BILLIONS IN DAMAGES
Leaders across the Caribbean are still assessing the financial toll of damages to their respective countries following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Atlantic storm on record, which claimed the lives of at least 12 people when it swept across the region last week. Early reports indicate damages and losses projected in the "hundreds of millions" for some countries, based on preliminary assessments by local officials continues on B3 – Billions in damages
Shooters Hill, Jamaica
Fishing harbour in Barbados
St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Dismantled home in Grenada
Legendary Jamaican producer gets museum in Kingston BUNNY 'STRIKER' LEE
Bunny “Striker” Lee, a towering figure in reggae music, left an indelible mark at his Burns Avenue recording studio in Duhaney Park, St Andrew. On July 1, celebrated globally as International Reggae Day, a museum commemorating the legendary producer's legacy had its soft launch at this historic site
The museum is brimming with artifacts from Lee's 60-year career, including his iconic sailor hats, flamboyant suits, and the recording equipment used to create numerous hit songs The walls are adorned
with paintings of Lee and his contemporaries fellow producers Clement Dodd, Duke Reid, Prince Buster, Leslie Kong, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Lloyd “King Jammy” James, and Chris Blackwell Visitors can also see instruments belonging to notable musicians like bass guitarist Robbie Shakespeare of Lee's Aggrovators band, guitarist Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes of The Skatalites, and keyboardist Jackie Mittoo
The official opening of the Bunny Lee Museum and Recording Studio will be in February 2025 during Reggae Month, but it is currently open to the public 9 a m to 5p m Mondays to Saturdays Bookings are accepted only through the Bunny Lee Museum and
Recording Studio website Bunny “Striker” Lee, who passed away in October 2020 at the age of 79 after battling kidney problems, was a seminal figure in the reggae scene He began his career in 1962 as a record plugger for Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label in Kingston He then transitioned to working with Ken Lack, starting in an administrative role before taking on engineering duties Lee eventually began producing records himself, achieving his first hit with Roy Shirley's "Music Field" on WIRL in 1967 He subsequently established his own label, Lee's, with its first release being Lloyd Jackson's "Listen to the Beat "
During 1967-68, Lee produced further hits by artists such as Lester Sterling and Stranger Cole, Derrick Morgan, Slim Smith and The Uniques ("My Conversation"), Pat Kelly, and The Sensations, solidifying his reputation as one of Jamaica's top producers Between 1969 and 1972, he produced classic hits like Slim Smith's "Everybody Needs Love," Max Romeo's "Wet Dream," Delroy Wilson's "Better Must Come," Eric Donaldson's
"Cherry Oh Baby," and John Holt's "Stick By Me " Lee was also a pioneer in the UK reggae market, licensing his productions to the Palmer Brothers (Pama) and Trojan Records in the early 1970s. He played a crucial role in the development of early dub music, collaborating with his friend and dub pioneer King Tubby Together, they experimented with new production techniques that Lee described as "implements of sound," using equipment that would now be considered primitive and limiting to create tracks that focused on rhythm parts mixed with distorted or altered versions of songs
B e y o n d d u b s i d e s a n d instrumentals, Lee was among the first producers to recognize the potential of reusing the same rhythm tracks with different singers and deejays This approach was partly out of necessity, as Lee did not have his own studio and had to maximize the studio time he paid for In the latter half of the 1970s, Lee worked with some of Jamaica's top new talent, including Linval Thompson, Leroy Smart, and Barry Brown In 1983, Lee produced the debut album of future star Beenie Man, titled "The Invincible Beany ManThe 10 Year Old D J Wonder " His final production was in March 2020, for the project "Sly & Robbie vs Roots Radics: 'The Dub Battle '" For his remarkable contributions to Jamaican music, Bunny “Striker” Lee was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 2008
The Bunny Lee Museum in Duhany Park, Jamaica
Striker Lee Jr (right), his mother Annette Wong-Lee and King Jammy in the recording studio at the Bunny Lee Museum
Caribbean News
Hurricane Beryl
St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM announces relief measures
after Hurricane Beryl
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has announced several relief measures aimed at aiding victims of Hurricane Beryl These initiatives include enhanced transportation services to the Southern Grenadines and easier access to essential supplies
In a national address on last Thursday, Dr Gonsalves announced that a fast ferry will be chartered to operate five days a week, from Monday to Friday, starting immediately This service will include Union Island, with the ferry traveling to Mayreau twice a week and to Canouan three times a week The government will cover all costs
The ferry will depart Kingstown at 9 a m and leave Union Island at 4 p m every weekday Specific days for Canouan and Mayreau services will be announced soon This fast ferry initiative will initially run for two weeks, after which its continuation will be assessed
Prime Minister Gonsalves emphasized that the ferry service is strictly for connecting families and should not be used for “disaster tourism,” whether internal or external
Dr Gonsalves also announced that duty-free barrels will be available from July 1 to December 31, 2024. He acknowledged that many overseas individuals would want to help those in need of supplies
Additionally, there will be a 100 percent duty waiver on chainsaws, jackhammers, generators, and water tanks, along with a duty-free waiver on all relief supplies
T h e N a t i o n a l E m e r g e n c y Management Organisation (NEMO) reported that 98 percent of Union Island was affected, leaving almost the entire population of 2,500 people homeless
The government plans to present supplementary estimates and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to Parliament on July 18 to begin the cleanup and rebuilding process
REGION: UK government announces £500,000 in aid for Caribbean after Hurricane Beryl
HAITI: Kenyan police crucial for controlling gangs, says Haiti PM
REGION: UWI celebrates 100% global ranking in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
Grenada declares disaster zones
The government of Grenada has declared the northern parish of St Patrick and the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique as disaster zones for a period of three months, from July 1 to September 30, 2024 The announcement was made in Friday's edition of the Government Gazette
Under Section 55 of the 2023 Disaster Management Act, which came into effect in October 2023, the Prime Minister has the authority to declare a disaster if there is a significant hazard, an ongoing or imminent disaster, and if it is necessary to exercise disaster management powers to prevent or minimize loss of life, injury, property damage, or environmental harm
Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, devastated several Caribbean countries, including Grenada, last week With maximum sustained winds of approximately 120 mph, the hurricane caused widespread damage to property, infrastructure, the environment, and crops, as well as loss of human life
The notice, which took effect at 11:00 a m on July 1, 2024, and will remain in force until 11:59 p m on September 30, 2024, detailed the severe impact of the hurricane
Three people reportedly died in Grenada, and 98% of the housing stock in Carriacou and Petite Martinique was destroyed In St Patrick, a significant number of roofs and houses were damaged, along with extensive agricultural losses
In addition to property damage, the hurricane caused disruptions to electricity, water, and telecommunications services all across Grenada By Friday, more than 70% of utilities were restored in non-disaster zones
When asked by the United Nations about the kind of aid and support residents in Grenada need, Tevin Andrews, the minister overseeing Grenada's islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, said: “Anything that would allow a human being to survive ” Speaking from Carriacou, where Beryl made landfall as the earliest Category 4 storm in Atlantic history, Andrews emphasized the dire need for assistance When asked if there was flat space available for humanitarian workers to set up tents, he responded, “The whole island is flat ” Simon Springett, the top U N. humanitarian official for the eastern Caribbean and
Dominica's ERC wants to enforce twoyear prison terms for election bribery until September following Hurricane Beryl
The Dominican Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) is advocating for a mandatory prison sentence of at least two years for anyone convicted of bribery or treating to secure votes during a general election in Dominica
On Sunday, the ERC urged the government to implement recommendations they say were left out of the draft legislation aimed at modernizing the electoral system, which is set to be presented to Parliament before the end of
the year
Last June, Sir Dennis Byron, the former president of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), submitted a report on electoral reform to the Dominica government Sir Dennis was the sole commissioner working on electoral reform, a contentious issue that led opposition parties, the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), to boycott the last general election This boycott resulted in the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) winning 19 of the 21 seats, with the remaining seats going to independent candidates
ERC executive member Pastor Randy Rodney emphasized the need for strict penalties for bribery, treating, and undue influence in campaign finance regulation
“For the offence of bribery, there must be a compulsory prison term of not less than two years,” he stated Rodney also highlighted the importance of transparency in campaign finance, urging that the sources of election funding be disclosed
The ERC also recommended prohibiting the use of public resources and state projects as campaign tools, and ensuring equal access to publicly funded media for all political parties and independent candidates Rodney insisted that the House of Assembly Election bill should guarantee media access for all parties and prohibit public media from denying any party or candidate paid time or space for their messages
Among the recommendations made by Sir Dennis Byron that were omitted from the draft legislation are provisions related to campaign financing, voter identification, and residency requirements Rodney stressed that only those “ordinarily resident in Dominica” should be eligible to vote and that all eligible voters should receive a voter identification card with
Barbados, echoed Andrews' urgency Speaking to U N correspondents, he described the devastation as “dramatic” and “catastrophic ” Beryl's fierce rains and winds knocked out desalination plants, cell towers, and fiber optic cables in Carriacou Roads became impassable, and an estimated 95% of housing, along with local businesses and income-generating activities, were destroyed Carriacou, with a population of 9,000, and nearby Petite Martinique, home to 2,000 residents, were the hardest hit Damage was also reported on Grenada's mainland to the north, affecting roughly 10,000 people, though to a lesser extent
comprehensive security features
The government has provided the Electoral Commission with copies of the proposed electoral modernization legislation, following extensive public consultations These proposals will be available for public review on various platforms and shared with international organizations like the OAS, OECS, CARICOM, and the Commonwealth Secretariat
The proposed legislation includes the Registration of Electors Act and Regulations 2024, the House of Assembly (Elections) Act and Regulations 2024, and the Electoral Commission Act 2024
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the government aims to finalize the legislation by June to ensure the necessary budget allocations for implementing electoral reform
“We intend to have this finalized in June so that all the necessary budgetary allocations can be made in the upcoming financial estimates to give the electoral commission not only the legislative mandate but also the financial resources required to advance the implementation of the electoral reform process,” Skerrit said upon the release of the documents
The government said it is confident that the proposed drafts address the principal areas of immediate concern and will set Dominica on a firm path to a comprehensive modernization of the electoral process
Scan the Code to read more.
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Grenada
Two more Jamaican law makers under investigation for illicit enrichment
Two more Jamaican lawmakers have been referred for investigation for alleged illicit enrichment, the Integrity Commission disclosed in its 2023-2024 annual report This brings the total number of law makers under investigation to eight
Jamaica’s law blocks the anti-corruption agency from speaking on its investigations before a report is tabled
The Corruption Prevention Act states that illicit enrichment happens where a public servant owns assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings; and upon being requested by the commission or any person duly authorized to investigate an allegation of corruption against him, to provide an explanation as to how he came by such assets, he fails to do so; or gives an explanation which is not considered to be satisfactory, he shall be liable to prosecution for the offence of illicit enrichment
The law states that it shall be a defense to a person charged with an offence of illicit enrichment to show the court that he came by the assets by lawful means
In its previous annual report for 2022-2023, the
commission disclosed that six parliamentarians and 28 other public officials were referred for investigation for illicit enrichment
Several politicians have complained about being tainted and called on the commission to speed up its investigation, to clear their name
The commission’s latest report did not provide any updates on those referred last year It said four other public officials were also referred for investigations
The commission said 13 members of the House of Representatives were referred for investigation for illicit enrichment or providing false information over the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024
Two local government councilors, one permanent secretary, five heads of entities and 40 other public officials were also referred for the offences
The agency said some public officials were referred for alleged breaches over multiple periods for which statutory declaration were due
UN allocates $2.5 Million in emergency funds to Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl
The United Nations (UN) has announced an initial allocation of US$2 5 million in emergency funds to the Jamaican government to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl
UN official Dennis Zulu outlined the planned use of these funds during a virtual news conference on Friday Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, The Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized the UN’s readiness to support Jamaica “We are happy to know that the government is very receptive to UN support and goodwill,” he stated
Zulu explained that the funds would focus on cash transfers and housing assistance for those most affected “Some of what we are looking at is getting continues on B2 – Emergency funds
UK government announces £500,000 in aid for Caribbean after Hurricane Beryl
The UK government has announced an increase in support, up to £500,000, for Caribbean countries severely affected by Hurricane Beryl
This aid, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on July 5, aims to provide immediate relief to those whose homes and livelihoods have been devastated by the hurricane, the earliest Category 5 storm on record in the Atlantic
The financial support includes 800 emergency shelter kits, capable of supporting up to 4,000 people, which have already been dispatched to Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines following the extensive damage last week. Additionally, 1,620 buckets for households to collect and store water have been sent from supplies pre-positioned in the region as part of the UK's preparedness plans
The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “Our thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones, their homes or have been left without power This funding will help support disaster recovery efforts, as part of a swift and coordinated response in the region That such a storm has developed so early in the season shows that we are facing a climate emergency and must act now ”
In response to a request from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the UK has also provided support for the deployment of regional teams to assist national disaster offices with emergency operations, relief and logistics management, telecommunication, security issues, and sectoral assessments
Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent arrived in the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, to offer any necessary assistance to communities affected by Beryl Additionally, two specialist FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams have traveled to the region to provide consular assistance to any affected British nationals, along with a procurement and logistics specialist who will assist with the humanitarian effort
The UK government said it remains committed to working with Caribbean countries to build resilience to climate change and natural disasters The UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund has invested £350 million in climate-resilient projects across the region, including ports, roads, and water systems
In its ongoing efforts, the UK has also supported the development of Disaster Risk Finance strategies and invested in insurance initiatives in the Caribbean to enable communities to recover more quickly
US military equipment and supplies arrive in Haiti to assist police forces
Various military equipment and materials from the United States has arrived in Haiti as part of the Kenyan-led multi-national support mission to the country
Kenya has offered to send about 1,000 troops to stabilize Haiti alongside personnel from several other countries, including The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize and Jamaica
The first batch of 400 Kenyan troops arrived last month
The United States has said it would not be sending troops to Haiti, but would be providing over US$300 million in financial assistance and up to US$60 million in equipment
Over the last weekend, a US Air Force cargo plane arrived at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport with equipment including several MaxxPro armored vehicles
In addition to receiving military equipment, the officers also received various resources to facilitate their mission, including washing machines and a host of other essential items
The Kenya Mission Commander, Godfrey Otunge, said in his first public comment since his arrival in Haiti that the
MSS has a job to do “ we intend to achieve this by working closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to a new Haiti ” In the nationally broadcast news conference in which he took no questions from the media on Monday, Otunge said the mission aims to “create security conditions conducive to holding free and
fair elections ”
The head of the Haitian National Police, Normil Rameau, who also addressed the country on Monday, said the UN-backed mission is focused on reclaiming all areas from gang control, reinstating police presence in regions lacking authority and assisting Haitians displaced by the gangs to return home
The leader of the coalition gang “G9 an Fanmi e Alye” Jimmy Cherisier, said his group is prepared to have dialogue with the authorities
Cherisier, a former police officer and spokesman for the criminal group Living Together, which is an alliance of two of the most powerful gang coalitions in the country Gpèp and G9, appeared in a video, last weekend saying “We have decided to publicly announce that our strategy of laying down arms to facilitate national dialogue and promote peace is already written in black and white on our agenda
“We are prepared to appoint a credible and coherent Haitian citizen in the diaspora to facilitate dialogue in order to put an end to this mafia war and facilitate the path towards peace in the country, denouncing the political mafia and economy that is holding the country hostage,” said an impeccably dressed Cherisier, who is also known as Barbecue
The United Nations has said that more than 2,500 people were killed or injured in the first three months of the year in Haiti and that the spike in violence has displaced more than half a million people
US officials urge Haiti to form electoral council
U S officials have called on Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille to prioritize the formation of an electoral council as the nation works to rebuild its government amid severe gang violence
“This critical step toward will give the Haitian people an opportunity to select their leaders democratically for the first time in years,” said Brian Nichols, U S Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who spoke after a meeting between U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille
While acknowledging Conille's efforts to improve security conditions in Haiti, Nichols emphasized the urgent need to establish an electoral council This follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April after weeks of gang attacks that resulted in the dissolution of his Cabinet During this period, gunmen seized police stations, opened fire at the main international airport, which remained closed for nearly three months, and stormed Haiti's two largest prisons
A transitional council was later formed and appointed Conille as the new prime minister Part of this council's mission includes appointing an electoral commission, a prerequisite for holding elections The council's non-renewable mandate expires on February 7, 2026, when a new president is scheduled to be inaugurated
During last Tuesday's meeting, Blinken and Conille discussed steps for the U.N.-backed deployment of foreign police aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti The first group of Kenyan police officers has been deployed to help restore stability
Currently, criminal gangs control about 80% of Port-au-Prince The recent surge in violence has displaced over 580,000 people, according to a report by the U N 's International Organization for Migration
Rameau
Editorial
Hurricanes are no joke, and the season has just begun
It didn't take long for the predictions by the experts who made forecasts for the 2024 hurricane season to be fulfilled
The predictions were that the 2024 hurricane season could be one of the busiest, with the unusually warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea likely to make hurricanes intensify rapidly to Category 5 storms
On June 29, Hurricane Beryl grew from a tropical wave to a Cat 5 storm in little over 48 hours targeting and impacting Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados The storm devastated Carriacou a small island close to Grenada and created serious damage in Grenada and St Vincent
The targeted trajectory for Hurricane Beryl had it impacting Jamaica as a Category 2 event three days later, but the warm seas prevented the storm from losing strength Although Jamaica was spared a more devastating direct hit, the storm passed close enough to the island as a Cat 4 with winds of 145mph to create serious damage estimated at billions of dollars on the island's south coast, particularly in the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, and Westmoreland
Amazingly, despite the many images o property damage in Jamaica, other images on social media showed some Jamaicans having fun during the storm, and even during thei predicament after the storm Within 24 hour after the storm's impact a dancehall song titled “Dutty Beryl” was recorded and released, and an aspiring poet also released a related poem on social media
One wonders if a similar humorou reaction would have prevailed if Hurricane Beryl had made a direct hit on the island o landed as a Category 5 storm
Hurricanes are not to be treated a occasions for merriment They are extremely dangerous natural disasters that can cause
widescale damage to property, agriculture, and livestock, not to mention several lives Another tragic example of some Jamaicans not taking the hurricane seriously was that of a young man playing football during the storm and jumping into a gully flooded by heavy rainfall associated with the storm, only to be washed away
While there are great thanks that the residents of the Eastern Caribbean and Jamaica did not experience mass casualty from the impact of Hurricane Beryl, it is evident there is a critical need to educate Caribbean residents on the importance of taking better precautionary measures prior to an advancing hurricane Although the authorities in Jamaica released a long list of hurricane shelters in advance of Beryl's impact, relatively few residents moved into these shelters The authorities also advised residents living in regions vulnerable to hurricane conditions to evacuate, but this advice was not mandatory
As Beryl revealed, hurricanes over 100 mph can easily blow off roofs of what seems like sturdy buildings When roofs are blown off,
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Beryl on Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada, Carriacou, and other neighboring Islands, significant assistance is needed from the diaspora in cash and kind. Those who can, are urged to give generously
residents in homes become more endangered by the wind and rain Moreover, some people have the tendency to seek refuge outdoors when the roofs of their homes are blown off, further endangering their lives
But another very serious aspect of strong hurricanes is storm surges along coastal areas
These storm surges can rise several feet depending on the hurricane's strength with devastating consequences to lives and property
The Caribbean islands, especially the smaller islands, don't go several miles inland, and a strong storm surge can be catastrophic In Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, several communities with large populations are located directly on or just off the coasts It is imperative that mandatory measures be taken to evacuate residents from these locations particularly if the storm is at or above Category 3 strength
Unfortunately, Caribbean residents are not inclined to readily leave their homes and the possessions they worked hard, and sacrificed much, to accumulate, even when a very strong hurricane approaches, but ways must be found to impress on them that evacuations can mean the difference between their life and their death
Category 5 Hurricane Beryl developed very early in the Hurricane season which lasts until November 30 As the summer intensifies in July and August, seas in the region, including around South Florida, will get warmer This means hurricanes even stronger than Beryl could impact the region over the next 5 months Beryl was warning that more intense and effective pre-hurricane preparation is required to be taken by public authorities and residents throughout the region
Neither the Caribbean nor South Florida, but particularly the Caribbean, can sustain the long-term economic and societal fallout from the impact of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane that is a direct hit
Grenada Tourism Authority CEO, Petra Roach, was awarded the Director of Tourism Award 2024 by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation at the Women's Leadership Breakfast during Caribbean Week in New York last month.
The ceremony celebrated exceptional women in Caribbean tourism leadership across three distinguished categories:
The Director of Tourism Award 2024 recognizes a female Director of Tourism who has demonstrated exceptional visionary leadership, driven destination growth and development, has shown unwavering commitment to regional tourism development, and provided support and inspiration to other women in Caribbean leadership roles
The Minister of Tourism Award 2024 honors a female Minister of Tourism demonstrating excellence and chosen by fellow Ministers. This was awarded to Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism & Culture, St Martin
The Secretary-General's Distinguished Service Award celebrates a female leader with over 30 years of service, with notable contributions to regional tourism, and who provides inspirational support to other women in the industry. Selected by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairmanship This was awarded to Beverly Nicholson-Doty, CEO of Figment Design
In receiving this accolade, Petra Roach expressed her heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to fostering growth and development within the Caribbean
tourism sector Roach was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) in 2021 Prior to that, she served in the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) for 27 years During her tenure at the BTMI, Roach held various positions, including Vice-President of Marketing and Sales for the United Kingdom, Director of Sales and Marketing for the USA, Global Head of Markets and interim CEO She successfully elevated the Barbados brand to its current heights and has been instrumental in
Barbados' increase in airlift
Roach
Sending her Roach a message of congratulations, Grenada Minister of Tourism Adrian Thomas showed his appreciation stating, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Petra on this well-deserved accolade This esteemed recognition is a testament to her unparalleled passion and innovation in promoting Grenada, and her dynamic leadership which has not only propelled Grenada's tourism industry to new heights but has also set a benchmark for excellence and innovation across the Caribbean ”
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at the Grenada Tourism Authority. Our collective efforts have been instrumental in driving growth and elevating Grenada's profile on the global stage. I am passionate about inspiring other women and future generations to dream big and take bold steps to advance our industry. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable tourism landscape that benefits all Caribbean nations for years to come” – Roach
Chairman of the GTA Randall Dolland added, “Under Petra's stewardship, the Grenada Tourism Authority has seen remarkable advancements in sustainable tourism, strategic marketing initiatives and community engagement, all of which have cemented Grenada's position as a premier travel destination ” This prestigious award comes on the heels of CEO Roach receiving the Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year accolade in December of 2023 by Carib Journal's Caribbean Travel Awards
Delivers relief to residents in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl
In a heartfelt gesture of support, dancehall artist Shenseea has provided care and relief packages to residents of St. Elizabeth, her home parish, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl
The initiative has brought much-needed solace to many, highlighting Shenseea’s commitment to giving back to her community
On Saturday, Shenseea shared
videos and photos on Instagram of her distributing tarpaulins and food packages to the affected citizens Accompanying her on the trip was her son, Rajeiro Lee
Born Chinsea Linda Lee, the 27-year-old singer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to help those in need “My last 48 hours have been wholesome as I prepared and distributed care and relief packages to my home parish that has been drastically affected by Hurricane Beryl,” the ‘Blessed’ hitmaker wrote “I’m so grateful God put me in a position to take care of my people!”
Ackelia Smith balances recovery and preparation for Olympic success
Ackelia Smith, the distinguished 2024 NCAA long and triple jump champion, is harnessing the lessons learned from the previous year’s World Championships in Budapest as she sets her sights on the Paris Olympic Games.
Following a significant recovery from a serious injury earlier in the season, her performance at the Jamaica National Championships has highlighted her unwavering determination and potential Smith’s impressive achievements at the Jamaica National Championships included winning the long jump with a leap of 6 53m and securing second place in the triple jump with a distance of 14 44m Although these marks fall short of the Olympic standards of 6 86m and 14 55m, respectively, her seasonbest performances of 6 79m (with an indoor jump of 6 85m) and 14 52m at the NCAA Championships have earned her rankings of 21st in the long jump and 23rd in the triple jump This positions the University of Texas
graduate, who recently signed a professional contract with Puma, on track to compete in Paris
In March, Smith faced a major setback when she suffered a hamstring injury, with doctors predicting a recovery period of six to eight weeks Defying these expectations, she made a triumphant return in early May, winning both the long and triple jumps at the Texas Invitational with wind-aided marks of 7 10m and 13 51m Reflecting on her recovery, Smith stated, “That injury that I had was a hamstring tear That has definitely healed Being in explosive events, I try to stay as technical as I can I am not perfect but I try to be as close to it as possible and make sure I work on my recovery, and always do my treatments You have got to take care of your body so you can come back and do that every day ”
Smith’s resilience was further tested at the Budapest World Championships in 2023, where a massive leap was deemed a foul, preventing her from advancing to the final “It was a big jump; it was very frustrating because as a young athlete this is your time and going in with the world lead, I really wanted to make
“My last 48 hours have been wholesome as I prepared and distributed care and relief packages to my home parish that has been drastically affected by Hurricane Beryl,” – Shenseea
Shenseea also praised her
Entertainment, led by businessman Romeich Major, for their assistance in making her vision a reality Hurricane Beryl’s eyewall grazed Jamaica’s southern coast as a category 4 storm last Wednesday, causing extensive damage across several parishes The strong winds and heavy rains severely impacted infrastructure in the southern parishes of Manchester and St Elizabeth Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for Southwest St Elizabeth, described the situation as “complete devastation,” noting that many residents have lost their homes and roofs “From all the
reports I have received, we have taken a most devastating blow in St Elizabeth from Hurricane Beryl Significant numbers of roofs being lost, houses destroyed, trees uprooted, light poles downed, almost all roads are impassable Going to be an extremely long night,” he posted on social media platform X last week
The majority of the southern parts of the parish remain without power, cell service, and running water Schools such as Munro College and Hampton School for Girls suffered extensive damage, along with tourist spots like Lovers Leap, Jakes Hotel, and Lashings Boutique Hotel
the final But sometimes what you plan is not what you get but it was a lesson and I have learned from it. I kind of left it late and now I know that if I am going to do it I have got to get it out of the way early,” she shared Balancing a demanding training schedule with the rigors of a competitive season, Smith is preparing meticulously for the challenges ahead Drawing on her experiences from two World Championships, she and her coach have refined their training regimen to ensure peak performance at the right time “You know, I’ve already been to two World Championships and those were later on in August after having a whole NCAA season I use those as experience, me and my coach, and we say ‘Okay, we need to adjust training, we need to address everything else around it and the goal itself is the Olympics,’” Smith
explained “Even though we have the nationals, the NCAAs, and all that, I think my coach was like, ‘You’ve got to be ready for the Olympics ’” As Smith gears up for the biggest event of her athletic career, she plans to participate in more competitions to fine-tune her skills and honor her country Her journey is not solely about personal success; it’s also about inspiring the next generation of athletes “It’s really great but I think even better it is for the young athletes coming up because they think they have to choose one,” Smith emphasized “Making it in both shows that you don’t have to; once you qualify you can just perform, and you can do good and you can make it in both ”
Shenseea with members of the Jamaica Police Force (JCF)
Shenseea with Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green
Smith
Community & the Diaspora
Emergency funds from
A5
some of the money out there in terms of income support because some of the people who have been affected have lost livelihoods,” he said
“We are really looking towards supporting them in terms of some cash transfers, definitely shelter is one thing we are looking at because some of their buildings and houses have been destroyed, and ensuring the provision of clean drinking water so we don’t have an outbreak of disease ”
The UN is also considering support for communication infrastructure “We are supporting the government to get its systems back in place as quickly as possible,” Zulu added, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build resilience to climate change in Jamaica
Praising the Jamaican government’s responsiveness, Zulu remarked, “Jamaica is obviously very central to the region’s economy, and the UN is poised to complement the work of the government to accelerate Jamaica’s ability to be back on its own feet ”
Zulu detailed the UN’s coordinated response, which includes activating an emergency task team to advise on protection, water sanitation, hygiene, education, shelters, logistics, health and nutrition, and early recovery for security and telecommunications
The UN is working closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, which is the regional emergency and disaster response agency to ensure a coherent emergency response “We are therefore poised to mount a coordinated response with the international development partner community and we are already engaging international partners in Jamaica and international NGOs and we hope that this will be finalized in the coming few days,” Zulu said further
While the full cost of the disaster is still being assessed, the damage is evident across various sectors, particularly in the southern parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St Elizabeth
Jamaica’s Miami Consulate leads aid drive for hurricane-hit Caribbean nations
Miami-Dade voters to receive mail ballots this week for August primaries
Broward County officials to assist Caribbean nationals affected by Hurricane Beryl
Former Miami Police Officer sentenced to 11 Years for attempted extortion and drug trafficking
Frenel Cenat, a former officer with the City of Miami Police Department (MPD), was sentenced last week to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release Cenat previously pleaded guilty to charges of attempted Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine
The charges stem from Cenat's misuse of his police position, MPD-issued vehicle, and equipment to conduct illegal traffic stops aimed at stealing what he believed were drug proceeds and seven kilograms of cocaine from drivers
MPD Chief Manny Morales emphasized the importance of maintaining the department's reputation, stating, “The community we are sworn to protect must trust our ability to police ourselves The arrest of Mr Cenat sent a strong message that I will not tolerate any member tarnishing the brand of our Miami Police Department ”
Cenat, 41, had been an MPD officer since 2008 and was using an unmarked SUV provided by the department As an officer, he was prohibited from engaging in extortion or any unlawful activity using his official position However, Cenat exploited his role to conduct illegal traffic stops
A confidential human source (CHS) informed law enforcement that a mutual friend had disclosed Cenat's past actions of stopping individuals known to be involved
in drug transactions to steal drugs and money On October 16, 2023, the friend introduced Cenat to the CHS, where they discussed an opportunity for Cenat to stop a vehicle carrying approximately $50,000 in drug proceeds
On November 1, 2023, Cenat and the CHS planned a traffic stop rip-off scheduled for November 3, 2023 Cenat requested detailed information about the driver and the location of the drug deal On the planned date, Cenat, in his unmarked MPD vehicle, conducted a staged traffic stop of two undercover FBI employees Cenat, dressed
in black tactical gear, coerced the driver into handing over a backpack containing $52,000 in cash Cenat then met with the CHS and shared $13,000 of the stolen money
Cenat continued to seek similar opportunities, asking the CHS on November 7, 2023, about another potential drug stop involving kilograms of cocaine On November 16, 2023, Cenat attempted another staged traffic stop, this time targeting seven kilograms of fake cocaine and $80,000 in cash Dressed in black tactical gear and impersonating a Broward County Sheriff's Office narcotics officer, Cenat conducted the stop and took the duffle bag containing the fake drugs and cash He was subsequently arrested by law enforcement, with the duffle bag and contents found in his unmarked MPD vehicle, along with $2,000 from the previous stop
U S Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division, and MPD Chief Manuel A Morales announced the sentencing
Cenat
Broward Health celebrated a significant milestone as it welcomed its largest-ever Graduate Medical Education (GME) class at their white coat ceremony
A total of 127 future residents and fellows began their training across the Broward Health For the 2024-2025 academic year beginning July 1, Broward Health is adding residency programs in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and independent plastic surgery program and neurology In the upcoming academic year, Broward Health will launch fellowship programs in hematology/oncology, hospice and palliative care, nephrology and infectious disease
Some of these incoming residents come from the funding for 72 residents that Broward Health received from the state's “Slots for Docs” initiative and the Start Up Bonus Program aimed at addressing the projected physician shortage in the coming decade
This funding will support Broward Health in expanding its medical workforce and retaining talented physicians in South Florida
Community
Jamaicans to get free healthcare services from US-based Help Jamaica Medical Mission
Residents in six Jamaican parishes are to get free screenings for heart disease, cancer, prostate disease, mental health issues, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases, thanks to a volunteer corps of doctors and nurses from Help Jamaica Medical Mission
The New Jersey-based organization will be going to the island on its annual mission from September 4 to 16
During the visit, the volunteer health care specialists from the New York- New Jersey-Connecticut tri-state area will also be screening residents of Kingston, St Thomas, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, and Westmoreland for sickle cell and a variety of other conditions
“We have been saving lives, making people see again and become healthier, because of our yearly medical mission to Jamaica,” explained Help Jamaica Medical Mission president Dr Robert Clarke in an
overview he gave at his nonprofit organization's annual Black and White Elegant Boat Cruise, aboard the 'Cornucopia Majesty' in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on June 29
Altogether, since 2010 when his team
conducted its inaugural mission to the island, the volunteers have served some 562,000 patients, Dr Clarke went on to state
The Medical Mission president offered that on its latest mission, last year, the team of medical practitioners saw over 4,500 patients and donated medicals valued at US$155,000
According to Dr Clarke, the Mission has been dedicated to providing free, highquality healthcare services to those in desperate need, having served thousands of Jamaicans over the years
New Jersey Medical Mission has spent some US$6 million to deliver medical services to the underserved in Jamaica, he said Elaborating, he said the recent boat ride fundraiser had brought in just over US$70,000, which will go towards the medical mission to Jamaica this coming September
Mini-park to be inaugurated in Historic Liberty Square
The Miami Dade Parks will inaugurate a mini park in historic Liberty Square on Wednesday, July 10th Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will join Miami-Dade County District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, and Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria Nardi to dedicate the recently renovated Area 227 to residents of the historic neighborhood. The new mini-park is located at 5905 NW 15th Avenue in Northwest Miami
“This park is more than just a space for recreation; it is a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents, where children can play, where families can bond, and neighbors can connect,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava “This park stands as a symbol of our dedication to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community for a brighter, healthier future ”
Built in the 1930s, the area encompassed the first public housing development for Black Americans in the United States Area 227 was acquired by the County in 1971 and served as a gathering place for the community
“Residents deserve a beautiful and safe place to recreate within walking distance of their homes Revitalization efforts like this demonstrate that we value our residents’ well-being and want them to feel rooted in their community,” said Commissioner Keon Hardemon
“We are excited to revitalize this park for it to serve as a beautiful space that brings the community together,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Maria Nardi “This park improvement is part of the implementation of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, a community-inspired vision to build a healthier, more vibrant community, and enhance the quality of life for all, through parks and open spaces ”
As part of the project, Parks landscaped the area with open lawn, trees, and shrubs Additional improvements include relocation of the
existing play sculpture and a new walkway, pavers, wooden and iron benches, and bike racks The Area 227 renovation project was partially funded by the federal government’s Community Development Block Grant Programs
About Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces: Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces is among the three largest park systems in the United States, consisting of 290 parks and 40,000+ acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves It is one of the most unique and diverse park and recreation systems in the world, focused on place making, health and fitness, and conservation and stewardship
Billions in damages fromA1
“We are talking hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild," Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell stated during a briefing on Tuesday, according to Reuters
Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 storm over Grenada's Carriacou Island on July 1, with sustained winds up to 150 miles per hour, heavy rainfall, and lifethreatening storm surge impacting Carriacou and other Windward Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center
The storm subsequently made landfall over Jamaica on July 3, before continuing past the Cayman Islands and across Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on July 4 and 5
Preliminary damage assessments from Grenada's National Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders indicate the storm damaged or destroyed approximately 98 percent of structures on Grenada's Carriacou and Petit Martinique islands, including the roof of Carriacou's Princess Royal Hospital Additionally, Mount Gay Psychiatric Hospital on Grenada's main island sustained damage
Preliminary reports also show extensive damage to St Vincent and the Grenadines' Union Island, where the storm damaged or destroyed 90 percent of houses Early assessments from St Lucia estimate the damage at $2 million, which includes infrastructure, sea moss harvests, and banana plantations
In Jamaica, initial reports estimate damages in the billions of Jamaican dollars Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that the National Works Agency's (NWA) preliminary estimate for road infrastructure damage due to Hurricane Beryl stands at J$10 25 billion More than 5,000 parochial roads have been affected to varying degrees, disrupting access to critical services, including healthcare Approximately 38 percent of public hospitals sustained damage, including roof damage necessitating patient relocations The estimated cost to repair infrastructure damage to hospitals is J$1 8 billion
Jamaicans will also face food shortages, with an estimated US$6 4 million in food crops and supporting infrastructure destroyed Agriculture Minister Floyd Green reported significant damage to crops including vegetables, tubers such as yam and cassava, and fruits like breadfruit, ackee, mangoes, and bananas Livestock and fishing sectors were also severely impacted “We have seen about 85% of our bananas and our plantain lines go down in Portland and St Mary,” Green noted after visiting farms in the southern parish of St Elizabeth
Farmers who grow crops in greenhouses in the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St Elizabeth have been hard-hit as well, along with scores of residents who lost their homes
According to Green, a significant number of people in all communities across the constituency, from Treasure Beach to Barbary Hall, have lost their roofs
As it relates to schools, Jamaica's Ministry of Education reported that preliminary damage assessments of schools due to Hurricane Beryl total over J$797 million, a figure expected to rise as access and communication challenges persist Most of the damaged institutions are in the parish of St Elizabeth and Manchester
Munro College in Potsdam, St Elizabeth, has estimated its damage at US$2 million (J$310 million), with 31 of the 35 buildings on the school's compound significantly damaged
The 168-year-old institution, often called 'The City on a Hill,' suffered severe damage to buildings, including the principal's office, staff cottages, and the sixth-form block, losing roofs, windows, and doors Furniture, solar panels, and sections of the tennis court's fencing were also damaged. The school's principal and staff have appealed to corporate institutions, alumni associations, and members of the diaspora for assistance
As Caribbean nations grapple with the extensive damage and the daunting task of rebuilding, the reality remains that the hurricane season has only just begun Scientists have predicted an above-average season this year, suggesting that the region may face further challenges in the coming months This ominous forecast underscores the urgent need for preparedness and resilience as communities brace for what may lie ahead
Clarke
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David Heron and cast celebrate successful American premiere of Alwin Bully's “McBee”
The American premiere of Alwin Bully's play “McBee” was met with resounding success at The Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) on Sunday, June 23
The play, produced and directed by Broadway World Award winner David Heron, was presented as a one-night-only staged reading in tribute to the late playwright and as part of New York City's annual Caribbean American Heritage Month festivities
A large, enthusiastic audience filled JPAC, giving the cast a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. The star-studded roster included Amazon Prime's “Harlem” star Luke Forbes and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” actress Denise Hunt, alongside Jerry Benzwick, Lincoln Brown, Dianne Dixon, Emilio Evans, Gerard Joseph, Miranda Melhado, Mitzie Pratt, and James Duke Walker
Heron, who won the 2023 Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Performer for his role in “The Tempest” at The Colonial Theatre of Rhode Island, joined the cast as a last-minute replacement The performance was preceded by a Caribbean Cuisine
Reception in collaboration with Golden Krust Restaurant, and free tea sampling by sponsors Kendel Instant Ginger Teas
Anita Bully, the widow of playwright Alwin Bully, officially welcomed the audience with a brief onstage address, accompanied by their
son Brent She emphasized that “McBee” was not just an adaptation of Shakespeare's “Macbeth” but an extension, aiming to give the story a Caribbean immediacy while maintaining its original intent
Anita also spoke about the recently formed
Alwin Bully Foundation, which will continue his vision of providing training for promising young people in the visual and performing arts
Heron shared his personal experience of being mentored by Bully, noting that his first two plays, “Ecstasy” and “Intermission,” were developed under Bully's guidance He credited much of his early success as a playwright to Bully's vision and mentorship
“McBee” tells the story of Caribbean political power couple Allan and Alice McBee (Luke Forbes and Denise Hunt) When Allan shares a mysterious prophecy from three Rastafarians that he is destined to become the nation's Prime Minister, the couple forges a bloody plan to make it a reality, leading to explosive consequences for themselves and their country
Heron expressed hope that the successful premiere would lead to a fully mounted production, saying, “There is simply nothing else out there quite like it, and it deserves to be seen as far and wide as possible ” The premiere event was also sponsored by The True Tribute Organization, IMC Media, and Results Promo and Marketing
Tampa Bay International Carnival 2024 Returns July 13 and 14
Celebrate the vibrant culture, music, food, and fun at the 25th annual Tampa Bay International Carnival on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, from 10 am to 10 pm at Albert Whitted Park
The event will feature live music, mouthwatering cuisine, handmade crafts, unique merchandise, a colorful costume parade, SteelBand performance, Mas Bands, and more Albert Whitted Park is located at 480 Bayshore Drive SE in downtown St
Petersburg
The finest steel orchestra band in the world, Desperadoes, a 30-piece steel orchestra band direct from Trinidad and Tobago, will be performing on both days Saturday's live music lineup features Latin reggae artists De Los Adolescentes, Notch, Don Chezina, and more Sunday kicks off with a colorful costume parade in downtown St Petersburg, followed by live music featuring a mix of Caribbean talent to keep attendees dancing
After the parade, the Grammy awardwinning Bad Boys of Reggae, Inner Circle, known for the “Bad Boys” movie theme song and “Sweat,” will perform live on July 14
Headlining the event on Sunday is International Soca star Kes the Band, performing hits like “Hello” and “Wotless” from their newly released album Man With No Door Plus, enjoy music by DJ Osocity, DJ Lips International, and more
“We look forward to our long-standing tradition of celebrating the culture, spirit, and traditions of the Caribbean Attendees will enjoy the live music acts, cuisine, handmade crafts, and colorful costume parade We look forward to our 25th annual event being our best yet,” said event organizer George Carrington
Nicole Hall, MPA Director of
Additionally, on Friday, July 12, there will be an opening celebration for the Carnival festival, with a free lunchtime performance by the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra in front of the St Petersburg City Hall
The 25th Annual Tampa Bay International Carnival is proudly hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Association in partnership with the City of St Petersburg
The Trinidad & Tobago Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing a safe, family-friendly festival to Central Florida and outlying areas, fostering community pride and civic involvement, and providing opportunities for the Caribbean people in Central Florida to share their culture, promote cultural exchange, and build economic cooperation in the multiethnic and multicultural environment of Central Florida
Spice shines at Dream WKND NYC
Dream WKND NYC 2024, the annual Caribbean music festival, wrapped up its second staging in New York City, with rave reviews
Held on June 29-30, this year ’ s festival was a resounding success, drawing thousands of ‘Dreamers’ from across the tri-state area for two unforgettable nights of music, dance, and cultural celebration
The festival at Club Musica on Saturday, June 29, kicked off with an explosive start despite the inclement weather Hosted by Jamaican dancehall queen Spice, the ‘World Dance Best of the 90s’ event captivated the audience with her dynamic performance and infectious energy
Spice performed her hits like “So Mi Like It” and premiered her new track “Round & Round” featuring Busta Rhymes The evening was filled with entertainment, including Spice handing out cowboy hats to fans participating in the “Round n Round” challenge, and meet & greets DJs Kevin Crown, Massive B, and Platinum Kids kept the energy high with a mix of dancehall, soca, hip-hop, alternative, and afrobeats hits
New and existing ‘Dreamers’ from across the diaspora in NYC, along with popular Caribbean TikTok dancers and personalities like the dancing couple Treesteppravers (@treesteppravers) and Mr Salt & Pepper (@mrhansummalcorlm dances), added to the electrifying atmosphere, leaving patrons wanting more
The celebration continued on Sunday, June 30, at the Daydreams All-White Summer Soiree held at the beautiful outdoor venue, Industry City in Brooklyn Despite the hard rainfall during the day, which caused some
delays, the event was the climax of the weekend
DJ Fade The Future from Hot97, who recently performed at Vogue World Paris, popular Caribbean DJ Noah Powa, and Massive B kept the dance floor bumping. The mix of Caribbean beats and the Brooklyn backdrop created a unique and memorable experience for all patrons
Beyond the music and festivities, Dream WKND NYC 2024 had a significant turnout from the city, providing a platform for cultural exchange The event highlighted Caribbean heritage and community, reinforcing New York City’s reputation as a global cultural hub Dream WKND’s 15th-anniversary celebration will take place in Negril, Jamaica, from August 2-6, 2024
The cast and staff of Alwin Bully’s play “McBee”
TRACK & FIELD
TRACK & FIELD: JOA’s ‘Young Olympic Changemakers’ program backs Bryan Levell’s Olympic quest to the tune of J$1million
CRICKET: South Africa names squad for West Indies tour, Breetzke included
MARTIAL ARTS: Richard Stone secures back-to-back ITF World Championship titles
Kishane Thompson shines, Shericka Jackson suffer setback in Hungary
Jamaican athletes experienced mixed results at the 14th Gyulai István Memorial World Continental Gold meet in Hungary on Tuesday
While Kishane Thompson delivered a stellar performance, Shericka Jackson’s unexpected injury raised concerns ahead of the upcoming Olympics
Following his impressive performance at the Jamaica National Championships, where he clocked a world-leading 9 77 seconds, Thompson confirmed his elite status by winning the men ’ s 100 metres with a time of 9 91 seconds He demonstrated his dominance by shutting down with less than 20 metres to go, yet still securing a comfortable victory
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished second with a season ’ s best of 9 99 seconds, and South Africa’s Akani Simbine, the meet record holder, came third with 10 01 seconds Jamaica’s Rohan Watson and Michael Campbell finished fourth and seventh, respectively
Jackson, the fastest half-lapper alive, faced off against St Lucia’s Julien Alfred in the women ’ s 200 metres Both athletes were evenly matched until Jackson took a slight lead coming into the straightaway However, with less than 40 metres to go, Jackson pulled up, allowing Alfred to win in 22 16 seconds Great Britain’s Daryll Neita finished second with 22 36 seconds, while Jamaica’s Lanae-Tava Thomas and Natasha Morrison took third and fourth places, respectively
With the Paris Olympics just three weeks away, concerns arose over Jackson’s fitness Fortunately, her physiotherapist, Troy Evans, reassured fans on social media that she was okay, attributing her pull-up to a hamstring cramp A video posted by Evans showed Jackson sprinting in an indoor warm-up area, indicating her potential readiness for the
Jamaican powerlifter Sami DePass triumphs over challenges
Jamaican powerlifter Sami DePass has become a beacon of strength, both mentally and physically, through her remarkable journey in the sport
DePass’s interest in powerlifting emerged from personal struggles, transforming a quest for selfconfidence into a groundbreaking career
“I started powerlifting when I had mental health challenges in college,” DePass explained “The gym was a place I went to feel better about myself, and I learned a lot of mental fortitude and tools to help me cope with anxiety After discovering the gym, I then discovered powerlifting ”
The establishment of the National Powerlifting Association of Jamaica (NPAJ) in 2021 provided DePass with an ideal community to further her development as a professional powerlifter. Her involvement with NPAJ coincided with her rapid rise in the sport, winning her first national title in the same year
“In 2021, when NPAJ became an organization, it was the perfect opportunity to get involved more with the sport,” she added “I won my first national title in 2021 There’s a pride in your hard work paying off that can’t be explained I’ve always felt rewarded when I win but that there’s always more work to be done ”
Competing in the women ’ s 76kg class, DePass has since retained her national title in 2022 and 2023, showcasing her relentless dedication and prowess Additionally, she claimed the North American Powerlifting champion title at the 2023 North American Regional Powerlifting Championships, an experience she described as crucial for her career
“My experience at the North American championships was positive as it prepared me for more international competitions and aided in my confidence on the platform,” she said “I am usually confident heading into competition as I know I’ve prepared as best as I can ”
DePass has also competed twice at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World
Open Classic Powerlifting Championships, achieving her best placement of fourth earlier this month
Representing Jamaica on the world stage has been an honor she cherishes deeply
“To compete at the world championships was a dream come true To be the first to do anything is a lot of pressure, but I take great pride in representing my nation on that level,” she said “I never take for granted being able to compete on that stage ”
Sami DePass’s journey from battling mental health challenges to becoming a powerlifting champion is a testament to her strength and resilience, inspiring others to overcome their own struggles and pursue their dreams
upcoming Games
However, it was not clear if the video was shot before or after the race
In other results, Tia Clayton finished second in the women ’ s 100 metres with a time of 11 06 seconds, behind the United States’ Tamari Davis (11 00 seconds) Krystal Slolely and Natasha Morrison finished third and fourth, respectively, while Tina Clayton was eighth
Ackeila Smith secured second place in the women ’ s long jump with a leap of 6 83 metres, narrowly missing first place to Colombia’s Natalie Linares with 6 87 metres Andrew Hudson finished second in the men ’ s 200 metres, clocking 20 37 seconds Olympic champion Andre De Grasse of Canada won the event in 19 98 seconds Sean Bailey achieved a season ’ s best of 44 64 seconds in the men ’ s 400 metres, finishing second to Olympic champion Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas (44 50 seconds) South Africa’s Lythe Pillay took third Rajindra Campbell placed fifth in the men ’ s shot put with a throw of 21 20 metres, while Tajay Gayle finished ninth in the men ’ s long jump with a distance of 7 76 metres
As the Olympic Games approach, Jamaican athletes are fine-tuning their preparations, despite the mixed outcomes in Hungary The performances at the Gyulai István Memorial provide valuable insights into their form and readiness for the global stage in Paris
CWI recognizes Enoch Lewis and Conde Riley for outstanding service
Cricket West Indies (CWI) paid tribute to two esteemed board directors, Enoch Lewis and Conde Riley, for their exceptional dedication and leadership during a special reception held in Barbados on Friday, June 28, 2024
The event, held on the eve of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, underscored the invaluable contributions of these longstanding figures to West Indies cricket
Enoch Lewis, President of the Leeward Island Cricket Board, has devoted over 18 years to CWI, while Conde Riley, President of the Barbados Cricket Association, has served with distinction for more than 15 years
Both directors have played pivotal roles in fostering the growth and success of regional cricket across various levels, from grassroots development to senior competitions
The awards ceremony, presided over by Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, and Azim Bassarath, Vice President of CWI, highlighted the unwavering commitment and integrity demonstrated by Lewis and Riley throughout their tenures
Dr Shallow commended the recipients, stating, “Mr Lewis and Mr Riley have exhibited steadfast dedication and leadership within Cricket West Indies Their contributions have been transformative, impacting cricket development regionally and internationally We are privileged to acknowledge their service, which exemplifies the essence of public service commitment, sacrifice, integrity, and a profound passion for effecting positive change ”
The event drew distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne, President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Greg Barclay, Chairman of the International Cricket Council
Following the awards presentation, Conde Riley and Enoch Lewis expressed gratitude for the recognition, underscoring their ongoing commitment to advancing West Indies cricket The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and celebration, marking a significant moment in CWI’s history of recognizing exemplary leadership and service
Jackson
Krishane Thompson alongside Letsile Tebogo
DePass
Conde Riley (left) and Enoch Lewis (right) pictured after receiving their service awards at the CWI recognition ceremony in Barbados
