Caribbean National Weekly September 23, 2021 by Creative Network Media

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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No Vaccine No Entry

TOP STORIES Pzer Says COVID-19 Vaccine Works in Kids Ages 5 to 11 Atlanta, Other U.S. Cities Make Pitch for 2026 World Cup

U.S. Announces Mandatory Vaccination for Foreign Travelers By Sheri-Kae McLeod

A 'forced agenda” is what some Jamaicans are calling the new rules for travel to the United States, recently outlined by the White House.

New Daily Virus Cases in Florida is Lowest Since July US Launches Mass Expulsion of Haitian Migrants

Earlier this week, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeﬀ Zients announced that the Biden administration will be relaxing travel restrictions into the country by requiring all foreigners be vaccinated against COVID-19. Starting in early November, all foreign nationals will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated to come into America. The U.S. will also start putting into place additional testing requirements. "We will move to this much stricter global system, so we will have a consistent approach across all countries, it will require foreign nationals to be vaccinated, to prove they're

Leon Bailey Plays Down Injury Fears after Brilliant Aston Villa Cameo

continues on B4 – No Vaccine, No Entry

Miramar’s First Jamaican City Manager Whittingham Gordon Will Run City With Over $300 Million Budget and 1,135 Employees By Patrick Green In a little over a month, the city of Miramar will have a new city manager. On September ﬁrst, the city's commissioners approved the appointment of Whittingham Gordon, to oversee the daily operations of this 2021 All American city. Gordon, a 30-year resident and 26-year employee, will succeed Vernon Hargray starting November 6th. The promotion is one step up from Gordon's current position as deputy city manager,

During those 26 years I have watched the city grow to what it is today. I have taken part in every aspect of this growth. I'm involved in every development. Miramar is my child that I watch grow over the years, and to me it's everything.” – Gordon

which he held since 2020. In an exclusive interview with Caribbean National Weekly, Mr. Gordon said he was “elated” to take up his new task and is ready to work for the people of Miramar. “It has been a long journey and I think it is a good accomplishment,” a rather soft-spoken and elegantly dressed Gordon said. “When I ﬁrst started here in Miramar the population was around forty thousand. Today we are up to around 140,000. During those 26 years I have watched the city grow to continues on B4 – Gordon

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

TLC

SPORTS

Philip ‘Brave’ Davis Elected as New Prime Minister of the Bahamas A3

US Launches Mass Expulsion of Haitian Migrants A7

Fun and Safety Top Priorities for Miami Carnival 2021 B3

Bailey Plays Down Injury Fears after Brilliant Aston Villa Cameo C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Proclama on: Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness (right) presents a proclama on designa ng September 17, 2021, as Sylvester Wesley ll "Chico the Virgo" Day in Broward. S. G. “Chico the Virgo” Wesley is one of the most popular radio personali es in South Florida. – Contributed

Prize Winner: Lance Gibbs (center) being presented with raﬄe prize by Presidnt Judi De Mercado (right) and Past President Janice Wright, of St Hugh's Alumnae South Florida. Occaision was the alumnae's annual family fun day on September 18th. – Photo credit: P. Green

“Yes I Will." South Florida lovers Marcia & Leighton pledged their love on the beach before sunrise. Leighton is on his knees as he proposed to Marcia, the love of his life. The two plan to say their "I dos" next month. Let's wish them a wonderful life to come. Photo credit: Luke Ballen ne.

Embracing the Champ: Jamaica's Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (centre), embraces ﬁve- me Olympic gold medallist, Elaine Thompson-Herah, at the Norman Manley Interna onal Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Wednesday evening (September 15), shortly a er Mrs. Thompson Herah’s arrival in the island. Sharing the moment is State Minister, Hon. Alando Terrelonge. Photo by: Michael Sloley

A Classical Visit: Jamaican Classical Singer Bunny Rose (farle ) and Lowell Lawson, President Jamaica Federa on of Musician Union (second from le ) pay a visit to Jamaica's Consul General for Southern USA, Oliver Mair. Also pictured is Cheryl Wynter, Community Liaison Oﬃcer at the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami. – Contributed

Honoring Karen Smith: Last Saturday at their annual family fun day, the St Hugh's Alumnae Associa on of South Florida released four doves in honor of their dearly departed past student, singer Karen Smith. Preparing to free the birds are (l-r) Georgia Salmon, Consul General Oliver Mair, Karleen Foster, Althea Vassel, and Janice Wright. Photo credit: P. Green

Jamaica Alumni Teamwork: Leadership expert, and Kingston College past student, Pete Kennedy advising Jasmine Young (le ), and Sherne e Levy (center), president and vice president of Excelsior High School Alumni - South Florida. Occasion was Kennedy's monthly Sidewalk Talk where they discussed how to get students vaccinated at Excelsior, based on success achieved at Kingston College. – Contributed

A Presiden al Smile: Jamaica's Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tu on is all-smiles before he addresses the 59th Pan American Health Organisa on (PAHO) Direc ng Council Mee ng from Washington, DC on September 20, 2021. Dr Tu on was elected to serve as President of the mee ng where he addressed representa ves from 35 PAHO member states. – Contributed

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 –

NEWSMAKER

Landslide Victory Philip “Brave” Davis Elected as New PM On September 16, voters in the Bahamas rejected Hubert Minnis as Prime Minister, and instead voted in 70-year-old attorney, Philip “Brave” Davis as leader of the country. David led the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to a convincing victory, winning 32 of the 39 seats in Thursday's general election. The win reversed the 35-4 defeat the party had suﬀered at the hands of the Free National

Movement (FNM) in 2017. Leader of the FNM, former Prime Minister Minnis conceded and congratulated his rival on Thursday. The Caribbean nation is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has sunk the country's economy in its deepest slump in over 40 years. “You voted for a new day, new beginning. We are a nation and a people yearning for renewal. It is time to face our challenges and face them head-on. We will do so with humility, but also with determination,” the PLP leader promised during his victory speech on Thursday. The new Prime Minister has been leader of the PLP since 2017. Prior to becoming a

politician, Davis had a successful career as an attorney. Davis spent his early childhood living with his brother Alvin and grandparents on Cat Island where he attended Old Bight All Age School. Upon returning to Nassau, he went to Eastern Schools and St. John's College. After graduating in 1968, David worked at Barclays Bank in Nassau; however, he took an interest in law. The following year, he was offered an articleship by popular law firm, Charles Barnwell, of the Chambers of WallaceWhitfield & Barnwell. Davis developed an appetite for the law and immersed himself in his studies. He completed his legal studies and Bar examinations two years ahead of the more common five-year time period allotted for completing

his articles. He was called to The Bahamas Bar in 1975. Throughout his law career, he worked his way up to becoming a partner at Davis & Co., a successful law ﬁrm previously known as Christie, Ingraham & Co., and Christie, Davis & Co. He has also held several other positions, including two-time Vice President of the Bar Council and former President of the Bahamas Bar Association. Davis has had frequent appearances before the Privy Council and he is a former Member of the Council of Legal Education (CARICOM). He was appointed Queen's Council (QC) in January 2015. Davis' political career started when he was elected as Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador - position he's held since 2002. In 2009, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Perry Christie, Davis was appointed deputy-leader of the PLP. When the party won the 2012 general elections, he became the Bahamas' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Works and Urban Development. During his tenure as Minister, Davis oversaw and ensured around some 1,000 homes in the Family Islands and New Providence were provided with indoor toilets and potable water. Additionally, he oversaw infrastructure developments across the islands, such as building of roads, rebuilding of seawalls, bringing lights to Family Islands airports, and repairing of buildings and docks damaged by Hurricanes. He also established the Urban Renewal Small Homes Repairs Program, which repaired homes in the country. At the 2017 polls, the PLP was defeated and Perry Christie resigned as leader of the party. Davis was later elected PLP President. Davis is married to wife Ann-Marie and he is the proud father of six children. His hobbies are baseball, softball, swimming and jogging. He is a devout Anglican.

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A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Vaccination Blitz

Jamaica Suspends Administering Pﬁzer Vaccine Until New Shipment Arrives

Barbados PM Wants 50,000 Residents Vaccinated in Next Five Weeks Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley wants at least 10,000 people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 every week for the next ﬁve weeks, which she said would determine when curfews and other restrictions would be eased and eventually lifted. Addressing the nation on Saturday, Mottley said if vaccinations pick up to the level she wants, Barbados would be much closer to herd immunity. Currently, just under 6,500 persons are being vaccinated in Barbados weekly, and while saying she was happy to see an increasing number of people coming forward to be vaccinated, she urged more Barbadians to get inoculated. “We are trending in the right direction, but the overall rate does need still some pumping up; it is still a little bit too low,” Prime Minister Mottley said. “Let us agree to aim to get as close to 10,000 persons per week being vaccinated…. If we can do that, and we can maintain that each week for the next ﬁve weeks, then we will have the majority of those persons fully vaccinated before the end of November, before Independence Day [November 30] and Christmas. Barbados is currently under a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew Mondays to Saturdays, and a 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Sundays. The Prime Minister stressed, however, that with any removal of restrictions, members of the public would still have to wear masks, sanitise and engage in physical distancing.

Mottley

Noting that the six people who have died from COVID-19 this past week were unvaccinated, Mottley pleaded: “Help us by protecting yourselves, by taking the vaccinations.” “There is a small percentage… of seven percent, who are likely to have the breakthrough cases among the vaccinated people, but if we catch them early as well we can ensure that none of them go the way of the others who regrettably have gone to the great beyond,” she added, reiterating her view that the COVID19 pandemic is a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Health authorities recently started a mobile vaccination drive and the Prime Minister said that has been reaping success. She noted that the pop-up vaccination sites in the community had made a “clear and visible diﬀerence” and that discussions were held earlier this week about increasing the number of locations. Mottley further disclosed that some private sector entities had asked if their premises could be used for some of the community pop-ups and those discussions were ongoing. Training for private medical doctors who will be administering COVID-19 vaccines began Sunday. Prime Minister Mottley also told the nation that she wanted to get and distribute oximeters to a number of households across the country, so persons could test the proportion of oxygenated haemoglobin in their blood, so they would present to health oﬃcials earlier for diagnosis and treatment.

Jamaican health authorities have suspended the administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine until a second shipment arrives from the United States within the next two to three weeks, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton had disclosed. Dr. Tufton, who made the disclosure during a press conference on Tuesday, said that administration of the more than 200,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine shipped to Jamaica last month is near completion. “The expectation is that by tomorrow… we would have used up the just over 28,000 remaining doses,” he indicated, noting that as of noon on Tuesday, some 179,915 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered. The Health Minister said that of that number, 143,039 were first doses and 36,876 were second doses. Dr. Tufton said that his Ministry is in communication with the US Government to confirm an exact date for the next tranche of a vaccine shipment. He noted that over the next three weeks, some 82,545 persons will be due their second dose of the vaccine. “Once the new shipment arrives, persons now due, or who will be due their second dose, will be given their jab,” he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the administration of the Pfizer second dose should be within three to six weeks after the first dose, or up to 12 weeks in some instances.

Patrick Faber Back as Belize Opposition Leader Less than three months after Shyne Barrow was sworn in as Opposition Leader, replacing former education minister, Patrick Faber, the former government is returning to the position. In a statement issued last week, Barrow thanked the United Democratic Party (UDP)' opposition Parliamentary Caucus, as well as its shadow cabinet, for the support that was given during his brief time in oﬃce. Barrow, who was sworn in as opposition leader in June, said he “accepts with grace that the majority of the Elected Opposition Members of the House have now elected a new Leader of the Opposition. “I will discharge my duties as Leader of the opposition faithfully until continues on B4 – Faber

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 –

Talk Up!

TALKUP

How Should the Government Deal with the Haitians turning up at the border?

In the last week, the United States government has accelerated the removal of Haitian migrants at the Mexico/U.S. border. More than 6,000 Haitians and other migrants were removed from an encampment at a Texas border town, U.S. officials said Monday. Hundreds of Haitians have been deported from the U.S. in just this week. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas referred to the situation as “challenging and heartbreaking”. In recent months, many Haitian nationals have fled the country due to a rise in crime in the aftermath of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Some Caribbean-American elected officials like Congressman Yvette Clarke and New York City Council Member Farah Louis have called on the Biden administration to provide asylum to Haitians. We asked our readers what should be done about the influx of migrants at the border. Here are the responses: Justin – Weston, FL Send them back. What more can we take especially during the pandemic and the country is broke. They will come and get on welfare. I think it'll affect the economy because they will receive all the government help that we as Americans pay as tax payers. The economy is already struggling a s a result of the pandemic. Adding these migrants into the mix will only complicate things further. Cooper – Sunrise, FL I feel sorry for them but America can't do anymore. Veterans coming home aren't even being supported the way they should. If the Haitians won't even follow the rules, why would the American government want to allow them in? I mean I don't agree with the harsh treatment showing on social media but in reality there's a better way to go about things on both ends. It’s a sticky situation, but the answer simply cannot be to just allow them in just because they turned up at the border. Legal immigrants have to wait years before they even get an interview. It’s unfair. Aleena – Sunrise, FL I think the government should provide food and shelter for these refugees like they do the Cuban and Afghan and not try to capture them and use excessive force like they are animals. First aid should be provided and housing available until it is decided what is the safest way to deal with the unforeseen circumstances. We have to be empathetic towards their plight coming from such harsh conditions and backgrounds. They deserve to be treated with respect and to have the opportunity to better themselves under the proper circumstances. Patrick - Weston, FL Seeking asylum in the United States of America is a human right. The Haitian migrants in Texas should be given that human right to seek asylum in the United States. The treatment of our Haitian brothers and sisters at the border is not only cruel and unconscionable, it is also unacceptable. Contrary to popular belief, America has an obligation to assist where it can, especially since it has taken so much from other countries. Crystal – Lauderhill, FL It sad what they're going through but America can't just accept everyone. That would put a strain on the government's resources. I definitely don't think they would be whipped and chased by people on horses. There has to be a better way to send them back to their country. These people are hurting and desperate and what the ICE agents are doing isn't helping. Dominique - Tamarac, FL It is definitely heartbreaking and I hope they can find some help. The images of white men on horses with ropes or whips is shocking and they need to be accountable. The ones that gave them the authority to take such action should be fired immediately.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Congratulations to New Government & Bahamians Congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Phillip “Brave” Davis, who led his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to a convincing 32-7 victory in last Thursday's election. There is no doubt that the people of the Bahamas spoke loudly, about who and which team has the better plans and policies to lead them in this calamitous environment, brought on by the covid pandemic. The people of Bahamas must also be congratulated for braving the consequences of the covid pandemic, to exercise their voting rights. From the margin of victory, it is evident that they lost confidence in Dr. Hubert Minnis and his Free National Movement party (FNM). It was an acute about turn by Bahamians, who had given Minnis a 35-4 margin mandate in 2017. From all indications, the election was fair and free of fraud or suppression, as no adverse assessment has been reported by neither CARICOM nor the OAS observer teams. In accepting the victory, Davis was confident, conciliatory, and inclusive in his speech, promising that his “government will serve all Bahamians.” The 70-year-old lawyer who sold himself as a contrasting leader to Minnis, made other promises to the people of Bahamas as well. He told his voters that his government is “going to work hard to make sure that every year that passes” they will “feel prouder and prouder of the votes.” For all Bahamians, he committed to “work so that opportunities reach out to every home.” But the new government will have no honeymoon to enjoy. The country is still recovering from the devastation by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 with an estimated $3.4 billion in damages. The country's national debt was US$10.356 billion at the end of June which is six times larger than its annual revenue. Its fiscal deficit is projected to reach $951 million for 2021-2022, and unemployment is slated to reach 18 percent by the end of 2021, based on figures from Trading Economics global macro

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Davis

As part of his 'Blueprint for Change' the new prime minister touted “a bold vision for a more dynamic, more inclusive, more resilient economy.” He promised to reduce the VAT to ten percent and raise revenue by asking the wealthiest to pay more rather than taxing others. models. On September 18th, Moody's, the US based rating agency downgraded the country's sovereign credit worthiness when it changed its long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings to 'Ba3' from 'Ba2.' The agency warned that the devastation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Hurricane Dorian in 2020 will have “lasting consequences.” It added that “The pace of the economic recovery, and particularly tourism activity,

will directly affect the pace of fiscal consolidation and how quickly debt begins to decline.” Moody's stated that: “The reliance on indirect taxation -- VAT and excise taxes -- makes government tax collection more sensitive to the speed of the economic recovery.” Bahamas depends heavily on tourism, accounting for about 80% of gross domestic product (GDP), with financial services accounting for 15% according to Moody's. As part of his 'Blueprint for Change' the new prime minister touted “a bold vision for a more dynamic, more inclusive, more resilient economy.” He promised to reduce the VAT to ten percent and raise revenue by asking the wealthiest to pay more rather than taxing others. There is no doubt that Mr. Davis and his team, along with the people of Bahamas have their work cut out for them. We wish the new government all the success, and trust that with the help of its people, prosperity will be achieved in the interest of all Bahamians.

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CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 –

la section haitienne

US Launches Mass Expulsion of Migrants The U.S. is flying Haitians camped in a Texas border town back to their homeland and blocking others from crossing the border from Mexico in a massive show of force that signals the beginning of what could be one of America's swiftest, large-scale expulsions of migrants or refugees in decades. More than 320 migrants arrived in Port-auPrince on three flights Sunday, and Haiti said six flights were expected Tuesday. In all, U.S. authorities moved to expel many of the more 12,000 migrants camped around a bridge in Del Rio, Texas, after crossing from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. The U.S. plans to begin seven expulsion

More than 320 Haitian migrants and asylum seekers reportedly landed in the capital Port-au-Prince on Sunday on three deportation ights from the United States [Eric Gay/AP Photo]

flights daily on Wednesday, four to Port-auPrince and three to Cap-Haitien, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Flights will continue to depart from San Antonio but authorities may add El Paso, the official said. When the border was closed Sunday, the migrants initially found other ways to cross nearby until they were confronted by federal and state law enforcement. An Associated Press reporter saw Haitian immigrants still crossing the river into the U.S. about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) east of the previous spot, but they were eventually stopped by Border Patrol agents on horseback and Texas law enforcement officials. As they crossed, some Haitians carried boxes on their heads filled with food. Some removed their pants before getting into the river and carried them. Others were unconcerned about getting wet. continues on B4 – Migrants Expelled

Prosecutor Wants Charges Laid Against PM Henry Haiti's chaotic political environment took another turn after the country's chief prosecutor asked a judge investigating the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise to charge Prime Minister Ariel Henry with involvement in the case over alleged phone calls he made to the main suspect. The announcement by Bed-Ford Claude, the Port-au-Prince Government Commissioner, came even as Prime Minister Henry had announced that he had dismissed Claude and two others, including the Justice Minister Rockefeller Vincent. But the prosecutor is accusing Prime Minister Henry of communicating with Joseph Badio, a fugitive who once worked at Haiti's Ministry of Justice and at the government's anti-corruption unit. Claude has also requested that Prime Minister Henry be barred from leaving Haiti “due to the gravity of the facts exposed. “There are enough compromising elements

Claude

… to prosecute Henry and ask for his outright indictment,” Claude wrote in the order. Last week, Claude had invited Prime Minister Henry to explain to the authorities the content of two phone calls made on the night of the assassination of the President Moïse. Claude said that the calls were with Badio, one of the main suspects in the assassination of President Moïse and is on the run and wanted by the police. He said evidence shows that

Henry

Badio was in the vicinity of the president's home when the calls were made. The calls lasted a total of seven minutes and Henry was at the Hotel Montana in Port-auPrince at the time, Claude also said, noting that a government oﬃcial tweeted last month that Henry told him he never spoke with Badio. “The head of the criminal prosecution would be grateful if you so wish, taking into account the restrictions given your status as a

senior state official,” Claude said in his invitation to Prime Minister Henry, who was appointed to the post two weeks after Moise's murder. But he has rejected what he said were “diversionary tactics” aimed at sowing confusion and preventing justice from being served. “The real culprits, the masterminds and sponsors of the odious assassination of President Jovenel Moise, will be identified, brought to justice and punished for their crime,” Henry said on Twitter on September 11. Haiti's Office of Citizen Protection, an ombudsman-like body, demanded Prime Minister Henry step down and urged him to appear in the prosecutor's office. The authorities have detained more than 40 suspects, including 18 former Colombian soldiers and three Haitian Americans in connection with the assassination.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Broward Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive for Employees Broward County says it plans to comply with a ban against vaccine mandates imposed by Governor Ron DeSantis. But the county is rolling out a new program to convince its employees to get vaccinated. Mayor Steve Geller announced a COVID-19 incentive program that will see nearly 7,000 employees getting a $500 bonus for providing proof of vaccination. The $500 incentive applies to seaport employees, airport employees, bus drivers and those in the parks and recreation sector. Some unionized workers are also included. The program will run for a 60-day period starting on October 1. “If you fail to show us proof of vaccination within that 60 days, the ﬁrst pay period after 60 days, you will start getting docked $20,” the Mayor explained. That's $20 per pay period. Unvaccinated employees will also be required to submit to weekly COVID testing after the 60 days. The Mayor said the county is well within its rights to require that its employees be tested frequently. “It's a carrot and twig approach, and we believe that it is absolutely in compliance with the governor's order and within the legislature's statute,” Geller said. At the end of the year, the county will reevaluate the program. If by then, most employees are vaccinated, then it will be discontinued. If not, the county will consider mandatory vaccination.

St. Hugh's South Florida Alumnae Launched “Karen Smith Swansation Legacy Scholarship” By Patrick Green

In honor of their 'Swansation Songbird,' The St Hugh's Alumnae Association of South Florida launched a merit scholarship last Wednesday, to provide bursary assistance to at least one student at the institution. The oﬃcial name of the scholarship is the 'Karen Smith Swansation Legacy Scholarship.' Karen Smith, one of Jamaica's most renowned Carabet singers, passed away on September 11th after a one-year battle with colon cancer. She attended St Hugh's from 1971 to 1976. In a moving tribute at their annual Family Fun Day in Sunrise, Florida over the weekend, her friend and classmate Karleen Foster, shared more of what we have come to know about Jamaica's songbird. “Those who knew Karen Smith know that if ever there was a perfect human being it was Karen. She was an earth angel – she was compassionate, generous and had such a giving heart. She was always embracing and uplifting members of her St. Hugh's family,” Foster told the group of nodding heads which included several representatives from other schools. She spoke of Karen as a talented, gracious, charming, and spirited person who made everyone feel special. “She would light up any room she entered with her oh so beautiful smile. She would greet you as Precious, Sweet Girl, Lovely Lady or Darling.” Foster said that her friend's “unforgettable

melodious voice, beautiful spirit and stellar performances have given pleasure to so many people both in Jamaica and internationally.” “We can say that Karen left us too soon, but God had plans and sent his angels for her. He needed her angelic voice and I know she is up there clicking her ﬁngers and dancing,” added Foster. Past president of the Florida chapter and scholarship committee member, Karen Murphy, said the scholarship would go to an eleventh-grade student who is excelling in the music program. The recipient will be chosen on a merit basis by the school, Murphy told Caribbean National News Weekly. “After we lost our dear sister Karen Smith last Saturday, the South Florida Chapter established on September15th, an annual scholarship in her memory.” Murphy said the lucky student will have their school fees, supplies, and incidentals including transportation taken care of.

Smith

In paying tribute to Smith's many years of performance at the alumnae's events, the group also released four white doves; three representing the holy trinity and the other for Karen. On hand to help, was the consul general for southern United States, CG Oliver Mair.

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 –

A D V E R T O R I A L

CBD a Promising Treatment Option for Children with Serious Ailments The passage of the Florida's Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 was inspired by a young epileptic girl whose seizures decreased in frequency and severity after being treated in Colorado with cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The successful treatment of Charlotte Figi with “Charlotte's Web CBD” triggered a widespread movement to legalize low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) CBD products in all 50 states. Florida's 2014 medical cannabis law became known as the “Charlotte's Web law.” Qualified medical marijuana physician, Dr. David Berger, says Charlotte's Web law helped parents of children with certain debilitating medical conditions, particularly epilepsy, discover cannabinoids as an effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Dr. Berger is one of the first board-certified pediatricians in Florida to specialize in pediatric cannabis therapy, and he has treated thousands of children with qualifying conditions. “Parents are looking for less medication and success,” says Dr. Berger, who treats children and adults at his Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care practice in Tampa. “I often hear about a patient who's no longer having seizures, or their seizures come less frequently and with less intensity” after going on a recommended lowor-no THC cannabis treatment regimen. Dr. Berger says he takes a “very individualized approach” to treating patients who have obtained a Florida medical marijuana card, but “I always recommend, always start with CBD first. I would never start a child or, really, anybody on THC first.” As an added protection for medical marijuana patients under age 18, Florida Statute 381.986, the law governing medical cannabis protocols, mandates that a second physician must support the treating doctor's recommendations. CBD products have come a long way since Florida enacted Charlotte's Web law and, a few years later, legalized medical marijuana. In

addition to the usual oral oil applications, cannabinoids can be administered through chewable gummies, nasal spray, vape inhaler, timed-release skin patch, as well as by other methods. Parents needn't worry about doctors recommending smokable cannabis products to treat children under age 18 because that's prohibited under the state's medical marijuana law “unless the patient is diagnosed with a terminal condition . . . and a second physician who is a board-certiﬁed pediatrician concurs with such determination.” Andrea Anderson's young son was diagnosed with a severe form of attention deﬁcit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “He was put on pharmaceuticals in kindergarten,” she says. “I really didn't want to go that route, but he

was really struggling in school.” The side effects of the drugs were so troubling that Anderson began looking into using cannabis as a medicine and says she learned the most from the California nonprofit Whole Plant Access for Autism. She says that experience led her to become a certified cannabis consultant and start Canna Crusader Wellness in Tallahassee to help children and adults improve their health and wellness with medical cannabis. She can point to her son's progress as a medical marijuana patient as a success story. Now 11, he has been pharma free for three years, relying instead on a combination of CBD and cannabigerol (CBG) treatments to help suppress the effects of ADHD. “It's been a total game-changer,” Anderson

says of the impact the non-THC CBD-CBG treatments have had on her son's health. “We don't have the rage and the headaches and all the side effects anymore.” Dr. Berger, who does not treat Anderson's son, says that ADHD is treatable with medical cannabis in Florida even though it's not expressly listed as a qualifying condition. It is considered a chronic debilitating ailment similar to one or more of the other conditions on the list. “People who have ADHD have a similar debilitating condition as people with HIVassociated neuro development,” he says, adding he has seen good results with CBD treatments for autism. As a word of caution, Anderson recommends that parents who may be interested in CBD-style treatments for their children get them certified for a medical marijuana card, even though many products can be purchased without it. “I think it's advisable to get their card anyways, because even in the legal cannabis states there has been cases where families have had to jump through Department of Children and Families investigations just for giving their child CBD, which is legal in all states, but it's different when you're giving it to a minor,” she says. “Those child endangerment laws can be a little bit of a gray area.” Visit https://bit.ly/cannabiskids to watch MMERI's Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Dr. David Berger and cannabis mom Andrea Anderson on YouTube. For more information on medical marijuana and to sign up for the MMERI newsletter, go to http://mmeri.famu.edu Editor's note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM A D V E R T I S E M E N T

CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 –

TRAVEL

LIFESTYLE

CUISINE

TLC

Fun and Safety Top Priorities for

2021 Miami Carnival Revelers all across South Florida are gearing up to party safely at the 37th annual Miami Carnival Celebration in October. All of the signature Miami Carnival events will occur at The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. (10901 SW 24th St, Miami, 33165, FL) from October 810th. All attendees and participants will be required to wear a mask at all times and present a negative PCR Test that needs to be done no earlier than October 6th before entering all of the oﬃcial Miami Carnival events. There will also be a temperature check at each entrance point, and attendees who do not have hand sanitizer will be provided with a small bottle. Each reveler will also be provided with a mask to wear with their costume. "We continue to prepare for the safest possible Carnival under the ever-changing conditions for a safe and enjoyable 2021, "Joan Hinkson-Justin, Chair, Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee.

List of Miami Carnival Bands for 2021 One Island Band, Freaks Mas, Ramajay International, Dingolay Mas, Revel Nation, GenX, Euphoria Production, K-Paya, Savage Mas, Mascots International, DJunction Mas, Party Room Squad / Fusion Mas, Break

The Schedule Awae Kru, Wassi One / Natural Disasters, Collective Mas, Ti-Chapo Mas

Friday, October 8th Panorama - 5pm-11pm, Cost: $30

Miami Carnival Steelbands

Saturday-October 9th J'ouvert - 7am-3pm, Cost:$35

Sticks N Tones, New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, Resurrection Steele Orchestra, Melo Grove Steel Orchestra, Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Metro Steel Orchestra

Sunday, October 10th Miami Carnival Parade of Bands +Concert

Concert Lineup Headlined by-Bunji Garlin + Fayann Lyons and the Viking Band, Ravi B & Karma-3x Chutney Soca Monarch, Dil E Nadan, The A Team Band, Iwer George, Motto, Nadia Baston, Teddyson John & Band, Patrice Roberts, Julien Believe, Asa Banton, Wendy & DJ Judgement, Destra Garcia, Skinny Banton, Jeran Pacasio.

11am-11pm, Parade begins at 12noon. Concert starts at 1 pm, Cost: $40. Cost after 5 pm-$45. VIP Experience, $150. Miami Carnival's Free Park & Ride Buses will run from the following locations for the entire weekend to the oﬃcial events at Miami -Dade County Fairgrounds. If you plan to take the park and ride bus, you will be required to wear a mask at all times and present a negative PCR Test that needs to be done no earlier than Wednesday, October 6th. This will be required before boarding the bus.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 23 – SEPT 29, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Faber

No Vaccine, No Entry

from A4

my successor is sworn in. Thereafter I will continue to serve my constituency and perform my Parliamentary duties…to bring about better policies and quality of living for the Belize people,” Barrow said. The decision to reinstate Faber as Leader of the Opposition was taken one week before the country's 40th anniversary of political Belize's independence from Britain and will afford him an opportunity of making a presentation to the country at the official ceremony ahead of Prime Minister John Briceno. Faber was re-elected to the post following a meeting attended by area representatives, standard bearers and caretakers. The UDP lost the general elections in November last year, with the People's United Party (PUP) winning 26 of the 31 seats in the Parliament. Faber, who was one of the successful UDP candidates, however, had his position challenged by Barrow and on Tuesday Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton cast the crucial ballot reinstating him by a single vote. A letter has been sent to Governor-General Froyla Tzalam informing her of the change in leadership and Panton explained that notwithstanding her support, the decision taken is for the greater good of uniting the deeply fractured party. She said it was also important for the UDP to present a united front as a strong opposition. “We recently had a recall convention and Patrick's leadership was reaffirmed at that recall convention and I have always taken the position personally that one person or one group of people, a small group of people is not greater than the whole. “ She said when the party met on Tuesday “the consensus was we needed to, for lack of a better term, stop the hemorrhaging of the party and to more make an effort to secure greater unity within so that we can focus all our attention and efforts on the national issues that require quite a great deal of attention. “When the decision was taken at the time to sign a letter of no-confidence to the Governor-General of the party leader, I did not participate in that process, as you are aware, because I wanted to, at that time, get the views of my colleagues.” She said the views of my colleagues on Tuesday “were clear (and) I had made a commitment personally that I would carry the consensus and so in light of that I agreed to sign the letter to reinstate the party leader as the Leader of the Opposition.”

Expelled

from A7

Agents yelled at the migrants who were crossing in the waist-deep river to get out of the water. The several hundred who had successfully crossed and were sitting along the river bank on the U.S. side were ordered to the Del Rio camp. “Go now,” agents yelled. Mexican authorities in an airboat told others trying to cross to go back into Mexico. Mexico said Sunday it would also begin deporting Haitians to their homeland. A government official said the flights would be from towns near the U.S. border and the border with Guatemala, where the largest group remains. Haitians have been migrating to the U.S. in large numbers from South America for several years, many having left their Caribbean nation after a devastating 2010 earthquake. After jobs dried up from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, many made the dangerous trek by foot, bus and car to the U.S. border, including through the infamous Darien Gap, a Panamanian jungle. Some of the migrants at the Del Rio camp said the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse make them afraid to return to a country that seems more unstable than when they left. Since Friday, 3,300 migrants have already been removed from the Del Rio camp to planes or detention centers, Border Patrol Chief Raul L. Ortiz said Sunday. He expected to have 3,000 of the approximately 12,600 remaining migrants moved within a day, and aimed for the rest to be gone within the week. The rapid expulsions were made possible by a pandemic-related authority adopted by former President Donald Trump in March 2020 that allows for migrants to be immediately removed from the country without an opportunity to seek asylum. President Joe Biden exempted unaccompanied children from the order but let the rest stand. Some people arriving on the first flight covered their heads as they walked into a large bus parked next to the plane. Dozens lined up to receive a plate of rice, beans, chicken and plantains as they wondered where they would sleep and how they would make money to support their families. All were given $100 and tested for COVID-19, though authorities were not planning to put them into quarantine, said Marie-Lourde Jean-Charles with the Office of National Migration.

vaccinated, and then to go through the testing and contact tracing regiments," Zients explained. “This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it's a stronger system.” The new measures are welcomed news in 33 countries, where the United States banned travel due to COVID-19. But it spells trouble for smaller nations in the Caribbean, where vaccines are in short supply and vaccine hesitancy is still high. In Jamaica, where just around 10 percent of the population is fullyvaccinated, residents have already lashed out at the Biden administration for the policy. “This is absolutely rubbish and they are basically forcing this on us. How can you force people to have a jab which is still undergoing trials? People need to

Gordon

from A1

Boycott these countries which are doing human trials,” said Claudia Campbell, a resident of St Ann, Jamaica who says she has no plans to take the vaccine. Another Jamaican resident, Camal Davis said, “[this policy] does not sound like a return to normalcy. Nor does it seems like the vaccines work. To be vaccinated plus be tested seem like they don't trust their vaccines. They sure bargain with the virus as there is no urgency. It seems staged to me.” Emmanuel Johnson, who has duel citizenship from both Jamaica and the United States, said that he supports the mandate, but considers it “laughable” that unvaccinated Americans can still travel to the island. “Jamaica needs to do the same. How can we be more at risk and just open the country like its a freefor-all, while in America, where more

vaccines are available, they have strict measures and mandate?” It is not yet clear if the United States will accept vaccines that haven't been approved for use in the country. In most CARICOM countries, residents have been vaccinated with OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine made in India, which is not approved for use in the United States. Zients said that decision as to which vaccines will be accepted under the new system will be left up to the CDC. As for unvaccinated Americans who want to travel out of the country, they will have to test within one day of departure and be required to test again after their arrival. The new policy applies only to air travel and not land border crossings.

from A1

what it is today. I have taken part in every aspect of this growth. I'm involved in every development. Miramar is my child that I watch grow over the years, and to me it's everything.” Miramar is the 13th largest city in Florida, the fourth largest and one of the most diverse in Broward County. Forty percent of the population was born outside the US and it has the largest concentration of Jamaican residents, at 15 percent. This concentration of Jamaicans makes it the fifth highest in the United States. The density of Jamaicans is clearly reflected in the makeup of the city commission, where every member has a heritage relating to the Caribbean Island. Gordon's appointment makes him the first Jamaican to become city manager and he is not lost on the significance either. He was born in Boscobel, St. Mary, about thirty miles east of the resort town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. He started his high school at Oracabessa High before migrating to the USA while in the ninth grade. Gordon will start his responsibility with a budget of $323,035,991, managing 1,135 employees and will supervise several departments including water and sewage, public works, police, and fire. He will also play a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the eastern end of Miramar, as the city continues to grow in population and businesses. Currently the municipality is the fifth-highest employer in the city, behind giants such as Comcast, Strayer University, Royal Caribbean, and Memorial Hospital. Big responsibilities and hard work are not new to the new city manager, however. He has the experience and the expertise to get the job done. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he spent four years working for Miami/Dade County's water and sewer, building, and zoning departments. From there he transitioned to Miramar in 1995 where he became the first Jamaican-born Engineering Inspector, a position he held for 13 years. During his tenure with the Engineering Department, he oversaw land development projects in the height of the construction boom, when Miramar was recognized as the fastest growing city in the county. His next move was to the utilities department as assistant director, where he instituted many new programs and services. This is where Mr. Gordon really made a difference for his employer and the people of Miramar. So much so that his Smart Water Meter project and the Building Energy Management Systems projects won the national Smart 50 Awards, by the Smart City Connect Foundation. He beamed with pride as he spoke about these two achievements, of which he is “most proud.” “Our meter department is now pretty much automated. We don't have to send someone out to read a meter anymore. We just push a

LEISURE CORNER ISLAND WORD-SEARCH PUZZLE ANTIGUA HAITI ARUBA JAMAICA BAHAMAS NEVIS BARBADOS SAINT KITTS BARBUDA SAINT LUCIA BELIZE SAINT VINCENT BERMUDA SURINAM CAYMAN TOBAGO CUBA TRINIDAD CURACAO TURKS AND CAICOS DOMINICA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GRENADA See Results in Next Week’s GRENADINES Edition GUYANA

Whittingham Gordon at his desk

button, and everything pops up,” he said with a wide smile that was punctuated with pride. For a brief time, Gordon also supervised the fire and police departments, in his role as assistant city manager. Despite the apparent negatives from the pandemic, Mr. Gordon still has some rays of optimism. He assures his residents that they should still have their expectations of a well-run city. “Well, foremost, a fiscally fit run city, they can guarantee that that is going to happen. They can also expect transparency and accountability. We have to be accountable with what we do with taxpayers' money. Whatever we do here has to be accepted by the residents.” One area that residents of Miramar can look for improvement from the new city manager is customer service. “I want to enhance our customer service from what it is today, making our call center a real call center. We want to get information out to our residents accurately and as quickly as possible,” he committed. The city is also looking to expand on the work-live environment at the municipal complex. Ground has already been broken for the final phase of 'Manor at Miramar'. It will include 393 rental apartments and 26,500 square feet of retail space on the eight-story complex, formerly the parking lot in front of city hall. The project is expected to cost about $110 million. Only time will help the residents of Miramar judge the success of Mr. Whittingham Gordon as the sixth city manager. For now though, he is confidently telling his residents, businesses and leaders: “Don't worry about a thing,” one of his favorite songs from the legendary Reggae icon, Bob Marley.