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Haiti’s president to step down amid political turmoil

Michel Martelly

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly says he will leave office on Sunday in keeping with the provisions of the constitution as the mission from the Organization of American States (OAS) gets ready to leave the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country still optimistic that a deal could be hammered to end the political and constitutional crisis.

“I am grateful to all those who allowed me to serve. On February , I’ll leave without any regret, any envy and without any desire to remain in power,” Martelly told reporters as he attended an event to inaugurate a new government building built to replace one damaged by the January 2010 earthquake.

President of the Senate, Jocelerme Privert said “the National Assembly will take all necessary measures to fill the vacancy of the presidency”.

Earlier this week, Privert, denied several rumours that Prime Minister Evans Paul had resigned as part of a agreement that would end the crisis sparked by the decision of opposition parties to boycott the second round of balloting on January 24 to elect a successor to Martelly.

The opposition, which have been staging street protests here, have accused the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and Martelly of planning to rig the polls in favour of the government backed candidate Jovenel Moïse.

The new session of the Haitian parliament opened on Thursday and that Privert, who also served as president of the National Assembly, acknowledged the imminent presidential vacuum.

Westfield Broward Mall to host Broward County’s Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Annual event to offer students the opportunity to display their creativity

With its ongoing commitment to be the center of the community in which it resides Westfield Broward will host Broward County’s annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair from February 4-7.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host for the third time over 800 of Broward County’s most outstanding students from public, charter and private schools who will be showcasing their projects in this annual pre-collegiate science competition,” said Andrew Martineau, Director of Marketing, Westfield Broward.

The fair affords an opportunity for students to display their creativity and innovation in a STEM discipline, communicate with others about a topic of personal interest, collaborate with others to understand the scientific and technological changes in society and think critically and problem-solve for viable solutions to problems in their community, school, or environment while competing for cash awards and prizes.

Students present and defend their projects to experts in the field and are judged on the merit of their scientific research.  The top 24 students at the middle and high school levels are selected to compete in the State Science and Engineering Fair with the top 4 from the high school group receiving an invitation to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair.  The fair is free and open to the public.

Remembering the past through art

Judith Salmon

New survey showcases work of Jamaican artist Judith Salmon

The stories of the past, if cherished, can both transcend and challenge across generations and national borders. This power of memory shared, particularly among the Caribbean Diaspora, will be the focus of renowned Jamaican-born artist Judith Salmon’s new exhibition, “Memories and the Carriage of Feet,” which opened this week at the KROMA Gallery in Miami.

The exhibit surveys a significant body of her work, including paintings, mixed media and installations. The same show was also recently exhibited at the popularly received Explorations 111 show at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Audiences who visited Salmon’s exhibits had the opportunity to interact with her “Pockets of Memories” piece, where they could share a memory by leaving a note or token in the crochet pockets.

“Pockets of Memory” is also include in Salmon’s show at KROMA Gallery, and South Florida visitors will also be encouraged to continue the engagement and interaction with the work. These items will later be consolidated to create a new work, tying the shared memories of the Diaspora into a thought-provoking installation. The show runs until March 13.

Judith Salmon was born in the Caribbean island of Jamaica in 1952, and is now based in Florida. She has received several awards for painting from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and received a Professional Artist Development Grant from the Pinellas Arts Council in Florida. Salmon is the latest artist being featured by KROMA, new collective art space located on Grand Avenue in the heart of Coconut Grove, dedicated to showcasing creative works from the African Diaspora.

Page 2: February 4, 2016

Mayor Marty Kiar and his daughter Brianne hang with Vice Mayor Barbara Sharief and her daughter Hailey at their office for National "Take Your Child to Work Day."
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National Weekly – February 4, 2016

Zika now transmitted by sex

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 4, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Pioneering Jamaican-born pilot Barrington Irving has joined the Honorary council of aviation charity, Wings of Hope. The Miami-based pilot will aid the organization’s efforts in fighting poverty. Irving, who now runs an educational nonprofit, first won attention in 2007 at age 23 for becoming the young person to fly solo around the world.

Broward County has launched a new program called “Yellow Dot Motorist Medical program,” aimed at providing first responders vital information from drivers and passengers in a crash or medical crisis. Divers will display a yellow dot decal on the car, indicating to first responders to check the glove compartment for health information.

The City of Miami Gardens gets heart healthy this Saturday at the Red Dress Red Wine event, starting 6 pm at the City Hall Courtyard. Hosted in conjunction with the American Heart Association, the event includes a red carpet experience, a hearty healthy food demo and selection of specialty wines.

The Caribbean Americans Soccer Association’s (CASA) Super League continues tonight, starting 7:45 pm at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. Back-to-back games are scheduled this evening, as Miami United will face off against Team Haiti, while the Lauderhill Lions will play against Academy FC.

What’s trending:

Health officials in Dallas, Texas announce the first case of sexually-transmitted Zika virus. The Centers for Disease Control will soon release new guidelines on preventing sexual transmission of the disease, which is normally mosquito-borne, focusing on male sexual partners of women who are or who may be pregnant, as Zika has been linked to increased birth defects.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 63. For Miami-Dade, cloudy with a high of 79 and a low of 65.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. And remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean outlet.

Ambassador Thomas becomes first Jamaican diplomat to address MD State Senators

President of the Maryland Senate, Thomas Miller, Jr. greets Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ralph Thomas as he arrives at the Maryland State capital on Monday, February 1, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. Looking on at left is Maryland Secretary of State, John Wobensmith. (Photo credit: Derrick Scott).

Urges MD lawmakers to invest opportunities that exist in Jamaica

Ambassador Ralph Thomas has made history as the first Jamaican diplomat to address the Maryland General Assembly. As Ambassador to the United States, he made the historic step speaking to the 436th legislative session of the state body in Annapolis, the Free State capital, on February 1 – which marked the start of Black History Month celebration across the United States.

Ambassador Thomas was invited after Jamaican-born first-term state senator; Shirley Nathan-Pulliam moved a resolution paving the way for him to address this distinguished body of Maryland lawmakers.

The Ambassador said he was deeply honored to have the privilege of addressing this important body.  He pointed out that in the city of Baltimore, Jamaicans represent the largest group of West Indians and that 2014 statistical data reflect that Jamaicans were the second largest foreign-born population in Baltimore, after Mexicans.

The Head of Mission went on to note that the Jamaican community in Maryland is made up of a large cadre of highly skilled professionals which include educators, entrepreneurs and students.  Many have proudly served in political capacities, among them Senator Nathan-Pulliam who for many years was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates before joining the state senate.

“The largest concentration of Jamaicans has contributed significantly to the melting pot of culture and diversity that form part of the colorful tapestry of your beautiful state,” Ambassador Thomas said.  He told the lawmakers that while in Washington he intends to pursue every opportunity for deepening and strengthening the relationship between Jamaica and Maryland.

“Jamaica is open for business,” he told the lawmakers, urging them to examine the various investment opportunities that exist in business process outsourcing, medical tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture infrastructure development, logistics hub and the maritime industry.  He said that the government is taking advantage of its geographic location in positioning the island as a major Caribbean hub for energy and port services.

The Ambassador also used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to the members of the Senate on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, the Government and the people of Jamaica.

Prior to addressing the General Assembly, Ambassador Thomas was guest of honour at a reception with state lawmakers, business leaders, and Jamaican community members. It was hosted by Senator Nathan-Pulliam and the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM).

During his one-day Annapolis visit, which was at Nathan-Pulliam’s invitation, Ambassador Thomas also held talks with Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Joe Bartenfelder, and State Secretary John Wobensmith.  He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica, Mrs. Marsha Coore-Lobban; and Economic Affairs Officer Mrs. Ariel Bowen.  

A large contingent of Jamaicans from Baltimore, including President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent, and JAM President Noel Godfrey, were on hand at the state capitol to witness this historic speech.

 

Energize your business at Broward’s inaugural Capacity Building Conference

Conference will assist businesses with charting a course for success

On Friday March 4 and Saturday March 5 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County convention Center, the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development will host the 2016 Capacity Building Conference.

Caribbean business owners and residents are invited to attend this free event to learn, engage in stimulating dialogue and cultivate key connections. Register online now to join over 800 registered conference attendees looking to energize their businesses.

Themed “Strategic Pathways to Growth”, the conference will assist businesses with charting a course for success by strengthening core capacities in general operations through a full schedule of plenary and break-out sessions. The conference is expected to draw hundreds of large and small business owners, entrepreneurs, County vendors and other professionals in a variety of industries.

“This premier conference supports the Board of County Commissioners in advancing their vision of ensuring economic opportunities for all people and businesses in Broward County,” said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael McDonald. “We are excited to host this event which brings a fresh perspective and renewed energy to our offerings for Broward’s business community at large.”

Day One conference activities will include the “Out of the Box” networking luncheon, Federal Procurement Roundtable and keynote address by Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson.  Day Two will feature a unique Business Financing Clinic – providing a fiscal health checkup for accessing financing through concurrent break-out – and the Broward is Buying EXPO, designed to facilitate interactions and knowledge sharing amongst local business owners and buyers from County and local public agencies.

Workshop topics include “Best Practices in Building Strategic Alliances”, “Capitalizing on Smaller Value Procurement Opportunities”, “Protect and Increase Bonding for Your Business” and “Safeguard Your Business: The Law and Liens, Contracts and Bonds – Oh My!”. There will also be a featured panel discussion where attendees can glean wisdom from key leaders called “Growing Broward County: Interactive Q&A with Agency Directors”.

Register online at broward.org/econdev/CapacityBuilding/Pages/register.aspx to join over 800 registered conference attendees looking to energize their businesses.

For more information, contact the Office of Economic and Small Business Development by phone at 954-357-6400 or email at OESBDConfrence@broward.org, or visit CapacityBuildingConference.Broward.org.

Celebrate movie night with the City of Sunrise

Outdoor Movie Series to launch February 5

The City of Sunrise celebrates movie night in style at the upcoming Outdoor Movie Series. These free events will bring popular familiy films for residents of all ages to enjoy in the open air. So be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Sunrise Civic Center, munch on free popcorn, and enjoy these family favorites.

The City of Sunrise’s Outdoor Movies series launches on Friday, February 5 with the “The Peanuts Movie,” starting 7:30 p.m. The film follows the iconic Charlie Brown, as the world’s most beloved underdog embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.

The outdoor movie series continues on Friday, March 2 with the ever popular “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” starting at 7:30 p.m. When stars Hiccup and Toothless discover a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of wild dragons – and the mysterious Dragon Rider – the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace between Vikings and dragons.

The Outdoor Movie Series is sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System. Admission is free! For more information call the Leisure Services Department: (954) 747-4600.

Miami United defeats Team Haiti in CASA Super League match

Lauderdale Lions crushes Team Academy

It was victory for Miami United and the Lauderdale Lions on Wednesday night, as both teams neatly defeated their competitors at The Caribbean Americans Soccer Association’s (CASA) Super League last night at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. Miami United walked away with a 5-3 over Team Haiti while Lauderdale Lions walked away with a 2 nil win over Team Academy.

The Ft. Lauderdale Blazers and the FC Steelers also recently emerged victorious in the opening round of the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) Super League tournament. The Ft. Lauderdale Blazers defeated the Island Strikers 2 to 1, while the Steelers confidently won against Melrose Strikers 6 to 1.

The Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) kicked of their first match for the 2016 CASA Super League tournament last Thursday at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. The first match saw the Lauderhill Jr. Football Club face off against the Albion Plantation Football Club.

Jamaican retired public health inspectors to help with mosquito eradication

Minister of Health, Horace Dalley

Gov’t hoping to identify and destroy mosquito breeding sites

The Government of Jamaica will be contracting the services of retired public health inspectors to help eradicate mosquito breeding sites across the country as preparations for the Zika Virus intensify.

Minister of Health, Horace Dalley, says inspectors, who have retired over the last two years, will be engaged in the first instance, on three-month contracts.

“We are calling out all public health inspectors, who have retired in the last two years. We are bringing them out to help in this drive.”

He was addressing a function held at Food For the Poor’s (FFP) on Tuesday.

Chairman of FFP, Andrew Mahfood said the charity should be in receipt of fever medication and others supplies within the next two weeks.

“By all indications it (ZikV) will come, so we are bringing in a container of fever reducing medication. We are also bringing in mosquito foggers,” he informed.

He said that FFP is also having discussions with the Ministry of Health for the shipment of a container of mosquito repellents for distribution to public health facilities.

Mahfood is urging Jamaicans to heed all the messages being disseminated by the Ministry, so that the efforts at containing ZikV can be successful.

Dalley noted that partnerships have been established with the church and the private sector in preparing the country for ZikV, and 1,000 young people have been engaged to assist with identifying and destroying mosquito breeding sites.

So far, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has added Caribbean countries to the list of places to be avoided by Americans because of the outbreak of the Zika virus, including Haiti and Puerto Rico.

Zika now transmittable through sex

As virus spreads, Texas reports sexually transmitted case

Health officials in Dallas, Texas have announced the first case of sexually-transmitted Zika virus.

The Centers for Disease Control will soon release new guidelines on preventing sexual transmission of the disease, which is normally mosquito-borne, focusing on male sexual partners of women who are or who may be pregnant, as Zika has been linked to increased birth defects.

The virus, which has been linked to birth defects in the Americas, is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but investigators had been exploring the possibility it could be sexually transmitted. There was a report of a Colorado researcher who picked up the virus in Africa and apparently spread it to his wife back home in 2008, and it was found in one man’s semen in Tahiti.

The CDC says it will issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus, focusing on the male sexual partners of women who are or may be pregnant. The CDC has already recommended pregnant women postpone trips to more than two dozen countries with Zika outbreaks, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Venezuela. It also said other visitors should use insect repellent and take other precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Zika was first identified in 1947 in Uganda. It wasn’t believed to cause any serious effects until last year; about 80 percent of infected people never experience symptoms.

The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Symptoms usually start two days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Broward County introduces Yellow Dot Program

New program could save a loved one in an accident

Broward County, home to a large number of Caribbean-Americans, recently launched a new program called “Yellow Dot Motorist Medical program, designed to assist Broward County residents and first responders in the event of an automobile crash or other medical emergency involving the participant’s vehicle.

Broward Mayor Marty Kiar and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Fire Chief Anthony Stravino held a joint news conference on Monday, February 1 at the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Station in Fort Lauderdale to explain program details and locations where the material is available to the public.

“This program will save lives by providing vital information to first responders when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves. Enrollment in this program is voluntary, quick and easy and it’s now available in Broward County,” said Mayor Kiar.

“We support Mayor Kiar’s passion for the Yellow Dot program and recognize that any tools that can assist our responders in rendering emergency medical care will prove beneficial,” Sheriff Scott Israel said.

A Yellow Dot decal displayed on the rear windshield or in a clearly visible location on a motorcycle alerts emergency responders to look for the Yellow Dot pamphlet in the vehicle’s glove compartment. The information provided on the pamphlet is designed to help emergency responders decide how to treat a person who may be unconscious following an accident.

South Florida bids goodbye to Carmelau Monestime

Carmelau Monestime

Creole radio station founder remembered as a leader in the Haitian-American community

South Florida community members came out in droves this past weekend in North Miami to send off Haitian-born radio pioneer and community advocate Carmelau Monestime. A special community memorial was held on Friday at North Miami High, while the funeral service was held on Saturday at St. James Catholic Church.

Monestime, who passed away at 84, was celebrated as the co-founder of popular Kreyol language radio show, Express Publicite, on WMBM 1490-AM. The show, which also features fellow co-founders Mendes Aleindor and Ferdinand Forté, celebrated 30 years on the air last year. He also helped to launch Radio Collective Internationale on 99.1 FM, which became the first ever Haiti-owned and operated radio station in South Florida.

Born April 6, 1931 in Gonaives Haiti, Monestime fled the Duvalier regime for New York in the mid-1960s. By the late 1970s, Monestime moved down to South Florida with his family, and, as a radio producer and presenter, soon became an outspoken advocate for several issues affecting the then booming Haitian-American community in South Florida – from speaking out against the Duvalier dictatorship to advocating for more rights to refuge and residency for Haitian immigrants in the U.S.

Monestime is survived by four children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two sisters.

Trinidad & Tobago Central Bank predicts tight belts for 2016

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain.

Low oil prices could further affect economy 

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) says the persistence of low oil prices on the global markets “suggests that fiscal stimulus to the economy is likely to be severely constrained in coming months.”

 

In its first Monetary Policy Announcement for 2016, the CBTT noted that crude oil and natural gas production fell during October to November 2015 for the Caribbean country, “with the slippage in gas output in particular continuing to negatively impact the downstream industries.”

In June last year, oil was being sold in excess of US$100 on the global market, but the price has since plummeted to just over US$30, forcing the government to warn about tighter measures to deal with the significant loss of revenue.

The CBTT said “available data over this period also allude to tepid activity in some of the non-energy sectors, most notably distribution and construction.

“Although there have been recent reports of lay-offs across the construction, manufacturing and energy sectors, labor market conditions still appear broadly favorable, with demand for low to semi-skilled workers remaining relatively buoyant.”

Barbados adopts new guidelines for HIV treatment

Health Minister John Boyce

New guidelines built based on experience at the country level

Barbados health authorities say they have developed for the first time, local guidelines aimed at providing comprehensive clinical guidance for physicians and other health care providers in the prevention and treatment of HIV.

In the past, physicians and health care providers relied on regional and international guidance for the clinical management of HIV.

The new guidelines, while based on guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), is built on experience at the country level.

Its focus is the management of HIV in children, adolescents and adults; management of common opportunistic infections; management of HIV infection in pregnant women; and management of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis.

Health Minister John Boyce said that studies conducted by the Ministry of Health and The University of the West Indies, revealed that there had been dramatic declines in HIV-related deaths in Barbados, as well as declining rates of new cases.

He said this was largely due to antiretroviral therapy (ART), introduced In 2002.

Four Caribbean-American players registered for CPL Player Draft

Jamaican Timroy Allen

CPL announces record number of applications for this year’s draft

Four Caribbean-American cricket stars are up for the upcoming HERO CPL Player Draft, set for February 11th in Barbados.

From New York, Jamaican-born Timroy Allen, Guyanese-born Alex Amsterdam, and Guyanese-American Akeem Dodson are up for selection, while South Florida’s lone candidate is Miramar-based Steven Taylor, who played last year for CPL’s Barbados Tridents.

A record number of local and international stars have been officially registered for the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft.

Commenting on this year’s record list of applicants both in the West Indies and across the world, Director of International Cricket for CPL, Tom Moody said, “Some of the leading names in world cricket have signalled their intentions to join the biggest party in sport at the CPL, so this year’s competition is sure to be our most exciting to date.

“It is without doubt our most competitive roster and it is exciting to see such a high standard across the established and emerging nations around the world. That players from 14 nations have entered the Draft illustrates the global reach of the CPL, and with a sizable increase in the West Indies contingent which is up by over one-fifth this year, it is clear that the T20 game is growing from strength to strength.”

BCPS joins the Green Schools Alliance District Collaborative

BCPS commits to take action on reducing climate and ecological impact

The Green Schools Alliance (GSA), an international organization of sustainable schools, recently announced that Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has joined the formation of the Green Schools Alliance District Collaborative, which harnesses the collective power of schools to support greener, more efficient solutions.

 

As part of this effort, BCPS will create and share best practices, leverage combined purchasing power to increase access to sustainable alternatives, promote market transformation and influence policy decisions.

BCPS will work with other school districts to accelerate hands-on sustainability action in local school communities and at the national level. The Collaborative believes that every child has a right to learn, engage and play in a healthy and sustainable environment where every person is aware of and accountable for their impact. To support this vision, the Collaborative will leverage its collective knowledge, experience and influence to accelerate the implementation of sustainability principles in schools that incorporate sound environmental, economic and equitable decisions.

As a member of the Green Schools Alliance, BCPS has committed to taking action on three tracks: reducing climate and ecological impact; educating and engaging the community; and connecting students to nature.

BCPS is especially excited to be working with the GSA to develop programs that directly impact students, including project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) initiatives and youth leadership training programs for middle and high school students.

More than 3 million US women at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy

Sexually active women who stop using birth control should stop drinking alcohol

 An estimated 3.3 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 years are at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol because they are drinking, sexually active, and not using birth control to prevent pregnancy, according to the latest CDC Vital Signs report released today. The report also found that 3 in 4 women who want to get pregnant as soon as possible do not stop drinking alcohol when they stop using birth control.

Alcohol use during pregnancy, even within the first few weeks and before a woman knows she is pregnant, can cause lasting physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last for a child’s lifetime. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). There is no known safe amount of alcohol – even beer or wine – that is safe for a woman to drink at any stage of pregnancy.

“Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman knows she is pregnant,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, M.D. “About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so, when they might still be drinking. The risk is real. Why take the chance?”

For this Vital Signs report, scientists from CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities analyzed data from the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth which gathers information on family life, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, infertility, use of birth control, and men’s and women’s health.

National estimates of alcohol-exposed pregnancy were calculated among 4,303 non-pregnant, non-sterile women ages 15–44 years. A woman was considered to be at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy if in the past month she was not sterile, her partner was not known to be sterile, she had vaginal sex with a male, drank any alcohol, and did not use birth control. A woman was considered to be trying to get pregnant if a desired pregnancy was the reason she and her partner stopped using contraception.

Overall, 3.3 million US women (7.3 percent of women ages 15–44 who were having sex, who were non-pregnant and non-sterile) were at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol if they were to become pregnant.

“Every woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant – and her partner – want a healthy baby. But they may not be aware that drinking any alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause a range of disabilities for their child,” said Coleen Boyle, Ph.D., director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. “It is critical for healthcare providers to assess a woman’s drinking habits during routine medical visits; advise her not to drink at all if she is pregnant, trying to get pregnant or sexually active and not using birth control; and recommend services if she needs help to stop drinking.”

Undocumented immigrants must beware of this bill

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 3, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Immigration advocates are protesting the controversial HB 675 Bill, expected to be up for vote today in the Florida House of Representatives. The law seeks to establish stiff penalties on local officials, police officers and school districts if they fail to report undocumented immigrants to federal authorities. Critics argue the law would create public fear and mistrust of local authorities. Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie, in an upcoming interview with CWN News, expressed concern about the law’s potential aftermath.

Belize Minister of International Trade Erwin Contreras will be in South Florida for a special trade presentation next Tuesday at the Lauderdale Lakes Educational and Cultural Center. Hosted by Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development, the event will outline export opportunities to Belize, organized in collaboration with the Belize American Chamber of Commerce.

A survey of Florida-based Jamaican artist Judith Salmon with be opening tomorrow at the KROMA Gallery in Coconut Grove. The exhibit includes a significant body of her work, including paintings, mixed media and installations – all inspired by Salmon’s Diasporic experience in the States.

4 Caribbean-American cricket stars are up for the upcoming HERO CPL Player Draft, set for February 11th in Barbados. From New York, Jamaican-born Timroy Allen, Guyanese-born Alex Amsterdam, and Guyanese-American Akeem Dodson are up for selection, while South Florida’s lone candidate is Miramar-based Steven Taylor, who played last year for CPL’s Barbados Tridents.

What’s trending:

Brazil officials are warning pregnant women to stay away from the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, after the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the Zika virus outbreak, which has been linked to higher rates of birth defects among newborns from infected mothers.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 79 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 79 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. And remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean outlet.

 

Bahamas regulates drones for commercial and recreational use

All drones must be registered by end of February

The government of The Bahamas, has warned owners and operators of unmanned aircraft systems commonly referred to as drones that they will be required to accept full responsibility for any accidents, mishaps, injuries or damage which may result from their operation.

In a statement, the authorities said the Special Regulation regulates both commercial and recreational drones, and requires all persons wishing to import them into The Bahamas to first obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Civil Aviation Department, in order for the Customs Department to release the unmanned aircraft system to the owner.

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation said these conditions become effective as of February 1 and will remain in effect until the requirement has been incorporated into law, or until it is repealed by the Civil Aviation Department.

Starbucks to open in Trinidad & Tobago

Stores to be operated by Prestige Holdings Limited

Starbucks Coffee has announced plans to open its first location in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, representing the company’s 16th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

“We are proud to bring the Starbucks Experience to Trinidad and Tobago, marking a key milestone in our continued efforts to expand operations across the Caribbean,” said Ricardo Rico, Starbucks vice president for Latin America operations. “We look forward to opening our first store in the market and sharing our deep passion and knowledge of some of the finest coffees from around the world.”

Starbucks stores in the twin island republic will be exclusively owned and operated by Prestige Holdings Limited (PHL), a leading restaurant management company in the Caribbean, which operates the KFC, Pizza Hut, TGI Friday’s, and Subway brands in the region, employing more than 3,000 employees across 112 locations.

 

Winston Peters named among finalists in Trinidad’s 2016 calypso finals

Former Caribbean Development Minister to challenge Roderick Gordon

Trinidad and Tobago’s former community development minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters was named among 11 finalists who will challenge Roderick “Chucky” Gordon for the top prize in the 2016 Calypso Finals to be staged here on Sunday night as  part of the activities for the Carnival celebrations.

Peters, who resigned from the People’s Partnership government after he was overlooked as a candidate for the September 7, 2015 general election, booked his place with his tune about the plight of young black children being raised by the courts and jails in Trinidad and Tobago.

Peters is an accomplished calypsonian, who had put his career on hold while he served as a government minister for last five years.

Also making it to the finals of the “Big Yard” is Carlos ‘Skatie’ James, who had earlier successfully challenged the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) in the High Court after he had been withdrawn from among the 40 singers at Saturday’s “Kaiso Fiesta” at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

Among the other contenders for the crown are former Calypso Monarchs, Dr. Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust), Weston Rawlins (Cro Cro) and Karene Asche.

Rihanna returns to dancehall roots on latest single “Work”

Features “Sail Away” rhythm by Richie Stephens

Bajan pop powerhouse Rihanna returns to her dancehall roots with her first single “Work,” off her recently released album, “ANTI.” This makes the new song Rihanna’s most clearly dancehall-driven sound since her breakout hit in 2005, “Pon de Replay.”

The track, which also features Canadian rapper Drake, has strong Jamaican connections, producers by top Canadian yardies Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels, Sevn Thomas and Jahron “Partynextdoor” Brathwaite. The track also heavily samples the 1998 “Sail Away” rhythm originally released by Richie Stephens’ Pot of Gold label. Created and recorded at Studio 2000 in Kingston, the Sail Away rhythm was a big hit with performers, generating tracks such as “Take Me Away” by Stephens, “Bad Man Nuh Flee” by Beenie Man and Mr.s Vegas,  well as “Legit” by Sean Paul.

The track attracted much debate after many mainstream critics, including Rolling Stones magazine, described the song as the EDM subgenre “Tropical House,” ignoring its clear dancehall foundations. Countless critics jumped in to make sure music fans understood the song’s clear Caribbean roots, while also combating the disturbing trend of whitewashing of contemporary dance music’s clear roots in Caribbean genres. The new song, following in the footsteps of the heavily-infused dancehall hit tracks “Cheerleader” by Jamaican singer OMI and “Sorry” by Justin Bieber, will hopefully further spread the iconic Jamaican sound in mainstream American pop music.

Guyana government concerned about Zika travel advisory

Health Minister Dr. George Norton

Health Minister says “no need for alarm”

Government officials have expressed concern about being placed on a travel advisory watch list from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At an emergency meeting of stakeholders on Friday, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton said there is no need for alarm as only one case has been confirmed here.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has listed Guyana among 24 countries, (including Caribbean nations) where the Zika Virus exists.

According to Norton, the  only victim is currently under an intense medical watch while family members continue to be monitored.

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix has also assured Guyanese that there is nothing to fear from the spread of the virus in Eastern Brazil, stating that persons from that part of Brazil hardly travel to Guyana, which is located to the north of Brazil.

It was also emphasized that port health authority has been strengthened at both the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and at the Ogle International Airport.

Concerning arrivals and tour cancellations, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes said Guyana has not seen a reduction either.

Norton told reporters that work continues to rid the country of mosquito breeding sites and t he government to declare Guyana Zika Free in the near future.

 

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