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Guyanese doctor gets 20 years for US$29 million Medicare Fraud

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 30, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Starting in April next year, JetBlue Airlines plan to expand its U.S. and Caribbean routes with new daily flights between Barbados and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The airline also plans to add a 3rd daily flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, Haiti The new routes, however, are pending, awaiting government approval.

The latest real estate index reports rising home prices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties for October. The S&P Home Index show an 8 percent increase in October 2015 over last year. But home prices throughout the tri-county area still stand at 73 percent of their original values before the housing market crash.

In sports, Trinidadian soca warrior midfielder Keron Cummings awaits surgery today on his right foot, after sustaining a bullet injury during a hold-up last Sunday. Current head couch Roland Clarke says that due to the injury, Cumming will miss his first signing with Orlando City FC in January. It is unclear when he will be able to play.

What’s trending:

Guyana-born cardiologist Dr. Harold Persaud has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for conducting unnecessary and invasive tests and surgeries as part of a Medicare fraud scheme worth US$29 million.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 73.

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

Bill Cosby arraigned on sex assault charge

On Wednesday, Bill Cosby was arraigned on a sex assault charge in Pennsylvania and will remain free on $1 million bail pending trial.

Cosby will be fingerprinted at a police station near the Elkins Park courtroom. He did not have to enter a plea, and his next court hearing is Jan. 14.

Prosecutors say the comedian urged a former Temple University employee to take pills and drink wine at his home in 2004.

Kevin Steele, Montgomery County’s first assistant district attorney, says that left the woman paralyzed and unable to respond to Cosby’s sexual advances — and that Cosby committed aggravated indecent assault.

Cosby shook his head as reporters shouted questions at him before the hearing. The 78-year-old comedian said under oath that he had consensual sexual contact with the woman.

In court, he agreed to have no contact with the accuser.

JetBlue to expand US and Caribbean routes

Starting in April next year, JetBlue Airlines plan to expand its U.S. and Caribbean routes with new daily flights between Barbados and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The airline also plans to add a 3rd daily flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, Haiti The new routes, however, are pending, awaiting government approval.

The new route, announced in October by JetBlue President & CEO Robin Hayes at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Industry Conference, will offer customers a convenient direct link to South Florida. It will also allow for even more convenient connection options to Barbados from across the existing JetBlue network, including western U.S. destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

In 2015, JetBlue operated nearly 100 daily flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to more than 40 destinations including 8 new destinations from the South Florida focus city with three more beginning in 2016.

The island, which boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly is a popular destination for couples, families and business travelers.

Miramar Mayor to be honored at Pepsi Funk Fest

On Friday January 1 at 4pm, Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam will start the new year right by being honored, along with other community leaders and activists, at the first-ever Pepsi Funk Fest in South Florida.

Mayor Messam, along with Mayor Oliver Gilbert of the City of Miami Gardens, will be recognized and honored for their commitment to the advancement of tourism and economic development through the creation of entertainment, sporting venues and other events that provide quality community-oriented programming.

The concert will feature performances by New Edition, Fantasia, Doug E. Fresh, Jagged Edge, Silk, Demetria McKinney, Uncle Luke and the 2 Live Crew and a reunion of several Florida Bass Artists for a special 45-minute mix-tape performance.

For ticket prices and more information about Funk Fest, please visit www.funkfestconcerts.com

T&T gov’t ends free text book programme

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says the government will be suspending the distribution of free textbooks to the majority of students in an effort to cut costs.

Garcia who made the announcement during a radio interview on Monday said the government will save TT$119 million by cutting back on this provision.

According to Garcia, the decision was made by Cabinet, following an ongoing series of fiscal adjustments since the presentation of the 2015/2016 budget in October.

Garcia who admitted that the decision was made based on Government’s financial position said the total cost to provide books prior to the decision for the most recent school year would have been TT$138 million.

After the Cabinet’s decision, the new cost for school books is TT$19 million.

In the current system, students are given use of books for the school year, which they must return. The ministry then replenishes the stock of books as some are lost or damaged.

This system applied to books from primary school to Form 6.

This year, only ten per cent of the books will be replenished for students in form one and primary school infants.

However, the replacement of special education resources will continue to be fully funded by Government.

In responding o the announcement president of the National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA) Zena Ramatali said the education minister needed to give more details on the matter.

Ramatali also raised concerns about students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

“The well-to-do parents could go purchase books but the people who will be most affected are those from the lower socio-economic backgrounds. We hope the ministry could reconsider. The ones that stand to lose are the children from low socio-economic backgrounds who already attend low-performing schools,’ the NPTA President said.

 

The suspension of the programme follows a recent announcement by former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran that the country was in a recession.

 

Stranded Cuban migrants to be allowed passage to the US

Thousands of Cuban migrants who have been stranded in Costa Rica for over a month, will be allowed to continue their journey to the United States.

An estimated 7,000 Cubans have been living on the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua since November 14, when the Nicaraguan government denied them access.

However Central American nations have now reached an agreement, which will see the migrants being airlifted to El Salvador and placed on buses that will take them to the US.

American legislation gives Cuban migrants preferential treatment.

“We have agreed to make the first humanitarian transfer in January,” said foreign ministers from the Central American Integration System regional group and Mexico, who met in Guatemala City to try to find a solution to the crisis.

Cuba did not attend the meeting, but said it expected “a quick and adequate solution” from the nations involved.

“I strongly believe that the politicization of US migration policy toward Cuba must change,” said Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

If they arrive at the US border by land, they are allowed to enter the country and apply for residency, but those intercepted at sea are sent back to Cuba, under the special immigration policy known as “wet foot, dry foot”.

The Cubans are trying to take advantage of this policy, fearing that the thaw in relations between Washington and Havana may bring to an end the preferential treatment given to them.

The number of Cubans trying to make their way to the US through Latin America by land has risen sharply since December 2014, when the two countries announced they had agreed to begin restoring relations.

Caribbean magazine names T&T PM Person of the Year

A popular Caribbean magazine has named Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley as its “Person of the Year.”

The Brooklyn-based Everybody’s magazine that is published and owned by Grenadian-born Herman Hall, said Rowley, who led the People’s National Movement (PNM) to victory, on September 7, by winning 23 of 41 parliamentary seats, “was the year’s most influential news maker in the Caribbean.

“All eyes were on him and the Trinidad and Tobago electorate,”  the people of Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of political affiliation, deserve high praise for dignifying themselves in the keenly-contested election,” the article said.

“We, Americans, as we prepare for the 2016 presidential primaries and national election need to copy a page from Trinbagonians,” it added. “We thank our readers and social media friends for helping us to declare Prime Minister Rowley as Everybody’s Person of the Year.”

The magazine also acknowledged Grenadian Lewis Hamilton, the 2008, 2014 and 2015 Formula One World Champion; Jamaican Olympians Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce; Grenadian Olympian Kiraini James; and Dominican-born Baroness Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General,

“They were the choice of many readers,” it said, adding that the 2015 “Person of the Year” citation will be presented to Rowley in 2016 “either in Trinidad and Tobago or [in] New York.”

Since 1978, the second year of Everybody’s publication, it has been naming an individual of Caribbean heritage as its “Person of the Year.”

During its early years, the magazine held a gala dinner in New York to honor that person.

Recipients who attended the dinner included St. Lucian Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis; the late Caribbean American Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, of Barbadian and Guyanese roots; and the late Prime Ministers of Barbados and Dominica, Tom Adams and Mary Eugenia Charles.

West Indies lose series to Australia

West Indies delivered a better all-round batting display but were overpowered by Australia inside four days to suffer a 177-run defeat in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here yesterday.

Captain Jason Holder and Denesh Ramdin scored powerful half-centuries to lead a gutsy fightback but the Aussies prevailed to secure the series two-nil and retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

All seven front line batsmen got starts as Windies showed determination before they were bowled out for 282 in their second innings after Steven Smith’s overnight declaration on 179 for three.

West Indies slumped to 83 for two after Darren Bravo, who had an early reprieve when Josh Hazlewood dismissed him with a no ball, was caught a few overs later for 21.

 

 

West Indies fought hard but eventually lost their final four wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs.

Marsh ended the West Indies encouraging run when he broke the partnership by removing Ramdin, who took an edge attempting to drive through mid-off, while Holder scooped a ball from Hazlewood straight to mid-off.

Marsh and Pattinson then cleaned up the Windies tail with three quick wickets as the home side maintained possession of the Frank Worrell Trophy for 20 unbroken years, stretching back to 1995 in the Caribbean.

AARLCC gets artsy with kites

During the month of April 2016, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is taking to the skies with the culture and craft of kite making and kite flying! The AARLCC is located at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

Throughout April, the Programming and Exhibits Section of AARLCC will be sponsoring an international kite exhibition, along with kite making and kite flying activities for all ages.

For more information contact Desmond Hannibal at 954-357-6224 or e-mail dhannibal@browardlibrary.org

Top 5 things to do in Willemstad, Curacao

The small Caribbean island of Curacao is located just north of Venezuela as part of the ABC islands along with Aruba and Bonaire. Being the largest of the ABC islands, Curacao is a multicultural country with over 50 different nationalities being represented through its 150,000 residents. Join us as we explore the top 5 things to do in the island.

Breath of Curacao Jeep Tour

Explore the mysterious forces of the sea along the northwest coast of Curacao. With three distinct terraces running along the coastline, your tour takes you from desert plains to coral rock sea walls.

Hato Caves and Ostrich Tour

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Visit ancient caves and an ostrich farm on this half-day tour. See how an ostrich develops from an egg to the fastest-running bird in the world before a guided tour of the world-famous Hato Caves.

Historical Walking Tour & Maritime Museum

Immerse yourself in the quaint pastel-colored buildings and ornate facades on this history-packed guided walking tour of Willemstad. Vibrant Dutch architecture and irresistible colonial charm surround you with every step.

National Park Jeep Safari

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Spend some time exploring the north shore of Curacao and Christoffel National Park in a guided 4×4 safari. Discover the beauty of the island as you drive in style on the guided tour.

Tugboat & Reef Snorkel Tour

Discover magnificently colored coral reefs, dazzling marine line, and a coral-covered shipwreck on your comprehensive snorkeling adventure. The wreck sits upright in 20 feet of water with the wheelhouse only 5 feet beneath the surface. After 3 decades beneath the waves, the skeletal hull is encrusted with coral and is home to Christmas tree worms, which look like trees with radiant neon branches.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson expresses approval of postponement of Haiti election

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for South Florida has expressed her approval of the Haitian government’s recent decision to postpone the presidential run-off, and investigate the legitimacy of the elections. Rep. Wilson said she had recommended the delay, based on input from South Florida’s Haitian Diaspora.

“I am happy to announce that the presidential run-off election that was scheduled to take place in Haiti on Sunday, December 27, has been postponed.” said Wilson

“This was the number one recommendation I made in a letter sent last week to Secretary of State John Kerry, based on input I received from South Florida’s large Haitian constituency, which had expressed concerns about the credibility of the first round held in October.”

US to extradite lottery scammers from Jamaica in 2016

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

US Federal authorities say they are working to extradite from Jamaica at least a few of the 14 defendants in the US Lottery Scam by early 2016. Officials say they are compiling the necessary affidavits and exhibits to obtain extraditions from Jamaican authorities. The scam affected residents throughout the states, including Florida.

Local officials are reminding drivers that time is running out to update their old battery operated SunPass transponders for the new “sticker” version that attaches directly to the glass windshield. Drivers have until Thursday to replace, as the old models will stop workings on Friday, January 1st.

The City of Miami Gardens celebrated the Kwanzaa season in style at their annual Kwanzaa Experience, held at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational complex auditorium. The event, co-hosted by the Diaspora Arts coalition, included several musical performances by local artists, as well as a presentation on the origins and history of the holiday.

In sports, Usain Bolt cops two major best of the year awards for 2015. For the fourth time, Bolt has won French magazine L’Equipe’s best athlete of the year. He also received the acclaimed International Sports Press Association (AIPS) America Male Athlete of the Year award after dominating the polls.

What’s trending:

The latest mosquito borne virus Zika has landed in Martinque, with one case reported. The Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has warned of further potential infections in the region if programs are not implemented to curbed its expansion. 5 cases of the virus also appeared in Surinam.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 74.

 

USCIS offers different ways to receive updates on immigration cases

The USCIS has offered several ways for applicants to get updates on newly filed and pending Immigration cases.

Immigrants and Sponsors filing Immigration applications with the USCIS can now sign-up to receive text messages and email E-notifications confirming application receipt by the USCIS, along with the case receipt number(s). The receipt number allows individuals to track the status of their case online. E-notifications are issued within 24 hours after the USCIS receives the application.

To request e-notification, download and complete form G-1145 and mail along with all Immigration applications.

Once the case number is received, simply go to the USCIS website and sign up for Email Status updates on your case through the USCIS My Case Status program. Once registered and, the USICS will automatically email you notifications and updates on any actions take on your case so that you are better informed about your case status.

NFPA urges timely disposal of Christmas lights and trees

National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that nearly 40 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. Although these fires are not common, they are much more likely to be serious when they do occur. On average, one of every 31 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Compare that to an average of one death per 144 total reported home structure fires.

Christmas trees are decorations, and people may want to continue the festive spirit and leave up their ever-drying pines long after the last of the gifts have been opened. It’s good to remember, however, that the longer the tree remains in the home, the greater the fire risk becomes.

If available, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program for tree disposal. Trees should not be put in the garage or left outside.

NFPA also offers tips on removing lighting and decorations from trees to ensure they are taken down safely this year and in the right condition for Christmas 2016:

  • Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.
  • As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
  • Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
  • Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.

Guyana to introduce Cyber Crime law to prohibit child pornography

The government is taking steps to clamp down on persons engaging in child pornography or sharing nude images through electronic means when the Cyber Crime Bill becomes law.

The bill , that is yet to be tabled Parliament, was published in the Official Gazette.

“A person who uses a computer system to arrange a meeting with a child with the intent of abusing or engaging in sexual activity with a child or producing child pornography, whether or not he takes any steps to effect such a meeting, commits an offence,” the bill states.

It also notes that a person convicted by a Magistrates’ court for using a computer to engage in child pornography could be fined GYD$5 million (One Guyana dollar =US$0.008 cents) and imprisonment for five years. If found guilty by a Judge and Jury, an offender could be fined GYD$10 million and jailed for 10 years.

The Child Protection Act 2009 already prohibits the sale or giving of obscene books or other written matter, obscene objects, pornographic videos or photographs, through electronic means such as a computer or cellular phone to children.

The Cyber Crime Bill also makes a criminal offence –  the capturing, storage and transmission through a computer system the image of a person’s genitals, pubic area, buttocks or breast without his consent.

Bolt is French Magazine L’Equipe’s best athlete of the year

Usain Bolt has copped two major best of the year awards for 2015.

For the fourth time, Bolt has won French magazine L’Equipe’s best athlete of the year. He also received the acclaimed International Sports Press Association (AIPS) America Male Athlete of the Year award after dominating the polls.

In claiming the award the sprinter defeated Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic and rugby player Dan Carter, from New Zealand.

For her part, Williams, who has won three Grand Slam tournaments, won the award in the women’s category, ahead of her compatriot Katie Ledecky, a five-time world champion in swimming, and French cyclist Pauline Ferrand-Prevot.

Bolt and Williams succeed French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie and Ledecky, who won the awards last year.

The award winners are chosen by secret voting by the journalists of L’Equipe.

Zika virus reported in Martinique

Martinque is the latest country in the region to confirm reports of the autochthonous or local transmission of the mosquito borne Zika virus.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), says the French speaking Caribbean nation is the 11th place in the Americas to report the virus this year and the 12th to report local transmission.

According to Dr. Joy St. John, Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) “In the last decade, the Caribbean has been wrestling with wave after wave of vector borne diseases. During the last two years the Region has seen unrelenting outbreaks of Chikungunya, and more recently Zika.”

Last month , CARPHA confirmed that  presence of five cases of  the mosquito borne Zika virus  in Suriname.

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

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe illness requiring hospitalisation is uncommon.

In addition to Martinique, other countries confirming the presence of the virus are Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Serena Williams wins AP Female Athlete of Year for 4th time

Serena Williams was named the Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year on Friday, according to the AP. It marks the fourth time Williams has won this award.

Williams, 34, won the first three Grand Slams of the 2015 tennis season, though she was unable to make it a clean sweep at the U.S. Open, where she lost in the semifinals to Roberta Vinci. She finished the year with a 53-3 match record, notching five singles titles and earning $10,582,642 in prize money.

But she admitted losing out on the season Grand Slam has weighed on her.

“I wanted it. But…winning one [major title] is not easy. And then, [when] you have a ‘bounty’ on your head, it’s even harder,” she said with a laugh, per the AP. “If you know anything about me, I hate to lose. I’ve always said I hate losing more than I like winning, so that drives me to be the best that I can be.”

Despite being in her mid-30s, already having 21 Grand Slam titles to her name and compiling a resume that puts her among the ranks of the most dominant players in the history of tennis, Williams has shown little sign of slowing down.

“If I could have this year next year, I would be really excited.”

United States women’s national team star and World Cup hero Carli Lloyd finished second in the voting, and UFC fighters Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm and UConn basketball player Breanna Stewart rounded out the top five.

USVI signs deal with Royal Caribbean to boost tourism

A ten year contract to help boost tourism and generate revenue has been signed between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

The agreement, with the world’s second largest cruise line, requires the cruise company to pay port fees to berth at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility on St. Croix for the first time in more than a decade and guarantees a certain number of passengers visiting the territory.

Executive Director of the Port Authority, Carlton Dowe, , said Royal Caribbean also agreed to the recently increased unified passenger tariff in the St. Thomas-St. John District.

“This is a major event,” Dowe said. “It is historic because the industry’s so fragile. Cruise ships are going to destinations they have never ventured to before. This is a guarantee of a certain number of passengers.”

The agreement gives Royal Caribbean guaranteed berthing privileges along the southern portion of the pier at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Facility in Crown Bay.

Dowe said it is a “contract that will benefit the entire territory – to include the merchants and restaurants, taxis, tour and excursion operators and the treasury of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

The contract comes into effect on October 1, 2016, and is for a term of 10 years with a five-year option to renew.

The new passenger tariff requires cruise lines to pay US$13.40 for each passenger arriving on St. Thomas or St. John, an increase of US$2 per person at Port Authority terminals.

Royal Caribbean will now also pay a fee of US$5 per passenger visiting St. Croix.

The Port Authority has not charged such fees for the Abramson facility since 2002.

According to Dowe, the country is expected to earn in excess of US$1 million in new revenue from Royal Caribbean in the first year.

Royal Caribbean operates a fleet of seven ship classes. The Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas, which are the two largest cruise ships in the world, alternate weekly visits to Crown Bay, and can bring up to 6,296 passengers per visit.

The City of Miami releases updated strategic plan

On Monday, the City of Miami released their updated Strategic Plan 2015.  The plan outlines the City’s priorities and goals for the next three years and sets six key priority areas: Public Safety, Clean and Beautiful Neighborhoods, Growth and Development, Education and Economic Access, Parks, Culture and Recreation, and Efficient and Effective Government.
During the summer of 2015, the strategic plan was updated to include residents’ feedback on various issues. Stakeholders representing different community sectors also participated in the process along with more than 40 organizations including Miami-Dade County, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the United Way of Miami-Dade. Stakeholders were engaged in the strategic plan update through public meetings and discussions.
In addition to hosting public meetings, the City conducted a comprehensive survey to measure residents’ quality of life in Miami and overall satisfaction with City services.  Developed and administered by the National Research Center, Inc., Citizen Survey is a reputable tool used by hundreds of cities in the country.
“We believe it is extremely important to update the plan every year to make sure we are reflecting the community’s changing priorities.  As we move forward with new initiatives, we will continue engaging the community in the planning process,” stated City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso.
Elected officials approved the strategic plan in the fall of 2015 as part of a broader initiative to improve transparency, communications and public engagement between City government and the communities served. The City of Miami Strategic Plan was launched as part of the Strategic Planning Initiative three years ago.

11 must-see Jamaican concerts and festivals for 2016

Shaggy and Friends Concert – KINSGTON

January 2, 2016

International reggae singer Shaggy stage his biennial concert to support the Make a Difference Foundation. Several international and aspiring artists will share the stage with Shaggy as they raise funds for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital and other charities.

Accompong Maroon Festival – ACCOMPONG, ST. ELIZABETH

January 6, 2016

The 277th staging of this festival will once again celebrate the legendary Maroons of Jamaica, African slaves who were freed by the Spanish and established settlement in remote parts of the island for refuge from the English invasion. Dating back to the 19th century, this festival celebrates with traditional singing, dancing, drums and the Abeng (horn). Also sample tasty treats at the newly constructed African-style Bickle Village.

Rebel Salute – PLANTATION COVE, ST. ANN

January 15-16, 2016

What began as a show to commemorate the January 15th birthday of reggae icon Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett has become a staple on the live music events calendar. Rebel Salute has captured the adoration of reggae lovers worldwide and is a celebration of Jamaican roots music.

Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival – OCHO RIOS, ST. ANN

February 16-22, 2016

This seven-day mountain biking event is an exhilarating voyage that includes lung-busting climbs, technical trail rides, fast descents, double-track and single-track. It has featured some of the world’s top mountain bikers, including Cam McCaul, Kyle Ebbett and Kathy Strand.

Paradise Lost – OCHO RIOS, ST. ANN

March 10-12, 2016

Paradise Lost is a three-day music festival on Jamaica’s north coast, featuring some of the top Electronic Dance Music artists from around the globe, who will pay tribute to the beauty and history Jamaica, as well its contributions to modern music.

Kingston City Run, Kingston

March 11-13, 2016

The Kingston City Run is an exciting weekend of activities, including a Health and Wellness Fair, musical events and, of course, the Kingston City Run Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. The route takes participants past several of Kingston’s historic sites and attractions into Emancipation Park. Best of all, the proceeds are all for charity.

Westmoreland Curry Festival – SAVANNAH-LA-MAR, WESTMORELAND

April 24, 2016

Excite your taste buds at the Westmoreland Curry Festival, the largest food festival of its kind in this hemisphere. The event will feature the best and most unique curry dishes Jamaica has to offer, from classic stews to new innovations.

Calabash Literary Festival – TREASURE BEACH, ST. ELIZABETH

June 3-5, 2016

The world-famous Calabash festival is a three-day literary festival of readings, music and storytelling. The festival, which features established and upcoming writers, is open to the public and held every two years.

Kingston on the Edge – KINGSTON

June 19-28, 2016

Let the art of the artists inspire you at the Kingston on the Edge Art Festival. This is an event that showcases Jamaican artists and their talents in painting, sculpture, music, photography, dance, poetry, theatre, music and other performing arts. The weeklong event allows artists to express themselves and inspire you through their work.

Portland Jerk Festival – FOLLY OVAL, PORTLAND

July 3, 2016

Portland Jerk Festival is the largest annual jerk and food festival in Jamaica, which has been a major calendar event for the past 14 years. This food and music juncture is staged at the heritage site at Folly Estate in Portland, and includes live wholesome family entertainment, Jerked food and other tasty delights.

Reggae Sumfest – MONTEGO BAY

July 17-23, 2016

Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s only weeklong festival dedicated to showcasing the island’s indigenous reggae music while also promoting Jamaica as a prime summer destination. Reggae Sumfest is now widely regarded as one of the world’s premier reggae events and attracts visitors and media from all across the globe.

 

Jamaica Stock Exchange best performance in the world

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 28, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for South Florida has expressed her approval of the Haitian government’s recent decision to postpone the presidential run-off, and investigate the legitimacy of the elections. Rep. Wilson said she had recommended the delay, based on input from South Florida’s Haitian Diaspora.

Fort Lauderdale plans to start 2016 on the right road, as the city joins the international Vision Zero initiative to eliminate all road deaths and injuries. Fort Lauderdale, which has the 2nd highest pedestrian fatality rate in the nation, plans to improve safety with new engineering, urban design and a public education platform.

Celebrating the new year, Jamaica Youth for Christ will be hosting the Genesis Gospel Benefit Concert on Friday, January 1st, starting 7 p.m. and the First Baptist Church of Plantation. Headliners include international recording Jamaican artiste URIM7, singer Tawana Ross and the Emmanuel Mass Choir of Miramar. Simultaneous concerts will be held in Montego Bay, Portland and Mandeville in Jamaica.

In sports, The Board of Control for Cricket in India says the team will tour the Caribbean next year provided West Indies return to India to complete their 2014 abandoned series following a players’ strike, according to the west Indies Cricket board. The Players Association, however, still needs to approve the deal.

What’s trending:

The Jamaica Stock Exchange has been ranked the top performing index of 2015, out of 92 global markets, according to a Bloomberg report. Bloomberg attributes the exchange’s success, to “foreign acquisitions, stronger investor safeguards and a rebounding economy.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 83 and a low of 73.

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

 

U.S. Virgin Islands welcomes new Atlanta flights

U.S. Virgin Islands is ready to welcome additional Delta Air Lines flights from Atlanta to St. Croix which began on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty reported that the Department of Tourism has developed options for supporting the new Wednesday flights from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.

“The new service complements our existing weekly Saturday flights, which have performed incredibly well,” said Nicholson-Doty, who announced a special promotion with Delta Vacations to spark even more interest from this major gateway and key feeder cities for the destination.

The special seven-night vacation package offers a $250 air credit for Wednesday departures, with added benefits for travelers, including $250 to $500 in “VI Nice” certificates and resort credits ranging from $50 to $100.

“Our goal is to entice travelers to consider Wednesdays as an attractive option for their flights to and from St. Croix,” the Commissioner explained, adding that the incentives are designed to encourage on-island spending.

 

Brazilian students to access new teaching methods

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through its Opportunities for the Majority initiative, has approved a $5 million loan to Mind Lab do Brasil (“Mind Lab”) to expand its operations and bring its innovative educational methodologies to more public and private schools in Brazil. Over the next six years, the company expects to reach more than 160,000 additional students, most of them living at the base of the economic pyramid.

Students from families living at the base of the pyramid constitute nearly 80 percent of public school enrollment in Brazil. However, the traditional memorization approach used in most schools is not adequately preparing these students with the critical thinking skills they will need to get jobs that can lift them out of poverty.

Mind Lab, originally founded in Israel, develops and commercializes educational material as well as teacher training programs to promote the development of students’ cognitive, social and emotional skills. It currently serves more than 870 Brazilian primary and secondary schools, reaching more than 350,000 students, 65 percent of whom attend public schools.

“There is an immense need to develop and implement new educational methodologies, which help to develop critical skills in students, such as team work, creative thinking and problem solving, in order to prepare students to be successful,” said Susan Olsen, IDB Project Team Leader.

“For Mind Lab, it is very important to work with partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank in order to support the expansion of this educational model. We believe that there is great need to promote access to increased socio-emotional training and skill building opportunities not only in Brazil, but across Latin America,” said Valmir Pereira, CEO of Mind Lab.

Dismissed Central Bank Governor threatens to take legal action

Dismissed Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran has threatened to take legal action , arguing that due process of law was not followed in his removal from the post last week.

“Having regard to the economic and democratic importance of the independent position of the Governor of the Central Bank and the intense public interest surrounding my removal, I believe it is my duty to place my preliminary views on these matters into the public domain,” he explained in a  two-page statement on Saturday.

According to Rambarran, he only became aware of his termination through an online media report.

The former Governor said the instrument of his revocation dated Wednesday, December 23 and under the hand and seal of Acting President Christine Kangaloo was received by him at about 6.30 pm on Thursday, December 24.

“At that point, I had not received the courtesy or formality of being officially informed, (one) that the Acting President was supposedly considering my removal from office; (two) of any purported reason or rationale for my removal from office; and (three) that the referral of such a complaint was even being contemplated by Cabinet,” he noted.

“Secondly, at no point in time did the President and/or Acting President, who is entrusted with the sole discretion to effect the termination of my appointment as Governor, contact me to solicit my views on any purported allegations or complaints.

Indeed, to date, I am still not aware of the contents of Cabinet documents and supporting material that were sent to the Acting President.” Rambarran noted that consequently any such decision taken by the Acting President resulting in his removal “has been taken without my participation and to my complete exclusion, thereby depriving me of a fair, reasonable or any opportunity to make representations to correct or contradict any purported allegations against me”.

Rambarran stated that he is consulting with his lawyers “Who have already expressed their concerns with respect to the complete failure of Cabinet and/or the Acting President to abide by due process of law.”

Last week Cabinet wrote Kangaloo recommending Rambarran’s employment be terminated due to his disclosure of the names of the largest users of foreign exchange in Trinidad and Tobago.

Rambarran, who was appointed in July 2013 and had about a year and a half left on his five-year term, has since been replaced by Dr Alvin Hilaire, one of two Deputy Governors of the Central Bank.

In a statement last week, Finance Minister Colm Imbert reported that Cabinet took the decision in accordance with Sections 12(e) and 12(g) of the Central Bank Act. Section 12(e) gives the President the authority to fire the Governor if he is “guilty of misconduct in relation to his duties.” Section 12 (g) provides grounds for the Governor’s dismissal if he or she, “fails to carry out any of the duties or functions conferred or imposed on him under this Act.”

 

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