N E T W O R K THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA
CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM
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
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER
STRICTLY LEGAL
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
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