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Jamaican Diaspora can invest  with JN Bank CDs

Individuals residing in the Jamaican Diaspora have often expressed interest in investing in the homeland, and others to be able to make worthwhile contributions to assist in some aspect of the homeland.

Now Jamaica National Bank, Jamaica’s most recent commercial bank, has created a financial instrument which make it possible to both invest and contribute to the nation simultaneously.

On March 17, the bank began marketing its JN Diaspora Certificate of Deposit available to Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. The CD’s sold in the UK can be purchased in units beginning at 1,000 Pounds Sterling per CD, Canada, C$ 1,000, and the US US$2,000 for periods of 1 to 5 years. Compared to the interest paid on CDs in the US, the rate of interest a Jamaican residing in the US will receive on a $2,000 CD is 1.8 percent. The interest paid, in US$, on a $2,000 CD  by a financial institution in the US averages 1.35 percent.

Your money will be secure according to JN Bank's Maureen Hayden-Cater
Your money will be secure according to JN Bank’s Maureen Hayden-Cater

Maureen Hayden-Cater, managing director, JN Bank, said a portion of the interest earned by the certificate of deposit will be used to fund small business growth in Jamaica.

“Many Jamaicans and those with Jamaican ancestry who live overseas, would appreciate having good investment options in their country of origin,” Hayden-Carter said. “These Jamaicans would also be facilitating national development, but need to ensure that their hard-earned funds are safe and earning solid returns.”

“The JN Diaspora CD allows you to earn a return on your investment and contribute to the growth and development of social enterprises within the small and medium-scale enterprise sector,” Mrs. Hayden-Cater stated.  “This is done through the Social Boost Enterprise Initiative  of the JN Foundation in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).”

Janice McIntosh, manager of the Jamaica National Representative office in Tamarac, the said Jamaicans in South Florida can now purchase certificate of deposits by visiting the bank’s website at www.jnbank.com. The representative office is also available to offer potential advisor further advise on the JN Diaspora CD.

Recipe: Patacones (Panama)

By Celina DeCastro

One of the familiar side dishes in Panama is that of the double fried green plantain, called Patacones in Panama but in other countries this is called Tostones. Often paired with any meal, including breakfast, this fried plantain borders between a chip and a fruit. It can be served with a sunny side up egg for breakfast, as a side to Panamanian arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), or can be eaten by itself. This crispy treat as well as other traditional foods reflects the various Spanish, American, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous influences on the Panamanian culture.

What you’ll need:

  • Un-ripened green plantains (the amount varies on how much you would like to make)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt

What to do:

  1. Remove the peel off the plantain. Do so by cutting off both ends and cutting a slit down the length of the plantain to remove the peel.
  2. Cut the plantains at a slant, leaving each piece a quarter inch thick.
  3. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
  4. Add a layer of sliced plantains into the hot oil. Flip occasionally to cook both sides. Lower heat of you notice the patacones cooking too quickly.
  5. Once they have started to brown and have absorbed oil, remove and it cool.
  6. Use a plantain smasher or a cup with a flat bottom to squish the plantain.
  7. Place the now squished plantains back into the oil, flip occasionally to cook both sides. Remove once they are crispy and golden. Turn down the heat if you notice they are burning and not getting crispy.
  8. Add salt to taste and serve to hungry friends or family.

 

 

 

This Day in History: Cheddi Berret Jagan was born.

Cheddi Jagan

By Celina DeCastro

On this day in history, March 22, 1918, Guyanese politician Cheddi Berret Jagan was born in a rural village in the country of Berbice, which is now considered part of modern day Guyana.

Jagan, the eldest of eleven children, was born to a family of indentured laborers. Growing up in rural poverty, his family often worked in the sugar cane fields to support themselves.

At the age of 15, Jagan was sent to Queen’s College in Georgetown, over one hundred miles away from his village, to receive a formal education. After graduating from high school and had no luck finding work, Jagan was sent to the United States to study dentistry.

After receiving his degrees from Howard University and Northwestern University, he returned to Guyana in Oct. 1943. His new wife, Janet Rosenberg of Chicago, Illinois, soon followed and arrived before Christmas of 1943, coincidentally Janet also was the first female president of Guyana in 1997.

He and his wife established a dental practice in Georgetown. Soon Jagan became known as the doctor who listened and advised workers in the industrial sugar belt.

He became involved with two trade unions in the sugar industry, in 1945 he was elected treasurer of the Man Power Citizen’s association. He left after a year of working for this union.

After the publication by The Royal Commission of the West Indies revealed the miserable conditions of the workers and farmers, Jagan and his wife actively partook in this debate, speaking publically on that and many subjects of interest at the National Library.

In 1946, Jagan co-founded the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and was elected to the Legislative Council in Nov. 1947 as in independent candidate.

On Jan. 1, 1950, the People’s Progessive Party was founded and lead by Jagan. In 1953, Jagan was elected Prime Minister, but resigned after 133 days due to a British military intervention for Jagan’s Marxism-Leninism political views.

In Aug. 1961, Jagan won the election becoming Chief Minister until the Dec. 1964. Jagan remained involved in the government as a labor activist and leader against the Oppositions People’s Party.

After 28 years under the Opposition’s government, Jagan was elected President in 1992 after he changed his political views towards democratic socialism.

Jagan suffered from a heart attack on Feb. 15, 1997 and was flown by U.S. military to Walter Reed Army Hospital. He remained there to undergo heart surgery but died March 6, 1997, leaving behind his wife and two children.

His successor Sam Hinds, described Jagan as the “greatest son and patriot that has ever walked this land”.

 Funding available to boost local small business exports

One of South Florida’s Caribbean-American business leaders continue to make waves in the local small-business sector.

Last October, Marie Gill, President/CEO of Marie Gill and Associates, a consulting company to South Florida small businesses, received funding of over a million dollars from the US Department of Commerce to operate a Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Global Business Center in Florida.

Earlier this month during the 5th Annual Businesswomen’s Conference held in Lauderdale Lakes, Tamara Maxwell, Director of Women, Minority and Veteran Business Development at the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) in Washington, D.C., announced that the MBDA Export Center has been approved as a partner with the EXIM Bank.

Partnering with the EXIM Bank now enables the MBDA Export Center to source export insurance and working capital for South Florida’s small businesses to boost their export potential.

Maxwell and Gill signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the conference to confirm the partnership.

The MBDA Export Center provides technical assistance to minority-owned businesses via access to markets, access to contracts and access to capital.

In making the announcement, Maxwell congratulated Gill and the MBDA Export Center for taking the initiative to apply for Membership in the Bank’s Regional Export Promotions Program (REPP).

“We are aggressively seeking to help small businesses succeed in exporting, whether directly or indirectly,” she said.

Maxwell explained EXIM is currently able to guarantee financing for local small businesses of up to $10 million per project for working capital and job creation, and in meeting their supply procurement and export destination costs.

In signing the MOU, Gill encouraged local small businesses to take advantage of this new export financing opportunity. “I encourage you to apply early to begin the review process,” she said. “Our new relationship with EXIM adds to our growing list of federal and local resource and financing partners, and strengthen us to more successfully pursue our goal of providing access to capital, so that our clients are better able to finance their export deals.”

Through the MDBA Export Center assistance is given to small businesses interested in exporting, but need help with developing their concept, domestic and global market potential, preparing their budgets and financial projections, or completing an Export Marketing Plan. The Center also provides managerial, technical assistance, export development, federal procurement training, and growth services to help minority businesses identify financing and contract opportunities, and achieve exponential business growth throughout the US, and in global markets.

Assassination attempt on former Haitian President failed.

A motorcade carrying former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was shot up in Port-au-Prince Monday in an apparent assassination attempt. Aristide, Haiti’s first democratically elected president, was leaving a courthouse when shots were fired directly at the vehicle in which President Aristide was a passenger, The attackers were reportedly wearing police uniforms. The former President had earlier given testimony in a money laundering case against Jean Anthony Nazaire, former commissary of the Haitian national police, when the bullets flew towards his car.

Five Jamaican correctional officers and three inmates are now facing corruption charges after police officers from the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) stepped up a probe into illegal activities inside the nation’s penal facilities. The arrested inmates are alleged to have acted in consort with correctional staff and persons outside of the institutions. 40 mobile phones and other digital devices including SIM cards and an IPad tablet were also seized during the crackdown.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 jolted Trinidad and Tobago on Monday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.T he Seismic Research centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), said that the quake, which occurred at 3.01 pm had a depth of 10 kilometres. The quake was felt Port of Spain and Arima, as well as in Scarborough, the capital of Tobago

And in sports…
Trinidad and Tobago have recalled experienced striker Kenwyne Jones to the national football squad ahead of the country’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Panama later this month. Newly-apponited coach Dennis Lawrence will attempt to revive a fledgling campaign, which began with back-to-back losses to Costa Rica and Honduras

Here’s What’s trending
The Jamaican government has implemented a ban on the importation of corned beef originating in Brazil. Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda made the announcement during an emergency meeting yesterday. The move follows reports that several major Brazilian meat processors have been selling rotten beef and poultry. The companies implicated supply 99-point-5 per cent of the corned beef to Jamaica.

For Tomorrow’s weather forecast
It will be mostly sunny in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with a high of 82 and a low of 66.

Jamaica’s Oddman takes silver in Special Olympics speed skating

Jamaicans are continuing to break new ground in sports, especially winter sports.

Dave Oddman is the new Jamaican star on ice. Unlike the country’s bobsledders who drew world attention with their feats on ice but  did not finish among the medals in any event, Oddman, has gone a step further and broken the ice.

The speed skater  finished second in his division of the 222-metre speed skating event at the ice rink stadium on Wednesday to win the country’s first medal at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Graz, Austria.

Oddman took silver with a time of 54.727 seconds, just a fraction behind first-place finisher Hamad Albehaih of Qatar, who clocked 54.429 seconds.

Macau’s Chit Lam, who led for most of the race, but then fell coming off the final bend, was third in 56.679 seconds.

Kaliese Spencer vows to clear her name of doping violation

Kaliese Spencer olympics

Jamaica’s 2014 Commonwealth Games 400-metres hurdles champion, Kaliese Spencer, has vowed to clear her name after reports emerged that she committed an anti-doping violation.

A livid Spencer has sworn to take legal action to remove the stain from her name.

The Jamaica Athletic Administrative Authority (JAAA) has reported that they were notified by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) that Spencer and quarter-miler Riker Hylton had been in breach of article 2.3 of the Jamaica Anti-Doping rules which speaks to “Evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection.”

Kaliese Spencer...vows to clear her name of anti-doping violation
Kaliese Spencer…vows to clear her name of anti-doping violation

They are to appear before an independent anti-doping disciplinary panel for a hearing.

Spencer has since issued a statement refuting the allegation.

“The management team of Ms. Kaliese Spencer wishes to inform the public that recently Miss Spencer was notified by JADCO of an alleged violation of JADCO’s anti-doping rules. Ms. Spencer categorically refutes any assertion that she has refused or evaded a drug test,” the statement said. 

“This allegation is simply false, as Ms Spencer has always made herself available to be tested by JADCO. Ms. Spencer’s management and legal teams view this alleged violation as entirely baseless and intends to pursue all legal channels necessary to protect her good name and her reputation as a true ambassador of Jamaica,” the statement also said.

 

Jamaica defeat Pakistan by 29 runs in Lauderhill T20

Jamaica took a step closer to a semi-final berth with a convincing win against Pakistan in game 7 of the 2017 City of Lauderhill Int’l T20 Night Cricket Tournament at the Lauderhill Sports Park last Saturday.

The Jamaicans won the toss of the coin, elected to bat and piled up 257 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs.  The Jamaican total was built on the back of Sherwyn Powell’s blistering 107 from 56 balls including seven fours and eight sixes. Powell and former Jamaica and West Indies player Danza Hyatt shared a 145-run second wicket partnership with Hyatt slamming 71 laced with two fours and seven sixes.

Sheldon Ervin and Ken Wright ended on 25 and 19 not out respectively.

Bowling for Pakistan, Z. Tiskan grabbed 2 for 43 and Usman Malik 1 for 40.

In reply, Pakistan, led by a swashbuckling ton from in-form batsman Syed Hassan, ended on 228 for 3 in 20 overs. Hassan smashed 119 not out from 46 balls including nine fours and 11 bludgeoning sixes. S. Shrema scored 51 and provided valuable assistance to Hassan, whilst M. Azhar chipped in with 24.

Bowling for Jamaica, Elvis Watson bagged 2 for 34 and G. Wallace 1 for 22.

The tournament continues on Saturday, March 25, with Pakistan bowling off against Combined Islands, followed by Trinidad & Tobago versus India.

All matches are played at the Lauderhill Sports Park, 7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill.

Jamaican Government to apologise to victims of state inflected violence

Tivoli Gardens, Jamaica

PM announces initiatives to tackle crime

The Jamaican government will formally apologise to the victims of state inflicted violence  – the Coral Gardens incident that occurred in 1963 and the Tivoli Gardens incursion of 2010.

This was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday as he made his contribution to the 2017/2018 budget debate in Parliament.

“We have been taking concrete steps to reduce the acceptance and use of violence n the society  – first the government must set the example. The wrongs of the past must be acknowledged and an apology offered to the victims … on behalf of the Jamaican state and in my capacity as Prime minister I will make the apology in Parliament to the victims….”

A file photo of a Rastafarian being harassed by Jamaican police during the Coral Gardens incident
A file photo of a Rastafarian being harassed by Jamaican police during the Coral Gardens incident

Several years ago the Public Defender had recommended the apology in respect of the Coral Gardens incident during which several civilians and a policeman were killed.

Several Rastafarians were also detained, beaten and had their locks removed by agents of the state and eventually many were sent to prison.

In Tivoli Gardens, 70 civilians were killed in the incursion of 2010 to capture then fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. A report from a Commission of Inquiry recommended, among other things, , financial compensation for those who were victimized by the state.

The Commission also asked the government to issue a formal apology for the excesses of the security forces.

Another measure to be taken by the government in the fight against crime and violence is that of abolishing corporal punishment in schools.

“The government will amend the Education Act to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in schools. Already several of our laws prohibit corporal punishment for children in early childhood institutions and places of safety. It is now time for the alternative systems of discipline in our schools. We must teach our children by example that violence is not the only way to correct wrong, bring order or instill positive behaviour”.

He also said that a national campaign to promote peace building, to increase the awareness of the society against violence and reduce the use of violence in all its forms.

Turning to the recently announced tax package    – the Prime Minister defended the J$13.5 million package  and responded to accusations from the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that the it is “wicked” and is being used to pursue ill-conceived income tax relief promise that helped the Jamaica Labour Party to win the 2016 general election.

The Prime Minister called for unity  – “There comes a time when we are all in this boat together and you have to trust the captain of the boat. The captain has to listen …that’s how he will know if there’s an iceberg ahead and if the ship is about the sink. What leadership has to do in difficult circumstances is to always appeal to the best in people and we are appealing to the best in the Jamaican people,” he said.

Broward school debaters win six state championship titles

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) debate students won six state championship titles at the Florida Forensics League State Tournament.

The state championship competition took place recently, in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and included more than 600 students from public and private high schools across the state.

In addition to winning the six championship titles, BCPS students ranked among the best in the state in numerous other categories. Taking top honors:

Debate 2
proud Broward debater display their trophies

Below are the achievements of the debaters:

 

  • Charles Flanagan High School (Original Oratory) – Neuteyshe Felizor
  • Charles Flanagan High School (Program of Oral Interpretation) – Jayley Halpern-Drock
  • Cypress Bay High School (Policy Debate)  – Roberto Fernandez and Reilly Markowitz
  • Nova High School (Extemporaneous Speaking) – Eleanor Bock
  • Nova High School (Public Forum Debate) – Rafey Khan and Cornelia Fraser
  • Western High School (Group Interpretation) – Kayla Terry, Sofia Paez, Rebecca Claudio, Monica Claudio, Sophie Ross and Mickenzie Donnellydebate
  • Charles Flanagan High School (Dramatic Interpretation) – David Rodriguez, Third Place
  • Cypress Bay High School (Oral Interpretation) – Sterling Wertanzl , Second Place
  • Cypress Bay High School (Extemporaneous Speaking) – Brian Levy, Third Place
  • Cypress Bay High School (Dramatic Interpretation) – Maya Hedrick, Fourth Place
  • Cypress Bay High School (Extemporaneous Speaking) – Dylan Lyon, Fifth Place
  • Fort Lauderdale High School (Public Forum Debate) – Kevin Hautigan and Danny Siegel, Second Place
  • Miramar High School (Program of Oral Interpretation) – Daliss Hicks, Sixth Place
  • Nova High School (Dramatic Interpretation) –  Christine Tao, Second Place
  • Nova High School (Humorous Interpretation) – Nick Grosso, Second Place
  • Nova High School (Humorous Interpretation) – Jacob Lieberman, Fourth Place
  • Nova High School (Congressional Debate) – Anthony Walton, Fifth Place
  • Nova High School (Dramatic Interpretation) – Nick Grosso, Fifth Place
  • Nova High School (Humorous Interpretation) – Abigail Goldstein, Fifth Place
  • Nova High School (Duo Interpretation) – Christine Tao and Amanda Berger, Sixth Place
  • West Broward High School (Duo Interpretation) – Preston Galban and Rock Navamuel, Seventh Place
  • Western High School (Duo Interpretation) – Jessica Laurence and Dylan Davis, Second Place
  • Western High School (Duo Interpretation) – Jared Hurwit and Josh Benbasat, Fourth Place
  • Western High School (Congressional Debate) – Mohammad Naeem,  Fourth Place
  • Western High School (Program of Oral Interpretation) – Brian Inerfeld, Fifth Place
  • Western High School (Extemporaneous Speaking) – Tam Pham, Fifth Place; and
  • Western High School (Humorous Interpretation) – Camille Tate, Sixth Place

Caution urged re Zika return to South Florida 

Zika in Miami

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta has designated Miami-Dade County a “cautionary area” resulting from the agency’s confirmation of a new Zika virus case in Miami.

On Monday, the Florida Department of Health (FDH) reported that the new infection related to an individual residing in Miami-Dade County. The Department also reported that there were four new travel related Zika cases in South Florida.

Following a health crisis in 2016 when multiple locally infected Zika cases were found in the Wynwood community of Mimi, and on Miami Beach, in December Florida health officials and Governor Rick Scoot declared the region was Zika free. This declaration was based on no report of new cases for several preceding weeks. However, the health officials and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta cautioned that the virus could flare up again this year when the rainy season returned, providing conducive conditions for the breeding of the Zika bearing aedes aegypti mosquitos.

According to the FDH, the newly infected individual could have been infected with the virus sometime in 2016 but the symptoms of the disease were not evident. The individual was not aware of having the disease until a test conducted in February confirmed the infection. The FDH said it’s difficult to determine when the individual was infected since there were no symptoms. The confirmation of the disease was made by the CDC.

Lawrence Mignall, a Miami health official said he has been concerned that “since the lifting of the Zika zones in Wynwood and Miami Beach last year complacency would set in regarding mosquito control by residents, thus  exposing them to the Zika virus.” Mignall said that although not widely reported there were 29 new cases of Zika infection in Florida since January this year.

The FDH confirmed these cases, and also indicated the new cases included 13 pregnant women. The Zika virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it has the potential to result in these women giving birth to babies with a birth defect known as microcephaly.

The FDH, in an attempt to alleviate concerns, said it’s not unusual to find isolated cases of individuals who are locally infected by the virus. It said the one confirmed case  does not mean there are clusters of the disease as seen last year. “There are currently no cases of ongoing, active transmission of Zika by mosquitos in Florida,” the FDH stated. The department also stipulated the situation will be monitored closely and the appropriate steps will be taken to keep residents, particularly pregnant women safe.

In designating Miami-Dade as a cautionary area, the CDC has issued new warnings for pregnant women travelling to the county.

Jamaican among ICE most wanted

A Jamaican immigrant is among 22 immigrants listed as Most Wanted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, (ICE).

 

Fifty-two-year-old Desmond Hugh Chambers, who also goes by the names: Warren Michael Mullings and Gregory Lemuel Green, is wanted for removal from the United States following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, second degree rape, first degree sex offense and false imprisonment.

 

The agency lists Chambers as being five feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds Chambers, with a scar on his forehead and his last known locations were Maryland, Florida and Georgia.

He is one of three Caribbean nationals who listed on the agency’s most wanted list.

 

Chambers was ordered removed by an immigration judge on February 5, 1997 and was removed from the U.S. on May 10, 2000. He unlawfully reentered the U.S. at an unknown date and despite numerous attempts by ICE to locate his whereabouts, he currently remains at-large.

Aristide survives assassination attempt

Jean Bertrand Aristide

A motorcade carrying former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was shot up in Port-au-Prince Monday in an apparent assassination attempt.

Aristide, Haiti’s first democratically elected president, was leaving a courthouse when shots were fired directly at the vehicle in which President Aristide was a passenger, The attackers were reportedly wearing police uniforms.

The former President had given testimony in a money laundering case against Jean Anthony Nazaire, former commissary of the Haitian national police, when the bullets flew towards his car.

Two people standing in front of the car were injured during the attack.

Social media captured protests by Aristide supporters in the streets of Port-Au- Prince after news of the shooting spread.

Aristide is still wildly popular among Haitians who see him as heroic figure who made it out of the slums to attain the highest office in the country.

The former Catholic priest was instrumental in the movement to expel dictator of Jean-Claude Duvalier, whose family ruled the country for almost 30 years, in 1986.

He was twice elected Haiti’s president, but both administrations were cut short after he was overthrown by opposition parties.

Soon after his first presidential victory in 1990, Aristide was forced to flee to Venezuela after a military coup — returning to the country four years later only after the U.S intervened.

Billy Ocean just loves Jamaica

Billy Ocean..in love with Jamaica

Billy Ocean is a son of Caribbean.

Born in the town of Fyzabad in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Grenadian parents, Ocean, whose real name is Leslie Sebastian Charles, is married to a Barbadian woman, his Caribbean Queen.

However his favorite spot in the Caribbean is the island of Jamaica.

Speaking with adoring fans during a meet and greet session after his stellar performance in Pompano Beach, Florida recently, he confirmed that he had a soft spot for the jewel of the Caribbean as he spoke to a Jamaican fan briefly.

“Jamaica, that is my favorite place. I love Jamaica very much,” he said, flashing his trademark broad grin.

During his performance, during which he had the audience eating out of his hand, Bily Ocean took time out to pay tribute to the King of Reggae, Bob Marley, by performing the classic, No Woman No Cry.

The rendition went over well as he finished singing the last notes of Marley’s song, Ocean, quipped.

“By the great man himself, Bob Marley.”

Billy Ocean has performed in Jamaica at the Jazz and Blues Festival at the Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny in 2010 and brought the house down.

Having moved with his parents from Trinidad to the United Kingdom at an early age, he made his entry into the entertainment business before he was 18, but it was not until 1971 that he recorded his first singles Nashville Rain and Sun In The Morning.

But it was with the release of his self-titled album in 1976 that Billy Ocean started to really turn heads. The first single released off that album, Love Really Hurts Without You, reached number two on the UK singles chart and 22 on the Billboard Top 100 chart.

But his greatest success came in 1984 with the release of the album Suddenly which produced a number of hits and cemented Billy Ocean as one of the world’s top rhythm and blues and pop singers.

The single of the same name, as well as There’ll Be Sad Songs, were big hits but it was the single Caribbean Queen which won him the Grammy Award for the Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1985.

Billy Ocean continues to tour and thrill audiences worldwide but he has never failed to pay tribute to his Caribbean roots.

Jamaican scientist makes breakthrough in Diabetes treatment

Its Tuesday, March 21. We are looking at some of the top stories across your Caribbean-American community.

And in sports…

Batting superstar Chris Gayle has been left out of the West Indies T20 squad for the four-match series against Pakistan starting later this month. Gayle did not play in the three-match series against the Pakistanis last September in the United Arab Emirates, after advising selectors he was unavailable for selection. Gayle has been a key member of the West Indies T20 set-up and remains one of the world’s premier batsmen in the shortest format.

Here’s What’s trending

The Pompano Beach Amphitheater rocked on Friday night as Billy Ocean and Taylor Dane brought the house down with superb performances that left the audience spellbound and wanting for more.

For more on these and other stories, visit us online at caribbeannewsweekly.com. Make sure to pick up your copy of the Caribbean News Weekly at your nearest Caribbean American outlet.

Houston doctor of Jamaican parentage victim of murder/suicide

A doctor and her husband were found dead inside a home in Richmond Sunday afternoon, according to a report by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Sunday, family members of Dr. Sherilyn and Daniel Burroughs called authorities and asked for them to make a welfare check on the couple.

Police vehicles parked outside the fateful home where Dr Sherylin Burroughs was killed by her husband
Police vehicles parked outside the fateful home where Dr Sherilyn Burroughs was killed by her husband

About 12:30 p.m. when the cops made contact with the husband and after speaking with him, they feared his wife may be in danger. After hours of attempting to negotiate with the husband, Fort Bend Sheriff’s Deputies, using an armored car with a battering ram, pushed open the front door to the house around 3:45 p.m. a SWAT team entered the home and found the man and woman deceased from an apparent murder-suicide.

As they walked in the house, they heard a single gunshot and ran to the bedroom, where they found the husband dead. Dr. Burroughs was found deceased in the bathroom. The police suspect Daniel killed Dr. Burroughs Saturday night and left her body lying in the bathroom.

The couple’s three-year-old daughter is with relatives.

Dr. Burroughs was a transplant surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital, where she specialized in Crohns Disease, liver and kidney transplants and other renal diseases.

EDITORIAL – An appeal from the Jamaican Diaspora

Jamaican pensioner

Jamaica’s first female prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller demits office as leader of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) at the end of this week, March 26.

Her departure as PNP leader, and Leader of the Opposition marks the end of a chapter in Jamaica’s history that Simpson Miller began in 2006, eleven interesting years.

When Simpson Miller made her final presentation as Opposition Leader last week in the 2017 budget debate, she received a long-lasting bi-partisan standing ovation. Several photos also circulated on social media of her posing affectionally with members of the ruling JLP government.

It seems fitting that in Simpson Miller’s last speech as   Opposition Leader, she focused, among other issues, on the need to end domestic and sexual abuse being meted out to young girls and women in Jamaica, and the budget presented by Minister of Finance Audley Shaw. She  particularly criticized tax measures included in the budget which is poised to inflict more hardships on Jamaicans.

Her designated successor as PNP leader, former Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips, also strongly criticized Shaw for a budget that seeks to increase taxes on commodities like electricity, petrol, and even health insurance premiums.

It’s traditional for governments to be criticized for the annual budgets they present. National budgets are instruments indicating how public funds will be spent, and the source of revenue to meet these expenditures. National budgets either reflect cuts in popular projects to alleviate the necessity of meeting expenditure through raising taxes, or increased taxes to maintain popular projects.

The budget tabled by Minister Shaw seems confusing, and has the resemblance of what some refer to as a “three-card-trick.” On one hand, it seeks to reduce income tax paid by Jamaicans earning under J$1.5 million annually. On the other hand, the same budget increases consumption taxes on inescapable products like electricity and petrol used directly and indirectly by people earning below, and above, $1.5 million per annum.

The incumbent government was elected to office on February 25, 2016 on the promise to relieve the income tax burden on a significant percentage of the Jamaican population.  This promise was reiterated immediately the government took office, but attracted criticism as being impractical. How could the government in a situation where its predecessors struggled to find revenues to meet expenditure, function without a significant percentage of revenue from income tax? Wouldn’t the government need to raise taxes from other sources like consumption taxes? The new government assured Jamaicans such alternative taxes wouldn’t be imposed to meet the void of reducing income taxes.

The revenue budget introduced by the government gives a lie to, and breaks, promises made to Jamaicans when it assumed office in 2016.

The Jamaican Diaspora despite being unable to vote as to which party governs Jamaica, is nonetheless extremely concerned what takes place in their homeland. And, although the Diaspora is aware its financial remittances to Jamaica isn’t sufficient to meet the budgeted expenditures of the Jamaican government, the diaspora is concerned the new proposed taxes could break the wall of Jamaica’s social tolerance.

The majority in the Diaspora supports the views of outgoing and incoming Opposition Leaders, Simpson Miller and Dr. Phillips, that the government should review its proposed revenue budget, and amend some of the taxes proposed.

It’s hoped the bi-partisan camaraderie expressed last week in the Jamaican Parliament when Simpson Miller ended her budget presentation prevails. It’s hoped the incumbent administration heed the choir of voices appealing to it to revise the revenue budget, and it work in a bi-partisan manner with the new Opposition Leader, and the parliamentary opposition generally, to raise revenues which does not continue to erode the standard of living of most Jamaicans.

This is an appeal from the majority of the Jamaican Diaspora.

Jamaican pensioners to get increase

-Jamaican Government Pensioners including widows, widowers and dependents will receive an increase in their pensions next month.

.The Jamaican Cabinet gave approval for the increase with effect from July 1, 2016.

Increases are applicable to pensioners who retired not later than January 1, 2014, were not less than fifty- five (55) years of age at June 30, 2016, retired on the ground of ill-health regardless of their age as at June 30, 2016; and in receipt of widows and widowers and dependents pensions which commenced prior to July 1, 2016.

The Office of the Prime Minister stated that increase will be paid on gross receipt at June 30, 2016, and is applicable to compassionate awards granted for life where such awards are in respect of service; and disability allowances and additional pensions whether statutory or otherwise; granted in respect of injury or service.

Where a pensioner is in receipt of a pension from more than one source, the increase should be apportioned on a pro-ratio basis.

In addition, where a widow or widower is in receipt of a service related pension in his/her own right and is also a widow/widower pensioner the full increase should be given separately on each pension.

Individuals who are not eligible for the increase include Governor Generals, Prime Ministers, persons previously covered by the United Kingdom/Jamaican Public Officers Agreement; Awards granted by the Citizens Distinguished Service Grants Committee; and awards granted by the Assistance Committee.

Prison staff, inmates charged in Jamaican crackdown

Jamaican prison crackdown

Five Jamaican correctional officers and three inmates are now facing corruption charges after police officers from the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) stepped up a probe into illegal activities inside the nation’s penal facilities.

The police probe comes on the heels of increased security measures implemented by the Ministry of National Security after former Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hannah, called for the music of popular dancehall DJ, Vybz Kartel to be banned from radio.

The arrested inmates are alleged to have acted in consort with correctional staff and persons outside of the institutions.

In a series of probes which continued over the past weekend, investigators working in tandem with the leadership of the Department of Correctional Services have seized 36 mobile telephones at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, and an additional four mobile phones at the Tamarind Farm prrison. Several other digital devices including SIM cards and an IPad tablet were also seized during the crackdown.

Four correctional officers have been charged in connection with these finds in an ongoing probe led by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

A fifth correctional officer was arrested on the weekend, and three inmates who were charged for various offences are being prosecuted while in custody.

Junior Minister of National Security Senator Pearnel Charles Jr., was full of praise for several persons who came forward with information on criminal activities in the correctional institutions.

“We are creating an enabling environment that supports greater levels of professionalism in the DCS. The door remains open for anyone with information on illegal activities in the correctional institutions to tell what they know. Persons may call the MOCA toll-free line 1800-CORRUPT in confidence. The Ministry’s objective is clear. We will root out any person conducting criminal activities in our correctional facilities. Our targets are criminals, be they inmates or individuals who may be wearing the uniform of a correctional officer”, said Charles.

On February 28, the Minister of State announced several sweeping measures to strengthen the internal controls in all correctional institutions, and to deter corruption and the conduct of criminal activity within the facilities.

Among the key security measures being implemented are:

Amendments to existing legislation, regulations and procedures to increase accountability and enforcement; the installation of X-Ray Scanning Machines at Tower Street and St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centres and the Horizon Adult Remand Centre; metal detectors and new entry management protocols; polygraphing of all recruits and correctional officer; relocation of Inmates and Re-zoning spaces in all institutions; expanded CCTV coverage across the correctional system; and enhanced use of cellular phone jamming technology.

 

Strong quake jolts Trinidad & Tobago

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 jolted Trinidad and Tobago on Monday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

T he Seismic Research centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), said that the quake, which occurred at 3.01 pm had a depth of 10 kilometres.

The quake was felt Port of Spain and Arima, as well as in Scarborough, the capital of Tobago.

The location was given as Latitude 11.26N and Longitude: 60.92W.

Jamaican Government bans sale of corned beef from Brazil

The Jamaican government has banned the importation of corn beef from Brazil following reports that several major Brazilian meat processors have been “selling rotten beef and poultry”.

Brazilian authorities say the companies are also alleged to have paid hefty bribes to auditors in exchange for fraudulent sanitary licences.

The Ministry of Agriculture says companies implicated by the Brazilian authorities supply 99.5 per cent of the corned beef on the local market.

Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda during an emergency meeting called on Monday stressed the importance of safeguarding the welfare of consumers.

According to a statement, the ministry also convened a meeting with major distributors and importers of corned beef.

Besides the temporary ban, the ministry said with immediate effect there would be a “temporary hold will be placed on all permits for the import of corned beef from Brazil” and as a “precautionary measure, all corned beef currently on the shelves will be withdrawn”.

It said also that the National Food Recall Committee will meet immediately to determine next steps and inform when it will be safe to consume the product.

The ministry also cautioned consumers not to consume corned beef until further notice.

Jamaicans being turned back at Texas Airport

Jamaican officials are concerned about a reported increase in the number of Jamaicans who have recently been refused entry at a Texas, United States airport.

Jamaica’s Consul General for Miami, Franz Hall, has cited that a number of Jamaicans who arrived at the Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, have been denied entry to the US, and had their visas cancelled.

Speaking on Friday on ‘Both Sides of the Story’, which is aired on Power 106 FM in Jamaica, Hall said Jamaican authorities are troubled by the development.

He conceded that immigration officials in any foreign country have the right to determine who they allow into the respective countries. However, he said Jamaica also has a responsibility to ensure that its citizens are treated fairly when they travel abroad.

Earlier this month, a Jamaican woman, Veronica Gaubault, complained about treatment she reportedly received at the Hobby Airport.

Gaubault said US border and customs personnel confiscated and inspected her cell phone, along with a tablet computer and other personal belongings.

She reported being held in custody for a period of four hours, and that her US visa was revoked before she was sent back to Jamaica.

The concern among Jamaican officials relating to increased scrutiny at US airports followed the recent issuance of expanded powers to US border and customs personnel by President Donald Trump.

CDB funds US$40 million Caribbean poverty reduction program

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced US$40 million in funding for poverty reduction in eight countries in the Caribbean Region, through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

The resources will support improved access to quality education; water and sanitation; basic community access and drainage; livelihoods enhancement and human resource development services in low-income and vulnerable communities under the ninth phase of BNTF (BNTF 9). Countries that will benefit are: Belize; the Commonwealth of Dominica; Grenada; the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Jamaica; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Suriname.

“The participating countries share many common characteristics and face a number of challenges inherent to small, open economies. BNTF 9 will respond to the development needs of these countries, which face challenges associated with limited diversity in production and extreme vulnerability to natural hazards, which is  now exacerbated by climate change and other external shocks,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB.

Initiatives under BNTF 9 will be implemented during the period March 2017 to December 2020. Governments of the eight participating countries will provide total counterpart funding of US$6.04 million.

BNTF has implemented more than 2,750 sub-projects over the past 37 years, directly impacting the lives of more than three million beneficiaries in poor communities. The programme is CDB’s main vehicle for tackling poverty in the Region, through the provision of basic infrastructure and skills training towards improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries in participating countries.

Tamarac Arts and Crafts Festival to kick off April 1

Tamarac Arts and Craft Festival

The Tamarac Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Tamarac,  presents the second annual Arts and Craft Festival at the Tamarac Community Center.

The Arts & Crafts festival was hugely successful last year, this year the organizers are hoping to go one better.

This year the event features a selection of local and visiting artists including: painting, clay, sculpture, glass, wood, jewelry and more. All artists will be on hand to display their original works of art.

In addition to art, there will be artisans selling their crafts, such as, homemade soaps, lotions, soy candles, and jams, all-natural skin care and even art for your lawn.

Cultural Entertainment on the City stage with 15 plus performances from all ethnic backgrounds, non-profit organizations and aspiring future superstars will entertain throughout the day.

A giant coloring book by artist Alejandra Abad and a spontaneous pop-up artist both sponsored by Tamarac Public Art, will also be on show.

On Saturday April 1st, 10 am, there will be a Robotics Exposition indoors that will showcase teams of youngsters passionate about Robotics. Come out and see an amazing demonstration by our future generation. This program inspires students on how to get involved in the robotic community – everyone is welcome to attend.

Students from the J P Taravella & Piper High School will be exhibiting their hard work in the arts, while a children’s area will also host interactive art stations by Tamarac Buddhist Temple and EZ-Art.

A Festival  and Fashion Show featuring Community and Church Leaders will also be a feature of the festival. Coordinated by Profil Management, there will be a showcase of several local designers including Rebel Nerdz, who have created one-of-a-kind fashions for each model.

This festival has been endorsed and sponsored by the City of Tamarac, Pacifica Forest Trace, Waste Management, City Furniture, McArthy’s Affordable Medical Supply, ReMax InterAction Realty, FP&L, Coral Springs Auto Mall, Melba Ballard – State Farm, Smart Replace Corp, Bath Crest, Tamarac Public Art and the Chamber volunteers.

Recipe: National Dish (St. Kitts and Nevis)

By Celina DeCastro

St. Kitts and Nevis is considered to have one of longest recorded history in the Caribbean countries. It was said the first settlers by Native Americans 500 years before the Europeans arrived to the island. This island is not only rich in history, but rich in cuisine and tropical beauty as well. The national dish of St. Kitts and Nevis consists of stewed salt-fish, spicy plantains, seasoned breadfruit, and coconut dumplings.

Stewed Saltfish:

What you’ll need:          

1 lb of saltfish

1 green pepper diced

1 lb of chopped tomatoes

5 cloves of chopped garlic

4 tbsp of vegetable oil

2 tbsp ofo margarine

6 finely chopped scallions

2 tbsp of chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

What to do:

  1. Soak salt-fish overnight then boil in freshwater until tender
  2. Drain water, remove bones, scales, and flake.
  3. Heat oil in large saucepan. Add pepper scallions, onion, and garlic. Cover and let cook for 5 minutes over low heat, while occasionally stirring.
  4. Add tomatoes and simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes.
  5. Add saltfish, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the stew and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Spicy Plantains:

What you’ll need

3 medium sized ripe plantains, peeled and chopped into half inch pieces

2 tbsp of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 small onion grated

1/4 tsp of salt

1/4 tsp of hot sauce or finely chopped pepper

Oil for frying

What to do:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, toss until ingredients are well mixed.
  2. Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked
  3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel

Seasoned Breadfruit

3 cups fill of breadfruit chopped into 1 inch pieces

2 tbsp of oil

1 tbsp of unsalted butter or margarine

1/2 cup of diced red pepper

1 medium chopped onion

4 garlic cloves crushed

2 tbsp of fresh parsley chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1/2 cip of chicken broth

1/4 tbsp of salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

What to do:

  1. Melt butter into a heavy pan over medium heat, then add oil.
  2. Add onions and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until golden, stir often
  3. Add garlic, thyme and chopped peppers, sauté for 30 seconds.
  4. Remove from heat. Add breadfruit with chicken broth. Toss gently to blend and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

Coconut Dumplings

What you’ll need

1/2 cup of grated coconut

1 ½ cups of flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp margarine

1/2 cup of water

What to do:

  1. Place flour, coconut, salt, butter and oil in a bowl. Sure in water to make a stiff dough
  2. Take dough and place on lightly floured board, knead for 2 minutes
  3. Make dumplings into desired shape
  4. Place dumplings in bowling water, cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Serve everything to hungry friends and family.

 

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