National Weekly January 7, 2021

“

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

“

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2021

DISGRACEFUL! Elected Officials Voice Their Opinions on the Storming of the U.S. Capitol Building

By CNW Reporter

The nation continues to grapple with the insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the presidential election and subvert U.S. democracy.

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER The Visionary That Was Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart A3

Elected representatives in Congress had to batten down, hide under desks, and wear gas masks while Capitol police tried unsuccessfully to blockade the building to keep the mob out. And the world watched in disgust and disbelief at the unfolding of one of the most disturbing events America has ever seen at the Capitol. The incident left at least four people dead—including a woman who was shot by police.

In the wake of this atrocity, many current and former officials are voicing their utter disgust. CNW asked Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness how he felt about the incident.

“In a word: disgusted!” he said. “It is an indication to us as Americans not to reward leaders who do not know how to engage with civility in the public discourse. These people were riled up, they were practically instructed to go and do what they did, which is vile. For someone who is supposed to be the leader of the free world to act in such a nasty and disgusting way, is absolutely vile,” he added.

Trump’s first homeland security advisor Tom Bossert said of the incident in a Tweet, "This is beyond wrong and illegal. It’s unAmerican The President undermined American democracy

baselessly. As a result, he’s culpable for this siege, and an utter disgrace."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in her address to the joint session of Congress following the siege, said, "We know that we're in difficult times. But little could we have imagined the assault that was made on our democracy today. To those who strove to deter us from our responsibility, you have failed." She continued, "To those who engaged in the gleeful desecration of this, our temple of democracy, American democracy, justice will be done."

But this terroristic act was not without persistent encouragement. For months prior to the election and after the election, Trump has been talking about rigged elections, voter fraud, and a myriad of other debunked accusations about the electoral system. These and other events were stoking the fires of this insurrection.

The final call to action was heard loud and clear at the rally Trump held across from the Capitol as lawmakers gathered to do their sworn duty and confirm the election of Joe Biden as president. Trump instructed his White House supporters to march at the U.S. Capitol to “fight” and “show strength.” continues on B1 – Disgraceful

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE 2 BLACK LIVES MATTER: A protester poses for photos next to a burning police vehicle in Los Angeles on May 30, 2020, during a demonstra on over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minneapolis a er a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes.- Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP

WINNING TEAM: Vice President-elect Kamala Harris holds hands with President-elect Joe Biden as they celebrate their elec on win on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Wilmington, Del.- Photo by Andrew Harnik/AP

TRAGIC: Sneakers and a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with the number 8 worn

by NBA star Kobe Bryant hang at a memorial for Bryant in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2020, a week a er he was killed in a helicopter crash.- Photo

by Damian Dovarganes/AP FIRST: Jamaican-born Sandra Lindsay, le , a nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, is the first healthcare worker inoculated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Dr. Michelle Chester, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in the Queens borough of New York.- Photo by Mark Lennihan/AP STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS: Supporters of restoring Florida felons' vo ng rights march to an early vo ng precinct, Oct. 24, 2020, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Florida Rights Restora on Coali on led marches to the polls in dozens of Florida coun es.- Photo by Marta Lavandier/AP

‘S

TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS of

TIRED: President Donald Trump, returning from a campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., walks across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington a er stepping off the Marine One helicopter, early Sunday, June 21, 2020.Photo by Patrick Semansky/AP

2020

HEARTBREAKING: Mary Faye Cochran, 86, sings "You Are My Sunshine" over the phone to her son Stacey Smith through a window on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2020, at Provident Village at Creekside senior living in Smyrna, GA.- Photo by Brynn Anderson/AP SOLIDARITY: Members of the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz kneel together around the Black Lives Ma er logo on the court during the na onal anthem before the start of an NBA basketball game Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.- Photo by Ashley Landis/AP

DEVASTATION: A Puerto Rican flag waves on top of a pile of rubble as debris from a magnitude 6.4 earthquake is removed from a main road in Guánica, Puerto Rico. Photograph: Ricardo Arduengo/AP photo

‘BRO-GAD’: Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness campaigns in August 2020, ahead of the September 3 general elec on. The Jamaica Labour Party, led by Holness, defeated the People's Na onal Party, winning 49 of the 63 seats.- Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A3

Gordon “Butch” Stewart A Visionary That Helped Build ‘Brand Jamaica’ and Regional Tourism On January 4, Jamaica, the entire Caribbean, and the world bid goodbye to Gordon “Butch” Stewart, an esteemed businessman and visionary, whose dreams realized helped to transform Jamaica and the region into a world-leading tourist destination.

Butch Stewart, the founder of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the ATL Group, and the Jamaica Observer, died in Miami, Florida after ailing for some time. He was 79 years old.

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, paid tribute to the hotelier, saying that he was ahead of his time.

“It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of one of Jamaica’s most brilliant, innovative, and transformative business minds,” Holness shared to social media.

“Butch was a man way ahead of his time, he had an eye for details and his ability to market and deliver world-class service in any endeavor was tremendously distinctive. He was an extraordinary human being with an unwavering commitment to the social good. This loss is not just Jamaica’s, it is the Caribbean’s.”

Butch Stewart leaves behind a monumental legacy and a multi-million dollar empire which he began building as a child in Jamaica, unbeknownst to him.

Gordon Arthur Cyril Stewart was born on July 6, 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica, but grew up along the country's north coast.

While children in America perhaps had lemonade stands or shoveled snow to make money, Stewart combined his love of the sea and his seemingly natural ability to sell anything to start his hustle. At the age of 12, he bought a small canoe which he used to catch fish and sell to the local hotels. He also transported celebrities, including the actress Joan Collins. This was the start of Butch Stewart, the businessman.

After completing his education at a boarding school in England, Stewart became a salesman and eventually rose to

The first Beaches Resort was opened in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands in 1997. Stewart also founded The Jamaica Observer newspaper in January 1993.

If there were any doubts of Stewart’s service to the Jamaican people, they were silenced after two crises in the 1990s—the foreign currency debacle of 1992 and his 1994 agreement to take over a national carrier, Air Jamaica. During a foreign currency crisis in 1992, Stewart, a multi-millionaire at the time, led the campaign to stabilize the local exchange rate by personally depositing US$1 million a week into Jamaican banks at a rate of J$25 to one U.S. dollar.

become the sales manager of a Dutch-owned Curaçao Trading Company. He left in 1968 to found his own business, Appliance Traders, Ltd., which first specialized in importing and selling air conditioning units, water coolers, and stoves.

In 1980, Stewart ventured into the hospitality business.

Despite having no hotel experience, he bought The Bay Roc Hotel in Montego Bay which had been abandoned for more than five years. Seven months and $4 million in renovations later, Sandals Montego Bay, the first of many hotels, opened.

Always creative and innovative, Stewart revolutionized the hotel business in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean with the “All-Inclusive” concept whereby guests pay a lump-sum rate for a hotel stay, and eat and drink as much as they can consume without exchanging any currency at the hotels.

In 1985, Stewart opened his second hotel as the Sandals Carlisle, which was followed the next year by Sandals Royal Caribbean. Over the next few years, Stewart expanded Sandals Resorts to Negril in 1988 and to Ocho Rios in 1989. In 1991, he opened Sandals Antigua, his first resort outside Jamaica. The Antigua resort was followed by properties in St. Lucia and The Bahamas. The thriving Sandals Resorts birthed a new resort chain, geared towards children and families: Beaches Resorts.

Not long after, in 1994, Stewart agreed to take over the leadership of the then-ailing Air Jamaica, the national carrier of the country and the Caribbean's largest regionally based carrier.

With determined focus, he improved the airline’s passenger experience, with innovations like an in-flight fashion show, and complimentary mimosas for every passenger; provided increased staff training, and expanded routes to the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean region.

In late 2004, Stewart returned the airline to the government with an increase in revenue of over US$250 million.

Stewart's accomplishments in tourism and business, in general, won him many awards and honors, most notably the Order of Jamaica in 1988. He was also presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Humanitarian Award from the Jamaica/America Society in 1992.

The legacy of Gordon Stewart will now be carried by his family, his wife Cheryl and seven children, Brian, Robert, Jamie, Adam, twins Kelly and Gordon, and Sabrina.

Poised to take over from his father as head of Sandals Resorts is Adam Stewart, the deputy chairman of Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group, who said that his father was “a dreamer who could dream bigger and better than anyone.”

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

T

he year 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst years experienced by Americans, and most of the rest of the world, mainly due to the devastating impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The disease originated in China late in 2019 but rapidly spread globally in 2020. As 2020 closed, over 81 million people globally were infected

airline and cruise line industries, entertainment and restaurant and hotel industries. Millions of Americans either lost jobs, were furloughed or had their incomes significantly reduced. This prompted the federal government to pass legislation to provide over $3 trillion dollars to assist residents and businesses.

COVID-19 also resulted in many

by the virus, including over 19 million in the U.S., resulting in over 1.8 million deaths worldwide and over 333,000 in the U.S. Unfortunately, countries were forced to apply severe mitigation practices to curb the spread of the virus, which caused devastating economic problems. This included a significant financial loss to the vibrant tourism industry in the Caribbean and the U.S., the global

major cultural and sporting events being canceled, including the highly anticipated 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Another highlight of 2020 was the political campaign leading to the U.S. presidential elections held on November 3.

Democratic Party presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden on Super Tuesday, March 3, pulled off one of, if not the most

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Dental Place Cosmetix Spa Winchester Business Center 15 Hope Road, Shop #5, Kgn 10 Ph: 876-630-4710 Fax: 876-630-4276

astounding and historical comebacks in American politics.

After floundering badly in the earlier Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada primaries in February, Biden won 10 of 14 states on Super Tuesday.

Biden's phenomenal rebound began on Saturday, February 29 when he won the South Carolina primary by some 30 percentage points over his then surging Democratic rival Bernie Sanders.

Biden's political revival was largely due to the massive support he received from South Carolina's Black voters buoyed by the endorsement of popular South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn.

Biden was eventually nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate. After choosing California Senator Kamala Harris—who is of

Jamaican and Indian heritage—as his vice-presidential running mate, Biden was elected as the 46th president of the United States.

Biden trounced President Donald Trump, winning by over 81 million voters and 306 electors. Trump, as the year closed, still refuses to concede defeat.

Unfortunately, for several days Americans saw images of the brutal death of unarmed African American George Floyd at the hands of four white policemen, in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25. Black Lives

Matter demonstrations swelled across the country, and the rest of the world, seeking justice for Floyd's death, and the death of other American Black men and women who were victims of repeated police brutality. These protests continued for several days.

Derek Chauvin, the officer who was seen on video pressing his knee into Floyd's neck suffocating his neck, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

To recollect more of the interesting events throughout 2020 CNW presents its annual Year-InReview feature highlighting events in the general English-speaking Caribbean, the French-speaking nation of Haiti, the local South Florida community, entertainment, and sports. And, we have also selected the Caribbean-American male and the female who made outstanding achievements in the community during 2020.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

2020

January Tesha Miller, one of Jamaica's most widely known gang leaders, was sentenced to 38 years and nine months behind bars on January 9, 2020. Miller, the alleged leader of the infamous Clansman Gang in Spanish Town, was convicted in relation to the 2008 murder of the former chairman of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), Douglas Chambers.

The Port Royal pier in Jamaica welcomed its first cruise ship ever on January 20. The pier was built centuries ago but was destroyed by the massive 1692 earthquake in Port Royal before any cruise ship could have docked in the town.

On January 28, a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit off the west coast of Jamaica, sending tremors through several parts of Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn on January 7, killing one man, injuring at least eight other people and collapsing buildings.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Prime Minister Andrew Holness denied the decision to invite select CARICOM states to a

YEAR IN REVIEW

CARIBBEAN

Regional Elections. The date has also been declared a public holiday.

March The Caribbean's first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) is reported in the Dominica Republic.

On March 1, Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas said a 62year-old Italian man, who had arrived in the country on February 22 without showing symptoms, was confirmed to have the virus.

What started off as a standard electoral process in Guyana, quickly turned into one of the most astounding local elections in the Caribbean. As the polls closed on March 2, the results from the polling regions trickled in slower than usual.

Hours turned to days as the Guyana

On February 23, American Airlines made history on a flight from Kingston to Miami, with an allJamaican crew.

The long-awaited national recount of the March 2, General and Regional Elections in Guyana will get underway on May 6.

After breaching COVID-19 protocol and allowing American residents to enter the island, health minister in The Bahamas, Dr. Duane Sands handed in his resignation letter.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has “unreservedly apologized” to Jamaicans who have been placed in state quarantine and having to undergo “less than favorable conditions.” Many returning residents lamented the conditions of the quarantine facilities.

Jamaica's Minister of Labor and Social Security, Shahine Robinson, dies died at age 66. Robinson, who was also the member of parliament for North-East St. Ann, died from cancer on May 29.

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn on January 7, killing one man, injuring at least eight other people and collapsing buildings.

February On February 11, The United Kingdom's Home Office deported several Jamaicans, despite a ruling from the Court of Appeal which briefly halted the charter flight. The UK's Court of Appeal ruling was on the basis that the persons scheduled to be deported did not have access to proper legal advice. But the UK proceeded with the flight, with fewer than half of the 50-odd deportees on board.

On Sunday, February 23, American Airlines made history on a flight from Kingston to Miami, with an all-Jamaican crew.

The government of Guyana declared Monday, March 2 as the date for holding General and

The Caribbean's first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) is reported in the Dominica Republic by Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas.

Elections Commission (GECOM) announced they were having “several hiccups” which halted the counting process.

On March 10, Jamaica confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus in Kingston. The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom.

On March 16, The Trinidad and Tobago government announced that only nationals would be allowed into the country for the next 14 days, as it announces restrictions to COVID-19.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness announces that the island's air and seaports will be closed to incoming passenger traffic, effective Saturday, March 21, 2020, for a period of 14 days.

Jamaica welcomes 140 Cuban medical professionals on the island, to help the country fight COVID-19.

April Jamaica's opposition leader, Dr. Peter Phillips announces he was successfully treated for stage 3 colon cancer.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness expresses disappointment after Jamaica confirmed a huge spike in COVID-19 cases. On Tuesday, April 14, Jamaica confirms the country had recorded its fifth COVID-19 death and 105 positive cases of COVID-19, moving from 73 on Monday—a 32-case increase. At the center of the spike is a call center located in Portmore, St Catherine.

The governor of Puerto Rico,

both internationally and locally.

Protests also took place in Trinidad and Barbados over the weekend, near the U.S. embassy in both countries.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Timothy Harris led his coalition Team Unity to a second consecutive victory in the June 3rd general election.

Preliminary data published by Guyana's elections commission shows that opposition candidate Irfaan Ali won a recount of votes in March's presidential election following accusations the tally was manipulated.

July

May

meeting in Kingston on January 22 is an attempt to split the regional grouping.

A5

Jamaica says it has welcomed more than 35,000 visitors, as of midJuly, since the island reopened its borders on June 15.

The United States government said it would implement visa restrictions on persons in Guyana “undermining democracy” in the CARICOM country where the official results of the March 2 regional and general elections were still being awaited.

The Bahamas government implemented the first in a proposed series of weekend lockdown of the country as well as a ban on U.S. travelers after COVID-19 cases rise.

Former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Seymour Arthur died during the early hours on July 27. He was 70. He died after suffering heart-related complications.

On August 2, Dr. Irfaan Ali is sworn in as the ninth President of Guyana, five months aer the country's general election.

In June, Jamaica joins the long list of countries that have demonstrated their solidarity with the #BlackLivesMaer movement by holding protest demonstrations. On June 4, a small group of Jamaicans gathered outside the United States embassy to protest police brutality.

Wanda Vazquez, says the territory will remain on lockdown until May 3, in an effort to curb the number of COVID-19 cases.

The Jamaican government announces a protocol that will allow for the re-entry of Jamaicans that have been stuck overseas due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora mourns the tragic passing of Jodian Fearon, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, who died at the University of the West Indies Hospital as a result of negligence incited by fears of COVID-19 in Jamaica.

June

August

The Jamaican government announces it will reopen its borders in June; first to repatriate are Jamaican citizens beginning on June 1 and then to allow international travelers to visit, beginning on June 15.

Jamaica joins the long list of countries that have demonstrated their solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement by holding protest demonstrations. On June 4, a small group of Jamaicans gathered outside the United States embassy to protest police brutality,

On August 2, Dr. Irfaan Ali is sworn in as the ninth President of Guyana, five months after the country's general election.

Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announces another national lockdown starting August 4 as a means of attempting to slow the second wave of COVID-19 cases.

On the brink on the island's Emancipation Day holiday, Jamaica's Supreme Court rules the constitutional rights of a young girl were not breached when she was barred from attending school

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

2020 CARIBBEAN YEAR IN REVIEW

Samuels.

People's National Party (PNP) presidential hopeful, Mark Golding, officially kicked off his campaign with a virtual launch.

The Barbados parliament gives the green light to the extension of the current state of emergency to March 27, 2021.

The Twitter account of United States' Ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia spews insults at several users on the platform after they criticized his comments regarding the island's foreign affairs. He later apologized but said that he did not write the tweets.

In the general election held in Jamaica, a record low percentage of voters returned the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) led by Andrew Holness to office for a new term in a devastating landslide. because of her dreadlocks.

On August 10, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley led his People's National Movement (PNM) to another general elections victory. The PNM had won 22 of the 41 seats, while the main opposition, the United National Congress, led by Kamla PersadBissessar, won 19 seats.

After weeks of speculation about the upcoming general election, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Jamaica will go to the polls on September 3, 2020, with Nomination Day being August 18.

September In the general election held in Jamaica, a record low percentage of voters returned the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) led by Andrew Holness to office for a new term in a devastating landslide. Of the 63 seats

in the Jamaican parliament, the JLP won or led in 49 seats and the opposition People's National Party (PNP) led by Dr. Peter Phillips won or led in just 14, giving the JLP a twothirds parliamentary majority.

Less than 24 hours after the People's National Party (PNP) was trounced in the general election, Dr. Peter Phillips resigned as president of the party.

Barbados and Cayman Islands introduced legislation to make samesex partnerships legal in their respective countries.

Veteran member of the People's National Party (PNP), Dr. Donald Keith Duncan, known to Jamaicans as D.K. Duncan died on September 17 in Kingston after recently testing positive for COVID-19. He was 80 years old.

Four-term People's National Party (PNP) member of parliament for South East St. Ann, Lisa Hanna confirmed she would be running for president of the party.

November

Khadija Shaw was honored in Jamaica for her exemplary contributions on National Heroes' Day.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves created history securing a fih consecutive victory in the general election on November 5.

Jamaica's Opposition Minister of Finance and St. Andrew Southern Member of Parliament (MP), Mark Golding is elected as the new leader of Jamaica's People's National Party (PNP). Golding, an attorney-at-law, defeated South East St Ann MP Lisa Hanna, in the PNP presidential elections on Saturday, November 7.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and

IRISH MOSS

Six former members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), including popular Retired Senior Superintendent of Police, SSP Reneto Adams, are banned by the United States, for what has been described as the gross violations of human rights.

Grenada's Ministry of Health reported that a cluster of 26 positive COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed, originating from the Sandals resort on the island.

Rena Lalgie, Bermuda's first Black and female Governor, was sworn into office on December 14 during closed ceremony at Government House.

The House of Assembly in the Turks and Caicos was dissolved on December 24, paving the way for a general election in early 2021.

Jamaica and Grenada have joined a growing list of countries that have issued a travel ban against the UK following growing concerns over a new fast-spreading strain of COVID-19.

ADE WI M REAL

TH

DELICIOUS DESSERT MEDLEY

BY

December

October Close to 200 Jamaicans were honored for their exemplary contribution to the development of the nation during a virtual ceremony on National Heroes' Day. The awardees included Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes Hazelle Rogers, Olympian Merlene Joyce Ottey, leading football goal scorer Khadija Shaw and Comedian and actor Oliver

the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves created history in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) when he led his ruling Unity Labor Party (ULP) to a comfortable fifth consecutive victory in the general election on November 5.

Belize's main opposition People's United Party (PUP) led by John Briceno, romped home to a convincing victory in the general election on November 11.

Jamaica's Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development tables a motion in the House of Representatives seeking to make Portmore its own parish.

In a leaked call, vice president of the People's National Party, Damion Crawford is heard ripping into the new leadership of the party and slamming longtime PNP member, Lisa Hanna.

NELCIA’S NATURAL HERBS Starting at only

5

$

Weight & Wellness Store 6096 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise FL 33313 Tel: 954.861.7272

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

A7

EDITORIAL

Efcient Plans Needed For Vaccinating Floridians Despite the widespread optimism with which Americans welcomed 2021, it was nonetheless accepted that an unfortunate carryover from 2020 would be the COVID-19 pandemic.

As 2020 ended, there was stark evidence of rising cases and related deaths from the pandemic.

But there was a reason for hope with the news of the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines in December.

But as the reality of the new year settles, it's sadly evident that the mismanagement within the Trump administration, and also the Ron DeSantis administration in Florida, that surrounded the efforts to control COVID-19 from it first was identified in the U.S. in February 2020, has extended to the management of distributing and applying the vaccine to Americans.

In the summer of 2020, the Trump administration, to its credit, rolled out “Operation Warp Speed” an initiative to speed up the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. But it seems while officials within the administration focused on pushing the pharmaceuticals and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to produce and authorize a vaccine, little thought was given to the logistics of distribution and application of the vaccine to millions of Americans.

When the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna were finally approved by the FDA and ready to be distributed, the Trump administration proudly announced 20 million Americans would receive either vaccine by December 31, 2020. This has proven to be an unrealistic projection. As of January 4, only 4.6 million people have been vaccinated. Several states, including Florida, complained of not receiving the doses of vaccines

promised by the federal government, despite the huge publicity given to those who first received the vaccine.

Reacting to the state's complaints, and President-elect Joe Biden's criticism for the slow distribution of the vaccine to the states, President Trump passed the blame on to the states. “The administration has distributed the vaccine,” Trump tweeted. “Now it is up to states to administer. Get moving!”

The issue is that the states have not received enough vaccines, nor do they have sufficient funds to “get moving.” Additionally, there is no national plan to distribute the vaccine in the midst of a grave national health crisis, and no evidence of plans for states—like Florida—to distribute even the insufficient vaccines they received.

Florida received only 180,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and, days later, 127,100 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Obviously, 300,000 doses of vaccine were insufficient to meet Florida's demand—with the state being third in contracted COVID-19 cases nationally. Moreover, while CDC regulations for the application of the vaccines identified emergency workers as being among the priority groups to get the vaccine, DeSantis, in his bombastic wisdom, announced that following hospital and medical workers, the next group to receive the vaccine in Florida would be seniors over age 65. Granted, it could be assumed DeSantis made the decision based on the fact seniors are the group most vulnerable to the virus.

But DeSantis had no plan for applying the scarce doses of vaccines to over three million Florida residents over age 65. South Florida counties quickly seized the initiative to plan vaccinating seniors. Broward County set up a telephone line so seniors could call to make vaccine appointments, but the line was, not surprisingly, overwhelmed with calls and people could not get through.

A similar situation occurred in Palm Beach County, where another phone line for seniors to make such appointments was described as “a total mess.” On Tuesday, the Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County launched a website for people 65 and older to make vaccination appointments.

Wouldn't it be better if the general South Florida community had a comprehensive vaccination plan?

Broward County health officials announced appointments made by seniors to be vaccinated extend to February. This means the most vulnerable residents will continue to be exposed to COVID-19 for months unless the federal government moves with utmost urgency to access and distribute more vaccine doses, and states make copious, sensible plans to distribute vaccines as they are received.

Biden named the top health officials in his incoming administration weeks ago. Hopefully, these officials are involved in planning strategies for extending testing for the virus, acquiring and distributing more vaccines, and getting more people vaccinated.

Vaccinating the estimated 260 million Americans the CDC says are eligible for the vaccine is a major task. The national plan requires collaboration between federal and state governments, and between state, county, and city governments.

Biden has said his plan is to vaccinate one million Americans daily this year. Sounds good, but such projections require making pragmatic plans for its realistic execution—which one hopes Biden is making.

As millions of nervous Americans wait to be vaccinated, it cannot be emphasized enough that plans to acquire, distribute, and apply these vaccinations efficiently are overdue.

P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com

MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

B1

Disgraceful from A1

“All of us here do not want to see our election victory stolen by emboldened, left, radical Democrats,” Trump told the crowd. “That’s what they’ve done and what they’re doing…We will never concede.

This was not a close election.”

He is still president

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

Fl ori da th at ha d be en th e hardest hit by COVID-19. DeSantis spoke at a news conference at a drivethrough testing site at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens,where he announced he would sign an order urging residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties to stay at home until at least April 15.

Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-07 instructing Broward County residents to wear masks when visiting essential businesses, and providing essential services during in-person interactions with the public.

Some Florida beaches began to reopen on Friday, April 17 even as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state surpassed 25,000.

Florida's Department of Management Services Secretary Jonathan Satter announced Floridians submitting unemployment claims will receive payments retroactively to the day of their job loss, if that date is later than March 9.

Florida was experiencing a faulty unemployment system and a record number of claims from furloughed

COMMUNITY

January Broward Census 2020 Complete Count Committee Chair, Commissioner Nan H. Rich welcomed U.S. Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham on his first official visit to Broward County. The Census Bureau Director was a featured guest at the Broward County Census Complete Count Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 8 at the Broward Governmental Center.

Elected officials and community

election campaign for mayor of the City of Miami Gardens.

March Officials in Miami-Dade County canceled major events like the Hispanic carnival Calle Ocho and the Ultra Music Festival in an effort to curb potential spread of COVID-19 which has reached South Florida.

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis issued an executive order, for a state of emergency as a response to the

In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order, for a state of emergency as a response to the spread of COVID-19 in Florida. leaders from the hospitality industry from throughout Broward County gathered on January 17 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center to celebrate the $1 billion Broward County Convention Center expansion and Headquarters Hotel project.

February To commemorate the second anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, MiamiDade County Public Schools (MDCPS) joins its neighbors in Broward, and school districts across the country, in honoring the 17 victims who were killed on that fateful day.

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved five HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) awards to assist in the development of affordable housing totaling $2.55 million, leveraging $85.6 million in other funding and resulting in 310 affordable units to help provide more affordable housing opportunities in that county.

Lavern Deer, senior program project coordinator for the Broward County Human Services Department, and founder/CEO for the non-profit organization Female Development World Organization Inc launched her

spread of COVID-19 in Florida.

Broward County temporarily closed county parks and implemented schedule changes and activities to support social distancing for bus riders. The County also restated some provisions of the previous emergency order regarding essential businesses.

Following his discovery in an intoxicated state in a Miami Beach hotel on March 13, by Miami Beach Police, Andrew Gillum, 40, former Tallahassee mayor and 2018 Democratic Party candidate for Florida governor decided to voluntarily enter a rehabilitation facility.

As coronavirus continued to spread across the state of Florida, several curfews were implemented across South Florida in addition to the statewide State of Emergency.

Schools across the state were closed, as well as bars, entertainment venues and restaurants. In Miami, all commercial lodgings including hotels, motels and short-term rentals were shut down and guests ordered to leave.

Florida had 830 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

April Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a four-county “safer-at-home” order covering counties in South

open with operational conditions, with a list of guidelines outlined by Mayor Oliver Gilbert.

June The Broward County Chiefs of Police Association (BCCPA) showed their solidarity against the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and announces a plan of action.

Law enforcement agencies across Broward County joined BSO in participating in the countywide Racial Equity and Implicit Bias Training Program for law enforcement officers which aims to combat racism.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony committed $1 million to fund the launch of this program.

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam took up the challenge from former President Barack Obama to review police use of force policies. On June 3rd Obama held a virtual town hall event with young people to discuss policing and the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Obama urged American mayors to review use of force policies with their communities and commit to report on planned reforms before prioritizing their implementation.

On June 16, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) reached a tentative agreement with the United Teachers of Dade (UTD), for increase in salaries. The increases include a new minimum starting salary of $47,500 for teachers.

Broward County imposed harsher penalties for businesses that fail to

More than 400 Florida residents who lived in long-term care facilities died from COVID-19, according to data released by the state's health department on May 1. and laid-off employees dealing with economic fallout from the COVID pandemic.

May More than 400 Florida residents who lived in long-term care facilities died from COVID-19, according to data released by the state's health department on May 1.

The City of Miramar announced approximately 1,000 employees will be furloughed 8 hours per week as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The time furloughs would affect all full-time employees including city administration.

The City of Miami Gardens officially authorized Barber Shops, Hair Salons and Nail Shops to re-

comply with the emergency orders.

Jamaica's former Consul General to Miami, John P. Atkins passed peacefully on June 14 at his home in Miami, after a long period of illness.

He was 78 years of age.

July The mayors of Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach County and Monroe County closed public beaches for the July 4th weekend to prevent COVID-19 spread.

The City of Lauderhill announced the closure of all city buildings, parks and recreational facilities after 20 of its 600 employees recently tested positive for COVID-19.

Ivy Peat, one of the oldest

Faced with the prospect of 13 more days with Donald Trump as president, many people are worried about what else he might do, given the power he has as commander in chief. Commissioner Holness does not believe we should take any chances.

Holness said, “I believe the 25th Amendment should be invoked and he should be immediately removed from any access to any instrument of power. Members of his party should rebuke him and shun him so they can remove their complicity from empowering him to continue doing what he has done.”

Even former Attorney General and Trump loyalist William Barr is condemning the president’s role in the siege of the Capitol. According to the Associated Press, Barr said in a statement Thursday, “orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable.” He also called Trump’s conduct, while his supporters were storming the Capitol, a “betrayal of his office and supporters.”

One of the issues that will remain, given the swath of people, upwards of 74 million, who voted for Trump and many who believe his lies that the election was stolen from him, is that the Biden-Harris administration will have a very difficult time convincing them or even proving their legitimacy. Holness believes that the treasonous attempts yesterday will “open the eyes of many Americans to realize that there is a much better way to handle our differences than to follow this disgusting path that Donald Trump has utilized.”

Biden’s presidential win Confirmed Following the failed coup, however, a resolute Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner before dawn on Thursday—in essence refusing to allow mob rule to win.

Vice President Mike Pence, who has been one of the president’s most ardent supporters, announced the final result of 306 to 232 electoral votes.

A defiant Trump, who still has not accepted defeat, subsequently promised a smooth transition of power on Inauguration Day. In a statement posted to Twitter by an aide, Trump said, “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.”

It remains to be seen, in these last days of the failed Trump presidency, whether he will continue to wage war against democracy or retreat to a corner to mull over his defeat.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

2020

B3

YEAR IN REVIEW

disparities and raising awareness to achieve racial equity and equality, focused around the topics of “Implicit Bias” and “Anti Racism.”

The webinar was kicked off by Miami Music Project president Anna Klimala.

September Ivy Peat, one of the oldest members of the Jamaican community in South Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday July 10, at age 105. members of the Jamaican community in South Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday July 10, at age 105, just two months shy of her 106th birthday.

August In recognition of Jamaica's 58th anniversary of Independence, the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami held a virtually streamed annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 2.

The official theme for this year's celebration was “Jamaica 58 Resilient and Strong.”

Pioneer Jamaican-American politician Hazelle Rogers, Mayor of the City of Lauderdale Lakes, was awarded the Order of Distinction (0D) in the rank of Commander by the Jamaican government in appreciation for her years of service in the Jamaican diaspora.

Broward County led a countywide campaign encouraging all employers, large and small, to dedicate 10-15 minutes for employees to complete the 2020 Census.

The Miami Music Project continued their webinar series aimed at eliminating racial

Three months after appointing Jamaican-American Palm Beach County judge Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court, the high court ruled Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his authority with her appointment. DeSantis replaced her with Judge Jamie Grosshans from the 5th District of Appeal in Daytona Beach.

Portions of NW 70 Avenue between Commercial Boulevard and Inverrary Boulevard was renamed Rev. Herron Avenue after longtime community leader and Jamaican American Reverend Melville Herron.

Gov. DeSantis announced Broward and Miami-Dade counties, move into the second phase of reopening on Monday, September 14. Palm Beach County entered the previous week. Phase two reopening allowed opening of movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, bowling alleys, playhouses and arcades to operate at 50 percent capacity, under strict rules. Bars remained closed in all three counties.

Miramar Police Chief Dexter Williams, the president of the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association (BCCPA), issued a position statement addressing the civil unrest resulting from the death of George Floyd, saying the association stands in solidarity with the Minneapolis community.

Sept. 29 is declared Mayor Hazelle Rogers Day, in the City of Lauderhill honoring Mayor Rogers for her notable achievement from the Jamaican Government. This

acknowledgement is in recognition of Mayor Rogers' years of outstanding public service which began some 25 years ago.

October After being pressured by the DeSantis administration to reopen schools earlier than initially planned, Broward County Public Schools began welcoming students to physical classes beginning on October 9. Miami-Dade also decides to open schools.

COMMUNITY

turned out in historic numbers to vote in the U.S. Presidential Election. Not only was the community instrumental in the tri-county area of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade voting for Democratic nominee Joe Biden, the community also elected a record number of Caribbean Americans for political offices in the region.

Jamaican educator James

Broward Mall in Plantation, Florida.

Dale V. C. Holness' one-year term as Broward County mayor ended. Steve Geller is appointed new mayor by the Broward County Commission and Michael Udine the new vice mayor.

December Governor Ron DeSantis said schools will be required to remain open despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, arguing that lockdowns and closures have not worked.

The new mayor of Miami, Daniella Levine Cava, tested positive for COVID-19.

Jamaican-American attorney Danielle Cohen Higgins was appointed Miami-Dade County's commissioner for District 8 to fill the seat vacated by Miami-Dade's new mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Higgins was selected by a 10-1 vote in a special meeting of the MiamiDade Commission.

Sept. 29 is declared Mayor Hazelle Rogers Day, in the City of Lauderhill B r o w a r d C o u n t y Commissioners unanimously, with a 9-0 vote, passes an ordinance to create a police and criminal justice review board which will investigate patterns and trends in policing, including unwarranted use of force.

The Jamaica Diaspora Back to School Supplies Drive was a huge success. Thanks to several Diaspora organizations, partners, and individual donors, donations exceeded US$14,000 were used to purchase school supplies benefiting over 1,500 Jamaican students in over 20 schools.

November Voters in South Florida's Caribbean-American community

Sinclair, a former Jamaica College Student, was named Teacher of the Year 2020-21 at the Pines Middle School in Broward County, Florida.

Three Broward families attended the dedication of their forever homes on November 21, thanks to a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity of Broward and the City of Miramar. The partnership is part of a six-home affordable housing development created to provide safe, decent new homes to low-income working families needing affordable housing.

The Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education or Island SPACE launched a soft opening of the first Caribbean-American Heritage Museum located at the Westfield

New York City nurse, Sandra Lindsay, a Jamaican American, was the first person in the U.S. to receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine .

Despite some reticence among the community to take a COVID-19 vaccine, many within the Jamaican diaspora expressed pride that New York City ICU nurse, Sandra Lindsay, a Jamaican American, was the first person in the U.S. to receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine approved by the FDA.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

2020

January

YEAR IN REVIEW

American pop artist and former Disney star Miley Cyrus decided to settle a USD $300 million copyright infringement lawsuit with Jamaican entertainer, Flourgon. In the lawsuit by the Jamaican songwriter, he accuses the pop star of stealing lyrics in her 2013 smash, “We Can't Stop”

Miley Cyrus decides to sele a USD $300 million copyright infringement lawsuit with Jamaican entertainer, Flourgon. from a similar song he recorded over 20 years ago.

Dancehall veteran Buju Banton to be featured on the soundtrack of “Bad Boys For Life,” the third installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Banton contributed a song titled “Murda She Wrote,” a nod to the 1994 dancehall hit of the same name by Chaka Demus & Pliers.

Barry Moncrieffe, a respected figure in Jamaica's creative dance movement, died on January 17 in Kingston at age 78. The cause of death was colon cancer. Moncrieffe was a stalwart of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), joining its ranks in 1963, one year after it

ENTERTAINMENT

was surrounded by his entire family.

Veteran reggae singer Keith “Bob Andy” Anderson dies in Jamaica, at the age of 75. Glory Music principal, Tommy Cowan, confirmed to The Jamaica Gleaner, that Anderson, who had been ailing for some time, passed away on March 27 while at home in Stony Hill, St. Andrew.

Buju Banton scores big at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The popular deejay won a total of seven awards at the event which was held virtually on March 25.

As the coronavirus spread across the Caribbean, the government of St. Lucia decided to postpone the 2020 carnival until July 2021. This year's event was to be held from July 15 to July 22.

April Jamaica's Court of Appeal reduced the time dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his three co-

Koffee snags the Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album” for her “Rapture” EP at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26. was formed by Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas.

Koffee snagged the Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album” for her “Rapture” EP at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26. Koffee created history by becoming the youngest reggae act and also the first female artist to win the Grammy for “Best Reggae Album.”

February Grammy-winning R&B artist, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds kicked off Black history month celebrations in Miramar with a concert at the Miramar Cultural Center.

The City of Miramar's Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis hosted the Afro Carib Festival at the Miramar Amphitheater on Saturday, February 29. The signature event is part of a monthlong celebration of Black History Month.

March In support of Barbados' fight against the coronavirus (COVID19), the island's Prime Minister Mia Mottley announces Bajan superstar Rihanna offers to purchase ventilators worth a total BB$1.4 million (US $700,000) to help the country fight against the pandemic.

Country music legend Kenny Rogers dies on March 20 at the age of 81. Rogers, who was under hospice care at the time of his passing, died of natural causes. He

actor Clive Duncan. The veteran actor reportedly died on July 16 following a battle with cancer.

South Florida resident and popular Jamaican crooner and author Highland “Dobby” Dobson OD died on Tuesday, July 21 in a local hospital from complications arising from COVID-19 according to a family member. He was 78 years old.

Reggae and dancehall entertainer Buju Banton earned the

convicts must serve before becoming eligible for parole. Two and a half years was shaved off the deejay's lengthy sentence after the appellate court found an oversight in the trial judge's ruling. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, must now serve at least 32 years and 6 months instead of the 35 years minimum he was sentenced to serve for the murder of his associate Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

On Easter Sunday, some of Jamaica's biggest names in music raises millions of U.S. dollars to help doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in the fight against COVID19, with Jamaica's first-ever government-led telethon, “Together We Stand,” a six-hour virtual concert.

'Best of the Best,' the annual Caribbean stage show held in Miami, is canceled due to COVID19. The organizers of the festival confirmed they have decided to prioritize the safety of their patrons and promoters as the virus spread across Florida, and the United States.

In March, country music legend Kenny Rogers dies on March 20 at the age of 81.

Jamaican culture was fully on display for the world to see on May 23, during the online clash between dancehall veterans Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. The deejays were part of the Verzuz music bale series created by American Record Producers Swizz Beats and Timbaland on Instagram.

May Across the diaspora, tributes rolled in for Jamaican Singer, Millie Small, known around the world for her 1960s hit “My Boy Lollipop.”

She died in the UK on May 5 after suffering a stroke, according to reports. Small was 73 years old.

South Florida's own “Ms. B,” Soul Singer Betty Wright dies from cancer on May 10 at 66 years old.

According to reports, she had been diagnosed with endometrial cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the uterus) in the fall of 2019 and died at her home in Miami, Florida on Sunday.

Top reggae and dancehall producer, Robert “Bobby Digital” Dixon has died. The producer succumbed to a kidney-related illness. He was 59. Bobby Digital was one of the first Jamaican producers to experiment with digital rhythms in the 1980s and went on to become one of Jamaica's most influential music producers.

Jamaican culture was fully on display for the world to see on May 23, during the online clash between dancehall veterans Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. The deejays were part of the Verzuz music battle series created by American Record Producers Swizz Beats and Timbaland on Instagram. The clash lasted over two hours on Instagram, with almost 500,000 viewers on Instagram and a record-breaking 3.7 million viewers across all platforms.

June Buju Banton releases his new full-length project on June 26.

Dubbed Upside Down 2020, the album is his first LP in 10 years and doubled the tracklist of his 2010 Grammy-winning album, Before the Dawn, with 20 songs.

The founder and lead choreographer of renowned Jamaican dance group, L'Acadco, Dr. L'Antoinette Stines files a lawsuit against music superstars Jay Z and Beyonce for her work on a 2018 album by The Carters called Everything is Love. Stines claims the superstar duo took her work, used it on a key portion of the track, “Black Effect,” without giving her any credit or money.

Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died on August 28 of colon cancer, his representative said. He was 43.

Popular dancehall artist Rygin King was hospitalized in Jamaica aer he and two others were shot in Westmoreland on June 26.

Popular dancehall artist Rygin King was hospitalized in Jamaica after he and two others were shot in Westmoreland on June 26.

July Buju Banton's album Upside Down 2020, his first in a decade, sold 2,995 copies in its first week and debuted at number two on the Billboard Reggae Album chart.

The Jamaican entertainment fraternity plunged into mourning, following the passing of long-time

In July, Buju Banton's album Upside Down 2020 debuted at number two on the Billboard Reggae Album chart.

title of “Mr. Festival” after winning the 2020 Festival Song Competition, with his song entry “I Am A Jamaican.” Papa Michigan placed second with his entry “Jamaica Dance,” while the actress and television presenter, Sakina Deer, placed third with “We are Jamaica.”

The coronavirus pandemic did not put a damper on Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest, which took place virtually, on July 24 and 25.

Performers includes Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Koffee, and Sizzla.

August Veteran Jamaican entertainers like comedian Oliver Samuels, singers Eric Donaldson and Keith Lyn, deejay Big Youth and former Third World drummer Willie Stewart, are among those honored in Jamaica's annual National Honors and Awards for 2020.

Former President Barack Obama, in publishing his now annual summer music playlist, again selected Jamaican reggae artists. This year, his list of 53 songs feature three Jamaicans: Koffee, Popcaan and Bob Marley.

Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died on August 28 of colon cancer, his representative said. He was 43.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

C1

2020

December

artist Buju Banton received massive backlash for an anti-mask rant he made on social media. In the series of videos posted to his Instagram account, the deejay lashed out at the Jamaican government while calling for an end to mask-wearing.

More than 100,000 people from more than 28 countries watched the return of Reggae Sunsplash live and post-live online on November 27 and 28, according to organizers. After a 14-year hiatus, the brand was re-introduced virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic.

YEAR IN REVIEW

ENTERTAINMENT

November

In September, Jamaican reggae legend Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert, the front-man of reggae and ska band Toots & the Maytals, dies at age 77. be so lucky. Prime Minister Keith Rowley says unless COVID-19 is no longer a threat to the island by Christmas, carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, scheduled for February 2021, is not on.

September Jamaican reggae legend Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert, the front-man of reggae and ska band Toots & the Maytals, dies at age 77. Hibbert died from COVID-19 in Kingston, Jamaica surrounded by his family, the group announced on September 11.

Hibbert is credited with popularizing reggae music and even naming the genre—his 1968 single “Do the Reggay” is the first song to use the term.

Like every other fun event, amid the threat of COVID-19, the Jamaica Carnival was canceled this year—Jamaica Carnival organizers won't be holding the annual road march and other carnival-related activities until April 11, 2021.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the few countries in the Caribbean region to hold their annual carnival in 2020, but in 2021, they may not

October Two Reggae icons: Singer/Songwriter Johnny Nash and Producer Bunny Lee died in early October. On October 6, Johnny Nash, best known for his 1972 hit “I Can See Clearly Now,” died of natural causes at his home in Houston. He was 80-years-old.

Just hours after Nash's death, news came that Bunny “Striker” Lee, legendary reggae producer died.

The producer, whose real name was Edward O'Sullivan Lee, died after battling kidney problems for several months. He was 79 years old.

Veteran Reggae/Dancehall

Singer/Songwriter Johnny Nash dies at 80.

Producer Bunny Lee dies at 79.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, INC. Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Open

7 days

*All statutory fees will still apply and has to be paid. A valid ID, TRN and Power of Attorney are required

Packaging and Creating service available.

Door To Door service in Jamaica Special package for returning resident.

3790 NW 16th St. Lauderhill, FL 33311

954-581-4655 4711 N. Australian Ave. WPB, FL 33407

561-844-2820

Dancehall artist, Laden sentenced to five years.

Popular dancehall artist, Laden, was sentenced to five- and-a-half years in prison when he appeared in court in the parish of St. Elizabeth on December 17. Laden pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He will serve only four years as the sentences are to run concurrently.

Jazz and Blues Festival will return in a new format for its 2021 staging from January 28 to 30.

Miqueal-Symone Williams, a 23-year-old model, was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2020.

More than 100,000 people from more than 28 countries watch the return of Reggae Sunsplash live and post-live online on November 27 and 28, according to organizers.

! h s u r e h t t BSheipanow in time for Christmas!

SAFARI Avoid the hassle and long wait.

For your convenience we will also clear customs for you at a minimal fee!

Jamaica's annual pantomime production on Boxing Day, December 26, was canceled due to COVID. This is an event Jamaicans across the diaspora visiting the island during the Christmas holiday looked towards for decades.

Toots Hibbert was laid to rest at the National Heroes Park in Kingston on November 15 following a small interment service.

The Grammy nominations for Best Reggae Album were announced on November 24. The nominees are 'Got to Be Tough' by Toots and the Maytals; 'Upside Down 2020' by Buju Banton; 'Higher Place' by Skip Marley; 'It All Comes Back to Love' by Maxi Priest; and 'One World' by The Wailers.

ton s g n i K o t l e r r Any ba ay B o g e t n o M r o $ only

40

to help you through Bethese covid safe difcult times Ask about our pick up, customs clearance & delivery services.

Shipping to Jamaica?

Think Safari!

Offer subject to change without notice.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

The Community Network We’re Now

LOOKING FOR

Skilled, Reliable, Professional Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) Competitive Rates Hourly and Live-In Male and Female

Licensed, Bonded Insured

Tri-County Nurse Registry

954.382.1932 CommunityNetworkPlantation@gmail.com

SEEKING INVESTMENT PARTNER Jamaican seeking potential investment partner for the development of an apartment complex on the outskirts of half way tree in Kingston Jamaica.

Serious enquiries only.

Call 305-401-1197

LPN s wanted Licensed Practical Nurses

– Group Home Setting – 12 hr shifts (day or night available) – Location: Broward County (Miramar and Coral Springs)

954-228-4501

ALEXANDER GROUP HOMES

Palm Beach County’s #1 Funeral & Cremation Provider to the Caribbean Community Tel: 561.557.4739

Shama Rhoden

Kilon Rhoden

Chief Executive Officer

Family Care Coordinator

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

lakesidefuneralcare.com

Juice

Wheels Tires & Service

MEDIX URGENT CARE CENTER Don’t spend hours in the emergency room. Come to us for...

New & Used Tires Tire Rotation & Balance 4 Wheel Alignment Full Brakes Service 3653 NW 19th Street Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 www.JuiceWheelsAndTires.com

954.486.2252 / 954.486.2219

Cough, Colds, Flu, Pregnancy Tests Suture Repair & Removal

Medication Re ills Immunizations

30

$

...and all minor care

School, Sports and Work Physicals

G License Physical....... $50 HHA/CNA.................... $250/$300 CPR............................. $50/$35 Inservices.................... $10 each

Mon.-Fri: 9am – 7pm Sat: Closed Sun: 11am – 5pm

(or $60 for complete package)

Immigration Medicals $295

Doctor’s Visits $75

2331 N. State Rd. 7, Suite 102, Lauderhill, FL 33313 (954) 484-8444

www.medixucc.com

BANKRUPTCY - FORECLOSURE DEFENSE Immigration Credit Restoration Real Estate Civil & Business Litigation

D&S LAW GROUP P.A ELIAS LEONARD DSOUZA, ESQ. www.DsouzaLegalGroup.com

Email: dtdlaw@aol.com

8751 W. Broward Blvd St 301, Plantation FL 33324

Free Initial Consultation

Payment Plans Available

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM –

2020

January

YEAR IN REVIEW

Jamaican sprinters, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Tajay Gayle were named the 2019 RJRGleaner Sports Foundation Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the event ceremony on January 17 in Kingston.

Former Los Angeles Superstar, Kobe Bryant, 41, and his thirteenyear-old daughter, Gianna Maria Bryant, were killed in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles on January 26.

Former Los Angeles Superstar, Kobe Bryant, 41, and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Bryant, were killed in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles on January 26.

February The Reggae Girlz ended their 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship with a stunning 7-0 win over St. Kitts and Nevis in their Group B fixture on February 4 at HEB Park in Edinburg, Texas. For Jamaica, it was a historic night as they earned their first-ever CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying victory, which came four days after they suffered a humiliating 9-0 whipping against Canada.

The life-size statue of Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell was unveiled at a special ceremony at Independence Park, National Stadium in Kingston.

The 37-year-old athlete was

accompanied by his wife, Alyshia Miller-Powell and newborn son, Amieke.

The 2020 IAAF World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing is postponed because of fears over the spread of the coronavirus in China and Japan.

March The 2020 Boys' and Girls' Championships in Kingston was cancelled following a meeting with Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA), Ministry of Health and Wellness and Title sponsors, Grace Kennedy.

Retired Jamaican long-distance runner Kemoy Campbell sought assistance from the public to clear a hefty medical bill of US $200,000 after undergoing an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) surgery.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach agreed to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until no later than the summer of 2021.

April

The life-size statue of Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell was unveiled at a special ceremony at Independence Park, National Stadium in Kingston.

Veteran Jamaican footballer Leonard “Chicken” Mason died in Brooklyn, New York on October 31

SPORTS May

Kobe and eight other people including his daughter, also known as “GiGi” were on their away to basketball practice at Mamba Academy when the helicopter went down in Calabasas, California. A fire broke out and emergency personnel responded, but there were no survivors.

C3

Former FIFA executive, Trinidadian Jack Warner again found himself at the center of corruption charges after being implicated in a 53-count indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.

The coronavirus pandemic continued to wreak havoc on the Caribbean football calendar, with organizers forced to postpone the final stage of the Caribbean Club Championship along with the 2021 Gold Cup qualifiers set for June.

Top NFL quarterback Tom Brady joined dozens of athletes in calling for a U.S. federal investigation into the shooting death of unarmed Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery, 25, whose killing by two white men in Georgia was captured on a video, triggering wide outrage.

Haitian-American tennis star 22-year-old Naomi Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete of all time.

legend Michael Holding gave one of the most powerful speeches in the game's history in July, articulating the widespread disgust with the ills of racism and outlining how education could be used to eradicate the menace in society.

England's cricketers vowed to follow the lead of their West Indies opponents and wear the Black Lives Matter logo on their shirt collars in the three-Test series starting next week.

Veteran Jamaican footballer Leonard “Chicken” Mason died in Brooklyn, New York on October 31 at the age of 72, after years of battling an undisclosed illness.

November Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona died. The retired Argentinian midfielder, well known for leading that country to the World Cup in 1986 as captain, died of a heart attack at his home on November 25.

August

Haitian-American tennis star 22-year-old Naomi Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete of all time.

Cricket West Indies slashed staff and player incomes in half, in an attempt to remain viable amidst mounting financial troubles due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Jamaican-born basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.

June English Premier League (EPL) players, including Jamaican Raheem Sterling, took a stance and replaced their names on their soccer jersey with the racial justice logo “Black Lives Matter.”

Football's world governing body FIFA confirmed CONCACAF's planned qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup have been postponed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

July

Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt tested positive for the coronavirus, just days after celebrating his 34th birthday in August.

Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran the fastest time in the women's 100 meters this year, after clocking 10.86 seconds to win at the sixth Velocity fest meet held in Kingston on August 22. The easy win saw her improve on her 10.87 seconds which was previously the fastest time, set at a local meet on August 8.

Jamaica sp rinte r E laine Thompson-Herah was included in a shortlist of five athletes in contention for the World Athletics 2020 Female Athlete of the Year.

September

December

Haitian-American tennis star, Naomi Osaka defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships to win her second U.S. Open title.

Jamaican Sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah set a new worldleading time in the women's 100 meters on September 17 when she won the event at the Diamond League event in Rome with a time of 10.85 seconds.

October Legendary fast bowler Courtney Walsh was appointed head coach of West Indies Women cricketers, just 24 hours after they suffered a chastening 5-0 whitewash at the hands of England.

Legendary former West Indies batsman Sir Everton Weekes, the last surviving member of the distinguished Three Ws, died in Barbados on July 1 following a long illness.

Live Life Without the Problems that West Indies

Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona dies in November.

Garth Gayle, the secretary of the JAAA for the past 20 years, was elected as the new president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, soundly defeating former Olympic sprint champion Donald Quarrie.

Former Jamaican youth footballer Kyle Butler publicly announced he had been enduring years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of his father.

Swimming sensation and Olympian, Alia Atkinson was named as Champion Ambassador of the Special Olympics Movement.

Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt was voted the best male track and field athlete in the past 75 years

by Athletics Weekly.

SISTER ALBERTA

GOD GIFTED SPIRITUAL ADVISOR & LIFE COACH are Blocking your Inner Peace & Joy.

Jealous people Can Set You Back & Block You From Obtaining Your Goals More Than You Will Ever Know.

Sister Alberta has Over 30 Years of Experience in Solving All Troubles of Life Such As Generation Curses, Evil Influence, Sickness, Reuniting loved

One Call Will Truly Convince You About Her God Given Gift.

954-770-0984 All Readings & Spiritual Cleanings are dobe in the privacy of here home in Broward 100% Guaranteed.

Lucy Bell Powerful Spiritual Healer and Advisor Brings back your lover.

Solves all problems.

Calls enemies by name.

Also lucky days, lucky numbers.

Guarantees amazing help

Over 62 years of experience.

Call now for free reading

817-485-7737

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JAN 7 – JAN 13, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T