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6 simple ideas for living a happier life

Saving money and staying fit are traditional New Year’s resolutions, but overly packed schedules and the materialistic focus of modern day life are inspiring a new goal for many people: to live happier.

“To make 2016 the happiest year ever, think about how you rest, eat and move,” says Matt Johnson, health and performance expert and president of On Target Living. “I am a believer that mental health is directly related to physical health. For most of human existence we have viewed the mind — the head — different from the physical body of the neck down. New research is showing they have everything to do with each other. If you want optimal physical health, you need optimal mental health and happiness. When people are happier they tend to improve all aspects of their life.”

Johnson offers six surprisingly simple, yet profoundly effective ways to boost mood and overall happiness in the new year:

1. Make sleep a priority
Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is critical for the body to produce hormones that trigger happiness, explains Johnson.

“I am a big fan of always going to bed with a positive attitude,” he says. “If you go to bed angry, worried or stressed, that tends to come back the next day. Do what you can before bed to reset your mood. Read, take a bath, exercise or talk face-to-face. Try to avoid screen time.”

2. Make more time for family

“Over the last 20 years, family time has vanished. Sporting events, projects, work and technology have swallowed this time,” says Johnson. “As the author of the cookbook Target to Table, I think family face-to-face time is the most important part of a healthy family relationship and happiness.”

Johnson suggests planning family dinner two to three times a week. “When we start to eat dinner as a family in the home, our health and happiness will follow,” he notes.

3. Carve out whitespace
Whitespace is time you dedicate to yourself to refresh, unplug and rejuvenate. This could be making time to do yoga, enjoy a hobby, read, meditate or take a bath.

“People who have hobbies and activities that give them balance tend to be happier,” Johnson says. “If your hobby is texting, checking social media or watching TV, this will set you up for a feeling of emptiness. These things are fine in short periods, but too much will take away what life is giving us.”

4. Achieve work-life balance
With the expanse of the Internet and mobile commuting, workers are now connected more than ever before. But this connectedness can get out of control when answering emails 24/7, so work-life balance is important for overall happiness.

“We all want to be successful, but with anything you need proper balance,” says Johnson. “If you look at professional athletes, the best ones try to find activities outside of their sport that help them stay hungry, engaged and excited. Find things that help you create balance in your life.”

Johnson suggests:
* Don’t check email after 8 p.m.
* Go on a date night or family night
* Exercise at a time that fits your schedule
* Walk during lunch
* Schedule a massage once a month

5. Fuel happiness from within

“I believe we have more behavior and mental health issues than we should, and a big part of this is the lack of proper nutrients,” says Johnson. “The most important nutrient when it comes to brain health and mood is omega-3s.”

America is one of the most deficient countries when it comes to omega-3s, with an estimated 91 percent of people not getting enough. “The way that I encourage people to get omega-3s is Nordic Naturals orange-flavored Arctic Cod Liver Oil — it tastes like an orange oil drop,” Johnson says. “Adding Nordic Naturals cod liver oil to your diet can be a game changer for your mental health.”

6. Embrace gratitude 

Thinking of the things you are grateful for can have a dramatic effect on your satisfaction and overall happiness. Do this daily as you wake up or make it a conversation you have with your children right before bed.

“Telling yourself you are grateful for your health, family, friends, job and life gives you that pat on the back we all need,” Johnson says. “I also think we don’t tell people how much we appreciate them until they are gone. I encourage everyone to write a handwritten letter to one person each year who made a huge impact in their life. They may not know or maybe you don’t tell them often enough. My last letter was to my Mom. She is the glue in our family.”

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Jamaica’s Former PM defends JLP’s one seat majority

CARICOM Eminent Person Group ends visit to Haiti
The EPG, comprising Dr Kenny Anthony, Bruce Golding and Perry Christie, former prime ministers of St Lucia, Jamaica and The Bahamas

Former PM says Holness could run the country effectively with a one seat majority 

Former prime minister Bruce Golding says Prime Minister elect Andrew Holness should be free to form his own cabinet, dismissing speculation that the one-seat majority for the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) could spell disaster for the incoming administration. Golding told reporters on Monday that the 32-31 result of the general election held last Thursday, should not be used as a mechanism to hold the 43-year-old Holness to ransom.

“With a tight majority of one, it would be a perfect situation if, after he has put together his Cabinet, everybody is happy. But human nature doesn’t function that way,” Golding said, noting that immediately after the February 25 poll, he sent Holness a message in which he advised him that “compromises very often have to be accommodated in the workings of politics.”

But he said he also urged Holness, who had replaced him as prime minister in 2011, not to let anybody hold a gun to his head in the decisions he will have to make.

“I may not be happy if I am not made minister of X or minister of Y, but if I am a member of the team; if I am a member of the parliament, my duty is not only to the party but to the country to support the Government at a time when the Government needs [the] full hundred support of its members,” he said. “Therefore, I hope that people will give him the space that he needs and allow him to exercise his discretion as he sees fit.”

The former Prime Minister, who said he played a role in getting JLP candidates campaign in at least 10 constituencies, said that he had also indicated to Holness his willingness to assist. He said he was due to meet with Holness on Monday night and would inform him “if there is an area where he feels my assistance can be of help to him then he will raise it. If it is something he already has under control he won’t waste his own time and waste mine,” he said, adding that Holness’ wife Juliet Holness should be considered for a cabinet position, like every other successful candidate of the JLP.

“I don’t think that she should be put in the cabinet because she’s his wife, but at the same time I don’t believe she should be left out of the cabinet because she’s his wife. It’s a judgement call that he must make, but he must make that based on the criteria which guides him,” Golding said.

Golding also said that Holness could run the country effectively with a one seat majority, even as he acknowledged that “it is going to be challenging to administer a government with a one-seat majority.

Brian Lara is keynote speaker at Legends of Cricket

Brian Lara

Event to also feature cricket icon Courtney Walsh 

Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara heads to South Florida this Saturday, serving as keynote speaker for The Lawrence Rowe Foundation’s Celebrity Dinner Gala. The former Trinidadian international cricket player, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, will be among the many celebrities attending the Black Tie Affair at the Marriott North on Saturday, March 5th.

This event is part of the star studded 2nd Annual Cricket Legends Weekend, set for this Sunday at the Central Broward Regional Park. In addition to Lara, the event will also feature other sporting icons such as Courtney Walsh. Augustine Logie, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ridley Jacobs, Larry Gomes, Desmond Haynes, Alvin Kallicharran, Faoud Bachhus, Jermaine Lawson, Collis King, Barry Richards, Rohan Babulal Kanhai, Joel Gardner, Lance Gibbs, Andy Roberts, Bernard Julien, Sir Garfield Sobers and Lawrence Rowe. Game one begins at 11 a.m., with 2015 Newberry ACCL Champions facing off against South Florida Region XI, while game two exhibition match begins at 3 p.m., with the U.S Cavaliers doing battle with the West Indies Legends.

The signature event is just one of the major fundraising efforts of The Lawrence Rowe Legendary Cricket Foundation. Established in January 2011 by Lawrence Rowe and his wife, Audrey, The Foundation’s mission is to educate both the youth and the wider community about the Jamaican culture, through the sport of Cricket and creative expression, as well as providing educational enrichment through one-on-one mentoring and tutoring that nurtures academic growth and cultural creativity.

EDITORIAL: Jamaicans restless for change

Prime Minister elect Andrew Holness (right) Opposition spokesman on finance Audley Shaw (centre) and MP for West Kingston Desmond McKenzie, in an upbeat mood at a recently held Jamaica Labour Party rally (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Jamaica’s recent general elections saw an unexpected change in leadership, as the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) secured a close victory with 32 parliament seats against the incumbent People’s National Party (PNP).

Polls and pundits had put the PNP in a slight lead, mostly due to the government’s relative success in stabilizing Jamaica’s economy on the global stage, passing tests set by international monetary agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But the macro-economic success may have not proved enough for the day-to-day needs of voters. Clearly, the JLP proved convincing in its message of personal progress through its straightforward 10-point economic plan, tapping into this dissatisfaction with promises of income tax breaks and accessible education. These promises ring particularly sweet following years of the PNP’s austerity policies under the IMF agreement.

This election shows that once again, it’s the people’s votes that matter. Regardless of the profiles and strengths of political candidates, it’s the people who matter, who must be convinced and who, in a democracy, make the ultimate decision about who will govern them. They will support leaders who offer pragmatic and tangible solutions that can be made visible in their own lives. Progress must be measured beyond stock growth.

Jamaicans have grown impatient with waiting for the government to provide viable pathways to jobs, higher wages, lower prices, affordable housing, health and education. To the majority of the people, news of the reduction in the national debt, buoyance in the stock market, and successful IMF tests fail to resonate in comparison to their personal financial needs,

Now, the onus is on incoming Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his government to make good their promises. And, with so many challenges, it is a lot to live up to. In many ways, the PNP could perceive their recent defeat as a blessing in disguise. As a local observer commented following the PNP’s loss, “The PNP may be one of the luckiest political parties worldwide, as people’s expectations are extremely high and they want immediate results.”

One of the reasons Simpson Miller called the elections almost a year before they were constitutionally due was her government had another austere budget to present to parliament in the next few months. This wouldn’t be a budget offering Jamaicans the personal financial breaks they sought, but one aimed to continue meeting the stringent economic targets set by the IMF. Possibly, this budget wouldn’t be the sort that would entice voters heading to the polls after April.

However, the JLP correctly picked up on what the people needed, and made its 10 promises that the majority of the voters found more appealing than the PNP’s proposal of steady economic development.

One of the new government’s immediate task is to present the 2016 budget. Will this budget include the JLP’s promises to improve minimum wage, provide more job opportunities, and reform Jamaica’s income-tax policy to ease the burden on those earning under J$1.5 million? For the JLP to keeps its promises, the government may be forced to compromise on its current agreement with the IMF. These promises are the kind the IMF insisted the outgoing government restrict. Will the JLP be able to renegotiate a better deal with the IMF? This is hardly likely, as the IMF has proven resistant to social programs. Or will the new government want to break with the IMF agreement and embark on its own program to keep its promises to Jamaicans? This too is unlikely. The IMF’s assessment of a country’s economy is basically that country’s credit rating, opening access to funding from other agencies and countries.

Under this scenario, it seems the JLP has inherited a major predicament. The Jamaican Diaspora will anxiously watch how Holness deals with this predicament, especially with a one-seat majority. His party has been elected to serve the people, not the IMF, but his government will need the IMF.

The new Holness-led government faces the Herculean task of keeping Jamaica’s national debt intact, while satisfying the financial needs of its people. This is a task that began with the Michael Manley administration in the 1970s. Since then, successive administrations have failed in accomplishing this goal. While Jamaica’s population has grown, these administrations were unable to find sufficient resources to satisfy the population’s financial demands. Jamaicans now expect the new Holness administration will satisfy their financial needs sooner than later. People’s expectations are high, and they are restless.

 

The Bachelor finds love in Jamaica

Ben Higgins

Reality show films scenes in Jamaica

Jamaicans in the Diaspora and at home reacted with pride on social media to Monday night’s airing of ABC-TV’s popular reality show “The Bachelor” that was filmed in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.   Another episode filmed in Jamaica airs on March 14th.

The Bachelor follows Ben Higgins, the handsome software salesman, on his journey for a soulmate. Last season, Higgins was sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe onThe Bachelorette. He will attempt to put his heartbreak behind him as he searches for true love.

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

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

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center hosts Saturday Night Fever

Lauderhill Perming Arts Center

The newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center kicks off their inaugural season on Wednesday night with Saturday Night Fever – the Musical, starting at 7 pm.

Inspired by the iconic 1977 film, this live musical features vintage Bee Gee hits in this classic coming-of age Disco fantasy and tells the story of Tony – the kid from Brooklyn USA- who wants to dance his way to a better life is back! And back in an all-new production that shares Tony’s love for dancing in spectacular new ways.

Broadcasting organization BBC praised the production by saying, “Hit song after hit song, bright lights and dancing to blow you away.”

Theatermania.com was also impressed with the production. “The show’s unique blend of poignancy and perpetual optimism coupled with the brilliance of the Bee Gees score and breathtaking choreograph-should provide dazzlingly delightful nights for years to come.”

The season will continue with live concerts and performances throughout March.

Recount results to be presented to GG on Wednesday

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

Five new Zika virus cases have been confirmed in Florida, including one pregnant patient, according to state health officials. The new cases include 3 more infections in Miami-Dade County and one more in Broward County. This bring the state’s total county to 42 infections, although all so far have been contracted during travel abroad in the Caribbean and South America.

Sending items back home may be much easier for the Jamaican Diaspora, following plans announced by the Jamaica Customs Agency to adopt a paperless, web-based automated data system. The system will streamline customs declarations as well as accounting and transit procedures. Full implementation is expected to be completed by March.

The newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center kicks off their inaugural season tonight with Saturday Night Fever – the Musical, starting at 7 pm. Inspired by the iconic 1977 film, this live musical features vintage Bee Gee hits in this classic coming-of age Disco fantasy. The season will continue with live concerts and performances throughout March.

In sports, Team Trinidad and Tobago swept Team Jamaica in the opening game of Lauderhill International Cricket T20 Night Tournament, held at Lauderhill Sports Park. The Trinibago Red Force won 164 runs from 4 wickets, while Jamaica scored 74 from 9. The tournament continues next Saturday, at 5pm as Guyana faces Pakistan.

What’s trending:

The swearing in of Prime Minister elect Andrew Holness is delayed until final recount is complete, which Director of Elections Orrette Fisher reports may not be official presented to the Governor General until tomorrow [Wednesday]

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 79 and a low of 62. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 78 and a low of 62.

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. And be sure to check out our in-depth breakdown of Jamaica’s recent general elections. Go beyond the headlines, and delve into the deeper consequences of this year’s elections, from who won your home constituency, to what may happen next for Jamaica. And, as the recount continues, be sure to check out the latest in election coverage at caribbeannationalweekly.com.

BCPS High Schools sweep state’s Boys Basketball Championships

Blanche Ely High celebrates after defeating St. Petersburg High School

Broward County Public High School’s Blanche Ely High School, Coral Springs High School and Dillard High School swept the state’s three largest classifications in the boys basketball 2016 state championships.

Blanche Ely High defeated St. Petersburg High School 84-70, winning the Class 7A state title for a second consecutive year. The victory gives the school its sixth boys basketball state championship. Melvin Randall is coach of the Blanche Ely Tigers.

Coral Springs High defeated Sarasota Riverview High School 61-57, capturing the Class 8A state title. This is Coral Springs High first trip to the state tournament. The win gives the school its first ever boys basketball state title. Devin Barta is coach of the Coral Springs Colts.

Dillard High School defeated Largo High School 66-55, taking home the Class 6A state title. The win gives the school its sixth boys basketball state championship. Darryl Burrows is coach of the Dillard Panthers.

With six state titles each, Blanche Ely High and Dillard High tie for the most boys basketball championships in Broward County. The sweep of the state’s largest basketball tournaments by a single school district is a first in the history of Florida athletics.

 

The coaches and athletes will be honored and recognized during an upcoming School Board meeting

5 tips for creating a sound financial strategy

Many people want to know the secret to financial success. Whether they should be saving more, protecting more, investing more or spending less — everyone wants a silver bullet to set them on the road to financial success. There is no silver bullet.

The key is to have discussions with your family and loved ones about your priorities. Whether it’s saving for a child’s college education, supporting a favorite charity, building retirement strategies or a combination of all of those and more, each financial strategy should be driven by one person — you.

Thrivent Financial recommends using these five sound and timeless principles when deciding on a financial strategy.

Spend less than you earn.

This is critical. No one can live beyond their means forever, since all bills, credit cards, mortgage, home equity loans and others debts eventually come due. Being wise with money means having the ability to be prudent with the resources you already earn.

Be wise with debt.

Debt isn’t something to be avoided at all costs. Some debt can be very healthy and a way to broaden and strengthen your future — both inside and outside your financial picture. Mortgages, student loans and car loans can all be entered into as part of a healthy financial strategy, they just need to be managed carefully and effectively.

Protect against setbacks.

Even the best of financial strategies can be derailed by a sudden accident or death if not properly protected. Life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance can all work as protection against the worst, should it happen, and help ensure you and your family are taken care of and you’re not leaving others with bills or burdens.

Have a short-term and long-term plan.

College, retirement, emergency savings, a new car — all these are great goals for families and individuals to set for themselves. The key to reaching these goals is to do so in a way that maximizes current resources and helps minimize risk for an overall strategy. So when it comes to transitioning to drawing down money in retirement, the most important structure is to plan for the short-term for the near-term and ensure that it’s working in conjunction with your long-term strategy for you and your family.

Give back.

Many people are looking for a silver bullet when it comes to finances. The most important part is to be true to yourself, your family and your goals. These five pillars can be a guide you, however, it’s ultimately up to you and what you want for your future.

5 common heart health myths debunked

As the number one cause of death in both men and women, knowledge is power when it comes to preventing heart conditions. Whether it runs in your family or not, this is one health issue you shouldn’t ignore.

“Unfortunately, everyone has an old wives’ tale associated with heart disease and cardiovascular health, says Dr. Andy Manganaro, chief medical officer at Life Line Screening. “For example, many women don’t know they are more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer.”

Dr. Manganaro helps separate some myths from reality to keep you in the know:

1. Heart disease is the same in men and women.

Although men and women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, there are differences in the way the disease treats each gender’s body, according to Harvard Health Publications Women tend to develop heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, and have a greater chance of dying from the disease. Women have smaller hearts and coronary vessels, which often makes heart surgery difficult. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women, so women especially should talk with their doctors about developing a heart health plan.

2. If it runs in your family, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Even if heart conditions run in your family, these diseases are still 80 percent preventable. Healthy behavior changes like losing weight, increasing exercise, eating a healthier diet and keeping your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health. The power of prevention is undeniable, especially with preventative screenings that identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke early on.

3. Heart disease doesn’t affect fit and active people.

No matter how many marathons you run or yoga classes you take, you may still be at risk for a heart condition. There are plenty of other factors that can put you at risk, like high cholesterol, poor eating habits, elevated blood pressure, and smoking.

4. Heart disease always exhibits the same symptoms.

While you might be under the impression that a heart attack always involves extreme chest pain, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, according to the American Heart Association (AMA). Women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain, dizziness and lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting.

5. Once you have heart disease, it’s too late.

It’s never too late to treat or prevent heart disease. Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in both controlling risk factors and caring for heart disease. Simple behavior changes like those mentioned above plus consultation with you doctor can help keep your heart, and entire circulatory system, humming along.

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Five new zika virus cases confirmed in Florida

One pregnant woman among patients

Five new Zika virus cases have been confirmed in Florida, including one pregnant patient, according to state health officials.

The new cases include 3 more infections in Miami-Dade County and one more in Broward County. This brings the state’s total county to 42 infections, although all so far have been contracted during travel abroad in the Caribbean and South America.

As of Monday, they said four of the cases confirmed in the state were still exhibiting symptoms.

Read more: New case of Zika found in Broward County

Meantime, U.S. officials are investigating more than a dozen new reports nationwide of sexually transmitted cases of the virus.

Last week, Governor Rick Scott requested the Centers For Disease Control send 250 additional Zika anti-body tests and directed Health Dr. John Armstrong to activate a Zika virus information hotline for Broward and Florida residents and visitors. The hotline can be reached at 1-855-622-6735.

Armstrong urges Floridians, especially those in Broward County, to drain standing water weekly, no matter how small. A couple of drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes.

Read More: LIAT airlines issues Zika travel advisory

Armstrong said residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.

Zika Virus, also known as Zika Fever, often causes no or only mild symptoms, similar to a mild form of Dengue fever. Since the 1950s, it has been known to occur within locations among Africa and Asia. In 2014, the virus spread eastward across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia, then to Easter Island, and in 2015 to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, where the Zika virus outbreak has now reached epic proportions.

FHD-discuses-Zika-in-Broward
Lillian Rivera, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade, discusses the Zika in Broward and Miami-Dade counties at a press conference at the University of Miami

There is no cure for the Zika Virus. As of February 2016, there is evidence that Zika fever in pregnant women can cause abnormal brain development in their fetuses by mother-to-child transmission, called microcephaly. It is still to be determined if the Zika virus does in fact cause microcphaly.

READ MORE: CNW90 – Zika virus now transmitted by sex

 

Jamaica Customs Agency to introduce paperless data system

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Customs Agency Richard Reese informs the Jamaica Information Services (JIS) of new measures to be implemented.

Data system to be web-based

Sending items back home may be much easier for the Jamaican Diaspora, following plans announced by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) to adopt a paperless, web-based automated data system.

The system will streamline customs declarations as well as accounting and transit procedures. Full implementation is expected to be completed by March.

The new automated system is in keeping with the Government’s strategy to improve trade facilitation and service delivery in customs administration and when completed will see customs declarations, shipping manifests as well as accounting procedures, and transit and suspense procedures all being conducted electronically.

The system is being implemented through a US$4 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank .

Customs Broker, Junior Waugh, who has been using ASYCUDA since its pilot phase in December 2014, in speaking with the Jamaican Information Services said he is pleased with the new processes being implemented. He noted that the system is no longer paper-based and customs brokers do not have to print multiple forms to file declarations.

He noted that during the initial roll-out, some brokers have had challenges connecting to the system and filling out their documents.

“From time to time, the complaints that we get from individual brokers, sometimes they are not able to go on, but in talking to JCA we realised that we have a number of issues, in terms of the connectivity, in terms of the band width that we get from our Internet service providers,” he said, adding that some of these problems are being remedied.

“It’s a new thing and one would expect that you will have some teething pains. The teething pains are there and they are real, but based on discussions, I am confident that they will get it right,” he added.

Waugh, who is also president of the Jamaica Society of Customs Brokers said since the roll out, training sessions have been organised for custom brokers in Kingston and Montego Bay.

Haiti-based Sunrise Airways expands service to Cuba

Airways launches first-ever flights to Camaguey

Sunrise Airways recently expanded its service to Cuba on February 29, with the launch of its first-ever flights to Camaguey. The new route is the first to feature the carrier’s new 46-seat ATR 42-320 aircraft, which was added to the Sunrise fleet on February 26, 2016.

“These new flights to Camaguey build upon the success of our regularly scheduled service to Santiago de Cuba, which has performed very well since its initial launch in October 2014,” said Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways. “Over the long term, we intend to spread our wings to more of Cuba than any other international airline. Adding larger aircraft types to our fleet, like our new ATR 42, puts us in a strong position to move forward in that direction now.”

Connecting service will also be available through Port-au-Prince from Sunrise Airways flights originating in Cap Haitien and Santo Domingo, Dominica Republic.

Read more: Haiti-based Sunrise Airways announces fleet expansion

The first and only Haitian-owned airline to be awarded a Part 129 Dominican Operating Permit, Sunrise Airways currently serves Santo Domingo (JBQ), Santiago de Cuba (SCU), and Cap Haitien (CAP).

New flights connecting Port-au-Prince with Kingston, Jamaica (KIN); Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (PLS); Camaguey, Cuba (CMW); and Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS) are planned for 2016. In line with the expansion of its route network, Sunrise Airways will also augment its fleet in 2016, adding new 46-seat ATR 42-320 aircrafts to serve alongside its pre-existing cadre of 19-seat Jetstream 32 EP turboprops.

 

Embattled CONCACAF approves new statutes at Congress

Reforms designed to enhance CONCACAF’s overall governance structure

Troubled continental governing body, CONCACAF, on Thursday signed off a six-point package of reforms designed to enhance its overall governance structure and guard against future corruption scandals.

Members associations voted unanimously at the confederation’s XXII Extraordinary Congress for the revision of the organisation’s statutes, which are expected to result in “fundamental change” and set “new standards” in the areas of governance, independence, ethics, accountability, transparency and term limits.

CONCACAF, the continental governing body for football in North, Central American and the Caribbean, has been racked by corruption scandals over the past year starting with the high profile arrests of its then president Jeffrey Webb last June and his successor Alfredo Hawit last December.

Webb has since pleaded guilty to corruption charges and forfeited nearly US $7 million in a plea deal while Hawit is currently facing charges in a New York court.

“The reforms passed today go further than ever before to incorporate essential principles of good governance and compliance into CONCACAF’s statutes,” CONCACAF said in a statement.

“However, it is only the beginning of the equally important process of changing the culture of how football is governed and administered by implementing these reforms in a meaningful and sustainable way.

“CONCACAF will pursue implementation and enforcement of the reforms with the same determination that led to this important day for football in the region.”

The reforms were first presented in a CONCACAF Reform Framework which was approved by the confederation’s executive committee at a meeting in Vancouver, Canada last July.

They will become effectively immediately, with both CONCACAF and member associations expected to begin implementation.

One of the major reforms approved by members is the creation of the CONCACAF council which will replace the current executive committee in April.

Council members will have 12-year term limits – consecutive or non-consecutive – and will be required to undergo eligibility checks by a yet-to-be formed independent Ethics Committee, before their candidacy can be approved.

The raft of changes also impact the compensation, governance, audit and compliance, and finance committees which will all now benefit from independent oversight.

Miami Music Project to kick off Spring Concert Series in March

Concert series to feature over 500 students

During the month of March, join the Miami Music Project as it will host its Children Orchestras for their 2016 Spring Concert Series. The annual event is a four-concert series highlighting nearly 500 students.

The first performances in the series will take place Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 1:00 pm at Manuel Artime Theatre. This performance will celebrate the community of Little Havana, which is home to one of Miami Music Project’s four chapters.

The following 3 shows will be at their respective chapters: Little Haiti (Toussiant L’Ouverture Elementary), Liberty City (Charles Drew K-8 Center), and Doral (John I. Smith Middle Learning Center).

As Miami’s only El Sistema-inspired program, Miami Music Project provides music classes to children from at-risk demographics and those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to take full advantage of an integrated music program.

Founded in 2008 by world-renowned conductor James Judd, The Miami Music Project (MMP) ensemble is comprised of young musicians committed to social transformation through music. The after-school program is designed as a tuition-free, high-quality musical training for young musicians while at the same time improving their social and academic skills.

MMP uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society through the study and performance of music.

Jamaica’s MP Omar Davies hospitalized

Former Minister of Transport, Housing and Works and Member of Parliament (MP) for South St Andrew, Dr Omar Davies

Former Minister of Transport, Housing and Works and Member of Parliament (MP) for South St Andrew, Dr Omar Davies, was taken to the hospital on Monday morning, after collapsing at his home.

According to LoopJamaica, Davies was taking his routine morning walk when he began to feel light-headed and decided to go home.

Davies, while at home, began slurring and his condition began to worsen.

After carrying out tests to determine the cause of his illness, Davies has reportedly gained consciousness and is now resting.

Davies recently defeated Dennis Anthony Messias of the Jamaica Labour Party by 8,207 votes to regain his title as Member of Parliament for Southern St. Andrew during Jamaica’s elections last Thursday.

The Jamaica Labour Party was a declared the winner of the 2016 general election, after claiming 32 of the 63 constituency seats.

Legendary sound system operator, Winston “Merritone” Blake has died

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 29, across your Caribbean-American Community in South Florida.

The Organization of American States, and the CARICOM election observation mission gave their approval of last Thursday’s general elections in Jamaica.  The OES, headed by former attorney general and minister of foreign affairs of The Bahamas, Janet Bostwick, comprised of 23 international observers from 17 countries and visited 367 polling stations, reported positive electoral practices.  Meanwhile, the 11-member CARICOM mission led by Josephine Tamal, chief elections officer of Belize, deployed five teams in several constituencies. CARICOM’s full report, however, will be prepared and submitted at a later date.

Haiti’s interim leader, Jocelerme Privert, has named former Central Bank governor, Fritz-Alphonse Jean, as prime minister to Haiti.  Appointed by decree, Jean was installed on Friday with a 120-day mandate which includes putting together a caretaker government, and to complete Haiti’s suspended elections.  Privert’s nomination is being contested, however by outgoing Prime Minister, Evans Paul, citing the appointment as unconstitutional.

In Sports:  Following the ban of former president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, by the FIFA Ethics Committee, member nations of the governing body of international soccer this past Friday elected 45-year-old Gianni Infantino as the new president of FIFA.  In his acceptance speech, Infantino promised to continue giving out equal payments to every nation, regardless of size.  Holding both Swiss and Italian citizenship, Infantino has been the general secretary of UEFA, the governing body of European soccer since 2009.

What’s Trending:

Legendary Jamaican sound system operator, Winston “Merritone” Blake died this past Saturday at the University Hospital of the West Indies.  Blake, a music producer and promoter, helped launch the careers of his wife, Cynthia Schloss who passed away in 1999, and Beres Hammond.  Blake, who was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in 1995, is survived by his brothers Trevor and Monty, children, and grandchildren.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 74 and a low of 66.  For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 75 and a low of 66.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.  Remember to pick up this week’s copy of Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean outlet.  And be sure to check out our in-depth breakdown of Jamaica’s general elections.  Go beyond the headlines, and delve into the deeper consequences of this year’s elections, from who won in your home constituency, to what may happen next for Jamaica.

Caribbean Development Bank urges regional govt’s to “DECIDE”

Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has pointed to an urgent need for broad policy initiatives, including labour market reform and investment in developing the skills of potential workers to move regional economies forward.

In a presentation at the Bank’s Annual Review and Forecast titled, ‘Time to D.E.C.I.D.E.’, Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram said governments must aim to become Dynamic, Export-oriented, Competitive, Inclusive, Diverse and Environmentally-resilient economies. This would require, he said, private sector-led growth, an educated and flexible labour force, and better regional integration, with governments acting as business facilitator and efficient regulator.

“We need a strategy that will allow us to take advantage of technological innovation to identify and encourage higher productivity activity. At the same time, we need to improve the investment climate, making it easier for the private sector to thrive,” Dr. Ram added.

Against the background of continuing high unemployment in many countries, he cited the imperatives of labour market reforms to include greater flexibility, freedom of movement, participation, and productivity. In relation to the development of human capital, he said there must also be investment in quality education for all, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

With respect to specific policy actions, Dr. Ram said regional governments must place greater emphasis on fiscal consolidation by increasing the efficiency of revenue collection and expenditure, and prioritising capital investment, among other measures.

Other areas identified for reform were the energy and financial sectors.

“Although we currently have low fuel prices, we still need energy reform that provide the regulatory environment to increase the use of renewable energy in energy mix, as well as energy efficiency,” said Dr. Ram.

Financial policy should be further adjusted to encourage greater access to affordable credit by micro, small and medium size enterprises. He also identified the need to maximise regional integration and take advantage of free trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, as well as to seek new agreements.

Regional transport and logistics also need to be addressed by increasing efficiency of movement of people and goods across the region.

According to Dr. Ram, physical and social infrastructure should not be ignored. CDB is proposing that governments mandate building and infrastructure codes to improve resilience and that measures are implemented to minimise the spread of new diseases.

There should also be a push to improve the level of national savings to support investment and fiscal buffers to take Caribbean economies to a higher level, Dr. Ram said.

3 breakfast recipes for everyone in a hurry

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Everyone has heard that saying, but unfortunately, breakfast is also often the most forgotten meal of the day. Instead of enjoying a hearty, nutritious breakfast, many people opt for simple alternatives on the go because they believe creating a well-rounded breakfast will take too long. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

To show you just how easy it can be to create a wonderful breakfast, here are a few recipes that will have you reinvisioning the bagel and hitting your busy morning with a little extra spring in your step.

Eggs Florentine Bagels

Ingredients

2 Thomas’ Plain Bagels, split and toasted
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk, heated
4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

Directions

Melt butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat and whisk in flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for two minutes. Whisk in milk in a stream, until smooth. Simmer, whisking, until thickened, about three minutes and reduced to 1-1/4 cups. Keep warm, covered, off heat. Fill a medium skillet halfway with water and bring to a boil. Break eggs into separate teacups and pour into water. Cover skillet and remove from heat. Let eggs sit for about 4 minutes until whites are set. Place bagels on serving plates and top each with 1/4 of spinach, using a slotted spoon top with a poached egg and 1/4 of sauce. Serve immediately.

Smoked tomato, basil and brie bagel

Ingredients

2 Thomas’ bagels, split and toasted
4 oz. warm Brie
1 large tomato, quartered and smoked
2 leaves fresh basil

Directions

Toast a Thomas’ Plain Bagel and set aside. Quarter and smoke one large tomato and set aside. Top Bagel halves with warm Brie and tomato quarters. Add basil.

Santa Fe Bagel Thins Bagel

Ingredients

1 Thomas’ 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins bagel
3 egg whites
4 tbsp. black bean hummus (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp. low-fat sour cream
4 tbsp. tomato salsa
Nonstick cooking oil spray

Homemade black bean hummus:
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 garlic clove, chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. ground cumin

Directions

Separate and toast Bagel Thins bagel. Place open-faced and top each half with two tablespoons of hummus and 1 tablespoon of low-fat sour cream. Spray nonstick frying pan with cooking oil and put on stovetop under medium heat. Beat three egg whites together in mixing bowl and then pour into heated frying pan. Once eggs are cooked through, place on open-faced English muffin and top with salsa.

Homemade black bean hummus:

Mince all ingredients together in food processor until smooth; refrigerate.

These recipes are quick, easy and can give you just the lift you need to start your day. So give them a try.

Haiti names former Central Bank governor as prime minister

Haiti's provisional President Jocelerme Privert (L) and appointed Prime Minister Fritz-Alphonse Jean at the swearing in ceremonyREUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares

Fritz-Alphonse Jean appointed Prime Minister of Haiti

Haiti’s interim leader, Jocelerme Privert, has named former Central Bank governor, Fritz-Alphonse Jean, as prime minister to Haiti.  

Appointed by decree, Jean was installed on Friday with a 120-day mandate which includes putting together a caretaker government, and to complete Haiti’s suspended elections.  

With some 60 percent of the population suffering from extreme poverty in this poorest of the Americas countries, Jean said he was aware of the challenges he faces, and criticized previous administrations.

“For decades, frustrations have piled up in our country due to unkept promises,” the head of state said Friday during his first public speech.We need to stop improvising and start planning.”

Standing by his side, Privert reiterated his goal to unite a highly polarized political system.

Jean’s job will include helping create a balanced election council supported by Haiti’s fractious rival political parties, a key step needed to hold the election set for April.

A runoff election due on Jan. 24 was cancelled amid violent protests, and after the opposition candidate said he would not take part because of widespread fraud in the first round.

Privert is meant to hand over power to an elected president in May.

Privert’s nomination is being contested however by outgoing Prime Minister, Evans Paul, citing the appointment as unconstitutional.

Jean’s predecessor Evans Paul said he disapproved of the nomination while other opposition leaders claim that the new PM is an ally of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide who was ousted in a 2004 coup d’état.

CARICOM, OAS, pleased with outcome of Jamaica’s election

Elections were “free and fair”

The Organization of American States, and the CARICOM election observation mission gave their approval of last Thursday’s general elections in Jamaica.

The OAS, headed by former attorney general and minister of foreign affairs of The Bahamas, Janet Bostwick, comprised of 23 international observers from 17 countries and visited 367 polling stations, reported positive electoral practices.  Meanwhile, the 11-member CARICOM mission led by Josephine Tamai, chief elections officer of Belize, deployed five teams in several constituencies.

“We believe it was free and fair…it was credible… the mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment,” said Tamai.

“Adequate security was in place at all locations with the officers displaying a very professional approach which contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities,” said Tamal.

“The mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment, and that the results of the general election of 25 February reflected the will of the people of Jamaica and reinforced their commitment to the democratic process.”

She was speaking at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Friday to present the mission’s assessment of the election held on Thursday.

 According to the preliminary results, the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won 32 of the 63 seats contested with the remainder going to the People’s National Party (PNP) that was seeking to repeat the 2011 victory.

Tamil said the full report will be submitted to Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and would include the findings of the mission and its recommendations and “suggestions for continued strengthening of the electoral process in Jamaica”.

 

Bill Clinton rallies voters in South Florida

President Bill Clinton speaks in Miami Gardens ahead of early voting in Florida

Former President Bill Clinton, made a campaign stop in Miami Gardens Sunday. He spoke at an event at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex and was joined by U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson, among others.

President Clinton lost his voice cheering for his wife’s victory Saturday in the South Carolina primary.

“You’re going to have to tolerate me being a little hoarse today. I was in South Carolina losing my voice for my candidate and it was worth it,” Clinton said to a cheering crowd.

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.

Jamaican music legend Winston “Merritone” Blake dies

Winston 'Merritone' Blake

Music legend died from health complications

Winston ‘Merritone’ Blake, a well-known music producer who helped launch the careers of Jamaican entertainers including Beres Hammond died early Saturday at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Blake, who suffered a stroke last month, was recuperating at home. However, on Wednesday he was admitted to hospital after complaining of not feeling well. He died on Saturday at 5:30 am from health complications.

Winston, was one of the famous Blake brothers who founded Merritone Music and the Merritone sound was the first Jamaican Sound System to take local music to cities such as London, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Hartford, Toronto, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Blake and his brothers made a huge impact on the local music industry as sound system operator, club owner and organizer of the popular Merritone Amateur Talent contest .

Blake who was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government in 1995, is survived by brothers Trevor and Monty, children and grandchildren.

Guyana to hold forum to examine violence among youth

Forum to be held on February 29 and March 1

A regional forum on “Youth Crime and Violence” will begin next week in Guyana with the aim of sensitising Caribbean Community (CARICOM) policy makers, the media and other stakeholders on the major elements of youth crime and violence.

The organisers said that the February 29 to March 1 conference will also provide an opportunity to share good practices with a view to replicating the lessons learned; to explore strategies for a multi-sectoral `whole of society’ response to the challenge and to examine the means for greater collaboration among institutions and development partners to sustain CARICOM’s response to youth crime and violence.

The Forum is an outcome of the CARICOM and the government of Spain project titled “Reducing Youth on Youth Violence” now being piloted in five Caribbean countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St.Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat each year, approximately 200,000 youths aged 10 to 29 die, and many more sustain serious injuries, because of violence across the world. “

It said youth violence is a global challenge, one which the CARICOM “knows only too well, since youth are both the main perpetrators and victims of such crime in the Community.

But it said that CARICOM is accelerating its fight and that the two-day forum here, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and the government of Spain, is an outcome of the two-year CARICOM/Spain project.

“Approximately 100 persons from across CARICOM will engage in interactive sessions centered on four main topics/issues: Violence Against Children; School Violence; Gender Based Violence; and Youth Gangs and Violence, together with the cross cutting themes of gender, culture and other social determinants.

The Forum will employ a mix of feature presentations, panel discussions and video presentations, with participation from a wide range of stakeholders including policy makers in all sectors: law enforcement, the private sector, labour, development partners, civil society, including academia, faith based and community organisations, youth, reformed non-traditional leaders and special interest groups,” the Secretariat added.

Five simple yet smart money habits

There’s no denying that it can take some work to create good habits, and becoming more disciplined about your finances is no different. Yet smart money habits can add up over time to increase your bank account and help you create a more stable financial life. Consider these five tips that will help you examine how you think about and handle money to improve your financial acumen.

  1. Practice the principal of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the opposite of carelessness. It’s as simple as paying attention to your spending habits and putting the brakes on impulsive purchases. When you’re intentional with your money, you make rational decisions based on what you can afford and what you need. Strategies to help you be more mindful include creating a monthly budget, making lists before going to the grocery store and holding off on large purchases until you can really afford them.
  1. Keep tabs on your financial transactions. Be vigilant about every financial transaction, no matter how small. Even though checkout clerks use computerized registers, they can still make mistakes when entering items or making change. Whether you’re at the grocery store or the department store, watch as items are rung up to ensure you’re being charged appropriately. Check your receipts. Count your change. In the case of banking errors, what you don’t know can hurt your bottom line. Check your online bank statements daily to monitor charges and also watch for fraud, which is on the rise.
  1. Show respect for currency. When you mistreat money, you diminish its value and give yourself permission to abuse it. Whether you’re dealing with dollars or cents, take care of every penny. Don’t wad up your bills or allow change to accumulate on the bottom of your purse. Instead, store it carefully and keep track of what you have. Keep your change in a container and deposit it in the bank each month. You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.
  1. Play your cards right. It used to be that a major credit card was absolutely required for online purchases and travel reservations such as airline tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals. In today’s economy, it’s possible to manage many, if not all of these transactions with a debit card. Credit cards can provide advantages through their reward programs, and disciplined use can help build creditworthiness. Yet many cards come with an annual fee and hefty interest rates when you carry a balance. To limit credit card spending, consider keeping your credit card at home and carry only your debit card in your wallet.
  1. Look within and remove barriers to financial freedom. If you want to be wise with your money, yet repeatedly make poor financial decisions, you may be unconsciously sabotaging yourself. For the most part, money attitudes arise from a complex mix of upbringing, culture and self-control. To help overcome this, focus on the things you consistently spend too much on. Is it dining out? Shopping for clothes? Taking vacations? Hone in on whatever your “weakness” is and try to change your spending habits in a particular area.

While each of these five tips can help you build your financial muscle, one of the best things you can do for your financial life is to meet regularly with a financial professional. An experienced financial advisor can provide financial coaching, helping you identify specific strategies for saving and investing for your future. Find a qualified professional whom you can trust to discuss all aspects of your financial life. Meet annually or as often as you require to discuss your financial goals and adjust your spending and saving habits to stay on track.

Lindell G. Douglas, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor and Managing Director with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Lindell.g.douglas@ampf.com.

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