U S. President Donald Trump announced on April 2, 2025, a 10% tariff on exports from most Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, to the American market. The decision, unveiled during a White House media conference, is part of a broader move to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. imports.
In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Miami-Dade County commissioners voted Tuesday to cease the addition of fluoride to the county’s drinking water.
The decision followed a presentation by Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr Joseph Ladapo, who raised concerns about the practice during a public meeting
mourn the
Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, passed despite opposition from Commissioner Eileen Higgins and Raquel A Regalado Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has yet to announce whether she will veto the legislation
For 60 years, Miami-Dade County has fluoridated its water supply, a practice supported by numerous scientific and medical organizations, including the World Health Organization, the U S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Water Works Association, and the American
Bank of Jamaica reports 890% surge in internet banking fraud Since 2020
Dental Association Supporters argue that fluoridation, at levels recommended by health authorities, significantly reduces dental cavities
However, Dr Ladapo, along with figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr , the new secretary of the U S Department of Health and Human Services, have challenged the established consensus Ladapo previously raised concerns about potential developmental issues in children, particularly pointing to research that suggests fluoride could be neurotoxic, potentially
lowering IQs in babies “The science shows that fluoride is neurotoxic, and the debate should be about whether it should be added to the water,” Dr Ladapo stated in the past
Commissioner Gonzalez echoed these concerns, referencing the evolution of scientific understanding and citing a 2015 recommendation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Barack Obama, which lowered the recommended fluoride levels in drinking water
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and various foods It is continues on B4 – No more fluoride
Sean Kingston an mother found guilty of wire fraud
Jamaicans who have cheered Usain Bolt to victory over the years will remember not just the sprinting icon, but also the unwavering presence of his parents, Wellesley and Jennifer, in the stands, always there to support their son. Now, the island mourns the loss of Wellesley Bolt, who passed away on Monday at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness
Wellesley died at a health facility in Kingston, leaving behind a legacy of love, support, and guidance that helped shape one of the greatest athletes in history The father of the world-renowned sprinter, Wellesley was a constant figure in his son ’ s life, providing both encouragement and discipline as Usain rose to global stardom
The Bolt family, from Sherwood Content in Trelawny, remembers Wellesley as a community fixture, running a local grocery store and playing an active role in the neighborhood Along with his wife, Jennifer, Wellesley was a key figure in the family’s closeknit support system The couple had three children: Usain, Sherine, and Sadiki (Sada) Bolt
In a recent interview on Wayne Marshall’s “The Cut,” Usain reflected on his upbringing, noting he was the middle child in a family that frequently came together in the summer “Sada’s mother didn’t live in Trelawny when I was younger, but I would visit my father and the family every summer,” he said Usain also reminisced about his father’s passion for cricket, a sport that initially drew him in as a child “We would bond over televised cricket matches,” Usain shared
Despite his love for the sport, it was his father who pushed him toward track and field
“Coach start complain to my father say me nah come training But after a while, my father come and explain to me that is running I have to do cause too much politics inna cricket Him watch the game so him know and understand how things run,” Usain said His father also emphasized the importance of
education throughout Usain’s formative years
In 2018, Wellesley fulfilled a lifelong wish by being baptized, much to the joy of his wife Jennifer, who had long hoped for his embrace of Christianity Public figures across Jamaica have expressed their condolences following the news Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared his sympathies on social media: “I join with
every Jamaican in extending my deepest and most sincere condolences to @usainbolt, his beloved mother Mrs Jennifer Bolt, and the entire Bolt family, following the passing of their patriarch, Mr. Wellesley Bolt,” he wrote “His presence, support, and guidance helped to shape a legacy that continues to inspire the world ”
Glen Mills, who was instrumental in guiding Usain’s track career, spoke fondly of his interactions with Wellesley “He always had a great interest in his son, and he would come to watch him train. Usain always spoke highly of him,” Mills said, describing Wellesley as a strict disciplinarian who guided Usain on the right path “He was a jovial fellow, full of wit and intelligence, and always had a positive outlook,” Mills added
Sports Minister Olivia Grange also paid tribute to Wellesley’s impact on his son ’ s success, calling him a vital source of support “Wellesley and his wife Jennifer were the picture of a loving and supportive family,” she said in a statement “Every success that Usain has achieved can be attributed to the confidence given to him by his ever-supportive mother and father ”
Grange concluded by recalling the affection with which Wellesley was known in Trelawny, where he was fondly referred to as ‘Gideon ’ “It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father,” she said
As Jamaica mourns the loss of Wellesley Bolt, his legacy as a father, supporter, and guiding force in Usain's life will remain forever etched in the hearts of many
The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has issued a stark warning over the alarming rise in internet banking fraud, which has increased by an astounding 890 percent since 2020.
This surge in cybercrimes, as outlined in the BOJ’s latest financial stability report for 2024, has become one of the most significant emerging threats to the country’s banking sector
“Banking fraud stood out as an emerging risk in 2024,” highlighting the scale of this surge in digital fraud
The report also outlined that credit and debit card fraud was the most prevalent type, accounting for “ an annual average of just over 69 percent of the $800 million of total fraud amounts reported by financial institutions” by the end of 2023 These frauds were primarily concentrated in areas with higher digital traffic, such as Kingston, Portmore, and Spanish Town
transit (CIT) service providers and 10 robbery attempts at automated banking machine (ABM) locations These incidents resulted in the theft of approximately $145 million. However, these types of robberies represented a smaller portion of the monetary losses compared to online fraud
In response to these increasing threats, the central bank indicated that commercial banks have introduced enhanced anti-fraud measures and have taken steps to recover losses Additionally, the BOJ emphasized the importance of prosecution and enforcement efforts in tackling fraud
The BOJ’s report, published on Monday, reveals that banking fraud is now a major concern, with internet banking fraud incidents rising sharply between 2019 and 2023, “approximately nine times the pre-pandemic rate ” The central bank attributed this rise to the rapid shift towards electronic banking methods following the COVID-19 pandemic “Furthermore, since 2020, internet banking frauds have increased due to a shift towards electronic methods for transacting business following the advent of COVID-19,” the report explained
Between 2020 and 2023, the country saw internet banking fraud increase by 890 6 percent, a jump of $330 6 million compared to 2019 and the years prior The report stated,
While fraud involving loans and internal bank processes remained less frequent and of lower value, card and internet banking frauds continue to be the most concerning “Card and internet banking frauds were most prevalent in higher digital traffic areas in major towns and cities such as Kingston, Portmore, and Spanish Town,” the report noted
The BOJ also reported a rise in physical robberies targeting currency management services, including five attacks on cash-in-
As fraudsters continue to adapt their techniques, the Bank of Jamaica warned of a rise in social engineering tactics, which have proven to be increasingly effective in circumventing security measures The BOJ stressed that both financial institutions and the public must remain vigilant and proactive in combating these evolving threats to Jamaica’s banking sector
Guyana’s former Minister of Finance Winston Jordan appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face a new charge of misconduct in public office
The charge stems from the sale of over five acres of land at Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, in 2020
According to the prosecution, Jordan allegedly acted recklessly when he signed vesting order #69 of 2020, which transferred the land—valued at $150 million—for a
significantly lower price of $2 4 million The prosecution argued that the transaction constituted an abuse of public trust, lacking reasonable cause or justification The alleged offence occurred between February 25, 2020, and June 11, 2020, during Jordan’s tenure as finance minister
Jordan was not required to enter a plea when the charge was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore He was represented by attorneys Roysdale Forde and Dawn Cush Cush emphasized that Jordan is a man of “good character” and pointed out that he had previously faced a similar charge, which was dismissed
“This is a clear waste of judicial time,”
Holder-Cush said with Forde adding, “It is obvious that this case is politically driven He continues to be prosecuted, as is anyone who opposes the government ” The prosecution did not oppose bail but requested a substantial sum due to the financial magnitude of the case After hearing both arguments, Magistrate Azore granted Jordan bail in the amount of $150,000 The case was adjourned to April 23
Jordan
Jordan has previously faced court proceedings related to other allegations of misconduct Notably, he was charged in connection with the sale of the state’s largest wharf facility in Kingston, Georgetown, to businessman Brian Tiwari, owner of BK Inc
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has called on supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) to ensure the party secures a sixth consecutive term in office.
General elections are scheduled to be held in St Vincent and the Grenadines in November 2025
Addressing a massive rally last weekend to mark the party’s 24th anniversary, Gonsalves emphasized the importance of unity and progress
“First of all, I want to affirm that this rally, this celebratory rally, is not about us in the leadership of the party. It is not about Comrade Ralph,” Gonsalves told the gathering “This rally is to celebrate the faithful love and support of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who are gathered here in the largest political rally in the history of this country to celebrate and commemorate 24 years of tremendous achievements ”
The event featured performances by local and regional artists and was widely seen as a show of support for Gonsalves, who will turn 79 in August and is expected to lead the ULP into the next general election
If successful, this would mark Gonsalves’ sixth consecutive term as prime minister, a historic achievement in St Vincent and the Grenadines He has served in the role since 2001 and is currently the longest-serving democratically elected state leader in the world, following the 2021 replacement of Samoan Prime Minister Tuila epa Sa ilele Malielegaoi
Emphasizing the party’s longstanding commitment to national development, Gonsalves dismissed internal disagreements, calling on supporters to remain steadfast
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced significant reductions in violent crime in Jamaica, with murders down 35% and overall violent crime decreasing by 64% in 2025
Holness emphasized that this decline is a result of the strategic efforts by the security forces and the government’s ongoing investment in national security
“You have no hiding place!” Holness warned criminals, stressing that security forces will relentlessly pursue gangs and those involved in illegal arms trafficking “All the people who are importing guns into Jamaica, whether you live here or cooperate with people abroad, you have no hiding place I want that message to go out very carefully,” he added
“Jamaica is on a solid pathway to tackle the gangs, which for a long time believed they had free space and free rein None of that in Jamaica,” Holness stated
The Prime Minister’s comments were supported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), with data revealing a 19% drop in murders from 2023 to 2024, followed by the current 35% reduction in 2025 Additionally, the number of active gangs in Jamaica has been reduced from 350 to fewer than 100 since 2016
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Carey Duncan, Commanding Officer for the Manchester Division, noted that the police have stepped up operations in the parish, targeting gangs and illegal activities like lottery scamming
“Like in all families, from time to time, we may have disagreements, we may have grumbles, but as the Good Lord taught Moses, grumble not Fear not Love and let us go forth,” he said He described his government’s achievements over the past 24 years as “absolutely historic” and credited collective effort for the nation’s transformation
The prime minister also took aim at critics, arguing that those opposed to his administration seek to undermine its accomplishments “Some people do not share the glory of the perspectives of the people-centred vision of our philosophy, our policies, and programmes, and they will try to tear us down,” he said However, he urged supporters to remain resolute as the party moves towards securing another term
He cautioned against political uncertainty, likening governance to a serious responsibility rather than a game of chance “You don’t take chance with your country You don’t take chance with your future You don’t take chance with your children’s future You don’t take chance with your constituency’s future,” he said Gonsalves also criticized the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), asserting that
during its 17-year tenure, it failed to implement key infrastructure projects, including building a secondary school in Sandy Bay and a bridge at Rabacca
As the ULP prepares for the next election, the party announced a new candidate for North Windward, hospital administrator Grave Walters, replacing longtime parliamentary representative and former deputy prime minister Montgomery Daniel, who is retiring after five terms Gonsalves praised Daniel’s contributions, stating that he had overseen the construction of 14 bridges in the constituency and was currently working on five more “This is a man with love and justice This is a party, and this is a government with love and justice,” he said, adding that Walters delivered a “fantastic speech” at the rally Walters, in her second speech since being selected as the ULP candidate in February, defended her absence from North Windward during the eruption of La Soufrière She explained that she was fulfilling her duties as hospital administrator, preparing for potential mass casualty incidents amid the evacuation efforts
Trinidad and Tobago has been named one of the 45 winners of the prestigious World Summit Awards (WSA) 2024, recognized for its initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Caribbean nation was among 63 countries initially shortlisted for the award, which will be presented at the World Summit Awards ceremony in Hyderabad, India, next week
The Network of Rural Women Producers of Trinidad and Tobago (NRWPTT) announced that the country will now have the opportunity to showcase its winning entry, which falls under the “Government and Citizen Engagement” category, to the jury for the final award during the event from April 6-9
NRWPTT president Gia GaspardTaylor, who also serves as the UNESCO World Summit Awards National Expert, will speak at the event on April 8 Gaspard-Taylor will address the theme, “The Human Costs of Digital Divides,” as part of a panel moderated by Dr Peter A Bruck, an entrepreneurial scholar with expertise in media, technology, and social transformation
The winning initiative, the Trinidad and Tobago Local TT –Public Engagement and Service Delivery Platform, exemplifies how technology can transform lives by improving public services and fostering greater engagement According to NRWPTT, the platform reflects the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the SDGs and driving progress through innovative solutions
Bermuda’s Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators have gotten an 18.8% salary boost, the first such increase in 17 years
The raise, approved last week by the House of Assembly, aims to better align government salaries with the rising cost of living and the demands placed on public officials
Premier David Burt emphasized that this adjustment would not only make political positions more attractive to the public but also reflect the increased workloads and responsibilities that come with serving in government He acknowledged that salary hikes for elected officials often spark public skepticism but stressed that the raise is about fairness rather than financial gain
“These adjustments aren’t about financial gain for members, but they are about fairness and recognition of the evolving roles and the increased demands for those who serve the
public of Bermuda,” Mr Burt said
The pay increase follows recommendations made by the independent Salaries Review Board in November Among the board’s suggestions were an additional $7,000 per year for MPs and a reversal of a voluntary 10% pay cut that Cabinet ministers took in 2011
As a result of the increase, Senators will now earn $36,076 annually, while MPs will be paid $73,555 Salaries for other legislative officers will range from $3,625 to $184,152, depending on the role The Premier and Deputy Premier will also earn higher salaries if they also serve as Minister of Finance
New pay raise for key positions:
• Premier: $184,152
• Deputy Premier: $137,499
• Minister of Finance: $158,245
(Part-time: $79,122)
• Attorney-General: $178,990
• Other Ministers: $122,768 (Parttime: $61,384)
• Opposition Leader: $33,273
• Speaker of the House: $100,841 President of the Senate: $16,634
• Junior Ministers: $12,518
• Government Whip: $12,518
Opposition Whip: $8,320
The last salary increase for ministers was in 2009, following a recommendation made in 2007 Mr Burt explained that governance has become more demanding in an era of greater public scrutiny, and the expertise required to perform the roles has increased Despite the justification, Bermuda opposition leaders have criticized the timing of the raise Opposition Leader Jarion
Richardson argued that the salary boost should be postponed, noting the ongoing struggles many Bermudians face with rising living costs
“The cost of leadership is that we eat last and that we put others before ourselves That is sacrifice That is solidarity,” Mr Richardson said
Shadow Finance Minister Douglas De Couto also expressed concern, suggesting that MPs are often taking on tasks that government offices should handle, like infrastructure work He proposed creating allowances for MPs to fund such activities if the government believes this is part of their role
However, Progressive Labour Party backbencher Lawrence Scott defended the increase, explaining that parliamentary salaries are crucial not only as an incentive but as a necessary safeguard for politicians, especially those who face potential job losses due to political affiliations He shared his personal experience, claiming he would have been “destitute” without his parliamentary salary
Mr Scott also pointed out that some government positions, such as an assistant cook, offer salaries comparable to what MPs earn Even with the pay rise, permanent secretaries and financial secretaries will continue to earn more than ministers
Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier FilsAimé has called on citizens to support a stronger Constitution as the country grapples with ongoing security and political instability
In a statement marking the 38th anniversary of Haiti’s 1987 Constitution, Fils-Aimé acknowledged its role in safeguarding democracy but stressed the need for reform
The 1987 Constitution was adopted following the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship and established a semi-presidential system with a dual executive, a bicameral legislature, and a judiciary designed to uphold democratic principles One of its most significant provisions, Article 291, barred former supporters of the dictatorship from holding public office
However, Haitian leaders have long argued that the country’s constitutional framework requires modernization A constitutional referendum, scheduled for May 2025, aims to strengthen governance structures, enhance the separation of powers, and improve citizen representation
Amid his constitutional appeal, Fils-Aimé also visited the National School of the Republic of Ecuador, which has been converted into a shelter for families displaced by gang violence
Accompanied by Social Affairs Minister Georges Wilbert Franck, Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs Minister Herwil Gaspard, and Economic and Social Assistance Fund Director Serge Gabriel Colin, the prime minister met with victims of Haiti’s escalating security crisis
During the visit, he listened to the concerns of displaced families, shook hands with survivors, and embraced children affected by the violence Acknowledging their suffering, he affirmed that all Haitians deserve more than a makeshift shelter
In the early hours of Monday, March 31, the central Haitian town of Mirebalais became the latest target of the country’s escalating gang violence. Heavily armed members of the “Viv Ansanm” coalition launched a coordinated attack at around 3:00 a.m., setting homes and vehicles ablaze and firing indiscriminately, leaving multiple casualties in their wake
The assault began in the Trianon area, the town’s southern entrance, triggering mass panic and forcing many families to flee to neighboring towns such as Lascahobas, B o u c a n - C a r r é , a n d Hinche Local resistance groups, alongside Haitian National Police (PNH) officers, attempted to fend off the attackers but were ultimately overwhelmed due to the gangs’ superior firepower
During the onslaught, gang members stormed the local police station, setting it on fire and forcing officers to flee They then raided the Mirebalais civil prison, unlocking cells and freeing an estimated 500 inmates PNH Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre confirmed the mass escape Authorities have since deployed additional police officers to the town and claim to have regained control However, reports indicate that many of the escaped
northern coast and the Dominican Republic, making it a valuable target for gangs seeking to control key transportation routes
According to local sources, the attack was carried out by two gangs 400 Mawozo and “Taliban” both of which are part of the Viv Ansanm alliance The 400 Mawozo gang is notorious for kidnappings, particularly targeting buses traveling in and out of the capital The “Taliban” gang, based in Canaan, a northern suburb of Port-au-Prince, has also been involved in widespread criminal activity
prisoners remain at large, raising concerns among residents about ongoing security threats
This attack highlights the growing reach of Haiti’s gangs, which have traditionally operated in Port-au-Prince but are increasingly extending their influence into rural areas Mirebalais is a strategic location, situated at a crossroads between the
The assault on Mirebalais came just days after the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti confirmed the killing of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru in a separate gang attack Kabiru was the second Kenyan officer to die while serving in Haiti
During last year ’ s US presidential campaign, trade tariffs became a contentious issue as thenpresidential candidate Donald Trump indicated he would impose tariffs on imports from several countries Upon taking office, President Trump confirmed his plan, announcing tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and M e x i c o H e s u b s e q u e n t l y announced that effective April 2, his administration planned to impose retaliatory tariffs on imports from several countries that currently impose tariffs on imports from the US
Trump's tariff policy has stirred significant debate, with critics arguing that it will lead to higher inflation in the US, as prices for goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to automobiles are expected to rise Already, there are signs that these planned tariffs could provoke a trade war, even with some of the US's closest allies, such as Canada and Mexico
Tariffs have long been a key component of the economic policies of most nations The US has imposed tariffs on imports since 1789, initially to protect emerging industries and generate g o v e r n m e n t r e v e n u e
Traditionally, tariffs are designed to make imported goods more expensive, encouraging consumers to purchase local products This policy was largely maintained for decades but began to ease in the late 1940s after World War II In 1947, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was
formed to promote free trade between countries By 1995, GATT evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), fostering the rise of economic globalization and the intensification of free trade
While many US economists and policymakers have called for higher tariffs to protect American industries, free trade advocates such as Republican President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s championed reduced tariff barriers During this time, China's economic reforms led to its rise as a major producer and supplier of goods globally China's entry into the WTO in 2001 accelerated globalization, including the increase in Chinese imports to the US
The Trump administration argues that its tariff policy is an effort to protect more American companies and to stop what it calls “unfair practices,” where foreign countries “take advantage” by imposing tariffs on US imports while expecting their goods to enter the US market freely
The policy to escalate trade tariffs is complex and creates both potential benefits and significant risks, not only for the US economy but also for global trade
On the positive side, tariffs theoretically can shield American industries from cheaper foreign goods, creating opportunities for these industries to grow and become more competitive Tariffs may also generate more job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture
The administration has also argued that tariffs will help reduce the US trade deficit This is indeed the case, as tariffs discourage consumers from purchasing imported goods When the demand for these goods drops, it improves the country’s trade deficit
Tariffs can also serve as a bargaining tool, forcing trade partners to make concessions that benefit the US. Additionally, trade tariffs are a significant source of government revenue
However, there are several
serious downsides The most immediate is the potential for higher consumer prices As tariffs rise, so do the costs of imported goods, which can lead to inflation This could affect not only c o n s u m e r g o o d s b u t a l s o domestically produced products that use imported components Industries such as electronics and automobiles, which rely on foreign-made parts, could see production costs increase
Retaliatory tariffs are another risk When the US imposes tariffs on imports from a country, that country may respond with tariffs on US exports. This can hurt American exporters, creating a trade war with far-reaching consequences
Perhaps the most significant risk is the potential harm to the global economy The imposition of tariffs can disrupt global trade flows, causing instability in supply and demand This uncertainty can lead to a reduction in global economic growth
While tariffs can be a useful economic policy, they must be carefully managed in both scope and rate Overly broad tariffs or excessively high tariff rates can have serious negative consequences, both for the domestic economy and for global trade If not carefully planned, negotiated, and implemented, an escalation of tariffs could backfire, ultimately harming the very economy it aims to protect
The marijuana-legalization movement has spawned a booming industry that produces a lot of green in addition to the cannabis plant itself — billions of dollars of cash every year
But finding a safe place to put all that money isn’t easy, as many financial institutions won’t touch funds related to a product that, despite its legal status in all but a few states, remains banned by the same entity that regulates banks — the federal government Adding to that business challenge is the refusal of credit card issuers to offer payment services
The state-level cannabis business is very cash-intensive, which may seem like a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem that some of the bigger names in banking don’t want to deal with just yet Meanwhile, community and regional banks have filled the void, says Joe Bour, Chief Financing Solutions Officer for First Federal Bank “Big banks have not taken on a risk profile where they will support” cannabis-related businesses, he adds
According to Mr Bour, First Federal, located in Live Oak, Fla , provides banking services to the cannabis industry in Florida and other states where marijuana, whether for recreational or medical use, is legal Medical cannabis is nearly a $2 billion-a-year industry in this state, with more than 25 active licensed operators growing and processing the products they sell in their 700-plus dispensaries throughout Florida It’s a big business supported by over 800,000 patients with qualifying conditions
Banking cannabis money is usually done on a case-by-case scenario, says Jannon Forsythe, Specialty Services BSA Compliance
Officer at First Federal Bank She’s an expert in banking compliance and risk management within the cannabis industry
Some banks may also refuse to work with 'industry-adjacent' entities, such as CBD and hemp businesses, as well as medical mari-
juana qualified physicians—who number more than 2,200 in Florida, says Ms Forsythe To learn more about medical marijuana regulations in Florida, visit the Office of Medical Marijuana Use at knowthefactsmmj com
A bill introduced in Congress in 2023 aims to help end the U S financial services industry’s reluctance to handle cannabis cash, extend credit, and offer insurance and noncash payment solutions to businesses involved in the legal marijuana trade The Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking (SAFER) Act "would provide protections for federally regulated financial institutions that serve compliantly “state-sanctioned marijuana businesses ”
Both Mr Bour and Ms Forsythe say such a law would provide regulatory clarity for financial institutions working with the cannabis industry while the substance remains illegal at the federal level
They also said banks serving the cannabis industry are monitoring a proposal launched by the U S Department of Justice in 2024 to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would move marijuana to a less-restricted category
A Schedule 3 listing could also bring some
tax relief to cannabis businesses IRS Code Section 280E currently “disallows all deductions or credits for any amount paid or incurred in carrying on any trade or business that consists of illegally trafficking in a Schedule I or II controlled substance ” The proposed change to the Controlled Substance Act is now in the hands of a new administration
Given the current conditions of marijuana banking, Mr Bour suggests cannabis businesses partner with financial institutions that have a track record of supporting their industry He also recommends working with attorneys and certified public accountants with backgrounds in the marijuana sector
Borrowing capital is another challenge cannabis businesses face, particularly startups, says Mr Bour “There is lending available, but typically the lending available has some sort of collateral, like real estate, attached to it,” he says “And typically, banks like ours and others are looking for cashflowpositive companies So, companies that are fairly new are going to struggle to get any sort of bank debt They probably will have to go to an investor pool to capitalize their companies ”
For legal cannabis retailers and their customers, the ability to use credit cards would be a “ game changer,” he says “All of a sudden, their safety, security, and operating costs go down Hopefully that translates into lower product costs for the consumer and for patients with a cannabis card, that will benefit their lives dramatically ”
Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University
Visit https://bit ly/MMERIFebruary2025 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Joe Bour and Jannon Forsythe discussing “Cannabis and Banking ”
BIDS DUE: SealedbidswillbereceivedbyTheSchoo BoardofMiami-DadeCounty,Florida,fortheprojectlistedherein,until2:00PM localtime,ThursdayMay1st,2025,at1450N E SecondAvenue,LobbyintheN E Fifteenth(15th)Streetentrance, Miami, Florida, 33132 folowing 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 Buildng byanauthorizedrepresentativeoftheBoard Awardofthecontractwillbemadetothe owest pre-qualiedresponsibleandresponsivebidderfortheactua amountbidconsideringbasebidandacceptedalternates(ifany)aslistedinthebidding documents TheBoardwillawardthecontractbasedupontheresultsofthetabuationsascoveredbyappicablelawsandregulations Bidders desiring to participate in this solcitation must be pre-qualied by the Board prior to submitting ther bid in response to this solicitation. Contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Ofce of Education & Economic Opportunity at (305) 995-1307 or via email at for information regarding Contractors' Pre-qualication procedures trodgers@dadeschools net
QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, (A/E) Adrian Perez ) Laura M. Perez & Associates, Inc , 2401 NW 7th (adrian@lmptc com Street Miami, Florida. 33125 Questions will be accepted until 5:00 P M on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 Answers wll only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference
MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: (Palm Springs Middle School) Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at 10:00 A M local time, at Palm Springs Middle School, 1025 W 56th St. Hialeah, Fl. 33012 There will be a sgn-in period from 10:00 A M. to 10:15 A M Potential bdders arriving after the fteen (15) minute sign-in perod will not be allowed to participate in this soicitation. Proposals submitted by rms not represented at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not be considered
Scope Description: Renovation project. For specic scope related information, please refer to the contract documents
BOARD POLICIES:
Cone of Silence
A Cone of Silence, pursuant to shall commence with the issuance of this Legal Advertisement and shall terminate at the tme the item is presented by the Superintendent to the appropriate Board committee immedately Board Policy 6325, 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 solcitation and review process Any vioation of this rule shall be investigated by the Boards Inspector General and shall result n the disqualication 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 Ofce of Capital Improvement Projects va email at and a copy led with the Clerk of the School Board at who shall ocip@dadeschools net, celiarubio@dadeschools net, make copies available to the public upon request
Lobbyist
Lobbyist requirements, pursuant to 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 Board Policy 8150 for additional information
Vendor and Employment Preference
Local-Vendor Preference, pursuant to shall apply to this solicitation. Based on Board policy, Loca Business means a vendor or business that has a valid business tax receipt, issued by a jurisdicton located in Miami- Board Policy 6320 05, Dade County, that has either (1) its headquarters, manufacturing facilty, or locally-owned franchise located within the legal boundaries of Miam Dade County, for at least twelve (12) months, or (2) has an ofce wth 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 ofce boxes are not verable and shall not be used for the purpose of estabishing 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 Afdavit of Eligbility 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) shal 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 Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all Board Policy 4121 01 Employees (also refer to Board Policy 8475)
Ethics, Conict of Interest and Anti-Fraud
Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following ethics, conict 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 Contractor Discipline Procedures, debarred contractors are excluded from conducting business with the Board as agents, representatives, partners, and associates of other contractors, subcontractors or Board Policy 6320 04, individual sureties
Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion
Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following anti-discrimination polices: Commercial Anti-dscrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (proposers shall be required to certify compiance with Board Policy 6465);
- Board Policy 6465, Anti-discrimnation/Harassment Complaint Procedure; and - Board Policy 1362 02, 3362 02 4362 02, and - all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable
Protest Failure to le a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specied in (Purchase Approval and Competitive Bidding
Board Policy 6320 proceedings under FS Chapter 120
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The proposer acknowledges that all information contained in their Bid Response is part of public domain as dened by the State of Florida Sunshine Law Therefore, any information receved is subject to public inspection and copying in accordance with FS 119 No action on the part of the proposer would create an obligaton of condentiality on the part of the School Board including, but not limited to, making
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//sbmd/Board nsf/goto?open&id=BK6KUF4FFE14
The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Floridas House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012 465, 1012 32, 1012 467 & 1012 468 and Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all Board Policy 4121 01 Failure to le a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specied in Board Poicy 6320 or in accordance with §120 57(3). Fla. Stat. (2014) shall constitute a waver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes
Pre-qualied bidders may obtain the documents for construction or a full set of printed documents for construction at the bidders expense from the ofce of Go Green Document Solutions, Inc. on 3715 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 on and after, March 20th, 2025
OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC ACCESS (OEEA)
Small/Micro, Minority/Women-Owned, and Veteran Business Enterprise Programs, Board Policy 6320 02 Awarded rms will be required to comply with and submit a monthly report via the Online Diversity Compliance System for compliance with Small/Mcro, Minority/Women and/or Veteran sub-consultant goals, sub- Board Policy 6320 02 contractor goals, local workforce information, and/or any afrmative procurement initatives Awarded rms wil be required to submit monthly compliance reports online at:
As South Florida residents and others across the state struggle with soaring property tax bills, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a new initiative aimed at curbing the financial burden on homeowners
Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, DeSantis announced plans to pursue a constitutional amendment designed to provide stronger protections against the escalating taxes by 2026
“Of all the taxes that are impacting Floridians right now, property taxes are the most significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing that skyrocketing home values have driven up tax assessments, leaving many struggling to keep up
The Governor noted that while increasing property values have generated wealth for some, they have also pushed many homeowners particularly elderly residents on fixed incomes into financial distress He highlighted cases of homeowners who originally purchased properties for $250,000, only to see their values surge past $1 million, resulting in significantly higher tax burdens
Despite existing homestead exemptions, DeSantis argued that property tax bills remain too high, disproportionately affecting longterm residents To address this, he proposed a shift in tax relief focus from broad-based sales
tax reductions to targeted property tax cuts
The Florida House of Representatives has already suggested allocating $5 billion toward tax relief, including a potential three-quartercent reduction in the state sales tax However, DeSantis contends that prioritizing tax relief would provide more meaningful benefits to Florida residents rather than out-of-state visitors
“And if we do that, we would end up with about $1,000 in property tax cuts for every homesteaded Floridian,” DeSantis explained
The Governor also called for increased transparency in local government budgets,
noting that rising property tax revenues have led some counties to significantly expand spending He stressed that reducing property taxes should not come at the expense of essential services such as law enforcement and education
According to Waypointe Group with eXp Realty, Oviedo’s top-rated real estate team, these are the top five counties with the highest property taxes in Florida: St Lucie, Alachua, Broward, Duval, and Pinellas
DeSantis hopes to bring the proposed amendment to voters by 2026
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This tariff applies to several Caribbean nations, including St Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Grenada, St Kitts, Guyana, Haiti, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Cayman, Curacao, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Aruba, St Vincent, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, Anguilla, and Antigua
Each of these nations will now face the same 10% levy on goods entering the U S In other words, persons importing goods from those countries into the U S will pay the tariff
The White House justified the tariff as a reciprocal measure in response to a 10% duty that Jamaica and other Caribbean nations impose on U S imports
Economic impact on the Caribbean and diaspora Caribbean nations, many of which depend on the U S as their primary trade partner, could face economic strain due to the new tariffs Businesses that export products like rum, coffee, seafood, and manufactured goods to the U S. will have to factor in the additional cost to importers, potentially reducing their competitiveness
For the Caribbean and the diaspora, this means:
Higher cost for importers – Caribbean businesses in the diaspora importing products to the U S now face an extra 10% tariff, which can reduce their profit margins or force them to raise prices
Reduced Sales and Economic Slowdown – If sales drop due to the increased costs, Caribbean businesses may struggle, leading to job losses and slower economic growth
Higher Prices on Caribbean Goods in the U S – Caribbean products like coffee, rum, and seafood could become more expensive for U S consumers as importers and retailers pass on the additional cost
Fewer Caribbean Products Available – If Caribbean exporters reduce shipments due to the tariffs, some goods could become harder to find in U S supermarkets and specialty stores
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden against a backdrop of U S flags, Trump imposed even steeper tariffs on China (34%), the European Union (20%), Japan (24%), and other major trade partners He described the move as part of a broader effort to correct what he called unfair trade practices
“For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike,” Trump declared “This is Liberation Day ”
well-known for its role in preventing tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria
However, the decision to halt fluoridation stems from concerns about potential adverse effects, including:
Neurodevelopmental Effects: Some studies have suggested a possible link between high fluoride exposure and negative impacts on children’s neurodevelopment and cognition, although these studies are still being debated
Overexposure: With fluoride present in various dental products and some foods, there are concerns about individuals, especially children, exceeding recommended fluoride intake
Skeletal Fluorosis: In cases of very high fluoride exposure over long periods, skeletal fluorosis, a condition affecting bones and joints, can occur
The commission’s decision affects unincorporated Miami-Dade County and 14 municipalities that receive water from the county While some municipalities, such as West Miami, Miami Beach, and Hialeah, expressed support for the change, Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about the county’s contractual obligations to other municipalities “We have not given notice to these municipalities litigation is a possible outcome,” she warned
The future of water fluoridation in MiamiDade County remains uncertain, pending Mayor Levine Cava’s decision Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins suggested that the practice could resume if scientific data changes
Two distinguished members of Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, Judge Florence Taylor Barner (Haitian) and Magistrate Hilary Creary (Jamaican), have been sworn in as part of the first-ever Board of Directors for the newly formed Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association
The historic event took place on May 29th at the inaugural installation brunch held at the Marriott Dania Pointe, a soldout gathering that celebrated the achievements of Black women in law
The ceremony was officiated by Judge Fabienne E Fahnestock, a HaitianDominican member of the judiciary, who administered the oath to the newly appointed board members
During the event, a panel discussion featuring (retired) Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince and President-Elect of the Florida Bar Sia Baker Barnes captivated the audience The panel addressed the timely topic of “Honoring Our Past and Shaping the Future,” reflecting on the progress made and the challenges ahead for Black women in the legal profession
In March, Magistrate Hilary Creary made history as the second JamaicanAmerican to serve as a Magistrate in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, marking another significant achievement in her career This accomplishment adds to the growing recognition of her contributions to the legal field
The event was also a moment for recognition of the newly appointed board
members Their appointment to the board marks a significant step for the Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association, as it strives to empower and support Black women lawyers in Florida and beyond Judge Fahnestock, who was also a key figure in the event, shared her pride in the progress made for the association and expressed optimism for its future
The association, made by black female attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students in Broward County and named after trailblazer Bernice Gaines Dorn, aims to provide mentorship, advocacy, and resources to Black women lawyers across the state, as well as promote diversity and
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 350,000 Venezuelans, calling the move “baseless” and accusing it of “smacking of racism ”
On Monday, U S District Judge Edward Chen issued a ruling that halted a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which would have stripped legal protections that currently allow Venezuelans to live and work in the U S The decision came after a lawsuit filed by the National TPS Alliance, an organization that represents thousands of TPS holders Judge Chen criticized the administration’s rationale for ending TPS, particularly its claims that Venezuelan migrants were linked to the Tren de Aragua gang He stated that such generalizations about the Venezuelan TPS population were unfounded and rooted in harmful stereotypes “Generalization of criminality to the Venezuelan TPS population as a whole is baseless and smacks of racism predicated on generalized false stereotypes,” Chen wrote in his ruling
The judge also pointed out that TPS holders contribute significantly to the U S economy, noting that they “work, spend money, and pay taxes ” He further dismissed the administration’s claim that Venezuelan migrants impose financial burdens on local communities, calling it “entirely lacking in evidentiary support ” Chen’s ruling effectively preserves the protections extended under the Biden administration, which granted TPS to Venezuelans in response to the ongoing political instability and economic crisis in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro
The Trump administration now has one week to appeal the decision Meanwhile, a separate legal challenge is ongoing concern-
ing similar policies that affect 500,000 Haitians
In addition to this case, U S District Judge James Boasberg is reviewing whether the Trump administration violated a previous court order by invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans accused of gang affiliation
Early last month, on March 15, a federal judge blocked a deportation flight to El Salvador, ordering it to turn back before reaching its destination
Despite the legal setbacks, the administration deported 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador over the weekend under the Immigration and Nationality Act, bypassing the contested Alien Enemies Act
inclusion in the legal field
“The Association is committed to serving our membership, the greater legal community, and the public through educational programs, mentoring/ networking opportunities, and community outreach Our mission is to help Black women in the legal profession navigate the unique challenges they face in their practice of law, their lives, and their communities,” their website states
As the association continues to grow, the involvement of these Caribbean-born legal professionals marks a proud moment for the community, reinforcing the crucial role of diversity in shaping the future of Florida’s legal landscape
Notice Under Fictitious Name: Legal notice.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of (My Dream Home Realty Group, Inc ) 5205 Congress Ave #652, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 in the (County of, Palm Beach )
Intends to register the said name, My Dream Home Realty Group, Inc 5205 Congress Ave# 652 Boca Raton Florida 33487 w i t h t h e D i v i s i o n o f Corporations of the Florida D e p a r t m e n t o f S t a t e , Tallahassee, Florida The above notice is to be published one time in (Your Company’s Name)
Carla Spalding 3/28/2025
Jamaican-American rapper Sean Kingston broke down in tears in a Florida courtroom last Friday as he and his mother, Janice Turner, were found guilty of wire fraud charges
The duo was convicted on all five counts stemming from their May 2024 arrest, accused of defrauding businesses out of more than $1 million in money and luxury goods
Kingston, 35, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was visibly emotional as the jury read its verdict in the Fort Lauderdale federal court, WPLG reported He clasped his hands together and cried out, “Protect my mother,” as U S Marshals took Turner into custody Turner, 62, was described by the judge as the “fixer and nerve center” of the scheme, citing her past fraud convictions She previously served 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing $160,000 in a 2006 bank fraud case Given her criminal history and testimony during the trial, the judge deemed her a flight risk and ordered her held at Broward County Jail
Kingston, meanwhile, was placed under house arrest with bond conditions that include a $200,000 surety bond and a $500,000 property pledge from a relative Federal prosecutors alleged that Kingston and Turner defrauded banks, car dealerships, jewelry stores, and even a mattress company between October 2023 and March 2024 The scheme involved using fraudulent wire transfer documents to obtain high-end vehicles, jewelry, and other luxury items, totaling over $1 million in stolen assets
Among the defrauded businesses was Ver Ver Entertainment LLC, which filed a civil lawsuit against Kingston in February 2024 The company accused the rapper
of breaching a contract after he ordered a $111,000 Colossal TV and sound system but failed to make promised promotional videos featuring pop star Justin Bieber The commercials never materialized, and Bieber was never involved, the lawsuit claimed
In total, Kingston and Turner were accused of stealing:
• Nearly $500,000 in jewelry
• More than $200,000 from Bank of America
• $160,000 from an Escalade dealership
• Over $100,000 from First Republic Bank
• $86,000 from a custom bed manufacturer
Victims testified that the duo swindled them out of a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, luxury watches, and other high-ticket items
This is not the first time Kingston and his mother have faced fraud-related legal
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action They were successfully sued in New York federal court in 2015, resulting in a $356,000 payment to a watch dealer Three years later, they were ordered to pay $301,000 to a New York jeweler after allegedly scamming the store out of nine pieces of jewelry
The recent arrests followed a highprofile raid on Kingston’s South Florida mansion on May 23 Federal agents stormed the home while Kingston was in California performing for the U S Army MWR program. He was detained at Fort Irwin and later extradited to Florida to face charges
Both Kingston and Turner now face up to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence for federal wire fraud Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for July 11
Despite his conviction, Sean Kingston remained silent as he exited the courthouse, declining to answer questions from reporters
Dancehall icon Bounty Killer has publicly expressed his gratitude to Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, for her crucial role in helping him regain his U S visa after a 15-year travel restriction
In an Instagram post, Bounty Killer shared his appreciation, saying, “She definitely works tirelessly on my case ever since I lost my visa in 2010 Auntie Babsy is the only politician who put ten toes down for me in my situation Take it as this she is even the one who recommended me the lawyer Case closed Love, respect, and blessings to Jamaica’s most competent and prominent culture minister ever One one @hon oliviagrange”
Minister Grange, who has worked behind the scenes to support Jamaican artists facing travel restrictions, responded, “I’ve worked very hard behind the scenes to make it happen, and I just want to say to them, be professional and be a performer When you go on stage, perform and entertain your audience Just make sure you don’t do anything that will affect your visas in the future ” Bounty Killer’s visa reinstatement follows the earlier restoration of U S. travel privileges for other prominent Jamaican artists, including Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Vybz Kartel
The revocation of his visa in 2010 significantly impacted Bounty Killer’s international career, restricting his ability to perform in key markets like the U S However, with his U S visa now reinstated and his U K visa returned in 2023, Bounty Killer is primed for a major resurgence in his global presence Meanwhile, Beenie Man made a notable return to the U S earlier this month, performing at Jazz in the Gardens for the first time in over a decade Buju Banton has been touring the U S , while Vybz Kartel is gearing up for his first U S performance at the Barclays Center in April Additionally, both Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel confirmed that their U K visas have been restored, opening up new international booking opportunities
Under the luminous lights of Kingston’s National Stadium, the 2025 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (CHAMPS) reached a thrilling crescendo on Saturday night
With electrifying performances and unforgettable victories, Kingston College (KC) and Hydel High School emerged as the ultimate champions, etching their names in sporting history
For KC, this victory was particularly poetic a glorious conquest in the school’s centennial year The win marked their fourth consecutive title and an astonishing 36th championship overall. Meanwhile, Hydel delivered a stunning performance, toppling the formidable Edwin Allen High to claim their second title in three years, cementing their growing dominance in girls’ athletics
KC’s commanding display
KC dominated with unwavering consistency, amassing 293 points across 42 finals, pulling well clear of Calabar High’s 229 25 points Jamaica College (JC) secured third with 207 points, while St Jago High (135), Excelsior High (78), and Wolmer’s Boys (66 75) rounded out the top ranks
The North Street powerhouse closed their campaign with an emphatic victory in the 4x400m relay, their anchor leg executed flawlessly by Class 1 400m silver medalist Marcinho Rose, who carried the ‘Famed Purples’ to the finish in 3:07 46 minutes Calabar (3:08 60) and JC (3:08 61) fought valiantly but settled for silver and bronze
KC’s Amani Phillips left an indelible mark, smashing the Champs record in the Class 2 triple jump with a leap of 15 66m Excelsior’s Khi-Anthony Hall (14 31m) and KC’s Demario
Clarke (14 19m) followed behind
The sprint relays were equally exhilarating KC’s Class 1 4x100m relay team initially finished behind Calabar but was later awarded gold after their rivals were disqualified for an exchange zone violation Their winning time of 39 78 seconds saw Excelsior promoted to second (39 83s) and JC to third (40 00s) KC also clinched victory in the Class 2 4x100m relay in 40 62 seconds, holding off Calabar (40 90s) and JC (40 93s)
Despite picking up critical points in the sprint hurdles, KC’s sole triumph in this discipline came from Jonathan Clarke in the Class 2 110m hurdles, who clocked 13 63 seconds to outpace St Jago’s Marquies Page (13 71s) and JC’s Christian Wallace (13 84s)
Calabar’s standout moments
Though finishing second overall, Calabar’s resurgence in track and field was undeniable Their athletes delivered several breathtaking
Class 1 final, clearing 2 08m Santino Distin of Herbert Morrison (2 05m) and KC’s Tejahni Haynes (2 05m) completed the podium JC also triumphed in the sprint medley relay, winning in 3:29 92 minutes ahead of St George’s College (3:30 18) and KC (3:32 32)
Hydel’s dominance in the Girls’ Champs
The girls’ competition saw Hydel take no prisoners, securing a dramatic 277-point victory 11 points ahead of Edwin Allen (266), while Holmwood Technical claimed third with 230 5 points
The team’s charge was spearheaded by Jody-Ann Daley, who shattered the Class 1 100m hurdles record in 13 40 seconds, ahead of Holmwood’s Kiara Meikle (13 51s) and Edwin Allen’s Santae Wilson (13 74s) Daley later stunned the crowd again with an upset victory in the Class 1 200m final, clocking 23 53 seconds to defeat Lacovia’s Sabrina
performances, most notably Tarique Daley’s record-breaking javelin throw of 65.11m, surpassing Edwin Allen’s Addison James (65 08m) and Ojay Ellis (55 87m) Kamari Kennedy followed suit in the Class 2 discus, setting a new Champs record of 61 46m
In the sprint hurdles, Shaquane Gordon took gold in the Class 1 110m hurdles in 13 52 seconds, narrowly beating KC’s Daniel Clarke (13.54s) and JC’s Shakir Lewis (13.85s). Meanwhile, Calabar’s Ronaldinho Barnett claimed victory in the Class 3 100m hurdles, finishing in 12 92 seconds
JC had their moment of glory in the high jump, with Chavez Penn soaring to gold in the
Dockery (23 63s)
Hydel also showcased their strength in field events, with Zavien Bernard clearing 1 70m to claim gold in the Class 2 high jump Their relay squads were just as formidable, clinching the Class 1 4x100m relay title in 44 55 seconds, edging out Edwin Allen (44 62s) and Holmwood Technical (44 73s)
The newly crowned champions sealed their title in dominant fashion, winning the 4x400m relay in 3:33 88 minutes, well ahead of Edwin Allen (3:38 78) and Holmwood (3:38 85)
With the dream of securing a coveted spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the West Indies Women’s team embarks on a crucial journey
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced the squad set to compete in the high-stakes Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from April 9 to 19 in Lahore, Pakistan
The team was slated to depart Monday for a pre-tournament camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before heading to Pakistan, where they will battle for one of the final two spots in the prestigious tournament, slated for October-November in India
The West Indies Women will face a formidable line-up of opponents in a roundrobin format, squaring off against hosts Pakistan, along with Ireland, Bangladesh, Scotland, and Thailand Only the top two teams will advance to join powerhouses Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and hosts India in the main event
Four of the Qualifier teams Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan, and
Ireland fell short of automatic qualification through the 2023-25 ICC Women’s Championship, finishing seventh through 10th in the standings Scotland and Thailand, meanwhile, earned their place as the next two highest-ranked teams in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and the strength of their preparation:
“Our women have been training intensively and are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. We have seen many enterprising performances coming out of the home series against Bangladesh in January, as well as the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup in St Kitts ” Bascombe emphasized the importance of this tournament: “Now, the qualifiers represent a crucial opportunity for us to secure our place in the World Cup, and I believe, as we have seen in the last few months, we have the talent and determination to achieve this goal ”
