With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 19, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m…for CNW 90.
Today’s newscast is brought to you by the Florida Department of Health;
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, The Florida Department of Health in Broward County reminds everyone to practice social distancing, wash your hands often with soap and water and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Coming up in the newscast, Jamaica’s immigration website reveals data of thousands of travelers, veteran reggae singer U-Roy has died and Grenada’s Prime Minister gets his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Now for the news in the detail
A data security lapse on Jamaica’s JAMCOVID-19 mobile app and website may have exposed the personal data of nearly half a million travellers to the island. That’s the allegation being made by noted American technology company “TechCrunch”. A report from the company stated that the app’s cloud storage server was left unprotected and spilled private data of travelers unto the open web. Personal information including passport numbers, birth dates and signatures of visitors were revealed. The island’s ministry of national security confirmed that there was a vulnerability on the platform but said it was immediately rectified. The government said all travelers who were impacted have been notified.
In more Jamaican news, Jamaican reggae artist, Ewart Beckford, better known to the world as Daddy U-Roy, has died. He passed away on Wednesday night at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston after undergoing surgery there. The 78-year-old artist had been undergoing treatment for a kidney problem. An original toaster from the 60s often hailed as the Godfather of Dancehall, Daddy U-Roy was also known as The Originator of the melodic style of toasting. He began his career as a DJ and later branched out as an artist. His first two singles, Wake the Town and Wear You to the Ball were Jamaican hits and established his reputation as one of Jamaica’s most popular toasters. In 2007, U-Roy was honoured by the Jamaican Government with Order of Distinction for his contribution to music. Freddie McGregor, Shaggy and Richie Stephens are among the artistes who have paid tribute to the legendary musician.
And in Grenada,
Within the first week of Grenada receiving its first shipment of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, almost 200 persons have received the first dose. Those vaccinated include Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and Health Minister Nickolas Steele. The country received 3,000 vaccinations as a gift from the Government of India last week Friday. Inoculation is set to increase following the government’s decision to target tourism and other hospitality workers. The island’s priority list for distribution also includes healthcare workers and law enforcement officers such as police and prison officers.
For more information on these and other stories, visit
CNWNETWORK.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet.
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