FREE | PAGES: 8 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | VOL 2030 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 P3: JAMPROsells boutique accomodations, agriculture as viable investment prospects todiaspora P5: Educator Andrew Campbell wants all students to feel valued >P2 By Mark Milward THE ANNOUNCEMENT of new non-stop service between Hartford and Montego Bay by Spirit Airlines is being greeted with much optimism by business interests in the Jamaican diaspora, who say direct flights will augur well for unlocking business opportunities in the two cities. SPIRITEDBOOST PLEASE SEE FLIGHT, 2 Spirit Airlines’ announcement of direct flights between Montego Bay, Hartford to unlock economic opportunities
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 “We are excited about the economic opportunities this new service unlocks for Connecticut and look forward to building on our relationship with the country of Jamaica,” said David Lehman, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Importantly, direct flight service presents significant potential for reducing the time and lowering the cost of shipping Jamaican products by air to the American city with the third largest Jamaican community in the United States. Goods are currently shipped via New York and Boston. Additionally, the start of direct flights is expected to give fillip to a sister city partnership between Kingston and Groton/New London that went cold after the agreement was signed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Consul General to New York Alsion Wilson had led a Jamaican delegation to Connecticut in December 2019, prior to the pandemic, to begin discussions on the sister city relationship. She returned in February 2021 to sign the agreement with the mayors, City Council and local authorities in the Groton/New London area. State Representative Bobby Gibson, along with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, accompanied Spirit Airlines and Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) representatives as they announce the start of the airline’s nonstop service from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, beginning December 15. Spirit plans to offer the service year-round, four times per week. Gibson and the leadership of theWest Indian Social Club of Hartford were instrumental to Spirit’s decision to commence non-stop flights between Jamaica and Connecticut. The governor was quoted as saying: “Today’s announcement with Spirit Airlines not only makes it easier for our state’s residents to directly travel to Jamaica, but it also strengthens Bradley’s reputation as one of the best andmost convenient airports available. Bradley is a key economic driver for Connecticut, and the more airlines and destinations that we can add from the airport, the more attractive our state becomes to companies that are seeking to grow their own operations here. I am excited that we are partnering with Spirit Airlines tomake direct travel between Connecticut and Jamaica a reality, and I look forward to the airline’s continued growth in our state.” Jamaica-bornViolette Haldane, president of the West Indian Foundation (WIF), said: “The direct flights will be a great benefit to elderly Jamaicans wanting to travel back home and now will be able to avoid going through airport connections that make travel more difficult and challenging for them.” WILSON State Representative Bobby Gibson (left) receives a Spirit airplane model from John Kirby (right), Spirit’s VP of network and planning, following the announcement of direct flights between Hartford and Montego Bay at the Sheraton Hotel at Bradley International Airport on September 1. In the background is Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. CONTRIBUTED FLIGHT Continued from, 1 ‘We are excited about the economic opportunities this new service unlocks for Connecticut and look forward to building on our relationship with the country of Jamaica.’ Psychic Advisor offering Spiritual Guidance Will reveal past, present and future. Reunites lovers. Restores luck, love and money. Reconnect with past loved ones..! CALL: 714-855-7401 Guaranteed Results 100% MOTHER MARY
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 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 JAMAICA Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is touting niche crops in the agricultural sector and boutique accomodations in the fast-recovering tourism sector as areas that are ripe for investment by members of the diaspora. Shane Angus, regional manager for JAMPRO’s North America office, told members of the diaspora attending the annual Power Lunch and Business Expo in Florida that the island’s business and investment promotions agency is equipped and ready to facilitate investments in agriculture and boutique accomodations. He said investment in these areas will enable the island to capitalise on strong demand for local produce in overseas markets, as well as demand by tourists seeking to immerse themselves into the Jamaican culture and natural landscape. “Jamaica’s economy is diversified, so there are plenty of opportunities for the diaspora to consider in terms of doing business in Jamaica. There are opportunities to invest in farms in Jamaica, to improve the country’s capacity to meet the demand for its agricultural products overseas. Investment in boutique hotels or accommodation is another viable business opportunity as tourists seek to immerse themselves in the culture and environment of Jamaica,”Angus said at the event, organised by the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce (JAUSACC) and the Jamaican Consulate for the South East United States. DIASPORA He stressed that JAMPRO, as an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, stands ready to assist members of the diaspora who want to do business in Jamaica. “You can consider JAMPRO your business partner who will guide you through the process of establishing your project, and beyond.” The JAUSACC Expo is one of a number of events on which JAMPRO has partnered with the Jamaican Consulate to promote the myriad of opportunities available in Jamaica, from which the diaspora can benefit. The event brought together businesses and stakeholders from the Jamaican diaspora and the business community in Florida to network and learn about investment opportunities in Jamaica. “Participating in events such as this expo is a great way to spread the word that things are happening in Jamaica, and I am happy to be partnering with JAMPRO in getting the word out there,” Mair, the honorary chairman of the JAUSACC, said. He also congratulated the chamber on a successful event. “Marie Gill and her teamhave staged another successful Expo and Power Lunch, and this was evident by the nearly 300 attendees who turned out to learn and network,” he said. The Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit corporation focused on fostering business relations between the United States and Jamaica. JAMPRO sells boutique accomodations, agriculture as viable investment prospects to diaspora Angus A farmer reaps Irish potatoes from his field in New Pen, St Mary. IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 WASHINGTON, DC: T HE NATIONAL Chest Hospital in Kingston is to benefit from a J$3.5-million gift from the RalRosa Foundation to purchase much-needed medical equipment. PRESIDENT OF Health Concepts International and chair of the RalRosa Foundation’s fundraiser which took place in June, Dr JacquiWatson, said the proceeds from RalRosa Foundation’s inaugural event was presented to the hospital on September 1. “Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right but many underserved communities in developed and developing countries go without this basic need, contributing to huge inequities,”Watson pointed out. The funds are expected to be used to purchase a portable diagnostic ultrasound machine for the hospital’s high-dependency unit, as well as a portable desktop spirometer for lung assessments. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, who attended the June fundraiser, welcomed the donation, noting that “this $3.5- million gift to our public health systemwill have a substantial impact on the lives of many who depend on this hospital for access to quality healthcare”. The Ralrosa Foundation was established by the children and grandchildren of Keith Ralston and Phyllis Rosa Watson to honour their memory. Its mission is to support organisations, primarily in Jamaica and the Washington, DC metropolitan region, and to improve access to quality healthcare services and life-saving medical equipment. The second RalRosa Foundation fundraising event is slated for Sunday, June 25, 2023, on the beautiful grounds of the Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC. editorial@gleanerjm.com RalRosa Foundation gifts J$3.5 million to National Chest Hospital THE HOUSE of Representatives of the state of Delaware in the United States (US) paid tribute to Jamaica on the 60th anniversary of the country’s Independence. The citation was presented to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, by State Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker, during a dinner hosted by members of the Jamaican diaspora in Delaware, at the Hilton Willington Hotel on August 28, to commemorate the island’s diamond jubilee. HISTORICAL MOMENTS It stated that “This tiny island nation is no stranger to historical achievement. In the spirit of their Diamond Jubilee, we remember their great historical moments of the past 60 years.” In her remarks, Marks said, “Over the past 60 years, as a small island developing state, we have demonstrated a capacity to contribute to the human family, and we continue to defy expectations in many spheres, including in academia, arts and culture, diplomacy, sports, tourism, science and entertainment, to name just a few. “In so doing, the name ‘Jamaica’ resonates in pioneering efforts in some of these areas, gaining plaudits in others, while at the same time becoming synonymous with high performance.” Marks pointed out that “the past 60 years have also taught us that the road to success has its very own unique challenges, many of which demand our full attention and which we must confront together as a nation, if we are to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of those whose efforts form the backbone of our Jamaican society”. “I must take this opportunity of our diamond jubilee to salute all Jamaicans in the diaspora. You remain a valuable component of our national development strategy. The country continues to benefit tremendously from your enduring commitment to the island’s development, characterised by your generosity, investment in various sectors of the economy and, importantly, your strong interest in the day-to-day affairs of the country.” She also commended the persons who were presented with awards – artist Eunice Lafate and philanthropist Michael Campbell - noting that their “outstanding work is a tangible example to the value our diaspora holds”. “I thank the organisers of this event, Lorraine Badley, Rosemarie MacDonald and all the members of the Delaware Jamaica 60 organising committee for their work to have this celebration and, again, commend all the members of our diaspora for leaving an indelible mark in the Jamaican and Caribbean community in the United States, as well as back home in Jamaica,”Marks said. JIS Delaware hails Jamaica for 60 years of Independence Children and grandchildren of the late Keith and Phyllis Watson from left: Chad Price (grandson), Dr Jacqui Watson (daughter), Richard Watson (son) with grandchildren Edgar and Ella Kim Watson (daughter) and grandson Marcus Salandy DeFour. CONTRIBUTED A woman walks past the entrance to the National Chest Hospital. KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks (right), is joined by Rosemarie McDonald and Commissioner Lorraine Bradle, in cutting a cake to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence. Derrick Scott
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 5 BY NEIL Armstrong DR ANDREW B. Campbell wants every student in his class to know that he sees them and to feel that they belong. He encourages fellow educators to do the same because of the inequities in schools. The Jamaican Canadian was recently named among six exceptional individuals welcomed by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto to new or returning faculty positions for the 2021-2022 academic year. Campbell, who has almost 30 years of experience as an educator, began as a continuing teaching stream appointment at the rank of assistant professor in leadership for racial justice in teacher education in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. “It’s an exciting time, it’s a courageous time because as the title says racial justice, but I’ve been doing the work of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) for years. So this is not new for me,” he said, noting that someone recently congratulated him for “now officially doing”what he has always done. Describing his appointment as a new leg of the journey, Campbell says it allows him to have a “seat at a bigger table”and“a more accessible seat”, which includes being a part of the hiring teams. “I am a part of teams now that are saying give this person access or let me speak to that person to hear what they have to offer.” The educator says he intends to continue being his authentic self and vows not lose himself in the new space. The veteran educator received a PhD in educational leadership and policy from the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education in 2014. His scholarship and teaching focused on anti-racist pedagogy and diversity in educational leadership. Affectionately referred to as Dr ABC, he is well known to the OISE community for his leadership on advancing anti-discrimination work in teacher education, and recently received OISE’s 2022 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education. He has been a sessional lecturer at OISE since 2017, offering courses in anti-discrimination education, leadership and diversity, educational change, urban education, and black educators. Since 2021, he has also served as academic coordinator for the junior/intermediate teacher education cohorts in the master of teaching programme. Dr ABC previously taught at Queens University, The University of the West Indies, Niagara University, Seneca College, and Durham College, in addition to past experience as a classroom teacher and administrator in Jamaica and The Bahamas. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. From I was a child growing up I had examples of good teachers that I wanted to be like: my grade-one teacher Ms Smikle, grade-three teacher Ms Allen, grade-five teacher Ms Hamilton, [and] grade-nine English teacher Ms Reid.” In 1995, when he graduated from The Mico University College as a young teacher, Campbell says he started to find himself in spaces where he could share his own pedagogy with his colleagues. “Teaching teachers and educational leaders is a dream come true because I’ve always wanted to do this and I’m doing it.” The ebullient educator says he was doing advocacy work before he knew the word ‘advocacy’, because he knew that“sometimes, someone has to speak up for somebody else”. He advises teachers to make sure that they intentionally see all the students in their classrooms. “Being in Canada and being in the school system, I realize that there are inequities. Every classroom is not the same, every school board is not the same; every child in school is not treated the same way. There are inequities because you’re immigrant, you’re excluded because you’re 2SLGBTQ+, because of ageism, shadism, or sizeism,” said Campbell, noting that this differential treatment equates to less than and exclusion. As an alumnus of Kingston College, he has a message for students just entering high school: “Dream bigger and wider and higher than the barriers and the borders you see now.” If he had the opportunity to address new teachers at his alma mater, The Mico, Campbell says he would tell them that there is a student that needs them. “There is a student out there who needs your kind of teaching. They are going into a profession where children, parents and community will be looking to them and it’s okay to feel that level of responsibility and accountability because we are dealing with people’s lives. We can make and break people’s children; we need teachers who are going to make people’s children see all the possibilities.” Campbell’s private tutoring business, Teachable Moments with Dr ABC, offers workshops in equity, diversity and inclusion in leadership. He has authored two books: TeachableMoments with DR.ABC: A Spoonful for the Journey and The Invisible Student in the Jamaican Classroom. Educator Andrew Campbell wants all students to feel valued CAMPBELL ‘I am a part of teams now that are saying give this person access or let me speak to that person to hear what they have to offer.’
6 Guest speaker at the Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala New York City Mayor Eric Adams (second left) is seen in the company of Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (left); Earl Jarrett, CEO of the Jamaica National Group; and Jamaica’s Consul General in New York Alsion Wilson. Distinguished awardees at the Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala pose with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (third right). They are from left: Keith Grant, representing Jeffrey Flaks, president of Hartford Healthcare; Dwight K. Bartley, representing Basil Anderson, board member of Mood’s Corporation; Dr Sandra Lindsay, Northwell Health; Monty Alexander OJ, acclaimed Jazz pianist; and Dr Maurice Wright, chairman of Harlem hospital. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Dr Sandra Lindsay (left) is presented with the Mary Seacole Award at the Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala by Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, honorary gala patron. Also present at the podium are Ruschell Boone and Phillip Rose, masters of ceremony for the evening. LEFT: Consul General of Jamaica to the Southeast United States, Oliver Mair, presents an award to the Atlanta Jamaica Association for outstanding community service during the Jamaica 60 Independence Ball. BELOW: Patrons dancing to the music of FAB 5 during the Atlanta Jamaica Association Independence Ball to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | PICTORIAL
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 7 Sophia Findlay/ Gleaner Writer TORONTO: F ROM HEAD boy to an editor, Neil Armstrong has always been on a path of leadership. At the Jamaica’s Independence and Jamaican Canadian Association’s (JCA) Anniversary Gala: Celebrating 60 years of Greatness, he, among four others, were recipients of the Community Service Awards, on August 13, at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto. Armstrong was well received by patrons of the auspicious occasion. Well-known in the community, he is regularly called upon to support or contribute items to any periodical/ event forum that is Jamaican. In fact, he was a member of the editorial team of the book, Jamaicans in Canada:When AckeeMeets Codfish, published in 2012. A strong supporter of initiatives that celebrate black communities in Canada, the former editor of the The Weekly Gleaner (North American edition) and the now-defunct Black Pages Directory, he is also the literary coordinator of the annual Black and Caribbean Book Affair and the monthly literary salons, organised by Blackhurst Cultural Centre in Toronto, formerly A Different Booklist Cultural Centre. The journalist, who has worked in radio, newspaper, and television, is often called upon to do book reviews as he is an avid reader, as well as a keen listener, which augured well for him during his roles as news and programme director, at CHRY Radio at York University. During his acceptance speech, Armstrong spoke fondly of his late grandfather, a shoemaker, who operated his business on Deanery Road, Vineyard Town, in Kingston, and who he says piqued his interest and fostered his desire to become a wordsmith. This as he would sit near his work stool to read The Gleaner, the oldest newspaper in the English-speaking Caribbean, now 188 years old. “My grandfather encouraged my reading of the paper, and my parents nurtured that love. My late mother taught me kindness and to be always willing to help someone along the way. She was the exemplar of those qualities,”he shared with scores in the audience. The Brampton resident was head boy at St Jago High School, the secondary educational institute that he attended during his formative years living in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jamaica. He expressed gratitude for his parents’ guidance, which, in essence, paved the way for his first job at Jamaica’s social security ministry, right after high school, later as a junior librarian at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library. Though not inclined to be in the spotlight he said, “I was pleasantly surprised when I read the email informing me about it.” He said he was nonetheless humbled and felt honoured for the public demonstration by the 60-year-old JCA, which, like Jamaica, is celebrating a diamond jubilee this year. “Thank you, JCA for this award … I accept it and honour my mother while doing so. She provided a steady pathway for me to follow. The proverbial village is strong and will always be supportive. I will continue to play my part in it,” he said. “My father, who could not be here tonight, taught me to always strive to do my best. My siblings, extended family, and friends (and I count among them many frommy childhood), provided a strong support for me over the years,” Armstrong concluded to thunderous applause. The evening’s three other Community Service Award recipients were: leader Camille Hannays-King, unionist Andria Babbington, and equity advocate Kathy McDonald. Four individuals were recognised with awards for ‘35Years of Continuous Service and Lifetime Achievement’ — Sandra Whiting, Bruce McDonald, Francella Moore, and Eunice Graham. Wilbert Johnson was recognized for 25 years of continuous membership, Michelle Davis took the President’s Award, and Hyacinth Wilson received the Volunteer of the Year honour. Keynote speaker was Jamaica-born Dr Mary Anne Chambers, who was named in April as the 10th chancellor of the University of Guelph. She is a former Scotiabank senior vice-president and former Ontario minister of training, colleges and universities and minister of children and youth services. Also, Chambers is chair of the board of Grace Foods Canada Inc. Her memoir, From the Heart, has recently been published by Dundurn Press, excerpts of which she read to eager listeners during her address. The Gleaner’s Neil Armstrong receives JCA Community Service Award Journalist Neil Armstrong receives a Community Service Award presented by Chris Campbell, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion representative of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario, at the Jamaican Canadian Association 60th anniversary and Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence gala. PHOTO BY SOPHIA FINDLAY Jamaica Canadian Association 60th anniversary recipients and active JCA foundation members. Back row,(from left): Adria Babbington, Sandra Whiting, Hyacinth Wilson, Eunice Graham, Kathy McDonald, Roy Williams, Camille Hannays-King and Neil Armstrong Seated, (from left): Bruce McDonald, Bernice Bailey, Pam Powell. Missing are Francella Moore, Wilbert Johnson and Michelle Davis. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 By Aubrey Campbell NEW YORK, NY.: V ICTORIA BIRTHWRIGHT (VB) is not one to keep a secret! These days, she is living out her childhood dream of not only being a model but a top fashion designer as well. From the sunbathed landscape of Jamaica, to the wintry climes of the USA/Northeast, VB is giving ordinary folks another reason to believe that luxury can be affordable! The Jamaica-born CEO of LUXSWEAR discovered her passion for ‘style and fashion’ while making the rounds as a small-time model at a number of social events on the island, best known for its hospitality brands. She later migrated to the United States of America (USA), where she pursued her interest in fashion and sports, with an emphasis on women’s wear for sports and recreation. She created a high-end brand with broadbased appeal that she aptly named, LUXSWEAR. Influenced by memories of her childhood days dressed in her mom’s Sunday best, including high heels, and later by some of the top brands and personalities in the business, like Coco Chanel, Iman and Donna Karen – VB wasted no time in turning her passion for fashion and style into entrepreneurship! Already blessed with the creative flair for fashion, VB needed a ‘helper’ to bring the project to market. She found that ‘helper’ in yoga, an artform that provided the perfect fit for her LUXSWEAR designs. Being a fan of yoga, it was easy for her to create fine as well as comfortable sportswear, not just for some but for all sizes, with traces of her own fashion taste. “Yoga has been a part of my life for many years– there was a time when I could not start my day without my hot yoga. Yoga taught me patience and serenity. “Fashion has always been a part of my life, I used to remake my own clothes in the latest fashion trends.” As bare as you dare – well, not quite – or if you prefer to cover it all in one or two pieces, a browse of the online store luxswear.com will convince you that the designer thought about you, and very soon you will be going on your merry way in one of her activewear or shapewear pieces. If you are a stickler for ‘fit’, especially where you might need a ‘lift’, LUXSWEAR will have you covered, from the bottom up, literally! Give your body that ‘wow’ appeal with a body sculpting, outer wear makeover, or a waist-slimming ensemble from the online store at Luxswear.com. You can also browse the all-inclusive inventory on Instagram @Luxswearshop and on her Facebook page as well. Victoria Birthwright will be happy to take your order at www.luxswear.com. Email: luxswear77@gmail.com Jamaican designer Victoria Birthwright models the long and short forms of her shapewear creations in black CONTRIBUTED Jamaican designer/model Victoria has no secret about her activewear and bra creations (black), accentuated by a hot pink, outer shirt CONTRIBUTED LUXSWEAR FASHION Affordable and comfortable ? ? HOW TO... ? Source: Child Development Agency ADOPT Happy parenting! To be adopted: ■ A child must be over six weeks and under 18 years old. ■ Applications must be received at least six months before a child attains his or her 18th birthday. ■ The birth parents must agree to the adoption by giving their consent except where the parents are dead or the child is a ward of the State. Have you been contemplating adoption but are uncertain or simply do not know how to go about it? You are not alone. Many families that were once uncertain have taken the bold step and have since opened their homes to children who are not their biological offspring while reaping the attendant joys of parenting. Adoption is the process by which a child's biological parental rights are transferred to the adoptive parents. The adoption process is less complex than thought, however, due diligence must be carried out. There are two types of adoption processes in Jamaica: ■ Application for adoption order This is the completion of an adoption in Jamaica, and ■ Application for adoption licence Approval for the release of a child to citizens of scheduled countries to be adopted abroad. A CHILD Adopting in Ja To start the adoption process, you should: ■ Download the adoption form from the Child Development Agency’s (CDA) website at www.cda.gov.jm. ■ Complete and return the form to any CDA office islandwide. ■ You will receive a response within two weeks following the CDA’s investigation stating whether your application has been denied or accepted. ■ If approved, you will receive a second package with a formal application (for completion and return) and a booklet with all documentation required. ■ A case number and case worker will be assigned as well as appointments scheduled, including visits to your home to determine suitability. ■ Upon completion, a case committee report will be submitted to the Adoption Board and the decision communicated to the applicant. ■ The approved case will be prepared for court, to which the applicant will be required to attend. ■ After the order is issued by the court, the adopter will take the document to the Registrar General’s Department, where he or she will apply for the child’s adopted birth certificate Note that when a child is adopted his of her former identity is no longer admissible and his or her former birth record is sealed. Design: Tennesia Malcolm
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