National Weekly November 5, 2020

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2020

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Biden

TOP STORIES Trump Sues in 3 States, Laying Ground for Contesting Outcome

Projected Winner

Voting Underway in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Road to the White House paved by Blacks

CaribbeanAmericans Win Big in South Florida 2020 Elections

It’s official, Black voters rebuilt the blue wall that President Donald Trump penetrated in 2016, delivering the White House—also built by Blacks—to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Black voters turned out for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin—states that Hillary Clinton narrowly lost to Trump in 2016.

Trump Backers Demand Michigan Vote Center ‘Stop the Count!’

Florida Voters Back Raising Minimum Wage to $15 Over 6 years

continues on B4 – Biden

New Road in South Florida Named After Trayvon Martin MIAMI (AP) — A section of road that leads to the South Florida high school that Trayvon Martin attended now bears the name of the Black teenager whose 2012 death sparked a movement for social justice.

The road became Trayvon Martin Avenue during a brief ceremony on Thursday morning near Dr. Michael K. Krop Senior High, where the teen was in 11th

grade when he was killed.

The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the new name last month.

“Our students every morning will come out here and see the road that bears Trayvon’s name. His name will continue forever,” said principal Adam Kosnitzky.

Martin, 17, was shot dead while visiting his father in Sanford, in Central Florida, in 2012. The teen was unarmed and walking back from a convenience store when he was shot by George Zimmerman after the two engaged in a struggle.

Zimmerman’s acquittal under Florida’s self-defense law in July 2013 sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.

WHAT’S INSIDE Reuniting Jamaica and the Diaspora Through Culture A3

COMMUNITY

HEALTH

SPORTS

MAYOR MESSAM EXPRESSES PRIDE IN MIRAMAR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS B1

MAMMOGRAMS CONTINUE TO SAVE LIVES B3

VETERAN JAMAICAN FOOTBALLER LEONARD MASON DIES C3

Harold Pryor Becomes the First Black State Attorney in Broward County Bahamas Government Pleased with “Rapid Decline” in COVID Cases

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

PAGE 2 VIRTUAL ADDRESS: Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam (le ) poses with the panel at his virtual State of the City address on Thursday, October 29, 2020, from the Miramar Cultural Center. L-R: Mayor Messam, Leah Carpenter, CEO of Memorial Hospital West; Silvia Montalvan, Miramar firefighter paramedic and Major Shalida Smith, code compliance manager with the Miramar Police Department. - Contributed.

ALL IN: These enthusias c Biden/Harris supporters sport their masks and campaign tees as they par cipate in the Caribbean Americans for Biden/Harris event on Sunday, which featured a motorcade from Lauderdale Lakes to Lauderhill Mall. - Photo

by Uriah Benne

HONORING: Members of Sierra Norwood Calvary Bap st Church held a drive-by celebra on in honor of their pastor emeritus Rev. Richard Ledgister and his wife Effie Ledgister. They were joined by members of Miramar fire and police departments. - Contributed

SAY IT LOUD: Rev. Dennis Grant uses a bullhorn to address supporters at the Caribbean Americans for Biden/Harris Motorcade on Sunday. Beside him is a supporter with a Kamala Harris cutout for covering her face. The group, which said they are figh ng for for immigra on reform, DACA, extension of TPS and equity on educa on, went from Lauderdale Lakes to Lauderhill Mall - Photo by Uriah Benne

UNITED WE STAND: These Hai anand Jamaican-American supporters of the Democra c presiden al cket had their flags on full display at the Caribbean Americans for Biden/Harris motorcade event on Sunday. - Photo by Uriah Benne

ROCK THE VOTE: This Biden/Harris supporter dons a “Rock the Asian Vote” tee as she shows off her Asian American Pacific Islanders for Biden/Harris sign. She was a part of the motorcade from Lauderdale Lakes to Lauderhill Mall in support of the Democra c cket on Sunday. - Photo by Uriah Benne

GO BIDEN! Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers addressed supporters at Lauderhill Mall following the Caribbean Americans for Biden/Harris motorcade from Lauderdale Lakes to Lauderhill on Sunday - Photo by Uriah Benne

PROUD: Rev. Dennis Grant (second from right) and supporters of the Democra c presiden al cket proudly display a Jamaican flag at the Caribbean Americans for Biden/Harris motorcade on Sunday. - Photo by Uriah Benne

ASIAN PERSUASION: President of the South Asian Caucus in South Florida, Sajan Kurian, makes a speech at the motorcade event in Lauderhill - Photo by Uriah Benne

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

Olivia “Babsy” Grange

Reuniting Jamaica and the Diaspora Through Culture With Jamaica's Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, Gender and Sport being one of the most expansive in the nation, the head of the ministry, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, is always in the news.

Most recently, she made good on a 2020 election promise with the opening of the island's first women's center for domestic abuse victims.

She also commissioned the latest statue of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, to be erected in his native parish of Trelawny and in recent days, she is equally responsible for the burial of musician Toots Hibbert, whose final resting place will be at the National Heroes Park.

Through all her work in the ministry, Grange has never left the diaspora out of her o p e rat i o ns . D u ri ng Jamai c a ' s 5 8 t h Independence celebration in August, Grange heavily pushed for diaspora participation in the island's Festival Song competition, among other activities. Her ministry also recently launched a logo design competition for the island's 60th

year of Independence, which is also open to creatives across the diaspora.

The name Olivia “Babsy” Grange has long been synonymous with Jamaica's culture, youth and entertainment industry. “Babsy” Grange worked her way from humble beginnings to becoming one of the island's most respected and hard-working politicians.

Grange was born in 1946 in Luke Lane, one of the communities in West Kingston known for its poverty and violence. Her father was a shoemaker and her mother was a dressmaker.

She attended All Saints Primary and Gainstead High, where she ascended to the role of head girl. After high school, Grange migrated to Toronto, Canada to be with her mother who had emigrated when she was nine years old. In Canada, she attended Ryerson University.

After University, she began working with the Human Rights Commission, a division of the Canadian Department of Labor in Ontario.

During this time, Grange said she was exposed to several instances of racial discrimination, which played a part in her decision to move back to Jamaica after five years.

When she returned to the island, she started working closely with Jamaica Labor Party's (JLP's) Edward Seaga, the then member of parliament for her native west Kingston constituency. Her major role was as a community organizer implementing some of the community cultural events imagined by the music-loving Seaga. It was then that Grange first

A3

The name Olivia “Babsy” Grange has long been synonymous with Jamaica's culture, youth and entertainment industry.

“Babsy” Grange worked her way from humble beginnings to becoming one of the island's most respected and hard-working politicians.

became known as a woman of culture.

But after violence flared in Jamaica in January 1976 in anticipation of general election, the infamous state of emergency was declared by then Prime Minister Michael Manley, during which several people were detained. Grange was one of prominent members of the JLP who was accused of trying to overthrow the government and was reprimanded and detained at the UpPark Camp military headquarters. She was the first woman detained during the state of emergency and was detained for seven months.

Grange was eventually freed on the condition that she leave the country immediately. She left for Canada and would remain there until Edward Seaga became prime minister in 1980.

From 1983 to 1985, Grange served as a government senator and parliamentary secretary for information and culture. From 1985 to 1989, she was the minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister. Running as a

Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) candidate for St. Catherine Central, Grange was elected to parliament in 1997.

In 2007, she found her place in government as minister of information, youth, sports and culture. She has served in that ministry for 13 years, currently named the Ministry of Sports, Culture, Entertainment and Gender Affairs.

A reggae enthusiast, Grange is also a founding member of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP).

She also co-founded Canada's "first black community newspaper," Contrast.

In 2015, Ms. Grange was awarded the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD), for her contribution to the Jamaican Music Industry, Cultural Development and Public Service.

She has one daughter, Paula, and three grandchildren.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

Jamaican Gov’t Planning to Make Portmore the Island's 15th Parish Jamaicans have always joked about South Florida being the island's “15th parish” due to the large number of Jamaican Americans that populate the tri-county area, but soon, the island's real 15th parish may be Portmore, St. Catherine.

The island's Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is to table a motion in the House of Representatives today seeking to make Portmore its own parish.

The move is making good on an election promise made by the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) earlier this year. Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith had stated that the vision for the parish was shared by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and it had not come to fruition.

“We are renewing that vision to ensure that Portmore, with its young vibrant population, will have the opportunity to have its own municipal corpora-

LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS

tion so that it can collect its own property taxes and determine its own development plan to ensure that it can be all that the citizens of Portmore want it to be,” said Johnson Smith.

The city already has its own municipal council, a feature of local government which had always been instituted parish-byparish. It is the only city on the island that operates separately from the parish it resides in as it relates to local authority.

Additionally, the JLP had stated that “Portmore will be able to have its own shares of the parochial revenue fund, and make plans that it can finance. This will also mean the development of its own market, hospital, upgraded schools, water supply and roads.”

The Andrew Holness-led administration also plans to oversee the creation of a Portmore Tech City Park, as well, leveraging the “youthful trained and trainable population” that already exists in the city.

PORTMORE

Portmore is one of the largest urban areas in St. Catherine with respect to human settlement, having a population 156,468 (2001 census) and an annual growth rate of 4% since 1991.

Antigua and Barbuda Celebrate 39th Anniversary of Independence Amid COVID Antigua and Barbuda celebrated its 39th anniversary of political independence from Britain on Monday, Nov 2 with a warning from Prime Minister Gaston Browne that the anniversary is taking place as a dark cloud hangs over the world.

“A small microbe has brought all nations—rich and poor, large and small—to their knees. We, in Antigua and Barbuda, a place from which no major disease has ever erupted, have become one of its victims in ways that none could have imagined.

“Our nation is at war with an invisible enemy.

Our economy is badly weakened through no fault

of our own. But, our nation did not survive hundreds of years of slavery, and another hundred and fifty years of colonial exploitation, to surrender all that we achieved.”

Antigua and Barbuda officially observed the independence anniversary on Sunday November 1. In his national address, Browne said the island did not make of itself a nation with one of the highest per capita incomes globally, to be cowered in the face of a pandemic, however menacing.

Browne said he remained confident that the pandemic “like all things, this too shall pass” and as a result, Antigua and Barbuda “should not

crouch down in fear; let us not shiver in dread.”

The Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, however thanked those countries, including China, India and Cuba that came to the aid of the island adding “even as we celebrate our independence, it is good to know that, in times of crisis, we have committed friends.”

Browne said he also remains confident that when the economic circumstance of the country changes for better, “my government will remember these champions and will do our best to reward and honor them for their special service.”

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS

WEEKEND SPECIAL

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

A5

Talk UP

What are your reactions to the election so far?

With 2020 being perhaps the most historic U.S. presidential election in recent times, the world, and especially America, was anxiously awaiting to hear who would be the next president. Up to Thursday night, two days after the election, no winner had yet been declared. Allegations of electoral fraud and lawsuits to stop vote counting had threatened the electoral process in some battleground states and resulted in tension and anxiety across the country and elsewhere. CNW Network got reactions from Americans and Jamaicans as to how they were feeling watching the 2020 presidential election unfold.

Faith Fields - New York - "Come on now, we ain't even talking about the election right now, because no matter who wins, we still going to have Black men killed every day and it don't matter. It don't matter whether Trump wins or Biden wins. We still going to have people pulling guns out on Black men because they're scared of them because of their color before they're scared of them because of what they had. You get what I'm saying?”

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Dental Place Cosmetix Spa Winchester Business Center 15 Hope Road, Shop #5, Kgn 10 Ph: 876-630-4710 Fax: 876-630-4276

Shifra Hubner - New York - "We are in the streets right now because we want equality for everyone. We want everyone to have the same rights and the same opportunities. And we see that in an America that Biden and Harris are both running together."

Janice Wright - South Florida - “It's nerveracking waiting on the votes. I'm anxious.

The last report I read said that some states still needed to be counted. What worries me is that our president is saying that people are stealing votes, which is not true. But we just need to wait and see what happens because the final count is who will determine our president.”

Sean Case - South Florida - “I'm anxious because right now it's in limbo. I'm hoping that it's rectified as soon as possible but at the same time, they need to carefully count every vote, so it's give-and-take now.”

Chrystal Smith - Kingston, Jamaica - “I'm anxious about the election because I don't believe President Trump will commit to a smooth transition of power if he loses. He is of the view that certain aspects of the electoral process are unfair. I don't think he has much faith in the mail-in voting process. It's not looking very good at all.”

GIVE YOUR Mahailla Ricketts - Kingston, Jamaica - “The entire world is watching and waiting right now.

The transfer of power in the U.S. is going to be everything but smooth. I don't even think we can call it a transfer of power because he (President Trump) is not giving it up. It's going to have to be taken from him and, given the state of America in the last few years, it's gonna get really messy. All we can do now is watch and see but I'm not hopeful at all.”

BUSINESS A

PUNCH!

Advertise with the National Weekly and give your business the extra punch it needs to drive customers. Backed by the power of a CVC Audit, you’ll be sure that you’re getting your bang for your buck! Call us today!

Tel: 954.739.6618

www.cnweeklynews.com

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

EDITORIAL

Even More Divided E

lection night 2020 was a déjà vu situation, very similar to the energy-sapping depression supporters of Hillary Clinton experienced when she stunningly lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

In the recent November 3 election, the flurry of polls that predicted a strong Biden victory ranging from 7.5 to 11 percent misled voters, as they did in 2016. As the counting of votes is being finalized across the nation, Biden's lead in the popular vote averages just 3.1 percent, and a sliver of a lead in the electoral college.

In short, the “blue wave” or Democratic landslide that the polls suggested never materialized. The race between Biden and Trump in the important toss-up states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan were agonizingly close, as the Republicans aggressively rose to the challenges set by the Biden campaign.

But the closeness of the election has again exposed, and may even have enhanced, the sharp divisions in the nation.

The votes cast nationally were a clear indication of the racial divide of the country with the vast majority of white voters voting for Trump, and the vast majority of the impressive large turn of Black voters were for Biden.

In the days leading to the election, it was assumed Trump would lose large percentage of the white vote, especially white women, for his often open disrespectful behavior towards women, and his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, notwithstanding, he still managed to get an overwhelming percentage of white votes including

from suburban women.

It's apparent that Trump, despite his often unorthodox behavior, appeals to the self-interest of the majority of white America, many who live insecure of the growth and influence of the African-American community, but feel secure in Trump's penchant to readily defend white people, even when such defense seem unjustifiable.

There's little doubt, borne out by the outcome of the election, that race was the elephant in the polling place.

The election has also sharpened the divide between segments of Hispanic Americans and other races.

This is particularly so in Miami-Dade County where an increasing number of Cuban and Venezuelan Americans solidly support Trump and the Republican Party, based on their branding of Biden and Kamala Harris as socialists. So intense was the fake anti-socialist campaign it's likely some Hispanics, especially those fleeing to America from socialist regimes, will see Democrats

as enemies and allow themselves to be divided from the rest of the community because of the threat of a fake, trumped up ideology.

Over the past four years, Americans have suffered from a divided government, for the first two years with a Republican-led House and Senate, and in the last two with a Democratic-led House and a Republican-led Senate. Several attempts at legislation to benefit Americans were passed in the House, only to die in the Senate. Notably among these was the recent failed effort to pass another stimulus bill for businesses and residents to help counter the economic impact of COVID-19.

One of the bright hopes of the recent general election was that it would result in Democrats taking control of both the House and the Senate. This would have allowed the government and an incoming Democratic president to function more efficiently and end the persistent deadlocks which are

betraying the American people.

But, the election results indicate the likelihood of a Democratic Party majority in the U.S. Senate will not materialize. If this indication holds, it is likely the bitter divisions bred by a divided government will continue, breeding more frustrations.

Hopefully, the incoming president will focus on using his influence to realize a bipartisan approach to legislation in Congress and the Senate.

Sadly, the closeness of the election results will sharpen the nation's political divide—a divide that is threatening to bring the country to open civil conflict. The unwillingness to accept the results is further widening this divide. There is real concern doubts cast about the validity of the outcome of the election will not be accepted by the supporters of the losing party and candidate and this could spill over to negatively affect varying aspects of the society for a long time.

As these divisions in the nation widen, a major question is from whence, and from whom, will attempts at unifying the nation come.

So far, it is seen that those who try are almost instantly pushed back and cried down. But as the nation enters a new era, with the real possibility of a new leader, the American people should come to the realization that the widening divisions threatens to damage the nation to its core. Clearly, one of the early priorities of the new administration that becomes effective on January 20, 2021 will be to focus and be diligent in bridging the existing divide. If these divisions streaking in different directions across the nation are not addressed early, the country risks possible irreparable damage from within.

P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com

MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Moïse Condemns Murder of Kidnapped Student The Haitian government has denounced the murder of a 22-year-old student, whose naked body was found in a landfill on Sunday after her parents told the kidnappers they were unable to meet the US$100,000 ransom.

“As the father of a family, I am deeply shocked by the kidnapping followed by the murder of the young schoolgirl Evelyne Sincère. Such atrocities are unacceptable.

Police and judicial authorities have only one choice: to put the bandits out of harm's way,” President Jovenel Moïse said in a brief statement.

Justice Minister, Rockefeller Vincent said he was “revolted by the assassination of the student Evelyne Sincère.

“This criminal act affects the nation in its sacred values. I demand from the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince and the police to get concrete and quick results for this odious and fundamentally revolting crime.”

The student, who was pursuing her degree was kidnapped last Thursday and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of US$100,000.

Media reports said that the family had been able to raise only US$15,000.

However, the kidnappers called the family to say that the body of the student had been dumped in a landfill in Delmas 24.

The Deputy Justice of the Peace of Delmas, Jean Flaury Raymond, said the body bore numerous traces of beatings, torture and rape.

Is Kanye West Getting An Island In Haiti?

American rapper, Kanye West has given some insight into his much-talked-about visit to Haiti in September, where he was pictured in the company of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The Chicago rapper visited the country on September 25, where he was reportedly conducting business with Iranian-American entrepreneur and investor Shervin Kordary Pishevar.

West recently appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience show on youtube, in which he revealed that Haiti’s President was giving him and Pishevar a Haitian island to develop. “We go to Haiti and the president gives us this island to develop; to make it a city of the future,” he said.

“We’re gonna have the farmers and the people that live there take ownership of the land they have right now so when it raises in value, they all eat.”

West also said that President Moise told him that the way he has done business with President Trump has been “so straight forward”, before touting himself as the best president that America would have for its foreign policy. “I’ve traveled more than any resident already”, he said.

Kanye West (right) with Jovenel Moise (center) at Cap-Haitien

In September, while addressing concerns about his visit to Haiti, West tweeted: “We are here to complete the revolution, we are building the future.”

Footage of the rapper have been shared all over Haitian social media. In some videos, he was seen sitting in the diplomatic lounge of the international airport of Cap-Haitien; sailing on the waves heading to Ile de la Tortue, or dancing on voodoo music at Cormier Plage, in the company of the President Moïse.

Haiti Plans National Debate On Proposed New Constitution President Jovenel Moïse has announced plans for a national debate on a new constitution for Haiti ahead of a referendum on the new document early next year.

Moïse, who had late last month, had sworn in the members of the Independent Advisory Committee for the development of the draft of the new Constitution, said that the “draft constitution will be debated.

“All citizens will have to read the text. The debates will last a month or a month and a half. After the debates, there will be a referendum on the final text between February and March 2021,” he added.

Moïse had earlier reminded the country he campaigned on constitutional reforms and as a result of his presidential victory, Haitians had voted to make changes to the existing Constitution.

He said following the referendum, regardless of the outcome, he will organize the elections for the country. “I will organize the elections under the aegis of the old Constitution. But if the people vote Yes, I will organize the elections under the aegis of the new constitution,” he added.

Meanwhile, the United States government is stepping up pressure on Moïse. In a

telephone call with Moïse, U.S. Under Secretary of State David Hale emphasized the need for Haiti to hold overdue legislative elections as soon as possible.

Washington is also calling for Haiti's democratic institutions to determine the proper legal mechanism for constitutional change, with input from civil society.

The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro told Haiti it is “essential for institutional continuity that elections take place no later than January 2021.”

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

“Ban The Box” Donation Drive To Assist Tamarac Commissioner Mike Gelin Offers Second Chance to Returning Citizens On Wednesday, October 28, after Commissioner Mike Gelin presented the idea at a commission meeting months ago and invited speakers to educate his fellow commissioners on the issue, “Ban the Box” became a reality in Tamarac.

“I am pleased to join 36 states and over 150 cities in instituting “Ban the Box,” a policy that will give a second chance to returning citizens who are simply trying to support themselves and their families,” Commission Gelin said, after the Tamarac Commission passed the initiative unanimously on his motion.

All over the country, public entities have adopted what is widely known as “ban the box” or the “second chance act” so that employers can consider a job candidate’s qualifications first. These policies provide applicants with a fair continues on B4 – Ban The Box

FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS SCAN THE QR CODE

Jamaican Hospitals Members of the Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG), Florida-based Jamaican charitable organization have embarked on a donation drive to assist hospitals in Jamaica for desperately needed supplies especially since the increases in COVID-19 across the island.

The CACG recently shipped barrels of medical supplies donated to the University Hospital in Kingston. The shipment included large supplies of protective shields, face masks, gloves, and quantities of hospital bedding, health, and hygiene, as well as personal care items for the hospital.

President of the Association, Dawn Bloomfield, a Jamaican national and local bank executive, indicated that the members of CACG have been in touch with the Hospital administration and has since embarked on the donation drive for needed supplies.

Bloomfield emphasized that this is an ongoing initiative as the organization is making an effort to assist other hospitals, especially in the rural areas, she added. Meanwhile, she has expressed appreciation to other Diaspora charitable organizations including the Caribbean Nurses Association of the Treasure Coast and Beyond the Walls Ministries. Some corporate entities have so far responded positively to the ongoing appeal to join in the donation.

These include the ACCH Insurance; Signature Smiles; Cleaning Diva Inc.; and the Nurses Association of Jamaica from the United

Kingdom.

President Bloomfield continues to encourage partners to this worthy cause emphasizing that willing persons can contact the Caribbean American Cultural Group at www.cacgpsl.com CACG is a non-profit organization started in 1984, located and operating in Port Saint Lucie just north of the Palm Beach area. This year, the association will celebrate 36 years of service to the community and to the regions represented by members of the Caribbean diaspora. The organization of 210 members of Caribbean descent as the name implies participate in activities giving back to the local communities as well as the Caribbean region.

In keeping with its mission, the CACG seeks to partner with the community engaging in activities to improve the lives of its people through meaningful educational, cultural, and benevolent activities. Last year, through their scholarship programme, some 14 high school graduates were awarded scholarships totaling $15,500 to tertiary institutions. However, this

year, the organization had to scale back on the number of awards due to the COVID pandemic which has affected all aspects of economic development globally. Despite the challenge, they were able to award eight scholarships, totaling $8,000, to deserving college-bound students from the community.

Like all other charitable groups, the organization is actively involved in various community efforts to empower the residents as well as the members using the skill set of its members and other community volunteers.

“During, these times of uncertainty, make each moment matter, cherish the time you have with your friends and family, Bloomfield said.

“We are stronger together, and we will get through this together as you continue to do your part.”

LOG ON TO FOR MORE

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

Jamaican-American Malika Harrison Named to Orlando Business’s Journal’s 40 Under 40

MIRAMAR

Virtual State Of The City Address Mayor Messam Expresses Pride in Miramar During It’s Annual State of the City Address Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam delivered the annual State of the City address virtually on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from the Miramar Cultural Center.

“The virtual address was a first for us due to the pandemic and I could not be prouder of our city as we continue to stand together during these trying times,” said Mayor Wayne Messam.

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. The virtual event included an intriguing panel discussion with Leah Carpenter, CEO of Memorial Hospital West; Silvia Montalvan, Miramar Firefighter Paramedic and Major Shalida Smith, Code Compliance Manager with the Miramar Police Department. The panelists shared with Mayor Messam their first-hand account of being on the frontlines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State of the City also featured compelling testimonials from residents who recovered from the virus and businesses who were recipients of the City's COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Grant Program. The program offered more than $1 million to small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Other key highlights from the State of the City address included: Ÿ Miramar remains a corporate leader creating over 1,600 high paying jobs averaging over $65,000 annually; Ÿ Property values up an average of 7.11% over the last five years; Ÿ Over $160 million dedicated to infrastructure improvement projects in Historic Miramar including the completion of the East Water Treatment Plant; Ÿ 3.7 million square feet of retail space added; Ÿ 113 affordable senior housing units to be built in west Miramar; Ÿ Opening of Paw Central Dog Park at Miramar Regional Park.

B1

The Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) has recognized Jamaican-American Florida resident, Malika Harrison for her outstanding work in the state. She was named among the Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2020.

“I am pleased to report that Miramar remains strong and we remain focused on delivering the vision of making the necessary investments in our community. I cannot thank our city staff enough for the work that they do. Miramar is off to a great start in the new scal year and we will continue to stand by our residents, business community and our staff as we continue to achieve our municipal goals,”

Harrison is currently the director of social responsibility for the Orlando Magic, the city’s NBA team.

She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), the team’s charitable arm which serves local at-risk youth and has distributed more than $25 million over the last 30 years. In addition, she spearheads the social responsibility strategy of the team for community relations, cause marketing and philanthropy. Her community involvement includes Leadership Orlando – Class 98, Valencia College Horizon Scholars Program mentor, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools’ Read2Succeed program tutor, and serving on the inaugural onePulse Foundation Legacy Scholarship Committee.

She sits on multiple boards including Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, ELEVATE Orlando, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, United Arts of Central Florida, and Orange County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Back in August, she also received a 2020 Sportys award for Best in Social Responsibility from the Greater

– Mayor Wayne Messam continues on B4 – Malika Harrison

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

B3

HEALTH and Wellness

Mammograms and Breast Cancer Screenings Continue to Save Lives October, traditionally celebrated each year as Breast Cancer Month, has passed, but this does not mean that awareness of breast cancer, and ways to avoid it have also passed.

Here are statistics of which every woman who has postponed a mammogram should be aware: Women who had mammograms had a 25% lower rate of advanced breast cancer and a 41 percent lower rate of breast cancers that were fatal within 10 years, according to a recent study published in the journal Cancer.

What this study underscores is that even with all the encouraging advances in breast cancer treatment, nothing is more important than finding breast cancer early, before it has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Dionisio Osorio, regional manager of radiology and rehab at Broward Health. “At Broward Health, our Women's Services Program provides personalized care for women and offers innovative diagnostics that enable our physicians and clinicians to better detect early stage breast cancer and plan a course of individualized treatment.”

For women who belong to certain ethnic or racial groups, the concern is even greater.

Breast cancer is diagnosed in Black women and White women at about the same rate. However, Black women die from it at a higher rate. In keeping with this disturbing health disparity, breast cancer was more likely to be found at an earlier stage among White women than among Black women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Breast Cancer Services Breast cancer screenings are among the wide range of women's healthcare services offered at Broward Health. Breast cancer screening technology includes digital mammography, sensory suites, contrastenhanced mammography and Tomosynthesis.

Technicians at Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health Coral Springs and Broward Health North also use SmartCurve™ paddles with 2D and 3D technology. The enhanced technology often provides radiologists with a clearer image and the patient may have a more comfortable experience since the paddle more mimics the shape of a breast.

Where to Start

Women who had mammograms had a 25% lower rate of advanced breast cancer and a 41 percent lower rate of breast cancers that were fatal within 10 years.

And out of all women advised to get annual mammogram screenings, only 60% of them do get screened.

When to Obtain a Screening The American Cancer Society recommends women between 40 and 44 years of age have an annual mammogram, should they wish to do so, and women 45 to 54 years of age have yearly mammograms. Women 55 and older may switch to mammograms every two years or can continue yearly screening. Given the considerable proof that screening reduces the rates of advanced and fatal breast cancers, all women should talk to their doctors about when they should begin mammography screening based on their family history and other risks.

If you are among the 32 percent of women who, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, delayed routine care because of COVID-19 concerns, Osorio says not to worry. “As healthcare providers we've always taken sanitation seriously,” he said. “Our waiting rooms are designed to maintain social distance, and all equipment is sanitized between uses.”

Study after study demonstrates that incident and mortality rates often increase with delayed screenings. The best way to care for yourself and those you love is to obtain a breast screening, today. Use this October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a catalyst to get up to date with your mammogram and any other health screenings your doctor recommends.

LOG ON TO

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

Biden

Ban The Box

from A1

mate. Her presence on the ticket, played a role in further mobilizing the Black vote, especially in Broward County where a record 82 percent of Black voters, including a significant number of Caribbean Americans, turned out.

The strength of the Black vote enforces what has been apparent in several election cycles—the Black vote can never again be taken for granted.

Black voters are soundly one of America’s most crucial voting blocs. The incoming Biden administration must bear this in mind as they implement policies over the next four years. As a TV commentator said on Thursday night as Pennsylvania votes turned toward Biden, “Biden cannot forget the debt he owes to Black voters.

They got him elected.”

While the national polls suggestion of a Biden landslide in the presidential election didn’t materialize, the prediction of a high voter turnout across the country proved correct. It’s estimated some 163 million voters voted nationally, the highest voter turnout among eligible U.S. citizens since 1900.

Biden has also received more votes than any other presidential candidate in U.S. history. With votes still being counted, it’s estimated he has received 73,619,279 votes (50.47 percent), compared to Donald Trump with 69,843,374 (47.88 percent) making Biden the winner of the popular vote by 2.6 percent.

And the irony is that Black voters might very well be the same voting bloc to begin tearing down the red wall in the South—if Biden can hang on to his mounting lead in Georgia.

At press time, Biden was on his way to winning the 2020 presidential election, leading races in Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

As the nation watched the agonizingly slow count of the votes since polls closed on November 3, they saw the tide slowly but deliberately turn to Biden, as votes accumulated for the Democrats in cities with massive Black populations, like Detroit, Michigan; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Even with insistent attempts to suppress and frustrate Black voters, they prevailed—waiting to vote over 10 hours in some instances, and ignoring the postal service to take their ballots directly to respective electoral offices.

Although not finalized, it has been estimated that the Black vote averaged 83 percent nationwide.

Biden’s path to the White House began back in February this year when Black voters in South Carolina, buoyed by Congressman Jim Clyburn’s endorsement of Biden, spawned his eventual nomination as the Democratic Party presidential nominee.

While the turnout of Black voters was strong and instrumental in President Barack Obama’s victories in 2008 and 2012, this paled in the significance of the Black vote in the 2020 presidential election.

Georgia, for example, has not voted in a Democratic president since 1992, but the strong turnout of Black voters in Georgia’s urban areas turned the state blue, with the help of Black political organizers like Stacy Abrams, who narrowly lost Georgia’s governor’s race in 2018.

In Michigan and Pennsylvania, the Trump/Pence campaign spent millions of dollars and held several major, crowded rallies in a desperate attempt to win these states but, again, it was the resilience of Black voters in the more heavily populated areas of these states that cost them victory.

Biden’s victory justifies him selecting African American Kamala Harris, daughter of a Jamaican father, and an Indian mother, as his running

from A8

chance at employment by removing conviction and arrest history questions from job applications. If the applicant makes it through the hiring process based upon their qualifications, then a background check is conducted. Ban the box doesn’t prohibit an inquiry into one’s criminal history. It simply delays it.

Gelin is on to something. Support for fair-chance policies has gained momentum in recent years, with policies adopted at not only the state and local levels, but also by the federal government. In November 2015, President Obama endorsed “Ban the Box” by directing federal agencies to delay inquiries into job applicants’ records until later in the hiring process.

Also, in December 2019, the “Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019” became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Effective December 2021, the law will prohibit most federal agencies and contractors from requesting information on a job applicant’s arrest and conviction record until after conditionally offering the job to the applicant.

Commissioner Gelin wanted the Tamarac version of “Ban the Box” to go beyond who the city hires. “Thousands of people return to their communities each year and they need a real opportunity to stay on the right side of the law. As a city, we can only hire so many people so I wanted our provision to apply to the vendors/contractors as well to ensure a wider impact,” he explained.

According to the Department of Justice, about 700,000 people are released each year from jail or prison. With programs like Bard College Prison Initiative and other local programs aimed at training and helping returning citizens, it is important to have employment opportunities for them as well.

Take Jeff Henderson as an example. He was released from federal prison after serving nearly 10 years for drug trafficking. After numerous rejections, he was finally hired at Caesars Palace. His talent and perseverance quickly elevated his culinary career.

“Chef Jeff” became the first African-American Executive Chef at Café Bellagio in Las Vegas, a New York Times best-selling author, and a popular Food Network personality, with a passion for helping at-risk youth and other vulnerable populations. None of this would have been possible if someone hadn’t decided to take a chance on the former drug trafficker who served over 10 years in prison.

Disappointment in Florida The Biden/Harris ticket lost Florida despite the record number of Democratic Black voters compared to past elections, with sharp increases in Broward and Palm Beach counties. The turnout of the Black vote faltered in Miami-Dade County amounting to 59.1 percent compared to a high 72 percent by Hispanic Americans, strengthened by the influx of Venezuelan immigrants, and the hardcore support for the Republican Party among Cuban Americans.

In the days leading to the election, several Democratic officials in Miami-Dade including Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson, who was reelected to another term in Congress, urged the Biden/Harris campaign to place more focus on the groundwork among Black voters in MiamiDade. The calls may have come too late, as the disappointing turnout among Black voters in the county indicated.

FREE

Malika Harrison

from B1

Orlando Sports Commission for her continuing work in the community. In 2019, she was recognized as an Emerging Leader Honoree by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Central Florida Chapter and in 2017 received New York University’s Bart Lawson Award for Distinguished Public Service.

Harrison has been with the Magic for more than three years. Prior to her work with the team, she was with S&P Global and S&P Global Foundation. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University, earning her bachelor’s in journalism and a Masters of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University.

She will be honored along with the 39 other executives at the Nov. 12 virtual celebration hosted by the OBJ, who recognizes people in the local community for a combination of business acumen, community involvement and active family lives, all before the age of 40.

The award honors the men and women in the area who have played a key role in shaping the Central Florida community.

This year’s award also recognizes those who have assisted the residents in need during the pandemic and have taken a stand on issues like discrimination and equality.

SISTER ALBERTA GOD GIFTED SPIRITUAL ADVISOR & LIFE COACH Live Life Without the Problems that are Blocking your Inner Peace & Joy.

Are you having problems, worried, unhappy, separated from the one that you love?

Call for immediate results.

321.443.7532

I can and will bring back, the one that you love, control his/her mind. Call enemies by name. I remove all unnatural sickness, bad luck and negativity from your life. Also control immigration and legal problems.

Jealous people Can Set You Back & Block You From Obtaining Your Goals More Than You Will Ever Know.

Sister Alberta has Over 30 Years of Experience in Solving All Troubles of Life Such As Generation Curses, Evil Influence, Sickness, Reuniting loved ones, etc,

One Call Will Truly Convince You About Her God Given Gift.

954-770-0984 All Readings & Spiritual Cleanings are dobe in the privacy of here home in Broward 100% Guaranteed.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

were shot in Oracabessa, Port Royal and the Palisadoes strip in St. Andrew. Several scenes from Live and Let Die (1973) were also shot in Jamaica.

Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness sent his condolences to the family, friends and fans on Connery, saying: He will always be remembered as the original James Bond with the phase: “The name's Bond… James Bond.”

The island's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport,

Remembering

Sean Connery Connery died on October 31 at the age of 90. Through his portrayal of the character written by famous Jamaican resident Ian Flemming, Connery brought the beauty of Jamaica to Hollywood.

His first appearance as James Bond came in Dr. No in 1962. Some scenes from the movie were shot on some grounds of Goldeneye, Fleming's home which was later turned into a resort. Other scenes

The Jamaican government has paid tribute to Sean Connery, the Scottish actor who is best known for playing fictional spy James Bond in seven films from 1962 to 1983.

Olivia Grange also praised the actor for his work which she says brought both him and Jamaica to world attention.

In a post on Twitter, Grange said, “Jamaica remembers Sean Connery, the first James Bond, whose role in the blockbuster film 'Doctor No' brought both him and beautiful Jamaica to world attention.

“His career in films included many stellar roles, but Jamaica will always remember him for his role in the classic adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel. Sending tribute and commendations from Jamaica. #RIP,” she added.

Connery was knighted in 2000 and won numerous awards during his decades-spanning career, including an Oscar, three Golden Globes and two Bafta awards.

In 2019, for the 25th instalment of the James Bond series, No Time To Die, the producers of the film paid tribute to the origins of the character by shooting parts of the movie on the island.

SAFARI

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, INC. Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Avoid the hassle and long wait.

For your convenience we will also clear customs for you at a minimal fee!

7 days

*All statutory fees will still apply and has to be paid. A valid ID, TRN and Power of Attorney are required

Packaging and Creating service available.

Door To Door service in Jamaica Special package for returning resident.

3790 NW 16th St. Lauderhill, FL 33311

954-581-4655 4711 N. Australian Ave. WPB, FL 33407

561-844-2820

Entertainer Shaggy Says He Registered to Vote in America for the First Time This Year In the days leading to Tuesday's United States presidential election, a number of prominent members of the CaribbeanAmerican community were actively involved in pushing community participation in the polls.

Caribbean-Americans has long been left out of election conversations, but that changed this year when Jamaican American Senator Kamala Harris became the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

In a recent Instagram Live with Jamaican American Florida attorney Marlon Hill, Jamaican-born reggae superstar, Shaggy revealed that he registered to vote in America for the first time this year while encouraging others to also get involved.

“I just registered to vote this year, for the first time,” Shaggy stated during the chat. “When you're younger you don't really think about certain things, but as you get older—I'm 52-years-old now and I have kids that wanna go to college and all that—you think about what the opportunity means and what I fought for and risked my life for.”

Shaggy migrated to the United States as a teenager and later joined the U.S. Marines and served honorably in the first Gulf War. He did not receive his U.S. citizenship until later in life after years of success on the music charts.

Shaggy said the political and racial unrest in America triggered him to get involved this year. “I have two grown Black babies- my sons. They live in Florida and they're exercising every right they can,” he said.

He encouraged Caribbean Americans to make a plan to vote irrespective of any circumstances.

FOR THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SCAN THE QR CODE

Safari CARES! Now offering

Open

C1

REDUCED PRICES! to help you through these difcult times Ship to Kingston or Montego Bay, Jamaica for only $45 per barrel Offer subject to change without notice.

45

$

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020

Hilary Creary, P.A. FL Supreme Court Family Mediator Adoption Divorce Restraining Orders Modification of Final Judgments Parental Rights Paternity Pre-Nuptial Agreements Guardian Ad Litem Establishment and Enforcement of Timesharing Schedules

1995 East Oakland Park Blvd., Ste. 300, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306

Hilary Creary, Esq. hilarycreary@hcpalegal.com www.hcpalegal.com

954.366.7939

Hurricane/Property Damage

FL Supreme Court Family Mediator

3350 SW 148th Avenue, Suite 110, Miramar, FL 33027

The Basement Hair Salon Palm Beach County’s #1 Funeral & Cremation Provider to the Caribbean Community Tel: 561.557.4739

SHOP: 754-200-5090 Shama Rhoden

Kilon Rhoden

Chief Executive Officer

Family Care Coordinator

SHELLY: 754-234-2045

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

2560 N. State Road 7. Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313

lakesidefuneralcare.com

SEWING LACE BRAIDING CUT WASH & CURL BONDING RELAXER NAILS ...AND MORE

Located in the Dutch Pot Plaza Next to the Laundromat

BANKRUPTCY - FORECLOSURE DEFENSE Immigration Credit Restoration Real Estate Civil & Business Litigation

D&S LAW GROUP P.A ELIAS LEONARD DSOUZA, ESQ. www.DsouzaLegalGroup.com

Email: dtdlaw@aol.com

8751 W. Broward Blvd St 301, Plantation FL 33324

Free Initial Consultation

Payment Plans Available

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Juice

Wheels Tires & Service

MEDIX URGENT CARE CENTER Don’t spend hours in the emergency room. Come to us for...

New & Used Tires Tire Rotation & Balance 4 Wheel Alignment Full Brakes Service 3653 NW 19th Street Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 www.JuiceWheelsAndTires.com

954.486.2252 / 954.486.2219

Cough, Colds, Flu, Pregnancy Tests Suture Repair & Removal

Medication Re ills Immunizations ...and all minor care

G License Physical....... $50 HHA/CNA.................... $250/$300 CPR............................. $50/$35 Inservices.................... $10 each (or $60 for complete package)

Immigration Medicals $295

30

$

School, Sports and Work Physicals Mon.-Fri: 9am – 7pm Sat: Closed Sun: 11am – 5pm

Doctor’s Visits $75

2331 N. State Rd. 7, Suite 102, Lauderhill, FL 33313 (954) 484-8444

www.medixucc.com

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 –

SAILING

USVI Skipper Caneld Lands Third Gold Cup US Virgin Islands skipper Taylor Canfield won the 70th Bermuda Gold Cup and 2020 Open Match Race World Championship after outdueling England's Ian Williams in Friday's (October 30) penalty-filled final held in blustery conditions in Hamilton Harbor.

It was 31-year-old Canfield's third Gold Cup win, having previously been champion in 2012 and 2018 and second world matchracing title, having also triumphed in 2013.

Canfield and his Stars+Stripes USA crew won three of the four races in the first-to-three final against defending Gold Cup champion Williams' GAC Pindar.

Said Canfield after the week-long regatta which featured 16 crews: “We love to be here racing and to come away with the win is just a bonus so we are thrilled.

“It's unbelievable. I can't thank my team enough. I think we were the fastest boat out there because of how focused everyone was on board, no matter where we were. These guys push right to the end no matter what.

“If we're behind or ahead they wanted more all the time and everyone stayed super

focused and did their jobs well. I put us in a lot of tough spots this week and they got us out of almost every one of them.

“Thanks to Bermuda for getting us here.

We're excited to be out racing again, and to come away with a win is unbelievable. We're thrilled.”

Williams, a 43-year-old Exeter-born sailor who has twice won the Gold Cup, said, “I guess it was exciting for the spectators today.

“It was a pretty rough one for us as you can tell. The umpire decisions were critical today

and we were on the wrong side of them.

“But we just have to accept that and move on and try and come back stronger next year.”

Earlier in the day, Canfield and Williams completed respective semi-final victories over Phil Robertson of New Zealand and Jeppe Borch of Denmark, having jumped out to a 2-0 advantage in the opening two races of the bestof-five semi-finals on Thursday.

Dethroned world champion Robertson beat Gold Cup debutant Borch in the first-totwo points petit final to round out the podium.

Windies begin Quarantine in New Zealand After Negative COVID Tests Members of the West Indies touring party have tested negative for COVID-19 following their arrival in New Zealand for a Test series on October 30.

The contingent left the Caribbean on October 26 for London from where they connected through Dubai and onto Auckland, New Zealand, before taking a short one and a half hour flight to South Island.

The West Indies team is now undergoing a 14-day period of quarantine before beginning their training and preparation for the November 27 to December 15 tour which comprises three Twenty20 Internationals and two Test matches.

“It's been great to get cricket back on again,” said Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave.

“We got cricket re-started with our friends in England back in July and our women went also to England in September. We've had the CPL here in the region and we're embarking on another tour.

“This one will involve more than Test

matches – there will be T20s as well—and us as defending world champions we'll go there with confidence.”

West Indies face a Herculean task on the tour, having not beaten the hosts in a Test series on New Zealand soil in quarter of a century, and also having only won just three of their last 15 Tests against the Black Caps.

The Caribbean side's last tour of New Zealand three years ago proved a nightmare as they lost both Tests heavily inside four days and also lost the three-match T20 series 2-0.

Grave said he expects the T20 side to compete strongly and also hoped the Test side could spring a surprise.

“We know it's going to be very tough. I was there in 2017 when it was a one-sided affair and New Zealand got the better of us in all games,” Grave said.

“But I think in the T20s we'll go there as defending world champions and with the number of players who've been playing cricket in the UAE in the IPL, they should be in good form.”

He continued: “The Test series is really important. Every Test match matter as part of the world Test championship and we know New Zealand in their home conditions are an extremely strong side.

“They very rarely lose series, they very rarely lose matches and they're going to be raring to go having not played Test cricket since their summer was curtailed back in March.”

Following the T20 Internationals in Auckland and Mount Maunganui between November 27-30, West Indies will clash with

READ MORE at CNWnetwork.com

FOR THE LATEST IN SPORTS SCAN THE QR CODE

C3

Veteran Jamaican Footballer Leonard “Chicken” Mason Dies in NY

Veteran Jamaican footballer Leonard Mason died in Brooklyn, New York on October 31 at the age of 72, after years of battling an illness.

Mason, affectionately called “Chicken” by Jamaican football fans, represented Excelsior High School in the Manning Cup football competition in the mid-1960s.

He later earned scholarships to Eastern Illinois University and Century University where he earned an Accounting degree and an MBA. At club level in Jamaica, he played for Santos, Lucas and Real Mona, among others. In the United States, he represented Jamaica Nationals and the Jamaica Ambassadors football teams. He was also widely known for scoring for Jamaica in the island's first victory (1-0) over Mexico in 1972 at the National Stadium.

After retiring from competitive football in 1975, he operated his own business as the CEO of LEMS Accounting Services, in New York and Florida.

In his later years, he became involved in several youth initiatives in Jamaica and was actively involved in fundraising activities at his alma mater.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 5 – NOV 11, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T