PERSONS YEAR of the
Wes Moore, Maryland's first Black Governor, continues to inspire as he leads the state into a new era of progress and possibility. He has been named CNW’s Male Person of the Year. Of Jamaican heritage, Moore's ascent to the highest office in the state has been marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments, both in public service and as an advocate for equity and opportunity
Ann-Marie Campbell, Senior Executive Vice President at Home Depot, has been named CNW’s Female Person of the Year for 2024. Her remarkable career, steadfast commitment to giving back, and deep ties to her roots exemplify a life of service, resilience, and leadership. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Campbell's journey from humble beginnings to corporate leadership is nothing short of inspiring
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
CARIBBEAN NEWS
JANUARY
• Basdeo Panday, who served as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001, died at the age of 90
His death was confirmed by his daughter, Mickela Panday, in a statement on social media
• Former Miss World and longtime Jamaican politician Lisa Hanna was excluded from the over 20 people named in the shadow cabinet of Jamaica's opposition, the People's National Party Former Jamaican Member of Parliament Jolyan Silvera was charged with the murder of his wife, Melissa, who was killed in November 2023 Initially reported as having died in her sleep, Melissa's post-mortem examination revealed she was shot at least three times
Preliminary voter turnout was reported at 29 6 percent
MARCH
• The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was confirmed the winner of the local government elections
The Dominican Republic unveiled an international corridor to facilitate the safe evacuation of Dominicans, a l l i e d d i p l o m a t s , a n d international representatives amid escalating tensions in neighboring Haiti
• The Bahamas mourned the death of former Member of Parliament Donald Saunders, who became the country's 35th murder victim after being killed during an armed robbery
FEBRUARY
Veteran Jamaican broadcaster Alan Magnus, known as Jamaica's “good morning man,” died on February 3 at his home in St Andrew He was 80 years old
• Former British Virgin Islands (BVI) Premier Andrew Fahie faced the prospect of life imprisonment after being convicted on charges related to drug trafficking and racketeering
• Both the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) claimed victory following Jamaica's February 26 local government elections
APRIL
• Seven newborns died within four days from a bacterial infection at the Port of Spain General Hospital in Trinidad, according to health authorities
• The United States imposed s a n c t i o n
r
Surinamese President Desiré Delano Bouterse and six former military officials in a move underscoring its stance against global human rights abuses
MAY
• Dr Luc Mercelina assumed the role of Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs in
Sint Maarten following the 2024 parliamentary election results
• For the first time, St Lucian workers gained a legislatively mandated minimum wage, set at $1,126 monthly, $52 daily, or $6 50 per hour
JUNE
• A 6 2 magnitude earthquake s
midnight, with tremors felt in T
Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Kingsley Cooper, a Jamaican fashion pioneer, attorney, and founder of Pulse Investments, died at 71
JULY
• Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 storm over Grenada's Carriacou Island on July 1, impacting other Windward Islands before striking Jamaica on July 3 It continued past the Cayman Islands and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, causing at least 12 fatalities across the region
• Former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush has been found not guilty on
charges of rape and indecent
allegations dating back 20 years
AUGUST
• K
, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced the appointment of Jamaica's Minister of Finance, Dr Nigel Clarke, as Deputy Managing Director, the third-highestranking official at the IMF
SEPTEMBER
• Jamaica's Prime Minister
OCTOBER
• The Dominican Republic deported or repatriated nearly 11,000 Haitians in one week, following its commitment to weekly deportations amid Haiti's ongoing gang violence and poverty crisis
Louise “Miss Lou” BennettCoverley and Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley set to become the first Jamaicans to be awarded the newly created Order of National Icon, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness announced
NOVEMBER
• Hurricane Rafael, a powerful Category 3 storm, devastated Cuba, causing a nationwide blackout affecting 10 million people and widespread damage to the island's infrastructure
• Barbados honors Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the nation’s highest a w a
Freedom of Barbados Award
DECEMBER
• Bahamian minster Wayne Munroe denies involvement in a drug-trafficking scheme
• The governments of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands rejected a reported plan by the incoming Trump administration to relocate migrants rejected by their home countries to their territories
Andrew Holness earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D ) in Law and Policy, becoming the first sitting Jamaican Prime Minister to achieve this while in office
•
• Trinidad & Tobago mourns the death of minister Lisa Morris-Julian Morris-Julian a n d h
tragically perished in a earlymorning house fire in her home in Arima, Trinidad
Accompong Town Maroons to support their growth and infrastructure in the St Elizabeth community
Melissa Walter
Basdeo Panday
Andrew Fahie
Nigel Clarke
Protesting the deportation of Haitians from Dominican Republic
Alan Magnus
Desiré Delano Bouterse
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
DIASPORA NEWS
JANUARY
• H a r v a r d ’ s fi r s t b l a c k
President Haitian-American, Claudine Gay resigns after only six months in office, amid controversy facing a right-wing campaign to oust her
• The founder of the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant,
Marcia Elaine ‘Mer’ RiggBaker, died Rigg-Baker left behind a lasting legacy, creating the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant out of a need to empower young women while “providing a space for creativity, building selfconfidence, and nurturing business acumen ” A group of members of the Jamaican diaspora living in
History Month, the Florida Panthers ice hockey team highlighted two JamaicanAmericans among a list of Black “standout” residents serving the South Florida community The list includes Jamaican-American Broward Commissioner Hazelle P Rogers and Sunrise Deputy Mayor Mark Douglas
MARCH
• The renowned Jamaicanowned fast-food chain Juici Patties inaugurated its newest establishment in Hollywood, Florida This strategic expansion signifies the beginning of a significant chapter for the Clarendonbased franchise as it sets its
MAY
• Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness received a prestigious honor from Delaware State University, where he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on Friday, May 10
• ·Mayor Eric Adams of New York City declared May 11 as Issa Trust Foundation Day, marking a successful charity event in the city
JUNE
The 10th Biennial Jamaica
D
achieved its largest number of registrants ever, with over 1,100 attendees, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith
• Five distinguished Jamaicans
residing overseas received the 2024 Governor-General
(GGAA), including Steve Getten and Mark Henry from Canada, Dr Pearl Ann Jarrett from the UK, Dr Dahlia Ann Blake from the U S , and renowned musician Roy 'Gramps' Morgan of Morgan Heritage
of sargassum seaweed, rum distillery wastewater, and Blackbelly sheep manure
OCTOBER
• Jamaican-born fashion designer Rachel Scott, head of the New York-based label Diotima, won the prestigious American Womenswear Designer of the Year award at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards
• Trailblazing nurse Celia O’Gilvie takes helm of the 42year-old Jamaica Nurses Association of New Jersey
NOVEMBER
• Jamaican-American Denise Grant was officially sworn in as Mayor of Lauderhill, Florida, after securing a commanding 62 57% of the vote in the 2024 General Election
the United States organized a protest against the Jamaican government for its failure to manage crime, violence, and corruption in the country. Other protests were planned for Washington, D C , New York, Canada, and the United Kingdom
FEBRUARY
• Aisha Rainford elected President of Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF)
• In celebration of Black
American taste buds APRIL
renowned businesswoman and television, music, and film producer of Jamaican heritage, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Jerome Gary Cooper, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica and American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Director Emeritus, died on April 27, 2024, at the age of 87
JULY
• Dr Lavern Deer, a distinguished Jamaican resident of Miami Gardens, was awarded
Achievement Award for 2024
• In response to the devastation
4 Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica, Consul General of Jamaica to Miami Oliver Mair held an emergency virtual meeting
y stakeholders to organize aid for the island
AUGUST
J a m a i c a n
n candidates in the August 20 primary elections had mixed
y Campbell falling short in the high-profile U S Senate Democratic primary
• Several Jamaicans in the diaspora were recognized
w
Ambassador to Washington, Audrey Marks (Order of Jamaica), Dr Karren Dunkley (Order of Distinction, Rank of Officer), Dr Novlet DavisB u c k n o r ( O r d e r o f Distinction), Mary Bishop (Badge of Honor), and Marie Ruth Gill (Badge of Honor)
SEPTEMBER
• Renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson creates statue of civil rights hero and US Congressman Rep John Lewis in Georgia
• Jamaican-American U S
attorney for the Southern District of New York and son of Jamaican immigrants, Damian Williams, is at the center of a major legal storm f o l l o w i n g h i s o ffi c e ’ s indictment of Sean Combs, also known as “Puff Daddy” or “P Diddy ”
• The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) raised over J$70 million, which increased to nearly J$121 million with a matching fund from the NCB Foundation
• New York Attorney General Letitia James and the City University of New York (CUNY) announced the creation of the Ruschell B o o n e S c h o l a r s h i p , a memorial fund honoring the late Emmy-winning journalist Ruschell Boone, who was a native of Jamaica
D r L e g e n a H e n r y , a Trinidadian scientist, has pioneered the world’s first vehicle powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), which is created from a unique blend
• County Court Judge Jackie Powell of Broward County's 17th Judicial Circuit received t h e C a r i b b e a n B a r Association's President's Award for outstanding community service
DECEMBER
Two Caribbean women, Idania del Río from Cuba and Guerline M Jozef from Haiti were named among the BBC’s 100 Women for 2024, highlighting their significant contributions to their respective fields
• Jamaica born Veterinarian Dr Carlton Gyles, was appointed to the Order of Canada for his outstanding contribution to veterinary pathology Dr Gyles is a distinguished professor of veterinary pathology who has made significant contributions to understanding how E coli causes disease in both animals and humans
• J a m a i c a n - A m e r i c a n Congresswoman Yvette Clarke was elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, making history as the 29th person to hold the position
• President-elect Donald Trump announced Herschel Walker as the next United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
• Dr Cardinal Warde, a renowned Bajan scientist, received the OAS Science, Technology, and Innovation Award of the Americas for his groundbreaking contributions
Claudine Gay
Mark Douglas
Basil Watson posing beside a model of the sculpture of John Lewis
The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference
Damian Williams
Dr. Legena Henry
Ribbon-cutting of the inaugural Juici Patties in Hollywood, Florida
Marcia Elaine Rigg-Baker
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS
JANUARY
• All students within the Broward County school district were set to wear uniforms starting the next school year, following a school board proposal The “unified dress code” required collared shirts in limited solid colors, paired with solid-color pants, shorts, or skirts
• The world’s largest crusie ship, Icon of the Seas, arrives for the first time at Miami’s port
• The National Transportation
S a f e t y B o a r d ( N T S B ) launches an investigation into two fatal crashes of the Brightline train in Florida
• Broward School Board votes on district-wide school uniform policy
FEBRUARY
• Miami cruise passengers nabbed after 100 bags of marijuana found in luggage
• Cedella Marley donated one of her father Bob Marley's guitars to the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Broward County, Florida
• The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division
retirement during a school board meeting Howard Hepburn, formerly the deputy superintendent, assumed the role of superintendent
MAY
• Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban, significantly restricting access in the region following the Supreme
began an $8 4 million renovation project at Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium in preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup in June 2024
MARCH
• Gang violence in Haiti led to the cancellation of flights between South Florida and Port-au-Prince, disrupting travel plans as the country's instability continued The City of Miami Beach enforced a weekend curfew to manage spring break chaos, ending early Monday, March 18
• Florida lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting homeless individuals from camping or sleeping on public property
• The City of Miramar opposed a proposed incinerator at the old Opa-Locka West Airport, located just 0 8 miles from residential neighborhoods, citing environmental and community safety concerns
APRIL
D r P e t e r L i c a t a , Superintendent of Broward Schools, announced his
Court's overturning of Roe v Wade Broward County Public School Baord shared plans to address the severe decline in student enrollment prompting consideration to close 42 schools
• Eight dead and 4o injured, as farmworkers bus overturns after colliding with a pickup truck in central Florida
JUNE
Former Broward Deputy Sheriff Stephanie Diane Smith was sentenced to federal prison for PPP loan fraud
• A Jamaican-American family in South Florida realized a long-held dream by opening a new facility for Bethlehem Preschool and Bethlehem Junior Academy on June 1
• For the first time, two J a m
A
occupied seats on the
y Commission. Alexandra P. Davis won the District 7 seat unopposed, while Hazelle Rogers ran unopposed for re-
destruction across the Southeast, claiming 102 lives, displacing hundreds, and leaving millions without power
OCTOBER
• Orlando woman Sarah Boone found guilty of murder after leaving boyfriend to die in suitcase 4 years ago
• Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, swept across Florida, killing four people and leaving a trail of destruction It made landfall in Siesta Key before moving into the Atlantic
NOVEMBER
• Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony secures second full term as Broward County Sheriff
• Jamaican-American Denise
election in District 9
• Miami-Dade County Schools secures $8M grant for electric buses
JULY
Miami Bech commission rescinds ‘Sean Diddy Combs’ Day following Combs’ legal
t r o u b l e s a n d a s s a u l t allegations
• Nationals and supporters of the Jamaican diaspora rallied to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl Jamaica's Consul General, Oliver Mair, expressed gratitude for the swift community response
• Former Miami police officer sentenced to 11 years for attempted drug trafficking and extortion
AUGUST
• Incumbent Gregory Tony w o n t h e D e m o c r a t i c nomination for Broward County Sheriff, securing 50% of the vote. Steven Geller followed with 33%, Al Pollock with 12%, and David Howard with 5%
• High school students in Broward County returned to classes under new security measures, including metal detectors, which caused delays but aimed to improve campus safety
SEPTEMBER
• The City of Miramar escalated its opposition to the proposed Opa-Locka West Airport incinerator, threatening legal
a c t i o n M a y o r W a y n e Messam and other officials cited significant risks to nearby residents
• Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread
Grant was elected Mayor of Lauderhill during the city's November 5 elections
• In a historic election, MiamiDade County voters selected Rosie Cordero-Stutz as their new sheriff, marking the first time in more than six decades the county has elected someone to the position
DECEMBER
• Broward County prosecutors began addressing the lasting impact of a controversial late1980s anti-drug operation in which deputies produced and sold crack cocaine to arrest buyers
• M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y commissioners deferred a decision on the proposed Doral incinerator rebuild to February 2025, following environmental and community concerns
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
Miramar residents protesting the construction of the proposed incinerator
Dr. Peter Licata
Alexandra Davis
Rosie Cordero-Stultz
Denise D. Grant
Sheriff Gregory Tony
The aftermath of Hurricane Milton
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
JANUARY
• Jamaican reggae singer and producer Pluto Shervington passed away on January 19 in a Florida hospital, just minutes before 11 a m Prince Harry and Meghan
Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise appearance at the Jamaica premiere of Bob Marley: One Love, strolling hand-in-hand down the red carpet
FEBRUARY
Julian Marley and Antaeus' album Colors of Royal won the Best Reggae Album award at the 2024 Grammy Awards
• Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the legendary bassist and bandleader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, passed away at 77 The news was confirmed by his son, Aston Barrett Jr , who shared a heartfelt message on social media. Barrett died at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida
The Privy Council began hearings in London for Jamaican dancehall star
Vybz Kartel and his three co-
allegations of jury tampering and the use of incriminating messages in their convictions
• Peter “Peetah” Morgan, lead singer of the Grammy-
Morgan Heritage, passed away on February 25, as announced in a statement from the band
MARCH
The Court of Appeal in Jamaica was set to decide
dancehall artiste Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and his c o - c o n v i c t s , S h a w n Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, will face a retrial or be set free due to jury tampering during their original trial
APRIL
• Miles Myrie, the 20-year-old son of reggae-dancehall legend Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie, tragically passed away, a loss confirmed by his brother Jahazeil Myrie
MAY
• Legendary dancehall artist Buju Banton kicked off his return to the United States with a stop in Miami, his first visit since his release from a U S federal prison in 2018
• Jamaican-American rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were arrested for allegedly committing over a million dollars in fraud
JUNE
• The Court of Appeal began
hearings to determine whether Vybz Kartel and three co-accused will face a retrial for murder The proceedings were being overseen by Justices Marva McDonald-Bishop, Paulette Williams, and David Fraser
JULY
• Following sold-out shows at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, Buju Banton announced an upcoming United States tour
• Clad in a white outfit and an orange bandana, dancehall star Vybz Kartel walked free from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston on July 31 after 13 years in custody The Court of Appeal ruled in his favor, overturning his conviction
AUGUST
• On August 6, the Reggae Icon Award was presented to four legendary figures: VP Records co-founder Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, dancehall icons Beenie Man and
Bounty Killer, and the iconic reggae band Third World
• Vybz Kartel announced his highly anticipated return to the stage with a New Year's Eve concert in Jamaica, marking his first performance since his release
SEPTEMBER
• Veteran reggae artist Cleve “Lt Stitchie” Laing was placed in a long-term care facility after suffering a severe brain hemorrhage that left him unresponsive
• Tito Jackson, guitarist, singer, and original member of the Jackson 5, passed away at 70, as confirmed by his family
OCTOBER
• Miami Carnival celebrated its 40th anniversary with a vibrant Parade of Bands featuring 19 masquerade
Florida's cultural calendar, drew thousands to revel in Caribbean traditions
NOVEMBER
• Legendary music producer Quincy Jones passed away at his Los Angeles home in Bel Air. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed he was surrounded by family at the time of his death
DECEMBER
• Dancehall icon Beenie Man will be back on the U S entertainment scene after his visa was reinstated, ending a decade-long ban
Pluto Shervington
Buju Banton
Vybz Kartel being realeased from prison after 13 years
Antaeus and Julian Marley
JANUARY
• Cedella Marley, once hailed as the 'fairy godmother' of the Reggae Girlz, resigned from her role as the Global Ambassador for Jamaica's national women's football team Shericka Jackson and Antonio Watson were honored with the prestigious RJRGLEANER Sports Foundation's National Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards at a ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
• Jamaica's triple jump talent, Jaydon Hibbert, announced that he would be leaving the University of Arkansas to focus on a professional career
FEBRUARY
• Jamaican forward Leon Bailey signed a long-term contract extension with English Premier League club Aston Villa, securing his future at the club
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the sprint legend with three Olympic golds and ten world titles, confirmed her decision to retire after the Paris Olympics later this year
• The 2024 West Indies Championship, the prestigious four-day red-ball cricket tournament, kicked off simultaneously in Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua, signaling the start of the region's cricket season
• The Jamaican athletics community mourned the sudden passing of renowned journalist and broadcaster Hubert Lawrence, a respected figure in the sport
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW SPORTS NEWS
MAY
• Jamaican striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named the 2023-24 Women's Super League (WSL) Player-of-the-Season in England, solidifying her status as one of the best in women's football
JUNE
• The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) suspended Leon Bailey from the senior men's national team, the Reggae Boyz, following recent controversies, including his decision not to participate in the Copa America 2024
AUGUST
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw exceptional performances from Caribbean athletes: Jamaica: Rojé Stona won the island's first-ever gold in men's discus, setting an Olympic record with a 70-meter throw Jamaica also earned silver in men's 100m (Kishane Thompson), long jump (Wayne Pinnock), and women's triple jump (Shanieka Ricketts), and bronze in
men's 110m hurdles (Rasheed Broadbell) and shot put (Rajindra Campbell)
• Saint Lucia: Julien Alfred claimed gold in the women's 100m and silver in the 200m, making history for her nation
• Dominican Republic: Marileidy Paulino brought home gold in the women's 400m
• Dominica: Thea LaFond won gold in the women's triple jump, a historic moment for Dominica
• Grenada: Anderson Peters earned bronze in the men's javelin, while Lindon Victor secured bronze in the men's decathlon
SEPTEMBER
Dwayne Bravo, one of T20 cricket's most iconic figures, announced his retirement from the sport during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking the end of an illustrious career
OCTOBER
• St Lucia Kings claimed their first-ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL) championship with a thrilling six-wicket victory over the defending champions, G u y a n
Providence Stadium
NOVEMBER
• The inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) series, a new global professional track and field circuit with a $12 5 million prize fund, was launched Spearheaded by Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, the series will kick off in Jamaica in April 2025 before continuing at locations in Los Angeles and beyond
DECEMBER
• Chris Dehring was appointed as the new CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), ushering in a new era for Caribbean cricket, with hopes for transformation and growth in the sport
MARCH
• Jamaica's women's cricket team claimed the West Indies Women's Super50 Cup title, despite a loss to Guyana in the final round of matches, marking their first Super50 title in a decade
• Michael Ricketts won the Jamaica Football Federation presidential election, defeating Raymond Anderson with a decisive 39-17 vote Khadija "Bunny" Shaw made history as she became Manchester City Women's all-time leading goal scorer, cementing her place as one of the best in the game
APRIL
• Former NFL star O J Simpson, infamous for his involvement in the 1990s double-murder trial, passed away following a battle with cancer His death made waves worldwide, given his complex legacy
• On June 29, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their first ICC title since the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, their first world cup title since the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and their second T20 World Cup crown, with the first being in 2007
JULY
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, alongside Olympic diver Yona Knight-Wisdom, was named captain of Jamaica's Olympic team for the Paris 2024 Games, a significant leadership role for both athletes
Julien Alfred
West Indies Women’s celebrate after winning the World Super50 Cup Title
Khadija Shaw
Thea Lafond
Roje Stona
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Ann-Marie Campbell
continues fromA1
Born in 1965, she grew up as the youngest of four children Her father's untimely death at age 26 left her mother and grandmother, a savvy retailer, to shape her upbringing Campbell learned her first lessons in retail at her grandmother's furniture and appliance store, experiences that would lay the groundwork for her exceptional career
Campbell's educational journey began at Holy Childhood High School (HCHS) in Kingston, where she boarded and developed a lasting connection to her alma mater After graduating in 1981, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Miami She pursued higher education at Georgia State University (GSU), earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy and later an MBA Along the way,
she became a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and the National Scholars Honor Society, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence
Her professional ascent began in 1985 when she joined Home Depot as a part-time cashier to support her college education Campbell's assertiveness and dedication caught the attention of executives, leading to mentorship opportunities and a rapid rise through the company's ranks By 2009, she was President of Home Depot's Southern Division, overseeing 690 stores and 100,000 employees In 2016, she became Executive Vice President of U S Stores, responsible for 2,000 stores and nearly 400,000 employees, a role that has positioned her as one of the most influential figures in the retail industry Her leadership has been integral to Home Depot's status as the world's largest home
improvement retailer and one of the largest U S companies by revenue Campbell's contributions extend far beyond corporate success She has consistently leveraged her platform to make a difference, particularly in education and community development Her $100,000 donation to Holy Childhood High School in 2024 underscores her enduring commitment to her roots Announced during the HCHS International Alumni Gala in Sunrise, Florida, this generous gift will fund the renovation of the school's gymnasium, new athletic equipment, and financial aid for deserving students
“Sports are important, and I understand the value of a good education,” Campbell expressed during the event “I'm excited to see the positive impact this donation will have on current and future Holy Childhood students ” Holy Childhood High School
Principal Sister Maxine McIntosh shared her gratitude for Campbell's generosity “We are incredibly grateful for Ann-Marie Campbell's generosity and her continued dedication to our school,” Sister McIntosh said “This donation will have a lasting impact on our students and the entire community We are also thrilled to have the Holy Childhood International Alumni Association as a partner in our mission to provide a worldclass education ” Her philanthropic initiatives are not limited to her high school In 2014, she established the AnnMarie Campbell Scholarship for undergraduates at GSU's J Mack Robinson College of Business, supporting the next generation of business leaders Her dedication to service is further reflected in her roles on various boards, including the Metropolitan Atlanta chapter of the American Red Cross and Workday's Board of Directors Additionally, she has been recognized by Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list multiple times, including rankings in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 Campbell's story is a testament to resilience and leadership Her journey from boarding school in Kingston to overseeing Home D e p o t ' s e x p a n s i v e o p e r ations continues to inspire countless individuals across the Caribbean and beyond By balancing corporate excellence with a profound commitment to her community, Ann-Marie Campbell has firmly established herself as a beacon of empowerment and change
Marlon Bolton, commissioner, City of Tamarac; Denise Grant, commissioner, City of Lauderhill; Ann Marie Campbell, senior vice-president Home Depot and Dr Michelle Richards, president of Holy Childhood High School International Alumni
With a 2024 filled with honors and milestones, Moore is a name on the rise, making significant strides toward transforming Maryland and positioning himself as a key figure in national politics
In 2024, Moore was recognized on the prestigious TIME100 list, an acknowledgment of his efforts to tackle child poverty, combat gun violence, and boost housing affordability in Maryland His bold actions, including raising the minimum wage and issuing a historic executive order to pardon tens of thousands of low-level marijuana convictions, have earned him recognition not only in his state but across the nation
Moore is also widely seen as a future presidential contender, with his leadership in Maryland becoming a model for Democratic policy A reminder of the urgency with which he works is the clock on his desk, counting down the days until the end of his first term, symbolizing the ambition and drive he has to continue pushing for change
M o o r e ' s l e a d e r s h i p i n Maryland comes at a crucial time
PERSON OF THE YEAR
Wes Moore
His governance is built on a foundation of personal experience and a deep commitment to tackling systemic inequalities He has often spoken about his dedication to reducing child
poverty and creating safer communities, saying that his role as governor is where he can do the most good Even when he was being touted as a potential vicepresidential candidate to Kamala Harris in the November 2024 election, Moore made clear that he is fully committed to his role in Maryland "I love my job, and I have no intention of leaving," Moore stated in an interview earlier this year He affirmed his loyalty to the state's progress and his belief in the work that still needs to be done
In December 2024, Moore received a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan 18 years ago, recognizing his leadership during a critical military deployment His background as a combat leader with the 82nd Airborne Division and his subsequent career
as a White House Fellow shaped his pragmatic and action-oriented approach to public service Moore's journey to the governorship has been a remarkable one Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, in 1978, Moore's early life was marked by hardship after his father's untimely death when Moore was just three years old His mother is the daughter of Cuban and Jamaican immigrants Raised in the Bronx and later returning to Maryland, Moore's story is one of resilience A proud graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, Moore went on to Johns Hopkins University and became the first Black Rhodes Scholar from the institution His time at Oxford, followed by his military service and White House Fellowship, shaped his worldview, fostering a deep sense of responsi-
bility toward addressing societal disparities
Before his gubernatorial run, Moore made his mark as an author and entrepreneur. His best-selling memoir, The Other Wes Moore, reflected on the fragile nature of opportunity, telling the story of how he and another man of the same name, both raised in Baltimore, took drastically different paths in life Moore's work as the CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation focused on lifting families out of poverty, and his initiative, BridgeEdU, aimed to support underserved college students
Wes Moore is not only a governor but a father, a husband to First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore, and a public figure who embodies the spirit of service With his wife and two children, Mia and James, Moore remains firmly rooted in Baltimore, demonstrating his commitment to his state both personally and professionally
As he continues to push for policies that benefit Maryland's working families and underserved communities, it is clear that Moore is driven by a sense of purpose His leadership, vision, and commitment to Maryland's future make him a deserving choice for Caribbean National Weekly's Male Person of the Year His journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come for this trailblazer from Jamaican heritage
Moore walking with his wife, Dawn Flythe and their two children to the courthouse for his inauguration
The will is needed to eliminate evil
Once more, the world finds itself at the anticipatory threshold of a new year. Each new year is greeted with optimism, as people grasp the opportunity for a fresh start, holding onto hope that unachieved goals from the past year will be fulfilled over the next 365 days. Yet, the new year remains a mystery, for no one knows what it will bring individually or collectively Most, if not all, hope it will bring happiness.
But after the flowery greetings and warm wishes for a happy New Year 2025, Americans awoke to the tragic news of a mass killing in New Orleans, Louisiana An individual drove through a crowd celebrating the new year, barely three hours old This tragedy is a stark reminder that while humanity seeks happiness, it is not easily attained Evil lurks everywhere, poised to erupt and suffocate even the faintest possibility of joy
The bright lights, nostalgic music, and spirited greetings of goodwill exchanged during the holiday season including Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah form an attractive but illusory wrapper, masking the ever-present threat of evil Despite earnest efforts to spread peace and joy, evil persists, rearing its head to wreak havoc and shatter the tranquility that communities so desperately yearn for
The past year, 2024, bore witness to evil in countless forms: violent crime, domestic violence, mass shootings, wars, terrorist attacks, mental health crises, homelessness, political division, greed, and the unrelenting
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quest for power For years, nations have battled to eradicate these scourges, yet few have succeeded As we step into 2025, the hope that good might finally overcome evil feels increasingly tenuous
The tragic events in New Orleans on the first morning of 2025 do not signal a victory of good over evil In addition, the fragility of family structures continues to lead to heartbreaking incidents of domestic violence News of such tragedies marked the early days of the year, underscoring the relentless grip of evil on society As for violent crime, solutions seem more elusive than ever, with no clear path forward in 2025
What, then, of the future? Should people go about their lives, hoping and praying that evil does not touch them or their loved ones? Or should they, individually and collectively, rise to the challenge of finding solutions to curb the
presence of evil? A more profound question may be: is it even possible to eradicate evil? Regardless, retreating into complacency is not an option Communities must stand vigilant and resolute in their efforts to confront and eliminate all forms of evil
As we move through 2025, the prevailing hope should not merely be for happiness but for the collective will to combat and eradicate evil Without this determination, happiness will remain an illusion for most Let the universal greeting for 2025 carry a dual wish: may we find happiness, and may we summon the strength to root out evil, allowing true joy to flourish
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Teens Vaping Marijuana Run Risk of Harming Their Health
Since entering the U S market in the early 2000s, e-cigarettes have found a niche in young consumers, many being underage to purchase them legally Their popularity among adolescents raised concerns about the potential ill effects inhaling flavored nicotineinfused aerosols — an act called “vaping” — could have on the health of teens
LaDarius Gammage and Dr Shamarial Roberson are public health professionals who have sought to increase awareness of the dangers of vaping, warning that it has the potential to addict users — particularly teens — to nicotine and, equally worrisome, lead them to vape marijuana
Mr Gammage is intimately familiar with the battle against teen vaping He formerly worked as the statewide program manager for Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), a Florida Department of Health (DOH) initiative. While in that and other DOH positions, he recognized the risks vaping posed to young people
“They vape now because they experienced a sensation,” Mr Gammage says, referring to teen users of e-cigarettes “They began to say, 'Hey, I'm having a nick buzz,' which means that they had some type of stimulation similar to feeling high from nicotine going within their body And now you have some people that are chasing a bigger thrill by vaping marijuana ”
Like Mr Gammage, Dr Roberson also worked at the DOH, formerly serving as deputy secretary for health She oversaw numerous DOH programs involved in emergency preparedness, disease control, community health promotion, public health statistics and performance management, and the Office of Medical Marijuana Use She, too, is very concerned about the negative health effects teens may suffer due to vaping Marijuana use by teens could harm brain development and cognitive health and spur anxiety, insomnia, depression, or other
behavioral issues
“The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey reported that 5 5% of middle school and high school students in Florida reported vaping marijuana I think that's astounding That's a lot,” Dr Roberson says “And of this, 64% of people who currently vape marijuana also vape nicotine THC [the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis] is very addictive; nicotine is very addictive ”
Adding to Mr Gammage and Dr Roberson's worries about vaping illegally obtained marijuana is the unknown factor: Could it be laced with chemicals or drugs, making it more harmful or potent?
Dr Roberson warns that vaping with ordinary store-bought e-cigarettes should not be considered a better alternative to vaping marijuana She says some e-cigarette users have fallen seriously ill with — and died from
a disease called “vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI),” also known as “ ecigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury ” A report by the National Institutes of Health said symptoms range from respiratory, “such as cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, which are most common, to gastrointestinal, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to general symptoms, such as fever, chills, or weight loss ”
Treatment for VAPI could require hospitalization, with some patients sustained by mechanical ventilation
She encourages parents to be on the lookout for signs that may point to their children surreptitiously vaping One thing to be alert to is what could appear to be discarded USB drives that might actually be spent ecigarette cartridges She adds that children concealing something from their parents are
often protective of their backpacks, bedrooms, and phones “And just pay attention to school items that don't look like the normal items that you purchase,” she mentions Hoodies, a popular fashion item among teens, and personal water bottles could also be vaping aids in disguise, adds Mr Gammage A “ vape hoodie” can conceal an e-cigarette in the drawstring with a mouthpiece inhaler while a vaping water bottle is filled with e-liquid that's released as an inhaled vapor
While working with the DOH's Student Working Against Tobacco program, Mr Gammage helped develop and launch a youthfocused educational campaign called “Not a Lab Rat ” Its website, www swatflorida com takes aim at the e-cigarette industry, declaring, “It's time to let them know we are NOT A LAB RAT,” and seeks to deter youths from vaping
In collaboration with Florida A&M University's Medical Marijuana Educational Research Initiative, Dr Roberson helped launch a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to pilot a program focused on implementing a peer-to-peer approach to addressing teen life issues within rural communities The program is led by more than 50 young men who “ can go out and talk to other community members, their parents, and other youth about things like vaping marijuana,” she says
Editor's note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University
Visit bit ly/MMERINovemberCoC2024 to watch MMERI's Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring LaDarius Gammage and Dr. Shamarial Roberson discussing “Teens Vaping Cannabis ”
HEALTH & WELLNESS
in the virus, potentially giving rise to new variants that might trigger pandemics, much like the 1918 Spanish flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic This highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and preparedness to prevent a more severe public health crisis
New Mutation Discovered in U.S.
The spread of bird flu (H5N1) in the United States has raised significant concerns, especially due to recent reports of severe human cases and unusual instances of infection in animals, particularly cats One troubling aspect of the outbreak is that a sample of the virus taken from a critically ill patient in Louisiana showed signs of genetic mutations that might help it adapt to human airways. While these changes were found in a small portion of the virus in the patient’s throat, there is currently no indication that the mutation has spread beyond this individual
T h i s d e v e l o p m e n t i s particularly alarming because the H5N1 virus, which primarily affects birds, has shown the potential for occasional human transmission, typically with close contact with infected animals
However, the ability of the virus to mutate in ways that improve its ability to infect human cells could pose a greater risk if it leads to sustained human-to-human transmission
The elderly patient in Louisiana, who was reported to be in critical condition earlier this month, is one of the notable cases Public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are closely monitoring the situation. While the mutated virus has not yet led to a wider outbreak, these genetic changes underscore the importance of vigilance in monitoring potential shifts in the virus that could lead to more severe public health threats
The CDC’s investigation into the recent H5N1 outbreak emphasizes that the mutations observed in the virus have not
been detected in birds, including the backyard poultry flock linked to the Louisiana patient’s initial infection Instead, the CDC suggests that these genetic changes likely occurred during the virus’s replication in the patient, who had advanced disease Notably, no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the mutated strain has been found so far
Despite this, the CDC has reported 65 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in 2024, though the true number may be higher, especially among dairy and poultry workers, where cases might go undetected The widespread circulation of the virus raises concerns, as experts like Dr Rasmussen warn that it could increase the risk of the virus mixing with seasonal influenza strains Such interactions could lead to “rapid evolutionary leaps”
The rising number of bird flu (H5N1) infections in cats is a growing concern for public health experts In Oregon, a cat that consumed raw pet food contaminated with the virus died, prompting a recall of Northwest Naturals’ Feline Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food The cat, which was strictly an indoor pet, had no direct exposure to the virus in its environment Genome sequencing revealed that the virus in the contaminated pet food was identical to the strain found in the cat, raising concerns about the potential for cats to contract the virus through contaminated food
In Washington State, the issue expanded further when 20 big cats at a sanctuary succumbed to bird flu after being exposed to the virus The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington reported these deaths on Facebook, underscoring the risk of the virus affecting various cat species, not just domestic pets
Dr Rasmussen has raised alarms about the potential for infected outdoor cats to return home and inadvertently expose humans to the virus Since cats, especially those with outdoor access, can come into close contact with humans, there is a risk that they could become intermediaries for the virus, potentially leading to human infections, especially if the virus mutates to better adapt to human transmission This reinforces the need for heightened vigilance in managing both animal and human exposure to the virus
FDA updates the denition of ‘healthy’ foods
T h e U S F o o d a n d D r u g
Administration (FDA) has finalized new rules regarding the use of the term “healthy” on packaged foods, marking an update to the agency ’ s definition that has been in place for 30 years This move is intended to help consumers better navigate food labels and make choices that align with federal dietary guidelines, with the goal of reducing diet-related chronic diseases in the U S
Under the updated regulations, products claiming to be “healthy” must contain a specified amount of food from one or more food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, or protein Additionally, for the first time, the new rule introduces limits on added sugars, and sets restrictions on sodium and saturated fat levels, depending on the type of product These changes are designed to make food labeling clearer and support healthier eating habits
The FDA’s new rules on the “healthy” label will exclude foods like sugary cereals, highly sweetened yogurts, white bread, and certain granola bars, which were previously able to carry the label On the other hand, foods such as avocados, olive oil, salmon, eggs, and some trail mix will now be allowed to use the “healthy” label In a significant change, even water will now qualify for this designation
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “It’s critical for the future of the country that food be a vehicle for wellness ” He highlighted that improving access to nutrition information is a key public health effort to help individuals develop healthier eating habits
Crossword Puzzle Across Down
Sudoku
1. Nation on an island with the Dominican Republic
6. Nos. on college transcripts
10. Curly-leafed cabbage
14. Rodgers of football or Hank of baseball
15. First-class
16. Post-op hospital areas: Abbr
17. Clear holders for documents in binders
20. Within a person's powers 21. Sky-lit lobbies
22. S&L dispenser
25. Zero
26. All the rage 27. Voting processes that are rigged 31. Store transactions
32. Ship captain's place 33. Knotted
1. Owns 2. ''That feels good!''
3. Angry emotion
4. __ the line (obeyed)
5. Speaks in a singing voice
6. Distort, as words 7. Resort's place to swim
8. Poker payment 9. Lay eyes on 10. Newborn pet feline 11. Oak seeds
12. Glaringly vivid
Short opinion piece
Sandbox bucket
Helper: Abbr
Bangkok native
Bull or stallion
Word game square
Shirt smaller than lge
Kindergartener, for instance
Years in a decade
34. Book's backbone
36. Lap dogs
40. Gasoline or propane
41. ''Me too''
42. Wagering based on margin of victory
46. Log-in info
48. Oral care org
49. ''I'll pass on that''
50. Symbol for subtraction
51. Real __ (home seller's inventory)
54. Broad exemption from prosecution
59. ''Small'' ending for kitchen
60. __ strip (Mideast region)
61. Bike wheels
62. Sandwich breads
63. Scottish valley
64. '50s unsuccessful Ford
34. Took legal action 35. Paella morsel 36. Stew vessel 37. Norse war god 38. __ ''Lisa'' 39. Sound of relief
40. Pat down, as a suspect 41. Law on the books
42. Louisiana legislature
43. Trims, as trees
44. Partner of Robin
45. Dutch cheese
46. ''Burnt'' brown color
47. Full of sediment
51. List-shortener
52. Pants specification
53. Oklahoma city
55. Pancake batter ingredient
56. Form 1040 org
57. Casual shirt
58. Fashion monogram
