Caribbean National Weekly August 15, 2024

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As the August 20 Primaries approach, Caribbean National Weekly proudly endorses three exceptional candidates who embody the principles of integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to public service. With nearly 1.2 million Floridians already casting their ballots, it's crucial to support individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their communities and possess the skills necessary to lead with distinction.

continues on B1 – Recommednations

Foreign criminals involved in Jamaica mass shooting, says PM Holness

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has confirmed that criminals overseas and other individuals currently incarcerated in Jamaica were behind the mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight people in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, late Sunday.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force on Monday revised the number of people who received injuries to 11 The total number of

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARICOM pays tribute to Jamaic Ambassador Lor McDonnough

people shot was 19 So far, only one person has been treated and released from hospital

Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, Holness described the killings as an attack on every Jamaican and an act of terror

“We know that persons overseas are involved and connected in this act We know that persons who are incarcerated presently have connections in this act We know that multiple gangs are connected and involved in this act,” said Holness

Holness vowed to hold those responsible accountable, stating, “Every gang, every

Former BVI premier sentenced to 11 years in Federal prison

person who in any way facilitated, provided the arms, or were involved and pulled the trigger themselves, we will find you We will not treat this as another criminal act, we will treat this as an act of terror ”

In response to the violence, Holness announced an all-out “assault” on the gangs involved, as well as any gang operating in Jamaica

“There is no way that eight persons can be killed in one incident in Jamaica and the state stands as if nothing happened This must never happen again in Jamaica,” he declared

Sean Paul to receive Entertainer’s Key to the City of New York

Holness also revealed that the Jamaican government had supplied Washington with a list of 31 overseas-based criminals involved in local crimes, following his recent trips to the United States He noted that cooperation with the U S Department of Justice and other U S law enforcement agencies continues but did not provide further details on the matter

In the wake of the tragedy, a 96-hour curfew has been imposed across Central and Southern Clarendon, as well as Southern and Northern St Catherine, where gangs are known to collaborate

continues on A6 – Mass shooting

Diver Yona Knight Wisdom reects o Olympic journey and retirement

Dean-Roy Bernard, Permanent Secretary, represenng Jamaica's Minister of Culture Olivia Grange, presents a limited

of Reggae

Broward

(center)

Negoators from the Miramar Police Department

CARICOM pays tribute to Jamaican Ambassador Lorne McDonnough

Ambassador Lorne T. McDonnough, CD, a distinguished Jamaican diplomat who dedicated his life to the service of Jamaica and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has passed away. He died on August 8, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from his family

Ambassador McDonnough's illustrious diplomatic career spanned several decades and was marked by significant contributions to regional integration, trade negotiations, and economic development His service to Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region left a lasting impact

Throughout his career, Ambassador McDonnough held various prominent positions, including High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, and Ambassador to Suriname He was instrumental in advancing Jamaica's diplomatic interests and fostering stronger ties within the Caribbean

In 2008, McDonnough was appointed the first Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), where he led the organization from its inception to a fully operational entity under the CARICOM Treaty Under his leadership, the CDF implemented Country Assistance Programs (CAPs) across eight beneficiary member states, with commitments totaling nearly $50 million These programs played a crucial role in reducing regional disparities, enhancing competitiveness, and driving investment throughout the Caribbean CARICOM expressed deep sadness at the passing of Ambassador McDonnough, noting his impactful representation at both hemispheric and international levels "The

Community recognizes his broad expertise, which supported the advancement and deepening of the regional integration movement," CARICOM stated Ambassador McDonnough's diplomatic postings also included serving as Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and as Deputy Permanent Representative in Jamaica's Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) In 1994, he was appointed interim Executive Secretary of the InterAmerican Council for Economic and Social Affairs by the OAS Secretary General, and later

became the first Director of the Inter-Sectoral Unit for Tourism His leadership in these roles was pivotal in shaping economic and social development across the Americas Ambassador McDonnough's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the Caribbean He was a tireless advocate for regional cooperation, progress, and the upliftment of the Caribbean people His efforts were formally recognized in 2011 when the Jamaican Government conferred upon him the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his distinguished service in regional and hemispheric affairs

Upon retiring from his outstanding diplomatic career, Ambassador McDonnough found joy in real estate, working alongside his daughter Kaili Scott at Coldwell Banker

Ambassador McDonnough's academic achievements were equally impressive, holding an M A in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, an MBA in International Business from Long Island University, and a BBA from Pace University His commitment to excellence and service was evident throughout his life

In a tribute, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his deep sadness, stating, "It is with deep sadness that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Ambassador Lorne T McDonnough, CD, a distinguished diplomat whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the wider international community On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I offer my deepest sympathies to his beloved wife, Michelle, his children, Kaili, Lyndsey, Sydney, and Liam, his sister Grace, and his extended family May you find comfort in knowing that Ambassador McDonnough's life was one of profound service and achievement, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all " Ambassador Lorne T McDonnough will be remembered as a stalwart in Caribbean diplomacy, whose legacy of service and commitment to regional development will continue to inspire future generations

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McDonnough

JAMAICA: $25M reward fund set up for information on Clarendon mass killing

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Trinidad and Tobago promises “bigger and better” TT Agri-Expo

JAMAICA: Jamaica’s NCU provides pathway to nursing education in the US

Bahamas mourns sudden loss of Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Louise Ferguson

The Bahamian legal community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Louise Ferguson on Monday

The Office of the Judiciary has honored her legacy, remembering Ferguson for her integrity, fair and balanced decisions, dedication to the rule of law, and compassionate approach to justice

In a statement, the Judiciary extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ferguson's family, urging colleagues to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time While the specifics of her illness were not disclosed, the Office of the Judiciary highlighted her distinguished career and significant contributions to the Bahamian legal

system Ferguson's legal journey began after she was called to The Bahamas Bar on November 11, 1994, upon completing her studies at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica Just three days later, on November 14, she commenced her career in the Office of the Attorney General as an Assistant Counsel Her exceptional work led to her promotion to Senior Counsel

On January 3, 2003, Ferguson transitioned to the Judiciary as a Stipendiary & Circuit Magistrate assigned to the Northern Region Her judicial career progressed steadily, and on February 23, 2011, she was appointed as a Deputy Coroner Four years later, in 2015, she was promoted to Deputy

Chief Magistrate, a role she performed with diligence and dedication until her untimely passing

“As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and legacy,” the Judiciary's statement read “She will be remembered for her integrity, her fair and balanced decisions, her dedication to upholding the rule of law, and her compassionate approach to justice ” The loss of Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Louise Ferguson leaves a profound void in the Bahamian judiciary, but her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps

Jamaica Teachers Association disappointed with ministry's plan to recruit overseas teachers

Leighton Johnson, President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), has voiced concern and disappointment over the Ministry of Education's plan to recruit overseas teachers for the upcoming 2024/25 school year, which begins in September

Despite ongoing efforts to retain local teaching talent, many educators continue to be drawn to international opportunities, creating persistent challenges for Jamaica's education sector The Ministry of Education has begun recruiting teachers from Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines, and India to address the teacher shortage

In a recent statement, Johnson acknowledged that while the decision is a necessary measure to mitigate the current shortage, it underscores a more significant issue that requires urgent attention

Johnson highlighted that Jamaica is home to at least 10 tertiary institutions dedicated to training teachers, institutions that have long produced highly qualified educators capable of nurturing the nation's youth He lamented that the country must now turn to foreign teachers to fill roles that should be occupied by Jamaica's own qualified educators

"The migration of teachers from Jamaica is not new, but its recent intensification indicates deeper systemic issues that need to

be addressed," Johnson said "Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their departure in search of better opportunities abroad highlights the urgent need to improve salaries, conditions, and incentives for our educators here at home "

While acknowledging the Ministry's efforts to prevent students from suffering due to the teacher shortage, Johnson argued that the solution is temporary and fails to address the root causes of the problem

“It is imperative that we focus on creating

Jamaica to strengthen firearm legislation in response to

gang violence

Jamaica's Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, has announced that legislation related to firearm offenses will be reviewed and strengthened in an effort to combat the growing threat of gang violence in communities

Dr Chang made the statement during a visit to Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon on August 12, following a brutal attack that left eight people dead

The massacre, carried out by men armed with high-powered guns, has shocked the nation, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and government officials Dr Chang emphasized the urgency of addressing gun crimes, stating, “We [the Government] will take every step to protect citizens, prevent reprisals, and apprehend members of the gangs ” Dr Chang, who also serves as Deputy

Prime Minister, described the incident as an act of terror against the community He assured the public that the police are making every effort to track down the perpetrators and pledged the government's full support in bringing them to justice

In the wake of the killings on August 11, a 96-hour curfew has been imposed across several communities in Clarendon, including Western Park, Cherry Tree Lane, Havannah Heights, Treadlight, and York Town The curfew, which began at 10:00 a m on Monday, August 12, will remain in effect until 10:00 a m on Friday, August 16

As the government moves to tighten firearm regulations, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of citizens and restoring peace in communities plagued by gang violence

“It is imperative that we focus on creating an environment where our teachers feel valued, supported, and adequately compensated for their invaluable contributions to our society” – Johnson

an environment where our teachers feel valued, supported, and adequately compensated for their invaluable contributions to our society,” he emphasized

In preparation for the upcoming school year, the Ministry of Education implemented various strategies to aid schools in the recruitment process Schools were preapproved to make early recruitment decisions, including hiring part-time teachers, retired educators, and pre-trained graduates in their final year of study. Schools were also advised to utilize classroom management tactics, such as merging small classes and increasing the use of information communication technology

However, Johnson maintained that these measures are insufficient "The salary structure for teachers must be competitive and aligned with international standards There is an urgent need for retention incentives to encourage teachers to remain in our classrooms," he said He further suggested that the government consider non-monetary incentives, such as reduced mortgage rates for teachers, tax relief for purchasing motor vehicles, land gifting, and student loan debt forgiveness for teachers and their children, as viable strategies to retain educators

Ferguson

Johnson

Caribbean News

SVG, Trinidad & Tobago see spike in dengue cases

Trinidad and St Vincent and the Grenadines are both dealing with a dengue outbreak, and significant increase in cases over the last week

The number of dengue cases in St Vincent and the Grenadines has surged to 213

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves confirmed the latest figures during the “ I s s u e a t H a n d ” p r o g r a m o n WEFM99 9SVG on Sunday, following a report from the Chief Medical Officer of Health Last week, the country reported 113 cases of dengue, meaning an additional 100 cases have been recorded in just seven days

Dr Gonsalves expressed concern over the situation, particularly noting that 17 people have been hospitalized with dengue, most of whom are children This has led to increased mosquito fogging efforts on both the Leeward and Windward sides of the island in an attempt to control the spread of the disease

The bulk of the dengue cases have been reported in Kingstown, Calliaqua, Pembroke, and Bequia While all the reported cases have been lab-tested, Dr Gonsalves suspects there may be more unreported cases, as some people may experience mild symptoms and recover quickly without seeking medical attention

In response to the outbreak, the Prime Minister urged the public to take action to reduce mosquito breeding sites He emphasized the need to eliminate stagnant water in barrels and other containers commonly found in yards, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes

Trinidad and Tobago has also seen an uptick in dengue cases, with the total figure to 813 as of August 13 Virus-related deaths remain at eight

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh explained that in addition to monitoring

Dengue cases, his ministry is also paying attention to the Oropouche Virus- currently making its way through Brazil

He said: “I have confirmed with CARPHA this morning that we are now testing for the Oropouche Virus incase we have it in Trinidad and Tobago What CARPHA is doing- the blood sample that we send to them for Dengue- once those samples are negative, they do a second screening for Oropouche virus, because the signs and symptoms tend to be the same and may overlap ”

“So we want to know whether we are dealing with Oropouche virus at the same time,” he added

According to the World Health Organisation, Oropouche virus disease is an arboviral disease caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV), a segmented single-stranded RNA virus that is part of the genus Orthobunyavirus of the Peribunyaviridae family

Symptoms are similar to dengue and

start between four to eight days (range between three-12 days) after the infective bite The onset is sudden, usually with fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain, chills, and sometimes persistent nausea and vomiting, for up to five to seven days

Asked by a reporter whether he was satisfied by the actions being taken by citizens to prevent the spread of Dengue, Deyalsingh said his short answer would be “ no ”

He said: “The citizenry has not stepped up to the plate. The major response agency is the homeowner, and homeowners are not stepping up to the plate to rid their yards and their homes of the small to mediumsized containers ”

“The Government cannot go and empty every single container The population has still not, in my view, started to play their part in ridding their homes and their yards of breeding sites and that is why we had to issue 441 notices and I am sure that is a drop in the bucket,” Deyalsingh added

Sandals Barbados lays off hundreds of workers

Sandals Resort in Dover Barbados has made over 200 workers redundant but the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) on Monday moved to relieve fears about job security in tourism, describing the layoffs as part of seasonal pattern

BHTA chairman Javon Griffith said the redundancies reflect the annual downturn in business

“That is pretty standard across the industry at this time of year, ” Griffith explained “Of course, for a property like that, it would seem like a lot, because they have two hotels side by side ”

The news of the layoffs was first revealed on Friday by Toni Moore, general secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), to reporters outside Parliament While Moore did not name the property, she emphasized the need for job security to align with the provisions of the collective agreement between the BWU and the BHTA

The BWU head also accused the hotel of undermining the role of its union, claiming that the company directly consulted workers about the termination of their contracts without union involvement But Griffith countered that the hotel’s general manager, Surinder Kahlon, had indicated the layoffs were unrelated to the BWU

The BHTA chairman noted that many hotels typically scale back operations after Crop Over, often closing for renovations during September when there is a significant decrease in business He added that workers are usually laid off if the closure period exceeds their holiday entitlement

Griffith was unable to confirm whether Sandals would rehire the redundant workers once the industry picks up for the winter season

“There is a slowdown of business and there are some internal rationalizations going on, but I cannot speak as to if or when persons would be rehired,” he said

CARICOM-appointed EPG continues role in Haiti

T h e C a r i b b e a n C o m m u n i t y

(CARICOM) is continuing its efforts in Haiti through the work of three former prime ministers who were appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to facilitate the Community's good office role in the country

The ongoing mission is taking place as Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and interim prime minister remain in place

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) consists of former prime ministers Dr Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and Perry Christie of The Bahamas These leaders have been actively engaging with Haitian stakeholders to assess the current political climate and provide guidance as the country navigates its transition

H E Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the TPC, provided an update during the 47th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in Grenada He revealed that the TPC is preparing to implement a transitional electoral system that will

enable Haiti to hold general elections by the end of 2025 Additionally, a nationwide constitutional review process has been initiated to redefine the relationship between the state and the populace

Leblanc Fils acknowledged the challenging situation in Haiti, marked by gun violence in the capital, Port-auPrince, and other areas “It is our aim to remove Haiti from this situation,” he stated, expressing gratitude to CARICOM, Kenya, the Republic of Benin, Jamaica, and other partners for their

cooperation in the Multi-national Security Support Mission currently operating in Haiti

The Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the CARICOM meeting highlighted the arrival of approximately 400 security personnel from Kenya to support the UN Security Councilauthorized Multi-national Security Support Mission It also noted the shortfall in funding for the deployment of additional security personnel from CARICOM Member States

Holding elections in near future 'will

be really difficult,' says Haiti

PM

Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille has issued an urgent plea for the swift completion of the international security mission in the country, expressing deep concern over the pace of support from the global community

The Prime Minister's plea comes just a week after the United Nations also called for the expedited deployment of international security forces in Haiti following a harrowing report that revealed at least 1,379 people were killed or wounded in gang violence, and 428 individuals were kidnapped in the country between April and June this year

Speaking in an interview with the BBC World Service's Hard Talk podcast, Conille highlighted the dire situation in Haiti, stating that assistance is “coming too slowly” and that the Haitian people are growing increasingly impatient Conille pointed out that the security mission currently consists of only two contingents, totaling about 400 personnel, which is far from sufficient to address the nation's security challenges “We have about 103 police officers per 100,000 people So I have no doubt that we are understaffed,” he said, emphasizing the critical need for rapid fulfillment of commitments made by Haiti's international partners and neighboring countries

The Prime Minister voiced serious concerns about the fragile state of Haiti's transitional government, which relies heavily on the anticipated support “The Haitian people have been extremely patient We have, and I say this, a very fragile transition team that is based on the expectation that the support will come soon,” Conille remarked He warned that as the political season approaches, there could be attempts to exploit the country's challenging circumstances

The security mission saw its first contingent of Kenyan agents arrive in Haiti on June 25, but two months on, the situation remains precarious The notorious “400 Mawozo” gang has seized control of several areas near the Dominican border, despite the presence of Kenyan forces, leaving both the population and authorities waiting for additional international reinforcements

When asked if it would be possible to organize free and fair elections in Haiti by February 2026, Conille expressed doubt, saying that without immediate and substantial support particularly in terms of security, humanitarian aid, and early recovery ”it will be really difficult ”

shooting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang provided further insights during the press conference, highlighting the ongoing efforts of security forces in the area “This incident comes at a time when the security forces have been doing extensive work in these areas In fact, in all the three police divisions there have been significant reductions in homicides,” Dr Chang said He reported that Clarendon had seen a 39 percent reduction in homicides this year, attributing the improvement to the coordinated efforts of the security forces Dr Chang also acknowledged the trauma inflicted on the community, especially with the death of one child (seven years old) and the injury of another (one-year-old infant) in the attack

“All elements of the security forces, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), supported by MOCA (Major Organised Crime & AntiCorruption Agency), will be mobilized, led by the police force in the areas identified They will have the full support of the government,” Dr Chang assured the public

“We will find, apprehend, disrupt, and degrade the criminal gangs The social support services of government will also be brought to bear in the relevant community of Cherry Tree Lane and across areas where the gangs have taken action to disrupt the lives of our citizens,” he added

Desir

Anthony Golding Christie

Caribbean nationals fall victim to immigration scam

The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) says a Queens, New York woman has been indicted for allegedly defrauding 10 Caribbean nationals out of US$73,000 by promising to improve their immigration status

HSI said Windella Sanderson Wells, 54, was arraigned on July 31 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Raymond Bruce on a 44-count indictment charging first-degree scheme to defraud, seconddegree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree unlawful possession of personal information, practicing or appearing as attorney-at-law without being admitted and first-degree falsifying business records

HSI said Wells was placed on supervised release and is due back in court November 1

“The defendant is accused of joining a growing population of criminals committing what has been dubbed a 'dream scam' She allegedly preyed upon individuals who were seeking to legitimately undergo the immigration process, and, in turn, exploited their pursuits of the American dream,” Arvelo said

He said HSI New York's Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is unwavering in its dedication to protecting all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable

HSI said an arrest and search warrant executed early July 31 at Wells' home resulted in the seizure of US$425,000 in cash, along with thousands of client applications

HSI said Wells allegedly targeted nationals from the Guyanese, Jamaican and Haitian communities and that between September 1, 2019, and May 1, 2023, she allegedly posed as a licensed attorney and accredited immigration preparer, claiming she was experienced in assisting undocumented immigrants

HSI said she allegedly took a total of US$73,000 from 10 people, and that all the applications she filed were rejected

Biden announces legal protections for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens

Last month, the Biden administration announced a new policy that will grant temporary legal status and a potential path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants married to U S citizens

This policy, known as “parole in place” (PIP), is part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) actions to promote family unity in the immigration process, consistent with the BidenHarris administration's commitment to keeping families together

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U S citizens who have been in the U S for at least a decade If parole is granted, noncitizens eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on their marriage to a U S citizen will be able to do so without leaving the United States USCIS will reject any applications submitted before August 19, 2024

The policy would allow undocumented immigrants who have American citizen spouses to receive temporary work permits and legal status It would also allow them to navigate around certain U S legal obstacles that currently prevent them from obtaining permanent residency if they entered the country illegally By obtaining parole in place, these individuals could eventually qualify for green cards and, later, U S citizenship without needing to leave the country

According to the White House, the move will protect roughly half a million spouses of U S citizens and around 50,000 undocumented children under 21 whose parent is married to a U S citizen

DHS may also consider noncitizen children of requestors under this process if, as of June 17, 2024, they were physically present in the United States without admission or parole and have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U S citizen

A “favorable exercise of discretion” means that even if an applicant meets all the other criteria, immigration officials still have the final say in approving or denying the application

Although USCIS is not currently accepting applications, you can begin to prepare to file a parole application by gathering evidence of your eligibility, such as evidence of a legally valid marriage to a U S citizen as of June 17, 2024, such as a marriage certificate, and documentation of proof of identity, including expired documents

TO BE ELIGIBLE

Be present in the United States without admission or parole. Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024. Have a legally valid marriage to a U S. citizen as of June 17, 2024

Not have any disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety Otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Strictly Legal

Online Scamming

The types, the effects, and how to prevent them from happening

Online scams, commonly known as internet scams, are a type of cybercrime in which a cybercriminal uses the internet to deceive a victim in order to steal money, gain access to sensitive information or for other malicious purposes Cybercriminals will pose as a familiar face or a reputable business to gain the trust of their victims They often make contact with their victims through personal or work emails, social media accounts, dating apps or other online methods

Once a cybercriminal makes contact with their victim, they can trick them into giving up their personal information, login credentials, credit card numbers, Social Security number, address and other sensitive data Online scams can often lead to identity theft, loss of personal or professional data, as well as financial and credit card fraud

Different Types of Online Scams

Cybercriminals use a variety of techniques to carry out their online scams Here are the different types of online scams to look out for

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack in which a cybercriminal sends an unsolicited message to a user with the intent of stealing their personal information Cybercriminals trick users into revealing their personal information such as their login credentials or credit card numbers by impersonating a familiar face or reputable business

Phishing scams send messages, such as emails or texts, with a malicious attachment or link that downloads malware on your device or directs you to a spoofed website These spoofed websites imitate legitimate websites and try to trick you into revealing your personal information

Catfishing

Catfishing is a type of social engineering attack in which a cybercriminal creates a fake online identity to deceive and exploit someone else Most catfishing scams try to initiate a romantic relationship with a victim through social media or dating apps Catfish scammers exploit those who are emotionally vulnerable to steal the victim’s money or personal information

Job offer scams

Job offer scams are a type of scam in which a cybercriminal creates a fake job listing to lure those actively searching for a new job or a work-from-home job These fake job listings seem too good to be true as they often promise lots of money for minimal work

The cybercriminal will post these fake job listings on legitimate job listing websites such as LinkedIn or Indeed They often create fake websites to make their fake job listings seem legitimate When a person applies and accepts a fake job listing, the cybercriminal can steal the applicant’s personal information just by asking for it

Social media scams

Social media scams are online scams, conducted via social media platforms, in which scammers post fake promotions, send malicious links or impersonate online accounts to steal a user ’ s personal information Social media scams can come through a user’s newsfeed or messages, where the scammer convinces the victim to click a malicious link or message back their personal information

Online shopping scams

Online shopping scams are when scammers try to portray themselves as legitimate online sellers Scammers will often create a fake website that impersonates a legitimate online retailer Some scammers create fake accounts on online marketplaces to trick users into thinking they are legitimate sellers They often leave fake online reviews to make it seem more legitimate

When a user tries to buy from the fake website, account or page, the scammer tricks

the user into giving up their financial and personal information These types of scammers will bait-and-switch the victim by giving them a counterfeit product or no product at all

Scareware

Scareware is a type of social engineering attack that uses psychological manipulation to trick victims into downloading malware on their devices It often comes in pop-up ads that try to scare you into thinking you have a virus on your device and need to download antivirus software However, if you click on the pop-up to download the antivirus software, you are actually downloading malware instead

What To Do If You Get Scammed Online

If you ever fall victim to an online scam, you need to take the following steps to mitigate the damaging effects

Change compromised passwords

Many online scams attempt to get your login credentials and other personal information If you accidentally provide your login credentials to a scammer, you need to change your passwords immediately to prevent losing access to your accounts You also need to change any accounts that reuse the same login credentials to prevent those accounts from being compromised as well

Scan your device for malware

Some online scams will send a message with an unsolicited link or attachment These malicious links and attachments are methods of delivering malware If you click on any unsolicited links or attachments from an online scammer, you need to use antivirus software to scan and remove any malware found on your device

Freeze your credit

Depending on the information that you gave away to an online scammer, you may need to freeze your credit to prevent scammers from taking out loans under your name To freeze your credit, you need to individually contact each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax You must contact each of the credit bureaus separately because just contacting one to freeze your credit doesn’t automatically freeze it with the other two bureaus A scammer can still take out loans or credit cards in your name since lenders can use the bureau that you didn’t freeze your credit with Credit freezes are necessary to prevent identity theft if your personal information is compromised, but you can also set a fraud alert with the credit bureaus A fraud alert lets lenders know that your personal information was compromised and a scammer might try to apply for credit under your name Unlike a credit freeze, your credit is still accessible, but the lenders will have to verify your identity

before granting credit. If you plan on setting a fraud alert, you only have to do so with one credit bureau, and then that credit bureau will alert the other two

Lock your cards

If you lost your debit or credit card information from an online scam, you need to contact your bank and credit lenders to lock or cancel your cards This will help prevent scammers from making fraudulent charges on any of your payment cards After locking and canceling your cards, you will have to request a new card to ensure scammers cannot make any future purchases under your name

Contact any involved entities

Depending on the information that was stolen as a result of the online scam, you may have to contact any involved entities to help you mitigate the effects If you lose your credit

card information or money, you may have to contact the FTC to prevent identity theft or credit card fraud If you accidentally leaked any of your organization’s sensitive data, you need to alert your organization, so they can contain the data leak. If you lose access to your online accounts, you will have to contact your service provider to help you reclaim your accounts

How To Avoid Falling for Online Scams

Online scams are everywhere, so you need to be careful when you are browsing online You can easily avoid falling victim to online scams by implementing the following

Use strong and unique passwords

Scammers will use any method to get access to your online accounts and steal your personal information You need to use strong and unique passwords to protect your online accounts Strong passwords make it difficult for cybercriminals to easily guess your passwords Your passwords should be different for each of your accounts to prevent multiple accounts from getting compromised through credential stuffing and other cyber attacks

Keeping track of all of your strong and unique passwords is a difficult task to do yourself However, you can use a password manager to manage your passwords A password manager is a tool that securely stores and manages your login credentials in an encrypted vault With a password manager, you can easily access your passwords all in one place A password manager securely protects your passwords from cybercriminals by using strong levels of encryption It also ensures you are using strong and unique passwords by identifying any weak passwords and prompting you to strengthen them

continues on C3 – Online scamming

Caribbean National Weekly Endorses Three Outstanding Candidates for the August 20 Primaries

Dr. Gregory Tony: Broward County Sheriff (Democrat)

Dr. Gregory Tony's leadership of the Broward Sheriff's Office has been nothing short of transformative. With an 18-year career in law enforcement, including critical roles in SWAT, narcotics investigation, and street intelligence, Tony has consistently been at the forefront of public safety

Since his appointment as Broward County Sheriff in 2019, Tony has led the charge in reducing crime rates, improving response times, and making Broward County a safer place to live His academic achievements, including a Ph D. in criminal justice with a specialization in organizational leadership, reflect his deep understanding of the complexities of modern law enforcement

Tony's unwavering commitment to accountability is evident in his decisive actions against misconduct within the Sheriff's Office, including his firm stance against officers guilty of excessive force and wrongdoing. Under his leadership, the Broward Sheriff's Office has embraced innovation, establishing the first-ever Research, Development, and Training Center in its 109-year history

Tony's proactive approach, including enhanced training for mass shooting events and a countywide Racial Equity and Implicit Bias Training Program, underscores his dedication to creating a more just and equitable community With his proven track record, Dr. Gregory Tony is the clear choice to continue leading Broward County toward a brighter and safer future

This is a sample ballot for your convenience. It includes all contests that will appear on the August 20, 2024, PrimaryElectionballot.

Florida is a closed Primary Election, meaning only voters who are registered members of a political party can vote for their party's candidates. However, there is an exception for the Universal Primary Contest, where all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation. In such cases, all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the Primary Election. The winner of this contest will be elected and will not appear on the

Este es un ejemplo de boleta para su conveniencia. Incluye todas las contiendas que aparecerán en la boleta de lasEleccionesPrimariasdel20deagostode2024.

Florida tiene Elecciones Primarias cerradas, lo que significa que solo los votantes que están registrados como miembros de un partido político pueden votar por los candidatos de su partido. Sin embargo, existe una excepción para las Contiendas Primarias Universales, donde todos los candidatos para un cargo tienen la misma afiliación partidaria. En tales casos, todos los votantes calificados, independientemente desu afiliación partidaria, pueden votar en la elección primaria. El ganador de esta contienda será elegido y no aparecerá en la boleta de las

Sa a se yon echantiyon bilten vòt pou konvenyans ou. Li gen ladann tout konkou ki pral parèt sou bilten vòt Eleksyon

Primè20out2024la.

Florid se yon Eleksyon Primè fèmen, sa vle di sèlman elektè ki se manm yon pati politik ki anrejistre ka vote pou kandida pati yo. Sepandan, gen yon eksepsyon pou Konkou Primè Inivèsèl la, kote tout kandida pou yon biwo gen menm afilyasyon pati. Nan ka sa yo, tout elektè ki kalifye yo, kèlkeswa afilyasyon pati yo, ka vote nan Eleksyon Primè

General

eleccionesgenerales.

Hay 28 sitios de votación anticipada en el Condado de Broward. Puede votar en persona o entregar su boleta de Voto por Correo en cualquiera de los 28 sitios de VotaciónAnticipada de Broward entre el 10 de agosto y el 18 de agosto.También puede entregar su boleta en cualquiera de las oficinas principales o sucursales del Supervisor de Elecciones. Por favor, visite BrowardVotes.gov para obtener una lista completa de ubicaciones y horarios de operación.

a.Gayankonkousaapeliepilipapparètsoubiltenvòteleksyonjeneralla.

Gen 28 sit pou vote bonè nan Konte Broward. Ou ka vote an pèson oswa depoze bilten vòt pa lapòs ou nan nenpòt nan 28 sit Broward pou vote bonè ant 10 out ak 18 out. Ou ka depoze biltenvòt ou tou nan nenpòt nan biwo prensipal oswa filyal Sipèvizè Eleksyon yo. Tanpri vizite BrowardVotes.gov pou jwenn yon lis konplè kote yo ye ak lè yo fonksyone.

Stanley Campbell: U.S. Senate (Democrat)

Stanley Campbell's candidacy for the U S Senate represents a bold and visionary step forward for Florida A native of Liberty City, Miami, Campbell's journey from modest beginnings to a prominent figure in healthcare, technology, and national security is nothing short of inspiring

As the son of Jamaican and Bahamian immigrants, Campbell embodies the American Dream, rising through the ranks with hard work, determination, and a relentless commitment to public service His early work with NASA, where he contributed to the Voyager 2 spacecraft, set the stage for a career marked by innovation and excellence

As a U S Navy Pilot and Test Pilot, Campbell's leadership was instrumental in the success of the Navy's Airborne Communications Platform TACAMO His expertise in cyber security, including his pivotal role in preventing Medicare fraud and enhancing TSA's security protocols, demonstrates his dedication to safeguarding American interests Today, as the head of a global healthcare technology company, Campbell's impact is felt daily, with his efforts preventing over $120 million in Medicare fraud each day

His 14 patents in Artificial Intelligence further illustrate his commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good Campbell's deep roots in Florida, combined with his extensive experience, make him the ideal candidate to represent the state in the U S Senate His ability to bridge divides and foster bipartisan collaboration offers a refreshing and much-needed voice in Washington

As the primary election day nears, Caribbean National Weekly strongly encourages voters to support these three exceptional candidates who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to justice, safety, and innovation Their leadership will ensure a brighter, more equitable future for all Floridians

Tamar Hamilton: Broward County Judge, 17th Circuit, Group 25 (Nonpartisan)

Jamaican American attorney Tamar Hamilton is poised to make history as she sets her sights on the Broward County bench

A formidable advocate for justice, Hamilton's career has been marked by her passion for service and her unwavering belief in fairness for all With a Juris Doctorate from St Thomas University School of Law, where she now imparts her knowledge as an adjunct professor, Hamilton has built a distinguished legal career

As the Founder and Lead Attorney of her own law firm, she has demonstrated her expertise in Property Law, Contract Law, Wills, Trusts, and Probate, successfully managing large and complex cases with finesse Beyond her legal practice, Hamilton's scholarly contributions, including her work on health care access, highlight her commitment to making the legal system more accessible to all

Her ability to listen, her dedication to mentorship, and her adherence to the highest ethical standards set her apart as the ideal candidate for Broward County Judge. Hamilton's integrity and impartiality are precisely what is needed on the bench, where she will undoubtedly serve with honor and distinction

Broward County Sheriff: Gregory Tony

Broward County Tax Collector: Abbey Ajayi

Broward County Supervisor of Election: Joe Scott

Judicial Recommendations: 17th Judicial Circuit: Group 1: Carol-Lisa Phillips Group 38: Stephanie Moon

County Court: Group 6: Kathleen Mary McHugh

Group 10: Samuel Ford Stark

Group 16: Kathleen Elaine Angione

Group 25: Tamar Hamilton

Palm Beach County State Attorney: Gregg Lerman

County Sheriff: Ric Bradshaw

Palm Beach County Commissioner, District 7: Bobby Powell, Jr

Port of Palm Beach County, Group 2: Jeffrey B. Jackson

County Judge Group 2: Jean Marie Middleton

Palm Beach County School Board, District 1: Matthew Jay Lane

Palm Beach County School Board, District 5: Charman Postel

Aggressive, proactive leadership needed to curb violent crime in Jamaica

Admittedly, it is frustrating to persist in writing and commenting on the same topic. However, when the issue is as serious as the relentless violent crime wave in Jamaica, there is a responsibility to revisit it

It's no secret that the Jamaican diaspora is extremely concerned with the repeated accounts of violent crime in Jamaica, and even more so with the apparent ineffectiveness of the incumbent government and law enforcement authorities to control this surge The situation reached a crescendo with the news of a mass shooting near Four Paths, Clarendon, on Sunday night On that fateful night, a group of gunmen armed with high-powered rifles targeted a neighborhood bingo party, where men, women, and children were present When the shooting ended, eight individuals, including a seven-yearold child and several women, were dead, and others were injured

This marks a tragic new chapter in Jamaica While there have been frequent reports of driveby shootings that have claimed lives, never before has there been a mass shooting of this scale by criminals Ironically, these violent murders have occurred at a time when press releases from the Jamaican police have been reporting a decline in murders this year However, the frequency of media reports on violent gun crimes in Jamaica raises questions about the validity of these claims

In response to the mass shooting in Clarendon, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness condemned the shootings, as expected He also stated that the shootings were organized by criminals outside of Jamaica, in collaboration with inmates currently in Jamaican prisons This raises a crucial question: If the prime minister and presumably Jamaican law enforcement authorities were aware of foreign and local collaboration in planning a major crime in Jamaica, why were no proactive measures taken

to prevent it and protect Jamaican citizens?

There is little evidence of proactive measures being taken by the Jamaican government and law enforcement authorities to curb violent crime

Reactive measures, particularly verbal outcries by public officials, are more common, while criminals continue to perpetrate gun violence across the nation

Monday morning, it was announced that Holness had called a meeting of Jamaica's National Security Council to address the Clarendon mass shooting There was hope that this meeting would result in immediate, aggressive measures to find the perpetrators and deter further gun violence Instead, the announcement was made of curfews to be implemented in the region where the mass shooting occurred and in other areas of Clarendon. The parishes of Clarendon, St. Catherine, Hanover, St James, and Westmoreland have seen repeated incidents of violent shootings in recent months, and curfews and states of emergency in these parishes and elsewhere have not been effective

The prime minister also indicated that the government and law enforcement are aware of the violent activities of various gangs on the island and that strong actions will be taken to

curb these activities These gangs, and others that have recently formed, have been wreaking havoc across the country The question remains: Why wasn't the war on these gangs started sooner?

Something is very wrong with the incumbent government's efforts to curb violent crime The overwhelming majority of Jamaicans are dissatisfied with these efforts Judging from a flood of social media posts in response to the mass shooting in Clarendon, there is clear evidence of this dissatisfaction. People are making numerous suggestions to quell gun violence, including a nationwide ban on guns, the return of the death penalty for murderers, and stricter control at Jamaican ports to deter the illegal importation of firearms But why are so many Jamaicans venting their frustrations and making their suggestions on social media? Why are Jamaicans not organizing mass protests across the country against the government's ineptitude in controlling violent crime?

Jamaica needs a bold, fearless leader who is unconcerned with potential political backlash and willing to lead an aggressive fight against violent gangs and other criminals This leader must eradicate the corruption reportedly present in the penal system, where incarcerated criminals plan reprisals on rival gangs and enemies, take strong measures to stop the importation of guns into Jamaica, eliminate corruption in public places and among public officials, tackle the trade and use of drugs like cocaine, and structure a formidable and effective law enforcement force under strong, fearless leadership Only with such uncompromising leadership can a real attempt be made to free Jamaica from the chains of violent crime

In the meantime, one can only hope that there are members among the rank and file of the nation's law enforcement forces who are courageous, committed, and determined to seek out and remove the criminals intent on damaging the lives of Jamaicans and the reputation of Jamaica

Holness

Community & the Diaspora

Miami-Dade Dept. of Transportation and Public Works honored as Public Agency of the Year

Tamarac Man arrested on bomb threat charges

Three Jamaicans charged in murder of man in Panama City Beach

Three Jamaican men have been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of a fellow Jamaican and the injuring of his girlfriend in Panama City Beach, Florida

T h e P a n a m a C i t y B e a c h P o l i c e Department identified the deceased as O'Neil McDonald, a resident of Panama City Beach who was visiting an apartment complex at the time of the incident

McDonald, who was 23 years old and the son of a former Jamaican national football player, was found dead near building 1300 by responding officers A 21-year-old woman, who was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound, was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover

The three suspects, all from Panama City Beach, have been identified as Andre Jermaine Ranglin, 23; Devaughn Devante Jones, 23; and Ricardo Everton Golden, 37 Ranglin faces charges including one count of murder, one count of attempted capital murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder, firing a deadly missile into an occupied dwelling, and attempted armed burglary Jones is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and destruction of evidence, while Golden is also charged with accessory after the fact to murder

The incident occurred at the 10X Apartment complex on Panama City Beach Parkway, where police responded to a report of shots fired They found McDonald with multiple gunshot wounds and the woman suffering from a single wound. She was provided with first aid at the scene before being transported to the hospital, where she underwent surgery and is expected to make a

full recovery Investigations revealed that the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between McDonald and Ranglin According to police, Ranglin arrived at the apartment complex armed with a handgun, fired multiple shots at McDonald, chased him through the parking lot, and ultimately killed him Ranglin also shot the female victim as she attempted to enter her apartment, hitting her through the door

After the shooting, Ranglin reportedly contacted Jones, who assisted him in trying to leave the area Golden allegedly picked them up and drove to Bonifay, aware of the crime and assisting for financial gain Police say Jones disposed of the suspected murder weapon in a dumpster at a motel in Bonifay

Ranglin and Jones were later located by the U S Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force hiding at a motel in Dothan, Alabama

They are currently being held in Houston County, Alabama, awaiting extradition, while Golden is in custody at the Bay County Jail Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez condemned the violence, calling it a senseless act that could have been avoided

“As we have seen tragically around this country, what typically was resolved with general fist fights is now resulted with gun violence,” Talamantez said “This coward decided to take a gun into a situation and end an argument he had with a colleague, and now I can't begin to tell you how many families are torn apart by this senseless act of violence ”

Miami-Dade County to break ground on Phase V of Brownsville Transit Village

More than 650 children from Port Antonio and adjacent communities in Portland benefited from a recent backto-school mission hosted at Carder Park in the parish capital last week

The event which was dubbed 'Portland Paradise Weekend', was spearheaded by Eunice Rashford, a Jamaican residing in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

She received support from Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Dr Elaine Grant Bryan, through her foundation, along with Delta Airlines, which is headquartered in Atlanta

The collaboration resulted in the acquisition of notebooks, textbooks, children's books, backpacks, calculators, and electronic school supplies that were presented to the youngsters

Grant Bryan said that she was happy to be one of the event's sponsors and to be able to assist in acquiring school supplies for the children The diplomat, who was in Port Antonio for the event, said she is planning to help more schools in the future

“There is a great interest in me helping the schools A lot of corporations were willing to help me when I told them what I was doing I then realized that I could do it for many schools So I am hoping to come back in short order to do more of it,” she said

continues on B3 – Back-to-school mission

Panama City Beach Police Chief, Eusebio Talamantez

South Florida promoters receive Consulate General of Jamaica One Love Award

On Saturday, August 3rd, Jamaica's Consul General in South Florida Oliver Mair attended the STUDIO 45 | Jamaica 62nd Independence Celebration at Truck Stop in Weston, Florida

The event drew hundreds of revelers, and Consul General Mair took the opportunity to engage with the crowd before taking to the stage to acknowledge the event's success He congratulated promoters Gary Hart and Omar Shoucair for organizing a memorable celebration that honored Jamaica's independence

During the festivities, Consul General Mair presented the prestigious Consulate General of Jamaica One Love Award to two prominent South Florida promoters, Marco Brown and Tyrone Robertson This award recognizes their significant contributions to the Jamaican Diaspora through their unwavering dedication to producing events that celebrate and preserve Jamaican culture

Marco Brown, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, made history in the 1970s by opening the first Jamaican nightclub

in Broward County He is well-known for producing iconic events like Sundays on the Bay and Rancho Grande Reflecting on his long career, Brown expressed his gratitude, saying, “I have been in the entertainment business for a long time, and I still get a feeling

of satisfaction when I see patrons enjoying themselves at events that I have produced ” Tyrone Robertson, who began his career organizing smaller events in Kingston, Jamaica, and Miami Lakes, FL, drew inspiration from successful ventures like

Sundays on the Bay and clubs such as Hungry Whale His efforts culminated in the creation of the popular First Fridays of Florida monthly event, which served the community from 2000 to 2016 Robertson is also the coproducer of the Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival and co-founder of both CaribTix com and the Caribbean streaming service Caribcast He noted, “Seeing the success of Sundays on the Bay and clubs like Hungry Whale served as a foundation for me to produce events and platforms that cater to the Caribbean community ” Brown and Robertson have also collaborated on several events, including SeaBreeze Sundays and the annual Pluto & Friends concert Their work has played a vital role in keeping the Caribbean culture and entertainment vibrant within the Diaspora

The Consulate General of Jamaica One Love Award serves as a testament to the outstanding efforts of Marco Brown and Tyrone Robertson in promoting Jamaican culture and community spirit in South Florida

Broward Schools clarifies exceptions to new cellphone policy

Broward County Public Schools

Superintendent Howard Hepburn emphasized a cooperative approach to the district's new cellphone policy during a press conference on Tuesday

The policy, which restricts student access to wireless communication devices during instructional time, is set to be implemented this school year

“We don't want it to end up in a suspension,” Hepburn stated “That defeats the purpose Now you ' re disengaged totally from the whole entire learning process because you ' re not in our building ”

Instead, Hepburn expressed that the district aims to support students as they adapt

to the new rules, referring to it as a “journey ” He highlighted that students would still be allowed to use cellphones if a teacher permits it for instructional purposes

The new policy, approved by the School Board of Broward County on July 23, 2024, limits student access to wireless devices during instructional time, which includes the entire school day from the first bell to the last, as well as passing periods and lunchtime The policy is designed to minimize distractions and promote a focused learning environment It is not a complete ban on cellphones but rather a measure to encourage students to “Disconnect to Reconnect ”

In line with Florida law, the policy states

Online Scamming

Enable MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires you to provide additional forms of authentication Enabling MFA requires you to verify your identity with your login credentials and extra forms of identification to gain access to your online accounts MFA protects your online accounts from scammers who may have stolen your login credentials to ensure they do not gain unauthorized access

Ignore unsolicited messages with suspicious attachments or links

You should ignore any unsolicited messages from suspicious senders These unsolicited messages are from scammers trying to deceive you Do not click on anything attached to the message such as suspicious attachments or links These attachments or links can infect your device with malware or trick you into revealing your personal information

You can avoid these scams by looking for signs such as urgent language, spelling and grammatical errors, as well as requests for sensitive information However, some online scams are getting more advanced with the use of AI, making it harder to tell the difference between legitimate and scam messages If you are suspicious of a message you receive from someone you know, you should contact them through other means and avoid communicating with them through the unsolicited message

Be cautious while browsing the internet

You need to be cautious while browsing the internet Never share any personal information unless necessary Be wary of toogood-to-be-true offers you find on social media or online marketplaces Avoid spoofed

from A8

websites that try to trick you into revealing your personal information or installing malware on your device You should look for any discrepancies in the URL, more commonly known as the website address, and use a URL checker to check if a website is safe You can also use antivirus software to check if a website is infected or not

Block scammers

Scammers will try to send you text messages, emails, phone calls, social media messages and other online forms of communication to make contact with you You need to block scammers from reaching you Check the settings of your online accounts or your service provider to see if they can filter out spam messages from your inbox If this doesn’t work, get a spam-filtering app or service that will block spam from reaching you These solutions will not stop scammers from sending you messages but will make it easier for you to avoid them

Don’t overshare on social media

Scammers will collect information about you on the internet to create targeted online scams They can gather personal information that you share on any online platforms, particularly your social media accounts You should avoid oversharing on social media to prevent scammers from exploiting your personal information You should also always be mindful of what you post and consider keeping your social media accounts private to limit the number of people who can view your profiles

Scan the Code to read more.

that students may not use wireless devices during instructional time unless expressly directed by a teacher for educational purposes

Teachers are required to designate specific areas for device use during instructional periods

Hepburn assured that accommodations would be made for students with special needs or medical issues He advised parents to contact their child's school principal to discuss any necessary exceptions

Despite the district's intentions, the new policy has met with significant opposition from parents and students An online petition calling for the district to revoke the cellphone restrictions has garnered over 18,000

signatures, with more than 300 added on Tuesday alone

The petition, started by Anthony Stewart, argues that the policy could lead to social isolation and disrupt students' ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. Concerns about safety have also been raised, with many parents citing the potential risks in emergency situations

“My phone is how I can be sure where my son is If there's an emergency, his phone needs to be on him,” wrote Patricia Bordenkircher, one of the many commenters “Responsible use is expected but in today's world, we need to be able to find & reach our kids ”

(From left) Tyrone Robertson, Consul General R. Oliver Mair and Marco Brown

Entertainment

Several shows on Buju Banton's Overcomer Tour rescheduled

Buju Banton's highly anticipated Overcomer Tour has rescheduled five dates, according to a recent announcement from the artist's management team

The affected cities include Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Inglewood, California, and Chicago While no specific reason was given for the postponements, the statement reassured fans that “The Overcomer Tour is on, and there will be no cancellations ”

The tour will kick off as originally planned on August 23 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Additional stops in August include Tampa, Washington, DC, and Boston The tour will continue into September with performances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Hartford, Connecticut

The Overcomer Tour was announced just 48 hours after Buju Banton's sold-out performances at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on July 13-14 These shows marked the Grammy-winning artist's first major U S. tour since 2009's ‘Rasta Got Soul’ tour and his first time performing in New York since 2008

During his Long Island performance, Banton addressed the crowd, reflecting on his return to the U S after a decade-long

absence “They said to me, you will never come back to the United States of America,” Banton said to the sold-out audience on the steamy evening of July 14 “I said to them, let's see what God will do ”

Banton's return to the U S follows his 2011 conviction for federal drug crimes, which led to a seven-year prison sentence in Georgia After his release in 2018, he was deported to his native Jamaica Earlier this year, he was granted a visa to return to America, where he was met with a hero's welcome during his midJuly performances at the 18,500-capacity UBS Arena Buju Banton, known for his versatile music career spanning pop, dancehall, and sociopolitical themes, first gained prominence in 1992 with his albums, including Mr Mention, which became the best-selling album in Jamaican history at the time He later signed with Mercury Records and released Voice of Jamaica in 1993 By the mid-1990s, Banton had embraced the Rastafari faith, and his music began to reflect a more spiritual tone His 2010 album, Before the Dawn, won the Best Reggae Album at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards

READ MORE ON CNWEEKLYNEWS COM

'Here

Comes

the

Hotstepper'

goes

double platinum in the US

Thirty years after its release, Jamaican reggae artist Ini Kamoze's iconic track "Here Comes the Hotstepper" has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) The certification, issued on Friday, August 9, commemorates sales and streaming equivalents of 2 million units

"Here Comes the Hotstepper" was cowritten and recorded by Ini Kamoze, also known as the "Hotstepper " Released on August 18, 1994, by Columbia Records, it served as the lead single from his 1995 album of the same name and was also featured on the soundtrack for the film Prêt-à-Porter The track is instantly recognizable for its catchy “ naaaa na na na naaaa ” chorus, inspired by the Cannibal and the Headhunters version of "Land of 1000 Dances "

The song became Kamoze's only hit to reach the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number one on December 17, 1994, holding the position for two weeks It also topped the charts in Denmark, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe, and

continues on C3 – The hotstepper Ini

Spice releases third studio album 'Mirror 25'

Grammy-nominated dancehall star Spice has set the summer ablaze with the release of her highly anticipated third studio album, Mirror 25, on Friday

The album has made an impressive debut, skyrocketing to #1 on the Reggae iTunes chart, while also securing the #2 spot on the USA and UK all-genre charts, #1 in Israel, and #3 in Canada all within minutes of its release This marks the highest-charting album by a Jamaican artist on iTunes in this era

Mirror 25 is a 25-track album, executive produced by Spice herself, that showcases her legendary sound infused with a rich blend of rhythmic tracks and a melting pot of genres The album reinforces her status as one of Jamaica's most versatile and creative artists, leaving an indelible mark on the Reggae/Dancehall genre and beyond

The album serves as a raw and open diary of Spice's past trials and tribulations, with each track offering a glimpse into the vulnerable aspects of her life The title, Mirror 25, symbolizes reflection and self-discovery, marking a new chapter for Spice as she explores the lessons learned throughout her journey as both an artist and a woman

“Creating my album Mirror 25 was intentionally done to celebrate 25 incredible years in music,” Spice shared “It has been a truly exhilarating journey, and this album showcases my versatility as well as my passion for Dancehall. I'm beyond excited to share these 25 songs with the world because I'm sure each song will be relatable to each of my Besties The diversity within my fanbase has pushed me to experiment with a lot of new sounds while staying true to my

authentic Dancehall roots This album is a true reflection of my heart in its purest form and is a celebration of my history in Dancehall 25 years is not a small thing, it's a very big thing ” As a special treat for her loyal fans, Spice has also released her new single and music video, “Whoop,” on the same day as her album drop The track, which is the fifth single from Mirror 25, is a high-energy anthem that promotes positivity and selfcare Spice's previous singles from Mirror 25 “Gangster” featuring Chronic Law, the empowerment anthem “Ex Boyfriend,” and the controversial “2085 Tea” have all been well-received. Her breakout hit “Round Round,” an infectious party anthem featuring 12-time Grammy® Award-Nominated rapper Busta Rhymes, also reached #1 on the iTunes Reggae charts, further solidifying her place in music history

Kamoze

Entertainment Sean Paul to receive Entertainer’s

Key to the City of New York

Dancehall artist Sean Paul, will receive the Entertainer’s Key to New York City.

The Grammy Award-winning performer will accept the honor during a Rise Up NYC concert on Saturday, August 24, at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens

The key will be presente Mayor Eric Adams as part New York Concert series, summertime events scatter the five boroughs For Sean Paul, the honor great NYC moment to add bank

“I feel honored to be ab thing that I love and to help t culture and wear the flag in New York I’m giving thank born Sean Paul Henriques York is a very important pla especially in dancehall It’s th that I went to that I could shows in one night, with all th full ”

Sean Paul acknowledged New York is a Mecca, like a me pot of many different cultu

a n d C a r i b b e a n c u l t u especially Jamaican reggae a dance, which is a huge part that

“It feels like people are understanding us in a big city, like that is a great feeling So it feels like we ’ re connecting That feels like we are bridging the gap between the cultures and The States,” he continued “NYC an iconic city and I feel iconic

Other awardees for the R

“I feel honored to be able to do something that I love and to help take part in my culture and wear the flag in a big city like New York. I’m giving thanks” – Sean Paul

New York concert series include Pattie Labelle, who will be presented with the award in Brooklyn; Keith Sweat, Harlem and Fat Joe, The Bronx Paul’s first album, Stage One, was released in 2000 He gained international fame with his second album, Dutty Rock, in 2002 Its single Get Busy topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, mperature, off his third album, The requently invokes the nickname rpaul”, originating from the between his first two names and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of his albums have been nominated my Awards for Best Reggae Album, y Rock winning the award Paul has tured in many other singles, g chart-toppers Baby Boy by Breathe by Blu Cantrell, What s by The Saturdays, Rockabye by ndit, Cheap Thrills by Sia, and

Fuego by DJ Snake. Cheap Thrills and Rockabye, along with Paul’s own No Lie (2016), each have over 1 billion views on YouTube, with Rockabye having reached over 2 7 billion views Recently, Sean Paul was also recognized as one of two recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th staging of the Jamaica Poetry Festival on August 11 He was also highlighted as one of the 12 dancehall industry players, who supported Spice during her 25 years as an artiste in the genre at the launch of the Queen of Dancehall’s Mirror 25 album

OLYMPICS RECAP:

McPherson, Salmon voice frustration after Jamaica’s relay dreams end abruptly in Olympic final

OLYMPICS RECAP:

JOA President Samuda refutes Thomas-Dodd’ claims, cites millions in athlete support

Olympians finally receive long-overdue medals in emotional Paris ceremony

In a heartfelt and long-awaited moment at the Paris Olympics Reallocation Ceremony on Friday, three Jamaican Olympians finally received the medals they were unjustly denied years ago

The ceremony, held at Champions Park near the iconic Eiffel Tower, was organized by the Jamaica Olympic Association in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bringing closure to athletes who have waited over a decade for their rightful recognition

Bev McDonald, who was awarded the bronze medal for the 200m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Chelsea Hammond-Ross, now a bronze medalist in the women ’ s long jump from the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and Kaliese Spencer-Carter, who secured a bronze in the 400m hurdles from the London 2012 Olympics, shared their emotions as they finally held the medals in their hands

For Spencer-Carter, the wait of 12 years has been bittersweet “It’s been a long time, it’s been hard fought but I have to be grateful,” Spencer-Carter said with a smile “I’m very happy that my son was able to experience this as well I’ve lost out on a lot, endorsement-wise and otherwise, but I’m just excited and grateful that finally, I’m able to just come out here and have that experience with the other two ladies that were also medalists ” Spencer-Carter, who was awarded her medal after the disqualification of Natalya Antyukh, reflected on the impact of sharing this moment with her family “Definitely, especially my son,” she added, expressing hope that her son might follow in her athletic footsteps “I’m just super grateful ”

McDonald, who waited an astounding 24 years for her bronze medal after the disqualification of Marion Jones, spoke of her relief and joy “What has happened today after waiting 24 years, I’ve finally got my bronze medal,” McDonald said, the emotion clear in her voice “It’s worth it because my son would not be here watching mommy getting her medal ”

McDonald recounted how she had given up hope of ever receiving her medal until her husband, Raymond Stewart, took up the cause “I gave up a long time ago and my husband just kept at it and wrote to the IOC, and they responded that they are going to give me the medal,” she revealed, expressing deep gratitude for the perseverance that led to this day

Hammond-Ross, whose wait of 16 years was equally trying, shared her excitement about finally receiving her medal “Oh my goodness, I am excited to share this moment with my teammates, with my family, my two kids,” Hammond-Ross said, her voice full of emotion “It was a long process, 16 years, right, but it’s here I had to have some

patience and just speak up a little bit, see what’s going on, and make it happen ” Hammond-Ross, who missed out on the moment of glory in Beijing, candidly shared the emotional journey she’s been on since “It can’t replace it, I’m not gonna lie,” she admitted “When I left that track in 2008, I said, ‘oh I’m gonna get a medal!’ I knew from then, but I didn’t know it was going to take 16 years ”

Despite the years of waiting and the loss of the immediate thrill of victory, HammondRoss expressed her happiness and relief “Of course, I’m very happy I can’t even process it because that moment was stolen, it was hurtful, but today I’m gonna soak it all in,” she said, beaming with pride

All three athletes shared a sense of gratitude for the recognition, even though it came years after their Olympic performances Their stories highlight the resilience and perseverance required not just in athletics but in life As they proudly held their medals, these Jamaican Olympians reminded the world that justice, though delayed, can still bring a moment of triumph and closure

secured a spot in the top 10 in 13 other countries In 2018, Irish DJ John Gibbons released a remix of the song, bringing it back into the spotlight

The film Prêt-à-Porter, which featured "Here Comes the Hotstepper," included major Hollywood stars such as Sophia Loren, Kim Basinger, Forest Whitaker, Lauren Bacall, and Julia Roberts

The song's enduring appeal is partly due to its rich sampling It features vocals from The Mohawks' "The Champ," Bobby Byrd's "Hot Pants," and Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick's "La Di Da Di " The instrumental incorporates drums and bass from Taana Gardner's 1981 disco hit "Heartbeat" and guitar notes from Isaac Hayes' "Hung Up On My Baby " The chorus, inspired by "Land of a Thousand Dances," and the verse melody, reminiscent of The Beatles' "Come Together," further add to its unique sound

Over the years, "Here Comes the Hotstepper" has received numerous accolades In 2005, the now-defunct Blender magazine ranked it #492 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born " BuzzFeed placed it at #46 on their "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the 90s" list in 2017 In 2019, Billboard ranked it #126 among the "Top Songs of the 90s," and in June 2023, the song was listed at #65 on Billboard's "Top 75 Movie Songs of All Time," based on its performance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Recently, "Here Comes the Hotstepper" has experienced a resurgence on Billboard's Digital Song Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales charts, driven by renewed interest after its inclusion in a Starbucks commercial promoting their new Refreshers line

The track had previously achieved gold certifications in France and Germany and platinum certifications in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia

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Diver Yona Knight-Wisdom reflects on Olympic journey and retirement

Jamaican diver and men’s team captain Yona Knight-Wisdom delivered a heartfelt and introspective interview after finishing 13th in the semi-final of the men’s 3m springboard dive competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Competing at the Paris Aquatic Centre, Knight-Wisdom amassed a total of 412 40 points, narrowly missing out on a place in the final by just 3 8 points The 12th and final spot went to Jonathan Ruvalcaba of the Dominican Republic, who scored 416 20 points

Reflecting on his performance, KnightWisdom expressed a mixture of pride and disappointment “It’s a big mix of emotions at the moment for sure,” he shared “Finishing 13th is the worst place to finish, but I’m super proud of what I did I finished with a really strong dive; I didn’t know where I was, but I knew I was in the mix ” Knight-Wisdom’s strongest dive was his first a forward 3 ½ somersaults in the pike position which earned him 74 40 points However, his fifth dive, a reverse 3 ½ somersaults in the tuck position, brought him

his lowest score of 52 50 points

Despite this, he remained positive about his overall performance “Round five was definitely better than yesterday, but I improved my score, I improved my performance all the way through,” he said “In terms of what I was trying to do, I’ve achieved that to improve from prelims to semis, that’s what I wanted Just unfortunate there were 12 better divers than me ”

At 29 years old, Knight-Wisdom has decided that Paris 2024 will be his last Olympic Games, marking the end of a distinguished career that began over a decade ago “This is definitely the best performance I’ve had in the semi-final,” he reflected “In Rio and Tokyo, even though I was relatively close,

“I’m very happy that I’ve finished with a good, strong, confident list of dives because it could have gone the wrong way I could have been caught up in the emotions, I could have got nervous, and made mistakes, but no, it’s a good performance, and I’m proud of myself.” – Knight-Wisdom

I made mistakes like quite big mistakes which caused me to miss out Whereas here, I wouldn’t say my fifth dive was a mistake, it’s just something that happens in competition ” When asked if he would consider returning to the sport, Knight-Wisdom was resolute in his decision to retire “Definitely, I’m definitely retiring, unless someone pulls out, that’s my last time,” he confirmed As the

13th-placed diver in the semis, he was listed as a reserve should one of the 12 drop out for any reason before the final

Looking back on his 12-year journey in the sport, Knight-Wisdom spoke with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment “I’ve had some unbelievable experiences and figured out what it takes to push yourself to the highest level of sport,” he said “Hopefully, you inspire a lot of people to try to do the same because it’s not about your body shape, it’s not about your body type it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, you can do whatever you want as long as you put the work in ” As Knight-Wisdom bids farewell to competitive diving, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and inspiration He reached the final of the 1m springboard event at the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, Korea, where he ended fifth, and was second in the 1m springboard event scoring 429 90 points at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru

His journey, marked by highs and lows, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity As he steps away from the sport, Knight-Wisdom takes with him a treasure trove of memories, experiences, and friendships that will continue to inspire future generations

(From left) Kaliese Spencer-Carter, Bev McDonald and Chelsea Hammond-Ross proudly display their bronze medals received at a reallocation ceremony at Champions House in Paris on Friday The three were reallocated medals after the disqualication of athletes due to drugs violations

Knight-Wisdom