Caribbean National Weekly December 8, 2022

Mia Mottley amo The

Influential Women of 2022

continues on B4 – Mia Mottley

The Jamaican Diaspora needs effective leadership

Elections are being held throughout the United States in Jamaican American communities with little interest from residents These are elections to elect members to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, formerly the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board The elections are being held from December 2, through to December 19, to elect a representative from each of the three core Jamaican regions in the US - the Northeast, West/Mid West, and Southern regions

Since 2004, when the Jamaican government initiated a formal structure between Jamaica and its diaspora, all former board/council members elected to represent the

Southern Region were from Florida; South Florida to be precise

However, only relative few of the estimated 775,000 Jamaicans living in the Southern Region, consisting of Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, voted for these individuals That's because after 18 years most people either have little interest in, or lack understanding of, a formalized Jamaican diaspora organization

Frankly, these elections have only resulted in electing board/council members given the proverbial basket to carry plenty water

Unfortunately, attempts to formalize the relationship between Jamaica and its diaspora have been sluggish. Granted, a Jamaica Diaspora Conference is held biennially in Jamaica, but in between there are significant inconsistencies in the relationship

There are several challenges impeding the diaspora from functioning as a coordinated organization, similar to other diaspora communities in the US Few of these challenges were able to be effectively addressed by former advisory board/council members in either the US, Canada, or United Kingdom, because their effectiveness was handicapped from the outset of their tenure continues on A6 –

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has been named one of the 25 most influential women of 2022 by the Financial Times. The news outlet describes Mottley as one of the most formidable leaders of her generation. A lawyer who trained at the London School of Economics, Mottley won her first political seat at the age of 28

Yvette D. Clarke elected as Congressio Black Caucus rst vice chair

Cristiano Rona greatest streng now his primar weakness

Peter and Karleen Cahusac enjoying the fesvies with Polly and Karen Deonanan in Sunrise recently. – Photo by U. Benne

Miami Gardens residents and city officials celebrated City Halls Holiday Tree Lighng Ceremony

Coral Springs Mayor Sco Brook (center), Vice Mayor Joshua Simmons (le), and Commissioner Shawn Cerra (right) smile for the lens aer their swearing in ceremony, for another term. – Contributed

A family having fun at North Lauderdales recently held Winterfest 2022. – Contributed

A two week Exhibion of Jamaica Art opened at the Miramar Cultural Center last Thursday (Dec. 1). Under the patronage of Consul General Oliver Mair the art display

JAMAICA WI

COME FROM”

part of the acvies celebrang Jamaicas 60th Anniversary of Independence. More than 50 pieces

featured by seven known Jamaican arsts in the diaspora at the Expo.

some of the arsts with Consul General Oliver Mair (center). From le are:

Richard Blackford; Colin Smith; Gail Daley; Vaughn Tucker and Christopher Butler. –Contributed

Dean & Trisha Soman (center) and friends at the Coldwell Banker Splendor Realty party white are event held in Sunrise recently –Photo by U. Benne

Members of Holy Trinity High School Alumni (Jamaica) at the Annual Coalion of Jamaica Alumni Assocaon of Florida Walkathon which was held at the Miramar Regional Park last Saturday in Miramar.

– Photo by U. Benne

Members of the St. Hugh’s Alumnae Associaon at the Annual Coalion of Jamaica Alumni Associaon of Florida Walkathon. It served as a fundraiser for the associaon in order to help students in Jamaica. – Photo by U. Benne

Yvette D. Clarke elected as Congressional Black Caucus first vice chair

The United States Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has elected Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke as its first vice chair.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, was among top officials elected by CBC's Executive Committee for the 118th US Congress

Other top officials elected were: Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman; Congressman Troy Carter, second vice chair; Congresswoman Lucy McBath, secretary; and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Whip

“It has been the honor of my career to serve as the 9th woman to chair the Congressional Black Caucus,” said CBC Chairwoman Joyce Beatty in a statement “As the 117th Congress draws to a close, and I pass the baton to this dynamic group of dedicated leaders, I am confident our power and our message are in capable hands ”

Clarke – a senior member of both the US House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee – thanked her CBC colleagues for their support, saying she is “blessed” to be serving with them in the forthcoming 118th Session of Congress

“Serving on the Executive Committee of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 118th Congress is more than a privilege but an obligation that I do not take lightly,” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) “Each new Congress presents an opportunity for our 60 member strong caucus to advance legislation and policy to address the myriad of persistent inequities that continue to impact Black communities across our country

“Before us, today, countless new dimensions to these historic challenges continue to confront Congress,

and we, as a caucus, must remain vigila overcome them,” she added “I have dynamic talent and capabilities of our Committee will drive this truly extra remarkable caucus towards unseen heigh possibilities, from within the US Co beyond, into the many beloved commu are integral to the strengthening and g our nation

Clarke, who has been a member of US Congress since 2007, said for decade the CBC has provided “ a voice to the voiceless and a platform for the marginalized

Since its establishment in 1971, the CBC said it has been “committed to using the full constitutional power, statutory authority and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the Un States have the opportunity to ach American Dream ”

Millions in back pay to be disbursed to St. Lucia public servants

The administration of Prime Minister Phillip Pierre says the St Lucian government will be disbursing over EC$ 20 million (One EC dollar=US$0 37 cents) in back pay owed to public servants

In a statement on Saturday, the government said over EC$2 6 million will be invested in the economic stimulus program that will benefit all of the island's 17 constituencies by creating new jobs, improving access to local government services, and beautifying communities

Currently, public servants are benefiting from a one percent salary increase and are getting paid more than they did in 2021

The release stated that pensioners are receiving an additional 4 2 percent on their monthly payments and to offset inflation, duties on price controlled goods have been suspended

Meanwhile, 71 percent of local businesses are on track to make more money in 2022 than they did last year and in addition, major infrastructure projects are creating jobs and private sector investors have begun expanding operations in St Lucia

The statement also noted that despite global economic challenges, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is projecting 9 5 percent GDP growth for the island through this year

But he said a “scandal broke out in the government among three ministers, each one fighting for a contractor and to deal with that the government decided they will break up the contract into three pieces,” he said, accusing the media of remaining silent on the matter

More legal problems for Jack Warner

The embattled former FIFA vice president, Austin Jack Warner’s legal problems mounted on Monday after a High Court ruled in favor of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in its legal battle over the ownership of the Dr. Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Trinidad

In addition, Justice Robin Mohammed ruled that Maureen Warner, the wife of the former national security minister, and two of the family’s companies will join her husband and others in the US$37 8 million lawsuit against them They had sought to be removed from the lawsuit

In the application, Austin Jack Warner’s wife, and the companies, Renraw Investments Limited and CCAM and Company Limited claimed that the case, filed in 2016, was statute barred as it concerned conduct which took place between 1995 and 2011

They also argued that while CONCACAF could claim that Warner had a fiduciary duty to it based on his long stint at the helm of the organization, they had no connection

The ownership of the lucrative property, which features a swimming complex, restaurants, a 44 room hotel, conference facilities, a gym and the Marvin Lee Stadium, arose shortly after Warner’s successor at the regional football association, Jeffery Webb instituted an integrity investigation against him and fellow former president Chuck Blazer

The investigation came three years before Warner and Blazer and other FIFA officials were implicated in a United States (US)

Department of Justice investigation into corruption in the operations of world football’s governing body

In the claim, CONCACAF is contending that Warner, his wife and the companies were involved in a conspiracy to misappropriate CONCACAF funds which were allocated to construct the facility by misrepresenting that it (the facility) was actually owned by CONCACAF

CONCACAF also listed accountant Kenny Rampersad and his company as parties to the claim, contending that he had a conflict of interest by serving as the accountant for both CONCACAF and the companies

Rampersad contended that he provided secretarial services to the companies and claimed he did not owe CONCACAF any fiduciary duty, as he merely served as an auditor

In his defence, Warner, who served as CONCACAF president between 1990 and 2011, said he could not recall facts surrounding the

deal, owing to CONCACAF’s delay in bringing the claim He also denied that he and his wife had a controlling interest in the companies and challenged the arrangement as he denied that he misappropriated funds

Justice Mohammed’s decision on the preliminary issue means the substantive case can now go on trial before him He has also ruled that a case management conference in the case is scheduled for February

CONCACAF had also filed similar proceedings against Warner in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York In July 2019, it obtained a US$20 million default judgment against Warner after he failed to attend hearings of the case or send legal representation

Last month, Warner lost his challenge before the London based Privy Council, the country’s highest court, regarding his extradition to face a barrage of charges of racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery from the early 1990s

Warner

Caribbean delegations head to Canada for COP 15

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegations are heading to Canada for the 15th Conference of the Parties United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (COP15) intended to create targets on biodiversity for the next decade.

The Conference, from December 7 to 19, will be held under the Presidency of China. Importantly, the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is expected to be adopted during this second phase of the conference

The Guyana based CARICOM Secretariat said over the last six months, it has under the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ACP MEAs) Phase III Project worked with the Caribbean Biodiversity Focal Points and other partners to prepare for effective participation in the negotiations and other priorities under the Convention

It said the ACP MEAs Project is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OAPCS) funded by the European Union

Biodiversity is the foundation of the global economy More than half of global gross domestic product (GDP), equal to US$41 7 trillion, is dependent on the healthy functioning of the natural

world, the Secretariat said, noting that 95 percent of the food eaten is produced in the soil, yet up to 40 percent of the world's land is severely degraded by unsustainable agricultural practices

“Eighteen percent of total GDP for most CARICOM countries comes from agriculture Our current reality sets a challenge before us that are well known as we continue to grapple with our economic, social, and environmental vulnerabilities

“It is timely as a Community that we re examine our relationship with nature recognizing that, despite all our advances we will always remain dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy ”

The Secretariat notes that international conflict continues to exacerbate the existing food, energy, climate and finance crisis, adding “here in the Caribbean, we are feeling the consequences of this conflict, deriving even more urgency in our actions to be more food and energy secure in a way that is in harmony with the Caribbean's unique biodiversity”

The CARICOM Secretariat said it used this year as an optimal opportunity to promote an urgency of action at the highest levels, in support of a post 2020 biodiversity framework that will contribute to the re shaping of the region's vision for biodiversity

British man killed others injured as gunmen opened fire in a bar in St. Lucia

A British man was killed and several others were injured when masked gunmen opened fire at a bar in St. Lucia late Saturday, December 3.

An investigation has been launched following the incident at the popular establishment

According to police reports, Donnie McKinnon, who manages the Soufriere

McKinnon

Estate on the island was on the balcony of Steve's Bar, along with his friend Peter Jackson, a 72 year old photographer, when the gunmen approached McKinnon succumbed to his injuries, while Jackson, who has been living in St Lucia for approximately 30 years, has been admitted to the hospital

It's also reported that other persons were also injured

The police have assured the public that a statement on the status of the investigation will be released shortly

American Airlines to fly directly to BVI starting June 2023

United States based American Airlines will begin direct flights from Miami, Florida to the British Virgin Islands in June 2023

The announcement was made on Friday by BVI Works Minister Kye Rymer who hailed it as a breakthrough for the country

He said the airline will utilize the Embraer E 175 aircraft which can operate with the Terrance B Lettsome's current airport length

Rymer said the airline's decision to resume flights with the territory demonstrates its overwhelming confidence in the BVI and the territory's tourism product

“We are very happy to welcome back American Airlines to the British Virgin Islands This venture to have direct flights between Miami and the British Virgin Islands will make it significantly easier, faster and more affordable for persons from around the world to come to the British Virgin Islands, which is one of the must visit tourist destinations in the world,” Rymer stated “Our residents will also benefit from convenient connections for business and leisure travel to dozens of destinations across American's route network ”

Meanwhile, the vice president of American Airlines – Miami, Juan Carlos Liscano says this year's demand remained strong for Miami travel and the airline is looking forward to further growth in 2023 “with a new and unique destination in the Caribbean that our customers love – the British Virgin Islands ”

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Effective leadership

The challenges include the functionality of the Jamaica/diaspora organization The Jamaican government formally liaises with the diaspora through the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council consisting of members from Jamaica and the diaspora However, this hasn't proved to be a practical system

The role of council members representing the diaspora are frustrated by factors, including lack of funding and administrative support, and the logistics of being effective representatives of the vast US territory This system needs to be urgently reviewed and adjusted

The diaspora is also challenged by lack of unity, structurally and functionally Without some unification, it's difficult for the diaspora to participate effectively in matters affecting Jamaica

Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

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Another serious challenge is the misconception that a functioning diaspora organization is the responsibility of the Jamaican government The diaspora is a Jamaican community outside of Jamaica To function effectively internally and with Jamaica, the diaspora needs a formidable autonomous organizational structure

The focus, even before 2004, is for organizations within the diaspora to provide various forms of assistance to Jamaica While this is commendable, the diaspora badly lacks strong inherent leadership with the potential to address issues affecting Jamaicans living within the respective overseas communities, while simultaneously addressing issues relevant to Jamaica This is an issue that needs addressing

However, for this leadership to be effective several changes are needed

Suggested changes include:

Creation and implementation of an umbrella type Jamaica Diaspora Board (JDB), an organization that functions within and across the broad Jamaican diaspora, with representatives elected from smaller geographical regions, more practical to serve The JBB will be led by a chairperson appointed by the elected board members

To be effective the JDB needs to be appropriately gender and age balanced,

capable of pulling on the participation of youth, cultural, community, business, media and religious leaders, and professionals within the diaspora

Establishing stronger rapport between the JDB and Jamaican diplomatic representatives across the diaspora so the Board can be sufficiently apprised of Jamaica's public policies, and the diplomats of diaspora issues

Creating a sound, functional communication channel that reaches and sustains feedback from Jamaicans regionally, nationally, and internationally This is necessary to make the diaspora more effective at serving itself, while developing, coordinating, and implementing projects relevant to Jamaica, and incumbent Jamaican governments

Addressing the funding challenges, establish a Jamaica Diaspora Investment Fund (JDIF) be established under the JDB, supplemented with loans and grants from Jamaican, national, international financial institutions, and structured financial contributions within the diaspora

The focus of the Jamaican diaspora should

move beyond attending biennial and other conferences in Jamaica, to being the source of financial remittances and charitable contributions to Jamaica

A properly structured, competently led diaspora board, functioning autonomously within the diaspora, with clear communication channels with the Jamaican government, and other Jamaican entities, would serve to improve the relationships between the diaspora and Jamaica

Electing members to a Global Jamaica Diaspora Council controlled by terms set by the Jamaican government, and without any administrative tools is futile to a functioning diaspora This hasn't strengthened relationships between Jamaica and its diaspora since 2004, and likely never will

Kazim Richards

Canada imposes sanctions on high-profile Haitian businessmen

Canada Monday announced that it will freeze any local assets of three high profile Haitian businessmen accusing them of supporting the country's armed gangs in the furtherance of political instability in the French speaking country

“Canada has reason to believe these individuals are using their status as high profile members of the economic elite in Haiti to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through money laundering and other acts of corruption,” the Foreign Ministry statement said

It named the businessmen as Gilbert Bigio, chairman of Haitian industrial conglomerate GB Group, as well as Reynold Deeb and Sherif Abdallah

The new sanctions are the latest by Canada on prominent political and businesspeople in the country “intended to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing violence and instability in Haiti ”

Last week, lawyers representing former prime minister, Jean Henry Céant wrote to the Canadian government seeking an urgent meeting to discuss its decision to impose sanctions on their client “in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed

gangs ”

In the letter addressed to Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly and other senior Canadian government officials, the Montreal based Gélinas, Leclerc,Teolis law firm their client “denies any allegation against him that could have led to your recommendation Canada and the United States have over the past few months placed sanctions on a number of Haitian politicians, including Senate president Joseph Lambert, former Senate president, Louri Latortue, accusing them of abusing their “public position by participating in corrupt activity that undermined the integrity of Haiti's government Canada and Washington have also claimed that there is “credible information” of their involvement in “ a gross violation of human rights, namely an extrajudicial killing”

They have all denied the accusations and have called on the two countries to provide the evidence to support the allegations

The European Union (EU) has placed “restrictive measures” on Jimmy Cherizier alias “Barbecue” one of the most influential gang leaders in Haiti who leads a coalition of Haitian gangs known as “G9 family and allies”

US Coast Guard transfers 79 Haitian migrants to The Bahamas

The United States Coast Guard says the crew of the cutter Rollin Fritch transferred 79 Haitians to Bahamian authorities on Saturday following two suspected smuggling ventures about eight miles east of Lake Worth Inlet in Southern Florida

The US Coast Guard said officials at Palm Beach Sheriff's Office notified Sector Miami watch standers of a suspicious 30 foot boat that was taking on water, on November 25, at approximately 10:30 p m

“Smugglers do not care whether your loved ones live or die,” said Acting Lieutenant Nicholas Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven “Don't waste your hard earned money on

smugglers and illegal voyages,” he warned Amid continuing gang warfare and a vacuum of law and order, Haiti is “ on the verge

of an abyss” said the United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk, warning that any hope of a sustainable recovery requires “urgent and sustained action” to tackle the root causes of the overlapping crises afflicting the island nation

More migrants are taking the dangerous journey at sea as Haiti has descended into the worst human rights and humanitarian situation in decades. Food insecurity is also on the rise, with a record 4 7 million, nearly half of the population – facing acute hunger Poor sanitation and lack of safe water supplies have led to a so far uncontrolled cholera outbreak

On Tuesday, Cuba called on the international community to do more to deal with the

political, social and economic situation in Haiti, where opposition forces and criminal gangs are seeking to remove the government of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry

Since October 1, 2022, US Coast Guard said crews have interdicted 584 Haitian migrants compared to 7,175 in Fiscal Year 2022; 1,527 in Fiscal Year 2021; 418 in Fiscal Year 2020; 932 in Fiscal Year 2019; 609 in Fiscal Year 2018; and 419 in Fiscal Year 2017

Sherif Abdallah

Reynold Deeb

Gilbert Bigio

Bright outlook for Jamaica's cruise ship season

The Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JamVac), Joy Roberts, says the 2022/2023 cruise shipping season will see a major turnaround for the island, following the setbacks caused by the COVID 19 pandemic

Speaking recently to JIS News onboard the Wonder of The Seas – the world's largest cruise ship – at the Falmouth Pier, Roberts said the inaugural visit by the near 9,000 passenger and crew Royal Caribbean flagship vessel is just a prelude to the return of normality in the cruise sector

“For starts, 2022 going into 2023 will see Royal Caribbean sending their huge Oasis class vessels, such as Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to Jamaica,” she noted

“These are the three biggest ships in the world big and expensive and sending them here tells you about the confidence the cruise line has in our cruise shipping sector and the products we have to offer ”

Roberts said in meetings she has had with cruise line executives over the past few weeks, Jamaica remains the most exciting port of call in the region and will be getting a lot of calls going forward

She pointed to the allure of the attractions plus Jamaica's reputation for clean water as major pull factors, noting that major companies such as Carnival, MSC, Norwegian and Disney have all made commitments alongside Royal Caribbean to send their “biggest and best” ships to Jamaica

Roberts said along with Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Royal and Port Antonio, all the ports of call will be seeing their fair share of traffic between 2022 and 2024 and that she expects full participation from the local stakeholders, including the residents, the police, and the leaders of the public and private sectors

“We must begin to understand that there is enough of the tourism pie to go around Nobody should feel marginalized or left out, as tourism is for the people,” the JamVac executive director added

Meanwhile, Mayor of Falmouth, Councilor Colin Gager, said the town had been meticulously preparing for the Wonder of the Seas and other Royal Caribbean Oasis vessels for quite some time, noting that to play host to some of the biggest cruise ships in the world is “nothing to scoff at”

“The Falmouth Pier, which is part owned by Royal Caribbean, was built to accommodate vessels that cannot dock at any other port in Jamaica We are pleased to be hosting the largest cruise ship currently on the planet, the Wonder of the Seas, and from all indications, everybody is happy with what Falmouth has brought to the table,” he said

Wonder of the Seas, which had its first voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the eastern Caribbean on March 4, arrived in Falmouth four days after sailing from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida, on November 27

The 18 deck cruise ship has capacity for 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members

Jamaican high school student gets four years and ten months for killing schoolmate

The 17 year old William Knibb Memorial High School student who pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing 16 year old Khamal Hall was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison for manslaughter

Justice Andrea Thomas handed down the ruling in the St James Circuit Court on Monday

The defendant, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was represented by attorney at law Marissa Dalrymple Philibert

Reports are that the two schoolboys were involved in a fight at the school during the lunch break on Monday, March 21 this year, over a 'guard' ring

Hall, who was a football player on the school's DaCosta Cup team was stabbed after a knife was reportedly used in the fight

He was taken to Falmouth Hospital but died while receiving treatment The attacker was later arrested and subsequently charged

Jamaica welcomes first batch of CODE CARE nurses from US

The first batch of nurses from the United States who will be participating in the CODE CARE Project recently arrived in Jamaica

According to the Ministry of Health, six nurses who have been assigned to the Noel Holmes Hospital in the western parish of Hanover and are set to complete 15 20 surgeries over the next seven days

The surgeries for hernias and transurethral resection of prostate are among the procedures set to be completed with the support of the nurses

“We are pleased to welcome our first set of health professionals under the program, as we work to achieve the short and long term objectives CODE CARE has a long term objective: MOUs with overseas health systems to build capacity for training more specialist nurses through clinical faculty sharing and exchanges; as well as clinical rotation in Jamaica and outside, including in US hospitals,” noted Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton So far, over 100 surgeries have been

completed under Project CODE CARE, which is geared at reducing the backlog of elective surgeries by 2,000 over a 12 month period and reducing the wait time for these surgeries to less than 180 days

This is to be achieved through public private partnerships; procurement of surgical equipment; nursing missions; project management and rehabilitation of operating theatres at some public hospitals

Eight private and public health facilities have partnered with the Ministry to achieve the

deliverables under Project CODE CARE to the people of Jamaica

They are Andrews Memorial Hospital, The Heart Institute of the Caribbean, Medical Associates Hospital, The University Hospital of the West Indies, and Winchester Surgical and Medical Institute – all in the Corporate Area

They join GWest Medical & Surgery Centre, Hospiten, and the Montego Bay Hospital & Urology Centre – in the western city of Montego Bay

Roberts

Paying it Forward

Air Force Veteran Delvin Sayles gives back after his vehicle was stolen

On Wednesday, November 16 United States Air Force

Veteran Delvin Sayles arrived at the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Pompano Beach District seeking assistance He indicated to deputies that his vehicle was stolen on Veteran's Day and he was approaching homelessness During the conversation, Sayles also mentioned he was seeking guidance on how to restructure his life and obtain a job BSO's Pompano Beach deputies said they immediately took action, contacting the district's Community Outreach Response & Enforcement unit (CORE) and BSO's Homeless Outreach Team to assist the veteran Deputies also quickly located Sayles' vehicle at a local tow company and helped him retrieve the car free of charge Once inside the vehicle, the veteran learned the thieves had stolen all his belongings, including his cell phone The Legacy Closet was then contacted and helped Sayles obtain a cell phone

To further assist the veteran, he was provided with some essentials, such as toiletries, hand towels and snacks Deputies also made an appointment for him to attend Community Court, which assists individuals experiencing homelessness

Mission United was also contacted and they committed to helping Sayles if he attended Community Court, which he did Broward Sheriff's Office says every day is a new opportunity for the men and women of the BSO to assist those in need Rarely do they encounter someone willing to reciprocate the kind gesture during a personal crisis, but that's exactly what Sayles did

Throughout the entire process, Sayles humbly expressed his desire to pay it forward; so, when he learned BSO Pompano Beach District was hosting its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Citi Centre, he insisted on volunteering He was provided with the event's date, time, and location and showed up as promised

“Delvin, being super grateful and humble, made it very clear that he wanted to help give back in every possible way,” BSO Homeless Outreach Sergeant Michael Weiner said. “He showed up at the Turkey Giveaway and gave 100 percent of his time and effort He is why we do what we do for the community, and we are grateful to have been able to assist such an amazing individual ”

The Florida Legislature will meet next week for a special session on property insurance and property tax relief in the wake of damage caused by Hurricane Ian, officials announced Tuesday

The leaders of the Florida House and Senate issued the proclamation convening the Legislature from Dec 12 to 16

Lawmakers will be tasked with reforming elements of the state’s troubled property insurance market, providing tax or other financial relief related to damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, and creating a toll credit program for frequent Florida commuters

The session comes as Florida’s property insurance market has dealt with billions of dollars in losses, rising prices for consumers and insurer insolvencies, even before the powerful Hurricane Ian slammed into the state in September and caused widespread damage

Next week’s special session will be the second time the Florida Legislature met this year to address issues in the property insurance market

Lawmakers in May passed legislation creating a $2 billion reinsurance program, offering grants to homeowners who retrofit properties to be less vulnerable to hurricane damage and limiting various attorney fees in some insurance related lawsuits

The legislative package was seen by many in the statehouse as a meaningful first step in repairing the market, though some said it did not do enough to immediately lower rates for homeowners

The insurance industry blames overzealous litigation for problems in the market Florida law allows attorneys to collect high fees in property insurance cases State insurance regulators say the state accounts for almost 80% percent of the nation’s homeowners’ insurance lawsuits but just 9% of all homeowners insurance claims

Attorneys’ groups have argued insurers are also to blame for refusing to pay out claims, saying homeowners file suit as a last resort

The turmoil has caused the industry to see two straight years of net underwriting losses exceeding $1 billion each year A string of property insurers have become insolvent, while others are leaving the state entirely

Homeowners unable to get coverage or priced out of plans have flocked to the state’s public insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance, which this summer topped 1 million policies for the first time in almost a decade

United States Air Force Veteran Delvin Sayles (left) with members of the Broward Sheriff’s Ofce Pompano Beach District

It’s A Big World Out There

Lisa Gaye Shakespeare remembers being glued to the television as a young girl growing up in Clarendon, Jamaica The television was her window into other worlds and other cultures By the time she managed to leave the country, she was slack jawed “I remember my first trip with my mom to the Cayman Islands. I was amazed there was this great big world out there outside of Jamaica ”

The travel influencer, content creator, and trip host, whose Shakespeare Agency Instagram account, inspires wicked wanderlust, has had the travel bug for as long as she can remember

Winding Path to Success

There was no straight shot path to her current profession It never occurred to Shakespeare to monetize travel She earned a bachelor's in communication and later broadcast journalism, where she identified an inherent love of interacting with people “I'm a people person, I've always been curious about others I want to know what makes people tick Why do you dance the way you do; why do you eat the food you do; how are you similar to me; how are you different from me?” Shakespeare had a brief stint as a broadcast journalist for a local station, but found herself bogged day with the day to day tedium of reporting news and politics – topics that didn't drive her

So, she pivoted, and it wouldn't be the last time She worked as a college recruiter for almost eight years It felt right, she says Who better than her to help prime would be students coming to the US? She had lived through the same experience and made it out the other side It helped that the job had a stellar perk – Shakespeare was able to travel all over the world The job led her to Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, Germany, and Morocco, and all reignited her passion for traveling She'd keep a running blog everywhere she went “I've always been a writer, I kept diaries when I was little,” she reflects

Finding Her Way

The moment that put everything together for her arrived serendipitously and fittingly on a trip – a birthday vacation While falling in love with another country, Shakespeare encountered a Black tourist group At this point in our interview, she breaks the story to expound on a topic she has a limitless passion for, de stigmatizing travel for members of the African diaspora “There's a stigma that Black people don't travel,” she explains – even providing an example, many

members from her home community in Clarendon have never even left the Jamaican parish To Shakespeare, this Black travel group was an anomaly, and so she was magnetized to them She inadvertently spent most of her trip as an impromptu guide That group was from the UK based tourism company, the Wind Collective They were so charmed by her personality and impressed by her skills as a hostess, that they proposed a partnership, taking Shakespeare on as a guide

The idea of being paid to travel and experience countries around the world never occurred to Shakespeare as a career path, much less a viable one “I was like, 'Sorry, what? Are you serious right now?'” she reenacts Straight away she left her day job and dove in full time “My schedule for 2020 was insane I was going to host over 30 trips all over the world,” she explains

A Stumbling Block

Was For Shakespeare, it's a word is tinged with regret For her, 2020 was a difficult year, for obvious reasons, of course When the COVID 19 pandemic hijacked our lives and took many from us too soon, most of us had to adjust to a new reality Pandemic lockdowns forced those still employed to transition to a new work experience – work from home – to varying degrees of success For Shakespeare, there was no transitioning You can't be a travel influencer and a guide from home The Wind Collective had to let her go “Here I am, 4 5 months after quitting my good professional full time job with a good salary, I have nowhere to live, I have no money coming in, and I'm living on my friend's couch Great decision Lisa ”

She can joke now, but it was a harrowing time Shakespeare

had already given up her apartment and moved back home to Jamaica with her mother, thinking if she was going to spend most of the year traveling the world, she might as well live where it was cheaper However, the lockdown protocols caught her in Miami; she was stuck. With no income, she flirted with returning to corporate, but could not commit It's hard to taste your dreams and then go back to vanilla

Bringing It All Together

Instead, she created a new plan “I wrote down all the things that I love – travel, writing, social media, and dancing – a completely crazy mix I know I threw it all together into a business plan and called it Shakespeare agency ” She held dance fitness classes online, taking in around US$10 a head She wrote copy for businesses and agencies, and did anything to stay afloat

When Jamaica re opened borders, she sped home, but was not content to sit around and wait for the pandemic to roll over In an incredible display of initiative, she cold emailed various resorts along the north coast with a proposition – put her up for a few days, a weekend, and she'll document her stay drumming up the excitement to her sizable Instagram following To this day she's still surprised by how many of them followed up This period was when she saw her most drastic increase in followers Thousands wanted to know where they could go as lockdown rules relaxed, and even more just wanted to live vicariously through a beautiful Black woman making the most of disaster

Riding the Momentum

With the worst of the pandemic hopefully behind us, Shakespeare has ridden her momentum to new heights Just about any post on her Instagram will command over one thousand likes and countless more views She lives between the US and Jamaica, and is working with The Wind Collective again to showcase diverse parts of the world in one of a kind experience packages The pictures may seem relaxed and carefree, but she takes great pride in her work

So, where does she want to visit most? She still carries a childlike wonder about travel – a bit of that girl who dreamt of being a flight attendant and was glued to the television “I want to visit everywhere in the world,” she laughs “But my focus is Africa To me it's the Motherland It's home; it's where my roots are It's where I connect most whenever I travel there ”

Family-owned chiropractor business in South Florida continues to expand

Goldson Spine Rehabilitation Center was established in 1993 by the late Dr Fidel Goldson Sr , a Jamaican, who opened the first office on 441 in Plantation Upon his passing in 2013, Goldson Spine consisted of two locations Today, Goldson Spine has five locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, North Lauderdale, Aventura and Port Saint Lucie Next year, the family owned practice will hit a major milestone of being in business for thirty years and is headed by the founder's son, Dr Fidel Goldson Jr

Dr Caleb, like his father Dr Goldson Jr , was exposed to chiropractic care before he could even walk He was also taught by his father the importance of using his God given abilities to uplift those around him "I grew up watching my granddad and my dad go above and beyond to serve our community while making sure they provided quality health care," said Dr. Caleb. "I know I have a tremendous responsibility ahead of me and I plan on living up to the standard

that both my dad and grandad have set," he said

Both Dr Caleb and Dr Leys will travel to all five locations to see patients and gain a thorough understanding of the inner workings of each office “They pretty much came in eager to work,” said Dr Goldson Jr “They are keeping the legacy going and I can't help but believe that my father is looking down watching all of this and smiling I hope we ' ve made him proud "

health insurance stats

Many people find health insurance confusing, expensive and out of their reach. For those reasons, and others, they may not have any kind of health insurance to help keep them and their families healthy and protected from expensive medical bills. Here are seven easy stats to help simplify health insurance – and maybe help you realize it's easier to get than you think

– Think health insurance is always expensive? Think again. This year, four out of five people could pay $10 or less each month for insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes called Obamacare, thanks to financial assistance, according to the Department of Health and Human Services

– In Florida, 9 out of 10 of people enrolled in an individual or family health plan through the Marketplace received help from the government that lowered their monthly insurance bill

– If your job offers health insurance coverage, but your family is uninsured because it costs more than you can afford, check to see if your family qualifies for financial assistance to help pay for a Marketplace plan. In 2022 a new federal rule expanded access to subsidies to family members who can't afford employer coverage. A typical family of four with an income of $53,000 could save more than $5,000 with this financial help

– The state's leading health insurer, Florida Blue, estimates that more than 174,000 people in Florida are uninsured even though they qualify for health insurance that's $0 each month, thanks to financial assistance. That's right – people are missing out insurance that would cost them nothing each month. Are you one of them?

– The average visit to an emergency room in Florida is $10,000 according to Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration. No one plans to get sick or injured, but unfortunately, it will likely happen to each of us at some point during the year. And COVID 19 has taught us that even if we're healthy, you never know when a serious illness can strike

– Florida has more people enrolled in health insurance through the Marketplace than any other state in the country. More than 2 7 million people have signed up for plan in our state, including some of your friends, family and neighbors

– There are thousands of licensed health insurance agents and navigators across the state who will charge you nothing for their expert guidance. You can find agents and navigators in your local community who can help you determine which health insurance plan is right for you and your family, enroll in a plan and apply for financial help – and you should never be charged for their help

If you have questions about how health insurance works or where to find help signing up for plan, check out GetCoveredFlorida com

Dr. Caleb Goldson, 27, and Dr. Errol Leys II, 26, both graduates of Life University in Georgia, wasted no time in joining the family business, South Florida based chiropractic center, Goldson Spine Rehabilitation Center The duo's induction into the business makes them the third generation of doctors at the helm of its operations

Seven

that may surprise you and save you money, too!

At COP26, she made clear that the failure of industrialized states to meaningfully invest to halt climate change was catastrophic for the planet

Her speech was as inspiring as it was humbling, and citizens globally were gripped, said the Times

This year, her “Bridgetown Agenda” to reform the international financial system offers real, practical solutions, it added

“Her ability to speak truth to power is also apparent at home, where she oversaw the birth of Barbados as a republic, leaving its colonial past behind Mottley expects this term as premier to be her last; whatever she does next, the world is lucky to have her ”

Mottley is the eighth person to hold the office of prime minister in Barbados and the first woman to hold either position. She is also Barbados' first prime minister under its republican system, following constitutional changes she introduced which abolished the country's constitutional monarchy

Mottley has been the member of parliament for the constituency of Saint Michael North East since 1994 From 1994 to 2008, she held a succession of ministerial portfolios including the post of attorney general becoming the first woman to be appointed as such She is also a member of the Inter American Dialogue

Following her party's landslide victory in the 2022 election, Mottley was sworn in as prime minister for a second term on January 20

Mottley was featured on the cover of TIME magazine, the first Barbadian to do so, for its 2022 edition of "100 Most Influential People" for her outspoken advocacy for addressing climate change

Popcaan to Perform With Burna Boy In Jamaica

With just a few weeks away from Burna Boy's highly anticipated show in Jamaica, dancehall artiste Popcaan is confirmed as one of the local Jamaican artistes who will be performing

Since the announcement that the Nigerian Afrobeats artiste will be stopping in Jamaica as part of his Love, Damini tour, there has been much excitement from fans in Jamaica

On Instagram, Popcaan confirmed his appearance with an event poster showing himself and Burna Boy on the cover

Burna Boy's performance in Jamaica has sparked much excitement as he is the first Afrobeats artiste to visit the island The Grammy nominated artiste has also had a successful 2022 as he copped a nomination for Best Global Music Album for Love Damini, his sixth studio album, and another nomination for Best Global Music Performance for Last, which was recently certified platinum in the United Kingdom

Popcaan is currently working on his new album, tentatively titled Great Is He The St Thomas native recently released his new single Next To Me, featuring Jamaican beauty Toni Ann Singh

Popcaan and Burna Boy also released a collaboration dedicated to Toni Ann Singh earlier this year The two artistes will be performing the single

This will not be the first time that the two will be sharing a stage as the Unruly Boss Popcaan surprised fans at Burna Boy's Love, Damini Summer Tour at Kultureland in Toronto in August

Midway through what looked like Burna's solo performance of T A S (Toni Ann Singh), Popcaan burst onto the stage to screaming fans, as he performed his verses in true dancehall style

Sabrina Francis Releases New Single Call Me

From humble beginnings to centre stage, Sabrina Francis has released her new single Call Me

In October, Afro Caribbean pop artiste Sabrina Francis returned to London from Grenada just one year after her headline sell out shows at The Tabernacle and Pizza Express Live

This year, performing at the prestigious Bush Hall, Sabrina launched her newest single Call Me, which is now on all streaming platforms Sabrina and her coveted Treehouse band is widely praised across the UK Her two singles Cocoa Tea

and Learn To Love have amassed over 450,000 views on YouTube and have gained the support of the BBC Radio Network with interviews on Carrie and David Grant Show, The Scene, and The Late Show

Her new single Call Me continues the musical and lyrical direction set by the previous singles, with the young Grenadian singer once again pouring her heart and soul into her art

Call Me delivers yet another captivating dose of her signature honest and uplifting Afro Caribbean sensibility

Finding the sweet spot between traditional songwriting and modern production, the talented artiste concludes her 2022 musical journey with a fitting premiere at the iconic Bush Hall in West London Embracing her humble and grounded origins, the success of last year ’ s European & UK tour comes as no surprise considering the energy and enthusiasm Sabrina Francis has for her music and her fans

Having won the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Award in 2019, and collaborated with Joss Stone in Grenada, Sabrina is clearly a talent for the future

Dancehall artiste Aidonia mourns the death of NineYear-Old Son

Jamaican dancehall artiste Aidonia and his wife Kimberly Megan's son, King Khalif Lawrence, has died Khalif, age 9, reportedly lost his battle with cancer Several members of the dancehall fraternity took to social media to express their grief and condolences

Shenseea shared her condolences in a Tweet, following the news of the child's death

“My heart is breaking for u Aidonia and Kim omg,” she wrote

“This hit different, prayers for my brother @aidonia4thgenna, I can only imagine the pain #jahjahm,” Wasp wrote, alongside a photo of Aidonia and Khalif

Manager/producer

J u l i a n J o n e s G r i ffi t h

tweeted, “Can only pray for Aidonia, his wife and family at this time Words are meaningless to a pain I can't begin to imagine The young King put up a brave fight for years and Donia and Kim were extremely brave throughout that time too Oh God ”

Macka Diamond also shared a post on Instagram saying, “I'm trying to process this news “Condolences to Aidonia and family ”

I Octane said he was saddened by the news “Me feel it,” he wrote in an Instagram post “@aidonia4thgenna Bredda my prayers go up for you and you wife, Sorry Brenda, Well it mi G ”

“I would like everyone send up some prayers fi me bredda in this painful time of is journey on the place all earth R I P Condolences,” he added

Born Sheldon Aitana Ricardo Lawrence in Kingston, Jamaica Aidonia 41, got his big break in 2004 as a member of Bounty Killer's Alliance He's known for songs such as Pon Di C cky, Pretty Please, Nuh Boring Gyal, Jook So, and Yeah Yeah

In 2013 Aidonia had his son with fiancé Kimberly Megan and the two git married in September 2016

Popcaan

Burna Boy

Cristiano Ronaldo's greatest strength is now his primary weakness

By Ian Burnett CNW Sports

Most followers of the sport of football know that Cristiano Ronaldo isn't as talented or gifted as many of the game's greats

But the man born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal in 1985 is renowned for his strong mindset, a mentality which has seen him not only rise to stardom but kept him at the top of the game for nearly two decades That same mentality was reinforced by a level of selfishness seldom seen before It was all about him and his statistics (goals) and nobody else in a team sport He had to be the center of attention

Because of all the personal accolades he earned while helping teams like Manchester United and more prominently Real Madrid win numerous trophies, his selfishness was often ignored or placed on the backburner Afterall, the teams were winning trophies and nothing else mattered

Therefore he chalked up numerous “records” of goalscoring feats, many of which were really because of his longevity in the game and nothing else, because when placed in proper context, their significance waned

One of his records, for example, is for most goals in international men's football, 118 goals in 195 games At face value it looks excellent, but when compared with Pele, who has 77 goals in only 92 games, it shows that he was nowhere close to the Brazilian's strike rate And there are many others way ahead of CR7 in that regard

There was a lot of noise about him becoming the first player to score at five straight World Cup Finals tournament when he notched a penalty in Portugal's opening game against Ghana But when scrutinized, he's managed a measly eight goals in 20 World Cup games There are so many players with more goals in less games and World Cup tournaments, but some would have you believe that

he's the greatest thing since sliced bread

But his biggest strength now appears to be his main weakness, as he refuses to accept that like every other sportsman or woman, “father time” catches up with us, and that's a battle that he cannot win

And this has been more evident because of his inability to make himself more useful to his team's success in his declining years His lifelong nemesis, Lionel Messi, two years his junior, has been able to maintain a level of importance to his teams because of his football ability to playmake, create chances for others, while still notching his fair share of goals

The coaching staff at Juventus in Italy has already determined that Cristiano Ronaldo at this stage is surplus to requirement Erik ten Hag, the manager at Manchester United, Ronaldo's club for the past season and a half

But knowing Ronaldo's obsession with competing against Messi, who is still the driving force behind Argentina's push to the World Cup quarters, he's not readily accepting being relegated to Portugal's bench

And to prove his manager Santos got the call right, Ronaldo's replacement, a 21 year old Goncalo Ramos scored a fantastic hat trick, the first of this World Cup, to lead Portugal to a 6 1 victory over Switzerland and into the quarter finals

Ramos, who made his debut last month and had only 33 minutes of international football under his belt, scored in the 17th, 51st and 67th minutes and became the second player to score a hat trick on their first World Cup start

Tuesday's win was extremely significant for Portugal and at the end of the game the players and staff duly remained on the pitch for an extended period to show their appreciation to their many supporters

But what did the team's captain do? He briefly applauded a section of the supporters before making a lonely walk straight off the pitch down the tunnel and into the safety of the dressing room, even as his teammates lapped up every love thrown at them

Again, CR7 failed to realise that it was not all about him, but the team, a winning team without him being the main contributor

It was indeed a sad sight to behold, but for Portugal's sake, he had better accept his now reduced role as a bit part player and help his team in whatever way he can Afterall, there is no “I” in team and he's badly tarnished his legacy

before he was sacked a few weeks ago, came to the same conclusion despite the Portugal captain scoring 20odd goals for the club in all competitions last season

Now Fernando Santos, the man in charge of Portugal, has reluctantly arrived at the same place, as the interest of the team has to be placed ahead of CR7's personal ambition and glorified stats

Portugals Cristiano Ronaldo (third right) sits on the bench during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match against Switzerland at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 (Photo: AP)

Goncalo Ramos celebrating his hat trick with teammates against South Korea. – AP Photo