Caribbean National Weekly November 4, 2021

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2021

TOP STORIES JFF Suspends Coach Busby Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

TIGHT RACE

Jamaica Dumps Over 180,000 Doses of Vaccines

By Patrick Green

As at the time of this report, a mere 12 votes separated the leading contenders, Jamaican-American Dale Holness and HaitianAmerican Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, in Tuesday's Florida Democratic primary elections. Both candidates are fighting to replace Alcee Hastings who died in April from cancer, in Florida's 20th Congressional district. continues on B4 – Tight Race Holness

Cherlus-McCormick

Jamaica Coach Busby Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations The executives of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have called on the world governing body FIFA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against its Senior National Women’s Team Head Coach Hubert Busby.

The JFF has also provisionally suspended the embattled Busby, relieving him of all contractual obligations with the JFF, without pay, with immediate effect following a meeting of its executive on Tuesday.

The local governing body added that a final decision will be made on Busby’s future with Jamaica’s women’s football program at the end of the FIFA investigation.

The allegation broke in the British tabloid, The Guardian, last Thursday when Malloree Enoch, an

Busby

American female soccer player, claimed that Busby, then head of the Vancouver Whitecaps Women’s program, made sexual advances during her recruitment in 2012 and 2011.

In a media release yesterday, the JFF through its

president Mike Ricketts, said inter alia, “we will await the results of this FIFA investigation. We do not want to make a permanent decision until we have the facts. At the same time, we have to ensure that our women and girls are protected by those who lead them.”

Meanwhile, an interim coach has yet to be announced and the Reggae Girlz continue their preparation for World Cup qualifiers starting early next year.

According to the report published by The Guardian, Busby, who has denied the allegations, contacted Enoch regarding an administrative job at the Canadian club.

She told the newspaper that she was invited by Busby to instead join the club as a player. He gave her Adidas sports equipment as gifts, flew her across continues on B4 – Coach Busby

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Declares Reelection Victory

Biggest Florida School District, Miami-Dade, Eases Mask Rule

CDC Greenlights Pzer Vaccine for Elementary Children

Haitian Gangs Condemned by Prime Minister

Sunken City of Port Royal proposed for World Heritage Site

UK Gov’t Preparing to Deport More Jamaicans

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Jamaican-Born Winsome Sears is Virginia’s New Lt. Governor A3

CARPHA launches Campaign to Promote Reporting of Vaccine Side Effects B2

Former Percussionist for Bob Marley and the Wailers Band dies C1

JFF Coach Bubsy Suspended Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 From le : Honorable Consul General to the U.K. Nicole e Brent MBE; Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds and Miramar Commissioner, Alexandra P. Davis at the recent Black Bri sh Heritage awards held Oct 30th with Alison Hinds receiving the award in the area of Arts & Entertainment.

– Contributed Antone e Wemyss Gorman, who will become Jamaica's first female Chief in the Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica's Na onal Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang pay a visit to the Jamaican Consulate in Miami recently. From le : Jamaica's Consul General, Oliver Mair, Brigadier Antone e Wemyss Gorman, Dr. Horace Chang and Vice Consul Vance Carter. – Contributed

Jamaican-born Verna Sco gathers with her family members to celebrate her 106th birthday on October 31, 2021, which was also designated as "Verna Sco Day" in the City of Tamarac. From le : Wentworth Ince (Nephew), Odalie Ince (Niece), Adrianna Fuller (Great, Great, Great Niece), Birthday girl Verna Sco , Shyanne Fuller (Great, Great, Great Niece) and their Father Ogan Fuller. – Contributed

Fron er Airlines passenger, Audrey Buchanan (le ), arrives at the Sangster Interna onal Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, St. James, from Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, November 1. It was the first direct flight between Jamaica and Atlanta from Fron er Airlines. She is greeted by (from second le ) Manager of Commercial Development and Marke ng at MBJ Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt; Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Regional Director, Ode e Dyer, and Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon (right). – Contributed

Jamaica's Consul General in New York.

Alsion Wilson a ends the launch of JN Money Services' newest Flagship branch at Boston Road, Bronx, New York on October 30, 2021. – Contributed

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mo ley with US President Joe Biden following the USEU Build Back World forum at the 2021 United Na ons Climate Change Conference, (#COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland on November 2, 2021. Over 100 world leaders a ended the summit. – Contributed

Prince Charles and Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness share a moment at the 2021 United Na ons Climate Change Conference, (#COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland on November 2, 2021. – Contributed

Jamaican-born, long me South Florida resident Verna Sco celebrates her 106th birthday on October 31, 2021, which was also proclaimed as "Verna Sco Day" in the City of Tamarac, where she now resides. – Contributed

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NEWSMAKER

Jamaican-born Is Virginia's First Female Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, a gun-loving former Marine, will not only make history as the first woman to hold office, but also as the first woman of color Winsome Sears is not only the first woman and the first woman of color to win the Lieutenant Governor's office, but also the first woman of color to win any statewide election in Virginia. The Jamaican-born Marine Corps veteran made history on Tuesday night after defeating Democratic challenger Hala Ayala for the post. As of Wednesday morning, Sears led by a two-point margin with 95 percent of precincts reporting.

In front of a crowd of supporters on election night, Sears made mention of her Jamaican heritage and said that her ascension to the second-highest office in the state represents the American dream.

“What you are looking at is the American dream,” she said with her husband Terrance and two of her three children behind her.

“When my father came to this country on August 11, 1963, he came at the height of the civil rights movement from Jamaica. He came here with just $1.75 and worked any job he could find and started his American dream.

When he came and got me at 6 years old, and when I landed at JKF, I landed in a new world,” she added.

A recent tweet from Winsome Sears

Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Winsome Sears speaks before Virginia Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin at an election night party in Chantilly, Va., early Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, after he defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The 57-year-old Sears emigrated from Jamaica as a child and grew up in the Bronx, New York. She majored in English and minored in economics at Old Dominion University, and holds a master's from Regent University.

She then served as an electrician in the United States Marines. “I am not even firstgeneration American. When I joined the Marines, I was still a Jamaican. But this country had done so much for me that I was willing to die for this country,” she said.

Earlier this year, she beat out five

competitors to become the Republican Party's choice for the position.

Sears, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2004, previously served on the Virginia Board of Education. She was also appointed to the US Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by former US President George W Bush. She served as a Marine pilot before running for office.

In her speech, Sears also emphasized the racial unity of America.

“There are people who want to divide us

and we must not let that happen. They would like us to believe we are still in 1963, but that is not the case. We can live where we cant, we can eat where we want. We have had a Black President elected twice and here I am, living proof that we have progressed,” she said to a roaring crowd.

The winner of the election as lieutenant governor is seen as the top pick for Virginia governor. Sears says she wants to be the first Black female governor in the United States.

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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN Jamaica, Haiti, St. Vincent to get More Vaccines Through COVAX Jamaica, Haiti and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are among four countries due to receive more doses of COVID-19 vaccines through the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility.

The vaccines are expected to arrive in the next few weeks, as part of more than three million doses being dispatched by COVAX to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) this week for deployment to member countries that have, to date, vaccinated less than 20 percent of their populations against COVID-19.

Guatemala is the fourth country in Latin America and the Caribbean slated to get more vaccines.

PAHO Assistant Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., during Wednesday's COVID-19 media briefing, said details of the latest vaccine provisions have been conveyed to the beneficiary countries to enable their preparations to receive and administer the doses, “and to make sure that [they] are able to protect their most vulnerable groups and save lives”.

He further indicated that vaccine deliveries are expected to pick up during the final months of 2021, “so we can continue to address one of the biggest challenges affecting our region – vaccine inequity”.

“COVAX has agreed that for November and December, vaccine allotments will be sent to the countries with the lowest coverage. This will ensure more protection for those countries. We are working, together with COVAX, to have these countries [prioritized],” the Assistant Director said.

According to PAHO data, nearly 44 percent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have completed their COVID-19 immunization course.

“Thanks in large part to vaccine donations, made bilaterally or through COVAX, twice as many people in Latin America and the Caribbean are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 [now] than in August of this year,” Dr. Barbosa noted.

Grenada Opposition Party Elects New Leader The newly elected leader of Grenada's main opposition New Democratic Congress (NDC) attorney, Dickon Mitchell, is sending a “clear and resounding message” that the party which was severely trounced in the last two general elections “is once more on the path of inspiring hope and belief in our people and our nation.

Mitchell, who is making his entry into electoral politics, was elected on Sunday during the party's convention following former prime minister Tillman Thomas and former senior government minister Nazim Burke.

Thomas led the party to victory in the 2008 general election, but in 2013 the party failed to win a seat in the 15-member Parliament, a position it also repeated during the 2018 general election under Burke's leadership.

Sunday's NDC convention was held virtually, as the country continues with its measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has 198 people ad infected others since March last year.

“You have chosen unity over disunity, you have chosen resilience, flexibility, inclusiveness, and strength over infighting, weakness, vacillation, or wish washiness. You have chosen boldness and courage over timidity and the same ole, same ole. You have chosen positive change and transformation over stagnation and failure,” Mitchell told the delegates

Mitchell

continues on B4 – New Leader

“Partially Vaccinated” Guyana Residents Barred from Entering Public Buildings Guyana's government said there will be no exception for persons awaiting their second dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine wanting to enter public buildings insisting that there is no shortage of vaccines in the country.

The Ministry of Health in its latest COVID-19 emergency measures for the month of November, reiterated that only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to

enter public buildings.

According to the measures, any person who is not fully vaccinated and wishes to enter a public building, he or she must make an appointment and present a negative molecular biological test result taken within seven days of the appointment.

The policy states that a person is only considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose of a COVID

vaccine. With this new measure, persons who took one dose and are awaiting their second dose will be barred from entering a public building without an appointment and negative test result.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, speaking at the daily COVID-19 update, noted that there is no shortage of vaccines in Guyana and people are free to visit any of the Ministry of Health's vaccination sites and get continues on A8 – Barred

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Talk Up!

Should the wearing of masks by students be left up to parents to decide?

Since the start of the 2021 school year, the heads of several districts in Florida, including those in South Florida, have been battling with state Governor Ron DeSantis over mask mandates for students. DeSantis says that no school district has total control to decide what is best for students, and that imposing a mask mandate - with no opt-out option is essentially stripping parents of their rights. School districts, on the other hand, say they have a responsibility to protect all students and staff.

The ongoing battle has even caught the attention of the White House, with President Joe Biden commending local school districts for their mask rules. Some districts in Florida, like Broward and Miami-Dade, have eased their mask requirements for students. But the mandates are essentially still in place, as well as the financial consequences imposed by the state. We asked our readers, who should decide whether or not students wear masks?

Alysia Davis - People will say, “Well, I go to the store, and I'm not wearing masks. And I haven't gotten COVID.” But schools are kind of special environments, and people spend a lot of time in them. So, if there is a person who has COVID at some school, your risk of getting exposed, if you're in that classroom, is pretty high. With that being said, I feel as though the school district should have the last say if mask mandates are implemented or not parents can run their territory at home but when it comes to school grounds school officials should have the final say.

Leah Douglas - Parental rights in the public school context have never been absolute.

Certainly parents can direct the upbringing of their own children and make medical decisions and education decisions. They have the right to send their children to private school or to home school, but at the same time, these rights have never been absolute. At the end of the day I feel as though parents or guardians should be able to make the final decision as to if their kids should wear mask or not.

Chasity Arny - These are my rights as a parent and they don't get to decide how I raise them and what I believe is true and factual. It's disgusting what's being done and I don't agree with it. Children aren't even at high risk for contracting the virus and now they have a vaccine available so my children will be getting vaccinated as soon as possible. I just feel so there could be other precautions that can be taken outside of them enforcing these mask mandates such as separating the desk or putting up shield protectors by the desk to limit the spread of the virus.

Roshel Bailey - I think at this point in the pandemic, parents should decide. If it was when COVID-19 just started, then I would totally understand forcing it. But there isn't even a mask mandate in the state of Florida or in any community, so I don't see why the schools are forcing our little babies to wear them.

Martin Cambero - Mask policies should be enforced by the school. In a state where you have one of the lower vaccination rates, [no masks] becomes problematic because some parents will not be sensitive to masks. So no matter how well you protect your child, no matter how small you make their social circle, no matter how much you wash their hands, wear a mask, and you're thinking about everyone else, if every other parent isn't doing that, and sending their kid into the same small, overcrowded classroom that your kid in, that's a risk.

Krystal McCray - Schools must be able to ensure the safety of all students, educators and their families, and prohibiting mask mandates flies in the face of science, public health and common sense. This is in no way going to assist in the Covid fight. At least if or when the numbers go back up, especially in children, we know how to point the fingers at this time.

A5

TALKUP

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Let's help to stop it!

Climate Change is an Existential Threat to Caribbean The threat of climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. We know that this is not just an issue for politicians, scientists, or climate change activists. It affects everyone. Many scientists are working on it, but the evidence they're finding is so strong that even skeptics believe there's a risk.

The main cause of climate change is excessive carbon dioxide emissions. These are mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. As the use of fossil fuels increases, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also rises.

With climate change, the world is warming.

This is causing ice sheets to melt, glaciers to retreat and sea levels to rise. As temperatures rise, there are several things that will be affected. One of them is agriculture. Another is fisheries. Climate change has the potential to disrupt every aspect of our lives, including tourism, transportation, health, and the environment. This could ultimately lead to mass starvation, poverty, and extinction.

Global warming is leading to the increase of extreme weather events around the globe.

According to NASA, global temperatures rose by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880 and is now warming at more than 0.2 degrees every decade. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also said that the average global temperature has increased by about 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 100 years. In 2016 the average US temperature was 54.9 degrees F, the warmest in 122 years, and was 2.9 degrees F above average.

More dangerous hurricanes are now being reported and places that have not had them in years, are now having to experience the wrath of these dangerous weather conditions.

The increase in extreme weather events has also caused significant changes in the way people live.

For Caribbean countries, the consequences of climate change provide an existential threat to sea, land, and people. Every Caribbean country except Belize, Guyana, and Suriname is surrounded by water.

And even those three, have shorelines that will be devastated by increases in sea levels. The Caribbean is the most tourismdependent region in the world. While cultural, adventure, wildlife, and other types of tourism are important to the needs of travelers, it is undeniable that the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, cause more tourists to pull out their credit cards and hit the submit button.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2019 tourism accounted for 14.1% of GDP in Caribbean countries and 8% of employment. The amount spent by visitors according to the data, amounted to $12.6 billion.

It is for these reasons why Caribbean leaders have become so vociferous, at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 26), taking place in Scotland until November 12th. According to reports from Scotland, Caribbean leaders "made it clear that their contribution to carbon emissions is less than one percent. Yet, they are facing catastrophic damage to their countries and economies, with their very survival at risk. They pointed out that the funding for loss, damage, and adaptation is

inadequate and subject to conditionalities."

The leaders want the major culprits of climate change, which are the industrialized nations, to "improve their mitigation targets to ensure that they are met as scheduled, between 2030 to 2050." Countries at the meeting are creating a framework to work towards limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

This is the number scientists predicted that if exceeded, will cause worsening climate events and serious threats to people's lives, livelihoods, and food systems.

Look around us and there is enough evidence that humans play a large part in advancing the destructive results. As humans, we are in a position of power, and it is up to us to ensure that we protect our planet, animals and plants that live on it. We must also be mindful of the impact our decisions have on the environment and climate.

Climate change remains a preeminent priority for global action. Not just from our leaders but from our people as well. We must make better decisions about our needs and consider how our actions are impacting the world we live in. As people, we must help our countries achieve the 1.5degree limits. Failure to do so will cause a "death sentence,” according to Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, or it will force us to "dig our own graves," as stated by UN Secretary General, António Guterres.

As caring and loving Caribbean people let's play our part in limiting the impact of climate change and leave a better world for our future generations.

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A7

la section haitienne

Haiti PM Condemns Gangs, Kidnappings in Public Address Prime Minister Ariel Henry condemned gangs and kidnappings in a prerecorded address posted Friday in which he also reassured Haitians that the country was not running out of fuel despite severe shortages that have frustrated millions and sparked recent strikes.

It's the first time Henry has acknowledged those issues in a public address since the Oct. 16 kidnapping of 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group.. The 16 Americans, one Canadian and their Haitian driver were abducted amid a spike in gang-related kidnappings that police are struggling to control.

“If they do not stop their wrongdoing, the law will apply to them,” Henry said in his message. “The only option for bandits and all their sponsors is imprisonment or death if they do not want to change professions.”

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang that kidnapped the missionaries, including five children, has said he would kill them if his demands are not met. Haitian officials have said the gang is seeking $1 million per person, but that it wasn't clear if that included the children, the youngest of whom is 8 months old.

Henry did not mention the abduction of the missionaries, but denounced kidnappings in general, saying, “All those who take the Haitian people hostage, terrorize the population, are the enemies of the people.”

He also condemned those who are helping criminals by giving them weapons, ammunition and money, including “all those who deal with them so that they can take power. They are all enemies of the Haitian people, and we are treating them as enemies.”

Henry noted that he became prime minister roughly three months ago following the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and found “a country torn, divided, with a state in tatters whose democratic institutions

are dysfunctional.

“The nation lives under the thumb of bandits. Citizens cannot leave the capital to go to the south. The country's economic situation is dire. Inflation and high cost of living keep their hold on national life. The budget deficit has reached an unprecedented level and the gourd (currency) continues to drop sharply against the US dollar.”

The prime minister spoke days after a widespread strike led to schools, businesses and public transportation to shut down in the capital of Port-au-Prince and beyond to protest the lack of fuel and the country's worsening situation. Gangs have been blamed for blocking gas distribution terminals, with at least one gang leader saying he would lift the blockade if Henry stepped down.

Henry said ships are waiting to unload fuel and that the country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, would not run out of gas. He added that he has created a crisis unit with top officials from finance, justice, police, public works, trade and other departments to find a “quick solution” to the fuel distribution problem.

He said the government has already placed additional fuel orders and said police have created a “security corridor” to the fuel supply center. He said the airports, Coast Guard boats and some hospitals and telephone companies have already received new fuel shipments and that police escorts are available for truck drivers who fear they will be kidnapped or killed.

He said he would not share further details to guarantee the operation's success.

The shortages have affected hospitals, ambulances, schools, public transportation and many other parts of daily life.

“This is really catastrophic,” said Solon Cledion, director of a private school in Port-auPrince, in a telephone interview. “The day-today is difficult. ... We wonder how long this is going to last.”

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Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders said that its trauma hospital in Tabarre has been forced to limit patients and is only treating lifethreatening emergencies. The aid group relies on generators due to ongoing power outages in Haiti.

“Without fuel, we can't run our hospital,” Dr. Kanouté Dialla, the hospital's manager, said in a statement. “We are doing our best to maintain our activities by adapting them from day to day, but this situation is unsustainable.”

Henry acknowledged the dire situation, noting that patients with COVID-19 who depend on respirators are among those who are at risk of dying if fuel is not available. In his speech, he congratulated one man who he said drove through dangerous communities to transport fuel and oxygen to a hospital and saved the lives of 60 patients.

The prime minister also announced that the office of the judge overseeing the investigation of the president's slaying had been attacked. He did not provide details but said authorities are searching for those responsible.

The previous judge in the case stepped down for personal reasons a day after one of his assistants died under unclear circumstances.

Henry said he is aware of people's anger and that his administration is addressing the country's multiple problems.

“To all those who have legitimate demands, who have declared they are fed up with inflation, poverty and insecurity, I guarantee that their voice is heard by the government,” he said. “Gangs are our enemies. No real solution to the country's problems will emerge if we do not arm ourselves with the courage to fight and eliminate this scourge.”

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Haiti Calls on Jamaica and Columbia for Help Apprehending Assassination Suspect Haiti's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Claude Joseph, has written to Jamaica and Colombia to request the transfer of Mario Palacios Palacios – the suspect in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Joseph formally wrote to both countries on October 28 and requested that Palacios Palacios be sent to Haiti.

Palacios, a Colombian who was also a military officer, was arrested during an operation in the central Jamaican parish of Manchester in October.

He was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

In his letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, Joseph requested mutual legal assistance to advance the probe into the assassination of President Moise at his private residence on July 7.

Moïse was tortured and shot multiple times, while his wife, Martine, was seriously injured.

According to the investigation, Palacios was part of the commando of four men who entered the President's room to assassinate him. Two of the members of this commando were later killed by the Haitian police in a clash, the other two, including Palacios, managed to escape.

Moïse was fatally shot at his private home in a pre-dawn attack in which his wife, Martine Moïse, was wounded.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Barred

from A4

protection from the pandemic.

“I think people had a long time to get themselves in order and what we have noticed from the data that a lot of people came, they took the first dose, and they didn't come back for a second dose, and a lot of time has elapsed between the first and second doses.

If you only have one dose of the vaccine, it's not going to be adequate to get full protection and that is why this measure is necessary, so that people get both doses of a two-dose vaccine,” he said.

Figures released show that 382, 177 adults have taken the first dose and 244, 322 of that number have taken the second dose, resulting in 47.6 per cent of the adult population in Guyana being fully vaccinated.

“Persons are being encouraged to take the vaccine that will not prevent contracting the virus, but will prevent an individual from contracting the severe form of the disease which oftentimes leads to death,” the Ministry of Health said.

The Health Minister said that the US made Pfizer vaccine is now available to anyone, age 12 years and older.

“As of this week, we are going to open up the use of the Pfizer to anyone who would like to get the Pfizer vaccine,” Dr Anthony said, noting that since many people had been requesting that vaccine, he hopes the rest of the unvaccinated population would come forward and take the jab.

He said also that Guyana is already making preparations for the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine to children 5-11 years.

“We have started some amount of training of our staff, because this particular age group requires a vaccine that is 1/3 of the current dose that we are giving. We have started that training, we are expecting that during this week, we will complete that training,” said the Health Minister.

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Biggest Florida School District, Miami-Dade, Eases Mask Rule Florida's largest school district announced Monday that it is relaxing its mask mandate meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 for high school and middle school students.

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said during a news conference that parents of older students can opt them out of the district's mask requirement. The new rules take effect immediately.

Students and teachers at elementary schools and K-8 schools will still have to wear masks, but Carvalho said the mandate might also be relaxed for younger students if infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue to drop in South Florida.

Miami-Dade joins Broward and Orange counties, which previously relaxed their mask policies. Broward school board members voted last week to relax its mask requirement for high school students. Orange County Public Schools' 60-day mask mandate expired Saturday, and officials didn't extend it.

The vaccine against COVID-19 has been approved for children as young as 12, which would include most high school students and some middle school students. Federal approval for children as young as 5 years old came this week.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam to Deliver State of the City Address Items to be discussed include: • Miramar’s FY2021 Economic Development Performance • Historic Miramar Redevelopment Update • Miramar’s Proposed Innovation Village • Affordable Housing Crisis and Miramar’s Response • Miramar Town Center Block 2 Construction

City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam will deliver the annual State of the City address in-person on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Space Coast Credit Union located in the Miramar Park of Commerce at 10600 Marks Way, Miramar, FL 33025.

The State of the City presents an opportunity for residents, local businesses and community organizations to learn about accomplishments and major issues that affect their city.

This year’s State of the City will also feature testimonials from residents and businesses who are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting their lives and business practices to the new norm.

Messam

“We have made a lot of progress as a city over the past year including being named an All-America City by the National Civic League and we also received global Smart 50 Awards for 2 technologically advanced programs,” said Mayor Wayne Messam.

“Our staff, residents and businesses played a huge role, and I could not be prouder. They have remained resilient in the face of adversity and are coming out of this pandemic stronger and wiser. Please join me as we celebrate our

accomplishments and learn more about the important projects taking place in the city that will improve our quality of life right here in our wonderful City of Miramar.”

The event is being held at Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU), the third-largest credit union in Florida, which recently relocated its South Florida operations center to the Miramar Park of Commerce.

The employer of approximately 850 total team members leased the entire 48,604-sq.-ft. space located at 10600 Marks Way, providing for future staffing expansion in its southern markets.

The State of the City address is free to the public with limited registration available at www.SOTC2021.Eventbrite.com.

COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, and guests will be required to wear a mask.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Declares Reelection Victory Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who elevated his national profile over the past year with a push to transform the city into a tech hub, declared a reelection victory Tuesday after amassing a huge lead over challengers who were not well known.

Suarez, a 44-year-old real estate attorney, built a big lead in the vote count with 79% of the vote and about 85% of precincts reporting, according to the Miami-Dade County supervisor of elections. His nearest challenger, Max Martinez, drew 11% of the votes.

“Today we embark on a new chapter — a journey together to finish what we started, to create the most fair and successful city in our country, to create a model that can be scaled into an agenda for America,” Suarez said in a speech.

The first-term Cuban American politician

has been profiled by national magazines, and he raised more than $5 million for the race, far more than he spent on the contest. Suarez, whose father was the city’s first Cuban-born mayor, told the AP he was hoping to replicate the results from 2017, when he won with 86% of the vote.

The Miami mayoral race is nonpartisan, but Suarez is a Republican. He has been critical of former President Donald Trump and has pushed back against the pandemic policies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, including his decision to prevent local communities from instituting mask mandates.

Next year, Suarez is set to become the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, gaining a bigger platform for people to meet him in other cities and states. He has not ruled out

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White House aspirations, saying the pandemic and social media have made “national mayors” stand out more.

Suarez enjoys the name recognition he gets from leading the city of Miami, with a population of 450,000 and a $1.3 billion budget. For comparison, Miami-Dade County, which covers Miami and 33 other municipalities such as Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and Homestead at the edge of the Everglades, has 2.7 million people and a $9 billion budget.

In the past 10 months, Suarez has met with Big Tech players and investors such as PayPal founder Peter Thiel, who bought a house in Miami Beach. Some analysts say Suarez was smart to seize the moment when tech investors were already looking at Florida for tax reasons

and its lack of COVID-19 restrictions.

Miami also hosted a Bitcoin conference earlier this year, and started accepting funds generated through a cryptocurrency, named MiamiCoin. Earlier on Tuesday, Suarez said he would take his next paycheck in Bitcoin.

It’s not yet clear how the push has led to migration and job creation patterns as census numbers do not yet include data for 2021.

Raul Marrero, a maintenance worker, went to a polling station Tuesday to vote for the mayor for the second time, after supporting him in 2017.

“I like the ideas and innovation that he is bringing to Miami,” Marrero said. “He is trying to make this into Silicon Valley. And I say, ‘Why not?’”

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 –

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HEALTH & WELLNESS CARPHA launches Campaign to Promote Reporting of Vaccine Side Effects

Dr. Joy St. John CARPHA Executive Director

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has launched a launched a week-long social media campaign to promote the importance of reporting suspected side effects following coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.

CARPHA said that the project is being undertaken by its Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

It said the weeklong event, which is the sixth annual #MedSafetyWeek” social media campaign will focus on vaccines.

“Medicines agencies from 64 countries will be encouraging healthcare professionals, national immunisation programme staff, as well as patients, their careers and continues on CNWEEKLNEWS.COM

FDA Backs Pfizer Low-dose COVID-19 Vaccine for kids The U.S. moved a step closer to expanding COVID-19 vaccinations for millions more children as government advisers last Tuesday endorsed kid-size doses of Pfizer's shots for 5- to 11-year-olds.

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted unanimously, with one abstention, that the vaccine's benefits in preventing COVID-19 in that age group outweigh any potential risks. That includes questions about a heart-related side effect that's been very rare in teens and young adults despite their use of a much higher vaccine dose.

While children are far less likely than older people to get severe COVID-19, ultimately many panelists decided it's important to give parents the choice to protect their youngsters — especially those at high risk of illness or who live in places where other precautions, like masks in schools, aren't being used.

“This is an age group that deserves and should have the same opportunity to be vaccinated as every other age,” said panel member Dr. Amanda Cohn of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA isn't bound by the panel's recommendation and is expected to make its own decision within days. If the FDA concurs, there's still another step: Next week, the CDC will have to decide whether to recommend the shots and which youngsters should get them.

Full-strength shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech already are recommended for everyone 12 and older but pediatricians and many parents are clamoring for protection for younger children. The extra-contagious delta variant has caused an alarming rise in pediatric infections — and families are frustrated with school quarantines and having to say no to

SUNDAY DEC. 12

sleepovers and other rites of childhood to keep the virus at bay.

In the 5- to 11-year-old age group, there have been over 8,300 hospitalizations reported, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths.

States are getting ready to roll out the shots — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — that will come in special orangecapped vials to avoid dosage mix-ups. More than 25,000 pediatricians and other primary care providers have signed up so far to offer vaccination, which will also be available at pharmacies and other locations.

But for all that anticipation, there also are people who strongly oppose vaccinating younger children, and both FDA and its advisers were inundated with an email campaign seeking to block the Pfizer shot.

Dr. Jay Portnoy of Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, said despite

over 4,000 emails urging him to vote against the vaccine, he was persuaded by the data showing it works. Portnoy said he also was representing “parents I see every day in the clinic who are terrified of sending their children to school. … They need a voice also.”

Panelists stressed they weren't supporting vaccine mandates for young children — and the FDA doesn't make mandate decisions. FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks also said it would be highly unusual for other groups to mandate something that's cleared only for emergency use. Several advisers said they wished they could tailor the shots for the highest-risk youngsters, a decision that would fall to the CDC. Dr. James Hildreth of Meharry Medical College said he ultimately voted in favor of the vaccine “to make sure that the children who really need this vaccine — primarily Black and brown children in our country — get it.”

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Tight Race At the end of the initial counting, Florida Elections Board reported, unofficially, that Holness had 11,644 votes to CherfilusMcCormick 11, 632. In Palm Beach County, Cherfilus-McCormick did very well with 30 percent of the votes, while Holness managed to get only 7.9 percent. But Holness did better, as was expected in Broward County, taking 29.37 percent of the votes to Cherfilus-McCormick's 21.52 percent. Most had expected the Jamaican to do much better, in an area with the larger Jamaican population of the two counties.

The Florida primary had a very low voter turn-out of just over 49,000, which was predicted by election watchers. Sixteen percent of eligible voters casted votes in Broward and about 17 percent in Palm Beach. There were nine other Democratic candidates in the race.

Barbara Sharief (8,671), Perry Thurston (7,272), and Bobby Dubose (3,457) rounded off the top five.

The result is certain to cause a recount, as the margin of victory is within the 0.5% threshold. If at the end of the machine recount the victory margin is less than 0.25% then a hand recount could be ordered to determine the winner.

This was Cherfilus-McCormick's third attempt at winning the seat. She wrestled with Alcee Hastings on two previous occasions, losing by 34,928 votes in August last year and 33,931 in

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2018. This time she used her massive financial chest of $3.8 million; $3.7 million of which she loaned her campaign, to dramatically narrowed the margin. It allowed her to spend heavily on television and digital advertising, among other promotional avenues. This very narrow margin could end up giving her the keys to an office on Capitol Hill, based on recounts. The district is heavily Democratic, with 289,637 registered voters to the Republican's 59, 772.

Meanwhile Holness raised $600,000 from donors and used $40,000 of his own money in his campaign. Most of his money was spent knocking on doors, mailers, street and yard signs, and newspaper advertising which his campaign projected would give him over 40,000 votes. His camp is confident however that the rest of the votes to be counted in Broward, will make him a clear winner.

When it was realized that a winner was not going to be declared last night, both frontrunners expressed thanks to their teams and indicated that there was going to be a recount. Cherfilus-McCormick was first to acknowledge the stalemate and address the indecisive result with a video post on her Instagram account from her headquarters.

“Thank you guys for being here and the support team. We are going to a recount… but I did want to thank everybody who has worked so hard on the campaign,” she said. At the time of

her announcement, she was leading by 31 votes.

In another Instagram post supporters of Cherfilus-McCormick could be seen congratulating her for winning.

At about 11:20 pm Holness addressed his supporters at his headquarters in Plantation.

Speaking right after Bob Marley's “One Love” song, he was appreciative of his supporters for “investing in this mission to create prosperity for all.” Holness said: “America is certainly a great country and tonight demonstrates a part of its greatness. For an immigrant and the child of an immigrant to be in a close contest to represent the people of the 2oth district in the US Congress, certainly demonstrates the great magnanimity of this country.

The Jamaican-American went on to say that: “Though we are a great nation there is still a lot we can do to create a better place for everyone. Too many of our citizens are being left behind and left out and that is why my them is prosperity for all.” He went on to talk about some the issues on his platform agenda before thanking his team, contributors, and supporters.

He also thanked the other ten candidates for “offering themselves in service to our community,” saying that it takes “a lot of sacrifices to give up time, talent in order to put yourself up.”

Addressing the results, Holness said that: “As of now, the ballots have not finally been

counted. My understanding is [that] close to a thousand ballots have not been counted in Broward County.” He said once the results are in he would make a final statement. Up to the time of his speech, the Jamaican was still behind by 31 votes. The numbers changed in his favor by this morning however, giving him the very slim lead.

Senior Director of Communications and Policy at Broward County office of Elections, Consuelo Kelley, confirmed to Caribbean National Weekly that they “are still processing votes.” She said that “the overseas votes are still not counted and there is a ten-day period for that to happen.”

Over the years Broward County has become the center of attraction for election watchers, as the county has been plagued with result glitches.

The latest saga took place in 2018 when there was a long wait for results in the elections for governor and U.S. Senate races. Dr. Brenda Snipes who was the supervisor of elections ultimately tendered her resignation.

Whatever happens this time, the final results and the eventual winner of the Florida Democratic Primary are certain to be delayed, especially with the closeness of the numbers and the pending recount. The winner will face off against Republican Jason Mariner, who received 58 percent of the votes, in the general election on January 11, 2022.

Coach Busby from A1

the country on multiple occasions to attend events with him, took her to restaurants for meals in one-on-one situations and asked her to stay with him alone in his hotel room while working in his role as the Whitecaps coach.

Enoch added that on one of those occasions she spent three nights in his hotel room, but said no sexual advances were made toward her at that time.

However, on another occasion when they roomed together Enoch claimed the coach was “on all fours fully on the bed and totally aroused.”

Enoch also said that at the time, she shared her concerns with team owner Gerg Kerfoot and club executives, but no action was immediately taken. Other players had also raised concerns about Busby and their overall treatment as players to management. After the club hired an ombudsperson to look into player complaints, Busby's contract was not renewed.

The head of the Vancouver Whitecaps, CEO Axel Schuster said he fully supports an investigation into the allegations. He said he also hopes to learn "what kind of mistakes happened" after allegations first arose.

"I can only say there are a lot of concerning things that happened around the club that really have to be looked into," Schuster said in an interview with CBC News. "The club is willing to do whatever is necessary at the end of that to clean it up."

After Busby left the Whitecaps, he signed on as Head Coach and general manager for the Seattle Sounders Women in 2013. In 2019, Busby served as an assistant coach with the Reggae Boyz, before becoming head coach.

The Major League Soccer said it plans to hire independent counsel to oversee an investigation into the allegations.

New Leader

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attending the convention.

Mitchell polled 277 votes against 43 for Phillip Telesford and seven votes for Terrence Forrester.

The new leader said that the NDC, which celebrated 34 years in October, will continue to seek to change the culture of politics on the island.

“We are required to change the culture of our politics, we are to encourage our citizens to get involved in politics because politics means nation-building and it is our collective job to build our nation,” he said.

Mitchell described his election to the top post as the first step in transforming the politics of Grenada, adding that it is his belief that it is the first time in modern history of the island that so many people had the opportunity to understand the importance of democracy.

“This convention has opened the eyes of every Grenadian to the importance to our democracy, to the importance of the political process and so I expect as part of that transformation we will continue to educate our population,” he said.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 –

Anthony Cruz and COVID-19 Success

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ENTERTAINMENT 2021 Festival Song Album Submitted to Grammy Committee

By Ramona Samuels

Jamaica's 2021 Festival Song album has been submitted to the Recording Academy for consideration for the 2022 Grammy awards.

Rowan Smith, professionally known as the soulful reggae star Anthony Cruz, is grateful for his experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. The songwriter admits that though there weren't many stage shows or festivals being held in the initial stages of the virus, he was still able to reap the rewards from previous recordings, as he has done some “quality music over the years.”

The Mandeville native told Caribbean National Weekly that he recorded a whopping total of five albums since the pandemic. “I just used the lockdown periods and channeled that energy into making albums.”

Some of the production companies for which he recorded include; Tads International who he recorded two albums with. One of the recordings is a complete tribute to the late Daddy U Roy. “I got the opportunity to record some of those songs he toasted on back in the day; songs I grew up on, Queen Majesty, I'm A Rebel and others.” He proudly mentions.

“I also did an album for myself with cover versions of some good love songs, and another for Peckings Records in the UK.” The fifth album from 'Mr. Cruz' was done for legendary producer King Jammys.

“Everything has really been a blessing for me, and what I try to do is also share that blessing as well.” The 'Half Way Tree' hitmaker revealed. “When I am not recording, I am

The island's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, submitted the album, which features the 12 finalists in this year's competition.

“That means that the Jamaica Festival Song album is being considered among the entries for the Best Reggae Album Grammy Award. That is just great news,” Grange said in a statement.

The long list of entries is now being reviewed by eligible voting members of the Academy whose votes will determine the final five nominees in the Reggae category. The first round of voting is taking place between October 22 and November 5 ahead of the announcement of the nominees. The five nominees will be announced on November 23.

Minister Grange is optimistic about the album's changes of being nominated, and potentially winning the prestigious award.

“It is a great album with great Jamaican music; and the fact that it is being considered for a Grammy Award is very encouraging. It's very good for the country, and especially for the young, upcoming artistes and those established artistes who are on the album. It's great for the Festival movement,” she said.

The 12-track album features songs performed by Stacious, the winner of this year's Festival Song competition, along with DB, Tamo J, Kimiela 'Candy' Isaacs, Peso, Althea Hewitt, Father Reece, Lutan Fyah, I-Octane, Dez-I Boyd, Reggae Maxx and Fab 5. The album is also available for streaming.

Anthony Cruz

doing my meditations; reading, researching, and building my immune system with the natural herbs and plants that rasta has been educating people on for years.”

The singer also shared that he was never really a party person to begin with and that he was able to maneuver easily during the lockdown and 'no-movement days in Jamaica. “I was never a person with a lot of company to begin with, I go out occasionally, but I travel solo.”

Anthony Cruz is respected by his colleagues in the entertainment business. He is known for his suave demeanor, charismatic personality, humble mode of operating, and beautiful ability to melodically express his music.

Former Percussionist for the Wailers band dies Alvin Patterson, also known as ‘Seeco’ died on Monday night. He was a former percussionist for Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Patterson was given the name Francisco Willie before migrating to Jamaica with his parents as a child. He found work in the bauxite mines, and, after nearly losing his life in an explosion in 1967, Marley convinced him to enter the entertainment business.

When Marley’s association with Tosh and Livingston ended in 1973, Patterson became a

core member of the newly formed Wailers band under Marley’s direction, and contributed to every recording and live performance that Marley wound make for the rest of his career.

He became a member of the band and took on the name Alvin Patterson after the original Wailers (Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh) embarked on solo careers and played with Marley until his passing in 1981.

Patterson was present when seven gunmen invaded the Marley’s 56 Hope Road home and

Seeco

shot the Reggae king in his chest and arm, his wife Rita in her head, Marley’s manager Don Taylor in the torso and legs, and band member Louis Taylor in the torso.

He continued playing with the Wailers band after Marley’s death until illness prevented him from doing so.

He had suffered a brain haemorrhage in 1990 and retired from the music scene.

The cause of Patterson's death was still unknown up to press time.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

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SPORTS

SOCCER

HORSE RACING

Vaccinated Spectators Allowed to attend Reggae Boyz Game

by Sheri-Kae McLeod The government of Jamaica has reversed its initial decision, and will now allow fully vaccinated spectators at the National Stadium for the Reggae Boyz's next home game.

Jamaica's next home game in the World Cup qualifiers will take place on November 16 against the USA. Earlier on Thursday, the Jamaica government had announced that spectators would have to wait until January 2022 to be able to watch a Reggae Boyz game in person in jamaica. But following an emergency meeting between the top brass of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the government, the decision was made to allow 5,000 fully vaccinated fans into the stadium for the game. Tickets will go for JMD $2000 (bleachers) and JMD $7,700 (grandstand).

In September, the JFF has submitted a similar request to the government but was denied. The government faced backlash following the decision, with coach Theodore Whitemore saying he was “disappointed”.

The decision now taken by the government aligns with previous announcements from the Prime Minister, that a new vaccination policy will be implemented soon on the island.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that while the government will not be making vaccines mandatory, very soon, those who are vaccinated will be treated differently from those who aren't. The policy to be implemented will include “vaccinated-only” events and public gatherings.

Other Caribbean islands, namely Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have already implemented similar measures, with the establishment of vaccine “safe-zones”.

“The science behind it is clear. The advice behind it is clear from the World Health Organization regarding controlling gatherings

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while you're still in the pandemic phase – protecting those who have been vaccinated and ensuring that life can go on as close to normal as possible,” Holness said.

The Prime Minister said that it is time for the island to move into a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 13 percent of the Jamaican population is fully-vaccinated.

Bailey, Antonio and Morrison Recalled Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is among a 24-man squad called up for Jamaica’s next two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers by head coach Theodore Whitmore.

The former Bayer Leverkusen player has been absent from all six games played so far in the Final Round of CONCACAF qualifiers which started in September due to injuries.

He only recently returned from another injury last weekend on a 4-1 loss to West Ham United, headed by his Reggae Boyz teammate Michail Antonio.

Meanwhile, Ravel Morrison and Lamar Walker have earned recalls after being dropped from last month’s three-game series against the US, Canada and Honduras.

Husbands wins Glorious Song with Strong Stretch run Woodbine legend Patrick Husbands produced a brilliant stretch run aboard 3-1 chance Aubrieta to clinch the CAN$150 000 Glorious Song at the celebrated southern Ontario oval in Canada on Saturday.

Up against the two-year-old fillies, the 48year-old raced the Mark Casse-trained bay filly off the pace in the seven furlong trip before exploding at the top of the stretch and reeling in the leaders to reach the wire confidently by two lengths in a time of one minute, 22.85 seconds.

For Aubrieta, it was her maiden stakes win after ending second in the Shady Well Stakes earlier this month, following her winning debut last month.

“I got on her last week and breezed her in 49 [seconds] and she showed me she was a champion. I said she is not the same horse [which ran in the Shady Well],” Husbands said afterwards.

“She showed me after [that] race that she was the best horse in the race. She galloped out like the winner.

“When I got back to the [jockeys] room, I called Mark after the race and said, 'boss, she wanted to win so bad. She still thinks she won.'”

Nineteen-to-one bet Fulminate darted to the front chased by Fifth Anniversary, with Shady Wells winner Marie Mackay stalking from third, and Husbands keeping Aubrieta within striking distance.

Marie Mackay took over the running at the three-eighths as Fulminate faded and was joined by Fifth Anniversary, as the race turned for home.

However, Aubrieta was full of running, Husbands bringing her with a thundering run down the centre of the track to dominate the deep stretch. Husbands has 56 wins in the campaign which got underway June 12 and wraps December 5.

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C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 4 – NOV 10, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T