By Nelson A. King
Caribbean American Democratic
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has
joined by 12 members of the New York
Congressional Delegation in urging
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Temporary President
Stewart-Cousin and Speaker
Heastie on the need to extend New
York’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium,
which expired Jan. 15.
In their letter, the members highlighted
the critical condition affecting
hundreds of thousands of New
Yorkers and their families who are
now at risk of losing their homes.
With 591,000 households across
New York State, the vast majority of
which inhabited by people of color
and low-income individuals, congressional
representatives said the expiration
of the eviction moratorium
would lead to “needless upheaval,
amounting to unnecessary and preventable
devastation.
“When considering the ongoing
pandemic, the necessity of affordable
housing for the stability and
safety of communities, and the danger
faced by those affected, extending
New York’s eviction and foreclosure
moratorium constitutes a required
and just humanitarian action,” they
said in a letter to Hochul and the
other State officials.
“We believe an extension of the
eviction moratorium is the best solution
to ensure the safety and wellbeing
of all New Yorkers, especially
as we continue through the challenges
the COVID-19 pandemic brings
forth,” added the members.
“We share your commitment to
deliver housing stability for New
Yorkers, and, therefore, we urge you
to take the necessary actions within
your authority to extend the eviction
and foreclosure moratorium,” they
urged.
Caribbean L 38 ife, JANUARY 21-27, 2022
By Nelson A. King
Grenada celebrated its Expo 2020
Dubai National Day in colorful fashion
as the “Island of Spice” provided the Caribbean
flavor at Al Wasl Plaza, according
to the Emirate News Agency (ENA).
ENA reported on Sunday that a team
of dancers, musicians and two vocal artists
led “exotic cultural performances”,
including reggae, soul and soca vocal
artist, Thamara St. Bernard Neckles.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al
Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and
Coexistence and Commissioner-General
of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Dame
Cecile La Grenade, Governor-General of
Grenada, and Oliver Joseph, Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Grenada, ENA said.
“Under a theme that focuses on the
movement of people, culture, products
and services, Grenada’s student-designed
pavilion sheds light on a business-friendly
nation with ample opportunities,”
Sheikh Nahyan said. “Visitors will discover
why this is a sought-out tourist
destination is a country of rich history
and culture passed down through generations.
“We hope that, through Grenada’s
presence at Expo 2020 Dubai, we will
be able to build on the existing partnerships
between our two countries and
explore the potential for further collaboration
in various areas of mutual interest,”
he added.
Joseph said, “Grenada’s rich history,
culture and heritage is as diverse and
integral as our landscape.
“The natural beauty of our islands
is great,” he said. “Investment opportunities
are born across a wide range
of sectors, particularly in tourism and
hospitality, health and wellness services,
education services, and business and
energy development.
“I take this opportunity to express
deep appreciation to the UAE for the
extraordinary efforts in making Grenada’s
participation in this Expo 2020
Dubai a reality,” Joseph added. “Additionally,
let me express sincere appreciation
and gratitude to the government
and people of the UAE for their cooperation
and efforts that have contributed
significantly to Grenada’s fight against
COVID-19.”
At Al Wasl Plaza, ENA said “lively
beats were driving the music of Thamara
St. Bernard Neckles, followed by
Dash, who has been rated Groovy Soca
Monarch King of Grenada on three occasions.”
Renowned for his upbeat and lively
performances, ENA said Dash “had the
crowd around the Al Wasl Plaza cheering
Grenada represented at Expo 2020 Dubai. ENA
and dancing along.”
ENA said both artists were joined by
an ensemble of dancers and musicians,
“and helped to bring Grenada’s unique
sounds to Expo 2020 Dubai.”
The Grenada Pavilion boasts an iconic
piece of spicy art featuring nutmeg to
highlight the island’s love of and connection
with the spices “that give the
nation its unique fragrance,” ENA said.
“The pavilion reflects Grenada’s lifestyle,
with its tranquil waters,” it said.
“Visitors can also take a colorful tour of
the ‘Island of Spice’, enjoy calypso, soca,
folk, steel pan, the big drum and jab jab
rhythms, or experience the ‘bean-to-bar’
chocolate process for which Grenada is
famous.”
ENA said National and Honor Days
at Expo 2020 Dubai are “moments to
celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus international
participants, shining a light
on their culture and achievements and
showcasing their pavilions and programming.”
It said each features a flag-raising ceremony
at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl
Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural
performances.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.
Photo by Nelson A. King
Expo 2020 Dubai comes alive
with Caribbean color, sound
during Grenada’s National Day
Calls to extend
eviction
moratorium
Governor General Dame Cecile La
Grenade. Grenada government