Caribbean National Weekly May 12, 2022

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2022

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

TOP STORIES Nick Perry Sworn in as US Ambassador to Jamaica UWI condemns move to subvert and subordinate sovereignty of BVI

Jamaica 60 Celebrations Launched

Turkish nationals kidnapped in Haiti

in South Florida

Hundreds of South Florida Jamaicans witnessed the launch of Jamaica's 60th-anniversary celebrations on May 5 at the Miramar Cultural Center in the city of Miramar. The event was part of Jamaica's roadshow to put on show its diamond jubilee independence celebrations across its diaspora centers. continues on B4 – Jamaica 60 Celebrations

St. Kitts PM Fires Six Ministers Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris on Tuesday said he has asked Governor General, Samuel Seaton, to dissolve Parliament with immediate effect after announcing the dismissal of several ministers, including his deputy Shawn Richards and Nevis Premier, Mark Brantley.

In a radio and television broadcast, Harris, who was due to have faced a motion of no confidence that had been submitted by six members of the coalition National Unity government, said he will soon announce the date for the general election.

“I will advise you when general elections will be held,” he said, adding “in the meantime, the government continues to function and will do so in an orderly, efficient and effective manner,” he said.

Last week, the governor general denied a request by six legislators to remove Harris as the split within the ruling coalition Team Unity government took another turn.

In his letter to the legislators, the governor general said he had “reviewed your communication requesting the Governor-General to remove the prime minister and to appoint another minister in his stead. continues on B1 – Fires Ministers

I have confidence in the people of St. Kitts-Nevis, and I strongly believe in their right to choose their representatives in free and fair general elections. The time for decision making is at hand. Accordingly, I have asked the governor general to dissolve the Parliament of St. KittsNevis effective today, May 10, 2022. – PM Harris

Almost 10,000 Cases of Child Abuse in Jamaica Annually According to CPSFA Guyana signs air services agreement with Saudi Arabia Florida Passenger with no ying experience lands plane after Pilot falls sick Florida school yearbook on hold over student protest photos Grenada’s vaccination rate for children plummets

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

HAITI

ENTERTAINMENT

Haitian American Named First Black Female White House Press Secretary A3

Three Americans Found Dead at Sandals Resort in the Bahamas A4

Former Haitian Senator Appears in Court: Linked to Murder of President Moise A7

Skillibeng to Perform at Planet Afropunk in Miami C1

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Mother’s Day Party: Miramar moms came out in fine style to enjoy Madeleines, Macaroons, tea and all the fun and flair of the city's Mother's Day Par-Tea. Photo: Mark James

Thank You for Your Service: Fire Chief Marc Cele (second right) re red a er 43 years of service to the City of Lauderhill. A re rement party, hosted by Mayor Ken Thurston (third right) was held for Chief Cele before last week's Commission Mee ng. – Contributed

A Blessed Jamaica 60th: Rev. Horace Ward and Jamaican gospel ar ste Papa San offer prayers at the Florida launch of Jamaica's 60thanniversary celebra ons in Miramar on May 5.

Photo: Patrick Green

Jamaica 60th Launch: Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA Oliver Mair, Jamaica's Culture Minister Olivia Grange, and Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz pose at the Florida launch of Jamaica's 60th-anniversary celebra ons in Miramar on May 5. – Contributed

An Official Wave: Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange a end the third Jamaica Hi-5K Walk Run at the Miramar Regional Park on May 7. Photo: Uriah Benne

Jamaica Hi-5K: Members of the diaspora in South Florida a end the third Jamaica Hi-5K Walk Run at the Miramar Regional Park on May 7. – Contributed

I Want to be a Fireman! The City of Miramar and Learning for Success hosted their Annual Interac ve Worksite Visit on April 28. Over 100 students enjoyed the amazing demonstra ons put on by the Fire, Police and U li es Departments. – Contributed

How You Ska: West Park Commissioner Joy Smith (le ) showing Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz (center) the Ska at the launch of Jamaica's 60th-anniversary celebra ons at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 5. Looking on is Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange. Photo: Patrick Green

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

A3

NEWSMAKER

HAITIAN AMERICAN KARINE JEAN-PIERRE

Named First Black Female White House Press Secretary President Joe Biden has named Haitian American Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House press secretary, the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve in the role, with incumbent Jen Psaki set to leave the post soon.

“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the BidenHarris administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre.

Psaki, who leaves the White House on May 13, praised her successor as a “partner in truth,” noting the significance of the history-making appointment.

“Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big,” Psaki said.

Taking the lectern briefly while Psaki briefed the press Thursday, Jean-Pierre said she was “still processing” the significance of her hire, calling it “an honor and privilege to be behind this podium.”

“This is a historic moment, and it's not lost on me,” she said. “It's a very emotional day.”

Psaki said Biden offered the job to JeanPierre in the Oval Office. White House staffers were gathered after the offer and greeted Jean-

Jean-Pierre

During the presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre was a senior adviser and then chief of staff to Kamala Harris, making her the first Black person to hold that position for a vice-presidential nominee. She was also the first member of the LGBTQ+ community in that position.

Pierre with applause, an official said. Two “warm bottles” of champagne were procured for a toast in White House paper cups, the official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the internal gathering.

Jean-Pierre had previously served as principal deputy press secretary in the White House since Biden's inauguration.

Before joining the Biden presidential

campaign, she was the chief public affairs officer of the progressive group MoveOn.org and a former political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. The 44-year-old Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique to Haitian immigrant parents but raised in New York.

A career in politics was not on Jean-Pierre's radar growing up. But while attending Columbia University's School of International

and Public Affairs (SIPA), she served in student government. The experience and encouragement from mentors inspired Jean-Pierre to pursue a career in politics.

Following her SIPA graduation in 2003, Jean-Pierre served as press secretary to New York Congressman Anthony Weiner, and deputy chief of staff and director of Legislative and Budget Affairs for two City Council members respectively in the New York City Council.

In 2006, she made the leap to Washington, D.C. to become an outreach coordinator for nonprofit Walmart Watch. Following her move to the capital city, Jean-Pierre found her secure footing in politics.

In 2008, when former President Barack Obama ran for office, she was the southeast regional political director for the 'Obama for America' campaign. She had garnered campaign experience from working on John Edwards' presidential campaign in 2004 when he ran as the Democratic Party vice-presidential candidate to presidential candidate John Kerry.

During the first Obama term, Jean-Pierre served as the regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs.

During the Biden/Harris campaign, she pushed for the Caribbean-American, especially the Haitian American vote, and was an unofficial spokesperson on immigration.

Jean-Pierre and her partner, CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, have a daughter.

She is among the slew of Caribbean Americans in the White House, alongside Karen Andrew, Kristen Clarke, Susan Rice, and of course, Vice President Kamala Harris.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Three Americans Found Dead at Sandals Resort in the Bahamas Three Americans died and another was hospitalized on Friday while staying at the Sandals Resort on Great Exuma Island in The Bahamas.

The Bahamian police went to the hotel after a staff member found one of the travelers, a man, unresponsive in his villa on Friday morning, the police said in a news release.

Officials were then informed that two more people, a man, and a woman, were found unresponsive in another villa.

The man in the first villa was on the ground.

In the second villa, the man was slumped against a wall in the bathroom, and the woman was on a bed. All three were pronounced dead by a doctor, the police said.

The Royal Bahamas Police say an autopsy will be conducted on the bodies determine the cause of death. They said the bodies showed no signs of trauma.

However, it was reported, that the couple

Former BVI Premier's bail offer placed on hold A bail offer of US$500,000 made by the United States Federal Court to former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie has been put on hold.

This is because US prosecutors have filed to appeal the judge's decision to grant the former premier bail. Based on this, Fahie will remain in US custody pending the outcome of that appeal.

Last week, Judge Alicia Otazo Reyes made the half-million-dollar bail offer in what was described as a shocking decision.

had complained of feeling ill the previous evening and had sought treatment at a medical facility and returned to their villa.

The identities of the deceased guests have not been officially confirmed, but the case has been presented to the coroner.

In a statement Sandals Resort confirmed the deaths, “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm the passing of three guests at Sandals Emerald Bay on May 6, 2022, said Stacy Royal, a spokesperson for Sandals.

“A health emergency was initially reported and following our protocols, we immediately

alerted emergency medical professionals and relevant local authorities.”

Meanwhile – environment health scientists, physicians and others who are investigating the incident sought to assure citizens that the deaths of the visitors are an isolated incident.

In a statement, Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper said that the cause of death is unknown, but no foul play is suspected.

Sandals also said it is actively working to support both the investigation as well as the guests' families in every way possible.

Countries Send Condolences to Cuba Following Hotel Explosion In the aftermath of Friday's explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Cuba that led to the deaths of 35 people and left dozens injured, several countries are expressing solidarity with the Government of Cuba.

Fahie

According to the publication BVI News, there is a Nebbia condition attached to the initial granting of the bond. A Nebbia condition/hearing is added when someone is charged with a federal crime and needs to post bail while the case is ongoing.

This means that Fahie must disclose the source funds used to acquire the assets for bail. He must also

On Saturday, President of Bolivia, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, expressed on Twitter his solidarity with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Cuban people following the accident, which has been attributed to a gas leak.

“Our solidarity with brother President @DiazCanelB and with the Cuban people for the explosion that occurred in the Saratoga Hotel, which left dead and dozens injured. We send our condolences to the families of the victims and all our support. Strength #Cuba.”

Felix Plasencia, Minister of People's Power for

continues on A7 – Bail on Hold

Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, also expressed deep sorrow, on behalf of the people and government of the Bolivarian nation.

“Go to the People and Government of Cuba, and to the families and relatives of the victims, the solidarity of the Bolivarian Venezuela!!!.” continues on B1 – Cuba Condolences

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS 2970 NW 27th Street, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 Mon, Tue, Wed: 9am – 6pm Thur: 9am – 7pm Fri: 9am – 4:30pm Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm

Hassle-Free Shipping to Jamaica KINGSTON

1 STOP

TIVOLI Warehouse 76 Marcus Garvey Drive

MONTEGO BAY

1 STOP

IFC Warehouse Little Wharf Seaboard Marine

Or take advantage of our SAFE and SECURE

DOOR to DOOR Delivery Service Enjoy delivery from the comfort of your home.

Hassle free clearance Fastest transit times

Open Everyday!

Pickup Every Tuesday 9am – 5pm

Mon -Thur: 9am – 5pm Fri: 9am – 3pm

We load containers daily!

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

A5

TALKUP

What are your thoughts on Jamaica using foreigners to ll job vacancies in certain sectors?

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Jamaica: Stop the Pussyfooting with the Labor Market According to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett, The World Bank, and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), Jamaica has a major labor problem.

Based on statements made by the abovementioned, the island is unable to satisfy its employment needs in specific industries, and this issue has enormous implications for its economic survival and prosperity.

The IFC, which is the private sector arm of the World Bank, pointed out that 84 percent of employers in Jamaica have problems “recruiting appropriately skilled people,” based on a 2018 survey. The report credited the recruitment problem to the “limited number of candidates with occupation-specific skills and soft skills (leadership, customer service, communication, and emotional intelligence).” It states that “Companies engaged in agriculture, technology, creative fields, and tourism experience this problem more than those in education, construction, manufacturing, health care, and mining.”

On April 20, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while addressing a groundbreaking ceremony in Trelawny, said: “The challenge we face in Jamaica is that we have significant leakage from our education system. So people will go to school, they will register in a school, but oftentimes don't get skills, dropout and end up in a subculture in an underground society.”

Mr. Holness went on to say that if Jamaica cannot train the number of persons required to satisfy the labor demand, then “there can be no complaints if we have to import labor into the country.” He also suggested that the government cannot allow the labor shortage to harm the country's economic growth or development.

We could not agree more with the prime minister on the first part of his statement regarding training. We will even go further to say that the training of persons in a country is the government's prerogative. So while it is good to identify the main issue, it should be significant enough to address it.

Last week the president of the PSOJ, Keith Duncan, said that his organization “accepts and endorses the recommendation...to initially leverage foreign talent for higher value services which can seed the local skill pool.” The president said this imported labor could “create a base for training local talent by knowledge transfer.”

It is important to note that the PSOJ is the largest lobby group in Jamaica, representing 198 of the most significant businesses in the country.

Their endorsement, we would assume, comes from careful analysis of data from its members.

Having more work than workers is by no means a good problem to have. At the national level, unfulfilled productivity demands affect the country's economic numbers. Not having enough people to serve customers affects service quality, brand loyalty, and customer acquisition at the business level. Overall, a shortage of workers affects the country's growth potential, and growth is badly needed in Jamaica, especially after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years.

Importing labor is not necessarily a bad thing.

In some cases, as some stakeholders suggest, these imports bring new knowledge and expertise that can enhance what is available locally. But how much knowledge transfer can be provided in the sectors begging for labor?

In the short term, imported labor can bridge gaps that typically affect production. However, over the long haul, we feel that a country, unless there are population growth problems, should satisfy its labor demands.

Even if 80 percent of imported workers' income is spent in Jamaica, as suggested by Prime Minister Holness, the prosperity of the country's

citizens must take priority.

We wonder then why Jamaica has found itself in this pickle? The prime minister mentioned “leakages” in the education system. The world Bank is suggesting that not enough is being spent on training by companies, and the PSOJ is blaming inadequate skills in the workforce.

However, this problem didn't just creep up on the Jamaican economy overnight. Companies in tourism, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and mining don't just decide overnight to expand or create new market opportunities. These decisions sometimes take years to plan and implement.

Therefore, it would seem that the right foot is not talking to the left, even though both want to go in the same direction. Why didn't the PSOJ and the government take a critical look at the problem years ago and make the necessary adjustment to the labor force in anticipation of this demand?

Compensation is another issue that none of the stakeholders seems to think is important but is acutely critical to the labor force. According to the prime minister, almost 25,000 Jamaicans leave the country each year. Most of these Jamaicans leave for “greener pastures.” They need to make more money to take care of their families and future. If members of the PSOJ were paying decent wages, perhaps less skilled workers would be seeking better pay abroad.

Unlike some other countries in the Caribbean, Jamaica has a tremendous opportunity to create more wealth for its citizens. Importing labor should only be a short bridge to the long-term goals of the country. It is full time the stakeholders stop the pussyfooting around and take action to protect its citizens and the future of the country.

LOG ON TO cnweeklynews.com

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 Patrick Green pgreen@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com

Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

CNW Network recognizes Lupus Awareness Month

2780 N. University Drive Sunrise, FL 33323 954.861.7272

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

A7

la section haitienne

Former Haitian senator appears in court On charges linked to the murder of President Moïse last month that the application for refugee status for John's wife, Edume and their two sons was denied by the Ministry of Justice. He said he will be appealing the decision.

A former Haitian senator John Jöel Joseph charged with the July 7 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse last year, says he trusts the American justice system.

Joseph, who was extradited from Jamaica last weekend, told the presiding judge Lauren Louis that he had not been employed over the past year.

“I'm in a very difficult situation, I was in jail,” he told the judge, while his attorney, Brian Kirlew, who is representing Joseph because of his lack of money and other assets, said his client agreed not to seek a bond after federal prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg had indicated that she was going to ask the judge to detain Joseph before trial based on two factors: risk of flight and danger to the community.

Joseph has been charged with the same offenses as two previous defendants who were taken to Miami earlier this year in connection with the July 7 assassination of Moïse at his private residence overlooking the capital Port au prince.

Since then, several people, including former members of the Colombian army, have been detained in connection with the murder.

Moïse's wife, Martine, who was injured during the attack that claimed the life of her husband, in a message over the weekend noted that it had been ten months since the assassination that have left “us with the same bitter taste as on the first day.

“Worse, the judicial authorities no longer pretend to act. The country is sinking further, forcing its defenseless sons to live as nomads

Bail on Hold from A4

Joseph

because of the violence,” she said, adding that ten months after his assassination “a people is still in tears.”

Apart from Joseph, the other two people charged in the United States are Mario Antonio Palacios, a former Colombian soldier, and Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian businessman and convicted cocaine trafficker.

They are all accused of conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in Moïse's death.

Palacios has pleaded not guilty, while Jaar is believed to be cooperating with US authorities. All three defendants in the assassination plot are being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. They face up to life in prison.

Joseph had fled to Jamaica with his wife and children and was charged with illegally entering the Caribbean Island by boat in January.

His Jamaican attorney, Donahue Martin, told the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court

convince the court that the assets were obtained with legitimate funds.

The conditions of Fahie's bail offer are for him to surrender his passport and travel documents, refrain from visiting any transportation establishment, remain confined to the address he provided to the court and wear an ankle monitor.

Meanwhile, BVI News also reports that the former premiers wife, Sheila Forbes-Fahie was permitted to travel for the funeral of Fahie's sister and also conduct work business.

However, the judge said once these duties are completed, the wife must surrender her passport and travel documents.

In addition, Fahie's co-accused, the head of the BVI's Port Authority Oleanvine Maynard, is still on continued temporary pretrial detention, and has not been granted any bond.

It's reported that Maynard has invoked her right to remain silent in the face of any questioning from US law enforcement officials.

The motion was filed by her attorney, Michael Caruso who is a federal public defender

UN says gang clashes force hundreds to flee homes in Haiti The United Nations says clashes in Haiti between rival gangs in the capital, Port-au-Prince, have forced hundreds of people to flee their homes in the Frenchspeaking country.

UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq quoting the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office (OCHA) in Haiti, said unrest has been growing between gang members in the neighborhoods of the commune of Croix-desBouquets, Cité Soleil, Bas Delmas and Martissant.

“According to our humanitarian colleagues, violence in the commune of Croixdes-Bouquets has displaced more than 1,200 people. At least 26 civilians have been killed and 22 injured, although these figures are probably higher.”

At the same time, he said dozens of houses have been burned; schools, medical centers, and markets have had to close; and a hospital in Marin was looted.

“Displaced people need access to clean water, food, sanitation kits, children's kits, kitchen kits, mattresses, blankets, and clothing. The UN is ready to provide hot meals and additional assistance in coordination with national authorities,” Hag said.

The UN said while it is working on a plan to relocate families being housed at temporary sites, the UN said it has been collaborating with its humanitarian partners in supporting the Mayor's Office of Tabarre and the Civil Protection Agency in distributing hot meals and food, as well as essential items.

Since the assassination, last July of President Jovenel Moïse, violent crime has been on the rise, according to reports. continues on B4 – Hundreds Flee Homes

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

B1

THE DIASPORA

“Pieces of Home” Jamaican Inspired Jigsaw Puzzles by Shauna-Gaye Hart

By A. Binns CNW Reporter

Inspired by Jamaica’s beauty and culture, puzzle creator, Shauna-Gaye Hart developed jigsaw puzzles to capture the beauty and vibrance of Jamaica. The puzzles feature several common scenes encountered across the island captured in the first series she titled, Pieces of Home.

The initial series showcases photos taken by Hart and converted into puzzles. It includes a fishing village, Jamaica’s national fruit – ackee, as well as fruit stands commonly seen across the island. She noted that eventually the collection will expand and integrate Jamaica’s beaches, rivers, and other cultural elements.

Speaking in a televised interview on how the idea was initiated, Hart explained, “I like puzzles and I never ever realized that we do not have Jamaican inspired puzzles. One night I was going to bed, and I couldn’t sleep.” Hart said, she had an ‘aha moment’ and, “as soon as that happened, I was on it, and this is how the idea was born.”

Promoting the benefits and creativity of doing the puzzles, Hart noted, “There’s a lot of benefits to puzzling, it helps your mood and it’s good for your mental health. It is great for bonding, team-work exercises, and collaboration. It is also good for family projects.”

The puzzle pieces range from 100 to 500 pieces catering to

beginner and advanced puzzle-doers.

The pieces are textured and designed to fit precisely and prevent glare. Each box also includes a full-size poster. They are now available for purchase in stores across the island and online via the creator’s website, puzzlesbysg.com.

Hart

CITY OF MIRAMAR

PUBLIC NOTICE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM PROPOSED 2022/2023 PROGRAM YEAR ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (10/1/22 to 9/30/23)

The City of Miramar is an entitlement recipient of federal funds and receives an annual allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In PY 2022/2023, the City anticipates receiving an allocation of approximately $931,954. The purpose of the funds is to address community development and housing needs for the low-to moderate-income residents of Miramar.

The Annual Action Plan identifies the proposed projects for CDBG for Program Year 2022/2023 and shows the linkage between projects and the specific objectives developed to address the priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan.

The City of Miramar is soliciting public input for the preparation of the annual action plan. All interested agencies, organizations and persons are invited to submit input on the Annual Action Plan to Economic Development and Revitalization Department at emgriffith@miramarfl.gov or 2200 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025.

Residential Rehabilitation $525,564 The City's residential rehabilitation program provides home repair assistance to low-to moderate-income owner-occupied homeowners in the City who are experiencing conditions in and around their homes that pose a threat to their health, safety and welfare.

Sawyer Park Improvement $120,000 The improvement consists of removing the existing old and dilapidated play system and installing an ADA-accessible play system and an ADA-approved surface for children ages 6 to 12. The project will also provide for the installation of an ADA-accessible walkway and entrance gate. The area would also receive new benches and receptacles.

Rental Assistance $100,000 Provide financial assistance to low to moderate-income households to obtain quality, safe, decent, and affordable rental housing.

Program Administration $186,390 The cost associated with administering the CDBG program, preparation of the various plans, required reports and fair housing activities.

Public Comment Citizens are encouraged to review the Program Year 2022-2023 Draft Annual Action Plan and provide written comments.

The plan is available for public review beginning Thursday, May 19, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday, at the City of Miramar Economic Development & Revitalization Department, 2200 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025, and the Office of the City Clerk, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025, and the City's website: Miramarfl.gov/2035/Housing it is also available for review at: Community Revitalization Affiliates, Inc. 6151 Miramar Parkway, Suite 202 Miramar, FL 33023 Monday- Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prior to the adoption, the City of Miramar Commission will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Program Year 2022-2023 Action Plan on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, located at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida 33025. Interested parties are encouraged to attend. For additional information regarding the proposed activities, please contact the Economic Development and Revitalization Department at (954) 602-3247.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statutes 286.26, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this hearing should contact the Office of the City Clerk at least 48-hours prior to the hearing at (954) 602-3011 for assistance.

City of Miramar Denise A. Gibbs, CMC City Clerk

CITY OF MIRAMAR www.miramarfl.gov

Fires Ministers

from A1

“I wish to advise that under our Constitution no such power resides in the governor general, and I am therefore unable to accede to your request,” he said in the brief letter.

The coalition government, which won reelection in 2020, comprises Harris’s People’s Labour Party (PLP), the People’s Action Movement, headed by Harris and the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) that is headed Brantley.

The PLP controlled two of the nine seats in the coalition government with the two other seats in the National Assembly belonging to the opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) which has already called for fresh general elections to end the crisis in the government.

Last month, the disgruntled members of the coalition announced they had filed a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Harris.

When a motion of no confidence is filed, the Speaker of the National Assembly is required to schedule a sitting of parliament within 21 days for the motion to be debated.

In his broadcast, Harris told the twinisland Federation that the decisions were “not taken lightly but they were essential to put this period behind us”.

He named long time PAM legislator Eugene Hamilton as the new deputy prime minister and allocated the ministries of the dismissed government legislators to the remaining cabinet ministers, including the Attorney General, Vincent Byron.

Harris said the dismissed ministers, including Harris, Brantley, and Tourism Minister Lindsay Grant, had not been attending Cabinet meetings and he had been exercising “great restraint in an effort to bring resolution to the matter.

“While others neglected their duties, failed to attend cabinet meetings I must commend the members of cabinet who continue to show great strength for the institution of the cabinet and for giving yeoman service to their country,” Harris said.

“It is clear the current situation cannot continue,” he said, insisting that throughout the process, “he has been “reasonable but resolute”.

LOG ON TO cnweeklynews.com

Condolences from A4

Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, regretted the event, expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families and asserted that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's visit to Cuba, set for this weekend, is still on.

The planned tour continues as planned, said Ebrard in reference to López Obrador's current tour of Central America and the Caribbean, which includes a working visit to the Cuban capital on Sunday.

“I regret the explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, Cuba. Our solidarity to the victims and those affected as well as to the people of that dear brother nation. The planned tour continues as planned.”

Ma Hui, Chinese ambassador to Cuba, extended the deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this tragic event.

Our hearts are broken, he said.

Manu Pineda, a Member of the European Parliament, also expressed sympathy on the incident and sent all his affection and solidarity to the Cuban people in general and to the families and friends of the victims in particular.

On Friday, Cuban President Diaz-Canel visited the site of the explosion and the Hermanos Ameijeras hospital.

He said the explosion was “not a bomb nor an attack, it's a regrettable accident.”

The Saratoga hotel was built at the end of the 19th century and, by the 1930s, it was one of the most important hotels in the city. It has 96 rooms since reopening in 2005 after refurbishing.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

B3

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 PINE VILLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to award one Construction firm for the following project:

PROJECT NO. 01886800 PINE VILLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PH II RENOVATIONS 21799 S.W. 117th COURT MIAMI, FLORIDA 33170 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, Thursday June 23, 2022, 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, Mohammad Hajjar (mhajjar@mhajjar.com), Alireza Shirvani (Alireza@Mhajjar.com), and Louis F. Petrole (Louisp@mhajjar.com), M. Hajjar & Associates, Inc, 45 Valencia Avenue, Coral Gables Miami, FL 33134. Questions will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, June 3, 2022. Answers will only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference.

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: (Pine Villa Elementary School): Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at Pine Villa Elementary School, 21799 S.W. 117th Court, Miami, Florida 33170. 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 Miami-Dade 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 FS 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 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, May 9, 2022.

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: Pine Villa Elementary School: S/MBE Mandatory Subcontracting Goals: 6.74% Construction and 20% Local Work Force, within a County-wide radius.

Mandatory M/WBE Subcontracting Goals: 13.26% - Non-minority women, African American, Native American, and Asian American-owned 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: Jose L. Dotres Superintendent of Schools

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Hundreds Flee Homes

Jamaica 60 Celebrations from A7

The UN noted that, last month, thousands took to the streets, demanding that the late president's successor, Ariel Henry, do more to combat Haiti's powerful criminal gangs, “which have taken control of parts of the capital.”

Haiti's Civil Protection General Directorate-led national coordination committee, comprising UN agencies and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, has activated an early warning system known as the Displacement Tracking Matrix, OCHA said.

The UN said local NGOs are providing psychosocial activities for children at temporary sites, including recreational events, child-friendly learning spaces, and counseling.

Meanwhile, as the Haitian police struggle to contain the gang violence, kidnappings of foreigners and others by criminal gangs, demanding large ransoms, have been on the rise, according to reports.

According to Haiti's Centre for Analysis and Research on Human Rights, in 2021, more than 1,200 people were kidnapped – only 81 of whom were foreign nationals.

Ten percent were so-called “collective abductions,” where gang members abducted a group of people, sometimes by storming church services and kidnapping clergy in the middle of mass, the UN said.

WHAT’S TRENDING ON CNW NETWORK Nick Perry Sworn in as US Ambassador to Jamaica Turkish Nationals Kidnapped in Haiti Almost 10,000 Cases of Child Abuse in Jamaica Annually According to CPSFA Three Americans Killed at Sandals Resort

954.739.6618

Launched under the theme “Reigniting A Nation For Greatness,” the guests were treated to sumptuous Jamaican food and cultural entertainment by the host, the Miami Consul’s office, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports. A special address was presented by the portfolio minister, Olivia Grange, while US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz brought greetings from the United States.

Other notable attendees were Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Commissioners: Mark Douglas, Max Chambers, and Alexandra Davis; Mayor Hazel Rogers, Vice-Mayor Yvette Colbourne, and State Representatives: Anika Omphroy, Marie Woodson, and Daryl Campbell.

Minister Grange told the gathering that the launch is a “testimony to the level of influence and impact” the Southern US diaspora center has on the culture and economy of Jamaica.

Praising Jamaica's influence on the world, the minister stated that after nearly four hundred years of colonial rule, Jamaicans were “determined to forge our destiny, to become, in the words of National Hero, Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, masters of our destiny, masters of our fate.”

Sixty years later, she continued, Jamaica has become a “global brand, acclaimed by other nations of the world for our accomplishments that have vastly out-measured our geographic size – boasting a motto, Out of Many One People.”

The minister said 'Lickle but Tallawah' is only one of the many maxims used to describe Jamaica's “indisputable talent and acumen in almost every area of human endeavor.”

This, she said, is why Jamaica can “enter every and any center of American culture and economy and celebrate” the country's 60th anniversary of independ-

SCAN HERE TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON JAMAICA 60 CONTESTS, ARTICLES AND EVENTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA ence.

She reminded the crowd that “over these many years [Jamaica] established our country as a formidable partner for progress and prosperity even as we continue to foster and promote throughout the various international fora, a new world order of global equity, recognition, and justice for small island developing states.”

Minister Grange paid tribute to the “immense” contribution of Jamaicans in Florida to Jamaica, saying, “When you left the rock for the United States of America, you took with you the love and loyalty of your heart, the wisdom, and courage of your mind, as you set up home and business, determined to build one of the most formidable diasporas in the world. We salute your tenacity and business acumen, your patriotism and commitment.”

She appealed to the diaspora to

from A1

share in consolidating the legacy Jamaica leaves its children, including the bridges that allowed smooth passage for people's creative enterprise and industry, retaining their formidable structures, and continues to provide opportunities for growth and development for Jamaicans.

The minister said too much of what Jamaicans have done is forgotten as generations pass on. She said, “We must determine to tell the stories of our sojourn here in South Florida and how we became the formidable diaspora. We must tell the stories of those from humble backgrounds in Jamaica who came here and became businessmen and women, lawyers, politicians, entertainers, doctors, nurses, public health officers, and so many others. Let us tell the stories of resilience, pride, commitment, resistance, indomitable spirit, and patriotism.”

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz said she was proud to join Minister Grange in celebrating Jamaica's 60th year of independence. “It is really an absolute delight to join you all to wish Jamaica a happy 60th independence anniversary. I am especially thrilled to celebrate with the 18,000 Jamaican neighbors and friends who I am proud to represent in our nation's capital.”

“I know that reigniting a nation for greatness could not be more fitting.

Through all of Jamaica's history and its challenges and triumphs, this small but mighty Caribbean nation has maintained her ability to astonish the world with its culture, brand, and the resilience of its people, “ she said.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Dr. Susan Davis, InnerCircle Band and friends Skip Marley, Wayne Harmond, Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru), Keith Lyn, and The Jamaican Folk Review. Papa San, along with Rev Horace Ward, offered prayers.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Skillibeng to Perform at Planet Afropunk in Miami

By Jovani Davis CNW Reporter

Jamaican dancehall artiste, Skillibeng is set to perform at Planet Afropunk in Miami. This will be Skillibeng's first official performance in the US since his big break.

Skillibeng is one of Jamaica's hottest artistes and is loved by the hardcore dancehall audience. In 2019 he released his breakout single Brik Pan Brik and has been an unstoppable force ever since.

The 25-year-old's relentless ambition and talent have garnered him a strong fan base across the globe with fans such as Drake and Bobby Shmurda just to name a few.

Skillibeng has managed to bridge the gap between trap and dancehall that has given him the ability to capture audiences worldwide with his unique sound, which has led to the remix of his song Crocodile Teeth by female rapper Nicki Minaj.

It comes as no surprise that Skillibeng will perform at Planet Afropunk in Miami. The artiste has had several successful singles and has released three albums since 2020.

Afropunk's latest endeavor promises to be a multicultural experience that further expands on their mission of the empowerment and advancement of Black voices through music, art, community, and commerce.

Planet Afropunk Live: Miami will be held at the Urbans in Miami's historic Overtown neighborhood. The Afropunk Festival is an annual arts festival that includes live music, film, fashion, and art produced by Black artists. The festival made its debut at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2005 WesRok and has expanded to other parts of the world.

While the festival began with a mission to explore blackproduced punk music, over the years it has expanded well beyond that to include hip-hop, R&B, rock, soul, and electronic sounds. Acts like Grace Jones, Bad Brains, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones, Lenny Kravitz, and Solange Knowles have performed at Afropunk's events.

The festival is also firmly rooted in activism, often pushing discussions of politics and race.

Haitian Heritage on Showcase

Breaking the Thermometer Tours North America

By A. Binns Contributor

Skillibeng

Haitian American composer, singer-songwriter and musician, Leyla McCalla, is on tour across the United States highlighting the legacy of Haiti's first independent radio station, Radio Haiti-Inter.

The story examines the history of the station and its owner, Jean Dominique, who was assassinated in 2000. The show features personal narratives from McCalla and, expresses the ongoing spirit of Haiti's people.

The tour opened in Florida on May 6 and is expected to continue across the U.S. and Canada in June and July. The launch of the project coincides with Haiti's celebration of Heritage Month.

Speaking on how the project was put together, McCalla reflected, “The more I researched this project, the more I found myself examining my own sense of Haitian-ness. I spent a lot of time recalling my experiences visiting Haiti as a child, thinking deeply about the moments in my life when I felt very Haitian and the moments when I didn't. In the end, the music, and the stories here all brought me to a more nuanced understanding of both the country and myself.”

The title of the project also pays homage to a proverb used by Jean Dominique to characterize the spirit of Haiti's disenfranchised poor in the face of violence and political tyranny.

Director of the project, Kiyoko McCrae, enriches the project by combining and organizing arrangements of Haitian music, traditional dances, audio, and video records from Duke's Radio Haiti Archive.

The album opens with Nan Fon Bwa, a phone call between McCalla and her mother recounting her mother's childhood trip to Haiti and McCalla's grandmother being joyful and proud to be Haitian.

Viewers experience Haiti through McCalla's eyes as she grapples with the country's harsh political realities and the journalists, such as Dominique, who pushed to elevate Haitian voices.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

MARKETPLACE BANKRUPTCY - FORECLOSURE DEFENSE

PROBATE / INHERITANCE LAW EDUCATION LAW MEDIATION 1451 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 300, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

www.DsouzaLegalGroup.com

954.535.0827

8751 W. Broward Blvd St 301, Plantation FL 33324

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our experience and qualifications.

Free Initial Consultation

Real Estate

Payment Plans Available

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

John Beckford The Beckford Group

Email: dtdlaw@aol.com

Realtor & Licensed CAM

“Experts in the First Time Home Buyers Down Payment Assistance Program” 8400 N. University Drive, Suite 312, Tamarac FL 33321 Cell: 954.494.4483 Ofce: 954.444.9950

tbgreteam.com TBG Real Estate @TBGRealEstateFlorida

Buying Selling Renting

Commercial Investing Property Management

Mention this newspaper and receive up to $500 towards your closing costs.

MEDIX URGENT CARE CENTER Don’t spend hours in the emergency room. Come to us for...

Cough, Colds, Flu, Pregnancy Tests Suture Repair & Removal

Medication Re ills Immunizations ...and all minor care

G License Physical....... $45 CPR............................. $45/$65 Inservices.................... $10 each IV Vitamins..................$65 & up

Immigration Medicals

35

$

School, Sports and Work Physicals Mon.-Fri: 9am – 7pm Sat: Closed Sun: 11am – 5pm

954.484.8444

954.589.1238

2331 N. State Rd. 7, Suite 102, Lauderhill, FL 33313

3829 Hollywood Blvd. Ste A Hollywood, FL 33021

Free Covid test available.

No Appointment Necessary.

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

www.AstroMahindraji.com Specializes in Get Rid of Black Magic, Generation curse, Jadoo, Obiya, Witchcraft, Voodoo, All type of Evil Spirits, etc.

954-995-9994

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 –

C3

SPORTS

TRACK & FIELD CRICKET

Good performances at JAAA/SDF Jubilee series

Chris Gayle hopes for title success after vowing IPL return next season

By Santana Salmon

Thompson-Herah

Multiple Olympic and World Championship medalists Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, young sprinter Oblique Seville, and thrower Travis Smikle were standouts at the second meet of the JAAA/SDF Jubilee series held at Jamaica's National Stadium on Saturday.

Jackson

Thompson-Herah took things easy as she posted 22.75 seconds over 200m. She was never troubled as she strode through the line. Second was Stephanie Ann McPherson who posted a good 23.16 seconds.

The versatile Shericka Jackson pushed for a good time but was thwarted by a 1.8m/s headwind. Jackson was clear of the opposition with 40 metres to go and held her form for the comfortable win in 11 seconds even. Antonique Strahan of the Bahamas was second with 11.40 seconds.

Progressive sprinter Oblique Seville once again displayed sublime form as he stretched away from his more experienced opposition.

Though he was slightly disappointed not

Seville

Smikle

running sub-10 seconds, he was delighted with a personal best 10.00 seconds.

“It will come the next time,” he promised. Earlier in the heats, he ran 10.27 seconds into a 3.1m/s headwind.

Perhaps the happiest man in the facility was Travis Smikle, who launched the discus a massive 66.60m for a new personal best and a World Championships qualifying mark. His confidence will be sky high going into next month's National Championships.

All four athletes collected $90,000 for their effort. The third meet in the series will take place on May 21 inside the National Stadium.

Forty-two-year-old Jamaican batsman Chris Gayle is hoping to win a title with one of the three franchises he has played within the Indian Premier League (IPL) on a vow to return to the tournament next year.

Gayle, who has played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings since starting his IPL innings in 2009, opted out of the tournament this year because of what he said was a lack of respect.

“Next year I’m coming back,” he said in an interview with the UK Mirror.

“I’ve represented three teams in the IPL, Kolkata, RCB and Punjab. Between RCB and Punjab, I would love to get a title with one of those two teams. I had a great stint with RCB where I was more successful within the IPL, and Punjab, they’ve been good. I love to explore and I love challenges so let’s see what happens.”

CRICKET

Haynes and Adams disappointed with West Indies players’ fitness Cricket West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes and director of cricket Jimmy Adams bemoaned the failure of players to meet “even minimum fitness standards”.

This follows the announcement of the West Indies One-day International squad for tours of the Netherlands and Pakistan, and come on the heels of key left-handed opener Evin Lewis being left out of the squad due to fitness reasons.

CWI said Lewis in a news release announcing the 15-member squad that Lewis “was not considered because he failed to meet fitness criteria”.

Haynes, a former West Indies captain, said it was always disappointing when the selection panel are unable to choose from the full array of players because of failure to reach minimum fitness standards.

“When you look at the amount of cricket being played around the world, there’s a

certain level of fitness that is required,” Haynes said during a virtual news conference on Monday following the announcement of the ODI squad.

“I think that is a standard that you should set as a professional cricketer. I do get concerned when you are selecting a side not sure if these guys are going to be fit enough to finish the tour. As a professional cricketer, there’s a level of fitness that is required, and all players should try to reach that.”

Adams said it was the player’s responsibility to maintain a certain level of fitness in keeping with CWI’s standards, and there were consequences for contracted players that failed to meet them.

“For contracted players who are unavailable for fitness, there are consequences that are outlined in the contracts,” Adams said. “We have players who, in our eyes are good enough to be considered for selection who are unavailable because of not even coming in on minimum fitness standards.

That is very disappointing. For players who are contracted, that is doubly disappointing.

“It means we would have made an investment in them going back a year, and we have nothing to show for that investment. It’s something that is concerning to us, and something we have to think very seriously about when we go into the next cycle of contract discussions. I can’t say enough how much we consider this a letdown, not just for the individual, but for the region.”

Adams added: “It begins with the player.

There’s always support that a player needs. All that support can be given, but in a lot of fitness cases we’ve seen in the recent past, the players – if they were being honest – would say they’d let themselves down.

“We want to compete with the best in the world, and we want our players to go out on any cricket field anywhere in the world and know that they’re equals.

“This is one area we’ve worked very hard on over the last few years, and we’ll continue to keep moving the bar upwards. We believe this is something that doesn’t require as much resources as other areas that players need to improve upon to become world-class.”

This is the first time Gayle has skipped the event since beginning his IPL career 13 years ago.

“For the last couple of years, the way the IPL went about, I felt like I wasn’t treated properly,” he told the Mirror in explaining his absence from the 2022 IPL. “So I thought ‘okay, you didn’t get the respect you deserved after you did so much for the sport and IPL’. So I said ‘okay, that’s it, I’m not going to bother to enter the draft’, so I left it as it is.”

The left-handed batsman has played a total of 142 matches in the IPL, amassing 4,965 runs that included six centuries and 31 half-centuries, and taking 18 wickets with his right-arm bowling.

Gayle has struck the most sixes in IPL history (357) and he recorded the franchise tournament’s highest score of 175 in 2013.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 12 – MAY 18, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T