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Jamaican government forks out $3.3 million for judgment debts

Marlene Mahaloo-Forte

The Jamaican government coughed up $3.3 million to settle judgments won against the state.

This was revealed by Attorney General, Marlene Mahaloo-Forte during her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of representatives recently. Mahaloo-Forte said for the financial year 2016-2017 the government had originally allocated a budget of $2.66 million towards the payment of judgment debts, but by the end of the financial year some $3.3 million was paid out.

The amount paid was to settle judgment debts and settlements due for 2014 and Mahaloo-Forte gave a commitment to seek additional; funds to settle judgments more speedily.

“I am very sympathetic to the plight of successful litigants who have to wait for extended periods before getting paid,” she said.

Jamaican Diaspora needs an effective leader

National Weekly May 18, 2017

Passenger from Jamaica attempts to pull cabin door on airline; gets arrested

Miami International Airport (MIA) workers recently made a special presentation to the Miami-Dade County Commission claiming Ultra Aviation — an MIA airline contractor for Avianca, LATAM and other international airlines — has violated the county’s Living Wage Ordinance by shorting workers thousands of dollars, and not providing healthcare coverage. Workers, including baggage handlers and lobby agents, are covered under the Living Wage Ordinance, which requires companies to pay $12.63 per hour with qualifying health insurance benefits, or $15.52 per hour without those benefits.

Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Tourism Shamfa Cudjoe has incurred a cell phone bill of $59,059 over a four-day-period- January 29 to February 3, this year. This was the claim of temporary United National Congress (UNC) Senator Christlyn Moore, who read out the bill in the Senate during a debate on the mid-term budget review last night. Moore referred to statements made by Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat about the need for everyone to “cut and contrive.”

Ceeka Willis won the City of Lauderhill and the Arts, Cultural and Talent (ACT) Boards second Annual Talent Competition held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on Wednesday night. Willis is a self-taught guitarist; who specializes in  the acoustic soul genre and has been writing music for over 10 years.  Her winning act was a solo titled “Wonderful”. She came out on top of 15 contestants.

And in sports

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste clocked a season’s best 11.10 seconds to win a women’s 100 meters race at the Pure Athletics Elite Meet in Clermont, Florida, recently. Another Trinidad and Tobago track star, Machel Cedenio finished second in section one and third overall in the men’s 400 meters in 46.36 seconds. Jarrin Solomon was 10th fastest on the day with a 47.24 run

.Here’s what’s trending…

A passenger on an Air Canada flight from Jamaica to Toronto was arrested by Federal Agents after attempting to open the plane’s cabin door. Canadian national, 34-year-old Brandon Michael Courneyea, began behaving boisterously and started shouting at other passengers on the flight. Flight attendants tried to calm the frenzied man, but were unsuccessful. During the disturbance the man ran to the rear of the plane and attempted to open the exit door by pull down the door’s lever. He was eventually restrained by crew members and fellow passengers.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be partly cloudy with scattered showers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with a high of 89 and a low of 77. 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.

Frankie Paul is dead

frankie-paul-dead-jamaica

Singer Frankie Paul is dead.

The 51-year-old artist died last night in the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies in his native Jamaica.

Paul suffered from kidney disease.

He was also diabetic and one of his legs was amputated last year.

Just last week, it was reported in Jamaica’s Gleaner newspaper that Paul was experiencing difficulties paying his medical bills. He was said to be indebted $120,000 with dialysis treatment costing him $350 weekly.

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

Frankie Paul, whose real name was Paul Blake, was known for his booming voice. He first rose to prominence during the halcyon days of 1980s dancehall with songs like Worries In The Dance and Pass The Ku-Shung-Peng.

Read More: Frankie Paul discography

He recorded for a number of producers including Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes and Linval Thompson.

Fellow entertainer, Little Lenny, was devastated by the news of Paul’s transition.

“I saw him just three weeks ago. He was one of the people in the business I looked up to. I used to line up in record stores to buy his music. The last album I bought before I got my break was Sarah,” Little Lenny told Caribbean News Weekly.

Frankie Paul dead-first album
Frankie Paul’s first album, Pass the tu-sheng-peng

Frankie Paul recorded 54 albums during his 35-year career.

Below is a gallery of some Frankie Paul’s albums in chronological order.

 

Excelsior Alumni Sports Day for Pembroke Pines

The Excelsior High School South Florida Alumni will host their seventh Annual Sports Day Event on Saturday May 20, at the Cinnamon Ridge Park in Pembroke Pines.

Past and present students, their families and friends and residents of surrounding communities will be participating in a variety of sporting activities including netball, football and other field events. The event is a way of connecting in a family environment while keeping the spirit of our Alma Mater: Age Animo – ‘do it with thy might’ and our school name Excelsior which means ‘yet higher’.

There will also be a shopping village sack races, a domino competition, a bun eating competition, egg and spoon races, tug-o-war, bounce house, grab bag and other activities for the young at heart.

 

Spencer knows fate July 15

Kaliese Spencer will know her fate on July 15

Jamaican 400 meters hurdler, Kaliese Spencer, who is in danger of being banned for a doping violation, will know her fate on July 15.

Spencer, 30, is accused of refusing to submit to a drug test by doping control officers of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) on April 27 last year.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medalist contends she was never notified that she was to be tested.

On Tuesday, Spencer, fellow Olympian Christine Day and their former coach, Bert Cameron, testified at the hearing.

Spencer testified that she is usually approached directly by doping control officers from JADCO during the one-hour window submitted on a whereabouts form, for her to sign the notification form for testing.

On the date in question, April 27, she indicated she would be available for testing between 6:00 am and 7:00 am.

During cross-examination, JADCO attorney Lackston Robinson suggested to Spencer that Cameron had advised her that she was selected to be tested. But Spencer said she only spoke to Cameron and Day about upcoming competitions.

Cameron was called by Spencer’s attorney Paul Green. During testimony, he said he did not have any conversation with a JADCO representative about Spencer being selected on April 27.

He denied Spencer saying she was not going to do a drug test after being at the training camp all morning. He said she was not told by any JADCO representative that they wanted to conduct tests.

Spencer said after she left the National Stadium in Kingston, her agent Marvin Anderson called to say she needed to return to the nearby Stadium East complex for testing by doping control officers.

Anderson called shortly after and told her to head to JADCO’s office instead. That is where she said the confusion occurred.

Holness urges Trump to extend Temporary Protected Status to Haitians

Haitians rally for protective status in West Palm Beach

With the July 22 deadline for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) afforded to Haitians residing in the U.S. fast approaching, Broward County Commissioner, Dale Holness, is making a last ditch attempt to plea with Donald Trump-led administration to extend the program.

During a May 9, Broward County Commission meeting, Holness appealed to the Commission to join him in asking the Trump Administration to extend the (TPS) as the Caribbean nation was still reeling from the effects of a devastating earthquake, Hurricane Matthew, a cholera outbreak and other recent natural disasters.

The commission unanimously approved to support Holness’ request and signed off on a letter directed to Secretary John F. Kelly, of the Department of Homeland Security.

The TPS was offered to Haitians as part of the Immigration Act of Congress.

Under U.S. law, some 50,000 Haitians are set to be displaced unless Kelly decides by May 23, whether their condition merits extension.  “Haiti is a very important country to us.  It is critical in my mind that we advocate for this,” Holness said.

With the deadline approaching, supporters are asked to call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 202-282-8000, the U.S. Department of State, also referred to as the State Department at 202-647-6575 and the White House at 202-456-1111 in support of the extension of TPS for Haitian nationals.

MIA Workers restive

Workers at the Miami International Airport are restive

Miami International Airport (MIA) workers made a special presentation to the Miami-Dade County Commission on Tuesday morning, claiming Ultra Aviation — an MIA airline contractor for Avianca, LATAM and other international airlines — has violated the county’s Living Wage Ordinance by shorting workers tens of thousands of dollars.

The workers, including baggage handlers and lobby agents, are covered under the Living Wage Ordinance, which requires companies to pay $12.63 per hour with qualifying health insurance benefits, or $15.52 per hour without those benefits.

A nationally-renowned health insurance expert, Kathryn Bakich, the National Healthcare Compliance Practice Leader and VP of the Segal Group, testified at the meeting that Ultra’s health plan does not meet legal standards, and that the company is unlawfully avoiding paying the higher wage.

Dozens of workers, including Haitian and Hispanic-Americans,   rallied outside commission chambers at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami. They bore signs and stickers saying,“Don’t let our wages fly away”. 

One of the protestors, Javier Virgo, a customer service agent said,

“I went to the emergency room because I was vomiting and feeling very sick. I thought I was covered by my insurance. Later I received a bill for more than $1,500 and it turns out that the insurance doesn’t even cover this bill. This whole time I’ve been earning about two dollars less an hour because I was supposedly covered. I could have probably saved that money myself and used it to pay for the hospital visit.”

Ultra is the only airline subcontractor that requires their employees to sign up for their health insurance, allowing the company to pay workers $12.63 instead of $15.52 and provide health insurance. However, Ultra’s health plan fails to provide coverage for all ten essential benefits as required by law. It provides no coverage for pediatric care, mental health or substance abuse care, nor does it cover rehabilitative service like physical therapy.

The workers are urging the county commission to intervene on their behalf to insist Ultra Aviation comply with the county’s Living Wage Ordinance, pay the wages stipulated and provide the requisite health benefit.

 

Man arrested after being caught on video fondling himself near elementary school

A homeless man has been arrested after a video captured him apparently touching himself near Hammock Pointe Elementary in Boca Raton.

Deputies arrested Lawrence Dunn Wednesday days after a woman shot video of a man hiding in the bushes touching himself while watching children walk by.
The video got close to 30,000 views on Facebook. Many expressed concerns for their children. Using the video, deputies were able to identify Dunn.
Dunn is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on lewd and lascivious behavior and trespassing charges.

Gabre Selassie keeping dub in the club

Gabre Selassie...the brains behind the Dub Club

By Karyl Walker

What begun as the first steps in a spiritual journey blossomed into an internationally-recognized event that has drawn visitors and locals to the upscale neighborhood of Jacks Hill in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Gabre Selassie is a devout Rastafarian who was raised during the 1970s golden era of roots-reggae. His love for the reggae derivative dub drove him to start the Dub Club which is held Sunday nights at his Jack’s Hill home.

“I have been on this journey for about 20 years and it has a lot to do with my Rastafari faith. Roots music is our own and this (Dub Club) is not a recent phenomenon,” Gabre Selassie told Caribbean National Weekly.

The Dub Club, which mainly features music played by Selassie on his Rockers Sound Station, is  endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Booking agents and talent scouts for major reggae shows in Europe, Japan and the US frequent the event.

“The feedback has been positive and tremendous overall. The endorsement by the JTB has brought more awareness of the event,” said Selassie.

The Mighty Diamonds perform at the Dub Club
The Mighty Diamonds perform at the Dub Club

The Dub Club is a must for fans who want clean entertainment and not the debauchery associated with dancehall promotions. But then came a bump.

Three weeks ago, the police visited the Dub Club and demanded the music be turned off as Selassie did not have a required show permit. Things turned sour when the promoter refused, informing the cops that he did in fact apply for and was given a permit. The police pepper-sprayed Selassie and took him to jail. He was freed in court after evidence of the valid permit was produced.

Chronixx belts out one of his hits at the Dub Club
Chronixx belts out one of his hits at the Dub Club

The incident has not embittered Selassie. He is calling for an amendment to Jamaica’s Night Noise Abatement Act, under which he was charged.

“I think the police should monitor the caller and do a fact check to find out if there is in fact someone being disturbed or if the caller is being mischievous or trying to get the event shut down due to other motives,” he said. “Someone can stay in Florida and get a dance locked off in Kingston because they don’t like the promoter.”

Selassie encouraged authorities to establish entertainment zones in Kingston where events can be held without being locked off at the 2:00 am time stipulated by law.

Barbados health ministry considering banning sugary drinks

Dominica to tax sugary drinks

The Ministry of Health in Barbados wants to stem a rise in childhood obesity by banning the sale of sugary drinks in schools.

Health Minister John Boyce, made the suggesting while addressing the Caribbean Subregional Workshop on Alcohol, Tobacco and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Taxation at the Accra Beach Hotel.

“The WHO (World Health Organization) Global School Health Survey (GSHS) 2012 in Barbados indicated the prevalence of overweight and obesity to be 31.5 per cent and 14.4 per cent respectively. Girls were at a slightly higher rate of overweight and obesity when compared to boys. The survey also indicated that levels of physical activity and exercise and consumption of healthy diets were consistently low,” Boyce said.

In light of the WHO survey Boyce said his Ministry is currently preparing a set of policy options to address the marketing of unhealthy foods to children while they are at school.

“Consideration would be given to a ban on the sale and/or promotion of sugar-sweetened beverages on the premises of schools. These measures are to be considered by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on NCDs and subsequently, the full Cabinet of Barbados,” he said.

A Marley goes NFL

Nico Marley signs for the Washington Redskins

A Marley goes NFL

Bob Marley’s grandson, Nico Marley, will be playing in the National Football League (NFL) next season. The 22-year-old linebacker has signed for the Washington Redskins.

The third generation Marley impressed during a rookie camp and was added to the Redskins’roster on Tuesday. While at Tulane University, the undrafted Marley was the all-time leader in tackles for loss with 50.

He racked up 319 tackles overall, as well as six sacks and four interceptions in 49 games.

Football is in his blood. His father, Rohan Marley, played at University of Miami with future NFL stars Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp. In 1993, he led the team in tackles before moving to Canada where he played in the Canadian Football League.

Rookies called up for Jamaica

Seven newcomers have been named in Jamaica’s netball squad to face Barbados in a three-Test series from May 19-22.

Coach Jermaine Allison McCracken named Shimona Nelson, Mellisa Wright, Antoinette Stone, Zonasha Hinds, Tashike Salmon, Jodiann Ward and Latanya Wilson to the 15-member squad.

Missing are top players Romelda Aiken, Jhanielle Fowler Reid and Malysha Kelly. They are playing in professional leagues in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The newcomers were named less than two weeks after senior players Khadijah Williams, Shanice Beckford and Nicole Dixon were suspended from the national program. There is some experience in shooter Thristina Harwood, and defenders Shamera Sterling and Stacian Facey.

The squad: Shooters —- Thristina Harwood, Rebecca Robinson, Shimona Nelson, Hasana Williams and Carlalee Tinglin. Centre Court —- AdeanThomas, Kerry-Ann Brown, Melissa Wright, Antoinette Stone and Zonasha Hinds. Defenders —- Shamera Sterling, Stacian Facey, Tashike Salmon, Jodiann Ward and Latanya Wilson.

Jamaican Diaspora needs an effective leader

Jamaican diaspora conference
Southern USA Jamaica Diaspora

Nominations for the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member have closed. Jamaicans in Florida and eleven other southern US states will vote between May 23 and June 7 to elect one of the nominees.

Since 2004, when the Jamaican government initiated a formal structure between Jamaica and its Diaspora, four individuals, all from Florida, have been elected to represent the Southern US as advisory board members.

However, only a few of the estimated 750,000 Jamaicans who live in the region voted for them. That’s because after 13 years most people either have no interest in, or lack understanding of what an organized Jamaican Diaspora stands for. Since 2004, attempts to formalize relations between Jamaica and its Diaspora have been sluggish. Granted, a Jamaica Diaspora Conference is held biennially in Jamaica, but in between there are significant inconsistencies in the relationship.

There are several challenges that impede the Jamaican Diaspora from functioning like a coordinated organization, similar to for example, the Israeli and Irish Diaspora. Few of these challenges were effectively addressed by former advisory board members in either the US, Canada or United Kingdom.

Among the challenges is a functional Jamaica/Diaspora organization. The Jamaican government formally liaises with the Diaspora through a Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board consisting of members from Jamaica and the Diaspora. However, this isn’t proving to be a practical system.

The role of advisory board members representing the Diaspora have been frustrated by factors, including lack of funding and administrative support, and the logistics of being effective representatives of the vast US territory. This system needs to be urgently reviewed, and adjusted. The Diaspora is also challenged by lack of unity. Without some unification, it is difficult for it to participate effectively in Jamaican affairs.

Another serious challenge is the misconception that a unified, functioning Diaspora is the responsibility of the Jamaican government. The Diaspora is a Jamaican community outside of Jamaica. To function effectively internally and with Jamaica, the Diaspora needs a formidable autonomous organizational structure.

The focus since 2004 is for organizations within the Diaspora to provide various forms of assistance to Jamaica. While this is commendable, the Diaspora badly lacks leadership within itself to address issues affecting Jamaicans living in the respective overseas communities. This needs to be addressed by the incoming advisory board member.

There’s serious need for a strong Diaspora leader to effectively represent the interests of Jamaicans living in the Southern USA, while addressing issues relevant to Jamaica.

However, for this leader to be effective several changes are needed. The changes suggested for the incoming advisory board member include:

  • Replacing the overseas Diaspora Advisory Board membership with an umbrella type Jamaica Diaspora Council involving a system that functions within and across the broad Jamaican Diaspora. To be effective, the Council needs to be appropriately gender-balanced, capable of pulling the participation of youth, cultural, community, business, media and religious leaders and professionals.
  • Establishing stronger rapport with Jamaican diplomatic representatives in the region and across the US so the Diaspora can be sufficiently apprised of Jamaica’s public policy.
  • Participating in a functional communication system that reaches and sustains feedback from Jamaicans regionally, nationally and internationally. This is necessary to make the Diaspora more proficient at serving itself, while developing, coordinating and implementing projects relevant to Jamaica.
  • Addressing the funding challenges, it’s suggested a Jamaica Diaspora Investment Fund (JDIF) be established under the JDC, supplemented with loans and grants from Jamaican, national, international financial institutions, and structured financial contributions from the Diaspora. The focus of the Jamaican Diaspora needs to move beyond attending biennial and other conferences in Jamaica, being the source of financial remittances and charitable contributions to Jamaica.

The incoming advisory board member should have the vision to lead the Diaspora to be a comprehensive, viable self-serving community, mobilized as an effective asset to Jamaica.

The nominee who best displays this potential leadership deserves to be elected.

Former Bahamian Prime Minister resigns from party

Three Jamaican-Americans were recently nominated for the position of Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member representing Jamaicans residing in the Southern US. The nominees are: Orlando Attorney Wayne Golding, seeking reelection to the position he held since August 2014; Bevan “Duke” Earle, South Florida broadcaster, and Oliver Falloon Reid, South Florida realtor and former president of the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA).
Elections for the board advisory member will be held) from May 23 to June 7,and the results announced on June 12.
Former Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie has resigned as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) with immediate effect. Christie made the announcement late Monday while addressing a meeting of the party’s National General Council (NGC). The former Prime Minister, who suffered an agonizing defeat in last week’s general election, told members of the party that he tried his best.
The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has reportedly identified 10,000 potential cases of child abuse in the last two years. In some instances the Authority’s hotline may have received multiple reports of abuse regarding one child. The Authority said that to date, almost 8,000 cases are receiving attention and so far, over 3,000 investigations have been completed and more than 700 families have been counseled.
And in sports
The grandson of Reggae icon Bob Marley recently signed to play in the National Football League (NFL) with the Washington Redskins. The third generation Marley impressed during a rookie camp and was added to the Redskins’ roster on Tuesday. While in college, Marley, who plays defense and was an all-time leader with 50 tackles, went un-drafted. During his college career he racked up 319 tackles over all, six sacks and four interceptions in 49 games.
Here’s what’s trending…
Two US Senate committees, the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Judicial Committee, are seeking memos former FBI Director James Comey wrote
related to whether President Donald Trump asked him to end an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn ties with Russia during the 2016 presidential
elections.
For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.
It will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with a high of 88 and a low of 77. 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

Kelly-Ann Baptiste runs season’s best in Clermont

Kelly-Ann Baptiste holds her own in short sprints
Baptiste...runs season's best in Clermont

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste clocked a season’s best 11.10 seconds to win a women’s 100 meters race at the Pure Athletics Elite Meet in Clermont, Florida, recently.

Another Trinidad and Tobago track star, Machel Cedenio finished second in section one and third overall in the men’s 400 meters in 46.36 seconds. Jarrin Solomon was 10th fastest on the day with a 47.24 run.

At the Sun Belt Conference Championships, in Texas, Chelsea Charles ran away with gold in the women’s 400m with a personal best 53.51 seconds clocking. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior had topped the qualifying round in 54-flat.

 

Trial of Bahamian man accused of beating Jamaican gay postponed

Adrian Brown...beaten at Bahamian Junkanoo festival

The trial of a Bahamian national accused of the assault against a gay Jamaican man in Nassau, has been postponed.

Darwin Farquarson, had his B$500 bail extended when he appeared in a Nassau Court on Thursday. The 34-year-old Farquarson of Infant View Road, is accused of pelting the complainant, Adrian Brown, with bottles and rocks during the Nassau Junkanoo Festival on May 6.

Brown, who lives in Maryland, USA, was allegedly dancing when he was attacked and water thrown on him. When he confronted the persons he believed threw the water on him he was attacked. He was saved by other revelers, but not before suffering several wounds to his head, face and other parts of his body.

Farquarson was held by Brown’s rescuers until police arrived at the scene and detained him.

His trial will now be held on July 7.

Passenger on flight from Jamaica to Canada arrested after attempting to open plane door

Brandon Michael Courneyea being escorted off an Air Canada flight by US Federal Agents

A passenger on an Air Canada flight from Jamaica to Toronto was arrested by Federal Agents after he attempted to open the plane’s cabin door.

The incident occurred just after the flight began experiencing turbulence. The Canadian national, identified as 34-year-old Brandon Michael Courneyea, began behaving boisterously and started shouting at other passengers for “looking at him.”

Flight attendants reportedly tried to calm a frenzied Courneyea, but were unsuccessful. Due to the turbulence the pilot had turned on the fasten seat belt sign but the out of control passenger reportedly began walking around the plane. Courneyea reportedly stated that it would only take one guy to take the plane down and that he wanted to take everyone with him.

Shortly after, he ran to the back of the plane, grabbed a coffee pot, and swung it at flight attendants, who confronted him. But he grew even more angered and lunged for the rear cabin exit door and began to pull the door lever up to open the door. He then was restrained by crew members and fellow passengers on the aircraft.

Air Canada employees and passengers then restrained Courneyea using zip ties. In total, the incident lasted about 45 minutes.

When the plane made the emergency landing in Orlando Courneyea was arrested by federal agents. He was charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, which is a federal crime. The aircraft was required to stay in Orlando until federal agents could complete interviews.

Antigua PM cancels plan to build gun factory

A plan to give investors permission to build a gun assembling plant in the proposed Economic Zone, has been cancelled by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

The announcement of a cancellation was made on Saturday, just hours after the Prime Minister called Observer Radio confirming that the plan was going ahead and that all of the guns manufactured would be for export.

But following mounting criticism from the public, the Prime Minister called the radio station later in the day saying that the Cabinet had not made a formal decision to establish a gun factory.

“However, an informal undertaking was given to an Italian hand gun manufacturer to establish a hand gun factory in the special economic zone.  This occurred on an occasion while I was off island.  I subsequently heard about it and indicated to the agent of the investor that it was a bad idea,” Browne revealed in a statement on Saturday.

“I was told at the time that the guns would have been manufactured based on international standards and for exportation only.  And that, they would have not been eligible for sale in the domestic market.  At the time, i maintained for various reasons that we should not proceed with the proposed investment.”

“I thought it was a dead issue until yesterday (Friday),” the Prime Minister said adding that “when it was brought to my attention, that a letter was sent to a Minister to expedite the passage of the necessary laws and regulations to expedite the investment.  This request was made despite the fact that the matter never came before the Cabinet for ratification.”

The Prime Minister said that having heard the public sentiments, which were in keeping with his concerns – “I directed the Attorney General to cease any further negotiations or discussions on this proposed investment.”

He said a firm policy decision will be taken at the next Cabinet meeting and communicated to the public.

CATAF hosts free teacher membership drive

CATAF host free membership drive

The Caribbean American Teachers Association of Florida (CATAF) will be hosting an official launch and free membership drive at Roun A Goosey Jamaican Restaurant in Miramar from 6 – 8pm, on June 9th.

Teachers are invited to come, network and gather information about summer opportunities and how they can continue to impact the lives of children at home but abroad.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness along with Union representatives and School Board staff, will give addresses.

CATAF was founded in 2015 by Alexandra Davis, an educator and former City of Miramar Commissioner and Vice Mayor. Her vision brought together Caribbean American teachers to address some of the educational issues impacting teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders in Florida, particularly Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The association’s mission is be a resource for both teachers and students alike by ensuring that each is equipped with the tools and the know-how to be successful.

 

Dominican PM files lawsuit against Florida blogger and local journalist

Dominican Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit

Lawyers for Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and two senior government ministers as well as a senior police officer have filed a lawsuit against disbarred US attorney Kenneth Rijock, local journalist Matthais Peltier and Q95fm Radio.

The lawsuit was filed in the High Court on Monday after Rijock refused to retract, apologize and pay compensation for alleging that 2,000 blank Dominica passports were issued to Moroccan Ambassador to all of the East Caribbean States in 2016.

On April 24,  a demand letter issued to Rijock by Attorney Lennox Lawrence on behalf of Prime Minister  Skerrit; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Francine Baron; Minister responsible for National Security and Immigration, Rayburn Blackmoore, and Senior Police Officer in direct charge of Immigration and Passports, Inspector Pellam Jno. Baptiste stated that legal action could be taken if the demand was not met.

In his emailed response to the demand letter, Rijock wrote: “Please be advised that I will neither retract my articles, nor any of my recorded statements. Florida law recognizes my [sic] as a journalist, and any suit you choose to file on behalf of your clients will be turned over the Reporters without Borders, and to the United Nations, and Organization of American States”.

Accordingly, the lawsuit was filed with Rijock named as the first defendant while Matthias Peltier and West Indies Communications Enterprises Limited (Q95) named the second and third defendants respectively.

The four claimants are seeking damages including aggravated damages, for slander for the words spoken, uttered, published and or caused to be published and broadcast or disseminated by the first and or second defendant and by the third defendant.

They are also seeking an injunction restraining Rijock, Peltier and Q95 whether by themselves or through their agents, servants, directors from further publishing or causing to be published the said or similar defamatory words about the claimant; costs on the indemnity basis and or wasted costs against the defendants or each of them and further or other relief.

The lawsuit will be served on Rijock, who is based in the United States, via email and an order will be sought from the court to serve him in person.

Dominica welcomes CCJ ruling on case involving Jamaican entertainer Tommy Lee

Candidates nominated for Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member

Three Jamaican-Americans were recently nominated for the position of Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member representing Jamaicans residing in the Southern US.

The nominees are: Orlando Attorney Wayne Golding, seeking re-election to the position he held since August 2014; Bevan “Duke” Earle, South Florida broadcaster, and Oliver Falloon Reid, South Florida realtor and former president of the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA).

Elections for the board advisory member will be held online (www.JDSUSA.org) from May 23 to June 7, and the results announced on June 12.

https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/featured/nominations-now-open-southern-usa-jamaica-diaspora-posts/

T&T tourism minister racks up $59,000 phone bill in four days

Cudjoe...racked up large cell phone bill

Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Tourism Shamfa Cudjoe incurred a cellphone bill of $59,059 over a four-day-period- January 29 to February 3, this year.

This was the claim of temporary United National Congress (UNC) Senator Christlyn Moore, who read out the bill in the Senate during a debate on the mid-term budget review last night.

Moore referred to statements made by Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat about the need for everyone to “cut and contrive”. She told Rambharat that all his colleagues may not share his “lofty sentiments”.

Trinidad grandma on gun charge

Guns and ammo seized, nine men arrested during flood rains in Jamaica

An AK47 assault rifle was among four weapons seized by Jamaican police during flood rains on Tuesday

Four firearms, including a high-powered rifle, and 37 rounds of ammunition were seized by jamaican lawmen during torrential rains across the island yesterday. Nine persons were subsequently arrested in relation to these seizures.

In the first incident, about 11:00 a.m., one man was accosted at the May Pen Bus Park in Clarendon and a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol along with eight 9mm rounds taken from him; he was taken into custody. About 3:00 p.m. in Osbourne Store, Four Paths in the parish, lawmen continued their operations, which led them to a house. The premises was searched and a 9mm Sarsilmaz pistol with three rounds were seized; one man was arrested.

In the Trench Town area of Kingston West, lawmen conducted operations about 6:30 p.m. in the Egypt Housing Scheme. A premises was searched and a Taurus 9mm pistol with a magazine containing three 9mm rounds seized; no arrest was made.

The police then went to the old capital of Spanish Town about 9:00 p.m., and conducted operations in the Corletts Avenue area. The search of a premises revealed one Kalashnikov (AK 47) assault rifle along with (23) 7.62 cartridges in a makeshift kitchen. Seven men were taken into custody in connection with this seizure.

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

Former Bahamian PM resigns from party

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie has resigned as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) with immediate effect.

Christie made the announcement late Monday in an address at a meeting of the party’s National General Council (NGC).

The former Prime Minister who suffered an agonizing defeat in last week’s general election told members of the party that he tried his best.

“As your leader I accept full responsibility for our party’s defeat  – it is for me to bid you farewell as your leader. the time has come for me to move on. I wish to God that I could have helped more people….I tried my best.”

The former Prime Minister also reassured members that the PLP could rise from the ashes and win again as it did in the elections of 1967 and 2002.

Christie, 73, entered politics as a senator in 1974 and in 1977 received the PLP’s nomination for the constituency of Centreville.

Since then he won eight consecutive elections until losing his seat by four votes in the May 10 general election.

The PLP won four of the 39 seats .

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