Caribbean National Weekly October 25, 2023

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LAST CHANCE AT FREEDOM Vybz Kartel gets Privy Council appeal hearing for February 2024 Incarcerated dancehall superstar, Vybz Kartel, has been granted a hearing date in the United Kingdom to appeal his life conviction for a 2011 murder, Fox 5 News has confirmed. Isat Buchanan, the attorney of the deejay, confirmed to Fox 5 News reporter Lisa Evers that the hearing is scheduled for February 14-15.

Evers said the U.K. Privy Council will hear Vybz Kartel’s appeal, as well as that of his co-defendants, during the session.

Evers said that Buchanan also confirmed that he sought an expedited hearing for Vybz Kartel’s appeal, citing his ongoing health issues.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the deejay was battling an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease and two alleged heart conditions. The condition of the 47year-old incarcerated entertainer was said to be life-threatening.

Evers had obtained a sworn medical affidavit from the artiste’s private doctor, endocrinologist Karen Phillips, which outlined that Kartel has been battling Graves’ disease for seven years.

The upcoming hearing will be the final appeal opportunity for Vybz Kartel to overturn the life sentence he was slapped with in the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

Evers also shared that Kartel has two heart conditions that are worsening and that if he does not get surgery, “he could die.”

In the over 10 years that Vybz Kartel has

been incarcerated, he has conducted several exclusive interviews with Evers from prison.

Last year, Evers also conducted an interview with Sidem Ozturk, said to be the entertainer’s fiancee at the time.

The upcoming hearing will be the final appeal opportunity for Vybz Kartel to overturn the life sentence he was slapped with in the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

The Privy Council is Jamaica’s highest appellate court.

Kartel was officially found guilty of Williams’ murder in 2014, with Justice Lennox Campbell directing that Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, serve a minimum of 35 years before being eligible for parole. continues on B3 – Last Chance

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26, 2023

FREE BUS RIDES Starting next month, commuters in Miami-Dade will be saving a bit extra as the county introduces free rides on the Metro-Bus or Metrorail.

From November 13 to December 31, commuters will be able to save the $2.25 spent on bus fare, as the county rolls out a plan to help increase ridership on public buses.

The “Better Bus Network,” initiative is designed to boost ridership and reduce waiting times by introducing additional buses on busy routes.

Miami-Dade County says the initiative “will dramatically increase transit access to jobs, education, healthcare and quality of life and uplift our most vulnerable, including seniors, with significantly better services.”

Through the initiative, the number of frequent routes on the network will increase from five to nineteen, forming a network of frequent lines covering most of the county. Weekend service will increase to near the same levels as weekdays, for most local routes, according to the county.

Additional positives from the initiative, which the county outlines, are that the new network will bring frequent transit service to more than a quarter million low-income residents, more than double the 119,000 who are near frequent transit today. The new network will also bring frequent service near almost 60% of households without cars; some 20,000 additional households without cars near more frequent service.

According to the Miami Herald, the 2024 budget forecast estimates $76 million in fares this year. It’s estimated that the free rides for the last six weeks of the year could cost the county $9 million. The budget set aside $6.25 million for Better Bus initiative, which could include revenue to cover missing fare dollars.

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Denise Grant honored with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals Leaders Award A3

Nicole Theriot assumes ofce as US Ambassador to Guyana A4

Gospel Sensation 2023: An evening of praise and worship B1

Jamaica’s sports minister ‘concerned’ about rift between Reggae Girlz and JFF C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE 2 Over 200 kids marched on Saturday, October 21 at the An -Bullying Parade at Roosevelt Gardens Park. This is the 10th year for the parade presented by Broward County Parks. The march was held to raise awareness of bullying and the nega ve effects it has on children.

Hosted by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, on October 21st the City of Miramar held its Black Bri sh Awards event, which honored Gwendolyn Osborne, awarded for Outstanding Television and Media

Rory from the iconic StoneLove, awarded for Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips and community members do a victory dance while par cipa ng in the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Walk & Run-a-Thon to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Commissioner Sharon Thomas made it to the end of the 2 mile walk along the C-13 Canal during the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Walk & Run-a-Thon in support of those figh ng against breast cancer.

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips (2nd le ), Commissioner Sharon Thomas (3rd from right), City Clerk Venice Howard and City Manager Treasa Brown Stubbs (right) celebrate the winners of the Breast Cancer Awareness raffle Micah and Lyric!

Congratula ons!

Consul General Oliver Mair wished Reggae icon Shaggy a happy birthday on October 22, pos ng this and slew of other photos in his honor.

State Rep. Lisa Dunkley (L) and City Manager Treasa Brown Stubbs (R) par cipated in the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Walk & Run-a-Thon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

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NEWSMAKER

Denise Grant Lauderhill Commissioner honored with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals Leaders Award The United Nations Association of Broward County Chapter (UNA Broward) has honored JamaicanAmerican Lauderhill Commissioner Denise Grant, with the prestigious Sustainable Development Goals Leaders Award, recognizing her as a “distinguished leader” in her community.

The awards, held recently, celebrates 17 individuals who the UNA Broward says are working to advance each of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015, designed to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges worldwide. The goals — which include ending poverty and global hunger, and providing education and quality health care for all — serve as a blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030.

UNA Broward said that Commissioner Grant’s impactful initiatives have significantly contributed to the realization of these goals within Broward County.

“UNA Broward commends Commissioner Denise D. Grant for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to sustainable development,” the association said in a statement.

“Through her innovative endeavors, Commissioner Grant has not only demonstrated her commitment to the local community but also exemplified the principles set forth by the United Nations,” they added.

“I am grateful for the recognition of my efforts to advance Goal #8, Decent Work & Economic Growth, as part of the United Nations’ global agenda It is our collective responsibility to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation for the betterment of our community. I am committed to continuing this important work and creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.” – Grant Commissioner Grant was specifically recognized for her contributions toward the advancement of SDG #8: Decent Work & Economic Growth. This goal focuses on the development of resilient infrastructure, the promotion of inclusive and sustainable

Commissioner Grant joined with the Lauderhill Police Department and City Representatives to meet with residents for the “Unity in the Community” campaign initiative in Lauderhill

industrialization, and the fostering of innovation.

UNA Broward said Commissioner Grant’s “visionary leadership, strategic initiatives, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in enhancing economic opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable growth within Broward County.”

The Jamaican-born Commissioner serves on the National League of Cities’ Human Development Board and is noted for the advancement of unity and bridge-building initiative, Unity in the Community.

Commenting on the award, Grant said the award is a humbling honor.

“I am grateful for the recognition of my efforts to advance Goal #8, Decent Work &

Economic Growth, as part of the United Nations’ global agenda,” she said.

“It is our collective responsibility to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation for the betterment of our community. I am committed to continuing this important work and creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.”

Established in 1985, UNA Broward operates as a community-based chapter of the United Nations Foundation. The association aims to promote the principles and values of the U.N., working collaboratively to address global challenges at the local level.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Nicole Theriot assumes ofce as US Ambassador to Guyana The diplomatic bonds between the United States and Guyana were strengthened this week as Nicole Theriot, the newly minted US Ambassador to Guyana, officially stepped into her role.

In an engaging ceremony at State House on Monday, Ambassador Theriot presented her credentials to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, marking the commencement of her diplomatic duties in the country.

Theriot’s impressive career portfolio includes representations of the US in various global corners, having served in countries such as Pakistan, Germany, Iraq, France, Nigeria, Canada, and Barbados.

Nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the US Senate, Theriot succeeds Sarah-Ann Lynch in enhancing the US’s diplomatic relations in Guyana.

President Ali and Ambassador Theriot held constructive discussions, reflecting on the shared values and commitments between the two nations.

Their dialogue extended beyond bilateral projects, encompassing broader global issues such as democracy, the rule of law, and international peace. The vision moving forward is to

In a bid to address the escalating issue of crime in the Caribbean region, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has requested Canada’s support during the inaugural day of the three-day Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and newly appointed U.S. Ambassador, Nicole D. Theriot sharing a light moment (Ofce of the President photo)

cultivate enhanced cooperation and foster a more profound relationship between the US and Guyana within a regional context.

The discussions also revealed Guyana’s aspirations of becoming a formidable global leader in pivotal sectors such as food, climate, and energy security.

Jamaica appeals to US to end Cuba embargo The Jamaican Parliament again appealed to the United States to terminate the longstanding economic embargo on Cuba.

In a powerful display of bipartisanship on Tuesday, the parliamentarians converged in unison, advocating fervently for the cessation of the economic constraints that have beleaguered Cuba for decades.

Jamaica’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge, who opened the debate on the resolution, characterized the policy as cruel and devastating.

The United States has firmly maintained an economic embargo against Cuba, a policy that restricts US businesses and those primarily owned by US citizens from engaging in commerce with Cuban entities.

Initiated under the aegis of President John F Kennedy in

PM Rowley appeals to Canada for support in CARICOM’s battle against crime

February 1962, the embargo marked a significant deviation in the economic relationship between the two nations, establishing a rigid framework of commercial prohibition.

In a continuous reevaluation and fortification of this policy stance, subsequent administrations have navigated various adjustments.

Reports are that in 2016 US President Barack Obama visited Cuba and relaxed some of the worst effects of the embargo.

However, on June 16, 2017, President Donald Trump fortified the United States’ approach towards Cuba. By invoking a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), a nuanced layer of rigidity was added, further consolidating the embargo’s framework.

Dr. Rowley emphasized the pressing need for immediate intervention to tackle the rising tide of violence, specifically honing in on the illicit trade of firearms and ammunition plaguing the Caribbean.

He pointed out that the region has witnessed a disturbing surge in the daily usage of illegal arms, resulting in a grim Rowley statistic of 15 daily fatalities due to violent incidents.

Highlighting the dire implications of these developments, Prime Minister Rowley underscored the heightened risks to national security.

He noted that criminal organizations have grown increasingly adept at arming themselves, transforming into formidable “killing machines” that pose a severe threat to the region’s stability.

The Canada-CARICOM Summit serves as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s second major engagement with regional leaders this year.

It provides a platform for dialogues aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing shared concerns, with the urgent matter of crime prevention now occupying a central role in the discussions.

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CARIBBEAN

Jamaica: NSWMA’s skilled drivers migrating to Cayman and Canada Jamaica’s National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has encountered a pressing challenge as it grapples with a dwindling pool of drivers.

Audley Gordon, the Executive Director of NSWMA, has shed light on the situation, attributing it to drivers seeking more lucrative opportunities overseas, particularly in the Cayman Islands and Canada.

Over the past two years, the NSWMA has seen a significant exodus of its drivers to foreign shores, enticed by the promise of higher salaries.

This departure of skilled personnel has placed the authority in a predicament, as it strives to replace these drivers .

One of the primary hurdles faced by the NSWMA in recruiting new drivers is the rigorous driving test that applicants must pass.

Gordon acknowledged the difficulty of the test, emphasizing that even experienced drivers might find it challenging.

Gordon further highlighted that failure in the initial attempt at the driving test is not uncommon. He noted that many applicants face disappointment during their first try, but they are encouraged to make a second attempt. This perseverance often pays off, as most applicants successfully pass the test on their subsequent tries.

In response to the shortage of drivers, the NSWMA is taking immediate action to address the issue. Two additional drivers are set to be deployed to Western Parks and Markets Waste Management Limited, a division that covers Westmoreland, St. James, Trelawny, and Hanover.

This move aims to alleviate the strain caused by idle trucks due to the lack of qualified drivers, as revealed by Cleansing Manager Patrick

Gilchrist during a meeting of the St. James Municipal Corporation.

To tackle the pressing issue of delayed garbage collection in the western region, the NSWMA is turning to its SWEEP initiative.

This proactive approach is in response to frustration expressed by councillors at the St. James Municipal Corporation.

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Gordon affirmed the agency’s commitment to resolving the garbage backlog swiftly.

Operation SWEEP, equipped with 10 motorcycles and eight new garbage trucks, was launched earlier this year.

Its mission is to enhance and enforce waste management practices across the country, making it an invaluable resource for addressing the garbage backlog in the western region.

Dominican Republic records decrease in dengue cases In a battle against dengue fever, the Dominican Republic has seen a decrease in cases within the Santo Domingo Province.

The Servicio Nacional de Salud (SNS) has reported that the region, which previously had the highest number of confirmed infections, saw 82 hospital admissions over the past two days.

Information from the Ministry of Public Health reveals that since the onset of the outbreak, there have been 12,900 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities linked to the dengue fever.

It is expected that the number of confirmed infections will see a rise, potentially reaching 14,000 by the end of this week.

President Luis Abinader has been proactive, spearheading anti-dengue initiatives that have significantly impacted the populace. Recent efforts led by the President have touched the lives of approximately 2.36 million Dominicans. Initiatives included home visits and the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds.

Upwards of 338,928 homes were reached through these campaigns, and an impressive number of over 40,109 mosquito breeding sites were eradicated.

U.S. Coast Guard thwarts narcotics smuggling in 29-day patrol The U.S. Coast Guard recently completed a significant 29-day patrol across the Central Caribbean and Florida Straits, resulting in the disruption of narcotics smuggling operations.

Reports are that during the extensive operation, they intercepted over 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs.

The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant played a pivotal role, interdicting five drug-smuggling vessels and apprehending eight individuals suspected of trafficking.

These actions align with the overarching objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard to counter and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.

Furthermore, the crew rescued 12 Cuban

migrants from an unseaworthy vessel, situated 120 nautical miles south of Cuba.

These individuals received essential amenities like food, water, shelter, and medical assistance, and were eventually repatriated.

Strengthening partnerships for a safer world Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of Vigilant, emphasized the significance of the patrol in bolstering both domestic and

international collaborations. He lauded his crew for their roles in life-saving operations and counter-narcotic missions that contributed to a safer global community.

The Vigilant is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter that primarily focuses on counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue missions.

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Democracy Dynamics Contrasting US and Caribbean Government Systems P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC EDITOR Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

PUBLICATION EDITOR Tameka A. Coley tcoley@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com

Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

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The Caribbean community in South Florida was alerted to the recent impasse in the US House of Representatives that prevented the election of a new Speaker.

Misunderstanding about the US House's operations versus the British-based parliamentary system in many English-speaking Caribbean countries is evident. Many cited the smooth bipartisan election of Juliet Holness, the deputy speaker of the Jamaican House of Representatives, last month to succeed Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, former speaker. These individuals wonder why there isn't a deputy speaker in the US House who might have been readily chosen to succeed outgoing Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

In Jamaica and other Caribbean countries with parliamentary systems, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is expected to be unbiased. Except in situations where a tied vote results in a deadlock, they do not cast votes on legislative issues. In essence, the primary duty of the Speaker in the parliamentary system is to maintain order during debates, ensure parliamentary rules are followed, and grant permission to members of parliament to speak during sessions. The Speaker in the Caribbean parliament is not a political leader. On the other hand, the Speaker of the US House of Representative, is.

They are the leader of the ruling majority party, currently the Republican Party, and an active member of the US Congress. The Speaker has significant political influence and is involved in setting the legislative agenda of the House. They decide which bill comes to the floor of the House for a vote, and often play a major role in crafting legislation. The US House Speaker is not expected to be impartial, and unlike in the Caribbean’s parliamentary system, they have the right to vote on legislative matters like any other member of the House.

The fact that the current Speaker of the US House of Representatives is ranked second in the US presidential line of succession after the

Republican Mike Johnson elected US House Speaker

vice president underscores the significance of this position. Meanwhile, the parliamentary system in the Caribbean gives absolutely no right to the Speaker of the House to succeed to the position of Prime Minister.

For what would be the responsibilities of such a deputy? He or she would ordinarily have few duties and limited authority, serving only as a backup if the Speaker were incapacitated for whatever reason. It's unlikely that the late eighteenth-century founders of the Constitution could have imagined circumstances in which the House Speaker—a representative of the dominant party—would be ousted without a mutually agreed-upon strategy to name a replacement right away.

Similarly to the parliamentary system, the Speaker of the US House is elected by members of the House. But while the parliamentary Speaker is elected by a simple majority, the US Speaker is elected by an absolute majority, or more than half of the members who are present in the House at the time of voting, and who have voted.

In each political party, Democrats and Republicans in the US House nominate a candidate for US Speaker. Usually, the entire House meets on the opening day of Congress to vote on the Speaker, or in the case of the

current circumstances, whenever a vacancy occurs. The Speaker is chosen by the electorate who receives the vote of every member of the House that is present and voting.

This should explain why the Democratic Party's choice, Hakeem Jeffries, did not receive an absolute majority of the votes cast during last week's voting sessions and did not become speaker.

There are 435 members of the US House.

The winner requires an absolute majority of 217 votes if all of these members cast ballots.

However, the absolute majority may receive fewer votes if a member or some members are absent for any reason.

It's definitely important to acknowledge that there are significant differences between US political institutions and the parliamentary system in the Caribbean. The American political and governmental structures are confusing to many Caribbean Americans.

However, community members must still take the time to learn the systems. This way, they can fully understand what is happening in the US Congress as well as in local city and county assemblies or commissions where important decisions affecting the welfare of their community are made.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 –

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HAITI

DEEPENING CRISIS Rampant gang violence and a desperate call for democracy Haiti is at a pivotal moment, grappling with escalating gang violence and in dire need of democratic restoration. The UN Special Representative, María Isabel Salvador, emphasized the critical need for elections to restore democracy and enforce the rule of law, viewing it as the only viable path for Haiti’s development and growth.

Salvador acknowledged the international community’s efforts, such as the approval of a multinational support mission to bolster Haiti’s national police.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, has become the epicenter of relentless gang violence, leaving the country in a continual state of shock and uncertainty.

Incidents of major crimes, including kidnappings, have surged, with even significant

figures like the head of the High Transitional Council falling victim.

Reports are that the violence is further exacerbated by horrifying acts of sexual brutality and vigilante justice, adding complex layers to the existing security crisis.

The tumultuous situation has significantly impacted Haiti’s children and women.

Many are caught in the crossfires, facing death or injuries, while others fall into the clutches of gangs, either forcibly or out of desperation.

The extent of gender-based violence is alarming, with rampant sexual assaults creating an environment of fear and helplessness.

Gangs have strategically cut off essential routes, barring access to necessities and services, contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis.

This has precipitated an extreme food security and nutritional catastrophe, worsening the existing cholera outbreak. The blockades are crippling livelihoods and hampering the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid, plunging the nation further into chaos.

The proliferation of firearms, primarily smuggled from the United States, has been identified as a key enabler of the relentless gang violence.

UN officials underscored the necessity to staunch the flow of these illicit arms as an imperative measure to regain control and restore normalcy in Haiti.

The establishment of a robust regulatory framework was presented as a crucial step towards achieving stability.

Salvador and other UN officials are rallying for a reinforced, concerted international response to alleviate Haiti’s multifaceted crisis.

The deployment of the multinational mission symbolizes a beacon of hope, deemed essential for improving the security situation.

Furthermore, the international community is being urged to bolster efforts in supporting Haiti’s journey towards establishing law, order, and democratic governance.

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Is Nicaragua 'weaponizing' US-bound Haitian migrants?

Hundreds of charter flights carrying migrants from Haiti have landed in Nicaragua in recent months, contributing to the already significant flow of migration towards the U.S. The Biden administration and Latin American leaders are grappling for solutions as this surge is being seen as a geopolitical lever, with governments like Nicaragua's potentially using migration as leverage in negotiations with the U.S., especially amid tightening sanctions.

Nicaragua, not requiring visas for many migrants, has been historically used as a migratory springboard.

The Ortega government is believed to be weaponizing migration as a foreign policy tool, exploiting the influx to gain concessions. The flights, though not on official air routes, have been tracked, revealing 268 charter flights from Haiti to Nicaragua since August. These flights have transported around 31,000 people out of Haiti, almost 60% of Haitians arriving at the U.S. border.

Experts argue that Nicaragua may be using this migration issue strategically, hoping for concessions similar to those received by Venezuela in exchange for promises of democratic elections. The administration of Ortega has faced increasing sanctions, and migration is seen as a means to assert control and negotiate.

The cost of these flights ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per seat, according to Manuel Orozco, director of the migration program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

Nicaragua's role in facilitating this migration is seen by some as a business, injecting money into the country through taxes on airlines and expenditures by migrants and smugglers. Overall, the situation highlights the complex interplay between migration, geopolitics, and economic considerations in the region.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

TLC

“Of note and equally significant is that Conde Nast Traveler also ranked the S Hotel as the number-one hotel in the Caribbean and Central America. This is huge and must be celebrated. This is a big win for the S Hotel and, by exten sion, Jamaica’s tourism product,” – Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett

Jamaica’s S Hotel in Montego Bay has been ranked as the best hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by Conde Nast Traveller, a global luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.

The rankings were compiled in Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards which were announced recently.

Conde Nast, in commenting on S Hotel’s high ranking amongst the world’s best said: “At S Hotel you get the laid-back vibe of a stay in Jamaica with a bit of South Beach, Florida glitz – they even line the deck of their sleek pool with some of the island’s famous white sand.”

The hotel scored a rating of 96.9 by the magazine, making it highest ranked in the region. Since opening in 2019, S Hotel has consistently remained among the best of the best in the awards, copping recognition in the last several years.

Another Jamaican hotel, Jamaican Inn in Ocho Rios, copped seventh place in the top 10 categories, receiving a score of 94.17.

Other hotels in the region that were spotlighted include Calabash Luxury Boutique in St George’s, Grenada, Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hotel Grano de Oro, San Jose, Costa Rica, and the JW Marriott in Panama City, Panama.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett said S Hotel’s ranking as one of the best in the world speaks volume to Jamaica’s tourism product.

Bartlett said the fact that the ranking was coming from Conde

Nast Traveler, the world’s foremost travel magazine, makes the honour even the more special.

“Conde Nast Traveler is the Forbes Magazine of the hospitality sector… . If they say you are a big deal, then it simply means you are

top-tier stuff,” Mr. Bartlett said.

A Jamaican-owned, managed and staffed and a relative newcomer on the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, more popularly known as the Hip Strip, the S Hotel came in at number 16 on the magazine’s 2023 Best Hotels in the

World Readers’ Choice Awards.

The New York City, United States-headquartered Readers’ Choice Awards, and which has been running for 36 years, had some 526,518 participants deciding on the hotel rankings, a list that was dominated by world-renowned brands such as the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Peninsula and Shangri-La resorts, among other international giants.

“It is an impressive ranking for a hotel that opened in 2019, a year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. S Hotel is Jamaican in every sense and they are known to be very meticulous in their operations. It is good to see Jamaica’s higher-end resorts getting this attention – the emphasis on Jamaican culture, firstrate service and that family feeling is gaining a lot of traction. Kudos to the phenomenal team there for continually striving for perfection,” Bartlett said.

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TLC

Wyndham Grand opens luxury all-inclusive resort in Barbados

The Turks and Caicos Islands this year witnessed a significant rebound in tourism, with the number of visitors paralleling the pre-pandemic influx.

Wyndham Grand®, renowned for its luxurious accommodations and inviting designs, invites patrons to discover the ultimate Caribbean getaway with the introduction of its newest gem, the all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa. Barbados serves as the perfect backdrop for a chic and upscale escape, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and uninterrupted ocean views.

Located on the southeastern side of Barbados, this ocean-front resort sits on the historic site of Sam Lord’s Castle, once frequented by pirates in the 19th century. With 422 guest rooms, including 37 elegant suites, the resort offers sustainable designs, ocean views, and private lanai-style balconies for the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience.

Not only does it boast culinary delights at over 10 dining venues, including the Mediterranean Marketplace, for a local touch, guests can also savor a “farm to fork” experience with ingredients sourced from nearby farmers, fishermen, and purveyors.

There is also a 13,000 square foot spa, where guests can enjoy yoga at the sunrise center, or take a dip in the lagoonstyle pools as well as several activities the whole family can enjoy, like tennis, pickleball, and a dedicated kids’ center.

Wyndham Grand Barbados is

VICE MAYOR Karlene Maxwell-Williams

COMMISSIONER Tycie Causwell

Turks and Caicos tourism soars high in 2023

committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices throughout the resort. Sustainably sourced wood, chef’s gardens, and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics are just the beginning.

The resort also boasts efficient fixtures and a Building Management System to reduce energy consumption.

Renowned for offering distinguished hotels worldwide, Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle Resort adds to the growing

COMMISSIONER Mark A. Spence

COMMISSIONER Sharon Thomas

list of attractive, all-inclusive options in the Caribbean with its elegant rooms, attentive service, and dream-worthy locale.

Scan the Code to read more.

Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), Minister of Tourism, Josephine Connolly noted that this resurgence is evident in both the cruise and airline sectors.

Reports are that between January and June 2023, the UK overseas territory situated in the northern Caribbean warmly received 321,423 air passengers.

A substantial 90.5 percent of these visitors hailed from the United States, while the rest were from Canada and the United Kingdom.

The influx of air travelers is poised for further expansion, courtesy of major airlines planning to augment their airlifts from the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and the UK. Moreover, the enchanting islands have caught the fancy of cruise aficionados, registering a visit from over 491,000 cruise passengers in 2023.

This tally marks a noteworthy 51.72 per cent increment compared to the figures recorded during the corresponding period in 2022, highlighting the islands’ growing allure among cruise travelers.

The Tourism Minister unveiled a fresh marketing and product development blueprint aimed at enhancing the visibility and appeal of the islands.

Orchestrated through the newly instituted Experience Turks and Caicos agency, this strategic initiative is designed to spotlight the distinctive experiences each island extends to its visitors.

Turks and Caicos is an excellent destination for divers and snorkelers. Smith’s Reef in Provo is one of the area’s most popular dive spots, thanks to a diverse collection of sea creatures in a spectrum of electric colors. Visiotrs can also explore the black coral and submerged overhangs of Black Forest or kayak the bright turquoise waters of Chalk Sound. Both the Caicos Conch Farm and the bird sanctuary on uninhabited French Cay offer unique ways to commune with local wildlife.

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COMMUNITY

Broward County Public Schools initiate welcome center to support immigrant families Broward County Public Schools has unveiled an innovative gateway, the International Welcome Center, at Pines Lakes Elementary School.

A beacon of support and guidance, the Center stands ready to smoothe the transition for immigrant families navigating the complexities of a new life in a different country, unfamiliar customs, and a novel education system.

The Welcome Center aims to demystify the intricate process immigrant families often

Licata

encounter.

From enrolling children in schools, finding accommodation, and understanding transportation, to establishing a livelihood, the Center is a one-stop hub, providing essential resources and guidance, according to superintendent Dr. Peter Licata.

Victoria Saldala, who heads the district’s bilingual education department shared that the center is instrumental in steering families through the academic labyrinth.

Saldala said that resources such as

Miami Commission candidate arrested for making gun threat over campaign signs On Sunday, a Miami Commission candidate was arrested for allegedly threatening a man with a gun during an argument that ensued over campaign signs.

According to a police report, Francisco “Frank” Pichel, a candidate in next month’s race for the District 1 seat, is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm.

The report stated that the alleged incident happened just before 4 p.m. Sunday at an apartment complex in the 3300 block of Northwest 17th Avenue in Allapattah.

The victim said he was placing campaign signs for Alex Diaz de la Portilla outside the apartment complex, and after briefly leaving the area, he returned to find the signs had been thrown down, the report stated.

A witness told the victim that Pichel had been the one who removed the signs and the victim confronted Pichel and asked him, ‘Why are you throwing the signs?” the report said.

Pichel said it “wasn’t him but he could do whatever he wants,” and an argument ensued, according to the report.

At one point, Pichel pulled a handgun out of his waistband and told the victim in Spanish, “I’ll shoot you and nothing is going to happen to

Last Chance from A1

His co-convicts: Shawn Campbell (also known as Shawn Storm) and Kahira Jones would be eligible for parole after 25 years, while André St John would be eligible after 15 years.

In 2020, all four men had their appeals dismissed by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal. The men did, however, have their sentences reduced after the appellate court found an oversight in the trial judge’s ruling.

With the current sentence, Vybz Kartel must now serve at least 32 years and 6 months instead of the 35 years minimum. Shawn Storm and Kahira Johns will now serve 22 years and six months, while André St John will serve 27 years and six months.

Lawyers for the convicts have continuously argued that the life sentences handed down in the original trial were excessive. They also called into question the integrity and admissibility of the evidence in the case as well as the conduct of the original trial judge, Justice Lennox Campbell.

If the upcoming appeal is dismissed, Vybz Kartel will be eligible for parole in the year 2046.

Pichel

me because I used to be a police officer,” the report stated.

As the victim walked away and called police, Pichel followed him until officers arrived and took him into custody, authorities said.

Pichel was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital “due to feeling ill” and later refused to speak with investigators, the report said.

The District 1 seat was left vacant following the suspension of Diaz de la Portilla after he was arrested on corruption charges on Sept. 14.

This is not the first time Pichel has been in trouble with law enforcement.

In 2021, while Pichel was a candidate for Miami mayor, he was on a felony charge of impersonating a police officer.

In the incident which occurred on May 30, two men noticed a white BMW parked in front of a residence, and the driver was later identified as Pichel.

When the men asked Pichel what he was doing, Pichel displayed a gold law enforcement badge identifying him as a Monroe County Police Officer. He stated that he was working on a case and was waiting for another officer to relieve him. Pichel has no history of working for the Monroe County Sheriff’s office.

He was arrested and later released after posting $5,000 bail. At the time of that incident, Pichel was running for the post of Miami-Dade mayor against Francis Suarez, the current mayor. In 2019, he ran for a Miami Commission seat but lost to Díaz de la Portilla.

Pichel is also a former City of Miami police officer.

He was suspended from the Miami Police Department in 2000 after being accused of telling a public service aide to falsify a police report to cover for a fellow officer who battered a handcuffed prisoner. The prisoner died a week later in a jail cell. Pichel was never charged.

Florida’s luxury housing market soars to new heights In the opulent realms of Florida’s wealthiest enclaves, luxury real estate is commanding skyhigh prices, setting new records with each sale.

From the sun-soaked shores of Palm Beach to the glitz of Miami Beach, billionaires and millionaires are in a frenzy to claim their piece of paradise.

In the third quarter, the average sale price for a home in Palm Beach surpassed a staggering $20 million, solidifying its status as the most expensive housing market in the United States.

Data from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel, as revealed by NBC 6 are that the price per square foot of homes in Palm Beach reached an astonishing $4,554, more than 2.5 times the cost of Manhattan’s real estate.

The staggering price tags have left real estate experts astounded. Chris Leavitt, a prominent broker with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach, remarked on the surreal nature of the market.

He noted that there is a very limited supply, “especially at the ultra-high-net-worth end, where the clientele is all clambering for that amazing lakefront or oceanfront property.”

Wealthy exodus and economic growth Driving this mansion boom is a continued exodus of millionaires and billionaires from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, and California, coupled with the robust growth of the Florida economy.

Ultra-wealthy buyers, often purchasing properties with cash, remain less affected by surging mortgage rates. The scarcity of

inventory, especially in coveted waterfront locations, has triggered an unprecedented surge in prices.

As of the third quarter, Palm Beach had a mere 53 homes on the market, a stark 61 per cent decline from pre-pandemic levels, according to Jonathan Miller, CEO of Miller Samuel.

Despite a 31 percent drop in sales over the past year, brokers anticipate that the limited inventory will continue to exert upward pressure on prices, putting even trophy properties out of reach for many multimillionaires.

In late July, a waterfront home that had last sold for $7.4 million changed hands for a staggering $50 million.

The buyer was reported to be venture investor Harvey Jones, purchasing from the estate of the late liquor distributor James Tigani, Jr. Fashion tycoon Tommy Hilfiger also joined the fray, selling a Palm Beach mansion for $41.4 million just six months after acquiring it for $36.9 million.

The record for the most expensive home sold in Palm Beach was shattered in April when luxury car dealer Michael Cantanucci acquired a 1.6-acre oceanfront mansion for a staggering $170 million.

Luxury real estate prices in Miami Beach, representing the top 10 per cent of the market, hit a record high at $25 million, according to Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel.

registration, placement assistance, and access to essential school district applications are readily available. Additionally, tangible support in the form of backpacks and free materials is also provided to families in need.

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, a pivotal part of the district, currently encompasses 32,000 students.

Fuelled by a spirit of inclusivity and unwavering commitment, the district is already planning to expand the welcome center concept to the north end of the county.

PM Holness calls on Jamaican diaspora to safeguard and expand country’s brand In a compelling call for collective guardianship and enhancement of national identity, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the role of the current generation in safeguarding and augmenting ‘Brand Jamaica.’

His remarks were delivered in Ottawa, Canada, where a Diaspora Town Hall unfolded, marking his participation in a series of essential dialogues during the Canada-CARICOM Summit.

Holness urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to protect and contribute to expanding the country’s brand.

He underscored the successive generational contributions that have enriched Jamaica’s collective legacy.

He further shared the dynamism and evolution of Brand Jamaica, highlighting the perpetual addition of various elements that have defined and redefined the nation’s image and contributions across the spectrum.

The Prime Minister elucidated that Jamaica’s renown is not confined to its picturesque landscapes or athletic prowess, but extends to intellectual capacities—being a nation of smart, creative, and swift individuals.

Moving beyond the customary “sun, sea, and sand” imagery, he articulated a vision of diversifying and expanding Brand Jamaica into realms like business, science, technology, peace, infrastructure, efficiency, and productivity.

In an optimistic foresight, Holness reported that Jamaica is witnessing a transformative phase.

The realms of fiscal management, economic growth, and employment are experiencing rejuvenation, signaling a progressive trajectory for the country’s brand evolution.

Such advancements showcase a transitional phase towards cultivating a reputation grounded in stability and developmental potential.

The broader arena that hosted these discussions, the Canada-CARICOM Summit, provided a backdrop of strategic partnerships aimed at fostering a resilient future.

Themed ‘Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future’, the summit set the stage for multilateral engagements where Prime Minister Holness partook, emphasizing the Diaspora’s integral role in the continuous effort of building and protecting the national brand.

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

ADVERTORIAL

Marijuana Use in K-12 Schools Presents Challenges F

lorida's medical marijuana law includes an exception to the ban of cannabis on school grounds. State Statute 1006.062 requires each district school board to adopt a policy and a procedure that allows a student who is a qualified patient with a medical marijuana card to use the product on campus.

For a student being treated with medical cannabis, using the medication at school is tightly restricted. Only the student's caregiver can administer the drug, and that individual (usually a parent or guardian) must be registered with the Florida Department of Health. The medication must also be taken in a designated location and at a specific time.

Smokable products are not allowed.

However, not all school districts have implemented policies as required by state law.

Some cite concerns that doing so would risk federal funding because marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and remains illegal at the federal level regardless of its use for medical reasons.

Sgt. Kyle Johnson, a K-9 officer with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, works as a resource officer in a school district that has not created a policy to accommodate students who are medical marijuana patients. At Taylor County High School, where he is stationed, he says there have been a couple of incidents of kids bringing medical marijuana on campus, but they took it from a family member and were not using it for its intended medicinal purpose.

“We conducted an investigation and charged them accordingly,” he says.

Sgt. Johnson says he randomly brings a drug-sniffing dog on campus and walks it through classrooms and parking lots, a practice that has “greatly deterred the use of marijuana on campus.”

“We actually had a senior a couple years

ago that we'd done a vehicle walk in the parking lot, and we found some misdemeanor amount marijuana. At that point, he was fixing to graduate, hoping to go to college. So, I took my discretionary tactics on that. I let the school handle the discipline action without filing [criminal] charges on him,” he says. “He came back about a year later and hugged my neck because he actually went on to college and was able to pursue his degree without having any trouble because of that. He paid his punishment through the school.”

Recreational marijuana use among students is a pressing health concern for Tamara Pryor, who has been working for the last 17 years as a school nurse in Illinois. She is also a recognized expert in cannabis, nutrition, wellness, and wholistic healing.

“They don't know what's in the product.

molds or other drugs,” says Ms. Pryor.

Sgt. Johnson adds that while serving with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office drug task force he found pot dealers spraying marijuana with roach spray to produce a more potent high.

The popularity of CBD and Delta-8-infused products that look like candy raises the likelihood of students bringing them on campus disguised as snack foods.

“Gummies, they're a hot thing because they look like normal candy, like a gummy bear or a gummy worm,” says Ms. Pryor, who has had experience with students who consumed too many edibles.

“If they overdose on edibles [containing THC], that could take six to eight hours and even longer, some even 24 hours or more, for that to leave their system. So, they're feeling pretty horrible for a long time,” she says.

Ms. Pryor suggested that students should be taught about the endocannabinoid system, which she referred to as the “master control system for all of the other systems in our bodies,” to help protect them against depression and anxieties, two of the reasons she and Sgt. Johnson say students cite for using marijuana.

“You can actually produce your own endocannabinoids based on what you eat, your nutrition, exercise, meditation, and breath work. So, you can help your body manage your depression and your anxiety,” she says.

They don't know how much THC is in it, which is the compound of the cannabis plant that gets you high. And I've also found that a lot of our students are using the vapes and for me as a nurse, oil and lungs don't mix. And then where are they getting it? These products aren't being tested for heavy metals and pesticides and

Editor's note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University Visit https://bit.ly/conversationsoncannabisaugust2023 to watch MMERI's Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring school resource officer Kyle Johnson and school nurse Tamara Pryor talking about lawful and unlawful cannabis use among students in K-12 schools.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 –

C1

entertainment

Gospel Sensation 2023 An evening of praise and worship On Saturday, October 28, the spiritual atmosphere in Lauderhill, Florida, will come alive with the resounding melodies and powerful messages of Gospel Sensation 2023.

The event will be held at the First Church of the Open Bible, located at 4767 Northwest 24th Court. This highly anticipated evening promises a night of inspiration and uplifting performances.

Born Clive Provost in the quaint town of Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Jabez has carved a path of musical excellence that has transcended borders. With hit songs like “Drinking From My Saucer,” “Warrior,” and “Cancelled,” he has enraptured audiences worldwide.

His accolades include seven albums, with “ReConnect” making a notable appearance on the Billboard Reggae Charts. Jabez, the youngest recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caribbean American Music Awards, also wears the hats of a devoted father, husband, and founder of the Family Love Church in Linstead. His music has been a catalyst for countless individuals embracing Jesus Christ, and he is poised to continue this sacred mission at Gospel Sensation 2023.

Shirley Willis, once heralded as the Caribbean’s “Queen of Gospel Music,” made her mark as the lead vocalist of the world-renowned Grace Thrillers. Her melodious voice carried the message of faith to millions across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean during her 25-year journey with the group.

Despite facing adversity, including a life-altering car accident in 2008, Willis launched a successful solo career in 2002.

She has released two acclaimed albums, with her latest offering highlighting her miraculous comeback after the accident.

With an impressive 30-year career in gospel music, Minister Ingrid Hunter-Woodstock has dedicated her life to declaring God’s glory and setting captives free. Her journey began at the age of nine, ministering at the Clifton New Testament Church of God in Kingston, Jamaica.

Since embarking on her solo career in 2001, she has

Jabez

Shirley Willis

shared stages with top gospel artists and earned prestigious awards, including Best New Artist at the Caribbean Gospel Awards in 2006 and the Marlins Awards in 2007.

Minister Woodstock’s musical legacy comprises three albums, including her latest release, “My Testimony.” She has also authored a praise and worship songbook titled “Singing Through the Valley” and a novel called “Hooked On Praise.”

Ordained minister Kirby D. Trim brings a rich tapestry of musical experience to Gospel Sensation 2023. As a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and record producer, Trim continues on C3 – Gospel Sensation

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival returns with Ding Dong, Morgan Heritage and Collie Buddz The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has announced a star-studded lineup of performers and amazing chefs for its 21st annual event on happening on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

The festival will take place from 1 pm-10 pm at the Miramar Regional Park, located at 16801 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, Fl 33027.

The festival’s Publix Culinary Pavilion will feature Internationally acclaimed celebrity chefs Travis Reece (Jamaica), Jamal Small (Bahamas) and Darian Bryan (Jamaica).

Patrons will be treated with live performances by two-time Grammy-winning Royal Family of Reggae Morgan Heritage, Jamaican dancehall sensation Ding Dong and straight out of Bermuda, reggae artist Collie Buddz.

Turning up the heat in the Chef Challenge is the 2022 champion, NBC-6’s Cherney Amhara, who is being challenged this year by WPLG’s Alexis Frazier for the honor GJJF’s 2023 Top Chef award. Celebrity judges include Jamaica Food Boss and South Florida-based Hungry Black Man. Additional entertainment will feature comedian Chris “Johnny” Daley, Dancin’ Dynamites 2003 winners from Jamaica, DJs Richie D, Jazzy T, DJ Radcliffe and Ecstatic Sound along with a Patty Eating Contest with $1,000 in case prizes! Emcees are Jody Ann Gray and Tanto Irie of Hot105 FM. From succulent jerk chicken to tender jerk lobster, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival serves up an authentic culinary journey through the heart of the islands. The festival features an exciting food court offering a wide assortment of cuisines such as jerk chicken, pork, and fish, along with Jamaican favorites fried festival, oxtails, curry goat, escovitch fish, roasted corn, as well as other tasty delights.

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival Managing Partner and CEO Eddy Edwards commented “South Florida is home to the largest Caribbean population in the United States.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival reminds us of the significant, positive and delicious impact the Caribbean has on the American culture. Over the past 21 years, the festival has evolved to incorporate other wonderful Caribbean cultures, such as the Bahamas, and attract people the world over”.

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival presented by Publix in partnership with City of Miramar, Western Union, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Visitors and Conventions Bureau, The National Weekly, Jamaica Observer, WAVS 1170 AM, Cox Radio Miami, and for the first time ever, the top stations in the Bahamas Star 106.5 and HOT 91.7 along the Nassau Guardian to welcome attendees from Islands of the Bahamas to enjoy some South Florida style island culture.

General admission tickets are $40 and $50 at the gate on event day.

VIP tickets are $175. Kids under 10 are free to attend. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.jerkfestival.com

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 –

C3

SPORTS SOCCER / REGGAE GIRLZ

Sports Minister ‘concerned’ about rift between Reggae Girlz and JFF Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, said she is concerned about the ongoing conflict between the Reggae Girlz squad and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) that has resulted in several senior players being suspended.

“As minister, I have been careful not to say or do anything that could be seen as political interference in Jamaica’s football programme,” said the minister in a statement on Monday.

“However, like any other fan, I have been concerned about the relationship between the Jamaica Football Federation and members of the Reggae Girlz squad.”

Grange added, “I have been in dialogue with both sides in an attempt to bring them together and will continue to do my utmost to facilitate an amicable resolution in the interest of Jamaica.”

Last Friday, it was announced that the Reggae Girlz squad who achieved a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup rejected the call-ups for the first-ever Women’s Gold Cup Qualifiers.

The JFF later announced the suspension of

Grange

the selection of senior players. In a written communication addressed to the players, the JFF expressed its discomfort with the players’ response and the absence of player representatives at a scheduled meeting on Friday.

On Saturday, the Reggae Girlz detailed various reasons for the senior players’ withdrawal from the qualifiers.

In a statement released via the team’s social media, the squad said they are taking a stance

against the “constant mistreatment” they have received from the JFF. “As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent Jamaica. It is our job to perform to the best of our ability and put all of our efforts into representing our country, making our fans, loved ones at home, and diaspora proud,” they said, adding that “due to the current circumstances the Jamaica Football Federation has put us in, we would not be able to do our job.

“We have received information about our coaching staff, medical staff, and equipment staff in an untimely manner and through unprofessional communication. We have gotten confirmation of our head coach 3 days prior to our report date through social media, despite our efforts to have direct communication with the JFF,” they said.

The Reggae Girlz also said that they have yet to receive full and correct payments for their historic performances at the World Cup and the numerous outstanding bonuses for qualifying in the summer of 2022.

BASKETBALL / NBA

Miami Heat President Pat Riley talks off-season moves Miami Heat President Pat Riley addressed the team’s unsuccessful pursuit of star players during the offseason, including the failed attempts to acquire Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, both of whom were ultimately traded to Eastern Conference rivals.

Riley stated, “When there’s a narrative out there that gets ignited through social media and the hypotheticals, of whether it was a failure, I don’t buy that at all. Because I know exactly where this team is, from that standpoint. From my perspective and the ownership perspective and all the internal people with the Heat, we like our team.”

Furthermore, Riley clarified that Miami never offered guard Tyler Herro in any trade negotiations, emphasizing that it’s simply a part of the business. He expressed his support for the current Heat roster, saying, “I like our team. I’m not worried again, about what the narrative is, what the perspective is. I think we have a great chance.”

Despite losing valuable players Max Strus and Gabe Vincent to free agency, the Heat made notable additions. They re-signed guard Josh Richardson to a two-year deal at the veteran minimum, a move that could prove to be one of the best value signings of the offseason.

Richardson averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds,

Jamaican athletes face slow start at 2023 Pan American Games in Chile Jamaican athletes participating in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, have encountered a slow start to their campaign. The Jamaican delegation, consisting of 90 athletes competing in 16 sporting disciplines, has yet to make a significant impact.

Those clad in the black, green, and gold will contest basketball, rugby, football, cycling, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting, canoeing, diving, swimming, esports, tennis, badminton, and track and field athletics.

Nicole Grant serves as the chef de mission, with Novelette Harris, Mark Broomfield, and Gregory Moore as team managers, and Leroy Harrison as the team doctor. The top three athletes in 13 sporting disciplines will secure qualifications for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, if those finishing in the top three already have Olympic spots, the qualification will be passed on to the next bestplaced athlete.

In women’s football, the Jamaican team suffered a challenging start with a 7-0 defeat to the Mexican women’s soccer squad, who demonstrated their dominance on the pitch at the Elias Figueroa Stadium in Valparaíso, located 120 kilometers west of Santiago.

The match’s early moments saw María Sánchez demonstrate her skill and precision, finding the back of the Jamaican net in the 12th minute, granting Mexico an early advantage.

The Aztecs continued to assert their dominance, amassing a 3-0 lead before the close of the first half. Goals from Karla Nieto (35th) and Kiana Palacios (42th) further solidified Mexico’s commanding position.

The second half brought no respite for Jamaica, as Diana Ordoñez extended Mexico’s lead to 4-0 with a goal in the 58th minute.

Merely 10 minutes later, Alicia Cervantes added another goal to the tally for El Tri. The goalscoring spree persisted with María Sánchez

securing her second goal in the 75th minute, while Charlyn Corral completed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute.

After the game three players, Destiny Powell, Chris-Ann Chambers, and Shaniel Buckley, departed Chile for Panama to join the senior Reggae Girlz squad which will engage Panama in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Qualifier on Wednesday.

In badminton, Jamaican athletes faced mixed results with both wins and losses in singles and doubles competitions. In the men’s singles Round of 32 action on Saturday, Soren Opti of Suriname beat Jamaica’s Bradley Evans 2-0 (21-16, 21-18), and Mexico’s Luiz Garrido defeated Samuel Ricketts 2-0 (21-13, 21-16), also in the Round of 32.

The women’s equivalent resulted in Katherine Wynter defeating Bolivia’s Juanita Siviola 2-0 (21-3, 21-8) in 17 minutes, and Tahlia Richardson blanked Chile’s Vania Diaz 2-0 (21-13, 21-11) in 30 minutes.

The mixed doubles resulted in Evans and Wynter going down 0-2 (21-10, 21-15) in the Round of 32 to Cuba’s Yeily Ortiz and Juan Bancomo in 22 minutes.

In the women’s singles Round of 16 on Sunday, Wynter lost 0-2 (21-5, 21-8) to Canadian Jun Ling Rachel in 19 minutes.

Richardson also lost 0-2 (21-14, 21-5) to American Jennie Gai. The men’s doubles Round of 16 saw Evans and Ricketts suffering a 0-2 loss (21-11, 21-12) to Brazilians Davi Carvalho and Fabricio Rocha.

Wynter and Richardson advanced in women’s doubles after beating the Chilean pair of Camila Asforga and Valerie Santos 2-0 (2117, 21-12), and in mixed doubles, Richardson and Ricketts lost 0-2 (21-15, 21-11) to Mexico’s Luiz Montoya and Mariam Rodriquez.

and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 36.5 percent from behind the 3-point arc during the 2022-23 regular season with the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans.

Additionally, Miami signed big man Thomas Bryant to a two-year, $5.4 million deal. Bryant, often underrated, posted impressive averages of 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in 41 appearances with the Lakers franchise last season.

Pat Riley’s confidence in the Heat has fans excited for the upcoming regular season, which begins on Wednesday.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gospel Sensation

from C1

has touched the hearts of audiences across the United States, the Caribbean, and even Argentina.

Hailing from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, Trim’s musical style seamlessly blends contemporary and traditional elements. Alongside receiving over half a dozen Rhythm of Gospel nominations, he has produced music for numerous independent gospel acts, further cementing his legacy in the gospel music landscape.

While relatively new to the gospel music scene, Petra-Kaye Linton’s passion for leading the unsaved to Christ is undeniable.

Her debut album, “Sing Praises,” earned the prestigious title of Album of the Year in 2023. Linton was also honored as Female Gospel Artist of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.

With tracks like “Christ Alone Medley” and “The Prayer Medley” gaining significant airplay on prominent platforms, Linton’s addition to the Gospel Sensation 2023 lineup promises to be a catalyst for a powerful outpouring of blessings upon the audience.

Pre-sale tickets for Gospel Sensation 2023 are currently available for $45 and can be purchased from L&D Gospel, as well as through Eventbrite and other popular event platforms.

The live praise and worship event will commence at 7 p.m. and conclude at 10:30 p.m., promising an evening of spiritual enlightenment and musical splendor that is not to be missed.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T