Caribbean National Weekly June 29, 2023

Jamaican actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to receive Hollywood

WALK OF

FAME STAR

Popular Jamaican-American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will be among the entertainers to receive the stars on the Hollywood Hall of Fame. The Abbott Elementary actress was overjoyed on Monday after receiving the news made by Ellen K, chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Panel

Caribbean warned of amplied heat stress over next three months

The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) on Friday said that tropical Pacific and Atlantic Ocean temperatures should remain well above average, steadily amplifying heat stress in the Caribbean by increasing temperatures, humidity, and heat wave frequency

In its forecast for the period July to September, the Barbados-based entity noted that the coinciding unusually warm Pacific and Atlantic have opposing effects on Caribbean rainfall and hurricane season activity

“For now, the record-warm Atlantic appears to dominate, resulting in little concern for drought due to copious wet season rains,” CariCOF said in its latest Caribbean Climate Outlook Newsletter

It said that the potential for flooding, flash

WHAT’S INS

Two brothers of Jamaican heritage make history in the NBA draft

floods, and cascading hazards increases from moderate to high in August

“By contrast, the Guianas will potentially be excessively wet in July, with predominantly drier and hotter weather from mid-August ”

According to CariCOF, the rainfall totals from July to September are likely to be the usual or higher across Aruba, Bonnaire and Curacao, The Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, eastern parts of the Guianas and in the Leeward Islands

It said by contrast, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago are likely to record the usual rainfall amounts at most

CariCOF said that as of June this year, severe (or worse) short-term drought has developed in southern Belize, eastern Dominican Republic, southeastern French Guiana, and St Vincent and that long-term drought has developed in far southern Belize, southeastern most parts of Cuba, western parts of Haiti, and St Vincent

continues on C1 – Sheryl Lee Ralph

Former Barba PM Erskine Sandiford dies

The

Jamaican-built music app DJ Khaled is calling the next big thing

Jamaican rally dr Fraser McConne stuns in season debut C3

Caribbe Ids

The City of Miramar hosted Taste of the Caribbean Islands last Saturday at Vizcaya Park. The free event was by Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis, and it featured acts like Nadia Baston, Singing Melody, Causion and Julien Believe. – Photos by Brian Barnett

The Miramar Police Department had the event covered throughout the night

Code Red Band pung on a stellar performance for the crowd

Singing Meldoy wooing the audience at the event.

Nadia Baston did not disappoint as she entertained the crowd

Causion doing what he does best on stage

MC Jodi Ann Grey introducing the acts for the night

Andy Balenne shows

Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis (le) having a blast with a patron at the event

Twin brothers of Jamaican heritage make history in NBA draft Amen Ausar &

By Micaiah Morgan CNW Writer

Florida’s former Pine Crest student-athletes, Amen and Ausar Thompson, whose father’s family is Jamaican, made history last Thursday night after both were selected in the top 5 in the 2023 NBA draft

It was a proud moment for their parents and extended family when Amen went No 4 to Houston Rockets while Ausar went No 5 to Detroit Pistons

In an interview with ESPN, the brothers expressed their excitement to embark on their new journey

“I think it’s kind of cool going first It means a lot to my family,” Amen said “Me and Ausar, we were going to be happy whoever went first But it means a lot to my family seeing all the hard work pay off Us go back to back, be the first twins in the same draft to go top five, it means a lot ”

“Super excited I’m super excited to meet my coaches, meet my teammates and just grow with them,” Ausar said “I’m trying to contend ”

Their mother, Maya Wilson also shared in the excitement stating that “there are no words to express how I’m feeling,” in an interview with ESPN

“To see them back-to-back, that blows my mind The world is just opening up to them There’s not limit So, I’m just very excited about what’s in store so just very, very happy,” she added

The players from San Leandro, California

who were considered two of the most highlyregarded prospects in the 2023 NBA draft, began their careers at Pine as superstars

The 20-year-old twins played four years of varsity in Fort Lauderdale and they led the Panthers to the Class 3A championship in 2021

They were even dubbed Miami Herald’s Broward County Boys’ Basketball Co-Players of the Year for Classes 4A-2A in 2021 as juniors

The two skipped their senior year of high school to go play in Overtime Elite (OTE) for its inaugural season and spent two years in Atlanta as part of the league

They both were named to first-team AllOTE this year with Ausar Thompson being the MVP of the league

The brothers gained popularity when they moved to South Florida in middle school

They will also be the second and third Pine Crest alumni to be selected into the NBA, following guard Brandon Knight, who was the eighth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Pistons

“I think it’s kind of cool going first. It means a lot to my family. Me and Ausar, we were going to be happy whoever went first. But it means a lot to my family seeing all the hard work pay off. Us go back to back, be the first twins in the same dra to go top five, it means a lot.” – Amen Thompson

Twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson

Amen being drafted by the Houston Rockets Ausar being drafted by the Detroit Pistons

Jamaicans encouraged to improve health behaviors

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

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

Former Barbados PM Erskine Sandiford dies

The Barbados government has confirmed that former prime minister, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital early on Monday

It did not give details surrounding the death of the 86-year-old politician, but said that a period of national mourning will be observed until June 28 “and on the day of the State Funeral after consultation with the family”

In addition, all flags will be flown at half-mast until the interment of the island’s fourth prime minister from 1987 to 1994, who later served as Barbados’ first resident ambassador in Beijing, China from 2010 to 2013

The government statement said that Labor and Social Partnership Relations Minister, Colin Jordan, will be the coordinating minister for the funeral arrangements as it extended “sincerest condolences to his wife, Lady Sandiford, his son Garth, his daughter Inga and his extended family”

In 1967, one year after independence, he was appointed to the Senate Sandiford left the Senate to run in the 1971 elections, in which he won a seat in the Parliament The Democratic Labor Party (DLP) under Errol Barrow formed the government and Sandiford served in many cabinet positions including as Minister of Education

Leadership from one of Jamaica’s police divisions transferred after eight prisoners escape lock-up

Jamaica’s Police High Command has transferred the entire leadership of the St Elizabeth Police Division after eight prisoners escaped police lock-up on Monday

The escape has raised concerns about the security measures of the police station lockup

According to Jamaican media reports, it was confirmed on Friday that the division commander and the support team of officers have been transferred from the division

The escapees include a man charged with a quadruple murder He is Anward “Kirkie” Hinds, and he has been charged in relation to the murders of four farmers — Archibald Brown, 60; his brother George Brown, 57;

Maurice Sanderson, 40; and Ezra Wright, 73 in St Elizabeth in 2015

Months later, he was found hiding in the ceiling of a house in Hatfield, Manchester, and was arrested

The other prisoners who escaped on Monday are Oral Cole, 31, from Comfort Hall, Manchester; Richard Brown, 34, from Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth; Alrick Hutchinson, 38, from Brighton District, St Elizabeth; and Dean Simpson, 34, from Turner Top, St Elizabeth, who were all in custody charged with robbery with aggravation; Jevaughn Simms, 25, from Copperwood, St James; and Kenneth Stewart, 30, from Beacon Hill, St Catherine,

were both being held for murder; and Demar Williams, 29, from Gravel Heights in Spanish Town, St Catherine, who is facing a shooting with intent charge

Reports are that the men were discovered missing on Monday during routine checks conducted between 3 a m to 4 a m

Investigations revealed that the prisoners escaped through the facility’s ventilation system

Sandiford

Panel of experts address gender inequality in the Caribbean

According to a panel of experts, a need for gender-responsive, inclusive approaches, laws, and policies that address gaps in early childcare services are among the responses needed to address the worsening issue of gender inequality in the Caribbean

The panel of experts posited their views at a seminar entitled “Solutions on All Sides: Addressing Multiple Crises to End Gender Inequality”, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at their Annual Meeting held recently in St Lucia

The seminar was staged to find solutions to counter the setbacks from recent challenges and crises which slowed progress on gender equality, social equity, and access to justice

A Virtual Solutions Room, featuring key professionals, provided innovative solutions to the issues raised by the panel of experts that included Ms. Judith Wedderburn, board director of Women’s Media Watch Jamaica, Ms Nicole Pitter Patterson, international trade and gender expert, Dr Halimah Deshong, Head and Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Development and Gender Studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Ms Michele Irving, President of the Belize National Women’s

Commission, and Ms Tamara Huggins, Director of Women’s Voice and Leadership Equality Fund Caribbean

Lack of involvement of women in leadership in the public and private sectors, occupational segregation, a widening gender pay gap than that of many developed countries, exclusion of indigenous women and vulnerable groups from decision-making, and waning motivation to find funding for human rights matters were some of the issues raised

Marissa Hutchinson, Environmental Justice Program Officer at the International

Women’s Rights Action Watch – Asia Pacific, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had raised awareness of the need for gender-responsive approaches in relief and grant-based funding

“It is likely to address and accommodate the unique needs of women and girls and other vulnerable groups, and this is important in preventing them from further marginalization,”

Ms Hutchinson said, adding that investing in community resilience was also important

Ms Ashlee Burnett, founder of Feminitt Caribbean, said prevention through evidence and age-based comprehensive sexuality

education for young people was one means of addressing gender-based violence across regional development sectors

“Whilst there is push-back against implementing Comprehensive sexuality education and a lack of political will to find alternatives, we can also commit to an interim strategy that focuses on out-of-school training and engagement for young people and this also provides an opportunity to engage parents and guardians in programming,” Ms Burnett said, adding that a whole of community approach would be necessary for the strategy to be effective

Ms Kavell Joseph, a consultant with the World Bank’s Latin America and Caribbean Gender Equality Action Lab, addressing the question of how to put research into practice to recognize the fullness of women ’ s economic participation, stated that a three-pillared childcare policy was needed to address gaps

“An adequate childcare policy should have (sic) availability, affordability, and quality To ensure convenience, childcare laws should regulate the hours of operation that should at minimum, accommodate the needs of parents working full time,” she said

Canada and CARICOM pledge to strengthen existing relationship

Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have reaffirmed the “enduring value of the deep and dynamic partnership” strengthening their commitment to sustainability, resilience, climate action, access to finance, regional security, and shared values

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat Friday released the text of a joint communique issued following a meeting held earlier this week between Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and several CARICOM

foreign affairs ministers and diplomats on the margins of the ongoing Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Washington

The CARICOM team was led by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, who is also the chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR)

The communique noted that Joly and Johnson Smith co-chaired the CanadaCARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Group meeting,

where the delegates underscored the need for continued vigilance in mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change, pursuing concrete action to re-build resilient and sustainable economies, cooperating on regional security, and increasing collaboration in multilateral forums among other matters

The communique noted that the meeting reviewed the “concrete progress” on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, with the ministers noting results in key areas such as climate resilience, trade, inclusive governance,

and multilateral engagement

The communique noted that Canada recommitted to joint advocacy for the needs of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within multilateral fora, including at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the OAS

The meeting also discussed further exploration of reforms to the global financial architecture, including the Bridgetown Initiative and to address the specific vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS

EDITORIAL

It’s more urgent to be bilingual in South Florida

P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

Last week in West Kendall, a young Caribbean American woman vented her frustration inside a dental office as she experienced difficulty communicating with the office staff who spoke very little to no English, and the woman spoke absolutely no Spanish

Broward and Palm Beach Counties Currently, some employers in these counties are also making being bi-lingual a criterion for employment

Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com editor@cnweeklynews.com

Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

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Coming to the US where English is the predominant language, few people from the English-speaking Caribbean anticipated one of the challenges they would encounter is communicating in languages other than English For those who have settled in South Florida, especially in Miami-Dade County, they often find one of the requirements to get a job is being able to communicate in English and Spanish

In Miami-Dade, which is characterized by large Hispanic communities in Hialeah, Sweetwater, parts of Coral Gables, South Miami, and West Kendall, Spanish seems to be the primary language Several businesses have signage in Spanish, and English-speaking Caribbean migrants contend daily with customers and staff in supermarkets, restaurants, small stores, large department stores, and professional offices who speak little or poor English

Naturally, the inability to communicate freely in English, not to mention barred from securing jobs for which one is otherwise qualified, because of the bilingual criterion, is frustrating As a result some Caribbean Americans often question why English isn’t the mandated language in South Florida, especially in the workplace

The English/Spanish issue has historically been controversial in South Florida In 1980, as the Hispanic population in then Dade County increased, a group called Citizens of Dade United, proposed a ballot initiative to make English the official language of the county With the late Cuban president Fidel Castro opening the gates of Cuba for thousands of undesirables to leave his country in the early 1980s in the “Mariel Boatlift” for Miami, county voters easily passed the initiative

From 1981 to 1993, English was the official language in Dade County The Dade County English Only Ordinance forbade the county government to fund programs not conducted in English or conducting business in any other language At the time only a few jobs required the bilingual criterion

However, not surprisingly, as the county’s Hispanic community rapidly increased, opposition to the ordinance grew In 1993, following the redistricting of the Dade County commission into 13 voting districts, the expanded bloc of Hispanic voters gave the commission a Hispanic majority Shortly after, the commission voted down the English-only ordinance, leaving many Caribbean and other immigrants who didn’t communicate in Spanish increasingly frustrated in securing jobs that required applicants to be fluent in English and Spanish

This resulted in more Caribbean Americans following those who already relocated from Dade County after Hurricane Andrew devastated the county in 1992 to Broward and Palm Beach counties where Spanish was far less prevalent

This intra-migration has not, however, ended the region’s language frustrations South Florida’s Hispanic community continues to grow exponentially with increasing numbers of immigrants from countries like Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and Puerto Rico migrating to South Florida These immigrants are located not only in Miami-Dade County, but now in

Despite the frustration of people who only speak English, it’s unlikely Florida voters will ever again approve an English only ordinance for any county or the state Over 40 percent of South Florida’s population speak languages other than English, and mostly Spanish This pattern expands nationally Large percentages of the population of states like New York, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada speak Spanish, and other languages

During President Obama’s tenure, among reports that Florida, Arizona and Texas planned to submit a national English only bill, President Obama signed an executive order making those initiatives unconstitutional, calling them “antiAmerican ” On the other hand, although a national English only policy is unlikely to be ever implemented, it’s indicative lawmakers want to ensure immigrants learn and speak English Several proposed immigration bills since 2013 include the requirement that undocumented immigrants seeking legal immigration status must learn English

In the future, unless some Draconian immigration policy sweeps the nation officially requiring all immigrants to speak English only, it’s quite possible the US, or states like Florida, could officially be bilingual, English-Spanish, similar to Canada’s official English-French bilingual situation

Years of immigration have made America a starkly diverse nation of races and languages It’s unlikely the nation will ever have an “English only” label. It’s therefore practical that citizens in general, and English-speaking Caribbean American citizens in particular, make a deliberate effort to be multilingual, especially learning Spanish, the second dominant language

Haiti

Haitian PM optimistic that security intervention force could soon be mobilized

Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry says he is confident that “ a robust security intervention force is not far away ” as the French-speaking CARICOM country continues to call for support to deal with criminal gangs and others engaged in activities affecting the future socio-economic development of the country

Henry returned from France on Sunday where he attended the global summit “for a new global financial pact” last week at the invitation of French President, Emmanuel Macron

Speaking at a news conference at the Diplomatic Lounge of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Henry said he held discussions with several international leaders in Paris and that it provided an opportunity for him to explain the situation of the country and the challenges it faces

He told reporters that several of the leaders with whom he met “promised to accompany and support our country and to plead its cause with other countries and before several high

international bodies

“There are several signs that all friends of Haiti understand the crisis that persists in the country From the Jamaica summit, we noticed good signals from the Organization of American States (OAS),” Henry said Jamaica earlier this month hosted a threeday conference that brought together the various stakeholders in Haiti seen as yet

another initiative to build consensus and allow for inclusive participation in a neutral environment

“I am very happy that CARICOM has convinced all the stakeholders to come to this beautiful city of Kingston to have this discussion and to convince everyone that long lasting solution to the problem in Haiti can be brought about through commitment and

dialogue,” Henry said at the opening

At the news conference in Haiti he told reporters that he remains optimistic that support would come for the United Nations call for the deployment of an international “specialized support force” to impede Haiti’s accelerating tumble into extreme violence

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has described Haiti as a “tragic situation” and that the country faces dramatic humanitarian needs including a political system that is paralyzed and levels of violence by gangs “that are absolutely appalling”” especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021

The UN said that already this year more than 531 killings and 277 kidnappings in gangrelated incidents have occurred mostly in the capital, Port-au-Prince

“But I can tell you that the support we expect for a robust security intervention force is not far away,” Henry told reporters at the news conference

Americas must end racist treatment of Haitian asylum seekers

States across the Americas must put an immediate end to the anti-Black discrimination, including race-based torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, against Haitian people seeking safety and international protection, said Amnesty International on World Refugee Day

“Racist migration and asylum policies only exacerbate the harm already inflicted on people forced to endure and flee the humanitarian and human rights crises in Haiti States across the Americas must fulfill their international human rights obligations without discrimination, assess the protection needs of Haitians seeking refuge in fair and effective asylum procedures and refrain from returning them to Haiti,” said

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International

“Instead of further endangering them, states must protect and uphold the dignity and rights of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers Regional solidarity and the reformation of migration policies with an anti-racist perspective are essential to addressing the grave dangers and injustices they face ”

The Americas region is experiencing one of the world’s most severe crises of people in need of international protection According to the UNHCR’s recent report, Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2022, six of the top ten source countries of asylum applications globally in 2022 were in Latin America and the Caribbean

Asylum seekers from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, and Haiti have substantially increased from 2021 This transnational crisis is the result of multiple human rights and humanitarian crises across the region In Haiti, the deteriorating human rights situation has forced thousands of people to flee to save their lives and those of their loved ones Yet instead of receiving solidarity from other countries in the Americas, Haitians have suffered acts of racism, xenophobia, and systematic violence in their search for protection

“Racist migration and asylum policies only exacerbate the harm already inflicted on people forced to endure and flee the humanitarian and

human rights crises in Haiti,” says Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International Amnesty International has documented and received information on cases of assaults, arbitrary detentions, torture and other illtreatment, mass deportations, and discriminatory practices that undermine Haitian asylum seekers’ human rights and their access to international protection in Peru, Chile, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Mexico, and other countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America

Haitians transiting through the Americas have also suffered a constant lack of access to basic services and legal protection These

continues on B2 – Asylum seekers

NYC Mayor announces new initiative for Caribbean immigrants

New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the city will open a 12th Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center as thousands of Caribbean and other asylum seekers continue to arrive weekly in the city

Adams said that, soon, 1760 Third Avenue in Manhattan will open as a humanitarian relief center to serve more than 500 families with children seeking asylum, providing a range of services, in addition to ensuring they can reach their desired destination if not New York City

Many of asylum seekers arriving in New York City from the southern border of the United States are Venezuelans, Cubans, and Haitians

“With over 50,000 asylum seekers currently in our care and a total of over 81,200

asking us for care since last spring, New York City continues to do more than any other city or level of government to address this national crisis,” said Mayor Adams

“We continue to meet the needs of people arriving in New York, but as the number of asylum seekers continues to grow, we are in serious need of support from the federal government

“This 12th Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center will provide over 500 households with a place to stay, access support, and get to their final destination,” he added

He said the center demonstrates the city’s commitment to meeting its obligations and doing so with care, compassion, and dignity for

every person

“However, our city cannot continue to shoulder a disproportionate responsibility for what we know is a national issue The federal

government needs to provide additional assistance and a coordinated decompression strategy to relieve the pressure being felt by many major cities across the country, particularly New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne WilliamsIsom Adams said since the humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken “fast and urgent action” opening, among others, about 175 emergency shelters, enrolling thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms, launching the Asylum Application Help Center to help migrants with their asylum applications; and more

Purchasing a home as a Caribbean immigrant

Owning a house is one of the pillars of the American dream It’s simultaneously a status symbol and security Value that increases in your lifetime and can be passed down to your family Unlike many countries around the world such as Greece, Japan, and Thailand, you can purchase a home in the United States before achieving citizenship Buying a home can be a complicated and daunting process, even more so if you ’ re not yet a citizen The avalanche of paperwork and the hoops you have to jump through can be intimidating, but it’s always worth it

The process is remarkably simple if you can pay for the full cost right away For most people, this is understandably impossible Mortgages introduce some complexities as they come with financial stipulations such as credit scores and a job in the United States or otherwise suitable and provable source of income

Despite that almost half of foreign-born

residents in the US listed themselves as homeowners and immigrants who have lived in the US for 10 or more years are more likely to be homeowners as they are more likely to have an established credit history Over the past 10+ years, immigrants have accounted for almost 30% of the household growth in the US

Temporary Non-Residents

Folks on a work visa have loan options, albeit more limited than green-card holders, and will have to provide proof of employment and a social security number Additionally, Non-residents might be asked for a copy of a work contract that spans a minimum of three years, proof of a positive credit history, and tax returns from the previous two years NonResidents are a “flight-risk” so lenders need additional proof that they will recuperate their loan in the future

Green Card Holders

Green card holders or LPR (lawful permanent residents) can receive a title with as little as a 3% down payment These immigrants qualify for the same loan services as naturalborn US citizens, including FHA loans, as long as they have good credit scores and can provide the relevant paperwork — tax returns, asset statements, and bank statements

Prospective Owners from outside the US

Lenders operate under the same stipulations as Non-Residents so loans are hard to acquire Most buyers from outside the US tend to purchase a home in full Importantly, unlike many countries, owning a home does not automatically qualify you for a passport in the US

Undocumented Immigrants

Without standard documentation securing loans and other financial subsidies will prove anywhere from difficult to impossible However, according to a 2019 study of data from the US Census Bureau under the Migration Policy Institute, over 3 million undocumented immigrants are listed as taxpaying homeowners

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Passed in 1986, the FHA prohibits discrimination along racial, religious, gender, national origin, familial status, and disability lines It was the answer to redlining and other discriminatory practices that targeted people of color and immigrants FHA aims to keep landlords, real estate companies, banks, and other lending institutions honest and mitigate unconscious or purposeful discrimination

Adams

Changing the narrative around Caribbean game development

ByNiconorGordonCNWWriter

Graham Reid, a 32-year-old Jamaican video game developer has recently welcomed his second child into the world On August 4, he will welcome another creation, his latest game, Super Space Club

With only a few weeks until release, Reid is putting the finishing touches on everything

Game development is a multidisciplinary practice combining the techniques of filmmaking, graphic design, programming, and plain old storytelling As he counts down to D-day, Reid is putting on another hat — marketer

One of the more recent trailers for Super Space Club drew eyes and ears with its arresting, bombastic visuals, backed by a sultry smooth reggae track performed by Jamaican artiste Rizk The combination is no accident “I’m Jamaican no matter where I go in the world that’s who I am I want to infuse my culture in [my games],” he explained “[And] one of the biggest things we have is music ”

Super Space Club is unapologetically Graham Reid He describes the game as a combination of classics — the gameplay of the timeless shoot ‘ em up Asteroids combined with the quirky Saturday morning cartoon energy of Nintendo’s oeuvre

A lifelong gamer and student of the industry, Reid grew up in Jamaica playing classic console games and hobbyist flash games made using the same technology that powered the internet of the early 2000s

After high school, he migrated to the United States and attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Savannah, Georgia “

They had a game dev course [there] but I didn’t think it was a valid option for me In the Caribbean you don’t hear about independent game developers,” Reid elaborated “You think of [game development] and you think of these big companies — the Sonys and the Nintendos ”

Getting a foot in the door

These misconceptions around game design and development have stifled interest in the field as a viable career path for Caribbean talents Reid does not mince words Game development is a difficult field to exist in It combines all the pressures and technicality of a traditional job in technology with the day-to-day struggle that comes with the territory of a freelance artist But Reid would not give it up for the world He’s already given up a lot to chase this passion

After moving to New York City after completing a BFA in Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics from SCAD, Graham Reid worked as a freelance motion graphics designer & animator, collaborating with clients such as IGN and NBC In 2015 he landed a position at Snapchat, the popular messaging application which boasts almost half a billion active

daily users, as the Senior Visual Designer

“It was a choice,” he laughed wryly, referring to the decision to go “full-time indie ” Reid makes it clear that a job in technology is not as stable as it seems While many tech companies thrived during the pandemic as the field is suited for ‘Work From Home,’ 2022-23 has been a different story Record firings across the industry have left those still employed reeling and fearful

Anyone can make games

He is envious of the younger generation Despite being a young man himself, his time is at a premium, split between running marketing, networking, and being a parent Despite the tertiary education, Reid’s no 1 teacher was Youtube Anything he didn’t know he hunted down through video tutorials Working with friends Audley Gordon, Glen Henry, and Robert Morrison, they’d push each other further, honing each other skills

“Mobile was the big changer,” he reminisced, “before that, every phone would ship with [pre-made] games Once the app stores and the play stores were established, anyone could make and release a game ”

“What can I do that’s attainable?” he asked himself “I can make something that’s very simple look beautiful and elegant I know colour theory so I can make simple colours work Somehow, I just did that multiple times,” he laughed Now there’s space for writers, artists, musicians, and all other creative disciplines to create a game, if not professionally, then as a fulfilling creative outlet

Asylum seekers

fromA7

precarious conditions have been exacerbated by the systemic racism and negative stereotypes they face, hindering their integration and perpetuating their marginalization

Haitian women, girls and LGBTI people face even greater levels of discrimination, because in addition to all the dangers and ill-treatment they suffer as Black migrants and asylumseekers, they are also exposed to the threat of gender-based violence

Amnesty International has documented the many human rights concerns inherent in the US government’s recent decision to make the use of the mobile application mandatory in order to request asylum at the nation’s southern border This requirement places Haitian individuals at a greater disadvantage, as they may face a higher risk of experiencing racial discrimination and violence in northern Mexico, where they are systematically excluded from shelters, forcing them to live in camps with cruel conditions and exposing them to greater danger They have also experienced difficulties using the CBP One app ’ s facial recognition technology that struggles with recognizing Black faces and raises serious privacy, discrimination, and surveillance concerns

Amnesty International has also condemned the US and Canadian governments’ agreement to expand, rather than rescind, the Safe Third Country Agreement in response to border crossings at Roxham Road The organization is disappointed that Canada’s Supreme Court has failed to decisively rule that the agreement violates refugees’ rights, exposing refugees – including those from Haiti –to further harm while awaiting a further legal challenge against the agreement

Graham

CYPHR BUSINESS

By Nicanor Gordon

In 2021, around the world people were trapped in their homes, under quarantine from the COVID-19 pandemic. Work continued remotely as creatives took to virtual platforms more than ever. That same year

Cyphr launched

The innovative application is equal parts LinkedIn and Soundcloud Producers upload their created beats onto the platform Artists can then pick out their favorites and perform over them, inviting others to collaborate As of today, the platform boasts thousands of users, over 1000 uploaded beats, and over 500 unique songs created

According to Dylan Brennan, co-founder and CEO of Cyphr, the timing could not have been better “I had this idea to build out this kind of Skype, but for rap,” Brennan explained over the phone He envisioned a beat playing, and people rapping back and forth over it — a virtual version of the classic Hip Hop cipher Network latency and timing issues made it impossible to guarantee a consistent experience that they could be proud of But, the bones of the product were ironclad “[During quarantine] many people couldn’t record in a

the Jamaican-built music app DJ Khaled is calling the next big thing

studio, but they owned a smartphone,” Brennan explained “Luckily the mics in these phones have gotten so good that they rival studio quality Every musician has access to a career ”

A Money-Making Business

“I had this idea to build out this kind of Skype, but for rap [During quarantine] many people couldn’t record in a studio, but they owned a smartphone. Luckily the mics in these phones have goen so good that they rival studio quality. Every musician has access to a career” – Brennan

LIAT issues to be discussed at CARICOM summit

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday described “inescapable” discussions with fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on the future direction of the inter-regional airline, LIAT, when they meet in Trinidad and Tobago next week

The leaders will be meeting from July 3 to 5 for their annual summit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the regional integration grouping

Browne has been among those at the forefront seeking to reverse the fortunes of the Antigua-based airline, which entered into administration in July 2020 following increased debt and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic

Its main shareholder are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines and regional trade unions say their members are owed millions of dollars in severance payments and other benefits

“It is inescapable, we have to discuss the issue of transportation I know that there are many countries within the integration movement that see this issue as I would say an insular issue, but again, I think LIAT should be respected as a CARICOM institution and that they should be a regional commitment to re-stirring it in the interest of Caribbean people”

Browne said that LIAT is needed for greater connectivity “and to ensure that Caribbean people could move and move readily

“You cannot have a successful integration movement if the people cannot move,” he said, adding “I am just hoping we can go past the insularity and the national priorities”

Browne said that there are “regional competing forces that would like to see the demise of LIAT” but it is important to recognize the importance of the airline that could complement the efforts of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL)

“And that ultimately some form of publicly funded transportation will be critical to achieving sustainable transportation in the region This flawed notion that we must rely exclusively on private sector assets, it is not a sustainable solution and Antigua and Barbuda believes that ultimately a re-organized, capitalized LIAT, a new LIAT leaving all of the legacy issues behind One that will operate professionally, one that will operate on a profit basis that will be the answer to our regional transportation woes ”

Cyphr follows through on the promise of providing a career It allows aspiring artists and producers to cut out the middleman when it comes to distributing their work A song made on Cyphr can be published to 20+ streaming platforms, including Spotify and Tidal, for only $10 USD The artists and producers own 100% of the rights, and can track the performance of each song collected directly in the application At any point, the creator can ask for disbursement through Paypal, Cash App, or Venmo The producer is entitled to 50% of the revenue and the rest is divided up among the artists Brennan is no musician himself, but he has spent his entire life surrounded by creativity He is the grandson of Perry Henzel, the legendary filmmaker and novelist who directed and scored Jamaica’s first feature film, ‘The Harder They Come ’

“In Jamaica, we have excellent music, but we ’ re not reaching the same commercial levels, and it’s not clear why,” Brennan ponders out loud. “Some say the music is too violent or the marketing isn’t good enough ” Brennan notes

how Afrobeats is experiencing a moment as the biggest music genre in the world There’s obvious respect between the artists in Reggae/Dancehall and the Afrobeat superstars as shown by the increase in collaboration and tours in each other’s territories

Jafrobeats Competition

The Jafrobeats competition is Cyphr’s stab at deepening this collaboration Brennan sees the marriage of the two genres as a way to supercharge both on the global stage

“It’s about seeing what we can accomplish if we work together,” he explained To participate in the competition, a Jamaican artist/producer needs to collaborate with an African/producer On July 1st, the song with the most plays on the app will win the 1st place cash prize There’s one stipulation — no violent lyrics

Cyphr is only available on iOS, but an Android application is in development and is the top priority of the team. The application is free to use and is in the fundraising stage, as the team seeks out further funding from venture capitalists

Canada and CARICOM pledge to strengthen existing relationship

Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have reaffirmed the “enduring value of the deep and dynamic partnership” strengthening their commitment to sustainability, resilience, climate action, access to finance, regional security, and shared values

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat Friday released the text of a joint communique issued following a meeting held earlier this week between Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and several CARICOM foreign affairs ministers and diplomats on the margins of the ongoing Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Washington

The CARICOM team was led by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, who is also the chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR)

The communique noted that Joly and Johnson Smith cochaired the Canada-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Group meeting, where the delegates underscored the need for continued vigilance in mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change, pursuing concrete action to re-build resilient and sustainable economies, cooperating on regional security, and increasing collaboration in multilateral forums among other matters

The communique noted that the meeting reviewed the “concrete progress” on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, with the ministers noting results in key areas such as climate resilience, trade, inclusive governance, and multilateral engagement

The communique noted that Canada re-committed to joint advocacy for the needs of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within multilateral fora, including at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the OAS

The meeting also discussed further exploration of reforms to the global financial architecture, including the Bridgetown Initiative and to address the specific vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS

“They welcomed the renewal of CARIBCAN and discussed additional ways to bolster trade and investment between Canada and the region, including for a clean and green transition,” the communique said adding that the ministers underscored the need for collective and urgent action to combat climate change, including adequate climate financing for adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, and looked ahead to operationalizing the new loss and damage funding arrangement and fund

“Ministers called for new joint and innovative approaches to tackle food insecurity and escalating regional security challenges; highlighting the need to collectively address the challenge of migration in the region and the desire for improved mobility between CARICOM Member States and Canada ”

Regarding Haiti, the ministers acknowledged that the ongoing political and security crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country “is a humanitarian challenge and destabilizing influence in the region and that it must be addressed through coordinated international action and Haitian-led solutions

“They re-affirmed the need for a national, inclusive political dialogue to reduce tensions in Haiti and that collective efforts towards such a dialogue must continue Ministers summarized the key priorities for Haiti, including strengthening the security sector, supporting inclusive political dialogue, imposing targeted sanctions, and addressing humanitarian needs ”

The communique said that the meeting commended Canada’s coordination role with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the Haitian National Police to facilitate international security assistance to Haiti

“Canada welcomed CARICOM’s concrete action, including their efforts to support political dialogue, the recent appointment of an Eminent Persons Group, the extension of the Community’s good offices to the Government of Haiti and Haitian stakeholders, including the Kingston Talks hosted in Jamaica, and the offers to train Haitian police and service personnel

Ministers emphasized the need to maintain forward momentum and not lose sight of the daily impacts of the crisis on all Haitians ”

The meeting also agreed to continue working collaboratively towards the establishment of a permanent mechanism to deepen the strategic partnership between Canada and CARICOM, building on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, and addressing the ongoing political and security crisis in Haiti, the communique added

Brennan

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon Kamina Johnson Smith (right), converses with Canada’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Melanie Joly, enroute to the Hall of the Americas in Washington, D C. for the 53rd Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly - JIS Photo

Florida gas prices decline as Floridians prepare for a Independence Day road trip

Florida gas prices are declining as 2 45 million Floridians prepare to take a road trip for the Independence Day holiday weekend.

On Monday, Florida gas prices averaged $3 35 per gallon That is 6 cents less than the week before and the lowest daily average price in two weeks

“Florida gas prices have fallen about 12 cents per gallon throughout the past two weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group “Low oil prices have enabled gas prices to remain well below yearago levels However, strong demand has created some volatility throughout the past month Even if gas prices bounce higher again soon, Independence Day road trippers

will pay much less at the pump than they did last year ”

Florida gas prices averaged $4 54 per gallon on July 4, 2022 That amounts to $18 more for a full tank compared to what drivers are paying now

Notable historic gas price averages for Independence Day in Florida:

2022 – $4 54 (record high)

• 2021 – $3 01

• 2020 – $2 11 (Lowest since 2004)

• 2019 – $2 68

• 2014 – $3 60

Regional Prices

• Most expensive metro markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3 41), Naples ($3 45), Fort Lauderdale

Several people arrested for illegal street racing

($3 39)

• Least expensive metro markets –Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3 26), Pensacola ($3 29), Sebastian-Vero Beach ($3 30)

Ways to Save on Gasoline

Combine errands to limit driving time

• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community

• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card

• Remove excess weight in your vehicle Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent

• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy

The Miami-Dade Police Department and Homeland Security Bureau agents conducted an operation to combat illegal street takeovers This resulted in 11 arrests, including one 17-year-old Reports over the weekend are that various enforcement agencies collaborated to tackle unlawful street racing and were able to confiscate two firearms, impound four vehicles, and issue 17 citations in addition to the ten arrests

According to the arrest record, police were able to identify and capture Calix Green, Male, 39, after he fled at a high rate of speed from an officer during a traffic stop

According to a state law enacted in 2022, it is illegal to participate in street racing That includes takeovers, drag racing, donuts, burnouts, wheelies, drifting and other related activities that can create unsafe roadways

Food safety tips for 4th of July celebration

Whether you ’ re a grill master or a firsttime barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy 4th of July

“Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash their hands or use a food thermometer,” said United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr Emilio Esteban

“Show your family and friends that you ’ re a true grill master by cooking food to a safe temperature and washing your hands after handling raw meat and poultry,” Esteban added

Ensure your food is safe to eat this Fourth of July by following these food safety steps:

Clean: Scrub the grill clean before use. Clean utensils and plates before they touch food No access to a faucet? Carry bottled water, soap, and paper towels. Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Follow proper handwashing steps to stop bacteria from spreading from your hands to your meal. Make sure to wet your hands, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry

Separate: Avoid cross-contamination

Separate raw meat and vegetables by using different cutting boards. Place raw meat or poultry on one plate and cooked meat and poultry on another. Don’t use the same utensils to place raw meat and poultry on the grill and take cooked food off

Cook: Use food thermometers to ensure your grilled food is ready. Insert the thermometer through the side of the patty until the probe reaches the center. Color is never a reliable indicator of doneness. Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature by using a food thermometer:

Cook whole cuts of meat to 145 F with a three-minute rest time

Cook fish to 145 F

Cook ground meats to 160 F

Cook poultry (ground or whole) to 165 F Although frozen products may appear to be pre-cooked or browned, treat them as raw food and cook them thoroughly. Products labeled as “Cook and Serve,” “Ready to Cook” and “Oven Ready” must be cooked

Chill: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 F and 140 F — also known as the Danger Zone Perishable food should be consumed or refrigerated within two hours (one hour if outdoor temperatures are 90 F and above) With these safety guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious and healthy meals with your family and friends

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Jamaican artistes take stage at BET Awards during Busta Rhymes’ tribute

Jamaica’s culture was showcased at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday when popular Dancehall artistes Spice, Dexta Daps, Skillibeng, and Cutty Ranks performed during Busta Rhymes’ tribute

BET organizers honored Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr, for his contributions to music and black culture over the years

Last Friday, BET revealed that the 51-yearold rapper would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors industry pioneers who have profoundly influenced culture and the entertainment business

Busta Rhymes who is of Jamaican parentage, paid homage to his dancehall culture when recording artistes Dexta Daps, Spice, Skillibeng, and Cutty Ranks each took the stage with him

The audience got a taste of Jamaica’s culture from Dexta Daps’ “Shabba Madda Pot”,

The honorees were chosen from hundreds of nominations at a meeting conducted on June 16, 2023, and validated by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors on June 21, 2023, according to the selection panel’s announcement “The committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway,” Ellen K said

The proud Jamaican actress is included in the television category of honorees who are now known as the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024 Her compatriots in that category are Ken

Jeong, Eugene Levy, Mario Lopez, Jim Nantz, Michael Schur, Kerry Washington, and Raúl De Molina and Lili Estefan, co-hosts of the television show El Gordo y La Flaca

The motion pictures category comprises Chadwick Boseman (posthumous), Kevin Feige, Gal Gadot, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Meledandri, Chris Pine, Christina Ricci, and Michelle Yeoh

In the category recognizing musical recordings are Glen Ballard, Toni Braxton, Def Leppard, Charles Fox, Sammy Hagar, Brandy Norwood, Darius Rucker, Gwen Stefani, and Andre “Dr Dre” Young

Other honorees are Jane Krakowski and Otis Redding (posthumous) in the category of live theatre/live performance; Angie Martinez, radio; and Billie Jean King and Carl Weathers in

the sports entertainment category

This will not be the first time Ralph is recognized for her work as the Emmy-winning actress was among 143 Jamaicans highlighted at Jamaica’s National Awards ceremony late last year

She was invested with the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fifth-highest honor, for her contribution to the international film industry

Other awardees included five-time World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Culture, Entertainment, Sports, and Gender Minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange; the late business stalwart and founder of the Jamaica Money Market Brokers Ltd (JMMB), Joan Duncan; and renowned Jamaican jazz pianist, Monty Alexander

and Spice’s “So Mi Like It”, to Skillibeng’s “Whap Whap” and CuttyRanks’ “A Who Seh Me Dun (Wait Deh Man)

Swizz Beatz presented Busta Rhymes with the Lifetime Achievement Award, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest MCs, having had seven Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits

“Alright, imma wear it on my sleeve I do wanna cry,” Rhymes started his speech, as his eyes started to water He talked about his six children, being kicked out from his hip hop group Leaders of the New School, and learning how to rebuild by going into studios, sharing a cigar with whoever was in the studio, and “quickly whipping up a 16 bar verse By default, I pioneered the feature,” he said

The 2023 BET Awards which recognized black media and creatives in the various fields of music, film, and sports was held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California

Sheryl Lee Ralph fromA1

Spice and Busta Rhymes at the 2023 BET Awards

Jamaican rally driver Fraser McConnell stuns in season debut

Motorsports are experiencing a modern-day renaissance. Known as a “closed garden” the disciplines are now more accessible for those outside of the uber elite and as a result are beginning to captivate audiences around the world

Fraser McConnell has emerged in recent years as Jamaica’s first motorsport star

As the Nitro Cross 2023/24 season kicked into gear at the Mid America Outdoor Complex in Oklahoma, McConnell roared to an impressive start of the season, securing P1 — starting from the front of the pack for the race McConnell led the entire way After securing his first victory, the minted champion climbed on top of his car adorned in Jamaican black, green, and gold In what’s become a trademark celebration, he mimicked pulling an arrow back in tribute to a fellow speedster Usain Bolt

At 24 years old, McConnell is already a veteran driver, beginning his career in karting at just 8 years old “Go-kart was something very

new to me and something that spiked my interest, and I thought I could do well in it So about a month after that, we went out to Palisadoes (Go-Kart Track in Kingston) and started practicing,” McConnell told the Jamaica

Miami Gardens to dedicate football field in honor of NFL Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater

By CNW Sports

The City of Miami Gardens will be dedicating the football field at Bunche Park in honor of the professional athlete Teddy Bridgewater.

City of Miami Gardens officials, Teddy Bridgewater and his family, community leaders, sports enthusiasts, and admirers who have been deeply inspired by Mr Bridgewater’s professional journey will attend the ceremony

This will not only recognize Bridgewater’s skills on the football field but also celebrates the enduring commitment he and his family have demonstrated in giving back to the community that nurtured his dreams

Teddy Bridgewater, a professional athlete in the National Football League (NFL), is a skilled and talented quarterback who has captivated fans with his remarkable capabilities on the football field

“Teddy has exemplified the

of hard work, dedication, and giving back throughout his remarkable career. By dedicating this football field in his honor, we aim to celebrate his extraordinary achievements and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination,” said Mayor Rodney Harris.

Bridgewater, who played in his younger years in the Miami Gardens football program, began his journey to professional football at the University of Louisville, where he displayed his

effectiveness as a leader and playmaker He was later selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft and went on to make a significant impact in the league, earning accolades and admiration for his poise under pressure and his ability to rally his team

Currently, a respected member of the NFL community, Teddy Bridgewater’s passion, dedication, and undeniable talent continue to shine brightly as he inspires football enthusiasts around the nation

This ceremony is an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to Teddy Bridgewater’s remarkable legacy It serves as a powerful reminder to aspiring athletes and individuals that the path to success is paved with perseverance, commitment, and the willingness to make a positive impact on others

Gleaner in 2018 At 15, he climbed into his first rally car and the rest is history

In 2019 McConnell became the first Jamaican to win a rallycross event, earning a victory in the final of the ARX2 Rallycross

meets in Lexington, Ohio

It was a culmination of the instant competitiveness the upstart showed in his debut the year before Out the blocks, he was wheel to wheel with veterans years ahead of him experience-wise. He finished fourth in the FIA RX2 International Series the same year

The young talent one-upped himself in 2021 by defeating three-time FIA world champion Johan Kristoffersson at the RallyX Nordic in Nysum, Denmark It was enough to put the world on notice On top of his stunning results, his eye-catching driving style has made him a fast favorite McConnell’s deft precision and sublime race craft make many question where the man ends and the car begins

McConnell is also competing in Extreme E, an all-electric Rally competition that takes 10 teams of one male and one female driver each to the most remote corners of the planet where climate change is disproportionately severe McConnell represents Sir Lewis Hamilton’s x44 Vida Carbon Racing along with his Spanish driving partner Cristina Gutiérrez

Respect the point

Coach Hallgrimsson happy to share spoils with defending champs US

ByIanBurnettCNWSports

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz might have let the US off the hook by conceding a late equalizer but head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson believes his team should respect the point in the 1-1 draw as a positive result, all things considered in the opening game of the 17th CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament on Saturday

The Jamaicans, two-time CONCACAF Gold Cup finalist, went ahead early in the first half through defender Damion Lowe, only for substitute Brandon Vazquez to claim a very late equalizer to earn his side a share of the spoils at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois

Upon reflection, Jamaica’s Icelandic coach was philosophical “We kind of knew it was going to be intense I think we could have done a lot of things better than we did, but in general, we should be happy and respectful for this point

“We said before the game we would respect a point from the start and it’s a group so to have a point against the best team in the group, the highest ranked team in the group is always a good start,” he told the media in a pitchside interview

American Alan Sonora was the first player with a shot on goal, but Jamaica’s goalkeeping captain Andre Blake proved equal to the task However, it was Jamaica who took a shock lead on 13 minutes when Lowe met debutant Demarai Gray’s swerving freekick with a firm header past US goalkeeper Matt Turner

The freekick was awarded after Leon Bailey was fouled by Aidan Morris

The Reggae Boyz had a glorious chance to double their advantage when deep-playing midfielder Kevon Lambert was fouled with Aidan Morris’ high boot under his ribs and Mexican referee Cesar Ramos was left with no choice but to call a penalty in the 27th minute

However, Bailey muffed the chance as birthday boy Matt Turn threw himself to his left to parry the ball back to Bailey, who incredibly flashed his right-footed effort

wide of an empty goal

In the waning moments of the first half, Jordan Morris was played through on goal to face Blake, but the outstanding Jamaican proved his worth by deflecting behind for a corner

Blake was called on again in the second half with a kick save as the Americans threw everything into attack as they went in search of an equalizer

It came two minutes from regulation when Vazquez was perfectly placed to stab home a right-sided cross which deflected off Jamaica’s right wingback Dexter Lembikisa and into his path

“You don’t need to win the match if you qualify from the group, so I think we are of course not happy with conceding at the end of the game, but considering everything I think we should, even though it’s a little bit hard now, respect the point and at least take it as a positive rather than a negative,” Hallgrimsson said

“We more or less did what we should, we got a little bit passive as the game went on because we wanted to protect the 1-0, instead of playing on the front foot, and playing on the ground, we looked for the long balls, but when we played it on the ground we played much better than the long balls against the US

“So we talked about this at halftime but sometimes it happens in football you become passive, you go lower on the pitch and start to defend some positions, but overall we should be happy ”

values

SOCCER / CONCACAF GOLD CUP

Extreme E 2023: Scotland X-Prix MAY 13: Fraser McConnell (JAM), X44 Vida Carbon Racing, and Cristina Gutierrez (ESP), X44 Vida Carbon Racing, 1st position, take a sele with their team on the podium during the Scotland X-Prix on May 13, 2023. (Photo by Sam Bloxham LAT Images)

Bridgewater

Hallgrimsson