rendition of Kings of Kings and Lords of Lords, followed by Toots and The Maytals’ Sweet and Dandy; Shenseea’s Blessed and Buju Benton’s I am a Jamaican. The drones depicted the national bird; coat of arms; famous Jamaican Miss Lou; a Jamrock logo; reggae icon BobMarley; the fastest man alive Usain Bolt; the national fruit, ackee; a bus; the map of Jamaica; and the theme for this year’s celebration ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’. Projections are that 30,000 spectators were present inside the National Stadium on Saturday for the largerthan-life cultural showcase, which began at 6 p.m. Some special guest performers include Beenie Man, Barrington Levy, Teejay, Toni-Ann Singh, Glacia Robinson, and Tessanne Chin. The minister told The Gleaner: “One Will Mr. Trevor Roy Lawrence of Christ Church, Barbados or anyone knowing his whereabouts, kindly contact the Child Protection & Family Services Agency, 10 Hanover Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica at 876-550-0590. NOTICE THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 The Jamaica 60 logo as depicted by drones during the Grand Gala held at the National Stadium to mark the island’s 60th anniversary of Independence on Saturday, August 6. Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) performing the Leggo di Bird dance with social media personality Danar ‘Dan-Dan’ Royal during the Grand Gala celebrating Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee at the National Stadium on Saturday. Members of the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing perform a stunt during the Grand Gala at the National Stadium to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence on Saturday, August 6. PLEASE SEE GALA, 4
of our special guests will be Micheal Ward, who is quite a personality on Netflix through his show Top Boy.” The 24-year-old British-Jamaican actor, who was born in Spanish Town and lived in Job Lane, is visiting Jamaica for the first time in 20 years. Ward’s stated mission is to reignite family bonds and celebrate the country of his birth in its 60th year of Independence. His other film credits include The Old Guard, The A-List and Blue Story, for which he was awarded the 2020 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award as Best Rising Star. Grange and her team’s plan to make this the mother of all Grand Galas comes with some amount of poignancy. It happens in a year when Jamaica was robbed of one of its most brilliant sons, renowned artistic director Trevor Nairne, who passed away in May. His genius at bringing to life the ‘grand’ in Grand Gala has been lauded, and Grange has described Nairne as “one of the most influential theatre directors in Jamaica’s history” as well as a “creative whose genius was on resplendent display at the country’s annual Independence Grand Gala”. Also on this year’s Independence calendar of events was theWestern Mini Gala on August 7. The Western Gala featured performances from Jermaine Edwards, Govana, Tessanne Chin, Teejay, and Laa Lee, among others. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Paratroopers fromGuyana make their landing for the Grand Gala at the National Stadium PHOTOS BY RICARDO MAKYN/CHIEF PHOTO EDITOR Prime Minister Andrew Holness makes a presentation to veteran reggae singer Derrick Morgan during the Grand Gala to mark Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 6. Looking on is Minister of Culture Olivia Grange. Prime Minister Andrew Holness makes a presentation to Sanchez during the Grand Gala to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 6. Looking on Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. GALA CONTINUED FROM 3 A group of dancers performduring the Grand Gala to mark Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 6.
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 5 Stephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer EMANCIPATION DAY festivities were highlighted by the Jamaica 60 Float and Street Parade, which commenced at the RannyWilliams Entertainment Centre and culminated at the National Stadium car park. WELCOMING THE heat of the sun, parade participants and the spectators moved quickly into Half-Way Tree, where an official opening of the festivities was marked by the blessing provided by Archbishop of Kingston Reverend Kenneth Richards and a short speech from Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “We commemorate and celebrate our freedom. We commemorate and celebrate our march to nationhood.We are a Colourful floats reignite Jamaican spirit PLEASE SEE SPIRIT, 6
proud people, a strong people in what we have faced. Hardships there may be, but the land is great, and definitely today, the sun shineth,” Holness said. This was followed by the release of “peace doves” by several members of government, the clergy and civil society. The resounding message and mood in the streets of Kingston was that the selected theme for this year’s diamond jubilee celebration –‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’ – is the most appropriate. Having seen the turnout and camaraderie of the people, Jo-Anne Archibald, principal director at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, only had one thing to say, “We’re reignited!” Several of the floats demonstrated authentic Jamaican flora, fauna and food and shared the rich culture with the members of the public who gathered in numbers to witness the event. Among the floats were the Diamond Heroes; Crime Stop For Paradise; Sounds of Jamaica, including Fab 5 band, Renaissance Disco and Stone Love; Reap What You Sow; Bridge to Progress; God is Love, and Sweet Jamaica. The balloon float was a favourite of children, who were most fascinated with the spectacle of creativity. There was much to see with over 1,000 persons in costume, from carnival wear to dramatic Jonkunnu pieces. The Hah-R-Mony Entertainment group out of Montego Bay comprised of talented dancers, singers and musicians from Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana and Dominica were fully costumed and excited with their routines. “We are happy to travel the distance to be part of the Jamaica 60 celebrations and helping to reignite that coming together of different nations and THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 One of the colourful floats featured in the Emancipation Day parade in Kingston on August 1. PHOTOS BY KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER Junior artist and assistant to Larry Watson, Jerome Marshall, applies finishing touches to one of the floats featuring the national birds at the National Arena on Sunday, July 31. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER A float featuring Jamaican produce and treasures makes its way along parade from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to the National Stadium car park in Kingston. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER SPIRIT CONTINUED FROM 5 Emancipation Day was all about father and son bonding time for Ricardo and Zev Clarke, who walked along the streets of Kingston to follow the parade. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LYEW Miss Jamaica World 2021 Khalia Hall (left) and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2021 Dominic Reid proudly wave Jamaican flags as they make their way down Half-Way Tree Road. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER The Diamond Heroes float featured Jamaica’s seven national heroes and heroine. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER
talents,” said Shanoy Harris, one of the dancers of Hah-R-Mony Entertainment. Referring to the theme, Harris said it “recognises the greatness that our country and its people hold and show how much we have impacted other persons and cultures worldwide”. The Eagles and Troopers band also entertained the crowd with their musical arrangements and choreography. The ‘Convoy of Beauty’ led by Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh was another attraction as the ‘Queen of the Parade’ among other crowned queens were fashionably fitted and chauffeured in classic cars. It featured this year’s Miss Universe Jamaica semi-finalists whose waves did not go unnoticed. Both Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth, national co-directors of Miss Universe Jamaica, said that the parade was something they wished to see and participate in the future for the exposure and experience it offered to the beauties participating in the pageant. The dampener of the day was the late start, a few technical challenges on one of the Sounds of Jamaica trucks, which resulted in at least half-hour of nomusic and the absence of more heritage trucks to represent the country’s motto: ‘Out of Many, One People’. One disgruntled spectator said: “We needed to see the different races represented that make up our culture. Persons were here expecting to see floats representing our Maroon people, the Arawaks, Africans, Chinese, [and] Indians all on a float. While it is realised that a lot of hard work went into the parade this year, it is something to note for future executions, so that it does not only entertain but educate the youth that come out to see the greatness that we want to reignite.” Programs 1. Au Futur Program (Young Mothers) 2. Footsteps Program 3. Adult Basic Education Program 4. Brilliant Minds Program (Tutoring) 5. Food Bank 6. Tax Clinic Services 1. Immigration Documents 2. Space Rental 3. Community Service Program 4. Licensed Restaurant “Cool Runnings” 5. Licensed Bar “Negril” 6. A safe place to gather with friends A) Board of Directors 1. Mark Henry, President, mhenry@jam-montreal.com, 514-238-2659 2. Sharon Nelson, 1st Vice President, sharon.nelson@jam-montreal.com, 438-507-9258 3. Alexander Townsend, 2nd Vice President, 514-737-8229 4. Melrose Christopher, Treasurer, jamtreasurer@outlook.com, 514-737-8229 5. Ingrid Barrett, Secretary, secretary@jam-montreal.com, 514-737-8229 6. Uton Lynch, Director, 514-737-8229 7. Clyde Williams, Director, IT, 514-737-8229 8. Roger Hylton, Director, Security & Entertainment, 514-737-8229 9. Conroy Barnes, Director, Games, Sports, & Recreation, 514-737-8229 B) Committees & Chairs 1. Jamaica Association Business Owners & Professionals (JABOP), Molly Young 2. Membership Committee, Sharon Nelson 3. Social Committee, Alexander Townsend 4. Women’s Auxiiary (WA), Sharon Nelson 5. Building Committee, Mark Henry 6. Youth Committee, Jade Parkinson-Gayle, jamyouthrep@gmail.com 7. Senior Committee, Shelley Morgan, jamsenior1962@gmail.com 8. Human Resources, Omar Ramus, jamhumanresources1962@gmail.com C) Staff Contacts 1. Diane Boyd, Managing Director, jammanagingdirector@gmail.com Banquet Manager, jambarbanquetgmail.com, 438-390-7763 2. Kim Payton, Coordinator, Programs & Services jamprogramservices@jam-montreal.com, 514-737-8229 3. Keisha Wilson, Bar Manager, jambarservices@gmail.com, 514-737-8229 4. Winston “Pick” Richards, Chef, 514-737-8229 5. Donna-Angella Stewart, Coordinator, Au Futur Program aufuturprogram@gmail.com, 438-499-8229 Contact info: PHONE: 514-737-8229 • WEB: jam-montreal.com • EMAIL: info@jam-montreal.com • FB: facebook/jamaicaassociationmontreal * INSTAGRAM: jamaicaassociationmontreal • YOUTUBE: Jamaica Association of Montreal THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 7 This pooch named Lee didn’t miss a beat during Emancipation Day float parade. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER Guido Verhoef, internationally renowned balloon designer and performing artist, shows off the iconic Jamaican Rastaman made entirely of balloons for the Emancipation Day Parade in Kingston on August 1. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh led the ‘Convoy of Beauty’ as Queen of the Parade during the Emancipation Day parade in Kingston on August 1. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER Jonkunnu character Pitchy Patchy is generally given the task of keeping the crowd in line. KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER The crowd cheers as John Dawkins and his donkey, Blossom, lead Marlon Jackson and his mount, Capleton, at the Top Hill Donkey Racing Festival in St Catherine on Emancipation Day. NICHOLAS NUNES/PHOTOGRAPHER
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer A NUMBER of Jamaican candidates seeking to win primaries for a spot on the November mid-term ballot will know their fate later this month. Among the candidates is Jamaicaborn Rev Karen Green, who is running in Florida’s 7th congressional district. Jamaica-born Dale Holness is running in Florida’s 20th congressional district. State representative, Anika Omphroy, who is of Jamaican descent, is also running in Florida’s 20th congressional district, while Jamaica-born Don Samuels is seeking to win in the 5th congressional district in Minneapolis. Green has the best chance of advancing to the November general election, as she is seen as the frontrunner to win the Democratic Primary on August 23. A recent Seminole County Chamber of Commerce poll puts her at 38 per cent among voters, more than 12 percentage points ahead of her nearest rival for the democratic nomination. Green has also been endorsed by several entities and elected officials, including the AFL-CIO, the Democratic Disability Caucus of Florida, the Seminole Democratic Party, as well as youth Democratic groups in counties making up the congressional district. Green, who is also vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party, has picked up support from a number of local elected officials, including state senator Victor Torres and state representatives Ana V. Eskamani and Carlos Guilliemo Smith, as well as county property appraiser Amy Mercado. Miami-based attorney, Jamaican Marlon Hill, said that Green is a long-standing leader in the community and Congress would be well served by having her there. He said that he fully supports her candidacy. “She is a doer. She has been uplifting the community for years and it is time she be elected,” said Hill. Well-known attorney, Jamaican Wayne Golding Sr, has also come out in support of her candidacy. “It is always good to see people stepping up to the plate. The question of whether the person is qualified for the position will be asked, but her activities over the years assure that the question will be answered positively,” he said. Golding said that Green is a worthy standard-bearer. Meanwhile, Jamaica-born Georgia state representative, Donna McLeod, described Green as “awesome”. “She has been a grassroots person and has the ability to help enact policies that will move the community and the country forward, if elected,” said McLeod. Over in Florida’s 20th congressional district, Holness and Omphroy will go head to head as they seek to win the Democratic primary. To win they both need to defeat the incumbent House representative, Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick, who is of Haitian descent. Congressional District 20 in Florida is considered a solid Democratic seat and whoever wins the primary contest is seen as a sure winner in the November general election. That primary election is scheduled for August 23. The incumbent defeated Holness by a mere five votes in a special election in January to fill the seat. However, speculation this time around is that both Omphroy and Holness will have a more difficult task of beating CherfilusMcCormick, as she has the weight of the Democratic party behind her candidacy. In the Minneapolis primaries set for August 9, Samuels will race against two-termCongresswoman Ilhan Omar. In a statement announcing his candidacy earlier this year, Samuels said: “The stakes have never been higher. Our city, our nation, and our world are threatened by devastating economic disparities, the catastrophic effects of climate change, and a sustained attack on democracy here at home and abroad. While Rep Omar and I share similar views on many issues, I believe this moment calls for a different approach to leadership – one that seeks to build a united coalition able to achieve greater progress for everyone.” Congresswoman Yvette Clarke in Brooklyn’s 9th congressional district will not have an opponent in the New York congressional primaries set for August 23. She will advance to the November general election, where she will face a Republican opponent. Should Green win her primary as expected, she will face a Republican opponent in November. The winner of Florida’s 20th congressional district Democratic primary will also face off against a Republican candidate in November. In state and county races, Hazelle Rogers is expected to emerge victorious in her quest to win the primaries to contest for the post of commissioner for Broward County in November. editorial@gleanerjm.com August primaries to determine fate of J’can congressional candidates in US Golding CONTRIBUTED Holness FILE Clarke FILE THE ATLANTA Jamaica Association (AJA) has gifted the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital’s (SABRH) maternity ward with a state-of-the-art Edan C6 colposcope system to assist in the early diagnosis and treatment mitigation of cervical cancer. Dennis Morgan, CEO, welcomed the donation saying, “this vitally important piece of equipment will now make it possible for our medical professionals to conduct more precise cervical examinations to detect signs of cancerous or pre-cancerous tissue in women - the heartbeat of our proud and resilient island-nation: Jamaica’. “This generous support of organisations like the AJA, makes it possible for our healthcare providers to deliver quality and affordable care to the people and communities we serve, and ultimately enhancing and preserving quality of life of Jamaicans, regardless of their socio-economic background.” Aj Stone, team leader of the AJA St Ann/St Mary, presented the equipment on behalf of the association on Wednesday, August 3. She was joined by team members, Fabian James and Annette Taylor-James. In an emailed response, Stone said the initiative was the result of the efforts of AJA’s parish groups. “Last year, the AJA embarked on a project we call ‘RepYuh Parish’ to make a meaningful impact in Jamaica for its 60th year of Independence. Members of the AJA were tasked with selecting at least one project in each of the 14 parishes, to culminate in time for the Independence Ball on August 14. The donation is made possible by the combined parishes of St Ann and St Mary Rep Yuh Parish Team. The team was able to acquire over J$1.8m to purchase a state-of-the-art Edan C6 colposcope system that will be used as both a diagnostic and treatment tool in patients with abnormal Pap smears. Importantly, it is used to identify pre-cancerous stages of cervical cancer. This life-saving equipment is also capable of storing and transferring the patient’s file to other medical entities worldwide. This will be the first of such equipment belonging to the maternity ward at the St Ann’s Bay hospital. Incidentally, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death of women in Jamaica. The SABRH is the regional hospital serving the parishes of Portland, St Mary and St Ann. Atlanta Jamaica Association donates medical equipment to St Ann’s Bay hospital Above: Representatives of the Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc, (AJA), St Ann & St. Mary Rep Yuh Parish team with members of the maternity ward at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital at the handover of medical equipment. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS AJ Stone, team leader of the AJA St Ann/St Mary presents the plaque to Dr Tanya Hamilton-Johnson. Also in photo are other members of the Maternity Ward at the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, from left; Nurse Grace Ann Gordon-Johnson and Dr Patrick Clarke.
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 9 AFTER TWO consecutive years of being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica Canadian Association’s (JCA) annual gala to commemorate the island’s 60th Independence anniversary will return to a physical setting this year. On Saturday, August 13, the JCA will mark its own milestone as well as Jamaica’s anniversary of Independence with the customary glitzy event under the theme ‘Celebrating 60 years of Greatness’. JCA President David Betty stated: “As we celebrate 60 years of greatness let us take the time to acknowledge how far we have come. Whether it is the ownership of our own cultural space at 65 Dawes Road, which we purchased at the end of March 1971, less than 10 years into existence, or 1621 Dupont Street in 1985 or our current Cultural Centre at 995 Arrow Road, or the electing of Kamala-Jean Gopie in 1978 as our first female president or the creation of our own credit union in 1963, the JCA has demonstrated great leadership within the Caribbean/West Indian communities. According to Betty, “We have led and continue to lead on several social issues in the areas of housing, education, employment and social justice. Therefore, while we recognise that there is much more to be done to realise our vision of social and economic equity for all members of the communities we serve, let us take the time to recognise the many giants on whose shoulders we stand.” The highlight of the gathering will be the presentation of awards to a number of outstanding individuals. “This year’s recipients for the community award are individuals who are committed to steadily growing a community focused on excellence. Volunteers continue to drive the success of our organisation and we recognise those that have gone above and beyond this year as well as those that have dedicated years in service to the JCA,” Betty said of the award recipients. For the Community Award, the honourees are: Andria Babbington, Neil Armstrong, Kathy McDonald and Camille Hannays-King. The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to HyacinthWilson, while the President’s Award will go to Michelle Davis. “We invite participants to join us for an evening of good food, fun and entertainment to mark this significant milestone,” Betty urged. This year’s gala event will be hosted by the dynamic Marcia Brown, with entertainment from the Arsenals Ska Band and DJ Soul2Soul. Tickets are now on sale and includes a fully catered meal. The JCA expressed special thanks to the sponsors of this year’s event: Benjamin Law, UA Local 46, UBC Carpenters Local 27, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and DALI Local 675 Interior Systems. JCA to mark own milestone, Jamaica’s Independence anniversary at physical gala event SIX DISTINGUISHED Jamaicans, including Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Dr Sandra Lindsay, will be honoured at the official Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala scheduled for Saturday, August 20, at the Marriott Marquis NewYork Hotel, Times Square. The celebratory event is being hosted in partnership with Jamaica’s Promise. NewYork City Mayor Eric Adams will be the guest speaker for the gala event, which will be attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, well-wishers and honourees. As part of this year’s celebration, the six honourees are being recognised for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields. They include Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Monty Alexander, Moody’s director Basil Anderson, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare Jeffrey Flaks, director of patient care services in critical care at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens Dr Sandra Lindsay, president and CEO of Chemours Mark Newman, and Dr MauriceWright, chief medical officer of Harlem Hospital and senior associate dean of Columbia University for academic affiliation. Importantly, this year’s gala is being staged as a fundraiser for several worthy causes, among them are the purchase of six dialysis machines at a cost $40,000 each; six scholarships to fund the tertiary education of students across three counties in Jamaica, support of the Rose Town Foundation’s efforts as a violence interrupter, and healthcare interventions by the MHHC Foundation in The Bronx. Jamaica’s Consular General in New York is promising a worthy, but entertainment-filled evening for patrons who will be entertained by Leroy Sibbles, Derrick Barnett and the Statement Band, with music by Road International. Other performers are being confirmed for the event. Among the guests attending is actor Nick Creegan from the television series Law and Order. Patrons are encouraged to get their tickets now at www. Jamaica60.org or call 888-817-9050, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Six to be honoured at Jamaica 60 gala in NY Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer EIGHTEEN STUDENTS of Kingston College are to get musical fellowships over the next three years aimed at strengthening and preserving the school’s choir. The fellowships are being made available to the students by the Spencer family. Noel Spencer is a past student of Kingston College and has contributed to the school’s development over the years. Under the fellowship programme, which kicks in at the start of the new school year, six students – four firstyear and two seniors – will be given fellowships valued at a quarter of the year’s school fee, to enhance the treble section of the choir. According to Spencer, there is a shortage of students singing treble and the aim of the fellowship is to get more students interested in this aspect of singing. In explaining the scope of the award, he said two seniors will be given the fellowship to train and assist four first-year students to sing treble. Spencer said that he is concerned that not enough students are singing treble and this could have a longterm negative effect on the school choir. “It is to address this situation and to ensure that KC Choir remains at a high standard that it was decided to implement the choral fellowship grants,” he said. He is hoping that the choral fellowship will inspire more students to start singing treble and it will not become a dying art. The students to benefit under the fellowship will be selected by a three-man committee comprising the choir director, the deputy headmaster and a member of the chapel committee. The fellowship will be repeated each year for the next three years, he said. Contributions to Kingston College by Spencer and his family include assistance with paying for the athletic track at the school, the Spencer family Art Studio classroom at the school, refurbishing of the Douglas Forrest Building, as well as the donation of drones to be used in the school’s robotic programme. The Kingston College Trust Fund has also benefited from contributions over the years by Noel Spencer and his family. But the Spencer’s largesse is not confined only to Kingston College. Donations have also been made to the St Jago Past Students Association to assist with its scholarship and tuition assistance programme. The Mount Vernon Community Health Center in the city of Mount Vernon, in Westchester has also been gifted by Noel Spencer. So, too, has been the Tuskegee Airmen scholarship programme, which was given a US$20,000 endowment. Noel Spencer awards fellowships to KC students
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 10 THE 10TH annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, held at the RoyWilkins Park in Queens, NewYork, met and exceeded the expectations of the 15,000 supporters who attended the popular event. The event’s culinary experiences, cultural presentation, kids zone and festival main stage were the crowd favourites. “We’re very pleased with the results from the event,” said Eddy Edwards, marketing director for the festival. “The turn out was strong, the people seemed to really enjoy themselves, and the production came off without incident.” The festival, which is produced by VP Records and Jerk Festival USA, has earned the distinction of being the“biggest Caribbean food festival in the USA” and is the largest Caribbean-themed event in Queens. Debut stage per formances by dancehall hitmaker Laalee, Protoje and Lila Ike’ added to the overall vibe of excitement at the show. The show also starred Nadine Sutherland, who did a ‘90s dancehall segment that included a special appearance by Spragga Benz. There was a dual performance from festival favourites Romain Virgo and Christopher Martin dubbed ‘Singers in action’. DJs Platinum Kids and Sky Juice provided the musical joggling to keep the audience rocking for more than five hours. The 30 food vendors in attendance enjoyed brisk business, as patrons enjoyed authentic Jamaican fare, mostly prepared on site. Queens-based restaurant advocacy group Queens Together sponsored a “people’s choice award” competition for selected restaurants at the festival, with T&G Flavors from Cambria Heights taking home the trophy. The signature Caribbean festival was also attended by NewYork City Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Councilman from the Southern District Leroy Comrey; CongresswomanYvette Clarke; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; Congressman Lee Zeldin and Chef Ron Duprat. 15,000 turn out for Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival A section of the crowd of 15,000 patrons who attended the Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York on Sunday, July 31. CONTRIBUTED Pat Chin flashes a smile after being presented with a proclamation from NYC Mayor Eric Adams (right) at the Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival held at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, on Sunday, July 31. At left is Chris Chin. CONTRIBUTED
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THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | SPORTS 12 KERRICA HILL’S championship-record run highlighted a good final day for Jamaica at the World Under-20 Championships, held inside the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia, on Saturday. The day saw the Jamaicans end second on the medal table behind the United States, though the island had the most podium finishes of the championships. Hill, running in the first event on the track, the women’s 100-metre hurdles, overcame a stumble at the start to storm to 12.77 seconds. The win was made all the sweeter as Hill looked back to find Alexis James had followed her to run a personal best 12.87 and second place. The fast Jamaican one-two finish also pulled Hungary’s Anna Tóth to a national Under-20 record 13.00. The Jamaicans weren’t to be involved again before the men’s and women’s 4x400 relays, where they picked up two silver medals behind the United States quartets. Among the women, the team of Dejanea Oakley, Abigail Campbell, Oneika McAnuff and Aliah Baker fought off the attention of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (three minutes, 31.86 seconds) to finish second in 3:31.59. The United States stayed well out of the fray, winning in 3:28.06. A few minutes later, the quartet of Shemar Palmer, Shaemar Uter, Jasauna Dennis, and Delano Kennedy repeated the feat, finishing in 3:05.72 for silver. The medal was even more of a challenge for the men, as Kennedy was forced into a brilliant anchor leg to overtake the teams of South Africa, Spain and Canada. Canada were third in a national Under-20 record 3:06.50, while the United States were comfortable winners in 3:04.47. Jamaica ended with 16 medals, six gold, seven silver, and three bronze. The United States, who ended with 15 medals, topped the table by virtue of having seven gold. Jamaica end World U20s second Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill (right) and teammate Alexis James hug in celebration of a one-two podium finish in the women’s 100-metre hurdles on the final day of the World Under-20 Championships inside the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia yesterday. COURTESY OF WORLD ATHLETICS NEW YORK, NY: FRESH OFF their recent staging of the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament (JAFT) in The Bronx this past June, the Griffin Football Club will stage another football festival to coincide with the Labour Day holiday weekend celebrations. Billed as the ‘Champions Tour 2022’, the football festival will feature Harbour View Football Club of Jamaica, 2022, the champions of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), facing off against a Caribbean invitational team drawn from players in the Brooklyn competition. “The programme has something for everyone, from the juniors to the masters. Plus, it’s a holiday weekend, so it will be family-friendly with a lot of fun,” said Bobby Austin, president of Griffin Football Club and head coach at the soccer academy. Griffin Football Club has stepped forward to revive the Jamaica Alumni Football festival under the leadership of Austin and, so far, his ‘all-inclusive format’ is paying dividends, with teams already on a waiting list for next year, eager to dethrone Calabar High School Alumni. Captain Shamarie Dyer and his Stars of the East dethroned Cavalier FC and will be looking to a number of their talented youngsters to take the fight to Caribbean Stars in the feature presentation at 5 p.m., at the old Boys & Girls HS Stadium, 708 Maple Street, Brooklyn. The Caribbean All-Star Select team comprises players from the Caribbean Premier League Soccer Tournament in the tri-state and is played in Brooklyn. Notable players are Ojai Bedward, (Jamaica), Clive Murray (Grenada), Kele Sylvester (Jamaica), Kendon ‘Pimaz’ Anderson (Jamaica) and Trayon Bobb (Guyana). Head coach of Harbour View Football Club, Ludlow Bernard, reflects on the importance of this fixture: “This opportunity provides development, visibility and exposure to many of our young players. As the new five-star generals in Jamaica, we are enthusiastic about facing this International XI. Football fans in general and Harbour View fans in particular can come out to see a young Trayvone Reid, our new, sensational goalkeeper Anthony Bennett, as well as Jahshaun Anglin, Phillon Lawrence and Nicholas Hamilton. These are all up-and-coming stars for Harbour View. We look forward to the support.” Before the stars take the field to light up the evening sky around the central Brooklyn neighbourhood to decide the VMCharity Cup, fans will the treated tomatches involving the Griffin Academy U-12 v Central Brooklyn U-12 at 3 p.m., followed by the All Manning v All DaCosta Cup Masters (0-45), always a crowdpleaser with the likes of Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler, Paul Young, Gregory Messam, Alton‘Noah’ Sterling and Howard ‘Magic Head’ Kerr in the line-up. Harbour View’s tour of the USA is being made possible by VM Group of Companies, their JPL sponsor, and, according to Devon Barrett, chief investment officer, expectations are high for this fixture. “We at VMBS use the tag line ‘transform your everyday lives’ and we have seen the transformation of Harbour View fromwhen the season started to how it ended,” he said. For information and tickets, call GriffinFootball Clubat 347.623.8193. Champs Harbour View to play Caribbean Stars in Brooklyn Shamarie Dyer, captain, Harbour View FC Ojai ‘Big 12’ Bedward, captain – Caribbean Stars CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 13
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 14 Paul Williams/Gleaner Writer THE BIGGEST challenge for persons living with diabetes is to find meals that are tasty, but which do not undermine their health. For these persons, foods rich in carbohydrates are a big no-no. So, there is the constant vigilance to make sure they are not present in the diet. It’s a life of inspecting and nitpicking at foods. BUT IT does not have to be this way, as Tasty Diabetic Meals (TDM), a USbased company, makes healthful, tasty meals and offers guidance on meal planning for diabetics. Started on September 4, 2021, by a Jamaica-born family based in Newburgh, New York, TDM produces ingredients for meals. “We are marketing a platform in which diabetics can go to and thrive in. The main feature of the platform will be the meal kits that we sell, as well as the one-on-one diabetic coaching services we provide. Ultimately, we will be a hub that diabetics can go to, with [the] confidence that they will always get information or services to make their lives as a diabetic easier with every visit,”Matthew Hood, director of technology at TMD, told The Gleaner. TDM also guides diabetics about their diet and lifestyle, and offers a series of food product substitutes. Speciality ingredients are used tomake things like pancakes, maple syrup, different kinds of breads, brownies, cookies, and much more. Meal kits, along with easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes, are mailed to clients, as there is not yet a storefront. Hood, a type one diabetic, uses his own products, and says that up to this point, his blood sugar is even lower than some persons who do not have diabetes. He says his inspiration for establishing the business was his personal struggles with this very difficult type of diabetes. “The idea was a collaborative initiative based on howMatthew Hood was able to overcome his struggles with handling type one diabetes through diet, lifestyle, and knowledge,” the family said. Hood was diagnosed when he was 19 years old. He played varsity sports in high school, and was ahead of his class and top of his game in college when he was rushed to the emergency room, after which he got the“quite shocking” news. EMOTIONAL PERIOD He says it was an emotional period for him to learn how devastating the disease could be, and the (possible) reduced life expectancy. Although he accepted his lot and tried to adapt to his new lifestyle, he was not inspired. It was stressful, day after day, because of the constant worry over blood-sugar levels and what to eat. He was influenced even further as he saw the devastating effects of the disease on the lives of other people, including his grandparents and an uncle. He felt that there had to be a better way, which he had to find to eliminate the stress from his own life. “Just seeing all the horrible effects of this disease provided me with even more inspiration to get the company up and running, to keep people from suffering.” The response has been encouraging. To learnmore about TDM’s work visit: https://tastydiabeticmeals.com/. paul.williams@gleanerjm.com NEW YORK, NY: “Y OU LEAVE home but home never leaves you.” That sums up themotivating force that has kept young Renardo Vassell going since leaving home in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for the United States a shade over three years ago for what was supposed to be a short vacation and much-deserved break from the kitchen. But it has been a working vacation since then for this budding entrepreneur, who has decided to try his hand at perfecting a culinary craft started by his father in Manchester. “Growing up around my dad, who’s been a chef all his life, was enough reason for me to love the kitchen and cooking,” Vassell said from his base in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “My dad did very well as a restaurant owner/head chef for the famous Father Bull Restaurant and Jerk Centre, located in Manchester and Montego Bay,” he shared about his father’s experience. It is safe to say that youngVassell was a good student while working alongside his dad, although he was given enough latitude to operate a thriving catering business for private parties on his own. “I’ve worked alongside my dad for years in his own establishments while I did private catering and more,” he stated with confidence to highlight his foray into entrepreneurship. As a matter of fact, Renardo says that the idea of his own brand of spices and condiments came to him while doing business in the island’s resort capital, Montego Bay, in 2016, and so deciding what to do during an unexpected extended vacation was a no-brainer. News that his girlfriendwas pregnant with their first child changed his outlook on life in a heartbeat and provided further motivation because, in a matter of months, he will be ‘Father Bull II’! He and his team have been working around the clock to get the products to market, includingpepper sauce, barbeque sauce,meat tenderiser andnatural spices. With the blessings of his father and support from a caring family, Vassell told The Gleaner that the project continues to win acceptance from close associates and patrons, near and far away from his production base in Philadelphia, USA. “We are in selected stores in the neighbourhood. However, our social media presence is growing and so is the appreciation for what we are doing,” he raved. For more, visit www.vassellspices. com and follow on Instagram @ officalvassellspice. So, the next time you walk into your neighbourhood corner shop or grocery store, make sure you ask for IT BY NAME! That ‘IT’ is the new line of spice and condiments developed and now being marketed under the Vassell brand! Vassell’s spices preserving a family tradition Vassell’s BBQ Sauce CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS J’can family serves meals for diabetics in New York Hood CONTRIBUTED
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | SPORTS 15 Keith McGhie/Contributor STARGOALshooter JhanieleFowler highlighted how much the past weekhasmeant to Jamaicannetball though theSunshineGirls’magnificent run toa first-ever Commonwealth Games final ended in a 55-51defeat to Australia. After a historic and unblemished run to themajormedal decider, including an unprecedentedGameswinoverAustralia in qualifying and New Zealand in the semi-final, plus a record 103-24 victory over Barbados, Jamaica struggled toexert authority intheir secondmeetingwiththe side rankednumber one in theWorldand trailed throughoutmost of an absorbing final playedamidanelectric atmosphere. DespiteThursday’s success against the Aussies, few had Jamaica anything but underdogs, which fuelled fervent support for the black, green, and golds from a capacity audience at the NEC Arena in Birmingham. Fowler, the competition’s leadinggoal scorer, reflected: “We are so indebted to the crowd for coming out and supporting us the way they did – it was so humbling – and we feltweput onagoodperformancewithout quitemaking it over the line this time. “This has done so much to move us forwardand, hopefully, will result innew sponsors coming along to push us even further forward. “We have done the best we have ever done, and although we are still hungry for more, we are happy to have finished second. “I reckonwe let ourselves down in the third quarter when we let them in and have a run (of goals). “Last time we were able to rein them inwhen they had a run but weren’t able to do that tonight. “My lasting memory was beating Australia (in the qualifying pool), which wedidwithcomparatively fewresources.” Australia, who finished with an enormous 501goals for the tournament, never looked likely to have a repeat of the anguish of four years ago, when on home soil in Gold Coast, they lost the final to England on the final play. Nor could Jamaica replicate their historic57-55success threedaysbeforehand. The formidableDiamonds, in their seventh consecutive final and already with threepreviousgoldmedals to their name, held a controlling hand from the outset. Such was the competitiveness, it was almost a minute before Australia scored the first goal as anerve-rackingbut compelling opening period unfolded. Repeatedly, theDiamonds tried topull away, only for the fired-up–andoccasionally overpassionate Sunshine Girls, with fiveplayers regulars inAustralia’s Suncorp Super League – to close the deficit. But the Aussies, looking more composed, eased out to an early 13-7 lead. The deafening cheers were all for Jamaican success, and it was back to 14-12when a pulsating first quarter was brought to a close. With the imposing figure of Fowler dominating the circle, as she had all week, Jamaica edged into the lead, for the first and only time, midway through the second quarter and briefly held a 22-18 advantage. Half-time arrivedwith the sides locked at 29 each. Australia emerged from the longer break with renewed intent, and in the blinkof aneye, Jamaicawere twice staring down the barrel of a nine-point deficit. Again, they rallied to close to within six (45-39) with one quarter remaining then sparkeda fewAussienerves at 48-45 during the closing quarter. But as the clock tickeddown, Australia’s composure began tooutshine the sheer effort and increasingdesperation shown by Jamaica, leading to themclaiming the 1000th gold medal in Commonwealth Games history. Fowler finished with 46 goals from 47 attempts while Shanice Beckford claimed the other five goals for the Sunshine Girls. ‘Best we have ever done’ Fowler takes heart in historic silver for Sunshine Girls Jamaica’s Adean Thomas (centre) wins the ball in front of Australia’s Ashleigh Brazill (right) during the netball competition’s gold medal match between the teams on day 10 of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at NEC Arena yesterday in Birmingham, England. COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM2022.COM Jamaica’s captain and goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler (right) tussles for the ball with Australia’s goal defence Jo Weston during the Commonwealth Games netball final at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England, yesterday. AP
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