Jamaican Actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley Gears Up for Global Performances and HBO Role

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 16, 2024: “I believe that one of Jamaica’s greatest untapped creative resources is the incredible acting talent that resides in our beautiful little island. I think the time has come to unleash that resource. And I’m ready for the moment—and ready for the world.”

Jamaican born actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley. (Photo courtesy of Travis Muschett)

These are the words of award-winning, Jamaican born actor, comedian, and former child star, Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Daley, known for his iconic role as ‘Johnny,’ on the beloved Jamaican television series Lime Tree Lane, is gearing up for several international performances and a featured role in a highly anticipated television series co-produced by HBO and the UK’s Channel 4.

Daley will headline The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 25th, as part of Boston’s Carnival Weekend celebrations at Kay’s Oasis is located at 1125 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston Massachusetts, 02124.

Daley with fellow actors Oliver Samuels, Hugh Smith and comedian Drew Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Live Productions.)

Reflecting on Jamaica’s global influence in areas like music, athletics, fashion, and beauty, Daley emphasized that the country’s actors are yet to receive their full recognition on the world stage. “We’ve given the world the Marleys, Shaggys, and Sean Pauls, as well as Usain Bolts, Asafa Powells, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces. We’ve had four Miss Worlds. But in the realm of film, theater, and television performance, we have yet to fully set the world ablaze,” Daley explained. “Icons such as Sheryl Lee Ralph and the late Madge Sinclair have left an indelible mark on the industry. Now, with the increasing interest in Jamaican stories told by Jamaican actors, I’m excited to be part of that renaissance and see what the future holds.”

Daley’s excitement extends to his upcoming role in Get Millie Black, a crime drama surrounding Jamaican-born detective Millie Black, who returns to Kingston after working for Scotland Yard. Daley plays Detective Lance Stennet, whose tense relationship with Millie Black intensifies the drama. Daley described the character as “ambitious, tenacious, and serious about policing,” adding that the role allows him to explore the complex dynamics between the two detectives.

In addition to his work on Get Millie Black, Daley has a busy schedule of live performances. After his appearance in Boston, he will perform at the Premier Restaurant and Lounge in Lithonia, Georgia, on October 13 for the Laugh A Ton event. He will also take the stage at the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida on November 10. Back home in Jamaica, he will appear at the Grace Food Festival in Hope Gardens on August 24 and continues to host the popular Johnny Live Comedy Bar at his venue, Johnny’s Place, every Tuesday night.

Reflecting on his journey, Daley shared how his early mischief as a primary school student led him to join the school’s drama club, eventually landing him the lead role in his first play and a summer scholarship to The Jamaica School of Drama. It was there that he met television writer Melita Samuels, who cast him in Lime Tree Lane. The show’s popularity made Daley a household name across Jamaica, and he embraced the nickname ‘Johnny’ from his character on the show.

Decades later, Daley has successfully transitioned from child star to acclaimed actor, with nearly forty major stage productions under his belt and screen appearances in films like One Love and Kingston Paradise. He has worked alongside some of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most celebrated icons, earning accolades such as the International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best Actor.

Though he juggles a demanding career, Daley remains committed to carving out time for his family, including his three children. Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the growing interest in Jamaican-themed projects in Jamaica and abroad.

“There is a movement happening right now, and you can feel it,” Daley said. “At long last, Jamaican actors are going to start getting our due. And for me, while Jamaica will always be home, I’m willing to go wherever the work is. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I’m going to make the most of it.”

For more information on The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event, call 508-882-2566.

Former Haitian President Michel Martelly Designated By U.S. For Role in Global Drug Trade

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 20, 2024: The United States today officially designated former Haitian President Michel “Sweet Mickey” Martelly for his involvement in the global illicit drug trade. Martelly, 63, a musician-turned-president, is accused by U.S. authorities of “abusing his influence to facilitate drug trafficking” and supporting multiple gangs based in Haiti.

LES CAYES, HAITI – AUGUST 20: Former president of Haiti Michel Joseph Martelly gestures as he arrives at Antoine Simon airport after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on August 20, 2021 in Les Cayes, Haiti. Rescue efforts continue among destroyed homes since the quake struck on August 14 and so far there are at least 2,200 dead and 12,268 wounded. The epicenter was located about 100 miles west of the capital city Port-au-Prince. Days after the quake Haitians were hit by tropical storm grace. (Photo by Richard Pierrin/Getty Images)

“Narcotics trafficking and gang-related violence have contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, creating an untenable situation for the Haitian people,” stated a U.S. State Department release. “It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future. Today’s action underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to holding accountable those whose activities fuel gang violence and destabilize Haiti, regardless of their position.”

Martelly served as President of Haiti from May 2011 until February 2016. He stepped down on February 10, 2016, leaving the country without a president for a week. On February 17, 2016, Jocelerme Privert succeeded him as interim president. Amid allegations of electoral fraud in the 2015 elections, Privert initiated a month-long verification commission, which, after auditing approximately 13,000 ballots, concluded that the election results were tainted by dishonesty and recommended a new election.

In 2015, Pras Michel of the Fugees completed a documentary titled Sweet Micky for President, directed by Ben Patterson. The film follows Martelly’s rise and his election campaign to fight corruption in Haiti. The documentary premiered at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival and later aired on Showtime. After his presidency, Martelly returned to his musical career, releasing a carnival méringue titled “Bal Bannann nan” (Give Her the Banana), mocking renowned Haitian journalist Liliane Pierre Paul.

On November 17, 2022, the Canadian government imposed joint sanctions on Martelly and former Haitian Prime Ministers Laurent Lamothe and Jean Henry Ceant. These sanctions were based on accusations of “gross and systematic human rights violations in Haiti,” particularly Martelly’s alleged support for violent armed gangs that terrorize the population. At the time, a press release from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office stated that Martelly was “suspected of protecting and enabling the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs.”

Famous Guyanese Singer – Dave Martins – Is Dead

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024: Guyanese-born singer, Dave Martins, band leader of the Tradewinds and the patriotic ode, ‘Not A Blade of Grass,’ passed away in Guyana on Sunday, August 18th, reports from Guyana indicate. He was 90.

Guyanese musician, Dave Martins, of Dave Martin and the Tradewinds fame, is dead at 90. (Facebook image/Dave Martins)

Martins wife, Annette Arjoon-Martins, wrote on Facebook: “Eternally grateful to have shared fifteen years of unconditional love, support and especially shared passions for everything Guyanese with my soulmate.” The cause of death was not immediately known.

President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton both paid tribute to Dave, a former resident of Canada and the Cayman Islands.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Caribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region. As the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke to our hearts and minds. His music not only invited us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage,” said Ali, “‘Not a Blade of Grass,’ his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. In our moments of challenges, it was Dave’s music that lifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inch of our territory. Dave Martins was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders, touching the lives of countless individuals across the region. His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora. Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbean identity. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive following of fans.”

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told Demerara Waves Online News: “It’s a great loss to Guyana. He is one of our cultural icons and one of the men who took a lot of Guyanese culture and put it into music and wherever you went in the world, you could have related to it and be proud of it. It is my only hope that we can have more of him. The death of Dave Martins is a great loss to Guyana.”

Martins was born and raised in the village of Hague in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Joseph and Zepherina Martins. However, at the tender age of 10, his parents relocated to Vreed-en-Hoop where he completed his primary education and went on to attend St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. And this is where the young Martins developed an interest in literature, music, and a love for different languages.

He fondly recalled in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last year, that his mother was the one who enjoyed playing and singing songs while his father farmed extensively in the Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dave enjoyed travelling back and forth with his dad from Pomeroon to Vreed-en-Hoop, which allowed him to interact with a number of people he encountered along the way. The conversations would entail their “real life” stories, which he found fascinating, and because of those conversations, Dave believes the composer/musical side of him was triggered.

Dave also credited the Trinidadian Calypso, which in those days had “drama, suspense, comedy, bravery, and power in the music. I became familiar with the old Trinidad Calypso music from recordings, and I knew I wanted to do that type of music but with my twist.”

He and his family moved to Toronto, Canada, and, there, he was exposed to the “business side” of his musical life. According to him, one day he came across an advertisement in the newspaper for a new Caribbean band. He applied, got through, and played with four other musicians. The band (the Debonairs) was hired to play for six evenings a week, and they performed exceptionally well.

The band moved away from the traditional Latin music to playing a calypso-heavy blend. For several years, the band performed in this style, but Martins’ life was adversely affected by the demanding schedule, and in 1963, he quit his weekly job and only performed at the weekends, but the music kept calling him, and in 1966, he founded an entirely new Caribbean band and named it “The Trade Winds.”

“We were a natural group who loved the music, the stories, and the people, and we just grew,” he told The Chronicle. “When we started to record, Canada didn’t have any radio stations that played Caribbean music as they do now, and so we were the pioneers at that time. The market was there at the time, and if you had started a band with good music, you would have gotten work, which we did. I don’t know why I felt like I needed to write the type of music that I did, but I knew I must be true to myself and my roots, which are in Guyana.”

The band’s other songs include “Honeymooning Couple,” “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilisation,” “It’s Traditional,” “Copycats,” “Sweet Talk,” “Wong Ping,” “I Want to Be A Puppy,’ “You Can’t Get,” “Boyhood Day,” “Where Are Your Heroes,” “Play De Ting,” “Mr. Rooster,” and “West Indian Alphabet.”

“The song about the honeymooning couple, I wrote that from a joke that I heard, and it blew up, and of course the famous ‘Not a blade of grass’ came from the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. I also wanted people to relate to what I was singing and get a message from the songs, so I wrote and sang about what was happening at the moment.”

Martins turned 90 in April this year. In 2022, the University of Guyana conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

1st Annual Newark Caribbean Festival

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Saturday, August 17 2024
Rain Date: Sunday, August 18 2024
2:00pm – 8:00pm

FREE!

Live Feature Performance By:
Alison Hinds

Live Performances By:
Redddaz | Bela Star | Challenger | JanetZa Miranda | D Fogo | Central Park Rara | The Young Picassos

Music By:
Amazing Grace | MCut | Soundtech | DJ Twinz | Hard Hittin Harry

Hosted By:
Antone Chambers | Ian “The Goose” Elgion

Harriet Tubman Square
(Formerly known as Washington Park)
501-551 Broad St
Newark, NJ 07102

About the Event:
Join us for our First Annual Newark Caribbean Festival located in the heart of Newark, NJ. Enjoy lively music entertainment and try out various delicious Caribbean cuisine. It’s FREE, so come on down, bring the whole family, and get ready to Feel De Vibe!

Proudly presented by TEMPO Networks, City of Newark and Newark City Park Foundation.

Madonna And 28-Year-Old Jamaican Spotted in Italy

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 14, 2024: Jamaican-born soccer player Akeem Morris is making headlines globally due to his relationship with music icon Madonna, who is 37 years his senior.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy with her Jamaican beau. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple was recently seen enjoying the scenic streets of Portofino, Italy, just ahead of Madonna’s 65th birthday on August 16th. The pop legend appeared relaxed and content, holding onto Morris’s arm as they explored the charming locale. Their romantic getaway included a leisurely al fresco lunch with friends, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere of their Italian retreat. As always, Madonna turned heads with her bold fashion choices, wearing a stunning black gown paired with a dramatic lace overlay that flowed down to her ankles, complete with a cape.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Morris reportedly met the “Like a Prayer” singer during her August 2022 cover shoot for Paper magazine, and their relationship has blossomed quickly since. Morris has been featured in several of Madonna’s Instagram posts, often in intimate and playful settings. In a recent post, Madonna surprised her fans by going topless in a series of sultry photos, including one where she was seated on Morris’s lap, exuding a steamy chemistry. The caption, “Hot Fun in The Summer Time……… [fire emoji],” perfectly encapsulated their sizzling connection.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple is currently enjoying their stay at the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana estate in Portofino, having made a stylish arrival by boat, with Madonna dressed, fittingly, in Dolce & Gabbana.

Morris, originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica, moved to New York to attend Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2018, where he balanced his studies with playing soccer. Post-graduation, he had a brief stint with Oyster Bay United FC, a premier league team in New York, although his official stats show he played just one match with the team.

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.”