Grammy-nominated Jamaican dancehall artiste, Grace “Spice” Hamilton, will be honored for excellence in the arenas of music and entertainment by South Florida officials on May 5 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Hotel North. She will be awarded the “Keys To The Region.”
continues on B3 – Spice Honored
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill allowing the death penalty in child rape convictions, despite a US Supreme Court ruling that banned capital punishment in such cases DeSantis, a Republican, also signed two other components of his criminal justice legislative package during a ceremony at a policing museum in a city outside Orlando
“We’re really delivering a big agenda,” he said “So this is one important — but admittedly very small part — of an overall large agenda and very bold agenda that’s really setting the terms of the debate for the country, quite frankly ”
The death penalty law DeSantis signed is
PBS releases mini doc on Jamaican American DJ, Walshy Fire
intended to get the conservative-controlled US Supreme Court to reconsider a 2008 ruling that found it unconstitutional to use capital punishment in child sexual battery cases Florida is among a handful of states with
Skin Cancer Awareness: The Importance of annual checks
existing laws that allow for capital punishment on child rape convictions but has not used the punishment given the high court ruling The Florida Supreme Court has also ruled against the use of capital punishment in sexual battery convictions
The legislation, which goes into effect October 1, would authorize the state to pursue capital punishment when an adult is convicted of sexually battering a child under 12 and provides a framework in the state’s capital punishment laws for prosecutors to do so It was approved in the Florida Legislature with bipartisan support
DeSantis said he believed the the Supreme
Sean Paul and Bere Hammond team up for new single Rebel Time
Court’s decision was “wrong,” adding, “This bill sets up a procedure to be able to challenge that precedent and to be able to say that in Florida we think that the worst of the worst crimes deserve the worst of the worst punishment ”
Late last month, DeSantis also signed a bill to end a unanimous jury requirement in death penalty sentencing, allowing capital punishment with jury recommendation of at least 8-4 in favor of execution
The governor on Wednesday also signed into law a bill to enhance criminal penalties around the selling of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs that are packaged or disguised in the form of candy or other food products
Miami
Linda Julien kicks off her Arbor Day Tour of City Hall with students of Bunche Park Elementary School. This ini a ve is aimed at educa ng students on the role of local government and environmental sustainability. Every student was gi ed a plant at the end of the field trip. (Photo: City
This month PBS launched a 10-minute episode of American Masters: In the Making, a digital docu-series featuring Jamaican American Walshy Fire. The episode is aptly titled, “Walshy Fire: Pull Up.”
Walshy Fire, who grew up in Miami and whose real name is Leighton Paul Walsh, is a Grammywinning DJ, MC, record producer, and one-third of the global hit-making music group, Major Lazer In the documentary, acclaimed African American director and filmmaker, Alica Edwards, gives a glimpse into the talented artist’s life through a combination of interviews with cultural experts and the people who know him best, as well as concert footage, in-studio videos, and found footage, all tied together through narration from the man himself
The documentary starts with Walshy’s beginnings in Kingston, Jamaica He explains how he was surrounded by what he dubs “the golden era of dancehall ” Shabba Ranks, Papa San, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Super Cat were running the charts at the time, he recalls
“All these clubs and venues within Half Way Tree just shook where I lived,” he explained It shook him, Walshy Fire the boy, as well There, Director Edwards weaves in footage of a teenage Walshy entertaining a crowd of his peers with impromptu bars
Jamaica was just one part of his musical education, the documentary reveals The rest came from Miami
In Miami, many cultures mix and combine through close proximity, which creates a landscape that is uniquely Miami It’s the food, music, and the people. It’s what makes Walshy Fire able to represent his native Jamaica 100% and his adopted Miami 100%
with zero contradiction
It’s in Miami where 21-year-old Walshy joined the Black Chiney sound system The group, consisting of four Chinese-Jamaicans, toured the world combining reggae, dancehall, house, and much more “Putting it together was natural for us We weren’t trying to do it,” explained Warren “Willy Chin” Hoo, another member of the group
Today, Walshy is the only Jamaican member of the supergroup Major Lazer where he entertains at shows across the globe, packed to the brim with hundreds of thousands of patrons, alongside group members Ape Drums and Diplo
In the documentary, Keith “Papa Keith” Walcott, a premier DJ and radio personality, labels Walshy as “talent in its true form ” For Walshy it comes naturally “I’ve been doing this for 28 years,” he explained “I’m happy; it’s hard for me to not put out happiness I reap happiness because of that ”
The Walshy Fire episode can be found on the PBS website and Youtube channel
This weekend’s coronation of King Charles will have some Caribbean flavor as defence force personnel and police officers from the region will participate in the grand affair
Anguilla and Montserrat have already selected their representatives that will be heading to London for the coronation on 6 May
Approximately 4,000 military marching troops from the UK and Britain’s Overseas territories are expected to participate in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace
Inspector Helmert Mason will represent the Royal Anguilla Police Force as part of the Coronation Procession
Ten members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) will represent the island The team, which includes lieutenant colonel Alvin Ryan, Captain Colin Fergus, Private Princess Hixon and Sergeant Deverson Semper, arrived in the UK today
The troops would be housed at Brunswick Lines, Pirbright training camp along with their colleagues from the UK and overseas territories
Lt Col Ryan would have additional duties as he would be working with the Senior Officer’s Cohort (SOC) Upon the completion of the Coronation Procession the SOC will parade in Buckingham Palace Garden to salute and give three cheers to the King and Queen Consort
The defence force noted that this is not the first time that they are present at the Coronation of a British Monarch In 1952
Captain Cyril Taylor, the Commanding Officer of the then Montserrat Defence Force, attended the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The BossMom Network recently donated its fifth home to Food for the Poor following Parenting Consultant Michelle Gordon being named as Goodwill Ambassador for the widely recognized Jamaican charity organization
The home built in Woodstock, St Ann, was donated to mother-of-2 Kim Plunkett, in partnership with 8-time Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley and his family
This was the first build of 2023 for the BossMom Network, established to support other ‘BossMoms’ through a community of successful, like-minded women balancing family and career
BossMom Builds is the charity arm that gives from mothers-in business to mothers-inneed
During a recent visit to Jamaica, Ziggy Marley and his wife Orly, through their URGE Foundation, made several stops across the island spending time and contributing to a range of charities in Kingston, and schools in Trench Town and Portland that their organization has supported for many years
Recipient Kim Plunkett was beside herself to receive her new home, fully furnished with living and bed room furniture, dining table, kitchen utensils, gas stove, and food supplies from Grace Kennedy “I am grateful,” she repeated throughout the day, even while joining the team to paint her new home
“We are inspired by this recipient who is determined to get her children through school and to constantly find a way to better her life,” shared Executive Director of FFTP, Craig Moss-Solomon He too thanked BossMom and the Marley family for making another
successful donation come to life
Michelle Gordon acknowledged Ziggy and Orly Marley as great supporters who chose to build with her team this time in person “Last year, Ziggy and Orly donated through The Urge Foundation and joined us on the build virtually This year, they are here in person and getting involved in a real and tangible way,” shared Michelle Ziggy was visibly proud to watch his children participate in building and added “It’s important for us to give back We are here to support because this is a part of our culture and our history We want to help make Jamaica a better place ”
Jamaica has suffered a great decline in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, released on Wednesday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Jamaica is listed as 32 out of 180 countries, whereas the country was ranked in 12th place in 2022
As May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day, RSF still commended the country for its level of press freedom despite the decline continues onA4 – World Press Freedom
The chairman of the Dr. Eric Williams Memorial Committee, Reginald Vidale, is calling for the founding fathers of the regional integration movement, CARICOM to be awarded the Caribbean highest award, posthumously as the region celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) is an award given to “Caribbean nationals whose legacy in the economic, political, social and cultural metamorphoses of Caribbean society is phenomenal ”
The award was initiated at the Eighth Conference of Heads of State and Governments of CARICOM in 1987, and began bestowal in 1992
Addressing a wreath laying ceremony marking the 42nd anniversary of the death of Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister, Vidale said that the award should also be given to the former leaders of Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica
He said they were the reasons why CARICOM came into being and that they should be recognized throughout the Caribbean
“They deserve it They laid a pillar in this Caribbean, for Caribbean unity and Caribbean purpose, and as the founding fathers they must be given due respect And, I am not asking to give it to Dr Williams only, because he was one of the founding fathers, I am asking that they all receive the Order of CARICOM posthumously,” he said
CARICOM came into being on July 4, 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by Prime Ministers Errol Barrow for Barbados, Forbes Burnham for Guyana, Michael Manley
for Jamaica, and Eric Williams for Trinidad and Tobago
CARICOM came into effect on August 1, 1973, and subsequently the other eight Caribbean territories joined The Bahamas became the 13th Member State of the Community on July 4, 1983, but not a member of the Common Market
Suriname became the 14th Member State of the Caribbean Community on July 4, 1995 Haiti secured provisional membership on 4 July 1998, and on 03 July 2002 was the first French-speaking Caribbean State to become a full Member of CARICOM Reginald Vidale said the recently held regional symposium on crime, which was attended by several Caribbean leaders, underscored the founding fathers’ vision for unity in dealing with matters affecting the Caribbean
He said this is what they would have wanted for the Caribbean integration movement, “that CARICOM leaders come together when there is a problem to solve it collectively ”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has called for Trinidad and Tobago to
fromA4
RSF noted that in the past one to two decades, freedom of the press has continued to improve in Jamaica, and the right to information is widely respected “The country thus continues to rank among the safest in the world for journalists,” RSF said
become a full member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court
“Other Caribbean countries are one by one joining the CCJ because even some who are apprehensive have seen the value But, we believe that is because a few well-monied people can go to the Privy Council once in a while on matters that they choose, but we have to wait until the Englishman tells us that something is good before it is good,” Rowley told a Family Day event of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) on Sunday
Despite being headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago has only joined the Original Jurisdiction of the CCJ that also acts as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas
Barbados, Dominica, Guyana and Belize are the only four CARICOM countries that are full members of the CCJ that has both an Original and Appellate Jurisdiction
It added that the Jamaican free press often openly criticizes officials, and journalists have occasionally reported intimidation while doing their work, particularly ahead of an election
However, RSF said, “Physical attacks are rare, but they do happen,” noting that a videographer for Television Jamaica and a reporter for the Jamaica Gleaner were attacked in November 2022 while covering a teachers’ protest in St Catherine Reports are that a man punched a cameraman, pulled the microphone cable, and tried to destroy the camera He also allegedly attempted to seize the Gleaner reporter’s mobile phone and issued death threats to both journalists before he was ushered away by people who intervened
The Press Association of Jamaica and the Media Association of Jamaica condemned the attack RSF indicated that the incident would have contributed to the island’s drastic decline
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Regardless of how much those living in the Jamaican diaspora in the USA complain of financial hardships, it is almost certain the hardship experienced is nothing compared to that of the poor and less fortunate living in Jamaica
to spend, say $70, to purchase a ticket for a stage show or sport event, but is reluctant to donate just $10 to help a poor child or homeless family in Jamaica
Ten dollars may seem like no big deal to someone living in the USA, but US$10 dollars converts to over $1500 Jamaican dollars, and can go a long way to feed a hungry child in Jamaica
Recently, there was a video that went viral on social media, showing a 14-year-old boy in a Jamaican inner city community, actively trying to teach his peers so they can lift themselves from the magnet of poverty, which usually leads to crime
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This young man, weary of the surging criminal violence in his community, is committed to making a change for the youth, and using education as a tool for change But, he’s struggling to find resources, like pens, pencils, paper, and reading material, to offer to the peers he’s trying to educate He said he gets material by skimping on his lunch money
Almost daily, news out of Jamaica reveals heart-rending stories of people suffering with inadequate supplies for school; people living in deplorable housing conditions; people unable to access medical treatment because of lack of funding; people, including children, living malnourished as families cannot afford proper meals
Like the reaction to the video mentioned above, members of the diaspora in interacting with each other, will sympathize passionately with these victims of poverty But, if asked to help in making a financial contribution to help alleviate the adverse circumstances, either don’t respond or complain they are unable to help
This reaction was experienced last week when a member of the South Florida community tried raising funds to purchase and send school supplies to the young man trying to teach his peers in his Jamaican community The gentleman trying to raise the funds circulated the video to over 100 Jamaicans in the community, and asked for financial
contributions to purchase the supplies He, very disappointedly, said only five people made contributions Trying to raise $500 to purchase the supplies, he received just $48
The diaspora has the tendency to readily criticize Jamaican governments, and public and private organizations for not doing enough to alleviate the pressures of poverty felt by so many But what is the diaspora doing about getting involved in an organized manner to also help to alleviate this poverty?
There are several private organizations in South Florida, for example, involved in fundraising drives to help particular social causes in Jamaica Much gratitude goes out to these organizations. But, too often they experience great difficulties in meeting their funding targets It’s not unusual for these difficulties to kill the enthusiasm within these organizations to continue their efforts
It’s difficult to understand how ready one is
Grateful as the community is for the various organizations involved in contributing to the socio-economic needs of poor Jamaicans, much more is needed There is real need for the creation of a sort of Jamaica Diaspora Social Fund, preferably under the auspices of an umbrella not-for-profit entity The primary mission of this fund would be to collaborate an organized, sustained fundraising drive across the Jamaican diaspora in the US, collecting, banking, and disbursing these funds to persons and projects with serious social needs in Jamaica
Because of past bad experiences with funds and materials sent to Jamaica being mysteriously diverted from the purposes for which they were sent, some people are weary of such altruistic endeavors Therefore, it would be wise if the operators of the proposed Diaspora Fund in the USA also be directly involved in coordinating the disbursement of funds in Jamaica, so they are not illegally and selfishly diverted
It simply isn’t enough for members of the diaspora to verbally sympathize with poor Jamaican mothers, teenagers, or young children they read about, or see in heartrending videos
Practically, there’s plenty the diaspora can do to alleviate the persistent poverty being experienced by so many in Jamaica It’s time to stop shaking heads in sympathy and put hands in pockets to contribute to helping the less fortunate back home in Jamaica
Haitian culture and history ripple throughout the Caribbean and its people. As the first country in the Caribbean and the second country in the Western Hemisphere to earn its independence, Haiti set the template for slave rebellions across the region. To this day, the 1791 Haitian slave rebellion remains the only successful slave revolt in history. This spirit of rebellion is just one of the many contributions Haitian culture has made to not just Caribbean people, but Black people throughout the western hemisphere.
Haitian Heritage Month, celebrated every May, is our collective opportunity to celebrate all aspects of Haitian culture First celebrated in 1998 in Boston, Massachusetts, the concept of Haitian Heritage Week spread throughout the country, finding a special home in South Florida amidst its sizable Haitian immigrant population What started as a celebration of Haitian Flag Day, a festival where Haitians everywhere celebrate the flag and the struggle for independence it symbolizes, has evolved into a nationally recognized occasion
Although many Haitians have made a profound impact across the globe, here are just a few notable Haitians to remember this Haitian Heritage Month
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a Brooklyn native who grew up tagging the streets of New York While a picture is worth a thousand
words, Basquiat would often attach a short poem to his work, decrying the oppression of minorities and the underprivileged His art made an impression on both the traditional art world and the contemporary one
Wyclef Jean is a man who does it all A Grammy-winning rapper and producer, talented actor, and noted philanthropist, Wyclef Jean migrated to the United States at just nine years old As part of the Fugees, he played a role in crafting one of the best-selling albums of all time in The Score (1966) In 2007, Jean was appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Haiti and in 2010 even tried his hand at running for president of the country, but was not allowed on a technicality
Gary Victor is a playwright, novelist, and radio play director whose scathing criticisms of the bourgeoisie earned him equal parts fame and derision His work is uncompromisingly Haitian, telling the stories of Haitian history, Haitian culture, and modern Haitian life His seminal works include Soro and Clair De Mando
There are many Haitian Heritage Month events happening in every city throughout South Florida Here are just a few to consider putting on your list of must do events this month
Founded in 2004 to commemorate Haiti's bicentennial, the Haitian Heritage Museum is one of the
premiere touchstones to connect with Haitian art and artifacts, and dive into the rich history of the country's audio/visual work During heritage month, the museum goes all out for its exhibits On Saturdays this month, local drumming groups and poets will perform, providing a firsthand experience of Haitian culture
Haitian Flag Day is the day that kicked off Haitian Heritage Month in the first place Celebrated by Haitians all over the world, May 18 commemorates the adoption of the Haitian flag in 1803 Flag Day is observed to remember the struggles of Haitian ancestors in securing the country's freedom
The Haitian Compas Festival starts on Flag Day, May 18th, and
finishes on Sunday, the 21st, and will be held at Bayfront Park in Miami Five events will be held across the four days, featuring renowned Haitian musical acts such as NUlook, Oswald, Kodak Black, DJ Bullet, Tony Mix, and many more
May is Skin Cancer Awareness
Month, but according to a recent survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 70% of Americans 21 years of age and older have not had a skin check in the past year
Survey participants’ most cited reasons for not being checked were not experiencing symptoms (29%), not knowing they need to be checked (26%), and inability to afford the cost (23%)
This news comes from a recent report from the Prevent Cancer Foundation that 65% of Americans 21 years of age and older say they are not up to date with one or more routine cancer screenings
This and other findings from the Foundation’s first annual Early Detection Survey emphasize the need for increased awareness and access to routine screenings for cancer prevention and early detection Early detection of cancer can mean less extensive treatment, more treatment options, and better chances of survival, leading to better outcomes
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the U S and is also one of the most preventable cancers Although a quarter of participants said they had a skin check for skin cancer between one and three years ago, nearly that same amount (24%) say they’ve never had a skin check for skin cancer
Advances in skin cancer screening and treatment have reduced the skin cancer mortality rate, but significant disparities in health outcomes persist Anyone, regardless of skin color, may develop skin cancer Skin cancers are less prevalent in non-white racialethnic groups, but when they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis
Skin cancer is less likely to be suspected in patients of color because it occurs less
frequently, so these patients may be less likely to get regular full-body skin exams
According to survey results, Americans who said they were not up to date or did not know if they were up to date on their skin cancer check would be more likely to prioritize their screening if there was an at-home test
More than 6 3 million people worldwide in 2022 took a mental health screening using the Mental Health America (MHA) Online
Screening Program, a nearly 138% increase from 2020 and a 19% increase from 2021
Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts remain at the high 2021 levels, and more people screened at risk for mental health conditions are struggling the most with body image or self-image and relationship problems
MHA is releasing this data in conjunction with the start of May as Mental Health Month
This year’s theme, “Look Around, Look Within,” and accompanying resources focus on environmental impacts on mental health, including safe and stable housing, an individual’s neighborhood and town, and nature and the outdoors
Further analysis of domestic screeners reveals shifting concerns and disparities across multiple demographics Among individuals who screened positive or moderate to severe for a mental health condition in 2022, 60% reported body image or self-image as one of the top three contributors to their mental health concerns However, the differences in the highest contributors to mental health concerns among the individual races and ethnicities reveal inequities in the experience of 20212022
For example, American Indian or Alaska Native screeners were most likely to select
abuse or violence (16%) and grief or loss (20%); Black or African American screeners were most likely to select relationship problems (54%), financial problems (26%) and basic needs (5%), Asian screeners were most likely to select school or work problems (56%); and 50% of screeners who identified as more than one race were most likely to select loneliness or isolation
Another significant finding came from the addition of our ADHD screening in June 2022 Within six months of its addition, the ADHD screen surged in popularity, eclipsing both bipolar and anxiety in screens per month Data suggests that people are having a hard time staying on task as the world continues to adjust in the aftermath of the pandemic, with 84% of continues on B1 – Depression rates
option (28%)
Currently, there is no at-home test option for skin cancer, but you should examine your skin monthly to look for possible signs of melanoma in addition to getting your skin checked annually by a health care provider The Prevent Cancer Foundation recommends using the ABCDEs of skin cancer as a helpful tool when checking your skin for suspicious moles:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color that is not uniform
Diameter greater than 6mm
Evolving size, shape or color
Any changes in size, shape or elevation of a mole, or any new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting, should be reported to a health care provider
“When it comes to cancer, early detection equals better outcomes,” said Heather Mackey, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCN, Senior Director of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection at the Prevent Cancer Foundation “It’s important for everyone to check their health with the routine cancer screenings they need at every age Monthly self-exams and annual skin checks are quick and easy preventive measures we can all prioritize not just during the summer months but year-round ”
Information and resources on all cancer types studied in the 2023 Early Detection survey including information on r e l e v a n t s c r e e n i n g s c a n b e f o u n d a t www preventcancer org/betteroutcomes For more information about skin cancer and ways to reduce your risk, visit www preventcancer org/skin
Asthma, a long-term disease that affects the lungs, is common among children. The task of helping a child to manage his or her asthma can be overwhelming for parents and caretakers. However, there are many ways in which your child can be supported so that they can live a quality life
Jamaican Family nurse practitioner in Maryland, Kericia Chambers says asthma can occur at any age However, the signs and symptoms depending on whether the patient is having an acute attack versus chronic asthma, include:
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Persistent and recurrent cough
Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
Nurse Chambers said that the signs and symptoms associated with asthma may go away spontaneously or worsen in response to various triggers such as allergens, irritants, and viral illnesses
She further highlighted the classification of asthma, stating that severity ranges from mild intermittent to severe persistent asthma She said the latter if left untreated could lead to complete airway obstruction and death
“A child with mild intermittent asthma will have symptoms that occur no more than twice weekly and nighttime symptoms no more than twice monthly On the other hand, a child with mild persistent or moderate persistent asthma will have more frequent and even daily symptoms,” Nurse Chambers said
“The child with severe asthma will
have continuous symptoms with frequent acute attacks, activity limitation, and impaired lung function that may result in regular Emergency department visits and hospitalization, school absenteeism, and reduced quality of life,” she added Nurse Chambers advises parents and guardians to make deliberate efforts to ensure their child’s asthma is being properly managed She advises that they:
• Do some basic research on the disease process
• Ensure compliance with medication/s and follow-up appointments
• Daily monitor the child’s symptoms and intervention based on a preestablished action plan by their healthcare provider
from
• Be familiar with the medications and their usage including proper inhaler technique with a spacer
• Identify asthma triggers and minimize exposure if possible
• Ensure annual flu vaccines are taken
• Provide support to the child
While acknowledging the frustration and challenging duties parents may be facing, Nurse Chambers urges them not to give up, but to seek assistance if necessary
“Managing asthma in a young child can be challenging but don’t be discouraged Become a part of a support group, or speak to other parents that have children with asthma to learn as much as you can,” she encouraged
domestic screeners scoring at risk of having ADHD
The top three symptoms screeners reported included not being able to start a difficult task (85%), not being able to stay focused on a boring or difficult task (82%), and fidgeting or squirming after sitting down for a long time (80%)
In addition, 65% of ADHD screeners in the U S are over age 18, which is slightly older than the general screening average Despite this, ADHD screeners under 18 have the highest screening severity, with about 88% of youth scoring at risk
“These findings reveal a significant unmet need for mental health resources, particularly for youth and BIPOC communities,” said Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO of Mental Health America
“We know that the earlier we reach people the better, as early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes for individuals and is essential to protecting the mental health of our nation Whether someone is coping with body image worries, feelings of sadness, or being distracted more easily, screening is an important first step to understanding and addressing mental health concerns As we launch Mental Health Month, the analyses from our National Prevention and Screening Program provide a starting point for enacting equitable, effective, and compassionate policies and programs ”
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, MHA has witnessed a substantial increase in screens taken as more people are experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, loneliness, and other mental health concerns Rates of moderate to severe anxiety began increasing in June 2020 and have remained above pre-COVID-19 levels through December 2022 Other statistics show youth, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ populations continuing to struggle with their mental health
In 2014, MHA created its Online Screening Program, a collection of 11 English and two Spanish free, anonymous, confidential, and clinically validated screening tools Since its launch, over 20 million people have taken a screen to check on their mental health concerns online, making this program the nation’s largest ongoing, realtime mental health early identification program
Raheim “Raybetz ” Betty has always been passionate about singing and is admired by many for his sweetsounding music and captivating performances Yet, many did not know he used singing as a coping mechanism to overcome his childhood poverty, abuse, as well as suicidal thoughts While he found solace in performing, he was honing a skill that is today being used internationally as a rock band vocalist on a Carnival Cruise
The 29-year-old Jamaican who hails from the parish of St Ann, gained popularity after being a contestant on Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars, a popular television show aimed at unearthing the country’s finest musical artistes
Though he always aspired to work as an international artiste, Betty was more focused on completing his studies at the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica, as he believed it would make him more marketable as a musician
While concentrating on school, he simultaneously strengthened his musical talent by taking advantage of opportunities to showcase his talent including performing at weddings, concerts, and school functions, among other events
However, after completing his studies in late 2022, he accepted a position as a high school teacher, still not fulfilling his ultimate dream of pursuing his musical passion
Though he fell in love with teaching his students, he shared that he needed to do something more, something that would finally enable him to use his gift as a full-time job opportunity To his surprise, his manager reached out to him proposing a one-of-a-kind offer overseas as a Rockband vocalist
“I was teaching at the time and turned down the offer, but then I had a second thought and then I said yes! It was so quick but I had to move!” Betty said excitedly
Earlier this year, Betty said farewell to his homeland and started a new chapter in Florida He quickly began rehearsals and adapted to his new role and responsibilities as a full-time
performer
From facing the challenges of preparing lesson plans, and teaching concepts to students, the comical singer says his biggest challenge now is remembering the lyrics to all his songs
“Singing is not new to me, and doing sets is not new to me What is new to me is doing a huge theatre-like production onboard a cruise ship plus singing two to three sets a night in a band doing Rock n Roll, Country, the 80s, Pop, Motown,” he continued
While he embarks on this new journey, being one of the few Jamaicans allows him to influence and inspire other Caribbean people to pursue similar opportunities on a global scale
“It feels awesome knowing I’m one of very few Jamaicans singing on a Carnival Cruise Rockband show I hope that I’ll inspire the Caribbean in some way to chase their dreams no matter what,” he said
He further expressed his desire to not only influence other Caribbean natives, but he hopes to highlight his Jamaican culture in future performances around the world
“Whenever questions are asked about my culture they are always addressed There are guaranteed teachable moments on each trip, there is always a guest who is curious about the Jamaican culture as soon as they learn of my origins,” he added
The jovial and optimistic vocalist says he envisions himself growing within the company hoping to become a Music Manager and ultimately an Entertainment Director or a Music Supervisor at the Carnival Studios
He also dreams of having two to three albums under his name one day
The Rockband vocalist expressed that he is finally on the route to achieving his goal, touring the world and immersing himself in various cultures, but most importantly, he has made a better life for himself This he says, has allowed him to support his family, which he considers to be one of his top priorities
With technology ever advancing in the fields of transportation and communication, the world is smaller than it has ever been before A handful of artists and entrepreneurs are seizing this opportunity to rebuild a connection between the African Diaspora and continental Africa
One such entrepreneur is the founder of the PR company Ford Communications, Lakeshia Ford Born to Jamaican parents in the United States of America, Ford first touched down on the continent “many moons ago ” When she was studying in China to learn Mandarin and Chinese history, Ford noticed the large influx of Chinese activity on the African continent Her interest was piqued She leaped at the opportunity to extend her study abroad program in Ghana
Inspired by Africa
“I think I was like 19 years old and I thought, this is not what they show us about the African continent,” she explained in an interview on Face2Face Africa “What I saw was totally opposite, and I was inspired to open people’s minds to the truth and the reality of what the African continent is ”
According to Ford, her migration to Africa was a “cumulative” process The seed was planted within her as a student Five years later she was awarded a fellowship which brought her back to Ghana after her degree She started looking at the impact of Chinese trade –
focusing on the telecommunications and mining sectors – on the nation Her research was slow and tedious, but it left her with the time and freedom to examine her surroundings
Ford adheres to certain principles when it comes to starting a venture “You need to do your research,” she explained in the interview
“Look at what the market needs. A lot of time we think as entrepreneurs, or as people who want to do business, that we must bully our way, our solutions, into a market [Instead] know what problem you ’ re solving and make sure it’s a problem to the people within this space, within Ghana ”
Ever observant she realized certain deficiencies with the market “I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to use some kind of medium to connect the diaspora and Ghana ”
She started writing Writing for everyone She wrote for restaurants, for artists, conducted customer service training, and did free PR Admittedly, it only clicked that this could be a career when customers would call her again for more assignments, cementing in her mind that there was something here When she finished her research she decided to settle in Ghana and start Ford Communications, her way of connecting the diaspora to the continent and vice versa Today Ford and her team work as that ever-important bridge between Ghana and the world outside the continent “This was something I wanted to see more of, getting the world more interested in what’s happening on the African concept — culturally and businesswise,” she explained One of the ways Ford created this bridge
was by using her own compound identity as a template The Jamaican-American spearheaded a Caribbean-African event that would become WoodXWatta “It was born out of elevating the concept of bringing the diaspora to Ghana, and what we can do around business, investment and pop culture,” she explained “What is the future of Africa and the Caribbean?” WoodxWatta is now endorsed by Ghana’s government initiative ‘Beyond the Return’ and the Jamaican Consulate and Office of Diaspora Affairs
While Ford Communications has existed for less than a decade, its impact has touched not just small local businesses and upstart initiatives, but the company has worked with some of the biggest institutions in the world Both the United Nations and World Remit can be counted as clients who have tapped into Ford’s considerable talents and contacts to establish a foothold within Ghana and by extension the continent
Despite achieving so much, Ford is far from satisfied “We want to see the future of Africa We want to see what it looks like,” she declared She’s pursuing investors who believe in the future of both Africa and the Caribbean She calls for Black emerging nations to interact more, trade more, and learn more from each other “It’s not about looking at the West to see what is possible It’s about our time to create our own solutions ”
Brightline announced prices and a rough opening date for its Miami-toOrlando route
While the company did not give an exact date when the route will open, it said sometime this summer and said that ticket sales will start in May for future dates
The company said a train ride from Miami to Orlando will cost between $79 and $199, but Brightline was a bit fuzzier on the prices from its West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura stations, saying only that they would start at $79 one-way and prices could fluctuate between now and when
service begins
Trains will make 16 daily roundtrips
The announcement was made on Thursday as the company unveiled its Orlando station
Brightline’s nonstop trains between
Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, Tamarac City’s first Black elected official, with the support of the Consul General of Jamaica, Oliver Mair, and 15 other South Florida elected officials, will present Spice with an amalgamation of keys from South Florida’s most prominent leaders, titled “The Key to the Region ” The gesture will honor the artiste’s outstanding accomplishments in music and entertainment
Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, will deliver the keynote speech
Grammy-nominated Jamaican dancehall artiste, Grace “Spice” Hamilton, will be honored for excellence in the arenas of music and entertainment by South Florida officials on May 5 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Hotel North
Vice Mayor Bolton, Tamarac City’s first
Miami and Orlando will have a travel time of two hours and 59 minutes Regular service from Orlando to Miami will be longer – three hours and 30 minutes –because there will be stops at Brightline stations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura
The new 37,350-square-foot station at Orlando International Airport features a three-story contemporary design, retail shopping, a bar with light bites and panoramic views of oncoming trains
This project is part of Brightline’s Phase 2 expansion into Central Florida, which will eventually include a stop in Tampa
A bundle of cocaine with an approximate street value of $640,000 was found floating in the Florida Keys Reports are that inside the bundle were 16 bricks of cocaine weighing about 41 pounds According to the U S Border Patrol officials, a boater found the large bundle floating near Islamorada on Tuesday and contacted authorities The drugs were turned over to Border Patrol custody
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Black elected official, with the support of the Consul General of Jamaica, Oliver Mair, and 15 other South Florida elected officials, will present Spice with an amalgamation of keys from South Florida’s most prominent leaders, titled “The Key to the Region ” The gesture will honor the artiste’s outstanding accomplishments in music and entertainment
Spice, who currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, has expressed enormous gratitude for the honor of receiving the Key to the Region of Florida
“Throughout my career, it has always been important to me to spread our beautiful Jamaican culture around the world I have visited Florida many times over the years, and it has become another home for me I am so happy to see our culture represented and appreciated
Thank you,” she added
Through her music and other endeavors, Spice continually promotes female strength and resiliency, and is an advocate for women ’ s rights and empowerment
Her nonprofit, the Grace Hamilton Women’s Empowerment Foundation, offers women resources like scholarships and mentoring opportunities The organization aims to empower women from all walks of life
The dancehall queen is also the CEO of Graci Noir, a lounge wear and clothing brand, as well as Faces and Laces, her luxury hair and beauty brand
Among the performers at the official Fort Lauderdale event will be comedian Julie Mango, violist Steven Avi, saxophonist Corey Jones, and magician Vladi Lukan
Police in central Florida tried early Wednesday to arrest a man suspected of fatally shooting a 40-year-old woman and her three children, ages 21, 17 and 11 Police are working to arrest Al Stenson, 38, on four counts of firstdegree murder A motive was not yet known, but Velasquez said Stenson is known to the family and may have lived at the apartment There was no immediate threat to the public Investigators believe the victims, whose names have not been released, were shot around 5 a m Tuesday
Police responded to swatting calls at multiple South Florida college campuses on Tuesday The incidents began with a report of a false active shooter at Florida International University’s main campus in Miami-Dade Police swarmed the campus and evacuated multiple buildings before determining the report was a hoax At City College Hollywood, police responded to what they called a swatting call at the building at 6565 Taft Street Hundreds of cases of swatting occur annually, with some using caller ID spoofing to disguise their number The goal is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to an address
1. One-for-one trade
2. Chauffeured auto, for short
3. Software purchaser 4. Take an apartment 5. Wash thoroughly 6. Hot and sticky, as weather 7.
This is the collaboration that Reggae and Dancehall has been waiting for between dancehall icon Sean Paul and living Reggae legend Beres Hammond.
Dutty Rock Productions & Ineffable Records announce the release of the new single “Rebel Time” on May 5, 2023
This track brings together two of the most distinguished talents ever produced by the Jamaican music industry on a single that harkens back to the days of Rent-a-tile styled rub a dub, whilst still embodying the unstoppable thump of the Dancehall bass line
“Rebel Time” is a fusion of lovers’ rock and signature dancehall beats, creating a genre melding groove that will have listeners moving to the rhythm with ease It’s no wonder as the production has the benefit the involvement of the legendary producer Sly Dunbar Sean Paul’s recognizable voice and flow blend seamlessly with Beres Hammond’s smooth and soulful reggae vocals, resulting in a feel-good single that celebrates breaking out of the norm and daring to be bold
Sean Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “It’s an honor to work with a legend like Beres Hammond I grew up listening to his music and to share the mic with him is a dream come true ” Beres Hammond added, “Sean Paul is one of the most beloved entertainers in dancehall music, and I’m really happy to bring our energy together to create a feelgood track that will resonate with people worldwide ”
“Rebel Time” promises to be a hit and inject some contemporary lovers rock into the reggae-dancehall genre and pour a new musical cocktail for the global market
One of Jamaica’s most soulful singers – Anthony Cruz – has emerged with a mellifluous eighteen-track album, titled Under The Covers
The self produced project was released this past Friday, April 28th, via Tad’s Record, the imprint for which it was exclusively created Cruz, who is always a leader in his field, has led again by doing something quite unique He has done a full-length reggae-remix studio album that includes favorites like: R Kelly’s Step In The Name Of Love, Alexander O’Neal’s If You Were Here Tonight, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s The Closer I Get to You, as well as several other chart-topping grown folk music
Musicians and producers that contributed to this masterpiece are Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis, drummer Kirk Bennett, keyboardist Paul ‘Wrong Move’ Crossdale, Bobby Digital, King Jammy, Donovan Germain, Chris Knight, Tad Dawkins Jr , and Mark HoSang
In a recent interview, an excited Anthony Cruz made the following prediction about the LP: “I know it’s going to create history, because it’s never been done before — a full cover version album Jamaicans love it, people love it across the world, they love when you sing over their songs in Reggae, ‘ cause Reggae have the power ”
Under The Covers is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and all other streaming platforms It is being distributed by Tad’s Record Inc
American sprinter and long jumper Tori Bowie – a threetime Olympic medalist and a two-time world champion in track and field – has died, according to her agent, Kimberly Holland. Bowie was 32 years old.
Holland told CNN on Wednesday that Bowie was found dead at home in Florida and that the cause of death is not known yet
“We’re devasted [sic] to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away,” an Instagram post from Bowie’s representation and Holland’s company, Icon Management Inc , said
“We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister Tori was a champion a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the
The 2022 World Championships 100m silver medalist Shericka Jackson faces a strong field in the short sprint on the opening event of the Wanda Diamond League season in Doha, Qatar
The event will feature 14 Diamond League disciplines
Jackson, who was the 2022 World Championships 200m gold medalist, will line up against Americans Sha’Carri Richardson, Twanisha Terry, and Abby Steiner, as well as Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs, among others
Jackson has a season ’ s best of 10 82 seconds, while Richardson ran a wind-aided 10 57 seconds in Miami last month
Meanwhile, Jamaicans Candice McLeod and Stephenie Ann McPherson are down to contest the women ’ s 400m in a crack field which includes Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulinho, Barbados’ Sada Williams, as well as American Shamier Little, among others
The Caribbean will also be represented in
the women ’ s 100m hurdles with Puerto Rico’s Olympic Games champion Jasmine CamachoQuinn and Jamaica’s Megan Tapper competing against the likes of Americans Nia Ali, Alaysha Johnson and Tonea Marshall along with others
On the men ’ s side, the Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando will contest a competitive 200m event with the likes of Fred
Rovman Powell has been traded to the Barbados Royals ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in a move that sees Hayden Walsh moving the other way to join the Jamaica Tallawahs
Kerley, Michael Norman and Kenneth Bednarek of the US, as well as the Canadian pair of Aaron Brown and Andre De Grasse
Cuba’s Lazaro Martinez will vie for top honors in the triple jump, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters and Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott are hoping to make their presence felt in the javelin throw
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the venues and schedules for England’s tour of the Caribbean last this year in a white-ball series which will consist of eight games
The world champions will engage the hosts in five Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) and three One-Day Internationals (ODI)
Barbados’s Kensington Oval will play host to the opening T20I on December 12 after which the series will move to the National Stadium in Grenada for the next two matches on December 14 and 16
The Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba in south Trinidad will be the home of the last two games on December 19 and 21
The ODIs will kick off the tour at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua on December 4 and 6, with Barbados’s Kensington Oval hosting the third and final game on December 9
“We are delighted to be able to confirm the England match schedule and to welcome once again their many travelling fans to the region for a pre-Christmas white-ball tour,” CWI chief executive Johnny Grave noted
family, friends and everyone that loved her ”
The post also added: “As the story continues to develop, we ask that you please respect our privacy ”
Bowie won three medals at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio: gold in the 4x100m relay, silver in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200 meters At the 2017 world championships, she won gold in both the 100 meters and the 4x100m
A native of Sandhill, Mississippi, Bowie was a three-time All-American at the University of Southern Mississippi
Bowie’s last official competition was June 2022 Her last appearance on the world stage was in 2019 at the world championships in Doha, when she finished fourth in the long jump
US long jump star and Mississippi native Brittney Reese said in a post on Twitter: “I’m so heartbroken over this You have made a lot of us proud thank you for representing our state of Mississippi like you did RIP !”
The NFL draft is around the corner and Black PR Wire’s podcast, Thrivin’ in Color, dives into the world of sports in its latest episode.
This episode features two very special guests who are dropping the gems on staying fit and healthy, charitable work, and more Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, and Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins defensive end, are putting in work on and off the field
Both players engage in an exciting conversation with Thrivin’ in Color host Camry Brown as they discuss giving back to their community and some memorable moments in their careers
Rovman Powell, the West Indies T20 captain, led the Tallawahs to their third CPL title in 2023 and has scored 1337 runs for the franchise since first joining them in 2016
Walsh leaves the Royals having played for the franchise since 2019, claiming the Player of the Tournament title in his first year with the Barbados team As an experienced leg spin bowler with international pedigree, he will be a valuable addition to the Tallawahs squad
The Republic Bank CPL draft show will be broadcast in late June 2023 with the tournament set to get underway on 16 August 2023
“This tour will be a major economic boost to the host countries, as well as providing our fans with the chance to see some of their favorite players in action against one of our biggest rivals
“The tour will also help with our ongoing venue preparation and event planning for one of the biggest events ever to be staged in the region, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which takes place in June next year
“We also look forward to announcing the fixtures and venues for the India tour of the West Indies in July and August very soon ”
The visitors are the reigning world champions in both formats of the game, while the hosts are ranked seventh in T20Is and two places lower in ODIs
They toured the Caribbean last year January and lost a five-match T20I series 2-3, but then returned two months later for a three-match Test series which they lost 0-1
Atwell explains how giving back to the community is a principle he was raised on, and it coincides with his foundation, Tutu Atwell Junior Foundation He continues to reflect on an amazing sports camp he conducted that consisted of soccer, track, basketball, and football
Having been in Miami for three years, Sieler professes how great it feels to give back to the community he has grown to love Sieler introduced kids to a different part of Florida through his Sieler Safe Haven Foundation by taking them on a trip to the Ah-TahThi-Ki Museum
“These guys are the epitome of humble,” said Camry “Our listeners can envision a different side of these players with what they shared during the show ”
Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast is a platform for sports professionals to provide insight into their exciting careers and their great work when no one is looking
