Caribbean National Weekly March 17, 2022

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THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022

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MIYA’S LAW PASSED

TOP STORIES Trinidad Prime Minister Reshufes Cabinet Shenseea in the Lineup for Reggae Sumfest 2022 Female Legislator seeking to Create Political History in Belize

Florida Lawmakers Unanimously Pass Miya's Law, Honoring Deceased Caribbean-American Student

Florida Governor signs Bill to Change Student Testing

By Jhaneal Lewis CNW Reporter

Nearly six months after the killing of Miya Marcano, the young college student whose death rocked the Caribbean-American community, Florida legislators have passed a bill mandating stronger protections for tenants. continues on B4 – Miya’s Law

Historic Legislation Passed in Jamaica Jamaica’s Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention Act) 2021 will be officially rolled out on April 2, according to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange.

She made the disclosure as she said Government is committed to ensuring that Jamaica’s women remain at the forefront of national and international policies and programs for sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“As we advance the cause for gender equality and justice, we remind ourselves and the nation that the right to live free from fear or harm is enshrined in our Constitution and in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, to which we are a

“

As we advance the cause for gender equality and justice, we remind ourselves and the nation that the right to live free from fear or harm is enshrined in our Constitution and in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, to which we are a signatory,” – Olivia Grange

signatory,” she noted.

The long-awaited legislation aimed at tackling sexual harassment in Jamaica, was approved by both Houses of Parliament in October 2021.

Following extensive debate on Friday (October 1), the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021, was passed in the Senate, after being approved in the Lower House in July with ten amendments. It was endorsed by both Government and Opposition Senators with an additional 13 amendments.

When closing the debate on the Bill, Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said it represents “a significant milestone in our very long history to provide protection to victims of sexual harassment”.

The legislation addresses concerns about sexual harassment that are employment-related, occurring continues on A6 – Historic Legislation

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

la section haitienne

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Nick Perry Conrmed as New US Ambassador to Jamaica A3

Martine Moïse Seeks Closure After Husband’s Assassination A7

Buju Banton Says New Album is Ready B2

CPL to Include Women's Edition Alongside Men's Tourney C3

Caribbean Court of Justice Rules in Favor of GuyaneseAmerican businessman Barbados Private Sector Group Generally Pleased with Budget Statement Jamaica’s Davina Bennett- Her Afro Legacy & Life after Miss Universe Suriname signs MOU with Brussels

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

PAGE A2 Opposi on spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Lisa Hanna (right) shows her support for dancehall ar ste Shenseea at her album release party in Kingston, Jamaica on March 15, 2022. Photo: Lisa Hanna/Instagram

Patrons were on their feet and dancing at the Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest held over the weekend at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. – Contributed

Tamarac's Teen Council enjoyed a weekend outdoors, working hard to clear and ll the land northeast of University Drive and Southgate Boulevard. – Contributed

A resident of Los Angeles made her way to Miami Gardens for Jazz in the Gardens at the Hard Rock Stadium over the weekend. – Contributed

The newly appointed US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry visits Jamaican Consul General for New York Alsion Wilson at the Jamaican Consulate in New York recently. – Contributed

The host of Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest Rickey Smiley hangs out backstage at the event over the weekend. – Contributed

Jamaica government minister Alando Terrelonge (right) poses with the woman of the moment, Shenseea at her album release party in Kingston, Jamaica on March 15, 2022. – Contributed

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NEWSMAKER

Nick Perry Confirmed as New US Ambassador to Jamaica

By Jhaneal Lewis CNW Reporter

Jamaican-American Nick Perry has officially been confirmed as the new US Ambassador to Jamaica. Perry was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 10th, receiving more than the required 51 votes.

His nomination had also received the unanimous support of the US Foreign Relations Committee.

Perry replaces former Ambassador Donald Tapia, whose tenure ended in 2021 with the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Nick Perry is the first person born in Jamaica to hold this position.

He was nominated for the post by United States Senate Majority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer” who said that Jamaica-born Perry becoming the next ambassador would be “an important milestone”. President Biden announced Perry's nomination on November 3, 2021.

Born Noah Nicholas Perry, the seasoned politician was born and raised in St Andrew, Jamaica. He graduated from Kingston College in Kingston, and worked at the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union before immigrating to the United States in 1971.

The following year, he volun-

Perry

Tapia

teered for the United States Army, from which he was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist Five in 1978 after having served as an active-duty serviceman for two years and inactive reserve for four years.

Perry graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. in political Science. He later returned to Brooklyn College to study for an M.A.

in public policy and administration.

While in college, he was a student leader and student rights activist.

In 1983, Perry was appointed as a member of Brooklyn Community Board 17 - he would ultimately become chairman of that board. The following year, he ran as a candidate for District Leader in the 42nd Assembly District. He would later serve as a member of the Executive Board of the 67th Police Precinct and as a director of Flatbush East Community Development Corporation.

In 1992, following the 1990 Census, a new assembly district was added in Brooklyn, located in East Flatbush. Assemblyman Perry won

Born Noah Nicholas Perry, the seasoned politician was born and raised in St Andrew, Jamaica. He graduated from Kingston College High School in Kingston, and worked at the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union before immigrating to the United States in 1971. the new 58th District seat in the November 1992 election.

Since 2001, Perry has been the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Majority Conference and Majority Whip. He currently serves on the New York State Assembly Committees on Ways & Means, Rules, Codes, Labor, Transportation and Banks.

In 2006, Assemblyman Perry

declared his candidacy for the 11th Congressional District in New York State, which was being vacated by retiring Congressman Major Owens, and for which four other Democratic Party candidates were contending. In May 2016 he withdrew from the congressional race, which was seen as potentially assisting the candidacy of City Councilwoman Yvette Clarke whose family also hails from the Caribbean. Yvette Clarke went on to win the seat with Assembly-man Perry's strong backing.

Perry ran uncontested in his 2008, 2010 and 2012 general elections for State Assembly.

He and his wife Joyce reside in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. Perry's granddaughter is popular recording artist, Justine Skye. Via Twitter, she congratulated her grandfather, writing: “My grandfather accomplished a huge dream of his... US Ambassador of Jamaica! LETS GOOO!”. .

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

CARIBBEAN Trinidad Gov’t Dismisses calls for Devaluation of Currency Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Colm Imbert has dismissed suggestions by the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) for a devaluation of the local currency based on what it claimed to have been a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Opposition chief whip in the Senate, Wade Mark had asked Imbert to outline action to be taken to address the findings of the IMF in its latest report on the twin-island republic “in which it is stated that the country’s effective real exchange rate was overvalued by some 20.4 percent.”

Imbert told the Senate that if Mark read the report properly, he

Trinidad Gov’t Against Nationals Fighting in Russia-Ukraine War The Trinidad and Tobago government has advised citizens against getting involved in the Russia-Ukraine war after a newspaper reported that an opposition activist and business development consultant had expressed a desire to be among thousands of foreign volunteers wanting to engage in combat in Ukraine.

CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne told a news conference that while he would not want to say “too much on this topic, I certainly will not be saying anything to encourage that type of potential grandstanding “All I could do is sound a note of caution for the good sense, the welfare, and the physical wellbeing of all our nationals and encourage

Browne

persons not to take bad examples from those who might wish to be reckless, who might want to be on some sort of populist agenda which could put themselves and even our

national reputation in jeopardy”.

The Trinidad Guardian newspaper reported on Monday that United National Congress (UNC) activist Brian Stone is one of

the volunteer combatants who is now prepared to battle side-by-side with Ukrainians for freedom against Russian President Vladimir Putin's invading army.

The paper said Stone will be the country's first volunteer to fight in Ukraine's frontline if he achieves his goal and quoted him as saying “this decision did not come from the brain but from my heart.

“So far, it is a go. You have to look at it for what it is,” said Stone, with the newspaper indicating that he had served in the Canadian armed forces reserves.

“I understand very clearly the risks. I am not stupid. If Russian soldiers show up there, we will have to fight. I am prepared to do so. The continues on B4 – Trinidad Warns

Grenada to Ease all Restrictions of COVID by April The Grenada government Tuesday said it intends to remove all remaining measures put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) next month even as it urged citizens to continue to practice the health regulations to reduce new infections and deaths.

Health and Social Security Minister Nickolas Steele, speaking at the weekly post Cabinet news conference said Cabinet had discussed the issue “and made a decision that if the current trends continue” the remaining measures would be removed on April 4.

“If the picture that we are seeing continues to be the reality then we believe that on April

4…the final bits of restrictions can be and should be removed,” he said, noting that these restrictions are linked to vaccine differentiation, the wearing of masks “and any restrictions with respect to gatherings related to the spread of COVID-19” Several Caribbean countries have been reporting significant declines in the number of new cases of the virus and Steele said in the case of Grenada where 216 people have died and 13,690 others infected over the past two years, the health authorities have also reported significant declines.

“That is our sincere hope that this will happen (and) like everything else it is up to us to ensure there is a certain amount of what happens elsewhere. We will continue to monitor and analyse between now and then

(April 4) an even after that monitor and analyse the situation locally, regionally and globally and adjust accordingly.

“But Cabinet does believe based on the information received and consultation with our various national, regional and international partners that on April 4 the vaccine differentiation and mask mandates can be removed.

“However, let me be very clear on this. Like every other place that is private, the management or owners of those places have a right to dictated the conditions for entry,” Steele said, adding “we respect and would not interfere with any institution, any private establishment saying that they would still want to have in the interest of their patrons…that you must be vaccinated to enter”.

He said the government will respect those

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rights, adding “we are not out of the pandemic, we are trying to get to that new norm with the pandemic.

“There are still certain good practices that I do hope remain,” Steele said, making reference to the sanitisation of hands before entering a building.

He said given that much time and resources had been allocated to dealing with the pandemic, the new “normal” allows for the health authorities to deal with other areas of the health services that had been put on the back burner because of resources and personnel.

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A5

TALKUP

How are the high gas prices affecting you?

What changes have you made as a result?

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

EDITORIAL

Should Trinidad and Guyana Help Its CARICOM neighbors?

Historic I t seems as if our Caribbean people cannot get a break. Just when the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was slowly sliding away, here comes another economic crisis from the Russia/Ukraine war.

While oil seems to be the primary catalyst for the economic misfortunes, it must be noted that other commodities such as corn, wheat, and sunflower oil will compound the effect. All these products are used in food production and sunflower oil is an ingredient in paint and skincare products.

There is no denying however, that oil will cause the most significant economic setback for countries and the shock could be similar to that of the 1970s. Almost every production process uses oil and its derivatives. There are very few transportation systems that don't burn oil. Even though Russia's supply of oil is mainly to Europe, the market dynamics are causing a negative effect on prices. Oil prices are at the highest level since 2008, hitting a high of $128.00 per barrel, and a prolonged war could cause massive economic devastation.

Russia and Ukraine are responsible for 75 percent of the world's sunflower oil exports and 29 percent of the wheat supply. Even if Caribbean countries don't get their supplies from these countries, they will undoubtedly feel the economic pain from the increased commodity prices worldwide.

The burden caused by the invasion will therefore affect a broad basket of consumables, most of which are not optional for citizens. Of course, food and transportation top the list.

There is also the imminence of inflation.

Some are even predicting stagflation, where inflation increases as growth slows. With slow growth, businesses produce and earn less. This could also affect employment, which poses more severe threats to the economic structure of countries.

Legislation

Most Caribbean countries depend on tourism for foreign exchange and economic survival.

Europe, the USA, and Canada are the largest suppliers of tourists to the region. With inflation and possibly stagflation getting ready to hammer Europe and the USA, it is expected that travel would not be on the 'must do' list for most citizens.

This economic crisis will again call on governments to respond to the needs of their people. Many have been financially lacerated from the COVID-19 experience and are still applying bandages to the wounds. Some coffers are operating near empty or on borrowed money.

Like they did during the COVID crisis, governments will need to be very creative in their budgets to satisfy their contractual external needs and those of their people.

We hope the countries that can help will do so. There is no doubt that Trinidad and Guyana are in the best position to lend assistance through mutually beneficial oil agreements. In 2005, Venezuela, which is not part of the Caribbean community, provided preferential agreements to some Caribbean nations through the Petrocaribe deal. There is no reason why CARICOM countries should not support each other in times of need. We trust that these two countries will step up to the plate and help their brothers and sisters, especially since they have the resources to do so.

from A1

in institutions, or arising in the landlord and tenant relationship.

It contains provisions for dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, schools, correctional institutions, places of safety, nursing homes, medical and psychiatric facilities, among other places.

Mrs. Johnson Smith, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, noted that while it is celebrated that the Bill is gender neutral, “the reality is that sexual harassment is primarily experienced by women, and therefore, this Bill is likely to serve the role of providing greater protection to them, but it provides protection across the board”.

“This is a truly positive day for Jamaica and our development of an equitable society, a balanced society where we don’t normalize the stress, the depression, the anxiety, the negative impact that sexual harassment has had and does continue to have on victims,” she said.

She further reiterated that the Bill does not intend to remove flirtation, or prevent the starting of relationships and so on, “it just really requires people to respect the concept that someone might not want your advance.”

Sexual harassment is described as any unwelcome act of sexual advance. It also means the making of any sexual advance towards a person by another person that is regarded as offensive or humiliating by the person towards whom it is made, or which has the effect of interfering with the work performance of the person to whom the advance is made, or creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile working environment.

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la section haitienne

Haitians Aiming for Florida Keys Outpace 2021 Migration

Seeking Closure Widow of Assassinated President Moïse Urgently Probing for Answers The widow of the assassinated Haitian President, Jovenel Moïse , is urging the authorities to ensure that all those who played a role in his murder be arrested and brought to trial.

In a brief statement, marking the eighth month since Moïse was gunned down at his private residence on July 7 last year, Martine Moïse says she still cannot come to understand the motive for killing her husband, who media reports said had been shot at least 12 times.

“Eight months since the tragedy! An odious assassination that lacerates me and of which I still cannot understand the meaning,” she said.

Mrs. Moïse, who was injured during

Eight months since the tragedy! An odious assassination that lacerates me and of which I still cannot understand the meaning. – Martine Moise the attack and had to be flown to the United States for medical treatment, added “only the sponsors and the executors hold the motive.

“That's why they all need to be found.

We owe it to the nation. Jistis Pou Jovenel (Justice for Jovenel),” she added.

Earlier this month, a former Haitian police officer linked to the assassination

was placed in custody after being arrested in neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Tanis Philomé was detained by police acting on an international arrest warrant.

He has denied any involvement in the killing.

Philomé, who had been part of the president's security team, is one of several suspects arrested in connection with the president's death.

Several former members of the .Colombian army have been held and the United States have laid charges against two people in connection with the murder.

But despite these arrests, the authorities have struggled to solve the case. Earlier this month, the Dean of the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Port-auPrince, Bernard Sainvil appointed Judge Merlan Belabre to continue the investigation of the assassination of President Moïse.

Haitian migrants are reaching Florida's shores in large numbers as human smuggling operations ramp up, outpacing last year's migration waves.

Some 140 Haitian migrants came ashore Monday on Summerland Key, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) up the highway from Key West, and Monroe County Sheriff's deputies joined federal agents in processing them.

Earlier this month, a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants grounded in shallow water off Key Largo, and 163 people swam ashore near the Ocean Reef Club. Many needed medical treatment, federal officials said.

Another boat carrying 176 Haitians was stopped in January just off the Florida Keys, the U. S. Coast Guard said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is taking the lead in all three investigations.

The Coast Guard has stopped other Haitian boats navigating near The Bahamas with dozens of migrants. On Sunday, the agency transferred 127 Haitians and three Cubans to Bahamian authorities after picking them up in two incidents near Anguilla Cay, Bahamas.

On Feb. 28, crews spotted a Haitian sailboat with 179 people aboard 30 miles (50 kilometers) off Andros Island, Bahamas. Last Friday, the Coast Guard stopped another Haitian sail vessel with 123 people, including 39 minors about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Anguilla Cay, Bahamas.

“The Coast Guard maintains a persistent presence patrolling the waters around Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, to help prevent loss of life,” U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Salomee Briggs said in a news release. “Taking to the sea is very dangerous, we urge you not to risk you and your loved-ones lives.”

So far this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, coast guard crews have rescued 1,193 Haitians. That compares to 1,527 Haitian migrants who were rescued in all of fiscal year 2021, 418 in 2020, and 932 in 2019, the agency said.

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COMMUNITY

Jamaican Arrested; Slapped with Dozens of Drug-related Charges

By Jhaneal Lewis CNW Reporter A Jamaican man was recently arrested in Florida and slapped with over two dozen counts of drug-related charges.

According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, 21-year-old Romario Burrowes, a Jamaican who was wanted on 28 counts with a total bond of more than $6.8 million, was arrested without incident on March 3 outside an apartment complex at 600 Jimmy Ann Drive, Daytona Beach.

The young Jamaican's arrest was the culmination of a five-month narcotics investigation in Daytona Beach, with detectives taking a significant amount of heroin, fentanyl and meth off the streets.

Over the course of the investigation, an Burrowes

undercover detective made multiple controlled purchases of heroin, fentanyl and meth from Burrowes. The quantity of drugs totaled 482 grams of heroin, 229.4 grams of fentanyl, and 169 grams of meth.

During his arrest and execution of a search warrant, detectives seized another 103 grams of fentanyl, 410 grams of meth, 43 Oxycodone pills, 4 handguns, just over $1,000 cash and narcotics paraphernalia.

Burrowes' charges include multiple counts of trafficking and delivery of fentanyl, heroin, and meth, as well as conspiracy and other crimes.

A video released by the Volusia Sheriff's Office shows Burrowes walking from an apartment to a car, before he was apprehended by a group of police officers. The continues on B4 – Drug Charges

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill to Change Student Testing Current standardized testing in Florida public schools will be replaced with assessments taken throughout the year to better gauge individual student progress under a new bill by signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday.

The tests will be given at the beginning, middle and end of the school year so teachers can better assess how students are doing in English and math. DeSantis said the testing will take less time than the current Florida Standards Assessments (FSA).

“We can get the same information from the FSA in a much shorter period of time and in a

way to get really quick feedback for parents, teachers and students,” DeSantis said. “Under the FSA, students, parents and teachers would receive the results after the school year. Well, it was too late to do anything about that. How are you going to remediate if you see problems?”

The bill was a priority for DeSantis, who announced the proposal last September. He signed the bill at a St. Petersburg high school.

Testing results from the fall and winter must be provided to teachers within a week and within two weeks to parents. Testing will take place on computers, unless there's a specific need for a child to take a paper test.

“By eliminating FSA and transitioning to progress monitoring, we are really going to help bolster the conversations between parents and

teachers so they can work together to make sure our kids succeed,” DeSantis said.

The Florida Education Association said in a news release that it was hopeful when DeSantis announced plans to eliminate the Florida Standards Assessment but is disappointed with the result.

“This bill does not reduce testing but increases it. The bill does not focus on student learning or on providing teachers time to monitor and assess children's progress. In fact, it probably will add more work for already overwhelmed teachers,” said Andrew Spar, the teacher's union president.

More on the Web Florida Lawmakers Unanimously Pass Miya’s Law, Honoring Deceased Caribbean-American Student US Coast Guard Repatriates 198 Haitian Migrants Caribbean-American Legislator Welcomes TPS for Ukrainians Love and Harmony Cruise to set Sail in April Florida’s Starving Manatees Fed 55 tons of Lettuce Florida to Recommend Against COVID Vaccines for Healthy Kids Cuban Man Jailed in Texas for Over 38 years for Drug Trafcking, other crimes

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 17 – MAR 23, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

ENTERTAINMENT CARIBBEAN NEWS CONT’D

Devaluation

from A4

would not have been engaging in scare mongering and nowhere in the report the basis of his question could be found.

Imbert said the question provides an insight into the future policies of the UNC, should it form the next government, adding “It is obvious if the UNC ever get into government…might want to devalue the currency.

“That’s obvious, there is no other reason for such a question. But it is important that persons such as Honorable Senator Mark read the entire report,” Imbert said.

He said following the Article Four Consultation with the IMF on the issue of “Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy,” the report clearly indicates that “the authorities prefer to maintain the status quo on the exchange rate regime.

“So, if Senator Mark had seen that he would not have asked this question. We intend to maintain the status quo with respect to our exchange rate regime, we do not intend to devaluate the currency.

“There is absolutely no reason to do so. We do not have any of the situations that would lead to a currency crisis such as balance of payments problems, deficit in our current account or any of the other issues. We have adequate foreign reserves, the IMF has said so, so I would ask Senator Mark to stop trying to scare people with this type of nonsense,” Imbert said.

The Trinidad Express newspaper reported earlier this week that the real effective exchange rate (REER) of the Trinidad and Tobago dollar implies that it is overvalued by 20.4 percent, according to one of two models used by the IMF to assess the competitiveness of the domestic currency.

It said the real effective exchange rate is a measure of the value of a currency against a weighted average of several foreign currencies divided by a price deflator or index of costs.

According to the newspaper, the IMF had indicated that the country’s real effective exchange rate depreciated by 7.2 percent between March 2020 and June 2021 due to a 3.7 percent depreciation in the nominal effective exchange rate and a 3.5 percent decrease in the relative price index.

Buju Banton Says New Album is Ready

By Jovani Davis CNW Reporter

Reggae dancehall icon, Buju Banton has announced that a new album is coming soon. The announcement comes almost two years after he released his Grammy-nominated album, Upside Down.

Buju made the announcement on Instagram with a post of himself clad in full black leaning against a wall. “Hay! Stay tune new album ready mi boss,” he wrote. His announcement triggered cheers from many fans who are excited about his album.

Banton has released a total of 11 studio albums and 12 compilation albums in his career.

Born Mark Myrie, Buju came to prominence in 1992, with two albums, Stamina Daddy and Mr. Mention, the latter becoming the best-selling album in Jamaican history upon its release. That year he also broke the record for No.1 singles in Jamaica, previously held by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Buju Banton is one of the most popular musicians in Jamaican history, having major success with ‘Bogle’ and ‘Love Me Browning’, both massive hits in Jamaica. With controversy erupting over ‘Love Me Browning’ which speaks for the artiste's love for lighter-skinned Black women, he later released ‘Love Black Woman’, which spoke for his love for dark-skinned beauties.

Buju's gruff voice has dominated the airwaves both locally and internationally and was featured on the Bad Boys for Life soundtrack produced by DJ Khaled. His song titled ‘Murda She Wrote’ was a nod to a 1992 dancehall classic titled ‘Murder She Wrote’

by Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers.

The 48-year-old has received seven Grammy nominations and one win for his album Before the Dawn in 2010, which included tracks such as ‘Rasta Can't Go,’ ‘Innocent,’ and ‘Bondage.’ His latest Grammy nomination is for Album of The Year, for Kanye West's Donda, where he was featured on the track ‘Believe What I Say.’ Born in Kingston, Jamaica Buju has made a career of teaching music lovers through his music, how to love and be loved; how to cherish women; to live better, and march toward triumph despite setbacks.

Buju Banton

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

British Jamaican Actress Lashana Lynch Scores Win at 2022 BAFTA Awards British-Jamaican Actress Lashana Lynch, who made history as the first Black female 007 in the James Bond film 'No Time To Die', thanked her Jamaican parents while accepting the Rising Star award at the 2022 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday night.

In 2021, Lynch received global attention for her role in the 25th James Bond movie, playing agent Nomi who replaced the retired James Bond.

While accepting the award presented by Lady Gaga and the category's previous winner Bukky Bakray, Lynch took the opportunity to thank her “very supportive” Jamaican parents.

Lynch's mother was also in the audience cheering her on.

The 34-year-old British actor has always highlighted her Jamaican heritage. In a 2021 interview with British Vogue, she she said that she “only felt British outside the house” growing up, adding that the rest of the time it was “Jamaican language, food and discipline, which is direct but calm”. Her mother was a senior housing officer and her father was a social worker.

At the premier of the James Bond film last September, Lynch also paid tribute to her Jamaican heritage with a dress which featured Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird, on the back. Her stylist Karla Welch explained, writing on Instagram: “Representing her ancestors and the birthplace of Bond with the national bird of Jamaica”.

Portions of the James Bond film had been shot in Jamaica, which is considered the birthplace of the character.

The creator of the character, London-born author Ian Fleming wrote all his James Bond books from Goldeneye, his winter home in Jamaica.

Two other James Bond movies, Dr. No (1962) and Live and Let Die (1973) were filmed on the island.

“

I have very supportive parents whose parents came from Jamaica in the Windrush. I'm grateful for a working class foundation that has taught me about failure and 'No's'. Now I get to celebrate a 'Yes'

“

By Jhaneal Lewis Contributor

Lashana Lynch

B3

ENTERTAINMENT Love and Harmony Cruise to set Sail in April The popular Love and Harmony Cruise will set sail from April 2 to 7, featuring some of the biggest names in reggae.

The popular five-night cruise has remained in port since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced all cruise ships to cease operations. This year's voyage will mark its fourth trip to the sea and feature a slew of popular Jamaican and wider Caribbean musical acts.

The cruise will depart the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, a Signature-class cruise ship sailing for Holland America Line. It will depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, then to Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Buju Banton, Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Wonder, Cocoa Tea, Beenie Man, Edwin Yearwood, and the unmatched Beres Hammond are all slated to perform this year.

Famous stand-up comedian Majah Hype will also be a part of the live entertainment offerings.

Other events onboard will include basketball and domino tournaments, 80s and 90s retro parties, sail-away party, lingerie party, the formal captain's ball as well as a masquerade after-party. The organizers will offer an allCaribbean menu specially catered by Chef Richie Rich from Caribbean Taste Restaurant in New York to maintain an authentic Caribbean feel aboard the vessel.

Organized and promoted by a group of New York businessmen and personalities, including noted media personality and selector Steven “DJ Jabba” Beckford. Love and Harmony is an annual reggae music cruise sailing to various Caribbean islands from South Florida. It is a getaway perfect for sharing with family, friends, and loved ones.

Over the years, the acts who have performed onboard have included Marcia Griffiths, Sanchez, Beenie Man, Vegas, Chaka Demus, and Pliers, Kerwin Dubois, Kevin Little, Rupee, LUST, Elephant Man, Oliver Samuels, the late Volier Johnson, and the comedic duo Ity and Fancy Cat.

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

CONTINUATIONS

Trinidad Warns

from A4

only thing I am fearful of is if shots are fired, there are explosions or should a bomb drop. I hope I can handle it. I have already signed over a number of things to my wife,” said Stone, who admitted his decision is not sitting well with his immediate family and close friends but more so his worried wife.

“My wife is not happy at all…even a soldier would be lying if they say they are not afraid. I fear the unseen. There is no way I can cover from an explosion. I am worried about that. If it turns to mostly a guerilla warfare…well, it is over for people like me. I will have to leave. To stay you will get killed.”

Browne told reporters that he will be seeking “some further information on this potential development, adding “nothing I have heard is encouraging or would suggest that our citizens should applaud or encourage or motivate in any way shape or form”.

In recent time, a number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals have travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State fighters.

Read More at CNWnetwork.com

Miya’s Law Passed Miya's Law, passed unanimously by the Senate on March 11, requires property owners and building managers to conduct background checks for all prospective employees.

According to the official website of the Miya Marcano Foundation, the law also places limitations on the use of master keys by building employees “to ensure the protection of all tenants, and aid in strengthening the relationship between landlords and tenants.” The bill had also been passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on March 10.

Miya's family and Florida lawmakers pushed for the bill following the murder of the 19-year-old Valencia College student in September 2021.

Investigators said an Arden Villas Apartments' maintenance worker Armando Caballero used a master key fob to get into her apartment then kidnapped her. Marcano's body was found in Orlando a week after she was reported missing.

According to her family, Cabellero had also expressed a romantic interest in the young student but was rebuffed.

They also accused the apartment's management of not taking Miya's complaints about Cabellero seriously.

Miya, the daughter of popular Trinidadian South Florida DJ, Marlon

Marcano (DJ EternalVibes), was a resident and an employee at the apartment complex.

Following the passing of the bill on Friday, Marlon thanked lawmakers.

“The past few months have been unbelievable, to say the least. What my family and I have been going through, words can never explain. We send a special heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Miya is my world.

She's my baby girl, and I know today that she is smiling,” he said while speaking to reporters.

State Senator Linda Stewart, the bill's lead sponsor, said she and her colleagues want to ensure that what happened to Miya does not happen again.

“Today marks an important milestone for Miya's Law and bringing us one step closer to establishing vital protections for renters. This bill will honor Miya Marcano, 19, a college student who was senselessly killed last year by a maintenance worker at the apartment complex where she resided.

Although Miya's family will never get justice and nothing can bring back their daughter, I do hope with the passing of Miya's Law this will bring some peace to the family and knowing that their daughter's death was not in vain,” said Stewart in a statement.

Drug Charges Sheriff's Office also posted several images of the drugs and weapon found in the subject's apartment.

The investigation was a joint effort involving the DEA, FBI, HSI, ATF, the Volusia Bureau of Investigation (a Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative), and the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force.

These teams include members of the

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11. Went swimming 12. Capital of the Peach State 13. Texter's chuckle 18. Mogadishu native 25. Shankar's strings 27. Pizza portion 28. Down for the count, briefly 31. Was overly fond 33. Electronic banks?

34. "Rolling in the Deep"singer 35. Spectacular stars 37. Having the most precipitation 38. Steakhouse selection 39. DOJ division 40. Brenda's twin brother in" Beverly Hills, 90210" 44. Impressive houses 45. Program in advance 46. Religious dissent 48. Emmy winner Christine 49. Stadium sections 51. Completely dry out 55. Primary 57. Word that stops a horse 58. 401(k) relative 60. One in a stroller

from A1

The bill also bans motels from charging hourly room rates, with the goal of preventing sex trafficking.

Tenants will also have to be given 24hour notice before workers can enter apartments.

The legislation is now headed to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign. If approved, property owners who violate the law could be hit with a felony or first-degree misdemeanor charge.

“This bill will not bring Miya back, but it will bring a greater sense of security for Florida's two million renters,” added Representative Robin Bartleman, House sponsor of the bill.

“Thank you to Miya's family, the Miya Marcano Foundation, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Representative Scott Plakon. This session has been so divisive, but when it comes to the safety of Floridians, of our college students moving into their first apartment or our seniors residing in apartment communities, this legislature takes swift, bipartisan action. I urge Governor DeSantis to honor Miya's name and sign this potentially lifesaving legislation into law.”

Miya Marcano was laid to rest last October in South Florida.

from B1

Volusia Sheriff's Office and partners with the DeLand, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, Holly Hill and Ormond Beach police departments.

Burrowes is among several Jamaicans who have been arrested in Florida since the start of the year.

Earlier this month, a Jamaican woman living in Florida was sentenced to 14 years in prison for laundering

money for an international cocaine ring that distributed the illegal drug by mail in Western Pennsylvania.

Last month, a Jamaican cop was also indicted for importing cocaine into the United States with the intent to distribute it. She is also facing charges of alleged wire fraud, and mail fraud.

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

C1

STRICTLY LEGAL

Biden Moves to Reverse Trump-era Limits on Green Cards The Biden administration has proposed reversing a rule that denies green cards to applicants who receive certain government benefits, one of former President Donald Trump's signature moves to limit legal immigration.

The administration stopped applying the more expansive Trump-era limits last year, making the announcement more of a formality to insulate it from legal challenges. Its publication in the Federal Register in the coming days will trigger a 60-day period for public comment, followed by a final version.

While the proposal has no immediate impact, it is an important step toward undoing Trump's version of the “public charge” rule, as President Joe Biden promised during his campaign.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the Trump rule was “not consistent with our nation's values.”

“Under this proposed rule, we will return to the historical understanding of the term 'public charge' and individuals will not be penalized for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them,” Mayorkas said in a statement.

The Biden administration's revisions largely restore rules that had been in place since 1999, which, among other things, do not consider use of noncash benefits like food stamps, health services and transportation vouchers when

President Joe Biden signing a bill while Vice President Kamala Harris looks on. – AP Photo

Mayorkas

determining green-card eligibility.

Trump made his intentions clear during his first year in office, but the rule didn't take until 2020 due largely to legal challenges and

US to Resume Some Visa Services in Cuba after 4-year Break The U.S. government announced last week that it would resume limited processing of immigrant visas in Havana more than four years after halting that service and removing most diplomats from Cuba over suspicions they had been targeted for mysterious attacks.

The Havana embassy's chargé d' affaires, Timothy Zúñiga-Brown, announced that the consulate would soon begin processing some immigrant visas for which documentation already is complete, though he did not give a date.

Most visas will continue to be processed in Guyana on the South American mainland — a costly and difficult journey away for most Cubans.

Zúñiga-Brown said the U.S. is interested in “safe and legal” immigration, particularly for family reunification cases which had been complicated by the withdrawal of diplomats.

Cuba last year saw a surge in unauthorized migration attempts fueled in part by an economic crisis that was exacerbated by the pandemic, increased U.S. sanctions and cutbacks in aid from Venezuela.

Most U.S. diplomats were withdrawn from Cuba in 2017 after the administration of thenPresident Donald Trump accused Cuba of targeting some at the post with weapons that that caused lingering and sometimes serious brain injuries — allegations Cuba has always denied. Canadian diplomats also reported such incidents.

While the maladies came to be called

“[The Trump rule] was not consistent with our nation's values.

Under this proposed rule, we will return to the historical understanding of the term 'public charge' and individuals will not be penalized for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them.” – Alejandro Mayorkas

procedural requirements. Still, Homeland Security said that it had “chilling effects” by causing people to quit or decline to enroll for benefits they were eligible to receive, fearing their applications to become legal permanent residents could be derailed.

The government denied green cards to only three people under Trump's rule, whose applications were later reopened and approved, Homeland Security said in its 291-page proposal, demonstrating its limited reach.

The fears it generated caused the biggest impact, scaring people to enroll for benefits even if they were eligible, said Jessica Bolter, associate analyst for U.S. immigration policy at the Migration Policy Institute. Her organization found that enrollment for welfare assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, food stamps and Medicaid fell twice as fast in households with at least one noncitizen than those made up entirely of citizens from 2016 to 2019, based on Census data.

The Biden administration's move was cheered by immigration advocates, many of whom have had a strained relationship with the White House over sweeping rules that prohibit many migrants from seeking asylum at the border. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, tweeted that it was an “important departure from the Trump administration's previous weaponization of the Public Charge rule.”

The proposal may still face legal challenges.

Texas and other states have often sought to stop Biden from undoing Trump's immigration policies.

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN SOCCER ASSOCIATION FEB. – JUN 2022

NETBALL NIGHT CRICKET “Havana Syndrome,” they were also reported by hundreds of American officials at missions around the world and even in Washington.

CIA findings released in January determined it was unlikely that Russia or another foreign adversary had used microwaves or other forms of directed energy to attack the Americans.

That conclusion was not universally accepted. A separate panel of intelligence experts said last month that several potential causes remain plausible, including the use of devices that emit beams of directed energy. The panel said some of the injuries are not compatible with psychological causes.

The uncertainty about the cause of the illnesses has added to friction between officials and those suffering from symptoms.

President Joe Biden had campaigned on easing the Trump administration's tough series of new sanctions on Cuba, but so far has taken only limited steps toward the sort of relaxation that occurred under Barack Obama, who visited Cuba and made dealings with it far easier.

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

C3

SPORTS

TRACK & FIELD

Juniors Exhibit Impressive Performances at Carifta Trials

By L. Bronson CNW Sports Writer

CPL to Include Women's Edition for First Time Alongside Men's Tournament

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/PUMA Carifta Trials ended at the National Stadium on Sunday with a number of impressive performances by the island's junior athletes.

Leading the way in the field was reigning World Athletics Under-20 Championships triple jump silver medalist Jaydon Hibbert who set for himself two more personal bests.

The Kingston College athlete landed at 16.40m (1.5m mps) on his first attempt and then 16.56m (0.6 mps) on his second to claim victory from Royan Walters of Petersfield High with 15.22m. Third place went to Rajaun Ricketts of Jamaica College with 15.03.

Jo-Anna Pinnock of St Andrew High won the girls' equivalent with 12.30m (1.7 mps), ahead of Tawani Murray of Petersfield High with 11.98m, and St Jago's Kay-Lagay Clarke with 11.94m.

The Under-17 version saw Sabrina Atkinson of Hydel winning with 11.83m ahead of Excelsior High's Rhianna Lugg with 11.69m, and on the boys' side, Jamaica College's Chavez Penn won with 14.02m ahead of schoolmate Euan Young with 13.74m, and Cornwall College's Kesean-Jordan Rhooms with 13.29m.

Christopher Young of Edwin Allen, who captured the discus throw on Saturday, was unmatched in the Under-20 javelin with a best distance of 61.99m, having gone beyond the 60m mark on no less than four occasions.

Jamaica College's Jemar Ferguson was second with 55.55m and Young's teammate Daniel Peterson was third with 47.19m.

For the girls' Under-20 javelin, Annakay Lindsay of G.C. Foster College won with 36.03m, ahead of Patreece Clarke of Edwin Allen with 35.72m and Chrishale McCarthy of St Jago with 34.99m.

In the Under-17 girls' version, Shenell Cole of Spot Valley High won with 31.85m.

Holmwood Technical's Regena Case was second with 27.95m and Hydel High's Natassia Burrell third with 26.20m.

The boys' section saw William Knibb's Wensett Brown winning with 33.21m ahead of St Elizabeth Technical's Raejhaun Riley with 32.70m.

The action was similarly impressive on the track in a number of events. In the girls' Under17 400m hurdles final, Spot Valley High's Deandra Harris obliterated the field to win in 1:01.78 minutes, well ahead of the 1:05.22 minutes set by Edwin Allen's Kelly Ann Carr for second, and the 1:05.30 minutes done by St Jago's Olivia St John for third place.

The Under-20 version was won by St Jago's

Safhia Hinds in 58.06 seconds, ahead of Hydel High's Oneika McAnnuff in 59.35 seconds and St Elizabeth Technical's Shackelia Green in 59.77 seconds.

Kingston College finished first and third in the Under-20 400m hurdles finals with Rayon Campbell winning in 49.52 seconds and Antonio Forbes claiming bronze in 50.48 seconds. Camperdown High's Roshawn Clarke took the silver medal in 49.85 seconds.

Kingston College's dominance continued in the Under-17 section as Jordan Mowatt won in 52.53 seconds ahead of Jamaica College's Princewell Martin in 53.01 seconds, and Excelsior High's Daniel Wright in 54.77 seconds.

Hydel High's Bryanna Lyston was the standout in the girls' Under-20 200m final, stopping the clock at 22.66 seconds, well clear of teammate Alana Reid in 23.29 seconds and Mount Alvernia's Carleta Bernard in 23.65 seconds.

On the boys' side, Edwin Allen's Bryan Levell, who lost out in the 100m final on Saturday, made amends when he won in 20.53 seconds ahead of St Catherine's Sandrey Davison with 20.90 seconds, the same time accredited to Kingston College's Adrian Kerr in third place.

The girls' Under-17 event was won by Lacovia High's Sabrina Dockery with 24.03 seconds, while the boys' category was won by Spot Valley High's Romario Hines with 21.82 seconds.

Jamaica College's J'Voughnn Blake was peerless as he strode to 1:47.62 minutes to land the Under-20 800m finals. He won ahead of St Elizabeth Technical's Adrian Nethersole with 1:50.15 minutes, and St Jago's Tafar-Hi Hinds with 1:50.22 minutes.

Edwin Allen's Rushana Dwyer won the girls' equivalent in 2:09.31 minutes ahead of Holmwood Technical's Samantha Pryce with 2:10.02 minutes, and Kishay Rowe with

2:10.42 minutes.

The girls' Under-17 event was won by Holmwood Technical's Andrene Peart in 2:13.55 minutes, with the boys' version going to Port Antonio's Ainsley Brown in 1:57.76 minutes.

The boys' Under-20 110m hurdles final saw St Jago claiming the top two places.

Jahvel Granville won in 13.65 seconds (0.5 mps) and Demario Price was second in 13.77 seconds, as St Elizabeth Technical's Shamar Blake was third in 13.91 seconds.

The Under-17 section resulted in Kingston College claiming first and third through Jadan Campbell (13.57 seconds) and Daniel Clarke (13.94 seconds).

Calabar High's Shaquane Gordon was second in 13.68 seconds.

In the girls' Under-20 100m hurdles final, Petersfield High's Alexis James upstaged the Hydel High pair of Oneka Wilson and Kerrica Hill. James won in 13.16 seconds, with Wilson and Hill clocking 13.22 and 13.25 seconds, respectively.

In the lower division, St Jago claimed first and third through Bryana Davidson (13.52 seconds) and Briana Campbell (13.74 seconds), while Hydel High's Jody-Ann Daley took second with 13.62 seconds.

The Jamaicans are seeking to defend their title at the 49th Carifta Games having topped the medal table at the three-day championships for the last 34 years. The event is slated for Kingston's National Stadium on the Easter weekend, April 16-18.

This year's Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will feature a women's tournament with three franchise teams competing for the first-ever Women's CPL (WCPL) title, playing alongside the men's tournament starting in August.

Hero CPL and Cricket West Indies (CWI) made the announcement on Monday, as it revealed that the teams competing in the inaugural WCPL are Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Trinbago Knight Riders, which will showcase the best female cricketers from across the Caribbean, with overseas stars rounding out the teams.

CWI President Ricky Skerrit said the initiative falls in line with one of CWI's strategic priorities, which is increasing opportunities for West Indian women and girls to get involved in the sport.

“We are delighted that we have been able to partner with CPL to further the expansion plans that we had first unveiled in 2019 prior to the arrival of the COVID pandemic,” he said. “We are confident that all CPL women's games will be highly competitive and will add quality entertainment to our fans in the region and around the world.”

Hero CPL's CEO Pete Russell said that on the heels of a successful Women's T10 Challenge that took place during the 2019 CPL, the tournament organizers were looking forward to the next step with the WCPL. The women's tournament will take place during the men's event inside the 2022 Hero CPL tournament window which will run from August 30 to September 30.

“The addition of a women's event to the CPL is something that has been an ambition for a long time and we are very pleased that it has become a reality. We would like to thank CWI for working with us to make this happen,” Russell said.

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