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CDB launches Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment project in Belize

Dr Idamay Denny

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Belize have launched the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (Youth RISE) Project. The Project will expand social services for approximately 3,500 children, youth and families in the communities of Dangriga and San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Belize.

In Dangriga and San Ignacio/Santa Elena, youth face many socio-economic challenges, including the low attainment of educational qualifications, and increasing crime and violence. The Youth RISE Project aims to expand access and coverage of existing social programs, as well as introduce pilot programs to tackle these challenges. Young people who live in these communities will benefit from training that will focus on basic literacy and numeracy and employability skills; adaptive life skills; along with community programs which focus on social skills.

Dr. Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division, CDB, said the Project will address a number of the risk factors for crime and violence, as well as deviant and anti-social behaviors that are affecting youth and families in these Districts, with particular emphasis on San Ignacio/Santa Elena and Dangriga.

“Our youth represent the future of this Region and an investment in them represents an investment in the quality of life our countries will experience in the future,” Denny said..

The Project will be implemented by Belize’s Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MOHD), through the Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD) and partner agencies namely: Delille Academy, Progressive Organization of Women in Action (POWA), Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), Community Policing Unit, Department of Youth Services, Cornerstone Foundation and St. Ignatius High School.

According to Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Anthony Martinez , “The Youth RISE project is an investment in the children, youth and families of the targeted municipalities. An investment to improve life chances, to transform lives, to help individuals to RISE above adversities and achieve success.”

CDB is providing funding for the project through a grant of US$750,000, and a loan of US$984,000. Counterpart funding of US$633,000 is being provided by the Government of Belize.

The Youth RISE project is an expansion of the Youth and Community Transformation (YCT) Project, which was designed to secure the well-being and reduce the vulnerability of children and youth in poor communities in Belize City. The YCT project is also financed by CDB.

Faith leaders urge DHS Secretary to extend TPS to Haitians in US

Thousands of Haitians are in danger of being deported from the US

Over 400 faith leaders and representatives from various organizations on Tuesday sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), John Kelly urging him to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, for at least 18 months.

The plea follows reports that the DHS is considering ending TPS for approximately 50,000 Haitians by January 2018 despite the fact that Haiti is still struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake of 2010.

In the aftermath of the quake, thousands o Haitians were granted TPS, which permits them to live and work in the United States.

“Extending Haitian TPS is in the national interest, as Haitian TPS holders are a self-sufficient and industrious segment of the U.S. economy and are providing invaluable economic support to family members still in Haiti, preventing further destabilization of the country. Allowing Haitian TPS holders to remain safely in the U.S. until Haiti is sufficiently stable honors our closely-held moral, religious, and American values to stand for the human rights and dignity of all people, here and abroad. TPS should be extended. To do otherwise would be inconsistent with our values of hospitality, generosity, and compassion,” wrote the 416 faith leaders and organizations.

The plea will also be extended to President Donald Trump as members of the Congressional Black Caucus are scheduled to write a letter that will also call for the predesignation of TPS to permit more Haitians living in the US to receive protection even as the Haiti struggles to recover fully.

Asafa to face stern test at Doha meet

Millrose Games

Guinness Book of World Records inductee and former world record holder, Asafa Powell, will face a stern early season test when he laces up his spikes to face off against perennial rival, Justin Gatlin and rising star Andre De Grasse of Canada at Friday’s Diamond League opener in Doha.

All three sprinters are rated among the world’s elite and are hoping for a strong start to the season in the absence of the world’s fastest man, Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt.

Gatlin, 35, who has claimed silver medals in the 100 meters event behind Bolt at the last two major championships, is the pre-race favorite, but the 22-year old De Grasse has been rising through the ranks after his bronze medal run at the Rio Olympics.

Powell, who has 97 sub 10-second clockings, will be looking to past the 100 mark as he prepares for the London World Championships.

Recipe: Flan

The history of this common Hispanic dessert traces its origin back to the times of the Ancient Romans. During the Ancient Roman era, due to the surplus of eggs from domesticated chickens, the society created new egg related recipes, one of which is flan. After the fall of the Roman empire the recipe spread to nearby countries such as Spain, France, and eventually to the “New World”. Each adding their own unique twist to the delicious custard dish.

 
What you’ll need:
• 2/3 cups of white sugar
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cups of milk
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 
What you need to do:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a small nonstick saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Shake and swirl occasionally until it dissolves and begins to brown. Lift pan over heat source and continue to brown sugar until it reaches a dark golden brown color.
3. Pour caramelized sugar into a 1 ½ quart casserole dish and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla. Beat the mixture until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into casserole dish
6. Bake in oven for 60 minutes. Let it cool completely
7. Once cooled serve to hungry friends and family.

Miami-Dade students with disabilities to be awarded for excellence

Students with disabilities in Miami–Dade County are to be honored for their excellence during a special ceremony organized by Superintendent’s District Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities.

The Award of Excellence Ceremony and luncheon will be held on May 18 between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM between Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center in Miami. 

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent’s District Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities Award of Excellence ceremony and luncheon recognizes students with unique abilities for their successes and achievements throughout the school year.  The ceremony also honors educators who promote inclusion, parents of students with disabilities and outstanding employers who work with students with disabilities.

Jamaica, Combined Islands to clash in Lauderhill Int’l T20 Finals

Daqza Hyatt

The Combined Islands and Jamaica will meet on Saturday at Lauderhill Sports Park in the Lauderhill T20 Night Cricket final.

They play for the Mayor’s Cup, starting at 6:00.

Both teams easily beat their opponents, Trinidad and Tobago and Pakistan respectively, in the semi-finals which were also played at Lauderhill Sports Park last Saturday night.

In the curtain-raiser, the Combined Islands  brushed aside defending champions Trinidad and Tobago by six wickets.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Combined Islands restricted the free-scoring ‘Trini’  batsmen to a paltry 92 in 17 overs. Timothy Surujbally (26) and Ken Singh (13) were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

In reply, Combined Islands raced to 93 for 4 in 10.5 overs with captain Joey Pierre laying the foundation with 46 not out including seven fours and one six.

In the feature encounter, unbeaten Jamaica easily defeated Pakistan by 126 runs. Batting first, Jamaica amassed 243 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs with Sherwyn Powell (75) and Omari Williams (48) sharing an opening stand of 114. Former Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Danza Hyatt continued the momentum, smashing 58 not out including five fours and four sixes.

Pakistan faltered for 116 from 19.1 overs.

Gunmen shot by off-duty cop at Miami library

A gunman is now shackled to a hospital bed after a brave off-duty female officer engaged him when he barged into the Miami Library and opened fire.

The injured gunman has not yet been identified. He was taken to aid he was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. His condition has not been released.

The gunman, a white male with a pony tail, was reportedly seen pacing in front of the library minutes before the shooting started. He was challenged by the female cop who was working a off-duty detail at the library and shot several times. When the shooting broke out persons using the library were forced to scamper for cover. However no one else was injured in the incident.

The incident caused a major traffic pile up around Flagler Street and the number 21 Metrobus service was forced to bypass the area.

The Florida Police are investigating the incident.

Andrew Gillum could be Florida’s first Black governor

Andrew Gillum...could be Florida's first African American Governor

BY Garth A. Rose

“Lordie, Lordie, I think this young man is another Barack Obama in the making,” Miranda Locksley, a resident of the City of Tallahassee, commented as she referred to that city’s Mayor Andrew Gillum who could be Florida’s next, and first African-American, governor.

Some tout him as Florida’s next, and first African-American, governor. He officially launched his bid Wednesday.

Gillum, 37, debuted in Florida politics when at age-23 he was elected to the Tallahassee city commission. In 2014, at age 34, he was elected mayor. Now, Gillum, plans to justify his description as a “rising star” in Florida’s Democratic Party by seeking to create history as Florida’s first African-American Governor to succeed incumbent Governor Rick Scott who terms out as governor next year.

Gillum was born in Richmond Heights in South Miami Dade in 1979.  After attending the Frank C. Martin Elementary School, his family relocated to Gainesville. He    later attended Florida A &M University (FAMU). There, he made history as the first student member of FAMU’s Board of Trustees. In 2003, he was recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation as the “Emerging Leader for 2003.” He justified the award when that year he was elected to Tallahassee’s city commission even before  graduating from FAMU.

Although the Democratic primaries for Florida Governor isn’t until August 2018, Gillum is highly touted to prevail. Following Miami politician Daryl Jones in 2002, Gillum is only the second African-American to run for governor in Florida.

One of the first South Florida officials to endorse Gillum’s bid for governor is Broward Commissioner Dale Holness who first met Gillum in 2004.

“From that time, I recognized in Andrew Gillum an unusually gifted politician who genuinely represents the interest of Floridians. I  recognized his integrity, energy, positive thinking and dedication to astute political leadership, and commitment to job creation, providing affordable healthcare, and improving the local economy. As mayor, he showed remarkable initiative in stimulating Tallahassee’s economy by refunding utility deposits to residents thus enhancing their purchasing power. I genuinely believe Andrew Gillum is qualified to be Florida’s next governor.”

Within days of declaring his bid for governor, Gillum raised $1 million towards his campaign.

In 2008 and 2012 Democrats candidates Alex Sink and Charlie Crist respectively, lost agonizingly close elections to Scott.  Several Democrats in Central and South Florida believe Gillum has the potential to excite a huge Democratic voter turnout next year, giving the party a real chance of electing the first Democratic governor since Governor Lawton Chiles’ election in 1991. and reelection in 1994.

Operations at Haiti airport return to normal

The Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

Operations at the Toussiant Louverture International Airport in Haiti returned to normal on Wednesday morning after water flooded the arrival and departure areas. As a result flights were diverted to the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Director General of the National Airport Authority (AAN) Irving Mehu, apologized for the situation “caused by the downpour on Tuesday, May 2, causing the flood at the arrival and departure zones.”
He said steps have been taken to solve the problem and “all the services of the airport are now functioning as usual”.
The situation resulted in American Airlines Flight 2277 from Fort Lauderdale being diverted to the Dominican Republic

Assistance on the way for small, minority and women-owned Broward businesses

The Broward County Public School’s (BCPS) Procurement and Warehousing Services Department Supplier Diversity and Outreach Program (SDOP) will host a Business Outreach Event on May 8, 2017 from 9 am to 1 pm, at the Urban League of Broward County, 560 NW 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The event will provide an overview of the new Supplier diversity Outreach Program Policy 3330 and a 2017 Procurement Opportunities Forecast. It is designed for all businesses in the tri-county area interested in doing business with BCPS and is free to attend.

The purpose of the event is to unveil the new Supplier Diversity Outreach Program and provide detailed information on how to provide products and services to Broward County Public Schools. Business owners will be able to speak directly with key Broward County Public Schools staff about up-coming business opportunities.

“The School Board is keeping its promise to promote supplier diversity and ensure equal opportunity for local small, minority and women-owned businesses to provide products and services to Broward Schools,” said Mary Coker, Director, Procurement and Warehousing Services Department. “We are ensuring that there is a fair and balanced bidding environment and are eager to help vendors with the process.”

The Supplier Diversity Outreach Program builds capacity in the local business community by providing increased opportunities for underutilized business to do business with BCPS, generate growth among local businesses by providing increased preferences to Small/Minority/Women Business Enterprises (S/M/WBEs), and create jobs and career opportunities for local residents.

The adoption of the new Supplier Diversity Outreach Program followed a Disparity Study completed in 2015 that identified barriers and various forms of marketplace discrimination that weakened the participation of minority and women-owned businesses.  The new policy, approved on January 18, 2017, takes effect on July 1, 2017.

Register to attend the event at bcpsprocurement17.eventbrite.com or contact The Mosaic Group atevents@upscalebymosaic.com or 561.651.9565.

Former CONCACAF President’s sentencing hearing delayed

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles Fernandez minister says Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, and countries in LatinAmerica will speak in unison opposing plans by the United States to target theirnationals remitting funds to their home countries to help President Donald Trump fund a multi-billion dollar US-Mexico border wall. 25 Caribbean countries are among a number of countries are included in a plan being considered by the Trump administration to help fund the wall estimated to cost US$21.6 million, a major campaign promise of President Trump.

 

Nizam Mohammed, the son of a former Trinidad and Tobago police commissioner, was shot and killed Mondayat his home in the community of D’Abadie. The police report Mohammed, the son of Noor Kenny Mohammed, who served as police commissioner from 1996 to 1998, was killed during an armed invasion at his home. The police said that the victim’s firearms and other items were stolen from the house.

 

May is Haitian Heritage month and celebrations are underway here in South Florida, home to a huge Haitian population. Several cities are hosting events to honor the rich culture and heritage of the first Black republic. The City of North Miami launched its festivities Monday with an opening reception held at the MOCA Plaza. This year’s theme for the City’s celebration is “Nou Se Ayiti” which translates to “We Are Haiti”.

And in sports

The sentencing hearing for former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has been delayed yet again by a United States court. The former FIFA vice president, who was scheduled to face the court on May 11 has had his sentencing delayed by three months and will now face his fate in June. Webb’s attorneys had originally asked for a six month delay, but that request was not granted. He has agreed to a plea bargain and faces up to 20 years behind bars.

 

Here’s what’s trending

The Donald Trump administration is looking to wipe out the legacy of former first lady Michelle Obama, by undermining the child nutrition program she initiated. Sonny Perdue, President Trump’s new Agriculture secretary, announced he would loosen restrictions on federally funded school lunch programs that require schools to serve more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables to millions of children while limiting salt and fat. The nutrition program was part of Mrs. Obama’s well-known efforts to help children eat more healthy meals, and fight obesity.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It will be partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and partly cloudy in Palm Beach county with a high of 86 and a low of 73

Beating the books behind bars

Her Majesty's prison

Prisoners in St. Kitts are using their time behind bars to further their education, with the assistance of correctional staff at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris, is pleased with efforts to rehabilitate inmates.

Speaking at the first Her Majesty’s Prison Officers’ Awards Service at Immanuel Methodist Church in Sandy Point recently, Harris said there is a significant increase in CSEC/CXC and CAPE subject passes by inmates.

Data from 2012 to 2017, provided by Her Majesty’s Prison, show that in 2012, three residents sat exams in Accounts and English and attained a total of five subject passes; in 2013, thirteen residents sat exams in Accounts, English and Mathematics and attained a total of 17 subject passes.

In 2014, seventeen residents sat exams in Accounts, English, Mathematics and Human and Social Biology and attained a total of 16 subject passes, accumulating a total of 38 passes between 2012 and 2014.

In 2015, 23 residents sat exams in Spanish, Accounts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Economics and Human and Social Biology and attained a total of 43 subject passes. In 2016, 16 inmates sat exams and returned a total of 33 subject passes in Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, Mathematics, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies and Integrated Mathematics.

So far this year, two residents sat Social Studies and Principles of Business and attained two subject passes for a total of 78 subject passes between 2015 and 2017.

“They must all be congratulated, and so should all of you (prison officers) for your contribution to their success. These inmates will leave more able to engage in the field of work,” Harris said.

In an interview with the Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, Superintendent of Prisons, Junie Hodge said officers encourage inmates to take classes and improve their education.

“There are one or two prison residents who have done so well that they too are giving back, because they are helping some of the officers to prepare for their CXC exams as well,” Superintendent Hodge stated.

 

Little Haiti celebrates a country’s heritage

Little Haiti Cultural Complex

Each May, the Haitian Diaspora celebrates the culture and traditions of Haiti. This year, the City of Miami’s Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) is the site for Haitian-themed exhibitions and events.

Of these events, three are produced by the LHCC: Ayisyeb Mwen Ye, an exhibition in its premier art gallery space; Caribbean Market Day, featuring local and authentic arts, goods, food and entertainment; and Sounds of Little Haiti, a free outdoor concert.

Ayisyen Mwen Ye will showcase the work of a new generation of Haitian and Haitian-American artistes alongside seasoned painters. It pays homage to the elders by drawing upon the tradition of Haitian proverbs, the thread between past, present and future.

The free exhibition will be from May 5 to June 30, with a special reception on May 18, celebrated as Haitian Flag Day.
Also noteworthy are the free events: Zakafest, a family-friendly Haitian roots and folklore music festival on May 6; and the May 27-28 Little Haiti Book Festival, which exposes Caribbean writers, booksellers and performers. It is part of the Miami Book Fair’s Read Caribbean program.

The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is a division of the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department.

Americans learned serious lessons in those first 100-days

Some people can hardly be blamed if they question: if the term of a US president is approximately 1,460 days,  why is so much attention being placed on a new president’s achievements in the first 100 days of his tenure?

With a job as vitally important, and far ranging as the US presidency, some expect the first 100 days would be more of a probationary period allowing a new president to become acquainted with the demands and technicalities of the office. However, over the past several presidencies, Americans have been weaned to expect significant achievement from new presidents in their first 100-days in office.

Unfortunately, in the first 100-days of the incumbent president nothing significant was achieved. In fact, there are those who are surprised that the incumbent even succeeded in reaching this questionable 100-days milestone.

However, over these 100-days all has not been lost. There have been lessons learned over the period.

It was learned that the incumbent is extremely disillusioned. He reminds many of the story of the Emperor who was so vain he walked around his empire naked, firmly believing those who told him, he was wearing the most beautiful robe.  It’s difficult to find another comparison for the incumbent president referring to the ‘achievements’ of his first 100-days as the most successful of any US president in US history.

The first 100 days revealed the unwillingness of Americans to sit behind walls and complain about their government. More American may have taken to streets in cities across America since January 20 to protests various policies, or demand policies not being considered, than in any other 100-day period.

The period has also revealed the nation is even more divided than was originally envisaged on November 8 last year. Approximately half of the country have indicated their willingness to support the policies of the incumbent president and administration regardless of the negative effect of those policies on the majority of the population. Meanwhile the other half remain firm in opposition to the policies and the administration.

Regardless of the efforts of Republicans to repeal or rewrite it, these past 100 days revealed the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, is entrenched in the American system. Americans want the affordable healthcare program President Obama offered them. They want the program to be improved on, to be more affordable, not repealed.

Americans learned since January 20 that the nation’s judicial system is a strong foil to a president and administration who seeks to by-pass checks-and-balances implicit in the US Constitution. Without a strong US judicial system, an absurd immigration system based on bigotry might have been implemented after January 20.

Significantly, despite almost daily criticism of it as “fake” and “dishonest” over these 100-days the American media has stood firm. Because it has stood firm pointing out the flaws and inconsistencies in the White House it has been chastised. But through the media’s relentless effort, Americans are apprised of various incidents and types of behavior that have made them aware and alert for any potential eventuality.

The past 100-days has starkly borne out that America has a serious leadership gap not only in the White House, but in the Democratic Party. Where is the new leadership of that Party that can earnestly unite the party, and prepare to take back the Senate, the House and the presidency?

This may be the greatest revelation of the first 100 days of the incumbent administration currently in Washington. Through a plethora of false starts, questionable attempts at legislation, blatant mendacious statements, Americans with potential leadership quality seem to have grown more disenchanted with Washington and its ability to function favorably for the nation. This is a situation that needs urgent remedy. Despite all the modern technological advances, Americans cannot be led by robots. America needs quality men and women to step into leadership roles before matters get even worse.

 

CEP undecided about Phillipe’s political future

Phillipe..pleads guilty to drug charges

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) says it is yet to decide on the political future of former rebel leader turned politician, Guy Philippe, who recently pleaded guilty to a drug money-laundering charge in the United States.

The deal between US law enforcement authorities and Philippe could result in the former police officer avoiding a potential sentence of life in prison for cocaine trafficking.

Under the plea deal, the recommended prison sentence for Guy Philippe is nine years and the drug trafficking charge would be dropped. He also faces a US$1.5 million fine at a sentencing hearing July 5.

CEP Executive Director Uder Antoine said that the Council has not yet decided what decision to take regarding Philippe, who was elected as a senator in last Novembers elections in Haiti.

The electoral decree is silent on the procedures cancelling the election of an elected senator who has not yet taken an oath, Antoine said.

He said while the CEP does not intend to leave the seat vacant, there are several alternatives that could be looked at including a new by-election in Grand’Anse, which will entail costs or replacing Phlippe with Sorel Jacinthe, the second person with the highest votes in the area.

But he made it clear that in all cases the CEP must await the verdict of the American justice system before acting.

Philippe admitted Monday in court that, as a high-ranking Haitian police commander in the city of Cap-Haitien, he accepted between $1.5 million and $3.5 million from drug smugglers from 1999 to 2003. Prosecutors say Philippe and other police officers took the money in exchange for ensuring safe passage for cocaine shipments from Colombia and other countries that went through Haiti on their way to Miami and other U.S. destinations.

Greensleeves rolls up for 40th anniversary

Greensleeves Records, the legendary British record company that helped introduce dancehall music to the United Kingdom, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

VP Records, which bought Greensleeves in 2008, has announced a bold reissue schedule to mark the milestone. It will release albums by Hugh Mundell, Augustus Pablo, Keith Hudson, Sylford Walker and Linval Thompson.

Those singers were instrumental in Greensleeves making a mark in the United Kingdom and other European countries during the 1980s. The label really flourished with releases from producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes’ Volcano label which had Yellowman and Barrington as their leading lights.

Most of Lawes’ productions were recorded at Channel One studio in Kingston, Jamaica with the Roots Radics Band. He was murdered in London in 1999.

Levy maintains a strong following in the UK and Europe thanks to his work with Volcano and its ties with Greensleeves.

The company also plans to release 40th anniversary editions of two landmark albums: Culture’s Two Sevens Clash and The Congos’ Heart Of The Congos.

According to VP, the 40th anniversary will be commemorated with events in London, Paris and New York in the spring and summer.

A new album from Italian singer Alborosie is also in the works.

Greensleeves Records was founded in 1977 by Englishmen Chris Sedgwick and Chris Cracknell in Shepherds Bush, London.

Danger lurking beneath the Caribbean Sea

Kick 'em Jenny

BY Kathy Barrett

Located approximately five miles north of the Eastern Caribbean Island of Grenada lies the region’s only submarine volcano – Kick ‘em Jenny.

The volcano was unknown before 1939, but shortly after its discovery, it erupted  – breaking through the sea surface, triggering a series of tsunamis in the region.

While relatively quiet over the years, the ocean above the volcano has been determined to be a maritime exclusion zone, prohibitive on the shipping route from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Grenada. It has been deemed to be an exclusion zone because bubbles of volcanic gases could create a sinking hazard to sea-vessels.

In recent days, however, Caribbean disaster officials have been keeping close watch on Kick ‘em Jenny as the volcano has shown “continuous activity” with the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday reporting that at least “43 mostly low magnitude volcanic earthquakes” occurring over an 18 hour period.

The activity is also being watched keenly by the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) in Grenada with the agency confirming reports that persons in the St. Patrick’s area of the island have felt tremors, with the largest at magnitude 3.0.

On Sunday, the UWI recorded a high amplitude signal, lasting about 25 seconds, on one of the Grenada stations.

The signal was also recorded on a station in Montserrat.

NaDMA says the alert level for the submarine volcano remains at “yellow” which means “vessels should observe a 0.93 mile exclusion zone.“However, as a precautionary measure, the marine community is advised to continue observing the secondary exclusion zone of 3.1 miles.”

The SRC has constantly warned that Kick ‘em Jenny could be the source of potential danger. If she erupts, the volcano could throw hot rocks above the surface of the sea. These rocks could travel as far as three miles and this would place vessels  in the area in great danger.

According to the SRC “Any ship which happened to be near the vent of Kick ‘em Jenny during the 1939 eruption would certainly been destroyed.”

Palm Beach Gardens School athletic director charged with video voyeurism 

The Athletic Director at Palm Beach Gardens High School is under arrest on a charge of video voyeurism.

William Weed, 50, was taken into custody Monday by U.S. Marshals and Palm Beach Gardens police.

Weed is accused of placing a camera, disguised as a clock, in the bedroom of the alleged victim.

Images of the alleged victim were found on a video card inside the device disguised as a clock, officials said.

The school district issued the following statement:

“We are disappointed when any employee faces criminal charges, and it is particularly disheartening when the allegations involve a crime against a minor. At this time, it does not appear that the individual used his professional role to exploit students at his school. The Division of Professional Standards investigation is ongoing.”

19 BCPS high schools earn national rankings

Nineteen Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) are ranked among the nation’s best high schools, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 Best High Schools national rankings.

U.S. News evaluated data from more than 22,000 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. U.S. News recognizes high schools with gold, silver and bronze medals, with gold medals indicating the greatest level of college readiness.

The Pompano Beach High School and Cypress Bay High School, are ranked in the nation’s top 500 and earning gold medals.

The U.S. News rankings highlight public schools that best serve all of their students. Overall, the rankings focus on student outcomes with an emphasis on graduation rates and state proficiency tests. To earn a medal, schools must pass a four-step evaluation, which looks at students’ performance on required state tests, their graduation rates and their college readiness. High schools receiving national recognition from U.S. News have graduation rates that are 15 percent higher, on average, than other schools across the country

Haitian heritage Month celebrations underway

Haitian heritage month

May is Haitian Heritage month and the celebrations are underway here in South Florida, which is home to a huge Haitian population.

Several cities are hosting events to honor the rich culture and heritage of the first Black republic. The City of North Miami launched its festivities Monday with an opening reception held at the MOCA Plaza. This year’s theme for the City’s celebration is “Nou Se Ayiti” which translates to “We Are Haiti”.

“History books say it all. We’ve been through a lot, but we are a people of great resilience. For that reason we come together every year to mark Haitian Heritage Month in May with all out celebrations,” said organizer Linda Julien.

The City of Miami is also hosting a number of events to honor Haitian Heritage Month. Miami will kick off its celebrations Friday with an Ayisyen Mwen Ye art exhibit at the Little Haiti Culture Complex.

The City of North Miami Beach also announced its Haitian Heritage Month festivities Friday with an opening ceremony of an exhibition which will be open for the entire month at the North Miami Beach Public Library.

The screening of the film Toussaint L’Ouverture will be held at O Cinema in Miami Shores on Friday. The movie is about the successful revolt that led Haiti to its independence from France.

Here’s a list of events scheduled in South Florida this Haitian Heritage Month:

City of North Miami

May 1: Haitian Heritage Month Opening Reception

MOCA Plaza – 6-9 p.m.

May 12: “Through the Eyes of Malfini” Art Exhibition Opens

North Miami Public Library – 6-8 p.m.

May 18: Haitian Flag Day Celebration

MOCA Plaza – 5- 8 p.m.

May 27: Haitian Heritage Month Closing Celebration

MOCA Plaza – 6-10 p.m.

City of Miami

May 5: Ayisyen Mwen Ye Art Exhibit

Little Haiti Cultural Complex – 10 a.m.

May 6: Tour of Little Haiti – Taste the Culture

Caribbean Marketplace – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

8th Annual Zakafest

Little Haiti Cultural Complex 1-11 p.m.

May 7: Little Haiti Soccer Cup Finale

Little Haiti Soccer Park – 4 p.m.

May 11: Haitian Heritage Month Reception

Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance – 6 p.m.

May 12: Day of Service

Toussaint L’Ouverture Memorial Garden – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sant La Gala

Hard Rock Stadium – 6:30 p.m. – Midnight

May 18: Haitian Flag Day Celebration

130 NE 62nd Street – 7:30– 10 p.m.

May 20: 19th Annual Haitian Compas Festival

Bayfront Park — 3 p.m.

May 25: Poetry Slam

Haitian Heritage Museum – 7 – 9 p.m.

City of North Miami Beach

May 5: Haitian Heritage Month Exhibition Opening Ceremony

NMB Library – 6 – 9 p.m.

Miami Shores

May 5: Screening of “Toussaint L’Ouverture”

O Cinema – 6:30 p.m.

 

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Miami in case against banks

Suarez

The City of Miami recently secured a major victory in its lawsuit filed against a number of commercial the banks who the city claimed practiced predatory lending methods that was largely responsible for hundreds of Miami residents losing their homes to foreclosure when the housing crisis erupted in 2008 and thereafter.

In what has been described as a historic 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities like Miami have standing under the Fair Housing Act to sue banks that employ discriminatory lending practices.

This ruling opens the door for the City of Miami to proceed with its lawsuit, which alleges that Bank of America and Wells Fargo discriminated against African American and Hispanic homeowners in their mortgage terms and fees, leading to excessive foreclosures and loss of property tax revenue collected by the City.
City of Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez, who spearheaded the City’s decision to sue the banks, said the court’s decision makes it possible for the City’s case against the banks to proceed.

“We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court ruled in our favor,” said Commissioner Suarez.  “These lending practices unfairly targeted minority homeowners, and they ended up creating a budgetary crisis for Miami, making it impossible to address our residents’ needs. Our goal in filing this lawsuit was to help redress the damage that was done to the City of Miami and our residents, and today the Supreme Court’s decision gets us one step closer to our goal.”

SBA announces relaunch of Small Business Technology Coalition

Small business technology coalition

The Small Business Technology Coalition, the go-to resource for entrepreneurs seeking to leverage technology,  has relaunched with new partners and a greater emphasis on training users to make their businesses more effective and efficient, administrator Linda McMahon U.S. Small Business Administration announced on recently.

The Technology Coalition (www.sba.gov/techcoalition) is a public-private partnership that  educates users on topics including e-commerce, customer relationships, sales/leads, marketing, social media, cyber security and more.

“Public-private partnerships like the Small Business Technology Coalition are the future of the Small Business Administration. The SBA’s Technology Coalition will ensure educational content remains relevant to the technology questions small business owners across America ask every day,” McMahon said.

The Tech Coalition’s newest partners are Animoto, Business Blocks, Dun & Bradstreet, Expensify, GoDaddy, Industry, National Cyber Security Alliance, NerdWallet, Stripe, Townsquared and Wix.

Including the original partners – Bench, Box, Canvas, Dash Data, Facebook, Google, Gusto, Intuit, LegalZoom, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Paychex, Salesforce, Square, Thumbtack, Yelp and Zenefits – the Tech Coalition leads outreach events nationwide and provides webinars and other training resources to help small business owners utilize technology effectively as they start and grow their businesses.

“These partners play a vital role as we work to ensure the Tech Coalition is the best source for small business owners looking to use technology to serve their customers, be more efficient and get paid for their services,” McMahon said. “By leveraging technology companies’ expertise, we are able to help small businesses across the country and drive innovation without expanding government.”

Small business operators to be recognized

District Director Francisco ‘Pamcho’ Marrero

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Florida District Office will recognize the district’s 2017 South Florida National Small Business Week winners this week in honor of National Small Business Week.

“This week reaffirms our agency’s commitment to small business owners around the nation. Each winner truly exemplifies the various levels of success an entrepreneur can achieve and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments,” District Director Francisco ‘Pamcho’ Marrero said.

The following winners will be presented with their respective NSBW award at the locations listed below.

Treasure Coast Location:

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Indian River State College

3209 Virginia Avenue, Kight Center – V-110

Fort Pierce, Florida 34981

Register here

o   South Florida District Minority Owned Small Business Person of the Year
Juan Perez, President of All Star Carpet and Tiles of the Treasure Coast.

Miami Location:

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mindwarehouse

111 NE 1 Street, 7th Floor

Miami, Florida 33132

Register here

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Person of the Year
Paul Morrow, President of South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

o   South Florida District Small Business Woman-Owned Person of the Year
Christine Phipps, CEO of Phipps Reporting

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Veteran Owned Business of the Year
Edward Haynes, President of Haynes Security

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year
Marjorie Weber, Financial Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida International University

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Financial Advocate of the Year
Debra Sales, Vice President/Small Business Program Director of Neighborhood Lending Partners

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Media Advocate of the Year
Nancy Dahlberg, Business Reporter for The Miami Herald

Broward Location:

Friday, May 5, 2017

Signature Grand

6900 State Road 84

Davie, Florida 33317

Register here

o   South Florida District and State of Florida Exporter of the Year
David Rosen, CEO and Founder of Kira Labs, Inc.

o   Region IV, State of Florida and South Florida District Women’s Business Center of Excellence
weVENTURE at Florida Institute of Technology (Director Erica Lemp).

Each year since 1963, the president has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small   Business Week.  National Small Business Week is set as the first week in May, and this year the dates are April 30 – May 6 with national events planned in Washington, D.C., New York City, Indianapolis, Dallas and Fresno, California.

Caribbean government Minister worried about US/Mexico border funding plans

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles Fernandez minister says Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries will along with countries in Latin America speak with one voice opposing plans by the United States to target their nationals to help President Donald Trump build the multi-billion dollar US-Mexico border wall.

US politicians are seeking to impose a two per cent tax on all remittances sent by nationals of Belize, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and Suriname to friends and relatives.

These Caribbean countries are among a number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean highlighted by the politicians to help fund the wall, a major campaign promise of Trump and estimated at US$21.6 billion.

Fernandez, speaking on the state-owned ABS Television, said the new measures being advocated could result in the remittances system going underground.

“Whatever tax you put on it even though it sounds like a little bit, two per cent it could cause a number of people to want to drive this outside of the regulatory banking system and that could be of concern…because you could get into all kinds of monies moving around in actual hard currencies.

“As regards to the Caribbean, I think Jamaica probably will be the biggest one affected. In 2015, Jamaica had something like US$1.5 billion sent from America alone to Jamaica in remittances,” he added.

Fernandez said that while the Gaston Browne administration has not yet officially discussed the new US measure, it is aware of the situation.

The Border Wall Funding Act Introduced to the House of Representatives on March 30, seeks to amend the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to impose a fee for remittance transfers to certain foreign countries, and for other purposes.

Last month, the proposed bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and the House’s Committees on Financial Services, Foreign Affairs and Judiciary.

The law is expected to have a five-year life-span during which the monies will be submitted to the US Treasury “to be expended for the purpose of improving border security.”

Son of TT’s former Police Commissioner killed

crime scene

Nizam Mohammed, the son of a former police commissioner, was shot and killed Monday at his home in the community of  D’Abadie.

The police report  that Mohammed, the son of Noor Kenny Mohammed, who served as police commissioner from 1996 to 1998, was killed during an armed invasion at his home.

The police said that the victim’s firearms and other items were stolen from the house.

Police also said that Nizam Mohammed, an engineer and his wife, were robbed last week.

So far this year, 170 have been murdered here.