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Court rules in favor of Red Stripe to call itself Jamaican

Beer brand Red Stripe wins right to call itself Jamaican again, following a court ruling in their favor. The company was taken to court on the grounds of misleading labeling, after the company moved brewing production from Jamaica to Pennsylvania in 2012. The Judge however ruled that the labeling was not enough to confuse consumers.

District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz says that reasonable consumers don’t think the beer Red Stripe is actually made in Jamaica.

The lager has been brewed in Jamaica, beginning in 1938. However in 2012, owner Diageo-Guinness decided to base production for American markets in Latrobe, PA. Labels and secondary packaging disclosed that the beer was brewed in Pennsylvania but phrases like “Jamaican Style” and “Taste of Jamaica remained on the labels.

These phrases are what led the argument that landed Red Stripe in a San Diego federal court recently. Aaron Dumas and Eugene Buner filed a lawsuit alleging negligent and intentional misleading labeling on the part of Diageo. The court dismissed the claim without prejudice last month. The notion that the Jamaican lager would have to be brewed in Jamaica would also suggest that a Swiss army knife had to be made in Switzerland. The court argued that the nationalities are modifiers of their respective products, not statements of origin.

“The mere fact that the word ‘Jamaica’ and ‘Jamaican’ appear on the packaging is not sufficient to support a conclusion that consumers would be confused regarding the origin and ingredients of the beer,” Moskowitz wrote. There is no legal duty for companies to counter such notions, even if consumers had a preconceived notion that Red Stripe was made in Jamaica.

The potential for this type of lawsuit s not limited to Red Stripe. Beck’s beer has packaging using the phrase “Originating in Germany” and both Blue Ribbon and Harpoon pride themselves as “Belgian Style.”

T&T Gov’t to review marijuana decriminalization

Guyanese Carpenter appears in court for producing large quantity of Marijuana
file photo

The Trinidad and Tobago government is examining the possibility of decriminalizing marijuana and is reviewing existing legislation as well as planning wide consultation before adopting any position.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi  told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper Monday that there has been “a full exercise of analyzing the types of crime in our prisons and the pre-trials detention or remand statistics for a range of offences, including possession of narcotics, and particularly possession of cannabis.

“From that perspective there’s certainly a drive to gather statistical information, as the issue of decriminalizing of marijuana isn’t a simple one on the public side.” Al-Rawi told the newspaper that “if one were to argue for decriminalization, the limits to be applied must be considered.”

Al-Rawi said Government is “obliged to take a very holistic approach to agitating the issue. We have to consider it as it applies across the board, be it in the criminal justice system, in the social factors associated with people detained for narcotic use of a small quantity and the societal message you send to your young, aged or your disadvantaged,” he continued.

“So that kind of exercise is what we’re engaged in and we’ll certainly not shy away from issues but embrace them in a comprehensive, responsible fashion. After full consultation, a policy decision will be taken and the requisite instruction to attenuate—reduce the force of—the laws or draft new laws, will then be taken.”

Al Rawi says the government has started the groundwork to decriminalize marijuana. “Definitely the statistical approach being taken in the consultation on the prison analysis is one of those springboards into that venture, CARICOM leaders have established the CARICOM Cannabis Commission to look into the matter of decriminalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.”

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque has said the objective “ is to conduct an inquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean.”

Jamaica has already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

 

Some flak over re-naming of Lauderhill street

Residents of Lauderhill gathered to celebrate the renaming of NW 41 Terrace to Joy Sawh Street, to honor the memory of late Trinidadian-American businessman, philanthropist and founder/owner of longtime restaurant landmark, Joy’s Roti Delight. Though the move was generally hailed by locals, some Jamaican residents are arguing that the decision “was a political move.”

That’s what 33-year Lauderhill resident Jamaican Harriet Burgess argues, following news of the announcement.

“This was a move by city politicians to woo support of other Caribbean residents in the City,” says Burgess. “With the large Caribbean population in Lauderhill, they take Jamaicans for granted. Several Jamaicans have run successful restaurants and other businesses in Lauderhill. Why not name a street after them? Why not name a street, Jamaica Street? And I strongly believe the city should have allowed the citizens to vote on renaming the street at a commission meeting, and not make its own decision.”

Lauderhill Commissioner Howard Berger said, however, that the decision to rename the street followed all protocol, and was voted on publically.

“The commission voted favorably on a resolution made by Commissioner Margaret Bates to rename the street at a commission meeting,” said Berger, “which like all commission meetings was open to the public.”

Jamaican business Marlon Jackman, a friend of Sawh who traveled from Trinidad to South Florida for the renaming ceremony, expressed disappointment over the discord, arguing the attitude is just an extension of the current trading dispute between the two nations in the Caribbean.

“Don’t tell me the dispute between Jamaica and TNT over immigration policy has spread to the Diaspora?” says Jackman. “I see absolutely no bias with the City honoring a prominent, late resident. It’s customary to name streets after late prominent residents, not those who are alive.”

Jackman, who lives with his Trinidadian wife, and two young sons in Port-of Spain, believes the media image of a rift between Jamaicans and Trinidadians “is absolutely invalid.” He cites that there are several Jamaicans “living and coexisting peacefully” with Trinidadians throughout TNT, “just as how several Trinis are living here in South Florida in peaceful co-existence with Jamaicans and other Caribbean people. It makes no sense for a few people, and the media, to try and create unnecessary rifts between Jamaicans and Trinidadians. How can anyone make naming of a street for a prominent Trinidadian businessman be an issue puzzles me.”

South Florida’s Guyanese-American businessman Wesley Kirton said it’s vital for Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora to unite “more than ever, especially based on adverse comments made by some candidates running for U.S. president. We need strong CARICOM Unity. Jamaicans and Trinidadians in the Diaspora should be enjoying each other’s food, music, and sport activities, rather than engaging in trivial disputes.”

Sawh who died in 2014, has been described by his customers, associates, and citizens of Lauderhill, including City of Lauderhill Mayor Richard Kaplan as one who “gave of himself not only with food and hospitality, but often with heartfelt advice and many times, with his own time and money. He extended himself with countless resources to the needy and did so very quietly.”

5 easy ways for couples to modernize date night

Romance is much more than a simple card on Valentine’s Day. Amid the hectic schedules and chaos of everyday life, romantics across the country are looking for ways to spice up that intimate evening with someone special. Since crowded restaurants and cold temperatures are a sure-fire way to kill the mood, a celebration at home can be much more appealing. Incorporate these modern twists on a romantic night in to take your next date night to the next level.

Uncork the night

Set the mood for a romantic evening at home with a bottle of decadent red wine. Apothic Crush is a red blend that combines red fruit flavors with notes of caramel. Its velvety smooth mouthfeel is sure to please every palate.

Modern day gourmet

Meal subscription services make it easy for even novice cooks to create culinary masterpieces.  Tantalize your taste buds with exciting seasonal recipes using exotic ingredients delivered right to your door. The joint activity adds an element of adventure, livening up a night at home.

Travel down memory lane

Memories of relationship milestones and special moments generate warm feelings of nostalgia. Create a digital scrapbook of images from your most memorable experiences together and spend some time reminiscing about the magic that started it all.

Personalize your playlist

Surprise your significant other with a throwback radio dedication via Spotify.  Your personalized message shared with a special song is sure to impress while evoking the carefree days of mixtapes and long conversations over landlines. To make your dedication, visit Apothic.com/CrushMusic.

A gift that keeps on giving

It’s important to take time out of our busy lives for date night. Keep the magic of the night alive with a “2016 Save the Date Night” booklet where you can schedule future date night outings or activities all year long. Remember, everyone loves a little mystery and subtle creativity trumps extravagance every time.

For more great date night ideas, visit apothic.com.

BrandPointContent.com

This Day In History: The Panama Canal was built

panama canal

The Panama Canal was built

On this day in Caribbean history May 4, 1904 the Panama Canal was built. The Panama Canal stretches over 50mile Panama isthmus and was built to help eliminate the spread disease-carrying mosquitoes. The canal was also built to shorten the journey around the tip of South America. According to historians it was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects in history, this project commenced in 1881 but was abandoned because of lack of funding and technological advancement; later it was picked up by an American company. The canal was officially opened on August 14, 1914. While this mission was success between between 1904 and 1913 of the construction phase it was estimated that over 56,000 workers were killed. Close to 240 million cubic yards of rock and dirt were excavated during the American construction phase of the canal.

Did You Know.

  • The Panama Canal connects 160 countries and 1,700 ports around the world.
  • At any one time there was an estimated 40,000 workers from over 50 countries help building the canal. They worked 10 hours a day, six days a week.
  • The amount of dirt they removed to build the 50-mile tunnel could have buried the Manhattan with a depth of 12 feet.

New Music from T&T artist, K Kay

While the urban airwaves are awash with dancehall choruses and hip hop verses, numerous Trinidad and Tobago entertainers are throwing their contributions into the foray, hopeful that their music will be noticed. One of those artists is K Kay. Still on the grind, never for a second thinking a negative thought about his music career, the Tobago artist has again delivered, and his latest single is a collaborative effort with T&T hip hop artist, Tim Star.

The new track, “Questions,” was produced by Digital Reign of Hive Studio, and K Kay says he dedicates the song to his fiance- something rarely done. He’s excited about his future with the young woman he refers to as his soul mate and wants the world to know. In a music world where being a single male entertainer makes more sense, K Kay may certainly be placing himself at a disadvantage, but he says he won’t allow his career to outshine or displace his relationship. His music has been at the forefront of his life journey for quite some time and through the ups and downs, the woman he calls his ride or die has been at his side. For that, he’s grateful and yearns to express his appreciation in any way that he can.

In Trinidad and Tobago K Kay points out that strong relationships seem few and far apart. “Our society lacks love nowadays and it seems like we fear that expression at times. I sometimes wonder if we even understand the meaning of love anymore,” he said, adding that his hope for the youth is that they see more love being expressed by their parents and other elders in society, so that in turn, they will grasp the true meaning of showing love to others.

The new single, out in May, hears background vocals by T&T’s Jason ‘Fridge’ Seecharan, and K Kay especially salutes Phillip Carter for his work on keys. The single, like most of the Tobago artist’s work, is attached to VPAL Music, an affiliate of VP Records. This time around K Kay substituted local mastering for an international touch, calling on Texas based, Big Label Mastering to do the job. He’s also been working closely with former manager to soca heavyweight Bunji Garlin, Ian Pantin, on marketing methods for his music, something he says he’s confident will work favorably.

In 2009, VPAL Soca was launched. VPAL’S general manager, Donovan Williams, recently mentioned to the Jamaica Observer that K Kay along with other T&T acts like Machel Montano, Pternsky, Tony Prescott, Shurwayne Winchester and others from across the region, would see their music distributed through VP’s network of 600 online and mobile destinations in 100 territories. It’s certainly a good look for Soca music, and for K Kay, a less popular artist on the circuit, it’s a breakthrough to the global music scene many would never have seen coming. “I know my time will come. For that reason, I’ve never given up. I never will,” he said.

Red Stripe wins the right to call itself Jamaican again

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 4th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Broward Bridge inmates have sued to stop the Department of Corrections from shutting down the prisoner re-entry program in Pompano Beach. The inmates are seeking a temporary injunction so they can continue to take classes at the facility and participate in work-release programs. Corrections Secretary Julie Jones says “not closing the program is a serious public safety issue.”

Creative Writing teacher Precious Symonette from Miami Norland Senior High School has been named a finalist for the Florida Teacher of the year award. This award honors outstanding teachers in the state who have inspired a love of learning in students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

The South Florida Chapter of Munro and Hampton Alumni celebrating Munro College ’s 160th anniversary with a special fundraising picnic at CB Smith Park. Last weekend’s 3 day event also included a Karaoke meet and greet, as well as a commemoration church service. The organization’s mission is to engage alumni and support of the schools’ development in Jamaica.

In Sports, for the CASA Super League, the Melrose Strikers will face off against the Fort Lauderdale Blazers tonight at the Lauderhill Sports Park starting at 7:45. As of now in the standings, the Melrose strikers are placed tenth while the blazers are at number three.

What’s trending:

Beer brand Red Stripe wins right to call itself Jamaican again, following a court ruling in their favor. The company was taken to court on the grounds of misleading labeling, after the company moved brewing production from Jamaica to Pennsylvania in 2012. The Judge however ruled that the labeling was not enough to confuse consumers.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 67. For Miami-Dade, scattered storms also with a high of 886 and a low of 68.

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 outlet.

Lionel Haven, 5 year ban

The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) has thrown its support behind Lionel Haven, a former executive member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), who has been slapped with a five year ban by FIFA, football’s governing body. FIFA codes of ethics argued in a court ruling that Haven is guilty of not disclosing information of cash payments at a CFU event in 2011. This, says FIFA, is in violation of articles 13, 15 and 18 of the FIFA Code of Ethics. 

Lionel Haven says that BFA stands in full support of him because they are convinced, as he continues to state, that he has done nothing wrong.

“We are confident and satisfied that his involvement in this, is as he stated,” said Anton Sealey, head of the Bahamas football association chapter . “I spoke to him immediately after having reported it, and I’m satisfied that he had no involvement in this and we stand behind him.”

The ban, as ruled by the courts, states that Haven is not allowed to be involved in any football related activity on either the national or international level. The ruling was also accompanied by a fine of $3,000 to be paid within 30 days of the ruling. The ban stems from the alleged cash for votes controversy in which Caribbean football executives were at an hotel in Trinidad and given $40,000 put in envelopes before of the 2011 FIFA presidential election.

 

Detroit Public Schools Closed

Teachers take a “Sick-day”

All but three schools of Detroit’s 97 have remained closed since Monday. This, the second day of teacher protests, has resulted from concerns on if teachers will be paid for future and current work in the struggling school district.

On Monday,  more than 1,000 teachers called in “sick” in protest to the statement from the school board that teachers will only be paid through June 30th. With different pay options given to teachers at the beginning of the year, the cut means that some teachers have already been working for free.
“Detroit Federation of Teachers leaders spent the day meeting with Detroit Public Schools Transition Manager Judge Steven Rhodes and other decision makers to get an assurance that our members will be paid for their work,” said the union Tuesday. “Still, they refuse to say the three words our members need to hear: ‘I guarantee it.’ “
“Their failure to give us that guarantee is tantamount to a lockout.” the union said.
More protests are planned for Tuesday as parents caught in the middle of the debate scramble to arrange for child care.
“About to land in Detroit to stand with teachers who are being asked to work without guarantee they’ll be paid.” said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, on Twitter.
The Detroit school system is in the red having more than half a billion dollars in debt. The Interim teachers union President, Ivy Bailey is saying “When you put in a day’s work, you’ll receive a day’s pay. Detroit Public Schools is breaking that deal.”
With many of the public schools in the city dilapidated and crumpling from the inside, teachers are fed up and with the support of some parents, they are taking a stand.
“I support the teachers on getting a fair deal. They’re educators,” said parent Tony Kinsey. “I’m frustrated with the adults, the leadership. Our children are the ones suffering.”

One on One: Leslie Johnson, City of Lauderhill Operations Manager

Lauderdale Lakes dedicate security camera network in honor of Gregory Smith

On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, the City of Lauderdale Lakes Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Directors voted to rename the Lauderdale Lakes Wireless Video Security Camera Network in honor of Gregory Smith, a local teenager who tragically lost his life to a senseless act of unprovoked violence in the City.

The City of Lauderdale Lakes CRA has been focusing its efforts on innovative community policing and other crime prevention initiatives and in 2015, FlashCam security cameras were installed in and around the Vincent Torres Park as a pilot program in cooperation with the City of Lauderdale Lakes and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. This camera system is used to provide 24 hour video security against nuisance crimes, illegal dumping and vandalism. Gregory Smith’s death was captured on a similar system that was installed by a local merchant. The incident proved that cameras can help to both assist in the capture of criminals and perhaps deter crime from taking place. Commissioner Patricia Williams said, “We believe that it is not just the law enforcement’s job, but is also our responsibility to put forth an honest effort to protect our city from anything and anyone who threatens the integrity and pride of the place that we call our home.”

The WildFire Video Security Network is designed to provide live and recorded video that can be accessed remotely at any time as a strategy to enhance public safety for residents and visitors to the City through the application of advanced technology in Community Policing. During Tuesdays meeting the CRA Board also approved the expansion of the WildFire Video Security Network located in one of the CRA target areas to increase the amount of security throughout the city. “We are engaging public and private property owners to develop cutting edge public safety technology that will hopefully prevent unwanted criminal activities in our City,” says CRA Chairperson Patricia Williams.

Representatives of the City of Lauderdale Lakes and the Community Redevelopment Agency plan to meet with property owners to expand cameras that will feed directly into the existing wireless camera network system.

For more information on this report, please contact Public Information Office at info@lauderdalelakes.org, or 954-535-2838.

This Day in History: Operation Legacy

operation legacy

Operation Legacy: The UK destroyed over 8,000 colonial-era documents.

On this day in Caribbean history May 3, 1961, Operation Legacy took place. Operation Legacy, which included the destruction of over 8,800 colonial-era documents in former colonies of the United Kingdom, was formed to protect the dissemination of information about the legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s governance both positive and negative. Operation Legacy took place across 23 countries including Belize, British Guiana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Uganda and others.

Dignitaries in Operation Legacy countries were instructed on how and where to destroy these documents. Some of the documents revealed mistreatments from British officials. In 2013 the British government agreed to pay $23 Million US to compensate the more than 5200 elderly Kenyans who were tortured and abused in the 1950’s.

On May 3, 1961 British Colonial Secretary, Iain Macleod, issued a telegram instructing diplomats to withhold documents and issued general guidance stating that all papers should be disposed of for they “might embarrass members of the police, military forces, public servants…” and requested that this information should be kept out of the hands of newly elected independent governments

 

Alia Atkinson is the new Brand Ambassador for major company

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 3rd, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

To improve security in the region, the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety has signed a memorandum with Miami Dade School of Justice to establish more joint training programs for police forces. Miami Dade College has already hosted 3 training sessions in Trinidad & Tobago with over 100 participants from the twin island republic, Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Senator Braynon (the second) will host his 4th annual Choice Challenge empowerment event on May 7th from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. This is a free youth only event aimed to aid middle and high school students with the tools to make positive and conscious decisions about their future and to promote the safety of our youth.

Roman Catholic priest Clyde Reginald Hezekiah, also called “Father Reggie”, was laid to rest today. Hezekiah died of a heart attack on April 21 in Fort Lauderdale, one day before he was scheduled to return to Port of Spain and resume leadership of the Tunapuna parish in Trinidad & Tobago Father Reggie was 82 years old.

In Sports, The Caribbean Premier League final and semi-final games could now be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago despite earlier reports that Guyana had secured the event. Reports from the twin island republic suggest that a late bid has prompted the organizers to hold off on making the final decision.

What trending:

Olympic swimmer, Alia Atkinson, is the new brand ambassador for Rainforest Seafood. The Pines native and Team Jamaica Olympian is glad for the chance to work with another great Jamaican company and the attention she will bring to the sport this year in Rio.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 91 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, scattered storms as well with a high of 88 and a low of 75.

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 outlet.

More common than you think

Treating Oral Herpes

Dr. Sharon Robinson

Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Oral herpes is also called herpes labialis.

Causes

Oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Most people in the United States are infected with this virus by age 20. After the first infection, the virus becomes dormant in the nerve tissues in the face. Sometimes, the virus later wakes up (reactivates), causing cold sores.

Herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) most often causes’ genital herpes. However, sometimes HSV-2 is spread to the mouth during oral sex, causing oral herpes. Herpes viruses spread most easily from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch this virus if you hHave intimate or personal contact with someone who is infected, or touch an open herpes sore or something that has been in contact with the herpes virus, such as infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared items. Parents may spread the virus to their children during regular daily activities.

Symptoms

Some people get mouth ulcers when they first come into contact with HSV-1 virus. Others have no symptoms. Symptoms most often occur in kids between 1 and 5 years old. Symptoms may be mild or severe. They most often appear within 1 to 3 weeks after you come into contact with the virus. They may last up to 3 weeks.

Warning symptoms include:

  • Itching of the lips or skin around mouth
  • Burning near the lips or mouth area
  • Tingling near the lips or mouth area

Before blisters appear, you may have:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Swollen glands
  • Painful swallowing

Blisters or a rash may form on you’re:

  • Gums
  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Throat

Many blisters are called an outbreak. You may have:

  • Red blisters that break open and leak
  • Small blisters filled with clear yellowish fluid
  • Several smaller blisters that may grow together into a large blister
  • Yellow and crusty blister as it heals, which eventually turns into pink skin

Symptoms may be triggered by:

  • Menstruation or hormone changes
  • Being out in the sun
  • Fever
  • Stress

If the symptoms return later, they are usually milder.

Treatment

Symptoms may go away on their own without treatment in 1 to 2 weeks. Your health care provider can prescribe antiviral medicines to reduce pain and make symptoms go away sooner. Medicines used to treat mouth sores include Acyclovir, Famciclovir and Valacyclovir. These work best if you take them when you have warning signs of a mouth sore, before any blisters develop. If you get mouth sores frequently, you may need to take these medicines all the time. Antiviral skin creams may also be used. However, they are expensive and often only shorten the outbreak by a few hours to a day.

The following steps can also help make you feel better:

  • Apply ice or a warm washcloth to the sores to help ease pain.
  • Wash the blisters gently with germ-fighting (antiseptic) soap and water. This helps prevent spreading the virus to other body areas.
  • Avoid hot beverages, spicy and salty foods, and citrus.
  • Gargle with cool water or eat popsicles.
  • Rinse with salt water.
  • Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS may be reached at The Dental Place, located at 6738 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite #105, Plantation, Fl. 33313. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 954-792-1857 or visit the website www.dentalplace4u.com

 

Celebrating Guyana’s Golden Jubilee

Guyana's minister of State Joseph Harmon at the South Florida Guyanese Association. CNW Photo - Andres Hernandez

Diaspora gathers to honor 50 years of Independence

It was a golden celebration this past Saturday, as the local community gathered to celebrate Guyana’s 50 years of independence at the South Florida Guyanese Association’s Gala, held at Signature Grand in Fort Lauderdale. The event sought to recognize the many accomplishments of Guyana and its people around the world.

Keynote speaker, Guyana’s Minister of State Joseph Harmon, praised Guyana and its Diaspora for the great progress made since independence. Minister Harmon noted that although the nation has gone through some setbacks, the future of Guyana remains bright thanks to its people. He encouraged the Diaspora abroad to also return to Guyana to contribute to the nation’s development, as well as participate in this May’s independence celebrations.

In addition, twelve Guyanese-Americans, including several based in South Florida, were honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the community. Several awardees were lauded for their public service to Guyana, including former UN and OAS diplomat Wesley Kirton, former Chief Pilot of the Guyanese Army Air Corps, Captain Gerry Gouveia, former Head of the Guyana Defense Force, Lieutenant Colonel Larry London, and Guyana’s current Honorary Consul in Miami, Ramzan Roshanali.

Professionals highlighted included certified financial planner and legislative advocate, Frank Cummings, Professor of Law at St. Thomas University, Stephan Plass, and retired internist and health advocate, Dr. Arentha Nelson-Casimir. Artist Florence Kersting and fashion designer Sonia Noel was recognized for their creative accomplishments. Architects of the Guyanese Diaspora in the USA were also lauded for uniting the community, including founder of Guykids Charity, Pansy Browne, Treasurer of the South Florida Guyanese Association, Anthony Giles, and co-founder of the South Florida Guyanese Association, Cyril Noville.

Additional special guests included Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, City of Miramar Mayor, Wayne Messam, as well as MCS for the night Local 10 Anchor Neki Mohan, and Guyanese-born Police Chief of the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, Chief Ian A. Moffett.

Rihanna debuts new single

Bajan pop star Rihanna sets her eyes on the top of the charts, dropping a new single with renowned DJ, Calvin Harris, “This Is What You Came For.”

“This Is What You Came For” marks their first collaboration in five years, since their 10 million-selling song “We Found Love” which also reached No. 1 on the Billboard in 2011. Written and produced by Harris, “We Found Love” had been the longest-running single (10 weeks) that year and considered Rihanna’s most successful single. The song won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video in 2013.

Their latest collaboration follows a similar flavor, driven by mid-tempo EDM rhythms, but this time the Bajan crooner abandons the touch song for lovelorn couples of “We Found Love” in favor of a classic dance floor seduction.

The Barbadian singer continues to build a name for herself with No. 1 singles topping the charts. Her heavily flavored dancehall track “Work” with Canadian rapper Drake sat at the top of the Billboard 100 chart for nine weeks. The hit single scored Rihanna a record for the second most weeks at number one for a solo act, trailing just behind Mariah Carey  “Work”‘s spot at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 was finally dethroned this week by Desiigner’s “Panda.”

Leicester, Triumph over 5000-1 odds

Leicester City's Captain, Wes Morgan

Leicester City, Premier League

Under the guidance of manager Claudio Ranieri, Wes Morgan and his teammates have transformed from relegation candidates to a squad of champions – a feat confirmed on Monday night after Tottenham Hotspur dropped points at Chelsea.
With that, Leicester City’s status as Premier League champions was confirmed, leaving Morgan to look forward to lifting the famous trophy in front of the home crowd at King Power Stadium this Saturday.
Such an achievement for a team that was thought unlikely at the start of the season that odds stacked against them 5000/1. The Foxes, picked unfavorable at the beginning of the season took the first league title in their history.
Even with such a shadow cast above them Morgan and his teammates now stand shoulder to shoulder as champions of England against the longest odds ever to come in on a sporting event.
“ It’s the best feeling of my career and I couldn’t be prouder that it’s as part of this team. Everyone’s worked so hard for this, nobody believed we could do it, but here we are, Premier League champions and deservedly so.” said Morgan.
“ I’ve never known a spirit like the one between these boys, we’re like brothers. People saw it last season when everyone expected us to be relegated, but we fought back to prove people wrong. This season’s been a continuation of that. We’ve built on the momentum, but I don’t think anyone believed it would come to this.”
Many people believed that the team would never come this close and never take home the title, but just as in any ” Cinderella story”, the impossible has happened.
“Saturday can’t come quickly enough. I can’t wait to get my hands on the trophy.”
-excerpts from LCFC.com

Jamaica and Cuba sign tourism pact

Cuba's Ambassador to Jamaica Bernardo Guanche Hernandez (R) with Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett

Jamaica and Cuba will sign an agreement for multi-destination tourism between the two countries. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, speaking at the opening of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) last week, said he and his Cuban counterpart will sign the agreement on Friday of this week.

A similar agreement will also be signed with the Dominican Republic in June, Bartlett said, noting that Jamaica will finally be in the timeshare business from Sunday, May 1.

“Timeshare registry will open from the first of May, and we will then be open for business to bring new demographics and to bring in new arrivals into the destination.” he told the audience at the Montego Bay Convention Center, which included the president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association Nicola Madden-Greig, his predecessor Dr. Wykeham McNiell and travel agents.

Bartlett also announced plans to aggressively target new markets, including South America and Eastern Europe, and to increase market share in North America. This includes doubling the growth rate in the U.S. market to five percent this year over 2015, and working towards achieving double digit growth in the Canadian market.

JAPEX is the largest tourism trade show in Jamaica, bringing together a range of buyers and suppliers. There are 232 suppliers and 94 buyers for JAPEX 2016. This year’s show ended on Sunday.

 

One on One: with former Trinidad & Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Mammograms for Mother’s Day

 By Bob LaMendola

Women with little or no health insurance can give themselves a Mother’s Day gift of health by receiving free mammograms at a special event on Saturday, May 14. Broward Health and the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) are sponsoring free breast cancer screenings for women up to age 65 who do not have coverage for the tests.

Free screenings will be given from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 14 at the Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center, at the Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Qualified women ages 50 to 64 will receive the free mammograms through the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, run by DOH-Broward. Women under age 50 will be served by Broward Health’s “Every Woman Matters” breast cancer program funded by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

“We are happy to partner with Broward Health for these very important services to the community,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of DOH-Broward.

“We will be offering women in our community an opportunity to get a free mammogram, a clinical breast exam and important breast health information on how to care for themselves,” said Pia Delvaille, Manager of the Wells Women’s Center.

Appointments for the event are highly recommended. Please call 954-762-3649 to qualify and register.

Guyanese Author, Christopher Persaud, receives another award

Multi-awarded Guyanese/American author Christopher H.K. Persaud received yet another honor – at the recent 2015 Readers Favorite International Awards (RFIA). The RFIA attracts multiple thousands of entries each year in various literary genres.

Persaud’s book, Evolution: Beyond the Realm of Real Science (revised), was awarded an Honorable Mention in the “Non Fiction – Religion/Philosophy” category. The award follows on the heels of two previous accolades by the same organization for two other books by the author.

  1. The Da Vinci Code Revisited: A Conclusive Refutation of the Widespread, Sinister Lie (Xlibris Corporation, 2013 (Revised) at the 2014 RFIA (Silver Medal in the “Christian – General” category)
  1. Blessings, Miracles & Supernatural Experiences: A Biblical Perspective, A Christian’s Story (Xlibris Corporation, 2015) at the 2015 RFIA. (Finalist in the “Christian – Devotion/Study” category)

Christopher’s other notable awards include the following.

Evolution: Beyond the Realm of Real Science (the 2008 version) – Named The Christian Choice Book of 2008 after winning First Prize in the 2008 Christian Choice Book Awards in the “Current Events/Current Issues” category. The book also won the international competition’s Grand Prize.

The Da Vinci Code Revisited: A Conclusive Refutation of the Widespread, Sinister Lie (the 2010 version) – Was selected the First Prize winner in the “Theology” category at the 2010 Christian Choice Book Awards, another international book competition that invites authors from around the world to submit their work for consideration. The Da Vinci Code Revisited: A Conclusive Refutation of the Widespread, Sinister Lie was also named the Indie Observer’s* first ever Critics’ Choice Selection in 2012.

Persaud’s 2014 book, Contending for the Faith: 22 Methodical Arguments for Biblical Truth (Xlibris Corporation) – Placed Third in the “Theology” category at the 2014 Christian Writers Awards, another international book competition.

 

*The Indie Observer is a periodical publication that caters to the interests of self-published authors around the world.

Team Jamaica Bickle captures wins at Penn Relays

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 1st, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The second Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards & Recognition Banquet & Gala will be held on June 18th at The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. The event is in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage month, recognizing the history and culture of Caribbean people and their descendants.

The Diaspora celebrated Guyana’s golden jubilee of Independence this past weekend at the Signature Grand in Fort Lauderdale, hosted by the South Florida Guyanese Association. Keynote speaker, Guyana’s Minister of State Joseph Harmon, praised Guyana and its diaspora for the great progress made since independence.

Popular Jamaican party series, Marco Polo, will make its overseas debut at Lockhart Stadium on Sunday, June 5th. After being pressured by Jamaicans living in south Florida, the event CEO decided to make this the first stop outside of Jamaica.

In sports, the Night Cricket Tournament had two matches. Trinidad and Tobago made 190 for 8 in 20 and combined Islands replied with 131 for 5. In Guyana versus Jamaica, the teams battled but the game was decided by the Duckworth-Lewis method which ended in favor of Jamaica.

What’s Trending:

The Penn Relays ended this past weekend with Team Jamaica Bickle taking home some wins. Jamaica College won the men’s 4 by 400 meter relay with a time of 3 minutes and 12 seconds, while Team Jamaica’s women came in second to USA for the 4 by 100 meter relay by only point 3 seconds.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 85 and a low of 75. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 75.

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 outlet.

 

Jamaican Comedians come to South Florida

Comedy fans can gear up for a night of fun and laughter on May 15th, as Jamaican comedians get set to strut their stuff on the South Florida stage at this year’s Comedy Fest 2016.

This year’s headliners are the ever popular Ity & Fancy Cat – the hilarious duo from Jamaica’s  variety comedy, the “Ity and Fancy Cat” show, which has been entertaining fans for eight seasons. The line up also features Christopher “Johnny” Daley – a well rounded entertainer celebrated for his roles in film, radio, television, and theater, particularly as the iconic Johnny on Jamaican sitcom, Lime Tree Lane. Owen “Blakka” Ellis, will be hitting the stage as well, most lauded as a seasoned entertainer from the hilarious duo Blakka & Bello, which started over 30 years ago.

The list of comedians continues with Lemon, who has captured the love of audiences with his wit and theatrical performances through his tours in the Caribbean, U.S.A, Canada and the U.K. And Rohan Gunter will be showing all that South Florida has to offer, as the finalist from last year’s Lauderhill’s Got Talent competition. The only woman of the group, comedian and actress Audrey ‘Dancehall Queen’ Reid, (famed for her star turn in 1997 cult classic, “Dancehall Queen”) will also be entertaining fans with her famous impressions and insights.

This year’s event will prove to be twice as nice, with two showings at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, held at Coral Spring High School. For more information about this event, call 954-817-3810.

Alia Atkinson, Ambassador for Rainforest Seafoods

Olympic Hopeful

South Florida’s own Jamaican Olympic swimmer Alia Atkinson has signed on for brand ambassador for Jamaican company, Rainforest Seafoods. Rainforest CEO Brian Jardim said the company was proud to support the star athlete.

“We recognize her incredible drive and passion for the sport, and we’re looking forward to supporting Alia’s efforts in achieving maximum preparedness, while rallying the support of the Jamaican people as she goes on to make her mark at the Rio Olympics” said Brian Jardim, Rainforest Seafoods CEO.

“I am happy and excited to have another successful Jamaican company step up and partner with swimming, and more specifically, my journey to Rio 2016 and beyond.” said Atkinson.

Atkinson became the first back women to win a world swimming title in 2014 after dominating the 100meter breaststroke at the 2014 Short Course World Championships in Qatar. She also matched the world record in the process, securing Jamaica’s first-ever gold medal at a Swimming World Championships.

“The world record in 2014 is undoubtedly my biggest career achievement so far. I view it as a symbol of achievement not just for my country, but for my race. It is not just my achievement.

Atkinson, who was also voted “Sportswoman of the Year” in 2014, returned in 2015 to win silver in the 50meter breaststroke and bronze in the 100meter breaststroke at the Long Course World Championships in Kazan, Russia, making her the first Jamaican swimmer to win a medal in that race.

With the Olympics coming up in the summer, Atkinson has put into motion a plan to try and win big in her races.

“My focus for Rio 2016 is to swim a ‘perfect race’, meaning that at the end of my race, there must be nothing more I could have done — perfect start, perfect turn and perfect pull out.”

 

Diaspora remembers Ambassador Duncan

Ambassador Glaister G. Duncan with Pope John Paul II

Family, friends and colleagues will be gathering this Saturday, May 7th, for a Thanksgiving Service in memory of former Ambassador Glaister G. Duncan. The Former head of the Local Government, Civil Service, and the Foreign Service, passed on Thursday, April 14, 2016. He was 86 years old.

Duncan entered public office in 1973, when he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, to be followed in 1978 as Permanent Secretary in Ministry of the Public Service and Head of the Civil Service. That year he was awarded the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) for having rendered outstanding and important services to Jamaica.

In 1982, he was appointed by Hon. Edward Seaga as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Israel, and the Vatican 1982. Duncan was instrumental in arranging the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Jamaica in 1992.

Ambassador Duncan opened new avenues and opportunities for Jamaica, especially with Germany, and in 1987 he was appointed Ambassador to the USSR, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia. He returned home in 1989 to become Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, until his retirement from public life in 1992 as Head of the Foreign Service. He and his wife Claire remained active in several business and charitable organizations, including the Kiwanis, JDF Officers, Police Officers, and Ex-Service Officers clubs.

The service will be held starting 10 a.m. at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church in Kingston, Jamaica

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