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Government responds to call for PM to give more press briefings

Government responds to call for PM to give more press briefings

The government of Jamaica says it intends to hold press briefings next year and will commence the exercise “in the first quarter of 2017” as it responded to a claim by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had failed to hold press conferences since assuming office in February this year

The PAJ in a letter, urged Holness to talk more with journalists in the New Year for the benefit of the public.

The PAJ said it was very concerned about media access to ministers of government, and particularly to the Prime Minister.

But in a response, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said it wished “to point out that since his ascendancy, the prime minster has done more than 30 interviews with both local and international media on a wide variety of national issues”.

It said these interviews covered all major news stations in Jamaica.

“We are of the view that there can be no conclusion that the prime minister has not been accessible to the media and the facts will show that he has been the most accessible prime minister is recent Jamaican history.

“We ask you to alert us of any issues that the prime minster or the government has not responded to whether via statements, interviews, addresses or releases,” the OPM said in its response to the PAJ’s letter.

The OPM said it was also inviting members of the public and civil society to regular meetings with the prime minster to hear their concerns and suggestions in an effort to deepen the partnership needed to move Jamaica progressively forward.

“The PAJ noted that Mr Holness, since assuming office in March, had yet to hold a comprehensive press briefing in the capacity of prime minister, which all media representatives could attend and ask him a range of questions, for the benefit of the public. The PAJ urged Mr Holness to remedy this deficiency as early as possible in the New Year, and to make these briefings a regular staple on his schedule.”

Florida electors join in formally electing Trump as president

Florida electors join in formally electing Trump as president

Garth A. Rose

Without the drama and suspense anticipated by some of his opponents, on Monday, December 19, Donald Trump, 70, was officially elected by 304 electors from the Presidential Electoral College, including Florida’s 29 electors. Next, the US Congress on January 6, in a sitting presided over by vice-president Joe Biden, will certify the votes of the Electoral College, paving the way for Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the US on January 20.

Although there was some anticipation a number of Republican electors would turn renegade and vote against Trump, in the end only two of the 306 electors, related to the votes cast on November 8, voted against Trump. On the other hand, surprising to many, four Democratic electors did not cast their votes for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton who although receiving some 3 million more of the popular votes in the presidential elections, had attained only 232 electoral votes.

As expected there were rallies and protest at several state capitals where electors met to vote, but this did not deter the majority of electors voting for Trump.

In Tallahassee were the 29 Florida electors voted, approximately 200 people peacefully protested outside the Senate chamber where electors voted in a ceremony presided over by Florida’s Secretary of State Ken Detzner. Inside the chamber each of the electors voted separately on paper ballots. When they had all voted Detzner announced, what was already known, Trump was the victor. The announcement was nonetheless met with loud applause by those present, but outside  the protestors booed and shouted down the announcement.

Chairman of Florida’s Republican Party, and Republican elector, Blaise Ingoilia, thanked his colleagues for endorsing Trump’s victory in Florida on November 28. On that night, Trump defeated Clinton by 113,000 votes out of 9.3 million total votes that were cast. Trump won the majority votes in 58 of 67 Florida counties.

Florida electors also included the state’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, Senate President Joe Negron from Stuart, Florida Representative Carlos Trujillo from Miami, and Sharon Day, the outgoing co-chair of the Republican National Committee from Fort Lauderdale.

 

Freddie McGregor has had enough of the Grammy’s

Freddie McGregor has had enough of the Grammys

Jahlisa Harvey

Internationally acclaimed, Jamaican icon and singer Freddie McGregor, O.D., has had enough of the Grammys, the 59-year-old American music institution, calling the reggae awards category of the organization “an embarrassment of indescribable magnitude to reggae music”.

This week, McGregor, himself a Grammy-nominated singer, has joined the voices of what seems to be an increasing chorus of protest and outrage over the annual nominations for best reggae album. This is not the first time the albums selected for reggae nominations have been under fire, in the past they have been criticized and called obscure and bland for being out of touch with the core of authentic Jamaican reggae music.

Humble Lion of WAVS 1170 and WZPP 103.9 FM said “It’s futile to complain, it’s time to stop complaining. The Grammys does not belong to Jamaicans; the association belongs to them. America created their industry and it is not what we think about us, it is what they think about us.”

Recently, the public was made aware that the manager and wife of Ziggy Marley, Orly Agai Marley, who is Israeli-born, was elected a governor of the Los Angeles chapter of the Grammy’s executive, this being the largest chapter nationally that decides on eligibility for nomination and for consideration for this coveted music crown for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).

Willie Stewart, former drummer for the international reggae band Third World, really wants to understand how selections are made; “What is the criteria used to win a Grammy?” he asks, “I don’t know. Nobody knows. We would like the Grammys to be up front with what they are using to judge, is it record sales, popular music… what is it?”  Regarding other genres of music, Willie continues, “I mean, with other music like Latin music, do they have Latins in on the judging, or is there a general group of people selecting there also? [Everyone] needs to know.”

The albums selected for the 2017 award taking place on February 12 are Devin Di Dakta, J Boog, Ziggy Marley, Raging Fyah, Rebelution and Soja. In a statement issued this week and reported by The Gleaner, McGregor said, “When we allow non-Jamaicans to be the judge of our own Jamaican music, we have certainly lost it, and the reggae Grammy is officially a toy and a plaything for the West Coast of the United States.”

“They have no obligation to us to take it from our perspective, that is why you always have a Marley winning, it’s a recognizable name. The Grammy’s invite anyone in the industry to pay the fee and have a say, that is what Jamaicans need to do to have a vote and impact it… join.” said Humble Lion.

National Weekly December 15, 2016

Chris Gayle leaves Jamaica Tallawahs to join St. Kitts Patriots

Happy Monday, today is December 19 and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories that are making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida, 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:

The city of Lauderhill Mayor, Richard Kaplan is planning to introduce a program to officially recognize sites within the city with historical significance. The 2017 program will recognize two such sites every year in Lauderhill and with the help of the cities historical museum, the city is making efforts to preserve its history with photographs, and artifacts.

The Government of Jamaica is fast-tracking plans for the construction of the new multi-story headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade building. The building which is to be located on Port Royal Street in downtown Kingston is in conjunction with the country’s mission to restore and revitalize the area.

Former Jamaica Fashion Model Parisa Fitz-Henley has been cast in the new NBC series Midnight, Texas. Fitz Henley plays Fiji Cavanaugh, a witch and owner of a shop called ‘The Inquiring Mind’. The 39 year old got into acting in 2002 with a walk-on role in the film Death Of A Dynasty and has since appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and House of Cards.

In Sports:

At the end of the CASA youth soccer classic held over the weekend at the Lauderhill Sports Park, the Fort Lauderdale strikers won the tournament with 9 points followed by Jamaica’s under 2o close behind with 7 points. The three day tournament was open to boys ages 15 to 19 years old and featured teams from various Caribbean countries.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

General Manger of the Jamaica Tallawahs Muhammad Khan says batsman Chris Gayle will be missed as he is leaving the team to join the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots ahead of the new Caribbean Premier League season.

For today’s weather forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 71. Partly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 82 and a low of 73.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

Caribbean nationalweekly.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: Carter G. Woodson, father of Black History Month, was born

On this day in history, December 19, 1926,  Carter Godwin Woodson an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History was born. Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African-American history. A founder of The Journal of Negro History in 1915, Woodson has been cited as the father of black history. In February 1926 he launched the celebration of “Negro History Week”; it was the precursor of Black History Month.

born in Buckingham County, Virginia on December 19, 1875, the son of former slaves, James and Eliza Riddle Woodson. His father helped Union soldiers during the Civil War and moved his family to West Virginia when he heard that Huntington was building a high school for blacks.

Coming from a large, poor family, Carter Woodson could not regularly attend school. Through self-instruction, Woodson mastered the fundamentals of common school subjects by age 17. Wanting more education, Carter went to Fayette County to earn a living as a miner in the coal fields. He was able to devote only a few months each year to his schooling.

In 1895, at the age of 20, Woodson entered Douglass High School, where he received his diploma in less than two years. From 1897 to 1900, Woodson taught at Winona in Fayette County. In 1900 he was selected as the principal of Douglass High School. He earned his Bachelor of Literature degree from Berea College in Kentucky in 1903 by taking classes part-time between 1901 and 1903.

Carter G. Woodson died suddenly from a heart attack in the office within his home in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC on April 3, 1950, at the age of 74. He is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.

That schools have set aside a time each year to focus on African-American history is Woodson’s most visible legacy. His determination to further the recognition of the Negro in American and world history, however, inspired countless other scholars. Woodson remained focused on his work throughout his life. The Association and journal that he started in 1915 continue, and both have earned intellectual respect.

Woodson’s other far-reaching activities included the founding in 1920 of the Associated Publishers, the oldest African-American publishing company in the United States. This enabled publication of books concerning blacks that might not have been supported in the rest of the market. He founded Negro History Week in 1926 (now known as Black History Month). He created the Negro History Bulletin, developed for teachers in elementary and high school grades, and published continuously since 1937. Woodson also influenced the Association’s direction and subsidizing of research in African-American history. He wrote numerous articles, monographs and books on Blacks. The Negro in Our History reached its eleventh edition in 1966, when it had sold more than 90,000 copies.

Tips for Handling Holiday Health

Tips for Handling Holiday Health

The holidays are approaching, which means spending more time with family and friends-creating memories to last throughout the New Year. It is also when celebratory parties and get-togethers can challenge what may otherwise be healthy eating habits. Food and festivities often go hand-in-hand, but for the 28 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, that doesn’t mean having to avoid these social gatherings.

As someone who has lived with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, legendary actor James Earl Jones knows this well. He has partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to share his experiences and how he manages the holiday season while keeping the type 2 diabetes management plan he and his doctor set.

“Over the years, I’ve been in close contact with my doctor to create a type 2 diabetes management plan that was successful for me,” James Earl notes. James Earl’s doctor recommended INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) along with diet and exercise, which helped him lower his A1C and take control of his health. “Because of INVOKANA®, my doctor and I were happy, I got my A1C to 6.9 and I even lost some weight.” James Earl acknowledges that food will always be a major part of the holiday season, but shares he has learned there is a way to strike a balance between maintaining healthy habits for diabetes management and participating in the festivities.

James Earl shares his tips for managing type 2 diabetes noting “during the holiday season, I count on four tips to make sure I can make the most of the time with family and friends while keeping up with my type 2 diabetes management plan.” “After all, prioritizing health is a yearlong need,” he adds.

  • Healthy Options: Let’s be honest: Our favorite foods aren’t always the healthiest options on the table. I try to just grab a sample-sized amount of my “must-have” items, then fill my plate with more nutritious options. It’s helpful to remember that at least half of your plate should be filled with non-starchy vegetables. [i]
  • Ingredient Swaps: If you’re doing the cooking, add vegetables to soups, stews, and casseroles to add volume, texture, and flavor with very few additional calories.
  • Fit in Exercise: Find a moment before or after meals to take a walk. I always like to take a team approach, and get family and friends outside after a meal and involved in exercise. It’s nice to take a walk or a hike in the woods.
  • Monitor Blood Sugar: Lastly, keep a close eye on your blood sugar. If you feel like you splurged during a holiday meal, remember, tomorrow is a new day to get back on track!

INVOKANA® is a once-daily pill used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. In most clinical trials, the majority of people taking INVOKANA® reached an A1C goal of less than 7.0, a goal recommended by the American Diabetes Association. INVOKANA® works with the kidneys to help adults with type 2 diabetes lose some sugar through the process of urination. In clinical trials, treatment was also shown to reduce body weight and systolic blood pressure, and was generally well tolerated. The most common side effects of INVOKANA® include genital yeast infections, urinary tract infection, and changes in urination.[ii] These specific adverse events were generally mild to moderate in intensity in Phase 3 studies.

Having holiday and New Year diabetes management goals is a great way to stay on track! INVOKANA® provides resources to help support healthy habits. These tools are designed to provide simple tips that can really make a difference:

  • ICanImagine.com: Hear more from James Earl and receive diabetes management tips tailored to your unique leading role through a fun, interactive quiz.
  • Setting Personal Goals Activity: Create a personalized goal-setting list to help make diabetes management goals, like reduced weight loss and blood pressure, easier! You can even share your goals and progress with your doctor at your next visit.
  • Healthy Habits Tracker: This tracker can help you pay more attention to your blood sugar levels, which can help you successfully managing your type 2 diabetes! Keeping an eye on healthy habits can help you stay motivated.

With a little preparation, diabetes management and control can be seamless parts of your holiday season, which can help create a healthier new you in the New Year! Visit www.INVOKANA.com to find out more about these convenient free resources and head to ICanImagine.com to hear more from James Earl Jones.

WHAT IS INVOKANA®?

INVOKANA® is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. INVOKANA® is not for people with type 1 diabetes or with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in blood or urine). It is not known if INVOKANA® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INVOKANA® can cause important side effects, including:

  • Dehydration. INVOKANA® can cause some people to become dehydrated (the loss of too much body water), which may cause you to feel dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or weak, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). You may be at higher risk of dehydration if you have low blood pressure, take medicines to lower your blood pressure (including diuretics [water pills]), are on a low sodium (salt) diet, have kidney problems, or are 65 years of age or older
  • Vaginal yeast infection. Women who take INVOKANA® may get vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms include: vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (discharge may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching
  • Yeast infection of the penis (balanitis or balanoposthitis). Men who take INVOKANA® may get a yeast infection of the skin around the penis. Symptoms include: redness, itching, or swelling of the penis; rash of the penis; foul-smelling discharge from the penis; or pain in the skin around penis

Talk to your doctor about what to do if you get symptoms of a yeast infection of the vagina or penis.

Do not take INVOKANA® if you:

  • are allergic to canagliflozin or any of the ingredients in INVOKANA®. Symptoms of allergic reaction may include: rash; raised red patches on your skin (hives); or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
  • have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis

Before you take INVOKANA®, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems; liver problems; history of urinary tract infections or problems with urination; are on a low sodium (salt) diet; are going to have surgery; are eating less due to illness, surgery, or change in diet; pancreas problems; drink alcohol very often (or drink a lot of alcohol in short-term); ever had an allergic reaction to INVOKANA®; or have other medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. INVOKANA® may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking INVOKANA®, tell your doctor right away. INVOKANA® may pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed while taking INVOKANA®.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take diuretics (water pills), rifampin (used to treat or prevent tuberculosis), phenytoin or phenobarbital (used to control seizures), ritonavir (Norvir®, Kaletra® – used to treat HIV infection), or digoxin (Lanoxin®– used to treat heart problems).

Possible Side Effects of INVOKANA®

INVOKANA® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine). Ketoacidosis has happened in people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, during treatment with INVOKANA®. Ketoacidosis is a serious condition, which may need to be treated in a hospital. Ketoacidosis may lead to death. Ketoacidosis can happen with INVOKANA® even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL. Stop taking INVOKANA® and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, tiredness, or trouble breathing
  • Kidney problems. Sudden kidney injury has happened to people taking INVOKANA®. Talk to your doctor right away if you: 1) reduce the amount of food or liquid you drink, if you are sick, or cannot eat or 2) you start to lose liquids from your body from vomiting, diarrhea, or being in the sun too long
  • A high amount of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
  • Serious Urinary Tract Infections: may lead to hospitalization and have happened in people taking INVOKANA®. Tell your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as: burning feeling while urinating, need to urinate often or right away, pain in the lower part of your stomach (pelvis), or blood in the urine. Some people may also have high fever, back pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you take INVOKANA® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you take INVOKANA®

Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or feeling jittery.

Serious allergic reaction. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking INVOKANA® and call your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Broken Bones (fractures): Bone fractures have been seen in patients taking INVOKANA®. Talk to your doctor about factors that may increase your risk of bone fracture.

The most common side effects of INVOKANA® include: vaginal yeast infections and yeast infections of the penis; changes in urination, including urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC at 1-800-526-7736.

 

 

 

 

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Holness Leading Negotiations for Cricket at Central Broward Regional Park

Holness Leading Negotiations for Cricket at Central Broward Regional Park

At the December 6 Broward County commission meeting, commissioners discussed a proposal co-sponsored by Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness to host international cricket tournaments at Broward County’s  Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium (CBRP).  Krishna Persaud, local real estate businessman and proprietor of Worldwide Sports Management Group, will work to bring at least three international cricket tournaments a year to the stadium, beginning in 2017.  An emphasis of the agreement between the Broward County and Persaud would be to place a priority on local vendors and CBE businesses.

Commissioner Holness has long advocated the positive economic impact cricket can bring to Broward County.  In 2012 he successfully worked with other members of the community and brought the Digicel T20 Cricket Series- West Indies VS New Zealand to CBRP.  The Digicel T20 games had an attendance of over 11,000 each day, the games were seen in 1.2 billion homes via ESPN and there was at minimum a $3.1 million economic impact for Broward County’s economy.

Holness has worked with Persaud and his team for nearly a year to bring this item forward.  He also supported the India vs. West Indies T20 international match in August of this year, which brought an estimated economic impact of $10 million, and supports bringing the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to CBRP which will bring an estimated economic impact of $5 million.  Important to note, local teams and promoters will be protected and will receive support from this initiative.

“Kris Persaud and his team members are willing to invest their own funds to help Broward County utilize CBRP& Stadium to fulfill its mission of providing international cricket games that will not only bring tourists to Broward County, but also  grow our economy and create jobs for the people of Broward County,” said Commissioner Holness.

Opened in 2007, Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium (CBRP), is a 110-acre multipurpose facility.  With an investment of nearly $80 million, the venue is also used for soccer matches and camps, cultural carnivals and music festivals. CBRP is the only cricket stadium in the United States certified by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Nadine Sutherland and Zyon I create a ‘Remedy’

Jamaican Reggae singer Nadine Sutherland has made an appearance on a single teaming up with California-based reggae artist, Zyon I who together collaborated on the song Remedy.

Remedy is produced by Kenroy ‘Yah Breeze’ Archibald of 876Records, who has had a long musical relationship with Sutherland.

“I think this song will do well because it has an old-school reggae vibe and a certain authenticity that the music is lacking right now, and most of all, it’s an excellent song,” said Zyon I. He also mentioned that the collaboration was made easy as he was recording an album for 876Records at the same time that Sutherland was working on some tracks for an album of her own.

“The producer thought it would be a good idea to put the two of us on a track together, and that’s how we ended up recording Remedy. I feel honoured and blessed to have a song featuring one of the best female voices in reggae music,” Zyon I said in tribute to Sutherland.

Miami-Dade public schools achieve record graduation rate

Miami-Dade public schools achieve record graduation rate  

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) graduation rate has reached a record of 80.4 percent for the 2015-2016 academic year, exceeding the graduation rates of other Districts including Broward, Hillsborough, and Duval county.

The 2015/16 academic year graduation rate is 2.3 percent higher than the 78.1 percent attained in the 2014/15 graduation. The 2015/16 graduation rate is the highest  rate M-DCPS has achieved since the Florida Department of Education began tracking graduation statistics with modern methods in the late 1990’s. The District’s graduation rate has increased by almost 22 percent from 58.7 percent in 2006-2007.

Miami-Dade’s graduation rates for White, Black and Hispanic students also exceeded those of the State.

“The graduation rates recently released by the Florida Department of Education demonstrate that student academic progress in Miami-Dade County Public Schools continues to rise,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “Our school district’s record-high graduation rate is a direct result of instructional rigor, teaching ingenuity, and education professionals who care about every student in every classroom. With a staggering, nearly 22 percent increase in the graduation rate since 2007, the three largest ethnic subgroups in Miami-Dade surpassed their counterparts across the State. Parents, teachers, school leaders, and the entire community can take great pride in this remarkable and historic accomplishment.”

Carvalho attribute’s the District’s impressive graduation rate to several strategies. These include; a comprehensive tracking tool that monitors student progress through high school to ensure students meet established graduation requirements; assistance from Student Services staff to students as early as 9th grade to ensure they are completing requirements on time; and enrichment programs with a strong focus on literacy that prepare students to meet State assessment graduation requirements.

 

Electoral College meets today to confirm results of presidential elections

Electoral College meets today to confirm results of presidential elections

The election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States take another step today, December 19. The 538 electors from the nation’s presidential Electoral College, representing each the 50 states, will meet in each state to officially elect Trump.

In Tallahassee, Florida, the states 29 presidential electors are expected to meet at 2:00 pm to cast their votes for Trump, who won Florida in the elections, without any fuss bother.

In former years when the electoral college convened after a presidential election, the meeting in each state was fairly  routine, hardly making news headlines. However, this year it is quite different.

Voters disappointed by the surprising results of the presidential elections, and angry at reports that Russian interference in the elections were aimed at supporting Trump’s victory, are pushing for the electors to not cast their vote for Trump.

In recent days leading to today’s meeting of electors in state capitals, people have been targeting electors with email and other messages urging them not to vote for Trump. Protestors in several state capitals have also planned rallies against Trump being elected. However, it’s not expected that the pressures on electors or the protests will result in the electors not confirming Trump’s election.

Trump won 306 electoral votes in the presidential elections, and 270 electors are needed to confirm his election. For his election by the nation’s voters to be denied by the electors, 37 members would have to vote contrary to the people who voted on November 8. However, should the electors make the surprising move to vote against Trump, the confirmation process would advance to the US House of representatives, but with Republicans holding a significant majority in the House, it is likely Trump would be confirmed in that chamber.

Assuming the electors vote for Trump today, Congress will nonetheless meet on January 6, 2017 to certify the results of the Electoral College vote. Vice President Joe Biden, currently the president of the Senate, will preside at this meeting. Once the result is certified, Trump will be ready to be sworn in as president on January 20.

Florida is among those states were electors are bound to vote for the candidate elected by voters on Election Day. The state’s electors were selected by Gov. Rick Scott based on recommendations from the Republican Party of Florida. Florida electors include Republicans Attorney General Pam Bondi; Florida Senate President Joe Negron from Stuart; chairman of the state’s Republican Party, Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, and US representative Carlos Trujillo, of Miami.

 

Buying your first home? Follow this New Year’s plan to get fiscally fit

Buying your first home? Follow this New Year’s plan to get fiscally fit

So buying a new home tops your list of New Year’s resolutions. As you picture the big moment – the one where you pull up to your dream home in your moving truck, sprint up and unlock your front door – you probably understand there’s something you need to do first. You need to get your finances in shape.

Just like those who make resolutions to run a marathon, making this big investment starts with a plan. Runners know that if they run a certain distance each day, it gets them closer to accomplishing their goal.

“The same is true, in many ways, when it comes to buying a home,” says Eric Hamilton, president of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. “Before taking on a loan, many home buyers find they need to build their ‘financial muscles’ and establish ‘healthy’ money habits.”

By following a few tips to reach financial fitness goals, you, too can achieve the goal of home ownership.

Do those daily sprints

People who reach their fitness goals begin with a look at their current habits and then make a plan to replace them with better ones. The same is true for homebuyers. First, look at the spending choices you’ve been making, and review three to six months’ worth of bank statements. Consider what is necessary and what needs to cut back. The goal is to trim the fat in your budget so you can use the extra money to reduce your debt and increase your savings.

Crunch your debt

Take a look at your debts and consider the monthly payments you make. Are there any debts standing in the way of making a house payment affordable? Those are the ones you want to knock out with an accelerated payment plan, using the money you freed up by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Try focusing on one debt at a time, paying close attention to the ones with the highest interest rates to pay off first.

Beef up your credit score

The good habits you exercise today will make all the difference on your interest rate later. Put in the extra work to raise your credit score. Your credit score pulls together many details from your past and current debts as well as other financial factors, and helps lenders determine your creditworthiness. Making the effort to raise your score is worthwhile because shaving off even one-quarter of a percentage point from a mortgage loan can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a 30-year mortgage. A credit score factors your history of on-time payments, the amount you owe on your debts, the type of credit you have, the age of that debt and any recently opened new credit lines as well as other factors. You may be able to improve your score and get the lowest possible interest rate on a home loan if you follow these “reps” every month: pay all your bills on time, don’t close old credit card accounts and don’t open new lines of credit.

Increase your intake of savings

Even when paying down debt, it’s still a good idea to start a small savings plan so you have some cash to fall back on if, say, you need to go to the doctor or get new tires for your car. Start by opening a savings account and set up automatic transfers each month. Even with $50 a month, you’ll have $600 in one year, which could bail you out of a number of small emergencies. Eventually, once your debts are paid off, you can divert those payments right into savings, which also can build your down payment for that new dream home

Prepare for the big event

All these steps lead to one main event: buying a home. Once you meet those smaller goals – following a budget, eliminating debt, raising your credit score, and saving for your down payment – you’re ready for the final push toward home ownership.

First, figure out how much home you can afford: look at home prices in your area, use an online loan calculator to estimate your payments, and go through your budget. Then gather up the financial documents you’ll need, including proof of employment, bank statements and tax statements. Finally, choose a lender that is right for you. Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. has many programs that can fit many kinds of buyers. Perhaps you’re getting your first mortgage, have perfect credit, and in some cases, less-than-perfect credit. All loan programs are subject to credit approval and restrictions apply. Contact Vanderbilt for details. If you are interested in learning more about Vanderbilt, visit, http://www.vmfhomeloan.com. Vanderbilt is a Berkshire Hathaway national housing lender that has been in business for more than 40 years and has helped families just like yours find the right financing program.

“Following these habits can be challenging from a motivation standpoint,” Hamilton says. “It takes patience, but once you’ve followed the steps to get financially healthy, it is a very rewarding experience.”

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, ( http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

 

 

 

 

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Antigua police probe video calling for assassination of politicians

Gaston Browne

Antigua police probe video calling for assassination of politicians

The police in Antigua and Barbuda have released the former Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) captain, George Wehner, pending further investigation into a video circulated on the social media that Parliament agreed incites “the assassination” of Parliamentarians in the country

Last week, Prime Minister Gaston Browne in piloting a resolution in Parliament, said that the matter was of “serious concern” and one of national security.

He told members of parliament that over the last few days, the video had been circulating through the social media “that brings terrorism and incitement to commit murder directly into our country and at the very heart of government.

“The video, which has a strong military focus, portrays several members of this Honourable House on the government side as targets for execution. It also portrays you, Mr. Speaker, as a target for such a murderous act,” Browne said.

The court said Wehner, an executive member of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), was being questioned with regards to a possible violation of the Electronic Crimes Act.

Last week, Wehner issued a public apology over the video, saying while he is taking ownership of the video, he is denying suggestions that he intends to carry out any act of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda.

Jamaica to implement standards for packaging of sugar

Jamaica to implement standards for packaging of sugar

The Jamaican government says standards for labeling and packaging of all sugar in the retail market will be in place by the end of December.

During a recent news conference Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda said procedures were approved whereby no sugar should be sold anywhere in Jamaica to consumers unless it is sold in approved packages, which are labeled with all the ingredients on them.

He said that the standards should have already been in practice “and I lament the fact and am disappointed that it has been delayed for so long.

“I told the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) and the entire team that I want that standard in place by the end of December. I am determined to go to the root of the problem where the allegation is that manufacturers are importing sugar as raw material and passing it to the consumer through supermarkets, thereby avoiding the appropriate tax that should be paid on it,” Samuda said.

He noted that once the standards are in place by the end of the month, it will serve as a deterrent for those engaging in this practice.

Broward County continues initiatives to eliminate homelessness

Broward County continues initiatives to eliminate homelessness

The Homeless Initiative Partnership, in collaboration with the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Broward Sheriff’s Office, 211, Nova Southeastern University and Hands on Broward, will begin collection of data for the 2017 Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count Survey and Built for Zero 2017 Initiative Registry Week. This survey will begin on Tuesday, January 24th through Thursday, January 26, 2017.

The purpose of this survey is to provide up-to-date information about the needs of persons experiencing homelessness. The survey is an opportunity to engage in efforts to end homelessness and inform the homeless about the Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC), and Broward Built for Zero: 2017 Initiative Registry Project.

Nearly 250 volunteers stand ready to assist in the Homeless Continuum of Care. Interested persons should contact Shira Fowlkes at pit@brhpc.org for additional information or click onhttp://www.browardpointintime.org/get_involved to register.

According to Michael R. Wright, Administrator of Broward’s Homeless Initiative Partnership, the County is charged with counting every homeless person and asking them to complete a survey. “An accurate count helps the County get needed resources to help persons experiencing homeless in Broward and is used to substantiate need for all federal and state grants,” says Wright. “The Broward Built for Zero: 2017 Initiative Registry is designed to create a registry of homeless and chronically homeless people and line up a supply of housing and service resources to help them and will assist in prioritizing chronically homeless persons for placement in HUD CoC Program Permanent Supportive Housing.”

The “A Way Home” Homeless Continuum of Care is a network of organizations, advocates, residents and businesses that plan programs to implement a full range of emergency, transitional and permanent housing along with prevention and other services to help alleviate homelessness in Broward County. The County’s Built for Zero: 2017 goal is to achieve functional zero for veteran homelessness by May 31, 2017, chronic homelessness by 2017, and family and youth homelessness by 2020.
The Homeless Initiative Partnership (HIP), is a section within the Community Partnerships Division of the Broward County Human Services Department. HIP plans and coordinates services for homeless persons, and serves as liaison to the Homeless Initiative Partnership Advisory Board, which acts as agent for Broward County Commissioners in the development and implementation of homeless assistance programs.

Cuban official pays tribute to Caribbean nations

Cuban official pays tribute to Caribbean nations  

Ricardo Alarcon, a former Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, Foreign Minister and president of Cuban National Assembly recently paid tribute to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. The tribute related to the bold move taken by these nations in 1972   to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba at a time when the United States sought to isolate the Fidel Castro administration.

Alarcon who in 1972 was involved in the negotiations with the four CARICOM countries, described the process as straightforward, reflecting the commitment of the political will of then Prime Ministers Forbes Burnham, Guyana, Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad & Tobago, Errol Barrow, Barbados, and Michael Manley, Jamaica.

Alarcon told guests was speaking at a reception hosted by Guyana’s ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed at his residence, commemorating the 44th anniversary -December 8- of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the four nations.

“The objective of the Americans back then was to isolate Cuba especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. So, it was a courageous move on the part of the Caribbean prime ministers of that era. Cuba thought the negotiations for establishing diplomatic relations with these countries would be much more difficult but it turned out to be quite straightforward,” Alarcon said.

He said the steps taken by the four countries paved the way for other CARICOM countries to follow once they too gained independence. He acknowledged that over the years Cuba and the CARICOM region have enjoyed a great relationship which includes continuous support for Cuba in international fora.

Ambassador Majeed highlighted the assistance which CARICOM member states continue to receive from Cuba by way of medical personnel including doctors, scholarships and technical assistance in agriculture, education and culture. He said Guyana and other CARICOM countries have recently intensified efforts to expand their commercial relations through trade and investment with and in Cuba.

Ambassador Majeed also read a poem in tribute to late President Fidel Castro – Death of a Comrade –written by Guyana’s poet laurate Martin Carter.

The keynote address at the reception was delivered by Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Ambassador June Soomer. Other speakers included the ambassadors to Cuba from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, Belize and Grenada along with Professor Jessica Byron-Reid, director of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) ,and Capt. Gerry Gouveia representing the Guyana Private Sector Commission(PSC).

 

Voters elect first woman to head TCI government

Voters elect first woman to head TCI government

Voters in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)  on Thursday elected the first ever woman to head a government in  British Overseas Territory and in the process booted Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing out of Parliament.

The preliminary results released Friday by the electoral officials showed that Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, 45, had led her opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) to victory, winning seven of the 10 constituencies. The party also won four of the five at large candidates

According to the figures  –  Cartwright Robinson, won the most votes in the at large candidates poll, receiving 3024 votes, while the outgoing Premier, who led the ruling  Progressive National Party (PNP) into the election, could only muster 2, 234 votes, losing out on becoming one of the five successful candidates. He received 2,234 votes.

Another casualty of the poll is former premier Michael Misick, who is before the courts on allegations of corruption..

In the 2012 general election, the PNP won six of the 10 constituencies and two at large seats, while the PDM won four constituencies and three at large seats.

The only successful PNP candidate in the at large candidate election is the former finance minister Washington Misick, who polled 2335 votes.

10 signs you may have a bleeding disorder

Are you at risk for a bleeding disorder?

Harley Noffsinger was a typical kid who liked to play outside and stay active. When she was 7, everything changed. She got a nose bleed, but unlike most people’s experiences, her bleeding wouldn’t stop. It lasted 90 minutes.

Noffsinger’s parents brought her to the emergency room at the nearest hospital, where she was diagnosed with von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Like most Americans, neither Harley, nor her parents, had ever heard of VWD, and had no family history of it. Still, VWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting about 1 percent of the U.S. population, or more than 3 million people. According to the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), like hemophilia, VWD can prevent the blood from clotting normally. VWD can result in extended bleeding after injury, surgery or trauma, and, in severe cases, can be fatal if not treated effectively.

“Harley was fortunate that she was diagnosed so early because, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it takes an average of 16 years from the onset of bleeding symptoms for a woman to be diagnosed with VWD,” said Dr. Robert Sidonio, Jr., a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a consultant to NHF.

While VWD occurs equally in women and men, women are more likely to experience its symptoms because of the increased bleeding it causes during their menstrual periods, during pregnancy and after childbirth. Menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days is considered heavy and heavy menstrual bleeding – a period with excessively heavy flow – affects one in five American women of reproductive age, or nearly 10 million women. In fact, having a bleeding disorder can be an underlying cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Besides VWD, women can have other bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or rare factor deficiencies.

Over time, many women simply get used to having a heavy period. They may think it’s normal because female relatives have similar experiences. However, for some women, an undiagnosed bleeding disorder may be the cause of their heavy flows and, because it’s hereditary, multiple family members may also be undiagnosed.

Now age 22, Noffsinger experiences heavy periods. Before using a menstrual cup, she would have to check every 30 minutes to change her tampon or pad. “I was worried constantly that I was bleeding through,” she said. “I see light pads and light tampons in stores and I get so jealous because I have to use these ginormous things.”

Having heavy periods is one, but not the only symptom of a bleeding disorder, according to a new public service campaign called “Better You Know,“ created by NHF as part of a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness of bleeding disorders. The centerpiece of the campaign is www.BetterYouKnow.org, a website featuring a confidential, multiple-choice online questionnaire and other tools to help you determine whether you are at risk for a bleeding disorder and the next steps you can take to seek care.

According to Dr. Sidonio, you should speak to your health care provider if you’ve experienced one or more of the following 10 signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders:

1. Told you are “low in iron” or have been treated for anemia.

2. Experienced heavy bleeding after surgery.

3. Experienced prolonged bleeding from the gums after a dental procedure.

4. Have heavy menstrual bleeding (having to change one pad or tampon every hour).

5. Experienced heavy bleeding after childbirth or miscarriage.

6. Have frequent nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes.

7. Have bleeding from cuts or injuries that lasts longer than 10 minutes.

8. Bruise easily, with bruises that are raised and larger than a quarter.

9. Have blood in your stools from bleeding in your intestines or stomach, or blood in your urine from bleeding in your kidneys or bladder.

10. Have someone in your family who has one or more of these symptoms, or a family member who has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder such as VWD or hemophilia.

If you receive a bleeding disorder diagnosis, remember it can be managed. For Noffsinger, whose story is featured on www.BetterYouKnow.org, having VWD has not prevented her from living life fully. Her future plans include having children, travel and more. Knowing her body and what to expect with bleeding has helped Noffsinger gain confidence to live fully.

“If you don’t know what’s going on and you have a period that lasts for three weeks and you’re freaking out and think you’re dying, you’re going to go to the hospital,” said Noffsinger. “But if you know you’re going to bleed for three weeks and it’s going to go away, you can relax and have a calm state of mind about it. That’s why I’m doing all I can to spread the word about BetterYouKnow.org. I want everyone to know that, if you have a bleeding disorder, your life can be better if you know about it, and seek care and treatment.”

 

 

 

 

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness is the first Jamaican PM to visit the cruise line headquarters in Miami

Today is Friday, December 16 and we’re taking a look at some of the top stories making the news across your Caribbean-American community here in South Florida, 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:
As the mosquito borne Zika Virus continues in the Caribbean, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in St. Lucia continues heightened surveillance of the 50 pregnant women who have tested positive for the virus. Although the women are recovering from the illness, these women are being monitored closely through antenatal care services.
Rumors circulated last week that British soccer star, David Beckham planned to drop his proposal to bring a Major League Soccer team and build a stadium in South Florida, however Beckham’s South Florida investment group, Miami Beckham United, told local media the soccer icon is still making efforts to have the stadium located on a site in Overtown, Miami. The group stated that they are seeking additional investors for the project and are “100 percent committed to Miami.”
South Florida’s large Caribbean community in Broward County now has the chance to access more televised Caribbean news, information and entertainment with the  launch of TV Channel 5-80 on Xfinity. Beginning operations last month, S-F-L Caribbean TV offers a schedule of Caribbean programs daily from noon to 6 p.m.including The Maxine Tulloch show and a Vintage Hour with shows like Oliver and Sarge at Large.
In Sports:
This evening starting at 6 the Youth Soccer Classic brought to you by CASA will host three matches for their winter tournament. Starting with Barbados kicking off against team CASA followed by West Florida Flames against the Strikers at 7:30 and ending the night with Jamaica versus Chivas USA at 9. All matches will be played at the Lauderhill Sports Park.
Now, here’s what’s trending:
Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, and tourism minister Ed Bartlett are in Miami meeting with investors and stakeholders aiming to promote tourism on the island. Prime Minister Holness is the to visit the cruiseline headquarters in Miami.
For today’s weather forecast:
Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 78 and a low of 71. Partly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 78 and a low of 73.
For more information on these and other stories, visit
us online at 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. 🙂 🙂 Have a great weekend everyone.

This Day in History:Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson was born

On this day in history, December 16, 1926, Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson, the third President of Trinidad and Tobago serving from March 19, 1997 to March 17, 2003, was born. He is internationally recognized for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court.

Robinson was the first active politician to be elected to the Presidency, and was the first presidential candidate who was not elected unopposed, the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) nominated Justice Anthony Lucky as its candidate for President. President Robinson sparked controversy in his term in office when he refused to appoint certain Senators recommended by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday following the elections in 2000 and in 2001 when he appointed the Leader of the Opposition Patrick Manning to the position of Prime Minister after a tied election.

ANR Robinson went on to become Prime Minister through the National Alliance For Reconstruction. However, shortly after assuming the Prime Ministership, he developed the traits of being a complete dictator and wanted power at all costs. He dismissed Mr. Basdeo Panday, Mr. John Humphrey, and Mr Kelvin Ramnath from Cabinet. However, Robinson lost the 1991 elections due to his greed and lust for high public office. He rejoined the UNC Administration as a coalition member representating the NAR. However, once again, Robinson proved to be a difficult person to work with, but Mr Panday offered to nominate him to become the next Head of State, i.e. the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is set to have its first woman premier

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is set to have its first woman premier

Based on preliminary results of general elections held in that Caribbean British Overseas Territory on Thursday, TCI’s Opposition People`s Democratic Movement (PDM) led by Sharlene Cartwright Robinson won 7 of the 10 constituency in the county’s Legislative Council. The ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) led by Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing, won the other three seats.

During the election campaign, Cartwright Robinson, an attorney referred to the PDM candidate’s as  “The Dream Team” and relentlessly criticized the government of implementing policies that brought much suffering on the population of the TCI.

Following the theme of other victorious political parties in the Caribbean recently, the PDM campaigned on a platform of equal distribution of resources. The party promised citizens a fair share of the wealth of the country. Cartwright-Robinson also promised to implement a national wealth fund from which everyone would benefit even on retirement. She said a PDM government would “ not just create savings for our people, but to actually put that money back into your pockets, even as we secure your financial stability for the future! Your children and our grandchildren will be shareholders in the future of a prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In Thursday’s elections, the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led by Oswald Skippings also contested the 10 constituency seats along with the PDM and PNP.

The PNP’s defeat is a major political reversal as the party won 8 eight in the 2012 elections.

With the PDM’s victory Carter Robinson is likely to appointed by the TCI governor for a 4-year term.

 

Miss Guyana ready to take on the World

Miss Guyana ready to take on the World

Nuriyyih Gerrard, Miss World Guyana 2016, is currently competing in the preliminary phase at the 66th Miss World Pageant, slated for Sunday, December 18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington DC. Gerrard, is a 24-year-old psychology student and Ambassador of Guyana’s rural Patora-Siparuni, Region 8. She is among 120 other ladies from around the world competing in the pageant that is being held for only the second time in the United States. The first event held on United States soil was in Atlanta, Georgia in 1991. Gerrard will bring with her the beauty with a purpose campaign which instills values such as live without stigma from her “One Act Foundation” that consists of a group of talented young professionals who uses technology to bring awareness to mental health disorders and illness. They are now focused on implementing a successful mental wellness and awareness campaign in collaboration with Ministry of Health and other related NGO’s in Guyana. So far, Gerrard has competed in the talent competition among other queens, but did not place in this category. However, the talented young woman will vie in the Fashion Fitness, and other Beauty with a Purpose, to boost her scores. Franchise holder, Natasha Blu Martindale said, “I would urge all potential beauties to follow the journey and start preparing even before they apply to compete in any pageant. Representing Guyana is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Little Haiti now a destination for quality ‘Java’

Little Haiti now a destination for quality ‘Java’

Up until recently, Miami failed in comparison to other regions as a destination for a quality cup of java, but as the culinary scene in South Florida begins to flourish, snagging a cup of locally made joe has become more and more enjoyable. Newcomer to the coffee scene is Great Circle Coffee, a small-batch, single-origin roaster that has set up shop in the town of Little Haiti in Miami. The company, founded by Sergio Boppel, offers a variety of blends including La Calle, a smooth espresso blend; Finca Teanzul, a Guatemalan-based fusion of orange, chocolate, and brown sugar; and Deep House, a cold brew with a cocoa and citrus aftertaste. “Things have come a long way in terms of the specialty coffee scene in South Florida,” Boppel says. “There is a growing community, and we’re getting a lot of attention. Miami is so diverse, and is visited by so many people from around the world who love to try new things.” Many of Great Circle’s beans are sourced in East Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Great Circle also offers blends designed for cold-brew-style coffees, perfect for Miami’s year-round warm weather. All beans are roasted on a Loring Smart Roast, an environmentally conscious roaster that consumes less energy and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traditional machines.

Deadlines loom for filing immigration applications

Deadline Looms For Filing Immigration Applications Before Fees Increase!

Attorney Caroly Pedersen, Esq. of the American  Immigration Law Center – Call 954-382-5378

With increased USCIS filing fees scheduled to take effect on December 23, 2016, Immigrants and Sponsors wishing to avoid the higher filing fees should begin planning to file cases before the deadline. Fees will increase substantially for some applications, while others are minimal and some remain unchanged. For instance fees for a Family Petition (form I-130) will increase $115, going from $420 to $535, Naturalization fees (form N-400) will increase $45 from $680 to $725. Green Card Renewals/replacements will increase $90 to $540 from $450. The $85 biometrics fee remains unchanged and is included in the above fees increases where required.  To take advantage of the current fees, applications should be postmarked on or before December 22, 2016. Applications are best filed using Priority Mail (approx $7), Fed-ex or another courier which can be tracked and delivered within several days. Try to avoid using Certified Mail which can take 7 days or longer for delivery. Applications postmarked on or after December 23, 2016, will be rejected by the USCIS, if not accompanied by the new fees. You can get a link to the USCIS fees increase webpage for all Immigration applications by visiting our website at: www.Immigratetoday.com  and clicking on the Immigration Newsletter link

Anti-Immigrant Group Outlines Suggested Trump Administration Immigration Policies For The First 100 Days

As reported by the American Immigration Council, the anti-immigrant group supporting Donald Trump, called the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), recently outlined Immigration priorities which should be implemented by the Trump Administration in its first 100 days. The sweeping anti-immigrant agenda includes overturning President Obama’s DACA program  and cancelling work authorization for Immigrants currently protected by the measure, redefining criminals to include even law abiding Immigrants who merely violated Immigration laws by being in the U.S. without legal status, conducting workplace raids and militarizing the border, among many others, all in step with Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric. You can read the FAIR plan and Trumps Immigration proposals  to “Make American Great Again” by visiting our website at: www.Immigratetoday.com  and clicking on the Immigration Newsletter link

Fake US Embassy in Ghana Has Been Issuing Counterfeit US Visas For Ten Years!

If it sounds too crazy to be true…it probably is! Yes, it’s true, as reported recently by the U.S. State Department, a  building in Accra, Ghana, has apparently been operating as a fake U.S. Embassy for some ten years. Run by Ghanaian and Turkish organized crime rings,

the “Embassy” flew an American flag outside and hung President Obama’s photo inside, just like a legitimate Embassy, with individuals posing as “consular officers”, issuing fake U.S. visas and other counterfeit documents to customers. The criminals paid off local officials to “look the other way” as the business flourished for nearly a decade or more, charging sums as large as $6,000 for visas and other fake documents.  During raids, officials confiscated computers, cell smart phones, 150 passports from 10 countries, as well as counterfeit identity documents and arrested members of the ring, while other remain at large.

THIS WEEK’S IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question: I came to Miami on vacation to see my girlfriend in February 2016 and we decided to do some tours to different places like New York, which would take me over my I-94 authorized stay. So in August a few days before my stay expired we filed for an extension to give me more time here, but instead of risking it and staying while the request was processing, I decided to leave at the beginning of September. Once I got back to Colombia, I decided to go back to the U.S. again in October to visit my girlfriend again.  But once I arrived in Miami Airport, immigration officers sent me back on the plane because they said I overstayed the last time because my I-94 expired in August. I explained that I had applied for the extension before that date and showed them the receipt, but they said that my visa was automatically cancelled and there was nothing I could do.  So I recently applied for a new visa at the Embassy and was denied, even though I had filed the extension request. I just can’t believe it! My girlfriend and I can’t stand being separated and we decided to get married. She is coming to Colombia for Christmas and we will get married here. We want to ask you if once we get married, will I be able to fly back to Miami with her when she returns, since I will then be her spouse? Thanks for all your help.

Answer: Yes, unfortunately, under Immigration regulations, once you overstay your period of authorized stay in the U.S. – by even one day, (even though you filed for an extension), once you left the U.S., you were not allowed to re-enter on your current Visa and are instead required to apply for a new B1/B2 Tourist visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country. You did the right thing by filing the extension of stay before your I-94 expired, however, if you leave while the request is still pending, after your I-94 expired, it automatically cancels your extension request. If you had stayed and it was approved, you would have been able to stay for up to 6 additional months. If it was denied, then you would have been in the U.S. past your I-94 authorized stay and your U.S. visa would have been cancelled automatically. And unfortunately, once an individual overstays in the U.S. and then applies for a visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad, the Consular officers are very unlikely to issue a B1/B2 tourist or any other type of Non-immigrant visa, effectively closing all possibilities for legally travelling to the U.S. again.

The exceptions are immigrant visas, such as a Fiancée Visa and Spousal Visa (for foreign Fiancées & Spouses of U.S. Citizens). However, foreign Fiancées and Spouses are not immediately issued a Visa which allows them to travel to the U.S. until all the technical processing is complete, which takes 6+ months or more.

In your case, since your U.S. Citizen Fiancée is going to fly to Colombia to marry you, once she returns, a Spousal Immigrant petition can be filed to initiate the process of bringing you to the U.S. as a U.S. Resident (Green Card holder). However, you won’t be allowed to return to the U.S. along with your new wife, instead you have to wait in Colombia for consular processing. We can assist you and your soon-to-be wife by taking care of  your Spousal case to ensure that it is properly, professionally prepared and filed, so that you are able to immigrate to the U.S. as quickly as possible under USCIS and Consular processing procedures. See you next week.

Lauderhill Senior Gets Wish Granted with a Yard Makeover on Saturday

Lauderhill Senior Gets Wish Granted with a Yard Makeover on Saturday

On Saturday morning, volunteers will grant the wish of a senior citizen living at in Lauderhill by giving her yard a makeover and her house, a fresh coat of paint.

The yard makeover wish is being granted by Global Village Impact, Kiwanis of Lauderhill, Lowes and National Theft Search & Recovery in collaboration with TD Bank, Renaissance Management Group and the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This is the perfect example how we can beautify our community with partnership support,” said initiative organizer and CEO of Global Village Impact Mr. Basile Phillips. “I am very excited and happy to know that these companies and their volunteers are going to help make my yard more beautiful just in time for Christmas,” the homeowner said.  She lives with her son and grandchild. In addition to receiving the yard makeover, National Theft Search & Recovery is expected to provide the Lauderhill senior citizen with a check and TD Bank will offer her a $25 savings account. The Kiwanis of Lauderhill is giving her a decorated Christmas tree and presents to go underneath it. “We believe that it is possible to create change one family at a time,” Said Kiwanis of Lauderhill President Karrelle Chang. Immediately after the project has been completed, the senior citizen, her family, neighbors and volunteers will celebrate and fellowship together with a block party. “It is important for us to all work together to create a healthy, happy, and vibrant community; especially during the holiday season,” said Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce President Melissa P. Dunn, MBA.  Call 754-423-4673 to volunteer or drop off a gift for the Lauderhill senior citizen and her family. The Office of Commissioner Dale V.C Holness and Broward County agencies are sponsoring the yard makeover event.

 

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