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750 pounds of marijuana seized of Boca coast; Six Caribbean nationals detained

Six Caribbean nationals – three Bahamians, two Jamaicans and one Guyanese – were taken into custody over the weekend after a boat with 750 pounds of marijuana was intercepted by the United States Coast Guard. Officials said a Coast Guard cutter conducted a safety boarding of a 35-foot sport fisher approximately 11 miles east of Boca Raton, Florida. As the cutter crew came alongside the vessel, they saw a package being thrown overboard. It was later recovered. The crew discovered an additional 17 bales and three packages aboard the vessel, and seized approximately 750 pounds of marijuana.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) in St Lucia has appealed to the public not to rush to judgment following the recent arrest of two pastors. Executive Secretary of the St. Lucia Mission of Seventh Day Adventists, Pastor Roger Stephen, who made the comment at recent press conference however said that the church will not condone sin or wrongdoing. During the press conference, Stephen did not accept questions from reporters due to what he said are “untrue reports” about the case in which the pastors have been charged with indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection.

The Florida Bar Elder Law Section has elected Jamaican born attorney, Collett P. Small as their new chairperson. Small, the first woman of color and of Jamaican heritage, is scheduled to be installed this June at the swearing in ceremony in Boca Raton. Small, a resident of Weston, has been practicing law for 12 years. She is a Board Certified Elder Law Specialist and is one of only 105 attorneys in the State who are certified in Elder Law

And in Sports

Olympic 400 meters champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas staked a claim for the women’s 200 meters crown at 2017 London World Championships with a sizzling run at Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Miller-Uibo, smashed the Bahamian 200 meters record after chasing American Torie Bowie to the line. Bowie clocked a personal best of 21.77, the fastest time in the world this year, ahead of Miller-Uibo (21.91) and Jamaican 200 meters Olympic champion Elaine Thompson, third in 21.98.  Miller-Uibo’s new mark erased her  national record of 22.05 set in June last year at the Racers Grand Prix meet in Kingston

Here’s What’s Trending

Former Panamanian military commander, General Manuel Noriega has died at age-83.  Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela announced Noriega’s death via Twitter. And while the cause of death wasn’t immediately reported, Noriega had recently been dealing with complications from brain surgery. In March, it was reported that he was in a coma. At the time of his death in a Panama City hospital, Noriega was serving a prison sentence for corruption and having his opponents killed.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be partly cloudy with scattered showers in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, with a high of 91 and a low of 77 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.

Jamaica to pass amended sexual harassment bill

Jamaica's gender minister, Olivia 'Babsy' Garnge

An amended Sexual Harassment Bill is to be sent to the Legislation Committee of the Jamaican Cabinet shortly.

    

This was disclosed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, during her contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

 

She said the draft legislation has already been sent to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, where some amendments were made.

 

“The amended Bill, once approved by the Legislation Committee, will be brought back to Parliament this legislative year as we seek to protect all women and men from unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and crude sexual behaviors that affect quality of life by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment,” Grange said.

 

She said for a long time, the vulnerable have suffered the most harmful effects of sexual harassment, particularly at the workplace, adding that some women and men are sexually harassed, even while walking along the streets.

 

“This is not a simple matter. It is a serious crime, and we’re moving to deal with it,” she said.

Bahamas first!

Bahamas minister of labor Dion Foulkes

Foreigners to take back seat in bid for local jobs

Newly- installed Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has issued a directive that Bahamians must fill all available posts before any consideration is given to foreigners.

Minister of Labor Dion Foulkes has acted on the order and made it clear that he has already been “very strict” in approving labor certificates for work permits and has denied or deferred several applications since taking office just over two weeks ago.

“The Prime Minister has given me directions to ensure that no foreigner gets a permit where there is a Bahamian available to do the job,” Foulkes said while speaking on a local radio talk show yesterday.

Noting the Bahamas has “a serious unemployment problem”, Foulkes was adamant there would be no backing down from implementing the policy.

“Wherever there is a Bahamian who is qualified to do the job and a foreigner or an expat is applying for that position, we will refuse the application,” he insisted.

He cited a recent case where a work permit request from a hotel was turned down because there were unemployed Bahamians qualified to fill the post.

“We had an application from a major hotel for a food and beverage director. I declined it, because there are Bahamians who are trained in food and beverage in this country who are unemployed and we know who they are and we are sending some of them to that hotel to be interviewed,” the minister said.

Foulkes expressed concern that some companies were trying various tactics to bypass the rule, charging that some had set unfair criteria to deter Bahamians.

“For example, say you want a front desk manager at one of the hotels, but (the candidate) must be fluent in four languages. That’s absolutely ridiculous. What that means is they have somebody at their head office who speaks four languages and they want to bring them to Nassau.”

He disclosed that where special skills were required, the employer must identify a Bahamian who has skills in that area to train for the post, to eventually take over from the foreign worker.

Broward County Animal care to provide low cost rabies clinic

To help protect pets from the deadly rabies virus, Broward County Animal Care is encouraging residents to attend the next Rabies Clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, June 10th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane in Plantation.

At the Clinic, dogs and cats will receive a one-year rabies vaccination and the Broward County Rabies Registration License tag. Cost will be:

  • $25 for dogs and cats that are spayed/neutered (sterilized).
  • $35 for pets that are not spayed/neutered (not sterilized).

Dog and cat ID microchips, with free registration, will also be available for $15. Microchips can be scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter if your pet gets lost so they can be returned to you.

This program is for Broward County residents only. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats in carriers.

Remember, there is a $300 fine for failing to vaccinate your pet against rabies. You can also receive a $300 fine if your pet is vaccinated, but does not have a current Broward County registration tag.

What?  Jamaica’s Tourism Minister takes issue with UK terror advisory

Edmund Bartlett says tourism is the fastest and easiest way to transfer wealth to the poor
Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has taken issue with an advisory by United Kingdom (UK) officials which warns British nationals to look out for possible terrorism attacks in Jamaica.

“I take issue with an advisory which suggests, without specifics, that although we have not had any case of terrorism, their nationals must watch it when they come to Jamaica,” Bartlett said.

The advisory was issued by Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) that has compiled a comprehensive list of all the countries in the world, and has provided advice about the terrorism threat levels in each country.

It aims to serve as travel advice to British nationals in light of the recent terror attacks against its nationals.

“Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Jamaica, attacks can’t be ruled out. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time,” the advisory stated.

Bartlett said he will seek audience with the British High Commission.

“The fact is Jamaica has had an enviable record in visitor safety. As all of us here in the Caribbean, we have had the safest destination in the world for visitors. Indeed, the Caribbean is regarded as the zone of peace,” Bartlett said.

“Jamaica enjoys the highest level of repeat business in the world today. Forty-two per cent of all the visitors who you see on the beach here in Jamaica, have been here at least once before, and that is a huge statement of how safe and secure they feel in this destination,” he added.

The FCO’s updated travel advisory comes after a spate of terror attacks in the UK.

The most recent is the Manchester Arena bombing last Monday, where a suicide bomber killed 22 persons and injured 116 others.

Bolt, Gayle hail victims of Manchester attack

Usain Bolt Stadium to be built in Jamaica

Track legend Usain Bolt shares a light moment with his coach Glen Mills (R).

The Racers Track Club plans to honor their most famous son, Usain St Leo Bolt, by building a modern stadium named after him and his iconic coach Glen Mills.

Racers Track Club Director Dennis Gordon made the revelation on Tuesday.

“At Racers we all doing our own stadium and that stadium will be dedicated to the great man himself Usain and our legendary coach Glen Mills. We are moving full speed ahead to ensure that we honor Racers’ two most legendary personalities,” Gordon said.

Gordon revealed that the stadium is to be constructed in five years on land earmarked in the Bernard Lodge in St. Catherine.

Bolt, under the guidance of Glen Mills has become Jamaica’s most successful Olympian winning eight gold medals between 2008 and 2016. He is also among the most successful track and field athletes in history winning 11 gold medals, 13 overall at the World Championships. He also holds the world records for the 100m and 200m.

His success has prompted calls for the Government to rename either the National Stadium or the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium the Usain Bolt Stadium. Bolt is set to retire after his final World Championship campaign in London this summer.

Bolt donates world record breaking limited edition Puma spikes to charity

Sizzling time at Palm Beach Jerk Fest

A section of the audience at the Palm Beach Jerk Fest

By Celina DeCastro

Viviene Francis was having the time of her life.

As she gouged on a piece of jerked chicken, the pleasure on her face was all too evident. Francis was among the hundreds of patrons who descended on the South Florida Fairgrounds on Memorial Day to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the fourteenth annual Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival.

“This is a must attend event for me every year. I drove all way from Pompano (Beach). The music, the food and fun is something I always look forward to,” Francis told Caribbean National Weekly.

Even though the sun was blazing down on the venue, it did not deter the patrons as they strolled by booths where vendors sold clothing, memorabilia and, of course, much-needed food and drink.

The strains of Reggae and Calypso, flags of various Caribbean countries, the kiddies zone and other attractions, were a perfect blend for good vibes and ‘one love’ that spread throughout the venue.

Women and men of all ages gyrated to dancehall and reggae music. Every corner had a smiling attendant drinking beverages and laughing among friends and family.

The smell of grill-fired jerk chicken and exotic spices hit your nose with a powerful Caribbean punch as swarms of hungry patrons bombarded the food stalls.

That early vibe set the tone for live performances from Tarrus Riley, Half Pint, Wayne Wonder and Agent Sasco, which brought the Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival to a fitting end.

Carmen Bartlett & JNBS mark twenty years in South Florida

Carmen Bartlett

By Garth A. Rose

“It’s really unbelievable how time has flown. It has been twenty years already since we began operations in Lauderdale Lakes,” said Carmen Bartlett, South East USA Regional Manager of Jamaica National Money Transfer (JNMS) in an interview with Caribbean National Weekly.

During May, the agency celebrates 20 years operating in Florida. When Bartlett came to South Florida in 1996, she had no idea she would be heading Jamaica National for the next 20 years.

“I came to South Florida to attend to my daughter Lisa, who was quite ill, and unfortunately passed. While here, I was offered the position to head the JN Money Transfer office which opened in Lauderdale Lakes in May, 1997. I knew very little of the community but although my heart was heavy from losing my daughter I absorbed myself into the community, and did my best to effectively market the agency. And, after 20 years, we have made significant strides.” Bartlett — wife of Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett —said although she has made personal sacrifice, “leaving my husband behind in Jamaica to attend to the business of the Jamaican government,” she has thoroughly enjoyed serving Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

“Over the twenty years, JN Money Transfer has grown significantly. From one JNBS-controlled office in Lauderdale Lakes there are now four in South Florida,” she said. “We also have offices in Lauderhill, Miramar and Plantation. In addition, we are also served by 30 agents who have extended our remittance services deep into the region. And, besides providing a service to send remittances from the SE USA to Jamaica, we now remit funds to the general Caribbean region, The Philippines, Ghana, Canada and throughout the US. It has been a very fulfilling experience.”

JNBS’20th anniversary includes a series of customer promotions including a special branch promotion at the Lauderdale Lakes office tomorrow; a salute to the agency’s partners; recognition of employees; and a thanksgiving church service at the Merrill United Methodist Church on Sunday.

The Bank of Jamaica reports that Florida registers the second largest percentage of remittance to Jamaica, at slightly under thirteen percent of funds remitted from overseas.

The best of times, the worst of times

Stephen 'DJ Jabba' Beckford

Steven “DJ Jabba” Beckford, co-founder and co-promoter of the annual Best Of The Best show, admits its reputation took a hit this year.

The event was called off by police at approximately midnight Sunday, leaving thousands of angry fans streaming out of Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.

Headliner Mavado, who many had come to see, was unable to perform even though his band had set up on stage.

Mavada...was unable to perform at Best of the Best after police called for an end to proceedings
Mavada…was unable to perform at Best of the Best after police called for an end to proceedings

“Of course it hurts. Is five years Mavado don’t perform at Best Of The Best an’ people come to see him…dem mus’ upset,” said Jabba.

He blamed the lengthy performances of some artists including Dexta Daps for the confusion that ensued in the show’s latter stages.

Jabba said the singjay refused to leave his hotel unless he was paid the rest of his show fee, as well as ten additional entry passes and $1000 he claimed Jabba owed him from the Love And Harmony Cruise in February/March.

Dexta Daps...refused to leave hotel until he was paid in full
Dexta Daps…refused to leave hotel until he was paid in full

“I told him we don’t pay people at an hotel, dat’s not how we work. I gave him everything ‘cause I had no choice, I was under pressure…We had 18,000 people in the park,” he explained.

Dexta Daps eventually launched his set at 11:15, performing for 35 minutes.

After Mavado’s band finished setting up, the authorities ordered an end to proceedings.

Caribbean National Weekly reached out to Dexta Daps for his side of the story. His management promised to speak to media this week.

Diverse cast for Best Of The Best

Manuel Noriega is dead

Manuel Noriega

Manuel Antonio Noriega, the  former dictator of Panama and one time ally of the United States has died. He was 83.

President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama announced Noriega’s death on Twitter early Tuesday morning.

Varela’s post read, “The death of Manuel A. Noriega closes a chapter in our history; his daughters and his relatives deserve to bury him in peace.”

Noriega died around 11 p.m. Monday at Santo Tomás Hospital in Panama City, a hospital employee confirmed. An official cause of death was not immediately available.

Noriega had been in intensive care since March 7 after complications developed from surgery to remove what his lawyer described as a benign brain tumor. His daughters told reporters at the hospital in March that he had a brain hemorrhage after the procedure. He had been granted house arrest in January to prepare for the operation.

His medical problems came on the heels of a legal odyssey that had begun with the invasion and led to prison terms in the United States, France and finally Panama. While imprisoned abroad he suffered strokes, hypertension and other ailments.

After returning to Panama on December 11, 2011, he began serving long sentences for murder, embezzlement and corruption in connection with his rule during the 1980s.

Seven arrested for Panamanian footballer’s killing

Mother leaves children in car to drink at Margate bar

 A Deerfield Beach mother was arrested in Margate after she left her two children alone in her car while she was drinking at a bar, police said.

Crystal Chavez, 30, faces a charge of child neglect without great bodily harm.

According to an arrest report, Chavez was at Jesse’s Xtreme Sports Bar last Wednesday while her children, ages 10 and 5, were in the car with the windows rolled up and the engine turned off for almost half an hour.

Police accessed Chavez’s bar tab, which showed that she had an alcoholic shot.

The children were placed in the care of Chavez’s friend, and Chavez was taken to jail.

Tiger Woods issues apology after DUI arrest

Golfer Tiger Woods has issued an apology after being accused of driving under the influence. The 41-year-old Jupiter resident was arrested at 3 a.m., near the intersection of Military Trail and Indian Creek Parkway.

Woods was transported to the Palm Beach County jail and released at 10:50 a.m.

Woods released the following statement:

“I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office for their professionalism,” he stated.

Woods skipped the 2017 Honda classic because of a back injury. He has undergone four surgeries to help with back spasms.

Monday’s incident took place not far from where Tiger’s exclusive home is located on Jupiter Island.

Miller-Uibo sets new national record

Shanae Miller-Uibo (L) set new national record at Prefontaine Classic

Olympic 400 meters champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas staked a claim for the women’s 200 meters crown at the London World Championships following a sizzling run at Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Miller-Uibo, smashed the Bahamian 200 meter record after chasing American Torie Bowie to the line.

Bowie clocked a personal best of 21.77, the fastest time in the world this year, ahead of Miller-Uibo (21.91) and Jamaican 200m Olympic champion Elaine Thompson, who was third in 21.98.  Miller-Uibo’s new mark erased her own national record of 22.05 set in June last year at the Racers Grand Prix meet in Kingston.

Running out of lane seven Bowie was quickly right on to the Bahamians shoulders and passed her by the time the pair got to the curve.  Miller-Uibo, however, showed plenty of speed to keep ahead of a strong finishing Thompson who seemed caught out by the speed of the race.  The Netherlands’ Dafne Schippers, the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medalist, was fourth in 22.30, while Allyson Felix, the runner-up to Miller-Uibo in Rio last year on a dive at the line, had to settle for fifth place in 22.33.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo eyes 200m-400m double at World Champs

 

Florida Department of Health issues medical marijuana procedures

cannabis

Needing to set regulations governing the dispensation and use of medical marijuana in Florida by July 3, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) issued its “Notice of Regulation Development Procedure” last week.

The document comprises the framework the FDOH plans to implement to regulate Florida’s operation of marijuana for medical purposes in accordance with Amendment 2 approved by Florida voters last November.

Research since 2014 indicates that with Florida’s aging population, and medical marijuana proven to be effective in treating seizures, cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and multiple sclerosis, Florida has the potential to be a major market for medical marijuana.

FDOH has until July 3 to finalize regulations for the operations of medical marijuana, but it’s uncertain if the final regulations will be in place by that date. Delays could be incurred because of a transparency process the department is required to adhere.

First, the proposed regulations drafted by the department to allot 15 days for health officials to challenge or appeal decisions related to the regulations. Following the15-day period, the public will be given another three days to comment on the proposed regulations.

Another potential setback is the role of the Florida Legislature.

Having failed to pass the required legislation in the 2017 Legislative session which ended last month, medical marijuana advocates and state officials have appealed to Governor Rick Scott to convene a Special Session of the Legislature and address the necessary legislation. He has not responded.

The Florida legislators have expressed lack of confidence in the FDOH implementing necessary regulations, especially to dispense medical marijuana. Ironically, it was a dispute between the Florida House and Senate over the number of retail dispensaries that stalled legislation last month. House members proposed unlimited numbers of retailers, while the Senate wanted limitations.

Without the Legislature’s input, it seems there’ll be no alternative but for the FDOH regulations to suffice and be implemented by October 3, as stipulated under Amendment 2.

Dudus moved to low-security facility

Christopher 'Dudus' Coke
Christopher 'Dudus' Coke

Contrary to rumors circulating last week, Jamaican crime Don Christopher “Dudus” Coke has not been released from prison. However, the United States Bureau of Prisons (USBP) has confirmed he was transferred from a maximum-security prison in South Carolina on March 7 to the low-security Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution for men in New Jersey.

At Fort Dix, inmates have more privileges and do not have to contend with bars and locked cages in maximum security lock-ups.

The USBP did not give reasons why Coke was transferred from the maximum-security prison, but Butch Lawford, a former Miami correctional officer told National Weekly, “When a prisoner is moved from a maximum  to a low-security institution it is usually because that prisoner has been exercising good behavior. In a low-security institution the prisoner has much more liberties and privileges. Institutions like Fort Dix are more like secured camps.”

The Fort Dix website describes it as fitted with community units without “bars, or locks on rooms,” where inmates are expected to display “a high degree of responsibility.”

Indications are the institution provides services “required by policy in a consistent, humane, and a reasonable manner, treats inmates with courtesy while inmates are expected to treat staff likewise. It maintains a high level of sanitation and expects inmates to keep it that way.”

The privileges inmates enjoy include access to TV from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm on weekdays, and to 2:00 am on weekends. Also, 300 minutes of monthly paid telephone calls, with each call being 15 minutes maximum; personal lockers in inmate rooms, use of microwave in the community units, and wake-up call at 6:00 am unlike 4 or 5:00 am in more secured institutions.

Fort Dix has an honor system, where prisoners with good behavior can enjoy enhanced privileges including access to TV from 6:00 am.

The facility currently has a population of 4,250 inmates, with an average age of 41 years. It is indicative that Coke could be released before his sentence terminates in July, 2030, as the average time served by inmates is 11 years, which would take Coke until March, 2028.

Coke was extradited from Jamaica to the US in May 2010. Preceding his extradition, Jamaican law enforcement attempted to apprehend him in the West Kingston community of Tivoli Gardens, which he ran with an iron grip.

Some 70 individuals were killed as residents resisted the incursion.

In 2012, Coke pled guilty to drugs and firearm charges in New York federal court, and was sentenced to 23 years. Since his sentencing, Coke served time at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Brooklyn, New York, then the Edgefield FCI located on the South Carolina/Georgia border.

Florida Bar Elder Law Section elects Jamaican as new chair

The Florida Bar Elder Law Section has elected Jamaican born attorney, Collett P. Small as their new chairperson.

Small, the first woman of color and of Jamaican heritage, is scheduled to be installed this June at the swearing in ceremony in Boca Raton.

Small, a resident of Weston, has been practicing law for 12 years and is one of many women who sought to embark on a second career while living the corporate lifestyle and raising a young family. She is a Board Certified Elder Law Specialist and is one of only 105 attorneys in the State who are certified in Elder Law.

The former banking executive enjoys a successful practice in Pembroke Pines and spends her free time running marathons, travelling and reading to young children.

During her tenure, Small’s platform includes:

  • Increasing the use of technology in the section
  • Increasing diversity while growing the size of the section
  • Incorporating a Public Relations strategy to help consumers understand the merits of having a family plan for your elderly loved ones and help to alleviate the struggles that can ensue without one
  • Working with legislators to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in Florida.

Small is quite encouraged by her selection as Chair and is looking forward to improving the Elder Law Section’s image while taking the Section to the next level of service and efficiency.

“I am humbled and honored to serve in my capacity as chairperson and look forward to working towards assuring families appreciate the value of engaging an Elder Law attorney before their loved ones become ill or incapacitated,” she said.

Women in their 30’s are having more babies – CDC

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) has revealed that women in their 30’s are now having more babies than women in their 20’s in the U.S.

Analyzing preliminary data from 2016, the CDC discovered that the birth rate for women ages 30 to 34 jumped to about 102.6 births per 1,000 women from 101.5 per 1,000 in 2015. Meanwhile, the birth rate for women ages 25-29 (the demographic with the highest birth rate for more than three decades) fell from 104.3 per 1,000 in 2015 to 101.9 per 1,000 in 2016.

The birth rate among women 35 to 39 also increased slightly from 51.8 to 52.6 per 1,000, and the rate for 40 to 44 year old women rose from 11.0 to 11.4. For women 20 to 24, it fell from 76.8 to 73.7. The teen pregnancy rate also declined.

The provisional CDC data also found that the mean age at which women in the U.S. have their first child is 28. In 2014, that age was 26, and in 2000, it was 24.

In 1970, the mean age of a first-time mom was 21.

There are many reasons women choose to delay having children. As more women pursue higher education and enter the workforce, they generally choose to marry and become mothers later in life.

TT rocked by earthquake

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 rattled the west of Trinidad on Sunday night, the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus has reported.

It said the quake, which occurred at a depth of three kilometres, was felt at 7.06 pm (local time).

It occurred west of Trinidad in the Gulf of Paria and was located at 10.51°N and reportedly felt widely in Trinidad.

Earlier this month, the SRC reported that an earthquake occurred north west of Trinidad and Tobago with a magnitude of 4.6 and was felt in Trinidad and Tobago and neighbouring Grenada.

On both occasions there were no reports of injuries or damages.

Caribbean nationals nabbed in drug bust on high seas

Six Caribbean nationals – three Bahamians, two Jamaicans and one Guyanese – were taken into custody over the weekend after a boat with 750 pounds of marijuana was intercepted by the United States Coast Guard.

Officials said a Coast Guard cutter conducted a safety boarding of a 35-foot sport fisher approximately 11 miles east of Boca Raton, Florida.

As the cutter crew came alongside the vessel, they saw a package being thrown overboard. It was later recovered.

The crew discovered an additional 17 bales and three packages aboard the vessel, and seized approximately 750 pounds of marijuana.

They also took the six people who were on board into custody.

“This interdiction is a direct success of our focused efforts to defeat these transnational criminal networks,” said Commander Willie Carmichael, acting chief of enforcement for Seventh Coast Guard District.

“Our newest fast response cutters have proven critical in defending our maritime border, which these criminal organizations seek to exploit.”

Approximately 45 miles separate the South Florida and Bahamian coasts, and the US Coast Guard says it constantly patrols the area along with other law enforcement partners to detect, deter and stop illegal smuggling ventures.

Jamaican cops seize large stash of cocaine from hull of Spanish ship

SDA pastors arrested – Church says “don’t rush to judgment”

The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) has appealed to the public not to rush to judgment following the recent arrest of two pastors.

Executive Secretary of the St. Lucia Mission of Seventh Day Adventists, Pastor Roger Stephen, who made the comment at recent press conference however said that the church will not condone sin or wrongdoing.

During the press conference, Stephen did not accept questions from reporters due to what he said are “untrue reports” about the case in which the pastors have been charged with indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection.

“As a Church we do not, and will not, condone sin or wrongdoing in any form or fashion. Whether it be from the members from the pew, to leaders, or to pastors.

“Following Christ’s example, however, we cannot rush to judgment, and we seek to reach out to all who are hurting,” Stephen said. “We therefore appeal to all, to allow the course of justice to take effect in this matter and don’t rush to judgment.”

He said the church remains confident with all faith and assurance that the Lord will carry ‘his’ church through this difficult moment as he has done in such a ‘mighty’ way in the past.

Stephen said the SDA church continues to pray for all who have been adversely affected, all church members and the nation on the whole.

He also lamented that there have been many untrue media reports, including claims that the SDA church has been transferring pastors overseas.

Details surrounding the arrests of the pastors have not been disclosed but  it has been well established that charges for unlawful sexual contact and indecent assault were filed against the two individuals in question.

Sex scandal rocks the church

US-born Jabari Garibaldi could suit up for Boys Town

United States-born Jabari Garibaldi is looking to be on the roster of Jamaica’s Premier league team, Boys Town in a bid to earn a spot on the Reggae Boyz World Cup team.

Garibaldi, who has a Jamaican mother, trained with the Reggae Boyz four years ago and wants another chance to catch the eye of national coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore. He believes that playing in the Premier League next season will give the Reggae Boyz enough time to get a first-hand look at his ability.

Garibaldi, 25, played with Portmore’s Michael Binns for two seasons at Fort Lauderdale and also represented Miami Fusion in the National Premier Soccer League, an American league commonly recognised as being fourth tier, though it has been given no official designation by US Soccer.

He spent last season in Iceland but is back home training with the Fusion. Garibaldi can play the roles of centre-back, left-back, defensive and attacking midfield.

Whitmore looks to homegrown talent

TT Government closes information department

Trinidad and Tobago’s Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie has confirmed that the Keith Rowley government has taken a decision to shut down the financially plagued Government Information Services Limited (GISL).

Cuffie, said the company has been losing money, with its assets exceeding liabilities by TT$19 million.

“We have been spending TT$14 million to keep it going,” Cuffie said hours after meeting with the employees on Monday. The closure will result in at least 60 employees becoming unemployed.

Cuffie said that a new board will be appointed by the Ministry of Finance to oversee the winding up process and will determine the benefits for the employees.

In a 2016 report on the future of the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) and GISL, it was recommended that GISL be dissolved, its television station TV4 be disposed of and all contract work be ceased.

It also found that GISL and the Government Information Services Department (GISD) provided the same services and that GISL should be dissolved as a limited liability company and GISD restructured to co-ordinate the implementation of government’s information policy and provide services aligned with that particular function, as well as to support ministries and departments with the dissemination of information.

Cuffie said that GISL will be shut down on September 30.

Court orders TT government to place hold on property tax

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson suffers first defeat the season

Former Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush will be the next premier of the Cayman Islands, after striking a deal with eight independent candidates who won seats in last week’s general election and announcing that his Cayman Democratic Party (CDP) would join forces with the incumbent People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) to form a new government. Bush, who served as premier from 2009 to 2012, heads the CDP which won only three of the 19 seats in the Legislative Assembly in last Wednesday’s polls.

Three Jamaicans are among six people now in United States Border Patrol custody, in connection with a suspected human smuggling case. The Jamaicans  were nabbed along with an Israeli, a Jordanian, and another person who claimed to be a US citizen. They were on a 36-foot cabin cruiser, approximately 11 miles east of Fort Lauderdale, when they were intercepted by a Coast Guard vessel. During initial questioning, the vessel operator reported they had two people aboard, but the Coast Guard officials who had boarded the boat discovered four additional people on the cruiser.

Jamaica National Money Services (JNMS) celebrated its 20th Anniversary in South Florida with a service at the Merrell United Methodist Church yesterday. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, Broward Commissioner Dale Holness, State Rep Barrington Russell, Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes Hazelle Rogers were among the dignitaries in attendance. JNMS Regional Manager Carmen Bartlett led the Greetings on behalf of JNMS. Earl Jarrett, CEO and JN Group Chairman, gave official remarks, and JNMS team member Susan Palmer, motivated the audience with a ministry in song.

And in sports.

Jamaica’s Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson suffered her first defeat this season when she placed third in the women’s 200 metres at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugeneon on Saturday. Thompson, who won the sprint double at the Rio Olympics last Summer, clocked 21.98 seconds as American Tori Bowie won the race quite easily in 21.77 seconds. Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas, the 400meters gold medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finished second. Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers placed fourth, and American Allyson Felix was fifth.

Here’s what’s trending…

The Trump White House is reportedly considering a major personnel shake-up, in response to the latest in a string of Russia-related scandals that have kept the administration on the defensive for weeks. Trump returned to the US from a nine-day international tour on Saturday – a day after the Washington Post reported that Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior aide, sought to set up secret “back channel” communications between Russia and the Trump presidential transition team in December 2016.

For Today’s weather forecast.

It will be mostly sunny in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with a high of 91 and a low of 77. 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.

Today’s news was brought to you by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, who encourages 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.

 

Munga Honorable held on murder charge

Munga Honorable
Munga Honorable arrested on murder charge
Dancehall DeeJay Munga Honourable has been arrested by Police in Jamaica.
The artiste, whose real name is  Damien Rhoden, was nabbed on Saturday, May 27, and will be charged for the murder of Cleveland Smith, who was killed on Friday, May 12 on Molynes Road in Kingston.
Smith, who is said to be of unsound mind, had chopped Munga Honourable as the artiste sat with friends in Jackson Town, St Andrew in 2015.
No court date has yet ben set for the artiste who was arrested and released last week.

National Weekly May 25, 2017

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