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Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith

There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16th – 19th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.

Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”

“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.

Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.

Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:

  • Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
  • Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
  • Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
  • Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
  • Tourism and wealth creation

During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.

The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Caribbean Targeted – Caribbean people at home as well as in the diaspora be aware! This is war against our people, and you are being put on notice

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BY MICHAEL THOMAS

The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines made a recent press announcement through its Ministry of Health telling its citizens that they are monitoring a serious situation that’s developing internationally concerning a rapidly spreading new disease called the HMPV (aka Human Metapneumovirus).

As expected, international media are already parroting their well-rehearsed lines. These media outlets are saying: “The virus is taking over China,”It is mysterious, that its origins are unknown,” and that “China is taking preventative steps like closing schools, plus hospitals are packed with cases too.”

CPH (aka the Caribbean Public Health Agency), recently put out a bulletin stating that Caribbean governments should start surveillance in light of tourism and travel concerns. Does this line remind anyone of 2020 and two weeks to flatten the curve?

The architects of these plandemics like to call the Caribbean -The Third World Countries and so that must be synonymous with stupidity, however, they are so wrong, because we are independent thinkers, and this is proving to be a stone in their shoes.

Founder of the  DRP  (aka Democratic-Republican Party) Anesia Baptiste is calling this recycled lie out in a big way on the island. “I would like to put you on notice. Ministry of Health of St Vincent and the Grenadines, CPHA, and you my dear people. The Human Metapneumovirus is not new, it is not mysterious, the Human Metapneumovirus does have origins and it’s a COVID-19 injection disease.”

Baptiste said that as early as February 2021, Pfizer was receiving complaints about injured people who took the bioweapon (aka the COVID-19 Vaccine). Pfizer did a post-authorization report of adverse events and in their findings; folks who took the Pfizer injection were infected with Human Metapneumovirus.

This document was not supposed to be public, but over time it was leaked and for some time now it has been making the rounds on social media, and alternative media, but no. Hell no! Third World Country folks are so stupid Pfizer thought their secret was safe.

What is not being said in the mainstream news is that now, many people are coming down with this so-called mystery illness and they have one thing in common: they all took the Pfizer injection. What an ungodly coincidence.

Baptiste had a word for Caribbean people, “Do not let them scare you into thinking again that you are going to have to take some test and some so-called vaccine mRNA injection that they called vaccine because of this new virus that is going around.”

For the  Ministry of Health of SVG and CPHA she had these words, “Get this message clear; we are not stupid. We are not fools. Do not come to us with any nonsense. Look at Pfizer’s documents and you will see that this is a side effect of their COVID injection reported since 2021.”

As should be the case, I looked into Pfizer’s documents that were not supposed to make it to the public for the next 77 years or so, that is if Pfizer had their way. On page 35 of the 38-page release, I found the much-talked-about Metapneumovirus. I also searched the meaning, symptoms, and what can be done to prevent, or treat the so-called deadly virus, and what I found was indeed laughable.

Metapneumovirus is very similar to the annual, or common cold. Most HMPV symptoms are mild. They can include coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea.

Again, just like the common cold these usually go away in two to five days, but they can worsen and cause serious health issues in some cases like adults with other health issues, or a compromised immune system. Readers, does this sound like a disease worthy of a pandemic emergency to you?

There’s no specific treatment or cure. Most symptoms are mild and go away on their own.

Web MD amplified this agenda by saying, “Studies have shown that incidences of HMPV increased three-fold in certain countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 prevention measures were in full effect, people were less exposed to all types of respiratory illnesses. After these measures eased, respiratory illnesses like HMPV surged.”  Translation, these agenda-driven entities, and medical institutions are ready to scare humans once more, then take them back to the 2020 plandemic so-called prevention rules. After the last four and a half years, who is believing this? Who?

The planners of this recycled lie are now focusing on the Caribbean. The Pan American Health Organization, which is a division of the World Health Organization, is trying to spread fear throughout this region. They are warning the citizens of H5N1, and HMPV viruses.

Just like North America, most of the mainstream media outlets of these Caribbean Islands have been bought and paid for with strict instructions to broadcast these lies day and night to weigh down the inhabitants of the islands with fear. Meanwhile they are being guided to accept what is called a flu shot not knowing it is the same bio weapon of four and a half years ago just recycled to maim and kill them off.

What the Caribbean people need to understand is simple: if this enemy can kill and maim their people to reap the resources of the land, what do you think their plans are for you? They have used the same bioweapon on their people who are now dying in droves as a result. Do you think they are concerned about the health of Caribbean people? Let me remind you for the 100th time, Bill Gates’s former wife said, “BLACK PEOPLE should get it first,” I am speaking of the COVID bio-weapon injection.

Barbados Operation Liberation has warned the public about this nefarious plan to depopulate the Caribbean. Here is a piece of this warning.

The ingredients in the flu vaccine would not even be approved for animals, yet this vaccine is being promoted by the Pan American Health Organization and the health authorities across the region, who are being paid by the same Pan American Health Organization.

Triton X-100 is one of the components of this injection. This is the bio- weaponized strain of H5N1 Avian flu. When injected in a flu vaccine it remains dormant until the subject comes within proximity of a specific frequency fueled by 5G technology.

From the router in your home, your business, or cell phone, anything can activate this particular strain in the TritonX-100 ingredients.  While this may seem like a tin foil idea, this is exactly how COVID-19 bio-weapon mutations were spread across the populations of the universe. It is important to note that this can only happen if an individual has taken the injections in question.

According to Barbados Operation Liberation this new so-called flu vaccine that is being pushed by the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean health authorities across the region has a 60% kill rate and is 10 times more deadly than COVID-19 injections.

The plandemic criminals have now set their sights on ocean-front properties, and so the Caribbean people are to be eliminated. Caribbean people at home as well as in the diaspora be aware! This is war against our people, and you are being put on notice.

We the people of the Caribbean need to be vigilant and dismissive of these lying globalist evildoers hiding under the umbrella of health care.

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Award winner John Legend headlines Saint Lucia 2025 Jazz & Arts Festival

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

If you live in certain parts of North America, notably Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you are probably looking out the window, begging for the warm sun of summertime. I hear you, trust me; I am wishing for it as well, but for those who have the means, and are able to get out of the cold, I want you to imagine swaying to the soulful melodies under the Caribbean sky, with the iconic Pigeon Island National Park as your breathtaking backdrop.

Yes, I am speaking about an escape to paradise for a symphony of sounds! This spring, you have a chance to experience the magic of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival & Arts Festival, renowned as the Caribbean’s premier celebration of jazz. You have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of world-class musicians as they grace intimate venues and captivate open-air stages throughout the island.

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival returns in the third year of its revitalized format from April 30th to May 11th, 2025. This year’s festival will feature an exciting lineup of global talent, including Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist John Legend; 70s pop, soul, and funk icons Earth, Wind & Fire; and dancehall and reggae superstars Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

The programming spans different genres of music across six nights and is set to attract thousands of visitors from around the world. The iconic and historic Pigeon Island National Park will provide the waterside backdrop for the open-air performances, with the Ramp at Rodney Bay hosting Pure Jazz.

“Our Jazz & Arts festival has been going strong for more than 30 years, thanks to the much sought after artists that we continue to collaborate with,” shares Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire.

Visitors come from around the world to enjoy the lineup, the warm hospitality of our people, and the stunning setting of Saint Lucia. 2025 sees us build on the wonderful art component that we reintroduced in 2023 as well as the hugely successful music programming with global and local artists from jazz and gospel to reggae, pop, and now country music.”

Now, for the moment you have been waiting for; the musical lineup with more big names in music still to be announced:

Wednesday, April 30th: Opening Night

The festival will kick off with the energetic sounds of Soca and Dennery Segment with an all-Saint Lucian cast, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Adding to the excitement is Jamaican contemporary reggae artist Sizzla. Country music will be introduced to the lineup, featuring the talented Gretchen Wilson. Country music holds a special place in Saint Lucia, with lively line dancing often seen at events across the island. This genre will connect with locals and visitors, offering a unique blend of music that will resonate with all.

Tuesday, May 6th: Pure Jazz

Italian jazz and rock virtuoso Mateo Mancuso will take the stage, bringing his signature sound and incredible improvisational skill to the festival. Alongside him, the incomparable Etienne Charles, Trinidadian jazz trumpeter and island favorite, will deliver a performance that will ignite the crowd.

Wednesday, May 7th: Kingdom Nights

A hugely popular night in previous years, this year, gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard promises a stirring performance of hits like ‘Break Every Chain‘, while the acclaimed Maverick City Music brings their genre-defying sound to the stage.

Thursday, May 8th: Pure Jazz

Grammy-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn brings her unique blend of tradition and contemporary brilliance to the stage with hits including ‘Sing Your Own Song’ and ‘Mysteries of Us’.

Friday, May 9th: Caribbean Fusion

Prepare for an electrifying experience as two legendary kings of reggae and dancehall share the stage: Grammy-award-winning Beenie Man and fellow artiste Bounty Killer. This dynamic duo will bring pure energy, nostalgic rhythms, and hits, including their joint collaboration ‘Legendary’ plus ‘Look into My Eyes’ from Bounty Killa and Beenie Man’s ‘Who Am I/Simma’.

Saturday, May 10th: World Beats

The stunning performances continue for World Beats featuring Afrobeat star Ruger (‘Bounce’) and Haiti’s Tabou Combo (‘New York City’). This night is a celebration of diverse cultures through music.

Sunday, May 11th: The Ultimate Celebration (The Legends)

The closing night is the ultimate celebration where music legends take the spotlight. 12-time Grammy winner singer songwriter John Legend (‘All of Me’, ‘Ordinary People‘) takes to the stage. Legend is joined in the lineup by iconic Grammy winners Earth, Wind, and Fire, who will perform their hits, including the infectious ‘Let’s Groove’ to the jubilant anthem ‘September’.

It is even easier to enjoy the jazz festival this year; getting to Saint Lucia from Canada couldn’t be easier with direct nonstop flights on Air Canada and WestJet. Signature Saint Lucia accommodations and events across the island suit all interests and budgets.

Ticketing and packages will be available from early February at www.saintluciajazzandartsfestival.com/.

Follow announcements from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority across social media @travelsaintlucia.

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Newly discussed tariffs: will they help Canada, or hurt us?

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Photo credit - Awesome Photo Content

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Many attempts have been made to unite North America into one singular, socio-political, economic powerhouse.

A contemporary version of the Monroe Doctrine may be at play in Donald Trump’s Washington DC Playhouse, as President Trump makes assertions about: Canada, Panama, Greenland and Mexico, offering to acquire one or all of these nations in time. Some are strategic property like Greenland and Panama, yet others fall into a mindset based upon historic imperatives. President Trump has said “Borders between Canada and America are just imaginary lines, nothing more,” and he is right about that.

Threats of tariff placement against Mexico and Canada are acts strategically made to not polarize one nation from the other, but to bring them closer together. Canada and Mexico need America’s economic might, the trillions of dollars that flow between these nations with one hand shaking the other. Yet there are artificial boundaries that are costing continental business trillions of dollars in: tariffs-taxes, time lost in border transport, costs of border security, employment of many thousands of guards and a forever growing border land bureaucracy. As one singular citizenry, so called Canadians and Mexicans become Americans able to flow in any direction domestically and achieve employment where it can be found.

Tariffs can be used as a tool that both threatens and also calls upon others to negotiate, and view America’s vision in a new way with eyes wide open. For China, a tariff can be viewed as a sledgehammer, but to Canada and Mexico tariffs can bring the two parties into a problem-solving situation. Ultimately Canada and then Mexico must realize that history shows their nationhood will progress towards joining the American Union. If America wants to end the drug wars, they need to wipe out the Mexican Cartels, something they cannot presently do. The need for: freshwater, energy and natural resource supply place Canada within America’s acquisitional sights.

Tariffs applied to Chinese products is a totally different story. North American business leaders have realized that through their business dealings with China they have created an archenemy, a nation controlled by The Chinese Communist Party whose main goal for almost a hundred years has been to grow China’s economy so well that eventually they will surpass American economic achievements and win the still going Cold War. America discovered massive amounts of natural gas and other energy sources within its borders. Adding Canadian energy sources would make America entirely energy self-sufficient. Also, the development of electric vehicles technology is a growing concern domestically.

A continental strategy will offer better protection from America’s rivals, China and Russia. American security in its entirety can be made more efficient by joining America’s northern and southern allies into one nation, one amazing power block that most other superpowers will admire and fear. Having someone like President Trump suggest such a union is actually quite brilliant, as the man is known to be flamboyant, outspoken and strangely perceptive.

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