Caribbean Roots Runners Win Gold for Canada

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 10, 2024: Immigrants make the world go round. Caribbean roots sprinters Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, and Andre De Grasse gave Canadians something to cheer about on Friday as they claimed gold in the Men’s 4x100m Relay final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team clocked an impressive 37.50 seconds, securing the top spot on the podium.

Caribbean roots Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, Andre De Grasse of Canada celebrate after competing in the Men’s 4 x 100m Relay final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Team Canada placed first winning the gold medal. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This same Canadian team previously competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where they initially finished third with a time of 37.70 seconds. They were later upgraded to a silver medal after one of Great Britain’s relay members tested positive for performance-enhancing substances. The quartet also teamed up at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where they won gold with a world-leading time of 37.48 seconds.

The runners have strong Caribbean roots. Aaron Brown, 32, has Jamaican heritage through his father, Ian. Brown is the second of three children and married his college sweetheart, Preeya, in February 2020. Their son, Kingsley, was born in January 2021.

Jerome Blake, 28, was born in Buff Bay, Jamaica. Initially a 400m hurdler, he transitioned to sprinting after moving to Canada with his family in 2013. Blake became a Canadian citizen in 2018.

Brendon Rodney, 32, was born in Etobicoke, Canada, to Jamaican parents, Basil Rodney and Nerissa Maxwell. Rodney is committed to giving back to Jamaican athletes through his Life Beyond Sports Foundation, which provides scholarships to students at the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Jamaica.

Andre De Grasse, 29, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, to a Trinidadian mother, Beverley De Grasse, and a Barbadian father, Alexander Waithe. De Grasse and his wife, American hurdler Nia Ali, have two children, Yuri, born in June 2018, and another child born in May 2021.

Other athletes with Caribbean roots also found success at the 2024 Olympics, including the US’ Gabby Thomas and Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith.

Caribbean Athletes Shine at 2024 Olympics, Securing Over 20 Medals

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 10, 2024: The Caribbean has concluded the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with an impressive combined haul of 23 medals, leaving sports fans across the region and its diasporas beaming with pride. Athletes from seven Caribbean nations showcased their exceptional talent, contributing to this remarkable achievement.

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia became the world’s fastest woman at the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Li Gang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Leading the region’s medal tally was Cuba, which earned eight medals, including two gold, one silver, and five bronze. Cuban boxer Erislandy Alvarez Borges clinched gold in the Men’s 63.5kg boxing match, while Mijain Lopez Nunez secured gold in the Men’s Greco-Roman 130kg wrestling. Other notable performances from Cuba include Gabriel Alejandro Rosillo Kindelan’s bronze in the Men’s Greco-Roman 97kg wrestling, Arlen Lopez Cardona’s bronze in the Men’s 80kg boxing, and Yusneylis Guzman Lopez’s silver in the Women’s Freestyle 50kg swimming. Additional bronze medals were won by Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys in the Women’s Canoe Single 200-m, Rafael Alba in the Men’s Taekwondo +80kg, and Luis Alberto Orta Sanchez in the Men’s Greco-Roman 67kg.

Gold Medalist Erislandy Alvarez Borges of Team Cuba with his gold medal on the podium as the Cuban national anthem plays during the Boxing Men’s 63.5kg medal ceremony after the Boxing Men’s 63.5kg Final match on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Jamaica followed closely with six medals: one gold, three silver, and two bronze. The nation celebrated its first gold medal on August 7, thanks to Roje Stona’s victory in the Men’s Discus Throw. Earlier, silver medals were earned by Kishane Thompson in the Men’s 100m, Wayne Pinnock in the Men’s Long Jump, and Shanieka Ricketts in the Women’s Triple Jump. Jamaica also took home bronze medals from Rajindra Campbell in the Men’s Shot Put and Rasheed Broadbell in the Men’s 110m Hurdles.

Roje Stona of Team Jamaica poses with his Gold medal from the Men’s Discus Throw on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

St. Lucia made history by winning its first-ever Olympic medals, both earned by Julien Alfred. She captured gold in the Women’s 100m, claiming the title of the World’s Fastest Woman on August 3, and followed up with a silver in the Women’s 200m.

Dominica also secured its first Olympic medal, a gold, won by Thea LaFond in the Women’s Triple Jump.

The Dominican Republic celebrated a successful campaign, with Marileidy Paulino taking gold in the Women’s 400m. Yunior Alcantara Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales added to the tally with bronze medals in the Men’s 51kg and Men’s 80kg boxing matches, respectively, bringing the country’s total to three medals.

Grenada’s athletes earned two bronze medals: Lindon Victor in the Men’s Decathlon and Anderson Peters in the Men’s Javelin Throw.

Puerto Rico also contributed to the Caribbean‘s medal count with Jasmine Camacho-Quinn securing bronze in the Women’s 100m Hurdles.

As the Olympics draw to a close on August 11, the Caribbean can take great pride in the achievements of its athletes, who have once again demonstrated their prowess on the world stage. The closing ceremony, featuring performances by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, will begin at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, with an encore telecast available for U.S. viewers during prime time.

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith Celebrates Caribbean Roots

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News Americas, PARIS, France, Thurs. Aug. 8, 2024: Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith may have cursed his bad luck at losing the gold medal to the US’ Quincy Hall, but he did find time to celebrate his silver medal and Caribbean roots.

Hudson-Smith, 29, proudly held up both the British and Jamaican flags during his lap of honor after the 400-meter final. He finished with a silver medal and a European best time of 43.44. “I haven’t seen both my Jamaican grandmothers in a while, so I held the Jamaican flag as an ‘I love you’ to them,” he stated.

Caribbean roots Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain holds both the British and Jamaican flags after his silver medal in the Men’s 400m Final during Day 12 of Athletics – Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 7, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andy Astfalck/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Hudson-Smith’s parents are reportedly from Hanover, Jamaica. They surprised him by showing up at the stadium for his race and were there to wipe away his tears after his four-second loss to Hall.

Once an academy footballer at Wolves who also worked at a supermarket, Hudson-Smith received a late call-up to the 2014 Glasgow Diamond League and seized his opportunity by running under 45 seconds for the first time. He went on to win European silver at the age of 19. Driven to maximize his potential, he undertook a significant change in 2017 by relocating his training to Florida, temporarily living with US sprint star Noah Lyles.

That move came after placing last in the final on his Olympic debut in Rio, a remarkable feat itself after recovering from several stress fractures to make the team. Just a year later, he won his first individual international title at the European Championships, but his promising trajectory was abruptly halted.

A series of physical issues led Hudson-Smith to accrue substantial debt due to medical costs and a loss of sponsors, before injury ended his hopes of competing at the Tokyo Olympics. These events coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hudson-Smith struggled with his mental health through three years of “absolute hell” as he remained isolated from his family in the United States.

It was not until the 2022 World Championships, overcome with emotion after claiming his first individual global medal, that he revealed the true depths of his darkest days. At his lowest, Hudson-Smith attempted suicide.

Speaking after winning his Olympic silver, Hudson-Smith said: “I saw everyone in the crowd, they were all proud. They know what I have been through. They know that it has been a rough journey. Incredible highs and deep, deep lows.”

Caribbean Athletes Bag 16 Medals At 2024 Paris Olympics to Date

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 8, 2024: Caribbean athletes from six countries have given the region and its Diaspora much to cheer about, securing 16 medals to date at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mijain Lopez Nunez of Cuba celebrates after winning the wrestling men’s Greco-Roman 130-kilogram competition at the Paris Olympics at Mars Arena on August 6, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kadir Caliskan – United World Wrestling/Getty Images)

Cuba and Jamaica lead the medal tally with five medals each. Cuba has earned two gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. Erislandy Alvarez Borges took gold in the Men’s 63.5kg boxing match, while Mijain Lopez Nunez won gold in the Men’s Greco-Roman 130kg wrestling match. Gabriel Alejandro Rosillo Kindelan earned bronze in the Men’s Greco-Roman 97kg wrestling match, and Arlen Lopez Cardona also won bronze in the Men’s 80kg boxing competition. Yusneylis Guzman Lopez is the only woman to medal for Cuba so far, securing a silver in the Women’s Freestyle 50kg swimming competition.

Roje Stona of Jamaica stands with his new record after winning gold at the end of the Men’s Discus Throw final on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 7, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Jamaica secured its first gold medal on August 7, with Roje Stona’s win in the Men’s Discus Throw. This adds to the silver medals won by Kishane Thompson in the Men’s 100m on August 3, Wayne Pinnock in the Men’s Long Jump, and Shanieka Ricketts in the Women’s Triple Jump. Rajindra Campbell rounds out Jamaica’s medal tally with a bronze in the Men’s Shot Put on August 3.

Silver medallist Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock celebrates on the podium during the victory ceremony for the men’s long jump athletics event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 7, 2024. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

St. Lucia celebrated its first-ever Olympic medals, both won by Julien Alfred. She claimed the title of World’s Fastest Woman on August 3 by winning the Women’s 100m and also took silver in the Women’s 200m race.

Dominica secured its first Olympic medal ever, a gold, won by Thea La Fond in the Women’s Triple Jump.

The Dominican Republic’s Yunior Alcantara Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales both bagged bronze in the Men’s 51kg and Men’s 80kg boxing matches, respectively.

Grenada’s Lindon Victor won his country’s only medal so far, a bronze in the Men’s Decathlon.

These achievements highlight the incredible talent and determination of Caribbean athletes, showcasing their dedication and excellence on the world stage. As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games continue, the region remains hopeful for more victories and inspiring performances from its athletes.

Jamaican Nurse Practitioner Champions Preventive Healthcare

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 8, 2024: “Preventive healthcare is my passion,” says Jamaican-born Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Karlene Lawrence, who has over two decades of experience in Preventive Medicine across various health centers in New York City and Long Island.

Dr. Karlene Lawrence is a nurse practitioner based in NYC but born in Jamaica. (Photo courtesy of Ian Buddington)

Born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Dr. Lawrence attended Holy Childhood Preparatory and High Schools in Kingston, Jamaica, before immigrating to the USA at 17. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Molloy College in Rockville Centre with the goal of becoming a Nurse-Midwife. After obtaining a Midwifery and Women’s Health Graduate degree from New York University, she began practicing in outpatient settings in Queens and Brooklyn. It was at this juncture that her focus changed. “I realized that the care of my female patients was incomplete because I was unable to care for their male partners. That prompted me to pursue an Adult Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate. Over time, it became apparent that my true passion was educating patients about illness prevention and achieving wellness, rather than ‘problem-focused’ appointments and treating an illness after it was already diagnosed.”

Dr. Lawrence returned to school in 2017 and received a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from SUNY Stony Brook University in 2019. During this time, she married educator, musician, and cultural historian LeRoy Graham Jr., who “stepped up in a major way” to assist with raising their three children while she pursued her academic and professional goals.

Dr Karlene Lawrence and husband LeRoy Graham. (Photo courtesy of Ian Buddington)

Among her many honors are The Louis and Rachel Rudin Foundation Scholarship, the New York State Advanced Nursing Education Traineeship Scholarship, and the New York State Primary Care Service Corps Scholarship. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Currently, Dr. Lawrence serves as the Doctor of Nursing Practice / Nurse Practitioner on a multimillion-dollar Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program aims to transform the healthcare workforce and community in Brooklyn by establishing a new wellness clinic for adults aged 65 years and older. The clinic will also serve as a training facility for students from all schools and colleges at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

“Many chronic health conditions are preventable with proper nutrition, adherence to periodic screenings, and taking medication as advised, leading to longer, healthier lives free of common illnesses,” states Dr. Lawrence.

She emphasized that regular screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon can lead to early diagnosis, less complicated treatments, lower healthcare costs, and more successful outcomes. “This is why preventive healthcare and wellness are my passions. Early in my career, I realized that ‘prevention is better than cure’ is very accurate and applicable. Preventive healthcare became the focus of my practice many years ago and remains so until today.”

Dr. Lawrence also addresses challenges in the healthcare system, such as lack of access to affordable healthcare, payment constraints from insurance companies, stigmas towards various health conditions, and biases against older patients and those with mental health issues. “The sad reality is that a majority of the world’s population have challenges understanding healthcare discussions or instructions due to low or no literacy. This hinders the achievement of desired preventive healthcare goals. Unfortunately, the current United States health system can be complicated and difficult to navigate, a longstanding and complex issue that requires an immediate solution to ensure that ‘best treatment’ is always the goal for ALL patients.”

“My goal as a health and wellness educator-presenter is to increase awareness, comprehension, and adherence to recommended preventive health screening guidelines, improve health literacy, and eliminate occurrences of health disparities. I am also passionate about empowering individuals through education to prevent diseases, promote health, and maintain wellness as they age in their own residences,” she explained.

However, Dr. Lawrence acknowledges that she cannot achieve these goals alone. “At the end of the day, we still have to resolve the challenges in our healthcare system, and that will not be done overnight. It is vital that we foster the necessary cooperation between all healthcare stakeholders to arrive at more effective healthcare solutions. The lives of our fellow citizens literally depend on it.”

Like Kamala Harris, Gabby Thomas Too Has Caribbean Roots

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Aug. 7, 2024: American sprinter Gabby Thomas thrilled many and disappointed others when she won gold in the women’s 200-m finals at the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris Tuesday. But did you know that Thomas, like Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential hopeful, has Caribbean roots too?

US sprint start Gabrielle Thomas reacts to winning gold in the women’s 200m Final on Day 11 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France.
Thomas has roots in the Caribbean. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Thomas’ dad, Desmond Thomas, is Jamaican-American while his dad, like Harris’ dad, was born in Jamaica. Desmond Thomas enjoyed a football career at Duke University and had a brief career as a defensive back, appearing in games for the Blue Devils in 1995. He now lives in Chicago.

Gabby Thomas was born on Dec. 7, 1996, in Atlanta. Her mother, Jennifer Randall, is an African-American who earned a PhD from Emory University in 2007 and worked as a professor at UMass Amherst. In 2007, Randall moved the family to Massachusetts to teach at the University of Massachusetts. She now works as the Dunn Family Endowed Professor of Psychometrics and Test Development at the University of Michigan’s School of Education.

Gabby Thomas has given props to her Jamaican roots. Ahead of the Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League last year she stated: “Everyone knows that I am Jamaican because I do believe that that’s where I get my fast roots from. I’m just not going to sugarcoat it that’s what it is,” she had put it straight.

“My grandfather is actually Jamaican,” she added. “He lives there and he is from there and then my dad didn’t grow up in Jamaica, but he is Jamaican and he always liked to bring the culture home with me .. um make sure that I was proud to be Jamaican.”

Initially a softball and soccer player, Gabby Thomas joined the track and field team at the Williston Northampton School. Inspired by Allyson Felix, she set multiple school records and was named the most valuable player each year. A Harvard University graduate, Thomas studied neurobiology and global health, later earning a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2023.

During her time at Harvard, Thomas won 22 conference titles and set records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and indoor 60 meters. She turned professional in October 2018, signing with New Balance.

Thomas faced a health scare in 2021 with a benign tumor on her liver but went on to represent the U.S. in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics. Her 21.61-second finish at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials was the second-fastest ever at the time.

Gold for Gabrielle Thomas of the USA with Caribbean roots, silver for Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, bronze for Brittany Brown of USA during the Athletics Women’s 200m Final on Day 11 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

In March 2022, she started her outdoor season with the fastest-ever season opener by any female sprinter in the 200m at the Texas Relays in Austin. Despite a hamstring injury in June 2022, she returned strong, setting a personal record of 49.68 seconds in the 400-m in April 2023. She became the U.S. national champion in the women’s 200m in July 2023 and won silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, contributing to Team USA’s gold in the women’s 4×100-m relay.

Gabby Thomas qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials 200m race and went on to win gold in the 200m at the final pre-Olympic Diamond League meeting. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, she clinched gold in the 200-m women’s race with a time of 21.83 seconds, finishing ahead of Caribbean sprint star and world’s fastest woman, St. Lucian Julien Alred.

US Secretary Extends Best Wishes To Jamaica On 62nd Independence Anniversary

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 6, 2024: U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, has extended his best wishes to Jamaica on the occasion of its 62nd year of independence.

Mayor Eric Adams, r., and Consul General Alsion Wilson lead a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Jamaica’s independence at Bowling Green, NYC. (Arthur Piccolo image)

In his message, Blinken highlighted the close and prosperous relationship between the United States and Jamaica. He emphasized the strong partnership between the two nations in addressing critical security and economic challenges, especially in light of an early and severe hurricane season.

Blinken praised Jamaica’s rich culture and its significant contributions globally across various sectors. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to improving citizen security through initiatives like the U.S.-Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and Plan Secure Jamaica. He also commended Jamaica’s leadership in regional security matters, particularly in addressing the crisis in Haiti.

Through the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030), Blinken noted the collaborative efforts to tackle climate change while aiming to secure a brighter economic future for the citizens of both countries. He acknowledged the vital role of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States in strengthening these ties.

As Jamaica celebrates its independence, Blinken expressed his hope for a year filled with happiness and success for the Jamaican people.

The US’ Vice President and Democratic Presidential hopeful, Kamala Harris, was born in the US to a Jamaican father. She made no mention of the anniversary on X.

Jamaica secured its independence from Britain on August 6, 1962.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Celebrates Another Spectacular Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: Revellers transformed Lake Shore Boulevard into a dazzling spectacle of feathers, embellished costumes, and dancing on Saturday, August 3rd, as the city celebrated the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade. The parade capped off a month of festivities celebrating Caribbean culture.

North America’s second Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Mayor Olivia Chow helped kick off the parade, dancing with revellers Saturday morning in a vibrant purple and pink feathered costume. “Every part of my body is moving,” said Chow from the parade sidelines.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival took over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto’s 57th annual Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade drew crowds to Lake Shore Boulevard, including Mayor Olivia Chow. The parade marks the climax of a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture and emancipation, the end of slavery.

A fan celebrates at the 57th Toronto Caribbean Carnival on august 3, 2024. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto boasts the largest carnival in North America, with organizers expecting nearly a million attendees this year. Carnival is a significant cultural event celebrated across several countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Amber Wilson, a seasoned participant, described playing mas in the parade as “pure happiness.” She explained that participants choose a musical band to join, which then designs their elaborate costumes. “Putting them on is a very skilled and time-consuming process,” Wilson told the Toronto Star. This year, she paraded with Saldenah Carnival, one of Toronto’s longest-standing and most successful bands.

Faith Roberson (left) and Imani divinity (right) show off their regalia. North America’s Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Karissa Singh, another Saldenah participant, told the Toronto Star she started getting ready at 5:30 a.m. “But it feels like it’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” she said.

A reveller at North America’s second largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Faith Hilliman-Foster emphasized the cultural significance of playing mas. “It’s a chance to take part in my culture and express it through my city,” she told the Toronto Star. Kadiaja McCalla, parading alongside Hilliman-Foster, highlighted the inclusive nature of the carnival. “Regardless of body type, everyone is encouraged to participate,” she said. “In our culture, we celebrate you anywhere.”

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also attended the Grand Parade. Though not in costume, Singh, who has been attending the festival since he was 19, praised the event. “This is one of the premier events for the City of Toronto,” he told the Toronto Star. “The vibes, the energy, the people.”

The carnival’s history dates back to 1967, when founding member Maurice Bygrave and his group organized what they thought would be a one-off event. Its success led then-Mayor William Dennison to request it become an annual festival.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival continues to be a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit, bringing the Caribbean experience to the heart of Toronto.

Jamaican Flag Raised In NYC Ahead Of 62nd Independence Anniversary

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: The Jamaican flag was proudly raised at Bowling Green in New York today, ahead of Jamaica’s 62nd Independence Anniversary tomorrow, August 6th. New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered remarks at the ceremony, alongside Alsion Wilson, Consul General of Jamaica in New York, who expressed heartfelt sentiments about the significance of the day and the resilience of the Jamaican people.

Mayor Eric Adams, r., and Consul General Alsion Wilson lead a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Jamaica’s independence at Bowling Green, NYC. (Arthur Piccolo/Bowling Green Association image)

CG Wilson emphasized the symbolic importance of raising the black, green, and gold flag, celebrating the indomitable spirit of Jamaica that has resonated since gaining independence on August 6, 1962. This year’s theme, “One Love to the World,” highlights Jamaica’s global influence through its music, culture, and unwavering unity.

Consul General Alsion Wilson and Caribbean roots NYPD officers at the Bowling Green, NYC flag raising on August. 5, 2024. (Arthur Piccolo/Bowling Green Association image)

Addressing the diaspora, Wilson urged never to forget their roots, especially in times of need, as demonstrated by the collective support following recent hurricanes. She invoked Marcus Garvey’s words on the importance of historical and cultural knowledge, emphasizing Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” as a testament to unity and love.

Mayor Adams followed, reflecting on the profound impact of Jamaica and its people both on the island and in New York City. He highlighted the legacy of figures like Bob Marley and the importance of cultural and national pride. Adams celebrated the contributions of immigrant communities to the American Dream and acknowledged the resilience and determination of the Jamaican diaspora.

Adams also addressed the historical challenges faced by Caribbean immigrants in America, commending their perseverance and success. He emphasized the importance of public safety and the dedication of law enforcement and public service members, many of whom come from Caribbean backgrounds.

As the ceremony concluded, the flag of Jamaican independence was raised, symbolizing the enduring spirit and unity of Jamaica.

Simone Biles’ Mom’s Belize Connection

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: Simone Biles’ adopted mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, was in the stands at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside her father Ronald Biles and Simone’s husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, as the gymnast, 27, walked away with four medals.

Family members of Simone Biles of Team United States, (L-R) her husband Jonathan Owens and parents Nellie and Ronald Biles look on prior to the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Nellie Biles was born Nellie Cayetano in Belize City, Belize. She is the daughter of former Belize Senator and well-known businessman Silas Cayetano and Evarista Cayetano, a teacher and grocery store owner. At 18, in 1973, Nellie left Belize to attend nursing school at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Until then, she had never seen a television in person, used a phone, or flown on a plane.

In 1976, she met Ron, who was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base outside San Antonio. They married in January 1977. At the time, Ronald was serving in the Air Force, and Nellie was in nursing school. She became a nurse and co-owned multiple nursing homes in Texas, while Ron became an air traffic controller.

Nellie Biles is technically Simone Biles’ biological grandmother, but she and her husband adopted Simone at age six after she and her siblings were placed in foster care by Ronald Biles’ daughter, Shannon, who is Simone’s biological mother. Shannon had four children, including Simone, but struggled with addiction. The siblings were placed in foster care when Simone was about three years old. She and her sister Adria were eventually adopted by their grandparents, while her two other siblings, Tevin and Ashley, were adopted by their great aunt and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.

In “Simone vs. Herself,” Nellie shared how she prayed for bonding after bringing the girls into her home. “You wake up one day, and you realize that you would do anything for these children and that you would die for these children,” said Nellie. “And when that feeling comes, that’s when you know you are truly a mother.”

Ron and Nellie raised Simone and Adria as their own and enrolled Simone in gymnastics at age six upon her request. A daycare trip to a gymnasium revealed Simone’s talent, and coaches encouraged her parents to get her lessons. Nellie noted in a 2016 interview that Simone “never missed a practice,” even when sick.

The parents haven’t missed any of Simone’s competitions, except for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19 restrictions, and continued to support her after she withdrew from the games to focus on her mental health.

Simone holds Belizean citizenship through her adoptive mother and considers Belize her second home.

ABOUT BELIZE

Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America, boasts stunning Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungles to the west. Offshore lies the expansive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, teeming with rich marine life. Belize’s jungles are home to remarkable Mayan ruins, such as Caracol with its towering pyramid, the lagoon-side Lamanai, and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City. Belize is part of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.

Approximately 16% of Belizeans live abroad, while immigrants make up about 15% of Belize’s population. Many Belizeans seek job and educational opportunities in the United States rather than in former colonizer Great Britain due to the U.S.’s closer proximity and stronger trade ties with Belize. Belizeans also emigrate to Canada, Mexico, and English-speaking Caribbean countries.

Canada is urging nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Belize. The government specifically advises avoiding non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.