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M-DCPS to consider proposal to request federal support to educate Cuban refugees

Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho

The School Board of Miami-Dade County will consider a proposal requesting federal support to educate thousands of Cuban refugees expected to arrive in South Florida. Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho and School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman joined the voices of Miami-Dade’s Congressional delegation in calling on the federal government to provide resources, logistics, and funding necessary to address this pending influx of refugees.

The School Board will consider the action at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13th in the School Board Auditorium.

“Miami-Dade County Public Schools has always afforded immigrant children arriving at our schools the same quality educational opportunities as every other child,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

“The local and state financial hardship that this sometimes creates has not deterred our resolve. We know that immigrant children can succeed with the appropriate instructional resources. But we can’t dismiss the fact that immigration policy is a federal responsibility. It is reasonable that we partner with our federal leaders to explore every possible funding option to ensure that every child in our school district has the opportunity to excel academically.”

Currently, it is estimated that as many as 8,000 Cuban immigrants are en route from Costa Rica as a result of a recently brokered agreement between that nation and El Salvador to transport refugees between their countries in an effort to facilitate the Cubans’ journey to the U.S. There are many more refugees throughout Latin America and still thousands more who have already arrived.

Historically, Miami-Dade County has been the preferred locale for the resettlement of immigrants from the Caribbean basin, including Cuba.  Since July 1, 2015, M-DCPS has enrolled 3,934 Cuban students and more are expected.  In addition to the basic cost of educating students, refugee children may require additional services because of language differences and issues related to their resettlement.

“Our community has always welcomed refugees from across the globe with open arms however, there is a cost associated with the resettlement and education of new arrivals,” said Ms. Hantman.  “As the entity responsible for immigration policy, the federal government should proactively provide local governments and school districts with adequate resources and funding necessary to humanly and effectively address the needs of those immigrants, so as not to unduly burden the local taxpayer.”

Members of the Miami-Dade Congressional delegation sent a letter on January 7th to the White House, requesting a plan be implemented to address the needs of these incoming refugees, including the distribution of funding and resources to impacted communities like Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade has previously requested federal funds to support the additional costs associated with educating foreign-born students.

Cricket star Kieran Powell makes transition to baseball

Photo by archive.indianexpress.com

Former West Indies Cricketer Kieran Powell says his surprising transition to baseball is going well, despite the challenge of changing his cricket swing to fit baseball’s style.

Powell, 25, was the world’s 76th-ranked batsman according to the International Cricket Council’s website

Recently, scouts from over 11 major league teams came out to watch his performance in a private workout at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, where he has been training for the past 5 weeks. Scouts included the Dodgers, Tigers, Giants, Brewers, Mets, Reds, Pirates and A’s.

The player, who has not been recalled to the West Indies since a falling out in 2014 believes he had done a good job of adjusting.

Fraser-Pryce, Bolt cop RJR 2015 Sportswoman, Sportsman of the year

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

Fraser-Pryce took home this year’s award for her 10.76 seconds win in the women’s 100m at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, as well as for her remarkable anchor leg in the women’s 4×100-m relay.

Bolt won the award for his achievement in taking three gold medals at the Beijing World Championships. Bolt won the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m events, making it the third time he had taken the triple gold at the Championships.

Bolt’s triumphs made him the all-time most decorated male athlete of the Championships with 13 medals – 11 gold and two silver.

 

CDC releases Caribbean travel warning for the Zika Virus

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.

The zika virus can cause fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, with symptoms usually lasting under a week.

But in pregnant women, the virus can spread to the foetus and cause brain shrinkage or death.

Along with a rise in Zika cases in Brazil, more than 3,500 cases of this microcephaly condition have been documented in the country between October 2015 and January 2016.

PBC senior centers offers internet training for older adults

The Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services will be offering a five-week pilot program in conjunction with the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. and Comcast. The program includes free computer and Internet training for seniors to learn basic computer usage such as sending emails, searching the Internet, staying connected, video chatting with loved ones, and making new friends.

Volunteer instructors will be conducting the classes one day per week from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at each of Palm Beach County’s three senior centers:

Wednesdays     Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24

Mid County Senior Center

3680 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth

 

Thursdays        Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25

West County Senior Center

2916 State Road 15, Belle Glade

 

Fridays             Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26

North County Senior Center

5217 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens

M-DCPS announces open enrollment for two 2016-2017 programs

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Early Childhood Programs began open enrollment this week for the 2016-2017 Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

The Early Head Start is accepting children ages 2 months to 3 years while the Head Start is accepting children, between the ages of 3 and 5 and children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2016.

The Head Start/Early Head Start programs are federally funded, comprehensive child development programs serving low-income children and families. Head Start serves preschool-age children and Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers.  Children with disabilities are included in the program and receive a full range of developmental services.

Eligibility for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs is based on family income at or below the Federal poverty level. Children in foster care and families in other situations, including but not limited to those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or experiencing homelessness, are also eligible.

Income eligibility requirements for the Head Start/Early Head Start may be waived for children with a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a current Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP).

Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2016.

Omi drops video for single “Drop in the Ocean”

A screenshot from Omi's new video "Drop in the Ocean"

Jamaican pop star Omi has released the video for his new single “Drop in the Ocean” featuring AronChupa.

The video, directed by Daniel Czernilofsky, follows up the 29-year-old Jamaican crooner’s previous smash “Cheerleader” — one of 10 biggest-selling tracks of 2015 and it’s follow up “Hula hoop”.

Check out the video below.

Not enough permanent school teachers, says Superintendent Runcie

Broward Public School Superintendent Robert Runcie says district schools still do not have enough permanent teachers, due to the surge of retirement and poor retention rates for new instructors.

Runcie argues that more programs offering channels for STEM graduates and additional funding for better salaries may help boost numbers.

Two weeks into the spring semester, there are 139 instructional vacancies at the Palm Beach CountySchool District and 75 in the Broward County School District. On the first day of school, Palm Beach had 121 openings; Broward had 116.

With more than 12,000 teachers in each district, the open slots represent less than 1 percent of the total teaching staff. But administrators say they believe it’s a sign of what’s to come. And, they say, the absence of a permanent teacher affects students, who can end up with fewer course offerings and months of substitutes.

New Jamaican products and services to be showcased at Expo Jamaica 2016

On April 14-16, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will host the 43rd staging of Expo Jamaica at the National Arena and Indoor Sports Complex in Jamaica.

Expo Jamaica 2016, which is the hub to access high quality  Jamaican products and   services,   will   be    displaying     the   best   of   Jamaica  during the four   day   showcase.

Over   300   exhibitors   will   be   on   display,   with    products     and     services   from   various   sectors     including   Food   and   Beverage,   Pharmaceuticals,   Chemicals,    Fashion,     Furniture     and     Packaging.

Another   major   highlight   at   the   event     is   the   established   business    platform     for   Jamaican   exporters   and   service     providers   to   broker     partnerships,   market   products   and    engage    in    one-­‐on-­‐one    sessions    with    attendees    in    an    effort    to    generate    sales.

JAMPRO  President,    Diane    Edwards    said    the    agency    was    focused    on    bringing    buyers    to    Expo    Jamaica    and    facilitating     meetings   between   the   exhibitors   and     buyers   due   to     the   event’s   goal   to     promote   Brand    Jamaica,     and   the   convenience   it     offers   to   importers,   distributors   and   retailers.

“Expo     Jamaica     provides    the     opportunity   to   promote   a   large   number     of     Jamaican   products   and   services   in   one   area.   Buyers   can    view     a   diverse     offering   of   products,     see   the   innovative   side   of   Jamaica   and   do   business   with   these    companies,    all    in    the    same    location.”

Artful Style at Pearl 2nd Saturday Series

It was a bevy of Haitian art and hot entertainment this weekend at the premier Pearl 2nd Saturdays in Little Haiti event – a Haitian art and food festival hosted by non-profit group Haiti Friends.

Held at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, the exhibit featured works from the collections of Haiti Friends, Galerie Monnin, and the Artists Business Network. Popular local Chef Alain Lemaire provided delicious bites from his company, Sensory Delights. And the dynamic duo GMNI, featuring DJ NYCE and Guy Michele, kept the dance vibes going all night long with their sizzling tracks. Commissioner Audrey Edmonson also stopped by, officially welcoming the new showcase to her district.

“We at Haiti Friends are really thankful to all the people who came out to support our first addition of PEARL, and hope we keep getting bigger and better every month,” says Haiti Friend Executive Director, Edward Rawson.

The event will be held every second Saturday at the center, both celebrating the locally rich and diverse Haitian Art in South Florida, as well as raising funds for the Haiti Friends’ reforestation program in Haiti. The next event is set for February 13. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the February edition “will be a date night” theme,” says Rawson, inspired by the Vodou goddess of love, the “Expirit d’Ezili.”

Cuba sees record growth in tourism for 2015

Cuba tourism
Havana, Cuba

Cuba is reporting outstanding growth in the number of visitors in 2015 with over 3.5 million tourists visiting the Spanish speaking Caribbean island.

According to a report from University of Havana School of Tourism professor Jose Luis Perello, in 2014, Cuba passed the 3 million-visitor barrier for the first time in its history.

With 521,000 more tourists in 2015, this represents a 17.3 per cent increase compared to the previous period.

Canada is main source of visitors to Cuba with 1.3 million Canadians travelling south, but the fastest growing market is the United States, with 161,000 for a 76.6 per cent growth, following the easing of restrictions by the Obama administration.

Three cases of Zika virus confirmed in Barbados

Barbados has recorded its first three cases of the Zika virus.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health said of the eight samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing, three were positive and five negative for the virus.

The Zika infection is a mild, febrile viral illness transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito, which causes dengue fever and chikungunya.

The main symptoms are fever, conjunctivitis, temporary arthritis, mainly in the small joints of the hands and feet, and a rash that often starts on the face and spreads throughout the body. In general, symptoms are mild and last between two and seven days.

The Ministry of Health has advised the public that the best way to prevent infection is to minimise exposure to mosquito bites by taking preventive measures to reduce mosquito breeding.

A Ministry official pointed out that persons might be unaware that they have the virus, as they might not develop any symptoms.

“Therefore, everyone, including pregnant women and women of childbearing age, is advised to avoid exposure to mosquito bites,” said a release from the Ministry.

Preliminary analysis of research carried out by Brazilian authorities has revealed that the greatest risks of microcephaly (small heads) and malformations appear to be associated with infection during the first three months of pregnancy.

Flavor and fitness: Can they work together?

A common complaint among individuals who exercise frequently is the difficulty of balancing good nutrition with delicious flavor. These attributes are too often seen as opposing, with one unfortunately getting sacrificed. But what people may not realize is that there is a valuable resource in your local grocery store that successfully balances these important elements: the frozen food aisle.

A ‘fitter’ frozen food checklist

The frozen food aisle is being reinvented, pushing boundaries to meet health needs without compromising on taste or convenience. New options incorporating ethnic spices and bold flavors, as well as “modern health” offerings such as gluten-free and high protein products, are changing the dynamic of the grocery store. But how does one incorporate frozen foods and maintain a healthy diet to fuel performance? The key is to look for items that meet your nutritional needs while using culinary cooking techniques and simple ingredients to deliver on great flavor. Below is a checklist of what to look for:

1. Track what counts: Ensure your selections are sufficient in protein and fiber with appropriate levels of other key nutrients. Extra time spent in the gym means additional opportunities to build lean muscle.

* Stouffer’s FitKitchen entrees all offer 25 grams of protein or more, balanced with whole grains, and colorful vegetables. The FitKitchen Cilantro Lime Chicken has a fresh Southwestern taste combining herbs with the tanginess of lime while delivering 27 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fiber.

2. Keep an eye for simplicity: When seeking out frozen meal options, look for products that are easy to prepare and utilize simple, recognizable ingredients. But don’t be intimidated by every word that’s not part of your daily vocabulary. Ingredients like enzymes (required to make cheese) or citric acid (found in oranges) are safe for consumption and are part of our everyday lives — just not part of your typical watercooler conversation.

3. Pit stop in produce: Frozen foods are versatile, quick to prepare, and can easily be rounded out with fresh fruits and veggies to help you stay fuller, longer. There are many outstanding frozen fruit vegetable options that require one simple step to prep — heat in the microwave or blend with ice. The simpler the prep process, the more likely you are to partake so do yourself a favor and keep the barriers to healthy eating low.

4. Check for culinary chops: Find meals that are prepared using expert culinary techniques to provide delicious flavor without compromising nutrition.

* Preparation techniques such as braising draws out the rich flavor in meats while herbs and seasonings add great taste. Unique flavor accents like brightness from citrus or heat and smokiness from chilies can add much to the taste profile of a dish without substantially impacting the “building block” nutritionals (fat, carbohydrates, and protein).

* An example of this is Lean Cuisine’s Ranchero Braised Beef which offers mouthwatering slow-cooked beef with a spicy red chile sauce and delivers 15 grams of protein. Colorful, mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with smoky chipotle round out the entrée nicely.

By following these suggestions, even the most physically active can find meal solutions through frozen, freeing up more time to focus on that wonderfully active lifestyle that drives yet another personal best. 

Brandpointcontent.com

MLS Soccer Combine Highlights

TalkUp: Is racial harmony possible?

Rep. Frederica Wilson to appear on Sunday’s “ Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

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

After floundering for years, a bill seeking to provide healthcare coverage for uninsured legal immigrant children has been approved unanimously by Florida’s House Health Innovations Subcommittee. If made law, up to $30 million in federal Medicaid funding would be available through Florida’s Kidcare program. Jamaican-born House Rep. Hazelle Rogers says she welcomes the long-anticipated decision.

Broward Public School Superintendent Robert Runcie says district schools still do not have enough permanent teachers, due to the surge of retirement and poor retention rates for new instructors. Runcie argues that more programs offering channels for STEM graduates and additional funding for better salaries may help boost numbers.

This Sunday, the City of Miami Gardens will be hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, from 4 to 8 pm at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex. The event includes musical and spoken word performances, panel discussions, and a special “Take a Walk Through History” exhibit on the civil rights movement.

32 High school basketball teams across South Florida and the nation are suiting up for the 21st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Stop The Violence” Basketball Classic. The tournament begins today at the Coral Springs Arena, and ends on the 18th.The event is founded by Jamaican-American youth sports and education advocate, Wesley Frater.

What’s trending:

The Cowgirl hat touting U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson from South Florida will be featured on Sunday’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Rep. Wilson welcomes the show’s stars to her office, and discusses the importance of mentoring young African-American boys.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Thunderstorm in Broward County with a high of 76 and a low of 63. For Miami-Dade, thunderstorm with a high of 76 and a low of 65.

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

BCPS to host free screening of documentary about Flanagan HS Football Champs

On Sunday, January 17 at 1 pm, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) BECON-TV will host a free, advance screening of its new documentary, Dirty Bird Nation: All Access with the Flanagan Falcons at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale.

The program showcases the team’s journey to the 2015 8A state football championship, with an all-access look at how the Flanagan Falcons overcame pre-game nerves and how the team’s head coach, Devin Bush, felt about the Falcons’ chances the night before the title game on December 12, 2015, in Orlando.

“Winning the 8A state football championship has been an amazing experience for our entire school community,” said Flanagan High School Principal Michelle Kefford. “It’s incredible that the journey to this success has been chronicled and captured through this film. We are beyond excited to not only share this unforgettable journey, but to relive it through this film.”

The Dirty Bird Nation: All Access with the Flanagan Falcons documentary will also be broadcast during BECON- TV’s Sports Blitz each Wednesday, at 8 p.m., February 3 – March 2, 2016. BECON-TV can be seen on Comcast and Advanced Cable channel 19, and on DirecTV, DISH Network and AT&T U-Verse channel 63 across Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Jamaican Foreign Missions give to local charities

Collecting the cheque from the Hon. Arnold J. Nicholson, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (right) is Dr. Iris Soutar, Executive Director, JAD (left).

The Hon. Arnold J. Nicholson, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade yesterday( Wednesday, January 13) handed over cheques representing funds collected by the Jamaican Embassy in Toronto, Canada, the Consulates General in New York and Miami, to the Coalition in Support of Adolescent Leadership Training (CSALT), the Pregnancy Resource Centre of Jamaica (PRCJ) and the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD).

Minister Nicholson had explained to the representatives of the three charities that the Ministry, through its Missions was “acknowledging the contribution of the organizations to nation building.”

The JAD, now in its 77th year received a cheque for CD$1,300.00 – the sum collected at the annual Independence Church Service held in Toronto, Canada on August 2, 2015.

“On average, we identify approximately 100 new cases annually and islandwide, where the children are either diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing, this does not count the new adult cases, our mandate is not restricted to education, but also covers healthcare, as we give holistic support to these individuals and their families,” explains Dr. Iris Soutar, Executive Director, FAD.

For the St. Ann-based CSALT, which received US$1,521.00, from proceeds collected at the 11th Anniversary of the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Prayer and Fasting Church Service held in New York in August, 2015, and also US$635.50 from the Consulate General in Miami’s South Florida observation of the same anniversary, the funds will go toward furthering the mentorship programme pioneered by the institution’s Executive Director at Dr. Sydney McGill.

According to Dr. McGill, the programme which was originally tailored to allow for direct mentorship/mentee contact time has now been broadened to include contact time with the parents in a retreat setting, whereby parenting-best-practices are shared in a group setting, which includes Dr. McGhill, the parents and other stakeholders.

The Consulate General in New York had also donated US$1,521.00 to the Pregnancy Resource Centre of Jamaica in Montego Bay, St. James, which houses up to 9 wards at a time.

“The aim is to transition the centre into one of empowerment, so when the young mothers leave, they will have either their High school diploma, or HEART/TRUST/NTA certificate” says Ms. Christina Milford, the Centre’s Executive Director.

City of Miami Gardens to host MLK Day celebration

The City of Miami Gardens will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, from 4 to 8 pm at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex.

The event includes musical and spoken word performances, panel discussions, a special “Take a Walk Through History” exhibit on the civil rights movement, and will feature a special guest panelist rapper MC Lyte.

For details, call 305.622.8000 ext. 2580 or email publicaffairs@miamigardens-fl.gov.

Oil drilling company in Guyana requests extension to continue exploration

Oil giant REPSOL

Spanish oil drilling company Repsol has requested an extension to continue working on gathering of seismic data on the Kanaku Block, where it is currently carrying out its exploratory activities

Officials from the company who met with President David Granger and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman on Wednesday said the company needs to drill a well but has faced stumbling blocks.

Repsol’s Latin America Exploration Director Mikel Erquiaga said another setback stemmed from a legal battle with CGX Energy Incorporated in 2012 over exploration activities in the Georgetown Block. This matter was resolved 2014.

“We want a short extension in order to continue working in the Block and eventually drill a well,” he said.

REPSOL, one of the first oil companies to discover oil in Guyana, started drilling in 2012 at the Jaguar-1 well and discovered the presence of hydrocarbons.

Though the exploration did not produce oil in economic quantities, the company was able to gather significant seismic data that will be useful for future exploratory work.

Repsol, known for its expertise in the field of oil drilling, has been exploring for oil offshore the Guyana Basin.

The company has had a track record of being the most successful oil and gas exploration company in Latin America over the last 10 years and currently has operations in countries including Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia and Brazil and has a risk capital of over US$600 million.

 

Proposed “Corey’s Law” seeks justice for Corey Jones

Corey Jones

A new federal bill seeks to install rules that could have prevented the death of Corey Jones, 31, a Palm Beach County resident and church musician who was shot and killed by a Palm Beach Gardens plainclothes officer, Nouman Raja.

Dubbed the “Corey’s Law,” introduced by members of the Palm Beach County Congressional Delegation, the bill would ban plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles from conducting traffic stops. The legislation would also make it possible to withhold federal grant money from police departments that allow plainclothes officers in unmarked cars to engage in routine traffic stops.

Lake Worth community activist and social worker, Ludlow Beecher expressed enthusiasm about the proposed legislation.

“While I understand the need for using plainclothes police officers and detectives in investigating certain crimes, this practice can be a disadvantage for the police and the public in traffic stops,” says Beecher. “How many residents are going to react positively to someone who stops them on the highway, or street, who is dressed in plain clothes. You just are not sure if the person who stops you is really a police officer.”

Beecher’s co-worker Tiffany Moore said, “I would never stop day or night if someone dressed in plainclothes tried to stop me on the road. I would rather drive to a police station. This law is surely needed.”

Miami police officer Wayne Clovis, however, disagrees that plainclothes officers do not function well in one-on-one encounters with the public.

“A police officer dressed in uniform usual commands more positive reaction than one dressed in plain clothes,” notes Clovis.

The law may also not be relevant for the majority of South Florida police departments, as “plainclothes police officers are not usually assigned to traffic patrol duties,” says Clovis. “But it’s not unusual for police in plain clothes to make a traffic stop if they witness a traffic violation, but then he should brandish his police identification on making the stop.”

The “Core Laws” bill was originally drafted by Congressman Hasting, himself a former judge, who said the law makes “common sense, as it will secure the safety of police officers and citizens” in traffic stops. Hasting said he believes if Raja was wearing a uniform, Jones would have been aware he was a police officer and his death could have been avoided. The congressman said he’s optimistic the legislation would successfully advance to become law, which would be applicable to police departments nationwide.

Jones’ death created strong public backlash against Raja and the Palm Beach Garden’s police. In the aftermath of the shooting, Raja was fired. Based on the urgings from the local community, the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department agreed to also equip police officers with body cameras. Last week, the department’s Police Chief Stephen Stepp announced an approved $262,296 budget to purchase and implement body cameras. Stepp also said the department is reviewing its policy regarding the use of plainclothes officers.

New Ambassador says the region has “tremendous untapped potential”

Ambassador Daniel Gutierez (left) and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Newly accredited Ambassador of Belize to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Daniel Gutierez says the best years of the integration movement lie ahead for what he calls the “tremendous untapped potential” that lies within the Region.

 At a ceremony to present his letters of credence to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque,  at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters on Wednesday, Gutierez heralded 2016 as a landmark year for the integration movement.

 “I am not the first and will not be the last to speak of the untold wealth, underdeveloped talent and the unshakable hope that characterize the brotherhood of nations that call themselves CARICOM.”

“But as leaders and servants we are obligated to diagnose, understand and engineer solutions that will guide our people to resilience in the troubling waters ahead. The skies ahead darken with climate change, economic uncertainty, a haunting gap in education and technology with our global competitors and any number of parallel global challenges. Undaunted we shall remain.”

 He added that the hard work, which identified hurdles and proposed a Strategic Plan for the Community must be matched by action.

LaRocque in accepting the Letters of Credence from  Gutierez, said the new ambassador will have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the integration movement by advancing the implementation of decisions of Organs of the Community at the national level.

Confusion lingers over Buju’s prison sentence

Buju Banton

Doubt is still lingering over the final fate of dancehall icon Mark Anthony “Buju Banton” Myrie, following news of a mere two-month reduction to his prison sentence. Last week the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prison announced that the artiste will be released on December 8, 2018, instead of the original February 2019 release date.

No confirmation, however, has come from the federal prosecutors overseeing the case, and whether the sentences was part of Banton’s recent plea bargain, where he agreed to waive all future appeals of his 2001 case for reduced charges. Rosemary Duncan, coordinator of the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee, has also not publically commented on the sentence.

“If Rosemary isn’t commenting, I doubt the news,” says DJ Howie of Homestead, Florida who describes himself as “a very close friend of the reggae artist and his family.”

“I will only believe the news if Buju lawyers say so,” says Howie. “[I’ve] had no reliable word of the reduction in Buju’s sentence.”

Miami Beach entertainment attorney Bridgette Avalon said there has been so many rumors attached the dancehall star’s case, that she is being cautious in commenting until she learns the facts related to reported reduction he Banton’s sentence.

Avalon said “information on the reported reduction of Buju’s sentence has not been forthcoming, as I understanding the Bureau of Prisons has not expounded on the information on its website, and no word have been heard from his attorneys on the matter.”

Buju, known to his thousands of fans in South Florida and worldwide, is currently serving a 10-year sentence in the McRae Correctional Center in Georgia. A former resident of South Florida, Buju was arrested in Miami in 2009 on cocaine and gun charges, and after two trials, was convicted in 2011 on the cocaine charges.

Zika virus confirmed in Haiti

AHO’s Communicable Disease and Health Analysis director Marcos Espinal

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has confirmed the first case of the Zika Virus in Haiti.

On Thursday, PAHO’s Communicable Disease and Health Analysis director Marcos Espinal who made the announcement also warned that there are many people who will contract zika without knowing it.

He also said there is no need for alarm.

“The zika virus isn’t a cause to go crazy. The diagnosis is for monitoring. The main thing here is to control the vectors (mosquitoes). The virus shouldn’t cause alarm among the population.”

He said the main thing in this situation is to focus on prevention and education, trash collection and control the vectors in the water.

Espinal told a conference in the neighbouring Dominican Republic  that the disease can be confusing and recommends treating the disease like dengue, “because that one kills.”

Last month, health officials here set up an early warning system for detection in time of potential suspected cases of the virus.

The local transmission of Zika virus has been found in 14 Western Hemisphere countries and territories, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.

Since the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transports the virus is found throughout the region, except in continental Chile and Canada, PAHO said it is likely that outbreaks will occur in other countries that have not yet reported any cases.

Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce rings in the New Year with business mixer

Chamber member Nick Brown, explaining his IT business services during self-introductions

Ringing in the New Year with hopes for prosperity, the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce hosted their first “Get in Gear for the New Year Business Mixer” on Friday, January 8th, at the Jerk Machine Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.

Jamaica USA Chamber president Marie Gill provided updates on the organization, reporting that the Chamber is growing in membership, and has expanded its ability to provide technical assistance at significantly reduced rates to members of the Chamber, thanks to the Chamber’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Chamber will also be hosting webinars and seminars this year for local importers of Jamaica products on the FDA’s new guidelines and requirements.

Members also gave updates on exciting developments in each of their businesses. Chamber Member Kalvin Vitalis shared the healthy progress of his online auto business, which is pushing a million dollars in sales. IT Expert Nick Brown also outlined the value of his IT business services, particularly to fellow Jamaica USA Chamber members. Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness also stopped by, encouraging chamber members to participate in the county’s economic development committee held ever second Monday in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Active engagement with this program, said Holness, can keep members informed about crucial upcoming developments and business opportunities in the county.

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