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Obama receives Courage Award; makes speech for Obamacare

The opposition party in St Kitts and Nevis wants the head of Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, on the chopping block. The leader of the St Kitts Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr Denzil Douglas, accused Harris of shielding a Chinese national resident in the twin-island federation. The Chinese citizen is wanted in China on financial charges. Douglas has demanded that Harris tender his resignation, while accusing the prime minister of rebuffing calls for cooperation with Interpol and China.

Despite their districts have some of the largest numbers Obamacare enrollees in the nation,  Miami Republicans Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Mario Diaz-Balart were among US House Republicans who voted last week Thursday to pass the bill proposing  the American Health Care Act, the Republicans controversial proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act. One the other hand, another Miami Republican, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen voted against the bill.

In its final advisory on the activity at the volcano, known as Kick em’ Jenny, which began erupting last weekend, Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) said there had been no more earthquakes since just after midnight on Tuesday. Therefore, the episode appeared to be over. However, the agency noted in previous updates that the pattern of behaviour at the volcano has been changing and another episode of activity in the short-term should not be ruled out

And in sports

For the first time in its 15-year history, the Combined Islands won the City of Lauderhill International T20 Night Cricket Tournament. They lifted the Mayor’s Cup Saturday after defeating Jamaica by 32 runs.

Here’s what’s trending…

Former President Barack Obama urged Republicans to be guided by standards of ethics, integrity, and courage, not personal ambition and avarice as they debate the future of Obama’s signature healthcare legislation, Obamacare. Obama had refrained from weighing in on the bitter health care battle, but he broke his silence while accepting the Profile in Courage Award at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on Sunday night.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be sunny in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and partly cloudy in Palm Beach county 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.

 

JADCO withdraws appeal against length of Russell ban

Andre Russell...Appeal against length of doping ban against him withdrawn

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has withdrawn its appeal against the length of the ban slapped on West Indies cricketer Andre Russell due to an internal procedural error by its executive director Carey Brown.

Chairman of the JADCO Board, Alexander Williams, said the decision to withdraw was made after consultation with Jamaica’s Attorney General, during a press conference  at JADCO’s office in Kingston on Monday.

Williams pointed out however, that despite the blunder, Brown maintains the full confidence of the board.

Russell is rated one of the best T20 all-rounders in the game. He was banned for a year in January after an independent disciplinary panel found him guilty of an anti-doping violation in 2015. The exciting cricketer had, on three consecutive occasions in 2015, failed to notify JADCO as to his location for possible drug testing. Russell was warned about the breaches, and asked on each occasion to explain his filing failure and he failed to do so. 

JADCO appealed the length of the sentence but took an about turn due to the procedural foul up.

Russell’s attorneys also withdrew their appeal of the one-year sanction before an appeals panel at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Downtown Kingston.

IMF hails St Kitts and Nevis efforts to curb money laundering

St Kitts and Nevis praised by IMF for efforts to curb money laundering

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised efforts made by the government of St Kitts and Nevis to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime.

The IMF team, which visited St. Kitts and Nevis in April commended the Government of National Unity.

“The authorities have further improved compliance with international AML/CFT [anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism] standards and exchange of information,” s release from the fund stated.

The Government issued a statement in response to what it describes as ‘erroneous statements’ about St. Kitts and Nevis contained in the U.S. Department of State’s 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Volume II: Money Laundering and Financial Crimes.

“St. Kitts and Nevis’ commendable progress in implementing the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) precipitated the country’s removal from thelist of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes.  Additionally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes completed a Phase 2 Peer Review Assessment of St. Kitts and Nevis, rating it as “Largely Compliant” along with approximately 80 other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States of America,” the government release stated.

The IMF praised St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts to stem financial crimes.

“They [the St. Kitts-Nevis authorities] have strengthened the due-diligence process [of the Citizenship by Investment program] with dedicated resources and global collaboration, as this is essential to reduce integrity and security risks, preserve the program’s credibility, and avoid a race-to-the-bottom. The mission thanks the authorities and technical staff for the warm welcome, constructive discussions, and positive spirit of cooperation,” the fund stated.

Florida Legislature fails to pass medical marijuana law

medical marijuana

Following the approval of Constitutional Amendment 2 in last November’s general election legalizing medical marijuana in Florida, the Florida Legislature was required to approve the governing legislation. However, despite  bills tabled in the Florida House and Senate the Legislature adjourned its 2017 session on May 5, without passing the legislation. As a result, It’s now left to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to finalize the necessary guidelines.

Under the terms of the constitutional Amendment approved by 71 percent of Florida voters. the Florida legislature should have established the law on which the FDOH would write the guidelines.

While the House and Senate agreed on most proposals for the required legislation, the negotiations broke down over the number of medical marijuana dispensaries operating in the state.

The Senate’s proposal limited the number of dispensaries licensed growers could operate. The House’s proposal  placed no limits on the dispensaries. This would have offered a free market, competitive system which some House members believed would place better quality medical marijuana on the market.

The failure of the Legislature has prompted those pushing for legalized medical marijuana to call on Governor Rick Scott to convene a special Legislative Session to pass the law.

Those making the call include Orlando Attorney John Morgan who initiated the constitutional amendment, and Ben Pollara who led the campaign for the approval of the amendment.

Pollara said although the FDOH has the responsibility to implement operations of medical marijuana, “the required implementation legislation is needed.”

Earlier this year, the FDOH held a series of town hall meetings across Florida to get the public’s input re the required medical marijuana operational guidelines. Accordingly, the agency had prepared draft operational guidelines, awaiting the law passed by the Florida Legislature.

Without the law, the onus is now on the FDOH to finalize the public policy governing marijuana growers, patients, doctors, and other related interests. However, Pollara anticipates whatever policy the FDOH prepares it will be subject to lawsuits from various sources.

Pollara said “When we wrote Amendment 2, we were very aware the Legislature wouldn’t immediately live up to the access now codified in the constitution. We knew this was likely to go to court at some point.”

Meanwhile, responding to the call for a special Legislative Session, a representative of the governor’s office said its “ reviewing all necessary options.”

Caribbean’s launches first online human rights database

The Caribbean region has launched its first online database to record, collate and report human rights violations.

The Shared Incident Database (SID), was developed by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and is an advanced, user-friendly, web-based technology designed to strengthen evidence-based advocacy for more just policies and programs in the Caribbean’s HIV response.

The database was set up to track incidents affecting key population groups which include those living the HIV, sex workers, drug users, transgender people, men who have sex with men, marginalised youth, migrants and inmates, who often encounter barriers to accessing health services and human rights protection, according to the CVC.

“The roll-out of the SID has met with enthusiastic response and already, in Jamaica, the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), Jamaica Network for Seropositives (JN+) and the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) have trained and signed MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) for the use of the database,” The CVC said through a release.

Last month, additional groups including Jamaicans For Justice, Eve for Life and Transwave were trained, and in the wider Caribbean, training has been done with groups in Belize, Guyana, Haiti and the Dominican Republic with Suriname and Trinidad to follow shortly.

Following recent talks, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) has agreed to use the database to track incidence of stigma and discrimination as part the overall Strategic Framework for scaling up the response to HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean.

The SID is one of several interventions being implemented by CVC and Centro de Orientacion e Investigacion Integral (COIN) based in the Dominican Republic, as part of a three-year, CVC/COIN Caribbean Civil Society Grant funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Jamaica welcomes Starbucks

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett is welcoming news that international coffee chain Starbucks will be setting up shop in the second city of Montego Bay, Jamaica and said it will add yet another dimension to the diverse culinary offerings of Jamaica’s resort capital.

“Starbucks is a welcome addition to the culinary landscape of Montego Bay as we seek to diversify and build out of the gastronomy experiences which will define Jamaica as a top tourist destination,” said Minister Bartlett.

“It marks the coming together of two internationally recognized brands – Jamaica and Starbucks – and I am particularly pleased that they will be sourcing locally-grown products, in particular our world renowned Blue Mountain Coffee.  In addition, this investment will provide much needed jobs for the people of Montego Bay and its environs,” Bartlett added.

The Starbucks Coffee Company recently announced that it has entered a geographic licensing agreement with Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited, a consortium lead by Ian Dear, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville Caribbean Group and Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman  and CEO of Sandals Resorts International.

Bartlett said that new products and promoting investments are two of the five pillars of growth that are being used by his Ministry to transform the island’s tourism sector, deepen linkages and achieve significant growth, and pointed out that Starbucks coming to Montego Bay represents both.

Bartlett lauded Stewart and Dear for their ongoing investment in and commitment to Jamaica’s hospitality industry, which has helped to increase the competitiveness of the island’s tourism product. “With these two dynamic business leaders at the helm this new venture is sure to be a great success,” said the Minister.

The agreement grants Caribbean Coffee Traders the exclusive rights to own and operate Starbucks stores in Jamaica.  This will be Starbucks 17th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Serial cell phone thief held at SunFest

A Miami man was arrested this weekend at SunFest when police found stolen cell phones in his backpack, West Palm Beach Police said.

The suspected thief, Angel Torres, 30, was arrested Saturday night.

Officers found Torres with 29 stolen cell phones, a wallet, and several credit cards.

Detectives are attempting to locate any potential victims.

35 years of Bam Bam

Sister Nancy to celebrate 35 years of Bam Bam

Resurgent deejay Sister Nancy is headliner for Sister Nancy and Friends, a show scheduled for the Brooklyn Bowl in New York on May 25.

The event celebrates the 35th anniversary of her classic hit song, Bam Bam. She will be supported by several guests including Rice and Peas and Queen Majesty.

Produced by Winston Riley, Bam Bam was released in 1982 on the legendary Stalag rhythm. It was the big break for Sister Nancy, the younger sister of deejay Brigadier Jerry.

Three years ago, the song was used in a television commercial for a new Reebok (Skyscape Forever) sneaker. The 30-second ad featured Australian model Miranda Kerr, who became famous in 2007 as the face of Victoria’s Secret.

Sister Nancy currently lives in New Jersey.

Winning Combine-nation

The Combined Islands celebrates victory in the Lauderhill T20 finals

For the first time in its 15-year history, the Combined Islands won the City of Lauderhill International T20 Night Cricket Tournament.

They lifted the Mayor’s Cup Saturday after defeating Jamaica by 32 runs.

Batting first, Combined Islands rallied to 169 for 6 in 20 overs with R. Ebanks leading the way with a mighty 51 including five fours and three sixes. P. Davis ended on 34 not out, while captain Joey Pierre chipped in with 25 and A. Scott scored 22. Bowling for Jamaica, O. Brown, Gavin Wallace, Omari Williams and Elvis Watson each took one wicket.

 

members of the losing Jamaica team
Members of the Jamaica team receiving the runner-up medals

In reply, the Jamaican batsmen got good starts but failed to build substantial innings due to accurate bowling.

Sheldon Ervin topscored with 43, supported by Williams who made 36, Wallace 20 and Shane Forde 18. Bowling for Combined Islands, MVP David Braithwaite bagged 4 for 27 and G. White claimed 3 for 20.

Williams earned the tournament MVP award; Syed Hassan from Pakistan got the award for most runs and Watson the award for most wickets.

Gay US tourist attacked during festival in Bahamas

A gay tourist from Atlanta was attacked on Friday during a festival in Bahamas.

The injured man has been identified as Adrian Brown, a member of the U.S. Navy, Brown was reportedly attacked and beaten with bottles and rocks during the Bahamas Junkanoo Festival in Nassau, the Bahamian capital.

The fracas started after Brown confronted the two men after they threw water at him. The men then pelted him mercilessly with bottles and rocks. Several onlookers came to the tourist’s aid and he was transported to hospital.

No one has been arrested in connection with the assault.

St Kitts-Nevis opposition wants PM’s resignation amid scandal

St Kitts Nevis opposition leader Dr Timothy Harris

The opposition party of St Kitts and Nevis wants the head of Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, on the chopping block.

The call was made by leader of the St Kitts Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr Denzil Douglas who accused Harris of shielding a Chinese national resident in the federation who is wanted in China on financial charges and demanded that he tender his resignation.

In a statement issued on Friday, Douglas accused the prime minister of rebuffing calls for cooperation with Interpol and China.

He said, “Despite formal requests by China, as well as Interpol, to secure the return of Mr Ren Biao from St Kitts-Nevis to face prosecution in China, the current St Kitts-Nevis government is refusing to cooperate.”

He added that, while the government has said there was no formal request from China, he was reliably informed that there had indeed been several requests to the government from a Caribbean head of state whose country has diplomatic relations with China.

Harris has not heeded the urgings of his fellow Caribbean heads of government to cooperate with the government of China and with Interpol, Douglas said.

He accused the prime minister of exposing the country to severe and multi-faceted consequences and of stoutly refusing to provide a full account of the matter or to revoke Biao’s passport and do all that is necessary to stem what he described as an’ international scandal.’

“I therefore on behalf of the opposition call upon the prime minister to tender his resignation and to allow our great country to move beyond the quagmire in which he has placed it,” Douglas said.

The government has dismissed charges that it is protecting Biao and denied that China has made a formal request to the government.

The administration though admitted that it had received information on the matter.

The government’s position is that the fugitive is entitled by the constitution to due process as is any other citizen.

 

No more activity from Kick ’em Jenny

Kick 'em Jenny

In its final advisory on the activity at the volcano which began erupting last weekend, Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) said there had been no more earthquakes since just after midnight on Tuesday, and “this episode appears to be over”.

“However, as noted in previous updates, the pattern of behaviour at the…volcano has been changing and another episode of activity in the short-term should not be ruled out,” the agency added, noting that it continues to collaborate with the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies’ St. Augustine Campus to monitor activities.

As a precautionary measure NaDMA has maintained the alert level at yellow, which means that vessels should observe a 1.5 km/0.93 mile exclusion zone.

“The marine community is advised to continue observing the secondary exclusion zone of 5 km/3.1 miles. The SRC has advised that heightened alert is necessary for the exclusion zone,” NaDMA stated.

The first eruption at the region’s only submarine volcano – which is located about five miles north of Grenada – occurred last Saturday evening, with reports of it being felt in St Patrick’s, Grenada.

Scores of mostly low-magnitude quakes were subsequently recorded.

Bermuda paving the way to legalize Gay Marriage

This gay couple won a victory in the Bermuda High Court

A recent ruling in the Bermuda High Court may be the first step towards legalizing gay marriage in the Caribbean territory.

The court on Friday, ruled that gays have a right to marry on the island and denying that right is equal to discrimination based on sexual orientation.

A Bermudian man Winston Godwin and his Canadian partner Greg DeRoche launched a legal challenge to the country’s Registrar-General’s decision to reject their application to marry in Bermuda. Their attorneys argued that the Human Rights Act took primacy in Bermuda and protected the couple’s right to marry.

Judge Charles-Etta Simmons agreed.

“The applicants were discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation when the Registrar refused to process their notice of intended marriage,” the judge stated in her ruling.

“The applicants are entitled to an Order of Mandamus compelling the Registrar to act in accordance with the requirements of the Marriage Act and a declaration that same-sex couples are entitled to be married under the Marriage Act.”

Godwin, who was in Bermuda for the ruling, said the judge’s decision was “a big step in the right direction”.

“I cannot thank my legal team and my supporters enough…It has been a long time coming. This ruling, although it was in our favour…there is still so much more to do in Bermuda,” added the Bermudian who said that although DeRoche was in Canada at the time, he would join him soon to celebrate their victory.

Trinidad grandma on gun charge

A 72-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The woman’s identity has not been released but she is said to be from the community of La Horquetta. The grandmother is expected to appear in the Arima Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the possession of a Ruger .9 millimeter pistol.

The woman was arrested by officers of the La Horquetta Police Station. The officers allegedly found the gun during the execution of a search warrant at the woman’s home last Friday night.

A warrant has since been issued for the arrest of the woman’s 42year-old son, who resides at the same address.

Jamaica on Michealstar’s mind

Michaelstar

This year, Jamaica celebrates its 55th anniversary as an independent country. A number of tributes are expected, but Michaelstar did not need a milestone to acknowledge his parents’ birthplace.

Jamaica is the title of the 18-year-old singer’s latest song. Produced by JVon On Da Beat, it was released in April. Michaelstar describes it as a reggae-pop song.

“It’s quite different from the type of music I’ve done before. Hopefully, other reggae artistes will extend an invitation for a collaboration,” he told Caribbean National Weekly.

jamaica is on Michaelstar's mind
jamaica is on Michaelstar’s mind

The New York-born Michaelstar is the son of singer Mikey Spice, who made a name with songs like Practice What You Preach and Grab Yuh Lass.

Spice, who helped fashion the modern South Florida reggae scene, produced Michaelstar’s first song (If I Could Fly) five years ago.

Spice and his mother, Georgia, are both from Kingston, the Jamaican capital. Michaelstar has visited the country several times and plans to do so again soon to promote Jamaica.

Based in Atlanta, he says there is no pressure being the son of a successful reggae artiste.

“Not really, just that my Dad’s expectations of me is held at a high standard. He expects me to put my all in my love for music and my performances.”

 

Slow down! Bolt dismisses NFL rookie’s challenge

Superstar sprinter Usain Bolt has poured cold water on a challenge by NFL player John Ross, that he could beat him him in a 40-yard race.

The  Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver made the bold comments two weeks ago. Ross, who clocked 4.22 seconds over 40 yards, boasted that he could beat Bolt based on having faster foot contact with the ground, a metric often used to judge speed.

Bolt nonchalantly brushed aside Ross’ challenge, according to a report on the websitewww.theundefeated.com.

“Zero. Absolutely none,” he said, adding: “I think over the years people always aim to the top. I’ve learned something through the ranks. It’s a ladder, but no one wants to climb the ladder. Everybody just wants to get to the top of the ladder. They always want to beat me, but no. No chance.”

Ross, a first-round pick, had that notion dashed by less heralded athlete. University of Tennessee sprinter Christian Coleman obliterated the mark with a 4.12 seconds clocking over 40 yards. Coleman’s personal best in the 100 metres is 9.95 seconds, some way off Bolt’s personal best of 9.58.

Fort Lauderdale teams score big

Action in the CASA Super League (Photos: Paul Perry)

Two Fort Lauderdale teams came up victors in Saturday’s round of Caribbean American Soccer Association Super League matches, at Broward Sports Park.

In the curtain-raiser, Fort Lauderdale Blazers, through goals from Denmark Jacobs and Carnell Lermond, got by perennial rivals Rock Island 2-1.

CASA Super League
CASA Super League

Fort Lauderdale Lions defeated Team Haiti by a similar margin in the feature match.

Earlier, in the Masters League, Lions Masters defeated Rockers FC 2-1 with goals from Larkland  Brown and Sertan Thompson. Horace Duffus scored for Rockers FC.

The second match, between Attackers FC and Creekers Masters, also ended 2-1 for Attackers. Their goals came from Carl Jackson and Mario Mikkawi.

The competition continues on Wednesday with Creekers FC vs South Florida Soccer School. On Saturday, Chapel Trail will take on Lions Masters, while Lauderdale FC tackles Attackers FC.

The Super League will see Coral Springs FC vs Creekers FC and Lauderdale Juniors vs Fort Lauderdale Blazers.

Trayvon Martin to be awarded college degree posthumously

Trayvon Martin to receive posthumous college degree

Slain Florida teenager, Trayvon Martin, is to be awarded with a posthumous bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science from the Florida Memorial University.

Martin was killed by George Zimmerman under controversial circumstances five years ago.

Martin’s parents, Sabrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, will accept the degree on his behalf at the start of the school’s spring semester on May 13. Fulton is an alumnus of the school, a historically black university in Miami Gardens, Florida, a report carried CNN stated.

The aeronautics degree is in “honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot,” the school said in a Facebook post. Florida Memorial’s Department of Aviation and Safety has a designated Cessna pilot training center, and the school also houses the Trayvon Martin Foundation.

“Trayvon had an obvious love of flying,” university spokeswoman April R. Silver told CNN. Martin took some aviation classes in high school.

On her Twitter page Fulton thanked the university for honoring her son.

Martin was shot and killed in February 2012, by Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman had called 911 to report a suspicious person in his neighborhood and later got into a fight with the 17-year-old. Zimmerman said he shot Martin in self-defense.

The shooting sparked protests nationwide for months.

Zimmerman was acquitted of the crime in July 2013.

Welshman of Jamaican heritage looking to boost island’s rugby

Wes Cunliffe...looking to boost Jamaica's rugby

A Welshman, whose grandparents are Jamaican, is looking to help build the island’s profile on the rugby scene, much akin to the fame showered on the island’s first bobsleigh team. His name is Wes Cunliffe and he is an accomplished player in the Welsh Rugby League where he plays for Newport RFC.

Cunliffe is also part of Jamaica’s rugby team which participated in the recent Hong Kong sevens qualifiers.

The 30-year-old Cunliffe’s grandparents hail from Sherwood Content, the same Jamaican district as the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.

Cunliffe was playing for the Samurai sevens side and was approached by his coach James Bailey who asked him about his heritage. After his Jamaican heritage had been established he was asked by Bailey to assist with the island’s young Rugby program and he gladly accepted.

The Jamaican sevens side, known as ‘The Crocs’ failed to win in the Hong Kong sevens qualifiers losing to Germany, Uganda and Tonga. However the team, which is bolstered by several players who play in England, has hopes of qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast next year.

 

Advice from a surgical oncologist when it comes to cancer

Dr. Alia Abdulla, DO, FACOS
Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. As a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist I take great pride in helping provide support to my patients and their families. One of the most important parts of my job is not only to diagnose and treat the cancer, but also to guide my patient and their family through this life altering diagnosis. I always give my patients three specific pieces of advice.
Firstly, we may have found the cancer, but the cancer doesn’t know that we have found it. Just because we found it doesn’t mean that it will all of a sudden start becoming more aggressive. And because we have found it doesn’t mean that we need to rush into a treatment haphazardly. It is more important to do the RIGHT thing, in the RIGHT time, rather than do the right thing by accident. Specifically, I am referring to treatment. Once we have identified the cancer, we will need to perform a series of testing to know the extent of the disease – also referred to as the STAGE of the cancer. These tests will take time to complete. It is more important to know the extent of the cancer prior to rushing into treatment.
Overall, it is best to speak to your oncologist to know when timing is important. There are some cancers in which days and weeks are significant in treatment, whereas there are other cancers where months and years matter in the treatment planning.
Secondly, when examining your body for changes, such as breast self-exams or oral cancer exams, it is important to perform these
self-exams periodically. If we were to look at our grass in our front lawn every day, we wouldn’t see it grow. However, if I looked at the grass today and then two weeks from now I would see the growth and the need to cut the grass. Similarly, if we examined our mouths for cancer, and we looked for changes daily, we wouldn’t notice a new lesion or discoloration, but if we did this once a month, we might notice changes much more easily. Breast examinations for breast cancer are similar. If we performed self-exams daily, we wouldn’t be able to identify a new nodule or lump, whereas if we perform the self-exams once a month, we may notice differences better. It is not important to know what cancer looks or feels like. It is more important to know what a CHANGE for your body is and tell your oncologist about this.
Thirdly, there are times when we can provide successful treatments for the cancer. As a surgeon, I am lucky to be able to provide that amazing news at times. Other times, I am not. Even when I am able to give such great news to a patient that their cancer is in remission I still insist that cancer is a lifestyle change. Having a support system is important. Whether that support system is your family or a friend, you will need others in your lives. It is important to be open about your diagnosis. I always encourage my patients to bring their families to their appointments. Dealing with cancer is a family endeavor.
There is a quote that I always reference. This comes from acollection of essays written by cancer survivors, After the Diagnosis: Medullary Thyroid Cancer Memoirs by William Kenly.
“Cancer changes people. It sculpts us into someone who understands more deeply, hurts more often, appreciates more
quickly, cries more easily, hopes more desperately, loves more openly, and lives more passionately.” Cancer patients are truly the most amazing people I have ever met and I really feel privileged to be a part of their care.
Dr. Abdulla is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in oncology at the Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami and Hialeah, Medical Director of Surgical Oncology at North Shore Medical Center, and at Palmetto General Hospital. Her areas of interest include minimally invasive and robotic surgery, melanoma and skin cancer, complex gastric malignancies, complex colorectal malignancies, breast cancer and sarcoma,thyroid and parathyroid surgery

George Nooks arrested for cocaine possession

Popular Jamaican entertainer, George Nooks has been arrested and charged with possession of cocaine.

Nooks, was arrested after police saw him acting suspiciously in the Widcombe Gardens area of Kingston. He was searched and a bag he was carrying was found to contain two ounces of the banned narcotic.

Nooks was subsequently granted bail in the sum of J$80,000 and will appear in the Kingston Parish Court on Wednesday, April 12.

Wyclef headlines Sounds of Little Haiti

Wyclef...to headline Sounds of Little Haiti

Hip hop star and former member of The Fugees, Wyclef Jean, is headliner for the second Sounds of Little Haiti concert on May 19.

To be held at Little Haiti Cultural Complex in downtown Miami, the event encompasses the diverse Haitian cultural experience.

The Haiti-born Jean, who migrated to Miami at age nine, will head the day-long show’s musical showcase. There is also a cultural walk through the neighborhood of Little Haiti and shopping at the Caribbean Marketplace.

The Sounds of Little Haiti celebrates the contribution of Haitians to South Florida. It will be hosted by Mecca aka Grimo.

Other performers include: Kreyòl La, Dat7 Carnival Band, Rara Lakay, We Them Zoe’s and The Nancy St. Léger Dance Ensemble.

Save Your Vision

Dr. Melanie Reese

May is National Save Your Vision Month. Many of us believe that having good vision means that our eyes are healthy, but that is not always the case. Regular comprehensive eye exams can ensure that you not only maintain good vision, but that you keep your eyes, and ultimately your body, healthy as well. Getting an eye exam is the first step that you need to take to save your vision.

 

Adults, especially those over age 40, should have their eyes tested yearly; not only to keep their prescriptions for glasses or contacts current, but also to check for early signs of eye disease. Your eye doctor can detect common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, floaters and macular degeneration. The health of your eyes is also an indicator of your overall health. Eye doctors are often the first health care providers to detect systemic diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

Annual eye exams are not just for adults. Children need to get regular eye exams as well. Healthy vision is essential to a child’s ability to learn and achieve their academic potential. Most people think that just because a child can see the eye chart at a vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office, that that means that they have perfect vision.A child who can see 20/20 can still have a vision problem. It is important for parents to know that vision screenings are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.Even if your child seems to be able to see OK, and doesn’t complain, you still need to schedule an eye exam.

 
Routine eye exams are important for everyone, no matter your age. In honor of Save Your Vision Month, please make sure you schedule your eye exam this month, if you haven’t already had an exam this year.

 

Appropriate Diet for Eye Health

 

\Researchers have found a link between good nutrition and maintaining eye health. Scientists now believe that some age-related eye diseases may be slowed by vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables, or taken in supplement form. Antioxidants, Minerals, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, and other eye diseases. The following vitamins, minerals and other nutrients have been shown to be essential for good vision and may protect your eyes from sight-robbing conditions and diseases.

Vitamin A is a very essential vitamin. Found in beef, chicken, liver, cod liver oil, eggs, butter and milk it protects against night blindness and dry eyes.

Vitamin C found insweet peppers,kale, strawberries,broccoli,oranges, and cantaloupes prevents cataracts, delays macular degeneration, and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma patients.

Vitamin D – The best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight.Food Sources: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, milk, orange juice fortified with vitamin D. It helps to reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration

Vitamin E found in almonds, pecans, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts When combined with carotenoids and vitamin C, may reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Beta Carotene found in Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, butternut squash May protect against night blindness and dry eyes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin found in spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens and squash Reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Selenium found in shrimp, crab, halibut, salmon and Brazil nuts,brown rice and enriched noodles is useful when combined with vitamins C and E, may reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Zinc found in Oysters, beef, black-eyed peas, tofu, Dungeness crab, turkey (dark meat) helps vitamin A to reduce the risk of night blindness, may play a role in reducing the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

 

Caution should be exercised regarding three antioxidants: vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Vitamin A in excess of 5000 units has been linked with osteoporosis. Beta-carotene has been associated with lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin E in excess of 400 units has been linked with excessive blood thinning. People who are on coumadin or aspirin should be particularly cautious about their vitamin E dosage.

 

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help prevent, or at least slow the progression of, age-related vision loss caused by conditions such as Cataracts and Macular degeneration. If you plan to begin a regimen of eye vitamins, be sure to discuss this with your physician. Taking too much of certain vision supplements can cause problems, especially if you are taking prescription medications for health problems.

 

Smoking doesn’t contribute to eye health

 

Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, including your eyes. Smokers are four times more likely to go blind in old age. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing Cataracts, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and Diabetes. Smoking can also affect dry eye symptoms. Tobacco smoke is a known eye irritant and worsens dry eye symptoms, particularly for contact lens wearers. There is hope for smokers who want to avoid smoking-related vision loss. It is never too late to quit. Studies show that quitting smoking can have significant benefits at any age.

 

Dr. Melanie A. Reese is an optometrist in private practice in Sunrise, Fl. Please forward any comments or questions to reesevisioncare@gmail.com

IMF commends St Kitts and Nevis’ growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended St. Kitts and Nevis’ strong economic performance amidst a difficult global economic backdrop.  St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy achieved 3.2 per cent growth in 2016.

“Notwithstanding a difficult international environment, St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy grew at a modest pace in 2016 and it is expected to grow again in 2017 for the fifth consecutive year,” Ms. Inci Otker, the IMF mission chief on the 2017 Article Four (IV) Consultation to St. Kitts and Nevis, said.

“Its growth performance in fact exceeded the average growth rate achieved by its peers in the ECCU region, which is quite impressive,” the IMF official also said of St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic performance in relation to the eight-member Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) comprising Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ms. Otker continued: “The country’s strong economic performance owes a lot to the robust Citizenship-by-Investment inflows and their spillovers to the economy, as well as the overall prudent macroeconomic policies of the government.”

The IMF mission chief for the Article IV Consultation held in St. Kitts and Nevis added that, “The [St. Kitts and Nevis] authorities actually made significant efforts to strengthen the Citizenship-by-Investment program, especially in a very challenging regional and global environment.  They have strengthened the due diligence process with dedicated resources and also global collaboration, which is essential to reduce the integrity and security risks and preserve the program’s credibility, and we are especially happy that there is also the intention to avoid a race to the bottom.”

The IMF team led by Ms. Inci Otker visited St. Kitts and Nevis between April 18th and May 3rd as part of the routine Article IV Consultation to the country.

Florida woman arrested for offering policeman sex for chicken nuggets

Alex Direeno

A Florida woman is facing prostitution charges after she allegedly offered to have sex with an undercover police officer for $25 and some chicken nuggets.

Alex Direeno was arrested in Manatee County, Florida.  An undercover officer said Direeno was coming out of a gas station in Bradenton, Florida, and waved at the officer. Direeno told another woman the officer was her boyfriend and she got into his vehicle, according to the deputy’s report.

The deputy said Direeno negotiated sexual favors for $25 and chicken nuggets.

Direeno was arrested by the Manatee County Special Investigative Division. The police said they found two hypodermic needles, several small plastic bags, a spoon and a burned glass pipe in her purse.

She faces charges of prostitution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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