Caribbean National Weekly August 12, 2021

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

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THURSDAY AUGUST 12, 2021

COVID-19 Numbers Are

TOP STORIES

‘HORRIFYING’

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

Broward County Mayor Steve Geller has described the COVID-19 situation in the county as horrifying.

Florida is now the national epicenter for the virus, accounting for about 20% of new cases. Broward and MiamiDade Counties also lead the nation in new COVID hospitalizations, according to Mayor Geller.

Between, July 30 and August 5, Broward added 12,590 new coronavirus cases. Of the state's now 2.7 million cases, over 281,000 have been reported in Broward County, including over 3,000 deaths.

At a recent press conference, the mayor said the recent increase in cases has pushed even more members of the community to get vaccinated. Some 72 percent of Broward's eligible population have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Mayor Geller says Broward County residents are now rightfully scared, leading to an uptick in vaccinations.

12,590 July 30 – August 5

Geller

No More Parties! Jamaica Announces Partial Lockdown Amid COVID-19’s Third Wave

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

Just over a month after the government of Jamaica relaxed the island's COVID19 measures and reopened the entertainment sector, a ban on events has again been imposed.

Before the July 1st reopening, the entertainment sector had been closed for some 15 months and the Andrew Holness-led administration had

come under pressure from stakeholders to reopen the industry.

After doing so and relaxing the islandwide curfew, the country saw a massive jump in its COVID-19 cases, which had been predicted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. On August 8, the island reported 379 new cases and a positivity rate of 37.8% – the highest it has been since March. For the first eight days of August, Jamaica also recorded 1,903 new cases in comparison to 1,572 new cases for the entire month of June.

It was revealed that most of the major hospitals

United States Ships COVID Vaccines to Several Caribbean Countries

Reggae Boyz Open Final Round of Qualiers with Mexico Trip

New Cases in Broward

continues on B4 – Horrifying

Caribbean Olympians Get Complimentary Vacations from Sandals

on the island, namely the University Hospital of the West Indies, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Spanish Town, Mandeville Hospital and several others had reached their capacity for COVID-19 patients. The Ministry of Health and Wellness ordered all healthcare workers on vacation to report back to work, as it requested all hands on deck to deal with the current crisis.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation on Monday, saying that Jamaica is now experiencing its third wave of the virus.

“We are now clearly seeing our third wave. Our

Florida Kids Head Back to School amid COVID-19 Surge

Judge Named to Investigate Assassination of President Moise

Woman Accused of Injuring St. Vincent Prime Minister Granted Bail

Trinidad Records First Mother-toChild Transmission of COVID-19

continues on B4 – No More Parties!

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY

ENTERTAINMENT

Kamala Harris’ Father Leads List of 2021 Jamaica National Award Honorees A3

PM Suffers Concussion After Attack During Vaccine Protest A4

Grace Foods USA Steps up Community Outreach by Feeding Essential Workers B1

Rihanna Joins the Billionaire Club C1

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Jamaican-born Nurse Sandra Lindsay, the first person to get vaccinated in the United States, was a specially invited guest during a press conference hosted by Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness (le ) in Kingston on August 9, 2020. – Contributed

Jamaica's Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange (right) snaps a photo with Jamaican 110 meter hurdles Olympic gold medalist, Hansle Parchment during a homecoming event on August 8, 2021, at the AC Marrio Hotel in Kingston. – Contributed

Jamaica's legendary comedian Oliver Samuels (right) relaxes with friends at the "Evening with Basil Watson" recep on on August 5, 2021 in Miramar, Florida. Seated from le are: Sandra Gipson, Odean Lawrence, Peter Gracey and Karrelle Chang.

Patrick Green Photo.

Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam (le ) and Reggae Singer, Etana pose for a photo during Miramar's Jamaican "EMANCIPENDENCE" celebra on on August 6, 2021, at the Miramar Regional Park.

– Contributed

President of the Cornwall College Alumni Associa on of South Florida, Phillip Wallace (right) embraces fellow past student Kenneth Hessing. Mr Hessing's cap which he wore when he a ended Cornwall in 1956 has become a collec ble memorabilia.

Both men were at the associa on's Family Fun Day on August 8, 2021 at the Miramar Regional Park. Patrick Green photo.

Jamaica's State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn (right), speaks to Execu ve Director of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), Caron Chung, about the personal protec ve equipment (PPE) recently donated by the AFJ to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

Photo: Donald De La Haye

Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair (le ) and Acclaimed Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson stand beside his bronze maque e of sprinter Usain Bolt, which is currently on display at the Ansin Family Art Gallery in the Miramar Cultural Center, Florida. – Contributed

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness (le ) and JamaicanAmerican youth and community advocate, Lavern deer pose with their awards a er being honored by the City of Miami Gardens for their work within the Jamaican community at the Reggae Summer Splash event on Saturday, August 7, 2021. – Contributed

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MARIJUANA.

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NEWSMAKER

Donald Harris

Father of Kamala Harris, Leads List of 2021 Jamaica National Award Honorees and of Social and Economic Studies. He is a longtime member of the American Economic Association.

Harris directed the Consortium Graduate School of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies in 1986–1987, and he was a Fulbright Scholar in Brazil in 1990 and 1991, and in Mexico in 1992. In 1998, he retired from Stanford, becoming a professor emeritus.

Professor Donald Harris is this year's only recipient of the Order of Merit, Jamaica's third-highest honour, for his outstanding contributions to national development. He leads the list of 144 Jamaicans who will be given National Honours and Awards this year.

A professor emeritus at Stanford University, Harris has made significant contribution to the field of development economics. He is particularly well known for examining the challenges posed to developing countries like Jamaica. Throughout his career, Harris has worked on economic analysis and policy regarding the economy of Jamaica, his native country. He served there, at various times, as economic policy consultant to the Government of Jamaica and as economic adviser to successive prime ministers. He is also the father of Jamaican-American U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Donald Harris was born in Brown's Town, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. Harris received his early education at Titchfield High School.

He later studied at University College of the West Indies and earned Bachelor of Arts from University of London in 1960 and a PhD from University of California, Berkeley in 1966.

After graduating the University of California, Harris was an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana– Champaign from 1966 to 1967 and at Northwestern University from 1967 to 1968. He moved to the University of Wisconsin

In 1972, he joined the faculty of Stanford University as a professor of economics, and became the first Black scholar to be granted tenure in Stanford's Department of Economics.

Harris

–Madison as an associate professor in 1968. In 1972, he joined the faculty of Stanford University as a professor of economics, and became the first Black scholar to be granted tenure in Stanford's Department of Economics.

At various times he was a visiting fellow in Cambridge University and Delhi School of Economics; and visiting professor at Yale University. He also served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Economic Literature

While studying in Berkeley, he met Shyamala Gopalan, a graduate student in nutrition and endocrinology from India. They married in 1963 and had two children, Kamala and Maya Harris. The couple divorced in 1971, when Kamala was seven years old and Maya was four years old. The children visited Harris's family in Jamaica as they grew up.

Donald Harris's life, career and heritage received global attention when his daughter, Kamala Harris became the first Black woman chosen as Vice President of the United States in 2020. Throughout her campaign, Kamala rarely made mention of her current relationship with her father. He was also not present at her inauguration.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

St Kitts & Nevis Bans Cruise Ships for August The St Kitts and Nevis government says it will not allow cruise ships into the twinisland Federation until vaccination and testing protocols can be identified.

“In May, the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) no sail order placed a halt on cruising from the United States and cruise lines in their best interest decided to resume cruising from the Caribbean and Caribbean homeports,” said Tourism, Transport and Ports Minister, Lindsay Grant.

“Governor DeSantis in Florida and the CDC are currently in an ongoing court battle to prevent the CDC from enforcing guidelines that restrict the resumption of cruise homeporting in Florida,” said Grant, noting that Caribbean homeporting is no longer an option and that Florida is now the main homeport for the majority of the Federation's cruises.

He said because Florida currently allows vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers to cruise and the twin-island Federation has not yet achieved herd immunity, he will not allow for the country's health sector to be jeopardized.

“The government of St Kitts and Nevis is trying to find a delicate balance between the economics and the health of our country. For the month of August, therefore, the calls of the Allure and Symphony of the Seas have been canceled,” Grant said.

To date, the Seabourn Odyssey has made three separate calls with the travelapproved bubble vaccination tours being very effective, according to a government statement.

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

PM Suffers Concussion After Attack During Vaccine Protest Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves suffered a concussion when he was struck in the head by an object outside Parliament last Thursday during the protest organized by the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and two trade unions against a move by his government to have front line workers vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“By the grace of God almighty, I am doing well and on the mend. It is confirmed that there are no neurological deficits. However, I have suffered a concussion and must be monitored over the next four to six weeks. But, it could have been far more serious.

“I take this assault as not just an injury, but, also look to the intent of the throwing of this projectile at me. The intent was to cause grave harm, even death,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Gonsalves, who flew to Barbados for further medical treatment, suffered a concussion.

In his Facebook page posting, where he also published a video of himself and his wife, Eloise, leaving the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Barbados, after taking a brain scan, Gonsalves said “It is equally culpable: the person who threw the stone as are those who instigate and continue to instigate disgraceful events that threaten my life and the lives of others.

“There is one person whom I hold responsible, and it is not just the person who did the direct act. We can have our disagreements, but, to cross the line into violence is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said, adding “by all means, exercise your right to protest, but, that gives you no right to do violence toward anyone.”

“It is the fundamental right of parliamentarians to have access to the parliament in order

declaration of a public health emergency — as is the case with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In the meantime, Minister of Local Government, Julian Francis told Parliament that a woman has since been detained by the police and has admitted to injuring the prime minister.

He said that the woman wanted to apologize to Gonsalves.

Gonsalves

to discharge their duty. And, it is the right of the people of North Central Windward to have their duly elected representation heard and not denied. I am heartened that Parliament continued their work last night even in my absence.

“I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have sent their thoughts and prayers and condemned the senseless violence that occurred. I would also like to thank the police officers who sought to protect the right of the voters of North Central Windward to have their voice represented in Parliament. And, of course, to the doctors both in St. Vincent and Barbados in whose good hands saw me through,” Gonsalves wrote.

Parliament has since approved the amendments to the Public Health Act that allows for the vaccination of public sector employees, considered to be front line workers and removing the word “voluntary” from a section of the law that speaks to vaccination against an illness that has triggered the

Antigua's Former PM Sir Lester Bird Has Died The flag of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is being flown at half-mast as the region pays tribute to Sir Lester Bird, who died on Monday after a prolonged period of illness. He was 83.

In a statement, the OECS Commission said Sir Lester, a national hero of Antigua and Barbuda, who served as prime minister from 19942004, was also the first Chairman of the OECS in 1982 and served as chairman for a second time in 1989.

“To mark this solemn occasion, the OECS Commission's flag will be flown at half-mast,” the Commission said in its brief statement that was accompanied by a photo montage showing some of the continues on B4 – Lester Bird

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Talk Up!

A5

TALKUP

Hurricane season is here. Have you taken the necessary precautions in case South Florida is hit?

You can also look for us in Jamaica

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EDITORIAL

Should CARICOM Consider Making Vaccines Mandatory?

If CARICOM countries and others in the Caribbean don't find a way to quickly stem the rising cases of Covid19, the economic catastrophe and social pain over the next five years will be nothing like we have experienced.

The latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the fifteen CARICOM states have 210,135 cases of Coronavirus and 5,005 deaths. Jamaica leads the standings with 55, 140 cases and 1,231 deaths. Rounding off the top five are Trinidad and Tobago (40,233 cases, 1,137 deaths), Surinam (26, 002 cases, 665 deaths), Guyana (22,982 cases with 559 deaths), and Haiti (20,389 cases, 569 deaths).

Montserrat has the least number of covid cases with 22 and Dominica is the only island in the region without a death.

No Caribbean Island is seeing declining active cases. Instead, hospital beds in most countries are over capacity usage. Add the limitation of vaccine access and we have a massive bomb waiting to explode. Fortunately, for Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the US has finally decided to deliver on its promised vaccines to the region. These countries will get a total of 836,000 doses of the Pfizer product.

Almost all the Caribbean countries including ten of the fifteen in CARICOM depend heavily on tourism to keep their economies alive.

The largest percentage of tourists to these shores come from the United States and Canada. Cruise ships

which take millions of visitors to the shores of Caribbean countries each year will not return to full operation until 2022, and that depends on how serious the virus penetrates the Caribbean population going forward.

The CDC has ranked ten CARICOM states at level three with risk for traveling. Surinam is currently the only level four while countries with a level one ranking are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Montserrat.

According to the CDC, a level three ranking means that persons must make sure they “are fully vaccinated before travel and that unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel” to these destinations. A level one ranking means that you are to “make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling” while with a rank of four, the agency wants you to “Avoid travel to this destination.”

This is significant especially for the tourism revenue dependent countries. If countries cannot earn then businesses suffer, employees suffer, and homes suffer.

Is it time to take the bold step and make vaccine a requirement? Many countries in the Caribbean have been vaccinating their children as a requirement to go to school. To travel to some countries, require that you are vaccinated against certain illnesses. What would be different about this requirement at this time?

Recently the US indicated that it is prepared to only grant entry to vaccinated individuals to its shores.

Many Caribbean countries are instituting stricter measures to control the spread of the covid-19 virus. Jamaica which has the most cases in CARICOM recently increased its curfew hours, banned all parties and concerts, and has decided to take the vaccines into its communities.

The St. Lucian government has also announced tighter measures to curtail the spread.

Requiring mandatory vaccinations can be problematic for governments in the Caribbean, as was seen recently in Barbados. Residents took to the streets when word got out that some members of the tourism workforce were being forced to take

the vaccines. The Barbados government has not yet taken a policy decision on mandatory vaccination according to Acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams, who sought to dispel the misconceptions.

Over in St Vincent the government is facing opposition from the Public Service and Teachers' unions relating to a bill that would “require certain categories of employees in the public sector including those in central government and state enterprises to take the vaccine to work in certain specified “frontline” jobs.”

In July, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua said his government was considering the measure and sent a vaccination policy memorandum to all government departments. According to news reports, the memo required all frontline government workers to “get the COVID-19 vaccine or get tested for the virus every two weeks at their own expense. Those who refuse to do either will have to remain off the job without pay.”

We understand fully the need for the rights to choose, but sometimes this freedom can get in the way of achieving the best outcome for the problem. Each year more than 15,000 lives are saved in the US because of the “mandatory” seat belt policy. This is a rule that also got pushed back when it was being considered. Is covid 19 more dangerous to lives and economies that driving without seat belts?

If the records indicate that vaccination saves lives, is it time we give it serious consideration for the greater good of our survival?

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la section haitienne

Judge Chanlatte Named to Investigate Assassination of President Moise The Dean of the Court of First Instance in Port au Prince, Bernard Saint-Vil, says a “very competent” judge has been appointed to lead the investigation into the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was gunned down at his private residence on July 7.

The Dean, had in the past few days, found it difficult to appoint a judge to examine the file and documents related to the killing of Moise, because they feared for their lives.

Death threats are especially common in high-profile slayings in Haiti, and several court clerks probing Moïse's death have already gone into hiding after being ordered to change some names and statements in their reports.

Saint-Vil has named Judge Mathieu Chanlatte as the judicial officer to conduct the probe and the President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates, Jean Wilner Morin, said he believes that his colleague will not be intimidated.

“It is an investigation that will take time. We also hope that the authorities will put all the necessary resources at the disposal of magistrate Chanlatte and will also ensure his safety,” Morin said.

Haitian attorney Steevens Rosemond, who is not involved in the case, has also welcomed the choice. “I ask that the Haitian state guarantee the safety of this magistrate so that he can do his work in accordance with the standards,” Rosemond said.

Haitians have also reacted swiftly to the news on social media, with some saying they hope justice will be served.

The documents were handed over last this week following 25 days of investigation, interrogation and searches in the killing of Moise, who was shot at least 12 times when the armed gunmen raided his home. His wife, Martine, who was also injured during the incident, said the gunmen had come looking for a specific document and had been in communication with a Spanish-speaking person on the telephone during the ordeal.

Police say they have arrested 44 people, including 12 Haitian police officers and 18 Colombians who were allegedly part of the commando team and two Americans of Haitian descent. The head of Moise's security detail is among those detained in connection

Chanlatte

“It is an investigation that will take time. We hope that the authorities will put all the necessary resources at the disposal of magistrate Chanlae and also ensure his safety.” – Jean Wilner Morin with the plot allegedly organized by a group of Haitians with foreign ties.

Human rights activists, defense attorneys and Colombia's government have said they are worried about those detained, given that they were recently transferred to an overcrowded prison whose conditions have been compared to torture.

On Monday, in Colombia, more than 20 relatives of the exsoldiers arrested in Haiti organized a protest to demand due process and attorneys for them.

Moise's wife, Martine, who has hinted at the possibility of contesting the presidential elections scheduled for September 26, said recently that it was important for those involved in the assassination to be arrested. (CMC)

US Announces Haiti TPS Registration Process The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday posted a Federal Register notice that provides information about how to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced this 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS on May 22.

DHS said the registration process will open next week when the Federal Register notice is published. “All individuals who want to request TPS under this designation for Haiti must file an application,” said the DHS in a statement.

It said this includes about 5,000 current TPS Haiti beneficiaries, whose documentation is automatically extended at least through October 4, 2021, in compliance with court orders.

“These individuals must file a new application for TPS under this designation to ensure they retain their status,” DHS said. It said this designation of Haiti for TPS also enables an estimated 100,000 additional individuals to file initial applications for TPS, if otherwise eligible.

To be eligible for TPS under this designation, DHS said individuals must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the United States since July 29, 2021.

Individuals who attempt to travel to the US, after July 29, 2021, “will not be eligible for TPS and may be subject to expulsion or removal.

DHS said individuals applying for Haiti TPS must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 18-month initial registration period that runs from August 3, 2021, through February 3, 2023. Haiti TPS applicants are eligible to file Form I-821 online, DHS said.

When filing a TPS application, it said applicants can also request an Employment continues on B4 – TPS for Haiti

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Grace Foods USA Steps up Community Outreach by Feeding Essential Workers Grace Foods USA wrapped up its summer of giving community outreach initiatives through its “Taste That Moves You” and “Chill & Grill With Grace” campaigns.

In keeping with the Company's Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, the campaigns provided groceries for needy families and delivered thank-you meals to essential workers.

As part of its “Chill & Grill” campaign, on Wednesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 1 Grace provided hot meals to Waste Management sanitation workers in Florida to thank them for their hard work to ensure that neighborhoods remained clean and safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout July, they continued serving meals to sanitation workers in Brooklyn and New Jersey through Waste Management and New York's Department of Transportation.

Through its “Taste That Moves You” campaign, on July 15th, Grace delivered nonperishable food items to Joshua's Heart

Foundation (JHF). JFH is a North Miami Beach non-profit organization with a mission of “stomping out hunger and poverty” by serving needy families in the tri-county area of Miami-

Dade, Broward and Palm Beach in Florida.

The “Taste That Moves You” campaign also collaborated with the Urban Outreach Center of New York (UOCNYC) to feed the homeless and provide groceries for the underserved in lowincome communities. UOCNYC works to end the hunger gap throughout NYC with particular emphasis on East Harlem and the Upper East Side, by connecting New Yorkers with the healthy food and social services they need.

Reverend Jordan Tarwater, Executive Director at UOCNYC, projected their human services center will serve over one million meals to the residents of East Harlem and New York's Upper East Side during 2021, to help end the hunger gap.

“We are honored and grateful to partner with GraceFoods and Chef David Stample who prepared a delicious jerk chicken meal prepared with Grace's jerk marinade that fed close to 200 homeless and financially displaced residents on Tuesday, July 27th; and provided groceries for 250 families on Wednesday, July

28th,” said Tarwater.

“Giving back to the communities we serve continues to be a key part of what we do at GraceKennedy. The last 18 months remind us of the tremendous challenges we face as a community and how much we can accomplish working together. The elimination of hunger in our community continues to be an important cause that we are committed to, and we will continue to work with community pantries and organizations like Joshua Heart and the Urban Outreach Community Center to address,” said Derrick Reckord, CEO Grace Kennedy Foods USA, LLC. These latest Grace Foods USA community outreach programs follow on the heels of their “With Love From Grace” food truck tour in 2020. That initiative delivered hot jerk chicken meals and face masks to some 2000 essential workers at Grace's retail partners at over 30 stops in Florida and New York.

President Biden and Governor DeSantis Clash Over Florida's Lack of COVID-19 Restrictions

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

United States President Joe Biden and Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis have different ideas on how to deal with the state's current COVID-19 crisis.

Florida along with Texas account for onethird of all the new COVID-19 cases in the country. And Broward County, home to the largest percentage of Caribbean nationals in the state, has seen a massive increase in hospitalizations in the last three weeks.

Last week, President Joe Biden addressed the COVID-19 crisis in Florida and blasted Governor DeSantis for what he calls a lack of leadership. President Biden said if the Governor does not want to impose any statewide restrictions, he should at least allow local entities to do so.

“Florida and Texas, account for one-third of all new COVID-19 cases in the entire country. Just two states. We need leadership from everyone. And if some governors aren't willing to do the right thing to beat this pandemic, then they should allow businesses and universities who want to do the right thing to be able to do it. I say to these governors, “Please, help.” But if you aren't going to help, at least get out of the way of the people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives,” President Biden said on August

3rd.

But the comments drew the ire of Governor DeSantis, who said he will continue to stand in Biden's way as long as the President continues to request mask mandates, mandatory vaccination and other restrictions.

“He's imported more virus from around the world by having a wide open southern border,” DeSantis said. “You have hundreds of thousands of people pouring across … and it's not just from Mexico … you have over 100 different countries where people are pouring through. So, he's not shutting down the virus, he's helping to facilitate it in our country.”

The Governor also said that he will not be allowing schools to impose any mask mandate, maintaining that it should be a decision of parents.

“Joe Biden is suggesting if you don't do lockdown policies, you should quote, 'get out of the way' … if you're coming after the rights of parents in Florida, I'm standing in your way,” DeSantis said before receiving a round of applause from residents and local leaders.

The one thing that both President Biden and Governor DeSantis do agree on is that all eligible Americans should get vaccinated.

Currently, 63 percent of Florida residents 12 and older are vaccinated. The vaccination rates are higher in South Florida, with 81 percent of eligible people vaccinated in Miami-Dade, 72 percent in Broward and 67 percent in Palm Beach.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

Five Things People of Color Should Know About Skin Cancer

By Peter B. Laird A common misconception about skin cancer is that, because their skin contains a higher amount of melanin, African-Americans and people with darker skin don't have to worry about exposure to the sun's radiation.

While it is true that skin cancer is far less prevalent in dark-skinned populations, experts say anybody can be at risk for the disease.

changing mole or a wound that doesn't heal, you want to see your dermatologist right away.”

Skin cancer among black people makes up only one to two percent of all cases of cancer in the U.S. according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, while Hispanic and other darker-skinned populations represent four to five percent of all cases of cancer.

Dr. Braghiroli says there are five things people of color should know about skin cancer:

Know Your Risk and Family History: Individuals who have 3 or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with melanoma are at a higher risk of developing melanoma themselves, according to Dr. Braghiroli.

“Knowing your family history is very important,” she says.

Additional risk factors to be mindful of are having a lot of moles (more than 50), scars from a previous trauma, and chronic/open wounds. “People who have HPV, smokers, have an autoimmune d i s e a s e o r w h o a r e immunosuppressed are also at greater risk for developing skin cancer,” she says.

Practice Self-Exams:

“

Everybody is at risk for developing skin cancer. Yes, darker skin has more natural protection from higher amounts of melanin – equivalent to an SPF13 sunscreen, essentially – but they are still at risk of developing skin cancers.

Naiara Abreu Fraga Braghiroli, M.D., Dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at Miami Cancer Institute

Dr. Braghiroli says that 75 percent of skin cancers diagnosed in people of color are in areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands, nail beds, soles of the feet, inside the mouth and/or the genitalia area. Due to the locations of these skin cancers, there is a higher mortality rate for people of color as diagnosis is often delayed. As such, self-exams are extremely important.

Dr. Braghiroli recommends conducting a self-exam at least once a month.

“Pay close attention to areas not exposed to the sun, looking for new black/brown areas, asymmetrical moles, open wounds that don't heal, and old scars that develop open wounds.” Dr. Braghiroli recommends an annual screening by your dermatologist, whose trained eye may catch any spots you might have missed.

Always Use Sunscreen: While people of color are less at risk for skin cancer caused by UV radiation, it's important that they protect their skin nevertheless.

Be Sun Smart: Sunscreen use can also protect people of color against hyperpigmentation, according to Dr. Braghiroli. She advises using a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Dr. Braghiroli advises using a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. “Most people under-apply the correct amount, which is equivalent of one teaspoon for face, one for the chest/abdomen, one for the back, one for each arm and two for each leg,” she says. The application of sunscreen is very important.

Understand the Signs/Symptoms of Melanoma: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “the estimated five-year melanoma survival rate for blacks is 67 percent versus 92 percent for Whites.” Additionally, people of color are more at risk for developing Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM), which often appears in hard-to-spot places in the form of black or brown areas.

“Early detection is key in curing melanoma,” Dr. Braghiroli says, “so if you do find an unusual spot,

It's important to take preventative measures to protect your skin when outdoors for any length of time.

Dr. Braghiroli says those precautions include avoiding peak sun exposure hours between 10am and 2pm – “Maybe let's say 4pm here in Miami, where the sun's rays are so much stronger than in northern latitudes,” she says – and wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing, hats and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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B3

HEALTH

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Horrifying

No More Parties!

from A1

“I am pleased to say that the vaccination rate, which went from great to horrible is going back up because people rightfully are getting scared. We had peaked for one week, with close to 175,000 vaccinations. We were under 10,000 a week. Then two weeks ago, as the [COVID-19] numbers starting scaring people, we went up to 16,000 new first-time vaccinations. Last week, we went up to 26,000,” Mayor Geller said during a press briefing on August 2.

Amid the recent spike in cases, Broward County recently imposed a mask mandate inside county buildings, at county parks, and at the county courthouse.

Mayor Geller says the local government doesn't have the authority to impose any other restrictions due to Governor Ron DeSantis' orders. But he says he believes that county leaders should be the ones that get to decide what is best for their residents.

“It is my opinion that local governments should be able to respond to the necessary circumstances in their areas,” he said.

“The [state] doesn't know everything, but I would appreciate them having a consistent opinion if they're gonna say the governments closest to the people are the best ones.”

Mayor Geller said there has also been an increase in COVID-19 testing in recent weeks. In response to the renewed demand, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County recently opened six sites for drive-through or walk-up testing.

Lester Bird

focus in crafting the measures that will apply over the next three weeks has been on controlling spread sufficiently to allow us to reopen schools to facilitate structured faceto-face learning in September,” Holness explained at a virtual press conference.

For the remainder of August, the nightly curfew will run from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays, the curfew will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 5 a.m. On Sundays, the curfew will be from 2 p.m. to 5 o'clock on Monday morning.

Additionally, beaches will only be open from 6 a.m to 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rivers will only be used for domestic purposes and rafting.

from A1

Regarding events, Holness said that “no small or large events, for example, concerts, parties, tailgate parties, round robins, will be permitted … .” These measures will stay in place until August 31, but the Prime Minister warned that the Government could impose a nomovement day if the cases continue to increase.

The Reopening of Schools in Jeopardy In announcing stricter COVID-19 measures two weeks ago, Prime Minister Holness said the goal was to ensure that it would be safe to reopen schools on the island come September. But given the current COVID-19 situation on the island, it is highly unlikely that students will see the inside of a classroom at the

beginning of next month.

“A lot of people are going to die.

The hospitals are overwhelmed, our health workers are overwhelmed and the whole society could reach a breaking point if we're not careful,” said State Minister of Education, Robert Morgan.

The Minister has called on Jamaicans to consider those children who've lost months of classes due to the pandemic. But he admitted that it will be a difficult task to reopen schools in September unless there is a drastic decline in COVID-19 cases and more teachers become vaccinated against COVID-19. The majority of Jamaican students have not had face-to-face classes since March 2020.

from A4

political exploits of Sir Lester.

OECS Chairman and Grenada's Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who served in the sub-regional grouping with Sir Lester, said the Caribbean has lost one of its illustrious sons.

Mitchell said the former Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister was “a ready and willing source of advice and inspiration, particularly when he was first elected as Prime Minister.

“Sir Lester made a valuable contribution to regional discourse on numerous issues. For me personally, he was a welcome and readily accessible source of advice when I first became Prime Minister of Grenada.

“In the ensuing years, we shared a very close relationship, he was very approachable and I will be forever grateful for the many conversations we had and the advice he selflessly imparted. As he takes his departure from this life, I can only extend deepest condolences to his family and to the govern-

ment and people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Our sister nation has lost a hero and the Caribbean has lost one of our most renowned leaders. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Mitchell added.

The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has not yet issued a statement to mark Sir Lester's death, but Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali said that Sir Lester had been a “good friend of Guyana and the Guyanese people.

“Sir Lester opened the doors of Antigua and Barbuda to many thousands of Guyanese at a time of economic decline in our country, and in so doing, cemented his legacy as a true integrationist, which will forever be marked in the annals of history.

“We are indebted to Sir Lester and Antigua and Barbuda, not only for the generosity towards our people at a time of need but for the unflinching support of Guyana on the international stage,” Ali said, adding that “the

records show that he was highly regarded by all of Guyana's Executive Presidents with whom he served, from Linden Forbes Burnham to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo”.

Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Sir Lester's contribution to the regional integration movement and the economic development of his homeland “will long be remembered and honored.

St. Lucia's Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre said “we honor his legacy as an integrationist and first Chairman of the OECS. Our prayers go out to his loved ones. May he rest in peace”.

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris in a letter of condolence to his Antigua and Barbuda counterpart, Gaston Browne, said, “as the second Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Bird was instrumental in modernizing the country and establishing the foundation for its democratic prosperity.

“Throughout the region and internationally, Sir Bird was regarded as a visionary, and he remained a true statesman in service to his people his entire life. His sterling contribution to Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean Community is etched in the annals of history, and his presence and voice will be sorely missed.”

The United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua and Barbuda also expressed condolences on the passing of Sir Lester.

“Sir Lester Bird made a sterling contribu-

TPS for Haiti

tion to Antigua and Barbuda as a parliamentarian for 38 years. We extend our sympathy to his family and friends and convey condolences to the people and government of Antigua and Barbuda,” said UDP leader, Harold Lovell.

The former St. Kitts-Nevis prime minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas described Sir Lester as “a man of many gifts and talents.

“Above all, he is remembered for his delight and passion for nation-building, regional uplift and his unique irresistible Caribbean spirit.”

In its statement, the main opposition People's National Party (PNP) in Jamaica said “will be remembered as a National Hero with an unparalleled legacy of achievement.

“He worked tirelessly to modernize the Antiguan state, making it an attractive destination for tourism and loosening its dependence on colonial industries like sugar.

The impact he had on the lives of Antigua and Barbuda's citizens was evidently profound, and extends into the region.”

The opposition party said that he will also be remembered: “fondly for his advocacy for small island developing states (SIDs) at the United Nations, and internationally, for his commitment to regionalism in the fight for greater development”.

PNP President Mark J. Golding said Sir Lester was “a towering statesman and an iconic regional figure of the era in which he served.”

LEGAL NOTICE

from A7

Authorization Document by submitting a completed Form I-765.

Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online, DHS said.

In the meantime, the Biden administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Haitian people following the heinous assassination of President Moïse. US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reiterated the pledge in a telephone call with new Haitian Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.

“The secretary also underscored the need for Prime Minister Henry's unity government to seek broad political and civil society consensus on government priorities,” Price said.

“Secretary Blinken, echoing the international community, emphasized the importance of establishing the conditions necessary for Haitians to vote in free and fair legislative and presidential elections as soon as feasible,” he added.

Moïse was assassinated on July 7, in a daring raid on his private residence in the suburbs of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haitian authorities have arrested 20 people, including two Haitian Americans residing in Miami, in connection with the assassination.

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C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Sizzla Releases Video for 'Crown On Your Head' off his New Album

Rihanna

Joins Billionaire Club

By Jovani Davis

Bajan pop star and fashion icon, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty is officially a billionaire, according to business magazine Forbes.

According to Forbes, the Bajan cultural ambassador has a net worth of $1.7 billion, making her the world's wealthiest female musician and second only to Oprah Winfrey as the world's wealthiest female entertainment.

However, Rihanna is not just wealthy because of her music; she is also affluent because of her beauty and fashion companies.

Fenty Beauty is worth $2.8 billion, according to Forbes, and RiRi owns 50% of the company. Fenty Beauty accounts for $1.4 billion of RiRi's fortune. Her lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty, is worth an estimated $270 million, while the remainder of her money comes from her profession as a musician and actor, in which

she owns 30% of the company.

Rihanna has been one of the most successful celebrity entrepreneurs to go into the beauty business, with Fenty Beauty being one of the most profitable celebrity-founded beauty companies, with over $550 million in yearly earnings. According to the magazine, she defeated Kylie Jenner's Kylie Cosmetics, Kim Kardashian West's KKW Beauty, and Jessica Alba's Honest Co. Rihanna's success is based on her acceptance of various genders, shapes, sizes, and skin tones. She has defied society's rigorous beauty standards and carved her own path, promoting her products to a wide range of demographics under the unifying concept that “different is beautiful.”

“A lot of women felt there were no lines out there that catered to their skin tone. It was light, medium, medium dark, dark,” Shannon Coyne, co-founder of consumer products consultancy Bluestock Advisors told Forbes. “We all know that's not reality. She was one of the first brands that came out and said, 'I want to speak to all of those different people.”

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The visuals for Sizzla Kalonji's “Crown On Your Head” song have been released ahead of his highly anticipated On A High album.

A joyful Sizzla goes to the streets to motivate his people in this video directed by G-Mac and shot in various sections of Kingston.

Close-up images melt into one another, shining light on Jamaica's lifeblood, its people. Enlightenment, the overall theme, is delivered in a methodical manner. In these everchanging times, pointing to a depiction of what it truly means to be Solid As Rock.

The Grammy-nominated singer, who has released more than 90 albums over the course of two decades, is probably the most consistent Jamaican entertainer to date. The singer is back with complete lyrics to satisfy thirsty minds, following the release of Million Times, a dedication album to the women.

“Rise To The Occasion,” “Holding Firm,” and “Haven't I Told You” all convey themes of elevation that are comparable to “Crown On Your Head” in many respects. During these sad times, the creative poet shares songs with the public in order to heighten people's consciousness.

Songs like “System” and “Business” are two songs from his upcoming album “On A High,” which will be released on August 6 via ONErpm and will pique many people's interest.

“Crown On Your Head” is a visual representation of the various routes we all travel in life. While being ever-present, the tried and tested reward of effort.

On harsh cityscapes, deliberate tribute to Jamaican art portrays optimism. Flowers may certainly bloom from concrete roots, regardless of the circumstances. Simultaneously, Sizzla represents himself as the common man, a teacher, working from within the system to bring minds together.

Sizzla's most iconic, musical inflections take visceral form as he trods the cityscape. On A High will be available on all major platforms and digital outlets.

“Crown On Your Head” video is now streaming on Youtube.

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C3

SPORTS

Olympians Get Complimentary Vacations from Sandals In honor of their brave efforts at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sandals Resorts International's Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, has given almost 100 Olympians from the islands where the business operates complimentary vacations.

Olympic medalists will get one complimentary no-limit nights' stay in the highest room category at any Sandals or Beaches resort in the region, as well as luxury BMW transportation from their house to the resort of their choosing, if available.

Athletes who represented their country, in any event, will also enjoy four-night luxury holidays at a Sandals Resort on their home island.

Because the much-anticipated Beaches Saint Vincent is still closed, the contingent from St Vincent will spend their holiday in St Lucia.

Commenting on the teams' outstanding achievements in getting to the Olympics and standing on the podium, Stewart said, “It takes a great amount of sacrifice, hard work, dedication and consistency to even make it to the Olympics. Our Caribbean athletes have shown admirable grit, tenacity and a fighting spirit and as a Caribbean brand, entirely committed to the development of the region and showcasing our regional talent, we are beyond proud of every single athlete who went out there to represent their country.”

The competitors will get complimentary accommodations in recognition of their

excellent accomplishments and perseverance during an Olympics marred by delays and uncertainty owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These games and the performances our athletes have delivered have been just what we need to lift our collective spirits. We can never thank our athletes enough for everything they do for their countries and we cannot express enough what it means to all of us but we are certainly going to make sure they have the best vacation experience of their lives when they redeem their well- earned prizes,” said Stewart.

Stewart

Reggae Girl Kayla McCoy Joins Rangers Jamaica's Reggae Girlz forward, Kayla McCoy, has spoken of her excitement after joining Rangers ahead of the new Scottish Women's Premier League 1 season.

McCoy

Illinois-born McCoy, 24, who previously played for Houston Dash, has scored twice in six international appearances for the national side.

She was named in the historic Reggae Girlz squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France two years ago but was forced out with a knee injury.

McCoy said: “I'm really excited! I feel like it's been a long time coming about. I've been here training with the squad earlier on and I'm really excited to get some games in and be involved with the group.

“I've been playing professionally for a few years now, but I've been wanting to get involved with a club that had a vision to improve – and Rangers was the club for that.

“The quality of facilities was a big draw for me to come here.

You can just see the pride that everyone has, being a part of this club – it really does have that family atmosphere about it,” added McCoy, whose grandfather Pearnel Charles is a Jamaican politician.

Rangers' women's head coach Malky Thomson added: “Kayla has got vast experience in the women's game. She was in training with the squad towards the end of last season and will be a valuable addition to our squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.”

Rangers open their SWPL1 campaign at home to Forfar Farmington on September 5.

CRICKET

Phil Simmons Concerned Over Preparation For Pakistan Series Head coach Phil Simmons has expressed concern about the match fitness of the West Indies squad, ahead of the opening Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Thursday.

Since the two-Test series against South Africa ended in late June, the majority of the Test players have been largely dormant, and last week's four-day warmup match represented the first taste of action for most of the provisional 17-man squad announced Monday.

“As far as I know, none of the [practice] games were played and there wasn't enough work done before the players got here,” Simmons told an online media conference also on Monday.

“Quite a few players said they didn't get any work done in their home territories before they came to this camp and fourday game.”

Of the 17-man squad, only all-rounder Jason Holder and stroke-maker Shai Hope featured during the recent white-ball series, with Holder turning out in both the shorter formats and Hope in the one-day series against Australia.

Last week's four-day match saw Shamarh Brooks hit a century while captain Kraigg Brathwaite, all-rounder Roston Chase and vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood stroked half-centuries.

Among the bowling group, off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permail both grabbed fivewicket hauls.

However, Simmons said the performances were no more than he expected, especially since the demands of the international level were quite high.

“I wouldn't say I am impressed. I always looked for more guys at that level getting bigger scores and the 150s and bigger hundreds,” he said in reference to the batting during the four-day contest.

“You have to work to score 150 at the higher level so I would like to see more runs being scored at that level.”

West Indies have had a mixed run this year in Tests, beating Bangladesh 2-0 away, drawing nil-all with Sri Lanka at home before being crushed 2-0 by South Africa, when their batting suffered a complete meltdown in both Tests in St Lucia.

Simmons said the challenge against Pakistan would be to turn around the fortunes of the batting group.

“There's no hiding from the fact that our batting needs to improve and get to a healthy stage where we can score 400 in an innings on a more consistent basis, and the bowlers continue doing the job they've been doing well.”

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, AUG 12 – AUG 18, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T