ByNicanorGordon
On July 1st, the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship came to a close. The United States and Canada, the number 1 and 2 seeds, played to an electrifying 10-7 conclusion with the US winning their 11th championship continues on
The Trinidad and Tobago High Court on Tuesday declared that 1951 Refugee Convention obligations do not apply and cannot be enforced in the twin-island republic
This means that all immigrants are subject to the provisions of the Immigration Act and as a result, all migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can be deported even if they have registered with the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR)
Justice Frank Seepersad presided over the case was brought by Yohan Jesus Rangel Dominguez who was seeking to reverse a decision by the Minister of National Security to
issue a deportation order in March this year
“The issue as to whether the process engaged in relation to the Claimant adhered to the principles of natural justice depends upon the prevailing circumstances considered against the need to ensure that there was ‘fairness’ The Claimant was interviewed, his representations were duly recorded and they were included in the report, which was presented to the Minister In the circumstances, there is no merit in the assertion that the Claimant was denied an opportunity to be heard or that he was treated in a manner which violated the principles of natural justice,” Seepersad noted
Are people losing pride of being American?
The judge also said that the Court could ascertain no identifiable reason to set aside the Minister’s decision to issue a Deportation Order
Seepersad said that the obligations enumerated under the 1951 Refugee Convention and the principle of nonrefoulement do not apply to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as there has been no domestic incorporation
He also declared that Section 11 of the Immigration Act is not unconstitutional as it does not offend the rule of law nor does it stand in conflict with provisions of the Constitution Seepersad
Season ticket members to get priority to buy tickets for Messi’s debut with Inter Miami
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Last week, Airports Council International (ACI) World and Amadeus announced Miami International Airport’s Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Maurice Jenkins as the 2023 winner of its Best Airport Innovation Leader Award.
“Congratulations to Maurice for standing out as one of the world’s best and brightest in the field of airport technology,” said MiamiDade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava “Our County is fortunate to have someone of his world-class expertise and caliber in charge of innovation at our community’s global gateway ”
For the third year, Amadeus and ACI World invited airports globally to submit innovative technology projects and examples of leadership that serve to enhance the passenger journey, drive operational efficiency, or improve processes for employees, travelers, and other stakeholders
From submissions received across the globe from airports of all sizes, a panel of external industry experts assessed the technology solutions and innovation leaders The two other awards were: Best Innovation in Airport Passenger-related Processes, won by Seoul’s Incheon International Airport; Best Innovation in Airport Operations and Installations Management, won by Hong Kong International Airport
“Travelers are the center of the aviation ecosystem, as we would not exist without them,” Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General at ACI World “And this remains the foundation of all that we do as we continue to innovate the travel journey and build a sustainable future This year ’ s winners show the best examples in
the world, and we applaud their exemplary work and vision ”
Just last September, MIA was also one of three airports in the world to receive a Future Travel Experience (FTE) Airport Pioneer Award at the FTE Global 2022 Awards ceremony in Las Vegas The FTE awards program recognizes the world’s most pioneering airports and airlines for their outstanding efforts to transform the passenger experience and define the future of the air transport industry Other airport winners were Edmonton International Airport and iGA Istanbul Airport MIA was awarded for its efforts to implement biometric boarding at more than 130 gates throughout the airport When fully completed in 2023, MIA will be home to the largest implementation of biometric technology
at any U S airport
As MIA’s CIO, Jenkins serves as the principal advisor to the airport’s Director and CEO on all matters related to information management and information technology
Prior to his role as CIO, Jenkins was responsible for defining and managing IT capital assets and IT management processes to ensure their successful implementation and project integration at MIA
In addition, Jenkins served as the Aviation D e p a r t m e n t ’ s C h i e f I n f o r m a t i o n Officer/Director of Information Systems, responsible for the development and implementation of standards-based policies and procedures that support business operations that improved the overall quality of service of enterprise IT systems Jenkins strategic vision has successfully culminated in the integration of new technology such as biometrics and virtual queuing in MIA’s South and North terminals
Jenkins has served as the Chairman of the Business Information Technology Committee (BIT), which was established by ACI to set strategic objectives future technology direction for airports He also served as Chairman of the Florida Airports Council’s Information Technology Committee from 2019 to 2021 Jenkins has given presentations on implementation solutions to key IT leaders and airport IT conferences in the U S and internationally, sharing proven successful practices with his peer group
“We are extremely proud to have Maurice leading the way for our innovation efforts, and this prestigious recognition from ACI World is the latest example of how valuable he is to MIA,” said Ralph Cutie, MIA Director and CEO “Under Maurice’s leadership, our new Innovation Division will be introducing significant customer service improvements for our travelers in the near future ”
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received approximately $428 million in grant aid from the Japanese government, which will result in a significant boost to its mobility
The signing ceremony was held on Friday (June 30) at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service in Kingston
The funds, equivalent to 400 million Japanese Yen, will be used to purchase five ambulances and 33 pickup trucks for the JCF
The sum is provided through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Program
Jamaica’s minister of Finance and Public Service, Nigel Clarke, stated that Japan has been a reliable and long-standing partner of Jamaica, supporting the country’s development in various areas
Clarke said that the money will come through the Consolidated Fund which is a
testimony to the years of reforms and improvements that have been made in Jamaica’s public financial management
He continued stating that governments are comfortable extending that level of financial support to the island because Jamaica has a
strong record of fiscal management that meets international standards
Furthermore, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the grant will significantly improve the country’s ability to effectively tackle criminality and to better respond to emergencies
She added, “Jamaica is very serious about addressing crime, and Japan is showing how much they’re willing to partner and support our serious efforts ”
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi noted, “Today marks the beginning of another new cooperation on the security front This grant aid program is aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s capacity for stabilizing society ”
He said that Japan stands in solidarity with Jamaica as “ we are well aware that crime and violence [are] a growing concern and the biggest challenge that Jamaica is facing at present”
Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders opened a three-day summit in Trinidad on Monday coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the regional integration movement
Dominica’s Prime Minister and in-coming Caricom chairman, Roosevelt Skerrit told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the summit provides an opportunity for “introspection and reflection
“I think it is important for us to assess where we are and to see where we will be 50 years down the road,” he said, noting that the summit is taking place in Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of CARICOM
The integration movement came into being on July 4, 1973 when the then leaders of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana signed the treaty of Chaguaramas at the Convention Centre, in Chaguaramas on the country’s west coast
Dominica was originally due to host the summit, but instead allowed for Port of Spain to
host the event that will also include a formal flag-raising ceremony at the site where the treaty was signed and the laying of a commemorative plaque
“What a good place to be to have that introspection and reflection,” Skerrit said, noting that the regional leaders will have a “number of critical matters to discuss ”
“I am very excited about the next few days,” he added
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, currently the
longest serving regional leader, told CMC that the conference will provide for “ an assessment of the journey we have taken, what we have achieved and what we still have left to achieve and the ways the treaty of Chaguaramas can be made made alive to deepen the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and strengthen the areas of functional cooperation ”
The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labor and services across the region and Gonsalves said “there is going to be a review specifically as to how the CSME is going ”
He said there would also be discussions “ on how we interface with the rest of the world concerning financing, issues of debt” as well as interaction with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) which St Vincent and the Grenadines had recently elected as its president CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla
Caribbean Airlines unveils its exciting expansion into the Eastern Caribbean Starting July 24, the airline will add new non-stop services between Barbados, St Vincent, and St Lucia
Additionally, there will be increased capacity for Dominica and Grenada, strengthening the carrier’s commitment to the region’s connectivity
The Barbados to St Vincent route has been increased to seven weekly services and four new weekly flights between Barbados and St Lucia Direct St Lucia to St Vincent return flights will operate on Thursdays, making island-hopping a breeze
The airline’s ATR-72 fleet, comprising nine aircraft, will operate these routes With these
strategic additions, Caribbean Airlines is bringing more convenience and seamless travel experiences to its valued customers Further, as part of Caribbean Airlines’ ongoing commitment to the Eastern Caribbean, starting from August 23, customers will enjoy new services between Trinidad, Dominica, and Antigua on Wednesdays and Sundays; and even more direct travel options from Barbados to Ogle, Guyana There will also be additional flights from Trinidad to St. Vincent and Grenada, enhancing connectivity across the region CEO, Garvin Medera, expressed his enthusiasm for this expanded schedule, stating, “We are excited to progress our plans for regional connectivity There continues to be a
call for increased frequency and capacity between Caribbean destinations, and by adjusting our strategies and route network to connect these destinations, we can provide more sustainable travel options for our customers ” Caribbean Airlines is the leading carrier in the region, and this expansion into the Eastern Caribbean further solidifies its growth trajectory Customers can look forward to more seamless travel and greater convenience, as Caribbean Airlines shapes the future of travel in the region
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Barnett, the first woman and the eighth person to be elected to the post, says the summit provides the ideal opportunity for celebration as well as “deep thinking ”
“We expect a lot of deep thinking because 50 is a big birthday and we have to look at what we have done and what we have to do, but it is also a big celebration because we really have to take account of the fact that against all odds, we have managed as a community to get a lot of work done So it is a celebration and it is contemplation ”
A food security and livelihoods survey has found that 3 7 million people or 52 percent of the population of the Englishspeaking Caribbean remain without proper food security
The 2023 Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods survey, conducted by the World Food Program (WFP) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), noted that this is a 10 percent decrease when compared to an August 2022 survey
It also underscored that there are growing financial hardships and challenges due to the rising cost of living in the aftermath of the pandemic
In addition, 98 percent of respondents from the English-speaking Caribbean reported high food prices in the three months before the survey, the highest level reported since the first survey in 2020 continues on A7 – Food security
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS
The United States of America celebrated its 247th anniversary as a nation on July 4
As usual the day was celebrated with barbecue parties, parades, consumption of hot dogs, ribs, and hamburgers, and at night the fantastic, colorful fireworks displays lit the skies across the country
One would be excused if one were to assume that the celebrations were indicative of a people who are extremely proud of the nation they were either born in, or have adopted as their homeland
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But, the findings of a Gallup Poll conducted last month indicated that only 39 percent of US adults over age-18 are extremely proud to be American, and 28 percent very proud The combined 67 percent improved very little over the record low 65 percent of Americans who were extremely or very proud to be Americans in the similar poll conducted in 2022 The findings in both 2022 and 2023 dropped sharply from the 2004 poll when extreme pride in being an American peaked at 70 percent
The percentage of Americans expressing extreme pride declined in 2005 and in subsequent years, but remained at the majority level through 2017 Since 2018, however, extreme pride has consistently been below that, averaging just 42 percent
In terms of the combined percentages saying they are extremely or very proud, roughly nine in 10 Americans expressed high levels of pride in the earliest years of the trend, through 2004 In 2005, that figure began falling into the 80 percent range, before dropping to 75 percent in 2017, staying below 70 percent since 2020
What is causing people to be losing pride as Americans? There is no one reason, but rather a combination of reasons These include the sharp divisiveness in national politics; violent gun crime which is not being effectively addressed; weak national leadership; and the perpetuation of the racial divide
Ironically, while the sharp divide in national politics is one of the reasons for the decline in pride in some Americans, the evidence of pride is separated among party lines According to the Gallup Poll, 60 percent of Republicans are extremely proud to be Americans, while only 29 percent of Democrats are Democrats claim imbalances in social justice, and overt racism, as reasons for their decline in pride
The poll also indicates young Americans are less proud to be Americans than their seniors
Whereas 50 percent of U S adults aged 55 and older say they are extremely proud to be American, 40 percent of those aged 35 to 54, and 18 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds say the same The main reason why pride is so low among younger Americans is dissatisfaction with national leadership in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government
While the percentage of Americans who are either extremely or very proud to be Americans are declining, it doesn’t mean a similar trend exists in loving the country Over 80 percent of those polled admitted to loving America, but prevailing issues like gun violence, racism, and divisive politics militates against them being proud to be Americans Large percentages of Americans want major changes in crucial areas of the country to restore their pride in being Americans
A similar poll conducted in December 2022 found only 55 percent of migrant communities, like the Caribbean American community, were proud of their new status as Americans, or loved America This was not surprising
Most Caribbean Americans love being in America, but not being Americans They love the
opportunities and financial gains America offers, particularly in the areas of career growth, and education; the opportunity to purchase a home, the latest in modern furnishing and electronic devices, and to own and drive the latest model cars But, most express no genuine love for America, or pride in being Americans The vast majority of Caribbean Americans still love their homelands and harbor dreams of returning to these homelands when they either have accumulated enough wealth to return and live comfortably, or return when they retire from their careers
A vast majority of Caribbean Americans although black, or brown, hate being lumped as black Americans and the cryptic marginalization this often attracts Most too, like other Americans, hate the increasing political divisiveness engulfing America
The stubborn indication that less Americans, including Caribbean Americans, are either extremely or very proud to be Americans, should be cause of concern for American political leaders Governments are more effective when those they govern are proud of being citizens of the country they govern The more people lose pride in being citizens of a country, the more difficult it is for governments to secure consensus for their policies
As America celebrates its 247th birthday, this important poll indicates that a pragmatic, singular approach is needed to solve crucial issues that are depleting people’s pride as Americans
Haiti’s former prime minister, Joseph Jouthe says he has been questioned by an investigating judge into the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise
Moise, who would have celebrated his 55th birthday on Monday, was killed at his private residence overlooking the capital on July 7, 2021 His wife, Martine survived the attack, but had to be treated in the United States
Several former Colombian soldiers have been detained in connection with the assassination and earlier this month, a court in the United States sentenced a Haitian-Chilean businessman to life in prison for his role in the plot
A US federal judge in Miami sentenced Rodolphe Jaar, more than two months after the 50-year-old dual national pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping
U N Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his appeal to foreign governments with robust security forces to assist Haiti fight the increase in gang violence
Guterres visited Haiti on Saturday. He made the appeal after he met with Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry, civil society leaders, U N staff, and the heads of various political parties during his one-day trip
When Guterres met with reporters at Haiti’s international airport in Port-au-Prince, he was pressed on whether an international security force would be deployed as requested by the prime minister last October
Guterres said he spoke about the issue with Henry, as well as the need to hold credible
elections Henry, who has been in charge of the country since the killing of President Jovenel Moïse, in July 2021, has been under pressure to hold elections
“I am not here to tell Haitians what to do,” Guterres said, adding that he is here to “listen to them and to encourage them to build consensus as broadly as possible to move the transition process forward ”
Though many expect Henry to carry out elections, reports say that experts believe it is impossible given the country’s present level of violence, with gangs controlling an estimated 80% of the capital
outside of the US, as well as to providing material support resulting in death
Jaar is one of 11 people to be arrested and charged in the US for their alleged role in the killing, which further destabilized Haitian politics and fueled a continuing wave of violence in the country
Jouthe said he had been summoned to appear before the investigating judge on Monday and that he answered questions relating to the assassination
Meanwhile, Moïse’s wife, has issued a statement expressing her continued love for her husband on his birthday, describing him as “ a father who gave himself totally to his children
“A President who sacrificed himself to open the eyes of his people The truth will see the light of day Justice will be done Happy Birthday my heart,” she wrote
In a region that is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, the survey found that 42 per cent of households were affected by climate-related hazards in the 12 months before the survey and that these events continue to have a significant impact on climate-sensitive livelihood activities such as in agriculture and fisheries
“In this complex socio-economic environment that is vulnerable to climate change, the priority of Caricom and national governments to make food accessible amidst these shocks is important,” said Regis Chapman, representative and country director of WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office
The survey found that for those persons who reported disruption to their livelihoods, 65 percent cited the unaffordability of the necessary inputs as the main cause, with domestic workers and farmers most impacted Salaried persons are managing slightly better, yet 40 percent of respondents indicated job losses or salary reductions in the six months before the survey Others have resorted to alternative or secondary sources of income to meet food and other needs, according to the survey The survey ’ s results are a reminder of the importance of the region’s agenda to reduce imports by 25 per cent by 2025, which includes strengthening food systems in the Caribbean so that they are resilient and adaptive to shocks and building on measures to address the affordability, accessibility, and availability of livelihood inputs
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health encourages state, tribal, and local leaders, community-based organizations, faith leaders, healthcare providers, and individuals to educate their communities regarding mental health stigma
In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Native Americans ages 10-24
The overall rate of death from suicide for Native American adults is about 20% higher than for
White adults Native Americans had the highest suicide rate of any ethnic group in 2021
In 2019, adolescent Native American females, ages 15-24, had a death rate that was five times higher than white females in the same age group In that same period, Native American males 15-24 had a death rate by suicide that was twice that of white males in the same age group
In 2020, suicide was the second leading
reports that despite the need, only one in three African American adults with mental illness receive treatment
Socioeconomic factors can also play a key role
In 2020, 10 4 percent of African American adults had no health insurance. Among Native Americans, suicide remains highly stigmatized and may be affected by myths and misunderstandings such as: talking about suicide will make it happen, suicidal ideation is a cry for attention, and the belief that a person with a strong family would never end their life
Each of these are false More than half of all Hispanic adults ages 18-25 will not receive treatment for mental illness Reasons for this may include language barriers, less health insurance coverage, legal status, the stigma that goes with mental illness, and acculturation
cause of death for Hispanics ages 10-24 Suicide attempts for Hispanic girls, grades 9-12, were 30 percent higher than that of white girls of the same age From 2018-2021, suicide rates among youth aged 10-24 increased by 36 percent among African Americans, 16 percent for Native Americans, and 8 2 percent for Hispanics By comparison, the suicide rate for white Americans decreased by 3 9 percent
The National Alliance on Mental Illness
The Palace, operators of the premier Senior Living Communities in South Florida, has announced the addition of a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber to its exceptional list of health and wellness amenities and services at its locations in Coral Gables and Weston
are at the heart of everything we do at Palace communities,” added Shaham “We improve the lives of our residents with extensive health and wellness programming, an onsite Wellness center with visiting physicians and rehabilitation services, the latest in fitness equipment, complimentary fitness training, certified fitness instructors for all classes, and personalized wellness counseling The addition of the hyperbaric chamber further exemplifies our commitment to providing the most innovative resources for our residents’ well-being ”
The health status of many Jamaicans has raised concerns, resulting in a call for organizations and individuals to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to get the population to improve their health behaviors
Dr the Hon Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health, noted that far too many patients wind up in accident and emergency rooms with illnesses that could have been prevented with routine health exams
Tufton further said that the ministry would want to partner with the private sector, Municipal Corporations, Members of Parliament, the police, employers, civil society, and the church
He was speaking at the Annotto Bay Health Center in St Mary on June 23
The Minister emphasized to his audience that “if you control it, the pressure on the hospitals is not going to be great, and importantly, longevity and quality of life will be enhanced,” pointing out that the collaboration can help to lessen the lethal impacts of lifestyle diseases
Tufton asserted that knowledge is
essential for combating illnesses and that the “greatest threat” to one ’ s well-being is due to consumption patterns, inactivity, excessive consumption of salt and sugar, and sleep deprivation
A ‘Know Your Numbers’ event was hosted at the health center It has been officially adopted by Surgix Jamaica Limited
The Adopt-A-Clinic program allows individuals and groups to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare service delivery at the primary-care level, and Dr Tufton said Jamaicans in the diaspora, local corporate entities, and individuals are “responding well” to the initiative, with contributions of more than $200 million
“As the only known Senior Living Community in Miami-Dade or Broward to offer this cutting-edge technology, we are excited to provide residents with the numerous benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT),” said Helen Shaham, president of The Palace Group, owner and operator of The Palace family of communities “We conducted extensive research, and HBOT has been proven to stimulate the natural recovery process, strengthen immunity, and promote overall well-being ”
Developed by Oxy Help, a renowned manufacturer in the field, the hyperbaric chamber, the OxyHelp OxyLife C Multiplace chamber, is designed to accommodate two users simultaneously
During the sessions, residents can watch TV, surf the internet with Wi-Fi, read a book, listen to music, or enjoy conversation with a spouse, friend, or family member
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, HBOT has been shown to stimulate the production of stem cells and enhance the body’s healing mechanisms
Additionally, a study published in Aging and Disease demonstrated that HBOT can improve cognitive function and memory in older adults
“The health and wellness of our residents
The benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy include:
• Stimulating the natural recovery process and boosting immunity
• Increasing vitality, concentration, and memory
• Reducing fatigue and improving energy levels, stamina, and endurance
• Promoting cell rejuvenation and assisting with anti-aging strategies
• Alleviating the sensation of brain fog and jet lag
• Reactivating skin cells and improving blood circulation
HBOT sessions are non-invasive and suitable for the majority of people, with a few exceptions
“At The Palace, we are committed to providing our residents with the latest advancements in health and wellness,” she said. “Adding the hyperbaric chamber reinforces our dedication to offering unparalleled amenities and services for a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle ”
The Executive Committee of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) ended its 172nd Session on Thursday, following discussions on a variety of pertinent public health topics. The topics included pandemic response, vaccination coverage, strengthening human resources for health, strategic communications for behavior change, mental health and suicide prevention, and control of noncommunicable diseases in children, adolescents, and young adults, among other important issues
“As the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to take the “opportunity to accelerate action to recuperate lost public health gains and increase resiliency in our health systems,” PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said during the closing of the Executive Committee, which took place from 26-29 June R e a ffi r m i n g t h e O r g a n i z a t i o n ’ s “unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, desire for improvement and continuous learning,” Dr Barbosa welcomed the first external evaluation of the COVID-19 response among all World Health Organization (WHO) regions and highlighted the need to improve data and information systems for health to enable the Americas to better respond to future health emergencies
The Executive Committee of PAHO also underscored the importance of the Regional Revolving Funds and pledged to improve efficiencies and increase their visibility to augment access to vaccines and essential
public health supplies
“Now more than ever, it is important for Member States to continue to show their solidarity and Pan Americanism through support and engagement,” with the Funds, the PAHO Director said While the Executive Committee noted positive strides towards recovering routine vaccination coverage since the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Barbosa urged governments to
focus on identifying existing vaccine inequities and to develop strategies to ensure 95% coverage of all essential vaccines, as well as to prepare for the introduction of relevant new vaccines
“Rest assured that you can count on the Secretariat to provide you with the support necessary to meet these challenges,” Dr Barbosa added
Discussions during the Committee also
focused on the importance of strengthening a country’s capacity to improve access to medicines, diagnostics, and other health technologies, as well as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues and other non-communicable diseases, which were areas hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic
Regarding the Region’s significant advances towards the elimination of communicable diseases, such as malaria, mother-tochild transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis, and trachoma, among others, the PAHO Director highlighted PAHO’s Elimination Initiative as the “driving force towards more integrated, effective, efficient and equitable health systems ”
After examining the tabled progress reports and final reports, Dr Barbosa underscored that they will continue to build on their success but must remember that “much remains to be done to tackle persisting challenges ”
This week, the Executive Committee reviewed eight progress reports, and five final reports, and approved two policies, a strategy, a concept paper, and the proposed program budget of PAHO for 2024-2025
These will now be presented to PAHO’s Directing Council in September this year
The Executive Committee, which meets twice a year, is composed of nine Member States of the Organization, elected to serve for three years Members currently serving in the Executive Committee include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Jamaica, Suriname, the United States of America, and Uruguay
Broward County’s Natural Resources Division has announced enhancements to the ConservationPay$ toilet rebate program in partnership with the Broward Water Partnership (BWP) Partners.
The qualifying conditions and rebate amount were updated on July 1, 2023, giving additional advantages to the community The rebate amount has been increased from $100 to $125 This allows individuals and organizations to maximize their water savings efforts
In light of the program enhancement, Broward Water Partnership invites residents and businesses to take part in the “Summer of Savings” which started on July 1, 2023 Eligible candidates will be included in a drawing for a $250 Gift Card through September 20, 2023 The prize can be used to cover the installation of a new toilet or other home repair projects
The enhancements aim to improve program participation, adapt to inflation, and provide more financial assistance to residents and businesses looking for water-saving alternatives
Vanessa Balta, Water Conservation Manager of the county’s Natural Resources Division, said that promoting sustainable practices and protecting water resources are at the heart of the Broward Water Partnership’s resilience efforts
“We are thrilled to announce the updates to our ConservationPay$ toilet rebate program, which not only increases the rebate amount but also expands the eligibility criteria,” she added Balta further said that by offering a $125 rebate and accommodating a wider range of toilet options, residents and businesses are empowered to make a significant contribution to water conservation while easing the financial burden
The eligibility criteria will also expand to allow the replacement of 1 6 gallons per flush (GPF) toilets and upgrades to highly efficient 1 28 GPF toilets
Over time, the performance and efficiency of toilets decline, highlighting the significance of replacing older units with HighEfficiency Toilet (HET) alternatives
In the last two months, the United States has seen four cases of malaria in Florida and one in Texas for the first time in 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Malaria is caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites
Health officials are encouraging doctors, particularly those in southern states where the weather is more conducive to the tropical mosquito that transmits malaria, to be on the lookout for infection
CDC also said that doctors should consider access to the IV drug as it is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States
Reports are that about 2,000 US cases of malaria are diagnosed each year – the vast majority of travelers coming from countries where malaria commonly spreads
Since 1992, there’ve been 11 outbreaks involving malaria from mosquitoes in the US The last one occurred in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, where eight cases were reported
Those infected with malaria can suffer fever, chills, and flu-like illnesses If it goes untreated, infected people can develop severe complications and die The largest death toll in recent years has been seen in children in sub-Saharan Africa
Independence Day weekend and summer are usually busy travel periods for many Because of this, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six, along with the Florida 511 Advanced Traveler Information System (Fl511), Florida Highway Patrol, FDOT District Six Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST), and Bike 305, provided crucial information through a Summer Holiday Travel Media Event
The event was hosted on June 29 at the FDOT District Six SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Miami, Florida
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Floridians will travel in record numbers for Independence Day AAA forecasts more than 2 8 million Floridians will take at least one trip of 50 miles or more, between Friday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 4
Unfortunately, AA predicts that thousands of people will experience car trouble
AAA reported that nationwide, it expects to rescue more than 393,000 stranded motorists, during the 4th of July holiday weekend The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts These could be avoided by having your car inspected before leaving for your destination and bringing an extra set of keys
“The 4th of July is meant to be a day of celebration and the last place anyone wants to spend it is stranded on the roadside with car trouble,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group “Before setting out for your holiday road trip, make sure your tires, battery, and brakes are all in proper working condition; and don’t forget that emergency kit ”
Likewise, FDOT District Six and partner organizations believe people must plan their holiday travel carefully to avoid mishaps They also shared critical information to ensure safe trips this summer
The Governor of the State of Maryland Wes Moore says he wants to enter into greater business and educational partnership with the government of Jamaica
Speaking during a courtesy call paid on him by Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill and Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, last Friday, Governor Moore said he was excited and proud about the potential partnership between Maryland and Jamaica
“I am ready to take it to new heights I want for us to be true partners in every sense of the word, in education and business partnership We have a very strong and proud Jamaica diaspora population here in the state of Maryland,” he said
Governor Moore pointed out that he was not just the first black governor of the state of Maryland. Rather he is “someone who proudly comes from Jamaican roots This is a moment right here that we can do special things together,” he declared
The Maryland Governor whose mother hails from Westmoreland, pointed to some of the areas in which Jamaica and the State of Maryland could forge partnerships “I think about some of the great assets of Maryland that we have, including a very strong cyber platform; we are strong in terms of tourism and trade; and with the utilization of the ports in
Baltimore, which is the largest in the United States I think that we are able to be in partnership with Jamaica,” Moore said We know that there are very strong economic bonds between Maryland and Jamaica and these are things we plan to work very hard on, with the leadership of Ambassador Marks to be able to make sure those bonds are strengthened and built
out,” the Maryland Governor declared
Minister Hill noted that “ we explored the possibility of student exchanges cooperation between universities and to have the city of Kingston twinned with the city of Baltimore We also looked at developing Jamaica into a cyber security producer of experts and producer of Jamaican young men who can take Jamaica to a much higher level in the digital service business by focusing on cyber security service ”
Senator Hill pointed out that Governor Moore was very clear that he would be committed to help Jamaica to build this area of our service industry and to make sure that the intellectual exchange and business would be beneficial to both Jamaica and the state of Maryland
The Industry Commerce and Investment Minister along with Ambassador Marks paid a courtesy call on the Maryland Governor at the office of the governor at the Maryland state house in Annapolis on Friday, June 30 Present at the meeting with the Governor were the Secretary of State for Maryland Susan Lee, and the Secretary of Commerce for Maryland Kevin Anderson
Pompano Beach Arts presents a visual art exhibition at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center featuring original works by DominicanAmerican artist Kandy G Lopez entitled (in) visible: pair-a-dice
The project goes beyond the typical notion of the Caribbean as a paradise and explores colorism, economic disparity, and political trauma
This new body of work features stained glass portraits of people of color and introduces a contemporary view of an ancient technique
The show opens on July 14, 2023 and an artist talk and reception will take place during Old Town Untapped Summer Sizzle on Friday, August 4 at 6-10 p m
“Kandy’s use of stained glass is truly remarkable,” said Ty Tabing, Director, Cultural
Affairs Department “While we are all familiar with the art form, her creations bring to light current cultural and social ideas that must be examined and discussed ”
Lopez is a figurative artist who works with multiple mediums to explore and experiment with issues such as race, gentrification, immigration, and defense mechanisms
As an Afro-Dominican American artist, she acknowledges that these topics are a part of her heritage and are important to share with others Lopez has previously worked with photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, and sculpture, but has started to focus on glass as a medium Lopez’s venture into glass work harkens back to her academic studies
“I have painted on glass in grad school and
used it to metaphorically describe the vulnerability of the people who were erased from the surface,” said Lopez She uses glass as a metaphor for psychological transparency and the lack thereof She explores the idea that people of color often have a defense mechanism where they “act tough” in certain situations instead of allowing themselves to be transparent Lopez worked on (in) visible: pair-a-dice in 2023 as a part of the NACAN artist residency Her travel to her maternal homeland, the Dominican Republic, further developed her artistic practice and allowed for deeper experimentation on glass
Violence and crime never once plagued his consciousness He had been instilled with a fear of God and chose a path less walked, even as a native of Arima, East Trinidad The nephew of the ever-loved and truly missed Soca artiste, Dexter ‘Blaxx’ Stewart, Quacy James fondly remembers his uncle’s words “Always remember, write music that is positive in nature When I pass on, I want my music to live on and be relevant to any time ”
A living testament to the importance of purposeful parenting Quacy, an artiste who delivered his very first single in January 2023, is now ready to unleash more music. He plans on becoming a name everyone in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and even the world, will one day know When they speak of him, however, their acknowledgment will always be positive
“I chose the name Jelani Verse- my stage name, because Jelani means mighty in Swahili and VERSE is an acronym for, Vision Empowers Respect, Sacrifice and Endurance,” explained the multi-faceted youth
When he is not writing songs or recording new melodies, Quacy is wearing his professional hat as either an Emergency Medical Technician or a senior Human Resource Clerk
Driven and mindful of his blessings, Quacy
believes a person ’ s dreams are more than just a faint image of their imagination “To me, your dream amounts to all the hard work – your sweat, your tears, your sacrifices that you make to accomplish your goals,” he rationalized
A brand-new reggae single, collaboratively written with music producer and artiste, Azaryah, James attests to his mother’s strength and guidance throughout the lives of he and his siblings
“The song, “Day One Queen,” was written in honor of my mother for her sacrifice and
hard work that she put into raising us A mother will never stop loving her child and because of that, she is every child’s “Day One Queen,” explained the upcoming entertainer
Crediting his mother and other women in his life, for the role they each played in how his life has unfolded, Quacy says he believes it is important that the music being released at this time, deliver messages that can uplift and honor women, rather that degrade them “If God gave woman as a gift to man, why are there so many negative reports in the media about negative things happening to women?” he questioned
Equipped with true humility and gratitude, Quacy highlighted the amazing effort put in by Azaryah “I told Azaryah that I wanted something magical and he did not disappoint He produced a song that is really amazing, touching, and to the effect and standards that I was looking for ”
“Day One Queen” was recently released and is the first of many projects set to be unleashed by Jelani Verse
“I will continue to write positive, meaningful songs that I believe will inspire people and change mindsets,” he said, intently Much like his uncle, Blaxx, Quacy’s determination to use his gift for the greater good, shines through
Jamaican entertainer Capleton is one of the most consistent artistes in reggae-dancehall He arrived on the scene in the late 1980s and began delivering hits from the very beginning In 2023, the man affectionately referred to as King Shango is still at it Capleton’s latest single is Watch Out Fi Dem, a song in which he warns about the upsurge of petty thieves in society
Based on the references made on this record, one can only assume that it was inspired, at least in-part, by the recent yeng yeng
A local artistes’ network that helped push for 1 5 degrees Celsius as the absolute limit for global temperature rise in the 2015 Paris Agreement, has urgently called for more shade trees to cool down Jamaica from rising temperatures, in a resounding endorsement of Jamaica’s National Tree Planting Initiative
Voices for Climate Change Education, a network initiated and coordinated by Panos Caribbean, are expressing concern that eight years after the Paris Agreement, there is inadequate action from developed countries that they labeled the “biggest emitters of global-warming Greenhouse Gases”
bike robberies in Jamaica
As he has consistently done throughout his career, the Grammy-nominated deejay again tackles a very serious issue; but does so in a manner that makes it not just palatable to listeners who may otherwise reject such a message, but also entertaining
Recorded on the Passion Fruit Riddim, Watch Out Fi Dem is produced by Pandemic Records & Entertainment LLC The Passion Fruit rhythm-driven compilation also features Ras Kronik and Sizzla Kalonji
“Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are experiencing some of the hottest summers in recent history,” they stated in a Call to Action endorsed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Jamaica and finalized on World Environment Day The artistes, collectively known for producing the popular songs ‘Global Warming’ and ‘Mother Nature Cries’ continues on B2 – Cool Down Jamaica
Inter Miami said on Wednesday that season ticket members will have priority to buy tickets for Lionel Messi’s debut game with the MLS team against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup
The match is scheduled for July 21
According to a statement from the club, season ticket members received an email on Wednesday, June 28 with a link and a distinctive password to access the match offer
Reports are that fans will also be able to buy tickets for the other Leagues Cup match against Atlanta United on July 25 using the same method
The Leagues Cup is a new tournament created by the MLS, LigaMX, and CONCACAF to serve as an annual regional cup tournament for North America
The club further said that the remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 29 at noon, until supplies last
On June 7, Messi announced that he would return to Major League Soccer after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain
In an interview earlier this month with the Miami Herald, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said Messi’s arrival in MLS would prove to be a “seminal moment” for the history of football in the United States
It was believed by many that Messi would choose to play for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia or go back to Barcelona where he spent most of his career However, he decided to embark on his new journey with MLS
Premier global sports and entertainment digital platform FITE by Triller will broadcast live “Rumble In The Sun,” Jamaica’s epic boxing exhibition
The exhibition will feature Jamaican-born, two-time Canadian Heavyweight Champion Donovan “Razor” Ruddock and World Hall of Fame Inductee and Champion James “Lights Out” Toney internationally on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica
“Triller Sports is honored to be working in collaboration with Red Ground Productions to bring this event to life in the beautiful country of Jamaica,” says David Tetreault, President of Triller Sports “In November, two legends will return to the ring to fight for an incredibly great cause that will entertain and engage audiences worldwide with an unparalleled experience that combines heavyweight boxing with musical performances synonymous with the Triller brand ”
Boxing fans can expect a night of actionpacked bouts and several special surprises Triller Sports and Red Ground Productions’ groundbreaking production partnership is accredited to the legal prowess of Miami, Florida-based Celebrity Attorney La’Shawn
joined forces at the UNDP and Panos Caribbean’s ‘1 5 To Stay Alive Knowledge Forum and Jam Session’ to hear updates on global warming and to renew their commitment as climate change education messengers The group included Pam Hall, Anthony Cruz, Grub Cooper, Jerone Riley, Aaron Silk, Ras Rebellion, Mezmoore Fari, Oneil Scott also known as Nazzle Man, and Donn Gass
Arising from concerns about rising temperatures in Jamaica, and in support of the National Tree Planting Initiative, the artistes specifically called for greater use of shade-producing trees to improve canopy coverage, carbon sequestration and temperature reduction in urban spaces; greater use and retention of shade-producing hardwood trees; and greater attention to cooling down the hottest communities in Jamaica by partnering on strategic shade-producing tree planting exercises for town centers, roadways, homes, and establishments
The group also called for expansion of the number of green spaces and parks; as well as promulgation of policies and regulations to activate a robust circular economy in order to reduce plastic pollution while providing new sources of income
The Voices for Climate Change Education artistes recommitted to music collaborations to educate the people about the risks of global warming and practical mitigation measures that can reduce climate change impacts
UNDP Resident Representative
remind the world that legends never fade; they transform into supernovas! To be a part of this unforgettable event for my country is a great honor I love boxing and Jamaica – my heart and home ”
James “Lights Out” Toney will return to the boxing ring for the first time six years after his 2017 unanimous vote and win against Mike Sheppard “This boxing match will be fun! I am excited to return to the ring and dance with another heavyweight great, Donovan “Razor” Ruddock,” he said “Rumble In The Sun” is the most extraordinary boxing exhibition since the 1973 Joe Frazier and George Foreman pay-per-view boxing match
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit The Good Hope Primary School in St Catherine, Gloves Over Guns, the Jamaica Boxing Board’s sports development initiative, and the Life Driven Foundation
Denise E Antonio in recalling the power of the music message produced by the group for the Paris Agreement talks, said they must renew their advocacy because of worrying forecasts that the earth is on track to exceed the 1 5-degree limit
“We call on artistes to once again produce the music message the world needs to hear – that Industrialized nations must reduce carbon emissions and we on the frontlines must step up adaptation and mitigation actions to protect ourselves,” she stated
Thomas, founding CEO of the Miami Entertainment Law Group “Stepping back into the ring with Toney fills me with joy,” said Ruddock “I was born in the ring, and I am ready to defy the limits and
The indigenous Haudenosaunee nation and Australia finished 3rd and 4th respectively, making up the expected top 4 coming into the tournament
Newcomer Jamaica joined the regulars Israel, Japan, and England to round out quarterfinals ahead of the likes of Italy, Germany, Netherlands and France The upstart Jamaican team that finished in the top 13 at the 2018 tournament pushed one stage further, beating Italy to make it to the quarter-finals The matchup finished 7-6 in favor of the Jamaicans, highlighted by a Khairi Sears hat trick While Jamaica would eventually lose to Canada, their run to the quarterfinals saw them go undefeated in their pool, beating out lacrosse heavyweight Germany Jamaica lost the 7th place decider to Israel in heartbreaking fashion conceding late and then losing sudden death during overtime
Jamaican lacrosse is still in its infancy Over the past 10 years, more high schools have adopted the game establishing a foothold in the local competitive scene The Jamaica Lacrosse Association is a grassroots program created to foster growth in the scene and develop an internationally competitive team The organization still partly subsists from community donations, enthusiastic volunteers, and supportive parents Despite this, the group and the national team have made the most of the circumstances by combining local talent with athletes from around the Jamaican diaspora
“My whole reason for coming out of retirement and getting back into the ring is to assist my primary school in the Red Ground District and to help the youth development program “Gloves Over Guns” eradicate violence,” said Ruddock
Jamaica’s Senior Men’s National Team head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was left pleased with the Reggae Boyz’s 5-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis in their final Group A match at the 17th CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament inside the Levi Stadium in Sana Clara, California on Sunday
And apart from being Jamaica’s biggest-ever margin of victory at the tournament, another aspect which left a grin on Hallgrimsson’s face was the fact that goals were being scored by a number of players instead of a select group of players
Despite the huge margin of victory, Jamaica finished as runners-up to the USA on goal difference after the hosts defeated Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 to finish on seven points, but with a plus 12 goal difference as compared to Jamaica’s plus eight
The Americans had also defeated Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 while playing out a 1-1 result in the tournament opener with Jamaica Jamaica had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 4-1
The US and Jamaica thus advanced to the quarter-finals with Jamaica facing the first-place team from Group D on Sunday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
Currently, Guadeloupe leads Group D with four points from two games, the same as Guatemala, but with a plusthree goal difference compared to a plus-one for the Central Americans Canada lies in third place with two points, with Cuba eliminated without a point at the foot of the table
The Reggae Boyz travelled to Ohio late Monday well ahead of their next assignment
In reiterating the artistes’ climate action mitigation calls to action, Ms Antonio announced that UNDP will increase canopy coverage at UNDP by joining the National Tree Planting Initiative using trees donated by the Forestry Department “We are committed to modelling the change we talk about while cooling our space and reducing our carbon footprint,” she disclosed
Forestry Department Chief Executive Officer and Conservator of Forests, Ainsley A Henry, acknowledged Climate Change as an undeniable reality, and rising temperatures as a significant challenge to the environment and human well-being
He said trees hold the power to combat Climate Change impacts by acting as nature’s air conditioners “By planting trees, preserving existing ones, maintaining their health, diversifying our urban forests, and recognizing their multifaceted benefits, we can create cooler, greener, and more sustainable communities,” Mr Henry stated
He called for individuals and communities to join hands in embracing the power of trees and working towards a cooler and healthier future for present and future generations He called for treeplanting initiatives which prioritize the preservation of existing trees; maintenance and care of trees and the creation of urban forests to help increase biodiversity and resilience
The 1 5 To Stay Alive Session was addressed by University of the West Indies, Mona Climate Studies Group, Professor Michael Taylor who disclosed that global temperatures had already increased 1 1 degrees Celsius and are already producing unfamiliar weather patterns. He cautioned that further temperature rise could mean unprecedented impact on climate
