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Jamaica breaks records at CARIFTA games

Shiann Salmon

Three Jamaicans shatter records at CARIFTA Games

The Jamaican trio of Shannon Kalawan, Shiann Salmon and Zico Campbell kept powerhouses Jamaica’s name in the headlines when they broke records in Sunday’s evening session at the 45th CARIFTA Games here inside the National Athletics Stadium.
Kalawan, who led from the first hurdle in the Under-20 girls 400 metres hurdles, dominated the four-athlete field to run away winner in in 56.29, beating the 13-year old championship record of 56.61 set by Jamaican Camille Robinson.
Kalawan opened her lead on the backstretch and entered the straightway ahead, beating the British Virgin Island’s Lakeisha Warner (58.14) into second and Jamaica’s Nicolee Foster (58.34) into third.
In the Under-18 400m hurdles, Salmon, who was challenged into the straight, held on for a time of 59.50 to beat last year’s mark of 59.55 set by fellow Jamaican Junelle Bromfield.
Sanique Walker, also of Jamaica, finished strong in 59.60 to take the silver medal while Gabrielle Gibson of Bahamas ended third in 61.16.
Campbell, representing Jamaica at his first CARIFTA Games, got his record in the Under-18 boys’ shot put. He threw 17.75m to beat the old mark of 17.56m, set last year by Isaiah Taylor from Trinidad and Tobago
Meanwhile, Barbadian Rasheeme Griffith clocked 52.22 and his teammate Nathan Ferguson, 53.56, finished one-two in the Under-18 400m hurdles final.

St. Lucian diplomat appointed Secretary General of regional body

Dr. June Soomer (right) pictured in 2012 with Ambassador Irwin LaRocque (L), Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community

St. Lucian diplomat, Dr. June Soomer has been appointed Secretary General of the Trinidad based regional body – the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

Soomer’s position was confirmed at the recent inter-sessional summit of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Belize.

Soomer, who was selected by the Ministerial Council for a four-year term on the basis of rotation, will replace Secretary General Alfonso Múnera Cavadía.

The St. Lucian diplomat, who will be the first woman to head the regional body, currently serves as St. Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and has responsibility for Diaspora issues.

Soomer received her Ph.D. in History from the University of the West Indies in 1994 and since then has lectured at the University of the West Indies, the University of North Carolina (Wilmington), the University of North Carolina Central and was a visiting lecturer at the University of San Francisco.

She also served at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank from 1996 – 2006 in the area of Human Resource Development and Strategic Planning and served as Advisor, Organisation Development and Strategic Planning.

 

Reggae Boyz, Costa Rica draw 1-1

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz battle Costa Rica at the National Stadium in Kingston

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica at the National Stadium in Kingstonon Friday night, which make their qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia a bit more difficult with three matches to go in this penultimate round.

Je-Vaughn Watson had given the Boyz a 16th minute lead to which Johnny Acosta responded with a 67th minute equaliser that gave Costa Rica a share of the points.

The Reggae Boyz have now advanced to four points while Costa Rica lead the group with seven.

This round of CONCACAF Qualifiers comprises three groups and the top two teams from each group will play in a six-team mini-league. The top three qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the fourth place team goes into an inter-continental play-off.

The Boyz held the advantage for majority of the first half, pushing Costa Rica back into their defensive third with good passing. They were also quicker to the balls that results in them breaking up a number of their opponents’ attacks as soon as they started.

They opened the scoring when Watson slotted home after a cross by Kemar Lawrence from the left, had him getting behind his markers on the right just outside the six-yard box to head past Keylor Nevas in goal for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica came out more purposeful for the second stanza and eventually found the equaliser when Jamaica’s defenders wandered and left Christian Bolanos free on the right. He was picked out by a cross and his shot was blocked by Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake into the path of Acosta, who tapped into an open goal.

Jamaica once again took territorial advantage and pressed Costa Rica, looking for the winner, but they failed to galvanize it with a goal as the match petered out.

The teams will meet in the return leg in Costa Rica on Tuesday, March 29,  starting at 9:00 pm.

loopjamaica.com

Barbados airport reopens following protests by air traffic controllers

Grantley Adams International Airport

Flights resumed at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Thursday afternoon following protest action by air traffic controllers earlier in the day.

However, airport officials have only assured the public that the controllers will be at work until 8:00 pm (local time).

On Thursday morning, the air traffic controllers took industrial action in solidarity with workers at the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), who have been off the job for almost a week.

The workers have been demanding millions of dollars in payment for outstanding increments.

The strike was also extended to the Bridgetown Port.

In response to the protest, opposition leader Mia Mottley hit out at the Freundel Stuart administration over the shutdown of the island’s ports as well as a strike by workers of the BWA, saying it is “another example of what happens because of the callous attitude to, and the contempt of this government for ordinary workers”.

At Thursday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, Mottley called for a clear commitment from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Water to provide the necessary funds in an effort to end the protest.

3 reasons a balanced life is a better life

At work and at home, success depends on finding equilibrium, magazine editor and stroke survivor says.

Life sometimes can seem off kilter as responsibilities mount and people plow all their physical and mental resources into what seems to be the most pressing crisis of the moment.

But Lumbie Mlambo says that’s a good time to take a step back. Everyone has the potential to shine in life’s darkest moments, but the key to achieving goals and an overall better existence is to maintain a balance so that one aspect of your life isn’t consumed by another.

While some people might say balance in life is an impossible goal, she disagrees and says when each of us find our equilibrium, we become more productive and a greater asset to our communities.

“There’s balance in everything we do, be it walking, talking, eating, sleeping, working or spending time with family,” says Mlambo, editor of Equanimity Magazine, an online publication that features inspiring stories of life and success. 

“For example, look at how we try to deal with our work-life situation. We balance our workload so that we can still make room for other activities, to spend more time with our spouses or our children. We do that because we understand how important it is.”

She offers these reasons for why living a balanced life is essential.

  • The health factor. Staying balanced is a key to a healthier and successful life. both mental health and physical health benefit, and as a result, so do our overall lives. “When we’re healthy, we’re able to care for ourselves and others in our community,” Mlambo says.
  • The empathy factor. When we find balance in life, we can better understand the importance of helping the underprivileged, says mlambo, who grew up in a rural area in Zimbabwe. You begin to realize that someday you could be in their situation, which makes you a more empathetic person. “Your economic situation is like your health,” she says. “Nothing is guaranteed.”
  • The role-model factor. Sharing our stories – whether it’s a tale of success or even a tale of failure – is important because others can learn from us or be inspired by us as they too strive for a balanced life. “When you tell your story, it empowers, motivates and encourages people to not give up on their dreams and goals,” Mlambo says. “Maybe you think your story is just not that interesting or important. but for someone out there, it may be the spark that ignites them to great things.”

Mlambo always strove to find balance in her life. But she became even more passionate about it after she suffered a stroke in 2001 that left her partially paralyzed. She since has recovered, but says the event had a profound impact on her and she will always consider herself a stroke patient.

Finding balance in life isn’t just a feel-good concept, Mlambo says. As people achieve balance, they realize they have the potential to rise above their circumstances. They can become more productive in their communities and that is good for everyone.

Certainly, maintaining a balanced life may be tougher than ever because technology allows work – emails, text messages, telephone calls – to intrude on people’s “off” hours. But that’s just all the more reason to make a concerted effort to strive for balance, Mlambo says.

She says it’s become popular in some circles to argue that a balanced life is a myth and can’t be achieved. But regardless of their views, she says, most people seem to be trying to bring balance to their lives, even if they don’t think of it that way.

brandpointcontent.com

Broward League celebrates Women’s History Month with Women in Leadership Forum

The League of Women Voters of Broward County hosted a special Women’s History Month event this year, the Women in Leadership Forum on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the Main Library Auditorium in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

This event featured prominent Broward County leaders such as Bertha Henry, Broward County Administrator; Josie Bacallao, President & CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida; and Jocelyn Carter-Miller, the current LWV Broward president, who served as Chief Marketing Officer for Office Depot and Motorola.

The audience was treated to an inspiring evening, with personal and professional stories.  Mrs. Henry spoke passionately about being fearless.   Mrs. Bacallao advised that being assertive and seeking out influential people can go a long way.   While, Mrs. Carter-Miller provided a very pointed example about taking risks that captivated the attendees.

“I was so proud to be a league member tonight,” exclaimed Harriet Mathis.
“It was like having an intimate conversation with a girlfriend,” shared former LWV Broward president Jane Gross.

Plan for the cost of college without breaking the bank

College costs in the U.S. are on the rise.

According to the latest College Board survey, the average price tag for an in-state public college for the 2014–2015 academic year averaged $23,410, and a private college averaged $46,272. This is a 3 percent increase from the year before.

Another number on the rise is student loan debt. Nearly seven in 10 graduates from the class of 2013 took out institutional, state or federal loans, graduating with an average $27,667 in debt.

Here are a few strategies to get a head start on saving for college that can help you avoid drowning in debt:

Estimate costs: Tuition and fees take the lion’s share of your income, with annual costs rising at about 6 percent. Start comparing public, private, community and in- and out-of-state schools to get a ballpark figure on cost, and then you can start to estimate how much you need to invest based on your timeframe and budget. There are tools and resources online to help calculate these costs, and you can always consult a financial professional for further guidance.

Start saving and investing now: With college costs on the rise, saving and investing now can pay off later. That’s because starting early allows more time and opportunity for your investments to grow — and can reduce the amount you have to borrow. Remember, it’s never too soon or too late to start saving. Every dollar saved is one less you may need to repay with interest, and automating your savings and investments will help to make sure you don’t forget.

Consider a 529 plan: Whether investing for a child, grandchild or even yourself, 529 college savings plans are flexible, tax-advantaged accounts that allow the investor to make high contributions to help the recipient pay for college expenses. These funds aren’t taxed as they grow—and no federal (and often state) taxes are applied to withdrawals used for qualified higher education expenses. It’s also a great gift alternative for holidays, birthdays and special occasions.

Borrow with care: While it’s cheaper to save than borrow, student loans can be an important tool to help close any gaps between your savings and the cost of tuition. If paying cash for college means skimping on another financial priority — like your retirement savings — student loans can help. Some options allow the student or parent to begin paying off the interest while they’re still in college, so be sure to explore the different types of loans to find the one that’s right for your situation.

Balance college savings with other life priorities: Investing in your or your children’s education is a goal that should be set with other life priorities. Instead of tapping into your nest egg to cover tuition costs, consider all funding sources to avoid jeopardizing your financial health, including financial aid, grants and scholarships. Seek the help of a financial professional to assist in balancing your goals with your finances.

It’s never too early to start preparing for the cost of college. Whether you have a 2-year-old or 16-year-old child at home, or if you’re thinking about going back yourself, college is a worthwhile, but significant investment that requires financial preparation.

 

Jamaican Norman Hemming honored by LEO Foundation

Norman Hemming honored

Named Prosecutor of the Year

Norman Hemming, a native of Jamaica has been named the 2016 Prosecutor of the Year by the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Foundation and the Association of Chiefs of Police.

Hemming, who currently serves as President of the Amber Lake Home Owners Association, and also serves on the Pastor’s Council of the Cooper City Church of God, was born in Kingston, where he attended Jamaica College, and completed his secondary education at Evander Childs High School in New York.

Upon graduating from Evander Childs he did course work for a bachelor’s degree at both Cornell University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

After college, Hemming earned a Merit Fellowship scholarship to Howard University School of Law where he received a law degree.  After graduation from law school, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Manhattan DA’s Office. He subsequently spent the next two decades working for the federal government.  Additionally, he earned an ordination certificate as a minister of the gospel from Shiloh Theological Seminary in Stafford, Virginia.

 

David Beckham buys land for MLS stadium site in Miami

Former England and Manchester United star David Beckham poses with fans after holding a press conference at the Perez Art Museum Miami on Feb. 5, 2014, when Beckham first announced he will bring a MLS team to Miami. (ALEXIA FODERE / AFP/Getty Images)

David Beckham’s team ownership plans in Major League Soccer moved a step closer on Thursday as his consortium bought an area of land for a stadium site.

Ownership group Miami Beckham United (MBU), comprised of the former England midfielder along with his agent Simon Fuller and businessmen Marcelo Claure and Tim Leiweke, confirmed in a statement “the acquisition of two private properties totalling approximately six acres at 650 Northwest 8th Street” in the Overtown neighbourhood.

The statement added: “The acquisitions open the door to MBU’s purchase of adjacent land required for development, now controlled by Miami-Dade County, at fair market value.”

Claure, chief executive officer of telecommunications group Sprint, hailed the purchase as an exciting development and also talked up the practical and environmental benefits of the location.

“David, Simon, Tim and I have never been closer to realising our dream of fielding a soccer club that makes Miami proud,” said Claure.

“We have the right site, the right ownership group, and a loyal base of fans counting down the days until our first match.

“We’re all in on Overtown, and we couldn’t be more excited about moving forward with plans to deliver the most responsible stadium in Miami history.”

The site is within walking distance of downtown Miami and close to the Miami Beach area, with easy access by rail and metro.

MBU’s statement concluded: “Once the County-controlled property is acquired, MBU will enter the formal entitlement process with the goal of earning City and County approval for its development plans.”

Beckham played in MLS for five years with the Los Angeles Galaxy during an illustrious career that also took in Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris St Germain.

His Galaxy contract featured an option to buy a future MLS expansion franchise for 25million US dollars, which he exercised in 2014.

espn.com

Caribbean Airlines to serve as official carrier for FCSA Conference

Caribbean Airlines, one of the leading regional airlines to the Caribbean, has elevated its annual investment and partnership with the Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA) by supporting its upcoming 42nd Leadership Conference.

The queen of soca, Caribbean cultural icon Alison Hinds will be the keynote speaker at this year’s conference.

The event, scheduled for University of Tampa on April 7-10, 2016, will be held under the theme, ““Many Shores, Waters Meet, One Land, Under our Feet”.

Caribbean Airlines will be a leading corporate sponsor at the event, which is the premier event for college students of Caribbean descent from across the State of Florida and the United States.   Students will participate in a series of professional and leadership development workshops, cultural showcases and civic engagement. Students will also received information of travel benefits from Caribbean Airlines.

“Caribbean Airlines is committed to the diaspora, as education is the key to the foundation of our future Caribbean Leaders,” stated Mrs. Alicia Cabrera, Senior Marketing Manager.

Marlon Hill, advisor to the Florida Caribbean Students Association expressed his gratitude to the company for its support. “Caribbean Airlines is a key partner to our organization’s undergraduate members and alumni and the connection to our heritage whether for family, community service, academic studies, or to attend special events. We value their corporate citizenship and commitment to us,” he stated.

5 ways to revamp your run

Have you ever wished you could just snap your fingers and be able to run a marathon? If only it were that easy. Whether you’re training for a race, want to get in shape or simply enjoy the rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement, running takes consistency and practice.

“No matter where you fall on the running spectrum, there’s always room for improvement,” says Rebekah Mayer, National Run Training Manager for Life Time Fitness – The Healthy Way of Life Company. “If you’re striving to become a better runner, you might need to make some changes or switch up your routine.”

Below are five tips from Mayer to help amp up your run so you can feel great while making each workout count:

Ease into your outdoor runs

If you’ve been hitting the treadmill all winter and are just beginning to run outdoors, take it slow. Pavement is harder on your knees and joints than a treadmill belt, and your running form is a little different when you’re outside on the ground. Start by taking some easy workouts outdoors, and then progress into harder workouts. By then, all the trails will be fully clear and your legs will have a chance to adapt.

Ditch the background noise

Consider leaving your headphones at home. While music is essential to beat boredom on a treadmill, many runners come to enjoy the quiet solitude or group chatter when running outdoors, especially when you run with a friend. Without headphones, it’s also easier to hear traffic, animals or approaching pedestrians. If music is absolutely necessary, try running with only one ear bud in.

Make it memorable

Take the time to make some of your runs a little more interesting. Is there a trail system a short drive from your home or nearest health club? Even if it doesn’t fit into your daily routine, doing some runs at a more scenic location every so often can make the miles much more enjoyable. Changing up your routine also helps keep your body challenged so you can continue to build strength and endurance.

Gather your running buddies

Running with friends is one of the best ways to stay motivated. Running with a buddy on a treadmill is fun as well, but an outdoor running pal or group can help the time and miles pass more quickly. Life Time destinations nationwide host Tuesday Night Social Runs with varying distances and they’re complimentary for members and non-members. There’s nothing like good conversation to keep you entertained during your workout. Running partners can be good pace setters as well and might even suggest some new running routes or trails you’ve never tried before.

Dress the part

If you run in the dark, choose reflective clothing and a headlamp for safety. On rainy days, add a water resistant jacket and a cap to keep water out of your eyes. This will make the weather more tolerable. If temperatures are cool, choose an outer layer you can easily remove if you get too warm. Life Time is a firm believer that the right pair of shoes can help prevent injury, so make sure you find a pair that works for your running style.

Use these tips to make the most of each run or if you’re one of the thousands of Americans who’s currently training for a marathon.

brandpointcontent.com

What to do if you default on your student loans

Take Charge America provides borrowers with options to restore financial health

With student loan debt now totaling $1.3 trillion in the United States, the student loan crisis has reached a fever pitch and now affects more than 40 million Americans. To compound the crisis, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that one in four borrowers are in delinquency or default on their student loans.

Unlike other kinds of debt, student loans are rarely discharged in bankruptcy. And, the federal government has the power to garnish wages, tax refunds and even Social Security to recoup payment.

“Everyone knows the student loan problem is bad and getting worse, but few are aware of the options for repaying loans and restoring financial health – even for borrowers in default,” said Sarah Hamilton, a student loan counseling supervisor with Take Charge America, a national nonprofit credit counseling and student loan counseling agency. “The most important – and perhaps the most difficult – tip for people who have defaulted on their loans is to address the problem head-on, no matter how painful it seems.”

Hamilton offers borrowers advice on repaying student loans if they are in default, or headed there:

  1. Get clear: If you’re unsure which collection agency holds your loan, how much money you owe or other details about your student loan debt, contact the Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group.
  2. Don’t delay: If you’re in default, the government can garnish 15 percent of your paycheck and tap into your tax refund. What’s more, the longer your loans sit in default, the higher the balances grow with collection fees, all the while damaging your credit rating. Contact your loan servicer to explain your situation, or reach out to a student loan counselor at a nonprofit agency for step-by-step guidance and a detailed review of all applicable repayment options.
  3. Rehab your loans: If paying the loans in full isn’t possible, rehabilitation may be a good option. Once you make nine consecutive payments, which are based on your discretionary income, the defaulted status is removed from your credit report. At that time, the loan is considered rehabilitated and may be eligible for other repayment programs.
  4. Consolidate your debt: Loan consolidation allows you to pay off your loans and creates a new direct consolidation loan with a fixed interest rate. First, you must agree to the terms of the new direct loan, including repaying it under an income-driven plan. After three consecutive payments, you can select a different repayment option if income-driven isn’t right for you. Consolidation doesn’t remove the defaulted status from your credit report, but it does zero out old loans and reflects a new loan line item.

Ziggy Marley welcomes new baby boy named after Bob Marley

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 25, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

South Florida sprinting star, 18-year-old Trinidad-American Khalifa St. Fort, has announced that she is turning pro, following an endorsement deal with Caribbean-based Flow Communications. The Miami native and 2015 Pan American 100 meters’ champion will compete for Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow at the CARIFTA Games in Grenada.

Thousands of children of legal immigrants will have more streamlined access to subsidized health insurance by this July, after state legislature passed a bill reforming KidCare and Medicaid programs. The current five-year mandatory waiting period to receive service has been removed. Authorities report that more than 17,000 Floridian children under age 19 will benefit.

Reggae stars Stephen Marley, Spragga Benz, Dezarie and more get set to pay tribute to Jamaica’s iconic music genre, Dub, this Sunday at the Spring Break Roots Dub Fest, starting 6 pm at Revolutions Live in Fort Lauderdale. Other performers include Ron Benjamin of the Midnite Band, and South Florida’s own Mixed Culture band.

In sports, Team Haiti emerged victorious against Melrose Strikers 3 to 2 in their recent showdown at the CASA Super League Tournament in Lauderhill. Team Haiti now moves one spot up the standings at 7th place, with FC Steelers still at the top with 18 points. The tournament continues on March 30 at the Lauderhill Sports Park

What’s trending:

Reggae Star Ziggy Marley and wife Orly welcomes their fourth child together with the birth of their son, Isaiah Sion Robert Nesta Marley, named in honor of his famous grandfather, Bob Marley.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Thunderstorm in Broward County with a high of 85 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 84 and a low of 71.

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.

From all of us at the CNW Network, we would like to wish you a happy and safe Easter weekend.

Barbados gov’t dismisses threat by opposition party

Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite

Opposition party not keen on new immigration policies

The Barbados government has brushed aside a threat by the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) that it would take it to court over plans for new immigration policies that would have nationals fingerprinted when leaving and entering the island.

Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite told reporters that the Freundel Stuart government would not be deterred by the threats of legal action.

“Government policy is not shaped by whether or not the opposition, David Comissiong or anyone (who) wants to take us to court. We have to decide what’s best for government,” he added.

Last week, the government announced that it would defer the April 1 implementation date for the Immigration (Biometrics) Regulations indicating that the Immigration Department needed time to review legal and other issues raised by objectors, and raise public awareness.

Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, speaking in Parliament last week had raised the possibility of the party taking the matter to the courts and on Sunday, addressing a party rally,  the Member of Parliament for St James North, Edmund Hinkson, said that deferment of the regulations was not enough.

“They say they going to consult you, but we ain’t minding that. We still going to court to get the regulations declared unconstitutional, because you can’t prevent Barbadians from leaving Barbados or from coming back into Barbados when they have a right under the Constitution to do so.

 “You imagine that you will get fingerprint when you have a right under the constitution to enter Barbados, as a Barbadian, the country of your birth where your navel-string bury,” Hinkson said, adding that the withdrawal should be seen as a “partial victory”.

He said while fingerprinting records are taken of people visiting other countries, that request is not made of persons entering or leaving their homeland, including Americans, “and they are under the greatest security threat in the world”.

Earlier this month, attorney and social activist David Comissiong wrote to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart calling on him to outline the reasons for introducing the new immigration policies.

In his letter, which was made available to the media, Comissiong said “there was absolutely no publicity about or discussion of these Regulations before or at the time they were being made”.

Last month, former attorney general Dale Marshall questioned the wisdom in having Barbadian nationals leaving or returning to the country be subjected to being finger printed.

 

Florida children of legal immigrants may get healthcare

Children will soon be eligible for KidCare coverage

Thousands of children of legal immigrants will have more streamlined access to subsidized health insurance by this July, after state legislature passed a bill reforming KidCare and Medicaid programs.

The current five-year mandatory waiting period to receive service has been removed. Authorities report that more than 17,000 Floridian children under age 19 will benefit for coverage, starting July 1, when the state budget goes into effect.

KidCare covers children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance.

According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, 2,077 children of legal immigrants applied for KidCare coverage in the last year and were denied because they were still within the waiting period; they’ll now be eligible for coverage that will cost their families a monthly premium between $15 and $20.

An additional 15,097 children could start receiving Medicaid coverage, for which they’d be eligible if their families earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

“What it means is that there are a lot of kids that, probably, their life is going to be saved because they are going to be able to be taken care of,” said Margarita Romo, executive director of Farmworkers Self-Help Inc., an advocacy group for migrant farm workers. “These are Americans. There is no reason why we should have unhealthy children in this country today.”

The proposal to expand coverage to legally residing children has been on the table since 2009, when Congress passed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. That gave states the option of extending coverage to all such children immediately, by eliminating the waiting period.

Over the past four years, Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, and Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, have sponsored bills to that effect in their respective chambers. Although the Senate came to embrace the idea, the proposal was heard in just one House committee during that time — until Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, called for its passage in January.

Meanwhile, state estimates of what the measure would cost plummeted. The federal government would put up roughly $28 million, but the state’s cost would be negligible.

 

Strike shuts down Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados

Grantley Adams International Airport

All flights cancelled

Protest action by air traffic controllers at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), has forced the closure of the airport.

In a release Thursday, airport authorities said as a result, all flights in and out of the island have been cancelled until further notice

Among the affected carriers is regional airline LIAT.

In a travel advisory issued just before 11:00 am, the Antigua-based carrier advised that “all flights to / from Barbados for today, Thursday, March 24 have been delayed due to the closure of the Grantley Adams International Airport as a result of strike action by air traffic controllers.

“LIAT also regrets to advise that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey will not be provided with meals, transportation or hotel accommodation as the situation is beyond LIAT’s control, ” the advisory said, adding that LIAT regrets the inconvenience caused.

The protest action, called by the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), is in solidarity with striking Barbados Water Authority workers who are demanding payment of BD$33 million in outstanding increments.

The Bridgetown Port has also been hit by strike action.

This Day In History

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Lloyd Erskine Sandiford

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford was born

On this day in history on March 24, 1937, the fourth Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honorable Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford KA, PC, was born. Sandiford was in office from 1987 to 1994, and from 2010 – 2013 he became Barbados’ first resident ambassador in Beijing, China.

Sandiford was educated at Harrison College, is located in Bridgetown, Barbados and at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Sandiford received his Bachelor of Arts in English from UWI. The former PM also studied at the University of Manchester in England, receiving his Master’s degree in economics and social studies.

In 1987, after his predecessor Errol Barrow died prematurely he was appointed prime minister. Sanford however lost the 1994 elections, losing to his opponent Owen Arthur of the Barbados Labor Party.

Sandiford is an acclaimed author. His most recent publication is Fighting for the Just Society: An Autobiographical Note (2011).

Sandiford was conferred Barbados’ highest honor in 2000 and was made a Knight of St. Andrew (KA) of the Order of Barbados.

Today, the 79 year old former Prime Minister teaches economics and Caribbean politics at the Barbados Community College.

The truth about white fillings

Now more popular than ever, a composite resin (or white filling), is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Composite resins provide good durability and resistance to fractures in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer their fillings to look more natural.

How it works:

Tooth colored composite fillings are chemically bonded to teeth. Once the decayed area is removed, the tooth is cleaned and a primer (weak acid) is applied to the area being restored. The primer opens pores in the enamel and dentin. A bonding agent is then flowed into the open pores and cured, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. Once the white filling hardens, your bite will be checked to make sure your teeth fit together properly. If the tooth filling extends into the space between your teeth your dentist will also make sure you can floss between your teeth properly. Adjustments will be made if necessary, followed by the smoothing and polishing of your new filling.

Advantages:

Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites are particularly well suited for front teeth or visible parts of teeth.  Composites also bond to the tooth, supporting the remaining structure, preventing breakage and insulating the tooth from excessive temperature changes.  They restore 85 percent to 95 percent of the original strength of the tooth. And they completely harden in seconds, instead of the days required by some other materials. Any tooth sensitivity due to composite resin use is minimal and brief.

Disadvantages:

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if there is frequent or prolonged exposure to drinks, tea, coffee or other staining foods, such as curry. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.

Upkeep:

Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine.  To maintain fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene by visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash at least once daily. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is “leaking” (when the sides of the filling don’t fit tightly against the tooth, which allows debris and saliva to seep down between the filling and the tooth, leading to decay), he or she will take X-rays to assess the situation. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist for an appointment.

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.

 

National Weekly March 24, 2016

Three easy, delicious Jamaican Easter recipes

In the Caribbean, Easter usually means the observance of Lent, a period of fasting, prayer and giving up certain temptations or distractions in your life. For others, Easter means Easter bunnies with baskets of multicolored eggs, carnival, a season of soca fetes, costume parades and parties galore. But, besides the non-stop celebrations, the things Jamaicans anticipate the most is the food. Fish is usually a staple around Easter time, so check out these mouthwatering recipes that will leave your family and friends wanting more.

Jamaican Escoveitch Fish

Nothing screams Easter like some fried fish with a peppery vinegar-based dressing drizzled on top. For food blogger Fay from cooklikeajamaican.com, Easter isn’t quite complete if this dish isn’t on the menu.

Ingredients

4 whole red snappers

Salt and pepper

1 cup cooking oil

Instructions

The day before, clean and scale fish. Season with salt and black pepper and refrigerate. Set stove to high and add cooking oil to pan. Dry fish with paper towel and pan fry for about 5 minutes each side. Take fish out of pan and place on paper towel to drain oil.

Escovitch Dressing

Ingredients

½ each, green and red bell pepper, julienned

1 carrot, julienned

1 small onion, sliced in rings

3 Tbsps. cooking oil (you can use leftover oil from frying fish)

2/3 cup vinegar

10 pimento berries (optional)

½ tsp salt

1 tsp hot pepper sauce

½ scotch bonnet pepper, seed removed and chopped

Instructions

Cut and chop vegetables and put aside. Put vinegar and oil into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add carrots and let simmer for about a minute. Add pimento seeds, if using, salt and pepper sauce. Add red and green bell peppers a simmer for a minute. Add onion and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the onion is transparent. Add scotch bonnet pepper and stir. Place fish into serving dish and spoon dressing on top.

Fried Sprat with Hardo Bread

One of the cheaper fish on the market, sprats are very easy to prepare. Especially popular at Easter, they are usually enjoyed with warm hard dough bread lathered in butter. Food lovers club Pop-Up Gourmet (http://www.popupgourmetjamaica.com) offers their simple recipe that will serve as the perfect snack at anytime of the day.

Ingredients

1 lb. sprats scaled, gutted & cleaned

salt and pepper to taste

½ cup cooking oil

¼ cup vinegar

1 whole onion

Scotch Bonnet pepper

Instructions

Rinse sprats in water and vinegar. Pat dry & season with salt & black pepper Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or work to around 200°C (Gas Mark 6). Place sprats in frying pan and cook until lightly brown and crisp. Garnish with onion and scotch bonnet and serve hot with hard dough bread.

Steamed Fish and Crackers

Fancy’s steamed fish recipe from gracefoods.com is the perfect meal after a long day of work. Accompanied with whole crackers, after eating this tasty dish, I highly doubt you’ll have any space left for dessert.

2 cup(s) fish stock

1 cup(s) Irish potato, diced

1 cup(s) pumpkin, diced

4 medium okras, sliced

1 pound(s) whole snapper

1/4 cup(s) tomato, diced

1 teaspoon(s) black pepper

1/2 teaspoon(s) scotch bonnet pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 clove(s) garlic, chopped

2 stalk(s) escallion, chopped

1 sprig(s) thyme

1 whole scotch bonnet pepper

10 whole crackers

Instructions

Pour fish stock in a large skillet and bring to a boil. Add Irish potato, pumpkin and okra; cover and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Slit fish on both sides, then stuff the cavity with half of the vegetables and seasonings (tomato, black pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, onion, garlic and escallion). Sprinkle with the remaining black pepper. Place fish into the boiling fish stock and add the remaining garlic, tomato, onion, escallion, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme and a whole scotch bonnet pepper. Spoon stock over the fish, cover and steam over medium flame for 10 minutes. To serve, place fish on platter, add crackers, then pour on fish stock.

Jamaican to pay out over $500,000 to victims of sweepstakes scam

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 24, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Jamaican Andre Hugh Saunders has been sentence to six and a half years in prison for a sweepstake scam targeting the elderly. Saunders, who ran the scam while living in Florida and New York, told victims they won millions in a sweepstakes, but needed to pay administrative fees to collect the winnings. Saunders has also been ordered to repay over $505,000.

The Broward County Sheriff’s office has announced that they will be expanding the pilot police body camera program to 1500 officers by this summer. Sheriff Scott Israel said the program seeks to promote transparency among the force. The body cameras will cost tax payer $1000 per officer, per year, costing about $1.5 million.

Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, the City of Miami Gardens will again host the Roots Collective Black Marketplace this Saturday, starting 11 a.m. at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. The event seeks to shed the spotlight on the various goods and services produced by local and black-owned businesses.

In sports, several Caribbean teams fight for a competitive spot tomorrow in the fourth round of the CONCACAP World Cup tournament. Jamaica will face Costa Rica in Kingston, Jamaica, while Haiti battles for a spot against Panama in Port-au-Prince. St. Vincent and the Grenadines also face Trinidad at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St. George.

What’s trending:

Reggae icon Jimmy Riley has passed away at 61, following a long battle with cancer. Celebrated as a solo performer and member of the Sensations and the Uniques, Riley produced such hits as “Tell the Youths the Truth” and “Nyah Bingi.” Riley is the son of reggae star, Tarrus Riley.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 81 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 81 and a low of 73.

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.

Openers steer Guyana to easy win in Lauderhill T20

Team Guyana wins second consecutive match

Team Guyana’s bowlers led the team to its second, consecutive victory against Trinidad and Tobago this past weekend at the 2016 City of Lauderhill T20 Int’l Night Cricket Tournament, held at the Lauderhill Sports Park.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Team Trinidad and Tobago was evenly poised at 36 runs for 2 wickets, before the Guyanese bowlers took over on track that provided some bounce and pace. Neil Mungal 19, Timothy Surujbally 13 and Parvish Deonarinesing 13 offer some resistance, becoming the only players to score double digits. But bowling for Guyana proved too overwhelming, with Imran Saddiq as the main destroyer, claiming 3 for 14 from his allotted four overs. Veteran Richard Louis, playing for his adopted team, bagged 2 for 16 and Vickram Ramoutar 1 for 9. Trinidad and Tobago eventually walked away with 83 for 8 wickets at the end of 20 overs.

In reply, Guyana scored 84 runs without loss at the end of 11 overs, recording its second victory with all 10 wickets. Guyana’s batting charge was led by an unbroken 84 runs opening partnership between Simeon Pierre and Sameer Khan. Pierre smashed 34 runs, including three fours and one six, while Khan followed closely with 33. The Trinidadian conceded 17 extras towards Guyana’s total.

Team Jamaica and Combined Islands were hoping to take their turn on the pitch for game 6, but early morning showers left the outfield at the Lauderhill Sports Park unplayable for the start of the 5 p.m. scheduled game. Jamaica and Combined Islands, the only two winless teams in the competition, will each receive two points for the abandoned game. Meanwhile, Guyana and India remain the two unbeaten teams in the tournament, currently standing at the top of the tournament rankings with 10 points each.

There are no games schedule for this weekend due to the Easter Weekend. The tournament will continue on Saturday, April 2, 2016 starting at 5p.m. at the Lauderhill Sports Park, with India v. Guyana, followed by Pakistan v. Combined Islands at 8 p.m.

Lauderhill Commissioner to host “Square Foot Gardening” Green Series Event

Commissioner of Lauderhill Ken Thurston will host the 3rd Class of the Lauderhill Green Series this Thursday, March 24, 2016 at City Hall.

The Green Series Classes will continue with its third Class – Square Foot Gardening with Pat Simpson. Organized by City of Lauderhill Commissioner Ken Thurston, the series has a long history of providing various levels of gardener’s techniques to start up and maintain gardens and lawns, grow plants and flowers, build and employ irrigation techniques etc.

Pat Simpson is back by popular demand has a Master’s Degree in Urban Farming and Landscaping. Commissioner Thurston explains, “It has been such a rewarding experience to see Pat Simpson share his passion for gardening. His love for his craft is infectious, and the attendees are quick to pick up his tips and trade secrets. We are lucky to have him return to the City of Lauderhill.”

All classes are located in the Multi-Purpose Rooms at City Hall.

The Square Foot Gardening Class will be taught on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 6 pm.

Citrus trees will be given away for lucky winners who attend the class. In addition, light refreshments will be served.

For additional information call Lexie at 954-777-2040 or email her at ahall@lauderhill-fl.gov. 

Median home prices rise in Little Haiti

Median home prices rise to almost $195,000

Prices in Little Haiti continue to rise, as shown in a recent report from Miami-Dade Realtors. For the month of February, the neighborhood has seen the median house price rise to $194,562.

The rise marks an explosive 64 percent growth in median home prices from last year, and corresponds to a general rise in house prices across Miami-Dade County. The median sales price, however, is still significantly lower than the median sales prices across the county for existing single-family homes. Miami-Dade County prices increased 6.4 percent in February, from $254,000 to $270,221. This makes the area still competitive for sellers, despite the slower rate of sales last month in Miami-Dade County, which fell by 5.8 percent compared to last year.

The rising, but still competitive, home prices bring good news for Little Haiti residents interested in selling their homes and increasing their personal wealth and buying power. But some local activists remain concerned that this same competitive prices will encourage gentrification in this historically significant neighborhood in the diaspora, pointing to the rising in both residential and commercial investments from high-priced developers looking to cash in the development boom happening in nearby Wynwood and the Design District.

A report released last month from Little Haiti-based non-profit group, the Haitian American Community Development Corporation (HACDC), called for a broader spectrum of home affordability in the neighborhood. The report found that “a housing affordability analysis for owner units in Little Haiti shows significant gaps at the median household income category…and extreme affordability gaps at each of the lower house income categories.”

Broward expands pilot police body camera program

Sheriff Israel unveils cameras worn by deputies

The Broward County Sheriff’s office has announced that they will be expanding the pilot police body camera program to 1500 officers by this summer.

Sheriff Scott Israel said the program seeks to promote transparency among the force. The body cameras will cost tax payer $1000 per officer, per year, costing about $1.5 million.

Outfitting officers with cameras is a response by departments across the country after citizens’ cellphone recordings of police misconduct and at times, brutality, have gone viral.

Read more: Hallandale Beach PD to start wearing body cameras

A 2014 Broward Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs report listed 248 complaints about employee misconduct and 858 uses of force reports that were investigated, with 436 of those having injuries.

The cameras allow deputies to manually turn them on and off, which agency policy occasionally requires them to do, say when working with confidential informants or undercover officers, discussing investigative strategies with peers or while writing reports.

Deputies cannot edit video recorded by their cameras. To reassure the community that deputies won’t turn off the cameras at inconvenient times, Israel said, “Our deputies are honorable and the greatest deputies in the world. They protect us every day and do things right.

Read more: CNW90: Officials call for police body cams following Corey Jones shooting

Negotiations with Taser International, chosen after tests with several vendors, are continuing, officials said. Once those terms are complete, more deputies will be equipped with the recording systems.

Those figures are higher than in 2013, when there were 149 complaints and 790 uses of force with 333 injuries investigated. The agency said the increase is because it is documenting even minor use of force incidents

Seeking to increase county police transparency among the public, the Broward Sheriff’s Office launched their new police body camera pilot program in January, installing 100 deputies with the equipment.

Hallandale Beach Police Department became the first city in Broward County to wear body cameras, as officers received equipment last December.

Law enforcement agencies across the state and country have moved toward body cameras amid a growing concern about police shootings and altercations with civilians.

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