National Weekly August 6, 2020

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U.S. CENSUS 2020

PRIMARY ELECTIONS 2020

What’s At Stake

It’s Hard To Make A Case To Remove Tony

With New Sept. 30 Deadline, South Florida Urged To Up Census Outreach To Avoid Decade-Long Loss Due To Low Census Count

By Vonnie Lee CNW Staff Writer

Tony has been building a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community—a necessary ingredient for 21st century policing. It’s hard to make a case to remove him from this position at this time.

To assist voters in their choice in South Florida’s August 18, 2020, Primary Elections, the Caribbean National Weekly over the past several weeks has closely analyzed responses to our questionnaires and the candidates position on various issues as they relate to the interests of Caribbean- and African-American voters.

This has resulted in the newspaper’s editorial board concluding which candidates are more suitable to be elected in the primary elections currently being held in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, and commencing in Broward County on August 8, and others nominated to advance to the ballot for the November 3 general election.

In the most high-profile race in the primaries, for Broward County Sheriff, the National Weekly takes a look at the most prominent candidates.

The Democratic race for Broward’s County Sheriff is particularly competitive and

THURSDAY AUGUST 6, 2020

contentious. There are several capable, experienced law enforcement officers challenging incumbent Sheriff Gregory Tony for the position of Sheriff including the capable Jamaican American Andrew Smalling, former police chief of the cities of Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill. Smalling served both communities well and has some admirable traits that he could bring to the position. Willie Jones, who has a commendable law enforcement acumen and is the quintessential father figure, no doubt, is qualified for the post.

The position was held by Scott Israel for six years, but following the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas massacre in 2018, Gov. Ron DeSantis replaced Israel with Tony, which unbelievably became an immediate strike against the new sheriff. Though some might believe Israel should get a second shot at the post, Tony, in his relatively short tenure (18 months) as the county’s top cop, has displayed courageous, nononsense leadership and has made the BSO command the most diverse it has been in its 105-year history.

Early in his tenure, Tony took the unpopular position against the department’s disciplinary committee’s recommendation, firing bad cops and disciplining deputies who use excessive

force. What was most impressive, is that he made the tough decision long before the nationwide protests demanding accountability from law enforcement. In other words, he was not afraid to challenge the status quo to do the right thing for the community.

Additionally, Tony introduced a racial equity and implicit bias training program and made it mandatory for deputies to help combat racial bias in policing and transformed the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) to now include members of the public. While Tony is receiving push-back from some quarters and has some controversy in his past, he has been building a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community—a necessary ingredient for 21st century policing. It’s hard to make a case to remove him from this position at this time. CNW endorses Sheriff Gregory Tony for Broward Sheriff.

In about 10 minutes—the time it takes to complete the U.S. Census online at www.2020census.gov— South Floridians can determine their future for the next 10 years.

However, residents stand to lose big if the 2020 census ends with a low count from the Tri-County area—especially since the U.S. Census Bureau announced it will be cutting its data collection schedule a month short to end on September 30, instead of October 31, 2020.

The date change is in an attempt to meet the end-of-year deadline to submit data used in the redrawing of congressional districts.

This is a worrying development for researchers, politicians and others who believe shaving off four weeks of collecting census data will disenfranchise hard-to-count communities that include minorities and immigrants—such as Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. They also worry the data will be skewed, and to the detriment of many of these same communities.

What’s at Stake For South Florida While the census might not be a priority for some Floridians, particularly amid the pandemic, it is a crucial

WHAT’S INSIDE

continues on C4 – What’s At Stake

NEWSMAKER

SPORTS

JAMAICA’S TOURISM minister FIGHTS AGAINST ALL ODDS A3

Blow for WEST INDIES as South Africa rules out Caribbean series D3

VOTER’S GUIDE PAGE B1

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JAMAICA 58 INDEPENDEN CE CELEBRATION S

from around South Florida

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NEWSMAKER

EDMUND BARTLETT

Jamaica's Tourism Minister Fights Against All Odds Since reopening the borders to international travel on June 15, Jamaica has welcomed over 35,000 tourists to the island so far, with projections of over 60,000 visitors by the end of July. Although the arrival numbers on the island have been impressive, the government is still struggling to strike a balance between successfully reviving the tourism industry and keeping COVID-19 cases trending downwards.

Despite his anxiety to see Jamaica once extremely vibrant tourism industry return its preCOVID-19 days, earlier this week, Jamaica's hard-working tourism minister Edmund Bartlett sent a stern warning to hotel entities that they will be shut down if they fail to comply with health and safety protocols.

Bartlett said that unlike the Bahamas, which has recently banned American travelers from visiting, Jamaica cannot afford to close its borders to visitors from America, thus the onus is on the local industry and visitors who are required to comply with safety rules. “Right now, all of the visitors who come to Jamaica in this first phase are from the US. This week will be the first flight coming in from the UK. If we should put a ban on the US, the effect of it would be to shut down the industry.”

Last month, a report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development listed Jamaica as the country which stands to suffer the greatest economic fallout from COVID19's effect on tourism: a decline of 11% of GDP.

With such grim projections, Minister Bartlett has constantly echoed the importance of getting the nation's tourism industry back on track.

Prior to the coronavirus, Jamaica was projected to record a record-breaking year for tourism. As the leader of the industry, the 69year-old Minister Bartlett has been regarded as one of the world's best tourism minister for his branding of Jamaica, in recent years, as a worldclass destination.

Edmund Bartlett has given some 40 years of service to Jamaica and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP). After graduating from the University of the West Indies with a degree in accounting, he worked at the senior management level in the areas of marketing and sales as well as accounting, prior to entering elective politics.

In 1980, he contested the general elections as a candidate for the JLP and won a parliamentary seat representing the constituency of St. James East Central and served as Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and Culture in the Office of the Prime Minister. He was later promoted by the late prime minister Edward Seaga to serve as Minister of Youth, Sports & Community Development until 1989.

After the JLP lost the 1989 general elections to the People's National Party (PNP), he served as Senator and Opposition Spokesman on various portfolios. When the JLP was returned to office in 2007, Bartlett was appointed Minister of Tourism by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. After the 2011 elections, when the People's National Party again became the government, Bartlett spent his time as an opposition minister travelling the world and forging alliances with strategic partners for global initiatives. He returned to the helm of the Ministry of Tourism following the February 2016 victory at the polls by the JLP. Many locals have regarded Ed Bartlett as the

Many locals have regarded Ed Bartlett as the island's best tourism minister ever. During his tenure as tourism minister, the island's tourism industry has undergone a major transformation, which resulted in a billion-dollar increase in revenue for the country. island's best tourism minister ever.

During his tenure as tourism minister, the island's tourism industry has undergone a major transformation, which resulted in a billion-dollar increase in revenue for the country. From 2016 to 2017, Bartlett developed and launched Jamaica's Shovel-Ready initiative to attract investors and major hoteliers to the island and thus expanded the island's room capacity by 20 percent in just one year. With the availability of more tourism jobs during his tenure, Bartlett also established a pension program for local tourism workers and more recently, free tourism training for those impacted by COVID-19.

The strong negative impact that the pandemic has had on Jamaican tourism cutting off the flow of visitors to the island plethora of hotels, as Jamaica's and other international borders closed, and cruise ships were anchored, has a devastating blow to the Jamaican economy, and to Minister Bartlett, who witnessed his hard work falter.

But with the Jamaican border opened again

to international visitors Bartlett is committed to restore Jamaica as one of the word's more popular tourism destination, but doing so safely mindful of the responsibility of protecting locals and visitors against the spread of COVID-19.

For his contributions to Jamaica's tourism industry, Bartlett was honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) in 2012 and was also the recipient of the 2016 Caribbean Tourism Minister of Distinction award at the World Tourism Awards.

Minister Bartlett has been married to wife Carmen for over 40 years and has two children.

His passions include cricket, dominoes and dancing. At work and at play, he lives by the words of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's first National Hero: “God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own creative genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law: Let the sky and God be our limit and Eternity our measurement.”

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Bahamas On Lockdown Again Following Second Wave of COVID-19

by Sheri-Kae McLeod Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has announced another national lockdown that started August 4 at 10 p.m. in an attempt to slow the second wave of COVID-19 cases.

After recording their first COVID-19 case in March, a nationwide 24-hour curfew and border shutdown were subsequently announced to curb the spread of the virus.

But shortly after allowing non-essential travel to the island on July 1, The Bahamas almost immediately saw an increase in cases. As of July 10, the island had confirmed 108 cases and 11 deaths.

In the following weeks, the island saw over 550 additional cases (679 confirmed cases and 14 deaths as of August 3). Many of the island's tourists came from Florida, which now has

Minnis

almost half a million cases.

In a national address on August 3, Dr. Minnis said “this battle against COVID-19 has been a terrible strain on our country.”

Minnis said health officials have seen indicators that point to the need for a national lockdown. He also said that ICU beds

throughout the islands are at capacity and that non-critical care beds are approaching capacity.

“The national lockdown will be for a minimum of two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, we will examine the data and determine whether an extension is necessary,” Minnis said. During the lockdown, health officials on the island will also commence enhanced contact tracing, with cases expecting to rise as a result.

During the lockdown food stores, water depots, pharmacies (for curbside or takeout) and gas stations (for external usage only) will only be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There will be no curbside dining or takeaway retail.

Live streaming for religious services will be allowed to continue during the lockdown and funerals will be permitted. Exercise will also be permitted from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

An assessment will be made of Grand

UNICEF warns storms, coronavirus pose 'double threat' for children in the Caribbean The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that storms and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic pose a “double threat” for children in Central America and the Caribbean.

UNICEF said more than 70 million children in the region impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic could soon face catastrophic hurricane storms.

“In the coming days and weeks, children and families will be at risk of being hit simultaneously by two disasters, COVID-19 and hurricanes,” said Bernt Aasen, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

While acknowledging that displacement,

infrastructure damage and service interruptions caused by storms—particularly in coastal areas—could render individuals more vulnerable to the disease and its impacts, the UN children's agency expressed special concern that a powerful storm could severely undermine ongoing efforts to stem COVID-19.

UNICEF said the coronavirus could spread easily in crowded emergency shelters or displacement sites where physical distancing would be difficult to ensure.

At the same time, it said existing control measures, like hand washing, could falter if water, sanitation and health infrastructure were to be damaged or destroyed.

“This is the perfect storm we fear for the

Caribbean and Central America,” Aasen said.

In addition to straining national and local health systems in the region, Aasen said the pandemic is also raising serious questions about the aftermath of a catastrophic hurricane, including movement restrictions and budget shortfalls, “which may hinder national hurricane preparedness efforts.

UNICEF reported recently, that over the coming years, the Caribbean region is expected to experience intensified storms.

UNICEF is working across the region to support hurricane preparedness efforts and public health responses to COVID-19 through education, community outreach and technical support. - CMC

Bahama when its lockdown ends on Friday. A determination will be made whether an extension is necessary in Grand Bahama.

Ironically, Minnis also said there's no change in the travel policy. The Bahamas reversed course on closing its border to U.S. travelers due to the spike in cases.

The government last week announced that all tourists, including those coming from

Dr. Irfaan Ali Is The New President Of Guyana After months of controversy over general elections held earlier this year, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in on Sunday, August 2 as the ninth President of Guyana promising a government “that is accessible” and transparent and urging Guyanese to put aside their differences for the betterment of the country.

Ali, 40, took the Oath of Office at the Arthur Chung Conference Center before acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings Edwards, less than three hours after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declared continues on C4 Irfaan Ali

Ali

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

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What's The Real Jamaican Identity?

There is no singular, easy answer to that question. Jamaica is a nation of very diverse people, even though demographically, it's predominantly people of African descent. As have been displayed repeatedly since the nation gained independence in 1962, it's not only that Jamaicans are diverse in skin color and original ethnicity, but in attitude. So much so, no one could be blamed for changing the national motto from “Out of Many One People” to “Out of Many One Mixed-Up People.”

Even as the nation recently commemorated the 186th anniversary of emancipation from slavery on Emancipation Day, August 1, and celebrates its 58th independence anniversary on August 6, its people persist in displaying “mixed up moods and attitudes” symptomatic of a people still searching for their inherent identity.

This seeming lack of real identity came to fore ironically on Emancipation Day when it was reported that the Jamaican Supreme court handed down a ruling supporting a rural primary school banning a young girl from attending that school because she wears dreadlocks.

The matter started from some two years ago when the school claimed dreadlocks were against the school's policies. When the child's parents resisted the ruling, local human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), rallied to their support and obtained an order prohibiting the school's board from blocking the girl's admission. The JFJ claimed the school's decision violated the girl's constitutional rights.

But the Court ruled otherwise.

The school, like any other entity in Jamaica, has the right to set policies related to code of dress and conduct, but it's alarming when these codes run counter to what seems like the current norms of the country.

Increasingly, influenced by the Rastafari religion and movement, Jamaicans, whether believing in the religion or not, have worn their hair uncut, grown into long locks, commonly referred to as dreadlocks. The hairstyle is extremely popular among Jamaican entertainers. Late entertainers like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, and Dennis Brown were famous for flashing their locks as they performed on stage.

Dreadlocks are not uncommon with Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans alike—in Jamaica and overseas, including here in the U.S. However, there is still a stigma attached to the hairstyle.

It's no secret there is a history of discrimination against practitioners of Rastafari and one of their identifiers —dreadlocks— entwined in the nation's unfortunate class system. Dreadlocks are found to be more associated with the lower socio-economic class than the upper class. The few upper-class Jamaicans wearing dreadlocks do so basically as a fashion statement.

Despite the phenomenal popularity of Bob Marley since his death in 1981, when he was performing in Jamaica in the 70s, he was described by the monied class as a “dutty Rasta bwoi.” People wearing dreadlocks were looked at scornfully and suspiciously and were not generally accepted.

Unfortunately, there are remnants of this sentiment today. Many upper-class Jamaicans are still vehemently opposed to having their sons or daughters date or marry a person with dreadlocks—a sentiment described so eloquently in reggae artist Proteje's song “Rasta Love” which features Kymani Marley. This is compounded, especially if they come from an economically depressed community or a rural town.

Ironically, people follow and cheer entertainers and athletes who wear dreadlocks but will block people who wear them from attending some schools and workplaces. They sometimes even harshly criticize or try to deny them advancement in their professions, regardless of merit.

To underscore this point, there's currently in Jamaica, a politician representing the opposition party, a very bright and eloquent man, who is often described as the “Rasta bwoi.” There is little doubt that this moniker related to his hairstyle has cost him political advancement.

There's rampant hypocrisy running through the Jamaican society that is clouding the real identity of its people. Many appear to support Africanism and the attributes of their African heritage, while simultaneously trying to distance themselves from the physical identifiers—foregoing their natural hair for relaxers, wigs and weaves and taking great effort to “bleach” or lighten or their skin tones.

Jamaican dialect or patois is assumed to be commonly associated with the Jamaican identity, but there are Jamaicans who strongly frown upon speaking patois, or having it spoken in their home.

Interestingly, it's reggae music, Rasta culture and the Jamaican dialect that have made Jamaica a cultural powerhouse around the world. It's a pity that there are Jamaicans, still content with their colonial lot, who continue to oppose the things that make the island and its people unique.

It is certainly hoped that the Jamaican government, as expressed by the prime minister, take immediate steps to avoid Jamaican students being marginalized for their hairstyle or any other cultural norms. But, in the meantime, it's necessary to identify, acknowledge and embrace the Jamaican identity.

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LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Haiti Is Planning To Reopen To Tourists

USAID Allocates $15M To Fight Against Food Insecurity In Haiti Since April 30, 2020, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated $15 million to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to help Haitian households facing high levels of food insecurity.

In anticipation of the 2020 hurricane season in Haiti, food aid reserves are available to provide food assistance for only one month to approximately 300,000 people in the event of a natural disaster. From March to June 2020, in the departments of Grand'Anse, Nippes, West and Artibonite, WFP completed the distribution of food to approximately 121,610 Haitians. Each household received 50 kg of rice, 12.5 kg of peas and 9.2 pounds of cooking oil for a total of about 2,730 tons.

The US Ambassador to Haiti Michèle Sison said, "The commitment of USAID and the US government to food security in Haiti continues to help the most vulnerable. USAID, in collaboration with the UN and other partners, not only improves the food security of women and children in Haiti, but also helps women entrepreneurs achieve long-term, sustainable success.”

"During COVID-19 we will continue to not only improve nutritious food consumption to over 60,000 Haitian households but also strengthen incomes for families in need," said USAID Haiti Mission Director, Christopher Cushing.

Last week, Myriam Jean, Haiti's Minister of Tourism, Raina Forbin President of the Haitian Tourist Association (ATH) and Dr. Yves Gaston Delourches, Representative of the Ministry of Public Health indicated that Haiti is considering plans for the reopening of the country as a tourism destination.

The protocol being planned to reopen the tourism sector aims to reassure tourists and operators of the tourism sector and the staff of tourist establishments of prevention against COVID-19.

Meeting to discuss the protocols for reopening the tourism sector, Minister Jean said, "Today more than ever, we must reassure travelers, restore confidence in

the tourist chain and have a healthy and quality tourist offer in the context of Covid-19, are the objectives of this protocol," stressing that a team from the Ministry will be set up whose mission will be to monitor the proper application of the measures in all tourist establishments.

Raina Forbin gave assurance the ATH will make provisions to guarantee the health protection of tourism employees and tourists who choose Haiti as their tourism destination Haiti, affirming "This is what we can do to prove to the whole world that the country is opening again to tourists by full security," stressing that in all establishments with more than 5 employees the presence of a health worker will be compulsory.

Yves Gaston Delourches, recalled "We are not at the end of our troubles it is true that the incidences of COVID-19 are decreasing in Haiti but we must remain vigilant. This is why all infection prevention and control measures are part of any protocol to reopen the country to tourists."

Bahamas Lockdown

from A1

America, are now expected to quarantine for 14 days, with the option to spend their two-week quarantine in a private residence or rented accommodation, such as an Airbnb, where it's possible to isolate in a bedroom with a connected bathroom. Travelers can also quarantine in a hotel room with a connected bathroom or on a private boat. Guests that choose to quarantine at a hotel will be able to use the hotel's facilities, though casinos and nightclubs will be closed.

In addition to the mandatory quarantine period, travelers must also apply for a Bahamas health visa and have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited lab that was taken within 10 days.

After the 14-day quarantine, travelers must test negative on another COVID-19 test in order to leave quarantine. People who want to leave the country before the quarantine period ends can do so any time, without taking a COVID-19 test.

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VOTER’S GUIDE

2020 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

VOTER’S GUIDE AUGUST 18, 2020

To assist voters in their choice in South Florida's August 18, 2020, Primary Elections, the Caribbean National Weekly over the past several weeks has closely observed the candidate's campaign messages, analyzed questionnaires some responded to, listened to some of their speeches, and read their position on various issues, especially as these relate to the interests of Caribbeanand African-American voters.

N E T W O R K

U.S. CONGRESS

HASTINGS District 20 Alcee Hastings (DEM) Incumbent Hastings has been a longterm member of Congress who has been consistent in his efforts to improve the quality of life in this district.

He has the required experience to continue in the job.

Vic DeGrammont (REP) DeGrammont describes himself as a problem solver and “looking forward to representing his community and finally putting South Florida First.” He is confident his representation will make a difference in the key areas of public education, healthcare, immigration reforms, pro-gun laws, and improvement in the quality of lives for veterans.

District 21 Lois Frankel (DEM) Incumbent The former Mayor of West Palm Beach is the first woman to represent Florida's 21st district. In Congress, where she has made her mark as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where she serves on the Subcommittees fo: Energy and Water Development; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.

This has resulted in the newspaper's editorial board concluding which candidates are more suitable to be elected in the primary elections currently being held in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties, and commencing in Broward County on August 8, and others nominated to advance to the ballot for the November 3 General Elections.

Accordingly, our recommendations are stated below.

Voters are reminded they can only vote according to their party registration in the Primary Elections. Voters registered without party affiliation, or NPA, will not be allowed to vote. Registered Democrats can only vote

for Democratic candidates on the ballot with Democratic candidates, and the same applies for registered Republican voters, they can only vote for Republican candidates.

However, on Election Day, November 3, Democrats, Republicans and NPA's can vote for a candidate of whichever party.

Voters are also advised to contact the offices of the respective Supervisor of Elections in their county of residence for early voting places and early voting times.

On behalf of the several candidates that have placed themselves for elections, and the time, energy and funds they have spent

seeking to represent the voters of South Florida, we appeal to every eligible voter to vote.

Voting extends over a period of several days which enhances the convenience of voting.

There are very serious issues that affect every member of this community. It is by exercising every voter's special privilege to elect the most suitable candidate to represent him/her in the respective legislative chamber that these issues can be dealt with to the advantage of each voter, and the community.

RECOMMENDATIONS Christian Acosta (REP) He harbors ambition, if elected to Congress, to restore the power and authority of legislatures. His priorities include lowering the cost of prescription drugs, growing Florida's and the national economy, and achieving sustained job growth; and closing what he calls the education achievement gap.

District 22 Ted Deutch (DEM) Elected to Congress in 2010 Deutch has proved himself a committed Democratic, devoted to issues like gun control, affordable healthcare, improvement in Social Security and Medicare, raising the minimum wage and helping working families.

benefits Floridians in healthcare, job creation, minimum wage increase, racial and social justice, and fair immigration policies.

Carla Spalding (REP) This Caribbean American is an ambitious Republican seeking to represent the district with traditional conservative values including strengthening the police; protecting the U.S. borders against illegal immigration, and enhancing the quality of life for American families.

District 24 Fredericka Wilson (DEM) Incumbent

James (Jim) Pruden (REP) Pruden says his campaign platform is consistent with, and advances, the principles of economic and political freedom established by the founders of the U.S., domestic and international security, healthcare reform, and an originalist adherence to the U.S. Constitution.

District 23 Debbie WassermanSchultz (DEM) Incumbent

WASS.-SCHULTZ The incumbent congresswoman has proven herself to be a solid representative for her district and for Floridians in Congress. Her presence

WILSON She remains a warrior for the District since her first election in 2010 representing District 17. She has adequately represented the cause of the Black Community, including Haitians, and is quite fearless in Washington in fighting for the rights of her district and all Americans.

District 26 Carlos Giminez (REP) The incumbent Miami-Dade mayor is seeking to take a seat in Congress where he believes he will be able to influence the implementation of policies that affect South Florida, including protecting the environment, working for improved healthcare, and improved care for seniors.

District 27 Maria Elvira Salazar (REP) This bold journalist is making her second bid for the U.S. Congress. The issues and

policies she represents include anti-socialism, a stronger economy and job creation, term limits for politicians in Washington, and affordable healthcare.

District 35 Shevrin “Shev” Jones (DEM)

Kelly Skidmore (DEM)

FLORIDA SENATE District 29 Tina Polsky (DEM) The former Florida Representative is seeking a Senate seat to give Broward and Palm Beach residents a voice in government. She wants to ensure Florida's government prioritizes emergency preparedness to adequately respond to public health crises until a COVID19 vaccine is developed. Her other platforms include gun control, improving public school education, protecting seniors, improved wages, affordable healthcare, racial justice and equality, and addressing climate change.

District 33 Perry Thurston (DEM) Incumbent

THURSTON Thurston is seeking reelection and should be. In his initial tenure, he took his role in representing the people very seriously, and forcibly. He's very concerned about the damage COVID-19 is wreaking on the state's health security, economy and schools, and want to be engaged in stemming the virus, saving jobs and improving the state's unemployment system and compensation.

college degree, improve the lives of senior citizens, and honor veterans.

JONES Jones is also seeking to transit from the Florida House to the Senate believing there's much work to be done. His priorities include improving minimum wage to $15 per hour, increasing affordable housing options, reforming the criminal justice system, protecting the state's coasts against climate change, improving investment in infrastructure, public transportation and providing more support to Florida's small business sector.

District 39 Javier Fernandez (DEM) Fernandez is seeking to continue serving Floridians in the Senate after serving in the House, cites his priorities as a senator to include: growing the economy and keeping taxes low, combatting the rigors of climate change, common-sense gun control, funding new infrastructure projects, and making it possible for more Floridians to afford homes.

Skidmore who previously served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2008 has been trying to return since. She had failed bids to the Senate in 2010 and 2016. She should be successful in this run, as she definitely seems to have more experience than her competitor, both as a former legislator and a legislative aid in both the House and Senate for 10 years prior.

District 84 Eileen Vargas (REP)

VARGAS Vargas is advocating for prolife, immigration reform; backs charter school and the vocational school movement, and endorses smaller government, and less regulation and taxes.

District 88 Omari Hardy (DEM)

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District 81 Silmo Moura (REP) His platform is to invest in people—children, teens, and seniors. He wants to ensure children start and get the greatest education, teens remain in school and get a

HARDY Hardy seems set to unseat incumbent Al Jacquet who has drawn criticism for unexplained absences from the Legislature during his second term. Hardy is a Lake Worth Commissioner with a no-nonsense approach to

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VOTER’S GUIDE representation. He supports criminal justice reform, affordable housing, racial justice and equality, job and economic growth.

District 94 Bobby DuBose (DEM) Incumbent

DUBOSE DuBose is seeking his third term in the Florida House.

He's anxious to be reelected to continue fighting for the district and providing residents with criminal justice reform, enhanced economic development, increase affordable housing, improved and expanded healthcare, and laws that prevent residents from gun violence.

District 95 Anika Omphroy (DEM) Incumbent

OMPHROY

RECOMMENDATIONS

Omphroy is facing a strong challenge from newcomer Jasmen Rogers-Shaw for the seat won in 2018. She came under criticism for voting with Republicans on an abortion bill. However, she admitted to being agonized about her decision. She has also shown she has learned a lot in her first tenure, and displays a commitment to the best interests of the district, focusing on jobs, the economy, and other issues crucial to the district.

recover from the COVID-19 pandemic; improve employment opportunities, especially for the underprivileged; improve healthcare, including coverage for mental health and substance abuse; improve security at public schools, and implement universal background checks to purchase firearms.

District 102 Felicia Simone Robinson (DEM)

District 96 Saima Farooqui (DEM) Farooqui is self-described as having a passion for civil rights. The vice president of the Coconut Creek Democratic Club and secretary of the American Muslim Democratic Caucus of Florida is committed to making changes for the betterment of the community, emphasizing the importance of affordable education, accessible healthcare, economic growth, and implementing policies for public safety.

District 101 Marie Woodson (DEM) With thousands of Floridians struggling to obtain adequate unemployment benefits, Woodson wants to be involved in creating an unemployment system that actually works. Her plan is to obtain federal funding to assist Floridians as they

ROBINSON A former councilwoman of the City of Miami Gardens, Robinson's priorities are to improve affordable public transportation in the district, provide affordable, farreaching healthcare; provide quality and innovative education, increase affordable housing, increase job opportunities, improve public safety, and improve the district's environment with more green spaces and research parks.

District 103 Nelson Rodriquez (REP) Nelson is a rare Republican that supports gun control,

wanting to see the state introduce background checks and a three-day wait period on gun sales.

District 104 Morey Wright Jr. (DEM) Caribbean American Morey Wright Jr. brings fresh energy and new ideas to South Florida politics. His priorities include increasing funding for education, expanding access to affordable healthcare, advocating aggressively for seniors, veterans and small businesses; working to pass sensible gun reform, and protecting the environment from climate change.

District 105 Maureen Porras (DEM) Maureen's experience as an attorney defending the rights of vulnerable populations led her to run for office. She has served and protected families for over 11 years and is ready to serve District 105. Her priorities include: investing in public education, criminal justice reform, preserving Florida's natural resources, supporting women's reproductive rights, and protecting immigrants within the community.

special interests that threaten their quality of life.

District 107 Christopher Benjamin (DEM)

BENJAMIN Benjamin is eager to be elected to protect residents of his district and Floridians from the health and economic negatives caused by COVID-19. His immediate priorities are fixing and enhancing Florida's problematic and inadequate unemployment system, training the unemployed for newly created jobs, assisting failing small businesses, and improving the quality of policing within the state.

District 108 Dotie Joseph (DEM) Incumbent

Bibiana Potestad (REP) The local attorney's objective is to work tirelessly to protect district residents from tax increases and combat the

JOSEPH

This attorney, community activist, and civil rights advocate seems poised to be reelected to continue her quest “for equal access to affordable housing, safe communities, quality education, affordable health care, job creation, and improving quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the district.”

District 112 Rosa Maria “Rosy” Palomino (REP) Palomino is seeking to be elected to the state legislature to put “we the people” back in control of state government. She wants to be involved in not just providing solutions, but also providing conservative solutions that represent free market, and limited government values.

District 114 Jean-Pierre Bado (DEM) Bado is seeking to represent District 114 to, among other priorities, fight the potentially devastating effects of climate change, especially the threat from rising waters on South Florida's coast; support common-sense gun reform to keep schools and neighborhoods safe, as well as create more economic opportunity for residents.

District 116 Daniel Perez (REP) Incumbent During his first term, Perez showed the type of drive and

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 6 – AUG 12, 2020 –

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

VOTE DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA DEMOCRAT FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR

JAVIER FERNANDEZ DEMOCRAT FOR STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 39

JOE KIMOK DEMOCRAT FOR STATE ATTORNEY

JASMEN ROGERS-SHAW DEMOCRAT FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 95

SHEVRIN JONES DEMOCRAT FOR STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 35

OMARI HARDY DEMOCRAT FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 88

EARLY VOTING: AUGUST 3RD – AUGUST 16TH, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2020

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VOTER’S GUIDE commitment that deserves voting for him from among his challengers to give him the opportunity to continue his “tireless work for the residents of the district and the residents of Florida.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

protecting water quality and the environment.

District 9 Dale Holness (DEM) Incumbent

Circuit Court Judge Gr. 27 Frank Ledee

District 117 Jessica Laquerre Hylton (DEM) Hylton is seeking to be the youngest and first black woman to represent this South Miami-Dade district.

She is keen on stomping out crime in the district, enhancing the potential for the success of small businesses, creating new opportunities for the youth, and driving homeownership

BROWARD COUNTY (County Commission, School Board, Circuit Court and County Court Judges, State Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff, Clerk of The Courts, Supervisor of Elections)

COUNTY COMMISSION District 7 Tim Ryan (DEM) Incumbent Tim Ryan has worked hard to make sure Broward County is strong and resilient.

His efforts include: creating high wage jobs and helping workers get skills they need, finding innovative solutions to reduce traffic, and

circumstances can have on whether they receive saying “A lack of availability to the courts because of one's socioeconomic circumstances is an injustice I have seen.”

HOLNESS Holness, the incumbent Mayor of Broward County, has served the district with utmost diligence over successive terms. He relentlessly fights for benefits for residents and has displayed in recent months as the county struggles with the challenges brought by COVID-19 that he possess the relevant leadership qualities.

Circuit Judge 16 George Odom Jr. George is a former Marine, and a straight shooter. He promises to “bring honor and dedication to the bench.”

Circuit Court Judge Gr. 18 Kristin Padowitz Padowitz believes Broward citizens would “benefit by having a more efficiently run court system.” She is also sensitive to the role a person's socioeconomic

Ledee is a good man.

Attorneys who went up against him when he was a Miami-Dade prosecutor, hailed his reputation for being tough and fair.

Circuit Court Judge Gr 30 Ian Richards

percent of his decisions were upheld.

Circuit Court Judge Gr. 50 Gina Hawkins County Court Judge Gr. 22 Alison Gilman County Court Judge Gr. 27 Phoebee Francois Caribbean American Phoebee Francois is the best candidate in this race. She is super smart, capable, fair and compassionate.

County Court Judge Gr. 31 Sean Conway Sean stood up to an overly harsh judge and paid the price for it.

RICHARDS Richards previously served as a good and fair judge and is deserving of another shot on the bench. Although he might always be remembered as the judge who jumped over the bench to protect a witness who was being attacked, he has proven himself to be capable of much more. For example, he streamlined the misdemeanor domestic violence unit; and of the more than 1000 cases and hundreds of jury trials over which he presided, 99

particularly competitive and contentious. There are several capable, experienced law enforcement officers challenging Tony for the position of Sheriff including Jamaican American Andrew Smalling former police chief of the cities of Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill.

However, in his relatively short tenure as County Sheriff, Tony has displayed courageous, no-nonsense leadership seeking to strengthen the department while ensuring citizens are treated fairly.

H. Wayne Clark (REP)

Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott (DEM)

SCOTT

The Democratic race for Broward's County Sheriff is

School Board – District 3 Heather Brinkworth School Board – District 9 Jeff Holness State Attorney Harold Pryor

Based on experience, Clarke seems the better Republican candidate.

County Sheriff Gregory Tony (DEM) Incumbent

TONY

which voters can turn out to vote in large numbers without hindrance, confident their votes will be counted on time.

Scott, who refers to himself as a “tech geek,” has the necessary talents to ensure the county's electoral system is capably and fairly managed. A system where appropriate technological innovations will ensure votes are not compromised, and in

PRYOR Harold Pryor is the right person for this position, especially at a time when people of color are demanding a more equitable justice system. Pryor has firsthand experience of the justice system’s shortcomings for Black people, and believes becoming a part of that system is the best way to reform it. As an Assistant State Attorney of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Pyror prosecuted serious criminal offenses, developing the reputation for being tough yet fair—a trait necessary for the role.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 6 – AUG 12, 2020 –

RECOMMENDATIONS County Public Defender Gordon Weekes (DEM)

WEEKES Caribbean American Weekes is a natural successor to Howard Finkelstein as Broward County's Public Defender. The office, which serves mostly blacks and other minorities, could benefit from a candidate who understands them better, Finklestein who is retiring, was quoted as saying.

Weekes successfully served as Chief Assistant Public Defender in charge of the Juvenile Division.

Clerk of the Court Mark Alan Speiser

SPEISER This is a close race between Paul Backman and Mark Alan Speiser, challenging incumbent Brenda Forman.

Essentially, anyone can win this race, but we think Speiser is the most qualified.

He will bring to the position a wealth of knowledge and an innovative spirit that will help to move the clerk’s office in a more positive direction.

Having been involved in creating the nation's first mental health court, Florida’s second drug court and Broward County’s first veteran’s court, Speiser shows he can put his out-of-the-box ideas to good use—a characteristic that bodes well for the clerk’s office and the people it serves.

female mayor from a strong field of four candidates. She offers a much-needed fresh perspective on the leadership of the myriad problems of this very diverse community.

State Attorney, 11th Judicial Circuit Melba V. Pearson (DEM)

Group 57 Roderick “Rod” Vereen Group 65 Thomas Rebull Group 67 Marcia Giordano Hansen

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VOTER’S GUIDE

with Sybrina Fulton, mother of the late slain Miami teenager Trayvon Martin.

While Fulton has gained notoriety for her mission against gun violence, and for criminal justice, Gilbert has more experience gained during his tenure as mayor.

District 3 Gepsie M. Metellus

Group 75 Dava J. Tunis

and defended the environment and green space.

District 7 Cindy Lerner The former Mayor of Pinecrest has the necessary experience to represent the district. She is a nationally acclaimed leader on climate change policies—a skill muchneeded on the county commission as sea level rises and threatens the coastline.

District 9 Marlon Hill

COUNTY JUDGE

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (State Attorney, Mayor, County Commission, Property Appraiser, School Board, Circuit Court and County Court Judges, State Attorney, Puplic Defender, Clerk Of The Courts)

MAYOR Daniella Levine Cava

CAVA The former Miami-Dade Commissioner is seeking to emerge as the county's first

PEARSON Pearson is an assistant state attorney advocating for criminal justice reform, committed to ending racial disparities within the criminal justice system and safely reduce Miami-Dade's jail population. She wants to ensure the State Attorney's Office put new resources and more attention towards bringing justice to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and stem the criminalization of poverty by ending cash bond requirements for most nonviolent offenders.

Circuit Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit Group 55 Olanike “Nike” Adebayo

Group 9 Joseph J. Manseld Group 24 Christine Bandín

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS District 1 Oliver Gilbert

METELLUS The Haitian American community activist is in a very crowded race of five candidates, vying for this seat. Her tireless community work has prepared her to serve the wider community, and address her priorities to help struggling families, expand opportunities for small businesses, increase affordable housing, and address traffic congestion in the county.

District 5 Eileen Higgins (Incumbent)

GILBERT Gilbert, Mayor of Miami Gardens is in a tight race

As County Commissioner, Higgins has been an advocate for residents and small businesses. She has fought for transportation solutions, championed affordable housing, helped Flagler St. businesses suffering through endless construction recover,

HILL Hill, an attorney, is a consistent “servant leader” in the Caribbean community.

The Jamaican American, business and professional leader, wants “…to elevate what I have been doing for years on a different platform.” He's seeking election to “help magnify the voices of Miami-Dade residents and needs to the hallways of county government.” His priorities include: providing a solution to the affordable housing crisis, fighting for public transit expansion to ease traffic congestion, preservation of the natural environment, and improving fair community policing.

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VOTER’S GUIDE District 11 Robert Asencio

RECOMMENDATIONS

Property Appraiser Marisol Zenteno

Community Council 11, Subarea 114 Christian Cevallos Community Council 14, Subarea 144 Kelli Ann Thomas

ASENCIO

ZENTENO

Asencio, a former state representative, promises to place emphasis on solving the grave transportation problem that hinders this district and improving the economic opportunities for the numerous small business located within the district.

Zenteno has over fifteen years' experience as a State General Appraiser. Her goal is to bring the county's property appraiser's office into the twenty-first century with stronger support for its diverse workforce.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

District 13 Rene Garcia

District 3 Lucia Baez-Geller

Community Council 14, Subarea 146 Steven M. Green Community Council 15, Subarea 154 Marvin D. Wilson Sr

CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS Mayor Lavern Deer

District 5 Christi Fraga

GARCIA The former Florida senator has gained significant experience over the years and is suitable to be seated on the county commission where his priorities include providing more affordable housing, freezing property taxes for seniors, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, and protecting the county's environment.

District 7 Marie Flore LindorLatortue District 9 Luisa Santos Community Council 8, Subarea 82 Alethia Emily Hinds

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!

DEER The Jamaican American, who founded the Female Development World Organization Inc. (FDWO) and was a pioneer in the Reggae Girlz development in their historic run to the FIFA World Cup, is focused on education, health, social development and ending the

Make sure everyone in your family is counted. You count!

We all count!

Children’s Services Council of Broward County 6600 West Commercial Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33319 Tel: 954.377.1000 Email: infor@cscbroward.org www.cscbroward.gov This message brought to you by the Children's Services Council of Broward County”.

abuse of girls and young women, especially in socioeconomically challenged communities. Deer is a Human Trafficking Expert who has worked with Florida legislators to propose language for the Human Trafficking Education in Schools Bill.

Residential Seat 1 Elvis Caines Residential Seat 3 Shannan Ighodaro At-Large Seat 5 Francis Ragoo

PALM BEACH COUNTY (Clerk And Comptroller, Sheriff, County Commission, School Board, Circuit Court And County Court Judges, Soil And Water Conservation, Port Of Palm Beach, Tax Collector)

Clerk and Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo (DEM)

District 3 Dave Kerner (DEM)

Group 2 – Katherine Waldon (DEM)

District 7 Mark Bernard (DEM)

Group 3 – Clarence “Chief” Williams lll (DEM)

Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit Group 16 – Henry Quinn Johnson Group 30 – Adam Myron COUNTY COURT JUDGE Group 12 – Debra Moses Stephens PALM BEACH SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION Group 2 – Ann Marie Sorrell Group 3 – Nicholas T. O'Neal

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER District 1 – Barbara McQuinn District 2 – Alexandria Marie Ayala District 5 – Frank Anthony Barbieri, Jr. County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (DEM) Supervisor of Elections Paulette V. Armstead Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon (DEM)

Group 4 – Rob Long

COUNTY PORT OF PALM COMMISSIONERS BEACH District 1 Karen Marcus (REP)

Group 1 – Wayne M. Richards (DEM)

N E T W O R K

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 6 – AUG 12, 2020 –

RECOMMENDATIONS

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Domestic Violence The Hidden Pandemic Alongside COVID-19

By Patricia Scotland

Waking up to screams, thuds, angry shouting, and the sickening sound of someone crashing into a wall, a table, a door. This is the cruel reality of many children and young people across several countries.

As economies, institutions and social welfare sectors continue to buckle under the strain of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic crisis, there's a dangerous escalation in the risk to millions of people caught in the clutches of domestic and gender-based violence.

Emerging evidence on the impact of essential lockdown measures and the economic fall out of the pandemic on gender-based and domestic violence paints a frightening picture.

The crisis has led to an alarming escalation of violence in the home, with women bearing the brunt of the frustration and anger. In some areas, there even have been reports of women being prevented from seeing doctors and female doctors being spat on while testing other women for COVID-19.

In the British Commonwealth, including the Caribbean, there are surging numbers of emergency calls to helplines – with rises of anything between 25 and 300 percent, dramatic increases in internet searches for support for those affected by domestic violence, and higher numbers of domestic homicides.

These are extremely disturbing trends, which cannot be ignored.

Experience teaches that women tend often to be at a disadvantage during crises, epidemics and now this pandemic and that domestic violence tends to increase. In West Africa, 60 percent of total deaths in the 2014 Ebola outbreak were women. Following the Canterbury earthquake in New Zealand, there was a 53 percent rise in domestic violence.

In many cases, this is because gender roles and harmful practices, including customs such as early and forced marriage, limit women's access to health services. Women do three times as much unpaid care work at home compared to men and make up 70 percent of workers in the health and social care sectors. Women are squarely in the infection's path.

In the British Commonwealth, including the Caribbean, there are surging numbers of emergency calls to helplines – with rises of anything between 25 and 300 percent, dramatic increases in internet searches for support for those affected by domestic violence, and higher numbers of domestic homicides. These are extremely disturbing trends, which cannot be ignored.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, mass school closures have entrenched learning gaps between girls and boys, and put more girls at risk of sexual exploitation, early pregnancy, and early or forced marriage.

School closures also mean children are unable to report abuse to trusted teachers. Also, with restrictions on home visits by police and health workers; violence shelters being converted into health facilities, and courts forced to close, many victims may find themselves trapped and feeling abandoned.

Mitigating the devastating impacts of this hidden pandemic of domestic violence requires strong and concerted action. So, the Commonwealth Secretariat is working alongside partner organizations on measures to help the 54member countries stem the rising tide of gender-based violence.

In meetings with counterpart organizations like the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, the Pacific Island Forum, the Council of Europe and the Community of Spanish Language Countries, the Secretariat have explored collaboration and mechanisms to ensure women are at the center of post-COVID recovery planning. The Secretariat will work with its respective members to implement policy responses and interventions to safeguard those at risk.

There'll be a particular emphasis on creating opportunities through virtual meetings and seminars. Commonwealth countries share knowledge, resources and experience on how best to navigate through the rapidly evolving processes and circumstances within which they operate. It's encouraging, in this regard, that throughout the Commonwealth there's evidence of renewed commitment and action to end violence against women and girls.

What is clear from meetings with officials and development leaders is the immense urgency of taking action to protect women and girls who are being abused, isolated, and even killed in their homes. Sadly, children living in violent homes not only witness violence but may themselves suffer abuse.

Violence in the home is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of our time. The Commonwealth collectively stands ready to bring the power of its advocacy and support to the planned UN Declaration on Women and COVID-19. * Patricia Scotland is the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Get An Eye Exam: Save Your Vision Dr. Melanie Reese, Optometrist

Many people believe that having good vision means that their eyes are healthy, but that is not always the case. Regular comprehensive eye exams can ensure that you not only maintain good vision, but that you keep your eyes, and ultimately your body, healthy as well. Getting an eye exam is the first step that you need to take to save your vision.

Adults, especially those over age 40, should have their eyes tested yearly; not only to keep their prescriptions for glasses or

contacts current, but also to check for early signs of eye disease.

Your eye doctor can detect common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, floaters and macular degeneration.

The health of your eyes is also an indicator of your overall health.

Eye doctors are often the first health care providers to detect

systemic diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Annual eye exams are not just for adults. Children need to get regular eye exams as well. Healthy vision is essential to a child's ability to learn and achieve their academic potential. Most people think that just because a child can see the eye chart at a vision screening at school or the pediatrician's office, that that means that they have perfect vision. A child who can see 20/20 can still have a vision problem. It is important for parents to know that vision screenings are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Even if your child seems to be able to see OK, and doesn't complain, you still need to schedule an eye exam.

Routine eye exams are important for everyone, no matter your age. In honor of Save Your Vision Month, please make sure you schedule your eye exam this month, if you haven't already had an exam this year.

Easy, Common-sense Exercises You Can Do Daily

By Joannie Logan Physical Trainer Although most gyms in South Florida are open, several people are nonetheless weary to visit them through fear of contracting the coronavirus. However, one can still get the required exercise outside a gym. If you are among those who cannot, or are reluctant to, visit a gym here are some common-sense, easy exercises you can still attempt.

Walking Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active regularly, lose weight and become healthier. People who walk regularly, at least 20 minutes daily in a brisk manner, burn more calories than those who make weekly visits to a gym.

For those with busy schedules, they can try

to walk more by walking instead of driving short distances, park their car a distance from, and walk the rest of the way, to their workplace; or if they don't drive get off the bus or train one stop early and walk the rest of the way. Aim to walk 10,000 steps daily, burning up to 400 calories.

To keep track of your walking, use a pedometer, or exercise your brain by counting your steps while you walk.

You'll be surprised how many steps you can take within 30 minutes by simply walking in or around your house, garden, office, or the shopping mall. Just walk!

Home Exercises Burn calories, lose weight and feel great with simple exercise at home. These exercises include: walking (of course); jogging on the spot, stretches, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups (using a door jam), stairs climbing, stomach

crunches, rope-skipping, and/or working out with a medicine ball.

Take periodical breaks from the TV, computer and the smartphone and simply walk around the room, stretch or jog on the spot.

Skipping is an excellent home exercise. Just 15 minutes daily generates health benefits, including heart and lung fitness, strong bones, balance and flexibility. The average person will burn up to 200 calories during 15 minutes of skipping. However, skipping is a strenuous exercise, for beginners, it's recommended they start slowly at first; say 5 minutes per day for the first week, then increase gradually to a more rapid pace up to 15 minutes daily.

If affordable, it's recommended to invest in exercise equipment like a stationary bike, treadmill to use in the home. Using either or both of these equipment 30 minutes daily works wonders for your physical wellbeing.

Swimming Assuming one has easy access to a pool, or lives near the beach, swimming, like walking, is one of the most effective exercises. When one swims all the muscles are engaged.

Understandably, although there are several public pools where one could usually visit, its best in the current pandemic to swim in private home pools, or in the ocean adjacent to one of the several lovely beaches in South Florida.

Dancing For the young and the old, one of the more pleasant forms of exercise is dancing, and not necessarily at a night-club. Simply turn on the radio, or create a playlist with reggae, soca, salsa, or some other pulsating/rhythmic music genre and dance to good health for 30 minutes every day. Swing your hips, arms, legs, contract your stomach and buttocks, and sweat.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 6 – AUG 12, 2020 –

Mayor Hazelle Rogers, Honored With Jamaica's Order of Distinction “Willie” Stewart, Dr. Orlando Patterson, and “Bunny” Shaw Among 2020 Awardees

By Garth A. Rose Pioneer Jamaican American politician Hazelle Rogers, Mayor of the City of Lauderdale Lakes, was among several Jamaicans home and abroad who were honored in Jamaica's National Honors and Awards on August 6, Independence Day, in Jamaica.

The Honors and Awards are offered by the Jamaican government annually to Jamaicans in appreciation for their services in various areas are presented by the nation's governor-general at Kings House, the official residence of the GG, on National Heroes Day which falls on October 19 this year.

Mayor Rogers has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in appreciation for her years of service in the Jamaican diaspora. Other South Floridians who were also honored with the Order of Distinction were musician and former Third World drummer, William “Willie” Stewart for service in the field of music, and former member of the Jamaican legendary band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Keith Lyn, also for his contribution to music.

Another member of the Jamaican diaspora, Dr. Orlando Patterson, sociologist and author, received the highest honor, the

Order of Merit (OM), this year. This is Jamaica's fourth highest honor and is conferred on individuals who have achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature, or any other endeavor. Patterson was awarded for “highly distinguished international contribution to academia, West Indian literature, sociology, and epistemology of social culture.”

Merlene Ottey, Jamaica's “Bronze Queen” received the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for her contribution to sports, and will hereafter be formally referred to as “The Honorable.”

Cedella Marley—a member of the Melody Makers and daughter of Bob and Rita Marley—will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for her work with Jamaica's national women's football program.

Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, a member of the Jamaican women football team, the Reggae

Girlz, and Jamaica's all-time leading football scorer, has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

Rogers pioneered representational politics in Florida when she was elected as a commissioner to the City of Lauderdale Commission in 1996. Later, in 2008 she was elected to the Florida House of Representative representing District 94 (later redistricted as District 95) in Broward County, She served the required two terms and when she was term-limited in 2016, she returned to her rooted political representation in the City of Lauderdale Lakes and was soundly elected and installed as the city's mayor.

Wille Stewart is a founding member of Third World, one of Jamaica's most popular reggae bands of international repute.

Retiring from the band after 23 years of service, Stewart focused on training young Floridians in drumming and percussion through his organization Embrace Music Foundation. His signature annual Rhythms of Africa concerts play to wide acclaim as he takes his message worldwide.

Keith Lyn was a founding member of The Dragonaires, and for several years was the band's lead vocalist, gaining popularity for his soul melodies like “Empty Chair” which was a hit in Jamaica in the 60s, and his cover of Tom Jones' “Elusive Dream.”

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North Miami Beach Feed Thousands Coping With Pandemic Hunger With COVID-19's continued, devastating impact on Florida's public health and the economy, a growing number of people are feeling the effects of unemployment and hunger.

Sobering statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that 11.3 percent of Floridians and 13.2 percent of Miami Metro Area residents say they don't have enough to eat.

For the past 16 weeks, as part of its unwavering commitment to addressing pandemic food insecurity, the City of North Miami Beach (NMB) has come together with its community partners to carry out food distributions and deliveries, and will continue to be part of the solution while the need exists.

“Now more than ever, families are struggling and they need support. The City of North Miami Beach understands their needs and we are here to help,” said NMB Mayor Anthony F. DeFillipo.

“Some people can't buy food because they don't have any money, so we have been going door to door dropping off boxes of food and essentials to ensure they get what they need to last throughout the week and even further.”

Since North Miami Beach's first citywide food delivery on April 3 it has: ● Carried out 20 food distributions or deliveries through generous partnerships with Adopt-A-Box, U-Haul, Feeding South Florida, and Joshua's Heart Foundation ● Delivered or distributed 20-pound boxes of fresh Florida produce, meat, and groceries to an estimated 6,000 local families ● Supplied about 120,000 pounds of food to date, and estimates it will supply 140,000 pounds in total by the end of the city's fiscal year (September 30) Food deliveries, supported by city volunteers, take place on Fridays to a pre-determined list of 300 families in need who live in North Miami Beach.

NMB residents who would like to sign up to receive assistance may do so at www.citynmb.com/1252/Food-Assistance.

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CONTINUATIONS

Irfaan Ali

What’s At Stake

from A4

him the winner of the disputed March 2 regional and general elections.

GECOM also declared that the main opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won the most seats, 32, in the 65member Parliament, with the outgoing coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) receiving 31 seats and the other political parties, one seat, under Guyana's proportional representation electoral system.

Ali promised Guyana that his administration would not “disappoint you” and thanked the population “sincerely for your confidence and your trust but you will know that in voting for the PPP you've elected a Government to serve all the people of Guyana and that is what we will be doing.

“We are in this together, we are not separated,” he said, adding that he was now looking forward to a smooth transmission from the David Granger administration.

Ali said he intends to name his Cabinet as soon as possible so that the work of the new government can begin almost immediately.

“You will have a government that is accessible and one that will be more than willing to share with you information as we work on building our Guyana in the interest of all,” he said.

Senior PPP/C officials, including former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was named VicePresident, Gail Teixeria, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Nandlall, the Attorney general and Mark Phillips as the Prime Minister, were also in attendance at the simple ceremony.

Ali said that outgoing president Granger had been invited but stayed away. Heads of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service, as well as several heads of overseas missions, attended the event.

Ali, a former housing minister in the last PPP/C administration, is married to Arya Ali and is the father of one son.

He also faces legal challenges arising out of his tenure as a minister of housing. - CMC

component of how South Florida will fare for the next 10 years.

There is a lot at stake. Not only is the decennial census crucial to America’s democracy and fair representation in Congress, but it also helps to decide how more than $1.5 trillion per year in federal funds are apportioned. What that means is that if counties and communities are undercounted, they stand to lose millions of dollars, which would negatively impact funding for schools and nutrition programs, hospitals and nursing homes, roads and highways, emergency preparedness and services, and other vital programs for the next 10 years.

So far, the self-response rate for Florida is at 59.7 percent—a decrease from the 63.0 percent rate recorded around the same time in the 2010 Census. The rates in the TriCounty are lagging behind as well, with Broward and Palm Beach counties at 3 to 5 percentage points lower than what they were in 2010. The decrease in Miami-Dade is staggering, with response rates 8 to 11 percentage points lower.

Commissioner Nan Rich, Broward County Complete Count Committee chair said in a televised interview in March, “We had $210 million that was left on the table, and we’re trying to lower that...We need to get our fair share, particularly because of the diversity of our community—immigrants, seniors, 0-5 population. We’re vulnerable if we don’t get those people counted.”

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president and CEO of Broward’s Children’s Services Council (CSC) shares the same sentiments. She told CNW, “Young people were drastically

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undercounted in the 2010 U.S Census—which missed more than 1 in 10 children under the age of five...When we fail to count children, the programs that support their well-being—such as childcare, schools, health insurance, housing, and public transportation—lose out on needed funds for the next 10 years, an entire childhood.”

Now, with the deadline less than two months away, some local government and civic groups are stepping up their efforts to get residents counted.

Broward County has launched a countywide workforce campaign, with an August 10-16 week of action, to encourage employers to dedicate 10-15 minutes to allow their employees to complete the census if they have not already done so.

Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker said in March they developed a map highlighting the areas estimated to be undercounted and would be focusing on those areas.

But with the lockdown restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, many census outreach plans have had to be shelved or reconfigured to operate virtually.

In a recent opinion piece in the Palm Beach Post, Florida Counts Census 2020—a statewide initiative formed by eight philanthropic and nonprofit organizations throughout Florida—urged government leaders to promote the census in light of the pandemic’s impact.

The opinion writers, Scott Hansel, CEO of Housing Partnership and Reginale Durandisse CEO and founder of For The Children, sounded the alarm at the weak selfresponse rate in Florida and in Palm Beach

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County specifically, where the self-response rate as of July 28 is 60.4 percent, which is below the national average of 62.6 percent.

Hansel and Durandisse also reminded leadership that Florida recorded the 3rd largest state omissions (missing 1.4 million people) in 2010, losing out on about $20 billion in federal funds over the 10 years following.

“The stakes are huge: for each adult and child missed, Florida’s state and local budgets will lose an estimated $15,000 per person per year,” they added.

In Miami-Dade—one of the top 10 most populous counties in the nation with some 2,761,581 residents—the self-response rate is even more dismal at just 57.1 percent according to data from the county. MiamiDade also ranks in the top 10 for having the highest numeric growth, with an increase of 263,568 persons.

Miami-Dade’s goal is to reach or surpass an 82 percent completion rate.

So what can we do?

Fill out the census as soon as possible, if you haven’t already done so. The easiest way to do this is to log on to www.2020census.gov and complete the online form in 10–15 minutes. To complete the census by phone with a Census Questionnaire Assistance representative, call 1-844-330-2020. If you prefer the mail-in option, you can mail back the paper questionnaire sent to your home.

As Arenberg Seltzer puts it, “Make sure everyone in your family is counted. You count! We all count!”

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D1

Jamaican Synchronized Swimmers Featured In Beyoncé's Visual Album “My manager, Mary Ramsey, reached out to me by email saying, 'An award-winning Grammy artiste is seeking deep skin toned synchronized swimmers for a music video'… I wasn't pushing for anything because I'm doing my private lessons swimming [in Jamaica. She again reached out to me a couple days after, pushing it… saying: Nicole, I think you should look into this. I would really like if you could be here for it. I said: 'Okay. You could submit me.”

Chin Shue said she learned days after it was a project involving “Queen Bey.” “I mentioned that there's a team in Portland with a couple of girls that could be part of it… they got in touch with them and they booked the girls for the gig as well…

So five girls from Portland's Island Aquatics Synchro Club and myself were in the project,” Chin Shue continued.

At the two-day shoot, Chin Shue said she got the chance to speak with Beyonce and thanked her for the opportunity.

While American entertainer Beyoncé's latest visual album, Black is King, was celebrated by fans around the world for its stunning visuals and nod to African culture, it was the inclusion of Jamaican synchronized swimmers that caught the attention of many Jamaicans.

The project, which reimagines the story of the Disney blockbuster The Lion King, for which Beyonce voiced Nala in the 2019 remake, has been trending on social media since its release on Disney Plus on July 31.

The renowned Aqua Lillies swimmers, which comprises teams from around the world, posted a clip of the video and mentioned Jamaica's synchronized swimmers who were featured, calling them a “dedicated team of young competitive athletes based in Port Antonio, Jamaica”.

In September 2019, Jamaican Synchronized Swimmer and former Florida resident, Nicole Chin Shue was contacted for the project by Beyonce's team.

Jamaican Toni-Ann Singh To Serve Extra Year As Miss World forward to welcoming the Miss World family to our very special celebrations next year.”

The announcement means current Miss World, Toni-Ann Singh, will hold the crown until she crowns her successor. She will be the first Miss World to ever serve two years.

In December 2019, Singh became the fourth Jamaican to win the Miss World title.

The other three Miss World queens were Carole Joan Crawford (1963), Cindy Breakspeare (1976) and Lisa Hanna (1993).

At the 2019 competition, which took place in London, Singh wowed judges (and the rest of the world) with her beauty and her talent, dancing to Jamaican singer Koffee's Toast and performing a mind-blowing version of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing during the live

Miss World 2019, Jamaican Toni-Ann Singh will serve an extra year as the crowned queen, following the pageant's announcement to cancel the 2020 edition.

Last week the Miss World Organization announced it is postponing the 70th edition of the pageant and will be holding it instead in 2021.

Julia Morley, CEO of the Organization said: “We have made the decision to delay the 70th Miss World Final. Safety is paramount as we continue the fight against COVID- 19. We look

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Expectations Were Too Lofty For Struggling Windies: Ragoonath Former Test batsman Suruj Ragoonath believes there were inflated expectations of the West Indies on their recent England tour, and has argued that the Caribbean side's batting on which so much depended, always lacked the skill and temperament to survive in seamer-friendly English conditions.

The 52-year-old Trinidadian said nothing in the West Indies team's batting averages prior to the series suggested any other performance than what was eventually produced and contended that the poor batting effort was merely a reflection of what was taking place at first-class level in the Caribbean.

“I'm very realistic about expectations. The result of the series is not surprising to me. It is actually what I anticipated. In fact, they probably exceeded my expectations in winning one of the Test matches,” Ragoonath, whose only two Tests came on Australia's 1999 tour of the Caribbean, told a radio cricket show in Barbados.

“Once the ball is doing anything [in English conditions] our batsmen will struggle and that is exactly what happened and poor techniques were exposed. I don't think this is a case of a coach correcting this overnight, these are ingrained batting deficiencies in our regional players. This is not something that is new.

“Look at the careers of these players and their modes of dismissal and you will realize that our batsmen have a deficiency that results in a lot of them being lbw and bowled and the English bowlers exploited that quite expertly. It was nothing surprising really.”

West Indies won the first Test at Southampton by four wickets but then were awful with the bat in the next two Tests to lose heavily, and concede the three-match series while surrendering the coveted Wisden Trophy.

Ragoonath argued West Indies' batsmen had not excelled prior to the England tour and once they encountered difficult conditions, they were guaranteed to further struggle.

“Even before they had gone to England, look at the averages of the batsmen and they have never really lit the world on fire,” said the former chief executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

“They have had good moments and while I understand the optimism that the team would've done well, realistically when you look at those statistics … most of them hadn't done well in England before except Shai Hope having one good Test match in England in 2017 when he scored those two centuries.

“The conditions were always going to be against us once the ball was moving around and you look at our batsmen and look at their records in regional cricket, not many of them average even 40 where the pitches are flat [and] the ball doesn't do much.”

He continued: “It is a work in progress. They're basically learning their trade on the job and to ask them to conquer the English in English conditions over a three-match period was asking, in my mind, too much.”

However, Ragoonath cautioned against any drastic changes, stressing the players needed the support of everyone. “I don't see this as something to be making any knee jerk reactions and looking for changes because what are you going to replace them with?” he queried.

“And the technical team, you've got to give the guys some time as well—you can only work with what you have and in the circumstances, there was limited time to work on these guys so we need to give everybody a chance. And we have to back them and stick with them.” - CMC

D3

Haitian Francois Scores Double To Spark Reno Victory Haiti international star, Christiano François, scored in either half as Reno 1868 FC posted their second win in three outings in a 4-1 thrashing of winless Portland Timbers in the United Soccer League last week.

Playing away at Providence Park in Portland, the 27year-old forward scored in the 40th minute to hand the visitors a slim 1-0 lead at half-time before converting a late penalty to help put the wrap on a convincing win.

Reno top Group A with six points while Portland lie rock bottom following defeats in their three fixtures.

The visitors controlled the game and were rewarded in the 40th minute when the fleet-footed Francois collected a pass on the half-way line out wide on the left, raced down the flank before cutting inside, beating marker Gerardo Duran and burying a superb right-footed volley into the upper righthand corner from 17 yards out.

Sergio Rivas then doubled the lead seven minutes after half-time with a low 20-yard shot scores after Timbers failed to clear a right-sided corner but Duran pulled one back for the hosts when he headed in Aedan Stanley's cross in the 73rd minute.

However, Francois eased the pressure when he got free down the left side to put in a cross which Portland again failed to clear, leaving Foster Langsdorf to scramble home a scrappy goal in the 82nd.

Portland suffered more misfortune a minute later when Max Ornstil received his second yellow for an elbow to Langsdorf and was sent off, and Francois collected his second goal late on when Langsdorf was tripped in the box and the winger stepped up to convert from the spot.

Francois's performance afterwards attracted praise from his head coach Ian Russell.

“He's a gamer … every time he steps on the pitch he's electric and very dangerous,” Russell said. “He works hard offensively, but defensively as well.” - CMC

D4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 6 – AUG 12, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T