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Don’t lose the merry from Christmas

Don’t lose the merry from Christmas

It’s rapidly approaching Christmas Day. People are greeting each other with wishes for a “Merry Christmas,” instead of the customary “Have a nice day.” Noticeably, the genre of music played on the radio has changed to seasonal music with songs also wishing audiences a Merry Christmas.

However, this year to hear people speak, you listen to electronic media, read newspapers and follow social media, it’s obvious that several hovering factors are about to steal the merry out of Christmas.

Another factor is the post general election disappointment that continues to affect sections of the community. Not only are several residents disappointed that Hillary Clinton isn’t the President-elect, others are fearful, uncertain of what the future holds for them. Like first-lady Michelle Obama said in a recent interview, some people are having little reason to hope.

However, to those who are finding it difficult to be merry because of the election results, they should remember that the American Constitution provide various checks and balances. These protect the rights of all residents, including immigrants, from abuses by the governing administration. America did not relinquish its fundamentals as a Democracy on November 8. It’s important for all citizens to be aware of their rights and the channels, including through those elected to represent them in the nation’s Congress, to protect these rights. What the uncertain future requires is faith and strength, not fear and cowardice. The election results shouldn’t be a reason for people to be denied enjoying a merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, others are very disturbed by the televised images   of the suffering and carnage being wreaked on the people of the town of Aleppo in Syria. It twists the hearts of caring folks to see and hear  children crying, as bombs and gunshots explod around them, appealing to the world to rescue them. No doubt this is a grave tragedy, and it has led some to question why the US doesn’t have troops in Syria to prevent the blood bath that’s taking place there.

However, if the US had thousands of troops fighting in Syria, the nation would again be at war, losing mostly its young people in battle. Americans  suffered through the devastating news and images of what war did to the nation’s young men and women in previous wars in Viet Nam, Iraq and  Afghanistan. Thus, people should understand why President Obama was hesitant about sending  troops into Syria. This would have risked a protracted war with Syria and its allies, including Russia. The images out of Aleppo are heart wrenching, and one hopes the United Nations can broker a satisfactory solution. However, if America was involved in the Syrian civil war, there’s little doubt the cries for American troops to pull out would be loud and persistent. Understandably, the images from Aleppo trouble some people, but this should prompt earnest prayers for a quick solution and ultimate peace, as Americans celebrate Christmas in the religious spirt in which it’s meant to be celebrated.

Others say they find it difficult to be merry this Christmas as they receive persistent reports of violent crime, including domestic violence against children and women, in their American neighborhoods, and in the Caribbean. But crime is another factor that people cannot afford to cower from. Crime is a very unpleasant component of the villages we call our communities. These villages have to stand bravely, and support the authorities, including law enforcement, in combatting this scourge. We must be our brother’s keeper in the fight against crime and usual associate, poverty. It’s far from being an easy task, but one of the gifts people should grasp from Christmas this year is the gift of determination to combat crime of all sorts. Crime shouldn’t get the better of the community and, along with robbing material wealth and lives, also rob the community’s joy.

There are several other factors including; persistent illnesses, financial challenges, loss of loved ones, failed relationships, that may threaten to rob some people of the merry in Christmas. However, what Christmas brings for most people is the support and fellowship of family. Being a member of a close family unit especially at an iconic religious commemoration like Christmas usually serve counter to the factors that threaten to rob people of their joy, or take the merry out of Christmas.

There are usually common antidotes to the threats  which take the merry from Christmas, and joys from life. These antidotes are, strength, courage, and faith.

This Christmas along with peace and love,  the National Weekly would like to wish our readers and advertisers strength, courage and faith, and yes, Merry Christmas.

This Day in History: Alice Parker, an African American, patented the gas heating furnace

On this day in History, December 23, 1919, inventor Alice H. Parker of Morristown, New Jersey, patented her design for the gas heating furnace. Parker’s design would help provide central heating in millions of homes and buildings around the world today.

Parker’s gas heating furnace revolutionized how people heat their homes. With her invention, people no longer needed to stock and burn wood in a traditional furnace, which presented a high fire risk when left unattended.

According to inventors.about.com, natural gas was being used for a number of industrial heating applications in the early years of the 20th century, yet no one had considered the possibility of using it as a form of heat for homes and businesses.

Parker pioneered the idea of using a single source of heat, centrally located, to provide warmth via air pipes to a home. She submitted a design for a patent that illustrated a gas-fired “heating furnace” and the patent was granted to her on Dec. 23, 1919. Her initial designs, although never actually used in any home or business, laid the groundwork for the various forms of central heating in use in homes today.

Barbados records increase in respiratory illnesses

Barbados records increase in respiratory illnesses

Barbados is recording an increase in respiratory illnesses in November 2016 as compared to the same period last year.

The Ministry of Health did not give figures to indicate the number of cases, but noted that “for the subset of cases tested, the causative organism was not the flu virus but mostly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

“Nevertheless, PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) has advised that the incidence of seasonal flu is starting to increase in North America and sporadic cases are also being seen in neighbouring islands.”

Health officials urged Barbadians to continue to practice good hygiene as this is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses.

“These practices include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended.”

The Ministry of Health said as in previous years “persons at risk for severe illness from the seasonal flu virus are advised to ask their doctor about receiving the vaccine against seasonal flu. These include persons with asthma, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases”.

 

Guyana pledges to combat human trafficking

Guyana pledges to combat human trafficking

The Guyana government says it remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, including those overseas, in combating human trafficking in the country.

In a statement following a two-day training course, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons thanked organisations such as the International Police (INTERPOL), the United States and the Task Force member agencies “for their unwavering support in the overall fight against trafficking in persons in Guyana”

It said  the objectives of the training course were to equip local stakeholders with information regarding the nature of the crime of trafficking in persons; how to identify, assist and refer victims; and best practices for investigating the crime and create a network for exchange of information among frontline officers and other stakeholders in different regions of Guyana who may come into contact with potential cases of trafficking in person.

The Ministerial Task Force said in 2017, it intends to target other relevant entities, such as the judiciary, media and the general public in its coordination of similar training courses and implementation of sensitization initiatives as it seeks to increase the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts to tackle the scourge.

In its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, the US Department of State noted that “Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor.

“Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Venezuela are subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas. Victims are subjected to forced labor in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops.”

Washington said that the Guyana government “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so”.

It said one person was convicted and given a three-year prison sentence and that she was required to pay the victim restitution, “the first time restitution has been ordered for a trafficking offender in Guyana.”

Brathwaite wins ICC T20 International Performance of the Year

Brathwaite wins ICC T20 International Performance of the Year

West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite has won the award for ICC T20I Performance of the Year for a magnificent innings that helped guide the regional team to the world title earlier this year.

Brathwaite’s remarkable 34 not out off 10 balls pushed the regional team over the line in what proved to be a remarkable contest against England at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens Stadium.  Needing 27 from the last two overs with six wickets down, the Windies hopes seemed dusted when they entered the final over still needing 19 to win the match.

Brathwaite, however, went on to smash four successive sixes off dejected seamer Ben Stokes’s first four balls to complete a truly incredible victory.

The Barbadian Brathwaite joined Sunil Narine as the only West Indians to receive recognition for performances in the 2016 season.  Narine was nominated on the ICC ODI Team of the Year.

Ravichandran Ashwin became the second India player after Rahul Dravid to win the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016 and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in the same season when he acheived the feat on Thursday.

 

 

digitalsportsmax.com

Phil Simmons appointed Head Coach of St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Phil Simmons appointed Head Coach of St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots

 

The St. Kitts & Nevis (SKN) Patriots announced today that former West Indies Coach, Phil Simmons, will become the new head coach of the franchise for the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season.

“We are happy to announce that Phil Simmons is the new head coach of the SKN Patriots”, said Co-Owner & Principal, Uday Nayak. “We expect that Phil’s experience and local knowledge will help the Patriots achieve improved performances in our 2017 Hero CPL campaign, and will bring the ultimate success that our fans and sponsors deserve”. The Patriots owner described Simmons as “the right coaching choice at this very crucial time in the development of our Franchise.”

Commenting on his new role, Coach Simmons said, “I am delighted to take up the role as Head Coach of the SKN Patriots. I would like to thank the owners and management for offering me this exciting opportunity to lead the squad. I am aware of the immediate challenges we are facing and I will do all possible to ensure that we achieve improved results”.

The new Patriots coach expressed his delight that the franchise had just last week signed star batsman Chris Gayle, “I am very pleased with the recent signing of Gayle. This is a major boost for me coming in as the new coach and I look forward to working closely with Chris to bring the desired success to the St. Kitts & Nevis franchise”.

Phil Simmons is himself a former explosive West Indies batting all-rounder. He retired from being a professional player in 2002, before embarking on a successful coaching career. Simmons is former coach of the Ireland national cricket team from 2007 to 2015, a period of significant improvement for Ireland’s ranking in world cricket. Simmons is best known for coaching the West Indies team to victory in the ICC World T20 in India earlier this year.

Laparkan recognized for their strong community principals

Laparkan recognized for their strong community principals

Sponsor representatives of the CASA youth classic, Juanita Phillips and her husband, had the privilege of walking onto the field to shake the hands of the players before the match started, on behalf of Laparkan (LPK) Shipping. They were able to stand with the players while the national anthems were played and pass out awards to the team that came in second place. LPK banners were seen clearly displayed throughout the field fences reminding all of the amazing service and shipping provided by the company.

LPK has a long history of giving back to the community including the post hurricane Matthew collections for those in Haiti who lost most of the important factors for a steady livelihood, back to school drives hosted in collaboration with WAVS radio 1170 for both Haitians and Jamaicans that was recognized by the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition on Saturday night where Phillips was honored with an award.

LPK will continue to use every opportunity to promote the established company “not for awards or rewards, but to be good corporate citizens” said Phillips. “I want to thank our management team that actually recognizes this and for allowing me the opportunity to continue the tradition of giving back to the community started by our founders. I am honored and humbled to continue represent Laparkan and its values.”

Stephen to sequel Bob Marley’s 1999 album, Chant Down Babylon

Stephen to sequel Bob Marley’s 1999 album, Chant Down Babylon

Stephen Marley is preparing to create a sequel to the 1999 album, Chant Down Babylon that heard Bob Marley on digital duets with some of the music industries biggest names at the time.

Stephen told the Jamaica Observer that production on the project will likely start in 2017 and will include a different flavor. “It won’t be urban. Wi looking at something more musical, like Stevie Wonder playing harmonica on two songs an’ Eric Clapton playing guitar,” Marley disclosed to the Observer.

Clapton who is still considered one of the most influential guitarists in rock, covered Marley’s I Shot The Sheriff in 1974 with his version going number one in the United States.

For the sequel, Stephen has paired his father with Erykah Badu on the song No More Trouble, Rakim on Concrete Jungle, Busta Rhymes & Flipmode Squad on Eastman Chant, and the legendary Lauryn Hill on Turn Your Lights Down Low.

2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers

2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers

The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup doesn’t kick-off until July 7,2017 but there has been plenty of tournament-related action related. The four 2016/2017 Scotiabank Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Caribbean Cup semifinalists, Curacao, French Guiana, Jamaica and Martinique, earn direct berths to the event.

The three best second-place finishers from the third round of Caribbean Cup play between Haiti, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, will compete against each other on January 4 to the 8, 2017, with the winner facing the fifth-place team from the Copa Centroamericana to determine the last Gold Cup qualifier. Jamaica pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Gold Cup history when it reached the 2015 final, ultimately falling to Mexico, 3-1.

Along the way, the Reggae Boyz drew 2-2 with 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinalist Costa Rica and beat the United States, 2-1, in the semifinals. In order to reach the 2017 Gold Cup, Jamaica captured the top spot in its 2016/2017 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, third-round group, posting a 2 win, 0 draw, 0 loss record, with a 4- 2 win over Guyana and a 1-0 win over Suriname.

 

Local leaders are inviting members of the community to join them at the Broward Health Medical Center Board meeting today at 1 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale

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. Today is Thursday, December 22 and for CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

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

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Community leaders are rallying behind Pauline Grant, a Jamaican American who was fired some 90 days before her scheduled retirement as Interim CEO at Broward Health. Local leaders are inviting members of the community to join them at the Broward Health Medical Center Board meeting today at 1 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee is warning consumers that they may be targeted by a company falsely representing itself as the Department and demanding payment for fraudulent citations. Officials warn consumers that the Clerks of Court do not email citations to customers and do not require citation payment via email.

Haiti has joined the international community in condemning all instances of human trafficking as the United Nations’ Security held a debate Tuesday. Former Haitian prime minister, Jean-Max Bellerive said the crime has “heightened vulnerability and undermined human rights all over the world”. The UN Security Council urged member countries, including the Caribbean to build strong partnerships with the private sector and civil society such as local women’s organizations.

In Sports:

The Jamaica Reggae Boyz are set to take on Honduras during an international friendly in February at the BVA Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Reggae Boyz are preparing for the CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup semi-finals set to take place in June and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will start on July 7.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

History was created in the British Oversees Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, December 15  when attorney at law Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was elected the first female premier after leading the People’s Democratic Movement to victory. On the weekend, Cartwright Robinson, who was born in The Bahamas, received the Proclamation for Premier from Governor John Freeman and will serve a four-year term.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered Showers in Broward County with a high of 81 and a low of 68. Scattered showers in Miami-Dade, with a high of 80 and a low of 71.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet. Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this has been CNW90.

This Day in History: Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante signed a revised agreement with the Foreshore Development Company Ltd

On this day in history, December 22, 1962, Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, signed a revised agreement with the Foreshore Development Company Ltd for the reclamation of approximately 225 acres of land in western Kingston.

Pay and working conditions were poor in the 1920s and 1930s. Failing harvests and the lay-off of workers resulted in an influx of unemployed people, moving from the rural areas into the city. This mass migration did little to alleviate the already tremendous unemployment problem.

Bustamante first impressed his name on the society with a series of letters to The Gleaner and occasionally to British newspapers, calling attention to the social and economic problems of the poor and underprivileged in Jamaica.

The years 1937 and 1938 brought the outbreak of widespread discontent and social unrest. In advocating the cause of the masses, Bustamante became the undisputed champion of the working class. He also confronted the power of the Colonial Governor, declaring, “Long live the King! But Denham must go.”

During the troublesome days of 1938, the security forces were everywhere eyeball to eyeball with Bustamante and the workers. Labour unrests continued on and off.

On September 8, 1940, Bustamante was detained at Up Park Camp, for alleged violation of the Defence of the Realm Act. He was released seventeen months later.

In 1943 he founded the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), with himself as head. The first general election under Universal Adult Suffrage came in 1944 and the JLP won 22 of the 32 seats.

Sir Alexander became the first Prime Minister of Independent Jamaica in 1962. He retired from active politics in 1967. He died on August 6,1977, at the age of 93.

On October 18, 1969 as per Government Notice 706 Jamaica Gazette, Bustamante was conferred with the Order of National Hero along with his cousin Norman Washington Manley.

 

 

JIS.gov.jm

Broward County Public Schools expands After-school Supper Program

Broward County Public Schools expands After-school Supper Program

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has expanded its Aftercare Supper Program to include six additional school sites, for a total of 104 schools serving nutritious meals to students. The supper meals ensure that more than 14,000 students participating in regularly scheduled after-school educational or enrichment activity programs receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow. The suppers are funded through the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), a federally funded program, which provides healthy meals and snacks in the child care setting. Meals meet all USDA requirements and include a milk, fruit, vegetable, grain and meal (or meat alternate), and are offered in the school’s cafeteria.

New school sites for the 2016/17 school include: Attucks Middle School, Charles Drew Elementary School, Lakeside Elementary School, Miramar Elementary School, New Renaissance Middle School and Silver Shores Elementary School.

 

Political parties in Haiti to challenge outcome of election

Political parties in Haiti to challenge outcome of election

The Electoral Court in Haiti has ordered a review of the preliminary results of the November 20 presidential elections, handing a lifeline to three political parties that have been challenging the victory of businessman Jovenelle Moise.

Last weekend, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) ejected a request by the three political parties challenging the results of the elections and instead referred them to the Electoral Court.

The CEP, which met behind closed doors over the weekend, with the attorneys for the political parties – Famni Laval’s, Piti dessalin and LAPEH – also indicated that the operations of the Office of National Electoral Litigation (BCEN) did not fall within its purview, given that the BCEN is composed of three independent entities.

But on Monday night, the attorneys successfully argued against the tally giving more than 55 per cent of the votes to Moise, who was chosen by former president Michel Martelly to represent his party, Tet Kale (PHTK).

The attorneys representing defeated candidates -Jude Celestin, Moise Jean-Charles and Maryse Narcisse- cited errors in the vote count and officials’ failure to comply with the requirement that voters sign their ballots or mark them with fingerprints at polling stations.

The court has not set a deadline for completing the process which started on Tuesday.

The CEP is due to announce the final results of the elections on December 29, but that announcement may be postponed because of the court ruling.

Chronixx to release new album and begin massive North American tour

Chronixx to release new album and begin massive North American tour

Roots reggae artist Chronixx has announced his tour and the debut of his album title, both titled Chronology.

This year, Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption Band headlined tours in Africa, Japan, Europe and North America, and rocked major festival shows like Coachella in California, Austin City Limits, Lovebox in the United Kingdom and One Love in Italy. They also supported the iconic United Kingdom rock band, Stone Roses, at the Manchester City Football Club stadium, Etihad.

In 2017, Chronixx, 24, and his band plan to expand deeper on this success, starting with their North American tour on March 2, 2017 in support of Chronixx’s first full-length album. The Chronology Tour spans 39 cities across the United States and Canada. Chronixx has also released his first visual, Majesty, from Chronology.

The song, an interpretation of Otis Gayle’s 1971 Studio One classic, I’ll Be Around which was originally sung by the ’70s soul group The Spinners, is also featured on Chronixx’s most recent mixtape, Roots and Chalice, curated by NYC’s Federation Sound.

“Majesty is about a spiritual vibration, the divinity within the woman and the balance that can be found within I&I. It’s celebrating that union,” explains Chronixx. In the visual, directed by Chronixx and Che Kothari, the singer serenades his love in a dreamy scenario, set on Jamaica’s lush north coastal property Strawberry Fields Together in Robin’s Bay, St. Mary.

 

TCI voters elect first female Premier

TCI voters elect first female Premier

 Kathy Barrett

History was created in the British Oversees Territory of  the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, December 15  when attorney at law Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was elected the first female premier after leading the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) to victory.

On the weekend, Cartwright Robinson, who was born in The Bahamas , received the Proclamation for Premier from Governor John Freeman and will serve a four-year term.

An attorney, she was admitted to the bar in the TCI in 1998 and eventually opened her own law firm – Cartwright  & Co. while also lecturing at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. She entered the political area and became a candidate in the general elections of 2003 and 2012.

Cartwright Robinson, was the first female to serve her party as Vice Chairman, Secretary General and National Chairman and Deputy Leader.

In 2012, she was appointed leader of the PDM  and in the general election of that year she was deemed the most popular politician after amassing the most votes of the all island candidates.

While on the campaign trail in the lead up to this year’s general election, Cartwright Robinson,45, promised citizens that they will have their “fair share “ of wealth. She then led the PDM to victory, winning seven of the 10 constituencies.

An elated Cartwright Robinson told supporters that the new government would stick to the policies outlined in the PDM manifesto and reiterated that all citizens including ‘Belongers’, will have a “fair share” of the wealth of the TCI.

“For too long the Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands have been denied their rightful share of the wealth of our country. For too long those holding political office have diverted funds away from where it rightfully belongs: it belongs in the pockets of all our Belongers. For too long we have had to tolerate the empty promises of false and weak leaders in the previous governments. No more… the time for talk is over, the time for action is now,” she added.

 

Florida’s strong demand for Obamacare continues

Florida’s strong demand for Obamacare continues

According to information obtained from the US Department of Health and Human Services, as of Monday, December 19, the deadline for enrollment, 6.4 million people had enrolled through the federal insurance exchange at healthcare.gov.

As was trending since enrollment began on November 1, Florida led the nation in enrollments on the federal exchange.  The report indicated some 1.13 million Floridians enrolled for health coverage by December 19, a 14 percent increase over the corresponding enrollment period in 2015.

The Miami-Fort Lauderdale region led the state in with 490,425 enrollments, followed by the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne area with 244,682 and the Tampa-Saint Petersburg area with 214,232.

In a teleconference with the media on Wednesday DHHS Secretary Sylvia Burrell said the 6.4 million enrollees nationally, surpassed by 400,000 the enrollments made last year. Two million of those who enrolled this year were new enrollees while 4.31 million were people renewing their previous.

The DHHS indicated the data released didn’t include active plan participation selection and people who were automatically renewed for Jan. 1, 2017 coverage.

In addition to those who enrolled for coverage through the federal marketplace, millions more have enrolled in state run insurance exchanges in 11 states and Washington, D.C.

The comprehensive data for the Nov 1 to Dec 19 enrollment period will be released early in January.

Burrell said the “big takeaway” from the data released was the growth that has taken place, even “among the doomsday predictions” against Obamacare by its opponents, and threats by the incoming Trump administration to repeal the ACA.

According to the Urban Institute Study over 2.4 million Floridians would lose coverage if the law was repealed and not immediately replaced, while nationally the number of uninsured would double from about 29 million to nearly 59 million in 2019

Burwell admitted among the ways Obamacare could be improved includes allowing for a public option in areas where there aren’t enough plans for people to choose from; increasing the number of people eligible for the subsidies; and, allowing the federal government to negotiate high drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.

 

The University of the West Indies announces the official recognition of its degrees in China

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. Today is Wednesday, December 21 and for CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

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

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Efforts by Florida workers and their unions to lobby for Florida’s Legislature to increase the minimum wage to between $10 to $15 per hour may be railroaded. Reports indicate the states large corporations are not so inclined. Three large Florida coalitions, the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce filed a joint lawsuit to halt the increases approved by Miami Beach. The lawsuit claims the Miami Beach ordinance disregards a state statute which establishes that the Florida Legislature sets one consistent minimum wage for the state. The FRF consists of some of the region’s largest employers, including Walgreens, Publix, Macy’s, Home Depot, and Hard Rock.

The University of the West Indies is pleased to announce the official recognition of its degrees in China. In correspondence, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jamaica, affirmed the approved university by the Ministry of Education. This landmark development signals that UWI degrees are now accepted by China’s highest education authorities compatible to the standards met by other internationally renowned universities in the UK, EU, US and Canada.

The United Nations announced Friday it is giving Venezuela and Guyana one final year to settle a longstanding border dispute and if significant progress is not made toward an agreement the case will be handed over to the International Court of Justice. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said U.N. chiefs over the last 25 years have appointed three personal representatives and engaged in “intensive efforts” to find a solution. Venezuela contends the decision is null and void and claims about 40 percent of Guyana’s territory, which is rich with gold, diamonds, timber and other natural resources. Guyana, which is much smaller, rejects the claim and is pressing the U.N. to take the case to the International Court of Justice.

In Sports:

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has climbed to number 32 on Forbes Magazine’s list of richest athletes. Bolt raked in $32.5 million U.S dollars this year and is the only track and field athlete included on the list. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is number one, with his Argentine counterpart Lionel Messi, U.S basketball player Lebron James, Swiss tennis star Roger Federer and Kevin Durant rounding out the top five.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Victoria Rowell, the actress playing the role of Drucilla Winters on the CBS soap opera ‘The Young & the Restless’, has been searching for her Jamaican father, and is making a public appeal to help find information about him. Rowell, who grew up in foster care in the U.S says she was her father is a Jamaican man who left the island in 1957 or 58 to join the U.S Navy.

For today’s weather forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 65. Scattered thunderstorms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 68.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet. Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this has been CNW90.

 

This Day in History: Patricia Roberts Harris, first Black woman appointed to presidential cabinet

On this day in history, December 21, 1976, educator and former U.S. diplomat Patricia Roberts Harris was named Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development by President Jimmy Carter, becoming the first Black woman appointed to a presidential cabinet position.

Born in Mattoon, Illinois, Harris excelled in school. She attended Howard University, graduating in 1945. She would later she become the first female dean of Howard University Law School in 1969. Harris went on to attend George Washington University Law School, graduating at the top of her class in 1960.

Also on her list of historical firsts for Black women in politics, Harris was appointed to co-chair the National Women’s Committee for Human Rights by President John F. Kennedy and selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to become the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. She also served as a director of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On March 23, 1985, Harris passed away from breast cancer at age 60.

Haiti joins UN Security Council in condemning human trafficking

Haiti joins UN Security Council in condemning human trafficking

Haiti has joined the international community in condemning all instances of human trafficking as the United Nations’ Security heard from more than 70 speakers during a day-long open debate on the subject, Tuesday.

Drawing attention to the link between conflict and human trafficking, former Haitian prime minister, Jean-Max Bellerive said the crime has “heightened vulnerability and undermined human rights all over the world”.

Bellerive said it was “crucial to bolster security, create conditions that were conducive to development and dismantle terrorist networks.

“Alleviating poverty was also critical,” he said, acknowledging that, as a long-term solution, it would mitigate underlying factors.

By the resolution, the Council called on UN Member States, among other things, to “investigate, disrupt and dismantle the networks involved, including through the use of anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism laws,” underscoring in that regard the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement.

The UN Security Council urged member countries, including the Caribbean to build strong partnerships with the private sector and civil society, including local women’s organizations.

 

Community leaders demand Grant’s reinstatement

Community leaders demand Grant’s reinstatement

A group of Broward County community leaders have organized community protest against Broward Health’s board, seeking the reinstatement of former Broward Health Interim CEO Pauline Grant, who was inexplicably dismissed on December 1.

The group, consisting of City of Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers; Florida State Senator Perry Thurston; Dr. Derrick Hughes, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Piney Grove; former Florida Representative Gwendolyn Clarke-Reed; former Broward Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion; Art Kennedy, Chief of Staff to US Congressman Alcee Hastings; and Dr. Dorsey Miller, former chairman of the North Broward Health District; organized the protest for the BH board meeting scheduled for December 22.

Mayor Rogers, said the main objective of the community protests is to “show support for the reinstatement” of Grant, a Jamaican-American who served Broward Health for 30 years. Rogers, speaking on behalf of the organizers of the protests said, “The community support is needed to make right a terrible wrong. We have to engage to guarantee a fair process for Pauline.”

In an unexpected move by the BH board, Grant was fired on allegations of accepting kickbacks from a physician during her prior tenure as CEO of Broward Health North in 2015. No details of these allegations have been given by the Board since Grant was dismissed, despite wide scale protests, including the Broward County Commission withholding a $82 million grant to assist the hospital in providing healthcare services to poor residents.

Grant files lawsuit against BH board

In the meantime, Grant who has strongly denied the allegations, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Broward Health. The lawsuit filed specifically against BH general counsel Lyn Barrett and the four board members that participated in the December 1 meeting, claims the board and general counsel violated Florida’s open-meetings law in deciding Grant’s dismissal.

The lawsuit claims Barrett collaborated with individual board members prior to the December 1 meeting, and made the determination to dismiss  Grant in a private meeting. This was contrary to Florida’s Sunshine law that requires public boards, like Broward Health’s, to conduct meetings accessible to the, and in, public. The lawsuit also claims the agenda for the board meeting did not include an item related to Grant’s dismissal.

The lawsuit filed by Attorney Eugene Pettis on Grant’s behalf stated the hospital’s general counsel conducted a secret investigation related to Grant for several months, while specifically informing her she was not being investigated, “then used outside counsel to conduct these rapid-fire meetings with only the information that there may have been a violation of the law……without the benefit and guarantee of public discourse as guaranteed by Florida law.”

Barret previously sought legal advice from two outside attorneys prior to recommending Grant’s dismissal.

The members of Broward’s Health board are the appointees of Florida Governor Rick Scott. On dismissing Grant the board also reinstated former Interim CEO Kevin Fusco, wo was previously removed and replaced by Grant last January.

 

 

 

PAHO to help identify illness affecting Jamaican soldiers

PAHO to help identify illness affecting Jamaican soldiers

The government of Jamaica is seeking the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in determining what caused at least 80 members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to remain in isolation after falling ill last week while training.

Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Winston De La Haye, says tests have shown that the soldiers are not suffering from the H1N1 virus as had originally feared.

“So far, we have had no result which is positive for H1N1, which is one of the diagnoses entertained, neither is there any other influenza type virus. Other viruses can present those types of symptoms,” he said.

At least one soldier is reported to be in critical condition.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, has sought to reassure the public that enough medication is available to treat the recruits, if they are indeed suffering from the effects of the H1N1 virus.

He says there is also enough medication to be used for staff members who may be dealing with suspected cases.

PAHO has been called to test samples to rule out other organisms, such as mycoplasma and legionella.

 

T&T journalist pleads guilty to involvement in controversial program

T&T journalist pleads guilty to involvement in controversial program

A Trinidadian newspaper journalist has been slapped with a fine of TT$20,000 after he  pleaded guilty last week to unlawfully benefiting from a contract awarded to his company under the controversial but now-defunct multi-million dollar Life Sport Program that led to the resignation of a government minister a few years ago.

Senior sports reporter Walter Alibey appeared before the magistrate on Tuesday for sentencing and was also ordered to repay the TT$33,000 he illegally recovered in Value Added Tax (VAT) although the company he owned had received a contract from the Life Sport Program, and was not registered with the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR).

The journalist who is also director of Agro Aggressive Organisation and Maintenance Services, received a government contract for TT$832,703.50 on July 1, 2013, to carry out refurbishment and maintenance work at the Valencia Community Centre by the Ministry of Sport.

Alibey was spared a jail term by the judge who told him that as a well-qualified person academically, it was no excuse to say he relied on bad advice.

He has was until Friday to pay TT$5,000 and the balance of the fine by January 30.  If he fails to pay the fine, he will be sentenced to two years in prison.

Police report that 24 women have been killed to date in 2016 of domestic incidents

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. Today is Tuesday, December 20 and for CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey

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

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Jamaica will not be joining other regions who have applied for the right to travel without a visa to the Schengen area made up of 26 member states of the European Union. Ambassador Marcia Gilbert-Roberts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has said that Jamaica is not yet ready to apply for the visa waiver since the EU has placed a general suspension on applications for the visa waiver.

Miami-Dade County Public School’s has increased their graduation rate to a record of 80% for the 2015-2016 academic year, exceeding the graduation rates of other Districts including Broward, Hillsborough, and Duval county. This academic year’s graduation rate is 2.3 percent higher than the 78 percent attained in the 2014 to 2015 graduation. It is the highest rate Miami Dade public schools has achieved since the Florida Department of Education began tracking statistics with modern methods in the late 1990s.

Members of the Jamaican dancehall community is voicing their opinions on the against the recent increase of deadly attacks on women. With more than 10 women the victims of domestic violence in the past two weeks Voicemail singer Kevin Blair is encouraging women in life-threatening situations to go to the authorities. Police report that 24 women have been killed to date in 2016 in domestic incidents.

In Sports:

Damion Jacobs and Nikita Miller shared eight wickets to follow up great batting that which spurred the Jamaica Scorpions to a 73-run victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament on Saturday. Jacobs grabbed 5-64 from 18 overs to end with match figures of 10 for 167, and Miller collected 3-44 as the Hurricanes, trailing by 307 on first innings, were bowled out for 234 in their second at Warner Park.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Yesterday, President Elect, Donald Trump has surpassed the necessary 270 votes in the Electoral College which was the next step in the official process to become President. He was put over the top by electors in Texas. The Electoral College results will be officially certified January 6 during a joint session of Congress.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered showers in Broward County with a high of 82 and a low of 68. Scattered Showers in Miami-Dade, with a high of 80 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet. Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

I’m Jahlisa Harvey and this has been CNW90.

 

This Day in History: Jamaican author and editor, Nalo Hopkinson was born

On this day in history, December 20, 1960, Nalo Hopkinson, a Jamaican-born Canadian speculative fiction writer and editor, was born. Currently living and teaching in Riverside, California, Her novels Brown Girl in the Ring, Midnight Robber, The Salt Roads, The New Moon’s Arms and short stories such as those in her collection Skin Folk often draw on Caribbean history and language, and its traditions of oral and written storytelling.

Hopkinson has edited two fiction anthologies, Whispers From the Cotton Tree Root: Caribbean Fabulist Fiction and Mojo: Conjure Stories. She was the co-editor with Uppinder Mehan for the anthology So Long Been Dreaming: Postcolonial Visions of the Future, and with Geoff Ryman for Tesseracts 9.

Hopkinson defended George Elliott Clarke’s novel Whylah Falls on the CBC’s Canada Reads 2002. She was the curator of Six Impossible Things, an audio series of Canadian fantastical fiction on CBC Radio One.

Hopkinson has been a key speaker and guest of honor at multiple science fiction conventions. She is one of the founding members of the Carl Brandon Society and serves on the board.

Hopkinson’s favorite writers include Samuel R. Delany, Tobias S. Buckell, and Charles Saunders. In addition, inspiration for her novels often comes from songs or poems with Christina Rossetti’s poem “Goblin Market” serving as the inspiration for Sister Mine. Personal hobbies include sewing, cooking, gardening, and fabric design. Hopkinson designs fabrics based on historical photos and illustrations.

Hopkinson was the recipient of the 1999 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer[12] and the Ontario Arts Council Foundation Award for Emerging Writers.

Brown Girl in the Ring was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award in 1998, and received the Locus Award for Best First Novel. In 2008 it was a finalist in Canada Reads, produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Midnight Robber was shortlisted for the James R. Tiptree Jr. Memorial Award in 2000 and nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2001. Skin Folk received the World Fantasy Award and the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic in 2003. The Salt Roads received the Gaylactic Spectrum Award for positive exploration of queer issues in speculative fiction for 2004, presented at the 2005 Gaylaxicon.

In 2008, The New Moon’s Arms received the Prix Aurora Award, Canada’s reader-voted award for science fiction and fantasy, and the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic, making her the first author to receive the Sunburst Award twice. This book was also nominated for the 2007 Nebula Award for Best Novel.

Guyana Jaguars win against Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force crashed to their second straight defeat and third in four outings in the Regional Four-Day Championship in Guyana Monday.

The visitors went down by 10 wickets to two-time reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars in the fifth-round encounter at the National Stadium, a defeat which leaves their campaign in crisis.

Red Force entered the final contest before the Christmas break at the bottom and will remain last in the six-team standings after managing 3.2 points to move to 35.6.

Jaguars collected 20.6 points to move to 67.4 points, clinching their first victory since the opening round when they crushed the Jamaica Scorpions.

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