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Sex scandal rocks the church

Church and policemen are the main sex offenders against minors- CISOCA

By Karyl Walker

In the wake of reports concerning clergymen who were charged with having sex with a female when she was 12 and 14 years old; the head of the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), Superintendent Enid Ross-Stewart, on Wednesday told a committee of Jamaica’s Parliament that pastors and policemen are among the main perpetrators of sex offences against children.

“We have constantly arrested high-profile members of the society, and, in particular, the Church. The Church and policemen are really our two highest, high profile persons. The church and police. Yes, my colleagues,” Ross-Stewart told a joint-select committee of Parliament that is reviewing Jamaica’s sex laws.

Gender Affairs Minister Olivia Grange, was not amused. “It’s distressing but not surprising,” she said.

Interestingly while Ross-Stewart was making her report in Parliament cops from CISOCA arrested and charge yet another clergyman from the Seventh Day Adventist church for alleged sex offences against an underage female.

The CISOCA head said that last year, her office received 1,094 reports of alleged sexual intercourse involving underage persons. Of that number, 664 reports came from Kingston. Most of the perpetrators were adult men. However, Ross-Stewart did not give much data on the number of cops and gospel preachers implicated in the sex offences. She lamented that the conviction rate was among the lowest compared with other categories of sex offences.

Meanwhile, there was yet another development in the scandal that has been rocking the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands when on the same day the accused – Dr. Paul Gardener, the former president of the Church and Revered Jermaine Gibson – a former deputy president, dropped a threat of a lawsuit against the alleged victim.

Gardner and Gibson made the decision when they appeared in court in the central parish of Manchester.

The two were arrested by cops from the CISOCA on January 20 and slapped with carnal abuse charges.

Gibson allegedly had a sexual relationship with the complainant when she was 12 years old. Gardner allegedly also engaged in sexual relations with her when she was 14.

However, Gardner denied the allegations, stating that he would clear his name.

Both were held after the female, who is now an adult, made complaints against them to the police and were ordered to return to court February 8.

UN suggests new sex definition for Jamaica

A United Nations (UN) recommendation that Jamaica’s legislators approve a reclassification of sexual intercourse to add oral and anal penetration in order to fairly protect men and women against sexual violence has re-ignited the wrath of a church lobby group.

The religious lobby, through the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) and the Associated Gospel Assembles (AGA), will have none of it and have strongly warned the island’s lawmakers to flatly reject the proposal.

On  Wednesday, representative of the UN Country Team, Mark Connolly, offered the recommendation to a parliamentary committee that is reviewing Jamaica’s sexual offenses statutes.

Under the island’s Sexual Offences Legislation sexual intercourse is “penetration of the vagina of one person by the penis of another person”.

But Connolly contended that the definition is too narrow and that the legal recognition of sexual violence against men and boys would not fall under it in an equally protective way as against women and girls.

“If sexual intercourse does not consider the possibility of other penetrative practices that may be used for inflicting grave sexual violence to any person, it does not recognise the same nature of any sexual penetration and diminishes particular humiliating or painful traumatic experiences that victims may go through,” he said.

However, head of the JCHS Wayne West, countered the proposal and argued that it disregards the ‘biology of sex’ and promotes the ‘gay agenda’.

“The UN is working an ideological framework that is seeking to remove consideration of the reality of biology in order to advance its political agenda. You don’t have to redefine sex from its biological moorings in order to punish people who offend other individuals,” he said.

Other churchmen have argued that legalizing anal sex would be the first step to legalizing same sex marriage in Jamaica.

Gay lobby group, the Jamaica Forum for All-Sexuals Gays and Lesbians (JFLAG) have come out in support of the UN recommendation.

Millions granted to eradicate Zika in Florida

Jackeline, 26, holds her son who is 4-months old and born with microcephaly, in front of their house in Olinda, near Recife, Brazil, February 11, 2016. Recent laboratory analyses identified Zika virus infections in three people who died in Brazil last year, the health ministry said on Thursday, although authorities could not confirm that Zika alone was responsible for their deaths. REUTERS/Nacho Doce TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX26KIR

Adhering to the state commitment to eradicate Zika virus from Florida, Governor Rick Scott announced $25 million in grants for further research into the mosquito borne virus, and the development of a vaccine to counter the disease.

Making the announcement on Wednesday, Scott indicated the funding is being broken down into 34 grants being made to 10 Florida universities and research institutions.

The largest grant of $13 million is being awarded to the University of Miami to develop Zika testing methodology, a Zika vaccine development, and research the effect that the virus has on pregnant women and their babies.

Last year a rash of locally contracted mosquito-borne Zika virus cases broke out in Miami-Dade County mainly in the Wynwood community, and on Miami Beach. The break out of the disease resulted in the Florida Department of Health (FDH) and the Centers for Disease (CDC) declaring the respective regions Zika contamination zones. The declarations were accompanied by nationwide warnings, especially to pregnant women, cautioning travel to these areas.

Months later, Governor Scott and the FDH lifted the restrictions as for weeks there were no new cases. However, the FDH and CDC cautioned South Floridians to remain alert against new local contaminated cases especially when the rainy season arrives. Governor Scott also gave assurances the state would provide the necessary funding to treat and eliminate the virus.

Referring to the new grants, Dr. Celeste Philip, Florida Surgeon General said the state cannot afford to relax its efforts to fight the Zika virus during the current dry season when mosquitoes are not prevalent.

The grant to the UM goes directly to the infectious diseases division at UM’s Miller School of Medicine.

The head of the division, Mario Stevenson regard the grants as a “big deal” and an asset in funding Zika related studies being hindered by funding challenges. He said together with developing cures for the virus, the division will be able to better focus on why the diseases is specifically impactful to pregnant women and their babies.

Other recipients of state grant funding include Florida Atlantic, Florida International and Florida State universities, the Moffitt Cancer Center and Scripps Research Institute.

The 2017/18 budget proposed by Governor Scott also includes $2.9 billion to be allocated to the FDH to employ more scientists and conduct further research into the Zika virus.

National Weekly February 2, 2017

Rock Island score 4-1 win over Lauderhill Lions in CASA Super League

Jamaica Premier League
Arnett Gardens FC and Vere United FC registered their first wins of the 2022 Jamaica Premier League.

Rock Island came up winners in last Saturday’s Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) Super League at the Lauderhill Park. The Rock Island team was bolstered by a hat trick from last year’s golden boot winner, Gavin Lister.

Team Haiti scored a thrilling 5-3 victory over Coral Springs. The effective Ruben Decis came up big after scoring all five goals for Team Haiti.

In the Masters League, Lion Masters, stopped Attackers 3-1 while Oldtymers edged South Fort Lauderdale Kickers 1-0.

Super league matches will continue on Saturday when Rockers FC battle Creekers Masters, Chapel Trail FC tackle Lauderdale FC, Creekers take on Lauderhill Juniors and Fort Lauderdale Blazers lock horns with Coral Springs FC.

‘Fry Eye’ – one of Jamaica’s most wanted fugitives – nabbed

James wanted for multiple murders and shootingd

One of Jamaica’s Most Wanted fugitives has been collared by police in the island. He has been identified as 23-year-old Yasser ‘Fry Eye’ James of Epping district, Hanover.

James was captured by the police on Thursday morning. Two other men taken into custody.

The three were held during a joint operation by members of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC), Narcotics Division and the St. Catherine North Police at Green Acres in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Two men were also held.

James who abscond bail from the St. Elizabeth Police was wanted by the Area One Police for several serious crimes to include multiple murders and shootings. He is said to be the leader of a notorious gang who has wreaked havoc in the central section of Jamaica.

The identities of the other men are being withheld pending further investigations.

Jamaican sentenced to 41 months for role in a lottery scam targeting elderly US victims

Happy Thursday everyone! Today is February 2. We’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community right here in South Florida. Good Afternoon and welcome. You’re watching CNW90.  The coverage today is brought to you by Grace Soups: Spice up your kitchen with Grace Soups today.  Genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide!

South Florida authorities denied rumors trending on social media on Wednesday warning that immigration officials were rounding up immigrants in Miami Beach, Little Haiti and North Miami. The Twitter posts were accompanied by a photo of Homeland Security bus purported to be waiting to transport immigrants. Google image search revealed the same photo was used 2 years ago on conspiracy websites. The Miami Beach Police Department confirmed with the Dept. of Homeland security there was no such immigration operation underway.

An increasing number of Barbadian Muslims had their US visas revoked in recent weeks, associated with an upsurge in visa application denials, according to the secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association, Suleiman Bulbulia. He says he anticipates a difficult time for Barbados muslims to get US Visas following President Trumps recent immigration order. Bulbulia also said he wasn’t sure if any member of the Barbadian Muslim population came from any of the countries banned by the immigration order.

Federal prosecutors in the US has sentenced Jeragh Powell a 26-yr old Jamaican citizen to 41 months in prison for his role in a lottery scam that targeted elderly US victims. Powell admitted working with his wife and others to mail fake lottery prize notifications to the victims directing them to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fake fees and taxes to receive prize money and cars. Powell’s wife, Kimberly Powell is to be sentenced on February 23.

In Sports

Former Wolmers Boys’ School goalkeeper Shamar Jemison, 19, has been selected by the Florida Memorial University football team. This was confirmed by FMU’s soccer coach Edil Payon. Jemison was selected as FMU’s goalkeeper from 35 candidates after impressing coaches during a one-week trial at the college.

Here’s What’s Trending

Veteran NBC-TV African-American broadcaster Tamron Hall has abruptly resigned from the network after it canceled her 9:00 am week-day slot on the network to make room for former FOX broadcaster Megyn Kelly who was recently hired by NBC. Hall was co-host of the slot since 2014, and also hosted a daily one-hour talk show on MSNBC.

For tomorrows weather forecast:

It will be partly cloudy in Broward County with a High of 78 degrees and a low of 67. It will also be partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 80 and a low of 67 degrees. For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at Caribbean nationalweekly.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!”

This has been CNW90, I’m ……………………..

February the month of Reggae champions

Karyl Walker

The month of February is officially Reggae Month in Jamaica. The month also signals the birth of two of Jamaica’s greatest musical ambassadors, The Reggae King Robert Nesta Marley, OM and the Crown Prince, Dennis Emmanuel Brown would have celebrated their birthday on the first and the sixth of the month respectively.

Both are no longer with us in the flesh but the vastness of their catalogue of works is so telling that their music is still a staple for the lovers of music that it will last for perhaps time immemorial.

Dennis Brown is gifted with honeyed vocals and an unmatched stage presence. So much so that even Marley himself was quoted as saying that the Crown Prince, affectionately called ‘D Brown’, was his favorite singer.

D Brown, is arguably Jamaica’s most popular singer despite Marley’s international exploits. The strains of his Here I Come, Foundation, Stop Your Fighting and If I Had The World, to name few, are still popular enough to eject loud whistles and horn blasts at dances, clubs and live events when they are rotated.

Dennis Brown during his abbreviated sojourn on earth, was so effective a performer that for years on end, he was billed to bring the curtains down on an event such as Sting which saw many other performers who were blessed with the popular hits of the day cower at the thought of closing the event.

He also gave his best whenever he appeared on the now defunct, Reggae Sunsplash, where patrons would wait in the droves until sometimes as late as 10 in the morning to enjoy the great man as he strutted his musical stuff.

The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley is without a doubt, Jamaica’s greatest musical ambassador. Marley has been awarded by Time Magazine with the album and song of the century in the process overshadowing a slew of international stars including, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr and Elvis Presley.

Marley has also been awarded with four stars on the Hollywood walk of fame.

His work transcended entertainment as his music was a powerful political tool that inspired oppressed people in the world over and was one of the driving forces behind the birth of the anti-apartheid movement and the freedom fight of the colonized people of Zimbabwe and Angola.

The name Marley still earns significant revenue for the island of Jamaica as his legacy lives on through his offspring who all have carved out their own niche in the entertainment arena.

The work of these two icons of Reggae music has common threads. It has made the world a better and more enjoyable place.

All hail the King and Crown Prince of Reggae.

Haitian appointed chair of NY task force

Heastie...appointed chair of NY task force

New York State Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie, has been appointed by Haitian- American Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages as chair of the Legislative Task Force on New Americans.

Founded in 2001, the entity focuses on researching and advocating for policies and programs that have a direct impact on the immigrant community throughout the state of New York.

Solages, 31, who represents the 22nd district in the New York State Assembly, since 2013, is the first Haitian-American elected to the New York State legislature.

 “The foreign-born population has a substantial impact on New York, especially in suburban communities. They contribute to economic output, tax revenues, and play a significant role in creating small businesses. Rather than waste government resources on raids and walls, we should invest in our communities and crumbling infrastructure.” Solages said.

“As a daughter of an [Haitian] immigrant …and chair of this Task Force, I will celebrate the diversity of our state and push back against the rise of ‘extreme anti-immigration rhetoric,’” she added.

Tooth Pain…ouch!

A toothache causes the most unbearable pain

When heat and cold hurt your teeth
Dr. Sharon Robinson, DDS

For anyone, and that’s most people who ever had a toothache, they know it’s one of the worst pains to endure.

Toothache and tooth pain generally describe pain in the mouth due to an injury or other type of dental condition. Some typical causes of toothaches are an exposed nerve or tooth root, gum disease, a cavity in a tooth, or a cracked tooth from an acute injury. Tooth pain can range from mild to severe and either last a short time or be chronic pain. Other types of tooth pain stem from hot or cold drinks or originate around the jaw. Find out more from your dentist about toothaches and tooth pain, and what you can do about them.

Perhaps you’ve had a cold drink and winced in pain. Or you inhaled air on a chilly day and felt a jolt when the air hit your teeth. Maybe you found yourself unable to enjoy a cup of hot tea without a sharp ache punctuating each sip. If any of these situations sounds familiar, you probably have sensitive teeth.

The reasons for the discomfort are many. First, the root structure of one or more teeth may have become exposed. Normally covered by gum tissue, this layer just underneath — called dentin — contains millions of tiny tubules (or tiny channels) each of which is connected to a nerve ending. It’s when the tubules are left unprotected by gum recession or enamel erosion that problems arise. Receding gums, tooth grinding, a diet high in acidic beverages, and over-aggressive brushing can all leave dentin exposed.

Your favorite beverages can make a big difference, too. Anything with a high acid level — sodas, coffee, tea, almost all juices, wine, and many popular energy drinks — can worsen enamel erosion and discomfort. Carbonated water is OK, but watch out for flavored seltzer, which may have citric acid.

Dentin can also become irritated if you overuse tooth-whitening agents, which contain harsh ingredients to strip away stains. Unfortunately, they can also thin the enamel layer around dentin, exposing the tender tubules.

Tooth pain can be very discomforting, as well as frustrating regardless of the reason causing it.  If you are experiencing any level of tooth pain, it is best to visit your dentist, before the problem worsens.

For help with tooth pain and other dental problems, Dr. Sharon Robinson DDS may be contacted at (954) 792-1857 at The Dental Place, inside Plantation Professional Park, 6738 W Sunrise Blvd, suite#105, Plantation, Florida, 33313.  

Jamaica National Bank launched

Earl Jarrett discusses opening of JN Bank

After some eight years of planning and negotiation, Jamaica National Bank (JN Bank) began operation in Kingston, Jamaica on February 1.

The bank, the result of the reorganization of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), is Jamaica’s newest and seventh commercial bank, but the only one to be owned by its members who are also members of the Jamaica National Building Society.

The bank is the nation’s third largest with announced assets of $180 billion and savings of $10 billion.

JN Bank’s managing director is Maureen Hayden-Cater who said the bank’s customers can look forward to special banking packages and new features that will position the bank to increase its competitiveness in the already competitive commercial banking sector.  She said the bank is anxious to serve its customers and provide the services that members of the Building Society had been seeking for the past several years.   

JNBS has over half-a-million members including Jamaicans in the Diaspora who are now customers of JN Bank. The financial institution has members in Jamaican communities in the United States. Canada and the United Kingdom.

Already having a extensive nationwide networks through the building society the services of the bank will extend to 34 locations, including 25 branches and nine Money Shops.

Earl Jarrett, general manager of JN Group of which JN Bank is a subsidiary, said one of the new bank’s objective is to “deliver the greatest level of customer service” and offer banking fees that are lower than the those offered by other of Jamaica’s commercial bank.

A potential pool of new customers for the bank are government employees. Now that JNBS is operating as a commercial bank, these employees can open accounts and deposit their salary checks with the bank. Public sector regulations dictate that the salaries of public sector employees can only be deposited with commercial banks.

The Jamaica National Building Society was founded in 1864, as the Westmoreland Building Society. After a series of mergers, it emerged as the Jamaica National Building Society in 1970, and now becomes one of Jamaica’s largest commercial banks.

Jamaica seeks to strengthen relationship with Trump administration

Audrey Marks and Donald Trump
Audrey Marks, Donald Trump

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, has reiterated the importance of Jamaica-US relations and interest expressed by the Andrew Holness led administration to further strengthen and deepen the historically strong ties that exist between both countries.

Marks made the statement as she extended best wishes to President Donald Trump and his Cabinet for a successful tenure in office, on behalf of the Jamaican government and people.

Marks who attended the Chairman’s Global Dinner, hosted by Presidential Inaugural Committee Chairman Thomas Barrack, on January 17, used the opportunity to congratulate Trump on his election to the presidency. Trump was inaugurated on January 20.

Responding to her well wishes, Trump recalled Jamaica as a beautiful country that he had enjoyed visiting in the past. Marks welcomed the comments and extended an invitation to the president to visit again.

Over the last few weeks of the transition of presidential administrations in Washington, Marks also met with several members of President Trump’s proposed Cabinet, and other senior members of the new administration.

Marks is serving her second term as Jamaica’s ambassador to the US. She was first appointed by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding in 2009.

Moravian sex scandal church leaders have bails extended

Reverends Gardner (L) and Bishop are accompanied by a female as the exit the Manchester Parish Court

Woman accused churchmen of sexual misconduct

The former President and Vice President of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Reverends Dr. Paul Gardner and Jermaine Gibson who are embroiled in a sex scandal both had their bails extended when they appeared in the Mandeville Parish Court on Wednesday.

Both are charged with having sex with a female when she was 12 and 14 years old.

They were arrested by cops from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offenses and Child Abuse (CISOCA) on Monday January 20 and slapped with carnal abuse charges.

They were granted station bail in the sum of $300,000 each.

Gibson allegedly had a sexual relationship with the complainant when she was 12 years old. Gardner allegedly also engaged in sexual relations with her when she was 14.

However, Gardner denied the allegations, stating that he would clear his name.

Gardner and Bishop were held after the female, who is now an adult, made complaints against them to the police. Both were ordered to return to court on Wednesday February 8.

Their arrests came weeks after another Moravian man of the cloth, Rupert Clarke, was found in a compromising position with a 15-year-old girl in a car on a lonely dirt track in St Elizabeth.

Peter Abrahams death now being treated as murder

Peter Abrahams
Abrahams...died from blunt force trauma

Veteran broadcaster died from blunt force trauma

Jamaican homicide investigators have reported that veteran broadcaster and novelist, Peter Abrahams, was murdered.

The report came following a Post Mortem examination on his body where the Government Pathologist concluded that the injuries that led to his death were deliberately inflicted.

The 97-year-old Abrahams was found dead at his home in Red Hills, St. Andrew on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. His body lay feet from his wheelchair and there was blood in the house. It was revealed that he died from blunt force trauma.

The Police have also issued an appeal to anyone who may have information that can assist investigators to call St. Andrew North Police Station at 924-1435, Police 119 Emergency Number, Crime Stop at 311 or using the Stay Alert App.

He was exiled from his home country of South Africa during the apartheid era in 1929 and resided in the United Kingdom where he worked as a sailor and later Jamaica, where he took up the mantle of editor at the West Indian Economist and was head honcho at the West Indian News.

He also became a staple on Jamaican radio with his incisive public commentary. Abrahams was awarded with the Musgrave Gold Medal by the Institute of Jamaica in 1994 for his journalism work.

Haitian beauty places second in Miss Universe 2017

Haitian beauty Raquel Pelissier, 25, placed contestant in the Miss Universe 2017 Pageant

Haitian beauty places second in Miss Universe 2017

Haitians in South Florida are dizzy with pride that their country woman Raquel Pelissier, 25, was the second placed contestant in the Miss Universe Pageant held last Sunday in Manilla, Philippines. However, the majority, agrees with other local viewers of the annual pageant that the tall elegant Haitian beauty should have won the coveted crown. She lost to Miss France Iris Mittenaere.

Pelissier was an early online favorite with Haitian-Americans, who voted heavily for her to be in the top thirteen. Miami Haitian-American, Leslee Minot says she and her sisters together cast 330 votes for the beauty. However, that wasn’t necessary as Pelissier was already included among the top 12 contestants announced minutes after the pageant began. The thirteenth contestant picked by online viewers was Miss Thailand.

From the top 13, Miss Haiti showed excellent poise, elegance and beauty parading in swim-suit, and evening gown. She progressed to the top five and eventually was named the first runner up or second placed winner.

Minot said, “Haitians are so disappointed. She was clearly the more shapely, intelligent, and beautiful contestant. It’s so hard for Caribbean girls to win Miss Universe. Usually our girls make the top ten or finish in the top three but very rarely receive the crown. Nonetheless we are still very proud of Raquel.”

Pelissier, is a professional model who holds a degree in Optometry and a degree in Scientific Research from the “Universitad Complutense de Madrid” in Spain. She’s fluent in French, Haitian Creole, English and Spanish.

A survivor of the devastating 2011 earthquake, she said participating in the pageant gave her “the opportunity to expose the country’s culture abroad. I want to change the way the rest of the world sees us and make a good impact.” She also said with the eye disease glaucoma prevalent in her family, and which could affect her as she ages, she studied optometry to effectively treat glaucoma.

Offering congratulations, the Consulate of Haiti in Miami, stated, “Congratulations to our heroine Raquel Pelissier ….. We are very proud of you!”

Congresswoman rebukes Trump’s ban on Muslim immigrants

Clarke...rebuked Trump's ban on Muslim immigrants

Clarke vows to stop Trump from destroying America

Caribbean-American US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants entering the United States from seven Muslim countries – Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, for ninety days.

On Sunday, Clarke, who represents the New York’s 9th district, convened an emergency meeting with the Muslim community in Brooklyn.The meeting  entitled ““Protect Yourself and Your Family from Donald Trump’s Anti-Muslim Executive Orders”  was in response to the President’s executive order which in turn was titled, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.”

At the meeting Clarke gave assurances that Democrats in the US Congress will be working diligently to revoke the ban.

Concerning the executive order, Clarke said : “In the best of our traditions, the United States has welcomed people from around the world who wanted to come here to pursue the American Dream.

Such people, include many of the families I am honored to represent in Brooklyn, where my parents settled in 1955 from Jamaica. 
There are, unfortunately, periods in our history when the United States has departed from that proud tradition, as when Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps during the Second World War and when strict limits were placed on immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe in 1924 based on irrational fears about Catholic and Jewish influence on American culture,” she said.

“I will never accept this attack on Muslim families as the policy of the United States. I will resist, and I call on my colleagues in Congress and people of good faith across the United States to join me in resistance to this act of hate,” Clarke added.

The Congresswoman was also at JFK Airport on Saturday evening with other New York lawmakers meeting with families of many of the immigrants affected by the order being executed by U.S. Customs and Border agents.

In a tweet posted during the confusion at JFK and other airports Clarke said, “We will not let him (Trump) destroy America.”

A few hours on Saturday evening, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) succeeded in getting federal courts to lift detention orders on green card holders originating from the seven counties entering the US subsequent to the executive order.

CSC Youth and Family Summit 2017

Step up Caribbean-American youth

CSC Youth and Family Summit 2017

Andrew Leon, Assistant Director of Communications and Outreach at The Children Services Council of Broward County has announced the Council will host the CSC Youth and Family Summit 2017 on February 21st at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.

The Summit is geared to address the concerns of child advocates, child service professionals, parents, youth and members of the business community.

Click this link to register: http://cscbroward.org/youthsummit

The featured speakers at the Summit will include:

Maya L. Harris: accomplished attorney, public policy advocate and philanthropic leader, Ms. Harris is an innovative voice in global efforts to expand equal opportunity, strengthen democracy and protect civil and human rights. Currently appointed as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School and a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Ms. Harris focuses on promoting policies that strengthen the U.S. economy through greater inclusion of women and people of color.

Kevin Haggerty, Director, Center for Communities that Care, an evidence based model that identifies individual, family, society risk factors that are barriers to reducing teen pregnancy, substance abuse and delinquency and protective factors needed to improve life outcomes for young people.

Dr. Haggerty will share current national community level research findings that show the power of the Communities that Care model and highlight opportunities to further strengthen Broward’s use of the model.

The Summit will also feature interactive concurrent sessions featuring youth voices and Broward County Public Schools debate teams, and discussions geared to Build a Better Broward for children and families.

Other related article:

CSC to host Teens’ Transition to Life Summit

Cardiovascular Health: Know your options

Knowing your options if you are denied the cardiovascular medicine you need

As we approach American Heart Month, one important topic must be addressed: improving access to innovative therapies for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

When prescribed a medication by a physician, most individuals expect to receive the medication without jumping through hurdles. However, for many people affected by cardiovascular disease across the country, this is increasingly not always the case. According to Symphony Health Solutions, commercial payers deny up to 90 percent of initial claims submissions for patients with CVD, with the final rejection rate for patients at 73 percent.

Many of these patients who are rejected have high cholesterol and/or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which is an inherited form of significantly high cholesterol and one of the most common genetic diseases, affecting at least one in every 200 to 500 people. Thus, these patients are exploring new treatment regimens because they have not been able to get their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or “bad” cholesterol, under control despite treatment with a statin – the current standard of treatment. Additionally, many patients living with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is caused by a build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in the arteries, are unable to get their LDL-C under control with current treatment options.

With CVD being a major public health concern in the U.S, it is imperative to lower bad cholesterol for patients who have already had a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke, as well as patients with FH who require additional treatment options to lower their LDL-C levels along with their statin. Yet, there is a growing concern that many patients with uncontrolled LDL-C levels continue to face challenges in accessing PCSK9 inhibitors their physicians have prescribed based on the approved indication. PCSK9 (or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors are human monoclonal antibodies that block the protein PCKS9, which prevents the body’s natural system from eliminating “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C) from the blood.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration carefully determined which patients would be appropriate for PCSK9 therapy given the clinical trial information, many payers have implemented restrictive prior authorization processes using stringent utilization management criteria, which is resulting in many patients being denied access. This is not unique to PCSK9s though; we have seen these restrictive authorization practices affecting patients seeking hepatitis C and heart failure treatments as well.

Being denied access to the medicine you are prescribed is tremendously frustrating and can leave patients feeling hopeless. However, it is important to know that, as a patient, there are certain things you can do to take action if this happens to you:

* Talk to your doctor. If you are denied access to vital treatment, talk with your physician about what you can do to receive the therapy you need.

* Share your story. Patients and physicians should feel empowered to speak out and engage with their networks, sharing their stories to help drive attention and awareness to the issue.

* Engage advocates. Seek out advocacy groups and patient networks that have resources.

Now is an opportune time for patients to be aware of the options available, especially when they are denied access to treatments prescribed by their physicians. In keeping with the spirit of American Heart Month, make wellness a priority. If you or a loved one suffers from CVD, talk with your physician to ensure you are receiving the appropriate medical care. For more information, please visit www.advancecardiohealth.org.

93 year old Nigerian dies leaving behind 86 wives and 176 children!

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today is January 31. We’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community right here in South Florida.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is urging Jamaicans to remain calm in light of new immigration policies in the US. The minister says the Jamaican government is in contact with the US Embassy in Jamaica, and the US State Department through Jamaican Missions in the US. She said as soon as the Jamaican government is clear on the advice it can give to the public on any impact on the Jamaican community, it will do so. The minister assured Jamaicans the government is monitoring the situation closely in Jamaicans interest.

Caribbean-American US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of New York City is actively expressing her opposition to President Trump’s executive order banning immigrants entering the USA from seven Muslim countries. She joined in protest at JFK airport, and held an emergency meeting with Brooklyn’s Muslim community, and expressed her commitment to work with Congressional Democrats to ensure the executive order is repealed.

St. Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says the United States Government had threatened St Lucia to accept nationals deported from the US, Chastanet told reporters that Castries was told that if it did not accept the deportees, travel visas for St. Lucians would be pulled. Chastanet says while he has indicated to Washington he is not pleased with the threat, he would honor the current system.

In Sports:

Jamaican and world ace sprinter Usain Bolt referring to the loss of his 2008 Olympic Games relay gold medal as a result of the confirmation of a positive, drug test finding for teammate, Nesta Carter, said he’s disappointed to lose the medal, but it won’t take away from what he has achieved throughout his career. He said the key thing was he won his individual events. Bolt ruled out extending his Olympics career to regain his ninth medal.

Here What’s Trending

A 93 year-old Nigerian Muslim died recently in Nigeria leaving 86 wives and 176 children. Ordered by a court last year to divorce 82 of his wives, and keep four in accordance with Islam, he refused saying he had broken no law.

For tomorrows weather forecast:

It will be partly cloudy in Broward County with a High of 76 degrees and a low of 64. It will also be partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 76 and a low of 63 degrees. For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at Caribbean nationalweekly.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!”

This has been CNW90.

Jamaican foreign minister urges calm over US travel ban

Jamaican foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith urges calm to Jamaicans at home and abroad

Jamaican foreign minister urges calm over US travel ban

Responding to the raging controversy over President Donald Trump’s executive order banning some immigrants from entering the United States, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is encouraging Jamaicans to remain calm in light of recent events in the United States.

In a statement to Jamaicans, the Minister said, “It is very important in these matters that we remain calm and responsible. It is extremely unhelpful that people are inciting panic on matters that are very complex and very technical and subject to a lot of uncertainty even in the issuing state. The Ministry is making every effort to ascertain the scope of these orders and it is important that we not conflate them, because there is more than one order and they deal with entirely different things. I would ask the Jamaican community overseas and public to remain calm and to be assured that the Ministry is examining these issues.”

Jamaica has one of the largest Caribbean Diaspora communities in the United States. This Diaspora estimated at over 2 million has large communities in South Florida, New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, Philadelphia, California, Atlanta, and Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia. The Jamaican Diaspora includes US citizens, permanent US residents (Green-card holders) and undocumented residents.

Trump’s ban against immigrants from seven mostly Muslim countries has generated concerns among Jamaicans. The concern is driven by the fact that the majority of Jamaicans at home have relatives living in the US, and several are dependent on financial and other assistance from these relatives. Moreover, and particularly relevant to any measures taken by the Trump administration to deter the flow of immigrants to the US, several Jamaicans are continuously seeking to migrate to join relatives in the Diaspora, or otherwise seek to migrate to the US in search of the American dream.

In seeking to appease these concerned Jamaicans, Minister Johnson Smith said, “We are in contact with the US Embassy here (in Jamaica), and we are in contact with the State Department overseas through our US Missions.  As soon as we are clear on the advice we can give to the public on any impact on the Jamaican community, we will do so. Please be assured that we are monitoring these issues closely with your interest at heart.”

The minister also said the Ministry and the Government will maintain open communications channels and provide updates as matters become clearer, and the circumstances evolve.

“I think it’s important to make the point that the Jamaican Government cannot afford to rely on media reports and websites for information, so we have requested documentation on the Executive Orders from the US Embassy here and our missions in the (United) States. So we are very much doing the work that is necessary to ensure we do not inflame or give inaccurate positions or speculate as I believe is being done quite broadly now. We are making sure we have the right information to give the Jamaican people the correct advice which they need to guide them in their actions.”

ORLANDO: Jamaican Foreign Minister pledges change for Diaspora

It’s a Hard Knock Life – Annie

It’s a Hard Knock Life – Annie

The City of Sunrise is taking a trip to the Big Apple as they present the free community outdoor movie, Annie. Ever since her parents left her as a baby, little Annie played by Quvenzhané Wallis, has led a hard-knock life with her calculating foster mother, Miss Hannigan. However, all that changes when hard-nosed billionaire and mayoral candidate Will Stacks, played by Jamie Foxx, takes her in on the recommendation of his advisers. Stacks believes that he’s Annie’s guardian angel, but the plucky youngster’s confidence and sunny outlook may mean that Annie will save Will instead.

Produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film is Rated PG. The City of Sunrise Outdoor Movie Series is sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the grass under the stars. This movie takes place on Friday, February 3rd at 7:30pm.  Admission to the event and popcorn are free. Get there early to guarantee a good spot!

Miami-Dade residents protest Mayor Gimenez actions

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez

Miami-Dade residents protest Mayor Gimenez actions

Following Miami-Dade Mayor hasty response to President Trump’s executive order to stop federal grants to “sanctuary cities and counties” providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants from detention and deportation, protestors descended on County Hall in Miami last Friday.

Last Thursday, less than 24-hours after Trump signed the executive order, Gimenez ordered county jails to comply with federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants who have committed a crime.

Around noon on Friday, protesters gathered outside Miami-Dade County Hall at the Stephen P. Clark Center in Downtown Miami to express objection and concern to the mayor’s response to the executive order. Several protestors, most of whom were immigrants, carried signs denouncing Gimenez, some reading “Shame on You, Gimenez.”

Some protestors said they were already afraid of measures Trump would impose against immigrants when it was realized he had won the presidential elections. One of the protestors, Miriame Josephe said, “I have a lot of fear about what Trump may do to remove immigrants. Mayor Gimenez now make that fear worse. Most immigrants are not criminals, but it can be so easy for the authorities to wrongfully accuse people of being criminals.”

The protestors accused Gimenez of betraying Miami-Dade County residents by supporting Trump’s executive order.

Gimenez said in an interview on CNN that his response was done for economic reasons, to ensure Miami-Dade County doesn’t lose critical federal funding. He also said when he was sworn in as mayor, he took an oath to defend and protect the constitutional laws of the United States, Florida and Miami-Dade County.

The director of communications in Mayor Gimenez Michael Hernandez, office said the county has always cooperated and “will continue to cooperate with the federal government,” while emphasizing Miami-Dade Police officers are not immigration enforcement agents.

Gimenez also claimed that Miami-Dade isn’t a sanctuary county, since it has been complying with federal government immigration policies, although it was determined to be in this category by the Obama administration last year.

There are reports that Mayor Gimenez response to the executive order is creating fear among children of undocumented immigrants at Miami-Dade public schools. According to Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, students have been expressing concerns for the welfare of their parents as a result of the executive order.

EDITORIAL: Immigrants remain the driving force behind American leadership and innovation

Jamaica seeks to strengthen relationship with Trump administration

Jamaica seeks to strengthen relationship with Trump administration

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, has extended best wishes to US President Donald Trump and his Cabinet for a successful tenure in office, on behalf of the Jamaican government and people.

Ambassador Marks who was the nation’s representative at the Chairman’s Global Dinner, hosted by Presidential Inaugural Committee Chairman Thomas Barrack, on January 17, used the opportunity to congratulate Trump on his election to the presidency. Trump was inaugurated on January 20.

Responding to the well wishes of the Jamaican diplomat, Trump expressed appreciation for the warm greetings and good wishes. He recalled Jamaica as a beautiful country that he had enjoyed visiting in the past. Ambassador Marks welcomed the comments and extended an invitation to the president to visit again.

Over the last few weeks of the transition of presidential administrations in Washington, Ambassador Marks also met with several members of President Trump’s proposed Cabinet, and other senior members of the new administration.

The importance of Jamaica-US relations was reaffirmed during these exchanges. The ambassador conveyed the interest of the Jamaican Government in working with the new administration to further strengthen and deepen the historically strong ties that exist between the two countries.

Ambassador Marks represented Jamaica at several inaugural events in the nation’s capital. She expressed optimism that the transition from the Obama to the Trump administration will remain relatively seamless, and the excellent relationship between the two countries will be maintained. She said she looked forward to actively engaging the new administration in the months ahead on issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador is serving her second term as Jamaica’s ambassador to the US. She was first appointed by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding in 2009, and when she first arrived in Washington was greeted by outgoing President Barack Obama at the White House.

Caribbean leaders should meet with Trump soon

Black Florida: Pompano Beach by artist Johanne Rahaman at BaCA February 3

Black Florida: Pompano Beach by artist Johanne Rahaman at BaCA February 3

Johanne Rahaman is an emerging documentary photographer, working in both digital and film formats since 2002.  Her latest work, Black Florida, has been profiled in New Yorker magazine. The collection is an ongoing photographic archive of shifting urban and rural spaces occupied by the Black communities throughout the State of Florida. Rahaman’s images consists of environmental portraits, landscape, architectural and still life images, underscoring the urgency and importance of recording these neighborhoods that are in a constant state of flux.

In February, 2017, BaCA will exhibit the images as a result of her focus on Pompano Beach in honor of Black History month, and as a continuing narrative that began with last year’s exhibit, “What’s Your Story?” that showcased portraits of Pompano Beach’s black community in the 1930s. Rahaman’s drive for documenting these communities that mirror her hometown; the stigmatized Laventille Hills of Trinidad, was born out of a sense of duty to offer the public an alternative view of Black ghettos, and ghetto life, unashamedly, as a sense of place, as home.

In the absence of newsworthy events, her work takes a look at the simplicities and the complexities of entrepreneurship, beauty, sensuality, aging, mortality, youth, and resilience within the African Diaspora.

“Black Florida” is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP), an organization who aims to change the national conversation around both poverty and economic insecurity. They commission stories – from narrative features to photo essays and video – that put a human face on financial instability. They fund and place their reportage and photojournalism in renowned and popular sites and magazines, from The New York Times to Slate to MSNBC.

Movie featuring Liberty City nominated for five Academy Awards

Movie featuring Liberty City nominated for five Academy Awards

Liberty City, one of the region’s oldest and poorest communities is featured in “Moonlight” a movie that has been nominated for five Academy Awards. On Tuesday it was announced that “Moonlight” is one of nine motion pictures nominated in the category Best Motion Picture of 2016.

The movie’s director  – Barry Jenkins, an African-American originally of Liberty City, has been nominated for “Best Director” and also for writing the “Best Adapted Screenplay” along with fellow original Liberty City resident Tarrell Alvin McCraney.

African American Actor Mahershala Ali and actress, Naomi Harris were nominated for “Best Support Actor” and “Best Supporting Actress” respectively. The musical score from the movie has also been nominated for the “Original Score” award.

The winners of the respective awards will be presented with the Oscars at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 26.

Earlier this year, “Moonlight” won the Golden Globe “Best Picture” award.

The movie originated from the autobiographical short play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” written by McCraney. From this short story Jenkins adapted the script, which he titled “Moonlight.”

“Moonlight” is a three-part story about a young boy—and, later, young man—growing up in Liberty City, Miami. The lead role is performed by three actors, Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes.

McCraney wrote the play back in the summer of 2003, after graduating from DePaul University with a BFA in acting, and shortly after his mother, a drug addict, died, a victim of HIV/AIDS.

Jenkins is a graduate of Northwestern High School in Miami. He later studied motion picture arts and writing at Florida State University. After graduating from FSU he pursued a film making career in Los Angeles, but returned to his Miami roots to direct Moonlight.

Production of the movie became a reality when producer Adele Romanski became interested in the screen play and she secured the required funding from actor Brad Pitt’s production company Plan B and distributor A24 Films.

The film was shot in just over three weeks last October in Miami.

Some of the cast members included students from the Norland Middle School’s Performing Arts Magnet Program. Fifteen male students were auditioned for the lead role and two, Alex Hibbert, 11, and Jaden Piner, 12, were accepted.

“Moonlight” made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September, and was also shown at festivals in Toronto, New York and London, before opening nationally in the US last October.

In contrast to last year when there was a “blackout” of black actors, actresses, or movies with a theme related to the black experience, the nominations were significantly different this year.  In addition to Moonlight, the movies Fences, and Hidden Figures, with African-American story lines, were nominated for Best Picture. Also along with Ali, African-American iconic actor, Denzel Washington was nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Fences.” Joining Harris as nominees for Best actress are black actresses Viola Davis for “Fences” and Octavia Spencer for her role in “Hidden Figures.”

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