An Antiguan mother of two died after undergoing liposuction cosmetic surgery in Miami.
She has been identified as 32-year-old Nikisha Lewis. Lewis reportedly traveled from Antigua to Spectrum Aesthetics on Monday to undergo a liposuction procedure.
Spectrum staff dialed 911 and reported that Lewis had stopped breathing and paramedics rushed her to the hospital. She was pronounced dead approximately two hours later.
Lewis was an immigration officer for the airport on the island of Antigua, a wife, and a mother to two children. The Miami Dade Medical Examiner’s Office said the cause of death could not be determined immediately after the autopsy and it could take weeks to find out the exact reason for Lewis’ demise.
Lewis is one of 10 women who died after cosmetic surgery in South Florida in the past six years.
Its Friday, March 10. We are looking at some of the top stories across your Caribbean-American community. Good afternoon and welcome.I’’m Megan Small, and you’re watching CNW 90. Your coverage today is brought to you by Grace Soups. Spice up your kitchen with Grace soups today. Genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide.
Several countries in the Caribbean have been named by the United States as being major illicit drug producing and drug-transit countries with some also being major money laundering countries. The US Department of State’s “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR),” notes that the Bahamas, Belize, Haiti and Jamaica, are among 22 countries worldwide considered major drug producing or major drug transit countries.
Jamaicans who earn less than $1,4 million per year will now be exempt from that country’s tax net. The announcement was made by Jamaican Finance Minister Audley Shaw during his budget presentation in the house of parliament on Wednesday. However, Shaw’s tax package has come under harsh criticism due to a hike in the special consumption tax on fuel which is expected to trigger a rise in all transportation related costs.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has expanded its Aftercare Supper Program to include six additional school sites, for a total of 106 schools serving meals to students. The meals will ensure that more than 14,000 students participating in regularly scheduled after-school educational or enrichment activity programs receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow. The suppers are funded through the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), a federally funded program, which provides healthy meals in the child care setting
And in sports…
1
England thrashed the West Indies 3-0 in the recently concluded One Day international series in the Caribbean. Centuries from Alex Hales and Joe Root followed by a dismal West Indies batting display saw England secure a one-day international series whitewash in commanding fashion. The tourists won the third and final match by 186 runs to underscore their dominance of the series.
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Here’s What’s trending
Dancehall DJ Bounty Killa brushed off harsh criticism of his inclusion on a concert highlighting gender-based violence on International Women’s Day. The artiste was warmly received by the audience as he explained that he had a past that needed to be changed and he was against violence against women. Bounty Killer was charged for beating his girlfriend with a hammer in 2015 but the charges were subsequently dropped.
For Tomorrow’s weather forecast
It will be partly cloudy with isolated showers in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties with a high of 82 and a low of 63. 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.
China has donated nine 40-foot containers of classroom furniture and electronics to the Barbadian Ministry of Education.
The equipment donated includes 2,500 classroom chairs, 2,500 desks for secondary schools and 14,000 pieces of technology such as 9,000 tablets, 2,000 laptops and 3,000 desktops for all schools.
The total value of the donation is BD$10 million.
Distribution has already begun in all public schools and some private schools, tertiary level institutions including the TVET Council, The Barbados Community College, The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and The Media Resource Center of the Ministry of Education and the Accreditation Council of Barbados.
The two countries also signed a bilateral agreement last month which sets out for the allocation of BDS$50 million for the funding of two projects. The first is a food security program being hosted by the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and the other an agricultural program in Hope, St. Lucy.
A Jamaican, who is wanted in the United States on drug trafficking charges but had been hiding in Jamaica since 2010, is to be extradited to that country.
Desmond Campbell waived his rights to an extradition hearing when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday, following his arrest on February 28.
The 61-year-old fugitive, who is otherwise called ‘Leon’, of York Drive, Spanish Town in St Catherine and Thornton district, St Elizabeth, was held by Jamaican and US agents in Spanish Town.
Campbell is accused of being part of a Jamaican-based drug-trafficking network, which shipped marijuana to the US and other countries between August 2004 and October 2009.
He was arrested in the United States in 2010 and pleaded guilty to two counts of international conspiracy to distribute marijuana in the United States, and three counts of conspiracy to import marijuana into the United States.
However, he absconded his bail while awaiting sentencing and fled to Jamaica. Consequently, he was declared a fugitive and a warrant of arrest under the Extradition Act of 1991 was issued for him in 2013.
Are you looking to spice up the flavor in your rice? Try Arroz con gandules. Although it is quite similar to Rice and Peas known throughout the Caribbean, this signature dish of Puerto Rico includes the important ingredient of Sofrito to give additional flavor. This side dish paired with roasted pork, creates the national dish of Puerto Rico that is served often for holidays and special occasions.
Things you will need: All can be found at your nearest grocery store.
1/3 cup of Country cubed ham or bacon (optional)
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
1 15-ounce can of Pigeon Peas/Gandules
2 tps of powdered Chicken Bouillon
3 ½ cips of water or low sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp of pimento stuffed olives (optional)
1/3 cup of Sofrito
1/3 cup of Tomato Sauce
2 cups of Parboiled Rice
Goya Adobo seasoning
1 tsp of dried Italian Seasoning
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tps of sazon con achiote y cilantro
What to do:
Heat your Dutch oven or large pot to medium heat
Add olive oil and Sofrito; stir for 4 minutes until fragrant, do not let it brown
Add ham or bacon
Add Sazon, Tomato Sauce and Chicken bouillon
Add water, Italian seasoning, cilantro, bay leaves, and olives; Add adobo to taste
Bring to a boil
Add pigeon peas
Once mixture boils again, add rice
Stir the mixture to distribute the peas through the rice
Allow rice to absorb all liquid, uncovered.
Once liquid is absorbed, cover the rice, lower the heat to low, and allow the rice to steam for 20 to 25 minutes.
Pope Francis has opened the possibility of ordaining married men to serve as priests in the Catholic church.
In an interview with Germany’s Die Zeit newspaper published this week, the Pontiff said the church should study whether ‘viri probati’ or married men of proven faith – could be ordained to fill the gap left by the shortage of priests around the world. He described it as an “enormous problem” that must be resolved.
“We must consider if viri probati is a possibility. Then we must determine what tasks they can perform, for example, in remote communities,” he was quoted as saying.
he, however, stressed that removing the celibacy rule mandated to priests is not an answer to the priest shortage.
The Latin rite already allows some married non-Catholic clergymen who become Catholics to be ordained.
Clerical marriage, meaning priests who marry once ordained, is not allowed by the church. It is unclear if Francis would issue a decree to allow “viri probati” throughout the church.
The “viri probati” proposal has been around for decades, but it has drawn renewed attention under the church’s first Latin American pope.
Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, a longtime friend of Francis and former head of the Vatican’s office for clergy, is reportedly pressing to allow viri probati in the Amazon, where the church counts around one priest for every 10,000 Catholics.
Francis has shown particular openness to receiving concrete proposals for ordaining married men, reportedly saying in private in 2014 that it could be left for bishops to decide depending on the situation, The Register reported.
Francis also has shown his own pastoral concern for men who have left ministry to marry.
He has maintained friendship with the Argentine widow of a friend who left the priesthood to marry, and he spent one of his Friday mercy missions last year visiting with men who had left ministry to start families.
He also has said that while he favors a celibate priesthood, celibacy technically can be up for discussion since it’s a discipline of the church, not a dogma.
The daughter of former Trinidad and Tobago national soccer striker, Stern John, has died.
Nikela John, 19, died from medical complications on Thursday evening at the family’s home at Cunupia.
John is the current assistant coach of the country’s national senior team and played soccer in the British Premier league for Birmingham City Football Club.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation extended its condolences to John.
“The TTFA, staff members and players of the men’s national senior team extends deep condolences to former national player and current assistant coach Stern John on the passing of his daughter, Nikela. Nikela, 19, passed away on Thursday evening at her Cunupia home due to medical causes still to be determined,” the statement read.
John was on his way to a national practice session at Ato Boldon Stadium when he received a phone call that his daughter was not well. He went to her home and she died later that evening.
Nikela John was born in Trinidad but lived with her father while he played with British Premiership club Birmingham in England.
Since elected Mayor of Miramar in 2015, Wayne Messam has led a commission that created a booming business environment and improved infrastructure. While he is not up for re-election until 2019, Messam is, surprisingly, not supporting two of his senior commissioners who are up for reelection in the March 14 Municipal Elections.
Yvette Colbourne…boasts exemplary public service record
Messam, An American of Jamaican descent, insists that with a more dynamic commission, he can achieve bigger things in a city with a strong Caribbean populace. Next week, voters will decide whether to retain or replace three incumbents. Veteran Winston Barnes, a Jamaican-American, who has served the commission since 2003, is seeking re-election in Seat 3. Yvette Colbourne, a Panamanian-American of Jamaican descent, who has served since 2013, seeks reelection in Seat 2. Maxwell Chambers, also Jamaican-American, elected to the commission in 2014, seeks reelection in Seat 1.
Miramar is the only city in Florida with an all-Caribbean-American commission. In addition to Barnes, Chambers and Colbourne, Darlene Riggs is Haitian-American. Two Jamaican-Americans, Attorney Norman Hemmings, and chiropractor Dr. Venessa Walker, are challenging for Seats 1 and 2, respectively. Barnes is being challenged by Haitian-American Dalton Jall’s Bonheur and African-American James R. Hepburn. Colbourne who served as a member of a county executive team that successful manage a $600 million budget with up 2,000 employees in Miami-Dade County is surprised at Messam’s stance, considering the commission supports most of his proposals. According to Colbourne, she voted 99% of the time to support the mayor’s initiatives. She did vote against his pitch to increase property taxes in 2016.
Winston Barnes,,,my record speaks for itself
The 30-year veteran of public service who also has a masters degree in Public Administration, said any budget gap could have been realized by improving efficiencies in the city’s management.
“We successfully met this gap, without raising taxes. At the end of 2016, there was a balance of $6 million in the city’s funds, carried forward to supplement 2017 expenditure,” said Colbourne.
And while Messam himself has wide-scale backing, an unofficial CNW poll in the community suggests residents are happy with the current commission. The general consensus is that Miramar’s business climate is a sound source of jobs for residents and commends Messam and the commissioners for doing a splendid job.
According to one individual, Miramar is an aviation hub which provides economic spin-offs to many businesses that supply services to that industry, There is also a growing complement of Fortune 500 companies. Significantly, Miramar has managed to stem the outsourcing of U.S jobs to countries like China.
In his 2015 State of the City address, Messam said there were 1,800 residential units planned for the city, valued at $191 million. He noted that during the recession of 2009, Miramar continued to expand. He also mentioned several infrastructural improvements in the eastern section, including new drainage. The Pembroke Road overpass is completed and has resulted in a significant ease on traffic congestion. He pointed to getting the commission to approve a $60 million revenue bond for funding park development, and the Miramar amphitheater (under construction) as other high points of his administration.
Barnes, a broadcaster by profession, has been on the commission for almost 14 years. He listed his achievements which include: creating a scholarship fund from a raise he received in his commissioner’s salary; voting for funding both Miramar high schools annually; and providing funds to help residents with home repairs to meet city codes, and paying utility bills.
He anticipates another term.
“I should be re-elected to keep integrity, experience and decorum on the Commission. My record speaks for itself,” Barnes said.
Chambers seeks re-election to enhance the financial health of the city without increasing taxes, and ensuring that property values in East Miramar are not compromised by developers who are bent on turning homes into rental property.
If elected Dr. Walker’s mission is to make it possible for more residents to own businesses; enhance public safety, keep taxes low, push the city’s econ development and be a transparent representative.
Hemmings, making his second bid for the seat, says his mission if elected is to hold down property taxes, and mobilize strong anti-crime strategies.
Police in the city of Fort Lauderdale are warning that they will adopt a zero tolerance approach when tackling crime during the upcoming Spring Break activities.
Spring Break began in the second week of March and will run through to the end of April. The cops are warning revelers that any breach of the law will be dealt with harshly.
In a release to the media the Fort Lauderdale Police Department issued a raft of ordinances that Spring Breakers should adhere to in order to avoid being arrested.
The cops warned against:
Serving alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age;
Refusing to leave an establishment after being warned;
Possession of or displaying a false identification card;
Possessing an open container of alcohol within an open space that is not an enclosed structure;
Consuming alcohol in an establishment for off-premise consumption only;
Causing a public disturbance while intoxicated;
Engaging in a physical fight or in a violent, threatening behavior;
Public indecency; exposing sexual organs or female breasts; and
Sleeping on the beach.
The police have also warned that no consumption of alcohol will be allowed on the beach. Motorists are also asked to seek alternate routes to avoid congestion and unnecessary traffic delays.
Lilliane Ulysse cops third place in Miss Canada 2017 pageant
Weeks after the success of Haitian beauty queen Raquel Pelissier placing second in the Miss Universe pageant, another Haitian beauty, Liliane Marie Lawrence Ulysse placed 3rd in the Miss Canada 2017 pageant held at the Sheraton Hotel in Laval, Quebec, Canada on March 4.
Justin Viard, the Consul General of Haiti in Montreal, Canada who made the official announcement to the people of Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora said Lawrence’s placement in the Canadian pageant, following that of Pelissier proves once again the potential of the Haitian woman to excel international while displaying a combination of beauty and intelligence.
Lilliane Marie Lawrence Ulysse copped third placed in the Miss Canada 2017 beauty pageant
The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal thanked the Haitian Community of Montreal and Haitians around the world for the support being given to the two Haitian beauties.
From information submitted by the Haitian Consulate in Montreal, Liliane Marie Laurence Ulysse migrated from Haiti to Canada at age-12. She is a graduate in Sociology and International Development from the University of Québec. She describes herself as a determined, positive, responsible, and ambitious woman. Ulysse is described as a source of inspiration and motivation for young people in Canada and around the world.
Its Thursday, March 9. We are looking at some of the top across your Caribbean-American community.
Former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, and other former top government officials were arrested in connection with the Sparendaam Housing Project probe in that country. The probe looked into the fraudulent acquisition of seaside housing lands obtains by former ministers and other members of the former Guyana government. Jagdeo and his former colleagues have been subsequently released.
In defiance of recent immigration policies announced in Washington DC, that has heightened threats of immigrants in the US being detained, and/or deported the Broward County School district unanimously passed a resolution to have county public schools become safe zones for undocumented immigrant students and their families. This resolution was passed by the school board on Tuesday.
A total of 32 deported Jamaicans were processed at the Mobile Reserve facility in Kingston on Wednesday as they began a new chapter of their lives in Jamaica after being shipped home from the United Kingdom. The group of returned Jamaicans, including six females, arrived early Wednesday afternoon on a charter flight at the Norman Manley International Airport. They were then put on a bus and taken to the Mobile Reserve where they were processed and released.
And in sports…
Dutch football great Ruud van Nistelroy will tour Jamaica with the EUFA Champions League Trophy in tow later this month. The trophy is due to arrive in Jamaica in two weeks as part of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Trophy Tour. Jamaica is scheduled to be the trophy’s first stop but it is also expected to tour Panama, Colombia, Egypt, India and Vietnam. While in Jamaica the trophy will be hosted in the cities of Kingston, May Pen, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
Here’s What’s trending
Defending world women’s 100 meters champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, will not be defending her title at this summer’s World Championships in London, England, due to being pregnant with her first child. Known as the ‘Pocket Rocket’, Fraser-Pryce made the revelation via social media on Wednesday and vowed to return to the track in 2018.
For Tomorrow’s weather forecast
It will be partly cloudy in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties with a high of 81 and a low of 63. 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.
Eight members of a criminal organization, who the US State Department accuse of lottery scamming activities, have been ordered extradited from their homeland of Jamaica.
Kingston and St Andrew Parish Judge, Vaughn Smith, made the ruling in court on Wednesday.
Prosecutors from the US said the Jamaicans were members of a network which was headed by Lavrick Willocks, who was previously extradited to the US.
The group reportedly fleeced millions of dollars from US citizens in North Dakota via the lottery scam.
Lavrick Willocks
The prosecutors submitted evidence of the accused persons collecting money at a Western Union outlet and tape recordings of them making calls to elderly Americans, who were the primary targets of the scam.
The US prosecutors also revealed that a member of the network, who is co-operating with them, will be a key witness in the case against the suspected scammers.
Defense attorneys have argued that their clients should be released as the offences of wire and mail fraud are not on the law books in Jamaica.
Under the Extradition Treaty, the offence for which the accused are wanted in the US should be similar to crimes in Jamaica.
However, the judge said Section 3 and 35 of the Larceny Act capture the offences of mail and wire fraud.
Willocks and his cronies were collared last year during an operation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (C-TOC).
Willocks was extradited last month after he agreed not to challenge an extradition request.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has expanded its Aftercare Supper Program to include six additional school sites, for a total of 106 schools serving meals to students.
The supper meals ensure that more than 14,000 students participating in regularly scheduled after-school educational or enrichment activity programs receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow.
The suppers are funded through the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), a federally funded program, which provides healthy meals in the child care setting. Meals meet all USDA requirements and include a milk, fruit, vegetable, grain and meal (or meat alternate), and are offered in the school’s cafeteria.
The meals are available to children participating in after-school programs at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. New school sites for the 2016/17 school year include Coral Cove Elementary School and Coral Glades High School.
Four persons, three females and one male, were this morning arrested in sections of Spanish Town, St. Catherine and Mount Pleasant, Manchester by detectives from MOCA for their suspected involvement in an Oversees Employment Fraud Scheme.
The four were held during an operation conducted by Police personnel from the Major Organised Crime and Anti Corruption Agency (MOCA), Mobile Reserve SWAT and the Manchester Operational Support Teams, along with members of the Military on Wednesday.
The raid was another phase in an ongoing MOCA investigation.
In November 2016 a report was made to MOCA stating that persons purporting to be employees of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were bilking persons of money with the hope of providing them with overseas employment. Following investigations, the identities of the suspects were obtained, resulting in this morning’s operation.
Director of Investigations for MOCA, Senior Superintendent, Dean Taylor, took the opportunity to inform Jamaicans seeking employment to do so through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Programme as they are not required to pay for this service. He also wishes to advise persons who may have been fleeced of money under this scam to contact MOCA at 754-3435 or 906-5099 or 851-0113 or 1-800-CORRUPT or by email at moca@jcf.gov.jm.
Several countries in the Caribbean have been named by the United States as being major illicit drug producing and drug-transit countries with some also being major money laundering countries.
The US Department of State’s “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR),” notes that the Bahamas, Belize, Haiti and Jamaica, are among 22 countries worldwide considered major drug producing or major drug transit countries.
“Haiti remains a transit point for cocaine originating in South America and marijuana originating in Jamaica, en route to the United States and other markets. This traffic takes advantage of Haiti’s severely under-patrolled maritime borders, particularly on the northern and southern coasts.
“Haiti is not a significant producer of illicit drugs for export, although there is cultivation of cannabis for local consumption. Haiti’s primarily subsistence-level economy does not provide an environment conducive to high levels of domestic drug use,” Washington noted.
The report notes that Jamaica remains the largest Caribbean supplier of marijuana to the United States and local Caribbean islands.
“Although cocaine and synthetic drugs are not produced locally, Jamaica is a transit point for drugs trafficked from South America to North America and other international markets.”
Washington noted that in 2016, drug production and trafficking were enabled and accompanied by organized crime, domestic and international gang activity, and police and government corruption.
The report noted that illicit drugs are also a means of exchange for illegally-trafficked firearms entering the country, exacerbating Jamaica’s security situation.
“Drugs flow from and through Jamaica by maritime conveyance, air freight, human couriers, and private aircraft. Marijuana and cocaine are trafficked from and through Jamaica into other Caribbean nations, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
“Jamaica is a transit point for cocaine moving from Central America to the United States, and some drug trafficking organizations exchange Jamaican marijuana for cocaine. Factors that contribute to drug trafficking include the country’s convenient geographic position as a way point for illicit drugs trafficked from Latin America; its lengthy, rugged, and difficult-to patrol coastline; a high volume of tourist travel and airline traffic; its status as a major trans-shipment hub for maritime containerized cargo; inadequate educational and employment opportunities for at-risk youth who engage in crime; and a struggling economy that encourages marijuana cultivation in rural areas.”
The report also named the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, as major money laundering countries.
“A major money laundering country is defined by statute as one “whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international narcotics trafficking.”
But the report noted that the complex nature of money laundering transactions makes it difficult in many cases to distinguish the proceeds of narcotics trafficking from the proceeds of other serious crime. “Moreover, financial institutions engaging in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds of other serious crime are vulnerable to narcotics-related money laundering.”
Washington said that this year’s list of major money laundering countries recognizes this relationship by including all countries and other jurisdictions, whose financial institutions engage in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from all serious crime.
On Wednesday, International Women Day, some South Floroida women joined in the protest movement taking place around the United States called “A Day without Women” but several feared losing the day’s pay or even losing their jobs if they failed to how up for work.
Around mid-morning, approximately 60 people, men and women, turned out to a rally at Miami’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services offices on NW Seventh Ave in Miami. The rally was organized by the Workers Center, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami and the New Florida Majority.
One of the organizers, Morgan Mangle, said the objective of the rally was to support women who are being targeted by immigration officials based on new immigration policies being implemented by the Trump administration.
Phyllis Tate, a Jamaican housekeeper with a Watson Island family said she took the day off to join the protest having several female relatives and friends “who are living in the region without documents, and in fear of being deported.” Tate said she attended the rally to also protest low wages being paid to some women, especially women working at the region’s airports, in restaurants and in domestic jobs.
Mangle said she realizes more women wanted to join Wednesday’s rally, but “had genuine concerns about their job.” She said several women had enquired about protesting “The Day Without Women” besides marching or attending protest rallies. “Many women protested by not shopping on Wednesday. Women comprise the largest percent of consumers, particularly at supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores. Our absence can have a significant impact on the local retail trade, which indicates women in retail should receive better pay and benefits.”
An owner of restaurants in Miami and Miami, Sydmoth Saddler, said he supported the “few employees” who stayed away from his businesses on Wednesday, “Women is involved in almost every crevice of life. From mothers to distant relatives, from nurses to hospital maids; from corporate executives to clerical help. There are several issues which are not right for women. I fully support women protesting to have these rights implemented. I would, could never penalize any of my female employees for taking the day off to protest.”
Enthusiastic protest rallies with larger turnouts, were also held Wednesday evening at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale and at Miami’s Bayfront Park.
Detectives from the General Investigations Unit of the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Kendall District, have taken two suspects in a shooting incident in Kendall in which a Postal Service employee narrowly escaped injury.
The police report that the mailman was on his route in the area of SW 93rd Avenue and 90th Street, when he stumbled upon what he thought to have been a burglary in progress. He observed two individuals running from a residence and entering a black sports utility vehicle. He attempted to follow the subjects.
The suspects reportedly opened fire at the mailman.
Investigations by the police determined that the residence from which the subjects fled had been burglarized, and two laptop computers stolen.
One of the two suspects was arrested on Tuesday. He has been identified as Jacoby Myrick. Myrick was apprehended and transported to Miami-Dade Police Departmen, South District station for questioning. Myrick provided detectives with a statement and was charged accordingly.
The second suspect, identified as Marques Brown, was collared on Wednesday.
Both men have been charged with discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle and aggravated assault with a firearm.
Women’s rights advocacy groups were up in arms when the announcement was made that Dancehall DJ, Bounty Killa, would be included in the line-up of a concert organized to highlight the evils of gender-based violence on International Women’s Day.
The angry women were of the opinion that the artiste, who had been charged in 2015 for beating up his girlfriend with a hammer, was the wrong candidate to perform at such an event and went public, via social and traditional media, calling for his removal from the roster.
The charge against the artiste who uses the moniker, ‘The Warlord’, were subsequently dropped.
But the Ministry of Gender Affairs, who had organized the event held at the Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica, stuck to their guns. Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, would be allowed to strut his stuff.
The artiste was in his element when he was introduced to the audience and they lapped it up. He pleaded with Jamaicans to ‘hammer down’ domestic violence
“I have been affected by violence, I have been affected by gender violence, I have been affected by domestic violence, I have been affected by violence in general as I got shot when I was 16-years-old, so anything against violence I can’t be silent,” Bounty Killer said as he reeled off his popular lyrics.
The Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, also performed
“I am here trying to make a step in the right direction and what hurts me this initiative is for change and I had a past that needs to be changed and I am making a bold step to change but there are some other people, who say they want change but fighting my change, wonder if them want a pocket change,” added Bounty to loud cheers.
“I have a testimony to give the youth them of this country, who look up to me who idolize me or who want to be like me it is not everything about me is all perfect and I know I have flaws but the greatest thing I learn from them and I am at a place where I am much better,” he added.
Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Carlene Davis, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley and Tony Rebel were some of the other performers who entertained on Wednesday night.
House Republicans recently released their plan of an alternative to the Affordable Care Act, giving the new healthcare plan a more conservative vision.
“I’m proud to support the replacement plan released by the House of Representatives. We are going to have something much more understood and more popular than people can even imagine,” said President Donald Trump.
The draft legislation, removed key components from Former President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan such as removing the penalization Americans had to face for failing to obtain health insurance, but kept many other tenets of the bill.
Trump’s healthcare bill, H.R. 1275, has received the official short title as the “World’s Greatest Healthcare Plan of 2017”.
The new bill will allow a surcharge by insurers of 30 percent for those who have a gap between health plans instead of penalization. It also replaces Obamacare’s income and location based tax credits with credits with fixed amounts to a maximum income level.
H.R. 1275, otherwise known as The American Healthcare Act, will keep Obamacare’s policies of dependent coverage until the age of 26, the acceptance of those with pre-existing conditions without additional fees, no annual or lifetime limits, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum.
But some of President Trump’s political party are claiming opposition against Trump’s new plan.
Republican senators, from states that opted to expands Medicaid under Obamacare, oppose any new plan that would leave millions uninsured.
Senators, Rob Portman of Ohio, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Cory Gardner of Colorado, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska wrote in a letter stating, “We will not support a plan that does not include stability for Medicaid expansion populations or flexibility for states.”
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who opposes the plan tweeted, “Still have not seen an official version of the House Obamacare replacement bill, but from media reports this sure looks like Obamacare Lite!”
“Pro-Trump” conservative media outlets have also input their criticism of the bill. Outlets like Breitbart News derisively labeled the bill “Obamacare 2.0.”
AARP, sent a letter to congressional leaders after the policy was announced.
“Affordability of both premiums and cost-sharing is critical to older Americans and their ability to obtain and access health care,” the letter reads. “We estimate that the bill’s changes to current law’s tax credits could increase premium cost for a 55-year-old earning $25,000 by more than $2,300 a year.”
According to CNN, President Trump warned GOP members in private that not passing the repeal bill could result in a “bloodbath” in the mid-term elections in 2018.
The United Nations office dedicated to disaster risk reduction has called for urgent support to improve disaster risk management in Haiti, following a damage assessment that shows the country lost US$2.7 billion, or 32 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), as a result of Hurricane Mathew six months ago.
“Hurricane Matthew revealed disturbing truths about least developed countries which lack the capacity to respond adequately to climate change and the rising intensity and frequency of weather-related disasters,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Robert Glasser.
His call came on the eve of the fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas, which opened in Montreal, Canada, on Tuesday.
“While the government’s civil protection system prevented many deaths, it is unacceptable that over 600 people should have died in a hurricane that was so well-forecast,” he added.
The magnitude of the losses shown by a thorough government-led Post-Disaster Needs Assessment would be a devastating blow to any economy. It came on top of two years of drought affecting the food security of one million people and the 2011 earthquake, which cost 120 per cent of GDP, he said.
Glasser urged strong support for the three-year recovery plan developed by the Haitian government, the UN and other partners that seeks US$2.72 billion.
Its Wednesday, March 7. We are looking at some of the top across your Caribbean-American community. Good afternoon and welcome. I’m Megan Small, and you’re watching CNW 90. Your coverage today is brought to you by Grace Soups. Spice up your kitchen with Grace soups today. Genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide.
Today is International Women’s Day and women across the U.S. are planning a series of marches across the country. The marches are expected to culminate into protests against the Donald Trump regime and is touted to become even bigger than the million woman march which was staged a day after trump was sworn in as President on January 20.
The new health care act introduced by the White House to replace ObamaCare has been harshly criticized by republicans and Democrats alike. Several members of Congress have voiced their opposition to aspects of the bill which they say will result in major cuts in expenses for the rich while making the elderly and persons at the bottom of the economic barrel pay more.
Trinidad Express senior investigative journalist, Denyse Renne, was assaulted and robbed in San Fernando on Monday. Renne’s assailant struck her on the head before escaping with $1,000. Renne was reportedly approached by a man who clouted on the back of her head and grabbed her purse. The man took out the cash and threw the purse back at her, then ran off.
And in sports…
West Indies batting legend, Brian Lara, has dismissed reports that he was seriously injured in a car crash in his home country of Trinidad on the weekend. Reports had surfaced on the internet that Lara had been hospitalized after crashing his car after a night out on the town. However Lara said he was in good health and dismissed the reports as mischief.
Here’s What’s trending
The White House is backtracking on claims by President Donald Trump that former President Barack Obama had ordered that his phones inside the Trump Tower in New York be wiretapped. Trump made the claim via his twitter account over the weekend but his critics claim it was an attempt to distract the American public from the looming ‘RussiaGate’ scandal.
For Tomorrow’s weather forecast
It will be partly cloudy with isolated showers in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties with a high of 79 and a low of 63. 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.
Former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, and other former top government officials have been arrested on Tuesday in connection with the Sparendaam Housing Project probe in that country.
The probe looked into the fraudulent acquisition of seaside housing lands obtains by former ministers and other members of the former Guyana government.
The investigation of the Sparendaam Housing Project, also known as Pradoville 2, found that the awardees of the land underpaid for the lots by a total of G$250 million, while the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), National Communications Networks (NCN), and Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) never received reimbursement for monies spent on preparatory works.
Members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) have also arrested and questioned Lisaveta Ramotar, General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, former Secretary to NICIL, and Ramesh Dookhoo former President of Private Sector Commission.
The arrest of Jegdeo comes days after he warned of street protest in regard to President David Granger’s possible appointment of a replacement chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.
“This act will long be remembered as a grave injustice,” said Jagdeo.
He said the arrests of Luncheon has nothing to do with corruption but about attacking those who are resisting the government, referring to the arrests as a witch-hunt.
In defiance of recent immigration policies announced in Washington DC, that has heightened threats of immigrants in the US being detained, and/or deported the Broward County School district reacted in unanimously passing a unique resolution to have county public schools become safe zones for undocumented immigrant students and their families. This resolution was passed by the school board on Tuesday.
The resolution was proposed by school Board member Robin Bartleman who stated the resolution sends a message to immigrant families living I fear that the school board “have their backs” and that the board isn’t afraid to act “to protect” the county’s children.
The resolution came in response to concerns voiced by residents, who told board members that many immigrants have started taking extra precautions to get children to school. Some now walk children to school, instead of driving, to avoid any infractions that could get them pulled over and deported. Others have begun sending their children to school with copies of immigration paperwork tucked in backpacks.
In accordance with the resolution ICE and other related law enforcement agencies will not be allowed to enter school premises during classes, or special school activities like sport activities, field trips and social functions to remove students. To do this the authorities are required to have warrant signed by a judge. In addition, any attempt to remove students or get information on students must be submitted to the attorneys serving the school district.
“This is very brave and commendable move,” says Myrtle Bachelor, former New York law enforcement officer, and Broward legal aid attorney. “I personally have had contacts from several parents who are now reluctant to leave their homes to takes their kids to school, or send their kids to schools. I know of instances were children studies are being affected as they fear being picked up by immigration officers on the way to or from school, or if when they reach home, they’ll find their parents have been detained by ICE. This is such a sad situation.”
Bartleman also indicated the Broward School Board were privy to incidents where the parents of students have been detained to be deported. These incidents helped to motivate the resolution, and the related vote by the school board to begin developing a “Safe Place Plan” plan in conjunction with parents and community organizations to for schools and teachers provide safe-care and support to students whose parents are deported.
There are reports that the agenda of the Miami-Dade School Board meeting schedule for March 15, includes the call for that board to vote on a similar policy to the Broward School Board.
The Palm Beach County also is implementing a similar “safe-zone” policy for undocumented immigrant students attending public schools in that count, but its not an official school board approved policy.
Dutch football great Ruud van Nistelroy will tour Jamaica with the EUFA Champions League Trophy in tow later this month.
The trophy is due to arrive in Jamaica in two weeks as part of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Trophy Tour. Jamaica is scheduled to be its first stop but it is also expected to tour Panama, Colombia, Egypt, India and Vietnam. While in Jamaica the trophy will be hosted in the cities of Kingston, May Pen, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
The 40-year-old retired player had an outstanding career as a forward at European clubs PSV, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Van Nistelroy is currently the fourth-highest ranked goal scorer in UEFA Champions League history with 56 goals. He is also a three-time Champions League Golden Boot winner.
The UCL trophy will be on the island for four days
Van Nistelroy, is an ambassador for title sponsors Heineken.
Three-time World 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will not defend her 100 meters World title in London this summer as she is pregnant with her first child.
Fraser-Pryce, 30, confirmed her pregnancy on social media Wednesday.
“All my focus heading into training for my 2017 season was on getting healthy and putting myself in the best possible fitness to successfully defend my title in London 2017. But life is filled with many blessings with God. So here I am thinking about being the greatest mother I can be with my biggest blessing and the promise God made me. Moving forward on this journey, I look forward to seeing you all in 2018 when I return to competition on the tracks and around the world,” Fraser-Pryce posted on her Facebook page.
Fraser-Pryce is one of the most successful female sprinters in history. She won consecutive Olympic 100-meter titles in 2008 and 2012. She is also a three-time World Champion in the 100 meters – 2009, 2013, and 2015 and also won the 200 metres world title in Moscow 2013 when she became the first female sprinter to win the sprint treble – 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.
