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RESPECT THE
CROWN Broward County Commission Bans Hair Discrimination with Passage of CROWN Act By Sheri-Kae McLeod
Over the last few years, there has been a shift in the Black community, with more men and women moving away from the European standards of beauty and embracing their natural bodies, facial features, melanated skin, and very significantly—their natural hair. But while this type of awakening has been celebrated across the diaspora, many corporate entities and school boards have been less than enthused about this newfound self-love. Across the United States, and even in countries with a majority-Black population like Jamaica, Black people have faced discrimination for wearing their natural hair in braids, afros, locs, and other styles that have formed part of Black culture and the universal Black identity. But this kind of discrimination can no longer take place in Broward County, home to a significant percentage of Jamaican-Americans in Florida—at least not without consequences. On December 1, Broward became the first in the state of Florida to ban racially based hair discrimination. The county commission unanimously agreed to pass the legislation, showing support for the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition to ensure protection
Over 30 Jamaicans Taken Off Deportation Flight From the UK
Lewis Hamilton Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Holder Set for Major Appearance in Big Bash
Florida Surpasses 1 Million COVID Cases
Undocumented Caribbean Immigrants in New York Can Now Obtain Driver’s Licenses
continues on B4 – Respect the Crown
Saving Rafael’s Leg: A Mother’s Relentless Quest By Garth A. Rose
W
hen the difference between having functioning legs or a permanent disability is US$250,000, the quest to find funds is an uphill battle for Jamaican mom Sherika Harris and her son Rafael. In 2015 Harris gave birth to a son, Rafael, in Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston. She and Rafael’s father were filled with joy and hope for their first child. But their joy was short-lived as not long after he was born, they realized there was something
wrong with his right leg--it was shorter than the left and twisted at the ankle. Doctors told Rafael's parents he was born with a very rare physical condition known as Tibial Hemimelia. According to doctors, the congenial orthopedic condition causes the shortening of the tibia resulting in a deformity of the leg affects only one in a million children. Naturally concerned to have her son to have full, normal use of his leg, Harris said she eagerly sought medical help in Jamaica. But because the condition is so rare in Jamaica, where only three cases were
known, not much help was available. She said a group of orthopedic specialists collaborated to observe Rafael’s rare condition, but came to the unfortunate—and for Harris—unacceptable solution to amputate the child’s right leg. Harris said, “I just could not accept that solution. I was determined to find some way, some medical solution, to help Rafael.” Turning to the child’s pediatrician, she was referred to Shriners Health Center for Children in Tampa, Florida. But on visiting Shriners, they were unable to recommend an alternative to amputation, but fortunately
Jamaica Named the World’s Leading Cruise Destination
CARICOM Joins in Observing World Aids Day
continues on B4 – A Mother’s Quest
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CARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY
sports
Atkinson: The First Caribbean Ambassador For The Special Olympics A3
Kamla Persad Bissessar Returns as Leader of the UNC A4
“Mek Di Pickney Dem Smile!” B3
Jamaican Footballer Alleges Years of Physical Abuse c3
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PAGE 2 STAR POWER: 2021 Grammy-nominated Black Violin's Kevin Marcus Sylvester (right), Dillard '99, shows off his golden star at the recent Publix Chari es Hall of Fame Awards as JM Family Enterpises, Inc.’s Sasha Moon looks on. – Contributed
AWARDED: Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange (le ) presents Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, with a special award for being the longest-serving female senator, at the Women Parliamentarians Breakfast on Tuesday (December 8) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. – Photo by Donald De La Haye/JIS
WITH PRIDE: A proud Dr. Carletha B. Shaw-Rolle holds her award to her chest as she poses with Office Depot's Alex Price. The two were at the recent Publix Chari es Hall of Fame Awards in Davie. – Contributed
THE GIFT OF TECHNOLOGY: Consul General Oliver Mair (center right) accep ng the gi of a tablet from Li le Joshua Dixon (center le ) as a contribu on to the tablet and laptop educa onal drive to support Jamaican students. Looking on are commi ee members of the upcoming Virtual Christmas Concert/Telethon on Sunday, Dec. 20. – Contributed
ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE: Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie addresses the audience at the Publix Super Markets Chari es 2020 Hall of Fame Awards presented by Memorial Healthcare System. The first-ever drive-in award ceremony was held on Saturday at William T. McFa er Technical College and High School in Davie. – Contributed.
HALL OF FAMER: Dillard High School alum and 2021 NFL Hall of Fame legend Isaac Bruce (right) poses with Broward Educa on Founda on Board chair Tim Cur n. Bruce was among the dis nguished Broward County high school alumni who were honored by Broward Educa on Founda on during the Publix Super Markets Chari es 2020 Hall of Fame Awards presented by Memorial Healthcare System. The first-ever drive-in award ceremony was held on Saturday at William T. McFa er Technical College and High School in Davie. – Contributed.
HONOREE: Mark Howard, Broward Educa on Founda on 2020 Hall of Fame Honoree and Nova High School Alum shares the moment with Hall of Fame Alum Dr. Valerie Smith Wanza at the Publix Super Markets Chari es 2020 Hall of Fame Awards. – Contributed IN FLIGHT: The Nova High School Titan Cheer Team puts on a show for the audience at the first-ever drive-in ceremony on Saturday at William T. McFa er Technical College and High School in Davie. – Contributed
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Alia Atkinson
The First Caribbean Ambassador for the Special Olympics Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Jamaican swimming sensation Alia Atkinson was named Champion Ambassador of the Special Olympics Movement. She will now serve as the first competing Olympic athlete with such a role in the Caribbean. Atkinson said that her new role “defines the power of real purpose.” The 31-year-old told the Jamaica Gleaner that, “Special Olympics athletes meet the challenge each day to realize their full potential, and I’m honored to have the chance to learn from them and to share our experiences together as we strive for inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities.” She has pledged her support to ensuring that the public, both in the Caribbean and worldwide, appreciates the courage demonstrated by these athletes with different abilities. The appointment comes as an early birthday and Christmas gift for Atkinson. On Friday, December 11, she will celebrate her 32nd birthday. Born in 1988 in St. Andrew, Jamaica,
Atkinson began swimming at the age of three. When Alia was 12 years old, her family migrated to South Florida. There, she began viewing swimming as more than just a hobby and found her niche as a competitive breaststroke swimmer. She swam for the Fort Lauderdale Swim team and Comet Swim team in Pembroke Pines where she first met and was taken under the wings of coach Chris Anderson. She also swam for Flanagan High School in South Florida which resulted in her being awarded a full swimming scholarship from Texas A&M University. Even though Atkinson had moved to the U.S., she represented her home island competitively in swimming. At the age of 16, she competed in her first Olympics–the 2004 Athens Olympics. Four years later, she once again was selected to Jamaica’s Olympic Team. The breaststroke specialist finished 25th overall in 2008. In 2010, she became the first female Jamaican swimmer to compete in a final at the world championships, finishing in sixth place in the 50-meter breaststroke at that year's World Short Course Championships in Dubai. Two years later saw much improvement when she became the first Jamaican swimmer to win a medal at the world championships. She took silver in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 2012 World Short Course Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. At the Olympic games that year, Atkinson also made a significant improvement to her Olympic record, only
“Special Olympics athletes meet the challenge each day to realize their full potential, and I’m honored to have the chance to learn from them and to share our experiences together as we strive for inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities.” – Atkinson Atkinson
barely missing the medal podium with a fourthplace finish. In Doha, at the 2014 Short Course World Championships, Atkinson focused on the sprint breaststroke events—the 50 and 100-meter. Atkinson won the 100-meter breaststroke and equaled the World record set by Lithuanian swimmer, Rūta Meilutytė in 2013. Her World Championship win in the event made her the first Black woman in history to win a world title in swimming. She also had the distinction of being Jamaica’s first gold medal for swimming in the World Championships. That year she also won two medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, silver in the 50-meter breaststroke and bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke. In 2015, Atkinson competed at the Long Course World Championships. The recently crowned short course world champion broke the Jamaican National Record in the semifinals of the 100-meters breaststroke to finish third. She became the first Jamaican swimmer to win a long course worlds medal. A year later,
at the 2016 Summer Olympics, she reached the final of the 100-meters breaststroke but failed to medal. For her contributions to the field of swimming, Atkinson received the Jamaican Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander in 2018. The following year, she was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame. With no Olympic Games this year, Atkinson has kept busy by competing in the International Swimming League in November. During the event, she and her team, London Roar, finished third overall, with two silver medals and one bronze. As a longtime resident of South Florida, Atkinson mostly trains at the South Florida Aquatic Club swim team in Broward County, which is managed by her coach of 19 years, Chris Anderson.
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Kamla Persad Bissessar Returned as Leader of UNC Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has been retained as political leader of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) after her main challenger for the post, Vasant Bharath, a former trade minister, confirmed he had conceded defeat. “The gap is far too large,” Bharath told reporters, adding he has no intention of legally challenging the outcome, despite raising concerns over the conduct of the internal polls. UNC officials said at least 17,000 supporters were eligible to cast ballots in the election, with Persad Bissessar, 68, gaining at least 15,000.
Persad Bissessar
continues on B4 – Persad Bissessar
Former Antiguan Minister Declares Innocence Former Antiguan education minister Michael Browne has maintained his innocence against criminal charges filed against him last month. While the charges against the 44-year-old Browne has not been made public, his arrest followed allegations made against him by a woman. He was released on EC$15,000 bail when he appeared in court late last month. But speaking to constituents of the All Saints West constituency on Sunday, Browne claimed the chargee against him were designed to damage his character. “I am here to assure you that as the Michael Browne you have known in and outside of politics, many of you would have grown up around me, or many of you would have had professional, personal dealings with me.
“As your parliamentary representative for All Saints West, I want to assure those allegations are completely false, they are baseless and I see this as a very unfortunate attempt to impute my character and person,” he said in his first public statement since the charge had been laid against him. He told constituents, “There is not much I could comment on the matter because the matter is before the court and even though this journey is a rough journey, I would have liked for this matter not to occur at all, primarily because it is not true. “It is only through the courts that I can have my name cleared and this matter be permanently brought to rest,” the former education minister said, adding that while he is no longer a cabinet minister, he remains the
parliamentary representative for the area. “I do look forward to having my name cleared in the courts and for those of you who would have known me from childhood…you know that the serious person that I am, I am not the type of person to deal in backdoor settlement or backdoor arrangements. “If an allegation is made let’s go all the way so that I could have my name fully cleared,” the former minister added. Following his court appearance last month, his lawyer, the presiding magistrate Ngaio Emanuel-Edward granted Browne bail, ordering him to surrender his travel documents, and report to the police three times per week.
Caribbean Urged to be Cautious Regarding Corruption Amid COVID-19 Pandemic President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Warren Smith says the current COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the thorny and constantly evolving nature of corruption, and how it can reverse development gains in the region. “António Guterres, SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, reminded us that corruption thrives in times of crisis. We must, therefore, maintain our vigilance as COVID-19 responses open new avenues for exploiting weak oversight systems,” Smith said at the inaugural two-day Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance, and Cybercrime hosted by the CDB and the World Bank. Smith told the conference corruption was “an age-old problem” with “a remarkable capacity for reinvention” noting it was critical for financial institutions like the CDB to employ diverse strategies to stay ahead of those who seek to “circumvent systems and processes.” He said the virtual conference was one such strategy by the CDB and among the topics to be discussed during the two day event included “not typically addressed under the rubric of corruption” such as the roles of women, youth and media. He said this was because the Bank believes in a multi-pronged approach to combating corruption, involving all actors within society. “Corruption matters, even when it continues on B4 – Be Cautious
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WEEKEND SPECIAL
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Talk UP Are You Looking Forward to Joe Biden As President of the United States? President-elect Joe Biden is assembling his inner circle of advisers and Cabinet officials as Inauguration Day on January 20 draws closer. Among his historic picks are retired Army General Lloyd Austin as the first African American and an all-female communications team which features Haitian American Karine Jean-Pierre. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, with plans to distribute a vaccine in the coming weeks, much is on the line for Americans when Biden takes over the White House. We asked some members of the diaspora if they were looking forward to Joe Biden as President of the United States.
Marlon White - With Biden, everybody gonna be looking for 100 percent from him and it’s not gonna happen like that. If he has a list of 100 things to do, they’re not gonna allow him to pass everything. He is gonna try his best but [the] Senate might give him a fight. I think he’s gonna try his best with immigration and other issues but it depends on whether they [the Democratic Party] get the Senate and the House. Ally “Splash” Joe - I’m looking forward to a Kamala Harris vice presidency. I’m not really looking forward to Biden. I feel like he’s not going to do much. I feel like Biden is the face and Harris is the one behind the scenes making the orders. I’m excited to see what she does. Tianna Cates - Even though I don’t trust Biden that much, I think a new start would be good. Biden was there with Obama and I trust Obama with my life so I feel like he picked up some things from him. He would know what to do about this. Hopefully when he assumes office Obama will be working with him behind the scenes to get this country back on track. John Dillenger - I’m looking forward to a Biden presidency. Every presidency you have to look forward to because there are the people that are in charge of the country. Our daily routine is gonna be in these people’s hands. He has a lot of dirt on his name but then again, which president didn’t? We just have to wait and see how it’s gonna play out. I think by next summer we’ll be able to tell what Biden is about. Sheraye Stoles - With regards to Joe Biden’s presidency, we’ll see what he has to offer. I don’t think anything changes depending on who’s president but we’ll see. We have had many presidents come and go, yet nothing has significantly changed in the black community. There is still racial and gender inequality, unfair wealth distribution, and the healthcare system is still broken. So I would say that my expectations are pretty low, all things considered. Andre Nelson - I’m not really excited. I feel like, at the end of the day, we’re gonna be in a bad position regardless. I feel like we just went through a campaign where it was the battle to see who was worse. In my opinion, neither one of them was qualified but it was more of who would we rather deal with for the next four years. Who cares about Biden or Trump? Politics isn’t even the most important issue in our country right now.
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EDITORIAL
Something is Better Than Nothing Many Caribbean Americans may have heard an elder relative at some point or other say “a likkle sumting betta dan nutting,” as a reminder to be grateful for what is received, even if we didn’t get everything we hoped for. This very sensible advice resonates loudly as over the past several months those elected to represent our interests in the U.S. Congress dither and procrastinate over finding a compromise to bring financial help to Americans. Other than the devastating health effects of COVID-19, it has a debilitating impact on the financial health of American families and businesses. Millions of people have either lost jobs, been furloughed, had their income significantly reduced, are experiencing serious food insecurities, or have the possibility of being evicted from their homes. Hundreds of businesses, large and small, nationally have been forced to close or reduce their operations as the pandemic persists. Many will never reopen, or may not return to the operational capacity they experienced pre-pandemic. When the pandemic first impacted the nation in March, the federal government, without much urging, took the initiative to passed the CARES Act providing some $2 trillion to help businesses and residents. Included in the Act was a $1,200 stimulus check for every legal American resident, and a $600 weekly unemployment benefit in addition to the unemployment benefit paid by each state to its residents. Most people would be disingenuous if they said they were unsurprised by the generous benefits provided under the CARES Act that genuinely assisted those who had lost jobs or had reduced incomes. But there were people who came out way ahead of the game, as they received these benefits even while retaining their jobs, and in some cases benefits, like the $600 federal unemployment benefit, actually exceeded their original weekly
income. Most economists agree in times of financial turndown, it is important that governments take steps to prevent national economic decline by passing legislation to stimulate the economy with an infusion of cash to consumers, so spending will not decline. There’s evidence the funding provided under the CARES Act did stimulate consumer spending and staved off a potential economic recession. But the legislators did not foresee the reason that necessitated the liberal funding would have extended far beyond July. Owing to a combination of factors, including blatant mismanagement, incompetence, and stupidity in handling the pandemic, it has persisted and is currently spiking in Florida and elsewhere nationally, escalating financial and economic challenges. As a result, consumers and businesses urgently need federal assistance. Democrats in the U.S. House passed legislation for an additional $2.2 trillion stimulus bill including financial help for cities, businesses. The bill also included another $1,200 payment to residents and an extension of the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefits. However, the Republicanled Senate stubbornly resisted the bill, while coming up with a bill that offered much less. There was hope that with the pending November general election, leadership on both sides of the aisle would reach a compromise and offer a sensible stimulus bill to help Americans, but it never materialized. Post-election analysis indicated that several voters, particularly those in the more financially depressed communities, refused to vote because of
the dithering in Congress to extend help to residents and businesses. As the virus spikes, there is real fear there will not be an early respite to the financial woes it has created. Increasingly, more families are facing food insecurity, termination of special pandemic-related unemployment benefits in Florida and other states at the end of December, and possible evictions in the near future. Last week, some hope surfaced as Democrats and Republicans in Congress reached compromise on a $908 billion bill. This funding is way below what Democrats initially passed in October, and more than the Republicans proposed, but there are indications agreement could be reached this time. Amazingly, after several months without federal assistance, there are people who are criticizing the latest bill, since it proposes to provide $300 weekly in unemployment benefits instead of $600, and doesn’t include another $1,200 stimulus check. It’s important for those who would criticize the bill to realize this is proposed as an urgent relief bill to assist millions of Americans facing financial ruin. President-elect Biden has promised to push for a much larger economic stimulus bill when he takes office in January. With the dire financial circumstances facing millions of Americans, it’s foolhardy for general support not to be given to this bill proposed by Republicans and Democrats. The benefits proposed certainly will help protect people from starvation and secure their homes. Hard times prove a dollar can stretch much further than it could normally. Like those senior relatives advised, “a likkle sumting betta than nutting” at all.
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LA SECTION HAITIENNE
Guyana Court Halts Deportation of Haitians Guyana’s Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George, has granted a conservatory order stopping the deportation of 26 Haitians, who remain in custody at a government facility.
George
Justice George handed down her ruling on Thursday night suspending the deportation until the High Court decides on the constitutionality of the detention of the Haitians and their planned removal from Guyana. On Monday, Principal Magistrate, Sherdel-Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, issued an order for the Haitians, including nine women and seven children, to be taken to the nearest port of exit on the grounds that they violated Guyana’s immigration laws. But a Habeas Corpus was filed in the High Court last week by President of the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana, Kesnel Toussaint, arguing that the Haitians were being subject to “inhumane treatment and unsanitary
conditions.” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, opposed the conservatory order The conservancy order arguing that the High Court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the application. Nandlall said that the fundamental rights provision of Guyana’s Constitution, is flawed since it only applies to citizens of Guyana and other Commonwealth member states, as well as, other countries listed under the said article. According to Nandlall, Haiti is not listed since it did not sign onto the free movement aspect of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME). “These persons are aliens under the constitution,” Nandlall said during the Zoom hearing.
But Toussaint, in his affidavit, claimed that a few hours after the Haitians arrived in Guyana on November 7, they were apprehended by the police. The police claimed they were suspected to be victims of a human trafficking ring but the Haitians have denied that and Toussaint said that since their detention, the Haitians have been denied counsel, although several requests were made. He told the court that the Haitians arrived here legally and were granted an automatic six-month stay in keeping with Guyana’s obligation to the Treaty of Chaguaramas. But the government of Guyana is insisting that the Haitians are victims of people smuggling. The case resumes on December 18.
EU to Allocate 183 Million Euros to World’s Poorest Nations Including Haiti The European Union (EU) will allocate 183 million euros to ease the debt of 29 of the world's poorest and most vulnerable countries, including Haiti, the European Commission said in a statement. This amount will be paid to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Disaster Relief and Containment Trust Fund (FFACC) and will enable these countries to increase their social, health and economic spending in response to the crisis. health crisis. It will also allow them to free up resources to meet the exceptional balance of payments needs created by the pandemic, instead of allocating those resources to servicing the debt. The beneficiary countries are : Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Haiti and Liberia. Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Togo and Yemen.
Haiti’s 2021 Carnival To be Held in Port-de-Paix Haitian President Jovenel Moïse told Haitians last Sunday that the National Carnival 2021 will be held in Port-de-Paix in the North-West region of Haiti, on the Boulevard des Trois Rivières. The announcement was made while Moïse was participating in a festival on the occasion of the patronal feast of the Immaculate Conception in the City of Port-dePaix which was celebrated on December 8. The information has also been confirmed by Haiti’s Ministry of Culture. The 2021 Carnival is scheduled to be held on Sunday 14, Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February 2021.
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“Mek Di Pickney Dem Smile!” Consul General Mair to host Christmas Concert and Telethon for Jamaican children Consul General Oliver Mair is looking to put a smile on the faces of Jamaican children this Christmas with wellneeded electronic devices for distance learning by hosting a fundraiser. The event dubbed “Mek di Pickney Dem Smile” will feature a Virtual Concert and Telethon, to be held on Sunday, December 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This will feature live and video performances on PBCJ-TV, Facebook, Jamaicans.com. The three-hour entertainment package will feature live and recorded performances from both International and locally-based artists including renowned reggae fame Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Junior “One Blood” Reid, Mikey Spice, and Kashief Lindo. Viewers will also enjoy a Christmas musical specials from Jamaica’s musical giant, Michael Harris; dub poet, Malachi Smith; opera/classical singer, Rory Baugh; tenor Steve Higgins; and the Tallawah Mento Band. “Mek Di Pickney Dem Smile” will be streamed live to a variety of social media platforms including Irietimes.com and IrietimesTV.com. Consul General Mair is appealing to patrons, including charitable groups, the business community, and individuals across the diaspora to support the ongoing efforts through monetary donations that can be done through several channels. He extended appreciation to the several alumni chapters in the Diaspora who has already responded to the cause through donations of equipment as well as financial to their individual alma mater.” Our goal is to raise US$100,000 to purchase the electronic devices in Jamaica, in order to acquire the specific equipment that works best for the Jamaican virtual learning experience,” said Consul General Mair. “
Marcus Garvey Jr. Dies in South Florida
Consul General Oliver Mair (right) accep ng a contribu on of tablets from president of the Louise Benne Coverley Heritage Council (Fla.) Inc., Colin Smith as a dona on to Edna Manley College, Kingston. – Contributed.
The support for the educational online learning process in Jamaica themed “A Device for Every Child – Bridging the Digital Divide” was launched in October by the minister of education, youth and information, Fayval Williams. According to the minister, this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to providing quality education to every student by ensuring that no child is left behind as a result of the unprecedented challenges related to the COVID pandemic. This program was to ensure that all our students have access to a laptop or tablet. The Consulate has partnered with several organizations including the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), the Bob Marley Foundation and the Kiwanis East Pines- Miramar to effectively manage the collection and dissemination of donations. So far, the education drive is being supported by Jamaica alumni associations, corporate entities and philanthropic organizations, and individuals. For further information contact the Consulate General of Jamaica at 305-374-8431 or 954-559-3955; info@jamaicacgmiami.org or visit the website at www.jamaicacgmiami.org
Marcus Garvey Jr., the firstborn son of Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, died in Wellington, Florida, on Tuesday. Garvey, who was 90-years-old, had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. He was a brilliant electrical engineer, physicist, and mathematician, and in many ways, walked in his father’s footsteps, becoming president general of the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). He was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, and spent much of his time touring and lecturing across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Africa. His widow Jean Garvey disclosed, “The departure of Marcus Jr, whom I had been married to for over 30 years, will leave a void that cannot be filled, and he will be greatly missed by numerous family, friends, and colleagues from all over the world, in many places where he had left indelible footprints.” Garvey is survived by Jean, younger brother Dr. Julius Garvey, sons Colin and Kyle-Sekou, stepdaughter Michelle Morris, and four grandchildren.
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VMBS Gives Back To Schools During Covid-19
WORTHWHILE DONATION: VMBS and VM Foundation presented a check of $2,000 to Sea Castle Elementary school on Thursday, December 3 to help purchase school supplies for its e-learning activities. (L-R) Debra Hixon, member Broward County School Board; Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Patti Goode, member Broward County School Board; Sea Castle Elementary principal Rick Rodriguez, Sea Castle Elementary student-body representatives; Victoria Mutual’s chief Florida representative officer Suzette Rochester Lloyd and customer service representative Gracelin Williams, and Sea Castle Elementary assistant principal Gina Kerkerian - Photo by David I. Muir
The Victoria Mutual Building Society’s chief Florida representative officer, Suzette Rochester Lloyd, along with Gracelin Williams, customer service representative, recently presented a donation in the amount of $2,000 to Rick Rodriguez, principal of Sea Castle Elementary School on behalf of the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) and the Victoria Mutual Foundation. Broward County School Board members, Pattie Goode, District 2, and Debra Hixon, At-Large seat, along with Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and assistant principal Gina Kerkerian were also present for the presentation. In making the presentation, Suzette RochesterLloyd said, “The VMBS and its Foundation are mindful of the importance that education plays in preparing our youth for the future. We find it fitting that during this global pandemic that we support and assist the school community. We consider this our social corporate responsibility and partnered with the City of Miramar to select a school where the need is so great, and we can
contribute and assist.” Mayor Messam has expressed his delight for the donation, especially for a school such as Sea Castle Elementary where a sizeable percentage of the students are first-generation Americans of Jamaican parents. The Mayor stated that it was an honor to be a part of the selection process of Sea Castle Elementary as the school could really use the funds donated to continue the educational excellence of the students. In accepting the donation, Sea Castle Principal Rick Rodriguez said he could not be “more excited, and proud of the partnership between the Victoria Mutual Building Society and Sea Castle elementary school”. There are many families lacking adequate support and COVID-19 has exacerbated these deficiencies for many families. He also stated, “we are thankful for the donation which is going to be extremely helpful in assisting the school to provide a better education to the students.”
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Spreading Visions of Hope
By Chely Thimothee-Paul
I
f knowledge is power then the grandest gift one can give to another is enlightenment. For immigration attorney Ruth Jean, this belief is important in the work she does in her practice. Jean chose law because she believes that “everyone is born with innate human rights—and while the United States is in no way perfect, it is founded upon the principle that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, those being the right to ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.’ This principle is what drives my passion in the practice of immigration law." "I sought to practice law as a profession because it provides a source of hope and vindication for those who are on the brink of hopelessness," said Jean. Jean recalls her family’s journey to the United States and the impact it has on her as a person, and as a lawyer, she advocates for those who seek refuge and a better life in the U.S. “As a young girl, my mother risked her life and the life of her three children to enter this country by boat.” Jean, who is a married mother of three Jean children, often calls her mother the "hero" for following that spark of hope "I sought to practice that ignited her to make the voyage that law as a profession now permits her to help fellow immigrants in need. because it provides Teaching the community about a source of hope and laws like the Violence Against Women’s vindication for those Act (VAWA) and how either men and women who have suffered violence who are on the brink from their husband, wife, or child who of hopelessness," is a citizen or resident alien can petition for themselves without needing the help of the abuser. VAWA is a law not commonly known within the community and truly a life-saving opportunity for those who find themselves in such horrible situations. Leaders like Jean enrich immigrants and the underprivileged daily. Proof of evolution at its best. As a child of Haitian parents and a true leader in the community of Lauderhill, this leader’s light continues to shine bright in the journey of our ancestors to make freedom possible.
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 10 – DEC 16, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM
Respect the Crown against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools. The Act was first introduced in California in January 2019 and signed into law in July 2019. The ban forces employers and school administrators to reconsider rules restricting hairstyles unless the restrictions are related to legitimate health and safety issues. Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness, a native of Jamaica, was responsible for pushing the legislation. Holness says the act has changed the look of success in Broward County. “We live in a Eurocentric society that basically asks that your hair be straight and
that you look Eurocentric in order to be successful. I know Rastaman will love this because they can wear their locs and get work without behind discriminated against,” Holness said, adding that “you still have to maintain your hair in a neat way, but you can’t be denied work because of your hair.” MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid shared her support of his ordinance of the CROWN Act. “It’s really important that states and localities pass versions of the CROWN Act so that there isn’t that kind of discrimination. That way you can have a wide variety of talent that can be part of every workplace or where they live so people don’t feel discriminated for something that is truly embedded in who we are as Black people,” she said in a video statement.
A Mother’s Quest referred the family to the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Among the specialties the Paley Institute focuses on is foot and ankle deformity. When the team of doctors, including lead doctor Dr. Dror Paley, examined Rafael, they diagnosed a very mild form of TH, which did not necessitate amputation but could be rectified with a combination of corrective surgeries, limb strengthening, and physical therapy. Harris said on hearing Paley’s diagnosis and treatment plan, “joy swelled my heart as I couldn't imagine making a decision to cut off my child's limbs without first seeking a possible alternative.” She told CNW that Paley’s diagnosis and treatment plan, which requires three corrective surgeries was made back in November 2016, but came with a price tag of US$250,000. “Since then, we have tried relentlessly to raise the funds to help with Rafael’s surgeries, but as of now (December 9) have been able to raise only US$17,000. There’s a far way to go,
Be Cautious
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Reid also revealed that as a college graduate living in New York years ago, she was often refused work because her employers did not believe that braids were “an appropriate hairstyle for work,” and at that time, it was “perfectly legal.” At the state level, a Florida Senate bill died in the judiciary in March. There is more hope at the federal level. The House passed a bill on September 21, which is now awaiting review by the Senate. California, New York, New Jersey, Washington State, Colorado, Maryland and Virginia have also passed similar bans. Holness says he hopes that other communities in the state will adopt this kind of policy.
from A1
and we are concerned time is running out. We definitely would like Rafael to have the treatment before he grows much older and the surgeries more complex.” She said although she needs to raise the $250,000, her primary concern is to first raise $130,000 so Rafael could have the first in the series of surgeries and related physical therapy. Rafael’s parents have tried reaching out to charities to assist with the funding for his treatment but discovered most charities they contacted didn’t offer medical assistance funding for children with orthopedic conditions. Rather, their focus is mainly on heart conditions, kidney dysfunctions, and cancer, which are more common among the pediatric population. The family is now dependent on raising the required funding through community support, and has, accordingly, set a GoFundMe account to raise the necessary funds. Harris says while Rafael awaits the treatment, he remains “in a prolonged state
of cheer. The bravery and strength he's displayed since birth is admired and respected. Although he's only 5 years old, he possesses a determination and will to thrive despite the challenge. But, he can only hobble along which is damaging to his spine, hip and foot, if not addressed as he's growing. The surgery would mean to world to us as our baby would gain ability rather than a life-long disability that comes with a myriad of challenges.” CNW supports Rafael’s parents in calling on the community to support them by making contributions to the GoFundMe account. As Harris emotionally told CNW “Time is running out. It has been four years since we have received a favorable treatment plan for correcting Rafael’s TH problem. Please, I humbly urge the community in Jamaica and overseas, if at all possible, to help my child receive these surgeries and physical therapy.”
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is not in our peripheral vision. It matters to governments and corporate leaders because of the speed with which it can lead to significant financial and reputational damage and retard economic development. “It matters to our youth, the next generation of employers, workers and service providers who will face constant temptation when they enter the workplace, and sometimes, even earlier. And it matters to our citizens who pay the price for corruption through reductions in the quantity and quality of social services, decaying infrastructure, and inefficient state institutions,” said Smith. The experts who addressed the event included the head of the CDB’s Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, Dr Toussant Boyce, the Vice-President of Integrity at the World Bank Group, Mouhamadou Diagne and Laura Profeta, Chief, Office of Institutional Integrity at the Inter-American Development Bank. The second day of the conference featured a virtual roundtable with the Attorneys General of The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. They discussed issues including anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, sanctions compliance risks, blacklisting and dealing with illicit financial flows.
Persad Bissessar
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In a statement posted on her Facebook page, Persad Bissessar, said, “The Star Team last night claimed victory in the UNC’s internal polls, there was a clear trend that the Star slate was going to win when the official results came in. Leadership challenger, Vasanth Bharath conceded.” This will be her third victory as leader of the party, having defeated its founding member, Basdeo Panday in 2010, becoming the first woman to head a major political party in Trinidad and Tobago. She was the first woman to head a Trinidadian government when she led the coalition People’s Partnership administration that was defeated in 2015. Her political critics argue she has lost 11 elections including two general elections since she has led the UNC. UNC Deputy Leader Dr. Lackram Bodoe, who was among the 18 candidates that were on Persad Bissessar’s “Star” slate, said Monday, “I think it’s very safe to confirm victory although we are awaiting the official results.” But the campaign for elections, held on Sunday, were tainted with allegations of irregularities, race, and Persad’s Bissessar’s own record in politics. “This is more than a party election,” Bharath told reporters Monday, saying that the national community had been viewing the polls as “to how we conduct ourselves.” He said the election was to have served as an option for voters regarding the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) government. “The party in its current form does not present a credible option,” he said.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 10 – DEC 16, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM –
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Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Jamaica
The Peter London Global Dance Company Premieres
WOMEN-ROSES-WATER Virtually on December 26
The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will be returning in a new virtual format on January 28-30, 2021. Next year’s festival will harness the power of musical variety of top performers, combined with the allure of destination Jamaica, to deliver the magical experience to fans, in a virtual staging of the festival. The three-day event will deliver a spectacular digital presentation across multiple platforms featuring local and international acts, totally free to viewers. The festival in its new format will also see a change of management.
Miami’s leading multicultural, contemporary dance ensemble, the Peter London Global Dance Company (PLGDC) celebrates its 10th anniversary with the virtual world premiere of WOMEN-ROSES-WATER, a contemporary and Afro-Caribbean dance fusion, with commissioned new music by The Ballet and Dance Orchestra, conducted by Ezra Haugabrooks. The 10th Anniversary celebration, from December 26 to 31, will feature special performances by Award-winning American Jazz singer Nicole Henry, and Alvin Ailey dancer and first resident choreographer Jamar Roberts. This virtual world premiere will also include works by Annellyse Munroe (former AILEY II company member), and Melissa Verdecia (Ballet Hispánico), who creates her fifth work for PLGDC with a dynamic and riveting retelling of the “she-roic” tale of political and feminine resistance by the Maribel sisters of the Dominican Republic, known internationally as Las Mariposas.
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Revivalism Submitted for UNESCO Inscription Revivalism, also called ‘poco’ a religious practice, characterized by energetic dance and pulsating, rhythmic music in Jamaica, has been submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for inscription on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made by Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange. “Since the Inscription of Reggae in 2018, I instructed my technical committee that going forward, Jamaica should submit one or more of its cultural practices for inscription by UNESCO. Everyone would remember the worldwide celebrations after reggae was inscribed at the meeting in Mauritius. We are hoping for the same result with our submission on revivalism,” Grange said.
Grange
Inscription is a much sought after designation, and States Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage need to demonstrate that they have put in place strategies to
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document and store their cultural elements. State Parties also need to ensure that safeguarding initiatives are undertaken with the full and prior consent of communities associated with the cultural practices. Notable inscriptions include rumba in Cuba and India’s yoga. “Jamaica’s dossier on revivalism is currently under review for an announcement in 2021 at the 16th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. “I am encouraging Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora to learn more about the process,” said Grange, a protégé of late former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, whose extensive research in the area of revivalism and Afro-
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Jamaican Footballer Alleges Years of Physical Abuse In shocking allegations on social media last week, former Jamaican youth footballer Kyle Butler says he has been enduring years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of his father. On Monday, the 22-year-old, who represented Jamaica at the Under-23 level, shared images of a stab wound he received from an attack. Butler said that it was not the first time he was being attacked with a weapon by his abuser. The talented footballer, who also played in Belgium, said he was often absent from school as a child because of the abuse. He later shared that the attacks came from his father, Phoenix All-Stars Football Academy CEO Craig Butler. Craig Butler later denied the allegations of abuse, stating his son has “major issues” and needs help. “Let me categorically state that I have not been abusive to my son on that date or any other date. I have
Kyle and father, Craig Butler
Kyle Butler
encouraged him and helped him to achieve his full potential. I have worked hard to create opportunities for my son of which he enjoyed for years. There was no complains then,” said the Phoenix Sports Academy boss. He also claimed that his relationship with his son has become strained due to “many issues” that the younger Butler “has gotten himself in,” and asked for privacy while the pair works through the matter. But Kyle’s mother, Sophia Smith Butler has supported her son’s
statements. “To the media that contacted me yesterday wanting to hear from me as the mother of Kyle, I am not ready to speak on the matter at this time but rest assured I will,” Smith-Butler said. “However, I will say this, I stand with my son and support him 100 percent in statements he has made. The days of slavery are done and over. Massa days are done and over. People owning other people are done and over. Our creator doesn’t force us to worship him, he gives us a free will,” she added. Craig Butler is one of the most well-known football managers on the island. He is the football agent for his two sons, Kyle and another star player, Leon Bailey. The 23-year-old Bailey represents Bayer Leverkusen in Germany along with the Reggae Boyz. He is said to be one of the most talented players to come from Jamaica in the last decade.
Jamille Matt in Football’s Seventh Heaven, While John-Jules Scores Again
Jermaine Blackwood scores century, but Windies suffer innings loss from New Zealand
Jamaican striker Jamille Matt fired home his seventh goal of the season to secure Forest Green Rovers a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Harrogate Town in an English League Two match on December 5 and continue their push for promotion. The visitors did not manage a shot on target until the 54th minute when Nicky Cadden’s firm drive called home goalkeeper James Belshaw into action at his near post. Three minutes later, Cadden turned provider, racing past Harrogate right-back Ryan Fallowfield before pulling the ball back from the byline for 31-year-old Matt to stab in from close range and settle matters, having scored his side’s equaliser in a 1-1 home draw against leaders Newport County on Tuesday night. Matt’s decider, which lifted Forest Green to third in the table, made it an unhappy return to Wetherby Road for Harrogate fans, who were welcomed back to the ground for the first time since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The defeat extended Harrogate’s run without a home victory to a fifth game in all competitions, matching the club’s worst sequence since 2012. Forest Green’s head coach Mark Cooper later praised his side’s organization and grit, adding, “It was a different kind of performance. “We weren’t brilliant today but it was about showing spirit, desire and diligence on a difficult pitch which we did.” In League One, teenage striker Tyreece John-Jules followed up his goal in a losing cause at leaders Hull City on Wednesday night by scoring again in eighth-placed Doncaster Rovers’ 2-0 win at 10-man Northampton Town. London-born John-Jules, 19, whose paternal grandparents are from Dominica and is on loan from Premier League club Arsenal, opened the scoring in the 36th minute. Mark Marshall lost possession and John-Jules nipped in before dinking the ball over goalkeeper Steve Arnold, who was at Forest Green between 2014 and 2016. Rovers scored their second just short of the hour-mark through Joe Wright before John-Jules stung the palms of Arnold, the goalkeeper then pulling off a fine penalty save from Benjamin Whiteman late on.
Jermaine Blackwood struck his second Test hundred but West Indies suffered a crushing innings and 134-run defeat inside four days of the opening Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand on Sunday, December 6. Unbeaten on 80 overnight, the 29-year-old Jamaican reached triple figures approaching the first hour of the day, before being eighth out for 104, as the Caribbean side collapsed to 247 all out in their second innings—40 minutes before lunch. Tail-ender Alzarri Joseph, resuming the morning on 59, batted with aplomb for his careerbest 86 but once he departed in the second over following the drinks break, West Indies lost their last three wickets for as many runs in the space of 10 balls. Blackwood cracked 11 fours and two sixes off 141 balls in four hours at the crease while Joseph faced 125 deliveries in 2-¾ hours and made nine fours and three sixes. New Zealand’s left-arm seamer Neil Wagner claimed two of the wickets to fall—including that of Blackwood’s—to end with four for 66 while the sixfoot, six-inch Kyle Jamieson finished with two for 42. The defeat extended West Indies’ nightmare run on New Zealand soil where they have not won a Test in their last 13 appearances. Resuming the morning on 196 for six still
needing another 185 runs to make the hosts bat again, West Indies safely navigated the first hour without alarm to reach 239 without further loss. Blackwood survived a chance in the fifth over when Ross Taylor dropped a sitter at slip off seamer Tim Southee and moved into the 90s with a glorious cover drive off left-armer Trent Boult. Having played aggressively throughout, he then reached his century—his first since his unbeaten 112 against England 5-½ years ago—in contrasting style with a single into the on side off the first ball of Jamieson’s first spell of the morning. Blackwood continued to find support from Joseph with whom he extended his seventh wicket stand to 155, before they were separated. For his part, Joseph played authoritatively, pulling Southee and then Boult for sixes in successive overs to coast into the 70s. The thought of a maiden Test hundred was becoming an increased reality when his long innings finally came to an end almost immediately after the drinks break, holing out to deep point off Jamieson. Blackwood followed in the next over with three runs added when he pulled Wagner to square leg and Shannon Gabriel had his stumps shattered four balls later in the same over with no addition to the total, to deal the Windies demise.
C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 10 – DEC 16, 2020 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T