Caribbean National Weekly February 16, 2023

FAILED STATE HAITI HAS BECOME A

"Haiti I'm sorry" is a poignant song by David Rudder that speaks of the pain and suffering endured by the people of Haiti. The country has a long history of political instability, corruption, economic inequality, and criminality which have contributed to its current status. Despite being the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiti has struggled to establish a stable government and infrastructure, leading to widespread poverty, lack of access to basic services, and frequent natural disasters The lyrics of the song convey a sense of remorse and empathy for the people of Haiti who have been failed by their leaders and the international community, highlighting the urgent need for support and solidarity.

continues on A6 – Failed State

WHAT’S INSIDE

The estimates of expenditure for financial year 2023/2024 is one t 21 billion, six hundred and seventy-two million, six hundred and forty-fi thousand dollars ($1021, 672,645,000)

This is Jamaica's first trillion-dollar budget and is $23 billion or 2 3 percent more than the $998 billion budget for financial year 2022/2023

Clarke said the funds are allocated across the main expenditure categories and comprise non-debt recurrent expenditure of $665 7 billion, capital expenditure of $75 3 billion, and debt servicing of $28 billion

Jamaica's Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke tabled the island's first trillion-dollar budget during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday continues on B4 – Trillion Dollar Budget

Belize PM urge the US to lift sanctions on Cuba

Rihanna pregnant with second child

Oliver Mair to serve a Dean of South Flori Caribbean Consular Corps

Dr. Nigel Clarke

WI stumble in World Cup opene to extend losing streak

The best way to enjoy Valenne's celebraon is to spend me with family. Here is a wonderful example of this. From (L - R) Doris Cameron, her daughter and family Dawn Young, Savannah Young, Weston Young, and baby Nathan Young Photo Credit: Luke Ballenne

Leading by example, Pastors Clyde and Pat Bailey strike a straight out of Hollywood pose. Pastor Bailey is the Senior Pastor of The Faith Place Church Photo credit: Luke Ballenne

Here Chinedu Kemekwele (dad) and Sabrina Kemekwele (mom) enjoy their first Valennes Day with their daughter Sorinna Photo Credit Luke Ballenne

Norman

Mrs Carol Hemming show off just how to pose for the camera. This event was hosted by one of the most caring, family oriented congregaons, The Faith Place Church Photo Credit: Luke Ballenne

This backyard Super Bowl party spilled over indoors as friends, family and neighbors had eyes all fixed on the game Photo credit: Brian Barne

Not sure if any of these guys every played football but they all, including our Consul General (blue jacket) seemed hyped as took me out from their backyard Super Bowl to take this photo. Party hosted by Garry Spencer, second from top le. (black and white polo shirt ) Photo credit: Brian Barne

Okay saints, let's strike a pose. It's all about love. (L - R) Heather Chisholm, Donna Marrah and Tanya Nash Photo Credit: Luke Ballenne

Here is a wonderful picture of Drs. Jonathan and Judy Pride. The chemistry is self-evident

Photo Credit Luke Ballenne

Judge

Hemming and

Jamaica's Oliver Mair to serve as Dean of South Florida Caribbean Consular Corps

Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair will serve as the Dean of the Caribbean Consular Corps in South Florida. Making the announcement recently, Ambassador Gilbert Boustany, Consul General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dean of the Consular Corps of Miami, proudly recognized CG Mair as the first Dean of the Caribbean Consular in over seven years. He added that Mair's inspirational, engaging, and dynamic leadership has been well recognized across the diaspora community

Since his appointment at the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami in October 2018, Mr Mair has fully embraced the community engaging in a record-breaking number of events in an effort to strengthen the diaspora connection of Jamaicans across the 13 Southern States under his jurisdiction Along with Florida, these include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolinas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Along with his Caribbean counterparts, his emphasis on community engagement is evident in the various outreach activities in which the Caribbean Consular Corps were able to provide assistance in areas affected by natural disasters including hurricanes in Belize, The Bahamas, and the volcano in St

Vincent his has also been extended to Caribbean nationals affected in areas in the Southern US region The Consular Corps was also instrumental in leadership as they rose to providing assistance to their Caribbean nationals at home and locally, who were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic During the pandemic the Corps was able to acquire large shipments of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the region These included containers of masks/shields and sanitizers for personal and industrial use

Regarding the Jamaican diaspora, Consul General Mair continues to engage nationals in projects to benefit the Jamaican economy as well as the local communities in the Southern USA

These include outreach activities including the Jamaica Stock Market, tourism, agriculture, and real estate which aim to highlight investment opportunities in Jamaica and in the diaspora Through various fundraising initiatives, the Consulate continues to work closely with charitable organizations including alumni associations generating much need resources to Jamaica especially in the areas of health, education, and culture

The Jamaican Consulate General is one of several Florida based Consulates under which the fraternity of the Caribbean Consular Corps was established The Florida Consular Corps is the third largest diplomatic corps in the USA with over 80 countries

The South Florida based Caribbean group consists of several countries including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago

Stepping into his new role, Mr Mair says he looks forward to serving with his counterparts in areas of mutual interest to benefit the Caribbean region and the United States of America Some of these include disaster awareness and preparedness, improving trade and commerce, tourism, transportation, health, and education

“We look forward to producing great results for the individual countries working together in unity” he said He reiterated that with greater numbers and stronger unity, far more can be achieved

Mair

Oliver Mair, Jamaica s consul general in Miami, Florida, hosting Miss United Nations

Wor d Toni-Ann Lalor at the Consulate last year. (Photo: Instagram @mairoliver)

CARIBBEAN

Antigua Gov’t says no automatic citizenship for stranded Africans

The Antigua and Barbuda government says hundreds of African migrants who travelled to the island late last year from West Africa will not be afforded citizenship, but could be offered residency and work permits

“Antiguan passport? No I don't think that that is on the cards, but certainly the whole idea of residency and work permits, that is part of the legal framework that we are considering,”

Information Minister Melford Nicholas told reporters at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting

Earlier this week, the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) called for a Commission of Inquiry to determine if the authorities are engaged in human trafficking after supporters staged protest action against the government's decision to legalize the status of hundreds of African migrants

Opposition Leader, Jamale L Pringle, told reporters that “there is some semblance of human trafficking “after the Cabinet said it had discussed the treatment to be meted out to the visitors who arrived on charters from West

Despite starting work on the multimilliondollar gas-to-energy project at Wales, oil and gas giant ExxonMobil has still not yet settled on its Final Investment Decision (FID)

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair

Routledge told a news conference on Thursday the company has been pushing ahead with early works for roads, bridges and laydown areas on the West Bank Demerara to prepare for commencement in 2024

The proposed project will bring associated gas from ExxonMobil Guyana-operated projects offshore (Liza Phase 1 and 2) via pipeline to onshore gas processing facilities The pipeline would transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas to the facilities

Africa

“We are asking the government to come clean on this matter and how we can be comfortable knowing that this situation is a legitimate situation is by a public inquiry We are just making our voices be heard, we are just showing our presence here asking for the government to call an inquiry into this situation where we are now seeing over 700 persons on the ground and they are not in a comfortable position,” Pringle said, as he led the “peaceful protest” outside the office of the Prime Minister

Routledge said ExxonMobil is in the review process with the Ministry of Natural Resources on the Field Development Plan and the update to the license for the Liza field

“Once we have gone through that step, we'd be able to make all the Final commitments, Final Investment Decision around all the investments that are needed,” he said

He added that ExxonMobil last year submitted revisions to the Lisa Field Development Plan that are required in order to lay the pipeline, the risers and other equipment to connect the offshore facilities to onshore and to amend the Field Development Plan accordingly

Routledge also told the media the US$160

But Nicholas told reporters that “ one of the features we have asked the Immigration (Department) to be able to do is a skills audit to determine whether we have some additional attendant benefits to be derived from some of these persons who are here ”

million for the construction of a headquarters being built for ExxonMobil Guyana at Ogle will be recovered from the sale of oil, as provided for under the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)

Under that agreement, Guyana is entitled to two percent of all pre-cost revenues as a royalty and 50 percent of all profits However, the PSA also provides for as much as 75 percent of the revenues to go towards cost recovery

“This is a fit for purpose development,” Routledge said of the headquarters about which the Opposition had earlier this week raised questions

'The inside would be very functional with all the technology One floor of one of the buildings

The Government said last week 637 of the more than 900 people who touched down between November and January remained in Antigua Many of them are Cameroonians fleeing a bloody conflict in their country

But it is unclear how many of them are seeking asylum having arrived on Antigua Airways or other chartered airlines

Last week, the government said it had examined the circumstances under which the Antigua Airways flights were conceived and originated It said the passengers were to be well-off citizens of Nigeria and neighboring countries who wished to travel to the Caribbean as tourists

“The Cabinet was informed that the visitors remaining in Antigua can be located in several small hotels and guest houses across the island An offer to return them to their country is to be made, though many are likely to choose to stay, it was reported Some arrangement may likely be made to ensure that their status is legal,” the Cabinet statement added

will almost entirely be put aside to operate facilities including control rooms, monitoring facilities for the offshore operations connected by fiber optic So, it's very much an integral part of the offshore operation

“We need somewhere that people can work together collaboratively and efficiently, and so that's what the new office designers intended to do It's there solely in order to support the operation that we are running,” he added

Routledge added that the revenues from the sale of gas to the Guyana government are expected to cover the cost of the pipeline that Exxon's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is investing about US$1 billion in constructing

Burt Burt

Gaston Browne

Browne

Belize PM urges the US to lift sanctions on Cuba

Belize Prime Minister John Briceno

S u n d a y c a l l e d o n t h e B i d e n administration in the United States to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsored terrorists and condemned its unjustified designation of the Caribbean nation as a state sponsor of terrorism

He made the call at Sunday's special sitting of Parliament during which he received the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel who paid his first official visit to Belize

The Cuban leader´s official agenda included a special meeting of the National Assembly, talks with Prime Minister Briceño, as well as the signing of two agreements

This visit is the first by a Cuban president to Belize since the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 15, 1995

Belize´s prime minister heaped praise on the Cuban Henry Reeve

Medical Brigade that arrived in Belize in January 2022 as part of the bilateral cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic

He said the Cuban president's visit was yet another symbol of the deep bonds of friendship that exists between the two nations and people, based on mutual respect and principles of international law

He said Belize commends Cuba's

steadfast commitment to provide immediate relief in times of emergency and longer-term capacity building to developed and developing countries

“We note that these actions take place in the face of an unjust, illegal, financial, commercial and trade embargo imposed by the United States ”

“Belize also condemns the unjustified designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism to which there is no legal or moral justification for Cuba to remain ”

Prime Minister Briceño said despite these challenges, Cuba's support for countries to have a transformative impact on the growth and development of struggling developing countries of the world, including Belize “and for this we are grateful ”

The Cuban leader who departed the Belizean capital shortly after 4:00 p m Sunday said he was honored to be the first Cuban head of state to visit Belize

PAHO warns of potential measles outbreaks in the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert, urging countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean, to update their response plans to prevent the re-establishment of endemic transmission of the measles virus

This follows a reduction in childhood vaccination coverage, increasing the possibility for outbreaks of the disease

“Vaccination and epidemiological surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases are essential health services and

St. Vincent Radio personality Colin Graham collapses on live radio

In St Vincent, an opposition political activist and radio personality, Colin Graham, was rushed to hospital on Monday after he fell ill and collapsed while conducting his radio program Graham was hosting the opposition New Democratic Party's (NDP) “New Times” program, on NICE Radio, when he collapsed in the studio, Douglas De Freitas, the station's manager told listeners He said the program, which is broadcast on weekdays would be suspended until Tuesday

A worker at the station found Graham in the studio and her screams in reaction were broadcast live as she appealed for help for the broadcaster

“It is still very concerning to all of us who were listening to the program this morning, as I was, for his family and I believe for all the people in St Vincent and the Grenadines, who would be very concerned and worried this morning,” NDP President and Opposition Leader Godwin Friday said

“We got to the studio shortly after He was sitting up The party's general secretary has taken him to the hospital,” Friday said and asked listeners to keep Graham in their prayers

“We are still very concerned; very worried We are all very concerned for him It is good to know that he was speaking,” Friday said, adding “let's hope and pray that this is something that will be resolved soon and that Colin will be back as soon as possible”

should not be interrupted,” the alert stated

According to PAHO's Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on vaccines, the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the region is at its highest point in the last 30 years

PAHO estimates that in 2021 more than 1 7 million children in 28 countries and territories of the Americas did not receive an initial dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday

In 2021, PAHO said regional coverage

for the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) was 85 percent It said only six countries reached the recommended level of 95 percent or more needed to sustain elimination of these diseases, and ten countries reported coverage of less than 80 percent

Measles is a serious and highly contagious virus, for which safe and effective vaccines are available It said between 2000 and 2018, the measles vaccine prevented an estimated 23 2 million deaths worldwide

He said the most important thing now is for Graham to be checked out by medical staff at the hospital Graham has become the second “New Times” host to fall ill live on radio In 2012, then host of the program was incomprehensible for about 12 minutes live on air after suffering a stroke in the NICE Radio studio

He died two years later

In August 2020, communications professional and activist Samuel Jeremiah George better known as Jerry S George died during a live broadcast of his “Early in the Morning with Jerry S George” after telling his co-host, “I'll step out of the frame, eh Okay? You go ahead ”

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

Failed state

The leaders of fifteen Caribbean nations meet from February 15 to 17 at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference in The Bahamas. It is a heartening sign that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is attending the meeting

The conference comes at a very crucial time, as Haiti, a member of CARICOM since 2002, hovers on the brink of becoming a failed state with news of marauding gangs, warring, and crime getting worse daily

It's ironic that Trudeau, who in collaboration with the United States recently announced Canada would not send military forces to intervene in the worsening Haitian situation, cited “support for the Haitian people” as among his priorities for discussions at the meeting

Current Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry made an appeal to CARICOM in October 2022 for help in alleviating the deepening crisis in his country But rather than CARICOM leaders seizing the initiative to come up with a consensual plan to assist another member of the group, they replied in a letter to Henry According to the CARICOM secretariat the letter stated that while Caribbean leaders were sympathetic with the Haitian situation, no initiatives could be taken until the security situation is addressed Since then, the security situation, along with the political and socioeconomic situation in Haiti has worsened

Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com editor@cnweeklynews.com

Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

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Noticeably, and interestingly, amidst a flurry of statements from CARICOM condemning last year's assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, and the declining political, social, economic, health, and security systems in Haiti since, there has been no evidence of the regional group releasing plans to help its troubled Caribbean neighbor

There's an opinion among the Caribbean region that CARICOM is waiting to see how the US, Canada, and other members of the international community respond to calls for intervening to secure order in Haiti, before acting There is another, more negative, opinion that CARICOM lacks the required resources, military and nonmilitary, to make any meaningful intervention into Haiti Neither of these opinions are valid reasons for CARICOM not being more assertive and aggressive in making and implementing a definitive plan to offer support to the Haitian people in reversing the existing chaos and return the country to effective governance and stability

Last year, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, was criticized for splitting with some of his CARICOM partners in seeking the election of Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith to replace Patricia Scotland as the Commonwealth Secretary General But

recently, Holness made the bold move in announcing his willingness to send Jamaican police and soldiers as part of a multinational force to help return public order and security to Haiti But what about the other CARICOM members? What is their position?

CARICOM, which commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, is a respected international community. Over the years it has grown in influence, despite some obvious shortcomings The time is now for the organization to take a leadership role in mobilizing international support for Haiti. This is an opportunity for Jamaica's Holness to redeem himself from last year's controversy over the British Commonwealth secretary general election dilemma, and work with other CARICOM leaders, the Canadian prime minister, and others, in planning a pragmatic strategy to help Haiti Unfortunately, to date CARICOM has faltered in relating to the Haitian crisis This crisis existed long before the assassination of Moïse. There were increasing signs of political, national security, and socio-economic disability, as Moïse refused to step down or call a general election considered overdue Before and since Moïse's assassination, and the worsening national crisis, CARICOM has dithered with its response

In fact, there has been a loud sound of silence from CARICOM regarding Haiti. CARICOM was expected to react when the UN called on the international community to intervene militarily in Haiti, but there's no evidence of a reaction Holness' willingness to have Jamaica participate in an international coalition is, so far, the first signal of a CARICOM leader's willingness to act decisively

The crisis in Haiti is currently unique to that country. But a similar crisis could develop in another Caribbean nation anytime Several Caribbean countries are experiencing crime and security problems brought about by roving criminal gangs, and are also experiencing serious economic problems CARICOM showing ineffectiveness in taking decisive, realistic action to assist a member in crisis could damage the future role of the organization

Serious collaboration is needed over the next few days among CARICOM leaders to either take direct action among these leaders to assist Haiti; or to influence Canada's Trudeau, and others in the international community to join CARICOM in taking pragmatic action

The stage has been set for CARICOM to take a definitive leadership role in the grave crisis threatening the people of Haiti

Haitian Gangs Abduct Worshippers from Church

Gunmen in Haiti on Sunday seized three worshippers as they left a church whose pastor, Deacon Sylner Lafaille, was shot and killed in September 2021, during a kidnapping attempt

The authorities said the three parishioners were preparing to return home after the 6:30 a m service at the First Baptist Church of Port-au-Prince located near the National Palace, the official residence of the head of state, when they were kidnapped by heavily armed individuals

The latest kidnapping caused panic among the churchgoers, some of whom recalled that on September 26, 2001, Deacon Sylner Lafaille, who was accompanied by his wife, Marie Marthe Laurent Lafaille, was shot and killed as they were preparing to enter the church

The wife was later released after a ransom had been paid

Criminal gangs have been engaged in kidnappings for ransom with the clergy and places of worship are increasingly being targeted

T h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s H i g h Commissioner for Human Rights has described the situation as “ a living nightmare”

The latest kidnappings follow the abduction of Father Antoine Macaire Christian Noah, five days ago as he made his way to his missionary community, north of the capital. He had been working as a parish priest in the mountainous village of Casale, for a year before he was snatched

The Claretian Missionaries, the religious congregation to which he

belongs, said it had been contacted by the gang with a ransom demand

Last year, Haiti reported more than 1,200 kidnappings and last weekend, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Volker Türk, who was on a two-day official visit to Haiti lamented the fact that the situation in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is not receiving the urgent spotlight it deserves

The OHCHR official described Portau-Prince as “ a capital city where, in

UN human rights commissioner holds talks with Haitian Prime Minister

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Volker Türk, 'left Haiti on Friday following an official visit during which he held talks with Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry as well as senior government ministers

Turk's visit was at the invitation of the Haitian government that is under severe pressure from opposition parties to demit office and hold fresh elections following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021

In addition, criminal gangs have been carrying out kidnappings and other violent acts in defiance of the police and the army

many areas, predatory armed gangs control access to water, food, healthcare and fuel, where kidnappings are rampant, children are prevented from going to school, recruited to perpetrate violence, and subjected to it

The Haitian situation is expected to be a major item when CARICOM leaders gather in The Bahamas on Wednesday for their three-day summit

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will be a special guest at the summit said he will “drive progress on shared priorities, including continued support for the Haitian people ”

“We informed the high commissioner of the Government's initiatives in the area of human rights, including national dialogue, the creation of an enabling environment for the organization of elections, the strengthening of the judicial system, the reduction of preventive detention,” Prime Minister Henry said Henry, who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Victor Généus and the acting Justice Minister, Emmelie Prophète Milcé, during the meeting with Türk, said Haiti has taken good note of the recommendations within the framework of the Universal Policy Evaluation

“We will begin, as soon as possible, to implement them In about two years, we will be able to submit a progress report to the high commissioner ”

Henry, in a statement posted on social media, said it was also an opportunity to highlight the “ many implications of the country's multidimensional crisis, in particular the right to life, to health, to respect for private life, to the free movement of persons and property, and property rights”

But the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) and the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) urged Türk to support the rule of law in Haiti recognizing the unconstitutional nature of the initiative to amend the Constitution of Haiti by referendum

They said the referendum provided for in the December 21 agreement of the “de facto Government of Haiti”, which has been condemned by a large part of Haitian civil society

Scan the Code to read more.

First Baptist Church of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Jamaica launches standard for telemedicine

Health Minister warns of Jamaica's health crisis

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) has launched its 'Out of Our Schools' mass media campaign amidst a warning from Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton that Jamaica is in a crisis, with some citizens now being forced to adjust their lifestyles due to health challenges

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has launched the JS 359:2022 Jamaican Standard Specification for Telemedicine, which provides the framework through which telemedicine may be safely practiced while upholding the integrity of the medical profession

The standard enables registered medical and other health and allied practitioners to use telemedicine tools in their daily practice, taking into consideration the importance of protecting patient information

Defined as the delivery of health and medical care services by a designated provider from a distance, telemedicine utilizes information and communications technology (ICT) tools for diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, research and evaluation, and health education or counselling

These services may be provided via video, phone and Internet-based platforms such as web chat, digital applications, and web portals in Jamaica

Telemedicine appointments have become more popular over the last several years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving rise to the need for standardized practices to regulate the sector

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr Norman Dunn, in his address at the recent virtual launch of JS 359:2022, commended the BSJ and its partners for being responsive to the demands of a changing world through the development, review, and adoption of standards for this aspect of medical care

“I commend the team for its efforts and encourage you to remain alert to trends across the world that will help to advance Jamaica's preparedness to be a major global participant,” he said

BSJ Executive Director, Dr Velton Gooden, said the launch of JS 359:2022 forms

part of the wider mandate of the agency to standardize the processes and practices in the healthcare system

He noted that the standard arose from the need to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of healthcare being delivered remotely

“Standards development forms part of the BSJ's core functions and the national quality infrastructure of Jamaica for which the BSJ is a key pillar There is a standard for everything, and needless to say, there is definitely a standard for telemedicine,” he said

The standard covers provider-patient relationship; issues of liability and negligence; evaluation, management, and treatment; informed consent, continuity of care; referral for emergency services; medical records; privacy and security of patient records and exchange of information; prescription and reimbursement; and health education and counselling

“If you examine the health profile of our population, we are in a crisis which, if we were to be blunt, there is actually a lost generation around that crisis, a cohort of citizens who unfortunately will have to spend the rest of their lives trying to make themselves as comfortable as they can, but will never be the same in terms of being healthy, in terms of productivity, in terms of time they can spend with their family and friends,” Tufton told the launch of the campaign, which is in support of the first phase of the School Nutrition Policy

The policy is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth

HFJ said the campaign will target stakeholders including students, parents, school administrators, vendors, and manufacturers on the importance of embracing healthier food options for children

According to the Foundation, 23 3 percent of Jamaican students aged 13 to 17 years are overweight, while 80 percent of all deaths in Jamaica are caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

Tufton said the campaign is not focused on restriction, but on proper nutrition, adding that this is necessary, as the majority of older patients receiving hospital care are suffering from NCDs, which may be linked to their lifestyles in childhood

“Our children still have hope of a better, fulsome, and productive life We almost, as adults, have a duty, a burden, a responsibility to give them the best possible chance to fulfil that lifelong experience,” he said, noting that the policy is “ one of the most fundamental pieces of legislation around health and wellness, and if we get it right, we ' re going to start a trend for the better”

Persons accessing virtual healthcare in Jamaica can now have greater confidence that the services being delivered are of a high standard.

Dunn

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Trinidad's Agriculture Ministry moves to combat illegal trade of wildlife

Sixty-eight honorary game wardens were handed letters of appointment on Saturday as Trinidad's Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (M.A.L.F) takes steps to combat the illegal wildlife trade in the twin island republic.

Last month, 396 honorary game wardens were officially appointed via Gazette as outlined in the Conservation of Wildlife Act, the training and delivery of appointment letters will continue during this month

Honorary game wardens are volunteers who are conferred with the same powers as game wardens; empowered under the Conservation of Wildlife Act and related legislation

While speaking at the appointment ceremony at Caroni Bird Sanctuary Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein, commended the

volunteers hailing their decision to serve as a patriotic act saying, “service to man is service to God ”

He reminded the volunteers that the preservation of the ecosystem is paramount for future generations

“Your role as guardians of our nation's conservation efforts is crucial to the agriculture sector and the modern hunting culture

as it provides an added level of enforcement against poachers and persons who commit wildlife offences and infractions ”

Last week, the minster reminded the nation that the illegal trade of wildlife will not be tolerated following the seizure of exotic animals by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Force

He reiterated to the audience that the animals may bring diseases and viral infections into the shores, which could have disastrous effects on the environment and also the prices at the market

“The importation of illegal animals into this country is linked to a larger criminal enterprise These boats are not transporting animals alone but other illegal items which fuel and fund the criminal enterprise of this country Your service is vital in combating these crimes ”

He said there are currently 46 game wardens employed with the ministry and the most recent appointments would strengthen the unit's capabilities The last batch of honorary game wardens was appointed in 2016

Trinidad Judiciary denies being unprepared to deal with emergencies following death of lawyer

The Trinidad Judiciary has dismissed suggestions including those made by the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) that there were no emergency medical response procedures in place when attorney Neil Byam collapsed and died in the courtroom last Friday

“It is indeed unfortunate that in their shock and grief, people say things without having information and thus cast aspersions on the judiciary's medical response team and on its first responders who have handled many incidents in our 25 court buildings which, fortunately, due to their intervention did not end in the death of the person who was impacted,” the judiciary said in a statement

It said the judiciary realizes that emergen-

cies, medical or otherwise, by their very nature, do not call for a 'cookie cutter' reaction but must be dealt with in keeping with well-developed SOPs On this occasion, these processes were engaged ”

Byam, 61, a retired deputy solicitor general, was addressing the panel of judges in the Appeal Court, when he collapsed He had to be assisted by senior counsel Douglas Mendes who helped lowered him to the floor where attempts were made unsuccessfully to resuscitate him

Justice Prakash Moosai, who was one of the three judges on the panel, said a review or overhaul of the judiciary's emergency response protocols was needed

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday,

Opposition legislator, Dr Roodal Moonilal said the reports received by the party about the incident, left him saddened

“It was not on time, not urgent, not done in haste to come to the aid of Mr Byam when he collapsed,” Moonilal said, adding “ our information is that the emergency response was far from adequate and that there was no emergency kit or any kind of relevant emergency or medical equipment that could be found at the Hall of Justice to come to the aid of this man ”

Media reports said emergency responders arrived 20 minutes after Byam had collapsed

But in its statement, the judiciary said it is able to deal with medical emergencies at any of

its court buildings, taking issue with the suggestions that there were no emergency medical response procedures in place when Byam collapsed and later died in the courtroom

It said “nothing could be further from the truth” to suggest there were no emergency medical response procedures in place and that all judges and staff have the number for its medical response team (MRT), including its security officers assigned throughout the buildings

The statement said Justice Gillian Lucky, who was also presiding over the appeal called the MRT number and got an immediate response

A great health concern for the Black Community

By Micaiah Morgan CNW Contributor

As the celebration of Black History Month continues, aside from acknowledging the accomplishments and achievements of blacks in the community, it is also imperative to shed some light on health issues that affect the community. Various health conditions affect people of all races and ethnicities worldwide. However, some, such as non-communicable diseases are more prevalent among certain racial groups

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also called chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors

WHO highlights that the main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes, stating that they disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries

According to an article by Families USA, the lethal quartet including cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease is especially harmful in some communities of color, noting that Blacks and Latinos are at a higher risk, and suffering negative outcomes

While this is evident in the United States, Caribbean countries such as Jamaica also face these life-threatening health issues

Jamaican General Practitioner, Dr Tameka

Irons notes that cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and high cholesterol, are among the significant public health concerns

While she acknowledges that anyone can be affected, she believes Black people are among the most vulnerable, adding that these are conditions she treats daily in Jamaica

“You would be surprised to know the significant burden that we actually do have in the Caribbean, even here in Jamaica,” Irons said

“The issue with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol is that they can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems,” she added

Irons further pointed out that while the elderly are more likely to be affected, young people have also shown indications that may lead to chronic diseases

“There is a reason why everybody's blood pressure is tested regardless of their age We have young patients, like the age of 20 and below who present with elevated blood pressure. It is by far more common in persons who are older, above the age of 30 and onwards, but it does occur in patients below

this age,” she said

O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , J a m a i c a n

Interventional Cardiologist Dr Racquel Gordon- Adlam, noted that older people, women over 60, and men over 50 usually present with signs of heart disease

She noted that while Indian and Asian populations have a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, Blacks remain one of the populations also likely to suffer from its detrimental effects

According to an article by the UT Southwestern Medical Center, some studies suggest that African Americans are particularly sensitive to salt, which can lead to high blood pressure, one of the causes of heart disease

While chronic diseases can be developed based on one's lifestyle, Dr Gordon-Adlam said genetics can increase a person's risk

“There is a genetic risk factor for developing not just hypertension, but diabetes and high cholesterol You have people who are geneti-

cally predisposed to having high cholesterol,” she said

The article also highlighted that developing chronic diseases is often influenced by socioeconomic status, education, environment, stress levels, culture, and history It further cited research that revealed that many people in the African American community, mainly older individuals, believe heavier weight is a healthier weight The beliefs which stem from the cultural and historical background of many Blacks have contributed to certain practices, increasing the development of chronic diseases

While NCDs are preventable and treatable, an article by Families USA highlighted that members of Black and Latino communities in the U S are mostly affected because they are likely to be uninsured and unable to afford the medical care they need

Dr Gordon-Adlam also agrees social and economic factors greatly contribute to the number of cases affecting Black communities

“Some people tend to be in underserved areas where access to care is a problem

Sometimes the fact that they can't afford the medications they're given or sometimes getting the right medication is a challenge,” she said

“Not a lot of them are employed and the access to care can depend on if they are employed and are able to get the medication,” she added

While lack of access to healthcare contributes to unmanaged chronic illnesses, Dr. Irons and Dr Gordon-Adlam strongly recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce one's risk

In addition to quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, they advise that people, specifically those of the Black community make dietary modifications by eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less salt, sugar, and fatty foods, and incorporating daily exercise

ZANMI: Impacting lives through Caribbean Culture

ByMicaiahMorganCNWContributor

When Wesly Jean Simon migrated from Haiti to the United States, he quickly created a home to live his dream amid Haiti’s political instability, natural calamities, and lack of economic opportunities Fueled by passion and love for his native country, he wanted to assist other Haitians and Caribbean immigrants who like himself, needed a haven to pursue their aspirations

In his quest for the greatest avenue to help others, he founded a Haitian restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, and created opportunities for the Caribbean and black communities while using his culinary skills to provide a one-of-akind dining experience

Zanmi, the name of his restaurant, translates to “friends” in Haitian creole and represents its amicable atmosphere for those who want to enjoy authentic Haitian cuisine, melodious music, and distinctive art

“If you look at what’s happening in Haiti

right now, we have no culture and home, with all the turmoil going on down there, so we decided to create a home for all the Haitians that are traveling all over the world,” Wesly explained

With 15 years of expertise in the food industry working at restaurants such as Burger King, TGIF, and Olive Gardens, Wesly is living his dream of helping Caribbean immigrants and building Black communities in one of the toughest cities in which to make it

From hosting community-building events to showcasing artists who contribute to the creative sectors in New York City, Wesly’s restaurant has been a platform for emerging voices – even for those vying for elected offices that will impact the community

He also shared that he has collaborated with the fire and police departments to create safer zones for the neighborhood as he believes it is important for the Blacks and Caribbean people to make a significant difference

While he is praised for his efforts and the success of his business, he shared that he does

not celebrate his current accomplishments, but instead remains focused on his goal-impacting lives

“I don’t pat myself on the back because as soon as you pat yourself on the back you lose the bigger picture I want to keep driving and inspire more people around me to do the same,” Wesly said humbly

Zanmi, which has also inspired other Caribbean businesses in Brooklyn, has resulted in more restaurants offering fine dining With these new developments, Wesly intends to offer consultations to new restaurant owners while assisting in writing menus and establishing their businesses with unique concepts

He also expressed the need for more Blackowned businesses so that Black communities can achieve better financial stability and establish their brand names

To accomplish this, Wesly encourages Caribbean immigrants and those of the Black community to work hard to fulfill their dreams and take advantage of opportunities that will allow them to leave their mark

Formula One Champion, Lewis Hamilton, takes pride in his Grenadian roots

When most people think of Formula One, they think of Lewis Hamilton He is considered by many to be one of, if not the best drivers the open-wheel single-seater formula racing division has ever seen He is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most Formula One Championships, with seven, and holds numerous other records, including the most career pole positions and the most career points

Off the grid, Hamilton is a champion for multiple causes including fighting climate change His charity, Mission 44, aims to empower young people from marginalized groups, leveling the playing field against the

same institutional inequality that he and his father fought against to establish his career

In 2021, Hamilton was knighted in celebration of his achievements Despite all these accolades, he has never strayed from his roots His father, Anthony Hamilton, was born in Grenada and the pair still have family who reside in the Caribbean country In 2016, he visited the country to reconnect with this side of his culture “The Caribbean feels just as much like home as the UK does,” he explained in a caption posted to his Facebook “A big part of my heritage and family is here ”

Despite his accolades, Hamilton remains a polarizing figure within the sport, simply due to

Hamilton

his race Formula One is not only a predominantly white sport, but Hamilton is also to date, the first and only Black driver to compete in the division let alone win multiple championships

Fans of other drivers, professionals within the sports, and even many of his countrymen, have lobbed racist remarks his way under the guise of criticism

It's no surprise that Hamilton has found his stays in Grenada to be therapeutic

“I would say where I always felt more comfortable was when I went back to Grenada I was never told to go home to my country, and I never experienced racism there or discrimination ”

Wesley Jean Simon

Four arrested in large-scale retail theft

A team effort between South Florida law enforcement agencies, including the Broward Sheriff's Office and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of an organized retail theft group

According to BSO and PBSO, on Monday February 6, members of the group committed a grand theft at a Walgreens store in Palm Beach County PBSO deputies attempted to stop the subjects; however, they intentionally crashed into a PBSO vehicle The deputy did not suffer any injuries

As the group headed toward Broward County, PBSO alerted BSO's B A T (Burglary Apprehension Team) With assistance from BSO Aviation, detectives with B A T began surveilling the vehicle

Once the vehicle parked in an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Pacific Point Place in Lauderdale Lakes, BSO detectives made contact with the subjects One subject was immediately arrested, another fled and was quickly captured, and two others fled into a nearby apartment After a brief standoff, the subjects surrendered and were arrested

Trillion Dollar Budget

BSO then assisted PBSO with a search warrant of the apartment Inside, more than $200-thousand worth of over-the-counter medications and other products were found in the apartment All four subjects were transported to Palm Beach County where they were booked into the Palm Beach County Jail

Multiple law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the group Homeland Security Investigations Miami Office and El Dorado Task Force - South are also investigating

Miramar Selecta Showdown, DJ Clash

Pre-Show event for the Afro Carib Festival

The City of Miramar is set to have a Selecta Showdown with a three DJ clash between DJ Lady Terra, DJ Ever Neva, and DJ Fergie at the Shirley Branca Park –Bandshell located at 6900 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023 on Friday, February 24, 2023, from 7:00 to 11:00 p m

“We are looking forward to having an exciting time with this and other events at our Black History Meets Reggae celebrations,” said Commissioner Alexandra P Davis “These DJ’s have been part of South Florida playing various musical genres for years. The DJ Showdown is a great warm up to our AfroCarib Festival happening the next day, Saturday, February 25 at the Miramar Amphitheater,” continued Commissioner Davis

The Selecta Showdown is free to attend and will have food, drink and novelty vendors

The public is invited to come out and cheer on their favorite DJ at the park The winner will receive a prize of $1,000, with celebrity judges on hand to help in making that decision!

Reggae Month is as much a big part of February as is Black History month The celebration of reggae brings recognition to the

legendary reggae greats who have shaped our musical culture Reggae month was first introduced in 2008 by Jamaica, home of iconic reggae artistes Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bob Andy, Bunny Wailer and Shaggy naming a few, to bring awareness to the music and the artistes behind the sounds of reggae Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U S history Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest day

Clarke informed that the largest single item of expenditure is $338 billion for wages and salaries, which includes provisions for the second year of implementation of the public-sector compensation restructuring

He pointed out that the level of expenditure is approximately $100 billion higher than the wages and salaries for fiscal year 2021/2022, after adjusting for allowances previously captured in programs

“It should be abundantly evident that based on what I've just described that there is no room, in the upcoming fiscal year, which is 2023/24, for salary payments related to 2022/23 to be made,” Dr Clarke said

“The amount, $338 billion, only contains 2023/24 salaries so we are, therefore, working feverishly, making ourselves available to complete negotiations on the public-sector restructuring in the remaining weeks of this fiscal year to facilitate fiscal year 2022/23 salaries in fiscal year 2022/23,” he told the House

The minister noted that any of the amounts not paid by March 31, will have to be paid over a number of years, beginning in the fiscal year that follows the upcoming one

“Even if the first time is a 'no' we are not deterred; that does not mean that we cannot get to a yes There are only a few weeks left and we are available morning, noon and night, weekdays and weekends Let's talk Let's get it done,” Dr Clarke urged

“I want to make it clear, though, that this also has an impact on those in the political directorate, councilors, parliamentarians, ministers, et cetera The people have to come before us We will not be in a position to make compensation adjustments until we adjust for the major groups This may not be convenient, but it's simply a matter of principle,” he added

Several public sector unions including teachers are yet to sign on to the new compensation package

Included in the non-debt recurrent expenditure are allocations to implement the second year of the three-year public-sector compensation restructure and allocations to operationalize the Independent Fiscal Commission, which has been captured as Head 10,000 in the expenditure estimates

“The allocation for capital expenditure takes into account the existing capacity to implement capital programs and focuses on the priority areas to enhance development Debt service at 9 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which reflects amortization [that is] principal repayments and interest payments, reflects action taken over prior years to reduce the debt burden,” Dr Clarke said

“With interest payments this year of $155 billion being fully financed by revenue, the overall public debt is estimated to end the current fiscal year on March 31, 2023 at 79 7 percent of GDP This is expected to decline further to 74 2 percent of GDP by fiscal year 2023/24,” he added

The minister noted that this is a projection, but should it be achieved “it would mark the first time since the nationalization of the financial sector crisis through the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (FINSAC) in the latter half of the 1990s, that debt has entered the domain of pre-FINSAC levels”

In addition, Central Government revenue and grant inflows are estimated at $897 6 billion, which, alongside the above-the-line expenditure of $887 7 billion, will generate the required fiscal balance surplus of $9 9 billion or 0 3 percent of GDP, consistent with fiscal rules

Dr Clarke said the corresponding primary balance required for debt service and to generate the targeted fiscal balance is approximately $165 billion or 5 6 per cent of GDP

“It should be noted that the revenue estimates tabled today reflect the original budget tabled in March of 2022, although we have indicated revisions to fiscal year 2022/23 revenue estimates at each tabling of the three supplementary expenditure estimates,” he noted

DJ Fergie

MIRAMAR

South Florida gears up for AfroCarib Festival

Next Saturday, February 25th the third annual Afro-Carib Festival returns to the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater The ultimate Black History Month celebration, the Afro-Carib Festival is a salute to cultures found across the African diaspora

Headlining the show will be Jamaican Reggae superstar Koffee The 22-year-old phenom is fresh off another Grammy nomination after winning her first at just 18 years old She will be joined by Nigerian Afropop sensation Tekno, Haitian hitmaker J Perry, and the wily veteran Cuban performer Jacob Forever

The festival rounds out multiple days of activities, which include honouring Reggae legends of old, activists fighting the good fight, and of course, a pre-party sound clash on Friday, February 24 The lineup of celebrations promises to satiate patrons' cravings for ancestral cuisines from the many vendors offering both Caribbean and African food choices Artists will also be selling a variety of culturally relevant pieces Every event leading up to the show is free, while tickets to the concert on Saturday are affordably priced at only $25

According to Alexandra P Davis, the Commissioner for the City of Miramar, ”Part of who we are as a people, descendants from African and Caribbean roots, are reflected in the music, instruments and dance which make up our rich culture and heritage When you listen to the lyrics of these artistes and feel the rhythm of the Afro-Reggae - inspired beat, it resonates deep within the soul This is what we want to bring to this celebration of our multi-diverse community in Miramar ”

The Afro-Carib Festival will be held from 5-11pm on Saturday, February 25 Visit www MiramarFL gov for more information

Michael Bolton set to Perform in Jamaica

The Couples San Souci Resort in Jamaica will come alive when the legendary Grammy award winner Michael Bolton will perform at the For the Children Charity Concert on May 27

The resort located on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters in Ocho Rios on the north coast, is ready to host the legend on such a special occasion

The concert, hosted by the Issa Trust Foundation is geared toward the construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre The health centre will provide free primary health care for children and adolescents

The facility will be built at Richmond Estate in Priory St Ann

The day of Michael's performance is just a few months away, but the excitement in Jamaica is palpable as many persons from all over the country are eagerly looking forward to seeing the Grammy-winning singer perform live

Bolton has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards He is known for his signature blend of R&B, soul, and pop music, which has earned him a large and dedicated fan base

In addition to his music career, Bolton is also an actor and has appeared in several films and television shows He is a philanthropist and is involved in various charitable organizations, including Michael Bolton Charities, which helps to improve the

Rihanna Pregnant with Second Child

Barbados National Hero and pop singer Rihanna is expecting her second child with rapper A$AP Rocky.

The Grammy winner, who performed some of her greatest hits at the Super Bowl halftime show, was seen wearing a red ensemble - and her accompanying baby bump

It was an Internet breaking moment for the Fenty Beauty owner that had fans gushing in the Caribbean and around the world

As the 34-year-old rubbed her stomach during the performance of her song "B**** Better Have My Money," the Internet responded, with both her name and the word "Pregnant" trending on Twitter within minutes

The Super Bowl typically draws one of the biggest single TV audiences of the year with an estimated 208 million viewers

lives of women and children in need

Throughout his career, Bolton has remained a popular and influential figure in the music industry, and continues to tour and perform around the world

There is no doubt that Jamaicans love Michael Bolton, and this will be a concert that's one for the books The Issa Trust Foundation has an amazing team of people who are doing this from their hearts including Diane Pollard, Paul Issa, Sean Edwards, Alex Ghisays, Jan Polack, and others who will make the night a memorable experience

Rihanna welcomed her first child with her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, in May and gave fans their first glimpse of their son on TikTok in December He was seen excitedly supporting her on the sidelines during the halftime show, filming her performance and dancing along Rihanna is one of the most outstanding artistes from the Caribbean She is ranked as one of the bestselling female artistes ever She is known for her distinctive and versatile voice and her fashionable appearances

The music and beauty icon recently released a soundtrack for the highly anticipated Marvel sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever The song, Lift Me Up is a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, the star of the first Black Panther film who died from cancer in 2020 at the age of 43

Koffee

Rihanna

WI stumble in World Cup opener to extend losing streak

West Indies' hopes of landing an upset in their opening game of the ICC Women's Twenty20 World Cup were dashed when powerhouses England brushed them aside by seven wickets at Boland Park in South Africa Saturday.

While their much-maligned batting group managed to cobble together a decent 135 for seven from their 20 overs thanks to a top score of 42 from captain Hayley Matthews, the target proved insufficient for England who coasted over the line with 33 balls to spare

Nat Sciver-Brunt led the chase with an unbeaten 40 from 30 deliveries in tandem with captain Heather Knight who stroked 32 not out off 22 balls, while Sophia Dunkley struck an 18ball 34 at the top of the order

The defeat for West Indies was the sixth straight to England and 14th on the trot overall, and they will now face 2020 T20 World Cup losing finalists, India, in their crucial second match on Wednesday

WOMEN’S SOCCER

“Out there batting in the middle, we spoke about [probably] getting 145, 150 I think we had a decent start; we probably weren't able to capitalise at the end,” said Matthews “It's the World Cup Every match is very important but obviously this next one is very crucial after today “We definitely need to get some points on the board We'll go [away], reassess, take the really big positives out of today, look at what we

can do a lot better and hopefully take it into that game ”

West Indies welcomed back former captain and leading batsman Stafanie Taylor for her first game in five months after recovering from injury and though she managed only three, helped add 47 off 38 deliveries for the first wicket with her successor Matthews

However, Taylor soaked up 15 balls,

resulting in her missing a frustrating crossbatted heave, and falling lbw to 23-year-old legspinner Sarah Glenn

Matthews, who struck eight fours in her 32ball knock, put on a further 22 for the second wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (34) before she was hit in front by another 23-year-old, leftarm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, in the 11th over

Campbelle kept up the tempo, lashing four fours off 37 balls in a 41-ball fourth wicket stand with Chinelle Henry (14) before the innings fell away swiftly, West Indies losing both batsmen in the 17th over as four wickets tumbled for 18 runs in 17 deliveries

In reply, England too enjoyed a flying start, Dunkley punching four fours and a six in a 37run opening stand with Danni Wyatt (11) before perishing at the start of the sixth over, brilliantly taken by new ball seamer Chinelle Henry (2-30) on her follow through

Nat Sciver-Brunt then took control of the chase, first in a 21-run, third wicket partnership with Alice Capsey (13) and then in a 67-run, unbroken fourth wicket stand with Knight Sciver-Brunt counted half-dozen fours and a six while Knight struck four fours and a six, both dominating the West Indies attack once Henry was withdrawn after three overs

Reggae Girl Hayles fires Bristol City to victory over title rivals

Reggae Girl Shania Hayles took her goal tally for the season to eight as Bristol City defeated English FA Women's Championship leaders London City Lionesses 3-1, but head coach Lauren Smith says they have no room for complacency

London City still top the table with Bristol second, but Smith's team trail only on goal difference and have a game in hand over their promotion rivals

Bristol, who are unbeaten in their past four matches, next face Lewes on Sunday

“There's definitely no complacency, feet are firmly on the ground,” Smith said after Wednesday's victory “We can't have a good performance and a good win, then drop that

down again “This has to be a bit of a restart and a bit of kick to make sure that we push through now, and really focus on how we do

that in the next few games “This win really keeps us in a good position, [but] it could all change by the end of the week if we don't put the work in ” Bristol City have only lost once this season in the league, but Smith said Wednesday's match at the club's High Performance Centre was a “must win” for the side, which missed out on an automatic return to the Women's Super League last year after finishing behind champions Liverpool Only one team earns promotion from the women's second tier each season The 23-year-old Hayles, Bristol City's top scorer, broke the deadlock against London City on 38 minutes after Aimee Palmer played a

Alick Athanaze, Akeem Jordan in Test side for South Africa

Uncapped Alick Athanaze and Akeem Jordan were named in a West Indies 15-man squad for the two-Test tour of South Africa starting at month end

Both players were leading performers in the first two rounds of the Regional First-Class Championship and replace left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and batsman Nkrumah Bonner, who have been dropped from the squad which toured Zimbabwe

Alick Athanaze, 24, a left-handed batsman with 22 first-class matches, gathered 244 runs at an average of 61 for Windward Islands Volcanoes, following up on the 222 runs he scored last season More significantly, he impressed with a hundred in the second round last week, pummelling a fine 141 against Guyana Harpy Eagles

“Athanaze is one of the young players who we have invested in, and he played well in the ‘A Team’ and CWI President’s XI,” said chief selector Desmond Haynes “He showed great promise in the CG United Super50 last year and then got his first hundred in the West Indies Championship last week

“We believe he should be given an opportunity at this level He has also showed leadership, as captain of the Windwards at the start of this season ”

Jordan, meanwhile, a 28-year-old rightarm seamer who has made just five first-class appearances, picked up 12 wickets for Barbados

Pride at 16 runs apiece He also took 12 wickets from three matches in the 2022 campaign, in which he made his first-class debut

“Jordan has been very impressive from last year, he has continued to bowl well, and has been excellent in the first two matches so far this year,” Haynes continued “He is very skilful, can bowl the new ball, and looks to put the ball in the right areas He is also a sharp fielder and

good catcher close to the wicket ”

Neither Warrican nor Bonner featured in the two Tests against Zimbabwe Warrican’s last outing came nearly 15 months ago and the success of fellow left-armer Gudakesh Motie against Zimbabwe is likely to push him even further to the margins

Bonner, 34, was one of West Indies’ leading Test batsmen in 2021 but despite scoring a hundred against England last March, has averaged only ten from his last five Tests

West Indies, who thrashed Zimbabwe by an innings and four runs on Tuesday in Bulawayo to take the two-match series 1-0, will now turn their attention to the much more challenging tour of South Africa

They arrive in South Africa on Friday for two Tests – at SuperSport Park in Centurion from February 28 to March 4 and the Wanderers in Johannesburg from March 8-12

Prior to the first Test, they take on a South Africa Invitational XI in a four-day match starting February 21

lovely diagonal ball in behind, which Hayles controlled expertly before cutting inside and firing into the bottom corner

After the break with the teams locked at 1-1, new signing Grace Clinton scored her second goal for the club after joining on loan from Manchester United and Ffion Morgan got their third to secure the win

Hayles' free-scoring Reggae Girlz' teammate Khadija “Bunny” Shaw drew a blank as holders Manchester City lost 1-0 to Arsenal in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final Arsenal, the five-time winners, now face Chelsea, who thrashed West Ham United 7-0 in Thursday's second semi-final, in the final on March 5 at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas

SQUAD