National Weekly February 13, 2020

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

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Coronavirus Could Shock Caribbean Economies As Caribbean countries work to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is concerned about the potential economic fallout the region may face from the impact of the coronavirus on Chinese growth and commodity prices. According to Luis F. Lopez-Calva – the UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean – this could cause an economic shock to the region.

Lopez-Calva said the region will suffer disruptions to its supply chains as Chinese production of goods has come under pressure, because of the coronavirus outbreak that has killed hundreds of people in China.

Lopez-Calva, also the UN Assistant Secretary-General, said resilience is one of the main pillars of UNDP's regional and Caribbean narrative, and key foundation to promoting sustainable development in the region.

“The Chinese government announced it will delay reporting its January trade data. Commodity prices will also likely be impacted by a slowdown of the Chinese economy. Chinese oil demand, for example, is already being reported to have dropped by 20 percent by some news outlets,” Lopez-Calva said.

“History demonstrates in the region, that volatility is the norm and not the exception, and the development trajectories of countries are not monotonic. Resilience is the ability to return to a predetermined path of development in the shortest possible time after suffering from an adverse shock.”

He said coronavirus has emerged as a new source of potential volatility, while it's too early to fully grasp its impact, it poses a threat to the macroeconomic stability of the region.

“How strong will the impact of the virus be on Chinese growth, how it will translate to a slowdown in the region, and how prepared is the region to weather these impacts, are all questions to be determined,” he said. He also noted that “the coronavirus is spreading at a rapid pace and has resulted in a halt of economic activity in China, as the government limits the mobility in and out of the country...It is very likely that the impact of the virus on Chinese growth and commodity prices will represent a shock to the region.”

Lopez-Calva said Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is significantly exposed to China, as economic relations between the two have soared in the past decades, particularly through trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) and lending.

He cited trade between China and LAC increased from US$12 billion in 2000 to US$306 billion in 2018. Similarly, foreign direct investment (FDI) and lending from China have surged in Latin America and the Caribbean over the past decade.

Chef Irie

continues on B8 – Coronavirus

New Immigration Public Charge Rule Takes Effect On February 24

by Attorney Caroly Pedersen

As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling in favor of the Trump administration's emergency request to allow the “public charge” immigration rule to be enacted, the controversial measure will officially take effect on February 24 in all states except Illinois.

Under the new rule, immigration officials can deny green cards and other immigration benefits to those who have, or are deemed likely to use, public assistance programs like Medicaid and Food Stamps in the future.

USCIS announced it will begin implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule (“Final Rule”) for all applications received on or February 24.

New versions of Forms I-129, I-485 I-539, I864, and I-864EZ have become or will be available this week and any applications received on or after the effective date will be rejected.

Applicants are advised not to wait until the last minute, but give plenty of time for their application to be received by the USCIS before the February 24 deadline. Since the 24th falls on a Monday, and USCIS does not accept deliveries on Saturday or Sunday, its continues on B8 – Public Charge Rule

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

CARIBBEAN

ENTERTAINMENT

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BOLT, STILL THE WORLD’S FASTEST MAN ALIVE A3

UK PROCEEDS WITH DEPORTATION FLIGHT TO JAMAICA A4

BUJU BANTON READIES ALBUM FOR 2020 B7

CELEBRATING THE HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF BLACK TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES B1 – B6

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

AJ meets Beauty! Reggae singer AJ 'Boots' Brown, lead vocalist of Third World reggae band, catches up with former Miss Jamaica World Top 5 finalist, Amaya Lewis. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

Taking a Pause: L-r: Andrea Munroe-Service, Clarence Reynolds, Nadine Thompson, and Georgia Bryce take a pause for the camera at the Central Broward Regional Park. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

The Icon and the Davises: Reggae Icon Freddie McGregor (center) poses with City of Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis and her son, Cevone Davis-Raglan at the Black History Meets Reggae Icon Awards at the Miramar Cultural Center. – Contributed

Swimmer meets Ar st Jamaican Olympic swimmer and medalist Alia Atkinson, OD (le ) with South Floridabased Jamaican ar st Mark Cameron – Contributed

Babyface Live! The legendary, mul ple Grammy Awards-winning singer, songwriter, producer Kenneth 'Babyface' Brian Edmonds was live in concert at the Miramar Cultural Center Artspark. Photo Credit: Mark James

City Proclama on: Mayor Wayne Messam (le ) Proclaimed February 6, 2020 as L. Jeffrey Green Day in the City of Miramar. L. Jeffrey Green (right) and his wife, Ruthie were present to receive the recogni on. Photo Credit: Mark James

Honoring Babsy: The Honorable Olivia 'Babsy' Grange MP, CD (center) was honored at the Central Broward Regional Park, captured here with Honorable Oliver Mair, Jamaica's Consul General to Miami (le ), and Commissioner Denise Grant of the City of Lauderhill. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

Papa and the Mayor: Hot 103.4 Papa Keith with Mayor Oliver Gilbert of Miami Gardens sharing a laugh. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6 –

Usain Bolt

A3

NEWSMAKER

Still the World Fastest Man Alive One the greatest Black achievers, or of any race, and a perpetual newsmaker is Usain Bolt—still the undeniably fastest man alive.

Though the Jamaican has moved on to the next phase of his life, post-retirement, his achievements over a long career still remains phenomenal, and are standards future athletes will be trying to emulate, hopefully, for several years to come.

The beloved sprinter captured the hearts of sports fans around the world in 2008 when he set a new 100m world record of 9.72s, erasing fellow Jamaican sprinter, Asafa Powell's record of 9.74s.

It was only up from there, as Bolt ascended to heights of sports super-stardom, leading Jamaican track and field for a decade. Not only did he dominate the sport for all these years, but he was also the fan-favorite in all sprinting events, with his impressive displays of humility, humor and charm that made him one of the most beloved sports personalities of this generation.

The lightning flash pose he displayed at the scoreboard with the Jamaican flag draped across his back when he won the gold in the Beijing Olympics has gained international popularity, and earned him the moniker “Lightning Bolt.”

As an eight-time Olympic gold medalist (actually nine, but one was taken away because of the questionable actions of a relay teammate) and an eleven-time World champion, he is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of track and field.

At the 2017 World Championships, Bolt closed the curtains on his track and field career after finishing third in the men's 100m. His absence has left a void in track and field, and particularly for Jamaican, as the local athletic industry now struggles to find the spark, inspiration and motivation that Bolt provided to the local athletes during his active years.

Behind Michael Phelps, Bolt currently holds the second-highest number of accumulative Guinness World Records in sports, with a

total of 19 records. Three years after his retirement and he is still the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4 × 100m relay.

And, while there has been much debate as to who is the next male sprinter that will eventually break his records, there will certainly never be another Usain Bolt.

Additionally, he was named IAAF World Athlete of the Year six times: in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016.

In 2009, at age 23, Usain Bolt became the youngest individual awarded the Order of Jamaica—an honor he received "for outstanding performance in the field of athletics at the international level."

Many expected Bolt to slow down after his retirement from athletics, but this phenomenal man only expanded his scope, dabbling in new ventures and pursuing his other passions.

In 2018, the avid football fan began training with Australian football club, Central Coast Mariners of the A-League. He made his friendly debut for the club as a substitute in August 2018. In October 2018, Bolt was offered a contract by the Mariners but later decided that he would not pursue a career in football at the level the Mariners sought to have him play.

His latest passion project involves being a music producer. Bolt has long been a fan of reggae and dancehall music, and in July 2019, he announced his first riddim, called 'Olympe Rosé, featuring 5 tracks from Jamaican dancehall artists.

In November 2019, he followed up with another compilation called the 'Immortal Riddim' that included tracks from Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Munga Honorable and Christopher Martin.

Dancehall fans were seemingly impressed by his debut and have since requested more music from the retired athlete, which he has promised along with plans to produce music from other regional genres like Soca.

Usain has also taken advantage of other opportunities, through his partnerships with G.H. Mumm Champagne, Hublot Jewelry and Digicel Jamaica, and his entrepreneurial endeavors like his Tracks and Records restaurant, and the electric scooter company Bolt Mobility which he co-founded.

In May 2019, Bolt spoke in Paris at the Viva Technology conference, where he introduced the company's future release of the Nano minicar. He also met with French president Emmanuel Macron at the conference. While in France, Bolt participated in a CNN interview where he revealed his reasons for founding the company.

Bolt says his scooter is different, allowing bags, shopping and mobile phone storage. The scooters have capabilities to reach up to 30 MPH, but are typically capped at 15 MPH depending on city regulation. The company has begun operations in several U.S. cities, and plans to expand throughout Europe and Asia.

Usain Bolt has also begun the expansion of his family. Last month, the 33-year-old announced that he was expecting his first child with his longtime girlfriend, Kasi Bennett.

Bolt has always been open about wanting to start a family, but in the past, he had said it was about finding the right time. It seems that the right time has arrived.

The decorated sporting hero is now mindful of the pressure that the world will put on his child to achieve a similar level of sports excellence. In an interview with British newspaper, The Times, Bolt said while he is excited about the journey of fatherhood, he is already wary of his child wanting to compete professionally in athletics, because of the magnitude of his legacy. “I think the pressure is going to be too much—especially at the level I left it. It's going to be tough to follow.”

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

UK Proceeds With Deportation Flight To Jamaica Despite Court Ruling Hope flared on Monday with news reports that a United Kingdom Court of Appeal had halted the planned deportation of 50 people to Jamaica originally scheduled for February 11, saying that the Jamaicans did not have access to proper legal advice.

However, that hope was short-lived as on Tuesday the United Kingdom's Home Office proceeded with the deportation of 17 of the Jamaicans, despite the ruling from the Court of Appeal.

But in a last-minute turn of events, the charter flight left the UK for Jamaica, with fewer than half of the 50-odd deportees on board.

British politician, Chancellor Sajid Javid said that those on the flight were not British

nationals, but foreign criminals that have committed serious offences.

"They are not British, they are not members of the Windrush generation and they are all guilty of serious crimes, receiving custodial sentences of at least 12 months."

The deportees had combined sentence of 75 years and one life sentence. This includes a combined total of 15.5 years for rape, 16 years for violent offences, almost 29 years for drugrelated offences, including Class A drugs, and 14 years for robbery with possession of firearms.

A spokesperson from the UK's Home Office also issued a statement on the deportation flight, saying: "We make no apology for trying to protect the public from serious, violent and persistent foreign national

Javid

offenders. The court ruling does not apply to all of the foreign national offenders due to e deported and we are therefore proceeding with the flight."

The Home Office also added that the court did not order that those taken off the flight cannot be deported at a later date, even though they should now have access to legal aid.

The 17 deported individuals arrived in Jamaica and were transported and processed by police at the police processing facility on Merrion Road in Kingston.

Since the Windrush scandal broke in 2018, this is the second deportation flight to be scheduled from the UK to Jamaica. Last year, 29 convicted criminals were deported to Jamaica.

JAMAICA

EU Launches Elections Observer Mission For Guyana's Elections

Prime Minister Sends “Fake News” Warning With Jamaica's general election date inching closer, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has sent a warning to people spreading “fake news” on social media, saying the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) will take legal action against individuals.

At an Area Two Council Meeting in Portmore, St Catherine on Sunday, February 9, Holness spoke out against people who spread propaganda on social media and slander party officials.

“We have started to invest in the capacity in our party to detect and expose all the fake news that is being created and shared on social media,” he said.

“We know where they are coming from, and we know who are the people doing it, and

as they put them (social media posts) up, we respond. Where they cross the lines to be slanderous or libelous we will take legal action,” the JLP leader warned.

He also cautioned members of his party to refrain from indulging in such practices.

“There is a sense that this fake news can influence how you think and how you vote; and you have to ask yourself, is it right for people to tell lies and parade lies as truth to trick you to vote a particular way.

“We don't need to spread fake news; we don't need to trick voters to vote for us. We don't need to be the purveyors of bad news and fake news. In just four years we have so much good news. When they go low, we will go high,” he said, alluding to the main opposition, People's National Party (PNP).

In the meantime, the JLP is gearing up to contest a by-election on March 2, for the constituency of South East Clarendon. The seat

was recently vacated by JLP deputy leader and sitting MP Rudyard Spencer when he announced his sudden retirement.

At the council meeting, Holness thanked Spencer for his years of service in the JLP. “Let me thank my good friend for the many years of service to the trade union movement and the Jamaica Labor Party and the people of Clarendon. As part of the democratic process, whenever a seat becomes vacant… the Government of the day has the duty to ensure that vacant seat is filled,” Holness said.

Following Spencer's retirement announcement, the PNP said they would not contest a by-election, The reason the party gave is the by-election would be taking place too close to the next general election, constitutionally due next year.

Nomination day for the by-election is Wednesday, February 12.

The European Union's (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) has indicated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in Guyana's general and regional elections, to be held on March 2.

During a media conference on February 6, EU EOM Chief Observer, Urmas Paet, stated that the mission's mandate is to observe all aspects of the electoral process.

“The presence of the EU EOM demonstrates the EU's commitment to the conduct of inclusive, transparent and credible elections in Guyana,” Paet said, continues on B8 – Guyana Elections

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6 –

A5

Talk UP Who is your favorite personality in Black History and why?

Annejeanette - Mae Jemison. She has inspired so many African American women to reach for the stars in every area of their life.

Mae Jemison is the first African American woman in space! She is also a technology business owner, medical doctor, author, and speaker.

Donna - Bob Marley. “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our mind.” Even though we are no longer in bondage physically, we are still mentally in bondage. The sad part is most are not aware of this.

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Dawn - Just as I feel assigning one month, the shortest month, to be black history month is a slight; I also find it unfair to single out only one person to represent the greatness of the black race. Each of our heroic and groundbreaking champions played a significant role in getting us to the place we are. So I give a curtsy and everlasting gratitude to all the courageous black women and men who made it possible for our current freedoms, technology and medicines that enhance our lives. So Marcus, Martin, Harriet, Sojourner, Malcolm, Selassie I, Bob, et al their sacrifice should always be equally honored.

Kevin - Malcolm X, stood up as a man, and died for his people. Straight. Marcus Garvey influenced a generation of leaders.

Mushtaq - Tricky question given that “history” is constantly being written and there are many facets to it. It's easy to go several decades back and look at the Rosa Parks or Dr. King. But I am going more current and so it's a tossup with President and Mrs. Obama and Serena Williams. The Obamas are easy choices. Serena's achievements are remarkable and her influence affects so much more than tennis.

Carl - Marcus Mosiah Garvey. I would say that what he did for black people needing financial independence from the white dominant society and he also launched business in the U.S. including the Negro Factory Corporation and Negro World Newspaper. He was also instrumental in the recruiting the people from the Nation of Islam to the Rastafarianism. As a Jamaican born in August 1887 in St Ann's Bay, he is one that we should all look up on as a guide and a role model.

Andrew – I would have to say Nelson Mandela. To reach where he reached, from nothing and against all odds, was truly amazing. His legacy really is about struggle, the power to overcome, and most of all forgiveness and humility.

Maxine - Rosa Parks is definitely my favorite black personality in history. In the ages where “blacks” were required to give up their seats on the bus in Alabama for “whites,” she stood her ground. Despite being arrested and other ramifications of her refusal to give up her seat, she decided to fight against racial inequality and injustice. She was a great inspiration to others who wanted to stand up for equal rights and justice which is the glory of democracy. Today, thanks to Rosa and God's mercy, we are able to sit anywhere on the bus. Let us live in love and unity.

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

YES! Black History Is Intertwined In American History Even as Black America celebrates Black History Month, the persistent controversies that have plagued the annual commemoration of Black achievement has surfaced again.

There are people who criticize Black History Month as the perpetuation of racism by the Black community – an act of racial segregation. Other critics argue the achievements of Black Americans are too broad to be capsuled in one month. And, what may be the most cutting criticism is that American history has little to do with its Black population.

The latter criticism is patently false! Those who postulate this argument are either intellectually dishonest or severely ignorant. No student of American history can honestly deny that the role, experience and impact of Black Americans is intricately woven in the fabric of American history.

Remarkably, Black immigrants from Africa arrived, albeit forcibly, in America in 1619, months before the Mayflower arrived with British pilgrims in 1620.

The despicable system of enslaving Black immigrants beginning in the 17th century, continued with wanton atrocities to the emancipation of slavery (not nationally) in 1862. The Union was threatened, when a Confederate Union intent on keeping Black

people in slavery, emerged in 1861. When the states remaining in the Union retaliated, it sparked the 1861 – 1865 Civil War. The nation experienced the assassination of Presidents Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1963, men who stood up for, and/or were in the process of legislating for the benefit of Black Americans.

America also experienced the cruel and humiliating period of racial segregation targeted at Black Americans, and the cruelty of white supremacists including the Ku Klux Klan.

But America also experienced the phenomenal spirit of Rosa Parks, the indomitable courage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 1965 legislation giving Blacks voting rights, leading to the eradication of segregation.

Black Americans shared in the tragedies from the ravages of nature, and countless were used and victimized in too many wars. But with every setback, every tragedy, every period of despair, hope prevailed and Black Americans rallied and rebounded.

Very little deterred the quest to build this great nation. Immigrants from almost every land, including Black people from the Caribbean, heeded the message: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free,” encrypted on the Statue of Liberty in New York City's harbor, joining the masses born in America in the building process.

Over the years, Black Americans mingled with the other races to excel in almost every area of life, including business, sports, entertainment, religion, politics, medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. Black Americans, including Black immigrants, played

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significant roles in America being branded as “The Richest and Greatest Nation on Earth.”

The new millennium beginning in 2000, brought a set of new problems that tested the mettle of all Americans, playing with their hope, and the fulfillment of the American Dream.

Since 2000, America experienced an unprecedented terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a massive surge in its housing market, which crashed creating a Great Recession rivaling the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Hope flared again, especially among the Black population and the youth when America elected its first Black president in 2008. But despite the promises of hope and change, the realities of the new and unusual challenges delayed the anticipated fulfillment. The damage created during the first eight years of the new millennium proved too severe to realize the changes, confidently promised by the young, brilliant, charismatic Black president, from materializing in the time most Americans had set.

Although Black pride surged in 2008 with the unexpected rise to the pinnacle of America's leadership, the irony of a Black family living in the White House built by enslaved Blacks, it seems, was not lost on the segment of society intent on keeping keep Black Americans “in their place.” Sadly, since the Black occupants relinquished residence in the White House in 2017, the fight to marginalize Black Americans has intensified. This fight is reflected in the criticism of the commemoration of black achievements in Black History Month.

But, in one of the most amazing twists in American history, the often marginalized Black population rose to be one of the most influential voting blocs in the election of American leaders, including the president. Denied the civil right to vote before 1965, the support of black voters is now invaluable to candidates seeking the presidency of the United States.

While the achievements of Black people are intricately intertwined in American history, to combat systemic attempts to suppress achievements by Blacks and bring them into sharp focus, Black History Week was established in 1926, and lead to the creation of Black History Month.

As each February focuses on accounts of Black achievement, it serves to motivate more Black youth to be outstanding achievers, cementing themselves in the continuation of American history.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Haiti's National Decit Grows To Over $15 Billion The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) has reported that in first the quarter of fiscal year 2020 (October to December 2019), Haiti's economy was “severely affected by the slowdown in activities during the months of October and November 2019. During this period for 65 percent of the companies surveyed indicated this situation led to the layoff of 10 to 25 percent of their workforce.”

The bank noted that as of December 31, 2019, the taxes and levies collected by the Haitian government increased by 4.5 percent compared to the previous quarter, amounting to just over 19.6 billion Gourdes. At the same time, spending increased by 37.7 percent compared to the previous quarter to reach a little over 42.7 billion Gourdes.

The slight quarterly increase in government revenues, however, could not compensate for the increase in government spending and consequently, a deterioration in the government's overall net position was supported by a level of monetary financing of 15.8 billion Gourdes at December 31, 2019

compared to 5.3 billion in the previous quarter.

Also, the Central Bank's net claims on the State increased by 22.19% as of December 31, 2019, compared to 8.18% in the previous quarter.

The increase in the deficit of more than 300 percent over the quarter, occurred despite the economic and financial governance pact signed between the BRH and the Ministry of Finance in November 2019 aimed at maintaining the balance between the expenses and the available resources and reduce the increase in the needs for financing of the State The BRH does not yet know the forecasts for the current fiscal year 2019-2020, as it claims the budgetary framework is still not available.

Regarding the economic outlook for the next quarter, the BRH explains, "The outlook for the Haitian economy remains mixed. The evolution of the economic situation for the next three months will be highly dependent on the socio-political climate. The negative shocks recorded in the country during the previous quarters still have an impact on the macroeconomic framework. Despite a relative recovery in activity towards the end of the first quarter, a wait-and-see attitude continues to prevail with regard to investment and production decisions; which affects the employment situation and the state's ability to mobilize resources.”

At the same time, the likely rise in international commodity prices, particularly those of petroleum products, could worsen the budgetary imbalance with continued price subsidies at the pump. Nevertheless, the forecasts made by the technical services of the BRH project a relative stabilization of inflation in the second quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year insofar as, unlike the previous quarter, the movement of people and goods are improved.

UN Concerned With Gun Control In Haiti The latest report on small arms and light weapons in the world, from the Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, submitted every 2 years to the Security Council indicated “The destabilizing accumulation, illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and light weapons continue to initiate, sustain and exacerbate armed conflict and pervasive crime. Small arms and light weapons remain a primary tool for armed conflict and violence, and the cross-cutting humanitarian impact of illicit flows remains a serious concern. " specifying that the illicit transfer, the accumulation and the diversion of small arms, ammunition and related material were examined under various aspects during the examination of the operations of Peace of the United Nations, particularly in Haiti.

According to the report “Current crises, including those in Haiti have been aggravated by the widespread availability and uncontrolled flow of weapons. Poor stockpile management, inadequate regulation and cross-border trafficking continue to plague already-fragile settings.

“Haiti continues to suffer from pervasive armed violence facilitated by uncontrolled small arms and light weapons in broad circulation.

With over 270,000 illicit firearms in the possession of civilians, compounded by illicit cross-border trafficking, crime has reached unacceptable heights.”

The National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reintegration in Haiti estimates the number of illegal firearms in Haiti at nearly 500,000.

In the report Guterres said, “I welcome the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2476 (2019), by which it established the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, with a mandate to provide advisory capacity on gang violence, community violence reduction and weapons and ammunition management.”

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

M-DCPS to Honor 2nd Anniversary of Parkland Shootings with Day of Love and Kindness To commemorate the second anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is joining its neighbors in Broward, and school districts across the country, in honoring the 17 victims who were killed on that fateful day.

The entire district will be observing a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. on Friday, February 14.

M-DCPS' Values Matter Miami Initiative will focus on kindness during this month and all schools are being asked to promote “Love and Kindness Day” on Valentine's Day. The District's Department of Mental Health Services is providing each school with resources and services that support mental wellness efforts.

Middle and senior high schools are encouraged to have their newly established “Mental Wellness Clubs” spearhead activities and projects geared toward reducing the stigma of mental health and promoting awareness and education.

School Operations is providing resources to encourage schools to focus on the transformation of the school's community climate and culture.

Teachers are being reminded to stay vigilant throughout the day and remain sensitive to the fact that certain students, who have had prior trauma or loss, may be more likely to exhibit strong emotional responses.

Counselors will be available to meet with students or staff who need extra support.

Mayor Messam To Host Health And Fitness Fair Concerned about the health of city residents, City of Miramar's Mayor, Wayne Messam will be hosting his annual 5K Timed Run, 3K Run/Walk, Health & Fitness Fair on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 7 a.m. to Noon at Miramar Town Center, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar.

During his tenure as mayor, Messam has made Health and Wellness a priority initiative.

The March 7 event is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle within an interactive setting for residents and visitors.

Participants can expect an activity-filled day with health screenings, cooking demonstrations by Chef Mark Cameron, body building, children's activities and more. Joining in the activities are Memorial Hospital Miramar, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Comcast Cable, Runners Depot, Dick's Sporting

Goods, Aetna Healthcare, The Miami Dolphins, WastePro and many more.

Free Yoga Sessions will be held throughout the day in the botanical garden and you don't have to be an experienced athlete to participate in any of the above. Last year, an estimated crowd of over 900 people of all skill levels

participated throughout this exciting event.

Additional activities include an obstacle course, rock climbing, face-painting, Zumba, body building demonstrations, martial arts and a complete schedule of healthy fun from start to finish.

“As a National Champion on the 1993 Florida State University Football Team and a brief stint in the National Football League, I know the benefits of being physically fit. I believe a healthy community is a prosperous community and this event provides competition, education and family fun. You don't want to miss this event which grows bigger and bigger every year!” said Mayor Messam.

Pricing for 5K Registration is $25 in advance, $30 day of race. No fees for participating in the 3K Run/Walk, Health & Fitness Fair or Yoga Sessions. Register at http://bit.ly/MayorMessams5K. Those needing more information or to register as vendors at the event, should call 954.602.3198 or email elaroche@miramarfl.gov

City of Hallandale launches “Food Takeover Weekend” The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) partnering with The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) hosts their inaugural “Foodie Takeover Weekend” on the weekend of Friday, February 21to Saturday, February 22.

The weekend will include three events showcasing local eateries, wine samples, music, art, movies, and celebrity guests.

Hallandale Beach residents and visitors currently enjoy the city's beautiful beaches, comfortable hotels, world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, two of South Florida's

premier “racinos” - Gulfstream Park and Mardi Gras Casino, and sporting activities including tennis, golf, swimming, boating, and salt-water.

Hallandale Beach boasts more than 100 diverse restaurants, most family owned. The Hallandale Beach “Foodie Takeover Weekend” was created as a result of the HBCRA's commitment to support Hallandale's local restaurants, highlight its diverse culture, and create fun filled events for the entire family.

The objective of the organizers is for the Foodie Takeover Weekend to become a premier annual event in the social activities of Hallandale Beach.

“Art and food have a unique ability to bridge cultural divides and bring communities together in a way that few other activities can,” said Assistant Manager & HBCRA Executive Director Dr. Jeremy Earle. “Food is a tremendous vehicle for sharing one's culture with people from different backgrounds, and art has the ability to tell stories that inspire reflections that can transcend personal or cultural differences.”

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Celebrating the historical journey of Black track and field athletes In recent years, Black athletes from the United States and the Caribbean have dominated track and field in global meets, particularly in biannual World Championships and Summer Olympics held every four years. This dominance will surely be again on display in the 2020 Tokyo, Japan Olympics. But, this dominance dates back to a historical journey of several years. In this week's edition of “Celebrating Black History,” CNW presents a synopsis of the journey of American and Caribbean athletes from as early as 1895.

The Early Years Black people in America and the Caribbean were running long distances, jumping over rivers, hurdling over ravines and boulders, and enhancing their strength and prowess from as early as the days of slavery. Many on their days off from the rigors of the plantation, competed against others in foot

events.

The first major Black college track meet was held at the Tuskegee Institute in Montgomery, Alabama.

The college circuit produced Black star athletes like: Napoleon Bonaparte Marshall of Harvard College who ran the 440 yard dash in 1895 at 51.2 seconds. It wasn't until 1907 that a Black athlete ran the quarter mile under 50 seconds, when John Baxter “Doc” Taylor set the record time of 49.2 seconds.

First Olympic Gold Medal by a Black Athlete

races, but were not allowed to participate in organized athletic events.

Competition for Black athletes became possible in 1895 when they were allowed to qualify for the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, but they were required to practice in fields separate from white athletes. Most of the Black athletes in the late 19th century were sponsored by all-Black schools and colleges to compete in track and fi e l d

Taylor progressed with great accomplishments in track. At the 1908 Olympics in London, he achieved the first Olympic gold medal for a Black athlete as a member of the 200-200-400-800meter medley relay team.

First Black Athlete who was “The World's Fastest Human” Another great Black athlete, Howard Porter Drew, emerged in 1910.

He had the title of “The World's Fastest Human” from 1910 through 1918. In 1912 he held the 100 meters

record at 10.8 seconds and in 1913 the world record in the 220 yards at 22.8 seconds.

Historical 100m sprint

by Norman Washington Manley However, in Jamaica, a local high school athlete of mixed race, Norman Washington Manley, ran the 100 meters in 10.00 seconds in 1911, while a student at Jamaica College. That record stood for 41 years, but Manley, also a brilliant scholar, chose not to pursue a career in track. Instead, he accepted a Rhode Scholarship where he sat a law degree. He returned to Jamaica and entered the field politics, formed the People's National Party, and became the country's Premier.

Manley played an instrumental role in securing the nation's independence from Britain in 1962.

In the field events in 1924 at the Paris Olympics, William DeHart Hubbard, a University of Michigan student won the gold medal in the Long jump with a leap of 24ft. 51/8 inches.

The Great Jesse Owens By far, the greatest Black track and field athlete up to 1940, and for several years after, was James Cleveland Owens, known to the athletic world as Jesse Owens. One of Owens' earliest track and field feats was as a student at Ohio State University when, in one hour he set a world record in the long jump, tied his own world record in the 100 yards, and broke world records in the 200 yards and 220 yards low hurdles. However, his greatest accomplishment was at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where before the racist leader of Germany, Adolf Hitler, who believed the Germans were the master race, he tied the world record in the 100 meters, set Olympic records in the long jump and the 200 meters, and also won gold as a member of the U.S. 400-meter relay team.

Historical Achievements After World War II World War II which lasted for the first half of the 1940s placed a damper on overall participation in track and field, and other sports during this period. Because of the war the 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games were cancelled. These cancellations seriously impacted Black athletes who were at their prime around this time, as their aspirations were to participate and excel in the Olympics. In 1936 Jesse Owens revealed to Black athletes that nothing could deter them from being Olympic champions. However, younger athletes trained and participated in private and college track and field meets and were ready for Olympic participation when the Olympics resumed in 1948 in London.

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Historical Jamaicans in London and Helsinki Olympics Jamaican athletes, Arthur Wint and Herbert “Herb” Mckenley were other Black athletes who made a grand entrance at the 1948

Wint and Mckenley won silver medals in these Olympics; Wint in the 800 meters and Mckenley in the 100 and 400 meters, again losing gold to a teammate, this time Rhoden. Later in the Helsinski Games, the three athletes joined their team mate Leslie Laing in the 4 x 400 meters relay winning in the world record time of 3:03.9.

First Black Athlete to medal in the Decathalon

Olympics. Wint won the first gold medal for Jamaica in an Olympics, when he won the 400 meters in a time of 46.2 seconds, over the favorite, his teammate Herb Mckenley who had run the 400 yards in world record times of 46.3 and 46.0 in 1947 and 1948 respectively. Wint also won a silver medal in the 800 meters in 1948.

In the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Jamaica again excelled, when George Rhoden won two gold medals. One gold was in the 400 meters in 45.9 secs and the second, as a member of the Jamaican team that won gold in the 4 x 400 meters relay. Both

In the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, another Black athlete, Milt Campbell excelled in a unique event—the decathlon.

Campbell was a naturally skilled athlete in track, wrestling and football, and in track he was outstanding in sprints, long distance races, hurdles, long and high jump, hurdles and the field events. He was a natural for the decathlon. At only 18 years old, Campbell just missed the gold at Helsinki, gaining a silver medal. However, he returned to the Melbourne, Australia Olympics in 1956 and won the gold medal.

First Black Female Olympic Medalist One such athlete was Alice Coachman, who excelled in both track and field events. Confronted by racism, this all-round athlete, a native of Georgia, was not allowed to practice in public facilities, but she persevered by practicing the high jump—jumping over ropes held with sticks by her colleagues—and for track events by running barefoot on dirt roads in her neighborhood. She excelled in track and field as a student at Tuskegee Institute, and won the high jump at the Olympic trials in 1948. At the London Olympics, she set a new Olympic record and won the high jump at a height of 5ft. 61/4 inches, gaining the first Olympic medal for a Black woman.

The Great Wilma Rudolph At the 1960 Olympics in Rome, a Black American female athlete, Wilma Rudolph, made history by winning three gold medals. Rudolph, who was partially paralyzed by polio as a child, grew up to be a star athlete at Tennessee University, and

represented the U.S. at the Rome Olympics. There she became the first woman, not just the first Black, to win three gold medals in track. She won the 100 meters in 11.00 secs, the 200 meters in 20.00 secs and was a member of the victorious 4 x 100 meters relay.

Historical British West Indies team at 1960 Rome Olympics At the 1960 Olympics, Caribbean athletes were united in one team – The British West Indies, as a result of the then West Indies Federation. The team gained two bronze medals, one in the 800 meters (Jamaica's George Kerr) and in 4 x 400 meters (Kerr, James Wedderburn (Barbados), Keith Gardener and Mal Spence (Jamaicans).

In 1964 at the Tokyo Olympics, following in the triumphs of the great Wilma Rudolph, another Black female American athlete, Wyomia Tyus won gold in the 100 meters.

She was the first woman to repeat

the feat, when at Mexico City Olympics in 1968, she set a world record for the event in 11.08 secs. She also won gold when the Americans copped the 4 x100 meters relay.

Sprinter Bob Hayes also excelled at the Tokyo Olympics, winning gold in the 100 meters and the 4 x 100 meter relay.

Controversial Black Power Salute at Mexico Olympics The 1968 Olympics stands out in Black history more for a Black Power protest than the achievements of the Black athletes, although these were very impressive.

1968 was one of the most historical years in American history.

It was the year the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Democratic U.S. Senator, John F. Kennedy were assassinated, the VietNam war was at its peak, with hundreds of Blacks and other American troops killed, and the Black Power Movement gaining momentum. Blacks were

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History marred by a terrorist attack on the team from Israel, Lennox Miller again won Bronze in the 100 meters.

Haisley Crawford and Donald Quarrie earn the Caribbean Gold at 1976 Montreal Olympics

demanding their rightful place in American society.

At the games, American Tommy Smith won gold in the 200 meters in a world record time of 19.83 secs.

With the American national anthem playing for the medal award ceremony, Smith and fellow American John Carlos, who won the 200 meters bronze medal, while standing on the podium bowed their heads, and raised their black-gloved fists in a silent protest against racism and the lack of civil rights for Blacks.

Jamaican Lennox Miller, won silver in the 100 meters, second to American Jim Hines in Mexico City.

Other Black athletes shone at the 1968 Olympics, including Kipchoge Keiono of Kenya who won gold in the 1500 meters and silver in the 5,000 meters, starting a tradition of excellence for Africans in long distance races. At the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Keiono also won the 3,000 meters steeplechase event.

In the 1972 Olympics, which was

Caribbean athletes would make the region very proud at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. There Haisley Crawford of Trinidad nipped Jamaica's Donald Quarrie for the gold in a time 10.06 secs, to Quarrie's 10.08, but Quarrie redeemed in the 200 meters winning in 20.23 secs. Cuban Alberto Juantorena was the toast of the games winning gold in the 400 and 800 meters.

Quarrie went on to win silver in the 200 meters in the Moscow Olympics in 1980, and Jamaica female sprinter Merlene Ottey, bronze over the same event for women.

American Edwin Moses was also outstanding at the M o n t r e a l Olympics, winning the 400 meters hurdles in world record time of 47.63. Moses dominated this event for years and broke the world record again in 1980 with a time of 47.13 secs.

There was another major achievement made by Blacks in track and field in 1976 with Dr. Leroy Walker, a native of Harlem, New York, who became the first African-American to be named the head coach of the U.S. track and field team to the Montreal Olympics.

The growth and dominance of Black athletes in track, especially sprints, and long-distance events, and jumps continued as the 20th century waned through to the new millennium. However, while it was African Americans that dominated track and field for the second half of the 20th century, as the millennium advanced athletes from the Caribbean would dominate in track.

Carl Lewis – (The “Modern Jesse Owens”)

Atlanta Olympics, considered “over the athletic hill” he again mined gold in long jump.

The 1984 Olympics also saw the introduction of another super athlete, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. An allround athlete, in 1984 she gained silver in the seven-event heptathlon, losing by just 5 points. However, she dominated the event at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, winning gold with almost 400 points over the silver medalist from Germany. After these games, she focused on her best single event—the long jump, winning gold in 1988, but returned to the heptathlon in 1992, winning gold again and bronze in the long jump.

Like Lewis, she returned to the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and again won bronze in the long jumps.

Flo Jo Griffith – Superwoman of Sprints

Probably the most dominant athlete in track and field in the 80s was African American Carl Lewis, referred to as the “modern Jesse Owens” for his prowess in sprints and long jump. He was outstanding at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles where he won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters, the long jump, and was a member of the gold medaling US 4 x 100 meters relay team.

Returning to the Seoul, South Korea Olympics in 1988, he again won gold medals in the 100 and long jump, but was edged out by his teammate Joe DeLoach in the 200 meters.

In the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Lewis won two more gold medals, again in the long jump, and the 4x100 meters relay.

But, he was not done. In 1996, at the

The Black woman who was the superwoman of track was JoynerKersee's sister-in-law, Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo). Going into

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Donovan Bailey running for Canada won gold in the 100 meters, taking the bronze was Trinidadian Ato Bolden, who also won bronze in the 200 meters won by a new star, American Michael Johnson.

Michael Johnson's phenomenal 200 meters record

out by American Gail Devers in the 100 meters, with both athletes clocking 10.94 seconds. Ottey also got silver in the 200 meters. But the pride of the Caribbean in Atlanta was Jamaican Deon Hemmings winning the 400 meters hurdles in a record time of 52.82 secs, but she lost her title in 2000 at Sydney winning silver.

Jamaica's Veronica Campbell and Bahamas' Williams Darling also mined gold in 2004 the 1988 Olympics at Seoul, the dominant Black female sprinter was American Evelyn Asford, who had won gold in the 100 meters in 1984 with Jamaica's Merlene Ottey (the Bronze Queen) taking bronze. In the Seoul Olympics, Flo Jo, who except for a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics had no prior outstanding international track achievement, soundly defeated Ashford. Flo Jo, known for her eye-catching outfits and signature super-long nails—set phenomenal (yet unbroken) times in the 100 meters (10.54) beating Ashford who ran a very impressive 10.83, and in the 200 meters Flo Jo ran a record 21.34 secs over Jamaican Grace Jackson who ran 21.72. Flo Jo also won gold in the US 4 x 100 meters relay in a world record time of 41.98 secs, and silver in the 4 x 400 meters.

At the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, Jamaica's Juliet Cuthbert gained silver medals in both the 100 and 200 meters.

In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in which Boxing hero, Muhammad Ali, lit the Olympic torch albeit afflicted

by Parkinson disease, Jamaican

athletes won a number of silver and bronze medals. Campbell would win Gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters in the World Championships in Osaka, Japan in 2007.

Michael Johnson was a member of the US 4 x 400 gold medaling team in 1992. At Atlanta in 1996 Johnson won the 200 and 400 meters in record times. His record of 19.32 in the 200 meters would last for 12 years, and many people, including Johnson himself, believed the record would remain unbeaten.

He won another gold in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, in the 4 x 400 relay.

Jamaica's Deon Hemmings Strikes Gold in '96 Atlanta Olympics At the Atlanta Olympics Jamaica's Merlene Ottey was edged

Caribbean Dominance at Beijing Olympics and Berlin World Champs in 2008 The height of the Caribbean dominance would be evident in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, and the World Championships in Berlin, Germany in 2008.

In the Sydney Olympics, Ato Bolden won silver in the 100 and bronze in the 200 meters. Although Caribbean athletes won several minor medals in Sydney, it was at the Athens, Greece Olympics in 2004, that signs of their emerging dominance was evident. In those Olympics, Jamaican Veronica Campbell won bronze in the 100 meters, gold in the 200 meters and was a member of Jamaica's 4 x 100

meters relay team that also won gold.

Tonique Williams Darling from The Bahamas won the gold medal in the 400 meters.

The Caribbean dominance continued the next year in the World Athletic Championships in Helsinki, Finland, where Williams Darling again won gold in the 400 meters, and Jamaica's Tricia Smith took home gold in the triple jump.

Veronica Campbell and other

“Lightning” Bolt Strikes The phenomenally dominant athlete in the Beijing Olympics was Jamaican Usain “Lightning” Bolt. In these games, Bolt broke worlds records in the 100 meters ( 9.69) easing up in the last few yards, and the 200 meters (19.30) smashing the seemingly invincible 12-year record of American Michael Johnson, and earning gold in another world record time of 37.10 in the 4 x 100 meters

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Powell

relay with teammates Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater.

In 2006 Asafa Powell had set a new world record of 9.77 in the 100 meters and another of 9.74 in 2007, and went into the Berlin Olympics as a favorite, but fished back in 5th place at Beijing.

Record-making Jamaican Women in Beijing Olympics The Jamaican women also dominated, winning all the medals—Shelly-Ann Fraser in 10.78-seconds gold in the 100

Fraser-Pryce

meters, Veronica Cambell-Brown 200 meters victory and Melanie Walker 400 meters hurdles win, which set an Olympic record time of 52.64.

At the Beijing Games Usain Bolt broke both the 100 and 200 meters record with times of 9.58 and 20.19 respectively, and joined Powell, Frater and Steve Mullings in winning gold in the 4 x 100 meters relay. Fraser won the women 100 meters, Walker the 400 meters and Brigitte Foster-Hylton the 100 meters hurdles. The Jamaican women's team also won gold in the 4 x 100 meters relay. Jamaican Sanya Richards won the 400 meters in WR time of 49.00 secs. for the U.S.

US-Jamaica Sprint Rivalry heightens Jamaica's success in the sprint events (110, 200 and 400 meters) at the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World Championships fueled the rivalry between the Jamaicans and the Americans. This rivalry was blatantly evident in the 2012 London Olympics where Jamaican and other Caribbean athletes again excelled.

By this time, Usain Bolt was a household name in track and field, and big things were expected from him in London, especially breaking another world record. He did not disappoint. Although he did not break his 100 or 200 meters records he easily won the two sprint events, and another gold as a member of the Jamaican 4 x 100 meters men 100 and 200 meters relay.

Bolt followed by his compatriots Yohan Blake, silver, and

Warren Weir, bronze, had a clean sweep in the men 200 meters. While in the 100 meters Blake also minted silver, with the US's Justin Gatlin getting the bronze.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took the gold again in the 100 meters in London, but was left in second place in the 200 meters by another brilliant U.S. female athlete, Allyson Felix. Veronica Campbell-Brown finished third place in the 100 meters.

Jamaican born U.S. representative Sanya Richards Ross won the women 400 meters.

The Americans defeated Jamaica in the women 4 x 100 meters, and 4 x 400 meters relay.

The Bahamas won the men 4 x 400 relay, in which Trinidad and Tobago placed third.

undoubtedly, the world's fastest human being.

The men's 100 meters was highly anticipated even as prior to the Olympics America Justin Gatlin had impressive times, and seemed to present the strongest challenge to Bolt since 2008. However, Bolt dominated the race to win in 9.81 secs, with Gatlin taking the silver in 9.89 secs.

Justin Gatlin has his day

Walcott

Gatlin

Grenada's Kiranai James and TNT's Keshorn Wright adds to Caribbean pride Kirani James made Grenada proud when he gave the Caribbean country their first gold medal, copping the win in the men's 400 meters event. And, in the men's javelin event, Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago had his nation cheering by winning gold.

Usain Bolt continued his dominance of the men sprints when he again threepeated in the men 100, 200 and 4 x 400 meters relay in the 2016 Rio Olympics to win a record nine Olympic gold medals, and seal his fame as, Kirani James

McLeod

Gatlin would eventually have his day when he won the 100 meters in the 2017 World Championships in London, in 9.92 seconds, with Bolt placing third in 9.95 seconds— season best time for both athletes.

Elaine Thompson – New Sprint Queen Jamaica spawned a new sprint queen in Elaine Thompson who won the women 100 and 200 meters in Rio. Shelly-Ann FraserPryce placed third in the 100 meters.

The Caribbean featured once more when Shaunae Miller of The Bahamas defeated favorite Allyson Felix of the U.S. in the women's 400 meters event in which Jamaican Sherika Jackson placed third. Felix would go on to win another gold medal in the women 4 x 400 meters relay pushing Jamaica into second place.

Jamaican Omar McCleod also won gold for his country in the men's 100-meter hurdles. Grenada's Kirani James gained a silver medal in the men's 400 meters, and Kershorn Walcott a bronze medal in the Javelin.

The history continues There is no doubt that years from now the historical achievements of Black track and field athletes from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and other regions will continue to be written.

There is anticipation that athletes like Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Elaine Thompson-Herah will medal again in Tokyo this year, and greatness is expected from young athletes like Jamaican teen sprint sensation Brianna Williams.

Black athletes have and will continue to play major roles not only in track and field, but in other sports like tennis, golf, basketball, soccer, baseball and cricket.

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Buju Banton Readies New Album For April 2020 After releasing a number of singles in 2019 to test the waters, Dancehall veteran Buju Banton is ready to release a new album.

According to Banton's co-manager, (producer and CEO of Penthouse Records) Donovan Germain, “Buju's latest album is just about complete”.

“Actually we've finished, it's just to look about the paperwork – contracts, and for people to sign off on. Because you know, dealing with a major label (Buju signing with hip-hop business mogul Jay-Z's Roc Nation label last year) is kinda different from what we do in our industry… Everybody has to sign off,” Germain explained in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.

According to Germain, Buju's upcoming album

will not only cater to reggae and dancehall fans, but incorporate other genres of music.

“It is an album that is geared towards the various parts of the audience that loves Buju … dancehall, lover's rock, cultural aspect, etc. Because of the fact that Buju has been away for 10 years, we try and give each section of the audience a little something for themselves,” said Germain. The album, though not yet titled, is set to be released in two months.

“We are probably looking at around April (for the album's release). That is the timeline we are working with, barring any unforeseen changes,” Germain said.

Throughout the course of his career, Buju Banton has released twelve studio albums, with the latest being 2010's 'Before The Dawn'. Since his release from prison in late 2018, Buju Banton has released a string of singles including the most recent “Murda She Wrote” which was featured on the “Bad Boys For Life” movie soundtrack.

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Eric “Monty” Morris And Mr. Davis Redo “Sammy Dead” A chance meeting with pioneer ska artist Eric “Monty” Morris led singer Mr. Davis to his biggest musical assignment to date.

The unlikely duo recently covered Sammy Dead, a big hit for Morris in 1964.

Mr. Davis said he first met Morris in Miramar in July last year at a birthday party his neighbor was hosting for the veteran singer. It did not take long for them to hit it off, and Morris suggested they record a dancehall version of what is arguably his best-known song.

Originally from Portland in eastern Jamaica, Mr. Davis said he jumped at the opportunity as Sammy Dead is a song he loved since his youth.

“Yes, I love this song, from a child, I remember Sammy Dead playing everywhere I go especially on the radio stations. I told him (Morris) I remember Sammy Dead as a child growing up and then he gave me the full history of how and where it came about and how it changed over the years to rocksteady, reggae and now dancehall,” Mr. Davis explained.

While he was excited to cover the song, he said bringing awareness to the 77-yearold Morris, who lives in Miami, was most important. Their cut of Sammy Dead is coproduced by Chris Martin, Chadrick Johnson and David Anglin; it was released on Thanksgiving Day. “I believe this icon paved the way for many of us today and needs the recognition he deserves,” said Mr. Davis.

Morris began recording in the early 1960s when ska emerged from clubs in Kingston, Jamaica's capital. His greatest success came with Byron Lee who produced Sammy Dead, as well as Oil in my Lamp and Wings of A Dove.

In 1964, Morris was part of the delegation that performed at the World's Fair in New York. He will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award this month by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) at their annual ceremony in Kingston.

Born Tyrone Davis, Mr. Davis migrated to the United States in 1991. His brother is music producer Jon FX, who has produced hit songs by rapper XXXtentacion, Gyptian and Sizzla.

In 2018, Mr. Davis kicked off his recording career with the song Tatoo. He has established himself as a 'barber to the stars', counting actor Orlando Jones, singers Roberta Flack, Ray J and Sean Kingston among his clients.

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ON THE COVER Public Charge Rule

Guyana Elections

from A1

Credential Evaluation Service.

To demonstrate English proficiency, applicants should also include certificates/degrees for English language studies to help increase favorability scores.

Further, those who have non-subsidized health insurance must list the health insurance plan and dates of coverage.

It's extremely important for new visa applicants to: Ÿ Make a list of all their assets (real estate, savings, checking, investments), along with the value of each, and compile bank and other financial statements for each account and locate a copy of titles to any automobiles or real estate they own. Ÿ Contact one of the three main credit agencies and request a free credit report. A good credit score, usually over 650, will be very advantageous to get a visa under the new measure, Ÿ Try to get an US equivalency evaluation done from an authorized Credential Evaluation Service for high school diploma, college degrees, licenses and certification courses received outside the US. The closer one's qualifications are to those obtained in the US the better are one's chances in the immigration approval process. Ÿ Seek to purchase private health insurance.

Applicants will substantially increase their visa favorability score by providing proof they have private healthcare insurance with includes coverage for emergency and major medical expenses. Ÿ Not apply for immigration fee waivers.

This will substantially lower the applicant's visa favorability score, as will as any applications made for such waivers in the past.

best to plan to have the relevant application delivered no later than Thursday, February 20, to account for any unexpected shipping delays.

For those who may not be able to file applications before the February 24, 2020 deadline, now is a good time to start preparing for the new requirements. On that date, all residency cases, change/extension of status and certain work visa applications will require the submission of the new Public Charge form I-944 Declaration of Self Sufficiency.

People living overseas and going through U.S. Consulates should complete the Form DS–5540 Public Charge Questionnaire. The form and instructions require applicants to list information, including: Household income, tax, assets, debts, credit scores, educational degrees, occupational skills and licenses held, health insurance information and English proficiency skills and provide copies of all documents relating to those items. For instance, applicants must provide documents to prove household income, copies of tax returns filed (if applicable), copies of assets, i.e. savings /checking/investment statements, deeds to real estate, automobile title and any other assets listed.

The rule also now requires applicants to provide a credit report, even if they do not have a social security number. Further, those with a low or no score must explain and provide other proof of payment of debts (for instance payment statements for utilities, cell phone, etc.)

Additionally, copies of high school diplomas and college degrees are required.

These must be accompanied by a U.S. equivalency evaluation from an authorized

from A4

noting that the observation not only focuses on election day, but also “on the entire electoral process, including the campaigning, the results and the resolution of any election-related dispute, after voting has finished”.

The Chief Observer emphasized that the mission will be impartial in its findings and conclusions.

“The Mission is independent in its findings and conclusions, and EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct of international observers that requires strict neutrality and impartiality in the course of their work, and do not interfere in the electoral process,” Paet stated.

This is the largest EU EOM mission, which will comprise almost 50 observers. It includes a core team of nine analysts and 14 long-term observers, deployed to the 10 administrative regions. Twenty short-term observers will join the team, shortly before the March elections.

The mission was deployed to Guyana, following an invitation from President, David Granger.

The EU EOM uses the following criteria during its observation of an electoral process: the degree of freedom of political parties and candidates to assemble and express their views; the degree of impartiality shown by the election administration; the fairness of access to state resources during the election; the universal franchise afforded to voters; the degree of access for political parties and candidates to the media, in particular, the state media; the conduct of polling, counting and tabulation of votes; other issues related to the democratic nature of the election (e.g. legal framework; campaign violence; rule of law; and campaign finance).

On March 4, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement, which will be followed by an official statement, which will include the mission's observations and recommendations, two months after the General and Regional Elections are conducted.

Coronavirus

from A1

Between 2005 and 2017, China's investment in the region represented five percent of total FDI, more than US$90 billion.

According to Inter-American Dialogue, China has positioned over US$141 billion in loans into the region since 2005, which represents more than the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America combined.

“The full extent of the impact of the coronavirus will ultimately depend on how well the outbreak is contained, but it's expected that Chinese growth in the first quarter of the year will fall sharply and rebound later in the year,” LopezCalva said.

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1. Florida bay 2. Stable section 3. Piano part 4. Gasoline classification 5. Boxing contest 6. _____ Macpherson 7. Rescue me!

8. Pencil rubber 9. Unspecified person 10. Flock mother 11. Key near Ctrl 19. Food service 21. Passed, as time 23. Nevada resort 24. Perform 25. Actress Sandra _____ 27. Coin factory 28. Flat cushion 29. Eureka!

30. Tennis shot 31. Disney World locale 35. Accompany 36. Discomfort 39. Mature 40. Author Jules _____ 41. Eat away 43. Actor _____ Connery 44. Miscalculates 45. _____ glance (2 wds.)

46. Not pos.

48. “The Raven” poet

Last week’s answer

8 4 7 2 1 9 3 5 6

9 1 5 3 6 8 2 7 4

3 6 2 4 5 7 1 9 8

6 8 3 1 4 5 9 2 7

4 7 1 9 2 6 5 8 3

2 5 9 7 8 3 4 6 1

7 2 6 5 3 4 8 1 9

1 3 8 6 9 2 7 4 5

5 9 4 8 7 1 6 3 2

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6 –

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VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES

“Let's invest, JFF”

by L. Bronson

Euripides once said, "There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change." I suggest that the Mike Rickettsled Jamaica Football Federation administration take heed and slavishly follow through on this quote.

For when Jamaica's Reggae Boyz failed to qualify for League A of the recently introduced CONCACAF Nations League, many expected doom and gloom. Suddenly, more than a year later and there appears an obvious change in fortune, as after winning their group in League B, the Boyz are solidly placed in CONCACAF's top six, and should they maintain their standing up to the end of summer, then they will automatically find themselves in the final round of World Cup qualification (Hexagonal).

So what was total despair more than a year ago has shifted to great optimism and one man who has taken notice is Reggae Boyz Head Coach Theodore Whitmore.

The former Reggae Boy who starred at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Finals in France sees the realistic prospects of guiding the current team to the Qatar edition in two years and has made a few demands of the local governing body.

Whitmore has asked that his technical support staff be reinforced with the addition of a former Reggae Boy who is based in the United Kingdom and as such the JFF has started the process by having Whitmore initiate the conversation with the individual identified.

According to Ricketts, "It [search for assistant coach] started with a recommendation from the technical committee and we had discussions with Coach Whitmore…and with World Cup qualifiers coming up we need to strengthen the coaching ranks of the program.

"Whitmore has suggested one former

national player, who is English-based, and with whom he has developed a special relationship and they have been in contact, and Whitmore thinks he could be a good addition to the technical staff," Ricketts added.

The JFF boss was confident of finalizing an agreement.

"As soon as we finalize discussion with this individual, the JFF will certainly make an official announcement. The discussions are at a very embryonic stage; I have not spoken with him, but I permitted Coach Whitmore to engage with the early discussions, and the prospect9ive party has expressed an interest.

We will meet with him very shortly so we can finalize the arrangements," Ricketts was quoted in the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

Currently former Arnett Gardens coach Jerome Waite is Whitmore's assistant, with 1998 Reggae Boyz Captain Warren Barrett as the goalkeeper coach.

Though the individual has not been made public, checks have revealed the following as

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former players who have transitioned to coaching in the UK. Deon Burton (Under-23 assistant coach, West Bromwich Albion), Michael Johnson (lead coach for England's Under-21s), Paul Hall (Under-23 coach at Queen's Park Rangers), Jason Euell (Under-21 coach of Charlton Athletic), Frank Sinclair (Stoke City Under-21 assistant manager), Darren Moore (manager at League One's Doncaster Rovers), and Jobi McAnuff (player/coach at League Two Leyton Orient).

Whitmore has also asked for the JFF to entertain the idea of expanding the player pool by examining some British-born player with the hope of fortifying several key positions on the field.

"Coach Whitmore did say he was looking for two central defenders and two or three midfielders, but at the same time we don't want to go overboard In bringing in large numbers of overseas-born players to possibly replace our local-bred players, but based on Coach

Whitmore's request, this is the way we had to go," Ricketts added.

Ricketts announced at a press conference on Tuesday that the Boyz will play two friendly international games next month. The first will comprise local-based players against Bermuda on March 11 at Catherine Hall Stadium, and the second will be against Catalonia on March 30 in Spain.

Whitmore will use the second game to look at English-based players who have expressed a desire to represent the country.

It was also announced that Dennis Chung and Rudolph Speid have been appointed to the JFF board, pending ratification.

Chung has been appointed chairman of the JFF Finance Committee, while Speid, the current head coach of Cavalier FC, will head the Technical Committee.

According to Speid, "We will try to modernize the department, holding the respective persons a little bit more accountable.

If we are going on a tour or simple things like play a particular opponent, we want to see what preparations are like, who will be monitoring to get the best results.

"We probably need to be more technologically friendly, analyze teams better.

SO we are trying to get some people who are very au fait in that sort of thing to help the technical staff to achieve better results."

These are all good news and processes which should have been in place long ago. But it's better late than never, and so we hope that these proposals are implemented, and we have no doubt that they will bear fruit in short order.

We also know that they will come at a decent cost, but we strongly believe that these are investments that we cannot afford pass up, as there could be a huge windfall should the team qualify for Qatar.

Whitmore has meticulously plotted his path to Qatar, and now he needs the unwavering support of his bosses at the JFF. I say to Mike get in and let's all push towards the Middle East.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6 –

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Brian Lara Returns to Cricket to Raise Money for Australia Wildres Ponting's XI also featured the likes of former Test stars Matthew Hayden, Brad Haddin and Wasim Akram.

In reply, Adam Gilchrist's XI came up just short with 103 for six off their 10 overs, with former Aussie Test stars Shane Watson blasting a nine-ball 30 and Andrew Symonds chipping in with 29.

Speedster Brett Lee snatched two for 11.

Former fast bowler Courtney Walsh, who holds the West Indies record for the most wickets in Tests, also featured for the Gilchrist XI. Since last September, bushfires across mostly eastern Australia have killed 33 people and destroyed nearly 28 acres of bush, forests and parks, and also leaving thousands homeless.

West Indies legend Brian Lara rolled back the years with a sparkling inning to headline the star-studded Australian bushfire relief charity cricket match, as organizers raised AUS$7.7 million (US$5 million) from the event in Australia on Sunday, February 9.

The left-handed Lara, one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game before retiring 13 years ago, reminded fans of his seemingly ever-present class with a stroke-filled 30 in Ricky Ponting XI's 104 for five off their allotted 10 overs. Ponting, a successful former Australia captain, hit 26.

The 50-year-old Lara exuded the style which brought him 11, 953 runs in 131 Tests, unveiling a series of lofted drives and straight hits which brought him two sixes and fours.

He, and Ponting, retired their innings to allow other batsmen a turn at the crease.

Nyeem Young, Jayden Seales Named In ICC U-19 Tournament Team West Indies stars Nyeem Young and Jayden Seales have been named in the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup team of the tournament.

Young, a fast-bowling all-rounder, starred in the group stage with two half-centuries and a five-wicket haul, finishing the tournament with 140 runs and eight wickets.

Seales, meanwhile, was one of the most impressive seamers on show during the tournament, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 18 runs apiece.

Akbar Ali, who led Bangladesh to victory over favourites India in Sunday’s final, has been named captain of the 12man squad which includes players from six different nations. Bangladesh and India both boast three representatives on the team.

In announcing Young, the ICC said West Indies “seem to have unearthed a future star all-rounder”.

“He underlined his credentials straight from the off, making 61 with the bat to top-score in his side’s group-stage

opener against Australia before taking five for 45 to beat England next time out — becoming the first West Indian to take a five-for and make a half-century in an U19 match,” the ICC said.

Of Seales, the organisers noted that he “staked his claim as one of the side’s best up-and-coming fast bowlers as he looks to join a prestigious tradition”.

Former West Indies fast bowler, Ian Bishop, now a wellrespected television commentator, was among a five-man panel choosing the team of the tournament.

SQUAD – Akbar Ali (Bangladesh) — captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal (India), Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan), Ravindu Rasantha (Sri Lanka), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Bangladesh), Shahadat Hossain (Bangladesh), Nyeem Young (West Indies), Shafiqullah Ghafari (Afghanistan), Ravi Bishnoi (India), Kartik Tyagi (India), Jayden Seales (West Indies) Akil Kumar (Canada) — 12th man

Asafa Powell's Statue Unveiled at Jamaica's National Stadium The life-size statue of Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell was, on February 9, unveiled at a special ceremony at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The 37-year-old athlete was accompanied by his wife, Alyshia Miller-Powell and newborn son, Amieke. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture, Entertainment and Gender, Olivia Grange was also at the unveiling ceremony of statue, now located at the Independence Park in the National Stadium. ”The renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson was engaged by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to design statues in honour of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Asafa Powell”, said Minister Grange at the ceremony.

Powell and his wife had already given the statue a stamp of approval a few weeks before the official unveiling.

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| THURSDAY, FEB 13 – FEB 19, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 6

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