Caribbean National Weekly April 22, 2021

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY APRIL 22, 2021

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

TOP STORIES Trinidad Gov’t Announces Minor Cabinet Reshufe

Justice!

Chauvin Found Guilty on All Three Counts

By Garth A. Rose and Vonnie Lee

After about 11 hours of deliberation, on Tuesday, the jury in a Minnesota court found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts—second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter—in the death of George Floyd. continues on B4 – Justice

Jamaica Needs Impeachment Law Former PM Bruce Golding wants the government to pass impeachment law in light of MP George Wright Alleged Domestic Abuse Case

By Sheri-Kae McLeod The case of alleged domestic abuse involving Jamaican member of parliament (MP) for Central Westmoreland George Wright has brought into sharp focus the need for a law in Jamaica to impeach and remove elected officials.

Last week, Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora expressed shock at a viral video, which captured a man beating a woman with his fists and a stool. It was later disclosed that The man in the video was alleged to be Wright, a Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) MP.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force initially identified Wright as the man in the video, but later backtracked, stating that further investigation was required.

Following the launch of an investigation into the video, the JLP released a statement, saying they have urged Wright to turn himself in to the police. The JLP then said there is no place in the party for any individual who abuses anyone, especially women.

The outcry among Jamaicans home and abroad was especially loud, because of several recent incidents, some tragic, involving violent abuse against Jamaican women.

After facing pressure from Jamaicans and several continues on B4 – Impeachment Law

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

FEATURE

St. Vincent PM Ralph Gonzalves Facing Grave Challenges A3

Former Jamaican PM Loses Appeal Before Privy Council A4

How Minority Entrepreneurs Could Break into the Medical Cannabis Industry B1

ADVERTORIAL

SPORTS Pollard Named Leading T20 Cricketer in the World C3

Yvette Clarke Calls for TPS Designation for St. Vincent Nationals Privy Council Says PNP Ofcials Must Testify in Tragura Case Beenie Man Pleads Guilty to Breaching COVID-19 Protocol Raul Castro Steps Down as Cuba’s Communist Party Chief Broward County Lifts Most Capacity Restrictions and Sanitation Requirements for Outdoor Activities Veteran Jamaican Journalist Michael Sharpe Has Died Brazil Variant of COVID-19 Detected in Trinidad

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 JUSTICE SERVED: Angela Harrelson (right), aunt of George Floyd, talks to supporters at George Floyd Square a er a guilty verdict was announced at the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Minneapolis. Chauvin has been convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd. (Associated Press)

SENDING HELP: Jamaican-American a orney and U.S. Caribbean Strong organizer Marlon Hill snaps a picture on Sunday, April 19, while organizing essen al supplies to be sent to St. Vincent amid the volcano erup ons.

The items were donated through U.S. Caribbean Strong. - Contributed

SENDING HELP: Members of GenX carnival group organizing supplies and essen als for the St. Vincent volcano relief efforts at Soccer Town in Pembroke Pines on Saturday - Contributed

I DIT IT! Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert (le ) and Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness come together for the launch of the 'I Did It!' campaign at Florida Memorial University on April 21, 2021. The goal of the campaign is to encourage everyone across South Florida to get vaccinated, specifically micro-targe ng vulnerable communi es. - Contributed

FROM CA WITH LOVE: Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tu on (right), and Canadian High Commissioner Emina Tudakovic, hold a symbolic cheque of JA$11,358,473.42 (CA$100,000) represen ng one element of the Government of Canada's support to the Government of Jamaica's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The presenta on was made during a courtesy call at the ministry's New Kingston offices on April 20. - Contributed

FOR THE BOYS: Veteran deejay Buju Banton (center) presents a check to the director of the Mount Olivet Boys' Home in Manchester, Paul Newman (right), in the presence of Rosemary Duncan, Director of the Buju Banton Founda on on April 14, 2021. Buju Banton also donated music equipment to the facility. - Contributed SIGH OF RELIEF: A crowd gathers next to the spot where George Floyd was murdered at George Floyd Square a er a guilty verdict was announced at the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Minneapolis.

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd.- AP Photo/Julio Cortez

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MARIJUANA.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A3

NEWSMAKER

Ralph Gonsalves

St. Vincent PM Facing

Grave Challenges The La Soufriere volcano erupted for the first time in over 40 years on April 9, followed by a series of strong explosions since then. Scientists say the patterns of these eruptions are similar to those of the 1902 eruption which killed some 1,600 residents on the island.

It’s rare to see the leader of any country break down in tears on camera—unless the country they lead is facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. This has been the case for the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, who is now grappling with a volcano eruption in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a related economic crisis.

The La Soufriere volcano erupted for the first time in over 40 years on April 9, followed by a series of strong explosions since then.

Scientists say the patterns of these eruptions are

similar to those of the 1902 eruption which killed some 1,600 residents on the island.

The ongoing eruptions have displaced about 20 percent of the island’s population from the island’s northern region of the red zone, about 6,000 of whom are considered most vulnerable. During a press conference days after the first explosion, Prime Minister Gonsalves broke down in tears, while thanking neighboring Caribbean islands for accommodating St. Vincentian nationals.

Many of the thousands of residents who were not able to leave the island have had to temporarily seek accommodation in local shelters. Officials on the island say they are worried that the disruption will cause a second catastrophe, a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Up until now, St. Vincent has managed to keep the positive cases of COVID-19 fairly low, with 1,819 cases (1,677 recoveries) as of April 20. But if the island sees another spike, it will

only sink the country’s economy further. Just two days before the volcano erupted, Gonsalves had cautioned St. Vincentians that if the economic situation continues, the government may be unable to pay salaries and benefits like pensions.

Gonsalves, who is in his fifth term as Prime Minister, said the government has tried to “hold it together,” but now “a real pressure is on.”

Ralph Gonsalves, known affectionately as “Comrade Ralph,” was born in Colonarie, St. Vincent to Alban Gonsalves, a farmer and small-business man, and Theresa Francis, a small-business woman.

He attended Colonarie Roman Catholic School, and later the St. Vincent Grammar School. He then enrolled at the University of the West Indies, where he completed a bachelor's degree in economics. He later returned there to earn a master's degree in government, which he completed in 1971.

In 1974, he completed a doctorate in government at the University of Manchester.

Gonsalves was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in London in 1981.

Following the end of his academic career in England, he returned to the island to practice law. Before becoming prime minister, Gonsalves practiced law extensively and successfully before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in a wide range of matters, but particularly in the fields of constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, matrimonial law, real property law, the law of tort, generally, and the law of contract.

In 1994, he became the deputy political leader of the Unity Labor Party (ULP). The ULP was a merger of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Labor Party and the Movement for National Unity (MNU).

After the resignation of Vincent Beache, Gonsalves became the leader of the party in 1998 and led the party to victory in the general election held in 2001.

He has remained prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines since then, winning the elections again in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020.

Now in his fifth term and 20th year in office, Gonsalves has been the longest continuously serving head of government since the island became independent in 1979.

Gonsalves has also been the member of parliament (MP) for the North Central Windward constituency since 1994.

In July 2020, Gonsalves was elected chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) succeeding Mia Amor Mottley.

His six-month term ended on January 1, 2021, and he was succeeded by Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ralph Gonsalves has been married twice.

He has two sons, Camillo and Adam, from his first marriage. He is currently married to Eloise Harris and they share one son, Storm, and two daughters, Isis and Soleil.

In 2015, Camillo was elected as a member of Parliament and currently serves in his father’s Cabinet as minister of finance, economic planning and information technology.

cnweeklynews.com

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN TT Government Announces Minor Cabinet Reshuffle

Former Jamaican PM Loses Appeal Before Privy Council

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has removed Stuart Young as national security minister in a minor Cabinet reshuffle announced on Monday.

Young will now take over the portfolio of minister of energy and energy industries, replacing Franklin Khan who died last Saturday of an apparent heart-related problem.

No official statement regarding the cause of Khan’s death has been issued, but he was known to have been suffering from heartrelated issues over the years.

The statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Prime Minister Rowley, who is in isolation as a result of having contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19), had advised President Paula-Mae Weekes of the changes to be made in the Cabinet.

It said that in addition, Young will also perform the duties as minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Young will be replaced as national security minister by Fitzgerald Hinds, the minister of youth development and national service, while the minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Foster Cummings, has been appointed minister of youth development and national service.

The London-based Privy Council ruled on Monday against five members of the Jamaican opposition People’s National Party (PNP) including former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in the Trafigura bribery case, saying the matter under investigation “is one which is capable of affecting the polity of the country.”

Simpson Miller, former chairman Robert Pickersgill, current chairman Phillip Paulwell, former general secretary Colin Campbell and businessman Norton Hindswill will now have to testify in open court in the alleged bribery case that had been stalled by legal challenges for over a decade.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has been assisting Dutch investigators probing a 2006 donation to the PNP by the firm, Trafigura Beheer. Dutch firms are prohibited from making donations to foreign governments.

The National Public Prosecutor’s Office (NPPO) of the Netherlands is investigating alleged breaches of the Dutch Criminal Code by Trafigura Beheer BV for the potential bribery of public officials of Jamaica.

Between December 2007 and May 2009, the NPPO wrote various letters to the DPP, requesting assistance in the form of taking evidence from the Appellants on oath or affirmation.

The authorities in The Netherlands requested that continues on B4 – Trafugura

Simpson Miller

Pickersgill

Paulwell

Campbell

Seismic Activity Continues with St. Vincent Volcano Scientists monitoring the Seismic activity at the La Soufriere volcano Tuesday said seismic activity is continuing along the pattern established after the explosive activity last weekend.

The Seismic Research Center (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in its latest bulletin said following the explosive activity last Saturday, “small longperiod and hybrid earthquakes continued to be recorded” and two rockfalls were also recorded.

But the SRC said no volcano-tectonic earthquakes or tremor were recorded in the last 12 hours and the seismic station at

Bamboo Range on the eastern side of the volcano recorded the signal from a lahar (mudflow) at 4.00 am (local time),” which lasted for about 30 minutes and may have flown along a valley on the southeastern side of the volcano.

“The volcano continues to erupt. Its pattern of seismic activity over the last few days is typical of the growth and destruction of lava domes. Explosions with

accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, can occur with little or no warning, and persons are advised to stay out of the red zone,” the SRC said, warning “the volcano remains at alert level RED.” The volcano began its explosive eruptions on April 9 forcing the evacuation of thousands of people and destroying farming lands, buildings and livestock.

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS

BRING

4

BARRELS pay FOR

GET 1 FREE!

3!

Hassle free clearance Fastest transit times Best prices guaranteed We load containers daily!

Door to Door Service

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

Talk Up!

TALKUP

What Was Your Reaction to the Guilty Verdict in George Floyd Murder Trial?

Protests and celebrations broke out across the country after Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts, including murder and manslaughter charges.

The jury reached a verdict on Tuesday, convicting Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who was pinned to the pavement with a knee on his neck for almost 9 minutes.

He will be sentenced in eight weeks and faces up to 75 years in prison.

In South Florida and across the diaspora, Caribbean-Americans and Caribbean nationals had much to say about the outcome of the trial. We asked members of the diaspora what was their reaction to the verdict. Here are the responses:

Diana Moore - I'm just wondering if this is gonna be another one-shot deal. Are the police officers gonna bring out different changes as to how to handle situations like this? Are they gonna hold their own police officers accountable?

Yes, I was happy that there was a guilty verdict, but I want to know if this changes their policies. I was happy that there was accountability and I'm hopeful that any other police officer in this situation, like Kimberly Ann Potter [the shooter of Daunte Wright], will also face the same consequences.

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Dental Place Cosmetix Spa Winchester Business Center 15 Hope Road, Shop #5, Kgn 10 Ph: 876-630-4710 Fax: 876-630-4276

Brian Saint Cloud - Honestly, I wasn't surprised. Based on the evidence, I think guilty was the only verdict that they could have come up with. I think it was justice served. The video footage, the testimony from the medical experts, and everything else was too convincing for the jury. They didn’t even take that long to deliberate. Time to heal. Let’s see what will happen to the other three officers who were involved.

Elaine Sinclair - As for the outcome, I am happy it came out that way but I was anticipating something more. However, an eye for an eye doesn't make sense. I'm happy he got what he deserves. I hope that this becomes a lesson to all police officers that they can't treat human beings as if they are inanimate things. They have a life just like you, not because you're an officer means that you have the power of life or death. Even when it happened, I said “Why couldn't he have tased him?” If he was not complying, tase him.

He didn't have to [kneel] on his neck. George Floyd was lying on his stomach with his hands behind him. He could not move and the police officer kneeled on his neck. That feels like it was deliberate. So the outcome matches the crime and therefore, I think justice is served.

Roshel Bailey - I was happy to see a guilty verdict. We certainly haven't seen a white police officer found guilty of killing a Black person ever it feels like. But I hope it doesn't stop here. It shouldn't take worldwide protests to hold a police officer accountable next time. It feels like this was a unique circumstance. But I also hope that it's the start of actual change in America.

Ben Ferguson - I was elated and filled with joy [hearing] the guilty verdict as Black people usually never get justice. I am hopeful that this would put a stop to how the criminal justice system dehumanizes Black people. Unless Federal laws are put in place, this won't stop police officers from continuing targetting and dehumanizing Black people. As a matter of fact, we have to be now more careful dealing with a police officer.

A5

Get yours for Mother’s Day

Luxe Cake Box 4 Premium Cake Slices Chocolate Rose’ Bar Ferrero Rocher Chocolates

VISIT

KimonesCakeArtStudio.com P R E - O R D E R S C L O S E O N A P R I L 3 0

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

editorial

The Caribbean’s Vulnerability With Volcanic Eruption, Other Increases Natural Disasters, COVID-19 T

he Caribbean is beautiful, but it is fraught with danger. In the northern Caribbean, natural disasters include hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, droughts, bush fires, and a rare cold spell. In the islands of the eastern and south Caribbean, volcanic eruptions are also included.

The region is currently coping with the eruption of La Soufriére on the island of St. Vincent. In the 20th Century, this volcano erupted twice, in 1902 and 1979. The latter erupted on April 13, 1979, and lasted through June of the same year.

Volcanoes in the Caribbean islands are visible, potential dangers as the islands were formed by volcanic activity. There is evidence of this activity in nearly all the islands particularly those in the south and east. In Jamaica, the famous mineral springs, specifically the hot spring at Bath in St. Thomas, is evidence of volcanic activity.

Prior to the 1990s, the only Caribbean volcanic eruption most Caribbean nationals was aware of, was Mount Pelée in the French island of Martinique which occurred on April 23, 1902, destroying the town of Saint-Pierre and killing 29,000 people. But just a few days later La Soufriére in St. Vincent also erupted killing 1,680 people. It would erupt again 77 years later in 1979. Note that ‘soufriére,’ from the French word for sulfur, soufre, is a common name for volcanoes in the eastern Caribbean, where there was the influence of French language and culture.

Montserrat Eruption Most Caribbean residents became aware of volcanic eruptions in the English-speaking Caribbean when, after centuries dormant, the Soufriére Hills Volcano erupted in the British territory of Montserrat in 1995 continuing into the 2000s.

By 2000, two-thirds of the population of nearly 12,000 had been evacuated and large tracts of the small island had become uninhabitable. Monserrat, a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), saw its gross domestic product (GDP)

of EC$122 million in 1995 reduced to EC$16 million by 1999. Today, its population is under 5,000 and, in the shadow of a still-smoldering hill, recovery remains an ambition.

Other dormant, but potentially eruptive volcanoes in the region include, Watten Waven and Soufriére hot springs in Dominica; the Soufriére Volcanic Centre in Saint Lucia, and the mud volcano, the Devil’s Woodyard in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dominica has several other active volcanic sites and has been exploring the use of thermal energy.

St. Vincent’s Hazardous Situation So, on April 9, 42 years later, St. Vincent’s La Soufriére erupted again spewing thick black smoke and ash over the island with plumes extending to other islands including Barbados. With the monitoring of the University of the West Indies (UWI), modern science and past experience, the warnings from the volcano, being issued since December, were heeded.

People in the danger zones were evacuated.

Reports indicate that scientists are still expecting large eruptions in the coming days. The 1902 and 1979 eruptions show that this crisis could last for weeks, possibly months.

This eruption also comes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to date, has recorded 1,790 cases in a population of 110,589. The tourist industry, since March 2020, has been crippled by measures to contain COVID-19. A vaccination and testing program was being implemented in a recovery plan.

In remarks on April 7, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, in an assessment of his country’s economic situation, said that it might not be possible to pay civil service salaries, national insurance contributions and pensions. For 2020, revenue collection fell by about 30 percent and the economy contracted by about five percent.

The PM signaled that the country was now under real pressure. The economic crisis has

worsened and the economic prospects are now mired in deep volcanic ash.

CARICOM has mobilized to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Prime Minister Keith Rowley, as CARICOM Chair, pledged regional support to a sister country in its time of peril. Members are providing assistance. It is a time for cooperation.

The critical situation in St. Vincent highlights that CARICOM should have done more in the last 20 years to promote sustainable development and build economic resilience. Regional cooperation should have been accorded higher priority.

The international community also played its role, but is again witnessing the vulnerability of small island developing states (SIDS). The situation in St. Vincent also shows why GDP criteria are misleading, which place islands, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in the middle-income category, limiting access to or being able to graduate from development support.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines needs immediate, and long-term, regional and global assistance in this time of compounded crises.

Volcanoes are not to be taken for granted even when dormant for decades, even centuries. They are sleeping catastrophes. Montserrat is an example.

And even while the region agonizes over the volcanic eruption in St. Vincent, it is weary that a predicted overly hurricane season is less than two months away. Some Caribbean countries are still recovering from recent storms. And, Haiti has yet to recover too from its 2010 earthquake. Among all this, COVID continues to negatively impact the region. It is a very stressful, challenging time for all the Caribbean.

IRISH MOSS

Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

LOG ON TO CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

ADE WI M REAL

TH

DELICIOUS DESSERT MEDLEY

BY

MANAGING EDITOR

Addressing Vulnerability

*Elizabeth Morgan, is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics.

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

NELCIA’S NATURAL HERBS Starting at only

5

$

Weight & Wellness Store 6096 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise FL 33313 Tel: 954.861.7272

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A7

la section haitienne

US Issues Travel Advisory Concerning Haiti

US Pledges To Work With New Haitian Prime Minister The United States says it is looking forward to working with the new prime minister of Haiti, Claude Joseph, who has pledged to continue efforts for the staging of referendum and the organization of new elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

Joseph

Anti-government protesters set up a burning barricade demanding the resignation of president Jovenel Moise. – AP Photo

A

mong the background of increased lawlessness, criminal activity, including a rash of kidnappings, last week the U.S. State Department issued a level 4 alert for Haiti “Do not travel,” due to kidnappings, crimes, civil unrest and the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Kidnapping is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically

harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members,” Washington said.

It said that violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common.

“Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.”

Washington also said that protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent.

“The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti—assistance on-site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”

“The U.S. looks forward to continued cooperation with interim Prime Minster Claude Joseph, the government of Haiti and all Haitian stakeholders and international partners working to hold free and fair legislative and presidential elections in 2021,” said Julie Chung, acting assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Joseph was inaugurated on Wednesday at a Council of Ministers held at the National Palace reiterating his desire to continue government actions, according to the wishes of President Jovenel Moïse.

He told a ceremony at the National Palace on Thursday that he is aware of the challenges ahead of him, but was prepared to mobilize all the necessary resources in order to remedy the problems linked to the insecurity confronting the country.

He said that he is committed to working continues on B4 – New Haiti PM

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B1

A D V E R T O R I A L

How Minority Entrepreneurs Could Break into the Medical Cannabis Industry Editor's note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

How does someone get into the medical marijuana business? It's a booming industry, so the opportunity is calling. According to a report by Leafly and Whitney Economics, Florida cannabis businesses added nearly 15,000 jobs in 2020, and sales for the same year grew to $1.2 billion, more than double the amount recorded in 2019.

Knowing this, one could see why the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) at Florida A&M University receives dozens of calls and emails each week from people in the minority community asking for insight into starting a business or career in the industry.

Roz McCarthy, Erik Range, and Rebecca Colett are good sources of information on getting into the cannabis space. Each has made inroads in the billion-dollar cannabis industry and are working to help more minorities explore this young industry.

“Florida is the number one state with regards to career opportunities in this industry,” said McCarthy, founder of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) Inc., an Orlandobased 501c3 nonprofit. M4MM is an advocacy, outreach, and training resource focused on helping marginalized communities realize the economic benefits of medical marijuana while ensuring they are afforded adequate access to care despite their financial situation. The group has a presence in 28 other states.

McCarthy started M4MM to help people of color get into an industry that lacks diversity and inclusion. Nationally, less than 5% of businesses are Black-owned, according to a

survey conducted by Marijuana Biz Daily.

It's no mystery why minorities are underrepresented in the cannabis industry. The application and license fees for “plant” businesses can be an obstacle, and loans aren't an option as banks are regulated by the federal government, which treats all types of marijuana as an illegal substance. To apply for a license to operate a medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) in Florida, you have to pay a $60,830 nonrefundable application fee.

That's why McCarthy and Range, an Orlando entrepreneur in the cannabis space and chair of M4MM's board, are encouraging minorities interested in entering the cannabis trade to consider taking on a supporting role.

For example, Range owns ART420, a fine art company that provides cannabis-inspired art to marijuana businesses throughout the country.

“Not everyone needs to be in a dispensary

or in a grow business,” said Range. “Minority businesses can get involved in cannabis with everything from janitorial services to landscaping to general contracting. We have minority businesses that provide services across the gambit. You don't necessarily have to start a new business or anything, but look at how you begin to market your services to this particular industry.”

McCarthy was inspired by her son's medical marijuana treatment for sickle cell anemia to leave her successful health care career and start M4MM. She sees a nascent industry that is full of opportunities for minorities.

“Cannabis is at mile marker number three or four, so there are many opportunities from an entry point,” she said. “If you're someone who wants to enter, really look at your skill set and figure out how that transfers over into the cannabis industry. And that's where we as an

organization can help you figure that out. That's what our job is.”

Colett, a Florida A&M University graduate, owns a medical-grade, plant-based business, just not in the Sunshine State. She is the CEO of the first African American women-owned and operated cannabis cultivation brand in the Midwest. The company, Calyxeum, is based in Detroit.

She said she's often asked how to get into the cannabis industry.

“First, do your research. Do your research and see what the opportunities are. If you want a license, research what licenses are even available and what are the application fees?

What's the application process?” Colett said.

“You have to equip yourself with the education of the business and what it's going to require from you. If you're in a city with dispensaries everywhere, who's supplying them? Who's distributing to them? Look at the supply chain and see where the gaps are.”

Colett is an advocate for growing the representation of African American women in the cannabis industry. “I'm very passionate about getting more people that look like us to hold these business licenses, especially women of color,” she said. “It is a purpose and goal of mine to educate people about this plant and educate them about the supply chain of the sophisticated industry we have. We're not just selling weed out of parking lots; we have vendors and seed-to-sale tracking systems.

We're very sophisticated.”

To learn more about business opportunities in the legal cannabis industry, click here to watch MMERI's Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Roz McCarthy, Erik Range, and Rebecca Colett on YouTube. For more information on medical marijuana, visit MMERI's website at http://mmeri.famu.edu/

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY Broward County Lifts Most Capacity Restrictions and Sanitation Requirements for Outdoor Activities

Geller

Broward County officials announced Monday that they are now lifting most COVID19 capacity restrictions and sanitation requirements for outdoor activities effective immediately.

The decision comes as more Broward residents get the COVID-19 vaccine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its guidelines for outdoor activities. As of April 18, 2021, a total of 453,269 individuals in Broward have been fully vaccinated and an additional 280,657 individuals have received at least their first dose.

“As summer approaches and outdoor restrictions are relaxed, we encourage all eligible Broward residents to get vaccinated, and enjoy the many outdoor activities the county has to offer,” said Broward Mayor Steve Geller.

The county says that social distancing and facial mask requirements will remain in place for the foreseeable future along with certain indoor sanitization and signage requirements.

As vaccination rates increase, regulations will be further reduced by additional amendments to the Comprehensive Emergency Order.

954.739.6618

Caribbean Consular Corp Supports St. Vincent As St. Vincent and the Grenadines continue to reel from the aftermath of the eruption caused by the La Soufriere Volcano last week, their Caribbean neighbors and Caribbean diaspora are stepping up to offer their assistance.

Among the groups conducting disaster relief efforts is the Caribbean Consular Corps in Miami, which recently sent a shipment of essential supplies of water and face masks, to victims of the disaster.

At an urgent meeting convened by the Caribbean Consular Corps on April 15, it was agreed they would join in solidarity to support the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to a joint statement from the group “We are standing with our brothers and sisters in this time of need. As Caribbean

people, we believe it is important that we stand together in solidarity. At any time, any one of our countries could be affected by a natural disaster.”

It was further stated that the consuls general were pleased that the Caribbean diaspora has been responding favorably to the needs of the victims and that they will jointly give these initiatives their wholehearted support.

The initial reports highlighting the devastation included clouds of ash blanketing the island causing water and power outages. Thousands of residents were evacuated as it is expected that explosions could continue for days or weeks causing further damage. The residents, especially the frontline workers, will desperately need all their support at this time, the statement

continued.

According to the team of consuls general, it was agreed that each consulate would contribute to the cause by donating basic medical supplies of masks and personal care packages, and also large volumes of water.

The consuls general are working to boost the support of their respective governments.

The team included Consuls General Gilbert Boustany of Antigua and Barbuda, Dean of the Consular Corps in Miami; Linda Mackey of The Bahamas, Neval Greenidge of Barbados, Stéphane Gilles of Haiti, R. Oliver Mair of Jamaica, Tassa Jean of St. Lucia, Deputy Consul General Dianne Perrotte of Grenada, and Acting Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago Jean Andria Narinesingh.

Local Community Leaders Give Jamaica Hospitals a Boost Through a partnership with Laparkan Shipping and Food For the Poor, along with fellow broadcasters, community leaders and friends – spearheaded by Jeremiah Campbell – over 50 new hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, adult diapers, masks and other items will be shipped to Jamaica.

They will be distributed to Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine, Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary.

The COVID-19 pandemic and already difficult economic conditions amplified the need for assistance and the South Florida

Community responded with selfless enthusiasm. The grassroots effort spurred on by radio appeals elicited donations and support from listeners, entertainers, business owners, politicians and many others. It was all hands on deck as volunteers from all walks of life collected, sorted, packed and transported donations in preparation for shipment.

For many years Jeremiah Campbell and friends have undertaken similar efforts which have provided support for One hospital and One school per year. Plans are already in the works for a Back to School

initiative led by Jeremiah’s brother, Hubert Campbell, which will provide book bags and other school supplies to students in Jamaica as they prepare to resume in person instruction in the fall.

For more information or if you would like to join the effort please contact Jeremiah Campbell at 786.395.0591.

LOG ON TO cnweeklynews.com

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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

B3

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Justice!

The most serious charge, second-degree murder, carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

A stoic Chauvin watched the proceedings, then was handcuffed and taken into custody, after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill revoked his bail.

Members of George Floyd’s family, who watched the reading of the verdict from their home in Houston, showed a mix of emotions, cheering at each guilty verdict and eliciting a cathartic cry at the end. “This is what we wanted!”

President Joe Biden, who earlier on Tuesday said he was “praying” for the right verdict, said he called Floyd’s family after the jury had been sequestered on Monday, as he could imagine the “pressure and anxiety” they were feeling. He also called family members after the verdict was read to congratulate them.

Anxiety and Hope In homes, workplaces, schools, and the streets, people speculated whether the jury of 12 men and women—six Black and six white—would deliberate for a long time before coming to a decision. Many, including experienced attorneys, believed the prosecution presented a solid case and that a short deliberation would likely mean a guilty verdict—but none of them was completely sure how the jury would vote.

Florida House Minority Leader Bobby DuBose, expressed a similar sentiment, posting on Twitter, “Why was I holding my breath and praying when the facts and evidence were clear?

Although justice was served today, the next time I will still sit holding my breath and praying until

Tragura

systemic racism is eradicated from society.”

Miami attorney, Miquel Blake, who recently started his practice as a criminal attorney, said he was “pretty much confident” that Chauvin would be found guilty, but “paradoxically, I still had lingering doubts. America just has not been in the habit of convicting cops. But thank God, justice has prevailed. This case opened and closed, and the verdict was based on that video showing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 39 seconds.”

In addition to anxiety around the verdict, there were also fears that an acquittal for Chauvin would have led to an explosion of violence. Instead, there were scenes of grand celebration as the guilty verdict on the three charges was read.

The Right Verdict Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness in his statement said, “The power of a badge should not protect anyone from doing evil. This history-making verdict should bring positive changes in America and could mark the start of a truly serious effort to eliminate racism and create greater racial equity.

“We must remain vigilant in confronting the racial inequities that exist in our nation.”

Last year, following Floyd’s death, Holness created the Broward County Racial Equity Task Force and the Broward County Police and Criminal Review Board to, among other objectives, address unfair treatment in the criminal justice system.

For former Miami police officer Alex Peterson, what Chauvin did was a “very poor example of policing. His actions cannot be condoned by any law enforcement officer sworn

Impeachment Law opposition members of parliament, including Shadow Minister of Gender Affairs and Justice Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, who called on Wright to resign, the JLP subsequently announced that the embattled MP would be removed from the Government Parliamentary Caucus and would take a leave of absence.

But the majority of Jamaican women are not satisfied. Most are upset that the Jamaican Constabulary Force also closed the case claiming they have no alternative since neither Wright nor the woman in the video has shown a willingness to cooperate in the investigations.

Inciting the controversy is that some people believe the governing party’s actions are not strong enough, especially in light of the increase in violence against women.

“I understand the prime minister cannot remove Wright from representing the constituency since he was elected by the voters, but Holness could be more adamant in condemning Wright’s action as [an] MP. He should be barred from sitting in parliament

from A4

from A1

to protect and serve the people. The verdict is just, and I hope it will serve to improve the relationship between police and the community going forward.”

Other Florida elected officials to weigh in include U.S. Rep. Val Demings of Orlando and U.S. Rep Frederica Wilson.

Demings, who served as a police officer for 27 years, tweeted, “Today's verdict signals that we can be the America we are supposed to be. I hope that the Senate sees today as a springboard to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. “We deserve it, good law enforcement officers deserve it, America deserves it.”

Wilson’s post was directed at the witnesses and the Floyd family. She posted on Twitter, “Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to all of the brave people who witnessed #GeorgeFloyd's murder, some of whom were so very young, yet found the courage to testify, and the officers who knocked down the blue wall of silence to stand up for Mr. Floyd and his family.”

Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, after he was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner store. Floyd, who pled with three arresting police officers that he was claustrophobic and resisted being placed in the back of a police van, was pulled to the ground beside the van, and Chauvin knelt on his neck to restrain him. Chauvin kept his knee on his neck even as Floyd struggled for air, saying over and over “I can’t breathe.” He would eventually die as Chauvin continued kneeling on his neck.

A video of the killing went viral and sparked massive protests across the nation and around the world.

Simpson Miller, Pickersgill, Paulwell, Campbell and Hinds answer questions about a J$31-million donation in 2006.

The financial contribution was made while Jamaica, under the leadership of the Simpson Miller administration, had an oil-lifting agreement with Trafigura.

In a 21-page ruling, the Privy Council, the country’s highest court, upheld the rulings of local courts, adding that the matter under investigation “is one which is capable of affecting the polity of the country.

“This is highly relevant to whether the evidence should be taken in public and was not a matter given undue weight.”

The Privy Council judges, Lady Dorrian, who wrote the judgment, and Lords Lloyd-Jones, Hamblen, Leggatt and Stephens, said that the PNP officials were given the opportunity to give their evidence in private but did not take up that option.

“There was no material before the court to lead to the conclusion that a public hearing might jeopardize the investigation in The Netherlands or any subsequent investigation or proceedings which might follow in Jamaica,” the Privy Council ruled.

It noted that the appellants had argued that the Dutch investigation was politically motivated and requiring them to give evidence openly supported that alleged agenda.

New Haiti PM from A1

indefinitely.”

Currently, there is an initiative underway for Jamaicans, including those in the diaspora to sign an online petition seeking Wright to resign his seat in parliament.

While not directly addressing the situation surrounding Wright, Jamaica’s former JLP leader and Prime Minister Bruce Golding called on Jamaicans to force the Andrew Holness-led administration to retable impeachment legislation.

Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body initiates charges against a public official, including a parliamentarian, for misconduct, which could lead to their removal from office. Under Jamaica’s constitution, an MP can only be removed if they resign voluntarily or if they are voted out.

“It is going to be important for the public to let its voice be heard ...; it deals with holding public officials to account and, therefore, it’s a question of how much public support can be generated around it,” Golding told The Gleaner.

from A7

During Golding’s tenure as prime minister, then-Justice Minister Delroy Chuck laid a bill in Parliament in 2011 to allow for the impeachment of public officials. When current Prime Minister Andrew Holness replaced Golding in 2011, the legislation fell off the agenda and the proposal was never reintroduced.

Golding has urged Holness to consider passing the legislation like he promised to do years ago.

“I don’t know whether there has been any rethinking, but I certainly believe that it is something that ought to be revisited. It is something that applies to senior officials of government, both elected and non-elected,” Golding said.

The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) has also called for the government to fast-track impeachment legislation. JAMP says that Jamaicans should not be held to ransom by parliamentarians who are unfit to hold public office.

towards restoring peace and security, as one of the priorities of the government, while also renewing his commitment to continue the process that would allow the referendum to be held and the organization of elections.

Joseph replaces Joseph Joute, who on Wednesday took to social media to announce that he had submitted his resignation to Moïse. His resignation came after only a year on the job. He was appointed prime minister in March 2020 by presidential decree and without a political agreement with the country’s vocal opposition.

His appointment came two months after Moïse began ruling by executive order after the terms of most members of Parliament expired. Moïse had unsuccessfully spent a year trying to get two different prime ministers through Parliament after the Lower Chamber of Deputies fired Prime Minister JeanHenry Céant on March 18, 2020.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Buju Banton Gifts Music Equipment

Beenie Man Pleads Guilty to Breaching COVID-19 Protocol

to Mount Olivet Boys’ Home Veteran Jamaican deejay Buju Banton is continuing his mission to empower Jamaican youth at the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester. He recently gifted them new musical instruments, courtesy of the Buju Banton Foundation and music streaming platform, Audiomack.

The Grammy Award-winning artist thanked Audiomack for the donation, which he said would go towards empowering disenfranchised boys in the state system, especially since many of them have dreams of becoming great musicians.

“Thanks to Audiomack for partnering with the Buju Banton Foundation in gifting Mount Olivet Boys’ Home with musical instruments-5pc drum set, keyboard/keyboard stand, saxophone, guitar. Many of the boys, at the facility, have big dreams of becoming great musicians.”

The instruments worth some US$5,000, were handed over on April 14 to the director of the facility, Paul Newman, with Rosemary Duncan, Director of the Buju Banton Foundation, and Buju Banton present.

Newman said they were grateful for the support of the Foundation and Audiomack.

“The Buju Banton Foundation is proof that each person can make their contribution to provide an invaluable service to all those who need a nurturing hand to blossom. For too long, we have been ambivalent in our approach to nurturing, protecting and directing our

Dancehall deejay Beenie Man pleaded guilty to breaching Jamaica’s COVID-19 curfew to host an illegal party when he appeared in the St. Elizabeth Parish Court on April 19. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17.

boys, by giving just lip service. The results are what we are reaping today; mayhem, destruction and heartlessness. However, the Buju Banton Foundation has gone above lip service and is providing hope to the hopeless and a sense of direction to the lost. Long may you continue this God-blessed Foundation, which is surely needed to help our boys who are seeking a second chance.” Newman said.

Sean Paul Releases Video For Single “Everest” music through various collaborations, across many genres has catapulted his career over the years on various charts, awards and with an enormous fanbase. Effectively Sean has brought that same concept back to his own genre and collaborated with some of his colleagues in reggae and dancehall.

“As the great Capleton says, music is a mission, not a competition. I believe we should use music to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The division in our genre, many

Coming on the heels of the release of his seventh studio album, Live N Livin, Sean Paul is set to release the video for one of his tracks “Everest” featuring dancehall artists Masicka and Skillibeng.

Directed by Kieran Khan Productions, “Everest” was shot in Kingston, Jamaica and signifies the collaboration over confrontation undertone, which Sean Paul exudes throughout this album.

His ability to show the power and unity in

SAFARI

! h s u r e h t t a Be

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, INC. Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Avoid the hassle and long wait.

For your convenience we will also clear customs for you at a minimal fee!

Open

7 days

*All statutory fees will still apply and has to be paid. A valid ID, TRN and Power of Attorney are required

Packaging and Creating service available.

Door To Door service in Jamaica Special package for returning resident.

3790 NW 16th St. Lauderhill, FL 33311

954-581-4655 4711 N. Australian Ave. WPB, FL 33407

561-844-2820

times is senseless. Together we can be so much more powerful if we collaborate, instead of segregating ourselves and our crews.

“Everest” is a perfect example of that, big up Demarco, the producer, Masicka and Skillibeng for executing this one with me,” says Sean Paul.

The video premiered on FADER on Friday, April 16 and subsequently Sean Paul’s Vevo.

The deejay’s attorney Roderick Gordon said that he took the responsible course and changed his plea.

“Beenie Man pleaded guilty because he wanted to take a responsible approach given that he is an elder of the global music community,” Gordon told Loop News.

In January, he was charged with breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) at an alleged event held on November 29 in St. Elizabeth. The entertainer turned himself in to the Black River police in St Elizabeth on New Year’s Eve after a summons was issued by the cops earlier in the day.

He initially pleaded not guilty for the two charges: failure “to obtain permission from the Superintendent, contrary to the Noise Abatement Act,” and “a breach of the curfew contrary to the relevant Disaster Relief Management Order.” In court on Monday, the Crown dropped the charge relating to the Noise Abatement Act. The DRMA carries fines ranging from J$3,000 to J$500,000. A J$10,000 fine is imposed for failure to stay inside a place of residence during a curfew.

ton s g n i K o t l e r r Any ba ay B o g e t n o M r o $ only

50

Barrels, Boxes, Furniture & Equipment Whatever your shipping needs to Jamaica Call Safari!

Ask about our services to other Caribbean Islands. Be covid safe.

We offer pick up, customs clearance & delivery services.

Shipping to Jamaica?

Think Safari!

Offer subject to change without notice.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

MARKETPLACE

LPN s wanted

Licensed Practical Nurses

– Group Home Setting – 12 hr shifts (day or night available) – Location: Broward County (Miramar and Coral Springs)

ALEXANDER GROUP HOMES

954-228-4501

BANKRUPTCY - FORECLOSURE DEFENSE Immigration Credit Restoration Real Estate Civil & Business Litigation

D&S LAW GROUP P.A ELIAS LEONARD DSOUZA, ESQ. www.DsouzaLegalGroup.com

Email: dtdlaw@aol.com

8751 W. Broward Blvd St 301, Plantation FL 33324

Free Initial Consultation

Payment Plans Available

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Palm Beach County’s #1 Funeral & Cremation Provider to the Caribbean Community Shama Rhoden

Kilon Rhoden

Tel: 561.557.4739 lakesidefuneralcare.com

MEDIX URGENT CARE CENTER Don’t spend hours in the emergency room. Come to us for...

Cough, Colds, Flu, Pregnancy Tests Suture Repair & Removal

Medication Re ills Immunizations ...and all minor care

G License Physical....... $45 CPR............................. $45/$65 Inservices.................... $10 each IV Vitamins..................$65 & up

Immigration Medicals

35

$

School, Sports and Work Physicals Mon.-Fri: 9am – 7pm Sat: Closed Sun: 11am – 5pm

954.484.8444

954.589.1238

2331 N. State Rd. 7, Suite 102, Lauderhill, FL 33313

3829 Hollywood Blvd. Ste A Hollywood, FL 33021

www.medixucc.com

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

C3

SPORTS VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES

Champs gets Green Light as Jamaica Grapples with Sports During COVID From all accounts, the highly acclaimed Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships seems set to be held at Kingston's National Stadium from May 11 to 15.

Approval was granted by the Jamaican Government recently after many months of lobbying by the organizers, ISSA. It should be noted that the event, one of the most popular high school Championships in the world, was cancelled last year due to the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic. It will be held behind closed doors and with a significantly reduced number of athletes and the strictest of protocols to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

It is understood that measures have been put in place to have athletes not congregate before or after events, thus reducing the risks of forming clusters.

Outside of horse racing, track and field was one of the few sporting disciplines granted permission by the government to resume activities last year. However, as COVID-19 cases increased, that permission was rescinded, which left many onlookers baffled as the sport is not considered a contact sport, plus based on all reports, the meets that were allowed last year those involved complied with the stipulated protocols.

There was a lot of anxiety as the government technocrats deliberated on the pros and cons of granting permission for

track and field to resume, including the popular ISSA GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Championships.

From our vantage point, we sympathise with the Government's approach to managing sport at this time, but obviously, there needs to be a reset in its thinking/ The public health of any nation is one of the most significant responsibilities of any government and it takes precedence.

However, it is the view of many that whilst that maybe so, the government also has a responsibility to protect the mental health of its citizens as well and sometimes there is a very thin line that calls for a delicate balancing act to create that equilibrium.

On one hand, it would appear to many that the Government doesn't care about the sport, vis-à-vis other countries with similar economies.

This year is an Olympic Games year and the nation's athletes, having established themselves as superpowers in past editions, will be expected to give their best in Japan this summer.

But how can they if they have not been able to prepare themselves adequately at home, even while the rivals have long been granted permission to prepare and compete at a high level, all in preparation for Japan?

Already the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association has withdrawn from the World Relays in Poland slated for next month. The governing body has cited technical and logistical issues as the cause,

but readiness could also have been a factor.

Only recently the country's cricketers were forced to compete in a regional tournament, woefully underprepared, due to their inability to properly prepare because of the lockdown imposed by the government.

They were duly dismantled by the opposition, who never faced such restrictions in their home countries.

The Reggae Boyz, too, suffered a similar failure when they engaged in a friendly international against the US in Austria last month with nine players in a squad who had not played competitively in over a year. Pure madness.

And remember the Reggae Boyz will be engaged in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July and they will begin their campaign for qualification to next year's FIFA Qatar World Cup Finals in September. The local Premier League is yet to get clearance from the government and for every day that passes, the Reggae Boyz are falling further behind.

By dint of the lockdown here for such a long time, they already have their work cut out.

Will the track and field athletes and the footballers be able to recover in time for the Olympics and the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers? Only time will tell.

SOCCER

Reggae Boyz Pair Bailey, Lowe on Target in European Leagues Jamaican Leon Bailey struck twice and set up another goal as Bayer Leverkusen beat Cologne 3-0 on Saturday to boost their slim hopes of a top-four finish in the German Bundesliga.

In England, Bailey’s Reggae Boyz teammate Jamal Lowe scored a penalty to help promotion-chasing Swansea salvage a point in a 2-2 draw at home to bottom club Wycombe Wanderers.

Donovan Wilson, 24, who is of Jamaican descent, scored twice—in the 31st and 64th minutes—as Sutton United maintained their push for promotion from the fifth-tier National League in a 4-0 win at Altrincham.

And in the Premier League, substitute Joe Willock, a 21-year-old midfielder who is eligible to represent Montserrat, claimed a dramatic late winner as Newcastle United beat 10-man West Ham United 3-2.

Man-of-the-Match Bailey, a 23-year-old winger, headed Leverkusen into a fifth-minute lead, set up Moussa Diaby to make it 2-0 in the 51st minute and then rounded out the

Bailey

scoring in the 76th minute when he slotted home after racing into the box and shaking off two markers.

Lowe launched Swansea’s late fightback to claim a point and maintain their slim automatic promotion hopes with an 80thminute penalty after Admiral Muskwe and

SISTER ALBERTA GOD GIFTED SPIRITUAL ADVISOR & LIFE COACH Live Life Without the Problems that are Blocking your Inner Peace & Joy. Jealous people Can Set You Back & Block You From Obtaining Your Goals More Than You Will Ever Know.

Sister Alberta has Over 30 Years of Experience in Solving All Troubles of Life Such As Generation Curses, Evil Influence, Sickness, Reuniting loved ones, etc,

One call will truly convince you free reading by phone

954-770-0984 All Readings & Spiritual Cleanings are dobe in the privacy of here home in Broward 100% Guaranteed.

Garath McCleary struck early in the second half for Wycombe.

But Lowe’s penalty and a Liam Cullen header saw Steve Cooper’s side snatch a draw.

In all, Lowe has netted 13 times this season in addition to his debut goal for Jamaica in a recent 4-1 defeat in a friendly against the United States.

Willock’s 82nd-minute header saw Newcastle take a big step towards securing their Premier League status with a win that lifted them to 15th in the table, with a ninepoint cushion to the bottom three.

North of the border, 30-year-old forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who is of St Lucian and Dominican descent, scored twice for Livingston in the Scottish Cup, but hosts Aberdeen advanced to the quarter-finals after a tense 5-3 penalty shootout.

CARIFTA Games in the Balance After COVID-19 Spike A surge in COVID-19 cases in Bermuda has thrown the delayed CARIFTA Games, the region’s annual junior athletics showpiece due to be held here in August, into further doubt.

Officials say a final decision will be announced next month.

The North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) held a special information session for member federations as well as chairs of NACAC commissions and working groups at the weekend.

Having been postponed when originally scheduled in 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Bermuda transferred its hosting responsibilities to this year with the Easter weekend of April 3-5 set as the new dates.

However, continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic forced the Games to be postponed again with the NACAC opting for revised dates of July 2-4.

Despite the new schedule being set, the organisers were once again forced into rescheduling because of a clash with the Caribbean Examinations Council external exams.

A new date of August 13-15 was agreed on, but a COVID-19 spike has cast a fresh shadow over the Games going ahead. Bermuda has seen eight deaths and 1,000 new cases in the first 19 days of April alone. In all, the island has recorded 20 deaths among 2,214 confirmed cases.

At Saturday’s meeting, CARIFTA 2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) member Mia Bean spoke about a non-negotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.

Since the vaccination requirement would impact all Under-17 athletes as well as some of the Under-20s, it is a significant stumbling block.

Other potential challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive COVID19 tests during the Games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.

After extensive discussions, the LOC was given until April 30 to report to the NACAC Council on the latest situation, with all the issues raised at the information session.

The LOC is expected to meet with Bermuda government officials before the month-end deadline.

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

During the 2004 renewal in Bermuda, Jamaican Usain Bolt signalled 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.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 22 – APR 28, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T