National-Weekly-October-15-2020

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

THURSDAY OCTOBER 15, 2020

Biden Courts Caribbean Americans and Seniors During Broward Visit

By Garth A. Rose

HEEDING THE CALL

South Floridians, judging from statistics sourced from the Florida Divisions of Elections (FDE), are heeding calls to vote early and are eagerly taking advantage of the mail-in option to cast their ballots in the 2020 presidential/general election.

With election less than three weeks to go until November 3, 2020, two million of Florida's 14 million registered voters had cast votes by returning mail-in ballots as of Wednesday morning, October 14. Those votes included 967,036 Democrats, 564,361 Republicans, and 363,746 without party affiliation.

Of the ballots returned throughout the state, 490,786 were returned In South Florida, where 169, 347 were returned in Broward County, 142,136 in Miami-Dade County, with Palm Beach County leading with 179,303 returned ballots. Not surprisingly, in a region renowned for its Democratic Party leaning, the majority of ballots returned have been from registered Democrats.

South Floridians Voting Early and Aggressively The data indicates in Palm Beach County, 105,000 Democrats, 35,725 Republicans and 35,753 NPA voters returned ballots as of Wednesday morning. In Broward, while 106,690 Democrats returned ballots, only 27,372 Republicans and 33,835 NPA's did so. The gap was narrower in MiamiDade County where 72,608 Democrats returned ballots compared to 34,711 Republicans and 33,478 NPAs.

Although the data provided by the FDE does not categorize voters by ethnicity, CNW's research through calls to known CaribbeanAmerican registered voters indicated 73 percent of these voters requested and received mail-in ballots, and as of Tuesday, 61 percent of these voters have either returned the completed ballots by mail or dropped them off directly at the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) offices in the respective counties.

On visiting the Miami-Dade SOE office in Doral, Miami-Dade on Tuesday, CNW witnessed a caravan of vehicles with eager voters driving in to drop off their ballots at manned drop boxes outside the offices. An SUV with its speakers blaring Bob Marley's “Get, Up, Stand Up. for Your Rights,” was laden with Caribbean Americans.

Caribbean American Robin Starr, the SUV's driver, a resident of Homestead, some 33 miles from Doral, said she's a furloughed flight attendant but “I have been using the time to get out the vote, making phone calls urging people to vote early, and encouraging those who received mail-in ballots to drop them directly at the Supervisor of Elections offices, and have volunteered to take voters to this office, making several trips over recent days, so they can drop off their ballots. These elections are too important to our future to sit idle. We must make America sane again.”

It was high energy in Broward County on Tuesday as Caribbean-Americans, specifically, JamaicanAmericans turned out to support Democratic nominee Joe Biden during his campaign stop in South Florida.

Biden's first visit was to the Pembroke Pines Senior Center where, in his address, he criticized President Donald Trump for holding “super-spreader parties,” large crowded campaign rallies with attendees at risk of contracting COVID-19, while seniors couldn't even see their grandchildren.

Biden told the gathering that Trump has never been focused on seniors or their health. continues on C4 – Biden visit

“Trump doesn't really care about lowering the healthcare costs, because he's beholden to the health insurance companies and the drug companies – Joe Biden

continues on C4 – Heeding The Call

WHAT’S INSIDE T&T SAYS FINAL FAREWELL TO TOP COMEDIAN A3

IACHR WANTS CARIBBEAN TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY A4

STRICTLY LEGAL

SPORTS

FIRST TIME FLORIDA VOTERS BEWARE: DON’T LET YOUR VOTE BE DISQUALIFIED C1

WEST INDIES COULD BE EASED FROM COVID-19 BUBBLE IN NEW ZEALAND D3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

LEADING LADIES: Democra c vice presiden al pick Kamala Harris (le ) and fellow Jamaica American, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers, greet eah other with an acceptable social distancing elbow bump. They were at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, where Harris made a campaign stop recently. - Contributed

RIDIN' WITH BIDEN: Joy B. Smith, candidate for West Park Commissioner Seat 3 (le ), Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis (right), and her legisla ve aide, Aura Hayles-Thomas proudly don their Biden-branded merch to support the Democra c presiden al candidate, who showed up for a drive-in rally at Miramar Regional Park, recently. - Contributed

OUR SPACE: Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair presents a check from the Jamaica Diaspora Legacy Fund to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, which is slated to open early next year at the Wes ield Broward Mall in Planta on. (L-r) David I. Muir, Island SPACE board chair; Calibe Thompson, Island SPACE execu ve director; Consul General Mair and Cheryl Wynter, Office of Community Rela ons & Communica ons, Consulate General of Jamaica. - Photo by Cathleen Dean

NUPTIALS: Newlyweds Nerissa and Noel chose a picturesque loca on to capture their special day. - Photo by Devon Dwyer

BESTIES: Radiant bride Nerissa is all smiles and she shares this memorable moment with her friend Tina. Nerissa said “I do” to Noel in North Lauderdale recently. - Photo by Devon Dwyer

WINNERS CIRCLE: The top three winners of the Transforming America Through Interac on (“TATI”) annual Caribbean American Heritage Youth Essay Compe on pose with their parents and TATI execu ves following a private outdoor ceremony to mark the occasion.

Displaying their cer ficates (l-r) are first-place winner, Jordon Neal of Belizean/US Virgin Islands heritage, with parents, Norman and Kema Neal; second-place winner, Djennnie Francois, of Hai an heritage, with dad, Dieuseul Francois; and third-place winner, Philip Wong, of Jamaican/Cuban heritage, with mom, Gina Belmavis Wong. Kneeling in front are TATI's founder and chair Tanya Ragbeer and treasurer Carlton Golding. - Contributed.

LEGACY: Calibe Thompson (right), execu ve director of Island SPACE Museum, shows Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair a rhumba box—a musical instrument—donated to the museum by Miramar Commissioner Winston Barnes. Photo by Cathleen Dean

FIRST PLACE: Marjory Stoneman Douglas student Jordan Neal (center), who is of Belizean/U.S. Virgin Islands heritage, shows off his cer ficate and scholarship check for earning first place in the Transforming America Through Interac on (“TATI”) annual Caribbean American Heritage Youth Essay Compe on. Flanking him are Tanya Ragbeer, founder and chair of TATI, Inc. (le ) and Carlton Golding, TATI's treasurer. - Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

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T&T Says Final Goodbyes to Top Comedian Since his death, musicians, public figures, politicians and fans alike have paid their respects to the man that was considered a “comedic genius.” After news of his passing, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell issued a message of condolences to Hall's family, while describing him as a man whose “talent knew no boundaries,” as a comedian, storyteller, actor, talk-show host, writer, producer and director.

The former member of Parliament for San Fernando East wrote, “TT's entertainment landscape was made richer by his engaging performances and humorous take on life. Sprangalang was a giant in the industry and a cultural icon. He will certainly be missed.”

Sprangalang had been ailing for some time and

“Sprangalang.” During that time, Hall also obtained a diploma in film and advanced television production at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (197880).

Hall presented clever social commentaries about TT culture, usually featuring an exaggerated Trinidad dialect, as an actor. On stage, he sported an iconic

“A comedic genius.”

“...talent knew no boundaries”

“...a giant in the industry”

dennis hall Last weekend, Trinidad and Tobago's entertainment community said their final goodbyes to one its most popular comedian and cultural historian, Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall. He died on October 2, 2020—two days after his 71st birthday and was cremated following a tribute ceremony on Saturday, October 10.

his passing, which comes just six months after the death of his brother, Trinbagonian playwright Tony Hall, leaves a major gap in Trinidad and Tobago's artistic and entertainment community.

Hall was born in Port of Spain in 1949. He attended Naparima College, San Fernando and then later gained a bachelor's degree in drama and education from the University of Alberta (1969-73), with the hopes of becoming a teacher.

On his return to Trinidad in 1974, Hall met Christopher Laird—who would later become one of the most renowned filmmakers in the country—at the Trinidad & Tobago Television Workshop, which later formed Banyan Limited, a local video production house.

Laird invited Hall to Gayelle, a national TV series produced by Banyan. Hall portrayed the character "Draxi" on a segment called "Cultural Sprangalang.”

Hall went on to contribute to over 300 episodes and became a household name in T&T, widely known as

scruffy beard and loose button-up t-shirt, which many said was in stark irony to his intelligence and upbringing, especially coming from a middle-class family. His father was vice principal at Hall's alma mater, Naparima College.

He presented himself as a versatile artist, dabbling in all the art forms including TV, film, composing and singing.

Among his most prominent dramatic roles viewed internationally was his role in the first CaribbeanCanadian sitcom, Lord Have Mercy in 2003 and A Winter Tale, a 2007 award-winning film.

He also co-starred in the 2010 play, A Man in the Bedroom, along with his friend and long-time fellow stage performer Errol Fabien.

In the late 1980s, Hall was made an honorary member of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation (TUCO). Hall was TUCO president in the 1990s, succeeding the organisation's first president Winston “Gypsy” Peters. He also performed a Late Night Lime series, consisting of 14 parts, in 1990.

He was then honored by the National Action Cultural Committee at the 2012 Top 20 Stars of Gold Awards for his contribution to cultural development in Trinidad and Tobago.

In June 2019, Hall spent nearly two months in the hospital after having seizures which led to a mild stroke. Earlier this month, he died from complications caused by the stroke.

He is survived by his wife, 2019 Calypso Queen Natasha “Sexy Susie” Nurse and one daughter.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

St. Kitts-Nevis Reaffirms Diplomatic Relations With Taiwan The St. Kitts-Nevis government has reaffirmed its commitment to “strengthening” relations with Taiwan as the Asian country observes the 109th anniversary of its National Day. The Caribbean island is one of a handful of regional states with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province and has urged countries to recognize its “One China” policy.

In a congratulatory message to President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris extended “warmest congratulations” adding that “on this auspicious occasion, we wish to solemnly reaffirm our commitment to the strengthening of the deep bonds of friendship that we have maintained over these past decades.

“Our shared values and mutual respect have been the guidepost for our long standing relations which is cherished by our peoples and we laud the outstanding achievements and accomplishments made by the Republic of China (Taiwan), particularly at this difficult time in the history of mankind,” he added.

Harris said that the government and people of St. Kitts-Nevis value the “treasured friendship” between the two countries and is wishing Taiwan “continued peace and prosperity”.

The 10th of October or, as it is more commonly known “double ten,” is a holiday in Taiwan commemorating the start of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising in China, which marked the end of the Qing Dynasty, leading to the founding of the Republic of China on January 01, 1912.

Taiwan and St Kitts and Nevis established diplomatic relations in 1983.

IACHR Wants Caribbean To Abolish Death Penalty The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has called on Caribbean countries to impose a moratorium on executions as a step towards their gradual abolition.

It is also urging regional countries that are members of the Organization of American States (OAS) to ratify the Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty.

The last execution in the region was carried out in St Kitts-Nevis in 2008. No one has been executed in the other countries for more than 20 years and in Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and Barbados for more than 30 years. Many of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries have at least one prisoner, on death row.

World Day Against the Death Penalty was observed last Saturday and the IACHR said the Inter-American Human Rights System has played a crucial role to establish international standards concerning the death penalty.

It said it was the first international human rights organization to examine and assess the consequences of the compulsory

“The Commission concluded that the death penalty is incompatible with the rights to life, humane treatment, and due process. For decades, the Inter-American Commission has identified the death penalty as a crucial challenge for human rights.

While most member states of the OAS have abolished the death penalty, a significant minority still hold on to this form of punishment.”

application of this form of punishment on the enjoyment of human rights.

“The Commission concluded that the death penalty is incompatible with the rights to life, humane treatment, and due process.

For decades, the Inter-American Commission has identified the death penalty as a crucial challenge for human rights. While most member states of the OAS have abolished the death penalty, a significant minority still hold on to this form of punishment.”

The IACHR said the regional instruments for the protection of human rights “do not ban the death penalty per se, but impose specific restrictions and prohibitions concerning its application.

“The American Convention on Human Rights includes dispositions to restrict the application of the death penalty, with the aim of reducing it until it is finally abolished.

There is a global trend in the direction of abolishing the death penalty that is evident in recent developments at the level of the United Nations, regional systems for the protection of human rights, and international criminal law.”

Bahamas Successfully Raises $600 Million Bond Offering The Bahamas government has been able to take advantage of a positive market window to “successfully price” a US$600 million issue of 8.95 percent bonds, due 2032 in the international debt capital markets.

“Given the strong shock to the

Bahamian economy caused by Hurricane Dorian and now COVID-19, we are satisfied with the successful pricing of this bond issue and the positive response from the investor community, which reflects the market's ongoing confidence in The Bahamas,” said Finance Minister K. Peter Turnquest.

“Despite the interruption in our fiscal consolidation objective, the government is undeterred in its commitment to pursue a credible fiscal policy and achieve debt sustainability and to pursuing the structural reforms that would release a strong level of economic growth. continues on C3 – Bond Offering

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

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Talk UP

Who Gets Your Vote?

With the presidential election less than three weeks away, and early voting about to begin in several states, including Florida, many voters have already made up their minds on how they will vote and which candidate they will vote for. CNW Network recently hit the streets of New York to ask residents if they have already decided on who will get their vote in the election this year. Here are the responses: Vanessa Williams - “I am mostly looking for a liberal. Although before coronavirus, I would've gone with Trump because I'm a Republican. I don't think Biden shows assertiveness in politics and I think Democrats have always played on the emotional and racial card. And I think a lot of us [Black people] are Democrats because our parents are Democrats. I still remain a Republican but now I'd shift towards a liberal rather than Biden.”

Delia Smith - “I don't trust mail-in voting because of the way the postal system in set up.

I'm not saying people would tamper with it, but things can get destroyed. There's a lot of things that can happen between here and where its suppose to go. I'm planning to vote for Biden because I believe Biden will address the poor person's agenda, where Trump is not for minorities or poor people.”

Steven Clement - “I don't think mail-in voting is good. I think it came because of the coronavirus as a means of trying to stop people from being together. But I've never done mail-in voting. I'm gonna vote for Biden. I don't expect a huge change immediately because there's a lot of stuff that has to be taken care of. Trump has shown that he has no respect for women, minorities. He doesn't like Jews, Mexicans, Africans, Muslims. He doesn't like anybody. And this country is about everybody.”

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Radley King - “I'm gonna vote for Biden simply because Trump has the country divided right now and as you can see, my children are mixed.

I'm all about equality. I don’t think another four years of Trump is what we need right now. My vote is more about not wanting Trump to win than it is about voting for Biden. Simple as that.

Stephen Smith - “The people that are put up in those positions are always liars, racist, whatever title you want to put to them. I think they're rattlesnakes. If I had to pick the lesser of the two evils, it would be Biden but I'm not under the hypocrisy that my vote counts when its really the American Electoral College that is gonna pick the president anyway. I choose myself.”

Debra Freeman - “I would like to vote in person instead of mailing it in. I want to be sure that my vote is counted. I'm planning to vote for Biden. I'm tired of Trump, I want him out. Biden is more American, more caring. Everybody's sick of Trump and his antics. He doesn’t take the presidency seriously, and I think a Biden administration would be better for the nation.”

Kenny Freeman - “I'm gonna vote for Biden and I'm gonna cast my ballot. I'm not too confident about the postal system based on past experiences and I want to make sure my vote is counted. I like Biden's views on a lot of the current topics as opposed to Trump. There are a lot of issues that Trump doesn't want to take seriously like global warming and the severity of the coronavirus and I don't think he realizes that his “economic success” is a reflection of what was left over from Obama's last term. Trump just picked up on things. I don't think that Trump is the right person to be president. He doesn't know how to articulate, he doesn't know how to communicate and he doesn't know how to garner positive attitudes so people can have confidence in him.”

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

EDITORIAL

Is Another Presidential Debate Even Necessary?

Back when voters had limited access to seeing presidential candidates or hearing them expound on their campaign promises, televised debates between the candidates were very important. It was during these debates, such as the one between Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon, that undecided voters make up their mind decided voters solidified their choice.

Trump

In more recent years, presidential candidates receive phenomenal and relentless exposure from a multiplex media community of television and radio stations, newspapers, political commentators, the internet, and the aggressive social media.

Since it became official that incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican, would be challenged by former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the November election, there have been non-stop back and forth between the candidates and their respective campaigns.

In 2012, incumbent President Barack Obama gave an uncharacteristically poor performance in the first presidential debate with Republican Mitt Romney. But it hardly mattered. He rebounded in the other two debates and won the election convincingly.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton clearly defeated Donald Trump in each of the three presidential debates but, notwithstanding, she lost the presidential election.

However, most voters have made up their minds even before hearing the candidates on the debate stage.

A Politico/Morning poll taken shortly before the first 2020 presidential debate indicated 86 percent of voters had already decided who they would be voting for in November. This included 93

Biden

percent of Biden voters and 98 percent of Trump's.

Only 21 percent of those surveyed said any of the debates would have an impact on their vote.

Similarly, a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showed that only 29 percent of voters said the upcoming debates would be “extremely” or “quite” important to their final decision on how to vote.

After the debate—which was largely criticized as a debacle for the hostility between the candidates and lack of substance—another survey indicated 87 percent of Republicans said the debate made no difference how they would vote.

Essentially, while these debates should serve as an important forum to enable voters to further understand the candidates' stance on the issues by exchanging their policy viewpoints, they have become, judging from the first presidential debate, hyped reality shows, aimed to entertain rather than inform voters.

But, ironically, voters do watch debates. The Politico/Morning poll indicated 72 percent of voters planned to watch the debates although the majority had made up their mind who they were voting for. Post-debate polls after the first presidential debate indicated it had one of the highest viewer ratings in the past 20 years.

It seems although voters expect little in policy information in the current cycle of presidential debates, they are still eager to tune in, hoping to see which candidate make a colossal gaffe, or which slams the other with stunning comments.

As seen in the first presidential debate and last week's vice-presidential debate, the candidates used the debate to play to their base of supporters, while ignoring the pre-agreed rules set for the debate. This willingness to behave badly without conforming to the debate rules, has devalued the quality of the debates, and the role of the moderators who have been made to look most ineffective.

There's an abundance of serious policy issues which American voters deserve to hear the presidential candidates discuss in these primetime debates. While the management, or mismanagement, of the COVID-19 pandemic is the foremost issue in this year's presidential election, voters need to hear sound exchanges of views on the deteriorating economy, healthcare reform, immigration reform, foreign affairs, climate change and other issues.

America is at too serious a juncture in its history for candidates to engage in frivolous debates, and we're at risk of being irreparably divided. Voters would like to see the candidates show respect for each other while articulately discussing the prevailing issues. This has been effectively done in previous presidential debates.

Debates between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama and John McCain comes to mind.

At the very least, voters expect each of the candidates to listen to each other's positions on the issues, and give sensible responses without rude interruptions, while abiding by the accepted debate rules.

If either of the presidential campaigns, the debate commission, and the moderators cannot assure a debate in which the candidates are allowed to respectfully articulate their policy ideas, then another presidential debate this year would be a waste of valuable TV and viewers time.

As voters decide if they should head to the polls, they deserve to be mobilized by a forum that inspires them to vote, not another debacle that disgusts and turns them off.

IRISH MOSS BY

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

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A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

Florida to Begin Providing Mobile Drivers Licenses Beginning next year, Florida residents will have a digital option for their drivers' licenses on smartphones and tablets.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) says it will offer licenses that will be available through an app.

The licenses will be as valid and acceptable as traditional licenses when it comes to verifying identity, age, and driving privileges.

“I'm excited for this innovative project that will make the state of Florida a national leader in offering secure and trusted mobile identification, which is a priority for our governor, Ron DeSantis,” said Terry L. Rhodes, executive director of the FLDHSMV. “We have made a sustained commitment to the modernization of nearly every aspect of what our department does and how customers access our services, and Thales (the company that will supply the licenses) will be a great partner as Florida now steps into the future of mobile identification.”

State leaders believe the move will make it harder to create fake IDs. One safety expert says the move will require a shift in the law, according to Click Orlando. Current safety laws require drivers to present a physical license during a traffic stop.

An official date for when the licenses will be available has not been announced.

Broward Students Take Top Spots in TATI Annual Youth Essay Competition Three students from Broward County snagged the top spots in the Transforming America Through Interaction (“TATI”) annual Caribbean American Heritage Youth Essay Competition.

In first place was Jordon Neal of Belizean/U.S. Virgin Islands heritage, from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland; Djeffnie Francois, of Haitian heritage, from Stranahan High School in Ft. Lauderdale placed second, while Phillip Wong, of Jamaican/Cuban heritage, from College Academy at Broward College in Davie took third place.

The competition, which is geared towards High School students at the 11th and 12thgrade level, provides a platform for Caribbean American youths in the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to engage and participate in an annual activity that celebrates them and their heritage.

This year's topic was “Do you think that social media has a positive or negative impact on the Caribbean community?” The finalists were announced virtually on a Zoom reveal, in which students introduced themselves to board members and asked questions.

According to Garfield Wright, president of TATI, Inc., “COVID may have slowed down the world in 2020, but not TATI's commitment to our cause.” He congratulated the winners and wished them well in their endeavors.

Tanya Ragbeer, founder and chair, said, “It was amazing, the level of participation this year. It was a tight competition, and choosing a winner was not an easy task for our judges.

It was quite obvious that everyone took the time to really research their topic, and the writing quality was exceptional.”

Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) Hosts Annual High School Forum The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) will host its 2020 High School Forum “Preparing for the Post-Secondary Exploration” on October 27, 2020 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The hour and a half forum will include information on the college application process, tips on selecting the ideal college, attaining academic success in a virtual environment, getting involved on campus, and maintaining scholarships.

The event will feature a panel of powerful Jamaican women who are leaders in their respective fields.

Panelists will also include past recipients of the JWOF “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship program. Following the panel discussion there will be a question and answer session.

The moderator will be their own 'NextGen' Board Director, Dr. Monique Blake Roswell, Dean of Libraries, and Academic Success Centers at Broward College.

Immediately following the forum, JWOF will begin accepting applications for continues on C4 – JWOF

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

Federal Court Blocks Planned Increase in Immigration Fees was likely unlawful for several reasons: 1) several of the acting officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who created the rule were not legally appointed to their roles under federal policies and therefore, had no authority to enact the rule and 2) the USCIS likely did not follow legal procedures in creating the rule by failing to take into account its negative impact on low-income immigrants.

The bad news is that the USCIS is expected to appeal the decision, but the great news is that for now, the current filing fees remain in effect!

However, immigrants are cautioned not to let this temporary reprieve lull them into taking for granted that the matter has ended. While the fees remain unchanged, those who plan on applying to the USCIS on any immigration matter that requires paying a fee should make sure and file their immigration applications early.

They shouldn't wait until the final moment when another federal court could reverse the decision and allow the increased fees to go forward. Just bear in mind what just happened recently with the Public Charge rule, which is now on again.

By Attorney Caroly Pedersen

Just days before the dreaded U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees increase was scheduled to take effect, a federal court issued an order to temporarily block the USCIS from implementing any new fees.

The September 29 court decision blocks the USCIS from implementing a new rule which would have significantly increased most filing fees on October 2, 2020. The court ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by the Immigrant Legal Resources Center requesting that a preliminary injunction be issued by the court to prevent the government from going forward with the new fees increase rule.

As a result, the court's decision has temporarily halted the planned USCIS fees increase, because the court found the new rule

USCIS Extends Additional Time For Response To Requests Until January 2021 As a result of the likely continued difficulties in obtaining documents and information caused by COVID-19, the USCIS has again issued an updated announcement that it is extending the time allowed for applicants and petitioners to respond to letters and notices issued by the agency on pending cases. Under the new extension policy, an additional 60 calendar days from the deadline date will be given to submit a response to a request or notice issued from March 1st through and Jan. 1, 2021. The additional 60 days applies to:

Requests for Evidence Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14) Notices of Intent to Deny Notices of Intent to Revoke Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, Filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal

It is important to note that responses must be received on or before the deadline, not just postmarked by the deadline date. Also, responses to request for additional evidence should always be mailed in one package, not in multiple response filings, since once the USCIS receives the first response, the officer will usually make a decision based upon that response, not on anything received later. Finally, always send responses, appeals, motions via fed-ex or another mail service, overnight.

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First Time Florida Voters Beware Don’t Let Your 2020 Presidential Election Vote Be Disqualified According to the Pew Research Center, even though newly naturalized citizens are one of the fastest-growing voting groups in the U. S., historically they have lower rates of voting than most native-born citizens.

For example, in the 2016 election, 54 percent of naturalized citizens voted in the general election, compared with 62 percent of native-born citizens. Hopefully, 2020 will be different, as many newly naturalized citizens have come to the realization that this election is perhaps the most important of a lifetime, with the outcome to shape the policies and character of the U.S. for decades to come.

In 2016, Trump won the Florida by only 113,000 votes, and with the State of Florida again an important battleground for the presidential election this year, every vote counts!

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has made things more difficult for all voters this year, with many voters fearful of voting in person, opting instead to vote by mail for the first time. Vote by mail or “absentee voting” is the same thing, don’t let Trump confused you, he is the one confused.

The Florida Division of Elections reports that some 4.5 million voters have requested mail-in ballots for the presidential election this year. And while some voters regularly vote by mail, many do not, making 2020 the first time, which does have its risks, due to ballot disqualification.

In fact, more than 35,500 vote-by-mail ballots were disqualified in Florida’s recent August 2020 primary election alone. Some 66

1. Complete the form front and back correctly using black ink otherwise it could be disqualified.

2. Signature: you must complete the information and sign the ballot envelope and yes, that is on the outside of the envelope where everyone can see it. Your signature must also match the signature that you used when you originally signed up to vote. So, if your signature has changed over the years, your ballot will likely be disqualified.

More than 35,500 vote-by-mail ballots were disqualified in Florida’s recent August 2020 primary election alone. Some 66 percent of the disqualified absentee ballots were rejected for arriving after 7 p.m.

percent of the disqualified absentee ballots were rejected for arriving after the 7 p.m.

Election Day deadline and the remaining ballots were disqualified under signature match requirements. So, given the high turnout expected in the presidential election next month, perhaps 200,000 or more ballots could be disqualified for technical reasons, including forgetting to sign, signing in the wrong place and even signature mismatch.

For this reason, many voters who are not at high risk might want to opt for early voting instead. Most early voting sites in Florida begin early voting next week on October 19 and many in South Florida are open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Voters arriving early on Saturday or Sunday at 7 a.m. may find themselves nearly alone. But for those who are in a high-risk category, with voting by mail the only option, here are a few tips to help ensure that your ballot will be counted:

3. Ballot Envelope: You must use the ballot envelope for your ballot which has a bar code on it. If you mix your envelope up with other ballot envelopes for other family members, all the ballots will be disqualified.

Get your ballot in early, long before the deadline: If mailing, try to mail 7-10 days ahead of time to account for slow Postal Service processing (by October 24). Better yet, drop your ballot off at an early voting site between Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. There will be special vote-by-mail drop boxes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. But be careful, you must still use the envelope provided and sign as required.

4. Track your ballot: Once you send in your ballot you can track it to make sure that it was received and counted (not disqualified). If your ballot is disqualified for some reason, the elections office is required to call or email you to give you the chance to fix the issue. If you track it and see it is not showing as counted, call your local elections office.

5. Vote in person. If you ordered a vote by mail ballot but decide to go and vote early to avoid lines, you must take your mail-in ballot with you when you go to vote and the poll worker will cancel it so you can vote in person.

C2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

C3

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Nearly 10,000 Soldiers From DR Deployed To Border With Haiti Nearly 10,000 soldiers from the Dominican Republic have been deployed to the border it shares with Haiti in an effort to contain the illegal trafficking on undocumented migrants.

The strong military presence at the border that separates the French-Speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation from the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola, was ordered by Lieutenant General Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa, the Minister of Defense in the Dominican Republic, who explained that the armed forces manage and improve actions to control the illicit trafficking of people, goods and drugs.

“The old-fashioned idea of a neglected, poorly guarded border region, laden with ill-equipped and isolated military posts, is a thing of the past,” the neighboring country’s top military official said earlier this week.

The Minister of Defense revealed that border surveillance is in charge of 8,672 members of the army, who have now been joined by 153 navies, 83 from the air force, 702 from the Specialized Corps of border security

(Cesfront), 18 from the specialized port-security corps and 120 intelligence specialists from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He said the bulk of the 9,748 deployed across the border is made up of officers, soldiers who are all part of the security and defense system of land and sea borders.

The visual surveillance system is connected to the Command, Control, Communication and Security CenterC5i to monitor, in real-time, all movements at border crossings, military posts, checkpoints, informal routes and other means.

Díaz Morfa said the move is in an effort to develop a strategy to monitor informal crossings that are detected in steep areas where it is difficult to travel, often used as roads to bypass surveillance.

He said the operation is for the protection of the border strip and constitutes one of the priorities of his ministry, of its armed forces and specialized units, being one of the main axes of its current strategic plan, approved by the state-major for the period 2021-2024.

President Moïse Calls Probe Into Shooting Death of Student President Jovenel Moïse says those involved in the death of a student during a protest march earlier this month “must be punished' as he called for an investigation into the killing.

A group of students from the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), which is affiliated to the State University of Haiti (UEH), were protesting on October 2 in front of the building demanding the implementation of an agreement signed with the Ministry of Education concerning their internship and their appointment in public training establishments.

But they were dispersed by members of the

General Security Unit of the National Palace (USGPN) who threw tear gas canisters and fired several times in the direction of students.

One of the students, Grégory Saint-Hilaire aka “Greg” was fatally wounded by a bullet in the back, in the enclosure of the ENS where he sought refuge with friends. Several protesters accuse USGPN security officers of shooting the student.

Saint-Hilaire was rushed to the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) near the ENS, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Grégory Saint-Hilaire lost his life in troubling circumstances. I ask that the circumstances be clarified. We must know how he died. We cannot advocate impunity in the country. The perpetrators of this crime must be

punished,” Moise said “All actors, justice, and the police must play their role. I take this opportunity to address the students who are in the streets. I understand and hear your cry, I understand your frustrations. I was also a student. But I tell you, let's take advantage of this moment to have more serenity.”

Last week, the spokesman for the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Commissioner MichelAnge Louis Jeune, said “if it turns out that an agent shot the student, he will be identified and punished in accordance with the law and the institution's internal regulations”.

Meanwhile, the Rectorate of the State University of Haiti (UEH) says it has come under attack by persons on motorcycles,

including clearly identified students expelled from the UEH and others claiming the status of students It said these violent attacks caused trauma to several employees, and that more than a dozen vehicles belonging to staff and faculty were vandalized by these individuals who say “they want justice The Rectorate said it was calling for “the most acute vigilance to avoid confusing delinquency and militancy, but also to prevent impostors from blurring the lines.

“The death of Grégory Saint-Hilaire should not be used as a screen for personal settling of scores and the perpetuation of acts of vandalism which have so far remained unpunished.”

Haitian Authorities Warn Students of Employment Scam Haitian education authorities are warning students against a scam where fraudsters are promising them employment in return for money.

The Higher School of Infotronics of Haiti (ESIH) is warning that any job posting that requires money being transferred prior to any arrangement “is a scam” and that the “network of crooks” has been targeting students from schools across the country.

According to the ESIH, the students are being urged to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) after being provided with a “fake job profile” and that the students are also promise a salary and other conditions, including housing, transport and food among other incentives.

But the ESIH said that once the CV is received, the fraudsters call the students directly to make an appointment with them using social media but in the end “never come for appointments they set.

“They have some excuse for asking job applicants for money before offering them an interview for the so-called job and that the money must be transferred through MonCash”.

ESIH is warning students that “any job posting that requires prior money transfer is a scam” and that “there is absolutely no reason for a real employer to ask a candidate for money for an interview or a job, whatever the reason.

“We therefore ask students to be very vigilant. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the management of your institution. Any information enabling these people to be identified is also welcome,” it added.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020

Heeding The Call Most Caribbean-American voters contacted

by CNW said they are committed to voting early, either by returning mail-in ballots or though early in-person voting which begins on October 19. Voters are motivated by concerns expressed liberally by political commentators that the outcome of the election may not be conclusive on the night of November 3. There is a belief, expressed by these voters, that the more people vote early before November 3, the more possible it is the results of the elections will be known on election night.

While there are indications some voters have been taking their ballots directly to posts offices, or handing them to their mail personnel, most people are wary of their ballots being mishandled in the mail delivery process and

Biden Visit

from A1

expressed more confidence in dropping them off at SOE offices.

Some voters said while they have already completed their mail-in ballots, they are holding them to drop off at early-voting sites when these open on October 19 and thereafter.

Some voters, anxious to drop off their ballots, have attempted to drop them off at some early voting sites, mostly libraries, although these sites are not yet opened. There are reports where voters dropped off ballots in return-book depositories at libraries. Where this happened, librarians returned the ballots to the voters, and posted signs instructing voters to return with their ballots during the dates of early voting.

Voters dropping off ballots at a SOE office

must present an authorized ID like a driver's license. SOE staffers manning the drop boxes check the envelope containing the ballots that they are signed and signatures match that on ID's. The ballots are then stamped, placed in the drop box, and voters given an “I Voted” sticker.

Voters who vote by mail-in ballots can track if their ballots were received and counted though the relevant SOE websites. Several voters told CNW they already tracked their ballots and saw they were received and counted.

Voters who decide to return the ballots by mail must be aware the ballot will be rejected if the envelope is not signed, or not signed correctly.

JWOF

from A1

“Trump doesn't really care about lowering the healthcare costs, because he's beholden to the health insurance companies and the drug companies,” Biden said. “After all, he's asking the United States Supreme Court, as I speak, he's asking them right now, to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act.” Attendees at the Pembroke Pines event wore N95 masks, and both of Biden's Broward events were invitation only—a sharp contrast to a Trump rally in Sanford, Florida on Monday, where most of the supporters were not seen wearing masks.

Biden later stopped at the Southwest Focal Point Community Center in Pembroke Pines, where he held another event, with about 60 people who all wore masks and had their temperatures checked.

He later headed to the Miramar Regional Park for a drive-in rally. About 60 cars, painted with supporting messages, participated in the rally, where Biden told the crowd, “We win Florida, and it's all over.”

Many Jamaican Americans, including Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, showed up in their Biden-branded merch to support the presidential nominee. Davis had earlier told CNW Network that she was “thrilled” with Biden’s visit to the county.

One-time 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and the City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam opened Biden's program, while Broward County Mayor Dale Holness was also in attendance. The Democratic Party is now leading the way in Florida. More than two million Floridians have already cast mail-in ballots, with Democrats leading with about 960,000 ballots already cast. But election officials say this could turn around, as Republicans are more likely to vote in person during early voting and on November 3.

from A8

its “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship. The $5,000 ($1,250 yearly) scholarship is awarded annually to a first or second generation, Jamaican-American female graduate of a high school in Florida, to attend a post-secondary institution in the Fall of 2021.

The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) is committed to engaging Jamaican women in Florida and to give back to the next generation of young women by assisting in the development of leadership and personal skills to operate in a global environment.

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Bond Offering

from A4

“This will improve The Bahamas' prospects for enhancing its funding cost fundamentals vis-vis the credit markets,” said Turnquest.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance said the funding of the bond was achieved amidst global market volatility driven by a resurgence of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally, as well as increasing uncertainty around the upcoming United States elections.

“This new transaction benefitted from the momentum created during a successful virtual investor roadshow that The Bahamas conducted on October 5 and 6, at which time the government met with over 45 global investors,” the statement said.

It said a team from the Ministry of Finance, led by Turnquest presented investors with an update on economic and financial trends in the country, also the government's recent policy initiatives for combating the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for reopening of the tourism sector.

The statement said the proceeds of the issuance will be used to finance the government's general 2020/2021 budgetary needs and to repay its indebtedness of US$248 million under the 2020 Bridge Facility.

“This transaction will add an additional US$352 million to the debt level of the country, and falls within the US$1.334 billion in approved financing for the current fiscal year,” the statement said, adding that “consistent with its debt management strategy, the Government intends to establish a sinking fund to assist in managing the future repayment obligations arising from this debt issuance”.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC. managed the offer as joint book runners, the statement added.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

D1

CARIFESTA XV Sizzla's Latest Album Gets Postponed Rave Reviews Internationally Until 2022 Sizzla's recently released album, Million Times, is getting rave reviews internationally. Many reviewers laud the production as high quality, calling it an ode to the ladies and a classic album about relationships and romance.

Using his vocal range in different capacities, Sizzla uses 12 tracks to express his infinite love and compassion through music.

Sizzla has a gift of writing regardless of the genre of music that he sings. Although he is controversial in his topics of music, this album is dedicated to the empresses, the queens. This album is specifically for his lady fans who often request their desire to hear more love songs.

According to the review, “The album takes listeners on a journey where the lyrics pull the heart strings and the music leave one's body pumping.”

With a variety of sounds ranging from hip hop, to soul, acoustic guitar, African Manding Kora, and R&B, the album take listeners through a fusion of emotions.

Ansumana Suso gives the album a magical touch through his Kora playing, an example of Sizzla's love for Africa. This album showcases his respect for a variety of different styles aside from many of the similar reggae vibes his fans may be used to. Another side of Sizzla will be seen through this album, softer, loving, sexy and even naughty.

Sizzla said, “The ladies have always loved Sizzla. I've

done lots of female songs but according to them not as much as they'd want. I've never given the world a full ladies album, so this is just the start. This album is somewhat of a lil cross over, expressing self, yet showing love and appreciation to our women, for their great stance in our daily lives.”

The album was released by Zaboughabi Music, Kalonji Music and distributed by OneRPM. Producers on the album are Michael Fairman, Miguel Collins, Garfield “G-Mac” McClean, Robert Murphy, and former Motown recording artist Hakim Abdul Samad of The Boys, which are all renowned in making dynamic music. It was mixed by Delroy Pottinger, Duane Edwards, Kamal Evan and Cameron Bartolini, thus the caliber of the sound. The backing melodies sound so beautiful coming from Rose Barney.

Sizzla has over 22 Billboard Awarded albums and one Grammy nomination for his album, The Messiah. He has proven that he is a prolific artist with over 50 studio albums, 10 compilation albums, and makes appearances on over 50 albums with artist like Stephen Marley, Jay Z, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and more.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday announced that following consultations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, CARIFESTA XV, has been postponed until 2022.

Sizzla

Marley's 'Uprising Live' Commemorate His 75th Birthday Reggae legend Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley would have turned 75 on February 6 this year and Eagle Records and the Bob Marley estate have collaborated to celebrate the anniversary of the late musician's birth with the November 13 release of 'Uprising Live' available for the first time on vinyl, with black vinyl 3LP and highly collectable, limited edition colored vinyl 3LP. Marley's Uprising Tour ran in Europe from May to July 1980 with five further dates in the USA in September. It was Bob Marley's final

tour before his tragic death from cancer in May 1981 at the age of just 36.

The track list on this collections includes: “Steppin' Out Of Babylon,” “That's The Way Jah Planned It,” “Marley Chant,” “Natural Mystic,” “Zimbabwe,” “Positive Vibration,” “Revolution,” “Jamming,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” “War/No More Trouble,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Zion Train,” and ”Exodus.”

Bob Marley's music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic

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A coffee table book featuring never-beforereleased images of Marley has also been released to mark the his 75th birth anniversary.

In a statement, the government said CARIFESTA XV, originally scheduled for August 12-22, 2021 will now be staged August 11-21, 2022.

“The postponement of the festival comes in the wake of the continued challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its prolonged devastating impact not only on the economy of Antigua and Barbuda but also on the entire Caribbean Community.”

The announcement was made by Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts, Daryll Matthew, during a virtual meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee and the interim Festival Directorate of CARICOM. In doing so, the Minister “reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to hosting CARIFESTA XV” adding that “as a platform for our region to showcase to the world the unrivaled prowess of our people and to demonstrate to the world our capacity for innovation and creativity, I have been having discussions with our international partners, our cultural stakeholders, our management team and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as they relate to the CARIFESTA XV and the potential challenges to hosting the event. The recommendation coming out of these discussions was as heart-breaking as it was unanimous,” said Matthew.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 –

Windies Could Be Eased From COVID-19 Bubble in New Zealand

Duffy Strikes Gold Again in Int’l Triathlon

West Indies are not expected to face the psychological challenge of a complete bio-secure bubble on their tour of New Zealand starting next month, because of the efficient manner in which public health authorities in New Zealand have managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Caribbean side were subjected to a stringent mitigation protocols on the tour of England last July where players were restricted to hotels based at the playing venues, with limited or no interaction with the general public.

However, while the pandemic was raging in the United Kingdom New Zealand remarkably has reported only 1,800 infections and 25 deaths, and there are currently only 39 active cases.

Convenor of selectors, Roger Harper, said while all cricket tours would now be guided by COVID-19 protocols as part of a new normal of the international game, New Zealand would provide some respite for players from the difficult mental grind of constant lockdown outside of cricket.

“This is the state of the world. There are a lot of people because of the situation who do not have an opportunity to work and I think this is the perspective we have to look at this from,” the former West Indies off-spinner stated.

“We have an opportunity to work, we have the opportunity to play something which I'd like to think they love doing. I know it's challenging being away from home at this time being in a different environment but I think we have to look at things from the positive perspective and I think … we have to make adjustments.

“New Zealand is a little different to England in that they have managed to be in not a bad a place relative to the COVID-19 virus as most places around the world … so they (players) won't be in a complete bubble so to speak.”

“Once the squad quarantines and they're no infections and everything is fine, they'll have the opportunity to move around freely so

D3

psychologically that should be a lot easier.”

West Indies will clash with the Black Caps in three Twenty20 Internationals and two Tests from November 27 to December 15, in their second tour in four months, following the resumption of international cricket.

The squad, which was this week finalised but yet to be announced, will leave the Caribbean on October 27 to facilitate mandatory quarantine and a training camp, in the buildup to the series which gets underway with a T20 International in Auckland.

According to Harper, arriving a month early in New Zealand would be key to the side's preparations.

Olympics-focused Bermudian Flora Duffy clinched her second successive ITU Triathlon World Cup gold medal by leaving her rivals floundering and storming to victory in Arzachena, Italy last Saturday.

Following her triumph in the first rescheduled World Cup event, the Karlovy Vary ITU Triathlon in the Czech Republic last month, Duffy led from start to finish over the sprint distance to clinch victory in one hour, 53 seconds, ahead of Britain's Bether Potter in 1:02:04 and Italy's Verena Steinhauser in 1:02:07.

Duffy, a 33-year-old former two-time world champion, held a 10-second lead over her rivals after leaving the water, extending that to more than 35 seconds after one lap of the bike, and never looking back as she cruised down the blue carpet to complete a dominant display.

“I was super happy with the swim, as well as the overall race,” said Duffy afterwards.

“Sorting out my swim was a main goal here and the bike course I knew I just had to attack. I wasn't expecting to be riding solo but I've been there before so it didn't freak me out.

“My coach and I had discussed what sort of power I'd need to use so I tried to ride hard but within myself and really maximize the descent, get aero and push.”

Duffy is building up to next year's Olympiad in Tokyo where she is one of the strong favorites to medal and hand Bermuda only their second Olympic success following boxer Clarence Hill's bronze at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

Forest Green Head Coach Has High Praises For Jamille Matt Forest Green Rovers' head coach Mark Cooper has hailed striker Jamille Matt's performances this season as “brilliant” after the Jamaican's hat-trick powered the team to a resounding 4-1 win at Scunthorpe in an English League Two match recently.

Matt, who turns 31 last week, moved from rivals Newport County for an undisclosed fee in the summer on a one-year deal – but going into Saturday's game had only one goal from four league outings to show for his efforts.

Having broken his club duck the previous weekend in a 1-1 home draw against Walsall, Matt was on fire on Saturday with goals in the 24th, 32nd and 83rd minutes—and might have

scored four but officials waved away claims as his shot appeared to be over the line when Forest Green still trailed.

Cooper said it is not just goals that Matt has in his locker.

“I don't really judge Jamille on his goals because he's a target man first and foremost and the focal point of the attack so he brings so much more than goals,” he said after the game at Sands Venue Stadium.

But, while Cooper—whose unbeaten side have moved up to sixth on nine points from five games and next face Stevenage—was pleased with the three points, he described Saturday's win as “probably our worst performance.”

Cooper bemoaned the opening exchanges as Rovers went down to an early goal from Aaron Jarvis. “Probably, our worst performance in a way and you could tell we travelled on the day. The first 15 minutes, it looked like we were still on the motorway, but we dug in and the boys were fantastic again and recovered from the goal,” he said.

“That was a short, sharp shock to the system and from then on we started to play a little bit. “We've got plenty of work to do and keep improving.”

Matt

D4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCT 15 – OCT 21, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T