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Father Horace Ward commemorates 20 years with joy

Father Horace Ward, (middle) being honored at a special service and reception recently

Father Horace Ward commemorates 20 years with joy

Father Horace Ward, Jamaican-American rector of Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, celebrated his 20th year this past Saturday at a special service and reception, hosted by his congregation. The day was also declared “Horace D Ward Day” in a proclamation presented by Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert.

In an interview with National Weekly, Father Ward said he was excited that “God’s people gathered at Holy Family to celebrate our journey over the last 20 years.”

Father Ward said it has been his greatest joy developing the church’s congregation and the wider community. Over two decades, the church has strived to partner with the city, whether through running food distribution for the needy, establishing a children’s facility, and hosting numerous events, such as job fairs.

“Holy Family is God’s gift,” says Father Ward. “[The Church] has been an instrument of reconciling love in Miami Gardens.”

For the years to come, Father Ward says he is most excited about reaching “the next generation.” He promises Holy Family will remain faithful to the Gospel in innovative ways, and he is confident the youth know his church is a place where they “can continue growing in the life and faith of Jesus Christ, and participate in personal development and cultural programs.”

“I see people interested, learning and growing in their spiritual journeys,” says Ward. “So the church has to adapt.” Responding to the times, Ward says Holy Family used technology to engage with worshippers, from interacting with congregants on the church’s social media pages, to hosting prayer gathering by telephone call-ins.

Despite many happy years serving Miami Gardens, Father Ward says Jamaica is never far from his heart, and prays for greater unity.

“[But] I firmly believe there’s hope based on the efforts of second generation Jamaicans in colleges and the young professionals,” says Ward. “I am confident they’ll realize the goal of unity.”

He is, however, concerned there isn’t enough involvement in the Diaspora, “by males of the next generation. They are missing in several community organizations and in our churches.” One of his goals for 2016 is hosting a forum that “purposefully engage our young men.”

“Moving forward, I plan to continue with even greater purpose and determination, standing on the shoulders of those who gave so much to me over these 20 years at Holy Family.”

Pros & Cons: Trying youth offenders as adults

Trying juveniles (under age 16) as adults for violent crimes such as murder has been a strong area of debate in the legal fraternity. Contrary to what many believe, no law states that courts should treat juveniles who commit murder with more leniency.

Like most states, Florida allows juveniles charged with serious crimes to be tried as adults. However, they generally do not receive the death penalty, based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that stipulates capital punishment as unconstitutional for anyone who hasn’t reached their 16th birthday. However, some states do impose the death penalty for convicts 16 years old and over.

How a juvenile will be tried is mainly left to the prosecutor’s recommendation and a judge’s decision. And this decision is largely influenced by the defense attorney’s ability to inspire sympathy from the court. This subjective nature can, and often, leads to controversy, especially when race and class biases may have affected the case.

Most prosecutors accept that if defendants under 16 were in their right mind, were not mentally challenged, and deliberately engaged in the death or severe harm of another human, then they acted in the manner of an adult. In other words, prosecutors – and some judges – believe it’s the crime committed and not the age of the accused that’s the primary factor.

It’s not unusual for defense attorneys to experience severe stress when representing a juvenile charged with a serious crime, as although American law says one is innocent until proven guilty, it is the justice system’s responsibility to hold people who break the law accountable.

There is also a perception among some prosecutors that trying youth as adults and imposing harsh sentences serves as a deterrent against youth crime. However, there’s no empirical evidence showing that trying juvenile offenders as adults is a detriment. 

On the other hand, some members of the legal fraternity and the public believe because juveniles may have acted out of context in committing a crime, they should be given a chance for rehabilitation, rather than subjecting them to long years in prison. There’s a strong argument that a youth who goes to rehab is likely to turn around his life, and become a law abiding adult when he is released, compared to a youth imprisoned in an adult facility.

 

Insurance relief pending for Florida’s immigrant kids

Uninsured immigrant children in Florida may get some reprieve, following the House Health Innovation Committee’s unanimous approval of Bill HB 89, which will use Medicaid Funds to provide coverage through Florida’s Kid Care Program. If the bill is approved by the full House and Senate, it could provide as much as $30 million to the Kid Care program. And estimated 32,000 children may qualify.

House Democratic Representative Hazelle Rogers praised the decision as a “long overdue achievement,” and is grateful Republican representatives on the committee who voted for the bill “relented on their stance against using Federal Medicaid funding for uninsured children.”

The bill was jointly sponsored by Republican House Representatives, Jose Felix Diaz, Miami, and in the Senate by Senator Rene Garcia, of Hialeah.

South Miami pediatrician Dr. Emily Dobbs sees the bill as “very positive, [allowing] more children to see private doctors and alleviate the pressures on the region’s hospitals with parents taken their kids to emergency rooms, because they have no insurance to take them to private doctors.”

But healthcare advocate Paula Moore says that, though she welcomes the proposed expansion, “I still want to see the Legislature vote for Medical Expansion for all low-income uninsured Floridians. The feds have the money, will provide the money, so why’s Florida punishing the poor when the money is available?”

There may also be some movement on the current five-years waiting period for immigrant children to qualify for KidCare, as House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, during his opening address to the House, said it was time to open up access.

“For the life of me I couldn’t understand why kids living in Florida legally couldn’t receive health insurance all these years,” says Dr. Dobbs. “It’s costing the state millions to pay hospitals for treating uninsured legal children in emergency rooms.”

 

Two new state bills seek to expand ICE’s reach at the city level

South Florida’s status as a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants, where many cities do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining individuals pegged for deportation, may collapse soon if two recently proposed bills are passed in the state senate.

Despite protests from advocates gathered in Tallahassee, the House Civil Justice Committee approved the “sanctuary city” Bill HB 675, sponsored by Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, which would charge $5,000 a day to police and other local officials who do not cooperate with ICE in detaining individuals with deportation orders. The Justice Appropriations Subcommittee also approved Bill HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Trujillo R-Miami, which would make it a felony to live in Florida with a deportation order. While Democrats on both committees voted against the two bills, the bills received full support from Republican representatives.

One protester, a Jamaican undocumented immigrant giving his name only as “Washy,” expressed grief over the recent vote, fearing “if this law pass, plenty people going to be deported.”

Attorney Gloria Pratt of the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FIC), said the law will indeed affect “thousands of undocumented immigrants, and “will reverse immigration advances in Florida several years.”

According to a report from the Floridians for Immigration Enforcement (FLIMEN), there are over 950,000 undocumented immigrants in the state in 2014. There is no clear data regarding the number of undocumented immigrants from the Caribbean residing in Florida and the wider U.S. But the fraction of undocumented immigrants that were caught and deported to Caribbean in 2015 was nearly 3,700, with the Dominican Republic and Jamaica ranking fifth and tenth respectively among the nations with the most deportees.

Deportation, however, is just one concern for immigrant communities in South Florida, says Pratt, arguing that the law “will likely elevate distrust between law enforcement and immigrants.”

“The two bills place new risks on the police, as well as the general public,” also notes Democrat Representative Cynthia Stafford, Miami. “If the law passes, police will be cautious of facing huge fines if they fail to report undocumented immigrants.”

And though Bill HB 675 includes some exceptions for witnesses and victims of a crime, the mere threat of a felony, says Rep. Stafford, may be enough for “some immigrants who need the assistance in dire circumstances to be afraid to deal with the police.”

One Miami-Dade police officer, speaking to the National Weekly under anonymity, says the laws would also “place undue pressure on county jails to hold potential deportees, and on the police to apprehend those who they ‘believed’ to be undocumented.”

Metz, however, defended the bill, saying that although he sympathized with the protestors, the law is needed to protect the security of the state. Metz pointed to last year’s shooting of 32-year-old Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco by a five-time deportee who was not detained by local authorities despite requests from the ICE.

“That should never happen anywhere,” said Metz. “The intent of this bill is to make sure it never happens in the state of Florida.”

 

Importers gear up for 2016 Expo Jamaica

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 20, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Importers of Jamaican products throughout the diaspora are encouraged to attend the upcoming 2016 Expo Jamaica, set for April 14 to 16 at the National Arena in Kingston. Hosted by JAMPRO, Expo Jamaica will include over 300 exhibitors displaying products and services from diverse sectors, including food products, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.

Contract workers from South Florida’s international airports are calling for better compensation, including a $15 minimum wage, health benefits, and the right to unionize. The group recently joined a nationwide protest, including 8 other cities, demanding reform from airport subcontractors, where local minimum wage requirements often do not apply.

The long anticipated Lauderhill Performing Arts Center official opens its doors today in a special ceremony. Local artists from the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Ashanti Cultural Arts and the Ethnotricity Cultural Arts Studio will be giving special performances honoring the occasion. The new center will provide a showcase for the city’s diverse cultural community.

FIFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino says he’s upbeat about his prospects to win soccer’s top seat, thanks to what he called “major support” from the Caribbean, including official backing from Barbados Football Association’s president Randy Harris. Infantino recently visited the region for a meeting with the Caribbean Football Union, which would bring 25 votes.

What’s trending:

Miami Music Legend Clarence Reid, a.k.a Blowfly, has passed away at the age of 76 in Lauderdale Lakes. Blowfly became influential for his witty and lewd music, as well as his songwriting for Miami Label TK Records. Reid also allegedly helped shaped disco’s sound by pairing singer Harry Casey with members from local Bahamian act, the Miami Junkanoo Band, to form KC & the Sunshine Band.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 72 and a low of 56. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 73 and a low of 61.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

 

Haiti opposition wants interim government

Opposition supporters are demanding the formation of an interim government, as Haitians prepare to elect a new president this Sunday.

“We declare this week the rebellion week to block the January 24 election. We will protest in front of each voting booth and voting center,” said Assad Volcy, secretary-general of Platform Pitit Desalin, who is among opposition groups demanding the suspension of Sunday’s runoff presidential election.

The main opposition presidential candidate Jude Celestin has already said he would not contest the polls, accusing the electoral authorities of favoring the ruling party. Meanwhile, police said that the demonstrators took to the streets in the capital, as supporters in the rural areas burned several electoral offices. They also burned vehicles, threw rocks and attacked a petrol station.

President Michel Martelly, who has been prevented by the Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term in office, has denied that the vote is being rigged in support of his party’s candidate, Jovenel Moise.

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has already condemned the acts of violence and has vowed to go ahead with Sunday’s poll that has the backing of the international community. Last year, the US government rejected demands by opposition parties for the establishment of a transitional government to lead the country into elections.

Belize PM to step down by 2020

Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow

Prime Minister Dean Barrow says he intends to step down as the leader of government and head of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) by 2020.

The 64-year-old lawyer, who led the UDP to a record third consecutive victory in general elections in November last year, told Channel 5 Belize News on Monday night that he intends to leave office by January 2020.

He says the party will hold a national convention in March “so that we do not have to hold another convention in two years’ time“.

“We will ask and fully expect it to be done that the date for the next national convention be fixed, not the exact date, but by January 2020 so that by the end of January 2020, I mean this is miles ahead, but it’s just as well to get it all sorted out.

“There will be a convention to elect a new leader of the UDP. I want to go by January so that whoever emerges as the leader can become prime minister and have the nine months or so to in fact read the 2020 budget and prepare the party for general elections at the end of that year.”

Barrow said that the party, which will hold an “interim convention” next month already has a sense “who the aspirants and their exploratory campaign has already started and so it’ll be some interesting time ahead”.

Barrow has been prime minister since 2008. He had previously served as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs from 1993-1998 and was Opposition Leader from 1998 until the UDP won the 2008 general election.

Miami Dade College offers free small business workshops

Miami Dade College’s (MDC) acclaimed School of Business will offer free workshops to small and moderate size businesses in Miami-Dade County, as part of its Small Business Education Program sponsored by Citi Foundation.

“The collaboration between Miami Dade College and Citi Foundation has made it possible once again, to offer programs that can impact the small business community in Miami-Dade County,” said Dr. Ana M. Cruz, Chairperson, School of Business, Wolfson Campus.

The program has been expanded to include three sessions:

  • Technical seminars for existing businesses (English) beginning on January 20, 2016, followed by counseling sessions at the MDC Wolfson campus
  • Technical seminars for existing businesses (English) on March 23 and March 30, 2016 at the MDC Homestead campus
  • Workshop for potential business owners or start-ups (Spanish) on March 15, 2016 at the MDC Wolfson campus

To register and view a full schedule, please visit the program’s website: www.mdc.edu/smallbusiness

Miami music legend Clarence Reid dies at 76

Miami Music Legend Clarence Reid, a.k.a Blowfly, has passed away at the age of 76 in Lauderdale Lakes. Blowfly became influential for his witty and lewd music, as well as his songwriting for Miami Label TK Records.

Reid had terminal liver cancer and had entered hospice care on Tuesday after suffering multiple organ failure, according to his Facebook page.

Reid also allegedly helped shaped disco’s sound by pairing singer Harry Casey with members from local Bahamian act, the Miami Junkanoo Band, to form KC & the Sunshine Band.

Blowfly’s early songs are considered some of hip-hop’s first records, and his music was influential to other rappers like 2 Live Crew.

“Without Blowfly, there would be no Luther Campbell,” Campbell told the Miami Herald in 2004.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article55217180.html#storylink=cpy

OMI premieres video for new song, “Drop in the Ocean”

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 19, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has arrested NY-based immigrant lawyer Gnoleba Seri for fraud and identity theft, particularly affecting Caribbean immigrants. Seri was charged for stealing person information from legitimate immigration sponsors for other fraudulent visa applications.

Miramar residents gathered in style yesterday to celebrate the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade at Lakeshore Park. Local school bands and traditional Bahamian Junkanoo brands performed for the crowd, while city mascots joined city officials, police and fire department representatives for a special motorcade.

Former Jamaican contestant from “The Voice” Anita Antoinette gave a stellar performance of her latest music yesterday at South Florida’s NBC 6 show, “The Mix,” hosted by Roxanne Vargas. A daughter of reggae singer Clinton Fearon, Antoinette says she is working on additional material, due for release later this year.

Jamaican U.S. college soccer star Ojai Bedward says he has his eye on joining a Major League Soccer club next season. The 21-year-old Excelsior High School alumni has a stellar performance last year, leading his school Bryant & Stratton College to the USCAA championship final.  Bedward will strut his skills for recruiters this summer at the Players’ Development League.

What’s trending:

Jamaican pop reggae star OMI of “Cheerleader” fame unveils summery video for his latest track, “Drop in the Ocean.” The track is the third single to be taken from his debut album “Me 4 U,” following on from second top 10 hit “Hula Hoop.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 65 and a low of 50. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 66 and a low of 53.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly

Jamaican footballer hoping to join MLS team next season

Ian Allen Ojai Bedward (right), in action while representing Excelsior High School

Jamaican U.S. college soccer star Ojai Bedward says he has his eye on joining a Major League Soccer club next season.

The 21-year-old Excelsior High School alumni has a stellar performance last year, leading his school Bryant & Stratton College to the USCAA championship final.  Bedward will strut his skills for recruiters this summer at the Players’ Development League.

The midfielder left Excelsior for Cloud County Community College in 2013 and spent two years at that institution before transferring to his present school, where he has seen his game improve and confidence grow since joining in September.

EDITORIAL: Many battles remain in war against cancer

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama announced a new “Precision Medicine Initiative” aimed at curing diseases like the ever dreaded cancer. This measure is welcomed, as the disease continues to devastate countless families.

The initiative marks a return for Obama, who in his first year in office included $10 billion for cancer research in the federal economic stimulus. But America’s official war on cancer began in 1971, when former President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act to support the National Cancer Institute’s effort in finding treatments – and hopefully a cure. There were high hopes at that time, as scientists were close to understanding the underlying causes of the disease. But, despite millions of dollars spent and over 45 years of intense research, cancer continue to wage terror on families, with a significant death rate that rivals cardiovascular diseases.

This war on cancer is not relegated to America. Last week, Jamaican insurance company Sagicor Group announced it was expanding the 18th staging of its annual Sigma Corporate Run to raise over J$50 million to contribute to the Jamaican Cancer Society. One patron of this event, is Jamaican women’s 400 meters champion Novlene Williams-Mills, a breast cancer survivor who went on to compete in the 2012 Olympics and ran a sensational anchor leg for Jamaica’s 4 x 400m relay gold medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China.

With such personal resilience and determination as an inspiration, the war to eliminate cancer urgently need more aggression. Since 1971, scientists and doctors have made improvements in diagnosing the disease, leading to better early detection, improved preventative measures, and less invasive medical treatment. These measures have significantly contributed to the reduction of cancer mortality rates, from 215 deaths per 100,000 in 1991 to 172 deaths per 100,000 in 2010, according to recent reports.

It’s obvious the war against cancer involves winning several battles. The current goal is finding effective treatments that enhances the survival rate of victims. But scientists continue to be challenged by the complexity of the disease. In the 1950s, scientists assumed viruses were the primary cause of cancer. Further research showed the disease’s connections with defective cells in the body. Current research shows a variety of defective cells affecting cancers in different areas of the body.

Professor of oncology and co-director of cancer biology at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Victor Velculescu, recently said it may have been wishful thinking that curing a disease like cancer was a straightforward task. He said it has become clear that cancer isn’t a single disease or even a hundred different diseases. Rather, each case of cancer is a unique dilemma. Complicating matters, the disease does not remain static, but continually changes. This makes it necessary to continually develop new treatment measures as the disease evolves

It’s blatantly evident that finding effective treatments – and a possible cure – requires increased research, with much potential in alternative medical sources such as marijuana. It’s hoped that funding for Obama’s vital new research initiative won’t be subject to the bitter, divisive politics of Washington, but will receive quick congressional approval. Because cancer never discriminates, does not see the difference among political parties, nationalities, or social groups.

Guyana receives equipment for Local Government Elections

Canada has  signed an agreement with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) providing CDN$20,000 for purchasing equipment to be used in the Local Government elections last held in 1994.

“Canada has been a strong supporter of the electoral process here in Guyana and we were extremely pleased when we heard of the fixed date of March 18 for the local elections,” said Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux.

Giroux said that local elections “are very important” and forms part of a process to bring government closer to the people.

“It fosters greater inclusion, civic responsibility and empowerment and participation,” he added.

He said Canada will continue to be supportive of Guyana, noting that the two countries will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

GECOM said it intends to use the Canadian funds to purchase several pieces of equipment including public address systems which will be used as part of is education of the voter drive.

The last local government election was won by then then ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The party lost both the regional and general elections last year to the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC).

Jamaica advises women to delay pregnancy due to Zika virus

The Jamaica government Monday urged woman  to delay getting pregnant for at least the next six to 12 months given the possible link between the mosquito-borne Zika virus and birth defects.

The Ministry of Health said women who were already pregnant should take extra precaution to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes as Zika could cause microcephaly, a rare neurological condition in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex.

The statement by the Ministry of Health followed complaints here as to the delay by the authorities in warning women against pregnancy as has been done in other countries like Brazil where the virus had been detected.

Health Minister, Horace Dalley said there is still no absolute proof of the link between the Zika virus and microcephaly.

He said based on evidence from Brazil, information from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and other technical partners, the Ministry of Health is seeking to prevent any possible adverse outcome to pregnant women.

Dalley said the health officials have heightened their alert and are scaling up vector control activities while reminding persons to take the necessary steps to rid their communities of  the aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the Zika virus.

T&T facing low oil prices, says PM

Prime Minister Keith Rowley

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has warned of the possibility of the twin island republic facing an extended period of low oil and gas prices acknowledging that the oil-rich country was at a “critical juncture of its existence”.

Addressing the opening of the Energy Conference and Tradeshow on Monday, Rowley, who has already warned that the country needs to put its economic house in order or face the possibility of seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said whether the present situation becomes a crisis depended on how the country approaches survival and management of its affairs.

“The word crisis conjures certain emotions and can trigger interesting debate given the number of uses for this word,” Rowley said, noting that June 2014 marked the end of four years of high and reasonably stable oil prices.

Rowley said to any keen observer of the energy industry therefore, cycles of price increases and falls represent the hallmark of the oil business.

He said Trinidad and Tobago is once more at the crossroads as it considers consider the actions required to preserve its energy interests going forward.

“We are concerned about supply and demand issues, since our energy security and economic security is at stake. We are a small state, heavily dependent on energy and until the economy is diversified our dependence remains.

9th annual Miss Lou Reading Festival slated for February 6

Louise Bennett

On Febraury 6, from 2 to 4:30 pm, the Friends of the South Regional Broward Library, Jamaican Folk Revue, Inc. and Broward College will host bring the ninth annual Louise Bennett – Coverley Reading Festival will held at the Broward College Performing Cultural Arts.

Presented under the patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica, the Hon Franz Hall, the 9th Annual Louise Bennett – Coverley Reading Festival is free to the public and forms part of the Library’s schedule of activities for Black History Month.

This year’s entertainment will include Tallawah Mento Band, “Dr. Sue”, Sierra Norwood Calvary Children, Easton Lee, the Jamaican Folk Revue and NDTC’s Jordan-Leigh Wyatt, presenting a tribute in dance, to the late Bob Marley.

Headlining this year’s Festival, titled “Lyrics, Laughter & Lessons – Jamaican Comedy & the Miss Lou Legacy”, is the inimitable Owen Blakka Ellis, who describes his presentation, as –“weaving storytelling, poetry, stand-up comedy…to share perspectives on the evolution of comedy, as a distinctive entertainment genre in Jamaica and the role and impact of the work of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley in this process.”

US immigration lawyer arrested for defrauding Caribbean immigrants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has arrested NY-based immigrant lawyer Gnoleba Seri for fraud and identity theft, particularly affecting Caribbean immigrants.

Seri was charged for stealing personal information from legitimate immigration sponsors for other fraudulent visa applications.

Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Glenn Sorge, said that Seri allegedly “abused the special trust bestowed upon him as an immigration attorney to commit fraud and identity theft.

Seri faces possible jail time if charged with one count of visa fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive minimum sentence of two years in prison; and one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

USCIS said the maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by the US Congress and is provided for informational purposes, “as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.”

7 foods to kick to the curb if you’re planning on going on a diet

The basic idea behind fat loss is simple: eat better, exercise more. However, hidden in this formula are numerous caveats and footnotes. No wonder there are so many books and television specials about the 100 different ways people are supposed to exercise and eat right.

According to Becca Hurt, MS, RD, and program manager of Life Time Weight Loss at Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, “one of the most confusing parts of dieting is the fact that many of the foods people think will help them lose weight actually pack on the pounds.” Hurt notes there are enemies lurking in common foods that almost everyone eats or drinks. So, what’s to be done? To help identify some of the most common weight-loss enemies, Hurt has provided a list of seven culprits everyone will want to weed out of their diet.

Coffee shop drinks

Never mind the french fries and potato chips, Hurt says that liquid calories are more often one of the biggest downfalls when it comes to losing weight. For many, it starts with their morning coffee. While 1-2 cups of coffee with only cream added is no harm, the danger is in the sugar loaded, caramel-chocolate dieting disasters many people believe to be perfectly healthy because they ordered the non-fat options.

Skim milk

“Only recently, Americans started to realize fat isn’t always the bad guy,” explains Hurt. “There is no difference in fat loss between diets with no-fat and full-fat dairy consumption.” In fact, Hurt notes that people often add sugar to enhance the taste of their skim milk, which quickly turns it into a decidedly unhealthy option.

Pasta

Yes, even whole grain pasta is stripped of beneficial nutrients, bleached and loaded with preservatives to make it more shelf-stable. Pasta portions can also be confusing. “A pasta meal should begin with a big salad, and the high protein meatballs should be larger than the portion of pasta,” says Hurt. “Instead of spaghetti and meatballs, it should be meatballs with some spaghetti on the side.”

Reduced fat snacks 

For many, reduced fat, no fat and low fat labels on foods can be a green light to what they believe is guilt free snacking. The principle to remember here is not all calories are the same. “A 100-calorie pudding pack is not as healthy as 100-calories worth of almonds,” explains Hurt. “Food that is naturally healthy doesn’t have to have the “no-fat” label.” A handful of nuts, a few slices of full-fat cheese or some Greek yogurt are healthier options by far.

Energy drinks
For those looking to shed some fat, drinking one of these sugar-loaded bad-boys means putting the brakes on their body’s fat burning process. Hurt adds that people should get no more than 5 percent of their calories from sugar and just one energy drink will put someone well over this limit.

Sandwiches
While many think ordering a sandwich is a diet-friendly alternative to a burger, consider this: one sandwich has as many carbohydrates as a Kit-Kat bar! “Carbs are not a sustainable source of energy,” says Hurt, “and are responsible for that sluggish, hungry feeling that leads many to skip workouts and snack more.” The solution: ditch the bread and add a salad!

Protein bars

They might be marketed as the fat burning, muscle gaining snack, but don’t be fooled. Heavily processed protein bars are loaded with sugars and carbohydrates. To get the necessary protein, Hurt suggests looking to nuts or animal sources such as meats or yogurt instead.

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Jah Cure back on top of Billboard Reggae Chart

Reggae singer Jah Cure has climbed back to the top of the Billboard Reggae Chart with his  critically acclaimed album, ‘The Cure’.

The album’s return to the top of the Billboard chart a little over 6 months after the album first made its debut at the top of the chart.

Released in July by VP Records, initially, the album topped Billboard’s Reggae Album for three weeks before becoming a fixture in the top 10 of the chart for the last 26 weeks. In December, it was reported that the album had sold just over 10,000 copies, according to sales monitor Soundscan.

Since the Grammy nomination was announced, The Cure has received a fillip in sales.

5 tips to protect your identity and celebrate refund season

The holidays may be over, but refund season is just beginning, and there’s a lot to celebrate. This tax season, while consumers are eagerly awaiting their refund, tax preparation companies, tax officials and the IRS are working together to combat one of the fastest growing threats for tax season 2016 — tax identity fraud.

Based on IRS data, nearly 3 million people have been victims of tax identity theft since 2010. Every year, criminals use increasingly advanced tactics — particularly geared toward taxpayers filing online — to steal taxpayers’ personal information, file fraudulent tax returns in their names and steal their refunds. After fraud occurs, it can take months and multiple steps by the victim to access a stolen refund and regain an identity with the IRS.

Protect your identity — and your refund — with these five tax tips from H&R Block:

1. File early and be cautious. Filing your taxes early will allow you to claim your refund before a criminal can. Before you file, protect your personal information by installing a security software with anti-virus and firewall protections.

2. Keep your paper records safe. Shred records you are no longer using and keep your social security card and any sensitive documents under lock and key.

3. Do not respond to individuals posing as a tax agency. The IRS does not demand immediate payment without sending a bill in the mail first. If you receive a phone call or an email with an external link, do not click on the link or share personal or financial information unless you personally know the person on the other end.

4. Change your password. The 2015 tax season saw a significant increase of tax fraud in the do-it-yourself (DIY) space. When using at-home tax software, such as H&R Block’s DIY products, create a strong password with capitalization, numbers, and symbols or avoid the risk by visiting a tax preparer.

5. Use tax identity protection services. Visit the IRS website to learn more about how to protect your identity. Additionally, H&R Block’s Tax Identity Shield provides clients with tools to reduce the risk of tax identity theft and resolution services, if a client becomes a victim of tax identity theft.

This tax season, take away the stress and put the “fun” back in “refund” by filing early. Plus, this year, you’ll have a chance to boost your refund — as an extra incentive, H&R Block is celebrating refund season by awarding $1,000 a day to 1,000 people. The first drawing for this limited time offer is Jan. 16. Visit hrblock.com/grand for rules and an alternate method of entry. Enter early to protect your refund and for more chances to win.

How to keep your skin healthy during the dry winter months

The transition from fall to winter presents unique challenges for everyone. Not only is it important to switch wardrobes in order to brave the cold, we also have to get used to driving in the snow and ice, remember to shovel the sidewalk, and of course, prepare against the seasonal onslaught of the cold and flu.

While it’s common to stock up on vitamin C and warm clothes, many neglect to take care of their skin during these colder months. This is a problem that is particularly prevalent among men.

“The number one skincare complaint I hear from men is dry skin,” says Dr. Terrence Keaney, a pioneer in the field of men’s specific dermatology who recommends the Dove Men+Care personal wash range as men’s best defense against dry skin. “The colder weather months are stressful and drying on men’s skin due to a decrease in humidity, cold winds and the heavy, often irritating clothes we are forced to wear. These factors are exaggerated in men due to various behavioral differences coupled with varying degrees of understanding regarding personal care products and skincare.”

Dr. Keaney’s research has consistently shown that men’s skin needs to be cared for differently than women’s due to biological and behavioral differences. “Many men aren’t using personal care products designed specifically with their skin in mind, which is why I recommend Dove Men+Care.” The Dove Men+Care range of products was created to address men’s specific skin care concerns, giving men comfortable skin without sacrificing effectiveness.

Biologically, men’s skin is different than women’s skin because it is thicker, produces more sweat and oil resulting in larger pores that can clog with dirt and oil more easily. Men’s skin also has lower pH values, which can cause some cleansing products to have a more drying effect on skin.

“When men come into my office the first thing I recommend are cleansing products designed for them that will effectively remove dirt and excess oil while also hydrating their skin,” states Dr. Keaney. “Maintaining skin’s hydration levels is one of the most important ways to keep the skin healthy and strong.” The Dove Men+Care Hydration Balance Body Wash is made with MICROMOISTURE technology that activates on skin during lather to lock in the skin’s natural moisture and provide hydration for healthier, stronger skin.

Another cause of dry skin that can become exaggerated in the winter month is men’s shower routine. Men are sometimes overaggressive when cleansing and scrubbing and often use hot water excessively. Both of these habits will wash away the skin’s protective oils and can leave the skin dry, tight and itchy.

In addition to over-scrubbing, Dr. Keaney points out that “using traditional bar soaps can accelerate skin irritation and dryness. Traditional bar soaps often lack the moisturizing benefits needed to maintain moisture in men’s skin.” If you prefer using a bar in the shower over a body wash, Dr. Keaney recommends the Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Bar which has a mild formula and contains the signature Dove ¼ moisturizing cream that will better help maintain skin’s hydration levels when compared to traditional bar soaps.

While the cold weather and winter are unavoidable, dealing with the dry, irritated skin that often accompanies winter can be remedied by simply understanding how to properly care for the skin. “The most important thing men can do this winter is understand that their skin requires a different type of care than a women’s, and they must use products that will maintain hydration levels for healthier, stronger skin,” urges Dr. Keaney. The skin is the immune system’s primary line of defense against bacteria and viruses and when properly cared for, men can enjoy a more comfortable and active winter season.

CDC releases Caribbean travel warning for the Zika Virus

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 13, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The CDC recommends pregnant women postpone travel to several Caribbean nations, after the first case of infant brain damage linked the zika virus within the U.S. was reported in Hawaii. Countries listed include Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, Suriname and Puerto Rico. Barbados also reported its first cases of the mosquito-born virus this past weekend.

Fort Lauderdale residents gathered this past weekend in Lincoln Park for the “Time for Prayer – Time for Togetherness” prayer rally, hosted by MLK Celebration Committee. Celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the crowd called for renewed peace and security within the community.

Also celebrating the MLK holiday, The Caribbean Cultural Coalition and City of Sunrise presented a “Night of Arts” yesterday at the Sunrise Civic Center. Performances included live music from saxophonist Gary Palmer and the Valerie Tyson Band, as well as a rendition of Dr. King’s famous “I have a Dream” speech.

It was big wins for Caribbean recruits at the 2016 Major Soccer League Super Draft. Real Salt Lake grabbed Top 5 pick Jamaican midfielder Omar Holness, while fellow countryman Neco Brett was selected by the Portland Timbers. And Belize’s own Michael Salazar was also picked up by Montreal Impact.

FOR SUZETTE:  Speaking to CWN90 at the recent MLS Combine in Lauderhill, Brett and Salazar expressed confidence in their performances.

What’s trending:

Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce win the RJR 2015 Sportsman and Sportswoman award respectively

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 68 and a low of 50. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 68 and a low of 53. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

On behalf of CNW90 team, we would like to wish you a happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

Caribbean islands place in top 10 ethical travel destinations for 2016

Two Caribbean islands have been placed on the list of the top ten ethical travel destinations in the world.

Dominica and Grenada made the list for 2016, that was released on Thursday by the California-based nonprofit organization, Ethical Traveler, of the “10 most forward-thinking countries in the developing world.”

According to Ethical Traveler, each country is reviewed for its performance in the areas of human rights, social welfare, animal welfare and environmental protection. Each country also needs to have plenty of appeal as a travel destination.

“By spending travel dollars in forward-thinking countries, explorers can reward the good guys — and encourage humane practices worldwide,” the Ethical Traveler’s report said.

According to the report, Dominica made it to the list for its cautious progress in respecting and guaranteeing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights and for leading other Caribbean islands in the area of healthcare, education and the development of geothermal energy.

To compile its reports, Ethical Traveler gets its information from sources including Freedom House, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Reporters Without Borders, UNICEF, LGBT resources and the World Bank, and focuses on four categories: environmental protection, social welfare, human rights and animal welfare.

Dominica previously made it to the list in 2010, 2014 and 2015. This is the first time for Grenada.

Caribbean recruits among players selected at Major Soccer League Super Draft

Jamaican midfielder Omar Holness

It was big wins for Caribbean recruits at the first two rounds of the 2016 Major Soccer League Super Draft last week. Real Salt Lake grabbed Top 5 pick Jamaican midfielder Omar Holness, who was named to Jamaica’s 30-man preliminary roster for the 2015 Copa América. 

Fellow countryman Neco Brett was selected by the Portland Timbers while Belize’s own Michael Salazar was also picked up by Montreal Impact.

First pick of the draft went to English player Jack Harrison, who was selected by  Chicago Fire.

Rounds three and four of the draft will be held via conference call on January 19.

US lifts horticultural ban on Dominican Republic

The United States has lifted a ban on the importation of various vegetables and citrus fruits from the Dominican Republic.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture recently announced that the lifting of the ban affects 23 of the 30 Dominican provinces, which does not include the country’s eastern districts where the presence of the Mediterranean fruit fly — which attacks vegetables and tropical fruits — was detected last year.

The ban was imposed by the United States in April 2015, resulting in losses of millions of dollars to Dominican producers, officials said.

However, all Dominican peppers and avocados, papayas and citrus fruits can now re-enter the US market.

The Ministry of Agriculture said the ban imposed by the United States did not include Hass avocados or green tomatoes produced in the country, which are resistant to attacks by the Mediterranean fruit fly.

The Ministry of Agriculture here said US officials thanked the country for the continuing reports supplied to them since the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in the east of the country started.

“We applaud the efforts of the Dominican Government in the surveillance and eradication programme, as well as on the release of sterile insects in the areas with outbreaks with the goal of finally eradicating the insect from the territory of the Dominican Republic,” said Michael Guidicipietro, assistant manager of Phytosanitary Issues at the APHIS.

The Dominican Minister of Agriculture, Ángel Estévez, expressed his gratitude for the lifting of the ban and said the Dominican Republic will keep the protocols and safety systems to prevent future outbreaks.

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