FREE | PAGES: 24 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | VOL 1513 Make the season extra special with Jamaican Easter favourites! >P18-21 >P13-15 STRENGTHENING BONDS >P10-11 PRIME MINISTER of Jamaica Andrew Holness with Vice President Kamala Harris speaks following their meeting at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex, in Washington, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Unforgettable Penns! ‘Best of 2021’ - Jamaica International Music Awards hosts inaugural ceremony As Jamaican athletes return to Franklin Field for the 125th staging , share with us as some recount their most memorable Penn Relays >STORY ON P3
Will Marsha Wilson the daughter of Basil Wilson of Free Town, Clarendon or anyone knowing the whereabouts of Marsha Wilson who resides in Ontario, Toronto Canada, please contact the office of Betton-Small, Daley and Company, Attorneys-at-Law located at Suite No. 8, 47E Old Hope Road, Kingston 5 in the parish of Saint Andrew. Telephone #876-978-3063, 876927-9695 and 876-667-5395 Email: lawyers@bsdandco.net soonest. N O T I C E ‘LADIES AND MEN’ FOR DATES & FRIENDS, 18-80 YEARS FROM THE UK, CANADA, USA, JAMAICA AND OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES CALL PAM ANYTIME, 1-347-944-6305 JAMAICAN FAMILY members who have had petitions pending before the United States immigration department will now see their applications fast-tracked under new arrangements announced by the administration. THE NEW measures are designed to clear some 9.5 million backlog applications which have stymied family reunification, green card renewals, work visas as well as applications by permanent residents to become US citizens. According to the new processing guidelines, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers should process applications, including those for US citizenship, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewals and green card requests for family members or employers, within six months. Another rule change will be in the hiring of more caseworkers and improving the processing technology to meet new timelines for processing applications. September 2023 is the target date to significantly reduce the backlog. A senior government official on Tuesday said the USCIS plans to expand the number of applicants who can pay extra fees to have their immigration petitions adjudicated more quickly, propose a rule that would provide relief to immigrants waiting for work permit renewals and set processing time goals. The new rule will also provide temporary relief to immigrants who have not had their work authorisation renewed. Under the current rule, work authorisation is automatically extended for 180 days but in many instances because of the backlog, the extension period has passed. The USCIS has struggled with processing backlogs for years but the onset of COVID-19 led to a shutdown of in-person interviews and other services which greatly exacerbated the problem. Irwine Clare, head of the Queens, New York-based Car ibbean Immigration Services and a local community activist, said the clearing of the backlog will have a ripple effect on both Jamaica and the United States. “Family reunification will be significantly impacted. It is a significant winner as families in Jamaica have been held in the balance because of the backlog in processing applications,” he said. Clare said that the slow down in the processing of visa applications was systematically orchestrated over the four years before the Biden administration. He called the announcement by the Biden administration good news pointing out that since the beginning of 2021, many people were denied having their applications processed in a timely manner. “Many people were exposed to the possibility of deportation because they could not get their green cards renewed and it also affected their ability to work,” he said. editorial@gleanerjm.com Biden to ease immigration backlog 1952: TWO records are created as the 42nd renewal of the Interscholastic track and field championships get underway at Hope (the Jamaica College sports field) in the morning and at Sabina Park in the afternoon. The records established were Keith Bair of Jamaica College replacing his own foot mark of 44’ 9’ with 45’ 4 3/4’’ in the Hop, Step and Jump Class One, and Howard Aris of Kingston College who eclipsed A. C. Ellington’s 14-year old Class Two long jump record by 3/8’ with a new mark of 21’ 6 3/8’. (See related photo below) 1961: Prime minister of the United Kingdom Harold Macmillan ends his West Indian tour and leaves Jamaica for Washington for talks with President Kenendy. He left in a Royal Air Force Transport Command Comet II at 12:25.p.m, accompanied by his wife, Lady Macmillan, and other members of his party. 1963: Arthur Bernard Lamoria, who said he was from Miami, is refused leave to land when he arrives at the Palisadoes Airport aboard a KLM flight fromMiami because he had a real, live monkey in his possession. Sergeant Allan Shirley of the Immigration Department notes that Lamoria had no permission from the Government and no visa and that there was no evidence of him performing in Jamaica before. - The Gleaner Archives https://gleaner.newspaperarchive.com/ This Day In Our Past: April 4 US President Joe Biden AP 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 LIVING LEGEND: Rev Jesse Jackson, Sr (left, mic), at the Living Legends Awards ceremony on Monday night, March 21, in NYC. The awards were presented by HIP HOP and the Union of Rainbow Push. Jackson, Sr is considered one of the ‘old school’ iconic, HIP HOP political leaders, then. Watching intently at right is son, Jonathan Jackson, who is running for elected office in the State of Illinois 1st Congressional District, a seat held by former Black Panther/civil rights activist-turned pastor Bobby Rush, who is resigning this year after serving for almost three decades. HE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
3 Will anyone knowing the whereabouts of Liza Lou Watson wife of Lester Watson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America. Please contact The National Land Agency, 20 North Street, Kingston. Telephone Number 750-5263 Ext. 2312 or 2300 Re: Estate of Lester Watson National land Agency Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer UNITED STATES Vice-President Kamala Harris has announced that her government will be investing US$20million in the Jamaican economy to strengthen economic growth and expand commerce. Harris made the announcement during a meeting on Wednesday, March 30 with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was on a five-day visit to Washington, DC. The US$20-million investment in the economy is one of three initiatives that the vice president highlighted. She also said that in the area of crime prevention, the United States would be investing US$10 million targeted at at-risk youth. On COVID-19 recovery, Harris said that the Biden administration would work with Jamaica in this area and will provide assistance on top of the $12 million already provided. On climate change, the vice president said the United States will partner with Jamaica on what to do in developing new sources, develop human capital and developing the economy. Speaking about the strong bond between Jamaica and the United States, Harris said that the relationship between both countries is a very strong one. “We take very seriously our membership in theWestern Hemisphere and we are acutely aware of the interconnection and interdependence between the United States and Jamaica,” she said. In welcoming Holness, the vice president pointed out that a Jamaican prime minister had not visited the White House since 1995. “I want to warmly welcome you. President Biden and I are very honoured and very excited at your presence here today to reaffirm the strength of the relationship between the United States and Jamaica and the Caribbean as a whole, but also on this the 60th anniversary, not only of Jamaica’s Independence, but also of diplomatic relationship between Jamaica and the United States. As I told the prime minister privately, and I say it again publicly, this is a very important relationship to the United States,” she said. On a point of personal privilege, the vice president recalled that she grew up in St Ann and that one side of her family is Jamaican. “I know that I share that history with millions of Americans who have their roots through generations in Jamaica,” said Harris. She said that in addition to those people-to-people contacts between the United States and Jamaica, there is a long-standing strategic and diplomatic relationship and a deep historic partnership. DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH “It is in furtherance of that I amproud today to announce three specific initiatives that the prime minister and I discussed that are in furtherance of strength and importance of that relationship,” she said. The vice president continued: “We talked extensively about the prime minister’s approach and the need of Jamaica to continue to invest in its prosperity, its economic health and strength. To that end, the United States will be investing US$20 million to assist in the strengthening and expansion of Jamaica’s commerce in a way that we fully intend will have an impact in strengthening the economy of Jamaica and drive economic growth.” She said that the United States recognises that two of the issues it shared with Jamaica are security in the regions well as crime prevention. “One area of importance is the focus on youth and the human capital of Jamaica. To that end, we are providing $10 million to target at-risk youth in Jamaica through a number of initiatives that we believe will have an impact not (only) on crime prevention, but what we intend as well is to strengthen human capital among young people in Jamaica,” she said. The prime minister continued his round of meetings Thursday and will hold a town hall meeting on Friday evening withmembers of the diaspora. editorial@gleanerjm.com US pledges US$30m in funding for Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness has the rap attention of the United States Vice President Kamala Harris as he delivers remarks at her Eisenhower Executive Office at the White House in Washington, DC on Tuesday. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks following a meeting with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex, in Washington, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. (AP PHOTO/ MANUEL BALCE CENETA) THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
4 ECJ denies selling voter data access THE ELECTORAL Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has denied as false claims in a Sunday Gleaner article that it has sold voter data access, but the national election authority did not say it had not collected money from credit bureaus and financial institutions for services rendered. THE SUNDAY Gleaner article, which quoted extensively from written responses provided by the ECJ, revealed that the ECJ collected approximately $300,000 between 2019 and 2021 under two contracts it has with credit bureaus providing an online service for the authentication of voter ID cards, with data restricted to that presented on the cards. The article also disclosed, based on figures provided by the ECJ, that it collected almost $1 million from eight financial institutions under similar arrangements over the same period. In its response Sunday, the ECJ said it wasn’t making a profit from the arrangements. “The fee that is charged to these institutions in need of verifying electors’ card information is the actual cost for maintenance of this replica database and not a scheme for the ECJ/EOJ to be profiteering from the personal information of its stakeholders,” said the ECJ. It also noted: “The ECJ/Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) does not sell access nor has it granted access to the elector registration voter identification database, which includes electors’ biometric and demographic information.” Tourismminister opens tourism resilience centre at Canadian college CANADA’S GEORGE Brown College has joined Nairobi, Kenya, Amman, Jordan, and Costa Rica, establishing a Global Tourism Resilience Satellite Centre, in partnership with Jamaica. By July, Sofia, Bulgaria, Anbuja in Nigeria, Athens, Greece, Miami and London will inaugurate satellite centres, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told The Gleaner on Sunday, hours after signing a memorandumof understanding (MOU) with George Brown College. The co-chair of Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) based at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Bartlett described the historic move as an opportunity to exchange knowledge between the two countries, in what will benefit global tourism. Case crumbles against accused gangster cop ONE OF four police officers who were on Friday busted in an operation targeting the Clarendon-based Ranko Gang was released following the refusal of two witnesses to take part in an identification (ID) parade exercise. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anthony McLaughlin, who heads the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Division, told The Gleaner on Monday that the two witnesses had given a statement implicating the cop in robberies but have refused to cooperate any further. Noting that the police cannot hold the implicated lawmen indefinitely, the assistant commissioner said a positive identification would have been crucial in tying the suspect to the gang. However, he said: “The case is still open, so once the potential witnesses change their mind and are willing to cooperate with the police, then the matter will continue.” Prince William: Commonwealth links to crown up to the people LONDON (AP): AS CARIBBEAN nations debate their relationship with the British crown, PrinceWilliam says he will support and respect whatever decision the people make. William, second in line to the throne, made the comments after an eight-day tour of Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, during which he and wife Kate were celebrated, but also criticised as being “tone-deaf” for perpetuating images of Britain’s colonial rule. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness told the royals his country intended to become a republic, removing the British monarch as its head of state. “I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future,”William said in a statement reflecting the end of their tour on Saturday. “In Belize, Jamaica andThe Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon.” The young royals visited the three nations as representatives of Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrates the 70th anniversary of her reign this year. During those seven decades, she has been the head of state for the United Kingdom and 14 ‘realms’ that were once colonies of the British Empire and are now independent countries. Reggae icon, Tabby Diamond killed REGGAE LEGEND Donald Orlando Shaw, more popularly known as Tabby Diamond, leader singer of world renowned group, The Mighty Diamonds was killed in his community on Tuesday, March 29. Shaw and a man identified as Owen Beckford were killed when a gunman opened fire at a group of people outside a shop across from his house on McKinley Crescent about 9:40 p.m. Three other people, including a woman, were also shot. The police believe that Tuesday’s attack could be stemming from a long-time feud between factions fromMcKinley Crescent andWint Road. [News You May Have Missed] THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
5 NEW YORK. J AMAICA’S AMBASSADOR to the United States Audrey Marks has lauded the Jamaica Diaspora Education Task Force for staging its seventh education summit aimed at sharpening the skills of Jamaican educators in responding to the SARSCoV-2 pandemic. In declaring the summit open at the Marymount College in New York on Monday, Marks said: “The Government of Jamaica continues to invest heavily in its education sector. We are aware that the strides made in this crucial sector will determine whether our economy continues at its current pace or leaps forward.” She commended members of the diaspora for the critical role they have played in the advancement of the Jamaican educational system over the years, noting that it was“no secret that Jamaica and the rest of the world continues to grapple with the disruptions to education caused by COVID-19. The pandemic widened pre-existing opportunity and achievement gaps, affecting disadvantaged students the hardest”. “As stakeholders in the education process, it is vital that we make a concerted effort to lift the next generation by ‘teaching, learning, leading, and healing’. In Jamaica’s case, instilling critical-thinking skills and adapting to a dynamic digital world will help our island accomplish Vision 2030, achieve Sustainable Development Goals, grow the middle class, and unleash the latent talent and potential of our people,” Jamaica’s top US diplomat declared. LEARNING LOSS “Over the last two years, we have heard a lot about ‘learning loss’ and ‘learning recovery’, which, undoubtedly, are complicated matters for teachers across the globe. Thankfully, initiatives like this summit offer a platform for the development and sharing of strategies to counteract the learning disruptions. I am confident that our Jamaican teachers participating in this summit will leave equipped with and ready to share transformational tools tomeet the challenges of today,” she noted. Marks pointed to the work of the Jamaican embassy in Washington, along with that of the Jamaican diaspora, in “addressing the challenges to education caused by the pandemic, through the donation of tablets and other educational tools to students in need”. “As an added measure, the embassy, in partnership with the National Education Trust, is using the AdoptA-School programme to address problems that impact the quality of education in Jamaica. As 2022 marks the year of Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee, the Adopt-A-School programme presents us all with a unique opportunity to leave our fingerprints on a legacy project. More importantly, it gives our young people the chance to create and pursue their own legacy,” she said. The Jamaican ambassador paid tribute to the work of the island’s teachers, noting that “every effort should be made to invest in them, and treat them like the professionals they are, ” and took the opportunity to acknowledge the Jamaica Teacher’s Association for their continued good work and congratulate it on its upcoming 58th anniversary. The summit brings together some 60 Jamaican educators from varied backgrounds to participate in a weeklong series of workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and school tours. The activities are aimed at leveraging vast diaspora expertise for capacity development within the educational landscape for a post-pandemic Jamaica. This year’s summit is being hosted by the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA) and the Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) on the college’s campus in New York, NY. The summit has rotated over the years to deliver different pedagogical experiences for teachers and educators before going virtual during the pandemic for the past two years. Ambassador Marks lauds diaspora’s contribution to education Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks declared open the Jamaica Diaspora Task Force Seventh Educational Summit at the Marymount College in Manhattan, New York on Monday March 21. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks is flanked by the Secretary General of the Jamaica Teachers Association Dr. Mark Nicely; President of the Union of JamaicanAlumni Associations (USA) Inc. Lesleyann Samuels; President of the Jamaica Teachers Association Mr. Winston Smith; Jamaica’s Consul General to New York Alsion Wilson and Mr Leo Gilling, Chairman Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network ( JDTAN)at Monday’s opening of the Jamaica Diaspora Education Task Force seventh education summitat the Marymount College in Manhattan, New York. DERRICK SCOTT PHOTO HE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
6 PHILADELPHIA, PA: COMMENDATIONS CONTINUE to pour in following last month’s appointment of Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH, as associate director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), at the Fox Chase Cancer Center Philadelphia location. In sharing the news with faculty and staff, centre director, Jon Chernoff, MD, PhD, said that the facility’s pursuit of meaningful growth must be channelled along a pathway of diversity. “We recognise the importance of welcoming diverse voices, valuing different skill sets and backgrounds, and celebrating the collective richness of our individuality. This appointment formalises leadership to move us forward in this area,” he said. In this newly created role, Ragin, a Jamaican national, will be responsible for enhancing hiring practices to encourage diversity, facilitating more diverse leadership at all levels of the institution, providing training and education on race-related issues to the community, and facilitating collaboration among the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Temple University Health System, and Fox Chase, on issues of diversity and inclusion. “DEI is a significant focus of the Fox Chase Cancer Center Support Grant, reflecting the serious commitment of Fox Chase and its collaborators to affect positive change that draws on the talent and experience of the center’s growing faculty and staff,”Chernoff said. An accomplished and well-funded scientist, Ragin is a professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Program, who joined Fox Chase in 2011, from State University of NewYork – Downstate. Her research focuses on cancer disparities affecting populations of African descent. Drawing inspiration from her family, Jamaican roots, and professional experiences, Ragin has dedicated her career to understanding why blacks have the highest incidence and death rates, as well as the shortest survival for most cancers, in comparison to all other racial and ethnic groups. In 2006, she founded the AfricanCaribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3), which today facilitates research collaborations among more than 150 members from 17 institutions in the United States and 23 countries in the Caribbean and Africa. Their work furthers the study of viral, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors for cancer risk and outcomes in people of African descent. Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH. CONTRIBUTED 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 activemember 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 contest Charlotte seat J’can cancer research scientist appointed diversity lead at Fox Chase Cancer Center CAMILLE RAGIN PLEASE SEE RESEARCH, 7 THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS Vinroy Reid
Earlier this year, Ragin and her collaborators were awarded a $1.65 million grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation to decode black genomes and to investigate the genetic drivers of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. As co-principal investigator, she is leading an international team of researchers from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, called the African-Caribbean scNetwork. In his congratulatory message, Christopher Chaplin, Jamaica’s honorary consul in Philadelphia, offered that he was very proud of Dr Ragin’s accomplishments and that her body of work is critical to the wider community. Specifically, Ragin is studying differences in risk and disease course for black versus white head and neck cancer patients, to understand howAfrican genetic ancestry might contribute to disparities in patient outcomes. This work also addresses disparities related to representation in clinical trials and how this affects what we know about treating cancer in different patient populations. MORE EXCELLENCE “Hearty congratulations to Dr Ragin on her new post at Fox Chase Cancer Center. May she be encouraged as she strives for more excellence,” noted Barbara Wilson, president of the Caribbean Festival Committee/ Philadelphia. Dr Ragin earned her doctoral degree in infectious diseases andmicrobiology and a Master’s of Public Health in epidemiology, both from the University of Pittsburgh. She has earnedmany notable awards, including an International Community Service Award, several citations from the City Council of Philadelphia, and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Control Award for her unique contributions to cancer education and training. “Congratulations, we know you will continue to make a difference with your new responsibility and may God continue to bless and keep you,” offered Donahue Bailey, Pennsylvania State representative/Global Jamaica Diaspora Council. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, the Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center and its affiliates (collectively ‘Fox Chase Cancer Center’), a member of the Temple University Health System, is one of the leading cancer research and treatment centres in the United States. 7 TORONTO: A JAMAICAN dance choreographer is among 15 finalists for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène (Johannas). Kevin A. Ormsby is the artistic director of KasheDance and programmanager at Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO). This performing arts prize is named in honour of Johanna Metcalf, who was at the heart of the Metcalf Foundation’s work for over 40 years. The prize was created to carry on Johanna’s legacy as a passionate supporter of the arts and artistes. The Johannas celebrate artistes in Ontario who have made a recognised impact on the field and the public, and show great promise in the ongoing pursuit of their ambitious and visionary practices. Fifteen finalists have been selected from across Ontario in the disciplines of dance, theatre, and music/opera, including artistes who are working in the spaces between and across these disciplines. The five winners and their protégés will be announced onMay 19, 2022 at a ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Each winner will receive a prize of $25,000 and will name a protégé as a way of celebrating early career artistes who are showing formidable promise. Protégés will be awarded $10,000 each, a $5,000 increase from the inaugural prize year, bringing the total value of the prizes to $175,000. Ormsby has performed with companies in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. He has been featured in works by Marie-Josée Chartier, Allison Cummings, Patrick Parson, Ronald Taylor, Ron K. Brown, Menaka Thakkar, Mark Morris, Bill T. Jones, Garth Fagan, Liz Lerman, Bageshree Vaze, and Lemi Ponifasio, among others. A recipient of Canada Council for the Arts’Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award and named an inaugural TAC Cultural Leaders Fellow, Ormsby is on the faculty of Centennial College’s Dance Performance Program, and has been a guest artist-in-residence at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at The University of the West Indies (Mona), University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Northwestern University. His research and creative practice through KasheDance’s technical approach exists in a space of constant interrogation and navigation of Caribbean cultural nuances towards a methodology of understanding space in creation, research, and presentation. Ormsby is on the boards of Dance Collection Danse and Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, and has served on the boards of Canadian Dance Assembly, Prologue to the Performing Arts, and Nia Centre for the Arts, where he was chair of Canada’s first professional multidisciplinary centre for African-Canadian art. Kevin A. Ormsby among finalists for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes ORMSBY RESEARCH CONTINUED FROM 6 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
Chris Ramsaroop /Guest Columnist THE NEWS that one of Canada’s most influential labour leaders, Jerry Dias, allegedly took bribes, could not have come at a worse time for Canada’s labour movement. In a struggle to improve the lives of working-class peoples, the entire labour movement has been put on the defensive by being painted by the same brush as Dias. While there is anger over the controversy, there is a consensus by labour activists that the actions of one leader cannot erase the tremendous work that rank-andfile workers undertake every day, to improve their workplaces. The fear is that business interests will once again use this as an optimum time to increase their attacks to not only curb the power of workers but to outright abolish labour unions once and for all. As Canada’s economy continues to fluctuate and there is an ever-increasing polarity between the rich and the poor, unions are necessary to counter this divide. In fact, with the growth of the Freedom Convoy and other far-right organisations, unions have an instrumental role to fight racism, xenophobia, white supremacy and the growing rise of fascism in the working class. FIGHTING DIVIDE AND RULE There are two fronts that labour unions must take to curb the rise of the far right. In their own house, theremust be a thorough and honest conversation regarding white supremacy and racism both in its membership and its structure. Many union members, elected officials and staffers were exposed for their contributions to the Freedom Convoy. Immediate steps are needed to confront the role of racism and facism in the workplace. Unions can’t hide behind tokenistic gestures. The pandemic only breeds hatred and fear, reinforcing historical views of others considered“foreign”and outside of the community. Economic insecurity adds fuel to the fire. To overcome the struggles we’re facing as the working class, the labour movement must invest substantial resources, well beyond slogans and open letters, to address and debunk the underlying fears that members are facing. The pandemic exposes the critical juncturewe are at. Solidarity by fighting the systemof divide and rule among workers is much-needed and crucial at this juncture. Secondly, unions need to redouble organising efforts to address the growing polarising and precariousness in society. This means building power in both workplaces and the streets, to counter the most recent salvos in the neoliberalist offensive. Illustrating the growing polarisation during the pandemic, a recently released report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) ‘ADisproportionate Burden: COVID-19 Labour Market Impacts on Indigenous and Racialized Communities’ paints a stark economic picture faced by racialisedworkers. The report states, “Racialized workers bore a disproportionate burden during the pandemic in twoways: They weremore concentrated in industries that were most likely to suffer job losses from the pandemic and they were concentrated in frontline occupations at highest risk of infection.” The same study reveals that, over the period July 2020 to June 2021, 28 per cent of indigenous peoples, and 31 per cent of racialised households, lived with economic insecurity on average compared to 16 per cent of white households.” Unions are important nowmore than ever to increase wages, benefits and to democratise the workplace. In addition, unions are necessary to counter the rise of the far right and fascism, by organising both in the workplace and community. They must send the message that the enemy is not your fellow worker, but the corporate elites who try to pit communities against one another. Chris Ramsaroop is an organizer with the activist group Justice for Migrant workers, an instructor in the Caribbean Studies Program at the University of Toronto and a clinic instructor at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. 8 6-3670 Odyssey Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 0Y9 T: 905-607-6222 Unions are important nowmore than ever The Gleaner [ EDITORIAL ] THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com Read the full columns at our special diaspora site at www.gleanerextra.com and at www.jamaica-gleaner.com.
9 THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
10 FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida: History was made in South Florida on Monday, February 28, with the staging of the inaugural Jamaica International Music Awards (JIMA), and, as it turned out, a fitting climax to the monthlong celebrations of reggae, the global brand of Jamaica’s popular culture. THE VERY hot and Spice(y), was the only double winner on the night, taking home statues for Best Female Reggae/ Dancehall Album/EP 2021, as well as Song of the Year for her smashing collaboration with Shaggy and Sean Paul on Go Down Deh. Awards were presented in some 25 categories as follows; Best New Artiste – Shaniel Muir, Best Male Album/EP of the Year – Masika (438), Best Female Album of the Year – Spice (10), – Male, Best Gospel Reggae Artiste of the Year – Kevin Downswell, while Song of the Year went to Spice, Shaggy & Sean Paul’s Go Down Deh. Voters gave Best DJ of South Florida to Danger Kid, and Best DJ in Jamaica to DJ Kurt Riley. Special recognition awards were presented to former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and Mayor Hazel Rogers for their contribution to the community. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Carlton ‘Spragga Benz’ Grant and Ewart ‘Mad Cobra’ Brown, while Metro Media and Stone Love sound systems received the Industry Stalwart awards for their outstanding service to the music industry. The evening’s ceremony, an invitation-only affair, replete with red carpet interviews, cocktail hour, and a live band, was well attended. Guests included local politicians Mayor Hazel Rogers, of the city of Lauderdale Lakes; commissioners Ray Martin and Denise Grant of the city of Lauderhill; Deputy Mayor Jaquelin Guzman of the city of Sunrise; Broward County Sheriff ’s Department executive team, headed by Sheriff Gregory Tony, and former mayor of Broward County, Dale Holness. The music community was well represented by Spragga Benz, I-Octane, Visions Band, DJ Kurt Riley, South Florida’s noted music selector ‘Supa Twitch’, Lymy Murry, Honorebel, Kommercial Kings, among others. Event managers Kadene Chambers and Jeanniel Sterling expressed their gratitude for the support the event received from the music community and from local city officials in the cities of Sunrise, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, as well as the Broward County Sheriff executive team. “The event was a resounding success, and we are ecstatic at the turnout and the finished product. Everyone clearly had fun and appreciated the recognition shown for their hard work and successes. Our team did an amazing job and the repeated calls from Reggae and dancehall’s ‘Best of 2021’ recognised - Jamaica International Music Awards hosts inaugural ceremony Jamaica’s Kurt Riley (left) gets a very warm embrace from Kadene Chambers of JIMA Event Management Team, after he was voted Best DJ/Jamaica for 2021. CONTRIBUTED Spragga Benz says ‘thank you’. CONTRIBUTED Byiome ‘I Octane’ Muir flashes a smile after hewas presentedwith theHumanitarian Award for his contribution to the community through music. CONTRIBUTED THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ENTERTAINMENT
11 FULL LIST OF AWARDEES: Ricardo ‘Supa Twitch’ Sanchez – Recognition of 33 years in the Music Industry Local & Overseas Richard Mark ‘Honorebel’ Bailey – Recognition of Contribution and Work In the Reggae & Dancehall Music Industry Byiome ‘I Octane’ Muir – Recognition in Support to the Community - Humanitarian Award Sydney Roberts – Recognition of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Support to the Community Eddy Edwards – Recognition of Long Service & Pioneering Leadership in Entertainment, Marketing & Events for over 20 years Former Broward CountyMayor Dale Holness – Recognition HardWork in the Broward County Community & South Florida Mayor Hazel Rogers – Recognition of Leadership in the Lauderdale Lakes & South Florida Community Kommercial Kings – Recognition of Production &Musical Skills in South Florida & Across the USA Faithlyn Gayle – Recognition of Hard Work in Social Media & Street Promotions Andrew‘Tushie’Campbell – Recognition of HardWork in Social Media & Street Promotions Hans Mullings – Recognition of Stellar Work in Events Management Duffton ‘Tony Matterhorn’ Taylor – Recognition of Stellar Skills as a Musical Selector & Entertainer Lisa Barnes – Appreciation Award, for Support to WZOP & JIMA Spice - (10) – Best Female Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP 2021 Mascika (438) – Best Male Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP 2021 Shaniel Muir – Best New Reggae/Dancehall Artiste 2021 Kevin Downswell – Best Reggae Gospel Artiste 2021 Danger Kid – Best DJ, South Florida 2021 Kurt Riley – Best DJ, Jamaica 2021 Spice, Shaggy, Sean Paul: Go Down Deh – Song of the Year 2021 Ewart ‘Mad Cobra’ Brown – Lifetime Achievement Award Carlton ‘Spragga Benz’ Grant – Lifetime Achievement Award Sone Love Sound – Industry Stalwart Award attendees to ‘keep it going’ demonstrates that JIMA has the full support of key stakeholders and will therefore become a brand to be reckoned with,” offered Kadene Chambers, one half of the management team with Jeanniel Sterling. “JIMA is critical because, oftentimes when others include our artistes/music in larger awards ceremonies, it is usually from their perspective regarding what/how they think about our music. With JIMA, all awardees are selected through votes by the public. The event was created to showcase our music, our artistes, and honour the best among them through the votes of the public.” Photos & videos can be viewed on JIMA’s IG page @JIMAawards and Twitter @ JIMAawards Jenniel Sterling (center) one of the JIMA event managers is sandwiched by the Kommercial Kids who were cited for their production skills at the inaugural JIMA, South Florida. CONTRIBUTED THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ENTERTAINMENT
12 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
13 FOR CHRISTIANS, Easter Sunday on April 17 will be a culmination of 40 days of Lent marked with fasting and penitence. This season includes HolyWeek with its mix of hailing Jesus as King, the Eucharist, betrayal, denial, false trial, death by crucifixion, burial in another person’s sepulchre, and the triumphant resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Easter is definitely the rich highpoint of the annual Christian calendar. Quintessentially the bible says, ‘If Christ be not raised from the dead, then our faith is worthless’. As with Christmas, the origin and practice of Easter is contested - some associate it with paganism. Some historians suggest that the celebration of Easter originates in the second century; however, it later attracted features leading to today’s understanding as a religious festival and a secular holiday season, with celebrations involving hot crust buns, Easter eggs, and Easter rabbits, to name a few. For me, though, Easter offers insights into ways of making sense of the times in which we live. Events in the life of Jesus of Nazareth occurring around 30 AD, remind us of the suffering endured by the Jewish people under empirical Roman rule. Jesus belonged to a people who hoped for the appearance of a long-awaited liberator from the oppression of foreign rule. As I write, the people of Ukraine are defending themselves from the threat of external forces, resulting in incessant bombings, destruction and death. Nor is Ukraine alone, since in recent years we have become acquainted with similar scenes in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and scores of other sites of conflicts, including international terrorism. That God chose to become incarnate in the God-man Jesus in a context of conflict and foreign rule suggests that Easter reminds us that suffering is part of the human experience. Not because God designed it so, but because fallen humanity seems to like lording it over others, oppressing them for profit; creating war instead of peace. Jesus in his sermon on the mount said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’. If you’re like me, you sometimes ask God whatever happened to the interventionist deity evident in the Old Testament, and also evident in the New Testament, for example, at the resurrection of Jesus. Did the biblical scribes project an interventionist God at the expense of the part played by natural forces and divinely inspired humans? GOSPEL OF SALVATION Jesus’ message to us highlights our role when he says, ‘Go into all the world with his liberating gospel of salvation’. Then while on the cross, he told one of his disciples to take care of his mother, Mary. The Gospels show us that instead of asking where is God in times of trouble, natural disasters, or war, we might instead ask what is God inspiring me/us to do alone or with others to help change circumstances, especially for those who suffer? An old song about Jesus goes, ‘everywhere he went, he was doing good; he had the attitude to feed the multitude, everywhere he went.’ So should we his disciples made in the divine image and likeness. Easter, therefore, raises our awareness that there is a lot of violence and suffering in the world, sometimes close to us, sometimes involving us. To follow Jesus’ example is to shun the easy and comfortable way and to join the mourners, and the poor and the oppressed, to join those who can’t afford to procure their own grave, and to help them lift their eyes in hope to envision a better present and future in which war gives way to peace, oppression gives way to liberation, poverty gives way to flourishing and wealth, death gives way to resurrection and life at the right hand of God in power over adversity. This is not just wishful thinking this Eastertide, this is the hope at the heart of the Easter story of suffering, death and resurrection. This is why we work together with each other and with God in Jesus to do good for the human family and in service and praise to God. Happy Easter! Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, National Church Leaders Forum, honorary research Fellow, Roehampton University Easter reminds us of the suffering Jesus endured AS WE approach the Easter Season 2022, I would like to extend greetings and warm wishes to you and your families during this joyous and celebratory period on behalf of the Jamaican community in Georgia. The past two years have proven to be more challenging than any of us had expected, and this year, I am especially grateful to have seen so many of you in person again. As we all continue to navigate the challenges around the COVID19 pandemic, our teammembers appreciate your support, partnership and, of course, friendship. Our Jamaican community in Georgia looks forward to more time spent together with friends, families, and colleagues. Congratulations to the Jamaica Gleaner/USA for keeping us informed throughout this challenging period and beyond. We appreciate your features of the accomplishments of Jamaican Americans, Jamaican businesses and partners of Jamaica. All your articles have been very professional, of high standards, informative and enjoyable. This combination sets the Jamaica Gleaner apart from most publications. On behalf of the Jamaican community in Atlanta, it is a great honour and privilege to extend warm regards and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Independence of our homeland, Jamaica. Serving our community for the past four years has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. The highlight of this year includedmeeting and interacting with fellow Jamaicans at various community outreach meetings, events with the use of cutting-edge technology, attending various organisation functions, visiting those in hospitals and welcoming Jamaican dignitaries at the Atlanta airport. Thanks to the Gleaner for your contribution to the success of our Jamaican community. We join you in “Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness”. Happy Easter! Sincerely, Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta Happy Easter! MESSAGE A joyous and celebratory period Bishop Dr Joe Aldred THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
14 RECIPES Salt fish Fritters (‘stamp and go’) What you’ll need: INGREDIENTS 1/2 lb salt fish 1/2 lb flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 stalks escallion 1 teaspoon finely chopped hot pepper Oil for frying 1 teaspoon finely chopped onion water LET’S COOK 1. Soak sa l t f i sh , pre fe r ab l y overnight. Rinse under cold water and remove skin. Flake salt fish, making sure to remove the bones (as much as possible). 2. In a bowl, add the salt fish, onion, escallion, hot pepper and baking powder. Add water, a little Jamaican Easter faves Sweet potato Easter bun FILE This stamp and go is the perfect start for good conversation. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPGER at a time, to make a batter. (Use a fork to combine the ingredients. Batter should not be too runny). 3. Heat oil in a skillet. Drop the mixture by a spoonful into the skillet and press down so that fritters are quite thin. 4. Fry on both sides until golden brown and crispy (on mediumlow heat). Drain on paper towel and serve hot or warm. Sweet Potato Easter Bun INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar 2 tbsp molasses 2 tsp mixed spice 1 bottle stout 2 tbsp margarine 1 medium egg 2 cups flour 11/2 cups sweet potato boi led (crushed) 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup (crystallised) Otaheite apples/ guavas/sweet potato (mixed peel) METHOD • Melt margarine and beat egg. • Dissolve sugar, molasses and spice in stout. Add margarine and beaten egg. • In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. • Gradually add liquid mixture to dry ingredients, beating well. • Add mixed peel and mix well. • Bake in a greased loaf pan at 160°C for about 45-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. • Glaze wi th honey and mel ted margarine. – Submitted by H. Gordo THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | EASTER FEATURE
15 J’can Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce INGREDIENTS 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) 3 tbsp mayonnaise 4 tsp Caribbean Jerk Seasoning 1/3 cup sour cream 1/4 cup cream of coconut 1 tsp grated lime peel 1/4 cup lime juice 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place fillets in a greased 13x9-inch bak ing dish. Spread mayonnaise over f i l lets; spr ink le with jerk seasoning. 2. Bake 18-22 minutes or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small saucepan, combine sour cream, cream of coconut, lime peel and juice; cook and stir over medium-low heat until blended. 3. Drizzle fi llets with sauce; sprinkle with coconut. 4. To toast coconut, bake in a shallow pan in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Yield: 4 servings. Escoveitch Fish Preparation time: 10-15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS • 2 lb whole or sliced fish • ½ cup cooking oil • 4 tbsp fish seasoning • 2 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp salt • 3 cloves garlic • 2 whole lime or lemon or ¼ cup vinegar METHOD 1. Clean fish and wash with lime/lemon juice or vinegar. 2. Put fish to drain on paper towel and make a diagonal cut on each side of the fish. 3. Combine fish seasoning, salt and black pepper in a small dish. 4. P l a c e o i l i n f r y i ng pan t o he a t . 5. Crush the garlic and place in the frying pan, while the oil is being heating. 6. While oil is being heated, rub seasoning into the fish cavity, and on the outside, make sure to season thoroughly. 7. Ensure that the oil in the frying pan is very hot. Spicy Grilled Fish Salad Preparation time: 30 minutes Serves 4 Salsa 2/3 cup scallion, chopped 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 2 cups tomatoes, diced 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 MAGGI Garlic Onion Cubes 1 tsp hot pepper, finely chopped 1 tsp garlic, minced Fish 1 lb Fish fillets, cut into cubes 1 pack MAGGI Season-up fish 1 tsp pepper sauce 1/2 tsp chili powder, ground Salad 2 cups lettuce (shredded) 1 cup carrot (grated) METHOD 1. Mix all ingredients for salsa and set aside 2. Season fish with MAGGI Season-up fish, pepper sauce and chili powder. 3. Grill or broil fish for 5 minutes or until opaque in colour and flaky. 4. Divide lettuce and carrots onto 4 serving plates. 5. Top each salad with grilled fish and reserved salsa. 6. Serve immediately. A family or friend’s sized serving of Escoveitched fish. FILE Jamaican salmon with coconut cream sauce. FILE THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 4 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | EASTER FEATURE
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