National Weekly January 21, 2021

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THURSDAY JANUARY 14, 2021

A NEW ERA

President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris Ushering in the dawn of a new era and an already historic vice presidency, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in at noon on January 20. Both took the sacred oath of office, making Biden the 46th president of the United States of America and Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president and the first African-Caribbean-Asian-American person and first woman to hold that post. continues on B4 – A New Era

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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TRAILBLAZERS: Former President Barack Obama greets Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with a fist bump during her inaugura on ceremony on January 20. – Photo by Jonathan Ernst (AP)

PROUD SON: Chris Chin, the son of Vincent and Patricia Chin- founders of VP records, looks through a copy of his mother's autobiography, Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey at the VP Records Retail Store in Queens, New York. – Contributed

SYMBOL OF PRIDE: Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks wears a mask of the Jamaican flag during the inaugura on of President Joe Biden and Jamaican-American Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20, 2021. – Contributed

APPOINTED: Jamaica's Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (right), congratulates Jus ce Marcia Dunbar-Green, who has been appointed to act as Judge of the Court of Appeal. She was presented with her Instrument of Appointment during a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House on Monday, Jan. 18. – Contributed

BLACK HISTORY: Richard Daley and A.J. Brown, members of reggae band, Third World, pose with a cardboard statue of Mar n Luther King Jr. during the launch of Black History Month Meets Reggae in Miramar recently. – Contributed

VP ROYALTY: Reggae/Dancehall ar st Shaggy (le ) and cofounder of VP Records, Patricia "Miss Pat" Chin (right) pose with her autobiography, Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey, at the VP records Head office in Queens, New York. – Contributed

ALL ARE WELCOME: The City of Oakland Park unveiled their first inclusion sign on Friday, January 15, 2021. The city is installing a series of inclusion signs at prominent loca ons throughout the community welcoming all races, all religions, all genders, all ages, all abili es, all sexual orienta on, and all countries of origin. Here for the unveiling are (l-r) Former Commissioner Tim Lonergan, Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness, Vice Mayor Michael Carn, Commissioners Aisha Gordon and Ma hew Sparks, School Board Member Sarah Leonardi and Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher. – Contributed

REPRESENTING: Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yve e Clarke dons a mask with the American and Jamaican flags during the inaugura on ceremony of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the U.S. Capitol on January 20. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

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Basil Watson Renowned Sculptor Creates New Statue of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta

A

head of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021, the City of Atlanta unveiled the new statue of the civil rights activist, created by renown Jamaican-born artist Basil Watson.

The 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture, titled “Hope Moving Forward,” was unveiled on January 14 during a small ceremony attended by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and other city officials.

The statue stands at the intersection of Northside Drive and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Basil Watson, the renowned Jamaican sculptor who created the statue, said it was a “dream come true” when he was chosen by the City of Atlanta to create a larger-than-life statue of Rev. King.

“You start your career dreaming of possibly doing something significant that impacts the world, but you never really think about what it can be or if it can really happen.

This is like a dream come true because it not only affects my world. I think this will have an impact on the world in general,” Watson shared.

He was chosen from a pool of 80 talented artists for the project. The statue took two years to complete and features Dr. King releasing a dove.

Watson said the work is a representation of his own concept of MLK. “It was an evolution in terms of my concept of Martin Luther King Jr. and the key message that he wanted to communicate to the world,” he said.

While some Caribbean

Clarke

Americans may have just recently been introduced to Watson, his work is widely known in Jamaica. He has sculpted images of popular Jamaicans like Usain Bolt and Louise Bennett-Coverley, among others.

Basil Watson was born in Kingston in 1958. He is the son of another popular Jamaican creative artists, painter Barrington Watson, and the younger brother of sculptor Raymond Watson.

“My father being an artist/painter, I grew up around art and at an early age I developed a love for drawing that only grew through high school. From high school, I went directly to college to study art, and that’s where I found sculpture,” Watson was quoted as saying.

He attended the Kingston College in Kingston and later, the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts also located in Kingston.

After leaving university, Watson quickly established himself as one of Jamaica’s most talented artists. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he sculpted works including the George Headley statue at Sabina Park in Kingston, and other statues at the University of Technology and the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica.

He immigrated to the Georgia in 2002 and established his studio in Atlanta, from which he has created public works for international locations including some in China, Guatemala, and the USA. In 2005, he completed a statue of legendary Jamaican sprinter, Merlene Ottey. This was the first in a series of statues created by Watson at

Jamaica’s National Stadium. In 2009, he added the statue of Herb McKenley, and most recently, Olympic champions Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell and Veronica CampbellBrown.

These works were fitting for Watson, who considers himself an avid sportsman and sports fan. As a student, Watson played competitive football. He is also a teacher of karate and holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt.

Just as his father did with his, Basil seemed to have passed on his artistic ability to his son, Kai, who is a painter. In 2008, works by both Basil and Kai were exhibited in New York at the fifth annual "Art Off the Main" exposition, sponsored by the Savacou Gallery. That December, Watson was added to the list of artists invited to provide works for the National Gallery of Jamaica's National Biennial exhibition.

In 2012, Watson was lauded by the Prince Henry of Wales, Prince Harry, after he created the ‘Rings of Life’ sculpture at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH). The statue was erected to mark the combined celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee; Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee as an independent nation; and the 120th anniversary of the founding of the VJH. For his contributions to Jamaican art and culture, Watson was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Government of Jamaica in 2016.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN Jamaican Manufacturers Optimistic about Economic Recovery Stakeholders in Jamaica's manufacturing and export sectors are optimistic that the economy will begin to rebound by September and are ready to invest in expanding their output.

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Richard Pandohie, in an interview with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) indicated over 40 percent of the JMEA's members believe the economy will start to show signs of recovery by the end of the third quarter of 2021.

He says over 33 percent have indicated they will increase spending to boost production.

He notes the optimism is spurred by continues on B4 – Jamaica Manufacturers

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Opposition Calls on Gov't to Prevent “Possible Food Crisis” Leader of Trinidad and Tobago's main opposition United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on the administration of Dr. Keith Rowley to expand the list of basket items that are exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT) in an effort to prevent a “possible food crisis.”

In a message posted on social media on Saturday, the opposition leader said there could be a price hike of 35 percent on all foods in the near future due to issues related to the overvalued currency are not addressed.

“This is a disaster waiting to happen and the longer the Government sits on their hands and ignore this looming crisis, the deeper the hole becomes. With this imminent food crisis, the Government has yet to state any new measures that aim to directly continues on B1 – “Possible Food Crisis”

Vice President Harris Recognizes Caribbean-American Contributions U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Sunday night, prior to her historic inauguration on January 20, recognized the contributions of Caribbean Americans in a virtual message commemorating her historic place in the new White House administration.

“Those contributions are reflected in the lives of so many Americans with Caribbean roots—from Eric Holder and Colin Powell to Shirley Chisholm,” Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother, said at the star-studded virtual concert.

Holder, a former U.S. attorney general, traces his roots to Barbados; Powell, an erstwhile U.S. secretary of state, is the son of Jamaican immigrants; and the late Chisholm—a former U.S. congresswoman representing Brooklyn, New York, who was the first woman to seek the nomination of a major

party (Democratic Party) for U.S. president—was the daughter of Barbadian and Guyanese immigrants.

Senator Harris told viewers she was “proud to be with you, as a vice-president-elect with roots in the Caribbean.

“President-elect Joe Biden and I look forward to working with you every step of the way to usher in a brighter future for Caribbean Americans and all Americans,” she said.

“Thank you for the efforts that so many of you have many of you have made throughout the course of the campaign to get us to this moment,” she added. “You did the work. You helped lay the groundwork for this historic occasion. Now, because of you and so many others, our country is on a path to heal and rebuild.”

In her introductory address, Guyanese-

born entrepreneur and advocate Felicia J. Persaud, who pioneered the event, said she hopes Harris, “The United States' first Black Caribbean-American vice president, makes it possible for the Caribbean region to take its rightful place as a strong partner with these United States.

“We are here to resolve tonight that Caribbean immigrants in these United States will no longer be taken for granted; will no longer be ignored and left behind; will no longer have our votes taken and then dismissed like we are nothing,” Persaud said.

“Our challenge to you, dear vice-presidentelect, is that you become a fighter for the Caribbean; that you use your Caribbean ancestry and your Caribbean heritage to make a mark in history—and not simply be just another U.S. vice-president,” she added.

“

“Kamala Harris, we celebrate you, but we are also going to be watching you.”

Harris, a former California attorney general, resigned on Monday from her U.S. Senate seat representing California, culminating her four-year U.S. Senate career.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has already named the state's secretary of state, Alex Padilla, as Harris' replacement.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor swore in Harris on Wednesday as the United States' first female vice president.

Sunday night's gala ceremony featured, among others, Jamaican dancehall and reggae stars Flourgon and Nadine Sutherland, respectively, and Barbadian soca star Edwin Yearwood.

“

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

Talk Up!

TALKUP

Are You Looking Forward to Joe Biden As President of the United States?

After enduring weeks of tension over false allegations of election fraud, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20. History was made at his side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president. The former senator, of Jamaican heritage, is the first Black and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency.

During his inauguration speech, President Biden painted a picture of hope, healing and unity for the United States. “We have much to

do in this winter of peril, and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain,” Biden said.

Biden has laid out an ambitious first 100 days to start his term. While many Caribbean Americans are excited to see what his tenure as president will bring, others are not expecting significant changes. We asked members of the diaspora if there were looking forward to Biden’s presidency. Here are the responses:

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Dave Sayers - I am a-political because I’m a business person. However, I’m looking forward to his approach to COVID-19 recovery. There are also other issues at hand that need immediate attention, like the economy and racial reconciliation from a policy standpoint and expanding healthcare.

Ally “Splash” Joe - I’m looking forward to a Kamala Harris vice presidency. I’m not really looking forward to Biden. I feel like he’s not going to do much. I feel like Biden is the face and Harris is the one behind the scenes making the orders. I’m excited to see what she does.

Tianna Cates - Even though I don’t trust Biden that much, I think a new start would be good.

Biden was there with Obama and I trust Obama with my life so I feel like he picked up some things from him. He would know what to do about this.

John Dillenger - I’m looking forward to a Biden presidency. Every presidency you have to look forward to because there are the people that’s in charge of the country. Our daily routine is gonna be in these people’s hands. He has a lot of dirt on his name but then again, which president didn’t? We just have to wait and see how it’s gonna play out. I think by summer we’ll be able to tell what Biden is about.

Zach Sayers - I am hopeful that Biden's term will be a 180 from what President Trump’s fiasco was and truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! With leadership and professionalism similar to Obama's term. I hope Biden's agenda focuses on fixing the mass incarceration of Black males in America, as well as implementing a more fair legal system.

Andre Nelson - I’m not really excited. I feel like at the end of the day, we’re gonna be in a bad position regardless. I feel like we just went through a campaign where it was the battle to see who was worse. In my opinion, neither one of them were qualified but it was more of who would we rather deal with for the next four years.

Who cares about Biden or Trump? Politics isn’t even the most important issue in our country right now.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

editorial

Let History Record It is both ironical and paradoxical that the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States of America is held a few days after the nation celebrated the birthday of the Reverend Martin Luther King. Jr. Ironical, because one of the goals of King, expressed repeatedly in his iconic speeches was the coming together of the black and white races. He spoke of his dream of one day black and white girls walking hand in hand with each other. But Biden is being inaugurated at a time when the racial divisions in the nation is at its worst, with the new president and the African American vice-president being sworn in among the greatest militarized security of any president in history, through fear of attacks by white supremacists.

Paradoxical, because despite the growth and threatening presence of anti-black sentiment in America, the election of Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, was largely the result of the fulfillment of one of King's mission - the empowerment of the black race through it taking full advantage of the right to vote. King, as America's tireless civil rights leader fought for and saw the Voters Right Act become a reality in 1965.

It was primarily the votes of black voters in states like Michigan. Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and brown voters in Nevada and Arizona that culminated in Biden being inaugurated on January 20.

It must never be lost in the account of American history since November 3, 2020, that the unfounded allegations of fraud surrounding the presidential election victory of Biden/Harris was predominantly because black voters had the audacity to resist covert and overt attempts to deter them from voting. It must be indelibly recorded that more the noise soared to deter the black vote, and the stronger the attempts to place hurdles in the path of black voters, was the more black and brown people were determined to vote. They stood and remained to vote in long lines in the cold, the heat, in the rain, and in the midst of a deadly pandemic. When they saw there were attempts to hijack their votes if they opted to return their ballots by mail, they found ways to bypass postal offices and long routes to take their ballots directly

to electoral offices across the nation.

The awesome power of the black vote stunned an establishment that sought to mastermind an election victory by marginalizing the black vote. But the old establishment failed, and also failed in their dishonest attempts to taint and nullify Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' election as stolen.

Again, let the history of America record that the 2020 presidential election was not stolen, but was won because black and brown voters, like the mighty race Marcus Garvey, another legendary civil rights leader heralded, rose up and bested the desperate efforts of the white establishment.

Let history also record that with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' inauguration, and the commencement of their administration, the influence of Caribbean Americans has risen several notches. Several Caribbean Americans, including Vice-President Harris: Susan Rice – Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council: Kirsten Clarke – assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division: and Karin Jean-Pierre – Principal Deputy Press Secretary, are now prominent members of the new administration. It is almost certain as more information is released as to those who make up various aspects of the administration, it will be learned that it includes other people of Caribbean ancestry.

Despite the high security threats, bred by an avalanche of lies and blatant racism surrounding the Biden administration as it settles to lead a nation bitterly divided, and embroiled in a series of

problems, there are positive signs for the combined African and Caribbean communities – the black community.

The role of this community does not end with the role played in electing Biden/Harris. There's now a much more challenging role for the community to be involved in securing the success of the administration. The community has a responsibility to ensure the administration meets its obligation to the voters who elected it to office and support the administration when it seeks to implement policies beneficial to the welfare of the general community. But the community must not be reluctant to be strong critics of policies that are determined to not be in its interest.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' inauguration signals the beginning of a new and welcomed chapter in American History. After four years of division and attempts at sharp separation of the nation's races and classes, there is renewed hope that the incoming administration has the strength, wisdom, and courage to pull the country together.

This however cannot be accomplished only by the efforts of the incoming administration. It's going to take the efforts of every American, every community including the African and American communities which together were largely instrumental in getting Biden/Harris election.

The Biden/Harris administration provides real opportunities for the black community to entrench itself firmly in American society and history, notwithstanding the current threats, but it is going to take much collaborative work, effort and even sacrifices.

IRISH MOSS BY

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la section haitienne

Haiti to Receive Extensive Aid from DR The governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic have signed nine agreements in which they have promised to confront the irregular migratory flow and the issues of trade, maritime borders, sovereignty, health, and others common to both nations that share the island of Hispaniola.

Last week, the presidents of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, and of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, signed the agreements following a meeting held on Sunday at the southern border, Abinader and Moïse both said that they will be taking the appropriate measures, each country in its territory, to deploy cutting-edge technologies that facilitate the elimination of irregular migratory flow, trafficking, and human trafficking, arms flow, drug trafficking and theft of cattle, among other illegal activities.

“Work to obtain the necessary financing for the adoption of a training and support plan that will facilitate the work of both countries to reinforce security and border surveillance; consequently, each country will collaborate with the other if physical or technological controls are built on the entire land border of the border,” said a statement issued following the

meeting.

The leaders also agreed to start the process of identification and registration in the Haitian civil registry of all citizens of that country who are in Dominican territory and open the negotiation process to delimit the maritime borders between the two countries. This process would start as soon as possible.

In health, with the collaboration of the international community that has shown its willingness to finance hospitals in Haiti, both leaders agree to cooperate in the construction of general hospitals in Haitian territory, located where the government of that country considers it appropriate, to reduce the intensive use of Dominican hospitals.

The two heads of state reaffirmed their willingness to continue collaboration in priority areas of their respective countries, exchange experiences, especially in these times of pandemic, and strengthen cooperation and potential development opportunities.

The joint declaration proposes continuing negotiations in a sustained manner until a general trade agreement is reached to establish transparent, stable, fair, and predictable rules for both parties and

UN Report on Demonstrations and Violations of Human Rights in Haiti A joint report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) entitled "Protests in Haiti: Their Impacts on Human Rights and the State's Obligation to Protect all citizens" published Monday, January 18, 2021, takes stock of the violations and abuses of human rights perpetrated within the framework of the demonstrations which took place between July 6, 2018 and December 10, 2019.

It examines violations and abuses of the rights to life and security of the

person attributed to gangs, unidentified armed individuals and members of the police. It notes a total of 131 violations and abuses of the rights to life and security of the person during the 2018 demonstrations, and 567 violations and abuses for those of 2019. It also examines the violations of the rights of peaceful assembly.

In addition, the report documents some of the consequences of the events of 2018 and 2019 on the daily lives of the Haitian population. In particular, the impacts on their freedom of movement, their rights to health,

stop smuggling that erodes both countries' tax bases.

The declaration added that both countries will work closely to plan an energy interconnection matrix and prioritize renewable energies (wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric), which allows the exchange of surplus energy from one country to another.

It also promotes the production of biodegradable products instead of those that harm the environment, especially those made with polystyrene. It also specified that Haiti is immersed in the process of constitutional reform aimed at consolidating democratic governance.

“Within the framework of respect for the sovereignty of States, the Dominican Republic encourages the Haitian authorities to work to ensure that this process complies with the aspirations of the Haitian people,” the declaration added.

“Possible Food Crisis”

education, food, access to justice and its administration, as well as the right of persons deprived of their liberty to be treated with humanity.

Finally, the report recalls the obligations of the Haitian government in terms of respect for human rights in the context of demonstrations and makes recommendations to the Haitian authorities in order to prevent the recurrence of violations and abuses.

from A4

address this problem. Everyday citizens continue to complain about the increased prices of basic food items at the supermarket while the Government sits on their hands and does nothing about it.

“This PNM administration reduced the VAT from 15% to 12.5% but at the same time, they reduced the number of items that were once exempted from the tax. Their tactic was one of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. That will not work as citizens are dealing with numerous challenges.”

The former Prime Minister said that the current administration had promised a stimulus investment of TT$500 into Agriculture in the last budget. “But we are yet to see anything concrete from that allocation.”

Persad-Bissessar said in the long term, the government must place more investment “beyond the regular lip service in its domestic food production capacity to prevent a possible food crisis.”

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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B1

COMMUNITY

Outstanding Jamaican Cultural Personality Dies in Miami South Florida resident, the Reverend Father Easton Lee, 89, former broadcaster, author, actor and theatre director, died on Monday in a local hospital after a short illness. He was 89.

Lee was born in Wait-a-Bit, Trelawny in 1931 to a Chinese father, and a Jamaican mother. He spent his formative years in Siloah, St. Elizabeth. He attended Siloah Primary, Duncans Primary and Windsor High schools.

After leaving school, he joined the Caribbean Thespians Dramatic Society, then the leading group of its kind in Jamaica, and soon established himself as an actor.

His professional career was spent chiefly in the field of communication where he excelled as a radio and television announcer at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation; and director of audio-visual programming at Jamaica Information Service.

Lee relocated to South Florida in his latter years, and quickly got involved in the region's cultural scene. He was instrumental in showcasing talent, mostly in classical music and

dance from Jamaica annually at the Holy Family Episcopalian church in Miami Gardens, where he also officiated as an assistant priest, and other venues.

Also renown for his wit, he gave several well-received one-man performances across the region humorously reflecting on his youth as a “likkle Jamaica Chiny bwoi” growing up in rural Jamaica.

An author and playwright, one of his more successful plays was “The Rope and the Cross” written in 1979. The 'Jamaicanized' version of

Christ's crucifixion became one of the most popular plays over the annual Easter season since.

The Rev. Horace Ward, rector of Holy Family, paid the following tribute to his dear friend: “It was a heavenly joy when in 2007 Easton, Jean, his beloved wife and I reconnected. It happened in and within the love of God's beloved community of Holy Family Episcopal Church, and the relationship between Easton, Jean and Holy Family grew into 'a love story' lived in so many amazing ways.

“Easton kept me rooted as a person to 'give and take' God's love and 'fired me up' to serve with love through the years—it came through his deep insight of the Bible and the wisdom from his wealth of experience.”

Other members of Holy Family also paid tribute.

David Ward said, “Father Lee always knew how to connect with people, young and old—from the Caribbean or not—in any emotional state, and bring joy into their lives with the right expression of love: a smile, a facial expression, a kind gesture, and uplifting words.”

In her tribute, church administrative assistant Beverly Findlay said, “Easton Lee will be remembered for his love for God, the Arts and Jamaica.”

Publix Stores in Palm Beach Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccines Caribbean-American seniors living in Palm Beach County can now begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines at Publix stores in the county.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that all 67 Publix locations in Palm beach County will offer the shots, starting on Thursday. Seven Publix stores in Martin County and two in Monroe County will also offer the vaccine.

DeSantis said that brings the total to 181 Publix pharmacies in 15 Florida counties. He previously announced over 100 stores in 12 other Florida counties would be vaccinating seniors.

The stores will offer between 100 to 125 shots per day. DeSantis said that is the first Publix partnership in a major county.

The partnership was as a result of a meeting between DeSantis and county Mayor Dave Kerner. City officials estimated that 90% of Palm Beach County’s senior population lives within a mile-and-a-half of at least one Publix.

To make an appointment, go to: https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida

BROWARD

Superintendent Runcie Addresses Mass Retirement of Teachers Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert Runcie says that the fear of being back in the classroom could be attributed to the mass resignation of school teachers this school year.

After being told in December that they would have to return to the classroom for the start of the new semester, almost 100 district employees chose to retire. Between, December

16 and the first week of January, some 55 teachers had retired from their jobs.

During a news conference on January 19, Runcie addressed the absences of teachers in the classroom.

“We have retirements, resignations, and leaves every year,” Runcie said. “Compared to last year this time, last year we had 247 teachers taking leaves, but this year it’s 259.

Resignations last year were 320, this year it’s 325. The biggest jump is retirements which were at 108 last year, and 340 this year.”

When asked if he believed that being ordered back into the classroom contributed to the massive jump in the resignations, Runcie said “that could possibly be the case.”

“I would imagine there’s some impact on that. The [return to work mandate] is definitely

attributing to some of it. There’s a lot of stress, fear and anxiety about the moment we’re in and I understand that. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of information that continues to be spread that heightens the fear and concerns of teachers instead of alleviating them.”

Runcie continues to push for students to return to the classroom, saying that many of the district’s students are falling behind in their

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B3

STRICTLY LEGAL

Preparing for your Naturalization Swearing-In Ceremony?

IMMIGRATION NEWS

All Passengers Traveling to the U.S. Must Present a Negative COVID-19 Test The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new policy, effective January 26, 2021, which requires all passengers traveling to the U.S. on airlines to obtain a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test (viral test NAAT or antigen test) result within three days of the flight.

In the alternative, the passenger will be allowed to provide written proof of having recovered from COVID-19.

This new rule applies to all individuals two years and older including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Travel from outside the U.S. includes all areas except U.S. territories and possessions of the U.S. (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

New Policy Automatically Extends Validity of Green Cards

By Attorney Caroly Pedersen

Once your Application for Naturalization is approved, the USCIS puts your case in the queue to be scheduled for your Oath of Allegiance which takes place at your naturalization ceremony. These days, if you request it, often the officer can schedule you for your swearingin the same day, so don't be afraid to ask. The taking of the Oath of Allegiance complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Understanding the types of Oath Ceremonies: There are two kinds of Oath of Allegiance ceremonies, one, is a judicial ceremony, where the court administers the Oath of Allegiance for Residents who have requested a name change, and the regular administrative ceremony during which the USCIS administers the Oath of Allegiance.

What's going to happen at your naturalization ceremony?

1. Receive Your Naturalization Ceremony Notice to Take the Oath of Allegiance While some Immigrants who request it may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as their naturalization interview, many residents must wait for the USCIS mail them a notice with the date, time, and location of their scheduled naturalization ceremony, called a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Those who cannot attend the scheduled naturalization ceremony must return the notice to their local USCIS office, along with a letter requesting a new date and explaining why they are not able to attend the scheduled naturalization ceremony. Residents who fail to show up for their naturalization ceremony without having requested a rescheduling may receive a denial of their naturalization case.

2. Complete Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony before checking in at the Ceremony.

Residents should complete Form N.445, Notice of Naturalization Oath

Ceremony before arriving at the ceremony, prior to check in with USCIS. During check-in, a USCIS officer will review your responses to the questionnaire.

3. Surrender of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Residents who are becoming U.S. Citizens must surrender their Permanent Resident Cards to the USCIS at the time they check- in for the naturalization ceremony. Those who have lost their cards can receive a waiver.

8. Final Step: Update your Social Security Record After you become a U.S. Citizen, you will need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your Social Security record. You can find your local Social Security office by calling 1-800-7721213 or by visiting: www.socialsecurity.gov.

You can go to your local SSA office about ten days after your ceremony to give time for the SSA to be able to access your new status in the USCIS records. Be sure to take your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport with you. Good luck!

Effective immediately, the USCIS will begin issuing revised receipts which automatically extend lawful permanent residency (green cards) for U.S. residents who have filed to renew or replace a permanent residency card.

The new I-797, Notice of Action receipt for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card will contain language which extends permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date on the face of the green card.

Previous to this change, residents who filed for renewal or replacement of a green card had no document which provided evidence of residency.

In order to obtain proof, residents would need to request an extension sticker to be affixed to their expired green card to extend it, which was routinely done when a resident attended his or her biometrics appointment, generally required for green card renewal and replacements. However due to Covid-19, the USCIS is reusing most fingerprints and therefore no longer scheduling such appointments, leaving residents without evidence of residency. Without evidence of residency, residents have been unable to work, travel, renew driver's licenses or obtain many benefits which require proof of residency.

4. Taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States A “resident” is not a U.S. citizen until he/she takes the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during the naturalization ceremony. After the Oath, new U.S citizens receive their Certificate of Naturalization.

5. Notes about the Certificate of Naturalization New U.S. citizens should carefully review the Certificate of Naturalization for accuracy while still at the ceremony. Any inaccuracies must be brought to the attention of the USCIS before leaving the ceremony. Unless or until you apply for your U.S. Passport, your Certificate of Naturalization is your official proof of your U.S. citizenship. Those who lose their Certificate of Naturalization must request a replacement by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document and paying the $555 USCIS filing fee. The waiting time for a replacement can be lengthy.

6. Time to apply for Your U.S. Passport Once you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, you can immediately apply for a U.S. passport. You will receive an application for a U.S. passport at your naturalization ceremony, called the “U.S. Citizenship Welcome Packet” or you can go online to the U.S. Passport Office.

7. Time to Register to Vote!

Now that you are a U.S. citizen, it is your right and privilege to vote. You can register to vote at certain locations in your community, which may include post offices, motor vehicle offices, county boards of election, and offices of your state Secretary of State. You can read more about registering to vote by reading the government publication: “a Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections.”

Harris Assures of Easier Access to American Citizenship for Immigrants In an interview with the Spanish American network Univision, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said " We have an immigration bill that we will bring forward as part of our priorities and that will create an avenue for people to become American citizens," assuring she and President-elect Joe Biden, planned to send the proposal for immigration reform to Congress as soon as possible.

People living in the United States under "Temporary Protective Status" (TPS) including nearly 60,000 Haitians and those under "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" (DACA) will have a direct residence pass for legal permanent, Harris explained.

“We will improve the whole process for getting a green card and we will make sure we give people a period of time so that they can apply for residency while they are managing their citizenship.”

According to the vice president-elect, this reform will also include measures to speed up asylum requests at the border and an increase in the number of judges in charge of these cases so that they can decide on cases quickly. However, Harris did not provide any details on the modus operandi and limited himself to saying that wait times for residency and citizenship will be accelerated from 13 years to eight years.

No date on which this reform will be sent to Congress has been mentioned, Harris said the immigration reform bill is expected within the first 100 days of his administration.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

A New Era The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris took place among an unusual backdrop. Instead of thousands of people traditionally crowded in the National Mall, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were represented by some 200,00o large American flags, blowing in the cold Washington, D.C. air.

And, the perimeter of the Capitol building was secured by the historical presence of thousands of military personnel placed there in response to ongoing threats following the attempted January 6 insurrection.

President Biden succeeds former President Donald J. Trump—the first president not to attend the inauguration of his successor having departed for his home in Mar-a-Lago earlier on January 20.

The new president was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and VP Harris by the first Latina justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Vice President Harris was sworn in first, standing beside her husband Douglas Emhoff. After singer Lady Gaga gave an impressive rendition of the national anthem, and actress and singer Jennifer Lopez sang “America The Beautiful,” Biden was then sworn in with his wife Jill at his side, his hand on his family Bible as he took the oath of office.

In his inaugural speech, President

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Biden stressed a theme of unity, calling for every American to join in working with him to realize a more unified nation. Referring to the divisions across the country he said, “We have much to repair restore, much to heal…America, we are better than this…Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for war. We need to work together to succeed as one nation.”

He promised to be a president for “all America,” the president of those who voted for him and those who did not. “I will always level with you,” he said.

“And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness,” he said.

Referring to the failed coup, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, he said such an attempt will never succeed in America “not yesterday, not tomorrow, not ever.”

Addressing America’s foreign partners, he pledged to “repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.”

And in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, “Together we will get through this. We will.” In the midst of his address, he called for one minute of silent prayer for the over 400,000 Americans who have died as a result of the coronavirus.

Mass Retirement academic studies.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of students who have one or more failing grades. That number has gone up from 4% to 11%. The number of students that have 15 or more absences in the first quarter also increased, from 1,700 to over 8,200. And of great concern, is the 59,000 students we’ve identified who are not making adequate academic progress,” Runcie said.

But despite Runcie’s push for in-

He ended on a message for Americans, saying that they met the moment.

“May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires and the stories that tell ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment, democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch but thrived, that America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebearers, one another and generations to follow. With purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustain by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all hearts,” Biden said.

Also performing at the inauguration was popular country singer Garth Brooks who gave a rendition of the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

America’s youngest poet laureate Amanda Gorman, 22, eloquently read a passionate poem she composed and concluded on January 6 after the mob descended on the Capitol Building. The incident was reflected in an excerpt of her poem which read “We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will become the future…We will rebuild, reconcile and recover.”

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person instructions, many parents say that they don’t believe it’s safe for children to return to face-to-face instruction in Broward Schools.

“We receive COVID notifications almost daily from our child’s middle school. Someone isn’t being completely transparent here,” said Lis Rodriguez, a BCPS parent, during the press conference.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Natasha Gonell, who wrote, “I’ve received 3 emails within the past seven days of

COVID cases at my son’s schools. And you’ve forced teachers with severe underlying conditions back in. Terrible.”

Another parent, Ali Taffe, also said that her daughter was sent home to quarantine for 14 days because her teacher had COVID-19. “THIS IS NOT SAFE!,” she said.

Runcie says he continues to push for teachers in the county to be moved up on the priority list to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Jamaican Manufacturers

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vaccine development, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and signs of recovery of tourism and hospitality, which will help to reduce the level of contraction of the industries.

According to Pandohie, while the manufacturing and export industries were significantly impacted by the onset of COVID-19, the sectors have not had the level of fallout that was initially anticipated.

“Overall, the manufacturing and export industries have shown resilience despite the challenges, and it is estimated that more than 90 percent of the workforce employed to the sectors were able to retain their jobs,” he said.

The JMEA president said the impact of the pandemic resulted in approximately 55 percent of manufacturers and exporters experiencing cash flow issues, which affected their credit facility or ability to finance themselves.

Similarly, due to extensive shortages of foreign exchange and bouts of high volatility, many manufacturers and exporters were unable to finance their debts or purchase enough raw materials.

He notes that the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) suffered the worst impacts of the pandemic.

“According to the COVID-19 Impact Assessment conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI), small Jamaican businesses typically only have about one to two months of cash reserves. Such liquid reserves serve as critical buffers when businesses face significant reductions in revenue.

“These companies also faced significant losses or decrease in the local market. Liquidity concerns are exacerbated by the difficulties that Jamaican firms have with accessing external sources of finance and moratoriums for already existing loans,” he pointed out.

He said there is now significant international demand for natural products, such as teas and ginger beverage, leading to a huge opportunity for export growth.

“Additionally, due to the pandemic, customers are now, more than ever, seeking to purchase their products through e-commerce. The JMEA has visibly noticed many companies opting to provide this service to their customers.

However, much more needs to be done in this regard to better facilitate the producers,” he points out.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has identified areas for investment in agroprocessing, cosmetics, packaging, medical cannabis or marijuana, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical disposables, and light manufacturing, among others.

The Government has implemented a National Five-Year Manufacturing Growth Strategy, which targets the achievement of $81 billion in manufacturing output by 2025 and an annual average growth rate of three per cent over the fiveyear period.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bob Marley and Chronixx Make Biden-Harris Inauguration Playlist Music from Jamaican artists Bob Marley and Chronixx are among the list of songs that have made it on the official Inauguration playlist.

President Joe Biden and his JamaicanAmerican Vice President Kamala Harris released a playlist of music to set the tone for their inauguration on January 20.

'Could You Be Loved' by Bob Marley and the Wailers and 'Eternal Light' by Chronixx featuring the American band, Free Nationals were among the list of 46 songs chosen.

The vice president has always been a fan of reggae music, particularly, Bob Marley. In 2020, during an interview with JamaicanAmerican attorney Marlon Hill, Harris said that

she tends to listen to Bob Marley and Mary J. Blige between meetings and interviews.

Harris was also quoted in the Washington Post as saying she knows the lyrics to “nearly every Bob Marley song.” In 1978, Harris's father, Jamaican-born Donald Harris had taken

his daughters to see Marley perform at the University of California in Berkeley. Donald was an economics professor teaching at Stanford at the time.

The inaugural committee teamed with DJ D-Nice and Raedio to assemble the playlist,

which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.

“During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected,” Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement. “These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country,” said Allen.

The list features a mixture of old and newschool songs; with music from Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder along with Beyonce, SZA and Dua Lipa.

The playlist is in keeping with the tradition of former president Barack Obama, who releases a playlist every year.

JaRIA Announces Annual Reggae Awards To cap off the month-long celebration of Reggae Month, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) will be hosting its annual Honor Awards, and has already announced this year's recipients.

The list of honorees represents a wide cross-section of players in the local Jamaican music fraternity including emerging and established performers, musicians and sound system operators, also media personalities, and behind the scenes personnel like engineers and songwriters.

This year's lifetime achievement award will go to Owen Gray, the singer and songwriter who is referred to by many as Jamaica's first home-grown star. The 81-year-old, who currently lives in London, was one of the first artists to record for Sir Clement “Coxsone”

Dodd's Downbeat label in 1959 and the first act to be produced by Chris Blackwell in 1960. His single “Patricia” was the first record ever released by Island Records, owned by Blackwell.

Celebrated musician and songwriter Harold Butler will be honored with the award for his exceptional contribution to the reggae industry as a songwriter. He has wrote hits several entertainers including Beres Hammond and Cynthia Schloss.

This year, three artists “Luciano” (Jepther McClymoth), U-Roy (Ewart Beckford) and Phyllis Dillon have been selected for Icon awards. While the male duo the Blues Busters are to receive the Icon award for iconic duo/group.

In the area of gospel music, the awards go

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The organizers of the popular and longrunning street dance Rae Town Sundays will be honored in the category of promoter.

Posthumous awards for their contribution to the development of reggae music will go to Hornsman Ronald “Nambo” Robinson, who died in 2017, for his mentorship; Edward O'Sullivan Lee (Bunny Lee), and Winston “Bopee” Bowen, guitarist and vocalist Dalton Browne, who passed away late last year, and radio personality Tony Young.

The Gregory Isaacs Foundation award will go to Orville “Bagga” Case for his work in album cover designs.

The awards for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Song of the Year are being put to a public vote. The results will be announced at the awards show, which will be a virtual showcase.

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British reggae outfit Aswad is this year's honoree for its contribution to the industry as a band.

Stephen “Cat” Coore, a founding member of renowned reggae band Third World, and a respected cellist and guitarist, will be awarded for his contribution to the reggae industry as an instrumentalist.

Engineers Shane Brown and Orville “Rorey” Baker will be recognized for their work in their particular field, and in the category of producer, Leroy and Dave Heywood, also known as Mafia and Fluxy, and Handel Tucker will be recognized.

Media awards go to popular radio personality and dub poet Mutabaruka, along with the music website Reggaeville.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

C3

SPORTS CRICKET

CRICKET

Sir Roberts: Holder is a good Joshua DaSilva Shines in West player, but 'lost' WI captain Indies BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Sir Andy Roberts has described Windies all-rounder Jason Holder as a “damn good cricketer” but says he is “lost” as a captain and should look to the coaching staff for help during matches.

Pointing to his field placements, the outspoken legendary former West Indies pacer slammed Holder as being too “defensive minded”, contending he needed to employ a more aggressive approach, especially when conditions were suited to fast bowling.

“I would like to know how do we judge a captain,” Sir Andy queried.

“Do we judge him by his win-loss record, or do we judge him by his performance on the field or do we judge him on how well he interviews?

“I think Jason Holder as a captain on the field is lost. I don't think he's aware what is going on the field because if I win a toss as a captain and before lunch on a green top pitch I am having a man on the point boundary then I am lost.

“That's the first thing. His field placing [leaves] a lot to be desired and I believe the time should come where he takes instructions from the coaches who can see the game better than he can.”

Not for the first time, Holder's captaincy was put under the microscope following last December's chastening two-Test series in New Zealand where West Indies lost both matches inside four days by innings margins.

Earlier in 2020, he presided over a

2-1 series defeat away to England as West Indies surrendered the Wisden Trophy they had recaptured in 2019 for the first time in a decade.

Overall, Holder has led West Indies in 37 of his 45 Tests but has only won 11 while losing 21.

However, the 29-year-old remains one of the world's leading performers in the Test format where he was the top-ranked allrounder for nearly a year recently. He's now ranked third in the all-rounder's charts, 11th in bowling, 43rd in the batting rankings.

While endorsing the Barbadian's remarkable ability as a cricketer, Sir Andy said his prowess as a captain needed to improve.

“A captain is only as good as the men who he leads so there has to be something wrong with the 11 guys on the field who cannot pinpoint certain things to the captain.”

But Sir Andy also said, “I would give him an 'A' grade for his interviews – he interviews very well. He's a damn good cricketer but needs to be more aggressive as a captain.”

SOCCER

Jamaican Reggae Boy Junior Flemmings gets “Second Chance” in new USL Deal Under-fire Reggae Boyz forward, Junior Flemmings, has signed a new one-year deal with Birmingham Legion in the United Soccer League, with the franchise stressing it believed in “second chances”, against the backdrop of a controversial ban slapped on him last season for a homophobic slur.

The free-scoring 24-year-old was not reresigned by Phoenix Rising at the end of last season, following the six-match ban in October for aiming abusive language at San Diego Loyal's Collin Martin, the league's only openly gay player.

Legion president, Jay Heaps, said the club had reached out to those associated with Flemmings, and also consulted with Martin and Loyal head coach, Landon Donovan, before proceeding with the deal, which has an option of a second year. “Legion FC, and every individual associated with the club, strongly condemns all racial and homophobic comments and actions,” Heaps Reid said.

Heaps also said, “Prior to moving forward, we had extensive conversations with Junior and his former coaches and teammates to better understand his character on and off the field.

“Lastly, we needed to look inward and make sure Legion FC has the appropriate structure in place to help our players as people, teammates, athletes, and accepting members of the community.”

Flemmings lashed in a league-topping 14 goals last season to fire Rising FC to the Western

Conference title, before the final was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He did not feature in the playoffs, however, serving the first four matches of a six-game ban.

His 29 regular season goals in his two campaigns in Phoenix were the most in the league.

Flemmings, who has been capped ten times

by Jamaica, said he was grateful for the opportunity to redeem himself. “I am very sorry about the incident with Collin Martin.” He will sit out another two matches of the new season to complete his ban.

“I understand the impact words have, and I will work hard to improve my on-field demeanor even in the heat of battle. I am grateful for this opportunity as I believe Birmingham is a great place for me to grow both on and off the field.

“I am excited to play for coach (Tom) Soehn and be a part of Legion FC's strong locker room culture.”

Legion captain Miguel Lopez said the team was ready to welcome and support Flemmings.

“As a team, we believe in second chances and in opportunities for growth as people and as athletes,” Lopez noted.

Flemmings has also played for Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Red Bulls II, and has netted 51 goals in his USL career.

Makeshift Practice

Opener Joshua DaSilva hit a halfcentury as West Indies warmed up for Wednesday’s opening One-Day International with an intrasquad match on Monday.

The right-hander, poised to make his debut in the three-match series, made 56 from 69 balls while all-rounder Rovman Powell chipped in with 49 and opener Sunil Ambris, 39.

However, there was only a single innings constituting 47 overs in the match, which was originally listed as a tour fixture on the itinerary.

Joshua DaSilva featured in an opening stand of 82 with Ambris before adding a further 47 for the second wicket with Nkrumah Bonner who got 21.

DaSilva stroked half-dozen fours and a six while Ambris faced 52 balls and counted four fours and a six.

When three wickets fell for 13 runs in the space of 20 balls, Powell arrived to belt four fours and three sixes in a breezy 40ball knock as he put on 44 for the fifth wicket with Andre McCarthy who made 19.

The innings eventually folded for 258 with left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (242) and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (246) finishing with two wickets apiece.

West Indies have had limited practice in the buildup to the ODI series. They arrived in Bangladesh eight days ago and spent the first three days in isolation, in keeping with the COVID-19 health protocols for the tour.

And head coach Phil Simmons rued the lack of extensive preparation for the series.

“It is never enough for me,” he said ahead of Monday’s practice game.

“I think that I would have liked the sort of time we had in New Zealand – but this is what we have, and we try to fit in as much as we can in that period.”

West Indies are touring with a secondstring side after several senior players declined selection due to fears over the COVID-19 situation in Bangladesh.

Simmons said Monday’s practice match would help tour selectors put the finishing touches on the final XI for the opening match.

“We are close enough [to finalising the XI] but the practice game will be the best indicator,” said the former West Indies allrounder.

The first two ODIs are carded for the capital city here with the final match on January 25 slated for Chattogram.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 14 – JAN 20, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T