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READ CARIBBEAN TODAY ONLINE AT CARIBBEANTODAY.COM 2 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years NEWS Regional Caribbean News Round Up Here’s a synopsis of all the major of Haiti to strive for a country in recently left four dead. Caribbean news from the region which “freedom reigns for the In Guyana, an 83-year-old you can use: individual and your democratic pensioner died on Monday, July institutions and values are 26th, after a fire of unknown REGIONAL respected by all. origin swept through her home The Chairman of the 15-member “You want a Haiti where in Linden, the second largest regional grouping, the Caribbean children can attend school, get a city situated on the north-eastern Community (CARICOM), has solid education and build a good section of the country. Police sought to assure Haitians that the future; and you want a nation said that Norma Semple, lived region stands in solidarity with which creates jobs; provides alone in the one-story wooden the French speaking CARICOM lands to the landless; delivers structure. The authorities said member state. health care; empowers workers, that her body was discovered In an address at the funeral and improves the quality of life after fire officials, who had service on July 23rd, held for for all,” he added. responded to a call from the late Prime Minister, Jovenel Semple’s neighbors as they tried Moise, who was assassinated IMF unsuccessfully to out the blaze. on July 7th, PM Gaston Brown Meanwhile, the Executive And in Trinidad, three offered condolences and said that Board of the International children died after a fire swept the circumstances of his death, Monetary Fund (IMF) has through a house in Maraval, shocked the entire Caribbean. approved a set of reforms to CARICOM saluted murdered Haitian President, Jovenel Moise, virtually at his just outside the capital also on Browne, who is also the the fund’s concessional lending funeral on July 23, 2021. (Credit: EPA) Monday morning, July 26th, fire Prime Minister of Antigua facilities to better support Low to provide concessional loans elimination of limits on access officials confirmed. They said and Barbuda, implored Haiti, Income Countries’ (LICs), such at zero interest rates. The to the poorest countries provided that the unidentified children the region and the world, not as those in the Caribbean, during IMF said lending to LICs their economic programs meet were aged 17, six and three to forget the circumstances of the COVIV-19 pandemic and the increased dramatically in the requirements for obtaining years old respectively. The Moise’s death. recovery. 2020 - an eight-fold increase above-normal access. cause of the fire has not yet been The CARICOM chairman The Executive Board also from average lending levels in disclosed and eyewitnesses said also said that Haiti must not approved an associated funding 2017–2019 - and is projected JAMAICA that at least two children were become “trapped in a vicious strategy to support the long-term to continue at elevated levels Prime Minister Andrew able to escape the inferno with cycle of retribution and sustainability of the Poverty for several years, “as LICs seek Holness, says Jamaica’s business assistance from the public. The recriminations. “Instead, the Reduction and Growth Trust financial assistance to help them process outsourcing (BPO) screams of the children were circumstances of Jovenel’s death, (PRGT). respond to and recover from the industry has recorded a 15 per heard in videos posted on social must shock everyone in Haiti The Washington-based pandemic. cent increase in employment, media and Assistant Chief Fire to seek pathways for peace, financial institution said these It said the centerpiece of the despite the economic fallout Officer, Marlon Smith, said stability, and prosperity, whether reforms are set to ensure that the approved policy reforms is a 45 resulting from the coronavirus that fire fighters found the three they were his political friend or fund has the capacity to respond percent increase in the normal (COVID-19) pandemic. bodies after the fire had been political foe,” he added. flexibly to LICs’ needs over the limits on access to concessional Addressing the opening of extinguished. Brown also urged the people medium term while continuing financing, coupled with the the IBEX BPO facility at the G-Tech Park in Portmore, St. CUBA Catherine, southeast of Kingston, Twenty-two nations have Holness said approximately joined the US in condemning 44,000 persons were employed the mass arrests and detentions across the sector as of June of protestors in Cuba by the 2021, relative to 38,400 for government there. the corresponding period last Foreign Ministers of Austria, year. He said that the sector Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, was among the few managing Cyprus, Czech Republic, da Vinci operating suite to navigate the ravages of Ecuador, Estonia, Guatemala, COVID-19 to record growth. Greece, Honduras, Israel, Latvia, Hospital main lobby The G-Tech Park was Lithuania, Kosovo, Montenegro, conceptualized to meet the North Macedonia, Poland, emerging demand for services Republic of Korea, Ukraine provided by the growing PBO joined the United States of industry, which is a major America’s Secretary of State in contributor to Jamaica’s criticizing the arrest and jailing economy. Against this last week of people who took background, two additional to the streets in protests on July Little Miracles Suites at The Women’s Pavilion buildings are slated to be opened 11th. at the facility in early 2022. In a statement, issued by Adult/pediatric the US State Department, they emergency entrance ANTIGUA & BARBUDA called on the Cuban government Health authorities in Antigua “to respect the universal rights & Barbuda have confirmed the and freedoms of the Cuban presence of the Delta variant of people, including the free flow of the coronavirus (COVID-19) information to all Cubans.” and are urging nationals to get vaccinated as a means of DOMINICA combating the disease. The government of The Ministry of Health Dominica has temporarily Adult emergency Pediatric reception lounge emergency room Rehabilitation gym Wellness and the Environment suspending the importation of said it has received confirmation a number of products brought the Trinidad-based Caribbean into the country from the The compass of excellence Public Health Agency more developed countries of (CARPHA) of the delta variant the Caribbean Community strain, first identified in India in (CARICOM), including aerated NOW POINTS NORTH. October 2020. It said that the beverages; aerated waters, as well as wheat or meslin flour. This is the new Jackson North. The result of a $100 million modernization strain was detected in one of a project, Jackson North features a new ER, a dedicated pediatric ER, an group of seven samples taken in The Ministry of Trade, operating room with the da Vinci robot for minimally invasive surgery, Antigua and Barbuda between Commerce, Entrepreneurship, state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, renovated May 5th and July 2nd this year. Innovation, Business and Export patient suites, and much more. Patient-focused and family-focused, Development, said that the Jackson North offers expertise, resources, and compassionate care. We measure, which goes into effect have a commitment of excellence to the diverse communities we serve. GUYANA & TRINIDAD Tragic fires in both Guyana on August 3rd, will also ban the JacksonNorth.org and Trinidad and Tobago (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5)

BSP Job #: JHSA-21-C070_PointsNorth_CaribbeanToday_3rdPg_Affinity_AUG

Client: JHS-Affinity 3:56PM 07.07.21 GU Description: 1/3 PG Size: 6" x 7" Color: 4c Date: July 7, 2021 3:56 PM Mech Person: GU Issue: AUG Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 3 NEWS When Will It All End, Haitians Ask? BY DAWN A. DAVIS with the coup.” Oxygene also pointed out Haitians at home and in the that the cultural activities that are Diaspora, like so many across conducted in Haiti - economic, the world, are still stunned by the agriculture, political - are all assassination of the island’s 58th being controlled by American President, Jovenel Moise, on imperialism.” July 7, 2021. With the country in President of the association yet another crisis, the population Solidarité Fanm Ayisyen, Sabine is now faced with the gargantuan Lamour, agrees. task of hunting for solutions to “1915 was the first US unify a state left pretty much occupation,” said Lamour. rudderless, despite the eventual “There has been always swearing in of a seventh Prime structures that the US put into Minister, Ariel Henry, on July motion that help them arrange 20th. And many are asking: A man wrapped in the flag of Haiti watches the coffin of former everything that is going on in the Martine Moise, the widow of President Jovenel Moise, gives country.” “When will it all end?” Haitian President Jovenel Moise, during his funeral ceremony his eulogy at his funeral on July 23, 2021. Just two weeks after the in Cap-Haitien on Friday, July 23rd. (Photo: EPA-EFE) Lamour further explained assassination, Haitian-based the group it is American imperialism. that since 1986, there’s been a activists and those from the social systems. Mouvement de Liberté d’Égalité We have a lot of bourgeoisies lot of change, a lot of shifts in Haitian American Diaspora, However, before answers des Haitiens pour la Fraternité, in Haiti, people who own all Haitian politics. “In 1990 there political groups, and civil can be found, the problem must blamed imperialism for the chaos the land, control everything in was a fair election, and people society representatives met on a first be clear. Many believe the Haiti has descended into. Haiti. They are all serving the went to the polls and there was virtual platform, after forming source of the turbulence comes “This crisis has a name, American imperialists. All the an attempt at democracy in the a Commission, with the sole from outside Haiti. it is imperialism,” he said. “It institutions in the country, all the society, but this did not last,” purpose of finding answers to is a crisis that is made in a agencies, we can feel that they Lamour noted. “And as everyone Haiti’s crumbling political and IMPERIALISM laboratory by a powerful nation, are just serving the imperialism David Oxygene, from (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) 4 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years NEWS St. Lucia Gets New Prime Minister St. Lucia has a new prime He added: “I will not Outgoing Prime Stephenson King, who quit minister. Philip J. Pierre was fail you. I thank you for the Minister Allen the ruling UWP to contest the sworn in at around 4 p.m. on July opportunity to serve. I won’t do Chastanet of the Castries North constituency, 28, 2021, by Governor-General it alone. I will seek the counsel United Workers Party which he has been representing Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, of the wise and if you stand firm on Tuesday, had for nearly three decades as an two days after his St Lucia with me, together, we shall not congratulated Pierre, independent. And independent Labour Party won the July 26th fail.” but said the results candidate, Richard Frederick election by a landslide 13 seats. The new PM also asked of Monday’s general defeated the incumbent Foreign In his inaugural address, for “patience in the coming elections has come as Affairs Minister, Sarah Flood Pierre promised not to fail the weeks and months,” saying his a “shock.” Beaubrun in the Castries Central people of St. Lucia and to be government will need “to try to The UWP won a seat. a prime minister for all of the assess the state of the country’s mere 2 seats. The two Also winning on Monday, people. financing and capacity to other of the 17 seats July 26th, was former prime St. Lucia has a new prime minister. Philip J. Pierre “The Saint Lucia Labour deliver as early as possible the was sworn in at around 4 p.m. on Jluy 28, 2021 by were won for the first minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, Party has won the general commitment made to the people Governor-General Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, two time by independent who won the Vieux Fort south elections; however we now have of St Lucia.” days after his St Lucia Labour Party won the July 26th candidates. seat, defeating National Security to manage an inclusive, equitable And he expressed the belief election by a landslide 13 seats. In addition, Minister, Hermangild Francis by and just society,” Pierre asserted that Saint Lucia can be an island voters created a margin of 2,747 to 1364. person is preserved and respected after taking the oath of office. where dignity of the human history in the Caribbean Island and citizens are treated equally, by electing two independent ~ Rewritten from while being given the opportunity candidates to the country’s NewsAmericasNow.com to grow and achieve their full 17-member Parliament. Among potential. Y them is the former prime minister When Will It All End, Haitians Ask? (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3) knows in September 1991 there was a coup. In less than 2 weeks, why is there already the appointment of different ministers. We want to be the ones writing the story so we can end this legacy from the US 1915 occupation.”

FRACTURED Miami-based radio host andbusiness consultant, Dr. Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue, made reference to the ongoing turmoil in Haiti, in speaking with Caribbean Today. Lindor-Latortue noted that Security forces in a military salute at the July 23rd funeral of Haitian President while many Haitians are in shock Jovenel Moise. over the events of July 7th, “There are no laws, we are means acknowledging where the country has gone through outside of the law (right now) it all started said Charlier, as a number of similar events in so, there shouldn’t be a rush for she reminded Haitians of their history. elections when thousands of revolutionary history. “Haiti, in its history has had people are displaced because Denis said they are to four presidents assassinated,” of gang violence, and the link hoping to make proposals and said Lindor-Latortue. “The father between these elections and the find solutions while mobilizing of our independence, Emperor gains in territorial control,” said to help stop what seems like Jean Jacques Dessalines, in Charlier. “This is not a context endless dilemmas in their 1806 was assassinated as well for free and fair elections.” country. as President Sylvain Salnave Magali Comeau Denis, “We are the first Black in 1870, Michel C. Leconte in former Haitian Minister of Republic. We are the first 1912, Vilbrun Guillaune Sam in Culture and Communications, country to abolish slavery, even 1915, and now President Jovenel and spokesperson for the newly that they tried to take it from Moise.” formed Commission, explained us. Instead of recognizing that, She noted that the people that it is why they have culled they call us the poorest nation of the Island are used to coups, together as a coalition, with in the Caribbean, the country but they are resilient and “now actors from civil society, from that’s in pure chaos, the country have to work together to rebuild political parties and from people that can’t manage itself,” said Haiti.” in the Diaspora. Charlier. “All of this is part of “On balance, we need to Denis pointed out that it’s the building of this current crisis. admit that the President had not just about the corruption And it didn’t happen in one day, many enemies,” Lindor-Latortue or the political choices Haitian It was a systematic process to added. “His scorecard for not people have, but it’s more deeply destroy Haitian identity… It is delivering on his promises, a question of participation and time for civil society, time for for example on health, and the re-appropriation of the election the political parties, time for the nightmare of leaving the county process by citizens, by the wider private sector, everyone who is to be ‘ruled’ by syndicated gangs population. living through this situation, to was totally unacceptable and She explained that in 1990 sit down and discuss how we created a very fractured and there was massive participation are going to live in this space. frightened society.” in elections. But not long after Because we are dying, we are all Velina Elysee Charlier, the international community took dying. We are dying as a nation, an activist and member of the over, voting rates went down to as citizens, and as individuals. Haitian anti-corruption group, 60-70 percent of the population. It’s up to us to make sure that Nou Pap Dòmi, agreed that gang That has now degraded to less we don’t let them win this war violence has created a lawless than 15 percent, one of the to destroy black pride, to destroy society in Haiti. lowest participation rates in the our desire of excellence.” Charlier warns against installing world, Denis remarked. Y a new government too hastily. So, fixing the problems Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 5 NEWS “No Justice, No Peace!” Says Haiti’s Gang Boss “No justice, no peace!” Moïse was injured in the coordinator for Moise. That was the rallying cry attack. At least 26 people have Civil’s attorney, Reynold call Monday of Jimmy been arrested in the investigation Georges, called his client’s arrest “Barbecue” Cherizier, of the president’s murder, politically motivated. Haiti’s now notorious gang including 18 former Colombian boss of the “G9” or “Force soldiers. On Monday, authorities ~ NewsAmericasNow.com Revolution G9 & Family arrested Jean Laguel Civil, Y Allies.” Cherizier on Monday led over 1,000 demonstrators in his Haiti PM Pledges To Hold own tribute to murdered President Jovenel Moise in the seaside of Port-au- Elections As Quickly As Possible Prince in the slum of La Haiti’s new Prime Minister Ariel working to restore confidence in Saline. Henry has said his government the government, and that there Cherizier, a former plans to create conditions for would be dialogue with civil police officer who heads the Caribbean nation to hold society and political leaders to the federation of nine elections as swiftly as possible reach consensus on how to move gangs that officials have following the assassination of forward. blamed for a spike in President Jovenel Moise on July The discussions would violence and kidnappings Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue, a former police officer who heads a gang coalition known 7th. strive to eliminate “all irritants” in recent months told his as “G9 Family and Allies,” pours spirits on a bonfire before setting it on fire during a Western powers have that could get in the way of followers: “Everyone Voodoo ceremony to demand justice for slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise in La Saline encouraged Haiti, the poorest holding elections, he said, needs to wait on my order neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, July 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) country in the Americas, to without elaborating. Nor did before we respond to the elect a new leadership as early he give a target date for the as they made a circle around a Moise and began to light candles killing of Jovenel Moise.” as possible to give democratic elections. Henry did not mention bonfire and threw salt into it as as a nearby truck played music. Sending a clear message, he legitimacy to the government. the constitutional reform in his part of a voodoo ceremony to He poured libation with alcohol added: “Just as you invested your Presidential and parliamentary remarks. honor Moise. Many had their onto the fire. money to kill President Jovenel elections had been due to take faces covered so as not to be Moïse was shot several Moïse, we are going to invest place in September. ~ Rewritten from Reuters identified. Wearing a white suit times during a July 7th attack ourselves with all our strength to Henry said he would be and black tie, Cherizier knelt at his private home; his wife Y get you off this land.” down before a large portrait of Martine Earlier, the crowd sang who served as general security Cuban Americans Rally Biden Thousands of Cuban Americans, including in South Florida, SSERVICEERVICE have been taking their protest to the White House in support of continued anti-government CCHANGESHANGES demonstrations in Cuba. “Libertad! Patria y vida!” chanted demonstrators EEFFECTIVEFFECTIVE SSUNDAY,UNDAY, AAUGUSTUGUST 88,, 22021021 recently outside the White House as they called on the Joe RRoutes:outes: Biden administration to take more aggressive action against 11,, 22,, 44,, 55,, 66,, 77,, 88,, 99,, 1 10,0, 1 11,1, 1 12,2, 1 14,4, 1 16,6, 1 18,8, 1 19,9, 2 020,, 2 222,, 2 828 3 030 the island nation’s regime. 331,1, 334,4, 336,6, 440,0, 442,2, 448,8, 550,0, 555,5, 6 60,0, 6 62,2, 7 72,2, 8 81,1, 8 83,3, 8 88,8, 1 101,01, 4 44411 Rallies have been taking place in Miami and all EExpressxpress RRoutesoutes - 1106,06, 1108,08, 1109,09, 1110,10, 111414 around the world as Cubans endure the worst economic crisis in 30 years, with chronic shortages of electricity, food Dozens of Americans showed up to a rally outside the White House in and medicine amid an uptick in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 17, 2021, to stand in solidarity with the Cuban COVID-19 cases. people fighting for their freedom. (Alexandra Rodriguez/7News) Thousands of people amid major food and medicine Cuban government. in Cuba had marched through shortages. About 60 Cubans the streets on July 11th calling have so far been prosecuted for ~ Rewritten from for democracy and sweeping participating in unprecedented NewsAmericasNow.com economic reform in the country demonstrations against the Y Regional Caribbean News Round Up (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) International Airport (GAIA), to lead the Grantley Adams importation of these products is not for sale as the first virtual International Airport, through from outside the region. bidders’ consultation under the process of engaging with the The ministry said that the planned the public-private IFC, so we have created double the decision to temporarily partnership concession took redundancy. The International suspend the importation of the place. Financial Corporation (IFC) “The Grantley Adams of the World Bank, who is the Safety Is Our Number One Priority goods had been taken under the Buses Disinfected Nightly • Equipped with Ionizing Air Purifiers Community origin treatment on International Airport is not advisor on the PPP, they’ve imports, which means the access being sold, but it is being leased done PPP’s all around the world, Face Coverings Required • Keep a Safe Social Distance accorded to goods which are of to a private service provider they have been doing capacity Community origin to the markets who will bring the expertise in building [and] also, for the For new schedules: Broward.org/BCT/Schedules • Wi-Fi available of member states without the airport development, including Grantley Adams International application of import duties or infrastructure expansion over Airport.” quantitative restrictions. the lifecycle of the lease,” said Tourism and International ~ Rewritten from CMC and Call Customer Service at 954-357-8400 BARBADOS Transport Minister, Lisa NewsAmericasnow.com TTY 954-357-8302, Florida Relay: 711 The Barbados government Cummins. “We have appointed Y insists that the Grantley Adams a college of negotiators now 6 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years NEWS Look Out For The Colombian COVID NYC’s Variant - Now In South Florida Caribbean American Public Advocate Is Single No More New York’s politicians came out in droves on July 15th to celebrate Public Advocate Jumaane Williams’ wedding to fiancée India Sneed. Photos seen of the wedding by News Americas showed the newly-wed couple celebrating in clear Caribbean style with The new Colombia variant, spread likely from travel, is now in South Florida. Caribbean music, including soca, at the W Loft in Williamsburg, The Colombian variant is now part variant cases among COVID Brooklyn. of the “new” COVID-19 crisis, positives: Williams is the son of and it is already here in South Delta 49% Grenadian immigrants while Florida. Brazilian 26% Sneed’s parents are Jamaicans. Carlos Migoya, CEO of Colombian 10% She is now a lobbyist with Jackson Health, revealed that 10% The Delta variant that’s Greenberg Traurig but previously New York’s Public Advocate, Caribbean American Jumaane Williams share an of COVID-positive patients whose spreading the fastest accounted worked for the mayor and in the intimate moment with his new bride at their wedding reception on July 15, 2021. results are being sequenced at the for just 2% of the cases just two Brooklyn District Attorney’s (Facebook image) University of Miami’s pathology months ago. The unvaccinated are Office. (GBSS) before moving to the U.S. Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lab, have the strain that originated hosting the mutating variants that The couple reportedly invited to study medicine. (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome out of Colombia. are rapidly spreading in the South guests to attend the receptions He is an alumnus of as a child and has been an “And here’s a real shocking Florida community. in two shifts — 6:30 p.m. and Brooklyn Technical High School outspoken advocate for people thing that’s spreading in Colombia “The more people we leave 8:30. p.m. to respect COVID-19- and Brooklyn College, from living with those conditions. quite a bit,” Migoya told Local unprotected from vaccines, protocols. which he received a B.A. in 10 News. “And they haven’t the more opportunities there Williams, 45, is reportedly political science in 2001 and ~ NewsAmericasNow.com seen it anywhere else outside of are for variants to emerge,” eyeing a run for governor. an M.A. in urban policy and Colombia. Well, guess what? In Jennifer Nuzzo, a Johns Hopkins His parents, Greg and Patricia Y the last week, 10% of our patients epidemiologist, was quoted as administration in 2005. Williams Williams, are from St. Andrew, had the Colombian variant. Why? saying. was diagnosed with Attention Grenada. His father was a Because of the travel between footballer and cricketer who Colombia and Miami.” ~ Rewritten from Local News 10 That sequencing lab reports represented the students of Y Grenada Boys Secondary School Nominations For In the the following percentages of Company of Women Awards Now Open Do you know an amazing • Outstanding Woman in Arts woman leader, activist, or hero? and Entertainment PAY THIS WAY She may be someone who • Outstanding Woman in inspires and motivates. From Business and Economics now through Sept. 3, 2021, • Outstanding Woman in consider nominating her for the Communications and Literature Minimize contact while riding, 33rd Annual In the Company of • Outstanding Woman in Women Awards. Education and Research starting with how you pay. 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••• Riders can use •7890 global/service.page?Mduid_ and Technology contactless-enableded service=ser1539114258088854 • Outstanding Woman in Sports bank cards, digitall Presented by the Miami- and Athletics wallets, mobile Dade Parks, Recreation and • Outstanding Young passes, an EASY Card or the GO Open Spaces Department, in Professional (must be age 40 Miami-Dade Transit partnership with the Miami-Dade and under) app to pay their Commission for Women and • Community Spirit Award fare. the Parks Foundation of Miami- •Mayor’s Pioneer Award Touch less with Dade, the In the Company of touchless payment on Miami-Dade Women awards honor women Nominations with supporting Transit. who have shown professional entry materials must be development, community submitted online by 11:59 p.m. responsibility, contribution to on September 3, 2021. women’s progress, leadership The awards ceremony, and vision, and promotion of scheduled for March 10, 2022, pluralism. at the Coral Gables Country Club, commemorates March’s Nominations are being Women’s History Month and accepted now through International Women’s Day. @GoMiamiDade miamidade.gov/transit September 3, 2021 for the Y following categories: Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 7 FEATURE Modernizing Jamaican Heroes BY DAWN A. DAVIS because of activism. It’s will be created by Jamaican Asked if the for-profit something that I’ve been musicians, supplemented by rganization has the support of the Many Jamaicans may know the involved in with my art for creative dances to help tell the government, Smart and Producer/ names of the country’s 7 national some time. Over the years, I’ve stories. Indeed, by connecting Writer Sherando Ferril responded heroes. But do they know why used my art to help charitable the music with dance the aim is in the affirmative: It is supported they are so celebrated? When they organizations raise funds, and to engage the young generation by the Ministry of Culture and look at the dull grey pictures of more recently to express my in a very engaging and will be part of the Diamond the heroes, are they inspired to personal views about social interactive way. Print material Jubilee Celebration in August learn more? Probably not. issues,” explained Smart in a will include coffee table books, 2022. However, government Well, proud Jamaican, conversation with Caribbean post cards, and posters that will approval is not needed to create Charles ‘Mark Phi’ Smart, is Today. be extensively used in schools, a groundswell or support from working to change that. As With a rich cultural heritage especially at the primary level. Jamaicans at home and abroad. Founder/Executive Producer and - Smart is Jamaican and Sierra “Of course, the kids might But it important to have them ARTivist of the organization, Leonian — he is carrying on Smart’s portrait of Queen Nanny. know the heroes and see the on board to help legitimize the Jamaica Heroes Modernized the legacy passed down from consciousness of people of color faces, but through these posters work JHM is doing. Government (JHM), Smart intends to “Back his great-great grandfather, contributes to the way we feel we will be showing the major support helps create an the Culture” by transforming Gombu Smart, an ex-slave who about ourselves, our identity, and accomplishments that those institutionalized positioning for the portrayal of the National became a powerful chief in Sierra the value that we place on who heroes have made to Jamaica. We the project to carry on for the Heroes and connect the world to Leone during the 18th and 19th we are. will give them the information next generation. Jamaica’s unique culture. centuries and is considered a “So, when I looked at our chronologically so they can see “We are anchoring His vibrantly colored national hero. Jamaican heroes, I saw the where the heroes fall and what everything around Jamaican portraits of Queen Nanny, Samuel “Understanding that legacy opportunity to do something their specific contributions were,” culture to create what we call Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George and having lived that legacy, I about highlighting their worth,” said Smart. cultural unity. Empowering William Gordon, Marcus Garvey, lived in Sierra Leone for some said Smart. “It really started The multi-dimensional independence is our tagline,” Normal Manley, and Alexander time, and seeing what that’s with the portrayal of the heroes. approach being undertaken by said Smart. “So, Jamaica Heroes Bustamante will re-energize like versus living in the western The black and white sketches JHM, will engage well respected Modernized is empowering interest and conversations about world, especially as a black or photos were not giving life Jamaican scholars, producers, independence. And we are these important figures that person, it’s made me more or dignity to the significance of writers, musicians, directors, empowering independence helped shape Jamaica. conscious about our place in what those heroes did in terms of historians and communications through these ethos - cultural The vision also includes a the world collectively and what the sacrifices and contributions specialists. Professor Verene unity, national pride, cultural 10-episode film series, original needs to be done to create change that they made.” Shepherd, Dr. Carolyn Cooper preservation, national legacy, and Jamaican music, print material in a way that’s going to move us Dr. Clinton Hutton, Dr. Sonjah culture.” such as a coffee table book, forward,” Smart said. MULTI-DIMENSIONAL Stanley Niaah, Dr. Amina Y and a dedicated digital platform He explained that a huge part This multi-pronged project Blackwood-Meeks, Fae bringing it all together. of understanding is awareness will feature large fine art portraits Ellington, Oliver Samuels, about who we are and warned on gallery canvas that will be on Sherando Ferril are just a few ACTIVISM that the information that is being permanent exhibition in Jamaica. of the many who support this “The project came about disseminated to the minds and Music about the National Heroes important project. 9020 SW 152nd Street Miami, FL 33157 Peter London Creating Dance That Empowers Tel: (305) 238-2868 BY DAWN A. DAVIS had to change the way he works sentence. The hardest thing was with his dancers as he creates new not being able to touch a family (305) 253-6029 Peter London was born to pieces. member dying in hospital affected Fax: (305) 252-7843 dance. From the age of six, the “Like everybody else, it with Covid-19. So, that’s why Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 Trinidadian-born Londoner, ‘felt has been devastating because part of the program is around the 1-800-605-7516 the spirit’ to move as he mimicked we’re not able to have live concept of touch. Rain on me has www.caribbeantoday.com adults taking part in West African performances. And so, A lot of the to do with the deep desire to say Send ads to: work was suspended. But what I healthy. So, dancers are dancing Yoruba religious rites. There was [email protected] no turning back. decided to do right away is to put in the fresh air, communicating Today, he leads his own company, everything online,” he explained. with the earth and water.” the Peter London Global Dance “So instead of live performance London’s work has been Vol. 32, Number 9 • AUG. 2021 we film the work that would recognised by grants from Company, based in Miami, PETER A WEBLEY Florida. As founder, artistic have been done in front of a live prestigious organizations such as Publisher director, and choreographer, audience. I got filmmakers and the John S. and James L. Knight London reflected on his rich past videographers, we rented space Foundation. His concepts are FELICIA J. PERSAUD that he continues to draw from. Peter London, founder, artistic direc- at the Adrienne Arsht Center, inspired by his environment, Editor “I was director of a folk- tor, and choreographer, of the Peter following the protocol rules. We African struggle for freedom and dance group, the Barataria Dance London Global Dance Company. filmed everything and presented justice, ancestral voices. BRANDON WEBLEY Group in Trinidad. And the idea the production online.” “Sometimes ideas come from Web Copy Editor to teach and choreograph, was to go to New York because London added that dancers nature, the natural surroundings. with a plan to start his own I wanted to choreograph fusing who would normally come from Sometimes it’s around the MARILYN CHIN dance company. His move to the traditional Trinidadian dance different parts of the world to be biography of an individual such Account Executive Miami would start that journey, with modern dance,” London part of the show, created their as a piece called “Black Men beginning with his role as dance reminisced. “So, I thought the best dances, filmed it and sent in the Stories” that dealt with the lives LORNA ASENCOR teacher/choreographer at the New place to do it was at the Juilliard videos that became part of the of Frederick Douglass, Marcus Accounting Manager World School of the Arts. School of Dance that had the production. Garvey. I’ve been inspired by London also fed his passion SABRINA G. ALEXANDER best teachers doing this work in a Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, and to pass on his creative knowledge Graphic Design conservatory form. So, I ended up TOUCH it’s usually about their lives as to children, teaching community at Juilliard.” For this year, London revolutionaries fighting for black groups at the African Heritage Opinions expressed by editors and Recognizing his talent and produced new choreography people to go forward,” London Cultural Arts Center in Miami. writers are not necessarily those background, London’s teachers at and filmed it on the beach in explained. “Then there are the His modern dance company of the publisher. Caribbean Today, Juilliard suggested he join the Jose addition to rehearsing for a traditional dances. I’m influenced officially emerged in 2011. an independent news ­­magazine, is Limon Dance Company or the live performance in December. by the stories of the Orishas, the “We have sold out shows,” published every month by Caribbean Martha Graham Dance Company In January 2022 the company goddesses, my African heritage.” London explained. “We are an Publishing & Services, Inc. because of their unique techniques will present a new production, It is brutal hard work, but arts partner at the Adrienne Arsht Caribbean Today is not responsible that incorporated different cultural depending on the COVID-related definitely worth it, said the Center for the Performing Arts, for unsolicited manuscripts or voices in their choreography. He status, called, “Touch and Rain on choreographer who continuously the leading Performing Arts photos. To guarantee return, please danced with both for a number of Me.” strives for new ideas through the Centre in South Florida for the include a self-addressed stamped years, as well as the Alvin Ailey “The title is based on use of vivid imagery and creative past nine years. We also perform envelope. Articles appearing Dance Theatre. us having to live with this elements based on history, at the Little Haiti Culture Center in Caribbean Today may not pandemic,” London explained. literature, and African spirituality and throughout Miami.” be reproduced without written JOURNEY “Touching became, for almost to create a sense of empowerment. But now, in the grips of a permission of the editor. London knew he wanted everybody, a possible death global pandemic, London has Y 8 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years VIEWPOINT The Future Of DREAMERS Lies In The Hands Of Never Letting Go Manchin And Sinema DACA – or the Deferred Action DREAMERs impacted, but the would restrict voting access for for Childhood Arrivals program measure has stalled in the Senate. many Texas, chief among them of 2012 – was sent into a tailspin To that end, West Virginia immigrant and Black voters. His again on Friday, July 17, 2021, Sen. Joe Manchin and Arizona’s attendance is a slap in the face when Republican appointed Judge Kyrsten Sinema are to be blamed. to all people of color, who in Andrew S. They hold the key to moving the 2021 find themselves fighting Hanen ruled DREAM act forward to passage, what is simply a racist attempt to the program and to finally becoming law once wrest back control by the White was “illegal” and for all. dominated Grand Ole Party. and put a halt The Democratic holdouts Manchin and Sinema must on all new over efforts to pass immigration decide if they are Democrats applications. and federal voting rights or Republicans. They cannot Hanen, legislation is jeopardizing the be both. Republicans have no who was entire future of the Democratic problem holding the line and nominated FELICIA J. Party and control of power sticking together. Manchin and by President PERSAUD currently. Sinema obviously have no such You cannot force yourself on aggrieved party. George W. It is immigrant and black loyalty. They are fast heading to someone or force them to love “How you look so sad and Bush in 2002 voters who came out in great claiming the award of most hated you. Too many people cling miserable all the time? If it’s not to be a District numbers to hand Biden and Democrats in America, but sadly, desperately to relationships that working leave the man.” “I just Judge and was confirmed in May Kamala Harris a victory in 2019, their selfish actions will impact have run their course; when the can’t let go.” Even though the of 2002 by a 97-0 Senatorial vote, while helping Democrats to wrest the Democratic Party and the sparks no linger flicker and the person is hurting and suffering serves in the Brownsville Division back control of the Senate. Biden administration’s agenda and embers have lost their glow and from the emotional poison that of the Southern District of Texas. Now is the time for commitment to immigrant voters. turned to ashes. they are subjected to, they still He ruled that the Barack Obama Democrats to deliver for Immigrant voters, disgusted Unfortunately, this often ends refuse to let go. administration failed to follow immigrant voters, beginning with with being scapegoated again, violently, as one “Why do you stay with federal administrative rules in DACA, or they will face a major will once more turn their party refuses her even though she treats you launching DACA and that the blow-back in 2022. backs on them come 2022 and to accept that like crap?” “I can’t help it; I Department of Homeland Security Manchin instead headed to beyond. Time is running out the relationship just can’t let go.” That’s when cannot grant any new applications Texas for a fundraiser on the same for DACA to become law and has ended, the the couple is ambling along from people who have never been day the Texas judge ruled against for comprehensive immigration party’s over. with the illusory semblance of a in the program. DACA. The host committee of reform that also curbs the border This applies healthy relationship and refuse But the good news is that the fundraiser included several crisis. And time is also slip, to men and to let go of each other. When it Hanen put the most of his ruling wealthy Republican donors, sliding away for Democrats to women, but the gets dangerous though, is when on hold while the case is appealed including titans of the Texas oil deliver for the immigrant and men do seem to one party decides to end it, and by the Joe Biden administration’s and gas industry, many of whom Black voters who handed them have a penchant TONY the other refuses to sign those DOJ. President Joe Biden has donate almost exclusively to power in 2019. for violence ROBINSON emotional release papers. said the U.S. will appeal the Republicans. The future of DREAMERS because they In many cases the man federal judge’s ruling. And on The fundraiser came just a is completely now in the hands of refuse to let go. refuses to accept that it has Saturday, he again renewed his day after Manchin met with Texas Manchin and Sinema. It’s time to There is something about ended and that she doesn’t want call for the US Congress to agree House Democrats on Capitol Hill put up or shut up. clinging, hanging on, never him anymore. That can turn on a permanent solution. who are desperate for his support letting go that must be a deadly. They refuse to let go of The House approved of congressional efforts which ~ The writer is publisher of singularly human characteristic. a relationship that she no longer legislation in March, creating a could preempt the statewide NewsAmericasNow I say humans, because animals wants and really bring a literary pathway toward citizenship for all GOP’s push to pass bills that Y certainly do not exhibit this meaning to the term: ‘Til death do condition. All mothers love their us part.’ offspring desperately, and yet in It’s a temporary insanity, a the animal kingdom, the mothers crime of passion that the French know when to let go, sever the have in their legal lexicon. navel string. Whatever it is, there are men Even after the mother bird who simply refuse to let go, and hasreared her chicks after they women who get involved with CONNECT TO emerged from the eggs, at some them have literally signed their point, she literally kicks those death warrant. “Do you take this TRANSIT AND fledglings out of the nest to fend man to love, honor and obey until for themselves. death do you part?” “Er, whose That is the only way that they death, mine?” SO MUCH MORE will grow. But not so with many Should you show strength human mothers, who cling to their and fight to hold on, or be deemed Our on-demand transit service will take you children, especially their sons, weak when you walk away? Some directly to Miami-Dade Transit hubs or extending an invisible womb and think holding on is strong, but an everlasting umbilical cord, sometimes it is letting go. nearby destinations. Go Connect is available long after the child has turned into Never letting go can have within these areas: an adult. deadly consequences, but sadly Some of these mothers it’s nothing new, as people, mostly cannot let go and have their men, have exhibited an adhesion • Civic Center • South Miami grown sons still living with them to women who have left them that way up into their forties. no glue can match. • West Kendall • Dadeland Young ladies, take my In extreme cases it’s the advice, if you meet such a man, a crime cliché of ‘a love triangle • Cutler Bay man in his thirties still living with gone bad’ or a ‘murder suicide,’ his mother, beat a hasty retreat, because he couldn’t deal with the for that relationship with that breakup. man-boy will be going nowhere. If you love something set it But let’s jump to other types free, if it comes back, it’s yours, if of relationships where people it doesn’t, hunt it down and kill it. refuse to let go. In many instances That is the mantra of many men the writing has been on the wall who are incapable of letting go. for a very long time. So much so that it’s etched on the faces of ~ EDITOR’S NOTE: Tony the couple, or at least on one of Robinson can be reached at For more information, visit goconnect.miamidade.gov them, written in stone, embossed seido1yard@gmail. and burnished on the souls of the Y Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 9 VIEWPOINT Why Caribbean Governments Should Make The Shift To A Human Rights-Based Approach To Crime Prevention Now BY ALBERTO BRUNORI of human rights violations, such As part of community-based as extra-judicial or arbitrary interventions religious leaders and People in the Caribbean face killings, unnecessary or excessive the private sector can be important some of the highest levels of use of force by security forces or actors of change in preventing violence in the world. Of the 22 unlawful or arbitrary arrests and stigmatization and supporting Latin American and Caribbean detention. reintegration, especially of juvenile countries surveyed in 2020 by the A security-focused approach offenders. independent think-tank Insight has proved to be ineffective in Ensuring that human rights crime, three Caribbean countries preventing crime, costly for are protected today contributes ranked in the top-six with most governments and increases to the prevention of violations violence. Jamaica tops the list with mistrust between communities and and possible violence tomorrow. the highest numbers of murders government institutions, including Making the shift to a human (46.5) per 100 000 inhabitants, in security forces. Instead of rights-based approach to crime with Trinidad & Tobago (28.2) and combating the symptoms, a human prevention doesn’t require Belize (24.3) ranking respectively rights-based shift is urgently reinvention of the wheel. As the as the fourth and sixth. needed to tackle the underlying leading UN entity on human The Caribbean region is root causes. rights, the Office of the United in fact particularly exposed to In line with the Sustainable Nations High Commissioner for the presence of organized crime Development Goals (SDGs) Human Rights (OHCHR) has been groups, which contributes in part it is essential to prioritize supporting countries across the to high violence levels. While resources to social protection, Crime in Haiti has spiked astronomically. world, including in the Caribbean, Caribbean countries are not the health and education systems based violence in the Americas, International experience to tackle many of these issues. only ones facing this threat, the and employment to curb there is a particular need to step shows that governments must This includes building characteristics of Small Island discrimination, social exclusion, up efforts to promote access to support security forces with judiciary capacity in incorporating Development States (SIDS) and inequality, which all remain justice for victims, especially sufficient resources to ensure international human rights pose specific challenges in key drivers for crime and social women and girls, strengthen training and internal oversight, but standards into domestic legal implementing effective responses. conflicts protection mechanisms, protocols also avoid political interference frameworks, reforming and High crime rates impact the lives Reforms towards and capacities within the police in day-to-day-activities. Security implementing new legislation of everyone. However, women, strengthening an independent, and judiciary to ensure a gender- forces need to be held accountable relating to domestic and sexual ethnic minorities, migrants, impartial and efficient judiciary sensitive approach. for any unlawful or arbitrary violence and human rights training young men, and people living in improve access to justice for all Investment in human rights actions. This would translate of civil servants, law enforcement poverty are amongst those most and are fundamental to counter compliant policy-, training- and into operational independence, and other security forces. at risk of falling victims to human impunity and reoccurrence. accountability frameworks establishing trust with communities While challenges persist, rights violations stemming from This includes strengthening of security forces. Security and, most importantly, countering many countries in the region insecurity. capacities of the judiciary and forces play an important role in crime. Finally, it is important to have shown commitment to make Unfortunately, a strictly ensuring effective investigations, countering crime, but they require strengthen rights of members of the shift. OHCHR stands ready security-focused approach to prosecution and victim-centred detailed internal guidance that security force who often put their to support governments and all the problem continues to be the punishment of perpetrators is compliant with international lives on the line to protect rights of partners involved in this endeavor. norm. This includes at times an in compliance with judicial human rights standards. One others. emphasis on so-called “Anti- guarantees of defendants. good example in the region is the Strengthening rehabilitation EDITOR’S NOTE: Alberto Gang legislation”, the extended Supporting access to Caribbean Human Rights and Use and community reintegration Brunori is the Regional use of state of emergencies or justice for victims is key, such of Force Model Policy, which, of offenders. Harsher prison Representative for Central harsher punishments, including as by countering discrimination, if adopted by governments and sentences, overcrowding and America and the English- the death penalty, which remains promoting legal aid programmes security forces, would significantly dire prison conditions do not speaking Caribbean of the United on the books in several countries. and awareness raising campaigns. strengthen internal guidelines in deter crime. On the contrary, Nations High Commissioner As regularly pointed out by UN As Caribbean countries continue relation to use of force and human such measures contribute to re- for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights treaty bodies, to present some of the highest rights. occurrence and therewith feed into Contact him at pregionaloffice@ these measures increase the risk levels of sexual and gender- the cycle of violence. Humane ohchr.org or on Twitter at @ custodial measures accompanied Albrunori or @OACNUDH. by the better use of alternatives Every Child Matters of imprisonment and a focus on ~ NewsAmericasNow.com BY DR. WINSTON WHYTE be able to understand where I’m too. I’ve seen the first time she rehabilitation will reduce crime. Y coming from today. called me mom, I thought it would As I pondered about the difficulties l tried to adopt a child for never happen, she did not speak facing our education arena here in three years. After 2 failed trips at 3 years of age. I’ve seen the Improve Your Health & Wellness Today! the United States and throughout and loss of thousands of dollars, light of recognition in my child’s Feel Great - Have More Energy the world, I thought about the I finally completed J’s adoption. I eyes when she finally grasped the many Special Education students spent 2 months living in Ukraine “meaning of something.” Our Meridian Energy Analysis is a Computerized tool used to analyze the Bio-Life Force Energy flowing in who were not sufficiently serviced during the hard process of the Her life was meaningless, Your Body. It shows the Body’s Vital Functions. Meridians are invisible Lines of Energy that pass through the during the Pandemic for a myriad adoption. While in Ukraine I before I met her. What may seem internal organs systems. Blockages in these Meridians may result in Negative Health Conditions. The of reasons. My mind took me back lived in a house across the street ordinary to you has taken on a Chinese has used Acupuncture Meridians therapeutically for 5,000 Years. It is similar to EKG. to my position of Administrative from the orphanage where Jana whole new significance for me. • Increase Energy • Stress Reduction Director in charge of Special lived for 2 years. During this I’ve learned a whole new language • Live Pain Free • Improve Your Wellness, Balance, Life & Health Education in the South-Central time I learned that children are too. It’s called “medically” to speak • Know Your Health Status. • Bring Back Health, Happiness, Peace Office of Miami-Dade County like fish, they grow depending in words you don’t hear every day. • Find Imbalance before it become serious. & Joy in Your Life Public Schools, and the plea for on their environment, I learned At first, I thought I’d never be able The Goal is to Find the Imbalance. The Solution is to Restore Wellness and Balance. that children cross their eyes to to keep all the terms straight, but help that I got from a desperate Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation. Get Your Personal Screen Now ! mother. entertain themselves while they are I speak to it fairly fluently now. I constraint to their cribs waiting for can thoroughly explain “sensory THE SUNSHINE WELLNESS CENTER I kept her letter and would like 2300 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Ste 221,West Palm Beach, FL 33409 to share it, as it echoes the voice someone to pay attention to them, I integration Deprivation”. I know of many of our parents, Rich, and learned that children eat a soft diet that a child can rock just to calm 561-385-2818 Poor. at 3 years of’ age, some days not down, not because he suffers from “Sept. 18, 2008 even this, I learned that adults can any of the “Ism” terminology, I’m To: The School System prohibit a baby from drinking water beginning to learn “teacherly” now. I don’t ordinarily open up so that they don’t waste pampers, You use a lot of abbreviations and to strangers like this, but you’re I learned that children can be so numbers, FAB, IEP, but I know I not really a stranger. You’re the neglected that their nervous system can learn your language too. person responsible for my child’s can be damaged, I learned that You may only see the bad education –a principal, an assistant children can be bathed twice a year, things about my child. It may principal, a teacher, and a guidance and when they get to be bathed, It not seem fair to you to spend counsellor. The object of this is not Is done with a hose. First, I had to more time with her, and do things to make you feel sorry for me. Far get through all these newly learnt differently for just one child, from it. It’s to try to help you to experiences, then I had to accept when you have a classroom full understand me and my child. If you that my daughter had actually gone of children who learn things in can understand something about through all of It. There was grief. A the places I’ve been, you may lot of that. But I’ve seen miracles (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) 10 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Two Reggae Songs Make Barack Mr. Easy’s Back With “Friends Fi Life” Obama’s Summer Playlist The summer heat is scorching tempo and message. Mr. Easy Two reggae songs have made the just like Mr. Easy’s new single and rising star De Alpha are the 38-summer play list of the 44th “Friends Fi Life,” featuring De ideal voices to bring the melodic U.S. President, Barack Obama. Alpha. In just a short time since ode to friendship loyalty to Obama recently revealed its release, “Friends Fi Life” is life. “Friends Fi Life” is likely his 38-song summer playlist and blazing national and international resonating so well with listening Jamaican reggae star Protoje’s radio, the sound fraternity, the audiences because of its catchy “Switch It Up” feat. Koffee Dancehall and music lovers hook, impactful verses and ranked at number 2. far and wide! The red-hot song theme that never grows old, The track is from his 2020 speaks to Mr. Easy’s proven especially during such trying album In Search Of Lost Time track record of cranking out hit times. music over his long-running and comes on the heels of his Mr. Easy Y latest video for “Self Defense,” career. Produced by DJ Jason the Legacy Riddim, “Friends another gem from ‘In Search of Fi Life” boasts both an upbeat Lost Time,’ released this week. and Romie Fame Records on Also making the Barack Obama playlist is the classic reggae anthem, Exodus, by Haitian Film Makes Cannes Film Festival Debut reggae legend Bob Marley and The country of Haiti may be in is a fictional autobiography on the during the Day Of The Dead the Wailers. turmoil following the murder of plight of women in working-class commemorations. Classroom Obama’s list also features its President, but a Creole-lan- neighborhoods, said Géneus. conversations between Freda Caribbean born star Rihanna’s Protoje and Koffee’s “Switch It Up” guage film is dazzling at the The film was produced by and her peers have the air of ‘Desperado.’ has made former President Barack Obama’s summer playlist. (Yannick 74th edition of the Cannes Film Ayizan Prod from Haiti, Sanosi Ken Loach’s Land And Freedom “Switch It Up” was produced Reid Image) Festival. Prod (France) and Merveille (1995) as they debate politics, by Winta James. The Xtreme Haitian director, singer and Prod (Benin), and tells the story religion and the heavy shadows Arts-directed video also includes and artist management company actress, Gessica Geneus, danced of three women, who decided of colonial rule. They argue over Lila Iké, Sevana, Jaz Elise, Royal In.Digg.Nation Collective, which with cast members as they arrived to leave a disadvantaged town the merits of peaceful protest, Blu and Jesse Royal. All, with the houses some of the island’s for the screening of the film “Fre- plagued by growing insecurity, revolution and direct action. exception of the latter, contributed most promising acts including da” in southern France on July after an event traumatic. A large part of the bigger background vocals on the song. himself, Iké, Sevana and Elise. 14, 2021. Geneus weaves aspects of her picture of “Freda” is an under- Jamaican contemporary Chronixx The contingent is redefining what The cast includes Nehe- own life and experience into the standing of the oppression faced also lends his voice to the track’s Jamaican music sounds like, a mie Bastien as Freda, Gaëlle film. by women in a country where chorus. genre-infused palette while still Bien-Aimé, Djanaina Francois, Cinematographer Karine beauty is a prize for a powerful The collective effort of holding true to the sounds of their Cantave Kerven, Rolapthon Aulnette places the viewer right man, education is dismissed as a “Switch It Up” encapsulates how native island. Mercure, Fabiola Remy and Jean in the heart of Port-au-Prince pointless luxury and change will Protoje is playing an important ~ NewsAmericasNow.com Jean. and appears to have filmed in the only come if the women them- role in Jamaican music as a whole. The 94-minutes film, shot in middle of protests as people run selves break with tradition and Protoje is the founder of the label Y Port-au-Prince in 2019 and 2020, through the streets demanding an defy expectations. end to corruption. The odds stacked against Scenes in the family store, Freda and the problems facing spilling on to a sidewalk of Haiti make her defiance all the brightly painted house fronts, more engaging and makes the feel theatrical, yet others, such film so pertinent at this specific as those the streets of Port-au- moment in Haiti’s history. Prince, have a documentary-like urgency. The fervor of a Christian ~ NewsAmericasNow.com service brushes up against the Y growing agitation of ritual dances Every Child Matters (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) best you’ve seen lately. I may standard ways. My child may already have had some run-ins with disrupt your class and may not the “system” before I ever talk to seem to be learning much. I don’t you. I may come on too forcefully expect you to ignore other students and seem too demanding. Maybe for her sake. I don’t want her I’ve had to get services for my forgotten in a back seat classroom child. Or maybe the professionals like a “different” kid either, I’ve dealt with before having done although she may have to spend everything they could to help me. some time in a smaller classroom Maybe I’ll assume that you will with more individual attention. My too, and I won’t remember all the goal is to make her understand she hard lessons I’ve learned along the is no longer in the dark hole she way. Or I may remember each one was before. I believe some of the too vividly. I may be a combination brighter students in her class may of all these feelings. Whatever the be able to help her. case, I am just a normal person You’ll be teaching them who wants the best for my child. about responsibility, and they’ll If you take all the things learn acceptance. It will take some I’ve confided in you, you may understanding on both our parts to understand me and my child better. work this out. As a parent, I know If we work together, maybe we I’m not perfect. I make mistakes can do what I pray for each night. every day. I realize teachers are That is to give my child as many only human too. I also remember opportunities as possible to strive the time when some of my teachers and be a normal kid, in a world that were up there with God, in my isn’t fair. estimation. They had such an impact on my life! My kindergarten A Concerned Parent.” teacher was my godmother! Your lives probably aren’t as worry free EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Winston or stress free as I used to think, and Whyte is a Jamaican-born, US- my child may only add to a day based educator who can be reached that’s too full and too underpaid. at winstonwhyte1@ gmail.com. My attitude may not be the Y Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 11 FOOD Top Caribbean Chef Brings ‘Canje’ To Texas A Caribbean chef, who last year Caribbean Recipe Of The Month was named one of Food & Wine In celebration of Trinidad curry powder. magazine’s best new chefs, is set and Tobago’s independence Mix chicken with a spoon to bring the taste of his region and anniversary on August 31st, or with hands until they are well homeland to Austin, Texas. here’s a popular recipe from coated, set aside in the fridge Guyanese immigrant Chef the twin-island Republic that is and marinate for 30 minutes or Tavel Bristol-Joseph, and his a favorite globally. It Chicken overnight. partners in the Emmer & Rye Roti. Here’s the recipe: Heat a large saucepan with Hospitality Group, are set to open oil, and add onions, garlic, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant INGREDIENTS thyme, cumin spice, all spice, Canje this fall at 1914 E. Sixth St. Marinade smoked paprika, nutmeg and in East Austin, Texas. Guyana-born Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, and • 2 -3 pounds chicken skinned curry powder, stir occasionally Named after the national his partners in the Emmer & Rye Hospitaly thighs cut in bite-sized pieces for about 2-3 minutes until Chicken Roti Trinidad Style bird of his homeland, the canje Group, are set to open the Caribbean- • 1 teaspoon black pepper onions is translucent. Divide the dough into 6 inspired restaurant Canje this fall. pheasant, the new restaurant • 1 teaspoon minced garlic Add chicken, stir and sauté equal-sized balls. Flatten each will allow Bristol-Joseph the months ahead to tour the villages • 1 teaspoon dried thyme for about 2-3 more minutes. slightly and roll out with a first opportunity of his culinary and taste the cuisine that inspired • 1 teaspoon salt Add chicken stock if rolling pin into 8-inch squares. career to bring the flavors of his long-gestating project. • 1 teaspoon curry powder necessary to prevent any burns To cook the roti, place his homeland and region to the Bristol-Joseph, born and • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice next add chickpeas, chicken butter on a skillet over high heat palettes of diners in the lone star raised in Guyana, had a difficult • Chicken Filling bouillon, potatoes and chicken until it sizzles. state. childhood. His father, a drug • 1 cup vegetable oil broth. Reduce the heat to medium He acknowledges Austin dealer, died when he was 7, and • 2-3 tablespoon curry powder Bring to a boil and let it and place the roti on to the pan. diners are likely to have limited his mother was stuck in the United • 1 large onion diced simmer until sauce thickens, it Cook for 2-3 minutes, until knowledge of the cuisine of States due to visa restrictions. He • 1 teaspoon ground allspice might take about 20-30 minutes. the crust is light brown. Guyana, but says he is excited to moved to the United States shortly • 1-teaspoon ground nutmeg Adjust for salt, pepper and share Guyana’s array of flavors Turn with a wide spatula after graduating high school with spice stew consistency. through dishes like roti and pepper and continue cooking. dreams of playing professional • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika pot as well as Caribbean dishes like Repeat the process with the basketball, but he quickly realized • 1 fresh or dried thyme ROTI INGREDIENTS jerk chicken and spiced beef patties. he had more game in the kitchen remaining roti. • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 4 cups all-purpose flour “The beauty of the Caribbean than on the court and enrolled in • 1 teaspoon cumin spice • 2 teaspoons baking powder is all of these influences. It’s a pastry school in New York City TO SERVE beautiful blend. And I want to instead. Today, Bristol-Joseph • 1 teaspoon black pepper. • 1 teaspoon salt Fill the middle of each cooked make sure the food represents that has become an undeniable force • 1 can of chickpeas, drained • 1/4 cup oil Roti with about 1/2 cup of because I think we need it now in the kitchen and is a co-owner • 2 cups of cubed potatoes • 1 cup water Chicken filling mixture. more than ever,” Bristol-Joseph alongside 2016 F&W Best New • 3-4 cups chicken broth/water • 1 tablespoon butter, melted Wrap the dough around the told the American-Statesman. Chef Kevin Fink and executive • 1 teaspoon cayenne mixture to seal the filling inside. “The goal is to put these pastry chef at five different pepper(optional) METHOD Serve Hot. dishes in front of you and you restaurants throughout Austin • Salt to taste Combine the dry ingredients not to have realized these dishes including Emmer & Rye, Hestia, in a mixing bowl. Gradually add Bon Appetite! are Caribbean. If you are eager Kalimotxo, Henbit, and TLV. INSTRUCTIONS the oil and water while mixing enough to know, you are going to Place chicken in a large and kneading the dough. ~ NewsAmericasNow.com find out,” he added. ~ NewsAmericasNow.com bowl or saucepan then add salt, Set the dough aside for 15 Y The chef and his team are Y garlic, thyme, white pepper and minutes. also set to travel to Guyana in the 12 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years

CITIZENS’ INDEPENDENT

MOVINGOOVINGMOVINGVINMOVINGG TRANSPORTATION TRUST FORWARDOORWARDFORWARDRWARFORWARDD Chair’s Message Miami-Dade County Receives the Last The South Corridor Rapid The Trust Adds Three New Members As the world began to re- Pair of New Metrorail Cars Transit Project Now Under and Welcomes Back Two Members cover from a pandemic, Construction we entered 2021 achieving Earlier this year, the Miami-Dade In February 2021, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) many of the People’s Trans- Department of Transportation and welcomed the Honorable Peggy Bell, former Mayor of the Town of portation Plan accomplish- Public Works (DTPW) received the Cutler Bay, and Meg Daly, Founder and President of Friends of The ments, including the deliv- last pair of new Metrorail vehicles, 5NDERLINE ŸTOŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸMEMBERSHIP ERYŸOFŸTHEŸÚNALŸPAIRŸOFŸNEWŸ completing the upgrade of its Metrorail vehicles, and breaking ground on  VEHICLEŸÛEET -SŸ"ELL ŸWHOŸWASŸAPPOINTEDŸTOŸREPRESENTŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ County Commission District 8 on the Trust, played an THEŸ3OUTHŸ#ORRIDORŸRAPIDŸTRANSITŸPROJECT Funded by approximately $385 IMPORTANTŸROLEŸINŸSHAPINGŸTHEŸ4OWNŸOFŸ#UTLERŸ"AY ŸÚRSTŸ Million of surtax funds from the 4HEŸNEWŸ-ETRORAILŸÛEETŸISŸANŸIMPORTANTŸIN- ASŸAŸ#OUNCILŸ-EMBER ŸANDŸLATERŸASŸTHEŸTOWNSŸÚRSTŸ People’s Transportation Plan, the vestment in the future of Miami-Dade Coun- FEMALEŸ-AYOR TYSŸTRANSITŸSYSTEM ŸPROVIDINGŸAŸVEHICLEŸÛEETŸ NEWŸ ÛEETŸ HASŸ ALREADYŸ GREATLYŸ IM- proved the reliability and quality that the riding public can be proud of and Honorable Peggy Bell -SŸ$ALYŸHEADSŸTHEŸNON PROÚTŸORGANIZATIONŸFORŸ4HEŸ OFŸSERVICEŸOFŸTHEŸ-ETRORAILŸSYSTEMŸ ENJOYŸFORŸMANYŸGENERATIONSŸTOŸCOMEŸ4HATŸISŸ Underline – an innovative project that is actively why the Citizens’ Independent Transporta- “This is a very important investment in the future of the County’s transit transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s tion Trust (CITT) continues to closely moni- SYSTEMŸANDŸAŸVEHICLEŸÛEETŸTHATŸTHEŸRIDINGŸPUBLICŸCANŸBEŸPROUDŸOF sŸSAIDŸ Metrorail into a 120-acre linear park, urban trail TORŸTHEŸMAINTENANCEŸANDŸCAREŸOFŸTHISŸSIGNIÚ- *OEŸ#URBELO Ÿ#HAIRŸOFŸTHEŸ#ITIZENSŸ)NDEPENDENTŸ4RANSPORTATIONŸ4RUSTŸ In early June 2021, the Miami-Dade and public art destination spanning 10-miles in the CANTŸINVESTMENT 4HEŸASSEMBLYŸOFŸTHEŸNEWŸRAILŸCARSŸBEGANŸINŸŸ)NŸLATEŸ ŸTHEŸÚRSTŸ County Department of Transportation URBANŸCOREŸ-SŸ$ALYŸISŸREPRESENTINGŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ and Public Works broke ground on the We are also making great progress with the new Metrorail train was placed into service, making the new rail cars the #OUNTYŸ#OMMISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ#)44 South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, one rapid transit corridors outlined in Strategic ÚRSTŸTOŸBEŸPLACEDŸINTOŸSERVICEŸSINCEŸTHEŸ-ETRORAILŸOPENEDŸINŸ of six corridors in the Strategic Miami Meg Daly In May 2021, the CITT welcomed attorney Mary Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, in- Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, and Street, who is representing Miami-Dade County CLUDINGŸTHEŸ3OUTHŸ#ORRIDOR On-Demand Service Enhancements one of the original rapid transit corridors #OMMISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸ-SŸ3TREETŸLIVEDŸ As one of the corridors in the original Peo- INŸTHEŸ0EOPLESŸ4RANSPORTATIONŸ0LAN for many years without a car, choosing instead to ple’s Transportation Plan, I am pleased that Provide Additional Mobility Options walk, bike and ride transit as her principal modes of Anticipated to begin service by early the CITT was able to approve approximate- TRANSPORTATIONŸINŸSEVERALŸCITIESŸ3HEŸISŸANŸADVOCATEŸ In the spring of 2021, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Com- 2023, the South Corridor will provide ly $100 million in local ‘half-penny’ surtax for improving transit and mobility services, safety, missioners (BCC) approved an Ordinance that gives municipalities high-quality transit service that will have FUNDSŸ FORŸ ITSŸ DESIGNŸ ANDŸ CONSTRUCTIONŸ 4HEŸ ANDŸACCESSŸTHROUGHOUTŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ#OUNTY GREATERŸ ÛEXIBILITYŸ INŸ THEŸ USEŸ OFŸ THEIRŸ TRANSPORTATIONŸ SURTAXŸ FUNDSŸ BYŸ SIMILARŸ FEATURESŸ TOŸ THOSEŸ OFŸ RAILŸ SERVICEŸ Mary Street, Esq. development of the South Corridor will eliminating a requirement that municipal on-demand services only be These will include pre-empted signals, greatly improve mobility, foster economic The CITT also welcomed back veteran used for trips within certain boundaries, and by expanding the cover- and pre-paid and level boarding, among growth along the corridor, and enhance the 4RUSTŸ-EMBERSŸ0AULŸ*Ÿ3CHWIEP Ÿ%SQŸ AGEŸAREAŸUPŸTOŸÚVEŸMILESŸ OTHERŸFEATURES SAFETYŸANDŸCONVENIENCEŸOFŸTRANSITŸSERVICES an attorney with Coffey Burlington, Under the new Ordinance, cities can provide on-demand service to who is now representing the Miami- It will offer a seamless transit connection places such as clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, employment cen- $ADEŸ #OUNTYŸ -AYORSŸ /FÚCEŸ ANDŸ to our Metrorail system, which in 2012 was TERS ŸSCHOOLS ŸANDŸMOREŸ !LFREDŸ*Ÿ(OLZMAN ŸWHOŸISŸNOWŸREPRE extended to Miami International Airport – Services, such as Miami-Dade County’s Go Connect, are also helping senting Miami-Dade County Com- an extension also funded with ‘half-penny’ TOŸCLOSEŸÚRSTLASTŸMILEŸCONNECTIVITYŸGAPSŸ'OŸ#ONNECTŸRECENTLYŸEXPAND- MISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ4RUST Paul J. Schwiep, Esq. Alfred J. Holzman DOLLARS ed to provide service in the Dadeland, South Miami, Civic Center, Opportunities to serve as a volunteer member of the Trust frequently As a cyclist, I am particularly happy to see 7ESTŸ+ENDALL ŸANDŸ4OWNŸOFŸ#UTLERŸ"AYŸAREASŸ4OŸLEARNŸMOREŸABOUTŸ'OŸ ARISEŸ#ITIZENSŸINTERESTEDŸINŸSERVINGŸONŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸAREŸENCOURAGEDŸTOŸVISITŸ that the South Corridor will have a shared- Connect, visit: goconnect.miamidade.gov our website at www.miamidade.gov/cittŸFORŸADDITIONALŸINFORMATION use path and bicycle amenities at all stations, WHICHŸWILLŸENHANCEŸÚRSTLASTŸMILEŸCONNECTIVI- TYŸTOŸTHEŸ#OUNTYSŸRAPIDŸTRANSITŸSERVICES The CITT supported this project with the approval of $100 Million of local )Ÿ AMŸ CONÚDENTŸ THATŸ ASŸ PEOPLEŸ EXPERIENCEŸ ‘half-penny’ surtax funds towards the Transportation Trust Members the new South Corridor, word will spread of PROJECTSŸ DESIGNŸ ANDŸ CONSTRUCTIONŸ 4HEŸ Joseph Curbelo, Chairperson its effectiveness and it will take more cars /SCARŸ*Ÿ"RAYNON Ÿ&IRSTŸ6ICE #HAIRPERSON remainder of the project’s nearly $300 !LFREDŸ*Ÿ(OLZMAN Ÿ3ECONDŸ6ICE #HAIRPERSON off our roads, giving us more mobility and a Million cost is being funded by matching Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (ONŸ0EGGYŸ"ELL 0AULŸ*Ÿ3CHWIEP Ÿ%SQ CLEANERŸENVIRONMENT ¬ Meg Daly Marilyn Smith FEDERALŸANDŸSTATEŸDOLLARS Stephen P. Clark Center 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1010 'LENNŸ*Ÿ$OWNING ŸCFP® ,Ÿ%LIJAHŸ3TIERS Ÿ%SQ Miami, Florida 33128-1994 Joe Curbelo, Chair Photos courtesy of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works and the !SHLEYŸ6Ÿ'ANTT Ÿ%SQ -ARYŸ3TREET Ÿ%SQ Town of Cutler Bay. 305-375-1357 ¬ www.miamidade.gov/citt *ONATHANŸ!Ÿ-ARTINEZ Robert Wolfarth Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust Continue > *Past Chairperson

For more information on the People’s Transportation Plan and the Transportation Trust, visit www.miamidade.gov/CITT. Like us on Facebook CITIZENS’ INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION TRUST • Follow us on Twitter @GoCITT • Follow us on Instagram @transportationtrust Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 13

CITIZENS’ INDEPENDENT

MOVINGOOVINGMOVINGVINMOVINGG TRANSPORTATION TRUST FORWARDOORWARDFORWARDRWARFORWARDD Chair’s Message Miami-Dade County Receives the Last The South Corridor Rapid The Trust Adds Three New Members As the world began to re- Pair of New Metrorail Cars Transit Project Now Under and Welcomes Back Two Members cover from a pandemic, Construction we entered 2021 achieving Earlier this year, the Miami-Dade In February 2021, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) many of the People’s Trans- Department of Transportation and welcomed the Honorable Peggy Bell, former Mayor of the Town of portation Plan accomplish- Public Works (DTPW) received the Cutler Bay, and Meg Daly, Founder and President of Friends of The ments, including the deliv- last pair of new Metrorail vehicles, 5NDERLINE ŸTOŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸMEMBERSHIP ERYŸOFŸTHEŸÚNALŸPAIRŸOFŸNEWŸ completing the upgrade of its Metrorail vehicles, and breaking ground on  VEHICLEŸÛEET -SŸ"ELL ŸWHOŸWASŸAPPOINTEDŸTOŸREPRESENTŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ County Commission District 8 on the Trust, played an THEŸ3OUTHŸ#ORRIDORŸRAPIDŸTRANSITŸPROJECT Funded by approximately $385 IMPORTANTŸROLEŸINŸSHAPINGŸTHEŸ4OWNŸOFŸ#UTLERŸ"AY ŸÚRSTŸ Million of surtax funds from the 4HEŸNEWŸ-ETRORAILŸÛEETŸISŸANŸIMPORTANTŸIN- ASŸAŸ#OUNCILŸ-EMBER ŸANDŸLATERŸASŸTHEŸTOWNSŸÚRSTŸ People’s Transportation Plan, the vestment in the future of Miami-Dade Coun- FEMALEŸ-AYOR TYSŸTRANSITŸSYSTEM ŸPROVIDINGŸAŸVEHICLEŸÛEETŸ NEWŸ ÛEETŸ HASŸ ALREADYŸ GREATLYŸ IM- proved the reliability and quality that the riding public can be proud of and Honorable Peggy Bell -SŸ$ALYŸHEADSŸTHEŸNON PROÚTŸORGANIZATIONŸFORŸ4HEŸ OFŸSERVICEŸOFŸTHEŸ-ETRORAILŸSYSTEMŸ ENJOYŸFORŸMANYŸGENERATIONSŸTOŸCOMEŸ4HATŸISŸ Underline – an innovative project that is actively why the Citizens’ Independent Transporta- “This is a very important investment in the future of the County’s transit transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s tion Trust (CITT) continues to closely moni- SYSTEMŸANDŸAŸVEHICLEŸÛEETŸTHATŸTHEŸRIDINGŸPUBLICŸCANŸBEŸPROUDŸOF sŸSAIDŸ Metrorail into a 120-acre linear park, urban trail TORŸTHEŸMAINTENANCEŸANDŸCAREŸOFŸTHISŸSIGNIÚ- *OEŸ#URBELO Ÿ#HAIRŸOFŸTHEŸ#ITIZENSŸ)NDEPENDENTŸ4RANSPORTATIONŸ4RUSTŸ In early June 2021, the Miami-Dade and public art destination spanning 10-miles in the CANTŸINVESTMENT 4HEŸASSEMBLYŸOFŸTHEŸNEWŸRAILŸCARSŸBEGANŸINŸŸ)NŸLATEŸ ŸTHEŸÚRSTŸ County Department of Transportation URBANŸCOREŸ-SŸ$ALYŸISŸREPRESENTINGŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ and Public Works broke ground on the We are also making great progress with the new Metrorail train was placed into service, making the new rail cars the #OUNTYŸ#OMMISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ#)44 South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, one rapid transit corridors outlined in Strategic ÚRSTŸTOŸBEŸPLACEDŸINTOŸSERVICEŸSINCEŸTHEŸ-ETRORAILŸOPENEDŸINŸ of six corridors in the Strategic Miami Meg Daly In May 2021, the CITT welcomed attorney Mary Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, in- Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, and Street, who is representing Miami-Dade County CLUDINGŸTHEŸ3OUTHŸ#ORRIDOR On-Demand Service Enhancements one of the original rapid transit corridors #OMMISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸ-SŸ3TREETŸLIVEDŸ As one of the corridors in the original Peo- INŸTHEŸ0EOPLESŸ4RANSPORTATIONŸ0LAN for many years without a car, choosing instead to ple’s Transportation Plan, I am pleased that Provide Additional Mobility Options walk, bike and ride transit as her principal modes of Anticipated to begin service by early the CITT was able to approve approximate- TRANSPORTATIONŸINŸSEVERALŸCITIESŸ3HEŸISŸANŸADVOCATEŸ In the spring of 2021, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Com- 2023, the South Corridor will provide ly $100 million in local ‘half-penny’ surtax for improving transit and mobility services, safety, missioners (BCC) approved an Ordinance that gives municipalities high-quality transit service that will have FUNDSŸ FORŸ ITSŸ DESIGNŸ ANDŸ CONSTRUCTIONŸ 4HEŸ ANDŸACCESSŸTHROUGHOUTŸ-IAMI $ADEŸ#OUNTY GREATERŸ ÛEXIBILITYŸ INŸ THEŸ USEŸ OFŸ THEIRŸ TRANSPORTATIONŸ SURTAXŸ FUNDSŸ BYŸ SIMILARŸ FEATURESŸ TOŸ THOSEŸ OFŸ RAILŸ SERVICEŸ Mary Street, Esq. development of the South Corridor will eliminating a requirement that municipal on-demand services only be These will include pre-empted signals, greatly improve mobility, foster economic The CITT also welcomed back veteran used for trips within certain boundaries, and by expanding the cover- and pre-paid and level boarding, among growth along the corridor, and enhance the 4RUSTŸ-EMBERSŸ0AULŸ*Ÿ3CHWIEP Ÿ%SQŸ AGEŸAREAŸUPŸTOŸÚVEŸMILESŸ OTHERŸFEATURES SAFETYŸANDŸCONVENIENCEŸOFŸTRANSITŸSERVICES an attorney with Coffey Burlington, Under the new Ordinance, cities can provide on-demand service to who is now representing the Miami- It will offer a seamless transit connection places such as clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, employment cen- $ADEŸ #OUNTYŸ -AYORSŸ /FÚCEŸ ANDŸ to our Metrorail system, which in 2012 was TERS ŸSCHOOLS ŸANDŸMOREŸ !LFREDŸ*Ÿ(OLZMAN ŸWHOŸISŸNOWŸREPRE extended to Miami International Airport – Services, such as Miami-Dade County’s Go Connect, are also helping senting Miami-Dade County Com- an extension also funded with ‘half-penny’ TOŸCLOSEŸÚRSTLASTŸMILEŸCONNECTIVITYŸGAPSŸ'OŸ#ONNECTŸRECENTLYŸEXPAND- MISSIONŸ$ISTRICTŸŸONŸTHEŸ4RUST Paul J. Schwiep, Esq. Alfred J. Holzman DOLLARS ed to provide service in the Dadeland, South Miami, Civic Center, Opportunities to serve as a volunteer member of the Trust frequently As a cyclist, I am particularly happy to see 7ESTŸ+ENDALL ŸANDŸ4OWNŸOFŸ#UTLERŸ"AYŸAREASŸ4OŸLEARNŸMOREŸABOUTŸ'OŸ ARISEŸ#ITIZENSŸINTERESTEDŸINŸSERVINGŸONŸTHEŸ4RUSTŸAREŸENCOURAGEDŸTOŸVISITŸ that the South Corridor will have a shared- Connect, visit: goconnect.miamidade.gov our website at www.miamidade.gov/cittŸFORŸADDITIONALŸINFORMATION use path and bicycle amenities at all stations, WHICHŸWILLŸENHANCEŸÚRSTLASTŸMILEŸCONNECTIVI- TYŸTOŸTHEŸ#OUNTYSŸRAPIDŸTRANSITŸSERVICES The CITT supported this project with the approval of $100 Million of local )Ÿ AMŸ CONÚDENTŸ THATŸ ASŸ PEOPLEŸ EXPERIENCEŸ ‘half-penny’ surtax funds towards the Transportation Trust Members the new South Corridor, word will spread of PROJECTSŸ DESIGNŸ ANDŸ CONSTRUCTIONŸ 4HEŸ Joseph Curbelo, Chairperson its effectiveness and it will take more cars /SCARŸ*Ÿ"RAYNON Ÿ&IRSTŸ6ICE #HAIRPERSON remainder of the project’s nearly $300 !LFREDŸ*Ÿ(OLZMAN Ÿ3ECONDŸ6ICE #HAIRPERSON off our roads, giving us more mobility and a Million cost is being funded by matching Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (ONŸ0EGGYŸ"ELL 0AULŸ*Ÿ3CHWIEP Ÿ%SQ CLEANERŸENVIRONMENT ¬ Meg Daly Marilyn Smith FEDERALŸANDŸSTATEŸDOLLARS Stephen P. Clark Center 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1010 'LENNŸ*Ÿ$OWNING ŸCFP® ,Ÿ%LIJAHŸ3TIERS Ÿ%SQ Miami, Florida 33128-1994 Joe Curbelo, Chair Photos courtesy of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works and the !SHLEYŸ6Ÿ'ANTT Ÿ%SQ -ARYŸ3TREET Ÿ%SQ Town of Cutler Bay. 305-375-1357 ¬ www.miamidade.gov/citt *ONATHANŸ!Ÿ-ARTINEZ Robert Wolfarth Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust Continue > *Past Chairperson

For more information on the People’s Transportation Plan and the Transportation Trust, visit www.miamidade.gov/CITT. Like us on Facebook CITIZENS’ INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION TRUST • Follow us on Twitter @GoCITT • Follow us on Instagram @transportationtrust 14 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years NEWS What Did CARICOM Do On Haiti? BY ELIZABETH MORGAN (CSME). He wanted position on Haiti from USA et al; OAS position that President his country to be seen 9. Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Moïse remain in office until Since the assassination of Haitian as one of life and Dr. Claude Joseph, chaired the February 2022, when they agreed President Jovenel Moise on hope, and a destination CARICOM Council of Foreign his term would end, and that free Wednesday morning, July 7, for investment. He and Community Relations and fair elections should then be 2021, the reaction in some parts was a member of the (COFCOR) held virtually in May held to select his replacement; of local media has been, why CARICOM Heads 2020. Minister Joseph, in his 14. The 42nd CARICOM didn’t the Caribbean Community Bureau as incoming address, declared that CARICOM Heads was held virtually, July (CARICOM) act to address the chair; was an important element of 5-6, chaired by Antigua and political instability in Haiti?, and 2. Haiti hosted his country’s foreign policy and Barbuda. President Moïse was to urge CARICOM to act in the and chaired the 29th renewed their commitment to the scheduled to attend. In the end, aftermath to assist Haiti. Intersessional Meeting Community; Haiti was absent. CARICOM In my view, this response of CARICOM Heads Haiti is in turmoil. Police had to abandon their vehicle 10. The 41st CARICOM Heads again issued a statement in Port-au-Prince, during a demonstration that turned violent in which Heads was held virtually on on the political situation in that is overlooking the complexity protesters demanded justice for the assassinated of international relations, the February 26-27, 2018; President Jovenel Moise in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Thursday, October 29, 2020 chaired by country. complex political situation in 3. President Moïse July 22, 2021. (AP/Matias Delacroix) St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 15. President Moïse was attended the 39th President Moïse attended. This assassinated at his home in Port- Haiti, the power relations in this a formal invitation. It was not CARICOM Heads in Montego meeting focused on COVID-19 au-Prince in the early hours of hemisphere, and the situation forthcoming, I understand; Bay, Jamaica, July 4-6, 2018; containment and its severe July 7. within CARICOM itself. Even 7. At the 31st CARICOM 4. On July 7, 2018, protest economic repercussions. So, from this chronology, though Haiti is a CARICOM Heads Intersessional Meeting in broke out in Haiti against 11. Trinidad and Tobago did CARICOM do nothing member, it remains a sovereign Barbados, February 18-19 2020, gas price increases by the chaired the virtual 32nd to assist Haiti in another of State and the Community could Haiti was represented by Foreign government. Protest would CARICOM Heads Intersessional its political turmoil, or was not want to foist itself into its Minister Bocchit Edmond, continue thereafter [Note: Meeting in February 2021. With CARICOM limited in what affairs having not received a and Heads again addressed the statement issued on July 9, 2018, President Moise in attendance, it could do given the lack of formal invitation to use its good troubling situation in Haiti. This by PM of Jamaica as CARICOM CARICOM again issued a response by the Haiti President to offices. time, the decision was to send a Chair, on the unrest in Haiti]; statement on the political their overtures? In the aftermath delegation of Senior Officials on 5. At the 30th Intersessional instability in Haiti. of the assassination, the Haiti SEQUENCE OF EVENTS the invitation of Haiti. Again, no Heads Meeting in St. Kitts/Nevis, 12. The Organization of authorities have turned to the I thought it would be useful invitation was received, I gather; February 26-27, 2019, Haiti American States (OAS) addressed USA primarily for assistance. I to outline the sequence of events 8. From March 2020, the was represented by its Foreign the situation in Haiti on March 17 add this to commentary on the in CARICOM since President COVID-19 crisis unfolded, and Minister, Bocchit Edmond. The and June 7, 2021. They received critical situation in Haiti for Moise took office on February 7, CARICOM Members went into unstable situation in his country formal approval from the Haitian consideration. 2017 as follows: lockdown. Also at this point, was addressed at this meeting; Government to visit on June 8-10. 1. President Moïse attended there were general elections in 6. At the 40th Heads in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth the 38th CARICOM Heads Guyana with the ensuing crisis St. Lucia, July 3-5, 2019, with a CARICOM Member and a Morgan, who writes for CMC, of Government Conference in concerning the outcome from President Moïse in attendance, the current non-permanent Member is a specialist in international Grenada making his inaugural March-July 2020. Community Heads agreed that a CARICOM of the UN Security Council, was trade policy and international address on July 4, 2017, in which involvement was invited by delegation would visit Haiti on a member of this delegation; politics. he committed to fully becoming Guyana which was then also a fact-finding mission. President 13. The US Biden a member of the CARICOM under threat of international Moïse was to follow-up with Administration supported the ~ Rewritten from CMC Single Market and Economy sanctions. There was then no Y

Yes to being able to hug my kids.

Duxson Michel, R.N., Patient Care Supervisor

Let’s bring back the hugs. Let’s bring back the smiles. Let’s beat this pandemic together. If you have any questions or doubts related to the vaccine, visit BaptistHealth.net/SayYes for more information. Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 15 NEWS Independence Message 2021 - From Jamaica’s Ambassador To the US BY H.E. AUDREY P. MARKS help us to ‘build in our own unique ways creativity and determination to back better.’ There even as we continue to be make a home for yourselves “My fellow Jamaicans and are positive signs apart. Nevertheless, this here, while not turning your Friends of Jamaica, that our economy is need not mean we have to backs on those you left behind As we commemorate steadily rebounding diminish the flair of our in Jamaica and for this, we the 59th Anniversary of with our tourism festivities. As touted by applaud you. Independence of our great industry set to the Independence theme, Just as the black, green, Nation, Jamaica, it is an welcome 1.7 million I invite you to ‘rally and gold epitomize our past opportune time for us to come visitors by the end around the flag” and achievements and inspires together to celebrate this of 2021. Despite the ‘Come Let Us Celebrate future successes, let us be milestone with the usual sense challenges, Jamaica Online.” reminded of its true message: of triumph and jubilation. has also gone a far As was the case The sun shineth, the land is While fifty-nine years in the way in bridging last year, the spirit of green and [we] the people are life of any nation is relatively the digital divide Independence, albeit in strong and creative.” It is this short, we have much to in the education the virtual space, remains spirit of resilience that makes celebrate and even more to sector owing to the alive and is illuminated us truly Jamaican. reflect on, as we contemplate significant support through our individual With this in mind, let this our progress over the past of you, the members actions. I therefore Independence be a day of years. Jamaica, with its strong of the Diaspora and encourage us all to national pride which serves as democratic principles and Friends of Jamaica. participate in the online a reminder of the passion for global influence in so many On the matter activities being hosted life that pulses through our spheres within the multilateral of national security, both at home as well as veins wherever we are. fora, has long been “punching the Government here in the Diaspora. Let us all continue to admirably above its weight.” continues to Importantly, let us also unite as we all work to make Alongside the rest of the prioritize this issue celebrate our collective Jamaica the place of choice to world, Jamaica continues to with significant efforts in the continued live, work, do business, raise H.E. Audrey P. Marks be impacted by the lingering investments being fight against COVID-19. families, and as our Prime effects of the COVID-19 made in improving our respected. These are but some Our health workers and other Minister likes to add, “retire in pandemic. We will however not infrastructure including police of the achievements of the past frontline workers who have paradise.” be daunted in this unparalleled stations, enhancing our human year for which we ought to be remained committed and Happy Independence Day to all period of challenges, as there is and technical capacities and justly proud. continue to work tirelessly to Jamaicans!” indeed much to be celebrated advancing the procurement As is customary, keep us safe, must be saluted. as our COVID -19 recovery of the necessary tools to fight independence celebrations We thank all the members of EDITOR’S NOTE: efforts have been steady and crime. are marked with family the Diaspora and Friends of H.E. Audrey P. Marks is consistent. Jamaica still has the gatherings, balls and parades Jamaica for their understanding Ambassador of Jamaica to The Government of distinction of having the as we gather to celebrate the and unrelenting support during the USA and Permanent Jamaica has begun to mobilize world’s fastest man and woman achievements of our country. this challenging time. You, Representative to the OAS investment locally which will and Brand Jamaica remains Regrettably, this year, we are the members of the Diaspora, Y internationally known and again called upon to celebrate have used your self-confidence,

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+++++ Visit us at www.totalhealth4me.com +++++ +++++ 16 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years HEALTH Cleaning Lady Among First In Staying Safe During Your Summer Escapes From Haiti To Get COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 And The Delta Variant Solange Février, a cleaning BY DARRYL SELLERS lady at the Hospital Universitaire de Paix (HUP) The long, hot days of summer in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was are giving many Americans among the first persons to the burning desire to travel and get a COVID-19 vaccine in escape COVID-19 fatigue after the country. being mired in its throes for This follows the more than a year. The good news delivery of 500,000 doses of for travel this summer is that COVID-19 vaccine donated COVID-19 deaths in the United by the United States through States have dipped to their the COVAX mechanism lowest level since March 2020 on July 14th. The first in the earliest days of the virus vaccination session was outbreak. held on Friday, July 16th While the recent precipitous by the Ministry of Public Solange Février, a cleaning lady at the Hospital drop in COVID-19 deaths and Health and Population Universitaire de Paix (HUP) in Port-au-Prince, infections in the United States The Delta Variant (MSPP), where many health Haiti, was among the first persons to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the country. are cause for celebration, the variant. The one-dose Johnson & being more benevolent and professionals and elderly emerging Delta variant and Johnson vaccine provides only generous with our excess doses people came to receive the new waves of infection, and low vaccination rates in several 33 percent protection against and getting COVAX to actually first dose of Moderna vaccine. to prioritize the vaccination states, including Mississippi symptomatic disease from the support all of these countries “I work at the hospital, I am of health care workers and and Tennessee, are reasons to Delta variant. that need it,” Rivera said. “It’s happy and it is a very good thing other vulnerable populations in pause and make sure you’re fully The start of the peak for going to take a long time for for the country. Moreover, after neighboring countries in need of vaccinated in order to stay safe summer travel being upon us was some countries to kind of catch receiving my first dose, I feel vaccines. and healthy. the theme for a recent Jump In up in that regard,” she said. very good,” Février commented. The U.S. government The Delta variant is likely with Jumi Facebook Live, Black “There are some estimates that “I am happy, and it is a very good has committed to donating to become the dominant strain in Doctor.org event. This health and some countries in Africa will thing for the country.” approximately 12 million doses of the United States this summer. This donation of 500,000 wellness show focused on how not be fully vaccinated until COVID-19 vaccine to countries However, a new study from the through the COVAX mechanism we can stay safe as we venture 2023. I am concerned about in the Caribbean and Latin Centers for Disease Control and is part of the U.S. government’s away from our homes. travel to places like that, mostly America. Most other CARICOM Prevention (CDC) found that two As countries continue to because of what is happening efforts to increase COVID-19 countries have yet to receive any doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech open travel to fully vaccinated with transmission and what is coverage in other countries US donations. around the world, to counter vaccine are 96 percent effective Americans, it’s important to happening with variants and Y against hospitalizations from the do your homework before what is happening with their traveling globally, especially populations not being protected. with vaccination rates all It’s just not fair.” over the map overseas. Many The path to traveling overseas is countries are dealing with rough right now, but it’s not the vaccine inequity as well as end of the world. Jumi reminds availability and quality of us that we need to continue healthcare, the issues people in taking the necessary safety test the United States aren’t facing. precautions and be patient. That We should seriously keep these is part of a fabulous formula that considerations in mind before will lead to safe and enjoyable traveling internationally. travel this summer. “You can your “I’m very concerned if still have fun,” Jumi said. You people are not including what’s might not be able to do the crazy going on in their destination 1,000 people in one place kind and in their risk calculus,” of situation, but you can still do said Jessica Malaty Rivera, an it.” well infectious disease epidemiologist That sums it up very well. and expert contributor for CNN. Taking safety precautions, being “I really think it says a lot patient, and getting vaccinated about our inability to check our equals safe and fun travel this privilege before we jump on a summer. Together “We Can Do to plane,” she said. “I think that This!” if you’re vaccinated and that To view the Jump In with you’ve taken your precautions Jumi Facebook Live event in when it comes to just testing, its entirety, go to BlackDoctor. you’re being safe and going to a org. For a list of upcoming know place not experiencing a burden events, COVID-19 health and of the disease, I think it’s fine to wellness information, and other go.” events, go to BlackDoctor.org As vaccination rates , the world’s largest and most continue to rise in the United comprehensive online health it’s States with around 67 percent resource specifically targeted at of Americans ages 18 and older African Americans. receiving at least one dose of a For more information vaccine, many countries are on about COVID-19, health, and well! the other end of the spectrum. wellness, see Black Coalition For example, only 4 percent of Against COVID-19, a key health residents in South Africa have resource for African Americans. received a vaccine. For the Private well owners should test their water at least once a year. foreseeable future, traveling to Darryl Sellers is the Director Routine water sampling and testing is simple and inexpensive, countries with low vaccination of Public Relations Team for and can protect your family’s health from harmful bacteria, rates is not recommended, Creative Marketing Resources, especially considering the recent a strategic marketing agency in viruses, chemicals and other hidden contaminants. surge and more contagious Milwaukee and a partner of the nature of the Delta variant. BCAC. For more information including where to find a state certified “It’s going to take a while Y laboratory, visit: www.floridahealth.gov/wellstest unless we are as a country Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 17 CLASSIFIED ADS NEW THIS WEEK payment by up to 50%! Get one LOW discount plan. Don’t wait! Call now! 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Call Neville Sharpe at 754-214-4132 for PEACE OF MIND 18 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years SPORTS Jamaica’s Sprint Queens Complete Triple TOKYO 2020 ATHLETICS 100-M Sweep Jamaica’s sprint queens SCHEDULE on Saturday completed a triple 100-m sweep Date and Time: Thu 5 Aug. Date and Time: Sat 7 Aug. in the women’s 100-m 19:00 - 21:45 19:00 - 22:20 finals of the Tokyo 2020 Venues: Olympic Stadium Venues: Olympic Stadium Olympics. • Men’s Shot-Put Victory • Men’s 50km Race Walk Victory Jamaican sprinter Ceremony Ceremony Elaine Thompson-Herah • Men’s Triple Jump Victory • Women’s 20km Race Walk blazed into history, Ceremony Victory Ceremony becoming the fastest woman alive to claim the • Men’s Decathlon Javelin Throw • Women’s 4 x 100m Relay gold medal and lead a • Women’s Pole Vault Final Victory Ceremony Jamaican 100-m podium • Women’s 4 x 400m Relay • Men’s 4 x 100m Relay Victory sweep. Round 1 Ceremony Thompson-Herah’s • Men’s 1500m Semifinals • Women’s High Jump Final win denied compatriot • Men’s 110m Hurdles Victory • Women’s 10,000m Final Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Ceremony • Men’s Javelin Throw Final a third Olympic title as • Men’s 400m Final • Women’s Javelin Throw Victory the former fastest woman • Women’s Heptathlon 800m Ceremony had to settle for silver in • Men’s Decathlon 1500m • Men’s 1500m Final Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah celebrates as she realizes she was blazing into a time of 10:74. • Women’s 10,000m Victory Fraser-Pryce had history in the women’s 100-m Olympics finals on July 31, 2021. initially clocked the Date and Time: Fri 6 Aug. Ceremony 2016, after she was fifth in the “unforgettable.” And eecutive 5:30 - 10:00 • Men’s 1500m Victory fastest time to reach the women’s World Championships final in chairman of Sandals Resorts Venues: Sapporo Odori Park Ceremony 100 metres final and was on London in 2017 and fourth in the International, Adam Stewart, course to become the first finals in Doha in 2019. offered complimentary luxury • Men’s 50km Race Walk Final • Women’s 4 x 400m Relay Final woman to win a single individual “I put everything in there vacations as a reward to the three • Men’s 50km Race Walk Venue • Men’s Javelin Throw Victory Olympic athletics event three I gave it 100 and I would say Jamaican athletes.”’The Worlds Ceremony Ceremony times. that I’m ready, super ready, but Best’ deserves “The Worlds *Session tickets not for sale • Men’s 4 x 400m Relay Final Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson I had to just hold my composure Best,” complimentary vacations • Women’s High Jump Victory claimed the bronze with third in to come out here take it runs by when the Olympics is all over Date and Time: Fri 6 Aug. Ceremony 10:76. runs,” she said. “It shows tonight for our girls! #TeamSandals 16:30 - 18:15 • Women’s 4 x 400m Relay Thompson-Herah’s that Elaine is back. She wasn’t #TeamJamaicaJMJMJM,” Venues: Sapporo Odori Park Victory Ceremony blistering 10.61 seconds time gone anywhere.” tweeted Stewart shortly after the • Women’s 20km Race Walk • Men’s 4 x 400m Relay Victory has only ever been bettered by Jamaica’s Prime historic run on Saturday. the late Florence Griffith-Joyner, Final Ceremony Minister Andrew Holness • Women’s 20km Race Walk who set a world record of 10.49 described the performances ~ Rewritten from Reuters News in 1988. It was also a national of the country’s top female Y Venue Ceremony Date and Time: Sun 8 Aug. record and her first medal since athletes as “scintillating” and *Session tickets not for sale 7:00 - 9:45 she won the double in Rio in Venues: Sapporo Odori Park Date and Time: Fri 6 Aug. • Men’s Marathon Final 19:50 - 22:55 • Men’s Marathon Venue The Caribbean Region’s First Olympic Gold Medal Venues: Olympic Stadium Ceremony • Men’s 20km Race Walk Victory *Session tickets not for sale Scored By A Bermudian Ceremony *The victory ceremony of Bermuda’s Flora Duffy made me. Although it was difficult • Women’s Pole Vault Victory Men’s Marathon will take history on July 27th in Tokyo, to manage and navigate all Ceremony place at the Olympic Stadium Japan, when she won the that pressure, what a special • Women’s Heptathlon Victory during the closing ceremony. Caribbean region’s first Olympic moment to come down the Ceremony gold medal and the first for her finishing chute and just country. to enjoy it and have my • Men’s Decathlon Victory WHAT IS THE TIME Duffy won the historic first moments. It’s incredible.” Ceremony DIFFERENCE? Olympic gold medal for Bermuda “It was worth it,” she added. • Men’s 4 x 400m Relay Round 1 Tokyo is 13 hours ahead in the women’s triathlon, “There’s been many tears, • Women’s Javelin Throw Final of Eastern time. So, when it is triggering ecstatic celebrations many heartbreaks. Many • Men’s 5000m Final evening in Japan, it is morning in in the small island in the North times I was like ‘am I ever • Men’s 400m Victory Ceremony the United States and vice versa. Atlantic. going to be healthy again, • Women’s 400m Final After high winds and rain can I ever race at the top? ‘ I • Women’s 1500m Final HOW CAN I WATCH? delayed the start, the 33-year-old Bermudian Flora Duffy celebrates her gold just kept believing and I have medal at the Tokyo Olympics. • Men’s 5000m Victory NBC says it plans more than pre-race favorite, who has had to a really great support system Ceremony 7,000 hours of coverage on NBC overcome a serious foot injury Georgia Taylor-Brown of around me.” • Women’s 400m Victory stations, various NBCUniversal- since finishing eighth at the As she entered the home Britain suffered a flat tyre on her Ceremony owned cable channels, 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, rear wheel on the bike, but the straight Duffy pumped her fists, • Women’s 4 x 100m Relay Final NBCOlympics.com and the NBC dominated the race almost 27-year-old from Manchester waved at the crowd and then immediately after finishing the recovered to claim the silver. collapsed in joy over the line. • Women’s 1500m Victory Sports app.Dozens of other 40-kilometre cycle within an After losing 22 seconds and Three years ago, Duffy Ceremony broadcasters hold the rights to ultimate lead group of four. dropping to fifth because of the won the gold medal at the • Men’s 4 x 100m Relay Final the Games in other countries. American Katie Zaferes was puncture, she overtook three Commonwealth Games in the first out onto the run course of her rivals to take a deserved Australia. Date and Time: Sat 7 Aug. WHERE CAN I FIND A FULL from the bike transition, but second, with Zaferes claiming After the race, car drivers 7:00 - 10:15 OLYMPICS SCHEDULE? 33-year-old Duffy – the women’s bronze. started tooting their horns in Venues: Sapporo Odori Park At the Tokyo Olympics site world champion in 2016 and Duffy, who turned down the Bermuda’s capital Hamilton and • Women’s Marathon Final at olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/. 2017 – passed her and then did it chance to represent Britain as Premier David Burt was among • Women’s Marathon Venue The events are listed in Tokyo on her own, winning in one hour, the first to congratulate Duffy, a teenager, finished one minute Ceremony time, so try the handy converter 55:36 minutes in a stunning show and 15 seconds ahead of Taylor- saying on his social media site: at of front-running. Brown. “You’ve worked so hard, and *Session tickets not for sale worldtimebuddy.com/?pl=1 The medal is only Bermuda’s After the race Duffy said: “I’ve you’ve made an entire island *The victory ceremony of &lid=1850147,5,8&h=1850147& second at an Olympiad, coming had an extra year [after the proud.” Women’s Marathon will take hf=2 45 years after heavyweight boxer Games were postponed last place at the Olympic Stadium Y Clarence Hill won bronze at the year because of the coronavirus ~ Rewritten from CMC during the closing ceremony. Montreal Games. pandemic] with this pressure on Y Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 19 Here’s What You Should Know If Travelling To The Caribbean This Summer Most Caribbean islands have reopened to international All travelers returning to the USA must passengers traveling to the U.S., the departure terminal open to U.S. visitors. A completed health declaration must tourism, and several islands have begun adopting have a negative COVID-19 test done in at Toussaint Louverture Airport offers the Covid-19 rapid be uploaded before departing for the island; U.S. visitors two-track entry regulations for vaccinated and unvac- Belize, even if vaccinated. Masks are test that meets CDC criteria for all airline passenger two must submit proof of a negative Covid test result taken cinated travelers. required at all times in public, including years and older. All travelers flying into the country will within five days of arrival or an FDA-approved rapid test on the beach, except when exercising, get their temperature screened, and will be required to taken within 48 hours of departure. The completed health ANGUILLA swimming, or driving in a motor vehicle submit a valid address where they will be during their stay. declaration will include a QR code, which travelers must Open to U.S. travelers. Only fully vaccinated travelers are with members of the same household. The government has required a 14-day quarantine for all print out. It will be scanned at the airport in St. Maarten. allowed entry, effective July 1. U.S. travelers must apply Kids under 6 are exempt. You can be international travelers arriving in Haiti. See more at https:// Effective July 1, the negative Covid PCR test must be through the visitor portal, submit a negative Covid-19 test ticketed for not having, or not properly visithaiti.com/ taken within 72 hours before arrival. The St. Maarten result three to five days before travel and provide proof wearing a face mask. For more see: SXM Protection Plan is mandatory health coverage for of medical insurance. Visitors must take a PCR test - free travelbelize.org/health-safety/ JAMAICA visitors. The plan covers hospital costs, ICU costs, doctor of charge - upon arrival and remain in place at their hotel Open to U.S. visitors. Travelers from the U.S. must get a consultations, Covid-19 tests and, if necessary, medical or villa while awaiting test results. All travelers to Anguilla BONAIRE negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three evacuation. For those 15 and up, the cost is $30 for visits connecting through St. Maarten must comply with St. Open to U.S. travelers. Visitors must days of travel. Arriving passengers are required to com- up to 180 days; it is $10 for those under 15 years of age. Maarten’s health screening application form. For more produce proof of a negative PCR test plete and submit the online Travel Authorization between More information at information see: ivisitanguilla.com. done within 72 hours of arrival and two and five days prior to their planned arrival in Jamaica. take an antigen test within 24 hours Once travelers are approved, they receive a certificate that SABA ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA of arrival; Bonaire has added the must be submitted during the airline check-in process. Open to U.S. travelers. Travelers need to obtain approval Open to U.S. travelers. U.S. travelers must submit proof of availability of rapid antigen testing at its Flamingo Airport test requirement. More information: curacao.com. Once on the island, visitors must remain in the Resilient before arriving in Saba. Fully vaccinated adults must a negative PCR test taken seven days before boarding and to help travelers adhere to the current testing protocol. Corridors on the north and south coasts and must stay at provide proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before complete the Traveler Accommodation form upon arrival DOMINICA Travelers must complete a health questionnaire. All Open to U.S. visitors. All travelers must submit a health a Covid-19 Protocol Compliant Approved accommodation. arrival and are not required to quarantine. Nonvaccinated in Antigua. Visitors who complete a successful screening - businesses, including hotels, car rentals, tour operators, More at: https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/ travelers must quarantine for five days and take a rapid temperature check - by health officials are not required to questionnaire at least 24 hours prior to travel and upload watersports operators, taxis and restaurants, will carry a negative PCR test taken between 24 and 72 hours prior antigen test on day five. Transit travelers connecting quarantine once booked at a certified accommodation. At a Bonaire Friendly Safety Seal certifying that they have MARTINIQUE through St. Maarten prior to visiting Saba must follow St. least 160 hotels and villa properties are certified and can to arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers must also upload Open to U.S. visitors. Entry requirements for all travelers been inspected and approved regarding health and safety a vaccination certificate or medical record as proof of Maarten’s entry requirements in addition to those for Saba. participate in certified tours/activities, including destination standards. include proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours weddings, dining out and certain land and sea activities. previous infection of Covid-19. Prior to boarding and upon of arrival or a negative antigen test done within 48 hours of SURINAME For more see visitantiguabarbuda.com. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS disembarkation in Dominica, all travelers must show proof arrival on the island. Vaccinated travelers must show proof A negative SARSCoV-2– RT PCR test no older than 72 Open to U.S. travelers but the CDC and the US State of negative PCR test and notification of health clearance to of vaccination by Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca or Johnson hours must be submitted for travel to Suriname. Children ARUBA Department is warning against travel there. The British travel. A rapid antigen test is administered upon arrival to & Johnson vaccines and are not subject to quarantine younger than 12 years are exempt for taking the test. Fully Open to U.S. visitors. All travelers are required to fill out an Virgin Islands adjusted entry procedures for visitors, effec- all unvaccinated travelers. Fully vaccinated travelers will measures. Unvaccinated travelers aged 11 and older must vaccinated passengers who can provide the proof are Embarkation/Disembarkation card between 72 and four tive July 19th, due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Fully be transported to a government-maintained quarantine quarantine for seven days. advised to self-quarantine at home for 7 days after arrival. hours prior to travel. U.S. visitors have the option of taking vaccinated travelers must undergo a rapid antigen test at facility or a managed experience at a Safe in Nature-cer- Passengers who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated the PCR test at their own expense upon arrival at the the port of entry. The cost of the test is $50, and results tified property for a minimum of two days. A PCR test will MONSERRAT will only be permitted for essential or repatriation travel. airport in Aruba ($75) or can upload a negative COVID-19 will be available before visitors leave the port of entry in be administered on day two; results will be available in Most nonresident leisure travelers remain banned from For these passengers there is a mandatory quarantine test result from a test taken at within 72 hours at least 12 approximately 25 to 35 minutes. 24 hours. If negative, travelers will be medically cleared traveling to Montserrat. Entry is restricted to Montserratian period of 7 days in a SHATA hotel with security. hours prior to departure. If they opt for a test upon arrival, Other entry requirements remain the same. All to travel about the island. Unvaccinated travelers must citizens, permanent residents, and homeowners and their Not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated passengers they must quarantine at their hotel until the test results are travelers must provide a PCR test or rapid antigen test quarantine for five to seven days, with a PCR test on day dependents; business travelers, technicians, disaster need to provide proof of a confirmed accommodation received. All visitors must purchase and pay for the Aruba within five days of arrival, and vaccinated travelers must five. If negative, travelers will be medically cleared. Trav- aid workers, persons traveling for legal purposes, and booking (no reservation) of at least 7 days at a registered Travel Insurance within 72 hours prior to departure; they show proof of vaccination. Travelers partially vaccinated or elers who test positive will be admitted to Covid isolation authorized family members are also allowed to enter. SHATA hotel or accommodation. For more information can use their existing medical insurance to supplement unvaccinated must quarantine for seven days. unit until released by medical professional, and hospital Aircraft and ship crew members are exempt from the about the accommodations visit https://bogsuriname.com/ the Aruba policy, but it cannot replace the Aruba Travel Everyone must show proof of medical insurance fees will apply. Visitors who transit in Antigua, Barbados, entry restrictions. There is no travel ban on international protocollen-reizigers/ Insurance, which is $30 per person for those 15 and older, that provides coverage for COVID-19 and must register the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia must cargo transport. See more at visitmontserrat.com/ Non-Residents must also have and submit Travel and $10 for those under 15. For more information see on the online portal within five days of planned travel date follow the entry regulations of that island as well as adhere travel-advisory/ Insurance with COVID-19 coverage, submit a NCCR visitaruba.com. to obtain the Traveler Authorization Certificate ($35 for to the entry requirements for Dominica. More information: questionnaire, a Passenger Locator Card and Port Health godominica.com. PUERTO RICO BAHAMAS vaccinated travelers, $105 for all others). Open to U.S. visitors Fully vaccinated travelers arriving Assessment form. Open to U.S. visitors. Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt When fully vaccinated travelers are with one or DOMINICAN REPUBLIC from U.S. states do not need to provide a negative more unvaccinated children, the kids between ages 5 and ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES from the COVID-19 PCR test for entry and all interisland Open to U.S. visitors. All travelers are required to fill out a Covid-19 test result. They must present a valid vaccination Open to U.S. travelers. All visitors must complete the travel. They must upload proof of vaccination confirming 17 will be tested upon arrival and will get a second test on Traveler’s Health Affidavit. Travelers will get a temperature card upon entry. Covid-19 test results continue to be day four. pre-arrival form, show results of a negative PCR test they have passed the two-week immunity period. Unvac- check upon arrival. A rapid Breathalyzer-style test will be required for all unvaccinated travelers and those arriving done 72 hours before arrival and arrive with a fully paid cinated travelers must upload a negative PCR test result A curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in effect through performed on randomly selected travelers upon arrival. on international flights. The test must be done 72 hours July 23, although the date could be extended. All restau- reservation. Fully vaccinated visitors must show proof of taken within five days of arrival in the Bahamas. All visitors The test takes five minutes and detects if a traveler was prior to arrival, and a Travel Declaration Form must be filled vaccination, be retested upon arrival, quarantine for 48 must complete and upload a Bahamas Travel Visa and rants, including those in hotels and resorts, are restricted exposed or infected within the last four hours. If positive, out through the Puerto Rico Health Department’s portal to takeout only. All businesses are limited to 65 people at a hours and can then move to a “bubble protocol” hotel are required to opt into the mandatory health insurance the traveler quarantines in a designated area within his ho- to obtain an Airport Exit Confirmation Number and a QR (three in Canouan, one in Bequia, one in Mustique and plan when applying for the health visa. The fee is paid in time and are subject to social distancing protocols. All fer- tel and is regularly tested until symptoms are gone. Health code. Passengers arriving without a negative test will be ries are restricted to 65 passengers at time. Salons, gyms, Petit St. Vincent Island & Resort. Unvaccinated visitors advance and the price depends upon the length of stay. All and travel insurance coverage that covers hospitalization fined $300 and will be required to obtain a molecular PCR must quarantine for 14 days in a tourism-approved hotel visitors must complete a daily health questionnaire during bars, clubs and entertainment establishments are closed for coronavirus in the DR, telemedicine services, costs for or antigen test on the island within 48 hours of arrival; if through July 23, although this date could be extended. See at their own cost and be retested on day 4 and day 7 of their stay. All visitors staying more than five days must take extended hotel stays and airline ticket changes is required negative, the fine will be dismissed. Since Puerto Rico is quarantine. a rapid antigen test on day five. Testing centers are located more at bvitourism.com. and is free to travelers through July 30. More information: a U.S. territory, a negative Covid test is not required for in many hotels, resorts, medical centers, marinas and mu- godominicanrepublic.com. Americans on the return flight. See more: discoverpuertori- TURKS AND CAICOS nicipal locations. A curfew is in place on New Providence, CAYMAN ISLANDS co.com/info/travel-guidelines Open to U.S. visitors. International travelers will be The Cayman Islands has laid out a plan for a phased GRENADA Grand Bahama, North and South Eleuthera – including Har- reopening to tourism. The phased approach is subject to required to obtain certification using TCI Assured, an bour Island – from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (local time). For more Open to U.S. visitors. Fully vaccinated travelers entering ST. BARTS online portal. The portal will require travelers to submit the achieving an 80% on-island vaccination rate. While details Grenada only have to quarantine for 48 hours, pending a Open to U.S. visitors. All visitors 18 and over must be fully information: log on to bahamas.com/travelupdates. are still being worked out, the plan will allow entry to a following information: a negative Covid-19 PCR test result negative PCR test upon arrival. They must book approved vaccinated, and all those 10 and older need proof of a taken within five days of travel; proof of medical/travel BARBADOS limited number of tourists with secure verification of their accommodations for a minimum of two nights, apply for negative PCR test taken no more than three days prior vaccination status, beginning Sept. 9, 2021. Travelers insurance that covers medical evacuation, costs related to Open to U.S. visitors. All visitors must complete the a travel authorization and provide proof of a negative PCR to travel or a rapid antigen test done no more than two quarantine, ambulance care or care at a local hospital; and Immigration and Customs from form between 24 and will apply for entry via the Travel Cayman Portal and will test done 72 hours prior to travel. Unvaccinated travelers full days prior to travel. Visitors who transit through St. be subject to quarantine. Quarantine requirements will a completed online health screening questionnaire. Once 72 hours prior to arrival and present proof of a negative must provide proof of a seven-day booking in approved Maarten need to pre-register to enter and must show re- uploaded, the documents will be verified and a TCI Assured PCR test result taken with three days of arrival. Fully be removed for all verified, fully vaccinated travelers accommodations, provide proof of negative PCR test done sults of the negative PCR test. U.S. visitors traveling to St. beginning on Oct. 14, 2021. Unvaccinated visitors will be certification issued. The TCI Assured travel authorization vaccinated travelers must take a free rapid or PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival (for anyone aged five and over). Barts through San Juan must show results of the negative must be presented at time of check-in. No quarantine is upon arrival and wait 8 to 12 hours for results at their subject to a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated children All information must be entered digitally no later than 48 PCR test. More information at saintbarth.com. under age 12 will be allowed to travel with vaccinated required for visitors once they have tested negative. More approved accommodation but are free to move about hours prior to the date of travel. Unvaccinated travelers information: turksandcaicostourism.com the resort, hotel or villa and go to the pool but not to the adult tourists as of Nov. 18, 2021. No quarantine period will must quarantine at their approved hotel for the first five ST. KITTS AND NEVIS Open to vaccinated U.S. travelers. Visitors must complete beach. Unvaccinated travelers must take the standard be required. Unvaccinated children above age 12 will be days of their visit; on day five, take a second PCR test. If the Travel Authorization Form and submit a copy of their TRINIDAD & TOBAGO PCR test upon arrival, quarantine in their room at their required to quarantine for 14 days. Following assessments negative, they can then move about the island. All travelers International flights resumed to Trinidad on July 17th. official vaccination card, along with their arrival date and accommodations for five days and take second PCR test from the government and health officials, the Cayman must prepay for the PCR tests in Grenada, which costs Fully vaccinated nationals and non-nationals KN number generated on their completed travel form via on day five and await results before being released from Islands plans to celebrate its grand reopening on Jan. approximately $150 each. can enter through the airports in Trinidad AND Tobago. quarantine. All travelers must take a rapid antigen test 24 27, 2022, welcoming all travelers without quarantine or email or WhatsApp. Once these documents are accepted, Unvaccinated nationals will be required to enter through hours prior to departing Barbados for the U.S. The test is travel restrictions. For more information, visit the Cayman GUADELOUPE travelers must upload their negative PCR test result taken the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad ONLY and will $50 and can be done at one of several sites on the island. Islands website. Open to U.S. visitors. Entry requirements for all travelers with 72 hours prior to departure. Upon receipt, the traveler be required to enter into a mandatory 14-day quarantine Many resorts offer on-site testing. For more information include proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours will receive the approval letter to enter the Federation. at an approved state-supervised hotel. Unvaccinated see: visitbarbados.org. CUBA of arrival or a negative antigen test done within 48 hours They must undergo a health screening at the airport on non-nationals will NOT be permitted entry into Trinidad & Open to U.S. visitors. All arriving passengers must submit a of arrival on the island. Vaccinated travelers must show arrival, which includes a temperature check and a health health declaration, produce a Cuba Tourist Card (available Tobago at this time. ALL travelers, regardless of nationality BERMUDA proof of vaccination by Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca questionnaire. Fully vaccinated travelers must “vacation or residency, will be required to acquire a TTravel Pass, Open to U.S. visitors. Travelers are required to complete from the airlines) and produce a negative PCR test result or Johnson & Johnson vaccines and are not subject to in place” at one of seven Travel Approved hotels for three taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and take another PCR available at https://ttravelpass.gov.tt/travel-requirement. the Bermuda Travel Authorization process online within 48 quarantine measures. Unvaccinated travelers aged 11 and days. Travelers will be tested on day 4 ($150). When a This digital document is a mandatory requirement for hours of departure. The fee is $75, which includes the cost test upon arrival, with results available within 24 hours. older must quarantine for seven days. More information at negative result is obtained, they are free to participate The test upon arrival is free. All incoming travelers must anyone who is eligible to enter the country. Visitors can of all Covid testing in Bermuda. Children nine and younger guadeloupe-islands.com/. in tours, visit attractions, restaurants, beach bars and go apply online for a TTravel Pass and get more information do not have to be tested at any point, and their Travel have travel insurance that covers Covid-19 during their shopping. Unvaccinated children under age 18 are subject stay. Visitors must quarantine in accommodations until GUYANA about travel requirements to Tobago at https://ttravelpass. Authorization fee is $30. Visitors ages 10 and up must sub- to the same three-day protocol. More information at stkitt- gov.tt/ mit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than results arrive and be PCR tested at their own expense on Guyana is open to US and international travel. However, stourism.kn/travel-advisory-update and nevisisland.com. Day 5. American visitors are barred from strictly tourist travelers must present a negative RT COVID-19 PCR test The following outlines travel requirements for five days before departure. Visitors must take a COVID test nationals and non-nationals: upon arrival and quarantine in hotel room until results are vacations to the all-inclusive resorts on the north coast result taken within 72 hours prior of departure. The Rapid ST. LUCIA obtained (usually six to eight hours). Visitors are required but can travel to Cuba under 12 specific categories, the COVID-19 test will not be accepted for travel. Open to U.S. visitors. Fully vaccinated travelers must U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS to wear a Traveler Wristband for the first 14 days of their most popular of which is Support for the Cuban People. If the test was done within 4-7 days of travel, pas- upload proof of vaccination when they fill out the pre-ar- Open to U.S. visitors. Every U.S. traveler 5 and older is stay; the wristbands will be distributed during testing at ar- All regulations are detailed at https://cu.embassy.gov/ sengers will be retested upon arrival in Guyana. NB. The rival travel authorization form. They must travel with their required to use the USVI travel portal and submit either rival. Tests also are required on day 4, on day 8 and on day covid-19-information. passenger will bear the cost for the second test: A cost of vaccination card. Upon arrival in St. Lucia, they are expe- a negative COVID-19 test result or a negative COVID-19 14 of their trip at pop-up testing centers, with immediate US$85.00 is payable at check-in with partnering airlines. If dited via a dedicated Health Screening line and receive a rapid antigen test taken within five days of travel or a CURACAO payments are not made during the check-in process with non-electronic wristband which must be worn during their results. For more information see gotobermuda.com. Open to U.S. visitors. All visitors, including those fully COVID-19 antibody (rapid) finger stick or blood draw test airlines, a cost of US$85.00 or equivalent of G$16,000.00 stay. Vaccinated visitors can book rental cars, dine at local with a positive result received within four months of travel BELIZE vaccinated, must complete a Digital Immigration Card, fill will be payable upon arrival to Guyana. Travelers must also restaurants, explore shops and markets and take part in out and upload a Passenger Locator Card within 48 hours to the territory. Upon arrival travelers must submit the Belize has attained the Safe Travels Global Protocol Stamp complete the Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours additional activities on the island. Non-vaccinated travelers original test result and travel certification received from the from the World Travel and Tourism Council.No testing is of departure for the island (carry a printed copy as proof before travel that is located on the site visit guyanatravel. continue to be permitted to stay at up to two certified and upon arrival). Unvaccinated visitors must upload proof of portal. Travelers unable to produce the required test result required to enter Belize if you are fully vaccinated but you gy. approved properties for the first 14 days of their stay. All are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine in their booked ac- must submit proof of COVID-19 immunization. Travellers a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure travelers ages five and up must obtain a negative PCR test (and carry a printed copy, as well) and must take a rapid HAITI commodations or until they a receive negative test result. should have completed full immunization 2 weeks or more taken no more than five days before arrival, submit the Since the USVI is a U.S. territory, Americans returning from prior to travel. antigen test at a local lab on the third day of the stay. Open to U.S. visitors despite the ongoing political trials online travel registration form, stay at a Covid-19 certified If test result is positive, the travel must quarantine per there and the gang violence. All visitors must produce a the islands do not have to produce proof of a COVID test as All others must test negative for COVID-19 and hotel, submit to a health screening upon arrival and adhere per the new CDC guidelines. present a negative COVID-19 PCR TEST taken within 96 local guidelines. Appointments must be booked and paid negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken no to safety protocols in place, which include mask wearing in hours of travel or a negative rapid test (Rapid Antigen, for in advance. Travelers will receive a pre-confirmation more than 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Haiti. public places. More information at stlucia.org/covid-19. *Updated and rewritten from Travel Weekly.com Sofia, SD Biosensor and ABBOTT (Panbio) taken within 48 email including a booking reference number, the local lab Passengers who have previously had Covid may present hours of travel. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will website and instructions after submitting their Passenger a positive test together with documentation from their ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN Y be administered at the airport for USD $50 per passenger. Locator Card. Children six and under are exempt from the attending physician as evidence of their recovery. For Both the Dutch side and the French side of the island are 20 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years BACK TO SCHOOL How To Have An Affordable And Easy Florida’s Back-To-School Week- Back-To-School Season Long Sales Tax Holiday Will Run As your family gets ready wide variety of categories for a new academic year, and often come with a you may be wondering how 100 percent satisfaction Through August 9th to spend less on back-to- guarantee. During your This year’s annual Back-to- noncommercial home or personal school season essentials. next shopping trip, consider School “Sales Tax Holiday” has use. The team at Dollar ways to switch to private been expanded through Monday, Among the allowed school General is sharing brands and save. August 9, 2021. Parents will get supplies are the following: some tips and savings a break from the state’s 6 percent binders, calculators, colored opportunities to easily Quick Weekday Meals sales tax representing significant pencils, crayons, pens, and affordably help get The new school year savings for families as the construction paper, lunch boxes, everyone prepared. also brings the start of summer break ends and the new notebook filler paper, glue, paste, nightly homework and school year begins. poster paper, rulers and scissors. Check School Supplies extracurricular activities, No Florida sales tax or Examples of taxable school Consider checking which can make juggling local option tax will be collected supplies include: correction tape- school supplies off your schedules feel like a during this time on the following fluid-pens; masking tape; printer list in the weeks ahead to balancing act. When it items: and computer paper; staplers and help avoid any last-minute Here are a few tips and tricks, your family can save time comes to meal planning, be • Purchases of clothing, staples. and money on essentials this back-to-school season. footwear, and certain accessories For more information about stress. Whether starting (PHOTO SOURCE: © artisteer / iStock via Getty Images Plus) prepared to make nutritious, fresh or filling in the gaps tasty and simple meals. selling for $60 or less per item. the sales tax holiday, and for from the previous school a 30% off teacher appreciation The DG Easy Meals site is • Certain school supplies selling lists of specific items and their year’s supply, you can find coupon, which is available for a good place for inspiration. Its for $15 or less per item. taxable status during the tax-free binders, folders, pens, pencils, qualifying customers and can be “Better for You” recipes created • The first $1,000 of the sales period visit: floridarevenue.com/ paper, crayons, scissors and used up to four times, as well as in partnership with a nutritionist price of personal computers backtoschool. other items at affordable prices at a one-time $2 off $10 qualifying showcase healthier breakfast, and certain computer-related Y more than 17,000 Dollar General school supply purchases. lunch, snack and dinner ideas. accessories, when purchased for stores across the country. With Preparing your family for a convenient locations and buy- Further Savings new routine can be both exciting online-pickup-in-store options Switching to private brands and stressful. However, with a through the DG smartphone can allow you to shop the few tips and tricks, your family Tips To Pay For College This Fall app, it can be easy to make a items you need at lower prices, can save time and money on quick trip and stock up. Digital helping you save money to go essentials this back-to-school coupons offer additional ways toward the items you want. season. to save on everyday low prices. From snack items for the lunch Through September 6, 2021, box to essential school supplies, ~ StatePoint special offers this year include private brands can be found in a Y

Here are some tips for paying for college. (PHOTO SOURCE: (c) artisteer / iStock via Getty Images Plus) What does paying for college says Angela Colatriano, chief during life’s “new normal” and marketing officer of College Ave current economic climate look Student Loans. like? A new survey highlights If higher education costs parent plans and concerns are on the horizon for you, the regarding the upcoming 2021- survey results suggest keeping 2022 school year. these tips in mind: The October issue of Caribbean Today readers are highly esteemed. 59.6% own The College Ave Student • Anticipate spending more. will feature a comprehensive examination their own homes. Loans survey of parents Parents across the board reported of how the healthcare industry serves the of undergraduate students college expenses being more 76% are between 25-54 years of age Caribbean community. With a proven track conducted by Barnes & Noble than they expected, including record now in our 32nd year of service (readership study conducted by Circulation Verification Council). Caribbean Today is College Insights found that of college tuition and fees (81%), to readers in the United States and the those planning to help their room and board/rent and food Caribbean Basin, Caribbean Today reaches uniquely positioned to deliver product, retail and services messages to a child pay for college, 52% said (77%), school activities and an audience of over 108,000 highly the pandemic will make it more fees (61%) and books and qualified readers. community with which it is identified. Miami Dade Communications Department ranks difficult to pay this fall and 45% supplies (57%). Plan and budget They have median household income of Caribbean Today sixth overall out of the 72 said it’s changed how they plan accordingly. $63,000 and enjoy a higher disposable publications that it does business with, and to pay, with 51% using more • Plan to use multiple income. 19% have a college degree, 32% number one, as a Black publication. savings, 45% borrowing more sources. While 78% of parents have some college. In today’s economy, our in student loans, and 27% taking put money aside for their child’s out a parent loan. education, only 17% said savings Despite new challenges, could cover the full cost. Be BE A PART OF THIS SPECIAL EDITION the commitment to higher prepared to look at a variety of Call Now to speak to an advertising associate. education remains steadfast: 93% funding sources. of families agree obtaining a • Maximize financial college degree is more important aid. Complete the FAFSA 32 than ever. (Free Application for Federal “The pandemic has Student Aid) every year your presented new obstacles, yet as child attends college. This 1-800-605-7516, 305-238-2868, Fax: 305-252-7843 this survey highlights, families important form is the gateway email: [email protected] are incredibly resilient and to scholarships, grants, work- determined to help their child study and federal student loans. obtain a higher education,” DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 21) Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 21 BACK TO SCHOOL 5 Campus Essentials for College-Bound Students 4. Crunching numbers. Both practice lab is closed. with academic confidence and those majoring in STEM As you do your back-to- personal style. fields as well as liberal arts campus shopping, consider ~ StatePoint students fulfilling key credits tools and products that can help need an advanced graphing a student begin the fall term Y calculator. Get equipped with one designed for education, like the FX-CG500Prizm. Jam- packed with features, including Tips To Pay For College This Fall (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20) college. three-dimensional graphing, • Balance other financial programming and a computer If your financial situation has substantially changed since last commitments. When it comes to algebra system, this non- balancing other commitments, traditional graphing calculator year, reach out to your school’s you can take comfort that you’re has a double sized screen for financial aid office for help and not alone. Fifty-eight percent easier number-crunching and resources. of parents are stressed about concept visualization. USB • Search for scholarships. Here are some essentials for college-bound students this year. (PHOTO SOURCE: connectivity offers students the Grants and scholarships were balancing their retirement and © artisteer / iStock via Getty Images Plus) option of dropping their results the top method used to pay for paying for college. Look at your directly into classwork. college, ahead of parent savings balance of retirement savings, College bound this fall? Let this Time Zone feature updates obligations, and goals to give round-up be your guide for a automatically, ensuring and income. One easy one to 5. Making music. Musicians consider is the $1,000 monthly you a clearer picture on where smooth start to the fall semester: timekeeping is accurate, whether of all levels need equipment you stand and what you can students are studying on campus scholarship sweepstakes from and instruments that are right College Ave. afford to contribute towards 1. Easy reading. Eliminate the or studying abroad. Also, a college. need for lugging heavy textbooks for campus living. Enter the • Tune up your credit. Of featured Schedule Timer links A majority of families between the dorm, the classroom Casio CDP-S150, a lesson-ready those surveyed, 53% plan to use with a smartphone’s calendar surveyed wish more planning and the library by opting for compact digital piano delivering student loans and 26% plan to and shows appointment start resources existed. If that an eReader. Look for a model an authentic piano sound and use parent loans. Get a copy of times and end times on the playing feel in a sleek chassis describes you, check out the offering a large display, tons of watch display. Wearers can even your credit report and review storage and a long battery life. that’s not much bigger than your credit score, particularly if savings strategies and insights configure settings to have an the keys themselves, making from college and personal Prefer to get studying done on alarm sound to alert them of you think you may need private it the perfect fit for any dorm finance experts available at the quad? Be sure to prioritize a these important reminders. student loans in addition to glare-free screen. room or off-campus apartment. federal. Reach out to the credit collegeave.com. 3. Dorm design. Peel-and-stick Packed with 10 great sounds reporting agency to address any While funding the 2021- and educational features, the 2. Synced schedules. The wall decals can instantaneously errors. Credit history and credit 2022 school year may be more CDP-S150 brings music to right timepiece will help keep turn a humdrum dorm room score will impact whether you’re difficult than you previously life. And because it’s equipped scholars on top of classes, into a place that feels like home. approved for a private student anticipated, having a solid plan club meetings and other From floral and tropical patterns with a newly designed scaled and knowing all your options can and weighted hammer-action loan, as well as the interest rate. appointments. An Edifice Watch to inspirational messages, they’re • Encourage your child to help ensure a college education from Casio that uses Bluetooth easy to apply at the start of the keyboard and has the response remains within reach. of an acoustic grand piano, it’s contribute. Sixty-nine percent to link to a smartphone, offers year and easy to remove when of parents expect their child to minute-by-minute coordination it’s over. a solid choice for students who ~ StatePoint need to rehearse when the piano help chip in and 52% expect of daily schedules. Its Auto their child to find a job while in Y

The POWER of PURPOSE Find YOURS at MDC At Miami Dade College, pursue your passions, discover your purpose and find your path to career success. MDC offers a student-centered culture of learning, ensuring success in today’s global workforce.

MDC offers: • hundreds of affordable, high-tech, in-demand career programs Fall term starts Aug. 23. • MDC LIVE (virtual), online, in-person and blended classes Enroll TODAY • associate and bachelor’s degrees, and career certificates mdc.edu/purpose 96% MDC 96% of MDC graduates are graduates earn higher-than- of MDC graduates have no employed just after graduation average annual salaries federal student loan debt 22 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years BACK TO SCHOOL M-DCPS + Posse Partnership = $100M+ In Student Scholarships BY ALBERTO M. CARVALHO Foundation. U.S. Senate Select Committee on I remember flying to New Ethics. The word posse conjures up York and getting a 10 minute- “The Posse Foundation is images of old westerns in which meeting with the remarkable an extraordinary program that a sheriff puts together a group Dr. Bial. We ended up speaking seamlessly integrates community for assistance. Colloquially, for an hour. Twelve years later, and academic success. My this common law term also we are here to recognize Posse. Posse was and continues to be has come to refer to a group of Hundreds of students have a saving grace and safe space. friends or associates. This idea benefitted from this illustrious I am indebted to the Posse of putting people together so foundation with more than $113 Foundation for supporting me they can reinforce one another, million having been invested at every turn with internships, compensate for each other’s by Posse into our South Florida fellowship opportunities and weaknesses, and build on each community with direct benefit to mentoring,” said Mortimer. “If I other’s strengths, is the theory our students. Our collaboration could provide one piece of advice that fueled Dr. Deborah Bial’s with Posse has been one of the to Posse scholars and seniors in Posse Foundation. most impactful partnerships general: since you become what Founded in 1989, the that we’ve had. As a member of you think about, focus on being Posse Foundation identifies Posse’s national board, I have Mount Holyoke Posse 4 the best you possible.” students who might otherwise attended Posse Scholar events for Thanks to the generosity be overlooked by the traditional over a decade and have had the opportunity to pursue personal impacting our world thanks to the of the Posse Foundation, our college selection process. The opportunity to engage with many and academic excellence at one support of the Posse Foundation. brilliant students have the program recruits outstanding Posse Scholars and their families. of Posse Miami’s six partner One such student is resources to further develop their young people from urban high This past January, more schools: Davidson College, Dominique Mortimer, a 2011 leadership abilities and pursue schools across 10 U.S. cities, and than 1,400 students from schools Franklin & Marshall College, graduate of Coral Reef Senior post-secondary academic degrees sends them to one of 63 partner across South Florida were Hamilton College, Mount High School and a Posse at prestigious universities. colleges and universities as part nominated and participated Holyoke College, Pomona alumna who attended Mount of supportive, multicultural teams in the Dynamic Assessment College and Syracuse University. Holyoke College. Dominique’s EDITOR’S NOTE: Alberto M. or “Posses” of 10 students. Process (DAP), offering students I have heard the amazing experiences at Mount Holyoke Carvalho is superintendent of Miami is one of those an opportunity to demonstrate stories of many young leaders and the support of the Posse Miami-Dade County Public fortunate Posse cities where their intrinsic leadership who have enjoyed remarkable network have helped her along Schools we have had the opportunity to abilities, interpersonal skills, and personal and academic success her career path in law. She was Y witness the success and impact motivation for success. Of the and who are truly changing and recently hired as counsel at the of this outstanding organization. nominees, 60 South Florida high Miami-Dade County Public school students were chosen to Schools, (M-DCPS), has been receive a four-year, full-tuition Miami Dade College Launches New Presidential proud to partner with Posse scholarship and leadership Miami and we are grateful awards. for the support of our young Chosen for their academic Scholars Program local leaders whose lives have potential, this group of In its continuing efforts to those who qualify. In addition, Rising Black Scholars Program, been transformed by the Posse diverse students will have the provide greater access, Miami students will have access to which provides Black high Dade College, (MDC), has assigned advisors and support school graduates with free tuition launched the Presidential in a number of areas, including for up to two years, and Fast Scholars Program, a new program orientation, learning Track Sharks, designed to help initiative offering high- resources, career tracks, student incoming freshmen transition to performing graduating high life, community involvement, college. school students in Miami-Dade financial coaching, mentoring “Helping students reach County the opportunity to and much more. They will also completion is more important complete an associate degree have the opportunity to regularly than ever and doing so with at no cost beginning this fall meet with the College President, comprehensive support term. More importantly, the distinguished alumni and top mechanisms and concierge program offers scholars a industry leaders. services makes all the difference, unique opportunity to join a MDC remains committed said MDC President Madeline society of changemakers with to enhancing equity and access Pumariega. “We are extremely individualized services and for all students, offering a wide pleased to provide these new hundreds of seamless transfer range of scholarships, other opportunities.” opportunities to the nation’s top financial assistance to support universities. students during every step of To apply now and for more Presidential Scholars must their education pathway and wrap information, visit www.mdc.edu/ have cumulative weighted GPA around services with additional presidential-scholars. of 3.50 or above. The scholarship resources. In addition to the new Y award will cover tuition and Presidential Scholars Program, fees, and provide a stipend for the College recently created the GET A CAREER IN A YEAR* HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

Ò MEDICAL ASSISTING Ò PHARMACY TECHNICIAN YOUR FUTURE BEGINS TODAY ENROLL NOW! Ò PHLEBOTOMY AIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Ò PRACTICAL NURSING 305.558.8000 OR VISIT WWW.CAREERINAYEAR.COM * Get a Career In a Year applies to most programs. A DIVISION OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS THE SCHOOL BOARD POLICY FOR ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: M-DCPS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, citizenship status, FMLA or any other basis prohibited by law in its educational programs, services, activities, admissions or in its hiring and employment practices. Please refer to School Board Policies 1362, 1362.02, 3362, 3362.02, 4362, 4362.02, 5517 and 5517.02 for more information. For additional information about Title IX or any other discrimination/harassment concerns, contact the U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and/or: Executive 'LUHFWRU7LWOH,;&RRUGLQDWRU2IƓFHRI&LYLO5LJKWV&RPSOLDQFH1(6WUHHW6XLWH3(0LDPL)ORULGD3+(PDLOFUF#GDGHVFKRROVQHW:HEVLWHKWWSKUGDGHVFKRROVQHWFLYLOULJKWV7KH'LVWULFWDOVRSURYLGHVHTXDODFFHVVWRLWVIDFLOLWLHVDVUHTXLUHGE\WKH%R\6FRXWVRI$PHULFD(TXDO$FFHVV$FW Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 • 23 BACK TO SCHOOL What To Know When Shopping In Stores This Back-To-School Season Is your family returning to from the comfort of home. And, person learning. Consider going to last. brick-and-mortar stores to thanks to innovations in inventory stores earlier than you may have For more back-to-school prepare for the return of tracking software, these options in the past to beat the rush and get shopping insights and tips, visit brick-and-mortar school? have become a highly reliable way the products you and your children sensormatic.com. A new survey offers to get what you need when you need. “Overall, you can expect this insights into what you can want it. 3. Find out whether your state shopping season to look more expect and how you can 2. With the high demand in offers a tax-free shopping period. like 2019 than 2020, a welcome prepare for the experience. apparel and school supplies – 70% Timing your shopping to occur change for both consumers and The survey, and 53%, respectively, say they during this period can help you retailers,” says Melvin. conducted in June by plan to spend the most on those save substantially at checkout, Sensormatic Solutions, categories this year – it may be a especially if you’re among the ~ StatePoint finds consumer good idea to get a head start on 12% of consumers planning to Y confidence reaching preparing your children for in- spend more this year compared to new highs, with 73% of Is your family returning to brick-and-mortar stores back-to-school shoppers to prepare for the return of brick-and-mortar saying they were neutral school? (PHOTO SOURCE: © artisteer / iStock via or unconcerned about Getty Images Plus) shopping in-store complex retail challenges related currently. This is a major leap to consumer confidence, health from previous pandemic-era and safety, Sensormatic Solutions surveys. In spring 2021, only is providing its top three strategies 50% of shoppers were neutral or to improve your back-to-school unconcerned about shopping in- shopping experience. stores, and only 35% of shoppers 1. During the pandemic, felt that way in winter 2020. retailers large and small “The survey highlights implemented and perfected an a likely return to many pre- array of shopping options in an pandemic back-to-school shopping effort to keep customers and staff habits,” says Kim Melvin, global healthy and safe. The good news? leader of marketing, Sensormatic These options are not going away. Solutions, a leading retail While in-store shopping is the solutions provider. “Families now most popular way people plan to have an increased confidence stock up on school essentials this about shopping in stores and they year, according to survey results, are going to be shopping earlier options like buy online, pickup in and spending more on apparel and stores (BOPIS), curbside pickup school supplies.” and online shopping allow you As part of its mission to solve to leisurely comparison shop Tips To Keep Kids’ Minds Active All Summer Long School is out and already parents are hearing the dreaded, “I’m bored.” Unfortunately, too much mental downtime in summer can leave kids floundering in fall. To keep minds active all summer long, check out these brain energizing tips and ideas: • Take a hike: Whether This summer, be sure you mix up the down time your children were with opportunities to exercise the mind. (PHOTO learning remotely or SOURCE: © artisteer / iStock via Getty Images Plus) in-person this past school and statistics. year, they are likely due for some quality time spent outdoors. Take • Hit up the library: Many          a hike with your kids or go on a schools, local libraries and other      camping trip. Exploring the natural entities dedicated to childhood  
     world offers a geology, biology and literacy host annual summer ecology lesson wrapped up into one reading challenges. Encourage your       experience. kids to not only participate, but       to actively choose books they are • Make math fun: Keep students’ looking forward to reading.       mathematics skills honed during the summer months by visiting the • Get moving: Exercise is critical     Casio Education website. Found at for a healthy brain, so make sure        casioeducation.com/activities, this kids are moving each day. Take free resource features tons of tools a bike ride together as a family, that help incorporate technology visit a playground or pool, round          into mathematics learning. Plus, up the neighbors for a game of     Casio’s free all-in-one web-based flag football -- there are many fun      mathematics software ClassPad. ways to boost physical activity, net offers a personalized approach particularly during the summer to math and can be fun for kids to months. use whether on a road trip or home This summer, be sure you mix up on a rainy day. Finally, Casio’s the down time with opportunities YouTube channel is another good to exercise the mind. Doing so will summer resource, as it offers keep kids happy, entertained and tutorials and webinars in a range of intellectually challenged. subjects, including elementary and middle school math, algebra I and ~ StatePoint II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus Y   24 • CARIBBEAN TODAY • AUGUST 2021 Over 11,456,000 copies printed and delivered in 32 years

The Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce ProudlyP Celebrates Jamaica’s 59th Independence

The Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce (JAUSACC) is committed to empowering its members and partners by promoting trade, while strengthening economic and cultural opportunities between Jamaica and the United States. JAUSACC offers memberships to individuals, businesses, professionals, students and to any legitimate enterprise, regardless of size, provided such individual or enterprise has an interest in transacting business in Jamaica, or within the Jamaican Diaspora.

Becoming a member is easy! Just call us at 305.576.7888 or email us at [email protected], or visit www.jamaicausachamber.org

Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce (JAUSAC) is a non-profit organization and a member of The Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce in Florida.

M. Gill & Associates, Inc. is a management and economic development consulting firm that is ready to work for you! We develop, administer, and manage strategic growth and economic development initiatives for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses, and for government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. A U.S. Department of Commerce Contractor, M. Gill & Associates operates the MBDA Export Center and the MBDA Business Center, serving the State of Florida; Puerto Rico; and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are also an MBDA CARES Act Relief Grantee, charged with assisting Florida’s small and minority businesses to recover from the adverse effects of COVID-19. With over 30 years of proven capability, we look forward to helping your business to survive and thrive.

M. Gill & Associates, Inc. Email: [email protected] Marie R. Gill – Founder and CEO M. Gill & Associates, Inc.: www.mgillonline.com 970 S.W. 1st Street, Suite 406 MBDA Projects: Miami, FL 33120 www.mbdaexport.com Office: (305) 576-7888 www.mbdacovid19.com

. B © M. B .O. BULLISH ON MINORITY Management and Economic Development Consultants BU$INE$$WOMEN