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CARIBBEAN ChristmasIN has THEcome early for the Caribbean Diaspora this year, and come January 21, 2021, the Caribbean presence in the White House and the new Joseph Biden administration will increase significantly... HOUSE Page 3

A Christmas Win For Dreamers … Page 4

These Caribbean Farm Workers Are Stuck In the Cold This Holiday (Noah Berger, AFP/Getty) … Page 6 INSIDE News...... 2 Arts/Entertainment ...... 11 FYI/Local...... 14 Feature...... 7 Health...... 12 Sports ...... 16 Viewpoint ...... 9 Food ...... 13 Spring Education ...... 17

READ CARIBBEAN TODAY ONLINE AT CARIBBEANTODAY.COM 2 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years NEWS Regional Caribbean News Round Up Here’s a synopsis of all the major has extended an invite to all Brazil) the potential for a great Caribbean news from the region the former heads of state to a oil basin and we’re barred. At you can use: meeting to discuss Guyana’s the same time, Guyana is taking future development. Ali said advantage of the situation,” Jamaica the meeting is scheduled to take Roberto Castello Branco said. One of the 13 prisoners place on December 15, 2020. “(Guyana) attracts us. For deported from the UK last week “I think it is an opportunity now, we’re continuing to invest to Jamaica has tested positive for us to continue to share ideas, in Brazil, but it’s possible we go for COVID-19, the Jamaican generate ideas, talk about how over there as well, preferring that government has confirmed. we see Guyana’s development to generating value, generating The man is being held in and to work out a model and a jobs in a very poor region of isolation at a hospital in the framework on how we engage Brazil,” he added. capital, Kingston. He had been in on the future and how we have detention in the UK for almost a continuous contribution,” Ali Trinidad & Tobago month before his deportation. said. A High Court judge has The flight has led to The other former heads dismissed an application accusations by members of the of states are the current Vice that would have stopped the The 13 Jamaicans were deported amid protests in the UK to stop the charters. Windrush generation of deeply President Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald deportation of an 11-year-old Massive protests had taken place in February before the pandemic. (Photo: insulting behavior from the Ramotar, Samuel Hinds, all of Venezuelan girl, chiding her Shabbir Lakha) home secretary, Priti Patel. Many whom are members of the ruling mother for the “brazen and bold The child was part of a pick up in tourism in 2022. concerns were raised about the People’ Progressive Party/Civic disregard” for Trinidad and group of 26 who returned to the Foreign reserves reached a COVID risk of chartering a flight (PPP/C) and David Granger of Tobago’s immigration laws. twin island Republic illegally record level of US$2.3 billion in to Jamaica during the pandemic. the main opposition coalition, Justice Frank Seepersad in a on November 24th, two days October and should remain well The deportation came amid A Partership for National Unity written judgement late last week after they were escorted out of above the minimum suggested a strong campaign from public (APNU). that the application by the child’s Trinidad and Tobago’s waters by threshold of three months of figures, including Jamaican The news comes as Brazil’s mother was void of evidence that the Coast Guard. imports over the medium-term. roots model Naomi Campbell, Petrobras says it may expand she or her daughter were facing and legal attempts to stop the its operations into neighboring persecution in Venezuela, or that Haiti Antigua & Barbuda controversial flight. Guyana, if the regulatory others like them had benefited The U.S. Securities and The Antigua-based regional The chartered flight with environment does not improve in from a policy for refugees and Exchange Commission has airline, LIAT, has suspended all male deportees arrived at the Brazil. asylum-seekers. charged Anson Jean-Pierre, services to two of its previously Norman Manley International During the biennial Rio The child’s mother lives president and CEO of Miami- announced destinations while Airport shortly after 7 a.m. Oil & Gas conference, the in Trinidad and Tobago and based Brothers Investment it awaits the approval from on Wednesday Dec. 2, 2020. company’s CEO said onerous has United Nations High Group, with misusing nearly the relevant authorities in However, 37 others were given a environmental licensing Commission for Refugee $300,000 in funds raised from Barbados and St. Vincent and last-minute legal reprieve. requirements in Brazil were (UNHCR) asylum-seeker status about 200 investors, most of the Grenadines, two former Guyana pushing the oil firm to consider but does not have a ministerial them Haitian-Americans. shareholder governments of the Guyana President Dr. Guyana. permit under government’s Between August 2017 and financially-strapped airline. Mohamed Irfaan Ali says he “We have (in northern amnesty program. November 2018, Jean-Pierre LIAT, which is now under solicited investors through his administration, had late last company, Brothers Investment month announced the resumption Group International, according to of flights five days a week to the SEC complaint filed in U.S. seven destinations across its District Court for the Southern network. District of Florida in Miami on The seven destinations are: Nov. 24. The Hialeah man, 58, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, raised $794,000 from mostly Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Haitian-American investors. and St. Vincent and LIAT said However, about $294,000 of that the limited schedule of the funds went to finance Jean- flights will return connectivity Pierre’s lifestyle, the complaint to these destinations which said. were impacted by the airline’s According to the complaint, suspension of commercial Jean-Pierre urged investors to services in March due to invest in “membership interests” financial problems and the in his company, telling them coronavirus (COVID-19) Brothers Investment Group pandemic that forced many would use the funds to oversee Caribbean countries to shut development projects in Haiti, down their borders. and that their funds would be invested “at a profit.” The Grenada projects included potential real Grenada says it will estate, agricultural, e-commerce place a temporary ban on the and banking projects. importation of poultry products from the United Kingdom as this The Bahamas week. The International Monetary The Ministry of Agriculture, Fund (IMF) says The Bahamas Lands & Forestry said that faces long-standing structural the ban is due to an ongoing Compassionate. impediments, and that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic A holiday spirit that lives all year long. This year, we’re extra grateful for the gifts coronavirus (COVID-19) Avian Influenza (HPAI), we have. The gifts of health, kindness, and compassion. And at Jackson, our greatest pandemic has brought them to commonly known as Bird Flu, in gift is the ability to bring our patients back to health. Our care team’s compassion the fore. the European country. Real GDP is projected to “The ban on hatching eggs, keeps our patients merry and bright through the holidays and beyond. Wishing you a decline by 16.2 per cent in 2020, feathers, fresh poultry, chilled healthy holiday season, from our Jackson family to yours. followed by a modest rebound poultry meat and frozen poultry of two per cent in 2021, and meat, would remain in effect Call 305-585-4JMG for a Jackson specialist near you. to converge back to its pre- until a satisfactory Animal pandemic level only by 2024. Health report is issued from the The current account balance U.K,” the statement said. is projected at a deficit of 17.4 per cent of GDP in 2020 and Rewritten and Compiled From will improve only gradually, CMC And Reuters News consistent with the projected Y

BSP Job #: JHSA-20-C110_Holiday_CaribbeanToday_Affinity_DEC Client: JHS-Affinity 11:10AM 11.25.20 GU Description: 1/3 PG Trim: 6" x 7" Color: 4c Date: November 25, 2020 11:10 AM Mech Person: GU Issue: DEC Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 3 NEWS Caribbean In The House A Much-Needed Christmas And New Year Gift For The Caribbean Diaspora Strawn LLP. She is a graduate administration. And the third Caribbean of Harvard University, the Currently, she serves immigrant named was University of Cambridge and as a trustee for New York- nominated to a top cabinet post. Columbia Law School and Presbyterian Hospital and for He is Cuban-born Alejandro previously served as U.S. Columbia University, and she’s Mayorkas, who came to the US ambassador to Uruguay and as on the Board of Directors of with his parents and sister in the deputy assistant secretary of the Lawyers’ Committee for late 1960 as refugees, following state for the western hemisphere Civil Rights Under the Law and the Cuban Revolution. He was in the U.S. Department of the Truman National Security (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) State under the Obama-Biden Project. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Christmas came early for the Caribbean Diaspora this year in the form of a change of administration in the US, following voting last month by many Caribbean Americans in key states across the country. And come January 21, 2021, the Caribbean presence in the White House and the new Joseph Biden administration will increase significantly, with not just the first Caribbean American US Vice-President, but also three Caribbean-born appointed staff members. Martinique-born, Haitian roots political campaign organizer, activist, political commentator, author, and lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University, Karine Jean Pierre, will be the principal deputy press secretary. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ community who previously served as the chief public affairs officer for MoveOn.org,.Jean Pierre served as the chief of staff to then Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Senator Kamala Harris, whose roots also extend to the Caribbean through her Jamaican father. The 43-year-old tweeted: I am profoundly honored to be the Principal Deputy Press Secretary for @JoeBiden. I am especially thrilled to work alongside @ jrpsaki whose leadership and stellar instincts will ensure we are positioned to effectively communicate the Biden-Harris agenda to all Americans.” Jean Pierre was raised in Queens, New York by Haitian Florida’s energy future is on the horizon. And we will never stop immigrant parents and received her MPA from the School of moving toward it. We simply envision continuing to deliver energy International and Public Affairs, that’s not just the most reliable, or the cleanest, but also the most Columbia University in 2003. She later joined the affordable. That’s America’s best energy value working for you Columbia University faculty in 2014, where she he is a lecturer and for Florida. in international and public affairs. Jean-Pierre lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her partner, CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, and their daughter. The second Caribbean immigrant named to the Biden team is the Dominican Republic- born immigrant, Julissa Reynoso Pantaleon, has been named the FPL.com/Value Chief-of-Staff to Dr. Jill Biden. This advertising is paid for by FPL shareholders, not our customers. Pantaleon is a partner at the law firm Winston and 4 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years NEWS Dreamers Scores Another Win Against Donald Trump Dreamers have again scored a win over the Donald Trump’s administration as a Brooklyn judge ordered the U.S. government to reopen to first-time applicants to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created by President Barack Obama in 2012. The program, that protects many hundreds of thousands of immigrants who live in the United States unlawfully after arriving as children from deportation, was ended by Advocates for immigrants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, rally in Trump in 2017. front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 15, 2020. GETTY Image But the courts have ruled for the program DACA would last for two years by executive action, bypassing and kept it alive in a constant rather than one. Garaufis found Congress. Obama created DACA stinging rebuke to the in November that acting DHS after Congress failed to pass Trump administration’s anti- Secretary Chad Wolf had been bipartisan legislation to overhaul immigration agenda. Even the unlawfully appointed to his post, U.S. immigration policy. Supreme Court decided that meaning he did not have the DACA recipients often are the administration’s attempt to authority to issue the July DACA called “Dreamers” based on the end DACA was “arbitrary and memorandum. name of legislation considered capricious” and violated federal Following the ruling then, but never passed in Congress. law. Wolf in July issued a memo Democratic President-elect U.S. District Judge Nicholas that continued to block new Joe Biden, who takes office Garaufis on Dec. 4, 2020, applications to the program on Jan. 20, 2021, has said he directed the US’ Department while he subjected it to a “full plans to revitalize DACA in of Homeland Security to post reconsideration.” The memo the first 100 days and send a a public notice “displayed also limited employment comprehensive immigration prominently” on its websites authorization to one year and reform bill that includes by this week, announcing that curtailed recipients’ ability to legalization for undocumented it is accepting new DACA travel outside the United States. immigrant living in the US, to applications. Trump’s administration has Congress. The judge also ordered consistently argued that Obama that the notice make clear that exceeded his constitutional (Rewritten from Reuters) employment authorization under powers when he created DACA Y Caribbean In The House (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3) Secretary and oversee the Caribbean American Heritage protection of all Americans Month, to the ability for 1-year-old at the time. and those who flee persecution Caribbean nationals to write in If confirmed by the U.S. in search of a better life for their ancestry and nationality of Senate, Mayorkas would become themselves and their loved US Census forms to the first US the first Caribbean-born, the ones.” VP of Caribbean heritage and first Latino and first foreign- Of course, President-elect several Caribbean immigrants in born leader of the sprawling Biden will be aided by the US’ the White House. department, created in the first Black and female Vice- As the goal post shift, can aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, President, Kamala Harris, whose we dare imagine the possibility attacks on the United States. father, Donald Harris, like that the first woman President “When I was very young, America’s Greatest immigrant of the United Sates could very the United States provided and US founding father, well also be the first Caribbean my family and me a place Alexander Hamilton, came to American US President? of refuge,” Mayorkas wrote America from the Caribbean as a on Twitter following the young man, plowing the path for News Americas Now.com announcement. “Now, I have Harris all these years later. contributed to this story been nominated to be the DHS From slavery to 2020. From Y Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 5 NEWS Good News For The Caribbean On The Georgia Continues Investigation HIV/AIDS Front Of Bermudian Shot By Cops rose to 63 percent in 2019 in The Georgia Bureau the Caribbean, compared to 22 of Investigations says percent in 2010. it is still investigating The percentage of women a fatal shooting with HIV who are getting involving a Fayette lifelong antiretroviral treatment, County Sheriff’s which decreases the risk of deputy and a black their children being infected, man and national of rose to 86 percent in 2019 in Bermuda. the Caribbean, compared to 42 The shooting percent in 2010, PAHO said. happened on Sunday, It also said that the Nov. 29, 2020 outside percentage of children with HIV the home of Alonzo who are receiving antiretroviral Landy in Fayetteville, AIDS-related deaths as well as HIV, which are known as PrEP treatment rose from 42 percent Georgia. Landy is HIV infections are on the decline (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and in 2017 in the Caribbean to 44 the latest black man in the Caribbean, The Pan PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). percent in 2019. killed by police in American Health Organization PAHO attributed the decline the US in the era of (PAHO) said on World AIDS to an increase in testing and COVID-19 AND HIV Black Lives Matter. Day, Dec. 1, 2020. improvement in delivery of TESTING Landy, a veteran, Bermuda National Alonzo Landy This as the organization lifelong antiretroviral treatment. But PAHO said that it reportedly called Office deputy returned fire, said about 330,000 people in the PAHO said the decline in has evidence that, since the 911 advising that he Caribbean are living with HIV. testing means that people with pandemic struck, the number of was telling people to get out striking Landy multiple times. PAHO says annual deaths undiagnosed HIV are unaware people being tested for HIV in of his head and was shooting Landy was transported by EMS from AIDS-related illnesses of their situation and not both the Caribbean and Latin rabbits. During the phone call, to Piedmont Fayette Hospital declined by 37 per cent from getting lifesaving antiretroviral America has dropped. 911 dispatch heard numerous where he was pronounced 2010 through 2019 or from about treatment, potentially exposing In the first six months of gunshots, and then Landy dead. 11,000 in 2010 to 6,900 in 2019 others to HIV transmission. 2020, PAHO said there were advised he was barricaded in His father, Arnold Landy, in Caribbean countries. In another sign of long-term about 4,000 fewer diagnoses of his house. a former tv cameraman in New yearly infections from progress in the Caribbean, PAHO HIV in eight Caribbean and Latin Deputies went to his Bermuda. He told ZBM TV the HIV virus also dropped by 29 said the percentage of children American nations – Dominican home just after 3 p.m. and that his son was a veteran who percent or from about 18,000 in born to mothers with HIV who Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, they began a negotiation. But had been left “changed” by his 2010 to 13,000 in 2019. are infected with the virus Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Peru at approximately 5:12 p.m., war experiences. The decline in infections declined to 12 percent in 2019 and St. Lucia – than there were Landy reportedly exited his resulted from various preventive from 22 percent in 2010. in the first six months of 2019. residence and began firing an NewsAmericasNow.com measures, including use of The percentage of assault rifle at the deputies. Y NewsAmericasNow.com medications taken before and people with HIV who receive A Fayette County Sheriff’s after contact with someone with antiretroviral treatment also Y 6 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years NEWS House Votes For Decriminalization But Real Change Hinges On Georgia Elections The U.S. House of The congressman said the regulated, including its Representatives voted on Friday MORE Act would decriminalize reclassification out of the most to decriminalize marijuana at the marijuana at the federal level dangerous category of drugs. federal level, but the legislation by removing the substance from Currently, the UN said more hinges on if Democrats can the Controlled Substances Act, than 50 countries have adopted take control of the Senate next apply this retroactively to prior medicinal cannabis programs, month. and pending convictions and while Canada, Uruguay and It was the first time either enable states to set their own 15 US states have legalized its chamber of Congress has policies. recreational use, with Mexico voted to end the federal ban The passage of the MORE and Luxembourg close to on marijuana since the drug Act came two days after the becoming the third and fourth was listed as a “controlled United Nations Commission on countries to do so. substance” in 1970. But is not Narcotic Drugs (CND) took a expected to advance further as number of decisions, leading to Rewritten from Reuters & long as the Senate remains in changes in the way marijuana CMC Republican hands. (cannabis) is internationally- Y A Democratic Congressman, whose district in Representatives on Friday, Dec. Richard Nixon. Under that Brooklyn and Queens in New 4, 2020. statute, marijuana is in the same York represents a significant In a 228-164 vote, the category as heroin and LSD. Stuck In The Cold This Christmas number of Caribbean nationals, US House of Representatives Jeffries said marijuana strongly supported passage of approved the MORE Act that prohibition laws result in over the measure in the US House of would end the US federal 600,000 arrests each year, with Representatives decriminalizing prohibition and criminalization 90 percent of those arrests for marijuana. of marijuana by removing simple possession. Congressman Hakeem it from the Controlled The congressman said Jeffries, chairman of the Substances Act and facilitate Blacks are four times more House Democratic Caucus, the expungement of low-level likely to be arrested for whose 8th Congressional federal marijuana convictions, marijuana charges than white District represents parts of as well as incentivizing state Americans, despite using Brooklyn and Queens, said he and local governments to do the marijuana at comparable rates. strongly supported passage on same. In 2019, over 2.3 million of H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Jeffries noted that the Americans were incarcerated, Opportunity Reinvestment and current federal prohibition on one in five of them for non- Expungement (MORE) Act marijuana is codified in federal violent drug possession, Jeffries of 2020 in the US House of law signed by former President said.

Farm workers on a Canadian farm. (Stock image) More than 100 farm workers month, there is no guarantee from Trinidad and Tobago they will be with their families could be stuck in cold Canada on Christmas Day. this Christmas because of Anthony is grateful his COVID-19. employer is letting workers stay Canada’s rising COVID-19 on the farm for free. But he is numbers have Trinidadian frustrated that he’s shelling out authorities reluctant to issue for a parka and winter boots. travel exemptions for seasonal “You’re supposed to take workers looking to fly back care of your family,” he said. home for Christmas this holiday, “(But) you need to live, so you leaving them stuck in cold end up spending the money you Norfolk County, Ontario. worked for,” he added. “Everybody is complaining The local health unit and to the minister of security FARMS - the federal agency right now, because people’s in charge of the farm worker contracts are done and they program - are now trying to find can’t go home,” Anthony, a farm answers for the stranded workers worker in Norfolk who only and their employers. wanted his first name used, told Trinidad’s point person the Hamilton Spectator. “The for farm workers in Canada is problem, really and truly, is Eric Poliah from the country’s back in Trinidad, since Canada labor ministry who referred is willing to allow us to go back all questions to Trinidad’s home.” permanent secretary of labor, Being in limbo is tough, Natalie Willis. especially for workers like The labor ministry did not David, who faces the prospect respond to interview requests of being away from his young from J.P. Antonacci, Local children over the holidays. Journalism Initiative Reporter of “The experience over here The Hamilton Spectator. would be nice, but the experience Now several workers would’ve been nice if it is with told The Spectator they would family. I want to spend time with welcome donations of grocery my kids on Christmas,” David, gift cards to help tide them over who landed in Canada in January this holiday as they hunker down to start an eight-month contract, in the cold. Interested community told the paper. “And we’re still members can mail gift cards or here. When you call the family send e-transfers to victoria@ and tell them you can’t come, it’s schuylerfarms.ca for the depressing.” Trinidadian workers of the farm. Returnees from a high- risk country like Canada must Rewritten from The Hamilton quarantine in a hotel for seven Spectator days, even if the workers are Y allowed to leave later this Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 7 NEWS A Caribbean Institution Whose Time Has Come BY DAWN A. DAVIS and advancement of arts, now housed in the museum culture, history and educational came from many sources, The first of its kind in the initiatives that represent the mostly from the principles world, Island SPACE Caribbean Caribbean region. putting out a call for cultural Heritage Museum, opened in And Muir wants to make Caribbean items. Much of the South Florida at the Westfield it abundantly clear that this collection has been donated, Broward Mall to enthusiastic museum is not about Jamaica. some permanently, while others supporters. It is Caribbean, he insists, and are on long-term loan. Island SPACE has also reached out to several museums and institutions across the region including Cuba, the eastern Caribbean islands, as well as those CARICOM Music related artifacts. countries in South even Panama, for example,” culture, we want to showcase America such Muir stressed. “This is not an our indigenous people, what as Guyana and English-speaking museum; this happened under colonialism, Suriname. The is for all of the us. The goal is how we survived slavery, what directors are eager the unification of all the people it was like to be emancipated, to to fill the space from the Caribbean to come go through independence. We with all Caribbean together and to celebrate our have a shared history.” ‘voices.’ heritage, our culture as one.” “This belongs “Importantly,” he added. Island SPACE Caribbean to everyone “Island SPACE Caribbean Heritage Museum officially who is from Heritage Museum is not an art opens in January 2021. the Caribbean, museum, it’s a heritage museum Y Culinary artifacts. including Guyana, where we want to show our Belize and But, with the global shines a light on cultural pandemic shaping our lives, contributions from the many are asking why now? But Spanish, Dutch, French, perhaps the question should be and English-speaking why not now? islands of the region. In a conversation with This project was Co-Founder, David Muir, he also conceptualized and spoke about the genesis, the concretized by a team imaginings and reimagining of of co-founders, among the institute, that passion and them Calibe Thompson, love of one’s heritage birthed. its executive director, “We were doing Taste and Lloyd Stanbury, the Islands Experience, our its Vice President, with annual food festival, and as a support from directors way to build more activities representing wide-ranging for the guests, we added a expertise. culinary museum as part of our offering,” he explained, “That ARTIFACTS led quickly to Eddy Edwards Noted Caribbean inviting us to the Jamaican cultural figure, Mrs. Jerk Festival. Then we took it Norma Darby, Founder on a mini-tour and it did well. and Past President of the Securing several grants, we Louise Bennett-Coverley were able to add programming Heritage Council, lauded that involved taking the culinary the creatives behind museum on tour throughout this venture for their Broward County, and the invaluable contribution to response and support was really uplifting a people. phenomenal.” “Island SPACE Knowing that funding was Caribbean Heritage key to growing the concept, Museum adds another the team formed a non-profit dimension,” said Darby. company last year. Hence, “The artifacts and Island SPACE was born, the exhibits, the lifestyles acronym meaning: Island of an era (are) not only Society for the Promotion of encompassing and artfully Artistic and Cultural Education. showcasing the culture, Truly an institution with aims lifestyle, and history of to feature activities and events the entire Caribbean, that represent all islands of the but the similarities/ Caribbean region. commonalities in their Muir, whose role is roots and traditions, and president, explained that the of course, the undeniable umbrella institute was created Asian and African to activate several initiatives, influence.” with the Caribbean heritage Some of the artifacts museum being just one of them. on display were part of Specifically, Island SPACE is the culinary museum dedicated to the development initiative. Other items 8 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years NEWS An Early Christmas Gift For Undocumented Caribbean Immigrants In NY New York Attorney General or district, court decision that court to dismiss Letitia James has won a dismissed a lawsuit brought by challenges court appeal protecting New York’s Erie County Clerk, brought seeking undocumented Caribbean and Michael Kearns, that would to enjoin the law,” other immigrants’ ability to have blocked the law, known James said. “This legally obtain driver’s licenses as the Green Light Law, from law provides in the state. taking effect last year. protections to all The US Court of Appeals “The Green Light law is New Yorkers by for the Second Circuit in New legal and enforceable, and the making our roads York last week upheld a lower, decision marks the third federal safer, growing our economy, and allowing immigrants to Iowa Police Department Warns come out of the shadows to sign Of Caribbean Scam Callers up as legal drivers in our state.” A Police Department in the 641-780. Last November, state of Iowa has put out an It also advised residents US District official notice to residents about not to answer the calls or Judge Elizabeth scam calls, after they received return calls to the numbers and Wolford granted a complaints from more than 50 “to never give out personal motion by James people saying they received information over the phone and to dismiss the regardless of their citizenship undocumented Caribbean and as many as 60 calls from the always verify the identity of lawsuit, which was the subject or lawful status in the United other immigrants must pass a Caribbean. anyone requesting money or gift of the appeal. States,” the site states. knowledge test to get a driver The Pella Police cards be purchased to settle a Additionally, last Under the Driver’s License permit and then pass a road test Department is investigating a debt or assist a loved one.” December, James won dismissal Access and Privacy Act, DMV before getting a driver’s license. string of robocalls that they say “There have been some of a separate lawsuit brought by said driver license applicants bombarded hundreds of central reports in the past of when New York’s Rensselaer County who have never been issued - Edited From CMC Iowans this week. The calls you call back that number that Clerk Frank Merola, who also a Social Security Number are Y started Tuesday afternoon, Pella does create a fee for that long- sought to block the Green Light eligible to apply. police and the Iowa Attorney distance number that people law from taking effect. “You must sign an Affidavit General’s Office said. have been hit with on their bill. The New York State (sworn statement) of never The department said on its So again, don’t call them back, Department of Motor Vehicles having been issued a Social Facebook page that the ongoing and never give out any personal (DMV) noted on its website that Security Number when you scam of phone calls are from information to unsolicited the Driver’s License Access and apply for a standard driver Street Address: Barbados, Jamaica, and other calls,” Pella police Cpt. Paul Privacy Act, commonly called license,” the NY DMV sites areas in the Caribbean. Haase said. the “Green Light law,” was says, adding that all applicants 9020 SW 152nd Street They said no specific cell Some citizens in Des Moines enacted on June 17 last year. for a standard driver license Miami, FL 33157 phone carrier were specifically also reportedly received “It allows all New Yorkers must show a combination of Tel: (305) 238-2868 targeted, but they said a upwards of 30 calls as well. age 16 and older to apply for documents that prove their (305) 253-6029 significant amount of the people a standard, not for federal name, date of birth and New Fax: (305) 252-7843 who received the calls had (NewsAmericasNow.com) purpose, non-commercial York State residency. Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 phone numbers beginning with driver license or learner permit In addition, the DMV said Y 1-800-605-7516 www.caribbeantoday.com Send ads to: This Caribbean Island Names First Poet Laurate [email protected] The British Virgin Islands has plays and films to be appointed its first ever Poet performed and screened Vol. 32, Number 1 • DEC. 2020 Laurate - award winning poet right here in this Dr. Richard Georges. auditorium.” A Poet Laureate is the The newly PETER A WEBLEY official poet ambassador of the appointed Poet Laureate Publisher territory and is selected from also pledged to conduct amongst the territory’s most and facilitate workshops MARILYN CHIN accomplished poets and must for residents in poetry, Account Executive serve for three years. fiction and non-fiction, “While this is a great by collaborating personal milestone, I believe with notable writers LORNA ASENCOR what is more important is what throughout the Accounting Manager portends for the undreamt Caribbean diaspora. future, that we are beginning to Meanwhile, BVI SABRINA MOSS acknowledge the position and Minister for Education, Graphic Design importance of the arts in the Dr Natalio Wheatley, development of the society,” said the award is a Opinions expressed by editors said Georges who was speaking recognition of the and writers are not necessarily during a recent ceremony. “It central role that culture those of thepublisher. Caribbean must be stated that the role of a plays in shaping the Today, an independent news­ poet laureate is not a symbolic identity and the destiny ­ magazine, is published every one, that it questions not so of the citizens. month by Caribbean Publishing much the merit of the individual H. Lavity Stoutt Community College President Dr. Richard Georges has been appointed the He said it is fitting & Services, Inc. Caribbean who receives the award, but Virgin Islands’ first poet laureate. Dr Georges, who is an Today is not responsible for more so their capability in necessary mechanisms in place in artists through commissions internationally acclaimed unsolicited manuscripts or fulfilling the functions that are to propel literary arts in the BVI. of art, literature, murals, statues. poet, is the first recipient of photos. To guarantee return, before them.” He also briefly outlined To work towards the creation of the award after significantly please include a self-addressed some of the goals he intends to a national museum and gallery, Georges, who is also the contributing to literary arts in the stamped envelope. Articles President of the H. Lavity Stoutt achieve during his three-year with significant art work to territory for years. appearing in Caribbean Today Community College, urged the tenure. be exhibited to residents and may not be reproduced without government and the Department “I also admonish you to tourists and to encourage and Rewritten From CMC of Culture to continue to put the continue to develop and invest facilitate the production of Y written permission of the editor. Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 9 VIEWPOINT Donald Trump Has Turned America’s The DNA Of A Black Woman BY CHUCK RICHARDSON chose to disregard Democracy Into A S…Hole my history of service to my BY FELICIA J. PERSAUD So much for “US There is something magical country, and more Democracy,” as many globally about a fearless, intelligent, incorruptible black woman. A directly, to the In January 2018, it was first are starting to see, and as woman willing to sacrifice and African-Americans reported by the Washington Trump tries like a strong-arm face any obstacle she must for a in Richmond. Rev. Post that Donald Trump had dictator the US loves to eschew, greater cause than herself. Black Goshen stood with reportedly referred to Haiti, El to upend the Nov. 3, 2020 women have been, and continue the same solidarity Salvador and African nations as election results by claiming to be, the crucible of fortitude. and courage that “S….Hole countries,” during a falsely he won; spreading lies Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, defined her fore meeting with a bipartisan group of “legal versus illegal” votes, Mary McLeod Bethune, Fannie mothers, “Don’t of senators at the White House. and sowing doubts around an Lou Hamer and thousands beside abandon the Fast track that to Nov. institution that has long been them have been the bedrock of bridge that brung 2020, where the beacon many aspire to. African American progress. you ‘cross!” she the world now Amazingly, many I realized in my late twenties demanded. My has a front Republican lawmakers, several that if you want to get it done spirit rose to the row seat to of whom also turn up their – you better have black women ceiling. the S….Hole noses at so-called “Third involved. That was when I, in “Don’t that Trump World” nations and their 1977, ran for and won a seat abandon the (l-r) Kamala Harris, Valerie Richardson Jackson and has turned elections by issuing statements on the first majority Black city bridge that brung Stacey Abrams America and threats under the guise of council in Richmond, Va. It you ‘cross.” It and its upholding democracy in the enables me.” was the determination of Black has indeed been a bridge, one “democracy” world, are now silent. The nation has recently women, some more than twice more river to cross for Black into. FELICIA J. Even the OAS, which come to know two more amazing my age, that made the history Americans. Two-hundred fifty For PERSAUD has marched around the Black women: Democratic possible. years of slavery and Jim Crow decades, Americas as the democracy activist, Stacey Abrams, and When those Black women seems to have developed a the United police, criticizing countries in Sen. Kamala Harris; now Vice spoke, weathered by storms certain ‘DNA’ in Black women. States of America has flown the region for their election President-elect. Stacey Abrams of racism, deprivation and Because, to watch as your its big banner of “democracy” processes, is now also mute. showed her ability early, in front personal abuses, it changed the child is torn away, or your around the world, slamming Why? Because the Big Fat of the very Atlanta City Hall that atmosphere. man absolutely emasculated many developing nations White Bully has the pulpit and Maynard occupied. A crowd of timid, doubtful and denied any dignity, to and dictators who try to steal his attempts to turn America She led a large group of or unfocused lambs became have your body raped and to elections and hold on to power. into a Banana Republic, by university students calling on ferocious lions. People today endure a brutalized life of labor, In 2017, the Trump repressing black and immigrant the mayor to address student might speak of my legacy of something had to evolve in the administration turned its votes, are not nearly as issues. Maynard was impressed achievements in Richmond, but ‘DNA’ of Black women. attention to reversing Barack repulsive as black and brown and invited her to meet with they don’t know the source of A new measure of courage, Obama’s policies on Cuba, wanna-be dictators in so-called him. Afterward, he gave Ms. my confidence. I can’t recall the strength, dignity and faith saved reverting to old, failed US Third World nations. Especially Abrams her first job in politics. number of times strong black them; the crucible of fortitude. policies of “upholding since he is merely fighting for The rest is history: a heroic race women lifted me and forged new They marched on and we march democracy,” to satisfy a Miami- White Superiority for governor of Georgia, and a inspiration. on today. America is more Cuban base, still angry over Much like he did to voter registration movement that From the late seventies to divided perhaps since slavery losing power in Cuba decades Atlantic City, Donald Trump is unprecedented, and driving the the early nineties, I won nine itself. But Black women have earlier. has managed to do on a bigger numbers to heights heretofore consecutive re-elections. Any our backs, still enduring, fighting In 2018, the attention scale to America – tanking the unseen - a democratic movement success reached by fighting the good fight. was put on “democracy” economy, killing thousands, that has already become a model the good fight, including Women like my own sister, in Venezuela and the ripping the mask off from the for the nation. my relentless efforts over Valerie Richardson Jackson, the administration of President hypocrisy banner of so-called Valerie has always been a two decades to remove the former first lady of Atlanta, who Nicholas Maduro, as the Trump democracy, turning it into strong supporter of both Stacey Confederate monuments on persevered with myself as one of administration recognized Juan a global laughing stock and Abrams and Kamala Harris. Monument Ave, were only the first students integrating our Guaido instead as the legitimate S-Hole and ensuring forever Three friends, three Black possible because of the victories high school. Becoming one of president, placed sanctions on that America’s credibility to women, three lessons we should won for me by these women. the first black women to attend the South American nation, wave the flag of democracy to take from them – and history. Black men in my campaigns the Wharton School of Business crippling its economy, and used other nations globally is forever With a Black woman becoming were strong and forceful, the ( now led by a black woman ), the Organization of American tattered. Make America Great vice-president, we should keep physical image the organization working and paying her way States, (OAS), in its campaign Again? Right! in mind what it took, because needed, I don’t deny that. But through, earning her M.B.A. to get rid of Maduro. That President-Elect Joe we will need it going forward: diligence was more often worn She went on to market failed. Biden has called Trump’s patience with diligence, courage by the women. General Foods products and Earlier this year, the brazen attempts to hold on with wisdom, boldness with I remember one election gained a regional role at Trans “democracy” war continued. to power and overturn the conviction. In other words, Black when I needed 20 new people World Airlines corporate In March 2020, the US, will of American voters women. registered as voters in each headquarters in New York. including Secretary of State “embarrassing.” In Europe, precinct. The young volunteers Because a strong, smart black Mike Pompeo, launched a Czech President Milos Zeman, EDITOR’S NOTE: Chuck would bring back three or woman is not to be passed over, five-month campaign in the an early Trump supporter, also Richardson, a former 18- four and a handful of excuses. she won the heart of and married CARICOM South American echoed the same sentiment year veteran of the Richmond But there were elder women, a man who was certainly the nation of Guyana, to ensure when asked recently about City Council, is founder of some who did not walk easily, most consequential politician the A Partnership For National Trump’s refusal to grant Biden the National Organization who would return with the full in the history of Atlanta: Mayor Unity, (APNU) government, and his team access to begin the of Rehabilitated Offenders number. One of them said to a Maynard Jackson. Maynard led by David Granger, did not transition. (NORO). young person, “You don’t win always said of Valerie, “She end up reinstalling itself as the But it is more than Y elections with good excuses – government after losing the “embarrassing;” it is the you need voters!” elections. beginning of the end of Women like Bessie Jones, In September, the US America as “the beacon of Elaine Dunn or Luetta B. turned its attention to Belarus, democracy,” and the rapid Wooldridge, who were managers joining European allies to press decline of the global watch dog and coordinators for my the government for free and fair and democracy arm bearer as campaigns. And they stood with election, after it was apparent it falls rapidly into a dark, fetid me in difficult times when very the incumbent there had rigged abyss, aka S-Hole, thanks to few had the will. the election to hold on to power. Donald J. Trump. Rev. Sarah Goshen, an older Three months later, here we Black woman with a calm but are in the U.S., looking like the The writer is publisher of convincing demeanor, stood same term Trump used in 2018 NewsAmericasNow up in a storm of attacks on my to denigrate countries like Haiti Y character during a controversial and those in Africa and Central and profound personal battle. America. She admonished the men who 10 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years VIEWPOINT True Confession Is it best to confess, tell feel lighter afterwards. Some Jamaican saying: everything, spill the beans, men confess to bartenders, “Is not everything purge yourself of what’s while others seek out good fi eat good fi burdening you, bearing you psychiatrists. Some women talk?” Some things down, sinking you into the may confess to their friends, are best left unsaid. quagmire of guilt? but that can be dangerous as If you It is said that confession people do tend to gossip and truly love your is good for the soul. What is carry your business all over significant other, true, is that certain religions town. shouldn’t you be take confession so seriously Anyway, all that advice able to confess that it’s actually a ritual that about confessing being good any transgressions they go through regularly, as for the soul was from long that you may have they sit in a darkened booth ago. That was then, but I committed? Or across from a priest and really wonder how wise it should you leave confess their sins. is to confess your past to well enough alone? I guess it’s a sort of your current partner in these If you saw the catharsis, an unburdening modern times? wife of your best of your sins that makes you Remember the old friend sneaking around with another man, holding hands and kissing, should you tell him? To add to your dilemma, should you tell your friend that his wife who you saw sneaking into a hotel room with what you now.) But what about that other guy, you also saw, but also the person hearing the dated many years ago? what you did confession? That burden is Now you can see the dangers in the past. often too much to bear. of confessing to not only Sometimes There are women who people do confessed to having secret not take children prior to their confessions marriage but gave them very well TONY up before for adoption. and may ROBINSON After years of torment, even resent they may confess to their the confessor husbands with disastrous for unloading consequences. “Say wha, yu all that disturbing data on breed for anodder man an them. neva tell me? Babes, plus “If you were my true the second and third children friend, you wouldn’t have aren’t yours?” told me all that hurtful Also, there are men who information, especially after sire children out of wedlock all these years,” they might and never confess this fact. say. And yet, on the flip side, I know of wives who have the person may say: “Why walked out upon hearing that did you wait so long to tell confession and I have known me? Thank you anyway.” others who forgave the man Shouldn’t there be a and accepted the reality of statute of limitations on that child. confessions? There was Then there are current this lady who confessed to confessions that people her husband that she had make to each other. “I never an affair fifty years ago, a really enjoyed making love year after they got married. with you, I just tolerated it They man filed for divorce to have children. That’s why immediately. I’ve been sleeping with your There are women who best friend.” choose not to confess their It really is a tough history of transgressions to call, and many sayings their men, for they know about confessions were from experience that a man’s from a nobler time, where fragile ego cannot handle honor, civility, class and certain types of confession. forgiveness were the order How would you feel of the day. if after being married for Nowadays, in this sixteen years, your wife unforgiving world, it may came to you and said: be quite risky to lay true “Honey, I have a confession confession on your spouse. to make, before I met you, I The consequences could be used to sleep with your best dire. man!” Her conscience drove EDITOR’S NOTE: You her to make that confession. can email Tony Robinson (There, I said it, got a load at [email protected] off my chest, I feel better Y Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 11 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Which Caribbean Artiste Will Win The 2021 Grammy? Who will win? Care to take a bet? in the past, was nominated for his Album category while Edwin It’s that time of the year again new album, Upside Down 2020. Bonilla, also of Puerto Rico and several Caribbean singers are Also making the cut from Jamaica and Cuba’s José Alberto “El once more competing for a 2021 is Skip Marley, the grandson of Ruiseñor” were nominated in GRAMMY Award. reggae legend Bob Marley, got the Best Tropical Latin Album Caribbean artists from his first Grammy nomination for category. Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rico his ‘Higher Place;’ the Wailers The 63rd GRAMMY Awards made the cut in the Reggae and for ‘One World,’ and legendary will be broadcast in HDTV and Latin categories. group, Toots and the Maytals Toots & the Maytals are up for a Reggae Grammy after losing their lead singer, 5.1 surround sound on the CBS In the Reggae Grammy for their new album, “Got To Be Toots Hibbert to COVID-19 earlier this year. Television Network, Sunday, Jan. category, Jamaican singer Buju Tough.’ The group lost its lead year to COVID-19. It is the 6th album, ‘It All Comes Back To 31, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. It will Banton, who has won a Grammy singer, Toots Hibbert earlier this nomination for the group, which Love.’ be hosted by comedian Trevor won a Grammy in 2004. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s Noah. Caribbean Born Choreographer Drops British-born reggae singer, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and rounded out the 2021 Reggae Kany García have been nominated NewsAmericasNow.com Lawsuit Against Beyonce And Jay Z Grammy nominations for his new in the Best Latin Pop or Urban Y L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force, was suing This Holiday, You Can Tune In to Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio the Carter’s claiming they Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio his still-growing musical legacy world. Grandson, Skip Marley, approached her back in 2018 to is about to make your holiday including The Wailers, I-Threes, a recent Grammy nominee for record her views on love. She said brighter. Tuff Gong International, the both his debut album and his she was told the audio would only SiriusXM and the family of record label founded by Marley hit collaboration “Slow Down” be used for promotional purposes. Bob Marley last week announced in the 70’s, and his children and with H.E.R., will share some of She had said she signed a contract an exclusive year-round channel grandchildren as they continue to his favorite moments behind the giving them permission to use the dedicated to the legacy of make their own impact on reggae making of his music. audio for those reasons but was Jamaican born reggae legend, and popular music. The channel will also shocked when the minute-long Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley. Additionally, the new channel originate shows from Tuff Gong Jamaican Dr. L’Antoinette Stines recording was used as the intro to ‘Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong will present specialty programs Studios in Jamaica, including and take-overs led by family “Jam-In,” a monthly live music dropped her lawsuit against Jay-Z the Black Effect track. Radio’ launched on December 3rd on SiriusXM channel 19 and members from three generations. session featuring Jamaica’s hottest and Beyonce. Stines’ June lawsuit had said the move left her feeling ‘artistically will feature the cultural icon’s Bob’s daughter, award-winning sound systems and selectors. The A Caribbean-born choreographer entire music catalog, both live entertainer, fashion designer and December edition is headlined raped,” and has sought USD has dropped a copyright and recorded, including rare author Cedella Marley, will host by the legendary Stone Love infringement lawsuit against 150,000 in damages. recordings, some of which have her own monthly radio series, Movement and features popular Beyonce and Jay Z alleging the Stines gave no reason for never been made available to the “Nice Time,” inviting listeners Jamaican comedy duo, Ity & couple used her voice for their voluntarily dismissing her claims public. into her world for an ‘upful bit’ of Fancy Cat. 2018 album track “Black Effect” Monday against the defendants The channel, to be curated conversation, music and niceness. without permission, according to without prejudice - meaning it by the Marley family, will include Friends and family members also For more information on court papers obtained Tuesday. can be refiled. a wide range of Caribbean music reflect on the 40th anniversary Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Jamaican Dr. L’Antoinette from its inception to present day. of the release of Bob Marley’s Radio visit: siriusxm.com/ Stines, founder, artistic director NewsAmericasNow.com Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio classic ballad “Redemption Song” bobmarleytuffgongradio and principal choreographer of Y will also highlight the branches of and its continued impact on the Y DO YOUR PART. 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Free testing is available throughout Miami-Dade County. 12 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years HEALTH COVID-Free Anguilla Is Welcoming Visitors Again BY DAWN A. DAVIS comprehensive. COVID-19, will be given upon experience once they get here.” in place to protect guests and Gumbs-Marie explained, arrival. To defray the costs of the locals, and has been effective. He COVID-free since June 2020, that with guidance from the Pan Once visitors get to Anguilla, multiple COVID tests as well observed that the island is known the British Caribbean island of American Health Organization as they will have limited access to the island’s health surveillance for its repeat visitors and tourism Anguilla has implemented a well as the island’s local health ground transportation, such as program, including track and trace, officials are determined to keep it measured approach to reopening authority, and car rentals, until the traveler has travelers will that way. its borders to visitors in order the addition cleared the stay-in-place order. incur some “For staff in the to keep the island safe from the of psycho- From the port they are taken of the cost. accommodation sector, we have pandemic. social training, by certified ground transportation For visits of 5 seen kids grow up over the years. In a recent virtual press employees to their certified property. They days or less a Clients become family and most conference hosted by CEO & and staff have will be given a PCR test and solo traveler of the staff are looking forward to Director General of the Caribbean gained the will not be allowed to leave the must pay US welcoming their family and friends Hotel and Tourism Association, confidence hotel until a negative PCR test $300 while back home. So when they return, Frank Comito, Anguilla’s tourism necessary is received. However, they can couples must it is now one big virtual hug,” officials outlined the strategies that to deal with experience the restaurants and pay US$500. Herbert beamed. Quincia Gumbs- Kevin Carty have been working for the island. visitors who beaches at the property. Results are A family or In fact, Kevin Carty, President Marie It’s latest Phase 2 opening to may have generally available the day after group will be of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism short-term guests, which began COVID-19. the test is given. charged US $300 for the primary Association (AHTA), says he is in early November, includes a At this point, they will be family member and US$250 for encouraged by the numbers of visitor-friendly initiative within the BUBBLE EXPERIENCE able to move from property to each additional family or group enquiries for the upcoming winter confines of COVID protocols. To enter Anguilla, visitors property and partake in excursions member. season. This allows certified hotels, must get pre-approved by going via approved transportation. So, Longer stays of 6-90 days will “Coming up to the holiday resorts, and villas to operate in on the island’s Tourist Board while visitors movements will cost the single visitor US$400: season, bookings are healthy based a bubble allowing travelers to website ivisitanguilla.com. In fact, be somewhat limited, they will couples US$600 and family on the circumstances”, Carty experience the properties and all travelers, including returning still able to enjoy some amenities or group US$400 for primary remarked, adding, “Properties do amenities in that safety sphere. residents, are required to complete Anguilla has to offer while they member with an additional not want to be totally full as part It’s earlier Phase 1 reopening a questionnaire requesting await full clearance after a second US$250 for the remaining of the COVID protocol, but, it is welcomed returning residents information on length of stay and PCR test 10-14 days later. members of the group. going probably even better than we and long-term visitors. Although health-related questions. “It’s definitely a bubble The Long Stay Digital Nomad expected.” Anguilla is opening to visitors In addition, each visitor must experience, or a guided movement Work from Anguilla program It all comes down to patience, from countries that may be upload a negative PCR test that experience,” said Gumbs. “So, you also now allows visitors to stay retooling, and training noted dealing with high rates of must be taken 3-5 days prior to are allowed a plethora of activities up one year. It costs an individual Janine Edwards, past President of COVID-19 infection, the island’s arrival. Masks are mandatory (but) with certain limitations. And US$2,000 while a group or family the AHTA. Parliamentary Secretary Economic throughout the ports of Anguilla. it’s primarily important in the will have to pay US$3,000 for the “We were put on pause for Development, Natural Resources, Temperature checks as well as event that we have guests with primary applicant, plus US$250 a few months, but we were very Tourism and IT, Quincia Gumbs- a Polymerase Chain Reaction COVID-19, we would be able to for each additional person. These active in that time,” Edwards said. Marie, noted that specific health (PCR) test, that will detect small do contact tracing. But we still long stay costs include extended “We were upgrading ourselves, we and infection training has been amounts of genetic material from want guests to have the same stay and digital work permit. were digesting the information, we were retraining, retooling, and REPEAT VISITORS we really took the time to look at Chairman of the Anguilla every element within our visitor Tourist Board, Kenroy Herbert, experience. And it is working.” noted that these strategies are Y Caribbean Countries See Uptick In COVID-19 Cases Caribbean countries are reporting authorities have implemented a increased cases of the new new reporting mechanism, there coronavirus (COVID-19) even are now over 7,300 COVId-19 as they reiterate the need for cases and 170 deaths from the nationals to follow the various virus. measures and protocols aimed at Trinidad and Tobago past curbing the spread of the virus. 6,700 cases as its death toll The Dominican Republic reached 121 Saturday. now has over 147 COVID-19 The news comes as the cases and has past 2,300 deaths Centers for Disease Control, while Jamaica now has now (CDC), has slapped a Level surpassed11,000 cases of 4 COVID-19 risk Level on COVID-19 and reported over Aruba, The Bahamas, Belize, 261 deaths. Bonaire , Curacao, The Guyana has past 5,100 cases Dominican Republic, French and reached 151 deaths while Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, in Barbados, the number of Martinique, Puerto Rico, confirmed cases reached 284 as Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, of Dec. 5, 2020. Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, which has over Turks & Caicos and the USVI. 5,300 cases, has now banned And as the US warned flights from Haiti and Cuba nationals to avoid travel to the due to “urgent evaluation of Caribbean nations of Antigua passengers from these countries.” & Barbuda, Bonaire, Saba, Sint The Health Minister, Eustatius, The Bahamas, Guyana Amar Ramadhin, told a news and The Dominican Republic conference that the measure as Canada advised its nationals will apply for the rest of the to avoid all non-essential travel month. Suriname is classified to Martinique and St. Kitts and as a country with “sporadic Nevis because of COVID-19 or cluster cases” according cases there. to the international health regulations of the World Health Rewritten from CMC and News Organization. Americas Now.com In Belize, where the Y Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 13 FOOD Caribbean Christmas Recipes It’s almost Christmas and for it begins to melt. thyme. • 2 cinnamon sticks many Caribbean nationals, Add at least a cup on wine • Add pig tails and cow heel the tradition continues here in and simmer until a dark color is into a pressure cooker and let Method the US of ensuring Christmas obtained. it run off all water. • Add sorrel, ginger, orange dishes from their childhood Grease and double line an • Then add water to cover meat peel, pimento berries and make it on their Christmas 8-inch cake pan. and pressure until tender, menu. Here are some ‘ole time’ Cream the rest of the sugar around 30 minutes. Caribbean Christmas recipes and butter until smooth or add • Add beef to another pot and you can add this holiday. Merry to an electric mixer and let it do let it let it run off all water. Christmas and Bon Appetite. the work for you. • Remove pressure and turn on Add eggs one at a time tap until steam release. BLACK CAKE (beaten or unbeaten) and mix. Guyana Pepper Pot • Open and ensure cow heel Add in the set fruit and nuts and pig tails are half tender and stir well. foot, bought at the Spanish then remove from water and Add enough caramel to store in the US add in beef. make it as dark as desired. • 1⁄2 lb. pig’s tail that can be • Add cassareep and ensure all bought at a Korean store in the Sift flour, baking powder of the meat are coated. Jamaican Sorrel and spice together. US, UK or Canada (optional) • Add all other ingredients and Add a little at a time and • 1 cup cassareep from a bottle boil for about one hour on fold in. that can be bought at a West medium heat until meat is cinnamon stick to a pot. Mix into a soft dropping Indian store in the US, UK or tender. • Add water. consistency by adding a little Canada. • Adjust flavor with salt and • Cover and bring to a gentle more of the wine or rum. • 4-5 cinnamon sticks, whole sugar. simmer for about 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into the • 6-8 cloves • Pepperpot is popularly served • Then simmer for another 30 Black Cake prepared pan and bake in a • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper with a firm bread like the minutes. slow oven at 300 degrees F, for • 1-ounce sugar Jamaican hard dough bread. • Strain the liquid into another Ingredients 2 hours on the middle shelf. • 2 stalks basil Note: This dish develops flavor container to remove solid • 2 lbs. brown sugar Pour some of the • 1 bunch fine fresh thyme when left over a period of days. ingredients. • 1 lb. butter remaining wine or rum over • 1 large, chopped onion If left unrefrigerated, it must be • Add sugar, lemon juice and • 12 eggs, beaten immediately after cake it is • 3 chopped garlic cloves reheated to a boil every day. rum to sorrel and stir until • • 1 lb. flour baked. • Salt to taste sugar has dissolved. • 1 tsp baking powder Repeat 3 or 4 times. • 16 cups water JAMAICAN SORREL • Refrigerate overnight for • 1 teaspoon mixed spices Serve at room temperature. Ingredients strongest flavor. • ¼ pound mixed peel Cake can be kept and Instructions • 2 ½ cups dried sorrel • Pour over ice and enjoy! • 1 tsp vanilla preserved all year round by • Soak pig tails in water to get • 3 oz fresh ginger, grated • Store the rest in a bottle in the • Red Wine reading rum. off salt. • 5 pimento berries fridge and share. • Wash cow heel with vinegar • 6 cups water Method GUYANA PEPPER POT and rum. • 2 cups brown sugar NewsAmericasNow.com Make a caramel by adding Ingredients • Cut beef into chunks and • 2 tbsp lemon juice Y about one pound of the brown • 3 lbs. of beef wash with vinegar and rum. • ¾ cup white rum sugar to a pot and heating until • 1-pound cow heel or cow • Season meat with fine leaf • Peel of 1 orange 14 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years FYI LOCAL Will Caribbean And Other Undocumented Immigrants Be Excluded From US Census Counts? Will Caribbean and the surprise? Many immigrants on whether the Donald more than 12 million other and immigrant advocates Trump administration should undocumented immigrants are holding their collective be allowed to exclude living in the US be in for breaths as they await a ruling undocumented immigrants an unpleasant Christmas from the US Supreme Court living in the United States from the 2020 US Census population count, that is also used to allocate congressional districts Jamaican Born Former Broward County to states. The news comes as for the Mayor Takes On Systemic Racism first time in the 2020 Census, Caribbean nationals and those of Caribbean heritage, were able to self-identify ancestry on the 2020 Census forms, thanks to a 12-year lobbying effort by CaribID’s Felicia J. Persaud. The justices are expected to decide the case on a expedited basis, with a ruling before the end of the year. The U.S. Constitution The US Supreme Court holds the fate of immigrants in its hands. (Stock Image) requires apportionment of would dilute the political clout a monumental task.” House seats to be based upon of states with larger numbers “I would think you would the “whole number of persons of such immigrants, including be able to tell us whether that in each state.” Until now, the heavily Democratic California, remains a realistic possibility at government’s practice was to by undercounting state this point,” Alito told Wall. count all people regardless of populations and depriving them The challengers have their citizenship or immigration of House seats to the benefit of argued that Trump’s plan status. his fellow Republicans. could leave several million Former Broward Mayor and Commissioner, Dale Holeness The court potentially The administration also people uncounted and cause The Jamaican-born former systemic racism and create could dismiss the current legal has yet to disclose what method California, Texas and New mayor of Florida’s Broward greater racial equity in Broward challenge, a move that would it would use to calculate the Jersey to lose House seats. County, Dale Holeness, has County.” leave open the possibility of number of people it proposes A three-judge panel in proposed a task force that would The task force would subsequent lawsuits after the to exclude, or which subsets of New York ruled against the address issues of systemic respond to complaints from the administration actually takes immigrants may be targeted. administration in September. racism. public, “written or otherwise,” action. Acting Solicitor General The number of House The South Florida Sun- and would consist of up to 34 The court’s conservative Jeffrey Wall told the justices districts in the 50 states is based Sentinel reports that the proposal members. justices, who hold a 6-3 the administration could miss on a state’s population count in is the third from Holness that Members of the task force majority, signaled such a ruling a Dec. 31 statutory deadline the decennial national census, attempts to address the issue of would include Black Lives might be premature based on to finalize a Census Bureau which was conducted this year. systemic racism. Matter activists, the Broward the administration’s admission report to Trump containing the Democrat Joe Biden is set to He previously proposed County Chiefs of Police that it does not yet know final population data including become president on Jan. 20th, a police review board that Association, the New Florida how or if it will be able to the number of immigrants and could reverse course if the would analyze the behaviors Majority, members of academia, implement the proposal, a facet excluded. apportionment numbers have of law enforcement, as well as as well as a defense attorney, and of Trump’s hardline policies on But Conservative Justice, not been finalized by then. expanding the county’s human prosecutor. immigration being pursued in Samuel Alito, said that for rights protections to include “We’ve seen the huge his final weeks in office. the administration to exclude Rewritten from Reuters ethnic hairstyles. disparities that exist within our Challengers, led by New all of the immigrants living News His latest proposal is the societies,” Holness told the Sun- York state and the American in an undocumented capacity Y creation of a racial equity task Sentinel. “It’s a matter of how Civil Liberties Union, have in the United States from the force that, according to county we fix it.” argued that Trump’s proposal population count “seems to me records, would take “concrete Y steps to dismantle identified Hair Discrimination Ban Passes In Broward national funerals CARIBBEAN OWNED Broward County coming professionally dressed, The ban forces employers Serving the Caricom Nations commissioners last week just like everybody else, ready and school administrators to unanimously agreed to pass and able and willing to do the reconsider rules restricting a ban on racially based hair work,” said Morrison, a former hairstyles unless the restrictions Anything for funerals discrimination. The hair-texture staff assistant to former Sen. are related to legitimate health protected styles include braids, Bill Nelson. and safety issues. CREMATIONS • BURIALS locs, twists, bantu knots and “We understand from a At the state level, a Florida head wraps. historical standpoint that even Senate bill died in the judiciary INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING Brenda Morrison, of just a lot of Black folk have in March. There is more hope Jamaica $2,800.00 the Broward County Urban been looking at having to have at the federal level. The US League, was among the women this continuing conversation House of Representatives Other Caribbean Countries who were interested in the for years and years on end, and passed a bill on Sept. 21, which $3,200.00 natural hair movement because saying, ‘Why is it needed?’ ... is now awaiting review by UNERALS BY THE HOUR AT it addressed the problem of But then, we look at cases,” the Senate. Sen. 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DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Don’t wait! Call now! Get 16 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years SPORTS Virtual Screening Of Reggae Boyz Documentary Puts New Focus On Jamaican Resilience BY DAWN A. DAVIS United States for its unique Reggae Boyz, reshaping them tapestry of sports, music, and into a more relaxed yet still Nominated for Best pop culture that characterizes the aggressive team. According to Documentary at the Krakow island. Schauder, the new coach brought Film Festival and the German “The film is now timelier back a little bit of fun with his Television Academy Awards, the than when we filmed it because style and personality. highly praised “Reggae Boyz” of everything that has been The producer wanted to documentary film pays tribute to going on, specifically with Black highlight not just the team’s love Jamaican culture, strength, and Lives Matter,” Schauder in a of football, but also the music of pride of place on the world stage. conversation with Caribbean the island that helped inspire and New focus was put on Today. “The scene where Sheldon define them. the Boyz again and Jamaican Shepherd of the NoMaddz band “When I saw the imprint resilience when the South sings the song about having to that music has on the country Miami-Dade Cultural Arts wash his black skin away, makes and the kind of impact that this Center hosted a virtual screening it very relevant now.” tiny island has on the world, I on November 12th and 15th as The film tells the story of a saw immediately the potential part of its Indie Flicks series. would-be professional football for Jamaica,” said Schauder, who The film had a world player, ‘Tuffy’ Anderson, who met band members from the premier two years ago at the has hopes of joining Jamaica’s group NoMaddz and fell in love Krakow Film Festival in Poland national football team. It follows with their style and passion for way to connect with the people “So, I could tell the story and made its American debut the team through national and the music. through a familiar voice. from this guy’s perspective, how in 2019 at the Brooklyn Film international matches all the way He and coach Schäfer met “In the documentary he experienced the island,” he Festival in New York and through the 1998 World Cup and other musicians through the community there is a lot of said. “That gave me the freedom recently also screened at the beyond. band, including Earl ‘Chinna’ conversation about who should to do what I felt was authentic. 13th Chesapeake Film Festival Schauder seamlessly weaves Smith and Bunny Wailer, both of tell what story,” Schauder The coach was in a way an on Oct. 1st. It also played in 17 in historical sports events and whom were part of the legendary remarked. “Should a white extension of my perspective. theaters across the US. personalities, including the new Bob Marley & the Wailers. person go into Jamaica and make My idea was never to create a Director/Producer, Till German coach. Through thick “It’s just amazing the a film about the country? I was tell-all about Jamaica, it’s more Schauder, saw the worth and and thin, the viewer follow the diversity and the depth of aware of that when I made the a particular perspective from an potential Jamaica’s national team’s trajectory and personal talent that exists in Jamaica”, film. And just like the film that outsider.” football team exuded and was lives around their love of reggae said Schauder. “And for coach I made in Iran, where I was also The Reggae Boyz have inspired to tell their story. music, sports and the cultural Schäfer this was eye-opening. an outsider, I made sure to have been through a series of coaches Knowing that the Reggae flavors of the island. For him to see the legacy of a character whose point of view I over the years, amongst them Boyz qualified for the 1998 “I’m told by audiences, Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer’s could adapt.” was football hero and former FIFA World Cup, a feat which including Jamaicans, that the contribution to that heritage, he He found that character midfielder for the team, saw the island experience an film accurately captures the best was starstruck knowing that this in the national football team’s Theodore Whitmore, OD. unprecedented non-violent of Jamaica,” Schauder said. is a cultural heavy hitter.” coach, German-born Winfried Whitmore carried the team period, Schauder was determined Asked about how he was For more information Schäfer. Being German himself, to the 1998 World Cup, but to capture the moment in film. perceived by Jamaicans as he and future screenings of the Schauder naturally connected shortly after resigned as coach. And, in 2018 it became toured the island making the film go to the Reggae Boyz with the coach, learning from Then in comes noted German a reality, gaining awards film, the producer explained that facebook page: facebook.com/ him what it felt like to live in coach, Winfried Schäfer. A very and acclaim in film festivals as an outsider, a white non- ReggaeBoyzMovie Jamaica and seeing the island gregarious, flamboyant leader, throughout Europe and the Jamaican, he sought to find a through a sports lens. Schäfer took charge of the Y Windies Skipper Calls For ‘Soul-Searching’ Ahead Of Next Test Captain Jason Holder over for 138 in their has called for “soul- first innings on searching” ahead of the Saturday’s third day next test match this week after resuming on an against New Zealand, after overnight 49 without the bruised West Indies loss, in reply to New suffered a humiliating Zealand’s mammoth Created in 1997 by the Florida Legislature, the innings defeat inside 519 for seven Since the Florida Lottery’s establishment Bright Futures Scholarship Program assists students in 1988, we have remained committed in pursuing postsecondary educational career four days in the opening declared. goals. Since the program’s inception, we have to enhancing public education in Florida. Test against the Kiwis at Following on contributed more than $6.2 billion to send nearly Over the past 33 years, we have provided Seddon Park. by 381 runs, West 900,000 students to college. life-changing opportunities to both our The Windies started Indies were reduced players and students statewide. The Florida Lottery is proud to be a dedicated the penultimate day of the to 27 for four in and dependable funding source for public first test still trailing by their second innings education, contributing more than $1 billion 185 runs after being asked and the match was Our steadfast commitment to education has annually for the past 18 consecutive years while allowed us to contribute more than $38 billion remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the to follow on and were extended into the to K-12 schools, state colleges and universities, country. From community learning to graduate dismissed for 247 about fourth day only due and to students through the Bright Futures studies, we’re helping Florida’s students turn their 40 minutes before lunch, to an eventual 155- West Indies Skipper Jason Holder Scholarship Program. dreams into futures. despite a second Test run seventh wicket We thank you for helping us reach these incredible hundred from Jermaine the batters just to work it out a stand Blackwood and milestones, as a portion of every ticket purchased Blackwood. little more and find ways to get the tail-ender Alzarri Joseph goes towards education. We hope that the Singling out the batting who made a career-best 86. benefits of our contributions continue to be felt in through,” Holder told a news communities across the entire state. group in particular, Holder said conference. Blackwood, on 80 at the start it was crucial they adapted faster “Ideally, I thought the of Sunday’s penultimate day, to the conditions, especially with preparation was spot on. I don’t finished on 104 – his second Test not much time for recovery with know how much longer we hundred. the second Test beginning on could come up here and spend Pointing to the collapses Dec. 10th, Thursday evening, prior to a tour. You had two in both innings, Holder said his Eastern Caribbean time. weeks quarantine, two-and- side needed to find the courage “We’ve just got to do some a-half weeks of preparation to fight back in the upcoming soul-searching. It’s not a big – probably three weeks – test. flalottery.com/brightfutures turnaround in between games, preparing for this Test match. I just a few days and we’re back think that is enough time.” Rewritten from CMC into it again so it’s a matter for West Indies were rolled Y Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 17 SPRING EDUCATION CDC Urged To Prioritize Teachers, School Staff For Coronavirus Vaccine An Alliance Of Labor American Federation of which is consulting with the functioning public organizations and trade groups Teachers. "But coming right federal government on how to education system that representing teachers, principals after that, those in schools that prioritize certain populations largely collapsed for and support staff is pressuring are reopening in person or have in the U.S. for the coming more than 50 million the Centers for Disease Control reopened in person, should be a vaccines. The national education children in March. and Prevention to prioritize very close second priority." organizations hope the CDC access to a coronavirus vaccine The sentiments are echoed recommending educators and Rewritten from US for the country's 5 million public in letters and public comments school staff for vaccination News And World school employees as the first to CDC officials and the priority could change that and Report approved immunizations hit the National Academies of Science, remove one of the biggest Y market in the U.S. Engineering and Medicine, barriers to reestablishing a With the majority of the country's schools closed for in-person learning or offering limited in-person instruction through a hybrid model – and as the number of districts forced to go all virtual climbs amid an uncontrollable surge in coronavirus infections – the heads of the powerful education groups are offering a compelling argument: If you want to open schools, vaccinate us first. "I'm a big believer that educators should have priority after health care workers," says Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.7 million-member Jamaican Rhodes Scholar Is Wesleyan University Student Jamaican During these challenging times we are uniting 5IF)FBMUI4DJFODF1BUIXBZBU#SPXBSE Fitzroy PVSFŢPSUTBOEPVSNBOZSFTPVSDFTUPTFSWF $PMMFHFPŢFSTBŢPSEBCMFQSPHSBNTUPIFMQ Wickham has achieved the ZPV PVSTUVEFOUT ZPVMBVODIBSFXBSEJOH IJHIFBSOJOHDBSFFS honor of being a 2021 Rhodes Certificates - Associate - Bachelor’s Degrees Scholar. But Wickham, -&"3/"#06506356*5*0/Ŵ'3&&3"1*%$3&%&/5*"-4 a student in Fitzroy Wickham neuroscience 130(3".45)"5$"/#&$0.1-&5&%*/8&&,403-&44 at Wesleyan University, said he almost did not apply. He was encouraged to apply by his • Assisted Living • Health Care Professional • Medical Billing mentor, Dr. Dennis Minott, nearly Technician Medical a year before. • Pharmacy Technician Wickham was motivated to • Basic Life Support • Health Care Professional in 2020 after he heard his former Medical Terminology • Phlebotomy Technician high school principal Raymond • Clinical Medical Assistant Treasure say the Jamaica’s • Health Care Professional • Veterinary Assistant first Rhodes Scholar had come • EKG Technician Personal Care Technician from York Castle High School more than 100 years before and decided he would apply “just to get the feel of going through the process.” He thought he would re-apply the next year if he didn’t make it this time. Wickham was announced Broward College alumni as the winner on November Educational excellence Tuition-Free Rapid among top earners Safely return 19, 2020, at King’s House and will now join the list Top 10 nationwide Credentials statewide to campus of other Jamaicans to have been awarded the prestigious Continue learning while increasing your earnings by advancing your education scholarship, including Norman Manley, Noel Nethersole, Rex Funding is limited. Apply now! Nettleford, Dudley Thompson and Hector Wynter. The Rhodes Scholarship allows outstanding broward.edu/rapids | 855-641-0368855 641 0368 students worldwide to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It is the most prestigious of the international scholarship programs and also © Broward College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, the oldest, first being awarded in sexual orientation, genetic information or other legally protected classification in its programs and activities. 1902. Rapid credentials program is provided in partnership with the Florida Department of Education. Y

552BRC-0089662BRC-008966 - SSpringpring - CCaribbeanaribbean TTodayoday FFPP AAd.inddd.indd 1 111/19/201/19/20 110:220:22 AAMM 18 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years SPRING EDUCATION Good News For Student Loans This Holiday The US Education Department payments will help those who required to make on their federally held student loans automatically enter borrowers has extended the interest-free have been impacted,” U.S. income-based repayment plan, were originally set to expire on into administrative forbearance, pause on federal student loans Secretary of Education Betsy loan rehabilitation agreement, September 30, as codified by allowing them to defer by one month DeVos, said in a statement. or efforts towards Public the CARES Act. ED previously payments without financial The action, which affects “The added time also allows Service Loan Forgiveness. extended that to December 30, penalty.” roughly 37 million borrowers, Congress to do its job and The payment pause has been 2020, and now to January 31, Democratic lawmakers extends the forbearance period determine what measures it in effect since March, after 2021. have been asking for a longer and the suspension in debt believes are necessary and executive action by President The authority to enact extension in addition to collections activity set to expire appropriate. The Congress, Donald Trump amid the the extensions came under forgiveness of federally held December 31, 2020. not the Executive Branch, is in coronavirus pandemic, and the HEROES Act of 2003, student loans. “The coronavirus pandemic charge of student loan policy.” will now end on January 31, ED stated in Friday’s press has presented challenges for Non-payments will 2021 unless extended by the release, which allows ED to Rewritten From Yahoo Finance many students and borrowers, continue to count towards incoming Biden administration. “set all federal student loan Y and this temporary pause in payments borrowers are The protections for interest rates to zero and Florida Department of Education Issues Emergency Order Regarding Spring Educational Options The Florida Association of enrollment. to get students back in the District School Superintendents “Earlier this year, I classroom,” said Commissioner and the Florida Department directed Commissioner Richard Corcoran. “This of Education on Dec. 2, 2020, Corcoran to issue an emergency order delivers on issued an emergency order that emergency order to ensure our promise to be diligent and includes maintaining a parent’s every parent in the state instill confidence in families, right to choose what educational of Florida had the option which allows students to option best fits the needs of their during the pandemic to continue to receive a world- family. decide whether their child class education. While nearly This includes innovative learns in the classroom 65% of students are receiving learning options that benefit or learns remotely,” said face-to-face instruction, nearly students, families and school Governor Ron DeSantis. 1.2 million students are still employees; guaranteeing the “This new order doubles learning through distance fully panoply of services for down on our commitment learning. The good news is, we at-risk students; and progress to give parents that critical maintained maximum flexibility monitoring for all students, while flexibility and takes and options for parents, students, ensuring financial flexibility and further steps to reduce and districts while adding stability for school districts and achievement gaps caused well-needed tools to address the charter schools. by remote learning.” needs of struggling students and In addition, the order, (Stock image – online learning) “We have said from the provide interventions to close EO-07 requires educational start that we must show achievement gaps.” interventions for students especially at-risk students, and individual charter schools that compassion and grace as Y who may be falling behind, rewards school districts and have exceeded their projected we make important decisions Make it happen. At MDC.

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Enroll TODAY mdc.edu/savings Over 11,216,000 copies printed and delivered in 31 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER 2020 • 19 SPRING EDUCATION UWI Honorary Degrees For 14 Stellar Caribbean Nationals Former St. Kitts-Nevis will receive the and Barbuda Governor General, “The UWI honorary degree prime minister, Sir Kennedy Doctor of Letters Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence is conferred on persons who Simmonds, is among 14 people for his work as a Williams for Medicine and have distinguished themselves who will receive honorary Musical Director/ Public Service. by their substantial contribution degrees from the University of Composer from the The Mona campus will also to the development of the region the West Indies (The UWI) at Open Campus. honor Jamaican Robert E. Levy and or the advancement of the its 2020 graduation ceremonies But McIntosh with the Doctor of Laws degree University. Individuals upon early next year. will not be the only for Entrepreneurship, conferring whom such a high honor has Sir Kennedy, who is a musician to be the same degree on Hilary Grace been bestowed are not referred National Hero in his homeland, honored. Sherlock of Jamaica for her work to as “Doctor” but are entitled is being praised for leading the The St. Augustine in Special Disabilities Education, to use the abbreviated honorary twin island Federation into full campus will honor Professor E. Albert Reece of degree behind his or her name,” independence from Britain in ace Trinidad and Jamaica/USA will receive the the UWI added. 1983. He will receive the Doctor Tobago steelpan Doctor of Science degree for of Science (DSc) for Public Former St. Kitts-Nevis prime minister, Sir Kennedy musician, Len his leadership in the field of Rewritten from CMC Service leadership from the Simmonds, is among 14 people who will receive ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe Medicine. Y Open Campus of The UWI. honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies. with the Doctor of The UWI said that the Letters for steelpan graduation ceremonies, which The 2020 honorary arrangement, COVID-19 Leads To Postponement Of are scheduled to take place from graduands to be recognized for composition, and performance. January 11–16, next year in a their outstanding contributions It will confer a similar degree mix of blended, virtual formats, to regional and international on well-known storyteller, Paul National Math And Reading Tests will celebrate a graduating class development are Sonita Alleyne Keens-Douglas for his work in BY KANISHKA SINGH Woodworth said on Wednesday. of approximately 8500 students of Barbados, who will receive Culture and the Arts. “I was obviously concerned across the region. the Doctor of Letters (DLitt) Professor Edgar Julian National math and reading tests about sending outsiders “In spite of the COVID-19 for Entrepreneurship and Duncan of St. Vincent and the used to track U.S. students’ into schools and possibly pandemic, The UWI graduations contributions to Journalism; Grenadines will be awarded knowledge in those subjects are increasing the risk of COVID will retain the tradition Professor Juliet M. Daniel the Doctor of Science for his being postponed until 2022 due transmission”, he said. of recognizing Caribbean of Barbados for her work in contributions to Caribbean to the coronavirus outbreak, the The NAEP assessments are excellence through the conferral Medicine and Cancer research. Science and Agriculture, while National Center for Education a key indicator of educational of honorary degrees awarded for She will receive the Doctor of Dominico Felipe Martina of Statistics (NCES) says. progress in the United States a wide variety of fields such as Science (DSc) from the Cave Curacao will receive the Doctor The National Assessment with trends going back decades. music, theatre, public service, Hill campus of The UWI, which of Laws (LLD) for Public of Educational Progress Woodworth said a change in medicine, agricultural science will also confer the same degree Service leadership. (NAEP), known as “the nation’s operations and lack of access for and entrepreneurship among on Dr. Julio Frenk of the USA The Mona campus will report card,” previously had students to be assessed means others. for Leadership in the field of confer the Doctor of Laws been planned to be held at the that NAEP would not be able to The awards were approved Medicine. on Glen Christian of Jamaica beginning of 2021 for hundreds produce estimates of students’ by the University Council, Veteran St. Vincent and the for Entrepreneurship, while a of thousands of fourth and eighth knowledge when compared to which has sanctioned over 500 Grenadines musician, composer Doctor of Science Degree will graders in the United States. either past or future national or honorary degrees since 1965. and arranger, Franklyn McIntosh be conferred on the Antigua “I have determined that state estimates. NCES cannot at this time Postponing the tests conduct a national-level until 2022 will allow time for New Study Finds Students Stressed From COVID-19 assessment in a manner with conditions to stabilize, the NCES sufficient validity and reliability commissioner said. A fall 2020 survey by the Another 60 percent indicated trouble focusing on studies and/ to meet the mandate of the law”, Y Washington, D.C.-based they had experienced an increase or work was more stressful. NCES Commissioner James Active Minds has found that in depression. More than 77 • Seventy-four percent said they many students have already percent felt lonely or isolated. are challenged in maintaining a experienced stress, anxiety or routine. other mental health challenges KEY FINDINGS OF THE • 8 in 10 said they are struggling $&+5,67,$135(.7+58,167,787,21 since the COVID-19 pandemic SURVEY FOUND: to focus on school or avoid began. • Twenty percent of college distractions. More than 3,000 students said their mental • A whopping 55 percent said )UHH3ULYDWH6FKRRO(GXFDWLRQ respondents participated in health has worsened under they do not know where to go the survey by the non-profit COVID-19. for help. $9$,/$%/( 6&+2/$56+,36 School Readiness organization that supports • Forty-eight percent say they • And the number one concern mental health awareness and experienced financial setbacks students hope administrators StepUp for Students McKay education for students, with 87 due to COVID-19. are considering right now is percent expressing that they have • Among all students, 38 percent support. ZZZSVGDVFKRRORUJ‡   experienced stress or anxiety. surveyed said they are having Y 5HJLVWUDWLRQLVRQJRLQJ

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