National Weekly April 15, 2021

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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021

Covered in Ash

TOP STORIES Prime Minister of Haiti, Joseph Jouthe Resigns

Diaspora Mobilizes Support for St. Vincent Amid Volcanic Eruptions

Las Vegas to Host Gold Cup Final for First Time

BEFORE Despite the many criticisms of CARICOM and what many perceive to be a lack of integration, Caribbean nations and the Caribbean diaspora are prompt to extend a helping hand in times of crisis in the region. This is currently the case for the twin-island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which has been experiencing volcanic eruptions since last week.

The La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent began erupting on Friday, April 9, blanketing the island in a thick layer of ash and forcing almost 20,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Between Friday and Wednesday, there were at least four strong volcanic explosions, the largest occurring on Monday, which marked exactly 42 years since the

AFTER last volcanic eruption in 1979.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in St Vincent and the Grenadines also confirmed the collapse of the La Soufriere volcanic dome and the presence of destructive pyroclastic flows along the valleys on the eastern and western coast. Pyroclastic flows are dense, fast-moving flows of solidified lava pieces, volcanic ash, and hot gases. They are said to be the most deadly of all volcanic hazards.

“It’s destroying everything in its path,” Erouscilla Joseph, director of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center, told The Associated Press. “Anybody who would have not heeded the evacuation, they need to get out immediately.” continues on B4 – Covered in Ash

Dale Holness Confident In Bid for Hastings’ Seat

By Garth A. Rose

On April 12, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, 64, confidently announced his candidacy for the pending election for the Congressional District 20 seat, made vacant by the recent death of Congressman Alcee Hastings.

Dates for the election are yet to be set by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Holness is expected to be one of a field of several candidates seeking to be elected to the seat, which includes parts of Palm Beach County and Broward County.

Following the announcement of his candidacy on Monday evening, CNW sat with Holness to ascertain the reason for his expressed confidence,

The late Alcee Hastings (left) with Dale Holness

why he is the race, and what he plans to bring to the District and Congress.

Holness says he plans to bring 17 years of dedicated public service which started in the City of Lauderhill in 2004 as a city commissioner, vice mayor, and now as Broward county commissioner for over 10 years, including a year as mayor. He said

My father and Dale shared a long friendship. Our family stands rmly behind Dale. … Dale has the grit, perseverance, determination, the compassion, to continue his legacy ghting for justice and ghting for quality for all.” – Alcee Hastings II

continues on B4 – Dale Holness

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Diaspora Enraged by Comments by Jamaica’s National Security Minister A3

Bahamian Police Warn Against False COVID-19 Tests A4

Outpouring of Tributes for Iconic Rapper DMX C1

Injury Sidelines Trinidadian Molino for two months in Major Leagues C3

North Miami Beach Becomes First City in Miami-Dade County to Declare Juneteenth a Municipal Holiday World Bank Provides $20M for St. Vincent’s Volcano Eruption Response Pressure Mounts for Jamaican MP to Resign After Viral Video of Domestic Abuse US Recommends ‘Pause’ for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Over Clot Reports Jamaica Government Pushing Back Against Anti-Vax Crusaders

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 SUPPORTING: Jamaican-born Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers endorses his fellow countryman, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness for U.S. Congress during an event at the All Broward Realty in Planta on, Florida on April 12, 2021. - Contributed

TRACK STARS: Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair (center) poses with Jamaican track stars Briana Williams (le ) and Elaine Thompson-Herah during the Miramar Invita onal Meet at the Asin Sports Complex, Miramar, Florida on April 10, 2021. - Contributed

LIFESAVER: Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tu on, observes boxes with the AstraZeneca vaccines from the government of South Africa and the African Medical Supply Pla orm being unloaded on Thursday (April 8), at the Norman Manley Interna onal Airport in Kingston. - Photo by Michael Sloley/JIS

MAN FOR THE JOB: The son of late U.S. Congressman Alcee Has ngs, Dr. Alcee “Jody” Has ngs II (le ) shows his support for Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness during a press conference on April 12, where Holness announced his bid for U.S. Congress. - Contributed

IN ITS WAKE: People clean volcanic ash from the red roof of a home a er La Soufriere volcano erupted, in Wallilabou, on the western side of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Monday, April 12, 2021. La Soufriere volcano fired an enormous amount of ash and hot gas early Monday in the biggest explosive erup on yet since volcanic ac vity began on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent late last week. - AP Photo/Orvil Samuel

THROUGH THE ASH: A man rides his bicycle along the main Black Rock road, covered with ash coming from the erup on of La Soufriere volcano in the neighboring island of St. Vincent, on the outskirts of Bridgetown, Barbados, Sunday, April 11, 2021.

- AP Photo/Chris Brandis

IN THE RACE: Jamaican-born Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness speaks with reporters a er announcing his bid for U.S. Congress during a press conference at All Broward Realty in Planta on, Florida on April 12, 2021. Holness is looking to replace the late Congressman Alcee Has ngs for the Florida District 20 seat. - Contributed

MAKING THE CASE: Tamarac Commissioner Mike Gelin speaks during a press conference at All Broward Realty in Planta on, Florida on April 12, 2021, where Broward County Commissioner announced his bid for U.S. Congress. - Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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NEWSMAKER

Diaspora Enraged by Comments by Jamaica’s National Security Minister In recent years, as Jamaica has grappled with an increase in violent crimes, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has continuously urged members of the Jamaican diaspora to get involved in helping to curtail criminal activity on the island.

However, Holness and his righthand man, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang, who also holds the portfolio as minister of national security, seem to differ on whether or not the diaspora can actually assist in crime-fighting efforts on the island.

The issue of crime and violence was the center of a virtual town hall hosted by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, on April 8, where Dr. Chang was a specially invited guest. The purpose of the chat was to hear the concerns of members of the diaspora and bring them up to date on how the government was tackling the worrisome crime situation.

But when asked if his ministry was interested in the expertise of members of the diaspora to help curtail crime on the island, Chang surprisingly said he did not see how the diaspora could help.

“Jamaica has some of the best crime-fighting expertise in the world and I cannot see any possible avenue to engage the diaspora expertise to help fight crime in Jamaica,” he said, adding that some of the people leading the fight against crime in Jamaica hold multiple degrees, “representing the best and brightest.”

The minister said the diaspora could best help with monetary

“ Horace Chang

donations and social programs rather than expertise.

These comments drew the ire of several diaspora organizations, who said they were disappointed by Dr. Chang’s comments.

The head of the Jamaica Diaspora Crime and Prevention Task Force, Dr. Rupert Francis, in a statement, said he was most disappointed with Minister Chang’s remarks.

“I believe that the experience and expertise that the diaspora possess will pave the way forward positively for our country,” he said. Francis said many found Chang’s remarks condescending and offensive.

Similarly, Dr. Allan Cunningham, the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member for the southern United States region, said he was shocked and disappointed at the minister’s remarks.

“These are remarks coming from a senior member of the Jamaican

government who holds the position of deputy prime minister, and for him to say he did want our expertise is shocking at the very least,” said Cunningham.

The Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA also stated that it is time for the Jamaican government to stop viewing the diaspora as just a place to obtain financial remittances.

Dr. Horace Chang has been the minister of national security for just under three years and an active Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) member of parliament for over 30 years.

Although Chang has held several positions throughout his career, leading the Ministry of National Security at a time when Jamaica is battling an epidemic of violent crime has proven to be his most challenging and demanding job yet.

Chang was born on November 10, 1952, in New Roads, Westmoreland, Jamaica. He attended the New Roads All-age

Jamaica has some of the best crimeghting expertise in the world and I cannot see any possible avenue to engage the diaspora expertise to help ght crime in Jamaica.

School, Cornwall College, and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

In university, Chang pursued a degree in medicine and was also the president of the Guild of Undergraduates, during which time he solved the guild’s financial problems and re-established a relationship with their Cuban counterparts.

After graduating from UWI and serving in both the private and public healthcare sectors, Chang entered politics in 1976 as a member of the JLP. He was a youth leader in East Rural St. Andrew and the vice president of Young Jamaica, the

youth arm of the JLP. In 1980, at age 27, he was first elected to parliament as a representative of Western Hanover, serving till 1989. From 1980 to 1986, Chang served in the Ministry of Health as a parliamentary secretary.

In 2002, he was re-elected, but this time as MP for St. James North Western constituency, and has served in that role since then. From 2007 to 2011, Chang served as minister of housing, environment, water and local government. At his direction, the National Housing Development Corporation of Jamaica became the Housing Agency of Jamaica. He also conceptualized the largest major water supply improvement system, the US$211 Million Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project, while he was minister.

In 2018, Chang has appointed as the minister of national security, taking over from Robert Montague.

In the three years as head of the Ministry of National Security, Dr. Chang has overseen the transformation of the national security structure, with improved infrastructure, improved technology usage, and the build-out of the national CCTV surveillance program.

Dr. Chang also serves as the general secretary of the JLP. Following the September 2020 general election, he was also appointed as deputy prime minister.

He has been married to his wife, Paulette, for over 40 years. The couple has two children, Melissa and Martin.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN Guyana Gov’t Expects Big Increase in Oil Revenue The Guyana government says it is anticipating a significant increase in oil revenues in the future.

“Liza [Destiny] will be the smallest [Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading] FPSO vessel, producing 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). We would have gotten a little over US$200 million on that one FPSO alone, (last year), said Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat.

“So, it means with the larger one of 220,000 bpd capacity, we should be getting US$400 million proceeds from one of the larger FPSOs,” he added.

The Liza Unity and Prosperity FPSOs are each designed to safely operate at that level and are expected to come on stream in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Bharrat explained that, by 2025, the government is looking to make over US$1 billion annually from the sale of Guyana’s produced crude of about 560,000 bpd. The government expects that figure to increase even more in the following years.

“By 2027, we are hoping that with seven FPSOs at least, we’ll produce either close or even over a million barrels per day. That would augur well for Guyana. It means more direct proceeds from the oil and gas industry will be coming in.”

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said the government wants the US oil giant, ExxonMobil, to produce oil as quickly as possible.

Jagdeo has said that Guyana should capitalize on the industry’s potential soon, before the global transition to renewable energy sources drives oil prices down.

ExxonMobil has optimistic production plans, in keeping with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s aggressive depletion policy.

The company’s global vice president of Deepwater Projects, Jayme Meier said in December that ExxonMobil intends to have five FPSOs in operation by 2026, with more than 750,000 barrels produced per day, and sees potential for a total of 7-10 FPSOs later on.

Bahamian Police Warn Against False COVID Tests The Bahamas police Monday warned people against obtaining fake coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, indicating also that several people have recently been arrested and charged.

“In recent weeks it has come to the attention of the Royal Bahamas Police Force that a growing number of Bahamians are seeking to carry out COVID-19 testing through unofficial means,” the police said in a statement.

“In the last week, several people have been brought before the courts and charged. The Royal Bahamas Police continues on B4 – False Tests

Barbados introduces new COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated visitors, ease restrictions for residents Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley recently announced new protocols for visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 allowing them to have a shorter period of quarantine.

Under the new provisions, to take effect May 8, vaccinated visitors would be allowed to leave a quarantine facility once they return a negative PCR test, while unvaccinated travelers will be required to remain in quarantine for seven days.

“A vaccinated person is defined as that person, who, in a two-dose regime had received both doses plus 14 days; or a onedose regime, one dose plus 14 days,” Prime Minister Mottley explained at a press conference last week.

“In essence, it still requires that even though you are vaccinated that you come to the island with a PCR test that is negative within the last 72 hours and that upon arrival in the country or the morning after that you

will do a PCR test, whether it is a rapid test or a classic PCR test and that you will have limited movement within the hotel if you are staying at a hotel, or a Government facility if you are staying at a Government facility.”

Mottley said protocols would continue to be reviewed and a monitoring committee would be established to ensure they were working effectively.

Meantime, the prime minister also announced an ease in COVID-19 restrictions as of April 11, as cases of the virus continue to drop in Barbados.

Praising Barbadians for “rising to the occasion to fight back this pandemic”, Mottley said the time had come for Government to make certain adjustments to allow persons to be “more comfortable not only in terms of where they work, but in terms of other things they need to sustain their body and soul”.

The adjusted restrictions include:

Shortening curfews on Thursdays to Sundays from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., and no curfews Mondays to Wednesdays; reopening gyms reopen with strict protocols; beaches and parks can open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. but no picnics or parties will be allowed; small pleasure crafts will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity, but not for party cruises; bars operating at 50 percent capacity; and fast-food restaurants allowed to have patrons with protocols in place; removal of the 75person cap for church services; and the maximum attendance at funerals and weddings increased to 100 persons.

Wedding receptions will not include parties, but dinners or lunches are allowed.

However, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas are to remain closed, and retail stores and supermarkets will continue to be closed on Sundays. Also, mask-wearing will be required outside including at churches, weddings and funerals.

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TALKUP

Should the Police Ofcer Who Shot Daunte Wright Face Additional Charges?

For the umpteenth time in the past year, African Americans and Caribbean nationals living in the United States are expressing their outrage over another incident of police brutality.

On April 11, Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot by police officer Kimberly Ann Potter during a traffic stop and attempted arrest for outstanding felony warrants in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. After a brief struggle with officers, Wright was shot, and then attempted to flee but crashed his vehicle into another and hit a cement barrier. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The following day, police said that Potter meant to use her taser but accidentally grabbed her gun instead. Potter was later charged with second-degree manslaughter and arrested.

Across the United States, residents have not only expressed anger at the shooting but at the explanation given by Potter and the subsequent charges laid against her. We asked some members of the diaspora if they felt that the charges against Kimberly Ann Potter were appropriate. Here are the responses:

Charmaine Harriot - As a mom of a Black kid, I can't understand why when the cops stop a white male or a white guy, they take them in safely but when it comes to Black men, they never take them in alive.

The Black kids are always shot. I don't the charges that the Minnesota police officer received were fair or the proper charge. She should get first-degree murder.

Sam McKenzie - It wasn't a taser because a taser feels much different from a regular gun so she knew exactly what she was doing.

I feel that the charges do not fit the crime. I wold be surprised if the taser excuse holds up in court. It seems as if she made a mistake and is using the taser argument to make up for it.

Michael Malamut - I'm having a hard time processing this one. What she did was an accident but how the heck does that happen? ... I was watching the news … and they were comparing the size of the taser in the way of the actual gun and I think they're trying to save themselves by using that tactic.

It made me so angry to see that because I feel they were trying to justify it. There's no justification. Yes, it's an accident but a human's life was lost … the police are here to protect us. ... I don't know if the charges against the officer are fair [but] I don't think she deserves to be killed or nothing like that.

Marie Henry - The whole situation is crazy being in the police force for 10 years or so you don't know where your taser is from your gun? I don't think that's right and they should charge the officer with more than second-degree manslaughter.

Chrystal Smith - It may very well have been an accident but how can she prove that? The fact of the matter is that someone died. I don't know whether or not she should be charged with first- or second-degree murder but she definitely should be in jail.

Mahailla Ricketts - That was plain murder, it was no accident. How, as a trained police officer, you can't tell the difference between a gun and a taser? And if it is that high-stress situations put you under pressure to the point where you make a mistake and cost someone their life, that's even worse! You shouldn't be a cop. She needs to be charged for what she did—which was murder. There was no accident about that.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

editorial

Bipartisan Negotiations Over Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Needed

T

he Joe Biden administration recently proposed an American infrastructure bill involving $2.25 trillion in government spending. However, the bill has attracted opposition from Republicans who argue it is not really an infrastructure bill, because, in addition to the typical building and repairing of roads, bridges, airports, water systems, transit, and electrical grids, it also includes spending for items such as housing, elder care, education, and support for manufacturing and small businesses.

Not surprisingly, Republicans, and some Democrats, are huddling over a semantics-based controversy, insisting infrastructure development must relate to the traditional interpretation—roads, bridges, railways, etc.

But, condemning the bill over semantics is shortsighted. There are three proven factors of production—land, capital and labor—all of which are necessary to repair or build new physical infrastructure.

Of course, the labor component

typically involves people. Providing good education, elder care, housing and other services means creating a stronger, more focused labor force, unhindered by these issues—and therefore better equipped to efficiently repair and rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure.

By denying the bill, Republicans are also denying their constituents much-needed employment opportunities, since, traditionally, infrastructure development is a major source of employment especially for blue-collar workers who are more often looking for seasonal employment.

An All-inclusive Approach It is a smart move by Biden to include money for housing, elder care, education and other such items in the proposed bill.

But, there are those who argue, perhaps justifiably so, it would be easier for Biden to solicit support from Republicans for the bill if he stuck to traditional infrastructure.

However, such a solid infrastructure bill still needs to be filibuster-proof, requiring at least 10 senators to vote with the 50 incumbent Democratic senators to approve it. There is absolutely no guarantee of even one Republican senator voting with the Democrats, much less 10. Besides, Democrats have, in the past, been made to water down bills to appease Republicans and, in the end, gain little or no support.

Biden cannot be faulted for taking the “all-inclusive” approach to getting this infrastructural bill passed. He is willing to take the opportunity, agreed on by the Senate parliamentarian, like the recent American Rescue Plan (ARP), to have the bill pass via the Budget Reconciliation path, which requires a minimum of 51 votes.

Granted, with a price tag of $2.25 trillion, the infrastructure bill is humongous, especially coming on the heels of the big-money $1.9 trillion ARP. There’s no surprise it’s eliciting opposition from fiscal conservatives in both chambers of Congress, including Democrats like Sen. Joe Manchin of Virginia.

The alternative would be for Biden to propose some four or five separate bills to Congress, including a Senate comprised of 50 Republicans determined to oppose his policy initiatives.

There is therefore good political merit and sense in attempting to get this massive “all-inclusive” bill passed, even with the big expense implications. Although Manchin may oppose the bill now, it’s not impossible if Biden is willing to tweak the bill here and there to pacify the Virginia

senator, he could fall in line as he did in the case of the ARP. Moreover, with only 51 votes needed to pass the bill, there is also the possibility of Biden securing the vote or votes of one or more Republican senators more concerned about building and repairing roads and bridges in their state than in opposing Biden’s proposal for raw political purposes. The bottom line is, it may be more likely to pass this bill with the 51 required votes than the filibuster required 60 votes in the Senate.

There are several components in the proposed bill for which Republican could negotiate with the Democrats should they want to.

Biden has invited such negotiations.

In recent days, a few Republicans have indicated a willingness to have these negotiations. But their input should be realistic and justifiable, not just for show as in the case of the ARP, when Republicans who were willing to negotiate suggested changes that were billions of dollars off what Biden proposed.

Should the negotiations even fail, at least Americans will have recognized attempts were made by both parties to reach an agreement.

If no bipartisan agreement can be reached, Biden will have no alternative but to try getting it passed through Budget Reconciliation, with 51 Democratic votes, assuming he succeeds in getting Manchin’s support.

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la section haitienne

“A Descent Into Hell” Haiti Clergy Issues Warnings About Kidnappings Haiti's Catholic Church has warned of the country’s "descent into hell" after 10 people, including members of the clergy and French citizens, were abducted by kidnappers in Croix-desBouquets, demanding US$1 million in ransom.

"For some time now, we have been witnessing the descent into hell of Haitian society," the Archdiocese of the capital Portau-Prince said in a statement, adding that "violence by armed gangs" was taking on "unprecedented" proportions.

The church also criticized the government for being ineffective, also saying in the statement, "The public authorities who are doing nothing to resolve this crisis are not immune from suspicion. We denounce complacency and complicity wherever it comes from."

The people kidnapped in the town northeast of Port-auPrince include seven Catholic clergy—five of them Haitian, and two French citizens, a priest and a nun.

Haiti has been in a months-long political crisis during which kidnappings for ransom have increased sharply in Port-au-Prince and other provinces, reflecting the growing influence of armed in the nation.

In March, the government declared a month-long state of emergency to restore state authority in gang-controlled areas, including in the capital city.

The kidnap victims were "on their way to the installation of a new parish priest" when they were abducted Sunday, according to Father Loudger Mazile of Haiti’s Bishop's Conference. The priest indicated the kidnappers have demanded a US$1 million ransom for the group.

The five priests belong to the Society of Priests of St James, which is based in France, their superior general, Paul Dossous confirmed. “We are trying to pray while also being active. We are negotiating. The contact is made, that is important," he said.

"This is too much. The time has come for these inhuman acts to stop," said Bishop Pierre-Andre Dumas of Miragoane in southwestern Haiti. "The Church prays and stands in solidarity with all the victims of this heinous act," he added.

The rise in gang violence and political instability have recently drawn protesters onto the streets of Port-au-Prince.

A week ago, hundreds of women protesters rallied in the city against the growing power of gangs, which has led to a spike in kidnappings for ransom.

The United States warned of the risk of widespread kidnappings in a travel advisory issued on Monday. The advisory cautioned that the victims regularly include U.S. citizens.

New York Union Workers Endorse Haitian-American Judge A Haitian-American judge running for a seat on Brooklyn’s Surrogate Court has been endorsed by the largest municipal union in New York City, District Council 37, otherwise known as DC 37.

Judge Dweynie Esther Paul, who is currently a judge in Kings County (Brooklyn) Civil Court, also received the endorsement of DC 37’s local unions—Local 371, Local 372 and Local 1407—as well as the unions, Teamsters Local 237 and the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL).

Political observers said the labor endorsements will continue to strengthen Judge Paul’s clear front-runner status in the June Democratic Party primary election for the

Surrogate Court judgeship.

Judge Paul, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, is a George Washington University School of Law graduate, Deacon of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in the BedfordStuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and a former community board member.

“Judge Paul will bring her life-long sense of community to the Surrogate’s Court,” Shaun D. Francois I, president of the 25,000-member Local 372 District, Council 37, representing New York City Department of Education Employees, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), adding “she has no other agenda but public service.”

“Restoring faith in government, begins with

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faith in our courts,” said Anthony Wells, President, Local 371, Social Service Employees Union (SSEU), District Council 37.

“The Kings County (Brooklyn) Surrogate deals with the most sensitive issues. There could be no better choice than Judge Paul...”

DC 37 Local 371 represents more than 21,000 members, who work in nearly all city agencies including the courts.

“Judge Paul is the only choice for us, the people who keep New York working,” said Local 237 Teamsters president Gregory Floyd.

“We need Judge Paul to stand alongside ASAAL as we protect workers’ rights, demand equal pay for equal work, fight for safe working conditions, and secure economic justice for all.

We are proud to stand with Dweynie E. Paul as she is the best among the rest while bringing hundreds of volunteers to work hard for her victory in Jun. 22,” Uddin added.

Judge Paul told CMC that as the daughter of a labor union worker, she was “honored to receive these momentous endorsements from New York City’s largest municipal public employee union, DC 37, its affiliated local unions, the nation’s largest Teamster local union, and the Alliance for South Asian American Labor.

As a Surrogate’s Court Judge, Paul said she will “fight to preserve the transfer of intergenerational wealth and bridge the gap between the court and the community.” (CMC)

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY South Florida's Caribbean Community Rallies for St. Vincent Volcano Emergency Relief Drive Miami Carnival, Joy's Roti Delight, GENx Mas Band, and the general community of South Florida are joining in efforts to collect needed supplies for those impacted on the island of St. Vincent. The Caribbean nation is reeling from the effects of the La Soufrière volcano, which has been erupting in the northern region of that Caribbean island since Friday, April 9.

On Saturday, April 17, 2021, South Floridians are invited to drop off supplies to be sent to St. Vincent, at the following locations: Miami Carnival Office South side 18425 NW 2nd Ave Miami FL 11 am-6 pm Joy's Roti Delight (BackYard) North side 1205 NW 40th Ave Lauderhill, FL 33313 Time:11am-6pm GENx Central Soccer Town Pembroke Pines 1381 NW 129th Ave Pembroke Pine FL 33028 Time: 10am-6pm.

ITEMS NEEDED: Non-perishable food items: canned goods—including canned meats and vegetables, juices, water, baby formula, milk, rice, macaroni, cereal, flour, sugar, salt, etc.

Baby products: Diapers, wipes, formula, bath soap, clothing Personal care items: toilet tissue, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, adult diapers, bath soap, Disposable goods: plates, cups, forks, spoons, napkins, paper towels, etc.

Emergency items/PPE: Face masks, hand sanitizers, wipes, disinfecting wipes, first aid kits, painkillers, matches, candles, flashlights, etc.

Household items/bedding: Sheets, towels, washcloths, mattresses, cots, blankets, pillows, washcloths, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, sponges, etc.

South Florida Leaders Plan to Lift COVID Restrictions

By Sheri-Kae McLeod, CNW reporter With COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations decreasing and more residents getting vaccinated, South Florida leaders are planning a complete return to normalcy.

Last week, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that the county will lift its midnight curfew on Monday, April 12.

Miami-Dade is the only county in the state of Florida that still had a nightly curfew on nonessential businesses, restaurants, and bars.

Levine Cava also announced that starting on Tuesday, April 13, daycares will be able to double capacity and senior centers will be allowed to reopen.

Similar plans are in the works elsewhere in South Florida. In Broward County, Mayor Steve Geller has proposed that the county lift social distancing and capacity restrictions.

Geller’s phase 1 reopening would include lifting distancing requirements for hotels, lifting capacity and distancing requirements

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

for restaurants, outdoor gatherings and nonprofessional sporting events; and lifting capacity limits on retail establishments, charter boats and house parties.

But Geller said the county needs to get to a

50 percent vaccination rate and a 5 percent positivity rate for 10 days first.

“At our current vaccination number, which was 540,000 as of yesterday [April 5], and at the rate we are going, of about 11,000 a continues on B4 – Lift Restrictions

North Miami Beach Becomes First City in MiamiDade to Make Juneteenth a Municipal Holiday On Thursday, April 8, the North Miami Beach Commission voted unanimously to declare Juneteenth as an official citywide holiday. Commissioner Michael Joseph sponsored the legislation.

Juneteenth is an annual holiday observing the end of slavery in the U.S. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached people in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Galveston, Texas.

This declaration is noteworthy as it makes NMB the first city in Miami-Dade County to observe Juneteenth as a municipal, paid holiday for its employees. NMB is a diverse city with more than 40 percent of its residents identifying as Black or African American.

“This recognition represents where we are and where we are going as a diverse and vibrant community,” said Commissioner Joseph. “I am looking forward to celebrating Juneteenth in North Miami Beach as an

official city holiday.”

Several local civil rights leaders attended the commission meeting, including Stephen Hunter Johnson, chair of the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board.

“I applaud the city's leadership for the example they have set by recognizing this important day in our collective American journey. North Miami Beach has set a standard that I hope other local governments follow,” said Johnson.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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STRICLTY LEGAL

Major Immigration Reform Bills Approved By House of Representatives, What Happens Next?

By Immigration Attorney Caroly Pedersen

Last month the Democratically held House of Representatives passed the first two major immigration reform bills proposed by President Biden as part of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

The Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act both provide residency status and pathways to U.S. citizenship for millions of immigrants. If these measures are signed into law, the next step will be the introduction of other parts of Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 which includes the massive immigration “amnesty” provision which essentially provides legal status to nearly all immigrants in the U.S. who do not currently have immigration status. But for now, one step at a time.

Quick Overview of the Dream and Promise Act Residency for Young Immigrants (Dreamers): If it becomes law, this groundbreaking measure would grant conditional permanent resident status to nearly all young adults in America who have been continuously in the U.S. since on or before January 1, 2021, and who were 18 years old or younger on the initial date they entered the U.S. This includes not only Dreamers who qualify under the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program but further expands it to include all young immigrants in America, even those with deportation orders. Even children of certain temporary workers who (including E-1, E-2, H-1B, and L visa holders) who were present in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and arrived in the U.S. at the age of 18 or younger, who aged out after turning 21, are eligible. The Act allows Dreamers access to federal aid and directs states to provide in-state

convicted of the following: a state or federal felony offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year; or 3 or more distinct federal or state misdemeanor offenses for which the person was imprisoned for a total of 90 days or more; or a crime of domestic violence (unless the person is a victim themselves of domestic violence or other criminal activity).

tuition fees. Finally, some eligible Dreamers who were deported during the Trump administration may apply for the program from abroad.

Step One: Conditional Residency Status How To qualify: Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Came to the US before the age of 18 and have continuously lived here since on or before January 1, 2021; Have a high school diploma or an equivalent in the U.S., or are currently be enrolled in a program to earn a high school diploma or an equivalent; Do not have criminal convictions, with the exception of immigration-related state offenses, marijuana-related misdemeanor offenses, non-violent civil disobedience, and minor traffic offenses, have not been

Step Two: Permanent Residence Status Those who obtain “conditional permanent resident” status can immediately apply to become permanent residents (LPRs or greencard holders) as soon as they meet ONE of the following conditions: Ÿ Higher Education: Graduate from a college or university, or complete at least two years of a bachelor’s or higher degree program in the U.S. (education track) OR Ÿ Military: Complete at least two years of honorable military service (military track); OR Ÿ Work/Employment: Have worked for a period totaling at least three years and, while having valid employment authorization, have worked at least 75 percent of the time that they had such authorization. Periods in which individuals were enrolled in school without working while having valid employment authorization would not count against them.

Step Three: Naturalization Those who have held permanent resident” status for five years can apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.

Residency for TPS Holders and DED Recipients: Long-time TPS and DED status holders can apply for permanent residence.

How To qualify: Ÿ

Came to the U.S. and have lived here continuously at least three years before the

Ÿ

bill’s enactment; Have been eligible for or had TPS on September 17, 2017, or had DED as of January 20, 2021, which includes individuals from the following countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Benefits of Farm Workforce Modernization Act: If enacted, would provide a special Certified Agricultural Worker status for certain undocumented farmworkers, their spouses, and children. These farmworkers can then earn residency through payment of a $1,000 fine and the completion of additional agricultural work.

How To qualify: Have worked at least 180 days in agriculture over the last two years or be the spouses or child of the worker.

It’s important to understand that this legislation will only become a law if the Senate passes the measure. The fact is that Democrats control the House of Representatives, but only have a very slim majority in the Senate. There are 100 Senate seats, but what makes matters complicated are Senate rules (basically the “Filibuster” rule) currently require 60 votes for most immigration measures to pass, in order for the president to sign them into law.

The Senate only has 50 Democrats and Vice President Harris has one vote, so that is only 51 votes, not near the 60 needed. Most Republicans oppose immigration reform, so there are likely few additional votes. Many experts believe that the only way to get President Biden’s immigration reforms and other legislation through Congress is to try to eliminate or restrict the filibuster rule, so only 51 votes are needed, instead of 60. There are major moves going on behind the scenes right now by Biden and Senate Democrats to make that happen. As a result, this historic immigration legislation just passed by the House may take a few weeks or months to be brought up in the Senate, in order to give it a chance for success.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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STRICLTY LEGAL

The Role of Juries in America The current trial of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd has drawn significant attention in the African and Caribbean communities. Floyd, an unarmed Black man was killed on the streets of Minnesota in May of 2020. As the trial is in its third week, the presiding judge has indicated closing arguments could begin next week, the week of April 19, which means the jury could also get the case next week, with the highly anticipated verdict delivered by the jury soon after.

As in the case of other criminal trials, with the case presented by the prosecution and defense, the focus will on the jury as they deliberate and as they prepare to give the verdict.

With this focus on the jury and its pending decision, the following is a synopsis of the role of juries in American criminal and civil cases.

Juror Selection Each district court randomly selects citizens’ names from lists of registered voters and people with driver’s licenses who live in that district to serve on juries. The people randomly selected complete a

“guilty.” The government must prove the crime was committed “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Guilty pleas and plea negotiations reduce the need for juries in criminal cases.

If the 12 member jury cannot reach a verdict after several attempts the case will be regarded as a mistrial, and the jury a ‘hung jury.’

When this occurs, in most cases a new trial will be necessary.

questionnaire to help determine if they are qualified to serve on a jury.

Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross-section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation.

Jury Pool to Jury Box Being summoned for jury service does not guarantee that a person will actually serve on a jury. When a jury is needed for a trial, the group of qualified jurors is taken to the courtroom where the trial will take place. The judge and the attorneys then ask the potential jurors questions to determine their suitability to serve on the jury. This process is called voir dire. The purpose of voir dire is to exclude from the jury people who may not be

able to decide the related case fairly.

Members of the jury panel who know any person involved in the case, who have information about the case, or who may have strong prejudices about the people or issues involved in the case, typically will be most likely excused by the judge. The attorneys also may exclude a certain number of jurors without giving a reason.

Types of Cases Heard

by Juries There are two types of judicial proceedings in the federal courts that use juries.

Criminal trial: An individual is accused of committing a crime that is considered against society as a whole. Twelve people, and alternates, make up a criminal jury. A unanimous decision must be reached before a defendant is found

Guilty pleas and plea negotiations reduce the need for juries in criminal cases. If the 12 member jury cannot reach a verdict after several attempts the case will be regarded as a mistrial, and the jury a ‘hung jury.’ When this occurs, in most cases a new trial will be necessary.

Civil trial: Litigants seek remedies for private wrongs that don’t necessarily have a broader social impact. At least six people make up a civil jury. The jury must come to a unanimous decision unless specified otherwise. The standard of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” or “more true than not.”

Settlement negotiations reduce the need for juries in civil cases.

Working Together: Judge and Jury The judge determines the appropriate law that should be applied to the case and the jury finds the facts in the case based on what is presented to them during the proceedings.

At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law. While the jury must obey the judge’s instructions as to the law, the jury alone is responsible for determining the facts of the case.

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS Covered in Ash The ash emitted from the volcanic eruption has also been spreading by wind flows to cover nearby Barbados and to a lesser extent St. Lucia.

Since last week Friday, several Caribbean countries have mobilized support to assist residents of St. Vincent amid the eruptions.

The governments of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica have agreed to provide accommodation for thousands of St. Vincent nationals.

Other Caribbean countries including Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica have also agreed to provide relief to St. Vincent. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has additionally deployed members of its defense force to assist with evacuation efforts.

On Friday, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves broke down in tears, while thanking the region for helping St. Vincent nationals.

“It is very touching that there are families from Antigua and Grenada and St Lucia and

Dale Holness

False Tests

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Dominica who are calling in, and say that they will take people, if needs be, into their homes,” the prime minister said as his voice dipped, his eyes welling with tears.

“I sorry that I well up with tears. I regret—well not sorry. I regret that I well up in tears when I think of the goodness of the heart of our people and the heart of our Caribbean brothers and sisters,” he said.

Elsewhere, in the diaspora, various organizations are also organizing relief drives to assist St. Vincent. The government of the United Kingdom has committed to providing £200,000 in response to volcanic eruptions on the island. The Consulate General of St. Vincent in New York has also mobilized support for residents on the island.

In South Florida, several local businesses including Miami Carnival, Joy’s Roti Delight and GENx Mas Band have joined efforts with the Caribbean-American community to collect much-needed supplies for those impacted by the explosions.

Scientists say they expect the explosions to last for weeks. The lead scientist monitoring the volcano, Professor Richard Robertson, also said Monday’s explosion is equivalent to the one that occurred in 1902, which killed over 1,600 residents.

“What does that mean? It means, unfortunately, that it is likely going to cause more damage and destruction to St. Vincent. It also means there will always be a safe place in the south of the country, which might have a lot of ash every now and then, but you can still sustain life and limb and it would not—which is what we all worry about—get so big that it destroys the whole country. That’s currently doesn’t seem to be the case.”

Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is located along the southern coast of St. Vincent island.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said it could take four months for life to go back to normal in St. Vincent. He, however, promised that the island will rebuild just as it did in 1979.

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he also brings a record of getting results and delivering for South Floridians.

Highlighting his service on behalf of Broward residents, Holness said, “As pointed out by a local newspaper I’ve made the most ordinances of any sitting commissioner. Most recently, these ordinances targeted the systems and institutions to combat systemic racism. These include the Crown Act, the Police and Criminal Justice Review Board, the Racial Equity Taskforce, and passing a living wage that includes full insurance for workers. I’m also proud of passing the workforce investment program, helping those who have difficulties in finding jobs, like exfelons, soldiers returning home, people who had been on welfare, people with disabilities, and those without high school diplomas or GED.” He emphasized his early experience as a Lauderhill commissioner when in 2004 he was instrumental in starting the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce; designed the Lauderhill education A+ plan, which received funding of over $100,000 per year, increased homeownership, put in place a small business preference program, and brought programs for youth such as KAPOW (Kids and the Power of Work).

At the county level, he said through his leadership the county has “increased small, minority and women-owned business contracting opportunities from 10.25 percent to 40 percent totaling over $134 million this fiscal year; increased broad economic output for Broward County and more directly in creating Florida’s International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITC) which brings people from around the world to Broward County to do business there.

This is bearing fruit, as I’ve been working to bring the World Trade Center to Fort Lauderdale.”

Asked if he considers himself a moderate or progressive Democrat, he admitted to being a progressive democrat, saying, “You can see that,

Force is warning Bahamians against obtaining fake COVID-19 tests.”

Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said that law enforcement authorities are “advising all citizens, residents and visitors to go through the correct procedures when obtaining such documentation for travel or otherwise.

“We urge you to take this warning seriously to avoid prosecution and to help keep you, your family and the wider community healthy.”

The authorities warn that a person convicted of obtaining a false COVID-19 test faces a fine of up to US$2,000 or up to two years in prison, or both.

A magistrate last week sentenced a 21-year-old mother to six months in prison after she presented a false Doctor’s Hospital COVID-19 test result when she attempted to travel last week.

The court heard last Friday that Jasmine Pyfrom knowingly presented the COVID-19 test result on April 7 that was not genuine.

The court was told that she presented the test bearing her name on an iPhone XR to a COVID-19 ambassador. The ambassador then examined the document and compared it—finding it to be fraudulent.

Lift Restrictions Hastings II

Tony

Rogers

A few of the endorsees of Dale Holness for Congress based on what I’ve done.”

Holness, who was born in Jamaica, cites immigration reform as a top priority if elected to Congress. “As an immigrant, immigration is dear to my heart. Several years ago, the Congressional Budget Office estimated if the U.S. achieves immigration reform, the economy could increase by $1 trillion. This means everyone benefits from immigration reform.”

On the prevailing, controversial issue of gun control, Holness said, “I have fought for common-sense legislation geared towards preventing mass shootings and keeping our communities safe without impeding on constitutional rights. In fact, I’m one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to give local government more say in dealing with gun control.”

He also fully supports President Joe Biden’s initiative to invest heavily in the nation’s infrastructure. “This will be a massive job generator, following on the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP has already begun to reenergize our stagnant economy as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 generated recession. In fact, in Broward County, I supported that one percent of the seven percent

sales tax be used for transportation infrastructure. I’ve been at the forefront of supporting the infrastructural expansion of our Port and Airport because this gives us more access to trade with the rest of the world.”

Holness also supports raising the federal minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and improving educational opportunities that create more jobs for Florida’s long-term prosperity; and the strengthening of social programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and increase access to affordable education, healthcare and housing.

Regarding controlling the spread of COVID19, he said efforts must be escalated to have more Americans vaccinated, and dispel the prevailing mistrusts of the vaccines.

Holness also cited that another of his priorities, if elected, is to support reforming voters’ rights. “Congressman Hastings was a longtime champion for the fight against voter suppression, serving as a co-sponsor of the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014. This is a fight that must be won to ensure inclusion of all people so that their voices may be heard.”

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day, we expect that within in about three weeks we will hit the 50 percent vaccination rate in Broward,” Geller said. “And then, I can’t tell you when we are going to get back to 5 percent positive.”

According to the Florida Health Department, as of April 11, some 34 percent of Broward residents had received at least their first dose of the vaccine. The positivity rate for the last two weeks has been between six and seven percent.

If the COVID-19 vaccination trend is consistent, Broward could see a lifting of restrictions in early May, contingent on the positivity rate. But the commissioners say that the wearing of masks will be the last COVID-19 measure to be lifted.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness says masks have been essential in slowing the spread of the virus.

“The science has proven that it works. We don’t have a flu season this year because we’ve been wearing our masks and taking all these measures.

So the folks who say the masks don’t work, not true. It does work,” he said.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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ENTERTAINMENT

Outpouring of Tributes for Iconic Rapper DMX

Tarrus Riley Releases Hot New Single Reggae crooner Tarrus Riley is set to kick off the summer with his new single “ Like That,” produced by DJ Frass Records. The single, which was released April 2, garnered solid streaming numbers via Apple music and on Apple U.S. iTunes charts. It has been receiving airplay on various mainstream stations in the U.S. and UK. With a string of popular songs, from “Good Girl Gone Bad,” “Lion Paw,” soca track with Machel Montano “Memory,” and classic single “She’s Royal” to his EDM hit with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding “Powerful’, Tarrus Riley is no stranger to hits as well as experimental sounds. “Like That,” which fuses dancehall with an R&B flavor, promises to be a banger.

By CNW Reporter

Fellow musicians, movie stars, and fans across the globe have been offering tributes to honor the life and work of hip-hop artist DMX, since his death on Friday, April 9.

The iconic rapper—known for his distinctive raspy voice and signature delivery, often punctuated by “What!”, barks and growls—died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest,” according to a statement from the hospital in White Plains, New York, where he died.

Tributes began pouring in from stars like Missy Elliot, who tweeted, “Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.” Legendary singer Patti Labelle expressed sadness and shared her memory of DMX on Twitter, “I'm so saddened by the loss of a beautiful soul, DMX! I remember when we recorded together, he and his wife had a room full of roses and a beautiful necklace waiting for me. And he was always so sweet! Sending my love and prayers to all of his family and loved ones!”

Rapper Snoop Dogg, in an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, recounted the first time he met DMX and how he influenced one of the late rapper’s popular tracks. "He was like, 'When you first met me, I was, like, away from him. And he was saying, ‘What's happening? What's up?' And I was like, 'Get at me, dog!' " Snoop continued, "And he

DMX

was like, 'I took that and I made that into my song, "Get at Me Dog" cause the way you got at me,' and said that, I was like, 'That's slick.' " Snoop told Fallon, “He always prayed for everybody. So now we can finally say he got his angel wings and he’s off to a better place.”

Last year, DMX faced off against Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, which drew more than 500,000 viewers.

Acclaimed music and acting career DMX built a multi-platinum career as one of rap's stars in the 1990s and early 2000s, but he also struggled with drug addiction and legal problems that repeatedly put him behind bars.

He made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot, which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The multiplatinum-selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders' Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog,” “Stop Being Greedy” and “How It's Goin' Down.”

DMX followed up with four straight charttopping albums including ... And Then There

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Tarrus Riley

In an interview with Pat Meschino for Daily Beast, Tarrus Riley cautions, “don’t watch the tempo because I like doing new things. People are concerned with names, labels, trap, rap, hiphop, dancehall, I can’t bother with them things.

I have always been doing different kinds of sounds and I will continue. Music is going through a change right now, people are blending and fusing, everybody wants to call it a name, but I just call it good music.”

“Like That” is another song highlighting Tarrus Riley’s ability to blend sounds and still keep his authenticity, while entertaining his wide demographic of fans.

Set to headline Best of the Best Miami Music Fest 2021, Tarrus Riley is also gearing up for a few more releases later this year.

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Was X, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, The Great Depression and Grand Champ. He released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hiphop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.

Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film Belly and appeared in 2000′s Romeo Must Die with Jet Li and Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for “Come Back in One Piece” on the film's soundtrack.

The rapper would later open Aaliyah's tribute music video, “Miss You,” alongside her other friends and collaborators, including Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim and Queen Latifah, after Aaliyah's 2001 death in a plane crash at age 22.

The rapper also starred in 2001′s Exit Wounds with Steven Seagal and 2003′s Cradle 2 the Grave with Li. Following news of his death, Li tweeted, “Rest In Peace DMX, a true legend. It was truly my honor to work and get to know you.” He added a heart emoji.

Survivors include his 15 children and his mother.

(AP contributed to this article.)

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SPORTS

Caribbean Nations Battle for Three Final Gold Cup spots Embattled Trinidad and Tobago are among 12 teams that will do battle at Inter Miami’s CF Stadium in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary Round in July.

The 12-nation tournament, which will run from July 2-6 at the 18,000-capacity stadium opened last year and co-owned by former Manchester United and England star David Beckham, will determine the last three spots for the Gold Cup set to kick off later that month.

T&T, who have endured a multitude of off-field problems over the last year, take on minnows Montserrat in the opening round.

Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, are among 12 teams doing battle for the last three Gold Cup spots.

“We look forward with great anticipation to this summer’s Gold Cup, which will undoubtedly be enhanced by this new Preliminary Round,” said CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani.

“The past year has been very challenging in our region and our thoughts are with all the communities that have suffered. We hope the opportunity to watch the best men’s national teams in CONCACAF compete in our flagship tournament can provide fans with some hope and enjoyment.

“All 12 of the competing nations in the Prelims will get a full Gold Cup experience at the excellent Inter Miami facilities and we

look forward to a great set of games.”

CF Stadium has a 50 000 square-foot training center and seven playing fields, which CONCACAF said would be ideal for the competition.

Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, Jorge Mas, said the status of the tournament would be a natural fit for the stadium. “We look forward to hosting the Gold Cup Prelims tournament in our stadium,” Mas said.

The group stage, which runs from July 23, also sees Haiti taking on St Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana clashing with Central

American side Guatemala, Cuba and French Guiana doing battle, Guadeloupe facing the Bahamas and Bermuda and Barbados tussling.

Following the opening round, the six winners will play in three second-round fixtures with the eventual winners of those matches qualifying for the Gold Cup Finals.

Twelve teams have already qualified for the Gold Cup Finals courtesy of the CONCACAF Nations League with Qatar, who will host next year’s FIFA World Cup, competing as a guest team.

Contrasting Fortunes for Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran in Kings Win Manan Vohra (12) left Royals stumbling on 25 for two in the fourth over before Samson arrived to string together a series of partnerships to keep his side in the hunt.

The right-hander blasted a dozen fours and seven sixes, adding 45 for the third wicket with Jos Buttler (25), 53 for the fourth with Shivam Dube (23) before putting on a further 52 for the fifth with Riyan Parag (25).

A 27-run, sixth-wicket stand-off just 11 balls with Rahul Tewatia (2) kept Royals in sight of their target before the late drama sealed the game for Kings.

Veteran Chris Gayle was good enough for a cameo but West Indies teammate Nicholas Pooran suffered the indignity of a first-ball ‘duck’ as Punjab Kings withstood a fierce challenge from Rajasthan Royals to eke out a four-win victory in the Indian Premier League in India on Monday.

Asked to chase a mammoth 222, Royals came within a whisker of completing the second highest-ever run chase in the lucrative tournament, thanks to a magnificent 119 off 63 deliveries from captain Sanju Samson at the Wankhede Stadium.

Requiring 13 runs from the final over, however, Samson struck a six off the fourth delivery sent down by 22-year-old left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh but holed out to deep cover off the final delivery with five runs needed for victory.

The left-handed Gayle had earlier struck a 28-ball 40, playing a supporting role to halfcenturies from captain KL Rahul (91) and Deepak Hooda (64), to help Kings up to 221 for six of their 20 overs.

Sent in, Kings lost Mayank Agarwal cheaply for 14 in the third over with 22 runs on the board but rebounded through a 67-run, third-wicket stand between Rahul and Gayle.

Rahul crunched seven fours and five sixes in a 50-ball knock while Gayle struck four

Gayle

fours and a brace of sixes before perishing in the 10th over, before failing to middle one off teenaged leg-spinner Riyan Parag and holing out to Ben Stokes running in from long-on.

Hooda then arrived to produce the real fireworks, lashing four fours and half-dozen sixes in a 28-ball innings to drive a 105-run, third-wicket stand with Rahul and put Kings in sight of the 200-run mark.

He eventually fell to a catch at long-on-off seamer Chris Morris in the 18th over but the continued assault anticipated from Pooran never materialised as the left-hander fell three balls later in the same over, helping a short ball around to Chetan Sakariya at fine leg.

In reply, the cheap wickets of Stokes and

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Sportsbriefs Injury sidelines Trinidadian Molino for two months in US Major Leagues Trinidad and Tobago winger Kevin Molino will miss Friday’s start of the Major League Soccer season, after being ruled out for up to two months with a recurring hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old was expected to start for new club Columbus Crew SC for whom he signed back in January in a multi-year deal on free agency, after departing Minnesota United FC. However, he now finds himself sidelined for the first of seven league games with next Sunday’s season opener against Philadelphia Union, and will also miss out on the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

Crew head coach Caleb Porter said while Molino would be a huge loss, it was critical he recovered properly so he could be at his best.

Overall, Molino has netted 32 goals along with 27 assists from 104 MLS regular-season outings.

Skerritt, Shallow Returned Unopposed for Two-year Term to Lead Cricket West Indies As expected, on Sunday, April 11, Ricky Skerritt was returned as president of Cricket West Indies unopposed along with vicepresident Dr. Kishore Shallow, the pair now set to serve a second successive term at the helm of the regional governing body.

The move was always on the cards once their challengers, Anand Sanasie of Guyana and Barbados Cricket Association vicepresident, Calvin Hope, dropped out of the race last week.

Shallow, the president of the Windward Islands Cricket Board, said the victory was one for the development of West Indies cricket.

“I am again grateful for the continued support of the member representatives for Ricky and myself,” said the Vincentian. “This re-election is a victory for West Indies cricket as we continue on the path of growing the game across the region, and achieving good outcomes on all fronts and at all levels.”

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 15 – APR 21, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T