National Weekly January 2, 2020

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

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2019

PERSONS

Mayor Dale V.C. Holness

OF THE YEAR

Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness, the first Caribbean American to serve as the mayor of a U.S. county is The Caribbean National Weekly's Male Newsmaker of 2019.

Mayor Dale V.C. Holness was born in Hanover, Jamaica, W.I. on April 2, 1957 and migrated to the United States at age 17. He graduated from Plantation High School, then attended Broward College, where he served on the student government as a freshman senator. He became a general manager at McDonalds at age 20, and bought his first house at age 22. He became a Realtor in 1983, and started his own real estate company, All Broward Realty, in 1988. The company is currently led by his daughter Richelle Dahlia Holness, one of his six surviving children.

His political record is well documented as a Broward County Commissioner representing District 9 from November 2010 to present and during his six years of public service as a Lauderhill City Commissioner and Vice Mayor (2007, 2010).

Commissioner Holness' District represents a population of over 200,000 people located in parts of or all of Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Oakland Park, North Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes and the unincorporated communities of Roosevelt Gardens, Washington Park, Boulevard Gardens and Franklin Park.

In November of 2019 he was unanimously appointed by the Broward Commission to

cori “coco” gauff

Delray Beach resident and rising tennis star Cori “Coco” Gauff, who became a star as the youngest player at the 2019 Wimbledon tennis tournament in England, is the Caribbean National Weekly's female newsmaker of 2019.

Since July 1, 2019 the name Cori “Coco” Gauff became known nationally and across the world of tennis as the 15-year-old soundly defeated her idol, tennis icon Venus Williams, 39, in two sets – 6-4, 6-4 in the women singles first round at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in England.

Gauff, an African-American, was the youngest ever competitor to qualify to play at Wimbledon in the professional era. Entering Wimbledon she was ranked 313 in the world, and although she had been playing impressively before, she was considered to be there just for the experience. Those, including her parents, who have witnessed Gauff's progress in the sport in recent years expect her to excel on the international circuit.

In a post-game interview after defeating Venus Williams, Gauff said she never thought she would have won and “I'm literally living my dream right now.”

Gauff made her ITF debut in May 2018 as a qualifier into the 25K event at Osprey, where she won her first professional match. At age 14, she won her first Junior Grand Slam Title in June 2018 at the French Open. continues on B4

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

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| THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

One Love Cyclers: Members of the One Love Cyclers took me out for the lens last Sunday a er par cipa ng in the Tour de Broward fundraiser for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Miramar.

(L-R) Marlon, former Jamaica cyclist Wills Powell, Olympian Peter Aldridge, Chris Tai and Ian Stanley. Photo contributed.

Well Done! Evening Host and Lauderhill Commissioner Denise Grant (r), making a presenta on to Freddie McGregor and Marcia Griffiths, following their SOLD OUT performance at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.

Photo credit: Roy Sweetland

Winner: 2019 Publix Celebrity Quickfire Challenge winner, Mayor Wayne Messam (center) of the City of Miramar with challenger Steven “Cat” Coore (right) of Third World band . ~ Contributed

Reggae Girlz create a s r in FTL: A welcome commi ee hosted by Jamaica's Consul General, Elected Officials and Corporate supporters were on hand on Monday to greet the Reggae Girlz upon their arrival at the Fort Lauderdale Interna onal Airport. Photo credit: Luke Ballen ne.

2019

YEAR IN REVIEW

There's A New Mayor In Town: Jamaican American Dale V.C. Holness (front right) takes his seat to make history as the first County Mayor in Florida, flanked by Vice Mayor Steve Geller (front le ) and the Board of County Commissioners. – Contributed

Team Jamaica! Jamaica's Na onal Ice Hockey team “Ice Hockey Jamaica,” represen ng the first Caribbean country to become an Associate Member of the Interna onal Ice Hockey Federa on (IIHF), came away as winners of the AmeriGol Miami Interna onal Associa on's LATMAN CUP at Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. Photo Credit: Mark James

One For The Record Books: Jamaican-born Marlon Bolton (le ) was the first black and the youngest person to be elected Commissioner for the City of Tamarac. On December 11, 2019, he became the youngest and the first black Vice Mayor of the City of Tamarac. Swearing honors was done by Bishop Anthony T. Pelt. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

GG Award: Diaspora Representa ve for the Southern United States, Wayne Golding Esq. (center) received the Governor General's Achievement Award for Excellence. (from L-R): Jamaica's Governor General, the Most Honorable Sir Patrick Allen; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honorable Kamina Johnson Smith; Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks; and Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair. - Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1 –

2019

A3

YEAR IN REVIEW

CARIBBEAN JANUARY The Caribbean Community congratulated Haiti on its 105th year anniversary of Independence, reached on January 1.

Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley unofficially launched the campaign for 2020 general elections by comparing the performances of his three-yearold administration to that of the former People's Partnership administration.

St. Lucia PM Allan Chastanet, along with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, his Bahamas counterpart, Dr. Hubert Minnis and the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse held a two-hour meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Largo resident in Palm Beach, Florida on Friday, March 22.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness requested the resignation of Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Ruel

10,626 Jamaicans overstayed their United States (US) non-immigrant tourism/business (B1/B2) visas between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018 CARICOM congratulated Guyana on attaining 53rd anniversary of political independence.

A Trinidad and Tobago Appeal Court ordered the former chairman of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), Austin Jack Warner, to pay a former member of the party more than TT$600,000 in compensation over defamatory remarks he made.

JUNE

Protests in Venezuela

Venezuelans stated island-wide protests, demanding the resignation of the nation's president, Nicolas Maduro.

In a meeting of the Organization of American States, Jamaica voted to not recognize the government of newly elected Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, drawing strong backlash from segment of the Caribbean and Jamaicans.

FEBRUARY The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) led by Andrew A Fahie, won island's general elections, gaining eight of the 13 seats in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly.

Cubans headed to the polls on Sunday, February 24, to vote in a referendum on a draft constitution to update its 1976 charter on the heels of significant economic reforms on the island over the past several years.

Dozens of Jamaicans were set to be deported to the island on the first charter flight to Jamaica since the Windrush scandal erupted in 2018.

Veteran Jamaican member of parliament and member of the opposition People's National Party, Dr. Lynvale Bloomfield was found murdered at this home in Portland, Jamaica. Following his death, the ruling Jamaica Labor Party hinted at an early by-election.

Grenada celebrated its 45th and St. Lucia 40th independence anniversary.

MARCH Britain's Prince Charles arrived in St. Lucia at the start of a two-week visit to the Caribbean, highlighting the impact of climate change on the development of small island states like St. Lucia.

Veteran broadcaster, Dorraine Samuels, known for having one of the most well-known voices in Jamaican Media, died on March 26 at age 59.

Jamaican businessman and billionaire Michael Lee Chin is the only Caribbean individual to be named on Forbes Magazine list of richest individuals.

Caribbean Airways announced it was grounding its fleet of 737 Max airlines following the second fatal crash of that aircraft in Ethiopia, months after another fatal crash of the 737 Max in Indonesia.

Reid

Reid, from his Cabinet. Reid was sacked by Holness after allegations of a corruption scandal involving two institutions which fall under the auspices of the Education Ministry were exposed by the Opposition People's National Party.

APRIL In by-elections to fill the House of Representative seat left vacant by the murder of PNP MP Lynvale Bloomfield, the JLP's candidate Annmarie Vaz won the seat upsetting the PNP's Damion Crawford by a slim margin of 306 votes.

The Jamaica government welcomed the decision by the United Kingdom to establish a Windrush Compensation Scheme and is encouraging individuals who have been affected to submit their claims.

Trip Adviser named Caribbean Airlines the best Caribbean-owned airline.

MAY Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Edward Phillip George Seaga died on his 89th birthday, May 28, 2018.

Seaga

Trinidad and Tobago's newest political party—the Patriotic Front was launched in May by Mickela Panday, the daughter of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday.

The United States Homeland Security has reported that a total of

Jamaica's foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed, on June 16, that the board of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company, filed a lawsuit against the Jamaican government in relation to their “forcible takeover” of its 49 percent stake in local oil refinery Petrojam.

Jamaica's former Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting announced a challenge to People's National Party (PNP) and Opposition leader Dr. Peter Phillips for the leadership of the party.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) chose Antigua and Barbuda as the location for the regional tertiary institution's fourth landed campus.

On Sunday, June 23, Jamaica's fifth Prime Minister, Edward Seaga was laid to rest at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Kingston, Jamaica.

Jamaicans home and abroad celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of that nation's cultural icon Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was elected to a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

JULY After nearly two weeks of protests in Puerto Rico calling for his resignation, Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation.

Protests began in response to disgraceful leaked text messages between Rosselló and members of his administration, in addition to separate allegations of fraud.

The Jamaica Parliament approved an extension of the state of emergency (SOE) in the St. Andrew South Police Division by another 90 days.

The Bahamas celebrated 46 years of political independence.

AUGUST Jamaica's healthcare system in dire crisis, according to healthcare professionals. Several stories surface regarding the sexual harassment of junior doctors by their superiors, shortage of hospital equipment, and poor management affecting the country's health care sector.

Repeat offender, Trinidad's Minister of Public Administration, Marlene McDonald, was fired from her post for the third time and charged with several offences of conspiracy to defraud.

Dominica launched a multimillion project designed to help farmers and fisherfolk affected by 2017 Hurricane Maria restore their agriculture and fishing livelihoods and adopt climate resilience practices.

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago each celebrated 57th year of

The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas

political independence.

SEPTEMBER On September 1, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Former Deputy Prime Minister, and former Jamaica Labor Party Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Baugh had died. Baugh, a well-respected politician and surgeon, known for his calm demeanor, died at about 10:05 a.m. He was 78 years old.

The major, life-threatening category 5 Hurricane Dorian made landfall on The Bahamas in September, leaving major damage to many of the small islands, particularly the Abacos and Grand Bahama, leaving damage to hundreds of homes and a death toll above 50.

Dr. Peter Phillips, held onto the reins of the main opposition People's National Party (PNP) when he defeated Peter Bunting in a challenge for the leadership of the party.

After prolonged controversy and delays the Guyana government announced elections for March 2, 2020

OCTOBER Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr. Hubert Minnis said he held talks with officials of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and warned illegal migrants they should either leave the country voluntarily or be “forced to leave.”

Former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Ried and several others, including his wife, Sharen, and their daughter, Sharelle were arrested and taken into custody for corruption and fraud charges.

143 Jamaicans including Rita Marley, Sean Paul and South Floridian Robin Mahfood of Food for the Poor, were honored on National Heroes Day, for their gallantry, goodwill, and significant contributions to nation-building.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister Percival J. Patterson was hospitalized for injuries sustained in an automobile accident near his home in upper St. Andrew.

NOVEMBER The U.S. visitor's visas of Daryl Vaz, the Jamaican Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and Phillip Paulwell, the Vice President of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP), were revoked. No reason for the revocation was given by the U.S. embassy in Jamaica.

According to a report published by the Inter-American Development Bank, the total cost of the impact and effect of Hurricane Dorian on The Bahamas is $3.4 billion.

Jamaica was plunged into mourning after the consecutive deaths of three political figures within 24 hours: former Industry and Commerce Minister, Douglas

Vaz; former Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Wendell Stewart; and former Chief Justice, Sir Edward Zacca.

The Jamaican flag was raised outside the New York Stock Exchange building to celebrate the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and its excellent performance in recent years.

Montserrat's main opposition party, Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP), reversed its 2014 electoral defeat and won the general election in the British Overseas Territory (BOT). The MCAP, led by former agriculture minister Easton Taylor-Farrell, won five of the nine seats in the Legislative Assembly, while the PDM headed by outgoing Communications, Works, Energy and Labor Minister, Paul Lewis, won three seats.

Caribbean Airlines’ unaudited financial results for January to September 2019, showed the airline achieving an operating profit.

Earnings before interest and taxes were TT$121m, up 3.8 percent.

Nearly three months after Hurricane Dorian devastated Grand Bahama, tourism officials welcomed the first official flight at Grand Bahama International Airport.

Bahamasair brought 138 passengers from Tennessee for the 21st Annual Tabernacle Falcons Thanksgiving Basketball Classic.

DECEMBER

Skerritt

The governing Dominica Labor Party (DLP) secured a landslide victory in the December 6 General Election in Dominica, securing its fifth consecutive term in office and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit's fourth consecutive election win.

For the first time since 1976, Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel named Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero as the country's Prime Minister.

In the true spirit of Christmas, South Florida based Food for the Poor regional charity organization paid the fines of 79 non-violent offenders who were being held in prisons across the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Barbados government said it is moving ahead with plans to allow access to free education at public schools for students from CARICOM countries.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

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A5

Talk UP

What are your New Year's Resolutions for 2020?

Stephanie - For 2020, I wish all a Blessed, Healthy, Happy and Prosperous year. Also, World Peace and for a new President! On a personal note, my resolution is not to make any resolutions. LOL.

Cheryll - I prefer goals to resolutions, becoming licensed in Real Estate in S FL, an addition to 13 years in MD, DC, VA. Five renovation projects, maintain healthy habits in diet, exercise and sleep. Endeavor to get more in giving back, a scholarship grant for St. Andrew High Alum, volunteer in 2 Habitat for Humanity builds and one more ½ marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; to plan a St. Andrew Alum DC Golf Tournament in May is a good start.

Pauline - My personal resolution is to minimize the distractions that pull me off center and refocus on my relationship with God as my source. My wish for the world would be that we think of the things we personally want for our families, then expand that view and realize that wherever you go in this world, each person wants the same thing: to be loved, protected, provided for and safe.

Gaye - that's one of the things I don't do… resolutions! I just don't see the relevance and very few, if any, are ever kept.

Moving forward in silence, focusing on the walk, not the talk. That's my goal for 2020.

Melissa - This is my season! In addition to growing my marketing business, 2020 is the year that I launch my life coaching practice; start a mentorship program for girls and become a global speaker, marathon runner, wife, and God willing, a City of Lauderhill Commissioner. My theme words for the year are service and leadership! Somewhere in between all of that, I will run my first marathon and maybe write a book.

I believe that 2020 is going to usher in a decade of peace, joy, and abundance for us all.

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Richard - My 2020 resolutions are pretty much what I always enter each new year with, which is to give/lend my support, love and respect to my family and friends near and far in their quest for a better tomorrow, in all that they can be and become in their contributions of making this world just a little more positive for all of us each day.

Jeanine - Increase my IRA contributions, more facials, stretch more, exercise, build a new networking circle, and start to work. For the world, I wish: Vote smart and logical… not on emotions. Lead… don't be a follower. Create your own narrative.

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

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Address Food Insecurity In 2020 A

nd just like that, the Christmas celebrations are over...and it's back to reality. One of the realities facing our community is hunger among many poorer families. A most wrenching scene witnessed during the recent Christmas/holiday shopping spree was that of a young mother with two young children begging at a major Southwest Miami shopping mall. They were not begging for a chance to visit Santa Claus at the mall, rather, they were seeking money to buy food. Happily, many shoppers extended assistance to the family, but this shouldn't be happening in America. No one should be allowed to go hungry.

But, unfortunately, food insecurity is a major problem in this country. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that in 2018, 11.1 percent of American households were food insecure sometime during that year. The majority of these households, unfortunately, included at least one child. Although food insecurity was significantly down from the peak of 14.9 percent in 2011, it still means some 36 million Americans are in real risk of inadequately feeding themselves.

Among the 36 million Americans threatened by food insecurity, 12.9 million are children, and over 5 million are seniors over age 50.

There are numerous reasons why Americans experience food insecurity—the main one being inadequate income to meet household expenses.

When the level of food insecurity peaked in 2011, during the Great Recession, the Obama administration responded by increasing funding so more Americans could qualify for food assistance (mostly through food stamps) under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Since then, SNAP has helped millions of Americans with the sources to purchase nutritious food for children, pregnant women and families in general. Because the criteria to receive this assistance

is tied to the stated federal poverty rate, it's estimated some 27 percent of Americans although not earning sufficient income to be food secure, still earned too much to qualify for assistance under SNAP. But, under a new rule expected to be implemented by the Trump administration in April this year, some 700,000 current SNAP recipients including some 55,000 in South Florida could lose this vital benefit, further increasing their risk of going hungry.

The new rule will require SNAP recipients age 18 to 49 without children to work at least 20 hours a week or lose their benefits. The administration says the change is intended to encourage those receiving SNAP to get jobs. But, this rule will aggravate the possibility for hunger among low-income individuals who can't find steady weekly employment, even on a part-time basis. Of the nearly five million people receiving food stamps in 2018, about 75 percent had no jobs, according to the USDA. Some of these people cannot work because of disabilities or having to stay home as caregivers to infants or ailing family members.

Existing SNAP regulations already limit adults to three months of benefits in a three-year period unless they meet the 20 hours per week requirement.

However, many states like Florida currently waive

that requirement in high unemployment areas. The pending change would make these waivers harder to obtain.

While the Trump administration estimates to save some five billion dollars by cutting the SNAP benefits, it is difficult to accept a measure that has the potential for placing thousands of Americans in positions where they will be unable to feed themselves.

The argument that America is on the cusp of economic prosperity, experiencing one on its lowest unemployment rate, is a myth to millions of Americans who are earning minimum wages, or unable to find work. Despite the hype over the monthly positive economic data, some 36 million Americans are still having serious problems feeding themselves and their families.

Something is awfully wrong with this picture.

If the nation is experiencing so much economic prosperity, why does the government need to cut back on a vital social assistance program like SNAP? Why isn't the government taking steps to raise the $5 million it estimates to save by cutting SNAP benefits, from wealthy Americans and corporations.

Strong opposition is building to the proposed changes in SNAP, especially among Democratic congressional representatives in states with high percentage of people experiencing food insecurity. It is likely these representatives will collaborate in filing a legal challenge to stay the changes.

The community is urged to support their congressional representatives to take every practical measure to prevent the changes to the SNAP program.

It is unacceptable to accept any South Florida, or American, resident going hungry during a time of economic prosperity when the federal government should be able to find the resources to maintain the program as it is.

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2019 President Jovenel Moïse says 2019 must result in Haiti achieving “credible, honest, democratic and transparent elections” and his administration will provide the necessary resources to accomplish that feat.

Education Minister Pierre Josué Agénor Cadet held talks with students who have been staging street demonstrations demanding that the teachers at a secondary school in Petit-Goâve return to the classrooms.

Caribbean-American legislators in New York have called for international support for Haiti, as the country observed the ninth anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake. New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, said 2.5 million people in Haiti are still in dire need of aid.

The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque has congratulated Haiti on its 215th anniversary of independence noting that the resilience, courage and determination of Haitians continue to be an inspiration to all.

FEBRUARY Haitian legislators received the first report on the PetroCaribe probe.

Opposition political parties have been staging street demonstrations in support of their calls for President Jovenel Moïse to step down, after accusing him of not investigating allegations of corruption in the previous government over PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.

YEAR IN REVIEW

HAITI

JANUARY

Céant attended the launch of the US$126.2 million initiative.

Six months after he was sworn into office, the government of Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant was forced out of office after the Lower Chamber of Deputies voted overwhelming to remove him from office. The move came as Prime Minister Céant had gone to the Senate for a meeting only to find 13 Senators present.

The United States government decided to comply with a District Court judge order temporarily preventing the Trump administration from deporting Haitians with Temporary Protection Status (TPS).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially published on the Federal Register website, a notification of its decision to extend until January 2020 the TPS protection.

judiciary.

Five police officers are killed, resulting in residents erecting barricades, burning tires and blocking traffic as they urge the government and law enforcement agencies to do more to secure the

following an accident which took the lives of three teen Haitian American soccer players on their way to a soccer match in Weston Broward County. The three teens, Gedeon Desir, 13, Lens Desir 15, (unrelated) and Richearde Dumay, 17, were members of a local youth soccer team – Little Haiti Football Club.

President Jovenel Moïse insisting that he will not allow “anyone to put chaos and disorder in the country under any pretext,” said he was not corrupt even as opposition forces announced plans for more street protests later this week to force him out of office.

JULY President of Haiti Jovenel Moïse named Fritz-William Michel, an

country.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a permanent injunction against Haitian tax return preparers Katiusca “Kathy” Rigaud, Andy Jean and their company, Bar Professional Services LLC (Tax Kings & Queens), barring them from preparing U.S. federal income tax returns for others.

PetroCaribe protests in Haiti

MARCH Haiti launched a multi-million dollar humanitarian plan aimed at meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the country. Prime Minister Jean Henry Céant, the Minister of Planning Jean-Claudy Pierre and representatives of the international donor community,

Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse announced Jean Michel Lapin, who once served as a courier in the public administration, as Haiti's new prime minister.

The United Nations Security Council voted by a 13 to nil margin to extend by a further six months, its justice-support peacekeeping mission in Haiti. According to the UN resolution, the mission will maintain only a special political mission in the country after October 15.

An investigating judge cleared President Jovenel Moïse of any involvement in a money laundering case the authorities have been probing for the past two years. Judge Brédy Fabien said there was no evidence to prosecute Moïse.

MAY Employees at the Ministry of Trade and Industry who have been on strike since April 22, decided to suspend their protest action. This decision follows an agreement reached between the Ministry and the employees on several demands including improved working conditions and the provision of computers.

Magistrates hold weeklong strike over demands for the payment of arrears in salaries, improved working conditions and a stop to any form of interference by the Executive in the

A sitting of the Senate called to ratify the appointment of Prime Minister Fritz William Michel was adjourned after Senator Jean-Marie Ralph Fethière fired gunshots to defend himself against demonstrators who had entered the legislative compound.

The Bahamas government refuted allegations that Haitians were being mistreated in the wake of Hurricane Dorian and appealed to the international community “to seek trusted and credible sources of information” on the country.

OCTOBER Tourism Minister Bocchit Edmond has expressed disappointment at the decision of Best Western Premier, the first all-inclusive 5-star hotel under U.S. franchise to open in Haiti to close down its operations in Haiti on October 31. Other hotels have also closed operations since the beginning of the violent protests.

As well-known Advocates for the Haitian and Haitian-American Community, the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce identified the urgency for more education regarding Breast Cancer within the Caribbean-American community.

On October 19, the Pink Noire Breast Cancer awareness event was held in Dania Beach, Florida, for its 4th year.

“Pink” for cancer awareness and “Noire” to emphasize the staggering number of newly diagnosed women of color.

Miami-Dade's Office of Community Advocacy joined the community in mourning the death of prominent Haitian leader and human rights advocate Jean-Robert Lafortune who died on Oct. 15, 2019 after a long, chronic illness at the age of 63.

NOVEMBER

APRIL Haiti celebrates as they defeat Canada 3-2 in CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal

During protest demonstrations across Haiti, four people were found dead and several others wounded.

Thousands turned out in support of calls by the opposition parties demanding the removal of President Jovenel Moïse, jobs, corruption and the trial of those implicated in the ongoing investigation into the use of the funds under the PetroCaribe scheme.

President Jovenel Moïse says he will not step down from office and has promised Haitians he has no intention of putting the country in the hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers.

At least 28 Haitians who attempted to enter The Bahamas illegally have drowned off the coast of Abaco, while some 17 are in police custody.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan says plans to construct an electricity grid have been suspended due to the socio-political unrest that the country has been experiencing since February 7.

A7

executive in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as his fourth prime minister since he became head of state in 2017.

The Barbados government defended a decision to reverse the no-visa requirement for Haitians, saying it did not have a choice because of the large influx of Haitian immigrants that enter the country.

Haiti came from two goals down to stage a spectacular 3-2 comeback win over Canada and advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time, but was subsequently eliminated by Mexico.

AUGUST

Louis

Haitian-American Farah Louis emerged victorious in a crowded field in a special election to fill the seat vacated by former New York City Caribbean American Councilman Jumaane Williams.

Louis, who was born in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrants and served as deputy chief-of-staff and budget director for Williams in the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, defeated seven other candidates in the intense race.

JUNE The United States has called on Haitians to respect the rule of law on the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country even as President Jovenel Moïse is scheduled to meet with various stakeholders later today to discuss the way forward.

Tragedy and grief grasped Miami's Haitian community

Legislators reject the third opposition-inspired motion aimed at impeaching President Jovenel Moïse whom they had accused of high treason, violating the Haitian violated and was leading the country to “the edge of the social explosion.”

The European Union has released €9 million in humanitarian aid in response to the deteriorating food and nutrition situation in Haiti.

Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has condemned the decision of the Trump administration to terminate the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program.

SEPTEMBER Speaker of the Senate Carl Murat Cantave was attacked by opposition linked supporters and several of his properties including his medical clinic in Gonaïves in northern Haiti burnt following the unsuccessful attempt to ratify Prime Minister Fritz William Michel.

The Banque de l'Union Haitienne Bank in Haiti was looted and then set on fire during protests calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse resumed in Haiti.

Since the beginning of September, political unrest, road blockages and rising violence in Haiti have significantly reduced access to basic social services, including schools and universities. According to the Ministry of National Education, 70 percent of schools in Haiti are closed, and children have lost 50 days of school.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was extending temporary protected status (TPS) coverage for migrants from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through January 4, 2021.

The United States Embassy in Haiti and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that through the United Nations World Food Program, 2,000 metric tons of food will be distributed to food insecure Haitians from the program's emergency stockpile stored in Haiti.

DECEMBER According to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), Haiti is approaching famine-like conditions, with more than 1 in 3 people in the country of 11 million in need of urgent assistance for food.

The United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agency says agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector in Texas have arrested more Haitian nationals than migrants from Guatemala or El Salvador since October 1, 2019.

According to a report in British publication, The Times, United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Haiti since the 2010 devastating earthquake, fathered hundreds of children then abandoned their young mothers to lives of poverty.

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

HEALTH and Wellness

About Cervical Cancer January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Caribbean National Weekly is committed to bringing awareness of issues relevant to cervical health to women in our community. recommended, either. Most people find that even though they may have the symptoms of a disease, their doctor diagnoses them with something completely different. Use the information you find on the internet as a guide, not a diagnostic tool. It simply doesn't replace medical advice from your doctor.

If you do not have health insurance and cannot afford a Pap smear, don't fear. There are several state and federal programs that help women get the health care they need.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms Women Need to Know Cervical cancer symptoms often go unnoticed because they mimic so many other ailments. Many women pass these symptoms off as PMS or ovulation pains. Many times, however, cervical cancer has no symptoms.

When symptoms are present, they usually do not appear until the cancer is more advanced. This does vary from woman to woman.

Free and Low Cost Pap Smears

Cervical Cancer Symptoms Abnormal bleeding. Women with cervical cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can be heavy or light bleeding during the month.

Unusual heavy discharge. An increased vaginal discharge is also a symptom of cervical cancer. It may be foul smelling, watery, thick, or contain mucus. It varies from woman to woman. It is important to report any unusual vaginal discharge to your doctor.

Pelvic pain. Pelvic pain that is not related to the normal menstrual cycle can be a cervical cancer symptom. Many women describe them ranging from a dull ache to sharp pains that can last hours. It can be mild or severe.

Pain during urination. Bladder pain or pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This cervical cancer symptom usually occurs when cancer has spread to the bladder.

Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam. Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam can be cervical cancer symptoms. This is due to the irritation of the cervix during these activities. While a

healthy cervix may have a very small amount of bleeding, many conditions may cause bleeding after activities like sex.

What to Do If You Have Cervical Cancer Symptoms First, don't panic. Cervical cancer symptoms are vague and non-specific; they are not exclusive to cervical cancer. This means that many other conditions share the same symptoms, many of which are much less serious than cervical cancer. If you have the symptoms of cervical cancer, it is not a guarantee that you have the disease. However, it does mean that you should pay a visit to your doctor.

There are a few things you should know that may be reassuring. In most cases, cervical cancer is a slow-progressing disease. It can

take years before cervical pre-cancer develops into cervical cancer. Of course, it can happen sooner in some women, but for most it takes several years. If you have been getting regular Pap smears, then any cervical abnormalities would have been detected. If you have not been getting regular Pap smears, it's not too late to start.

When you do visit your doctor, he or she will most likely want to do a pelvic exam as well as a Pap smear. Remember to be thorough about your personal and family history, as your doctor will want to know your health history. Pap smear results take about two weeks to return. Other tests or cultures may take much less time.

The bottom line is that you should not ignore your symptoms or wait for them to go away on their own. Self-diagnosing through information found on the internet is not

There are programs and resources to assist women with free or low cost Pap Smears, The Pap smear is an essential screening test for cervical cancer.

Unfortunately, due to lack of health insurance and financial struggle, many women go without having a regular Pap smear. Thanks to government and private organization programs, no woman has to go without having a regular Pap smear.

Low Cost and Free Clinics Local county health departments and women's clinics offer free and low cost Pap smears. For the uninsured, cost of the test is usually based on income level.

Your local Planned Parenthood may offer low cost Pap smears as well. Planned Parenthood is an organization that offers sexual and reproductive health care to individuals, regardless of income. You can find your local Planned Parenthood clinic by visiting their website or by calling (800)230PLAN.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1 –

2019

B1

YEAR IN REVIEW

COMMUNITY JANUARY City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam proposed a measure to the Miramar City Commission to bring relief to local federal employees who are impacted by the federal government shutdown.

The Homelessness Collaborative in Broward has been making great strides towards ending homelessness in Fort Lauderdale. The collaborative reached a major milestone when 80 individuals remaining in the encampment voluntarily moved out, the first step on a path to safe, stable permanent housing with supportive services as needed.

FEBRUARY Miami-Dade County Public Schools hosted the National College Fair, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. More than 10,000 students and parents participated in the fourhour event where representatives from 200 colleges and universities provided answers to questions regarding admissions, financial aid, housing and testing requirements.

Jamaican-born, Miami-based attorney Marlon Hill made history by becoming the first Jamaican American to enter the race for election to a seat in District 9 on the Miami-Dade County Commission.

The elections are slated for Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

The Miami-Dade County Commission on Feb. 5 unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to join the United States in recognizing Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela.

The Trayvon Martin Foundation

held its 7th Annual Peace Walk on February 9, followed by the Remembrance Gala on February 10.

The Peace Walk is a community engagement activity, where youth, community leaders engage in honest and informative discussion pertaining to empowering youth and overcoming violence in local neighborhoods.

Broward County and the City of Miramar partnered to host a communitywide discussion on the role of faith-based organizations in environmental stewardship and community resilience at the Miramar Cultural Center.

MARCH The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee passed the controversial bill SB 7030 that would arm Florida's teachers. The bill, strongly opposed by Floridians, would expand the so-called “Guardian Program” allowing classroom teachers to carry concealed guns in the school.

The incumbent mayor of the City of Miramar, Wayne Messam, 44, was easily reelected for a second term on in that city's municipal elections on March 12.

Davis

The City of Miramar also elected Alexandria Davis, 56, to represent District 4 on that county's commission.

At its fifth annual Empowerment Conference and Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, March 23rd, the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) awarded scholarships to two young women ready to embark on collegiate careers.

Successful businessman and politician Wayne Messam confirmed he will be officially announcing his run in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential campaign.

APRIL Transforming America Through Interaction (“TATI”), Inc., a South Florida community organization, announced the appointment of Garfield Wright as its new President.

TATI celebrates its 13th anniversary this year honoring the late South

Florida resident and student Tatiana Renée McIntosh, who passed tragically in a car accident at age 19.

After 32 years, Miami-Dade will revise its sexual harassment policy to better reflect forward-thinking practices for preventing and addressing harassment.

Twenty-one Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) academies were among 88 across the nation identified by the National Academy Foundation (NAF) network as Distinguished on its annual assessment. This designation is NAF's highest level of achievement. This number is the most for any district in the nation.

In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department proudly launched FLPD Cares, an Autism Outreach program. This program is an ongoing partnership with the community, to provide the safest environment possible for FLPD's neighbors.

MAY Miramar Vice Mayor, Alexandra Davis, hosted the Reggae Girlz for send-off celebration fundraising events and activities, May 20-24, in support of their qualification to the FIFA's Women's World Cup France 2019.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools partnered with Healthy Schools LLC to offer no-cost, inschool tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough—also called pertussis—(Tdap) vaccinations to sixth-grade students. The booster is required by Florida law before a child enters 7th grade.

Broward County and Kiwanis Divisions 23 and 24 partnered for Christmas In July to benefit homeless children in the community and help them prepare for the pending school year. This year, the number of homeless children in Broward County's school system reached 4,479, the highest number ever.

The Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami, formally announced the passing of Edward Philip George Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica who died on May 28. In honor of Seaga's memory, a Condolence Book was opened at the office of the Consulate General in Miami.

JUNE Tragedy and sheer grief have grasped Miami's Haitian community following an accident in which took the lives of three HaitianAmerican teenage soccer players on their way to a soccer match in Weston Broward County.

On June 13, Jamaica shipped 12,000 pounds of “Julie” and “East Indian” mangoes to the United States. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are among the first to receive shipments. The mangoes will be sold in Bravo and Presidente supermarkets.

Attorney General Ashley Moody, on June 27, issued a Consumer Alert following growing reports of this new kind of scam that has targeted residents of Florida. Attorney Moody said, “This scam incorporates some of the worst uses of modern technology to drain victims' bank accounts and ruin their credit.”

Habitat Broward joined Habitat organizations across the country to launch a new national advocacy campaign aimed at improving home affordability for 10 million people in the U.S. over the next five years.

JULY On July 1, it became a primary offense to text from a moving vehicle in Florida. This includes emailing and other forms of typing on a mobile device.

The historic grand opening of Phase One of the Liberty City Rising redevelopment project took place on July 1 in Miami-Dade County.

At least 23 people were injured and storefronts damaged in a suspected gas explosion on Saturday (July 5) afternoon at a shopping mall in Plantation, South Florida.

Miami Lakes Educational Center Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) was awarded the Sanford I. Weill Award for Excellence at the National Academy Foundation (NAF) NEXT Conference held in Detroit. The award exemplifies the commitment, quality and work ethic of AOIT students as well as the career

pathway teachers. M-DCPS holds the honor of having the most Sandy Weill winners since the award's inception in 2013.

AUGUST August 17 was dubbed “Marcus Garvey Appreciation Day” in the City of Lauderdale Lakes by Mayor Hazelle Rogers as over 500 guests celebrated the 132nd anniversary of the birth of Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey at the 2019 Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza.

A state of emergency (SOE) was declared in Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian that was forecasted to make landfall near the state as a powerful category 4 hurricane at the beginning of September.

On August 14, Ockeeve Sinclair, one of two men who was found guilty of first-degree murder in Corporal Daveon Hall's death, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Broward County Courthouse.

The other man, Brian Fairweather, accepted a plea bargain in June. He pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

NOVEMBER The Broward County Commission unanimously voted for Vice Mayor Dale V.C. Holness (District 9) to serve as Mayor at its reorganization meeting on November 20. Holness is the first Caribbean-American to serve as a county mayor in the U.S. Fans of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival streamed into Miramar Regional Park on November 10 for its 18th staging. Stalls, packed with Jamaican culinary delights, did brisk business and fans who came for the music were not short-changed.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), in partnership with Broward County Government, announced the conclusion of a successful school supply drive to help Bahamian students displaced

by Hurricane Dorian in September.

More than 270 students were enrolled in BCPS to finish out the school year in Broward County.

SEPTEMBER After 43 years of employment with the City of Lauderhill, City Manager Charles “Chuck” Faranda announced his retirement. The Mayor and City Commission voted unanimously to appoint the City Manager's second in command, Deputy City Manager Desorae GilesSmith, as Interim City Manager.

As part of its ongoing recovery and relief efforts to support residents of The Bahamas displaced by Hurricane Dorian, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) opened a Welcome Center to help students and families arriving from The Bahamas.

Sovereign School of Nursing, a South Florida based private school offering Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate of Nursing (RN) programs, announced it is awarding grants to prospective LPN students who meet their eligibility requirements.

OCTOBER Beginning October 1, Florida law enforcement officers began pulling drivers over for using their handheld cell phone while driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area.

The Florida Senate's 25-15 vote to remove Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel from office has received condemnation from CaribbeanAmerican residents in the tri-county area, including many Broward residents who did not vote to elect Israel.

Karelle Chang, Entrepreneur and owner of Vintage Events, was installed as President of the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce.

Chang, a former Board Member who has been working with the Chamber since its inception, succeeds outgoing President Sharon McLennon.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) received four new grants totaling over $2,275 from the U.S. Department of Justice to support and enhance ongoing safety efforts in public schools. The grants are to assist BCPS in violence prevention and intervention, mental health services, emergency communications and threat assessments.

Hastings

Contrary to earlier speculations, veteran South Florida politician Congressman Alcee Hastings announced he will be seeking reelection to the U.S. Congress to represent Florida's 20th congressional district in the 2020 general elections.

The Female Development World Organization (FDWO), City of North Miami Beach and the Madalon Law Firm collaborated to hold a “Protect The Children” symposium on human trafficking in South Florida. The event featured a panel discussion on the adverse effects of human and sex trafficking on local community and schools.

DECEMBER The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) swore in 85 new School Resource Officers, the largest group of officers in its nearly 50-year history.

Jamaican, Dr. Allan Cunningham was elected to represent the USA Southern Region of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council.

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony overruled the original finding of Broward County's Professional Standards Committee and fired a deputy sheriff who was seen on video in April pounding black teen student Delucca Rolle's head into the concrete pavement.

History was made when another Jamaican, Marlon Bolton became Tamarac's first Caribbean- and African-American Vice Mayor, by a 5-0 vote.

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1 –

2019

B3

YEAR IN REVIEW

ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY The Buju Banton Foundation was launched to help at risk youth.

To mark the 50th anniversary of reggae's birth, the Jamaican government announced it would stagea Reggae Gold Awards to recognize 50 reggae icons who have contributed to the music's development.

On January 17, just minutes after tickets went on sale for Buju Banton's Long Walk To Freedom tour, the reggae artist's website crashed, leaving scores of supporters unable to purchase tickets.

VP Records, the world's largest reggae music company, announced a year-long calendar of activities in celebration of its 40 years in the United States, featuring a variety of music and cultural events, products, historical exhibits and experiences, in Jamaica, across the U.S., Toronto, Canada and London, England.

FEBRUARY Shaggy wins the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for the collaborative Shaggy/Sting album. Shaggy also made his mark on the award show by hosting the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.

Jamaican popular entertainer Buju Banton finally received the Grammy for Best Reggae Album he originally won in February 2011 for Beyond the Dawn.

On February 24, the life and work of former Jamaican prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller was portrayed in a biopic film Break Every Rule in Kingston. The film, written and directed by Jamaican filmmaker, Lennie Little-White, portrays Simpson Miller's life from childhood, her entrance into Jamaican politics and her attainment of Jamaica's highest political office, and her tenures as prime minister.

MARCH The Grenada government welcomed the victory of Hollice “Mr. Killa” Mapp in becoming the first non-Trinidad and Tobago artist to win the International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. Mapp's winning song was entitled “Run Wid It.” The 37th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) to be held at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston in May, was launched in recognition of Reggae 50, celebrating fifty years of reggae music.

The Love and Harmony cruise will once again feature legendary reggae crooner Beres Hammond, along with R&B group The Manhattans, Barrington Levy,

Romain Virgo, Oliver Samuels, Cocoa Tea, Ity and Fancy Cat and more. Soca stars Denise Belfon and Destra Garcia have also been added to the lineup, bringing their sizzling lyrics and all manner of bacchanalia to the high seas for International Flag Night.

After being incarcerated for eight years, Reggae superstar Buju Banton delivered a historic performance at the first stop on his 'Long Walk To Freedom' Tour in Kingston, which was said to be one of the most anticipated reggae shows to ever be held in Jamaica.

The Best of the Best Concert organizers announced their starstudded lineup for the 2019 show on May 26 in Downtown, Miami.

The lineup includes Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Alkaline, Stylo G, Vanessa Bling and more.

Fresh off the release of his new single “Country For Sale,” Reggae artist Buju Banton prepares to release a new studio album, his first in nine years. “Country For Sale,” Banton's first single since his release, shot to the top of the iTunes Reggae charts. Buju's team promised the single is just a taste of what fans can expect from the new Buju album.

The City of Lauderdale Lakes in partnership with the Greater Caribbean-American Cultural Coalition and the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce hosted the 3-day Silver Anniversary celebration of UNIFEST the annual Caribbean multi-cultural festival, a major milestone for this signature event. UNIFEST was named “Best Multi-Cultural Program” for its contribution to Florida's tourism industry by the 2019 Synergy Summit for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.

JUNE Rihanna is named the world's

APRIL Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Dillard Center for the Arts is honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

Storm Saulter released his second feature film, Sprinter, which was executive produced by Will Smith and his wife Jada. Last year the film was awarded swept Best Director, Best Narrative Feature and the Audience Award in the 2018 American Black Film Festival.

Celebrated Trinidadian songstress, Calypso Rose, who is 78

years old, made history as the oldest performer to ever hit the stage at famed music festival, Coachella. She was also the only calypso performer to ever have had a full set during the festival.

James Bond or 007, the iconic fictional character that was created in the 1950s in Jamaica, returned to the island for the production its 25th anniversary film: Bond 25. Aside from Jamaica, filming locations include Italy, Norway, and London.

Bond 25 is due out April 8, 2020.

MAY The 37th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held on May 11, honored the 38th anniversary of the death of Bob Marley. Fittingly, the guest of honor at the event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston was Rita Marley – Bob's widow.

AUGUST Koffee continues to make waves internationally, as her hit song “Toast” was featured on former U.S. President Barack Obama's summer playlist. Every year, Obama reveals a list of his favorite songs for the year with an annual playlist. “Toast” was listed at number 28.

Among the 143 persons that will receive Jamaican national honors

this year is entertainer Sean Paul who will receive the Order of Distinction for contribution to the global popularity and promotion of reggae music.

Shaggy has been cast in Disney/ABC's Live production of the classic animated movie, The Little Mermaid. Shaggy will voice the character of Sebastian the crab, and will also perform one of the most popular songs from the movie, “Under the Sea.” The 14th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) opened In Trinidad to a glittering showcase of regional culture. Host Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said the 10-day festival underscores the “indomitable Caribbean spirit.”

SEPTEMBER

richest female musician by Forbes magazine. Her worth is estimated at $600 million including revenues made from her fashion and beauty lines in addition to those from her music career. She was also inducted into the Institute of Caribbean Studies Wall of Fame.

The Buju Banton x Supreme collaboration was officially released on June 27, 2019. The collaboration which features t-shirts in various colors, some designed signed by Buju Banton was sold out online under five hours of its release.

In celebration of Black Music Month tribute was paid to steelpan music, a genre of black music, and The Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, was named Miami Carnival's 2018 Panorama, Steelband of the Year.

JULY Rising Reggae star Koffee made her U.S. television debut on the popular American late talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on July 16.

Koffee hit the stage to perform “Toast,” her breakout single that has dominated airways around the world, including in the United States.

With headliners Buju Banton, Chronixx and Beres Hammond, the 2019 reggae sumfest was arguably the largest Reggae Sumfest in terms of attendance from both local and overseas guests. Approximately JMD $1 Billion in revenue was generated from the event.

Miami-Broward Carnival 2019 kicks off with the Junior Carnival on October 5. The month of CaribbeanAmerican carnival festivities culminated on with the exciting parade of costume revelers on October 13 over the Columbus Day weekend.

NOVEMBER Grammy Award-winning dancehall singjay Shaggy announced plans to donate his earnings from his role in “The Little Mermaid: Live” to the Bustamante Hospital For Children in Kingston.

In an unprecedented move, the 14th staging of BEST OF THE BEST(BOTB) has revealed its first round of artists announcement with an all-female star-studded line-up from across the spectrum of Reggae, Dancehall and Soca.

Shaggy, a U.S. military veran, was among those recognized for their service to the U.S. Marines at a special Veterans Day Dinner in Boston.

The success of Toast, one of the leading Reggae singles by Koffee, and the “Rapture” EP which she released in March 2019, led to her being nominated for the “Best Reggae Album” for the 2020 Grammy Awards. along with Julian Marley, Steel Pulse, Third World, and Sly & Robbie & Roots Radics.

DECEMBER South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 at the recently opened Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Tunzie, a beautiful woman with short, natural hair, was a crowd favorite from she first appeared on stage among the top 20 finalists.

A week later, Jamaican ToniAnn Singh was crowned Miss World

Toni-Ann Singh, 23, a recent graduate of Florida State University was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2019 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel from a field of 16 contestants.

Jamaican actor and recording artist Louie Rankin, known for his roles in the cult classics Shottas and Belly, died in a car crash on September 30 in Ontario, Canada.

OCTOBER Buju Banton's album Til Shiloh was certified 'gold' by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) 24 years after the album release. Til Shiloh was released in 1995 and features some of Banton's best work to date including tracks like “Untold Stories”, “'Til I'm Laid to Rest”, and “Wanna Be Loved.” On September 27, 2019, the RIAA certified the album as “gold,” having sold half a million records.

American Hip-Hop artist Kanye West brought his weekly “Sunday Service” concert series to Emancipation Park in Kingston.

West and “The Samples” gospel Choir, led by director Jason White, lead the weekly service performing popular gospel songs along with gospel-inspired remixes to the most popular songs across different genres.

Father Richard Ho Lung's musical production, “Moses” to hit South Florida. Father Ho Lung told CNW he thought it necessary to bring the theatrical production to Florida once again because of the “strong support” that the play receives in the state.

2019, becoming the fourth Jamaican beauty to win the coveted crown since 1963. At the pageant held on December 14 in London, Singh stunned the judges with her vocal talent, also winning the prize for the Best Talented contestant, her intelligence and grace.

A few days later Singh released her first single, a rendition of Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing” for Miss World's charity arm, Beauty With A Purpose.

It was announced that The 27th instalment of Tony Rebel's annual concert, Rebel Salute will take place on January 17 and 18, 2020, at Grizzly's Plantation Cove, with a star-studded lineup including Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Singing Melody, Leroy Sibbles, Anthony B, I-Octane, and Jesse Royal.

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

MAYOR Dale V.C. Holness

for persons 65 and older, allowing for low-income senior property owners to qualify for the extra property tax reduction.

He signed $2.6 billion expansion for the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, $3.2 billion Port Everglades Seaport expansion and $1,750,000 million for the Convention Center and Hotel expansion.

Mayor Holness supports capitalizing on Broward County's geographic uniqueness as the Gateway to the Americas and maximizing its assets in Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

During his tenure as a Lauderhill Commissioner, Holness started the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, which currently has over 300 members.

He also established The Lauderhill Business Incubator.

He is also co-chair of the United Negro College Fund annual fundraising luncheon.

The mayor said that as a representative of the residents of Florida his focus will always remain on improving the economy, getting people back to work, increasing opportunities for home ownership and helping those, especially people of color, who are experiencing hard times.

He has been relentless, aggressive and strategic in his plan that economic prosperity must include all the people of Broward County. His mission statement and goal as Mayor is to: “Make Broward County a better place for all who live here by empowering our community, strengthening our households and businesses, creating policies that afford access to opportunities and by unifying everyone across racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. We monitor and hold our government accountable.”

His 2050 Plan focuses on the theme: Broward 2050: One Community Moving Forward Together with Prosperity for All, with focus on economy/employment, housing and homelessness, education, criminal justice, health, environment and transportation.

He is active in many local and international civic organizations including Broward County Children's Services Board; Haitian American Leadership Organization; HIV Planning Council; Broward League of Cities; Lauderhill Regional Chamber; Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization; Caribbean Democratic Club; Broward Housing Council, Member; Broward Democratic Black Caucus; and is an NAACP Life Member.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including: South Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration 2017 Elected Official of the Year; Small Business Advocate of the Year Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Minority Business Development Agency; Global Trade Chamber of Commerce's Global Trade Ambassador of the Year; and the Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE), Inc., "Answering the Call Award.”

Mayor Holness is divorced, and the father of seven children, including a son who died in 2017. For recreation, he loves dancing to all genres of music and he enjoys playing a game of dominoes.

serve as the Mayor of Broward County for a one-year term through to November 2020.

He will also be defending his seat in the Broward Commission in primary elections to be held in August 2020.

Mayor Holness has often been described as one of the hardest working Broward County Commissioners.

He's chair of the Broward Black Elected Officials.

Under his leadership, he has devised the Broward Black Action Plan that focuses on Broward County's black communities and includes economic development/black business growth, employment, criminal justice, education, housing, transportation and health.

He is a visionary and architect for the annual Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE), held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward Convention Center, which attracts international businesses, local businesses, multicultural global trade representatives from over 50 countries, federal, state and local trade agencies, and government leaders from around the world. FITCE was born out of Holness' belief that Broward County—and Florida generally—has strong potential as an international trade hub selling more goods to the world. According to Holness, “We should be more competitive, especially to countries where we have strong immigrant populations living in the USA.” Holness has also led the effort for a $20 million economic development package and community improvement programs for Central Broward District 9. He significantly increased County Business Enterprise (CBE) participation from 10 to some 40 percent. This was achieved through methods including: creation of a mentor/protégé program, breaking large contracts into small components, active recruitment of small, minority and womenowned businesses, and removing restrictions that limit participation of small, minority and womenowned businesses in contracting opportunities.

Mayor Holness' colleagues on the Commission have credited him for his leadership in this regard.

Additionally, Holness was Instrumental in passing the Broward County Surtax, a 30-year, one cent surtax for transportation.

The mayor is one of the leaders and organizers behind the Lauderhill Mall Citizenship Drives, with nearly 5,000 citizenship applications processed to date. He plans to step up the citizenship drive significantly this year with general elections due in November.

Concerned about the rehabilitation of people with criminal record he also sponsored the “Ban the Box” ordinance, a law that refrains individuals from being questioned about prior criminal records or authorization for a background check until they are among a pool of potential finalists for particular jobs within Broward County's government.

His other achievements as Broward Commissioner include: Sponsoring the resolution for the expansion of Broward County's current Living Wage Ordinance; leading efforts to build 120 new single-family homes in the Broward Municipality Services District, and sponsoring an additional Homestead Exemption (from $25,000 to $50,000)

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In September 2018, she won the Girls' Doubles at the US Open with her partner Caty McNally. Gauff finished 2018 strong by winning the Girls (18 and under) division of the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships.

At the 2019 Miami Open in March, Gauff recorded her first World Tennis Association (WTA) match-win against Caty McNally. In the second round, she lost to Daria Kasatkina.

Following her loss in the second round of qualifying at the French Open, Gauff qualified for the main draw at Wimbledon, after entering the qualifying draw using a wildcard. She upset world No. 92 Aliona Bolsova, the top seed in the qualifying draw, in the first round and defeated No. 128 Greet Minnen in the third and final qualifying round while only losing two games.

After upsetting Venus Williams in her first match at Wimbledon, Gauff amazingly continued her run into the fourth round with victories over Magdaléna Rybáriková and No. 60 Polona Hercog. She was eliminated with a fourth round loss to eventual champion Simona Halep. With her Wimbledon performance, Gauff rose to No. 141 in the world.

Gauff played in one US Open Series tournament at the Citi Open, where she qualified for the main draw but lost in the first round. She also entered the doubles event with Caty McNally and defeated Fanny Stollár and Maria Sanchez in the final for their first career WTA title in their first WTA event together.

At the US Open, Gauff was awarded wild cards into the singles and doubles main draws. She continued her Grand Slam success in singles with two three-set wins over Anastasia Potapova and Tímea Babos, but was defeated in the third round by world No. 1 Naomi Osaka.

In doubles, Gauff and McNally also won two matches, including an upset over ninth seeds Nicole Melichar and Kveta Peschke. They lost in the third round to eventual runners-up Ashleigh Barty and Victoria Azarenka.

Gauff entered two more tournaments following the US Open. Although she lost in qualifying at the Linz Open, she entered the main draw as a lucky loser and won the title, notably upsetting top seed Kiki Bertens in the quarterfinals for her first top ten victory. She defeated Jeļena Ostapenko in the final to become the youngest WTA player to win a singles title since 2004. With this title as well as a semifinal in doubles with McNally, she made her top 100 debuts in both the WTA singles and doubles rankings. Gauff and McNally ended their year with a second WTA doubles title at the Luxembourg Open over Kaitlyn Christian and Alexa Guarachi.

In September, Gauff represented the United States at the Junior Fed Cup with Alexa Noel and Connie Ma. The team reached the final against Ukraine. After Gauff won her singles rubber and Noel lost hers, Gauff and Noel won the Junior Fed Cup by defeating Lyubov Kostenko and Dasha Lopatetskaya in the decisive doubles rubber that ended 11–9 in a match tiebreak.

Gauff was born on March 13, 2004, to Candi and Corey Gauff, both of whom are from Delray Beach, Florida. She has two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron.

Her father played college basketball at Georgia State University, while her mother was a track and field athlete at Florida State University.

Gauff initially grew up in Atlanta, and first became interested in tennis at age four after watching Serena Williams win the 2009 Australian Open on television. She began playing tennis at the age of six and decided she wanted to pursue it as a career because it was an individual sport and because of her early success in winning the "Little Mo" eight-and-under nationals at the age of eight. Gauff recalled, "I wasn't much of a team person. I loved tennis. I was so-so about it in the beginning because when I was younger I didn't want to practice at all. I just wanted to play with my friends. When I turned eight, that was when I played “Little Mo” and after that I decided to do that for the rest of my life."

When Gauff was seven years old, her family returned to Delray Beach so that she would have better opportunities to train in tennis. While in Florida, she worked with Gerard Loglo at the New Generation Tennis Academy for a few years starting from the age of eight. Both of Gauff's parents gave up their careers to focus on training their daughter, with her father later taking over as her primary coach and her mother overseeing her homeschooling.

At 10 years old, Gauff also began to train at the Mouratoglou Academy in France, run by Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams' longtime coach. Mouratoglou commented, "I'll always remember the first time I saw Coco. She came over to the Mouratoglou Academy in 2014 to try out and she impressed me with her determination, athleticism and fighting spirit...When she looks at you and tells you she will be number one you can only believe it.”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1 –

2019

Double Olympic Jamaican gold medalist Elaine Thompson got off to a winning start in her season opening race at the 2018 Queen's/Grace Jackson track meet at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Competing in the 60 meters, the 26-year-old Thompson powered to victory in 7.24 seconds.

West Indies crushed hapless England by 381 runs inside four days to win the opening Test at Kensington Oval and take a shock 10 lead in the three-Test series.

Glenn Blakeney, a hard-hitting former Bermuda batsman known as the “Master Blaster” died from complications after a prolonged struggle with cancer.

Exiled left-hander Darren Bravo was included in a West Indies 13man squad to face England in the first Test starting at Kensington Oval in Barbados later in January.

For the first time in its six-year history, the total economic impact of the Caribbean Premier League exceeded US$100 million, a 34 percent increase over the previous 2017 season. The CPL earned $127,355,010 for 2018 representing all seven countries in which matches were played.

FEBRUARY Prolific West Indies power batsman Chris Gayle plans to retire from One-Day international cricket following the 2019 World Cup. The veteran cricketer says, however, he will continue to be available for T20s.

Jamaican Olympic distance runner Kemoy Campbell, 28, collapsed on February 8 at the Millrose Games in New York City.

After serving as the pace keeper in the mens' 3000m race, Campbell lost consciousness and was rushed to New York Presbyterian/ Columbia University Hospital where he was placed in a medically-induced coma.

West Indies crushed England by 10 wickets inside three days of the second Test in Antigua, to regain the Wisden Trophy with a match to spare in the three-Test series.

YEAR IN REVIEW

SPORTS

JANUARY

activities from May 20-24, in support of their qualification to the FIFA's Women's World Cup France 2019.

Jamaicans Tajay Gayle (long jump) and Omar McLeod (110m hurdles) both won their respective events, while sprint champion Elaine Thompson had to settle for bronze in the women's 100m at the Shanghai Diamond League.

Jamaica's men's Under-17 football program has taken another hit after the young Reggae Boyz crashed out of the CONCACAF Qualifying phase currently underway in Bradenton, Florida. The youngsters finished third behind Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago in the preliminary phase after going down 0-1 and 2-3 respectively, before scraping a 4-2 victory over Bermuda.

Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic table tennis star, Dexter St. Louis, 51, passed away in France following a short illness. He was the only table tennis player from T&T to qualify for the Olympics, turning out at the Atlanta Games in 1996 and Beijing in 2008.

JUNE The Jamaican female National Junior Record in the 100m was broken for the second time in under a month when U.S.-based Briana Williams clocked a brilliant 11.10 seconds to win the event at a meet at the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.

West Indies fast bowlers unleashed a hostile pace salvo to stun a shell-shocked Pakistan before Chris Gayle's 33-ball fifty inflicted further misery, as the Caribbean side made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with dominant sevenwicket win.

At the Diamond League in Paris, both Elaine Thompson and Stephanie Ann McPherson scored wins in the women's 100m and 400m, respectively.

SEPTEMBER Jamaica's historic women's soccer team, the Reggae Girlz vowed to not play another soccer match for Jamaica until they are paid their salaries from summer's World Cup neglect made by other Jamaican athletes.

Cori “Coco” Gauff, the 15-yearold resident of South Florida, soundly defeated her idol, tennis icon Venus Williams, 39, in two sets—6-4, 6-4 in the women singles first round at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in England.

Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stunned the London crowd at the 2019 London Diamond League when she won the women's 100m in 10.78 seconds.

AUGUST Veteran WI opener Chris Gayle broke Brian Lara's record for the most runs by a West Indies batsman in One-Day Internationals. During the same ODI match versus India,

MARCH Individuals and U.S.-based companies within the JamaicanAmerican community were urged to assist Jamaica's Women's National Soccer Team, the Reggae Girlz who qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, slated for June 7 to July 7 in France.

Jamaica's contingent to the 2019 Special Olympics Summer Games returned home with a recordbreaking 33 medals. The Games were held from March 14 to 21 in the United Arab Emirates. The team's haul of 15 gold medals, 10 silver and eight bronze, surpasses the previous best of 29 medals earned in the Summer Games in the USA four years ago.

APRIL After 10 years seeing other high schools, and particularly their archrivals Calabar, win the vaunted ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys Athletic Championship, Kingston College (KC), won the 2019 hosting of the event at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce established a new 100m record of 11.20 in winning the event at the Grenada Invitational in April.

United States Virgin Islands heavyweight Clayton Laurent, Jr. suffered his first professional loss, when German Garcia of Mexico stopped him in the third round of their four-round contest in Puerto Rico.

MAY Vice Mayor of the City of Miramar, Alexandra Davis, hosted the Reggae Girlz for send-off celebration fundraising events and

Jamaica's Reggae Girlz first ever World Cup game ended in a disappointing defeat when they lost to Brazil 3-0 in their opening game in France.

Norway-based midfielder Havana Solaun netted Jamaica's first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup goal but, the Reggae Girlz crashed to a 4-1 defeat from Australia in their final Women's World Cup match.

Mommy Pocket Rocket, ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce clocked her way to victory with a new meet record of 10.88 secs in the 100m sprint at the Racers Adidas Grand Prix held in Kingston on June 8.

JULY The United States are champions of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in France on Sunday, July 7. The USA team secured their fourth Women's World Cup title and second in a row.

In a rare moment, nine-time Olympic gold medal champion, Usain Bolt shelved his usual diplomacy to defend his longtime coach Glen Mills amid allegations of

C1

Gayle also celebrated becoming the only West Indies player to play 300 One-Day Internationals.

The four-time Jamaican Olympian swimming champion, Alia Atkinson of South Florida Aquatic Club won a gold medal at the Federation International Swimming Federation (FINA) Swimming World Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

Jamaican athletes mined plenty gold medals at the Pan American Games with Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, Elaine Thompson, Shericka Jackson, Fedrick Dacres and Natoya Goule winning their respective events. Grenadian Anderson Peters (men's javelin) and Barbadian Shane Brathwaite (men's sprint hurdles) also struck gold for their countries.

On August 27, it was revealed rising Jamaican star athlete Briana Williams, 17, tested positive for a banned substance after competing at the National Senior Championships in June. She tested positive for the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Williams is said to have taken a popular flu tablet, Pharma Cold and Flu which were contaminated by the diuretic.

title.

The Jamaican football community mourned the death of slain Reggae Girl, Tarania Clarke, the midfielder for the Jamaican women's senior football team, who was killed in Kingston on October 31.

NOVEMBER Jamaica's senior women's lacrosse team made history, becoming the first Caribbean team to qualify for the 2021 Women's Lacrosse World Cup. Jamaica placed third in 2019 Pan American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Women's World Lacrosse Qualifier in Auburndale, FL, to qualify for the World Cup. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz secured their spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup after beating Antigua and Barbuda 2-0. The win also earned the Jamaican senior men's team a spot in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League, moving up from League B. From November 23-24, the Florida Netball Association hosted its annual sporting event, The Florida Netball Classic with competition in the “Open” and “Mixed” divisions.

Though they were challenged till the end, NHT-“A” fought hard and registered a 3-pete as they emerged the winners over local team, CARICOM.

DECEMBER campaign.

On the first day of the 2019 IAAF World Championships, Jamaican Tajay Gayle made history by becoming the first-ever Jamaican to score a gold medal in the long jump event at the World Championships.

At World Championships, Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won gold in the 100m women's final to claim her fourth World Championship title in the event.

In their first major international tournament, Jamaica's ice hockey team recorded a historic win in the 2019 Amerigol LATAM Cup on September 8. The young Jamaican team defeated defending champion Colombia with a score of 3-2 at the Florida Panthers IceDen stadium in Sunrise, Florida.

Just hours after rising Jamaican sprinter Briana Williams was cleared of drug charges and given the goahead to compete in the 2019 IAAF World Championships, she withdrew from the meet.

Jamaica's national football team, the Reggae Boyz moved up five spots on the FIFA World Ranking to number 47, making the top 50 for the first time since 2005.

Bermuda was crowned Caribbean champions for the first time in seven years after beating Guadeloupe 33-10 in the Rugby Americas North Championship final.

Reggae Girlz star player Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named among the 100 best female football players in the world. On the annual list published by British newspaper, The Guardian, Bunny Shaw was ranked at number 80 and is the only Caribbean national to be featured.

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer uncorked a magical hundred while Shai Hope notched a second straight One-Day International century as West Indies beat India by eight wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against India on Sunday, December 15.

Elegant West Indies strokemaker Shai Hope moved into the top 10 of the ICC one-day batting rankings for the first time, following his heavy scoring in the recent series against India.

OCTOBER Despite having not prepared for the match, the Reggae Girlz defeated Cuba 12-1 in their CONCACAF Women's Olympic Caribbean Qualifying campaign at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's terrific second leg sealed Jamaica's third 4x100m relay World title in five years as they dismissed the United States and Great Britain to win gold.

Elsewhere, Steven Gardiner lifted the spirits of Bahamians with a convincing victory in the men's 400m.

Jamaican sprinter, Veronica Campbell-Brown, “VCB”, was honored by the government for her significant contribution to Jamaican athletics with her own statue at the national stadium in Kingston.

A resurgent Barbados Tridents inflicted a demoralizing 27-run defeat on favorites Guyana Amazon Warriors to win their second Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

Jamaican Sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confirmed she will tackle the women's 100m and 200m at next year's Olympics in Tokyo.

Throughout her career, Fraser-Pryce mainly focused on the 100m at major championships, only ever winning one Olympic medal (silver) in the 200m at the 2012 London Olympics. She's setting her sights on achieving gold in both events.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1 –

C3

COMMENTARY

Disappointing End To 2019 For Reggae Boyz U-22 Squad

by L. Bronson Honesty, it is said, is the best policy.

And we would advise all sports managers to embrace and adhere to this mantra, as in the end, it bears true.

We say this to say that we are not totally convinced with the explanations of those involved with Jamaica's 9-0 annihilation by Japan in the Under-22 2019 Kirin Challenge Cup at the Transcosmos Stadium in Nagasaki, Japan on Saturday, December 28, 2019.

We dare not brag about last week's prophecy when we suggested in this space that the game was much more than a mere friendly international between two nations. We said then that one team (Japan) was preparing to host this year's Olympic Games and obviously wanted to do well, while the other team wanted to take stock of its football program on a grand scale.

Well, the results are in and Jamaica has failed miserably, and the sooner everyone involved accepts the truth, the better it will be to put corrective measures in place. But all must come to a common understanding that the current program is of little or no value – worthless.

Japan has seen success by way of qualifying regularly for all FIFA world tournaments, senior, Under-20 and Under-17, while Jamaica has not tasted success at the senior level since 1998 when Japan also made its debut. Jamaica has been to only two of the last 11 editions of the Under-17 World Cup, and only one Under-20 World Cup. So there is a huge gulf in pedigree between the two nations, and this is where Jamaica's football hierarchy needs to step up and really develop the sport to a sustainable level.

Merron Gordon, who was assistant coach to senior team Head Coach Theodore Whitmore, believes a lack of time to settle as well as harsh

weather conditions (frigid cold) contributed to the team's heavy defeat.

"The weather really played a vital role in the result and in how the guys played," he told the media upon the team return.

"We travelled for three days basically…We left here on the 23rd and reached the 26th, played the game the 28th, that's a lot of travelling, one day to recover and play, so there were a lot of factors, but it was a learning experience and hopefully, we can learn from it and move on," he added.

It should be noted that Japan is 14 hours ahead of Jamaica.

Obviously, the match fee was significant enough to force the Jamaica Football Federation to accept the offer and its General Secretary Dalton Wint basically said there was not much they could have done differently.

"Well, we have to understand that there are financial constraints when we have these games, both on Japan's part and our part. It is very

costly to travel to that part of the world to play a game, so we just have to make do with the experience that we have garnered and ensured that next time we do better."

But how does the team do better next time?

What does that really mean, and what measures will be put in place to ensure that it does better?

One player, Peter-Lee Vassell, who noted that some things should be left unsaid, accepted that it was a poor performance, and hinted that some things were not right.

Said he: "I thought it was a tough game, a bad loss by us and poor performance. We could say many things caused this result, but a lot of things are left unsaid, so I just have to say it was a poor result by the team.

"Many of us never played in cold weather before… it was like two degrees Celsius there, and many of us never even played in like 20 degrees Celsius before, so the weather was a big

fault."

For Jordain Fletcher, it was a simple fact that the team was not properly prepared.

"We weren't prepared enough, so that's the reason we lost (by) that much and we just need to regroup and come again. That was a learning process for us."

It should be noted that nine of the 19-man squad have had caps at the senior level.

But where do we go from here? A lot has been said locally, but much of it smacks of nothing but emotional rants by those who believe Jamaica should never be so badly beaten at football.

What gives Jamaica that Devine right in football, only God knows.

One thing is for certain, while we fiddle our thumbs and hide our proverbial heads in the sand, the world continues to press ahead.

Some years ago, Japan invested heavily in having their junior teams spend quality time on training camps in Brazil and other places where they thought they could be helped.

It's time for the JFF to try to bridge bilateral relations with countries that can help our football program, most likely through Governmental platforms.

Currently, the Jamaican and Chinese Governments have forged an alliance where sporting disciplines visit each other's countries to gain invaluable training. That is one area that could be explored with a country with outstanding football pedigree.

But the JFF can no longer wait on the schoolboy football or the clubs develop our players at the rate required to gain success at the international level. President Mike Ricketts had better take the bull by the horn and lead from in front on this one. If not, we will continue to play the hit and miss game.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, JAN 2 – JAN 8, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 1

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