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Guyana dealing with disease outbreak

Guyana dealing with outbreak of gastroenteritis

The Guyana government says it has sent a medical team to three Amerindian areas in Region Nine amid reports of an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said the medical team had been sent to Aishalton, Shea Village and Areunaw and will hold meetings on how to resolve the issue and prevent further contamination.

Lawrence said that there were 58 cases of the infection in the three villages with the majority of patients being school children.

The Ministry said it is awaiting the results of samples taken from the residents for testing and that the medical team also conducted house to house visits. So far there have been no fatalities.

 

Fallen Orlando police officer was “friend of Jamaican-Americans”

Fallen Orlando police officer was “friend of Jamaican-Americans”

Orlando Police Department Master Sergeant Debra Clayton, 41, who was shot down and killed on Monday as she tried to apprehend a man who earlier allegedly killed his pregnant girlfriend, is described by a Jamaican-American friend and Ocoee resident, Kaylin Boothe, as the “perfect community police.”

Boothe says she was a close friend and associate of Clayton for some five years, and she was impressed on how “she used her law enforcement status to create a strong, positive link between the community and the police.”

“She loved her community, and had a special love for Jamaicans and other people from the Caribbean. She loved Jamaica so much that when she got married last year she did so in Jamaica while on a cruise.’

Clayton was married in January 2016 to Seth Clayton, and was also the mother of a teenage son who is attending college in Jacksonville.

Orlando’s Police Chief Hill John Mina in paying tribute to the officer described her as one “who passionately loved her community and died protecting it’, and cited her special love for mentoring the youth.

Boothe also described Clayton as an officer “who particularly liked to see young people improve their lives. She took mentoring of the youth very serious, and very passionately.”

The fallen police officer had served on the OPD for some 17-years, and according to Chief Mina, and Boothe, was fearless in the execution to her duty.

Boothe recalled that Clayton was one of the first responders to last year’s tragic mass sooting at the Pulse night club in Orlando, “and how devastated she was for days that she and other police could not have arrived at the club earlier to save more people.”

As a mentor of youth Clayton was a member of the Parramore Kidz Zone and other mentoring programs. In 2015 Boothe recalls Clayton’s excitement in accompany several young people to the anti-violence Million Youth Peace March in Washington DC.  “When she returned she described how motivated the kids were from the trip, and said it made her want to even do more to protect the youth in the community from violence.”

“In the months preceding her sudden death, Clayton was planning to start and operate a non-profit organization to mentor all lids, black, white, Hispanic, American, Jamaican, Puerto Rican, all Kids, and to also, ironically, militate against violent crimes.”

Clayton was also an active member of the Urban League’s anti-violence task force, Chief Mina said.

 

South Florida minority businesses seeks to protect against computer hacks

South Florida minority businesses seeks to protect against computer hacks

The Minority Chamber of Commerce based in Miami, Florida will host a Cyber Security Miami Conference on January 27, at the Hotel InterContinental at Doral. The conference aims to assist businesses of all sizes in developing, evaluating, and strengthening their cyber-security programs. It will also explore the best means of connecting with the law enforcement community when cyber incidents occur.

Samuel Tyson, IT security technician, of Perrine, Miami Dade, told National Weekly, “Cyber security is a real threat to every business, small and large. Because of cost factors, some small businesses may be reluctant to take required steps to ensure their IT system is protected from hackers. However, I caution, not doing so run the risk of these small businesses being severely impacted within seconds. It’s imperative that small businesses be proactive to protect their businesses.”

The Miami conference will include a panel of specialists representing law enforcement, the private sector, and the financial services industry. In addition, speakers will provide insights on how all businesses, large and small, can secure their information as well as customer profiles.

Speakers at the conference will include: Kevin Parker, South Florida’s FBI representative in Cyber Attacks; Jorge Rodriguez of the Federal Reserve Bank; Rob Vazquez, Chairman of the Cyber Attack Committee of the Minority Chamber of Commerce; and Steve Detwiler of the Miami-Dade County Emergency & Preparedness Office.

Panelists are expected to offer unique insights regarding emerging technologies, operations and enforcement, digital asset protection, pragmatic experience, and law enforcement – and offer keys to creating a more secure business environment.

 

 

The Minority Chamber of Commerce is a national non-profit minority membership organization, founded in 2001 by fourteen South Florida minority business owners led by Doug Mayorga, the current CEO.  The purpose of the Chamber is to promote, maintain and sustain economic progress for minority-owned business enterprises in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Munroe counties.

Speaking about the pending conference, Mayorga said, “Local businesses in South of Florida are concerned over the strength and comprehensiveness of cyber security on their economies, as companies throughout South Florida are being targeted in cyber-attacks at an increasing rate.  The high level conference will bring together top experts to discuss how to navigate the cyber security framework, and provide business owners with tools and tips for strengthening their cyber-security programs.”

The MCC has established a special Cyber Program Committee  to assist members and partners in developing and implementing strong protection and security responses that safeguards their private information, digital assets, and way of doing business. To that end, the Chamber advocates through its Cyber Security Committee and working groups,  to work toward a competitive and secure local, national, and international trade environment; strong private sector cyber networks and systems; and a disaster resilient minority business community.

 

 

Caribbean-Americans passengers affected by airport tragedy

Caribbean-Americans passengers affected by airport tragedy

Although not physically harmed during last Friday’s tragic shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport several Caribbean-Americans were severely inconvenienced by the tragedy. Many, who were planning to embark on ocean cruises, had to sit on aircrafts for up to six hours. In addition, several passengers were separated from their luggage, thus missing their cruise.

Kat and Myron Trott, Bermudians who reside in  Connecticut, landed at the airport shortly after 1:00 pm planning to take a shuttle from there to Port Everglades to embark on a cruise leaving later that afternoon. “However, we weren’t allowed to leave our plane until around 8:00 p.m., because of the shooting,” Kat told National Weekly.

The couple said, they and other passengers on the plane were “extremely alarmed, to see people rushing from the Terminals onto the tarmac. “We immediately thought it was some massive terrorist attack,” Said Myron. “The flight crew apprised us of the situation. It was very uncomfortable sitting so long on that plane, especially with the limited toilet facilities. We were hungry and thirsty, although the crew handed out water. To make aggravate matters, when the couple deplaned they were unable to collect their luggage, “and of course we missed the cruise,” Myron said.

Also flying into the Fort Lauderdale airport on Friday were  Jamaican-American Phyllis Mckoy and three friends from Maryland. The four friends should have embarked on a seven-day Caribbean cruise leaving on Saturday afternoon. Mckoy said, the group “deliberately came in a day earlier to prevent any delays. Can you believe we were unable to make the cruise which we planned for six months.”

Mckoy said they were in Terminal 1 waiting for their luggage “when all hell broke loose. Everyone began running out onto the tarmac.” She and her friends were unable to leave the airport until around 10:00 pm on Friday when busses took them to lay-over at Port Everglades.  In the rush from the Terminal one of her friends lost her handbag with her keys, driver’s license and credit cards.

According to reports, several Cruise Line ships  scheduled to depart from Port Everglades and Port Miami on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday delayed their departure to accommodate passengers who were delayed by the airport tragedy.  However, according to Lauren Holness, cruise agent at Port Everglades,  “quite a number of passengers still missed their boats.”

Vanessa Picariello, a representative of Norwegian Cruise Lines, indicated  passengers who were booked, and could prove they missed their flights because of Friday’s will be able to rebook their original reservations.

Mckoy said she wanted to thank Broward County officials “for the courtesies in accommodating us, from being transported to Port Everglades, making sure we were attended to, to returning is to the airport.”

On Tuesday, Margaret Stapleton, communications officer of Broward County said, “significant progress” is being achieved in returning over 23,000 items of passenger baggage and personal items that were left at the airport to their owners.

Republican Senators seek cautious approach to repealing Obamacare

Republican Senators seek cautious approach to repealing Obamacare

According to reports five moderate US Republican Senators could delay the Republican intent to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee, Rob Portman of Ohio, Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana 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 Jan. 27.

According to the report by Bloomberg Politics these senators are concerned about having a suitable replacement to replace the ACE should t be repealed. There is the opinion that should the five senators stick to their position it could to force the party’s leadership to comply, although Speaker Paul Ryan has implied that attempts to repeal the law is an urgent one.

In a statement Senator Corker said the “amendment will give the incoming administration more time to outline its priorities. By extending the deadline for budget reconciliation instructions until March, Congress and the incoming administration will each have additional time to get the policy right.”

 

Delays to repeal could also take place in the US House as according to the reports the new chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus said his members wants to see more details about an ACA replacement before voting on the budget resolution to repeal the law.

The Bloomberg Politics report also indicated interviews with many Republicans indicate that the party isn’t close to arriving at a consensus regarding the repeal and replacement of the ACA.

Besides the five senators who filed the amendment, there are indicators other Republican senators want to take a cautious approach. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he wants to see a specific proposal to replace the ACA  before it’s repealed.  Tennessee Bottom of Form

Senator Lamar Alexander,  chairman pf the Senate health committee indicated the process to real and replace the ACA would be a step-by-step process which wouldn’t be completed until around the summer of this year.

 

This Day in History: Majority Rule Day in The Bahamas

On this day in Caribbean history, January 10, 1967, in Assembly elections the Progressive Liberal Party led by Lynden Pindling and the ruling United Bahamian Party led by Sir Roland Symonette both won 18 seats. There was one Labour MP, Randol Fawkes, who decided to side with the PLP, enabling majority rule for the first time in Bahamian history.

Lynden Pindling became the first black Premier of the Bahamas, becoming Prime Minister in 1969.

Along with the emancipation from slavery in 1836 and independence in 1973, the achievement of Majority Rule is a seen as one of the most important events in the history of the Bahamas.

The Bahamas became a British Crown colony in 1718 as a result of the British trying to suppress piracy in the region. Following the American war of independence, many British loyalists moved to the Bahamas, bolstering its British connections.

Moves toward independence didn’t start until after the end of the second world war, with local political parties only forming in the 1950’s. A new constitution giving more local autonomy came into effect in 1964.

To mark this key event, Majority Rule Day became a public holiday in 2014. The day is marked by a parade in downtown Freeport. In 2015, the celebrations included honouring 70 individuals who played a key role in bringing Majority Rule to the island.

Jamaican health authorities are warning nationals to take preventive medication to deal with malaria before traveling overseas

Today is  Tuesday, January 10th 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:

Luggage and personal items of several Caribbean-Americans who either flew into the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport just prior to or after the January 6 tragic shooting at that airport were among some 23,000 thousand pieces of luggage and personal items abandoned at the airport in the shooting’s aftermath. Airport authorities are working to return these items to their owners categorizing luggage by: Items Identified with an Airline or Identification Tag, Items with Owner Identification, Items with No Apparent Owner.  People with misplaced luggage and other personal items can call 866-435-9355.

Jamaican health authorities are warning nationals to take preventive medication to deal with malaria before traveling overseas. The island recorded 2 imported cases of malaria, with the first case confirmed on January 5 and the second reported by a private lab on January 6.

The Jamaica Musical Theatre Company is set to present ‘The Wiz’ which originally had an all-black cast featuring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The play will be a part of the Jamaica Junior Theatre’s 2017 production at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Production dates for The Wiz will run until February 19.

In Sports:

Darren Bravo has been dropped from the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad for the Regional Super50, pending the outcome of a West Indies Cricket Board meeting. Bravo was sent home ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe over a controversial tweet he posted calling board president, Dave Cameron, a “big idiot.” He has not played a match since.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Law enforcement in South Florida is on the lookout for Markeith Loyd who shot African-American officer Master Sergeant Debra Clayton yesterday in Orlando. After killing officer Loyd escaped and is still on the run.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 77 and a low of 67. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 76 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 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

Jamaica and China partner on a new hospital in Montego Bay

Jamaica and China partner on a new hospital in Montego Bay

Jamaica and China government officials have signed an agreement to partner in the development of a 220-bed hospital for children in Montego Bay, St James.

The new facility will be the first to be constructed in Jamaica since the May Pen Hospital was built in the 1970s and is expected to provide increased access to pediatric treatment and care. Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton said “When I visited the Bustamante Hospital for Children earlier I was told that they needed at least another 100 beds to satisfy the [demand]. The fact that we’re building a 220-bed facility says to me that we’re able to now deal fairly adequately with the demands of childcare.”

FIFA to add 16 nations to 2026 tournament

FIFA to add 16 nations to 2026 tournament

The FIFA Council has unanimously decided in favour of expanding the FIFA World Cup to a 48-team competition as of the 2026 edition, adding 16 extra nations to the tournament. President of the organization, Gianni Infantine’s favored plan for 16 three-team groups with the top two advancing to a round of 32, was unanimously approved Tuesday by the FIFA Council.

It meets Infantino’s election pledge of a bigger World Cup, and should help fund promised raises for FIFA’s 211 member federations.

This expansion will mean that there will be 80 matches instead of 64, and FIFA forecasts the equivalent of $1 billion extra income at current rates from broadcasting and sponsor deals, not to mention the ticket sales, compared to $5.5 billion revenue forecast for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The new 48-team competition format has been drawn up in such a way that there is no reduction in the overall number of rest days and a guaranteed maximum of seven matches for the teams reaching the final, while the current 32-day tournament duration is kept, so as not to increase the length of time for which clubs have to release their players.

The Diaspora Task Force brings you the “Nuh Guh Deh” campaign

Photo by David I Muir

Don’t miss the Protect Them Fund Raising Gala – Saturday, April 29.

In 2015, spurred by the amplification in incidences of reported child sexual abuse in Jamaica. Lavern Deer the President of the Jamaica International Female Development Inc. (JIFD), Dr. Susan Davis, former Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Representative for Southern USA, and other members of the Diaspora, joined forces with ‘EVE For Life’ (EVE) in Jamaica to bring awareness and support to the cases.

In 2017, the campaign continues to champion its cause of bringing awareness to the prevalent act of child sexual abuse. The recent case in Jamaica of the clergy found in a compromising position with an underage child, brings to light a number of issues/concerns, none less than those already highlighted in conversations on social media.

While these behaviors remain vile and unacceptable acts against our most vulnerable population, it is pleasing to the task force to see this candid discourse that has emerged. It is however disappointing to note that through the many conversations, concerns for the victim is not one which is readily discussed.

The overarching goal of the Protect Them – Nuh Guh Deh Campaign is to contribute to reducing the incidences of sexual abuse of children in Jamaica, which includes bringing awareness and urging a zero tolerance approach to the abuse of children. Concerning the welfare of the child, we applaud the police for having the courage to follow through with the arrest of the clergy, and we trust that this bold move will be the beginning of getting the message – “Nuh Guh Deh,” across all socio-economic levels of the Jamaican society.  We continue to support EVE for Life as they work with other child protective agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.

Concerning the clergy, we trust due diligence and the proper legal process will prevail and that no unmerited privileges will be afforded him because of his status and connections.

 

We the Diaspora Nuh Guh Deh -Task Force, commit to supporting the victims of child sexual abuse by being their advocate and voice, their protector and their provider by:

  1. Increasing awareness about the long term physical, emotional, health, financial and social consequences of sexual abuse of infants, children and youth of either gender.
  2. Mobilizing Jamaicans to report acts of sexual violence against children
  3. Encouraging Jamaicans to use the phrase “Nuh Guh Deh!”to challenge current behaviors of primarily men who sexually exploit infants, children and our youth.
  4. Supporting the efforts of EVE for Life and other similar agencies in Jamaica, and assisting local initiatives to empower young people from all social and economic class and foster positive development, as we “encourage the policy and decision makers and legislators, to also speak out. Speak out – in Parliament, in the Senate, in your various positions in public life – to actively support policies and agencies which can protect the infant, child and youth of any gender from sexual abuse;ensure perpetrators of child sexual abuse are dealt with under the law; encourage and support duty bearers and caregivers to report sexual abuse of our children.”
  5. Helping to fund-raise so we can realize the key objectives outlined.

 

In order to provide, for this young yet targeted population group, we require ongoing funds to attend to their essentials…help us help them.

Support our Annual Protect Them Fund Raising Gala – Saturday, April 29.

New Lauderhill library opened

New Lauderhill library opened

The new Lauderhill Central Park Library grand was recently opened. The new library reflects a collaboration of County and City partnerships in the arts, sports and learning. Featured at the opening was the unveiling of a mixed-medium mural, Glory and Defeat, designed by Broward-based artist Ruben Ubiera.

Ubiera describes the mural as a marriage between sports and libraries in that people who play sports usually don’t find themselves in libraries and vice versa. The artwork represented for him, two ladies: Lady Glory and Lady Defeat, speaking to the un-spoken rule in sports where many times, someone wins and someone must lose.

Ubiera also intended the artwork to represent the City of Lauderhill’s green areas, gold sunsets, and warmth of the city, as well as their history through newspaper clippings, with the goal of encouraging community pride.

“This is a daring selection by the Artist Selection Panel,” said Broward Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design Administrator Leslie Fordham. “They took a leap of faith in a conceptual design and supported it through research and questions, in order have the artist bring the artwork to life.”

Fordham feels the artwork represents what is important about public art, in that Ubiera was able to improve the artwork through feedback from the community and the city’s governing agencies, while he maintained his artistic integrity through organic origami, sporting figures and “even ballerinas,” said Fordham.

 

Dale HolnessThe grand opening of the library was attended by Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness; Mayor City of Lauderhill Richard Kaplan; Acting Director Broward County Libraries Laura Connors; past Director Broward County Libraries Sam Morrison; Parks and Recreation Division Director Dan West; Assistant Director Construction Management Division Jeff Thompson; Broward County Public Art & Design staff; Friends of the Library and the Library Advisory Board, library staff and members of the public..

 

 

National Weekly January 5, 2017

Jamaica Musical Theatre Company to put on ‘The Wiz’

Jamaica Musical Theatre Company to put on ‘The Wiz’

The Wiz, originally casted with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, will be performed for the Jamaica Junior Theatre’s 2017 production, by the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC) at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. This is the JMTC’s second staging of the musical, the first time was in 2005 when it was performed by senior members of the company.

The Wiz is directed by Damion Radcliffe, drama teacher at Campion College, writer, actor, and director who has had great success with his group, The Independent Actors’ Movement, and productions of Anancy Chapati have been well received by Jamaican audiences and critics.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is an American children’s novel written by author L. Frank Baum, originally published in 1900. The 1970s Broadway production of The Wiz, with an all-black cast, won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Wizard of Oz s a story that reminds us of the importance of appreciating what we have rather than going in search of happiness outside of ourselves.

Production dates for The Wiz run from until February 19, 2017.

Recipe: Mais Moulin (Haiti)

In need of mixing it up in the morning? Try Mais Moulin, the Haitian equivalent of grits. With corn being a major staple in Haiti, it is typically served at breakfast with a side of avocados and served with Fish or eggs. Some people will even mix in black beans to give it an extra protein boost. In Haiti, many farmers start they day off with a huge plate to give them the energy they need to their work done.

What you’ll need:

  • 2 Cups of Coarse Cornmeal
  • 2 Cups of chopped spinach
  • 1/2 tomato Diced
  • 1/2 Onion Diced
  • 1 tsp All purpose Seasoning
  • 1 Maggie Chicken Bouillon Cube
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Tbs Olive oil
  • 1 Tbs Tomato Paste
  • 2 Cups of Water

What to do:

  1. In a medium size pot, sauté Onions and tomatoes with the olive oil.
  2. Add the chicken bouillon and continue to mix until it dissolves.
  3. Add the spinach and continue mixing.
  4. Add the tomato paste and water.
  5. Raise the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
  6. Add the salt and cornmeal and stir for 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium and place the lid on the put.
  8. Allow the cornmeal to cook for 15 min or until desired texture. Occasionally mix to prevent clumping. You may add a little more water if needed.
  9. Serve with a side of sliced Avocadoes.

5 strategies to lose 48 pounds

How an ‘Average Joe’ lost the weight and gained back his life

You’ve probably seen all the articles about weight loss, including those that explain how to count calories or what foods you should and shouldn’t eat. But if you’re still having trouble losing weight, then maybe you just need a better “strategic plan,” one you can put into action before you get that unwanted “wake-up call” from your doctor that your weight is affecting your health.

Monte Morris received that wake-up call from his doctor, who diagnosed him as obese, along with stage 2 hypertension. At just 38-years-old with a 2-year-old daughter, Morris was a candidate for a heart attack.

According to Dr. Mike Roussell, nutrition advisor to Men’s Health Magazine, Morris put such a strategic plan into place, using five key strategies to achieve lasting success and they can be effectively implemented by anyone.

Make a decision to change

“I have never seen someone lose weight and keep it off unless they had an emotionally driven reason to change their life,” says Dr. Roussell. “Monte was no different. He had a little girl and a trip to the doctor delivered him the news that he had stage 2 hypertension (an advanced form of high blood pressure). On top of that, he just felt lousy. Monte knew he couldn’t go on living like this and he made the decision to change his lifestyle for good, not just for him but for his daughter, too.”

Attack weight loss on multiple fronts

Small steps and changes to what you are eating are important, but you need to rethink your whole lifestyle, envisioning who you want to be, according to Roussell. “Monte started to change his eating habits and started exercising. Embracing multiple healthy habits like diet and exercise is a great way to get momentum with your weight loss, ensuring that you get better results, which will keep you motivated and doing more. Focus on one to two diet changes and be deliberately active with your life. Monte didn’t even own a pair of running shoes when he started running and now he runs several miles a week. What kind of activity do you like to do? What the activity is at first doesn’t matter, just get moving,” Dr. Roussell says.

To make these lifestyle changes easier to sustain, many people benefit from a structured, doctor‑recommended plan with simple food tracking, coaching, and community support. For a science‑backed option that complements these strategies, Join WeightWatchers Today to get guidance that helps you build lasting habits and keep the weight off.

Stop drinking your calories

After Monte made his decision to change his life and put his health first, he did a quick audit of his diet and realized that a simple place for him to cut calories was beer. “Calories you consume in beer, wine or sugar sweetened drinks (energy drinks, soda, even sports drinks) are easy calories to cut out. Make sure nothing enters your mouth that doesn’t support your goal of weight loss while adding beneficial nutrients to your diet,” Dr. Roussell says.

Be a mindful eater and strategic snacker

Monte steered away from fad diets that demonized certain food groups while exalting others. Instead he focused on eating unprocessed foods and veered away from fast food joints. “Monte says he couldn’t say no to his mid-meal hunger pangs and would grab a fast food meal, which is all too often the fast track to weight gain. His strategy to correct that behavior was to keep a snack of pistachios in his truck and at his desk. Their flavorful crunch satisfied him while the protein, fiber and healthy fats in them kept him full – and out of the fast food drive-thru,” Dr. Roussell explained.

Embrace what you love

“Monte enjoys chocolate, but he recognized candy bars weren’t going to help him lose the weight. His solution was to make his own trail mix that contained pieces of dark chocolate along with pistachios and natural dried fruits, like raisins. This strategy satisfied his cravings so he wasn’t feeling deprived, but he also wasn’t consuming too much sugar,” Dr. Roussell says.

Successful long-term weight loss takes time. It took Monte almost a year to lose 48 pounds, but once he decided to make the change, he worked at it every one of those 365 days. Taking charge of his health has left him 10 pounds lighter than when he was in high school and with more energy and vibrancy for life than ever before.

Dr. Roussell transforms complex nutritional concepts into practical nutritional habits that his clients use to ensure permanent weight loss and long lasting health. He holds a doctorate in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University. In addition to being an adjunct assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Roussell serves on the Advisory Board for Men’s Health and SHAPE magazines as well as LIVESTRONG.com. He’s an author and has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health & Fitness.

Bravo out of Trinidad and Tobago lineup pending WICB meeting

Bravo out of Trinidad and Tobago lineup pending WICB meeting

Darren Bravo has been left out of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad for the Regional Super50, pending the outcome of a meeting with the West Indies Cricket Board pertaining to disciplinary issues. The 27-year-old was sent home by the WICB ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe over a controversial tweet he posted and he has not played a match since.

Sure Ragoonath, the T&T Cricket Board’s chief executive, said “In furtherance to the team for the Super50, do note that Darren Bravo’s availability is dependent on the outcome of his pending meeting with the WICB.”

Last November Bravo called WICB president, Dave Cameron, a “big idiot” via Twitter in response to the administrator’s comments which were critical of his performances. Bravo was then sent home “due to inappropriate and unacceptable behavior, which is contrary to his contractual obligations to the WICB” and warned that if the offending tweet was not removed, he could “face further disciplinary action, including referral to the WICB disciplinary committee”. Media reports say Bravo would initiate legal action against the board.

FLL Airport processing return of abandoned luggage/personal items

FLL Airport processing return of  abandoned luggage/personal items  

Following the tragic shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday, January 6, that left 5 people killed and several others injured, was in the ensuing confusion hundreds of passengers fled leaving their luggage and other personal items.

On Saturday morning, following the shooting the airport authorities reported over 23,000 thousand pieces of luggage and personal items were abandoned at the airport.

In a statement released on Monday morning the airport authorities said they are working diligently to return these items to their owners. The statement disclosed that a professional company has been assigned to process the identification of the ownership of the personal items. However, the authorities also cautioned that there were so many identified items the process would take some time.

Items are being returned through the following steps:

Items Identified with an Airline or Identification Tag:
If one’s luggage is tagged with an Airline or identification tag, the authorities are coordinating with the airlines to return these items and the respective airlines will contact the relevant passengers.

Items with Owner Identification:
If the discarded items including cell phones, passports, purses, and driver’s licenses have appropriate identification, the Airport will contact the relevant party.

Items with No Apparent Owner:

A website is being created for items that do not have identification. These will be posted on the website so owners can identify their belonging(s) and provide contact information necessary for reclaiming.  However, those claiming ownership will be asked a series of questions to identify the items. The website address will be announced as soon as it is available.

 

 

Information collected from those that call the established toll free number – 866-435-9355 – is also being used to match baggage and personal items with their rightful owners.

Individuals who have lost luggage, cell phones, purses, passports, driver’s licenses and other personal items

Shooter at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport arrested and charged

It’s a chilly Monday here in south Florida. Let’s a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community. Today is January 9th…for CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

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

Here are today’s top stories:

Esteban Santiago Ruiz an Alaska resident who was arrested and charged in connection with the deadly shooting of multiple victims at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday, is scheduled to appear at a Broward Court today. Following interrogations Friday night Ruiz was formally charged with using and carrying a firearm and the deaths of the victims among other charges.

A former senior US official to Haiti is against plans by the incoming Jovenel Moise administration to re-establish a national army in Haiti. Moise, who is due to be sworn into office on February 7 said last year “the armed forces of Haiti is a constitutional prerogative” and “a country is not master of itself if it does not have an armed force.”

In Sports:

In the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup fifth-place playoff, Haiti beat Trinidad and Tobago 4 to 3 yesterday. The match was Trinidad and Tobago’s last chance to qualify for this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Haiti’s next match will be against St Kitts and Nevis on February 18.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

The United States Attorney’s Office of Southern District of Florida has released the charges against Guy Philippe, the former Haitian rebel and recently elected senator, who was arrested Thursday afternoon in Port Au Prince and extradited a few hours later. Among his many charges, Philippe was indicted in 2005 on one count of conspiracy to import narcotics.

For Tomorrows weather forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 73 and a low of 63. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 72 and a low of 67.

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

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Florida Highway Patrol warns of e-mail citation scams

Florida Highway Patrol warns of e-mail citation scams

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is warning Florida motorists they may be targeted by a company representing itself as the DHSMV demanding payment for fraudulent citations.

The company, which is not associated with the DHSMV in any way, have been sending emails to consumers requesting payment of a citation within a certain timeframe and if the payment is not received on time, the company will falsely require a daily late fee payment.

The email sent to consumers includes a linked payment page and email address.

While the linked payment page appears to be inactive at this time, the DHSMV is warning consumers that this is a scam and no payment should be made.

If a consumer has made a payment, they should refute the charge and take the appropriate security measures with their financial institution.

The DHSMV and Clerks of Court cautions that neither do not email citations to customers, and further;

  • The DHSMV and Clerks of Court do not require citation payment via email;
  • Citation numbers are always seven alpha-numeric digits;
  • If a consumer receives a notice regarding a suspicious citation, they should contact the local Clerk of Court or call the DHSMV immediately.

 

Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) to commemorate earthquake anniversary

Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) to commemorate earthquake anniversary

Haitian-Americans and other South Floridians are preparing to commemorate the seventh anniversary of tragic January 12, 2010 earthquake that killed and injured thousands in Haiti.

One of the vigils to be held in South Florida on Thursday, January 12, will be hosted in the City of Miami by the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC).

It is the Complex’s fourth year hosting the honorary vigil, which will begin with a candle-lit procession led by Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami (FANM) at 4:30 p.m. from the Toussaint Louverture monument on 62nd St. and N. Miami Ave. to the LHCC courtyard. The vigil will immediately follow at 6 p.m.

The event will unveil a dedicated memorial wall on the LHCC campus, a project that has been in the works for the past three years.

The dedication ceremony will feature a special dedicated poem, written and read by Edwidge Danticat, an award-winning novelist of Haitian descent. There will also be a blessing of the wall and a candlelight prayer.

Following the dedication will be an inter-faith prayer and memorial service led by the Florida Haitian American Christian Leaders Association. The vigil will then be closed with a traditional “boullion” vegetable and meat stew supper.

The Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) is a division of the City of Miami committed to presenting and preserving Afro-Caribbean cultures‚ inspiring the next generation of leaders and leveraging arts and culture as tools for transformation and community building.

This Day in History: Fisk University opens its doors as the first black university

On this day in history, January 9, 1866, Fisk University was founded in Nashville, TN, in 1866, soon after the end of the Civil War, and it has been one of the nation’s premier historically black colleges ever since. Students at Fisk are required to complete a 37-42 credit hour CORE Curriculum, including classes such as Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship and The World and Its People. Fisk offers 16 major and minor programs in addition to its pre-professional programs.

In 1953, Fisk became the first predominantly black campus to receive a charter for the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. It’s also home to the Ladies of R.A.G.E. dance team, which promotes school spirit and serves the community as positive role models. The Fisk Jubilee Singers introduced ‘slave songs’ to the world in 1871 and continue to sing and travel worldwide to this day. Notable alums of Fisk include W.E.B. Dubois and Ida B. Wells.

n 1866, six months after the end of the American Civil War, leaders of the northern American Missionary Association(AMA) – John Ogden, Reverend Erastus Milo Cravath, field secretary; and Reverend Edward Parmelee Smith – founded the Fisk Free Colored School, for the education of freedmen. AMA support meant the organization tried to use its sources across the country to aid education for freedmen. Enrollment jumped from 200 to 900 in the first several months of the school, indicating freedmen’s strong desire for education, with ages of students ranging from seven to seventy. The school was named in honor of General Clinton B. Fisk of the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau, who made unused barracks available to the school, as well as establishing the first free schools for white and black children in Tennessee. In addition, he endowed Fisk with a total of $30,000. The American Missionary Association’s work was supported by the United Church of Christ, which retains an affiliation with the university. Fisk opened to classes on January 9, 1866.

With Tennessee’s passage of legislation to support public education, leaders saw a need for training teachers, and Fisk University was incorporated as a normal school for college training in August 1867. James Dallas Burrus, John Houston Burrus, Virginia E. Walker, and America W. Robinson were the first four students to enroll at Fisk in 1867 and upon graduation Broughton and the two Burrus’ were the first African Americans to graduate from a liberal arts college south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Airport shooter appears in Broward Court today, January 9

Airport shooter appears in Broward Court today, January 9

Esteban Santiago Ruiz (Santiago), 26, an Alaska resident who was arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint in connection with the deadly shooting of multiple victims at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday, January 6, is scheduled to appear at a Broward Court today. He will appear before United States Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle in Fort Lauderdale, at 11:00 a.m.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced the arrest of Esteban Santiago Ruiz (Santiago) within hours after the shootings. Following interrogations on Friday night, he was formally charged.

Santiago is charged with violations of performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm in the course of a violation.

The statutory charges authorize a maximum penalty, upon conviction, of death or imprisonment for life or any term of years.

In a statement US Attorney Wilfredo Ferrer said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office expresses our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and to all of those impacted by this tragedy. Our Office commends the first responders, civilians and law enforcement partners who came together to provide assistance to those in need and support the ongoing investigation. The charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target our residents and visitors. As the investigation unfolds, we will continue to pursue all leads and evidence in this matter.”

“Our condolences are with the victims of this heinous crime and their families,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “I want to ensure these families that law enforcement is working tirelessly to ensure justice is served.”

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, 2017, at approximately 12:56 p.m., Santiago was present in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, when he pulled out a handgun. The area was crowded with newly-arrived passengers retrieving their luggage. Santiago started shooting, aiming at his victims’ heads until he was out of ammunition. Santiago killed five people and wounded six more. Moments later, Santiago was confronted by a BSO deputy. He dropped his handgun on the ground and was arrested by BSO deputies.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ricardo A. Del Toro with assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Larry Schneider.

Haitian politician appears in Florida court

Haitian politician appears in Florida court

The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) of Southern District of Florida has released the charges against Guy Philippe, the former Haitian rebel turned politician, who was arrested Thursday afternoon in Port Au Prince and extradited a few hours later.

Philippe, 48, was indicted 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, who was elected as a Senator in the November 20 legislative elections in Haiti last year, was ordered held without bond during an initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber of the Southern District of Florida.

Philippe’s 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.

 

Jamaicans urged to take anti –malaria drugs

Jamaicans urged to take anti –malaria drugs

Jamaican  health authorities are warning nationals to ensure that they take the necessary preventive medication to deal with malaria before traveling overseas as the island recorded two imported cases of the disease since the start of the year.

Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito and the Ministry of Health said “prevention medications are available in Jamaica. “You should start taking anti-malarial drugs before you travel, take them during your travels, and continue to take them for up to one month after your return,” the Ministry warned.

The Health Ministry said the first case was confirmed on January 5, and reported by the National Public Health Laboratory, while the second case was reported by a private laboratory on January 6. Jamaica eliminated malaria after the successful Malaria Eradication Campaign of 1958/62 with the last endemic case being in 1961.

US against Haiti re-establishing army

US against Haiti re-establishing army

A former senior US official to Haiti is pouring cold water on plans by the incoming Jovenel Moise administration to re-establish a national army in Haiti.

Moise, who is due to be sworn into office on February 7, had during the campaign for the November 20 presidential elections last year, said that “the armed forces of Haiti is a constitutional prerogative.

“A country is not master of itself if it does not have an armed force the strength of a country is based on a defense system that is strong, a modern army that is based on the objective of ensuring the protection of Moise, 48, replaces former president Michel Martelly, who left office in February last year, told the Voice of America (VOA) that the Haitian army “has so far figured in the Constitution”, But he acknowledged that Haiti does not have any funds to ensure the re-establishment of the army that was disbanded in 1995 after years of military interference in politics and at least a dozen coups.

But former American Ambassador accredited to Haiti and the Special Coordinator of Haiti to the State Department, Kenneth Merten, in an interview on VOA said ‘we have always supported a civilian police to ensure the security of Haiti.

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