Caribbean National Weekly June 16, 2022

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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Recent Developments in Dancehall

“EMBARRASSING” Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has again expressed his concerns about some of the music being produced on the island, saying the content has presented Jamaica in a very limited way.

“

When another country says that “I don't want your artiste in my country”, it's an embarrassment. And we see it trickling down into the fights in the schools. We are concerned, very, very concerned, and worried about it. What has happened to us as Jamaicans is that we are being defined by some very limited things.

Holness

Windrush Caribbean Film Festival Celebrates the Pioneers of the Windrush Generation

“

His comments come a few days after it was announced that popular dancehall artist Skeng is now banned from performing at public events in Guyana. The ban stems from a shooting incident at the artiste's concert in the country recently. continues on B4 – Embarrassing

US Vows to Assist Caribbean with Food Shortage and Climate Change “There's a lot that I think we can and should do. This is a partnership. My intention is to intensify the relationship with the Caribbean. And I mean that sincerely. You're critically important to us in every way, and I hope we're important to you. – Biden

Bahamas Opposition legislator arrested on a wide range of charges

Suriname gov’t denies secret loan with Italian company

Speaking at a meeting of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in St Catherine on Sunday, Prime Minister Holness said he was concerned and worried about recent developments in dancehall.

United States President Joe Biden says his administration is intensifying the relationship with the Caribbean and Latin America, with a promise to help the region deal with food shortage, climate change and other issues.

Biden's promise came at the ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California last week.

The Summit focused on “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future”.

Both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with leaders from the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, and the Dominican Republic. US Secretary of State Blinken also hosted multiple Caribbean heads of government during meetings.

At the summit, the president announced $331 million in humanitarian assistance, food security

TOP STORIES

assistance, and disaster risk reduction assistance for countries in the Western Hemisphere.

A statement from the White House noted that, “a year of rising energy and fuel prices, disruptions from the global pandemic, climate change, and the impact of Putin's unprovoked war in Ukraine, are challenging food prices across the world and in the Western Hemisphere. Many of our neighbors rely significantly on imports for food and are particularly vulnerable to rising food costs. The region is experiencing the highest spike in food prices in a generation.”

According to the United Nations, the number of people facing severe food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean doubled from 2014 to 2020 to more than 90 million people. And with the COVID-19 pandemic causing the worst economic continues on B4 – US Vows Assistance

Barbados not rushing into new IMF agreement as the island welcomes the Fund’s managing director

Another member of Haiti’s Special Olympics delegation gone missing

Young Reggae Boyz head off to CONCACAF U20 Championship

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Joy Spence gets Lifetime Achievement Award from American Distilled Spirits Council A3

BVI Premier condemns publication of UK/BVI draft proposal A4

Taste of the Caribbean Islands returns to Miramar C1

Bailey’s magic earns Reggae Boyz Gold Cup spot C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Lauderhill Chief of Police, Constance Stanley poses with her plaque a er being recently named one of Legacy Magazine's Most Influen al and Powerful Black Professionals.

Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis joins singer Stephanie Mills (le ) before Mills' performance at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 27.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness greets United States President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden at the ninth Summit of the Americas which was held in Los Angeles last week.

Mayor of Miramar Wayne Messam joins legendary Jamaican ar ste Barrington Levy backstage at his concert at the Miramar Cultural Center on June 10.

Jamaica's Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Daryl Vaz (le ), greets United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry, during a courtesy call at the Ministry's offices in New Kingston on Friday, June 10.

Legendary reggae/dancehall ar ste Barrington Levy rocks the crowd during his show at the Miramar Cultural Center Artspark on Friday, June 10.

Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul (center) presents a proclama on to Jamaica's Consul General Oliver Mair recognizing CaribbeanAmerican Heritage month.

Interna onal singer Steve Higgins (le ) joined in for this special recogni on.

Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange poses with Bounty Killer during his 50th birthday celebra on at the Digicel Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday, June 12.

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NEWSMAKER

Joy Spence

Gets

Lifetime Achievement Award Jamaican master blender Joy Spence, known for creating some of the most popular rums at the Appleton Estate, was among spirit industry leaders honored by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

from American Distilled Spirits Council The DISCUS hosted its annual conference awards luncheon last Thursday at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.

The 71-year-old Spence was one of four honorees this year, and the only one to receive the DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award. According to the council, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who supports the industry during their lifetime through significant innovation and promotion of the industry, commercial strategy, advocacy, or responsibility.

The council noted that Dr. Joy Spence has the distinction of being the first female master blender in the spirits industry, “paving the way for many women who are following in her footsteps.”

Spence started as a research and development chemist at Tia Maria, then was hired by J. Wray and Nephew Ltd., a rum company. In 1981, the rum distillery Appleton Estate, which was owned by Wray and Nephew, hired Spence as its chief chemist.

At Appleton, Spence worked with Owen Tulloch, the master blender at the time, who recognized Spence's ability to identify and differentiate between smells, describing it as an "organoleptic talent". After working with Tulloch for 17 years, Spence was promoted to master blender on Tulloch's retirement. Her first creation as the master blender was a special rum to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Appleton Estate, which received high praise in the industry. Spence has also created special rum

blends for select customers, such as Ronald Reagan, Prince William, and Prince Harry.

“Over the course of her career, Joy has combined the art and science of rum making to create some of the finest, most highly awarded rums in the world, including Appleton Estate 8Year-Old Reserve and Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12-Year-Old. Her crowning achievement was the Limited-Edition Appleton Estate 50-Year-Old Jamaican Rum – the oldest rum blend ever introduced to the consumer marketplace,” the council also noted.

Joy has received numerous honors and awards including the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander, in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Jamaica's rum industry and Jamaica globally.

She was also the first female to receive the National Medal for Science and Technology for her significant advances in the field of science and technology and contributions to the economic, cultural, and social development of Jamaica.

In 2017, Appleton Estate released the Joy Anniversary Blend of rum to commemorate her 20 years as their master blender. That same year, Tales of the Cocktail gave Spence the Grand Dame Award as "the most influential woman in the cocktail and spirits industry".

At Appleton Estate, Spence currently serves as a brand ambassador and is also the general manager for technical and quality service. Her 40th year at Appleton Estate was marked by the release of the Ruby Anniversary Edition in 2022.

Tours of the Appleton Estate distillery in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica are named The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

BVI Premier condemns publication of UK/BVI draft proposal Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio Wheatley has condemned the unauthorized publication of a draft proposal between the BVI government and the United Kingdom (UK) by a local media house.

Speaking during a recent press briefing the prime minister said the publication only served to cause anxiety.

“It was somewhat unhelpful, and I think it's unhelpful to the public to have draft proposals

Church and NGOs call on St. Kitts PM Harris to name election date Churches and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have written to St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris urging him to name a date for the general election.

They have also warned that a code of conduct should be implemented to ensure “the society is not plunged into election-induced chaos” as voters in this twin-island Federation prepare to elect a new government.

In their June 8 letter to Harris, the churches and the NGOs listed several issues they want the authorities to take continues on A5 – St. Kitts elections

circulating in the public; especially when we are in the midst of negotiations and the language of those proposals is not final. All it serves in doing is confusing the public,” Wheatley said.

He added that the publication of the document did not serve the purpose of keeping the public informed with accurate information.

“Unfortunately, you have media operations and individuals circulating documents which are not for public consumption. Those things are not in the public's interest,” the Premier shared.

While speaking to the issue of who is held accountable when confidential government documents shared with Cabinet members are leaked to the public, the premier said there is a duty for Cabinet colleagues to ensure that those

Wheatley

documents remain private.

He further argued that there is a difference between respecting confidentiality and being transparent.

According to the premier, there are appropriate forums and appropriate processes to share information with the public and those should also be respected.

The British Overseas territory has been trying to ensure continued local democratic rule in the country since the arrest of its former premier Andrew Fahie in the United States on charges of money laundering and drug trafficking.

The managing director of the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority was also arrested with the former premier.

Guyana readying itself to import black belly sheep from Barbados Guyana's Ministry of Agriculture is currently putting safe and adequate transportation mechanisms in place for the import of 1000 Barbados black belly sheep expected to land there within two months.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said Guyana and Barbados have advanced talks on the initiative.

“We will try to get sufficient transportation to bring 1000 of the animals to Guyana. I can't give a time stamp, but I am hoping that very shortly, within a month or two they can be available to Guyana,” he said.

Mustapha said Barbados' Prime Minister, Mia Mottley has instructed her minister of agriculture and his team to ensure that the small ruminant animals are sent at the earliest.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali recently launched the Black Belly Sheep Project in Mahaica-Berbice, as his administration moves to intensify Guyana's agriculture program.

Farmers have already been assured that the government will give full support to the industry to prepare their fields for the initiative.

Already, 78 farmers have signaled their interest in the project and have signed up, making about 1,325 acres of their land available.

The world import value on mutton and mutton products is estimated at eight billion US dollars with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping importing 7,900 tons of mutton at US$48 million annually. The four

major markets in the region are The Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana is looking to expand its local production above 7,000 tons at the end of a five-year period. The approach will require a capital investment of over GUY$231.8 billion (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) and approximately 25,000 acres of land. The expected earning is estimated at over GUY$8.6 billion annually.

“We have right within our arms' reach a market that can generate a value of US$48 million. And who supplies CARICOM right now? Australia and New Zealand. With the cost of freight and logistics cost increase, it is becoming more and more expensive, that is why this is low-hanging fruit, CARICOM is right within our arms' reach,” Ali said.

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CARIBBEAN

Bahamas Opposition legislator arrested on a wide range of charges Bahamian Opposition legislator, Adrian Gibson, has been granted US$150,000 bail after he appeared in court on Monday on charges of abuse of power while he served as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

However, Gibson, 37, an attorney, and six other defendants, were all remanded into custody until their bail is signed Gibson who appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evan faces a total of 56 counts on allegations that he failed to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the corporation.

Gibson faced 31 of his 56 charges alone, while together with the remaining six accused, faced a combined total of 101 charges.

Prosecutors allege that Gibson gained a financial advantage of more than one million US dollars from contracts granted to a maintenance and restoration company and he laundered the illicitly obtained funds by purchasing properties and vehicles.

Gibson was not required to plead to the charges.

The prosecution also alleges that the opposition legislator, who served as chairman of the utility company during the term in the office of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, was aided by Elwood Donaldson, the corporation’s former general manager; his cousin, Rashae Gibson; his campaign general Joan Knowles; Jerome Missick, Tonya Demeritte and Peaches Farquharson.

The charges range from false declaration, bribery, fraud, receiving and money laundering.

All the accused were informed that their case will be heard in the Supreme Court.

Under the conditions of bail, all the accused are required to sign in at the nearest police station every Friday.

In the last five years, momentum has been building against corruption in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Gibson

High-level politicians were found guilty of corruption in Guatemala and Brazil, and a wave of legal action against the perpetrators of grand corruption swept across the continent.

The 10th edition of the Global Corruption Barometer – Latin America and the Caribbean shows that most citizens think their governments are not doing enough to tackle corruption and that corruption levels have increased in the past 12 months across the region.

St. Kis Elections from A4

into consideration, including a pre-election period of sensitivity, neutrality in the electoral process, the delay in announcing the election date and the abuse of office.

“We are of the firm view that the execution of the Code of Conduct should be mandatory after every dissolution of the National Assembly to ensure that our society is not plunged into election-induced chaos, as emotions are heightened during election campaigns. We, therefore, anticipate your soonest execution of the Code of Conduct in your capacity as Political Leader of the People's Labour Party,” the groups wrote in their letter.

The letter was sent by the St. Kitts Christian Council; the St. Kitts Evangelical Association; the Nevis Christian Council; the Nevis Evangelical Association; The St. Kitts Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association.

Harris is yet to announce a date for the election after he dismissed several of his ministers and asked the governor general to dissolve Parliament as his coalition Team Unity government collapsed because of internal wrangling.

Legislators of two of the coalition – the People's Action Movement (PAM) and the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) – that controlled seven of the nine seats in Cabinet, had filed a motion of no confidence in Harris, but he scuttled that move by having the Parliament dissolved.

In their letter, the groups said they were also raising “some concerns observed by our non-governmental organizations which can diminish our people's confidence in our electoral system, create social instability, cause widespread anxiety, negatively affect the local economic climate, and undermine the respect for true democracy and the rule of law in our Federation.”

On the issue of pre-election period of sensitivity, the letter noted that the “Executive, led by your Cabinet of Ministers, should refrain from implementing major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming Government.

“Ministers remain in office and in charge of their departments, but it is customary for them to observe discretion in announcing initiatives that are new or of a long-term character in their capacity as a minister.”

“We were reminded of the foregoing conventions associated with the operation of our Constitution. Major announcements made by you and your Cabinet of Ministers within the past two weeks – run counter to the pre-election period of sensitivity conventions and can be reasonably seen as being used for political gain.”

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Good Sense Prevailed in Jamaica After Shameful 60th Decision Jamaicans escaped a calamitous 60thanniversary celebration this year, with the announcement by Culture minister Olivia Grange that there will still be a festival song competition.

At the opening of the 9th biennial Diaspora conference in Kingston on Tuesday, Minister Grange said, “What we have done is we have created a narrow window and will come up with ten songs. I have been networking with producers and writers, and we will come up with ten quality songs.”

Just last week in parliament, the minister shocked the public with the announcement that the selection panel for the finalists “was unable to choose ten suitable songs” from the 123 entries received. At the time, Minister Grange told Jamaicans that the organizers would instead “produce a Jamaica 60 commemorative album, with a mix of some of our leading reggae ambassadors and some of our emerging artistes.”

But Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora would have none of it. Taking to social media and on radio programs at home and abroad, there was a public outcry. The disbelief was that at the most symbolic time of Jamaica's independent history, the people would have been robbed of one of the most anticipated items on the celebration's agenda.

We supported the public outrage towards omitting the festival song contest in the country's jubilee celebration of independence. Obviously, good sense prevailed after the public pressure, and all is well that end swell.

However, lingering questions abound, and the minister and her team still need to answer to avoid this near calamity in the future. This is the third time in 56 years that the festival song competition came up for suspension.

In 2013 former Minister Lisa Hanna tried to reposition the competition and implemented a voting system. Minister Grange's reaction at the time was that the move was a “backward step and a disgrace.” She went on to say that in the early days the competition “was used to rally and

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EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

motivate the people at a time of national celebration.” The minister now needs to explain what has changed in her position and the use of the competition since 2013.

The organizers knew that this year would have been the most significant year of independent celebration in Jamaica's history. In addition to Minister Grange's 2013 definition of the competition, nothing in the country's annual independent celebrations comes with this level of anticipation.

Under what circumstances did the minister and organizers justify to the people that the competition's exclusion was a good move? The reasons provided make no sense. Not in a country where music helps differentiate and promote our brand to the world. Not in a country where its unique style of music has its own segment on the world's most prominent music awards show. And certainly not in a country where lyrical creativity knows no bounds.

In 2017 Minister Grange suspended the

competition because of quality issues. Weren't there any lessons learned from that experience?

The minister stated that the principal organizer of the competition, The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), will be ramping up workshops for the contest over the next 12 months. Why wasn't this done before to ensure that ten quality songs could have been selected?

We applaud the organizer's move to create a Jamaica 60 commemorative album with some of Jamaica's best recording artistes and musicians.

But to even consider shelving a 56-year-old tradition that resonates so much with ordinary Jamaicans, at a time when “rallying” the crowd and “motivation” are needed, is nothing short of contemptuous and shameful. Let's celebrate the good sense that came out of this experience.

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TALKUP

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

la section haitienne

US says it's committed to resettling Haitian refugees The United States says it is committed to resettling Haitian refugees amid concerns that millions of migrants are displaced across Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Reflecting the President's commitment to support the people of Haiti, the United States also commits to receiving an increased number of referrals of displaced Haitians into the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP),” said the US Department of State.

“The USRAP accepts referrals for individuals across refugee populations determined to be particularly vulnerable and in need of the protection provided by third-country resettlement. The United States will continue to work with UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) to increase referrals throughout the Americas and the Caribbean to the USRAP,” it added.

Washington said it was encouraging other governments to join in opening new legal pathways for protection and opportunities for Haitians and other displaced populations in the Americas.

The State Department said more than 6.1 million Venezuelans have been displaced in the Americas, including the Caribbean, and hundreds of thousands more people from other countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, such as Haitians, are also displaced.

It said the Biden administration is “committed” to resettle 20,000 refugees from the Americas, including the Caribbean, over the next two years.

“This commitment represents a three-fold increase over projected arrivals

Another member of Haiti's Special Olympics delegation gone missing Central Florida Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a seventh member of Haiti's Special Olympics delegation has disappeared even as the search continues for the six others who went missing after checking into their hotel last week.

this fiscal year and reflects the BidenHarris administration's strong commitment to welcoming refugees,” it said, noting that the United States admitted more than 5,300 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean beginning in 2018 through early June 2022, and expects to resettle an additional 1,800 refugees by the end of 2022.

The State Department said it contributed additional funding to UNHCR for staffing infrastructure in the Americas to increase referrals and it has expanded caseworker staffing at the US Resettlement Support Center for the region by more than 300 per cent in the last 12 months, and will continue to prioritize cases in the region each quarter for US Citizenship and Immigration Services refugee interviews.

In the past year, the State Department said UNHCR's focus throughout the region has grown to include expanded referrals of Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Haitians across another seven countries throughout Latin American and the Caribbean.

“As USRAP partners continue to increase staff capacity, the number of referrals and arrivals throughout the region will increase significantly,” the State Department said.

President Biden announced at the just-concluded Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, nearly US$314 million in new humanitarian, health, economic and development assistance for Venezuelan refugees and vulnerable migrants.

The State Department said more than 6.1 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, making it the largest external displacement of persons in the hemisphere's history.

“Many are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance such as access to shelter, education, health, and, in some cases, international protection. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these needs and increased the vulnerability of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, along with the host communities that have welcomed them, throughout the region.”

The deputies of the Sheriffs of Osceola County said that 25-year-old Louis Jacques Wilguens, who was due to return to Haiti on Sunday was last seen on Saturday getting off the bus at the All-Star Sports Resort around 4:30 pm (local time), wearing red sandals, blue jeans and a white Special Olympics shirt with the word Haiti written on it.

As in the previous case when the six others went missing, the authorities say they do not suspect foul play and is urging anyone with information to contact the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

Last week, the authorities named Atione Joseph Mithon, 32; Nicholson Fontilus, 20; Peter Mianovich Berlus, 19; Anderson Petit-Frere, 18; Steevenson Jacquet, 24 and Oriol Jean, 18, as having gone missing. They are all associated with the country's soccer team that participated in the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.

The police said that the group was last seen at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. All six men left behind their personal belongings.

Haitians have in the past been making the dangerous voyage by sea to enter the United States illegally. Many have lost their lives as a result, but others continue in a hope of escaping poverty and crime in the country.

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COMMUNITY

West Palm Beach has the most expensive gas prices in Florida Gas prices continue to remain high across the United States. The national average remains steady at $5.01. It's a tad cheaper in Florida and in Orange County. According to AAA, the average is $4.89 a gallon. That's up a penny from yesterday. Analysts say U.S. refineries are operating at almost max capacity.

They also say prices could go even higher this summer as global factors impact the cost of crude oil, stemming in part from the war in Ukraine and pandemic recovery.

Gas prices in Florida rose an average of 13 cents per gallon over the past week and are now $4.89 a gallon on average, AAA reported on Monday.

Despite the rise, Florida prices are still below those nationwide.

The most expensive market in Florida was West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area where prices on average hit $5.01 a gallon. This was followed by Fort Lauderdale at $4.93 a gallon and Port St. Lucie at $4.92 a gallon.

The least expensive markets in Florida were in the Panhandle. Gas prices were $4.68 a gallon in the Crestview-Fort Walt Beach area and $4.69 in the Pensacola area.

What's causing the soaring prices?

Even as soaring inflation and sluggish growth raise the specter of recession, global

demand for oil is unlikely to fall enough to dent prices, as it did in 2008.

The worry this time around is — because it is a supply-side issue — that even if the US were to head into a recession motorists may not necessarily see prices come off at the pump substantially.

The European Union on Friday formally adopted its oil embargo, part of the sixth package of sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Most EU countries now have six months to phase out imports of Russian crude, and eight months for all other oil products.

For now, the bloc will likely continue to buy some oil from Russia, but it has been shopping around for alternate suppliers. According to Kpler data, imports of crude from Angola have tripled since the start of the war, while Brazilian and Iraqi volumes have risen by 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

DeSantis signs bills to help veterans get jobs

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed several bills last Thursday in an effort to help people who serve in the military get jobs or advance their education once they leave their service. These pieces of legislation build on funding provided in the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor DeSantis last week to support Florida's military members and their families.

Included among them are new laws that will supplement federal benefits for disabled veterans attending state universities or government-run career centers, allow state agencies to substitute military experience for postsecondary education to allow veterans to obtain civilian jobs and require the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to expedite license continues on B2 – Veterans bill

Florida Home Health Aide Employee arrested for Withholding Services from Disabled Adult Jacksonville Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, MFCU, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office today arrested a Duval County home health aide employee for falsifying time spent helping a disabled Medicaid recipient. According to the MFCU investigation, Diane Johnson did not provide any services to a disabled adult for five weeks, and instead sat in the car outside of the patient’s home. Unable to care and clean the house due to a disability, the patient’s home became a mess and Johnson refused to do the services required.

The attorney general said, “Not only did this home health aide employee rip off a taxpayer-funded program, but she also withheld services from a patient in need of care.

My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit uncovered these crimes, and now the suspect, in this case, will have to answer for her decisions not to provide care.”

The investigation began when a social worker visited the house of the disabled adult and found Johnson sitting in the car outside.

The social worker called Tamba Memoria, the owner of Tambolina Services Inc., the home and community-based service provider company that employed Johnson. Momorie drove to the home and found Johnson sitting in the car. After confronting Johnson, Momorie claimed that Johnson violently cursed and fled the scene and never returned—stealing the tablet the company provided.

Johnson faces one count of Medicaid fraud, a third-degree felony, and one count of grand theft, also a third-degree felony. If convicted, Johnson faces up to ten years in prison and more than $25,000 in fines. Attorney General Moody’s MFCU will prosecute this case with the State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. From January 2019 to the present, Attorney General Moody’s MFCU has obtained more than $112 million in settlements and judgments.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

LOCAL Veterans Bill from B2

applications of active-duty military spouses.

“Florida is the most militaryfriendly state in the nation, and I am proud to continue that commitment to our military members and their families by signing these pieces of legislation,” said Governor DeSantis. “Providing military families with the resources they need to receive a high-quality education and find good jobs is the best way that we as a state can show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they make.”

“I served in Florida for a time on active duty, and it's really, really meaningful that you have the people that are wearing the uniform get genuine support from the community,” said DeSantis, who served as a navy officer.

“That's not true in every part of our country, unfortunately, but it's definitely true up and down the coast of Florida.”

The governor also announced that CareerSource Florida and state workforce agencies will dedicate $20 million in targeted workforce training supports for Florida's veterans. This funding will focus on high-demand industries including aviation, aerospace, and defense.

DeSantis signed the bills at a Fort Walton Beach craft brewery owned by a veteran. It's in an area of the Panhandle with a large military presence.

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Attorneys in condo collapse seeking $100M in fees

By Santana Salmon

Attorneys who worked to secure settlements topping $1 billion in the collapse of a beachfront Florida condominium building in which 98 people died are requesting about $100 million in fees and costs, according to a new court filing.

The total represents a discount of as much as $200 million compared with the amounts typically charged by lawyers in major classaction lawsuits, Miami attorney Philip Freidin said in the document. The settlements also avoid court battles that could have taken years and cost

even more.

Freidin was asked to recommend fees for 132 attorneys who worked more than 34,000 hours on the lawsuits that followed the June 24, 2021, collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida. The settlements for wrongful death and property loss were announced less than a year after the tragedy.

The total of about $100 million is reasonable “given that this litigation is among the most difficult, complex, and high-profile class actions I have witnessed in 53 years of practicing law,” Freidin said in the filing. “But no one expected this kind of result, ever. It’s unprecedented. And without this team, it would not have happened.”

The final amount of fees and costs will be determined by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman, who has already given preliminary approval to the victim settlements negotiated by the lawyers. The money would come from those settlements, which total more

than $1.02 billion, court documents show.

A fairness hearing to allow people to comment on the settlements is set for June 23 — a day before the first anniversary of the 12-story building’s collapse.

“The court will determine what an appropriate fee is, likely after holding a hearing and after the individual victims receive their individual awards,” attorneys Harley Tropin and Rachel Furst said in an email. They co-chaired the plaintiff committee in the case, which ultimately involved 30 settling parties.

And the legal work is not yet done. Each person who files a claim for a share of the settlements is entitled to an individual hearing on their amount, if they choose, which could last into August. It’s not immediately clear if additional fees would be charged out of the settlements for lawyers in those hearings.

The goal is to begin distributing money to victims by September.

Annette Taddeo endorses Crist for Florida governor a week after leaving race A week after leaving the Democratic primary for Florida governor, state Senator Annette Taddeo on Monday endorsed former campaign rival U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist for the job of challenging Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in the fall.

Taddeo urged other Florida Democrats to rally around Crist, a Democratic congressman from St. Petersburg who served one term as governor when he was in the Republican Party in the late 2000s.

Taddeo was Crist’s running mate in his failed bid for governor in 2014 against then-incumbent Republican Governor Rick Scott. After Taddeo left the race last week, Crist and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried remained

the strongest candidates running in the Democratic primary.

“Make no mistake, Charlie is ready for the fight ahead. He is battle-tested and has a true vision to deliver change across Florida,” Taddeo said in a statement. “Most importantly, he is our strongest candidate to defeat Ron DeSantis.”

Taddeo is now running as a Democratic nominee in a South Florida congressional race.

The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who took office after winning her 2020 election. Taddeo faces Miami Commissioner Ken Russell and community organizer Angel Montalvo in the August 23 Democratic primary.

Taddeo, 55, is the founder and CEO of

LanguageSpeak, which offers translation services in more than 240 languages.

Governor Ron DeSantis’s fundraising continued at a torrid pace in May, allowing him to put more distance between himself and his Democratic rivals.

DeSantis raised another $10.2 million, bringing the total raised for his reelection bid to $124 million.

Democrats Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried are the leading candidates battling in the primary for the right to take on DeSantis in the general election. They are raising far less money than DeSantis, with Crist hauling in another $1 million in May and Fried collecting $302,528.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 –

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STRICTLY LEGAL Illegal Immigrants Now Allowed to Obtain Driver's License in Massachusetts A bill that will allow immigrants in the USA illegally to obtain driver's licenses in Massachusetts has become law after the state Senate voted last Thursday to override the veto of Republican Governor Charlie Baker.

The 32-8 vote followed a successful override vote in the House. Massachusetts now joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia that have similar laws.

The new law is a win for immigrant rights groups that have long pushed for the measure, framing it in part as a public safety measure saying that the people will have to show they can properly operate a car and get insurance in the event of an accident.

Baker has opposed the idea of allowing those in the country illegally to obtain driver's licenses, saying it would require the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity.

With the changes, Baker said, a standard Massachusetts driver's license would no longer confirm that a person is who they say they are.

Under the new law, those in the country illegally will be able to apply for a driver's license if they can provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or consular identification document.

They will also have to provide one of five additional documents: a driver's license from another U.S. state or territory; a birth certificate; a foreign national identification card; a foreign driver's license; or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory.

The new law takes effect July 1, 2023.

Justices rule against detained immigrants seeking release The Supreme Court has ruled against immigrants who are seeking their release from long periods of detention while they fight deportation orders.

In two cases decided Monday, the court said the immigrants, who fear persecution if sent back to their native countries, have no right under a federal law to a bond hearing at which they could argue for their freedom no matter how long they are held.

The justices also ruled 6-3 to limit the immigrant's ability to band together in court, an outcome that Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote “will leave many vulnerable noncitizens unable to protect their rights.”

In recent years, the high court has taken an increasingly limited view of immigrants' access to the federal court system under immigration

measures enacted in the 1990s and 2000s.

“For a while, it seemed like the court was going to push back a bit. In extreme cases, it would interpret a statute to allow for as much judicial review as possible,”said Nicole Hallet, director of the immigrants' rights clinic at the University of Chicago law school. “Clearly now, the court is no longer willing to do that.”

The immigrants who sued for a bond hearing are facing being detained for many months, even years, before their cases are resolved.

The court ruled in the cases of people from Mexico and El Salvador who persuaded Homeland Security officials that their fears are credible, entitling them to further review.

Their lawyers argued that they should have a hearing before an immigration judge to

determine if they should be released. The main factors are whether people would pose a danger or are likely to flee if set free.

Sotomayor wrote the court's opinion in one case involving Antonio Arteaga-Martinez, who had previously been deported to Mexico. He was taken into custody four years ago and won release while his case wound through the federal courts. His hearing on whether he can remain in the United States is scheduled for 2023.

But Sotomayor wrote that the provision of immigration law that applies to people like Arteaga-Martinez simply doesn't require the government to hold a bond hearing.

The court, however, left open the issue of the immigrants' ability to argue that the Constitution does not permit such indefinite

detention without a hearing.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the court's opinion holding that federal judges can only rule in the case of the immigrants before them, not a class of similarly situated people.

Sotomayor dissented from that decision, joined by Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan. She wrote that the ability to join together in a class was especially important for people who have no right to a lawyer and “are disproportionately unlikely to be familiar with the U.S. legal system or fluent in the English language.”

The cases are Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez, 19-896, and Garland v. Aleman Gonzalez, 20322.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

LEISURE Across

Down

CONTINUATIONS

Embarrassing Prime Minister Holness also expressed concern about the content being produced by other dancehall artistes, which he said should not define the country or its people.

“Whap Whap and Chop Chop and Ensure and all a dem... all of those things have their place, but they can't define us, we should not allow that to define us," Holness said.

The Prime Minister was referring to Skillibeng's hit single 'Whap Whap', which depicts murder and violence, and Brysco's 'Code', which contains sexually explicit

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lyrics. Both songs are on the list of dancehall songs currently trending and receiving heavy airplay on local radio stations.

This is not the first time that Prime Minister Holness has expressed concern about the quality of music being produced on the island, specifically, dancehall.

In 2021, Holness said he was of the view that some of the local music contributes to the high level of crime.

“In our music and our culture, in as much as you are free to reflect what is

US Vows Assistance contraction in the history of Latin American and the Caribbean, the United States also made commitments specifically for the region.

The White House said the United States and CARICOM will come together to launch a Caribbean Zero Hunger Plan to promote food and nutrition security in the Caribbean.

President Biden also announced the United States will provide $28 million in new food security assistance to Caribbean countries.

“There's a lot that I think we can and should do. This is a partnership. My intention is to intensify the relationship with the Caribbean. And I mean that sincerely. You're critically important to us in every way, and I hope we're important to you,” Biden said at the Summit.

Plans were also announced by the Biden administration to launch the U.S.-

happening in the society, you also have a duty to place it in context,” Holness said in April last year.

“Dat yuh tek up the AK-47 and tun it inna a man head … That is not right. And though you have the protection of the constitution to sing about it, you also have a duty to the children who are listening to you.”

His comments, however, drew the ire of several dancehall artistes, who criticized the prime minister for using local music as a scapegoat.

Read More on the Web

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Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) to “facilitate renewable energy infrastructure development, including by increasing access to financing, and to bolster the region's resilience to climate based natural disasters.”

Several CARICOM leaders thanked the United States government for its commitment to assisting the region through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced.

In his remarks Friday at the Summit, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said, “Right now there's a confluence of troubling global events that require our collective and strong leadership to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and to respond adequately to climate change and surmount the challenges of food insecurity and escalating oil prices. My government welcomes President Biden's

announcement of a new Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity.

During the same meeting on Friday, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also addressed the multitude of challenges facing the hemisphere and the need for collective action.

“That's why I've come also to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris,” she said.

“For too long there has been benign neglect, and the Partnership for the Americas as well as the Climate Partnership Pact 2030 offers us a real possibility of hope, but it is up to each of us to keep and hold each other accountable.

We cannot achieve it overnight, but we are moving in the right direction.”

Biden's administration has also vowed to work with Caribbean leaders to address other issues such as the illegal trade of guns and drugs and migration.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 –

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ENTERTAINMENT

Taste Of The Caribbean Islands Returns To Miramar

Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson nominated for TV Choice Best Actress Award Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson is among the actresses who have been nominated for Best Actress in a series at the 2022 TV Choice Awards.

The City of Miramar will celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month in June with its new and improved signature event, Taste of the Caribbean Islands.

This year's event will feature a book and art fair, culinary demos, food fest, and a live concert at Miramar's Vizcaya Park located at 14200 SW 55th St. Miramar, FL 33027 on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Hosted by Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, the event will bring out local Caribbean food vendors including a variety of food trucks, artistes and authors displaying their latest releases. The event is free to attend with food and drinks, including alcohol, available for purchase.

The highlight of the evening will be a live

performance by the Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia, Bahamian Julien Believe, Gianpaul & Latin Soul Band and Reggae star Lee Kelly & Dwhas Band. DJ Sinistar and DJ Tony X of the Miami Dream Team as well as the USVI Moko Jumbie stilt dancers will be on hand to delight guests throughout the event.

Commissioner Alexandra Davis stated, “This year's event is going to be bigger and better than before in a brand-new location at Vizcaya Park! We are kicking things off earlier in the day with a book and art fair and tantalizing culinary demonstrations from renowned Caribbean chefs. Get your tastebuds ready because with over 20 Caribbean food trucks, this is going to be an evening you won't want to miss! Whether your preference is Jamaican, Cuban, Haitian, Trinidadian, Bahamian or any of the other signature dishes from your favorite Caribbean Island, you will be in for a culinary treat! We have a great lineup of

“This year's event is going to be bigger and beer than before in a brand-new location at Vizcaya Park!... Get your tastebuds ready because with over 20 Caribbean food trucks, this is going to be an evening you won't want to miss! – Commissioner Alexandra Davis

Caribbean artistes scheduled to perform to set the vibe right for a great time for the entire family.”

Two home-grown artists, Richard Blackford and David Muir will be present to display cherished art pieces from the Caribbean. The Children's Trust will give away free books to the kids. Novelty items from the Caribbean islands will also be on sale.

Jackson earned a nomination for her role in season 11 of the 'Death in Paradise' series.

Death in Paradise, which is filmed in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, is broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom, as well as in France, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The former model, who joined the cast in 2021, plays the role of Sergeant Naomi Thomas, a young detective who has transferred from a neighboring island.

Shantol Jackson previously starred in the Idris Elba-directed 2018 crime drama Yardie, as well as Sprinter by director Storm Saulter. She is also known for her work in Jamaican productions, the most recent being Dahlia Harris's Love and Dancehall.

Other actresses nominated in the category include Simone Ashley for Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan also for Bridgerton, and Lily James for The Pursuit of Love.

The TV Choice Awards will announce the winner during the live ceremony that will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane in the United Kingdom on Monday, November 14.

TV Choice is one of the most popular awards shows in the United Kingdom, dedicated to the nation's favorite TV shows and actors. Fans are able to vote for nominees online.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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SPORTS TRACK & FIELD

Olympian Kerron Stewart doesn't want Elaine or Shelly-Ann to Break World Record!

Triple Olympic medalist, Kerron Stewart does not want the next 100m record to go solely to Shelly-Ann Frazer-Pryce or Elaine Thompson-Herah. “I want both of them to do it,” she told CNW Network.

“They both have the potential, grit, and mindset. They both went close, so it is just a matter of time to see who gets it first. But both of them deserve it.”

Kerron, who specialized in sprints and 4x100 m, is set to take up a head coaching position at SPIRE Institute and Academy in Ohio, USA. SPIRE, which boasts a “comprehensive Athletic, Academic, Personal and Career Development” program, said Stewart's addition has made their “Dream Team” coaching outfit a reality.

The 2008 Bejing 100 m silver medalist will manage SPIRE's Sprints, Hurdles & MiddleDistance program in her new role.

She is excited about her new assignment as head coach but made it clear that the title is not as important as what she has committed to doing for her students. “Sometimes we try to focus on the title, which can make the job overwhelming. I am more focused on what I am about, which is to help develop athletes to be their greatest selves.”

“I have always had a passion for coaching and helping out the younger athletes as best as possible if it is even a word of encouragement when they reach out to me. Talking to them helps, and it goes a long way.”

Kerron hopes to use her experience, which spans over 15 years, up to the highest level to achieve her goals.

“Based on my experience and the levels I competed at, many kids see my accomplishments and want the same thing or even better.

I will help them to get better on and off the track. They will trust me because they know that I was there, and I am speaking from true

She Wants Them Both to do it

experience when I tell them something. I know what it was like to be a student athlete. I know the things that they worry and stress about. I am here to help them navigate those things as well.”

The new head coach relishes working in a system that provides a holistic approach to student athletes at SPIRE. “The stage is set or these athletes to come here and truly do well. It is not just about athletics but, importantly, about academics and building the entire athlete. Often, we just focus on one aspect of the athlete's life and forget about building the entire person. We are not just building better athletes. We want to put better human beings out there,” she told CNW Network.

The 2008 Jamaica national champion is also excited about Jamaica's future in track and field. She believes that her country will be a dominant force for a long time.

“Jamaica is in the right place to do some

CHESS

Shaw, Curwin triumph at Cayman Islands Jubilee Chess Classic Jamaican junior Jaden Shaw and Nickaylah Curwin copped the International and Open Sections of the recently concluded Cayman Islands Jubilee Chess Classic 2022.

Wolmer's Boys' School's Shaw finished the inaugural competition with 6.5 of the seven points, just ahead of American Stephen Eisenhauer, who ended on six of the seven points and Jamaica's Woman International Master (WIM) Rachel Miller with 4.5 points of the seven-round contest.

Shaw entered the June 3-6 event, the first FIDE (World Chess Body) rated event to be held in the Cayman Islands, seeded third and had only dropped points to Eisenhauer in their drawn game.

The youngster recently finished second in the Jamaica National Chess Championship for FIDE Master (FM) Shreyas Smith.

In the Open Section, Curwin, seeded second, won on a tie-break with six of seven points from Gilbert Abalos of the home team.

Daniel Cardenas beat Darryl Hill on tie break with five of the seven points.

Curwin had finished second to Gabriella Watson in the Jamaica Women's National Chess Championship.

Shaw and Curwin have won the right to represent Jamaica on the Absolute and Women's teams, respectively, at the 44th World Chess Olympiad slated for Chennai in India from July 28 to August 10.

International Master (IM) Jomo Pitterson, coach of the winners, hailed his players while commending the hosts on a job well done first time of asking since gaining full membership to FIDE last year.

The event was open to international players and was played with a time control of game in 90 minutes plus 30-second increment per move.

Participants from five countries were represented in the competition including: The Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Kenya, and the Cayman Islands.

special things in athletics,” she said. “We have some of the best coaches in the world, and more clubs are building up in Jamaica. The stage is really set for our athletes to dominate for a long time.”

Her only concern regarding Jamaica's future on the world stage is whether the athletes will get the support needed to make them their best. “I know how expensive and hard track and field is. Without the right support, including financial, psychological, and social, athletes can disappear into the wilderness. However, once they get the support, Jamaica will be unstoppable when you consider the talents on the horizon and the coaching skills available.”

Stewart, who got a scholarship to study and do track at Auburn University after leaving St. Jago High, also spoke about the decision to study abroad. “When I got a full scholarship to study abroad, the decision was not hard for me.

I knew the situation my parents were in financially and going abroad to get a university

education and still do track was the best option for me.”

She said the decision for athletes has to be a personal one that is based on their situation.

“Jamaica currently has some of the best coaches and good universities that cater to track and field. Going or staying boils down to your goals and what you want to achieve.”

As it relates to when an athlete should go pro, Stewart said: “That is another personal matter. Sometimes it is worth it, and at other times it can change your life for the worse. I know of athletes who turn pro before they are ready, and they weren't prepared to handle the pressure and the stress that comes with it. At times it is better to go through the university system, get your education, mature some more, and then go pro. Of course, if a shoe company is willing to pay you enough, you could still use the money to get a better education.”

Stewart, who retired in 2018, won 29 medals in her illustrious career from junior to the senior level. She won three at the Olympics (2 silvers and a bronze), six at World Championships (3 golds, 3 silvers), two at the Commonwealth Games (1 bronze, 1 gold), and the rest at World Relay Championships (1), World Athletics (4), World Junior Championships (2), World Youth Championships (1) CAC Junior (3), and Carifta Games (7). She was a reliable and consistent member of Jamaica's 4x100 relay team. Of her 11 medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth, and World Championships, she won seven in the 4x100 m.

In 2007, she was voted the best female collegiate track and field athlete in the United States. Her performance won her the Honda Sports Award.

Since news broke of her appointment as head coach at SPIRE, Stewart has gotten an incredible number of congratulatory messages from Jamaicans globally. She said she has been feeling the support and appreciates the love from her friends, supporters, and family.

“Sometimes, as athletes, we feel like the support finishes once we retire. I want people to know how grateful I am for the support, “she said.

Bailey’s magic earns Reggae Boyz Gold Cup spot Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey’s early first half goal proved enough to earn Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with Mexico here Tuesday night, and a place in next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 24-year-old struck in the fourth minute to hand the hosts the early lead in the Group A contest of League A at the National Stadium before Luis Romo equalised in first half stoppage.

Major League Soccer standout goalkeeper Andre Blake made a string of top saves to preserve the scoreline as Jamaica climbed to the top of the group on five points, while remaining unbeaten in three outings.

Jamaica were also left to rue several missed chances, however, Shamar Nicholson twice coming close while Bailey came within inches of adding a second goal.

“It was a tough opponent,” Bailey told reporters.

“Everybody knows Mexico but to be able to create so much opportunities against Mexico and getting a point out of this game which we should’ve won, it shows we have a far way to go but we’re doing well moving forward as a team.

“This is what we need going forward and we’ll continue to build on this.”

Jamaica found the back of the nets with their first real attack of the game, Nicholson racing down the left flank and whipping a cross into the box where Bailey spit defenders Jesus Gallardo and Jesus Alberto Angulo to send a powerful header past goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.

And the hosts should have doubled their lead in the

ninth minute when Junior Flemmings’ corner found Nicholson in the box but the Spartak Moscow forward could only find the crossbar with his leaping header.

Blake twice kept out Mexican attempts at the other end before Bailey came close to his second goal, driving down the right and cutting inside before sending a curling left-footed shot inches around the far post from 15 yards.

Jamaica were left cursing their missed opportunities when Mexico drew level with the final kick of the half, Luis Chavez floating a spot kick into the area for Romo to outmuscle Damion Lowe and beat Blake diving to his right.

Full back Kevin Alvarez then cleared Nicholson’s chip off the line in the 51st minute to spare Mexico further blushes and Blake played his part in ensuring Jamaica did not slip up.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 16 – JUN 22, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T