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Guyana launches energy project

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson,

Project to allow homes to receive solar home systems

Guyana has launched the Sustainable Business Models for Rural Electrification and Energy Access project that will allow for at least 6,000 homes across 25 hinterland communities to receive solar home systems.

The project, which is being spearheaded by MPI’s Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU), is a collaboration with the not-for-profit company, CARIBSAVE, and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group. MIF has contributed US$1.3 million towards the US$1.7 million project.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, noted that, in Guyana, over 80 per cent of hinterland communities have no access to electricity, while the coastlands boast a nearly 100 per cent electrification rate.

 “The unbalance is glaring. It is no secret that the hinterland remains the reserve of Guyana’s wealth; therefore, if we can create the infrastructure that will improve energy availability for rural communities, the result will be a win-win for everyone…rural electrification improves social, environmental and economic parameters of rural livelihood,”  Ferguson said.

Ferguson said that the glaring disparity between the electrification rates must be rectified and that the government has allocated GUY$110 million (One Guyana dollar =US$0.04 cents) in the 2016 national budget to close the electrification rate gap that exists between urban areas and the hinterland.

She said the surge in renewable energy sources will lead to an overall positive impact on the environment.

“Energy is so critical for our survivability; its inaccessibility should be treated as a human rights issue,” she said, adding that the project will bring drastic improvement to people’s lives and communities through the improvements of public infrastructure, living conditions and health and education facilities; through the provision of income generating opportunities; and through the building of capacity for improved energy services.

The project will also focus on the development of business models for solar photovoltaic systems which will be installed in community buildings in the 25 communities. Additionally, community members and other energy sector agencies will be trained in technical, operational, social and environmental aspects of the project.

 

Former Antigua &Barbuda PM says CCJ is essential for true independence

Former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird

Former PM favors CCJ over Privy Council 

Former prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird says replacing the London-based Privy Council with the c(CCJ) “finishes Antiguan and Barbudan independence and autonomy that was begun in the 1930s.”

In a broadcast on Sunday, Sir Lester, who served as the island’s second prime minister from 1994-2004, said that the ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP) had long advocated the need for the country to move away from the Privy Council.He said when the island sought to attain political independence from Britain in the 1960s, it wanted full independence that would have also included an independent judicial system.

“We rejected the idea that judicial decisions which affect our lives should be made in a city thousands of miles away, and by persons appointed largely by the Prime Minister of a country that was our former colonial power,” Sir Lester said.

Last week Thursday, Antigua and Barbuda launched a three-month public education program on whether to continue with the Privy Council or replace with the Trinidad-based regional court. At the end of the exercise, citizens will be asked to vote in a referendum on the matter.

Sir Lester, 78, who is now a National Hero and senior minister in the present Gaston Browne administration, said he welcomed the initiative since “it is important for the people of this country to know that serious consideration of our delinking from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council did not start this week.”

He said when he was prime minister he signed the Caribbean Community (Caricom) loan agreement with the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to establish the US$100 million Trust Fund to finance the court, and also said that since no member of the CCJ is beholden to governments for their salaries and other emoluments, “none of them has to worry that a decision against a government would affect their livelihood.

Trump, Clinton win Florida primaries

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump each expanded their leads on Tuesday

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton surge ahead after key primary wins

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump each expanded their leads on Tuesday, winning multiple primary victories that make it all the more improbable that rivals can catch up to them in the race for their party’s presidential nomination.

Republican candidate Trump swept the state’s 99 delegates away from Florida’s own Marco Rubio with 45.8% of the vote. As a result of losing Florida, Marco Rubio dropped out of the Republican race.

“While this may not have been the year for a hopeful and optimistic message about our future, I still remain hopeful and optimistic four our country,” Rubio said in conceding.

Trump’s victories continue to cause a headache for the Republican party because many senior members are concerned by his policies and tone.Trump will need just over half of the hundreds of delegates remaining to win a majority in the Republican race and assure him of the nomination.

For the democratic race, Clinton took 122 delegates with 64.4% of the vote against Bernie Saunders and also extended her lead with wins in Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina.

Clinton’s big turnout in Broward county owes much to Caribbean support, says Broward Commissioner and member of the Clinton campaign’s Caribbean Leadership council, Dale Holness.

Hillary Clinton campaign recently established the Caribbean Leadership Council of state and local leaders among the Diaspora.

Other advocates for the Clinton campaign include state representatives Hazelle Rogers and Daphne Campbell and Miami Dade commission chairman Jean Monestime.

Speaking to supporters in Florida after win, Clinton said turned her attention to Trump, “To be great, we can’t be small. We can’t lost what made America great in the first place.”

Clinton will return to Los Angeles on March 24 for a series of fundraisers, including an event at the Hollywood nightclub Avalon and a reception at the home of ICM Partners’ Chris Silbermann and his wife Julia Franz.

US man pleads guilty to participating in Jamaica-based lottery scam

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says a South Florida man has pleaded guilty for his role in a Jamaica-based telemarketing fraud scheme.

Delroy Drummond, 26, of Broward County, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.

Drummond is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31, where he will face a maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

According to documents and information presented in court, beginning in or about April 2015, Drummond’s co-conspirators contacted elderly victims in the United States and falsely informed them that they had won a lottery.

The victims were told that they had to pay several thousand dollars in taxes and fees in order to collect their purported lottery winnings.

It said the co-conspirators then instructed the victims on how to send this money – that was directed to Drummond.

In September 2013, the DOJ said Drummond was contacted by law enforcement regarding a package, which was sent through the mail, containing money from a victim of the fraudulent scheme.

At that time, the DOJ said Drummond was “confronted with the fact that he was participating in a lottery scheme and was warned by law enforcement to stop receiving money from victims of telemarketing fraud.”

In April 2015, the DOJ said Drummond obtained money wired to him under a fictitious name from a victim who had been falsely told he/she had won a US$2.5 million lottery prize.

Drummond used fraudulent identification in order to receive the funds.

It’s reported that between April 2015 and December 2015, Drummond received numerous packages containing money via the United States Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service from multiple victims located throughout the United States.

As a result of the fraudulent scheme, the victims lost about US$500,000.

Nine BCPS Magnet Schools and Programs win National Merit Awards

Apollo Middle School was one of the schools that received the Magnet Schools of Excellence Award

Schools awarded for their student academic achievement

Nine Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) magnet schools and programs recently earned the Magnet Schools of America 2016 National Merit Awards. Fours schools received the Magnet Schools of Excellence award, and five schools and programs received the Magnet Schools of Distinction award from MSA, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. 

 

Receiving the Magnet Schools of Excellence, the top merit award given to a select group of magnet schools, are: Liberty Elementary School, Sprout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Museum; New River Middle School, marine science; Sunrise Middle School, Montessori; and William Dandy Middle School, pre-medical. 

 

Receiving the Magnet Schools of Distinction, the second highest award of recognition, are: Apollo Middle School, STEM; Fort Lauderdale High School, Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Programme; Fort Lauderdale High School, pre-law and public affairs; McNicol Middle School, science/pre-engineering; Parkway Middle School of the Arts, performing and visual arts; and South Plantation High School, environmental science and Everglades restoration. 

 

Schools are recognized and awarded for their student academic achievement, innovative and engaging instruction and curriculum, community engagement, professional development, and commitment to diversity. 

 

“We are extremely proud of our school communities for making these schools outstanding learning environments,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “Our schools have made it a priority to personalize learning and prepare students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

 

School leaders and representatives from each of the winning schools will receive a merit award plaque during an awards ceremony held at the Magnet Schools of America’s 34th National Conference in Miami, Florida, May 3 – 7, 2016.

4 interesting facts about Cuba

Cuba

For many years, the nation of Cuba has caught the attention for the political background and volatile nature of the country. The nation itself carries a huge history and a long list of incidents that have occurred throughout the history of the country, and with over 11m inhabitants now living on these island it’s a country that is steadily growing and improving.Check out these 4 interesting facts about the island.

No Coca-Cola

One of the most commonly known facts about Cuba is that it has banned Coca-Cola from being sold within its shores. It’s one of just two nations in the world to do this. Whilst this might seem like a strange situation, the reasons for why Cuba has banned Coca-Cola are fairly widespread.

Christmas was Cancelled

Prior to the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998, Christmas was never an official holiday in Cuba. It was introduced in 1997 in preparation for the visit of the Pope, as well as to help build towards a greater history of religious freedom throughout the nation as a whole. Today, Christmas is massive in Cuba.

Read All About It

With a literacy rate of 99.8%, Cuba boasts one of the highest literary rates in the entire world. This is because the country, has an incredible healthcare and education system. This means that just about everyone is taught to read within Cuba, improving their chances of employment and growth dramatically.

Staying Healthy

With healthcare, school and food all available for free within Cuba, the vast majority are capable of getting the quality of life that they need. However, the most important aspect of this is the fact that Cuba has the highest rate of doctors to people in the entire world. With so many doctors in the country, many Cuban doctors are contracted overseas without leaving their homeland short of quality medical staff.

This Day in History

American recording artiste Will.I.Am

On this day in history, American recording artiste Will.I.Am was born

On this day March 15, 1975 Williams Adams Jr. better know as Will.I.Am (pronounced “Will I Am”) was born to an American mother and Jamaican father. Adams is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur, actor, musician, record producer, and philanthropist. He is known as one of the establishing members of the Grammy Award wining hip hop and R&B band The Black Eyed Peas. While with the group, he has won seven Grammy awards, eight American Music Awards, a Billboard Award, a Teen Choice Award, two MTV Video Music Award and Three World Music Award.

Adams was born in the housing projects of Eastside Los Angeles. While there, he and his family was one of the very few African Americans living in a predominantly Hispanic community. Adams didn’t know his father William Adams Sr. and he was raised by his mother Debra (née Cain). His mother always encouraged him to be himself and not to conform to norms of society but instead be unique.
Today, Adams is a judge on The Voice UK. Adams is always evolving and not limiting himself. In 2014, he went to his Jamaican roots and collaborated with deejays Aidonia and Bounty Killer on a track. The track is entitled Birthday which is a sample of singer Stephen McGregor’s music. The song was was released June 7 by Interscope Records.

Zika – the Newest STD?

Gov. Scott lifts Zika restrictions in Miami Beach.

As Florida gets first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus, here’s all you need to know about the disease.

As if you didn’t have enough to worry about in your sex life. Florida health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus. One of two new cases discovered in Polk County, the virus was sexually transmitted from a resident who recently traveled outside the country, though the report did not specify where.

Normally contracted by mosquito bites, Zika has caused panic throughout the Caribbean, with cases confirmed in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, St. Vincent and Grendadines, and many other CARICOM nations. Though symptoms are mild, resembling the flu, the disease has been linked to higher rates of birth defects from mothers infected with the virus.

The fact that this disease can be sexually transmitted makes in all the more worrying for couples. The World Health Organization reports that the disease being sexually transmitted is far more common than previously reported. So how specifically is it sexually transmitted, and what can you do to prevent it? Check out the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) breakdown of the virus’s features and how to prevent infection.

Contraction

Men do the spreading

Reports confirm that the Zika virus is spread by a man to his sex partners. The virus can be contagious before, during and after men experience symptoms, as the virus can live longer in semen than in blood – though how long is not known. The CDC also does not know if women can transmit the virus to her sex partner. So, for now, only people whose male sex partners have traveled to areas with Zika transmission need to be concerned. If the guy in your life has traveled recently for a family trip to the Caribbean, talk with your doctor about getting tested for the virus. Men – talk to your medical provider about your travel history, how long you stayed, and whether you took any steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Prevention

Since the main source of contraction is through semen, proper use of a condom should cover all your bases. Taking precautions to prevent any accidental pregnancies should also be considered. But, if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, then you will definitely need to take extra precaution. Because of the link between Zika and birth defects, couples must take steps to prevent your partner from getting Zika during her pregnancy. In addition to condoms, the CDC strongly recommends to couples to not have sex while pregnant, as it’s the best way to be sure that someone does not get the virus. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what steps will be right for you.

New York Enforcers celebrates Guyana Florida Cup Victory

It was sweet sweet victory for the New York Enforcers in more ways than one this past Sunday at the 2016 Florida Cup All-Stars Championship finals, held at the Central Broward Regional Park.

The Enforcers swept the all-star pack, neatly defeating the much favored South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) All-Stars with 82 runs from 3 wickets from 12.2 overs. Batsman Vickey Sugrim particularly stood out with a quickfire 43 runs. When it was their turn up to bat, the SFSCL was bowled all out with 81 ones, thanks to a stellar performance from Enforcer Captain and tournament bowling MVP, Balieram Beharry.

This marks a first Florida Cup win for the New York Enforcers, and a particularly poignant one, as the tournament was dedicated in honor of Guyana celebrating 50 years of independence this year. The Enforcers are deeply dedicated to giving back to children in Guyana through their Enforcer charity. Their organization donates much needed supplies to homes and orphanages that care for the homeless children in Guyana.

Throughout its three years, the Enforcer Charity have already donated over 90 barrels of food and clothing for over 700 children in 23 orphanages, and over 300 children in 12 villages. Captain Beharry has pledged that a portion of their $4000 prize will be dedicated to continuing the team’s charity work.

Jamaican makes headlines for daring canal crash rescue in Plantation

Jamaican-born Jephthah Thomas during an interview with Skyforce 7 news

Jamaican-born Jephtah Thomas is praised as a hero by the Plantation Fire Department and the public following his brave rescue of a father and daughter, when their car crashed into a canal off Sunrise Boulevard.

Thomas was driving on Sunrise Boulevard and said he saw “something fly past his windshield” and decided to rush to the scene. Speaking Skyforce 7 reporters, Thomas said “Once I got there I yanked it [the door] open.”

When told that he saved their lives, and emotional Thomas responded, “It’s just one of those things. It could have been my son or wife.”

Recovering from their minor injuries, rescued father and daughter Teophil and 10-year-old Vasthie Omegat thanked Thomas for saving them, calling him their own “angel.”

Watch now: Plantation car drives into canal

“The Bachelor” makes his pick in Jamaica

Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnellin the final moments of last night's episode

Proposes to contestant Lauren Bushnell

The island of Jamaica was featured in the finale of the hit reality show ‘The Bachelor’ last night, as Bachelor Ben Higgins and his remaining two ladies on the show were filmed at several key spots in Jamaica, including Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Good Hope, Martha Brae, Miss T’s, YS Halls and Dunn’s River Falls.

Ben and contestant Lauren Bushnell. were also captured on film releasing sea turtles in the ocean during a turtle hatching expedition.

In the final moments of the finale, the 26-year-old software salesman from Indiana announced that he’d found his mate in flight attendant Lauren and took no time to get down on one knee and propose to her

Jamaicans in the Diaspora and at home first reacted with pride on social media a few week’s when one of the episodes that was filmed in Ocho Rios, Jamaica was aired on ABC TV.

The Bachelor followed Ben Higgins, the handsome software salesman, on his journey for a soulmate. Last season, Higgins was sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe on The Bachelorette.

“The diverse offerings of the island will be on display to the millions of viewers across the United States who are eager to know Ben’s final decision,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s director of tourism after the episode aired.

During his visit to the island, Higgins stayed at the outstanding all-inclusive Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

Jamaican praised for daring canal crash rescue in Plantation

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

South Florida musician Delroy Drummond, aka “Top Banga” may face up to 20 years in prison for his role in a $500,000 Jamaican lotto scheme. Drummond pled guilty in court recently to fraudulently collecting money from victims who believed they were paying taxes and fees on their fake Lotto winnings. Sentencing is set for May 31.

With technical support from the University of South Florida, 4 CARICOM countries are joining a regional campaign to reduce the public’s salt intake. Operating in Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Salt-Smart Coalition will provide cooking and shopping strategies to the public, in an effort to reduce rates of hypertension and stroke.

OMI of “Cheerleader” fame has become the first Jamaican to be nominated for a Billboard Latin Music Award. The artiste is up for “Crossover Artiste of the Year” against singers Justine Beiber, the Weeknd and Ed Sheeran. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will take place on April 28 in Miami.

Two top teams were crowned champions this past Sunday at the 2016 Florida Cup Cricket Championship finals, held at Central Broward regional park. Team Floodlight took the Masters Championship crown, while the New York Enforcers copped the 2016 Florida Cup All-star Championships. Hosted by the South Florida Softball Cricket League, the event honored Guyana’s 50th year of independence.

What’s trending:

Jamaican-born Jephtah Thomas is praised as a hero by the Plantation Fire Department and the public following his brave rescue of a father and daughter, when their car crashed into a canal off Sunrise Boulevard. Recovering from their minor injuries, rescued father and daughter Teophil and 10-year-old Vasthie Omegat thanked Thomas for saving them, calling him their own “angel.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 65. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 66.

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.

Interim Healthcare to pay $100,000 fine for “No Haitians” ad

South Florida-based home health aid company, Interim Healthcare, has been ordered by the New York State Attorney General’s office to pay a $100,000 fine for posting a job add warning “No Haitians need apply.”

Back in October 2015, the Interim Healthcare New York branch, who has their corporate office in Sunrise, posted an offensive and typo-riddled advert calling for a “laid back nurse, no haitians [sic].”

The incident sparked outrage within the Diaspora in New York and South Florida, where Interim Healthcare is based. In October, Miami Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime had called the company’s actions “completely inacceptable” and called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to “immediately join the case” investigation by New York’s Attorney General Office’s Office into Interim Healthcare’s employment and hiring practices. The Haitian-American Nurses Association’s (HANA) South Florida Chapter also responded to the controversy, saying that “this type of ignorance will not be tolerated,” and demanded that “proper actions are taking against Interim Healthcare, Inc.”

Read more: Miami-Dade’s Chairman Monestime condemns “No Haitians” Job ad

No action has been reported regarding whether Florida’s Attorney General’s office investigated the company for discriminatory hiring practices in the state. But, as part of the New York Attorney’s office’s settlement with Interim Healthcare, the company will now be required to also create more stringent anti-discriminatory policies, dubbed as “Caregiver Placement Equal Employment Opportunity Policy,” in addition to the fine.

The New York Attorney General’s investigation into the incident found that the ad’s specification stemmed directly from a patient’s request and was not reviewed by the company for potential violation of equal opportunity rights laws before it was published in a Rockland County pennysaver.

Watch now:CNW90: Miami-Dade’s Chairman Monestime condemns “No Haitians” Job Ad

The agency also agreed to assign the Vice President of Human Resources to supervise the processing of patients’ requests for caregivers. Interim Healthcare will also have to train all its employees responsible for hiring and adverting in an anti-discrimination program. The company will also investigate all complaints, written or oral, alleging discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, national origin or gender and provide the Attorney General with reports describing all such complaints.

Haiti’s interim president names new Electoral Council

Haiti Interim President Jocelerme Privert

Interim President Jocelerme Privert has named a new Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) as the country moves towards staging presidential elections.

In a television broadcast on Sunday night, he said that “the nine members of the electoral council have already been chosen.

Revival of the electoral process is essential for a definitive resolution to the institutional and electoral crisis,” he added.

Opposition parties had called for the establishment of an interim administration to oversee fresh elections in the country and had taken to the streets protesting the outcome of the first round of balloting on August 24 last year as well as preventing the staging of the second round of the presidential elections on January 24 this year.

Under an agreement signed hours before President Michel Martelly’s departure on February 7, the interim president chosen by parliament will serve for up to 120 days.

The agreement proposes a new presidential election on April 24, with a new president installed on May 14.

In his broadcast, Privert said he has a mandate to complete the elections for “the remaining seats in the House of Deputies by the election of 27 deputies and at Senate by the election of 6 senators.

“Still, it will be necessary to finalize the election of all organs of municipal authorities, carry out the election of members of the 575 communal sections and finally completed the presidential election as scheduled in the agreement of February 5, 2016.”

He said the completion of “these elections and these objectives require the establishment of a government and the holding of a Council of Ministers to see the setting in place of the CEP in order to revive the electoral process”.

Privert reminded parliamentarians that “the principle of separation of powers does not imply a logic of permanent confrontation between the different bodies of the State […but the republican spirit of constant collaboration and functional interdependence between institutions in statutory autonomy.

“The separation of powers implies first and foremost a break with authoritarianism and arbitrariness. In these difficult times we are required to move forward together,” he said, inviting his “former colleagues to share my concerns about the deteriorating living conditions of our people, for that I have to have for bias, that of the collective and general interest.

“I ask you to give the benefit of the doubt, even better of credit to all the members of the Consensus Government in voting favourably the declaration of general policy of the Prime Minister Fritz-Alphonse Jean.

“I am launching a patriotic appeal to parliamentarians so that they play their part for this week we have a government,” he added.

 

Jamaica’s Alan Beckford to officiate Olympic triathlon

Alan Beckford

Create history as first Jamaican Olympic triathlon official

Jamaica’s Alan Beckford will become the first official from the English-speaking Caribbean to officiate in triathlon at the Olympic Games.

Beckford, who is head of the local association, has been selected by the International Olympic Committee to officiate at the Rio Games this summer.

“It’s been eight years of being an international official officiating in over twelve countries going all over the world. It’s hard work; a lot of people think it’s glamour. You get up in the morning at 5 o’clock and get home at 10 o’clock but at the end of the day it’s really rewarding to know that you have been selected to the premium event in any sport that you can go to is the Olympics to officiate,” said Beckford.

Beckford is not yet sure which of the three sections of the event he’ll be assigned to work.

Beckford is a professional in the field of Finance, with more than 20 years seniormanagement experience in the public and private sectors, having led the strategic development of institutions such as the Jamaica Automobile Association, the Sports Development Foundation and Island Life Merchant.

He served on a number of boards including the CHASE Fund, Overseas Examnination Commission, HEART Trust/NTA and Jamaica College.

A former student of Jamaica College, he pursued his tertiary education at the New York Institute of Technology graduatiing in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance Option) in 1987.

Beckford is integrally involved in his community, especially in the area of sports administration and development. A past Vice President, Finance, of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association, he helps young Jamaica College athletes develop their talents. True to his passion for running, he is a founding member of the Jamdammers Running Club, where he advocated for the development of long distance running in Jamaica.

Mr. Beckford is the Vice President of the Jamaica Triathlon Association, a member of the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association and is an internationally certified Triathlon Track and Field, and Swimming official.

 

IDB and OAS urge Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen cybersecurity

New report shows the region has “potentially devastating” vulnerabilities

Leaders of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS) recently called on the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to step up their efforts on cybersecurity following the release of a new study, carried out by the two institutions with the support of Oxford University. The report shows the region is highly vulnerable to potentially devastating cyber-attacks.

The 2016 Cybersecurity report, “Are we ready in Latin America and the Caribbean?” says that four out of every five countries in the region do not have a cybersecurity strategy or plans for protecting critical infrastructure. Two out of three countries do not have a command and control center for cybersecurity. And a large majority of prosecutors lack the capacity to punish cybercrimes.

The report analyzes the state of preparedness of 32 countries based on 49 indicators. It is the first significant examination of the level of preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean against the growing threat of cybercrime.

Uruguay, Brazil, México, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago have achieved an intermediate level of preparedness, but lag advanced countries like the United States, Israel, Estonia and the Republic of Korea.

“This report is a call to action to protect our citizen and our critical infrastructure for the 21st Century,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. “Our region arrived late to the Industrial Revolution. We cannot miss the opportunity provided by the Digital Revolution. Because of this, cybersecurity must be a priority.”

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro emphasized that cyberspace is increasingly becoming an integral part of the daily life of people in the Americas, and is indispensable to their total development. “That is why we have to regard cybersecurity like any other kind of security: an issue of the highest priority for our people, without which we expose ourselves to potentially catastrophic losses,” he said.

That is why we have to regard cybersecurity like any other kind of security: an issue of the highest priority for our people, without which we expose ourselves to potentially catastrophic losses,” OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.

“In this context, our motto, of ‘more rights for more people’ signals our commitment to continue working to strengthen the capacity of our countries to protect our people, our economies and the critical infrastructure of our region.”

The risks of abuse increase as Latin America and the Caribbean join the digital revolution. The region is the fourth largest mobile market in the world. Half its population uses the Internet. There are countries in Latin America that process 100 percent of their government purchases electronically. And the risks will multiply with the advent of “The Internet of Things,” where not only computers will be interconnected, but a universe of smart devices and sensors will monitor and control virtually everything we use every day.

This evaluation of the readiness of cybersecurity policies in the region consists of 49 indicators in five areas: policy and strategy, education, culture and society, legal framework, and technology. The report includes technical data on each country.

Sixteen countries in the region have no coordinated capacity to respond to incidents. Only four rank above the intermediate level of maturity in this respect. And just six have a structured program of education in cybersecurity, which includes budgetary stability as well as mechanisms for research and the transfer of knowledge.

 

Foods to fire up your metabolism

When it comes to a fast metabolism, some people seem to have hit easy. However,  modifying your exercise habits and making wiser food choices are two ways anyone can achieve a faster metabolism and a smaller waistline.

Increased physical activity affects the metabolism more than anything else but before you opt to take the stairs over the elevator make sure you are fueling your body with the energy it needs. A great first step is to examine your diet and understand which foods will give you long-lasting energy to help you move more during the day and burn more calories.

Below are some foods that are recommended to help boost metabolism:

Eggs 

The satiating and blood sugar stabilizing protein found in eggs helps keep you full and extends the power boost from carbohydrates like oats. Chose Eggland’s Best eggs over ordinary eggs because they provide three times more vitamin B12, a nutrient that assists the body in creating energy, as well as double the omega-3s which stimulate leptin, a hormone that increases feelings of fullness.

Oats 

The complex carbohydrates in oats fuel your brain and your body. Without them, your metabolism will suffer because you’ll have very little energy to be active and burn calories. Oats are also fiber-filled which helps extend energy levels.

Berries

Berries, such as blackberries and strawberries, taste great and contain the phytochemical known as Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). Research shows C3G aids in the production of both adiponectin, which enhances fat metabolism, and leptin, which suppresses appetite.

Remembering Little Haiti pioneer Yves Savain

social advocate, Yves Savain

Haitians mourn loss of social advocate Yves Savain

Haitian back home and across the Diaspora are mourning the loss of longtime social advocate, Yves Savain, who recently passed away in Baltimore, MD at 65. Savain was a longtime advocate for Haitian and the Diaspora, particularly in South Florida, as the head of numerous organizations.

In the early 1980s, he served as the executive director of Haitian Task Force of Miami, which sought to bring both economic and cultural development for the then rapidly growing community. One landmark project was launching the design contest for what would now be known as the Caribbean Marketplace. Savain also advocated for many social issues then affectin the community, from fighting for the right of undocumented immigrant students to access public education to ending the federal government’s band of blood donations from Haitians, at the height of the AIDS scare.

Following the 2010 earthquake, Savain also served as executive director of Haiti’s CTMO-HOPE, which helped facilitate U.S. investment partnerships and compliance to boost the local economy. Under Savain’s guidance, the agency also launched a design competition to rebuild the Cathedral Notre Dame de l’Assomption in Port-au-Prince, after being severally damaged in the earthquake.

Savain’s life will be celebrated in a memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Monday at the Cathédrale Notre Dame de l’Assomption in Port-au-Prince by his friend, Port-au-Prince Archbishop Guire Poulard. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski has also confirmed that a mass will be celebrated in his honor in Miami at a later date.

Savain leaves behind his wife Genevieve Auguste and three sons Harvey, Travis Harvey and Gregory.

Rihanna to be honoured at BET’s Black Girls Rock

Popstar to receive the Rock Star Award

Bajan popstar Rihanna will be honored at  BET’s “Black Girls Rock!” awards. The singer will receive the Rock Star Award at the annual event honoring black women.

Rihanna took to her social media accounts to express her gratitude for the honor.

Other honorees include writer-producer Shonda Rhimes, R&B icon Gladys Knight, “Walking Dead” star and playwright Danai Gurira and actress Amandla Stenberg.

Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, will also be honored.

Tracee Ellis Ross, star of ABC’s “black-ish,” will host the event.

“Black Girls Rock!” will tape April 1 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. The show will air April 5 on BET.

FMU Track & Field Team Shines at USF Invitational

Florida Memorial University's Track and Field team

Florida Memorial University’s Track & Field team came out on top at the recently held University of South Florida Invitational held last Friday and Saturday.

Corion Knight won the Men’s high jump, clearing 2.04 meters, or 6-8 1/4, to place first in the field of eight jumpers. His teammate,Samuel Dorismond, finished in second place with a leap of 1.88 meters, or 6-2.

Follow FMU teammate had a very strong showing in the 100-and 200-meter dashes. She finished 4th in the shorter race with a time of 12.12, which is a personal best. She also finished 5th in the 200m,clocking 24.71. Teammate, Kimberly Nesmith, finished the 100 meter dash in 12.99 and the 200-meter dash in 27.02 respectively.

Florida Memorial’s Eunique Byrd threw a season best in the Women’s Discus Throw with a mark of 31.98, or 104-11, for a fifth place finish. Teammate, Wilsandley Jacques finished 11th placed.

Florida Memorial University Track and Field Team will return to action on March 18-19, 2016, when they travel to Coral Gables, Florida to take part in the Hurricane Invitational.

CAPRI hosts forum to strengthen bilateral relations between Jamaica and the US

Jamaican Ambassador to the United States of America, His Excellency Ralph Thomas

Jamaicans in New York will have an opportunity to contribute to ongoing discussions targeted at further strengthening bilateral relations between Jamaica and the United States of America during a public forum scheduled for March 24 at 6 pm at the New York Hilton Midtown, The Mercury Ballroom in New York.

Hosted by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, Guest speakers at this year’s forum include Jamaican Ambassador to the United States of America, His Excellency Ralph Thomas, Counsellor, Public Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America, Kingston, Mr Joshua Polacheck and General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society, Mr Earl Jarrett, CD.

 

The Manhattan forum, centred on the theme: Jamaica/ US Relations: Issues and Perspectives will focus on matters of “Security and Good Governance”,  is the third in a four-part dialogue being led by the United States Embassy in Kingston and the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) with Jamaicans locally and overseas, under the project: Dialogues Between Democracies: The Future of US/ Jamaica Bilateral Relations.

 

The forum will explore practical measures to strengthen civil society and to enhance its impact as an agent for improving governance in Jamaica.

The forum will also focus on policymaking, accountability, transparency, access to information and the development of informed public opinion.

 

SBA to Host Women’s Business Summit, National InnovateHER Pitch Competition Finals

U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters in Washington

On Thursday, March 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host the InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Summit, a national symposium that provides an opportunity for women-owned small business owners to identify opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship, learn about available tools and resources, and make connections to other successful women entrepreneurs.

This event will highlight the skills, strategy, outlook, and connections women need to own and run profitable businesses.

To kick off the summit, the SBA will host the final pitch competition of the InnovateHER Business Challenge, a nationwide business competition created to help identify innovative products and services that could better the lives of women and families. Local competitions began in August 2015 and drew nearly 2,000 competitors combined. The top 10 finalists have been invited to travel to Washington, D.C. for a live pitch competition before a panel of expert judges. The judges for the final pitch will be Nely Galan, JJ Ramberg, and Lisa Price. The top three pitches will receive awards totaling $70,000, provided by Microsoft.

Following the pitch competition, The Atlantic, in association with the SBA, will convene a group of entrepreneurs, advocates and innovators to discuss the perennial issues women face in starting and growing businesses. The discussion will try to identify the keys to promoting entrepreneurship and preparing women-led businesses for success.

Do you think the presidential candidates are not focusing enough on the issues?

Hillary Clinton courts the Caribbean vote in South Florida

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

The Caribbean Basin Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crimes Conference continues today at the Conrad Hotel in Miami, focusing on human trafficking, terrorism, bribery and their connections to money-laundering. Government officials and financial experts from across the Caribbean are in attendance to discuss ways the region can combat these issues.

A team of FBI agents raided Opa-locka City Hall yesterday, seizing boxes of records and data in connection to a 2-year investigation into accusations of corruption among city officials. Materials were seized from the offices of the mayor and city manager. No arrests regarding the investigation were made.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Alumni association, Florida chapter, will be hosting a UWI Connect social tomorrow, starting 4 pm at the Jamaica Ex-Police Association in Lauderhill. Special guests of honor include former UWI Vice Chancellor Sir George Alleyne, as well as other administrative representatives from alumni affairs.

The Fort Lauderdale Blazers seeks to take over top Team Albion Plantation in the CASA Super League standings tomorrow, as the team takes on the Plantation Futballers, starting 6:15 pm at the Lauderhill sports complex. The Blazers are currently tied with Albion Plantation with 15 points each, though Plantation leads in goals scored.

What’s trending:

Florida health officials have confirmed the first case of Zika virus sexually transmitted in the state. The report said the virus was sexually transmitted from an individual who had traveled abroad. The disease is mainly contract through mosquito bites.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 81 and a low of 70.

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.

Caribbean tests tsunami warning system

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

Exercise will test the effectiveness of early warning provisions

The region will participate in a large scale tsunami response exercise on Thursday, that is geared towards identifying possible weaknesses in the tsunami and other coastal hazards warning system for the Caribbean and adjacent regions.

Known as Caribe Wave 16, the exercise will test the effectiveness of early warning provisions involving those responsible for the management of emergencies in the region, including national Tsunami Warning Focal Points, weather forecast centres, national coast guard services and emergency relief services.

Nearly 70,000 people are involved in the exercise and countries will also be able to extend the test at the local level.


Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Panama are planning to test their preparedness through an evacuation exercise for some of their coastal populations.

The exercise will test a double scenario including a major earthquake off the coast of Venezuela and another off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It will feature fictitious messages sent by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) to the countries taking part in the exercise.

Countries can choose to extend the test at the local level by disseminating the alert via sirens or loudspeakers

Over the last 500 years, 75 tsunamis have occurred in the Caribbean, nearly 10 per cent of the worldwide total over the same period.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says tsunamis, whether caused by earthquakes, landslides or volcanic activity have claimed more than 3,500 lives in the region since the middle of the 19th century .
The first tsunami warning exercise in the region took place in 2011.

The Tsunami and other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions was established in 2005 replicating the models of the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic systems.

Created under the auspices of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Intergovernmental Coordinating Groups help Member States establish tsunami warning and response systems.

 

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