Caribbean National Weekly March 14, 2024

Prime Minister Ariel Hen

What's next for haiti?

Blinken attends high level talks in Jamaica

Haiti stands on the cusp of a new era in its political landscape following the announcement of Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation, marking a pivotal moment in th nation's trajectory. The announcement was made by Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Chairman of CARICOM and President of Guyana, on Monday after extensive discussions with regional leaders in Jamaica. Key takeaways from the meeting including the announcement from United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who declared an increase in the United States' commitment to Haiti

continues on A6 – Ariel Henry resigns

Understanding Vybz Kartel’s Privy Council appeal

Popular imprisoned dancehall artiste Adidja Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel, and his co-convicts: Shawn Campbell, or Shaw Storm; Kahira Jones; and Andre St John, will know their destiny on March 14th, when the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, the highest court of appeal for Jamaica and many Commonwealth countries, hands down its judgment in their murder appeal case

rehashing the details of the crime for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams ten years ago The issue in the appeal is whether their convictions are safe in light of the following grounds of challenge:

the allegations that there were attempts to bribe members of the jury during the trial? Should the jury have been discharged?

Was the judge wrong to invite the jury to reach a verdict late in the day, given the special circumstances of the case?

Uzra Zeya

The focus of this appeal is on evaluating the trial process for its legal soundness rather than

WHAT’S INSID

Canadian-Jamaican trailblazer Chelsea Zia pioneers path from ice rink to Google

• Should the trial judge have excluded the telecommunications evidence relied on by the prosecution?

• How should the judge have handled

During the trial in 2014, the appellants challenged the admissibility of phone evidence, arguing that its acquisition violated the

Interception of Communications Act and infringed upon the fundamental right to privacy of communication as guaranteed by the Jamaican Constitution Vybz Kartel’s lawyers also stated that the evidence was contaminated, as police had used the phone’s data Justice Lennox Campbell, who presided over the trial, also admitted that the phone evidence was compromised, but deemed the telecommunications evidence admissible

During the appeal, the defense argued that continues on A5 – Understanding the appeal

INTERPOL issues Red Notice for former Suriname President Desi Bouterse

IRAWMA to hono Rita Marley and Freddie McGregor

Caribbean ENTERTAINM SPORTS

Enhanced drug testing mandated for track and eld athletes from four nations

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CACG members Beulah, Dawn, Herman, Colleen, & Winston (back row), and Janice, Beverly, & Sybil (front row) pose for pictures on Carnival Horizon's Caribbean cruise on March 3-10

CACG (Caribbean American Cultural Group) President, Ms. Dawn Bloomfield poses for pictures on Carnival Horizon’s beauful ship

CACG (Caribbean American Cultural Group) member Yvonne hanging out with the captain aboard the

to

Legendary track star Daniel England (center), Hawkeye, Dr. Ruddock and Teddy Bailey taking a quick shot with Dr. C at his 59th birthday party held in Sunrse recently

Canadian-Jamaican trailblazer Chelsea Ziadie pioneers path from ice rink to Google

By Sheri-kae McLeod

Former professional ice hockey player

Chelsea Ziadie, who retired from the sport in 2020, is embracing the challenge of her major new role with corporate giant Google, where she was recently promoted to the position of Senior Account Manager, Google Customer Solutions

The Canadian born Ziadie- a Harvard graduate and daughter of former Jamaican soccer players Debbie Doyle Ziadie and the late Christopher Ziadie- also firmly believes that her life as a professional athlete has been instrumental in her newfound success in the corporate world, thanks to the “Rigorous discipline that being a pro athlete demands ”

In her new capacity, Ziadie now works on developing and executing business strategies for nearly 60 small to medium sized Google business accounts

“I specialize in growth in the retail and commerce sectors,” she says, “And in addition to my core role, I am also a Sales Inclusion Taskforce Ambassador as well as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pillar Lead- working with my colleagues to ensure that Google continues to prioritize and develop inclusivity and overall wellbeing for its employees across the organization ”

Prior to joining Google in 2021, Ziadie was also employed at Morgan Stanley as a Financial and Wealth Advisor Associate, managing accounts worth several million dollars

Her latest professional accomplishment is a far cry from her days as a rising star in the fast paced world of women ’ s ice hockey, in which she was deeply immersed for much of her life until stepping away some four years ago Yet according to Ziadie, “There’s no doubt in my mind that my ability to transfer many of the skills that I employed in my sport- leadership, tenacity, team building and empathy- assisted me in making the transition from the locker room to the boardroom In many ways, being

part of a professional sports team is the same as being part of a business organization- everyone has a role to play in helping the team to win ”

A career in professional sports- even temporarily- was perhaps always in the cards for Ziadie, considering her unique family background

A Family of Sports Stars

She was born in Montreal into a family of athletes In addition t having represented Ja the international level, Nicholas and Craig grandfather the late were all national soc Jamaica also Additio brother Ryan briefly career in ice hockey as

After spendin childhood years in J she moved with mother and broth back to Montreal There, she played soccer and ice hockey, ultimately going on to t h e p r e s t i g i o u s Hotchkiss School in Connecticut where she represented the institution in both sports as well as in track and field

As a teenager, she was a part of Team Quebec and Team Canada Under Women’s Hockey, win a bronze medal a Canada Winter Gam

2011 Moving on to Ha , she was part of the sch Varsity Ice Hockey became an Ivy Le

Champion and was awarded several accolades during her four year college sojourn, including the 2018 MVP Award- all while pursuing her BA Degree in Sociology and Economics

It was in 2018 after graduating from Harvard that she signed her first professional ice hockey contract with the Metropolitan Riveters in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association (PWHPA) Sh ld i i h he league ce hockey Morgan xperience nvaluable asking ake up at anhattan w Jersey he recalls, y to start rk as a nal in the rld My nce both was due t o m y nd time t skills, e to serve oday ” ely, she e from the o years in when the on was e to covid d for over ars she t amidst inty, the come to er skates r, she is y to note

the changes that have taken place in the sport in the years since her retirement

“The sport was -and still is- a growing one for women in North America, and at that time the financial support unfortunately wasn’t available to compensate players sufficiently for us to make it a full time profession So I chose to step back to focus fully on my business career But I’m happy to see that as the popularity of the sport has increased, so have the contracts that players can now negotiate And I’m hopeful that the trend continues so that ice hockey will become yet another sport that young girls can aspire to actually earn a living from ”

She remains grateful for the role that professional sports has played in enhancing her personal and professional lives, in much the same way it did for her parents

“My parents have always been my greatest role models and I saw firsthand how they applied the lessons they learnt as sporting professionals to the careers they undertook afterwards They were my biggest motivators as I pursued my own athletic endeavors My mom is still my number one cheerleader and although my dad passed away in late 2022, I still feel his presence encouraging me constantly, urging me to stay focused and to go for my goals ”

For now, her current goal is to apply her lifelong commitment to excellence to her new role at Google

“Working at Google has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with truly creative thinkers and growth oriented individuals,” she says “One area that I will continue to focus on while here is the blending of my finance background with my new experience in tech, which I hope will ultimately lead to my working on the Google Growth fund ”

Chelsea Ziadie

Caribbean News

Jamaica to accommodate less than 50 Haitian orphans

US pledges $100 million for multinational force to Haiti

Bahamas reiterates non-participation in CARICOM free movement agreement

INTERPOL issues Red Notice for former Suriname President Desi Bouterse

Suriname former president Desi Bouterse finds himself under intensified scrutiny as the International Police (INTERPOL) has added him to its Red Notice list.

This development comes nearly three months subsequent to Bouterse’s sentencing to a 20-year jail term for murder

The Red Notice designation includes Bouterse’s photo along with descriptive details of his age and appearance

The move follows an arrest notice issued by Suriname police on January 17, signaling a concerted effort to bring the convicted former president to justice

A ‘Red Notice’ serves as an official call to law enforcement agencies worldwide, urging them to locate and temporarily detain the individual specified, pending legal actions such as extradition or surrender

This notice stems from an arrest or court

order issued by judicial authorities in the requesting country

Despite these concerted efforts, Bouterse’s whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery

His failure to honor a scheduled appointment in January to report to the Santo Boma prison, just south of the capital, Paramaribo, only adds to the intrigue surrounding his evasion of justice

Bouterse’s legal battles have been protracted and convoluted Notably absent during the Court of Justice ruling in December last year, he lodged an appeal against his conviction

This verdict, originally pronounced in August 2021, affirmed a 20-year jail sentence initially handed down by a military court in 2019

The trial, which spanned several years, implicated Bouterse and 23 co-defendants in the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 individuals, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and university lecturers

Prosecutors alleged that the victims were apprehended on the nights of December 7 and 8, then subjected to torture and summarily executed at Fort Zeelandia, the former headquarters of the Surinamese National Army

While three of Bouterse’s co-convicted retired soldiers have reported to prison, his bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel, remains at large, evading a 15-year sentence

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has escalated its pursuit of Bouterse and Dijksteel by initiating Interpol involvement

Additionally, they have called upon the public to provide any pertinent information regarding their whereabouts, directing individuals with relevant knowledge to contact the Military Police Criminal Investigation Department

Amidst these legal maneuvers, the National Democratic Party (NDC), led by Bouterse, asserts that his trial was politically motivated and orchestrated by the Netherlands

Woman and child fatally shot at Belmopan Market Day Plaza in Belize

In an incident that unfolded at the Belmopan Market Day Plaza in Belize, law enforcement officials have detained an individual following the tragic shooting of a woman and a child in broad daylight on Tuesday

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Suzette Anderson, confirmed the devastating deaths A chilling video circulated on social media depicted the aftermath, revealing a woman motionless on the ground and a young girl lying in the pan of a pickup truck

The footage also captured a bloodied boy, screaming in agony from the gunshot wounds inflicted upon him

According to an eyewitness who spoke on television, the family was enjoying a moment together, indulging in ice cream when the tranquility shattered with the sound of gunfire

Recounting the harrowing scene, the witness described how the assailant pursued the woman, firing shots relentlessly

The chaos escalated as the gunman targeted the children, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake Assistant Commissioner Anderson provided grim details, confirming the identities of the deceased The victims, believed to be from the Netherlands, were a mother and her two children

Reports are that the 11-year-old girl and her mother succumbed to their injuries, while the eight-year-old boy fights for his life in the hospital The authorities swiftly acted, detaining the suspected shooter, identified as a Haitian American residing in Belize

The individual, purportedly the owner of a resort in the Belmopan area, was apprehended along with the firearm used in the heinous act

Cuba expands scholarship opportunities for Jamaicans

In a bid to enhance educational opportunities and foster bilateral relations, the Cuban Government has announced an extension of the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Medical Scholarship Programme

Effective September, more Jamaican students will benefit from scholarships offered in various fields, including nursing, medicine, and engineering

During the eighth CARICOM-Cuba Summit held in Barbados in December 2022, Cuba pledged to amplify its scholarship provision to Caribbean nations, including Jamaica

According to Fermin Gabriel Quiñones Sánchez, Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, the number of scholarships has surged significantly

Previously, around six to seven scholarships were available annually, but now, the offering has expanded to 21 for the year 2024

The scholarship programme is not solely based on a first-come-first-serve basis but emphasizes selecting candidates committed to returning to Jamaica to serve the nation

Ambassador Sánchez highlighted the collaborative effort in identifying suitable candidates from diverse communities across Jamaica, ensuring the best fit for the programme ’ s objectives

To commemorate this year ’ s scholarship recipients, the Cuban Embassy is planning a special ceremony, tentatively scheduled for

April

Notably, the ceremony will feature testimonies from Cuba-trained Jamaican doctors and other Cuban graduates, providing insights into the Cuban educational experience and offering guidance to new scholars

Under the full scholarship, Cuba covers tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials, and medical care, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Caribbean education initiatives

Ambassador Sánchez emphasized Cuba’s dedication to fostering educational exchanges, allowing students not only to explore Cuba’s rich culture and history but also to learn the Spanish language

In addition to scholarships, individuals have the option to pursue studies in Cuban universities through self-financed programmes

Annually, approximately 100 Jamaican students avail themselves of this opportunity, further enhancing educational collaboration between the two nations

The expanded scholarship programme between Jamaica and Cuba signifies a deeper commitment to educational advancement and international cooperation

By providing comprehensive support and fostering cultural exchange, both nations aim to nurture future leaders and strengthen bonds between their peoples

Investigations are underway as law enforcement endeavors to unravel the motive behind this senseless violence

As news of the tragedy reverberates through the community, newly elected Mayor Pablo Cawich expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “ an unfortunate event” and offering heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family

Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño conveyed his condolences to the families of Stephanie Lindo and Oswald Garbutt, who tragically lost their lives in a separate incident Mrs Lindo-Garbutt, employed as the City Administrator, leaves behind a profound legacy, her absence keenly felt by all who knew her

Bouterse

Women in the region still facing challenges to equality, says CARICOM Secretary-General

By Joanne Clark

The Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett on Friday highlighted the ongoing challenges facing women in the Caribbean region, despite celebrating strides towards gender equality

In a message marking International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” she said that Caribbean countries this year should celebrate the progress made towards gender equality and women ’ s empowerment

While acknowledging the advancements in gender-responsive initiatives across member states, Barnett underscored the persistent gender disparities

She noted data indicating fewer women earning incomes compared to men, the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women and girls, and the prevalence of gender-based violence

Barnett attributed these challenges to entrenched cultural beliefs and norms perpetuating social inequalities

The call for enhanced gender machinery

Barnett stressed the importance of investing in strengthening regional and national gender machinery to foster progress

Emphasizing the need for inclusive social and economic policies, she urged collective efforts from both women and men toward achieving gender equality

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-

General Antonio Guterres echoed the celebration of women’s achievements globally while acknowledging the formidable obstacles they face

Guterres commended women and girls for their contributions in breaking stereotypes and driving towards a more equitable world

Despite progress, Guterres highlighted the persistent epidemic of violence against women and the enduring dominance of male-dominated power structures

He emphasized the urgency of accelerating progress, expressing concern over the projected timeline for achieving legal equality

Guterres called for increased support for women ’ s organizations, investment in

programs to combat violence against women, and the promotion of women ’ s leadership across various sectors

The imperative of financial support

Guterres underscored the necessity of unlocking finance for sustainable development to facilitate investments in women and girls

He advocated for greater representation of women in leadership roles within business, finance, and governmental institutions to drive gender-responsive policies and programs

Guterres emphasized that promoting women ’ s rights is essential for building fair, peaceful, and prosperous societies, urging collective action toward realizing this goal

Understanding the appeal fromA1

its inclusion may have been legally flawed and affirmed that the evidence was obtained in violation of local laws They sought to establish a precedent for handling unlawfully obtained telecommunications evidence

The Privy Council panel had the opportunity to examine whether the phone evidence was central to the conviction and whether the conviction would still have been reached without it

Issue of jury tampering

Additionally, jury tampering emerged as a major point of concern during the appeal

During the 64-day trial, the judge was alerted to an allegation that a juror had attempted to bribe others by offering $500,000 JMD for a specific verdict After investigating the allegation and consulting with counsel for both the prosecution and defense, the judge opted to continue the trial without dismissing the jury or the implicated juror The juror was later found guilty

Questions were raised about the trial judge’s handling of the bribery issue and whether enough attention was given to mitigate any potential prejudice Thus, the panel must determine whether the interference has compromised the entire jury’s impartiality and rendered the conviction unjustifiable

Arguments have also revolved around whether dismissing the entire jury upon discovering the bribery was warranted and the impact of such a decision on the trial’s integrity

Is a fair trial possible for Vybz Kartel?

In the event of convictions being overturned, the prosecution expressed its desire for a retrial, emphasizing the importance of considering the decisions made by the Jamaican Court of Appeal, which is most familiar with the Jamaican legal system

But the appellants’ lawyers countered the notion of a retrial, asserting that the passage of time and the high-profile nature of the case have made a fair trial unfeasible

To free “World Boss” or not? That’s the question

Barnett

Ariel Henry resigns

Blinken revealed that the U S would double its contribution, pledging an extra US$100 million for the multinational security force, which is yet to be dispatched to the French-speaking nation An additional US$33 million would be allocated for the humanitarian needs of Haitians, specifically health and food security

At the high-level meeting, it was also decided that a transitional presidential council will be set up in Haiti

President Ali outlined the structure and responsibilities of the transitional council, emphasizing its pivotal role in appointing an interim prime minister and overseeing preparations for a national election to select a new government leader

The transitional presidential council will consist of seven voting members representing Haitian political parties and the private sector, alongside two non-voting observers from civil society and the interfaith community

Notably, individuals facing charges, indictments, or convictions in any jurisdiction, as well as those under United Nations (UN) sanctions or intending to stand in Haiti's upcoming election, are excluded from participation

“The transitional presidential council will, together, with the interim prime minister, appoint an inclusive council of ministers The transitional presidential council will hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until the elected government is established,” Ali said

Ariel Henry, who has been de-facto prime minister since 2021, confirmed his decision to resigning in a video statement, saying, “The government will step down immediately following

the establishment of this Council and will continue to manage current affairs until the appointment of a Prime Minister and formation of a new government I express gratitude to the Haitian people for the opportunity to serve our nation with integrity, wisdom, and honor ”

Henry finds himself still stranded in Puerto Rico as gang violence ravages the country, with its airports shuttered amid escalating attacks

The gang attacks began Feb 29, when Henry was in Kenya to push for the U N -backed deployment of a Kenyan police force The deployment has been temporarily suspended

“My concern is that the longer there is a power vacuum and

fromA1

an effort to figure out a way forward on the political side, every day that delays resolutions, many, many people are dying,” said William O'Neill, the U N 's independent expert on human rights in Haiti

Armed men in the capital of Port-au-Prince have set fire to police stations and stormed the country's two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates Among those who fled are gang leaders of at least seven communities, according to a new report by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, known as BINUH

As of March 10, gunmen attacked, looted or torched at least 30 state institutions, more than 600 homes and private businesses and nearly 500 public and private vehicles, BINUH said Gangs also have attacked neighborhoods in a rampage that has left scores dead and more than 15,000 homeless More than 130 people were killed between Feb 27 and March 8 Meanwhile, at least 40 gang members were killed between Feb 29 and March 10, according to BINUH

“This is absolutely catastrophic,” O'Neill said “I describe Port-au-Prince now as an open-air prison There is no way to get out: land, air or sea The airport is still not functioning ” By Tuesday, the attacks were subsiding, with some businesses and banks reopening, although schools and gas stations remained closed. Public transportation restarted, and more Haitians could be seen Wednesday going about their business While some activity has resumed, many people are still concerned that gangs might resume their attacks

Kenya halts police deployment to Haiti amid escalating crisis

Kenya has decided to postpone its plans to dispatch police to strife-torn Haiti as part of a UN-backed multinational initiative, citing the escalating chaos in the Caribbean nation

The decision, disclosed by Korir Sing’oei, the principal secretary for foreign affairs, underscores the significant shift in circumstances following the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry amidst escalating gang violence

Sing’oei highlighted the critical absence of a functional political administration in Haiti, stating, “Without a political administration in Haiti, there is no anchor on which a police deployment can rest ”

Sing’oei added that as a result, the Kenyan government has opted to await the establishment of a new constitutional authority in Haiti before making any further decisions regarding the deployment

Despite the temporary halt in deployment plans, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to providing leadership within the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission framework

The MSS initiative, sanctioned by the UN Security Council in October last year, aims to address the escalating security crisis in Haiti

In response to Kenya’s announcement, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concerns about potential delays but

remained optimistic about the mission’s progress

However, Kenya’s deployment plans have encountered legal obstacles, with the country’s High Court ruling in January that the National Security Council lacks the authority to deploy police officers abroad without a reciprocal agreement

Although a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Haiti was reached on March 1, allowing for police deployment, opposition figures have pledged to challenge the decision

Despite this, Kenya’s commitment to contributing up to 1,000 personnel to support stability efforts in Haiti has been met with

approval from the United States and other nations involved in the multinational initiative

The decision to postpone police deployment comes amidst a worsening crisis in Haiti, with reports of escalating violence, rampant looting by armed gangs, and growing concerns about a looming humanitarian catastrophe

The turmoil has underscored the urgent need for concerted international efforts to restore stability and address the root causes of the crisis in the Caribbean nation

Women must refuse to be marginalized

From a modern perspective, it's still a concern women continue to be marginalized despite attempts in recent years to focus on women's issues and to liberalize the female gender

Along with frequent news of violent domestic abuse of women, and their sexual harassment in the workplace, several other issues keep demeaning women, placing them at a distinct disadvantage in society

Although much progress has been made over the years, women continue to be primary victims of social marginalization; inequality in wages and salaries compared to men; being impregnated and abandoned; taken by granted as the domestic head of household – the children keeper, cook, washer and cleaner; and despite many achievements and accomplishments internationally, women are still perceived as the weaker of the two genders

The negative way women are treated in several circumstances can only be interpreted as bigotry not unlike racial bigotry

A closer study of the perpetual bigotry against, and the plight of, women globally may be found rooted in several religions Most religions portray women as the submissive and dominated gender The male is portrayed as the dominant gender, and natural leader of the family, and society

In historical religiosities, including Christianity, women were not allowed to speak, nor given the opportunity to express their views in the church or among their menfolk In some societies, up to this day, women had to be fully clothed from head to toe; they couldn't vote, work outside the home, seek political office, and so on

The Western world has in most instances transited from what is now interpreted as archaic beliefs But this transition isn't complete There are still relatively few women leaders in traditional Christian churches It's still exceptional for a woman to lead her country

politically When this occurs, her electoral success is heralded as particularly historical Here in the US, even after 247 years of independence, there has never been a female president, and only in 2020 was a woman vicepresident elected for the first time

If women are to be truly liberated; if they are to effectively penetrate the maledominated world, they need to act more courageous consistently to assert their rights. If only just a few women show the courage to stand up and address these issues periodically, women generally will not effectively overcome male dominance either in the home, workplace, or general society

Women continue to be marginalized and placed into secondary situations, despite having the unique power of giving birth As mothers, women continue to replenish the world If women have this awesome, unique power why are they being marginalized?

A more profound question is why some women continue to allow themselves to be marginalized It's ironic that when one analyses the data related to college and high school graduates, it's found that women consistently outdo men Here in the US the drop-out rate of men from colleges is consistently higher than women

If women have strong intellectual capabilities, why do the overwhelming majority, despite the advocacy of feminist organizations, sit complacently, seemingly helpless, to be dominated by men? Why do some women fear if they challenge the male dominance of their environment they will be ostracized? Instead of taking the reins of leadership, there is a tendency for some women to defer their burning issues to men to find solutions. Women, generally, tend to wait for men to invite them to the table to share power rather than seeking to share this power on their own accord

Pertaining to the serious issue of sexual harassment of women in the workplace, there are instances where women have been harassed for years But for all these years women remained mostly silent about the perpetrators of the harassment It was only in recent years very courageous women decided to come out,

expose their own harassment, and make accusations Now, a plethora of women who endured similar harassment without previous complaints are stepping forward to accuse their male harassers This has proven a victory of sorts for women, effectively resulting in them being treated with more respect at the workplace

If women are to be truly liberated; if they are to effectively penetrate the male-dominated world, they need to act more courageous consistently to assert their rights

If only just a few women show the courage to stand up and address these issues periodically, women generally will not effectively overcome male dominance either in the home, workplace, or general society

Women should be aware some men do welcome, and genuinely respect and admire women who challenge them mentally and challenge their dominance in several aspects of society Ironically, some men don't respect women who allow themselves to be dominated and portray weakness when situations get testy

In commemorating this Women's Month, it should be borne out that the issues that beset women shouldn't be left to men to solve or correct Women can fulfill their natural role as mothers, wives, and comforters, while mutually sharing leadership with men in the home, workplace, and society In most situations, women have similar rights as men More women need to be aware of and fight for, these rights and refuse to be marginalized

Why is March called Womens Month?

March is celebrated as Women's History

Month to honor and highlight the contributions, achievements, and struggles of women throughout history The observance of Women's History Month traces its roots back to the early 20th century when International Women's Day was first established in 1911 However, it wasn't until 1987 that the United States officially recognized March as Women's History Month

The designation of March as Women's History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the often overlooked and marginalized roles that women have played in shaping societies, cultures, and economies worldwide It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights, while also acknowledging the progress that has been made Throughout Women's History Month, various events, programs, and initiatives are organized to honor the achievements of women in various fields, including politics, science, literature, arts, sports, and activism It's a time to reflect on the contributions of women who have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations

By dedicating an entire month to women's history, society can raise awareness about the challenges women have faced historically and continue to face today It also provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds and cultures, ensuring that their stories are preserved and celebrated for generations to come

Why Caribbean American women should take the lead in estate planning

By Renee Kendall

A wise man once said “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children ” But, what does this mean for the many families that are headed by women?

Within the Caribbean diaspora population, there are more households headed by women than men However, most of these very women do not have an estate plan in place, though it is particularly important for them and their families

Here are a few key reasons why.

Women often bear the weight of responsibility with regards to financial, physical, emotional and all other areas of care taking These responsibilities will include our aging parents, spouses, children, adult siblings and other extended family

There is often no one left to take over the immense level of responsibility we carry during our lifetime and a wealth of information can die with us, leaving our loved ones “uncovered ”

Statistically, women outlive men, so proper estate planning is more important for the surviving spouse, who will likely be the woman Estate planning is of even greater importance for women living with men to whom they may not be legally married, since there is limited protection under the law for the surviving women, in such circumstances

Consider the following common scenario: An elderly person, living alone, becomes increasingly confused or forgetful as they age They begin to neglect bills, medical appointments and basic security measures like locking their front doors Their adult child, usually a daughter, steps in to help mom or dad and is met with great resistance

Without proper planning, your mom ’ s bank, union, landlord or mortgage lender does not have to talk to you, even if you explain that your mom is sick, becomes confused, or is unable to handle her own affairs So

how can you help or avoid the above scenario? An estate plan

What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is a detailed description of a set of instructions you give during your lifetime about what you want done with your assets in the event of your death, or should you become ill or incapacitated, or as you age An estate plan can include a will, a trust or a living will, but should also include some important tools like a Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy designations

What an estate plan is not?

Purchasing life insurance, listing a beneficiary on your bank accounts or telling someone in the family, “When I die, the house is yours,” is not an estate plan While taking any of these actions may be a good idea, they cannot replace a well written and well thought out estate plan, because they can leave family members uncovered in cases of emergencies, at the mercy of lengthy court proceedings or fighting among each other about who is entitled to what

What’s more, the actions above do not include the often-overlooked

Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney is a document whereby one person can empower another to act on their behalf in the event of illness, incapacity or absence

A Power of Attorney can be a valuable tool for someone who is taking care of an elderly parent or loved one, when properly planned and

Women are the smart ones

March is Women’s Month, and, accordingly, the outstanding achievements of women especially over recent decades are highly applauded

It’s somewhat ironic that even as the world commemorates the achievements of women, in Jamaica there is a prevailing conversation pertaining to the integrity of some women The conversation relates to several incidences of fraud committed in financial institutions by women, most of whom held positions of high authority

This conversation, which has spread to social media, implies the rapid incidences of fraud in these financial institutions, and the vast sums involved, which means women have become more prone to fraud than men

This, of course, is nonsense While there have been cases of women involved in bank fraud, it’s not a widespread phenomenon or a gender-specific issue

Somehow, historically, some women have had a reputation for being “bad” Turning to Biblical history, women like Eve, Delilah, and Jezebel have been pointed out for their sinful ways, but the same book is filled throughout with evil men, including kings, judges, and prophets

What has happened in the modern world is women have developed in several areas to challenge and even replace men as leaders

The days are rapidly disappearing when women are expected to be docile homemakers, taking care of various domestic duties, and being ready at instant notice to satisfy their man ’ s sexual desires Modern women are adamantly casting off this perception of servitude

Women have been steadily outshining men academically and in the workplace More women have risen to positions of management, and are more profiled Unfortunately, some women in authority and in sensitive roles where they have access to large sums of money give into temptation and commit fraud But this doesn’t apply to all women

Fraud is committed by individuals of any gender Reasons for committing fraud vary widely but include factors like greed, desperation, opportunity, or even pressure from others

It’s also important to consider the social and economic context in which bank fraud occurs Jamaica, like many other countries, faces various economic and social challenges, like poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which creates fertile ground for fraud and other forms of criminal activity

executed It can enable you to conduct banking, contact government agencies or handle your affairs for an aging parent, even in cases when that parent lives ‘back home’ in a Caribbean country

The Caribbean diaspora and estate planning

The Caribbean diaspora is a multinational organism, which means that we are likely to have family members, property, assets, bank accounts and other affairs, in both the countries where we currently reside, and also in our native or home countries

So, what happens when a person with multinational interests dies without an estate plan in place? And how does a surviving loved one begin to settle an estate that may be scattered or concealed?

The answer is that loved ones are left scrambling, because settling an estate will often require tracking down immediate family members and obtaining copies of birth records, marriage records, land deeds or bank statements – any or all of which could be in one or several other countries The circumstances can turn what should be a time for grieving and reflection, into a multinational scavenger hunt, amidst squabbling families The result is chaos amidst sadness

What should you do?

A woman who is the head of a household should create a plan for herself, her aging parents or in-laws, as well as for her spouse or partner Why? Because failure to plan will fall squarely on her shoulders or that of her children Proper planning is key to avoiding the chaos and frustrations described above

While there are cases of women involved in bank fraud in Jamaica or elsewhere, it’s inaccurate to generalize and make assumptions based on gender It’s important to examine the specific circumstances and factors that lead individuals to engage in such illegal activities

Turning to the United States, as attention gradually turned to the 2024 presidential elections, the announced candidacy of former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has spawned the continuance of the conversation as to the possibility of a woman being elected US president

There are people, including women, who believe the US will never elect a woman president

It’s a shame women have historically faced gender bias and discrimination in several fields, including politics This has made it more difficult for some women to be taken as serious candidates for such a high office as the US president, although many have made it to the US Congress, and hold very prominent positions elsewhere in the public and private sectors As seen in the context of bank frauds in Jamaica, women are sometimes judged more harshly than men for the same behaviors or mistakes, and, mistakenly, are perceived as less competent or authoritative in certain roles

One must only look at the negative public backlash Vice President Kamala Harris has attracted during her tenure in this position since January 2021 Some rightly believe she hasn’t been given a fair chance to succeed, and certainly not the chance if she was a man

Despite evidence of the increase of women in representational politics, women are nonetheless underrepresented in local, state, and national government There are not sufficient women willing to enter into the political fray This results in fewer women with the experience and qualifications to run for as high an office as the US presidency Plus, there are systemic obstacles, like the gender pay gap and lack of access to political networks, making it more difficult for women to enter politics

There are also persistent cultural stereotypes and attitudes making it difficult for women to seek and win US presidential office These stereotypes include the perception women are too soft, too weak, to handle the demands of the office

As another Women’s Month is commemorated, it would be a great achievement if the world removes its negative perception of women It is a fact that women have entered previously prohibited areas Women are making great strides because they are smart human beings It is this smartness that has them joining and even replacing, men in several areas

As women continue to rise, hopefully, some won’t taint the general image of women by committing nefarious deeds, and others won’t give in to the perception they cannot efficiently handle high positions like the president of the United States

Community & the Diaspora

Jamaican sex offender arrested by ICE in Connecticut

Disney World offers discounted tickets to Florida residents

Miami leaders gather to celebrate Women’s History Month with YOVE and ACDN

10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to take place in June

The eagerly anticipated 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference is slated to take place from June 16 to 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James

Under the resonating theme of ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,’ the event promises to be a beacon of collaboration and inspiration

Minister Johnson Smith’s announcement Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon Kamina Johnson Smith, made the disclosure during Friday’s (March 8) internal stakeholders launch for the event at the Ministry’s offices in downtown Kingston

In her address from the Ministry’s offices in

downtown Kingston, she emphasized the theme’s relevance in today’s fractured global landscape Minister Johnson Smith underscored the significance of unity, highlighting the imperative of collaboration between Jamaica and its diaspora

She expressed enthusiasm for the conference, noting its pivotal role in fostering tangible outcomes aligned with the National Diaspora Policy

With this year ’ s event marking the first inperson conference since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Johnson Smith anticipates a surge of energy and engagement

She emphasized the importance of finalizing the Action Plan, signaling a

commitment to translating discussions into concrete initiatives

State Minister in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Hon Alando Terrelonge, echoed Minister Johnson Smith’s sentiments, emphasizing the timeliness and importance of the upcoming conference

The Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference serves as a vital platform for connecting Jamaicans worldwide It aims to strengthen linkages, foster alliances, and propel the island’s growth and development on the international stage

With the 10th conference on the horizon, anticipation mounts for the transformative discussions and initiatives that lie ahead

Antiguan man pleads guilty in US court for involvement in illegal gambling ring

An Antiguan man on Tuesday pleaded guilty in a US federal court in Boston to his involvement in a large-scale illegal gambling business

The US Justice Department (DOJ) disclosed that Richard Sullivan, a 74-year-old resident of St John’s, Antigua, confessed to running an illicit gambling business and transmitting wagering information

The DOJ outlined that Sullivan, along with his three co-conspirators – Todd Lyons, Robert Eremian, and Daniel Eremian – orchestrated the operations of Sports Offshore, an illegal

gambling enterprise that spanned from Massachusetts to Florida

Reports are that the operation utilized various channels including an Internet site and a toll-free telephone line registered in Antigua to cater to customers in the United States

The ring also employed approximately 50 gambling agents in the United States, who solicited hundreds of customers and collected gambling debts, forwarding the illegal gambling proceeds to Antigua

To conceal their illicit dealings, Sullivan and his associates resorted to creating

numerous fictitious entities lacking any legitimate business purpose

These entities served as conduits for laundering the proceeds amassed through the illegal gambling venture By doing so, they aimed to evade detection by authorities monitoring financial transactions associated with Sports Offshore

The illegal gambling operation amassed a staggering sum, with Sullivan and his associates collecting over $22 million

Reports are that they also laundered more than $10 million through a complex web of

cheques and wire transfers

US District Court Judge Patti Saris has slated Sullivan’s sentencing for March 28, 2024 Sullivan faces a potential prison term of up to five years, along with a fine of up to $250,000 for operating an illegal gambling business

Additionally, the charge of transmission of wagering information carries a sentence of up to two years in prison, and up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000

Johnson Smith

Miami Beach sees influx of tourists for Spring Break

By Joanne Clark

Amidst the vibrant buzz of Spring Break, Miami Beach stands fortified with heightened security measures, showcasing a collaborative effort among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies

The first high-impact weekend of the season witnessed an allhands-on-deck approach to maintain order and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike

With a concerted effort, law enforcement authorities have converged on Miami Beach to oversee the seamless execution of Spring Break festivities

Their presence underscores a proactive stance in upholding public safety and preserving the tranquil essence of the city’s renowned beaches Miami Beach Police reported approximately 100 arrests, encompassing incidents from the previous weekend as well

These arrests, characterized by standard charges and motives, reflect a typical enforcement response

Overall, authorities affirm that the situation remains under control, with no significant deviations from the anticipated norms

Residents and visitors can anticipate a structured routine every Thursday through Sunday throughout March Enhanced security protocols, including curfews, DUI checkpoints, and heightened vigilance, underscore a proactive approach to maintaining order amidst the celebratory atmosphere

In a bid to enhance pedestrian safety, barricades line Ocean Drive, mitigating the risk of vehicular accidents

Additionally, sidewalk seating along Ocean Drive has been

Disciplinary Actions from

A5

with lapses in supervisory oversight and procedural errors during shift changes, painted a picture of systemic issues that extend beyond the incident itself

Despite this setback, the Prime Minister expressed continued trust in the police force’s leadership and its capacity to enforce accountability and uphold standards

This incident has also prompted a critical evaluation of the leadership dynamics within the South St George Police Station, signaling an intent to fortify leadership structures and prevent future oversights

In response to the escape, a sweeping review of cell infrastructure across all police stations has been initiated

This comprehensive approach aims to enhance security measures,

temporarily suspended during specific weekends in March, further fortifying safety precautions in high-traffic areas

As the weekend unfolds, Miami Beach authorities advise residents and travelers to brace for significant traffic congestion on EB MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways on Saturday evening

This advisory serves as a proactive measure to manage traffic flow and ensure smooth transit amidst heightened Spring Break activities

Amidst the jubilant fervor of Spring Break, Miami Beach remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for all, exemplifying a harmonious balance between celebratory exuberance and vigilant security measures

including the fortification of cell doors, the integration of self-contained cell clusters, and the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies These initiatives reflect a proactive stance towards mitigating risks and enhancing the safety and security of both the public and those in custody

The Prime Minister also addressed the broader issues of police station infrastructure and public support for law enforcement

Acknowledging the dilapidated state of many facilities, he committed to significant investments in modernizing these spaces

Moreover, in the face of heightened public concern regarding crime and policing, he urged for constructive engagement and support for the police, emphasizing the role of community cooperation in maintaining safety and order

Miami Dialysis Center employee accused of stealing over $122,000 from business

An employee of a Miami dialysis center has been apprehended on multiple charges, accused of orchestrating fraudulent transactions resulting in the misappropriation of over $122,000 from the business

Paola Alexandra Orozco, 45, was arrested on Tuesday

Charges include grand theft, organized fraud, and 27 counts of making false entries on the books of a corporation, as per MiamiDade jail records

Initially hired as a financial controller for Kidney Spa at 1401 Southwest 1st Street on August 24, 2023, Orozco allegedly began her illicit activities within just two months of employment, as stated in an arrest report

Assigned responsibilities encompassed preparing financial reports, supervising accounting operations, scrutinizing financial data, and managing financial transactions

According to the report, invoices from a vendor, varying in amounts, were regularly received by the center, and typically approved by Kidney Spa’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

However, suspicions arose on Monday when Orozco purportedly generated an invoice amounting to $6,583 88 from the vendor, a task typically undertaken by another employee

This prompted the CFO to delve into Orozco’s invoicing activities using the vendor’s information

Upon investigation, the CFO discovered numerous invoices traced back to October were directed to Orozco’s personal bank account, totaling a loss of $122,288 81 for Kidney Spa

Following her arrest, Orozco was booked into jail

Appearing before a judge on Wednesday, she was granted a $15,000 bond and assigned a public defender

The

net

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, Lourdes Rodriguez Rodriguez Architects, Inc , 2121 (lourdes@rodriguezarchitects com) Ponce De Leon Blvd. Suite-1010, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Questions will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Answers will only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: (Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center): Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10:00 a m local time, at Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center, 955 SE 18th Avenue, Homestead, FL 33035 There will be a sign-in period from 10:00 a m. to 10:15 a m Potential bidders arriving after the fifteen (15) minute sign-in period will not be alowed to participate in this solicitation. Proposals submitted by firms not represented at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference wll not be considered

Scope Description: New Addition. For specific scope related nformation, please refer to the contract documents

BOARD POLICIES:

Cone of Silence

A Cone of Silence, pursuant to shall commence with the issuance of this Legal Advertisement and shall terminate at the time the item is presented by the Superintendent to the appropriate Board committee immedately Board Policy 6325, prior to the Board meeting at which the Board wll award or approve a contract, reject al bids or responses, or take any other action that ends the solicitation and review process Any vioation of this rule shall be investigated by the Boards Inspector General and shall resut in the dsqualification of the potential applicant from the compettive solicitaton process, rejection of any recommendation for award, or the revocation of an award to the vendor as being void, rendering void any previous or prior awards The potential vendor or vendors representative determined to have violated this rule, shal be subject to debarment

General questions regarding the legal advertsement will be sent to the Office of Capital Improvement Projects via email at and a copy filed with the Clerk of the School Board at who shal ocip@dadeschools net, celiarubio@dadeschools net, make copes available to the public upon request

Lobbyist

Lobbyist requirements, pursuant to shall be applicabe to this solicitation and all proposers and lobbyists shall strictly conform to, and be governed by, the requirements set forth therein. Contact the Clerk of the Schoo Board Policy 8150 Board for additional information

Vendor and Employment Preference

Local-Vendor Preference, pursuant to shall apply to this solicitation. Based on Board policy, Local Business means a vendor or business that has a vaid business tax receipt, issued by a jurisdiction located in Miami- Board Policy 6320 05, Dade County, that has either (1) its headquarters, manufacturing facility, or locally-owned franchise located withn the legal boundaries of Miami Dade County, for at least twelve (12) months, or (2) has an office with a street address within the boundaries of Miami-Dade County for at least twenty-four (24) months, calculated from the bid or proposal opening date. Post office boxes are not verifiable and shall not be used for the purpose of establishing said physical address. In order to be considered for local preference, vendors must provide a copy of their business tax receipt and the Local Business Affidavit of Eligibility with their proposa. Proposers who fail to submit the required documents will not be considered for Vendor Preference

Jessica Lunsford Act

The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Floridas House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012 465, 1012 32, 1012 467 & 1012 468 and Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all Board Policy 4121 01

Employees (also refer to Board Policy 8475)

Ethics, Conflict

Entertainment

IRAWMA to honor Rita Marley and Freddie McGregor

Reggae fans are in for a night of resounding celebration at the 41st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) returning to South Florida on Friday, March 22 at the Lauderdale Performing Arts Center (LPAC)

One of the most anticipated highlights of the evening will be the special tribute to the esteemed Honorable Dr Alfarita “Rita” Marley, the mother of reggae and widow of the legendary Bob Marley, with renowned female reggae stars and family members converging to salute her remarkable contributions to the genre

Additionally, reggae icon Freddie McGregor will be honored with a special tribute, presented by his son Chino, and celebrated attorney-at-law Ben Crump will receive the IRAWMA Freedom Fighter Award

The event is slated to feature performances, presentations, and appearances by a stellar lineup of artists and personalities, including Teejay, Spice, Byron Messia, Valiant, Christopher Martin, Pablo YG, Glen Washington, D’Angel, Ajaeze, Naomi Achu, Nonini, Sons of Mystro, Sharon Wiles, Vision Band, Marcia, and many more Hosted by Comedians Julie Mango and Rohan Gunter, along with media personality, Candice Buchanan, the event promises to be a night of entertainment and inspiration

“We are proud to continue our tradition of honoring the best of reggae and world music for over forty years,” said Dr Ephraim Martin, president and producer of IRAWMA who is celebrating his Golden 50th anniversary in media, entertainment, and social justice activism “With fifteen special honors and forty nominated categories, we remain committed to upholding the integrity of IRAWMA by recognizing excellence without compromise ”

Limited seats are still available for the event, with VIP Red Carpet arrivals scheduled for 7 pm and the showcase beginning at 8:30 pm Tickets can be purchased online at www irawma com and www LPACFL com Additionally, the 2024 IRAWMA online song contest is currently underway on www YouTube com/irawma

In conjunction with the awards ceremony, a free preawards Health Advocacy Seminar will be held on March 21st at LPAC, starting at 10:00 am Free tickets for the seminar can be reserved at www irawma com

To further support the organization’s efforts in promoting

health consciousness and social justice within the reggae and world music community, tax-deductible financial contributions can be made at www martinsinternational com or www irawma com

Lauryn Hill and son, YG Marley, perform in Jamaica together for first time

Renowned Grammy-winning rapper Lauryn Hill made a triumphant return to Jamaica over the weekend, marking her first performance in the country in more than ten years, and sharing the stage with her son, YG Marley

The occasion was a poignant one, as the Marley family gathered to commemorate the life of Jo Mersa Marley, the eldest child of Stephen Marley and grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, who tragically passed away in December 2022 from an acute asthma exacerbation

The festivities unfolded in Nine Mile, St Ann, the birthplace of Bob Marley

This event, orchestrated by the Marley Family, served as a tribute to Jo Mersa’s legacy, preceding what would have been his 33rd birthday on March 12

The lineup for this year ’ s event featured the Marley brothers: Jr Gong, Ky-Mani, and Stephen, alongside Christopher Ellis, Lutan Fyah, Spragga Benz, Jahshii, Yohan Marley (son of Stephen), Jessie Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, and more

Notably, YG Marley also took to the stage in Jamaica for the first time, delivering a captivating performance of his hit track ‘Praise Jah in the Moonlight,’ alongside his mother, Lauryn Hill

Hill’s last pe in the country w in 2012 at the and Friends con YG Marle visited Club M K i n g s t o n dancehall artist during his visit Hill was spotte the studio w Kabaka Pyrami J a s h i i , a n d Bugle

Freddie McGregor

Rita Marley

CRICKET: Peterboroug Ferguson emphasizes Clarke-Harris’ value despite limited playing time

Traves Smikle launches season with impressive throws exceeding 67m

By Ben McLeod

Jamaican discus thrower Traves

Smikle has kicked off the season on a high note, showcasing impressive form with two throws exceeding 67 meters

His outstanding performances at the G C Foster Classic last Saturday, saw him achieve a season-best mark of 67 83 meters, following closely behind his 67 57 meters effort in February

Smikle’s dominance in the event was evident as he outclassed former Calabar High School teammates Chad Wright and Fedrick Dacres, who threw distances of 64 77 meters and 64 37 meters, respectively

Reflecting on his current form, Smikle attributed his success to consistent offseason training and conditioning While acknowledging previous seasons where he achieved similar distances, Smikle expressed his determination to maintain competitiveness throughout the season

Emphasizing the importance of offseason preparation, Smikle highlighted the significance of making necessary adjustments to enhance technique and conditioning Working closely with his coach Julian

CRICKET

Robinson during the offseason, Smikle’s commitment has positioned him for success this year

Confident in his ability to consistently surpass the 67-meter mark, Smikle credited meticulous planning and preparation for his improved confidence As the season progresses, he remains focused on refining his technique and conditioning, aiming to peak

strategically for upcoming competitions

With the season still in its early stages, Smikle approaches each event with a strategic mindset, ensuring proper planning to replicate his stellar performances As he continues to fine-tune his skills, Smikle aims to maintain his momentum and achieve his goals for the season ahead

Jamaica clinches Women’s Super50 Cup title with Chinelle Henry’s hat-trick

In Basseterre, St Kitts, Jamaica secured the Women’s Super50 Cup championship with a tense three-wicket victory over Windward Islands in the penultimate round of the tournament on Monday

The match, held at St Paul’s Sports Complex, saw Jamaica successfully chase down a target of 176 runs, reaching the milestone at the start of the 37th over West Indies batter Rashada Williams played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring 72 runs off 101 balls to anchor Jamaica’s innings Supported by Natasha McLean’s 50 and Chedean Nation’s 29, Jamaica remained unbeaten in the tournament with their fourth consecutive victory Windward Islands, batting first, posted a total of 175 for nine in 45 overs, with Pearl Etienne leading the charge with a notable 58 off 75 balls The innings featured a final-over hat-trick from Jamaica’s Chinelle Henry, who

ended with impressive figures of six for 31 with her medium pace

Despite a challenging start for Jamaica, losing Keneshia Ferron early in the innings, Williams and Nation stabilized the run chase with a partnership of 46 runs for the second wicket Williams then formed a crucial 93-run partnership with McLean, guiding Jamaica closer to the target

The match turned tense as Jamaica lost three wickets for 19 runs, but they held their nerves to secure victory

In other matches, Guyana defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 61 runs, with Shemaine Campbelle top-scoring with 52 runs, while Barbados chased down a challenging target of 256 to beat Leeward Islands by five wickets, led by Kyshona Knight’s unbeaten 88

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CRICKET

West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy condent in batting depth for T20 W

By Micaiah Morgan

West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy has lauded the prowess of the regional team’s batting line-up in anticipation of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup

While expressing satisfaction with the batting performances, Sammy emphasized the need for adjustments in the bowling department to ensure the team’s overall strength ahead of the June tournament

Despite facing defeat against Australia in a recent series Down Under, Sammy commended the consistent batting displays, noting that the team had scored over 200 runs in three consecutive matches, showcasing their power at the crease

Acknowledging the importance of strategic planning, Sammy highlighted ongoing discussions with team management regarding bowling roles and preparations for different conditions and venues expected during the T20 World Cup He emphasized the significance of having the right personnel to fulfil key roles in the team

Reflecting on recent matches against Australia, where West Indies posted competitive totals despite facing a strong opposition, Sammy expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform under pressure

As preparations for the T20 World Cup intensify, Sammy mentioned upcoming fixtures, including matches against South Africa and players participating in the IPL, contributing to the team’s readiness for the tournament With the tournament being held in familiar conditions at home, Sammy stressed the importance of executing well on match days

While West Indies has a rich history in T20 cricket, winning the World Cup in 2012 and 2016, Sammy acknowledged the recent disappointments in the tournament’s last two editions However, he remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of preparation and execution for success in the upcoming competition

Enhanced drug testing mandated for track and eld athletes from four nations

In response to substandard antidoping programs, track and field athletes from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Portugal will undergo stricter drug testing protocols ahead of the Paris Olympics, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced on Monday

The decision comes after these countries failed to improve their anti-doping measures following the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon The Athletics Integrity Unit described the targeted testing as “ unprecedented” and emphasized the importance of enhancing no-notice testing, particularly in light of the upcoming Olympics

During the 2023 World Championships in

Budapest, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil were found to have insufficient out-of-competition testing for their teams, leading to the implementation of stricter measures

World Athletics has supported the Athletics Integrity Unit’s recommendation, stipulating that non-elite athletes from the four countries must provide a minimum of three no-notice samples during training in the 10 months leading up to July 4, preceding the Paris Olympics

To ensure fair competition, stricter testing will be enforced for athletes participating in endurance events, with requirements including blood sample testing for biological passports and EPO detection These measures will primarily target athletes outside the top 10 world rankings in their respective events

AIU Chairman David Howman emphasized the seriousness of the measures, stating, “In this Olympic year, we trust this will be a reminder to all member federations that the AIU and World Athletics are extremely serious about ensuring a level playing field for athletes ”

The enhanced testing aims to safeguard the integrity of the Olympics from potential doping violations, particularly among athletes who rapidly ascend through the rankings or deliver unexpected performances

Additionally, the Athletics Integrity Unit praised the Czech Republic and New Zealand for significant improvements in their antidoping programs since the 2022 World Championships, highlighting their commitment to ensuring fair competition in track and field

Track & Field: Asafa Powell recognized for global track and field impact with Bleu & Bougie Award