Rowley admits struggle to pay certain workers on time exists
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has sought to assure Trinidadians that the country is not bankrupt. Rowley, who addressed reporters at the end of a retreat in Tobago on Saturday, however acknowledged that his administration is struggling to pay debts to public servants, contractors and suppliers on time.
“It is not a simple matter of if you can’t pay, you are bankrupt. The Government does not go bankrupt… the Government is in that situation where it might not be able to pay today, but its ability tomorrow is there because the Government has a revenue stream and different pockets and it is an accepted structure of public accounting and management that the Government has many pockets and you are not allowed to empty all at once,” Rowley said.
The Government owes employees of the country’s regional health authorities and members of the protective services an estimated TT$5 billion, resulting from a 14 percent wage settlement agreed to by the previous administration last year.
He said the first few months of the life of the Government had to be about finding out what was the true state of the country’s situation and even though the People’s National Movement (PNM) anticipated difficult situations, “in fact, the real numbers and the Minister of Finance Colm Imbert’s ability to pay has been worse than we anticipated.”
He said citizens must understand that there is a limit to what the Government can do without money and that the Government could not go “barreling along with oil at US$29 a barrel and the overdraft at its limit and no money in the current account. There is only so much you could have delivered in that situation.”
Rowley noted that the Government was now attempting to rectify its ability to access the cash to fund its debts. He disclosed that Finance Minister Colm Imbert will address the issue of public servant debts soon. According to the Prime Minister, the Government is now attempting to rectify its ability to access the cash to fund its debts.
A new Florida bill expanding access to medical marijuana now heads to Governor Rick Scott’s office for a final signature or veto, after the bill successfully passed with bipartisan support in the Senate recently.
If approved, Bill HB 307 will allow prescriptions for patients with terminal conditions, and expand what medical strains licensed organizations can grow and distribute.
The bill, which passed 28-11, also adds regulations to the framework of the state’s nascent cannabis industry covered by the 2014 Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. Most of the debate on the Senate floor dealt with concerns about the regulatory and economic structures.
Five dispensing organizations were selected in November to grow marijuana, but there have been administrative challenges. An additional organization won an administrative challenge last month due to a background check being wrongly disqualified.
Efforts to legalize medical marijuana in the sunshine state will return to the ballot for next year’s presidential elections in November, following a recent ruling for the state supreme court.
To pass, the measure will need at least 683,000 validated petitions, according to medical marijuana advocacy group, United With Care. As of Thursday, the group needed to collect around 274,000 more signatures, according to the Florida Division of Elections.
If approved, medical marijuana could become a big industry in Florida, with experts estimating a $785 million market value.
Medical pot would only be allowed for use for those with “debilitating” medical conditions which would include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and for other conditions which a physician feels using medical marijuana would outweigh the potential health risks for a patient.
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia allow marijuana use for those suffering from a range of ailments, from HIV to glaucoma and cancer to epilepsy.
Opponents of the measure saw drawbacks could include the backdoor legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.
Brunch to pay tribute to women who have made an impact on society
On March 26, from 11 am to 3 pm at the LHCC Courtyard, The City of Miami, Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) will host their inaugural International Women’s Brunch .
In harmony with Women’s History Month, the brunch will pay tribute to modern day women whose vision and commitment have had a positive impact on their community and society at large. At the inaugural event several female honorees will be recognized with LHCC’s Visionary Award for embodying the multi-cultural spirit of the LHCC and exemplifying the potent combination of raw talent and dedication.
Among the honorees are U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Entrepreneur Carole Ann Taylor of CulturestoGo.com, Restaurateur Michelle Bernstein, Graylyn Swilley-Woods, Associate Vice President of Business and Education Development at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Joanne Hyppolite, Curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
During the chef-curated brunch, accompanied by a mimosa bar and live music, LHCC will also be launching the “Pretty it Forward” initiative. It is an effort to collect gently worn dinner, cocktail, and/ or evening dresses and accessories. All dresses collected will be later featured in the upcoming Chic Mademoiselle Pop Up store.
Guest are not only encouraged to bring in their gently worn garments for donation, but they are welcome back along with the general public for an elegant day of shopping, cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres and music at the Chic Mademoiselle Pop Up store at the LHCC gallery on April 29 – 30, 2016. All proceeds collected from the re-sale will go toward funding LHCC programming.
Tickets for the international brunch are $40 in advance or $400 for a table. Please RSVP for the brunch via Eventbrite. And for more information visit the website or reach LHCC at 305-960-2969 and LHCC@miamigov.com.
The Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) is a division of the City of Miami that provides space and activities for the community to promote, showcase and support Afro-Caribbean culture in South Florida. They are committed to fostering imagination, creativity, and positive experiences for children and adults year round. For more information, visitwww.littlehaiticulturalcenter.com.
Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris is leading a delegation to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an investment immigration summit that begins on Tuesday.
A government statement said that the summit will be attended by representatives of several Caribbean countries with citizens by investment programmes (CBI) such as Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.
“Moving across the globe, discussions will explore the increasing popularity of countries such as Panama and Thailand along with some of the special residency programmes granted to non-EU nationals in countries as France, Luxemburg, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta.
Exciting new programmes such as that which are being introduced for St. Lucia will be explored along with some of the more established programmes being offered in Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, the US, Canada and the UK,” said Carly Greene, the director of the second annual Investment Immigration Summit.
Basseterre has reformed its CBI programme and Prime Minister Harris said that he is confident that these changes will assist in launching the programme into a progressive and prosperous future.
Baking a treat for a friend or loved one is a great way to give a personal – and cost-effective – gift this year.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pastry chef or even an expert home baker to create something delicious and full of love. With an easy-to-make recipe and a few baking tips, even the cooking-challenged can create something special.
Keep these simple baking tips in mind* Follow recipes as precisely as possible. Seasoned bakers may succeed with experimentation, but if you’re new to baking or not confident of your improvisational skills, sticking to the recipe should yield the best results.
* Measure all ingredients carefully. A tablespoon too much or too little of any ingredient can make a big difference in a recipe.
* Be careful with oven temperature settings. Don’t try to speed baking with a temperature higher than what the recipe calls for. If the recipe specifies different temperatures for different types of baking dishes, be sure to choose the setting that matches your type of bakeware.
* Resist the temptation to remove baked goods from the pan, dish or sheet right away. Allow baked goodies to cool for the amount of time prescribed in the recipe. Rushing it could result in crumbling or cracking.
Armed with these tips, try surprising a loved one with these easy, delicious recipes from Pillsbury.com
Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters
With just six ingredients, these clusters are easy to make. Plus, the inclusion of peanut butter and pie crust evokes a nostalgic and warm feeling.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Makes 30 servings/clusters
Ingredients:
1 Pillsbury(TM) refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
1 bag (12 ounces) white vanilla baking chips (about 2 cups)
Heat oven to 450 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with Reynolds(R) Cut-Rite(R) Wax Paper. Unroll pie crust on work surface. With pizza cutter or knife, cut into 16 rows by 16 rows to make small squares. Arrange squares in single layer on large ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove squares from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about five minutes.
In large microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips, shortening and peanut butter uncovered on high for 60-90 seconds, stirring once, until chips can be stirred smooth. Add pie crust squares, peanuts and toffee bits. Stir gently until evenly coated. Immediately drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lined cookie sheets. (If mixture gets too thick, microwave on high 15 seconds and stir.) Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until set. Store covered.
Toffee and Almond Fudge Cookie Cups
By Amy Andrews of Macomb, Michigan
Cookies, cupcakes or candy? How to choose which one to make? Why choose at all? These cookie cups marry the sweetest of all worlds in a single treat sure to win the heart of any loved one.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Makes 48 servings
Ingredients:
2 packages Pillsbury(TM) Ready to Bake!(TM) refrigerated sugar cookies
1/4 cup milk chocolate toffee bits (from 8-ounce bag)
1 can (6.5 ounces) whipped cream topping (in aerosol can)
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 48 nonstick mini muffin cups with cooking spray. Place one cookie-dough round in each muffin cup. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the toffee bits evenly over cookie-dough rounds. Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Loosen with tip of knife and carefully remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
While cookies cool, heat sweetened condensed milk and almond butter in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool 2 minutes. Spoon one heaping teaspoon of condensed milk mixture into each cookie cup.
In small bowl, mix remaining two tablespoons of toffee bits and the almonds. To serve, top each cup with about one tablespoon of whipped cream topping and about 1/4 teaspoon of the almond mixture.
Chris-Gayle donates US$20,000 to Jamaican leukemia patient
Gayle starts Instagram petition to help source funds for patient
Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle recently donated US $20,000 to Lee-Anna Walker, a Jamaican student suffering from leukemia, while.
Walker, a fifth form student of St. Hughes High School was diagnosed with Leukemia towards the end of 2015 and will be requiring funds for a bone marrow transplant. The treatment will cost £35,000.
Gayle has been on an Instagram petition helping to source funds to aid with Walker’s leukaemia treatment.
Chris Gayle recently met with leukemia patient Lee-Anna Walker
“Well, I actually get to meet Lee-Anna Walker not too long ago in Triple Century and I’m donating USD 20,000 towards her treatment,” Gayle wrote on a recent Instagram post.
“For those who willing to assist here’s the details. Bank Name: Victoria Mutual Building Society. Bank Address: 10 Duke Street, Kingston. Bank Swift Code: VMBSJMK1. BOJ Account No: 7005. For further credit to: VMBS Customer Name Antoinette Francis. VMBS Acct number 401183926. #PrayersMoveMountains,” the post continued.
Gayle also met Walker’s parents as he asked his almost 600,000 followers to join forces to help save Lee-Anna’s life.
Christ Gayle starts Instagram petition helping to source funds to aid with Walker’s leukaemia treatment.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has confirmed another death from the Swine Flu. On Saturday, the Health Ministry confirmed that a 28 week pregnant woman died at the University Hospital on March 1.
The first patient to die from the illness was an elderly woman and a medical doctor, as was previously reported. The Swine Flu also led to the death of a 49-year-old woman. According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye, the Ministry of Health just received results confirming the death of the first patient.
The Ministry of Health recently upgraded Swine Flue to a category one illness – meaning that within 24 hours of suspecting a case of severe acute respirator illness, medical practitioners must report it to the health authority.
Since January, there have been 28 confirmed cases of H1N1 across the island. Meanwhile, as of this week, tests for the Zika Virus will be conducted at the Virology Laboratory at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.
According to De La Haye, this is a big step for Jamaica and will result in a quick turnaround time for the results. The Ministry of Health has been sending samples for testing to the Trinidad based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). To date there has only been one confirmed case of the virus in the island.
Educational campaign contributed to significant decline
The Broward County Flakka Action Team has seen a significant decline in the number of reported flakka incidents, since ten months ago when the team waged an educational campaign warning residents of the life-threatening dangers of the inexpensive and readily available synthetic bath salt drug.
The Flakka Action Team, which is a collaborative partnership between multiple community partners including Broward County, Behavioral Health Providers and Broward Sheriff’s Office recently shared their success story, “Flakka-Lessons from Ground Zero,” at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) 26th Annual National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. The presentation highlighted Broward County’s challenges with the 2015 flakka epidemic and the successful collaboration between multiple community partners.
Paul Faulk, director of BARC (Broward Addiction Recovery Center) confirmed that BARC’s flakka admission statistics are declining. Between September 2014 and December 2015, BARC treated 463 flakka patients, with the highest number of admissions in a single month peaking at 50 in July 2015 declining to 6 admissions in January 2016.
“This proves that our joint community efforts were successful coupled with the fact that flakka and 115 other mood alternating drugs were banned in China from further production,” said Faulk.
For the same period, Broward Health treated 1,872 flakka patients, with the highest number of admissions in a single month being 360 in July 2015 and declining to 54 in December 2015. Similarly, the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is experiencing a decline in flakka deaths. From September 2014 – December 15, 2015 flakka related deaths by month peaked in July at 10 deaths with smaller peaks trending downwards to one flakka related death in December 2015.
The decline in the number of flakka incidences is consistent with findings at the Broward Sheriff’s Office. “Since October, we’ve experienced a steady decline in flakka-related incidents,” Sheriff Scott Israel said. “We will never know just how many lives we save through our aggressive educational campaign, but I do know that the combined efforts of the community action team’s fight against flakka contributed to that success.”
The success of the Flakka Action Team was most recently honored on February 26th at the Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, at the South Florida Community Care Network 6th Annual Non-Profit Academy Awards presented by 211. The team was honored for their community outreach plan that promotes the health and safety of Broward County.
Research has shown that money is a source of stress, anxiety and tension for most Americans.
In fact, 64 percent of adults experience stress about money, ranking it a higher source of stress than work, family responsibilities and health according to a recent study by the American Psychological Association. And it’s affecting our health — 66 percent of all doctor’s office visits last year were due to stress-related health issues.
How do you start?
Money and finances are an essential part of our lives. They dictate countless decisions large and small, from where we live and work to the cars we drive and the foods we eat. In short, the way we approach our finances determines how we’re able to grow and reach our full potential.
The fact is, dealing with money doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few small steps, it’s possible to change the way we think and talk about money, creating new possibilities for financial and personal growth along the way.
1. Get inspired.
Getting started can be the hardest part. Inspiration is a powerful motivator — and it’s all around us. Look for creative expressions of growth that inspire you at your favorite museum, outdoors or online at websites like MadetoGrow.com, which is chock-full of compelling content and stories of overcoming challenges.
2. Dream big, act small.
Whether your dream is to spend a year in Thailand, turn your love of cooking into a business or pay off your credit card debt, each dream begins with a first step. Break your dream into smaller actions to make the mountain smaller. Set deadlines along the way to give yourself the satisfaction of achieving milestones. Setting small goals and deadlines will help you stay motivated to keep going.
3. Adopt the buddy system.
Finances are like fitness — having a support system in place before you start can make all the difference in your success. Find a friend or loved one in a similar financial situation and open up about your financial challenges, hopes and dreams. Consider creating a community group with others to share tips and learnings with one another.
4.Talk leads to action.
Get out there and talk about it. For too long, money has been a forbidden topic that we’ve been conditioned to avoid. Seek out someone you trust — a friend, family member, your bank — and dive in! Looking for an example to get you started? Podcasts are a great source of inspiration. Open Account with SuChin Pak is a great example of open and honest conversations about all aspects of money and life.
5. Find a partner that believes.
You’ve opened up, now what? Find a bank that’s dedicated to helping customers realize their full potential. Build a relationship with a financial advisor that understands your dreams and can help you reach your goals. Set up regular check in meetings to discuss progress, challenges and opportunities. The right partner will listen to your goals and identify tools and resources to help.
Minister of Health worried about economic impact of Zika
Barbados Health officials have reported that the number of Zika infections are now up to 277 suspected new cases.
Speaking on the theme, One Environment, One Health-Informing the Caribbean’s Response to Zika, at a Zika Symposium, the Minister of Health John Boyce also acknowledged that worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than a million people die from mosquito borne diseases every year and that mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism.
In light of the situation, Boyce said the goal of his Ministry was to encourage home owners to destroy vectors in and around their premises, while warning that there would be “firm, but fair” application of the Health Services Act 1969 in the prosecution of persons found breeding mosquitoes.
Minister of Health John Boyce acknowledged that worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than a million people die from mosquito borne diseases every year and that mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism.
As part of Government’s drive to eradicate the Zika-bearing Aedes Aegypti mosquito, personnel from the Environmental Health Department would also be aiming to inspect all local premises at least twice every three months while special attention is paid to identifying and destroying mosquito breeding sites on tourism properties.
“This sector has been given priority because it is of vital importance to the economy and any crippling impact on tourism can undermine economic growth,” Boyce explained, pointing out that this partnership approach was also used in 2014 during the Chikungunya outbreak.
He also pointed out that as a result of the 2014 outbreak of Chikungunya disease, there was a dramatic rise in sickness claims, which, according to Director of National Insurance Ian Carrington, had forced the NIS to increase its claims budget.
A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 7, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Promoting local small business was at the top of the agenda this weekend at the Capacity Building Conference, held at the Broward County Convention Center. The conference included panels and presentations from top local and state business leaders, including keynote speaker, State Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson, as well as Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and City of Miramar Mayor, Wayne Messam.
Four Caribbean women leaders received honors this past Friday at the 3rd annual Women of Distinction Breakfast, held at the BB&T Center in Sunrise. Hosted by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event recognized Jamaican-born CEO of Broward Health North Pauline Grant, Jamaican-born civil engineer Dr. Celia Earle, Haitian-born law partner Michelle Austin Pamies Norris Weeks, and Cuban-born CEO of Unique Productions Int., Maria Munro, among 6 other awardees.
It was an elegant affair this past Saturday at the Legends of Cricket Celebrity Dinner Gala, hosted by the Lawrence Rowe Foundation at Fort Lauderdale Marriot North. Several legends of West Indies cricket were the guest of honor, including keynote speaker, record-breaking Trinidadian batsman Brian Lara.
In sports, the cricket celebration continued this past Sunday at the Central Broward regional Park for the annual Legends of Cricket exhibition match. The team of Legends, captained by iconic batsman Brian Lara, defeated a contingent of U.S.-based players the Cavaliers XI, by scoring 126 for 1 wicket.
What’s trending:
Barbados Health officials report that the number of Zika infections are now up to 277 suspected new cases.
For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 75 and a low of 67. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 75 and a low of 67.
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.
Morgan Heritage to perform at Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 2.
Event to also feature performances by Maxi Priest and Junior Marvin’s Wailers
On April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, reggae lovers are invited to move and groove to the sounds of Grammy winning group Morgan Heritage.
The band’s Strictly Roots release recently won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 58th Grammy Awards. The New York Daily News announced reaction to the honor reporting, “Praises for the Grammy win came from a wide ranges of sources, including People’s National Party leader and Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller; Stephen, Ziggy and Rohan Marley; the U.S. Embassy Jamaica; Tessanne Chin, Maxi Priest, Shaggy and John Legend.”
Attendees will be able to celebrate culture and also dive into the world of reggae fusion with Billboard chart-topping artist Maxi Priest, who is also to perform for a mixed musical experience.
Also set to perform is Junior Marvin’s Wailers, who will relive the music of Bob Marley and other reggae artistes.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State published rules in the Federal Register on February 4, 2016 eliminating the nonimmigrant visa exemption for certain Caribbean residents coming to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers.
Beginning February 19, certain Caribbean residents seeking to come to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers will be required to have both a valid passport and visa.
Eliminating this visa exemption, which was originally created to address labor shortages during World War II, will ensure those traveling to the United States, like other H-2A agricultural workers, have been sufficiently screened via the Department of State’s visa issuance process prior to their arrival. This visa requirement will also better ensure that these workers are protected from potential employment and recruitment-based abuses. The spouses and children who travel with these workers to the United States will also be required to have both a valid passport and visa.
This change applies to a British, French, or Netherlands national, or a national of Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago, who has residence in British, French, or Netherlands territory located in the adjacent islands of the Caribbean, or has residence in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago.
The H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to an alien seeking to enter the United States to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Lauderhill Commissioner Howard Berger will hold his 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Tribute Dinner, honoring 12 women whose passion is to serve the community in which they reside – the City of Lauderhill.
“Women have vastly shaped the Lauderhill community. Many times the tremendous contributions women have made go unrecognized. Countless non-profits, cultural organizations, business and family services are provided by strong, selfless women who are from right here in the City of Lauderhill,” states Commissioner Berger. He continues, “I felt it was long overdue to honor those whohave sacrificed so much. The dinner was the least I could do to show them how much they are appreciated.”
Honorees include: Marcia Barry-Smith, Ciara Bostick, Andrea Braynon, Alfreda Coward, Lucy Dorlus, Yvonne Greene, Winnifred McPherson, Charley Mae Meadows, Crystal Pressey, Paula S. Scott, Suzanne Sauder, and Patricia West.
The honorees will be publically recognized at the regularly scheduled City of Lauderhill Commission Meeting on March 14th at 7 pm at the newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
A look back at the musical legend’s journey through an iconic life and career
The man and the legend begins on 1 February 1957, when Dennis Emanuel Brown was born in Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. He grew up in an artistic environment, with playwright father Arthur Brown and elder brother and actor, Basil Brown. Young Dennis soon found the limelight himself, making his official public debut at age ten at a political conference in Kingston’s National Arena. He went on to perform as a featured vocalist with Byron Lee’s Dragonaires, billed as the “Boy Wonder.” He made his first recording in 1969 for singer and producer Derrick Harriott, then for Coxsone Dodd at the Legendary Studio One. There at Studio One, Dennis honed his skills singing harmonies for Horace Andy, Larry Marshall and Alton Ellis.
“I started working with Dennis Brown as trumpet player when he was first recording with Derrick Harriott and Dennis was part of his Musical Chariot crew. I was a horns player and arranger and, when Dennis was learning to play the guitar, I’d give him a few pointers. Our lives were intertwined all along and we’d spend time together at my house and at his house.” Producer Clive Hunt
Clive Hunt
During 1972, while he was still at school and studying to go on to college, Dennis worked with a number of Kingston’s top record producers, completing track would become classics, such as “Things in Life” and “Baby Don’t Do It” for Matador, “Don’t You Cry” for GG, and “If I had the World” “One Day” for Prince Buster. But it was “Westbound Train” that broke Dennis through, becoming the biggest selling record in Jamaica that summer. Dennis was voted Top Male Vocalist in Swing Magazine’s Annual Awards.
Although he had started off with ballads in the style of his musical heroes Brook Benton, Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke, his songs became increasingly concerned with real themes and universal love, imbued with Rastafarian philosophy and reasoning, such as Dennis’ plea for repatriation in “Africa We Want to Go.”
In the summer of 1974, Dennis visited the UK for the first time as part of a Jamaican Showcase package alongside Al Brown, Sharon Forrester, The Maytals and Cynthia Richards and, while he was away on tour, Joe Gibbs compiled and released an album entitled “The Best of Dennis Brown” with hits such as “Poor Side Of Town” and “Smile Like An Angel.” He returned to Kingston and released his first self- produced record, the superb “Satisfaction Feeling,” backed by The Heptones. The album marked just a start, revealing Dennis’s creative direction that he would take when he set up his own DEB (Dennis Emanuel Brown) label in the winter of 1976.
Dennis now began work on new material with Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson – dubbed “The Mighty Two” – that would become the genre defining “Visions of Dennis Brown” album released in 1977 on the Joe Gibbs Record Globe label. The combination of social consciousness and love odes echoed the mood of the times and gained heavyweight critical and commercial acclaim. It proved to be his most successful release to date and featured original songs accompanied by Dennis’ interpretations of Earl 16 Daley’s “Malcolm X” and the In Crowd’s “Milk and Honey.” The soon went straight to the top of the UK reggae charts and was voted reggae album of the year by the UK music papers, Black Echoes and Melody Maker.
“All the time in my songs I try to be on the side of right against wickedness. Really I send a message to youth all over the world to live good.” Dennis Brown
“All the time in my songs I try to be on the side of right against wickedness. Really I send a message to youth all over the world to live good.” Dennis Brown
Dennis returned to the UK in Autumn 1977 to tour with Big Youth and his popularity continued to grow. The following year Dennis relocated to London and established premises on Battersea Rise with Castro Brown. The DEB label began releasing innumerable hits not only from Dennis Brown but also from up and coming stars including Junior Delgado and established artists such as Carlton & His Shoes and Little Roy. The DEB set up was also instrumental in helping to create Lovers Rock with young female vocalists 15, 16 & 17 and Black Harmony.
Dennis returned to Jamaica in March 1978 to perform at the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston’s National Arena and also travelled to Retirement Crescent where he recorded for The Mighty Two. Their updated version of ‘Money in My Pocket’ for a Joe Gibbs Record Globe twelve inch “discomix” seamlessly segued Dennis’ vocal into a deejay version, “Cool Runnings,” from George Nooks as Prince Mohammed. The record was Dennis’ biggest crossover hit and reached Number 14 on the UK National Charts in the Spring. “Money in My Pocket” eventually became one of the most successful international hits in Jamaica’s musical history.
Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs
Dennis followed up with A&M on “Love Has Found Its Way,” co-produced by Willie Lindo and Joe Gibbs. This sophisticated, soulful set was a huge hit and scaled the UK Album Charts while the title track reached both the UK National Charts and the USA Soul Charts. The album was described in “Reggae The Rough Guide” as “the nearest a reggae album can get to the international pop audience without losing something very vital in the process.”
“Dennis could just go into the studio and hear a rhythm and fit lyrics to it. Some songs were more polished but some producers would just put it out as it is… a quick thing. [Producer] Willie Lindo gave him so much room to create the way he wanted it.” – Yvonne Brown, widow of Dennis Brown
Dennis’ final album for A&M, “The Prophet Rides Again,” mixing commercial funk with deep roots reggae. However, one of his greatest strengths, Dennis’ long and unbreakable connection to the Jamaican music business, proved to be an obstacle to lasting international success.
But perhaps international success at the expense of his grass roots popularity was not what Dennis was looking for and the excellent “Historical Places,” one of the standout tracks from “The Prophet Rides Again,” was also released in Jamaica as a seven-inch single on the Joe Gibbs Ultra Sound label.
As the eighties opened, a brand new style of rhythm had taken over Jamaican music and, true to form, Dennis was one of the leaders of this revolution. His recordings for Sly & Robbie’s Taxi label, including “Sitting & Watching,” “Have You Ever Been in Love Before”’ and “Revolution” demonstrated Dennis’ complete mastery of this exciting new genre.
Dennis’ recordings with King Jammy, on ‘Slow Down’ and the album known as both ‘The Exit’ & ‘History’ in particular, were at the cutting edge of digital music but were informed by the wealth of knowledge that both singer and producer had amassed in the previous decade.
He continued to record prolifically and his 1994 album, ‘Light My Fire’, was nominated for a Grammy Award, but Dennis Brown felt that time was beginning to run out for him.
In the late 1990’s Dennis Brown’s health began to fail and he experienced respiratory problems and, after a tour of Brazil in May 1999, he was diagnosed with pneumonia. On his return home on 30th June he was rushed to Kingston’s University Hospital where he died on 1st July. The official cause of death was a collapsed lung. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, PJ Patterson, and former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, spoke at his state funeral on 17th July as Dennis Brown was laid to rest in Kingston’s National Heroes Park.
Caricom prepared to take Britain to court over reparations
The 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries have sent a formal letter of complaint to Britain seeking reparation for slavery.
The letter, which was written by Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and sent to the British Foreign Office, calls on London to formally acknowledge the region’s demands for payment for the transatlantic slave trade.
Caricom has said it will not release the contents of the letter, which was sent last week by Stuart — who is the chairman of the Caricom subcommittee on reparations — until there is a reply by the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
But Caricom has warned that it is prepared, as its next option, to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Netherlands for a ruling. The regional grouping says it prefers a negotiated settlement of the matter.
Last October, on an official visit to Jamaica, Prime Minister Cameron acknowledged the “wounds of slavery run very deep” but avoided speaking on the issue of reparation as he addressed a joint sitting of the Parliament.
Cameron, the first British Prime Minister to visit Jamaica for the last 14 years, said the slave trade was one “from which history has drawn the bitterest of lessons”.
“That the Caribbean has emerged from the long, dark shadows that it casts is testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. I acknowledge that these wounds run very deep indeed, but I do hope that as friends, who have gone through so much together since those darkest of times, we can move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future,” Cameron said in his only remarks to the transatlantic slave trade,“ Cameron said.
But former Jamaica Prime Minister P J Patterson criticised Cameron for seeking to “trivialise and diminish the significance of 300 years of British enslavement of Africans”.
In an open letter to the British leader, Patterson said the slave trade is still “a most heinous crime against humanity — a stain which cannot be removed merely by the passage of time”.
Last month, Sir Hilary Beckles, who chairs the Caricom Reparations Commission, said Caribbean countries were not looking for “handouts” as a result of its call for reparation for the slave trade.
Professor Beckles, who is also Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), told a public lecture on Reparation organised by Oxford University, that a suggestion by European countries that ‘they have now moved on… sorry it is a closed chapter there is nothing to discuss” does not negate the call for compensation.
The Caribbean countries say they will allow “a two-year period to elapse” before formally taking the matter to the World Court for adjudication.
Leaders have already hired a British law firm, which won payment for Kenyan tribesmen, to represent their case both to the British Government and to the court.
For a romantic date or an outing with friends, you can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie. Whether you’re headed to a theater or settling in at home, make your cooking the star of the show.
To truly unlock your inner chef, start with a main course that brings the movie “Burnt” to life on your plate through Sweeney’s Simply Satisfying Cacio E Pepe. This delightful spaghetti dish features a garlic butter sauce and Aged Havarti cheese, which marries a rich buttery aroma with a creamy, melty texture.
Sweeney’s Simply Satisfying ‘Cacio E Pepe’ (from the movie “Burnt”)
Servings: 4
In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook spaghetti until ‘al dente.’
While the pasta is cooking, add black pepper to a non-stick skillet and toast until fragrant. Add the butter and garlic and cook for one additional minute, until butter is melted.
Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid. Place the pasta and liquid back into the saucepan. Toss with shredded Aged Havarti, season with salt (optional) and top with fresh chives.
For more movie-inspired recipes and the opportunity to win culinary prizes, visit Castello cheese at Facebook/CastelloUSA or at CastelloCheeseUSA.com.
By 2029, more than 76 million baby boomers will be 65 or older, according to recent Census estimates. While there is great upside to increased longevity, there are also challenges. Inflation, climbing health care expenses and ebbing safety nets are complex dynamics to navigate through an extended retirement.
One key aspect of longer lifespans many Americans overlook is caregiving. In fact, the government estimates 70 percent of adults 65 or older will require some form of long-term care (“LTC”). Recent findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2015 C.A.R.E(Costs, Accountabilities, Realities, Expectations) Study underscore this reality.
Nearly four in 10 Americans (36 percent) are currently or have been caregivers to adults who are aging, ill or with special needs. The study further reveals caregiving, while rewarding, can have significant financial and emotional implications.
The good news is that whether boomer or any other generation, it is rarely too late to create — or adjust — a financial planning strategy that will help you live your desired lifestyle through your lifespan. Rebekah Barsch, vice president, planning and sales, Northwestern Mutual, suggests the following:
Face the financial realities. The Northwestern Mutual 2015 Planning &Progress Study found outliving their retirement savings is among the top financial fears for Americans. Moreover, a solid portion do not feel at all financially prepared to live through their 80s and 90s. Combined with rising costs and the potential long-term care needs, avoidance is no longer an option.
Speak up. Though finances are an uncomfortable topic for many, a candid dialogue is essential to making important decisions. This is especially important when it comes to difficult topics like long-term care, which could impact the entire family. Understanding the concerns and wishes of your loved ones is the cornerstone of effective planning.
Know when you need help. When it comes to financial planning, half of the boomers (age 50-68) in the 2015 Planning & Progress Study said they were either informal or non-planners. Considering the correlation between planning and financial security in retirement, as well as the added complexities of longevity, a self-directed approach can be a risky bet when the stakes are high. An expert can take an objective look at your finances and tailor a strategy that adapts as your financial needs evolve.
Francesca Menes, named one of the 20 under 40 emerging leaders in South Florida by The Miami Herald, has declared her candidacy for Florida House of Representatives, District 108.
A native Miamian, born and raised in Little Haiti, Francesca has proven her commitment and dedication to her community with more than 8 years advocating on issues that would benefit Miami-Dade and our state. Francesca is a community organizer committed to working at the intersection of social justice issues, including worker’s rights, racial justice, criminal justice, immigrant rights, women’s rights and LGBTQ. She understands the importance of having those who are directly impacted at the center of the work.
As Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) for the past 6 years, Francesca has led two highly successful statewide legislative campaigns to pass in-state tuition for undocumented students in 2014, and to stop anti-immigrant legislations in the current legislative session. She has also been the co-coordinator of the Florida Wage Theft Task Force, which alongside strong community partners and labor, promoted anti-wage theft ordinances in several counties throughout the state, including Miami-Dade County to protect low-income and working families. Finally, in 2014 Francesca led FLIC’s civic engagement campaign knocking on more than 48,000 doors to mobilize Black Immigrant, Latino and African-American voters.
“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for Florida House of Representatives, District 108. For far too long, I have heard candidates and elected officials stating that they are the voice of the voiceless, but I recognize that our people have a voice and it is my responsibility to empower them to speak for themselves, instead of speaking for them. As a Representative I will fight side by side with my community, in the same way I have done for many years, to ensure that our current and future generations have a strong foundation to build upon,” said Menes.
“As a headstart graduate, I understand the importance of early childhood development. We have an obligation to our youth to introduce and pass legislations that provide opportunities for them to flourish and reach their highest potential. There is a high level of frustration in my community, when we see our youth being targeted and criminalized.”
“When we see inadequate funding of our public schools, and a cradle-to-prison pipeline that prioritizes profits over our communities. We need to see education policies that focus on the overall well-being of our students and supports our teachers. We need to see criminal justice policies that hold all officials and individuals accountable to their actions and a system that is rehabilitative not punitive.”
Fresh from their final prep camp held recently in Tampa, The U17 Reggae Girlz are in fighting form for the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Championship, says assistant coach, Xavier Gilbert. With the Championship starting March 3 in Grenada, Coach Gilbert says the girls “should be competitive in the tournament.”
The young athletes, who want 1 game and drew 2 practice games in their recent Florida camp, will face a difficult group, alongside powerhouse such as USA, Costa Rica, and defending champions Mexico. Coach Gilbert, however, says the team boasts players with diverse skill sets and exposures, as “We have quite a number of players from Jamaica, USA and Canada, so it’s a combination of six to seven players from each country.”
“The girls know what they have to do, the good thing about it is that most of these girls have played against them (US players) in club or state championships. So they know each other pretty well and its just for them to go out there and represent well,” he added.
The two finalists and the third-placed team will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan in September.
Research shows that as the temperature drops, your blood pressure tends to increase. The changing weather brings cooler temperatures – and increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious health conditions.
Measure Up/Pressure Down is a national high blood pressure campaign, led by the American Medical Group Foundation, and aims to empower people to measure, monitor and maintain a healthy blood pressure. As the weather changes, Measure Up/Pressure Down and campaign supporter United Health Foundation have three tips for your heart health:
1. Understand high blood pressure:
High blood pressure, also called hypertension by medical professionals, means that the force of blood pushing through your body is too strong. That pressure puts a strain on your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. In colder weather, blood vessels constrict more than normal, which raises blood pressure. By understanding what high blood pressure is, you can make lifestyle changes to stay on top of the disease.
2. Practice healthy habits:
Healthy habits –such as being physically active, eating healthy and limiting alcohol – can be critical to managing your high blood pressure year round, especially during fall and winter. Try to get up and move for at least 30 minutes each day. As the weather changes, modify your exercise routine to include raking leaves, shoveling snow or walking indoors at a nearby mall. During the holiday season, many people indulge in unhealthy food and large amounts of alcohol at holiday parties, family festivities and other gatherings. You don’t need to give up everything you love, but set limits before each event to ensure you don’t go overboard. With high blood pressure, it’s important to limit sodium and harmful fats. You should also limit alcohol to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
3. Measure and monitor your blood pressure regularly:
If you have high blood pressure, talk with your healthcare team about how frequently you should monitor your blood pressure. Blood pressure monitors are inexpensive and can be purchased at pharmacies and other stores. Many community locations, like supermarkets and pharmacies, have machines that take and record your blood pressure. Others, including fire departments or local gyms, may have staff on hand that can measure your blood pressure for you. Be sure to properly position your body for an accurate reading. For instance, when you measure blood pressure over a coat or jacket, your reading can be falsely elevated.
More than one in three Americans have high blood pressure. To measure, monitor and maintain your blood pressure all year round and learn more about this disease,visit MeasureUpPressureDown.com.
Remember free time? You used to have so much of it. But these days, work and family obligations have you running around constantly and you don’t know what to do first. You don’t even have time to do everything you have to do, let alone what you want to do.
So how do you take back your day? How do you find the time to get things done and bring back some semblance of order? It is possible if you focus on making yourself more efficient. To help you accomplish all of your goals and find some free time as well, here are four ways you can improve your efficiency every single day.
* Make a plan. When you’re running through your list of daily obligations the morning of, it’s easy to forget a thing or two, especially if you have children running around, phones ringing or dogs barking to distract you. Instead, plan out the upcoming day the night before. Make a list of everything you have to do and check these items against one another. Can two trips be combined? Are you prioritizing the most important things first? The better you can plan out your schedule, the more organized you’ll be the next day.
* Get the news and information you need ASAP. You are bombarded by digital content every day and some of it is really important — but who has time to sift through it all? To help you find the information you need as quickly as possible, Fresly LLC launched a new app, iNews Photo. Whether you are on the go, or gathering news in your office this application allows you access to global and local news curated in real time by former journalist directly to your mobile phone or on a larger screen.
* Set priorities. You don’t have time to do it all and maybe you don’t have to. Sit down and make a list of every social or professional group and obligation you belong to. Once you’ve made the list, look at it and ask yourself honestly how important this obligation is to you or your family. If you find the obligation is not essential, you’re better off to abandon it and save your time for the responsibilities that are more important to you.
* Limit multitasking. Many people look to multitasking as an efficiency solution, but doing several things at once means it takes longer to accomplish any one task. And when the first task is completed, the result is often poorer because of it. Instead of trying to do several things at once, focus on the most important thing, accomplish it and move on.
With today’s hectic schedules, finding the opportunity to do everything you’re supposed to do may seem impossible. However, if you apply the four tips listed above, you’ll improve your efficiency, stay up on the latest news and maybe even discover that elusive free time you sorely deserve.
