Persevering for twenty years
There is an interesting aspect to time. When time is targeted several years ahead it seems to take forever to get there. But when the years have passed it seems like time just flew by. December 15, 2024 commemorates 20 years since the first edition of the Caribbean National Weekly was published. The years have certainly flown making it seems like it was just a short time ago. But so much has happened over these 20 years, years in which the newspaper has been privileged to have reported these happenings to the South Florida Caribbean community every week, barring none
Some of these happenings have been historic like the two elections of the first and only Black president, Barak Obama, in American history, and the release from prison and subsequent elevation of Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa There were sad happenings to report like the death of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Queen Elizabeth II, the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, and tragic mass shootings like that at the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida And there were also joyful happening to report including the brilliant achievements of Caribbean athletes in international sports like the Olympic Games from 2008 onwards
Over the past 20 years for those involved in the media, it can be truly said there hasn't been a dull moment The news have coming rushing to journalist, rather than journalists having to go seeking news to report, and the journalists at
CNW have been always ready to meet the newsinformation rush and report accordingly
CNW is proud and appreciative of having survived significant challenges that have afflicted the print media over the past 20 years, including the competition coming from social media Many newspapers folded because of this challenge, but CNW not only persevered, but succeeded in playing a role in social media with t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f i t s w e b s i t e Cnwnetwork com and its presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
Most importantly, the management of CNW is proud of having persevered through the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
During a bleak period when many businesses were forced to close perating, the newspaper continued its publishing commitments, and survived
The ability to arrive at this 20-year milestone was a collective effort of several individuals and entities, all of whom are offered profound thanks and appreciation. These include;
The co-founders of CNW Thanks for their many ideas and dedicated input behind the scene that eventually led to the launch of the Caribbean National Weekly on December 15, 2004
Past and current staff There were really challenging days, but thanks to the dedication and commitment of each staff member, full time and part time, publication of the paper never ceased Through their respective services the newspaper overcame these challenges, and staff members kept their collective noses to the grind, ensuring published a newspaper has been published each week since December 15, 2004
Advertisers: Special thanks to every business owner, large and small, that trusted in the Caribbean National Weekly to convey the message of their service and/or product to the thousands of Florida residents that regularly read the newspaper in print or online These
advertisers are the ones responsible for providing the means to enable the newspaper to be published every week for the past 20 years
The advertisers have served the newspaper well, and the management of the newspaper in turn made every effort to provide them with optimum, and reliable service in reaching their respective target market
Our Partners : Throughout the decade the viability of this newspaper was dependent on the collaboration with various partners some formal, some informal These partners include: printers, photographers, civic leaders, political leaders, community leaders, distribution outlets, community organizations, churches, schools, the media, utility companies, banking institutions, and suppliers
Readers: Initially when the newspaper appeared in 2004 there were a few thousands readers Today the paper is read by multiple thousands in print and online Some of this larger community of readers includes those who opened the pages of that first publication We heartily acknowledge all our readers over the years Please always be reminded that every edition is published with you in mind The Caribbean National Weekly is your paper, the news and formation is meant for you Our advertisers messages are dedicated to you It's you, our readers who have provided the motivation to endure and persevere against many odds For the next several years we plan to continue making our very best effort to continue providing you with relevant and reliable news, information, and advertising
The Almighty: Even with all the efforts of our co-founders, past and current staff, advertisers, partners, and readers, were it not for the perpetual Grace of the Lord we would not have traversed successfully over these ten years
Thanks Father, thanks!
SOME OF OUR READERS
Kareem: As a first-genera on Caribbean immigrant, Caribbean Na onal Weekly has always felt like a piece of home. Your coverage of everything from poli cs and business to arts and culture has kept me connected to my heritage and informed about the issues facing our region Congratula ons on this remarkable milestone
Aniyah: Thank you, Caribbean Na onal Weekly, for providing a pla orm for Caribbean voices to be heard. Your commitment to journalism has made you a valuable asset to our community Congratula ons on 20 years of unwavering dedica on to the advancement of the Caribbean diaspora
Ronique: For two decades, Caribbean Na onal Weekly has been a source of informa on for our community. Your thought-provoking editorials, and engaging storytelling have made a las ng impact Congratula ons on this significant achievement
Zoey: For 20 years, Caribbean Na onal Weekly has been a vital lifeline to our community. Your commitment to bringing us news, stories, and perspec ves from across the Caribbean has been invaluable. Thank you for keeping us connected to our roots and informed about the issues that ma er most to us. Congratula ons on this milestone!
proudlycongratulates CaribbeanNationalWeekly onthissigni icantmilestone ofservingthecommunity forover20yearsand counting.
The Lauderhill Mall has a mix of national and regional retailers, making it a great place to shop!
10am – 8pm 10am – 8pm
Congratula ons! on the 20th anniversary of Na onal Weekly. You have covered the most hear elt stories and incredible news in our Caribbean community for 20 years, from our Shakira Mar n being crowned Miss Jamaica Universe to her crea ng Shak's Hope Founda on for Sickle Cell Anemia and her passing in 2016. We look forward to many more great stories in many years to come. Once again congratula ons!!
Congratula ons CNW for twenty phenomenal years!
CNW has stood as more than just a newspaper, it has been the pulse of our diaspora community, a bridge connec ng cultures, and a testament to the power of responsible journalism. Today, we celebrate twenty years of remarkable achievements whilst fostering unity and maintaining the highest standards of journalis c integrity.
Its pages reflect the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean life through though ul coverage of local events, cultural celebra ons, and community achievements, the newspaper has masterfully balanced its role as a cultural cornerstone with its duty to inform the broader public. Congratula ons on exemplifying the finest tradi ons of journalism while building bridges across our diverse society
For 20 years, the Caribbean Na onal Weekly has been a vital source of news and informa on for the diaspora. As an avid reader, I always look forward to the highlights on page 2. Congratula ons to the Na onal Weekly on two decades of excep onal service! Thank you for keeping our community informed with relevant and engaging content. Your support during my recogni on truly meant a lot to me!With gra tude, Lana Lindo
Dear Caribbean Na onal Weekly Team, God's Goodness
Congratula ons on your unwavering commitment to the building up of the Caribbean community in South Florida. As the most widely circulated Caribbean American newspaper in Florida, reaching over 100,000 readers weekly, it is commendable how you cover the diverse happenings from across the Caribbean region and locally Your in-depth coverage informs and unites the Caribbean diaspora, fostering a sense of community and shared iden ty. By highligh ng the achievements, challenges, and cultural richness of Caribbean Americans, you play a pivotal role in promo ng understanding and apprecia on within the broader South Florida region
Thank you for being a trusted source of news and a steadfast advocate for the Caribbean community. Your journalis c integrity and passion con nue to have a significant impact. I pray for your con nued success through the succeeding years
One Love
Th Rev. Horace D. Ward, Rector / Pastor The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family
On behalf of the Jamaican Alumni Community, we would like to extend our hear elt apprecia on for the Caribbean Na onal Weekly News' commitment and support of Jamaican Alumni Associa ons in South Florida over the past 20 years. Through countless pages of adver sing and feature stories, the Caribbean Na onal Weekly News has helped to create a vibrant Jamaican alumni community in South Florida that has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for schools in Jamaica. By adver sing fundraising events, family days, and other social events the Caribbean Na onal Weekly News has also helped to bring Jamaicans and others together, this serving to strengthen the bonds of friendship and the spirit of giving our community
Thanks for your unwavering support to the Jamaican Alumni Community and best wishes for the future
Sandra Schreuder & Rupert Rhodd: The Coali on of Jamaica Alumni Associa ons of Florida
are 20!
Thank you for serving the community for over 20 years
L'Heritage Heritage Rhum congratulates the Caribbean Na onal Weekly (CNW) on your remarkable 20th anniversary! This milestone reflects your dedica on to serving the Caribbean American community, especially in South Florida. For two decades, CNW has done more than report the news; you've built a vital bridge that educates, connects, and upli s the Caribbean diaspora. Your commitment to high-quality journalism and cultural preserva on, even through challenges like hurricanes, is truly inspiring
As someone passionate about preserving Hai an culture, I admire CNW's role as a trusted voice for our community. At L'Heritage Rhum, we share your vision for cultural empowerment and community engagement
Here's to many more years of success and impact. Your work enriches our lives, and we are grateful for all you do. Warmest congratula ons
Sandy Dorsainvil, Director L’Heritage Rhum
The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG) extends hear elt congratula ons to the Caribbean Na onal Weekly (CNW) on its remarkable 20th anniversary. Over the years, CNW has been an invaluable voice for the Caribbean community, fostering unity, celebra ng our rich heritage, and keeping us informed. Here in Port St. Lucie, CACG has greatly appreciated CNW's unwavering support and dedica on to promo ng our cultural programs and events Thank you for restar ng your publica on here in Pt. St. Lucie. Our members gladly an cipate receiving the paper every week and keeping updated on events in the community. Your commitment to upli ing and connec ng the Caribbean diaspora is truly commendable
As you celebrate this milestone, we thank you for being a steadfast partner in sharing our stories, images, and amplifying our mission. We look forward to many more years of collabora on and to witnessing CNW's con nued growth and success. Congratula ons once again on this outstanding achievement!
The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG)
Congratulations to CNW on 20 incredible years of excellence in South Florida! Your dedication to quality journalism and community storytelling has enriched lives and inspired countless readers. Here’s to two decades of impact and to many more years of success. Thank you for being a pillar of our community!
From all of us at Lewis & Co. Shipping
SHIPPING & FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS
Caribbean National Weekly has come a long way in serving the community over the last two decades. And we look forward to what they have in store for us for decades more!
On behalf of the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami, I extend hearty congratula ons to the Caribbean Na onal Weekly (CNW) as you celebrate 20 years of enlightening the Diaspora community with mely and relevant news. Your commitment to high standards of journalism, professionalism, and adap ng to digital pla orms has made CNW a vital source of informa on for Caribbean Americans, especially in South Florida. The CN Weekly team has consistently grown the newspaper, paying close a en on to the needs of the Caribbean Diaspora, which has a growing presence in this region
As Dean of the Caribbean Consular Corp in South Florida, I commend your dedica on to addressing key issues like trade, immigra on, and environmental changes, while uni ng the Diaspora. Your achievements over two decades reflect courage, skill, and innova on. Congratula ons once again, and may you con nue to thrive and serve this community. God's blessings always.
R.Oliver Mair: Jamaica's Consul General, Southern USA
Congratula ons to Caribbean Na onal Weekly on your remarkable 20year milestone! This is a testament to your commitment to serving the Caribbean community with integrity and impac ul journalism
The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) extends our hear elt gra tude for the support you have provided over the years. Your pla orm has been instrumental in promo ng and amplifying our various community programs, from our JWOF Scholarships, Women Empowerment Conference, Health & Wellness Forum, College Planning Workshops and beyond. Your willingness to share our mission and vision has helped us reach a broader audience and make a las ng impact in the lives of so many
As you celebrate this significant achievement, we applaud your contribu ons to the community and the important role you play in preserving and sharing Caribbean culture, news, and stories May your next 20 years be even more successful and impac ul!
Aisha Rainford – President, JWOF
CARIBBEAN NEWS
·Hurricane Ivan Strikes the Caribbean (2004)
·Por a Simpson Miller Becomes Jamaica's First Female Prime Minister (2006)
·Fidel Castro Officially Steps Down as Leader of Cuba (2008)
·Hai Devastated by Magnitude 7 0 Earthquake (2010)
·Over 70 Jamaicans Killed in Tivoli Gardens Incursion (2010)
·Kamla Persad-Bissessar is Trinidad and Tobago's First Female Prime Minister (2010)
·Dominican Republic Strips Thousands of Ci zenship (2013)
·Marijuana Decriminalized in Jamaica (2015)
·Guyana Discovers Oil (2015)
·Cuba-USA Reestablish Diploma c Rela ons (2015)
·Fidel Castro, the Revolu onary Cuban Leader, Dies (2016)
·Hurricane Maria Destroys Puerto Rico (2017)
·Mia Mo ley Becomes Prime Minister of Barbados (2018)
·Edward Seaga Dies on His Birthday (2019)
·Hurricane Dorian Destroys the Bahamas (2019)
·Dominican Republic Records First Case of COVID-19 in Caribbean (2020)
·St. Vincent La Soufrière Volcano Erupts (2021)
·Hai President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated (2021)
·Barbados Becomes a Republic (2021)
·Poli cal Crisis and Gang Violence Exacerbated in Hai (2023)
WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT
• YouTube is Founded – 2005
• Beloved Jamaican Folklorist Miss Lou Passes – 2006
• Michael Jackson Dies at 50 – 2009
• Amy Winehouse Dies at 27 – 2011
• Whitney Houston Found Dead – 2012
• Vybz Kartel Sentenced to Life in Prison –2014
• J Capri Dies A er Car Accident – 2015
• Prince Found Dead – 2016
• Ninja Man Sentenced to Life – 2017
• #MeToo Movement Shakes Hollywood – 2017
• Buju Banton Released from Prison –2018
• Reggae Added to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage List – 2018
• Koffee Wins Grammy – 2020
• Machel Montano Bids Farewell to Trinidad Carnival – 2020
• Chadwick Boseman Passes Away – 2020
• Bunny Wailer Dies – 2021
• Rihanna Named Na onal Hero – 2021
• Caribbean Ar sts Shine in Verzuz Ba les – 2020
• Bob Marley Biopic Announced – 2023
• Vybz Kartel Released A er 13 Years –2024
CARIBBEAN DIASPORA
• Kamala Harris becomes U S. Vice President (2021)
• Broward County's First Jamaican-Born Mayor (2020)
• Caribbean Diaspora Representa on in U S Congress (2020s)
• Hai an-American Representa on in Local U S Poli cs (2010s-2020s)
• Hai an TPS Advocacy (2010s-2020s)
• Jamaican-American, Dr. Trisha Bailey becomes the first female Jamaican billionaire (2022)
• Statue Protests Against Colonial Figures (2020)
• Caribbean Representa on at the Oscars (2014)
• Hurricane Devasta ons and Diaspora Responses (2004-2019)
• Obama Appoints Susan Rice (2009)
• Adop on of June as Na onal CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month (2006)
• Jamaican-Born Nurse Sandra Lindsay Becomes the First Person in the U S. to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine (2020)
• Karine Jean-Pierre Becomes White House Press Secretary (2022)
• Recogni on of Windrush Genera on Contribu ons (2018)
• Jamaican-American Judge Renatha Francis Appointed to Florida Supreme Court (2020)
• Audrey Marks Becomes Jamaica's First Female Ambassador to the United States (2010)
• Kristen Clarke Heads DOJ Civil Rights Division (2021)
• Street in New Jersey Renamed "Jamaica Way" (2021)
• Biden's Cabinet Includes Marcia Fudge (Jamaican-American) and Alejandro Mayorkas (Cuban-American) (2021)
• Jamaican-American Damian Williams Becomes the First Black U S. A orney for Southern District of New York (2021)
TOP 20 SPORTING ICONS
Track and Field Icons
·Trecia-Kaye Smith: Jamaica's triple jump queen, 2005 World Champion, and two- me Commonwealth gold medalist
·Veronica Campbell-Brown (VCB): First Jamaican woman to win Olympic sprint gold (200m, Athens 2004) and World Championship 100m gold (2007)
·Usain Bolt: Sprint legend with 8 Olympic golds and world records in 100m (9 58s) and 200m (19 19s)
·Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Mul ple Olympic and World Champion, a symbol of resilience and excellence
·Elaine Thompson-Herah: First Jamaican to win back-to-back Olympic sprint doubles (2016, 2021)
·Shericka Jackson: World 200m Champion (2022), a rare medalist across 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays
Unprecedented Feats
·Kirani James (Grenada): First Grenadian Olympic gold medalist (400m, 2012)
·Keshorn Walco (Trinidad & Tobago): Olympic javelin gold (2012), a first for Caribbean men
·Alia Atkinson (Jamaica): First black woman to win a world swimming tle; ed the 100m breaststroke world record twice
·Jehue Gordon (Trinidad & Tobago): 2013 World Champion in 400m hurdles
Historic Football Moments
·Reggae Girlz (Jamaica): First Caribbean team to qualify for two FIFA Women's World Cups (2019, 2023)
·Trinidad and Tobago Men's Team: Debuted at the FIFA World Cup in 2006 Cricke ng Glory
·West Indies Men: ICC T20 World Cup champions in 2012 and 2016
·West Indies Women: Clinched their first ICC T20 tle in 2016
Trailblazers in Boxing, Jumping & Hurdles
·Nicholas Walters (Jamaica): WBA Super Featherweight Champion (2014)
·Hansle Parchment (Jamaica): Tokyo 2020 Olympic 110m hurdles gold medalist
·Thea LaFond (Dominica): Dominica's first Olympic medalist, triple jump gold (2024) Emerging Legends
·Julien Alfred (St. Lucia): First St. Lucian Olympic gold medalist (100m, Paris 2024), with a silver in the 200m Pioneers in Women's Hurdles
·Melanie Walker: 400m hurdles Olympic gold (2008) and World Championships record-holder (2009)
·Brigi e Foster-Hylton: Jamaica's first 100m hurdles World Champion (2009)
TOP 20 NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
• Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans (2005)
• Barack Obama elected first US Black president (2008)
• Global Financial Crisis leads to worldwide recession (2008)
• Trayvon Mar n and George Zimmerman acqui al (2012)
• Mass shoo ngs erupt across the US (20122022)
• Osama bin Laden killed (2011)
• Nelson Mandela dies at age 95 (2013)
• The Flint Water Crisis (2014)
• Donald Trump upsets Hillary Clinton in US presiden al elec ons (2016)
• George Floyd protests (2020)
• COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc globally (2020)
• Massive wildfires ravage California (2020)
• Joe Biden wins US presiden al elec ons (2020)
• The U S. withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021)
• Rioters invade US Congress (2021)
• Queen Elizabeth II dies (2022)
• US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade (2022)
• First Black woman appointed to US Supreme Court (2022)
• Hamas launches a ack on Israel (2023)
• Trump elected for second term (2024)
It's that time of year. Forecasting resilience, hard work, commitment, and dedication. Abdulla Richards, Shantana Richards, Ann Marie Richards, and the AR1 State of the Art Real Estate, Inc. family and staff are taking the time to extend congratulations and wishes for many more years to come to the Caribbean National Weekly, Mr. Hugh Ferguson, his family and staff. It was Abdulla's pleasure being there from day one, God's continuous blessings, and never-ending success. Our moo at AR1, honesty, and service. Keep forging through. A. Richards Sr.Celebrating 20+ years in business
