting production is “Pain”. The album had the second-best first-week sales among Dancehall albums in 2021. With the lyrics, “Mi can tell you pain inna every language” Masicka wants us to know he is no soft shoulder in real life.

3. Masicka – King Genahsyde fans are over the moon with the release of “King ”, a mere audio upload on the songwriter’s YouTube page. “Every black man a King,” are the echoing lyrics that come in as a chilling, eye-opening catch on the trending track, placed at number 10 from the debut album 438 released this year from the deejay.

4. Jahshii – Media It’s just an audio upload, but like the Masicka track trending at number 3, this song from the quickly-controversial newcomer Jahshii, is trending in the top 5 in Jamaica at number 2, without the aid of any complementing visuals to support its impact.

5. Masicka – Suicide Note Javaun Fearon is the King of Jamaica YouTube for the month of December. Why? Well, as the deejay hailing from Portmore known as Masicka, he has 3 videos trending in a highly coveted category, and all 3 videos are of songs from his much talked about, chart-topping, debut album 438.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tips for a Healthy Diet in 2022

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 –

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SPORTS

SOCCER

Kazim-Richards Cashes in on Howler to give Derby County a Boost Substitute Colin Kazim-Richards, whose father Rodney is of Antiguan descent, capitalised on a defensive blunder to fire Wayne Rooney’s Derby County to a hard-fought 1-0 English Championship victory over West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park on Monday.

Kazim-Richards

Having already beaten promotion hopefuls Stoke City and leaders Bournemouth on home soil, the up-for-sale Rams, who are struggling at the bottom of the table after being docked 21 points, again upset the odds to beat the out-ofsorts Baggies.

Both sides were missing key players

because of COVID-19 protocols.

Derby’s sixth league win of the season came thanks to a second-half defensive howler that gifted 35-year-old forward Kazim-Richards his second goal of the season, a minute after he came on after 57 minutes.

In attempting to head the ball back to Sam Johnstone, Cedric Kipre did not realise until too late that the Albion goalkeeper had left his area and his header rebounded off Johnstone into the path of Kazim-Richards, who fired into an empty net from 20 yards.

Derby sealed all three points when Ryan Allsop made a stunning late point-blank save to keep out Kyle Bartley’s injury-time header, victory lifting Derby to within 14 points of safety at their halfway point of the season.

Manager Rooney said: “I could see something happening between the defender and the goalkeeper. Them getting so close to each other, you hoped it would fall for us. It did and he [Kazim-Richards] put in a nice finish.

“The administrators have confirmed they have had bids from other companies and it needs to be done before January. I’m trying to plan for the future of this club and if it keeps dragging on, it’s not helpful to anyone. So really this next week is pivotal.”

Derby were deducted nine points after admitting breaches of English Football League accounting rules. They had earlier been docked 12 points for entering administration in September.

CRICKET / WOMEN’S

Mohammed Aiming for Better in 2022; Ends 2021 on a High Experienced West Indies Women offspinner Anisa Mohammed ended 2021 as the highest wicket-taker for the regional side in One Day Internationals (ODIs) but says she will be striving to do even better in 2022.

The 33-year-old Trinidadian has 20 wickets in 12 matches at 18 runs per wicket, confirming her position among the best in the game and going into the new year at number 25 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings.

“It feels good to finish on top with the most wickets in ODIs. It has been a while since I’ve actually picked up so many wickets so it’s a really good feeling and I’m hoping that I’m able to continue in 2022. From January to July we did a lot of skills work in the build-up to the matches, so I think that helped,” Mohammed said.

“I think I’ve really had a good year this year compared to the last five years. For 2022, hopefully I can have an even better year

Mohammed

than in 2021 and that would be icing on the cake.”

Mohammed added: “The batters around the world are improving with more improvisation and shot-selection…, their skills are getting better, so it is more challenging. As a bowler you have to keep improving as well, to stay on top of the game, so

there is always something to work on.”

She played a crucial role in the series wins against Pakistan in the Caribbean in the summer and away in November. Her best bowling figures were 4-27 off 9.4 overs against the Pakistanis at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

It was the second best of the year for West Indies – Hayley Matthews had 4-26 in Karachi, while the third best came from Sheneta Grimmond who took 4-33 against the visiting South Africa at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in September.

Overall, Mohammed is the most successful bowler in West Indies history. Since her debut against Japan back in 2003, she has taken 296 wickets at the international level – 171 in in 134 ODIs and 125 in 117 T20Is. She is eagerly looking forward to the ICC Women’s World Cup, which will be played in New Zealand in March and April.

“It is great we have qualified for the World Cup and everyone in the team is working towards that tournament. It is a big occasion in any sport, in anyone’s career to play in a World Cup and we really want to put in a great performance for the West Indies.”

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 –

SOCCER

Reggae Boy Leigh’s goal in Vain LONDON, England (CMC) – Reggae Boy Greg Leigh scored his first goal of the season for Morecambe on Wednesday night, but it proved to be in vain as fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra hit back to win their English League One match 2-1.

Crewe started well, but it was the home side who took the lead after 36 minutes with 27-yearold left-back Leigh, who made his debut for Jamaica last year, twisting his body and heading Adam Phillips’ whipped low cross past goalkeeper Dave Richards from six yards.

Crewe equalised on 52 minutes with a closerange header by veteran striker Chris Porter from Tom Lowery’s assist before taking the lead four minutes later through Luke Murphy whose 25yard volley looped into the top left-hand corner of goalkeeper Kyle Letheren’s net.

Morecambe went close with Aaron Wildig volleying over from close range and Richards saving smartly low to his left from Jonah Ayunga, but the visitors held out for a much-needed victory.

Defeat left Morecambe – nicknamed the Shrimps – in the drop zone, two points ahead of Crewe.

Morecambe, who won promotion to the third tier for the first time in last season’s League Two play-off final, will next be in action on Sunday, when they are home to bottom club Doncaster Rovers.

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SPORTS

CRICKET

Former WI Coach Laments Inconsistency in Fitness Standards Ex-West Indies batting coach Toby Radford has again criticised the lack of consistency in fitness standards for selection to West Indies squads, and believes a more equitable process is required in order for the best players to emerge.

The Welshman, who left the West Indies setup in 2019 as part of an overall coaching overhaul of the men’s senior side, said it too often appeared as if fitness waivers were being used conveniently to ensure the selection and non-selection of players.

“I don’t think there’s a consistency with the fitness testing and the way it is being used,” said Radford.

“It seems to me if they want to pick a player, they give a waiver to a certain player. If they don’t want to pick a player, they suddenly give the excuse that the guy is not fit and there’s no proof when the test was done or how it was done.

Fast bowler Odean Smith … was a leading bowler during CPL 2021 but ignored for the T20 World Cup on fitness grounds.

“And I hear lots of different stories. I don’t think it’s consistent … if they want to get a player in, suddenly they waive the fitness test.

If they don’t want a player in, they blame the fitness test and use that as an excuse.

“I don’t think it is a hard and fast method for selecting and nonselecting and we saw that recently with the World Cup. There were people on there (squad) I’m sure they didn’t pass a fitness test and I think we all know that.

“But then they were other people at other times who were not picked and they said they failed the fitness test. It doesn’t look consistent to me.”

Over the last two years, CWI has drilled down on fitness standards, leading to several players missing out on selection for international tours.

And player fitness proved a source of heated debate ahead of the recent Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates when experienced players were handed fitness waivers while the likes of rookies Sherfane Rutherford and Odean Smith failed to meet the standards and were ruled out of selection.

Odean Smith

Radford said transparent fitness standards would ultimately eliminate the inconsistency which currently characterised selection.

“I would like to see a really above board, robust selection process. And if you’re going to use fitness which is a massive part of the game, you’ve got to be consistent with it,” he argued.

“Everybody has got to be treated the same way, tested the same way and whatever the results are, the decision that’s made for ‘A’ has to be the decision made for ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘F’ and ‘G’ as well.

“At the moment, it’s being used however they want to select.”

He added: “For testing to be fair, everybody should be in the same place on the same day doing the same test, and you can all see them doing it.

“When you start doing it at different times, and this person had a waiver and that person’s got a waiver, it gets messy and then it’s open to people looking at it (process) and saying ‘what went on here?’. And even if it was fair, it doesn’t look fair.

Reggae Boys Antonio, Holness on Mark in Contrasting Results Reggae Boy Michail Antonio marked his return from a bout of COVID-19, with his eighth goal of the season, but could not prevent West Ham United tumbling to a 3-2 defeat against Southampton on Sunday in the English Premier League .

Jan Bednarek’s second goal in three games helped Southampton come out on top in a thriller at the London Stadium, making it now five games without a win for the Hammers, who came from behind twice to level, only for Saints to grab a first victory in seven league matches.

Antonio, 31. who came on at the start of the second half, took only four minutes to cancel out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s eighth-minute opener, that was headed home from close range.

Without Antonio, who had gone 10 games without a goal himself, the Hammers had looked toothless in the first 45 minutes, while Southampton’s counter-attacking approach

Antonio

worked well.

After the Jamaica international’s introduction, the Hammers were more threatening. But they could not stay level for long enough on both occasions after they equalized, constantly shooting themselves in the foot on a frenetic Boxing Day afternoon.

Following Antonio’s equalizer James WardProwse put Saints back in front with a penalty after Craig Dawson brought down Armando Broja. Benrahma kept the Hammers level again only for Bednarek to nod in a WardProwse free-kick and left the hosts emptyhanded.

“I didn’t think it was anything like us. I’m hoping I can make it an off-day for us. It was not the West Ham I’ve been with in the last two years,” West Ham manager David Moyes said.

Another Reggae Boy on the mark was 27year-old midfielder Omar Holness who helped 10-man Bath City to an easy 4-1 win with a 57th-minute goal at neighbours Chippenham Town in the sixth-tier National League South (NLS).

Jamaica-born Simeon Jackson, 34, who made 49 appearances for Canada, set NLS outfit Chelmsford City on the way to an easy 3-0

home win over Braintree Town with a brace on 14 and 28 minutes.

Jordon Garrick, 23, another Jamaican-born player who moved to England as a child, ensured Plymouth Argyle maintained their League One promotion push, by scoring in the 75th minute – his fourth of the campaign – after Panutche Camara’s opener in a 2-0 win at Cheltenham Town.

Cheltenham are now without a win in five, while Argyle’s strong travelling support cheered their second win in a row as they moved up to fourth.

London-born Myles Hippolyte, 27, who is eligible to play for St Lucia or Grenada, scored in the 77th minute for Scunthorpe United whose substitute Ryan Loft scored twice as his side came from behind to defeat League Two relegation rivals Oldham Athletic 3-1.

Jordan Bowery, 30, whose footballing father Bert was born in St Kitts and Nevis, scored on 62 minutes, as depleted Mansfield Town made it 10 wins in 11 games after fighting back from 2-0 down to beat League Two opponents Hartlepool United 3-2, with three goals in 11 second-half minutes. Bowery headed home a far-post cross from Elliott Hewitt for his second goal of the season.

Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, 23, a right-back of St Lucian descent, was sent off on 61 minutes after a second yellow card – a dismissal that proved costly for Blackpool as Sorba Thomas scored two late goals for Huddersfield Town, who came from behind to win 3-2.

It was one of only two matches in the Championship which was hit by a spate of postponements because of COVID-19.

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C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 30 – JAN 5, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM