Caribbean National Weekly March 24, 2022

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THURSDAY MARCH 23, 2022

‘MOVING ON’

Holness Tells Royals Jamaica to Cut Ties with Monarchy

by Jhaneal Lewis CNW Reporter

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has given the clearest signal that the island will cut ties with the British monarchy and move towards becoming a republic.

Holness made his government's intention clear to Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during a courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister.

JAH CURE

There are issues here which are, as “ you would know, are unresolved.

GETS 6 YEARS Reggae star Jah Cure has been sentenced to six years in prison in the Netherlands for attempted manslaughter.

But your presence gives an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, put front and centre, and to be addressed as best we can,” – PM Holness

The Netherlands Public Prosecution Service confirmed that the 43-year-old whose given name is Siccature Alcock was sentenced to six years in prison – with credit for time served as his claim of self-defense was rejected by the court.

The Behind these Prison Walls singer, stabbed event promoter Nicardo 'Papa' Blake, 45, on October 1 at Dam Square, in the city center of Amsterdam, where he was booked to perform. Jah Cure had performed at Blake's concert, two days before, in the

The Royal couple arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday as part of a week-long tour of former British Caribbean colonies that coincides with Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne.

"We are very, very happy to have you and we hope you received a warm welcome of the

continues on B4 – Jah Cure

continues on B4 – Reparations

TOP STORIES Gas Thieves in Florida Accused of Hacking Pumps to get Cheap Fuel Carib-American Community Activist gets Endorsement from New US Dip. Nick Perry Man mauled by Tiger at Florida Airboat Attraction Caribbean Nations Discuss Strategies to Deal with Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated shing Barbados Former AG Adriel Brathwaite goes to Appeal Court to Challenge Ruling Regarding Senate Russians Have in Excess of two Billion US Dollars in Bahamas Financial Institutions Russian billionaires’ Mega Yachts linked to Bermuda

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

EDITORIAL

Michelle Drummond Makes Art History in West Palm Beach A3

Was it a bad time for Prince William and Kate to visit Jamaica? A6

TLC

SPORTS

Carnivals in the Caribbean B2

Head coach Paul Hall looks to the future with 24-man World Cup qualifying squad C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 24 – MAR 30, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 The City of Tamarac, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Tamarac and the Parks and Recrea on Founda on of Tamarac (PAROT), unveiled the new Story Trail during a ribboncu ng ceremony at Waters Edge Park on March 19, 2022. – Contributed

Tamarac Vice Mayor Mike Gelin, his wife Shaheewa and their son visit the new Story Trail at Waters Edge Park, Tamarac on March 19, 2022. – Contributed

Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge, engage with residents of Trench Town, during a visit to the community on Tuesday (March 22), shortly a er their arrival in the island. Their Royal Highnesses are on an Official Visit to Jamaica from March 22 to 24 as part of celebra ons marking the 70th Anniversary (Pla num Jubilee) of the Corona on of Her Majesty the Queen. JIS photo

Miami Gardens Councilwoman Katrina Wilson and Vice Mayor Reggie Leon a end the Street Fair and Marketplace in Miami Gardens on March 19, 2022. – Contributed

Lauderhill Commissioner Ray Mar n and a guest pose a er watching the Sister Act musical at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center recently. – Contributed

Lauderhill residents are all smiles a er watching the Sister Act musical at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center recently. – Contributed His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge, shows off his football skills, during a visit to the community of Trench Town in Kingston, just a few hours a er arriving in the island on March 22. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge, are on an Official Visit to Jamaica from March 22 to 24. The visit forms part of celebra ons marking the 70th Anniversary (Pla num Jubilee) of the Corona on of Her Majesty the Queen. JIS Photo

Jamaican interna onal footballers Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey greet each other during an event for the Royal Couple in Trench Town, Kingston on March 22. Also pictured is Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange, and State Minister in the Ministry of Culture Alando Terrelonge. Photo: Instagram/@thisispreki

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NEWSMAKER

Jamaican Artist Michelle Drummond Makes Art History in West Palm Beach Marrying art and geometry is not foreign to Jamaica-born, Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist Michelle Drummond. The Florida resident recently showcased her unique talent when she unveiled her new piece, “The Metamorphosis,” at the Urban Living Room at the entrance of the Mandel Public Library.

Despite being in Florida for only three and a half years, Drummond has already seen her art displayed in more than 25 exhibitions in the State and New York City, including this newest installment. But what makes this one even more remarkable is that she received the honor of being the first Black female artist to install a solo, permanent artwork commissioned by the City of West Palm Beach through its public art program ArtLife.

“A very special thank you to Sybille Welter, ArtLife WPB Administrator, for recognizing the uniqueness of my work and extending the invitation to present the public art concept, and opening this door for me,” she said as she expressed gratitude to the crowd at the unveiling ceremony.

ArtLife WPB is the city's premier art program that commissions and presents a variety of projects created by artists at all career levels. The program's mission is to shape the character of West Palm Beach through the power of public art.

Drummond's piece, “The Metamorphosis,” measures approximately 3' x 5'x 7' and brings together the notion of art and the structure of

Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist Michelle Drummond and Mayor Keith A. James stand before “The Metamorphosis”. (Photo credit: wpb.org)

geometry in a way she describes as organic.

“As an artist, I create based on what comes to me and what feels right. It's not always planned or sketched out strategically but is freeflowing and whimsical. In many cases, it's not until after I'm done, and I step back and say, “Yes, I've created a masterpiece,” that I realize what I have created,” she admitted.

Organic, free-flowing, and whimsical perfectly describe this new installation, which features a “Tree of Life,” a colorful caterpillar, and butterflies seemingly floating in search of new opportunities.

Drummond was awarded the solo art commission in 2021. In an interview with Caribbean National Weekly then, she said she was honored to have made history.

“My hopes of finding the audience that would truly appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of my artwork came to fruition. It is an honor, especially being the first Black female artist and also of Jamaican heritage to be awarded this permanent solo public art commission by the City of West Palm Beach ArtLife WPB program,” she told CNW Network.

“This opportunity will not only provide me the platform to expose my work to a broader audience but will allow me to have a positive emotional and mental effect on the residents and patrons in the West Palm Beach community through my artwork.”

Michelle Drummond is a mixed media fiber artist. Her practice involves using multicolored, multi-weighted fiber (yarn), glue and acrylic paint on and off canvas. Drummond has been living in the United States for 26 years and has been creating art for 23 of those years. Her work has been featured in 20 exhibitions across South Florida in the last three years, including at the Cornell Art Museum, Art Palm Beach, and Art Basel in Miami.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 24 – MAR 30, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN Registered Venezuelans in Trinidad & Tobago to Benefit from Extension of Stay Registered Venezuelans have been given an extension of stay in Trinidad and Tobago to the end of this year, a senior Immigration official has confirmed.

Acting Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Derek Craigwell, speaking on a local radio station, said only Venezuelans who are properly registered will be able to take advantage of the extension.

He said National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds had signed the legal notice last month and it had been published in the official Gazette earlier this month.

Craigwell said the extension of stay to December 31, this year “will be granted to qualifying Venezuelan nationals.

“That is Venezuelan nationals in Trinidad and Tobago who re-registered during the reregistration exercise conducted from March 3, 2021, to April 9, 2021, to December 31, 2022,” he added.

In 2019, Venezuelan immigrants, including those who were detained at the Immigration Detention Centre, were given an opportunity to register to remain in the twin-island republic with the government indicating that Venezuelans will also be required to swear to a statutory declaration that the information given is accurate. It warned that false information will not be treated lightly and will lead to deportation.

Once approved, applicants will receive a work permit exemption valid for one year. Their status, however, will be assessed after the first six months, following which they will either be continues on B1 – Venezuelans in T&T

All schools in Guyana to re-open on April 25 The Guyana government says all schools will re-open on April 25, as the country seeks to return to normality.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand said all systems are being put in place to reopen schools to address the two years of learning loss.

“Some skills that were acquired will be lost and forgotten and you might even have the phenomenon of dropouts presenting itself in larger numbers than we have ever seen before, and we are seeing indications of all of those things so are we ready. We are making sure of course that schools are ready

Manickchand

to be re-opened fully from April 25 after the Easter holiday.”

She said to ensure teachers and students are prepared for the new term, the ministry has implemented a staggered system which will see students revisiting studies from their previous grade within a 20-week period, before moving on to the new term's

curriculum.

Additionally, the ministry is working to ensure that every school is equipped with the tools and equipment to be fully functional before the new term commences.

Manickchand, speaking on the side lines of the newly launched artificial intelligence leadership programme, 'Spark', on Monday, also announced that a new programme will be rolled out nationally to target literacy loss in the four core subjects.

“You're going to see an assault on illiteracy, you will see an entire national programme rolled out to recover from the literacy loss we would have had, and all the gains we would have made that went down the drain in two years.

“Every single student is going to be diagnosed, we are issuing a diagnostic for continues on B4 – Guyana Schools Reopen

New Airline Coral Jet Prepares Inaugural Flight from Bermuda Bermuda will welcome a new airline, which hopes to start flying later this year, serving the Caribbean as well as North America.

Coral Jet has applied to the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) for an air operator's certificate.

An advertisement for pilots for Airbus A320 single-aisle planes to join a new start-up in Bermuda was posted on Aviation Jobs.

“Coral Jet, a new start-up in Bermuda, is currently looking for experienced A320 Captains,” according to the advertisement, adding that applicants should be “willing to relocate to Bermuda”.

A spokesman for Duke Aviation Holding Company, a major

shareholder in Coral Jet's parent company, declined to give details on when the airline will start operations.

“Management focus right now is on obtaining the AOC (air operator's certificate) from the BCAA. We think it would be most appropriate to talk once that milestone has been reached,” he told the Royal Gazette newspaper.”

Canada-based aerospace company Flyht said Coral Jet will serve the Caribbean, United States, and Canada, and has plans to increase its fleet. Flyht said it will supply a future fleet of seven A319/320 aircraft for Bermuda Aviation Asset Management, doing business as Coral Jet. Transport Minister Lawrence Scott announced the plan in the House of Assembly, saying if the business gets off the ground it will mean more jobs and opportunities for Bermudians, as well as a greater opportunity to determine available destinations.

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TALKUP

What are your thoughts on the Jamaican gov’t's rollback of COVID-19 restrictions?

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 24 – MAR 30, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Was it a Bad Time for William and Kate to Visit Jamaica?

The visit to Jamaica by Prince William and Kate, the Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge is significant but could not have come at a worse time for the couple.

Both the Government and the opposition party are putting their best faces on display, in a show of diplomacy to avoid embarrassment.

While there is reason to believe that good relations exist between Jamaica and the UK, there are burning issues to be ironed out by Jamaica House and Buckingham Palace that could sully the relationship in the near future.

Chief among the grievances from Jamaica is the desire to have the United Kingdom pay for the atrocities caused by the British slave trade between 1655 and 1809. More than 600,000 persons were taken from Africa to work on sugar plantations and had to endure unbearable hardships and inhumane treatment in Jamaica.

Jamaica's Culture minister, Olivia Grange, has said she “wants to petition Her Majesty for compensation for all the nation's citizens.” According to US News, Grange further stated that “We are hoping for reparatory justice in all forms that one would expect if they are to really ensure that we get justice from injustices to repair the damages that our ancestors experience.”

From all indications, the Jamaican government is not letting up on its goal to be compensated, despite rolling out the red carpet for its guests. Minister Grange made that quite clear in her conversation with the Jamaica Observer.

“They are our guests, and we will make them feel at home, but it's not going to move our focus from the fact that an injustice was done to our ancestors, we seek reparations, and we are focused on achieving that,” she said.

Opposition leader Mark Golding seems to share the view of the government.

His former leader and then Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller first raised the issue of reparations in 2013. Golding, in a release, said, “It is in the interests of the Jamaican people that the Opposition be present and able to make our views on these fundamental issues known to the Royals. Constructive dialogue is the best way to move this process forward, and attending these events provides an opportunity for this."

Since their arrival on March 22, the Duke and Duchess have made multiple public appearances in Jamaica. They visited Trench Town, and Prince William engaged himself in a football game with a schoolboy team. Both were also photographed in a Jamaica Bobsled sleigh. Fun and entertainment aside, the couple's visit also drew a protest at the British High Commission in Kingston, where Jamaicans voiced disapproval of the visit.

The other area of interest between Jamaica and Buckingham Palace is the cessation of the Queen as head of state for Jamaica.

Since the move by Barbados in November to become a republic, there have been calls by Jamaicans to follow suit. In December, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson advocated in a letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding for Jamaica to become a republic for the country's 60th year of independence this year.

P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS This call for independence from the Queen as head of state and Jamaica becoming a republic has been on the lips of Jamaicans since 2002. It was even placed in Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller's inauguration speech agenda in 2012.

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding stated in his 2011-2012 budget debate that “he wanted Jamaica to make its 50th year of Independence free of its colonial ties to the British monarchy.” Golding told his fellow lawmakers in his presentation that “I have long believed that if I am to have a queen, it must be a Jamaican queen.”

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has now given the clearest signal that the island will cut ties with the British monarchy and move towards becoming a republic nation. The prime minister no doubt is moving on his promise made in 2016 when he declared that the Constitution would be amended to replace the Queen with a non-executive president as head of state.

In July 2020, fifty-five percent of Jamaicans said the queen should go, while thirty percent wants her to remain, according to a Bill Johnson poll in the Jamaica Observer. And according to the Gleaner, a Constitution Commission in 1995 recommended that Jamaica should no longer have the monarchy as head of state. But despite all the political talk and aspirations, no Jamaican government has taken the bold steps to install a Jamaican as head of state.

The visit by the royal couple must be uncomfortable for them on the inside, regardless of their outward appearance. It is never a good sign when you visit someone, and family members express disapproval.

We know Jamaica will treat its guests well, but they will also hope to take advantage of the opportunity to convey their message, expecting that Buckingham Palace will receive it. This visit may come at the worst of time for the visitors, but good opportunities may also be on the table.

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la section haitienne

UN Agencies Warn of 'unabated' rise in Hunger The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that at least 4.5 million Haitians are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity as it pointed to lower-than-expected humanitarian food assistance and continued fallout from last August earthquake as key drivers.

“Hunger levels are rising unabated as persistent political instability, growing inflation and recurrent disasters continue to conspire against the people of Haiti”, the agency said.

In a briefing to reporters from the Haitian capital, WFP Country Director, Pierre Honnorat, warned that the situation is worrisome, “being the worst registered since 2018.

“Haiti forms part of a 'ring of fire' encircling the globe where climate shocks, conflict, COVID-19, and rising costs are pushing vulnerable communities over the edge”, he said.

According to recent projections, 45 percent of the population will be in severe hunger from March to June, and of those, more than 1.3 million are estimated to be in the emergency phase of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

The ongoing economic crisis in Haiti, characterized by a weakening currency against the US dollar, soaring inflation, and a hike in fuel prices in previous months, has reduced the purchasing power of many poorer households, making basics like food, unaffordable.

Furthermore, global food prices are at an all-time high, with the Ukraine crisis continuing to have a direct impact on food security. UN humanitarians in Haiti warned that it would likely continue to hurt vulnerable people in the highly import-dependent island nation.

Honnorat reminded that 70 percent of goods in Haiti's stores are imported and said the food insecurity “situation can only worsen if we don't support Haiti.

“This is also fueling insecurity, migration and sexual exploitation”, he said, calling for more international support.

“It's everything about those coping mechanisms that the population has to go for. And it's different, they have to change their diet, they have to reduce their meals; but it also brings them to violence, it also leads some of them to prostitution”, Honnorat said.

Detailing the situation in Haiti, Patrick David, Senior Programme Manager at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also briefing from Port-au-Prince, spoke further on the impact of the crisis in Ukraine in perpetuating food insecurity.

“Haiti imports lots of food and fertilizers and the increase of prices in these products will contribute even more to inflation, which is already high in the country”, David said.

Honnorat added that the wheat that Haiti imports “is mainly coming from Russia and then coming from Canada as well…so if the wheat flour is going up, you will see a problem and the price has already multiplied by five in two years. So, we can only expect that it will multiply again.”

The WFP reported an improvement in areas in the south of Haiti, attributed to continued food assistance following last year's major earthquake. In its aftermath nearly a million people were left severely food insecure in the affected areas.

The UN emergency food agency has reached more than 355,000 beneficiaries with food and cash assistance worth US$ 8.2 million. However, it warned the situation has deteriorated in other areas in the south where the emergency response has been limited.

The northern region is also reeling from the aftermath of heavy flooding in late January, which resulted in deaths and injury with nearly 3,500 people seeking refuge in temporary shelters.

WFP distributed dry rations to 8,000 people impacted by the flood, as well as around 1,000 ready-to-eat meals in five days across six shelters.

Looking at long-term solutions for a country that continues to struggle with multiple crises, WFP said it is strengthening national social protection and food systems by using rights-based transfers, income-generation activities, and community-level disaster risk reduction solutions.

Haiti Among the Least Happy in the World Haiti has been ranked among the least happy countries, according to the World Happiness Report 2022, released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Haiti is the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country featured in the report that assessed 146 countries in 2021.

Haiti is ranked in the Top Ten least happy countries with a score of 3.721 and is placed at 140th of the 146 countries. Last year, the French-speaking CARICOM country had amassed a total of 3.615 points.

Haiti remains the poorest country in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region and among the poorest countries in the world. In 2020, Haiti had a gross domestic product per capita of US$2.925, the lowest in the LAC region and less than a fifth of the LAC average of US$15.092. On the UN's Human Development Index, Haiti ranked 170 out of 189 countries in 2020.

Since 2002, the World Happiness Report has used statistical analysis to determine the happiest countries in the world.

According to the report, Finland ranked as the happiest nation globally for the fifth consecutive year.

This report was primarily based on the Gallup World Poll.

The new report was released ahead of the annual International Day of Happiness observed on Sunday.

It rates the 146 countries based on personal wellbeing, levels of gross domestic product, life expectancy, and other quality of life measures.

Based on an average of data collected over three years and a mathematical formula, the list, which is now in its tenth year, awards a score from zero to ten.

“With this year's Globe Happiness Reflect, which utilizes global survey data to report how people rate their lives in more than 146 nations worldwide, the World Happiness index 2022 sheds light on a ray of hope in these terrible times. Not only did the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic cause agony and suffering, but it also resulted in an upsurge in social assistance and charity.

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COMMUNITY

City of Miramar Passes Paid Parental Leave Resolution The City of Miramar's City Commission has unanimously adopted a resolution approving the creation of a paid parental leave policy, providing 12 weeks of paid leave to its approximately 1200 city employees.

Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), new parents are allowed unpaid, job-protected leave for up to 12 weeks following the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. Miramar has elected to amend the City's policy to allow for paid, job-protected parental leave for employees who are approved for FMLA leave.

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, who sponsored the resolution stated, “The City of Miramar is proud to be among the first municipalities in Broward County to adopt a paid parental leave policy. We strongly feel that it was the right thing to do for our employees. Providing paid parental leave will allow them to bond with their newborns, adopted or fostered children, without the added stress of having to use sick or vacation leave, or potentially having to go unpaid.”

The city's policy includes a number of conditions; employees must apply for FMLA leave, have worked for the city for at least 12 months, and worked a minimum of 1,250 work hours during the 12 months before the FMLA qualifying event.

Eligibility includes the birth, fostering, or adoption of a child, prenatal care and incapacity related to pregnancy, and serious

Venezuelans in T&T denied or granted approval to continue working for the remaining six months.

Venezuelans who are registered will also benefit from free emergency medical services at public health institutions including treatment for acute medical conditions such as accidents, injuries, asthma, heart attacks, strokes, diabetic comas, infectious disease, and initial stabilization of fractures. They will also benefit from public health promotions and immunization efforts.

On the contrary, there is no guarantee that registered Venezuelans will be able to

Metal Detectors to be Used in Broward County Schools

by Jhaneal Lewis CNW Reporter

In an effort to protect students and staff within the Broward County Public School district, handheld metal detectors will now be used on school property.

Davis

health conditions following the birth of a child.

The program is available to both parents equally and is applicable if they are both city employees.

The policy change is a vital benefit, which supports the health and development of children and boosts employee morale.

The City of Miramar is a diverse community of 132,096 residents and recognized as a geographic hub for numerous corporations of various sizes including major players in key global industries such as airlines, cruise lines, healthcare, finance, media, and communications. As a strategic destination in South Florida, it is noted for its quick access to all major highways, South Florida's ports, and airports.

from A4

access education, training courses or social services offered by government and state entities.

The number of Venezuelans who have benefited from the initiative vary with some groups claiming that in May 2019 there were 60,000 Venezuelans. The UNHCR reported that as of September 30, 2020 there were 14,241 pending asylum claims in Trinidad and Tobago and 2,514 recognized refugees.

Venezuelans have been fleeing their homeland as opposition forces in the South American country backed by many western

countries including the United States, Europe, and Canada, seek the removal of President Nickolas Maduro from office.

Several Venezuelans have sought to enter Trinidad and Tobago illegally and last month, a child was killed when the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard fired on a vessel carrying illegal Venezuelan migrants. The coast guard claimed the migrants had tried to ram its vessel. An inquiry into the incident is ongoing.

Superintendent Vickie Cartwright made the announcement in a video message on Wednesday.

“The safety of our students and staff is our district's highest priority. As part of our commitment to ensure secure learning environments, we are introducing an additional layer of protection for our schools district wide. We will be using handheld metal detectors during the school day to conduct random screenings in our schools,” she said.

Cartwright said the screenings will be random and will be conducted by trained security personnel.

“Schools and classrooms are randomly identified using a computerized tool, which eliminates any bias in the selection process,” she added.

The screening also includes all students in a selected classroom and their belongings.

The issue of using metal detectors in schools was first discussed at a school board meeting in January. Several members of the board, including loved ones of victims of the Parkland shooting, had shown support for the policy.

School board member and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School parent Lori Alhadeff said while she believes metal detectors would not have prevented the Parkland shooting, it is still a good policy for the district to implement. “We have to find a way to prevent the guns continues on B4 – Metal Detectors

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 24 – MAR 30, 2022 | CNWNETWORK.COM

TLC T R A V E L

LIFESTYLE CUISINE parade on the last two days, featuring mass bands, dancing, and music.

Carnivals in the Caribbean

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

W

ith many countries worldwide having achieved COVID-19 herd immunity, the world is slowly returning to normal. This shift means mass events like Carnival are back on the agenda. Several Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, have already announced plans for their carnival celebrations; and other islands are likely to follow suit. If you're looking forward to celebrating carnival safely this year, here are ten Caribbean islands to keep in mind.

Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad is the premier destination for Carnival in the Caribbean.

What started as a way for enslaved people on the island to celebrate with their version of European masquerade balls has turned into one of the biggest annual parties in the Caribbean. Carnival in Trinidad happens on the Monday and Tuesday directly before Ash Wednesday, usually in March. Revelers from all over the world line the streets on the

Martinique Carnival in Martinique is a unique celebration of French and African culture. This island's version of Carnival lasts five days, beginning just before Lent (usually at the end of February or beginning of March).

Like other Caribbean carnivals, Martinique has costumes, singing, dancing, and music during this time.

A Carnival King or Vaval (a mannequin made from paper, reeds, or wood, which symbolizes Carnival) is also created and carried through the parades during the festival. During the parades, an elected Carnival Queen sits beside the Vaval, which is burnt at a massive bonfire on the last day.

St. Lucia

two days decked out in the most dazzling costumes, cover their bodies with oil, grease, chocolate, and mud as part of the traditions, and dance nonstop to the music of steel drum bands. Port of Spain is the epicenter of all things Carnival in Trinidad, but similar parties take place in various other locations in the twin-island republic.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas is what they call

carnival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Even though St. Vincent is one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean, the island has a massive appetite for Carnival. Traditionally, Vincy Mas was celebrated a few days before Lent, but today, the carnival has turned into a summer celebration, beginning in June, and culminating in early July. Vincy Mas has all the typical elements of a Carnival in the Caribbean: vibrant costumes, street dances, calypso, and street band music. Uniquely, Vincy Mas has a J'ouvert and Mardi Gras

St. Lucian Carnival is a monthlong celebration of sexy costumes, music, and the island's culture.

Carnival in St. Lucia was initially celebrated during Lent but was eventually moved to the summer to better cater to tourists during the island's peak season. The celebrations start in June with several parties and events, including steel band competitions, pageants, and a Junior Carnival. But most revelers and spectators look forward to the last two days of Carnival when the twoday costume parade and Road March competition occur in mid-July. Both women and men come scantily dressed in costumes with jewels, beads, and feathers and dance to plenty of soca, reggae, and calypso music.

Barbados Barbados Crop Over has become one of the most famous Carnivals in the Caribbean due to annual celebrity

sightings of Bajan-singer, Rihanna.

Crop Over began in Barbados in the 1700s as a huge celebration that marked the end of a successful sugar cane harvest. Even though the sugar cane industry declined on the island, the festival was revived and transformed to what we know as Crop Over today. Crop Over begins every June and runs until the first Monday in August, culminating in The Grand Kadooment. During the weeks leading up to the final parade, events such as a massive Bridgetown market, Festival King and Queen competitions, Kiddies Kadooment, and other competitions take place.

Grenada Grenada, the island of spice in the Caribbean, celebrates its “Spice Mas” Carnival every August. Spice Mas, while fun and entertaining with pageants, J'ouvert, and a Monday Night Mas, also has deep-rooted and spiritual elements usually linked to the island's colonial history. From the ShortKnee masquerade, a unique fusion of French and African culture, to the “Vieux corps” carnival gowns, Grenadians have managed to make Carnival on their island a distinctive and captivating experience. If you do happen to make it to the streets of St. George's for Spice Mas, don't be frightened if you see masqueraders covered in black oil, horns, and chains riding in the street. This portrayal is called “Jab,” a long-time Grenadian African slave tradition.

Jamaica Jamaica Carnival has gained the reputation for being one of the most popular and most exciting Carnivals in the Caribbean. Dubbed 'Bacchanal' in Jamaica, this carnival combines all the traditional aspects of a Caribbean Carnival with Jamaican music, food, and vibrant people. The Bacchanal celebrations occur in Ocho Rios and continues on B3 – Carnivals

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ENTERTAINMENT

St Lucia's Gros Islet Party Returns

by Jovani Davis CNW Reporter

St. Lucia's Gros Islet party is set to return in April after being canceled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gros Islet Friday Street is one of St. Lucia's main tourist attractions. This weekly street party is the perfect Friday night hang out for the young and young at heart looking to grab amazing seafood while listening and dancing to music in the lively atmosphere.

Every Friday around 6:00 p.m., the street is closed, the speakers are cranked up and the residents of Gros Islet fire up their barbecues offering nothing but delicious food, drinks, and good vibes.

Local art and craft vendors lay out their stalls where you may purchase trinkets to take home and party into the early morning to local and regional music.

On March 15, Member of Parliament for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir met with several vendors who have been negatively impacted by the suspension of activity, to discuss the return of the event.

“I am happy to announce that we have collectively decided that the return of the biggest street party in St. Lucia is slated for Friday, April 29, 2022, COVID permitting.”

Casimir added that he was excited for the return of the party that will help to boost the economy.

“I am very excited about the long-awaited economic activity and look forward to celebrating with you the people of Gros Islet.”

Gros Islet is a guaranteed good time in a safe environment. Whether you're looking to try the flavorful food, dance the night away, or simply experience the culture, this is an experience you'll definitely remember.

With the pulsating rhythms echoing from the speakers of the island's DJs and the occasional appearance of local artistes, it is impossible not to enjoy yourself and even more so, not to move to the infectious bass lines that accompany the music.

Carnivals

from B2

Kingston and span from March to the end of April, where the final event, “Bacchanal Road March,” takes place. Locals and tourists alike cover themselves with oil, glitter, and paint come out in their costumes to dance in the street or on branded trucks to the latest soca and dancehall tunes.

St. Maarten Under the theme “Come, Experience Life!” the tiny island of St. Maarten comes alive during the Carnival season in April. The celebration is the island's most significant annual cultural event and encourages people from all over the world to come “play mas.”

Carnival in St. Maarten occurs over 17 days, filled with parades, music competitions, reggae and soca bands, vibrant costumes, dancing, and plenty of drink and food. All Carnival festivities on the island center on the Carnival Village, the island's largest arena, and the specific location for all things related to Carnival. Every year, celebrities and musicians worldwide are called to headline Carnival, so you also enjoy great musical performances.

Bahamas In the first week of May, all Bahamians come together in the Bahamas, specifically Nassau, for a week-long festive celebration.

During this week, all the hotels and Airbnbs are practically booked out (so be sure to book in advance) as tourists visit the island to enjoy the food, weather, and culture and participate in the Carnival celebrations. The most famous reggae and soca artistes get booked to entertain revelers with live music as they make their way through the enormous parades. Bahamian Carnival is not to be confused with Junkanoo, which is a street parade with similar elements that takes place in December.

Puerto Rico Carnival in Puerto Rico, officially called Carnaval Ponceño, is an annual week-long celebration held in Ponce. Carnaval Ponceño typically begins a week before Lent and, thus, is celebrated in either February or March. During Carnival week, parties and parades happen daily, starting with the Parade of the Carnival King and ending with the “Burial of the Sardine” (Entierro de la Sardina) ceremony on the day before Ash Wednesday. Puerto Rico's culture has a significant Spanish influence.

Many of the traditions, rituals, and costumes you will see during Carnaval Ponceño are an ode to Puerto Rico's Catholic roots.

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CONTINUATIONS

Reparations

from A1

people. Jamaica is very free and liberal and the people are very expressive and I am certain that you would have seen the spectrum of expressions yesterday,” Holness said, referring to a protest that took place outside of the British High Commission in Kingston. Residents involved in the demonstration were demanding an apology and reparations from the Royal family.

“There are issues here which are, as you would know, are unresolved.

But your presence gives an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, put front and centre, and to be addressed as best we can,” Holness continued.

“Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is very proud of our history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we are moving on and we intend to attain, in short order, our development goals and fulfil our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country,” he said.

In December, just weeks after Barbados became a republic, Prime Minister Holness stated that there was “no doubt that Jamaica has to become a republic.”

Marlene Malahoo Forte, who was Jamaica's attorney general until January, and is now Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, had also received instructions from Holness to reform the constitution to become a republic --a process that will also require a referendum.

Metal Detectors

Jah Cure Melkweg. However, he claimed he had not been paid his performance fee of 5,000 euros.

The prosecution had demanded that the Jamaican singer be sentenced to at least eight years, with time served, for attempted murder and assault. However, Jah Cure's lawyer Tim Scheffer argued that the incident was self-defense and that it was never the singer's intention to stab the concert promoter in the first place. Scheffer also told the court that the threatening messages that Jah Cure sent prior to the stabbing were “part of the Jamaican reggae culture,” according to Het Parool.

The verdict comes after a

Netherlands court heard submissions of witness statements, viewed CCTV footage, and reviewed the voice note messages sent by Jah Cure to the victim.

According to Nu.nl, the court described the incident as an “apparently fairly trivial conflict” which Jah Cure 'blew up and escalated'.

“The judge ruled that such a stabbing incident in broad daylight in a busy place as Dam Square does give the victim and society a great sense of insecurity,” Telegraaf noted.

The next step is for Jah Cure's lawyers to appeal to the Court of Appeal within two weeks if they disagree with the court's ruling.

This will be Jah Cure's second time in prison. In 1998, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping and robbing a woman at gunpoint. He served eight years and during the last leg of his sentence, the singer's popularity skyrocketed following the release of his hit singles “Longing For” and “Love Is”, released in 2005 and “True Reflection (Prison Walls)” released in 2007.

Last September, before his arrest, he had announced he was adding the final touches to a new album, titled Undeniable.

Guyana Schools Reopen from B1

and weapons from getting into our schools,” she said.

“As a parent, as a mother with two kids in our schools, it definitely adds a layer of comfort to know that we are going to be doing wanding and checking to make sure there are not guns or weapons in kids backpacks or on them, and this is a layer of protection to make our schools safer.”

School board member Debbi Hixon, whose husband was killed during the shooting, also supported the policy.

“It's a deterrent so someone's going to know that there is the chance that they're going to get caught,” Hixon said.

The policy states that metal detectors may be used to screen people for firearms and other objects which are prohibited on school district property.

It also says anyone who refuses to submit to a search will be subject to disciplinary action or may be kicked off campus.

“The goal is to ensure safer learning environments by detecting weapons and other dangerous objects on our campuses, and ultimately deterring students from bringing these items to school,” Cartwright said.

She also asked parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of taking weapons to school, including expulsion and criminal charges.

Mathematics, English, Social Studies, and Science – the four cores.

Every student will be diagnosed, and each student will be attended to individually to make sure that we recover from the COVID loss.”

Schools in Guyana were closed in March 2020 and Manickchand said the pandemic provided the ministry with the opportunity to review its literacy programme.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister said the “Spark” program aimed at introducing students to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology will ensure that rounded individuals are developed was launched today at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

The programme is a product of the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the LEAD

LEISURE ACROSS 1. Cocktail coolers, informally 6. Essence 10. Abbr. for shortening a list 14. Behind the times 15. Entrance fee in poker 16. Nationals outfielder Juan 17. Footwear that makes an automechanic stop?

19. Ring, as a bell 20. Panamanian man, perhaps 21. Zippo 22. Alias letters 23. CPR pro 24. Parts of a private chat on Insta 26. Casual top that keeps an automechanic fueled up?

29. Secret agent 30. Lend a hand 32. Resulted in 33. Bond portrayer Timothy 36. Homer classic 37. Headwear that helps an automechanic stay cool?

from A1

DOWN 39. Taper off 41. Film critic's piece 42. Courtroom proceeding 43. Bit of moisturizer 44. 55, say, for a truck: Abbr.

47. Waist accessory that transmits an auto mechanic's movements?

50. Autumnal equinox's mo.

52. Exist 53. Actress Long 54. Objective 56. Big bore 58. Mid-March date 59. Leg covering that prepares an automechanic for winter?

61. Thorny bloom 62. Duo plus one 63. Apple centers 64. Insects in a colony 65. "___ that special?"

66. Done in a rush

1. Moscow moola 2. Freeway entrance 3. Never at a loss for words 4. Dee who sang "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" 5. Stimulate the economy 6. Cry of frustration 7. Privy to 8. Shrek creator William 9. Inventor who designed a coil 10. Will practice?

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

Mindset, JASECI Labs and BCS Technology.

Manickchand said the government believes citizens, especially young people, should be given the platform and the environment to flourish and to be all that they can be for themselves, their families, communities, and the world.

“So, this programme here, this partnership that we're entering into, we jumped on it immediately because we see the potential in it.

Not only will this allow you to be creators and innovators, but we hope it is going to make you all into leaders,” Minister Manickchand remarked.

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from A4

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C1

ENTERTAINMENT

Grenada Gearing up for August Carnival Amidst Worrying Concerns G

renada is gearing to host “the Caribbean's biggest summer festival in August” even as Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has warned that he is worried about the attitude of young people and also urging that Grenadians continue to follow the policies in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Thursday night, Prime Minister Mitchell said a new disorder could emerge “unless we can muster a national conscience for joint action.

“Indeed, there is a worrying trend we have been witnessing lately, with response to violence, particularly among the nation's youth.

The horrifying images confronting us, depicting violence and blatant disrespect, are troubling, to say the least,” Mitchell said.

He told the nation that he is not making excuses for the behavior of the young people, “but I must say that I empathize with the enormous impact the pandemic has had on them.

“They've spent an extended period outside of the classroom, they've been forced to forego the usual social interaction that fuels the relationships they build, and they have been frustrated by restrictions that curtail sporting and other activities.

“As adults, it is important for us to determine how we can positively influence the lives of the nation's youth, whether through individual or collective action. We should not be satisfied to simply criticize and condemn.”

Mitchell said in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government believes the island is at the beginning of the end of this two-year nightmare.

“As indicated by the Ministry of Health

days ago, the government has decided to further lift some of the COVID-19 protocols.

Effective, April 4, the mask mandate and the testing and vaccination requirement for arriving passengers will be discontinued.

“There is still every reason to be cautious — and to observe the basic protocols that have kept many of us safe. The mask mandate is being removed but we still encourage social distancing where possible, and frequent sanitizing of hands.

“Getting vaccinated is still the quickest route to putting this pandemic behind us. Sadly though, vaccine hesitancy is still a grave cause for concern here. Many of our people are still reluctant to accept vaccination as the best shot

The government has decided to further li some of the COVID-19 protocols.

Effective, April 4, the mask mandate and the testing and vaccination requirement for arriving passengers will be discontinued. There is still every reason to be cautious — and to observe the basic protocols that have kept many of us safe. – Prime Minister Keith Mitchell

to safeguarding their lives and that of their loved ones.”

Mitchell said while current infection rates are down, the relatively low level of vaccination makes Grenada susceptible to spikes, adding “vaccination is key to guarantee the summer we are all excitedly looking forward to”.

He said Grenada is now planning to stage its Carnival “and if the current epidemiological situation does not worsen, we will remain on course to have a good time”.

Mitchell said Spicemas Corporation has already unveiled the measures that will be put in place given the current situation to ensure a safe and secure carnival.

“Our epidemiological team has been studying the outcomes from the recent Carriacou Carnival and their observations are encouraging – no spike in infections. We will continue to monitor because as we are all aware, the pandemic has been dynamic, and our response has had to be nimble.

“We are therefore confident that Grenada will be ready to host not just another Carnival, but the Caribbean's biggest summer festival in August. Carnival is a significant cultural and economic event, and this government is committed to giving every support to ensure a grand and successful event.

“We can't wait to feel the rhythm of the streets, to watch the smiles on the faces, to sway to vibrations of our Soca artistes, and to marvel at the creativity of our mas band producers.

And we can't wait to welcome home not just nationals, but visitors who crave the spectacle of Spice Mas,” Mitchell added.

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SPORTS

SOCCER

Head Coach Paul Hall looks to the future With 24-man World Cup Qualifying Squad

by L. Bronson CNW Sports Writer

Reggae Boyz head coach Paul Hall has included Jamaica Premier League leading goal scorer Atapharoy Bygrave and schoolboy football standouts Tarick Ximines and Christopher Pearson in Jamaica's 24-man squad for the last three CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.

The trio is among a dozen locally based players included in Hall's squad for games against El Salvador on Thursday, away to Canada three days later, and back home against Honduras on March 30.

Bygrave plays for Dunbeholden Football Club and currently leads the goalscoring race with nine strikes, including Monday's winner against Humble Lion FC in Hall's presence.

Pearson was a member of Kingston College's winning Manning Cup and Olivier Shield teams. He currently plays for Cavalier FC in the Jamaica Premier League, while Ximines represented beaten Manning Cup finalist Jamaica College, and is now a member of Harbour View's premier league team.

The Reggae Boyz have already been eliminated from qualifying for the Qatar World Cup Finals slated for later this year. With just three games remaining in the CONCACAF qualifiers, Jamaica sits in seventh position on seven points.

The eight-nation final round qualification series is headed by Canada on 25 points, followed by the US and Mexico on 21, Panama next on 17, Costa Rica 16, El Salvador on nine and Honduras at the rear of the field on three points.

The top three teams gain automatic berths to Qatar, with the fourth-placed team earning another chance via an Inter-continental playoff.

Hall replaced sacked former head coach Theodore Whitmore at the end of the November series of games but lost his three games in the competition.

But the France 1998 World Cup star is not deterred as he looks to the future, aided, and abetted by the Jamaica Football Federation's decision to conserve scarce financial resources required to accommodate the professionals from all across the globe.

“I would like to be judged on how much we can grow Jamaica's football in the long term, so

C3

Reggae Boyz

For 20 however long years we “ have been trying to do the same thing, now we need to draw a line somewhere and we need to show improvement,” Hall told the media on Monday. But that's not going to happen overnight, so yes, we don't want to come seventh, we don't want to come eighth, yes you do want to win games, but we've got to understand what's the importance here. What people say or can we get Jamaica into a place of where we used to be?” – Hall if you have to lose a couple of games in the early days, fine, and if people would like to say Hall should go because he lost a couple of games, fine.

“It's not about me winning games in the early days, it's about us having some kind of longevity in the future.”

Half of Hall's Reggae Boyz squad ply their trade overseas with captain Andre Blake, as well as Leon Bailey, Ravel Morrison, veteran Adrian Mariappa and Damion Lowe being included.

And in another philosophical twist, Hall is willing to gamble on gaining positives for the future even if defeat is the final result.

“If we say that we lost against Costa Rica, we didn't lose, we got Richard King. That was a win for me because we got a young 20-year-old player who has got undoubted potential. That's a win for me!”

The coach justified his inclusion of some of the locals as purely developmental. “They have to go on a programme, just like you were in a gym. You go on a programme. We have to get individual programmes for these guys based on their individual needs.”

The full list includes Andre Blake, Dillon Barnes, Amal Knight, Damion Lowe, Richard King, Dwayne Atkinson, Adrian Mariappa, Javain Brown, Gregory Leigh, Alex Marshall, Jamoi Topey, Demar Rose, Ravel Morrison, Nicholas Nelson, Christopher Pearson, Ricardo Thomas, Ramone Howell, Daniel Green, Tarick Ximines, Atapharoy Bygrave, Leon Bailey, Andre Gray, Devon Williams, Lamar Walker.

GraceKennedy Pumps $88M into Champs 2022; Gov’t approves 20,000 spectators Up to 20,000 spectators per day have been authorized by Government of Jamaica agencies to attend the 2022 edition of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships.

The five-day annual event is slated for Kingston's National Stadium from April 59, but was executed without spectators last year, while in 2020 the event was cancelled due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

As part of GraceKennedy's 100th anniversary, the title sponsor has pledged educational grants valued at $100,000 to all seven winners of the 100m finals, as well as the 4x100m relays.

“Champs is a critical part of youth and sport development in Jamaica. This is not an expense, this is an investment, and we are confident at GraceKennedy and as a nation, we are going to see the returns on this investment,” GraceKennedy Group's Chief Executive Officer Don Wehby said.

The company has pledged $88 million in sponsorship for this year's championships.

Wehby and his company have gone a step further as they have committed to exploring ways to protect the welfare of athletes, a sore point that has been allowed to fester for many years.

There has been a recent schedule change designed to be much more athletefriendly, but Wehby, a former St George's College sprint hurdler, recommended during Monday's launch of the event at the National Stadium that athletes injured during the championships only be allowed to re-engage in competition if they are cleared by an independent medical body.

“If a child is stretchered off, they need to be certified by an independent panel to say 'yes, they can run again',” he said.

“While I believe in recovery, I don't believe a child should be injured and then I see them running a 4x400m the next day,” he added.

It is a widely held view that some school coaches and support staff have often contributed to the abuse of athletes all for the garnering of points toward championship success.

ISSA President Keith Wellington was elated with the increased number of spectators allowed noting his association will make allowance for 3,500 spectators in the grandstand and 16,500 in the bleachers daily.

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