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5 tricks to a happier, less stressful holiday season

5 tricks to a happier, less stressful holiday season

Americans have a love-hate relationship with the holiday season. You may love the festive spirit and the opportunity to share time with friends and family, but dread all the work — and stress — involved in seasonal tasks, including meal preparation. However, it is possible to make it through the holidays with more happiness than humbugs. All it takes is a little planning and a few smart shortcuts.

Here are tips to help ensure your holiday season is as bright and stress-free as possible:

Budget your way to peace

Budgeting is a great way to not only ensure you don’t end up with big bills after the holidays, but also to help you feel more in control throughout the season. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend will help you stay focused and on track. You can create multiple budgets to address different holiday spending needs, such as a gift budget, food budget and an entertainment budget. And if you go a little over in one area, like gifts, don’t stress – just recalibrate in another!

Get the guest list in advance

Of course, everyone loves the unexpected pop in, and it’s always smart around the holiday season to have snacks and small gifts on hand for unannounced guests. But when it comes to bigger gatherings, such as Thanksgiving dinner, a Hanukkah gathering or a Christmas or New Year’s party, it’s important to know who’s coming ahead of time.

Getting your guest list in order well in advance can help you plan for how much food and drink to buy, and to accommodate any special dietary needs such as low-fat or gluten free.

Online invitation tools make it easy (and free) to send out invitations. Guests can RSVP online, and you can track who’s responded, who you’ve yet to hear from, and who’ll be coming.

Consider ready-made meals

Seasonal foods like turkey with all the trimmings are as much a part of the holiday season as decorations and gifts. However, there’s no rule that says food will taste great only if you spent hours cooking it. Meal preparation can be a huge stressor — and time drain — during an already busy season. Relieve the stress by preparing a few items in your own kitchen and relying on high-quality, prepped-to-heat-and-serve food from a holiday-friendly restaurant, like Boston Market, to complete the meal.

Ready-made meals allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones, while ensuring your guests enjoy a delicious holiday feast. A holiday dinner for 12 from Boston Market, for instance, includes a roasted turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy and all the fixings like sides, rolls and apple or pumpkin pies for just around $110 or so – all you have to do is pick it up, take it home, heat and serve. And, some locations will even deliver larger catering orders straight to your door! Visit bostonmarket.com/holiday or call 866-977-9090 to get those holiday meal plans made in no time (and add some time back to your day).

It’s OK to ask for help

When you’re hosting a holiday event, there’s just too much for one person to do alone. If you don’t want to find yourself deflating under the stress of trying to do everything, delegate tasks. Often, friends and family are happy to pitch in, and their teamwork can help ensure everyone enjoys your celebration.

When you delegate a task, be specific about what you need and the timeline. For example, you can ask a friend to pick up holiday decorations, a festive tablecloth and seasonal paper ware, and have it all to your house the afternoon before the event. Plus, it’s a-okay to suggest favorite designs, colors or even stores at which to pick up those must-have holiday add ons!

Breathe new life into that holiday menu

Did you know 50 percent of holiday revelers serve prepared foods for their feast? Keeping your Thanksgiving menu exciting and unique can be tough if cooking is not your strong suit (or even if it is). It may seem like you need special, otherworldly ingredients to give your meal that “wow” factor we’re all hoping to achieve these days. However, sometimes the best strategy is just bringing together the appropriate combination of simple ingredients and saving some time along the way.

Taking mashed potatoes and mixing Gouda cheese, minced garlic, freshly chopped chives and a little olive oil can really bring a ho-hum, staple side dish to life, for instance. Or, even something as simple as pumpkin pie can become vibrant with just a touch of sugar and some heat – a few minutes in the broiler and you’ve got yourself a Pumpkin Pie Brulee that’s sure to wow your guests. All these holiday staples can be found at your nearest Boston Market, just waiting to be gussied up in time for that holiday feast.

During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything has to be “perfect.” Doing everything and creating stress for yourself doesn’t equal “perfection.” Finding ways to make your life easier and more enjoyable during the holidays allows you to focus on what really makes the season special — time with those you love.

 

 

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Your family’s guide to cold and flu season

Your family’s guide to cold and flu season

Every year in the U.S., there are more colds than people. Annually, nearly 320 million Americans catch 1 billion colds, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Seven in 10 people will turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help them feel better – and many of these medicines may contain acetaminophen.

In fact, acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drug ingredients to reduce pain and fever, found in more than 600 OTC and prescription (Rx) medicines. When used as directed, it is safe and effective. However, taking more than the maximum daily dose (4,000 milligrams) is an overdose, and can lead to liver damage.

“Family members play an important role as caregivers when administering medicines safely,” says Mark Gibbons, director of programs and operations at Caregiver Action Network, a member of the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC). “It’s important to double check all medicine labels to be sure you’re not accidentally doubling up on acetaminophen.”

Each year, acetaminophen overdose causes about 26,000 hospitalizations. It’s important to know the dose that is right for you and your loved ones. With the arrival of cold and flu season, the AAC’s Know Your Dosecampaign offers some helpful tips for preventing illness and safe medicine guidelines if you do get sick.

Preventing illness

You can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from getting sick, including:

* Get vaccinated for the flu. It’s the best way to minimize the chance you’ll get the flu and spread it to others. Even if you got a flu shot last year, you need to get one this year, too. Each year’s shot is different, specifically designed to prevent the strain of flu expected to be most prevalent this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend anyone 6 months and older get vaccinated.

* Be diligent about washing your hands regularly. Each time you wash, scrub for at least 20 seconds – about how long it would take to run through two renditions of “Happy Birthday.”

* Avoid actions that spread germs, like touching your face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth. If you do get sick, stay home from school or work to avoid spreading germs to others.

* Maintain good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food. All these actions help build your immune system.

Know your dose

If you or a family member does fall ill, you may decide to treat symptoms with medicine, which might contain acetaminophen. To ensure you’re using acetaminophen safely, follow these steps:

* Always read the label on any medicine you take. Be sure you understand and follow the dosing instructions.

* Know if your medicine contains acetaminophen. It’s important to know which of the medicines you’re taking contain acetaminophen so you can ensure you’re not taking too much.

* Take only one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen could put you at risk for exceeding the maximum daily dose.

If you have questions about an OTC or prescription medicine that you’re taking, talk to a healthcare provider.

To learn more, visit KnowYourDose.org and follow @KnowYourDose on Twitter.

South Florida Cubans hold weekend long celebration after death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro

Today is Monday, November 28, and with a look at some of the top stories making the news today across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m Suzette Speaks for CNW90. Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here’s a look at our top stories

South Florida Cuban exiles and their descendants erupted in spontaneous weekend long celebration on learning of the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro on November 25. The Cuban Americans see the death of the 90-year old Cuban revolutionary as marking the end of a dark era for them.

The 26th Annual Black & White Ball, a traditional holiday favorite in South Florida’s Caribbean-American community will be held on Saturday, December 17th at the Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac. The gala event is also a fundraiser and recognition of local charities. The ball also honors these charitable entities and local leaders for their outstanding service to the community.

Three Haitian Americans were elected to political office in recent general elections in Palm Beach County. Al Jacquet, a former Delray Beach city commissioner, was elected to the Florida House of Representative;  former Florida Rep. Mack Bernard, was elected as the first Haitian-American to serve on the Palm Beach County Commission; and Christina Romelus, 28, was elected to serve on the Boynton Beach City Commission.

In Sports

Jamaica College alumi in South Flrida are thrilled that their alma-mater won a fourth straight ISSA-FLOW Manning Cup title, and their 28th overall, after defeating  Wolmer’s Boys 2-1 in last Saturday finals al at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica..

 Now Here’s what’s trending     

Hillary Clinton presidential campaign announced on Saturday it would participate in a Wisconsin presidential election vote recount sought by Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The campaign may also join Stein-backed recount efforts in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Clinton lost all three states in the November 8 presidential elections.

Weather Forecast

It will be a partly cloudy day in Broward County where the high temperature will be 79 and the low 71 degrees. It will be mostly sunny in Miami-Dade with high of 80 and a low of 71 degrees.

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.”

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Suzette Speaks.

3 tips to prevent common holiday injuries

3 tips to prevent common holiday injuries

What does your holiday wish list include this year? Spending time with friends and family? The latest tech or that best-selling book you’ve been meaning to read? Maybe it includes plans for a trip in 2017. Whatever is on your wishlist, chances are a holiday-related injury isn’t one of them.

No one wants to be hurt during the holidays, yet injuries sustained as part of the season’s festivities are actually very common. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000 visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015 directly due to holiday decorating and decorations.

“During the holiday season so many of us get wrapped up in what we have to do, that we don’t take the time to do it safely,” says orthopaedic spine surgeon Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “It’s up to all of us to never forget safety as we’re checking off our to-do list, because you can’t enjoy the holidays when you’re hurt.”

To help you prepare for and enjoy your holidays in a safe and enjoyable way this year, the AAOS offers these safety tips.

Master the ladder 

Yes, we’ve all been up a ladder hundreds of times, but 566,000 Americans were injured due to ladder falls in 2015. Many of these injuries took place during the holidays when outside conditions are more conducive to accidents.

Before using a ladder for any task, you should inspect it thoroughly for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and never climb a ladder that is damaged. Even the shortest job can still cause an accident. Once the ladder has been deemed to be in good working order, make sure it is set on level even ground – even if this means removing debris or snow to do so. Then, be sure you have a spotter ready below before beginning your climb. Once your task is finished, climb down the ladder and move it to the next position – don’t overreach. Relocating the ladder is just as easy and safer.

Pack smart

If travel is an essential component of your holiday plans, how you pack and handle your luggage can mean the difference between arriving healthy or injured at your final destination. More than 84,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and clinics for injuries related to luggage in 2015. Here’s how to keep yourself off that list in 2016.

Start by packing lightly and resist the urge to drag that single, massive suitcase around. Several, lighter bags will be easier on your body. And when lifting luggage – no matter the weight – stand alongside your luggage and bend at the knees instead of the waist. Grab the handle and straighten up with the luggage close to your body – this allows you to lift with your leg muscles instead of your back.

Once you’ve lifted your luggage, it’s important you handle it properly. If you’re carrying a duffel bag, resist the urge to keep it on your dominant shoulder for the duration of the trip – rotate shoulders instead. Likewise, if you are using a backpack, make sure both shoulder straps are used and tightened accordingly so the weight is evenly distributed.

Finally, when handling a roller bag, don’t drag it up the stairs. Pick it up and carry it instead. This simple adjustment will protect your body and the bag.

Walking without danger in a winter wonderland

Walking is something people take for granted, but during the holiday season when everyone’s in a hurry, the opportunity for accident and injury increases. That’s why it’s important to walk defensively, just as you drive defensively, paying attention to the people, vehicles and objects around you, especially when it’s dark. Avoid jaywalking or other potentially dangerous situations. And if you need to switch your attention for a moment – perhaps to make a phone call or talk to a child – stop and step out of the main walkway to do so.

If you like to listen to music while you walk, make sure to keep the volume to a reasonable level so as not to block out the outside world. Being able to hear a car horn, for example, may just save your life.

The holidays can be an enjoyable time of year when we all look forward to visiting with family and friends, taking some time off to relax and crossing those wishes off our list. Follow the tips listed above and you’ll enjoy a safe and spirited holiday season.

Share the AAOS holiday safety tips infographic with your friends and family.

This Day in History: Haiti arrests more than 200 journalist and human rights activist

On this day in Caribbean history, November 28, Haitian police arrest some 200 journalists, politicians, human rights activists, doctors and teachers for alleged communist-inspired agitation and criticizing the Government’s economic policies. The Duvalier regime undertook a brutal crackdown on the press, political parties, labor union organizers and human rights activists. More than a dozen journalists were arrested at Radio Haiti, some tortured and later expelled out of the country. The station was closed and its studios physically destroyed.  The rest of the Haitian media was effectively silenced until Jean Claude Duvalier was forced to leave the country in 1986.

In late November of 1865, during a demonstration to commemorate the November 28, 1980 crackdown, troops came into the town of Gonaives, injured 15 and killed three. The three that were killed, though on school property, were not even attending the rally. The following day when students across the country threatened a national boycott because of the deaths, the government said the three were mistakenly killed and closed the schools for a national day of mourning.

Reggae producer, Seanizzle in stable condition after car accident

Music producer Sean “Seanizzle” Reid after being in a dramatic car accident on Saturday is recovering in the Kingston Public Hospital. His publicist told the Jamaica Observer that he regained consciousness Sunday and is listed in stable condition.

The accident which happened as Reid was driving along Washington Boulevard in St Andrew, Jamaica resulted in heavy bruising. Seanizzle has been a reggae producer for 11 years hitting the scene in 2005 with the Reverse rhythm, which featured Beenie Man’s Reverse The Ting and Tony Matterhorn’s Siding Pon It. Swaggerific by Mr G, which was released in 2010, is one of his biggest hits. Last year Seanizzle released his first album Music My Way.

CHAT Miami Launches Park & Ride Experience for Art Basel Goers

C.H.A.T Miami Launches During Art Basel Offering a Park & Ride Experience for Basel Goers

Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism Will Promote and Drive More Locals and Tourists to Miami’s Heritage & Urban Communities Creating Opportunities for Small Businesses

CHAT Miami launches during Art Basel offering a Park & Ride Experience for Basel Goers.  Shuttle transportation will be available for South Floridians as well as domestic and international visitors coming to Miami for Art Basel.  CHAT Miami will provide pick-up locations in North Miami and the Downtown area and through a North and South loop that will allow Art Basel and Art of Black attendees to move around town without the hassle of driving, dealing with traffic or parking fees.  Single and multi-day Park & Ride passes are available for December 1-4, 2016 and can be purchased at www.chatmiami.tours.

CHAT Miami is managed by the Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc., a network of tour operators, attractions and small businesses offering exciting educational and interactive tours of cultural, historical and urban contemporary experiences within heritage communities and the Greater Miami area.

Alliance members curate and offer customized art, history, food & beverage, music, special events and shopping experiences for South Floridians, domestic and international tourists visiting the South Florida area.

“The absence of quality cultural heritage tour experiences to attract South Floridians, domestic and international visitors to Miami’s heritage communities has excluded many small businesses from participating in Miami’s tourism ecosystem and benefitting from tourists’ traffic and dollars,” says Stephanie M. Jones, president for the Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc.

“Although these businesses are positioned as tourist attractions, they require additional assistance with enhancing their business, marketing and tourism capacity so they are better positioned to access the 15.1 million visitors and $23.5 billion that comes to the Greater Miami area annually.”  

With support from the Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc., community assets can be developed into vibrant cultural heritage experiences that can be packaged and promoted as tourism products that will attract South Floridians, domestic and international visitors to Miami’s heritage neighborhoods on a consistent basis creating economic sustainability for residents and businesses.

“CHAT Miami is long overdue for minority businesses who want to participate in Miami’s tourism industry.  Through the Alliance, we can partner together to create unique tour experiences that drive traffic to and leave dollars in heritage communities,” says Antonio King, president of King Tours and Alliance Partner.

CHAT Miami is offering the Art Basel and Art of Black Park & Ride Experience as well as A Taste of Culture and Cuisine VIP Tour Experience for groups of 12-20ppl on an exclusive party bus.  Park & Ride passes can be purchased at www.chatmiami.tours.  Groups interested in the VIP Tour Experience can email book@chatmiami.tours or call 786.507.8500, ext. 901.  CHAT Miami will offer the Ultimate Wine & Dine Tour Experience to Schnebly Redlands Winery beginning January 7, 2017.  Booking for the Wine & Dine Tour opens on November 7, 2016 at www.chatmiami.tours. 

press release

Major change in South Florida school zoning for 2017

Major change in South Florida school choices for 2017

A new state law that becomes effective on January 1, will enable South Florida students to attend any public school on the region, if space is available at the school a parent would like to send their child.

Prior to this, parents were restricted to sending students to public schools designated by the residential address of the students. However, it was found that several parents tried, and succeeded, in circumventing the system by using the address of friends and relatives to send their children to preferred schools outside of these parent’s residential school zone.

A possible downside of the new law is that parents or students will not be eligible for transportation by county school districts if students attend school in another county.

Jamaican-American Delores Lewis, whose children attend high school in Coral Gables, Florida, said she is “overjoyed” with the new arrangement. “I wanted my kids to attend a school with less of a Spanish influence than they are receiving at their current school in Miami. I have found such a school in Southwest Miami, and the kids, and my husband and myself are very happy with this.”

On the other hand, another Caribbean-American parent Lilly Mckenzie who lives in North Miami, has been trying to have her two Middle-school sons transferred from a school in Miami Gardens to another in Miramar, but the schools she has in mind have no space to accept her sons. “Mckenzie said, “I have no problems in transporting the boys to and from school, but they won’t be able to transfer for the next semester, as the schools I want them to go have long waiting lists.”

The Broward County school district have announced a policy indicating it will not enroll students from outside the school district to any school where enrollment is 102 percent or more of capacity.

List of schools with available capacity in Broward County will be released by the end of November, and applicants can be submitted to these schools as of December 1.

While schools in the Broward County School district have been receiving admission requests from parents and students in Miami-Dade, parents from Broward County are also trying to transfer their kids to schools in Palm Beach County. However, the Palm Beach County School District recently announced it will make the list of schools with available space for students seeking to transfer from outside the district in January, but new applications will not be accepted before April, 2017.

The Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County school districts will offer the priority for transfer to new schools to students residing in the county rather than those from other counties, depending on space availability.

 

Caribbean leaders mourn death of Fidel Castro

Caribbean leaders mourn death of Fidel Castro

Since the announcement of the death of former Cuban president Fidel Castro, 90, on Saturday, November 25, leaders from the Caribbean region have expressed their condolences to the Cuban people.

In his statement, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of CARICOM referred to the late Cuban leader as “a treasured friend of the Caribbean community.”

LaRocque continued, “President Castro’s commitment to assist developing countries through the sharing of his country’s skills and expertise, made him a treasured friend of the Caribbean Community. Thousands of our citizens have benefitted in many ways from his dedicated friendship to our Community, rooted in his appreciation for the courage of the then four independent Member States of CARICOM in breaking the hemispheric diplomatic isolation of his country in 1972.

The passing of Fidel Castro marks the end of a life dedicated to fighting for the dignity of all people which ensures his place in history.”

In a letter to incumbent Cuban President, and brother of Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, indicated, “The Government and people of Jamaica join me in extending to you, the entire Castro family and the Government and people of Cuba our deepest condolences on this occasion.”

Prime Minister Holness said, Fidel Castro “will go down in the annals of history as one of the leaders who, though coming from a Caribbean island developing state, has had the greatest impact on world history.

“His building of excellent education and health systems in Cuba, has become an outstanding model for the world. The people of Jamaica remain deeply appreciative of the significant contribution that Cuban medical personnel continue to make to the Jamaica health services, through a process of technical cooperation initiated under the leadership of President Fidel.”

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris also extended “sincere condolences” to the Government and people of Cuba on the passing of Fidel Castro.

In his message Dr. Harris, stated. “The Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis mourn with you as you bid farewell to a great statesman and a beloved leader who, until his demise, remained faithful as his name to a cause for which he fought for close to sixty years.

His was a life of purpose, fulfilment and accomplishment. His unwavering spirit, steadfast will and determination brought inestimable inspiration to his people and millions worldwide.

Former President Fidel left behind a trail of remarkable successes, including unparalleled health and education systems from which citizens all over the globe have benefitted, either from scholarships to Cuban institutions of higher learning or from health care, at the hands of members of Cuban Medical Brigades situated the world over.

Indeed, St. Kitts and Nevis boasts a cadre of professionals, a majority of whom are medical practitioners, who are beneficiaries of the goodwill of Fidel Castro…..but what will be cherished for posterity are his benevolence, generosity and altruistic nature. He motivated generations of Cubans to develop these same qualities, notwithstanding their own economic struggles.

Cuba, the region and the world have lost a stalwart leader and fearless Commander, whose legacy will long outlive his ninety years of life.”

 

 

 

 

The Bahamas to host 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

The 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be held in the Bahamas.

Football officials in the Bahamas say they are anticipating a major tourism spike as a result of the country hosting the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The event will be staged at the newly renovated Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Beach Soccer Facility from April 27 to May seven.

Sixteen teams from around the world are down to participate in the event and officials are upbeat that the live coverage will translate into an economic boost.

“Having been involved with FIFA for a number of years and been to several of these world cup events; I can tell you that this is a major deal for the country,” said BFA president Anton Sealy.

The 2.5 million dollar stadium being renovated for the event has a capacity of more than 3000 persons.

Officials say construction of the site should be completed by January in time to host CONCACAF Qualifiers, a test event for the World Cup.

“I think the World Cup will be broadcast to 150 million world –wide and we are hoping to be even better when we host the next one,” said head of FIFA competitions Jaime Yarza.

Political parties in Haiti call for investigations into allegations of “voter fraud”

Political parties in Haiti on Friday called on the electoral officials to investigate allegations of voter fraud in last Sunday’s presidential elections before any official announcement is made of the winners.

Jude Celestin, who is one of the presidential candidates, has written to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) alleging that members of his LAPEH party at the Voting Tabulation Center (CTV) “saw and noted that many minutes transmitted to the CTV were accepted and validated, whereas the correlative listings of  do not have signatures or fingerprints of the voters, only able to guarantee the authenticity of the vote with reference to article 158.1 of the electoral decree”.

Celestin is warning that “if, in the next hours and before any proclamation of partial results, such a flagrant violation is not corrected, it risks to irreparably damage the integrity and reliability of the entire process”.

Earlier this week, Interim President Jocelerme Privert called on Haitians to a accept the outcome of Sunday’s vote for a new head of state, saying it is important for Haiti to emerge from the political instability over the years.

At least six million Haitians were eligible to vote for one of 27 presidential candidates, as well as for members of both houses of parliament in elections that had been repeatedly delayed for various reasons.

Suriname celebrates 41 years of Independence

Suriname is celebrated its 41st anniversary of political independence from the Netherlands on Thursday with the traditional military parade and a public holiday.

The main events marking Independence Day are held at the Paramibo Presidential Palace, a grand colonial era building on Independence Square with President Desi Bouterse taking the guard of honour.

In a brief statement marking the occasion, the Secretary general of the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin La Rocque lauded Suriname for  tremendous strides made since attaining nationhood.

In his congratulatory message La Rocque noted the global respect Suriname has earned through its sports, culture and academic excellence.

He also applauded Suriname’s role in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet where the country has lead responsibility for community development, including youth, sports and culture.

Suriname gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on November 25, 1975.

Grenadians vote “No” in historical referendum

Grenada Declares October 19 National Heroes Day

Grenadians have voted overwhelmingly to reject seven pieces of legislation that would have reformed the Constitution the island received when it attained political independence from Britain 42 years ago.

“The people have spoken in a referendum…and I have accepted it…and we have to learn from the process…because it has never been tried before and I think this is what we have to understand,” Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell said late Thursday.

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a statement said it would hold “an extra ordinary press conference” on Friday.

By a vast majority, the voters turned their backs on plans to replace the London-based Privy Council with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice as the island’s final court, as well as rejecting term limits for the prime minister and the appointment of a leader of the opposition in Parliament.

They also rejected moves to change the name of the tri-island state and plans to establish an independent electoral commission.

Mitchell, said he was disappointed at the low voter turnout on Thursday and that people who were rejoicing at the results were doing so “because they chose to play games with the future of this country”.

Mitchell said that the bill before the voters had nothing to do with him personally and  also defended the decision of his administration not to campaign openly for a “Yes” vote.

Fidel Castro: The life and times

Fidel Castro: One of the most influential leaders of our time

Fidel Castro and the U.S.

Cuba’s former leader, Fidel Castro presided over Cuba for almost 50 years, as the charismatic leader of the Caribbean’s largest island. Castro’s rise to power through leftist communism ideologies, sparked decades of rivalry between the U.S. and Cuba that spanned ten U.S. presidencies.

fidel-castro-war
Fidel Castro takes power after ousting former dictator Fulgencio Batista Zaldívar

Castro first garnered international attention and notoriety, through a guerrilla campaign that he lead on January 1, 1959, where he ousted the then right-wing Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista Zaldívar.

After gaining control of Cuba, Castro brought dramatic, social and economic revolution that rapidly transformed the nation into a strong third world Caribbean nation.

Castro’s strong anti-U.S. stance, made him a target by the U.S. who wanted to topple his reign of power of Cuba, through alleged assassination plots and invasion attempts. It was reported that the CIA allegedly trained thousands of Cuban exiles to try and remove Fidel Castro from power in 1961.

fidel-castroNew hostilities were formed when Cuba allowed the then Soviet Union to build a missile base in there. And this was during the peak of the Cold War, sparking a nuclear threat in the region. After talks between President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Union President Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Union agreed to end missile installations in Cuba.

As the U.S. tightened sanctions on Cuba, Fidel Castro forged relationships with the Soviet Union. As such, the Cuban government was directly affected by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, Fidel Castro became America’s number one enemy. One bizarre plot included planting explosives in one of his coveted Cuban cigars.

Elian Gonzalez

Tensions rose again in 1999, when a Cuban 5-year-old castaway, Elian Gonzalez, became a topic of controversy between the two nations. Elian left behind his father and other family members in Cuba, who were staunch Castro supporters, and tried to bring back Elian to Cuba. However, because the U.S. was a safe haven for Cuabn castaways, relatives in the U.S. equally sought to keep him there. This sparked an international custody battle that stirred up tensions once again.

elian-gonzalez
The retrieval of Elain Gonzalez

Elian Gonzalez was ultimately reunited with his Father in Cuba in 2000.

Fidel Castro and the Caribbean

 

Ties between the nations of the Caribbean community (CARICOM) and Cuba have remained cordial over the course of the later half of the 20th century. Formal diplomatic relations between the CARICOM economic giants: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have existed since 1972, and have over time led to an increase in cooperation between the CARICOM heads of Government and Cuba. At a summit meeting of sixteen Caribbean countries in 1998, Fidel Castro called for regional unity, saying that only strengthened cooperation between Caribbean countries would prevent their domination by rich nations in a global economy. Cuba, for many years regionally isolated, increased grants and scholarships to the Caribbean countries.

Michael Manley and Fidel Castro on a state visit to Jamaica.
Michael Manley and Fidel Castro on a state visit to Jamaica.
Fidel Castro and Maurice Bishop in Guyana
Fidel Castro and Maurice Bishop in Guyana

To celebrate ties between the Caribbean Community and Cuba in 2002 the Heads of Government of Cuba and CARICOM have designated the day of December 8 to be called ‘CARICOM-Cuba Day’. The day is the exact date of the formal opening of diplomatic relations between the first CARICOM-four and Cuba.

In December 2005, during the second CARICOM/CUBA summit held in Barbados, heads of CARICOM and Cuba agreed to deepen their ties in the areas of socio-economic and political cooperation in addition to medical care assistance. Since the meeting, Cuba has opened four additional embassies in the Caribbean Community. This development makes Cuba the only nation to have embassies in all independent countries of the Caribbean Community.

Fidel Castro’s health

Concerns over Fidel Castro’s health began in 2001, after fainting on stage at a mass rally in Havana. As a result of continuing health problems over the years, Fidel Castro handed over power to his younger brother, Raul Castro in 2006.

Fidel Castro continued to make limited public appearances, meeting with international political and religious leaders. The then Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, Russian Prime Minster Vladimir Putin, and Pope Francis, were included in some of his international visits.

Castro’s Legacy

Castro’s legacy will be debated by many historians. Though he was branded as a military dictator in his earlier years and by his actions, he also revolutionized Cuba through strong socio-economic reforms and political revolutions. Cuba’s free healthcare system became a model for many nations and the envy of the Caribbean. And the educational reforms were arguably one of the best in the world, and certainly in the Caribbean.

fidel-castro-raul-castro
Cuba’s President Fidel Castro speaks to his brother Raul during an event in Havana.

Despite bringing reform to Cuba, he was thought to be a very authoritative leader, suppressing many people in the country, where many of them risked their life in bold attempts to flee Cuba for exile in the U.S. His life and legacy will be debated now, and for many years to come. One thing is certain; that Fidel Castro was one of the most inluential and charismatic figures of his generation.

Barbara Sharief is Broward’s mayor again

Archive: Barbara Sharief sworn in as Broward Mayor Credit: Broward County

Broward County’s new Mayor is a familiar face who served in that capacity three years ago. On Tuesday county commissioners unanimously appointed Barbara Sharief as the county’s mayor, a ceremonial position.  She will serve for one year. Commissioner Baum Furr was also unanimously named as the vice-mayor.

Sharief made history as the county’s first black female mayor when she served in from November 2013 to November 2014. She was first elected to the Broward Commission in November 2010, representing District 8 serving the diverse population of the cities of Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pembroke Park and West Park. She was reelected by District voters in August, 2014 for a second term.

Her husband Max, a Jamaican American is a commissioner on the City of Miramar Commission where Sharief began her career also as a commissioner in 2009.

Three South Floridians among 79 individuals with sentences commuted by President Obama

Three South Floridians among 42 prisoners commuted by Obama

Earlier this week President Obama granted commutation of prison sentences to 79 individuals, and by doing this have now commuted the sentences of over 1,000 individuals during his presidency. He has now commuted more sentences than the past 11 presidents combined, according to the White House.

The president declared during the course of his second term his intention to commute the sentences of nonviolent drug offenders and other non-violent convicts who he believed had received harsh sentences, in many cases life sentences, that were not appropriate to the crimes committed.

In making the latest commutations, he said “It makes no sense for a nonviolent drug offender to be serving decades, or sometimes life, in prison.  That’s not serving taxpayers, and it’s not serving the public safety.”

Not all of those receiving commutations on Monday will be freed immediately. Some will remain in prison until in 2017 or 2018, and some have to meet conditions like undergoing drug treatment programs.

The 79 individuals who had their sentences commuted included 9 from Flrida, which in turn include Thomas Brown and Lavan Maurice Walker from Miami and Warren Lavall Jackson of Port St. Lucie.

Brown sentence is targeted to be commuted in November 2017. In 1989 he was sentence to life imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine.

Since March 2004 Walker had been serving a 420 month sentence on two counts for possession with intent to distribute “a detectable amount of heroin, and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm. His prison sentence has been commuted to expire in March 2017.

Jackson sentence will also be commuted in March 2017. He was serving a life sentence for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine since 2000.

The other Floridians with sentences commuted were men from Winter Garden, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Fort Walton Beach, Orlando, and Pensacola.

  • Roy Edward Detreville, Jr.  – Winter Garden, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 8, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

  • Luis Diaz – Winter Park, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 25, 1996); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (July 1, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

  • Jamere Ireadus Hall – Kissimmee, FL
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; felon in possession of firearm; District of Maryland
    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 1, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.

  • Robert Jeffrey Harris – Fort Walton Beach, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.

  • Warren Lavell Jackson – Port St. Lucie, FL
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release  (March 7, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

  • Dexter Bert Tyson – Orlando, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, aiding and abetting (two counts); possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, aiding and abetting, felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; District of Maryland
    Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 13, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.

  • Lavan Maurice Walker – Miami, FL
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of heroin (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (March 9, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

  • Sterling Kenneth Westberry – Pensacola, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 15, 1998)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

 

Fidel Castro dies at age-90

fidel-castro

Former Cuban president and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro has died at age-90. Castro died on November 25, but His death was announced shortly after mid-night on Saturday November 26 by his brother and current Cuban President Raul Castro.

The announcement of Fidel Castro’s death sparked spontaneous celebration among the community of Cuban exiles in Miami. People gathered in the streets singing and chanting, and there were even fireworks. Men and women, young and old were seen and heard in televised images hailing the death of Castro, One woman who said she lost her father in an incident with Cuban Revolutionary guards in 1960, shortly after Castro led the Revolution against Fulgencio Batista, said she has been praying for Castro’s death since then.

Castro’s revolutionary forces overthrew Batista’s regime on January 1 1959. The revolution was then cheered by the Cuban people. When he arrived in Havana later that day Fidel was greeted as a hero.

However, as the months passed and he began imposing his communist policies, ended American domination, forged closer ties with Russia and the Soviet Union,  nationalized large and small businesses and land holdings, and became less tolerant to opposition, the money-class of the country grew weary of him. Many began fleeing the country to settle in Miami. Migration to Miami increased steadily especially when Castro banned free elections in the island, and increased preauction of dissidents.

His warm relationship with the Soviet Union angered the US administration, and in April 1961 then US President John F. Kennedy supported by the CIA and Cuban exiles in Miami tried to overthrow the Castro regime in what has come to be known as “The Bay of Pigs Invasion” but the attempted coup was a major failure.

For thirteen days in October 1962 the world came close to a nuclear war between the USA and the Soviet Union when President Kennedy stood up to Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev who attempted to build Soviet missiles in Cuba. The crisis was averted at the very last moment when Khrushchev made an agreement with Kennedy to back off his plans to install he missiles in Cuba.

Castro would survive Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Herbert W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. During these presidencies, the chilled atmosphere with Castro continued, and The US maintained a strict trade embargo against Cuba, resulting in severe hardship among the Cuban people. These hardships worsened since the early 1990s with the fall of the Soviet Union.

In the early 1980’s, a period characterized by housing and job shortages, without Castro making attempts to ease his policies more Cubans left the island, many in make shift boats. In April 1980 in what was known as “The Mariel Boat Lift” Castro   announced that all Cubans wishing to emigrate to the U.S. were free to board boats at the port of Mariel west of Havana. He also freed hundreds of prisoners and allowed them to leave the country, . The first of 125,000 Cuban refugees from Mariel reached Miami the next day, creating a crisis for the government in Florida and the US. However, gradually the refugees assimilated into the Miami population, but given South Florida, especially Miami-Dade County a distinct Cuban characteristic.

Michael Manley and Fidel Castro on a state visit to Jamaica.
Michael Manley and Fidel Castro on a state visit to Jamaica.

In February 2008, after two years of illness, Castro formally announced his retirement as President of Cuba. His brother Raul was install as his successor and leader of the Cuban Communist Party.

In December 2014 US President Barack Obama announced plans to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, and restore some normalcy in travel and other arrangements between the two countries. Earlier this years the two countries reopened embassies in each country and President Obama made an official visit to Cuba.

It has been reported that there will be nine days of mourning in Cuba beginning today, November 26, and Fidel Castro will be given an official funeral on December 4.

 

Miramar’s Caribbean-American mayor elected president of national black organization

The City of Miramar’s Mayor Wayne Messam, of Caribbean-American heritage,  was recently named National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)President-elect during the National League of Cities conference earlier this month in  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In his role as president Mayor Messam will administer leadership to an organization that has more than 200 members who represent millions of Americans.

The National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials regularly works independently with its member black-elected officials to inform them on issues affecting the African-American community and helps to devise ways to achieve their community objectives through legislation and direct action.

NBC-LEO conduct their annual meetings in conjunction with National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit and its Congressional City Conference.

Referring to his appointment, Messam said, “It is an honor to serve as President-Elect of the National League of Cities National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. It is the oldest constituency group in America that advocates for policy issues impacting African-Americans and people of color since 1970. Their work has never been more important. Our progress in Miramar will help build the national agenda within the National League of Cities.”

Choosing the City of Miramar as a municipal leader and destination has become a normality for the National League of Cities, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. The organization have previously utilized Miramar as a host city of  planned think-tanks; when they brought their summer conference and board meeting to South Florida in 2015.

At that event, attending elected officials took advantage of several networking opportunities and swapped ideas with NBC-LEO members from all across the country.

A tour of the City of Miramar was then included as an excursion to provide NBC-LEO conference-goers with an understanding of why Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs are flocking to the City.  They included City corporate assets of Spirit Airlines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Southern Wine and Spirits, FBI Headquarters, AeroTurbine Aviation Solutions and many more well-known and established brands.

The City of Miramar is home to one of the largest Caribbean-American middle-class community in the US, The influence of the city’s Caribbean-American community is reflected on the composition of the city’s governing body in which all the members of the city commission are of Caribbean heritage.

Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority to Grant Licenses by Year-End

Dominica moving to establish the cannabis industry by 2023

Chairman of Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), Hyacinth Lightbourne says the authority hopes to grant conditional licenses by the end of the year for the growing and processing of ganja for medicinal and therapeutic purposes and for research and development.

According to Lightbourne, to date, the entity has received 89 applications.

Of the applicants, 25 are for cultivating marijuana, 18 for processing, 14 are for research and development, 8 for transporting, while the remainder are for retailing.

She says the applications are now being processed.

“After all the paperwork has been submitted, we have to evaluate the information given as well as conduct a thorough background check on the applicants.”

The CLA consults with key partners and agencies such as the Financial Investigation Division, Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Ministry of National Security, among others, in order to conduct an effective verification and due diligence.

She said the granting of conditional approval means the CLA would have conducted a satisfactory background check and the applicant is then required to implement the necessary measures to get the actual license to enter the industry.

After receiving the conditional licenses, growers must prove that they have the right to use the land on which they propose to cultivate the crop, while transport operators must have proof of ownership or certified evidence that they are permitted to use the vehicle with which they plan to transport marijuana.

The CLA was established in 2015 under the Dangerous Drug Amendment Act, (DDA) with a specific role to establish and regulate Jamaica’s legal marijuana and hemp industry.

It must also ensure that regulations created and activities within the industry are in keeping with Jamaica’s international obligations.

Antigua’s PM Dismisses Media Criticism Concerning Prince Harry’s Visit

Antigua PM Introduces Prince Harry

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne has brushed aside British media reports that he sought to embarrass visiting Britain’s Prince Harry when he suggested that the Prince should consider Antigua and Barbuda for his honeymoon.

On Tuesday, Browne told reporters that remarks made about the Prince, who is on a three-day visit as part of a 15-day tour of the Caribbean, should consider honeymooning in the island, been blown out of proportion by the British press accompanying the Prince.

“It is a situation where you have a form of the media, tabloid hype probably to sell papers. In fact, even the Prince himself felt constrained because he knew that if he had taken a picture with any woman here…they would have plastered it all over the British media and create problems for him personally.

“In fact he was very appreciative of the fact that we went the extra mile to make him feel comfortable, to make him feel at home and regretted that because of the media he could not quite participate in the way which he would love to.

“So again we have to understand the context in which this thing happened …It was not a formal ceremony this was a party, there were some light exchanges even my comment were not intended to be a formal speech,” Browne said, reiterating that the exchange was light hearted.

Prince Harry is linked romantically to US actress Meghan Markle.

In their report, the British media, particularly the Daily Mail, reported that Harry felt embarrassed and was not amused at the statement by the Prime Minister.

The papers reported Prime Minister Browne as telling Prince Harry “I believe we are expecting a new Princess soon” and that he was “very welcome to come on your honeymoon here”.

Atlantis Resort Says Data Security System Could Have Been Compromised

The Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas says its data security may have been compromised after payment information of some customers who used debit or credit cards at the resort between March 9 and October 22, may have fallen into wrong hands.

“We have engaged professionals who have corrected the issue and customers can now safely use their credit and debit cards at the food, beverage and retail locations at the Resort. This incident did not affect credit and debit cards used to make or pay for hotel reservations or purchases made by guests who charged their food and beverage or retail purchases back to their room,” Atlantis said in statement.

The resort said it started investigating unusual activity after receiving reports from its credit card processor. However,  Atlantis said since that time, it has been working with third-party forensic investigators to determine what happened and what information was affected.

It said the information at risk  for credit or debit cards used at the impacted locations includes the card number, expiration date, CVV and in some instances, the name of the cardholder.

“This incident did not involve customers’ Social Security numbers as this information is never collected by the Resort. This incident did not involve customers’ PIN numbers, either,” Atlantis said.

The resort has since established a dedicated assistance line for individuals seeking additional information regarding this incident and urges customers to remain vigilant against identity theft by reviewing their financial account statements regularly and monitoring their credit reports for suspicious activity.

Dale Holness Sworn in as Broward Commissioner by Rep. Alcee L. Hastings

Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall (right) congratulating Broward Commissioner Dale Holness (left) who was recently re-elected to the seat of Broward County Commissioners. The event was today’s swearing-in ceremony (Nov. 22) held at the Broward County Commission office located in Fort Lauderdale.

Photo: Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall (right) congratulating Broward Commissioner Dale Holness (left) who was recently re-elected to the seat of Broward County Commissioners.  The event was  today’s swearing-in ceremony (Nov. 22) held at the Broward County Commission office located in Fort Lauderdale.

Jamaican-American Dale V.C. Holness was sworn in on Tuesday, November 22 by US Congressman Alcee Hastings to serve his third term as Broward County Commissioner. Holness was reelected to the county commission in elections held on August 30.

Following his swearing-in, Holness outlined his future plans and priorities for District 9 and Broward County. 

“Broward County is a great place to live and we’ve accomplished many things in the six years I’ve been here, we’ve made many improvements including passing a living wage ordinance, we’ve passed also passed the Workforce Investment Program, Ban the Box, reduced taxes, and passed an additional 25,000 homestead exemption for seniors. There is still a lot of work to do, me must work together to change the dynamics, and build an agenda that is progressive and will move people forward,” said Commissioner Holness.

Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall (right) congratulating newly elected Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes Hazelle Rogers (left) at the swearing-in ceremony yesterday (Nov. 21) at the City of Lauderdale Lakes.
Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall (right) congratulating newly elected Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes Hazelle Rogers (left) at the swearing-in ceremony yesterday (Nov. 21) at the City of Lauderdale Lakes.

On the County Commission, Holness represents District 9 which includes portions of the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, North Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes and the Communities of Roosevelt Gardens, Washington Park, Boulevard Gardens and Franklin Park.

In addition to Commissioner Holness, newly elected Broward County Commissioners Nan Rich, District 1, Michael Udine, District 3, Steve Geller, District 5 and second term Commissioner Tim Ryan, District 7 were sworn in during a sitting of the county commission.

Diaspora Help Sought to Alleviate Preemie-Baby Crisis in Jamaica

“There’s a real serious healthcare crisis in Jamaica, and the situation with healthcare for premature babies in the nation’s public hospitals is particularly grave,” commented Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA), president Oliver Falloon-Reid who recently led an exploratory health mission to Jamaica.

During its annual mission to Jamaica, representatives of JURA, a South Florida charity organization founded in 1985, forged a partnership with the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay for the provision of neo-natal incubators. Under the partnership JURA made commitment to provide several incubators to the institution in response to the recent crisis concerning preemie-baby deaths on the island.

In its meeting with CRH officials, Falloon-Reid pointed out the need for greater dialogue between the Diaspora and recipient organizations in Jamaica, stating “there’s a disconnect between the giving and the receiving. It’s too transactional. Because of this several opportunities are lost in terms of building on past successes.”

The CEO of the CRH, Anthony Smikle, pledged the hospital’s support in building on the relationship with JURA and other Diaspora entities.  “We always encourage partners to continue to contribute to the hospital because we want that type of relationship. It enables the community to feel they are a part of the institution because it takes a community to run this outfit,” he said. “We want to have a relationship with the Diaspora, and  want to continue to foster the relationship. We commit to working with JURA to provide the information needed for this partnership to work.”

JURA representatives also met with officials of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Falloon-Reid said, “The need for incubators is even more dire at this hospital. An average of 800 premature babies are born there monthly and the hospital only has two working incubators. We also plan to provide incubators to Jubilee, cost permitting.”

JURA’s funding for health-care needs is met through the organization’s Jazz by the Water event held each April, annually. Falloon-Reid said funds raised from next year’s event will help to determine how many incubators the organization will be able to provide.  He said CRH furnished specifications of the desired units’ but admitted being astonished to learn the average cost of each unit is estimated at between US$4,000 to US$7,000. “This is a major capital endeavor. It will require collaboration with other Diaspora organizations in order meet the need for incubators over time not only to Cornwall Regional but other Jamaican hospitals.”

In the Trench Town community in Kingston, JURA’s mission team  joined Dr. Henley Morgan’s Agency for Inner City Renewal (AIR) in adopting the Eira Shader Golden Aged Home.  The team, with the help of local volunteers, commenced renovation on the home, provided personal supplies, wheelchairs, walkers, walking canes, clothing, helped to build an additional water tank, and made a financial commitment for the residents’ monthly food and medical expenses.

JURA’s mission to Jamaica also included Hugh Osborne, Roxanna Blissett, Bruce Palmer, Lurline Williams, Alvia Alleyne and Junior Henry.

 

 

Jamaica to grant Marijuana licenses by year-end

Dominica moving to establish the cannabis industry by 2023

Jamaica marijuana licenses have been requested by 89 applicants

By Kathy Barrett

To have a Jamaica marijuana license has become a hot topic in Jamaica. The Government of Jamaica is making every effort to fulfill requests from individuals and companies. These licenses are for the growing and processing of marijuana for medicinal purposes and for research and development.

This was confirmed by Hyacinth Lightbourne, Chairman of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), who says to date, the entity has received 89 applications.

Of the applicants, 25 are for cultivating marijuana, 18 for processing, 14 are for research and development, 8 for transporting, while the remainder are for retailing.

jamaica-marijuana-license-hyacinth-lightbourne
Hyacinth Lightbourne, Jamaica Cannabis Authority

She says the applications are now being processed.

“After all the paperwork has been submitted, we have to evaluate the information given as well as conduct a thorough background check on the applicants.”

The CLA consults with key partners and agencies such as the Financial Investigation Division, Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Ministry of National Security, among others, in order to conduct an effective verification and due diligence.

This comes on the heels of the recent launch of an indigenous marijuana company  – Rasta Ganja Global Ltd, that is aimed at researching, developing and commercialization “sacramental ganja”.

The company, that is registered in Jamaica and South Africa, is expected to help Jamaica’s Rastafarian community benefit from the billion-dollar industry which allows communities to access religious goods and services.

california-medical-marijuana-ahead-of-jamaica-marijuana-license
Medical marijuana from California

Places such as California have already taken strides in the processing and distribution of medical marijuana. This has even prompted the likes of Bob Marley’s son and reggae icon, Damian Marley to set up shop there. Partnering with Ocean Grown Extracts, he purchased an abandoned prison and transformed it into a medical marijuana facility in Central Valley, California. It was sold for over $3 million.

Damian Marley on Sept. 26, 2016 at the former Claremont Custody Center in Coalinga, CA, which is being converted into a cannabis grow facility.
Damian Marley on Sept. 26, 2016 at the former Claremont Custody Center in Coalinga, CA, which is being converted into a cannabis grow facility.

Read More: Damian Marley transforms prison into medical marijuana facility

Jamaica Marijuana License: The Authority

Lightborne says, in the first instance, conditional approval must be granted – this means that the CLA must conduct a satisfactory background check. The applicant is then required to implement the necessary measures to get the actual license to enter the industry.

After receiving the conditional marijuana licenses, growers must prove that they have the right to use the land on which they propose to cultivate the crop. Transport operators must have proof of ownership or certified evidence that they are permitted to use the vehicle with which they plan to transport marijuana.

The CLA was established in 2015 under the Dangerous Drug Amendment Act, (DDA) with a specific role to establish and regulate Jamaica’s legal marijuana and hemp industry.

It must also ensure that regulations created and activities within the industry are in keeping with Jamaica’s international obligations.

National Weekly November 24, 2016

Zika Zone Lifted in Miami Beach as Local Transmissions Ease

Gov. Scott lifts Zika restrictions in Miami Beach.

Florida Governor Rick Scott announced on Tuesday that the state would reduce travel restrictions to the Miami Beach area. At a press conference held in Miami Beach on Tuesday, Gov. Scott indicated that there had been no reported local transmissions of Zika in the declared contaminated zone. The governor previously removed Zika-related restrictions over the Wynwood area in September.

While tourists and locals’ concerns have been lifted in Miami Beach north of 28th Street to 63rd Street, two active zones remain in Miami-Dade. Officials are still working to contain the Zika virus in the South Beach region, and in a square mile area within Little River.

Residents and businesses located in the zone expressed pleasure at the government’s action. Event planner Vonnie Maragh, said “there’s no doubt the outbreak of Zika affected the usually heavy flow of visitors to clubs, restaurants, and shops in that area of the Beach. This may not have been widely reported but small businesses in the zone felt the impact. This is good news especially at the start of the holiday season.”

Miami artist Daniel Ducasse, said “This is great, because with Art Basel opening next week news that the zone is lifting, and there are no recent Zika transmission should see the crowds returning to enjoy Art Basel.”

While Gov. Scott encouraged visitors to return to Miami Beach, he cautioned that the virus had not been eliminated and shouldn’t be taken for granted. He said, “We’re going to have to fight this until we get a vaccine….There won’t be a victory until there is a vaccine.”

Scott acknowledged the Florida Department of Health for providing Miami-Dade County with resources to combat Zika-bearing mosquitoes. He noted that as the fight continues, decision will be made based on how to best protect residents and visitors, and most importantly, pregnant women.

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