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Obamacare broker becomes big business during enrollment season

Over 600,000 Floridians have signed up for health coverage through the federal exchange, again giving the Sunshine State the highest enrollment numbers in the nation. This surge is thanks in no small part to the booming cottage industry of brokers growing around the new federal health insurance market.

Brokers specializing in federal exchange plans are now selling insurance on behalf of multiple companies. Most have enjoyed brisk business, earning commissions ranging from six to eight percent on insurance plans they sell. Becoming a federal broker is also accessible. A licensed insurance agent in health and life policies would only need to take a free test on Healthcare.gov to become a federal policy broker.

It’s certainly been busy for broker Ray Allan, who represents six insurance companies and has seen a flood of demands since the enrollment season began on November 21.

“I’m really grateful for the federal exchange site,” says Allan. “It has opened the door for brokers like me.”

Compared to the past, federal insurance brokers prove particularly essential under the new system, says Allan, because “some people are overwhelmed by the intricacies involved in signing up for health-plans on the federal site. Others don’t have access to the internet, and some with internet access don’t have time or patience to directly apply for plans on Healthcare.gov. This is where the brokers step in.”

Formerly retired health insurance manager Martin David saw the writing on the wall, and quickly formed an outfit. Now he has a thriving Miami brokerage with several agents, and since Nov 1, his firm has signed up almost a thousand people, and processing roughly110 applications weekly. With the new law seeking to insure every qualified American, David knew the demand for plans would create a spill-over for brokers.

“Some brokers felt Obamacare would kill business for them because of healthcare.gov, but I encouraged them,” recalls David. “Now more people are using brokers to purchase health insurance than ever.”

The combination of a big market, floating federal funds and corporate commission incentives have brought up questions about potential abuse – where brokers would be encouraged to persuade clients to plans that may not be the best for them in order to get a payout.

But despite this, David see the broker’s role as crucial support, functioning as “key intermediaries between the healthcare.gov and consumers.”

“A strong advantage brokers provide is assisting consumers to get the best plans through the tax subsidy system,” says David. “Some people were frustrated because they found premiums for some plans on healthcare.gov too expensive, not knowing they qualified for the tax rebate, and comparatively lower premiums.”

National College Fair returns to Miami

Representatives from nearly 200 colleges and universities will be at the 2016 National College Fair in Miami set for February 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center.

The free fair allows students, parents and other members of the public to meet with college representatives and get their questions answered.

Free information sessions on financial aid, college planning, admission, and testing requirements will also be offered.

Select sessions will be presented in Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Counseling and computer centers will allow students to access career interest surveys and information about college preparation, admissions and scholarships.

Online pre-registration has already begun at www.gotomyncf.com.

UWP leader writes local organizations on CIP, Juffali issue

Leader of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) Allen Chastanet says there is need for transparency and due diligence to ensure that St Lucia’s Citizen by Investment Programme (CIP) does not become linked to terrorism, money laundering or other criminal activities.

On Wednesday, Chastanet sounded the warning in a letter to civil society organizations here inviting them to demand that the government make several changes to the CIP.

The opposition is calling for the creation of an independent and autonomous Board representative of civil society to oversee the programme.

“Board members’ independence and the Board’s autonomy must be supported by legislation.”

According to Chastanet, there must be separate accounting for all revenue and expenditure generated by the CIP and the financials must be presented to Parliament on an annual basis.

“All funds received under the programme must be earmarked for use in debt reduction and or capital expenditure and not recurrent expenditure and more importantly use of all funds must be clearly stipulated,” he asserted.

Chastanet observed that the St Lucia government has been under intense scrutiny over the past several weeks, concerning the “seemingly unmeritorious” grant of diplomatic status to Saudi national, Dr Walid Juffali.

The UWP leader also referred to Juffali’s “spurious” appointment as this country’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Chastanet’s letter also described Ernest Hilaire, the Chairman of the board of the CIP, as the “architect” of Juffali’s appointment.

“The programme cannot be run by Party hacks much less to have a Chairman of the Board whose judgment and integrity we must now seriously question and who is widely known to be considering a run for political office.   In our view, the programme will continue to be tarnished as long as Dr. Hilaire is associated with it and continues to promote it as Chairman of the Board, “ he stated.

A conversation with soccer player Dane Richards

 

South Florida soccer fans can welcome a new Yardie on the local circuit, as regular Jamaican Reggae Boy (and fromer Cornwall College baller) Dane Richards heads to South Florida to join the upcoming Miami FC.

Then 31-year-old Jamaican and former New York Red Bulls and Indy Eleven player will bring extensive national and international experience to the new team. Following a successful career at Cornwall College in Montego Bay, the Jamaican winger made a name for himself on the U.S. soccer circuit after coming out of Clemson University in 2007. Richards also made 45 appearances for the Jamaican Men’s National Team and helped Jamaica to back-to-back Caribbean Championship titles in 2008 and 2010, scoring three goals and winning the tournament’s golden boot in 2010. He will be hitting the pitch as Miami FC premieres in April 2016.

The National Weekly had a quick chat with Miami FC’s latest recruit, talking about his Jamaican football past and his future in Miami.

NW: We’re looking forward to your move to South Florida! What are you most looking forward to playing for Miami FC?

DR: I am most looking forward to playing among such a great fan base and making something good happen in Miami.

NW: How did you get into football in Jamaica? Any particularly idols?

DR: I was always watching games from a tender age, especially the local team Seba United team. I just wanted to be like them, players such as Theodore Whitmore, Hector Wright and Tegat Davis. I wouldn’t say I had a mentor but I looked up to numerous players who were very talented.

NW: You were also a schoolboy football legend at Cornwall College. What was your most memorable moment playing for CC?

DR: Definitely in 2001, when we won the triple crown of the Dacosta Cup, the Ben FRANCIS Cup and the Oliver Shield.

NW: You’ve also represented Reggae Boyz in the past. Would you still represent your home country if called again?

DR: At this moment my main focus is with Miami FC!

IDB supports modernization of Kingston Container Port in Jamaica

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved its largest single non-sovereign guaranteed transaction in Jamaica  with a senior secured loan of up to US$175 million for Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, to finance the optimization and expansion of Kingston’s container terminal capacity in Jamaica.

The IDB loan will help finance the deepening of the navigation channel from 13.5 to 14.2 meters, reinforcing part of the existing quay and acquiring new equipment to expand the terminal capacity from 2.8 million to 3.2 million TEU per year. The upgrades will increase the Port’s competitiveness, enabling it to handle a growing volume from Asia, North America and Europe.

“The Project will increase the Port’s capacity, and its modernization will enable it to handle larger container ships and move more cargo. The improvements will increase Kingston Terminal’s competitiveness and its ability to handle the expected growing volume of trade once the expansion of the Panama Canal is finalized,” said Jean-Marc Aboussouan, Chief of the Infrastructure Division in the IDB´s Structured and Corporate Finance Department.

The investments will be implemented under a 30-year concession contract to a French consortium led by CMA CGM, the third largest container shipping company in the world, and CMA Terminals Holding, a large worldwide port operator worldwide. The contract provides for management of the improvements and operation and maintenance of the container terminal.

Haiti PM forms commission to evaluate elections

Haiti’s Prime Minister Evans Paul has recommended the establishment of an electoral commission that would make recommendations to  the government and electoral council ahead of this month’s presidential run off.

According to Paul the commission would be charged with guaranteeing the credibility of the process.  

In a press release issued early Thursday, Paul said  the commission – that has been recommended to President Michel Martelly,  would have 72 hours to report back with recommendations to the government and the country’s nine-member Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

Paul said the government believes that the commission is necessary to help consolidate political and social stability, and organize elections that are “credible, transparent, participatory and inclusive.”

The recommendation comes as Haiti remains engulfed in an electoral crisis with many doubting whether the runoff will take place as scheduled on December 27.

Local observer groups and opposition candidates have alleged “massive fraud” in the balloting in favor of Martelly’s handpicked successor, banana exporter Jovenel Moise.

The first round of the presidential election on October 25 had been marred by acts of violence, allegations of voter irregularities and the CEP said none of the candidates reached the benchmark of 50 per cent plus one of the votes, nor a lead of 25 per cent or more, as required by Haiti’s Constitution and Electoral Decree to win the presidency thereby requiring a run-off election.

 

Ever since the results were announced, opposition parties have staged demonstrations in the capital and elsewhere calling for the resignation of the CEP as well as the postponement of the second round of balloting.

 

Haiti gets US$42m grant to improve natural disaster mitigation

Haiti will improve watersheds management especially in rural areas,mitigating the risk of natural disasters associated with climate change with a $42 million grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The grant will seek to increase capacities for adaptation to climate change and disaster risk management in the agriculture sector; improve water and sediment conservation in selected gullies of priority watersheds including the Centre-Artibonite Loop area; reduce risk of rural economic losses due to floods in targeted watersheds; and restore the educational capacity of the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine.

Haiti is one of the countries with the highest natural disaster risk index in the world, and its agricultural sector is especially vulnerable to natural disasters because of its geography and reliance on activities closely linked to climate factors. Eighty percent of the country is mountainous with 30 main watersheds and just 28 percent arable land, which is concentrated in irrigated valleys. Its location within the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, its mountainous terrain, and severe deforestation, combined with its reliance on agriculture make it particularly susceptible to flooding.

Agriculture contributes to 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, 5.9 percent of total exports value, 47 percent of overall employment and 71 percent of employment in rural areas. Haiti currently suffers some $28 million in annual expected losses for four watersheds targeted by the project, and climate-hazardous events are likely to increase as global temperatures rise.

A portion of the funding for the project comes from the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) under the global Climate Investment Funds (CIF).

Miss Jamaica places in top 5 at Miss World Pageant

Miss Jamaica World Dr. Sanneta Myrie has placed fifth at this past week’s Miss World pageant competition in Sanya, China.

Spanish model Mireia Lasagna took home the crown after beating out 113 contestants from across the globe last night at a coastal resort city in south China’s Hainan Province.

Myrie also finished third in the talent section of the competition for her dance performance.

The pageant’s second place was awarded to Russia’s Sofia Nikitchuk, while third place went to Indonesia’s Maria Harfanti.

Is Little Haiti still for artists?

Little Haiti, long an historic and cultural refuge for the Diaspora in South Florida, has also been a creative space for Haitian-American artists, from garnering inspiration to displaying their work, whether painted on buildings or exhibited inside galleries throughout the neighborhood. But some advocates see this changing rapidly, as more property developers are eying the area as prices rise in nearby art centers like Wynwood and the Design District.

“Little Haiti has gotten very expensive because of rich developers and investors who come and buy properties and raise rents. Next thing you know these young artists are priced out,” says Haitian Women of Miami (FAMN) founder, Marleine Bastien.

FAMN is currently looking at several strategies to establish such protections, from forming an official cultural district to starting a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) fund. The ultimate goal – to ensure Haitian-American art still has a home in the neighborhood, as international artists, galleries, and the high-end retail and residential developers that often come with such attractions move in.

“We should find a way to get the area developed, creating a space for the locals who’ve been there for years,” says Bastien.

Of major concern for local artists is securing affordable retail spaces, which can put them at the mercy of the renting market, says Joann Milford, Executive Director of Northeast Second Avenue Partnership – a community revalidation co-operative that also produced cultural showcases.

“Little Haiti is still a place that’s a lot more affordable for outside artists. But for our Haitian artists, it’s a different story,” says Milford. “Our artists don’t go into studio spaces, where they can share expenses with others. They’re usually in the own retail locations, which attracts monthly expense.”

And so far, the galleries that have recently moved into the neighborhood, such as Gallery Diet and Emerson Dorsch, are maintaining their current rosters, and not yet incorporating work that would more reflect the community’s culture.

“I’m not sure if if moving to another neighborhood would change what they show,” says Karla Ferguson, Executive Director of the Yeelen Art Gallery in Little Haiti, which specialized in contemporary works from the African and Caribbean Diaspora. “I came to Little Haiti because of the people. For others it may be just for affordability. But I hope that means that they don’t insulate themselves. We hope they’d be curious to explore different ideas of art.”

Some developers, however, seem to be moving away from the Little Haiti moniker, listing their Little Haiti properties with older names such as Lemon City, when the area was dominated by Bahamians immigrants often selling lemons on the roadside.

But “no one come to Little Haiti to buy lemons,” says Miami Herald photojournalist and art photographer Carl Juste, who also maintains a studio in Little Haiti in partnership with the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance. Despite the changing economic landscape, Juste still hopes newcomers will come to appreciate and collaborate with the area’s rich cultural legacy.”

“We’ve always had great artists here,” says Juste. “Haitians by nature have a strong connection with art. Here we always had a presence of really smart and culturally sophisticated people. It just that for some crazy reason the city didn’t celebrate that. Now with people like [Edouard] Duval-Carrié and [Edwidge] Dandicat attracting the spotlight, the county has been put on notice.”

The surge of development interest, say Juste, is just part of the Little Haiti’s transformation, from the original sanctuary where his father, legendary community advocate Viter Juste, helped many establish a new life in America.

“Within five or six years you probably won’t recognize the place, unless you go to the iconic spots like Caribbean Marketplace or Norte Dame [Church],” says Juste. “But I hope it’s for the better. I hope people that come see that their success came on the backs of others, because it’s their home. We’ll see, but I’m betting.”

 

Spice up the holidays with a Orange Spice Infusion drink

During the holidays, many people turn to homemade items to help personalize celebrations and gift-giving. If you enjoy holiday DIY, this year why not try making your own holiday spirits? Unique infusions and liqueurs are not only memorable gifts, but they also add a personalized flare to holiday parties.

The mixology pros at Everclear offer some tips for creating your own infusions this holiday season:

The basics of infusion are simple: Add the flavor element of your choice to the neutral spirit and allow it to steep (soak) in the alcohol in order to extract the flavor. Steeping may take days or weeks, depending on the flavor element and the intensity of flavor you’re seeking. Generally, the longer an infusion steeps the stronger the flavor will be. Want a subtler flavor? Reduce the steeping time. Once the steeping is done, you use a fine, mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter the flavor ingredients out of the alcohol. The end result is a clean, flavored spirit.

Fruits and spices will infuse more quickly than nuts and roots. Generally, mixologists will steep ingredients separately and mix to taste after filtration.

Orange Spice Infusion ingredients:

10 ounces Everclear

10 ounces filtered water

4 ounces 1:1 simple syrup (mixture of water and sugar, you boil it down, or buy it ready at liquor store)

Zest of two oranges

4 cloves

4 allspice

2 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean split

Directions: Steep cloves, allspice, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest in 10 ounces of Everclear. Use a Microplane grater on oranges to get just the zest. Allow to steep for 24 hours. Strain. Add 10 ounces of water and 4 ounces of simple syrup. Bottle. Makes approximately 24 ounces of 80 proof infusion.

Congress proposes changes to visa waiver program

 

Following the terror attacks in San Bernardino, California and Paris, the House of Representatives recently voted overwhelmingly to tighten restrictions on travel to the U.S.  by citizens of 38 nations who currently enjoy special privileges under the “Visa Waiver” program (VWP).

The VWP allows citizens of certain nations to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without the need for obtaining a U.S. visa, after completing a simple application under the ESTA system. Under the program, more than 20 million visitors enter the U. S. each year without visas, which is a boost to our economy and tourism industry. These VWP countries also extend the same privileges to U.S. Citizens as well.

Under the proposal, foreign visitors from the visa waiver countries, which include much of Europe, would soon be required to obtain a visa to travel to the U.S. if they had been to Syria, Iraq, Iran or Sudan during the past five years. The measure would also require VWP countries to share information with U.S. intelligence authorities about suspected terrorists.

FIT renews 20-year agreement at Port Everglades

Celebrating its 10th anniversary at Broward County’s Port Everglades, Florida International Terminal LLC (FIT) has renewed its long-term marine terminal lease, which is estimated to generate 75,000 container lifts (about 128,000 TEUs) and $57 million over the next 10 years of the agreement. The agreement also includes two five-year renewal options.

“We have watched FIT grow year after year as a multi-use terminal with a robust presence in Latin America,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak.

FIT’s business has grown from 76,170 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the standard industry measurement for containers) in fiscal year (FY) 2006 to 156,045 TEUs in FY2015. The fiscal year in Broward County, FL, runs from October 1 through September 30.

“We have enjoyed a successful 10 years at Port Everglades and look forward to continue growing as the Port deepens and widens its channels and adds new cargo berths and Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes,” said Jose Alberto Diaz, FIT Vice President & General Manager. “FIT was formed at Port Everglades to service some of the world’s top ocean carriers. We have expanded greatly over the years to include several new services operated by some of the leading shipping lines in the industry.”

Based upon FIT’s minimum guarantee of 75,000 container lifts annually, this agreement will support an estimated 400 direct local jobs and 1,060 total jobs statewide that will generate more than $72 million in personal income and nearly $7 million in state and local taxes each year.

FIT’s agreement includes relocating its terminal within Port’s Southport area during construction for the Southport Turning Notch Extension project. The project will lengthen the existing deep-water turn-around area from 900 feet to 2,400 feet, which will allow for up to five new cargo berths. Construction is expected to begin in early 2017 and be completed by the end of 2019.

“We are fortunate to have strong working relationship with FIT, and appreciate their flexibility during this upcoming construction period,” Cernak said.

At the crossroads of north-south and east-west trade, Broward County’s Port Everglades is Florida’s leading container port, handling more than one million TEUs annually and serving as a gateway to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Located within the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach, Florida, Port Everglades is in the heart of one of the world’s largest consumer regions, including a constant flow of visitors and up to a combined 110 million residents and seasonal visitors within a 500-mile radius. Port Everglades has direct access to the interstate highway system and Florida East Coast Railway’s 43-acre intermodal container transfer facility, and is closer to the Atlantic Shipping Lanes than any other Southeastern U.S. port. Ongoing capital improvements and expansion will ensure that Port Everglades can continue to handle future growth in container traffic.

Lauderhill PD hosts Shop with a Cop event

The Lauderhill Police Department hosted this year’s Shop with a Cop program at the Target Superstore and Chick-fil-A on Friday December 18, 2015 between 8:30AM and 11:00AM.

This year several children were selected from within the community with input from our School Resource Officers and Community Policing Officers. Each child received a $100.00 Gift Card from Target to shop with a Lauderhill Police Officer.

The children were escorted by the Motor Unit to the Super Target to shop with police officers. Afterwards they enjoyed lunch with Lauderhill Police Officers at the Chick-Fila, Lauderhill.

 

“Shop with a Cop” has become a nationwide program promoted by local law enforcement agencies and is geared to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of the community Funding for this program was provided by donations from the Lauderhill Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #161 and the Lauderhill Lieutenants Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association.

Caribbean’s best U20 compete with local players in CASA Youth Soccer Classic

Young soccer players from across the Caribbean face off against South Florida’s best at the Caribbean American Soccer Association’s (CASA) annual Youth Soccer Classic, at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. U20 contingents from Jamaica and Barbados will compete with six local teams.

For the tournament’s first match, game one went to the U.S. side, as local team Lauderhill Juniors confidently defeated the U20 team from Barbados 3 nil. For the other matches of the night, Albion/Plantation emerged victorious against Coral Springs 3-1, while CASA U20 defeated Miami U20 2 nil.

The next international match is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m., when Jamaica U20 faces Coral Springs U20, and Barbados U20 plays FUTSOC. The tournament was meant to include an U20 team from Haiti, but again the team was prevented from attending due to visa issues.

CASA President Richard Campbell expressed disappointment that “the talented players from Haiti were not able to attend our tournament.” In all, Campbell expects the local players and their Caribbean cohorts “to bring a very strong contingent” to the tournament.

As for Team Jamaica’s strategy, Coach Miguel Coley says his first goal “is for them to enjoy football. To go out there and play as a team. Play with a lot of pride and courage.”

Coley also has high expectation for his team for the tournament, as “it’s a well-rounded team. We have players with confidence who have done well in the U19 competition in Jamaica.”

In addition to the chance to play a diverse set of teams, the CASA Youth Soccer classic also provides further development opportunities, as both College and professional team scouts will be on hand investigating the promise displayed by these young players.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent,” says Coach Coley. A lot of players come here to get scholarships and advance themselves as persons and go out to become winners in life.”

And “apart from the potential scholarship opportunities, this tournament was designed to have an exchange between the Diaspora and Caribbean teams,” says Campbell. “They can measure themselves against players elsewhere. It’s an extremely important part of their development, and we are happy to be playing that role.”

In the coming years, CASA also plans “to invite as many Caribbean teams as possible here [in South Florida], so that they can interact and compete with the youngsters we have here.”

Night landing resumes at Dominican airport

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, says the Douglas-Charles Airport, which was severely damaged during the passage of Tropical Storm Erica, is ready to fully resume night landing.

“…All the lights have been fully installed at the Douglas-Charles Airport so we are now ready to fully resume night landing again,” Skerrit told Parliament on Tuesday.

The airport suffered damages in excess of EC$41-million during the passage of the storm on August 27.

He commended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA), Benoit Bardouille and other officials who played their part in showing keen interest as well as providing leadership to have the facility up and running.

Skerrit also thanked a company from Spain which provided solar lights, which he said fits in the government’s overall renewable energy efforts.

The Douglas–Charles Airport is located on the northeast coast of the island and is one of two airports  –  the other being Canefield Airport .

 

Panama disease threatens Caribbean banana production

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged farmers in the Eastern Caribbean to take a proactive approach against the deadly Panama disease.

According to Agriculture, the fungal disease could spell trouble for food production.

The FAO, in issuing the warning, says the Panama disease, that could wipe out the sector, poses the biggest threat to the region’s bananas since the Black Sigatoka disease in 1991.  

St Lucia’s agriculture minister says for the small islands of the Caribbean, the best response includes collaboration and the adoption of preemptive measures.  

“This is not a threat only that Saint Lucia is concerned about, so therefore at the regional level, the governments, through the ministries of agriculture, are discussing, first of all to see how best we keep this disease out of our islands,” said Moses Jn Baptiste.

According to the FAO, banana is the eighth most important food crop in the world and the fourth most important food crop among the world’s least-developed countries, including the Caribbean.

The FAO says the Panama disease – is posing a serious threat to production and export of the fruit with grave repercussions for the banana value chain and livelihoods.

The disease is soil-borne and the fungus can remain viable for decades.

Once the disease is present in a field, the FAO said it cannot be fully controlled by currently available practices and fungicides.

It said the best way to fight the disease is to prevent its spread, which includes avoiding movement of diseased plant materials and infected soil particles.

 

Seniors push for Social Security

Many Social Security are protesting the federal government decision not to pay the traditional cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, after the Social Security Administration (SSA) claimed an increase was not warranted.

Every January, benefits are adjusted for inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the index was actually half a percent lower than they were in 2014.

But many seniors say they are still facing escalating expenses specific to their age group.

“Seniors need special medicine, medical equipment, food, and other goods that most of the younger consumers do not purchase,” said Tammy Lindo, an advocate for The Affairs of Florida Seniors based in Century Village, Pembroke Pines. “Most seniors have a peculiar consumer price index. Plus for many of us this is our only source of income. If we even received a $30 per month COLA next year this would make a difference.”

Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy of Palm Beach County is pushing to adjust this, working with other congressional representatives on a US House measure to provide seniors with a COLA of $581 next year, or $48.42 per month.

“This might not seem like much, but $581 could cover the cost of groceries for three months or the out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs,” says Murphy. “For seniors who already straddle the poverty line and who rely on Social Security for a majority of their income, this failure to keep benefits on pace with the cost of living will be devastating.”

If COLA is not approved, over one million Floridian retirees, disabled workers, and veterans will be affected.

Meanwhile, Miramar senior Gertie Blanch says she is praying, “officials change their minds about the increase.”

The first thing to be affected, says Blanch, is what she can eat.

“I am forced to buy less food as the month prolongs until the next Social Security deposit is made,” Blanch said.

“It is unconscionable to ask seniors to compromise their daily diet because of statistical data,” Lindo said.

Simmons backs WI to stage Melbourne fightback

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has promised a fightback from his team when they face-off against Australia in the second Test match bowling off Boxing Day in Melbourne.

The Windies lost the series-opener by a huge margin but have regrouped and will be looking to make amends in the second match, as they try to make up for their huge disappointing showing in Hobart last week.

Simmons told reporters his team had reflected, analysed where they had gone wrong and were now anxious to show their quality.

“The guys sat down and they know exactly what they have to do and they know that they’re capable of doing it. It’s not like it’s out of their league,” Simmons said.

He was speaking at the Simonds Stadium here as West Indies held a training session on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of their two-day tour match against the Cricket Victoria XI starting Saturday.

From here, they will take the one-hour drive to Melbourne to start preparation for the Boxing Day contest.

Simmons said the both the batting and bowling departments needed to prove their worth.

Celestin lays out conditions to participate in Haiti presidential runoff

Jude Celestin, one of the two candidates named by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in Haiti – to contest the second round of the presidential elections on December 27 is insisting on “credible” measures to be adopted before he agrees to contest the race.

In a December 14 letter to the CEP president Pierre-Louis Opont,  Celestin also explained why he boycotted a meeting with the CEP on the issue.

“We are now at a crossroads: as you, as an institution responsible for organizing credible elections, that I, presidential candidate, we have a duty to steer the country in the right direction, choose the right path by taking difficult and most courageous decisions.”

He said if the country is to have a president by February 7 next year “the credibility of the process to achieve this goal is essential to our young and fragile democracy”.

He said that a credible second round would imply “that the two candidates that face (the electorate) have indeed enjoyed the confidence of the population in the first round.”

The first round of the presidential election on October 25 was marred by acts of violence, allegations of voter irregularities and the CEP said none of the candidates reached the benchmark of 50 per cent plus one of the votes, nor a lead of 25 per cent or more, as required by Haiti’s Constitution and Electoral Decree to win the presidency thereby requiring a run-off election.

The CEP announced that the government backed candidate Jovenel Moise and Célestin had emerged as the top contenders in the first round of the presidential election.

The election, which included balloting for parliament and mayors, attracted 54 presidential candidates,
Of the 5.8 million registered voters, over 1.5 million votes were cast in the election, of those 120,066 were invalidated for fraud and other irregularities.

Following bomb threats, BCPS Superintendent warns students, parents to be vigilant

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 18, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

Broward County Public School Superintendent Robert Runcie is assuring parents that the county is working with authorities to investigate the source of the recent emailed bomb threat made on schools throughout the district. Though authorities have confirmed the threat “is not credible,” Runcie encouraged students and parents to report any suspicious activity.

In its hopes to move the city beyond its segregated past, Riviera Beach officials have renamed Old Dixie highway to honor President Barack Obama. The new President Barack Obama Highway is the second road in the county to be named after the 44th president, following the 2-year-old Barack Obama Boulevard in Pahokee.

Get ready for a tango under the mistletoe, as legendary Trinidadian dance director Peter London presents his company’s holiday concert “Dancing Under the Mistletoe” this weekend, features original choreography inspired by the rhythms of tango. The show is set for today [meaning Friday] and Saturday, starting 7:30 p.m. at the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater.

In sports, it was heartbreak for Chelsea FC fans following news that manager Jose Mourinho has been fired. The news comes just 7 months after Mourinho led the team to their Premiere League championship win. But the club has been struggling, most recently losing 2 to 1 against Leicester City. The club’s former caretaker manager Guus Hiddink will fill in while a replacement is found.

What’s trending:

As the busy holiday shipping season continues, the Jamaica Customs Agency is warning persons doing business at their offices to practice caution, following a spike in recent thefts. Customers are advised to use non-cash payment options available at customs or through their financial institutions.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Showers in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 64. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 84 and a low of 65. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

BSJ steps up activities against faulty block makers

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is intensifying its activities to increase the compliance rate among block makers.

Two weeks ago, the BSJ revealed that islandwide inspections of  more than 200 block makers showed that eight out of  every 10 blocks were sub-standard.

Head of  the Bureau’s Compliance Department, Wendell Richards, said for the month of November, 61 per cent of  blocks tested by the BSJ failed compared to 83 per cent in September.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the Director of the Regulatory Division at the Bureau, Orine Henry said to date, several manufacturers have brought their operations up to standard.

“We have been going to construction sites, hardware stores, everywhere we can find block makers, we have been targeting them,” she informed.

“If persons are operating in their backyard, our team might not necessarily know of those persons, but then again, we ask persons to provide us with information.”

She added that the Industrial Training Unit of the Bureau is now in the process of planning a developmental training programme for block makers.

“There might be some competency issues, so we are now putting together a programme. We have identified experts and early in the New Year, there will be a training programme and they (block makers) will be certified at the end of that programme,” she said.

Executive Director of the Fair Trading Commission, David Miller, noted that under the Standards Act, there could be penalties of  up to J$3 million and 12 months imprisonment imposed on the block maker, who sells a faulty product.

“The Fair Trading Commission has not received any complaints but we are aware of the situation and we are gathering the necessary information on a broad scale. If specific complaints come in, we can gather that specific information from that consumer and from the block maker, who the complaint is brought against,” Miller explained.

The public is being encouraged to only purchase blocks from companies that are registered with the BSJ, or from hardware stores and other entities that can confirm that their blocks were acquired from registered block makers.

Reggae Pop star Omi to headline “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”

Jamaican pop start Omar Samuel Pasley, better known by his stage name OMI, will be “cheering” in the new year at ABC’s telecast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2016.” Omi will join other artistes Pentatonix, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Nick Jonas who are set to perform.

Omi will be holding out the West coast Stage, which will be streamed live on TV.

The “Cheerleader” singer took to Twitter to express his excitement.  ” I can’t wait to ring in the new year performing at @NYRE from Hollywood! Tune in 12/31 8PM on @ABC! #RockinEve.”

The show, featuring more than 38 performances, will be telecast starting at 8 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 31.

PLGDC presents Dancing Under the Mistletoe

This holiday season, get ready for a tango under the mistletoe, as legendary Trinidadian dance director Peter London presents the Peter London Global Dance Company’s (PLGDC) holiday concert “Dancing Under the Mistletoe” on December 18th and 19th at 7:30 pm and on December 20th at 4:00 pm.

The event will feature original choreography inspired by the rhythms of tango and will be held at the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater.

Tickets to the event cost $40. For more information visit wwww.plgdc.org or call 497.347.0008.

US, Cuba to restore commercial flights

The United States and Cuba have agreed to restore regular commercial flights, a move that could pave the way for thousands of visitors to the Spanish speaking Caribbean nation, on a daily basis.

The deal was announced on Thursday, exactly one year since President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro announced ease on the strained relations between both countries.

While U.S. law still bars travel to Cuba for tourists, the deal is expected to increase authorized travel between both nations.

It is not known when the first Cuba-bound flights will take off.

In a statement on Thursday, US President Barak Obama, touted the steps the U.S. has taken to normalize relations with Cuba in the past year and called on Congress to lift its embargo.

In May, the U.S. removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, an act that led to the reopening of embassies months later.

Last week, the U.S. and Cuba announced they would resume direct postal services between both nations several times a week, alleviating the need to rely on routing mail through a third country.

Details of that deal are expected to be finalized in coming weeks.

On December 17, 2013, Cuban President Raul Castro and Obama announced the normalization of relations after more than 50 years of hostility between both countries.

Guyana, Jamaica to deepen bilateral relations

Jamaica has reiterated its commitment to working with Guyana on deepening relations between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

“Jamaica stands ready to strengthen our bilateral and regional cooperation by continuing to explore issues of common interest that will redound to the benefit of all our peoples,”  said  David Prendergast , as he presented his credentials to President David Granger as his country’s new non-resident High Commissioner.

Prendergast, who previously served as Jamaica’s High Commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago, said the two CARICOM countries have shared a special bond of friendship over the 46 years and have worked together at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

In his remarks,  President Granger said that both Guyana and Jamaica have recognised the value of regional integration in overcoming some of the disadvantages and limitations that small states face in the pursuit of national development.

Guyana and Jamaica first established diplomatic relations in 1969, three years after Guyana gained its independence from Britain.

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