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CLASS OF 2021: Amanda Dwyer (le ) with her friend Kennedy for their Class of 2021 senior photos. They were at the Lauderhill Mall photo studio of dad, Devon Dwyer. Photo by Devon Dwyer
A TOAST: Newlyweds Noel and Jule e Smith toasted each other following their wedding in Lauderhill on Saturday, August 22. Photo by Devon Dwyer
TASTY JERK: Staff at Memorial Hospital West get ready to enjoy a tasty lunch of jerk chicken, vegetable yellow rice and steamed cabbage with Grace Tropical Rhythms drink and green banana chips. Lunch was compliments of Jamaican Jerk Fes val USA, inc., as a show of apprecia on to the medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Luke Ballen ne
APPRECIATION: Jamaican Jerk Fes val team members Hyacynthia James, execu ve assistant; Eddy Edwards, CEO; Bridget ProvostEdwards, managing partner; Abdul Mushin, chairman of the board deliver lunch to medical staff at Memorial Hospital (West, Hollywood) as a show of apprecia on for their dedica on and hard work ba ling the COVID-19 pandemic. - Photo by Luke Ballen ne
BEAMING BRIDE: Newlywed Jule e Smith shares a happy moment with her niece, Karen, following her wedding in Lauderhill on Saturday, August 22. - Photo by Devon Dwyer
ALL SMILES: Jule e Smith, a radiant bride, shares her joy with her grandchildren at the a er nup als photoshoot in Lauderhill, on Saturday. - Photo by Devon Dwyer SENIOR YEAR: Amanda Dwyer is all smiles as she strikes a pose for her Class of 2021 senior photos. Photo by Devon Dwyer
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Lisa Hanna People’s National Party Representative Shines In Jamaica’s National Debates It was by chance that Lisa Hanna ended up on the People’s National Party’s (PNP) team for the first national debate, on social issues, leading up to Jamaica’s general election on September 3. And, the highly popular party treasurer and former minister of youth and culture—who some political pundits see as a possible leader of the PNP in the not-too-distant future—took full advantage of the opportunity. At the first of three political debates, held on August 25, Hanna was the clear leader of the PNP team, displaying a passion for politics and the Jamaican people as well as confidence that her party will form the next government. In her opening statement, she displayed eloquence and poise, while posing a clear and convincing argument for the PNP’s social policies. She posited that her party "has given the majority of Jamaicans access to educational opportunities, good healthcare and social services" because it is the party that believes in "social investment and not social control." She then ripped into the leadership of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), suggesting that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it had "exacerbated the desperation and anxiety of Jamaican people." She claimed that the PNP has always been the party to take Jamaica out of periods of adversity and is committed to doing it again
Young people were drastically undercounted in the 2010 U.S Census—which missed more than 1 in 10 children under the age of ve. In Broward County alone, we lost over $210 million dollars of federal funding because of people undercount. Especially children. When we fail to count children, the programs that support their wellbeing—such as childcare, schools, health insurance, housing, and public transportation — lose out on needed funds for the next 10 years, an entire childhood. So, be counted!
if they win the elections. Over the last few years, as the leadership of the PNP has come under scrutiny, Lisa Hanna has emerged as one of the party’s bright stars, with many supporters even suggesting that she would be the best fit for party leader. Her slew of admirers from around the world believe with their own certainty that she is more than just a pretty face. And her track record as a leader has also supported that argument. Hanna was born in St. Mary in 1975, to Rene Hanna, a farmer, and Dorothy Hanna, a hairdresser, in St. Ann. The Hannas moved to Kingston where she attended the Queens AllGirls High School in St. Andrew. High School was Hanna’s training ground for politics, as she blossomed as a student counsellor, house captain, games captain and eventually, head girl. At the end of her high school career, when her other classmates were beginning to look at colleges, the 18year-old turned her attention to beauty pageants and entered the Miss World pageant. At the 1993 pageant in South Africa, Hanna
was the popular winner of the crown, becoming the third Jamaican woman to do so. Upon completing her reign as Miss World, which included attending the installation of Nelson Mandela as the first Black president of apartheid-free South Africa, Lisa returned to Jamaica to focus on her tertiary education. In 1998, she completed a bachelor degree in media and communication, followed by her master's in communication studies in 2000—both at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. The former Miss World had completely thrown herself into university life, with a string of achievements, including building a computer lab in the Faculty of Arts as her final-year project. In 2003, Hanna tried her hand in broadcasting, hosting the Jamaican talk show “Our Voices” and then later, in the United States, as a guest presenter on “Xtra.” Continuing her lifetime theme of leadership, Lisa Hanna became Jamaica’s youngest female member of Parliament in 2007 when she contested and won the seat for South-East St. Ann. During that time, she was also appointed as the opposition spokesperson on information, youth and culture. At the 2011
As minister of youth and culture, Hanna formed an interministerial committee for children, which collectively worked with all ministries and children’s agencies to lobby for children. The committee had several achieve ments, including the separation of children from adult correctional facilities and police lock-ups, the introduction of the Arts For Life Program at the South Camp Facility for Girls, and the allocation of increased resources to help find missing children.
Make sure everyone in your family is counted. You count! We all count!
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general elections, the PNP came into power and she was subsequently appointed as minister of youth and culture by former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, serving in that portfolio from 2012 to 2016 when the PNP lost the general elections. During her tenure as minister of youth and culture, she formed an inter-ministerial committee for children, which collectively worked with all ministries and children’s agencies to lobby for children. The committee had several achievements, including the separation of children from adult correctional facilities and police lock-ups, the introduction of the Arts For Life Program at the South Camp Facility for Girls, the allocation of increased resources to help find missing children, and much more. She also spearheaded the successful lobby for Jamaica’s first-ever election to UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee leading to Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains’ dedication as an official World Heritage Site. She currently serves as the shadow minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade. She has been re-elected twice as MP for South-East St. Ann. Political analysts in Jamaica are speculating should the PNP, which is far behind in the polls, lose the next general elections, party leader Dr. Peter Phillips would be strongly challenged, or could resign, and Hanna would be one of the contenders. It is also speculated if the PNP even wins, Phillips, who has serious health challenges could still resign, and again, Hanna is seen as a contender to succeed him in this scenario. Hanna is currently married to Jamaican business giant, Richard Lake. She has one son, Alexander Panton, from a previous marriage to former senator and businessman, David Panton.
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PM Rowley Slams Reports He Left Trinidad To Seek Medical Care in U.S. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has described as “public mischief” social media reports that he had left the island to seek treatment in the United States after he had indicated last week that he had gone into self-quarantine after coming into contact with a person who later tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the social media posting, Rowley had been seen arriving in the United States on a private jet accompanied by his wife and other persons on Sunday evening and questioned whether or not the country had been informed of his absence and whether or not an acting prime minister had also been appointed. In a statement posted on his Facebook account, Prime Minister Rowley said that social media posts were coming from “the same source of political misconduct which dogged the country for the last five years. “It is to be disregarded and dismissed for what it is, misinformation aimed at disrupting the peace, quiet and good order in our country. It is clear that some people just will not give up in their attempt to create stresses for the national population,” Rowley wrote. He said, having tested negative last Friday, he has remained in home isolation. “During this period the Prime Minister remained engaged night and day as he worked from his home office. All members of the Prime Minister's household are safe and well and none have travelled out of Trinidad recently. “The Prime Minister and his family extend their deepest appreciation and thanks to the very many well-wishers and all citizens who sent kind words and prayers for the safety and well-being of the Rowley family,” he wrote. As of Tuesday, August 25, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 1,184 cases of the coronavirus and 15 deaths.
Tightening Measures The Jamaica government, on Monday, announced a series of new measures, including an all-island curfew, to help curb the spread of COVID-19. In just four days—from Thursday, August 20 to Monday, August 24—Jamaica saw an increase of 420 COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths. Massive entities, including banks, the tax office, Jamaica Customs, and others in Kingston and St. Andrew (the Corporate area), where the majority of new cases have been detected, have also had to close their operations due to the virus being detected among their staff. Among those testing positive for the virus is the legendary retired world sprinter Usain Bolt, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness telling reporters on Monday night that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a surprise birthday party held in St. Andrew for Bolt last weekend. Videos posted on social media showed Bolt and other continues on C2 – Tightens Measures
Christopher Tufton (center)
Caribbean Grappling With Reopening Schools The St. Lucia government says it will announce this week when schools will reopen for the new academic term following the closure in March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Education Minister Dr. Gale Rigboert said she is aware there has been much anxiety by parents and the wider public regarding the pending announcement. “However, with the circumstances that exist, given the fact that we are still dealing with COVID-19, we had to ensure that discussions were held with all of our major stakeholders and partners, ahead of any such pronouncements. “As Minister for Education, I will be making an address to the nation on the new school term as well as a number of other pertinent developments regarding the education sector here in Sr. Lucia,” Rigobert said. St. Lucia is not the only Caribbean country dealing with the situation regarding
the reopening of schools in the wake of the virus. Barbados Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw, is to meet with teachers this week to get their input on the safe reopening of schools. She said she's aware of the anxiety over the reopening of schools in September, and over the past few weeks, education officials have been engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including with the trade unions. Additionally, Bradshaw said that the Ministry had also been receiving input from principals and ministry officials “at the level of various subcommittees, and those discussions are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education in Jamaica says given the spike in COVID-19 cases, the reopening of schools have been pushed from September 7 to October 5. “We have consulted with the Ministry of
Health and Wellness and barring any unforeseen challenges, schools will reopen on a phased basis beginning Monday, October 5, 2020.” In a statement the Ministry of Education said the re-opening will be on a hybrid approach, which includes face-to-face teaching and learning, online and offline computer-aided learning, televised learning and printed learning kits among other approaches. “During the period between now and September, the Ministry will finalize the distribution of tablets to teachers and students at the primary level and to finalize the procurement of laptops for students on the Program of Advancement through Health and Education at Grades 10 -13. The Ministry will also activate the Google Suite Learning Management System for all schools and training will be provided on the use of the system,” the statement continued.
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Positive Signs From Primary Election But Plenty Work Still Needed The August 18 primary election in Florida displayed some positive signs which augur well for the general election on November 3, and hopefully going forward. Voters, however, should still be vigilant, since there is potential for some negatives. Voter turnout increased significantly in South Florida from an average of 18 percent in primary elections in 2016 and 2018 to 27 percent. The numbers could have been higher but the respective supervisors of elections said many voters who requested mail-in ballots either failed to turn them in or returned them late. While any improvement in voter turnout is worth noting, the flip side of this is that 73 percent of registered voters didn’t vote. It cannot be good for South Floridians that only over a quarter of the population is choosing the officials who will be handling their issues. What’s also concerning is that there continues to be a lack of interest in voting for local government. County and city governments, local school boards, and local courts are the ones that directly affect residents in their dayto-day lives. While the supervisors of elections indicated a significant increase in demand for mail-in ballots, the fact that a high number of the ballots requested were not returned to the SOE offices is also of concern.
It’s very likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will still be a major factor in the region for the next several months, and most voters could be wary of voting in person. But it seems voters need more education about how to vote by mail. CNW has ascertained that a fair percentage of voters are unaware they can complete and drop off their mail-in ballots either at polling sites or directly at a SOE office. Some voters, wary of the possibility of ballots being held up at post offices, held on to their ballots ignorant, that they could be dropped off. Additionally, many mail-in ballots were rejected because voters either did not sign the provided envelope in which the ballots were placed, or signed with unrecognized signatures. Voters are reminded that if they vote with mail-in ballots they must place their signature on the envelope as requested, and with signatures that are as close as possible to their normal signature. Not one ballot can be afforded to
be rejected. Another positive take away from the recent primary elections is the success of Caribbean-American candidates. Of the 32 Caribbean Americans who sought office, nine were successful, and two will face run-off elections in November. While 21 Caribbean Americans failed in their bid, their presence motivated significant voter turnout. Several of the losing candidates also gained well over 25 percent of the votes in their respective races. The relative success of Caribbean American candidates is a good sign of the growth in the influence of this community in South Florida politics, and their willingness to support candidates of their own ethnicity. This should continue. Including Haitian, Dominican Republican and Puerto Rican Americans there are over 800,000 first- and secondgeneration Caribbean Americans in South Florida. It’s only natural to expect this population will have more confidence in being represented by
their own in public office. It’s certainly hoped those candidates who lost their respective races will not be deterred from seeking office in future elections. The primary election, definitely in Broward County, also boosted the electability of Black candidates. Several key positions in Broward County including County sheriff, public defender, supervisor of elections, state attorney and clerk of the courts, are likely to be held by Black officials after November 3. The election of these officers is testament to the surging influence of the Black vote in South Florida. There’s much more work to be done to increase voter turnout in November. While turnout in South Florida averages some 73 percent in recent general elections, the missing 27 percent can have serious consequences in deciding the president and the U.S. Congress. It’s also necessary to enhance education and information to voters on how to cast their vote, especially for people who may opt to vote by mail or during early voting. Finally, it has come to light there are still large numbers of Caribbean Americans—mostly seniors—who are citizens and eligible to vote, but who are not registered voters. Caribbean Americans are urged to ensure everyone in their household who is eligible to vote is registered to vote. The deadline to register for the November 3 election is October 5. This election is too important to leave any vote uncast.
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Moïse Sends Condolences After Impact Of Tropical Storm president of the National Committee for Risk and Disaster Management, expressed condolences to the family of a 10year-old girl in the locality of Cachiman. According to the provisional report from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in collaboration with humanitarian partners on the ground, initial information shows that the storm has caused flooding in four departments. Numerous rivers were also flooded across the country. The authorities said they had also evacuated several communities in the Centre and Artibonite departments along the banks of the Artibonite River. They said telecommunication services were temporarily interrupted on Sunday and that several hospitals were short-staffed due to the inaccessibility of roads, and the health centre in Anse-à-Pitre was reportedly flooded. “Bad weather makes it more difficult to quickly restore the network and electrical circuits. As a result, several areas are at risk of being without electricity for a few days,” the electricity company, Électricité d'Haiti (EDH), said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Haitian authorities confirmed that nine people had died as Tropical Storm Laura moved away from the Hispaniola The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said swells generated by Laura impacted portions of Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm produced rainfall accumulations in Jamaica and Cuba of between four to eight inches with maximum amounts of 12 inches, while the Cayman Islands received maximum amounts of up to six inches up until Tuesday. The authorities in Haiti said that the storm, which pounded the country over the last weekend, killed five people in the capital and four in the South-East department, while two others are missing. “I share the sorrow of the families whose loved ones were killed on August 23 during the passage through the country of tropical storm Laura. I urge the population to respect the instructions of the authorities,” President Jovenel Moïse said. Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe, who is also the
Makeshift Boat Capsizes Off Haiti Coast Killing 17 On the boat were residents of Tortuga Island who were returning home from the municipal market of the city of Saint Louis du Nord. According to the Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH), the sinking was caused by the overloading of the sailboat and the gusts of wind. Officials at SEMANAH added that the boat's captain was not granted permission to head out to sea. Meanwhile, rescue operations have been ongoing with brigadiers of the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) in an attempt to find bodies and possible survivors.
The authorities in Haiti are investigating an incident in which 17 people lost their lives when a small makeshift sailboat carrying more than 30 passengers and goods capsized in the channel that separates Haiti from the island of Tortuga, in the northwest of the country. Among the dead are two 2-year-old children and a dozen women, authorities said.
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It's also reported that some of the passengers who survived the wreck were taken to La Tortue or to the island of Saint Louis du Nord to be checked. President Jovenel Moïse said, “I learned with great sorrow, the news of the sinking of a boat off the island of La Tortue. The authorities concerned are mobilized to find the missing bodies and possible survivors. I share the pain of relatives and friends affects by this tragedy.” According to the Haitian authorities, the small sailboat called “Ancelita” had about 30 people on board and merchandise, exceeding the limit of its capacity.
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COMMEMORATING 58 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Ministers since 1962 Trinidad and Tobago, the twin-island republic at the southernmost point in the Caribbean, gained its independence from Britain on August 31, just 25 days after Jamaica. In the 58 years of its independence, this oil-rich nation, admired for its distinct African and Indian cultures, was led by six men and one woman as prime minister. The prime ministers of Trinidad and Tobago since 1962 were:
THE FIRST Dr. ERIC WILLIAMS TC, CH Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, often hailed as the Father of the Nation of Trinidad and Tobago, was that country's first prime minister. He led the nation from the failed West Indies Federation to independence in 1962. Williams, like Jamaica's Norman Manley, was a strong federalist, but he also was a man of vision and common sense. When Jamaicans voted in a referendum in 1961 to leave the federation, Williams famously calculated 1 from 10 equals to zero, and shortly after announced Trinidad and Tobago would also be leaving the former 10-nation federation. Williams, a noted Caribbean historian, served as prime minister from 1962 until his death in 1981. The People's National Movement (PNM) led by Williams won the general election held in December 1961 by a landslide. Williams became premier of the colony and later prime minister of the new nation when it gained independence on August 31, 1962. He was instrumental in the country becoming a republic in 1976. As prime minister, Williams practiced what was called “pragmatic socialism,” a policy that focused on social services, improved education, and economic development through the
cautious attraction of foreign investment capital. The policy resulted in making Trinidad and Tobago the wealthiest nation in the Commonwealth Caribbean in the 1970s. He was successively reelected in subsequent elections and served as prime minister until his sudden death in 1981. One memorable aspect of Williams’ tenure was the growth of the Black Power movement which infiltrated the nation from the USA in the 1970s. Between 1968 and 1970 the Black Power movement, which started at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies, gained strength in Trinidad and Tobago. Led by Geddes Granger, the National Joint Action Committee joined up with trade unionists led by George Weekes of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union and Basdeo Panday, then a young trade-union lawyer and activist. Sensing the influence of what seemed like a national movement, Williams, following a display of the Black Power movement in the 1970 TNT Carnival, went on radio to declare "I am for Black Power." He introduced a five percent levy to fund employment and established the first locally owned commercial bank. This intervention had little impact on the protests.
However, a series of events led to a State of Emergency, a Cabinet shake-up and mutiny. On April 3, 1970, police killed a protester, then on April 13, A.N.R. Robinson, Member of Parliament for Tobago East, resigned. By April 18, sugar workers were on strike and a general strike loomed. Williams responded by calling a State of Emergency on April 21 and arrested 15 Black Power leaders. Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense answered with mutiny, taking hostages at the army barracks at Teteron. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard contained the revolt and the mutineers surrendered on April 25. Williams, however, still tried to identify himself with the Black Power movement. He reshuffled his cabinet and removed three ministers, including two white members, and three senators. Despite his support for the Black Power movement, and the Black population of the country, Williams is remembered, not only for the positive economic gains made in Trinidad and Tobago during his tenure, but for being a bridge between the back and Indian populations in the country.
The Second
The THIRD
George Michael Chambers, ORTT
Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, SC OCC TC
On March 30, days after the death of Prime Minister Eric Williams, George Chambers, then one of the deputy leaders of the PNM, was summoned to the President's House, with the other two PNM deputies, Kamal Mohammed and Errol Mahabir. He was appointed by then-President Ellis Clarke as the country's second prime minister. Chambers served as assistant general secretary of the PNM before becoming parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Finance in 1966, then served two terms as minister of finance (1971-1974 and 1981-1986). Chambers also served as minister of public utilities, housing, national security, education, planning, industry/commerce and agriculture. Following his rise to prime minister, Chambers led the PNM to victory in the 1981 general election, but in 1986 led the PNM to its worst-ever electoral defeat, winning only three of the then 36 seats in Parliament. Chambers resigned and Patrick Manning succeeded him as PNM leader. During his 5-year tenure as prime minister, Chambers was faced with the difficult task of diversifying the nation's economy following the oil boom of the 1970s. Although his policies were unpopular, leading to the PNM's defeat in 1986, many credited him with the country's continuing economic success at that time. Some of the budgetary policies that resulted in Chambers and the PMN's downfall included a 10 percent cut in salaries of all public servants, and eliminating personal income tax relief and allowances; a 100
Known as A.N.R. or "Ray" Robinson, he was Trinidad and Tobago's third prime minister, serving from December 18, 1986 to December 17, 1991. He is recognized for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court. percent increase in postage for all mail, both internal and external; and requiring UWI, St. Augustine students, who previously paid no tuition fees, to pay 10 percent of their tuition costs for the next two years. The labor movement organized a mass mobilization program against the budget. This included a nation-wide "day of resistance" during which 82 percent of public sector workers, 75 percent of private sector workers, and 65 percent of teachers, refused to go out to work. As prime minister and chairman of CARICOM, Chamber refused to collaborate with the United States in its invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983. Trinidad and Tobago did not respond to the "urgent request" of then U.S. President Ronald Reagan to invade Grenada to quell the revolution that resulted in the assassination of Grenada's Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop. Because Chambers stood up to the might of the United States, Trinidad and Tobago faced retaliation. Shortly after, the U.S.controlled International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposed severe, conditionality measures on a US$100m loan to Chambers’ government.
ANR Robinson became prime minister when the National Alliance For Reconstruction (NAR) severely defeated the PNM led by George Chambers in 1986. Shortly after assuming the position, he dismissed Basdeo Panday, John Humphrey, and Kelvin Ramnath from the Cabinet. However, Robinson subsequently lost the 1991 election. He rejoined the UNC administration as a coalition member representing the NAR. Panday later offered to nominate him to become the next president of Trinidad and Tobago. Robinson was instrumental in creating the International Criminal Court. In 1989, he asked Benjamin Ferencz and Robert Kurt Woetzel to help him draft a proposal for the UN General Assembly to ask the UN's International Law Commission to study whether they could create the International Criminal Court. The resolution was presented on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago at the UN General Assembly in June 1989, leading to the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in July 1998 and creation of the International Criminal Court on July 1, 2002. A remarkable event in Trinidad and Tobago's history during Robinson's tenure as
prime minister was the 1990 coup attempt by the group called Jamaat al Muslimeen. Robinson and much of his cabinet were held hostage in the Red House, the House of Parliament, for six days by gunmen under the leadership of Yasin Abu Bakr. During the hostage period, Robinson was beaten by his captors and shot in his leg. Robinson and the NAR subsequently lost the 1981 election to the reformed UNC, led by Patrick Manning. Ironically, Robinson would return as the third president of the Republic, serving from March 19, March 1997 to March 17, 2003. Robinson was the first active politician to be elected to the presidency. He was also the first presidential candidate who was not elected unopposed, as the then Opposition People's National Movement had nominated Justice Anthony Lucky as its candidate for president. President Robinson sparked controversy in his term in office when he refused to appoint certain senators recommended by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday following the elections in 2000 and in 2001. He instead appointed opposition leader Patrick Manning as prime minister after the historically tied general election.
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Trinidad and Tobago COMMEMORATING 58 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
The FOURTH Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning Manning, the fourth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, served three terms– second only to Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad's longestserving prime minister. Manning's three terms ran from December 17, 1991, to November 9, 1995, and again from December 24, 2001, to May 26, 2010. He was also the leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) from 1987 to 2010. A geologist by training, Manning served as Member of Parliament for the San Fernando East constituency from 1971 until 2015 when he was replaced by Randall Mitchell and was the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives. When the PNM lost the 1986 general election in a shocking landslide, winning only three seats, including Manning's, he was made PNM leader and consequently leader of the opposition—a post he held until 1990. In the election of 1991, the PNM regained its place as the government of the nation, with Manning becoming the nation's fourth prime minister. In 1995, with the political tide turning
against his government, Manning called a general election one full year before it was constitutionally due. In this election, both the PNM and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) won 17 seats, while the NAR won two seats. The UNC and the NAR then united in a coalition and formed the government and Basdeo Panday, the UN leader, replaced Manning as prime minister. Manning served as leader of the opposition once again, also losing the subsequent 2000 election. Election was called again in 2001, with the results being a tie between the governing UNC and the Opposition PNM, both parties winning 18 seats. However, President ANR Robinson made the bold move of appointing Manning as prime minister. In addition to being prime minister, Manning also held the portfolio of minister of finance. Unable to elect a speaker of the House of Representatives, Manning proceeded to rule without Parliament until the need to pass a budget forced him to call an election in October 2002. His party won this election with 20 seats to 16 for the UNC and formed the new government. Under the PNM administration, income taxes were substantially reduced and the Corporation Tax reduced for most companies. The government also reinstituted free university education. The economy grew, primarily due to high natural gas and oil prices and significant increases in natural gas
production. In September 2007, Manning received an honorary doctorate from Medgar Evers College, CUNY. In the general election Manning called in November 2007, the PNM won 26 of the 41 seats and Manning began his third term as prime minister. Subsequently, the country experienced a slow-down in the economy. Despite this, the economic ratings of the country came in for high praises mainly from the Standards and Poor report on August 15, 2008, which raised Trinidad and Tobago from an "A-" to an "A." On April 9, 2010, Prime Minister Manning advised President George Maxwell Richards to
dissolve Parliament, resulting in a general election being held on May 24, two years sooner than was constitutionally mandated. Manning and the PNM lost the election to The People's Partnership (UNC, COP, TOP, NJAC, MSJ) led by Kamala Persad-Bissessar. Following the defeat, Manning officially resigned as leader of the Party on 27, May 2010, but remained as the parliamentary representative for San Fernando East. On January 23, 2012, Manning suffered a stroke. Four years later he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and died on July 2, 2016 at the San Fernando General Hospital—six weeks before his 70th birthday.
The FIFTH Dr. Basdeo Panday Panday, a Trinidadian lawyer, politician, trade unionist, economist, actor, and civil servant served as the fifth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001. He was the first person of Indian descent and the first Hindu to hold the office of prime minister. Panday and the other expelled ministers from the NAR founded the Caucus for Love, Unity and Brotherhood (CLUB '88), which later became the United National Congress (UNC). Economic decline, austerity, racial tensions and, above all, the failed but impactful 1990 coup attempt led to the NAR being swept out of power in the 1991 general election. The PNM, led by Patrick Manning, formed the government, and the UNC, led by Panday, became the opposition. Panday's political moment came in 1995, when Manning called an early election, which ended with the PNM and UNC holding 17 seats each, and the NAR holding two. The UNC and
NAR then entered a coalition bringing the UNC into power and making Panday the first Indo-Trinidadian prime minister. To solidify his mandate, Panday called a new election in 2000, which the UNC won outright, and Panday was sworn in as prime minister for a second time. Following charges of corruption, and the firing of three UNC MPs, Panday was forced to call another general election in 2001. The election resulted in the historical 18-18 tie between the UNC and PNM. The deadlock was resolved when President Robinson appointed Manning as the prime minister. Panday opposed the decision, and in protest refused to accept the position of leader of the opposition. In the ensuing 2002 general election, the PNM won a clear and undisputed majority. Panday accepted his third term as leader of the opposition—a position he held until 2006, when he was convicted of failing to declare a bank account in London. On March 20, 2007, that conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal. On May 1, he resigned as chairman of the United National Congress, but the party's executive refused to accept his resignation. He lost the party's internal election on January 24, 2010, to deputy leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020 –
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Trinidad and Tobago COMMEMORATING 58 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
The SIXTH
The SEVENTH AND CURRENT
Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC MP
Keith Christopher Rowley
Persad-Bissessar, often referred to by her initials KPB, is a lawyer and politician who was the sixth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from May 26, 2010 to September 9, 2015. She was the country's first female prime minister, attorney general, and leader of the opposition; the first woman to chair the Commonwealth of Nations, and the first woman of Indian origin to be a prime minister of a country outside of India and other South Asian countries. Persad-Bissessar is the political leader of the United National Congress (UNC) and the current leader of the opposition in the parliament. She became political leader of the UNC in 2010. In 2011, Persad-Bissessar was named the 13th most influential female leader around the world by Time magazine. On January 24, 2010, Kamla PersadBissessar was elected political leader of the UNC, emerging victorious over the party's founder, Basdeo Panday in a very contentious election. She was formally appointed opposition leader on February 25, 2010, having gained the support of a majority of UNC MPs. Persad-Bissessar took office as prime minister after the victory of the People's Partnership in the general election of May 24, 2010, defeating the previous government
Rowley is the incumbent prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago. His first tenure as prime minister began in September 2015, and he was reelected for a second term on August 10 this year.
of the People's National Movement (PNM), which had called an early election. She gained popularity as the nation's female prime minister, and there was speculation she would be in power for a long tenure, but her tenure was foiled by internal party strife and scandals. She began her political career in Trinidad and Tobago as a member of parliament, representing the Siparia constituency. In addition, she has also served as the minister of education. While she largely keeps her family and personal life private, she is known for speaking on themes of religion and spirituality with an unusually ecumenical perspective. Aside from her achievements as a woman in office, she is widely noted for championing programs to improve her country's educational system. She is also presented, particularly in campaigns, as a politician who is from a humble, rural background, but who has also pursued a high level of education, attending top schools in the United States. She led the UNC in the ensuing 2015 general election to defeat the PNM, led by Dr. Keith Rowley.
He has led the People's National Movement (PNM) since May 2010 and served as leader of the opposition from 2010 to 2015. Rowley has also served as the member of the House of Representatives for Diego Martin West since 1991. Rowley led the People's National Movement in the September 2015 general election, in which his party secured 23 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives to form the government, defeating the previous People's Partnership coalition government. On September 9, 2015, Rowley was sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago by President Anthony Carmona. A volcanologist who obtained his doctorate in geology, Rowley is credited for revival of the local natural gas sector and laying groundwork for further oil and gas exploration, the largest economic sector of Trinidad and Tobago. With the nation's economy challenged by sharp decline in oil prices since 2019, and the recent health and economic challenges presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Rowley called general election in July for August 10. Despite strong challenge from the UNC, led by Kamla PersadBissessar, the PNM won by three seats, and Rowley was sworn in for a second term on August 19. The 70-year-old prime minister subsequently announced this will be his final term as leader of the PNM and as prime minister, as he plans to retire at the end of his term.
A volcanologist who obtained his doctorate in geology, Rowley is credited for revival of the local natural gas sector and laying groundwork for further oil and gas exploration, the largest economic sector of Trinidad and Tobago. The 70-year-old prime minister subsequently announced this will be his final term as leader of the PNM and as prime minister, as he plans to retire at the end of his term.
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020
The Miami Music Project Tackles Implicit Bias and Anti-Racism The Miami Music Project, on Thursday, continued their webinar series aimed at eliminating racial disparities and raising awareness to achieve racial equity and equality on Zoom and Facebook Live.
Miami Music Project President Anna Klimala briefly introduced the project's mission and set the stage for lead visionary at ReEnvision Harmony and Social Equity, Maria Victoria Ramirez and the panelists Valencia Gunder, Dr. Valerie Taylor, Dr. Cheryl Holder, and Reverend Andy Oliver, who discussed implicit bias and anti-racism. “I think we need to self-examine the institutions that we are a part of. As a white person, every institution, including the good ones, especially the “good ones” like progressive
circles and churches, if they are whitedominant, that institution, part of its purpose is to do the maintenance of maintaining white supremacy. So we have to self examine, we have to shut up and listen, and look for what things we need to do, give up, and change to be constantly moving on towards better things”, said Reverend Andy Oliver when asked what can a person do in order to check their privilege. The conversation brought about the idea that racism isn't just about the bias, but is something systemic, with the idea of race
Sunrise Utility Account Holders Can Apply For Up To $500 In Bill Credits Until Sept. 16 Sunrise residents could be getting some relief with their utility bills since the city recently approved the Sunrise Cares Utility Relief Program allocated some $3 million to be used for utility bill relief. The program is to help Sunrise residential water and wastewater utility customers in single-family homes who have experienced a significant financial impact as a result of COVID-19. Residents who apply and are approved can receive up to $500 credit, per applicant. To apply, Sunrise utility account holders can go to sunrisefl.gov/utilityrelief for the program guidelines and criteria, to find answers to frequently asked questions, and complete the application electronically. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants until September 16 or until funds are completely allocated, whichever comes first. Sunrise Utilities customers in the City of Weston, Town of Davie, and Town of Southwest Ranches are also eligible for the program. “This program is one of several 'Sunrise Cares' initiatives launched by the City Commission intended to demonstrate a more thoughtful, compassionate and empathetic approach to
addressing needs and pain in our community,” said Sunrise Mayor Michael J. Ryan. “Our Compassionate Center has taken thousands of phone calls and emails from those in need, our weekly food distributions have provided ingredients for tens of thousands of meals, and our emergency rent and mortgage assistance program has come to the aid of many families. The City Commission and Sunrise staff care immensely and we'll continue to do all we can.” For more details or to apply for utility relief, see sunrisefl.gov/utilityrelief.
coming into play as a means of oppression. Panelists agreed that race has no relevance in terms of biology as a means to look at people differently, but does have relevance for sociopolitical reasons and that anti-racism is a means to fight that social construct actively. Key points brought up in being proactive against racism were that change in practice ultimately leads to change in belief, so for there to be any progression, people in the community must work together to normalize the differences between each other.
Appointment-only Citizenship Drive at Lauderhill Mall August 29 and 30 Broward Mayor Dale Holness is facilitating an appointment-only citizenship drive at the Lauderhill Mall on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lauderhill Mall Citizenship Drive volunteers will adhere to the CDC guidelines and be in compliance with Broward County's Emergency Orders (i.e., social distancing, facial coverings, etc.). “We kindly ask you to use facial coverings and exercise social distancing measures during the clinic. No service will be provided if an appointment has not been scheduled. Walk-ins are strictly prohibited for the safety of all our participants,” Holness said in a release. Applicants must bring their N-400 application, which can be accessed online at www.uscis.gov/n-400, completely filled out. Applicants will be pre-screened to determine eligibility when an appointment is scheduled. *Space is limited. Please call or text 954-637-3872 to schedule an appointment.
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020 –
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TRAVEL. LIFESTYLE. CUISINE.
The Girls In The Picture How Malaika Witter Hewitt Reconnected With Childhood Friend Kamala Harris By Sonia Morgan
To say a significant number of Jamaicans are overjoyed that Sen. Kamala Harris is the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential candidate is an understatement. Many Jamaicans at home and abroad have expressed excitement and approval in the news media, on social media and in their communities. But, perhaps, only a few can claim to be more elated than Dr. Malaika Witter Hewitt, an otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon, who is a partner at ENT of Georgia, in Atlanta. The two share a similar past, being American-born children of highly educated immigrants from Jamaica—and in Harris’ case, also from India. Both have been rooted in the importance of education and academic distinction and have excelled in their chosen fields. Additionally, their families shared a close relationship when Witter Hewitt was just a baby and Harris and her sister Maya were brighteyed little girls with big hearts—as Witter Hewitt’s many childhood photos show. The pictures were snapshots of a story she wanted to learn more about. Photos of her as a toddler—at Disney, at her second birthday party, at home—being doted on by these older girls, Kamala and Maya. Specifically, she wondered what happened to them and whether their paths would cross again. “It’s like I loved them through the pictures. This 4-year-old and 7-year-old carrying this 2year-old on their hips like a dolly. I just remembered that these were two little girls that were special in our lives,” Witter Hewitt says. Their relationship began when she was a baby. At the time, Harris’ father, Donald Harris, was a young associate professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Witter Hewitt’s father, Michael Witter, was a graduate student under the professor’s tutelage. Witter later became a celebrated economist in
Dr. Malaika Witter Hewitt (left) reunites with Sen. Kamala Harris at a fundraiser during her campaign for president.- Contributed
always been enamored with the photos—piecing together this component of her past. When Harris’ career took a very public turn during her run for district attorney of San Francisco, Witter Hewitt realized that the older sister from her photos, Kamala, had become a public figure. “It was big news in the Bay Area that a Black woman was running for district attorney,” Witter Hewitt says. At that time, however, she did not reach out to Harris, “but I observed her through the media,” she recalls. Harris later also won the election for attorney general of California in 2010 and was reelected in 2014.
Reunited One evening when Harris was speaking at a BET women’s event in Miami during her senatorial campaign, Witter Hewitt’s cousin,
Baby Malaika is flanked by little Kamala (right) and her younger sister, Maya.
A doting Kamala (left) holds on to Malaika while the kids pose with Mickey Mouse at Disney.
to one of her events.” Witter Hewitt wasn’t able to make it. But, in the fall of 2019, when Harris was back in Atlanta at a fundraiser for her presidential campaign, the two finally got to see each other in person—for the first time in what seemed like a lifetime. A photo of that meeting captured their enthusiasm. “She is one of those people who never forgets her people, her friends and connections from the past. She is just so loyal to the people in her life,” says Witter Hewitt.
Why Kamala?
Sen. Kamala Harris (center) with Dr. Malaika Witter Hewitt and husband Dr. Cameron Hewitt, daughter Kamalia and son Cameron.
the Caribbean and headed the department of economics for several years at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The families grew close, as the children played often in the Escondido Village family student housing at Stanford University. The relationship between their fathers was mainly professional, but as families with similar experiences, they enjoyed the bonding among the children. Witter Hewitt’s mother, Maria Nicholas, made Afghan shirts for the Harris girls, and Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, made baby Malaika her favorite blanket—cherished to this day. “We spent a lot of time together,” Witter Hewitt says, reminiscing. But this relationship was short-lived. “When my father’s thesis was completed, he returned to Jamaica, and around the same time Kamala moved to Canada [with her mother].” They eventually lost touch over the years. But growing up, Witter Hewitt says she had
Talitha Watkins, walked up to Harris and introduced herself as “Malaika’s cousin.” Watkins, a motion picture talent agent in Los Angeles, told Witter Hewitt that when she mentioned her name, “Kamala’s eyes lit up and she said, ‘What! Can I have her number? I want to call her!’” “I was tickled pink,” recalls Witter Hewitt. Watkins had given her number to Harris’ chief of staff and she was expecting a call. “When the email came through with an invitation for one of Harris’ campaign events, I knew she would call around that time.” The call came soon after. “I didn’t really remember her, but I felt such a connection because I had formed these memories through the photos and the stories,” says Witter Hewitt. “It was nice to actually talk to her, knowing that she was the same person that I reminisced in the pictures all the time.” “One day when she was running for the U.S. Senate, she called me in Atlanta and invited me
A strong supporter and fierce defender of Harris, Witter Hewitt says she is “authentic” and “not superficial.” In public life, many have seen the tough side of Sen. Harris, most evident in her nononsense questioning of then U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and U.S. Attorney General William Barr on his handling of the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation and report. In the Democratic presidential debates, she famously called out Joe Biden for policies she believed disadvant a g e d B l a c k p e o p l e i n c l u d i n g h e rself—specifically his stance on busing. Witter Hewitt says of the debate-stage attack, “That source of conflict was why he chose her...You want to have that other opinion, that other perspective, from the last person in the room.” Biden had “a lot of really good options,” she says, but chose Harris, 55, because she “brings so much more to the table to lead on day one.” Biden will be the oldest president to take office, at 78 years old, if he wins in November. “If anything should happen to Joe, she would be ready to pick up the baton and run with it,” Witter Hewitt says. Equally important, says Witter-Hewitt, “She doesn’t let bullies scare her. She’s resilient, she won’t back down from a challenge … and she has the ability to campaign and win.”
Naysayers But not everyone is gung-ho about the Harris pick. Some people think she’s too ambitious and others who question her Jamaican heritage and her “legitimacy” as a Black American. For the naysayers, Witter Hewitt believes they are wrong. “Anybody that would say a woman is too ambitious, wouldn’t want to see a woman in leadership. … The implication here is that she is trying to reach a level above her qualifications and capabilities. It’s an archaic, backward thing to say.” As for Harris' connection to her Jamaican heritage, Witter Hewitt says she “definitely embraces it.” Harris has spent time in Jamaica, getting to know her father’s side of the family and enjoying the island. Like many children of immigrants raised in the U.S., Harris also learned and connected to her culture through the diaspora. “When she got to D.C., she was able to reconnect with her Caribbean culture—she’s enamored with it, she’s proud of it.” Among some of Harris’ most vocal critics are the American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS), who firmly believe she is not one of them because her parents are immigrants. “She’s American and she’s Black,” says Witter Hewitt, who thinks having these kinds of divisions among the subgroups of the African diaspora is counterproductive. She was also quick to point out that Harris’ immigrant parents were active in the civil rights protests of the 60s and 70s and raised their children to work towards equality. “From the time she was a little girl, she was taught to fight for what is right,” Witter Hewitt says.
C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020
BOYCOTT NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS games called off as players boycott in response to Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake All three NBA playoff games scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed, with players around the league choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. Called off: Games between Milwaukee and Orlando, Houston and Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland. The NBA said all three games would be rescheduled, yet did not say when. The reverberations quickly moved into Major League Baseball, the WNBA and Major League Soccer, and even professional tennis with Naomi Osaka foregoing the semis for the Southern Open on Thursday. The Milwaukee Brewers’ home game with the Cincinnati Reds was called off, by player decision, as was the Seattle Mariners’ game against the San Diego Padres. WNBA players chose not to play their three regular-season games scheduled for Wednesday in Bradenton, Florida. Later in the evening, five of the six MLS games that were scheduled to be played Wednesday were called off. In the WNBA bubble, Washington was set to play Atlanta, Minnesota was going to face Los Angeles and Connecticut was going to meet Phoenix. Players from the Mystics, Dream, Sparks and Lynx were talking on the court for about an hour deciding whether to play or not. The decision was announced shortly before the expected 7 p.m. Eastern tip for the Mystics and Dream. All four teams took a knee at center court right before leaving the court. Dream player Elizabeth Williams read a statement on ESPN saying that the “consensus is not to play in tonight’s games. We stand in solidarity with our brothers in the NBA.” Williams is the secretary of the players’ union. Players from MLS games between Atlanta United and Inter Miami, FC Dallas and Colorado, Portland and San Jose, Real Salt Lake and LAFC, and the LA Galaxy and Seattle all decided not to play in solidarity. The lone match played was between Orlando City and Nashville SC. Atlanta United released a statement before its scheduled game against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The players all gathered on the field before the game, arm in arm. “We stand in solidarity with the Black community, with our players, our city and our fans in the fight against injustice,” the statement said. “We must use our voices to be the change.” The dramatic series of moves began when the Bucks—the NBA's team from Wisconsin, a state rocked in recent days by the shooting by police of Jacob Blake, a Black man—didn't take the floor for their playoff game against the Magic. The teams were set to begin Game 5 of their series shortly after 4 p.m., with the Bucks needing a win to advance to the second round. Players had been discussing boycotting games in the bubble after the shooting of Blake in Kenosha. More discussions among players on teams still in the bubble were scheduled Wednesday, presumably on how — or if — to go forward with the season, but even before that the Bucks apparently decided they would act. "We fully support our players and the decision they made," Bucks owners Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan said in a joint statement. "Although we did not know beforehand, we would have wholeheartedly agreed with them. The only way to bring about change is to shine a light on the racial injustices that are happening in front of us. Our players have done that and we will continue to stand alongside them and demand accountability and
Tightens Measures
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Jeanie Buss
“We're the ones getting killed. We're the ones getting shot. We're the ones that were denied to live in certain communities. We've been hung. We've been shot. And all you do is keep hearing about fear. It's amazing why we keep loving this country and this country does not love us back. And it's just, it's really so sad." – Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers change." Added Jeanie Buss, the governor of the Lakers, in a tweet: “I stand behind our players, today and always. After more than 400 years of cruelty, racism and injustice, we all need to work together to say enough is enough.” The Bucks remained in their locker room past 6 p.m., more than two hours after they made the decision to boycott. It was not immediately clear why they were staying in the arena. There are three other playoff games scheduled Thursday. It was unclear if they would be affected. Several NBA players, including the Lakers' LeBron James, tweeted out messages demanding change and the Boston Celtics' official Twitter account did the same. "We weren't given advanced notice about the decision but we are happy to stand in solidarity with Milwaukee, Jacob, and the entire NBA community," Orlando guard Michael Carter-Williams said. "Change is coming." Magic players and referees were on the basketball court for the game but Milwaukee never took the floor. The National Basketball Referees Association said it "stands in solidarity with our players' decision to boycott tonight's games" and the National Basketball Players Association tweeted that the "revolution will be televised." NBPA President Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder and guard Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets were seen emerging from a conversation, not long before it
became known that their teams also decided to not play their scheduled game Wednesday. "Today we stand united with the NBA Office, the National Basketball Players Association, the Milwaukee Bucks and the rest of the league condemning bigotry, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police against people of color," the Magic and its ownership group, the DeVos family, said in a statement. Demanding societal change and ending racial injustice has been a major part of the NBA's restart at Walt Disney World. The phrase "Black Lives Matter" is painted on the arena courts, players are wearing messages urging change on their jerseys and coaches are donning pins demanding racial justice as well. Many players wrestled for weeks about whether it was even right to play, fearing that a return to games would take attention off the deaths of, among others, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in recent months. Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville, Kentucky apartment using a noknock warrant during a narcotics investigation on March 13. The warrant was in connection with a suspect who did not live there and no drugs were found. Then on May 25, Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into the Black man's neck for nearly eight minutes—all captured on a cell phone video. Bucks guard George Hill said after Blake's shooting that he felt players shouldn't have come to Disney. The Celtics and Toronto Raptors met Tuesday to discuss boycotting Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, which had been scheduled for Thursday. Members of the National Basketball Players Association were also part of those meetings, and Miami forward Andre Iguodala—a union officer—said around 2:15 p.m. that he did not believe a boycott plan had been finalized. Less than two hours later, the Bucks wouldn't take the floor. “When you talk about boycotting a game, everyone’s antenna goes up,” Iguodala said. “It’s sad you have to make threats like that—I wouldn’t say threats—but you have to be willing to sacrifice corporate money for people to realize there’s a big problem out there.” Associated Press writers BRIAN MAHONEY and TIM REYNOLDS
guests at the party dancing close and mingling without masks. Holness said the police will soon report on their investigation. Bolt, who celebrated his 34th birthday with the lavish party last Friday, is said to have taken the test on the weekend as he prepared to travel overseas. Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, who confirmed the positive result for Bolt, said the authorities have initiated contact tracing. Bolt has since gone into selfquarantine and is urging his friends who may have come into contact with him to do the test as well as go into quarantine. Jamaica's police commissioner is also reported to have contracted the virus. Prime Minister Holness told the news conference on Monday that Jamaica has “now crossed the trip line.” As a result an all-island daily curfew from 9:00 pm. to 5:00 am goes into effect from August 27 to September 30. In the meantime, areas in the corporate area are under a curfew that begins at 7:00 pm daily. The government has also suspended entertainment events requiring permits. Those events for which permits were granted will be canceled and the promoters refunded. “It is easier said than done to have events that are compliant with protocols and, in fact, when the contact tracing is done you are seeing that many persons, even high-profile persons, who are affected, you could trace right back to entertainment,” Holness said. In addition, funeral services will be prohibited islandwide effective August 27, but burials will be allowed with up to 15 persons, including the officiating minister. Also as of August 27, residents in communities with spikes in COVID cases will be required to stay at home, even outside of curfew hours. Holness said this will prevent people from being outside unless they have a legitimate reason. “We are seeing a clustering of cases occurring within a number of communities in the Corporate Area, and have decided we will take some additional measures for these communities. Effective Thursday, August 27, persons will be required to remain at home—which means staying in their yard space—outside of curfew hours. With a general election scheduled to be held in Jamaica on September 3, and images of supporters of the two major political parties involved in carnival-like campaigning, an increasing number of private sector entities and residents are calling on the candidates to refrain from physical campaigning, and for the election to be postponed.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020 –
Reggae Features Big On Obama's Annual Playlist Former President Barack Obama, in publishing his now annual summer music playlist, has again selected Jamaican reggae artists. This year his list of 53 songs feature three Jamaicans: Koffee who was on his 2019 list, with her collaboration “Don't Walk Away” with John Legend at number 3; Popcaan's 'Party Next Door' at 14, and the late Bob Marley's popular hit, “Could You Be Loved” placed 16 on the list. “Don't Walk Away” is among five collaborations on John Legend's sixth studio album, When Bigger Love, which bears the Columbia Records imprint. Koffee is signed to the American label, which is owned by Sony Entertainment. This is the second time Koffee is making Obama's summer playlist. Last year, her hit ”Toast” was at number 28 among his 44 songs. Koffee won the Best Reggae Album Grammy for her Rapture EP in February. “Party Next Door” forms part of Popcaan's recently Released Fixtape, produced by Creep Chromatic. The 19-track project features Skillibeng as well as other international acts like French Montana and Drake. Popcaan is currently signed to OVO, a company owned by Canadian rapper Drake. Bob Marley's “Could You Be Loved,” was released in 1980 on his Uprising album. In posting his playlist on Instagram last week, Obama noted the songs on his list were all favorites of his wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha. “Over the past few months, I've spent a lot of time listening to music with my family. I wanted to share some of my favorites from the summer––including songs from some of the artists performing at this week's @DemConvention. As always, it's a mix of genres that travels through various eras. I think there's something in here for everybody––hope you enjoy it,” Obama wrote.
Trinidadian Singer Melly Rose Wants To Empower Women With New Single Trinidadian singer Melly Rose is hoping to empower black women to love themselves more with a new single and accompanying video, titled “Body Good.” Accompanying the upbeat production of the track, Rose uses her distance voice to curate an audio safe haven for black women all over the world to listen and feel appreciated for all of their beautiful imperfections. To go along with the single, Rose adds in a powerful music video in which various scenes showcase black women of all skin tones and body types that illustrates the point that black women should be loved regardless of how they look. Her message is clear and akin to the legendary Tupac verse, “the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice, the darker the flesh, the deeper the roots.” Throughout the video, she pays homage to the Black Lives Matter movement going on worldwide with BLM on her fingernails and other powerful symbolism, which is meant to send a clear message to viewers.
Koffee
Popcaan
Bob Marley
Machel Montano Issues “Cease And Desist” On 'Buss Head' Song Trinidadian soca great Machel Montano has issued a “cease and desist” warning to Trinidad and Tobago's Opposition People's Democratic Patriots (PDP) Leader Winston Duke for unauthorized use of his song “Buss Head.” In a letter dated August 21 stipulating the warning, Montano claimed Watson used the song the day before without permission. “It has come to our attention that there have been several releases by leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots Winston Duke: in his political advertisement and campaign, in a televised interview, and on his
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In addition to Montana, Buss Head also features T&T soca royalty Bunji Garlin. Duke, who is currently being criticized for calling two women “stink and dutty” during the August 10 general election campaign, said he was merely quoting lyrics from Buss Head and played it during a Facebook Live session to justify his case. He remains resolute that he will not apologize. Montano distanced himself from statements made by the PDP leader, and concluded that continued use of the song “will result in action against Mr. Duke.”
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Facebook page on Thursday, August 20, 2020. In said releases he has misappropriated the music and lyrics to the 2017 hit song “Buss Head,” read the letter in part, written by attorney-at-law J Larry Williams on behalf of his client. “Mr. Duke has not sought nor gotten approval from Mr. Montano for the use of the music or lyrics to the said song. His use of the song is therefore unauthorized. He has used the song and lyrics out of its original content to suit his own nefarious purposes and not those intended by the songwriters,” it continued.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020 –
Fraser-Pryce Lowers 100m World-Leading Time Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann FraserPryce now has the fastest time in the women's 100 meters this year, after clocking 10.86 seconds to win at the sixth Velocity fest meet held in Kingston on Saturday. The easy win saw her improve on her 10.87 seconds, which was previously the fastest time, set at a local meet on August 8. The 33-year-old sprinter got out to a fast start in the race on Saturday and was ahead by 20 meters to win ahead of sprint hurdler Megan Tapper who ran a season's best of 11.82 seconds. Another Jamaican who also had an impressive meet was world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Melaine Walker, who placed third in the same race in 12.85, in what was her first competitive race in years. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double Olympic champion, was second overall as she
won her section in 10.92 seconds, the fourthbest time of the year and her second-fastest time over 100m. The top three fastest women's 100m times this year have all been set in August, by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on August 22, Thompson-Herah (10.88) on August 8 and American sprinter, Sha'Carri Richardson (10.95) on August 10. Fraser-Pryce, however, now owns three of the top seven times in the world so far this season, all in Jamaica. Her fastest time and fourth fastest-ever, of 10.70 seconds, was also set in Jamaica in 2012. The two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Fraser-Pryce has indicated that Saturday's run might be her last for 2020 as she looks forward to the possibility of the Olympic Games in the summer of 2021.
Fraser-Pryce
Romario Williams Sparks Miami FC To Maiden Win, Jamaican Romario Williams scored his fifth goal of the season to hand Miami FC its first MLS win while his fellow countryman Junior Flemmings extended his red-hot streak with a league-leading 10th strike as Phoenix Rising FC were held to a dramatic draw in the United Soccer League last weekend. Playing at the Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami on Sunday, the hosts broke out of their awful slump when they came from a goal down to beat Charlotte Independence 2-1, with Williams netting in the 16th minute. Entering the contest on the heels of three defeats and two draws in their previous five matches, Miami's run of poor form appeared set to continue when Jake Areman capped off a
Williams
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driving run down the centre of the half with an outstanding 18-yard volley which beat goalkeeper Bryant Gammiero to his left. Miami were level eight minutes later, however, after Hugh Roberts brought down Prince Saydee in the area, and Williams nodded home a rebound from close range after his penalty had been saved by Brandon Miller. A draw appeared on the cards until Tomas Granitto struck four minutes from the end through a deflected free kick from 25 yards out. Miami remain bottom of Group H on five points while Independence are second in Group G on nine points, behind runaway leaders Birmingham Legion FC on 18. - CMC
Barbadian Jockey Rico Walcott Triple Leads Caribbean Domination Barbadian jockey Rico Walcott starred with another triple, leading a Caribbean domination of Sunday's 10-race card at Century Mile in Edmonton, Canada. The 29-year-old multiple-times champion at the now defunct Northlands Park won with hot favorite ‘Temple of Zoom’ in race two, paired with 6-4 choice ‘Ryanwater’ to win race eight before also clinching race nine with another favorite ‘Something About Me.’ He opened his account in a five furlong sprint, making all the running with the brown filly ‘Temple of Zoom’ to beat the two-year-old maiden fillies by 2-½ lengths. Walcott then went winless in his next four rides before landing success again when he guided three-year-old gelding Ryanwater to a narrow win over the three-year-old and upward maidens. Going a mile, Walcott stalked pacesetter ‘Kentucky Roll’ before surging to the front at the five-sixteenth and holding off favourite ‘Provocative Prince’ in the stretch. His final win came over seven furlongs with four-year-old chestnut filly Something About Me. Walcott now has 40 wins for the season which ends November 1, and is 20 clear of second placed Rigo Sarmiento.
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C6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 27 – SEPT 2, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T