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Ministry of Health confirms Jamaica’s first ‘probable’ case of Zika-related microcephaly

Today is Thursday January 19 and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida. I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this is CNW90.

The news today is brought to you by Grace Soups: Spice up your kitchen with Grace Soups today. Genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide!

Here are today’s top stories:

Jamaica has recorded its first ‘probable’ case of Zika-related microcephaly. This was confirmed yesterday afternoon by the Ministry of Health. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Winston De La Haye who said the ministry received the notification on January 10 and is awaiting one final test before the case is considered conclusive.

Microcephaly is a rare nervous system disorder that causes a baby’s head to be small and not fully developed.Up to late 2016, there were over 700 notifications of pregnant woman with the Zika virus.

Leader of the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says there will be robust opposition to the plan by ministers in the Team Unity Government of Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris to look after their own interests instead of the overall development of the twin-island federation. In an interview, the former prime minister said the St Kitts-Nevis Labor Party will continue to bring to the people’s attention that the Harris Government is not for the national development of the people.

South Floridians can catch platinum selling Jamaican recording artist Jack Radics as he takes his Watershed Tour here to Florida for four performances starting tomorrow. The tour will kick off in Jacksonville before he appears in Hollywood on Saturday at the Ginger Bay Café. The Watershed album has high praise from critics and audiences across the U.S. with many citing the album as Radics’ finest achievement to date in a career that has spanned nearly three decades.

In Sports:

Phillip Clarke took top honors in the first edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s 2017 Road Series’ events when he won the 72.4-meter race Sunday. The Knights FR cyclist outsprinted a group of riders close to home to gain victory ahead of Team Foundation’s Adam Alexander and Jabari Whiteman of Heatwave, with Olympic sprinter Njisane Phillip taking fourth. Clarke picked up nine points for the win, while Alexander, Whiteman and Phillip bagged seven, five and three points, respectively.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Former Fugees member and Haitian-born rap vetern Wyclef Jean got himself in some hot water with the Twitterverse after posting “Martin Luther King Jr. fought because all lives matter.”

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Mostly Sunny in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 63. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 67. 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.

The news today is 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 Jahlisa Harvey

This Day in History: Snow fell in Florida 35 years ago

On this day in history, January 19, 1977 snow made landfall in the Sunshine State. It was the only time in South Florida history that snow fell from the skies, swirling over palm trees, and dazzling school children.

The Cold wave of January 1977 produced the only known trace of snow in the Miami area of Florida ever reported. It occurred following the passage of a strong cold front, in combination with a high-pressure area situated over the Mississippi River Valley. As a result, cold air spewed across Florida, causing both snowfall and record low temperatures. Most notably, the weather system brought snow flurries as far south as Homestead on January 19. Although other portions of the state have since experienced snowfall, no snow has fallen in South Florida since. Damage was most significant to agriculture, as major losses occurred to Citrus fruits and tender vegetables. Statewide, agricultural damage from the cold wave totaled to $350 million (1977 USD), and losses overall totaled to $2 billion (1977 USD). One fatality occurred due to an automobile accident in Central Florida, which was related to the cold wave.

Beginning on January 16, a strong arctic cold front began crossing the state of Florida. Two days later, another cold front crossed Florida, while a strong arctic high-pressure system over the Mississippi River Valley also began pushing cold air into Florida. Simultaneously, an upper-level trough associated with the second cold front contained a band of clouds and precipitation. Between 8 and 9:30 am, snow flurries were reported in many areas across south Florida, including Miami. It was reported that people stopped their cars and emerged from their homes to see the snow in great numbers, many having never seen snow flurries in their lifetimes. That day the high only reached 47 F in Miami. The associated cold air began to subside on January 21st.

4 mindful strategies for a healthy 2017

4 mindful strategies for a healthy 2017

Losing weight and increasing exercise commonly make the top of New Year’s resolution lists. Yet many people fall short of their wellness goals each year. What can you do differently in 2017 to ensure you’re among those who succeed?

“Mental health and taking time for yourself can greatly improve your chances of achieving your health and wellness goals,” says the Mayo Clinic. “It’s important to realize that changing any behavior is often a complex process that requires you to address the mental as well as physical aspects of the change you want to achieve.”

Below are helpful strategies from the wellness professionals at Mayo Clinic to assist you in achieving your goals this year:

Be on your mental game

Weight loss is a common New Year’s resolution goal, but to achieve it, you’ll likely need to do more than simply change your eating habits. Behaviors, thoughts and emotions may be playing a role in keeping you from shedding pounds. For example, not getting enough sleep can thwart better eating and exercise habits. Sleep deprivation can hinder your ability to control your emotions, interfere with positive thought processes and make you too tired to exercise regularly.

Being aware of factors that contribute to negative habits not only can help you succeed, it can also help you sustain the changes.

Be aware of self-talk

Everyone has an integral dialogue, and it’s the voice we all believe the most. Is yours negative or positive? The voice of your self-talk can greatly affect your confidence level. Pay attention to your self-talk and evaluate if what you’re telling yourself is actually true.

When self-talk turns negative, try to challenge it and find a more positive way to look at the situation. For example, turn “I always fail at losing weight because I eat too much” into “I enjoy eating fruits and vegetables and can easily eat three servings a day.”

It will take time and practice to learn how to turn negative self-talk into positive, so be patient with yourself.

Fight boredom with fun and creativity

People fail at wellness goals for many reasons, including boredom. Approaching your goals with a creative and fun attitude can help keep them fresh and exciting – and keep you on track!

Try learning something new or vary your routine. For example, try a new recipe or modify your usual food choices. Learn to use a new piece of equipment at the gym, or take an exercise class to learn something you’ve always wanted to do.

Dance around the house, take a healthy cooking class, read a book, travel, check an item off your bucket list or create a list if you don’t have one. However, you define “fun,” if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to want to keep doing it.

Prepare to overcome setbacks

No matter how committed you are to a goal, setbacks are normal. Don’t let them derail you. Planning for setbacks and how you’ll overcome them can help you stay on track for the long term.

When planning how you’ll reach a desired behavior change, try including some what-if scenarios. For example, if your fitness routine includes a yoga class after work and you get delayed, think about what you could do to still meet your exercise goal. You might be able to substitute another class or use body weight exercises at home. Having a back-up plan in case your original goal doesn’t work out can help you avoid “all-or-nothing” thinking.

If you experience a setback, be compassionate with yourself; change is rarely easy. Giving yourself a break will help you dust yourself off and get back on track.

By taking a mindful and proactive approach to your health, you’ll be on the way towards achieving your wellness goals through 2017 and beyond. To learn more about healthy living, visit www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle. For more information on customized wellness programs at Mayo Clinic, view our Healthy Living Program.

Jamaica’s Cameron Brown on the Rise

Jamaica’s Cameron Brown on the Rise

2016 marked an extraordinary year as Jamaica’s swimmers rewrote the National Record Books more than 30 times in the Long Course 50-meter distance. 14 days into the new year, and already Cameron Brown of Azura Florida Aquatics in Miami is making an impact.

Brown became the first 13-14 age group Jamaican male swimmer to make the 100 meter Breaststroke event in under 1 minute 10 seconds. On the first day of the two day Gulliver Senior Invitational on Saturday, January 14, Cameron won the Bronze in the Breaststroke event with a time of 1:09.93. He held the old National standard of 1:10.01 which he set at the 2016 Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Nassau, Bahamas when he also won Bronze in the Boys’ 13-14 Age Group.

In speaking about his record breaking feat Cameron said, “Being in the final heat (9 of 9) of the Boys’ 100 Breaststroke was great. I was up for the challenge and my aim really was to lower the 13-14 Boys’ National record of 1:10.01 which I set at CISC 2016. I had a great start, and my first 50 was fast. The next 50 was challenging but I kept pushing, I didn’t even realize I was in the 3rd spot until I checked the board at the end of the race.  Felt good that I actually medaled too.”

Coach Marco Bellardi described Cameron’s race and work ethic by reiterating his amazing reaction time coming off of the block and he “really worked the last 15 meters into the finish. Cameron was very focused behind the blocks before the start of the race. He is a hard worker in the practices and he is very clear on his goals.”

The improvement Cameron has made over the last year is clearly seen in the comparison of his times at this meet and his times from January of 2016. Brown is a sure fit for when the team heads to CARIFTA in The Bahamas in April and Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation in Trinidad and Tobago in July.

Rupee signs with U.S label ‘Ultra Music’

Rupee signs with U.S label ‘Ultra Music’

International dancehall artist Rupee has just signed a major record deal with U.S label ‘Ultra Music’, the North American electronic music record label, which comprises Ultra Records, Ultra Music Publishing and Empire Artist Management. The DJ returns with yet another dance floor hit pairing up with the legendary chart-topping mega producer Troyton Rami of Black Shadow Music and the vocals of the Bajan soca star.

‘Tipsy’ has a thumping bass line, contagious rhythm bringing the Caribbean party to the states. This new collaboration could propel the Soca music genre to new heights and bring in big gains for the entertainer and spur tremendous opportunity for all involved in the delivery of the Soca music genre. This would be Rupee’s second major opportunity internationally, having shown his worth when he sang, “Tempted to Touch.

Black Shadow Music’s Troyton Rami is the mastermind behind one of dancehall’s greatest collaborations, Sean Paul’s ‘Gimme The Light’, which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

SoFlo workshop helps businesses to be ‘Fiscally Fit’

Guyana to establish single window to improve ease of doing business

SoFlo workshop helps businesses to be ‘Fiscally Fit’

This Thursday, January 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. the Miramar Branch Library will host the “Broward Means Business,” an initiative of Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief, District 8 Commissioner. The expert panel will help businesses get in shape by covering a wide range of financial topics and providing answers to questions they didn’t know they had.

Firms who attend the event will learn how to understand their financial statements and discover different ways to identify accounting mistakes that may put their business at risk. Firms will also learn how they can protect their assets with a few smart moves and about state and federal financing programs available and explore non-traditional funding options to see whether they will work for their business.

Pre-registration for ‘Fiscally Fit’ is strongly recommended to ensure that a guaranteed spot as this workshop is free and open to the public, however, space is limited. For more information, please call 954-357-6400.

Jamaican Ambassador Audrey Marks greeted by U.S. Vice President-Elect Mike Pence

Jamaican Ambassador Audrey Marks greeted by U.S. Vice President-Elect Mike Pence

Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks was a guest at the Chairman’s Global Dinner and Diplomatic Ball held in honor of President Elect Donald Trump earlier this week. At the Ball held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington DC, Ambassador Marks was greeted by Vice-President Elect, Mike Pence, and his wife Karen.

In brief discussions with the Jamaican ambassador, Vice President-Elect Pence expressed his love for the Jamaica and its people and hoped to visit the island whenever the opportunity arose.

Close to fifteen hundred members of the diplomatic corp and other dignitaries attended the ball, which was the first official event related to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. Trump will assume the presidency at midday on January 20th following taking the oath of office at the US State Capitol in Washington DC

Ambassador Marks will represent the government and people of Jamaica at the inauguration ceremony. She will also represent Jamaica at other planned inauguration function to be held over the coming weekend.

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.

The Jamaican embassy in Washington says the ambassador is looking forward to meet and represent Jamaica’s interests with incoming President Trump.

Tuff Gong International to restart vinyl manufacturing

Tuff Gong International to restart vinyl manufacturing

Tuff Gong International, the Kingston based recording studio will be relaunching its vinyl manufacturing services due to a new partnership with Florida based company, Sunpress Vinyl.

However, while Tuff Gong undergoes renovations in the coming months  – to reopen in spring, orders will be done by Sunpress housed in reggae pioneer Joe Gibbs’ former Final Vinyl factory.

The joint venture came after record sales hit a 25-year high and with news that vinyl is on track to becoming a billion dollar industry.

Tuff Gong has been facing increasing demand, not only from musicians and labels in the Caribbean, but also from Asia

Congressman Lewis motivates Miami black youth in MLK address

Congressman Lewis motivates Miami black youth in MLK address

One of the features on Martin Luther King Day observed last Monday, January 16, was the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project scholarship breakfast held in Miami. The event attended by over 500 high school students and community leaders was addressed by a number of speakers, including civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.

The annual event seeks to raise funds to assist recent graduates of local high schools to receive scholarships to attend colleges in the US.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is the brainchild of US Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson, who started the program during her tenure as a Miami-Dade School Board member in 1993. The objectives of the program is to provide mentorship to at risk African-American male youth to get them to stay in high school, while interacting with community, business and academic leaders. Since its inception 95 percent of the over 8,000 youth that has participated in the program has graduated from high school.

 

In 2015 Keiron Clarke, Caribbean-American, student at a North Miami high school, son of a single mother with five children, participated in the project after serving a night in juvenile detention for a legal misdemeanor. “I was definitely on the wrong path, and fortunately for the 5000 Role Model mentorship project I settled in and with the help of really good mentors graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I later received a college scholarship  through which  I am pursuing a veterinary medicine course.”

Through the annual MLK breakfast and other efforts, funds are raised to provide scholarships to several high school graduates. Through these fundraising efforts 81 students will receive scholarships to attend colleges this year.

Congressman Lewis’ speech was highly anticipated at Monday’s breakfast in light of the controversy surrounding him and President-Elect Donald Trump after Lewis criticized him in a radio interview as “not being a legitimate president.”

However, Lewis in his speech made no direct reference to the controversy. Rather he used it as an attempt to motivate the youth present.

In his speech, Congressman Lewis reiterated the benefits of non-violence, central to the Civil-Rights Movement lead by the late Dr. Martin Luther King.  Among a background of repeated gun violence affecting South Florida youth Lewis told the audience, “The way of love is a better way, the way of peace is a better way.”  With obvious emotion, he implored the youth and others present to “Never give up, never give in. Stand up, speak up. When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something, to say something and not be quiet.” He also cautioned that, “The scars and stains of racism are deeply embedded in American society.”

Clarke said he found the speech “very motivational, and it further embolden him to succeed in his career goals, and not be hindered by any acts of injustice from peers or those in authority.”

 

This Day in History: Winston Churchill presented with the key to the city of Kingston, Jamaica

On this day in Caribbean history, January 18, 1953, the Right Honorable Winston Churchill, prime minister of Great Britain, is presented with the key to the city of Kingston by Mayor Edward H. Fagan.

Mr. Churchill, in response, states that, “I extend to the people of Jamaica, and to all people of the British West Indies, my warmest good wishes for economic and political progress within the great British Empire and Commonwealth.”

During his visit, Sir Winston Churchill visited Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town. He also unveiled a plaque at the University College of the West Indies now known as University of the West Indies.

Markeith Loyd in custody, wanted for the shooting of a police officer

Welcome its Wednesday January 18 and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida. I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this is CNW90.
The news today is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.Here are today’s top stories:
Markeith Loyd, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Master Sargeant Debra Clayton has been Caught and is in police custody. Police say Loyd was wearing body armor and armed with 2 hand guns when he was arrested at an abandoned house.
Haiti’s president elect, Jovenel Moise is on his way home today after visiting the Dominican Republic. Moïse had a bilateral meeting in the office of President Danilo Medina at the National Palace regarding the cooperation between the two countries. The President-elect said they should normalize relations, stressing that he had sent clear signals to the Dominicans and the world in this sense.
Thirteen-year-old Aaron Duncan of Trinidad and Tobago will be battling some of the biggest names in the 2017 Pick 2 Chutney Soca Monarch. Duncan, was among the 33 names selected to advance to the semi-final round of the competition. From there, nine artists will be selected to compete against the current winner, KI Persad at the grand finals on February 11at Skinner Park.
In Sports:
The Red Stripe Premier League champions Montego Bay United and last season’s runners-up, Portmore United, are to be among the 20 teams from 11 countries in next month’s Caribbean Football Union Club Championship. Montego Bay United will host Group C between February 27 and March 6 at the Sports Complex in St. James, Jamaica, while former Portmore United, who are returning to the competition for the first time in several years, will travel to Trinidad and Tobago for their Group D first-round games from March 6 to the 13th.
Now, here’s what’s trending:
With only days left in the White House, President Obama’s approval rating continues to increase, now at 60 percent, as he prepares to speak during his final news conference as president today at 2:15 p.m.
For Tomorrows weather forecast:
Sunny in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 61. Sunny in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 65.
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 news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”
This has been CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

Markeith Loyd caught and in custody

Markeith Loyd caught and in custody

Markeith Loyd, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Master Sargeant Debra Clayton has been Caught and is in police custody. Police say Loyd was wearing body armor and armed with 2 hand guns when he was arrested at an abandoned house.

Loyd is accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Orlando police officer.

Loyd’s alleged rampage touched off a multiagency manhunt. An investigation led authorities to an abandoned house in Orlando’s Carver Shores area, where Loyd was arrested, Orlando police Chief John Mina said in a news conference.
Loyd tried to flee out a back door and then the front. Mina says Loyd resisted arrest and was injured when police used force. In video, Loyd’s face appears to be swollen and bruised, and he said: “They beat me up! They beat me up!” as he walked past reporters.
Mina said that an investigation into the force used against Loyd will be conducted, which is standard procedure.

PNP lawyers declare Trafigura case ‘dead’

PNP lawyers declare Trafigura case ‘dead’

Dutch officials are pressing to question Simpson Miller, People’s National Party (PNP) Chairman Robert Pickersgill, former Cabinet ministers Phillip Paulwell and Colin Campbell, as well as businessman Norton Hinds in relation to a $31 million donation given to the PNP in 2006 by the Dutch firm Trafigura Baheer.

PNP lawyers in Jamaica yesterday declared that the Trafigura issue should be buried as Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and the other four members of the party cannot be forced to show for questioning in open court.

Contesting the 2011 Supreme Court judge ruling for the party members to be interrogated in open court, Queen’s Counsel KD Knight and Patrick Atkinson both argued that questions and answers are done in privacy in Jamaica and outside of the public glare to preserve fairness at proceedings and trials.

Both attorneys pointed out that under Jamaican law, as well as the Mutual Assistance Criminal Matters Act, the appellants cannot be compelled to give witness statements to authorities in The Netherlands.

 

 

observer.com

Caribbean-American women joining Women March on Washington DC

Caribbean-American women joining Women March on Washington DC

Four South Florida Caribbean-American women, Hazel Martin of Jamaica, Myrna Lloyd of Barbados, and Sherna and Maxine Barnes of Antigua and Barbuda will be heading out Thursday afternoon for Washington DC. The ladies are not flying out to the nation’s capital to attend the inauguration of America’s 45th President, but to join thousands of women from across America in what has been dubbed, “The Women March on Washington,” on Saturday January 21.

The idea for the march, first planned for Inauguration Day, January 20, originated on Facebook on November 9, the day after the presidential elections which Donald Trump surprisingly won over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Lloyd said when she first saw the call for the march she thought it was “a waste of time,” because Trump had won, so what would marching on Inauguration Day accomplish?” However, she said the idea quickly gained traction and positive response from a growing number of women, and men, and “morphed” from a march against Trump’s election to one supporting a variety of issues that affects women directly and indirectly.

Lloyd said her purpose of going to march on Washington is to strive for family, or extended maternity, leave for women. A mother of three children born in Miami, she said on the three occasion she gave birth she had to return to work within six weeks “or risk losing my job.” She said, “This is wrong. Women need to have longer paid maternity leave for their own health, and in order to spend more time with their babies.”

Martin and the Barnes also support a better family leave policy too, but fear the government could adapt tighter policies on abortion rights, and could “even try to close women clinics nationally as they try to dismantle Planned Parenthood.”

“There are several major issues that affect millions of women across the country. It is important that as the Trump administration begin it is made emphatically aware of these issues, and make plans to address them effectively,” Martin said.

The South Florida women had originally planned to take one of several buses heading from South Florida to DC on Thursday and Friday, but, Lloyd the coordinator of the trip for the four said, “The seats on these buses were sold out almost as soon as they went on sale.”

Lloyd said she understand over 5,000 women from South Florida and 20,000 from across the state will be attending the March, which up to Wednesday morning had attracted some 240.000 women according to reports.

The march is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday near the National Museum of the American Indian, close to the US Capitol, and according to Martin, should be for a distance of just over one mile.  The march will end with a rally featuring several women advocates and speakers, and a range of entertainers

Jamaica to host major global tourism conference in November

Jamaica to host major global tourism conference in November

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett signed an agreement on January 16 at the Palacio Neptuno in Spain, to host a major global conference  commemorating the 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development next November.

A collaborative effort between the Government of Jamaica, international development firm Chemonics International and the UNWTO, the conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James from November 27 to 29.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bartlett said he was honored to have participated on behalf of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, to finalize the  arrangements to host such a prestigious event in Jamaica.

“This signing will see an international conference of great magnitude and importance to global tourism, being hosted in Jamaica. We look forward to showcasing our destination but more so within the context of sustainability and the building of public-private-partnerships,” said Bartlett.

Secretary General of the UNWTO, Taleb Rifai said  the conference will kick-start discussions to create on-the ground activities to develop tourism across the globe from such partnerships.

The agreement  signals the first time the UNWTO will stage a world conference on tourism in the Caribbean or the Americas.

Minister Bartlett, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Affiliate Members of the UNWTO, described the event as a very unique opportunity which will  allow the world’s spotlight to be on Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean, which is heavily dependent on the economic power of tourism.

Two of the results expected from this conference will be an Outcome Declaration and the publication of the second UNWTO Affiliate Members Global Report on Public-Private-Partnerships. The UNWTO will also present a report to the UN General Assembly in 2018, with regards to the activities of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, of which the conference will play a major role.

 

 

5.5 magnitude earthquake rocks Cuba

Today is Tuesday the 17th and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida. I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this is CNW90.

The news today is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here are today’s top stories:

An earthquake measuring 5.5 rocked Cuba early this morning. The quake, that struck 50 miles off the southeast coast of the island, was felt up to 100 miles away in Santiago de Cuba and Guantanomo. Cuba’s location around several active fault systems produce about 2,000 siesmic events each year, although a majority go unnoticed.

Jamaica is collaborating with professionals from international tourism training institutions for the design and development of a hospitality school set to open next year. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said Professor Emeritus of Management and Tourism Studies at the George Washington University will lead the team tasked with developing the design of the institution and its programs and is expected to produce a business plan that will serve as a guide for the establishment of the school.

International dancehall artist Rupee, who has just signed a major record deal with U.S label ‘Ultra Music’ returns with yet another dance floor hit pairing up with the legendary chart-topping mega producer Troyton Rami of Black Shadow Music. His new song ‘Tipsy’ has a thumping bass line, infectious rhythm bringing the Caribbean party to the states.

In Sports:

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber shared his confidence in international soccer legend David Beckham who has been working hard at creating an MLS side in Miami since November of 2012. Garber said over the weekend that he is confident Miami will be the MLS’ 24th team. Adding that they’ll continue to work hard on finalizing a deal.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

In celebration of the U.S. Mint and Treasury’s 225th anniversary, the new $100 coin unveiled Thursday featured Lady Liberty as a black woman. This is the first time in American history Lady Liberty will be portrayed as a woman of color on United States currency.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 59. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 62. 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 news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

This has been CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

This Day in History: Members of the Black Panther Party are shot to death

On this day in history, January 17, 1969, Apprentice “Bunchy” Carter an American activist was shot and killed by a rival group, and is celebrated by his supporters as a martyr in the Black Power movement in the United States.

The Black Panthers were referred to as “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country” by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and the party was targeted by the secret FBI operation known as COINTELPRO. As later revealed later in Senate testimony, the FBI worked with the Los Angeles Police Department to harass and intimidate party members.

In 1968 and 1969, numerous false arrests and warrantless searches were documented, and several members were killed in altercations with the police. “The Breakfast for Children Program,” wrote Hoover in an internal FBI memo in May 1969, “represents the best and most influential activity going for the BPP and, as such, is potentially the greatest threat to efforts by authorities to neutralize the BPP and destroy what it stands for.” The breakfast program was effectively shut down by daily arrests of members; however, those charges were usually dropped within a week.

During a meeting of the Black Student Union at UCLA’s Campbell Hall on January 17, 1969, Bunchy Carter and another BPP member named John Huggins were heard making derogatory comments about Ron Karenga, the head of Organization US. Other accounts mention a heated argument between US members and Panther Elaine Brown. An altercation ensued during which Carter and Huggins were shot to death.

BPP members originally insisted that the event was a planned assassination, claiming that there was a prior agreement that no guns would be brought to the meeting, that BPP members were not armed, and that Organization Us members led by Ron Karenga were. Organization Us members maintained the meeting was a spontaneous event. Former BPP deputy minister of defense Geronimo Pratt, Carter’s head of security at the time, later stated that rather than a conspiracy, the UCLA incident was a spontaneous shootout. The person who allegedly shot Carter and Huggins, Claude Hubert, was never found. During the Church Committee hearings in 1975, evidence came to light that under the FBI’s COINTELPRO actions, FBI agents had deliberately fanned flames of division and enmity between the BPP and Organization US. Death threats and humiliating cartoons created by the FBI were sent to each group, made to look as if they originated with the other group, with the explicit intention of inciting deadly violence and division.

5.5 magnitude earthquake hits Cuba

5.5 magnitude earthquake hits Cuba

An earthquake measuring five-point-five rocked Cuba early this morning.

The quake, that struck 50 miles off the south east coast of the island, was felt up to 100 miles away in Santiago de Cuba and Guantanomo.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4am .

Cuba is located in an area with several active fault systems which produce approximately two thousand siesmic events each year, although the vast majority go unnoticed.

There are no reports of any injuries or serious damage.

he majority of Cuba’s quakes result from the Oriente fault zone along the southeastern coast and causes about 70-percent of Cuba’s yearly seismic activity.

The last time Cuba experienced an earthquake higher than 5.0 magnitude was in September of last year. That one hit in the areas of Maisi and Guantanamo, according to Earthquake Track. However, back in January 2016, areas surrounding El Cobre and Santiago de Cuba felt a string of small earthquakes for several days. The earthquakes ranged from 4.2- to 4.8-magnitude.

Rebel Salute brings heated words between artists

The weekends installment of Rebel Salute took a turn as a backstage spat took place between singer Tarrus Riley and veteran DJ Anthony B.

Riley, who had turned up at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, St Ann, entered the stage during Fantan Mojah performance and angrily declared that he was just ‘dissed’ by a fellow artist. Riley hung around at the concert for a few minutes before making his exit, then took to Instagram to vent on the situation sharing what was said between the two.

Following Riley to uplift the spirits of the crowd was Minister Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, who gave fans a classy gospel act, a stark difference from her earlier dancehall days. Replacing the vulgar dance moves with praise in her newfound Christian faith, the audience rocked and sang along.

Montego Bay and Portmore to join the CFU next month

Next month’s Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship will see the Red Stripe Premier League champions Montego Bay United (MBU) and last season’s runners-up, Portmore United, among the record 20 teams from 11 countries.

Montego Bay United will host Group C between February 27 and March 6 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James, Jamaica, while former CFU champions Portmore United, who are returning to the competition for the first time in several years, will travel to Trinidad and Tobago for their Group D first-round games from March 6 to the 13.

The competition will determine the three qualifiers from the region for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Club Championship that starts later this year. According to the official release, the format will see the clubs divided into five groups of four teams, which will play a round robin format starting in late February through to March.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving Under the Influence

According to a new survey, which stakeholders believe is putting people’s lives in extreme danger, many people in Jamaica have admitted to using ganja while driving, in light of the recent decriminalization of two ounces.

Data in the recently released 2016 National Drug Prevalence Survey, Michael Tucker, executive director at the National Council on Drug Abuse, is expressing serious concerns with the findings telling The Gleaner “This is very troubling, as potentially these persons are not only a harm to themselves, but to other users of the road. Many times they might be carrying passengers, including children.”

The survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and patterns of substance use among the population from ages 12 to 65 years old, as well as to measure other issues like the perception of risk of using various drugs and attitudes towards ganja decriminalization.

Findings from April to July of 2016 among 4,623 persons residing in households across Jamaica, Tucker said that children are at a greater risk of losing their lives because they frequently walk the roads for school, activities and other uses.

“When we look at those persons who operate minibuses and carry many people at the same time, that also can be worrying. We don’t want to raise any alarm on a particular group of persons, but if you look at the population, I would assume that a reasonable number of them (respondents) would have come from that group (bus drivers).”

 

 

 

The Gleaner

5 surprising benefits of U.S. farm-raised seafood

5 surprising benefits of U.S. farm-raised seafood

You’re shopping for tonight’s dinner and decide fish sounds delicious. You visit the seafood section of your local market and are suddenly overwhelmed with choices. Salmon, tilapia, clams or shrimp? Imported or U.S. farm raised?

It can feel like there are endless options when shopping at the grocery store. Knowing what’s best for you and your family is difficult enough, yet alone weighing environmental concerns and other impacts of food choices.

When selecting seafood, there are various things to consider before deciding what to put in your cart. For many people, U.S. farm-raised options are their seafood of choice for a variety of reasons.

Low-calorie protein

U.S. farm-raised fish and shellfish are an amazingly nutrient dense food and are excellent sources of high quality, easily digestible protein. What’s more, they are packed with important vitamins and minerals including essential B-complex, A and D vitamins as well as selenium, iron and zinc. An average serving has less than 200 calories. Some of the leaner varieties like tilapia, clams, oysters, mussels and shrimp have less than 100 calories.

Heart health

Coronary heart disease continues to be the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. According to most health experts, eating fish and seafood just twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease while providing a host of other benefits. U.S. farm-raised seafood is low in cholesterol and high in omega-3 fatty acids that play a major role in maintaining coronary heart health, as well as the health of the brain.

Safer regulations

If you want to help ensure that the seafood you consume is safe to eat, opt for products that have been farm-raised in the United States. Look for country of origin and method of production labels in your supermarket. The U.S. has strict regulations that help ensure you and your family are eating the highest quality, safest seafood. For example, in the U.S. it is illegal to use antibiotics and hormones to promote growth. Plus, you are supporting family farms that generate jobs for Americans.

Sustainable

More than 90 percent of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Those imports can often come from countries that do not have strict environmental and product safety standards. In the United States, fish and shellfish are farmed using methods that do not harm the environment while helping to meet the growing demand for seafood by supplementing wild harvests.

Pregnancy superfood

There is a growing body of evidence that children whose mothers regularly consumed seafood during pregnancy had better motor skills and brain function after birth. The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend that pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers consume at least 8 ounces of seafood each week. Good choices include fish like salmon, trout, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass and tilapia.

Want to learn more? Visit thenaa.net to get more information and delicious seafood recipes to try at home.

 

 

 

 

brandpointcontent.com

3 ways heart disease can sneak up on you

3 ways heart disease can sneak up on you

As Americans, our health is far from perfect, but over the decades, we’ve seen great improvements to medical care and lived longer lives. But new health data in a recent report might shake up our complacency: The federal government finds that life expectancy for Americans has dropped for the first time in 25 years.

Though the factors are varied and complex, it has health experts and doctors taking a hard look at the current realities, including our rising obesity rate and the fact doctors may be reaching their limit on what they can do to treat heart disease.

“The report, though troubling to any family doctor, can be used as the basis of a wake-up call to anyone to improve their health,” says Andrew Manganaro, MD, FACC, FACS, Chief Medical officer for Life Line Screening. “That is especially true for those who have been diagnosed with a risk factor for heart disease.”

Manganaro urges patients ages 55 and older to be proactive with their heart health by scheduling regular doctor visits and following their doctor’s instructions. In addition, he recommends making regular cardiovascular screenings a part of your wellness routine.

Not convinced you need a screening? These three realities of cardiovascular health might change your mind.

  1. Heart disease is often silent.

 

Problems with the cardiovascular system can creep in gradually. Fully 80 percent – 4 out of 5 – of people who have a stroke have no symptoms beforehand. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary artery disease are often silent, partly because the warning signs are not what most people expect. Symptoms are less obvious, such as a headache, shortness of breath or pain in the jaw. Even if you are already taking steps to manage your risk factors, a screening will give you and your doctor a picture of the health of your cardiovascular system.

  1. Minor conditions are easy to ignore.

Even if your screening doesn’t reveal you’re at a very high risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack, don’t be complacent. Because your cardiovascular system is interconnected, plaque in one artery makes it very possible that plaque will eventually show up elsewhere. For example, a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease is a condition that is associated with leg cramping, but that’s a diagnosis that should be taken as a warning. Because these leg arteries are literally narrowing, it could mean that the arteries to the brain could also narrow, creating the ideal conditions for a stoke. Likewise, if arteries to the heart were to narrow, that could lead to heart attack or heart failure.

  1. Oral health is a window to artery health.

For decades, researchers have seen a connection between oral health and heart health. Back in the 1920s for example, doctors thought they could cure heart disease by extracting teeth. While the connection is not yet fully understood, we do know oral plaque has a relationship to carotid artery plaque. Manganaro encourages patients to also see their dentist regularly and take good care of their gums and teeth.

The good news is you don’t need a prescription or take a trip to the doctor’s office to have preventive health screenings for cardiovascular disease. Life Line Screening performs affordable testing in community settings throughout the country. This testing will reveal where carotid artery plaque buildup is located and how much. This could translate into lifesaving treatment for you, or simply offer peace of mind. To find out when a screening clinic may be scheduled in your area, visit www.lifelinescreening.com/HeartCheck or call (877) 754-9631.

February is American Heart Month. It was originally declared in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to help people become aware of the many ways to improve their cardiovascular health.

 

 

 

 

brandpointcontent.com

Katich replaces Helmot as Head Coach of the Knight Riders

Katich replaces Helmot as Head Coach of Trinbago Knight Riders

Today the management of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) announced the appointment of Simon Katich as the new head coach of TKR for the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign. Katich replaces Simon Helmot who has accepted a long term role as the Head Coach of the Bangladesh High Performance Program.

Helmet was with the Trinidad & Tobago franchise for three years including 2015 when the team won the Hero CPL championship. “I would like to sincerely thank the entire TKR family for all the support during my three years with the franchise,” said Helmot.

Simon Katich was an outstanding international player for Australia and has had different coaching assignments. Among these is his current role as assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to coach a successful franchise like TKR in the Hero CPL and also great to extend the association with the Knight Rider Family from KKR to TKR,” said Katich.

Caribbean American Congresswoman plans to boycott Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President 

Today is Monday the 16th and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida. I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this is CNW90.

The news today is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here are today’s top stories:

The University of Miami School of Law will be launching an interdisciplinary course on Black Lives Matter. The course will examine issues such as policing and criminal justice, comparative inquiry regarding race and identity, and theories of social movements. Experts from UM will be joined by nationally authorities.

Two new tropical mosquitos capable of carrying viruses dangerous to humans have been discovered in Homestead and Florida City. Officials believe that the mosquitos may have arrived on plants and will grow in numbers.

Trinidad and Tobago soca star, Machel Montano, was honored for his work in his 2016 film, Bazodee, at the opening of the inaugural Barbados Independent Film Festival on Wednesday night. In accepting the award from U.S actor and screenwriter Stephen Lang, Montano said it was time for the world to learn of the stories in the Caribbean and urged young people to take advantage of technology.

In Sports:

Less than two months after being fired as national coach, Trinidad and Tobago men’s senior squad want Stephen Hart to be reinstated. Last week, the team’s current coach, Belgian Tom Saintfiet resigned after only five weeks and four games in charge.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has joined several United States Congressional representatives in planning to boycott Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President on Friday. This comes in the wake of Trump’s attack on US civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 70 and a low of 60. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 70 and a low of 60. 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 news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

This has been CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

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