Caribbean National Weekly October 7, 2021

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY OCTOBER 7, 2021

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

The family of the late Miya Marcano has called for justice and plans to take legal action against the apartment complex where she lived, in the aftermath of her death which has rocked the Caribbean community in Florida.

Miya Marcano's Family

Seeks Justice

As Caribbean Community Mourns

The body of the 19-year-old was found on Saturday in the area of Tymber Skan in Orange County, a week after she was reported missing on September 24th. Miya, who has ties to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, is the daughter of popular Trinidadian South Florida deejay, Marlon Marcano. Over the weekend, members of the CaribbeanAmerican community in Orlando hosted a vigil to honor the teen.

Their family of Marcano has hired civil rights lawyer, Daryl Washington, who has also dealt with popular cases like the 2018 Dallas police shooting of St Lucia native, Botham Jean. continues on B4 – Seeks Justice

Michail Antonio Withdraws from Reggae Boyz Selection Amidst JFF Disagreement West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has withdrawn from the Jamaica National Senior Men’s team 23-man squad, just a few days before The Reggae Boyz’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the top-ranked US on Thursday.

Antonio, who was anonymous on debut in Reggae Boyz 3-0 defeat at home to Panama in Kingston’s National Stadium last month, a defeat which has significantly dented the country’s prospects of making the top three finishers, gave his reason via a statement.

“I can confirm that, unfortunately, I will not be joining up with the Jamaica National squad for the World Cup qualifying matches this week. Myself, West Ham United and Jamaica have all agreed that,

“

Myself, West Ham United and Jamaica have all agreed that, given the logistical and travel difficulties involved at present, it is beer for me to remain with the club in London at this time.

given the logistical and travel difficulties involved at present, it is better for me to remain with the club in London at this time. I remain fully committed to Jamaica and look forward to representing my country in the future.”

But checks with a source inside the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) revealed that the player was not satisfied with the response he got from a request made.

It is understood that the player’s agent contacted someone from the technical staff on Sunday and indicated that Antonio would like to have his personal physiotherapist accompany him on the trip at no expense to the JFF. The agent also indicated

– Antonio

continues on B4 No Antonio

TOP STORIES US University Dedicates Memorial to Honor of Slain St. Lucia Native Botham Jean Lila Iké Working with H.E.R on Reggae Album Stadiums in UAE to Operate at 70 Percent Capacity for T20 World Cup Countdown To Best Of The Best Music Festival Bounty Killer Set to Star in Jamaican Film Jeadine White rewarded with inclusion to Reggae Boyz squad Jamaica to Implement Digital Vaccine Passports

by December Queen Ifrica Puts Reggae Spin on Nina Simone’s “Four Women”

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

caribbean

COMMUNITY

ENTERTAINMENT

Jamaican Dr. Michelle Richards gets Presidential Award A3

Parliament Gives Greenlight to Republican Status in Barbados A4

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has Breast Cancer A8

Countdown to Best of the Best Music Festival C1

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam visited the Vizcaya Park in the city on September 25, 2021, where members of the Hai an Lawyers Associa on hosted a TPS session to assist Hai an na onals complete their applica on to get Temporary Protec ve Status in the United States. – Contributed

Jason Jenkins (right), Senior Vice President of Communica ons and Community Affairs at Miami Dolphins, gi s Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair with a special Miami Dolphins jersey during the team's game against the Indianapolis Colts at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 3, 2021. – Contributed

Jamaican-born Commissioner of Broward County Dale Holness delivers the opening remarks at the World Strategic Forum in Miami on October 5, 2021. – Contributed

Jamaican-born Nurse Sandra Lindsay (le ), the first person in the United States to get vaccinated against COVID-19, pays a visit to Jamaica's Consul General for New York, Alsion Wilson at the Consulate's Office in New York on September 23, 2021. – Contributed

Jamaican-American Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins (right) wears Pink to a recent commissioner's mee ng to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

She is pictured here with Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman, who is a breast cancer survivor. – Contributed

Good friends are be er than pocket money. A group of friends of actor, photographer, ar st, Don Parchment, celebrated him recently with a surprise party at Moment 2 Remember Studios.

Don has had an illustrious career and is simply an all-around nice guy. (L-R) Val and Lorna McKenzie, Olivere Brown, Dwight Montgomery, Judy Brown, Don Parchment, David Muir, Luke Ballen ne, Kymarie McRwan and Suzanne Moore. Photo credit: Dwight Montgomery.

Miramar Vice Mayor Yve e Colborne, who was born in Panama of Jamaican heritage, hosts the 2021 La n Music Fes val at the Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Photo: Mark A. James Photography

Puerto Rican Salsa singer Hector Tricoche performs for South Florida residents during the La n Music Fes val in Miramar on on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Photo: Mark A. James Photography

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

A3

NEWSMAKER

Jamaican Dr. Michelle Richards gets Presidential Award

By Patrick Green When Dr Richards left St Catherine, Jamaica in the summer of 1999, she wanted three things: “A better life for my daughter, to pursue banking, and to be close to her parents.” She had already achieved her bachelor's degree in business administration from what is now The University of Technology. Added to her academics, she had also gathered enough banking experience at Workers Bank and the Bank of Jamaica.

Armed with those experiences and qualifications she joined Bank of America's mortgage department in Sunrise Florida soon after arrival.

Her drive and work ethics soon became evident to her new employer, and in 2004 she was promoted to vice president, as one of the top earners for the bank.

In 2003, Dr Richards had made another bold life-changing move; she got baptized. Three years later she was ordained as an evangelist.

In 2010, she decided to leave the high-profile bank job, to pursue her dream of serving God, ministering, and giving back. Her decision was not taken well by her family and friends. “I was ridiculed a lot.

Persons were asking if I was sure God wanted me to do this.”

She would not be deterred, however, and with her faith and determination, she embarked on her new journey to help the helpless and provide for the needy. Dr Richards has secured food, shelter, clothing, jobs and financial assistance for quite a few persons. For many years she hosted her birthday at the homeless

Since 2003, the United States through the president's office, has recognized citizens who volunteer their time, in service to others. The highest of the four awards in this category is the President's Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, Jamaican Dr Michelle Richards was among the few Americans who qualified, through their dedicated service of at least 4,000 hours to the community.

“When I give and I see the blessing on the different families, it is really a good feeling, a feeling glory to give back. For those who are a bit hesitant to give, there is always someone who is in a worse situation than you. And whenever you can bless someone, you should do it.” – Richards

shelter, feeding up to 250 persons.

In Broward County, she has also organized community events to assist the homeless.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness has known Michelle Richards for many years. He summed her up as a person who “has demonstrated a very strong commitment to community building and has rendered great service with excellence to our county.”

Vice-Mayor of Lauderhill, Denise

Grant was also proud of Michelle's work and her Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. “Michelle Richards is an exceptional servantleader. I've worked with her on several projects and her innate ability to lead and simplify complex matters speaks to firm abilities. She is deserving of this lifetime achievement award and as a JamaicanAmerican I'm very proud of my sister and friend.”

Dr. Richards's work is not only

confined to the USA. She has traveled to other countries to give and offer blessings. She organized “Mission laptop/tablet Jamaica,” donating over 200 laptop, tablets and SMART TV to the schools in Jamaica, in collaboration with The Rt. Hon Juliet Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

In congratulating Dr. Richards on her achievement, Consul General for Southern United States, Oliver Mair said that: “As an awardee of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, we use this opportunity to acknowledge your ongoing work in the community and to Jamaica.”

Her work has also extended to other Caribbean countries. Dr Richards has hosted and spearheaded a basketball tournament for the indigent youths in collaboration with the Basketball Federation of Turks and Caicos in 2018. In Barbados, Dr Richards hosted and spearheaded Missions Barbados, where school supplies and shoes were donated to the indigent youth.

Other countries where she has ministered and donated to the less fortunate are The Fiji Islands,

Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, and Belize.

Dr Richard's work has not gone unnoticed by the community. She received an Honorary Doctorate in humanitarianism, from Omega Bible Institute and Seminary in August 2013. July 13th, 2018 was proclaimed Michelle Richards-Phillips day in Broward County. And now the biggest of them all, The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

And while Dr Richards does not work for the accolades, she does appreciate the recognition from the community, and uses it as inspiration to do more. “When I give and I see the blessing on the different families, it is really a good feeling, a feeling glory to give back,” she said.

For those who are a bit hesitant to give, especially currently, she says: There is always someone who is in a worse situation than you. And whenever you can bless someone, you should do it.”

Apart from spending time with her business ventures, Dr Richards sits on several committees and gives volunteer service to a number of organizations in South Florida.

These include the Broward County Substance Abuse Board, Coalition to End Homelessness in Broward County, March of Dimes, Martin Luther King parade of City of Coral Springs, and United Way. She recently completed a number of training courses and is now a chaplain, pastor, counselor, and purpose coach.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN BARBADOS

Parliament Gives Greenlight to Republican Status Prime Minister Mia Mottley says much thought has gone into the decision to transition Barbados to a parliamentary republic.

Parliament recently voted by a 25-0 margin to amend the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to bring the Republic into force by November 30.

Prime Minister Mottley told legislators that her administration was not rushing into republicanism and that talks regarding the transition began more than two decades ago.

“There can be no rush, therefore, about this Act. This Act has taken long in coming and if we go back, we agreed that there are aspects that are certainly worthy of consultation and that is the majority of the work that relates to the Constitution, we get that and we are committed to that.”

She described it as a “simple but functional bill” the constitutional amendment would revoke the Barbados Order of 1966 as an Order in Council of Her Majesty while keeping complete the Barbados Constitution.

The amendment makes provision for a

“This bill does nothing else but seek to make a Bajan the head of state of Barbados and is as simple as that because that is the lacuna that will take us from one point to another. By also revoking the Order in Council we make the clear statement that we want to be in control of our affairs as a Republic.” – Mottley Mottley

Barbadian to be a Head of State, change the oath of allegiance from that to Her Majesty to now the state of Barbados and to ensure continuity in all of the other aspects of the functioning of the state of Barbados through offices, appointments and commissions.

She dismissed any notion that Barbados would change its name.

She told legislators that together with Atherley they will make a joint nomination for the election of a president of Barbados and a date will then be set for that election and that she expects the process to take place this continues on B4 – Republic Status

St. Vincent Mandates Vaccination for Teachers The St Vincent and the Grenadines government has mandated that teachers and other school staff members be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonzalves said that this would also apply to “those who are working at the schools, the cooks and so on, everybody who comes in touch with children, students.

“There were 12 deaths for a long time and just over a week, we have had eight, almost one a day. Now, that's serious business,” Prime Minister Gonsalves said, adding that the positivity rate has moved from under five

percent and, in some cases, as low as one percent to in excess of 17 percent.”

The positivity rate is the percentage of persons testing in a particular reporting period as a fraction of the number of persons tested.

“So there was that, the epidemiological situation, the way the numbers are rising and all that's happening around us.

“Now, among the teachers, the secondary school teachers, I have seen some numbers, maybe one-third of them vaccinated. Schools like the Grammar School, for instance, I was really surprised to see that of the 57 members of staff, only five are vaccinated.”

Gonsalves said that at the St. Martin's Secondary School, all of the staff are vaccinated.

“So you have these extremes. A lot of schools are in between these extreme points,” he said, noting that the government had made a decision that was to be implemented on April 12, when teachers would present either their certificate of vaccination or a PCR test or they couldn't come onto the school compound.

“Now, the situation has changed. And, apart from the uptick, you are now having the variants: the Delta, the Gamma, and the Mu. These are more easily transmissible and the Delta is rampant in the country,” Gonsalves said.

Antigua to Enter 2022 With Most COVID-19 Restrictions Removed Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will be entering 2022 with most, if not all of its COVID19 measures removed, whether or not a significant number of people have been vaccinated.

“I want to make a point here too that we are moving towards dropping the state of emergency, the curfews and so on and eliminate most of the restrictions as we can by the end of the year, the latest.

“Now, lest say if we only get 60 percent of the population vaccinated, or 70 percent and we decide to drop those restrictions, it means therefore that individuals would come exposed, those unvaccinated persons, Browne said.

He said that nationals were given sufficient time to get vaccinated to curb the spread of the virus.

“We are not going to go into 2022 limping and creating more stress and strain for the economy. The economy cannot take any more stress, cannot take any more strain and those who may want to suggest that it may be irresponsible for us to do so, well, you know what, our people would have had several months to get vaccinated.

“So, by then, whoever is not vaccinated by then would have taken a conscious decision not to get vaccinated and if the unfortunate happens and they get ill, or they die that's the choice they would have made,” Browne said.

Last week, Information Minister, Melford Nicholas, said that public sector employees who would have contracted COVID-19 and are in the early stages of recovery will be considered 'medically continues on B4 – Restrictions Removed

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Talk Up!

TALKUP

Do You Think It Is Fair to Require Proof of Vaccination from all Foreign Travelers?

Ashley Channel - My thoughts are if you're going to make one demographic group do it then all need to succumb to the same expectation.

Right now it seems as though the country is trying to achieve heard immunity's because they feel as though that's the only solution to getting the virus under control. Covid vaccines won't provide herd immunity. We need to look for additional treatments. We must invest in the research necessary to identify, discover and test new therapies for those who get sick even as we push to get more shots in arms.

Willyne Joseph - It's not jut the U.S. who is implementing Covid restrictions. Outside the U.S., other countries are implementing other antiCovid policies that are impacting immigrants.

Canada for example, has introduced strict travel regulations to minimize the spread of Covid-19.

There, transportation by plane, train or boat requires passengers to be vaccinated. As the world moves on, I think it is very likely that Covid vaccines will become part of the paperwork in the immigration process everywhere. Do I think it's ethical to mandate it? No. But in the same breath something has to be done.

Tim Raqiu - There's a benefit in requiring immigrants to be vaccinated, which is to achieve herd immunity. However, coming from a family of immigrants I know how difficult it can be to receive certain resources and proper healthcare in countries outside of the US. With that being said instead of requiring immigrants to be vaccinated before entering the U.S. maybe the U.S. can offer vaccines to immigrants coming in since the supply and distribution of vaccines seems to be low in other countries. Not only will that secure the safety of themselves and others but it will also give immigrants the opportunity to receive the healthcare they desire and get a vaccine that is recognized by majority of the nation.

McKenzie Martin - We know vaccines are effective, including against the delta variant, and vaccines are the best line of defense against Covid, so this vaccination requirement deploys the best tool we have in our arsenal to keep people safe and prevent the spread of the virus. I think it should be mandated. Time has shown us that if we cannot trust humanity to mitigate the risk of the spread by conventional methods alone.

And vaccination has played a key role in controlling other pandemics in the past without significant negative impact.

Phillip Peterson - I don't think it’s right to mandate that immigrants get vaccinated before entering US borders because that takes away free choice and free will, and this country stands on those principles of being a nation that is for liberty. However, people in immigrant communities and advocates have expressed concern about barriers that many people face when attempting to access COVID-19 vaccines. Concerns about documentation requirements, data privacy, eligibility, cost, and whether resources are available in their native language. So if you're going to mandate it then you need to also make it accessible for everyone Darren Wiles - No I do not think it should be required for immigrants to be fully vaccinated before entering the US borders we should not force people to have to subject themselves to a standard that we set as a nation to control this virus. Some people believe in natural remedies others have religious preferences that don't allow for them subject themselves to certain medication's or vaccines so to be fair I think it's best that we just require two negative test before traveling overseas.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Digital Vaccination Passport is Inevitable

P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Source: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations

A

s more countries set up requirements to see proof of vaccination for entry, persons who chose not to get vaccinated are getting creative to beat the system. A booming business has sprung up on the internet, where people can purchase fake vaccination cards for between US$25 and $200.

On Tuesday of this week, Guyana's Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said that the government is currently investigating around 12 to 15 cases of forged vaccine cards in the country.

In Jamaica, Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said this week that they, “have seen cases of persons allegedly having fake vaccine cards and that [it] is increasingly becoming a challenge.”

Jamaica has now fully committed to implementing a digital COVID-19 vaccination card, which the government said would be available by December. Guyana has also indicated in the past they are willing to go the route of a digital vaccination passport as well, to “get back to normalcy.”

It is no secret that other Caribbean countries are harboring the thought of having digital vaccination cards, to help with forgery and to stay on top of requirements imposed by larger countries.

Barbados was one of the first countries to implement a digital platform to show proof of covid testing.

At the 42nd regular meeting of the conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in July, leaders “agreed to consider the use of a Vaccination Passport for vaccinated persons travelling by air and sea, supported by a Digital Vaccination Database, possibly based on the Barbados model in the first instance.”

There are also reports that the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was unveiling a digital vaccination database that “will be internationally recognized to meet the strict proof-of-vaccination requirements of other countries.” BVI's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald George, said: “That the territory's official vaccination database will ensure that unscrupulous persons will be unable to produce counterfeit copies of them.”

Not everyone seemed to be on board with the digital vaccination, however. In March, Jamaica's tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett cautioned global leaders about the use of digital passport for travel purposes. Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Organization of American States (OAS), Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR)

Working Group 4 he said: “There can hardly be a harmonized position for digital passports and other bio-sanitary protocols when some countries and regions lag dramatically behind in their health response systems, including the vaccination process. If we remain committed to leaving no one behind, we are best positioned to move farther ahead,” said the Minister. The tourism minister went on to add that: “Any requirement for proof of vaccination for travel which does not take into account this reality could very well be considered discriminatory,” Mr. Bartlett is not alone in his assertion. Last month, according to US News, the World Health Organization said that vaccination passport would “fuel discrimination” at this stage of the pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference that vaccine passports should not be used at this time, particularly not as a prerequisite for travel "because of lack of vaccine equity." He said however, that “for the future, when vaccine coverage increases globally, it can be considered.”

While Messrs. Bartlett and Ghebreyesus have a genuine point regarding equity, their position is untenable due to the increasing use of mandates to encourage more vaccination. Yes, there is inequity in the procurement and distribution of the vaccine. Yes, there are instance in which it may be discriminative, but the overall health of the world and its economic survival is at stake.

According to the latest figures from ourworldindata.org, only 46 percent of the world population has received at least one dose of covid-19 vaccine. In low-income countries a meagre 2.3 percent of persons have received the first dose. In the Caribbean, only six countries out of twenty-two have gone past the 50 percent mark of being fully vaccinated. Cayman Island tops the numbers with 83 percent being fully vaccinated, while anguishing at the bottom of the table are Jamaica and Haiti, two of the most populous Caribbean nations.

The conundrum for Caribbean countries is multifold. They all depend on tourism to sustain their economies. To provide tourism services they must ensure that their employees are free from covid. These employees mix with the wider population mostly not inoculated and therefore presents a risk of spreading the virus. These countries have low vaccination rates because they do not have access or funding to procure vaccines, and of course there is the strong resistance from members of their populations.

Having a low vaccinated population, risk being placed on travel ban lists, which discourages travelers from coming to their shores. At the same time, the main tourist-supplier nations are increasingly mandating vaccination cards and require proof of vaccination.

While the vaccination passports will not solve all the social and economic problems brought on

b y t h e pandemic, it does solve headaches associated with administering a sound recovery policy. Firstly, you eliminate or reduce the instances of counterfeit vaccination proofs. Secondly, you ensure that your people can travel to and do business with countries requiring secure proof of vaccination. Thirdly, by blocking the loopholes it may encourage more people to get vaccinated, mitigating the spread of the virus.

This includes medical, social, and financial burden. Lastly, with everything going digital now, the passport could also be a replacement for the old yellow booklet used internationally as proof of vaccination against hepatitis, yellow fever, cholera, rabies, and other viral diseases. This will add security to the process and potential savings.

Already some countries are requiring proof to get services. Every Caribbean country in some way has established preferential treatment for vaccinated tourists. As this requirement of 'proof for service' spread around the world, it would be more convenient to show proof on you phone, rather than sifting through loads of paper in your purse or wallet.

In the end its virtually a sure bet that vaccination passports will become inevitable.

Hugh Ferguson hferguson@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

A7

la section haitienne

Haiti Facing “One of the Most Fraught Periods” says UN Official The United Nations Security Council was told Monday that Haiti is currently undergoing “one of the most fraught periods of its recent history”.

The head of the UN office in Haiti, Helen La Lime, told the Security Council that “long-awaited” national and local elections have now been further postponed while “insecurity has become rampant in Port-au-Prince, as kidnappings are once again on the rise and gangs have extended their control over large swaths of the city”.

Haiti is still reeling from the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, on 7 July, the country was crippled on August 14 by a deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake that affected over 800,000 people in its southwestern peninsula.

La Lime, the Special Representative and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said the recent forced return of thousands of Haitian migrants from the US-Mexico border, many of whom had simply “sought better living conditions in neighboring countries” was also another factor confronting the country.

While the country’s seemingly never-ending crises have pushed the resilience of the Haitian people to the brink, there is some good news, said La Lime.

But in a positive step towards reviving democratic institutions, politicians from across the spectrum, including former opposition and ruling coalition groups, reached an agreement on 11 September, to form a new Provisional Electoral Council,

“The government must implement a more holistic approach to addressing gang violence, within the framework of the national strategy for community violence reduction” – La Lime. with a view to holding elections no later than the second half of 2022.

And a large national consensus wishes to reform the 1987 Haitian constitution, a charter widely viewed as contributing to the recurrent political and institutional instability.

“One can only hope that Haitian political and civil society leaders will continue to work together to find common ground around a common

project that will contribute to fostering a more appeased climate in which decisive action can be taken and essential reforms enacted”, said the BINUH chief.

Meanwhile, security must be reestablished, especially in the Port-auPrince metropolitan area, as a significant and sudden increase in gang violence has caused the displacement of some 19,000 people from the communes of Cité-Soleil,

Croix-des-Bouquets, Delmas and the Port-au-Prince neighborhood of Martissant.

“The control that gangs exercise around strategic entry and exit points of the capital has had a detrimental impact on Haiti’s economy and the movement of people and goods”, said the UN official.

However, an over-stretched, under-resourced police force cannot stem the rise in crime without being strengthened and accompanied by Government services to impoverished neighborhoods.

Although Haitian citizens have unanimously condemned President Moïse’s assassination and called for a thorough investigation, La Lime flagged that “judicial actors must be allowed to work independently…with reassurance that they will be protected while undertaking the delicate task of identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators”.

The August earthquake added another layer of complexity to an already dire humanitarian situation.

Amidst ongoing relief operations, the Special Representative said that early recovery and restoring jobs, must be supported in the affected areas.

“We must ensure that Haiti does not become a forgotten crisis”, said the UN official, urging member states to contribute to the US$187.3 million Flash Appeal launched for those affected by the earthquake and the US$235.6 million 2021-2022 Humanitarian Response Plan.

“It is a race against time to ensure that children can return to school, that farmers do not miss the next planting

season, and that people currently living in spontaneous displacement camps return to their homes as quickly as possible”, she said.

La Lime underscored that, “through urgent, determined and concerted action”, Haiti can address its deep structural challenges and governance and development deficits that feed the country’s “instability, insecurity, and ever-growing humanitarian needs.

“Along with the United Nations, the entire international community must continue to steadfastly stand alongside the Haitian people and their Government as they endeavor to forge a path towards stability, security and sustainable development”, she added.

Meanwhile, about 70 percent of all schools in the Southwestern part of the country are still damaged or destroyed, said the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“I am shocked to see how many schools are flattened or damaged due to the earthquake,” said Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.

Kicking off a back-to-school campaign, about 300,000 students are gradually starting to resume classes in the three earthquakestricken departments, because “with or without schools, learning and teaching must continue now”, he added.

If classrooms remain closed, UNICEF estimates that more than 230,000 children are at risk of dropping out of school in the Great Southern departments of Haiti.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Biden Sends Federal Funds to Broward Schools After Governor Cuts Funding

By Sheri-Kae McLeod President Joe Biden's administration made good on a promise to support school boards, including Broward, that are facing financial consequences over mask mandates.

The U.S. Department of Education sent over $420,000 in federal funds to Broward School District, one of the two counties in the state that had their funding cut by the Governor because of their mask rules. The money will be used to cover the salaries of the Superintendent and board members, who had their pay cut by the state.

The action marks the latest move in a tit for tat between the Biden administration and Gov Ron DeSantis over masks. Biden had called some Florida superintendents in August, encouraging them to keep fighting DeSantis' rules on masks.

Desantis

Biden

“The President commended their leadership and courage to do the right thing for the health and well-being of their students, teachers, and schools,” the statement from the White House had read.

The interim Superintendent for Broward Schools, Dr Vickie Cartwright expressed gratitude to the Biden administration for the funds. She said it is the first time that a school district has been given direct access to federal funding.

“We typically never receive funding directly from the federal government, this is unique,” said interim superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright.

“We are grateful for the support of the federal government in helping us protect our students and staff from COVID-19. I support our School Board for their focus on doing what is in the best interest of our families, she added.

Latin Music Fest in Miramar Draws Fans from Across South Florida Latin music lovers from all across South Florida gathered at the Amphitheater in Miramar on September 25, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the city’s signature Latin Music Festival.

The event is held annually to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month but was canceled in 2020 due to concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, community members of all ages turned up to dance to salsa, merengue, bachata and more.

Venezuelan, Edward Mena kicked off the festival with his romantic ballads and Miramar’s Aney C, who is from Panama, energized the crowd with her dancers as she performed her urbano pop songs.

Columbian artiste, Charlie Zaa and one of the original Salsa Kings, Hector Tricoche from Puerto Rico continued to wow the crowd with their riveting performances. Dominican, Ramon Orlando and David Lucca y Los Clasicos with Gio Beta kept the audience on their feet for the rest of the night dancing to salsa and merengue.

Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, who is of continues on A6 – Latin Music Fest

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has Breast Cancer Florida first lady Casey DeSantis has breast cancer, her husband Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

DeSantis, 41, is the mother of the couple's three children, the youngest of whom was born after the governor took office in January 2019.

“As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will … not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up,” the Republican governor said in a statement.

Her announcement coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October. The month is used to bring awareness to breast cancer, show support for victims and survivors, and promote mammograms and screenings which continue to save millions of lives annually.

Casey DeSantis has played an active role in her husband's administration, advocating for people with mental health issues.

“Our hearts are with Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family. We are all praying for you!”

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said on Twitter.

Fried is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge DeSantis in next year's election.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

B1

HEALTH & WELLNESS Common Heart Health Myths Debunked As the number one cause of death in both men and women, knowledge is power when it comes to preventing heart conditions. Whether it runs in your family or not, this is one health issue you shouldn’t ignore.

Let’s separate some myths from reality to keep you in the know: 1. Heart disease is the same in men and women.

Although men and women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, there are differences in the way the disease treats each gender’s body, according to Harvard Health Publications Women tend to develop heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, and have a greater chance of dying from the disease.

2. If it runs in your family, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Even if heart conditions run in your family, these diseases are still 80 percent preventable.

Healthy behavior changes like losing weight, increasing exercise, eating a healthier diet and keeping your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health.

3. Heart disease doesn’t affect fit and active people.

No matter how many marathons you run or yoga classes you take, you may still be at risk for a heart condition. There are plenty of other factors that can put you at risk, like high cholesterol, poor eating habits, elevated blood pressure, and smoking.

4. Heart disease always exhibits the same symptoms.

While you might be under the impression that a heart attack always involves extreme chest pain, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, according to the American Heart Association (AMA). Women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain, dizziness and lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR CHARLES R. DREW K-8 CENTER The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to award one Construction firm for the following General Obligation Bond (GOB) project:

PROJECT NO. 01528200 CHARLES R. DREW K-8 CENTER BUILDING ADDITION FOR REPLACEMENT OF BUILDINGS 1 & 2 (PHASE 1) 1775 NW 60 STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 33142 BIDS DUE: Sealed bids will be received by The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the project listed herein, until 1:00 P.M. local time, Tuesday November 9, 2021, at 1450 N.E. Second Avenue, Lobby in the N.E. Fifteenth (15th) Street entrance, Miami, Florida, following which time and place, or as soon there-after as the Board can attend to the same, the said bids will be publicly opened, read and tabulated in the Board Auditorium, Miami-Dade County School Board Administration Building, by an authorized representative of the Board. Award of the contract will be made to the lowest, pre-qualified responsible and responsive bidder for the actual amount bid considering base bid and accepted alternates (if any) as listed in the bidding documents. The Board will award the contract based upon the results of the tabulations as covered by applicable laws and regulations.

Bidders desiring to participate in this solicitation must be pre-qualified by the Board prior to submitting their bid in response to this solicitation. Contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity at (305) 995-1307 or via email at oeo@dadeschools.net for information regarding Contractors' Pre-qualification procedures.

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted. All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, Laura M. Perez (laura1@lmptc.com), Laura M. Perez & Associates, Inc.; 2401 N.W. 7 Street, Miami, Florida 33125. Questions will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Answers will only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE (Charles R. Drew K-8 Center & Middle School): Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at Charles R. Drew K-8 Center & Middle School, 1775 NW 60 Street, Miami, Florida 33142. There will be a sign-in period from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Potential bidders arriving after the fifteen (15) minute sign-in period will not be allowed to participate in this solicitation. Proposals submitted by firms not represented at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not be considered.

BOARD POLICIES: Cone of Silence A Cone of Silence, pursuant to Board Policy 6325, shall commence with the issuance of this Legal Advertisement and shall terminate at the time the item is presented by the Superintendent to the appropriate Board committee immediately prior to the Board meeting at which the Board will award or approve a contract, reject all bids or responses, or take any other action that ends the solicitation and review process. Any violation of this rule shall be investigated by the Board's Inspector General and shall result in the disqualification of the potential applicant from the competitive solicitation process, rejection of any recommendation for award, or the revocation of an award to the vendor as being void, rendering void any previous or prior awards. The potential vendor or vendor's representative determined to have violated this rule, shall be subject to debarment.

General questions regarding the legal advertisement will be sent to the Office of Capital Improvement Projects via email at ocip@dadeschools.net, and a copy filed with the Clerk of the School Board at celiarubio@dadeschools.net, who shall make copies available to the public upon request.

Lobbyist Lobbyist requirements, pursuant to Board Policy 8150, shall be applicable to this solicitation and all proposers and lobbyists shall strictly conform to, and be governed by, the requirements set forth therein. Contact the Clerk of the School Board for additional information.

Vendor and Employment Preference Local-Vendor Preference, pursuant to Board Policy 6320.05, shall apply to this solicitation. Based on Board policy, Local Business means a vendor or business that has a valid business tax receipt, issued by a jurisdiction located in MiamiDade County, that has either (1) its headquarters, manufacturing facility, or locally-owned franchise located within the legal boundaries of Miami Dade County, for at least twelve (12) months, or (2) has an office with a street address within the boundaries of Miami-Dade County for at least twenty-four (24) months, calculated from the bid or proposal opening date. Post office boxes are not verifiable and shall not be used for the purpose of establishing said physical address. In order to be considered for local preference, vendors must provide a copy of their business tax receipt and the Local Business Affidavit of Eligibility with their proposal. Proposers who fail to submit the required documents will not be considered for Vendor Preference.

Jessica Lunsford Act The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Florida's House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012.465, 1012.32, 1012.467 & 1012.468 and Board Policy 4121.01, Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all Employees (also refer to Board Policy 8475).

Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Anti-Fraud Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following ethics, conflict of interest and anti-fraud policies: - Board Policy 6460, Business Code of Ethics; - Board Policy 6460, Disclosure of Employment of Former School Board Employees; - Board Policy 8700, Anti-Fraud; and all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable Contractor Debarment Procedures Pursuant to Board Policy 6320.04, Contractor Discipline Procedures, debarred contractors are excluded from conducting business with the Board as agents, representatives, partners, and associates of other contractors, subcontractors or individual sureties.

Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following anti-discrimination policies: - Board Policy 6465, Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (proposers shall be required to certify compliance with Board Policy 6465); - Board Policy 1362.02, 3362.02 and 4362.02, Anti-discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure; and - all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable Protest Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board Policy 6320 (Purchase Approval and Competitive Bidding Process Requirements) or in accordance with FS Section 120.57(3) shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under FS Chapter 120.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The proposer acknowledges that all information contained in their RFQ Response is part of public domain as defined by the State of Florida Sunshine Law. Therefore, any information received is subject to public inspection and copying in accordance with FS 119. No action on the part of the proposer would create an obligation of confidentiality on the part of the School Board including, but not limited to, making a reference in the RFQ Response to trade secrets FS 812.081 and 815.045. It is recommended that potential proposers exclude from their response any information that, in their judgment, may be considered a trade secret.

Board policies, as amended from time to time, can be accessed and downloaded at: https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/sbmd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BK6KUF4FFE14.

The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Florida's House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012.465, 1012.32, 1012.467 & 1012.468 and Board Policy 4121.01, Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board Policy 6320 or in accordance with §120.57(3). Fla. Stat. (2014) shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Pre-qualified bidders may obtain a CD of the documents for construction or a full set of printed documents for construction at the bidder's expense from the office of Go Green Document Solutions, Inc. on 3715 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 on and after October 4, 2021.

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Small/Micro, Minority/Women-Owned, and Veteran Business Enterprise Programs, Board Policy 6320.02 Awarded firms will be required to comply with Board Policy 6320.02 and submit a monthly report via the Online Diversity Compliance System for compliance with Small/Micro, Minority/Women and/or Veteran sub-consultant goals, subcontractor goals, local workforce information, and/or any affirmative procurement initiatives. Awarded firms will be required to submit monthly compliance reports online at: http://miamidadeschools.diversitycompliance.com. Please note that the “Small/Micro Business Enterprise Program Administrative Procedures Manual”, Board-approved January 15, 2020, shall be applicable to this solicitation. Please contact the Office of Economic Opportunity at 305-995-1307 or via email at OEO@dadeschools.net for additional information.

Assistance levels, as established by the Goal Setting Committee: Charles R. Drew K-8 Center: S/MBE Mandatory Subcontracting Goals: 16.00% Construction and 20% Local Work Force, within a 10-mile radius.

Mandatory M/WBE Subcontracting Goals: 9.00%- African American, Native American and Asian American firms.

The Board reserves the right to waive informalities and to reject any and all bids.

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

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

CITY OF MIRAMAR NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND PURCHASE ASSISTANCE The City of Miramar announces the availability of approximately ($3,294,065) in Housing Rehabilitation. The source of this funding is $1,631,678 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding, approximately $224,677 in HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding, and approximately $1,437,710 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

Housing rehabilitation funds will be used for the City of Miramar's housing initiatives for very-low, and low-income households, with priority given to special needs households.

Pre-screening forms will be distributed to ALL Miramar residents via U.S. mail for the Minor Home Repair Program. Prescreen forms may also be obtained by visiting Community Revitalization Affiliates, Inc. or by downloading from the websites www.crasouthfl.com or www.miramarfl.gov Residents interested in the Housing Rehabilitation Program MUST return their completed pre-screening form to Community Revitalization Affiliates, Inc. IN-PERSON no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. No forms will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on November 11, 2021. No forms will be accepted by email or regular mail.

COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AFFILIATES, INC. 3350 SW 148TH AVENUE, SUITE 110, MIRAMAR, FL 33027 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday For questions regarding the pre-screening form, please call 954-939-3271 No pre-screening forms will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. The pre-screening form is NOT an application.

Community Revitalization Affiliates will review all pre-screening forms to determine applicant eligibility. Those who qualify will receive a letter, email or phone call stating the specific date, time and location application will be distributed. Those who do not qualify will receive a letter stating they do not qualify for the program.

If you have received assistance from the City of Miramar previously you may not be eligible for additional assistance.

If you are a person with special needs/disabled and need assistance, you MUST call (954) 939-3271 no later than Wednesday, November 10, 2021 by 4:30 p.m.

HOUSING REHABILITATION FUNDS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT ($3,294,065)

Housing Rehabilitation Program - Provides assistance to approximately 36 households to correct building code violations, make barrierfree modifications, install hurricane protection, address weatherization improvements, promote energy efficiency/conservation and address other minor home repairs to owner-occupied properties in the City. Available to very low, and low and households up to 80% AMI. Priorities given to households with special needs and very low to low income.

MAXIMUM INCOME LIMIT MINOR HOME REPAIR (UP TO 80% AMI)

HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1

$49,300

2

$56,350

3

$63,400

4

$70,400

5

$76,050

6

$81,700

7

$87,300

8

$92,950

PURCHASE ASSISTANCE FUNDS There is approximately $465,222 available in Purchase Assistance in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding. Purchase Assistance funds will be used for the City of Miramar's housing initiatives for very low and low-income households, with priority given to special needs households. Applications will be processed on a first come, first qualified, first served basis in the order the applications are received and funds are encumbered.

Purchase Assistance Applications will be available ONLINE @ www.crasouthfl.com or www.miramarfl.gov and for PICKUP beginning Monday, November 8, 2021 AT COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AFFILIATES, INC. 3350 SW 148TH AVENUE, SUITE 110, MIRAMAR, FL 33027 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday Purchase Assistance Applicants MUST attend a MANDATORY "Homeownership Counseling Workshop" prior to receiving assistance.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT $465,222

First-Time Homebuyer Program - Provides down payment and closing cost assistance to approximately 14 very-low and low-income applicants. The amount of assistance per household will vary with income level. Priority will be given to households with special needs (Disability and Seniors).

VERY LOW INCOME 31% – 50% AMI AND LOWER

LOW INCOME 51% – 80% AMI

1

$30,800

$49,300

2

$35,200

$56,350

3

$39,800

$63,400

4

$44,000

$70,400

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

5

$47,550

$76,050

6

$51,050

$81,700

7

$54,800

$87,300

8

$58,100

$92,950

Effective April 1, 2021, the Median Family Income for Ft. Lauderdale HMFA (Broward) is $73,400.

Maximum Housing Value - $331,888 Information on the programs may be obtained by visiting www.crasouthfl.com or by calling (954) 939-3271 for more information.

City of Miramar Denise A. Gibbs, CMC City Clerk

B3

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Seeks Justice

from A1

While there is no indication of whether or not the family intends to file a lawsuit against the Arden Villas Apartment complex in Orlando, where Miya lived, Washington said that he believed they were "negligent."

“We're learning so many different things. We're learning that there weren't even security cameras in a number of places at this complex. There is a lot of frustration, but there is just simply no way this young man, who is really a predator, should have had access to Miya's apartment,” Washington said at a news conference with the family on October 3rd.

Detectives were able to find Marcano's body using phone records of the now-deceased prime suspect Armando Caballero, who was found dead by suicide on September 27. Investigators believe Caballero, who worked maintenance at the complex where Marcano lived, had expressed a romantic interest in the college student, but was repeatedly rebuffed. He reportedly used a master key to enter the teen's apartment on the day she disappeared.

The case is currently under law enforcement investigation, but according to South Florida attorney-at-law Mark Douglas, owners of apartment complexes have the right to enter a tenant's apartment under certain conditions.

“The owner of the apartments or the condominium would have a right of access under certain circumstances - usually with notice, at a reasonable time for maintenance or preservation of property,” Douglas explained to CNW Network.

“If the individual [tenant] is away and there is an emergency, that would also give way for immediate access, for preservation of property,” added.

But there are also certain rights that are granted to the tenants, under Florida law.

“If there was no emergency or anything of the sort, it would certainly be a breach of the contract between the tenant and the entity. If it falls outside of reasonable access, it could be deemed burglary if the person had no legal basis for being in that apartment,” he said.

Washington has also raised concerns regarding the hiring process for employees at Arden Villas. He claimed that if a background check was conducted on Caballero, it was not as extensive as it should have been.

But according to Douglas, “you're constrained from suing an employer under the notion of negligent hiring if there was nothing in the background of the person that alerted the employer that the person has a propensity for violence, or any such thing.”

In the meantime, other college students who live at Arden Villas have launched a petition to enhance security at the apartment complex. It has so far gotten 26,000 signatures.

Marcano's family has plans to create a foundation in her name to honor her as well as raise awareness about personal safety.

No Antonio

from A1

that he would make arrangements to apply for an emergency travel exemption for the physiotherapist to enter the US. Michail Antonio and others travelling from Europe had already received clearance to enter the US and it is said that the JFF staffer indicated that had this request been made earlier the physiotherapist would have been added to the Jamaica delegation’s list.

The staffer also suggested that the team’s support staff was comprised of a competent physiotherapist who could do the job as well, so there was no need for his personal physiotherapist. This did not go down well with the player and he decided to withdraw as a consequence.

Another source indicated that the hierarchy of the JFF is far from pleased with this latest happening, as they were never privy to the discussion between the agent and the technical staff member.

The full Reggae Boyz squad now in Austin, Texas, is Andre Blake, Dillon Barnes, Jeadine White, Javain Brown, Devon Williams, Jevaughn Watson, Kemar Lawrence, Adrian Mariappa, Shamar Nicholson, Junior Flemmings, Jamoi Topey, Javon East, Bobby Reid, Andre Gray, Kemar Roofe, Alvas Powell, Jamal Lowe, Oniel Fisher, Damion Lowe, Tyreek MaGee.

Republic Status

from A4

month. Barbadians will also be notified as to when the new head of state would be sworn in. But in his contribution, Atherley raised concerns over the legality of government's intended move to republican status, despite declaring full support for the move.

The Opposition Leader citing unnamed members of the legal profession, said the manner in which government was proceeding to move Barbados from a realm to a republic with a Barbadian Head of State could be unlawful.

Atherley said he was not attacking the government but merely wanted the transition to republican status to be done the right way.

Atherley also opposed the timing to become a republic describing it as “the wrong moment” as Barbados continued to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, questioning whether government had an alternative agenda in ensuring the transition was done speedily.

“Beyond the constitutional and legal arguments, it is a bad moment with COVID. It is not the right moment. We do not know what next year will bring, we may still be faced down with COVID. I would prefer to believe that by the middle of next year this thing would be gone.”

He also said the November 30 date for the transition was inappropriate as it could diminish the work of Errol Barrow, the Father of Independence.

He suggested that July 26, 2022, coinciding with the Day of National Significance that memorialises the 1937 Disturbances, would be most appropriate.

Restrictions Removed

from A4

exempt' from the government's mandatory vaccination policy.

He was responding to a public outcry that despite being in possession of a “letter” from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), advising of their status, some employees complained that they were still being sent home.

According to health officials, persons who have recovered from the virus must wait for a period of several weeks before they are medically advised to take a COVID vaccine.

Nicholas said that those alleged incidents are a result of some inconsistency and that the situation should be addressed soon.

“We did discuss that with the CMO … and there was clearly a gap in the protocol in that respect. So, the fact that (the COVID recoveries) are unable to – on advice from the Ministry of Health – take a vaccine because they're just recovering from COVID without that four-week gap, will be considered as a medical reason from them not to be able to take the vaccine.

The government has warned that the salaries of those public sector employees who remain unvaccinated will be withheld – unless the employees can provide a valid medical exemption – while they remain away from work.

Latin Music Fest from A8

Panamanian descent, stated, “The Latin Music Fest gets bigger and better every year, and this year was no exception. It was such a fun evening despite the light showers, and it was great to celebrate with the community who came out to represent their countries of origin. The diverse group of accomplished performers did not disappoint and kept the crowd entertained from beginning to end. The variety of Latin food served up by local vendors was amazing and the Cuban cigar lounge set up by Mr. Cigars was a big hit. Thanks to everyone who came from near and far to celebrate with us.”

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Countdown To Best Of The Best Music Festival

Silver Certificate for Gregory Isaacs 'Night Nurse'

By Ramona Samuels The countdown of now on for the 15th annual Best of the Best Music Festival, to be held on Columbus Weekend – Sunday, October 10 at the Bayfront Park in Miami.

Regarded as one of the largest Caribbean events in the United States, the annual Best of the Best Festival brings Caribbean-Americans from all across the country to South Florida to enjoy amazing performances from international superstars of Caribbean heritage.

For more than a decade, the festival's staging has been held in the month of May, on Memorial Day weekend. This year, however, a change of date, as a result of the global pandemic, will see the festival commence during the historic Columbus Day weekend.

With just a few days left before the 2021 staging, patrons from all across the Americas and West Indies are ready and have begun the official countdown to see Grammy awardi-winning reggae sensation Koffee, lyrical reggae rebel Tanya Stephens, 'Queen of Dancehall' Spice, dancehall icon Lady G, Soca Queen Alison Hinds, 'Uptop Boss' Teejay, dancing deejay Ding Dong, Patrice Roberts, Skinny Fabulous, and other influential artists perform for the big event.

Gates to the eagerly awaited concert open from 2 p.m. with ticket sales active at the venue until 8 p.m. The event, which is open to all ages, starts promptly at 3 p.m. and continues until midnight.

Children 13 years and under are granted free entry; they will also have access to the VIP area and must be accompanied by an adult. Identification is required to consume alcohol for persons age 21 and over.

Gregory Isaacs

Spice

Dean Fraser and Tarrus Riley

Best of the Best was postponed last year due to the coronavirus. Ticket holders from 2020 will gain access to this year's staging with the same tickets purchased. There will be no re-entry after a patron exits the venue.

VIP attendees will have front stage access, premium open bar, air-conditioned restrooms, bottle service and access to first come, first serve seating. VVIP attendees

Ding Dong

will have back and front stage access, premium open bar, Caribbean hors d'oeuvres, express entry, air-conditioned restrooms, premium food vendor, gift bag and T-Shirt.

Parking for the concert will be available around the park in different lots and meters. Parking is not included in ticket purchases.

Night Nurse, the 1982 album by the late singer Gregory Isaacs, has been certified silver in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry for sales exceeding 60,000 copies.

The announcement by June Isaacs, Gregory Isaacs widow, founder and director of The Gregory Isaacs Foundation.

“This certification for Gregory's album shows that people continue to listen to and enjoy his music. His music was relevant then and now, and a new generation of fans is appreciating it,” Isaacs stated.

She went on to say, “I was overjoyed when I found out about the album.” I informed his family and foundation members of the good news.”

Night Nurse was recorded at Kingston's renowned Tuff Gong Studios. Stranger in Town, Cool Down the Place, Material Man, and Sad to Know (You're Leaving) are among the songs included in the collection.

Night Nurse, released by Island Records, peaked at number 32 on the UK Albums chart. The title track, which received extensive radio and club play in the United Kingdom, did not chart. Six years later, in 1988, Isaacs charted Rumours at 97 on the United Kingdom Top 100 Singles chart.

According to Isaacs, her late husband invested a lot of time and effort into the Night Nurse album.

“He put in a lot of effort on the album. It was his first album for Island Records, and it was the one he had the most fun making. He also toured extensively, primarily in Europe, to promote the album after it was released,” Isaacs explained.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 –

C3

SPORTS ICE HOCKEY

CRICKET / T20

Jamaica “Too Strong” to Defend LATAM Trophy in Florida

By Patrick Green

Gayle Checks Out of “Bubble” to Focus on T20 World Cup

Jamaicans in the US, particularly those in South Florida, will get another chance to see their Ice Hockey Team parade its skills, at the 2021 LATAM trophy championship, between October 14 and 17th at the Florida Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs.

Veteran West Indies batsman Chris Gayle withdrew from the Punjab King for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) because of bio-secure bubble fatigue.

Jamaica is the defending champions, after defeating Columbia, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil in 2019 to secure top honors. There was no competition last year.

In a startling turn of events, according to the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation, the team will not play to defend their championship. They said the organizers and other teams have refused to play, stating that the team “was too strong to compete against.” This was revealed by tournament organizer president, Juan Carlos Otero, when the Jamaica team submitted its roster of 20 players, stated a release from the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation. “Otero said that Jamaica has too much of an advantage over the other teams and was likely to blow away all the opposition and make them reluctant to want to come back next year,” said the release. Jamaica will instead play in an exhibition capacity, giving the other teams a chance at glory in the tournament.

According to Don Anderson, President of the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation, “when the team was sent to Otero a week ago, he objected to 9 new players that we included in the list, on the grounds that these had played senior level ice hockey and would make Jamaica a mismatch against all the other teams. This despite the fact that there were no clear guidelines with regard to player qualification.” Anderson said a compromise was reached and Otero initially accepted 5 of these players, leaving Jamaica with 17 players, three short of the desired team size.

Anderson continued: “By Wednesday, Otero came back to advise that the other teams were opposed to playing even a reduced Jamaica team because it was still too strong, and that Mexico in particular would withdraw its four teams rather than compete against Jamaica.

He then proposed that Jamaica play only as an exhibition team, for no points and hence would not be defending the trophy. At that point the Jamaican management decided we would rather withdraw the team than allow Otero to determine the make-up of the team.”

However, following a round robin of the players, the coach Chris Stewart, a recently retired NHL star of Jamaican parentage, the players

Gayle said in a statement released through the Kings that he wanted to take a break ahead of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, which starts on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

“Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI (Cricket West Indies) bubble, CPL (Caribbean Premier League) bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” he said.

“I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up.”

Gayle played only two matches since the IPL resumed on Sunday, September 19 following a suspension from May 2 because of a surge of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases after the tournament started on April 9 in India.

He scored only 14 and one in two innings.

Punjab head coach Anil Kumble said the franchise respected Gayle's decision.

“I've played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings, and all through the years I've known him, he has always been an absolute professional and we as a team respect his decision and desire to prepare himself for the T20 World Cup,” Kumble said.

reluctantly agreed to participate in an exhibition capacity. The players felt that it would represent an opportunity for them to play together for the first time and to build the team chemistry. Jamaica will now play six games instead of the original four, including one feature match against an All-Star team, comprising the best of the other teams.

When contacted, Otero admitted to Caribbean National Weekly that he did say yes initially but on receiving the updated list, he felt that the roster was still way above the strength of other competitors.

In a post on their website, The Amerigol International Hockey Association, organizer of the championship said that: “At this time we want to acknowledge and say 'THANK YOU' to the Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation for their agreement to compete in exhibition games only and forfeit their eligibility to play for the LATAM Cup Championship. We have the upmost respect to the JOIHF for agreeing to this.”

The post went on to say: “We are excited to give all six Division I teams the opportunity to play against team Jamaica in exhibition games throughout the weekend. We know this will allow every Div I team the chance to showcase their skills against the defending champions and a very strong team.”

In defending his decision to omit Jamaica from championship play, Otero told Caribbean National Weekly that the tournament is an amateur competition, and while he is happy that Jamaica has advanced their program so well, they would not give the other teams any chance of winning.

“Our goal with the Tournament is to provide players an opportunity to represent their country in an exciting and competitively balanced tournament. Players who play professionally or represent professional leagues possess higher skills than what is available from the participating countries. We want to give everyone an equal opportunity.”

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C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 7 – OCT 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T