Caribbean National Weekly May 30, 2024

Spirit Airlines forced to return to Jamaica after in-flight malfunction

Spirit Airlines is facing backlash from passengers who were onboard a Fort Lauderdale-bound flight after they were instructed to prepare for a potential water landing due to a mechanical issue

Flight NK270, originating from Montego Bay, Jamaica, was en route to Fort Lauderdale when the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon According to a statement, the airline’s crew advised passengers to don life vests and brace for the worst out of an abundance of caution

According to several flight tracking websites, the flight, which was scheduled to depart at 12:45 p m , took off as planned

However, within minutes, passengers were told to prepare for a possible water landing, and life jackets were distributed to the over 200 people on board

Passenger Bettina Rogers captured video of the plane’s takeoff in which a chiming signal can be heard twice in the cabin, though the meaning of the signal is unclear Shortly after the signal, the pilot told passengers there was

“nothing to be alarmed about,” Rogers said

About five minutes later, the pilot informed passengers the plane needed to return to the Montego Bay airport, Rogers said But as the plane turned back, she said, the pilot announced, “Prepare for emergency water landing ”

“It was scary, and people were freaking out and panicking,” Rogers said The aircraft eventually returned safely to the tarmac at Sangster International Airport and was met by two fire service trucks as the

highest emergency protocols were activated Despite the frightening episode, passengers later continued their journey to Fort Lauderdale, arriving nearly 45 minutes behind schedule, according to FlightAware data Spirit Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the distress caused to its guests and asserting that the affected aircraft would undergo a thorough inspection by its maintenance team “Safety is our top priority, and the aircraft will be thoroughly evaluated by our

continues on C3 – Flight Scare

Church says NO to corporal punishment ban

A declaration by Jamaica’s Justice Minister Delroy Chuck that the government wants to ban corporal punishment in homes has generated much backlash from Jamaican parents and church groups on the island

Speaking at the Justice Ministry’s Child Diversion Forum recently, Chuck emphasized the government’s goal to shift cultural norms, encouraging parents to use strong language rather than physical punishment

This initiative aligns with the Geneva Convention on the Rights of the Child, which

celebrates its 35th anniversary this year “It is wrong! In other words, we must not use straps and whips and belts, especially belt buckles, to beat any child,” Chuck declared

“Every parent must learn to scold the child , (and) I daresay that corporal punishment rarely works,” he added The minister said parents must use alternative methods to discipline their children

“The Government intends to outlaw any form of corporal punishment,” Chuck reiterated

He also urged his address to encourage children to “honor” their mothers and fathers, but tell them, “‘They mustn’t hit you '”

However, Chuck’s position was immediately met with resistance on social media and from church groups, including the Association of Christian Communicators and Media (ACCM)

ACCM argued that the government’s approach is an overreach and suggested that efforts should focus on establishing support continues on C3 – Church says NO

King and Sammy thrilled with West Indies’ progress after series sweep against South Africa

'Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story to debut at Tribeca Film Festival

Chuck

Guyanese

Photo: Rick Munroe

Rising dancehall star Nigy Boy (center) takes a photo with fans aer performing at the Florida Jerk Fesval in Palm Beach on Sunday, May 26

Brian St. Juste, broadcaster and film and television veteran is beaming with smiles

Photo: Rick Munroe

Reggae singer Christopher Marn

Rick Munroe

Jamaican

Lavern Deer, Candidate for City of Miami

'Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story' to debut at Tribeca Film Festival

“Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story” is set to premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, held in New York from June 5-16

Among the nine spotlight documentaries, this film delves into the influential career and enduring legacy of dancehall pioneer Ophlin Russell, better known as Sister Nancy, famed for her iconic track “Bam Bam ”

Since its release in 1982, “Bam Bam” has achieved legendary status, resonating through generations and genres, especially within hiphop Notably, it was sampled in Kanye West's “Famous” and Jay-Z's 2017 hit “Bam” featuring Damian Marley, which went Gold in the US Originally part of Sister Nancy's debut album “One, Two,” the track itself samples Toots and The Maytals' song of the same name Billboard once dubbed “Bam Bam” as “ a strong contender for the title of most sampled reggae song of all time ”

Reflecting on the numerous samples of her

work, Nancy expressed mixed feelings, noting, “They sample it so many times but none of them is my favorite they know I live in the U S. and nobody tries to contact me to do it in person If they had contacted me and I would do it for them live then I would have a favorite ”

enriched with live performances, behind-thescenes glimpses, archival footage, and personal interviews A roster of influential artists such as Janelle Monáe, DJ Kool Herc, Pete Rock, DJ Red Alert, and others provide their insights, celebrating Nancy's indelible impact on music

The documentary also features ethereal recreations of significant moments in Nancy's life, offering an intimate portrait of her journey

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Russell was one of 15 siblings Early on, she rebelled against her traditional values and followed her older brother Brigadier Jerry in DJing When she was a teenager, she got into Dancehall She was the only girl to show up to dance

In 1980, producer Winston Riley was the first to take her into the studio, resulting in her first single, "Papa Dean" for his Techniques label She went on to perform at Reggae Sunsplash, making her the first female deejay ever to perform there, and she is also the first female Jamaican deejay to tour internationally She had further success with singles such as "One Two", "Money Can't Buy Me Love", "Transport Connection" and "Bam Bam" Her debut album, One Two was released in 1982

“They sample it so many times but none of them is my favorite… they know I live in the U.S. and nobody tries to contact me to do it in person. If they had contacted me and I would do it for them live then I would have a favorite”

– Sister Nancy

Directed by Alison Duke and produced by Duke alongside Ngardy Conteh George, the documentary captures Sister Nancy's struggles and triumphs in the music industry It particularly highlights her 34-year battle to reclaim the rights to her signature song, which had grown exponentially in popularity, overshadowing her own recognition as an artist

In 2014, a turning point came when Nancy's daughter noticed “Bam Bam” featured in a Reebok commercial This prompted Nancy to seek legal advice, eventually leading to a partial settlement where she secured compensation for the last decade and gained 50% rights to her song Empowered by this victory, Nancy boldly left her banking career to tour full-time

The film showcases Nancy's life on tour,

In 1996, she relocated to New Jersey and worked as an accountant at a bank

In 2007, she released the second of her two albums, Sister Nancy Meets Fireproof She retired from being a bank accountant in New Jersey so she could pursue music and performing in 2016

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Jay Z, Sister Nancy and Damian Marley

Caribbean News

Strengthening law enforcement: Guyana and the US forge new partnership

Beat the heat: Jamaica’s health ministry urges public to take precautions amid hot season

Senior cop issues call for parental involvement amid teen violence in the Bahamas

UN Secretary-General slams ‘obscene’ climate costs for small islands

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the situation faced by small island states as “obscene,” highlighting the unfair burden these regions carry due to the greed of the fossil fuel industry and the competition among major economies

Speaking at the fourth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) summit held in Antigua and Barbuda, Guterres emphasized the acute vulnerabilities of these nations to climate chaos, rising sea levels, and land degradation

The summit, which gathered representatives from 39 states with a collective population of about 65 million, was a platform for addressing the existential crisis of climate change

Guterres pointed out that SIDS, while being at the forefront of this crisis, lack the resources to combat it effectively on their own

The hope for increased climate financing was a central theme, amidst widespread criticism regarding the slow progress in fulfilling prior UN aid commitments

Jamaica takes action to remove derelict vehicles islandwide

Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie announced that an initiative aimed at removing abandoned vehicles across Jamaica is set to begin shortly

This initiative is part of the government’s effort to enhance public cleanliness and safety

During the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, McKenzie highlighted the acquisition of four new crane trucks by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)

These vehicles are crucial for the new removal program ’ s success, targeting old cars and other large waste items that mar the environment and pose health risks

The program also addresses the issue of public spaces being overtaken by used-car owners and garage operators, which has significantly inconvenienced pedestrians,

particularly those with physical disabilities McKenzie emphasized the severity of the situation, calling for national unity to tackle these hazards and reclaim the streets

Furthering their commitment to improving waste management, the Minister revealed that eight specialized Scout trucks have been procured

These trucks are designed to navigate and serve hard-to-reach areas, ensuring more efficient solid waste collection across various communities

St. Vincent PM honored with Japan’s prestigious award

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been honored with one of Japan’s most esteemed national awards, the Order of the Rising Sun

The accolade was presented by Japanese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hosaka Yasushi on Tuesday, during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States held in Antigua and Barbuda

The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by the Emperor of Japan, ranks as the country’s third highest honor

It was awarded to Gonsalves in the form of a Grand Cordon class medal, the highest rank available within the order

This prestigious award is typically bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public welfare and the international community

The medal is renowned for its design, featuring rays of sunlight emanating from the rising sun, symbolizing energy as potent as the sun itself

During his address, Guterres made a poignant remark about the unacceptable risk of losing entire countries and cultures to climateinduced disasters

He underscored the United Nations’ support for SIDS in their efforts to counteract the severe impacts of the climate crisis, protect biodiversity, and foster economic resilience

He stressed the importance of international support, particularly from those countries most capable and responsible for addressing these challenges

The UN maritime court’s recent decision marked a significant victory for climate justice, ruling in favor of nine small island states that sought greater protection for the world’s oceans against the impacts of climate change

This historic ruling is seen as potentially pivotal in influencing future climate litigation related to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the ongoing struggle and resilience of these vulnerable nations

Grenada makes major crackdown on illegal firearms

In a significant move to combat gun violence, the Grenada police force has successfully confiscated over 25 illegal firearms within the first five months of the year

Superintendent Esau Pierre, who heads the crimes and operations department

This action is part of a broader initiative that also includes substantial drug seizures valued at over five million Eastern Caribbean dollars, underlining the force’s comprehensive approach to curtailing illegal activities

Although Superintendent Pierre did not provide a comparable figure for the gun seizures, last year, the police seized 30 guns in total

This year ’ s ongoing efforts indicate a strong and continuous commitment to reducing the availability of illegal weapons

The introduction of a gun amnesty program by Prime Minister and Minister

for National Security, Dickon Mitchell, in March has shown encouraging outcomes

Several individuals have come forward to surrender their firearms, actively participating in the government’s efforts to address the issue of gun violence head-on

The police force remains dedicated to employing all resources at their disposal to address the surge in gun-related crimes

This commitment is underscored by the unfortunate statistic of nine homicides recorded by May, with eight deemed murders

Out of these, three were directly related to gun violence, leading to the arrest and charging of three suspects

Over a broader timeline from 2019 to 2023, Grenada’s authorities have seized a total of 68 illegal firearms

The last two years have seen significant enforcement action, with 78 individuals arrested and charged for offenses related to firearms

Guterres

Gonzalves

CXC to hold discussions with Education Ministers over syllabus suspension

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is expected to hold discussions with various Ministers of Education throughout the region to address the recent suspension of the syllabi for several key STEM subjects

This move comes as the CXC evaluates the future of these programs amid concerns over dwindling student numbers

Recent revelations have indicated that CXC will cease to provide certifications in mechanical engineering at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level

Additionally, certifications in green engineering, electrical and electronic engineering technology, and agricultural science (double award) at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (CAPE) level are also being discontinued

This decision stems from a notable decrease in student enrollment in these subjects, prompting a reevaluation of their viability in the curriculum

St. Lucia to introduce historic minimum wage

The government of St Lucia is making significant strides toward creating a fairer job market by setting up a new minimum wage

This move is spearheaded by Prime Minister Pierre and his team, aimed at boosting the living standards of the working-class population in the country

In an effort to address income disparities, a new Minimum and Equal Wages Commission was formed in 2022

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Pierre, the commission collaborated with local employers and labor unions through extensive consultations to establish a suitable minimum wage rate

For the first time, St Lucian workers are set to receive a legislatively m a n d a t e d m i n i m u m w a g e Employees will be guaranteed a minimum monthly wage of $1,126, translating to $52 daily or $6 50 per hour

This policy is expected to benefit nearly 13,000 individuals by enhancing their earnings

The introduction of the minimum wage is just the beginning of a series of policy measures aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening the workforce

These initiatives are designed to ensure that all citizens of St Lucia can achieve a dignified standard of living

The premature disclosure of these changes by the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) led to an immediate apology from the organization

The OEC acknowledged the oversight and clarified that while CXC has advised on the discontinuation of these subjects, no final decision has been made to remove them from the curriculum in Jamaican secondary schools

The OEC further explained that while CXC has set forth guidelines for the discontinuation, individual territories or groups of territories have the option to retain these subjects as part of their certification offerings for terminal exams, albeit under specific conditions

This allows for regional autonomy in deciding the educational direction that best

suits local needs and contexts

In response to the concerns raised by stakeholders, CXC has expressed its commitment to addressing these issues comprehensively

The council has arranged a meeting with the Ministers of Education to discuss these curriculum changes and plans to issue a detailed press release following the discussions to keep the public informed and to mitigate any anxiety caused by the initial announcement

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Bartlett highlights multi-destination strategy for Caribbean tourism boom

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, is championing the establishment of a multidestination framework as the gateway to unlocking enhanced tourism opportunities throughout the Caribbean region

Addressing delegates at the 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, St James, Bartlett underscored the significance of adopting a multi-destination approach to amplify the allure of the Caribbean Bartlett emphasized the vast array of distinctive experiences and rich cultural heritage scattered across the Caribbean He advocated for a multi-destination arrangement that would enable travelers to seamlessly explore multiple Caribbean destinations within a single journey, thereby enriching their vacation experiences

Highlighting the region’s substantial population of over 44 million inhabitants, Bartlett underscored the

untapped potential for increased inter-regional travel

He envisioned a bolstered influx of tourists, particularly through the implementation of a streamlined visa regime designed to facilitate smoother access Coupled with the multi-destination framework, Bartlett envisaged a surge in international arrivals, bolstering the region’s tourism landscape

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace serves as the premier tourism marketing event, providing a platform for tourism suppliers to engage directly with global wholesalers

Over the course of two days, stakeholders engage in pre-scheduled appointments aimed at fostering mutually beneficial negotiations Far from a conventional trade show, the primary objective of the event is to facilitate discussions that advance the interests of the entire Caribbean region

Haitian News

Haiti’s transitional council names new prime minister amid turmoil

Garry Conille, a seasoned U N development specialist, has officially been appointed as Haiti’s new prime minister This significant appointment was made on Tuesday evening, following a month of political contention within Haiti’s transitional council

This decision marks a crucial step in Haiti’s path toward stability, as Conille is set to navigate the nation through its current crisis

Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, remains engulfed by gang violence that has intensified recently Gangs have been rampaging through previously peaceful neighborhoods, engaging in shootings, and employing heavy machinery to destroy police stations and prisons

This surge in violence underscores the urgent need for effective leadership to restore peace and security

The appointment followed a decisive vote by the transitional council, with six of the seven members endorsing Conille Louis Gérald Gilles, a council member, disclosed the voting outcome to The Associated Press, noting the absence of Laurent St Cyr, who was overseas and did not participate in the vote

This decision comes at a pivotal moment as the country seeks leadership capable of addressing its pressing challenges

Conille is no stranger to the challenges of Haitian politics, having previously held the position of prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under President Michel Martelly His recent role as UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean since January 2023 highlights his ongoing commitment to the region

Conille’s experience is expected to be instrumental in his efforts to stabilize Haiti As he steps into leadership, Haiti is still grappling with rampant gang violence that extends beyond the capital

The international community, led by the

U N , is preparing to deploy a police force from Kenya and other nations to assist in quelling the violence This international intervention underscores the global concern for Haiti’s stability and the well-being of its citizens

In addition to his political role, Conille’s background in medicine and public health has profoundly impacted Haiti, especially in impoverished communities His dedication

was particularly evident during the reconstruction efforts following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti

Conille’s previous resignation, less than a year after his initial appointment as prime minister due to disagreements over a constitutional issue, showcases his commitment to integrity and lawful governance

The transitional council’s responsibilities extend beyond appointing a new prime minister They are also charged with selecting a new Cabinet and orchestrating general elections by the end of next year

These steps are critical in shaping a government that embodies the hopes and aspirations of the Haitian people for a peaceful and prosperous future

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US extends condolences after citizens killed by gang in Haiti

The U S government expressed profound sorrow following the death of two American citizens in Haiti, victims of gang-related violence

The U S State Department, through spokesperson Matthew Miller, announced that the administration is actively supporting the bereaved families, offering consular assistance amidst their profound loss The incident underscores the urgent need to address the precarious security situation in Haiti, which continues to claim innocent lives

In a grim reminder of the ongoing turmoil, a young married couple from the U S , identified as missionaries Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were fatally shot by gang members in Port-au-Prince The couple had just left a youth event at a local church when they were attacked The tragedy was further compounded by the death of Jude Montis, director of a missionary organization, marking a significant escalation in the violence engulfing the Haitian capital

Amid these developments, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the U S commitment to international cooperation during a meeting with Kenyan President Williams Ruto at the White House

The mission, supported by a U S pledge of over $300 million in aid and resources, seeks to restore civil order and pave the way for democratic governance in Haiti

The ongoing crisis in Haiti is exacerbating other serious issues, including a dramatic rise in food insecurity According to the United Nations, the number of Haitians facing acute food shortages could soar to five million by the end of June, accounting for half of the country’s population

The situation is aggravated by high food prices and limited domestic agricultural production, with the UN’s World Food Program striving to mitigate some of the impact by providing meals to displaced individuals throughout Port-au-Prince

Conille

Beware, be prepared

As June 1, the start of the 2024 hurricane

season approaches, the traditional preseason forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are cause for real concern for Florida and Caribbean residents In its startling release last week, NOAA predicted the busiest hurricane season in its history, with up to 25 named storms, between 8 and 13 hurricanes, and up to seven major hurricanes, with winds over 100 miles per hour (mph)

Forecasters say there's an 85 percent chance, the highest odds they've ever issued, that the season will again be above average, driven by hot ocean temperatures, a La Niña that produces slower atmospheric winds that typically weaken storms, and a busy African monsoon season

Even before the NOAA forecasts were announced, meteorologists on South Florida TV stations have been cautioning about a potentially over-active 2024 hurricane season because of the unusually high temperatures being experienced in the region over the past several weeks Temperatures in South Florida have averaged 95F throughout May, feeling like an average of 103F making May 2024, one of the hottest May's in history

The extremely hot temperatures, normally associated with July and August, not May, have also heated up the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea way ahead of the normal schedule According to NOAA surface temperatures in the Atlantic region where most storms form, are averaging 2 to 3 5 degrees Fahrenheit above average These temperatures are equivalent to what would normally be seen during August when hurricane season typically peaks

Notably, surface waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are hotter than during the 2005 season, which produced hurricanes like the devastating Hurricane Katrina which impacted Louisans and other Gulf States, and Hurricane Wilma which impacted South Florida

Another major concern of NOAA and local meteorologists is that the hot surface waters surrounding the Caribbean Islands and South Florida have the potential to hasten the intensity

of the storms that flare up NOAA has referred to these storms that grow rapidly from tropical waves to full hurricane strength as “short fuse” storms These “short fuse” storms give little warning They are the storms that normally intensify as Category 5 storms with winds exceeding 157 mph All Category 5 storms that made landfall in the US in the last century, according to NOAA, including Hurricane Andrew which ravaged South Miami in 1992, rapidly intensified in just over two days

“The big ones are fast,” a spokesperson for NOAA said “They don't care about our timelines Preparedness is absolutely everything On those category fives, the average lead time was 50 hours ”

In recent years, almost every year hurricanes ranging from Category 3 to 5 have impacted the Caribbean, Florida, and the Gulf States In addition to these devastating hurricanes which have taken lives, left hundreds homeless, and cost billions of dollars in property damage, there's the impact of droughts, floods, forest fires, and tornadoes Over the past weeks almost every day, a strong tornado has impacted regions in several US states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, and Kentucky

The intensified weather patterns and systems are undoubtedly due to climate change, which has heated the surface of Earth And, If the 2024 hurricane season turns out as forecasted it will extend a string of strong storm churning across the Atlantic and Caribbean as climate change continues to warm the planet

As the wildfires rage, the floods worsen, tornadoes become more frequent and stronger, and hurricanes intensify, it boggles the mind that people, including some leading public officials, stubbornly refuse to accept these devastating weather-related events due to climate change Refusing to accept the effects of climate change are real, and for public officials to not support policies to counter the effects of climate change is totally foolish and irresponsible Such officials should be soundly voted out of any public office they hold

It's important that residents of South Florida

and the Caribbean take heed of the aggressive forecast for the 2024 hurricane season

One of the best ways to counter the effects of a hurricane is to be prepared for its impact

Unfortunately, too many people wait until a hurricane is almost at their front porch before taking precautions This is also irresponsible The oceans are very heated, and storms will intensify much faster, reducing the time for last-minute preparation People are urged to prepare in advance, with the necessary supplies, evacuation plans, plans for family members who are sick and rely on electricity for their healthcare, and insurance coverage on the content of their homes Residents, who are homeowners are also urged to ensure they have hurricane insurance on their properties

Over the past decade, fortunately, South Florida and Caribbean countries like Jamaica, have been spared the impact of a strong hurricane This has caused some people to lapse into a feeling of false security. This is dangerous, luck doesn't last forever It's always better to be prepared than sorry

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR JOHN I SMITH K-8 CENTER

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to award one Construction firm for the following project: PROJECT NO. 02187100 JOHN I SMITH K-8 CENTER NEW BLDGAND DINING SHELTERADDITION 10415 N.W. 52ND STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA33178

BIDS DUE: Sealed bids will be received by The School Board of Miami-Dade County Florida for the project listed herein until 2:00 PM local time, Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, at 1450 N E Second Avenue, Lobby in the N E Fifteenth (15th) Street entrance, Miami, Florida, 33132 following which time and place or as soon there-after as the Board can attend to the same the said bids will be publicly opened read and tabulated in the Board Auditorium, Miami-Dade County School BoardAdministration Building, by an authorized representative of the Board Award of the contract will be made to the lowest, pre-qualified responsible and responsive bdder for the actual amount bid considering base bid and accepted alternates (ifany)aslstedinthebiddingdocuments TheBoardwillawardthecontractbasedupontheresultsofthetabulationsascoveredbyapplicabelawsandregulatons

Bidders desiring to participate in this solicitation must be pre-qualified by the Board prior to submtting their bid in response to this solcitation. Contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity at (305) 995-1307 or via email at for nformation regarding Contractors Pre-qualification procedures oeo@dadeschools net

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, Giampiero Pierucci Laura M. Perez & Associates, INC. 2401 N W (gampiero@lmptc com) 7th STREET Miami, Florida 33125 Questions will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 Answers will only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: (John I. Smith K-8 Center): Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at 10:00 a m local tme, at John I. Smith K-8 Center, 10415 N W. 52nd Street, Miami, Florida, 33178 There will be a sgn-in period from 10:00 a m. to 10:15 a m Potential bidders arriving after the fifteen (15) minute sgn-in period will not be allowed to participate in this solicitation. Proposals submitted by firms not represented at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not be considered

Scope Description: New Addition & Renovaton project. 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 immediately 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 Board's 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 requrements, 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 of Interest and Anti-Fraud

Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following ethics, conflict of interest and anti-fraud policies:

- Board Policy 6460, Business Code of Ethics;

- Board Policy 6460, Disclosure of Employment of Former School Board Employees;

- Board Policy 8700, Anti-Fraud; and all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable

Contractor Debarment Procedures

Pursuant to Contractor Discpline Procedures, debarred contractors are excluded from conducting business with the Board as agents, representatives, partners, and associates of other contractors, subcontractors or Board Policy 6320 04, indivdual sureties

Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion

Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following anti-discrimination policies: Commercial Anti-dscrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (proposers shall be required to certify compliance with Board Policy 6465); - Board Policy 6465, Anti-discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure; and - Board Policy 1362 02, 3362 02 4362 02, and - all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable

Protest

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in (Purchase Approval and Competitive Bidding Process Requirements) or

Board Policy 6320 of proceedings under FS Chapter 120

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The proposer acknowedges that all information contained in their Bid Response is part of public domain as defined by the State of Florida Sunshine Law Therefore, any information received is subject to publc inspection and copying in accordance with FS 119 No action on the part of the proposer would create an obligation of confidentiality on the part of the School Board including, but not limited to, making a reference in the

and FS 815 045. It is recommended that potential proposers exclude from their response any information that, in their judgment, may be considered a trade secret Board policies, as amended from time to time, can be accessed and downloaded at: https://go boarddocs com/fl/sbmd/Board nsf/goto?open&id=BK6KUF4FFE14

The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Florida's 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 Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board Policy 6320 or in accordance with §120 57(3). Fla. Stat. (2014) shal constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes

Pre-qualified bidders may obtain the documents for construction or a full set of printed documents for construction at the bidder's expense from the office of Go Green Document Solutions, Inc. on 3715 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 on and after, May 30, 2024

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Small/Micro, Minority/Women-Owned, and Veteran Business Enterprise Programs, Board Policy 6320 02

Awarded firms will be required to comply with and submit a monthly report via the Online Diversity Compliance System for compliance with Smal/Micro, Minority/Women and/or Veteran sub-consultant goals, sub- Board Policy 6320 02 contractor goals, local workforce nformation, and/or any affirmative procurement initiatives Awarded firms will be required to submit monthly compliance reports online at: Please note http://miamidadeschools diversitycompliance com that the “Small/Micro Busness Enterprise Program Adminstratve Procedures Manual”, Board-approved January 15, 2020, shall be applicable to this solicitation. Please contact the Office of Economic Opportunity at 305-995-1307 or via

at for additional information OEO@dadeschools net Assistance levels, as established by the Goal Setting Committee: John I. Smith K-8 Center: Mandatory S/MBE Subcontracting Goals: 10 00% Construction and 20 00% Local Work Force, within a Countywide radius

Dr. Jose L. Dotres Superintendent of Schools

Feature

Celebrating 58 Years

As Guyana marks its 58th year of independence, we reflect on a journey of resilience, growth, and a vibrant cultural heritage. This South American gem, nestled between Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, offers an array of experiences that capture its rich natural beauty and cultural diversity. From its lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls to its bustling markets and historic sites, Guyana is a destination that promises adventure and enchantment. Here are the top 10 activities you must experience when you visit this captivating country.

Kaieteur Falls

No trip to Guyana is complete without witnessing the majestic Kaieteur Falls Standing at 741 feet, it is one of the world's tallest singledrop waterfalls The breathtaking sight of the powerful water cascade surrounded by pristine rainforest is an unforgettable experience Guided tours offer a chance to explore the surrounding flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts

Rupununi Savannah

Explore the vast and diverse Rupununi Savannah, home to a rich variety of wildlife including jaguars, giant anteaters, and hundreds of bird species The savannah is also home to the indigenous Makushi people, who offer cultural tours that provide insight into their traditional way of life Adventurous travelers can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, birdwatching, and river kayaking

Iwokrama Rainforest

For those seeking an eco-adventure, the Iwokrama Rainforest is a prime destination This protected area offers guided tours that include canopy walkways, boat rides, and wildlife spotting The Iwokrama River Lodge provides comfortable accommodations and a base for exploring this rich biodiversity hotspot

August, four species of endangered sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Conservation tours allow visitors to witness this remarkable event and learn about efforts to protect these majestic creatures

Historical Georgetown Georgetown is a city steeped in history, with colonial architecture and landmarks that tell the story of Guyana's past Visit the St George's Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, and the W

Anthropology, which houses an extensive collection of Amerindian

Georgetown's Stabroek Market

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Stabroek Market in Georgetown, Guyana's capital This iconic landmark, with its striking clock tower, is a hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce and local crafts to clothing and jewelry It's the perfect place to experience the everyday life of Guyanese people and taste some local delicacies

Shell Beach

Stretching along Guyana's northwest coast, Shell Beach is famous for its annual sea turtle nesting season Between March and

artifacts A stroll along the Seawall offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean

Rewa Eco-Lodge

Located in the heart of the Rupununi, Rewa Eco-Lodge is an example of community-based tourism The lodge is run by the indigenous Rewa community and offers a sustainable way to experience the natural beauty of Guyana Activities include fishing, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences that provide a deep connection to the land and its people As we celebrate Guyana's 58th year of independence, these activities highlight the country's rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spirit of adventure Whether you ' re a nature lover, history buff, or thrill-seeker, Guyana offers something for everyone Here's to another year of independence and the endless adventures that await in this remarkable land

Mount Roraima

Adventure seekers will be drawn to Mount Roraima, a table-top mountain that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World " This geological wonder straddles the

borders of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil Guided treks to the summit provide a challenging yet rewarding experience, with panoramic views and unique flora and fauna

Birdwatching in the Kanuku Mountains

Guyana is a birdwatcher's paradise, and the Kanuku Mountains are one of the best spots to observe its avian diversity The mountains, which divide the savannah from the rainforest, are home to over 400 bird species, including the Harpy Eagle Guided birdwatching tours are available, offering a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat

Essequibo River Tours

The Essequibo River, the longest river in Guyana, offers a variety of tour options Boat trips provide access to picturesque islands, historic Dutch forts, and lush rainforest One popular destination is the Arrowpoint Nature Resort, where visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, hiking, and cultural tours with the local Amerindian community

Kaieteur Falls

Starbroek Market

Kanuku Mountains

Rewa Eco-Lodge

Shell Beach

Community & the Diaspora

No Jamaican involved in farmworkers bus crash in Florida

Florida man recovering following shark attack in the Bahamas

Resident outcry in North Miami after City Council fires City Manager Rasha Cameau

Florida gas prices expected to decrease

As May draws to a close, Florida sees an average gasoline price of $3 50 per gallon, with prospects of further decreases anticipated during the summer months, depending on the impact of the upcoming hurricane season

The price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida showed a slight decline of one cent from the previous week and a sevencent drop from last month, as reported by AAA

The trend indicates a potential reduction in fuel costs over the summer, provided that the hurricane season and potential refinery outages do not disrupt this trajectory

The hurricane season, commencing this Saturday, is expected to be busier than usual with an above-average number of storms predicted

Such meteorological activity could

influence gasoline supply lines and prices, although the exact impact remains to be seen Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, expressed optimism

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to commission one firm or joint venture as a Construction Management at-Risk (CMR) firm for the following General Obligation Bond (GOB) funded projects:

PARTIAL REPLACEMENT AND RENOVATIONS AT MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL

3400 NW 87 Street Miami, FL 33147

Project No. 01617300

Construction Budget: $22,219,750

MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 9:30 pm local time

Sign-in Period: Until 9:50 pm local time

PARTIAL REPLACEMENT AND RENOVATIONS AT BROADMOOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3401 NW 83 Street Miami, FL 33147

Project No. 01528000

Construction Budget: $15,140,533

Location: Educational Federal (EdFed) Credit Union, 1498 NE 2 Avenue, Miami, FL 33132

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this solicitation will be accepted via e-mail as noted below under the Cone of Silence until 4:00 pm local time, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Questions must be submitted to German Gonzalez at with a copy filed with Celia Rubio, Clerk german gonzalez@dadeschools net of the School Board, at Questions and Answers (Q&As) will be posted under legal ad 200 in the “INFO” icon at celiarubio@dadeschools net https://capitalapps dadeschools net/solicitations/default

RESPONSES DUE: Firms or companies desiring to participate in this selection process shall respond with one (1) original RFQ response in a 3-ring binder; one (1) copy in a 3-ring binder; and three (3) flash drives (each containing the entire response as a single PDF document) from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm local time, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, to the attention of:

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Department of A/E Selection & Negotiations

German Gonzalez, Professional Selection Analyst School Board Administration Building - Room 305 1450 NE 2 Avenue Miami, FL 33132

REQUIREMENTS: This is an abbreviated ad; the complete legal ad with requisite proposal information, Contractor Pre-qualification requirements, Mandatory Sub-consultant and Sub-contracting Utilization Goals, project details and instructions for this solicitation, including selection procedures, are available at the above address, or at under legal ad 200 https://capitalapps dadeschools net/solicitations/default

Protest - Purchase Approval and Competitive Bidding Process Requirements, Board Policy 6320

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board policy or in accordance with

waiver of proceedings under FS. Chapter 120

In accordance with Board policies, a Cone of Silence, lobbyist requirements and protest procedures are hereby activated. Failure to comply with requirements of this legal ad and Board policies shall be grounds for disqualification These, and all related Board policies, can be accessed and downloaded at https://go boarddocs com/fl/sbmd/Board nsf/Public?open&id=welcome

NOTE: A/E SELECTION SOLICITATIONS ARE POSTED UNDER MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEBSITE AT https://capitalapps dadeschools net/solicitations/default

refinery issues, gasoline prices are likely to decrease each month throughout the summer, potentially dropping below $3 by year ’ s end

However, De Haan clarified that his references were to national averages and might not reflect the prices at local stations

Gasoline prices in Florida are not uniform and vary significantly across different regions For instance, drivers in the Panhandle area typically enjoy the lowest prices, while those in South Florida, especially in Palm Beach County, face the highest On Tuesday, prices ranged from $3 21 per gallon in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area to $3 69 in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area In comparison, the national average stood at $3 59 per gallon

Scan

Dengue cases surge in MiamiDade County

Miami-Dade County leads the nation in dengue cases for 2024, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

As of May 24, the county has reported 74 confirmed cases, representing approximately 41 per cent of all cases in Florida, which stands at 180

Reports are that most of these cases are linked to international travel Specifically, only seven cases originated locally within MiamiDade

The remainder were associated with individuals returning from areas where dengue is more prevalent

Notably, 54 cases were reported in travelers returning from Cuba, and 38 from Brazil, as detailed by the Florida Department of Health Broward County, also in Florida, has reported 30 cases thus far in 2024

Meanwhile, New York state is the secondhighest in the nation with 114 cases, all of which are travel-related, with no local transmissions

Outside of the continental U S , Puerto Rico has experienced a significant outbreak, with over 1,000 reported cases

Understanding dengue and its symptoms

The CDC notes that symptoms of dengue typically begin a few days after a mosquito bite but can take up to two weeks to manifest

Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, eye pain, and joint and muscle pain

In severe cases, the disease can escalate to more critical conditions such as shock, internal bleeding, and in extreme instances, death

Jamaican man indicted for double murder of Florida woman and baby

A Jamaican man, reportedly from Montego Bay, was indicted earlier this week by an Orange County grand jury for the 2021 killings of a Florida woman and her 1-year-old daughter

Doujon Griffiths, 24, was indicted for firstdegree murder with a firearm, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and three counts of shooting at, within, or into a building, the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office announced in a press release Thursday

According to the press release, just after 5 a m Sept 7, 2021, Griffiths allegedly shot and killed 20-year-old Massania Malcolm inside a car in an Oak Ridge parking lot He then allegedly left her baby, Jordania, inside the car without calling for help The vehicle was discovered two days later with the deceased child inside — killed by the heat

Griffiths is also accused of shooting and injuring Malcolm’s boyfriend, whose name has not been released He survived

Malcolm’s boyfriend told deputies he was in the car with Malcolm and their daughter when Griffiths, who had been staying with them and was riding in the backseat, shot him several times after an argument

Griffiths, who was on the run for three years after the March 2021 incident, was apprehended more than 1,000 miles away from the scene of the crime during a traffic stop in New Jersey two months ago Griffiths, who had altered his appearance from clean-cut to flowing dreadlocks, was extradited to Florida to face justice

The killings sent shockwaves through Montego Bay, particularly in Glendevon, where both Malcolm and Griffiths had lived before

moving to the US Local police reported that Griffiths, who allegedly entered the U S illegally, had been involved in gang activities in Jamaica before his move

A source close to Malcolm revealed that she and her boyfriend had taken Griffiths in as an act of kindness Griffiths had recently arrived from Jamaica and had no place to stay, so they let him live with them rent-free for several months. When it became clear that the Jamaican had no intention of moving out or contributing to the household expenses, they asked him to leave Griffiths was denied bond during his first court appearance in early April While Florida permits the death penalty by lethal injection or electric chair it remains unclear if prosecutors will pursue this option

Florida disaster preparedness sales tax holiday begins June 1

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts this Saturday, and to help Floridians prepare, the first Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will also begin

According to the Florida Department of Revenue, consumers can stock up on supplies without paying sales taxes If you miss the first tax holiday, a second one will start on Saturday, August 24, and run through Friday, September 6

A team of scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85% chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2024, with 17-25 named storms and 8-13 hurricanes, 4-7 of which could become Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes The 30-year (1991-2020) seasonal averages are 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 Category 3 or stronger hurricanes

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is

expected to have above-normal activity due to several factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear—all of which favor tropical storm formation

The peak of the season is September 10, with the most activity occurring between midAugust and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. It’s too early to determine if there will be any impact on Florida or the U S from the tropical waves

Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared That advice is especially important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season

This year ’ s tax-exempt list includes several items such as flashlights, generators, batteries,

pet food, and various household products

Below is a list of all qualifying items, starting with the most affordable to the most expensive:

• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs) Candles

• Flashlights

• Lanterns

• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios

• Gas or diesel fuel tanks

• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only: AA-cell, AAAcell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt

Steve Higgins

• Nonelectric food storage coolers

• Portable power banks Smoke detectors or smoke alarms

• Fire extinguishers

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Ground anchor systems Ratchet straps

• Tie-down kits

• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in a power outage

Grifths

Florida Pediatrician Uses Cannabis to Help People With Autism

Can medical cannabis be used to treat people with autism in Florida? Not specifically, as the developmental disorder is not listed as a qualifying condition under the state's medical marijuana law

However, anyone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder likely suffers from medical conditions similar to those that are listed, says Dr. David Berger, a medical marijuanaqualified physician based in Tampa He is a board-certified pediatrician and the founder of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care and the affiliated medical cannabis clinic Wholistic ReLeaf

“For instance, a person with autism may have irritability or obsessive-compulsive symptoms or anxiety or insomnia, similar to a person with post-traumatic stress disorder, a qualifying condition So, we say that a person with autism suffers in a similar way to those particular symptoms for a person with PTSD,” Dr Berger explains

But he emphasizes he would “ never tell a parent to start their kid on THC ”

Tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis; it creates the “high” effect Dr Berger says he prefers to use hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), when starting to treat patients with autism, “then bring the THC in gradually while the CBD is maintained ”

He explained that “ a lot of people don't realize that CBD can blunt or can even stop the intoxicating effects of THC while the other benefits are there One could even use CBD as an antidote to THC if they took too much THC,” Dr Berger said

He says CBD helps aid in addressing the deficiency of endocannabinoids in some people with autism The human endocannabinoid system, which produces cannabinoids, regulates and controls several critical functions, including learning, emotional behaviors, the

immune system, sleep, and pain control He reports positive outcomes with plant-based cannabinoids

“And not just CBD, but I use a lot of CBG (cannabigerol) in my practice, which is really good for anxiety And I use a lot of CBN (cannabinol) in my practice, which is wonderful for sleep,” adds Dr Berger

His wholistic pediatric primary care approach extends to herbal medicines and nutritional and lifestyle therapies for autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and related disorders “Sometimes I have families who say, 'I don't want to put pharmaceuticals into my kid I'd much rather put a natural substance into my kid," he says

Dr Berger says the benefits of using cannabinoids and medical cannabis to treat children with autism far outweigh the risks For one, parents can observe the treatment's effectiveness, or lack thereof, in a few days and adjust the dosage lower or higher if needed Meanwhile, it could take two to three weeks for

caregivers keep a log of the dosages they administer to remember which yielded the best results

Dr Berger says treatments are primarily administered orally through drops and edibles But skin patches provide longer-lasting coverage, making them more suitable for autistic children attending school “You can't just leave [medical cannabis medications] with the school nurse for them to administer The parent [or registered caregiver] has to come on the property, which many can't,” Dr Berger says

Smoking medical cannabis is illegal for anyone under the age of 18, but not vaping it

As for side effects, the most common one he sees in his patients is a reduction in their use of pharmaceutical drugs Also, “when you have a kid who's better functioning, better behaving, then it takes a lot of the load off of the parents,” he says

Dr Berger encourages anyone interested in discussing medical cannabis as a treatment option for autism or other medical topics to subscribe to his YouTube channel, @DrDavidMD. He also hosts a monthly interactive forum called “Ask Dr David Live ” He is also on X and Instagram at @askdrdavidmd

Berger

some pharmaceutical drugs used to treat symptoms of autism, such as irritability and an inability to focus, to show whether they are making a positive impact

He recommends that parents and

Visit https://bit ly/MMERICannabisAndAutism to watch MMERI's Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring board-certified pediatrician and medical marijuana-qualified physician Dr. David Berger discussing “Cannabis as a Treatment for Autism ”

Editor's note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University

Entertainment Singer Sean Kingston to return to Florida to face fraud charges

Jamaican-American rapper and singer Sean Kingston on Tuesday waived his right to fight extradition in a California court and agreed to be turned over to authorities in Florida, where he and his mother are charged with committing more than a million dollars worth of fraud

Kingston, 34, did not make a public court appearance but signed papers agreeing to skip extradition hearings He remained in a Southern California jail Tuesday afternoon, but sheriff’s officials will coordinate with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to return him to Florida, sheriff’s spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said in an email

Kingston was arrested Thursday at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was performing His mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, was arrested the same day when a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kingston and Turner have been charged with conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and related crimes, according to arrest warrants released by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office The warrants allege they stole money, jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, and furniture

The performer had a No 1 hit with “Beautiful Girls” in 2007 and collaborated with Justin Bieber on the song “Eenie Meenie ” Robert Rosenblatt, an attorney for Kingston and his mother, had said Friday that they planned to waive extradition, saying they looked

forward to addressing the charges in a Florida court and “ are confident of a successful resolution ” The warrants in the case say that from October to March they stole almost $500,000 in jewelry, more than $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, more than $100,000 from First Republic Bank, and $86,000 from the maker of customized beds Specifics were not given Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Anderson, was already on two years’ probation for trafficking stolen property His mother pleaded guilty in 2006 to bank fraud for stealing over $160,000 and served nearly 1 5 years in prison, according to federal court records

Funeral for Jamaican musician Desi Jones set for June 3

The thanksgiving service for the life of renowned Jamaican musician Desmond ‘Desi’ Jack Jones will be held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, North Street in Kingston on Monday, June 3, starting at 1 p m a release from Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, stated There will be a tribute from local musicians led by saxophonist, Dean Fraser Desi Jones, the iconic drummer known for his signature beret and pivotal role in Jamaica’s music scene, passed away in Kingston on May 11 at the age of 65

His wife, Judith, confirmed his passing, although no further details were provided

Jones had an illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark with bands like the Sonny Bradshaw Band, Chalice, and Skool He toured alongside legends such as Jimmy Cliff and Monty Alexander

A fixture on Kingston’s vibrant live music scene for decades, Jones graced stages at iconic venues like Jazz In The Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus and, more recently, F&B Downtown along Harbour Street

Born Desmond Jack Jones in Kingston, he was an alumnus of St George’s College and initially honed his musical talents as a trombonist with the Salvation Army band during his time at the renowned institution

Buju Banton announces first US performance in 14 years

Veteran dancehall artist Buju Banton is set to make his first U S. performance in 14 years. His Long Walk to Freedom concert will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the UBS Arena in New York.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 31, with presale tickets available starting Wednesday

Earlier this month, Banton returned to the U S. for the first time since his arrest nearly 15 years ago

Legal experts had speculated that, since Banton (whose real name is Mark Myrie) was deported, he would only be allowed back on a temporary work visa, not on a visitor or nonimmigrant visa Buju Banton had been in the United States in December 2009, when Drug Enforcement Administration agents remanded him to

custody in Miami He was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession of more than five kilograms of cocaine Banton was then moved to the Pinellas County Jail where he remained until trial A sixday trial in Tampa, Florida was declared a mistrial in September 2010, after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision He was allowed to perform one concert before his second trial, which was held in

continues on C2 – Buju Banton

Sean Kingston

Buju Banton

TRACK & FIELD:

Nickisha Pryce, Brianna Lyston shine with top times at SEC Championships

NETBALL: Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard dominates in 100th game with record win for Fever

TRACK & FIELD: JAAA initiates plans to secure Olympic Qualification for Jamaica’s men’s mile relay team

King and Sammy thrilled with West Indies’ progress after series sweep against South Africa

West Indies stand-in captain

Brandon King and head coach

Darren Sammy expressed immense satisfaction with their team’s performance following a dominant eightwicket victory over South Africa, completing a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series at Sabina Park in Jamaica

King, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Rovman Powell, praised the team’s execution and the contributions from key players “I am extremely happy after winning all three games, and I could not have asked for a better result We had some consistent performers, with [Gudakesh] Motie being outstanding with the ball, and in every game, someone contributed with the bat, especially the top order,” King said Coach Darren Sammy echoed King’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s effective role play and readiness for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup “The role play was excellent from the players The openers, the batters in the middle, and also being effective with the ball in the power play I am pleased that the guys went out and understood their specific roles, and that is testament to the work we have been doing,” Sammy stated

Chasing a target of 164, the West Indies’ batting line-up delivered a commanding performance Johnson Charles led the charge with an explosive 69 off just 26 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and five towering sixes His innings set the tone for the chase, with Brandon King contributing a crucial 44 from 28 balls, including two fours and four sixes Kyle Mayers held his nerve to finish unbeaten on 36 from 23 balls

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a shaky start. Despite a valiant effort from skipper Rassie van der Dussen, who played a captain’s innings with a brisk 51, the Proteas struggled to build substantial partnerships Wiaan Mulder’s late

NETBALL

cameo of 36 helped guide the Proteas to a respectable total of 163 for seven at the end of their allotted 20 overs

Obed McCoy, stepping in for the injured Jason Holder, was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies with figures of three for 39 Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie each finished with two wickets, further stifling the South African batting line-up

Johnson Charles was fittingly adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating innings Gudakesh Motie, for his consistent performances with the ball throughout the series, was named the Player of the Series

“The role play was excellent from the players. The openers, the batters in the middle, and also being effective with the ball in the power play. I am pleased that the guys went out and understood their specific roles, and that is testament to the work we have been doing,”

– Daren Sammy

South Africa’s captain, Rassie van der Dussen, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “From a batting front, I think we needed to be braver, similar to how the West Indies played, especially in the power play From a bowling point of view, we tried different things that didn’t seem to work, but we have to continue to try things to see what will work for us sooner rather than later,” van der Dussen said

Vixens stun Fever in Perth to break unbeaten Super Netball record

The Melbourne Vixens delivered a stunning performance to end the West Coast Fever’s unbeaten run in the Super Netball league, securing a 76-65 victory in Perth

Despite coming off a loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning and missing key midcourters Kate Eddy and Zara Walters, the Vixens led for most of the game at RAC Arena

The crowd of 11,119, the largest for a Fever non-finals game, witnessed the Vixens’ exceptional play The Fever conceded their highest score of the season and committed 23 turnovers, 10 more than the Vixens, who now share the top spot on percentage with both teams holding a 6-1 record at the halfway mark

Trailing by three at the end of the first quarter, the Vixens outscored the Fever 23-14 in the second period and 17-12 in the third, taking a commanding 59-48 lead into the final quarter. Despite two super shots from Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard that brought the Fever within six points with three minutes remaining, they continued to commit turnovers and were outscored 7-2 for the rest of the game

Vixens’ goal attack Kiera Austin was a standout, missing only one of her 22 one-point shots and adding 16 goal assists Goal shooter Sophie Garbin was equally impressive, finishing with 46 goals from 52 attempts

The Fever struggled to contain the dynamic duo, who were fed quality passes by Kate Moloney and Hannah Mundy

“Kiera and Sophie had an amazing game,” Vixens captain Kate Moloney told Fox Sports “They are just growing and growing each week, so I’m excited to see what they can keep doing ”

The Vixens’ defense, led by Emily Mannix, Rudi Ellis, and Jo Weston, was formidable, combining for seven intercepts “Our defense end and our attack end really stood up today I’m so proud of the girls,” Moloney added

The Fever initially took the lead with Jamaican shooter Shanice Beckford’s four super shots, ending the first quarter 22-19 However, Beckford’s eight first-half turnovers under pressure from Mannix shifted the momentum Fowler-Nembhard’s 43 goals from 47 attempts kept the Fever in the game, but it was not enough to overcome their errors

Fever captain and midcourter Jess Anstiss acknowledged the team’s struggles: “We were quite hesitant throughout the game, (and) that hesitation was leading to us throwing it into their hands We weren’t very good at that last week as well, so it’s something we need to look at ”

Despite the defeat, the return from injury of midcourter Kelsey Browne was a positive development for the Fever

from C1

January 2011 to a sold-out crowd in Miami A few weeks after the performance, Banton’s Before the Dawn album was announced as the winner of Best Reggae Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards In February 2011, Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, and using communication wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense He was found not guilty on the charge of attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine

Four months later, he was sentenced to ten years and one month in a federal prison for the cocaine trafficking conviction. Banton was released on December 7, 2018, from McRae Correctional Institution in Georgia He was deported back to Jamaica where he received a warm welcome from thousands of fans at the National Stadium during his Long Walk to Freedom concert held in March 2019

Flight scare fromA1

maintenance team,” the airline stated, followed by an apology for any inconvenience caused to its passengers

However, many of the passengers are unhappy with the subsequent response from the airline One passenger told the Jamaica Gleaner that Spirit Airlines offered a $50 flight credit as compensation

Church says NO

fromA1

“After that near-death experience and emotional distress, Spirit wants to offer US$50 credit to use by August of this year I feel like that is a slap in the face because they put us through such a traumatic experience with an incompetent crew That is just so unacceptable,” the passenger told The Gleaner systems for parents rather than banning corporal punishment

“This effort to curtail longstanding and acceptable disciplinary tools available to parents is a direct overreach by the Government and can only be seen as an effort to replace the role of parents in the home,” ACCM said in a statement

“Parents have gotten younger in recent years, and in their professional pursuits, many children are left to their own devices for extended periods Families that subscribe to Christian values and are supported and empowered by specially designed programs are positioned to have better outcomes in terms of the discipline and academic performance of their children,” said Dr Patience Alonge, head of the ACCM family and Gender subcommittee

The government later backpedaled on Chuck’s statement, saying while it remains committed to “eliminating violence in our society, particularly against our children,” no official decision has yet been made

The government said it “values” the various perspectives on the issue of “violence against children”, and it remains committed to collaborating with families and the church on the matter

It’s not the first time that the Jamaican government is debating a ban on corporal punishment. In 2021, Prime Minister Andrew Holness hinted at the possibility of a ban after a four-year-old child was beaten to death with a stick by his stepfather