Home Blog Page 1394

Dominica denies reaching agreement with Jamaican dancehall artist

Dominica denies reaching agreement with Jamaican dancehall artist

Dominica has “categorically” denied media reports that it had reached an agreement with the Jamaican dancehall artist, Tommy Lee Sparta, who was prevented from entering the island in February 2014.

On Friday, Attorney General Levi Peter told a news conference that no multi-million dollar settlement, as being reported by some regional media houses, had been reached with the singer.

“There is no settlement …with Tommy Lee Sparta. The situation is as it was previously reported to the media which is that there were discussions ongoing between legal representatives of Tommy Lee Sparta and the government of Dominica…which was being conducted…through the Office of the Attorney General in Jamaica.

Tommy Lee, 26,whose real name is Leroy Russell, was scheduled to perform at a concert in February 2014, when on his arrival with three members of his team – Tiasha Oralie Russell, Junior Fraser and Mario Christopher Wallace – they were all denied entry, detained and deported the following day.

The Dominica government said its action was based in the interest of public safety as several organizations, including the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches, had denounced the artist’s appearance saying his music glorifies Satan and promotes lawlessness and violence.

Jamaica to open hospitality school in 2018

Bartlett

Jamaica to open hospitality school in 2018

Jamaica says it is collaborating with professionals from international tourism training institutions for the design and development of a hospitality school due to open in 2018.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said Professor Emeritus of Management and Tourism Studies at the George Washington University, Donald Hawkins, will lead the team tasked with developing the design of the institution and its programmes.

The team, at the end of their 50-day term, is expected to produce a business plan that will serve as a guide for the establishment of the school.

Bartlett said the hospitality school is central to the Government’s push to build out the tourism experience and the development of the country’s capacity to retain its position as a leading destination.

He said the school will focus on training persons for middle- and upper-level positions in the industry.

Caribbean American Congresswoman to boycott Trump’s inauguration

Caribbean American Congresswoman to boycott Trump’s inauguration

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.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, will be among a number of Democratic lawmakers who say they will stay away from the ceremony.

This comes in the wake of Trump’s attack on US civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, of Georgia.

“I will NOT attend the inauguration of @realDonaldTrump,” Clarke tweeted on Saturday. “When you insult @RepJohnLewis, you insult America.”

On the weekend, Trump insulted the Georgia representative after Lewis said he did not see Trump as a “legitimate president,” citing claims that Russia meddled in the US election in Trump’s favor.

According to Politico – a Virginia based political-journalism organisation – Congressmen Adriano Espaillat and Jerrold Nadler, of New York, are among at least 18 congressional representatives planning to stay away from Trump’s inauguration..

Another New York congressional representative, Nydia Velazquez, pledged to travel to Washington to join thousands of women protesting Trump’s presidency with a massive march scheduled for the Saturday after the swearing-in ceremony.

Daveon Hall Scholarship Fund formed

Daveon Hall Scholarship Fund formed

Barbara Drummond mother of the late Daveon L. Hall who was found killed in his Pembroke Pine apartment last year has announced that a scholarship fund will be launched on Saturday, January 28 as a memorial to her son.

The launch of the Daveon Hall Scholarship Fund will be held at the Universal Truth Center (UTC) in Miami Gardens with guest speakers, Russel Benford, Deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County and Robert Davis of the Police Benevolent Association.

Drummond explained that the Fund, a 501(c)3 Foundation was created as a result of the senseless homicide of her son who was employed by Miami –Dade County Correctional Department for 15 years and was promoted to Corporal months prior to his death.  In addition to serving Miami-Dade County, Daveon aspired to help young boys who looked like him and to assist and guide them in their quest for greatness.   He also served as an Athletic Coach and a Mentor for many.  To continue his journey, the foundation was established and implement a scholarship fund in his honor.

Americans expect their president to keep them secure

Americans expect their president to keep them secure

Right up there with enhancing the means for citizens to be provided with food, water, shelter and clothing it is the responsibility of governments to provide security from domestic and foreign sources.

When people vote for a national leader and government it’s assumed that the authorities  will take the necessary measures to ensure their security.

It’s therefore disconcerting that when the top agencies of intelligence gathering, and domestic and international security that the government has established is placed in a position of doubt by the nation’s leaders.

Where a leader doubts the information provided by those commissioned to gather this intelligence for the furtherance of the security of the nation, especially from potential foreign enemies, this breeds confusion among the people.

Specifically, how secure can Americans feel as Donald Trump prepares to take over the presidency but stubbornly refuses to accept blatant information provided to him that Russians, with the knowledge of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, were involved in using illegal and clandestine maneuvers   that impeded Hillary Clinton’s bid to win the recent presidential election?

How can Americans, as Trump prepares to take office, be confident that their lives and wellbeing are secured if the president-elect doubts the intelligence  provided by American national security agencies?

Trump won the elections convincingly by 306 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 232, notwithstanding, Clinton won almost three million more  popular votes than he did. If he’s convinced he won fairly, why should he feel dissed with reports the Russians influenced his victory? With confidence in how he won he should be resolute in condemning Putin.

Persistent acts of terrorism around the world make threats a reality to America. With America so bitterly divided politically and racially, it’s imperative that the  President, as well as intelligence and national security agencies, have confidence in each other.

Ironically, on the same day, January 6, that the collaborative national security agencies were briefing President-Elect Trump on Russia’s involvement in the presidential election, a lone gunman killed five people and injured several others at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Will Trump not be dependent upon the intelligence derived from investigations into that incident to determine what was the shooter’s motive? Will he also express doubt in their findings?

One of possible threats to America’s national security, is that of racial violence. Almost daily, people are exposed to images of covert and overt evidence of racism. White police officers shooting and killing black youth; a white law enforcement officer assigned to a school hoisting and slamming a black teenage girl to the floor. There are other disturbing reports and images of four black teenagers in Chicago torturing and beating a white youth, while taunting him with racial slurs.

These, and several other reports of racism, especially since the general elections, are of great concern. There seems to be a rapidly boiling cauldron, ready to explode at any moment.

Additionally, there is the seemingly uncontrollable situation in Chicago, where last year over 750 people, mainly youth, were killed in gun violence.

All the incidents mentioned, begs for copious intelligence from agencies like the FBI, to assist law enforcement to effectively secure communities and the nation.

It is imperative that the President who sits in the Oval Office at the White House  should have the utmost confidence in his network of intelligence agencies. It is important that the incoming president takes his intelligence briefing seriously, and has the utmost ability to analyze and comprehend these briefings.

The incoming president will also be the commander-in-chief of the nation’s armed forces. However, how can the incoming president command if he has no confidence in the national and international intelligence?

It’s the right and expectation of all Americans feel secure . This security is needed, whether using the Internet, a smart-phone, attending a movie or a night club, shopping at a mall, worshipping at a church, departing or arriving at an airport.

Americans would like the nation’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies to be motivated and  confident in carrying out their duties, knowing the work they do is appreciated by those at the apex of authority.

Most of all, America wants, especially in these troubled times, a leader, a President, that has confidence and faith in his intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Then the nation in-turn can be confident  that this president will keep it secure from domestic and international threats.

Jamaica’s PM visits Israel

Jamaica’s PM visits Israel

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness left the island on Tuesday for Israel for a working visit as part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to seek opportunities for Jamaica through deepened bilateral relations with various countries

During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , the  leaders will discuss areas of potential cooperation on growth and economic development between both countries, such as security, agriculture, water resource management, and Diaspora bonds.

Meetings will also be held with key Israeli officials and members of the private sector.

It said that through these engagements, Jamaica will seek to identify and capitalize on opportunities for collaboration and expanded exposure to best practices.

 

CARICOM welcomes new US/Caribbean legislation

Irwin LaRocque

CARICOM welcomes new US/Caribbean legislation

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Ministers ended a two-day meeting in Georgetown on Tuesday saying it was appreciative of the Caribbean’s good working relationship with past US administrations and was looking forward to working with the Donald Trump administration.

The Council, the second highest organ of the 15-member CARICOM grouping, said it welcomed the recent passage of the US-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016, which calls for a new long-term strategy to strengthen ties between the United States government and the Caribbean region. President Barack Obama signed the legislation on December 16, last year.

“We note with satisfaction the overwhelming bipartisan support received in both Houses of Congress for the Act and thank its sponsors, Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former Chair of the Committee, for their tireless efforts.

“We recognize that this Act is both timely and significant, and commend both Houses of Congress and the US Administration for this proactive and collaborative approach to engagement with the Caribbean region.”

The CARICOM Council said it believes that the multi-year strategy mandated by this Act “will engender increased interaction between the Caribbean and the United States, especially in the areas of security, trade, economic development, energy, education and Diaspora engagement.

National Weekly January 12, 2017

This Day in History: Smithsonian granted underwater exploration of the old city of Port Royal

On this day in Caribbean history, January 13, 1959, The Jamaican government granted permission to the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, DC, for submarine exploration of a section of the old city of Port Royal which sank under the sea in the earthquake of June 1692. The project was under the direction of E.A. Link, an experienced, internationally famous underwater explorer.

In the 17th Century, Port Royal was home to the real pirates of the Caribbean – it was a buccaneers’ paradise with one in every four building said to be a bar or a brothel.

On the morning of June 7, 1692, a massive earthquake estimated at a 7.5 magnitude hit the island. The city, largely built over sand, suffered instantly from liquifaction, with buildings, roads, and citizens sucked into the ground. Geysers erupted from the earth, buildings collapsed, then finally the city was hit by tsunami waves, dragging what had not been destroyed out to sea. In the end, some 33 acres of the city disappeared under water, four of the five forts were destroyed or submerged, and 2000 people were killed. The cemetery where Captain Morgan was buried slipped into the sea, its bodies floating up to mix with the freshly dead.

More than 100 years later, Charles Leslie wrote of Port Royal in the 1660s: “Wine and women drained [pirates of their] wealth to such a degree that… some of them became reduced to beggary. They have been known to spend 2 or 3,000 pieces of eight in one night.”

Television station to appeal ruling

Television station to appeal ruling

The Attorneys for CVM Television in Jamaica, say they will appeal Monday’s Supreme Court ruling that awarded Television Jamaica (TVJ) more than J$16 million in damages.

TVJ had sued CVM Television in 2015 for the use of footage from the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China. TVJ said it had exclusive rights for the World Championships and argued that it suffered losses as a result of CVM airing footage of the event.

In August last year, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of TVJ and Justice Bryan Sykes Monday awarded the television station US$125,000 in damages plus legal costs.

In his ruling, the judge said that CVM had engaged in a deliberate, reckless and calculated manner as it knew that TVJ had exclusive rights to air the Championships.

CVM attorneys have since gave notice of appeal and requested a stay of the award.

Justice Sykes granted the stay on the terms that the US$125,000 be paid into a joint interest bearing account in the names of the attorneys of both parties within 40 days.

 

Obama ends “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy for Cubans

Obama ends “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy for Cubans

With only a few days to go in his presidency, US President Barack Obama on Thursday announced he was ending to the longstanding immigration policy initiated by former President Bill Clinton that grants residency to Cubans who land in the US without visas.

In exchange, Havana has agreed to accept Cubans who have been deported from the US.

“With this change, we will continue to welcome Cubans as we welcome immigrants from other nations, consistent with our laws,” Obama said.

“Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with US law and enforcement priorities,” the President revealed in a statement released just eight days before he is to leave office.

The action came through a new Department of Homeland Security regulation and a deal with the Cuban Government, which Obama said had agreed to accept the return of its citizens.

“What we’ve agreed to is the past is past and the future will be different,” said Jeh Johnson, US Homeland Security secretary. “This is us repealing a policy unique to Cuba, given the nature of the relationship 20 years ago, which is very different right now,” he said.

The Cuban government, in a television statement praised the move as “an important step in advancing relations” between the US and Cuba.

The 22-year-old policy, applicable only to Cubans,  dates back to 1995, owes its name to an unusual rule that requires Cubans caught fleeing Cuba for the US to stay and apply for US permanent residency in the US once they set foot on dry US soil. However, it also requires those who were intercepted at sea to be returned to Cuba.

People from other countries who attempt to enter the US illegally without a visa, are more likely subject to arrest and deportation.

Since the United States and Cuba decided to restore diplomatic relations in 2014, the number of Cubans trying to reach the US by sea increased. In 2014,  close to 4,000 Cubans either reached the shore or were caught at sea  – according to the US Coast Guard, the number then increased to 7,411, two years later.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting

Progress being made in returning luggage and lost items

A consultant hired by Broward County to assist in the recovery of luggage and personal items discarded after the tragic shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport on January 6, said the much progress is being made in returning the luggage and items.   “The task of collecting, securing, sorting, identifying and returning over 23,000 personal items is a monumental task that would normally take several weeks or longer,” said CEO/Director of Aviation Mark Gale. “Thousands of carry-on and personal items have already been returned to their owners, or are in the process of being couriered or shipped to them. Thousands more checked bags have been returned by the airlines. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we manage this very complex process.”

The effort to identify and return personal items to their owners will continue throughout the coming weekend. Once all possible means of identifying an owner is exhausted, photographs of the remaining items will be placed on a website.

“The more items we can identify and return to owners prior to establishing the website, the faster passengers will be able to review the site, identify and reclaim their remaining items,” said Gale. He said that the website, operated and maintained by the consultant, is expected to go live on Wednesday, January 18.

“Pieces of luggage are often generally identifiable, but electronic devices including laptops and cell phones often are not,” Gale continued. “While it is extremely inconvenient for individuals to be without these items, we must take time to ensure each is returned only to its rightful owner.”
Airport officials advised that those who lost luggage and personal items who have not already filed a claim describing their items to call toll free 866-435-9355 from 8:30AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.  People are urged not to go to the airport or any other location to claim their items, unless they have been asked to do so by an airport representative. Luggage and items are being held in a secure area that is not accessible to the public. Those involved will receive a phone call or email from an airport representative notifying them that their item(s) have been located and are ready for pick up or delivery.

Golden Globe Best Picture movie features Liberty City

Golden Globe Best Picture movie features Liberty City

Miami Dade’s low-income community Liberty City gained new notoriety last week with the movie Moonlight that won the Golden Globe award for “Best Picture – Drama.”

The movie which is currently showing on the local movie circuit was written and directed by former Liberty City resident Barry Jenkins, Another Liberty City resident, Tarrell Alvin McCraney, originally wrote the autobiographical short play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” from which Jenkins adapted the script for Moonlight.

Moonlight is 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. Two actresses, Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali, were also nominated as supporting actress and actors, respectively, for their role in the movie.

McCraney wrote 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, who 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 little 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.

Deadline to Submit School Choice Applications for the 2017/18 School Year nears

Deadline to Submit School Choice Applications for the 2017/18 School Year nears

Broward County parents and guardians interested in submitting applications for their child or children to participate in a magnet program, enroll in a Nova school, or apply for a school reassignment may submit a School Choice application now through February 8, 2017.

For families needing assistance completing the School Choice application, the District’s Demographics & Student Assignments Department will provide personalized support at the Rock Island Professional Development Center, which is located at 2301 NW 26th Street, Room 205, in Fort Lauderdale, during four upcoming Friday sessions (see dates listed below).

No appointments are necessary and computers will be available for use in completing the applications.

The four Friday help sessions are from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Friday, January 13, 2017
  • Friday, January 20, 2017
  • Friday, January 27, 2017
  • Friday, February 3, 2017

 

 

 

Oriental Packing recalls certain curry powders

Today is Friday the 13th 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:

With only a few days to go in his presidency, US President Barack Obama on Thursday announced the end a 22-year-old policy commonly known as “wet foot, dry foot” policy, which dates back to 1995, granting residency to Cubans who arrive in the US without visas. In exchange, Havana has agreed to accept Cubans who have been deported from the U.S.

This Saturday the Lauderhill Police Department invites you to be a part of their ‘Slow Roll- Bike with a Cop’… a slow paced community bicycle ride through the City of Lauderhill. The ride is free and open to all members of the public and will include hydration stations, refreshments, and giveaways. The goal of this event is to give officers and residents a chance to ride together through their community and foster a closer connection.

Oriental Packing, the company at the center the December recall of certain brands of curry powder is facing losses of over $4-million. The recall which was then posted by the Food and Drug Administration is in affect for the Blue Mountain, Oriental, and Ocho Rios brands. According to the FDA, the product was recalled due to lead contamination.

In Sports:

20 year old Jamaican, Kadie Ann Dehaney is preparing to make her professional debut with the Melbourne Vixens with a practice match scheduled for the 21st against the Sunshine Coast Lightening and a 2017 SunCorp fixture versus the Magpies Netball on February 18 in Australia.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Commendations are still pouring in over the movie Moonlight, a coming-of-age tale that follows a young man growing up in Liberty City, Miami. The film won Best Drama Picture at the 74th Annual Golden Globe awards beating out other films with veteran directors and actors.

THIS WEEKENDS weather forecast:

It’s going to be cloudy in Broward County with highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 60s. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with high of 70s and lows in the upper 60s. 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

Guyana government dispatches medical team to three areas amid reports of an outbreak

Today is Thursday, January 12th 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 Guyana government says it has sent a medical team to three Amerindian areas amid reports of an outbreak of gastroenteritis. Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said there were 58 cases of the infection in the three villages with the majority of patients being school children. The Ministry is awaiting the results of samples, so far there have been no fatalities.

According to reports five moderate US Republican Senators could delay the Republican intent to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Senators including Bob Corker of Tennessee, Rob Portman of Ohio, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska offered an amendment Monday night to the budget resolution that would extend the target date for the committees to write an Obamacare repeal bill to March 3 from the original January 27 date. Bloomberg Politics says they are concerned about having a suitable replacement for the Affordable Care Act should it be repealed.

This evening the Little Haiti Cultural Complex will commemorate the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. It will be the Complex’s fourth year hosting the honorary vigil, which will begin with a candle-lit procession at 4:30 p.m. from the Toussaint L’Ouverture monument on 62nd St. and N. Miami Avenue to the Cultural Complex’s courtyard. The vigil will immediately follow at 6.

In Sports:

The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday confirmed the appointment of former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams as its new director of cricket. The 49-year-old has replaced the controversial Englishman who did not seek a renewal of his contract. The Jamaican, who will be based in Antigua, officially started his new role Tuesday for a three-year contract.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a recent recall of curry powder from the Blue Mountain, Jamaica Choice, Oriental, Grace and Ocho Rios brands. According to the FDA, the product was recalled due to lead contamination.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 76 and a low of 69. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 77 and a low of 68. For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up your copy of this week’s 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: Earthquake in Haiti kills over 100,000 people

On this day in history, January 12, 2010, an earthquake in Haiti killed over 100,000 people. The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophicmagnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicenter near the town of Léogâne, approximately 16 miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

By January 24, at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded.An estimated three million people were affected by the quake. Death toll estimates range from 100,000 to about 160,000 to Haitian government figures from 220,000 to 316,000.The government of Haiti estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged. There has been a history of national debt, prejudicial trade policies by other countries, and foreign intervention into national affairs that contributed to the pre-existing poverty and poor housing conditions that exacerbated the death toll.

The earthquake caused major damage in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region. Notable landmark buildings were significantly damaged or destroyed, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail. Among those killed were Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Joseph Serge Miot, and opposition leader Micha Gaillard. The headquarters of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), located in the capital, collapsed, killing many, including the Mission’s Chief, Hédi Annabi.

Many countries responded to appeals for humanitarian aid, pledging funds and dispatching rescue and medical teams, engineers and support personnel. Communication systems, air, land, and sea transport facilities, hospitals, and electrical networks had been damaged by the earthquake, which hampered rescue and aid efforts; confusion over who was in charge, air traffic congestion, and problems with prioritisation of flights further complicated early relief work. Port-au-Prince’s morgues were overwhelmed with tens of thousands of bodies. These had to be buried in mass graves. As rescues tailed off, supplies, medical care and sanitation became priorities. Delays in aid distribution led to angry appeals from aid workers and survivors, and looting and sporadic violence were observed. On 22 January the United Nations noted that the emergency phase of the relief operation was drawing to a close, and on the following day the Haitian government officially called off the search for survivors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

wikipedia.com

Antigua and Barbuda looks to Trump to end long standing gaming dispute

Antigua PM says Benefits of CARICOM integration are unequal
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne .

Antigua and Barbuda looks to Trump to end long standing gaming dispute

The Antigua and Barbuda government says it is looking to the new Donald Trump administration in a bid to end its long-standing battle with the United States over online gaming.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams in delivering the traditional Throne speech at the start of a new session of Parliament on Monday, said that the Gaston Browne administration is also seeking to enact legislation to help it deal with the matter.

In 2005, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that Washington had violated international trade agreements by prohibiting operation of offshore Internet gambling sites. Antigua claimed that it lost US$3.4 billion a year due to the US action, but the WTO awarded the island US$21 million.

But in its final ruling, the Geneva-based WTO allowed Antigua and Barbuda to suspend certain concessions and obligations it has under international law to the United States in respect of intellectual property rights.

In September 2014, the Browne administration said that it was seeking US$100 million to settle the dispute, admitting that while the figure represents a reduction on what St John’s had originally been demanding, it is negotiable and could be a mixture of cash and kind.

Last July, Prime Minister Browne in a radio and television broadcast, said his administration had dismissed a proposal by the United States to end their long-running dispute and said Washington now owes the island in excess of US$200 million. Browne said that since his party came to office in June 2014, it has engaged the US authorities in discussions.

In his address to legislators, the Governor General acknowledged that the United States “is a very powerful and wealthy state capable of inflicting harm.

“My government believes that the new administration that is about to take office will recognize the lawfulness and justness of our actions and will quickly settle the differences that have kept our negotiators apart. “Hopefully the US would not turn to intimidation and revenge,” Williams said, indicating that the government is moving to enact legislation to settle the issue.

Sir Rodney said that the government is expected to pass laws to recover the revenue it has lost as a result of the dispute.

Petrotrin strike called off

Petrotrin strike called off

The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) on Monday agreed to a five per cent wage increase for workers at the state-owned oil company, PETROTRIN, averting a 90-day strike within the vital energy sector.

“I am very pleased at the outcome…Trinidad and Tobago can breathe again, the strike has been averted,” Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste Primus told a news conference after the agreement had been signed following 30 hours of talks over the last two days.

She described the accord as “historic” saying “it is reflective of the state of nationalism that abound in the room that allowed us to arrive at an agreement”.

The union had originally demanded a 10 per cent wage hike for the period 2014-17 and the company offering a zero percent wage increase over the three years.

The two parties are also at loggerheads over the wage increase for the period 2011-14, which is now before the Industrial Court.

OWTU President Ancel Roget told reporters under the agreement, it is hoped that by February 28 “this negotiation for the period 2011-14 will be behind us and therefore the first interim payment of the first five per cent is going to be implemented immediately.”

Haitian politicians to debate arrest of elected Senator

Haitian politicians to debate arrest of elected Senator

The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Cholzer Chancy, says Parliament will adopt a position on the extradition of Guy Philippe to the United States after he was arrested here last Thursday.

The statement by Chancy comes as supporters of the 48-year-old former rebel turned politician, took to the streets demanding his return to Haiti and condemnation by some legislators of his extradition.

Senator Andris Riché said the arrest and extradition of Philippe, who was elected as a senator during the November 20 elections last year, is “a hard blow against the democratic institutions of the country because Guy Philippe was elected Senator”.

Riché acknowledged that while Philippe had not yet been sworn in as a legislator, he was nonetheless entitled to “some (immunity) coverage that should spare him this kind of treatment” adding “the country is powerless against this kind of slippages”.

Philippe, 48, was indicted in the United States in 2005 on one count of conspiracy to import narcotics; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity and one substantive count of engaging in monetary transactions derived from unlawful activity.

Philippe was ordered held without bond during an initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber of the Southern District of Florida over the last weekend. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 13.

According to the indictment, from approximately 1997 through 2001, Philippe conspired with others to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

Chancy said the Parliament would soon outline its position on the October 17, 1997 agreement between then US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and then Haitian President René Préval regarding the fight against drug trafficking by sea and air and its interpretation.

Diaspora is key to Jamaica’s tourism, says tourism minister

Ed Bartlett during CNW90 interview in South Florida

Diaspora is key to Jamaica’s tourism, says tourism minister

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Ed Barlett says the Jamaican Diaspora is a “vital component” of the tourism marketing strategy of Jamaica’s government.

In his recent interview with the National Weekly while visiting South Florida, Bartlett said the Diaspora is “a big part of our market, and the biggest marketers for Jamaica, because people are more driven by the word of mouth of the Jamaican about the destination than they are about what the television says, or what YouTube is saying or Social Media….we regard our Diaspora as a very key resource.”

Responding to the Diaspora’s demand for special vacation packages designed for it, Bartlett indicated special tourist market packages targeted to the Diaspora is for tour operators and travel agents, although this is done with the government’s concurrence. “I don’t think the government can intervene because that would be interfering with the market, but certainly we encourage specific targeting of the Diaspora, particularly the younger generation, those who perhaps have nationalities other than Jamaican, whose connection with us is first generation parents and grandparents. This is an opportunity for this new generation to return to their roots, get a feeling of their culture, and a sense of themselves, This is a very important part of the government’s Diaspora program.”

The minister emphasized that his government has embarked on a specific policy “to incorporate and integrate the Diaspora into Jamaica’s development strategies.  We’re looking at how the Diaspora can be better partners in diplomacy, for example, and in trade, and in the use of culture and the wider representation of Jamaica… this whole business of the para-diplomatic value of the Diaspora is huge.”

He believes the Jamaican Diaspora has  “more access to the halls of power and the centers of influence than our formal ambassadors, The Diaspora represent for us the real touch points we need in the markets abroad.”

Addressing a sore point among some members of the Diaspora as to why successive Jamaican governments continue to contract promotion of Jamaica’s tourism to foreign owned companies, the minister tried to explain this is based on the tender system the government uses for contracts.

“The government goes to tender for all contracts. This is the rule of the game in Jamaica.  When we tender a contract, we are open to getting the best response from companies to our strategies and vision, and how these responses and the technical proficiencies of the companies blend with the government’s views.” He emphasized the government is “open to Jamaican, English and American firms, whatever firm that fits the bill and is able to give us the return that we require, I believe this is the formed way of doing it, and I believe the Diaspora understands that.”

As to why the Jamaica Tourism Board isn’t regularly placing ads with Jamaican-owned media in the Diaspora, Bartlett said that is something he’s going to look into. “I’m not sure just how many placements have been done and what level of expenditure has been applied, but I can find that out, simply by getting an up-to-date position from the Tourist Board as to the spending in the various segments of media.”

 

Curry concerns

Curry concerns

Oriental Packing , the company at the center the recent recall of certain brands of curry powder is facing losses of over $4-million.

The recall, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , affected the Blue Mountain, Jamaica Choice, Oriental, Grace and Ocho Rios brands.

According to the FDA, the product was recalled due to lead contamination. However, Derrick Lue, the Jamaican owner of Oriental Packing, said a recall was first issued last August and despite weekly tests, there were no traces of lead. He added that the recall was reissued in December as the FDA still had suspensions about the presence of lead.

Lue said his company also does weekly testing and to date there has been no evidence of lead, based on this, he believes the latest recall is unwarranted.

He also voiced concern about the origination of the recall letter. The letter of recall that was issued to Oriental and its main distributor –  Ocho Rios Miami Trading, came from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He said while his 35-year old company distributes products including curry powder, jerk, oxtail and chicken seasonings in the Florida, New York, California and Canada, it has no business in Connecticut.

Lue is quoted as saying the damage has already been done to his small company, and he is uncertain about the recovery process.

Meanwhile, the general manager of Ocho Rios Miami Trading, Leroy Tenn has also expressed concern about the FDA’s recall. In an interview with the National Weekly, Tenn said he was in receipt of a letter from the FDA indicating the recall was initiated because of uncertainty of the lead content in the specific batch of curry powder imported from India.

He however stated that there is no confirmation of lead in the affected batch, and he expects the recall to be lifted soon.

He also note that contrary to consumer assumptions, the recalled brands of curry powder are not imported directly from Jamaica, but  packaged in the region by Oriental Packing Company in Miami for Ocho Rios Trading, Blue Mountain, Grace and other curry wholesalers.

According to a large Miami food distributer – who asked to remain anonymous, the marketing of curry power is very competitive in the US. Curry powder is widely used by Caribbean migrants, especially Jamaicans and Trinidadians as well as Asians – especially Indians.

 

Children’s Hospital in Jamaica is set to become a reality through China partnership

Today is Wednesday, January 11th 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 Western Children’s Hospital in Jamaica is set to become a reality with the official signing of an agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Jamaica. The agreement was signed at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston, Jamaica. Currently, the Bustamante Hospital in Kingston is the only hospital for children in Jamaica to receive pediatric treatment and care.

The FIFA Council has unanimously decided to expand the FIFA World Cup to a 48-team competition for the 2026 tournament adding 16 extra nations. This expansion will result in an 80 match tournament rather than 64. The new format will keep the current 32-day tournament.

A new exhibit in Washington has captured the Haitian Revolution in silkscreen prints with focus on Toussaint L’Ouverture, the Haitian ex-slave-turned -general who led a revolution that freed Haiti from French control. The exhibit is being held at the Phillips Collection in Northwest Washington and is titled ‘To Haiti Let Us Go’.

In Sports:

USA cricket captain Steven Taylor has been named in the Jamaica Tallawah’s 14-man squad for the West Indies Cricket Board Super50 tournament beginning January 24. Taylor who is from Florida, is contracted with Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League is expected to be an integral part as a returning member of this year’s team.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

According to the Dangerous by Design report released by Smart Growth America, several Florida metropolitan communities in the top “most dangerous communities for pedestrians”. Fort Myers area is first, followed by Palm Bay and Orlando. The Miami – Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach area is ranked 11th.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 78 and a low of 68. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 77 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit us online at

Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up your copy of this week’s National Weekly at your nearest Carribean American outet.

Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

This has been CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

DJ Frass, has landed his second entry on the Billboard Reggae album chart

Jamaica music producer Andre Gordon, also known as DJ Frass, has landed his second entry on the Billboard Reggae album chart in eight months with a six-track EP on his Double Murda rhythm debuts at number 11 on the chart with first-week sales of 59 copies. Not his first time seeing the chart, Gordon secured a spot last year with Alkaline’s New Level Unlocked, which he produced.

The Double Murda EP features the songs Badness It Name by Alkaline, Triple Murda by Mavado, Burna by I-Octane, Murda by Flexx and Chase Cross, Dem Bat Fly Gone by Spookie Brain Tear and 3 Star, and Gangsta Nuh Lef Dem Gun by Hazard.

Release the Bound, an EP by Matisyahu holds firm in the number nine spot with sales showing 1,313 to date, while Double Up by Iration is at number ten with 1,295 copies.

This Day in History: Haiti’s President Rene Preval dissolves Parliament after a 22-month impasse

On this day in Caribbean history, January 11, 1999, Haiti’s President Rene Prevail dissolves Parliament after a 22-month impasse with no working Government. He appoints a premier and a Cabinet by decree.

The son of agronomist Claude Préval, René showed an interest in his father’s career, and in 1963 he left Haiti for Belgium to study agronomy. He earned a degree in that subject from Gembloux Agricultural University, and he continued his education at the University of Pisa, with work in geothermal sciences. In 1970 Préval moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he worked as a messenger and a waiter. He returned to Haiti five years later and took a position at the National Institute for Mineral Resources. In 1988 he opened a bakery in Port-au-Prince that provided bread to poor children. While there he became acquainted with Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a charismatic Roman Catholic priest working in the slums. When Aristide was elected president in 1990, Préval became prime minister. He and Aristide went into exile after a military coup in 1991, but they returned in 1994 after the regime had stepped aside under threat of U.S. invasion. In 1995 Préval was easily elected to succeed Aristide.

Préval’s ability to govern was hindered by Aristide’s dominant presence. When Aristide formed a new political party in 1997, Préval refused to join. With political infighting paralyzing the country, he could manage only modest achievements during his first term. His rural and neighbourhood projects benefiting the poor earned him the endearment Ti (“Little”) René. A quiet and unpretentious man, he also earned a reputation as an honest leader.

In 2001 Préval handed over power and became Haiti’s first elected president to leave office after a full term. He retreated from public life to the family farm in the village of Marmelade. There he remained above the fray as he witnessed Haiti’s descent into the political chaos and violence that saw the forced exile in February 2004 of his successor, Aristide, and that continued unabated under an appointed government. In mid-2005, however, after several hundred peasant leaders visited Marmelade and insisted that Préval run in the upcoming election, he reluctantly returned to public life. He and his allies formed Lespwa (“Hope”), a political coalition, and Préval emerged as the front-runner. He was widely viewed as the only candidate who could genuinely represent Haiti’s poor and mediate an end to the country’s violence. On May 14, 2006, Préval was sworn in to serve a five-year term.

 

 

 

Encyclopedia Britannica

1...1,3931,3941,395...1,546Page 1,394 of 1,546