Nov-24-2022-DRAFT

Extend The 'Giving Season'

Once again, we celebrate Thanksgiving While we give thanks to a higher power for various blessings in our lives, we ought to remain aware of the poor and less fortunate who because of their unfortunate circumstances may not feel they are blessed. The Thanksgiving holidays also kick off the beginning of the “season.” This season has a variety of adjectives and interpretations. For some it's the shopping season, for others, the Christmas season, the holiday season, and for most the 'giving season'. continues on A6 – Extend the season

Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Announces Elections for the USA Southern Region

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council will host elections for the USA Southern Region inclusive of: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas

To become a member of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (“the Council”), a person shall be elected by the diaspora in each established diaspora region, and subsequently issued a letter of confirmation by the Minister with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and Foreign Trade

Voter Registration began on November 10, and ends on November 30, while candidate nomination will take place between November 10 and 30

The publication of the final slate of nominees will be on December 1, with elections conducted between December 2 and 19

The elected candidates will become members of The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) which serves as an advisory and consultative body geared at facilitating more effective

engagement between Jamaica and the diaspora An independent Electoral Committee for the USA Southern Region has been established to conduct elections and manage the logistics for the election of Global Jamaica Diaspora Council members

Members of the Electoral Committee include Rev Horace Ward (CHAIR), Dr Oliver Fallon Reid, Ms Ashley Moncrieffe, Mr Jamaul Hall, Ms. Tara Elizabeth, Ms. Judith Drummond, Mr Jason Walker, and Dr Nicole Bent Jones

FIFA

Barbados bestows Humanitarian Awa on PAHO Director

Sacked Bermuda minister Dr. Ernest Peets loses Senate seat

Burna Boy’s Love Damini Tou Heads to the Caribbean

threat makes World Cup teams nix ‘One Love’ armbands

Red Plasc Bag & Barbados CG: Red Plasc Bag (le) paused for the lens with Barbados Consul General, Rudy Grant, at a recently held event by FamilyTings (Photo: Uriah Benne)

The Family Ting Commiee took me out to share in a photo moment, aer planning & execung a successful event held recently (Photo: Uriah Benne)

Lauderdale Lakes City Clerk, Vernice Howard (Right) looks on as one of two newly elected Commissioners of the City of Commissioner Mark Anthony Spence (center) signs formal documents Mrs LaToya Spence (Le) was also on hand to join in the celebraon Photo

Credit: Luke Ballenne

Sharon Stephen provides more evidence that over 50 is really just sublime. Sharon and a dozen of her best friends took sail to the open seas where they had an all day and early evening party. Happy birthday Sharon Photo credit: Luke Ballenne

Everton Hanson presents outgoing Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representave, Dr. Allan Cunningham, with a token of appreciaon for his service, at a recepon held in his honor in Tamarac last Thursday. – Contributed

Red Plasc Bag and FamilyTing

Founder & CEO, Jackie Conliffe, are a picture of radiance at FamilyTings recent event (Photo: Uriah Benne)

Former Vice Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Marilyn Davis (le), gracefully shares an amicable moment with her counterpart, challenger Mark Spence, who defeated her in the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission elecon race at the post swearing in ceremony luncheon last Monday Photo credit: Luke Ballenne

Lauderdale Lakes City Clerk, Vernice Howard (right) watches as newly elected City Commissioner, Sharon Thomas, signs her oath of office (Photo Credit: Luke Ballenne)

Dr. Carissa Etienne

Barbados bestows Humanitarian Award on PAHO Director

Barbados has bestowed the Humanitarian Award on the outgoing Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Dr. Carissa Etienne for her sterling contribution in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic

The Humanitarian Awards is an initiative of the Barbados government that recognizes the sacrifice made by frontline workers during the pandemic

The Dominica born Dr Etienne received the Honorary Freedom of Barbados Award for the exemplary service provided to Barbados throughout the ongoing pandemic that has killed and infected millions around the world

“I wish sincerely to thank the people and the government of Barbados for the honor and privilege of being decorated with this prestigious award I am grateful for the recognition but even more so for the opportunity to have served your government and you the people of Barbados,” Dr. Etienne told the ceremony that was held at the Kensington Oval on the outskirts of the capital

Among the awards distributed were the Humanitarian Medals, which were conferred on front line workers who, despite the obvious risk to their own safety, persevered to ensure that the public could still have their basic needs met

Humanitarian lapel pins were presented to those who worked in supporting roles on the front line and who played their part in reducing the impact of the virus The final category of

awardees received humanitarian plaques as an expression of appreciation for their generous donations to lessen the impact of COVID 19 Dr Etienne, who received the award “for her leadership team and friendship to Barbados during the darkest days of the COVID 19 pandemic”, pointed to women who had to mother, care for family members and still find

food even as they were experiencing increasing physical and mental abuse at home

She also lauded the “leadership, vision and determination” of Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her role at home and within the region during the “early dark days of COVID 19

“You have served admirably in one of the worst periods in the history of public health We

celebrate you today We celebrate your resolve your commitment to serve others and your sheer determination to get the job done, no matter what,” she said

“You came face to face with death and dying, some of them your loved ones, your friends and families You yourself suffered anxiety, fear, unresolved grief, depression, burn out and mental ill health Daily you had to face

your own vulnerability, yet you woke up each day, dressed and presented yourself to serve others, in the service of humanity and commitment to your fellow man

“You repeatedly sought the advice of our experts and acted boldly while respecting the science and international norms and standards,” she said of the leader who became her “midnight friend” during late night phone calls and consultations

Etienne said “If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that we are better together and that we are only safe when the weakest among us is also safe Let us therefore go forth in solidarity, in love and service to each other”

“I wish sincerely to thank the people and the government of Barbados for the honor and privilege of being decorated with this presti gious award. I am grateful for the recognition but even more so for the opportunity to have served your government and you the people of Barbados,” – Etienne

Five Jamaicans arrested and charged in Panama City Beach

Five Jamaican men were arrested by police and slapped with drug charges in Panama City Beach in Florida The men were allegedly found with another man who is wanted in connection to a deadly shooting in Brooklyn, New York last month

Anelka Green was wanted for allegedly firing several shots inside a restaurant in October, resulting in the death of an innocent bystander

According to a report from the WJHG newsroom on Tuesday, Green was tracked down to Panama City Beach in Florida, where he was arrested at his condominium with five Jamaican men who were described as his "associates"

The Jamaicans have been identified as Jaheim Cox, 19; Shamar Wedderburn, 22; Renato Campbell, 22; Shamarie Livingston, 22; and Kevar Taylor, 19

All five were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of MDMA, and possession of paraphernalia

Green is also charged with additional offenses, including being a "fugitive from justice for the charges of robbery and homicide “and giving false names to law enforcement officials, the media

report stated

According to police reports Green was involved in an argument at a restaurant in Brooklyn in October Shortly after leaving, he returned and fired several shots into the building

After he fled an innocent bystander was found with a bullet wound; the unidentified person later died

The US Marshal Service contacted the Bay County Sheriff's deputies in Florida on November 9, for assistance in locating Green, whom they suspected had fled to the Panama City Beach area

Late last week, law enforcement officials confirmed that Green was staying at a condominium in Panama City Beach, and obtained a search warrant

After the search of the building was concluded, Green and five others were detained when "several hundred grams of marijuana, MDMA pills and more than US$23,000" were seized, the report said

It added: "Deputies say the men were from Jamaica and came to Panama City Beach with Green after he committed the shooting "

Guyana announces salary increase for public servants

The Guyana government has announced an across the board increase of eight percent to public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional office holders, as well as government pensioners

President Dr Irfaan Ali in a radio and television broadcast on Thursday night said the increase will be granted retroactively to January 1, 2022

“Work will start immediately to ensure that this increase is processed and paid to eligible employees together with their December salary,” he said, adding that further announcements will be made next week in relation to the specific categories of employees

“My government remains resolutely committed to ensuring that the lives of all Guyanese are improved steadily, and in a tangible and demonstrable manner, as we work towards realizing national prosperity for

the benefit of all Guyanese,” he said

Ali said in the 2022 national budget, provisions were made to meet the cost of a public service salary increase for this year and this commitment comes against the backdrop of the several other measures his administration has implemented since assuming office, all with the aim of improving disposable incomes to public sector employees and Guyanese at large

He said these measures included a seven percent across the board last year as well as the restoration of the one month tax free year end bonuses to the disciplined services totaling more than one billion dollars (One Guyana dollar=US$0 004 cents)

Ali said the government also remains mindful of the extraordinary shocks experienced this year in relation to the cost of living, especially arising from imported factors

“Consistent with all these earlier measures, I have instructed those options be identified for adjustment to the salaries paid to a number of specific categories of public sector employees These include, in the first phase, ranks of the police force, prison service, and fire service

“Additionally, a similar exercise is currently being conducted and recommendations are being made in relation to specific categories of employees in our public healthcare system, including nurses, interns, doctors, and other healthcare professionals In relation to these categories of employees,” Ali said, adding that he will make a more detailed announcement during the course of next week

Sacked Bermuda minister Dr. Ernest Peets loses Senate seat

Dr Ernest Peets, who was sacked by Bermuda Premier David Burt as Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport during a cabinet reshuffle last month, has now lost his seat as a Progressive Labour Party (PLP) senator in the Upper House

Peets departed on Thursday when Burt announced Leslie Robinson as his replacement at a swearing in ceremony at Government House where she was also given roles as the junior minister of Economy and Labour as well as Public Works

Peets, a pastor, lost his posts as Government Leader in the Senate after Burt's re election as PLP leader and was replaced by Owen Darrell, the

premier's chief of staff

When the premier was asked if the departure of Peets from the Senate and the firing of Lawrence Scott as Transport Minister from the cabinet took place because he did not think the two men supported him enough in the leadership race against ex Finance Minister Curtis Dickinson, Burt told a news conference: “Certainly not And, I don't want it to be regarded as that

“As I expressed to my parliamentary caucus, one of the most difficult things about being leader of the party is that you have to make difficult decisions when it comes to changing the team And, so, from this perspective, it's nothing in

regards to that It is about looking fo After the reshuffle, Peets said he would remain in his cabinet p another year, telling the Royal Gaz at the time “these changes, of co made to understand, do happen fro “I wasn't aware with any s advance notice that a cabinet reshu going to occur, but I would imagin the situation of the last couple of with the leadership challenge and things, perhaps those people who more astute politically would ha sort of expected a change to come ”

US resident missing in Jamaica

Michelle Simpson, 2 47 year old Jamaica born New Yorker took a trip to her birth country on November 6 and reportedly went missing within four days of arriving in the island

A missing person report has been filed with the Greater Portmore Police The woman gave her address as Bridgeport, St Catherine, where her relatives live According to reports from relatives, Simpson was last seen in the vicinity of Ken's Wildflower in Portmore Relatives also said Simpson suffers from mental illness and did not take her medication before leaving the US

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Michelle Simpson is asked to contact her father Winston Simpson at 876 489 1330, the Constant Spring police at 876 949 8422, 119 police emergency, or the nearest police station

Barbados Hoteliers worried that low airlift could affect industry

Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Renee Coppin, says while hoteliers are expecting a favorable winter period due to pent up travel demand, they are worried that it will not spill over into what is currently projected to be a dim summer 2023, due mainly to reduced airlift to the island Coppin told the online publication, Barbados TODAY that occupancy rates for members were now 75 percent for this month, 67 percent for December, 66 percent for January next year, 72 percent for February, 55 percent for March, and April 37 percent

“There are positive signs again for this winter, If we continue to see a good booking pace, we may outdo last year's performance in January and February “March will be more of a challenge given that the England cricket tour which

took place in March last year and always provides a massive boon for tourism, will be missing this year [2023] April, too, shows signs again of a worrying slowdown in pace, which we will need to monitor,” Coppin said

However, she noted Barbados hoteliers are facing a summer 2023 that looks like it will closely mirror summer 2022

“This summer, we reported one of our major concerns being that of the reduction of airlift Between June and October 2022, that reduction represented just over 58 percent in flights and 62 percent in seats to the destination

“This has in no small part been responsible for our falloff in visitor arrivals year to date September which, according to the Barbados Statistical Service, stood at 303,394 a falloff from the 520,881

passengers who are recorded as having visited in 2019; an absolute difference of 217,487 Our analysis shows that 2023 summer airlift is practically a carbon copy of this year

“One of the segments that has been most affected by this decline in arrivals is the small hotels In its update on member performance, the Intimate Hotels of Barbados reported that members are looking forward to a positive winter period after a very slow summer One member described it as the worst summer they experienced in over a decade,” she said

However, Coppin said bookings for this segment continued to pick up this winter and the outlook from December to April is for improved occupancy levels for many members, ranging from 50 to 90 percent

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

Extend the season

The giving season is easily recognized with a plethora of announcements from individuals, groups and community organizations hosting Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless and less fortunate or making donations of turkey and other food kind The giving season will continue through to Christmas or year's end with various organizations and most of the community adapting a spirit of kindness and community love not seen for most of the passing year

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During the giving season, people who normally paid scant attention to the plight of the poor take time to recognize those who have little or no clothing and food, are homeless or living in deplorable conditions, with children who have nothing to play with or nowhere to play Then comes the New Year, and the giving season usually fades away like the old year

Several community and other organizations should be commended for the planning they execute and implement in providing for needy individuals including children from Thanksgiving through to the end of the year However, those who are concerned about fighting poverty year round often question why the same diligent planning for fund raising, food collections, food banks, clothes and toy drives, home repair and general spirit of goodwill and generosity can't extend throughout the year

Others will argue that as much as they would like the spirit of giving and goodwill that characterizes the latter weeks of year to extend throughout the year, this giving spirit isn't realistic to either precede this season or follow it There is just not enough to give all year, they would claim

This argument is fundamentally unacceptable It is also unacceptable to just stand by and watch people in our communities revert to poverty and unbelievable struggles trying to make ends meet It boggles the mind that the same people who display much generosity in organizing various Thanksgiving and Christmas events are not able to exercise similar commitment to develop long term plans for countering and alleviating deep rooted poverty

On Thanksgiving Day, a few years ago, a local Catholic priest was asked to offer the

blessing at a Thanksgiving dinner held for poor residents in Overtown, Miami Dade His prayer was brief and simple, “Lord, teach us to always give thanks and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, not just for today, but always ”

Some who were present on hearing that prayer were touched not just by its simplicity, but the depth of the message Asked why his blessing was so brief, the priest, said he didn't need a long prayer to make people understand that love and charity toward each other neighbors, co workers, political rivals, between the 99 percent

less well off and the one percent extremely well off, shouldn't be just a highlight of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season He said every year he was perplexed that people seem to be oblivious that the giving spirit they displayed during the holiday season was absent for the rest of the year

This Thanksgiving, once more, several individuals in the community have organized treats for the poor As this generosity extends during Christmas, the heart of the giving season, it would be a great change if these individuals, and organizations, including those in the Caribbean American community, seek means to realistically continue this generosity to their poorer neighbors This generosity ought not be committed for “the season ” , however it is interpreted, but be part of a longer-term commitment

Something seems seriously awry for charity to be placed on hold for eleven months, then unwrapped and displayed with much self profiling, and pomp, for just one month As the community gives thanks on Thursday, and the more fortunate enjoy the holiday, they should be aware that the cruel pain of poverty takes no holiday Give and be blessed

THAKSGIVING to all

HAPPY

Kazim Richards

Canada announces multi-milliondollar aid package for Haiti

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Ottawa is providing CAD $16 5 million (One CAD$=US$0 74 cents) to help stabilize Haiti

Canada says the funding will enable initiatives such as providing additional support to the World Food Program (WFP) to deliver food and nutritional assistance; to the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service to facilitate assistance to remote and hard to reach areas as well as to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to provide support in responding to cholera and to the United Nations Children's Fund to strengthen the water, sanitation and hygiene response

“This builds on CAD$4 5 million in Canadian funding announced in 2022 to respond to humanitarian needs in Haiti ”

Canada is also providing five million dollars to help strengthen Haiti's capacity to fight corruption and impunity

“Canada is providing financial support to an initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, led in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), which aims to strengthen the capacity of Haitian legal institutions to investigate, prosecute, and try cases involving corruption and economic crimes, money laundering and related offences, and to improve the sharing of information with international partners, including in Canada, on transnational organized crimes ”

Canada is also providing CAD$3 5 million for access to justice and fighting impunity in Haiti

“Canada is extending and increasing its funding to this project from Lawyers Without Borders Canada, which aims to strengthen the

“This new funding will allow for continued efforts to strengthen

to

and support the fight against corruption in light of the current crisis in Haiti This funding brings Canada's total contribution in support of this project since 2017 to CAD$21 3 million ”

The announcement by Canada comes as the country announced that three Haitian politicians have been slapped with sanctions for aiding gang leaders and laundering their illicit earnings

The sanctions will freeze any assets held in Canada by Senator Ronny Célestin, former Senator Hervé Fourcand, and former president of the Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau

Haitian among convicted sex offenders arrested during immigration operation

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says a Haitian is among 138 convicted sex offenders arrested in a national immigration sweep

ICE said its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers also apprehended persons with an executable final order of removal during the nationwide enforcement effort

According to ICE the 44 year old Haitian citizen, living in Queens Village in New York City, was arrested along with citizens from Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

The unidentified Haitian was convicted by the Queens County Supreme Court of rape in the second degree, promoting prostitution in the second degree, and promoting prostitution in the third degree in September 2017

“Crimes of sexual violence are among the most underreported in the United States Anyone can be a victim of this type of abuse, and our officers are dedicated to locating and apprehending known noncitizen offenders as part of their public safety mission,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Corey A Price

Last year, ICE said 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions were arrested

Canada imposes new sanctions on Haitian politicians

Three Haitian politicians have been slapped with sanctions imposed by the Canadian government Ottawa has accused those sanctioned of aiding gang leaders and laundering their illicit earnings

“These individuals are using their status as current or previous public office holders to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through money laundering and other acts of corruption,” said a government statement

Today's sanctions are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons and to weaken and disable Haiti's criminal gangs,” said the statement, issued by the foreign ministry

The sanctions will freeze any assets held in Canada by Senator Ronny Célestin, former Senator Hervé Fourcand, and former president of the Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau

Haiti's gangs have expanded their power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, and Prime Minister Ariel Henry has faced difficulties in restoring order to the country

The sanctions, which implement a U N Security Council resolution and build on earlier actions imposed by the United States and Canada, aim to stop the illegal flow of money and weapons into Haiti that help criminal gangs This follows sanctions imposed on president

of the Senate, Joseph Lambert, for his alleged involvement in “significant corruption” and “ gross violation of human rights ”

Lambert said he will challenge the decision of the United States and Canada for imposing sanctions against him for his alleged involvement

“On November 4th, the US Treasury Department indexed me unfairly. Together with Canada, they imposed sanctions on me I affirm that they were wrong and I will fight this unfounded decision,” Lambert said in a brief statement

He said he had already given a mandate to an unknown law firm to pursue the matter

insisting that “law and justice are put to the test between the USA, Canada and I, Joseph Lambert”

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, said Lambert “abused his public position by participating in corrupt activity that undermined the integrity of Haiti's government

“Further, there is credible information of Lambert's involvement in a gross violation of human rights, namely an extrajudicial killing, during his government tenure,” added Blinken, adding that the State Department is also designating Lambert's wife, Jesula Lambert Domond

legal and judicial services of civil society organizations and justice actors in order to assist victims of gender based violence in particular

access

justice, address impunity

Foreign Minister of Haiti Jean Victor Geneus and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) take part in a discussion

Janice McIntosh announces her Candidacy for Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative, Southern USA

Janice McIntosh has announced her candidacy for Global Jamaica Diaspora (GJD) Representative, Southern USA She will represent 13 states, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina

In a statement issued earlier today McIntosh said, “I'm excited and proud to announce my candidacy for GJDC Representative for the southern USA because I am motivated to work tirelessly to represent the diverse voices of our diaspora,” Janice said “I believe in the power we have as a collective and I am confident we will have constructive dialogue aimed at benefitting our people and causes wherever we live ”

Janice has a wealth of experience collaborating with government officials, business leaders and member of the community. In her

former role as the head of the Jamaica National (JN) Bank, she led her team to deliver exceptional services to members in the South Florida community Her successes can be attributed to her ability to connect with her community, listen to their needs, understand the issues, and respond accordingly As an active member of the GJDC, Janice is always a source of support and action She has worked with past and present GJDC representatives to deliver key agenda items for the diaspora

According to McIntosh, the mission of her campaign is to engage with the diaspora and put their needs F I R S T (Facilitate, Inclusive, Respect, Shared Values and Trust) These pillars represent the core principles driving this campaign She believes this approach will facilitate meaningful discussions to help her better understand their needs Additionally, she believes in gathering feedback and using relevant data to guide her recommendations to

the ministry She believes diversity is our strength and is committed to being inclusive

“Our shared values are what bind us to Jamaica and doing all we can to ensure Jamaicans do well everywhere keeps me focused,” she stated

In 2009, Janice migrated from Jamaica and made Florida her home away from home She is married and a mom of two active teenagers She is passionate about giving back and since moving to Florida, her involvement in the community has been as numerous as they are fulfilling She is currently the VP of the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) and is still very active in her local community and church

To cast a vote in the upcoming election you must first register under the 'Southern States' to be on the eligible voters' list Once registered, you will receive a ballot by Dec 1 The registration deadline is November 30

Ambassador Marks hails Jamaicans in midterm elections

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, has extended congratulations to candidates of Jamaican heritage, who won the recent midterm elections

Topping the list is Westley Omari Moore, who created history by being elected the first African American governor of Maryland, and only the third Black person to be elected governor in America

Governor elect Moore, whose mother is from the western parish of Westmoreland, was born in Maryland and largely raised in New York

He graduated from Johns Hopkins

University and received a master's degree from Wolfson College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar

After several years in the US Army and Army Reserve, he became an investment banker in New York A political newcomer, the governor elect won by 25 percentage points, the largest margin of victory in over 40 years, placing the governorship back into the hands of the Democratic party after two terms Marks expressed congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica as well as nationals across the diaspora

She said Jamaicans are proud of Moore not only because of his victory but for having done

so with the grace and humility befitting a true servant of the people

In the process, she noted that Moore drew renewed and positive attention as an exemplar of Jamaicans in the diaspora, representing respected models of responsible citizenship and as able, contributing members of the American society

There are approximately six candidates of Jamaican heritage, who won elections in Maryland

Among them is Attorney General elect Anthony Brown, who will become the first black person to hold the post in the State

He was the lieutenant governor for eight years and a three term congressman

Ambassador Marks lauded Brown for the inspiration that he has provided to so many Jamaicans in the US and all over, as the son of a Jamaican immigrant commanding one of the highest positions in the State of Maryland

Maryland also celebrated the re election of State Senator Arthur Ellis, who was born in Portland, as well as two delegates to the Maryland General Assembly Jheanelle Wilkins from Spanish Town and Regina Boyce

MARATHON, Fla (AP) — At least four people are believed to have drowned and rescuers were searching for another five people off the Florida Keys after a homemade vessel capsized during a failed migration attempt, authorities said Sunday

The U S Coast Guard said nine people were rescued and the body of one person was recovered Saturday after the boat capsized about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Little Torch Key, Florida

Some of those rescued were wearing life jackets which likely saved their lives in the waves that hit as high as 8 feet (2 4 meters) amid 30 mph (48 kph) winds, the Coast Guard said in a tweet

The Coast Guard did not immediately say from where the people on the boat were migrating

BSO's team arrests high-end auto theft crew

Proactive enforcement by the Broward Sheriff's Office Burglary Apprehension Team (B A T ) and regional law enforcement partners led to the arrest of three men, the recovery of five stolen high end cars and the seizure of a firearm and tens of thousands of dollars cash

According to police reports the investigation began on Thursday, November 10, when BSO detectives worked with the South Florida Task Force out of Palm Beach County on a case involving a 2021 Range Rover stolen from Boca Raton That work led detectives to an address in the 2800 block of River Run Terrace in Miramar When detectives arrived at the location, the stolen vehicle was on a tow truck At the location, detectives arrested three men – Pablo Carlos Rodriguez Alfonso, Jose Pedroso and Erich Ruiz

During a search of the property, detectives said they also located four other stolen vehicles – a 2022 Ford F 350 stolen from Fort Myers, a 2021 Ford F 350 stolen from Tampa Bay, a 2021 Range Rover stolen from Pompano Beach and a stolen Mercedes Benz Three of these vehicles had already received a new vehicle

Burt

identification number (VIN). In these types of cases, suspects often put a new VIN on vehicles to make it easier to disguise the vehicle history and sell them

Detectives also recovered a Glock handgun, more than $41,000 in cash, stolen license plates from Florida and New York and fraudulent VIN plates

The four people will be charged with grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property, conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful possession of identification, counterfeit driver's license, and fraudulent possession of VIN plates

The BSO said they have been focusing on high end auto theft

The BAT Unit says there are some important steps residence can take to protect themself and their vehicles:

1 Don't leave your car doors unlocked

2. Don't leave your car keys or key fobs in your car.

3 Don't leave valuables in your car

4 Don't leave your garage door opener in your car

South Florida entrepreneur makes edible art

For Kimone Ferguson, there was no artistic pivot or grand quest to find herself

A man who attempted to set fire to an occupied building in Deerfield Beach, Florida has been arrested Detectives with the Broward Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit took custody of Alexis Camacho for trying to set fire to a grocery store

According to the police report about 1:52 a m , on Tuesday, November 15, BSO Deerfield Beach District deputies and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to several calls reporting a structure fire at 4809 N Dixie Highway in Deerfield Beach

At the scene, deputies located several wooden pallets engulfed in flames in the rear of a grocery store The pallets were next to two large propane tanks The fire from the pallets spread to the structure damaging its exterior

BSO Fire Rescue extinguished the fire and the State Fire Marshal responded The fire marshal deemed the fire an act of arson

The transition away from powerhouse team leader and general manager at the Fortune 500 cleaning agency, Cintas, was always in the cards “I took the role to get experience in overseeing an operation,” Ferguson reveals Her entire corporate life was built in service of what would come next, Kimone’s Cake Art Studio

Right now Ferguson is ramping up for her next pop up event on November 25th and 26th at the Aventura Mall in Miami She’s sourcing ingredients from restaurant outlets and farmers’ markets to get ready for the big bake the night before “I bake as close to the pop up as possible,” she explains “I have to make sure everything is as fresh as possible for my customers to enjoy ” Ferguson is diligent about getting her branding in order and making sure her setup is on point “I get a lot of compliments on my

setup,” she boasts “I take pride in making sure everything is organized and looks good for the clients to see ”

Throughout the interview, Ferguson switches between “customers” and “clients” frequently The self taught baker (and self taught marketer) earned her undergraduate degree in business management from the University of Florida and dips into business

jargon out of habit This fluidity is also a testament to her unconventional and meticulously planned career path of utilizing a high ranking position at a Fortune 500 company as a stepping stone to pursue her dream of baking

However, it’s not all business for Ferguson Her childhood was perfumed by the scent of rum cakes and coconut Born in New York, she recalls living in her Jamaican grandmother’s kitchen as a child “I had the chance to watch my grandmother cook and bake different things in the kitchen I got to taste test a lot of recipes,” she laughs Her family moved to Florida around when she started high school, and she became even more engrossed in Jamaican culture She took every baking class she could, and experimented with her own flavors in her free time, coming up with recipes she utilizes today

Taxing foreign income

byLearieC Mullings, CPA,CA,MBA

The Internal Revenue Code, or law, requires that all US taxpayers report their “worldwide income” on their annual federal income tax returns This means income you earn overseas as an individual must be reported on your US income tax return, whether or not that income has been repatriated to the US

This is particularly relevant to members of the Diaspora community Many immigrants retain their investments, real estate and businesses in their home country when they immigrate to the US Once you become a US person, which is basically becoming a green card holder or citizen, you are liable to report the income emanating from those assets on your US tax return and pay any resulting taxes The term “worldwide income” is worth emphasizing here because it fully captures the IRS' attitude to income earned from sources overseas The IRS requires 100 percent of such income to be reported on your tax return It doesn't matter where you live or if you are away from the US for a long or short period of time

Foreign income often includes interest, dividends, royalties and commissions but can also include salaries, self employed income and business profits

Many countries in the Caribbean, with the notable exception of The Cayman Islands and St Lucia, have double taxation treaties with the US to avoid paying double tax Typically taxpayers get a credit on their US tax returns for the taxes that they have paid overseas US taxpayers who are absent from the US whilst they are earning income may be able to exclude up to $100,000 of foreign income from their

taxable income in certain circumstances Both in respect of foreign tax credits and foreign income exclusions, the tax return must be filed and the credit and exclusions claimed on the return There is no automatic entitlement to these benefits and they must be claimed on a tax return

The taxation of foreign income and the claiming of relief can become very complex and all taxpayers should consult with a competent tax prepare or adviser There may also be tax reporting requirements in the foreign country that you may need to consult a tax professional in that jurisdiction

The US also has requirements to report Foreign Bank Accounts (FBAR) in addition to the tax returns The penalties for not reporting these accounts are very severe and can attract criminal penalties These requirements are anti terrorism, anti money laundering and anti tax avoidance by intent and the department of the treasury are increasingly aggressive in carrying out enforcement action These regulations should not be ignored!

There are also requirements under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) to report certain other foreign assets This regulation is more focused on locating unreported foreign income Again, the penalties for not complying with this regulation are severe and can lead to criminal persecution. Readers are encouraged to consult their tax professionals and to become knowledgeable as to the details of these regulations

What's the difference?

Those who read or watch news reports often hear of people being charged either with a felony or a misdemeanor But is there a difference between these charges? See our breakdown below

Misdemeanors

According to Florida law, a misdemeanor is any criminal offense subject to a sentence in a county correctional center for no more than 12 months Contrary to popular belief, misdemeanors don't include convictions for routine or noncriminal traffic violations County courts have jurisdiction in all misdemeanor cases

Misdemeanors cases are less severe than felonies, and are categorized by first and second degrees First degree carries county jail sentences up to one year, while second degree convictions attract up to 60 days However, for both first and second degrees, the court can enforce a probationary sentence for a similar maximum period Alternatively, the sentence for both degrees can include a combination of probation and jail time, or maximum jail time, if the convict reneges on their probation Some misdemeanors can be advanced to felony charges, depending on the prosecution's findings

Felonies:

A felony constitutes a much more serious crime, which according to Florida law, calls for a state prison sentence for over a year, and in some case, life imprisonment and the death penalty Circuit courts have jurisdiction over felony cases There are five categories of felonies created by the Florida Legislature with specific sentences:

Capital Felony: A defendant convicted of a capital felony must be punished by death if the proceeding held to determine sentence determine so The alternative is for the convict to be punished by life imprisonment, without eligibility for parole

Life Felony: A defendant who has been convicted of a life felony may be sentenced to life in prison or for from 25 to 40 years People convicted after September 1, 2005 were subject to a life imprisonment, or a split sentence not less than 25 years' imprisonment, followed by probation for the remainder of the person's natural life

First Degree Felony: Someone convicted of a felony of the first degree may be punished prison term not exceeding 30 years, or by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment

Second Degree Felony: This felony can result in a prison sentence not exceeding 15 years

Third Degree Felony: This can result in a prison sentence not exceeding 5 years

Six Recent Changes to Health

Marketplace

More than 14 5 million people in the United States get their health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (sometimes called Obamacare), and more than 2 7 million of them live here in Florida. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) that created the Marketplace was passed more than 10 years ago, but there have been several recent changes that may surprise you

Here are six things may not know about Health Insurance Marketplace:

1. You've got until January 15

to enroll.

The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period is Nov 1 until Jan 15, , giving you almost 11 weeks to enroll in a new health insurance plan or switch your current one for 2022 However, if you want your insurance to kick in on Jan 1, you still need to enroll in a plan by Dec 15, If you miss that December deadline, your health plan won't start protecting you until Feb 1

2. If you were told you make too much money, take another look.

In 2021, the federal government raised the income cutoff to receive financial help to lower your monthly insurance payment Previously, you had to make less than 400 percent of poverty level to qualify for help (that was $106,000 for a family of four) Now, you can find a health insurance plan that's no more than 8 5 percent of your household income What does that mean? Parents in their 40s with two

teenagers can make up to $182,700 a year and still get help lowering their monthly insurance bill

3. More working families now qualify for financial aid.

If your job offers health insurance coverage, but your family is uninsured because it costs more than you can afford, there's help Your family may now be able to get an ACA plan with financial assistance A typical family of four in Florida with an income of $53,000 could save more than $5,000 Find out if you are one of more than 269,000 people in Florida who qualify

4. Early retirees can get major savings.

The new rule limiting your health insurance costs for a baseline plan to 8 5 percent has huge advantages for early retirees and other older adults who don't qualify for Medicare yet Older adults often face higher prices for health insurance, but the 2021 changes help address that A 60 year old couple previously had to make less than $69,680 yearly to qualify for help paying their insurance costs Now, their yearly income can be up to $237,300 and they'll still qualify for assistance

5. Hundreds of thousands of people in Florida are missing out on $0 health insurance bills.

Getting a bill that says you owe $0 may sound too good to be true, but it really does happen

The federal government increased financial assistance to help people pay for health insurance In fact, four out of five people qualified for a Marketplace plan that cost them $10 or less each month in 2022, according to the U S Department of Health and Human Services And, the state's leading health insurer, Florida Blue, estimates more than 174,000 people are still uninsured even though they qualify for a $0 Marketplace plan

6. Getting a Marketplace subsidy won't impact your immigration status.

Financial assistance for health insurance (also called a subsidy) isn't just for U S citizens

Many lawfully present immigrants qualify for help paying for insurance through the Marketplace, including green card holders and those with work or student visas And receiving this financial help will not negatively impact your immigration status and process due to the public charge regulations, which were eliminated in March 2021

If you want to learn more about these changes or need some help understanding how health insurance and the Health Insurance Marketplace works, check out GetCoveredFlorida com

The concert takes place in Trinidad December 16 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Antigua December 17 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and his last stop in Jamaica December 18 at the National Stadium in Kingston Burna Boy is the first African artiste ever to headline a stadium in these Caribbean islands No details are forthcoming at this time about any other artistes on the line up

The Grammy winning singer, whose given name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, boasts collaborations with Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and dancehall star Popcaan Burna Boy is one of the greatest musicians across the globe In 2019, he won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards and was announced as an Apple Music Up Next artiste His fourth studio album, African Giant, was released in July 2019 and won Album of the Year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and was nominated for a Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards He was awarded the African Artiste of the year at the 2020 VGMA's

Burna Boy released his fifth studio album, Twice as Tall, in August 2020, which was nominated for the same category at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, making him the first Nigerian artiste with back to back nominations at the Grammys In 2021, Twice as Tall won the Best World Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards

In July 2022, Burna Boy released his sixth studio album, Love, Damini which also became the highest debut of an African album on Billboard, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France

In October, Burna Boy was given the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for his achievements in music

Burna Boy's concert is being hosted by Duke Concept, a world leading brand in the African and Caribbean entertainment atmosphere which has hosted events in major venues across the globe, most especially in North America; Fete Kingdom and Show Entertainment, an Antigua based entertainment, promotions, and event management company with a focus on producing international casted events and festivals; and Solid Agency Company/Burke Bodley Ltd , a team which has more than three decades of experience in the entertainment and media industries

Sevana, whose given name is Anna Blake,

No Prison Time for Sevana in Death by Dangerous Driving Case Love Damini Tour Heads to the Caribbean

Justice Courtney Daye, who handed down the sentence, said he lacked sufficient facts to apply the full

of the law on Blake

The police reported that Sevana was traveling along the Scotts Cove main road in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, when the Honda City motor car she was driving collided with a Honda Fit

Ordia Cordiel, who was a passenger in the Honda Fit, sustained severe injuries, and was admitted to the Black River Hospital She died on May 30

The police charged Sevana on June 1

The driver of the Honda Fit survived the incident and appeared in court throughout the case

The Westmoreland born native first came to prominence in 2008 when she entered Digicel Rising Stars as part of the girl group SLR where they placed third The group broke up the following year

Sevana, who was once a member of Protoje's In Digg Nation, is known for the singles, Mango, Man Down and If You Only Knew Her career got a big boost when Mango was licensed for use in the soundtrack for the TV show Big Sky, which airs on ABC

The singer parted ways with Proteje’s In Digg Nation in may of this year

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is set to bring his Love Damini tour to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad, Antigua, and Jamaica in December.

Jamaican reggae singer Sevana was ordered to pay a fine of $300,000 or spend two years in prison after she pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving. She was sentenced in the Westmoreland Parish Court.

was also banned from driving a motor vehicle for the next two years

force

FIFA threat makes World Cup teams nix ‘One Love’ armbands

ByIanBurnettCNWSports

FIFA’s threat of on field punishment for players pushed World Cup teams to back down Monday and abandon a plan for their captains to wear armbands that were seen as a rebuke to host nation Qatar’s human rights record

Just hours before the first players with the armbands in support of the “One Love” campaign were to take the field, soccer ’ s governing body warned they would immediately be shown yellow cards — two of which lead to a player’s expulsion from that game and also the next

That changed the calculus for the seven European teams, which may have expected merely to be fined. The displays are a violation of FIFA rules

No player had the “One Love” armbands Monday, although England’s Harry Kane wore the FIFA approved “No Discrimination” armband that was offered as a compromise in the match with Iran

It was the latest dispute that threatened to overshadow play on the field Since being awarded the World Cup hosting rights in 2010, conservative Muslim Qatar has faced a raft of criticism, including its treatment of low paid migrant workers and women and its suppression of free speech It came under fire for its criminalization of homosexuality

The decision came three days after beer sales at stadia were suddenly banned under pressure from the Qatari government and two days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered an extraordinary tirade defending the host nation’s human rights record

The captains of seven European nations had vowed to wear armbands carrying the heart shaped, multi coloured logo of the “One Love” campaign, which promotes inclusion and diversity in soccer and society That set up the

prospect of worldwide viewers seeing a symbol of disapproval with the host country and defiance of FIFA on the arms of Kane, the Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk, and Wales’ Gareth Bale on Monday

But in the end, the teams said they couldn’t sacrifice success on the field

“As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions, including bookings,” the seven soccer federations said in a joint statement, referring to the yellow cards

The captains of Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark had also pledged to wear the armbands in the coming days

“Our No 1 priority at the World Cup is to

win the games,” the Dutch soccer federation said in a separate statement “Then you don’t want the captain to start the match with a yellow card ”

The risk of getting a second yellow, which would see a player sent off the field for the rest of the game and banned from the next, is particularly tricky in a tournament where teams play only three games before the knockout rounds begin

“One thing is clear: We are not going to wear the armband if we are going to get a yellow card,” said Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal “And I think that we need to question whether this is a correct act on the part of FIFA I think you can give the answer to that question ”

”

”

“FIFA today prohibited a statement for diversity and human rights — those are values to which it is committed in its own statutes,” Neuendorf told reporters in Qatar “From our point of view, this is more than frustrating and, I think, an unprecedented action in World Cup history ”

The global players’ union FIFPRO called the FIFA move “disappointing ”

“Players must have a right to express their support for human rights on and off the field of play and we will support any of them who will use their own platforms to do so,” the union said. “We maintain that a rainbow flag is not a political statement but an endorsement of equality and thus a universal human right ”

It wasn’t immediately clear what, if any, influence Qatar’s autocratic government had on the armband decision The government and its Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which oversees the World Cup, did not immediately respond to a request for comment

The European plans were in breach of World Cup regulations and FIFA’s general rules on team equipment at its games

The soccer body’s proposal, announced Saturday, was for captains to wear armbands with socially aware, though generic, slogans In t hat off e r, armband s re ad ing “ N o Discrimination” — the only one of its chosen slogans aligned with the European teams’ wish — would appear only at the quarterfinal stage

Kazim Richards

National soccer federations and fan associations lashed out at FIFA for its decision to penalize the players Danish soccer federation CEO Jakob Jensen told Danish broadcaster TV2 that the organization was

extremely disappointed with FIFA,” and German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf called it “another low blow