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NEW EXECUTIVE TEAM OF UWI OPEN CAMPUS ANGUILLA GUILD OF STUDENTS TAKES THE MANTLE

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The Anguillian Newspaper

Outgoing and incoming UWIOC Anguiilla Guild Executive (L-R: Sherine Brookes, Marva Smith, Shermel Hodge, Jahnesha Jones, Melissa Harrigan, Raheem Williiams & Sari-Lee Benjamin)

2022/2023 UWIOC Anguilla Guild of Students Executive Members: L-R : Lynnicia Frederick, Stephanie Ryan, Marva Smith, Raheem Williams, Khadijah Muhammad, Jahnesha Jones, Sari-Lee Benjamin, Sherine Brooks & Tasia James

The University of West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, Guild of Students Anguilla Chapter, hosted its annual UWI Guild Handover Retreat at the Zemi Rhum Room on Friday, 3rd June 2022, courtesy of Zemi Beach House. During the retreat, members of the outgoing Executive, including Chapter Chair, Ms. Melissa Harrigan, PRO, Ms. Shermel Hodge and Secretary, Ms. Jahnesha Jones (who is also the Incoming Chapter Chair) facilitated presentations on The Guild Constitution, Roles and Responsibilities, Expectations, Goals and Mission as well as UWI History and Developments to assist the incoming team.

The UWI Open Campus Guild of Students includes all registered students and under the auspices of the Regional Council, the Executive of the local Chapter is charged with representing the interests, rights and concerns of the students, while promoting the University as a viable option for tertiary studies for prospective students. The Guild also provides assistance to new and returning students, offering support and advice on how to successfully navigate their tertiary level educational experience at the Open Campus.

Outgoing Chapter Chair, Melissa Harrigan, presenting and handing over to incoming members

The new Executive includes Ms. Jahnesha Jones (Chapter Chair), Ms. Stephanie Ryan (Vice Chair), Ms. Marva Smith (Secretary), Ms. Khadijah Muhammad (Treasurer), Ms. Sherine Brooks (Committee Liaison Officer), Ms. Lynnicia Frederick (Communication & Public Relations Officer), Mr. Raheem Williams (Academic Student Representative), Ms. Sari-Lee Benjamin (Postgraduate Representative) and Ms. Tasia James (St.Maarten/St.Martin Representative). These Guild officers officially took office on June 1st, 2022, as the new Executive to lead and manage the Anguilla Chapter for the 2022/2023 academic year.

During the retreat, which was also attended by Manager for The UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, and Senior Administrative Assistant, Ms. René Henry, the newly elected Executives enthusiastically pledged their commitment to their new roles and taking up the mantle in advocating for the continued wellbeing of The UWIOC Student body.Outgoing Chapter Chair, Ms. Melissa Harrigan, expressed her pride and excitement for the new team. She indicated that she intends to offer her support to the team and “looks forward to witnessing the continuity of greatness that will outflow from this body.” Incoming Chapter Chair, Ms. Jahnesha Jones, stated that she intends “to positively contribute to our students experience for 2022/2023. This is going to be an amazing journey, and I am very much looking forward to opening gateways professionally and personally for our Guild of Students.” In her remarks, Dr. Fleming-Banks thanked the outgoing Executive for their hard work and congratulated the new Team. “We are excited about the continued growth of the Guild,” she said. “Over the years we have witnessed the evolution with each Executive team taking it to a new level, and we look forward with excitement to working with this 2022/2023 Executive in support of our Students.”

The UWI Open Campus Anguilla Guild of Students expresses it appreciation to Zemi Beach House for its kind courtesies in hosting their annual retreat, and to the management and staff of The UWI Open Campus Anguilla – and all other stakeholders, for their continued support.

– Press Release

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OKPS’S CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATES

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The Anguillian Newspaper

OKPS Class of 2022

The Orealia Kelly Primary School, “Home of the Pink Panthers”, held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022 on Tuesday, 21st June. Forty-nine six-graders, comprising 24 boys and 25 girls, walked down the aisles of the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church and took their seats as honourees. The graduation’s theme was “Facing the Future with Many Colours”.

One of the guaduands, Nicalleah Millington, led the Class in the singing of the National Song, and Mr. John Millington offered the prayer of thanksgiving and invocation.

The Principal, Ms. Marcia Brooks, then delivered her address in which she stressed that the ceremony marked the culmination of hard work, actualisation of goals and successes achieved. In part, she expressed: “Many of us in the faculty are experiencing mixed feelings as we send forty-nine of our students to learn in a new environment. We are saddened to see them go, but happy to know they have completed this phase of their education.”

Turning to the graduands, she stated: “I urge you to reflect on your theme: “‘Facing the Future with Many Colors’”. She noted that the theme was a collective effort, crafted by the graduands themselves.

L’Qree Hodge

Nicalleah
Millington

Zada Reid

Ruel
Florent

The moderator, Teacher Shanelle Hodge-Charles, commended the graduands for being diligent enough to succeed through the challenges of a Covid era, and the limitations that came with online learning. She congratulated them for a job well done.

Another graduand, Ruel Florent, performed an admirable rendition of Travis Greene’s “He Made a Way”. This was followed by the keynote speaker’s address delivered by Ms. Melissa Harrigan. Throughout her commendations, she set out to boost the graduand’s confidence: “You should be eager to face the future,” she told them. She sought to promote their courage by advising them to hold on to five qualities that will help them face their future with flying colors in a world that is so terrifying.

Mr. John
Millington

Principal,
Ms. Marcia Brooks

Keynote Speaker,
Ms Melissa Harrigan

Teacher Shanelle Hodge-Charles

First, she admonished them to be brave: “You must have that courage to take risks, to explore and embrace opportunities,” she said. Next she encouraged them to be enthusiastic: “Get excited and have fun along the way as you embrace those opportunities that come your way.” Thirdly, she challenged them to be strong: “As you journey through your future you will meet some days of failure and hardship, but don’t be discouraged by your setbacks.”

“Fourthly, be flexible,” she implored them. “At times things won’t go according to your plan. You might be required to put away your original project and try something new. The fifth and most important line of advice is to be yourself. We live in a world where people are pretentious. Some people use social media as a life guide, and they hide behind their posts that are far from reality – but you, just be yourself…there is only one ‘you’ in this world.”

Along with their certificates, outstanding graduands received several awards. These included Academic Awards, the Delta Petroleum Award, the Pink Panther Award, the ICT Award, the Sports Committee Award –and a new award, namely, the Cricket Award, provided by local cricket personality, Jahmar Hamiliton.

Zada Reid was the school’s 2022 Valedictorian. In her speech she noted that graduation day was the beginning of a new chapter in school life. She said: “We are filled with mixed emotions today as we leave our primary school, but now is a time to begin to work towards finishing something that we can be proud of.

“Graduation is a time of reflection. It’s a time to reminisce about how far we have come. Thanks to our hardworking and committed teachers who went beyond their call of duty to ensure that we enter our future with flying colours – a 93% overall pass in our CPEA exams.”

Recognising God’s help during the pandemic, and the contributions made by all their supporters, she stated: “I would like to thank all the parents, teachers and family members who provided us with guidance and support during the Covid pandemic. For some of us, the challenges were far greater but, by the grace of God, we overcame them.”

She boasted about her Mom as her number one fan, who taught her all the basics as she made her way to preschool. “She ensured that I was respectful and had all that I needed. She always helped, loved, encouraged and supported me 100%. Indeed she is my number one fan.”

Gratitude was in order for a retired teacher of the school, Teacher Patricia Adams, who wrote the theme song, “Flying Colours”, which was sung following the Valedictorian’s address. An author of many culture-based books, Teacher Patsy had written many theme songs that accompanied graduations of the past. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet as a token of the school’s appreciation.

Finally, the Vote of Thanks was given by Salutatorian, L’Qree Hodge, after which Deputy Principal, Teacher Shirlene Hodge, formally presented the graduating Class of 2022 to the audience.

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Sports Company, Tourism Trinidad Ltd sign MOU

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Sports

Jason Williams, CEO of SporTT (left) and Carla Cupid, CEO (interim) of Tourism Trinidad Limited. PHOTO COURTESY SPORTS COMPANY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. –

THE SPORTS Company of TT Ltd (SporTT) and Tourism Trinidad Ltd (TTL) are formalising plans to develop TT as the leading sport tourism destination in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The two state agency CEOs signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), that highlights key areas for development and activation, at a ceremony at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva.

Both are adamant that this plan that for the most part is already in motion, and will drive growth in both sectors and foster community and entrepreneurial development.

The MOU seeks to normalise seamless collaboration for developmental activities which can be activated via an already approved sports tourism policy. It will also formalise a singular voice for the two agencies in promotion of sports tourism events locally, regionally, and internationally.

Most importantly will be the optimising of analytics to constantly monitor and refine the sports tourism message, thereby ensuring that destination Trinidad is always top of mind when it comes to international sporting activities and capitalising on revenue generating events.

SporTT CEO Jason Williams said, “Already for the year we have had three major international tournaments – ICC Under-19 cricket, Pan Am swimming and Davis Cup tennis. This shows the confidence placed in our ability to plan and host successfully what are effectively logistical behemoths.

“So as we continue to attract more attention, we must ensure that brand Trinidad is given one unified voice.”

The MOU comes as the state agencies continue formal and informal cross-branding and partnerships. This also assists when it comes to efficiently utilising resources for the execution of sports tourism products and activations.

Interim CEO of TTL Carla Cupid pointed out, “There are obvious synergies between tourism and sports. What this MOU does is build an ecosystem that will ensure that we can comfortably welcome athletes, their fans and supporters.

“We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with SporTT in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and attracting visitors to sporting events that are in themselves powerful tourism attractions while drawing global attention to destination Trinidad.”

The signing was witnessed by the chairman and board of TTL.

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Tennis great Serena Williams set to retire

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Sports

Serena Williams, of the United States, returns the ball during a match against Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, of Spain, during the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, on Monday. (AP PHOTO) –

TENNIS legend Serena Williams has hinted that she will retire soon.

Williams, 40, is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time having won 23 Grand Slam titles.

In a media conference following a first round victory at the Canadian Open in Toronto on Monday, Williams said, “I’m getting closer to the light…so lately that has been it for me. I can’t wait to get to that light.”

Asked what the light represents, she said, “Freedom. I love playing though. It is amazing, but I can’t do this forever sometimes you just want to try your best to enjoy the moments and do the best that you can.”

In another statement in Vogue Magazine recently, Williams said, “My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”

Many believe Williams may play in the US Open starting at the end of August, before retiring.

Williams, along with her older sister Venus, have been among the best players in the world over the last 25 years.

The Williams sisters opened the door for other black players, inspiring them to believe that they can reach the pinnacle in the sport.

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Emancipation Support Committee: Review of monuments long overdue

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Statue of Christopher Columbus. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) has congratulated the Prime Minister for establishing a committee to review the placement of statues, monuments and other historical signage.

However, it says the action is long overdue, and is calling for a more inclusive committee.

In a media release on Tuesday, the committee suggested Dr Claudius Fergus and Prof Brinsley Samaroo, whom it described as historians who have been committed to the decolonisation of the country, should be added.

It also said, “Members of the Warao community, as reported in the daily newspapers, have indicated that the representative of the indigenous people who has been named does not represent their views or the views of indigenous peoples across the hemisphere on this matter. We respectfully submit that the mandate of the committee and the issues of inclusivity and representativeness should be considered and addressed.”

In a media release on August 3, Dr Rowley announced that a five-member team chaired by Emerita Professor Bridget Brereton will review and report on the placement of statues, monuments and other historical signage and recognition throughout the country.

The committee also includes Dr Eastlyn Kate McKenzie, Zaida Rajnauth, Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and Kobe Sandy.

The release from the OPM said Cabinet recognised the need for issues associated with the historical placement of statues, monuments and signage to be studied and consideration given to determining what steps and decisions should be taken.

The committee will report to the Cabinet by the end of the year.

The ESCTT said it wants an explicit mandate for the committee, as it is tasked with arriving at an outcome based on social justice, the affirmation of universal human values and re-education of the citizenry.

“This should not be seen as just another technical committee. The ESCTT considers the job of the committee to be profound and consistent with its own advocacy and that of the Caribbean Freedom Project. We therefore view with concern the constitution of such a committee without representation from the ESCTT, which has been re-educating people on our history for decades, or a representative of the Caribbean Freedom Project that has ignited the interest of a new generation.”

The ESCTT said there are tangible reminders of the past glorifying major crimes, along with their perpetrators, in street names and other, symbolic monuments that continuously reinforce colonial values and ideas of white supremacy.

It added that the naming of streets and other forms of recognition to some abusers in the country’s colonial past obliterates the recognition of and concerns for the genocide committed against the indigenous peoples, the dehumanisation of Africans enslaved to replace them and the exploitation that characterised Indian indentureship.

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U.S. donates 52,800 Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

As part of the COVID-19 Global Action Plan to increase COVID-19 vaccinations around the world, end the acute phase of the pandemic and strengthen global health security, the United States handed over 52,800 Pfizer pediatric vaccines to the Ministry of Health on Tuesday.

This brings the total number of vaccines donated to Guyana to 354,660.

The pediatric doses, donated through COVAX are intended for children ages 5–11, and will further strengthen Guyana’s National COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

This shipment would not be possible without the partnership of the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization. In handing over the donation, Chargé d’Affaires, Adrienne Galanek noted that “we remain steadfast in our commitment to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and help save lives.”

The United States has already provided more than 550 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to more than 115 countries, part of a commitment to donate 1.2 billion doses worldwide.

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Two Men Injured In Marchand Shooting – St. Lucia Times News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

– Advertisement –

On Monday, two men sustained injuries after a suspected drive-by shooting in Marchand, Castries.

Police said the incident occurred about 8:30 pm along Marchand Road.

A police release said investigations revealed that one of the men sustained multiple shots to the torso area and was in critical condition.

According to the release, the other man is suspected of also having been shot in the torso area.

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The police release explained that investigations are ongoing, and no suspects are currently in custody.

Headline photo: Stock image

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Ministry Of Equity Expresses Outrage Over Increasing Trend Of Assaults Against Homeless Persons – St. Lucia Times News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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Officials at the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment are expressing outrage over what they say is a sad and criminally distasteful trend affecting the homeless within the Castries city circuit.

Staff of the Social Transformation Unit of the Ministry have been responding to and continue monitoring increasing reports of physical assaults perpetrated against helpless and defenseless homeless individuals at nights.

The Ministry’s investigations, to date, indicate that the unwholesome activity has left many of the homeless victims hospitalized, nursing serious injuries like broken bones.

Investigations also reveal that the criminal activity is being carried out by a group of young males, who target homeless victims within the vicinity of the Castries Market and Constitution Park.

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The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment is sounding the alarm on this matter, asking persons to be increasingly vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

The Ministry, in the strongest possible way condemns this callous and criminal behavior and is calling on those involved to immediately desist from this heartless practice.

The efforts of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force have also been enlisted as a means of helping to bring the criminal activity to a rapid halt.

The Ministry of Equity, via its social safety net programs, provides assistance to individuals, institutions and organizations involved in caring for and feeding the nation’s homeless.

Source: Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment. Headline photo: Stock image.

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Mulokot: Wayanagebied beslaat 15 procent van Suriname

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

Tekst en beeld Euritha Tjan A Way PARAMARIBO — Volgens de Wayana-inheemsen beslaat hun woon- en leefgebied, dat door henzelf

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Tempête politique aux Etats-Unis après la…

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Une première étape vers un procès pour les uns, “une persécution politique” pour les autres: la perquisition spectaculaire du domicile de Donald Trump par le FBI jetait mardi une nouvelle lumière sur les profondes fractures de l’Amérique, à l’heure où l’ancien président flirte ostensiblement avec une nouvelle candidature.

Jamais un ancien locataire de la Maison Blanche n’avait été inquiété par la justice de cette façon.

La perquisition de la police fédérale a-t-elle à voir avec les nombreux cartons que Donald Trump a emportés avec lui en quittant la Maison Blanche en janvier 2021? Est-elle liée à l’enquête sur sa responsabilité dans l’assaut du Capitole? Concerne-t-elle plutôt les soupçons de fraude financière dont la Trump Organization fait l’objet à New York?

Contacté par l’AFP, le FBI n’a pas souhaité faire de commentaire.

Donald Trump, qui clame son innocence dans chacune de ces affaires et prétend faire l’objet d’une chasse aux sorcières, a vivement dénoncé la perquisition de la police fédérale, à laquelle il n’a pas assisté, dans un communiqué.

“Notre nation vit des jours sombres”, a-t-il fustigé, assurant que “cette perquisition non annoncée de mon domicile n’était ni nécessaire ni appropriée”.

“Personne n’est au-dessus des lois (…) pas même un ancien président”, a rétorqué mardi sur NBC la présidente démocrate de la Chambre des représentants, Nancy Pelosi — qui, comme la plupart des autres ténors de son camp, appelle depuis des années à ce que l’ex-magnat de l’immobilier rende des comptes.

Cette escalade judiciaire semble avoir dans le même temps cimenté l’emprise de Donald Trump sur le parti républicain, qui a fait bloc autour de l’ancien homme d’affaires — au point de l’ériger en martyr.

– “Guerre civile” –

Dès l’annonce de la perquisition, un groupe de partisans de Donald Trump s’est rendu devant la luxueuse résidence de l’ancien homme d’affaires pour crier leur colère.

Plusieurs d’entre eux agitaient des drapeaux “Biden n’est pas mon président”, énième rappel que plus d’un an et demi après la défaite de Donald Trump à l’élection, des dizaines de millions d’Américains restent fermement convaincus que la présidentielle de 2020 lui a été “volée”.

Sur les réseaux sociaux, certains trumpistes appelaient purement et simplement mardi au “divorce”, dans ce pays aux divisions si béantes qu’elles peuvent sembler irréconciliables.

“Voilà le genre de choses qui se produisent dans des pays en guerre civile”, a tancé Marjorie Taylor Greene, élue de Géorgie connue pour ses outrances, appelant même à un démantèlement du FBI. “La persécution politique DOIT CESSER!!!”

– Tremplin pour 2024? –

Dénonçant une “intolérable instrumentalisation à but politique” du ministère de la Justice, le chef des conservateurs à la Chambre des représentants, Kevin McCarthy, a promis une enquête sur son fonctionnement quand les républicains reviendraient au pouvoir.

Son camp pourrait reprendre le contrôle du Congrès lors des élections législatives de novembre, qui s’annoncent périlleuses pour le camp de Joe Biden.

Sur la chaîne préférée des conservateurs, Fox News, les bandeaux étaient eux aussi très critiques concernant la perquisition: “Les tactiques de plus en plus radicales du ministère de la Justice sont un danger pour la république”, “Le FBI de Biden saccage le domicile d’un de ses adversaires potentiels pour l’élection de 2024”, était-il écrit.

Donald Trump, qui dispose déjà d’un trésor de guerre de plus de 100 millions de dollars (un montant sans précédent pour un ancien président) et pourrait à tout moment se déclarer candidat à un nouveau mandat, a sauté sur l’occasion pour lancer un appel à la générosité de ses partisans.

“Ce n’est pas juste ma maison qui a été attaquée – c’est le domicile de chacun des Américains patriotes pour lequel je me suis battu”, a-t-il plaidé dans un e-mail à ses militants, leur suggérant un don de 5 à 5.000 dollars pour combattre une “chasse aux sorcières”.

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