THE MOST WIDELY CIRCUL ATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA
CNWEEKLYNE WS.COM
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
SELL US YOUR UNUSED PROPERTY Holness urges Jamaicans overseas to sell unused property to government Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging landowners with unused property in developed areas to approach the Government about selling their land to help expand housing opportunities for vulnerable Jamaicans. Holness made the appeal on Wednesday, October 21, during the handover of two-family housing units constructed under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) in Greendale district, Bull Bay, St. Andrew East Rural in Jamaica. continues on B5 – Unused Property
Haitian-American North Miami Mayor disqualified from reelection bid North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme has been disqualified from the Nov. 3 election after a Miami-Dade County judge ruled that he improperly paid his candidate qualifying fees with cashier’s checks. Circuit Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez issued the ruling Monday evening, siding with mayoral candidate George Morgan, who filed an emergency complaint on Oct. 8 challenging
“The Court does not wish to disenfranchise any voter,” the judge wrote. “The Court therefore considered whether the doctrine of substantial compliance — in other words, ‘no harm, no foul’ — could excuse the defect. It cannot.”
Desulme’s eligibility to seek reelection. Morgan argued that Desulme violated Florida election law by paying his qualifying fees with two cashier’s checks rather than checks drawn directly from his campaign account. Under Florida law, qualifying fees must be paid from a candidate’s campaign account and signed by the campaign treasurer. Desulme submitted two cashier’s checks on Aug. 10, one for $4,494 and another for $898.80. In her ruling, Butchko Sanchez rejected Desulme
continues on B4 – Desulme
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER Jamaican-born professor to receive 2026 Inspiration Award A3
a3
HAITI NEWS UN reports more than 1,000 killed in Haiti as gang violence persists A6
FLORIDA VOTES 2026 b1
ENTERTAINMENT Mighty Sparrow honored at funeral: Trinidad renames Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand B5
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
PAGE A2 Emmy Award-winning actress and DIVA Founda on founder Sheryl Lee Ralph accepts the AFJ Interna onal Humanitarian Award from Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartle at the 2026 Hummingbird Gala.
American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Execu ve Director Caron Chung introduces a video presenta on highligh ng the organiza on's work during the 2026 Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza in New York.
Prime Minister Dr the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (le ) and Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartle (right) present Sandals Resorts Execu ve Chairman Adam Stewart with the AFJ Interna onal Achievement Award at the 2026 Hummingbird Gala.
Icons Sister Nancy and Brigadier Jerry pictured with Consul General Oliver Mair at the 2026 Hummingbird Gala.
2 e g a P Outgoing AFJ President Wendy Hart addresses guests at the 2026 Hummingbird Gala in New York. Hart is stepping down a er 11 years as president.
The City of Lauderdale Lakes joined Commissioner Easton K. Harrison, the Kiwanis Club of Lauderdale Lakes and Chris an Life Center for the unveiling of new Li le Free Libraries throughout the community.
Director of DESTINY feature film Jeremy Whi aker and actor Lyndon Forte pictured with Miramar Commissioner Eddy Edwards at a recent movie screening at the Miramar Cultural Center.
The Miami Carol City Senior High School Class of 1990 came together to successfully collect 147 pounds of li er during their October 17 cleanup.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
A3
NEWSMAKER
Sonji Johnson-Anderson Jamaican-born professor to receive 2026 Inspiration Award Jamaican-born academic Sonji Johnson-Anderson has been named a recipient of the 2026 Inspiration Award from the African American Female Professor Award Association (AAFPAA), in recognition of her contributions to education, scholarship and equity in higher education. Johnson-Anderson, who hails from Port Maria, St. Mary, will receive the award at the association’s 10th annual Crown & Gown Gala on Nov. 7 at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts. The gala, held under the theme “Crowned in Courage: Black Women Leading Change with Power and Purpose,” marks a decade of recognizing the achievements and contributions of African American women in academia. In a letter notifying JohnsonAnderson of her selection, AAFPAA Founder and Chairperson Traci Talbert praised her work in scholarship, advocacy and student support. “Your work reaches far beyond any single title, embodying the power of scholarship, advocacy, and healing in service to the students and communities you serve,” Talbert wrote. Johnson-Anderson earned a doctorate in teacher education and school improvement from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2018, after completing
“Your work reaches far beyond any single title, embodying the power of scholarship, advocacy, and healing in service to the students and communities you serve.” – Traci Talbert Johnson-Anderson
an Education Specialist degree in 2016. She also undertook postdoctoral work at the university. Her doctoral dissertation, Mother Ethnography: A Performance of Possibility, reflects one strand of her academic research. Her broader work draws on Black feminist epistemology, critical race theory and performance ethnography to examine the experiences of students and families marginalized within public and educational institutions. From 2017 to 2021, JohnsonAnderson served as director of the STEM AP Ambassadors Programme, leading a team that produced the first edition of
Empowering Underrepresented Students in Science: STEM Students Speak. Published in 2021, the book, coauthored with Ranjana Lingutla and Margaret Riley, examines a studentsupport programme at UMass Amherst and explores how mentoring, research opportunities and inclusive academic communities can help students from underrepresented groups succeed in science. Johnson-Anderson has taught at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in Western Massachusetts, New York City and Jamaica. She currently lectures in world literature at Westfield State
University in Massachusetts. Her work also extends to cultural education and the preservation of historical memory. In May 2025, she introduced Puerto Rican music and dance group Bomba de Aqui at an event at Westfield State University that explored the African roots of bomba and its evolution in Puerto Rico. Beyond the classroom, Johnson-Anderson serves as coexecutive director and director of educational initiatives at the Crossing the Waters Institute, where she leads the development of educational programmes in the United States and South Africa. The institute works to address
the historical and continuing effects of slavery while promoting intercultural understanding. Johnson-Anderson’s responsibilities include organizing international conferences and webinars that encourage dialogue, education and healing across cultures. Her recent work in South Africa and preparations for a visit to Benin further demonstrate the international scope of her efforts to connect education with historical understanding and community engagement. Talbert said the Inspiration Award recognizes leadership that expands access to opportunity and turns advocacy into lasting institutional change. The Nov. 7 gala will also feature award-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The 1619 Project and the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. Hannah-Jones will participate in a moderated, interview-style conversation rather than deliver a traditional keynote address. The event will bring together honorees and scholarship recipients to celebrate Black women’s contributions to academia, education, leadership and social change. Johnson-Anderson’s recognition highlights the work of a Jamaican-born educator whose research and international engagement connect educational advancement with efforts to promote equity, preserve cultural heritage and foster historical understanding across communities and national borders.
A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Trinidad PM rejects recession claims Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has rejected Opposition claims that the country is in recession, citing projected economic growth while defending her administration’s plans to divest loss-making state enterprises. Speaking during the 2027 Budget debate in the House of Representatives, PersadBissessar dismissed Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles’ assessment of the economy and argued that the country was making economic progress. “Trinidad and Tobago is not standing still. Trinidad and Tobago is in progression,” she said. The prime minister also mocked the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) over the apparent halt in construction at its Balisier House headquarters, suggesting that the party was experiencing its own financial difficulties. “Balisier House funding is in recession. Cakes, fudge, toolum seems to not be selling anymore, so construction stopped. So I suppose the PNM is facing a recession,” Persad-Bissessar said. She also rejected Beckles’ characterization of the government as a dictatorship, questioning how the opposition leader could make such a claim while addressing a democratically elected Parliament. “The irony of falsely declaring a dictatorship while speaking inside a republican
parliament with 40 other democratically elected representatives,” she said. Persad-Bissessar ended her response with a further criticism of the opposition party, calling it “the absolute dumbest version of the PNM.” Economic growth and debt To counter the opposition’s claims about the economy, Persad-Bissessar cited International Monetary Fund projections indicating that Trinidad and Tobago’s economy was expected to grow by 0.8% in
2026, 3% in 2027 and an average of approximately 3.5% in 2028 and 2029. She argued that the projections contradicted the opposition’s assessment of the country’s economic performance. The prime minister also blamed the former PNM administration for leaving substantial debt obligations, saying adjusted government debt increased from $75.38 billion in fiscal 2015 to $140.58 billion in fiscal 2024, an increase of 86.5%. Persad-Bissessar said her administration
had borrowed more than $21 billion to refinance inherited debt, with another $70 billion in debt falling due over the next five years. Government defends divestment plans Persad-Bissessar also rejected opposition claims that the government was conducting a fire sale of state assets, defending plans to divest enterprises that have incurred sustained financial losses. “I heard one of them say it’s a fire sale. Nothing is further from the truth,” she said. The prime minister questioned why taxpayers should continue subsidizing businesses that consistently record losses and identified the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, the Trinidad Hilton and the Caribbean Dockyard and Engineering Company (Caridoc) among the entities earmarked for divestment. She said the Magdalena Grand had accumulated losses of $240 million and disclosed that the government had been asked to provide approximately $400 million for upgrades at the Hilton. “No government should be running hotels,” Persad-Bissessar said. Her defense of the proposed divestments formed part of a broader response to the opposition’s criticism of the government’s economic management during the budget debate.
UK Privy Council sets preliminary hearing for Jamaica’s slavery petition The United Kingdom’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has scheduled a preliminary hearing for the week of March 8, 2027, in a petition seeking a ruling on the legality of chattel slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced the development on Oct. 15, saying the petition was referred to the Privy Council by King Charles III following a request submitted on behalf of the people of Jamaica. Grange said, citing information from the Privy Council’s registrar, that the respondent, representing the United Kingdom government, has until Nov. 20, 2026, to file its case. Jamaica filed the petition with the monarch on Sept. 7, 2026, seeking a determination on several legal questions concerning the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica. The petition asks the Privy Council to determine whether the capture, transportation and enslavement of Africans in Jamaica were lawful under English law, whether those acts violated international law and whether the United Kingdom owes the Jamaican people reparations. An estimated 15.4 million Africans were forcibly captured and transported across the Atlantic over more than three centuries, beginning in the mid-17th century. Historical records indicate that approximately 1.2 million were transported to Jamaica, where they were enslaved, primarily on sugar plantations. The petition places the historical treatment of enslaved Africans within a legal framework, seeking clarity on the legality of the practices and the potential obligations arising from them. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 2027, while the United Kingdom government’s response is due in November 2026.
Scan the Code to read more. SCAN TO READ
CNWnetwork.com
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
A5
CARIBBEAN NEWS
‘Tek Weh Unnuself!’ Jamaica PM warns gunmen after deadly shootout Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has ordered the security forces to intensify targeted operations against criminal gangs and their supporters following a deadly gunfight in Five Miles, near Sligoville in St. Catherine, that left two policemen and three civilians dead and a 10-year-old girl injured. Holness, who returned to Jamaica on Saturday from a trip to New York, was briefed by Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake on the incident, which unfolded on Friday and involved an hours-long standoff between police and armed men. The deceased police officers have been identified as Corporal Trevoy Shaw and Constable Devoney Rose. The three civilians killed were identified as Errol Hussey, his son, Malique Hussey, and his nephew, Javoun Cogle. Three male suspects were fatally shot during the confrontation. A 10-year-old girl was wounded, while other civilians inside the house reportedly escaped unharmed. Holness described the attack on the police officers as an act of “calculated brutality” and “sheer evil,” saying preliminary accounts pointed to a coordinated effort by the gunmen to ambush the security forces. According to the prime minister, the emerging accounts suggest that the gunmen used misdirection and diversionary gunfire before turning their weapons on officers who moved forward to retrieve a child reportedly being held hostage inside the house. He said reports of possible prearranged transportation and support for the gunmen must also be thoroughly investigated. “We must uncover and dismantle every person, every network, every resource, every facilitator who enabled this violence,” Holness said. He urged the Jamaica Constabulary
Holness
Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to use the full force of the law to dismantle criminal networks, emphasizing that those responsible for organized violence must be identified, disarmed, arrested and prosecuted. Rejecting portrayals of gunmen as protectors of their communities, Holness said poverty, exclusion and social injustice could not justify criminal violence. “They are not protectors; they are not justified by poverty, exclusion, or social injustice. They are not freedom fighters, they are not Robin Hoods, they are not rebels or misunderstood victims. They are parasites and pestilence upon our society,” he said. The prime minister said the reported willingness of the gunmen to use members of their own household as human shields was particularly disturbing. He also condemned those who shelter, finance or arm criminal groups, as well as those who glorify gunmen and illegal firearms.
“There can be no moral equivalency. There can be no romanticising of guns; no glorifying of gunmen; and no tolerance for those who shelter finance, arm, and celebrate them,” Holness said. He offered condolences to the families of the slain officers and civilians, expressed hope for the injured girl's full recovery, and said the incident underscored the need for Jamaica to remain vigilant against organized criminal violence. Holness said the attack had shaken members of the security forces but had not weakened their resolve. He directed Blake to accelerate planned operations against gang leaders and other suspected criminals already being pursued through intelligence-led investigations. “Bring them forward. Intensify it,” the prime minister said, adding that the government would discuss any additional resources needed to support the operations. He warned that the incident pointed to a level of criminal organization that posed a threat to national security and said the response must be firm while maintaining the rule of law. The National Security Council is scheduled to hold its regular monthly meeting this week, when the situation is expected to be reviewed. Holness said the Five Miles incident must serve as a turning point in the country's response to organized crime, arguing that the authorities must confront the threat directly without abandoning the principles of a civil society. “And we must meet them head on. We must meet them head on and maintain our civility and the rule of law,” he said. He ended his remarks with a warning to gunmen: “Tek weh unnuself!”
Guyana president backs death penalty for heinous crimes after boy’s killing Guyana President Irfaan Ali has thrown his support behind the death penalty for particularly heinous crimes following the killing of six-yearold Orlando Jaikarran, whose body was found in a canal in Berbice. Ali said he had asked the attorney general to examine the use of capital punishment and other measures for serious crimes, arguing that stronger penalties may be necessary to deter acts of extreme violence. “The death penalty is something that we have to look at if we want to really send a strong signal,” Ali told News Room when asked about the case. Asked whether he considered the death penalty the strongest signal, the president replied: “100%.” Orlando’s body was recovered at about 1 a.m. Tuesday from the Sea Dam Canal at Water Street, Block D, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. According to News Room, police were led to the body by information provided by the child’s father, Bharrat Jaikarran, who remains in police custody. A post-mortem examination is expected to establish the cause of death. Ali described the killing as “atrocious” and said he had asked the attorney general to carefully examine the issue, including cases involving individuals who had committed crimes of an “unthinkable nature.” The president acknowledged human rights concerns surrounding capital punishment but argued that certain crimes demanded a strong response from the justice system. “We are, of course, very cognizant of the human rights issues and challenges,” he said. Ali added that the judicial process must be allowed to run its course but indicated that he supported penalties beyond imprisonment for crimes of this nature. The case has prompted public calls for a strong response, with Ali saying he had received numerous messages and read comments from people demanding action.
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
HAITI NEWS
UN reports more than 1,000 killed in Haiti as gang violence persists More than 1,000 people were killed in Haiti between July and September as armed gangs continued to challenge state authority, according to the United Nations, which is calling for sustained international support to strengthen security operations and advance the country’s political transition. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN secretarygeneral’s special representative for Haiti, presented the figures to the Security Council on Monday, October 19, saying the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) had also documented more than 100 kidnapping victims during the three-month period. He warned that sexual violence remained widespread and self-defence groups continued to expand as gangs adapted their tactics in response to intensified security operations. “On the ground, we are witnessing increasing reliance on retaliatory violence against communities, including hostagetaking and other forms of intimidation,” Ruiz Massieu said, adding that gangs were seeking to undermine state authority, maintain territorial control and spread fear. He condemned the violence and urged Haitian authorities to strengthen national security institutions and take measures to protect communities. The briefing came as the international Gang Suppression Force (GSF) expanded its presence in metropolitan Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite Department, supported by additional troop deployments. Ruiz Massieu welcomed the expansion but said the force’s full deployment remained critical to addressing the security crisis. He also acknowledged the Haitian government’s decision to increase funding for national security institutions, including the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti. The latest security concerns coincide with an attack on Salvadoran personnel serving with the GSF. Four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing after their armoured
Ruiz Massieu
vehicle was attacked with explosives and set on fire in Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-auPrince, on Sunday, October 18. The technicians escaped the burning vehicle, but their whereabouts remained unknown as efforts to reach the area were hampered by intense fighting. The incident has highlighted the dangers facing international personnel operating in gang-affected
areas. Guatemala also announced the deployment of a new contingent of military police to support the GSF. The move forms part of international efforts to reinforce security operations in Haiti. Despite the security challenges, preparations for elections have continued. Ruiz Massieu told the Security Council that more than 35 political parties and groupings and more than 3,500 candidates had registered, marking significant progress after more than a decade without elections. A revised electoral decree published on October 6 introduced measures including an extended candidate registration period, provisions intended to facilitate women’s candidacies and online voter registration. However, Ruiz Massieu cautioned that election dates must be based on realistic
assessments of security and logistical conditions. “The repeated announcement of electoral dates without a realistic assessment of their feasibility can only erode public confidence and the credibility of Haitian institutions,” he said. He also called for stronger national mechanisms to address allegations of crime and corruption, saying the rule of law and judicial system would be essential to restoring public confidence in state institutions. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. Renewed insecurity displaced more than 17,000 people over the preceding three months, bringing the number of internally displaced people in Haiti to nearly 1.5 million, including more than 740,000 children. The country’s economic outlook also remains bleak, with the economy projected to contract for a seventh consecutive year in 2026. Ruiz Massieu said less than half of the humanitarian response plan for the year had been funded, warning that the gap between humanitarian needs and available assistance could widen without additional international support. He stressed that security operations alone would not deliver lasting stability, calling for a Haitian-led approach combining the recovery of territory with a sustained state presence, justice initiatives and programmes to disarm, dismantle and reintegrate armed groups, with particular attention to children recruited by gangs. Ruiz Massieu urged UN member states to maintain their support for Haiti, including contributions to the GSF trust fund and the Haiti Peace Dividend Fund. He said progress in security, politics and election preparations would need to advance together to help restore democratically elected institutions and lay the foundations for lasting peace and stability.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
OPINION
A7
FLORIDA VOTES
Amendment 3 is appealing, but at likely high costs While most Floridians are focused on the highly competitive races for governor and the U.S. Senate in the Nov. 3 general election, another ballot item of critical importance deserves their attention: Florida Amendment 3. The amendment has significant implications for the cost of living for Florida homeowners and the revenue budgets of nearly every county and city in the state. Amendment 3 is a proposed constitutional change to Florida’s property tax system. If approved by at least 60% of Florida voters, it would increase the state’s homestead exemption. The exemption for property taxes on a qualifying primary residence would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with adjustments for inflation afterward. The annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties, including rental and commercial properties, would fall from 10% to 5%. The amendment would also restrict how property tax revenue is used, while allowing some additional exemptions and leaving important spending decisions to local governments and state lawmakers. The school property tax exemption would not increase in the same way, meaning homeowners would continue to pay school property taxes. Supporters of the amendment argue that Florida homeowners need relief from rising property taxes. A larger exemption could reduce the tax burden on eligible owner-occupied homes, while the lower assessment cap could help businesses and other property owners manage future increases. Opponents, however, argue that local governments depend on property taxes to fund police and fire services, emergency response, roads, parks and other essential services. Lower revenues could lead to service reductions, higher fees or pressure to raise other taxes. The amendment does not guarantee a minimum level of funding for police or fire departments.
An important distinction is that a reduction in property taxes does not necessarily translate into an equivalent reduction in a homeowner’s overall cost of living. The ultimate impact would depend on the tax savings, changes in local services and whether other fees or taxes increase. According to a poll commissioned by Associated Industries of Florida, a business organization with an interest in the issue, support for the amendment stood at 53% as of Oct. 14, while 28% said they would vote against it. The remaining 19% were undecided. Discussions with voters conducted by this newspaper suggest that more people lean toward supporting the amendment than opposing it. Among voters aged 65 and older, the vast majority expressed support, while the strongest support was among those aged 18 to 35. Surprisingly, supporters did not appear concerned about the effect on municipal revenues. Instead, they prioritized lower property taxes and having more money available for other expenses. Those opposed were more concerned about maintaining municipal services, particularly police and fire services. Equally interesting, and concerning, was that 40% of those we spoke with were either uninterested in voting for or against the amendment or unaware that it was on the ballot. There is a tendency in Florida elections, whether municipal or statewide, for voters to pay relatively little attention to constitutional amendments and proposals affecting county or city legislation. In most cases, these ballot measures receive far less publicity than races for governor or state senator. Voters are urged to read all the amendments on their ballots carefully and make an informed decision on each one. A critical point is that Florida requires at least 60% voter approval for a constitutional
amendment to pass, rather than a simple majority. The reported 53% support in the poll is therefore seven percentage points short of the threshold. Over the next three weeks, undecided voters are likely to be targeted by campaigns urging them to support or oppose the amendment. Are these voters undecided because they cannot determine whether they should take advantage of potential property tax savings and keep more money in their pockets or prioritize concerns about losing local services? Opponents argue that the projected savings are overstated because the actual amount saved would depend on the assessed value of a homeowner’s property and local tax rates. School property taxes would also remain. They are also questioning who would bear the cost of reduced tax revenue. Local governments might have to cut services, increase fees or adjust taxes elsewhere. The amendment does not guarantee that public safety budgets would be preserved. For homeowners, the immediate tax savings could be meaningful. However, the longer-term effects on municipal finances and other taxpayers also deserve careful consideration. Once a constitutional amendment passes, reversing it is not easy. Repeal would require another constitutional amendment approved by at least 60% of voters. In the current difficult economic climate, property tax savings may be appealing to many voters. But should those savings come at the expense of vital services provided by local governments? Because some of these services are essential to most Floridians, and the amendment’s proponents have not provided a convincing explanation of how municipalities would fund them, this newspaper finds it difficult to support Amendment 3.
Scan the Code to read more. SCAN TO READ
CNWnetwork.com
A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
FLORIDA VOTES
Broward voters to decide on $358M school funding referendum Broward County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to renew a one-mill property tax referendum expected to generate approximately $358 million annually for teacher and staff compensation, school safety and mental health services. The Secure the Next Generation Referendum renewal would extend the existing levy for four school years beginning with the 2027-28 school year. It is not a new tax or an increase in the current rate, but a renewal of the property tax approved by voters in 2022. If the renewal fails, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) would lose approximately $358 million annually in funding that currently supports compensation supplements and school safety and mental health personnel. The referendum would apply to all Broward County public schools, including charter schools. Of the projected annual revenue, approximately $283 million would go to district-operated schools and $75 million to charter schools. Supporters say renewing the referendum would help Broward County Public Schools
About $173 million annually goes toward compensation supplements for teachers and eligible staff. The funding also supports more than 390 school safety personnel and more than 224 mental health professionals, according to the school district.
recruit and retain teachers and eligible staff while maintaining funding for school safety personnel and mental health services for students and families. Under the proposed renewal, the average homeowner with a market-value home of $652,756 and a school board taxable value of $417,877 would pay approximately $418 annually, or $35 per month. The average
condominium owner, with a market value of $296,524 and a taxable value of approximately $230,002, would pay about $230 annually, or $19 per month. Actual costs would vary according to each property’s taxable value, as determined by the Broward County Property Appraiser. The Broward County School Board would retain authority over the annual allocation of
referendum funds through its budget approval process. The board has also adopted a restriction preventing the funds from being used for compensation for top district administrators going forward. The existing referendum, approved in 2022, is scheduled to expire. The renewal would continue the one-mill levy from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2030. The measure will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot as School Board Question 1.
Miami Heat, election ofcials to bring voting experience to more than 20 Miami-Dade high schools More than 20 high schools in Miami-Dade County will take part in a nonpartisan civic engagement event next week aimed at encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. The Miami-Dade County Office of the Supervisor of Elections, the Miami Heat, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College will host the event on Oct. 29 at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus. The initiative, pioneered by the Miami Heat, will bring together high school students, community leaders, education officials and current and former Heat players to highlight
the importance of civic participation. Eligible students who previously registered to vote through outreach events conducted by the elections office at participating schools will have the opportunity to cast their ballots during school hours. Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia said the partnership aims to make voting more accessible and encourage young people to recognize the importance of participating in elections. “By bringing the voting experience directly to our students, we are not only making voting more accessible, but also empowering a new generation of voters to recognize the impor-
tance of their voice and the responsibility that comes with casting a ballot,” Garcia said. The program will feature keynote remarks from Heat leadership and legends, Garcia, the superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. Organizers said the event will focus exclusively on civic education and voter participation, with no political candidates, campaigns or partisan activities included. The event comes as Miami-Dade County voters prepare for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting is underway at 28 locations across the county, including Miami Dade College’s
Kendall Campus, and will continue through Nov. 1. Early voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Registered Miami-Dade County voters may cast their ballots at any of the county’s 28 early voting locations, regardless of where they live in the county. Voters can find early voting locations and additional election information at Vote Miami-Dade or by calling 305-499-8683. The Oct. 29 event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Fred Shaw Memorial Plaza at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus, 11011 SW 104th St., Miami.
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
FLORIDA VOTES
At 17, Byron Donalds arrived at FAMU on a Greyhound bus from Brooklyn with a trunk full of clothes and a determination to build a better future. Raised by a single mom working two jobs, he learned the American Dream isn’t given. It’s built. That’s the Florida Dream Byron is fighting to preserve, for his family and yours.
A9
A10 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
FLORIDA VOTES
Early voting underway in South Florida for 2026 General Election Early voting is underway across South Florida, giving registered voters in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. Voters will decide races ranging from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to Florida governor, Cabinet positions, the state Legislature and several local offices. Depending on where they live, voters may also see judicial races and ballot questions. For voters planning to participate, there are three main options: vote early in person, vote by mail or cast a ballot at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Unlike Election Day, when voters must report to their assigned precinct, registered voters taking advantage of early voting can generally cast their ballot at any designated early voting location within their county.
Key dates for Florida voters The deadline to register for the General Election was Oct. 5. Thursday, Oct. 22, is the deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed, while Election Day is Tue., Nov. 3. • • •
• •
Voter registration deadline: Oct. 5 Vote-by-mail request deadline: Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. Statewide mandatory early voting: Oct. 24–31, with several South Florida counties offering additional days Election Day: Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots due: Nov. 3 by 7 p.m. at the appropriate Supervisor of Elections office
Voters are encouraged to check their county Supervisor of Elections website before heading to the polls to confirm early voting locations, review a sample ballot and verify their voter information.
Voting by mail For voters using a vote-by-mail ballot, timing is important. Completed ballots must be received by the county Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark by Nov. 3 is not enough for most domestic voters; the ballot must actually arrive by the deadline. Voters returning their ballots by mail are encouraged to send them well in advance. Ballots may also be delivered in person to authorized locations, including secure ballot intake stations available at many early voting sites during designated hours. Vote-by-mail ballots cannot simply be dropped off at regular Election Day polling places. Voters who requested a mail ballot but later decide to vote in person may do so. They are encouraged to bring their vote-by-mail ballot with them so it can be cancelled. If they do not have it, election officials must verify that the ballot has not already been received before allowing a regular in-person ballot to be cast. Voters can also track the status of a returned mail ballot through their county Supervisor of Elections.
What to bring when voting in person Florida voters casting ballots during early voting or on Election Day must present a current and valid photo identification with a signature. Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID and several other state-approved forms.
If the photo identification does not include a signature, voters may provide a second form of identification containing their signature. A voter information card is not accepted as identification. Voters who arrive without the required identification may still be allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Broward County Early voting in Broward County began Oct. 19 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1.Thirty early voting locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including weekends. Registered Broward voters may use any of the county's designated early voting locations, regardless of their home precinct. On Election Day, however, voters must report to their assigned polling place. The Broward Supervisor of Elections website allows voters to review their sample ballot, locate early voting sites, check voter information and find their Election Day precinct.
Miami-Dade County Miami-Dade is offering early voting from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 at 28 locations across the county, all operating daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered Miami-Dade voters can use any of the 28 early voting sites. The county's elections website also allows residents to view customized sample ballots, check voting locations and monitor early voting wait times. Miami-Dade voters who use vote-by-mail may return completed ballots at secure ballot intake stations at early voting locations during voting hours. All mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
also runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, with sites open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can use the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections' online voter tools to find early voting locations, view their sample ballot and determine their assigned polling place for Election Day. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
Monroe County In Monroe County and the Florida Keys, early voting began Oct. 19 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, with five early voting locations operating from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. That schedule differs from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, where early voting continues through Nov. 1.On Election Day, Monroe voters must cast their ballots at their assigned precinct between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The county also provides sample ballots in English and Spanish.
Election Day For South Floridians who do not vote early or by mail, polls will be open statewide from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.Anyone who is in line by 7 p.m. will be permitted to vote, but voters arriving after the polls close will not. Unlike early voting, voters on Election Day must report to the polling location assigned to their residential address. With races for federal, state and local offices on the ballot, election officials are encouraging residents to review their sample ballots ahead of time, verify their polling information and make a voting plan before Election Day.
Scan the Code to read more.
Palm Beach County Palm Beach County's early voting period
SCAN TO READ
CNWnetwork.com
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
FLORIDA VOTES
B1
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
FLORIDA VOTES
3 WAYS TO VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING *Bring a Valid Photo ID
VOTE-BY-MAIL
ELECTION DAY *Bring a Valid Photo ID
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
B3
TLC TRAVEL
LIFESTYLE
CUISINE
Five Jamaican-owned hotels to consider beyond the all-inclusive resorts property a built-in evening option without requiring a trip into town. For visitors who want the convenience of a resort but prefer a smaller, independently operated property, Travellers offers a middle ground between a large all-inclusive and a simple beach guesthouse. Together, these properties highlight the range of Jamaican-owned accommodation available beyond the island’s major allinclusive brands — from the artsy, community-focused atmosphere of Treasure Beach to the longstanding family hotels lining Negril’s Seven Mile Beach.
The Jamaica Tourist Board has set its sights on 10 million annual visitor arrivals over the next 10 years, a target that could bring millions more travelers to the island. While Jamaica is well known for its sprawling all-inclusive resorts, the island also has a collection of independently owned hotels that offer a different kind of stay. Many are smaller, family-run properties with deep ties to their communities, from longtime Negril beach hotels to boutique accommodations in Treasure Beach. For travelers looking for a more intimate experience, these five Jamaican-owned properties offer a glimpse at another side of the island’s hospitality industry.
Charela Inn On Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, Charela Inn has been welcoming guests since 1975. The family-owned beachfront inn was purchased by Sylvie Aicha Grizzle and her husband, Daniel Grizzle, in 1980 and has since expanded from a 10-room guesthouse into a 59-room hacienda-style property. The inn sits about 250 feet from the shoreline and offers a mix of seaview, gardenview and family-sized rooms, making it an option for both couples and families who want to stay directly along Negril’s beach corridor without booking a large all-inclusive resort. Food is also a major part of the Charela experience. Its signature restaurant, Le Vendôme, follows a farm-to-table approach, sourcing ingredients from the family’s farm. The restaurant is known for a five-course tasting menu that changes nightly, giving returning guests a reason to come back to the table.
Jakes Hotel In Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s South Coast, Jakes Hotel offers a very different take on the traditional resort experience. The bohemian boutique property was founded by the Henzell family, whose late patriarch Perry
Negril Treehouse Resort Jakes Hotel
Henzell was the celebrated Jamaican filmmaker behind The Harder They Come. The family continues to independently own and operate the hotel. Jakes is known for its individually designed cottages and villas, many of which have a handcrafted, artistic character rather than the uniform look of a conventional hotel room. The property also has Jakes Spa, while its Jack Sprat restaurant is a longtime fixture in Treasure Beach. More broadly, Jakes has become closely associated with Treasure Beach’s communityoriented tourism model. The hotel helped draw international attention to the South Coast as an alternative to Jamaica’s larger resort destinations, with an emphasis on local businesses and the surrounding community.
rants, allowing guests to dine at the property without having to leave the beach area. Its combination of beachfront access, a relatively small room count and family ownership gives it a more intimate feel than many of the larger properties along the Seven Mile Beach strip.
Travellers Beach Resort Travellers Beach Resort has been familyowned and operated since it was founded in 1992 by Winston Wellington, a Jamaican education leader. The 60-room beachfront resort is located about five minutes from Negril’s town center, putting guests close to the area’s restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Negril Footeprints Hotel Negril Footeprints Hotel is another familyowned property along Seven Mile Beach. The beachfront boutique hotel has been operated by the Foote family for decades and is now being stewarded by the next generation. The recently renovated property has 32 rooms, offering a smaller-scale alternative to Negril’s larger hotels and resorts. Guests can also head up to the Skywalk sunset lounge, which provides a dedicated spot for taking in Negril’s famously colorful evening skies. Footeprints also has two on-site restau-
A longtime fixture on Seven Mile Beach, Negril Treehouse Resort has more than 70 guest rooms and traces its roots to veteran Jamaican hotelier Ted Davis. The property is now owned and operated by his widow, Gail
Travellers Beach Resort
The property combines a relatively intimate room count with several resort-style amenities, including an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar and an on-site restaurant. Guests can also take part in the resort’s nightly beachfront entertainment program, giving the
Negril Treehouse Resort
Jackson. The resort offers a range of amenities for travelers who want more than just a place to sleep, including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and spa services. Guests can also arrange water activities from the property, including parasailing and snorkeling. Its location along Seven Mile Beach puts guests within easy reach of Negril’s restaurants, bars and other attractions while retaining the feel of a standalone resort. The property’s long history also makes it part of the story of Negril’s development from a relatively low-key beach destination into one of Jamaica’s best-known tourism areas.
Sangster International wins Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 18th consecutive year Sangster International Airport has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 2026 by the World Travel Awards, extending its winning streak to 18 consecutive years less than a year after Hurricane Melissa forced its closure. The award was presented Sunday, Oct. 11, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica, bringing the Montego Bay airport’s total number of titles to 19. The recognition comes weeks before the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Oct. 28, 2025. “Last October, we were navigating a very challenging, life-changing period in the aftermath of the hurricane. This October, we are accepting the region’s leading airport award,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, which operates the airport. “We accept this unprecedented honour with great humility, especially after being able to quickly restore the facilities and experience for passengers after Hurricane Melissa. This is a result of the incredible collaborative work done by all members of our Team Sangster family — our team, our airlines, government agencies and the partners who stood with us.” Sangster International Airport handles more than 70% of Jamaica’s passenger traffic, making its reopening a critical step in restoring
from Tampa, Florida. The expansions are expected to broaden travel options between Jamaica, Canada and the United States while supporting the country’s efforts to diversify its tourism markets. “Visitors can’t return without airlift, and every flight we brought back was crucial for hotels, attractions, transport operators and small businesses,” Munroe said. “SIA is the main gateway to Jamaica, so reconnecting Jamaica to its markets was our first priority.”
Munroe
tourism to Montego Bay and surrounding parishes after the hurricane. Since the storm, MBJ Airports Limited has worked with airline partners to restore and expand services. The airport now serves 47 destinations through 26 airlines, according to the company. Recent route developments include Wingo Airlines services from Bogota and Medellin, Colombia; Flair Airlines flights from Toronto; and WestJet services from Quebec City and Montreal, Canada. Additional routes are scheduled to begin before the end of 2026, including Porter Airlines services from Hamilton, Ottawa and London, Canada, and Breeze Airways flights
Infrastructure projects back on track MBJ also said several major airport development projects outlined before Hurricane Melissa are back on track. The planned improvements include expansions to the check-in area, Immigration Hall, East Concourse, parking facilities and outbound security, alongside the introduction of full biometric processing for departing passengers. Munroe said the projects would help the airport improve the passenger experience and maintain its position as a leading regional gateway. The airport’s recovery also involved supporting employees and communities affected by the hurricane, said Sharon Hislop-
Holt, MBJ’s manager of commercial business development and marketing. “We have very dedicated team members who take a lot of pride in serving our passengers. This was demonstrated throughout the year and came to the fore after the hurricane,” Hislop-Holt said. “Even as staff dealt with loss or damage to their own homes, they showed up for work and made certain that every passenger who walked through our doors was cared for.” The MBJ Foundation also distributed J$30 million in grants from its 2025 Charity Run/Walk to 184 secondary and tertiary students from western Jamaica and three institutions. Of the proceeds, J$15 million was earmarked for rebuilding schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, with additional support provided by MBJ shareholders Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico and Vantage Airport Group. Munroe said the airport would continue working to maintain its standing while improving its facilities and services. “To every member of our airport community, thank you,” he said.
LOG ON TO cnweeklynews.com
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Broward County moves toward oneyear moratorium on large data centers The Broward County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to begin the process of imposing a one-year moratorium on largescale data center development in unincorporated areas, citing concerns about the facilities’ potential effects on residential communities, water supplies and electricity costs. Commissioners directed the county attorney’s office to draft an ordinance establishing the temporary ban. The proposal would give officials a year to study the potential impacts of large data centers and develop regulations for future projects. The moratorium is not yet in effect. Commissioners must consider and approve the ordinance before the temporary ban can take effect. Commissioner Lamar Fisher, who proposed the measure, expects it to return to the commission for a final vote next month, although consideration could be delayed until December. The proposal was not prompted by a specific data center application, but is intended to give the county time to better understand the potential effects of large-scale facilities. The moratorium would apply only to
unincorporated Broward County. The county cannot use the measure to regulate development decisions made by individual municipalities. Commissioner Beam Furr noted that much of the county’s unincorporated area lies in the Everglades, making environmental protection a key concern. “It’s 3/4th of the county that’s out in the Everglades. That’s the part that is probably the most vulnerable,” Furr said. Fisher said the county needed to protect residential neighborhoods from the potential
effects of large-scale data centers. “Our goal is to be able to make sure we protect our residential folks,” Fisher said. “History has shown these large data centers don’t do that.” He also questioned whether the facilities’ heavy electricity and water demands could increase costs for residents. “Centers that create so much electricity, absorb so much water, and you’re hearing too that, does that affect the cost of our residential communities?” he asked. Under Florida law, large-scale data centers
are defined as facilities that draw at least 50 megawatts of electricity at peak demand — enough to power tens of thousands of homes. Hyperscale facilities can require hundreds of megawatts and occupy millions of square feet. The facilities support large-scale data storage, cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. As demand for AI infrastructure grows, data centers have become an increasingly prominent commercial real estate investment, prompting concerns about their effects on the environment and local infrastructure. Broward County already has at least four operating data centers, according to Data Center Map. However, those facilities are smaller than the type of large-scale developments the proposed moratorium would target. Broward is not the only Florida county considering restrictions on data center development. Palm Beach County has enacted a one-year ban that runs through September 2027. A state law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May preserves local governments’ authority to regulate data center development.
Desulme from A1
the argument that the payment method was a minor technical error that could be overlooked under the legal doctrine of substantial compliance. “The Court does not wish to disenfranchise any voter,” the judge wrote. “The Court therefore considered whether the doctrine of substantial compliance — in other words, ‘no harm, no foul’ — could excuse the defect. It cannot.” Desulme’s disqualification leaves Morgan as the only remaining candidate in the mayoral race, potentially clearing the way for him to assume the office. Desulme has disputed the basis of the challenge, maintaining that the funds came from his campaign account. He also questioned Morgan’s own compliance with the qualifying requirements, accusing his opponent of underpaying his qualifying fees by 80 cents. Ben Kuehne, Desulme’s attorney, told the Miami Herald that the mayor was disappointed with the decision and planned to appeal. Kuehne also said his client would file a counterclaim against Morgan over the alleged 80-cent shortfall. “The mayor, given his experience not only as mayor but as clerk, knows that the city of North Miami has always viewed its qualification procedure differently than the state statute, including the payment of the qualifying fee, and has not turned down qualified fees by cashier’s checks in the past,” Kuehne said. The city of North Miami declined to comment on the ruling. The city’s legal counsel had previously declined to take a position on the dispute but expressed general opposition to removing candidates from the ballot, emphasizing the importance of protecting residents’ rights to vote and run for office. Desulme may seek an emergency stay of the ruling while pursuing an appeal. The decision came as early voting began Monday in Miami-Dade County. Desulme’s public service career includes a historic milestone in 2009, when he became North Miami’s first Black city clerk and, according to his biographical information, the youngest Haitian American to hold such a position in the United States.
Scan the Code to read more. SCAN TO READ
CNWnetwork.com
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
B5
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Broward Health mobilizes 523 participants for breast cancer awareness walk Broward Health brought together 523 employees, friends and family members for the 2026 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 17 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The South Florida health system participated as the event’s Pink Out sponsor, with team members dressed in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer, support those affected by the disease and highlight the importance of prevention and early detection. “It was great to see so many Broward Health employees and their families come together to support this important cause,” said Jamie Vargas, manager of employee experience at Broward Health. “Their participation and fundraising efforts demonstrate Broward Health’s commitment to supporting our community and raising awareness about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection.” Broward Health’s “Get Pinked Out” tent attracted nearly 1,500 visits from walk attendees. The booth featured pink-themed merchandise, including towels, bags and bucket hats. The health system was recognized as one of the event’s top 10 fundraising teams and had one of the highest numbers of registered participants among participating teams. The walk drew an estimated 25,000 people and raised approximately $1 million, according to Broward Health. Participants gathered to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor loved ones and support individuals and families affected by the disease. Broward Health said its participation also reflected its commitment to providing personalized breast cancer care. Its multidisciplinary team offers advanced treatment options and coordinated support tailored to patients’ needs throughout their care.
Unused Property
Mayor Denise D. Grant has served Lauderhill with distinction — first on the City Commission since 2018, now as our Mayor. A proud Jamaican-American and devoted mom to her son Joshua, Denise leads with heart, fighting for lower property taxes, safer and cleaner neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and programs that support our children and seniors. If you're voting by mail, keep an eye out — your ballot should be arriving soon. Please fill it out and return it as soon as possible so your voice is counted for Denise on November 3rd.
from A1
He said making more land available for housing could help address social inequality and reduce illegal settlements, commonly known as squatting. The prime minister appealed to landowners who no longer use their property, including Jamaicans who have migrated and do not intend to return, to consider making the land available for housing. “In my opinion, this is a good way to achieve social justice and equity, because some of the issues that we face today, is about settlement, and there are many Jamaicans who had no endowment, meaning they have no asset that they would have gotten as an inheritance from their parents or their family, and they are seeking to have endowment,” Holness said. He argued that the lack of inherited assets and access to land has contributed to an increase in illegal settlements. “Approach the Government and say, ‘We would probably like to sell you this piece of land because it’s there; it’s good for housing’,” he added. Holness said acquiring more suitable land for the NSHP could also help ease some of the social tensions affecting the country. He reiterated that beneficiaries must own land or have permission to use land under a long-term arrangement, such as a lease, before the Government constructs a house for them. “Once they have outright ownership or long-term lease, then the Government will build the shelter itself,” he said. Meanwhile, House Speaker and St. Andrew East Rural Member of Parliament Juliet Holness also appealed to landowners in Jamaica and overseas to offer suitable property for the programme. She said the constituency had faced challenges building homes for vulnerable residents because of the hilly terrain, the locations of those in need and the fact that some beneficiaries do not own land. Holness said the difficulties had made it challenging to identify appropriate sites for construction. “I do not want even one opportunity for a house for a resident to go, because we can’t find suitable land, so those who have and are willing [to sell], let us know by calling the office, send an email, call or reach out to anyone in the community who can get to us, because we need suitable land for this New Social Housing Programme,” she said. “We don’t want a single house to go to waste,” she added.
CNWnetwork.com
B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
ADVERTORIAL
Preventive Care Why it matters for young adults and those managing chronic conditions As Open Enrollment approaches, Florida residents are reviewing their health insurance options for 2027. Beyond the process of choosing a plan, there's a deeper conversation happening about why having health insurance — and using it for preventive care — matters at every stage of life.
Preventive care is covered at no extra cost
For younger adults and those managing chronic conditions, preventive care isn't just nice-to-have. It's a foundation for staying healthy and catching problems early, when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
The care gap that can result in serious health issues The reality is sobering: More than 1 in 4 young adults don't have a primary care doctor, according to a recent national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. And among Gen Z adults who do have a doctor, most skip scheduled checkups. Only 47% of 18- to 29-year-olds said they've had an annual wellness visit in the past year.¹ This gap is concerning because preventive care, like routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations, can prevent serious health issues before they start. Certain measures, like breast cancer screenings and flu vaccines, have been shown to help prevent up to 100,000 deaths per year.² “These statistics tell us that too many young adults are putting off the care that could keep them healthy or catch serious problems early,” said Jason Delimitros, executive vice president of government business for GuideWell. “When people have the right information about their health, they’re empowered to make choices that help them stay healthy, prevent disease, and live the life they want.”
Chronic conditions are more common than you might think The preventive care challenge extends beyond young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 6 in 10 young adults aged 18 to 34 are living with at least one chronic condition. That's a significant increase from 52.5% in 2013 to 59.5% in 2023.³ For those managing conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, regular preventive appointments and consistent medication management are essential.
Early detection saved her life Barbara K., a Florida Blue member, learned firsthand how important preventive care can be. During a visit to her local Florida Blue Center in Clearwater, a community specialist encouraged Barbara to take advantage of a mobile mammography screening happening that day. Barbara was busy and hesitant, but she decided to go ahead with the screening. The mammogram flagged an abnormal result, and Barbara moved quickly to get the care she needed. Early detection helped her
“These statistics tell us that too many young adults are putting off the care that could keep them healthy or catch serious problems early. When people have the right information about their health, they’re empowered to make choices that help them stay healthy.” – Jason Delimitros, GuideWell
beat breast cancer. "If it wasn't for him and the mammography bus, I may not have caught the issue in time," Barbara said.
Individual Marketplace health insurance plans cover preventive services like annual wellness checkups, vaccinations, and cancer screenings for a $0 copay. This removes a major barrier to staying healthy. For young adults just starting out, health insurance also provides peace of mind. Accidents and unexpected illnesses happen. Something as simple as treating a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 without insurance.⁴ But with coverage, there’s a cap on the person’s out-of-pocket costs. Young adults can stay on their parents’ Individual Marketplace plan until age 26. After that, they can get their own coverage — often with financial help available (called subsidies) to offset monthly costs.
Getting expert guidance Choosing the right health insurance plan doesn't have to be complicated. Licensed Florida Blue agents are available at no extra cost. They can explain options, answer questions, and help connect individuals to available financial assistance. Individuals can learn the details about Open Enrollment for Individual Marketplace health insurance plans by visiting FloridaBlue.com/StayCovered. Sources: 1. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaseli sting/primary-care-101 2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: https://www.cms.gov/cciio/resources/fact-sheets-andfaqs/preventive-care-background 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm 4. HealthCare.gov: https://www.healthcare.gov/whycoverage-is-important/protection-from-high-medicalcosts/
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
B7
ENTERTAINMENT
Mighty Sparrow honored at funeral Trinidad renames Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand Trinidad and Tobago bid farewell to calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, celebrating his more than seven decades of musical contributions with a ceremony attended by two prime ministers and prominent Caribbean entertainers. The three-and-a-half-hour celebration took place Friday at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, where hundreds gathered to honor the Grenada-born singer, who died in New York on Sept. 27 at age 91. During the ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar announced that the grandstand at the Queen’s Park Savannah would be named in Sparrow’s honor. She also pledged to refurbish the facility, a landmark venue for the country’s cultural celebrations.
Persad-Bissessar said the renaming would ensure that Sparrow’s legacy remained part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape for generations. “There can be no more appropriate place to inscribe his name permanently than at the Queen’s Park Savannah,” she said, noting the venue’s longstanding role in the country’s cultural life. “Today, we ensure that one of the greatest names in our culture will forever stand there at the Queen’s Park, Savannah. I am therefore deeply honored to announce that the Grandstand at the Queen’s Park, Savannah will bear the name of Dr. Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow.” Sparrow, who won eight Calypso Monarch titles, eight Road March crowns and two Calypso King of Kings competitions, was remembered for using music to reflect Caribbean society, politics and identity. His daughter Karen Francisco paid tribute to him with a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” while Michele Francisco delivered the family eulogy, recalling her father’s ability to connect with people. She said one of his greatest lessons was that “you don’t have to let your circumstance determine your dreams.” His granddaughter Ashley Hutchinson also paid tribute, declaring that “birds don’t die” and asking, “How do you silence a sparrow whose music is everywhere?” The ceremony featured performances of songs from Sparrow’s extensive catalog by artists from across the Caribbean and beyond. Former Trinidad and Tobago presidents Anthony Carmona and Paula-Mae Weekes were among those in attendance. “This is not a funeral, we are celebrating the life of the Mighty Sparrow,” one performer said.
Mottley calls for Sparrow’s music to be taught in schools Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged Caribbean leaders to ensure that Sparrow’s music and its historical significance are passed on to younger generations. Mottley said Sparrow used calypso to challenge colonial attitudes, comment on politics and affirm Caribbean identity, helping define the region’s cultural expression in the post-independence era. She said she would encourage fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to advocate for Sparrow’s song “Slave” to be included in the Caribbean Examinations Council curriculum, arguing that students should understand both the pain and the message conveyed by the composition. Mottley also praised Sparrow’s ability to use satire and picong — the sharp, teasing verbal exchanges central to Caribbean culture — to expose political and social contradictions. Drawing a comparison with jazz, which helped popularize Black American improvisation around the world, she said Trinidad and Tobago had introduced the world to picong, with Sparrow its foremost musical exponent. She described the calypsonian as a genius whose work extended beyond entertainment to offer commentary on governance, economics, democracy and Caribbean society. Mottley also paid tribute to other Caribbean cultural and sporting figures, including Barbadian musician Emil Straker, cricket legend Sir Garry Sobers and Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff. As the region moves further into the postindependence era, she said, it has a responsibility to preserve the contributions of those who helped shape Caribbean civilization. “We have a duty in every sphere in which they have expressed greatness, not just Caribbean greatness, but global greatness,” Mottley said. “We have a duty to those who must come to show them that when people say we punch above our weight, persons like the Mighty Sparrow redefined what was our weight.” Sparrow was buried Saturday.
CNWnetwork.com
B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM
MARKETPLACE PROBATE / INHERITANCE LAW EDUCATION LAW MEDIATION 1451 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 300, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
954.535.0827
Helping You Achieve The American Dream!
CRIMINAL DEFENSE IMMIGRATION LAW PERSONAL INJURIES
Family Based Filings Lawful Permanent Residence Abuse Spouse/VAWA Visa Extension Removal of Condition Interview Preparation Hardship Waivers Citizenship Deportation Defense
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY YOU CAN COUNT ON! Over 17 years of State and Federal Criminal Defense
954-730-8393 954-548-9902
www.MarkDouglasLaw.com
,ESQ.
786-309-7038
261 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 500, PLANTATION, FLORIDA
Gentles Realty & Management Experienced Professionals you can trust to help meet your Real Estate needs. We credit 20% of our Buying Commissions towards Selling Buyer’s Closing Costs. Renting Property Management
!
954.261.9859
Joy Rogers, LCAM Managing Broker
5300 Powerline Rd. Unit 11, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
BANKRUPTCY - FORECLOSURE DEFENSE
MEDIX URGENT CARE CENTER Don’t spend hours in the emergency room. Come to us for...
www.DsouzaLegalGroup.com
Email: dtdlaw@aol.com
8751 W. Broward Blvd St 301, Plantation FL 33324
Free Initial Consultation
Payment Plans Available
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
Cough, Colds, Flu, Pregnancy Tests Suture Repair & Removal G License Physical Medication Re ills Immunizations
CPR Inservices ... and more
School, Sports and Work Physicals Mon.-Fri: 9am – 7pm
N. State Rd. 7, Ste 102, 954.484.8444 2331 Lauderhill, FL 33313
NEW TO THE AREA!
MADAM BELLA
Love Marriage Business Health Divorce Lawsuits Happiness Luck Money Evil Spirits
CNWNETWORK.COM | NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 –
B9
SPORTS
Paquee Golf Club raises J$17M for Mustard Seed Communities Paquee Golf Club has raised J$17 million for Mustard Seed Communities following its second annual charity golf tournament in Homestead, Miami, with the donation expected to support the organization’s ongoing hurricane relief efforts. Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, was moved to tears during the ceremonial handover of the cheque. The donation surpassed the J$10 million raised by the Miami-based club during its inaugural tournament last year. The 18-hole tournament was held at Redland Golf & Country Club, with the International Longshoremen’s Association, GraceKennedy Group, Couples Resorts and St. Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa serving as main sponsors. The event also received support from Caribbean nationals in South Florida. Reflecting on the club’s two years of supporting the organization, Ramkissoon described Paquee Golf Club as a close friend of the mission. “This team has a deep understanding of what it means to promise that we will never abandon a child. The Mustard Seed Communities is here to be the loving, lifelong home that every person deserves, and we are deeply grateful to have the Paquee family walking alongside us in providing care to hundreds of residents in Jamaica,” he said. Mustard Seed Communities provides residential care for children and adults with disabilities, abandoned children and others unable to care for themselves. The organization serves more than 700 people across
Reaping success for Mustard Seed: Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon (r) is a man quite moved on receiving a cheque of some $17m from Ray Fong, chairman of the fundraising committee of the Miami-based Paquee Golf Club. – Contributed photo
“This team has a deep understanding of what it means to promise that we will never abandon a child. The Mustard Seed Communities is here to be the loving, lifelong home that every person deserves, and we are deeply grateful to have the Paquee family walking alongside us in providing care to hundreds of residents in Jamaica,” – Ramkissoon
Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will primarily support the organization’s ongoing hurricane relief efforts. The winning team comprised Steve Simm, Richard Roberts, Dr. Elias Feanny and Eric Weiss. Paquee Golf Club has spent more than 30 years using golf to strengthen ties across the Caribbean diaspora. The club is now preparing to travel to Jamaica for a tournament with the Jamaica Buccaneers Club, continuing its tradition of building connections through the sport.
Scan the Code to read more. SCAN TO READ
CNWnetwork.com
Calypso Girls fire early as T&T sweep past Grenada Trinidad and Tobago began their bid for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup with an emphatic 61-45 victory over Grenada in the opening round of the Americas qualifiers on Monday. The Calypso Girls seized control from the outset at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, building a commanding halftime advantage before comfortably containing a spirited Grenada response in the second half. Goal shooter Maikea Bramble and goal attack Kira Rothwell spearheaded the victory, delivering highly efficient performances as Trinidad and Tobago, the reigning Central American and Caribbean (CAC) champions, established themselves as early contenders in the eight-team competition.
Wallace-Joseph sets the tone Trinidad and Tobago's fast start was driven by starting goal shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph, who converted 13 of her 14 attempts in the opening quarter. Her accuracy helped the Calypso Girls race to a 20-7 lead, immediately putting Grenada's Spice Girls under pressure. Bramble took over at goal shooter in the second quarter and maintained the scoring momentum, sinking all 15 of her attempts. Rothwell also continued her impressive shooting, following a perfect seven-from-seven opening period by converting one of her two attempts in the second quarter. The combined effort carried Trinidad and Tobago to a commanding 36-15 halftime lead, leaving Grenada with a substantial deficit to overcome.
Grenada fights back, but deficit proves too much
WE HAVE GONE DIGITAL!
The Spice Girls showed greater resistance after the break, producing their strongest period of the match in the third quarter. Grenada outscored Trinidad and Tobago 14-12 in the session, applying more pressure on the Calypso Girls and their defensive unit. However, the response made only a modest dent in the deficit, with Trinidad and Tobago still firmly in control at 48-29 heading into the final quarter. Grenada continued to battle in the closing period, again outscoring its opponents, this time 16-13. The late surge, however, could not erase the damage inflicted during Trinidad and Tobago's dominant opening half.
Bramble and Rothwell deliver clinical performances
CaribbeanNationalWeekly.com CaribbeanNationalWeekly CNWNetwork
954.739.6618
Bramble led Trinidad and Tobago's scoring with 30 goals from 32 attempts, while Rothwell added 18 from 19 attempts. Grenada also produced strong individual shooting performances despite the defeat. Goal shooter Lottysha Cato converted 35 of her 39 attempts, while goal attack Celina Brown finished with 10 goals from 15 attempts. The result gives Trinidad and Tobago an encouraging start as the eight participating nations compete in a roundrobin format for two coveted places at the 2027 Netball World Cup. The tournament will be held in Sydney, Australia, from August 25 to September 5, 2027, with the top two teams from the Americas qualifying competition advancing to the global championship.
B10 – NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28, 2026 | CNWNETWORK.COM ADVERTISEMENT