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Emotional Bolt wins final sprint on home soil

An emotional Usain Bolt recovered from an ordinary start to win his final 100 meters sprint on home soil, clocking 10.03 seconds at the second Racers Grand Prix in Kingston on Saturday.

The multiple Olympic and world gold medalist, who will retire after August’s world championships in London, ran a lap of honor before a packed stadium, including International Association of Athletics Federations President Sebastian Coe and a host of dignitaries including Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The double sprint world record holder, who has amassed eight Olympic golds and 13 world championship medals, will make his final bow in August in the British capital, where he will only run the shorter sprint despite having a wildcard for the 200 meters.

“It will definitely just be the 100. I know a lot of people really want to see me run it (200 meters) but the 100 meters will be the one cause I know people really want to see that also,” Bolt told Rueters.

Meanwhile, South African 400 meters world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk ran a blistering curve on his way to posting a world leading 19.84 seconds to win the 200 meters sprint.

David Rudisha
David Rudisha

David Rudisha, the reigning Olympic and world championship winner in 800 meters, posted a season-best one minute 44.90 seconds but was caught and passed by his little known fellow Kenyan Willy Tarbei, who won in one minute 44.86 seconds.

British multiple Olympic and world championship gold medalist Mo Farah clocked seven minutes 41.20 seconds to land the 3,000 ahead of Australian Patrick Tierman and Jamaica’s Kemoy Campbell.

Germaine Mason’s death weighs heavy on Bolt’s final home sprint

Man injured for not cleaning up after dog

A West Palm Beach resident received two stab wounds during a fight over dog not cleaning up after his dog.

Stephen Caplan lives at the Essex House, an apartment building in West Palm Beach.

Caplan told police that the building’s maintenance man, Ricardo Garcia Sanchez, approached him, yelling. he said the man pulled an object from his pocket and held him be the neck and attempted to stab him. He said he avoided injury to his neck by putting his left hand in the way.

Caplan said Sanchez slashed at him four more times and insisted he had had no altercation with Garcia Sanchez altghough the two had exchanged words in the past.

Caplan believes he knows the motive for the attack.

“Where this stems over is dog poop,” Caplan said.

Caplan has a 5-month-old puppy named Dakota.

A few weeks ago, Dakota did her business on the grass right in front of the apartment building.

Garcia Sanchez didn’t like it.

“He said, ‘Hey, are you going to (expletive) pick that up?’” Caplan said. “I said, ‘I’m not going to (expletive) do anything.’ I don’t live in a world where my maintenance guy jumps me over dog poop.”

Caplan said ever since that night, he has always walked Dakota off the building’s property but things have remained very tense with Garcia Sanchez.

He still never thought things would escalate to a stabbing.

Garcia Sanchez is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He’s being held in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Trump to announce changes to Cuba policy in Miami

Donald Trump is coming back to South Florida to announce changes to the U.S. – Cuba policy.

The president is expected to travel to Miami on Friday, June 16th.

Details are still being finalized and that date could still be pushed back.

The location for the event is still in the works.

The president is preparing to tighten at least some of the changes former President Barack Obama made, according to the Miami Herald. Among the reported changes include restricting business with the Cuban military and travel that resembles tourism.

Dorian Scott wins Asst. Coach of The Year

Dorian Scott
Florida State University’s (FSU) Dorian Scott was last Sunday named the South Region’s Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year.
Scott, a two-time Jamaican Olympian shot-putter, had an outstanding season with his throwers.
He will be seeking to continue an outstanding year when the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships get underway at Hayward Field in Oregon on Wednesday.
Scott has six athletes competing at the championships, who have been the driving force behind the Seminoles team.
During the 2017 outdoor season three of Scott’s athletes – Kellion Knibb (discus), hammer thrower Veronika Kanuchova and Gleneve Grange (shot put) – established FSU records.
Austin Droogsma (shot put) and Emmanuel Onyia (discus) also did well for FSU this season.
They both reached number three in their respective events.
Scott, 35, was born in New Jersey to Jamaican parents. He represented Jamaica at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics in Beijing, China and London, respectively. He won gold medals in the shot put at the 2005 and 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Murder in Kendall

trend murders

The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another man injured.

According to investigators, shortly after seven last night, officers from the Kendall District were dispatched to a call of a female in distress, located at 14801 Jackson Street. Arriving officers were approached by a 42 year old female, her six year old daughter, and a 53 year old black male. Officers then entered the home where they discovered a 39 year old male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the torso, and a male who was determined deceased on the scene by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

The 39 year old male with injuries to the torso was transported to Jackson South Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

 

Be prepared!

Health Department warns persons with medical needs to prepare for a hurricane

 

The Florida Department of Health is warning persons with special medical needs not to wait until a hurricane is barreling down on South Florida before making preparations.

“Avoid delays and stress during severe weather by registering in advance for a special needs shelter. Those who are pre-registered will have transportation, paperwork and details arranged so they can be brought to a shelter quickly,” the Department stated in a release.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward and Broward County Emergency Management are responsible for ensuring that clients with special medical needs are triaged and placed in special needs shelters during severe weather, says Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of DOH-Broward.. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

The shelters are recommended for those who have needs such as being dependent on electricity or need oxygen. To be eligible, an adult or child must meet one or more of these criteria:

  • Depends on a health care professional to perform daily assessment and administer care.
  • Requires minimal assistance.
  • Depends on oxygen therapy.
  • Is medically dependent on uninterrupted electricity.
  • Has mental or cognitive limitations requiring assistance and is accompanied by a full-time caregiver.
  • Needs care that exceeds aid provided at general shelters.
  • Has impairments or disabilities that are medically stable.
  • Is a hospice client and is accompanied by caregiver or hospice nurse.
  • Weighs less than the safety weight restrictions of provided cots (after supply of hospital beds and bariatric cots are exhausted).

Broward County estimates that several thousand people are eligible for special needs shelters but fewer than 400 are registered. The number has been declining, likely due to complacency, lack of information or plans to stay with others. Those who need a higher level of care can be scheduled to shelter in a hospital.

The adult application is available at: www.broward.org/Hurricane/AtRisk/Pages/SpecialNeeds.aspx. It is available in English, Spanish and Creole.

The pediatric application is available in English, Spanish, Creole and Portuguese at:

http://broward.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/hurricanes/index.html.

The application should be completed and mailed to:

ADULTS

Special Needs Registry

Broward County Emergency Management Division

201 NW 84th Ave., Plantation, FL 33324

CHILDREN

Special Needs Registry

Florida Department of Health in Broward County

780 SW 24th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL  33315

OR fax pediatric application to 954-767-5155

Here are other hurricane preparation tips from the Department of Health:

 Write an emergency plan – List anyone with special transportation needs, an evacuation plan, an emergency meeting place, an out of town contact and a pet plan.

Emergency supplies – One gallon of water per person for 7 days. Non-perishable foods such as canned meat, fish, veggies, fruits and nuts for 3 to 7 days. Can opener, disposable plates, utensils, matches and cooking gel. Flashlights with spare batteries.

Medical needs – Get a 30 day supply of prescription medications, plus over the counter pain reliever, antacids, anti-diarrheal medicine and children’s medicine. List physician contact information, blood type and allergies for all family members.

First-aid kit – Sterile bandages, cleansing agent, safety pins, gauze pads, scissors, sewing needle, moist towelettes and tape.

Essential data in waterproof container – Store information about insurers, emergency agencies, family, friends, credit cards and bank accounts, and electronic copies of mortgage, home deed, car title, medical records, etc.

Mosquito protection – Practice “Drain and Cover” by getting rid of standing water in and around your house, using repellent with DEET or other effective substance, wearing long pants and sleeves when outdoors, and repairing broken screens on windows and doors.

 

 

Germaine Mason’s death weighs heavy on Bolt’s final home sprint

Usain Bolt moved to tears at Germaine Mason's funeral

Usain Bolt has always managed to entertain his fans with pre-race antics but when he steps up to the blocks to run his final professional 100 meters race on Jamaican soil the tragic passing of his close friend Germaine Mason will hang heavy.

In fact, Mason’s passing has disrupted the sprint king’s preparation for the Racers Grand Prix set to take place at Jamaica’s National Stadium.

Mason, died in a motorcycle accident on April 20 and a tearful Bolt served as a pallbearer at his funeral in Kingston last month.

“I know it’s going to be a lot of emotions on the day because it’s my last time,” the 30-year-old multiple Olympic and world champion told Reuters in a recent interview.

“I know the fans are going to miss it and I will miss it also because I know the energy is going to be good in the stadium so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m just trying to work and get into shape … just trying to get fit and ready for the meet.”

Bolt’s place in the pantheon of track and field has attracted a stellar field to the National Stadium, where, a month shy of 15 years ago, he first signaled his talent by winning world junior gold in the 200 meters.

Ex policeman sentenced to 17 years for rape

A 63-year-old former policeman was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment Thursday on a charge of raping a woman at his home in 2010.

Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas imposed the sentence on Andy Allan, after he was found guilty of the offence by a nine-member jury at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain last December. The judge had initially considered a15-year sentence but in weighing the both the aggravating and mitigating factors, he increased the sentence by two years.

St Clair-Douglas said there were no mitigating factor to consider. The judge said there were a number of aggravating factors including the convict’s former profession, and the fact that he put her through the trauma of testifying at the trial.

Allan, who represented himself was charged with raping the woman at his home on March 27, 2010. The prosecution argued that at the time of the incident, he was a netball coach and that the victim was a member of the team. On the day in question, the woman had gone to Allan’s home to collect uniforms she and her teammates needed to take part in a competition that was to take place the next day.

During the trial, the woman testified that Allan told her she could go to his bedroom and try on the uniform but while doing so, he entered the room and proceeded to rape her.

In his defence, Allan claimed that he and the woman shared a close relationship and that on a monthly basis, he would deposit money into her bank account. He admitted having intercourse with the woman on the day in question but denied he had forced her into doing so and that he even dropped her off at her home afterwards.

Allan also contended that it was only after the woman’s boyfriend found out about their secret relationship that she went on to report to incident to police. All of these claims were denied by the woman.

Haiti being targeted as IT hub

Christine Souffrant Ntim

Some of the world’s leading companies – Google, Facebook, Uber and Airbnb –  are planning a major upgrade for Haiti to position the country as a hub for information and technology.

That’s their mission following a two-day technology summit.

Dubai-based Haitian-American entrepreneur Christine Souffrant Ntim, the founding host of the Haiti Tech Summit, told the 450-plus participants at the two days of talk which ended Wednesday, that she wants to “catapult Haiti forward through innovation, tech and entrepreneurship.”

“We know Haiti can actually transform itself, be a new global case study for what happens when you actually get the right influences in the room to transform a nation,” she said.

She underscored that the aim of the meeting was to “transform the narrative around Haiti’s brand as a nation.”

Unlike its Caribbean neighbours, Haiti, which was devastated by the January 2010 earthquake and a series of storms and hurricanes, has not been able to keep pace with ever changing technology.

Haiti’s internet penetration rate is only 15 percent, compared to Cuba, which has a 32 percent internet penetration rate. Until recently, Cuba, which has a population size similar to Haiti, severely limited access to the internet for its population. In recent years, it has been adding public Wi-Fi hotspots around the island.

Communication director for the summit, Mildred Louis, a technology consultant who formerly worked for telecom giant Digicel in Haiti, told the officials that Haiti is ripe with opportunities and action was needed to create much needed change.

“In a market like Haiti, we need to force a movement. A lot of people didn’t think this summit was real, and today we have business leaders, members of the wealthy families asking, ‘how can we be involved?’”

“There is a pool of potential here to build an incubation system, alliances, foster coding and a tech industry,” she said

 

Caribbean to the core – A chat with DJ Papa Keith

June is designated Caribbean Heritage Month.

Caribbean National Weekly hails persons of West Indian heritage.

Even though he was born in Brooklyn, New York, Disc Jockey Papa Keith is not afraid to acknowledge his Caribbean heritage. In fact, he believes it is something Caribbean-Americans should do more.

“We’ve played a significant role in building this nation and don’t get enough recognition. I make it clear where I’m from every chance I get,” he said in an interview with National Weekly.

Papa Keith’s parents are from Trinidad and Tobago. They have lived in the United States since the late 1960s but ensured their son was always in tune with his roots. Born Keith Walcott, he hosts PM Drive/Afternoon on 103.5 The BEAT in South Florida. The station is dominated by hip hop but Papa Keith manages to slip in some Caribbean flavor.

“I play Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Bunji (Garlin), Serani…all of the songs that crossed over,” he said, adding that his favorite artists are Sizzla and Machel Montano. Though he is known for music, Papa Keith points to interviewing President Barack Obama on his show last November as a career highlight.  They discussed matters affecting young people and solutions for problems that affect an evolving American society.

“That was a big deal for me…it made my family proud,” he said.

While his roots are in St. James, Trinidad, Papa Keith admits Jamaica is the Caribbean country he visits most. However, he is back in T&T twice a year for Carnival and Christmas.

As much as Caribbean-Americans have contributed to the modern American experience, Papa Keith notes those achievements are largely overlooked. He points to a reason for this.

“I compare it with voting. Most politicians don’t target young people because they don’t vote. If we don’t put our hands up we have no one to blame but ourselves,” he said.

– Howard Campbell

Salute

King Sporty

King Sporty

At the time of his death in January, 2015, singer/songwriter King Sporty was unknown to most of his fellow Jamaicans. In South Florida, particularly Miami, he was a legend.

Even in his finest moment, Sporty was understandably overshadowed. He co-wrote Buffalo Soldier with Bob Marley, a big hit for the “Gong” back in 1979.

Interestingly, King Sporty (whose real name was Noel Williams) had a big hit in Jamaica in 1973 with the soul-inspired Thinking of You which remains a favorite on oldies radio, and dances, in his country.

The diminutive Sporty was born in Portland, a rural parish in eastern Jamaica. He started in music recording and working as a sound system selector for producer Clement “Coxson” Dodd in the mid-1960s before settling in Miami during the early 1970s.

He hung with the big names on the growing Miami music scene, including Henry Stone, founder and owner of TK Records, singers George and Gwen McRae and Betty Wright who became his wife.

King Sporty never limited his music. In addition to reggae, he recorded soul, R&B and even experimented with early EDM.

Most importantly, he was also a pioneer for West Indian musicians who began laying down roots in South Florida during the 1980s and 1990s.

A Buffalo Soldier to the end.

 

 

Talking life with Marlon Asher

Ask most people about Trinidad and Tobago and it’s certain they respond with something about Calypso and soca.

Marlon Asher is an exception to that rule. From Enterprise in central Trinidad, the singer has been a reggae fan for most of his 43 years.

Tomorrow, South Florida gets to see him perform as part of the ‘Life Of A Ghetto Youth Tour’ at Central Broward Stadium.

Jamaican reggae star Sizzla, Pressure Buss Pipe of the US Virgin Islands, Izac King of Trinidad and American Ras Shiloh are also part of the show.

“A show like this gives me an opportunity to spread my music on this side of the US. I’ve got a lot of new songs and I’d love the people to hear them,” said Asher.

Some of those new songs are on Life Of A Ghetto Youth, a new album from Sizzla, due for release in July.

They include My Life and Holding On, as well as Mary Jane which is done with Sizzla, Pressure Buss Pipe and Izac King.

Marlon Asher is best known in the US to West Coast fans. He has collaborated on songs with Californian reggae and punk/reggae bands like Fortunate Youth (Pass The Herb) and Slightly Stoopid (2 AM Ganja Farmer).

The latter is a fresh take on Asher’s first song, Ganja Farmer, released in 2005.

Born Marlon Sobers, Asher said he was weaned on the music of Dennis Brown, Bob Marley and the ‘Chairman of the Board’ himself, Frank Sinatra.

He was also inspired by the homegrown sounds of Lord Kitchener, Sparrow, Super Blue and Black Stalin. He has released two albums to date — Unconditional Love and Illusion.

 

Bolt cautions De Grasse to take his time

Sprint King Usain Bolt has cautioned rising Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse to take his time in his quest to be the world’s best sprinter.

Bolt is set to retire from the sport following this year’s London World Championships, but De Grasse has recently repeatedly threatened to spoil the sprinter’s going away party by beating him at his swansong meet.

“I’m trying to win this year. I feel like I have a great chance and that’s what I want to do,” De Grasse said in recent interview.

The 22-year-old sprinter has put himself on the map in recent seasons, following a bronze medal earned for finishing behind Bolt and American Justin Gatlin at the 2015 Beijing World Championships and another at the 2016 Rio Olympics behind the same pair.  De Grasse also earned a silver medal behind Bolt in the 200m at the same event.  Despite his encouraging accomplishments, however, Bolt has warned the young runner that the top of the mountain may still be further away than he thinks.

“Over the years I’ve always tried to be diplomatic about how I answered a lot questions, but what bothers me the most when athletes are coming up through the ranks and they get to a certain level, they always want to beat me, I don’t know why?” Bolt said.

“I always tell my younger athletes at Racers Track Club, listen, ‘when you’re climbing a ladder, you have to take your time and work your way up to the top’, so all I have to say to De Grasse is take your time and climb his way to the top,” Bolt added.

“That’s all I have to say about that.”

A Dollar (store) goes a long way

Once mocked, they are booming  

Garth A. Rose

There was a time when some South Floridians scoffed at shopping at dollar stores. However, as more families struggle with relatively low incomes they are turning to these low-price bargain stores.  And, as the demand for bargains increase, dollar stores have sprung up across the region.

They include national chains like Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Family Dollar. Dollar Tree currently has over 90 stores in South Florida. Florida is one of their largest markets, second only to California.

Today’s discount retail has come far from its past of mangy products and dinky layouts. Many discount chains have overhauled their stores, including larger food selections, more health and cosmetic products and even pharmaceutical services.

“The image of dollar stores has changed dramatically over the years,” says consumer analyst Paula Dalton of West Kendall. “Dollar stores are now reputable enterprises, and similar to the Woolworth chain of the past. There are over 30,000 dollar stores in the US today, a 25 percent growth rate since 2011. This exceeds the growth of Wal-Mart which has grown some 20 percent since 2011.

”Dalton notes however that it’s the availability of dramatically-reduced prices that attracts new clients – often millennials setting up house, and shoppers who previously shunned dollar stores for traditional retailers.

“The attractive prices dollar stores offer has a strong pull on customers,” says Dalton. “Plus, the quality of their merchandise has improved. These stores definitely meet the needs of customers with limited cash in their pockets.”

Dalton predicts that competition from these discount stores could weaken sales from traditional retail and department stores.

“To be profitable, most of the traditional stores catering to local consumers will need to cut prices to attract shoppers. This is what dollar stores do.

”Miami resident, Tammy Saunds, said in the past she mocked her sisters for shopping regularly at dollar stores, but now confesses to be a regular customer.

“These stores now have such a wide variety of goods of improved quality, that meets the needs of people who are hurting financially.” says Saunds.

“I now purchase toiletries, snacks and kitchen-ware at dollar stores.”

This recent boom seems like a renaissance for the typical American discount store, originally known as “dime stores”, which have a long history of serving consumers during harsh economic times since the 19th century.

Dime stores grew in popularity after the American Civil War, selling a variety of inexpensive goods, meeting the demands of consumers who couldn’t afford the high inflationary prices of wartime.

Jamaica ranks 11 out of 112 countries who participated in International Coastal Cleanup

International Coastal Cleanup 2011 in Jamaica.

Jamaica has been ranked 11th among 112 countries which participated in the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.

The annual event, which took place on September 17, is the world’s largest volunteer effort for oceans and waterways. ICC involves thousands of volunteers turning who clean coastlines and document what they find, the results of which are published in an annual report.

The 2016 report, which included a ranking of the top 20 countries, was recently released by the Ocean Conservancy, which coordinates the activity globally. Since 2008, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has worked with the Ocean Conservancy as national coordinators.

“ICC is an opportunity to educate Jamaicans about where a lot of their waste ends up – on our beaches and in our oceans. ICC also provides a last chance to remove garbage from our beaches before it washes out to sea where it is much more difficult to retrieve, and harm our marine environment,” JET Chief Executive Officer, Diana McCauley, said.

Last year, ICC Day was hosted under the theme ‘Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica’. It focused on increasing the awareness of marine pollution.

Jamaica’s 11th place is associated with the record-breaking volunteer turnout; 138 cleanups took place across the island with 9,276 volunteers covering over 90 miles of coastline and collecting 109,433 pounds of garbage.

Since becoming national coordinators in 2008, JET has been supported by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) which sources ICC activities in Jamaica.

ICC 2017 will be launched in July and takes place on September 16.

EDITORIAL: Kudos to South Florida mayors for acting independently 

There is much local, national and international criticism of the recent White House decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Accord — the international agreement reached by all but two nations in 2015 to limit rising global temperatures by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

The accord was reached, ironically, on the initiative of the US, under the Obama administration, based on scientific evidence of potential dangers of changes in the globe’s climate. It’s therefore bizarre and inconceivable that the US has made the decision to withdraw.

However, the decision was made. Since January with the advent of a new administration, a series of executive orders have been issued from the White House countering the general interests of the nation, and, particularly, those of several states. These orders are pushing some states to act independently of federal policies.

This includes states ensuring their residents are provided with affordable healthcare and sustaining Medicare for the poor; providing sanctuary for some undocumented residents and their families; provision of other social services like meals for seniors and affordable housing.

Now, in reaction to the White House’s decision to leave an international agreement to cope with the negative aspects of climate change, there are very encouraging early

indications that governors and mayors are emboldened to act proactively and protect their states and cities. Special kudos must be made to South Florida mayors including those of Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Miami, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach, who signed and submitted a letter to President Trump. The frank contents of the letter inform him that the mayors “will continue to lead,” and are committed to increasing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“If the President wants to break the promises made to our allies enshrined in the historic Paris Agreement, we’ll build and strengthen relationships around the world to protect the planet from devastating climate risks,” portions of the letter stated.

It’s hoped more South Florida mayors and elected officials will join in the recently founded US Conference of Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. It is extremely important that regional mayors act outside of the questionable White House policy where climate change is concerned.

There’s no doubt the coast of South Florida is in danger from global warming. Almost every time there’s a full moon, the coast adjacent to the ocean reveals the effect of climate change. The phenomenon called King Tide, resulting from rising sea level, floods streets and properties along the coast from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade County.  The rising sea level has been particularly bad along the coastline in Miami Beach. Nonetheless, Florida’s Governor

Red Cross opens family reception center in Davie for flood victims

Flood water still covered roads Thursday in some parts of South Florida as public works crews are working around the clock trying to pump out the water. Many residents were forced to park their vehicles because they couldn’t get their vehicles through the rising water to get to their homes. School buses were also unable to pass through in certain communities. Ducks were also seen swimming through the roads, which looked more like canals. The American Red Cross opened a family reception center in Davie Wednesday in case the flooding got worse and people needed a place to stay. The center was equipped with food and cots

Jamaican national Horace Tajah is facing a second deportation after spending four years behind bars after he was caught trying to re-enter the United States. Convicted in a New York City gang case in 2010, Tajah was sentenced to prison and eventually deported back to Jamaica and barred from the United States for life. Prosecutors point to the drug, gun and murder convictions on his record to suggest that his motivation in trying to re-enter the United States was to commit more violent crime. A federal judge set the stage for Tajah’s second deportation back to Jamaica by sentencing him to time served – he’s been in custody since his arrest four years ago – and three years of probation.

The Miami-Dade Police Department will recognize the outstanding service and relentless commitment of the department’s School Crossing Guards. The department praised the guards and hailed them as unsung heroes. The ceremony will be held on June 9 at the W.R. Thomas Middle School and will feature the recognition of 11 employees over the age of 80, 15 employees with perfect attendance, 5 employees with 20 years of service, and two employees will be celebrating 30 years of service.

And in Sports

A host of dignitaries and top flight athletes will descend on the national stadium in Kingston, Jamaica for the final time sprint king Usain Bolt will lace up his spikes and race in his home country at the Racers Grand Prix. Australian Sally Pearson, Kenyan David Rudisha and South African Wase Van Neikerk and other athletes will be on hand to give Bolt a grand send off.

Here’s What’s Trending.

Former FBI director James B. Comey on Thursday essentially laid out an obstruction of justice case against President Trump and suggested senior leaders in the bureau might have actually contemplated the matter before Trump removed him as director. Comey did not explicitly draw any legal conclusions. Whether justice was obstructed, he said, was a question for recently appointed special counsel Robert Mueller. But he said Trump’s request to terminate the FBI’s investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn left him “stunned,” and senior FBI officials considered it to be of “investigative interest.”

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast

It will be partly cloudy with showers likely in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties with a high of 90 and a low of 72 degrees. Today’s news is brought to you by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, who wants to remind you to ask your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine, that prevents many types of cancer, protects girls and boys, and is recommended at age 11 or 12. For more on these and other stories visit us at caribbeannationalweekly.com Make sure to pick your copy of Caribbean News weekly at your nearest Caribbean American outlet.

Haitian president urges country to prepare for Hurricane Season

Haiti has called on all stakeholders to pool resources as the country launched its preparation for the six month Atlantic Hurricane season that ends in November.

President Jovenel Moise, during a recent ceremony to launch the occasion, said that it was necessary to continue “to raise (the) awareness the population of the threats that will bring the first six months for their personal safety and of their property.

I therefore call on all sectors to continue efforts for a pooling of resources. I encourage state and civil society actors to come together and redouble their vigilance,” he said, adding “I will be at your side with the entire government to accompany you throughout this worrying period”.

While he welcomed the efforts of the State and its partners, in particular the World Meteorological Organization, for the establishment of the Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti, Moïse insisted on the need to give each citizen messages and positive role models to adopt during the season.

Last year, Hurricane Matthew killed hundreds of people as it tore through Haiti with most of the deaths occurring in towns and fishing villages around the southern coast, with many killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers.

Caribbean Airlines is Hero CPL official carrier

Caribbean Airlines has been confirmed as the official airline for the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL T20).

It will be the carrier’s second straight year in that role.

As official airline partner for the five-week cricket tournament, all teams and officials traveling to CPL matches and related activities will travel on Caribbean Airlines.

Séan Quong Sing, a vice president of Caribbean Airlines, said: “As the airline that knows the Caribbean best, Caribbean Airlines is delighted to partner with CPL for the fourth consecutive year.  This year Caribbean Airlines celebrates 10 years of providing consistent and reliable service to the people of the region and this CPL partnership is a natural alliance for us, given the importance of cricket to the region.  As the official airline partner, we look forward to flying the teams, officials and fans to various games throughout the region to experience the excitement of this premier cricket league.”

The Hero Caribbean Premier League is scheduled to take place from August 4 to September 10. It will bowl off at Broward Sports Park in South Florida with four matches.

Recipe: Turned Cornmeal/Coo Coo

Turned cornmeal or coo coo is an all in one meal that is cooked in many Caribbean countries. It is very nutritious and tasty.

What you will need:

1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
3 strips Bacon, chopped
1 small Tomato, chopped
2 stalks Scallion (green onion), chopped
1 cooking Onion, chopped
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Thyme or (1 teaspoon fresh)
2 cups Coconut Milk
1 1/2 cup Cornmeal
1 cup Cold Water
1/4 teaspoon West Indian Hot Pepper Sauce
1 tablespoon Butter or Margarine

Method

  1. Fry bacon in cooking oil until crisp
    2. Add tomato, scallion and cooking onion to the pot and saute until they tender
    3. Add salt, black pepper and thyme and stir
    4. Pour coconut milk into pot and bring to a boil; in the meantime, mix water and cornmeal together until smooth
    5. Add hot pepper sauce and butter or margarine
    6 Stir in cornmeal mixture; keep “turning” until cornmeal thickens and cooks through; about 10 minutes after adding the cornmeal.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Jamaica to make debut appearance at World Squash Champs

The Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) is to send a squad of the country’s top men’s players to the World Men’s Team Squash Championships scheduled for November 27 to December 3 in Marseilles, France.

Teams from 28 countries including defending champions, England, the US, India, Australia, Germany, and emerging global powerhouse, Egypt, will be contesting the championships.

Jamaica, along with Iraq and Israel, will be contesting the Championships for the first time.

The debutant team will most likely consist of the country’s top male players, with seven-time Jamaican and Caribbean Champion, Chris Binnie is expected to be the country’s number one player. The seasoned Binnia should be at ease on the world stage, having competed on the Professional Squash Association tour for more than three years.

Jamaica and Caribbean number two, Lewis Walters, is also tipped to make the side and the experienced professional should add further depth to the team.

Other likely candidates are former Jamaican and regional junior champion, Julian Morrison, and local number three, Bruce Burrowes.

New challenges in US visa application process 

By Garth A. Rose

US officials have approved a new questionnaire form which some applicants for US visas are required to complete when submitting their applications at consulates.

Under the new federal immigration policy, consular officers can request visa applicants to complete the additional questionnaire (Form DS-5535, Supplemental Questions for Visa Applicants).

The new questionnaire requires applicants to provide information related to:

All social media handles used during the past five years; Phone numbers and email addresses used over the past five years; Fifteen years of travel history, with detail on the sources of funding for your travel; Fifteen years of address and employment history; Details on all passport numbers held, along with country of issuance; Names, dates of birth for all siblings and children; and names, dates of births of all current and former spouses.

Weston-based immigration attorney, Caroly Pedersen, told National Weekly it’s estimated that likely only 0.5 percent of travelers (roughly 65,000 people annually) will be selected for further immigration scrutiny.

State Department officials say in order to implement the federal government’s goal of “extreme vetting”, Consular officers are authorized to request this additional voluntary information, when they believe “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting.”

However, while completing the form is voluntary, applicants who refuse to provide the information will likely have their visa applications denied. Proponents of additional vetting measures argue that it’s a step in the right direction to protect Americans. However, Pedersen and other opponents argue innocent travelers will be put on the spot to remember every trip they took in the past 15 years, social media site they registered for, and used in the past 5-years.

Opponents also believe requesting more information will inevitably increase consular waiting times and cause visa processing delays.

Godspeed Usain!

It is a sendoff fit for a king. The Racer’s Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica tomorrow marks Usain Bolt’s last race in his country.

His finale will be at Jamaica’s National Stadium where he will be joined by a number of outstanding athletes such as Australian Sally Pearson, 100 meters hurdles gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics; David Rudisha of Kenya, two-time 800 meters Olympic and World Championships gold medalist; and South African Wade Van Niekerk gold medalist at last year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Van Niekerk, who set a new world record of 43.03 seconds for the 400 meters in Rio, told the Jamaica Observer newspaper that it is important he and other athletes honor Bolt.

Wade Van Niekerk...its important to honor Bolt
Wade Van Niekerk…its important to honor Bolt

“It’s a massive privilege to be here and pay respect for what he (Bolt) has done for track and field and we are looking forward to see his final year and support him all the way for what he has done for us as athletes and the way he has inspired us. He has been massive,” said Van Niekerk, who has trained in Jamaica with Bolt.

Sally Pearson will also be there
Sally Pearson will also be there

Bolt, 30, is expected to hang up his spikes at the World Championships in London in August. The lanky sprinter holds the world records for 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds). He won the sprint double at the last three Olympics.

David Rudisha
David Rudisha

This is the second Racer’s Grand Prix which is organized by his Racer’s Track Club.

Usain Bolt Stadium to be built in Jamaica

National Weekly June 8, 2017

Trinidad fall to USA in World Cup Qualifier

Christian Pulisic scored a brace to defeat Trinidad and Tobago

A double strike from Christian Pulisic kept Trinidad and Tobago firmly rooted at the bottom of the table of the CONCACAF hexagonal World Cup Qualifying round on Thursday night in Denver, Colorado.

The twin island republic’s journey on the Road to Russia seems to be all but grinding to a halt despite a spirited first half performance in which the Trinidadians could have seized the initiative on more than one occasion but were let down by indecisive finishing.

After a goalless first half the hosts came out more purposeful and were duly rewarded in the 53nd minute when Pulisic popped up to slot home from close range.

The 18-year-old striker was at it again four minutes later to ram home from an angle to give his team full points.

The win leaves the United States in a tentative third place with five points while Trinidad remain on three points in sixth.

 

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