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Man arrested after Jamaican police seize 78,000 tubes of bleaching cream

One man is now behind bars after police in the Jamaican capital of Kingston seized a large cache of bleaching cream. 

Detectives assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC) seized 78,000 tubes/jars of assorted bleaching creams during an operation on Constant Spring Road, on Tuesday, April 11. 

The man, whose identity was not released, has been charged with Breaches of the Pharmacy Act, Food and Drug Act and Customs Act in relation to the find. 

The police report that between midday and 7:00 p.m., lawmen carried out a raid at an establishment when the assorted tubes/jars of bleaching creams were seized. Some of the creams seized are not registered with the Ministry of Health, while others have been classified as List 2 and List 4 drugs that cannot be sold without a prescription.

Jamaican Government reduces property tax rates

The Andrew Holness-led administration has announced a reduction in property tax rates with Finance Minister Audley Shaw indicating that a flat rate of one thousand dollars will be kept on all properties with a value of up to J$400,000.

In a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, Shaw said the new flat rate would benefit over 100,000 persons, including small farmers.

However, the owners of large properties such as hotels and commercial entities will still face massive increases. In making reference to those who have already made payments as of April 1, the Finance Minister said they can be refunded or have the funds credited to their 2018/2019 property tax bills.

 

Prosecutor sues Florida Governor over death penalty cases

A Florida state attorney has sued Governor Rick Scott for reassigning nearly two dozen first-degree murder cases because she will not consider the death penalty.

In the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court, Aramis Ayala challenges Scott’s decision to reassign 23 homicide cases from her office to another prosecutor. Ayala, who is state attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit, contends that Scott violated her rights and harmed her reputation by stripping her of the cases.

Scott signed an executive order on April 3 reassigning 21 cases to 5th Judicial Circuit Attorney Brad King.

The Governor had earlier dismissed Ayala from the case involving accused cop-killer Markeith Lloyd and reassigned it to King after Ayala announced her decision not to seek the death penalty in any case her office prosecutes.

“State Attorney Ayala’s complete refusal to consider capital punishment for the entirety of her term sends an unacceptable message that she is not interested in considering every available option in the fight for justice,” Scott said in a statement earlier this month.

Ayala’s office covers Orange and Osceola counties in central Florida. In announcing her decision not to seek the death penalty, Ayala said capital punishment in Florida had led to “chaos, uncertainty, and turmoil.”

Ayala argued that evidence has shown the death penalty is overly expensive, slow, inhumane and does not increase public safety. She said after “extensive and painstaking thought and consideration,” she determined that pursing the death penalty “is not in the best interest of this community or the best interest of justice.”

Sunrise Airways to spread their wings to Orlando

Grenada welcomes new service by Haiti-based airline

Haiti-based Sunrise Airways will soon launch a new nonstop service between Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Orlando, Florida beginning in October 2017.

The new tri-weekly service marks the carrier’s first-ever flights between the U.S. and Haiti and will be the first-ever nonstop flight service connecting Orlando and Haiti.

“For us, as an airline, and more importantly for the sizable Haitian community living in the Orlando area, these new flights are a tremendous development,” said Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways. “As Haiti’s hometown airline, Sunrise is especially proud to be the first to bring the convenience of nonstop service between Port-au-Prince and Orlando to the Central Florida market.”

The new scheduled service is slated to begin October 17, 2017, subject to government approval, with seats projected to be available for bookings in mid-June.

“No longer will travel to Haiti require a trip to Miami first. This new non-stop service is not only convenient but also helps to further strengthen the bonds between our two communities,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Sunrise Airways will deploy an Airbus A320 aircraft along its new Orlando–Port-au-Prince route. The aircraft will feature two classes of service – business and coach – with maximum seating for 150 passengers.

Malik ton leads Pakistan to series win over W.I.

Shoaib Malik’s classy ton led Pakistan to a series win over the West Indies in a One Day International clash between both cricketing teams in Guyana on Tuesday.

Malik’s ninth one-day international century means the Pakistanis have booked the final automatic qualification place for the 2019 World Cup at the expense of the Windies. It was a come from behind win for the visitors who won the second ODI at Providence Stadium on Sunday and wrapped up another series win at the same stadium two days later.

It is 26 years since the Windies have defeated Pakistan in an ODI series.

The home team could only muster 233-9, despite 71 from Shai Hope and Jason Mohammed’s 59.

Pacer Shannon Gabriel was back from injury and gave the West Indsies a glimmer of hope after he removed Kamran Akmal with the first ball of Pakistan’s innings, but Mohammad Hafeez (81) and Malik – who hit a six to win and finish 101 not out – steadied the ship after they were 36-3.

Pakistan won the Twenty20 series 3-1 and will now turn their attention to coming out on top in the Test series, while the Windies will be licking their wounds and must go back to the drawing board

Haitian President urges MP’s  to work towards country’s development

Jovenel Moise urges cooperation

President Jovenel Moise has urged Parliamentarians to cooperate with his administration for the socio-economic development of the country, regarded as one of the poorest in the western hemisphere.

At ceremony where Prime Minister Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant presented the 2017 legislative agenda that included at least 50 draft laws to the President of the Senate, Youri Latortue, on Monday, Moise, who said that it was necessary for there to be cooperation among all stakeholders for the benefit of the entire population.

Read More: Haitian presidential motorcade attacked

The draft laws focus on improving the business climate and economic development, State organization, land-use planning and environment and national security.

“After decades…after centuries of turpitude and destructive disorder, we have today, together, the possibility to restore it standing in the honor and dignity of each of its daughters, each of its son,” Moise said.

“Today we are on the tightrope. We are at the crossroads. We are not entitled to error. We cannot pretend that we did not know. We must and can move the country forward. Through stubborn work and humility in the memory of our ancestors and our responsibilities in relation to our offspring, we must ensure that the law brings stability for the nation and security in the management of public affairs.”

He said that by making the right decisions, “the future generation will appreciate the actions we are going to take in the direction of the national interest. The impartial story will acknowledge that we have deserved well of our country”.

Moise said that one area where the need for innovation is particularly desired, it is that of the organization of the work of the institutions of State power.

Read More: Guyana clears air on arrival of 150 Haitians

“I repeat, the only reason that justifies the organization of State power as it is in a Republic like ours is the promotion of collective well-being. It is through innovation, that is to say, by our ability to do things differently and to do better when we do not have more resources than we will come out as a people,” he said, noting that “this country has forged itself into the clay of these unfavorable circumstances.

Jamaica imports cement from Trinidad & Tobago

carib cement Jamaica imports cement

Who would have thought that Jamaica imports cement. The Jamaican government has given Caribbean Cement Company (Carib Cement) the green light to import cement from Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to ease a shortage of the commodity across the island.

“They indicated that they wish to take measures to alleviate a shortfall due to repair work in their bagging department, and I’ve given them permission to import from Trinidad and Tobago enough cement that will carry them over this period of repair,” said Commerce Minister Karl Samuda.

Jamaica Commerce Minister Karl Samuda
Jamaica Commerce Minister Karl Samuda

Samuda said he held talks with Carib Cement, the local manufacturer of cement, last week on the shortage.

Read More: GraceKennedy contemplates local production of “Bully Beef”

Last weekend, the company said it was aware of the supply challenges within the retail market noting that “the gaps in retail trade have resulted from challenges in the packaging operations which are being rectified.

The Bahamas general elections set for May 10

Perry Christie Bahamas General Elections
Bahamas General Elections are sooner than you think. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas  – Perry Christie says Bahamaians will go to the polls on May 10. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning as the Parliament was dissolved to pave the way for the general election.
In 2012, Christie led to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), to victory , defeating the then ruling Free National Movement for control of the 41 seat Parliament.

The Democratic National Alliance also contested the poll but failed to win a seat.

Read More: Bahamas opposition urges public to vote against government in upcoming election

Bahamas opposition party ready for election campaign

The main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) says it is prepared for the campaign for the general election that Prime Minister Perry Christie has promised will be a “sprint to the finish line”.

The FNM, which is expected to be among the three political parties likely to contest the poll, said that it had been in campaign mode for at least a year and was indeed building momentum towards the final vote.

Branville McCartney (DNA) and Dr. Hubert Minnis (FNM)
Branville McCartney of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and Dr. Hubert Minnis of the Free National Movement (FNM) contesting for the election

In addition to the FNM and the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the other party contesting the election for control is the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) that on Monday unveiled its 70-page “Vision” for the country.

Grenada in support of Venezuela

Grenada Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod proclaims Grenada in support of Venezuela

Grenada in support of Venezuela

Grenada has assured Venezuela that it will stand behind the country “no matter what”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod, addressing the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries last weekend, said Grenada also understands the situation confronting the Spanish-speaking country.

“Grenada stands behind you in solidarity no matter what…We understand the present challenge and we want to tell you that we believe your cause is right and just and we will stand behind you no matter what,” he told the ceremony whose guest of honour was Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, who thanked Grenada for its years of friendship.

Nimrod said that Venezuela has contributed to the country’s development since relationship was established by Eric Gairy administration in 1977.

Last Friday, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, called on Venezuela to halt the use of violence and other tools of repression against opposition demonstrators who are protesting defense for the rule of law in the country.

The OAS said that one demonstrator was killed and several others wounded and detained as they clamour for fresh elections in the country.

Jamaican student killed in road rage shooting

2 injured during altercation in Fort Lauderdale

A 16-year-old Jamaican student of Muschette High School was killed after an irate motorist fired in anger at a bus on which she was a passenger.

Reports from the police are that Shanique Rose of Content District in St James was killed about 11:30 pm on Monday as she was on her way home from a birthday party with a group of friends.

The incident took place after an argument developed at a rest stop on Lima Road in the parish between the driver of the bus on which Rose was travelling and the driver of a motor vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

Police say the driver of the motor vehicle pulled a gun and fired at the bus, hitting Rose. She was taken to hospital where she succumbed to her wounds.

Brandon Joseph cops silver at Florida Taekwondo championships

Trinidad and Tobago’s Taekwondo Fighter…Brandon Joseph, took Silver at the recent USAT 2017 Florida State Taekwondo Championships, held at the Orlando Hilton Convention Center on Saturday.

Joseph was in with a shot at taking the gold medal but was pegged back in the last round of the finals, in the 68 kilogramme weight and category division.

He recently moved up a weight class and this is Brandon’s second Florida State Championship Silver Medal, as he copped this award back in 2015 in the cadet division.

Joseph also took silver, at the recent 2017 Daedo Truescore International Taekwondo Championships.

Jamaica appoints new Police Commissioner

The Ministry of National Security in Jamaica has appointed George Quallo as the new Police Commissioner.

The ministry announced Quallo’s appointment on Monday afternoon.

Quallo joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force on the November 29, 1976 and has steadily climbed up the ranks. Known as an unassuming but effective professional, Quallo, enjoys the support of the rank and file as he is admired for leading from the front and is not afraid to pound the pavement with those under his command.

Between 2002 and 2006 Quallo restructured the Manchester Police Division, using community policing principles as the major policing strategy resulting in a large reduction in all crime categories.

In 2009,  he led the rebuilding of the police Armoury, implementing rigorous internal controls and strengthening accountability for firearms within the force.

He became Assistant Commissioner of Police in December 2010 and led the Police Area Four between March 2012 and December 2015 during which there were three successive years of reduction in murders and major crimes.

Quallo was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in November 2015 and has been in charge of Territorial Operations Portfolio since January 2016.

Quallo takes over from Dr Carl Williams who retired from the post in January. Deputy Commissioner, Novelette Grant, had been acting as Police Commissioner since Williams’ retirement but was overlooked for the post.

US reaches agreement with Caribbean green card holders 

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says it has reached an agreement with a Miami-based company over claims that the company discriminated against work-authorized Caribbean and other immigrants when verifying their work authorization.

The DOJ said the agreement was reached with Brickell Financial Services Motor Club, Inc, otherwise known as Road America Motor Club, Inc (Road America), resolving the department’s investigation into whether the company violated the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The department concluded, based on its investigation, that Road America routinely requested that lawful Caribbean and other permanent residents show their Permanent Resident Cards to prove their work authorization but did not request specific documents from US citizens.

Lawful permanent residents often have the same work authorization documents available to them as US citizens, and may choose acceptable documents other than a Permanent Resident Card to prove they are authorised to work, the DOJ said.

It said the investigation further revealed that Road America required lawful permanent resident employees to re-establish their work authorisation when their Permanent Resident Cards expired, even though US federal rules prohibit this practice.

The anti-discrimination provision of the INA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to unnecessary documentary demands based on the employees’ citizenship or national origin, the DOJ said.

“When verifying the work authorisation of employees, employers may not erect unnecessary barriers based on employees’ citizenship or national origin,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.

“Employers must ensure they are aware of their legal obligations to avoid discrimination, and we applaud Road America for committing itself to do so through this settlement,” he added.

Under the settlement, the DOJ said Road America will pay a civil penalty of US$34,200 and pay US$1,044 to compensate an unidentified worker who lost wages due to its unfair documentary practices.

The DOJ said Road America has also agreed to post notices informing workers about their rights under the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, train their human resources personnel, and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements.

Haitian presidential motorcade attacked

The Office of the President of Haiti has described as “a terrorist act” last weekend’s attack on a presidential motorcade returning from the Artibonite department as preparations continue for the launch of the caravan of change scheduled for May 1.

Angry demonstrators are reported to have set up barricades protesting the decision taken by former president Michel Martelly to divide the commune of Arcahaie in two.

President Jovenel Moise, who was sworn into office in February replacing Martelly, was not hurt during the attack on Friday night with The Office of the Presidency congratulating “the specialised units of the National Police of Haiti in charge of the security of the Head of State for their promptness and professionalism”.

The statement also reminded “everyone that the establishment of a democratic society can only be achieved through the principles enacted by the law”.

 

Great Barrier Reef damaged in ‘unprecedented bleaching’

Aerial surveys have revealed that unprecedented coral bleaching in consecutive years has damaged two-thirds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The bleaching-or loss of algae- affects a 1,500 km  (900 miles) stretch of the reef, according to scientists.

The latest damage is concentrated in the middle section, whereas last year’s bleaching it mainly north.

According to BBC News, experts fear the proximity of the two events will give damaged coral little chance to recover.

Mass Coral Bleaching 

  • Coral bleaching is caused by rising water temperatures resulting from two natural warm currents .
  • It is exacerbated by man-made climate change, as the oceans are absorbing about 93% of the increase in the Earth’s heat.
  • Bleaching happens when corals under stress drive out the algae known as zooxanthellae that give them color.

The latest damage happened without the assistance of El Nino, a weather pattern previously associated with bleaching events.

The UN says it is the “most bio diverse” of all the World Heritage sites, and of all the World Heritage sites, and of “enormous scientific and intrinsic importance”.

 

Trinidad’s Children’s Authority releases abuse preventative measures

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago collected data from May 2015 to December 2016 revealing almost 9,000 child abuse cases in the twin island nation.

The highest reported abuse included physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

In their press release, the Authority states it is joining the national recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month to bring awareness of the role communities and families play in preventing such abuse.

The Authority also listed tips to prevent child abuse, such as:

  • Minimize opportunity- Eliminate or reduce “one on one” situations, to lower the risk of abuse. Seek help when under stress to help you parent effectively because it’s easy to cross the line.
  • Talk about it- Often, children may feel ashamed to report incidents or abuse. It is important that parents and caregivers maintain open communication with children to allow them to feel comfortable to report incidents or concerns that may have.
  • Know the non-physical signs of child abuse- Depression, fear or avoidance or a certain adult or place, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, bed wetting, nightmares, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy and hostility.
  • Talk to children about what is an “ok” touch- One that makes them feel happy and safe, and a touch that is “not ok”- one that hurts and makes them feel uncomfortable.

All abuse in the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago should be reported to police at 999, the Authority’s hotline at 996 or 800-2014 or online at www.ttchildren.org

All abuse in the state of Florida should be reported to police at 911, The Florida Abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or online at www.myflfamilies.com

 

Rihanna takes shinning bright like a diamond to a whole new level

The Barbadian-born international pop star has teamed up with Swiss luxury jewellery and watch designer Chopard to introduce the new “Rihanna Loves Chopard” collection of high jewels that will debut in stores this summer.

The collection of pieces are set to blend urban chic with classic glamour.

“Rihanna and I collaborated closely on the collections, so you can feel her unstoppable energy, strong creativity, and inherent sense of design in every essence”, said Swiss jeweler’s co-president and creative director Caroline Scheufele.

“With her unique style, she redefines the way people see and wear jewelry” Scheufele said in a statement from the company.

“I have always been in love with Chopard’s exquisite jewellery, so to actually design collections with them is something I still can’t believe,” Rihanna said. “It was a really incredible process and I learned so much. I cant wait for everyone to see it”.

The first collection will feature nine pieces crafted from 18 carat rose ethical gold mixed with a jungle-green shade hand-picked by Rihanna, will be unveiled in full later this month and will be available to purchase in June.

The second range- The Haute Joaillerie collection- will debut next month as part of the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, to celebrate Chopard’s 20th year as the official partner of the world-famous movie event.

Citizens of Surinam stand against fuel price hike

Mass Protest in Suriname

For the second day in a row, thousands of disgruntled citizens took the streets of Suriname’s capital Paramaribo on Friday, urging the Bouterse administration to reverse the recent fuel price.  Last week, gasoline became US $0.08 more expensive per liter and diesel increased by US $0.03 per liter

30-year-old Maisha Neus initiated a protest demonstration that included some 1,500 people last Monday at Independence Square which is in the opposite direction of the Presidential Palace. The protest denounced recent measures taken by the government, including price hikes for fuel, water and electricity.

The protests on Thursday and Friday were led by Trade Unions, the protest had an audience of more than 10,000 people. The crowd was filled with mixed emotions as some people argued that President Desi Bouterse should resign. According to Caribbean News Now,

Mass Protest in Suriname
Mass Protest in Suriname

Union leader Robby Berenstein noted that the objective is not to overthrow the government, but rather to press the administration to change its policies.

“What has been done since the Bouterse-led administration came into power in 2010 and again in 2015 has resulted in extreme hardship for the people” said the union leader.

Records show that import revenues have fallen drastically since 2015 due to the steady decline on the international market of the prices in Suriname’s most important commodities: gold and oil.  According to the government, the country’s income since 2015 fell by 70 percent in comparison to 2014.

In addition, the ministry of education announced that the principle of no work, no pay will be applied to teacher who participate in the demonstrations.  Minister of education, Robert Peneux, argued that this month teachers received a salary increase of 500 Surinamese dollars (US $65), hance the have no reason to protest.

US withdraws funding for UN Population Fund

US President Donald Trump will withdraw all it’s country’s funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

This can result in a significant blow to many countries in the Caribbean and around the world, the agency assists over 150 countries with tackling issues such as teenage pregnancies, gender based violence, and reproductive health issues.

The agency specifically helps the Caribbean nations of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos.

The US State Department announced it will hold over $32.5 million USD in financial support due to the UNFPA’s “support” of forced abortions and sterilization in China.

“All of its UNFPA work promotes the human rights of individuals and couple to make their own decisions, free of coercion or discrimination. Indeed, United Nations member states have long described the UNFPA’s work in China as a force for good.”

International Women’s Health Coalition’s Director of Advocacy and Policy, Shannon Kowalski, said the cuts will have “devastating consequences” for girls and women around the world.

The United States is the third highest contributor to the agency, following the United Kingdom and Sweden.

Though there is confirmation that the UNFPA does work in China, Kowalski feels that the accusation is baseless and is an “excuse” to stop funding an organization involved in sexual and reproduction rights.

“The Chinese government does still [violate women’s rights] … but because the UNFPA is active in the country in supporting the implementation of voluntary sexual and reproductive health services, they link the two and say that the UNFPA is directly supporting these coercive policies which is not true,” Kowalski said.

The UNFPA says that the US funding in 2016 helped save the lives of over 2,340 women from dying during pregnancy or birth, prevented 947,000 unintended pregnancies, ensured 1,251 fistula surgeries, and prevented 295,000 unsafe abortions worldwide.

The US funds will be reverted to the US Agency for International Developement (USAID) to support family planning, maternal and reproductive health operations in developing countries.

This is marks the first of the promised cuts to the UN from Trump’s administration.

 

Miami-Dade honors educators

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) honored its finest principals and assistant principals at an awards ceremony sponsored by the Dade Association of School Administrators (DASA), on April 6 at Jungle Island

Maritza D. Jimenez, who serves as principal of Hialeah Gardens Middle School, won top honors as the District’s Principal of the Year. Jimenez has served as principal of Hialeah Gardens Middle since 2008.  She brings more than 20 years of experience in administration and curricular expertise.  She began her career teaching Special Education at Henry H. Filer Middle School in 1997.

Cisely Scott of Lenora B. Smith Elementary School was recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year.  Scott, who began her career with Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a classroom teacher at Kensington Park Elementary in 2000, has served as an Assistant Principal at Lenora B. Smith Elementary since 2012.

The Principal of the Year winner received $3,000 and the Assistant Principal winner received $2,000.  Also recognized at the ceremony was Principal of the Year Runner-up Miguel Veloso of Miami Springs Senior Adult and Community Education Center and Assistant Principal of the Year Runner-up Carl Robinson of Winston Park K-8 center.

 

Arima toddler perishes in apartment fire

Tyran Garcia

A three-year old girl was killed in an apartment fire near Herman Gerard Avenue in Malabar, Arima on Sunday.

 
According to several reports, three-year old Tyran Garcia and her five siblings were home under the surveillance of the eldest sibling, 14-year-old Tonya Adeshina when the fire started.

 
Adeshina told Trinidadian media she was home drawing with the toddler while her other four siblings were playing. She was alerted by her eight-year-old sister that a mattress caught fire.

 

Adeshina initially collected all her siblings and brought them outside to safety, but while attempting putting out the fire three year old Garcia went back into the building to find her.

 
“Some of them were outside so I grab the rest and run outside and then I went back in with a bucket to out the blaze. The fire blow up in my face and it had real smoke so I pass through the back. That’s when I start to hear Tyran screaming out my name, but I couldn’t go back inside,” Adeshina wept as she told reporters of the events that unfolded.

 
Adeshina was comforted by her mother Abigaile Mota, mother of seven, who at the time of the incident was on her way back home from a weekend in Toco.

 
Mota told reporters that her child’s body was found behind the space saver in the living room. Officials believe the child attempted to hide from the flames.

 
The children’s step father, Terrance Wilson, was also out during the time of the incident, he was working at a construction site in Arouca.

 
He learned of the house fire when the property owner of the two-story building contacted him, alerting him that the building caught fire.

 
“I wasn’t there for her, my sole purpose was to care for them but I wasn’t there,” Wilson said as he cried openly to Trinidadian media.

 
According to officials the fire started around 1:30 pm and have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

Five Ivy League Colleges jostle for Trinidadian teenager

Five U.S. Ivy League universities are lining up to enroll a brilliant 17-year-old Trinidadian youngster who has aced the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

The teen, Malcolm Reid has landed acceptance letters from five United States Ivy League universities, including the prestigious Harvard University.

Reid, also known as “Jamieson”, will make his decision by April 25 on which university he will choose as he will spend the next couple weeks visiting the institutions and meeting the staff and alumni.

Malcolm was also accepted into the College of William and Mary, University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University and Brown University.

The young man migrated to the United States two and a half years ago.

Gayle approaching 10,000 T20 runs

West Indies batting star Chris Gayle is only 32 runs short of scoring10,000 runs in the T20 format of the game.

If he achieves the feat the Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman will become the first batsman to past that milestone.

Since making his debut in 2006 Gayle is already the owner of several records.

Gayle has the most centuries (18), half-centuries (60), sixes (732) and fours (759).  The left hander began the season 63 runs shy of the target, but was dismissed for 31 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opening day loss to defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad.

94-year-old arrested for attempting to block Chinese First Lady’s car 

A 94-year-old woman was arrested on Friday after she allegedly tried to block the path  of the car carrying of the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping

The elderly woman was the sixth person protestor in  two days in connection with the visit of the Chinese President and his wife..

The motorcade transporting Madame Peng Liyuan and first lady Melania Trump to Mar-a-Lago after a visit to the Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach was at Southern Boulevard and Lake Avenue when the woman “jumped into the middle of the road” in front of Peng’s car, sheriff’s spokeswoman Teri Barbera said.

Barbera said the obstruction nearly caused a motorcycle deputy to crash while other deputies had to run into the roadway to hustle the woman out of the way of the motorcade. The woman, identified as Chun Yan Wang, was charged with obstructing a roadway.

Jamaican Boys’ and Girls’ Champs now an iconic sport event

Congratulations to the alumni of Jamaica’s Calabar High School residing in South Florida. Last Saturday, for the sixth consecutive year, Calabar High won the boy’s division of the Issa/Grace Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships. This year’s victory must have been special for the Calabar faithful as the team came from behind with a rush to defeat the pre-meet favorites Kingston College by a mere 3 points. Congrats must also be given to the Edwin Allen alumni who won the girls division of the championship in fine style for a fourth consecutive year.

These championships have been a part of Jamaica’s sport culture for 107 consecutive years, and have grown to be one of the more iconic sporting events not only in the Caribbean, but globally. What was an event that years ago featured athletes from the more prestigious schools on the island now is an event that includes athletes from almost every high school in the country. And, what used to be two championships, one focusing on young female athletes, the others young men, is one event featuring young male and female athletes. So many athletes from so many Jamaican high schools now participates in the Championships it has grown from a 2 day, to a five-day event.

While Jamaican politicians and political parties continue to  struggle to bring their aggressively divided supporters together into peaceful coexistent, this high school championship has brought young people and their fans from all corners of Jamaica in peaceful, friendly competitive coexistence for several days.

While politicians have also struggled to erase the dichotomy that tends to empower Kingston and St. Andrew and marginalize rural Jamaica, the championships have served to place rural Jamaica and the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolis on equal footing. Long gone are the days when it was a rarity for an athlete from a rural school to be among the medal winners at the championships. In the event concluded this past weekend several rural athletes were not only prominent gold medalists, but proud holders of new championship records.

More importantly, the annual Boys’ and Girls’ Championships is an iconic event that has grasped the attention of athletic organizations worldwide. These championships are now globally recognized as the source from which Jamaica’s prowess in athletics at athletic meets like the biennial World Athletic Championships and the Olympic games originate.  Now several nations would like to copy Jamaica’s high school athletic formula.  Moreover, the outstanding performance in sprints, long distance and field events at last week’s championships served notice that Jamaican athletes should remain relevant  on the world’s stage for years to come.

Also, long gone are the days when Jamaica lost its promising athletes to American colleges. These athletes were wooed by athletic scholarships, and some never returned to compete in, or for their homeland.

Through the effort put into high school athletics by a cadre of high school officials and skilled Jamaican coaches, the commitment of corporate sponsors, and the focus given by the Jamaica Athletic Association and the Jamaican Ministry of Sports, Jamaican athletes who excel at the high school championships, are ready to advance to the global athletic field. Success at the championships have, and will continue to  launch rewarding professional athletic careers for promising Jamaican athletes.

The iconic nature of the championships now make it a serious revival to popular American track and field events like the annual Penn Relays. In fact, the success of teams from Jamaican high schools are a primary reason for the sustained popularity of the Penn Relays. Unfortunately, the attendance by international media and visitors to the Jamaican high school championships is negatively impacted by the relative small spectator capacity of the National Stadium in Kingston. Reports from Jamaica indicated, based on the international demand for tickets to the recent championships, a stadium twice the capacity of the National Stadium’s 35,000 capacity would have been filled.

Last year, the Jamaican government through its minister responsible for sports and entertainment announced plans to develop Jamaican sports, primarily track and field athletics, into viable commercial enterprises. It’s hoped the plans for these enterprises are well underway. There is every indication that track and field in Jamaica has the potential to rival the nation’s tourism sector as one of the more lucrative enterprises in the country.

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