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It was all Bliss at Oracabessa

Veronica Sibbles showed age is just a number by dancing up a storm at the recent Oracabessa BLISS show in Long Island, New York.

Dexta Daps lived up to his prime billing at the Oracabessa BLISS show at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, New York. The deejay put on an entertaining set for the thousands of fans.

Despite early morning rain and overcast skies, dancehall and culinary lovers turned out in their numbers.

Dexta Daps scored with his anthem 7eleven,  Morning Love, the catchy Shabba Madda Pot and songs from his new EP, Intro.

He was almost upstaged by 71-year-old grandmother, Veronica Sibbles, a cousin of rocksteady great Leroy Sibbles of The Heptones.

She showed off her dancing skills to a current dancehall song.

Patrons feasted on food from celebrity chefs Andre Fowles, 2X Food Network’s Chopped Champion; La-Niece Lyew, executive chef and owner of Milk River Restaurant; Patrick Simpson, executive chef at BB Kings and Chef Chrissy, executive chef and owner of A Place To Go in Westchester, New York.

The all-inclusive party featured music by Rory from Stone Love; Renaissance Disco with Jazzy T and Delano, Captain Collin Hinds of FAME FM and New York-based Road International and Dubbmaster Chris.

 

Miramar to host art exhibition

The Ansin Family Art Gallery

The works of three Jamaican born artists will be on display at the Our Caribe Journey: The Exhibition, from June 7 – July 1 inside the Miramar Cultural Center’s Ansin Family Art Gallery, on June 7 at 6:00 PM.

The three artists, Richard Hugh Blackford, Mark Cameron and David Muir will be on hand to participate in a meet and greet session.

Fake chauffer arrested at Miami Airport

A joint criminal investigation by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office with the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) stemming from a complaint by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), has led to the arrest of a man who was posing as a chauffer at the Miami International Airport.

The suspect has been identified as Eric Hanson. He has been charged with Grand Theft for fraudulently obtaining a MDAD Permit and Identification Badge.

“As one of this community’s economic engines, Miami International Airport must have clear and strict ongoing policies to protect the integrity of our for-hire and chauffeuring services available to our travelers,” commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “Individuals who try to circumvent these established policies by allegedly using fraudulent documents and fake contracts harm our legitimate contractors and may endanger our visitors and residents. There can be no excuse for such behavior.”

The County’s Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division had cited Eric Hanson at least three times, each after observing him approaching international passengers after they exited the Customs area. When confronted, Hanson claimed to work for several delayed baggage service companies. He was cited for Solicitation or Carrying on Business without Proper Licenses.

It was noted that while Hanson had a permit to conduct business on MDAD property, the permit did not cover chauffeuring services. After the third citation, MDAD moved to revoke his permit. During this process, it was discovered that Hanson obtained his MDAD permit and identification badge based upon fraudulent documents. The investigation revealed that he provided MDAD with a phony contract between his business and Lufthansa German Airlines to supposedly provide baggage services.

The case was referred to the OIG for follow-up investigation.

After confirming the fraudulent Lufthansa contract, the OIG also determined that fraudulent Certificates of Insurance were also submitted by Hanson to MDAD. The OIG confronted Hanson, who admitted his crimes and took full responsibility. The OIG confirmed that MDAD never granted Hanson access to any secure area of MDAD pursuant to his permit/identification badge.

Further, a review of security swipes of his identification badge revealed that he had never attempted to gain access to MDAD secure areas

CONCACAF appoints new Chief of Football officer

Manolo Zubiria

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has appointed Manolo Zubiria of Spain as its Chief Football Officer, effective June 26.

Zubiria, 39, will lead the division of Football Operations, providing overall management and execution of CONCACAF’s tournaments, major events as well as development programs.

The position was created as part of CONCACAF’s recent re-organization to build a stronger, efficient organization focused on investing in growing regional soccer.

Zubiria joins CONCACAF from AS Roma, where he spent the last four seasons as head of Team Operations. His tenure at Roma was marked by operational improvements and competitive success, which included three-second place finishes in Serie A and qualification to the UEFA Champions League in three of his four seasons.

Previously, he served as CONCACAF’s Director of Competitions and Director of Marketing and TV. His first involvement in football was at the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“I am honored to take on this truly important role as the Chief of Football Officer at CONCACAF,” said Zubiria. “The Confederation is poised for greater growth. I look forward to working closely with our council as well as the 41 member associations to develop a solid and sustainable football strategy that leverages the organization’s operational capabilities and opportunities more effectively.”

Zubiria succeeds Ted Howard, who was the interim Chief of Football Officer.

Here comes (Bolt) the winner

Here comes Bolt

A full house of fans, dignitaries and stars are expected at Jamaica’s National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday for Usain Bolt’s last race in his homeland.

When the sprint superstar laces up for his local swan song, he will do so to the music of two of reggae’s biggest artists.

Organizers of the Racer’s Grand Prix have requested that Bolt enter the stadium to Dennis Brown’s Here I Come. As he prepares to race, Freddie McGregor’s I Was Born A Winner will be played.

Here I Come was Brown’s signature. He bellowed the opening lines before every performance; known as the Crown Prince of Reggae, he died in July, 1999.

I Was Born A Winner is McGregor’s take on Derrick Harriott’s I Was Born A Loser (originally done by American soul group The Tams).

McGregor, who was Brown’s close friend, told National Weekly that he is honored his song has been chosen.

“It come as a surprise but whoever come up with the idea is thinking,” she said.

Bolt is one of the biggest names in sport and a track and field legend. He won the 100 and 200 meters at the last three Olympics and holds the world record (9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds) for both events.

Bolt is expected to retire from track and field at the World Championships in London in August.

A number of top international athletes will compete at Saturday’s meet which is organized by Bolt’s Racers Track Club.

Four year old girl mauled by dog in Miami-Dade

A 4-year-old girl underwent emergency surgery Monday after she was attacked by a dog in Southwest Miami-Dade.

The child was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition after the incident happened on Southwest 161st Street and 154th Court, officials said. The family’s pet attacked the young girl inside the home.

David Fernandez, who lives next door, said he heard screaming before he saw the girl with bloody wounds to her face and leg.

 

Witnesses said the 4-year-old tried to grab a toy and that’s when the dog turned on the little girl.

“She got chewed up pretty bad — cheek, back of the head, her ear, inner thigh,” said Mike Gonzalez, who also lives nearby.

Animal Services did not remove the dog Monday night, but officials said the owner planned to surrender the canine Tuesday. The dog, named Troy, is a male terrier mix.

The young girl was taken to Kendall Regional Hospital. Police did not release the child’s identity.

NIOSH and OSHA Introduce Improved Heat Safety App for Outdoor Workers

Heat safety is easier with OSHA’s updated app in your pocket. Their Heat Safety Tool calculates the current heat index—how hot it feels—on your phone. Free. http://www.thesafetybrief.com http://www.creativesafetysupply.com

Mobile app helps workers stay safe in hot weather

 

An updated app for smart phones and other mobile devices can help workers stay safe when working outdoors in hot weather. The free app was redesigned by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), along with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool mobile app, for iOS and Android devices, determines heat index values – a measure for how hot it feels – based on temperature and humidity. Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions, including construction workers, landscapers, farmers, and others, are encouraged to use the app to check weather conditions if they will be outdoors for short or long periods during the summer heat.

“With the hot summer months on our doorstep, this app is a valuable tool for employers and workers to help prevent heat-related illnesses,” said John Howard, M.D., director of NIOSH. “In many cases, workers rely on their employers to provide opportunities for taking rest breaks and drinking water. This app puts life-saving information at the fingertips of both supervisors and workers to inform them when they need to take precautions to stay safe at the worksite.” 

Extreme heat can be deadly

Extreme heat causes more deaths than any other weather-related hazard; each year more than 65,000 people seek medical treatment for extreme heat exposure. In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat-related illness, and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job, according to OSHA.

Work-related exposure to heat can also result in reduced productivity and growing risk of injuries, such as those caused by sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and cognitive impairment (that is, mental confusion, impaired judgment, and poor coordination).

The app, an updated version of OSHA’s original Heat Safety Tool, uses the device’s geolocation capabilities to pull temperature and humidity data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites to determine the heat index. The app shows the current risk level (minimal, low, moderate, high, or extreme) and forecasts the hourly heat index throughout the entire workday giving employers information they can use to adjust the work environment as needed to protect workers.

“We applaud NIOSH for updating this important worker safety tool. Workers are most vulnerable in the first few days of working in the heat and the app helps users to calculate risk levels and learn the protective measures they can take to prevent heat illness,” said Dorothy Dougherty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. “Being aware of the risks, gradually building a tolerance, and taking the necessary precautions can keep workers safe and save lives.”

How to stay safe outdoors in extreme heat

In addition to calculating the heat index, the app provides users with specific NIOSH and OSHA recommendations for protection against the heat based on the calculated risk level. This includes information about staying cool, proper hydration, and scheduling rest breaks. Recommendations are based on the 2016 publication NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments, which was recently updated to reflect the latest science.

Some examples of NIOSH recommendations that can be applied in many different outdoor workplaces include:

  • Limit time in the heat and/or increase recovery time in a cool environment.
  • Increase the number of workers per task.
  • Train supervisors and workers about heat stress, including symptoms of heat-related illness, first aid, and risk factors.
  • Use a buddy system where workers observe each other for signs of heat intolerance.
  • Provide adequate amounts of cool, potable water near the work area and encourage workers to drink frequently.
  • Use a heat alert program (additional written guidelines) whenever the weather service forecasts that a heat wave is likely to occur.
  • Develop a plan to get employees acclimatized to hot weather and to increase physical fitness.

Broward County Public Schools honored with Meritorious Budget Award

Robert Runcie

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) for excellence in budget presentation during the 2016/17 fiscal year.

This is the 22nd consecutive year the District has been recognized with this award.

The Meritorious Budget Award promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and enhances school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing and presenting the school system budget. The award is conferred only on school districts that have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria, following a rigorous review by professional auditors.

“We are honored to be recognized with this prestigious Meritorious Budget Award,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We are extremely proud of our Finance and Budget staff members for their hard work and achievements in managing the budget process and maintaining a high level of transparency.”

The award represents a significant achievement in adhering to the principles and standards of ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award criteria, and reflects a commitment to fiscal integrity and high-quality financial reporting.

ASBO International is a professional organization of 5,000 members that provides programs and services to promote high standards of school business management, professional growth and the effective use of educational resources.

US Visa applicants now need to provide social media information

 

Last month US officials approved a new questionnaire form which applicants for US visas are now required to complete when submitting their applications at US consulates. The major change from the former questionnaire is that the new form requires applicants to give their social media handles (username and password for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter Instagram, Whatsapp, etc.) for the last five years.

Claude Shaw, 49, a resident of Miramar, Florida has been sentenced to three years in prison in connection with the operation of a Jamaica-based fraudulent lottery scheme, the Department of Justice recently announced. Shaw has also been ordered by US District Court Judge William P Dimitrouleas to pay US$128,440 in restitution, and will have three years supervised release. Shaw pleaded guilty on March 22 to one count of mail fraud in the Southern District of Florida. As part of his guilty plea, Shaw acknowledged that, from or around September 2013, through to or around August 2015, he participated in the lottery scam that defraud US while he enriched himself.

Trinidadian Ayanna Webster-Roy, a minister in the twin-republic’s Office of the Prime Minister, has complained Jamaican immigration personnel patted her down as she prepared to depart Jamaica after attending a regional forum in Kingston. A member of the minister’s delegation to Jamaica said the minister was removed from the immigration line and patted down despite making her diplomatic status known to the authorities. The Trinidadians want their government to get an apology from the Jamaican government for the treatment meted to Minister Webster-Roy

In Sports

Jamaica will make another mark on the international sport scene when the country hosts the PGA Tour Latinoamerica BMW Jamaica Classic at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay from June 12 to 18. The internally acclaimed golf tournament is sponsored by the Jamaican Tourist Board and will feature some 144 professional golfers from over 20 countries.

Here’s What’s Trending

Yesterday morning, in Orlando, Florida a disgruntled former employee opened fire an awning manufacturing business killing five workers before killing himself. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said the shooter was a 45-year-old man who had been fired in April and had been previously accused of assaulting a co-worker. The attacker was not believed to be a member of any type of subversive or terrorist organization.

And in Sports

Jamaica will make another mark on the international sport scene when the country hosts the PGA Tour Latinoamerica BMW Jamaica Classic at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay from June 12 to 18. The internally acclaimed golf tournament is sponsored by the Jamaican Tourist Board and will feature some 144 professional golfers from over 20 countries.

Here’s What’s Trending

Yesterday morning, in Orlando, Florida a disgruntled former employee opened fire an awning manufacturing business killing five workers before killing himself. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said the shooter was a 45-year-old man who had been fired in April and had been previously accused of assaulting a co-worker. The attacker was not believed to be a member of any type of subversive or terrorist organization.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be mostly cloudy with numerous showers in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, with a high of 88 and a low of 75 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.

Jamaica’s Shekeema Cunnignham takes double gold at Kick Boxing World Championships

Shekeema Cunnigham

Jamaica’s Shekeema Cunningham won two gold medals at the 2017 International Sport Kick Boxing Association (ISKA) Amateur Members Association World Championships in Athens, Greece.

Cunningham, who missed out on a spot in the team last year after not meeting the minimum training requirements, won gold in both points and continuous sparring.

Cunningham went into the tournament in good form, having won two gold medals at the World Taekwondo Federation last month.

Jamaica’s four-member team won four gold, three silver and a bronze medal at the tournament.

Former NFL Player Larry Johnson Commits to Helping Youth in Florida

Larry Johnson is setting out to make a difference in the lives of youth using the arts as a platform for self-expression.

As a child and throughout his adult years, Johnson struggled with being shy and introverted.

After his NFL career, he faced more challenges as he was figuring out how to transition into life after football, in the corporate world.

With time, and the birth of his daughter, Johnson sought the necessary assistance to be honest with himself and face his demons. Thanks to friends and community leaders surrounding him, he’s found a new passion to help those who feel lost; mainly youth.

“If I can just help one child overcome that feeling of feeling lost and out of place, then I have successfully made a transition from football to philanthropy work.” Johnson said.

As the first Chairman of the Edge Ambassadors initiative, Johnson will have an opportunity to utilize the relationships built throughout his NFL career. He is hoping that this platform will allow him to recruit new ambassadors and supporters of the organization, generating awareness and funding that will sustain arts and academic programs for youth in foster homes, group homes, juvenile detention centers, and some of Florida’s most under-resourced communities.

What draws Johnson to the organization is the way in which The Motivational Edge works with struggling and often times neglected youth trying to find their voice and individual path to success. He can also relate to the dedication and commitment each Teaching Artist has, in order to positively impact each student they mentor through arts based youth development.

“I am a man with an unforgiving past who is just trying to share his struggles and successes in life to hopefully influence a child’s future. If the dreams of our youth are lost, we all lose. Supporting children is supporting our future to ensure they find a positive path to grow,” Johnson said.

Jamaican vying for Connecticut senate seat

Dr Ann-Marie Adams

Jamaican American Dr Ann-Marie Adams is to run for office to represent Connecticut under the banner of the Democratic Party in the 2018 election for the Senate in the United States.

“I’m really excited about being recruited to run for office because, if you check from Canada to Miami, you’ll find that there are no black immigrants in office, except for New York or Miami, in the Florida area; and very few Jamaican Americans are in politics. There are none in Connecticut,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“At first I was hesitant, because I am used to covering politicians, not running for office. I didn’t think about it, it didn’t dawn on me to run for office until they were doing a background check for a media pass for the White House,” Adams, a journalist, pointed out. “So after two years of looking at my credentials and my accomplishments over the last two decades, I’m very, very confident that I have a good chance to run and win.”

Born and raised in Jamaica, Adams emigrated to the US after completing her secondary education at St Hugh’s High School for Girls. She moved to Hartford in the state where she furthered her education at Brooklyn College.

“It was joyful for me growing up in Jamaica. I also grew up in Spanish Town, St Catherine, off Walks Road. I went to St John’s Primary. Growing up in Jamaica meant a lot, that’s why I come back as often as I can. And I wanted to start my campaign here, meeting with well-wishers from school and people I really know,” Adams, who also lived in Kingston 5, said.

“My education was sound here, so I’m very grateful for that, especially at St John’s, where they put me into spelling bee, and speech festival, and Girl Guides-and all of that was a joyous experience. I recognise that I had a privileged experience growing up here and going to St Hugh’s, so I wanted to give back in some sort of way,” she continued.

Though she migrated aeons ago, Adams emphasised her love for Jamaica and noted that her hope is to encourage other Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals to run for office. Pointing out that Connecticut has the third-largest West Indian population in the US, Adams cited her similarities with what she described as a marginalized group.

“Connecticut’s congressional delegation is largely white and male. Now they’re looking to diversify that…hence people have recruited me. The impact you will have is that you will have someone like me representing more Connecticut residents because of my ethnic background — I’m Irish and Spanish. My married name is what I’m using but my maiden name is Mesquito. That’s from Honduras, my father’s ethnic background, so people are seeing me representing more Connecticut residents,” she said.

Lauderhill Lions Under-18 Girls Soccer Club graduates earn college scholarships

Soccer has become the gift that keeps on giving for the Lauderhill Lions Under-18 Girls Soccer Club.

A total of 16 members of the team have received college scholarship offers that will enable them to continue their soccer careers while pursuing a higher education.

Throughout the journey that began with a core group of girls who got together at the age of seven or eight has been their coach, trainer and mentor Phil Zayas.

The girls youth team started in Cooper City, moved to West (Pembroke) Pines and relocated again to Lauderhill two years ago. Zayas roots to the Lauderhill Lions program goes back to the days when he was playing for the Lions adult team at age 16.

One of the resources that the City of Lauderhill provided was field space at Veterans Park and the Lauderhill Sports Complex.

“We were able to accomplish our goals,” said Zayas, who has been coaching soccer for two decades. “The past couple of years have been the recruiting time for our players to be scouted by various colleges.”

As for team performance, the Lauderhill Lions entered five tournaments over the past year and won all five of them. The primary objective wasn’t necessarily to go out and win games or tournaments, but to showcase all the players for college recruitment purposes.

“The biggest accomplishment was all the college scholarship money that was generated, which we calculated at well over one million dollars,” Zayas said. “All 16 of our graduating players got scholarships. This is very impressive and a huge deal. Through this soccer program at Lauderhill we are bringing tremendous opportunities to the young players.”

Haiti fears deportations will see increase in child servitude

Studies indicate the population Haitian of child domestic workers rose from some 172,000 in 2002 to roughly 286,000 in 2014 — four years after an earthquake flattened much of Port au Prince and outlying areas, killing as many as 300,000 and leaving some 1.5 million people homeless.

 

Now child advocates in the hemisphere’s poorest country are bracing for yet another increase of youngsters like Watson driven into unpaid servitude.

The Trump administration is weighing an end to a humanitarian program that has protected nearly 60,000 Haitians from deportation since that earthquake — a “temporary protected status” based on the assumption their homeland could not absorb them following the disaster. If the program known as TPS is not extended, people could be sent back to Haiti starting in January.

Such mass deportation would cut off remittances that keep many Haitian families fed in a country where deep poverty is the primary force behind the restavek practice.

“There’s no doubt an end to TPS will create far more restaveks,” said prominent Haitian child advocate Gertrude Sejour.

Social researchers in Haiti say the cultural practice is complex, even though it’s often decried as a form of modern-day slavery. A 2015 study commissioned partly by Unicef found that roughly 25 percent of Haitian children between 5 and 17 live apart from their parents, though most live with relations and not all are child domestic workers.

An estimated 30,000 children also live in residential centers in Haiti. Though often described as “orphans,” the vast majority of the children have at least one living parent and have been placed in the often poorly regulated centers because their families cannot support them or pay for their schooling, child welfare advocates say.

“In some regions of the country it’s even considered an honor to send their children to the city,” said Mariana Rendon, protection officer with Haiti’s office of the International Organization for Migration.

Glenn Smucker, a cultural anthropologist known for extensive work on Haiti, said that children staying with people other than their parents are more vulnerable to abuse and heavier workloads, but that their treatment varies a great deal.

“The longstanding practice of placing children outside the home generally includes an understanding that the receiving household will send the child to school in exchange for doing household chores, in a social and cultural context where children are expected to do work whether they live at home or with others,” Smucker said.

For some kids, the arrangement works out. They’re treated well, often with extended families, and caretakers pay their school fees.

West Indies sweep Afghanistan in T20 series

Afghanistan were bowled out for 93 as West Indies won the second match of the three-game series in St Kitts on Saturday.

West Indies eased to a 29-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis method and a Twenty20 series victory against touring Afghanistan.

A thunderstorm and heavy rainfall left the second T20I of the three-game series in serious threat of a washout in St Kitts on Saturday.

But the Windies managed to set Afghanistan 123 – a revised target –  for victory after posting 112-3 from their reduced 15-over allotment.

And it proved too much for the Afghans, who were bowled out for 93 in the 14th over at Warner Park – Kesrick Williams (3-11) leading the Windies’ bowling attack.

There was pre-game rain in the area but the match got underway a day after the Windies triumphed by six wickets in the opener.

Players, though, were eventually forced from the field for almost two hours due to rain after the Windies won the toss and elected to bat.

Chadwick Walton (29 off 17), Evin Lewis (25 off 28) and Marlon Samuels (22 off 26) set the tone as Lendl Simmons (17) and Carlos Brathwaite (eight) finished unbeaten in the middle.

And Afghanistan struggled in reply, West Indies claiming three early wickets to leave the tourists 19-3 in the fourth over – Gulbadin Naib (12), Noor Ali Zadran (6) and Samiullah Shenwari (0) falling cheaply.

Karim Janat tried to inspire Afghanistan with a quick 20 but he had little support as Brathwaite (2-26), Sunil Narine (1-24), Jerome Taylor (1-13) and Samuel Badree (1-11) kept their opponents at bay.

Kirani James on the path to recovery

2012 Olympic 400-meters champion Kirani James is said to be recovering well from an illness that had sidelined him since April.

The Grenadian, who was second to Wayde van Niekerk in the 400 meters at the Olympic Games in Brazil last summer, had been sidelined since April with what is believed to be respiratory illness that saw him finish a disappointing sixth at the Drake Relays in April in a pedestrian 46.21.

His coach, Harvey Glance, announced that the athlete’s season was being put on hold following that below par performance.

James has had a relatively ordinary start to the 2017 season. At the Grenada Invitational on April 8, James was less than convincing while winning the 400 metres in 45.44 but was upstaged by Bahamian Steve Gardiner, who won the ‘B’ race in a world-leading 44.26. In Iowa he was even slower and was sidelined in an effort to get him back to full fitness.

Jamaican wins CHTA supervisor of the year award

Executive Housekeeper at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Marcia Morris, has been named the Caribbean’s top “Supervisor of The Year” by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). The award was presented on Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), held June 2–4, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency in Miami.

Awarded annually since 2015, CHIEF Awards shine a spotlight on the Caribbean Hospitality and Tourism industry’s tried and true best practices, and the Caribbean businesses and people that masterfully implement them for the betterment of the industry and the region.

“This is a huge and very much deserved honor for an integral and truly inspirational member of our team,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing & Sales for The Courtleigh Hotel Group. “A no-nonsense manager, Ms. Morris is always the first to arrive at work, always energetic, and full of ideas to improve operations and the overall guest experience. At the same time, she creates a warm family atmosphere among the staff, continually checking in on sick colleagues, accommodating schedule changes for staff pursuing educational goals, and organizing staff parties and community outings. Ms. Morris truly does it all for us. We couldn’t be happier to see her receive the recognition she so richly deserves.”

A native of Linstead, St. Catherine, Morris began her career in hospitality in 1996 at the Ocean Beach Hotel in Montauk, New York. Returning to Jamaica a year later, she joined the team at The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites working as a Linen Attendant. From there, her career advanced quickly as Morris attained progressively more senior promotions at The Courtleigh and The Knutsford Court Hotel before finally ascending to the Executive Housekeeper position at The Jamaica Pegasus in 2012.

During her tenure at The Jamaica Pegasus, Morris has held the distinction of hosting the top dignitaries and celebrities that have visited Jamaica’s capital in recent years. Royal heads of state, Presidents, Prime Ministers, corporate leaders, musicians, actors, and other VIP’s have all commended her for providing exemplary service.

Morris touted the support of her great team and that of the management and ownership of The Courtleigh Hotel Group, particularly Managing Director Kevin Hendrickson, who, she says, “always believed in me and gave me the tools and opportunity to grow within the company.”

Named one of “The Top 52 Places to Go in 2017” by The New York Times, and recently designated as a “Creative City of Music” by UNESCO, Kingston shines among the most dynamic, exciting, and culturally significant cities in the Americas.

Miramar man sentenced to three years for lotto scamming

A resident of Miramar in South Florida man has been sentenced to three years in prison in connection with the operation of a Jamaica-based lotto scam, the Department of Justice has announced.

Claude Shaw, 49, of Miramar, Florida, was also ordered by US District Court Judge William P Dimitrouleas to pay US$128,440 in restitution, and will have three years supervised release.

Shaw pleaded guilty on March 22 to one count of mail fraud in the Southern District of Florida. As part of his guilty plea, Shaw acknowledged that, from or around September 2013, through to or around August 2015, he participated in a scheme to defraud victims in the United States and unlawfully enrich himself.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to combating foreign-based lottery fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Financial schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

As part of the scheme, victims throughout the United States received telephone calls in which they were falsely informed that they had won more than $1 million in a lottery and needed to pay money in advance to claim their winnings. The victims were instructed on how, and to whom to send their money, including being instructed to send their money to Shaw. Victims sent more than $100,000 to Shaw, who then forwarded a portion of the money to Jamaica. Victims never received any lottery winnings.

JPS CEO states that about 1 million Jamaicans are benefiting from electricity theft

The City of Miami has joined the international movement in support of the Paris climate accord. On Saturday the Miami City Hall and the Miami Tower was illuminated in green to express our commitment to the Paris Agreement. City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado joined mayors across the country in signing the Climate Mayors letter promising to “adopt, honor, and uphold the commitment to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement.”

CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company, Kelly Tomblin has complained that about 180,000 homes, about one million people, are benefiting from electricity theft, Frustrated by the level and persistence of the theft, JPS, in January this year, said it was ready to name, shame, and prosecute offenders — a 180-degree turn in its policy of declining to take legal action against electricity thieves who, Tomblin had disclosed last year, were costing the company US$2 million per month.

Trinidad and Tobago Member of Parliament for Caroni Central Dr Bhoe Tewarie, has called for allowances in that country’s marriage bill for the marriage of 16-year-olds, where there is judicial scrutiny, parental consent as well as the consent of the 16-year-old. Tewarie said however that he was against child marriage, forced marriage and the “interfering with underaged girls and little children by big men.”

And in Sports

West Indies claimed a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening Twenty20 international. Led by Marlon Samuels, Evin Lewis and Chadwick Walton, the West Indies successfully chased down the 110-run target with 21 balls remaining in St Kitts on Friday. Samuels top scored with 35 and he was supported by openers Lewis (26) and Walton (22) as the home team reached 114-4 at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Here’s What’s Trending
Ariana Grande has reacted to the latest terror attack in London, just two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at her concert in Manchester.  The twin attacks in the capital came as the Boca Raton-based pop star was preparing for Sunday’s charity concert that she had organized to raise funds for those affected by the Manchester Arena attack on May 22. As details emerged of the latest atrocity, Grande tweeted: “Praying for London.” In addition to seven fatalities, 48 people are being treated in hospital after being injured in the attack. It is the third terrorist atrocity in Britain in less than three months after the Westminster and Manchester attacks in March and May

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be cloudy with widespread showers in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, with a high of 88 and a low of 75 degrees. Today’s news was brought to you by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, who encourages you to Protect Your Baby, Vaccinate On Time, Every Time.  They remind you that Immunizations are SAFE, PROVEN PROTECTION. 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.

Long live Ruddy Schaafe

In honor of the recent passing of renowned Jamaican community leader and global dominoes aficionado, Ruddy Schaaffe, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Schaaffe Family has established The Ruddy Schaaffe Memorial Fund.

The Ruddy Schaaffe Memorial Fund has been setup through The Miami Foundation in support of philanthropic initiatives of the York Castle Alumni Association and St. Luke The Physician Church.

Rudolph Lochinvar Orlando Schaaffe, affectionately known as Ruddy, was born in St. Ann, Jamaica on July 2, 1949. He attended St. Ann’s Bay Primary school, then York Castle High School in Brown’s Town. He excelled in sports and represented his school in soccer and track, running the 400 and 800-meter races at the prestigious Boys and Girls Champs in Kingston. Ruddy worked in the banking and insurance industries in Jamaica and also with the Jamaica government’s social development programs.

Ruddy developed a passion for the game of dominoes in his early years. He migrated to New York in 1985 and later to Miami in 1987 where he started earnestly on his quest to elevate the game of dominoes to a universally accepted sport with his dream to see dominoes played at the Summer Olympic Games.

He later copyrighted rules, developed computerized scoring systems, and designed domino tables, all in an effort to discourage cheating and preserve the integrity of this game.

Ruddy has been credited with organizing the nationally televised Domino tournament on ESPN in Las Vegas and was the founder and Chairman of the World Championship of Dominoes in Jamaica and a Director of the Federacion Internacional de Domino in Spain.

He was recognized by DominoUSA and many other domino associations in the Caribbean and around the world for his untiring dedication, unyielding commitment and outstanding contribution to the development of the game.

“Ruddy always had a great zest for life,” noted Joy Schaaffe, his loving wife of 43 years. “He was a wonderful, fun-loving, and supportive husband and father who will forever be missed.”

“Ruddy will be remembered for his kind and generous nature, his willingness to help with many local charities in the Jamaican diaspora, his work with the worldwide domino fraternity and his beloved alma mater of York Castle High School,” stated Rudy Betton, President, York Castle Alumni Association, Florida Chapter.

The public is welcome to support The Ruddy Schaaffe Memorial Fund with checks payable to The Miami Foundation, 40 NW 3rd Street, Suite 305, Miami FL 33128 (Memo: Ruddy Fund – York Castle Alumni; or Ruddy Fund – St. Luke Church)

National Weekly June 1, 2017

Jamaica denies Trinidadian Minister searched by airport officials 

trinidadian government minister ayanna Webster-Roy...claims she was patted down at Jamaican airport

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica has denied that Trinidadian Government Minister, Ayanna Webster-Roy, was searched by Jamaican Immigration, Customs officials or any security personnel at the Norman Manley International Airport.

Reports emerged from Trinidad and Tobago last week that  Webster-Roy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago was ‘patted down’, immediately prior to boarding an international flight on Friday, June 2, 2017.  The reports allege that the search was conducted by Jamaican immigration authorities notwithstanding their having been aware of Webster-Roy’s diplomatic status.

Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said “Our initial enquiries indicate that a search took place, but that it was conducted by a private security company retained by the international airline on which the Minister and her delegation were travelling.  Furthermore, we are advised that such searches are generally undertaken by the airline under international conventions, and are based on random computer selection for additional security screening.”

“While we regret the Minister’s distress, our enquiries so far reveal that Diplomats and Ministers of other countries, as well as current and former Ministers of Jamaica, across political administrations, have in fact undergone this additional screening process, notwithstanding their status,” she added.

Johnson-Smith said the Jamaican government is taking the matter seriously.

“Even as we await a promised formal letter from my counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago, we are making further enquiries regarding the legal framework supporting such searches, as well as the specific circumstances of Friday’s incident.  We will write to the airline to make a formal request in this regard,” Johnson-Smith said.

Minister Johnson Smith assured the public that the Jamaican Government wants all visitors to Jamaica, including colleague dignitaries from foreign and CARICOM countries, to be comfortable in their travel to and from Jamaica, notwithstanding any security protocols.  She also stated that it was important to highlight that even at this stage of enquiries, it was quite clear that the search was in no way related to the issue of free movement under the CSME, nor was it related to the Minister’s nationality.

In closing, Minister Johnson Smith said she has informally asked, through the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, that her personal empathy be conveyed to Minister Webster-Roy, for any distress caused by the airline’s security screening process.

Beware of Zika infection as rainy season approaches

Bob LaMendola Florida Department of Health (Broward County)

Although reported cases of the Zika virus a disease borne by the Aedes-aegypti mosquito has dropped significantly since 2017 begun, there is a distinct policy the virus could reappear this year.

We would like to submit this article for you to consider for your website or your next edition. With the rainy season coming up, it’s about Zika virus and mosquito protection. A lot of people think Zika was last year but it could reappear again this year.

The mosquito thrives in water, and rainy seasons are conducive to its breeding. This year’s Rainy season in South Florida is right around the corner and that means it is important for residents to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.

The Aedes mosquito is a small biter that is black with white spots and lives right outside or inside your house. They specialize in biting humans and stay active all day.

Aedes mosquitoes carry Zika virus and other tropical viruses such as chikungunya and dengue fever. Last year, Florida reported 1,450 cases of Zika and 53 so far this year. The majority of cases were in people who contracted the virus while traveling outside the country.

Zika generally causes mild symptoms in adults and children, but it can cause severe birth defects to the unborn child of a woman who contracts the virus.

Zika may appear again this year when rains hatch mosquito eggs. Floridians should not become complacent about mosquito protection.

“Everyone should be aware of mosquitoes and take steps to protect themselves,” says Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. “The best way to do that is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. We recommend a practice called Drain and Cover.”

Drain standing water in and around the house. Eliminate even puddles because Aedes can breed in containers as small as a bottle cap.

Get rid of water that collects in garbage cans, tires, buckets, roof gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots and plants with pockets, such as bromeliads. Discard items where rain or sprinkler water collects. Clean bird baths and pet water bowls twice a week.

Inside the home, Aedes can breed where water collects, such as refrigerator ice makers, electric toothbrush holders and drips under sinks.

Cover yourself and the openings in your home. If you go outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. Spray your skin and clothing with repellent containing DEET or other approved ingredients (check the label). Keep windows and doors closed, and repair damaged screening.

Zika virus hit Florida three months before infections showed up

 

Multiple Teeth Extractions: Is it Safe? (For dentures)

Dr. Sharon Robinson, DDS

The Dental Place

In a word, YES.

It is not unusual because of advanced gum disease that some people have to have multiple tooth extractions. Of course having multiple extractions are more complicated than just having one or two. However, if your dentist advises you need to have multiple extractions for the benefit of your oral and general health, then there should be no problem.

Multiple teeth can be extracted in one visit when an immediate denture is needed.

Your dentist will take certain factors into consideration. First, your medical condition is critically important. Secondly, your dental state; if most of these hopeless teeth are severely loose or just short retained roots, tissue trauma may not be significant.

These cases may require shaping and smoothing of the bony ridge prior to the insertion of a denture. Post-operative care is very important. Your dentist will advise you how to proceed after the extractions. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.
Immediately following surgery:
• Bite on the gauze pad placed over the surgical site for an hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded and replaced by another gauze pad.
• If a denture is placed at the time of surgery, gauze pressure is placed on the denture to stop the bleeding. It takes longer to get the bleeding to stop than it would biting directly on the gauze.
• Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.
• To minimize any swelling, place ice packs on the sides of your face where surgery was performed.
• Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you can so it is digested before the local anesthetic has worn off. Having something of substance in the stomach to coat the stomach will help minimize nausea from the pain medication.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable. If you are active, your heart will be beating harder and you can expect excessive bleeding and be throbbing from the wound.
• NO SMOKING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Post-operative consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon is imperative.

Dr. Sharon Robinson, DDS may be reached at 954-792-1857 or visit her website at www.dentalplace4u.com

Jamaica mourns death of David Boxer

Dr David Boxer

The Government of Jamaica has paid tribute to former curator of the National Gallery of Jamaica, Dr David Boxer, who died on May 28, describing him as “an authority on Jamaican art”.

“Under David Boxer’ s visionary leadership, the National Gallery of Jamaica became a world-class art museum and a model that has been emulated in the Caribbean,” Culture Minister,  Olivia “Babsy” Grange, said in a release.

Boxer died following a long illness. Grange said he would be remembered as a “pioneering scholar and curator of Jamaican art… [a] passionate collector whose contributions to visual art in Jamaica are immeasurable. If ever one person was an authority on Jamaican art, it was David Boxer. Jamaican art was his life,” she said.

Boxer joined the National Gallery as director/curator on December 2, 1975.  Among his major achievements was the development of its collection, which started with 250 paintings and sculptures that were inherited from the Institute of Jamaica in 1974.Boxer was also a lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

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