FREE | PAGES: 16 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na We do shipping right TRANS-CONTINENTAL ECONOCARIBE 147-46 176 STREET, JAMAICA, NEW YORK 11434 TEL: 718-244-7447, 718-341-2900 • BARRELS • CRATES • CARTONS • FURNITURE • APPLIANCES • BUILDING SUPPLIES • MEDICAL SUPPLIES • CARS KINGSTON, MONTEGO BAY, PORT OF SPAIN - TRINIDAD, GUYANA & OTHER ISLANDS WE SHIP DIRECTLY TO: SPECIALIZING IN RETURNING RESIDENTS Many years of excellent service! EASTER PRAISE Sofi Style -It’s official … Jamaica 60 Canada launched! Don Wehby, GraceKennedy among 8 distinguished AFUWI 2022 awardees >P14-15 >P3 >P10-11 RETURNS -Braata Folk Singers, NewCreationGeneration Int’l headline concert fundraiser APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | VOL 2023
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 -30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as first black female high court justice WASHINGTON (AP): THE UNITED States Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his effort to diversify the court. Jackson, a 51 year-old appeals court judge with nine years experience on the federal bench, was confirmed 53-47, mostly along party lines but with three Republican votes. Presiding was Vice President Kamala Harris, also the first Black woman to reach that high office. Jackson will take her seat when Justice Stephen Breyer retires this summer, solidifying the liberal wing of the 6-3 conservative-dominated court. She joined Biden at theWhite House to watch the vote, embracing as it came in. During the four days of Senate hearings last month, Jackson spoke of her parents’ struggles through racial segregation and said her “path was clearer” than theirs as a black American after the enactment of civil rights laws. She attended Harvard University, served as a public defender, worked at a private law firm and was appointed as a member of the US Sentencing Commission. Jackson will be just the third black justice, after ThurgoodMarshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman. She will join three other women, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan Amy Coney Barrett – meaning that four of the nine justices will be women for the first time in history. Advocates welcome termination of policy denying refugees right to seek asylum NEW YORK (CMC): CARIBBEAN AMERICAN Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have welcomed the Biden administration’s termination of a Trump-era coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic policy that denied refugees the right to seek asylum. Critics said the policy – known as Title 42, which was introduced by former US President Donald J. Trump – was blatantly discriminatory. “As the daughter of immigrants and a lifelong advocate for their fair chance and access to the American dream, the Biden administration’s decision to lift the harmful, malicious and discriminatory policy that is Title 42, is a welcome blessing and one that I have long awaited,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “While this policy endured, countless hopeful migrants suffered under its authority, as we circumvented our obligations under international and domestic law. This harmful policy disproportionately affected black migrants and created life-threatening conditions for immigrants seeking refuge at our borders. “Untold unaccompanied children, families, asylum seekers; none were spared the denial of due process entitled to them by law,” said Clarke. NYIC’s Executive Director, Murad Awawdeh, told CMC that “America’s immigration system has been broken for far too long, which is why the Biden administration’s long-overdue decision to end Title 42 is an encouraging first step on the road to creating a much more humane asylum system”. “However, the termination of the policy does not come soon enough for the thousands of asylum seekers who were expelled under Title 42 and remain in harm’s way,” added Awawdeh, whose organisation is an umbrella policy and advocacy group for more than 200 immigration groups in New York state. NEWS BRIEFS Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is sworn in for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. AP Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, presents Irwine Clare, CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle, with a letter detailing a donation of US$5,000 towards their fundraising efforts. The amount was made by Greg Fisher, managing director of Jeffries LLC. In addition, the consul general presented seven travel certificates from JetBlue Airways. CONTRIBUTED NEW YORK: PRIME MINISTER AndrewHolness will for the first time attend the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia, April 28 to 30, having accepted the invitation of the University of Pennsylvania and the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York. While in Philadelphia, the prime minister will also be meeting various business and community leaders before travelling to New York where he will participate in the launch of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary celebrations in the region. The announcement of Prime Minister Holness’ visit was made by consul general AlsionWilson, at the launch of Team Jamaica Bickle’s Penn Relays 2022 initiative on Friday. The prime minister will be accompanied to Penn Relays by Minister of Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’Grange and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill. Among the highlights of the prime minister’s activities will be his participation in an investment forum with potential investors. The forum, coordinated by JAMPRO along with the consulate general of Jamaica, New York and the Jamaica’s honorary consul in Philadelphia, will seek to identify potential investors while solidifying the interests of others seeking to commence business. Holness will conclude his visit in NewYork where he will launch the region’s activities for Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence. The launch will present activities that are being planned by consulate general Jamaica, New York, along with various stakeholders to commemorate this diamond jubilee of independence. PM Holness to visit Penn Relays 1962: EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Dwight Anderson of Kingston College and 16-year-old Georgian Errol Huie write two new and blazing chapters in local schoolboy athletics with record 440 yards runs that brought down the curtain on an exciting 1962 Inter-Schools Track & Field meet. Anderson won the epic Class I in 49.5 second, the first-time a schoolboy had ever gone below the “50” barrier in the Championship. Huie ran a magnificent race to take Class 2 in 50.7 secs. 1970: Percival James Patterson is sworn in as a Member of Parliament, as he attends his first meeting of the House of Representatives since his election. 1970: The House of Representatives pass a bill entitled “An Act to Amend the law with respect to civil proceedings between husband and wife.” In moving the motion, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Victor Grant, states that a rule had always existed in the common law that husband and wife cannot sue each other for civil wrongs of the kind known as torts and that the Married Women’s Property Law which was passed in 1870 enabled a wife to sue her husband for torts affecting her own property, but that was as far as legislation had taken the matter in Jamaica. In other parts of the Commonwealth the rule had been abrogated. ’We know We are shining as suns. In our land We will find glory.’ From: ’History Makers’ by George Campbell This Day In Our Past: April 7 1963: Robin Thompson of Jamaica College heaves the shot putt 47”’, 10½” on the final day of the Inter-Secondary Track Games at the National Stadium in April. FILE
JAMAICAN BUSINESS leader and senator, Don Wehby, Group CEO of GraceKennedy, one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates with operations spanning Jamaica, several other Caribbean islands, North and Central America, the United Kingdom and several European countries, along with three of the Caribbean region’s heads of state, are among a group of eight distinguished recipients of the 25th anniversary awards of the American Foundation for the University of theWest Indies (AFUWI). Wehby will receive the AFUWI Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership, and the GraceKennedy Group will receive the AFUWI Corporate Award for Global Business Excellence. AFUWI Legacy Awards will be presented to Hon Gaston A. Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dr Timothy J. Harris, prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis; and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award to Dr Mark A. Brantley, premier of Nevis. The other four honourees receiving awards on Thursday, April 21, at the AFUWI 25th anniversary gala, to be held at the prestigious 583 Park Avenue event hall, will be Wayne Berson, CPA, chief executive officer, BDO USA, who will receive the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Financial Advisory Services; Dawnn Lewis, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer and actress who will receive the Bob Marley Award; Ambassador Ralph S. Thomas, the Pelican Award; and Graham Robinson, SVP & president, Stanley Industrial, the Caribbean Luminary Award. The AFUWI Awards are conferred annually on notable individuals and companies which represent high levels of achievement within their respective fields of industry, enterprise and in service in their communities by the US-based AFUWI, which partners with the UWI alumni, the Caribbean community in the USA, American foundations and corporations to raise funds for projects, scholarships and academic programmes on the university’s four physical and one virtual campuses. Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of The University of theWest Indies, said that“the 2022 awardees are indeed a distinguished group deserving of acknowledgement at the 25th anniversary of the AFUWI Awards gala. This is a time, too, when we must pay homage to the many sponsors of the event and the persons who annually attend the gala, thus contributing to the raising of scholarship funds for hundreds of worthy students”. Sir Hilary noted that “The UWI, which is preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year, has worked tirelessly to develop sustainable strategies in the face of many economic challenges that have causedmany governments to reduce student support, and of course, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made our situation even more difficult.” He said that the UWI has forged linkages between industry and academia, sports, entertainment, and culture to deliver innovation and value for the economic growth of Caribbean nations. He announced that the institution will soon be going to the bond market to raise US$60million to finance the establishment of an offshore medical university in Trinidad and Tobago as part of a range of measures to place the institution on a sound financial footing. “The UWI is working to transform itself into a global university, providing education to 100, 000 students all over the world, online. We have already forged partnerships with leading universities in Africa, Cuba, the USA, England, and China. Soon there will be a UWI in every continent,”Sir Hilary declared. 3 Natalie Joseph/ Contributor CHARLOTTE, NC: J AMAICAN IMMIGRANT Vinroy Reid is seeking a historic nod as the first Caribbean American elected into public office in the state of North Carolina and is counting on the support of his community on primary day, May 17. ORIGINALLY FROM Kingsvale, Jamaica, he came to the United States (USA) with an open mind and an entrepreneurial spirit. In just under thirty years, he established several very successful small businesses and has been devoted to serving his community on the East Side of Charlotte. Reid started out as a carpenter and worked his way up to be a general contractor, providing employment for District 5 residents with his construction company,VR King Construction. His close-knit family provided the inspiration for Mama’s Caribbean Restaurant, a popular neighbourhood gathering spot on historic Central Avenue in the bustling downtown business enclave. Over the past three decades, he has worked to contribute to the development of Charlotte’s East Side. He advocates for issues important to the community on his radio and television show, ‘The Caribbean Connection’, and currently serves on the Charlotte Business Inclusion Advisory Committee (CBIAC), and is a founding member of the African Caribbean Political Action Committee (ACPAC). An active member of the Democratic Party, Reid was elected to the North Carolina State Executive Committee (NCSEC), representing Mecklenburg County. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and members of the Charlotte International Cabinet (CIC) presented Reid with the CIC International Entrepreneur Award during the 2021 Annual Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA). Reid will focus on issues such as: living wages for seniors, veterans and working families, economic opportunities for business owners, entrepreneurs, and graduate students, and affordable housing with equity. He hopes to bring his business acumen and love of community to the Charlotte City council. J’can Vinroy Reid to vie for public office Vinroy Reid. CONTRIBUTED AFUWI 2022 honourees named DonWehby, GraceKennedy, Caribbean heads of state among 8 distinguished AFUWI 2022 awardees THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEW Wayne Berson, CPA. CEO BDO USA. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Don WehbyDon Wehby
Phyllis Barnes phyllis.barnes@gleanerna.net NEW YORK Christopher Barnes - Manager (Interim) christopher.barnes@gleanerna.net Normadelle Rose - Office Supervisor normadelle.rose@gleanerna.net 92-05 172nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433, 718-657-0788 Aubrey Campbell aubreycgleaner@gmail.com Phyllis Barnes phyllis.barnes@gleanerna.net NEW YORK Garfield Grandison - Manager garfield.grandison@gleanerna.net Normadelle Rose - Office Supervisor normadelle.rose@gleanerna.net 92-05 172nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433, 718-657-0788 Aubrey Campbell aubreycgleaner@gmail.com 4 Tabby Diamond’s widow knocks reprisal death theory EVANIE HENRY, the common-law wife of slain reggae legend Donald ‘Tabby Diamond’ Shaw, has broken her silence on the police allegation that the gun death was a reprisal against her son, Jahmarley Shaw, who has been dubbed “a known violence producer”. Henry has rubbished what she calls the police’s hasty conclusion that the younger Shaw, who has reportedly been in custody since May 2021 on a murder charge, was the fuelling factor for the iconic singer’s killing nine days ago. Henry said she was unaware of a connection with her son and gang activities. Her perplexity contrasts with the Tuesday’s declaration by Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson that the killing of the reggae artiste, the lead singer of the Mighty Diamonds trio, was directly linked to his son. (Another member, Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson, died from illness three days later). Senior Superintendent Kirk Ricketts, divisional commander of St Andrew South, had told The Gleaner hours after Tabby Diamond’s death that detectives theorised that the killing was a proxy attack. McKinley Crescent is in the throes of a long-running gang feud with adjoining Wint Road, Ricketts said. Little Bay land dispute threatens to explode ANGRY RESIDENTS doused heavy equipment with gasolene and threatened to light it after a demolition crew turned up to evict them from disputed lands in Little Bay, Westmoreland. The battle for the property has been raging for decades and saw one of the proprietors – John Eugster – beingmurdered in 2004 after trying to reclaim the lands. Things threatened to again become violent on Wednesday as tempers flared during the latest eviction attempt as more than 100 residents staged a protest objecting to efforts to demolish their homes. They contend that they have a right to the property through averse possession, having captured and lived on it for decades. Several cops from the Little London Police Station rushed to the location and held the disgruntled occupiers at bay. The residents have been battling in court with Euster’s widow, Kathleen, a United States citizen, for control of the sections of the 867-acre property. Despite a 2011 court decision granting writs of possession and the eviction of at least 27 settlers, Eugster has been unable to regain possession, which has also been earmarked for a US$5-billion investment. The squatters have occupied the property for years, offering various tourism products, including guest houses, villas, bars, and restaurants, plus multimillion-dollar housing solutions. Jamaican welcomed in pitch for Commonwealth transparency FOREIGN AFFAIRS Minister Kamina Johnson Smith seemingly has the backing of India in her bid to topple Baroness Patricia Scotland as Commonwealth secretary general, with Indian Ambassador Masakui Rungsung calling her a “strong and fitful” candidate. But even as that endorsement came on Wednesday, regional heads of government struggled to come to a consensus on the Caribbean’s representative for the post, announcing a second meeting to discuss the diplomatic friction. Minister without Portfolio Robert Morgan declared that Kingston would not walk back its decision to field a candidate, arguing that the sovereign state was within its right to move forward with“what is in the interest of Jamaica”. “Many states, both in the region and outside of the region, have come on board with the candidature of Kamina Johnson Smith. What that says to you is that Jamaica’s decision was sensible ... . As it relates to whether Kamina will withdraw, emphatically no,” Morgan said during a Jamaica House press conference early Wednesday That position was strengthened by Rungsung, who told The Gleaner that India, which accounts for more than half of the 2.4 billion people living within the 54-member Commonwealth, “welcomes” Jamaica’s candidacy. He said India is confident that Johnson Smith possesses the capabilities to address transparency issues plaguing the Commonwealth Secretariat, which has resulted in the suspension of discretionary funding from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. [NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED] No ditching Queen before Diamond jubilee CONSTITUTIONAL SPEED bumps have slowed the Government’s push to cut ties with the British monarchy ahead of Jamaica’s 60th Independence anniversary celebrations in August, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte has said. The update came duringWednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, two weeks after the visit of British royals PrinceWilliam and Kate, which spurred anticolonial protests and intensified calls for reparation from the United Kingdom for slavery and for the island’s transition to a republic. Malahoo Forte explained that several sections within the“deeply entrenched” provisions of Jamaica’s Constitution require careful amendments. She said areas of importance and concern under these provisions include the make-up of the Jamaican Parliament, which comprises The Queen, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, the qualifications for election to the House, and the qualifications to serve in the Parliament. The minister also made reference to Section 68 (1) of the Constitution, which speaks to the executive powers of The Queen. She said these provisions require a two-thirds majority vote from members of both Houses of Parliament as well as a referendum for change. She said were the bill to be tabled at the next sitting of Parliament, the ensuing processes would not be concluded before August 6. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
5 NEW YORK: T EAM JAMAICA Bickle (TJB) has welcomed the return of Jamaican athletes to the Penn Relays for 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions ease across the USA and the Caribbean. The organisation was well into planning mode in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic halted most sporting activities worldwide. THE 125TH staging of the Penn Relays will take place at Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania, April 28-30. Irwine Clare, Snr, in expressing his delight at the return of athletes to Pennsylvania, said: “We know that our athletes have trained hard to showcase their prowess on the international stage and must be thrilled to be back on this revered stage for track and field, not only for bragging rights, but most importantly, to secure scholarships to colleges and universities overseas. We know many of themwould have been disappointed over the two-year absence even while scaled down versions were held.” While the athletes busy themselves with competition, volunteers of Team Jamaica Bickle and Caribbean Food Delights - with whom they have been in partnership for over 25 years - earnestly prepare their meals. For 2022, the set-up will be different, with plans to have meals pre-packaged and available for pick-up by team managers at the hotel or on location at the relays in order to minimise contact under COVID-19 protocols. Most schools make use of the coordinated services and hugely discounted accommodation rates negotiated by the organisation for what is considered the team hotel. Assistance is also given with ground transportation, including daily shuttles to the stadium, and a physiotherapy team, led by Dr Thien Dang-Tan, is on standby to provide the much-needed service to the athletes. As is customary, withweeks to go, the organisation is knee deep in planning, with a slew of fundraising activities. The highlight will be a luncheon to be held on Sunday, April 24, 12 noon to 5 p.m., at the Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury NY. Noted Olympian and educator Vilma B. Charlton, OD, will be honoured with the Pioneer in Athletics & Exemplary Leader in Sport Award. Other honorees are Stephen Drummond, Esq; Dawn Warren, Esq., David Warren, Esq., and JoAnne Squillace, Esq. Contact 718-523-2861 or email teamjamaicabickle@gmail.com. Team Jamaica Bickle welcomes return of athletes for Penn Relays THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS JAMAICA-BORN DR Mary Anne Chambers, a former Ontario cabinet minister, has been named as the University of Guelph’s next chancellor. IN A release, the university noted that Chambers was unanimously elected chancellor by the university’s senate during its April 7 meeting, and will be installed during a ceremony in June. “Mary Anne Chambers embodies our university’s purpose and promise to ‘improve life’,” said U of G president Dr Charlotte Yates. “She has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. She has worked tirelessly tomake higher education accessible and inclusive for everyone and to improve circumstances for children, youth and families, especially in racialised communities in Canada and around the world. Mary Anne is the perfect choice for our chancellor.” After immigrating to Canada from Jamaica with her husband and two young sons in 1976, Chambers held progressive roles with Scotiabank and eventually served as senior vice-president. She took early retirement in 2002 and ran for public office the following year. She was elected to the Ontario legislature as a Liberal in 2003 and appointed minister of training, colleges and universities and then minister of children and youth services. “I have always been passionate about education as being the door to opportunities for a better quality of life for individuals, their families, communities and, ultimately, our entire world,” Chambers said. “This university has so much to contribute to the achievement of the ambitions of the people of this province, our country and beyond, given its areas of specialty and its long-standing commitment to sustainability in its broadest sense. I am truly honoured to be chosen to serve the University of Guelph as its chancellor.” Among her honours, she was named to the Order of Ontario and has received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee medals, the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s Medal of Appreciation, a University of the West Indies ViceChancellor’s Award and a YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award. Chambers is currently a governor of Canada’s International Development Research Centre, a senior fellow at York University’s Glendon School of Public and International Affairs and is the special advisor for the City of Markham’s anti-black racism strategy. Mary Anne Chambers CONTRIBUTED Dr Mary Anne Chambers named chancellor of the University of Guelph
6 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE 7 ON SATURDAY, June 26, 2021, The Griffin Football Club staged the 17th edition of the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament (JAFT) at the Haffen Valley Park, Bronx. This reunion event turned out to be a pleasant one for football. A total of twelve teams participated. Wolmer’s Boys’High School, Excelsior High School, Clarendon College, Camperdown High School, Calabar High School, and Herbert Morrison Technical High School were in Group A. Group B consisted of Jamaica College, Dinthill Technical High School, William Knibb Memorial High School, Kingston College, St George’s College and St Andrew Technical High School. Football fans from all walks of life came out and supported the family fun-filled event. The park was bubbling! Tents were erected and all participating schools donned their jerseys with pride and confidence. Fans represented their alumni associations by parading in their school colours - purple and white, light blue, dark blue, and green and black, maroon and gold, green and gold, maroon and blue, blue and gold, maroon and beige, and red and blue. This informal, outdoor, family-style setting was just what the doctor ordered. Nostalgia was in the air, as fans came out to see their favourite players from yesteryear. The attendance was very encouraging. Vendors had a variety of food items that were available - steamed fish, curried chicken, bun and cheese, beef patties, and potato pudding, among other items. Retired FIFA referee, Steven A. Bucknor, OJ, whistled the start of the first game between defending champions Excelsior High School, led by captain Paul ‘Goosey’ Bennett, and Wolmer’s, led by captain Paul Young. FINALS Kingston College and Dinthilll were the qualifiers from Group B, while Calabar and Wolmer’s emerged from Group A. In the first semi-final game, Kingston College defeated Wolmer’s. In the second semi-final, Calabar dispatched Dinthill to meet Kingston College in the finals. The final game was a mouthwatering contest, with both teams playing some attractive football. The game ended 0-0, but Calabar prevailed in the penalty shootout. Damion‘Benji’ Benjamin was the tournament’s MVP, and the leading goal scorer was Jefferson ‘Bumpy’ Hinds of Kingston College. The best dressed team prize went to Wolmer’s. The most disciplined team for the tournament was Herbert Morrisonl. The two-day tournament was a resounding success, and this was echoed by all who were in attendance. A very special ‘thank you’ to the players and supporters of the various schools involved. Of course, the successes of these events are usually hinged on the level of sponsorship, publicly acknowledged the CODE RED Restaurant, Bronx, for providingmeals for all the teams. The overall responses and feedbacks have fuelled the organisers, as they look forward to a bigger and better event this June. Bobby ‘Tego’ Austin, tournament director. Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament 2021 recap DRESSED TO THE 8s. Wolmer’s Boys were voted Best Dressed Team at the 2021 renewal of the eight-a-side Jamaica Alumni football Tournament, held in the Bronx, New York. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS WE ARE THE CHAMPS: Calabar High School past students won the 2021 renewal of the Jamaica alumni football festival, held in the Bronx, beating Kingston College in the finals. NEW YORK, NY: The Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament- is going home to where it all started some 25 years ago, at the Evander Childs High School stadium, on Gun Hill Road, North Bronx. THE TOURNAMENT will be played on the weekend of June 25-26, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. on Saturday and at 9 a.m. on championship Sunday. Tournament director Bobby ‘Tego Bob’ Austin said that Evander will allow the committee to accommodate more teams as players come out of the COVID-19 cocoon. He said that for the 18th staging of the very popular competition among past students of Jamaican high schools, some changes will be made. These include competitions for ‘masters’, over 45 years old, and ‘submasters’, for those under 45 years. Fifteen teams, lead by champions Calabar, will contest the Masters division, while eight schools will play in the under-45 section. The Masters will play in three groups of five (5) with the top two from each group and the two best third place finishers advancing to the singe elimination (KO), quarter-final round. For the Submsters, they will play in two groups of four, with the top two schools advancing to the play-off. As was the case last year when the competition returned after a break, patrons will be able to cheer on some of their favourite players from yesteryear who had starring roles in the Manning and DaCosta Cup competitions. “Based on the response from last year when the All-DaCosta team handcuffed the All-Manning selection with a 3-1 flogging, that game will be part of our Sunday afternoon schedule,” gushed Austin, head coach of the Griffin Football Club Academy, sponsors of the tournament. Completing the weekend schedule will be a skills competition for women players and amatchup between players from the Griffin FC Academy’s Under-12 and a team to be determined. Jamaica alumni soccerfest returns to the Bronx Tournament set for Evander Childs High School stadium, June 25-26 Bobby Austin. CONTRIBUTED
8 NEW YORK, NY: I T WAS a night of historic proportions in New York City when an unsung hero of Jamaican music and culture, Brigadier ‘Briggy’ Jerry, was crowned ‘King’. The coronation, which was organised by Chin of Irish and Chin, sparked a flurry of emotions, bringing Briggy and many patrons in attendance at the Club Amazura venue, Queens, to tears. Born Robert Russell, the‘crowning’ is Briggy’s first formal, major acknowledgement in his longrunning career of more than 40 years. The moment reflected on the artiste’s profound music legacy and unyielding contributions to reggae, dancehall and sound systemmusic and culture. Notably, Briggy is one of the most talented deejays of his time. The clever lyricist is famous for his work on the Jah Love sound system. After the regal nod, the legend talked about using his talent to minister to the masses about his faith as a disciple of Rastafari. Renowned for vivid sound system performances, chock-full of melodic toasting of meaningful lyrics and improvisations, Brigadier Jerry also found success with recorded songs like Jamaica Jamaica, What Kind of World, Armageddon Style, Every Man a Mi Brethren, and more. It was therefore quite befitting for the ‘General’ to give fans a performance before the coronation, performed by Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne, taking them back to the ‘80s by deejaying over vintage tracks. CULTURAL ARTISTE Among those in attendance were some of Briggy’s biggest fan, students of the legend out to pay homage. Sister Carol took to the stage to share a moment, while Iba Mahr also saluted Briggy and described how influential the legend has been to him as a cultural artiste. The event was the brainchild of Chin. “My ambition is to simply acknowledge the unacknowledged,” said Garfield “Chin” Bourne. “We have to celebrate the uncelebrated for their contributions to the growth of Jamaicanmusic and culture while they are alive.” Through the Time Travel Series, he hopes to identify and recognise persons who have made such an impact on the music that it changed the culture. “Our music has played a huge role in the success of Brand Jamaica. Therefore, those who’ve built the foundation for which the music stands, must be acknowledged and congratulated for their efforts,” Bourne said. The Time Travel Series, which features a retrospective view of various key years and elements in the colourful history of dancehal l , will be a big part of the entertainment focus of the station– SoundChatRadio. com - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. CALL HIM ‘KING’ BRIGGY - Music icon Brigadier Jerry celebrated in Queens, NewYork THE ADMINISTRATOR-GENERAL (AG) is required by The Intestates’ Estates and Property Charges Act (IEPCA) to administer the estates of persons who have died without a will, leaving assets and children under the age of eighteen (18) years. The Act provides how the assets of the deceased are to be distributed to each proven beneficiary and in what proportion. The AG also acts in cases where: A testator does not appoint an executor, The executor has died before the testator. The executor renounces executorship. There are no proven lawful beneficiaries – Bona Vacantia. The Administration Process INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS MADE A death is reported to the AdministratorGeneral’s Department(AGD) by way of a completed Form of Particulars. A process of investigation is conducted to confirm the death and a minor beneficiary. The investigation also includes confirming the assets belonging to the deceased. Once these requirements are established, an application is made for an Instrument of Administration. An amendment to the Administrator-General’s Act in 2015 empowers the administrator-general to issue his own Instrument of Administration (IA), which is similar to a Grant of Administration from the court. As soon as an Instrument of Administration is issued by the AG, the administration process begins. The AG can now collect the assets. In order to collect the assets, the IA is presented to institutions or persons holding assets, or titles to assets, for the deceased. In accordance with the legal requirements, a notice is placed in the newspaper requiring creditors to submit their duly authenticated claims to the AG within sixweeks of publication. If claims are properly substantiated, then the debts will be settled prior to the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. It must be noted that where the assets of the estate include land, shares and stocks, these are subject to the payment of transfer tax on death. Provisions are made for certain eligible classes of relatives to obtain an exemption from transfer tax on land. An application may be made where the property was the principal place of residence for the deceased and the applicant at the time of death of the deceased, or the matrimonial home if the spouse is the applicant. MANAGEMENT OF ESTATE ASSETS As trustee of the assets being held on behalf of estates, the administrator-general has a duty to ensure that assets are invested and properly managed. Cash assets are invested in the name of the administrator-general in government-guaranteed securities in accordance with Section 11 of the Administrator-General’s Act. The funds are invested in a common fund to ensure consistency in the returns among estates. Estate properties are monitored and maintained by the department during the administration of the estate. This involves the renting of properties and the payment of insurance and property taxes.The transfer of real property to beneficiaries or sale can be done during the administration process. Other assets can also be transferred to beneficiaries or sold during this period. DISTRIBUTION TO BENEFICIARIES The process of administration continues until the last minor attains 18 years of age and all debts are settled.The AG requires proof of relationship of the beneficiaries to the deceased. Documents of proof include birth certificates and marriage certificates as well as paternity orders, spouseship orders and affiliation orders from the court. At the last stage of distribution, a final statement of account is produced detailing all income and expenditure of the estate, arriving at the amount due to each beneficiary. The distribution to beneficiaries of all the assets in the estate is in accordance with the IEPCA (See Section 4 - Table of distribution). A completed Method of Payment form requesting banking information to facilitate direct deposits must be submitted by the beneficiaries before any payment can be made. Once the banking information is received, final payments will bemade and the administration of the estate is completed – the file is closed. If you require any additional information, please contact: THE ADMINISTRATOR-GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, Jamaica Telephone:876-922-1830-3; 876-922-0700-5 or 876-618-1542 Fax: 876-922-4201 Email: admingen@agd.gov.jm Website: www.agd.gov.jm Administrator-General’s Department & the administration of intestates’ estates ADVERTORIAL THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ENTERTAINMENT REGGAE ROYALTY: Brigadier Jerry (Robert Russell) expresses his gratitude to the promoters and fans in attendance at Club Amazura, New York City, on March 12, following his ‘crowning’. CONTRIBUTED
9 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
10 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | EASTER PRAISE Braata Folk Singers. CONTRIBUTED New Creation Generartion Int’l CONTRIBUTED Constance Finlayson President, Herbert Morrison Technical High School Alumni Association THE EASTER Praise fundraiser will be used to assist the Herbert Morrison Technical High School’s sports teams, with special emphasis on the football and track teams. The need for proper equipment and gear for training and competition is always there, as education is more than just books. The alumni association is also assisting with ongoing work to improve the playing fields that are currently being resurfaced. We hope for everyone’s full support, as proceeds from this concert will help the school and the athletes at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in achieving its mission. We thank you all for your support, and have a happy Easter! Andrea Swaby Secretary, Maldon High School Alumni Association EASTER IS a time to worship and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through songs, prayer and praise; hence Easter Praise, a concert fundraiser benefiting education and youth in Jamaica. Though Easter is celebrated by Christians, it’s also the time of the year when the lilies bloom and the sweet smell of sap lingers in the air, signalling the spring time and the joy of a new beginning. Some cultures enjoy fasting, while others enjoy traditional foods such as bun and cheese, fried fish with bammy, curried goat and white rice, a Caribbean tradition, if you will. We know you will find the time and reason to share in the joy of the season with us, as we continue to provide for the students at Maldon High School. Wishing everyone warm Easter blessings! Thanks for your support! Easter Praise returns! NEW YORK, NY: E ASTER PRAISE, the virtual concert fundraiser put on last year by a group of six charitable organisations, will be staged for the second time, this year, on Saturday, April 16, starting at 8.00 p.m. Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, has again been named patron and the event will be staged by six partners, but with one change; Mount Alvernia High School Alumnae is taking a break and will be replaced by the Westbury United Cricket of Long Island. Back by very popular demand, the concert recounts the story of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in song, dance and the spoken word. New Creation Generational International (NCGI), the stars of last year’s presentation, return in a supporting role to Braata Folk Singers, which get top billing this year. They will be joined on the virtual stage by an array of talent drawn from the membership of the stakeholder/ partners, straddling the remits from Alumni Associations and duly registered, charitable entities domiciled in the Greater New York Metro area. Conceptualised during the pandemic as organisations pivoted in their efforts to raise funds, the collaboration was so successful that it is safe to say that planning for the second staging started right after the last note was played by Ayon ‘DJ Binghy’ Kellier, a past student of Maldon High School and owner/operator of Killa-Star Sounds, Brooklyn, NY. for by the sus e to wn red, s so yon Braata Folk Singers, New Creation Generation Int’l headline Easter concert fundraiser
Cornwall College GREETINGS FROMtheCornwall College Old Boys’ Association of New York (CCOBANY). We are pleased to be collaborating with the other organisations to stage the second Easter concert -- Easter Praise 2022. It has been said, ‘There is strength in unity’. Once again, I want to express our gratitude to all the people who supported last year’s concert by purchasing tickets and spreading the word about the event. This year, we are inviting you to another wonderful concert on Saturday, April 16.We are depending on you for your support. Please purchase your ticket through Zelle at info. cornwallcollege.nyc@gmail.com. Include your phone number in the message section before you press ‘Send’. We will need to contact you to send you the link for the concert. Much blessings! Barrington A. Harvey, Sr President CCOBANY Thanks for your support! EASTER PRAISE THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | EASTER PRAISE Vincent Wright President, Westbury United Cricket Club, NY EASTER IS a special time of the year, especially for us Christians. Our saviour Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross to save humankind. The board of directors, officers and members of the Westbury United Cricket Club, Long Island, deem it an honour to be invited to join forces with other participating stakeholders in this charitable endeavour that will benefit education through sports. We hope that each and every one who lends support will enjoy the programme.. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you as you give cheerfully! Myrtle Wedderburn Secretary/Treasurer Comets Club Int’l (Montego Bay Comets Athletics Club) AT EASTER, people from all over the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in worship, songs and praise. In reference to his crucifixion, Easter signifies new life! This year’s fundraiser is again a collaboration with the alumni associations of HMTHS, MBHS, CC, MHS andWCC, a first-time partner. Proceeds will go towards helping our schools and students in need, not only to demonstrate their natural athletic abilities, but also their education in every aspect as they grow to be the best person they can be. Thanks for your continued support, and best wishes for a holy and happy Easter! And, on behalf of the Comets Club Int’l family, thanks for your continued support of our mission! Merlene Mullings President MONTEGO BAY High School Alumnae Association of New York, Inc The Montego Bay High School Alumnae Association of New York Inc is excited and grateful to be a part of this collaboration with like-minded organisations to celebrate the Easter story while fundraising, making this a winning combination. Since our inception in 2014, and guided by its core mission of giving back, the sisterhood continues to enjoy a strong bond, impacting the wider community in many ways. All proceeds from this Easter Praise virtual concert fundraiser will allow the alumnae association to continue its assistance to Montego Bay High School in maintaining its enviable record of academic excellence, while moulding the brilliant minds of these aspiring young ladies. Your support of this event is greatly appreciated! New Creation Generation International (NCGI) is an international intergenerational community of worshippers with Jamaican roots. Birthed in 1979 at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, their message is reconciliation of individuals to God, through Jesus Christ, and hope despite disillusionment. Challenging traditional barriers, New Creation pioneered the writing and recording of reggae gospel songs and is well-known for its signature eclectic arrangements – a fusion of multiple musical genres. We hear the evolution of its continuously relevant sound as their next generation create new versions of their songs, tapping into new sounds in their artistic expressions. NCGI’s ministry can be enjoyed in virtual format, as they periodically publish FaceBook Live productions. Their music can also be found on the group’s website, NewCreationGeneration.org. Contact and Booking Information: NCGIGroup@gmail.com www.newcreationgeneration.org or www.ncgigroup.com The Braata Folk Singers are proud ambassadors of, and the foremost authority on, Jamaican and Caribbean folk music performance in the United States. Braata has constantly wowed audiences on some of the most prestigious stages, both locally and internationally, and has reaped awards of excellence from the world’s most astute connoisseurs of choral music. The group has established itself among Jamaicans and others in the wider Caribbean diaspora for its unique and dynamic presentation of the region's folk music, combining inspired choral arrangements with drama, intricate choreography, design elements, and eye-catching costume using traditional folk forms from the Caribbean region. The result is a theatrical presentation best described as 'choral theater'.
12 CHAMPS PICTORIAL Edwin Allen High’s Tina Clayton powers past Hydel’s Brianna Lyston to clinch the girls’ Class One 100m title finals on Day Two of the ISSA/ GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships. Clayton won with a time of 11.23 seconds ahead of Lyston’s 11.26. “My coach toldme that I ama world champion Under-20 and they can’t beat me,” Clayton told The Gleaner Wednesday night. GLADSTONE TAYLOR/MULTIMEDIA PHOTO EDITOR Edwin Allen High’s sprint twins, Tia and Tina Clayton, celebrate with their mother Tishawna Pinnock (centre) after the Class One girls 100 metres final at the National Stadium last night. Tina won the event and Tia placed third. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER Edwin Allen High’s Bryan Levell (right) wins the Class One 100m in 10.25 seconds during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at theNational StadiumonWednesday. At left is KingstonCollege’s Bouwahjie Nkrumie, who finished sixth in 10.49 seconds. KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Anthony Miller of Jamaica College celebrates after winning the Class Two boys 100metres final in 10.71 seconds. GLADSTONE TAYLOR/MULTIMEDIA PHOTOEDITOR Kingston College supporters in the bleachers at the National Stadium. GLADSTONE TAYLOR/ MULTIMEDIA PHOTOEDITOR THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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BECAUSE FASHION is for everyone, influential fashionistas, industry lifestyle leaders in various capacities and the eclectic-minded were warned to ‘be the fashion’ and ‘dare to be different’ at the inaugural staging of the Vanguard, which showcased at the exquisite downtown Toronto locale, The Carlu. Guests experienced luxury and opulence in one evening of live entertainment; premium hors d’oeuvres and drinks; expressive art form in dress, culture, and music at the luxuriously upscale event vibing off ‘The Met Gala of Toronto,’ premise. The event was organized by Shawn Cuffie (known for the Black Diamond Ball), to have a portion of tickets go to the Dream Legacy Foundation programs to help withmental illness and affordable housing. The worthy cause saw‘out of this world’ fashion, hair, and make-up styles that amped up the camaraderie for networking with the who’s who in fashion, music, and entertainment on the Canadian landscape. Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer THE VIBE was relaxed and refined at the exclusive and elegant cocktail reception to launch Jamaica 60 Canada, held on March 26, at the spacious Toronto Event Centre, Grand Bizarre, on the grounds of the Toronto Exhibition Place. The pageantry was befitting the exciting array of events scheduled across Canada to mark the diamond Jubilee of Jamaica’s Independence and for Jamaicans to mingle again. The illumination of the Niagara Falls on August 6, and flag-raising ceremonies in Toronto, Brampton, and Hamilton were detailed in a video presentation. A cricket match featuring a Jamaica 11vs Trinidad & Tobago 11, scheduled for August 20, and church services are among the other events listed. Lincoln Downer, Jamaica’s consul general (CG)toToronto, says he wanted to bring inclusivity to Canada. He told Sofi Style that during his posting to England and his involvement with planning Jamaica 50, he noted that Jamaican communities were widely dispersed, so getting organisations fromdifferent communities to be a part of the line-up will bridge any divide, especially where distance can affect Jamaicans showing up to celebrate. Downer will leave a legacy of having facilitated a closer connection between Jamaican communities within Canada. After all, this year’s celebration is dubbed ‘Reigniting a Nation to Greatness’. It’s evident that is what the CG is doing, and that foresight augurs well for success. Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, officially launched the event and was joined by Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister, after his address, in cutting the signature cake. The rum cake emblazoned with the Jamaican flag was created by Chef Noel Cunningham, who also catered for the event, along with Chef Selwyn Richards of the Art of Catering. The tourismminister was introduced by Angella Bennett, regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Canada; Sharon J. Miller, high commissioner for Jamaica to Canada, did the honour of introducing Grange. Greetings from Adaoma Patterson, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA); councillor Michael Thompson, deputy mayor, city of Toronto; and Rosemarie Moodie, OD, senator of Canada, were on the evening’s agenda. Meanwhile, moderator Danae Peart did a superb job navigating her role, while cultural items by Letna AllenRowe delighted patrons and the soothing instrumental serenade by saxophonist Dave McLaughlin lent an exquisite touch to the auspicious occasion. The Heritage Singers, an impressive and dynamic Canada-based folk group, conjures up patriotic nostalgia of ‘we likkle but we tallawah’ energy like no other ensemble can. DJ Joshua Lucas did a brief stint. Arsenal Band closed the evening with a bang, delivering ska music that brought revellers up from their seats. 14 IT’S OFFICIAL … JAMAICA 60 CANADA LAUNCHED! Sandra Sylburne of Superior Business Services on the red carpet at The Vanguard CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Jamaica government ministers Olivia Grange and Edmund Bartlett at the Jamaica 60 Canada cocktail reception. Lincoln Downer, Jamaica’s consul general at Toronto and Sharon J. Miller, high commissioner for Jamaica to Canada join Jamaica government ministers Olivia Grange and Edmund Bartlett in the cutting of the Jamaica 60 Canada cake. Looking on are Councillor Michael Thompson, Chef Selwyn Richards and Chef Noel Cunningham, who made the commemorative dessert. WHO IS WHO HERE? PHOTOS BY SOPHIA FINDLAY Headline performer, Marieme, on stage at The Vanguard in an avant-garde outfit. THE VANGUARD SOIREE …if you’re hot, I’m at your spot! - Canada’s most exclusive night in international fashion and music THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | LIFESTYLE
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