MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica. Thursday, August 5th, 2021- Sistas of D Ankh & Ma’at Sisterhood Circle celebrates their one-year anniversary with a special program titled “Drums of Alkebulan” via Zoom on August 8, 2021 between 1pm-3pm via Zoom Link - Https://us02Web.zoom.us/j/388417079. MEETING ID: 389 841 7079.  No password necessary.

The public are invited to attend. The event showcases special performances by: Abijah, Don Dada (South African Artiste’s premier performance of the Dawn Penn hit song and cover “You Don’t Love Me -No No No”), Danny Petersen, Nana Yahmin Ensemble featuring Jiwe on flute, Mbuta Mwalimu and Recorded session of Jam Africa Ensemble (Sagatala).

The Sisterhood Circle focuses on four (4) areas of personal development: Physical Wellbeing, Family/Parenting, Spirituality (inclusive of Sacred Feminine/Masculine) and Community Economics Development. Their mission is “each one, teach one, reach one” and their overall vision is “we walk together to go far,” hence allowing for differences to be settled in love, in truth and reciprocity in MA’AT.

Sistas of D Ankh, founded by Hazel Yahmin Williams-Vaz stated “The sessions have been absolutely wonderful, learning has been abundant and we have been consistently reassured about we, ourselves and I, not to mention moving forward, we hope others can join to assist in the Community Development Process”.  She also stated “It is about accountability and responsibility; therefore, broken people can never heal a community without knowing me, myself and I”.

The death of respected academic Runoko Rashidi was announced late last night by his friends and family. He passed away while on a research trip to Egypt on 2 August. Messages of love, support and remembrance are pouring in for the historian online. We take a look at his incredible life and academic career.

Who is Runoko Rashidi?

Runoko Rashidi described himself as a scholar, historian, author and a lecturer. Born in 1954, the historian was about 67 years old when he passed away.

He held frequent seminars about African History, Pan-Africanism, and focused his work specifically on the global African presence, which details the movement of Africans outside Africa before and after enslavement.

Maureen Tamuno, Nigerian High Commissioner meets Min. Ed Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 28, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett and newly appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Maureen Tamuno, share a special COVID-19 greeting as she paid a courtesy call on the Minister, on July 27, 2021. During the session, Minister Bartlett emphasized that Africa is the new frontier for tourism, as his ministry is actively working to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the continent of Africa. The Minister and High Commissioner discussed increasing air connectivity between Jamaica and Nigeria and the establishment of a satellite Centre for the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) based in Jamaica. 

This discussion comes on the heels of a recent visit to Kenya, where Minister Bartlett, who is also Co-Chair of the GTRCMC and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Chairman of the GTRCMC – Eastern Africa, Najib Balala signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for the two centres to work together to develop policy and conduct relevant research on destination preparedness, management, and recovery.

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Ministry of Tourism
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Telephone: 876-920-4924

(GTRCMC MOU Signing 1) Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) – Eastern Africa, Hon. Najib Balala (2nd left), presents a cheque for Ksh 10 million (US$ 100,000) to Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair the GTRCMC – Jamaica, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) to support activities at the East Africa Centre

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 16, 2021. Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Chairman of the GTRCMC – Eastern Africa, Hon. Najib Balala today (July 16) signed a ground-breaking memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for the two Centres to work together to develop policy and conduct relevant research on destination preparedness, management and recovery.

The signing took place during the Tourism Recovery Summit for African Ministers of Tourism currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya, where Minister Bartlett was invited to speak in his capacity as a well-respected global thought leader on tourism resilience and recovery.

Minister Bartlett lauded the MOU signing, as “a huge leap for policy research.  It will allow these two Centres to collaborate in forecasting, mitigating and managing risks related to tourism resilience caused by various disruptive factors.  This is truly an exciting opportunity.”  The GTRCMC – East Africa at Kenyatta University, is a regional satellite centre of the international GTRCMC, located at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica. 

“This is particularly relevant as we navigate and respond to the challenges brought on by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. We must be at the forefront of coordinating responses, surveillance and monitoring, and organizing economic relief efforts within and across borders. Collaborations such as this are both critical and timely,” the Minister said.

Paris, July 12th, 2021

The State of the African Diaspora is proud to announce this historical piece of news : last week, the Government of Belgium officially presented its roadmap for restitution. During a press conference, Thomas Dermine, Secretary of State in charge of Sciences declared :

“Time has come to give back to DRC the artifacts stolen by Belgium, they belong to the Congolese people “.

Most of these artifacts were stolen in a context of massacres and crimes against humanity during King Leopold’s reign -between 6 and 12 millions Africans died in Congo during that time, according to the experts.

Royal Chamber of SOAD

 Paris, July 1st, 2021

On July 1, 2021, on the occasion of the International Day of the African Diaspora, the Royal Chamber of State of the African Diaspora was launched. On this emblematic day, the Prime Minister, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, issued a Decree that recalls “the essential and vital role our Kings, Queens, Chiefs and Traditional Leaders play in Africa”, and as the Decree explains, this Royal Chamber is created in order to strengthen the family links between Africa and the Diaspora.

The Royal Chamber of the State of the African Diaspora includes many organisations of Kings and Queens, such as :

The High Council of Kings of Africa,

Thousands of sculptures and carvings were taken during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria

Germany has agreed to return to Nigeria priceless artefacts that were stolen during the colonisation of Africa.

British troops looted thousands of artworks known as the Benin Bronzes from the Kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria, in 1897.

Following auctions, some of the bronzes ended up in museums and private collections across Europe.

They hold deep cultural significance, and there is growing international pressure to give them back.

Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle welcome Winston Wellington, Chairman of Negril Education Environment Trust, ( NEET) and Jean Brown, Master Teacher, to Child’s Month Program. The event is staged around the achievements of NEET, its principles, discipline, vision and mission, will showcase its successful graduates and current students. To access the Virtual Programme, use the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079 or log on to Zoom.com and type in the User ID: 389-841-7079

In tribute to Mothers on May 9th Mother's Day, Sistas of D Ankh and Ma'at Sisterhood Circle presents a Mother's Day Tribute by Charlie Bobus, Resident  & International Motivational Poet {Time: About 1:10 p.m.)

Joining Mr Winston Wellington will be Jean P. Brown, Master Teacher, formerly with Negril All Age School. Miss Brown is one of the Facilitators of NEET and has been responsible for the program’s success. A Tablet in every child’s hand and computer in every classroom is NEET’s Motto which has guided the program from obscurity to a household name in the parish of Westmoreland.

The tablet program is the foundation of NEET’s mission and goal. The organization aims to provide educational resources to underprivileged youth in Jamaica. We believe by doing this we can reduce crime in the country and ultimately provide opportunities for kids to achieve their dreams. There are many children who with a helping hand can go on to become the stars they were born to be. Join Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. to welcome Mr Winston Wellington and Jean P. Brown and hear about their Student Exchange Program to Japan and Epcot Center, Florida.

Rt. Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey

Toronto, (March 20, 2021).

A bronze bust of Marcus Garvey will be installed at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by August 17 to mark the 134th birthday of Jamaica's first national hero.

This is the brainchild of Afroglobal Television, the 24-hour Canada-based network, the Marcus Garvey Institute under the leadership Dr Julius Garvey, its co-founder, chairman and son of the legendary Marcus Mosiah Garvey; also included are the Pan African Technical Association, Strictly Roots, National Association of Kawaida Organizations, The Whirlwind  Group, and renowned artist Nijel Binns of Los Angeles, USA.

PAN-AFRICANISM

Paris, Tuesday 27 April 2021.

The Pan-African Journalists' Caucus was launched by the African Diaspora State on Tuesday 06 April 2021. At this inaugural meeting, the decision was taken to set up a series of structures, including "Country Coordinators", who are the operational arm of the Caucus in its campaigns around the world. This will strengthen Africa's pride and dignity as the "Cradle of Humanity".

On the proposal of H.E. Ambassador Élisée Héribert-Label ADJOVI, Chairperson of the Pan-African Journalists' Caucus, the following Country Coordinators have been appointed:

West Africa: Benin, Joël Samson BOSSOU;  Burkino Faso, Elie KABORE; Central African Republic, Jean Fernand KOENA;
Ivory Coast, Sylvain NAMOYA; Gambia, Sanna CAMARA;  Ghana, Philip Nii LARTEY; Guinea Conakry, Billy Nankouman CONDÉ; Liberia, Hannah N. GETERMINAH; Mali, Paul MBEN; Niger, Mahamadou ABOULAYE, Nigeria; Abdoulaye ISAH;  Senegal, Maymouna N'DIR; Sierra Leone; Theresa R. SESAY;  Togo, Ferdinand GADE.

In March, the month of women and feminism, the State of the African Diaspora ratified its commitment to African and Afro-descendant women by creating the Development Fund in support of these Women. As a result, on 21 March, the World Day of combating racial discrimination, the results of the ‘First Call’ were released, in which 16 women-led projects were selected, with an emphasis on topics ranging from food production, health, education to remembrance of our history. It highlights the international scope of the call and its results, which expresses a remarkable area of concentration in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the participation of young Afro-Feminist leaders.

Chaired by our Prime Minister, The Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Gender Equality, the first workshop was held with women whose projects were selected, starting the process of implementation of these, under a rigorous schedule, letter of commitment and an accompanying plan with international experts. There, the Network of Entrepreneurs funded by the State of the African Diaspora was born.

The general objective of this Network is promoting the autonomy of Afro-descendant and African women, through charitable and successful entrepreneurship strategies. It includes Afro-descendant and African women from Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Dr. Louis-Georges Tin                                                Dr. Rosa Campoalegre Septien

Montego Bay, Jamaica. (April 23, 2021) Dub poet extraordinaire, Cherry Natural (AKA Marcia Wedderburn) to drop new single from her latest Album, entitled “Spiritual Mastery” and Elder NswNebKaRa to speak on the Sacred Masculine on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. (EST /Jamaica time) via the virtual Zoom Platform of Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle. For access use Zoom User ID: 389 841 7079 or Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079 .

 Known as the leading performance Dub Poet in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Cherry Natural has the gift of speaking words sounds into creation in a lyrically unique and empowering manner. She is also a Writer, Self Defense Instructor, Motivational Speaker for adults & children, as well as, a facilitator of workshops on poetry and self-defense locally and internationally. She has written three books entitled ‘Come mek we reason’, ‘Earth Woman’ and ‘The Lyrical Contortionist’. She has in addition, two CD’s ‘Earth Woman”, “Intellectual Bad Gal”, and has completed an EP recently. “Spiritual Mastery” her third album is available soon on all Digital Platforms.

The Sisterhood Circle invites Soul Mates, Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine, as well as, significant others in particular to come and receive a blessing on their relationships by Elder and Spiritual Healer NswNebKaRa. The entire family is invited to join Sisters of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle in welcoming Cherry Natural and NswNebKaRa Asar KasaamsuRa Heri-sheta-paheru to the Sacred Space where the community becomes one in the Ubuntu and Ma’at African tradition.

NswNebKaRa Asar KasaamsuRa Herishetapaheru is respectfully known as NswNebKaRa, he hails from Aye Aye in the Virgin Islands. He is a Co-founder and the Executive Director of Per Ankh (House of Life) a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization livicated to Culture, Healing, Arts, Technology and Spirituality for Life, Inspiration, Freedom, and Education = CHATS4LIFE©. Elder NswNebKaRa is skilled in the Martial Arts and is Author of four books: The Ra-clamation of the Sa-cred Sovereign Maat Nation of Smai Tawi Em Khamet Nwt; Uat Nefer Aha Aaui-Te Em Per Ankh Em Smai Tawi Em Khamet Nwt: 2) The Way of the Harmonious Warrior Arms and Hands Systems and Spiritual Warrior Teachings of Per Ankh of Smai Tawi Khamet Nwt; 3) Per Ankh: ANKHMES (Due out Autumn 2021); and other works are pending publication.

© AfreePress- (Lomé, April 8, 2021) -Give Africa back its place in the concert of nations, work to restore the image of Africa's lost identity and create a synergy of action and ideas from the African diaspora scattered all over the world. These are the objectives of the State of the African Diaspora or the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD, in its English version). SOAD is headed by Dr Louis-Georges Tin, who is its Prime Minister.

The Pan-African Journalists caucus of this state, which is essentially virtual, was officially launched on April 6, 2021 during a meeting of its members on the Zoom application. The Pan-African Journalists Caucus is headed by Beninese, Elisée Héribert-Label Adjovi, Roving Ambassador of SOAD. The meeting brought together media professionals from around twenty countries such as Togo, Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, Tunisia, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, United States and Mauritius.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister of SOAD, Dr Louis-Georges Tin, did not fail to salute the mobilization of the participants and present the objectives and major projects of the organization. “I am very happy to launch this initiative today with Elisée Héribert-Label Adjovi, who is a great journalist, and also a great leader. The media are crucial: so much fake news is broadcast, especially when it comes to Africa. We cannot allow other people to tell our story for us. We need to change the narrative and be able to assert our own vision. This is the raison d'être of the Pan-African Journalists Caucus ”, he suggested on this occasion and to call on Africans and their diasporas to make Africa shine in the eyes of the world.

He dwelled at length on the presentation of the State of the African Diaspora, and its recent achievements, such as the creation of the identity card of the African Diaspora, the creation of the Lumi currency, the vote of a resolution in the European Parliament for the restitution of artistic goods from Africa and the repair and granting of 13,500 scholarships to Pan-African students, as well as the Pan-African cycling tour which will take place shortly. He also proceeded to the presentation of the caucuses which are components of the State of the African Diaspora. These are: the Pan African Caucus of Political Leaders (launched in February), the Pan African Caucus of Lawyers (launched in March), the Pan African Caucus of Spiritual Leaders (which will be launched in April) and of course the Pan African Caucus of Journalists, which exists from now on.

Kingston, Jamaica (April 5, 2021). The State of the African Diaspora, Jamaica on March 1, 2021 rolled out its campaign to sensitize, educate and register Jamaican citizens to access the African Kingdoms Lumi (AKL). The Lumi is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). 

Over 3,000 Jamaicans have registered for the thirty-six-month stimulus package which ends October 28, 2023. Those registrants are part of a network of registrants in 138 countries now receiving their monthly stimulus deposits of 6.26 Lumi (the equivalent of US$100.00) in their accounts each month.

Dr. Linus Etube, CEO of Swifin Network, the financial platform supporting the Lumi says “The Swifin network provides the platform for Jamaicans and by extension the Diaspora to experience ease of access, financial freedom and prosperity during the Lumi Rollout campaign and beyond.”

For more information contact 876-345-4782.

March 24, 2021. Montego Bay, Jamaica, W.I.  Keynote speakers Angella Whitter and Paula Hurlock are slated to speak at the Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle on March 28, 2021 as the final speakers on the Sisterhood roster for Women’s Month. The virtual but very live Zoom platform can be accessed using the Zoom ID # 389-841-7079 .

Angella Whitter, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Whitter Group of Companies and Joe and Angella Whitter Foundation, which was recently launched on December 11, 2020 in celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of Whitter Village. The Foundation is dedicated to providing scholarships to tertiary students and persons with comorbidities from illnesses related to kidney, heart and optical diseases. Mrs. Whitter will be speaking on the topic “How Women’s Roles are Evolving in the New Normal.”

Paula Hurlock is a Developmental Specialist and Convenor of “I AM Light Jamaica”.  She is imbued with the ability to implement initiatives that do not yet exist. In her most recent position at Sutherland Global, Paula developed and implemented their global social impact program, which copped both the 2019 Microsoft Excellence Award for Impact Sourcing Leadership and the IAOP/Rockefeller 2020 Global Impact Sourcing Award in New York and then in Florida. Hurlock will share the motive behind the I AM Light Jamaica event, trauma carried by African people, the female thrust in Spiritual Empowerment and healing of Melaninated people, as well as, our role as wisdom keepers.

Sistas of D Ankh, founded by Hazel Yahmin Williams-Vaz and founding member, Pettia Williams, Wholistic Administrator, combined with Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, founder of Ma’at Sisterhood Circle, assembled on August 2020 to host webinars on the Zoom platform with the sole purpose of uplifting women and providing spiritual reparation. “This collaboration grew to include the production team: Nadia Oshun-Brown, Theo Chambers and Ralston Francis whose aim is widening the network of support available for women in Jamaica and the Diaspora,” said Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA- March 13, 2021 – Sistas of D Ankh & Ma'at Sisterhood Circle Celebrates Women's Month with Sa Enya McBean. She will speak on the topic: 'How to Safeguard Your Phusical Well-being with Healing Interventions and Energy Medicines during COVID-19 Pandemic'. The virtual event will take place via Zoom on March 14, 2021 and can be accessed with the link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079. Meeting ID: 389 841 7079.

McBean is a former member of the annual Caribbean Health Spa & Wellness Tourism Conferenice convened by Theo & Sharon Chambers from 2006-2009. She is an acclaimed author who travels the world and speaks on Health & Wellness topics. She makes Jamaica her second home.                                         

Also on the programme is Dr. Sherrill Chong, who is described as a coach extraordinaire; she has worked in various capacities. Her main goal through her association with E & S Chong Health Ministries is to ‘empower Caribbean people world-wide through Motivation, Training, and Implementation Strategies to regain and sustain Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual health.’ With her expertise in Holistic Health where she provides assistance in lifestyle transformation for individuals, families, communities and nations, there is much assurance that she will be an excellent speaker that will have all the attendees engrossed in her presentation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 8, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has outlined that the latest initiative by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, to host a virtual gastronomy forum series, will aid in preparing the culinary industry for the rebound of the tourism sector, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Minister Bartlett lauded the initiative as he addressed the first session in the highly anticipated series recently. The forum focused on the topic: Gastronomy Tourism as part of the New Normal of Living with COVID-19.

The forum series will focus on food related topics and seeks to offer valuable information to the target audience, which includes: chefs, caterers, academia, agriculture stakeholders, restaurateurs and tour operators, with the aim of connecting the ecosystems and linking start-ups and existing businesses along the gastronomy tourism value chain.

“The presentations and information being offered to you our valued stakeholders, have been carefully packaged to prepare all of us for the way forward. As I’ve said before, it will not be business as usual and as much as our record of offering great hospitality stands, everyone is going to have to perform even better,” Bartlett expressed.

Thursday, March 4, 2021 (Kingston, Jamaica, W.I.) The State of the African Diaspora, Jamaica on March 1, 2021 rolled out its campaign to sensitize, educate and register Jamaican citizens to access the LUMI Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Stimulus Program.  It is a thirty-six-month stimulus package which began October 28, 2020 and ends September 28, 2023.

Background on SOAD and Eco-6 Region

The State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) is part of the Economic Community “Sixth Region” of the African Union (AU), which came to life with the bold actions of Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, now Prime Minister of SOAD. It is a Pan African vision for African liberation and sovereignty.

In 2014, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President-in-Office of the African Union gave a mandate to Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, Chairperson of the Representative Council of Black Associations (CRAN) at the time, to set up the African Diaspora, to “give substance” to the Sixth Region. In 2018, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin presented to the African Union representatives the results of his mission: A constitution, a government and development projects. These elements were validated by President Aziz, and the State of the African Diaspora was formalized at the AU Summit in Mauritania on July 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.thestateofafricandiaspora.com .

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA- February 26, 2021 – The renowned international storyteller, Dr. Amina Blackwood Meeks will present at the Sistas of D Ankh & Ma'at Sisterhood Circle on February 28, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.

Guests can expect to have a life-changing experiences as she delivers a powerful presentation on using storytelling to rebuild, educate and transform the African community. The virtual event can be accessed via Zoom with the link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079 and Meeting ID: 389 841 7079.

Amina Blackwood Meeks, who is a writer, director, performer, and custodian of our oral tradition is confidently described as ‘a voice that must be heard.’ This, along with her expertise and charisma makes her one of the most dynamic and deliberate voices of our time. She is also the founder and programmes director of Ntukuma, The Storytelling Foundation of Jamaica, which is committed to exploring the relationship between the ancient wit and wisdom of African ancestry and modern needs.

Sistas of D Ankh, founded by Hazel Yahmin Williams-Vaz and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle, founded by Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, assembled on August 2020 to host webinars on the Zoom platform with the sole purpose of uplifting women. “This collaboration grew to include the production team: Pettia Williams, Nadia Oshun Brown, Theo Chambers and Ralston Francis whose aim is widening the network of support available for women in Jamaica and the Diaspora,” said Hazel Yahmin Williams-Vaz.

On January 19, 2021 Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett announced his  heartfelt congratulations to renowned hotelier, Adam Stewart, on his appointment as Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), following the recent passing of his father, business mogul, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

“I am heartened to learn that Adam Stewart has been named the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. Over the years, Adam has made a name for himself as a brilliant businessman, leader and innovator.  I can say without hesitation that the mantle of leadership of SRI could not have been passed to a more competent and deserving individual,” said Minister Bartlett. 

Stewart is the second person to ever serve as the company’s Chairman, and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman.

“Adam, much like his father, is a global industry leader with a wealth of knowledge about the Sandals brand and the international tourism industry. I offer you my heartiest congratulations Adam, I am certain you will do exceptionally well, and that you will continue to build on the rich legacy left by your father, who has groomed you very well for this position,” said Bartlett.