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This is a Podcast of the Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Summary for the week ending October 27 2023 JAMAICA WEEKLY News Summary Podcast is brought to you by Jamaicans.com. For past Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Podcasts please visit our archives

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God’s instructions to Saul through the prophet Samuel were quite clear. God was going to punish the Amalekites because “their ancestors opposed the Israelites when they were coming from Egypt” and so Saul was to “go and attack the Amalekites and completely destroy everything they have. Don’t leave a thing; kill all the men, women, children, and babies; the cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys” (1 Samuel 15:2-3, GNT). According to the narrative, “But Saul and his men spared Agag’s [the king of the Amalekites] life and did not kill the best sheep and cattle, the best calves and lambs, or anything else that was good; they destroyed only what was useless or worthless” (v. 9). In other words, Saul outrightly, knowingly, and purposefully disobeyed God.

The response was immediate. The LORD said to Samuel, “‘I am sorry that I made Saul king; he has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands.’ Samuel was angry, and all night long he pleaded with the LORD” (v. 11). The prophet went and confronted Saul who greeted him with the words, “The LORD bless you, Samuel! I have obeyed the LORD’s command” (v.13), but Samuel was having none of it. Without acknowledging the greeting, he asked, “Why, then, do I hear cattle mooing and sheep bleating?” (v. 14). Saul tried to explain himself, and the prophet countered with what the LORD had told him (vv. 15-18) before asking the all-important question: “Why, then, did you not obey Him? Why did you rush to grab the loot, and so do what displeases the LORD?” (v. 19). Saul insisted he had obeyed, “but my men did not kill the best sheep and cattle that they captured; instead, they brought them here to Gilgal to offer as a sacrifice to the LORD your God” (vv. 20-21).

Samuel then spoke words to Saul that continue to echo across the centuries to all humanity: “Which does the LORD prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey Him than to sacrifice the best sheep to Him. Rebellion against Him is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry” (vv. 22-23a). But Samuel was not finished. “Because you [Saul] rejected the LORD’s command, He has rejected you as king” (v. 23b). It was only then that Saul admitted, “Yes, I have sinned . . . I disobeyed the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of my men and did what they wanted” (v. 24). Read that last statement again, slowly: “I was afraid of my men and did what they wanted.”

Obeying God is not easy, but to remain in fellowship with Him it is mandatory. To do so means we often risk offending people, sometimes losing people we call friends, people who do not understand that we have to do what God commands. No matter the situations in which we find ourselves, we can never justify disobeying God. Regardless of the consequences, given the choice between obedience or offerings and sacrifices, the believer would do well to never forget Samuel’s words: “It is better to obey [the LORD] than to sacrifice the best sheep to Him.” It is what He prefers.

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Jamaican dancehall artist Spice, who was born Grace Hamilton in Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1982, talked about her early life and path to becoming the “Queen of Dancehall” in a discussion with journalist at Forbes magazine Rosemary Miller. Spice spoke personally about becoming a “new woman” on a “new walk,” her role on the reality TV show, “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” what people might think of her, and her relationship with money and success.

The Reality of Reality TV

Miller began by asking Spice about the infamous fight with Erica Mena on Episode 12 of the 11th season of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” in which Mena attacked Spice with a racial slur. Spice’s answer set the tone for the entire interview. She explains that she understood how things would be going into the “Love & Hip Hop” franchise, and added it was okay for her. She retained her peace of mind about the incident because “someone’s opinion of me does not value who I am” and “That doesn’t define me. I know who I am.” Spice emphasized that she brought out the issue of colorism several years ago and continues to take pride in being “black and beautiful” and reminding others like her about how beautiful they are.

The Childhood of the Queen of Dancehall

Spice shared that she came from humble beginnings and remembered having to walk to school because there was not enough money for bus fare. She has five siblings, and they lived in a one-bedroom house and used to sleep in one bed. She explains that it is her childhood memories that inspire her. “I know what it’s like to go to bed without food. I know what it’s like to just have one pair of shoes,” she said, adding that she never wants to go back to those conditions. Although people think she enjoyed overnight success, she actually began performing at the age of 14 and while she never had a regular nine-to-five job, she put in the hard work needed to pursue her career in entertainment. Because of her journey to success, Spice has taken as her motto, “From homeless to greatness.”

What Money Means to Spice

Spice shared that the meaning of money to her changed once she had it. She now views money as “generational wealth” and that she knows money does not bring happiness but it is able to “break generational wealth.” She notes that she was once homeless because she lost her home to fire, that there were times when there was nothing in her bank account, and now that she is a millionaire, she can make things better for her children and family and even for those outside her family. Spice went on to talk about the downside of riches as well. She no longer trusts anyone but her mother, stating, “More money, more problems,” meaning that becoming wealthy also fostered jealousy among her friends and family. She also said that friends she grew up with changed toward her when she became wealthy and held it against her that her performance and business commitments – she has many different income streams now – meant that she was not as available to them as she was when she was poor.

Spice versus Grace Hamilton

The dancehall artist noted that her “Spice” persona was different from Grace Hamilton, the person she really is, saying that many people will never get to meet the “real” her, but only the Spice persona she created, with the blue hair and stage presence, the person who “gives you a good show,” but that’s not Grace Hamilton. Whenever she left the stage, she says she “metamorphosized” back into her real self, a humble and down-to-earth girl. She went on to say that she wishes she didn’t have to wear the wigs and makeup and could just be at home singing gospel.

Spice’s Advice to Younger Female Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring performers and entrepreneurs who want to be like her, Spice said, “I would tell them they can’t be like me. No one can be like anyone. You got to be like yourself.” However, in regard to financial advice, she stated, “I would tell them it’s not what you make. It’s what you save and what you invest in.” She added that it is saving that will determine how rich you become and that it is not how the race starts that determines a winner, but how it ends.

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After the dust settled at the Miami Carnival Costume Parade, Ramajay Mas International was crowned Band of the Year, followed by Dingolay Mas in second place, Gen X Carnival in third, and then with Euphoria Mas and Big and Strong/One Island rounding out the top five.

The bands listed to be featured on the road this year were:  Bajan Fuh Evah, Big and Strong/One Island Band, Break Awae Kru/Hysteria, Dingolay, D-Junction Mas, Euphoria Mas, Freaks Mas, Gen X, K-Paya, Limers International Mas, Mascots International, Natural Disasters, Party Room Squad/Enchanted Mirage Mas/ Collective Mas, Pleasure Mas, Rama Jay, Revel Nation, Savage Mas, and Wassi Ones.

The much anticipated costumed Parade & Concert took place on Carnival Sunday at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Fairgrounds.  At Miami Carnival, Sunday is always ‘Parade Day’, where revelers and masqueraders are decked out in their colorful costumes and prance ‘down de road’ alongside massive 18-wheeler trunks outfitted with giant speakers, thumping the sounds of soca music. Participating bands ‘playing mas’ each had their own themes and styles, while strolling along the parade route where, at the end, they ultimately performed on the main stage with aspirations of being crowned ‘Band of the Year’.

History of Carnival Celebration in South Florida

As exemplified in Trinidad, Brazil, and around the Caribbean, the tradition of Carnival is a season of jovial and festive celebrations of the diaspora’s heritage and culture.  Usually, Carnival season takes place annually in during the months of February and March.  In South Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), carnival festivities start the week before Columbus Day and culminate over the holiday weekend.  This year, the excitement kicked off with the Junior Carnival Competition followed by the Steelband “Panorama” competition.  In turn,  J’Ouvert Mas was held early on Saturday morning, and the carnival celebrations peaked with the grand finale in the Mas Band Parade and Concert on Carnival Sunday.

At its core, Miami Carnival is highly acclaimed for celebrating all things Caribbean, with attendees traveling into the ‘Magic City’ from around the islands and the globe.  And this year’s 39th episode of Miami Carnival was nothing short of epic, with a series of events that drew massive crowds of attendees to revel in the city’s vibrant Caribbean community and culture.  For over three decades, Miami Carnival has showcased the lively and colorful spirit of the city’s vibrant Caribbean culture and community.  In that spirit, Miami Carnival typically is attended by over 70,000 revelers and is a yearly Columbus Day weekend experience—which features a long list of events spanning four days or more.   As such, it should not be at all surprising that the Miami Carnival event is among the most anticipated on the annual calendar with all its music, pageantry, cultural history, and tradition.  And this year’s episode was certainly special.  The photos below seek to capture the highlights from Miami Carnival 2023.

Electrifying Concert with Top-Tier Soca Artists Caps Carnival Sunday 2023:

Aside from the many masquerade bands that strutted their stuff in competition for prizes, pageantry, bragging rights and lifelong memories, this year’s Miami Carnival goers were also able to catch live concert performances from the likes of  Teddyson John, Patrice Roberts, Bunji Garlin alongside Fay-Ann Lyons, Alison Hinds, the A-Team Band, Mr. Killa, Pumpa, and many, many more of the diaspora’s premier soca acts.  The concert was hosted by Barrie Hype, DJ Jay De Soca Prince, DJ Dlife, and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Additionally, the concert segment was powered by Iheart Media, and Papa Keith and Stichiz of Miami’s 103.5 The Beat fm radio.

One of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture on planet earth (and America’s biggest), Miami Carnival 2023 appeared to draw festival-goers in record numbers.  And, of course, the gorgeous tropical and sunny weather of Miami on Carnival Sunday was the cherry on top.  Nuff respect and many thanks to the organizers and hosts of this magnificent annual event!

Photo – Nick Ford

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Jamaica’s national women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, announced that they have withdrawn from the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Qualifiers. Calling the decision one of the most difficult they’ve had to make, team members Allyson Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, and Rebecca Spencer agreed that it was necessary to take drastic action “to put an end to the constant mistreatment” from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

Players’ Grievances

The Reggae Girlz say they have not received the “full and correct” payment for their outstanding performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, nor have they received any bonuses for qualifying for that competition. In August 2023, in just its second Women’s World Cup appearance, Jamaica reached the knock-out phase of the tournament for the first time in history. The Reggae Girlz also stated that they were provided information about coaching, medical, and equipment staff via “unprofessional communication” and in an “untimely manner.” Players stated that they had only obtained confirmation of their head coach three days before their report date on social media despite their efforts to communicate directly with the JFF.

Answer From the JFF

The JFF, the local governing body of the sport, issued a memo stating that the players would be suspended from being selected to any national side until the issues in the debate were resolved. The JFF added that the manner in which the players made their non-availability known was inconsistent with their contract. According to the JFF’s memo, the contract requires each individual player to explain the reason for her non-availability, although it did note that an email from one player claiming to represent all the players had been received by the governing body.

Reggae Girlz’ Response

The players remained steadfast in their decision, in spite of scheduled play versus Panama in Panama City on October 25, 2023, and Guatemala in Kingston on October 29, 2023. The team emphasized that it had dealt with the same “lack of communication, poor organization and management, and delayed payments” in its dealings with the JFF for some time. For these reasons, the Reggae Girlz reiterated their solidarity in their action, along with the hope that it will bring an end to the “cycle of mistreatment” they have experienced.

Photo – Nick Ford

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