Caribbean National Weekly May 13, 2021

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THURSDAY MAY 13, 2021

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Nationwide Protest Against George Wright And GBV Planned In Jamaica

W

diaspora in South Florida during a special reception at the Island Space Caribbean museum on Thursday, May 6.

There, she was presented with the keys to Broward County by Jamaican-born Commissioner Dale Holness.

The event was attended by a host of community leaders in the tri-county region and hosted by Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair, who also presented welcoming flowers.

Dr. Allan Cunningham, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative for the Southern States, said that the entire diaspora in South Florida was rooting for Williams to win the competition.

hile the Jamaican police and government authorities have seemingly gone silent on the alleged abuse by Westmoreland Member of Parliament George Wright, Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora continue to put pressure on the government for an outright condemnation of the violent actions recently depicted in a viral video and an appropriate consequence in response.

On May 6th, 12 organizations and 68 Jamaicans from at home and in the diaspora signed a press release titled ‘We Naa Ease Up!’ demanding the resignation of the Westmoreland Central MP. In April, Wright and a woman were allegedly involved in a physical altercation that caught the attention of the entire nation and diaspora. Both made independent reports of the altercation to the Anchovy police and Ramble police, respectively.

However, due to a lack of cooperation from both individuals, the police closed the case.

The MP is now on a leave of absence from parliament and has been stripped of all duties by the Jamaica Labour Party.

In the release that was signed by WEChange Jamaica, Women’s Health Network, Women Entrepreneurs Network of the Caribbean, former Jamaican Senator Imani Duncan-Price, Donna Morton of South Florida-based group Women of Kulture Inc, and scores of others, it stated: “We, the women

continues on B4 – Miss Jamaica Universe

continues on B4 – Nationwide Protest

Miss Jamaica Universe Miqueal-Symone Williams Welcomed by Diaspora in South Florida

by Sheri-Kae McLeod

Miqueal-Symone Williams, Miss Universe Jamaica 2020, is now in her final rounds of preparations as she sets her sights on taking the crown at the Miss Universe competition on May 16 in Florida.

The 24-year-old international fashion model and University of the West Indies, Mona, graduate received a warm welcome from members of the

TOP STORIES Education Authorities in Haiti Condemn “Violent’ Punishment of Student ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys & Girls Champs in Jamaica Now Underway Bounty Killer Condemns Actions of Criminals in Jamaica OAS to Discuss Haiti’s Request for Mission to Visit the Country Street in Broward County to be Renamed After Alcee Hastings Robert Runcie to Exit BCPS in August; Gets $740k Severance Pay Shaggy Says Jamaican Diaspora Needs to Support Local Music

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY

SPORTS

Belize National Becomes First Female CARICOM Secretary General A3

UK Issues Travel Advisory for Jamaica A4

Runcie to Exit BCPS in August; Gets $740k Severance Pay B1

What Dead Heat?

Controversy Surrounds Inaugural Kingston Stakes in Jamaica C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Food Truck Roll: South Florida residents pose for a photo while enjoying the scenes at the Lauderhill Food Truck Roll event on May 6 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.

From L to R: Cassandra Coles, Aide to Vice Mayor Grant Amani Mangol, and Deputy City Clerk Nadia Chin. – Contributed

The Launch: South Florida officials join Lauderhill real estate agent Sharon McLennon, the founder of Splendor Realty, Inc, at the ribboncu ng ceremony on May 11 to celebrate her company joining the Coldwell Banker Network. The company now operates as Coldwell Banker Splendor Realty.

From le : Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, Sharon McLennon and Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston. – Contributed

Jamaican Beau es: Miss Jamaica Universe Miquel-Symone Williams is greeted by Miss Jamaica World Runner Up 2016 Milinda Smith during Williams's visit to South Florida on May 6. – Contributed

An ‘Official’ Pose: City of Lauderhill officials pose for a photo while at the Lauderhill Food Truck Roll event at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on May 6. From L to R: Nadine ThompsonSamuels, Jackie VernonThompson, Mayor Hazelle Rogers, event coordinator Vice Mayor Denise Grant, and Brige e Edwards. Photobombing in the back is Mark Cameron. – Contributed

Leading the Children: Jamaica's Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, walks with Mona Preparatory School students on the grounds of Jamaica House a er reading to them on Tuesday, May 4. The ac vity was in observance of Read Across Jamaica Day. – Photo by: Adrian Walker.

A Family Affair: Patrons enjoying the treats at one the many food trucks at the Lauderhill Food Truck Roll event held on May 6 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. – Contributed

The Merger: Leslie Johnson, the City of Lauderhill Public Rela ons Director, and Sharon McLennon, founder of Splendor Realty, Inc, pose for a photo at the ribbon-cu ng ceremony on May 11 to celebrate her company joining the Coldwell Banker Network. The company now operates as Coldwell Banker Splendor Realty. – Contributed

A Queen’s Pose: Miss Jamaica Universe 2020 MiquelSymone Williams poses with the Jamaican flag at the Norman Manley Interna onal Airport in Kingston on May 6th before leaving for Florida to compete in the 69th staging of Miss Universe Pageant. The compe on will take place on May 16. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A3

NEWSMAKER

Dr. Carla Barnett

Belize National Becomes First Female CARICOM Secretary General Belizean Dr. Carla Barnett, the first-ever woman to have served as deputy secretary-general from 1997 to 2002, has been elected as the new Caribbean Community (CARICOM) SecretaryGeneral replacing the Dominican-born diplomat, Irwin LaRocque, who has been in the post since August 2011.

Barnett was elected during the virtual 21st Special Meeting of the CARICOM leaders, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the chairman of the 15-member grouping.

The other candidate who was being considered for the post is the current CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Manorma Soeknandan.

Last month, when she was nominated for the position by Belize, Barnett said her vision for the regional grouping is “a CARICOM that the ordinary woman and man will defend because they feel the impact in their daily lives through economic and social advancement that comes from community action.”

She said CARICOM should never be afraid to re-strategise, as it is now doing, when the needs are

Senator Dr. Carla Barnett Sworn-in as Minister of State Belmopan, Belize

Barnett

great and the resources scarce.

“The (COVID-19) pandemic is forcing us to recalibrate and set new priorities for regional development.

‘Do more with less’ has new meaning for all of us. This does not mean less effective work. Indeed, increased incorporation of information and communication technology into our work provides opportunities for greater productivity and for CARICOM citizens to be much more involved in the strengthening of Regional integration well into the future, beyond COVID,” she added.

In a statement, the Belize

government hailed her election “based on her qualifications, experience and skills, adding “all heads pledged their support to working with Dr. Barnett for advancing the agenda of the region”.

Prime Minister John Briceño, who led the Belize delegation at the meeting, thanked his CARICOM Brisbane colleagues for the confidence entrusted to Barnett.

He noted that Barnett will take up the post of secretary general at a most critical time for the region and “also highlighted that in addition to her unimpeachable qualifications, Dr. Barnett’s professional career has

precisely equipped her with the skills, experience and network to lead the CARICOM Secretariat.”

In a brief statement announcing her appointment, CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said the regional leaders had “unanimously agreed” to her selection as the eighth CARICOM Secretary General.

“Heads of Government in congratulating Dr Barnett on her selection, recognised the historic moment for the Community,” he said.

Barnett has extensive experience at the executive level of the public service in Belize and in the CARICOM region.

She was formerly vice president of the Belize Senate and has served

in various ministerial capacities in her country’s government. She has also served as Financial Secretary of Belize and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, as well as Vice-President (Operations) of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Barnett was educated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) where she read for a Ph.D. in Social Sciences. She also holds a Master of Economics degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the UWI. Her tenure as CARICOM deputy secretary-general coincided with the re-organisation of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat, the Community’s administrative body. – (CMC)

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Antigua Private Sector Urges Respect for Human Rights in Vaccination Programme

UK Issues Travel Advisory on Jamaica Less than a week after Jamaica lifted its travel ban on the United Kingdom, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO) has advised its nationals against all types of travel to Jamaica, due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. continues on B1 – UK Travel Advisory

Cave

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

The executive director of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, Martin Cave, says the human rights of nationals should be respected as the island moves towards vaccinating people in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID019) pandemic here.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister of Antigua, Gaston Browne told radio listeners of the possibility of implementing a mandatory vaccination program as he criticized persons who were encouraging others not to participate in the national vaccination program.

“This is not a threat,” Browne said, adding that the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the socioeconomic development of the island since the first case was diagnosed here last March.

The government has also said it had reached a collaboration with a continues on B4 – Urges Respect

La Soufriere Volcano Alert Reduced to Orange The government of St Vincent has moved the alert at the La Soufriere volcano from Red, the highest, to Orange, the second-highest on the four-level scale.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said on the state-owned NBC Radio on Thursday, May 6, that the Cabinet made the decision a day earlier.

The alert level was raised to Red on April 8 when the evacuation order was given, about 15 hours before La Soufriere erupted explosively. A Red alert means that an eruption is in progress or may occur without further warning.

The last explosion at the volcano was on April 22, and La Soufriere has remained quiet since then.

An Orange alert means that there is a highly elevated level of seismicity or fumarolic activity or both or other highly unusual symptoms. At this level, eruptions could occur within less than 24 hours’ notice.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said that even with the alert level moving to Orange, “absolutely, you can’t go into the Red Zone

unless you have permission by the state authorities and all the Orange Zones, people can go and return.”

The details of what is permitted will be published in an order, he said.

“It’s still very dangerous until the seismologists advise us and advise NEMO’s (the National Emergency Management Organization’s) director; and I am advised, accordingly, that the Red Zone is out of bounds, but the Orange Zone, you can go and reoccupy.”

Meanwhile, speaking on the same programme, seismologist Roderick Stewart, who is head of the volcano monitoring team, said the volcano has remained quiet over the past 24 hours. He said his team will continue investigating activities there.

Stewart said he had heard there were quite a few people in Sandy Bay, a Red Zone community on the northeastern coast.

“And it just surprises me, because there shouldn’t be anyone in Sandy Bay unless they are there on some sort of official government business. I’ll leave that to the Prime Minister,” he said.

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Talk Up!

A5

TALKUP

Do You Think Music From Convicted Criminals Should Be Played On The Airwaves?

The debate on whether or not Jamaican music contributes to the high level of crime on the country was reignited last month, following comments by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who had lashed out at musicians for violent lyrics. Holness faced backlash from several entertainers who said that the Prime Minister was using the music as a scapegoat and being hypocritical. But there were also several other entertainers, like Mr. Vegas and Cecile who said that they agreed with Holness's comments. Dancehall deejay Bounty Killer, known for violent lyrics in much of his earlier music, also took it a step further to say that he regrets the violent music he has made in the past. He also lashed out at some musicians who he said were perpetrators of crime and who fund criminal activity. Amid the contentious debate, we asked members of the diaspora if they think music from convicted criminals should be played on the airwaves? Here are the responses:

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

editorial

Finally, they got it right, thanks to Covid T

he Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships is widely referred to as the greatest high school track and field meet in the world.

It is so dubbed due to the incredible number of outstanding Olympians to have emerged from the over century-old event.

But even as the meet has spawned numerous world-beaters, many are convinced that its manner of construction has had an equally debilitating effect on many athletes over time.

It is an issue that has sparked many public debates but has often been quietened by the powers that be, who believe that if it isn’t broken there is no need to fix it.

The major point of contention has always been the workload placed on the athletes, and even as the local governing body, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has intervened, many believe it has not done enough to significantly solve the problem.

The JAAA had mandated that athletes participate in no more than two individual events and two relay events. But many sprinters, particularly those at schools seriously vying for championship honors, would contest the 100m semis and finals on Friday night, then the 200m final on Saturday, followed by the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

At the end of the night many of these athletes would be exhausted, and the long-term effects far more significant.

Some years ago, a suggestion was made to the authorities responsible for Champs, to model the meet after the schedule which obtains on the international scene.

It was thought that the remodeled schedule would be more athlete and spectator friendly, but the ISSA officials did not budge and stuck to their grueling schedule.

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MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

The major point of contention has always been the workload placed on the athletes, and even as the local governing body, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has intervened, many believe it has not done enough to signicantly solve the problem.

But it is often said that sometimes good things emerge from bad situations and COVID-19 may have unintentionally been a saving grace.

For this year’s edition of Champs, which started on Tuesday and will end on Saturday, major changes have been made to the schedule. For starters, 16 finals were contested on the first day Tuesday, an unprecedented move.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Somehow the authorities now believe that this schedule will be more athlete-friendly due to the interruptions caused by COVID-19. We maintain that with or without the COVID-19 impact, an effort should have been made long ago in the best interest of the athletes.

The new schedule has 16 finals on Tuesday, five on Wednesday, 18 on Thursday, including all 100m events, 11 on Friday, including all 400m hurdle events, and the rest (37) on Saturday.

That, I dare say, represents relief and friendliness to the competitors.

It is long overdue, but as they say, it is better late than never. We only hope the authorities don’t revert to the old schedule post-COVID-19.

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A7

la section haitienne

OAS Discusses Haiti’s Request for Mission to Visit the Country The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) met Wednesday to discuss the “establishment of the OAS mission to the Republic of Haiti”, moving closer to sending a mission to the French Caribbean island.

The Permanent Council agreed to hold further talks with other stakeholders “as to how we will set up that mission to Haiti and that this certainly be considered at the next regular session of the Permanent Council. Meanwhile, United States Interim Permanent Representative Bradley A. Freden said Washington would be prepared to provide funding for the mission saying his country “welcomes the government of Haiti’s invitation for an OAS delegation, which we hope will encourage a constructive political dialogue among all stakeholders to pave the way for legislative and presidential elections in 2021.”

“My delegation is deeply concerned and I know you are with security trends in Haiti which have deteriorated over the last two months. Humanitarian needs and human rights also remain pressing concerns for the United States. We therefore urge member states to act … quickly to select the OAS delegation and to set a date for the OAS mission to travel to Haiti,” Freden said.

Prime Minister Claude Joseph had earlier sent a letter to the hemispheric body seeking support for the staging of a referendum in June and elections scheduled for later this year. In his April 28 letter to OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, the Haitian prime minister urged the OAS to send a mission to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in support of the ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders.

Joseph said that the aim of the dialogue would be to reach a “political agreement likely to facilitate the organization of the constitutional referendum and elections at all levels during the year 2021 according to the timetable established for this purpose.”

“I take this opportunity to reaffirm the unwavering will of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Jovenel Moïse, and of the government to do everything possible to guarantee the organization of free, honest and democratic elections to renew the

Luis Amalgro President of the OAS

political staff and ensure the transfer of power to a President elected on February 7, 2022,” Joseph wrote.

Earlier this month, Haiti signalled its intention to hold the controversial referendum ahead of presidential and general elections despite growing international criticism.

“A referendum is an act of sovereignty. It essentially concerns Haitians: they are the ones who decide whether or not they want a referendum to change the Constitution,” Prime Minister Claude Joseph told a news conference.

The United States has already reiterated its position that elections should be held in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. Washington has also said it does not intend to provide financial support for the constitutional referendum.

President Jovenel Moise, who has been facing calls for his resignation, has been ruling by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed and following disputes on when his own term ends. In addition to presidential, legislative and local elections in September, Moise wants to submit a new draft of the constitution to a popular vote on June 27.

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Haitian Cultural Celebration Planned For Shirley Branca Park Bandshell The City of Miramar today announced that Haitian Heritage Month will be celebrated with a free Haitian Cultural Celebration planned for Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Shirley Branca Park Bandshell located at 6900 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Florida 33023.

The event will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature live performances by popular Haitian band Harmonik, Hip-Hop Cultural Group We Dem Zoes, Drummers Patrick Dorce & The Rara Rock Roots Band and Haitian Folkloric Dancer Manoucheka Luma. The event will be hosted

by Poet Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin. Also, attendees can take the first dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 shot on-site courtesy of Broward County. Proof of Florida residency and ID must be presented.

Additionally, in celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, students in Miramar elementary, middle, and high schools are invited to enter the Haitian Flag Day contest where they can express themselves through art while spotlighting what Haitian culture means to them. The winning entry from elementary, middle, and high school will each receive a grand prize of $300 and will be acknowledged by having their artwork displayed at the May 22nd Haitian Cultural Celebration at Shirley Branca Park. Entries can be submitted at www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org/HaitianArtContest

by Friday, May 14, 2021.

Commissioner Alexandra Davis stated, “The month of May is when we celebrate Haitian heritage and culture and I look forward to celebrating with all our Miramar residents especially members of the Haitian community at the beautiful Shirley Branca Park. I encourage everyone to bring their lawn chairs and blankets as they immerse themselves in the exciting performances by the very talented acts that are lined up to perform.”

Attendees will be treated to a free traditional Haitian meal and beverage. Registration is required at www.MiramarHaitianCelebration2021.Eventbrite.com and a ticket will be required for the free meal. Masks are encouraged and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B1

COMMUNITY

Street in Broward County to be Renamed After Alcee Hastings

Hastings

By Sheri-Kae McLeod During a Broward County Commissioner’s meeting on May 4th, the Commissioners voted unanimously to rename a portion of Northwest Sixth Court, between Lauderhill and Fort Lauderdale, as Alcee Hastings Street.

The name change takes place June 15 on NW 8th Street, from NW 27th Avenue to NW 31st Avenue.

The proposal was initially introduced by Jamaican-born Commissioner Dale Holness back in February. But several commissioners had

objected, saying that county laws did not support renaming a street after someone who was still alive.

Congressman Hastings died on April 6th and the proposal was again put forward to commissioners during this week’s meeting.

Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was one of the state officials who called in to support the proposal.

“For more than two decades, Congressman Hastings was a tireless advocate on environmental issues, universal access to healthcare, immigration reforms and racial

UK Travel Advisory “The FCDO suggests against all but necessary travel to the whole of Jamaica based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks,” it said in its latest travel advisory on Thursday.

Jamaica had instituted the ban as part of the measures under Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Act. “On Saturday, May 1, Jamaica will reopen its borders to international visitors from the United Kingdom. This will enable the critical gateways of Heathrow and Gatwick airports, to have transit for passengers coming through and who

justice. And throughout a serious battle with cancer, he continued to fight for his district.

Renaming the county road after Congressman Hastings would not only be a great tribute to someone who served his constituency well, but one that he nobly earned and richly deserved,” she said.

The son of Congressman Hastings, Dr. Alcee ‘Jody’ Hastings II also visited the meeting to thank the commissioners, especially Dale Holness for choosing to honor his late father.

For his part, Commissioner Holness said that he, like many other elected officials in the county, would not be where they are today if it weren’t for Congressman Hastings. He said that Hastings was a champion for Florida residents, especially African-Americans and immigrants.

“He has championed the rights of minorities, women, the elderly, children and immigrants.

His legislative priorities included creating jobs and economic opportunities for middle-class working poor families and making our country more safe and secure,” Holness said.

Last month, Dale Holness announced his bid for congress to take over for Hastings in Florida’s District 20. The primary election for the seat will take place on November 2nd, with a general election to be held on January 11, 2022.

from A4

are fully compliant with health and safety protocols required for international travel,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said.

The ban brought travel between Jamaica and the UK to a halt and was done as part of the island’s efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Several countries around the globe have also been forced to institute similar travel bans as a part of their COVID-19 management measures.

In its travel advisory, the FDCO reminded Britons that it is illegal to travel abroad from the

UK for holidays, adding that only essential travels could be allowed and people can only leave the UK if they have a reasonable excuse.

The condition applies to both UK and non-UK passport holders currently residing in England.

FCDO said over 225,000 British nationals visited Jamaica in 2019, and most of the visits were trouble-free.

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Runcie to Exit BCPS in August Gets $740k Severance Pay

by Sheri-kae McLeod

After almost a decade as head of the Broward County School District, Robert Runcie will say his goodbyes to students and parents in the county in August.

Runcie

The criminal cases against him and outgoing Broward Schools General Counsel Barbara Myrick officially got underway last Wednesday with not guilty pleas.

The defendants weren’t present – Runcie entered his plea of not guilty in writing in late April and Myrick filed a written plea of “standing mute” forcing the judge to enter a not guilty plea on her behalf of Myrick.

On Tuesday, the school board finalized a separation agreement with the Superintendent, which will see him receiving over $740,000.

As per the agreement, Runcie will get 20 weeks of salary, plus 90 days’ continues on B4 – Runcie

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B3

STRICTLY LEGAL

Visa Applicants Remain Stranded Abroad As Backlogs Grow To Over 2.6 Million Millions of family members, workers and other visa applicants continue to be stranded outside the U.S. waiting for visa appointments in order to get approval to enter the country.

The existing visa backlog began to multiply each month after the pandemic hit in March, then continued once former President Trump had issued immigration bans preventing immigrants from obtaining visas to enter the U.S. But while current President Joe Biden has reversed the bans, the consequences of Trump’s anti-immigration policies and restrictive measures, coupled with the pandemic, have resulted in a continuing backlog of some 2.6 million visa applications.

According to reports, nearly 500,000 of these applicants have already been prequalified (“documentarily qualified”) by the National Visa Center and are just waiting to receive the required interview at the U.S. Consulate abroad and visa issuance so they can travel to the U.S. However, since the pandemic hit, the majority of U.S. Embassies worldwide have not been in full operation, with some only providing emergency services on a case-by-case basis.

Each day that goes by, thousands more cases including those of spouses, parents and children go into the endless waiting queue, resulting in millions of family members continuing to be separated.

It’s important to understand that the current backlog is not just a consequence of the pandemic or the immigration ban, but rather

International Students Eligible For OPT Can Now File for Work Authorization Online The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that F-1 (international) students who are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) can now file Form I-765 online.

the result of Trump’s immigrant policies executed through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and State Department over the past four years, which were implemented on day one of the Trump administration.

The USCIS lost funding and reduced staff, which in turn took more processing time and issued fewer approvals. Then, the State Department cut personnel at consulates and processed visa applications slower, causing a growing backlog and further applied restrictive policies against applicants that resulted in even fewer visa approvals.

In response to reports about the massive backlog, the State Department recently told

CNN that due to embassy and consular closures caused by the pandemic, they do not expect consular operations to return to pre-pandemic workload levels until June 2021 at the earliest.

This means that the hundreds of thousands of visa interviews that were scheduled last year, then canceled, will only start to be rescheduled in June, leaving hundreds of thousands of visa applicants who are waiting for their first appointment to wait for perhaps a year or more.

To solve the crisis, Congress may pass funding to enable the State Department to hire thousands of new consular officers in an attempt to stem the backlog. But, for now, the multiplying backlog continues with no end in sight.

This includes 24-month extensions for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students.

Online filing allows students to submit forms electronically, to check the status of their case anytime, and to receive notices from USCIS online rather than waiting for the paper receipt to arrive in the mail.

Students may also submit the regular paper application by mail if desired.

In order to file the Form I-765 online, students must visit my.uscis.gov to create a free USCIS online account and then proceed to file the work authorization request.

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Nationwide Protest of Jamaica and beyond, who have signed this press release NAA EASE UP! Note that May 6, 2021, marks one month since Tannisha Singh and Member of Parliament George Wright made independent reports of a physical altercation to the Anchovy Police and Ramble Police, respectively.”

“To date, to the best of our knowledge, Mr Wright has not provided any acceptable explanation of the circumstances surrounding this reported physical altercation. Further, his leave from Parliament, WITH PAY, “to attend to unforeseen circumstances” is unacceptable. Taxpayers deserve more! The government needs to honour SDG #5 (gender equality) to which Jamaica is signatory.”

The release continued, adding, “Reports of violence against women and children continue. The recent reports of sexual assault of a 13-year old girl and a five-year old boy in St Ann are abhorrent! We intend to actively push our representatives to be more proactive and to URGENTLY address these human rights violations.”

The group is encouraging Jamaicans to join the ‘Thursday In Black’ oneday campaign that is being planned for May 13, 2021.

This is a joint action by the Institute of Gender & Development Studies, regional coordinating office at the University of the West Indies, and the Jamaica Council of Churches, in support of the elimination of gender-based violence.

Professor Opal Palmer-Adisa from the Institute of Gender & Development Studies is encouraging the entire diaspora to participate in the campaign. “It’s important that we take a stand and do what we can to make Jamaica safe for women and children and everyone. Right across the board, we need to eliminate violence in general,” she said.

Members of the diaspora can participate in the campaign she said by “wearing black t-shirts, [and taking] a picture [with the hashtags] #ThurdsayInBlack #EndGenderBasedViolence.”

Since the allegations, members of the diaspora in South Florida and scores of businesses and social justice organizations in Jamaica have condemned the alleged actions of the MP and called for his resignation.

“ It’s important that we take a stand and do what we can to make Jamaica safe for women and children and everyone. Right across the board, we need to eliminate violence in general,” – Opal Palmer-Adisa

Miss Jamaica Universe “On behalf of all 450,000 Jamaicans in the southern states, welcome to our home.

We will make this your home as well. We want you to know that we’re rooting for you.

Jamaicans are all about winning and we’re right here waiting for you. When you win, we want you to celebrate right here again,” he said to Williams.

Miss Universe Jamaica Miqueal-Symone Williams was moved to tears by the

Urges Respect

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outpouring of support from the Jamaican diaspora. She said the community in South Florida has already made her feel like a winner.

“My heart is filled with gratitude for all of you coming here to give me support. Going into a competition like Miss Universe, it means the world that I have so many people supporting me. You’ve all said that you want me to win and I want to win too. But in this

moment, I feel like I’ve already won,” she said.

The Miss Universe competition will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Jamaicans across the diaspora can show their support by downloading the Miss Universe Official app and voting for Miss Universe Jamaica to make it into the top 21.

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private company to provide EC$50 to persons who receive their first jab.

Cove said that while business is supportive of the efforts by the government to get people vaccinated the goal of attaining herd immunity must be reached without infringing on the rights of the population.

“There this dichotomy, this conflict, because obviously the Chamber of Commerce, like any responsible business collective, would wish to have the economy bounce back as quickly and as robustly as possible.

“And by robust we want to have just not a quick comeback for business or business opportunities, but we want to do so in a resilient way. So, obviously, the quicker the population can be [free] of the risks from COVID–19, the better for us.

“But the Chamber, households and the country are made up of individuals, and there is where the conundrum lies. Because, while we want that, we’re also mindful and respectful of the right of the individual,” Cove told radio listeners.

He said that the business community “would support whatever is good for the entire country that does not infringe on the individual’s rights”.

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notice of resignation salary, plus accrued vacation days and sick days.

The agreement was approved by a 5-4 board vote, with opponents arguing it was too generous. The opponents included Lori Alhadef and Debra Hixon, who were elected to the board after each had family members slain in the Feb. 14, 2018, attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that killed 17 people.

Chair of the school board Dr. Rosalind Osgood said she is satisfied with the agreement.

“If we had continued to 2023, which was the first offer of Mr. Runcie’s attorney yesterday, we would have been looking at about $2 million,” Osgood said after the vote.

“I feel that we have carried out our fiduciary responsibility as a school board, as well as met all of our legal and contractual obligations to Mr. Runcie.”

Runcie’s last day serving the school district will be August 10th. As soon as the school board names a replacement, which could happen any day now, Runcie will transition from Superintendent to Consultant.

The Jamaican-born superintendent offered to resign after a grand jury investigating the 2018 Parkland shooting indicted him on a perjury charge last month.

Runcie said he would step down to give peace to the parents of the Parkland victims.

For nearly 10 years, Runcie has overseen the district, which serves the large CaribbeanAmerican community in Broward County.

If Robert Runcie is convicted of perjury, he faces up to five years in prison. Runcie has filed a motion to dismiss the charge.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Shaggy Says Jamaican Diaspora Needs to Support Local Music

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

Jamaican international recording artist Shaggy says the Jamaican diaspora needs to do more to support Jamaican music, and by extension, Jamaican culture.

“

Music and culture were the topics of discussion during the third virtual diaspora town hall hosted by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks.

The Ambassador invited the Grammyaward-winning international artist to lead the discussion on the global influence of Jamaican music.

Shaggy noted that as influential as Jamaican music is on the global stage, there is an overwhelming lack of support for the music from Jamaicans. He pointed out that many Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora do not support local musicians in the same way they support international artists.

We have to get to a point where we’re valuing our artists to where if a promoter puts a ticket price at $100 or $150, you don’t say “that’s too expensive”, which is exactly what happens.

Yet these same people are spending $300 to see Drake or anyone else. –

“I went on tour with Sting and I saw people paying up to $4,000 EUROS for VIP seats night after night. You might look at a dancehall or reggae show and these artists say, “well I’m in

front of 1,000/2,000 people” and they’re like “yeah me ram [packed] the show”. But if you look at the ticket price, if you put it over $50, the show is not gonna be packed,” he said.

He continued saying that, “we have to get to a point where we’re valuing our artists to where if a promoter puts a ticket price at $100 or $150, you don’t say “that’s too expensive”, which is exactly what happens. Yet these same people are spending $300 to see Drake or anyone else.”

But in making that point, he also noted that local artists need to treat the entertainment industry as a business and be more professional.

“And then the artists themselves have to start handling themselves in more of a professional manner. Because if you’re not gonna do it professionally and have a professional team… if yah go run a patty shop, a man gonna treat it like a patty show,” he said.

Both Shaggy and Ambassador Marks pointed out that the diaspora’s strength is in their numbers. He said that if the diaspora were to stream more local music, that could change the trajectory of the genres.

Ambassador Marks has challenged the diaspora to put their economic support behind Jamaican culture and music.

Bounty Killer Expresses Disdain for Criminals

By Ramona Samuels Less than two months after publishing his latest song ‘Gun Ready’ to his Vevo page, dancehall artiste Bounty Killer has expressed heavy and graphic disdain at the criminals in Jamaica who continue to plague the island daily.

In a video that circulated on social media and via Jamaican news outlets last Monday, May 10, policemen and criminals were seen engaging in a daring and deadly afternoon shootout. Bounty Killer, the self-titled ‘warlord’

of music, was so disgusted that he called upon other artistes in the music industry to cease from facilitating the criminals of Jamaica with weapons.

He went on to state that the young men of Jamaica should use the video as an example of what not to be.

He said that criminals and any recording artiste who supports them must face dire consequences under the law. As posted to his official Instagram account, he continued, “Especially some artiste gal and boy who is buying guns and mining these gunman…”.

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The bold statements from the Grammy award-winning hardcore dancehall artiste comes months after the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Andrew Holness, called on dancehall artistes to accept blame for their gunlayered lyrics in songs as a form of influence on the youth, which he claimed generally incites violence and violent attacks.

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Other users were quick to remind Bounty Killer of his own songs that promoted gun violence – one such user commented, “Nuh you seh anytime mi hungry dem ago see mi nine?”

However, he was quick to respond with “art imitates life not the other way around.”

The controversial video was recorded by an eyewitness on location as a bumber-to-bumper traffic jam had eventually developed when the alleged criminals were held up after leaving the scene of a crime they were reported to have committed only minutes before. In the recording, civilians could be seen sheltering

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SPORTS COMMENTARY

VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES SOCCER

What Dead Heat?

Reggae Girlz to Play International Friendlies in the U.S. Jamaica’s senior women’s national football team, the Reggae Girlz will play two international friendlies in the United States as part of the 2021 WNT Summer Series Presented

by AT&T 5G. The series will feature four teams.

The result of the inaugural running of the Kinston Stakes over 1500 meters at Caymanas Park on Saturday was declared a dead heat between Miniature Man under jockey Dick Cardenas for trainer Jason DaCosta and favorite Further and Beyond with Dane Nelson in the saddle for champion trainer Anthony Nunes.

But since then, the photo finish image has been made public and it appears to show anything but a dead heat. It appears to show Miniature Man on the outside with a noseband as a “clear” winner, as opposed to Further and Beyond, who toted a visor.

But the question that has been raging since is how was that decision arrived at based on the evidence presented?

It is understood that trainer DaCosta had lodged an appeal, which was rejected based on

the rules of racing, which states in part: RULE #53 – “The judge shall occupy the judge’s box at the time the horses pass the winning post. He shall announce his decision immediately or after considering the photograph and shall determine the winner according to that part of the horse’s head, excluding the ears, which first reaches the perpendicular plane or the near edge of the winning post, provided that the complete body of the horse passes the winning post with his rider in the saddle, and shall determine the remaining placings in a similar manner. Such decision shall be final, unless an objection to the winner, or any placed horses, is made and sustained – provided that this rule shall not prevent a judge from correcting any mistake after receiving permission to do so from the stewards. But no correction shall be permitted after the official signal is displayed.”

It is understood that the placing judges are content and convinced that their decision of a dead heat is indeed correct, despite what the

photo finish image shows, but the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) will investigate the matter.

We believe the image is clear that Miniature Man was the winner and that a grave injustice has been meted out to that horse’s connections.

And the fact that they have no recourse makes the situation even worse. That ruling appears to be against natural justice.

The sport of horse racing has long struggled to maintain its integrity and what happened in that race on Saturday has done nothing to help the cause. Even worse is that there has been no official comment from the promoters, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited or the regulatory body, the JRC. We eagerly await the findings of the JRC on this one, as the credibility of the sport hangs on it.

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CARIFTA GAMES / BERMUDA

CARIFTA Games Cancelled Due to COVID-19 The off-again, on-again CARIFTA Games, the region’s annual junior athletics showpiece set to be staged in Bermuda this year, are now officially off because of coronavirus pandemic regulations, organisers have announced.

The news that young athletes around the Caribbean, and in particular in Bermuda, have dreaded was confirmed on Monday night by governing bodies the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC).

Donna Raynor, the president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association, said she was “disappointed” by the cancellation.

Guyana, which stepped aside for the first postponement last year, will be the host for the Games in 2022.

The scheduling of the Games has been beset by problems since the original postponement from April 2020 not long after the outset of the pandemic.

A spike in COVID-19 cases in Bermuda from mid-December into the turn of the year led to

new dates around Easter Weekend 2021 being scrapped.

This was followed by a move to the first week of July, which was then changed because of an unforeseen clash with school examination dates in the Caribbean.

NACAC and the local organising committee led by Raynor finally settled on August 13-15.

But a succession of changes in public-health regulations brought on by the arrival of a dangerous variant of COVID-19 on the island – which has contributed to 19 deaths since April 1 to push the overall total to 31 – and an aggressive vaccination program have had a damaging knock-on effect.

Keith Joseph, the NACAC general secretary, said in a statement: “NACAC understands the impact that another cancellation of our premier annual junior competition will have on our young athletes. Unfortunately, we have carefully taken all factors into consideration and are left with no option but to cancel the CARIFTA Games 2021.”

Among those factors are the Bermuda government’s mandatory 14-day quarantine policy for unvaccinated travelers at their own expense, accommodation arrangements that “have been well below the required number of rooms for the traditional CARIFTA Games”, and

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the lack of additional funding available to the local organising committee.

“While Bermuda allows athletes from 16 years to be vaccinated, the majority of our CARFITA family members are in countries where the authorities only allow vaccinations for persons 18 years and older,” Joseph continued.

“We cannot host the event without the under-17s, who, from our vantage point, are as integral to the event as the under-20s. We are not agreed to having an edition of the CARIFTA Games that does not engage the traditional categories and which disenfranchise a significant number of athletes.”

The Games, first held in 1972, were set to be staged in Bermuda for the fifth time.

During the 2004 renewal, Jamaican Usain Bolt signaled his future greatness at just 17, when he became the first junior athlete to break the 20-second mark over 200 metres, crossing the winning line in 19.3 seconds.

On June 10, the Reggae Girlz will tackle Nigeria and on June 13, they will play World Champions and host, the United States. Both games will be played at the BBVA stadium in Houston, Texas. Portugal will also take part in the four-team event.

The games will be the first for Jamaica since they participated in Concacaf Olympic qualifiers in February 2020.

“We are extremely pleased to be part of this series of games,” said Reggae Girlz coach Hubert Busby.

“They come in handy as we begin to put our squad together for the World Cup Qualifiers beginning in November. These games give us a chance to see where we are and to incorporate new faces and talents.

These are two great opponents and we are always excited to match skills with the best in the world.”

The format of the Summer Series will feature the USA and Nigeria playing three matches while Portugal and Jamaica will play two. No standings will be kept and all matches will be treated as friendlies.

Once the teams arrive in Houston, all the players and staff will operate inside highly controlled environments at the host hotels.

The staging of training and the matches will fall under the comprehensive U.S. Soccer Return to Play Protocols and Guidelines and in accordance with the Concacaf Return to Play Protocols.

Everyone entering the controlled environment will be tested for COVID19 before traveling, upon arrival, and periodically thereafter. The teams will not begin full team training until the results of all arrival tests are confirmed.

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C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 13 – MAY 19, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T