Home Blog Page 1423

UN Secretary General issues apology for Cholera outbreak

UN Secretary General issues apology for Cholera outbreak

 Addressing the United Nations General Assembly for the last time, Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon said the cholera outbreak and the sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers had “tarnished the reputation of the United Nations and, far worse, traumatized many people we serve”. Ban, who will be stepping down at the end of this year, has served 10 years to the organization, said he felt “tremendous regret and sorrow at the profound suffering of Haitians affected by cholera. The country was free of cholera until 2010, when UN peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river.

In October 2010, cholera-infected Nepalese MINUSTAH soldiers allowed feces from their out-houses to flow into the headwaters of Haiti’s largest river, the Artibonite, used for drinking, washing, and irrigation. A study done the next year by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said UN peacekeepers from Nepal, an area where cholera was an endemic, were the likely cause of the outbreak. Since then, more than 9,000 people have died of the disease which causes uncontrollable diarrhea, fever and headaches. In the initial outbreak of the virus, mostly the first two years, 800,000 people fell ill.

The UN has said that they are not required to aid and has not legally accepted responsibility for the outbreak. A U.S ruling determined that they are “legally immune from prosecution.” An independent panel appointed by General Ban issued a report in 2011 that did not determine conclusively how the cholera was introduced to Haiti. In their appeal, the lawyers from the Boston-based Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), the San Francisco-based Centre for Law and Global Justice, and the Miami-based firm of famed immigration lawyer argued that the judge had erred in ruling that the UN and its military force, the UN Mission to Stabilize Haiti (MINUSTAH), were immune “despite having violated their treaty obligation to provide a mode to settle private law claims”.

 

Holness duly elected Broward Commissioner

Holness duly elected Broward Commissioner

Although incumbent Broward Commissioner Dale Holness held off the challenge posed by Florida Senator Chris Smith in the August 30 Primary Elections, he wasn’t formerly reelected to the commission. Up to last week Holness still faced November 8, General Election challenges from three candidates who although having no-party affiliation, had registered with the Broward Supervisor of Elections by writing in their names as independent candidates.

The three write-in candidates have withdrawn their names from the general elections, however, leaving Holness unopposed and therefore unofficially reelected as Broward Commissioner representing the county’s District 9.

Former Write-in candidate Janet Burnett withdrew her candidacy on September 9, and Devon Bush submitted his withdrawal notice to the Broward SOE on Monday. According to the SOE website the other candidate, Phanor Viveros, has also withdrawn.

Speaking with National Weekly on Tuesday, Holness expressed humility at his eventual reelection. “Politics is and always should be an opportunity to serve the people, and I am humbled to be allowed the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Broward County for another term.”

Holness who was first elected commissioner in 2010, said the work of a commissioner, regardless of how long he or she has served a county or a city is ongoing. “The needs of people grow daily. Today a commissioner works to meet certain needs, but tomorrow there are people who have new and different needs. However, I am looking forward to return to the commission to attempt to meet the needs of all the residents of the district and the county.”

He said his priority will be to continue to grow the county’s economy and ensure that people who have been left out of opportunities, with their needs still unsatisfied, can have access to these opportunities. “There is still too much unemployment in the county, especially in the Black community. This must be corrected. My goal is to work with the other commissioners to drive employment by bringing more trade and businesses to the county.”

Holness, citing the examples of Dubai and Singapore, is convinced Broward County has the potential to be a particular vibrant international business community. He firmly believes more business and employment can be developed in the county through targeting industries in the technology, aviation and marine sectors. “Broward County already has the basis for significant development in aviation and shipping maintenance. These are serious job-growing areas.”

With his reelection settled, Holness plans to roll his campaign apparatus to merge with the Hillary Clinton campaign. “I fully support Mrs. Clinton for president. However, there’s a lot of work to be done before Election Day. Much more focus must be placed on getting out the vote in Broward County in the general elections. Not a single vote can be taken for granted in this election.”

 

Rita Marley hospitalized in Miami after a stroke

Rita Marley to be honored in Immersive exhibit

Rita Marley hospitalized in Miami after a stroke

Rita Marley, widow of Reggae icon Bob Marley is reported to be hospitalized in Miami as the result of a stroke. While a source close to the Marley family residing in Southwest Miami admitted the matriarch of the family is ill in hospital, they were reluctant to admit to the nature of the illness, although admitting she had “a serious stroke,” or the hospital she was admitted to. The source said, “The family just wants utmost peace and privacy at this time.” However, the source indicated this was the second time that Rita, who had recently relocated from Jamaica to Ethiopia, had suffered a stroke.

Marley, 70, was on a visit to Miami to attend a special event when she suffered the stroke on Tuesday night and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Born in Cuba in 1946, Alpharita (Rita) Constantia Anderson was taken to Jamaica as a toddler and grew up in the Greenwich Town area of Kingston. She and Bob Marley met in the early 60’s when she sang in, and he managed, the group the Soulettes, which later became The I Threes.  Rita and Bob shared a love relationship and they were married in 1966.

She bore Bob four children, Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, and Stephen. She has two other children from other relationships and has also adopted eight of Bob’s other children.

During the height of the career of Bob, and Bob Marley and the Wailers, the I-Threes including Rita, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffith were popular accompany singers on stage and sound tracks.

Since Bob’s death in a Miami hospital in 1981, Rita has steadfastly promoted Bob’s legacy, while ensuring the descendants of Bob Marley are adequately provided for. She is responsible for turning the Marley Hope Road residence in Jamaica into the Bob Marley Museum, a sought-after attraction by visitors to Jamaica, including President Barack Obama who visited the museum during his 2015 visit.

In 2000, she also founded the Bob Marley Foundation, a non-governmental, not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that works to alleviate poverty and hunger in developing countries. It specifically targets the elderly and youth.

West Indies Women no longer overlooked

West Indies Women no longer overlooked

Things are looking up to for the women of the cricket world. In an agreement between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), Women cricketers on retainer from the WICB, as of October 1 of this year, will see an increase in their pay and in annual retainer fees, sponsorship payments, match fees, and captains’ allowances. This is sure to bring more women to a sport which many may not know exist. WICB’s CEO Michael Muirhead said that they are hoping the new package will serve as an additional incentive for the current set of women, but will serve as a “drawing card to more women to be attracted to cricket”. The growth in the payments of the women is estimated to cost the WICB just under $600,000 for the upcoming year, a release stated. Captain of the team, Stafanie Taylor, said that she appreciates the increase and believes that it is a step in the right direction. “England and Australia are the two top teams where women’s cricket is concerned and I think we can mirror what they are doing and get on their level. We hope that, as time goes by, more things will be improved. I strongly believe that an increase like this will only encourage us to work harder and continue representing the people of the Caribbean to the best of our abilities,” she said. The West Indies women will face off against England in a five-match One Day International (ODI) series at home October8 and 19 at the Trelawney Multiplex and Sabina Park in Jamaica.

This Day in History: President Lincoln announces emancipation effective January 1863

On this day in history, September 22, 1862, The 16th President of the United States,  Abraham Lincoln, issues preliminary proclamation announcing that emancipation would become effective on January 1, 1863.

This set the date for the freedom of more than 3 million black slaves in the United States. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, shortly after Lincoln’s inauguration as president, he maintained that the war was about restoring the Union and not about slavery. He avoided issuing an anti-slavery proclamation immediately, despite the urgings of abolitionists and radical Republicans, as well as his personal belief that slavery was morally repugnant. Instead, Lincoln chose to move cautiously until he could gain wide support from the public for such a measure.

In July 1862, Lincoln informed his cabinet that he would issue an emancipation proclamation but that it would exempt the so-called border states, which had slaveholders but remained loyal to the Union. His cabinet persuaded him not to make the announcement until after a Union victory. Lincoln’s opportunity came following the Union win at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. On September 22, the president announced that slaves in areas still in rebellion within 100 days would be free.

On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the final Emancipation Proclamation, which declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebel states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” The proclamation also called for the recruitment and establishment of black military units among the Union forces. An estimated 180,000 African Americans went on to serve in the army, while another 18,000 served in the navy.

After the Emancipation Proclamation, backing the Confederacy was seen as favoring slavery. It became impossible for anti-slavery nations such as Great Britain and France, who had been friendly to the Confederacy, to get involved on behalf of the South. Lincoln’s handwritten draft of the final Emancipation Proclamation was destroyed in the Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, the original official version of the document is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

 

History.com

St. Georges College team captain collapses and dies during match

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 21st, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90.
Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

 

Here’s a look at our top stories:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its travel warning for Wynwood in Miami yesterday after Governor Rick Scott declared the area free of the Zika virus. Saying the area had not recorded a case of local Zika transmission in 45 days, Governor Scott urged tourists and residents to return to the area, which has suffered a sharp drop in business for nearly two months.
Join the H.A.W.M Law Firm and the Caribbean Professional Alliance during their Criminal Expungement Workshop tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. held at The Kingdom Church in Orlando, the free event requires attendees to RSVP in order to reserve a seat. The workshop will cover everything about expunging a criminal record with local attorneys.

 

The Pompano Beach CRA is inviting residents and friends to the ‘Lift Every Voice’ watch party and ceremony 9 a.m. this Saturday. Held at the Ali Cultural Arts Center, a live stream of the grand opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum the ‘National Museum of African American History and Culture’ will be at 10 a.m. There will also be an African song, drum and dance performance alongside a marketplace of African inspired products.

 

In sports:
St George’s College captain Dominic James collapsed and died during his team’s ISSA-Flow Manning Cup against Excelsior at the Stadium East field in Kingston. He was rushed to the Medical Associates Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment. St George’s coach, Neville Bell, said James appeared to have died from a seizure.

 

And now, here’s what’s trending:
Miami native and Republican billionaire Mike Fernandez is donating over $2 million dollars to the Hillary Clinton campaign. According to an email Fernandez sent, the money is intended to focus on Latino outreach and registration in Florida. Fernandez was a Jeb Bush donor in the GOP primary, and wrote that he’s never met the Democratic nominee, but he can’t “support a Party he no longer recognizes.”

 

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 75. Mostly Cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 87 and a low of 77.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.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.
been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa H.

Governor Rick Scott declares Wynwood free of the Zika virus

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 21st, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey.
Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.
Here’s a look at our top stories:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its travel warning for Wynwood in Miami yesterday after Governor Rick Scott declared the area free of the Zika virus. Saying the area had not recorded a case of local Zika transmission in 45 days, Governor Scott urged tourists and residents to return to the area, which has suffered a sharp drop in business for nearly two months.
Join the H.A.W.M Law Firm and the Caribbean Professional Alliance during their Criminal Expungement Workshop tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. held at The Kingdom Church in Orlando, the free event requires attendees to RSVP in order to reserve a seat. The workshop will cover everything about expunging a criminal record with local attorneys.
The Pompano Beach CRA is inviting residents and friends to the ‘Lift Every Voice’ watch party and ceremony 9 a.m. this Saturday. Held at the Ali Cultural Arts Center, a live stream of the grand opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum the ‘National Museum of African American History and Culture’ will be at 10 a.m. There will also be an African song, drum and dance performance alongside a marketplace of African inspired products.
In sports:
St George’s College captain Dominic James collapsed and died during his team’s ISSA-Flow Manning Cup against Excelsior at the Stadium East field in Kingston. He was rushed to the Medical Associates Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment. St George’s coach, Neville Bell, said James appeared to have died from a seizure.
And now, here’s what’s trending:
Miami native and Republican billionaire Mike Fernandez is donating over $2 million dollars to the Hillary Clinton campaign. According to an email Fernandez sent, the money is intended to focus on Latino outreach and registration in Florida. Fernandez was a Jeb Bush donor in the GOP primary, and wrote that he’s never met the Democratic nominee, but he can’t “support a Party he no longer recognizes.”
For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 75. Mostly Cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 87 and a low of 77.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.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.
been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey.

Miramar Commissioner, Winston Barnes set to host Free Citizenship Drive

Miramar Commissioner, Winston Barnes set to host Free Citizenship Drive

Commissioner Winston F. Barnes will host a free Citizenship Drive this Saturday, September 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Youth Enrichment Center in Miramar.

The free event will assist all members of the community who are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizenship allows you the right to vote in all elections, city, county, and country. Commissioner Barnes and recognized attorneys will be on site to provide assistance with the application preparation and submittal.

In order to be eligible, make sure to bring identification, two separate checks for your photo and application fee, and any additional documentation that may help your case. This could include a Permanent Resident Card also known as “Alien Registration Card” or “Green Card”, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, marriage license, divorce degree, or passport. For more information on the event, call Shari Covington at (954) 602-3142.

 

Dominic James collapses during games

Dominic James collapses during games

St George’s College captain, Dominic James collapsed and died during his team’s ISSA-Flow Manning Cup against Excelsior at the Stadium East field in Kingston. He was rushed to the Medical Associates Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment. St George’s coach Neville Bell said James appeared to have died from a seizure.

“This one is tough,” cried St George’s College’s Head Coach Neville Bell as he reacted to news that his captain Dominic James had died.

18-year-old James was recently invited to Jamaica’s Under-20 team. He collapsed roughly two minutes into the game returning to his team’s side after an offensive attack by his school. He remained motionless on the field for a few minutes and was attended to by two medical doctors before being rushed to the hospital.

“I thanked the referees for calling the game off. I don’t know if we could have handled it. I don’t know if the Excelsior team could have handled it because they were so very concerned,” said Bell.

Jamaica’s 10 year health plan

Jamaica’s 10 year health plan

Jamaica’s Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, says the country is implementing a 10-year strategic plan to improve health and attain its vision of a healthy and stable population.

Tufton made the declaration at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) headquarters in Kingston during a presentation on the country’s health situation, priority health issues and needs.

Tufton said demographic changes, especially an increase in the elderly population, are likely to increase demand for medical and diagnostic services to manage acute and chronic conditions and increase the need for long-term care.

Although Jamaica has high life expectancy of 73.8 years and low infant mortality, currently 19 deaths per 1,000 live births, the country faces rising rates of chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, “which have become the leading causes of death,” PAHO said.

Tufton said physical activity levels are down, and the percentage of Jamaicans who are overweight is up to 26.4 per cent.

He said managing the consumption of sugar, salt and fats in the diet is a priority.

The health minister said Jamaica’s 10-year strategic health plan calls for improvements in health service delivery, the health workforce, health information and governance.

He said the challenge of financing these and other needed improvements, including better use of technology for such as telemedicine and electronic patient administration, is “a real one.”

With the majority of Jamaica’s 318 government health facilities and 24 hospitals now being over 50 years old, the country also faces the challenge of refurbishing or rebuilding many of these facilities, Tufton said.

He said that vector-borne diseases, such as chikungunya and Zika, are affecting people in Jamaica, and that the country has recorded 110 cases and 10 deaths from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Tufton said it costs around US$13,000 to treat each patient with GBS, which is linked to Zika virus infections.

 

Watch History in the making at the Ali Cultural Arts Center

Watch History in the making at the Ali Cultural Arts Center

Join the City of Pompano Beach as they host a watch party as the Smithsonian Institution opens its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The celebration will reach beyond Washington, D.C., sharing the excitement in Pompano Beach at the Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center. The doors will open at 9 a.m. and the live stream of the ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

The “Lift Every Voice” global watch party is free and open to the public and will include an opening African ceremony, dance and drum performance, free African food and a marketplace of African inspired products. The event organizers have an open call to vendors who want to be a part of their African market and this historic event.

Like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the historic Ali Cultural Arts Center is a place where people can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience; it is a place of meaning, memory, reflection, laughter, and hope.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution and is located at the foot of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The museum provides for the collection, study, and establishment of programs and exhibitions related to African American life, history, art, and culture. For more information, call Program Director, Dahlia Baker at 954-786-7866.

This Day in History: Belize gains its independence from the UK

On this day in history, September 21, 1981, Belize gained its independence from the UK but has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth. Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central Americabecause it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. Indeed, Belize’s institutions and official language reflect its history as a British colony. However, its culture is more typical of that of other Central American countries.

Belize’s small population is ethnically diverse and includes a large proportion of immigrants. Since the 1970s, migration has shifted Belize’s ethnic composition from a predominantly Creole (mixed African and British descent) population to one in which mestizos (in Belize, people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) make up half of the total inhabitants.

Belize has one of the most stable and democratic political systems in Central America. After its original capital, Belize City, was ravaged by a hurricane in 1961, a new capital, Belmopan, was built inland, about 50 miles (80 km) west of Belize City, which remains the country’s commercial and cultural centre as well as its most populous city. The name Belize is traditionally believed to have been derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Peter Wallace, a Scottish buccaneer who may have begun a settlement at the mouth of the Belize River about 1638. It is also possible that the name evolved from the Mayan word belix (“muddy water”) or belikin (“land facing the sea”).

What you still don’t know about breast cancer

Members of the Ford Warriors in Pink 2016 Models of Courage program celebrate their dedication to helping create #MoreGoodDays for those fighting breast cancer in their community.

What you still don’t know about breast cancer

The topic of breast cancer can feel familiar — from October walks to pink ribbons, Americans know breast cancer. That is, until you or a loved one is diagnosed.

Suddenly, breast cancer moves from a topic that feels championed to a topic that is entirely too new, too unknown and too fresh. Suddenly, there is not enough information or resources to help a family cope.

Nearly all Americans are aware that breast cancer poses a serious health threat to both women and men, but despite the vast awareness, many don’t know what it really means to fight this disease. According to a recent study conducted by Ford’s breast cancer awareness initiative, Warriors in Pink, more than 40 percent of Americans are unfamiliar with the day-to-day challenges patients face while in treatment, and even more, nearly 75 percent admit that they are unsure how to best support patients.

Loved ones not knowing how to help makes a difference because family and friends are proven to be patients’ greatest resources for getting through treatment.  Supporters may not know where to start in providing support, feeling that the issues facing patients are too big for them to solve. But what you still don’t know about breast cancer is that the little things matter more than ever. In fact, the ability to maintain day-to-day routines during treatment is one of breast cancer patients’ top concerns — second only to life expectancy.

“In terms of the day-to-day, it’s those tasks that were hardest for me,” says breast cancer survivor, Jenn Nudelman. “So my friends and family just came and did things. They didn’t give me a choice. A lot of times people reach out and say, ‘What can I do?’ But I’m not a person who asks for help. It was those friends who didn’t even ask, just acted, that I really shared the journey with.”

The key to care and being able to “just act” is being familiar with what types of support patients need most. When asked what type of support that is, patients report needing the most help with daily activities like household chores, errands and meal preparation while undergoing treatment.

“People brought meals to me,” says survivor Lisa Hedenstrom, “and my husband organized a lot of the logistics — taking me to appointments and helping me organize those appointments. Family and friends would come help with tasks for me, too. Because of them, I didn’t have to worry about grocery shopping or other types of tiring daily chores.”

Another survivor, Lori Redunski, could relate. “My husband hired a cleaning crew to come in and my kids would come home and see the lines in the carpet, smell the cleanser and feel comfortable in their home. It made our life so much easier,” she says.

These daily tasks are often overlooked, but every action taken to help patients to focus on their health and fighting this disease makes a difference.

“There are missing things that people don’t think about,” says survivor Heidi Floyd. “For example, if you need your side walk shoveled because of the snow, your lawn mowed or your pets cared for. Who has energy to walk their dog when they’re doing eight or nine hours of chemo or daily radiation?”

While help with these daily tasks undeniably lessens the burden on breast cancer patients, it’s important to remember that emotional care is also vital for those going through treatment.

“Through it all, you need at least one supporter who is genuinely there to do just that, to support you; to pray with you and to make you laugh,” says survivor Deborah Hayes. “Amidst trying to be strong throughout treatment and recovery, and making sure that everything in your personal life still gets accomplished, one really does need that supportive friend or group to share your innermost feelings.”

To empower friends and family to take action and support the breast cancer patients in their lives, Ford Warriors in Pink offers free support services that make it easy to respond to their greatest needs — including cleaning services, meal kit deliveries, alternative hospital wear, online scheduling tools and more. These resources, available on their website at www.fordcares.com, allow loved ones who don’t know how to help to simply click and “just act” — without being asked. Additionally, the site offers tips and ideas on how to help patients have more good days during their journey.

“I was blessed with a great family and friends that were there to bring me support,” Redunski says. “But when people don’t have that support, they really need to feel comfortable with the resources that are available to them — whether through their doctors or online.”

Take the time to learn how you can make the little things add up to a supportive journey for the breast cancer patients in your life.

brandpointcontent.com

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a patient in Haiti with a mosquito-borne illness

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 20th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m Jahlisa H for CNW 90.

Today’s news is brought to you by The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a patient in Haiti with a mosquito-borne illness that has never before been reported in the country.

Known as “Mayaro virus,” it is closely related to chikungunya virus and was first isolated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1954. The symptoms of Mayaro fever  include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, rashes and abdominal pain.

 

Miami Gardens mayor Oliver Gilbert invites residents and friends to join him for his 2016 Fitness Challenge. On Tuesday, September 20 starting at 7 p.m., the event will take over the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex for an afternoon of giveaways, fitness and fun.

 

English rapper M.I.A has added some reggae flair to her fifth album AIM’ release last week and now available on Apple Music. The 17-track album features songs recorded in Jamaica and collaborations with multiple reggae artist including Dexta Daps, best known for hit Seven Eleven.

In sports:

Caribbean Football Union Qualifying match in the Twin Island Republic saw Jamaica’s Under 17 Reggae Boyz tie against Haiti 0-0. The team also beat Bermuda 6-2 last week in their opening match, and is set to play Trinidad & Tobago this evening at 7:30pm.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

A massive sinkhole near Mulberry, just west of Tampa, has confirmed to spill millions of gallons of contaminated water into the Floridan Aquifer. Since the sinkhole opened up about three weeks ago, 215 million gallons of contaminated water have drained into the aquifer. The sinkhole is about 40 feet across and its depth is unknown.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 75. Mostly Cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 87 and a low of 77.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.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 The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa H.

This Day in History: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was stabbed

1958: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was stabbed

On this day in history, September 20, 1958, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was seriously injured after a woman stabbed him with a letter opener during a book signing in Harlem.

King was in the store signing copies of his newly released book, Stride Toward Freedom, his account of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, when a 42-year-old, African-American woman named Izola Curry lunged at him with the letter opener, lodging its tip deep in King’s chest just inches away from his aorta.

Curry approached the reverend and asked if it was really him. When he replied yes, she said, “I’ve been looking for you for five years,” and plunged a letter opener into his chest.

When police arrived on the scene, they found the civil rights leader sitting in a chair with the letter opener’s ivory handle still protruding just below his collar.

Fearful of the blade’s proximity to King’s heart, Officer Al Howard warned him, “Don’t sneeze, don’t even speak.”

While his assailant was taken into custody, King was carefully rushed to Harlem Hospital, where chief of thoracic and vascular surgery John W.V. Cordice, Jr. and trauma surgeon Emil Naclero were quickly summoned and where King underwent nearly 2 ½ hours of surgery. Coming from a wedding, Naclero arrived still wearing a tuxedo, and prepared for surgery. The operating doctors confirmed that the letter opener was placed so precariously that if he had sneezed, the blade would have fatally punctured his aorta.

When asked about whether he was angry about the attack, King reportedly said, “I think she needs help. I’m not angry at her.”

New mosquito illness found in Caribbean

New mosquito illness found in Caribbean

Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) have identified a patient in Haiti with a serious mosquito-borne illness that has never before been reported in the country.

Known as “Mayaro virus,” it is closely related to chikungunya virus and was first isolated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1954.

The symptoms of Mayaro fever are similar to those of chikungunya  –  fever, joint pain, muscle pain and rashes. Abdominal pain is also a feature of Mayaro fever.

However, most reported cases, have been confined to small outbreaks in the Amazon and the researchers question whether this case signals the start of a new outbreak in the Caribbean region is currently unknown.

“While current attention has been focused on the Zika virus, the finding of yet another mosquito-borne virus which may be starting to circulate in the Caribbean is of concern,” said Dr. Glenn Morris, director of the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute.

The case was identified from a blood sample taken in January 2015 from an eight-year-old boy in rural Haiti. The patient had a fever and abdominal pain but no rash or conjunctivitis.

Because faculty from the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute were in the region during and after the 2014 chikungunya outbreak, plasma samples were obtained from febrile children and analyzed for the presence of chikungunya virus RNA using a genetic identification technique known as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

“The virus we detected is genetically different from the ones that have been described recently in Brazil, and we don’t know yet if it is unique to Haiti or if it is a recombinant strain from different types of Mayaro viruses,” said Dr. John Lednicky, an associate professor in the environmental and global health department at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and the study’s lead author.

Last week, the head of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. James Hosepdales, predicted “with some degree of certainty” that regional countries will have a dengue type three epidemic to deal with next year.

 

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Launches new book

From Mason Hall to Whitehall

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, has launched his biography “From Mason Hall to Whitehall: His name is Keith Rowley,” saying that he trusted himself to tell his own story about his political life.

“I decided I had to at least tell my story and I trusted myself to tell it. I discovered that the people I led knew very little about me,” he said of the book that was dedicated to his grandson Lucas, as well as to the Youth of Trinidad and Tobago.

Rowley, 66, became prime minister last September after he guided his People’s National Movement (PNM) to a 23-18 victory over the then coalition People’s Partnership administration of Kamla Persad Bissessar.

Anglican Bishop Claude Berkley said the self-published manuscript, which was originally completed and submitted in May 2016, emphasises the need for people not to lie, steal or kill.

“Love your neighbours. There was no love for a lazy man,” the Bishop said, telling the audience that the book gives Rowley’s version of his relationship with the late Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who died earlier this year.

A statement issued following the launch noted that Rowley gave several anecdotes from his life’s experiences, with a healthy appreciation and fondness for the humble beginnings in Mason Hall, Tobago.

 

Bahamas Immigration Warning

Bahamas

Immigration authorities in The Bahamas, have warned employers against hiring people who are not Bahamians or a permanent resident without a work permit.

“This is regardless of whether that person has a visitor’s visa or a seaman’s visa for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas pursuant to entry on such a visa,” the Department of Immigration said in a statement.

It said that that while a visitor or seaman “may walk about the environs of the town and use public facilities, they cannot be hired for work in the Bahamas without a work permit.

“Work includes selling goods or buying or collecting goods for the purposes of export and gain,” the Department said, noting that officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Customs Department have the powers of immigration officers.

“Where there is a reasonable suspicion that an individual in the Bahamas has violated Immigration laws, those officials can exercise the lawful authority to question or detain that individual and can do so …where the circumstances warrant it.”

The Department said there will be greater scrutiny to avoid the violation of immigration laws.

 

Miami Gardens ordered by Supreme Court to redo elections

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 19th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Today’s news is brought to you by The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Miami Gardens has been ordered by the US Supreme Court to hold its mayoral election all over again after one of the candidates was wrongfully disqualified. James Wright, who was disqualified on August 30, will be given 2 days to pay the fee and be places on the ballot for the November election.

 

The 18th Annual Eric E. Williams Memorial Lecture on African & African Diaspora Studies will take place at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center, next Friday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. This year’s Lecture will host the former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo. This year’s them is: “The Caribbean and American Presidential Power: A Donald Trump Ascendancy”. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

 

Caribbean-American homeowners in South Florida, most of whom are insured with the state-owned company ‘Citizens Property Insurance’ may soon see a hike in property insurance rates. Last week the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced it has approved rate increases for Citizens policyholders. Rates for multi-peril homeowner’s policies have been increased by 6.4 percent on average.

In sports:

The West Indies cricket team is now in Dubai for their three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan. The two teams will face off at the Dubai International Stadium this Friday at noon.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

New York police announced earlier this morning they are looking for Ahmad Khan Rahami for questioning in connection with the Saturday bombing in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, which injured 29 people. Rahami is a 28-year-old New Jersey resident.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 75. Scattered Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 88 and a low of 78.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.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 The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa H.

This Day in History: St. Kitts and Nevis gain Independence

St. Kitts and Nevis, Independence

On this day in history, September 19, 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially called the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, is an island nation in the West Indies. Most of the people on these islands aredescendants of Africans who were originally brought to the islands as slaves.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on Saint Kitts and named the island Saint Christopher, after his patron saint also landed on Nevis. It wasn’t until 1623 that English colonists began to settle on SaintChristopher’s Island. At that time, the English shortened its name to Saint Kitts Island. In 1628, English colonists began to settle on Nevis. For the next 100 years, the British and French formed a rivalry for control over the islands. In 1782, theBritish took permanent control over the islands.
The islands, along the nearby island of Anguilla, were united in 1882. They joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and remained in the association until its dissolution in 1962. Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla became a self-governing state of the United Kingdom in 1967. Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence on September 19, 1983.

Editorial: The conundrum, higher education

Editorial: The conundrum, higher education

Problems related to private-for-profit colleges and community colleges nationally, including South Florida, are presenting a higher education conundrum.

While for-profit colleges provide courses aligned to student’s academic capabilities and are especially designed for sectors of the job market, they’re also regarded by some as offering courses of declining value. Meanwhile, others regard community colleges as offering courses that only partially completes a person’s higher education.

Community Colleges are publicly owned, receiving the bulk of their operational budget through subsidies from state and local governments.

For-profit colleges are privately owned, receiving most of their financing through student aid (grants and loans) from the federal government. In addition, there’s further cost to the federal government through provision of in-school interest subsidies to some student loans, and from losses incurred from the reported significant percentage of defaulted loans originally received by some for-profit college students.

Basically, the federal government is wasting billions of dollars, a big chunk of the annual federal budget, trying to provide students who fall under the academic bar in qualifying for four-year colleges with alternative forms of higher education to enable them to advance on the job market. However, most of these students aren’t advancing sufficiently to justify the expenditure.

According to the Federal Digest of Education Statistics, only 19.5 percent of first-time, full-time students at two-year public or community colleges finish their programs within these two years. The majority graduate within three years. This rate has declined since 2000 when 23.6 percent graduated within the two-year period.

Another source, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center indicates only 20 percent of community college students transfer to four-year institutions.

On the other hand, in 2014, the course completion and graduation rate at private-for-profit colleges was at about 63 percent completion, and has been rising since 2000.

 

However, private-for-profit colleges are much more expensive than community colleges. According to the available data, in 2012/13, average tuition and fees at two-year community colleges amounted to $2,792 compared to $14,193 at for-profit colleges that were offering two year courses.

Despite the disparity in fees for the two college systems, enrollment in for-profit colleges increased over the past 20 years. Between 1990 and 2010, enrollment at for-profits grew by 179 percent compared to 44 percent for community colleges.

Analysts say a key reason for this enrollment disparity is that for-profits are more responsive in meeting student’s education/training needs than community colleges, offering more flexible scheduling, and better focused training.

But, for-profit colleges have gained dubious reputation for enrolling students primarily for financial gain from federal grants and loans, while offering weak courses, and diplomas without much value on the job market.

Critics of community colleges argue because these schools are so heavily subsidized by the government, they don’t have the same urgency to graduate students as for-profit colleges which are dependent on revenue from the student fees.

Critics of for-profit colleges claim the quality of these college courses and diplomas have depreciated because they focus on fast-forwarding graduation rates, primarily to attract increased enrollment and federal money.

Close analysis reveals a possible reason for this conundrum is the relatively high percentage of high school graduates with low GPA – grade point average, unqualified to attend four-year colleges.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, while 70 percent of public high school students graduate annually, immediate enrollment rate at four-year colleges in 2014 was only 44 percent, and 25 percent at two-year colleges. The enrollment rate of high school graduates at two-year colleges increased from 20 percent in 1990 to 25 percent in 2014.

To solve the conundrum, public schools need to improve the standard of education, and the related GPA of graduates.

Billions of federal funds spent to subsidize community colleges, and provide financial aid to for-profit colleges, maybe better spent improving the quality of education at high schools. This would qualify more graduates for four-year colleges reducing demand on community and for-profit colleges, reverting both to their original roles.

Higher education is too crucial to America’s future to spend billions on students who cannot apply this education to improve themselves, or the job market.

National and state educational leaders need to comprehensively evaluate the pragmatics of the educational system to ensure funds allocated to higher education will directly enhance graduation rates and employment potential at both institutions with the lowest cost to students and state.

Haitian at Heart, Glover endorses Narcisse for president

Haitian at Heart, Glover endorses Narcisse for president

At a private fundraiser event held on Sunday, September 11 at the Shelburne Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The purpose of the private event was to both fundraise and draw a crowd of both political and celebrity VIPs for major campaign support. Among the some 300 people in attendance, was actor, director and political activist Danny Glover. Not only did he attended as a key speaker, but also released a video officially endorsing Dr. Narcisse’s Presidential Campaign for the October elections. Dr. Narcisse’s political party, Fanmi Lavalas, strongly represents a majority of people across the Caribbean country where many believe the return of the party is welcomed. The party had been excluded from previous elections post the second coup d’état of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 and Dr. Narcisse hopes that this time they will be provided with a fair and free election on October 9.

Glover had many kind words to say about the presidential nominee. “There is an election on October 9th in Haiti and it is an important election for the Haitian people because they have the opportunity to elect their president, the People’s President, Dr. Narcisse. I want to say that I am here as a Haitian at heart to say that I am in full support of her and so excited for the opportunity that the Haitian people have to have a president who cares, who fights, who will change the world and change their world. Thank you very much, Dr. Narcisse.”

With a Doctorate of Medicine from the State University of Haiti, Dr. Narcisse is also a longtime advocate for democracy, health care and education. The candidate boasts previous seats as the National Coordinator of the Executive Committee of the Organization Fanmi Lavalas, Board Member of the Aristide Foundation, and Public Health Consultant to date. With her vast experience and popularity in Haiti, Narcisse is the likely front-runner to win the 2016 election and become the 42nd president of Haiti.

‘ Freak Cake ’ Decorating Competition

The Miami Gardens Wine & Food Experience introduce ‘ Freak Cake ’ Decorating Competition

Sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, butter. The smells of a baker putting his or her joy into a delightful bite-sized taste of happiness.

Ready yourself for a messy, sticky, sweet moment in time as four bakers and their teams compete in the newest addition to the Miami Gardens Wine & Food Experience presented by Councilwoman Lisa Davis and the City of Miami Gardens. On Saturday, November 12 starting at 7pm, the Calder Casino will host the ‘The Sweet Freak Cake Decorating and Baking Competition’.

As a child Councilwoman Lisa Davis had the fortune of having beautiful, delicious desserts baked from scratch by her mother on a weekly basis. She’s sharing that tradition and is on the search for the next great baker! This elegant and sophisticated competition will bring out the best in bakers from all over the Southeast. Judging is based on style, décor and of course taste.

Registration is now open for all bakers, cake decorators and dessert architects! Submit your chef/group name, best contact number and examples of your work to ernisha@miamigardenswineandfood.com: Deadline for entries is midnight September 20, chosen entries will be announced on October 1st! Learn more at www.MiamiWineandFood.com! 

Lauderdale Lakes City Manager resigns amidst commission dispute

Lauderdale Lakes City Manager resigns amidst commission dispute 

Kelvin Baker, the city manager for Lauderdale Lakes resigned from his post at the end of Tuesday night’s city commission meeting saying he doesn’t feel the city is going where he wants it to go. Baker, who was hired less than a year ago and previously served as City Manager for Opa Locka, simply said it was time for him to leave.

“I have been called things that I’ve never been called ever before,” he said.

The National Weekly reached out to Bakers office where he confirmed the resignation, however neglected to comment any further. Bakers fellow Lauderdale Lakes commissioners have been critical of Baker, many since the start of his employment, over the city’s budget process and employee hires. They have also questioned how much leeway he should have to make budget actions without first getting commission approval.

Not all commissioners were in favor of Bakers role and seat in the city. Commissioner Gloria Lewis said “It’s like we’ve got a gangster team coming into Lauderdale Lakes and not listening to us.”

Commissioner Edwina Coleman voiced her opinion on some of his actions saying she didn’t want to see a repeat of 2010 when the city nearly fell into bankruptcy due to what she says was the commissioners being left out of the circle and decision making process which allowed for city officials to make inappropriate budget transfers leaving a trail of unpaid bills.

Baker, brought more than two decades of experience and expertise to his role with now former mayor, Mayor Russell saying, in 2015, he was very pleased to have someone with the characteristics and qualifications of Baker to mage the administration of the city.

During a meeting last year introducing Baker to the city and commission, Russel said “With his balanced, sober and stable approach, I have no doubt he will serve the city well.”

Baker was appointed as city manager by the City of Lauderdale Lakes among some controversy regarding the hiring process, after several applicants submitted resumes that were woefully unsuitable for the position. Baker was one of some ten candidates that fulfilled the academic and experience criteria.

South Florida economist concur with positive national economic report

South Florida economist concur with positive national economic report

South Florida economist and chair of the think-tank “Applied Economists” Bertram Norris, concurs with the recent economic report from the US Census Bureau Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Data report.

 

The positive report stipulated that in 2015, household income grew at the fastest rate on record, causing the poverty rate to decline at a rate faster than any year since 1968. The report also stated that the uninsured rate continues to fall. 

 

The report showed the remarkable progress American families are making as the economic recovery continues. Real median household income grew 5.2 percent over the 2014 to 2015 period, the fastest annual growth on record.

 

Income grew for households across income groups, with the fastest growth among lower and middle-income households.

The number of people in poverty fell by 3.5 million, resulting in the poverty rate falling from 14.8 percent to 13.5 percent, the largest one-year drop since 1968, with large improvements for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and children. Meanwhile, the ratio of earnings for women working full-time, full-year compared to earnings for men in similar periods increased to 80 percent in 2015, the highest on record.  The poverty rate for children under age 18 fell by 1.4 percentage point from 2014 to 2015, equivalent to more than 1 million children lifted out of poverty. Meanwhile, a 1.1 percent decline in the poverty rate for people ages 18 to 64 is the largest one-year decline on record. The poverty rate for those over age-65 also fell by 1.1 percent.

 

The report also revealed every state has seen declines in uninsured rates since 2013 as the coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) takes effect.

 

Moreover, solid employment growth and real wage growth so far this year suggest that incomes are continuing to rise in 2016.

 

Norris said his own economic research and analysis “are in agreement with the Census Bureau’s report.” He cited that in South Florida while the “average worker” may not believe their pay checks have increased by any significant amount, their real income has increased as, generally, prices, notably gas prices, have declined and remained low, plus unemployment has declined appreciably. “The combination of favorable economic trends is also reducing poverty levels.”

 

The economist cautions the Census Bureau’s report should not “lead South Floridians and the rest of America to accept the nation is out of the economic woods. There are positive economic trends, but there’s still work to be done. Poverty must be eliminated in Florida and across the rest of the US, not merely reduced. Also, more needs to be done by the federal government to lower the rates of premiums under the ACA. Escalating rates could strangle the effectiveness of this significant insurance plan especially in South Florida which has the highest regional enrollment under the ACA. Also, Florida’s economic benefits will be improved if the state expands Medicaid as stipulated under the ACA.”

 

1...1,4221,4231,424...1,545Page 1,423 of 1,545