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Former WI cricketer calls on international support for Windies cricket

West Indies legend Clive Lloyd has made a passionate plea for the international powers to offer more assistance to West Indies cricket.

Lloyd, the captain of the all-conquering team of the 1970s and ’80s, is chairman of selectors and is with the team in Australia for the ongoing Frank Worrell trophy series.

Speaking on a wide range of topics, he argued that the game in the Caribbean was in need of resources to aid with development and progression, and called on the world governing body, the International Cricket Council, to act on its behalf.

“To run cricket you have to have quite a lot of money. We’re not as wealthy as the other countries. We did well in the ’70s and ’80s because we were coming as champions and if you’re coming as champions you can demand something,” the 71-year-old Lloyd told reporters here Friday.

Lloyd has been hailed as the architect of one of the greatest periods of sporting dominance when West Indies dominated world cricket.

That era stemmed from a defeat to Australia in 1975-76, after which the regional side ruled the cricket world for 20 years. During that period, they won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 under Loyd’s captaincy.

Also a former team manager, Lloyd said the present side in Australia had the potential to become a match-winning outfit but needed to gain more experience in foreign conditions.

Lloyd was also quick to hail the work of newly appointed Test captain Jason Holder. He said the 24-year-old had shown great character in handling the pressure of the tour.

Fire breaks out at 2 connected Miami Gardens apartments

Six people were suddenly displaced this New Year’s weekend after an early morning fire broke out in a townhouse in Miami Gardens. Officials said they received a call at around 10 a.m. alerting them about the fire at a complex in the area of Northwest 47th Avenue and 185th Terrace.

Two people suffered minor injuries from jumping from the 2nd story to escape the flames.

Reports say authorities are regarding the fire as suspicious, and has detained one of the victims for questioning.

The fire was put out in an hour and half after firefighters arrived on scene, attacking the fire from the roof and windows.

The American Red Cross was brought in to assist the residents displaced in the fire.

Rapper Nas added to 2016 9 Mile Music Festival lineup

Legendary Rapper Nas has just been confirmed as the latest addition to the line-up of the much-anticipated 23rd annual 9 Mile Music Festival, set for February 27 in downtown Miami.

The concert, held every year to honor the memory of Bob Marley, will also feature performances from his sons Stephan Marley, Damian Marley and Julian Marley.

This year, in addition to an exciting line up, concert goers will also enjoy a brand new “experience plaza” offering yoga and dance instruction, along with other activities designed to give patrons an experience in culture, to go along with the festival’s annual musical, culinary, and artisanal offerings.

Known for its commitment to its annual food drive and for attracting some of the hottest acts in the world, the 9 Mile Music Festival continues to please with the inclusion of several surprise acts to be revealed closer to the Festival’s start date.

Winter woes: Dry eye more prevalent in cold weather

Our wardrobes aren’t the only things that change when the weather turns chilly. Our bodies are often affected not only by the outdoor changes, but inside changes as well. The body part that receives most of the brunt from winter weather is our eyes.

Between the harsh winter winds and the dry heat radiating inside, our eyes can suddenly feel irritated and scratchy this time of year. In fact, exposure to these atmospheres can cause moisture to evaporate inside our eyes. As a result, our tear glands cannot adequately produce the fluid needed to maintain the eyes’ protective, liquid coating. The result is itchy, dry eyes that can cause pain, blurred vision, a burning sensation or even watery vision as our eyes try to compensate for the dryness.

While it is difficult to avoid dry eyes altogether during the winter months, there are several steps that you can take to ensure your eyes stay soothed while indoors this season.

Help for the home

During the frigid winter months, a home’s humidity level can easily dip below the 30-55 percent range required for our eyes to stay lubricated. Offset this dry air by using a humidifier in your home. An alternative is leaving off the exhaust in your bathroom while you shower.

Also, refrain from using a ceiling fan while sleeping at night, as drafts can also exacerbate symptoms. To keep this culprit in check, light a match in the room you are in to find where the draft is located.

Fill up on fluids

Even mild dehydration can negatively affect how dry your eyes feel, as cold temperatures can dampen the body’s thirst mechanism and artificial heat hastens tear evaporation. Keep eyes hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Also, increase your intake of fluid-rich foods like soup, fruits and veggies. Adding a cup of hot tea or water with lemon can not only keep you cozy on a chilly day, but ensure proper hydration as well.

Nourish your body

Many clinical studies show omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential fatty acids, may protect adult eyes from dry eye syndrome. Omega-3s support healthy tear production and keep eyes moisturized. In addition to omega-3s, other ingredients like Vitamin A, D3, green tea and evening primrose oil can significantly accelerate the time it takes to feel relief. A formula like EyePromise EZ Tears, which contains nine soothing ingredients to target symptoms from the inside, offers rapid results with the dietary ingredients mentioned.

Watery eye help

In cold and windy conditions, many complain their eyes water more than normal. Typically the symptoms of watery eye are excessive tearing, which is made worse by being outdoors. Wearing spectacles will provide protection against the wind, even if you don’t usually wear them outdoors. In some cases, excessive watering of the eyes may be a sign of a blockage of tear ducts or infection of the eye.

If you are concerned about the health of your eyes — whether tear production is suboptimal or you suffer from watery eyes, visit your optometrist. Your eye care professional will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

US wants ‘free, fair and transparent’ elections in Haiti

The United States is calling for “free, fair and transparent” elections in Haiti, saying that it will attract broad participation and reflect the will of the people.

In congratulating the citizens of Haiti on the 212th anniversary of their Independence Day, on January 1, US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said, as Haitians pause to take stock of more than two centuries as an independent state, “they also have an opportunity to more fully realise the democratic governance they so greatly need and deserve.”

Kerry urged the country’s leaders to work together to organise the elections and to inaugurate a new president by February 7, as mandated by the national constitution.

The US Secretary of State said when he visited Haiti last October, he noted that “Haiti’s future depended on the unity of its people and the country’s ability to develop strong and stable democratic institutions.

On Saturday, Haiti’s President Michel Martelly announced that the run-off election to choose his successor will be held on January 17.

The run-off was scheduled to take place two weeks ago, but was jettisoned after opposition factions alleged fraud during the first round in October.

In his speech on Independence Day, Martelly, who is constitutionally prohibited from seeking re-election, urged nationals respect the election rules and go to the polls.

Dominicans urged to take serious precautions against Zika Virus

Dominicans have been warned to take series precautions against the mosquito borne Zika virus.

The warning has come from Environmental Health Officer, Morrison McPherson who pointed out that the virus is getting closer to Dominica as the neighbouring island of Martinique has become the latest country in the region to report confirmed cases.

“Let us not wait until we are affected by these diseases, it might be too costly to take care of it,” McPherson said during recent radio interview.

“The pain that you experience and sometimes in rare cases, God forbid it, can lead to death. That is what we do not want to happen.”

The virus is spread by the Aedis Egypti mosquito and McPherson noted that measures must be taken to prevent breeding of the insect.

“Let us take in front and prevent these animals responsible from getting the right content that they need in order to breed and increase their population.”

McPherson explained that when the population of the mosquito increases it also increases the risk of the spread of diseases.

Another warning came from Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Scotland who said the disease could have a serious effect on pregnant women.

“Zika is almost mild but in terms of women, that is the other complication because it is mild, you can have the disease and do not know, but it can affect your fetus ….” he explained. “These vectors are deadly, dangerous and we need to continue to manage our containers around Dominica.”

Zika is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

Severe illness requiring hospitalisation is uncommon.

Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

Food for the Poor helps release over 100 prisoners for the new year

The non-profit organisation , Food for the Poor (FFP) has released 18 non-violent prisoners in Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and Honduras in time for the New Year celebrations.

In Jamaica FFP paid fines to release 18 prisoners , seven were released in Guyana, 19 in Honduras and 76 in Haiti.

Robin Mahfood, President and Chief Executive Officer of FFP, said it is the charity organisation’s tradition to release non-violent inmates twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas seasons.

“The Prison Ministry Programme is based on the scripture, ‘When was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You… Matthew 25:31-46.’ We do this because we’re following Jesus’ example in the Gospels. It is the right thing to do,” Mahfood said .

“The vast majority of the prisoners in Latin American and the Caribbean are notoriously overcrowded for a wide variety of reasons. They are far worse than the prisoners in the United States, where disease and violence are rampant. There are also health and hygiene concerns,” Mahfood added.

Since the charity organisation started its prison ministry programme in 1998, it has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing non-violent prisoners back in their communities as productive citizens.

Incoming Caricom chairman outlines vision

Incoming chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow has promised to imrpvoe the quest of the regional organisation to improve the stand of living and providing a “safe, viable and prosperous Caribbean Community”.

Barrow who assumes chairmanship on January 1, t aking over from Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart of Barbados, said the grouping will commit to building on past successes and to become more efficient in the face of the “sternest economic test that Member States have had to face in recent memory.”

In his message to start the new year, Barrow said he looks forward to increasing the pace both of the reform process and the implementation of the Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019.  

“The Plan, which is designed to build CARICOM’s economic, environmental, social and technological resilience, has the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as an important vehicle in that drive for greater resilience,” he said.

Barrow also said governance arrangements in the region will more flexible and dynamic.  

“We will be continuing efforts in the coming year to revise those arrangements for our integration movement to become more effective and relevant to the needs of our people.”

Concerning the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), he has resolved to encourage more Member States to join  Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and Guyana in making the Caribbean Court of Justice their final court.

“In my view, another relevant factor in the lives of our people is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).  The creation of our own jurisprudence will help define us as a people, and the excellent, well-reasoned judgements which have been the hallmark of the CCJ are ample proof of the intellectual quality of the legal minds of this Community.  During my stewardship of the Community, I look forward to more Member States joining the four of us in the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ.”

He emphasised the strength in unity in achieving CARICOM’s plans, exemplifying the manner in which it rallied to attain the objectives of the three major international conferences in the past year, most recently at COP 21 in Paris.  

“The binding decisions taken on Financing for Development, the 2030 Development Goals and Climate Change have great potential to boost our growth and development and bolster our resilience.  It is therefore in our interest to use our coordinated foreign policy to advocate at every opportunity for urgent implementation of those decisions.  In so doing we will be seeking the support of our International Development Partners as well as other Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS),” the Incoming-Chairman stated.

Singer Natalie Cole dead at 65

Natalie Cole, a nine-time Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer and daughter of jazz icon Nat King Cole, has died at age 65. The ‘Unforgettable’ singer died from congestive heart failure.

In 2008, Natalie was diagnosed with hepatitis C and underwent a kidney transplant a year later. In her 2010 memoir Love Brought Me Back: A Journey of Loss and Gain, she reveals her doctor told her that her past heroin abuse could have spurred her to contract the disease, which remained dormant in her body for more than 20 years.

Cole had been sick for some time, cancelling several tour dates in late December including a New Year’s Eve concert and a February concert.

One too many trips for T&T PM Rowley?

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

Trinidad and Tobago PM’s current trip to Miami this weekend for a wedding has caused him some political flack back home, as former PM Kalma Persad-Bissessar criticized Rowley for spending “almost an entire month traveling abroad” on personal trips. Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie, however, dismissed the criticism, saying that trip expenses will not be borne by the State. This is Rowley 4th personal trip since taking office.

Former Miramar employee Merlene Bourdeau-Quipse is suing the city of Miramar for wrongful termination, claiming she was fired because she failed to falsify budget reports for the city’s Department of cultural affairs. Bourdeau-Quipse, who has worked for the city for 14 years, claims her supervisors pressured her to produce fake numbers to support deceptive internal audits.

To support their fundraising efforts, the Caribbean American Teachers Association presents Emeline Michel and Eric Virgal in Concert, set for this Sunday, starting 6 pm at La Renaissance in Miami. The event will also include many celebrity guests, including actor Jimmy Jean Louis of NBS TV show, Heroes Reborn.

In sports, South Florida-based Trinidadian national junior golfer Sachin Kumar heldh is own among the top players in the world, copping fourth place at the recent Junior Orange Bowl tournament in Coral Gables. Kumar struggled on the front 9, but held his nerve, picking up 3 bogeys and one birdie for a score of 75.

What’s trending:

US Customs and Boarder Protections has issued a strong warning to Caribbean migrants who seek to reach the US by sea, due to the season’s treacherous conditions.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 69. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

We at CNW90 will like to wish you a prosperous and happy new year.

Hetmyer to lead Young Windies at World Cup

Guyana left-hander Shimron Hetmyer has been appointed captain of the West Indies Under-19 squad which will do battle in the ICC Youth World Cup starting next month in Bangladesh.

Hetmyer, who has played six first-class matches for Guyana Jaguars, is one of two players in the squad with first-class experience — the other being Leeward Islands Hurricanes fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.

Selection chief Clive Lloyd said he was confident the squad would do the Caribbean proud among international opposition.

“We have put together a group of players we believe will perform for the West Indies,” the legendary former West Indies captain said.

Hetymer, a free-scoring top-order batsman, will be making his second appearance in the Under-19 World Cup after also campaigning in the 2014 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to the start of the Under-19 World Cup, the Young Windies will take on Bangladesh in a three-match 50-over series in Dhaka which will form part of their preparation.

The Under-19 World Cup runs from January 22 to February 14.

Former Miramar employee sues city of Miramar

Former Miramar employee Merlene Bourdeau-Quipse is suing the city of Miramar for wrongful termination, claiming she was fired because she failed to falsify budget reports for the city’s Department of cultural affairs.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, five days after the city notified Merlene Patrice Bourdeau-Quispe that it had conducted an investigation into her complaint and decided not to rehire her.

Bourdeau-Quipse, who has worked for the city for 14 years, claims her supervisors pressured her to produce fake numbers to support deceptive internal audits.

Bourdeau-Quispe is seeking reinstatement of her job, lost wages and benefits and compensatory damages.

CARICOM congratulates Haiti on 212th Independence anniversary

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated the Government and People of Haiti as they celebrate the country’s 212th anniversary of independence anniversary on January 1.
 
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in his congratulatory message to   President Michel Martelly, paid tribute to “the solidarity, strength and unity of the Haitian people”, which he said “continued to inspire the Community”.
 
 “We are all aware of the significance of Haiti’s independence 212 years ago and its effect on shaping our modern world, it is in how the Haitian people continue to persevere in the face of adversity that we are most encouraged… Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to CARICOM”, he added.

 Noting that he expected Haitians at home and abroad to celebrate the occasion with the usual culturally rich environment for which it is known.

“Of course, having experienced and enjoyed a very successful CARIFESTA XII in Haiti last August, I can now most certainly speak from first-hand knowledge of your rich and diverse culture.”

In reiterating the Caribbean Community’s support, the Secretary-General extended his best wishes for the continued advancement of Haiti and for the well being of its people.

Haiti gained independence from France on January 1, 1804 and made history by becoming the first black republic in the world and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery.

US customs officials warn C’bean migrants about travel at sea

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have issued a strong warning to Caribbean migrants who take to the sea in an effort to reach the US, saying that the venture is treacherous and may result in death.

The warning came as 13 undocumented immigrants from Cuba on Tuesday landed on Mona Island, off Puerto Rico.

“Crossing the Mona Passage is a treacherous voyage filled with many dangers that pose a huge risk to migrants,” said Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent.

“We issue a concerned warning on the danger of traversing the Mona Passage, with the hope of avoiding an unfortunate event during this holiday season,” he added.

The US Coast Guard  on Tuesday  notified the Border Patrol Ramey Sector Communications Center about the landing of 13 undocumented migrants on Mona Island. The group consisted of 12 men and one woman all claiming to be Cuban nationals.

CBP said the illegal maritime smuggling ventures arriving to Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic are ordinarily transported in rustic, homemade wooden vessels commonly referred to as “yolas.”

It said a typical “yola”is an unsafe vessel, generally underpowered with a single outboard motor, and overloaded with a large number of passengers. As an example, a 40 foot “yola” can accommodate over 100 persons, CBP said.

According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), while smuggling by sea accounts only for a small portion of overall migrant smuggling around the world, the particular dangers of irregular travel at sea make it a priority for response; due to the reported fact that more deaths occur by sea.

 

Shareholders approve Gleaner/RJR merger

The merger of the RJR Communications Group with The Gleaner took a step closer to reality as shareholders on Wednesday approved the deal at an extra ordinary general meeting held in the Corporate Area.

Three hundred and 21 shareholders with the RJR Communications Group voted in person or by proxy with 317 voted yes.

Shareholders representing 219 million shares voted to approve the deal while persons representing 30 million shares voted no.

Gleaner shareholders also voted overwhelmingly in favour of the merger.

At the start of two separate emergency meetings company officials made their case to shareholders for the merger.

Shareholders of both entities had previously voiced concern about the proposed deal.

In seeking to clarify concerns, Managing Director of the RJR Group, Gary Allen said the merger will lead to “two primary newspapers competing against each other and owned by two different companies The two primary television stations will be owned by different people and competing against each other. The only area in which you have any coming together is with the radio stations, and even so you’re talking about five radio stations out of a market of 27.”

The merger will see the media entities of The Gleaner, including The Gleaner UK, USA, and Canada, falling under the RJR Group.                     

The shareholders will be called upon on January 7 to approve changes to RJR’s articles of association.

2016 New Year’s Resolutions and Greetings from the South Florida Caribbean Community

Bajan Rastafarians call for decriminalization of marijuana in Barbados

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 31, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Current Miami Dade commission chairman Jean Monestime is being heavily courted by state democrats to challenge Mayor Carlos Gimenez in 2016, according to a report from the Miami Herald. Reports say the Haitian-American politician, who would so far be the lone democratic contender, is considering entering the race.

Residents in Broward county seeking to complete their high school diplomas can head to library soon, thanks to the upcoming Career Online High school program, available throughout the county library system. The Broward program, which will offer high school degrees and career certifications, is one of 11 pilot projects in the state.

Caribbean-American mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam, are among the honorees of community leaders and activists at the first ever Pepsi Funk Fest, set for this Friday, New year’s day, starting 4 pm at the Miramar Regional Park. The concert will also feature performances by New Edition, Fantasia, Doug E. Fresh, Jagged Edge, among others.

In sports, 2016 will see more upcoming American cricketers joining the Hero Caribbean Premier League, as the organization changes its player’s draft format ahead of the new season. For next year, at least 6 ICC Americas players will be guaranteed a contract. The League opened up to ICC Americas players just this year, including Miramar-based cricketer Steven Taylor

What’s trending:

The Rastafarian community in Barbados has renewed calls on the Freundel Stuart administration to decriminalize marijuana in 2016. Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite, however, has asserted that the government had no plans to decriminalize ganja.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 71.

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

5 Jamaicans who made it to the Billboard Hot 100

Carl Douglas – Kung Fu Fighting (1974)

The 1974 single “Kung Fu Fighting” was performed by Carl Douglas who despite spending most of his career in the UK, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Interestingly, the song was recorded in only two takes. Initially the single experienced poor sales, but it got a boost from heavy club rotation which helped the track top the Billboard Hot 100 and sell 11 million records worldwide.

Shaggy—It Wasn’t Me (2000), Angel (2001)

Jamaican-Canadian reggae fusion singer and deejay, Shaggy sold more than 10 million copies of his 2000 album, Hot Shot. The successful LP also spawned No. 1 singles back to back, in early 2001. The career-defining “It Wasn’t Me” (featuring Rikrok) topped the Hot 100 while “Angel,” which featured singer Rayvon spent one week at No. 1.

Sean Paul—Get Busy (2003), Temperature (2006)

The most visible dancehall artist during what was easily the genre’s commercial peak, Sean Paul has more No. 1 hits than any other Jamaican artist. Dutty Paul hit No. 1 twice on his own, with “Get Busy” in May of 2003, and then again with “Temperature” which hit No. 1 for one week. But his biggest hit was as a featured artist on Beyonce’s “Baby Boy,” which stayed at No. 1 for an incredible nine weeks during October and November of 2003.

Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls (2007)

Born in Miami, but raised partly in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Sean Kingston hit #1 in 2007 with his debut single, “Beautiful Girls.” The track, created by super-producer JR Rotem topped the Hot 100 on and stayed there for four weeks.

OMI-Cheerleader (2015)

In 2015, OMI joined an elite club with the Felix Jaehn remix of his 2012 single, Cheerleader, becoming the seventh Jamaican whose song or album has sold over one million copies in the United States.  It was also number one on the Digital Songs Chart.

CPL makes changes to draft system for 2016

2016 will see more upcoming American cricketers joining the Hero Caribbean Premier League, as the organization changes its player’s draft format ahead of the new season.

The number of players that the franchises can retain before the player draft has been held has been reduced from four to three, while squad sizes increases from 16 to 17 for the new season.

For next year, the number of players that the franchises can retain before the player draft has been held has been reduced from four to three, while squad sizes increases from 16 to 17 for the new season and at least 6 ICC Americas players will be guaranteed a contract.

The League opened up to ICC Americas players just this year, including Miramar-based cricketer Steven Taylor.

Further changes to the rules include a reduction in the number of players who must live in the franchise territory from four to two, while the limit on overseas players has increased from four to five.

2015 also saw the introduction of ICC Americas players, with two being selected for the Tridents and Patriots squads.

A cheesy tasty appetizer in less than 30 mins

It’s not always necessary to plan a five course sit-down dinner for your holiday guests. To encourage mingling and merriment during more casual affairs, an appetizer buffet is a mouth-watering option. Plan ahead and use your creativity. A smoked fish draped in lemon wedges and capers makes a beautiful presentation. Add a crudité plate and a signature appetizer like savory Sausage, Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts and you’ll be getting rave reviews from guests young and old. Try this recipe to get started:

Sausage, Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts (courtesy of Melissa Russo of TheFarmGirlGabs.com)
Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
4 oz. Stella goat cheese
1 small tomato, sliced
3/4 cup cooked, ground Italian sausage
1/2 cup grated Stella parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Unwrap puff pastry sheet and roll out so it is smooth. Using a knife, cut puff pastry into 6 equal size squares. Use a small glass to score a circle in the center of each square. This will cause the outside edges to puff up around the center filling.

Place one tomato slice, some crumbled goat cheese and sausage in the center of each square. Sprinkle each square with parmesan cheese and top with chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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Democrat Jean Monestime may enter Miami-Dade mayoral race

Current Miami Dade commission chairman Jean Monestime is being heavily courted by state democrats to challenge Mayor Carlos Gimenez in 2016, according to a report from the Miami Herald.

Reports say the Haitian-American politician, who would so far be the lone democratic contender, is considering entering the race.

The announcement planning was confirmed by three Democratic sources, including one who spoke to Monestime this week. No date has been picked, but the idea is to hold it Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The source who spoke to Monestime said he plans to run. The two-term commissioner did not respond to an interview request Wednesday.

Monestime, who left Haiti alone at age 17 to move to the United States and went from washing floors at a doughnut shop to running his own real-estate business, was elected Monday as the first Haitian American chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission.

4 ways to be more productive for the new year

Remember free time? You used to have so much of it. But these days, work and family obligations have you running around constantly and you don’t know what to do first. You don’t even have time to do everything you have to do, let alone what you want to do.

So how do you take back your day? How do you find the time to get things done and bring back some semblance of order? It is possible if you focus on making yourself more efficient. To help you accomplish all of your goals and find some free time as well, here are four ways you can improve your efficiency every single day.

* Make a plan. When you’re running through your list of daily obligations the morning of, it’s easy to forget a thing or two, especially if you have children running around, phones ringing or dogs barking to distract you. Instead, plan out the upcoming day the night before. Make a list of everything you have to do and check these items against one another. Can two trips be combined? Are you prioritizing the most important things first? The better you can plan out your schedule, the more organized you’ll be the next day.

* Get the news and information you need ASAP. You are bombarded by digital content every day and some of it is really important — but who has time to sift through it all? To help you find the information you need as quickly as possible, Fresly LLC launched a new app, iNews Photo. Whether you are on the go, or gathering news in your office this application allows you access to global and local news curated in real time by former journalist directly to your mobile phone or on a larger screen.

* Set priorities. You don’t have time to do it all and maybe you don’t have to. Sit down and make a list of every social or professional group and obligation you belong to. Once you’ve made the list, look at it and ask yourself honestly how important this obligation is to you or your family. If you find the obligation is not essential, you’re better off to abandon it and save your time for the responsibilities that are more important to you.

* Limit multitasking. Many people look to multitasking as an efficiency solution, but doing several things at once means it takes longer to accomplish any one task. And when the first task is completed, the result is often poorer because of it. Instead of trying to do several things at once, focus on the most important thing, accomplish it and move on.

With today’s hectic schedules, finding the opportunity to do everything you’re supposed to do may seem impossible. However, if you apply the four tips listed above, you’ll improve your efficiency, stay up on the latest news and maybe even discover that elusive free time you sorely deserve.

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PAHO recommends five keys to safer food this new year

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has recommended five “keys” to safer food for the holiday season in light of statistic showing that 210,000 people suffer an episode of food-borne illness every day in the Americas, including the Caribbean where half of them are children under five.

PAHO said the five “simple keys” to safe and healthy food are: Keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

“Following these five keys helps consumers know they are handling foods safely and preventing microbes from multiplying,” said Dr Enrique Perez, PAHO senior advisor on food-borne diseases and zoonoses.

“They are simple and practical, and can be applied in people’s home, as well as in food establishments,” he added.

The organisation says during the holidays, the risk of food-borne illnesses can be increased by poor handling and inadequate refrigeration of foods prepared ahead of time and in large quantities.

PAHO said food prepared and consumed at home are responsible for about a third of outbreaks of food-borne illness, adding that a large proportion of all episodes of food-borne illness are caused by bacterial contamination that results from a handful of dangerous practices.

Food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful chemicals causes over 200 diseases, from diarrhoea to cancer, PAHO said.

In the Americas, it said an estimated 35 million children under the age of five suffer from these illnesses each year.

In addition to children, PAHO said pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and older adults are more vulnerable to these types of illness.

Symptoms of food-borne illness include stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, chills, fever and headache. In some cases, food-borne illness can be fatal.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to two weeks after a person has come in contact with foodborne bacteria, although they usually appear in the first four to 48 hours.

SVG opposition supporters protest following Ben Exeter’s arrest

Hundreds of supporters of the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) protested on the outskirts of Parliament and the nearby police station following the arrest of the NDP’s Ben Exeter by the police on Tuesday.

While the reason for Exeter’s arrest is not known, the protest led to the late start of Parliament and the subsequent walk out by opposition legislators who took their oaths of office in the afternoon.

However, the opposition members left the house before Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressed Parliament for the first time since the December 9 general election.

Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace in an address the protestors said he did not know why Exeter  – who represented the party in Central Leeward, was charged.

“We know that he has some bruises on his face and it is important that he gets medical attention . And we want him to go and get the attention accompanied by someone from our side. We are making arrangements with the police …” said Eustace in response to reports that Exeter was beaten by the police.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in a short statement  said “those who have lost must accept that they have lost.

The Prime Minister called the opposition supporters “dissatisfied dissidents” who cannot come to terms with another victory by his Unity Labour Party.

Exeter’s arrest comes only hours after the court rejected his application seeking access to certain electoral documents.

Bermuda announces date for by-election

A by-election will be held in the constituency of Devonshire North Central on February 4 to fill a vacancy following the retirement  of the opposition Progressive Labour Party’s (PLP) Glenn Blakeney .

On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Registrar announced that Governor George Fergusson had issued a writ of election for the constituency .

Blakeney, a radio station boss and cabinet minister in the former PLP administration, has stepped down for personal reasons.

In the December 2012 general election he narrowly won by 19 votes against the One Bermuda Alliance’s (OBA) Anthony Francis.

The PLP, which fell 12 points below the OBA in a recent newspaper opinion poll, has been hit by internal strife with seven MPs , including Blakeney , quitting Opposition Leader Marc Bean’s shadow cabinet in protest at his leadership style.

The PLP has named opposition Senate Leader Diallo Rabain as its by-election candidate, while the OBA will be represented by Andrew Simons, son of a former cabinet minister in the now defunct United Bermuda Party which was in power from 1968 until 1998.

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