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Caribbean-Americans could be among Orlando casualties

Caribbean-Americans could be among Orlando casualties

Caribbean-Americans could be among Orlando casualties

In the wake of the tragic shooting death of 49 individuals at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last Sunday morning, reports suggest at least two Jamaicans may be among the casualties, including the 53 injured.

The Jamaican Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Jonhson-Smith, has issued a release stating that the Jamaican Consulate in Miami received unconfirmed reports that at least two Jamaican nationals were casualties in the attack. However, Jamaican Consul General for the South East USA in Miami, Franz Hall, says they are still confirming these claims.

“The Consulate has been in touch with several Jamaican community leaders in Orlando to ascertain whether any Jamaican nationals were affected,” said Hall. “We have also requested the City’s assistance in identifying Jamaican nationals who may have been affected by this tragedy.”

The Consul is also conducting “checks through the Office of Foreign Missions, and also the hospitals in Orlando, in an effort to confirm these reports,” said Hall, though he warned the public that “the verification process however, may take some time, since nationality is not recorded with the names of persons who have been killed or injured.”

As officials wait for confirmation, Minister Johnson-Smith sent condolences to the community following the tragedy.

“We grieve with you and are shocked and outraged at yet another senseless act of violence that represents the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S.,” said Johnson-Smith. She also thanked Jamaicans in the Diaspora for their constant communication with the Jamaican Consulate in Miami, “as they work together assiduously to account for all Jamaicans.”
Checks with diplomatic representatives of other English-speaking Caribbean nations in Miami also showed no evidence of any other nationals as victims of the shootings.

Meanwhile, the tragedy has been an ordeal for Caribbean-Americans with friends and relatives in the General Orlando Area, who were calling and texting loved ones during the evolving situation to ensure they were alive and well.

For April Myrie of South Miami, who had sons and nephews visiting the Orlando area on the weekend, “I felt like ice water was running through my veins when I heard there was a shooting in a night club, as their plans included night clubbing. Thank God they are safe and sound.”

Following security concerns in the aftermath of the shooting, Jamaica Diaspora Board Rep Wayne Golding say the upcoming Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Orlando will not be affected, despite the club’s proximity to the conference’s location. Golding says additional security precautions will be secured for the conference, set for June 24 through 26th at Embassy Suite by Hilton.

“There’s a high level of cognizance with regard to safety and security for the Summit and Gala activities,” said Golding.

National Weekly June 16, 2016

Jamaica AG slams US Embassy for flying rainbow flag

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, June 16th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

Jamaican foreign Affairs minister, Kamina Johnson-Smith, says the government is now analyzing options to allow Jamaicans in the Diaspora to vote in Jamaican affairs. Johnson-Smith said the government will re-establish a joint committee in parliament to elevate the relationships between the country and the Diaspora.

Lauderdale Lakes will hold their annual State of the city address tonight taking time to discuss development plans for the city along with residents’ concerns. The address led by City Mayor, Barrington Russell, will take place at the Lauderdale Lakes City Hall starting at 6 p.m.

Yaadabraawd Gallery will host a cocktail reception for the opening of a new exhibit featuring the original paintings from a group of Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban and Dominican Republic artist. The exhibition is hosted in part by Caribbean Bar Association and will be held tomorrow, June 17th starting at 7 p.m.

West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin is joining the strongest Saint Lucia cricket team to date for this year’s Caribbean Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament. Ramdin will meet up with the team at the end of the Tri-Nations Series against Australia and South Africa. The first day of CPL is June 29, when the Zouks will play the Trinbago Knight Riders, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

Jamaican Attorney General, Marlene Forte, took to social media condemning the Orlando Night Club Shooting but calling it disrespectful of the U.S embassy in Kingston to fly the Rainbow Flag in the country. Forte ended the post with hashtag “My Personal View.” Prime Minister Holness also took to social media saying …On behalf of the people of Jamaica to the United States, our deepest condolences.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered storms in Broward County with a high of 92 and a low of 76. Cloudy with a chance of storms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 89 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

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

What you need to know about marriage and law before saying I Do!

 Georgia D.N. Robinson, Esq.

There is a popular saying that the poor marry for love and the rich marry for money. What the rich know that the poor don’t is that marriage has always been an “economic partnership” designed to protect financial wealth through maintaining family lineage and allowing only so called “legitimate” children to inherit.

Marriage is a legal social contract in the eyes of the law.  Persons are not married unless they follow the state or country’s marriage laws. Similarly, they can only be divorced under the laws of their state or country.  And since marriage is like any contractual agreement, it is important to know one’s rights and responsibilities.  Here is some information one should know about marriage in the state of Florida.

There is no “my” paycheck, only “our” paychecks once you’re married.   The husband’s and wife’s incomes are an asset of the economic partnership. Any financial and intellectual achievements, including professional licenses in nursing, law, medicine and dentistry are also  marital assets despite the fact that only one person attended school. Student loans are considered marital debt owed by both parties.

Any appreciation during the marriage on assets owned prior to the marriage, including real estate and pensions, becomes a marital asset. Inheritance can be subject to marital distribution, and that is why the wealthy have always used trusts to protect the next generation’s wealth when they marry. Equity means a fair division of assets, not equal division. What is fair depends on the length of the marriage and other factors used by the court.

The courts are increasingly awarding 50-50 time sharing for children to divorced parents, and this impacts the payment of child support.  Men are also entitled to alimony, especially when today’s women often earn more than their husbands.  The courts are also designating more men as primary residential parents, while women are paying child support to men. In determining child support, the court does not consider how much the non-residential parent is paying for child support unless it is being paid by a court order.

The husband and wife must make full disclosure of all assets owned jointly or individually during a divorce.  I strongly believe that everyone should consult a lawyer to determine their rights and responsibilities before getting married. At the very least, one should review a financial affidavit and know the required mandatory financial disclosure, which will be required during a divorce. (I also believe that people should make full financial disclosure before marriage.) The biggest cause for litigation during a divorce occur when couples learn how much financial information they are legally required to divulge during the divorce process, how much of their income they earned before and during the marriage that they are legally required to share with their spouse; and how much of the spouse’s debt is their responsibility.

Remember, marriage is a legally binding contract. Know your rights and responsibilities before saying I Do!

Georgia D.N. Robinson, Esq., is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and serves her community as an attorney, mediator and reading advocate. She can be reached at 954-535-0827 or at robinsonlawmediation@gmail.com.

 

One on One: CEO of VMBS, Courtney Campbell

Marcus Garvey may receive Presidential pardon

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, June 15th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

This week the House of Representatives passed a legislation to strengthen the U.S engagement with Caribbean countries.The “United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act”, was pushed by Representative Eliot Engel and requires the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit a multiyear strategy on enhancing engagement and outreach to the Diaspora.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department recently fired four officers for sending racist text messages to each other and one officer is trying to get his job back. Ex-officer Jason Holding doesn’t dispute that he sent text messages using the “N-word”, he is disputing that it doesn’t matter because he is a good cop. The NAACP said the only acceptable outcome is for the arbitrator to uphold the firing of Holding.

Trinidadian Soca star, Nadia Batson, teams up with Martian Music for her new sassy hit titled “Fluffy.” As the lead vocalist of the Caribbean’s all-female Soca band ‘SASS Nation’, the singer/ songwriter covers themes of strength, self-esteem and confidence in her music. The album is now available worldwide from all major digital retailers.

In sports, For the CASA Super League Semi Finals, the Lauderhill Lions swept the FC Steelers 4-0 at this past weekend’s game. June 18 at 8:15 p.m, the Fort Lauderdale Blazers will play against Albion Plantation at the Lauderhill Sports Park for the second round of Semi finals.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

Jamaica’s National Hero, Marcus Garvey, who was charged with U.S mail fraud and died in 1940, could soon have his name cleared. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke says that her next step is to ensure that Garvey’s name receive’s a presidential pardon before President Obama leaves office in January 2017. Joining Clarke on this charge is congressmen Charles Rangel and John Conyers.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 90 and a low of 76. In Miami-Dade, Scattered Thunderstorms as well, with a high of 89 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.

Bravo aiming for repeat CPL delight with Trinbago Knight Riders

Bravo aiming for repeat CPL delight with Trinbago Knight Riders

West Indies World T20 champion Dwayne Bravo has issued a rallying cry to the Trinbago public to come out in numbers once more as reigning Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions Trinbago Knight Riders start their title defence at home against St. Lucia Zouks on Wednesday, 29 June.

Trinidad-born Bravo, 32, is one of the world’s great all-rounders and played leading roles in both CPL and World T20 successes over the last year. In 31 career CPL matches to date, he has scored 452 runs (with a strike rate of 122.2) and has taken 47 wickets (including 28 last year) and was named the Man of the Series in last year’s competition after a string of outstanding performances.

In addition, to his 40 Test and 164 One-Day International appearances to date, Bravo has also featured in 61 T20 Internationals for the West Indies and was a key member of the 2012 and 2016 World T20 winning sides.

In an exclusive interview, the TKR captain said that he is relishing the opportunity to lead the re-named side once more and hailed the acquisition of a trio of stars in Brendon McCullum, Hashim Amla and Sunil Narine, who can help maintain

On heading into 2016 CPL season as defending champions: “It was a great feeling and a great atmosphere last year. Trinidad & Tobago is known as one of the most carnival-like atmospheres when it comes to cricket. We’re a very patriotic country where cricket is concerned and to play the finals in your home ground, and to also go on and win the finals, was a great achievement by the guys. The fans really get behind the team. We had a really good tournament last year, so we always enjoy playing at the Queen’s Park Oval, and last year the entire place was red and black. It was a crazy atmosphere! And to go out there and do it for the fans was very important, also because it was the first time for us to win the tournament was a great achievement.”

On winning the Player of the Series in last year’s CPL: “It’s good to always contribute through the tournament, especially when you win tight you always want to note to yourself that you contributed heavily to your team’s success. Being the captain for the last three years, we got to the semi-finals, but we had never got to the final. Last year was a very good team achievement. The guys stuck together, we had a very steady team with the same (backroom) staff. It was good that I was able to perform well and lead my team to a final. But, you know, my success was only based on the other individuals. My younger brother (Darren) had a very good tournament, as did Jacques Kallis. The overseas players bring a different kind of professionalism towards the entire set-up, so collectively, as a team, we did well.”

On the influence of Brendon McCullum this year for TKR, and thoughts on Dale Steyn and Dwayne Smith having played with them all for Gujarat Lions in the IPL: “They’re all world-class players. I’m very happy to pin down McCullum. He’s one of the world’s most dangerous players and a few years ago, when we were both playing for Chennai (Super Kings), I even asked him to come and play for Red Steel back then! Now the name has changed. He was part of the KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) family back in IPL and it’s good that he joined the TKR team. So I’m happy to be team-mates with him, also with Hashim Amla who is another great player. Playing against the likes of Dale Steyn and Dwayne Smith and these guys, I mean as international players, we face these challenges often. But being in the same dressing-room, you get to know them on a more personal level, which is good. Despite whichever team we play for, we know that it’s a good bonding and friendly relationship.”

On sharing family ties in the same team as his brother Darren for the opening weeks of CPL: “It’s a special moment for my family, my Dad especially. We both have the same Dad. For me, when I got the news, basically half of the tournament is over for me. The first five games that we have Darren I can guarantee you that we will win four, or maybe three out of the first four games in Trinidad. His average in Trinidad alone is over 80 plus, so it’s good news for the team, good news for the country, good news for the franchise and I’m excited that Darren is allowed to play for the first five games and that will do us well to get a good start at home.”

On playing CPL matches in the USA: “It’s been a while now that a lot of people have tried to get cricket  associated with America. It’s good that CPL take that responsibility and take it over there. Let’s see, hopefully we get good facilities and good conditions. It’s all well and good to say ‘Oh, cricket is in America’, but we need to have good facilities and the cricket needs to be good. And that’s the most important thing, that (the quality of) cricket is the selling brand, and that’s the selling brand of any sport. The guys are looking forward to it. It’s a great sport and let’s see how it goes.”

 On the importance of big home crowds in the Queen’s Park Oval: “The fans were there with us, the journey was a long one last year and they reaped the benefits and saw the rewards with their support and how important it was for us as a team to go on and win the title. This year the first round is being played in our backyard and it’s very important that the fans will come out and support us. We have a branding change, in terms of (the) name, but at the same time we still represent Trinidad & Tobago. The Trinbago Knight Riders is a very good name and I think everyone is looking forward to it. It’s a tournament that the entire country looks forward to and for us being defending champions, we’re going to defend our title. The champion is calling on all his fans, and all the TKR fans, to come out and support us and we cannot do it without their support. So, get your red, white and black – with a little purple – and come and support us!”
Tickets for all CPL matches across the Caribbean and in Florida are on sale from www.cplt20.com.

Located at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, the Trinbago Knight Riders Ticket Office is also open for business fromMonday to Saturday (9am-5pm) to enable supporters to buy their tickets in advance for the biggest party in sport this summer. In addition, the TTCB Office at Couva are selling tickets from 9am-4pm (Monday–Saturday).

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS: Dwayne Bravo, Brendon McCullum, Sunil Narine, Hashim Amla, Umar Akmal, Darren Bravo, Kevon Cooper, Sulieman Benn, Colin Munro, Anton Devcich, Ronsford Beaton, Nikita Miller, Javon Searles, William Perkins, Yannick Cariah, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Hamza Tariq, Anderson Phillip

Trinbago Knight Riders Home Fixtures (all times local): 29 June – St. Lucia Zouks (9pm), 1 July – Barbados Tridents (9pm), 2 July – Guyana Amazon Warriors (9pm), 4 July – Jamaica Tallawahs (7pm).

Summer Nights

3 ways to get the most out of your summer

Brighter skies. Longer days. Warmer nights. As summer sets in, the time is right to make the most of every sun-kissed day and embrace each sizzling night through no-holds-barred fun and good times all season long.

From barbecues and trips to the beach, to hanging out poolside and going on bike rides, there is no shortage of activities in which to participate. Yet despite the endless possibilities summer brings, people are creatures of habit and often slip into a rut, going back, time and time again, to tried-and-true activities.

Summer should be a time to push the limits of fun with friends and family by breaking out of the comfort zone, trying new things and making 2016 a summer to remember. Make the most of the season this year with these tips.

Find new places to kick back. It’s patio season! As fun as it might be to kick back in the yard with the usual drinks, seize the energy of summer though new adventures in food and drink! There’s no better time to gather the crew, explore fresh seasonal menus at local restaurants and discover tantalizing summer drinks and fare with friends.

“Patios were invented for summer nights and are the perfect backdrop for kicking back with some craft beers or trying a new refreshing cocktail while living it up with friends,” says Mike Johnson, vice president of operations at RA Sushi, which has 27 locations across the U.S. and is launching a new craft beer menu this summer, featuring local breweries.

Go for an experience. Whether learning to water-ski at the lake a decade ago or watching an impromptu movie marathon under the stars, the fondest memories of summer usually include experiencing something new with friends or family. Have you ever painted while sampling wines or learned to roll sushi while enjoying sake? It’s time to make new memories by trying something out of the ordinary.

Celebrate every day. There are more than 90 days of summer and each deserves to be celebrated to the max. Whether it’s organizing a sushi rolling class for friends at RA Sushi on June 18 for International Sushi Day, or seizing a spontaneous moment to live it up, summer is the perfect time of year to live life to the fullest.

Summertime is pure magic and loaded with opportunities to indulge in passions, be bold, embrace the unexpected, discover new things and, most importantly, live every minute to the fullest.

 

brandpointcontent.com

TalkUp: Your thoughts on the Orlando Massacre

This Day in History: The Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation

The Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation

On this day in history, June 15, 1959, the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) launched as a public broadcasting company in Jamaica founded by premier Norman Manley. The aim of the station was to emulate the success of other national broadcasting companies such as the BBC and CBC.

Jamaica had commercial radio stations since the 1930s, but these were controlled by foreign companies and programming consisted of imported shows and music. The JBC was established by legislation in December 1958 as a state owned and statutory corporation and launched on June 15 1959 providing a greater focus on Jamaican culture, as Jamaicans sought to celebrate their own culture in the.

In the early days of the JBC, the corporation had a resident big band featuring musicians such as Ernest Ranglin and Sonny Bradshaw and a drama department producing original programs. The JBC radio channel that began broadcasting in 1959 played a major part in the development of the Jamaican music industry, giving previously-unavailable airtime to Jamaican musicians.

JBC Television began broadcasting on August 6, 1963, the first anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, but financial concerns saw the schedules increasingly filled with programs imported from the US and the UK.

The links to government, however, also caused problems with accusations of partisan journalism. A change in government in 1962 led to accusations of JBC journalists favoring the previous PNP government which led to one of the longest strikes in Jamaican history in 1964.By the end of the strike most of the news journalists had been replaced.

When Michael Manley, the son of Norman Manley, was elected Prime Minister in 1972, he aimed to use the JBC as a vehicle for building the nation. Government funding for original Jamaican programming was increased, with news and documentary programs such as Public Eye, and Jamaica’s first soap opera, Lime Tree Lane. By the 1980s, JBC had television, two national radio stations and several regional radio stations. Under Prime Minister Edward Seaga and the US-led Structural Adjustment model which encouraged the privatisation of public services with the selling off of the regional radio stations. These became Radio Waves (HOT 102), KLAS-FM and IRIE-FM. The entire newsroom staff were also dismissed for being too critical of conservative positions, and replaced with journalists considered sympathetic to Seaga’s government. Foreign programming began again, largely sourced from the US.

In 1997 Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, under the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica Act divested the JBC, with an announcement of the creation of a new organization, the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) to provide public broadcasting. The television and the Radio 2 assets were sold to the Radio Jamaica Limited (RJR) for $70 million, Jamaican dollars, and the former JBC television channel was replaced by the commercial station Television Jamaica. The Radio 1 studios and license were retained by the government but fell into disrepair. The PBCJ broadcasted its first transmission in March 2006 which was followed by a series of test transmissions with full broadcasting services commencing on 16 October 2006.

Bolt accepts possibility of returning Olympic medal

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, June 14th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

Jamaica Diaspora Board Representative, Wayne Golding, says the upcoming Jamaica Diaspora Conference will not be affected by the recent Pulse Nightclub massacre in Orlando this past weekend, despite the club’s proximity to the conference’s location. Additional security will be assigned for the conference, set for June 24 through 26th at Embassy Suite by Hilton in downtown Orlando.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have awarded Florida nearly $700,000 in emergency funding for mosquito control efforts to combat the Zika virus. The funding includes some $500,000 for seven Florida counties for laboratory staff, equipment and supplies.

Celebrating Iconic Jamaican poet, Louise Bennett, the Déjà Vu theatre company premiered their new pantomime, ‘Miss Lous in color’, this past weekend at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. The tribute incorporated original work as well as classic poetry from Bennett.

In sports, The 41st Annual Northwest Track and Field Classic displayed the talents of 2000 children from across America and the Caribbean this past weekend at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar. Athletes from elementary schools from 17 states and several Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Guyana, participated in the annual showcase.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

Usain Bolt says he has accepted that he may have to return his 4 by 100 meter relay gold medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This comes after Nesta Carter’s blood sample from 2008 was re-tested and found positive for a banned substance. Bolt has said that it was “heartbreaking” to lose something he trained so hard to get.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 92 and a low of 76. In Miami-Dade, Partly Cloudy with a high of 89 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.

Miramar Celebrates Caribbean-American Heritage Month

The City of Miramar will celebrate Caribbean-American heritage month on June 18th. This free festival which is said to be fun filled is scheduled to take place at Perry Park, Wellman Field. Celebrations are in high gear as the city looks not only to entertain, wine and dine those in attendance in the rich Caribbean culture but also to educate those in attendance about the rich history of the Caribbean diaspora.

The organizers of this Caribbean-American celebration will have entertainers and musicians from across the Caribbean diaspora. Popular bands that will perform on this historic night are Jamaican Dancehall Artist, Serani who will be sure to perform a few of his hits which includes “No Games”, “Skip to My Luu,” among others; Alan Cave & Vlix; DJ & Musician Popeye Caution; and Bachata and Merengue band, Bachamambo. This event will be hosted by Stichiz and DJ Epps from 103.5 The Beat.

This celebration will take place from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at Perry Park/Wellman Field, SW 68th Avenue and SW 34th Street, 33023, so bring your blankets and chairs for a free day of family fun and excitement.

Moody hails growth of CPL and predicts bright chapter in Sunshine State

International Director of Cricket says inclusion of world-class talent highlights CPL’s standing

Australian two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner Tom Moody believes that this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be the most competitive yet and that the inclusion of a myriad of world-class players across all six teams will make it the biggest and best yet.

Moody, who recently steered Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title as Head Coach, is the CPL’s International Director of Cricket and played a key role in securing the signing of overseas players of the calibre of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Brendon McCullum and Shane Watson for the first time.

The 50-year-old believes that their commitment to the biggest party in sport, allied to a host of outstanding local West Indies and international stars, is a ringing endorsement of the growing international stature of the CPL, which will this year be played between 29 June and 7 August.

Speaking exclusively to www.cplt20.com, in an interview which is available for free download and editorial use, the former Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Western Australian all-rounder, who scored 21,001 first class runs and took 361 first-class wickets in a career spanning 16 years, spoke about winning the IPL, the growth of CPL’s standing internationally and outlined his hopes for the forthcoming season.

On coaching the IPL winners: “It was definitely career highlight to be involved in a successful IPL campaign. The IPL, as we all know, is a big tournament and to end up winning what is a pretty hard-fought battle, and get the reward at the end of it is a real bonus for all involved in the campaign.”

On the impact of West Indies’ Treble winning success over the last six months: “I think it (the Treble victories) was just wonderful and it’s not just the Men’s team, it’s right through from the Under-19s winning their World Cup and the Women winning their World Cup and then then Men putting the cherry on the cake. I think that’s an enormous boost to West Indies cricket and it’s a great way to launch another CPL season. The CPL is on the rise, everyone’s talking about it, everyone wants to be involved in it and to have that success at all those levels is only going to have the islands buzzing.”

On the CPL’s recruitment drive in the close season: “I think it’s enormous (boost). I obviously spoke to all of these players (AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kumar Sangakkara and Shane Watson) with regard to getting involved in the CPL in 2016 and it wasn’t a hard sell. The best players in the world want to play in this tournament because they have heard a lot of positive things about the tournament, they’ve heard how successful it’s been, they’ve heard how competitive it’s been and the best players want to play in the best tournaments. It’s as simple as that. To lure the likes of McCullum, de Villiers, Watson and whoever it might have been to this tournament, and it’s littered with big international names, was a reasonably easy task purely because of what the CPL has managed to build over the last three years.”

On developing the next generation of West Indies players: “For me the CPL is one pathway where players, right from the Under-19’s level through to domestic players, who might not get the light shone on them during the summer, can launch their careers. We’ve seen it before in the IPL with young Indians, and in Australia with young Australians (in the Big Bash). And it should really be no different in the Caribbean where the CPL can be a vehicle for young players to be really highlighted on the big stage because they’re playing against some of the best players in the world. If they can stack up against those players and perform consistently and really shine over the tournament, it’s a real launching pad for them into their career.”

On the emergence of Guyana Amazon Warriors-bound Adam Zampa in recent months: “It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran of 100 Test matches, or a rising star, the Caribbean Premier League is a tournament that people want to perform in. Adam Zampa is a great example of someone who sees the Caribbean Premier League as an opportunity for him to continue to develop and increase his stock as a cricketer. If he continues to have a good Tri-Series prior to this tournament, and he backs it up with a good CPL, he’s going to be looked upon more and more as a real contender for Australian cricket in all formats of the game.”

On the move to Lauderhill in Florida and the entry of CPL into the USA: “I think it’s a very exciting opportunity for the CPL to introduce a formal, vibrant and successful tournament to the American market. We know it’s going to be very diverse, in terms of the audience, and that’s the exciting thing. We’ll be introducing the game to some new people and we’re going to be bringing the game to people that have been starved of live cricket. I can see a lot of people travelling from far and wide just to capture a few days’ cricket and, to me, it’s a really exciting opportunity for the players of the Caribbean and the internationals who are involved to really showcase their skills and put on a show in that week were in Florida.”

On the competitiveness of squads across the board in this year’s CPL: “There’s no doubt that every side was very shrewd through the Draft process and recruited very well. You can’t pick a winner. In the past you could have hinted that maybe the (Barbados) Tridents and the (Jamaica) Tallawahs were destined to play Finals cricket. But you look at the teams now and it’s very hard to pick a top two. And that’s very exciting for the tournament. There’s nothing better than having all six teams towards the back end of the tournament vying for the Finals.”

On the Australian influence at CPL 2016 (Watson, Hussey, Lynn, Zampa): “You can guarantee that the Australian audience Down Under will be keeping an eager eye on some of their favourite players. I know that the CPL has definitely got traction in Australia and people do follow the tournament closely. Obviously likes of Watson and Hussey are favourites in all forms of the game, Hussey is continuing to show how it’s done long after his international retirement and with Zampa, everyone’s excited with his meteoric rise, there’s no doubt it’s exciting when he gets the ball in his hand.”

Tickets for all CPL matches across the Caribbean and in Florida are on sale from www.cplt20.com.

New tool promises to bridge communication gap for overactive bladder

New tool promises to bridge communication gap for overactive bladder

Sixty is a milestone for Carolyn Hampton and she’s not shy about sharing her age because it’s a tribute to how she’s lived. She’s more active than ever; she loves to dance and has even taken up tennis and running. None of this would have been possible a few years back because of her constant worry and concern about having an accident. Hampton’s in charge now, but for years her bladder ran the show.

Hampton is not alone – 37 million people in the United States suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) – it’s more common than diabetes or asthma. OAB is an ongoing condition that may include having to go to the bathroom frequently, having to use the bathroom urgently and leaking urine. While not life threatening, OAB can negatively affect social activities, exercise and sleep.

After years of not getting full relief with medications and suffering with the side effects, Hampton was unable to function because she woke every 45 minutes to use the bathroom. “My quality of life was terrible, but I’m a fighter and a two-time cancer survivor, so I wasn’t going to let my bladder limit me,” Hampton says. “I finally said, ‘Enough,’ and asked my primary care doctor what else she had for me and was sent to a urologist.”

“Your quality of life is so much better when the bathroom doesn’t have to be your number one priority. It’s so freeing. People shouldn’t be afraid to talk about their symptoms or ask for a referral if they aren’t finding relief. It’s critical to advocate for yourself,” Hampton says.

OAB is thought to be caused by miscommunication between the bladder and brain. Hampton was ultimately prescribed an advanced therapy that worked for her by helping to address this miscommunication.

Similar to the breakdown in communication between the brain and bladder; there is often a communication gap between people dealing with OAB and physicians about its impact. Many suffers aren’t comfortable bringing it up and physicians don’t often ask about bladder health.

To bridge this gap, the National Association For Continence (NAFC) launched a new tool help people get a clear idea of their symptoms and the impact so they can better communicate these concerns to their doctor. It also can help people find a local incontinence expert who can work to restore their bladder function.

“There are many effective OAB treatments, yet the majority of those suffering are untreated. Our goal is to help people discover the right option for them, but the first step is communication,” says Steven Gregg, Ph.D., executive director of the NAFC. “The better your health care provider understands the impact of your symptoms, the better they can help find an effective treatment.”

Only one in eight Americans who have experienced loss of bladder control have been diagnosed and less than 33 percent of people with incontinence and OAB symptoms seek treatment. Many sufferers revolve their lives around their bladder, but often don’t realize how much they are doing to cope – mapping bathrooms, refraining from drinking, wearing dark clothing and avoiding socializing.

In a recent NAFC survey of 356 people experiencing bladder control issues, 66 percent of respondents said their urination issues affected their sleep. More than 50 percent also reported a loss of confidence. The survey results also showed bladder control issues had a serious impact on other important areas including travel, intimacy, and ability to be active.

Among women who have not discussed OAB with a physician, embarrassment was a top reason cited, in addition to fear of being told it’s a natural part of aging and thinking nothing can be done.

While many advanced therapies are available, less than five percent of respondents have ever heard of them. It’s critical that patients find an incontinence expert to help find the right solution for them.

“I’m thrilled that my doctor listened to me and helped me find an effective solution. It took courage to open up about what has been a ‘hush-hush’ issue, but the freedom it gave me means so much to me,” says Hampton.

Visit www.everydayfreedom.com/nafc to take the bladder control quiz, learn how to talk to your health care provider and find an incontinence expert in your area.

HACCOF welcomes new board members

HACCOF welcomes new board members
(top left) Delleperche Joseph, (bottom left) Kara Vaval Ferrier, (center) François Guillaume II, (bottom right) Lody Jean, and (top right) Linda Julien.

HACCOF welcomes new board members

The Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) has announced the appointment of five new members to their Board, as part of their initiative to engage the next generation of business leaders among the local Diaspora.

The selected new members are banking executive Delleperche Joseph, former Consul General of Haiti to Miami, François Guillaume II, attorneys Kara Vaval Ferrier and Lody Jean, and community advocate Linda Julien.

Delleperche Joseph is a Commercial Banking Executive at TD Bank. With 11 years of experience in banking, lending and financial services, Joseph has also as First Vice President/Commercial Relationship Manager at Suntrust Bank in Miami and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He serves on the Education Committee for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors of Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami, Inc.

Economist François Guillaume II has served as the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad of the Republic of Haiti and the Consul General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami. In his government role, he launched several business initiatives serving the Diaspora, including a customer service bureau and a re-branding strategy encouraging the Diaspora to invest in Haiti. He efforts led to a 50 percent increase in diaspora economic and social investment activities. Guillaume has continue his private investment and capital leveraging ventures through his consulting firm GuiLac, along with joining LSL World Initiative, a global consultancy firm.

Kara Vaval Ferrier, Esq is the President and founder of the Vaval Ferrier Law Group, practicing mainly in the areas of immigration law and personal injury law. She participated in the Shepard Broad Law Center Pro Bono Honors Program and interned at the Legal Aid Services of Broward County where she worked as an immigration law clerk, dealing with cases ranging from Violence Against Women Application (VAWA) to T and U visas. Ferrier’s currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Haitian Lawyers’ Association and was recently awarded the Beacon of Hope and Achievement Award by the Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in Miami.

Community development leader Linda Julien serves as the Assistant Procurement Director for the City of North Miami, dedicating her career to serving the community and mentoring school-aged children. In 2007 she was appointed as a board member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board for the Office of Community & Economic Development for Miami Dade County. Subsequently, in 2008 she was appointed to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for the City of North Miami, where she later was voted in as Vice-Chair.

Lody Jean is a former Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, working as the Felony Division Chief assigned to prosecute homicide cases. She now serves in private practice, handling a variety of immigration related cases and issues. She is a member of the Florida Bar’s Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which is tasked to investigate unlicensed practice of law cases. She is also currently the President-Elect of the Haitian Lawyers Association.

Established in February 2005, the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) serves as a resource for its members, partners and businesses, dedicated to serving their needs and the economic development of the broader Haitian-American community.

This Day in History: Danny McFarlane

Danny McFarlane

On this day in Caribbean history , June 14, 1972, Jamaican hurdler Danny McFarlane was born. Danny McFarlane who has won numerous international medals in individual and relay contests has won five medals at the World Championships in Athletics and an Olympic bronze medal with the Jamaican 4 x 400 meters team. McFarlane has also won in individual competitions also, taking home an Olympic silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

In the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, he equalled Tim Berrett’s record for most appearances at the competition, having competed in every Championships since 1993. The veteran sprinter gained qualification to the 2009 World Championships in Athletics with a run of 48.54 seconds in the 400 meter hurdle at the Jamaican national championships, taking second behind Isa Phillips.

Despite having gained medals at the highest level, the Olympic Games where he won a silver medal in Athens in 2004, McFarlane says the elusive individual World Championship medal is still a big goal for him. He has collected five 4x400m relay medals, having won silver in 1995, 1997, 2001, and 2003 and a bronze in 1997.

St Lucia’s PM Anthony steps down from SLP

St Lucia's PM Anthony steps down from SLP
Former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony

St Lucia’s PM Anthony steps down from SLP

Former prime minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony has formally resigned as leader of the St. Lucia Labor Party (SLP) less than a week after he led the party into defeat in the June 6 general election.

The election to choose his successor will most likely be held in October. Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Phillip J. Pierre will lead the party.

Anthony, who submitted his resignation letter on Thursday, had signaled his intention to step down as SLP as well as Opposition Leader after the party failed to win a second consecutive term in office in Monday’s general election. But he promised to support his colleagues and remain as the parliamentary representative for Vieux Fout South in Parliament.

SLP general secretary, Leo Clarke, said that after seven days of receiving Anthony’s resignation, a national council meeting will be held to endorse Pierre as the acting leader, until the party’s next convention in October when a new leader will be chosen. SLP parliamentarians are due to meet on Friday to elect a leader in the Parliament.

Anthony had served as prime minister on three occasions and the candidates to replace him are likely to include Pierre, the second deputy leader Alva Baptiste, and newcomer Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the former chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board.

Meanwhile, members of the new Cabinet, led by new Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, are due to take their oaths of allegiance today at a swearing-in ceremony at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds, in Vieux Fort.

Calling all small employers

Affordable, quality health coverage for your employees

Research shows that for small employers, being able to offer quality health insurance for employees is a high priority. Even so, you may be wondering about how to control costs while offering quality coverage, which policies to choose for your employees and how to enroll.

Understanding the ins and outs of insurance can be challenging. The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace is here to help. Created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the SHOP Marketplace offers small employers (generally, those with 1 to 50 employees) an easy way to find affordable, high-quality private health and dental insurance.

Why might the SHOP Marketplace be a good option for you?

One of the biggest advantages of offering your employees quality health coverage through the SHOP Marketplace is that you could be eligible for a tax credit to make offering coverage more affordable. Employers with fewer than 25 employees may be eligible for a tax credit worth up to 50 percent of their premium contribution.

Another key feature of the SHOP Marketplace is the choice and flexibility it offers for employers. You can choose one health insurance plan, or you can give your employees the option to select from a variety of plans. You can also decide what types of coverage to offer (health, dental, or both) and whether to offer coverage to dependents. It’s your choice – you decide what works for the needs of your employees and your bottom line.

Still, you might have questions about how to navigate the process. The good news is you can get help. Registered agents and brokers are available to advise you about the quality options available. They’ll even walk you through the actual enrollment process itself.

But here’s the best news of all. To find out more about the benefits of the SHOP Marketplace, all you have to do is go visit HealthCare.gov.

 

 

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Jamaican Gov’t praises New York Diaspora

Jamaican Gov't praises New York Diaspora
Director of diaspora and consular affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Sharon Saunders, declares open the two-day Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA regional conference at the JFK Hilton Hotel in Queens, New York, on Friday,

Jamaican Gov’t praises New York Diaspora

Director of diaspora and consular affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade ambassador Sharon Saunders said her compatriots’ “commitment, loyalty, patriotism, sheer hard work and accomplishment are valued and recognized, but not often not loudly enough.”

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Jamaica Diaspora North East United States two-day regional conference in Queens, New York, Friday June 10, 2016, Ambassador Saunders pointed out that the contribution of the diaspora to Jamaica’s development is integral and central and essential to Jamaica’s progress.

Addressing the gathering at the JFK Hilton Hotel in Queens, the Jamaican official urged members of the diaspora to partner with the Foreign Ministry “to strategize and initiate; to develop and innovate and grow our people and our nation.” She also pointed out that while there is a diversity of interests and strategies, “there needs to be dialogue so essential to setting the roadmap to achieve important goals.

“We in Jamaica do tend to listen to you members of the diaspora very keenly as you hold the key with which you can unlock and help us to shape our future. There is a universe of possibilities for the diaspora partnership and value to be derived from the relationship and, as with any relationship, it is a two-way street.” Ambassador Saunders pointed out that integral to the relationship there has to be a strong and dynamic engagement and involvement with younger Jamaicans, as they are the future leaders and shapers of our country.

In his remarks, Jamaica’s Acting Consul General in New York, Derrion McCreath, challenged the diaspora to consider ways in which the delivery of education in Jamaica can be improved. He pointed out that through collaborative efforts, alumni associations can share best practices with the general goal of raising the standard of education delivery.

Mr. McCreath viewed the two-day conference as having potential as a catalyst to initiate exploration of new markets for Jamaican businesses, tapping into their expertise and knowledge of the economy and business culture in the United States. “This type of partnership,” he said, “are the opportunities for businesses to create more jobs with a positive trade-off being committing to charitable outreach programs in Jamaica.”

Gym-free fitness ideas anyone can do

Gym-free fitness ideas anyone can do

Visiting a gym to lift weights or take a class is great for your health. However, busy schedules, tight budgets and simply not feeling like the gym environment is for you are reasons that frequently cause people to stop going. Fortunately, being fit doesn’t require the gym!

Tavis Piattoly, a sports dietitian, expert nutritionist and co-founder of My Sports Dietitian, offers some no-fuss ideas for staying healthy without the gym.

Inside the home
Stuck inside? No problem. Try some squats or, if mobility is an issue, squat to a chair. Push-ups are another classic, highly effective option. If regular push-ups aren’t an option, do them from your knees or against the wall. Other amazing exercises: lunges around the house, shoulder presses with dumbbells, jumping rope, jumping jacks, running in place, planks and sit-ups.

Outside in nature
Being out in the fresh air is a great escape that offers loads of fitness possibilities. Try hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking or whatever else peaks your curiosity. Simply taking a walk around the yard or block is beneficial, too.

At the office
Overcome the sedentary office lifestyle by making time for fitness. Try taking the stairs every day and park far away so you walk to the door. Then, use a 5-minute break every hour to do something active such as chair squats or seated leg raises. Set an automated alert so you don’t forget.

Group fitness
Fitness can be more fun when you do it with friends or family. Play tag, organize relay races or create an obstacle course outside. Other enjoyable group fitness activities include hiking, swimming, basketball, soccer, Frisbee and bike rides.

When out and about
A busy schedule packed with errands still presents the opportunity for fitness. For example, walk or run the parking lot while kids are taking dance or music classes rather than passing the time on your smartphone.

Nutrients
A healthy balance of nutrients keeps blood sugar levels from crashing and gives you a steady source of energy. Piattoly especially recommends taking a Nordic Naturals supplement daily to get the omega-3s you need for optimal health. Extensive research has documented the health benefits of the two main omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which include not only support for a healthy heart, but also brain and cognitive function, joint mobility, eye health, pregnancy and lactation, healthy skin and hair, and a normally functioning immune response.

Balanced meals
To support fitness efforts, it’s important to eat well and regularly. The best foods for sustained energy are balanced meals of complex fiber carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean protein. Piattoly suggests eating every three to four hours. Some ideas to include in balanced meals: whole grain breads and crackers, chicken breast, legumes and fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

 

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Caribbean Bar Association announces Scholarship winners

Caribbean Bar Association announces Scholarship winners
Chanelle Artiles and Herboo Marceau

Caribbean Bar Association announces Scholarship winners

The Caribbean Bar Association (CBA) has announced this year’s winner of their annual Scholarship Program, celebrating promising legal students of Caribbean descent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The 2016 CBA Scholarship Program recipients are Herboo Marceau of St. Thomas University School of Law and Chanelle Artiles of Florida International University College of Law. Both will receive a paid judicial or public interest legal summer internship, as well as a $3000 – supplied by donations and fundraising efforts by CBA members and supporters. Both will complete their internships at Legal Services of Greater Miami Inc., the largest provider of broad-based civil legal services for the poor in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, and is recognized in the state and in the nation as a model legal services program.

Fluent in English, French and Creole, Marceau received his Bachelor’s Degree in Private Law from University of Limoges in Limoges, France, as well as earning a Master’s in business law, in addition to international and European criminal law. Marceau is expected to graduate in Spring 2017. Fluent in English and Spanish, Artiles earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and International Business from Florida International University’s College of Business. She was also appointed to the executive board of the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA) for the 2015-2016 term, where she served as Career Specialist.

Founded in 1994 and based in Miami, Florida, the Caribbean Bar Association’s mission seeks to inform, educate and empower all members of the Caribbean-American community in South and Central Florida.

King of Lovers Rock, Beres Hammond

Kind of Lovers Rock, Beres Hammond, will make a sizzle at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts 

Tickets for the July 23rd concert by the two-time Grammy Award nominee on sale Now

Known as the “Otis Redding of Reggae” for his soulful vibe and smoky-sweet, bourbon-on-the-rocks vocals, Beres Hammond returns to the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets went on sale Friday, May 6th.

Considered by many to be Jamaica’s greatest practicing singer-songwriter, Hammond received Grammy Award nominations for Music is Life and One Love, One Life. His many top hits include “Tempted to Touch,” “Double Trouble,” “Putting Up Resistance” and “Not Over Until It’s Done.” Hammond was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his contribution to the nation’s music industry.

Hammond grew up listening to his father’s collection of soul legends Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. Born in Jamaica’s garden parish St. Mary, Hammond made regular trips to the downtown record shops in Kingston and points to the musical influences of Jamaican greats such as Heptones lead singer Leroy Sibbles, velvety vocalist Ken Boothe and rock steady pioneer Alton Ellis.

After graduating from high school, Hammond joined the fusion band Zap Pow. Four years later, he went solo and released Soul Reggae that included the hit single “One Step Ahead,” which held the number one spot on the Jamaican charts for three-and-a-half months and continues to be a fan favorite for his signature impassioned vocals.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue Fort Lauderdale.

87-year old Jamaican graduates from New York college

a look at some of the top stories making the news today, June 13th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

48,000 children of immigrant parents can now enroll for KidCare health insurance. Florida legislators have eliminated the five year wait for qualification and families can enroll early with the Department of Health in Broward county. The special enrollment event will be held at Nova Southeastern University in Davie next week.

Calling on the Guyanese diaspora to aid in the development of the country, President David Granger is drafting new domestic projects to attract Guyanese back home.  With a new outreach effort, President Granger is looking to curb the domestic “brain drain” stating that with secure systems in place, the Diaspora will be more willing to channel their money towards fruitful investments in the housing and development sector.

 

In honor of Caribbean Heritage Day, the WI Caribbean hosted the Caribbean and Brazilian festival in Fort Lauderdale this weekend. The festival included cultural commerce and live entertainment from international Soca artiste and steel drummers who infused sounds of the Americas.

In sports, Minnesota Vikings Cornerback, Jabari Price, and his older brother, Dahrnaz Tigner, will walk to Washington D.C in order to raise awareness for childhood obesity. As part of the ‘Walk of Hearts’ organization, they will walk 30 miles a day encouraging children and families to join them along the way, including the First Lady, Michelle Obama, who they hope will walk the last mile in the nations Capitol. The walk will start on A1A and Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach this Saturday, June 18th.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

87 year old Jamaican Native, Hubert Evans, has become the oldest graduate of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. The college grad’s goal is begin a career in social work in addition to pursuing his master degree.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 75. In Miami-Dade, Partly Cloudy with a high of 88 and a low of 76.

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.

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