FREE | PAGES: 12 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | VOL 2036 Narda Morant CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Darnett Davis IN THE RUNNINGS Philadelphia to host inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Conference .P4 Two Jamaica-born women are seeking to make history in this year’s US off-year elections by winning the mayoralties of East Orange, New Jersey and Spring Valley in Rockland county, New York. Travel Guide – The road less travelled P3 22 teams for Jamaica HS Alumni Soccerfest .P8 – Papine to Port Antonio via Newcastle, another ‘ravishing side of Jamaica’ Ja-born restaurateur Courtney Grant expands Toronto venture .P4 .P7
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 THE CITY of Philadelphia is to host the inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Conference from June 12–14, as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations this year. This ground breaking, three-day event will convene Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the United States and around the world to engage in critical dialogue on development, culture, education, investment, and global cooperation. Hosted by Jamaica Diaspora Northeast, the conference will take place at Municipal Services Building, bringing together government officials, business leaders, educators, artists, and members of the Jamaican diaspora for panels discussions, workshops, and cultural showcases. Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson heads the list of presenters for the event that includes, Past Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) Northeast representatives Akelia Maitland and Dr. Karren Dunkley. “We are thrilled to bring this first-of-itskind conference to Philadelphia, a city that reflects the strength and diversity of the Caribbean-American experience.Our goal is to build bridges between Jamaica and its global diaspora, while celebrating our rich heritage and collective power to shape the future,” noted Michelle Tulloch-Neil, the GJDC representative and conference convenor. The conference will begin on Thursday, June 12, with a keynote welcome and special remarks from local and international government officials. Programme highlights include: • Diaspora investment forum • Cultural and Creative Industries Showcase • Policing and Community • Women in Leadership Panel • Health and Wellness in the Diaspora • Networking Receptions and Cultural Entertainment The Jamaica Diaspora Conference aims to foster lasting partnerships and to recognise the diaspora’s vital role in national development. The event also aligns with broader efforts to amplify Caribbean voices during National Caribbean American Heritage Month, observed each June in the United States. Registration and full programme details will soon be available at bit.ly/NE Diaspora conference. For additional information, persons can contact please contact:Michelle Tulloch- Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council/ NE; c. 215-620-6344, e.mail; Ne2diaspora@ gmail.com WHEN POPE Francis died last month, this newspaper signalled its hope that the new head of the Roman Catholic church would continue, and expand, the legacy of his predecessor. WITH THE cardinal electors’ choice on Thursday of Robert Francis Prevost, an America-born priest largely unknown outside church circles, it seems that we may be on our way to getting our wish. The Gleaner keeps its fingers crossed. Simply put, we look for the new pope, who has adopted the name Leo XIV, to continue Francis’ progressivism in, and outside, of Catholicism, but especially outside the church. In that regard, Pope Leo XIV, we hope, will accelerate Francis’ efforts of greater involvement of women in the mission of the church, including their ordination as priests. Hopefully, too, he will lend his support to the ordination of married men as priests, and be more expansive in allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, eschewing Francis’ tortuous parsing of that authority. Our greater concern, however, is how Pope Leo XIV leverages his office and the issues to which he lends his office. In that regard, we hope that, in these perilous times, the Global South has a loud and supporting voice in the Vatican. The point is that the Roman Catholic church is not merely a religious organisation, albeit with over 1.4 billion members., which, if it were a country, would mean that only India (1.464 billion) and China (1.416 billion) would have equivalent, or larger, populations. MORAL VOICE Critically, too, the church’s long history, and the Vatican’s role in global affairs, adds weight and prestige to the papacy, giving the pope, should he choose to exercise it, a uniquely moral voice. Pope Francis, who was a member of the Jesuit order, utilised his. He spoke out against the climate crisis, especially the existential threat it posed to small island developing states. He was concerned about global poverty, among individuals and of countries, the debt problem of developing nations, as well as the hostilities often faced by migrants seeking to escape poverty, oppression and wars at home. Pope Leo XIV, the first American in the job, inherits these issues. But does so when these matters are exacerbated and complicated by a global order that is in a state of flux, especially since Donald Trump’s return as president of the United States. Mr Trump has upended international trade relations with the unilateral imposition of punitive tariffs on America’s trade partners. These actions have potentially severe consequences for the global economy, especially for poor countries. The US president has also moved aggressively against illegal and other perceived undesirable migrants to the United States, particularly if they are from black and brown countries. Antiimmigrant sentiment is also high in Europe. NAVIGATE The question, therefore, is how Leo, who was appointed a cardinal by his predecessor only in 2023, will navigate these and other issues. Analysts are taking their cue from the papal name he has chosen, as well as his background. While considered a centrist and moderate, he is believed to largely share Pope Francis’ vision of the church. Moreover, the previous Pope Leo (1878-1903) was considered a progressive reformer. His 1891 encyclical, at the height of the new industrial revolution, on the rights of capital labour, has strongly influenced Catholic social philosophy. Leo XIII argued in that document for the right of workers to fair wages; the obligation of governments to protect labour; and for the freedom of employees to belong to trade unions. He also defended private property against socialist collectivism. Then there is the fact that while the new Pope Leo XIV was born in the United States, he served for 20 years in Peru, of which he has citizenship and where he was consecrated a bishop. These factors probably helped to soften what was hitherto thought to be a prevailing sentiment against electing a pope from the United States. The previous Cardinal Prevost had also signalled his opposition to the Trump’s administration’s behaviour towards migrants, and the suggestion by Vice President J.D. Vance that these were in concert with Roman Catholic theology and Christian teachings. Philadelphia to host inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Conference Alsion Wilson, consul general of Jamaica to New York Michelle Tulloch – Neil, chair. Global Jamaica Diaspora Council/USA-NE. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS After 21 years of giving, the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation (VHFF) and Caribbean Food Delights continue its tradition in helping those in need, from education to health care. At the Foundation luncheon last Thursday in Pearl River, New York, founder and chairman Vincent HoSang (2nd left) was present and proud to see the continuation of his commitment by his daughter and CEO Sabrina HoSang Jordan (3rd left). Other family members, honorees and scholarship recipient students are also pictured here. LEONARD MCKENZIE Pinning hopes on Leo XIV [ EDITORIAL ] The opinions on this page, except for The Editorial, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Gleaner.
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: TWO JAMAICA-BORN women are seeking to make history in this year’s US off-year elections by winning the mayoralties of East Orange, New Jersey and Spring Valley in Rockland county, New York. Narda Morant, an educator and businesswoman, is seeking to become mayor of East Orange, while Darnett Davis, a childcare centre owner, is campaigning to become mayor of Spring Valley. If Morant won in New Jersey, she would become the first Jamaican and woman to be that city’s mayor. Davis would be the first woman of colour and the second person of Jamaican heritage to become mayor of the village of Spring Valley. Jamaicaborn Allan Thompson made history when he won to serve two terms as mayor of Spring Valley in the 1990s. Morant was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, but grew up in Porus, Manchester. She attended Porus Infant and Primary Schools before going on to Manchester High School. She left high school in third form for the United States in 1981 at age 14. She continued her education at Baruch College obtaining her degree in business administration and accounting. Shortly after graduating she moved to East Orange in New Jersey and later qualified as a certified teacher. Morant opened a restaurant in East Orange, Narda’s Restaurant, but was to spend the next 26 years in the classroom. She is also the owner of Narda’s Ginger Juice Bar. “My journey has always been grounded in service and I believe in giving back to my community,”she said. She told The Gleaner that East Orange faces deep systemic challenges, such as affordable housing, public parking, job creation and high property taxes. Morant said that as mayor she would champion public safety through community policing with open dialogue, and foster economic growth with an emphasis on supporting small businesses. Another of her platform issue is to ensure housing accessibility and transparency in governance. “I believe that East Orange needs a mayor who not only listens, but leads with heart. East Orange needs leadership that believes in equity, has integrity and does not practise politics ‘as usual’,” she said. She will contest the democratic primary elections on June 10, hoping to become the party’s standard-bearer in the November general elections. CALLED TO SERVE Davis was born in Content district, Hawkers Hall, St. Catherine. She attended St. Mary’s All-Age School and later St. Mary’s High School. She dropped out in third form after becoming pregnant. Davis, who has a sister who is currently a sitting member of the St. Catherine Parish Council, said that she worked as an inspector with the Transport Authority in Jamaica rising to the rank chief inspector. Davis told The Gleaner that she took a buy-out package from the Transport Authority and began her own taxi business. In 2004 she moved to the United States, ending up in Spring Valley, Rockland County. In 2009 she began a licensed childcare business in her home with 10 children. That business grew necessitating a move to a bigger space. “I had the opportunity to partner with the school district of central East Ramapo and the government’s pre-K programme. We are graduating some 47 students this year,” she told The Gleaner. She said that over the years, she had worked with officials of Spring Valley, State and federal-elected representatives, as well as several community organisations. “I looked at what is happening in the village and believe that this is a good time to run for mayor,” she said. The mayoral race will be an open contest as the current mayor is not seeking re-election. There are about five declared candidates for the position of mayor. Davis will be running on both the Democratic and Republican lines during the primary elections on June 24, 2025. She said that her priorities are affordable housing, infrastructure development and improvement, and a skill training centre for the youths. Crime is also another issue that she will tackle should she become mayor of the village. She will also seek to Ja-born women seek to make history in mayoral elections Narda Morant Darnett Davis CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS attract large scale investments to the village to provide jobs. Davis said that she wanted to make downtown Spring Valley a truly historic spot as most people do not know the history of the village. “I get many complaints from residents about the lack of service in the village and this should not be so. I want to change the culture so residents can rely on getting good service without the current delays,” said Davis. Davis said that she has spoken with former mayor Thompson to get his advice. “We are a family of service and I believe that I am called to serve my fellow villagers in this moment,” she told The Gleaner. moya.thomas@gleanerjm.com Moya Thomas anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: COURTNEY GRANT, CEO of Caribbean Queen Jerk Group of Companies, has opened a new facility, CQ Banquet Hall and Event Centre, in northwest Toronto. THE ST Thomas, Jamaica native, who immigrated to Canada in 1998, said this is a dream come true for him. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2, guests were given a tour of the facilities and treated to a five-course dining experience which allowed them to sample the diverse fusion menu. “Food is my passion and I love to feed people. I love to see people sit down and enjoy good food. When I decided to transition from just a take-out restaurant, I said, ‘You know something? I want to have a fine dining restaurant.’“ said Grant who noted that he wanted to be “the first black Jamaican in Canada to do a fine dine, sit-down meal”. He said there will be three spaces available for rental. The banquet hall, which has a seating capacity of 120, features a dance floor and is equipped with a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen to meet the needs of all occasions. Hall 2 has a lounge and bar, and there are plans to have a third hall that can accommodate 120 persons. These are complemented by a trained hospitality team. BUSINESS EXPANDED In 2008, Grant, an ex-soldier from Jamaica, and his team established the flagship restaurant at Weston Road and Finch Avenue. Over the past 17 years, the business has expanded to include five restaurants and a catering business. When he immigrated to Canada, he worked at a Campbell’s soup factory then moved on to a lighting facility where he stayed while attending a trucking school. He received his trucking licence and,after one year, decided to work in trucking. At one time, he owned 10 trucks and made deliveries across the city. Having worked for six months in Vancouver, Grant said he felt tired and decided he would leave the trucking business and retire. However, plans changed when he thought about the necessity of food and the fact that people have to eat. “Just out of the blue, I bought a restaurant at Finch and Weston roads.” He said, if he knew that he would become a chef he would have chosen a cooking course in the army instead of being an instructor in the Jamaica Defence Force, training recruits. ACT OF KINDNESS Grant said, as a leader, he will continue to follow God first, his family and his customers, noting that his customers “grew” his business. A personal act of kindness for a student, who was in his restaurant with two friends but not having a meal as they were, resulted in a surprise order for 100 meals from Emery Collegiate Institute, a high school in the community. The school’s vice-principal witnessed the exchange with the student that day and decided to support Grant’s business — that school administrator opened doors at other schools in the area for Grant as well. For the past three years, Caribbean Queen has been providing 250 meals every day in a local school project that provides healthy food for students. Another school came on board, so some days the restaurant prepares 500 meals for students. These meals are sold to the school at a discount. Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul general in Toronto, commended Grant and the Caribbean Queen family for their vision, dedication and the consistent pursuit of excellence. “This CQ Banquet Hall is more than just a space, it is a celebration of community, culture and connection,” he said, noting that the venue has been “thoughtfully designed to host your most cherished moments”. Davis encouraged the guests to support the banquet hall and event centre. “Courtney is such a dedicated and committed part of our community. He has shown vision and diligence in establishing and growing the operations of Caribbean Queen, helping to make the brand well recognised for quality.” The consul general described Grant as “a shining example of goodness in the community”. Providing an economic perspective, David Betty, the president of the Jamaican Canadian Association, said there are 1.29 million small businesses in Canada. “They account for 99.8 per cent of all businesses in Canada. They contribute 43 per cent of gross domestic product and contribute 63.8 per cent of the labour force, employing 10.3 million people,” he said. ‘I love to feed people’ Courtney Grant, CEO of Caribbean Queen Jerk Group of Companies CONTRIBUTED Ja-born restaurateur Courtney Grant opens banquet hall, event centre 2020 and served for three years before her defeat in 2023. She had been caught up in allegations that she made homophobic remarks and that she fired the then police chief without cause, charges that she vigorously denied. This time around, she won in a field of four candidates, including the sitting mayor. When elected in 2020, Nembhard was the youngest person to serve as New Carrollton’s mayor in a city that’s around 60 per cent black. She was also the first CaribbeanAmerican and first woman to serve as mayor of New Carrollton, Maryland, at the time. She won her first election to serve on the city council in 2018, where she was written in by parents in the schools where she previously volunteered. They then voiced their support for her should she consider running for mayor, an opportunity Nembhard said represented a unique chance to serve. CONTINUE CREATING DIALOGUE In 1998, when she moved to the area, Nembhard had been working to address hunger in schools. “I took it with grace and I went and just hit the ground running, just doing all that needed to be done,” Nembhard said. She also focused on supporting the youth and creating a space for them to learn and gather, she added. Overall, Nembhard said her goal is to continue creating dialogue within the community, while encouraging everyone to work together and to support equity. “I believe in my capacity; I can make a change,” Nembhard said. “I can create awareness about the climate that we’re in; to talk about police brutality, excessive force and that kind of thing. I’m in a position to make a difference.” The new mayor, attended The University of the West Indies (UWI), earning a degree in management and accounting. She was recognised as Student of the Year at the UWI in 1996. Shortly after graduating, Nembhard migrated to the United States and took a position at Citizen Bank, which is now known as Sun Trust Bank. From there, she worked as regional manager at Presidential Bank. Some of her priorities as mayor included providing resources for seniors, boys’ and girls’ clubs, improving infrastructure, updating the city’s vehicles, and police reform. In 2020, during her first campaign for mayor, Nembhard said she had no plans to defund the police and would be working closely with the police department to launch a community resource officer programme. She also said, at the time, that she planned to enlist officials trained in mental health to work with the police when such social intervention in required. editorial@gleanerjm.com Jamaica-born Phelicia Nembhard re-elected as mayor in Maryland Phelicia Nembhard CONTRIBUTED Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer PHELICIA NEMBHARD, who started off her life in Whitfield Town in St Andrew, Jamaica, is back as mayor of New Carrollton in Maryland. NEMBHARD WILL be serving a second term as mayor after losing her re-election bid in 2023. She was first elected mayor in June
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTORIAL 5
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 law students. Honorees include: Justice Carol Sharpe of Supreme Court, New York County Wayne A.J Wattley, Esq., partner at Elefterakis, Elefterakis, and Panek Stacey A. Bell, Esq., partner at Baker Hostetler Michelle C. Ifill, Esq, (Retired) general counsel at Verizon Communications and owner of La Maison Michelle Barbados Shelley Worrell, founder and CEO of I Am CaribBeing Tickets, tables, and journal ads may be purchased at https://www. caribbeanattorneys.org/event-details/can-11th-anniversary-scholarship-gala CAN TO CELEBRATE 11TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SCHOLARSHIP GALA ADVERTORIAL CARIBBEAN ATTORNEYS Network, Inc is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that was founded in June 2014. With the motto of “Many Islands, One Vision,” CAN is a professional organisation dedicated to the development of attorneys, law students, professionals and communities of Caribbean descent in the US and abroad. Learn more about CAN at www.caribbeanattorneys.org. On June 28, 2025, Caribbean Attorneys Network Inc, also known as CAN, will celebrate its 11-year anniversary with a scholarship gala at Russos on the Bay in Queens, New York. CAN will honour the best and brightest Caribbean professionals and award scholarships to outstanding Caribbean CANADA Kingston College Old Boys Association (KCOB) Toronto Centenary edition events schedule includes Spring Dance boat party on board the River Gambler in Toronto on May 31. Golf Tournament on August 1 Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club. Fortis 5K Walk-a-thon at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton on September 13. Fortis Annual Reunion and Awards Banquet on November 1 at Sts Peter & Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Kcobatoronto.com Rusea’s Old School Students’ Association Canada (Toronto Chapter) celebrates its 37th anniversary on Saturday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., at Sts Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Avenue, Toronto. Ticket: $110 on or before April 15; $115 after. Call 289795-3266/416-617-3943. St Hugh’s Alumnae Association Canada Chapter presents its Spring Brunch on Sunday, June 1, at Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre, 220 Humberline Drive, Etobicoke. The Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations Graduates Bursary. May 16 deadline. The award ceremony will be on July 6. www.ajaacanada.com/ graduates 5K Walk & Brunch, JAMWALK will be held on May 24. helpinghandsjamaica.com Clarendon College Alumni Association, Toronto Chapter, Fundraising Gala will be held on July 5, at 6:00 p.m., at Sts Peter and Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Ave., Toronto. Ccalumni.to@gmail.com HAPPENINGS
7 Dave Rodney/Gleaner Writer IT WAS many years ago since I drove to Portland via Newcastle, traversing Holywell National Park, remote forests in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, quaint welcoming communities, dramatically eye-popping vistas, rippling highland streams and hidden waterfalls. I revisited this route last week and I knew challenges were possible as this is a road less travelled. But this once in a lifetime rewarding experience for the seven travel specialists in our party far outweighed the hassles. As it turned out, the trip was an unforgettable magic moment in time. We set out from The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston after breakfast and stopped for an excellent coffee class and a tasting of 100 per cent Blue Mountain coffee at Craighton, a coffee farm and tour in Irish Town. Our very articulate guide Jerome pointed out that for coffee to be designated “Blue Mountain” from that area, it must be grown at over 2000 ft above sea level. The coffee farm expedition was enlightening and afterwards we made a stop for lunch at the nearby Café Blue and adjoining restaurant, Crystal Edge. There, from a verandah perched atop a lush hill, nearly everyone plunged head first into the mouthwatering, full bodied stew peas and beef pumpkin soup, washed down with a homemade ginger-pineapple mountain mist. We didn’t tarry there for long, only stopping to take photos at the Newcastle military base. Andy, the host for our next stop in Greenwich was already waiting for us. Greenwich is a small residential community near the Jamaica Defence Force base that is reputed to be one of the wealthiest cocoons of unabashed opulence on island. Andy met us at an agreed point and we were led by golf cart to Misty Manor, the palatial country home of Kingston businessman Kenny Benjamin. The abode is an enclave of elegance where the dining room is embroidered by ancestral cut stones from Ghana. If the home and its four regally furnished bedrooms looked like a front cover from Architectural Digest or Beautiful Homes magazines, then the jaw-dropping vistas from the bedrooms and the balconies felt like the stairway to heaven, as described by popular soul group the O’Jays in their smash single by the same name. The border of St. Andrew and Portland is nearby. After a whistle stop at Holywell National Park , basking in the splendour of low clouds and a cool mist caressing bright tropical blooms and coniferous pine trees. Holywell is Jamaica’s only national park and the sprawling landmark covers portions of the Blue and John Crow Mountains with over 100,000 acres of hiking and cycling trails, birdwatching, camping, gazebos named after plants and birds, river and waterfall adventure and cottages available for overnight and weekend rentals Time evaporates quickly when you’re above 3000 ft. in the clouds. We wanted to make the most of daylight hours and further exploration of the surrounding countryside so we continued the journey with few stops. We passed through quaint hillside districts where the air is fresh, clean and invigorating, a wellness infusion for the lungs. We drive through Cascade, Green Hills, Spring Hill, Wakefield, Birnamwood, Cedar Valley, Rose Hill and several other villages. No rush hour traffic up in the Blue Mountains, and as we study the tapestry of the terrain, we conclude that the Blue Mountains are actually green in colour. Impeccably dressed school children in their uniforms skipping home waved as our bus meandered through narrow roads. Gurgling rivers rippling over rocks and sand beds in ravines below. Dramatically colourful butterflies and hummingbirds flutter around glowing blooms. Waterfalls play hide and seek in the hills, some making themselves seen only after a heavy downpour of rain. One waterfall, Johnson Spring was impressive for its single drop spray, and I later learned that it has been a backdrop for Jamaican television commercials over the years, including a standout by Cable & Wireless written and produced by Natalie Thompson/ Cinecom Productions depicting a farmer with goats tipping his hat to a driver passing by. As I lifted my eyes unto the hills, I could not help wondering if human footprints had ever disturbed the foliage below. Could this be where Nanny bounced off British bullets with her bottom? All too soon we were in rapid descent towards the coast. I marvelled at the majesty of the Buff Bay River hugging the roadside as it thundered towards the Caribbean Sea. When we passed on the main street in Buff Bay, I could clearly see the street where my grandfather lived for many years, West Norman Lane, and I remembered his many summertime warnings about staying away from that same river near his backyard. I commented to our friends that our journey appeared to take us through several micro climates, from hot Papine to cool Irish Town, to misty, foggy mountains to soft, refreshing Portland rain. My friend Nadine Molloy who is from that same route, Spring Hill in Portland had graciously made arrangements for us to take a dip in a river whirlpool in the area. Unfortunately, we ran out of time. Our last stop before checking into our Port Antonio hotel, GeeJam, was by a roadside fruit vendor near Port Antonio where I bought elusive custard apples, finding them for the first time on this trip, plus mangoes of many varieties, sweet yellow and red plums, tamarind, naseberries and star apples. One vendor peeled pineapple and Mamey fruit for us while we waited. As brawta, a charming female vendor there gave me a few nutmegs covered in mace. Our overseas travel specialists on the journey were blown away, breathless, by another ravishing side of Jamaican that none of them had previously seen. I reminded them of an old, seductive area campaign: Portland is where a part of you remains forever. Please note that local groups wishing to make this trip can do it on their own or through a travel agency who can assist in planning the details. The ride from Kingston to Port Antonio should take about three hours. Those wishing to take the route should check on road and weather conditions prior to departure. Dave Rodney is an award-winning travel writer, author and marketing specialist based in the New York area. diademata@aol.com The road less travelled – Papine to Port Antonio via Newcastle An old public works pay station in Cedar Valley, now used as a rest stop on the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS A barely visible lone church near Cascade, Religious Society of Friends, one of the first Quaker churches established in Jamaica. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Sometimes waterfalls play hide and seek in the mountains, depending on rainfall. This one is in Cascade/ Green Hills THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: DEFENDING CHAMPIONS St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), head a list of 22 teams from 14 schools taking part in the annual staging of the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament (JAFT), at the James L. Fleming Stadium in Yonkers, New York, on June 28 to 29, this year. Of the 14 schools, 22 teams will compete in the usual two divisions, Under 45 (Sub-Masters) and Over 45 years (Masters), in the preliminary rounds (group phase), with the top four advancing to the single elimination (knockout) round. Masters’ champions St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), who are taking orders from ‘skipper’ Clive Nicholson, will start as pre-tournament favourites but will be hard pressed if the five-time champions Camperdown can repeat their 2023 form, according to an equally confident Carlton ‘Bottlehead’ Simmonds. Last year’s beaten finalists and a perennial contender Herbert Morrison Technical, will be a handful, as long as their inspirational leader Keith‘Baddas’ Tomlinson reports for duty. First timers Dunoon Technical can expect a tough welcome from the seasoned ‘masters’, including, Calabar, Kingston College and Dinthill Technical, all of whom know what it feels like to be the last team standing. There will be a new Under 45 champion this year, as Munro College has called ‘time out’. And that means last year’s beaten finalists and former champions, Calabar High, aka ‘Rabalac of Red Hills Road’’ should relish the going this year. Dressed for success, débutantes Campion College played some of the best football last year but was undone by inexperience. Cornwall College makes a welcome return to the ‘younger’ division and will parade their championship winning pedigree for all to see. They have a ‘spoon’ in Richard McCallum but how they dish and dash at either end, could be the difference maker. A Yonkers welcome awaits with the likes of; former champions Jamaica College, XLCR and Kingston College which defeated them in the very first final at Evander Childs High School Park, on a brilliant goal by Derrick ‘Yabba’ Forbes, some three decades ago. Back by very popular demand, is the Town v Country (All Manning vs All Dacosta) match for players over 50 years old. This game will be played on Saturday, June 28, before the Under 45 finals. Players expected to show for the All Manning team are; Paul Young, (Wolmers);Altimont “Freddie” Butler (Dunoon); Michael “Dunga” McDonald (JC); Dane“Tucka B”Walker (C’Down); Dwayne “Johnno” Johnson (JC); Christopher “Chippa” Morgan (St. George’s); Byron Earl (Charlie Smith); Adonis “Danny” Maxwell (C’Down); Damion “DuttyMan” Powell (N.Manley); and Derrick “Yabba” Forbes (KC). The All Dacosta selection will be led by Keith “Baddas” Tomlinson (Herbert Morrison) and include; Gregory Messam(Compre), Alton ‘Noah’ Sterling (STETHS), Wayne “Sprite” Campbell (Clarendon); Cleon “Nochie” Hibbert (Clarendon); Michael “Peashead” Marshall (Dinthill); Geoffrey “Muzzo” Hewitt; Bertram “Bertie” Brown (Titchfield), Ali-Pee& Garfield “Pele” Wright (Cornwall);Chiwale‘Charlie’ DaSilva (William Knibb), and Athol Shearer (Herbert Morrison). Tournament director Bob ‘Tego’ Austin, said the event will again feature ‘the future of the sport’, with youngsters from academies in the area competing for the Griffin Youth Challenge trophy and other prizes and incentives. “The Griffin Youth Invitational tournament will run simultaneously with the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament making for that wholesome family outing, something I look forward to each year.” 8 22 teams for Jamaica HS Alumni Soccerfest STATHS IS IT, FOLKS. St. Andrew Technical HS ‘masters’ emerged champions of the 2024 festival and will be looking to make a successful defence this year. CONTRIBUTED CHARLIE PRIDE ON PARADE. With last year’s winners Munro College out, Charlie Smith, the 2023 champs, will start this year’s festival as the team to beat in the U45 division. TAKE IT IF YOU CAN. A Clarendon College player (left), gets the better of his Jamaica College opponent (right), during group play at last year’s alumni soccerfest at the James L. Fleming Park, Yonkers, NY. GEORGE’S 3, C’BAR 1. A Calabar player second right/Green), is triple-teamed by players from the opposing St. George’s College in the O-45 division at the 2024 edition of the Jamaica Alumni Soccerfest in Yonkers, NY. ADVERTORIAL THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS U-45 TEAMS (JUNIORS) Kingston College Calabar Charlie Smith Campion College Excelsior Jamaica College Camperdown Cornwall College O-45 TEAMS (MASTERS) STATHS (champions) Camperdown Edwin Allen Cornwall College Jamaica College Dinthill Technical Herbert Morrison Clarendon College Kingston College Charlie Smith Dunoon Calabar Campion College Excelsior ...PARTICIPATING TEAMS
9 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: SHAWN FALCONER, chairman of the local organising committee of the inaugural staging of the New York Next Gen Relays says he is encouraged by the outpouring of commendations from officials, athletes and the community. Held at the newly constructed stadium at Memorial Field, Mt. Vernon, on Saturday, April 19, the track & field meeting featured high school and club teams from Jamaica, the USA and one from the Caribbean–the Grenada Boys Secondary School. “We are indebted to those who were there to take the first step, the first stride and to run the first race with us,” offered Falconer who confirmed that his company, Next Gen Events Corp, will be around for the long haul, and that next year will better than the first. On this page we feature photo highlights from the first Next Gen Invitational Relays, Memorial stadium, Mt. Vernon, NY, Saturday, April 19, 2025. New York Next Gen Invitational Relays GOLDEN GIRLS. Members of the Long Island Lutheran TC, winners of the 4 x 400 metres relay with Winston Croswell (right), after the medal ceremony. JC BY A MILE. Jamaica College (right) has the inside track on STETHS (centre) and Holmwood Technical (left), in the HSB mile relay, recording a stunning 3.12.99 seconds for first. STETHS was second (3:13.30) and Holmwood, third (3:15.71). CONTRIBUTED IT’S A DASH. Holmwod Technical delivered a 1-2 punch in the Womens’ 100 metres at the Next Gen Relays, Mt. Vernon, NY. CONTRIBUTED ONE AND DONE. In the Boys/Men 400 metres, Rojay Black (JC) left, completed the circuit in48.82 seconds, ahead of Javen Davis (River Cities, 50.72), second left and Kevin Thomas (Herbert Morrison Technical, 51.01), second right. Medals were presented by LeRoy Graham (right), founder/president, True Tribute Organization/ NY and a director of Comets Club Int’l. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS SAY CHEESE. Members of the Holmwood Technical HS Track & Field team were all smiles while in NY to participate in the Next Gen Relays, NY, on the Easter weekend - April 19. AJAMU MYRIE/NY THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 10 law students. Honorees include: Justice Carol Sharpe of Supreme Court, New York County Wayne A.J Wattley, Esq., partner at Elefterakis, Elefterakis, and Panek Stacey A. Bell, Esq., partner at Baker Hostetler Michelle C. Ifill, Esq, (Retired) general counsel at Verizon Communications and owner of La Maison Michelle Barbados Shelley Worrell, founder and CEO of I Am CaribBeing Tickets, tables, and journal ads may be purchased at https://www. caribbeanattorneys.org/event-details/can-11th-anniversary-scholarship-gala CAN TO CELEBRATE 11TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SCHOLARSHIP GALA ADVERTORIAL CARIBBEAN ATTORNEYS Network, Inc is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that was founded in June 2014. With the motto of “Many Islands, One Vision,” CAN is a professional organisation dedicated to the development of attorneys, law students, professionals and communities of Caribbean descent in the US and abroad. Learn more about CAN at www.caribbeanattorneys.org. On June 28, 2025, Caribbean Attorneys Network Inc, also known as CAN, will celebrate its 11-year anniversary with a scholarship gala at Russos on the Bay in Queens, New York. CAN will honour the best and brightest Caribbean professionals and award scholarships to outstanding Caribbean CANADA Kingston College Old Boys Association (KCOB) Toronto Centenary edition events schedule includes Spring Dance boat party on board the River Gambler in Toronto on May 31. Golf Tournament on August 1 Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club. Fortis 5K Walk-a-thon at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton on September 13. Fortis Annual Reunion and Awards Banquet on November 1 at Sts Peter & Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Kcobatoronto.com Rusea’s Old School Students’ Association Canada (Toronto Chapter) celebrates its 37th anniversary on Saturday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., at Sts Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Avenue, Toronto. Ticket: $110 on or before April 15; $115 after. Call 289795-3266/416-617-3943. St Hugh’s Alumnae Association Canada Chapter presents its Spring Brunch on Sunday, June 1, at Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre, 220 Humberline Drive, Etobicoke. The Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations Graduates Bursary. May 16 deadline. The award ceremony will be on July 6. www.ajaacanada.com/ graduates 5K Walk & Brunch, JAMWALK will be held on May 24. helpinghandsjamaica.com Clarendon College Alumni Association, Toronto Chapter, Fundraising Gala will be held on July 5, at 6:00 p.m., at Sts Peter and Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Ave., Toronto. Ccalumni.to@gmail.com HAPPENINGS
11 THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | WWW.JAMAICA-GLEANER.COM | ADVERTISEMENT
12 Kingston College Calabar Charlie Smith Campion College Excelsior Jamaica College Camperdown Cornwall College STATHS (champions) Camperdown Edwin Allen Cornwall College Jamaica College Dinthill Technical Herbert Morrison Clarendon College Kingston College Charlie Smith Dunoon Calabar Campion College Excelsior O-45 TEAMS (MASTERS) U-45 TEAMS (JUNIORS) Campe PARTICIPATING TEAMS THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | WWW.JAMAICA-GLEANER.COM | ADVERTISEMENT
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