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US Death rates from Alzheimer’s Disease increased 55 Percent from 1999 to 2014

Alzheimer’s Disease deaths have increased in the U.S.

Death rates from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increased 55 percent between 1999 and 2014, according to data released today in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The number of Alzheimer’s deaths at home also increased during the same period, from 14 percent to 25 percent, suggesting an increase in the number of caregivers that would benefit from support, including education and case management services.

Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal form of dementia. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 3.6 percent of all deaths in 2014. It is the fifth leading cause of death among people ages 65 years and older in the United States.

“Millions of Americans and their family members are profoundly affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” said CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat, M.D. “Our new study reveals an increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths. As the number of older Americans with Alzheimer’s disease rises, more family members are taking on the emotionally and physically challenging role of caregiver than ever before. These families need and deserve our support.”

This study is the first to provide county-level rates for deaths caused by AD. CDC researchers analyzed state- and county-level death certificate data from the National Vital Studies System to identify deaths with AD reported as the underlying cause. According to the analysis, possible reasons for the increase include the growing population of older adults in the U.S., increases in diagnosis of AD at earlier stages, increased reporting by physicians and others who record the cause of death, and fewer deaths from other causes of deaths for the elderly, such as heart disease and stroke. 

Key findings from analysis of AD rates

  • The death rate increased 55 percent—from 16.5 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 25.4 per 100,000 in 2014after accounting for age.
  • Most Alzheimer’s deaths still occur in a nursing home or long-term care facility, but fewer in 2014 (54 percent) than in 1999 (68 percent).
  • Counties with the highest death rates were primarily in the Southeast; other areas with high rates included the Midwest and West Coast.

Age is the greatest risk factor for AD; most adults with the disease are 65 years or older. As fewer people die from other diseases, more survive into older adulthood and the risk for AD increases.

“As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, care giving becomes very important. Caregivers and patients can benefit from programs that include education about Alzheimer’s disease, how to take care of themselves and their loved one, and case management to lessen the burden of care,” said Christopher Taylor, Ph.D., lead author and epidemiologist, Division of Population Health, CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Supportive interventions can lessen the burden for caregivers and improve the quality of care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.”

While there is currently no cure for AD, people should see a doctor if they experience symptoms affecting their daily life such as memory loss, difficulties with problem solving, or misplacing objects. Early diagnosis is important to allow patients and their families to begin planning medical and care giving needs at all stages of the disease.

CDC encourages better epilepsy surveillance in Zika age

Recipe: Jerk Chicken Breast

Jerk Chicken Breast
(For 4 people )

1 lb. chicken breasts
¼ c. Grace White Cane Vinegar
4 ½ c. water
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. Grace Jerk Seasoning
2 tbsp. Grace Vegetable Oil
¼ c. red sweet pepper, chopped
¼ c. green sweet pepper, chopped
½ c. onion, cut into wedges

Jerk Chicken Breast Directions:

Cut chicken breasts into strips and wash in a vinegar and water solution (4 cups water).  In a bowl, add soy sauce and Grace Jerk Seasoning and mix together. Add chicken strips to the mixture above and allow to marinate for 15 minutes.

Heat Grace Vegetable Oil and stir fry chicken pieces until pink color disappears. Add remaining water, sweet peppers and onion; simmer for one minute.

Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Jerk Chicken Breast will be a featured meal available to appease your culinary delights, at the upcoming 13th Annual 1-800-411-PAIN Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival which takes place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at  the South Florida Fairgrounds. Read more here: https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/entertainment/palm-beach-jerk-festival-set-for-may-30/

Recipe courtesy of Grace Foods

About Jerk Foods:  The culinary art form of “jerking” meat was formed in the island of Jamaica. Jerk refers to the way that any meat: chicken, beef, pork, goat, fish, vegetables or fruit is seasoned and cooked. Jerking calls for special a marinade or paste that includes pimento, also known as allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers, also known as habenero.

For a taste of this savory meal, visit the upcoming Palm Beach Jerk Festival https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/featured/palm-beach-jerk-festival/

Vandals burglarize Lauderdale Lakes church

Vandals have burglarized a newly-renovated South Florida church.

The burglars ripped open the door of the All Nations New Testament Church in Lauderdale Lakes, early Monday morning.

The burglars first attempted to pry their way through an iron door, before trying a second door.The burglars went inside and ransacked the church, stealing a laptop the church uses to stream their services to those who can’t make it to the church.

Police said the burglars took extra measures to make sure no one would see who committed the crime.

The church has a security system, but the burglars were still able to break in. They shut off the power to the church, which disabled the surveillance system.

Lauderhill cops seek help identifying shooter

Father behind bars after 10-year-old son injured in ATV collision

Donny Chestnut was arrested taking his son for a joyride on an ATV

A father who took his 10-year-old son for a joyride on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has been arrested after they were injured in a crash in Lauderhill, police reported.

Donny Chestnut, 31, was arrested on multiple charges, including child neglect and reckless driving.

According to a Lauderhill police report, Chestnut was operating the ATV when it crashed head-on into a woman’s car in the driveway of her home.

Chestnut and his son were thrown from the ATV. Chestnut had a severe cut to his head, while his son cut his ankle and injured his collarbone.

Police said Chestnut ran a stop sign at the time of the crash, and neither rider was wearing a helmet.

According to the report, after hospital staff cut off Chestnut’s pants to treat him, they found five plastic bags that later tested positive for marijuana.

The crash occurred while Chestnut was on probation for a second-degree murder charge. He also faces charges of violation of probation and possession of cannabis.

Bolt and Gayle offer condolences to victims of Manchester attack

South Florida advocates for extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to 58,000 Haitians living and working in the US, are critical of a six-month extension announced by the Trump administration on Monday. Broward Commissioner Dale Holness, who last week initiated a resolution in the Broward Commission seeking TPS extension for another 18 months from July, said the six-month extension seemed “grudgingly offered” and definitely cannot be supported. Florida Senator Daphne Campbell, a Haitian-American from Miami, described the extension as “a slap in the face.” Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum was also critical of the scant extension.

The city of Montego Bay will on June 1-3 take center stage as host of the inaugural Jamaica International Exhibition (JIE) which will see some 70 buyers from 11 countries converging on the tourism capital. The international tradeshow, slated for the Montego Bay Convention Centre, is being billed as an opportunity for Jamaican business people to rub shoulders and interact within the setting of a global marketplace.

With oil prices rising to over $51 per barrel this week and Memorial Day Weekend approaching, gas prices are set to increase in South Florida again. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson Mark Jenkins, prices are expected to increase another 10 cents on average over the upcoming holidays. The average price of unleaded gas per gallon fluctuated from county to county in South Florida as of Monday. The average in Broward County was $2.36, similar to the national average; Miami-Dade County $2.37. In Palm Beach County, the average was highest at $2.42 per gallon.

And in sports

CASA All Stars drubbed FC Spartans from Palm Beach 4-2 to win the Hazelle Rogers Trophy at Lauderhill Sports Complex last Saturday. The match was part of annual Unifest celebrations which also featured netball matches. In the Caribbean American Soccer Association Masters League, South Florida Kickers played to a 0-0 draw with Rockers FC, Lauderdale FC beat Attackers FC 3-0 and Creekers Masters pulled off a 1-0 win over Oldtymers FC.

Here’s what’s trending…

Two of the Caribbean’s biggest sports stars — sprinter Usain Bolt and cricketer  Chris Gayle — offered condolences to victims of Monday’s bombing in Manchester, England. The terrorist attack, which took place following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena, left 22 persons dead and 59 injured.

Both stars took advantage of Twitter. Bolt tweeted: “Thoughts & prayers goes out to people of Manchester and all those who are affected.” While Gayle tweet, read. “Thoughts and prayers goes out to Manchester! #VerySad.”

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be windy with thunderstorms likely in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with a high of 90 and a low of 73. 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.

Freed! Fraud case against Cash Plus boss Carlos Hill crumbles

Carlos Hill...freed in a Jamaica court of fraud charges

The fraud case against former Cash plus boss, Carlos Hill, has collapsed. The man accused of fleecing thousands of Jamaicans walked free from court early Wednesday afternoon after the prosecution told the court that no evidence would be offered against him.

Justice Chester Stamp, who presided over the case, ordered the jurors to return a verdict of not guilty.

According to the prosecution, after the Cash Plus investments scheme folded in 2008, thousands of people were affected and he was expecting them to come forward to give statements.

However, only one complainant who provided a statement showed up.

The prosecution said it would be difficult to prove that Hill had committed fraud because people from within Cash Plus would have been needed to testify but none came forward.

Hill was charged with falsely soliciting persons to invest in Cash Plus, which went under with more than  $10 billion for over 40,000 investors.

Wailing Souls hit the road

Wailing Souls to embark on North American tour

Veteran roots-reggae group The Wailing Souls kick off their summer tour on June 6 with a date at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California.

The ‘Souls’ — Lloyd ‘Bread’ McDonald and Winston ‘Pipe’ Matthews — will do twenty-four shows in nineteen states and the District of Columbia.

The tour will be used to promote their latest album Island Girl which was recently released.

Six of the upcoming shows will be in California where McDonald and Matthews lived for many years. The Wailing Souls, which formed in Trench Town in 1969, first toured the United States in 1981 when they were a quartet.

Known for classic songs such as War, Bredda Gravalicious and Firehouse Rock, the Grammy-nominated Wailing Souls enjoyed their best recording period during the mid and late 1970s at Channel One studio in Kingston.

The tour itinerary is:

Tue June 6: Belly Up Tavern 143 S. Cedros Ave. Solana Beach, CA

Fri June 9: Tiki Bar 1700 Placentia Ave Costa Mesa, CA

Sat June 10: Indian Cove Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree, CA

Sun June 11: The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

Tue June 13: The Independent 628 Divisadero St San Francisco, CA

Wed June 14: Humboldt Brews 856 10th Street, Arcata, CA

Fri June 16: KTAOS 9 State Road 150, Taos, NM

Sat June 17: The State Room 638 S. State St. Salt Lake City, UT

Sun June 18: Spice Island 10 N Sierra Madre St Colorado Springs, CO

Tue June 20: Fox Theatre, 1135 13th Street Boulder, CO

Wed June 21: The Eldo. 215 Elk Ave. Crested Butte CO

Thurs June 22: Brues Ale House 120 E Riverwalk, Pueblo, CO

Fri June 23: Ophelia’s 1215 20th St. Denver, CO

Sat June 24: Crossroads KC 417 E 18th ST, Kansas City, MO

Sun June 25: Wild Hare 2610 North Halsted. Chicago, IL

Wed June 28: The Cedar Cultural Center 416 Cedar Ave S. Minneapolis, MN
Thurs June 29: The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI

Sun July 2: Parlor Bar 200 Broadway. Newport, RI

Tue July 4: Garcia’s 149 Westchester Ave. Port Chester, NY
Wed July 5: B.B. King Blues Club. 237 W 42nd St, New York, NY

Thurs July 6: Laguna Grill & Rum Bar 1400 Ocean Ave, Brigantine, NJ

Fri July 7: The Howard Theatre 620 T St. NW Washington, DC

Sat July 8: The Royal Peacock 186 Auburn Ave NE Atlanta GA
Sun July 9: Shakas Live 2014 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA

Caribbean national wanted for murder held trying to re-enter U.S.

Us Border Patrol agents arrest immigrants held off the coast of Puerto Rico

A Dominican Republic national, who was wanted on murder charges, was among seven Caribbean nationals nabbed trying to re-enter the United States via Puerto Rico after being deported.

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents arrested five of them along with others on a wooden vessel intercepted by Puerto Rico police officers, while the other two who jumped in the water before the boat was intercepted were rescued near the coast of Aguadilla last week.

Ramon Antonio Castillo, 51, was one of the two rescued from the water. US authorities said he has two active warrants for arrest from Puerto Rico and New York for homicide charges. Fellow Dominicans, Francisco Marte, 47; Ramon Villa, 36; Juanel Carpio Guerra, 34; Narciso Antonio Garcia-Jimenez, 45; Jafet Batista Severino, 28; and Manuel Paulino, 36; along with 66-year-old Haitian, Herman Radames Vendryes, were also apprehended.

They were all charged for attempting to re-enter after being deported. In the case of Marte, Villa, and Vendryes, the deportation had followed their conviction on aggravated felonies.

“Previously deported aliens that have been removed after serving time in our criminal justice system attempt to return concealing themselves among other migrants,” said Ramiro Cerrillo, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector in Aguadilla. “We remain vigilant to detect them and arresting them.”

Marte, Villa, and Vendryes face a fine or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, if convicted; while Guerra, Garcia-Jimenez, Severino and Paulino face a fine or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, if found guilty.

Court orders TT government to place hold on property tax

Justice Frank Seepersad

The Government  of Trinidad and Tobago has been ordered to place a hold on plans to implement the property tax.

After hearing the constitutional motion in the San Fernando High Court on Friday,  Justice Frank Seepersad granted a stay of implementation and enforcement of the decision by Government that all property owners were required to complete and submit a Valuation Return Form.

As a result, the June 5 deadline given to citizens to present their documents to the Valuation Division of the Ministry of Finance for the calculation of the property’s Annual Rental Value has been voided.

Seepersad ruled the stay will remain in place at least until May 31, after hearing arguments from the lawyers for the claimants and the State.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Government should respect the judgment and not bully the people to submit forms until the court process is final.

At a press conference held late Friday, shortly after the ruling was handed down, Persad-Bissessar said no one should submit the Valuation Return Form (VRF) until the court makes a final .

“This injunction is a victory for the people and testimony to the political strength of the UNC. As we move forward, I urge the Government to respect the judgment of the Supreme Court and reconsider its position on the implementation of the property tax.

“This tax will cripple many and bring our people to their knees as the financial hardship caused by its policies is oppressive, cruel and unjust,” the opposition leader said.

Frankie Paul lauded for his contribution to Jamaican music

Frankie Paul benefit concert
Frankie Paul singing at a benefit concert for a prosthetic leg

Jamaica’s Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia “Babsy” Grange has expressed sorrow at the passing of the Jamaican reggae/dancehall artiste Frankie Paul.

The reggae artiste died late Thursday following a long illness. 

In a release issued shortly after his death, Grange said although she was aware of Paul’s recent illness, his death came as a surprise.

Grange recalled Frankie Paul’s contribution to the music since the 1980s, and the inspiration he had become to people with disabilities, especially the blind and the visually impaired.

“Frankie Paul was an extremely talented artiste and musical genius whose skills earned him the title of ‘Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder’ due to his visual impairment, his vocal prowess and skill with musical instruments.  It was not surprising that when Stevie Wonder came to Jamaica in October, 1975 to perform

BVI to revise date for implementing new work permit fee structure

Kedrick Pickering

The Minister of Labour in the British Virgin Islands, Dr. Kedrick Pickering says a new date is yet to be announced for the implementation of a new work permit fee structure following the missed deadline of May 15.

According to Pickering the date was missed as the as the government is still reviewing the new structure.

“I don’t want to say it (implementation of the new fees) is going to happen tomorrow or next week, but we are working diligently to make sure we can get it done.”

The Labour Minister also attributed the delay to complains from several businesses adding that the Government recently placed new charges on them, including the National Health Insurance Scheme and an increase in Hotel Accommodation Tax

“We are very mindful that companies have also had to make adjustments recently …..so we are not trying to create burdens for business and we don’t want to make it burdensome for businesses. So we are reviewing the implementation process with respect to the work permit fees,”said Pickering, who is also the territory’s deputy premier.

Last month, the Labour Minister announced  the new work permit fee structure, then saying that  the revised procedure for processing renewals is part of efforts to enhance the operation of the Labour Department, and to improve customer service in keeping with the ‘BVI Forward’ initiative to reform Immigration and Labor.

BVI to introduce electronic visas

eZone named official cargo partner for Hero CPL

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organizers have named eZone as its official express delivery service provider.

Based in Trinidad, eZone has been one of the Caribbean’s top courier services and has been mandated to ensure that all logistical issues, with regards to the shipping and clearing of teams and supporting teams’ equipment without hassle and in a timely manner for the tournament which will take place between 4 August and 9 September.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Paul Pantin, eZone Director, said:

“eZone, with over 15 years of experience connecting the islands of the Caribbean through our logistics network, is proud to partner with the Hero CPL for their upcoming T20 competition in 2017. eZone prides itself for its fast and efficient service, and will leverage this to assist the Hero CPL in moving all their teams and supporting equipment between the islands for every match.”

The tournament bowls off August 4 at the Central Broward Regional Sports Park.

Howzat! CPL lays wicket for long South Florida run

Boca Raton teacher caught on camera kissing male student in classroom

Brian Kornbluth was caught on camera kissing male student

Video footage released by police in Boca Raton, Florida shows a male school teacher kissing a male student in a classroom.

Brian Kornbluth was arrested in February. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of battery.

Boca Raton police said the principal at Somerset Academy, 333 SW Fourth Ave., reported an incident involving a teacher and a student. The principal told police that a teacher told him of unusual requests by Kornbluth to have certain students moved so that they could be in his class.

Police said the principal had the camera in Kornbluth’s classroom repositioned so that it faced the teacher’s desk.

The video Kornbluth briefly kiss a student, who was alone in his classroom on the lips.

A police officer reviewed the video and interviewed the student’s sister, who told police that Kornbluth also kissed her one time while she was at the school.

Police said Kornbluth admitted to kissing the student, but he denied kissing her sister.

Kornbluth was sentenced to a year of probation. Under the terms of his plea deal he must complete a mental health evaluation and any recommended treatment

Weed smokers needed for marijuana breathalyzer study

Weed smokers needed

The Washington State University is looking for volunteers to smoke marijuana for a medical study, and earn some extra dollars.

The university researchers are trying to develop a breathalyzer that can detect marijuana use.

Volunteers who take part in the study will be paid $30 an hour for the first hour with an extra $10 for each additional hour of participation.

Users will purchase the marijuana and smoke it privately in their own home. To avoid driving under the influence, taxis will be sent to pick up the volunteers and drive them to the hospital for secondary testing.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age to take part in the study.

City leaders to discuss traffic woes in West Palm Beach

A section of Okeechobee Boulevard

City leaders will host a public forum on Monday relating to traffic issues along Okeechobee Boulevard. into downtown West Palm Beach.

The Commissioners are hoping to address safety and congestion concerns as development grows in downtown.

According to city commissioner Shanon Materio, collaboration is key on making improvements. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) controls the road and traffic lights are managed by the city and county. There are also trains and bridges that are operated by different agencies.

Some people who frequently travel the area are already making plans to attend the forum.

“I cross this road every day at least twice, to and from work and I’m usually on foot or on a bicycle,” said Raphael Clemente. “Unfortunately, my daughter who was seven at the time and I were struck by a car crossing Okeechobee Blvd. a few years ago breaking her left arm and requiring me to have knee surgery.”

Clemente said drivers should not be allowed to turn right on red lights and the speed limit should be decreased.

The forum starts at 8:30 AM at the Convention Center.

Bolt, Gayle hail victims of Manchester attack

Usian Bolt (r) and Chris Gayle send prayers for victims of Manchester attack

Two of the Caribbean’s biggest sports stars — sprinter Usain Bolt and West Indies batsman Chris Gayle — offered condolences to victims of Monday’s bombing in Manchester, England.

The terror attack, which took place following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena, left 22 persons dead and 59 injured.

“Thoughts & prayers goes out to people of Manchester and all those who are affected,” Bolt said via Twitter.

“Thoughts and prayers goes out to Manchester! #VerySad”, Gayle said, also on Twitter.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, Gayle’s teammate at Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also expressed his condolences.

“I wish a lot of courage & strength to all those affected in the Manchester bombings last night. Heartbreaking to hear the sad news,” Kohli said.

The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Barbadian schoolgirl arrested in connection with viral beating video

The victim of the beating lying in a hospital bed

Police in Barbados have arrested and charged a 15-year-old schoolgirl with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to an incident at Lester Vaughn School in which another girl was chased by a number of students and kicked about the body as she lay helpless on the ground.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, May 17, was filmed and went viral on the social media.

The teenager who was arrested today is expected to appear before the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 25.

All gassed up

With oil prices on the global market fluctuating frequently, gas prices in South Florida seem to be taking motorists on a “hill and gully ride” as described so colorfully by North Miami resident, Jamaican-American Rohan Godfries.

Gas prices in the South Florida region has hardly remained the same through a recent week. It has increased to an average of over $2.50 a gallon for a period last month, then fluctuating to an average of $2.36 earlier this week. Now, with oil prices rising to over $51 per barrel this week and Memorial Day Weekend approaching, gas prices are set to increase again.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson Mark Jenkins, prices are expected to increase another 10 cents on average over the upcoming holidays.

The average price of unleaded gas per gallon fluctuated from county to county in South Florida as of Monday. The average in Broward County was $2.36, similar to the national average; Miami-Dade County $2.37. In Palm Beach County, the average was highest at $2.42 per gallon.

Broward County had prices as low as $2.17 and $2.18 at some gas stations mostly in the eastern region of the county.

After the Memorial Day weekend gas prices could hover around the $2.50 average per gallon as OPEC members are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the scope of oil production. To ease rapidly declining oil prices in 2016, as an oil glut suppressed price per barrel, OPEC countries reduced production. This increased the price from as low as $38 per barrel to over $50. It’s expected that OPEC members will vote to continue limited oil production for the immediate future. If this happens price at the pump could remain at or over $2.50 per gallon.

However, increased prices at the pump isn’t expected to deter traveling over the holiday weekend. Godfries said he has become accustomed to the fluctuating prices, and “after paying over $4 per gallon just two years ago $2.50 is still a great bargain. I plan to full my Ford Explorer tank on Saturday morning and head out with the family to Tampa for the long weekend.”

Department of Children and Families celebrates National Foster Care Month

The Florida Department of Children and Families, along with its community partners, have joined together to honor foster families during National Foster Care Month.

The annual celebration recognizes all foster parents, foster family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and others in the foster-care community, who play a significant role in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care.

 

“So many children have a place they call home because of the selfless acts of current foster parents,” Secretary Mike Carroll said. “There are so many opportunities to participate in the foster care system, and I encourage you to take the first step and contact a local community partner to see how you can get involved.”

 

As of January 2017, Florida has 23,596 children placed with relatives, family friends, family foster homes and group homes. Many foster parents pursue additional training to become medical and therapeutic foster parents. In addition to those children in foster care, there are 899 children are available for adoption.

 

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer said, “Providing quality foster care to children in need, including those with disabilities, is vital to our state. In celebration of Foster Care Month, APD will be launching a campaign to encourage more families to become foster families for children with developmental disabilities. APD’s Family Care Council members will be available to these new foster families to offer advice and their experience in rearing children who have disabilities.”

Many of these foster children have been removed from their homes by no fault of their own, but because they have experienced abuse or neglect and cannot safely remain with their parents. Foster parents change lives by offering love, compassion, and hope to some of Florida’s most vulnerable.  

 

Community-Based Care (CBC) lead agencies throughout the state work to recruit, license and match foster parents with children in need of short and long-term homes. Each CBC works to address the unique needs of their communities in recruiting foster parents.

CASA All Stars lift Hazelle Rogers Trophy

Action from the Hazelle Rogers trophy

CASA All Stars drubbed FC Spartans from Palm Beach 4-2 to win the Hazelle Rogers Trophy at Lauderhill Sports Complex last Saturday.

The match was part of annual Unifest celebrations which also featured netball matches.

In the Caribbean American Soccer Association Masters League, South Florida Kickers played to a 0-0 draw with Rockers FC.

Game two of the Masters League saw Lauderdale FC against Attackers FC. The Lauderdale team dominated for a 3-0 win through goals from prolific goalscorer Percival Stanigar, Kevin Barnett and Mark Campbell.

In game three, leading goalscorer Peter Marshall scored a penalty to give Creekers Masters a 1-0 win over Oldtymers FC.

The CASA Super and Masters League continues on Saturday at Lauderhill Sports Complex.

Artiste Busy Signal has visa reinstated for Groovin in the Park

Following very strong coalition of appeals from national and local advocates, including Haitian-American entertainer Wyclif-Jean, the Trump administration has greed to extend Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Haitians living in America for an additional 6-months from July 22, 2017.  Over 50,000 Haitians living in the US have been granted TPS for successive periods, since the devastating 2010 earthquake, allowing them to live and work legally in the US. The current extension was scheduled to expire on July 22, which would have meant mass deportation of Haitians living in the US. Jean made his appeal at a performance on Haitian Flag Day last week in Little Haiti.

Guyanese attorney general and minister of legal affairs, Basil Williams, has repeated a call for a referendum on whether homosexual acts of intimacy should remain a criminal offence. Williams made the call as he gave an address to a joint reception hosted by the delegation of the European Union to Guyana and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), in observance of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) reiterated the call for a referendum.

The Margate Middle School is the winner of the 2016/17 Vocabulary Bowl, earning a number one ranking across North America in the Middle School Championship. Margate Middle competed with over 38,000 schools in the United States and Canada, and mastered over 271,000 words to become the leading school in the Vocabulary.com challenge. Representatives from the competition sponsors, Vocabulary.com, will host a special awards ceremony to honor the school and students for this outstanding achievement. Officials will present a championship trophy and banner. In addition, the top 100 students will be awarded individual medals celebrating their achievement

And in sports

Former World 100 meters champion Yohan Blake is satisfied with his performance at the Jamaica International Invitational meet on May 20. Blake, who was out of action for more than one year due to injury, signaled a return to form as he motored to victory in 9.93 seconds, ahead of Americans Ronnie Baker, who was second in 9.98 seconds, and Mike Rodgers who was third in 10.02. Blake took the lead at half way and won going away.

.Here’s what’s trending…

After serving time in a US prison on drug-related charges Jamaican artiste Busy Signal, has had his work permit to perform in the United States re-instated. Busy Signal will be performing at Groovin In The Park on June 25, promoters of the annual event have confirmed. Chris Roberts, CEO of the event, said the deejay has been granted a visa to perform in the United States. He joins Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Tarrus Riley and R Kelly as headliners for ‘Groovin’ at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with a high of 93 and a low of 75. 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.

Montego Bay readies for big international trade expo…with some 70 buyers and over 110 exhibitors

JMA president Metry Seaga

The city of Montego Bay will on June 1-3 take center stage as host of the inaugural Jamaica International Exhibition (JIE) which will see some 70 buyers from 11 countries converging on the tourism capital.

This one of a kind international tradeshow, slated for the Montego Bay Convention Centre and under the auspices of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), is being billed as an opportunity for local business people to rub shoulders and interact within the setting of a global marketplace.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been scheduled as the designated keynote speaker.

And with over 110 booths already confirmed, the event will have participants from countries such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Also in attendance will be Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Guyana and Jamaica.

President of the JMA Metry Seaga explained that the JIE will not only be new and exciting but will also allow for personal interaction, with some very important traders and global entities, in an up close and personal atmosphere, aimed at discovering new markets and exploring untapped potential.

“We are moving outside our comfort zone and looking at broadening our horizon,” Mr. Seaga noted. “The JIE we feel will fill a void that currently exists to bring business people from all around the world into Jamaica to sell their wares…to see what opportunities exist in Jamaica.”

The JMA president said his organization has been working closely with JAMPRO and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, to ensure a successful show, aimed at increasing the size of business in Jamaica, giving everyone more opportunities to succeed.

The JMA, he added, will be playing the role of host, “ensuring that this first class expo will have the desired effect”, putting the sector on the world stage and giving it a major shot in the arm.

“We are one of the perennial engines of growth and a major employer of persons,” he added. “We are happy to be doing this at a time when the manufacturing sector needs this kind of visibility to take it on a path of economic growth and prosperity.”

For its part, e-Commerce giants Quikanou.com, a partner in the venture, said they will be introducing a global platform for participants.

“Our solution has opened global online access to Caribbean products and we are taking businesses into the digital economy on Quikanou.com,” explained Jomo Cato, Co-Founder.

Quikanou, he said will deliver local and export growth for Jamaica and the Caribbean by providing a powerful ecommerce platform for goods and services.

Pregnant woman chopped to death in T&T, husband critically wounded

A pregnant woman was brutally chopped to death and her husband injured during a macabre at Tyrico, on the Trinidad north coast, on Monday night.

She has been identified as Kimberly Lewis, 24, Lewis’ husband, Jonathan Garcia, were attacked in a house at around 10 p.m.

Police in the twin island republic have collared four men in connection with the attack.

Two of the suspects were held in a police road block in Maracas, and two others held later.

The husband was taken to hospital where he is warded in critical condition.

Police suspect that the killing is linked to the illegal drug trade.

Lewis was the 22nd female murder victim for the year in that country.

Women’s Health: Supporting Community-Based Efforts to Help Families Eat Healthy Food

May is Women’s Health Month and it’s never too early or late to make healthy changes so you look and feel your best! You can take control of your health and help others in your family too!

To improve your physical and mental health, you can:
– Visit a doctor or nurse for a well-woman visit (checkup) and preventive screenings.
– Get active.
– Eat healthy.
– Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
– Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

In some communities, it’s hard to get healthy food. “In many parts of our country, food deserts make it harder for women and their families to access healthy food options,” said Elaine Auld, president and CEO of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). “If your local convenience store offers very little fresh fruit and vegetables, and you don’t have easy transportation to a grocery store, it’s much more difficult to purchase healthy food.”

To help address disparities like this, SOPHE partnered in a three-year national project, Partnering4Health.  There are projects in 97 communities across the country assisting people and communities to live healthier.

A third of the projects are supported through the National WIC Association (NWA). The American Heart Association, the American Planning Association and the Directors of Health Promotion & Education, are also involved.

USDA provides Federal grants to States for WIC.  These programs provide breastfeeding support, supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Here are a few examples of WIC programs that are working in their communities to help women and families access nutritious food and breast milk

South Florida reps not pleased with TPS extension

By Garth A. Rose

South Florida advocates for extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to 58,000 Haitians living and working in the US, are critical of a six-month extension announced by the Trump administration on Monday.

Since a devastating earthquake impacted Haiti in 2010, thousands of Haitians fleeing the country to seek refuge in the US were offered temporary legal immigration status under the TPS program approved by the US Congress in 1990.

People fleeing civil war, natural disaster and other extraordinary conditions in their countries can be offered TPS approved by the federal government.

The Obama administration granted four18-month TPS extensions since July, 2011 with the last extension due on July 22, 2017. The extension by the Trump administration expires in January, 2018.

Broward Commissioner Dale Holness who last week initiated a resolution in the Broward Commission seeking TPS extension for another 18 months from July, said the six-month extension “seems grudgingly offered. This definitely cannot be supported. I have visited Haiti nine times, as recent as last year, since the earthquake and conditions are nowhere suitable to receive almost 60,000 people from the US. In fact, the adverse conditions have been compounded by floods, hurricanes, and the serious cholera epidemic since 2010. Why not extend TPS for another 18 months as has occurred since 2011. I don’t see TPS being cancelled for migrants from other countries.”

Currently, immigrants from several countries including Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua are also granted TPS by the federal government.

Florida Senator Daphne Campbell, a Haitian-American from Miami, describes the extension as “a slap in the face. When the six months fly by, what’s next? Haitians on TPS in America since 2010 helped to build this country. They have invested in America.”

Another Haitian-American official, Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime, said the new extension “Serves as proof the administration is either out of touch with the reality on the ground in Haiti or downright insensitive to the plight of 58,000 Haitian nationals currently living in the US under TPS….  I strongly urge the Trump administration to reconsider their decision.”

Little Haiti resident, Magdela Josephe, feels deceived. “Trump promised to look after the Haitian community and Haiti during last year elections. Haitians voted to make him president. He has deceived us with this six-month nonsense.”

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