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CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM
2021
PERSONS OF THE YEAR
ELAINE THOMPSON-HERAH AND
WHITTINGHAM GORDON
THURSDAY JANUARY 6, 2021
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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HISTORY-MAKER: Jamaican-born Nurse Sandra Lindsay (le ), the first person in the United States to get vaccinated against COVID-19, pays a visit to Jamaica's Consul General for New York, Alsion Wilson at the Consulate's Office in New York on September 23, 2021. – Contributed
BEST OF THE BEST: Trinidadians Pam Small and Narda Steel pose for a photo while awai ng their favorite performers at the 15th annual Best of the Best Music Fes val, which took place in Miami over the weekend. Photo: Patrick Green
WORTH THE JAB: Jamaican-American Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins gets vaccinated at the Jackson South Medical Center in Miami on April 5, 2021. - Contributed
MISS JAMAICA WORLD: On October 9th, a new Jamaican queen was crowned. 25-year-old mechanical engineering graduate Khalia Hall, stunned the judges and walked away with the 2021 Miss Jamaica World crown. From le : First runner-up Dominique Shorter, Miss Jamaica World 2021 Khalia Hall and second runner-up Melessa Vassell. – Contributed
AN NFL GIFT: Jason Jenkins (right), Senior Vice President of Communica ons and Community Affairs at Miami Dolphins, gi s Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair with a special Miami Dolphins jersey during the team's game against the Indianapolis Colts at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 3, 2021. – Contributed
ONE LOVE: - A rare sigh ng, Marley matriarch Rita Marley poses for a photo with her grandson, JamaicanAmerican musician Skip Marley, the son of Cedella Marley, on April 6, 2021. -Contributed
2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FOOTBALL IS FREEDOM: Jamaica's leading goal-scorer Khadija "Bunny" Shaw (le ) and Cedella Marley are all smiles a er Jamaica's nil-all draw against Costa Rica on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The match was to raise funds for Marley's 'Football Is Freedom' Ini a ve. – Contributed
INSPIRATIONAL: Well known men in the community: (r) Chester Bishop presences the Most Inspira onal Award to Emmy Award winning news personality Jawan Strader. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne.
STUNNER: Hostess Jody Ann Gray shows off her stunning dress on the red carpet at the second annual Reggae Icon Awards held in Miramar on February 27, 2021. - Contributed
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MARIJUANA.
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Queen of THE TRACK There was nothing but pride felt across the diaspora in 2021 as track and field fans watched Elaine ThompsonHerah assert her dominance and earn the title of “Fastest Woman Alive”. In the first Olympic games since Usain Bolt retired, Thompson-Herah gave Jamaicans a reason to be hopeful and something to cheer for. The Jamaican ace sprinter dominated world sprinting at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where she won three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relays. Thompson-Herah was also the first woman to retain the sprint double at the Olympic Games. And as if she hadn't already proven herself, Thompson-Herah went on to clock a worldleading time of 10.54 seconds at a Diamond League event in August to affirm her title. She was just 0.05 seconds shy of the women's 100m record of 10.49 set by American Florence Griffith Joyner. The 10.54 marked a new personal best for the fastest woman alive and a new meet record. In addition to setting an Olympic record, a Diamond League record and many more storming performances in between, the 29year-old shattered the Zurich 100m Diamond League record when she clocked a dominant 10.65 for her ninth sub10.80 run of the year in September. The Jamaican earned her third Diamond League title by pulling away from Dina AsherSmith of Britain, who was second in 10.83. She was one of several Olympic champions who finished the season-long Diamond League circuit with a win. ThompsonHerah capped off the season
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Pursue what you love, then perfect it! – Elaine Thompson-Herah by not only winning the Diamond Trophy but also the top $30,000 prize, and a wildcard entry to the World Athletics Championships in Oregon 2022. For the best season of her career so far, Thompson-Herah was showered with accolades. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association, Track and Field News Female Athlete of the Year, won the Female World Athlete of the Year award at the World Athletics Awards, and named the AIPS Best Female Athlete of 2021. She also received a diplomatic passport from the Government of Jamaica and was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Technology in Jamaica. Those who have been tuned in to Elaine's career from the start were not surprised by her dominance, even with a series of injuries which seemingly stalled her progress. The Banana Ground, Manchester native ran track for Christiana High School and later Manchester High School. After high school, she was recruited to the University of Technology, Jamaica by Paul Francis, brother of MVP Track Club head coach Stephen Francis. With MVP coaching, Thompson's times started improving steadily. In 2014, Thompson won her first intercollegiate title, placed fifth in 11.26s at the
PERSONS of the
YEAR
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“When I first started here in Miramar the population was around forty thousand. Today we are up to around 140,000. During those 26 years I have watched the city grow to what it is today. I have taken part in every aspect of this growth. I'm involved in every development. Miramar is my child that I watch grow over the years, and to me it's everything.” – Whittingham Gordon
national championships, and had a season best of 11.17s. Thompson made her international breakthrough in 2015. She repeated as Jamaican intercollegiate champion in March and broke 11 seconds for the first time at the UTech Classic, running a world-leading 10.92 seconds. She then ran 10.97 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston, defeating a field that included Blessing Okagbare and Allyson Felix. In 2016, Thompson-Herah set a personal best in the 100m with a time of 10.70s, winning the event at the Jamaican Championships for that year's Olympic Games. In the 100m final of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Thompson-Herah won the gold medal with a time of 10.71s, ahead of Tori Bowie and the 2012 London Olympics winner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. In the 200m final, she won her second gold, clocking 21.78s. She was the first female Jamaican sprinter to win the 100m and 200m at one Olympic Games and the seventh overall. She also ran in the national 4×100 m relay team which placed second, thus leaving Rio de Janeiro with three medals. In 2019, Thomspon-Herah pulled out of the Doha World Championships due to a nagging Achilles injury that had bothered her since 2018. This was just after a fourth-place finish in the 100m final. She returned to the track in 2021, ready to silence those who had written her off. In 2021, after wrapping up her most successful track season to date, ThompsonHerah announced that she was leaving the MVP Track Club, and would no longer be coached by Stephen Francis. She is now being represented by Andisportsmanagement. Elaine Thompson-Herah's next major task will be earning World Champion titles in the 100m and 200m at the World Championships scheduled for July in Eugene, Oregon. There, she will also aim to shatter the 100m world record of 10.49 seconds, and take her place next to Usain Bolt, as the greatest sprinter ever.
MAKING HISTORY IN MIRAMAR On September 1, 2021, Miramar commissioners approved the appointment of Jamaican Whittingham Gordon, to oversee the city's daily operations. Gordon, a 30-year resident and 26year employee of Miramar, took over from Vernon Hargray in November as the new city manager, becoming the first Jamaican to ever hold this position. He previously held the position of deputy city manager. Miramar is the 13th largest city in Florida, the fourth largest and one of the most diverse in Broward County. Forty percent of the population was born outside the US, and it has the largest concentration of Jamaican residents, at 15 percent. This concentration of Jamaicans makes it the fifth highest in the United States. The density of Jamaicans is clearly reflected in the makeup of the city commission, where every member has heritage relating to the Caribbean Island. Gordon was born in Boscobel, St. Mary,
about thirty miles east of the resort town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. He started his high school at Oracabessa High before migrating to the USA while in the ninth grade. Gordon started his responsibility with a budget of $323,035,991, managing 1,135 employees and supervising several departments including water and sewage, public works, police, and fire. He also plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the eastern end of Miramar, as the city continues to grow in population and businesses. Currently the municipality is the fifth-highest employer in the city, behind giants such as Comcast, Strayer University, Royal Caribbean, and Memorial Hospital. But big responsibilities and hard work are not new to Gordon. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he spent four years working for Miami/Dade County's water and sewer, building, and zoning departments. From there he transitioned to Miramar in 1995 where he became the first Jamaica-born engineering inspector, a position he held for 13 years. During his tenure with the Engineering Department, he oversaw land development projects in the height of the construction boom, when Miramar was recognized as the fastest growing city in the county. His next move was to the utilities department as assistant director, where he instituted many new programs and services. His Smart Water Meter project and the Building Energy Management Systems projects won the National Smart 50 Awards, by the Smart City Connect Foundation. Gordon still has big plans for Miramar, despite the ongoing pandemic. He assured residents that they should maintain their expectations of a well-run city. He is also looking to expand on the worklife environment at the municipal complex. Ground has already been broken for the final phase of 'Manor at Miramar'. It will include 393 rental apartments and 26,500 square feet of retail space on the eight-story complex, formerly the parking lot in front of City Hall. The project is expected to cost about $110 million. Gordon will also have responsibility for the 120 senior affordable housing units on the 2.3-acre former public safety building site. In the works also is a state-of-the-art soccer training facility on city lands near Everglades High School and Glades Middle School. It's still too early for Miramar residents to judge the success of Gordon as the sixth city manager. But one thing is for certain -- he has already made history. He has assured residents and leaders: “Don't worry about a thing,” one of his favorite songs from the legendary reggae icon, Bob Marley.
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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW CARIBBEAN January Barbados battled a massive COVID-19 spike caused by a bus crawl party held over the December 2020 holidays. The island went from having 356 cases (48 actives) on Christmas Day to over 500 cases as of January 2. The Government also imposed a curfew, starting at 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. daily, until January 14. The curfew was adjusted from midnight to 5 AM. Jamaican hotelier Gordon
Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart died on January 4, 2021
'Butch' Stewart died on January 4, in the United States after ailing for some time. Stewart who was 79, is the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International, as well as The ATL Group and The Jamaica Observer. There was growing speculation in Jamaica that a plane that landed at Rocky Point off the coast of Clarendon on January 24 may have been transporting illicit drugs from Mexico. When locals investigated, they found no passengers or cargo aboard, and the seats had been removed from the plane.
February
The main opposition Progressive National Party (PNP) secured a landslide victory when the citizens of Turks and Caicos went to the polls in a general election. Led by businessman Charles Washington Misick, the PNP obtained a landslide 14 to 1 victory over the incumbent People's Democratic Movement. Jet Blue flight attendant, Kalina Collier, visited Jamaica and convinced hundreds of thousands of social media users, including celebrities, that she was being held hostage by a local hotel, because she did not want to follow a COVID-19 quarantine order. She subsequently lost her job with the airline. Jamaica was running low on ganja. Heavy rains followed by an extended drought, an increase in local consumption and a drop in the number of marijuana farmers have caused a shortage in the island's famed but largely illegal market that experts say is the worst they've seen. Another State of Emergency that included a 10-hour nightly curfew and a reduction in the hours that businesses were allowed to operate, took effect in St. Lucia as the country grapples with another wave of COVID-19 cases.
March Jamaica received its first shipment of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines that were donated from the government of India. The 50,000 doses of vaccines arrived on March 8. More than a quarter of the population in Bermuda received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 16 percent were fully immunized, officials said. Antigua and Barbuda's Prime
ash up to five miles high. Citizens from the neighboring island of St. Lucia are also being affected by the ash from the volcano. Calls were made for the expulsion of Member of Parliament, George Wright, from Jamaica's
Andros, as the country moves to curb the spread of COVID-19. A month after the George Wright domestic abuse scandal erupted in Jamaica, another Jamaican politician was now at the center of another abuse scandal. The General Secretary of the People's National Party, Dr. Dayton Campbell was accused of carnal abuse, with allegations being put forward that he had sexual relations with several underage girls as recently as 2016.
June
La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent erupted in April 2021
Minister Gaston Browne wrote United States President Joe Biden asking that Caribbean Community countries be given some of the AstraZeneca vaccines his government is providing to Canada and Mexico. On Sunday, March 21, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared that Jamaica had reached its breaking point in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. As promised, Holness announced a slew of stronger measures, including a series of lockdowns for three weekends.
April Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said Rowley started experiencing flu-like symptoms and was subsequently tested for the virus. Explosive eruptions started at the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent. The volcano sent plumes of
governing Jamaica Labour Party. Wright, the MP for Westmoreland Central, was allegedly caught on camera in a physical altercation with a woman. In the video, which went viral on social media, a man was seen dragging and slapping a woman. At one point during the 10minute clip, the man picked up a stool to hit the woman repeatedly. Veteran Jamaican journalist and broadcaster Michael Sharpe died at the age of 65. Sharpe, who was hospitalized in late March, passed away on April 20.
May The Trinidad and Tobago government declared a State of Emergency and an eight-hour curfew as a “scared population” looked to the authorities to implement new measures to deal with a rising number of deaths from the coronavirus. The Bahamas government announced a two-week lockdown for Cat Island and North and Central
Embattled Jamaican politician George Wright, who was accused of domestic abuse, resigned as a member of the Jamaica Labour Party. The government of St Kitts and Nevis introduced one of the strictest travel protocols due to COVID-19. According to the St Kitts Tourism Authority, only vaccinated travelers would be welcomed into the country, based on a new policy that required tourists, including those from the United States be vaccinated with either a two-dose vaccine, like the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca, or a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson. The Cayman Islands became the first Caribbean island to achieve herd immunity with 70% of its population having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Leader of Belize's main opposition United Democratic Party, Patrick Faber, was replaced as the Opposition Leader in Parliament by former Bad Boy Rapper, Shyne Barrow.
July Trinidad and Tobago on July 17 reopened its borders after a 16month closure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Andrew Holness hinted at the possibility of the Government banning corporal punishment as the
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authorities condemned the death of a four-year-old child, who had been beaten by his stepfather. Frontline government workers in Antigua were required to either get the COVID-19 vaccine or get tested for the virus every two weeks at their own expense. The vaccination policy was communicated in a memorandum sent to government departments. The main opposition St Lucia Labour Party claimed victory in the general election as St Lucian voters stuffed their frustration into the ballot boxes and rejected the Allen Chastanet administration after only a five-year term in office.
August Just over a month after the government of Jamaica relaxed the island's COVID-19 measures and reopened the entertainment sector, a ban on events was again imposed. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had to get treatment after receiving a blow to the head during protests. Initial reports indicate he was hit in the head by an object thrown by a
election as an independent candidate. Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness reported that several hospitals across the island are facing a shortage of oxygen as the country sees a sharp increase in its COVID19 cases.
September Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley said much thought went into the decision to transition Barbados to a parliamentary republic. Parliament voted by a 25-0 margin to amend the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to bring the Republic into force by November 30. The main opposition party in the Bahamas, the Progressive Liberal Party, led by Phillip “Brave” Davis, was swept into office, four years after it was severely trounced by the Free National Movement. The Antigua and Barbuda government gave a September 20 deadline for all unvaccinated public sector workers to show proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19. Cuba became the first country in the world to administer COVID-19 vaccines to toddlers, using locally made vaccines. Jamaica's Agriculture Minister Floyd Green resigned following the surfacing of a video of him at a gathering that reportedly occurred during a “no-movement” day.
October The St Vincent and the Grenadines government mandated that teachers and other school staff members be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Barbados legislators elected 72year-old Governor-General, Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, as the firstever President as the island moved to end its political relationship with Britain and adopt a republican status on November 30, its Independence Day. A Jamaican pastor and 41 members of his congregation were arrested after three people were killed during an alleged human sacrifice. Kevin Smith, a selfproclaimed prophet and the head of the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Montego Bay, was arrested for slitting the throats of two members of the congregation on Sunday, October 17. Another person was killed during a shoot-out with police. On October 25, Smith and police constable Orlando Irons were killed in a car crash in Bog Walk, St. Catherine as police transported him from St. James to Kingston to be charged with murder in relation to the ritual killings at the church. Sir Donald Harris, the father of Vice President Kamala Harris, lead over 100 honorees at the Jamaica National Awards and Honors 2021.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonzalves injured after protests
demonstrator who was among those protesting against proposed changes to the Public Health Act. Prime Minister of St Lucia, Phillip J. Pierre unveiled a 13member Cabinet that included Stephenson King, a former senior member of the last government, who quit to contest the July 26 general
Cuba became the rst country in the world to administer COVID-19 vaccines to toddlers, using locally made vaccines.
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2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW CARIBBEAN
Barbados's Prime Minister Mia Mottley, new President Sandra Mason, singer Rihanna, former cricketer Gareld Sobers and Britain's Prince Charles stand during the presidential inauguration ceremony to mark the birth of a new republic in Barbados, Bridgetown, Barbados, November 30, 2021
November
December
United States President Joe Biden nominated Nick Perry to serve as the next Ambassador to Jamaica, two weeks after US Democratic Senate Majority Leader, Charles “Chuck” Schumer, recommended Perry for the post.
COVAX Facility, the worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, ordered St Vincent and the Grenadines to pay US$70,000 for COVID-19 vaccines that it donated to Trinidad and Tobago in May. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley announced the creation of the Barbados Heritage District – an area that will include a memorial, a major global research institute, and a museum located in Newton Plantation just on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Ahead of Jamaica's diamond Independence celebrations in August 2022, an opposition Senator called for four Jamaican icons to receive the honor of National Hero. On December 10, Senator Dr. Floyd Morris announced that he will table a motion in the Upper House for Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Louise Bennett (Miss Lou) and Usain Bolt to be named national heroes.
Nick Perry to serve as the next ambassador to Jamaica
Former Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir James Mitchell died on Nov. 23. He had been ailing for several weeks. The 90-year-old Mitchell was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados after being diagnosed with dengue and other health-related conditions. Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II as it shed another vestige of its colonial past and became a republic for the first time in history.
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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
EDITORIAL
It was a rough 2021 for CARICOM Countries 2021 was not a good year for CARICOM. While the most challenging and lasting effects came from the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot forget the barbaric assassination of Jovenel Moïse, the president of Haiti, and the devastation caused by the earthquake in that country, with over 2,000 lives lost. The hurricane season of 2021 was not a very destructive one for the Caribbean, when compared to the past. Elsa did the most damage, after becoming a hurricane on July 2 near the Lesser Antilles. It killed one person in St Lucia but caused a lot of damage in other islands, including Barbados which had not seen a hurricane for 65 years. The biggest hurdle to economic survival for Caribbean nations however, rests with the COVID-19 pandemic, which seems stubborn in its willingness to go away. Up to press time 444,727 cases of the virus have been reported. 10, 802 of our Caribbean families, friends and countrymen lost their lives. Economically, COVID-19 has destroyed the economic livelihood of our people and our countries. Tourism which helps to put food on the table for nearly 18 million Caribbean people in some form or fashion, cannot seem to recover with any regularity. The minute that there is some looseness in border and movement controls, another variant of COVID-19 shows up to prevent progress. But regardless of the forces of COVID-19, we must take some responsibility for its survival. Even though governments are trying their best to get rid of this unwelcomed guest, there are sections of the population spreading out the
The biggest hurdle to economic survival for Caribbean nations however, rests with the COVID-19 pandemic, which seems stubborn in its willingness to go away. Up to press time 444,727 cases of the virus has been reported. 10, 802 of our Caribbean families, friends and countrymen lost their lives. welcome mat and dining table, because of their actions. People still move around without taking the basic precautions such as wearing masks and keeping away from nonessential crowd gatherings. There is also a high percentage of vaccine hesitancy which governments are trying to deal with. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), five Caribbean countries may not meet the 40 percent vaccination goal by the end of the year. These are Haiti, Jamaica, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Grenada. PAHO analysis also states that COVID19 cases have increased by 16 percent. There is no doubt that if we are to get out of this rut then our behaviors must change. We must become active and proactive collectively, to win this battle. Despite these challenges, there were some bright spots for the Caribbean. The region participated in the first ever CARICOM-Africa Summit in September, bringing together nations of both regions to discuss the way forward for economic and social cooperation. CARICOM was also well represented at the Glasgow Climate Change Summit, where leaders spoke about the effects of climate change on the world and in particular the region. Barbados' Mia Mottley showed her formidable leadership strengths and presentation skills, with a powerful and passionate delivery. She championed the case for nations to step up and act, while advocating for more help for the smaller nations such as those in the Caribbean. Her speech made such an impact that she was named UN 2021 Champion of the Earth. 2022 IS NOW upon us. It will not only bring new challenges but new opportunities as well. As Caribbean people, our DNA is coded intrinsically with resilience, strength and the “not-done-yet” atoms. We will bounce forward, only because we know nothing else. Yes, 2021 was rough but as we have done in the past, this experience will make us stronger, better, more productive, and successful. At Caribbean National Weekly, we look forward to keeping our commitment of being the number one outlet for information to you, our readers. Great things are in store for us in 2022 and we will be along to share, as we move forward in synergy and progress.
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being of Haitians was being pushed aside as violence and political instability across the country deepen. Prime Minister of Haiti, Joseph Jouthe announced his resignation with President Jovenel Moïse saying that his departure “will make it possible to address the glaring problem of insecurity” in the country.
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW HAITI A mass prison outbreak in Haiti's Croix-des-Bouquets jail on February 27, 2021.
step down. Haiti has unveiled multiple proposed changes to overhaul the country's Constitution that officials plan to present to voters for an upcoming referendum that looms amid growing unrest. A mass prison outbreak in Haiti's Croix-des-Bouquets jail on February 27, resulted in the death of 25 people including a notorious gang leader, Arnel Joseph, and a prison director being killed. More than 200 inmates escaped and as the inmates fled from the jail several bystanders were caught up in the resulting violence and some were killed.
Political tensions in Haiti coupled with insecurity and structural inequalities resulted in protests followed by violent crackdowns by authorities in January 2021.
January The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warned that increasing political tensions in Haiti coupled with insecurity and structural inequalities could result in protests followed by violent crackdowns by authorities. The governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic have 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. Haitian-American attorney and political advisor Karen Andre was appointed special assistant for presidential personnel in the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris administration.
Karen Andre was appointed special assistant for presidential personnel in February 2021.
A Supreme Court judge was among several people arrested in Haiti for their role in an alleged plot to oust President Jovenel Moïse. According to Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe, a senior police official was also among the 23 people detained with money, guns and ammunition. The opposition parties in Haiti declared 72-year-old judge Joseph Mecene Jean-Louis as the country's interim leader, a day after an alleged coup plot was foiled, as they insist that President Jovenel Moïse must
February Health officials in Haiti have been monitoring the emergence of a very infectious skin disease that is similar to scabies. According to the Ministry of Health, this skin disease has affected residents of several communities in the west of the country.
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March
Haiti signaled its intention to hold a controversial referendum ahead of presidential and general elections despite growing international criticism. The Joe Biden administration in the United States announced a new 18-month designation of Haitians for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haiti, rocked by 933 new cases and 38 deaths from the coronavirus (COVID-19) since the start of the month, issued a state of health emergency throughout the country for eight days.
June Haiti postponed a constitutional referendum scheduled for June 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic but did not give a new date for the vote in the latest twist in its political crisis.
President Jovenel Moïse declared a state of emergency in several areas of the country in an effort to stem the upsurge in crime across Haiti. The U.N. Security Council criticized “the protracted political, constitutional, humanitarian and security crises in Haiti” and again urged the government to hold longdelayed legislative elections and prepare for presidential elections in 2021.
April The opposition parties in Haiti declared 72-year-old judge Joseph Mecene Jean-Louis as the country's interim leader in February 2021.
May
Haiti did not have a single vaccine to offer its more than 11 million people over a year after the pandemic began, raising concerns among health experts that the well-
Prime Minister Claude Joseph’s tenure extended by President Jovenel Moise in June 2021.
Prime Minister of Haiti, Claude Joseph thanked President Jovenel Moïse for extending his tenure as head of the government for another 30 days.
A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW HAITI bosses that any crackdown will bring greater violence aimed at police in the already unstable country. The U.S. is flying Haitians camped in a Texas border town back to their homeland and blocking others from crossing the border from Mexico in a massive show of force that signals the beginning of what could be one of America's swiftest, large-scale expulsions of migrants or refugees in decades.
suspect in the July 7 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
November Haitian authorities said a Haitian businessman, Samir Handal, suspected of complicity in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, had been detained in Turkey. Haiti's new justice minister, Berto Dorcé, has been sworn into
The Funeral of Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse who was shot and killed at his home by gunmen that included foreign nationals in July 2021.
July Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse was shot and killed at his home by gunmen that included foreign elements, outgoing Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced. Moïse's wife was also injured during the incident on July 7 and has been hospitalized. Haiti received its first coronavirus vaccine since the pandemic began, welcoming 500,000 doses as the country battles a spike in cases and deaths. The Pan American Health Organization said the United States donated the doses via the United Nations' COVAX program for low-income countries. Dr. Ariel Henry, 71, was sworn in as Haiti's new head of state, nearly two weeks after gunmen had assassinated his predecessor, Jovenel Moïse during an armed attack at his private residence overlooking the capital, Port au Prince.
August The wife of the assassinated President of Haiti, Martine Moïse, hinted at the possibility of contesting the elections for the president of the
Jeremiah Johnson of Detroit leads his family in prayer during a vigil for the 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti in October 2021. Dr. Ariel Henry sworn in as Head of State two weeks after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
country, less than a month after her husband, Jovenel Moïse, was gunned down at their private residence. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Haiti, with the epicenter 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Saint-Louis du Sud, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) in Haiti said the death toll from the August 14 earthquake increased to 2,207 with 344 others missing and presumed dead. In a brief statement, the DPC said that the number of people injured by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake had reached 12,268.
September Haiti said it will end the search and rescue operations more than two weeks after a powerful earthquake struck the southern part of the country, killing more than 2,200 people and 300 others missing and now feared dead. Haiti's main political parties reached an agreement establishing a transition government until the holding of presidential elections and a constitutional referendum next year. Haiti's government warned about a spike in kidnappings and other crimes as it pledged to fight gangs, drawing retorts from two crime
October Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry dismissed members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) throwing into doubt the planned constitutional referendum and elections in the country. The elections and referendum had already been postponed twice due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A group of US missionaries and their family members, including children, were reportedly kidnapped by an armed gang in Haiti. The gang that kidnapped the 17 members demanded US$1 million ransom per person. A police superintendent in Jamaica said authorities arrested a Colombian man they believe was a
office promising to work for a strong, independent, efficient justice system..
December The remaining 12 missionaries held hostage by a Haitian gang since October were released exactly two months after they were kidnapped, Christian Aid Ministries, the USbased religious group the abductees worked with, reported. A gasoline tanker overturned and exploded in northern Haiti, unleashing a fireball that swept through homes and businesses, killing at least 75 people, according to local authorities, in the latest tragedy to befall the Caribbean nation.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 –
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2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW COMMUNITY Longtime South Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings died on April 6. He was 84 years old and diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2018 .
For the rst time since its founding in 1836, Miami-Dade County was represented by ve Black County Commissioners (l-r) Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III, Commissioner Jean Monestime, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, and Commissioner Kionne McGhee in February 2021.
January The City of Miramar Education Advisory Board (EAB) announced that its 4th Annual Scholarship opens Friday, January 29. The City of Miramar EAB is one of few advisory boards to create a scholarship fund that offers resident-based scholarships to high school seniors in Broward County. Outstanding Jamaican Cultural Personality and South Florida resident, the Reverend Father Easton
Reverend Father Easton Lee dies in Florida at the age of 89.
Lee, former broadcaster, author, actor and theatre director, died on January 18 in hospital after a short illness. He was 89. On January 5, Broward County's first Black State Attorney, Harold Pryor was officially sworn in. Joe Scott was also sworn in as Supervisor of Elections for Broward, taking over from Republican Peter Anotonacci, who was appointed to the office in 2018.
February Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora enjoyed the 14th annual Louise Bennett-Coverley “Miss Lou” Reading Festival, staged on virtual media platforms on Saturday, February 6. For the first time since its founding in 1836, Miami-Dade County was represented by five Black County Commissioners—Vice Chairman and District 1 Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III, District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestime, District 3 Commissioner
Keon Hardemon, District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, and District 9 Commissioner Kionne McGhee. Cohen-Higgins is also the first Jamaican-American to be appointed to the Miami-Dade BCC. As the Biden administration worked to increase COVID-19 vaccine distribution across the country, some of Florida's most popular retailers joined the rollout. Winn-Dixie, Sam's Club and Walmart became distributors of coronavirus vaccines offered through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
March With the pandemic exposing disparities in access to technology, education and employment across the world, two organizations in South Florida teamed up to address these issues. On March 14, the Miami Foundation and Achieve Miami announced the launch of Miami Connected, a program geared at bringing free broadband connectivity,
digital literacy and career opportunities in technology to more than 100,000 students and their families in Miami-Dade County. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County marked its 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine milestone on March 27 by announcing a new scheduling system. In the municipal elections held in the City of Miramar, a South Florida city with one of the largest CaribbeanAmerican communities, three sitting city commissioners of Jamaican descent -- Winston Barnes, Maxwell Chambers and Yvette Colbourne were re-elected for a new term of office.
APRIL Longtime South Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings died. Hastings died on April 6 according to multiple reports. He was 84 years old. The Democrat was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2018 and underwent medical procedures while still making public appearances. Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie was arrested on a charge of perjury in an official proceeding. The 59-year-old Jamaica-born Superintendent was taken into custody by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After almost a decade as head of one of the largest school districts in the United States, Broward County Public Schools Superintendent
Broward Schools Superintendent, Robert Runcie steps down.
Robert Runcie decided to step down. His resignation came on April 27, at a tearful Broward County school board meeting, amid criticism over a perjury charge.
May Jamaican-American realtor Sharon McLennon announced that her company, Splendor Realty joined the Coldwell Banker network and now will operate as Coldwell Banker Splendor Realty. Through the program, Coldwell Banker Splendor Realty will become the first 100% African American, woman-owned Coldwell Banker franchisee in Florida and the second in the country. For over 20 years, the longtime South Florida resident has been one of South Florida's leading real estate agents, particularly among the Caribbean-American community. Normalcy was returned to Florida sooner than many thought after state Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he would be lifting all
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM COVID-19 safety restrictions. A special primary election to fill the seat of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings was held in November, followed by a deciding general election two months later.
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW COMMUNITY American city. Gordon, a 30-year resident and 26-year employee, became the city's first Jamaican city manager.
June The City of Miramar announced that it was named as a recipient of the 2021 Smart 50 Awards for two smart city projects. Smart 50 Awards, in partnership with Smart Cities Connect, Smart Cities Connect Foundation and US Ignite annually recognize global smart cities projects, honoring the most innovative, transformative, and influential work. The United States President Joe Biden on June 1 proclaimed June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, noting that Caribbean Americans have brought “vibrant cultures, languages, traditions, and values” that have strengthened the country.
Grace Foods USA wrapped up its summer of giving community outreach initiatives through its “Taste That Moves You” and “Chill & Grill with Grace” campaigns.
July Emergency workers gave up on any hope of finding survivors in the collapsed Florida condo building, telling sobbing families that there was “no chance of life” in the rubble as crews shifted their efforts to recovering more remains. The death toll rose to 64, with another 76 people unaccounted for, Miami
guidance for fully vaccinated people, saying masks must be worn by teachers, staff and students, regardless of vaccination status.
August Grace Foods USA wrapped up its summer of giving community outreach initiatives through its “Taste That Moves You” and “Chill & Grill with Grace” campaigns. In keeping with the company's Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, the campaigns provided groceries for needy families and delivered thank-you meals to essential workers in South Florida.
September Miami condo building collapses in July killing 64 with another 76 people unaccounted for.
After a tenure distinguished by the strengthening of the political engagement of Florida's CaribbeanAmericans, Jamaica-born Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers stepped down as President of the Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida.
Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. The School Board of Broward County voted to impose a face mask mandate at Broward County Public Schools. The mandate comes just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the
On September 5, what would have been his 85th birthday, the city of Miramar honored the late U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, with the unveiling of “Alcee L. Hastings Avenue”. The corner of SW 62nd Avenue and SW 33rd Street was renamed after Congressman Hastings, who was a longtime resident of the city of Miramar. On September one, Miramar commissioners approved the appointment of Jamaican Whittingham Gordon, to oversee the daily operations of this 2021 All
Democratic nomination to replace the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida, carrying the race by five votes over Broward County commissioner, Dale Holness.
October The Caribbean-American community in Lauderhill mourned the death of community Pastor Reverend Dr. Alexander Wilberforce Morgan, who suddenly passed away on October 9. He was 91 years old. Authorities say they found the body of missing Florida college student, Miya Marcano. A maintenance worker who entered her apartment unauthorized the day she disappeared and later killed himself is the prime suspect.
Body of missing Florida college student, Miya Marcano found.
November Eight-time Olympic medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was showered with accolades in Miramar by county, city, and consulate officials. The second fastest woman alive was given keys to the city of Miramar, keys to Broward County, and a lifetime achievement award by the Jamaican consulate. Tuesday, November 16 was also proclaimed Ambassador Shelly-Ann FraserPryce Day, by the city of Miramar. A health care executive, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, won the
Health care executive, Sheila Cherlus-McCormick wins nomination to replace the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings.
December A funeral and homegoing celebration was held December 7 for former Congresswoman Carrie Meek in Miami Gardens. Meek, the grandchild of a slave and a sharecropper's daughter who became one of the first black Floridians elected to Congress since Reconstruction, died on November 28, aged 95. Children in Lauderdale Lakes had a merrier Christmas, as the Broward Sheriff department and neighborhood supermarket, Broward Meats & Fish, teamed up to give back to the community. The delivery of 75 Christmas bikes took place at the grocery store's location along State Road 7 on Tuesday, December 18. The Biden administration tightened testing requirements for international travelers to the U.S., including both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, amid the spread of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all air travelers to the U.S. would be required to be tested for COVID-19 within a day before boarding their flight.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 –
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW ENTERTAINMENT February Shaggy's hit song, “It Wasn't Me” – a track about cheating in relationships took on a new meaning. The Jamaican-American dancehall artiste starred in a hilarious Super Bowl commercial featuring American actor/actress couple, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Jamaican reggae artistes Skip Marley, Buju Banton and Koffee were among the musicians who were
Cicely Tyson dies at the age of 96 on January 28, 2021
January Dancehall entertainer Beenie Man was scheduled to appear in court in February for breaches of the COVID-19 protocols in Jamaica. The entertainer turned himself in to the Black River police in St Elizabeth, Jamaica on New Year's Eve after a summons was issued by the cops earlier in the day. The charges stemmed from an alleged illegal party held in the parish on November 29. Cedella Marley, the daughter of Bob and Rita Marley, took to social media to dispel rumors that her mother had died. Several reports had surfaced on social media saying that the 74-year-old reggae icon had died. But Cedella posted a rare video on social media of herself and Rita Marley, listening to Bob Marley's music. Legendary American actress, Cicely Tyson, daughter of Caribbean immigrants, died on January 28 at the age of 96. Tyson's death was announced by her family, via her manager Larry Thompson, who did not provide additional details. A statement issued through Thompson said “With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At
954.739.6618
the town and tell the people”, U-Roy died. His death was announced on February 17. He was 78 years old. Two-time Grammy-winning dancehall artiste, Shabba Ranks, and much of the dancehall community mourned the death of his mother, Constance Christie, popularly known as 'Mama Christie'. Beres Hammond said it's been almost two years since he performed for fans onstage, but on Sunday, February 28, the legendary crooner made up for lost time with a memorable virtual concert titled, “Love from a Distance”.
March Illustrious reggae singer, Neville O'Riley Livingston, otherwise known as Bunny Wailer died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston on March 2. He was 73. Jamaican reggae artistes Skip Marley, Buju Banton and Koffee were among the musicians who were nominated for the 2021 NAACP Image Awards.
this time, please allow the family their privacy.” Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff was issued an Official Passport by the Government of Jamaica. Official passports are typically given to government officials or those who represent Jamaica's interests overseas in an official capacity. The legendary singer was presented with the passport by Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange on January 20. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Cedella Marley, OD, CEO of TUFF Gong International, among seven distinguished recipients to receive awards at the 24th annual “The Legacy Continues” Gala Awards of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI).
nominated for the 2021 NAACP Image Awards. Skip Marley's debut EP, Higher Place earned him a nomination in the Outstanding New Artist category. Both Banton and Koffee were nominated in the same category for Outstanding International Song. The famous voice that brought reggae fans around the world, “wake
U-Roy dies at 78 years old in February 2021.
‘Bunny’ Wailer dies at 73 on March 2 in Jamaica.
Jamaican dancehall producer Donte Johnson, widely known as Papi Don Muziq, was arrested and charged for scamming in South Florida. The 25-year-old hitmaker was taken into custody after being accused of running an elaborate scam operation in the state. Dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and
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ammunition and was sentenced to three years in prison. He received a three-year sentence for the illegal possession of a firearm charge, and a two-year sentence on the ammunition charge. The sentences will run concurrently. Legendary Reggae band Toots and the Maytals won Best Reggae Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
April
Famous hip-hop artiste, DMX dies of cardiac arrest in April, 2021
Fellow musicians, movie stars, and fans across the globe have been offering tributes to honor the life and work of hip-hop artist DMX, since his death on April 9. The iconic rapper—known for his distinctive raspy voice and signature delivery —died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest,” according to a statement from the hospital in White Plains, New York. Several Jamaican dancehall artistes hit back at Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his criticisms of some local music, which he said contributes to the high crime rate on the island. The classic reggae album, The Harder They Come by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. Dancehall deejay Beenie Man pleaded guilty to breaching the COVID-19 curfew after hosting an illegal party when he appeared in the St Elizabeth Parish Court in Jamaica on April 19.
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
May Jamaican international dancehall artiste Beenie Man was fined J$150,000 after he pleaded guilty to breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act. The deejay, whose given name is Moses Davis, had pleaded guilty to the offence on April 19 and appeared in the St Elizabeth Parish Court where the fine or three months in jail was imposed.
an agreement with a previous prosecutor prevented him from being charged in the case.
Jamaican actor, Volier ‘Mafe’ Johnson dies from heart attack.
July Beenie Man ned after breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act in Jamaica in May 2021.
Jamaican dancehall artist Dovey Magnum was detained by US immigration officials when they raided at a location in Atlanta, Georgia on May 19. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested the singer, whose name is Simsky Kimberly Harrison. She was later transported to the Stewart Detention Center.
June Cayman Islands Carnival, CayMAS is back on this year, but only for fully vaccinated revelers, CayMAS Director Craig Frederick confirmed. The cellular phone of incarcerated dancehall artiste Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer, which contained damning text and voice messages linking him to the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams, was analyzed by an expert for possible signs of tampering. Bill Cosby was to be released from prison after Pennsylvania's highest court overturned his sex assault conviction. The court found
Well-known Jamaican actor Volier “Maffie” Johnson died. He passed away on July 9 at the Kingston Public Hospital. Reports are that he suffered a heart attack. Johnson had been involved in theatre for more than 50 years. It's been over a year since Jamaican-American, Grammy award-winning superstar Shaggy performed with his band in front of a live audience, but on July 4th, he delivered a stellar performance at the Florida Jerk Festival in West Palm Beach. For the fourth time in its 55year history, a woman was declared the winner of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition. Dancehall artiste Stacious, who entered with a song titled 'Jamaican Spirit', walked away with the trophy and a cash prize of J$3 million on July 22.
August Bajan pop star and fashion icon, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty is officially a billionaire, according to business magazine Forbes. According to Forbes, the Bajan cultural ambassador has a net worth of $1.7 billion, making her the world's wealthiest female musician and second only to Oprah Winfrey as the world's wealthiest female entertainment. After nearly a decade behind bars, infamous dancehall deejay
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW ENTERTAINMENT Vybz Kartel broke his silence in an exclusive two-part interview with Fox 5 NY reporter, Lisa Evers. Jamaican reporters and international interests have tried relentlessly to reach the artist since he was first incarcerated, including Lisa, who said she got a surprising call one night from the deejay who was finally ready to talk after several years of trying to contact him. Legendary reggae producer and singer, Lee “Scratch” Perry died. The reggae pioneer, born Rainford Hugh Perry, was known worldwide for his innovative studio techniques and production style. He died in Kingston on August 29, age 85. Reports are that he had been ailing for some time.
September South Florida's annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival postponed its 2021 staging due to COVID-19 concerns in the state. The festival was slated for November 14 in Miramar. But in a statement, the organizers said it was in the best interest of everyone involved to postpone the event due to the current COVID-19 conditions in Florida. Acclaimed Jamaican singer Karen Smith lost her one-year battle with colon cancer. She died on September 11 at the Baywest Hospital in Montego Bay, St James. Smith was one of Jamaica's most renowned cabaret singers. American model and social media influencer Jayda Cheaves was arrested in Jamaica on gun charges. Reports are that Cheaves and friend, Gregory Wright were charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition after being found with two firearms and
Rihanna was declared a national hero of Barbados by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The singer was honored during a ceremony marking the country’s new status as a republic.
15 rounds of ammunition at the Sangster International Airport. R.Kelly was convicted in a sex trafficking trial after decades of avoiding criminal responsibility following numerous allegations of misconduct with young women and children.
Jamaican entertainers Gramps Morgan, Etana, Sean Paul, Jesse Royal and Spice, as well as Virginia based reggae band Soja, were nominated in the Best Reggae Grammy Album category.
October
December
Grammy-nominated Reggae artist Jah Cure was arrested by the police in Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Jah Cure allegedly attacked promoter 'Papa' of Roots Vibes Promotion, and stabbed him in the abdomen. 'Papa', who confirmed the alleged attack, was hospitalized after the incident but subsequently made a report to the police. Abihail Myrie, the daughter of veteran Jamaican deejay Buju Banton, went missing according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). A release from the JCF stated that the 21-year-old had been missing since October 9.
November
Rihanna was declared a national hero of Barbados by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The singer was honored during a ceremony marking the country’s new status as a republic. Rihanna, who was previously named ambassador to Barbados in 2018, received “The Order of National Hero” during the event in Bridgetown. Mottley invited Rihanna onstage to accept the honor. The legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare of the world-famous duo Sly and Robbie, died at age 68, on December 8, in Florida. Reports said the musician had been suffering from kidney related issues.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 –
2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW SPORTS Veteran cricketer Chris Gayle was slated to make an appearance in West Indies colors for the rst time in nearly two years against Sri Lanka, after indicating that he was leaving the Pakistan Super League in February, 2021
Former Reggae Boy Luton Shelton died on January 22. Shelton is known as one of Jamaica's most prolic scorers, with 35 international goals, earned 75 caps and played three CONCACAF Gold Cups.
January Chris Gayle headlined a plethora of West Indies stars confirmed for the draft of the Pakistan Super League. The 41year-old Gayle, along with veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, former Twenty20 captain Carlos Brathwaite and openers Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis, were among 25 foreign players announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board. A personal health crisis is what Jamaican Olympian Michael Frater said pushed him to open the 4/20 Therapeutic Bliss dispensary in Kingston. Jamaica's Minister of Sports, Olivia Grange, who attended the opening, applauded the retired Olympian for his initiative. Former Reggae Boy Luton Shelton died on January 22. Shelton is known as one of Jamaica's most prolific scorers, with 35 international goals, earned 75 caps and played three CONCACAF
Bangladesh on February 14. Veteran opener Chris Gayle was slated to make an appearance in West Indies colors for the first time in nearly two years against Sri Lanka, after indicating that he was leaving the Pakistan Super League and returning to the Caribbean for “international duties”. Jamaica's track and field community was back to competing
Gold Cups. Since 2017, he had suffered from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. West Indies batting star, Shai Hope, and his older brother, Kyle Hope, were both ruled out of February's Super50 Cup in Antigua after testing positive for COVID-19. The Barbados Cricket Association announced the positive tests, after the Barbados Pride touring party underwent testing in preparation for travel.
February Veteran Jamaican Olympic gold medalist, Leslie “Les” Laing, a member of the 1952 winning relay team, died. His death was reported on February 7, just a few weeks short of his 96th birthday on February 19. Seventeen wickets tumbled on a dramatic fourth day as West Indies snatched a nerve-jangling 17-run victory to edge Bangladesh in the second Test and complete a truly astonishing series whitewash in
March The stand-off between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Reggae Boyz took another turn, with players revealing they'll no longer be representing the country. The two groups had been at odds over the salaries of the players. The team demanded $7000 US dollars per player per match, but the JFF says it could only afford to pay $2000 for World Cup qualifiers. All-rounder Jason Holder was sacked as Test captain and replaced by compatriot Kraigg Brathwaite for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce calls on the Jamaican Government to reopen Track and Field events.
after almost a year of no events. Like the rest of the world, the Jamaican government was forced to shut down all sporting events in 2020 because of COVID-19. After calls from local athletes including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association said the government finally gave approval to stage a series of competitive meets. g
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the age of 30, according to UK media reports. Veteran Jamaican racehorse trainer Wayne DaCosta, who was hospitalized in February, died from COVID-19. According to multiple reports, DaCosta was infected by the virus and was in intensive care battling complications. The celebrated trainer had been on a ventilator until his death at the University Hospital of the West Indies on March 24.
April As expected, on April 11, Ricky Skerritt was returned unopposed as president of Cricket West Indies along with vice-president Dr. Kishore Shallow; the pair was set to serve a second successive term at the helm of the regional governing body. Jamaica's Ministry of Sport paid tribute to former Reggae Boy, Tremaine Stewart, who died suddenly on April 18. Stewart passed away after collapsing while playing football in his community of Gordon Pen, St Catherine. The 33year-old attacker was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Jamaica did not send a team to the World Athletics Relays, which will took place in Silesia, Poland. The decision to withdraw from the May 1-2 championship event, was confirmed by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.
May West Ham striker, Michail Antonio launches his international career as a Reggae Boy for Jamaica.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio gave up on playing for England, where he was born, and has opted for Jamaica in the hope of launching his international career at
Jamaica's first rallycross champion, Fraser McConnell made history by claiming his first supercar win in the 2021 season of the RallyX Nordic in Denmark on May 1. The off-again, on-again CARIFTA Games, the region's annual junior athletics showpiece set to be staged in Bermuda this year, were officially off because of coronavirus pandemic regulations,
C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM
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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 –
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2021 YEAR IN
REVIEW SPORTS Sprint champion Thompson-Herah clocked a season’s best of 10.78 in the 100m in Florida, May 2, 2021
organizers have announced. Jamaican double Olympic 100m champion Elaine ThompsonHerah clocked a season-best of 10.78s to win the 100m at the Pure Athletics Elite Meet in Clermont, Florida on May 2. ThompsonHerah's time was the second-fastest in the world this season. Jamaica College won their first title in 10 years while defending champions Edwin Allen retained their girls' crown at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships “Champs” on May 15, in Kingston. Haitian-Japanese tennis star
goals. Shaw scored in her team's 4-2 defeat to win the Golden Boot award. Jamaica's super heavyweight boxer Ricardo Brown punched his ticket to the Tokyo Olympic Games between July and August, thanks to his ranking. Brown will be the first Jamaican boxer to earn a spot at the Olympic Games since 1996. Jamaican international football player Raheem Sterling was honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his work to promote racial equality in the sport. One of Jamaica's most decorated Olympians, Veronica Campbell-Brown announced her retirement on the eve of Jamaica's Olympic trials. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Tyquendo Tracey emerged Jamaica's National Senior Women's and Senior Men's 100m champions following impressive victories at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative
Haitian-Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open after a post-match interview saga in May 2021
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open after a post-match interview saga. The stunning move came a day after Osaka, a 23-yearold born in Japan to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, was fined $15,000 for skipping the postmatch news conference after her first-round victory at the French Open.
June Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran a new national record and world-leading time in the Women's 100m at the JOA/JAAA Olympic Destiny Series at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 5. She clocked a worldleading time of 10.63s, the secondfastest time ever run in the women's 100m. She falls behind American Florence Griffith-Joyner, who set the 100m record of 10.49 in 1988. Reggae Girlz striker Khadija Shaw ended her campaign in the Feminine Division 1, France's women top-ranking women's league, as the top scorer in the competition this season with 22
Association/Ministry of Health/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships inside the National Stadium on June 25.
July American champion Sha'Carri Richardson did not run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. Omar McLeod, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 110meter hurdles, failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics at the Jamaican Trials in Kingston. The Olympian said he was not given a fair opportunity to make the team. He partly blamed his performance on poor scheduling by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz started their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Suriname in Group C at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida on July 12. Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah defended her 100 meters title at the Olympic
Games in Tokyo in 10.61 seconds, breaking Florence Griffith-Joyner's Olympic record of 10.62 at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She is now the fastest woman alive. St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots claimed their rst-ever Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title as they defeated the Saint Lucia Kings by three wickets
August Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah created history at the Tokyo Olympics, by retaining her 200m title in 21.53 seconds. Thompson-Herah is the first woman to retain the sprint double at the Olympic games. Jamaica's national winger, Leon Bailey made his move to the English Premier League official. Bailey, 23, formally ended his fiveyear tenure with Bayer Leverkusen at the Phoenix All-Stars Academy in Kingston, where he signed his contract with Aston Villa. Jamaican 110-meter hurdler Hansle Parchment created a major upset in the event on August 4th, when he copped the Olympic gold medal ahead of the favorite, American Grant Holloway. On Jamaica's 59th Independence Day, the Jamaican women secured gold in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics, pushing the country's medal count to eight. The quartet of Briana Williams, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson clocked a national record 41.02 seconds to win the event. It was the first time since 2004 that the Jamaican women won the 4x100m relay. The women's 4x400m relay team gave Jamaica its ninth medal (bronze) as the 32nd Olympics ended inside the Olympic Stadium. The Jamaicans ended the Games with four gold, one silver and four bronze for a joint third-best medal haul with the Sydney 2000 Games when the county participated in four disciplines, athletics, swimming, sailing and triathlon. Jamaican Sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah won the Women's 100-meter event at the Diamond League meet in Eugene, Oregon on August 21. The fastest woman alive clocked a winning time of 10.54 seconds to affirm her title.
September In-form West Ham striker Michail Antonio was among 35 players named by the head coach Theodore Whitmore for Concacaf's final-round qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals. Jamaica's London Olympics relay gold medallist Nesta Carter retired from track and field. In a
statement, the 35-year-old sprinter said he could not compete up to his standard in the sport. Jamaican sprint star and fastest woman alive, Elaine ThompsonHerah closed off a historic 2021 season with yet another recordbreaking performance at the Wanda Diamond League final in Zurich. Thompson-Herah capped off the season by not only winning the Diamond Trophy but also the top $30,000 prize, and a wildcard entry to the World Athletics Championships in Oregon in 2022. St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots claimed their first-ever Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title as they defeated the Saint Lucia Kings by three wickets in a closely contested encounter at Warner Park. There were reports that repeat double Olympic Games sprint gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah indicated her intention to quit the MVP club via a message to the organization.
October West Ham United forward Michail Antonio withdrew from the Jamaica National Senior Men's team 23-man squad, just a few days before the Reggae Boyz's crucial World Cup qualifier against the topranked US. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz scored their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers when they blanked Honduras 2-0 at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano on October 13. After dismissing earlier claims about her departure from the MVP Track Club last month, Jamaican two-time sprint Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah confirmed the split. In a press statement, Thompson-Herah outlined that she has started preseason training independently. The government of Jamaica reversed its initial decision and allowed fully vaccinated spectators at the National Stadium for the Reggae Boyz's next home game. Jamaica's next home game in the World Cup qualifiers took place on November 16 against the USA. The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, where Antonio scored a stunning equalizer after a Timothy Weah scored for the USA.
November The executives of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have called on the world governing body FIFA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against its Senior National Women's Team Head Coach Hubert Busby. The JFF has also provisionally suspended the embattled Busby, relieving him of all contractual obligations with the JFF, without pay, with immediate effect. Veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been hailed as a “trailblazer” and one of the finest players of his era, after bringing his international career to a close. Repeat Olympic Games sprint double champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has been named Female Athlete of the Year by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association.
December Jamaica's standard-bearer in swimming over the last decade and a half, Alia Atkinson, placed fourth in the women's 100m breaststroke final at the 15th FINA World Short Course Championships on Monday, December 20. The swim marked the end of her career.
Head Coach of the Reggae Boyz, Theodore Whitmore red.
Theodore Whitmore, the head coach of the Jamaica Reggae Boyz was fired. This came after the JFF's technical committee recommended his sacking almost one month before. Paul Hall took up the job of carrying Jamaica to the World Cup in 2022. Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah closed a recordbreaking 2021 season, by winning the Female World Athlete of the Year award at the World Athletics Awards.
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C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 6 – JAN 12, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM