Caribbean National Weekly September 9, 2021

THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM

CDC Warns Against Travel to Jamaica With the third wave of COVID-19 causing a breakdown of the Jamaica's healthcare sector, United States' top public health agency, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned Americans not to travel to the island.

Jamaica, which has a population of roughly 3 million people, had over 20,000 cases for the month of August - close to 700 cases per 100,000 residents. In the first five days of September, the country had over 3,500 new cases compared to 3,081 for the entire month of July.

The country has also been in a series of curfews since late August with "no-movement" days in hopes of slowing the virus' spread.

But despite the warning, the Ministry of Tourism said they are not panicking.

“We are joining roughly 80 other countries including many of our Caribbean neighbors. We have been here before and Americans still come. Our Resilient Corridor remains very safe. Hopefully, once we get a hold of our [COVID-19] numbers, we will be better categorized like

Cuba Becomes First Country to Vaccinate Toddlers Against COVID-19 “Jamaica Way” Unveiled – Street Named in Honor of Jamaicans in Paterson, NJ

By Sheri-Kae McLeod

Jamaica is now among the highest-risk COVID-19 destinations in the world for travelers, according to the CDC's travel advisories list, which was updated on September 7th. Also on the high-risk list is Sri Lanka and the nation of Brunei on the island of Borneo.

With the new “Level 4: Covid-19 Very High” notice, the CDC stated, “avoid travel to Jamaica. If you must travel to Jamaica, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.” Level 4 is the highest COVID-19 ranking.

The CDC categorizes countries on the Level 4 list of they have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days.

TOP STORIES

Trinidad Praises Africa for Support to CARICOM During COVID

Vaccinating Toddlers Cuba Becomes First Country to Vaccinate Toddlers Against COVID-19 Cuba has become the first country in the world to administer COVID-19 vaccines to toddlers, using locally-made vaccines.

On Monday, the island began vaccinating children as young as two years old, as it aims to reopen schools that have been closed for the most part since March 2020.

Haiti Pledges to Crack Down on Gangs, Fight Rise in Crime

The new school year started on Monday, but classes are being broadcasted via local television stations, as most Cuban homes do not have internet access.

According to Cuban health officials, children aged two to 18 will receive either the Soberana 02 or the Abdala vaccine, created

by Cuban scientists.

Three locally developed vaccines, Soberana 02, Soberana Plus and Abdala, have finished their trial periods and have been approved for use by Cuba's Center for State Control for Drugs, Equipment, and Medical Devices (CECMED). The Soberana 02 and Abdala vaccines have been approved for emergency use for minors.

Although the vaccines show an efficacy rate of more than 90%, they have not yet been approved by the World Health Organization, the UN agency which spearheads the fight against international public health crises. continues on B4 – Vaccinating Toddlers

continues on B4 – Travel to Jamaica

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

Biden Nominates Jamaican-American as US Attorney in Manhattan A3

Haiti Pledges to Crack Down on Gangs, Fight Rise in Crime A7

Christopher Martin Receives Billboard Plaque For Reggae Album 'And Then' B3

Simmons Hits Form; TKR's Top Four Hopes Revived C1

Antigua PM Says Government Now Has “Difculty” Paying Salaries Grenada Gov’t May Convert Second Biggest Hospital to “COVID Hospital” No Glory for Hammers Star Michail Antonio as Reggae Boyz Thrashed

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 9 – SEPT 15, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

PAGE A2 Ladies looking all regal.

There Vice-Mayor Denise D. Grant (center), is presented with the Covid-19 Resiliency Award. The award was presented by Co-Host Jackie Vernon-Thompson (R). On hand for this award is Teshanne Phillip (L). Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

A endees at the People Profile 2021 Awards held in Sunrise recently. Photo Credit Luke Ballen ne

Jamaica's Consul General (c) Took a moment for a photos with (r) Joma McLeod and Delicia Burk. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne.

Charisma c carpet look. Award winner, Marty Kiar and wife poses for Pictures just before the start of the annual event. Photo credit: Luke Ballen ne.

Elcis was in the house! David Romero. Did a really good job subbing for Elvis. Did sang a few songs that had the crow rocking. Photo credit: Luke Ballen ne .

Well known men in the community: (r) Chester Bishop presences the Most Inspira onal Award to Emmy Award winning news personality Jawan Strader.

Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne.

Parent of The Year Winner (r) Tamica Quarrie and Trica Foster poses with the baby who almost stole the show with her unforge able stage entrance.

Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne.

City of Lauderhill Assistant chief of Police, Timothy Belcher, Sr. (r) and Kiwanis President, Barry Harris (L) were on hand to present the Community Leadership Award to Mr. Jason Jenkins (c). Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne.

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NEWSMAKER

Veronica Campbell-Brown Wins Lifetime Achievement Award 100m, 60m and 4x100m, and covered eleven recognized track meets from the junior level to the Olympics. At the Olympics Veronica took home three gold, three silver and two bronze between 2000 and 2016. Her World Championship achievements included eleven medals outdoor and two 60m indoor golds.

Her personal best of 10.76 in the 100m was the leading time in the world in 2011 and placed her at number 11 on list of fastest women ever. In the 200m she achieved a best time of 21.74.

Veronica is only the second woman to ever win back-to-back 200m Olympic titles. She did it at the Athens and Beijing games before her compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah joined the class at the Tokyo Olympics last month. She is also the first Jamaican to win a global 100m title, first female to win the 100m and 200m at the same World Junior Championships (1999), the first Caribbean female athlete to win a global title (200m), and in 2007 became the first Jamaican to win a global title in the 100m.

By Patrick Green

Triple Olympic gold medalist and one of Jamaica’s most successful athlete, Veronica Campbell-Brown, has gotten one more award to add to her large collection. This time it is the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from People Profile.

“Being here tonight as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is as good as gold,” was how a beaming Veronica Campbell Brown viewed her latest accolade, after being recognized last Saturday Later, she told Caribbean National Weekly that she was “very happy to be among the great awardees who have been recognized over the years,” and was “very humbled and grateful.”

The award is presented to persons with at least 10 years of documented accomplishments in their chosen field. It is considered the pinnacle award by the People Profile organization.

Founder of the awards, Dr Allan Cunningham said that “Veronica as a retired and highly successful athlete was the most fitting choice. The entire board of the People Profile Organization felt that awarding her was the best decision,” he said.

One of the most decorated and respected track and field athlete in the world, Campbell Brown retired from track and field in June, and is now concentrating on her sportswear business and her 2 ½ year old daughter.

Veronica’s Illustrious Career During her 21-year illustrious career, she won 48 medals including 29 gold, 16 silver and three bronze. Her main disciplines were 200m,

The Early Days The Jamaican government honored Veronica with a statue at the national stadium in 2018, ten years aer bestowing on her the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD). Veronica was Jamaica’s Sports Woman of the year in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and was awarded the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in 2012.

Born in Clarks Town, Trelawny less than 30 minutes from the birthplace of Usain Bolt, Veronica attended Vere Technical high school, one of the most successful in Jamaica’s high school track and field championships. Recalling her early days of track and field at the award ceremony, Campbell Brown shared how she embraced her gift of speed, even when she did not have the proper shoes or spikes. “I compete barefooted because I knew that track and field, the gift that God gave me, was an opportunity to rise from my humble beginnings,” she said.

She won a scholarship to Barton County Community College in Kansas, where her 100m and 200m records still stands. She was inducted into Barton’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

But it was at University of Kansas that the petite 5ft 5 inches athlete really made her mark.

One of the fastest to ever compete at the NCAA level, she was a four-time All American, representing the Razorback. Her indoor time of 22.43 in the 200m is the current third-fastest ever for division 1 in the NCAA. Campbell Brown was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 because of her outstanding contribution to its success.

Lance Harter, her coach at Arkansas said: “To be able to compete at an Olympics is the pinnacle of our sport. To be able to do it repetitively, especially when you were the No. 1 sprinter in the world like Veronica was for a long time, is an incredible achievement.” He continued, “Veronica probably single-handedly put us on the map as far as becoming a program for sprinters. I think we were stereotyped as a program that was heavy in the distances and the field events. Veronica immediately brought us legitimacy and world stature in the sprints.”

Awards and Accolades In 2009 Veronica was also selected as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO. In December 2015 she was honored by the New York based Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc because she “consistently brought glory to Jamaica.” The Jamaican government honored Veronica with a statue at the national stadium in 2018, ten years after bestowing on her the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD). Veronica was Jamaica’s Sports Woman of the year in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and was awarded the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in 2012.

Retirement from track and field however, does not mean relaxation for Veronica. She is putting her marketing degree from University of Arkansas to use, in her women sports clothing business. She admitted that she has her hands full especially with her daughter and family.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 9 – SEPT 15, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CARIBBEAN

Grenada Declares No Movement Days as COVID Cases Surge Last Friday, the Grenada government declared no movement days as well as a daily curfew for the next 14 days as the island seeks to deal with an upsurge in COVID-19 cases that has killed 11 people in the last two weeks.

“Tonight, I extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. I pray that the Lord strengthens you in your time of grief,” Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell said in a radio and television broadcast.

Mitchell said effective Saturday, the curfew shall be in force daily from 7.00 pm to 5.00 am (local time) and that from Friday, September 10 to Monday, September 13 as well as September 17 to September 20.

“During these no-movement days, the Ministry

of Health will facilitate greater access to testing and vaccination within communities. No movement will be permitted, except for purposes of testing and vaccination.”

Mitchell also announced that there would be no inter-island travel between Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique during the curfew period.

“Anyone permitted through exemption to travel between the islands must take a Rapid Antigen test before departure,” Mitchell said, adding that the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the commercial ports of entry will remain open.

He said the government is continuing to examine the entry protocols relative to the quarantine period “but it must be appreciated that any decision taken will require advanced notice to travel stakeholders and holiday seekers.

“This we will give in due course,” he said.

Mitchell described the situation as “dire” and that 'clearly it cannot be business as usual”.

He said while there will be continuity of operation in some sectors, including the public service and state-owned enterprises, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail grocery stores, banking and transportation “it has become necessary to implement closures in non-essential sectors to help limit the movement of people and to curb the spread of the virus”.

He said that the closures will include daycare centres, saloons, barbershops, gyms and other indoor entertainment facilities.

Schools will offer virtual classes only and Mitchell said that the St. George's University “will only continue operations with strict adherence to the protocols that all other entities that continue to exist would have to live with” He said medical practitioners, dentists, veterinarians accountants, lawyers and insurance companies will be allowed to operate only by appointments and that pharmacies and hardware continues on B4 – No Movement Days

JAMAICA

Face-to-Face Classes On Hold in Jamaica

By Sheri-Kae McLeod The new school term began in Jamaica on September 6, but face-to-face classes are on hold until high schools achieve herd immunity.

Over 40,000 eligible Jamaican children have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 since the country received that brand of vaccine in August.

The government is inoculating children over the age of 12 to facilitate in-person classes this year.

Speaking at a recent townhall meeting with parents, Minister of Education, Fayval Williams said each high school will have to achieve a vaccination rate of 65 percent before they can begin face-to-face classes.

“While we continue to provide access to education for all our students, face-to-face engage-

ment will only be possible if our students 12 years old and older are vaccinated. Students in secondary schools will therefore return to face-to-face once their school achieves 65% vaccination rate or higher,” said Williams.

“The modalities previously established will therefore continue until schools' population data are assessed for the vaccination rate and permission given by the Ministry of Health and Wellness for face-to-face,” the minister added.

Over 60 percent of the country's public school educators have already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But Minister Williams said that she wants all other school staff to take the shot to protect themselves and the children.

“Administrators, teachers and ancillary staff in the public education sector who will be working in

the school environment with our early childhood/infant and primary-level children are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. At this time, the vaccine is not available for our children who are less than 12 years old. As such, we have a collective responsibility to ourselves and our children to steadfastly continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols (handwashing and/or sanitisation, social distancing, and wearing of masks), with the added layer of protection afforded from being vaccinated,” the minister said.

During the week of September 20 and onwards, the Ministry says an assessment will be done with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine a feasible date for the start of face-to-face learning. For now, classes will be delivered online, and through local TV and radio stations.

Guyana Residents Must Be Vaccinated to Enter Public Buildings The government of Guyana has expanded its vaccination requirements for government buildings, to now include all public buildings inclusive of privately-owned ones and institutions of learning.

According to the amendment, issued less than a week after the guidelines were revealed, “any person who wishes to enter a public building shall be vaccinated”.

It further explained that in the absence of being vaccinated against COVID19, a person would have to make an appointment to visit that public building and present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to gain access.

The regulation defines a public building as “any building to which the public has lawful access and shall include both publicly and privately owned buildings including all institutions of learning”.

It also states that any employee who wishes to enter a public building, continues on A6 Guyana Residents

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Talk Up!

TALKUP

Do you think it's right for businesses like gyms and restaurants to require proof of vaccination to enter?

Florida schools, businesses and local government agencies will be fined $5,000 starting September 16, if they asks for vaccination proof. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that banned vaccine passports this year. In cities like New York and San Francisco, residents are not allowed to enter businesses like gyms and restaurants without showing proof of vaccination. However, DeSantis says he finds a vaccine mandate for businesses offensive. We asked some of our readers if they think a vaccine policy for private establishments is the right thing to do. Here are the responses:

Krystle- Bronx, NY If they are non essential activities like entertainment, they should require vaccine OR test results. Some people can't medically take it. Otherwise, it's for the safety of other guests and the staff who don't have a choice but to show up in person for work and be exposed.

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Fred- Sunrise, FL I personally believe it's not right to coerce people into getting the vaccine just because they want “vaccination proof” to enter certain places. The vaccine doesn't stop anyone from catching COVID19 so showing proof of vaccination doesn't make a huge difference. Yes, it may save some lives but being vaccinated doesn't affect others. Also, if we don't have the right to ask someone their sexual orientation, why are businesses asking regarding vaccination documents.

Liam- West Palm Beach, FL I think it is considering the times we live in. It serves a greater purpose to reduce the spread. So we all can hurry and get back to normal. The same things happened with Polio and all other serious pandemics that have ever existed. Everyone takes vaccines on a regular basis for many other things.

Why should this be any different?

Marisa- Ft. Lauderdale, FL No. Not everyone should be involved in ones beliefs nor judge anyone who has not decided to take the vaccine. Businesses will lose monetary based on those decisions. If they start to require proof several customers will look for other places of business that offer that same service and go else where. Being told to check for vaccination documents resembles like checking for proper green cards making people feel alienated.

Janita Martin, Coral Springs.

I believe businesses that involve hands on services such as a gym or massage parlor, or beauty salons should require patrons to show proof of vaccination prior to service. However, businesses like restaurants should exercise social distancing and could operate safely with non vaccinated customers.

Lisa Seepersad, Miramar Yes I believe gyms and restaurants should have the right to require proof of vaccination to use their services. While I understand getting vaccinated is a personal choice, so is choosing where you eat and workout. I would personally feel a little safer in knowing that the people around me in these establishments are vaccinated.

Kristina Crawford, Tampa I think it should be a requirement for businesses to require proof of vaccination to enter their location.

Just like some places require ID or shoes and shirts or having to take off sunglasses and hats in financial institutions to enter. I think for public safety it needs to be mandatory. We don't allow hospital workers to work without up to date vaccines because of the inherent public risk it would pose.

A5

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 9 – SEPT 15, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

EDITORIAL

Is CARICOM Biting off More than it can Chew?

The first ever Africa-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit ended on Tuesday September 7th, and there is no doubt that the leaders who spoke, share a common desire to unite Africa and the CARICOM nations with more than the history they share.

Born out of discussions, deliberations, and diplomatic visits by leaders from both regions since 2018, the summit should have taken place last year but had to be shelved because of covid. The anticipation and expected outcome then were to officialize the union between the regions, create economic trade and investment opportunities, and collaborate on important global issues such as climate change, debt relief and issues that pose existential threats to its people.

There is no doubt that opportunities exist within such a union. Even before the virtual meeting kicked off, there was evidence of benefits to the Caribbean people. The African Union invited CARICOM to be part of the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) for the procurement of well-needed covid vaccines. A total of 1.7 million doses of the vaccines was committed from Africa. The first batch of 800,000 was delivered in July with another 400,000 in August and the rest is due in September.

Co-chair of the summit, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya did a fabulous job in outlining the framework of how nations of the two regions could benefit. He stated that the aim of the deliberation was to “confront the challenges that face us, strengthen cultural and historic ties, [as well as] build social, economic and political linkages that promote shared prosperity and progress for all of us.”

Kenyatta listed the blue economy, climate change, health, debt sustainability, and technology as areas of opportunities to achieve the goals of the two regions.

Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Gaston Brown of Antigua and Barbuda, minced no words in holding the European and North American

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EDITORIAL countries responsible, for the “trap of underdevelopment” in Africa and the Caribbean. This he said was achieved through the control of the global financial, and economic trading systems.

70 percent of Europe and 60 percent of North America were fully vaccinated, yet only three percent of Africa got the vaccine, he contended. This he pointed out was a pattern of inequity which was “obvious in its ugliness and prevalence.”

Mr. Brown told the meeting that “we have it within our power, to demand change in the international system and to fight for it, and to make it happen. But only if we act harmoniously. We are a population of approximately 1.4 billion people, with great natural and wealth-creating resources including oil, gas, agriculture, minerals, forestry, tourism, fisheries and much more.

We are the suppliers of vital commodities to the global community, and a strong market for the goods and services of Europe and North America.

Additionally, together we have the voting power of 69 nations in the United Nations and all its subsidiary organizations, including the World Trade Organization. We have global bargaining power.

But only if use it effectively.”

There was also talk about unrestricted travel, free trade, reparation, support for lifting of sanctions against, Cuba, enhanced debt relief, climate change, science, research, and sustainable development.

While there is no doubt that great success can come from the collaboration of CARICOM and our brothers and sisters in the east, we are left to wonder if our leaders in the Caribbean are biting off more than they can chew or just trying to be “Jack of all trades but success at few.”

For 63 years now, the leaders of the Caribbean have been trying to integrate its people, economically, politically, and socially. We have 45 million people in the Caribbean and twenty states in CARICOM. We have gone through the West Indies Federation, CARIFTA and now CARICOM is the change agent. The integration envisioned by our past leaders to provide economic strength for our people, and relief from existential threats is still a work in progress. It is not impossible to achieve the agenda of the African/CARICOM leaders, but do you think it would be more valuable to the Caribbean people, if we fix our house first and see the success, before trying to build another community?

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la section haitienne

Haiti Pledges to Crack Down on Gangs, Fight Rise in Crime Haiti's government warned Monday about a spike in kidnappings and other crimes as it pledged to fight gangs, drawing retorts from two crime bosses that any crackdown will bring greater violence aimed at police in the already unstable country.

Ariel Henry, who was installed as prime minister of Haiti weeks after President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated at his home in early July, said one of his priorities is to make Haiti safer.

“The current situation of insecurity in the country must be addressed, as it is of great concern,” he said at a news conference where the chief of Haiti's National Police, Léon Charles, provided details of what authorities have done and plan to do.

Saying police have identified all gangs and

the zones they control, Charles said officials launched an operation Friday against a gang called “Spitfire” whose leader was killed.

“All criminals who try to scare the population will suffer the same fate,” he said, noting the gang recently killed five police officers and attacked two police stations in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

“We cannot leave the door open to criminals who, for too long already, have been damaging society,” Charles said.

The announcement comes amid an increase in daily reports of gunfire and killings in Port-au-Prince just weeks after some gangs declared a truce and offered to help those affected by a magnitude-7.2 earthquake on Aug. 14 that struck Haiti's southwestern region, killing more than 2,240 people and destroying

tens of thousands of homes.

Charles said police are investigating recent incidents including a drive-by shooting Sunday night that killed several people in the Delmas neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

Shortly after the news conference, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders, former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, who goes by the name of “Barbecue,” criticized Charles' pledge to crack down on gangs.

“The police live in poverty, and Léon Charles wants to send them to the butcher's shop,” Cherizier said in a short video released to journalists. As he spoke he cradled an assault rifle while sitting in front of 30 similar weapons hanging behind him.

Cherizier saluted the police officers that he said have joined his gang as he demanded better living conditions and improved schools and hospitals so Haiti's next generations don't have to turn to crime.

He addressed the police chief at the end of his video: “Arm yourself with courage and attack us!”

Another gang leader also released a video shared with journalists saying police have been harassing him ever since he killed a fellow gang member. The leader of the gang called “400 Mawozo,” which roughly translated means 400 lame men, said he isn't looking to go to war with police but warned authorities he is ready to fight. - AP

Haiti Ends Search and Rescue Operation after Earthquake Haiti ended the search and rescue operations more than three weeks after a powerful earthquake struck the southern part of the country, killing more than 2,200 people and 300 others missing and now feared dead.

The country was rocked by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 on August 14.

The Technical Directorate of the National Emergency Operations Center (COUN) announced the end of the search and rescue mission for survivors on September 3.

The mission had been concentrated mainly in the three departments of the Great South (South, Nippes and Grand'Anse).

The COUN said that since the quake struck, several rescue teams have been in the field rescuing people from the rubble as well as those trapped in the mountains of the Massif de la Hotte following landslides.

The estimated 154 rescuers including 27 women, were joined by international rescue groups from the United States, Colombia; France, Brazil; United Kingdom, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

“We will publish the final report of this work based on the data collected, processed and analyzed with the support of OCHA,” said COUN technical director, Jerry Chandler.

Last week, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, speaking at the launch of the National Workshop on Post-Earthquake Damage Assessment (PDNA), reiterated his call for the local authorities to act quickly in providing assistance to those affected by the quake.

“We have an obligation of results and the government does not intend to let this reconstruction opportunity pass. I place the recovery and reconstruction under the sign of planning, therefore, of the vision of the future. I take this opportunity to review the 2010 development strategy,” he said.

He said this is an opportunity for the government to rebuild the affected departments, according to the principles of planning and sustainable development.

“Reconstruction is multidimensional and complex. Hence the need for an integrated approach, anchored in the overall vision of development. This reconstruction cannot be done without a real recovery and reconstruction plan. It must be based on an assessment of the real needs of the affected regions. I reaffirm my determination to endow the Government with a public policy plan for the benefit of the affected populations,” he added. CMC

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 9 – SEPT 15, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

COMMUNITY

Florida Businesses to be Fined for Requiring Proof of Vaccination Florida schools, governments and businesses will have to pay hefty fines if they require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

While cities like New York and San Francisco have begun requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to go to establishments like restaurants and gyms, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis says he is completely against any kind of vaccine policy.

The Governor, who says he is fully vaccinated, said that he would find it offensive if he was asked for proof of vaccination to enter a business.

“One, I'm vaccinated, I am

offended that someone would make me show something just to go to a restaurant or just to live life,” DeSantis said during a recent news

conference in Pensacola.

“My view is we got to protect people's ability to live their lives. I don't want a biomedical security state

Street in Miramar Renamed After the Late Congressman Alcee Hastings

On September 5th, what would have been his 85th birthday, the city of Miramar honored the late U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, with the unveiling of “Alcee L. Hastings Avenue”.

The corner of SW 62nd Avenue and SW 33rd Street was renamed after Congressman Hastings, who was a longtime resident of the city of Miramar.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several Caribbean-American elected officials including Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, who put forward the resolution to the city earlier this year.

“It is great to finally be able to pay tribute to him for his contributions to our great city with a street renaming in his honor,” Commissioner Davis said.

“September 5th also happens to be the late Congressman's birthday so we will have a cake to celebrate this momentous occasion alongside members of his family and the community. I brought forth the Street Renaming Resolution to the City Commission and I am very pleased that on March 3, 2021 it was adopted and so we are now able to show our respects in this way to our beloved Congressman.”

Congressman Hastings represented Florida's 20th District, which included parts of Miramar, up until his death on April 6, 2021. In June this year, a portion of Northwest Sixth Court, between Lauderhill and Fort Lauderdale, was also renamed Alcee Hastings Street.

in which are constantly having to do this just to be able to live everyday life.”

Back in May, the Governor signed an executive order banning any kind of vaccine passport in the state.

DeSantis said that he thinks that vaccine mandates would do more harm than good and said that he does not want two classes of residents living in Florida.

“I also don't want two classes of citizens,” he said. “We have some people in our communities who just made the decision this is something that they're not going to do. So what?

You're going to write them out of society?”

“There's a lot of people who've already recovered from COVID who

do have immunity,” DeSantis said. “(You're) actually saying me with the Johnson and Johnson shot can go in, but someone who's recovered from COVID and probably has stronger immunity, they can't go in? I'm sorry that is anti-science.”

Governor DeSantis said that while he is happy that Florida residents are getting vaccinates, he noted that COVID-19 is still spreading even among the vaccinated population thus a vaccine mandate would be an ineffective policy.

He also announced that as of September 16th, the state will issue $5,000 fines to businesses, schools, and governments that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Florida Governor Appeals Ruling on Masks in Schools Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appealed a judge's ruling that the governor exceeded his authority by ordering school boards not to impose strict mask requirements on students to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The governor's lawyers took their case to the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee. DeSantis wants the appeals court to reverse a recent decision by Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper, which essentially gave Florida's 67 school boards the power to impose a student mask mandate without parental consent. Cooper's ruling was automatically stayed by the appeal.

DeSantis, a Republican, said at a news conference last week that he is confident the state will win on appeal by linking the mask mandate order to the Parents Bill of Rights law. That law, the governor said, reserves for parents the authority to oversee their children's education and health.

Cooper found, however, that the Bill of Rights law exempts government actions that are needed to protect public health and are reasonable and limited in scope — such as masking students to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

“It doesn't require that a mask mandate must include a parental opt-out at all,” Cooper said in an oral ruling on August 27.

DeSantis and state education officials have threatened to impose financial penalties on school boards that adopt a mask requirement without a provision allowing parents to opt out.

So far, they have moved to withhold salaries for school board members in Alachua and Broward counties. Those are two of the 13 school boards representing over half of Florida's 2.8 million students that have voted for mask mandates in defiance of the governor's order.

“Ultimately, we are just trying to stand with the parents,” DeSantis said. “We think it's important that they are given the ability to opt out.”

In his ruling, Cooper agreed with a group of parents who claimed in a lawsuit that DeSantis' order is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The issue has triggered intense and divisive school board meetings around the state, pitting parents who say masks are essential for children's safety against those who call orders to wear them government overreach.

DeSantis has dismissed the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people wear masks. In particular, he contends that masks are less essential for young people and carry some risks of their own for children.

But Cooper said the state's medical experts who testified during the trial that masking is ineffective in preventing COVID-19′s spread are in a distinct minority among doctors and scientists. He also said that while DeSantis frequently states that a Brown University study concluded masks are ineffective, the study's authors wrote that no such conclusion should be drawn.

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B3

ENTERTAINMENT

Christopher Martin Receives Billboard Plaque For Reggae Album 'And Then'

By Ramona Samuels

Reggae hitmaker, Christopher Martin recently received a Billboard plaque for his 2019 album And Then, which went number one on the Reggae Albums Chart shortly after its release.

In an Instagram post made on Saturday, the proud singer carefully unwrapped the plaque to show off the major milestone achieved in his career.

“It's a good feeling”, he said as the big plaque bearing his name was unveiled.

The post's caption read, “remember up a country when mi did a climb tree, now I am climbing charts.

God good eh.This one is for all of those who have been with me from the jump. Couldn't have done it without you all. Love unuh from mi heart.

The Big Yard artiste's sophomore album was released in May 2019 and debuted at the top of the charts, before plummeting to number twenty two. It skyrocketed again to number two in the same month.

The album's fifteen tracks include Life, Come Back, Bun Fi Bun, Can't Dweet Again, I'm About It, To Be With You, Still Got Feeling , Is It Love, True Love, Happy You're Mine, Mirror Mirror, Don't Tell, Tears In Her Eyes, I'm Tired and I Do It All. The album's producers are Robert Livingston, Llamar Brown, Kingyard Productions, Frenchie, White Gad Productions and Jordan McClure.

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Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival 2021 Postponed Due to COVID Concerns South Florida's annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has postponed its 2021 staging due to COVID-19 concerns in the state.

The festival was slated for November 14 in Miramar. But in a statement released on Thursday, the organizers say it is in the best interest of everyone involved to postpone the event due to the current COVID-19 conditions in Florida.

“The health and safety of the community is our top priority”, stated Abdul Muhsin, Chairman of the Festival's Board of Directors.

“Current conditions are not conducive for us to deliver a safe and pleasant patron experience, that meets our quality standards with confidence. As a good corporate citizen, we could not, in fair conscience, stage the event and place the health of our patrons, staff and sponsors at risk.”

The festival will be rescheduled, for a date in 2022, which will be announced, as soon as, the team is confident that conditions are favorable for staging a safe and enjoyable festival.

Alternately, for 2021, the management team is currently looking into hosting smallscale events that capture the spirit of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Updates will be provided through the media as well as on the festival's website (www.jerkfestival.com) and social media channels, as they become available.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, SEPT 9 – SEPT 15, 2021 | CNWNETWORK.COM

CONTINUATIONS

Vaccinating Toddlers The program to vaccinate children began last Friday, with kids 12 and older receiving the Abdala vaccine.

Cuba plans to reopen schools gradually in October, once all children are vaccinated.

Several countries have announced plans to vaccinate younger children but have not yet done so due to the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.

Earlier this year, China announced the emergency use of its Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines for children over 3 years. The United Arab Emirates soon followed suit with the approval of the Sinopharm vaccine for children. Chile has also approved the Chinese Sinovac vaccines for children between six and 12.

Cuba is also planning to reopen its borders to international passengers starting November 15, the island's Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) announced.

“The Caribbean nation will relax COVID-19 hygiene and sanitary protocols

Guyana Residents from A4

which would include their place of work, must also be vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test result for entry.

Bases on the regulations covering both public and private buildings, it would cover markets and supermarkets, stores, private hospitals, and all private businesses and institutions including places of worship that the public would have access to.

And with the updated regulations covering institutions of learning, it would mean that unvaccinated teachers, staff and students of both public and private schools will now have to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to attend classes in school.

The previous regulations only covered government ministries and departments and agencies.

The updated guidelines are much broader and cover almost all sectors in Guyana, both public and privately owned.

Meanwhile, the government has received lots of pushback for its policy which covered only the government buildings. So far, several protests have been held across the country.

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for incoming travelers,” the ministry said, adding new measures that will focus on monitoring symptomatic patients and temperature checks.

Cuba will no longer demand a PCR test upon arrival and COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued abroad will be accepted by customs authorities.

Additionally, the domestic tourism market will gradually reopen depending on the evolution of the pandemic in each region.

The decision to spur international tourism was made because “more than 90% of the country's population is expected to be fully vaccinated by November,” the ministry said. According to Reuters, about 67% of the island is currently vaccinated.

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No Movement Days stores will remain open “only for pickup and delivery services during the period.

“All social activities, sporting events and weddings have been suspended also. Funerals are permitted but are restricted to one hour between the 9.00 am to noon.

Beach access is limited to five to 10 am daily,” Mitchell said, adding that the government's debushing programme that brought relief to many people have been suspended as a result of the new measures.

Mitchell told the nation that the COVID-19 situation in Grenada has deteriorated rapidly and daily statistics from the Ministry of Health show that “we have moved from the occasional

Travel to Jamaica

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before,” said Delano Seiveright, senior advisor in Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism.

For members of the diaspora living in South Florida, CDC's warning will not be much of a deterrent, compared to the stricter measures which include three days of lockdown from late August until September 14th.

“The CDC telling people don't go to Jamaica doesn't really have an impact on me. I would still go if there wasn't any lockdown. That's really what is keeping me from traveling. To go to Jamaica now for a week and have to stay inside for three days doesn't make much sense right now,” said Daniel Walters, a JamaicanAmerican living in Lauderdale Lakes.

But United States isn't the only country that has advised against travel to Jamaica.

Last week, the Foreign Office (FCDO) warned UK travelers not to travel to Jamaica due to a rise in COVID19 cases. The FCDO updated its guidance last Saturday to advise against all non-essential travel to Jamaica. As a result, TUI, one of UK's largest tour operators, canceled all flights to the island until September 11.

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identification of positive cases to daily additions of new cases, sometimes in excess of 100 per day.

He said he was pleased with the announcement by the religious community to resort to virtual services for the next two weeks.

“We welcome this initiative and ongoing collaboration with critical stakeholders. I express gratitude too, to members of the business community and the trade union movement who have been engaged this week in consultation with the Government, examining strategic moves to deal with this crisis.”

But he noted that although the island's borders will remain open, the current rate of infections could

negatively impact travellers wishing to visit Grenada, which is now on the United Kingdom's green watch list, “meaning that we are at risk of being moved to the amber list which stipulates quarantine measures for their returning nationals”.

He said this would be a deterrent to leisure travel that will affect visitor arrivals and further impact the hospitality sector.

“Additionally, Grenada could lose its coveted Level 1 rating by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.”

But he maintained that the population has the power to stop COVID-19.

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C1

SPORTS CRICKET / CPLT20

Simmons Hits Form; TKR's Top Four Hopes Revived Lendl Simmons returned to form with a half-century marking Trinbago Knight Riders' return to winning ways, as they brushed aside a scrappy Jamaica Tallawahs by seven wickets on Sunday.

Having scraped only 46 runs in his five previous innings, the experienced opener turned the page on that poor run of form with a bold 70 off 45 deliveries with five fours and sixes, to lead a successful chase of 145 at Warner Park with 17 balls remaining.

Colin Munro weighed in with a run-a-ball 34 as TKR won their third in six outings to move to third in the standings on six points, but alongside fourth-placed Guyana Amazon Warriors on points.

“I'm pleased with the two points. It is something that we spoke about, how important this game was for us to get two points,” said TKR skipper Kieron Pollard.

“It has been sort of a hot-cold kind of season. We have been lost, win, lost, win, lost, win so hopefully we can strive for some consistency going forward.”

For Tallawahs, the defeat was their third in five games, leaving them one from the bottom on four points, only above the abject Barbados Royals on two points.

Sent in, they slumped to 15 for five at the end of the sixth over and needed Carlos Brathwaite's 58 off 40 balls and Imad Wasim's 42 off 38 deliveries, to get up to a competitive total of 144 for seven off their 20 overs.

“I don't think it was a 15 for five wicket. I think Trinidad bowled good and we played some bad shots in the power-play and I think

Simmons

that brought us our downfall,” lamented Tallawahs captain Rovman Powell.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (2-12) shared the new ball with fast bowler Ravi Rampaul (2-26) and together they wrecked the Tallawahs top order.

Brathwaite countered with seven fours and a couple of sixes while Imad struck three fours and two fours, the pair posting a critical 83 for the sixth wicket.

When Imad fell in the 17th over, Brathwaite added a further 40 for the seventh wicket with Andre Russell who belted an eight-ball unbeaten 20.

In reply, Sunil Narine fell cheaply for nine

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in the second over with the score on 11 but Simmons and Munro put on 102 for the second wicket to put the run chase safely back on course.

Munro hit two fours and a six before perishing in the 14th over while Simmons, dropped on 17 and 32, reached his fifty in the 13th over with the second of two successive sixes off speedster Fidel Edwards, before falling in the 15th over.

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Jamaican Olympian Nesta Carter Announces Retirement Jamaica's London Olympics relay gold medallist Nesta Carter has retired from track and field.

In a statement released last week, the 35year-old sprinter said he could not compete up to his standard in the sport.

“Now at the age of 35, I am no longer able to give of my best as an athlete to the sport that I know and love. As a result and for other reasons, I am announcing my retirement from Track and Field as an athlete,” Carter said.

He said he has been hampered by an injury that has prevented him from competing since March. Furthermore, he said that while he was prescribed medication to correct the problem, the medication breaches existing anti-doping rules.

Carter said he had to make a choice between athletics and his health.

“My ultimate decision to retire from athletics was also precipitated by a private medical condition, which has been getting worse. This condition has hindered me from training and competing since March 2021. A medication prescribed by my doctor to address this medical issue breaches existing anti-doping rules. As such, I had to make a choice between my health and athletics, and I chose my health.”

Nesta Carter retires with a personal best in the 100m of 9.78 seconds, the eighth fastest time in history. He won Olympic gold as a member of the Jamaica 4x100m relay team that set the world record at the 2012 London Olympic Games. He also won three World Championships gold medals as part of the Jamaica 4x100m relay team in 2011, 2013, and 2015.

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C3

SPORTS CRICKET SOCCER

Bravo hails Rutherford Among Region’s Best but Says Management Critical Veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo believes Sherfane Rutherford can be a precious asset to West Indies cricket and has urged authorities not to allow the dashing left-hander to become lost to the region.

The 23-year-old Rutherford played the last of his six Twenty20 Internationals 20 months ago but has not found himself in the selection frame since, with West Indies currently preparing to defend their title at the T20 World Cup in October.

With the Guyanese hitting two halfcenturies in his first three innings of the ongoing Caribbean Premier League for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, however, Bravo said the player needed to be carefully managed so the region could benefit from his talents.

“Sherfane is up there with (Nicholas) Pooran and Hetty (Shimron Hetmyer) and these guys so we can’t afford to lose him,” said Bravo, who is leading Patriots for the first time this season.

“He’s somebody that’s very [important]. I asked him what number he wanted to bat [in the last game] and he said number five but the way the game progressed, it gave him the opportunity to go in there and play [with] his natural ability.”

Rutherford slammed an unbeaten 58 off 34 deliveries last Sunday as Patriots defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets to remain the only unbeaten side in the campaign.

His knock followed on the heels of 53 in Patriots’ opener last week in a 21-run win over Barbados Royals.

On both occasions, Rutherford shared vital partnerships with Bravo, putting on 115 for the fifth wicket against Royals and 72 for the fourth wicket against Amazon Warriors.

Rutherford

While Rutherford’s four innings in T20 Internationals have yielded only 43 runs, he has been busy plying his trade in various franchise leagues across the globe.

And Bravo, one of the finest ever T20 allrounders with 6 498 runs and 533 wickets from 493 games, said providing the right environment for players like Rutherford was critical.

“He has all the talent, it’s just to make sure we guide these youngsters properly and give them confidence,” Bravo explained. “There’s not much more I can do [other] than give them opportunities and confidence.”

Left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes has also shown great signs of improvement under Bravo’s leadership in the tournament, the 23year-old taking five wickets at 14 runs apiece

and an economy rate of just under six, to lead the attack.

And Bravo stressed both Drakes and Rutherford were responding well to advice and the culture inside the Patriots camp.

“I’m just talking to them trying to guide them. These guys have a lot of talent,” Bravo pointed out.

“I played with Sherfane in T10, I saw what he did for Guyana a few years ago.

“It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to play with Drakes but he played for Queen’s Park a few years ago.

“It’s just about guidance, encouraging them, getting them to believe, giving them opportunities – that’s what it’s all about.”

Jamaica Defender Bryan moves to West Brom Free agent Kean Bryan, a former Sheffield United defender with Reggae Boyz eligibility, has joined English Championship club West Bromwich Albion on a two-year deal after it was confirmed that Dara O’Shea will be out for four to six months with a fractured ankle.

O’Shea limped out of the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 defeat by Portugal and faces surgery.

Manchester-born Bryan, 24, left Sheffield United – nicknamed the Blades – at the end of last season after turning down a new contract.

He said in a post on his social media site after penning his new deal: “All in God’s timing … excited for the next step in my career. Let’s go [West Brom].”

Manager Valerien Ismael told the Baggies website: “It is sad news for us [about O’Shea].

“I have been very impressed with Dara since I arrived here … fortunately, the club reacted very quickly to the injury and we have signed Kean Bryan to strengthen our defensive options during Dara’s injury and beyond.”

The Baggies are short of numbers in central defence after Matt Clarke also picked up an injury.

Ismael told the club’s website that Bryan “is a very aggressive, fast centreback, who is good in the build-up”.

Bryan began his career at Manchester City at the age of 11, and went on to captain the club’s development squad, where he was converted from a box-to-box midfielder into a centre-back. In 2017-18 he was voted Oldham Athletic’s young player of the season.

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