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Quarantine Hell! Returning Residents Severely Critical Of “Prison” Like Conditions At State Quarantine Facility by Sheri-kae McLeod
Over the last week, as Jamaica began to repatriate its citizens who were stranded overseas since March, many returning residents have brought attention to the sub-standard conditions of some of the state’s quarantine facilities. Under the controlled re-entry program, returning Jamaicans have to be quarantined in a state facility for 14 days at a discounted cost of USD $20 for meals and other needs. But last week, the Jamaican government came under fire for the conditions of some of the facilities, which have been likened by some of the returning residents to prisons. Arrangements for returning Jamaicans at the Bahia Principe Hotel in Runaway Bay has been called out by some returning residents quarantined at that facility, which currently accommodates 345 returning residents, to date. Residents revealed a slew of problems at the facility, including rooming delays, no COVID-19 testing, substandard meals, discrimination and verbal abuse from the workers at the hotel. Residents at the facility took to social media to post videos and images of the deplorable meals and rooming conditions that they were being subject to. Following backlash from locals and the diaspora, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton issued an apology to the returning residents and said the issues were being rectified. Although the public apologies were warranted and largely accepted, the issues highlighted by residents have discouraged many Jamaicans in the diaspora who are eager to return home. However, members of a smaller group of returning residents who are quarantined in facilities at the Jewels Paradise Cove Hotel, also in the parish of St. Ann, praised the conditions, including rooms and the quality of food at that hotel. Holness has admitted that the 600 returning Jamaicans who are currently quarantined in government-arranged facilities have stretched its resources thin. "Out of compassion and an overwhelming desire to bring our citizens home, we are now beyond our quarantine capacity," he said. As a result, he said, it will be at least 14 days before Jamaica is able to
Following backlash from locals and the diaspora, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton issued an apology to the returning residents and said the issues were being rectied. Although the public apologies were warranted and largely accepted, the issues highlighted by residents have discouraged many Jamaicans in the diaspora who are eager to return home.
continues on B3 – Quarantine Hell
THURSDAY MAY 21, 2020
Broward Mayor Dale Holness Endorses Sheriff Tony By Vonnie Lee
Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness has officially thrown his support behind incumbent Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony who is defending his seat against 10 other candidates in the 2020 election. “I am proud to stand with Sheriff Tony as the right person to lead the Broward Sheriff's Office now, and in the years to come,” said Mayor Holness in a statement at on Wednesday at a prayer event for Sheriff Tony at the African American Research Library, on historic Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. More than 20 pastors and members of the clergy came out to support and pray for the sheriff. “I have seen firsthand how BSO has dramatically changed for the better under Sheriff Tony's leadership in his 15 months in command...Sheriff Tony has equipped our law enforcement officers with new tools and training to do their job more effectively, including establishing a $30 million regional new training center—where 30 percent of the contracting opportunities will be given to small, minority- and women-owned businesses—and working with Broward County Emergency Management on the creation of a real-time crime center in our community,” Mayor Holness said. Sheriff Tony accepted and said he is “honored to receive the endorsement of the mayor for the county I represent.” The sheriff called Holness “a remarkable public servant who has done so much good for our community,” adding “I am proud to have his support. I am looking forward to continuing to work together over the next four years to make Broward County safer than ever, continues on B4 – Endorses Tony
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JAMAICA MEDIA GIANT DIES FROM CANCER A3
NATURALIZATION CONCERNS FOR U.S. RESIDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC B1
Late Rock And Roll Icon Interred At HBCU B1
TAPLIN TO MISS WORLD CHAMPS AND OLYMPICS AFTER LOSING BAN APPEAL C3
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020
Break Time - Lauderhill Interim City Manager Desorae Giles-Smith (le ), Commissioner Denise D. Grant (center) and State Representa ve Bobby DuBose shared a li le "elbow saluta on" in fun as they took a well-needed break at the city's second food distribu on event at the Lauderhill Sports Park. Photo by Luke Ballen ne
Checking Up - Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez prac ces social distancing with Campbell Epes, execu ve director at Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace. - Contributed.
Celebra ng Hai - Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis (right) along with (l-r) Marie Woodson, Candidate for State House District 101; incumbent Judge Phoebee Rebecca Francois, former Senator Daphne Campbell were all about celebra ng the vibrant culture and heritage of Hai at the Hai an Flag Day celebra ons.- Contributed
Congratula ons! Bob McKinney has been inducted into the Florida High School Athle c Hall of Fame Class of 2020 by the Florida High School Athle c Associa on (FHSAA) for his commitment to high school athle cs. - Contributed
Kudos! J.P. Taravella graduate Ashley Muscolino is the proud recipient of the Tamarac Parks and Recrea on Founda on Libio, Carr and Boos $1,000 scholarship. When she's not focusing on academics, Ashley volunteers and par cipates in Tamarac youth athle cs. She will a end the University of Florida in the fall. - City of Tamarac
Freshly Squeezed - Mayor Michelle Gomez shows off the healthy offerings at Tamarac Farmers Market, which reopened recently. - Contributed
In Service - Volunteers, including From The Inside-Out School of E que e founder Jackie Vernon Thompson (center), share a fun moment while working at Lauderhill's second food distribu on event at the Lauderhill Sports Park. - Photo by Luke Ballen ne
A Light Moment - Lana Lindo (le ), Lauderhill commissioners Richard Campbell (center) and Denise D. Grant share a light moment at the recent food distribu on event in Lauderhill. - Contributed
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 –
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NEWSMAKER
Oliver Clarke
Jamaican Media Giant Dies From Cancer Prominent Jamaican businessman and media tycoon, Oliver Frederick Clarke, died on Saturday, May 16, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, which Clarke managed and chaired for four decades, described him as a “quintessential media tycoon, Caribbean luminary, humanitarian and banker who had an almost inexhaustible list of accolades.” It said Oliver Clarke, was arguably one of the most influential and renowned media magnates across the English-speaking Caribbean, serving also as a prominent leader of the 185-year-old Gleaner Company, an icon in the Caribbean media sector. “A central figure in corporate Jamaica, Clarke played a pivotal role in the establishment of the powerful Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) in 1976 and was later immortalized among its esteemed leadership over the years when he was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame in 1996.” The paper said that Clarke, a shrewd businessman and entrepreneur extraordinaire, and the late chairman of Radio Jamaica, J. Lester Spaulding, inked a deal in 2015 to merge the newspaper with the RJR Communications Group, arguing that unfavorable local economic conditions were at the heart of the decision to amalgamate the media entities.
“You cannot provide independent news unless you are viable. What Jamaica faces is that there are a number of foreign companies coming in and putting up programs that solicit advertising and you have a lot of businesses that are not making their way. The Gleaner's interest in this is trying to create an organization that is viable, can last, and is Jamaican,” Clarke said then. Clarke and Spalding were also instrumental in the formation of the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) and the Caribbean New Agency (CANA) in the 1980s. Clarke initially worked with the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) as assistant general manager and later general manager from 1971 to 1976. He served as chairman of JNBS for two decades, 1977 to 1997, and also as deputy chairman from 1997 until 2002, when he was reappointed chairman. His involvement with the institution deepened in February 2017, when he was appointed chairman of the newly launched subsidiary, JN Bank, as well as the restructured mutual holding companies, The Jamaica National Group and the JN Financial Group. In April 2019, he demitted chairmanship of both JN Bank and the JN Financial Group and remained chairman of The Jamaica National Group up to the time of his passing. In 1990, Clarke received the Americas Award from the Americas Foundation. The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies recognized him as a Caribbean Luminary in 2004, and in April 2006, the American
Friends of Jamaica awarded Clarke with its International Humanitarian Award. In 2009, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies, and also from the University of Technology. In 2013, he also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the
In 1990, Clarke received the Americas Award from the Americas Foundation. The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies recognized him as a Caribbean Luminary in 2004, and in April 2006, the American Friends of Jamaica awarded Clarke with its International Humanitarian Award. Northern Caribbean University. Clarke, a chartered accountant by profession, who studied at the London School of Economics and received a BSc in economics, was awarded the Order of Jamaica in 1998. In a tribute, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “News of the death of the Hon. Oliver F. Clarke has left me deeply saddened. I had known that he was very ill, but knowing the fighter that he was, I was hopeful that this battle would not be his last. For decades Oliver straddled the Jamaican business community like a Colossus.” Another tribute from the PSOJ said the late media mogul was “a magnanimous private sector leader and a true Jamaican patriot. He was fearless yet remained humble and affable, endearing many from all walks of life with his wit and sense of humor. He has been a powerful influence in the shaping of Jamaica's modern history.” Oliver Clarke is survived by his daughter, Alexandra and widow, Monica Ladd.
Clarke
As we begin the reopening of businesses across our cities, now is not the time to let our guard down. The best support we can offer is to do our part by following the CDC guidelines such as staying at home, if possible, practicing social distancing and wearing protective covering in public. Remember, we are all in this together.
N E T W O R K
A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020
Five Caribbean Nations Among 100 To Get Help From World Bank Five Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica and Haiti are among 100 developing countries that will benefit from a World Bank Group emergency operations to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Washington-based financial institution said Tuesday that since March, it has rapidly delivered record levels of support to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, reinforce health systems, maintain the private sector, and bolster economic recovery. “This assistance, the largest and fastest crisis response in the Bank Group's history,
marks a milestone in implementing the Bank Group's pledge to make available US$160 billion in grants and financial support over a 15month period to help developing countries respond to the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 and the economic shutdown in advanced countries.” “The pandemic and shutdown of advanced economies could push as many as 60 million people into extreme poverty, erasing much of the recent progress made in poverty alleviation,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. The World Bank Group said of the 100 countries, 39 are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
St. Kitts To Hold General Elections On June 5 After dissolving the parliament last week, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris named June 5 as the date for the next general elections. In a radio and television broadcast, Harris said Nomination Day will be on May 27. The island's elections were due this year, by August 14. “Election is important and will bring certainty to our Federation, enhance confidence in our country and preserve our democracy,” said Harris, who is expected to lead his coalition Team Unity into the election. The coalition will face a challenge from the main opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP) headed by former prime minister Dr. Denzil Douglas. continues on B3 – St. Kitts Elections
It said nearly one-third of the total projects are in fragile, conflict-affected situations, such as Afghanistan, Chad, Haiti, and Niger and that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) have also fast-tracked support to businesses in developing countries, including trade finance and working capital to maintain private sectors, jobs and livelihoods. The Bank Group's support through grants, loans and equity investments will be supplemented by the suspension of bilateral debt service, as endorsed by the Bank's governors. IDA-eligible countries that request forbearance on their official bilateral debt payments will
have more financial resources to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and fund critical, lifesaving emergency responses. The World Bank Group said its operational response will strengthen health systems, support the poorest households, and create supportive conditions to maintain livelihoods and jobs for those hit hardest. It said that the scale and speed of the Bank Group's response is critical in helping countries mitigate the adverse impacts of this crisis and prioritize the human capital investments that can accelerate recovery.
Jamaica Relents, Gives Green Light For Regional Exams by Sheri-kae McLeod Following a period of uncertainty and confusion and responding to pressure from students, parents and teachers the Jamaican government has relented and decided students can sit the Caribbean Examination Councils (CXC) exams in July. Prior to this, the government had signaled its plan to postpone this year's CXCs, due to setbacks from the coronavirus pandemic. The exams, the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). are usually held in May and June each year, but the COVID-19
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pandemic forced the closures of virtually all high schools in the region in March, and significantly delayed students' preparation for exams. In late April, CXC announced it would offer online and paper-bases options for the 2020 examinations, for countries that cannot have students sit exams in-person. The exams will be administered at the beginning of July, with the results to be made available by early September. Students across the region, local educational bodies and governments disagreed with the decision. The Barbados government blasted CXC, saying the decision was not in the best interest of the students, and requested the exams be continues on B4 – Jamaica Relents
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 –
A5
Talk UP
Talk UP What do you think about reopening non-essential businesses in our cities at this time? Avia - If everyone practiced social distancing, I would feel comfortable going out and about. Not everyone is doing so, and it's putting people's lives at risk. I am also concerned that some businesses are not using best practices to keep the consumer safe. Let's make the best of the "new normal" and encourage everyone to stay safe.
Mina - The reopening of the economy in Florida is a welcome sight because people are hurting financially, however, the safety of each citizen should not be compromised. Proper safety protocol should be adhered to from the state leadership to the owner of the corner shop, and each person should do their best to protect themselves and each other by wearing a mask, washing our hands and practicing social distancing. We must keep in mind that the Coronavirus does not discriminate, therefore our safety should be our number one priority.
Garth - While I fully understand the importance of reopening, I am perturbed that the scientific guidelines of the experts played a minimal role in the decision making process.This has led to ad hoc interpretations by the public which could be catastrophic.
Wally - I am for the reopening of states as the economy needs it, however this can only be done successfully with responsible and enforced regulations statewide. We will suffer the consequences if not. May good sense and unselfishness prevail. One love.
Peter - It is great to see local businesses open and people getting back to work. The quicker the local economy bounces back the better chance we have of jobs being saved. I have been visiting local businesses and they are happy to be back and serving their clientele.
Other Comments Lisa - I understand people are hurting economically and are restless due to the prolonged stay-at-home orders, but I have little confidence in the way in which the reopening is happening in the state. There is no real coordinated effort to ensure that regulations go across the board and are adhered to. Yes, we have to fix the economy but we stand to have a bigger problem if we don’t resume responsibly.
Carl - While we will have to make many adjustments like sanitizing, distancing, wearing protective covering, etc, businesses need to open up. If we don’t reopen soon, we risk being in a depression that will be extremely difficult to recover from. We still need to earn a living.
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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020
Allow Jamaicans Home Time passes quickly with the potential for people to replace hailed accomplishments with what seems like ingratitude. This situation is becoming increasingly applicable to the Jamaican government. Praised globally for its astute handling of COVID-19 preventative measures in the early stages of the pandemic, the government is now drawing criticism for its more recent actions. These criticisms, which include the government’s actions in allowing Jamaicans to return home during the continued COVID-19 mitigation measures, risk obliterating the positives the administration had achieved. One of the early measures taken by the Jamaican government to stem the virus’ spread was to close its international airports and seaports to incoming travelers on March 21. This measure was originally slated to be for 14 days, but was extended as the pandemic prevailed with the rates of contamination increasing significantly. The ports are still closed to incoming passengers, without a definitive date for reopening. The closure of the ports has had serious repercussions for thousands of Jamaicans— including workers in temporary jobs overseas and hundreds of cruise ship staff—who were out of the country for various reasons when the measures took effect. With businesses mostly locked down in countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK, and the cruise line industry forced to suspend operations, Jamaicans in these countries and those working on cruise ships are eager to return home. So are students stranded overseas. Many have called on the administration to make special arrangements to open the ports so residents can return home. Initially slow to respond to these requests, the government eventually established a website to enable Jamaicans overseas to register so arrangements can be made for their return. Over
the past two weeks, based on this register, arrangements were made in association with Jamaican diplomatic missions overseas for some 500 individuals to return home.
Still cautious to protect the spread of COVID-19, the Jamaican government mandates returning Jamaicans be quarantined by the government for 14 days before they can go to their respective homes. The government has been meeting the costs of this quarantine at hotels and other venues at significant cost to Jamaican taxpayers. However, because it has been reported that over 8,000 Jamaicans stranded overseas have registered to return home, the government appears overwhelmed in arranging for more people to return, at least for the next week. On Monday, a Royal Caribbean ship with 1044 Jamaican ship workers approached Jamaica intent
on disembarking the workers in Falmouth, but the government was reluctant, arguing arrangements weren’t made, nor authorization given, for them to do so. Thankfully, following strong push back from the opposition People’s National Party, ordinary citizens, and woeful pleas from passengers on the ship, the government relented. Each passing day, with more stranded Jamaicans pleading to return home, gains made by the Jamaican government in handling the COVID19 pandemic risk being eroded. Jamaicans deserve to be allowed to enter their country. While legal, law-abiding Jamaicans are being frustrated in returning home, the government recently allowed entry to a group deportees from the U.S. without much argument. Although several countries have also closed their borders as part of COVID-19 preventative measures, they still opened their borders to their citizens. One of the factors constraining Jamaica from opening its borders to returning Jamaicans is the government’s inability to arrange mandatory quarantine measures for the thousands wanting to come home. Therefore, common sense must prevail. It appears it would be more practical for the government to arrange for mandatory COVID-19 testing for those wanting to return home, including those stranded on ships, and provide evidence of the test before coming home. Those showing no sign of the virus could be allowed to return home, subject to copiously monitored temporary home quarantine with severe penalties if the quarantine is broken. This could be a way of allowing many more Jamaicans to return. It’s absolutely necessary that the Jamaican government protect the health of Jamaicans at home, but there’s no reason for the government to treat its own people as if they are lepers. It’s now incumbent on the government to continue applying astute management to protect the nation from COVID-19, while carefully opening its borders to Jamaicans stranded overseas and Jamaicans in the diaspora anxious to return.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 –
A7
LA SECTION HAITIENNE
Haiti Has Most COVID-19 Cases In CARICOM PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti—Haiti has become the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country with the highest number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) after the Frenchspeaking country recorded 77 new cases on Monday. The Ministry of Public Health said that the new cases bring to 533, the number of people who have tested positive for the virus since the first case in Haiti on March 19. It said that the death toll also increased to 21. Jamaica had been the CARICOM country with the highest number of positive cases of the virus that was first detected in China last December and blamed for 315,488 deaths and four million others being infected globally. Kingston on Monday said no new cases had been reported and that the total remained at 520 with nine deaths. On Sunday, Haiti recorded nearly 100 positive cases and the Ministry of Public Health in its latest statement said that the number of active cases now stands at 491 cases with the number of suspected cases followed being 2,120 cases. It said that the number of people hospitalized is 253 while 1,330 persons remain in quarantine at home.
World Bank Helps Haiti Alleviate Food Insecurity During Covid-19 Pandemic WASHINGTON – The World Bank says it has activated US$9.5 million to provide immediate funding for Haiti's agriculture sector to support food security in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
THURSDAY, MAY 28th
“The World Bank is working closely with the Haitian authorities at the central and local levels, along with development partners, to help the country address the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Anabela Abreu, World Bank Country Director for Haiti. “The local agriculture sector supplies up to 45 percent of Haitian food needs. Safeguarding agriculture will be essential to mitigating the impacts of this crisis, particularly for the rural poor,” she added The Washington-based financial institution said nearly 35 percent of Haiti's population already needed urgent food support before the crisis. “The COVID-19 pandemic can worsen this situation, due to external threats such as fluctuation of the global markets, decreased remittances from overseas, and the closure of the border with the Dominican Republic, which will further limit access to basic food supplies,” the bank said. “Locally, social distancing measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus, loss of income, and disruption of supply chains will exacerbate this issue,” it added. The World Bank said the financing will be used to safeguard production for the next two cropping seasons, maintain purchasing power of the rural and urban poor, and preserve the food markets and value chains. It said this funding will allow 21,500 farmers in the Southern and Nippes regions to finance inputs and materials, such as seeds and fertilizers, and will support plowing and land preparation. The World Bank said the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) also includes communications campaigns to promote social distancing and sanitation measures during implementation. It said these funds were mobilized under the Haiti Resilient Productive Landscape Project using the CERC. “CERCs allow funds to be reallocated from the project to be used for emergency response activities,” the World Bank said, stating that this initiative complements the US$20 million support to the COVID-19 health response under the Haiti COVID-19 Response Project, approved on April 2, 2020. The World Bank said it is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, such as those in the Caribbean. It said it is taking “broad, fast action” to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response. “We are increasing disease surveillance, improving public health interventions, and helping the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs,” the bank said. “Over the next 15 months, we will be deploying up to US$160 billion in financial support to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery, including US$50 billion of new IDA (International Development Association) resources in grants or highly concessional terms,” it added.
A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 –
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Naturalization Concerns For U.S. Residents Outside The U.S. During COVID-19 Pandemic Most U.S. residents (Green Card holders) understand the basic requirements for Naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. This includes having been a resident for at least 4 years and 9 months, (or 2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen, called “Early Naturalization”), being at least 18 years old, having a “good moral character,” being able to read and write and be proficient enough in English in order to answer questions about your Naturalization application, U.S. history and civics (with few exceptions). But what many do not fully understand is one of the most important requirements of all—having continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S. Continuous residence requires a resident to show that he or she has lived in the U.S. for the past five years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Physical presence, means that a resident has actually been “physically” inside the U.S. for at least half the time of their required continuous residence, meaning 2.5 years in the past 5 years prior (or 1.5 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Importantly, residents are not required to remain inside the U.S. for the continuous period of “physical presence” all at one time and are allowed to use time accumulated during the requisite period. So generally, it's fairly easy for a resident seeking to qualify to apply for naturalization to add up all the time spent in the U.S. during the past five (or three) year period, in order to determine the date that he or she is eligible to apply for naturalization. The glitch, however, is that any period of time spent outside the U.S. for 180 continuous days (six months) or more up to 364 days breaks a resident's physical presence in the U.S. and generally "resets" the continuous residence clock. That means all the physical time accumulated in the U.S. prior to leaving is totally lost and the time required for continuous residence starts all over again. There are some exceptions, for instance when a resident can prove that although they were outside the U.S. for 180 days, but less than a year, they continued to maintain residency in the U.S. However the burden of proof is on the resident to provide documentary evidence, for instance that they continued to be employed in the U.S. during that time, that their immediate family members remained in the U.S., they maintain a home, car, insurance, bank accounts, utilities, filed tax returns, etc. But in a very strange twist, re-entering the U.S. after staying outside for 365 days or more allows a resident to apply for naturalization in only 4 years + 1 day (2 years + 1 day for residents married to a U.S. citizen) weird, but true! So, residents who are stuck outside the U.S. and unable to return due to the pandemic and related travel restrictions have a lot of issues to consider:
Outside U.S. Less Than 180 Days: Those who have not yet been outside the U.S. for 180 days or more might want to strongly consider reentering the U.S., even if briey, once international travel resumes. Best not to risk the consequences of having to provide proof of residing in the U.S., especially when one has not maintained a home or apartment, employment, automobile, tax returns and insurance, etc.
Residents Outside The U.S. For 180 days, But Less Than 1 Year: Those who have already been outside the U.S. for 180 days, but less than a year may want to be prepared to provide proof to the ofcer upon entering that U.S. showing that they have been residing in the U.S. and were simply stuck outside due to the pandemic, but returned immediately once ights resumed. Then when applying for naturalization, be prepared to provide extensive documentation outlined above to prove that he or she continued to maintain a residence, employment, etc. in the U.S. during the extended absence during the pandemic.
Residents Outside The U.S. For 1 Year Or More: Residents who have been outside for a year or more have a lot more to worry about than simply when they can le for naturalization, rst and foremost they need to be concerned about preserving their green card. After an absence of 365 days or more, a resident must apply as a Returning Resident (SB-1) Visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad (form DS117) and submit proof that they reside in the U.S. and are returning from a temporary trip which was extended due to circumstances beyond their control related to the pandemic, for instance canceled ight to the U.S. The other alternative is applying at the U.S. port of entry (Customs and Border Protection) by providing the same proof, completing the form I-193, Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa and paying the $585 ling fee. If allowed to re-enter the U.S., the resident can then apply for naturalization in 4 years and 1 day.
Tips On Successfully Surviving The National Visa Center Process by Immigration Attorney Caroly Pedersen
The family immigration process often takes many years waiting in line and then finally, once an immigrant visa becomes available, the National Visa Center (NVC) and U.S. Consulate begin final processing for your relative, ending in the immigrant visa consular interview appointment and thereafter immigrating to the U.S. However, even after waiting all those years, the final processing steps themselves can be very intimidating and stressful. This quick overview of the process, along with a few tips to keep in mind, should help you properly provide the required documentation so as not to delay your relative's consular interview. To initiate final consular processing, most sponsors receive a notification email from the NVC called a “Notice of Immigrant Visa Case Creation” which gives the case number, ID and link to login to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to initiate the process. Here are the basic steps in the process:
1) Pay NVC Bills: The first step is to pay the consular fees to begin the process. Fees are currently $445 per person or $325 per person and $120 for family. 2) Submit Affidavit of Support and supporting documents: Once the fees are paid, the next step is for the sponsor to immediately
submit the completed, signed form I-864 Affidavit of Support, current tax return. W-2, pay stubs and proof of residency or citizenship through the CEAC system. Failure to quickly provide the required financial documents will result in delay of the case.
3) Complete the DS260 Immigrant Visa Application: At this stage, the immigrating family members must complete the DS260 form for each person and submit.
4) Civil Documents: All immigrants are required to submit certain civil documents, including birth and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, passport biographic page, police certificate, passport photos, criminal records, etc. These documents must be carefully scanned and uploaded through the CEAC system for each immigrating family member. 5) NVC Review: Once the documents are submitted, it can take up to 60 days for the NVC to review the documents. If documents submitted are not clear or scanned improperly, they are rejected, and the sponsor/immigrant will receive an email notification to log in and replace such documents with properly scanned versions. 6) Consular Interview: Once the NVC finds all the documentation is acceptable, the NVC will email notification that the case is complete. The next step is to wait for notification from the consulate. Within about 30 days the U.S. Consulate will send a notification email with date and time
of the interview, along with instructions on scheduling the required medical examination and listing documentation to bring to the medical exam and consular interview. It's important to understand the NVC process can be completed in as little as 60 days if the case is properly prepared and submitted. If not, the process can be delayed for many months causing immigrating family members to remain in limbo for no good reason. In some cases, I have had new clients come to me over six months into the process exasperated and ready to give up after having previously repeatedly tried to do the case themselves. In addition to sponsors being unsure of which documents are required and unfamiliar with the CEAC system, the main delays are usually caused by documents being uploaded which do not meet the requirements. Here's a few document tips:
Rule #1, never use your cell phone to take a picture of a document, all documents must be scanned at a clear resolution using a scanner and saved as a pdf. Pics taken with cell phones will be rejected. Rule #2, always make sure the document you are scanning is upright on the page, since documents scanned sideways or upside-down will be rejected. Rule #3, make sure to scan the entire document so that all sides are fully showing. Scans of documents which are cut off will be rejected. For instance, if a birth certificate has
stamps, but the scanned page cuts a portion of the stamp off, the document will be rejected. Similarly, if a document is on oversized paper and the scan cuts off the bottom of the document, it will be rejected. The best approach is to take oversized documents to Office Depot or a similar store and have them reduced to letter size.
Rule #4, reduce the size of the PDF before uploading. The maximum size is 2 mb. Many documents with multiple pages scanned on copiers and printers will easily go over 2 mb, so you'll need to use a PDF program which allows you to reduce the PDF size. Rule #5, documents which are in the same language as the country from which the family members are immigrating do not need English translations. For instance, if an immigrant is from Colombia and all his/her documents are in Spanish, no English translations are required to be submitted. Finally, remember every time you submit or resubmit documents, it can take the NVC up to 30-60 days to review them. This can cause frequent delays. The best approach is to carefully prepare the documents, review the scans to make sure they meet each and every specification before uploading and submitting, then check your emails frequently in case the NVC issues a request for resubmission on one or more documents, so that you can take care of it immediately. Courtesy of the American Immigration Law Center, at ImmigrateToday.com
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Art While We’re Apart Middle school students from Renaissance Charter School at Plantation show their understanding and commitment to following the rules of their new normal through their Covid 19 posters done during distance learning. According to their art teacher, Corinne Wakeland, it didn't take very long for many of her students to get on board with making the adjustments to this new way of learning. However, there are still some students, for many different reasons, who continue to have difficulties adjusting. For that reason, she, as well as other teachers and the school's administration, are finding ways, and making every effort to ensure all students have access to what they need in order to be on target. “Students have expressed to me during our Zoom meetings, how much they are missing school and their friends as they have become bored from being isolated and confined at home. I too am also missing the face-to-face interaction with them, and the ability to give a lot more instruction, instant feedback and guidance. I am, however, proud of the achievements many of them are able to make considering the situation we're all in.” says Ms. Wakeland. Renaissance Charter School at Plantation is part of the Charter Schools USA system and serves students mostly from the Lauderhill, Plantation and other surrounding neighborhoods of Broward County.
Broward County Public Schools Cancels Its Summer Activities Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced the cancellation of summer activities in its public school buildings. They said based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), public health experts, and federal, state and local governments regarding safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic, the District will not host any activities during the summer in school
buildings. This includes municipal summer camps and daycare services, Before and After School Child Care, and all other activities previously scheduled or anticipated. In a letter announcing the changes, Superintendent Robert Runcie said BCPS “summer operations will be limited to construction, maintenance, cleaning and preparation for the opening of schools in the fall.” Teachers are expected to return to campuses on Wednesday, August 12 and the first day of classes for students is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19.
Runcie said students eligible for the required summer programs including Third Grade Reading Academy, Extended School Year and VPK, pending state approval of VPK programs, will be taught through distance learning and supported by video chats. The student to teacher ratio will be reduced, to allow teachers to maximize instructional support and personalization. For optional summer programs such as transition camps for rising sixth and ninth grade students, Reimagining Middle Grades Align camps and activity-focused camps, will
Sunrise Helping Residents Quarantine Hell With Their Rent/Utilities Eligible Sunrise residents are getting a well-needed leg-up from the city, which says it “recognizes the financial hardships that residents have faced as a result of COVID-19 and has created the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program in support.” This program helps eligible Sunrise residents with mortgage, rent and/or utility payments and is funded by the State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP). Applicants must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19, and meet other eligibility requirements. Fifty applications began to be accepted on a first come, first served basis as of Monday, May 18, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. The city will assist qualified Sunrise residents with up to three months of rent/mortgage and/or utility payments. Renters and homeowners will receive up to $5000 in rental or mortgage assistance. Additionally, all qualified applicants will be granted up to $1,000 of assistance for utility payments (water, gas and/or electric). For more information – including eligibility requirements and a downloadable application – visit SunriseFL.gov/Covid19aid. Printed applications are available for pickup outside the City's Community Development Department, located at 1601 NW 136th Avenue, Building A, Sunrise 33323. In addition, the city's Grants Administrator is available by phone and by email at (954) 572-2315 and Housing@SunriseFL.gov.
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accommodate any other sizeable group of returning residents. Accommodation and food for the initial batch of 330 returning Jamaicans cost the government $64 million, not including security, healthcare, and other expenses. Minister Tufton also suggested that many public-health officers, nurses, and inspectors, who are currently not allowed vacation leave, and required to minor the returning residents are suffering from burnout. Also adding to the government's concerns is the fact that over 9,000 Jamaicans have applied to return home and are waiting for approval. There are also over 1,000 Jamaican cruise ships workers on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, whom after being initially denied, were recently permission and will be subject to government quarantine. Many citizens have asked the government to consider allowing returning residents to be quarantined, and tightly monitored, in their homes, and use funds allocated for the government quarantine elsewhere. At a press conference earlier this week, Holness said the government is considering the suggestion and would be implementing a geo-fencing monitoring system to facilitate self-quarantine. But while the PM said home-quarantine may be the best compromise, he remains cautious it could cause other problems if the protocols are not followed. He's particularly weary indiscipline of returning residents could lead to a drastic spike in imported/importrelated cases in the country.
only be offered using distance learning, whenever possible. Distance learning will also be used for professional learning for staff, including the onboarding of new employees. Students will get to keep the computers provided by the district until the start of the 2020-21 school year so they can continue distance learning activities during the summer. No timetable has been set for a final decision about reopening campuses for classes in August.
St. Kitts
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In a national broadcast last week, Harris, who is expected to lead his coalition Team Unity administration into the polls, said he had asked the Governor-General, Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton, to dissolve the National Assembly from Tuesday, May 12. “The next election will bring certainty to our federation, preserve our democracy, and allow us to continue to deliver a brighter future, creating employment and prosperity, building bigger homes, and keeping us safe. Let us stay together and see this through,” Harris said in the broadcast in which he outlined the successes of his administration since defeating the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party in the last general election five years ago. “In this election, you will have a clear choice. You can go forward to a safer and brighter future with Team Unity or backward to the past which you rejected in 2015. I know that our federation will be safer and stronger with Team Unity,” he said.
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020
CONTINUATIONS
Holness Endorses Tony
majority of whom are black, were given the opportunity for career advancement, to roles in law enforcement and the fire department—a move which never happened under previous sheriffs. Mayor Holness told CNW he is confident in the job Tony is doing because there are noticeable improvements “He has introduced racial equity and implicit bias training and made it mandatory for all deputies,” and to which he has committed half a million dollars. Holness said the sheriff has transformed the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) that determines whether a law enforcement officer is vindicated or penalized by their actions to now include members of the public, many of whom are from minority groups. “He went against the previous committee that recommended exoneration for the officer who slammed 15-year-old Delucca Rolle’s face into the ground and put his knee into the back of this defenseless child while he was on the ground,” Holness told CNW. The move placed Sheriff Tony in the crosshairs of some critics who believe he was overreaching—but in the good graces of a community that believes law enforcement officers are never penalized for their actions, especially against black and brown residents. To solidify BSO’s commitment to connecting with the youth and providing programs, mentorship and assistance, Sheriff Tony has committed $250 thousand from the BSO Law
improving and strengthening BSO’s relationship with our community.” In an interview with CNW, Holness said, “In my 16 years in public service and interfacing with the past four Broward County sheriffs, none has worked harder and has shown more dedication to justice than Sheriff Tony. He has been working assiduously to bridge the divide between the community and law enforcement by first putting the most diverse leadership team together in BSO’s 105 years history.” That list includes a number of women and Jamaican nationals such as Andrew Dunbar who was promoted from Captain to Major and serves as the executive Director of HR; Chantelle Read, the first black chief of staff, and Kathy Wilson, the executive assistant. Another historic move by Sheriff Tony was appointing Nicole Anderson, the first African American woman Undersheriff in Broward County. He also appointed Dave Holmes, an African American as Executive Director of all law enforcement operations. The county’s law enforcement, under Sheriff Tony, has become more reflective of the county’s demographics, which according to Broward.org comprise 27.5 percent non-Hispanic blacks and 29.1 percent Hispanic or Latino, as well as 33.7 percent foreign-born residents. Additionally, Sheriff Tony has ensured that some 275 deputies working in the jails, the
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Enforcement Trust Fund to the BSO Youth Development program, with historical black fraternities and sororities in the county. Sheriff Tony has come under fire recently for details that emerged about his past as he was involved in a fatal shooting incident as a teenager. The sheriff called it a “violent encounter” that he and his brother were involved in. At his family home in Philadelphia, then 14year-old Tony shot and killed 18-year-old Hector Rodriguez, using his father’s gun. According to Tony, Rodriguez had threatened to kill him and his brother, and the shooting was an act of selfdefense. Tony was exonerated for the incident and the records were sealed. When asked about his endorsement of Tony, knowing about this incident, Holness told CNW, “The fact that Tony has been able to overcome the zip code of his birth and where he started life in the badlands and that, as a child, he was forced to defend himself and his family from a drug-dealing gang-banger who threatened his life and his family’s life, is commendable. The fact that he successfully put himself through college, rose through the ranks and is now the top cop in Broward County is a testament to his courage, strength, perseverance, intellectual capacity and willingness to work hard. It is by the grace of God that he is here serving the people of Broward County.”
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suspended. In Jamaica, Minister of Education Karl Samuda, said the Jamaican government could not endorse the decision because of the impact that COVID-19 has had on the education sector. Jamaica has been hardest hit by COVID-19 of all the CARICOM nations, and where other countries could allow students to physically sit the exams, the ministry believed the risk in Jamaica is far greater. “The challenges are much greater [in Jamaica] and we don't feel that we could make a commitment to hold those exams in July under the circumstances. “We are examining very carefully all our options and what possibilities exist for us to give our students the best opportunity to engage the process having come out of a very challenging few months,” Samuda said originally. Jamaican schools have been closed since March 13, but transferred to online learning to allow students to complete the school year. But this new system of learning has been an overwhelming challenge for the education ministry, students and parents. At the time when the government announced the closure of schools, provisions had not yet been made for all students to successfully transfer to online learning. Thus, many students, especially those who live in rural areas with scarce resources, were at a disadvantage. In April, Samuda said there were some 31,000 students on the island without internet access but provisions were being made through companies like ReadyTV, Digicel and Flow, to provide wider access to internet services and discounted data plans. Other companies have also been helping to distribute tablets and laptops. Earlier this week, Samuda finally annou nc e d t he C XC d e c id e d t o accommodate the over 70,000 Jamaican students, by allowing them to sit the exams beginning on July 27, into August. As Jamaica begins to relax the COVID-19 measures, students will have the option to sit the exams in-person. Schools with reliable internet connectivity, will have the option to allow their students to do the exams online. The education minister also gave assurance that the ministry will work with schools to provide assistance in preparing students who are affected by lack of internet access for the exams. In most countries, the exams are a way for high schoolers to matriculate to local and regional universities, much like how the SATs function in America. As the exams and results are delayed, there is the likelihood that the region's incoming university freshman class will have a delayed start to their tertiary studies.
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Jamaicans Again Fall Short In Int’l Reggae Poster Contest In a contest where reggae is the subject matter, it would be disappointing if no Jamaican made the top 10—but for no Jamaican to even make the top 100 is almost inconceivable. That was the result of the seventh staging of the International Reggae Poster Contest, and has been the trend for the last four contests. The winning entry for the 2020 edition of the poster contest titled 'One Love' was submitted by Naandeyé García Villegas from Mexico. The results were announced recently from entries which were broken down into professional and student categories. A winner was chosen from each category and an overall winner was also selected. . In the professional category Fonzo Moto from Germany took first place; Sem Smirnov from Russia, second; and Sebastian Aravena from Chile was third. The organizers report that 667 designers participated this year, sending 1100 posters from 79 countries including from Jamaica, the home of reggae music. “Thanks to all the designers who submitted entries...your commitment inspires us. We will continue to spread our vision of a Reggae Hall of Fame Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. And we collectively affirm support for the campaign to heighten awareness of the distinctive legacy of the Alpha Boys' School and the amazing work of the Help Jamaica non-profit organization,” said co-founder Maria Papaefstathiou. Ironically, no Jamaican has ever won the contest. In the first two years Jamaican artists fared reasonably well. In year one (2012), Jamaican Taj Francis placed fifth, with the eventual winner being Alon Braier from Israel. In year two, another Jamaican, Rohan Mitchell copped fourth position to Balazs Pakodi of the United Kingdom who took the top spot. Since then, Jamaican artists have failed to fall within the top 100 entries to the competition.
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Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY Postponed To 2021 The producers of the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York have decided to postpone the 2020 event to July 25, 2021 due to the overwhelming effects and concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). “As we continue to experience the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our fans, employees, vendors, exhibitors, and our corporate partners are of paramount importance,” said Richard Lue, festival director. “The Management Team feels that this is the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. All are disappointed that we are unable to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event with our fans and supporters this year, but we know it is the right decision based on the information we have today,” Lue continued. In keeping with their usual innovative approach, managing partner Eddy Edwards advised that “We are currently exploring options with team members to present an online experience (of the festival) in the coming weeks. Our goal is to showcase segments of the festival, engage our supporters and feature some exciting entertainers.” Updates will be shared on the event's website at www.jerkfestivalny.com as well as their Facebook and Instagram channels as the plans develop.
The winning entry for the 2020 edi on of the poster contest tled 'One Love' was submi ed by Naandeyé García Villegas from Mexico.
Late Rock And Roll Icon Interred At HBCU In Alabama Little Richard, the iconic rock and roll legend, dubbed the godfather of rock and roll was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Oakwood Memorial Gardens at Oakwood University, a historically black university in Huntsville Alabama on Wednesday, May 20. Little Richard, whose real name is Richard Penniman, died of bone cancer on May 9. He was 87. His burial place is significant, as the "Tutti Frutti" singer attended Oakwood University and studied theology in the late '50s.
While the singer had been out of the spotlight for much of his final years, he left an immense legacy behind. "He was loved by his family and adored by millions," the late musician's lawyer, Bill Sobel, told Entertainment Tonight in a statement following his death. "He was not only an iconic and legendary musician, but he was also a kind, empathetic, and insightful human being." Little Richard was one of rock 'n' roll's pioneers who helped shatter the color line on the
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C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 –
C3
Taplin To Miss World Champs Baby Bolt After Losing Ban Appeal
Usain Bolt and Longtime Girlfriend Welcome First Child
Grenadian sprinter Bralon Taplin has lost his appeal against a four-year ban for dodging a doping test, which means he will miss the Tokyo Olympics if it comes off next year, as well as the next two World Championships. After saying that it was “comfortably satisfied” that the athlete purposely evaded testing, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said in a statement issued here on Tuesday that the ban, imposed by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) last year, would remain in place until September 2023. The ruling by CAS judge Hugh Fraser came just over a year after the incident that sparked the ban. After winning the 400m at the Grenada Invitational Athletics Competition on April 13, 2019, Taplin left the stadium without completing doping control, despite being informed that he was to undergo a drugs test. The 28-year-old appealed the Caribbean RADO's decision at the CAS, claiming he had not been properly notified that he had been selected for the doping control test. However, CAS said, Taplin was told by a chaperone from the Grenada National Anti-
Doping Organisation (Grenada NADO) during track-side media interviews that he was required to give a sample, yet he left the stadium and took an early flight out of the country the following day. “The sole arbitrator found that the evidence
given by the athlete that he was never approached, followed or accompanied by anyone from the Grenada NADO to be implausible,” the CAS press release said. “Considering all of the evidence accepted in this procedure, the sole arbitrator was comfortably satisfied that the athlete was guilty of the offence of evading sample collection and confirmed the four-year period of ineligibility, which commenced on 25 September 2019, the date on which the provisional suspension began.” CAS had heard the case at the offices of the Grenada Olympic Committee on February 27 and 28 this year. Taplin, who finished seventh in the 400m final at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, will therefore miss the next Summer Games that have been postponed to July 24-August 9 because of the COVID-19 pandemic; the 18th edition of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States, that have been rescheduled for 2022; and the following World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for August 19-27, 2023.
England Series In Windies Best Interests, Says Ian Bishop Well-respected television broadcaster, Ian Bishop believes it would be in the best financial interests of Cricket West Indies and regional players to take up the England and Wales Cricket Board's offer of the three-Test series in the United Kingdom this July. The series was postponed from the original June 4-29 dates because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak but now seems poised to go ahead under a new set of radical suite of safety proposals aimed at mitigating against the health threat. “I don't know that the West Indies board can afford to go for prolonged periods with
inactivity. I think that would be the death of them financially and by extension the players around the region will suffer greatly, as have most people in this country and around the world,” Bishop told i95FM Radio there. “I know that sports seem like a back burner [issue] to many when so many have been losing their jobs but…sport is not a game. Sport is a job and career as well for all of these players and the people surrounding it. “So if it happens, I think it would be a good thing as long as it happens safely. I don't want to put anybody's life at risk.” Reports emerged this week that CWI had identified a 30-man training squad for the tour,
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though the governing body subsequently clarified this was only to “help with the planning and logistics of flying to the UK” in the event the series was approved. Under ECB proposals, the tour would be played at “bio-secure” facilities like Manchester, Southampton and Leeds which boast hotels on location. Teams would also undergo strict isolation, quarantine and testing protocols, prior to and during the series. Bishop, who played 43 Tests between 1989 and 1998, said he believed both CWI and ECB would only proceed with the tour after getting the best medical advice possible.
Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt and his longtime girlfriend, Kasi Bennett welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on May 17. The couple has shared moments from their journey to becoming parents with the public, starting with a pregnancy reveal on social media in January. Jamaicans and sprinting fans around the world were ecstatic about the announcement of “Baby Bolt” on the way and even gave suggestions on baby names. Well-wishers include Bolt's former running-mate, Asafa Powell, who joked that Usain's first child was long overdue. In March, the couple had an elaborate gender reveal in Jamaica, where it was confirmed that the Jamaican sprinter would become a “#GirlDad” in short order. Prime Minister Andrew Holness congratulated the couple on the birth of their first child, via social media saying “Congratulations to our sprint legend Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett on the arrival of their baby girl!” Bolt and Kasi Bennett, an entrepreneur who runs a marketing agency, have been together for over five years, but it wasn't until 2016 that Bolt confirmed their relationship, saying they had just “gotten really serious.” In 2018, the 33-year-old opened up about their relationship in an interview with Australia's STELLAR Magazine. Bolt revealed that he was ready to start a family “in the near future.” “It's never a good time to have kids. It took me a while to figure that out. You just have to buckle down and do it. It's in the near future, so, hopefully. We'll see,” he said. The track and field sprint star, who retired from track in 2017, is the only male sprinter to win Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympic Games.
C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T