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Landslide! JLP Delivers Crushing Defeat in Jamaica’s Election
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) on the campaign trail with fellow MPs Flayval Williams (left), Ann-Marie Vaz (second from left) and wife Juliet Holness.
By Garth A. Rose
In the general election held in Jamaica on Thursday September 3, the Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won a new term in a massive landslide—delivering a crushing defeat to the Peter Phillips-led People’s National Party (PNP). Of the 63 seats in the Jamaican parliament, the JLP won or led in 50 seats and the opposition PNP won or led in just 13.
But despite the JLP’s second straight general election victory since 2016, when it narrowly defeated the then ruling PNP by one seat, the party’s victory does not reflect a mandate from the Jamaican people. Only 35 percent of Jamaica’s 1.9 million voters cast their ballots on Tuesday—the lowest in Jamaica’s election history, except for the 1983 general election in which the PNP decided not to compete. Weeks before the election was called by Holness in mid-August, polls showed a commanding lead for the JLP, but also showed over 50 percent of voters did not intend to vote or were unsure if they would vote when the election was called. That the election was called during a persistent COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica, with 2,683 cases as of Thursday morning and 24 deaths, did nothing to alleviate the apathy among Jamaican voters. Since the election was announced, there has been a coincidental spike in COVID-19 cases in Jamaica, particularly in the Kingston and St. Andrew region. The spike led many residents and businesses to call for a postponement of the election, but the calls went unheeded. CNW reached out to several registered voters in Jamaica on Thursday morning and 88 percent, all registered in constituencies in Kingston and St.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Accountability? Broward County Considers Creating Police and Criminal Justice Review Board By Vonnie Lee As the national and international focus on police brutality against Black people continues to be a catalyst for change, some local governments and municipalities across the nation are working to find solutions to this systemic problem. In Broward County, which has a significant Black and immigrant population, the commissioners are attempting to bridge the gap between communities and the police, and are exploring ways to hold law enforcement and the criminal justice system accountable. When its commissioners meet on Thursday, September 10, the creation of the Broward County Police and Criminal Justice Review Board, proposed by Mayor Dale V.C. Holness, will be on the agenda.
“This is past overdue. We’ve witness time and time again, Black people being brutalized in our community and in our country. It is difcult to understand when it’s done by civilians, as in the case of Trayvon Martin and others, but it’s so much worse when it comes at the hand of law enforcement.” – Mayor Dale V.C. Holness
The proposed independent review board would gather data on police use of force, alleged misconduct and other criminal justice issues, publish data and reports, identify issues that could be addressed through policy changes, and make recommendations as deemed necessary. “This is a step in the right direction to analyze the entire criminal justice system—from policing to police abuse of
continues on B4 – Landslide continues on B4 – Accountability
WHAT’S INSIDE JAMAICA’S LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION TO RESIGN A3
THE BAHAMAS MONITORS IMPACT FROM COVID AND DORIAN A4
ADELE ACCUSED OF USURPING JAMAICAN CULTURE C1
Phillips, Brathwaite Help Seal Jamaica Tallawahs Win C3
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HONORED: Miramar Commissioner Yve e Colbourne (le ), in commemora on of Indian American Heritage, presents a Proclama on to Sajan Kurian, founder and chair of the South Asian American Democra c Caucus. He accepted the honor on behalf of South Florida Indian Community at a brief presenta on at the Gandhi Square in Davie, Florida. Kurian also received a Community Service Award for his leadership in the community. In 2017, the month of August was designated as Indian American Heritage Month in the City of Miramar. - Contributed
GOLDEN & GLORIOUS: A dapper-looking Trevor Freemantle and radiant wife, Lola , also known as “Patsy,” celebrated 50 glorious years together in style and online, with 60-plus guests a ending from across the globe. The “golden anniversary” soiree took place on Saturday, August 29, 2020. - Photo by Devon Dwyer
INKED: Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet, of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party in Jamaica, show their fingers a er vo ng in the na on’s general elec ons. – Contributed
ENDORSEMENT: City of Lauderhill Firefighters stand with Eric Reid (center), candidate for Lauderhill Commission Seat 1. The group threw their support behind Reid, who will be on the ballot in the November 3 elec on. Contributed.
ONE JAMAICA: A supporter of the People’s Na onal Party and the Jamaica Labour Party in Jamaica, share a moment during the na on’s general elec ons. – Photo: Jamaica Observer
A FAMILY AFFAIR: Dr Peter Phillips (second le ), Leader of the Opposi on and President of the People's Na onal Party, accompaied by his wife Sandra Mini -Phillips (second right) and their two sons Jacob (right) and Luke, show their fingers a er cas ng their votes at polling division 34 and 35 in the St Andrew North Central constrituency on elec on day at Reach Academy in Barbican. – Rudolph Brown (Jamaica Gleaner)
FOREVER TOGETHER: Trevor Freemantle posing with wife of 50 years, Lola while celebra ng their anniversary - Photo by Devon Dwyer
SHE’S MINE: Trevor ‘staking his claim’ as he hugs wife Lola during their photo shoot of their 50th anniversary Photo by Devon Dwyer
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Dr. Peter Phillips People’s National Party Leader to Resign After Shocking General Election Defeat in Jamaica The 70-year-old leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Dr. Peter Phillips, is expected to resign as party leader and step away from representational politics after a shocking general election loss on September 3. The PNP won only 13 of the 63 parliamentary seats, in what is considered to be one of the most remarkable elections that the island has ever seen. The only other time a massive sweep was delivered in Jamaica was in the 1980 general election when the polls were marred by gun violence, mass lay-offs in the public sector, and mounting economic challenges. Phillips, who has given 30 years to politics in Jamaica, has the unenviable distinction of being the only PNP leader to never have won a general election. While the loss has been severe for the PNP, Phillips delivered a stunning performance during the national debates on August 29, proving himself to be a more-than-capable leader. Jamaicans are now calling for the party to undergo a complete restructuring and unite to form a strong opposition. Some supporters of the PNP stung by the devastating loss are criticizing Phillips for agreeing to contest the elections. “He should never have agreed to contest the elections in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was also the risk of a low voter turnout, which would be a disadvantage to the party challenging the incumbent governing party. This exactly what happened,” bemoaned a PNP supporter. Another described Phillips as “selfish: as his
Young people were drastically undercounted in the 2010 U.S Census—which missed more than 1 in 10 children under the age of ve. In Broward County alone, we lost over $210 million dollars of federal funding because of people undercount. Especially children. When we fail to count children, the programs that support their wellbeing—such as childcare, schools, health insurance, housing, and public transportation — lose out on needed funds for the next 10 years, an entire childhood. So, be counted!
personal goal was to have the honor of leading the party to an election victory. “Now, him mash up the party.” Phillips was born in Kingston to Mico Teachers' College lecturer Aubrey Phillips and civil servant Thelma Phillips. Aubrey was a graduate of Mico, where he had roomed with Howard Cooke, who would later become Governor-General of Jamaica. He completed his high school career at Jamaica College, before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in government from the University of the West Indies. He is also a Ford Foundation Fellow and completed doctoral studies in international political economy at The State University of New York at Binghamton. He was also a Fulbright Scholar and has done studies at the University of Florida at Gainesville. These qualifications led him to a distinguished career in academia prior to
Make sure everyone in your family is counted. You count! We all count!
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entering Parliament. In his teaching career, he was a lecturer in the Department of Government at UWI, Mona. Phillips first entered Parliament as an appointed senator after the People's National Party won the 1989 general elections. He served as minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister until 1991 when he was appointed PNP general secretary and minister of special projects in the Office of the Prime Minister. In this role, he led the Caribbean Community teams for major trade negotiations including with the United States and Venezuela. He remained in post until 1994 when he was elected to Parliament as the member for East Central St. Andrew. He has remained the MP for the constituency since. Phillips was minister of health between 1995 and 1997 and in that capacity led the comprehensive reform of the health system, ensured the expansion and upgrading of several
hospitals and introduced the Drug for the Elderly Program to subside medication for seniors. While serving as minister of transport and works from 1998 to 2001, Jamaica saw the introduction of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and the introduction of a regulated route taxi system. He was elected a vice president of the PNP in 1999, serving with Portia Simpson Miller. He was subsequently appointed minister of national security. During his tenure as national security minister, (2001-2007), Jamaica recorded huge successes in reducing illegal narcotic flows and saw significant reform and modernization of the Security Forces. He twice unsuccessfully ran for president of the PNP in 2006 and 2008. He lost ministerial office when the PNP lost the 2007 elections. However, after the party won the 2011 elections, he was appointed Minister of Finance and Public Service. During his tenure, he was credited with having presided over the most fundamental positive reform of the Jamaican economy. His achievements were reflected in positive economic indicators for Jamaica including inflation at a 48-year low. The PNP lost the 2016 elections, after which Simpson Miller stood down as leader and Phillips won the subsequent leadership election in 2017. In 2019, he was challenged for the leadership by Peter Bunting but was reelected in the September vote. In early 2020, Phillips announced that he had successfully undergone treatment for stage 3 colon cancer. During his general election campaign, Phillips said he was 100% cancerfree. Peter Phillips is married to Sandra Minott Phillips and is the father of daughters Tsahai and Ruth and sons Mikael, David, Luke and Jacob.
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Guyana Coalition Files Election Petitions, Seeking Court To Order Fresh Elections The former ruling coalition, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Monday filed election petitions challenging the results of the disputed March 2 regional and general elections. The coalition, through its lawyer, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, filed the documents on behalf of the applicants Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick, who want the High Court to determine the legality of the elections and the results that led to the declaration and the allocation of seats in the National Assembly. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had declared the main opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) victorious in the polls based on the national recount of the ballots counted that was supervised by a three-member observer team from CARICOM. The coalition, which has named several respondents, including chief elections officer, Keith Lowenfield, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as well as representatives of several political parties that contested the elections, wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days. The applicants have also named former President David Granger, as a respondent to the petitions where they are also asking for a quick and expedited hearing. “We are set out here today to establish the invalidity of the declaration…we have documented anomalies in all 10 regions…If these anomalies and irregularities are taken into consideration we will prove that the results will be different,” Granger later told reporters. “The APNU+AFC coalition does not accept the validity of the (election) report which was presented. We have compiled a dossier of anomalies and irregularities and APNU+AFC continues on B1 – Election Petition
Bahamas Monitors Economic Impact of COVID, Dorian The Bahamas government is closely monitoring fiscal risks to determine if, when and where adjustments may be necessary as the country continues to feel the impact of the worst global economic crisis in modern history brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Finance, in a statement, said the government is actively responding consistent with the budget plan for the 202021 fiscal year and focus remains on funding critical government services, public health and social safety needs in particular, and the prudent management of the government's fiscal resources. It said preliminary data on the budget performance for fiscal year 2019-20 shows the dramatic impact of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 global pandemic on the fiscal performance.
“Consistent with our budgeted plans, we are disbursing millions in unemployment assistance, maintaining public service salaries, and engaging in targeted capital expenditures to support the COVID-19 response and the broader effort to restore the economy,” Turnquest, said. “The deficit saw an estimated threefold increase to US$788.1 million, from US$219.3 million in the previous year when the government then achieved the lowest fiscal deficit in over a decade,” the Ministry of
Finance said. According to the Ministry of Finance, the severity of the COVID-19 impact on revenue performance was evident in the final quarter of the fiscal year with a pronounced 55.2 continues on B4 – Economic Impact
Dominica Expecting Report on Constitutional Reform by December The Dominica government expects to receive a report from former president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron, regarding constitutional reform. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said on national TV on Sunday that Cabinet had last week approved the engagement of Sir Dennis “as the sole Commissioner to advance efforts towards electoral reform. “This was a firm commitment that we gave and notwithstanding the COVID-19 period we felt it was important for us to advance efforts towards electoral reform,” Skerrit said.
“This is good news for us. It is a commitment to us. Electoral reform for this government is important, is important for the country and we hope that once Sir Dennis would have submitted his report then we can go to the parliament to effect the necessary changes he will recommend to the country to move forward,” Skerrit added. The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) had demanded electoral reform ahead of last December's general elections, but the Skerrit administration said it had been stymied by Opposition legislators who refused
to debate the necessary legislation needed to advance the electoral reform process. The UWP tried to get the December 6, 2019, general elections postponed to February this year on the grounds that there was need for electoral reform, more specifically the issuances of picture identification cards and a cleansing of the voters' list. In his television program on Sunday, Skerrit said he was confident that the country would accept the report submitted by Sir Dennis, describing him as “an exceptional Commonwealth citizen. – CMC
FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS
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Talk UP Do you think having a citizen police and criminal justice review board in Broward County would be effective in holding law enforcement and the criminal justice system accountable? Charmaine Donald, educator, Sunrise: Yes, I do think it'll be beneficial and effective in holding Broward County law enforcement and the criminal justice system accountable. However, the board should be reflective of the community, uplifting grassroot movement leaders and demonstrate the ability to be fair and impartial in carrying out its duties. Nik Harris, attorney and advocate, Fort Lauderdale: This review board is a good place to start, but should be a first step and not the only step. Broward County needs a multi-faceted approach that at a minimum includes review of budgetary resources and rigorous bias training to bring about more equitable policing. Alfredo Olvera, real estate agent, Fort Lauderdale: It is a good first step in the right direction to create accountability in law enforcement. However, it is disappointing to see that the LGBTQ community has not been included to have a vote on the board. Mayor Holness should not leave it up to the Commissioners or the different organizations to fill this position. Representation matters and our community needs it. Monique A. Williams, artist, Tamarac: Ubiquitous videos of police brutality ravaging social media has fueled fear, anger, and frustration for another generation. Without accountability, the wayward police are turning Broward's beautiful and safe Upper West Side into the Wild Wild West. But how do we ensure those tasked with holding these uniformed criminals accountable actually serve our best interest and that of the community...? Lavern Deer, mayoral candidate 2020, Miami Gardens: I believe it's definitely a step in the right direction as citizens across the nation are crying for police and criminal justice reform. Reform begins with oversight and accountability, I definitely encourage the Broward County Board of Commission to support this item and hopefully other counties will follow suit. Natalie Kasper, political campaign manager, Fort Lauderdale: I think a citizen review board is critical to the equitable handling of all citizens' needs we expect from our police but aren't receiving. A primary reason to establish such a board is to restore the faith in law enforcement they've eroded. It will streamline the complaint process against police, shine light on the trends in complaints the county receives, and give citizens fearing retaliation for their complaints confidence knowing they won't have to complain about police to police. Niki Lopez, artist & activist, Fort Lauderdale: Yes. Accountability within the law enforcement and criminal justice system is vital. There are far too many instances of abuse of power, wrongful deaths, etc. in a system created on a view that we are not all equal. There's a lack of humanity in dealing with Black and Brown people. Many professions benefit from a third-party accountability component and I believe if done right, everyone in Broward County will benefit from this. Frantz “Jahra” McLawrence, attorney, Hollywood, FL: If given teeth (prosecutorial authority), then yes, a civilian review board would definitely be an effective tool to combat criminality within the police departments. Clearly, the police departments are incapable of policing themselves, the prosecutors are too entangled to make prosecutorial decisions regarding criminal police actors, and the judges are too dependent on police union support during elections to hand down equitable sentences when criminal cops are found guilty. This is a good first step toward police accountability. A mechanism has to be put in place to out judges, who hand out soft sentences to violent criminal police officers.
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Enough Still Isn't Enough Last June when Black folks were joined by thousands of white supporters in marching and protesting the callous killing of George Floyd, it appeared most Americans were listening and accepting that wanton police brutality against Black people is wrong. That changes are needed to end the atrocities resulting in the death of so many Black men and women at the hands of police. It certainly appeared that most people believed “enough was enough.” But this belief, it seems, turned out to be a mirage. Even as people marched and protested Floyd's death, more blatant incidents of police brutality against Black people were occurring.
In June, Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by another white police officer after falling asleep in a Wendy's Restaurant drive-through lane in Atlanta, Georgia. Subsequent to Floyd's death in May, reports surfaced of the killing of Jamaican American Maurice Gordon on a New Jersey highway. He was shot and killed by a white New Jersey State Trooper, after a traffic stop. And on Sunday August 23, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as Blake tried to enter his car after being confronted by the police. In between these killings, there have been reports of several other acts of unjustified police brutality against Black individuals. Meanwhile, America is still awaiting the outcome of investigations into the shooting death of Breonna Taylor, an emergency room technician. She was shot and killed when police wrongly entered her home on a no-knock warrant in Louisville, Kentucky, in March. The killing of Black people by police is happening so regularly, it's seem like a normal American pastime. And, no matter how loud, how aggressively, how long the protests are against these killings, the results, the actions taken to put an end to these shootings are never enough. The consistent official pushback after each shooting, no matter how brazen, how seemingly unjust, is that the shootings were justifiable, and the Black victims had criminal intent or are criminals. While Black people live in fear of the police as these shootings continue, and Black parents bury and eulogize their sons and daughters, there are other Americans who actually have the audacity to use politics to build a climate of fear around white people living in exclusive suburbs.
When Black folks protest and march through American cities, they are clandestinely infiltrated by politically motivated anarchists bent on using the protests as camouflage for wanton destruction of property. Their actions are meant to portray Black people exercising their First Amendment rights as violent mobs to be feared. When players from the National Basketball League (NBA) recently protested the killing of Jacob Blake, refusing to play games scheduled in the NBA series taking place in Orlando, Florida, they received strong criticism. The NBA was criticized as a “political organization,” players as privileged rich men who could afford to take days off to protest and being “silly” in their protest actions. These are Black and white players, who along with several of their Black and white coaches are simply tired of the abuse and injustices meted out to their Black sisters and brothers by police and others across America. While, admittedly, these players are much better paid for their work than average Americans, as one player said in an interview, they are tired of entertaining America, “while America isn't doing enough to provide us with justice, and security against law enforcement officers.” A prominent Black coach in the NBA, Glen “Doc” Rivers, emotionally lamenting Blake's shooting said, “We're the ones getting shot; we're the ones getting killed…It's amazing to me, why we keep on loving this country, and this country does not love us back.” What some white folks, including allies, don't understand is that being wealthy, holding lofty career positions, or degrees from the most prestigious colleges, do not shield Black people in America from being victims of police brutality and injustice. So, what can be done? Unfortunately, it seems we have not reached breaking point with police brutality. And protests that follow these atrocities have been dragged into the political turbulence, with the threat of armed government forces to quell protesters, who are being painted as anarchists. But American Blacks can never even think of relenting to the brutality, injustices, and political noise. That has been the goal of the oppressors since the early 16th century. Black America has no other option but to continue protesting, peacefully, against these brutalities and injustices. There is no giving in. Black people and allies must use every possible legal method to stop these atrocities. The best method is to vote, in droves, against those who overtly and covertly support police brutality and racial injustices.
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Death Toll From T-Storm Laura Rises Haiti has raised the death toll from the passage of Tropical Storm Laura last weekend to 31 and said eight people are still missing and presumed dead. The Ministry of the Interior and the Economic and Social Assistance Fund have been providing urgent assistance including mattresses, materials for repairing homes as well as food kits to more than 800 l families in Cité Soleil, Gressier, and Tabarre in the Western Departments as well to those affected in the South-Eastern Departments of Anse-in-
Pitres and Cayes-Jacmel. Last week, the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) had put the death toll at 20 with at least five others reported missing. The DPC in a partial report said that the deaths occurred in the south-east, west and south departments. But in its latest report, it said 31 people had died, eight missing and eight others injured. It said a total of 2,320 houses were damaged, 6,272 were flooded and 243 others destroyed. Civil Protection volunteers continue to clear
and clean public spaces, including streets blocked by trees that fell during the storm and the authorities said that a reconnaissance flight, coordinated by the National Emergency Operations Center, has revealed the extent of the damage in the West and South-East. “In the field, in-depth assessments, primarily in the agricultural sector, are continuing in these two departments but also in the South, with the support of several national and international partners,” the DPC said, extending its sympathies to the families
Haitian-American Lawyer Becomes First Black Woman To Serve On New Jersey Supreme Court A Brooklyn-born Haitian-American lawyer has created history by becoming the first Black woman to serve on New Jersey's Supreme Court after the full Senate voted unanimously to confirm her last week. Earlier in the week, the Democratic-led New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee had also voted unanimously to advance Fabiana Pierre-Louis' nomination. “Fabiana is an exceptionally talented attorney, and will now have the historic distinction of becoming the first Black woman to be seated on our state's highest court,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who had nominated Pierre-Louis, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, on June 5, in a statement. Pierre-Louis, 39—a former prosecutor, who moved, with her parents, from Brownsville, Brooklyn, when she was 8, to Irvington, New Jersey—succeeds Justice Walter Timpone, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 in November, on the New Jersey Supreme Court. With her nomination, Pierre-Louis also
Pierre-Louis with her two sons
becomes the youngest person to serve as Justice on New Jersey's highest court. She could sit on the court for up to 30 years before reaching the mandatory retirement age. “I know how important it is for young people to see people who look like them, or come from similar neighborhoods as them, or
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similar backgrounds, to see those people in positions of leadership,” Pierre-Louis said. At the time of her nomination, she described the historic moment as the “honor of a lifetime.” Currently, a partner in the New Jersey law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP, Pierre-Louis is just over 20 years younger than the next youngest member of the New Jersey Supreme Court, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, who is 60. Pierre-Louis lauded her Haitian-born parents, who, she said, made sacrifices so she could attend law school. She said her father was a taxi driver in New York City, while her mother worked for 20 years at the then-St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan. “Their work ethic is something I've always looked up to,” Pierre-Louis said. “They worked extremely hard coming to a country, where they didn't speak the language, didn't know many people, and really established themselves.”
affected by the storm. It said it also wanted to remind the population of the need to maintain caution, “especially since we are only in the middle of the hurricane season.” Tropical Storm Laura grew into a powerful Category 4 hurricane—the second-highest level—as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico and on Thursday, struck Louisiana killing six people and causing much less damage than expected.
Election Petition from A4
coalition is convinced that if due consideration is given those anomalies and irregularities, it will be shown that the declaration which was issued, on the 2nd August 2020 is incorrect and invalid,” he added. APNU general secretary and the person tipped to be the Leader of the Opposition in the 65-member National Assembly, Joseph Harmon told reporters the evidence that has been presented in the petition covers many of the issues and concerns that came to light during the national recount of votes. “The evidence from the recount which found its way into the report of the Chief Election Officer, in all ten electoral districts, in particular District Four on the lower East Coast where you had 49 boxes with over 11,000 ballots stuffed into those boxes without any other statutory document, I don't know what more you need to show that the elections were fraudulent and that was only one incident, there were several others,” Harmon said. “The evidence is overwhelming that these elections were rigged and the PPP, the beneficiary of the rigging is a fraudulent regime…the petition filed today will prove this in the court and they will have no option but to vitiate the elections,” Harmon added. – CMC
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Supreme Court Rules Against Appointment of First Caribbean-American Justice Three months after appointing Caribbean-American judge Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court, the high court ruled last week that Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his authority with her appointment. On May 26, DeSantis announced two appointments to the Florida Supreme Court to fill two vacant seats. The first was Judge John Couriel, an adjunct professor at Florida International University. He has already joined the high court. The second was Francis. Judge Francis, who was born in Jamaica, became the first Caribbean-American judge to be appointed to the state's high court. She had been serving on the 15th Circuit Court in Palm Beach
County. Following the announcement, Democratic state Rep. Geraldine Thompson, who represents a large section of Orange County, filed a lawsuit saying DeSantis' appointment of Francis was not legal. Thompson claimed Francis had not been a
member of the Florida Bar for at least 10 years, which is a requirement to be eligible for the Florida Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Thompson's claim, but it rejected her petition to have the Judicial Nominating Commission create a new list from an existing applicant pool and have the governor appoint another person from that list. “There is no legal justification for us to require a replacement appointment from a new list of candidates, rather than from the one that is already before the Governor,” the court wrote. The court told Thompson to file a new petition, writing “the only legally appropriate and available remedy would be to require the Governor immediately to appoint a constitutionally eligible person from the JNC's existing certified list of nominees.” The court said September 24 is the date Francis will have been a 10-year member of the Bar. She is ineligible to serve on the high court until that date.
Miami-Dade to Resume Restaurant Indoor Dining as COVID-19 Positive Rate Declines Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced on Monday that he will allow for the easing of some safety measures in the county, as the COVID-19 cases continue to decline. As of Monday, September 7, indoor dining will be allowed once again at restaurants, but at 50 percent capacity. Gimenez said the decision was made with the approval of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
In addition to the capacity limits, no more than six people will be allowed to sit at each table and tables will need to be placed at least six feet apart. Gimenez also said face mask requirements will continue inside and outside of restaurants and restaurants should keep their air conditioner running, while leaving windows open to increase air circulation.
Additionally, the county's public beaches will not be closed during Labor Day weekend, unlike what happened during the fourth of July weekend. For the past week, Miami-Dade has reported a day-to-day COVID-19 testing positivity rate below 10 percent, which the World Health Organization considers ideal during the pandemic.
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Broward County's Rental Assistance Program Launched Broward County launched its residential online rental assistance program on Tuesday. Qualified residents impacted by COVID-19 are now able to apply online for up to five months of rental assistance in a program made possible by the Broward County Commission and funded through funds allotted under the Federal CARES Act. The $25 million program provides between 60 and 75 percent of assistance to qualified residents for rent that was between April and August. Landlords must agree to participate in the program and accept the partial rent as full payment. Payments will be made directly to landlords. Applications will be only accepted online until Sunday, September 6 at 10 p.m. Applications will be processed by Broward County Family Success Division, and assistance will be disbursed once funds are available. Significant documentation is required and should be gathered before starting the application process, which must be completed in one online sitting. However, successful submission of an application does not guarantee funding, the county cautions. Applicants will be notified via email if they are eligible. Landlords cannot apply on behalf of their tenant(s) but are encouraged to review and sign their tenant(s)' documents quickly for processing. For details and to apply, visit Broward.org/CARES.
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Landslide
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Andrew, said they had no intention of voting. Of those who said they would be voting 60 percent said they were wary of going out to polling stations while the pandemic raged. The other 40 percent indicated having no faith in either the JLP or PNP to adequately represent the interests of the Jamaican people. “Both parties have failed us through excessive corruption, inability to manage crime and violence, and change the poor health care and justice system,” said Sybil McBean a resident of Jacks Hill, St. Andrew. Some political analysts in Jamaica believe the increasing apathy in Jamaican elections, observed since the 2007 general elections, is due to the absence of charismatic party leaders in the mode of the Alexander Bustamante and Edward Seaga of the JLP, and Michael Manley of the PNP. “Jamaican elections are now either won or lost at the constituency level. Gone are the days when the fire-brand leader drags voters in droves to polling stations,” said one analyst. With the loss of the PNP, Phillips as he indicated to reporters on Thursday, is expected to retire as leader of the party and from politics in Jamaica. He will bow out, with the dubious reputation of having been the only PNP leader to not have led the party to a general-election victory. This is the first general election in which he has led the PNP, but since his elevation to the post of party leader, succeeding Portia-Simpson Miller in 2017, he presided over three parliamentary by-elections, which were all lost to JLP candidates. His by-election failures created some dissatisfaction within the party, leading to a challenge in Phillips’ leadership from Peter Bunting last year. Bunting failed in his bid by a relatively slim margin of votes. Phillips has also had health challenges and is currently undergoing treatment for a colon cancer diagnosis. Bunting who was still considered as a successor to Phillips as PNP leader suffered another surprising setback as he lost his Manchester Central seat to the JLP’s Rhoda Crawford by over 1,000 votes. Lisa Hanna, who some consider a potential leader of the PNP, just squeaked by in winning her St. Ann South-Eastern seat by only 14 votes. A recount of the votes in this constituency will be likely. The PNP’s annual party conference is scheduled for later this year when it is expected a new party leader will be elected. Both Holness and Phillips won their seats handily. Holness won his St. Andrew West Central seat over Patrick Roberts of the PNP 7,199 votes to 3,925. In his St. Andrew East Central constituency, Peter Phillips defeated Jodian Myrie of the JLP 4,963 votes to 3,881.
Accountability power, to the state attorney’s conduct as it pertains to charging police officers, charging juveniles as adults; to the judicial system when Blacks are sentenced to terms up to 20 percent longer for same crimes as whites.” Holness’ proposal came after the death of George Floyd—who was killed when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost eight minutes—and the outrage that was expressed on a national and international level. “The way we change the system is by changing the laws and the rules, which means that we must vote to put people in place that will put the policies in place that will bring about justice and fair treatment of everyone in our community,” Holness told CNW. This past primary election in Broward County saw several major races—sheriff, state attorney, public defender and clerk of court—won by Black candidates on the Democratic side. “Should they prevail this November this would be a game-changer for our community,” said Holness. “Now we will have people who have a lived experience of being Black in America and will bring a different perspective to these issues. That gives us even more reason to vote and let the power of our vote be our voice.”
from A1
The proposed review board would have 17 voting members and two non-voting members. Each of Broward’s nine commissioners would nominate one member to serve on the board and the other eight members would be nominated by the presidents of the Broward County Bar Association, the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association and the T.J. Reddick Bar Association; the Broward Public Defender, the Broward State Attorney, the Caribbean Bar Association and a member of the Florida Bar Association nominated by the Broward branch of the NAACP. The mayor would also nominate one member of the clergy. Two non-voting members that may participate in board-related discussions will be the Broward Sheriff (or designee) and the president of the Broward Chiefs of Police Association (or designee.) Members will not be paid and each will serve a fouryear term. If approved by the Broward County Commission, a public hearing will take place on September 22 for public discussion and a final vote by the commission. Earlier this week, Miami-Dade commissioners approve a similar measure, voting to proceed with setting up an independent panel to which residents can file complaints against police officers they believe have wronged them.
Economic Impact percent contraction in receipts, compared with the previous year. It said the impact was broad-based with significant contractions in value-added tax (VAT) receipts being US$$169.2 million, customs and import duties US$54.2 million, departure taxes US$$27.6 million, while license to conduct specific business activity was pegged at US$37.6 million and gaming taxes US$8.2 million.
from A4
The Ministry said that recurrent and capital expenditures grew by a combined US$231.7 million or 8.8 percent to US2877.2 million, largely due to outlays for Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 initiatives. It said in the final quarter of the financial year 2019/20, the government spent over US$57.3 million directly on COVID-19 related recurrent and capital expenditures. – CMC
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 3 – SEPT 9, 2020 –
Singer Adele Accused of Usurping Jamaican Culture
Buju Banton Makes Debut Appearance on 'Jimmy Fallon'
The over 80,000 online comments, included those from Jamaicans who made it known they were in support of Adele, and her hairstyle and outfit were blown out of proportion. “To all the ignorant non-Jamaicans dragging Adele for supporting the Jamaican culture, sit down! You don't speak for us!”, said one supporter. Another person wrote: “I love it. As an ACTUAL Jamaican from the ACTUAL Caribbean, I love it! Its an appreciation of our culture.” Many of the singer's celebrity friends also approved of her look. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, whose mother is Jamaican, Adele commented with two love heart emojis and two Jamaican flags. Jamaican musician Popcaan also shared a woman, wearing Bantu knots, which is a fist emoji and a love heart. symbol of a culture she doesn't belong to. Some Caribbean sociologists believe there's Bantu knots, like other Black hairstyles, are an integral part of Black culture. The origins a disconnect on issues like cultural and importance of many of these cultural appropriation between West Indians and symbols are often erased whenever they African-Americans or Black Britons. In the Caribbean region, culture sharing is generally become popular with white communities. But while some had a problem with Adele's accepted and even encouraged, while outside look, many Jamaicans actually supported the region those contending with overwhelming Adele showcasing their culture, calling it racism on a daily basis tend to preserve and protect their blackness. “cultural appreciation.”
COVID-19 has put a damper on many entertainment events and live shows around the world, but it did not stop reggae and dancehall veteran artist Buju Banton from making his debut appearance as the musical guest on NBC TV's The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. On the August 18 episode of the late-night show, Banton performed “The World Is Changing” remotely with his band. Due to travel restrictions, the artist had to pre-record his set in Irish Town, St Andrew. “The World Is Changing” is featured on Banton's recently released Upside Down 2020 studio album. Upside Down 2020, Buju's first album in a decade, sold 2,995 copies in its first week. The coronavirus pandemic has presented a unique opportunity for Banton and other local artists to stake their claim in mainstream U.S. media. As live performances and concerts turn to virtual events, artists are able to connect with fans in other countries without having to travel. Buju is also slated to perform on Billboard and Amazon TV soon. Buju's appearance came only three weeks after Chronixx performed his single “Cool As The Breeze/Friday” on The Tonight Show.
By Sheri-Kae McLeod British singer Adele has been accused of usurping Jamaican culture after posting a rare bikini picture, which has since drawn tens of thousands of comments. In the photo, Adele was dressed in a Jamaican bikini top, yellow feathers, and tiedye leggings, with her hair in Bantu knots—a popular African hairstyle, also known as “chiney bumps” in Jamaica. The 32-year-old singer was celebrating the virtual Notting Hill Carnival in London, which was scheduled for August 30 and 31 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Known as London's “biggest street party,” the carnival celebrates West Indian and African cultures, drawing enormous crowds in the streets to dance and party. This was the first year, since the carnival began in 1966, that it was held virtually. As her caption for the photo, Adele wrote: “Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London,” with the British and Jamaican flags. But many people, particularly Blacks living in London and the United States, accused the singer of cultural appropriation. On social media, people raised the issue of Adele, a white
Third World Releases Timely Visuals for “People of Different Color” On yet another timeless recording destined to become a classic, members Stephen “Cat” Coore, Richie “Bassie”, Daley, AJ Brown, and Tony “Ruption” Williams and Norris “Noriega” Webb call for racial harmony with honest and poignant lyrics that are more significant than ever amid the many worldwide crises that have plagued 2020. Set against a colorful and vibrant backdrop, the multi-Grammy-nominated band enlists fans to sing along with their lyrical video that
On August 16, 2020, Reggae Ambassadors Third World celebrated 47 years of their musical journey with live stream celebrations and the animated lyrics video premiere of “People of A Different Color” featuring Virgin Island reggae recordingartist Pressure BussPipe.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 3 – SEPT 9, 2020 –
Phillips, Brathwaite Help Seal Jamaica Tallawahs Win Glenn Phillips's unbeaten half-century and Carlos Brathwaite's three-wicket haul powered Jamaica Tallawahs to a critical 37run victory over luckless St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League on Saturday. With just two wins from five outings prior to the contest, Tallawahs needed a win to stay in contention for the semifinals, and they successfully defended 147 at Queen's Park Oval to earn a comfortable win in the end which took them to six points and third in the sixteam standings. The effort began with Phillips's 79 not out, which held the innings together and carried Tallawahs to 147 for six off their 20 overs after they opted to bat first on a slow track. He faced 61 balls and punched two fours and half-dozen sixes, anchoring a string of small partnerships as the side batted around him. Phillips put on 28 for the first wicket with Nkrumah Bonner (16), 38 for the second wicket with Jermaine Blackwood who made 27 from 26 balls, and a further 26 for the third with Asif Ali (14). Williams After 10 overs, Phillips was laboring on
13 from 22 balls with Tallawahs finding scoring difficult at 53 for one. Put down on 27 in the 13th over, Phillips lifted his tempo with three consecutive sixes off left-armer Sheldon Cottrell in the 17th over before gathering 15 from the final one bowled by captain Rayad Emrit who snatched three for 32 from four overs of medium pace. In reply, Patriots never looked the part and collapsed for 110 in the final over, with Brathwaite finishing with three for 11 from 3.4 overs. Tallawahs' spinners played key roles, left-armer Veerasammy Permaul (2-20) and Nepalese leggie Sandeep Lamichhane (2-27) taking two wickets apiece from four-over spells, while new-
ball speedster Fidel Edwards finished with two for 39. Patriots appeared at one point to be making a fist of it when opener Kieran Powell (21) and Denesh Ramdin (13) were involved in a 34-run second-wicket stand—after Edwards had cleaned up Chris Lynn (8) cheaply with the fourth delivery of the innings. When Permaul had Ramdin taken at the wicket in the eighth over, Patriots lost four wickets for 10 runs off 23 balls and needed a 35-run sixth-wicket stand between Evin Lewis (21) and Nick Kelly (16) to halt the slide. But both fell in successive overs with just two runs added as Brathwaite and Lamichhane crushed the lower order.
C3
Injured Bermudian Footballer Returns To Former English Club To Recover Bermudian striker Jonté Smith, who left English League Two club Cheltenham Town at the end of last season, faces up to three more months on the sidelines after returning to the Gloucestershire outfit to complete his rehabilitation from serious injury. Smith, the 26-year-old son of former Bermuda national cricket coach Clay Smith, suffered ankle ligament damage during the first half of the play-off semi-final second leg against Northampton Town at Cheltenham's Jonny-Rocks Stadium on June 22. Cheltenham lost the game 3-0 after winning the away leg 2-0. Smith scored four goals in six starts for the club—including a hat-trick against West Ham United Under21s in an English Football League Trophy match—and made 12 substitute appearances after joining at the start of September last year. He will now be supervised by Cheltenham's medical staff Gavin Crowe and James Redman as he continues to recover. “It was a significant injury in four parts,” Crowe said. “There was damage to the deltoid ligament, and anterior talofibular ligament, along with syndesmosis and a medial knee ligament element, too. Jonté will be back with us until he's fit.” Smith was released at the end of last season and was the subject of interest from several clubs including Macclesfield Town, Woking and Ebbsfleet United. But the well-traveled Smith's hopes of securing a contract have been put on hold because of the injury and he could take another two to three months to make a full recovery, according to sources at Cheltenham. Smith, whose former UK clubs include Crawley Town, Oxford United, Lewes, Gloucester City and the Metropolitan Police, wore an immobility boot for more than a week after leaving the Northampton game on crutches. He has just spent two weeks working intensively on his rehabilitation with physio Daniel Kett at St George's Park as part of the Professional Footballers' Association Gamechanger Performance program, helping him make strides towards fitness. – CMC
Windies Women Anxious Start Preparation Following Negative COVID-19 Testing West Indies Women were awaiting the results of COVID-19 tests after arriving in London on Monday for their five-match Twenty20 International series against England bowling off later next month. The touring party, comprising 18 players and a 12-member management unit, were all tested prior to departing the Caribbean and once the second tests are also negative, will begin their preparation in a bio-secure “bubble” identical to the setup that obtained for the recent men's tour.
“[The hotel] is well thought out [and] well laid out. We had a briefing around the protocols and so on,” head coach Andre Coley said following the side's arrival. “We had our first COVID tests so we're awaiting the results of those as well as issuing some equipment and gear, and we'll start our recovery from tomorrow. “The players are in good spirits, everybody is fine—management staff as well. We're looking to get ready to get on the park.” West Indies will take on England behind
closed doors in the series which runs from September 21 to 30 at the Incora County Ground in Derby, England, and which replaces scheduled tours by South Africa and India. The series takes place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and signals the return of women's cricket to the international schedule since all cricket was suspended globally last March due to the outbreak. The United Kingdom has been hard hit by COVID-19 with 336,000 cases and 41,500 deaths, but the country has slowly begun to
reopen following months of lockdown. For West Indies, the series will be the first bilateral fixture in nearly a year, following their series against India in the Caribbean last November. West Indies will be led by regular captain Stafanie Taylor but will miss veteran offspinner and vice-captain Anisa Mohammed after the Trinidadian opted out due to COVID19 concerns. – CMC
C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 3 – SEPT 9, 2020 A D V E R T I S E M E N T