National Weekly February 17, 2022

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2022

‘SCAM-DEMIC’

TOP STORIES

A 92-year-old Woman Scammed out of $54,000

By Sheri-kae McLeod

More older Americans seem to be falling prey and losing vast sums of their life savings to Jamaican scammers, at a time when the COVID pandemic has forced more people to stay at home. The situation has gotten so bad that one South Florida crime official who wishes to remain anonymous is calling the criminal activities a “Scamdemic.”

Morgan

On February 9, the Bay County Police in Florida arrested a Jamaican man for allegedly scamming a 92-year-old woman out of US$54,000 (approximately J$8.5 million). According to a Facebook post from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Jamaica-born Richard Morgan, a 35-year-old illegal immigrant, was charged with grand theft and exploitation of the elderly last Friday. continues on B4 – Scam-Demic

Diaspora Push for Bob Marley to be Named National Hero

By Nelson King / Sheri-Kae McLeod

Ahead of Jamaica's 60th anniversary of Independence, members of the diaspora have called on the Jamaican government to name legendary reggae singer Bob Marley as the country's eighth national hero.

For years, Jamaicans have debated whether Marley should be the island's next national hero.

The debate intensified after Barbados conferred national hero status on Rihanna in November. Since then, Jamaicans at home have continued to push the government to follow in Barbados' footsteps.

Just months away from Jamaica's diamond jubilee, members of the diaspora living in the United States also believe it is time for the island to update its list of national heroes.

“Bob remains Jamaica's largest unsponsored export,” Brooklyn-based University Professor Chandra Young told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“I think Barbados was very forward-thinking in its nomination (of Rihanna), recognizing that times have evolved and that, today, a person need not die in the pursuit of a feat to earn the noble title of hero.

As a nation whose gross domestic product depends in large part on tourism, Jamaica owes much to the selfless pursuit and prowess of Robert Nesta Marley.

The posthumous honor of a declaration as a national hero is most befitting, especially on the heels of reggae music being added to the UNESCO world heritage list as a global cultural treasure that continues to act as a voice for all, having contributed to international discourse on issues such as injustice and resistance.”

Young said while Bob Marley is not “the lone Buffalo soldier in the reggae story, history reveals him as a central figure to the exportation of Jamaica, reggae, roots, and culture to the world.” continues on B4 – National Hero

Guyana Gives Energy Investors One Condition – The Region Must Benet

UpTop Boss Releases New Single “Feel It”

Tourism: The Key to Pandemic Recovery for Grenada

No Criminal Charges for Alleged Trimming of Rasta Teen in Jamaica

St Vincent PM warns that England job offers could lead to human trafcking

Bob Marley’s One Love Experience Exhibition Opens in London

Don’t Give Children Under 12 Adult Pzer Vaccine warns CARPHA

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

COMMUNITY

STRICTLY LEGAL

SPORTS

Meet Jamaica's Bobsleigh “Victory Suit” Designer Denise Katz A3

Vickie Cartwright is Broward School District's First Female Superintendent A8

9 Tips for a Successful Marriage Residency Case B1

Reggae Girlz Head Coach Vin Blaine calls the team “The Best Reggae Girlz Squad Ever Assembled” C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2

Jamaica's Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tu on (center) and a group of nurses prepare to distribute masks to residents in the Half Way Tree area of Kingston, Jamaica on February 12, 2022. – Contributed

This young couple having a great me at ‘Caribbean City’ held last Saturday at Oak Cra bar in Ft. Lauderdale. It is held every Saturday – Contributed

Grammy-award winning singer Jamie Foxx (right) was the Grand Marshall for the 10-year Trayvon Mar n Memorial Weekend, this past week in Miami. Here he is pictured with the mother of Trayvon Mar n, Sybrina Fulton (le ) and Mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine-Cava. – Contributed

Miramar Vice Mayor Yve e Colbourne and Former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness are all smiles while a ending the Broward County Democra c Black Caucus's Black History Month event in Fort Lauderdale on February 12, 2022. – Contributed

Georgia & Stacia took me out for the lens at a birthday party in Boynton Beach held last Saturday. – Contributed

(L-R) Cheryl, Pat, Sherrie, Rob, Donna & O s all posed for the lens at a birthday party held for Rob in Boynton Beach last Saturday. – Contributed

Proud father, Alvin, poses with his twin daughters Cheryl and Sherrie at Rob’s birthday party in Boynton Beach – Contributed

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (le ) plays drums with percussionist Bongo Herman (center), while Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange (right), plays the shaker. Occasion was the recent Rita Marley: Mys c of a Queen Exhibi on, held at the Bob Marley Museum in St. Andrew on February 15, 2022. – Contributed

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MARIJUANA.

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A3

NEWSMAKER

Meet Jamaica's Bobsleigh “Victory Suit” Designer the major sports companies came on board with the team and supplied their designs.

By Patrick Green She is soft-spoken and deliberate in her choice of words as she speaks with assurance. Halle Berry has worn her designs, and she created the swimsuit worn by former Miss World Lisa Hanna in 1993. Now Denise Katz hopes that her designs will inspire the Jamaican Bobsleigh team to victory at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

Apart from creating designs, cutting fabrics, and fitting her swimsuits and activewear to her clients, Denise has done well in her first love, acting. She played Salome in 'Salome' with Bobby Ghisays, was in Royal Palm Estate as the ex-wife of Assistant Commissioner McLaren (Winston Bell) and appeared in Eight O Clock Jamaican Time. She also did a few plays with Cathy Levy, Miss Jamaica World 1993, who founded Cathi Levy Little People and Teen Players Club. Denise also put her beautiful voice to work, creating voiceovers for radio and television commercials.

Wanted to be a doctor When Denise Katz left Queens High School in Kingston, Jamaica, designing clothes was not on the cards. She was supposed to be in medicine, donning her white overcoat with Dr. Denise Katz embroidered on it. But sometimes, life has a way of changing the fortunes and direction of your life before you recognize what is happening. Ironically, while Denise was set on becoming a doctor, life directed her closer to her family's

Jamaica's hummingbird suit “But in the last few years, we reconnected, and I offered some designs for feedback, and one thing led to the next. I then designed their qualification suit for this Olympics, which was themed 'Flight of the Hummingbird.'” The chest was fashioned with the beautiful feathers of the national bird. The bird's wings were placed on the arms giving a sense of speed similar to the incredible movements we see in the bird. And lastly, the suit had an business built around fabric.

“I got into fashion designing through my love for the theater. I was in drama and dance. I was doing a fashion show for my dance group to raise funds. I designed and made some of the outfits, and after the show, people started saying I would love one of these and one of those. I called my dad. Our family has been in the fabric business for years. I asked him if he could send some of the ladies to help. We got a few machines, and we whipped up a few things. That was the beginning of it.”

How designing bobsleigh suits started With her skills and inspiration from others, Denise started her business in 1986. One year later, her friend Denise Stokes (wife of Dudley Jnr.) came to her with a proposal.

I am honored to be the one tasked with this responsibility, and I treasure the opportunity to have a hand in our team's participation at the Olympics.

Jamaica is a blessed country, and I feel privileged to have contributed to its history,” – Denise Katz “She said my husband is planning to lead a team in the Bobsleigh competition, and I want to know if you can make their suits.” Of course, not being one to turn down a glorious opportunity, Denise went to work.

She created the first set of suits worn by the Jamaican bobsleigh team in their qualification races for the Calgary Olympics in 1988.

That relationship ended when

ironman look on the legs for strength.

“So, with beauty, speed and strength, the hope was that the athletes would use the suit as motivation to achieve their goal.”

That was precisely what the team did. Jamaica qualified for three bobsleigh events for the first time in history and just missed a fourth. With the qualification out of the way, Denise then focused on the real deal,

which was to dress the team for the official Olympic competition.

About Jamaica's “Victory” Olympic suit The inspiration for this suit came out of Jamaica's 60th year of celebration as an independent nation.

“We are celebrating our Diamond Jubilee anniversary of independence, and so I wanted something symbolic of that victory,” she said of the design.

Jamaica victory suit The legs of the suit have diamonds, one of the toughest and strongest natural materials on earth.

The middle portion with the Jamaican flag colors symbolizes our strength, beauty, and hope. And then, the track represents the course and an event that Jamaica has been a superpower in the world.

Lastly, and perhaps one of the most important symbols on the suits is the 'V' sign which stands for victory and is the theme of the design.

Denise feels that the way you dress helps significantly decide how you feel. She got this from her uncle, who often told her that “the suit maketh the man.” He would say to me that “once you are dressed properly, you'll feel better.”

“I hope that if they are dressed properly, then it gives them motivation. The theme of the suit is victory. And subliminally, I'm hoping that the word will provide some inspiration as they put their skills on display.”

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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN GRENADA

Elderly and Children Abandoned at Hospitals Ahead of Festive Seasons Grenada's Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tyhiesia Donald on Tuesday said there appears to be family members who are deliberately denying medication to elderly people and children diagnosed with non-communicable diseases (NCD) and other life-threatening ailments.

She told a post-Cabinet news conference that such a situation becomes most notably ahead of festive occasions on the island.

“As a matter of fact, during festive seasons family members look at the hospital as a day care (centers), so what happens is that sometimes medication is not given, patients end up in hospital and persons who are caring for them are free to socialize and this is a trend we have seen over the years and it continues to happen,” she added.

She said staff at the General Hospital, the main health institution, have noted cases where children are also affected by this “despicable”

action.

“It happens across the board; it happens with adults as well as with children. The good thing as I said, the hospital is a safe place for the kids and for the adults,” Dr. Donald told reporters.

“It is a trend we have seen, and it should not be something that we are to be proud of but it's something we have noted over the years, so it's across the board,” said the acting CMO, who has also served as the Medical Director at the General Hospital.

Dr. Donald said regarding the high number of NCD cases she is urging the population to adopt a more active lifestyle including exercises to maintain good health.

“So, we want to implore the population to change their lifestyle,” she said.

Meanwhile, Grenada has made some significant changes to its entry protocols and coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations.

“Our entry protocol will now be accepting antigen testing within 24 hours of arrival to Grenada and will continue with PCR testing within 72 hours of arrival. So that change will be antigen testing within 24 hours,” said Dr. Donald.

“I know that this is a very good change for persons in the diaspora because PCR is very difficult to access, and it has been a problem. A lot of flights have been cancelled because of the inability to get results on time. Therefore, with this new testing we expect persons will be very happy and we will have more arrival coming to Grenada,” she said.

Dr. Donald also announced that passengers arriving via the Maurice Bishop International Airport will not be treated differently from those who are arriving via cruise ships. All passengers entering Grenada must be vaccinated but those entering via cruise ships are not allowed to socialize outside of the tourism bubble.

Antigua Gov’t Defends Amnesty for Foreigners The Antigua and Barbuda government has defended its policy of providing an amnesty to foreigners working and residing in the country, dismissing suggestions that it is merely a political ploy.

“What do you do with a young Jamaican male who has four children in Antigua by an Antiguan mother, has no criminal record, fights every day in terms of his work to feed his children? Is it reasonable that we uproot him from his children and send him packing to Kingston?”

“Is it fair that we do not recognize the fact that he has no criminal record and is making a contribution to national development? It is

those kinds of cases we hear every day,” Immigration and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene told Parliament.

He told legislators on Tuesday that the amnesty will be granted to persons who have been in the country for years and have been continuously contributing to its growth.

He said with the increasing need for a larger labor force because of the increase in developmental projects, it is a 'no-brainer' to help migrants who abide by the laws of the land to remain.

“It is those kinds of situations that call on us to have somber affection and rational thinking and adapt meaningful provisions. Such cases

require understanding and flexibility in considering their status.

“Budget 2022 makes it clear that we do not have sufficient labor to satisfy our development needs next year and the years to come. Yet we know we have a pool of labor already in the country – persons who are tried and tested, and who meet the day-to-day requirements and stay out of trouble.

“So, it makes sense for us to grant amnesty to these persons so that they can not only fulfill part of the labor needs, but they can do so without us having to import new workers into the country,” Greene said.

He told Parliament that these migrants continues on A8 – Defends Amnesty

“For all tourists whether you enter by sea or air you are free to walk around and experience our attractions sites,” she announced.

Health Minister Nickolas Steele said the new measures go into effect immediately.

PAHO delivers 100 million COVAX vaccine doses to Latin America and the Caribbean The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says it has now delivered 100 million doses of the coronavirus (COVID19) vaccine to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) adding that it was due to the efforts of its Revolving Fund.

PAHO said the latest batch of vaccines delivered on Tuesday included 151,200 doses of Moderna vaccine as part of the COVAX support to Haiti, and 1,511,640 doses of Pfizer vaccines to Ecuador donated

by Spain.

“The 100 million doses mark a significant milestone,” PAHO Director Dr. Carissa F. Etienne said. “Thanks to close coordination between COVAX and our Revolving Fund, and the generous support of partners that helped our region secure doses when supply was limited, our countries are better placed to get shots into arms and protect their populations, including the most vulnerable.” continues on A7 – 100 Million Vaccines

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

The Modern Family is Non-traditional But Still Very Relevant I n 2019, the marriage rate among Americans was 6.1 per 1,000, according to statista.com.

This is a decrease from 1990 levels, when for every 1,000 people in the United States, 9.8 got married.

A report from a research study conducted by Cornell University indicated the marriage rate in the United States has reached a 150-year low.

Among the reasons the study cited for the steep decline in marriage is that single women are increasingly finding there is a “lack of economically attractive men.”

The outcome of this study is confirmation that the modern world is rapidly changing. Situations and norms of the mid-20th century and those of today are radically different. Some of these changes reflect on the traditional or nuclear family—married father and mother and at least two children, raised with love and cared for by these parents until they, in turn, marry and form their own nuclear family.

While the nuclear family is still considered ideal, it is on the decline — challenged by several factors including divorce, more independent women, and live-in relationships. Today, there are alternatives to the traditional family, but it's important these alternatives retain the core family ingredients of love, care, support, and guidance, especially for the children involved.

One of the strongest challenges to the traditional family has been divorce. A relative rarity in the mid 20th century, divorce in America has quadrupled since. Infidelity and financial challenges are the main reasons for divorce, according to research. With divorces easier to obtain, and more socially acceptable than 65 years ago, the dissolution of first-time marriages has grown exponentially, leading to new forms of family, particularly the single-parent family, where one parent, usually the mother, raises the children.

As more women become financially independent, they no longer need to marry for economic security. Additionally, many young people are opting to live together instead of

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER marrying for various reasons, including their negative view of the institution of marriage. While some of these unions lead to marriage, many fall apart, sometimes giving way to more single-parent families.

Professionals who focus on family relationships claim divorce not only ruins families but has a negative impact on societies. An alternative argument claims that contentious marriages (and live-in relationships) negatively impact children and ultimately societies. However, if both parents, although separated or divorced, continue to love, care, and support their children, with mutual understanding and respect for each other, a semblance of family still exists, it's argued.

Fathers shouldn't be absentees and mothers shouldn't keep children away from fathers who want to play a role in their children's lives, regardless of the personal relationships between parents.

Despite the challenges to the nuclear family, there's one constant — parents. Children need their

parents whether they are married, divorced or separated. While it's seen where more often children are raised by their mothers, one of the more serious threats to the modern family is the absence or negligence of the father, whether he's economically attractive or not.

Unfortunately, father absenteeism and neglect occur too frequently among some black families.

Often, black youth incarcerated for various crimes, or those who are failing in school, attribute their plight to the absence of a father, or father figure, in their lives. Fathers aren't needed just to finance a child's needs, but to provide those crucial core family values—love, care, support, and guidance.

With an increase in divorce, women's independence buoyed by economically unattractive men, the nuclear family will likely continue to decline. However, the family need not decline. The real sense of family rests on the role of parents, including the pivotal role of fathers, which is vital for nurturing children and retaining family values, as well as keeping societies intact.

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A7

la section haitienne

Former Legislator Implicated in Moïse Assassination Seeks Asylum in Jamaica Former Haitian legislator, John Joel Joseph along with his wife, Edume, and their two children are due to return to court on March 3 on charges of illegally entering the country amid media reports that they are also seeking asylum in Jamaica.

Joseph fled Haiti after he was linked to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7 last year.

Joseph, his wife and their two children – 18year-old Schopenhauer and a nine-year-old – were arrested last month, say they fear they will be killed should they return to Port-au-Prince.

When they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, attorney-atlaw Donahue Martin successfully argued for the case against the Haitians be adjourned pending an application to the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) for refugee status.

Joseph

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann ColeMontague concluded that they are to return to court on March 3 and extended the existing bail.

Martin told the Jamaica Observer newspaper there is reasonable cause for Joseph's wife to believe that if she and her sons return to Haiti they would be harmed.

“She genuinely takes the view that she will be persecuted if she were to return to Haiti.

Because of the political and socio-economic instability in Haiti we felt it prudent to apply for

refugee status in Jamaica,” Martin said, adding that due to the allegations being brought against Joseph by the Haitian authorities, he is not eligible to apply for asylum in Jamaica.

“Formerly the matter was adjourned to facilitate an application that I made to the Ministry of National Security through our passport and immigration agency. So, I made an application to PICA for them to be granted refugee status. Refugee status allows them to be protected as somebody that is fleeing their country of origin because of well-founded circumstances of them taking the view that they will be persecuted if it is that they return to their country,” he added.

Joseph is the second suspect to be held in Jamaica in connection with Moïse's assassination.

Former Colombian soldier Mario Antonio Palacios, who was arrested in late October was ordered to his homeland. He was held in Panama while enroute to Colombia and extradited to the United States where he is facing charges linked to Moïse’s death.

100 Million Vaccines

from A4

PAHO said its Revolving Fund is the designated procurement agency for COVAX in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

Leveraging over four decades of experience in vaccine procurement, PAHO said the Revolving Fund has now supplied 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 33 countries and that 30 percent of the vaccines were donated by countries including the United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, France, Japan, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

PAHO said it coordinated deliveries with other COVAX partners, such as UNICEF, CEPI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, and supported international logistics to ensure the vaccines arrive in countries safely and in the shortest possible time.

Haiti Seeks Over $1B in Aid from International Donors Haiti is asking the international community to provide more than US$1.9 billion as it seeks to finance the reconstruction and recovery of the southern part of the country that was heavily damaged by the August 14 earthquake last year.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti's southern peninsula toppling buildings, killing an estimated 2,200 and injuring 12,000

others, while also causing millions of dollars in damage.

Haiti put forward its case for assistance at the international donor conference on Wednesday organised by the several organisations including the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Union.

The three-hour conference held at the Karibe Convention Center in the capital, was attended by donor representatives either in person or by videoconference and allowed the government to present its Integrated Recovery

Plan for the Southern Peninsula in the amount of nearly 200 billion gourdes.

Last November, the government published its post-disaster needs assessment which assesses the reconstruction and recovery process at US1.978 billion with the greatest needs being housing ($1.027 billion), education ($401 million), food security ($54.5 million) and health ($31.9 million).

On Monday, the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, Ricard Pierre, the Minister of Communication, Emmelie Prophète and Bruno Lemarquis, the Deputy BINUH Special Representative and the United

Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator provided an update on the meeting on reconstruction and recovery in the South.

“The Government promises to make aid more transparent, taking into account the problems of the different sectors of the Great South, internal needs and recovery,” said Pierre, while Lemarquis said that “it is up to Haiti to decide the best way forward with the support of the international community”.

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Vickie Cartwright, Becomes Broward School District's First Female Superintendent

By Sheri-kae McLeod

Dr. Vickie Cartwright has been selected as Broward County Public Schools' fulltime superintendent, making history as the first woman to lead the nation's sixthlargest school district.

Last week, the school board voted 8-1 to elevate the interim superintendent, who has led the district since last summer. She officially replaces Jamaica-born Robert Runcie, who stepped down last spring after a perjury charge.

The board chose Cartwright over Michael Gaal, a former Air Force flight instructor. He also served as deputy chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, chief of staff for the Oakland Unified School District, and in leadership positions for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan.

While school board members said they were impressed with Gaal, Cartwright had the advantage of already leading the district for the last few months.

Broward Teachers Union

Broward County Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright greets students Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2021 in at North Lauderdale Elementary School. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

President Anna Fusco said she fully supports Dr. Cartwright as leader of the district given the work she has done so far.

“In the six months that she has served as interim superintendent, she has proven to be an intelligent and excellent leader with an ability to listen to, and work with all constituencies,” Fusco said in a statement. “She quickly gained a keen understanding of the district's challenges and opportunities. I look forward to continuing the positive and fruitful relationship we have created and to Dr. Cartwright's long tenure as the leader of Broward County Public Schools.”

Board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood also pointed out that

Cartwright has proved that she is not afraid to stand up to state leaders when advocating for children in the district.

“The superintendent should be someone that is not going to back down to the political pressure right now where school districts and school board members are being targeted and attacked,” Dr. Osgood said.

Since Cartwright took over from Runcie last summer, the school district leaders had been in a back-and-forth court battle over COVID-19 measures in schools.

Both Dr. Cartwright and the school board had implemented a mask mandate for students against the orders of Governor Ron DeSantis.

Defying the governor's orders

resulted in board members' salaries being cut by the state.

With Dr. Cartwright now the permanent head of the district, her battle with the state will continue – not over COVID-19 protocols, but laws that will affect the classroom.

Some of which include the anticritical race theory legislation and the “don't say gay” bill that will bar school districts from encouraging classroom discussions about sexual orientation or gender. The Superintendent said these bills being pushed by the Governor are dangerous.

“To go in and try to whitewash history or to say things didn't happen when they actually happened or to say that we're now going to create an environment where our students continue to feel excluded instead of included is dangerous. That is not the America that I know,” she said at a recent press conference.

She also said one of her immediate priorities will be to fill some key roles, including the chief academic officer, which she was not allowed to do as interim superintendent.

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Amnesty

from A4

have already made significant contributions to the country, and it is only right that the Immigration Department administers amnesty to them once they meet the requirements.

“They work hard. They support their families. They worship at the very churches that we worship. They sell and shop at the very supermarkets that we shop and sell.

“Their children play with ours, go to school with ours. Many of their children were either born here or have lived here most of their lives; Antigua and Barbuda for them is home, and amnesty takes in account those realities,” Greene said.

Applicants who have resided continuously in the country for four years, but who have not yet completed seven years, will be granted residency, while persons who have passed the seven-year mark will be cleared for citizenship.

The government has in the past offered amnesty to immigrants who have overstayed and last year announced that it was considering waiving the fees to regularize the status of the illegal immigrants.

Last December, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda has always had to deal with migrants who have been in the country for more than 15 years and are “now well integrated in our society, they have homes, they work, and they have children.

“We have to be flexible enough to allow for some form of integration of these individuals in society as we seek to get the contribution of all. So, I will certainly speak further on that issue of a possible amnesty,” Browne told radio listeners then.

The amnesty is sure to get the approval of the Parliament given that the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) controls 15 of the 17 seats in the legislative chamber.

In 2015, Antigua and Barbuda passed the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act 2015 under which illegal immigrants could seek amnesty to have their time in the country extended.

The amnesty period will run from March 1- April 30.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 –

B1

STRICTLY LEGAL

Tips For A Successful Marriage Residency Case Marriage residency cases can be very tough – even for those that are real! Commonly, couples navigating through the marriage immigration process often find it daunting, unsure of the procedures, required documentation, and timing. It is important that couples compile all the marital documentation to prove the legitimacy of the marriage.

Here are a few tips for couples representing themselves in the residency process:

1

Take the process very seriously. It is better to be over prepared rather than under prepared and delay the Green Card process.

2

Do whatever it takes to have a joint marital bank account that both spouses use daily. Always pay utilities, rent and other expenses from bank funds, not cash.

3

Do not go paperless! I love trees and the environment, but the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services could care less. They want to see marital bills, statements, and invoices with joint names or at least separate bills for each spouse going to the same marital address.

4

Have a lease with both spouses' names and pay rent from your joint account (even if you live with relatives – which you should not!).

5

Always do your tax returns filing jointly, do not file head of household just to get more money back from the IRS, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Do you want a Green Card or a little more money?

6

Split the utility bills, get several in the US citizen spouse's name and several for the foreign national spouse.

7

Get joint car insurance.

8

Make sure both spouses driver's licenses are at the same marital address.

9

Take lots of pictures with family and friends at various occasions.

Documents to Take to USCIS Residency Interviews The process to adjust status to residency in the U.S. can be long and tedious, sometimes taking nearly two years to finally receive your residency interview. With all that waiting, it is important to ensure you take the correct documents to your interview, to ensure approval. Otherwise, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue you a request for missing documents, which can unnecessarily delay approval of your Green Card for up to three months or more after your interview.

Determining which documents to take with you can be difficult, since the interview notice itself is confusing, providing a list of documents for all different cases, not specific to each individual immigrant.

To avoid confusion and delays caused by failing to provide required documents, here are a few important items that every immigrant must take to his or her residency interview.

Interview notice New Medical Report if previous one submitted has expired (most old medicals have expired, since they were only valid for one year prior to November 1, 2018) Current Passport & all prior passports I-94 card (if you entered the U.S. PRIOR TO 2013 otherwise “online I-94 printout”) Work Authorization card/Travel Permit Driver's License ORIGINAL Birth Certificate ORIGINAL Marriage Certificate for current marriage (not for past marriages) ORIGINAL Divorce Decree for every marriage in the past ORIGINAL/CERTIFIED Criminal Documents for any criminal case of any kind, including traffic cases which required a court appearance. Criminal Documents must include: a) CERTIFIED Police Report or Traffic Ticket and b) CERTIFIED C ourt Disposition (you must bring both a & b to give to the officer at your interview)

Every U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident sponsor should bring: • • • • •

•

ORIGINAL Birth Certificate (if sponsoring a sibling) AND Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Residency (i.e., ORIGINAL Naturalization Certificate, A US passport or Green Card Driver's License For marriage residency: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident Spouse's Original Divorce Decree for every marriage in the past, in addition to extensive marital documentation (see below) While not required, it is also helpful for the U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident to bring an updated tax return and W-2 for the current year since filing the residency case, a currently dated employer letter and current pay stubs

Marriage residency cases are particularly complicated, since in addition to the above, the USCIS officer will expect the married couple to provide extensive documentation of their lives and financial affairs together, including: Photos of the Couple: Original pictures you have together, during the time you were dating, pictures of your wedding and all pictures you have taken sincemarriage. continues on B4 – Interviews

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 –

One Love Experience Bob Marley Exhibition Opens in London

By Jovani Davis

B3

ENTERTAINMENT Top Five Reggae Songs to Listen to for Reggae Month

By Cnweeklynews.com

A new exhibition dedicated to legendary reggae icon Robert Nesta Marley has opened at London's Saatchi Gallery.

The Bob Marley One Love Experience showcases artistic and photographic displays of the singer and personal items that unveil his multifaceted life.

For many years, the Marley's have wanted to launch an exhibit in London, a place that was special to the singer.

“We've been wanting to launch a Bob Marley touring exhibit for many years, and we're thrilled to see it come to life and debut in London, which had a very special place in daddy's heart.

The experience can be enjoyed by all generations, and we look forward to continuing to spread daddy's music and message to the globe,” stated Cedella Marley, CEO of Bob Marley Group of Companies.

The exhibition, which opened on February 2, will stay in London for ten weeks before heading on a multi-city tour.

Fans can expect memorabilia ranging from the original handwritten lyrics of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” to the shoes Marley wore in the 1970s, along with other rare gems.

The sounds, as well as the smells from Jamaica, are diffused in each room.

The exhibition will also include a celebration of Marley's musical legacy, his love of football, family, and other

Several things in this world put you in a good mood, one of which is reggae music. When most people think about reggae, images of Bob Marley dancing to the beat of drums with his iconic dreadlocks and Rasta hat is all they see. But reggae music is so much more than that.

February is Reggae Month, and we could all use some uplifting reggae music in our lives. If you haven't delved into the world of reggae until now, then here are five songs worth giving a listen. Here's what you have been missing:

“One Love” by Bob Marley This iconic song is famous across the world. The lyrics call for unity, acceptance, and of course, love among humanity. Bob Marley wrote this song amid the turmoil of the Jamaican elections in December 1976.

“Cherry Oh Baby” by Eric Donaldson This song is in a class by itself and is one of reggae's most enduring songs. It has catchy lyrics that make you fall in love with the rhythm and the lyrics. Cherry Oh Baby was named winner of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition in 1971.

“Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff Written by reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff at the age of 21 in 1961, this song fits all occasions. The song became an international hit after the film The Harder They Come. Rolling Stones ranked it No.35 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

passions will come to life through a wide array of experiences throughout various rooms in the gallery.

Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, Marley's musical career was marked by fusing elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, in addition to his distinctive vocal and songwriting style.

Bob Marley's influence is immeasurable and still plays a vital role

in politics, culture, arts, and music.

He is ranked as one of the bestselling music artistes, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide.

Jamaica honored Marley soon after his death with the Order of Merit.

In 1994 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Cool as a Breeze/Friday” by Chronixx Released in 2020, Jamaican reggae artiste Chronixx's “Cool as The Breeze/Friday” is another much-needed breath of fresh air.

It is indeed a song that is cool as a breeze. Listening to this song will bring back memories of Jamaica with the music, party, and good vibes.

“Pressure Drop” by Toots and the Maytals Listening to this song will awaken an irresistible urge to book a summer vacation in Jamaica. It is simply impossible not to imagine yourself lying on a sandy beach with a refreshing cocktail when it plays. The Maytals were formed in the early 1960s and were key figures in popularizing reggae music.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

“Scam-demic” The Sheriff’s office said on February 3 the BCSO Financial Crimes Unit received a report about suspicious activity by Richard Morgan. Morgan had opened an account and tried to deposit a $24,000 check written by someone else to his new account. When bank employees tried to get further details about the check, Morgan gave vague excuses to the teller and fled when law enforcement arrived.

“Investigators contacted the owner of the check and learned she was a 92-year-old woman, and she had no memory of writing the check. Speaking with the victim’s family, investigators learned that an unknown man contacted her and directed her to pay a large amount of cash to increase her chance of winning one million dollars from Publisher’s Clearing House,” BCSO stated.

Further investigations revealed that Morgan was hiding at an address in Callaway to avoid apprehension.

On February 9, the Jamaican was located, taken into

National Hero Marley's world influence New York-based Entertainment Consultant, Anthony Turner, is also in staunch support of Marley being named a national hero.

“Marley was a committed Rastafarian who had extraordinary talents that separate him from most others.

There are few individuals who have had such a profound impact on humanity. It inspired world leaders, kings, queens, and music lovers globally in the past and will do so for many years to come. He was a Third World ambassador with a First World vision. He has achieved iconic status globally and deserves to be a national hero of Jamaica.”

Japanese Reggae Producer Eisaku “Selector A” Yamaguchi also said he is “surprised that Bob Marley has not been recognized as a national hero of Jamaica as yet.”

Singing a similar tune was Sharon Marley, the daughter of Bob and Rita Marley. During a recent Onstage interview with Winford Williams, he asked Sharon if she believes her father should be named a national hero.

“Why not?” Sharon responded. “And then, of course, the queen has to be with him, so my mother should be a hero too. They have done so much for Jamaica. Is just that

LEISURE

Interview

from A1

custody without incident, booked into the Bay County Jail, and charged.

The investigation revealed that Morgan previously obtained $30,000 from the victim and sent funds to another individual in Jamaica. Investigators say Morgan was using the proceeds of this criminal enterprise to fund his stay in the United States.

This is the second time for the month that a Jamaican has been arrested for scamming in the state. On February 4, Shelian Allen, a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was arrested in Fort Lauderdale for allegedly leading a lottery scamming organization that fleeced millions from unsuspecting victims. Police charged her with alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, and drug trafficking.

In Jamaica, the Anti-Lottery Scam Task Force of the JCF has intensified its raids to clamp down lottery scamming operations.

from A1

the light don't shine on mummy like how the light shine on Bob, for whatever reason. The groundwork is still there,” she said.

In the Jamaican parliament, Opposition Senator Dr. Floyd Morris announced in December that he will table a motion in the Upper House for Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Miss Lou, and Usain Bolt to be named national heroes before the country's Independence celebrations.

Making a case for the conferral, Senator Morris said he believes these four icons have all given distinguished service to the country across various fields. He also pointed out that national heroes do not have to be linked to slavery, colonialism, or political independence – as are the current seven heroes.

No new national hero in Jamaica has been added since the 1980s, though a committee that examined nominations a few years ago included Marley among a list of ten names.

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from B1

Assemble photos in Photo Albums. As many as you can, the more the better. Residency interviews can go quite quickly for couples who have lots of photos. Digital photos will not qualify. The officer will not look at digital photos on your cell phone or camera. Include at least eight original photos of you as a cou(wedding, holidays, etc.) for the officer to keep in the USCIS file: • Tax Returns FOR ALL YEARS since you got married, showing “married filing jointly” AND W-2'S for both spouses • Joint Bank accounts statements showing both spouse’s names before and after you got married until present statements only, not checks • Joint Credit Card Statements/Investment Accounts showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present (if available) • Joint Auto Insurance policies & Insurance Cards showing both spouse’s names before and after you got married until present • Joint Health Insurance card/policy & Insurance Cards since you have been married (if available) • Joint Warranty Deed, Joint Closing Documents, Joint Homeowner's Insurance policy • Joint Lease Agreement showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Joint Utility Bills in Joint Names showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Separate Utility Bills in U.S. Citizen's/Foreign spouse's name showing marital address to prove you reside together even though the bill is not in both spouse's names • Joint Auto purchase contract/Automobile Registration showing both spouse's names • Joint Travel tickets/itineraries and boarding passes for trips showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Joint Receipts for items purchased together, for example, furniture showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Joint Birth Certificate for child/children born to the couple (if applicable) • Joint Gym Memberships showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Joint Church & Club Memberships showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Joint BJ's, Costco & other similar Cards showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present • Other documentation to show parties have been living together as married spouses showing both spouse's names before and after you got married until present.

• Copy of Driver's License for both spouses showing the same marital address.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 –

C1

SPORTS

No World Cup Qualification for Reggae Boyz Until…”

By L Bronson

Former National striker Errol Stevens says the Reggae Boyz will never qualify for another Senior FIFA Men's World Cup Finals until the country starts emphasizing developing the technical ability and tactical acumen of young players.

Stevens, who played professionally in Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam, posted a recent YouTube blog in which he reflected on the Reggae Boyz's failed 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals campaign. His candor was evident, even as he endeavored to be respectful to current players and coaches. He stressed throughout the near half-hour blog that Jamaican players are unable to play out of defense with one and two touches and lack spatial awareness.

Reggae Boyz can't keep possession “We can't keep possession of the football under pressure from defense to midfield,” he opined. “Nobody is kicking away the football anymore,” he added, as an indication of the modern-day game.

Stevens said he learned a lot from coaches in Jamaica, but there was also a lot that he did not know until he started playing overseas.

Important lessons, he said, that are woefully lacking in today's game on the local scene.

He believes he has earned the authority to speak and provide analyses on the CONCACAF Final Round World Cup Qualifying campaign, and the standard of Jamaica's football, in general.

“Firstly, I represented the country before. I

was a part of the set-up from Schäfer (Winfried), Montessa (Alfredo), “Tappa” (Theodore Whitmore), and like I said, I respect all of them, and we can learn from each other.”

“They have been all over the world, they have coached many teams in many countries, and “Tappa” played in a World Cup, played in England. I have played in Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Can I talk about football on a tactical level? Yes, because when I went to Thailand, I had to go to training 45 minutes before training starts, just for my coach to sit with me a do tactical work,” the 35-year-old asserted.

No blackboard work The former Harbour View and Arnett Gardens Premier League player explained that he possessed raw talent when he first went to Thailand. But tactically and technically, he was far behind his teammates and other players in the league.

“In Jamaica, we (players) don't get to do

blackboard work to explain why we do what and where on the field and for what reason,” he claimed.

He is convinced that the better teams in CONCACAF know that the Reggae Boyz are not technically and tactically set up to play the ball out from the back with one or two touches.

These teams, he insisted, press Jamaica high.

He said it shows on the Jamaican players' faces that they are not comfortable playing with one or two touches under pressure.

“So as soon as they press our backline, someone panics and boots the ball long up field, and that is what the opponents want because it becomes a 50-50 [challenge], and they are already set up to win the second ball,” he says.

The 35-year-old is a qualified and experienced accounting clerk and autobiographer of To Hell and Back, a 2018 book in which he spoke about facing racism, his struggles with injuries, and difficulties with family and life.

He left Harbour View in Jamaica in 2009 for a better life in Russia, where he played the

rest of the season with FC Khimki before returning to Jamaica at the end of the season.

He moved to Arnett Gardens, helped them win the Claro Cup, then headed off to Thailand at Saraburi United Football Club for the 2013 – 2014 seasons. He netted 16 goals in 33 appearances. The following season he moved to Vietnam at Hai Phong, where he remained until 2019, bagging 42 goals in 89 appearances. He has five caps for the Reggae Boyz.

“What I learned is that once my team wins possession of the ball, we make the field as big as possible so that we are better able to keep possession of the ball.”

The married father of two boys says emphasis must be placed on developing young players now, if the standard is to improve over time.

“We need to start developing the players in Jamaica to play one and two touches from early because if we do that, sooner or later it will become something that they enjoy.

Stop going for big coaches “Stop going for these big coaches for World Cup campaigns because they can't develop football on the island. When they come in, they just have to work with what they have. We need it (development) to be coming from schoolboy level right up, from they are little we need to be focusing on their technical skills,” he reiterated.

“We need to create drills and teach the players to play two touches in their half. When I was in Asia, I used to believe that my first touch was good, but it [was] never good at all.

“The free player knows that he has time on the ball where he can take two touches, and if he needs to take one (touch), he knows because of the type of drills we used to do.”

“That's my two cents,” ended Stevens.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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C3

SPORTS SOCCER

The Best Reggae Girlz Sqaud ever Assembled

By L Bronson New Reggae Girlz Head Coach Vin Blaine has selected a 23-member squad he believes is potentially the best group of players Jamaica has ever assembled.

During last Thursday's press conference, Blaine announced the team, which will begin the hunt for a secondconsecutive qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup Finals.

The team begins the preliminary rounds of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda inside Kingston's National Stadium next Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Group C action.

“We do have some good players, and I think it's for us now to start the journey, start the training, start with our first game against Bermuda,” Blaine commented at the press conference.

“All the teams we are going to show respect to, everyone is doing what Jamaica is doing now. I think we have set the trend of bringing in overseas players to shore up our team, so it starts the 17th.”

Blaine confident in the Reggae Girlz squad Now in his second stint at the head of the women's senior program, Blaine is pleased with the quality now at his disposal. He is optimistic despite some players being forced out due to documentation issues or pregnancy, like former skipper Konya Plummer and Chenya Matthews.

“Definitely, as I said before, we have good players. This is potentially the best team we have ever had or an assembly of players. They have experience, which makes it a little bit easier for me, tactically, they are more aware, it's just for us to bond as a team now and also for me to earn their trust and respect to get them to the point where we want them in the World Cup,” noted Blaine. He served as assistant coach to Winfried Schäfer and the Reggae Boyz program.

To advance, Jamaica will have to win Group C consisting of Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands. They will play two games at home and two away. In the February match window, Jamaica will also take on Grenada away on February 20. The remaining games (the Dominican Republic and the Cayman Islands) they will play in April.

The top finisher in each group will advance to the CONCACAF Women's Championship, joining the top two ranked CONCACAF nations USA and Canada. They have received a bye straight to the Women's Championship, which takes place in July 2022.

NBA to honor 75th Anniversary team During All-Star Halftime Some of the players who gave the NBA its global bounce will be in attendance when the league celebrates its 75th anniversary team during a special halftime ceremony at Sunday’s All-Star Game.

Members of the diamond anniversary team will be inside Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the ceremony as the league honors its best players and the cornerstone moments since the NBA was founded.

The official list of players has not yet been announced. There are 61 living members among the players selected to the 75th team.

In 1997, the league hosted the 50th Anniversary Team during All-Star Weekend in Cleveland and 47 members were on hand.

Fans allowed for Reggae Girlz' matches The Jamaica Football Federation has been approved to accommodate up to 2,500 fully vaccinated fans in the grandstand. Interested fans will have to be validated by the government's electronic system, which will open soon.

After validation, fans may purchase tickets for JM$3,000. Those fans already validated by the system may enter and buy a ticket. The JFF asks fans to observe strict COVID-19 protocols.

Blaine says he looks forward to the team doing well in the preliminaries as the core players have been around for the past few years.

“We are without a few players who were invited because of documentation issues, looking forward to having them in the near future… we still have a formidable squad with experienced players and some new faces I'm taking the opportunity to look at.”

Those unfamiliar faces include twins Malikae and Mikayla Dayes from the University of Maryland and Kalyassa Vanzanten from the University of Notre Dame.

JFF looks forward to national support Meanwhile, Jamaica Football Federation director and head of the Women's program, Elaine WalkerBrown, called for support to push the team across the line to bring glory to the country.

“I urge all Jamaicans to come on board and give your support to this team.

I ask for the pledge of corporate Jamaica, and we are seeking your full support because without corporate support we will not be able to make it to where we want to go, and it would be very, very difficult. Let us all as a nation give what

we can to make history again; even your prayers will help.

“Come Jamaicans, come again, let's do it with God's help and with the support of all and especially Corporate Jamaica.”

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is slated for Australia and New Zealand.

Squad: Sydney Schneider, Rebecca Spencer, Yazmeen Jamieson, Chantelle Swaby, Logan McFadden, Vayn Sampson, Chinyelu Asher, Kayla McCoy, Khadija Shaw, Sashana Campbell, Allyson Swaby, Tiernny Wiltshire, Olufolosade Adamolekun, Trudi Carter, Tiffany Cameron, Jody Brown, Gabrielle Gayle, Kikayla Dayes, Malikae Dayes, Mireya Grey, Kalyssa Vanzenten, Dominique Blond-Flasza, Alika Keene.

The delegation is completed by Vinimore Blaine, head coach; Everton Edwards, assistant coach; Toni Cowan, assistant coach; Crystal Walters, team manager; Sanford Carabin, analyst; Clive Wedderburn, goalkeeper coach; Harry Nelson, strength, and conditioning coach; Jason Henry, high-performance coach; Devin Lawson, massage therapist; Ronald Watson, equipment manager; Saundria Codling, physiotherapist; Gillian Lawrence, the team doctor.

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FILE - Former Los Angeles Lakers player Magic Johnson, left, Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan and former Boston Celtic Larry Bird pose for pictures during a photo session with the Legends of the NBA Saturday, Feb. 8, 1997, in Cleveland. Some of the NBAs most iconic players will be in attendance when the league celebrates its 75th Anniversary Team during a special halftime ceremony at Sunday's All-Star Game. The ofcial list of players has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

R&B performer Usher, director Spike Lee and actors Tiffany Haddish and Anthony Anderson will narrate the ceremony, which will conclude with Grammy Awardwinning group Earth, Wind & Fire performing their hit “Shining Star.”

Before the game, Cleveland native Machine Gun Kelly and producer DJ D-Nice will introduce the 2022 NBA All-Stars. Four-time Grammy winner Macy Gray, another Ohio native, will sing the national anthem and Toronto native Ryland James will perform “O Canada.”

The All-Star Saturday Night activities will include performances by Mary J. Blige, who was part of last week’s Super Bowl halftime show, along with Lil Wayne, Gunna, Migos, Lil Baby and DJ Khaled.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 17 – FEB 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T