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Haiti records nearly 100 deaths from cholera

People suffering cholera symptoms are treated in a sports center converted into a cholera treatment center in Cap Haitien, Haiti. (Photo: New York Post/Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Haiti says it has recorded 96 people have died from cholera during the first two months of this year.

The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) said there were also 7, 782 cases of the disease during the period January 1 to February 27.

But it said that the trend is towards a decrease in the number of cases following the outbreak US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention described as the worst epidemic of cholera in recent history.

Haitians have blamed UN peacekeeping troops from Nepal whom they said carried strains of the disease with them, contaminating a large portion of the country’s drinking water.

The United Nations initially denied any role in the outbreak, and has refused to redress complaints, claiming immunity under a 1946 convention. In January, a US judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by human rights groups seeking compensation for Haitian victims.

The MSPP said that the decline has been observed every week despite the recent rains, saying “this situation demonstrates of a better capacity to control the transmission in outbreak and at the same time the need to enhance efforts to strengthen the management of cases.

“The humanitarian community continues to support the Haitian government in its efforts not only to ensure a rapid and effective response to the cholera epidemic in improving access to drinking water services, sanitation and health, but also to reduce the vulnerability of populations living in the most at-risk cholera areas.

“As part of the continuation of this commitment a humanitarian response plan in which the response to the cholera outbreak is a priority is being developed,” the MSPP added.

But it noted that the number of deaths during the first two months of this year is higher than the same period last year when 67 deaths were recorded.

In addition, the Ministry of Health reports that 18 communities, including Cap-Haïtien, Limbé, Pilatte, Port Margot and even some sections of the capital, remain in a red alert.

Hillary Clinton courts Caribbean vote in South Florida

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton

Hazelle Rogers among Clinton advocates

In their efforts to court the Caribbean vote ahead of the Florida presidential primaries tomorrow, the Hillary Clinton campaign has established a Caribbean Leadership Council of state and local leaders among the Diaspora.

Advocates for the Clinton campaign include state representatives Hazelle Rogers and Daphne Campbell, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, and Miami Dade commission chairman Jean Monestime.

Clinton’s husband, Former President Bill Clinton, made a campaign stop in Miami Gardens Sunday recently where he spoke at an event at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex and was joined by U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson, among others.

He told the crowd her Republican rivals don’t want her to win the Democratic nomination out of fear she will beat them.

“Everything Hillary accomplished — as Secretary of State, a Senator, in the White House — she actually had some good Republicans supporting her,” Clinton said. “Now, they start being mean to her when she left the Secretary of State’s office because they said ‘Oh my goodness, we have to run against her, what will we say.’”

During his speech, President Clinton addressed the recent shooting death of 6-year-old King Carter and honored the mothers of gun violence, including Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Miami Gardens teenager Trayvon Martin.

At the rally, Rep. Frederica Wilson of Miami singled out Trump in making her case for Clinton, who would continue President Obama’s legacy.

“She deserves to go back to the White House, but this time as the commander in chief,” Wilson said. “If we elect Donald Trump, all of Obama’s hard work will be wiped out.”

Wilson also made sure to mention that Clinton would be the first woman president, something female voters of Florida seem to be keenly aware of in the poll. Among women voters polled, Clinton was favored 58-20 percent over Sanders. Men backed her 49-20 percent over Sanders. Clinton also beat Sanders among every age group of voters who were polled.

12th Annual Coral Springs Festival Of The Arts set for March 19-20

Festival to feature an array of artists

Come out and enjoy a weekend of art, culture and entertainment at this year’s Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, set for March 19 and 20.

Now in it’s 12 staging, the festival will feature an impressive array of 200 artists and crafters and an exciting schedule of music and performing arts entertainment.

Kicking off the festival on March 18 and 19 will be two days of literary workshops at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts specially designed for writers, editors and illustrators where presentations on poetry, mystery, suspense, and Photoshop for illustrators will be held.

During the Festival, music will vary from calypso, reggae, to country, a rock and roll violinist, a 19-piece jazz orchestra playing big band sound, salsa and merengue and a Tina Turner tribute band. The performing arts stage will include performances by an 18-member banjo band; former members of the folk group The Highwaymen; multicultural dance groups from Peru, Ireland, and India; the Broward Women’s Choral Group, and Japanese drums.

Produced by Howard Alan Events, the festival will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FMU’s Corion Knight captures All-American honors at NAIA Track Championships

Florida Memorial University’s Corion Knight capped off his spectacular indoor season by earning All-American honors on the final day of the 2016 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships. Corion Knight’s leap of 2.04m (6-08.25.) earned him All-American honor at the meet as he placed 8th in the Men’s High Jump. All-American honors were given to the top eight individuals from each event and all four runners in the top eight relays. With his finish, Knight becomes the first Lion to capture All-American honors since the 2011 Indoor Championship meet when Jeffrey Henderson and Anika Baptiste earned the distinction. The meet signaled the end of the men's and women's indoor season. The Lions will begin their outdoor season at the USF Invitational, hosted by University of South Florida, on Friday, March 11th in Tampa, Fla. For more information on Florida Memorial Athletics, visit www.fmuathletics.com/

Meet signaled the end of the men’s and women’s indoor season

Florida Memorial University’s Corion Knight capped off his spectacular indoor season by earning All-American honors on the final day of the 2016 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships.

Corion Knight’s leap of 2.04m (6-08.25.) earned him All-American honor at the meet as he placed 8th in the Men’s High Jump.

All-American honors were given to the top eight individuals from each event and all four runners in the top eight relays. With his finish, Knight becomes the first Lion to capture All-American honors since the 2011 Indoor Championship meet when Jeffrey Henderson and Anika Baptiste earned the distinction.

The meet signaled the end of the men’s and women’s indoor season. The Lions will begin their outdoor season at the USF Invitational, hosted by University of South Florida, on Friday, March 11th in Tampa.

 

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindgall celebrates Women’s History Month with Girls’ Mentoring Organization

School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (center) with members of Youth of Valor Empowerment at the North Miami Public Library. Photo Credit: Miami-Dade School Board District 2.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall  served as the guest speaker during a mentoring discussion with girls from the Youth of Valor Empowerment (Y.O.V.E.) on March 1.

“I was delighted to share my personal experiences of growing up as a child in public housing and my passion for public service and educating our children”, said Dr. Bendross-Mindingall. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is our responsibility to inspire, educate, and motivate our future generation of women leaders.”

The girls mentoring group meets monthly at the North Miami Public Library to listen to influential leaders in our community.

Former PM of Curacao sentenced to three years in prison for corruption

Former Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte

PM found guilty of bribery, forgery and money laundering charges

The Court of Justice here has sentenced former prime minister Gerrit Schotte to three years imprisonment after he was found guilty of bribery, forgery and money laundering charges.

The court also ruled that his long-time partner, Cicely van der Dijs, be sentenced to 18 months in prison.

In addition, the court Friday said that the former prime minister cannot participate as a candidate in any elections for the period of five years.

Schotte, the leader of the MFK party, was appointed the country’s first prime minister in October 2010, He served for two years before members of his own administration quit and formed a new government. Schotte labelled the move as coup sponsored by The Hague.

The court said that the charges against the former prime minister had been proven.

Port Everglades breaks World Record

Port Everglades, Florida

Sets another World Record for cruise passengers in a day

On Sunday, March 13, 2016, Broward County’s Port Everglades broke its own world record with a preliminary count of more than 54,700 cruise guests sailing in and out in a single day.

The last world record was set just three months earlier on December 20, 2015, when 53,485 passengers sailed in and out of the South Florida cruise port in a single day. In addition, these record days did not include passengers aboard Balearia’s Bahamas Express ferry, which departed for a day trip to the Bahamas with almost 400 passengers.

The Port hosted eight cruise ships today including Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette, Holland America Line’s Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Royal Princess, and Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. These are the same cruise ships that called at Port Everglades for the December 20, 2015 record, but because of varying spring break vacations in March the ships came in and left full of families.

“Breaking another world record is the perfect way to kick-off the first Seatrade Cruise Global convention to be held in Broward County,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak.

After 27 years in Miami, UBM’s Seatrade Cruise Global is moving to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and for the next two years while the Miami Beach Convention Center is renovated. This tradeshow and conference, which begins Monday, March 14, is expected to host more than 800 exhibitors and 11,000 attendees, and is anticipated to generate more than $10 million in economic impact for the area.

If lined up bow to stern, the eight cruise ships docked at Port Everglades on March 13 would stretch 8,245 feet or the equivalent of nearly 27 football fields and extend the length of the new runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).  

Located in the second largest county in Florida, Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world. The Port’s wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach.

Three bad habits damaging to your child’s teeth

As a parent, you try to do the right things for your children. In addition to regular doctor appointments and healthy lunches, make sure you are not unknowingly teaching your children poor dental hygiene.

Sweets between Meals

While a snack between meals is normal, the wrong type could lead to tooth decay. Candy and sugary juices between meals can damage teeth. Instead, stick to healthier snacks with complex carbohydrates, like fruits. If your child wants a sweet on occasion, offer it with a meal. The saliva produced to digest larger quantities of a meal helps keep teeth bacteria-free.

Drinks before Bed

Rethink your strategy if a sippy cup is part of your nightly routine. When children drink juice, chocolate milk or even milk before bed without brushing their teeth afterward, the sugar in those drinks lingers, which leads to cavities. So for bedtime drinks, stick with water. If your child has a sugary drink before bedtime, make sure they brush their teeth before going to bed.

Skipping Dentist Appointments

Research recommends that both children and adults see a dentist every six months. Skipping a couple of appointments because your child’s teeth appear fine could prove dire. Aside from tooth decay, a typical appointment also involves preventive cleaning and dental care training. So be sure to always schedule the next appointment before you leave the dentist’s office.

5 things you didn’t know about your favorite cup of coffee

If your morning simply doesn’t begin until you’ve had that first cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Americans everywhere love their joe, and research shows 37 percent of American workers can’t even get dressed for work without their first cup of coffee. Nearly half of American workers consume at least three cups of coffee each day.

In the office environment, the coffee break is something of a tradition, to be shared and enjoyed together by coworkers everywhere. Thus, in honor of the American worker’s favorite morning drink and to celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, Staples, offers these five amazing coffee facts for you to share and discuss at your next coffee break.

1. People everywhere enjoy a good cup of coffee. Americans love their coffee and research shows they spend about $40 billion each year on this delicious morning beverage. But the love of joe isn’t exclusive to the United States. Across the world, an estimated 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed every single day, so drink up, you’re in good company.

2. A drink with a rich history. Coffee’s history far predates its use in modern America. Arab traders were recorded to have brought coffee beans back from Africa as far back as 1,000 A.D. Even then these traders understood the power of coffee’s morning kick. When the beans were brought back they were boiled for a drink called qahwa, which literally translates to: “that which prevents sleep.”

3. A cup or more is good for a man’s health. In 2011 the Harvard School of Public Health released the findings of a comprehensive 22-year study regarding men’s health and coffee consumption. The study, which included nearly 48,000 men, found those who drank six cups of coffee a day, or more, were 60 percent less likely to die of prostate cancer.

4. A commitment to excellence. That cup of coffee you’re holding is the product of lots of care and hard work. In fact, when you factor in the water needed to grow coffee beans and process them, it takes about 37 gallons of water to create just one single cup of coffee.

5. It’s not just for people. Human beings may be the only species that enjoys coffee in its warm, blended, liquid form, but they are not the only ones who savior the taste of coffee. In fact, coffee cherries, the fruit where coffee beans come from, is actually a favorite treat of elephants.

Consider these facts and it’s easy to see coffee has a history every bit as rich as the drink itself. To further test your coffee knowledge and to find everything you need to support your corporate coffee culture, including pods, plates, napkins and cups, visit your local Staples store today or check out Staples.com.

7 tips to avoid lottery scams

You think this is the happiest day of your life. Before you is a letter, email or text message informing you that you’ve just won the lottery. You might even receive a check with the letter stating it is part of your winnings. The communication states all you have to do is pay the processing fees or taxes and provide proof of your identity – and then the money will be yours. It seems too good to be true.

That’s because it is.

What you are looking at is the first correspondence of a lottery scam, intent not on giving you the money it promises, but instead on taking as much of your money or personal information as possible. Thousands of people each year fall victim to scams such as these, and scammers are constantly altering the ploy to keep it new in the hopes of tricking people just like you.

The good news is there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from falling victim to a scam. Keep these tips from Western Union in mind:

* Never hand over your personal information. If the correspondence starts asking for personal information, this should be your first clue that it might be a scam. Never provide your personal and banking information to people or businesses you don’t know.

*Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Western Union Money Transfer is a great way to send money to friends and family near and far, but you can be at risk of becoming a victim of fraud if you do not know the person you are sending the money to.

* Look for unprofessionalism. Many scammers give themselves away with the nature of the letter, email or text they send. If the message is poorly written, contains typos or sentences that lack professionalism, it has the red flags of a scam.

* Always avoid foreign lotteries. Many lottery scams offer high dollar winnings to the recipient from a foreign lottery. This is most likely a scam. Furthermore, playing legitimate foreign lotteries via the mail or over the telephone is illegal under Federal law.

* Look for that personal touch. If the letter, email or text claims you’re a winner, then they should know who you are. Look for the personal touch in the correspondence. How does the communication start? Is your name included? Is it spelled correctly? Or does the message begin with a more general ‘Hello’ or ‘Dear Valued Customer.’ If the header is general like this, it is because it has been sent to millions of other people, too, promising each that they have won as well.

* Remember the rules of the lottery. Many scams can be spotted immediately because they do not clearly disclose the terms and conditions, including the rules and how to claim your winnings. You will never have to pay money in advance if you’ve won a legitimate lottery. If you received a check with the lottery letter and deposited it into your bank account, never send funds from the deposited check until it officially clears, this can take weeks. Under Federal Law, financial institutions have to make the funds available to account holders within days. Just because the money is available in your account, doesn’t mean the check is good. Lastly, always remember that in order to win a lottery, you must enter in the first place.

* Call for help. If you fear you have been scammed, don’t wait to find out – take action immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud using Western Union, call Western Union’s fraud hotline at 800-448-1492. Additionally, contact authorities and other applicable financial institutions and notify them you think you’ve been the victim of a scam. If you sent a money transfer through Western Union and it has not been paid, you can generally receive a refund. Once the scammer picks up the funds, the money is gone and you generally may not receive a refund.

Good, smart people across the country fall victim to scams every single day because they get swept up in the excitement of the message in front of them. If you receive a claim of lottery winnings, take a step back and look at the situation rationally; if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

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Barbados bans drones

Barbados government places strict, year long ban on drones

Barbados on Wednesday announced a 12-month prohibition on the importation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.

It said that the new measure will come into effect from April 1.

The Customs & Excise Department said the ban would allow the authorities to complete a legal framework to govern the use of these devices and determine the number in operation in Barbados.

A spokesperson for the Customs & Excise Department said that during the last two years in particular, there has been a significant increase in the number of RPAS for commercial and recreational use being allowed entry into the country.

“This has contributed to the unregulated growth of drones and the inability of the regulatory authorities to ascertain the numbers in operation,” the spokesperson said.

Despite the positive use of drones, the official stated, concerns had been raised here and internationally about the potential for their misuse and the risks posed to safety, security and privacy by their unregulated use.

Do you have sensitive teeth?

Simple Steps to Manage Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. The inside of your tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of your tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of your tooth is protected by a layer of cementum. Dentin hypersensitivity or nerve irritation occurs whenever dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, exposing the nerve endings to hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods. Tooth sensitivity affects up to 57 percent of the population.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be caused by the following dental issues:

  • Grinding your teeth at night.
  • Post dental treatment sensitivity – which is common, but temporary, especially with procedures such as crowns, fillings and tooth bleaching.

Most common causes of sensitive teeth 

Brushing

Tooth enamel can be worn down from using a hard toothbrush, and using a hard grip while brushing aggressively. Also, the enamel is vulnerable to brushing shortly after consuming highly acidic foods and beverages, when the enamel is softened and more vulnerable. Brushing too vigorously can also cause receding gums, causing further exposure of the dentine.

Gum Disease

Sensitive teeth can be a major symptom of gum disease (also known as gingivitis). Gum disease causes inflamed and sore gum, which can lead to receding gums, leave dentine exposed. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth when you sleep or during the day, or if you clench your teeth, you may be wearing down enamel and exposing the underlying dentine layer of your tooth.

Dental Decay

Without the maintenance of regular dental treatments, issues such as tooth decay, old, worn leaky fillings and broken teeth can lead to sensitive teeth, because these conditions expose the dentin of your tooth, making it vulnerable.

Simple Steps to Manage Sensitive Teeth 

Change your Brushing Game

You can improve sensitivity by simply tweaking your oral hygiene. Use a toothpaste specially formulated to treat the pain of sensitive teeth. Be sure not to brush too hard, and use a soft toothbrush, preferably one designed especially for sensitive teeth.

Tweak your Diet

To cut down on possible erosion, avoid acidic foods that can wear away tooth enamel. Food and beverages such as wine, vinegary salad dressings and soft drinks are major culprits.

Stop the Grind

Avoid grinding your teeth or clenching during the day. Ask your dentist about a mouth guard for night time use.

Keep up with Check-ups

A hardy mouth depends on consistent maintenance, catching structural issues in the tooth as early as possible. So be sure to tee your dentist for regular check-ups, dental care recommendations and advice for your sensitive teeth.

TalkUp: Do presidential candidates need to focus more on issues?

This Day in History

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Donald Sangster

Donald Sangster was appointed Jamaica’s Minister of Finance

On this day in 1963 on March 11, the Hon. Donald Sangster, Minister of Finance, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister when the late Prime Minister Sir. Alexander Bustamante became ill.

Born on October 26, 1911, Sangster was his own Minister of Finance for three years and officially became the Prime Minister on February 22, 1967, when the JLP (Jamaica Labor Party) won the election.

He was the son of the late W. B. Sangster, Commissioned Land Surveyor of St. Elizabeth, and Mrs. Sangster.

Read more: Jamaica’s 3rd Prime Minister, Sir Donald Sangster

Sangster attended Munro College from (1921-1929) and was admitted to practice as an attorney in Jamaica in 1937. He died on April 11, 1976, 48 days after being sworn in, at the age of 56 after suffering from Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Hugh Shearer was sworn in as his successor.

Sangster’s face appears on the Jamaica one hundred dollar note and in his honor the second largest airport located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, The Donald Sangster International Airport was named after him.

The Jamaican one hundred dollar bill features Donald Sangster
The Jamaican one hundred dollar bill bears Donald Sangster’s face.

 

Page 2- March 10, 2016

Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (left) and Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Winnifred McPherson posed for our photographer at the recently held 2016 Capacity Building Conference at the Broward County Convention Center last weekend. (Photo by Uriah Bennett)

Six winners for Digicel’s “Bill on us” celebration

Diaspora customers and their loved ones win all bill paid for 12 months

Six lucky winner across the Caribbean and the Diaspora will be bill-free for a whole year, thanks to Digicel’s latest promotion, “Bills on Us.” Winners from the U.S. and Canada who sent top up to family and friends in the Caribbean have won the same chance to have their bills and that of the receiver paid for one full year.

“We understand how tight things can be financially after the holidays when bills start piling up, so we are very happy to be in a position where we can offer some relief to our customers in the diaspora along with their families back home,” said Declan Cassidy, CEO of Digicel Diaspora.

Jhoanne Marc

Winner 1: Haiti

Sender: Jhoanne Marc from New Jersey

Receiver: Patrick Benjamin from Haiti

Jhoanne could not believe she was a winner! When she heard Digicel would pay her bills for a whole year, she responded “oh wow” and could not stop saying how awesome it was. Johanne says she plans to use her winnings for her school tuition and other educational expenses.

Winner 2: Jamaica

Dexter Burey

Sender: Dexter Burey from New York

Receiver: Tasha Wallace from Jamaica

Dexter couldn’t hide his excitement when he got the call, “Is this for real?” he asked repeatedly when he got the news. Dexter was quick to shout out “please pay my phone bill.” And he laughed in disbelief when he found out we were also paying his girlfriend Tasha’s bills back in Jamaica. Dexter says he sends Top-Up to her all the time, but has never won anything before.

Winner 3: Guyana

Kofi Hodge (left) poses with Digicel employees

Sender: Kofi Hodge from Canada

Receiver: Marcia Hoyte from Guyana

“So ya’ll paying my bills and Marcia’s bills?” laughed Kofi when he heard the news about his win. Kofi says he plans to have Digicel pay his credit card bills to cover expenses from his recent trip to Guyana. And with this great news, he can also plan another trip sooner than he thought. Still feeling lucky, Kofi asked, since he Tops Up many friends back home, if he could win again, because he would love for Digicel to pay more of his bills!

Members of the Diaspora can still participate join for a chance to win no bills for a full year. To qualify to win in Digicel’s “Bills on Us” promotion, customers simply need to send top up transactions starting at US$15 or send a prepaid data or international long distance plan to friends and family in Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad or the rest of the Caribbean over the eight-week promotional period. Diaspora senders can send top up back home from DigicelTopUp.com, from a Digicel branded store near them or from the Digicel Top Up App available for download in the App Store or Google Play.

Find the right loan to realize your financial goals

When it comes to borrowing money, many loans offer benefits beyond simple financing. With that in mind, it’s important to understand how one type of loan may be right for making home improvements, while another may be a better match for financing a wedding. The key is to research the various types of loans, know what services they’re designed to provide and then choose the one that best fits your financial needs.

Credit card, personal and home equity loans are all great options to help finance purchases and achieve financial goals. Here’s a rundown of how each type of loan works:

Credit card – Many people don’t realize that credit cards are actually loans, and users can make those loans as short-term or long-term as they need. Some credit cards provide low- or no-interest, short-term financing as long as the monthly statement is paid in full and on time. Users also have the option to turn their credit card balance into a longer-term loan, which may result in higher interest rates. Some credit cards may also charge an annual fee. Credit card loans can be used for common household expenses like groceries, gas or even to make automated payments for items like a magazine subscription. And if the user’s credit limit is high enough, credit cards can be used to fund larger expenses like furniture or electronics.

Personal loan – Having a balance on more than one credit card can be a burden, especially if the rates are high. To help manage their budget, many consumers opt to use a personal loan to consolidate their higher-interest loans. Using a personal loan to pay down debt may save borrowers on interest payments if the rate on the personal loan is lower than on the credit card. Additionally, personal loans can give people more control over the size and timing of monthly payments.

Personal loans can be used to pay for major events or expenses, such as a wedding, a big trip or those unexpected life moments such as a child’s new braces or an emergency car repair. Additionally, approved borrowers can receive their money quickly.

There are also online resources, such as financial calculators, that can help borrowers visualize what their finances will look like when taking on a personal loan.

Home equity loan – Once a homeowner has earned equity in their home, she or he can use that as collateral to get a loan for large expenses. Many homeowners obtain a home equity loan to finance a very costly home repair or home renovation project. This allows them to use their equity to potentially help increase the home’s value, and may increase resale profits. Other uses for home equity loans include consolidating large debt or paying for major expenses like medical bills. Typically, home equity loans have a fixed interest rate, terms and monthly payments. Interest on a home equity loan may be 100 percent tax deductible. Borrowers should consult their tax advisor about any benefits a loan may bring.

Loans can help borrowers regain control of their finances but are not “one size fits all.” Different types of loans should be used for different types of expenses. The key is for borrowers to consider the type of expense they are looking to fund, the available loans and lender offerings, and determine which type of loan is most suitable for them.

T&T President angered at sale of country’s highest award on Ebay

President Carmona, "I am very much distraught at the prospect of someone peddling the symbol of our national honour and pride."

Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona says he is upset and distraught at the attempts by someone to sell the country’s highest national award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), on the social website, Ebay.

In a statement issued from his office, President Carmona said  – “I am very much distraught at the prospect of someone peddling the symbol of our national honour and pride. The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is not a rag doll that is disposable.”

He said that “this ultimate symbol of our Nation’s pride and honour is sacrosanct.

“The intended sale of the ORTT medal offends one’s sense of patriotism and exposes a raw nerve,” he said, adding that “we must explore our way out of this scenario.

“Maybe the time has come that all persons who are so honoured or their representatives, sign a contract giving the Office of The President (OTP) the first option to buy the medal in the event of intended disposal/sale; or better still, amend the law to absolutely prohibit the sale/disposal of the ORTT medal. We need to create our very own international benchmark as it relates to our ORTT medal.”

Carmona said that the ORTT must become and should be a proud heirloom in the family.

“My humble admonition and entreaty to whoever is responsible for the intended sale of the ORTT medal. You cannot do this to us,” he said.

Media reports say that the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago medal up for sale had been awarded posthumously to trade union leader Adrian Cola Rienzi.

He was one of three people given the award in 2012 . The other two being the late former prime minister George Chambers and Olympic gold medallist (javelin) Keshorn Walcott.

The 18-carat gold medal, packaged with the original award document, signed by President George Maxwell Richards and stamped with the presidential seal, has been offered up for bidding starting at US$25,000.

 

The battle against tooth decay

Learn what you can do to prevent tooth decay

It is a well known fact that too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. However, it is not the sugar itself that does the damage, but rather a chain of events that takes place after having a sugary meal that causes the damage to teeth. Your children may be more inclined to heed your warnings about the effects of sugar on their teeth if they know about the continuous tug-of-war taking place inside their mouths. Here’s how taking certain actions can prevent tooth decay from hijacking your family’s oral health.

How Cavities Develop

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NICDR), the mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria, many of which are beneficial to the oral ecosystem. However, certain harmful oral bacteria actually feed on the sugars you eat to create acids that destroy the tooth enamel, which is the shiny, protective outer layer of the tooth. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids, that cause your teeth to experience a hole in them. Without treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain and possible tooth loss.

A Constant Battle in the Mouth

Your teeth are frequently under attack by acids, but the good news is this damage is constantly being reversed. Acids leech minerals from the enamel through a process called demineralization. Fortunately, the natural process of remineralization replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again – and your saliva is a key player. Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates to help repair the teeth. Fluoride is another mineral that helps repair weakened enamel. However, replacing lost minerals can only do so much to prevent the effects of sugar on teeth if you eat lots of sweets and starches throughout the day. Limiting your sugar intake is vital if you want to give your mouth a fighting chance to fix the damage.

Florida has first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 11, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Crime, terrorism, human trafficking, bribery and its connections to money-laundering is the focus today at the ongoing Caribbean Basin Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crimes Conference, at the Conrad Hotel in Miami. 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-Americans votes more important than ever in Florida Primaries

Voters head to the polls March 15

The presidential primary race gets more competitive than ever as it heads to Florida for March 15. The fierce competiveness of this year’s campaign on both sides has spiked voter interest in the primaries, including among Caribbean-Americans. The Florida Division of Elections (FDE) reports that they expect more than 50 percent of the votes to be cast before March 15, with a heavy turnout anticipated on the big day. Up to the close of early voting polls on Tuesday, a survey by National Weekly determined significant numbers of registered Caribbean-Americans voters have already voted, and over 70 percent of those who have not voted either plan to vote by March 13, when early voting closes, or on March 15.

With some 85 percent of the 30,000 Caribbean-American voters registered as Democrat, the community will have the most impact in the current run-off between Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. A recent survey conducted on behalf of National Weekly among Caribbean-Americans voters show a strong push for Clinton, with 62 percent supporting her, versus 30 percent for Sanders.

Read more: Voting underway for Florida’s presidential primary

And this fact is not lost on the Democratic Party, said Democratic party’s committee chairwoman, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, in a recent interview with the National Weekly. Schultz said the party has been grateful and proud of the strong support from Caribbean-American voters “for so many years.”

Addressing criticism that the party may be taking the Caribbean-American vote for granted, Schultz asserted that the party remains as committed to the needs of community as ever.

“The issues of the Caribbean-American community lines up with the issues of the Democratic Party,” said Schultz. “We share the same values, we fight for people who have no voice, and we focus on lifting people up economically.”

Whichever Democratic presidential candidate is nominated, Schultz affirmed that the Democratic nominee will focus on building on President Obama’s legacy. This includes building on the 71 months of positive job growth recorded in the U.S. economy, and ensuring millions of Americans who now can afford health insurance will be able to keep their coverage.

Though the party still has work still to be done for the Caribbean and African American communities, “we have made tremendous progress,” said Schultz, “and I’m not hearing those same (concerns) from the community as I use to.”

Addressing the national surge of support for Trump, Schultz remained “very confident that our nominee will become the 45th president.

“Our party stand for helping people to build cornerstones of the middle class,” said Schultz. “So our nominee versus the Republican’s likely nominee of Trump, the most offensive vulgar president candidate to run for president, at least in our memories – there will be a very stark contrast with a nominee who has said we should bar an entire region from entering the country, reject refugees who are fleeing for their lives, and deport 11 million people who are only trying to remain here so they can fight for themselves and lift up their families.”

 

Third World widow threatens to sue band

Former Third World member Bunny Rugs

Bunny Rugs’ widow files lawsuit against Third World

Bouvier Clark, widow of late lead singer William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke is calling on reggae band Third World to pay out money she claimed is owed to her late husband. Since the singer’s death in 2014, Bouvier says that despite promises made to her by founding members of the band to compensate her and Clarke’s 7 children, she hasn’t received a cent from the band.

In an interview with National Weekly, Bouvier said she’s planning to file a lawsuit against Third World to have access to information of funds owed Clarke at the time of his death.

“I have heard nothing from no one after several months of calling,” said Bourvier. “I saw a press release from Third World lawyers that the band owes me nothing, and anything owed is from performing rights societies as royalties for my husband’s music. But the funds I am seeking have nothing to do with royalties, but money owed him as a member and part-owner of Third World, the business.”

Responding to a news item related to Mrs. Clark’s demands, Third World attorney Captain Paul Beswick of the Jamaican firm Ballantyne, Beswick and Company  issued a press release stating “… all payments due to Bunny Rugs personally for royalties and intellectual property rights are paid individually by the various performing rights societies which handle payments of this kind.” Usually these societies make payments to individual artists and songwriters for their share of royalties for the intellectual property rights in their works. Since Bunny Rugs is deceased, the royalties should be paid to his legally authorized representative.

However, Royal Palm Beach entertainment attorney Lloyd Stanbury, who is representing Mrs. Clarke, says these statements “are grossly misleading, designed to do damage control, a delay tactic and distraction.” 

Stanbury said Mrs. Clark is justified in her claims on the band, and contrary to statements made by Third World has “no malice or intent to damage the good name and integrity of the band.” He confirmed Mrs. Clarke is the duly authorized representative of her husband’s estate, and entitled to make inquiries to secure all details necessary to assess the value of his estate, and also entitled by law to collect all past and future profits from her husband’s work.

Stanbury also indicated Mrs. Clarke has already taken  necessary steps to secure payment of royalties due to her late husband as a songwriter and performer from relevant music copyright societies.

“At no point in time did Ms. Clark request Third World should account to her for any such songwriter or performer royalty income,” says Stanbury.

The attorney said funds due Mrs. Clarke are from Bunny Rugs position as a part-owner in the enterprise known, and trading worldwide, as Third World. “That enterprise owns assets including merchandise, goodwill, trademarks, and sound recording masters that are of significant value, and continue to generate income for all part-owners of the enterprise.”

Stanbury confirmed Mrs. Clarke intends to file a lawsuit in Florida to secure a court order for access to the funds, since band members have refused to respond to her requests.

Efforts to obtain a response from Third World band representatives to Mrs. Clark’s claims have failed. Individuals close to the band have said that they are no longer speaking to the press regarding this case.

Florida records first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus

42 Zika cases now reported in Florida

Florida health officials have confirmed the first case of sexually transmitted zika virus in the state.

Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong’s office announced Wednesday that two new cases of Zika had been confirmed in Polk County. Officials say one case was travel-related and in the other case, the virus was sexually transmitted from an individual who had been traveling outside the country.

Read more: New case of Zika found in Broward County

Governor commented on the news, saying, “Now that there is a person-to-person transmitted case of the Zika virus in Florida, I am requesting the CDC to schedule another conference call with Florida healthcare workers to ensure they have all the resources and information they need to protect families.”

Watch now: CNW90: Zika now transmitted by sex

“I appreciate the CDC for previously speaking with Florida doctors and healthcare workers on a conference call last month, but it is imperative that the most up-to-date information is available so we can stay ahead of the possible spread of the Zika virus in Florida. We will continue to do all we can to keep families across our state safe.”

Zika is mainly transmitted through bites from the mosquito species that also spreads dengue and chikungunya. But the World Health Organization now says sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously thought.

Health officials urge men who have been to outbreak areas to abstain from unprotected sex.

Watch now: CNW90: ZikaV the new ChikV? New mega-virus threatens the Caribbean

A total of 42 cases have now been reported in Florida. Miami-Dade County leads the state with 17 reported cases. All the cases so far have been travel-related, but the virus can be spread by bites from mosquitoes that are common in Florida.

Icons of West Indies Cricket return to the pitch in Lauderhill

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness (L) presented Trinidadian batsman Brian Lara (R) with the keys to Lauderhill, as former Jamaican batsman Lawrence Rowe (C) looks on at the Legends of Cricket Exhibition match.

It was a legendary and thrilling showdown this past Sunday at the annual Legends of Cricket exhibition match, held at the Central Broward Regional Park and hosted by the Lawrence Rowe Foundation.

Recording breaking Trinidadian batman Brian Lara led a squad of iconic players, including Guyana’s own Ramnaresh Sarwan, former West Indies Captain Courtney Walsh and Bajan dynamite Dwayne Smith. The golden team won against an all-American squad, the Cavaliers XI, with a final score of 126 for 1 wicket – ending an exciting and spectacular afternoon of sportsmanship and Caribbean pride.

The legendary Lara was not about to leave Lauderhill without a token in remembrance of this memorable occasion. He was presented with the keys to the City of Lauderhill by Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness.

Lara also served as keynote speaker for The Lawrence Rowe Foundation’s Celebrity Dinner Gala Black Tie Affair at the Marriott North on Saturday, March 5th.

This marked another successful installment of the much-anticipated event from the Lawrence Rowe Foundation, held annually to support the foundation’s many philanthropic efforts. Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to help former West Indian cricketers who have fallen on hard times, as well as help provide training and support for the next generation of cricket players in South Florida.

4 foods you must try in Trinidad & Tobago

The twin island Trinidad and Tobago is a melting pot of cultures. The National Weekly explores the island’s ethnically marked cuisine and most famous and yummy meals! So if you ever happen to visit the lovely island, make sure to get a bite of these 5 Trini dishes before leaving.

Doubles

Doubles is a classic Trini street food dish. It is a sandwich made with fried flatbread and fried chickpeas, and topped with a hint of pepper, tamarind, mango and cucumber. You will crave more and more doubles after the first taste!

Bake and Shark

Bake and Shark is another must try Trini street food dish. Similar to doubles, it is fried flatbread filled with fried pieces of shark meat and other ingredients, like lettuce, tomato, or pineapple, and of course mouth-watering sauces.

Saheena

saheena1

Similar in color to spinach, and suitable for all occasions, saheena is a long roll-up of callaloo and split-pea batter, sliced and deep-fried, with a kick of tamarind or mango chutney on top.

Roti

With its origins from East India, roti is made from stoneground wholemeal flour and is considered a national staple in Trinidad. The rich and flavorful staple with a crispy outside is usually served in a wrap and a variety of curried meats are loaded into the roti along with potatoes and sometimes vegetables. To spice things up, add a hint of pepper sauce to this delicious treat!

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