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Support Small Business on Saturday, Nov. 26th

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving weekend is associated with the start of the holiday shopping season, with the big department stores advertising aggressively to attract shoppers. However, the beginning of the shopping season is not only about the big stores. The region’s small businesses also play a significant role in the region’s retail sector and has a particular appeal for shoppers.

Saturday, Nov 26 marks the seventh annual Small Business Saturday designated to support small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

The thousands of small business in the region, included the majority of Caribbean-American businesses, are again urging shoppers to “Shop Small”  at their favorite small business establishment on Saturday, and boost small business sales.

Small Business Saturday is the brainchild of American Express, meant to assist the nation’s small businesses counter the patronage big businesses receive on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the Monday following Black Friday allocated to Internet sales). Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize small and local brick and mortar businesses.

Joe Bush, who manages a strip-mall with 16 small businesses in West Kendall, says he’s optimistic businesses in the location will benefit again this year. He said for the past five years he has seen a definite trend to small business shopping not only on Small Business Saturday day, but every Saturday. “Because the small business sector is so very competitive, business owners are focused on quality of their products and services, presentation and customer service. “I can assure shoppers they’ll find very good bargains with small business retailers this year.”

Carmen Laing, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, owner of a craft/gift shop in the Kendall strip-mall for the past four years, lauds the focus on small businesses with Small Business Saturday. “This has given invaluable recognition to small businesses. People have come to realize the uniqueness of the items they can find in small stores and  love the personal and warm customer service most small business operators give. Definitely, my business has grown because of Small Business Saturday.”

The executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) the nation’s small-business association, Tom Scott, said, ““Small Business Saturday has grown every year, and we are very proud to sponsor the promotion….. “It’s a very important day to recognize small business owners.  We hope more Americans participate on Saturday and they keep small businesses in mind throughout the year.”

 

CARICOM Pleased with Conduct of Haiti’s Election

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Archive photo: Officials in Haiti counting ballots at the end of polling on election day

CARICOM’s Election Observer Mission (CEOM), which monitored Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections in Haiti, said Tuesday that it was generally pleased with the conduct of the long-delayed poll.

In a statement, the CEOM said it had observed more than 300 polling stations and that the officers of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) “not only displayed an improved competence, but a uniform execution of their duties.” 

The CEOM visited polling stations in three districts neighboring the capital city of Port-au-Prince, including areas affected by Hurricane Matthew that tore through the country on October 4.

The CEM statement commended “the bold step by the CEP to convene the elections so close after Hurricane Matthew had wreaked havoc on the country.” It was also noted in its initial assessments that the Haitian election management body was well prepared.

The CEOM, which was led by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, said it would specify and recommend new improvements in its final report, but noted that many of the lapses observed were “not of any great consequence or of the nature to disturb the electoral results.”

Surujbally said, “It is worthy of note that many of the suggestions documented by the CEOM following the elections of 25 October 2015, were incorporated into the CEP’s Training Programme and were used on E-Day, 20 November 2016. “The CEOM urges all Political Parties and their candidates to ensure their post-electoral behavior coincides with the law of the land, the tenets associated with electoral processes, and internationally accepted standards and best practice,” the statement noted.

CDEMA: Caribbean Community’s Response to Haitian Relief Efforts a Success

Haiti 2010 earthquake
Archive Photo

Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) called the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) response to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew a “resounding success.”

CDEMA delivered emergency relief supplies and oversaw early recovery operations in the two most affected areas of Les Cayes and Jérémie after the storm hit on October 4.

“As part of a legacy intervention, CARICOM supported the rehabilitation of the Ecole Nationale De Sicard de Pelerin School in Les Cayes and a feeding programme for the students for a period of two weeks,” the statement, said, noting that the response also provided US$53,000 in relief supplies to 805 families.

CDEMA also noted that Dominica and Jamaica sent in containers and cash donations of US$100,000 to support CARICOM efforts and that the Turks and Caicos Islands provided cash donations of US$50,000 and personnel to also aid the recovery and relief process.

Hurricane Matthew, the fifth named hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane, left significant damage to parts of Haiti as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds up to 140 mph.

The Haitian government reported that Hurricane Matthew resulted in 546 deaths. More than 1.4 million people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, and 120,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Thanksgiving leading day for home cooking fires

Nearly four times as many cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year for families and friends to get together, but this cooking-focused holiday also presents a greater risk of home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly four times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day.

NFPA’s latest report shows that cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries in the U.S. States that reported cooking fires hit new highs in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The report further states that home cooking fires peak on major U.S. holidays that traditionally include cooking, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,730 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.

Regardless of the date, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of these fires and fire deaths.

“The data suggests that it’s often a combination of factors that contribute to an increased risk of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “People are preparing multiple dishes for many guests and there can be plenty of distraction in the home, which can make it all too easy to forget what’s on the stove. That’s when cooking mishaps are most likely to occur.”

The following tips can help reduce the risk of cooking fires on Thanksgiving and beyond:

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking to keep a close eye on the food, especially when frying and sautéing with oil.
  • Stay alert and focused when cooking. To help minimize the risk of injury, avoid cooking when drinking alcohol or if you’re sleepy.
  • Use a timer to keep track of cooking times, most notably when cooking a meal that takes a long time like roasting a turkey, baking a roast or simmering. Check the stove or oven frequently. Consider putting timers in different rooms so you can hear them over the music and party chatter.
  • Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers and towels away from the cooking area.

During the five-year period of 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 166,100 home cooking fires per year. These fires resulted in 480 civilian deaths, 5,540 reported injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage per year. Overall, cooking equipment was involved in almost half (46 percent) of reported home fires and home fire injuries (44 percent) and one in five home fire deaths (19 percent).

Thanksgiving is also the time when many people like to experiment with frying turkeys.  NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers, which can lead to devastating burns and other injuries, and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to look for grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants that sell deep fried turkeys.

Additional tips and resources can be found on NFPA’s Thanksgiving webpage. Other cooking safety information, including cooking safety tips sheet, cooking safety infographics, videos and more can be found on NFPA’s Cooking Fire Safety Central webpage.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resource, please visit the NFPA press room.

Opa Locka city manager sentenced to federal prison

Chairman Jean Monestime Donates Thanksgiving Turkeys to More Than 3,000 Families

Bringing Home the Tradition of Giving Thanks and Celebrating with Family

Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Jean Monestime brought Thanksgiving cheer to over 3,000 residents in the second District during his annual turkey giveaway on Sunday, Nov. 20.

Chairman Monestime distributed the turkeys at Arcola Lakes Park Senior Center and Oak Grove Park. A migrant to South Florida from Haiti, Monestime serves a district largely populated by low and low-middle income residents, including a large Haitian-American population.

“To me, this is so much more than giving away turkeys; this is about ensuring that every family has the opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Monestime. “Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and come together as a community in a spirit of thanks.”

Signature Flight Support served as a major sponsor of Chairman Monestime's annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
Signature Flight Support served as a sponsor of Chairman Monestime’s annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Source: Twitter

Monestime also expressed thanks to community partners, volunteers and various community-based agencies that participated in the food distribution efforts.

“None of this would be possible without the selfless dedication of our community partners and volunteers,” Monestime added.

Zika still plagues Miami-Dade; Three more cases confirmed

Today is Tuesday, November 22, and with a look at some of the top stories making the news today across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m ……. 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

Representatives of South Florida’s Jamaica United Relieve Association (JURA) led by its President Oliver Falloon Reid recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Jamaica resulting in the organization entering a partnership with the Cornwall Regional and  Victoria Jubilee Hospitals.. Under the terms of the partnership JURA will provide the Jamaican hospitals with neonatal incubators and other medical equipment.

 

WPBT2 South Florida PBS has announced the launch of Haitian Voices, a community affairs program that serves to amplify major issues facing South Florida’s fast-growing Haitian population, while celebrating the community’s culture and traditions. Haitian Voices will analyze the current state of South Florida’s Haitian community, connect community members with important resources and highlight community leaders.

 

Thousands of Jamaicans living in South Florida wants to make the annual Christmas trip home but are being deterred by extremely high air fares this year. Potential airline passengers seeking a return ticket to Jamaica from South Florida for the holidays are faced with fares ranging from $640 to $850 despite falling oil prices.

In Sports

The Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) will be hosting the City of Lauderhill Youth Soccer Classic from December 15 to 18, 2016. Six teams including one each from Jamaica and Barbados, the local CASA team, Plantation, Strikers and Chevias will contest each other in two groups for the championship. Games will be played at the Lauderhill Sports Complex.

Now here’s what’s trending:

The Zika virus continues to impact South Florida. Three more locally transmitted cases of the mosquito borne virus were recently found in Miami-Dade County. The three cases brought to 228 the number of people infected in Florida. Also, the state has had 927 “travel-related” cases, involving people infected with Zika elsewhere but who brought the virus into Florida

Weather Forecast

It will be partly cloudy today in Broward County with a low temperature of 69 degrees and the high 79. In Miami-Dade County it will also be partly cloudy with a low of 70 degrees and high of 78 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 ……..

Improved US/Cuba Relationship Could be in Jeopardy Under Trump Administration

There are indications the incoming Donald Trump administration in the US could be planning to reverse the attempts of rapprochement between the US and Cuba. On Monday, Trump named Mauricio Claver-Carone a leader of a pro-Cuba embargo organization in Washington, to his transition team.

Almost two years ago President Barack Obama announced plans to improve the almost 50 years of strained relationship with Cuba. Since then the two countries have re-established diplomatic relations, and categories of Americans have been permitted to visit Cuba on approved US flights.

Obama’s efforts at renewing relations with Cuba has been strongly supported by the Caribbean community. Caribbean leaders individually and through the regional group CARICOM, even before Obama’s announcement in December 2014, have established positive relations with the Cuban government, and Cuba is a participant in meetings of CARICOM.

However, there are opponents of Obama’s initiative. One of the staunchest and more persistent opponents is Claver-Carone. He’s executive director of the US-Cuba Democracy Political Action Committee (USCD PAC) and Cuba Democracy Advocates.

Supporters of the measures to improve relations with Cuba, including a possible lifting of the trade embargo between the US and Cuba, interprets Trumps appointment of Claver-Carone to his transition team as a sign that Obama’s efforts over the past two years could be thwarted when Trump takes office next year.

During the recent presidential campaign Trump made a special effort to court the large Cuban-American population residing in South Florida. A significant percentage of this community, mainly of senior age, who previously lived in Cuba during the Castro regime, are also opposed to Obama initiatives and supported Trump’s criticism of Obama’s initiative. Analysts believe that although an unusual high percentage of Florida Hispanics voted in the presidential elections, Trump received some 34 percent of this vote, interpreted as mainly Cuban-Americans, which played a pivotal role in him winning Florida.

During the campaign in Florida Trump said he would have negotiated a better deal with Cuba than Obama.

Hugh J. Lawson, lecturer and consultant on Miami consultant on Caribbean Affairs said, “Claver-Carone’s appointment makes it clear that Trump has intentions to pay attention to the recent developments that the Obama administration has put in place between Cuba and the US. I am not optimistic.

Claver-Carone has written op-eds in the Miami Herald criticizing Obama’s Cuban policy, and is particularly opposed to US businesses collaborating with businesses in Cuba.

 

 

David Chiverton, former Opa-Locka manager sentenced

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David Chiverton sentenced to 38 months in prison on bribery charges. - Miami Herlad photo

David Chiverton sentenced to 38 months in prison after bribery allegations

David Chiverton sentenced after bribery charges. Chiverton, the former city manager was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison. As well as three years of supervised release and eight months of house arrest following his release from jail. Chiverton was sentenced on Monday, after being convicted earlier this year on a charge of conspiracy to accept improper gifts or payments.

Chiverton will, however, have the chance to spend the holidays out of prison as his jail sentence begins in February, 2017.

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David Chiverton during sentencin

Read More: Former Opa-locka city manager pleads guilty in corruption probe

Former Opa-Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris, along with Chiverton, were charged in July for accepting bribes and extorting funds from residents doing business with the city over a two-year period. The charges stated the two men took advantage of their positions in the city to obtain funds in bribes from businesses and residents. And did so in exchange for city authorizations of special services like obtaining business and zoning permits, occupational licenses and restoring certain city services.

Chiverton plead guilty to the charge in September, following his resignation from the city in July.

Op Locka has had its fair share of corruption. Earlier this year, former Opa Locka Mayor, Myra Taylor and her husband were under investigation for corruption.

Read More: Opa Locka Mayor and husband under investigation for corruption

FBI monitored Chiverton for months

FBI had been clandestinely monitoring Chiverton, and other city staffers, after being alerted of rampant corruption in city hall. The FBI charged Chiverton after he was caught in a sting operation accepting bribe from an undercover FBI agent. The offer referred to issuing the business man a business occupational license illegally.

Chiverton’s sentence could be lowered over the next 90 days if prosecutors return to the judge adjudicating the case. They would need to convince him that Chiverton is cooperating with the prosecution in the continued investigations of corruption in the City of Opa-Locka.

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Gov. Rick Scott greets students while visiting the Florida International Academy charter school in Opa Locka, Fla

Read More: Opa Locka millions in debt

Earlier this year, Florida Governor Rick Scott placed the city under a state-of-financial emergency among the allegations of corruption, mis-management and a deficit of $1.4 million in its operational budget. As a result of this decision, the operations of the city is being supervised by state officials.

African American Appointed Democratic Minority Leader in Florida Senate

Sen. Oscar Braynon II named Florida Senate Minority Leader

Miami Gardens native Oscar Braynon II, 39, an African American Senator in the Florida Legislature was elevated to minority leader of the Democratic Party in the 2016-18 sittings  of the Florida Senate on Monday. With his appointment Braynon leads the 15 Democratic senators, including 11 newly elected, in the Florida Senate.

Referring to his appointment, Braynon said, “I’m happy to be taking on the role. There’s a lot of potential in the Florida Senate.” He served notice that as the leader of the Democrats he’ll be striving for increasing Florida’s minimum wage, environmental protection, equal pay for women, affordable healthcare for more residents and improvement in public education.

Braynon was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2011 in a special election to succeed former Senator and current US Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in Florida Senate District 35 which includes sections of Broward County and Miami-Dade including Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Opa-locka, and Miami Gardens.

His career as an elected official began in 2003 when he was elected to the Miami Gardens City Council at age 25. Five years later in 2008 he was elected to the Florida House. He was reelected to the Florida Senate without opposition this year, following the completion of his first term.

Braynon was nominated as minority senate leader by Senator Jeff Clements of Lake Worth. The nomination was seconded by Senator Perry Thurston Jr. of Lauderhill, who spoke very highly of Braynon saying, “He has the vision to lead the state of Florida.”

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke denounces Steve Bannon and Jeff Sessions

US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke urges Biden to protect black immigrants
Yvette D. Clarke

Caribbean-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke denounces Steve Bannon and Jeff sessions appointments

168 members of the US House of Representatives in urging President-Elect Donald Trump to remove White nationalist sympathizer Steve Bannon from his White House team. Caribbean American congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke is one of them who did so on Saturday, November 19.

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Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke

“I am deeply troubled by the President-Elect’s decision to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions for the position of Attorney General,” said Clarke. Clarke is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants.

“As a political appointee to the Department of Justice who was sworn to uphold our laws, Senator Sessions referred to some of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations as ‘un-American.’ He also cited approval for the Ku Klux Klan, and demeaned his African American colleagues,” said Clarke.

Read More: Congresswoman urges Caribbean nationals to apply for citizenship before December 23

Clarke, who represents the largely Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, said members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee found these comments “alarming.” And they refused to confirm his nomination as a federal judge.

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L-R Rance Priebus, Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions

Sessions’ nomination was ultimately withdrawn after several Senate Republicans refused to back his candidacy.

She said the next Attorney General will have to address matters involving voting rights; immigration reform; the criminal justice reform; the prosecution of white-collar crime on Wall Street; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights.

Read More: Anti-Trump protests in Miami, Fort-Lauderdale

Who is Congresswoman Yvette Clarke?

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Brooklyn native proud of her Jamaican heritage, attended the New York City public schools. She graduated from Oberlin College, and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAM/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis.
She was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2006 and today represents the Ninth Congressional District of New York. This district includes the communities of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Ocean Hill, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.
Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Clarke served on the New York City Council. This where she represented the Fortieth District in Brooklyn. She succeeded her pioneering mother, former City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the City Council.

Haiti counting ballots finally, after derailed election

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A voter holds up a chart of the candidates of the elections

Haiti counting ballots; results may take days

Vote counting has begun in Haiti’s repeatedly derailed presidential election. This election was marred by acts of violence and the arrests of several people for various voting irregularities. Haiti counting ballots on Sunday, Novemeber 20, 2016.

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Officials in Haiti begin counting ballots at the end of polling on election day

No official results are expected to be issued for eight days, and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) executive director Uder Antoine has said it might take longer than that.

At least six million Haitians were eligible to vote for one of 27 presidential candidates. They also voted for members of both houses of parliament in elections that had been repeatedly delayed.

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Voters fill out forms as they finally get the opportunity to vote

Meanwhile, the Anti-Fraud Emergency Center of the Ministry of Justice said it had already received more than 300 reports of fraud. 80 percent of the calls received were linked to the voting centers.

Read More: Danny Glover endorses Narcisse for President

The police said that at least 13 arrests had been made during the polling on Sunday and reminded persons of article 201 of the Electoral Decree of March 2, 2015. This stipulates that anyone who violates the election rules “is punished with imprisonment. This could include six (6) months to three (3) years and a fine of ten thousand (10,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) gourdes.

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The head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States, Juan Raul Ferreira, said  he had urged all voters “to come out and vote en masse”.

Read More: Haitian ambassador calls for the U.S to monitor Haiti’s election

Haiti has been without an elected head of state after Martelly left office in February. Jocelerme Privert was elected as the Interim president.

Prince Harry starts Caribbean tour in Antigua

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Prince Harry begins his tour of the Caribbean as part of his royal duty.

Prince Harry starts Caribbean tour in Antigua and Barbuda

Once again Price Harry starts a Caribbean tour. He started a 15-day visit to the Caribbean that will include stops in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts-Nevis, St.Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, and Guyana.

The highlight of his visit to the region will be to participate in the 35th Anniversary of political Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana.

Watch: Prince Harry plays Cricket in Antigua on the first stop of his Caribbean Tour

Harry, 32, arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday and was met and greeted at the VC Bird International Airport by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

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Prince Harry, presents a gift to the His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams during a welcome reception hosted at Clarence House, Antigua

During his stay, Prince Harry will engage in a Youth Sports Festival at the Sir Vivian Stadium. This will showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s national sports, and how these can empower and engage young people.

Prince Harry the Cricketer

Earlier in the day the Prince mixed with cricketing royalty as he met three West Indian legends. His first stop has already seen him being presented with a signed cricket bat. This was presented by Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Andy Roberts as they greeted him on his arrival at the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium.

The Prince was clearly delighted with his gift, and immediately tried it out for size by taking up a batsman’s stance as he posed for pictures beneath a bronze statue of Sir Viv.

Sir Curtly said: “He’s a wonderful guy, so down to earth. I’ve been to Buckingham Palace twice so I’ve met the Queen but I’ve never met Prince Harry before. It was really a pleasure.

“Harry said to me that I’ve shrunk a bit since he last saw me, but he was good fun. The prince really enjoyed himself and for me it was a real honor to meet him.

“He did OK, it seemed to me like he’s played cricket before – watching his stance and the way he struck the ball. It looked to me like he’d played some sort of cricket.”

His last visit to the Caribbean saw the prince meeting World Record holder Usain Bolt in Jamaica, where they took part in a friendly, entertaining race for the delight of the media.

Read More: Prince Harry visits Jamaica and races Usain Bolt

He will also attend an event at Government House highlighting the important work of a number of charities. He will also attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister and meet a number of young cultural ambassadors from Antigua and Barbuda.

Prince Harry’s next stop will be St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday.

Jamaica Police rejects rumors of Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke committing suicide

Jamaica Receives High Ranking from International Civil Aviation Organization

Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), Nari Williams-Singh (left), in discussion with JCAA Chairman, Phillip Henriques, ahead of the opening ceremony for the Norman Manley International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower, on November 16.

Jamaica has achieved the highest ranking for implementing international civil aviation standards in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The result from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Validation Mission in June 2016 indicated an effective implementation of international standards at 82.38 per cent.

This distinction was disclosed by Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), Nari Williams-Singh, at the official opening of the new air traffic control tower at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) earlier this week.

“The significance of this achievement is even more evident, considering that the global average is currently at 63 per cent and that of the North American, Central American and Caribbean region is 69 per cent,” he explained.

According to Williams-Singh, Jamaica’s compliance through the JCAA has been on an upward trajectory, having achieved 54 per cent in a 2007 ICAO audit and 67 per cent in a 2012 follow-up Validation Mission.

He said further confirms Jamaica’s status as a leader in civil aviation administration, adding that the JCAA is committed to maintaining its status as a leader in the region and to be on the cutting edge at all times.

“We are also committed to working with our partners to improve, innovate and continuously adopt new and more effective solutions, while never compromising or dropping our guard when it comes to aviation safety, security and reliability.”

Williams-Singh said the new tower conforms to and performs in accordance with the international standards of reliability, safety and operations, which are required for air-navigation systems across the world.

Photo credit: Jamaica Information Service

Report: Slight pause in South Florida’s job growth

Credit: FL DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

In a report from Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity it was learned that the state’s unemployment  rate rose a point from 4.7 to 4.8 percent from September to October 206, but is below the national average of 4.9 percent.

In South Florida, Broward County’s employment rate held at 4.6 percent but Miami-Dade County’s rate increased from 5.2 in September to 5.3 percent. However, the county’s October rate is a significant improvement over the rate of 6 percent that prevailed in October, 2015.

South Florida’s average rate of unemployment at 4.9 percent, was the highest in the state. Analysts attributed the slight downfall in South Florida, especially Miami-Dade’s, employment rate to the dependency of the region on the struggling economies of Latin America, and uncertainties related to the US presidential elections.   

Only 15,300 new jobs were created in Miami in October, compared to 47,400 in Orlando, 32,600 in Tampa, and 26,800 in Fort Lauderdale.

Across the state, 473,000 Floridians were out of work at the end of October.

Most of the new jobs found in South Florida were in in the healthcare, construction and finance sectors. It is predicted that with the onset of the holiday/shopping season the employment rate will go up in November and December with potential job growth in the retail and tourism sectors.

Bernie Sanders: The Main Attraction at Miami Book Fair

Credit: Miami Herald

If there was doubt that young South Floridians were inspired by former Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders this doubt was cast aside last Saturday when Sanders appeared at the Miami Book Fair at the Wolfson campus of Miami-Dade College where he featured his new book “Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In.”
Hundreds of people, mostly young, turned up at the college’s Chapman Conference Center to hear Sanders presentation. Several, of all races, wore T-Shirts with the words “Join the Revolution.” Some carried posters declaring their love and support of Sanders. A few posters read “Bernie in 2020” implying Sanders should again run for the presidency in 2020.
When Sanders appeared on stage, a loud roar soared through the packed hall with shouts of “Bernie! Bernie.”
In his address Sanders said although the election was over, the “Revolution continues.” Turning his attention to President-elect Trump. He said, “Mr. Trump, we are not going backwards. We want you to know that it’s the job of the majority to stand with minorities… I hope you know the damage you have done to America and the rest of the world and be ready to repair this damage.”
Sanders also criticized Trump for sparking the so-called Birther Movement years ag when he accused President Barack Obama of not being more in the US. Sanders said the Movement was “a racist attempt” to undermine Obama’s legitimacy as the first Black president.
Focusing on Miami specifically, Sanders urged the audience to be mindful of the dangers of climate change. Making referencing to the flooding on South Florida’s east coast from the encroaching ocean tide during full moons, he cautioned “there will be more rising sea level,” He said he hopes Trump knows it’s extremely important to listen to advice from the scientific community re the action needed to protect the country from the dangers of climate change.

Sanders who has been offered a leadership role in the incoming US Senate told the audience not to despair because their candidate didn’t win the presidential election or their party holds the majority in the US Congress. He said the people of America may not win the battle in Congress where Democrats are out-numbered, but “We’re going to win this battle in grassroots America….Every person in this room is a powerful person if you choose to exercise your power, and your power is 365 days a year.”

JetBlue partners with US Wildlife service to protect Caribbean environment

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JetBlue partners with US Wildlife service to protect Caribbean environment

JetBlue partners with US Wildlife service to protect Caribbean environment

US based carrier JetBlue has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance in an effort to help protect Caribbean wildlife and preserving the beauty of the region.

JetBlue is playing its role by airing a short film on all flights informing customers how they can help in the process.

The video, featuring local Caribbean conservation heroes, will arm travelers with the right questions to ask when purchasing wildlife and plant-related products.

“An increased interest in Caribbean wildlife is fueling trafficking of the area’s plants, animals and other natural resources. This is contributing to the decline and potential extinction of animal species such as sea turtles, blue and gold macaws and coral reefs – natural treasures that draw travelers to the Caribbean. In many cases, visitors may unwittingly be contributing to the decline of the very things they want to experience,” said JetBlue in a release on Friday.

According to the airline, the geography of the makes it a highly biodiverse region.

“It is home to approximately 6,500 plant, 150 bird, 470 reptile, 40 mammal, 170 amphibian and 65 fish species not found anywhere else in the world. The global wildlife trafficking crisis threatens many of these species….”

“More than one-third of our travel is to the Caribbean and Latin America. We are dedicated to protecting its beauty and health, which in turn protects tourism and our business,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s head of sustainability. “Like many travelers, I was not initially aware of the extent wildlife trafficking has threatened many species and the unique nature of the Caribbean that people fly to absorb.”

JetBlue’s Service Director, Dan Ashe says the airline hopes to reach the 35 million people who fly with JetBlue each year.

“(This) is an unprecedented opportunity for us to communicate with the very people we hope will be empowered as guardians of the Caribbean’s wildlife.”

“Protecting the world’s most endangered species requires American consumers to make smart choices when traveling abroad,” said David J. Hayes, chair of the Alliance. “JetBlue’s commitment to help educate consumers is a critical step forward to ending the demand that has fueled this illegal trade. Its new film will make a big impact by showing consumers how to buy informed and helping to create a culture of responsible tourism.”

Haiti Elections to take place Sunday

International Teams to Witness Haiti’s Elections in Hurricane-Devastated Southern Departments

Members of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), National Human Rights Network (Reseau National des Droits Humains or RNDDH), and National Lawyers Guild will be observing the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Haiti on Sunday, November 20. The delegation is likely to include some of the only international presence to witness events in the southern departments on election day, despite the challenges to voting that southern residents are facing in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Official international observation missions are not expected to travel to the southern departments.

The coalition will observe polling places throughout country, with a focus on the South and Grand’Anse Departments, which were devastated by Hurricane Matthew on October 3-4. Over 280 polling stations and several access roads were destroyed by the hurricane, calling into question whether voters in these regions will be able to exercise their right to vote as protected by Haitian and international law.

Haiti’s electoral process began in 2015, but was repeatedly delayed after the first two rounds were marred by fraud, irregularities and violence. An interim government was established in March 2016 to restore confidence in the electoral process and hold new elections. IJDH and CEPR have produced a series of election primers profiling the major candidates, key events, and the role of the international community.

 

 

 

Press Release

Medical marijuana leader petitioned to run for Florida Governor

Medical marijuana leader petitioned to run for Florida Governor

With the success of Constitutional Amendment 2  legalizing medical marijuana by Florida voters on November 8, initiatives have begun to promote the main instigator of the initiative, Orlando attorney John Morgan to state governor in 2018.

Last week Ben Pollara, campaign manager of United the Care, the organization that promoted the success of the medical marijuana amendment, initiated the online petition, inviting people to sign it. The petition read:

“We wouldn’t have passed Amendment 2 without John Morgan’s courage and leadership…..Now we need John’s courage and leadership in Tallahassee, where both of those qualities are sorely lacking. I don’t care whether he runs as a Democrat, Republican, Communist or Klingon, I want John Morgan to be Florida’s next Governor. I want John Morgan to be MY next Governor. Do you? Tell John: We need you in Tallahassee. We need a Governor who is truly, For The People.”

Pollara has also launched the website site, ForTheGovernor.com for visitors to tell Morgan to run for governor in the 208 mid-term elections.

Responding to Pollara’s initiative, in an email in which he also thanked voters for voting to approve the legalization of medical marijuana, Morgan called the “outpouring of encouragement to run for governor” as overwhelming and unexpected. “It is either extremely flattering that so many people put such faith in me, or sad that people have so little faith in the typical politicians of both parties who are expected to seek the office.”

Morgan did not mention if he would be willing to run for governor, but stated, “Time is my friend. These campaigns begin too early and drag on too long. I could start in 2018 with plenty of time to make my case to The People of Florida.”

He did however, refer to some issues he want to see accomplished in Florida. These include: Full decriminalization of marijuana; the release of inmates serving time in Florida’s jail for possession of drugs. He cited, “Addiction is a disease, not a crime.”. He also wants ex-felons to be able to vote upon their release; increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour; reduce the governor’s tenure to one term. “I believe you can get what you want done in one term. Four years. That’s enough and move on over for someone else.”

Morgan said before he makes a decision, “I need a lot of time to think about it. There are obvious drawbacks and hurdles.
But the initial response in the form of phone calls, emails and social media postings has been overwhelming.

It is humbling.”

 

South Florida production company is bringing back Jamaican comedian Shebada on a four city US tour

Today is Friday, November 18, and with a look at some of the top stories making the news today across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m Jahlisa Harvey 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:

A controversial proposition to drill for oil in the Everglades about six miles west of Miramar was rejected Wednesday by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Kanter Real Estate LLC submitted an application to drill an exploratory well in five acres of Everglades, however, the state deemed proximity as a reason to deny the application. Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam called the act an unconscionable prospect of oil exploration in our natural environment.

Afrikin Fest begins today at Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and runs till Sunday, November 20th. The weekend long festival intends to highlight the ingenuity, economic, and social opportunities of Africa and the African Diaspora. The festival will include lectures and workshops called Afrikin Talks, along with sessions featuring influencers such as Dr. Sonia Sanchez and Mutabaruka.

Tomorrow, join Commissioner Darlene Riggs as she hosts a Mammo party. Starting at 11:30 a.m. the daylong event will include a free massage, manicures, and mammograms. The event will be held at Memorial Hospital in Miramar.

In Sports:

Following an absence last year, the JN Girlz will be back in South Florida for the Senior Florida Netball Classic tournament tomorrow and Sunday. The games, slated for a Carter Park in Sunrise, will host more than 20 teams from across the world including strong local competitors such as Digicel, Scotiabank and RJR/Gleaner.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

LeBron James has donated 2.5 million dollars to the Muhammad Ali Exhibit to be placed inside the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. James joins others athletes including Michael Jordan who has donated $5 million and Magic Johnson who has donated $1 million.

For today’s weather forecast:

Mostly Sunny in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 66. Partly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

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

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

This Day in History: KKK member Robert Chambliss was convicted for murder

On the day in history November 18, 1977, Ku Klux Klan member Robert Chambliss was convicted in the Birmingham, Alabama, church bombing that killed four little Black girls.

A witness identified Chambliss as the man who placed a box of dynamite underneath the stairs of the 16th Street Baptist Church, where the girls and dozens of others were attending Sunday school services. Carole Robertson, 14, Denise McNair, 11, Cynthia Wesley, 14, and Addie Mae Collins, 14, all died in the blast and 23 others were injured.

Chambliss was arrested and tried with murder on Oct. 8, 1963, but was cleared on the murder charges and sentenced to six months in jail for having the dynamite and $300 fine. Civil rights leaders rallied for justice for the little girls, and with the help of Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley, the FBI reopened the case to reveal evidence against Chambliss not used in the original trial.

In November 1977, at 73 years old, Chambliss was re-tried and convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison. He died on Oct. 29, 1985.

 

 

 

Bet.com

National Weekly November 17, 2016

Miami Gardens voters face another election on December 6

Miami Gardens voters face another election on December 6 

Election Day November 8 is now history, but residents of Miami Gardens, home to a large Caribbean-Americans, has another election day to look forward to. On December 6 voters of that city will vote in a mayoral election.

This election has been described as a “special” mayoral election. On August 30 during which primary elections were held for various federal, state, county and municipal elections, Miami Garden also held its mayoral election.

This election was won convincingly by incumbent Mayor Oliver Gilbert with 69 percent of the vote over challengers Ulysses Harvard a former city council, and Clara Johnson. However, shortly after that election James Wright, former Op-locka chief of police, who originally sought to be a candidate for mayor of Miami Gardens filed a law suit claiming he was unfairly left off the ballot.

Wright’s claimed that when a local bank returned the check returned the check with which he paid the city office for his election campaign fee it was a mistake on the bank’s part, and not because he had insufficient funds to cover the check. In the ensuing case, Florida’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of Wright saying the city should have been allowed to issue a new check and his name should have been included on the August 30 ballot. The court then ordered the August 30 election invalid, and ordered a new election.

Harvard and Johnson will again be challenging Gilbert along with Wright in the upcoming election.

Political pundits in the city expect the race to be more competitive with Wright in the ballot, but nonetheless expects Mayor Gilbert to be reelected. Whomever wins the December 6 election will be required to secure at least 50 percent of the votes, to avoid a run-off election between the two candidates with the highest percentage of votes.

 

Bolt to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine

Bolt to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, will grace one of the covers of GQ magazine’s Men of the Year issues.
The nine-time Olympic Gold medalist is one of the three men selected to celebrate the 21st issue.
The magazine has dubbed him the most exciting man in sports this year.
Actors Ryan Reynolds and Warren Beatty are the other two feature covers.

The magazine will hit shelves on November 22.

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