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Cops beaten senseless during Trinidad Canival

Police officers in Trinidad were beaten senseless during the recently concluded Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.

One cop was bitten, and another beaten, during an attack by a mob in La Brea on Monday. The two constables were rescued by other cops and taken for medical treatment at the Point Fortin Area Hospital.

The cops were injured after they responded to a report of a violence near Pt D’or. When the cops arrived in a marked Nissan Xtrail. They were immediately attacked. The frothing crowd smashed the back windscreen.

All hell broke loose when the cops alighted from the service vehicle, according to a report in the Trinidad Express.

One was reportedly bitten multiple times on his shoulder and hand, while his colleague was beaten with a length of wood. Several people were detained in connection with the incident.

The assault agiants lawmen continued in Tobago on the same day when a police officer was knocked unconscious by a group of men when he tried detaining an unruly member of the public. A photograph of the cops lying dazed on the ground has gone viral on social media.

One of the men suspected to have been involved in the assault  of the cop being was nabbed by police officers who chased his vehicle which ended up crashing into the sea.

The assaults drew of the ire of Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations in Trinidad ands Tobago, Deodath Dulalchan. Dulalchan warned that assaults against members of the police force would not be tolerated and that those found culpable would be dealt with harshly

Commission appointed to probe Haitian prisons

A nine member commission has been created by newly appointed President Jovenel Moise to probe prisons and overcrowded lockups across the country and to make recommendations to improve conditions for the inmates.

In a recent statement, Moise said the commission is expected to finish its review and submit a report within one month.

“Under my presidency, the Haitian nation will by no means ignore what seems to be a flagrant violation, even a contempt for the right to life that every individual should have, regardless of where he lives.”

The presidential announcement came a few days after the news agency – the Associated Press published a report on an upsurge of inmate deaths, including 21 last months at the country’s biggest prison, due in large part to malnutrition-related illnesses and other preventable diseases.

Last week Justice Minister Camille Edouard visited several prisons amid concerns that many inmates were dying.

According to a statement Édouard visited the facilities to inquire about the situation in which prisoners live including the lack of toilets in cells, food shortages, unsuitable water, care, presence of rats and insects in the cells.

Edouard, led a delegation that also included by Himmler Rebu, Secretary of State for Public Security and Jean Gardy Muscadin, the Director of the Directorate of Prison Administration (DAP), has vowed o continue working on alternatives to incarceration and a better distribution of prisoners in the various prisons.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Sandra Honoré also reiterated her concerns over the deaths of 42 detainees since the start of the year.

Last year 53 people died in detention and the authorities have acknowledged that the 14 deaths in January were due to anaemia, severe anaemia, cardio respiratory arrest, respiratory distress, pulmonary tuberculosis, hypovolemic shock and gastroenteritis.

Over 50? check your colon

March is also Colorectal or Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Once a cancer that was more evident in men and women aged 50 and above, the cancer which has one of the highest mortality rates of cancers in the US is now found frequently in younger people.

Jackson Memorial Hospital internist, Dr. Marshall Vasquez, describes colon cancer as one of the more “insidious cancers,” because the symptoms are not usually revealed until the cancer has advanced. This, he says, is the reason why preventative medical examinations is vital important for individuals to have done every three or four years depending on one’s age to determine if one has problems, usually polyps in the colon. Especially the lower colon or intestines, and rectum.

The cancer is called colon cancer if it is discovered in the colon  and rectal cancer if discovered in the rectum.

It is not unusual for abnormal cells to grow in the colon and rectum. These cells can merge to form polyps, which can develop into cancer.

According to Dr. Vasquez, the best way of determining if one has polyps in the colon/rectal are is to have the preventative medical examination known as a colonoscopy.

“During the colonoscopy, the patient is sedated, and a long flexible tube is inserted into the colon through the rectum, The doctor conducting the test is able to get a visual image of the colon from a monitor to which the tube is linked. If polyps are seen, usually the polyps are removed during the procedure. Later a biopsy is taken from the polyps to determine if they are cancerous.”

He said despite warnings urgings from within the medical profession of the importance to be screen for colon cancer.

“You would be surprised how many people are reluctant to have the screening. Most of these reluctant people cannot tolerate the pre-screening procedure, which involves taking medication to totally cleanse the colon and rectum the night before the screen is done. It is essential that the colon is totally clean for the screening to be effective. Then, there are people wo fear being diagnosed with cancerous polyps if they are screened. But it is imperative that people get colonoscopy’s regularly, say every three or four years, especially between age 50 and 75,” he said.

In a 2016 report the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one in three adults aged 50 to 75 have not been tested for colorectal cancer in te US.

Other tests that are useful in determining the possibility of colon cancer is a stool test to determine if one has blood in one’s  stool. Blood in the stool is a sign of possible colon disease.

The other test is a Sigmoidoscopy. This test is similar to a colonoscopy. A lighted scope is inserted into the lower portion of the intestine. During this test, polyps can also be reduced if identified.

This Day in History: Jamaica’s Maroons sign Peace Treaty

Jamaican Maroons and English officials signing peace treaty

By: Celina DeCastro

This day in history: March 1, 1739, Colonel Guthrie and Cudjo, the leaders of the Maroons of Cockpit Country signed a peace treaty allowing Maroons the right to self-govern and 1500 acres of Jamaican land.

In return of this land and self-government, the Maroons agreed to become slave catchers for runaway plantation slaves and assist the English with rebellions.

Originally, the Maroons of Blue Mountains Jamaica were runaway slaves who escaped to the mountains of Jamaica from Spanish plantations before the British gained control of the island in 1655.

The word Maroon derived from the Spanish word cimarrones, which translates to mountaineers.

This peace treaty came after the 1655 First Maroon War the English launched to rid of the largely grown Maroon population.

The large population of the Maroons were split into two groups the Windward Maroons of the East side of the island and the Leeward Maroons of the West side of the island.

The Windward Maroons occupied areas known today as Moore and Charles Town in Portland, Nanny Town in St. Thomas and Scotts Hall in St. Mary. The Leeward Maroons occupied Trelawny Town in St. James and Accompong in St. Elizabeth.

Both Leeward and Windward Maroons displayed their skillful tactics, which made fighting more challenging to the English.

On January 6 every year the Accompong Maroon Festival takes places to celebrate the signing on the peace treaty between the English and the Maroons.

 

Jamaica trounce Guyana by 99 runs in Lauderhill T20 night cricket

Steven Taylor

Last year’s finalist, Guyana, were trounced by Jamaica in the opening round of the 2017 City of Lauderhill T20 Int’l Night Cricket Tournament last Saturday.

Under the patronage of the City of Lauderhill Mayor, Richard J. Kaplan and Broward County Commissioner, Dale V.C. Holness, the 15-year-old cricket tradition got off to a thriller in the Cricket Capital of the United States of America-the City of Lauderhill.

The Jamaicans won the toss and elected to bat then scored a competitive 181 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Jamaica and USA national representative Steven Taylor, entertained the spectators by smashing a whirlwind 61 from 28 balls including three fours and six sixes. Other useful contributions came from Wayne Cuff 28 not out, Omari Williams 21, Sherwin Powell 13 and Sheldon Erving 11.

Wayne Cuff scored 28 out of his team's total
Wayne Cuff scored 28 out of his team’s total

Bowling for Guyana, former USA national player Masood Mohammad bagged 3 for 29, whilst Dale Africa took 1 for 26 and Fizul Shariff 1 for 51.

In reply, Guyana were dismissed for 82 in 19.2 overs with Vickram Kumar ending on 23 not out. Only two other players reached double figures with Raid Mohammed scoring 17 and Dale Africa 15. Bowling for Jamaica, Steven Taylor grabbed 2 for 8, whilst Elvin Watson collected 3 for 17, Jammie Smith 2 for 6, Herlando Johnson 2 for 18 and Omari Williams 1 for 12.

Taylor was awarded Man of The match honors.

Through the endorsement of the South Florida Cricket Alliance and Florida Southeast Cricket League, the City of Lauderhill T20 International Night Cricket Tournament has achieved the reputation as one of America’s largest and most-popular night cricket tournaments.

Broward County Honors Kauffman Foundation graduates

The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) recently graduated 14 entrepreneurs from its second Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® NewVenture™ Program.

“We are pleased to recognize and congratulate our second class of NewVenture graduates and are looking forward to welcoming our third group of participants for the upcoming spring course,” said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. “We are excited by the possibilities this program brings to Broward County by way of educating, engaging, and empowering local entrepreneurs.”

This four-month educational program allows participants to complete 10 challenging and fast paced modules held at the Innovation Hub at Broward College. Participants learn to refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan and access the appropriate resources to have an effective business.

Upon completing the program and giving an oral presentation, the top three scored business plans become eligible for seed money grants to fund their business.

The top three from the second graduation group are as follows:

  1. Marlene Brunot, Brunot Maps
  2. Janice Weinsoff, Have U Heard
  3. Matthew Fornaro, P.A., Attorney at Law

OESBD, used a competitive application process to select participants and incorporated the training program into its regular roster of free service offerings. The program currently has 29 graduates to date.

The next session is scheduled from April 27 thought August 10.

An information session about the program will take place on Thursday, March 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Broward College Innovation Hub.

Registration is now open for this event.

Reggae Boy Giles Barnes to bolster Orlando City attack

Giles Barnes

 

Reggae Boyz forward, Giles Barnes, has been acquired by the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Orlando City and is being boosted as a welcome addition to the club’s attacking thrust.

Barnes was acquired over the weekend, via the trade route from the Houston  Dynamo. In his four years as an MLS player, Barnes has played for the Houston Dynamo for three and a half seasons before coming to Vancouver in the summer trade window last season. He has netted 33 timess and earned 15 assists in his MLS career.

He is expected provides experience up front and could be a good source of guidance for team regulars Cyle Larin and Carlos Rivas.

Team manger, Jason Kreis, was optimistic that Orlando City had made a wise investment.

Jason Kreis...confident in Barnes' ability
Jason Kreis…confident in Barnes’ ability

“Giles [Barnes] is a very exciting player. I would tell you that a couple of years ago I felt he was easily for me one of the best players in the league,” Kreis said. “He’s an attacking gifted player, has great pace, great strength on the ball, and typically makes really good decisions with it. These are the types of players we’re looking to add to Orlando City; the type of players who are always comfortable on the ball but are also willing to work for the team,” Kreis said during a press conference at the club headquarters to officially announce the player’s arrival.   

Kreis would not say whether Barnes would start or warm the bench.

“I do see Giles Barnes competing right away,” Kreis said. “For me, there aren’t starters and nonstarters. There’s a bunch of team members that are in contention to be starting on the weekend and that changes week by week,”  he said.

Giles Barnes has scored three times for the Reggae Boyz including an equalizer on his senior international debut against Venezuela in a friendly at Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2015. He also scored in the CONCACAF Gold Gup against the United States and Haiti that samew year to help his team advance to their first ever Gold Cup finals which they eventually lost to favorites Mexico.

 

National Weekly February 23, 2017

Jamaica clamps down on inmates recording songs

Today is March 1. We’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community.

Palm Beach County has taken another step to regulate the services provided to residents by certified nursing aides, CNAs, usually referred to as caregivers. Based on the new regulations, effective today –  caregivers who are not licensed by the county will be subject to a hefty fine, and could face the possibility a 60-day prison sentence.

Measures aimed at strengthening security in correctional institutions across Jamaica, have been outlined by the Junior Minister of National Security, Pearnel Charles Jr. The stance taken by the Ministry will also stamp out the practice of inmates recording songs and smuggling them into the public space. The ministry says measures are  also being implemented to eliminate the smuggling of cell phones and other contraband.

On Wednesday, March 1, a training exercise will take place at Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County. The annual exercise will involve simulated response actions and the simulated emergency protective measures that would be implemented if an emergency at the St Lucie Nuclear Power Plant were to occur.

In Sports

Jamaica‘s gymnastics team took top honors in two classes at the Caribbean Fest Gymnastics tournament in Virginia at the weekend. Jamaica’s 11-member team topped both level one and two while finishing runners-up in level three.

Here’s What’s Trending

President Donald Trump struck on conciliatory tone when delivered his first address to congress yesterday. The president defended several controversial policies while outlining a bold agenda.

For tomorrows weather forecast

It will be partly cloudy in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties with a High of 84 degrees and a low of 72.  For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at Caribbeannationalweekly.com. Make Sure to pick up your copy of the National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean American outlet.

Today’s coverage was brought to you by Grace Soups: Spice up your kitchen with Grace Soups today.  Genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide!”

The State of Black Broward can be vastly improved

On the last day of Black History Month, a large crowd of some 500 mostly African and Caribbean American residents of Broward County packed the 300-seat maximum capacity conference room at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center to discuss the State of Black Broward.

Convened by Broward County Black elected Officials. Chaired by Broward Commissioner Dale Holness, the meeting highlighted both the positives and the negatives existing in Broward County’s black community, but attempted to lay the foundation for the development of the community.

Holness, said he is confident of the county’s black community, which he firmly believes based on the purchasing power of this community and the growth of its black businesses, “can be a blue print for black communities not only in America, but worldwide.”

At Tuesday’s State of Black Broward conference, the first of an annual event, Holness presented a Power-Point presentation that highlighted the challenges that the county’s black community of over 550,000 residents faces.

The presentation indicated that while the annual median household income for the white population of the county is $74,000 there’s a “stark difference of $21,000” compared to the $43,000 which is the annual median income for black households. Also, while the rate of unemployment in the county stands at 4.4 percent, the rate was 9 percent among the black community.

Holness cited that “prosperity abounds in many areas of Broward County” but for various reasons the black community lags behind. Commenting on the situation to National Weekly, the commissioner says he is “confident that the situation can be vastly improved, because the county’s black community has the resources to do this. “We don’t have to depend on policies originating out of  Washington to grow. The county’s black community has the resources to see to its own growth. Ordinary black residents, educators, business people, and elected officials must be a part of the solutions the black community can reach.”

The conference dealt with various key issues like politics, economic development, employment, criminal justice, health care and education, that affects the community. Panelists including Broward School Superintendent Robert Runcie,  County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, and City of Lauderhill Commissioner Ken Thurston.

The three officials tend to agree that the county’s Black community needs to be more engaged politically to secure some of the solutions needed. Runcie, said more black voters need to vote during election cycles. Snipes also stressed the importance of voting, saying “voting is the bedrock of political growth,” and a factor that “equalizes all of us” and “drives the wheel.”  Thurston, Snipes and Holness urged the audience county residents to push for a constitutional amendment on Florida’s ballot to restore the civil rights for people who have been denied the right to vote because of prior criminal convictions.

Holness has indicated that Broward Black Elected Officials plan to celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th) this year in a special event on the campus of the African Research Library. “We want the black community to celebrate the day American slaves got word in 1865 that they were free. We plan to merge this with a celebration of the emancipation of slaves in the West Indies years earlier. August. “It’s important that our black youth be conscious of the history of black freedom.”

Caribbean athletes sparkle at NCAA regionals

Jamaicans showed the way as Caribbean athletes turned in strong performances during the regional indoor championships in the United States on the weekend.

Christoff Bryan, Chrisann Gordon, Senoj-Jay Givans, and Rushelle Burton all won their respective disciplines at the Big 12 Championships at the Iowa State University.

Christoff Bryan
Christoff Bryan

In addition Bahamians Devyne Charlton and Pedra Seymour took the top three places in the 60-metre hurdles at the Big 10 Conference Championships in Geneva, Ohio.

Bryan, who attends Kansas State University, cleared 2.24 metres to win the men’s high jump over Trey Culver (2.21m) of Texas Tech and Oklahoma freshman Dean White (2.16m).

Bryan’s compatriot Kansas State senior, Kimberley Williamson, was second in the women’s equivalent after clearing 1.82m, losing out to Texas Tech sophomore, Zarriea Willis, who also cleared 1.82m but won on the count back. Willis had clean rounds while Williamson failed once at 1.72m.

Williamson’s teammate Nina Schultz cleared 1.77m for third.

Meanwhile, University of Texas senior Chrisann Gordon won the 400m in 51.79s ahead of teammate Zola Golden, who took the silver in 52.11.

Leticia De Souza of Baylor was third in 52.62s.

The University of Texas senior Senoj-Jay Givans, easily won the 60-metre dash in 6.59 seconds ahead of Maxwell Willis of Baylor University, 6.67 and Malik Givens of Oklahoma State.

In the women’s 60-metre hurdles, 2016 World Under-20 silver medalist Rushelle Burton claimed the Big 12 title with a smart run of 8.09 seconds..

Shardia Lawrence continued her strong season with a 13.39m leap for second in the triple jump.

Caution! Unlicensed Palm Beach County CNAs to be fined/jailed

Palm Beach County has taken another step to regulate the services provided to residents by certified nursing assistants (CNA) usually referred to as caregivers.

Based on the new regulations, effective March 1, CNAs who are not licensed by the county will be subject to a hefty fine, and could also face a 60-day prison sentence.

The county previously took steps to regulate service provided by hundreds of CNAs in 2015 with the passage of the Homecare Ordinance. This was in response to complaints that some senior citizens – many of whom are immigrants from the Caribbean, were being robbed and abused by some caregivers .The ordinance required caregivers whose services include housekeeping duties, bathing, feeding, cooking and shopping to be licensed by the county.

In order to be licensed the regulations require caregivers to undergo a Level 2 background check that includes applicants being fingerprinted.

When the ordinance was first announced it was resisted by some county agencies that employed and assigned caregivers. It was also opposed by several caregivers, who feared that a minor run in with the law could prohibit them from passing the requirement and in turn their jobs could be in jeopardy.

For many women from the Caribbean, jobs as caregivers are one of the easiest to obtain in South Florida. Although today, the caregiver sector is more regulated statewide than it was several years ago, some counties do not require caregivers to be finger printed or wear county-issued photo-ID badges, as is the case in Palm Beach County.

Pearline Harding, owner/operator of a Lake Worth nursing agency has admitted to some early difficulties in recruiting caregivers because of the finger printing and ID requirements.

Palm Beach County CNAs could be fined or jailed if they are not licensed
Palm Beach CountyCNAs could be fined or jailed if they are not licensed

According to Harding, she was initially opposed to the ordinance. “I now welcome it as it has improved the quality of the services we provide. It’s important that caregivers are people of integrity who put the interest of our clients foremost. Stealing from, or abusing seniors or the disabled cannot be tolerated.”

Harding also said, the county had been somewhat “relaxed” in enforcing the licensing requirements. but all nursing agencies were advised months ago, that as of March 1, caregivers found working without a license would be subject to a $500 fine and a jail sentence.

According to Eugene Reavis, manager of the Palm Beach County Division of Public Safety-Consumer Affairs, 5,000 caregivers have registered and applied for licenses. However, there are still several caregivers who are working without the required license.

In order to obtain the license and related photo-ID, caregivers and nursing agencies are required to make an appointment with the Division of Public Safety-Consumer Affairs. Reavis says that due to the overwhelming demand for licenses, applications are processed by appointment only.

Harding stressed that CNAs and others who try to “moonlight” as caregivers “should be very aware that county sheriffs are authorized to enforce the licensing requirements.”

Miami-Dade students explore options at National College Fair

Miami-Dade County Public Schools experienced another successful National College Fair last Sunday at the Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel. 

“This event is a wonderful and beneficial opportunity for our students to get information and learn about the academic choices that are available to them,” said School Board Member Perla Tabares Hantman, who has co-chaired the event since being elected to the School Board many years ago.

More than 10,000 students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from some 200 colleges and universities; 25 from around the world, including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and Canada. 


The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools sponsored the free event.

World stars sign up for 2017 Hero CPL Player Draft

A record number of local and international cricketing stars have been officially registered for the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft which takes place on March 10 in Barbados.

Some 258 players from the Caribbean and most of the leading cricketing nations are seeking to secure a coveted place in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place between 1 August and 9 September.

Director of International Cricket for CPL, Tom Moody was pleased with the positive response from the players.

Tom Moody
Tom Moody

“T20 is capturing the world of cricket by storm, and with the huge numbers of talented players from across the cricketing world eager to sign up to the biggest party in sport, I’ve no doubt that the 2017 season will be our best yet. “In attracting the cream of international talent from a healthy blend of established and fast-developing nations, it extends the growing international appeal of the sport and of the Hero CPL itself, and I have no doubt that we are going to see a hugely contested Player Draft in Barbados on March 10th,” Moody said.

Former Antigua Hawksbills and St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots all-rounder Marlon Samuels, who was the man of the match for the West Indies in their ICC World T20 final victory over England last year, leads a strong cast of West Indian players in the draft.

There will be 28 players from Australia,, an increase of six from the 2016 campaign. The Aussie list includes Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, and Adam Zampa who was a star for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2016 season.

There are also 17 New Zealanders, including Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott and Jimmy Neesham.
England have four players, while Ireland will have three representatives in the draft.

Pakistan will have the highest representation in the draft after increasing last year’s tally from 38 players to 46. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s rise in the shortest format of the game sees Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi named in a five-strong contingent who will also be hoping to make their tournament bows.

With the high-profile transfers of Chris Gayle (Jamaica Tallawahs to St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots) and Dwayne Smith (Guyana Amazon Warriors to Barbados Tridents) already confirmed, the list does not include those players who have been retained by their franchises. They, like the marquee players, will be announced at the Player Draft on March 10th.

Leadership change for Jamaican Women of Florida

Jamaican women of Florida

The Jamaican Women of Florida, Inc. (JWOF) has changed its leadership.

At the fourth annual general meeting of the organization held last Saturday, Camille Edwards an administrator with the Broward School Board was elected to succeed local attorney Dahlia Walker-Huntington as the organization’s president. Walker-Huntington and other members of the board had termed out.

Camille Edwards
Camille Edwards

Edwards previously served as the president of the Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association and Broward Alliance of Caribbean Educators (founder). She hails from Montego Bay, Jamaica and holds Masters of Science and Bachelors of Arts degrees from St. Thomas University, Miami, FL and York University, Toronto, Canada.

The newly Elected Vice President is June Minto – Marketing Consultant and Managing Partners with Jamaican Jerk Festival & Jamaque – Paridis Magazines.  Rounding out the new Board are Secretary Tamara Wadley; Treasurer Dale Telfer, CPA – who is returning for her second term in the position; Director-At-Large Ann Marie Clarke, Esq. and Legal Director Hilary Creary, Esq.- who previously served as the association’s Secretary.

JWOF was launched in April, 2013 with twenty founding members. The membership has tripled since, and the organization continue to seek members to strengthen the group.

The non-profit was founded as an organization to provide an opportunity for Jamaican women residing in Florida to empower themselves through charitable and educational endeavors, personal development and mentoring. JWOF seeks to engage Jamaican women and to give back to the next generation of young women by assisting in the development of leadership and personal skills to operate in a global environment.

Since its launch, JWOF has initiated several measures to accomplish its goals.  These include the annual Women’s Empowerment Conference & Scholarship Luncheon; the “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship, the annual Health & Wellness Conversation, and the adoption of Melody House Girls’ Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  Members of JWOF have made several trips to Jamaica to visit Melody House and have supported the girls home financially over the years.  The organization has also helped several Jamaican women and families in Florida in need and continue to live up to their mission of helping the community.

“We the new board embrace JWOF’s mission and vision and are dedicated to the organization’s continued growth over the next two years” says JWOF President, Camille Edwards. “We have some big shoes to fill but with the guidance of the outgoing board we will strive to provide avenues to empower the now gen and the next gen,” said Edwards.

To celebrate their fourth anniversary, JWOF is again hosting the popular “Jamaican Women of Florida Empowerment Conference & Scholarship Luncheon”, on Saturday, April 8th, at Jungle Island in Miami, Florida.  The event will include three panel presentations focusing on the organization’s mission –  empowerment; personal growth and development, and mentorship; the annual scholarship awards luncheon to benefit a female high school senior and promising second, third and fourth year college students.

Cuba clinical trial HIV vaccine

Cuba begins clinical trial of HIV vaccine

One year after being elected to office, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness is preparing to assess the performance of members of his Cabinet, stating that they have six more months to prove that they deserve to keep their jobs. Holness said he reviewed the performance of his government one year after the general election, that while the ministers were not given the job descriptions as promised in the lead-up to the polls, they are all aware of their targets.

A therapeutic vaccine aimed at reducing the viral load of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is currently in phase one of a clinical trial, in Cuba. According to Yayri Caridad Prieto Correa, a researcher from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) nine patients involved in the trial did not show any adverse effects or toxicity, which is the main objective of the phase

Residents of Liberty City in  Miami-Dade County, experienced bitter disappointment and splendid elation on Sunday night. The residents experienced the disappointment when the movie “La La Land” was announced as Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Approximately, 90 seconds later the producer of “La La Land” Jordan Horowitz sparked spontaneous elation when he announced there was a mistake, holding up the winning card indicating  “Moonlight” the movie made in Miami about a young gay boy growing up to adulthood in Liberty City was the winner.

In Sports

Reggae Boyz international and Leicester captain Wes Morgan has faced an avalanche of criticism after he recently thanked booted coach Claudio Ranieri via the social media platform Twitter. However fans of the football club have hit out against Morgan, who they claim is one of four players who approached the club’s board and complained about the estranged manager.

Here’s What’s Trending

President Donald Trump has taken credit for a foul up at the Oscar awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Trump said the blunder that was made with the wrong film, ‘La La Land’ being mistakenly announced as best picture winner, was because all the attention was focused on him and not the awards.

For tomorrows weather forecast

It will be partly cloudy in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties with a High of 86 degrees and a low of 70.  For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at Caribbeannationalweekly.com. Make Sure to pick up your copy of the National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean American outlet.

Jamaica’s security ministry moves to mute illegal recordings in prison

The Jamaican Ministry of National Security, in responding to howls of condemnation of the proliferation of songs recorded by inmates permeating the airwaves, has outlined measures to strengthen security in correctional institutions and stamp out the practice.

The ministry said measures are being implemented to eliminate the smuggling of cell phones and other contraband, and also clarified the conditions under which music is recorded by inmates in maximum security facilities.

Junior Minister of Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, said it would not be business as usual.

“There are two radio stations at Tower Street and St. Catherine, which have been utilised in that regard. This however does not include unauthorised and illegal recordings. Any such activities are prohibited, and punitive action will be taken against any officer or inmate found involved and in breach of these regulations”,  Charles said.

Former Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, was the subject of death threats and vile barbs after she publicly advocated for the music of imprisoned dancehall star, Vybz Kartel to be banned from radio.

Four staffers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) were recently arrested and are now before the court on charges pertaining to corruptive dealings with inmates, while other officers have been removed for alleged unprofessional conduct.

The DCS is also strengthening its collaboration with the police and the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, to analyze  data found on cellular phones seized in the correctional institutions.

Charles also said arising from several high-level security meetings, a system-wide security assessment will be implemented to strengthen the internal controls in all institutions and deter corruption and the conduct of criminal activity within the correctional facilities.

Among the security measures to be 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 officers;

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.

“We have to respect the public’s concerns, protect our citizens and secure the reputation of the honest, hard-working correctional officers in the system. We will make every effort to eradicate corruption and criminality and to hold persons accountable for breaches, as well as deficiencies in management. It is unacceptable that breaches continue year after year, and it is time to draw a line in the sand. What now exists is a dysfunctional system, where we have to contend with contraband entering our correctional facilities and the allegations of complicity of our staff in this matter. This poses a potential threat to our national security and to our efforts to redefine and transform the Department of Correctional Services”, said Charles.

Jamaican gymnasts take top honors at Caribbean Fest tournament

Jamaica‘s triumphant gymnastics team returned to the island on Monday after taking top honors in two classes at the Caribbean Fest Gymnastics tournament in Virginia at the weekend. Jamaica’s 11-member team topped both level one and two while finishing runners-up in level three.

The top performer in the junior team was Jenya Allison who copped gold in the vault, bar and floor apparatus while finishing runner-up on the beam.

The Caribbean Fest tournament was used to fine tune the team’s preparation phase ahead of the Caribbean Gymnastics Championships scheduled for April 28 and 29 in Barbados.

America’s economy may suffer due to visa restrictions

Immigration attorneys in Miami, Florida are concerned that the American economy will suffer a fallout if a proposed revamping of a visa requirement system by President Donald Trump’s administration becomes reality.

Trump is advocating for changes in visas for persons who travel to the U.S. for business, who are transferred to a U.S. affiliate or subsidiary or who have been hired by American companies or have enrolled as students in U.S. universities.

The attorneys, Tammy Fox-Isicoff and Jordana Hart , both specialize in business and student visas. Their concerns stem from a draft executive order now circulating in the U.S. capital of Washington that seeks a review of various types of visas foreign nationals use to enter the United States as visitors for business, to invest in and manage enterprises under treaty accords or to work in companies for an extended period as staff employees or as workers in an American affiliate or subsidiary of a foreign firm. At least two other types of business-related visas would also be reviewed under the draft order: those used by temporary agricultural workers and those reserved for university students.

Both were interviewed by the Miami Herald.

President Trump has signed a raft of executive orders designed to restrict the movements and activities of certain foreign nationals, both legal and undocumented.

The Department of Homeland Security recently revealed new policies that allow federal immigration agents to detain and process for possible deportation virtually any foreign national who has been convicted of a crime, charged with a crime or suspected of having committed a crime.

The attorneys interviewed told the Miami Herald that their analysis of the draft order indicates that Trump and aides want to restrict the entry of business travelers in a bid to protect the jobs of U.S. workers, including American citizens and green-card holders. Such restrictions, the attorneys said, could have a devastating impact on the American economy.

“In the name of making America great again, they’re going to damage U.S. companies and make them so they can’t compete with foreign-owned companies,” Tammy Fox-Isicoff said.

Hart, said the draft order also would wreak havoc with the studies and training of foreign nationals in American universities studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the so-called STEM fields.

“The draft order would further narrow an already very narrow path for all of these students,” Hart said.

The draft order is titled Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity of Foreign Worker Visa Programs.

The City of Lauderhill invites you to have coffee with a cop

In an effort to bolster better police/community relations the City of Lauderhill has organized a sit in with the men and women who protect, serve and reassure citizens in that section of South Florida.

It’s called ‘Coffee with a Cop’.

The casual meeting with the men and women in blue will be held on March 2 at the McDonalds eatery at 1140N State Road 7 between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

The event is open to the public and will offer an opportunity for residents and business owners to interact with members of the police department.

Rock Island trounce Coral Springs in CASA Super League

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

Rock Island continued their winning ways with a 5-0 drubbing of Coral Springs in the Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) Super League at the Lauderhill Sports Park last Friday.

It was Rock Island’s second win in as much appearances.

On Wednesday Creekers managed to eke out a 1-1 draw with Plantation at the same venue.

Son of Jamaican immigrant wins top post in Democratic Party

The son of a Jamaican immigrant has won a top position in the Democratic Party. Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake, the son of Jamaican immigrants, won one of the vice chairs positions in the Democratic National Committee (DNC) at an insiders’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, over the weekend.

Queens, New York Congresswoman Grace Meng won the other vice chair position.

Blake, a 34-year-old veteran of former US President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and White House, and Meng called for unity in rebuilding the party’s infrastructure and to support new candidates for local office.

“We have to leave here united. We cannot walk out of here as Obama Democrats or Hillary Democrats or Bernie Democrats, we are a united Democratic Party, and that is who we are.”

In a show of unity, Perez asked the 400-plus DNC members to elect Ellison his deputy chairman. They complied, and Ellison accepted the post.

The Bronx-based Garifuna Political Action Committee congratulated Blake on his election.

US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9thCongressional District in Brooklyn, was among members of the Congressional Black Caucus who had had also endorsed Blake.

“As a fellow Jamaican-American, it is with great pride that I endorse Michael Blake for DNC vice chair,” Clarke said, adding “Michael is absolutely committed to organizing on the ground, mobilizing communities to vote and communicating how policies are directly impacted by political decisions.

“I have been a surrogate with Michael on countless occasions and have seen how hundreds of people are motivated to action because of his words,” she added. “He is exactly what we need as a party to heal and unite.”

Losing more gold medals? Not worried says Bolt

usain bolt
Usain Bolt

The world’s fastest man Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt says he harbors no fear of losing further relay medals should future tests reveal doping violations by teammates.

Bolt, former world record holder Asafa Powell and Michael Frater were stripped of their 2008 Olympic 4x100m relay gold medal when first leg runner Nesta Carter tested positive for methylhexaneamine after samples were re-tested.

Bolt’s Olympic medal tally was reduced to eight instead of nine as a result, robbing him of the famous triple-triple accolade in the process.

The medals lost could, however, be quite significant for the global icon should Carter’s samples fail to pass the future re-tests.

Carter was the starter in the 2012 Olympic Games relay team and 2011, 2013 and 2015 World Championship teams.  The 31-year-old Carter has since appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

“Even if I lose all my relay gold medals, for me, I did what I had to do, my personal goals,” Bolt said in a recent CNN interview.

The sprinter has ruled out an appearance at the 2022 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

“Maybe if it had come before the Olympics, maybe it would have taken away a little from me, and then I would have thought about it, but the fact that I got the chance to say, ‘the triple-triple,’ kind of made me feel good,” he said.

UN appoints envoy to end Guyana Venezuela dispute

The United Nations on Monday named Dag Halvor Nylander of Norway as the new envoy who will try to resolve the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was also prepared to turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the issue.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Nylander was appointed to help broker a settlement “until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation”.

He said that if no progress is made toward a settlement by the end of 2017, Guterres “will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement unless the governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so”.

Last December, Guyana welcomed the position of then outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that its border dispute with Venezuela be subjected to at least one more year of mediation.

Palm Beach County to participate in Nuclear preparedness execise

On Wednesday, March 1, a training exercise will take place in Palm Beach County.

This annual training exercise involves simulated response actions and the simulated emergency protective measures that would be implemented if an emergency at the St Lucie Nuclear Power Plant were to occur.

The training exercise will involve simulated response actions by emergency response personnel from various county and municipal agencies.

This activity will take place at Okeeheelee Park on Forest Hill Boulevard, west of Jog Road. Patrons and residents of the neighborhoods around the park are reminded that emergency activity at Okeeheelee Park on Wednesday, March 1, is for routine training and exercise purposes only. The exercise will take place sometime after 8 am. Part of the exercise involves response, so an exact time cannot be given.

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