National Weekly November 17, 2022

Gunmen open fire on vehicles belonging to the Embassy of the United States, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) as well as surrounding commercial transport vehicles on Monday.

The US Embassy confirmed the attack in a statement but said “no member of the staff of the Embassy was injured, nor of the police”

The US State Department said, “armed individuals fired shots at the Haitian National Police vehicles, US Embassy vehicles, and

Haitian commercial vehicle” and one Haitian commercial driver accompanying the convoy was injured with non life threatening injuries

The embassy statement did not indicate the location of the attack or who were the attackers, but media reports out of Haiti said the convoy was targeted in the Croix des Bouquets area, at the northern entrance to the capital where the “400 Mawozo” gangs operate

Criminal gangs operate and control or influence parts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country that has been plagued with violence since the July 2021 assassination of

St. Lucian Gerry Geor appointed to Internet Number Registry Advisory Council

Rushawn Patterson charged for the murder of Slickianna

From le: Angela Messam (Mayor Messams Wife); Mayor of Miramar Wayne Messam; Andrea Coy CEO of Grace Foods Internaonal; Kimberley Lue Lim, Global Category Manager

Mayor of Miramar, Yvee Colbourne

The inimitable Tarrus Riley wowed the crowd at Sunday's Grace Jerk Fest –

Photo by Luke Ballenne

Romain Virgo delivered a srring set to the Grace Jerk Fest audience on Sunday. – Photo by Luke Ballenne

Patrons at Sunday's Grace Jerk Fest enjoying the vibe and music – Photo by Luke Ballenne

The Grace Jerk Fest audience was thoroughly entertained by Baby Cham and his all female band. –Photo by Luke Ballenne

These ladies smile for the lens at the City of Lauderdale Lakes’ annual Taste of Lauderdale, which was held last Saturday at the Lauderdale Lakes Waterfont. –Photo by Luke Ballenne

Showing out for Mrs. Juliet Holness (2nd right), Jamaican Member of Parliament & wife of Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, at a special recepon in Miramar. Mrs. Holness is flanked by members of Sons of Maestro & Oliver Mair, Consul General of Miami. – Contributed

Grace Jerk fest crowd lost in the energy of the musical performances. –Photo by Luke Ballenne

St. Lucian Gerry George

Appointed to Internet Number y Council

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consultant, Gerry George, has become the first St. Lucian to be elected to the Advisory Council of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN).

Established December 1997 as a Regional Internet Registry, ARIN is responsible for the management and distribution of Internet number resources such as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) in North America, Caribbean, and North Atlantic regions

George is only the third Caribbean national to be elected to ARIN, which is one of the five global Regional Internet Registries (RIR) with such responsibility

“Being successfully elected definitely leaves me elated, apprehensive, and humbled I face the task with a bit of apprehension, due to the stellar work which has been done by the others in the past, and with the full knowledge that this is a high bar to which I must measure up

“As only the third person from the Caribbean region to fill this post, I am also aware this achievement carries some responsibility I look forward to working with the other members of the advisory council, the other units within ARIN, and the member community, to serve to the best of my ability,” George said

George holds a Master of Science in Management Information Systems and currently serves as the Technical Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC), a position which has been renewed five consecutive times under four different administrations He is also the president of the ICT Association of St Lucia (SLICTA)

George's three year term with ARIN's Advisory Council begins January 1 next year

Antigua PM says oil companies should pay for climate damage

Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne wants oil and gas giants to pay for damage from climate change through a global carbon tax on their profits.

Speaking on behalf of the 39 nation Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) on Tuesday, he charged “profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization”

“While they are profiting, the planet is burning,” he added

Browne contended that while these companies rack up multibillion dollar profits from using fossil fuels which is a major contributor to global warming, small island nations like his and others in the Caribbean that have contributed virtually nothing to total emissions are suffering

He pointed out that in the first half of this year, six fossil fuel companies alone had made

nearly €70 billion (US$71 billion) in profits which was “ more than enough money to cover the costs of major climate damage in developing nations”

Browne also called for an end to fossil fuel subsidies – and for the money to be redirected to fund adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, especially in small island developing states (SIDS) – and collective action to reduce emissions

“Financing to address loss and damage and a recommitment to keeping 1 5 alive in the face of the current energy crisis, are the key critical success factors of COP27

“Loss and damage should not be seen through

the divisive and controversial lens, but as a form of climate justice for climate change's hapless victims and a decarbonization accelerator,” the Antiguan leader said

Browne also said a group of island nations had registered a commission with the UN to explore the responsibility of states for injuries arising from their climate actions and breaches in the obligations

He said small island states would not back down “We will fight unrelentingly for climate justice, including in the international courts,” Browne warned

On the same day he delivered his remarks, the hosts of the COP27 climate talks on Tuesday launched a 30 point global plan to help the world's poorest communities withstand the impacts of global warming, including targets for sustainable farming, and mangrove restoration to reduce coastal flooding

The plan seeks to disburse up to US$300 billion annually from private and public investors

St. Lucia shipping bananas to Trinidad and Tobago following UK trade suspension

Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere Monday said St Lucia is now exporting bananas to Trinidad and Tobago after trade with the United Kingdom was suspended earlier this month

Prospere, speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, dismissed suggestions that the Phillip Pierre administration had been responsible for killing the industry

“But they never said the important part of my statement, which was as soon as this decision

was taken, the very same quantity of bananas was diverted to Trinidad and Tobago,” Prospere said, adding that the UK trade suspension did not negatively impact local farmers

“We are still exporting those 1000 boxes to Trinidad,” Prospere said, adding that the local authorities are working with a supplier in Trinidad & Tobago to ship 3,000 additional boxes of local bananas to the twin Island republic

“The point I am making is that we are not in a situation where the thousand boxes that were going to

the UK are at a halt because our farmers would be in a position where their fruits would be hanging Their fruits are still being harvested and they are being exported, “So, I want to make it clear to the public that the situation that existed where we had to suspend exports to the UK, those fruits are now being exported to Trinidad and Tobago,” he added

Prospere announcing the UK banana trade suspension, said when the Pierre administration came to office in July last year it found a

banana industry that had collapsed

Prospere said key assets such as the ripening facility at Stanstead in the UK and Winfresh's stake in the Geest shipping line were sold to third parties to meet debt payments

He also said the government in recognition of the socio economic consequences and the critical role of the banana trade in rural communities, found it necessary to intervene for the sake of maintaining social peace and economic mobility in rural communities

Dominican Man released on bail after threatening Prime Minister Skerrit

A Dominican man received bail of EC$30,000 (One EC dollar=US$0 37 cents) after he pleaded not guilty to threatening the life of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in a social media rant that has since garnered a lot of views. Chief Magistrate Candia Carette George indicated that she wanted to send a strong message in the politically charged environment

The prosecution did not object to bail for Curvel Mitchel who will also report twice weekly to the Roseau Police Station as part of his bail conditions

The state alleges that between November 7 and 12, Mitchell threatened Prime Minister Skerrit in a video saying, “we have a dam ass they calling Roosevelt Skerrit, with his dam ass mentality and people that supporting him. Just put the gun in my hands and I tell you I doing it. Time to take you out ”

The magistrate said generally, bail for such an offence is usually EC$5,000, but on this occasion, a gun is involved and because of the politically charged environment she wanted to send a strong message She warned the accused against posting similar messages on social media in the future

Dominicans are preparing to vote in a snap general election on December 6 that Skerrit called three years after leading his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in 2019 to government with an 18 3 majority in the 21 seat Parliament Skerrit is now in his fourth term and 20th year as Prime Minister of Dominica

Burt

Rushawn Patterson charged for the murder of Slickianna

The Jamaica Constabulary Force in a statement said, Ms Townsend travelled from Kingston to Montego Bay on Thursday October 20 where she was picked up by Patterson at approximately 7:30 p m During the course of the evening, they visited a restaurant in Hanover and a guest house in St James

The police further stated that at some point during the night, an argument developed between them, which resulted in Patterson strangling Ms Townsend and disposing of her body

Additionally, a 47 year old security guard, Rohan Rose, otherwise called 'Early B' has been charged with Misprision of a Felony in relation to the matter

In the three weeks since the investigation into her death began, the St. James and Hanover police say they have conducted a high level investigation that has benefitted from the support of the Area 1 Operational Support Team, the Communication Forensic & Cybercrime Division (CFCD), the National Intelligence

Bureau

On

Patterson

of assault in the St Andrew South Police Division This charge is stemming from an incident that occurred in 2018, where he was alleged to have physically assaulted a female after a jealous rage That matter will be mentioned in the Kingston and St Andrew parish court

Townsend's body was found at a beach in St James on Friday, October 21

People reportedly went to the beach around 9:30 in the morning and found a body in the water

The police were summoned, and the body was fished from the water by the Marine police

Townsend's body was identified by her mother the following day

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Jamaican MP to be charged over loss of firearm

Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has ruled that charges be laid against Opposition Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell over the loss of his licensed firearm earlier this year.

Paulwell is to be charged later this week with losing a firearm through negligence

The MP's licensed firearm was reportedly stolen in July following an emergency stop

Paulwell reported that when he returned to his vehicle, he noticed that one of the windows was smashed and the bag containing his firearm was gone

The MP said he reported the matter to the police and also provided a full report to the Firearm Licensing Authority

Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, head of the St Andrew South Police Division, said Paulwell's report of the incident was received and the matter was investigated

Phillip Paulwell is a member of the People's National Party, and represents the Kingston Eastern and Port Royal constituency in Parliament

He is also the Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives, supports the government's gun amnesty, and is urging anyone with illegal guns, including his own, to turn them in by whatever means possible

Under the amnesty, illegal guns may be surrendered to a sub officer or senior sub officer on duty at any police station; any designated officer at an FLA location; or an attorney at law or pastor on behalf of an individual requesting amnesty

The amnesty period began Saturday, November 5, and ends midnight on Saturday, November 19

“This has worsened our current staffing challenges and has significantly impacted the work environment within the facility Of note, is that Spanish Town Hospital is also seeing a significant increase in admissions and overcrowding,” he stated

The occupancy of the pediatric wards has been persistently greater than 100 percent Admissions increased by 53 percent, with 98 patients in August and 150 in September Over the last four weeks, there has been a significant increase in the daily pediatric respiratory/asthmatic cases at the hospital

Dr Tufton said the Health and Wellness Ministry has noted the international trends in respiratory illnesses, especially among children

Police in St James, Jamaica have charged 33-year-old Rushawn Patterson with the murder of social media influencer Anika 'Slickianna' Townsend

(NIB), the Technical Services Division (TSD), the Specialised Operations Branch, the Jamaica Defence Force, as well as Jamaica Eye

November 2, Rushawn

was arrested during a high level, intelligence driven operation He was later charged for an unrelated case

Rushawn Paerson

Anika 'Slickianna' Townsend

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

Is Jamaica Racist?

Jamaica has one of, if not the, most diverse population in the Caribbean The almost three million population has before and since independence in 1962 comprised people of African, English, Chinese, Syrian, German, and Lebanese heritage It was therefore fitting when the committee chaired by Theodore Sealy, the late Jamaican Gleaner editor, selected the national motto for the emerging nation as “Out of Many One People ”

When compared to the rabid racism found in other countries, Jamaicans tend to exude pride in the ability to live in racial harmony in Jamaica But is this pride based on reality, or is it a myth?

GRAPHIC EDITOR

Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

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

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The asinine comments of a usually controversial member of parliament and minister affiliated to the ruling Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) government, certainly make Jamaica's pride in its tolerant racial diversity seem mythical

This MP and government minister in a public speech criticized the leader of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) Mark Golding, son of a white Jamaican, as being too white skinned to be the nation's prime minister According to the MP Golding is too white to defeat the current prime minister, who is black skinned The MP said if Golding wants to be prime minister he should return to “England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland ” This is more stupidity as Mr Golding is Jamaica- born

The MP's racist comment is further stupid because his party, the JLP, was founded by a prominent white skinned Jamaican, one of the fathers of Jamaica's independence, and National Hero, Sir Alexander Bustamante Bustamante built his political fame representing black wharf and sugar workers Moreover, one of the more prominent JLP members that succeeded Bustamante, was another white skinned politician, the late Edward Seaga, who was actually born in the USA, before being taken to Jamaican as an infant by his white parents, a father of Lebanese Jamaican descent, and a Jamaican mother of African , Scottish and Indian descent

Remarkably, absent in the mind of the JLP minister/MP, is that Golding represents, and is

revered by, a black inner city community in Jamaica's parliament

But the criticism of the skin color of Jamaican political leaders in an extremely racially and ethically diverse country is nothing new When Seaga emerged as a potentially powerful leader in Jamaican politics in the 1960s he too was attacked for his skin color and his foreign birth In fact, when accosted for his recent racist remarks, the JLP MP/minister, said he was doing something the PNP started back in the days when members of that party criticized Sega for his skin color

Despite its motto, Jamaica has a persistent racist, ethnic, color and class problem Jamaican parents and grandparents, even black Jamaicans, caution their children and grandchildren, “not to married anybody too black so you children not ugly ” People living in the upscale suburbs turn their collective noses on, and have deep distrust, of people from the lower classes, especially those living in inner cities or deep rural communities It's not unusual for families to discriminate against their domestic help who cook their meals, and care for their children

When Hugh Shearer was appointed Jamaica's first black skinned prime minister in 1967, there were whispers in living rooms in uptown Jamaica about this black man being the PM, instead of the lighter skinned Clement Tavares. And when Portia Simpson Miller became prime minister in 2006, there was wide

criticism that this black woman born in a relatively poor rural community, without the benefit of Ivy league college education was then the country's prime minister Throughout her two tenures as prime minister, Simpson Miller was hounded by Jamaica's class prejudice

Yet, the irony isn't lost that most black Jamaicans voted for and accepted white skinned leaders like Bustamante, Seaga and the former leader of the PNP, Michael Manley

Although the comments of the JLP minister and minister are silly, stupid, and out of context with Jamaica's pollical history, they seem to be condoned by the prime minister, who hasn't made any public statement to reprimand his MP

It's very important that in this the 60th year of Jamaica's independence, the nations political, religious, business, and community leaders, make real effort to stem the racial, color, and class problems that persist These lingering social negatives make a mockery of the country's national motto Moreover, it makes the pride Jamaicans strive to show Americans in Jamaica's tolerance of racial diversity, not only a myth, but hypocrisy

If the Jamaican prime minister wants to rid his country of this hypocrisy, he should still reprimand his minister for his stupid, racist comments Unless he too shares the views of his minister

Kazim Richards

It's very important that in this the 60th year of Jamaica's independence, the nations political, religious, business, and community leaders, make real effort to stem the racial, color, and class problems that persist.

Haiti Government ministers resign

Two government ministers have resigned their positions in the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry amid speculation that they were forced to do so after the United States revoked their American visas

According to a decree published in the special issue of the official journal, “Le Moniteur,” the Minister of Justice Berto Dorcé and the Interior Minister, Liszt Quitel had tendered their resignations

It gave no reasons for the resignation, noting that Prime Minster Henry will act as minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities In addition, the decree noted that Emmelie Prophet Milcé will act as the minister of Justice and Public Security

Media reports said the two ministers were forced to resign following the revocation of their American visas, within the framework of the sanctions imposed by the United States

The American authorities did not communicate the reasons for revoking the visas of the two ministers in contrast to what was done to

indicated a desire to challenge the allegations

In a statement, Latortue, who is also a former police commissioner, said it is important for him to clear his name Canada named him and Lambert as engaging in criminal activities

US extends temporary legal status to Haitians

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended its Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for recipient citizens of six countries including Haiti

In a statement, the DHS said the extension, that is also applicable to citizens of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Sudan and Honduras is “to ensure its continued compliance” with orders from two ongoing court cases and was consistent with DHS practice over the past four years ”

According to the DHS, the document that was sent to the Federal Register, should be officially released on Wednesday

The TPS program provides beneficiaries with work permits and protects them from deportation if their country of origin experiences extraordinary events such as natural disasters or armed conflicts

In response, Senator Alex Padilla who chairs a judiciary subcommittee on immigration, says the extension is a huge relief for those on the program

He said the move is a step in the right direction but added that more permanent protections are needed

Following the devastating earthquake which struck Haiti on January 12, 2012, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on January 15 announced “the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010

Created in 1990, TPS is a deportation relief program that can be extended to nationals of countries beset by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other humanitarian crises

Lambert said he will challenge the decision of the United States and Canada for imposing sanctions against him for his alleged involvement in “significant corruption” and “ gross violation of human rights”

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced it was sanctioning Lambert, with US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, saying Lambert “abused his public position by participating in corrupt activity that undermined the integrity of Haiti's government

In a separate but similar action, the US Department of the Treasury designated Lambert for his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, said her country is imposing targeted sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations “in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs

Embassy vehicles attacked

fromA1

President Jovenel Moïse at his private residence overlooking the capital

Last month, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned what he called an “absolutely nightmarish situation” in Haiti with gangs blocking the movement of fuel and other materials in the Port au Prince harbor

Guterres has urged the international community to consider deploying forces to the country to address growing humanitarian and security crises in the country

While the gangs are now allowing the fuel to be distributed, kidnappings for ransom continue in the country, where opposition forces have been calling on Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry to step down and call fresh elections

the President of the Senate Joseph Lambert and the former Senator, Youry Latortue, both of whom had been sanctioned by Washington

Both Lambert and Latortue denied the allegations made against them by the United States and Canada and have both have

Juliet Holness receives keys to the City of Miramar

City

Mrs Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, member of parliament and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives was on a short visit to South Florida where she was also a special guest at the 20th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival on Sunday (November13) at the Miramar Regional Park

In a brief address to the audience at the reception, Mrs Holness presented an optimistic view of Jamaica, as she invited the cross section of Jamaicans to invest in Jamaica Despite the two years of the COVID 19 pandemic, and all the global concerns now “the little island of Jamaica is doing better” she stated She highlighted debt reduction noting that the Government had significantly reduced its debt which presented more fiscal space for improving the infrastructure and crime fighting resources

Among those in attendance was a wide cross section of

representatives of alumni groups, charitable and community associations, the business community, faith based leaders, legal fraternity, cultural groups, and friends of the diaspora

The welcome reception titled “An Evening with the Most Hon Juliet Holness” was organized by the Consulate General in partnership with the City of Miramar Sponsors included CaribShopper, Squires International Law, and Jerk Festival Inc

It was an evening of entertainment by the Tallawah Mento Band; Sons of Mystro; tenor, Steve Higgins; and poet Dr Susan 'dr Sue' Davis Gifts were presented by CaribShopper; Louise Bennett Coverley Heritage Council (LBCHC); Purple Team/Cyber Security; and artist Richard Blackford

Mrs Holness also attended the annual Jerk Festival where she interacted and was received by many of the patrons who were also celebrating Jamaica's 60th Anniversary of Independence and Grace Kennedy's 100th birthday The nearly 10,000 patrons enjoyed an evening of Jamaican culture which included a showcase of traditional folk entertainment, Jerk Pavilion, food samplings of 'everything' Jamaican, and a line up of popular entertainers

Caribbean American Black Lives Matter president wants more focus on ‘true sacrifices’ of veterans

The president of Caribbean American Black Lives Matter Brooklyn, Anthony Beckford, says more focus should be placed on the “true sacrifices” of veterans as America celebrates Veterans Day on Friday with a federal holiday

“When it comes to celebrating Veterans Day, I can honestly say that I see more people focused on the sales and deals they receive due to the sacrifices of many,” said Beckford, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who served in the US Marine Corps

There is no focus on the true sacrifices, the mental health challenges, and the lack of resources and services for veterans once we

come back home,” Beckford told the Caribbean Media Corporation

The author, political consultant and community advocate said corporations need to stop distracting the people from the true meaning and reason for Veterans Day

“I salute my fellow veterans and stand with them always,” said Beckford, the founder of the Brooklyn based Save Our Youth Initiative, adding that the group ’ s sole purpose is “to engage with youth in underserved communities to minimize their chances of being involved in gun and gang violence, and to provide much needed resources and services to them and

their families”

Beckford joined the US Marine Corps in 2001, a few months before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States

He said the military was something that he “looked forward to participating in since childhood ”

Beckford said he originally signed up as an amphibian assault gunner but was given the opportunity to become a cannon crewman due to the closing of his “first choice job ”

During his service, Beckford said he was awarded the US National Defense Ribbon Unfortunately, during his service, he was

injured and is disabled, but he said his spirit to fight for the people continues

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is observed annually on November 11 for honoring military veterans of the US Armed Forces It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries that commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I

Kazim Richard

of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam presented the keys to the city to Juliet Holness as he welcomed her to a reception in her honor at the Miramar Performing Arts Center

Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam presented Mrs. Juliet Holness, Jamaican Member of Parliament & wife of Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, with Key to the City at a reception held in her honor on her recent visit. – Contributed

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR NORTH MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PROJECT NO. 01327000

BIDS DUE: Sealed bids will be received by The School Board of Mami Dade County, Florida, for the project listed herein until 2:00 PM. local time, Thursday January 12, 2023, 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 Board Administration Building, by an authorized representative of the Board Award of the contract will be made to the lowest, pre qualified responsible and responsive bidder for the actual amount bid considerng base bd and accepted alternates (if any) as listed in the bidding documents The Board will award the contract based upon the results of the tabulations as covered by applicabe laws and regulations Bidders desiring to participate in this solicitation must be pre qualified by the Board prior to submitting their bid in response to this solicitation. Contact the Miami Dade County Public Schoos (M DCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity at (305) 995 1307 or via email at oeo@dadeschools net for information regarding Contractors' Pre qualification procedures

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, Antonio Hevia (tony@phdesigngroup com), Palenzuela & Hevia Design Group, Inc , 12201 S W 133 Court, Miami, Florida 33186. Questions will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2022 Answers will only be issued to the Contractors who attended the mandatory Pre bid Conference

MANDATORY PRE BID CONFERENCE: (North Miami Beach Senior High): Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 10:00 a m local time, at North Miami Beach Senior High, 1247 N E. 167 Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33162 There will be a sign in period from 10:00 a m. to 10:15 a m. Potential bidders arrving after the fifteen (15) minute sign 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

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 immediatey Board Policy 6325, prior to the Board meeting at which the Board will award or approve a contract, reject all bds or responses, or take any other action that ends the solicitation and review process Any violation of this rule shall be investigated by the Boards Inspector General and shall result in the disqualification of the potential applicant from the competitive solicitation 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, shall be subject to debarment General questions regarding the legal advertisement will be sent to the Office of Capital Improvement Projects via email at ocip@dadeschools net, and a copy filed with the Clerk of the School Board at celiarubio@dadeschoos net, who shall make copies available to the public upon request

Lobbyist

Lobbyist requirements, pursuant to shall be applicable to this soictation and all proposers and lobbyists shall strictly conform to, and be governed by, the requirements set forth therein. Contact the Clerk of the School Board Board Policy 8150 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 valid business tax receipt, issued by a jurisdiction located in Miami Dade Board Policy 6320 05, County, that has either (1) its headquarters, manufacturing facility, or ocally owned franchise located within 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 bd 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 recept and the Local Business Affidavit of Eligibility with their proposal. Proposers who fail to submit the required documents will not be consdered for Vendor Preference

Jessica Lunsford Act

The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply wth 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 Discipline 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, individual sureties

Commercial Anti discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

Another Major Success for the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

Last Sunday, November 13, the long anticipated return of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival was held after a two year, pandemic induced hiatus The festival had an astounding turnout of patrons who indulged in jerk cuisine from a stellar lineup of food vendors Other standout features of the event included an array of cultural activities and excellent stage performances

Once again held at the Miramar Regional Park, this year's 20th anniversary edition of the festival included performances from several leading Jamaican acts such as Tarrus Riley, Cham, Romaine Virgo and Christopher Martin There were also cameos from Mykal Roze, Duane Stephenson and Juliet Holness, the wife of Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness

The festival also blazed new trails in tech, launching its own app, which

allowed patrons to pre order from the fan favorite vendor, Boston Jerk - all the way from Portland, Jamaica “The Jerk Eats concierge service performed above expectations,” reflects Eddy Ewards, festival CEO, speaking of the app's effectiveness in curtailing long lines at the beloved vendor's booth

To date, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is the largest Caribbean food event in the United States. This Miramar event marks the third and final for 2022 under the festival banner, with other events held in Washington D C and Queens, New York earlier this year

With another successful festival season under its belt, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival continues to dominate the food space and make waves in bringing Jamaican cultureby way of food - to the Jamaican diaspora and those curious about all things Jamaica and jerk

Grammy Best Reggae Album Nominees all Jamaican

The Grammy nominations have been released and for the first time in two years, the nominations list for Best Reggae Album is completely Jamaican

Host John Legend, who revealed the nominees live on Tuesday morning, revealed the lucky artistes who received a nod They are The Kalling by Kabaka Pyramid, Gifted by Koffee, Scorcha by Sean Paul, Third Time's The Charm by Protoje and Com Fly Wid Mi by Shaggy

This is the first nomination for Kabaka Pyramid, whose sophomore album The Kalling was released on September 30, the last day of the Recording Academy's eligibility period for the 65th Annual Awards The album was

eighth Grammy Award nomination, two of which previously earned him the Award for Best Reggae Album, for Boombastic and 44/876 with Sting

The Best Reggae Album category has been scrutinized after a California based group, SOJA, won the award last year, leading to not only criticisms of the Grammys but also criticisms by fans of artistes for the quality of music produced

Since its inception in 1985, the Best Reggae Album award has only seen two non Jamaican

from England and SOJA

it has also been

released via Ghetto Youths Int'l and Bebble Rock Music Gifted is Koffee's follow up to her Rapture EP, which took home the Award for Best Reggae Album in 2020

Protoje has now earned his second Grammy Award nomination for his sixth studio album, Third Time's The Charm, which was released on

September 23 via In Digg Nation Collection and RCA Records His 2018 album A Matter of Time had been nominated Sean Paul has obtained his tenth Grammy nomination The Temperature artiste has won Best Reggae Album Grammy for Dutty Rock Music legend Shaggy has picked up his

winners — Steel Pulse

from the United States, but

dominated by the Marleys in years gone by

Kabaka Pyramid Koffee

Proteje

Sean Paul Shaggy

Not only was the country's human rights track record, especially relating to women, migrant workers, and LGBTQ people, cause for concern, but also the timing of the event which is normally held in the summer, when temperatures in Qatar reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit)

In fact, it was not humanly possible, so a solution had to be reached and seven years ago the European option of a January 2022 tournament was cast aside by the world's governing body's then leaders because it coincided with the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China

It was then that this four week tournament was agreed on with the final set for December 18, the country's National Day

Hosting the World Cup will be huge for Qatar's status as it seeks to rise above its larger neighbors in the Middle East, where its desires and politics have attracted attention and detestation from near and far Qatar, with a population of 2 9 million and land space just a shade larger than Jamaica, has become one of the top exporters of natural gas, and its newfound wealth has built the venues that spectators will fill for the next four weeks, creating the popular Al Jazeera news network, while also enabling Doha's diplomatic outreach to the wider world

The geopolitics and human rights issues aside, 32 nations will vie for championship honors during the tournament, with all the major names present except, Italy, a four time winner and reigning European Champions, which failed to qualify

FIFA has earmarked US$440 million in prize money for this year's event, with the winners taking home US$42 million The 32 teams are drawn in eight groups with the top two teams on points from each group qualifying for a round of 16, where the format changes to a direct knockout From the round of 16, the eight winners advance to the quarter finals, with the four winners booking their place in the semi finals, and the two winners setting a date with destiny on December 18, to become

The evolution of music in Jamaica and its influence on youth is one that is oftentimes debated at various levels in society

Recently the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica imposed a ban on the playing of music that promotes or glorifies lottery scamming, the use of the illicit drug Molly and illegal guns This directive was given to radio stations to reinforce the Commission's commitment to keep the airwaves free of harmful content given the role that traditional media still plays as an agent of socialisation

However, social media plays an integral part of socialisation, and makes it easy for youth to access music that has been banned on the airwaves Minister with responsibility for Information Robert Morgan while speaking at the National Youth Month Church Service spoke about his son who was playing a song on YouTube The minister said his son wasn't playing the song on his own volition he was on YouTube when it started playing

" I heard my son playing a YouTube video, and he wasn't playing it because he looked for it, he was just on his tablet, and I heard, 'Bounce

cheque inna account and mek mi skull upset [None a unuh] nuh know dunce yet, back a di class mi nah nuh subject ”

The song Dunce Cheque by dancehall artiste Valiant has been trending for the past few days on several social media platforms The song speaks about being dunce, scamming as well as the use of Molly

How did this become a norm? Are the songs a reflection of the society in which we are living? Gone are the days when working hard and attending school for a higher education was being preached to the youths Being dunce and having the ability to scam are the recurring themes in songs nowadays

Dunce Cheque is one of the many songs that highlight scamming, Molly and being fully dunce Malie Donn's Bank is another trending song that continues to make its rounds The song speaks about engaging in criminal activities; being a thief

“Yes, Miss Jen, I'm still a thief Still here committing criminal activities,” he sings with pride Being a big crook is held in high regard not to mention the use of drugs But how did we get here?

The era of the Bro God is here, and the new generation has come armed with trap music, their own lifestyles that does not portray Jamaica in the best light This is definitely not the music of Barrington Levy or Beres Hammond but an era of scamming- the rise of the “choppa” culture that's carving its place in history

First made popular locally in St James and surrounding western parishes, scamming has found itself into the criminal spotlight It gained national notoriety around 2011 12, by which time an Anti Lottery Scam Task Force had already been formed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the U S government opened an F B I office in Jamaica to help tackle

the plague that was causing American citizens to lose their retirement funds

The open arms of Jamaican music initially received a taste of scammer culture around 2012, when incarcerated dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel with Gaza Slim on hook released Reparations Thus, what was once considered an illicit lifestyle, got its first national co sign with a basic explanation of why it’s morally correct

There is an uncomfortable truth about the rise of such music in Jamaica With its creators and current viral acts acting as proponents of the lifestyles surrounding scamming, the music moves one step forward and one step back

The music, though often hardly impressive, represents what's currently happening on the ground in Jamaica Youth no longer believe that hard work is the key to success but believe in a fast life; get rich by any means necessary

Young people are the driving force of any economy and help to build and shape society If we lose our young people now to what is deemed culturally appropriate, then there's a little hope for the future To quote Prime Minister Andrew Holness “fully dunce ” What are your thoughts?

Koffee to be featured on Sam Smith Album, Gloria

Jamaican Grammy kid Koffee is set to be featured on English singer Sam Smith's new album titled Gloria, to be released January 27, 2023.

On Friday (November 11), Sam Smith via Twitter, unveiled the track list of the long awaited album Koffee will be featured on track nine titled, “Gimme”, along with R&B Pop

singer Jesse Reyz who has two collaborations on the project

Last month, Sam Smith and Petras climbed to the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their sultry duet, “Unholy”

Smith earned four Grammy wins in 2014, for Record and Song Of The Year, with Stay With Me, and for Best New Artiste and Best Pop Vocal Album, with their debut In The Lonely Hour Meanwhile, since her Grammy Award

winning Rapture EP in 2019, Koffee has collaborated on singles with artistes such as Buju Banton, Protoje, Govanna, John Legend among others

The Jamaican singer on her debut album Gifted released earlier this year, opted for no collaborations Gifted debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart and number 9 on the Official UK Albums chart Koffee was the first female Jamaican artiste in the Top 10 of the UK charts in 27

years following her fellow Spanish Town native Diana King

In other news, Koffee has teamed up with Audible Originals series to tell her story which will be shared on November 17 Viewers will also enjoy two exclusive performances from the singer Audible Originals series is the largest producer and provider of premium audio storytelling with binge worthy audiobooks and exclusive podcasts

Rihanna

Reggae Girlz pay for profligacy in 2-1 defeat to Paraguay

Jamaica's Reggae Girlz paid a heavy price for their wastefulness in front of goal as they went down 2 1 in the second game of a two match friendly international series against Paraguay at the National Stadium on Sunday night.

Celsa Sandoval gave Paraguay the lead on 18 minutes and the visitors doubled their advantage through Ramona Martinez after 35 minutes

Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, the 25 year old captain, pulled a goal back for Jamaica, who have already qualified for next year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

She tucked away a penalty on 61 minutes after substitute Rachel Jones' attempted cross

was handled inside the area

Reggae Girlz coach Lorne Donaldson said his players had not looked sharp in the warm up and it showed during the match

“We are still looking at players, still looking at things but it is not going to be at all cost There is some stuff to deal with in the camp and it was evident in the first 20 minutes, and we saw it in the warm up,” he said

“Second half, we made some changes and got a lot more energy, but we wasted some chances, but such is football For us this is preparation ”

Shaw was denied an equalizer at the death when Paraguay's goalkeeper Cristina Recalde was quickly off her line to snuff out an excellent chance, and the South Americans held on, having lost Thursday's opener 1 0 in Montego Bay

Khadija Shaw named WSL’s October Player of the Month

In form Reggae Girl Khadija Shaw has expressed delight after being named the English Women's Super League (WSL) Player of the Month for October

The 25 year old Jamaican forward, nicknamed Bunny, was instrumental in a hugely successful month for City, which saw the club – currently sitting fourth in the 12 team table – win all three WSL matches against Leicester, Tottenham and Liverpool

Gareth Taylor's side were on target nine times in those clashes while only conceding once in the process

Spanish Town born Shaw, winning the award for the first time, contributed five goals and one assist to that tally, and remains the current leading scorer in this season's WSL Reflecting on her WSL Player of the Month award, Shaw said: “I am delighted to win this award for the first time, it has been a very

successful month for us as a team and I am grateful to everyone who voted for me in a very talented shortlist of players

“We are feeling so confident after these recent wins and I am really enjoying my football right now personally, but the most important thing is results and helping the team to have as much success as possible

“I will keep working hard to continue my goal scoring form to help carry on our great form of late and to keep the smiles on our fans' faces ”

Shaw is in her second season in the WSL and her October haul included two braces after she took over from the retired Ellen White at City

She scored a brace against Leicester in a 4 0 win and six days later she added two more against Tottenham in a 3 0 victory and another against Liverpool

RADO, CANOC sign historic anti-doping MOU

The Caribbean Regional Anti Doping Organization (RADO) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) have signed a historic agreement aimed at strengthening the fight against doping in the region

The memorandum of understanding, officially signed during the CANOC General Assembly in Trinidad and Tobago last week, is the first of its kind between the two bodies and will seek to further enhance doping controls, testing, education and technical expertise, as well as the development of policy frameworks

“After a long period of preparation and negotiations, we finally did it and I'm extremely happy,” said chairman of the Caribbean RADO, Patrick Werleman

“This brings us yet another step closer to making sure all of our athletes in the region receive key education in anti doping, which helps to create a level playing field for our athletes

“We see this as one of the moments in a much longer journey on our mission to lead, promote and coordinate clean sport in the Caribbean region – to realize our vision of a unified region, committed to clean sport

“It is now that we need to cultivate a stronger community of practice to ensure that our governments are engaged, that our work is athlete centered, and our policies facilitate levelling the playing field for the athlete's right to participate in clean sport ”

Former CANOC president, Brian Lewis, who now serves as general secretary following a recent election, said the agreement sent a “very powerful and strong signal” of the region's commitment to the anti doping movement

“The signing of the memorandum of understanding between CANOC and the Caribbean RADO is historic,” said Lewis

“It is significant as it sends a very powerful and strong signal, not just to the region, but to the entire Olympic and Commonwealth sports movement, that we in the Caribbean are committed to clean sport

The forward fended off the challenge of Manchester United duo Mary Earps and Leah Galton, West Ham's Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Chelsea's Lauren James and Arsenal's Frida Maanum to claim the award