Trinidad Cop Jailed For Raping Daughter

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News Americas, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Thurs. Feb. 1, 2024: A Trinidad and Tobago police officer took the oath to protect and serve. Instead he will now spend 15 years in jail for raping his own daughter.

The officer, whose name was not released in order to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty to seven sexual offences in April, last year but was only sentenced by High Court Judge Hayden St Clair-Douglas earlier this week.

He admitted to raping his 12-year-old daughter several times over a three-year period – more than a decade ago. According to court documents, the officer’s wife discovered that he had been abusing their daughter in July 2010 – after she found a DVD in their bedroom containing a video of one of the attacks while cleaning their bedroom.

While the face of the man in the video was not visible, the woman recognised her husband by his genitals. The woman admitted that she made several copies of the DVD and gave one to her pastor for safekeeping before she confronted her husband.

The officer reportedly denied any wrongdoing before reluctantly admitting to it and claiming that “he did not mean to hurt anybody.” The wife then forced the officer to move out of their home and then made a report to a now retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Raymond Craig.

The victim was interviewed and told investigators her father began having sex with her when she was nine-years-old. She said the attacks happened three times weekly in her parents’ bedroom – while her mother was not home. The victim was medically examined and shown the video in her mother’s presence to identify herself.

The officer was slapped with five charges for having sex with a minor, one for grievous sexual assault, and another for serious indecency.

Justice St Clair-Douglas sentenced the officer to 15 years in prison for each of the statutory rape charges and for grievous sexual assault. He was also sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for serious indecency. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently meaning that the officer will be released after serving 15 years in prison.

The officer has already served nine months of his sentence as he was remanded after pleading guilty to the offences, last year.

Caribbean Travel: News & Hot Deals This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 2, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to in Guyana due to high crime rates.

The US is warning nationals to exercise increased caution if travelling to or in The Bahamas or Jamaica due to crime in both countries.  

American Airlines is launching new non stop Jamaica flights on Feb. 24th to the north coast’s Ian Fleming International Airport. It is the first-ever scheduled international service from American Airlines to the airport.

This week’s deal is for the Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana all inclusive in the DR. Get a USD $528 per person when you book for travel between April 7th-10th from Fort Lauderdale on Cheap Caribbean Vacations.com

April is also calling your name to Cancun. Get a three night hotel stay and flight at the all-inclusive Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa for just USD540 per person when you book for travel from Fort Lauderdale Airport between April 8th and 11th. Book on Cheap Caribbean Vacations.

Or book a three night get away to Puerto Rico this March. Stay at the San Juan Marriott Resort And Stellaris Casino from March 17-20, flying from JFK for USD 969 per person. Book on Apple Vacations now.

Pompano’s Tribute To Bahamian Roots Actress Continues This Black History Month

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News Americas, POMPANO BEACH, FL, Thurs. Feb. 1, 2024: The City of Pompano’s tribute to Bahamian roots actress Esther Rolle continues this Black History Month with the “Native Daughter: An Esther Rolle Inspired Art Exhibition” at the Ali Cultural Arts Center.

(L-R) Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Esther Rolle appearing in the ABC tv series ‘Darkroom’, episode ‘Needlepoint’. (Photo by Chic Donchin /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

The exhibition, which opened on November 8 last year, will run through February 10th, and celebrates the life and enduring legacy of Rolle, who was born in Pompano to Bahamian immigrant parents and became famous for her role as the beloved character, Florida Evans, in the classic TV series “Good Times.”

The annual exhibition, which coincided with what would have been Rolle’s 103rd birthday, is a cherished tradition that commemorates her remarkable achievements as an award-winning actress and passionate activist.

The event showcases a curated collection of new artworks sourced from artists across the nation, including Cesar Ceballos, Tafara Clarke, Sami Davidson, Gregory Dirr, Kim Ferguson, Holly Forbes, Desirae Foston, Joanne Hampstead, Tereza Hazelton, G. Ryan Hudson, Martin Karadzhov, Manzi Liu, Susan Miiller, Leonardo Montoya, Cibby Orozco, Renata Rodrigues, and JL Schwartz.

ABOUT ESTHER ROLLE

Rolle, born in Pompano Beach, on Nov. 8,1920 to Jonathan and Elizabeth Rolle. She was the tenth of 18 siblings. Rolle first attended the Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida, and then, when her family moved to Pompano Beach; Rolle Graduated from Blanche Ely High School.

Rolle initially studied at the Spelman College in Atlanta, however, she soon moved to the Hunter College in New York City, where she worked various jobs at the New York City Garment district to support her college education. Rolle was also a member of the highly prestigious Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Rolle’s career in acting was aided in part by her performances for the Asadata Dafora’s dance troupe, which was named Shogolo Oloba. In 1960, Rolle became the director of that troupe, which was later renamed as ‘The Federal Theatre African Dance Troupe’.  In New York, Rolle first performed in 1962 for a play called “The Blacks”. Rolle then consistently performed for the Negro Ensemble Company under the highly prolific producer, Robert Hooks. Rolle then appeared for “The Crucible” and “Blues for Mr. Charlie,” which were both relatively successful. By far, Rolle’s most famous stage plays were her portrayals of Miss Maybell and Lady Macbeth for the 1973 Melvin Van Peebles Play and the 1977 Orson Welles Macbeth interpretation respectively.

Rolle’s commitment to addressing social and political injustice extended to her involvement with the National Organization for Women, (NOW), and her honorary membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, an organization of college-educated African American women. Her contributions spanned 39 roles in film and television, along with numerous theatrical performances. Esther Rolle’s final film, “Train Ride,” was released in 2000, two years after her passing, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and activism.

Rolle’s journey in the entertainment industry began with an uncredited role in Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1962. She then joined her sister, Estelle Evans, for the film “The Learning Tree” in 1969.

However, it was her role in the iconic sitcom “Maude” in 1972 that propelled her to stardom. Portraying the character of ‘Florida Evans,’ the no-nonsense and open-minded housekeeper, Rolle became a household name.

Her portrayal of ‘Florida Evans’ was so beloved that it led to a spin-off series in 1974 titled “Good Times,” where she took on the lead role. In recognition of her outstanding performance, Rolle received a Golden Globe nomination in 1975 for her work in “Good Times.” Her talent further shone in the direct-to-television movie “Summer of My German Soldier” in 1979, earning her an Emmy Award.

Following her success on “Good Times,” Rolle predominantly appeared in direct-to-television movies. Her notable roles included Bruce Beresford’s “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1989 and Peter Segal’s “My Fellow Americans.” She also made a memorable appearance in Fielder Cook’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” based on Maya Angelou’s memoir, and featured in John Singleton’s “Rosewood” in 1997. Throughout her career, Rolle graced the stage with her talent, participating in fifteen stage plays from 1965 to 1989, and took on a variety of television roles spanning from 1964 to 1998.

In addition to her acting prowess, Rolle showcased her versatility by releasing a music album in 1975, titled “The Garden of My Mind.” Her multi-faceted career left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, making her a beloved and respected figure in film, television, and music.

For more information about this exhibition visit pompanobeacharts.org.

From Homeless To The Super Bowl: Caribbean Player Set To Shine In Super Bowl LVIII

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thurs. Feb. 1, 2024: Caribbean football fans are in for an exciting Super Bowl showdown as Trinidad & Tobago-born Javon Kinlaw, an immigrant from the Caribbean, is set to take center stage in the Super Bowl LVIII.

Kinlaw is set to represent the San Francisco 49ers as they face off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11th – (6:30 p.m. ET, CBS). He is the only Caribbean born immigrants set to play in Super Bowl LVIII.

Trinidad-born Caribbean immigrant Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers is set to play in Super Bowl LVIII. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old defensive tackle, known by his jersey number #99, began his football journey in college at South Carolina before being drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Kinlaw’s remarkable story began in Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital, where he was born. His early life took a challenging turn when he and his mother and brother relocated to Washington, D.C., and faced homelessness. For a significant period, Javon lived in an apartment in the D.C. region, sharing the space with his mother and older brother, Shaquille, until they were forced to move due to a change in their landlord’s circumstances.

Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in action during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. He is set to be the only Caribbean immigrant player in the 2024 Super Bowl. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Their new residence quickly deteriorated, culminating in the roof collapsing, and they had to move once more when Kinlaw was around 9 or 10 years old. During these difficult times, basic amenities like electricity and running water were often unavailable, and they relied on a neighbor’s hose for water collection and makeshift cooking arrangements.

Kinlaw’s wardrobe was minimal, with new clothes acquired only at the start of the school year. He had to make his clothing last, rotating between a single pair of jeans, a few shorts, a hoodie, and some shirts. Despite these hardships, Kinlaw refrained from complaining or asking for more because he understood the family’s financial constraints.

Growing up in adversity, Kinlaw adapted to their circumstances and didn’t view them as overly distressing. To him, it was a way of life, and he believed they still had good days amidst the challenges. However, as he entered his teenage years, Kinlaw started facing challenges, developing negative habits and occasionally getting into trouble.

In his ninth-grade year, Kinlaw relocated to South Carolina to live with his father, George, seeking an escape from the difficult environment in Northeast Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the move presented its own set of challenges, including reports of his father’s alcoholism and occasional physical abuse, as well as his father’s girlfriend’s reluctance to have Kinlaw around.

During his senior year in South Carolina, Kinlaw found himself residing with a fellow teammate due to these circumstances. At school, he encountered bullying from older students due to his size, weighing 280 pounds, and his clothing choices. Teachers held doubts about his potential for success, and many people around him were skeptical about his future.

Despite these obstacles, Kinlaw’s journey into football began during his sophomore year at Goose Creek High School in South Carolina as a means to keep himself occupied without getting into trouble. Although he wasn’t initially considered a highly talented player, his size attracted attention from college scouts, ultimately leading to a scholarship offer from the University of South Carolina.

Kinlaw’s struggles extended beyond the football field, with difficulties in academics, effort, and disciplinary issues. Despite these challenges, his coaches recognized that football provided stability in his life and refused to remove him from the team.

Kinlaw’s upbringing had made him naturally defensive and cautious about trusting others, and frequent relocations had hindered his ability to form lasting friendships. However, as he transitioned to Jones College in Mississippi, he began to trust people, especially coaches, marking the start of his transformation and personal growth.

This journey was not without setbacks, but Kinlaw, with guidance from his mentors, formulated a plan to leave Goose Creek and enrolled at Jones College. There, he pursued his GED and earned an associate’s degree, gaining valuable life skills and structure.

Upon leaving Jones, Kinlaw had undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming more disciplined, trusting of others, and committed to his performance on the football field. He also experienced physical growth, allowing him to eat without constraints and further excel in football.

Despite facing adversity and trauma from his early years, Kinlaw’s dedication to self-improvement and his passion for football have led him to the pinnacle of the sport. His performance as a pivotal player for the 49ers this season has been instrumental in their success, and his contributions will be critical as they strive to secure the Lombardi Trophy in the upcoming Super Bowl clash against the Chiefs.