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Five deaths from swine flu in Trinidad & Tobago

Another person in Trinidad and Tobago has died after contracting the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu.

The death occurred between Monday and Tuesday afternoon at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

This is the fifth death from the virus in the twin island republic.

A mother who recently gave birth is also being treated for the virus.

The two doctors who were treating the patient who died are also said to be in a stable condition, having contracted the virus.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 14,286 people died worldwide during the 2009 swine flu pandemic of  which there were 237 deaths in Central America and the Caribbean.

Barbados confirmed four cases; Cuba one; Dominican Republic 93 and Jamaica 33.

One death was confirmed in Trinidad, with several others being treated for the virus.

There were also several confirmed swine flu deaths in the region in 2013.

Old Dixie Hwy renamed President Barack Obama Hwy

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.

The City Council voted in August to change the highway’s name inside the city limits.

It is not the first time a street would be named after a US President. In 1998, the Florida Legislature designated the Florida Turnpike the Ronald Reagan Turnpike and Delray Beach renamed Northeast Eighth Street in honor of George H.W. Bush during the early 1990s.

5 best foods from the Caribbean

The world of Caribbean food is one that is rich with a variety of cultural influences. Caribbean food recipes are often taken from a mixture of African, East Indian, Arab, European, Amerindian, and Chinese influences to create the unique blend of Caribbean food.

However, nothing illustrates the signature Caribbean mix of cultural influences like the cheap and tasty morsels sold on street corners, at outdoor markets and at roadside stands.

Each island boasts its own street specialty, and we’ve narrowed it down to our 5 best Caribbean food dishes.

Pan Chicken – Jamaica

If you ever visit Jamaica, and don’t try pan chicken, you have NOT fully experienced the Jamaican culture. If you’ve ever gotten Jerk Chicken from a roadside vendor who had a barrel propped up and cut open, that’s Jamaican drum pan chicken. The difference between ‘Pan Chicken’ and regular Jamaican Jerk Chicken is in the smoky, savory method of cooking. Some would refer to it as Jamaica’s unofficial national dish (second only to the reigning ackee and saltfish). A favourite particularly at night time, the very scent of the smoke produced as the chicken is being cooked is enough to keep locals and tourists wanting more!

Bake and Shark – Trinidad & Tobago

Photo courtesy of rsagarcia.com

This yummy meal consists of freshly caught shark, deep-fried on fried dough. Along with fresh ingredients, the key to the flavour of Bake and Shark is the condiments. Tourists and locals can get sauces lined up for personalized selection. The most popular to go to condiments include garlic sauce, pepper sauce, tamarind chutney and pineapple.

Fish cakes- Barbados

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Similar to the fried cod fritters, Bajan fishcakes are made with saltfish, with a little hot pepper added to the batter. You don’t need to leave your hotel or house to try fishcakes in Barbados but head up to the popular Oistins for the town’s famed Friday night fish fry to try these tasty, round treats in their ideal setting.

Conch Fritters – Bahamas

Photo courtesy of bahamasfoodguide.com
Photo courtesy of bahamasfoodguide.com

Conch is king in the Bahamian islands, and the shellfish is served a dozen different ways. However, the fritter version is the most popular, appearing everywhere from beach stands to street markets. Slightly chewy, conch fritters are the best snack for the beach.

Griot- Haiti

Photo by Cynthia Nelson
Photo by Cynthia Nelson
Fried pork is a staple of cuisines around the world, but nobody does it quite like Haiti. Top your griot off with sauce ti-malice (Haitian hot sauce) or pickliz (spicy pickled salad), and grab yourself a cold beverage to wash it all down.

SVG Cabinet sworn in, opposition stages street protest

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Monday unveiled his 11-member Cabinet as opposition politicians continued to protest the results of the December 9 general elections.

The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) which has refused to accept the results of the polls staged a protest outside the office of the prime minister as the ceremony was taking place. The party has said it will file election petitions in the High Court on Tuesday.

The Electoral Office said that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) had won eight of the 15 seats contested in the elections, with the remainder going to the NDP that has vowed not to attend parliament until the results are nullified.

The new Cabinet showed a mixture of experience and newcomers, including women, with two members of his family being given ministerial appointments.

Prime Minister Gonsalves retains ministerial responsibilities for Finance, the Public Service, National Security, Grenadine Affairs, and Legal Affairs, while his son, Camillo, who was elected to office for the first time has been given the responsibility for Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Trade, Information and Labour. The younger Gonsalves had served as foreign affairs minister in the previous administration.

The Prime Minister’s cousin and ULP general secretary, Julian Francis, has been appointed a senator for a fourth consecutive term, and holds ministerial responsibilities for Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government.

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

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 17, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

Rent is taking the biggest bite out of Florida residents’ pockets, according to a new study. The report found more than half of Florida renters spend more than a third of their income on rent, the highest rate in the country. According to data, Miami Gardens is the worst for renters, while Plantation and Sunrise proved the easiest on the wallet.

Small Marijuana possession is still an arrestable offense in Palm Beach county, due to a delay in the county commission’s recent vote reducing the crime to citation for less than 20 grams. But the new ordinance will not be put into effect until the county’s Sheriff’s office reviews it. Meanwhile, officers can still arrest violators under state law.

As part of their fundraising efforts, the Knox Past Student Association will be hosting their annual Christmas House Party, this Saturday, starting 8 pm at 1599 SW 159th Terrace in Pembroke Pines. All proceeds from the event, which will include music by DJ Express, will be donated to the construction of the new six-form block at Knox College in Jamaica.

Local Lauderhill Juniors took the first match of the night yesterday at the Caribbean American Soccer Association’s annual Youth Soccer Classic, at the Lauderhill sports complex. Lauderhill Juniors defeated the U20 team from Barbados 3 nil. The next international match is set for tomorrow at 6:30pm, when Jamaica U20 faces Coral Springs U20.

What’s trending:

This summer’s pop reggae breakout star 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 be holding out the West coast Stage, which will be streamed live on TV.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 73. 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. 

Matching food and wine for the perfect meal

Recently, malbec received praise for being a versatile wine and a great choice for food pairing. When surveyed, more than half of culinary professionals agreed that malbec pairs with many types of foods. Whether you’re serving something wildly daring, such as five-spice crusted short ribs with miso black garlic jus, or something mildly daring, like rigatoni with spicy salami and tomato sauce, you can’t go wrong pairing it with malbec.

Alamos Malbec, America’s most preferred malbec, is grown in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina. The result is grapes that combine bold layers of flavor and excellent natural acidity for a wine that pairs beautifully with just about any Valentine’s Day meal.

Manchego and Chorizo Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Pair with Alamos Malbec

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 pound smoked firm Spanish chorizo, chopped

3/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup seeded, chopped tomato

1/3 cup Alamos Malbec

1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 cup shredded Manchego cheese, plus extra for topping

12 canned or jarred piquillo peppers, well drained (may substitute roasted red bell peppers if piquillo peppers are unavailable)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 F. Cook chorizo, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes or until onion is soft, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato, malbec, yellow bell pepper and seasonings and cook for 10 minutes more or until all excess liquid has cooked off. Stir in cheese. Fill piquillo peppers with equal amounts of filling and place stuffed peppers in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired, and cook in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until peppers are hot and cheese is melted.

Makes 6 appetizer servings.

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Chelsea FC sacks coach Jose Mourinho

Chelsea FC of England has sacked coach Jose Mourinho, just seven months after winning the Premier League. His termination came after a 2-1 defeat by Leicester worsened his side’s start to the season.

The Portuguese manager, the most successful in the club’s history, was dismissed at a meeting held on Thursday afternoon with the club’s management. At the time of his dismissal, Chelsea holds the 16th spot in the English Premier League and are three points above the relegation zone following nine defeats in 16 games.

According to CNW sports analyst, Hugh Ferguson, “You can’t fire the ‘special one’!”  Ferguson adds, “If you read between the lines, it was a mutual agreement.  By tomorrow we will see him coaching somewhere else.”

The next permanent Chelsea manager will likely be appointed next summer, with candidates including Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simone.

JA athletes’ insurance plan gets cabinet approval

The Jamaican Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Jamaican Athletes Insurance Plan to provide group health as well as life and personal accident insurance for over 1,000 athletes across all sports.

The announcement was made by the Information minister Sandrea Falconer at Wednesday morning’s post cabinet briefing.

“Cabinet has approved the selection of Guardian Life Insurance and Allied Insurance brokers as the providers of insurance coverage for our athletes. Guardian Life will provide group health while Allied will provide group life and personal accident coverage. The Jamaican Athletes Insurance Plan has received funding support from the Sports Development Foundation, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the National Health Fund and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) fund,” said Falconer.

The national sports associations and federations have also committed to supporting the insurance plan by contributing five percent of the cost for their participating member athletes.

The news comes as confirmation, after Sports Minister Natalie Neita-Headley said in September that the insurance plan for active athletes would be implemented by December.

Barbados gov’t hoping to raise millions from taxes on cell phone use

The Barbados government has introduced legislation amending the Value Added Tax (VAT) to allow for a 22 per cent tax on voice and other transmissions from cell phones.

Finance Minister Chris Sinckler told legislators on Tuesday night that the tax, which goes into effect from January 1, next year, will raise BDS$14 million annually that would go towards funding university scholarships.

Sinckler said the proposed changes are meant to “increase the efficiency of tax administration, provide for the imposition of Value Added Tax on certain mobile services and enhance the enforcement provisions in the Act and for related matters”.

He said contrary to popular belief, the imposition would not only affect cell phone calls, but all mobile transmitting services .

He said the range of services to be covered by the new levy included use of the Internet and other transmissions that facilitate email, Whatsapp, Skype and much more.

Sinckler said that the resulting revenue raised would go towards a soon-to-be announced university scholarship fund, replacing the bursary awards introduced last year as a measure to support students facing challenges to enter university owing to government’s withdrawal of fee support two years ago.

No more Queen, says Barbados

(CNS) – Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has announced plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state by November 2016, in honor of the country’s 50th independence anniversary.

“It’s a little awkward in the year 2015 to still have to stand up and instead of pledging allegiance to Barbados to be pledging allegiance to ‘Her Majesty the Queen,’” Stuart said during a recent meeting of his ruling Democratic Labour Party.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that “it is a matter for the government and people of Barbados,” but he expected the approach to be “consistent with self-determination.”

The republican debate has raged for years in Barbados between older islanders who see the queen as a symbol of stability, and mostly younger nationalists who call her an anachronism. It echoes similar debates in many countries that once were part of the British empire and retained the queen as their head of state after independence.

In the Caribbean, former British colonies including Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago have established republics. But others such as Barbados and Jamaica have not replaced the queen with another head of state.

Stuart confirms that Barbados will remain in the Commonwealth of former British colonies. But he needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament to authorize the constitutional change. Stuart’s government currently has that majority in the Senate, but not in the lower house. Opposition leader Mia Mottley did not immediately comment on Stuart’s plans.

PBC commissioners vote 4-1 to decriminalize marijuana

Small Marijuana possession is still an arrestable offense in Palm Beach county, due to a delay in the county commission’s recent 4-1 vote, officially reducing the crime of possession to citation for less than 20 grams. 

The ordinance doesn’t legalize marijuana, however it gives law enforcement an alternative to making an arrest and reduces the penalties for those caught with it. Offenders can either pay a $100 fine or choose to do 10 hours of community service.

The ordinance only covers offenders 18 and over, and an offender can receive a maximum of two citations.

The county commission says between 2010 and 2014, more than 7,500 cases in the county involved possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less.

In 90% of those cases, the person involved ended up in the jail – the remaining 10% received a citation or a notice to appear.

Atkinson again up for RJR Sportswoman of the Year

South Florida’s own swimming superstar Alia Atkinson has again been nominated for the RJR 2015 National Sportswoman-of-the-Year.

Atkinson, who won the same title last year, became the first swimmer since 1974 to win the award and broke the 39-year dominance of winners in athletics. As the first ever black woman to hold a swimming world record, Atkinson is again up for the awards following arguably one of her best performance years yet. This year, she became the first Jamaican swimmer to win a medal at a long course world championship games, when she won silver in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the FINA World Championships in Russia. She also broke Jamaica’s long course record in the 100m breaststroke and won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Swimming World Cup in Dubai.

Atkinson’s main competitor will be two-time RJR Sportswoman of the year, sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The other nominees include a tough list of competitors, such as boxer Alicia Ashley and (continuing the awards’ athletics domination) fellow track stars Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shericka Jackson, Sherone Simpson, Danielle Williams, and Elaine Thompson.

For Sportsmen of the Year, reigning fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, leads the pack in nominations, though he faces some stellar performances from shot-putter Odayne Richards, discus thrower Fedrick Dacres; sprint hurdler Hansle Parchment, and sprinter Rasheed Dwyer.

The awards will be announced and presented at a special ceremony in Jamaica on January 15, 2016.

Florida listed as toughest place to rent in US, according to study

Rent is taking the biggest bite out of Florida residents’ pockets, according to a new study by real estate website apartmentlist.com.

The report found more than half of Florida renters spend more than a third of their income on rent, the highest rate in the country. According to data, Miami Gardens is the worst for renters, while Plantation and Sunrise proved the easiest on the wallet.

The study also found that Florida, Hawaii, and California each have cost-burden rates of 57% or higher.

The US renter population is currently the largest it has ever been, and now stands at 43 million households. The share of US renters facing cost burdens, however, has risen steadily in the past 50 years, from 24% in 1960 to 38% in the year 2000.

The study was based on U.S. Census data for 2014.

3 must-see tourist attractions in Antigua and Barbuda

The twin island Antigua and Barbuda is known for its reef-lined beaches, rainforests and resorts. Next time you’re booking a vacation to this lovely island, make sure to visit these spots before leaving!

Half Moon Bay, Antigua

At the southeastern end of Antigua, tranquil Half Moon Bay is fringed by one of Antigua’s best beaches. Protected by a reef, this idyllic crescent of fine white sand and azure sea, backed by natural foliage, offers excellent snorkeling on calm days. When the wind is up, the surf can be rough. A small restaurant serves snacks just off the beach.

 St. John’s, Antigua

St John’s, the capital city and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda, is a kaleidoscope of candy-hued colonial cottages and market stalls piled high with tropical fruits and flowers. Looming above the skyline are the white neo-Baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral, one of the city’s major attractions.

For an overview of the island’s history, many first-time visitors head to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the 18th century former Court House. Shopping is also excellent in St. John’s. Duty-free shops abound at Heritage Quay, souvenir stalls beckon from touristy Redcliffe Quay, and the lively harborside public markets are the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda traces the history of these islands from their geological origins to political independence in 1981. Housed in the museum is a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, as well as portraits of Sir Joshua Reynolds, King George III, and Queen Caroline. The museum is located in the former 18th-century Courthouse in St John’s.

JA Diaspora Advisory Board Member meets with Ambassador Ralph Thomas

On November 19th, 2015, Wayne C. Golding Sr. Esq, the current Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern United States met with Ambassador Ralph Thomas, newly appointed Ambassador to the United States from Jamaica.

The meeting between Diaspora Board Member Golding and Ambassador Thomas covered numerous topics that impact the Jamaica Diaspora in the Southern United States which included but was not limited to Immigration, Integration and Deportation. The meeting also focused on how the Jamaican Diaspora can contribute to comprehensive changes in Jamaica’s health care system and facilities.

The Ambassador was also briefed and updated on the activities and accomplishments of the Jamaican Diasporans and Organizations in the region. There were also explorative and extensive talks between the two with regards to the continued building of the capacity the Jamaican Diaspora to influence United States governmental policy as a constituency, to gather credible data, research Jamaican Diaspora expertise and how to work cooperatively with the Embassy and Missions of Jamaica across the three regions.

During the meeting, Ambassador Thomas made his personal commitment to bring his experience and diplomatic influence in the further building and expansion of the established partnership with Jamaican Diasporans through the entire region. With a solid and pronounced invitation from Board Member Golding, the Ambassador promised to visit the Southern region in the coming months. He also strongly reiterated the strong and steadfast commitment of the Government of Jamaica to a continued high level of partnership with Jamaica’s most valuable assets in the Southern region of the United States, its human capital, which includes first, second, third generations and the youth.

According to the Honorable A.J. Nichols, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, “ Ambassador Thomas served in China during an important time for Jamaica/China relations, especially in the area of economic development, and ensured the continuation and strengthening of this relationship through the development of key initiatives. This level of critical thinking and creative energy is what we expect Ambassador Thomas to bring to the relationship with the USA, one of our major international partners”. Board member Golding also stated that he himself “considers the Jamaican Diaspora of the Southern United States one of Jamaica’s most important partners”.

Over the past year the Jamaica Diaspora in the Southern United States has been seeking to seriously solidify its advisory role to The Honorable Arnaldo Brown -­‐ Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affair and Trade and take full opportunity on the behalf of the region of membership to the Board. The Board has provided prime access for the region to the true ear of the Government of Jamaica and has facilitated the maintenance of a perennial partnership with the Jamaican Diaspora.

A nutritious but enticing salad recipe

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get carried away with heavy entrees and sweet treats as vegetable side dishes fall to the wayside. Instead, opt for a dish that feels indulgent even though it’s filled with greens and naturally good seasonal ingredients.

This recipe for Apple, Gouda and Farro Salad from the blog Two Peas and Their Pod is a delicious, healthy and hearty addition to any holiday spread. It’s the ultimate cold-weather salad full of flavor and textures from the apple slices, Gouda bits, farro, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries and a simple apple cider vinaigrette. Plus, it takes only minutes to throw together, making it the perfect time-saving side dish for any holiday get-together.

Apple, Gouda and Farro Salad

Makes 6 servings as a side dish, or 4 servings as a meal

Ingredients:

For the salad:

1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts

6 cups mixed greens

1 large apple, core removed and thinly sliced

6 ounces Arla Dofino(R) Gouda cheese, cut into cubes

1 cup cooked farro

1/3 cup dried cranberries

For the apple cider vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 Teaspoons honey

1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 Teaspoon minced shallot

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

First, toast the walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the walnuts turn brown and smell toasted. This will take about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

Place the greens in a large bowl. Top with sliced apples, Gouda cheese cubes, farro, dried cranberries and toasted walnuts.

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard and shallot. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette and gently toss. Serve!

Note: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are great options, but any apple variety will work.

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Three bad habits damaging to your child’s teeth

As a parent, you try to do the right things for your children. In addition to regular doctor appointments and healthy lunches, make sure you are not unknowingly teaching your children poor dental hygiene.

Sweets between Meals

While a snack between meals is normal, the wrong type could lead to tooth decay. Candy and sugary juices between meals can damage teeth. Instead, stick to healthier snacks with complex carbohydrates, like fruits. If your child wants a sweet on occasion, offer it with a meal. The saliva produced to digest larger quantities of a meal helps keep teeth bacteria-free.

Drinks before Bed

Rethink your strategy if a sippy cup is part of your nightly routine. When children drink juice, chocolate milk or even milk before bed without brushing their teeth afterward, the sugar in those drinks lingers, which leads to cavities. So for bedtime drinks, stick with water. If your child has a sugary drink before bedtime, make sure they brush their teeth before going to bed.

Skipping Dentist Appointments

Research recommends that both children and adults see a dentist every six months. Skipping a couple of appointments because your child’s teeth appear fine could prove dire. Aside from tooth decay, a typical appointment also involves preventive cleaning and dental care training. So be sure to always schedule the next appointment before you leave the dentist’s office.

Guyana and FAO sign four year country Framework Program

Guyana and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have signed a four year country Framework Programme which targets three main priority areas food and nutrition security and the sustainable management of natural resources.

FAO’s Country Representative, Ruben Robertson, described the country programme as flexible noting that the document includes relevant programme areas that the Guyana government sees fit to further push agriculture development.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder welcomed the formation of the document noting that collaboration such as these will ensure that agriculture is given adequate attention it deserved.

He said that the four country framework programme will not only make provisions for FAO to achieve it national development goals, but will also assist the Ministry of Agriculture in its efforts to eradicate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.

The FAO country framework programme is a planning tool, developed and co-owned and jointly implemented by the FAO and the Guyana government.

Paul Campbell comes for a “Very Merry Holiday” in Lauderhill

Legendary Jamaican actor of “Dancehall Queen” and “Third World Cop” fame, Paul Campbell, will be the special guest at this year’s “Very Merry Holiday Fair” in Lauderdale Lakes, set for this Saturday, December 19, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vincent Torres Memorial Park.

Hosted by Lauderdale Lakes Vice Mayor Dr. Eileen Rathery, this free holiday fair also has much more, including live performances from stars, include headliner, reggae crooner Pluto Shervington. Kids can get in on the action too, with a visit from Santa at the Santa Kids Village. For local soccer fans, Miami United will face off against home team, Lauderdale Lakes Victory. The fair will also feature useful community resource information and services, including free health screenings, free immigration legal consultation, and employment Information

The fair concludes the city’s holiday community thanksgiving project, led by Vice Mayor Rathery. The program began last weekend with a city-wide day of service, as residents volunteered to assist in beautifying selected deserving Lauderdale Lakes resident’s homes, from painting exteriors to repairing landscaping. Both events, says Rathery, are aimed to spread the holiday spirit with joyful residents and offering a helping-hand to local families in the community.

“As we celebrate the Christmas holiday with families and friends, we intend to make the season a little brighter for those who are less fortunate,” said Rathery.

 

Gayle targets return to Test for 2016

After over a year away from international test cricket, Chris Gayle hopes to don his whites for West Indies again next year.

Gayle, who is currently in Australia to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, said he would love to add to his 103 test match total with the West Indies. The West Indies could have done with some Gayle force, after their excruciating loss against Australia by an inning and 212 runs.

“There’s no way I could have actually been part of that Test team [in Hobart], I’m just coming back off injury,” Gayle told a news conference on Tuesday. “[But] I haven’t retired from the game so Test cricket is still on the agenda for sure.”

Gayle also came to the current West Indies team’s defense, saying that the team needs more time to come into form.

“You don’t really have to be so hard on West Indies cricket. We have to give it time,” says Gayle. “It’s a young team so we definitely have to give it time rather than being so harsh on West Indies cricket all the time.”

SKN PM calls for anti-terrorism programs

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere have spotlighted the urgency of a global response to these actions.

Speaking during the debate on the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Harris said that the issue had been discussed at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta where all leaders “committed to do all that we could to eradicate terrorism and terrorist related activities,”

He said that the overall intent of the legislation is to criminalize all of the conduct outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNCR) regarding anti-terrorism. He said an independent evaluation of the island’s legislation by the Financial Action task Force (FATF) revealed that Section 14 criminalizes the funding or making available of property to be used for terrorist purposes.

The Prime Minister said the amended legislation is to give effect to recent recommendations proposed by the FATF in respect of expressly implementing measures to provide for United Nations Security Council Resolution. Additionally, the legislation provides that where a terrorist has been identified, that the Director of Public Prosecutions shall without delay, apply ex parte for the freezing of such funds.

The legislation also proposes an increase in current penalties to make them more commensurate with current international standards, Harris stated.

Lady Saw gets baptized, will leave dancehall behind

Dancehall star Lady Saw was baptized on Monday at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston, hours after attending late deejay J Capri’s funeral service.

Lady Saw, whose real name is Marion Hall, said she was spiritually moved to return to her faith following the recent and sudden death of young dancehall singjay.

Hall announced on her Instagram account that she was also cancelling all her upcoming dancehall shows.

The new “servant of the Lord” posted a video of the occasion on her instagram page with the caption, “I’m now washed of all my sins. I’ve given my life to God fully and am ready to walk with him and do his work.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0hkBzoLKOY

Florida ranks high for minority-owned businesses

Florida remains a good market for black-owned businesses, according to a newly released U.S. Census Report. According to the report, Black or African American-owned firms rose from 1.9 to 2.6 million from 2007 to 2012.

The sunshine state is in second place in the country for the most Black or African-American owned firms, at over 250,000. Florida also leads all states in the number of firms owned by people of Cuban background and Puerto Rican background.  Along with Florida, California and Texas each had more than a half-million Hispanic-owned firms in 2012. 

The total number of minority-owned businesses rose from 5.8 million in 2007 to 8 million in 2012, while the number of businesses owned by whites decreased by 1.1 million to 18.9 million.

The government also plans to invest $13.4 million to support continued minority small business growth.

Page 2: Lady Saw through the years

Lady Saw baptized. Will leave dancehall behind

Lady saw baptized. This and and a look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 16, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

State Rep. Carlos Curbelo has filed a bill proposing to cut federal welfare services, such as Medicaid and food stamp, for incoming Cuban immigrants. The current law gives Cuban immigrants automatic asylum status, granting access to federal funds that would take years for other immigrant groups. Curbelo, who’s also Cuban-American, says the law would only apply to Cubans immigrating after the bill is passed.

Florida remains a good market for black-owned businesses, according to a newly released U.S. Census Report. The sunshine state is in second place in the country for the most Black or African-American owned firms, at over 250,000. The government also plans to invest $13.4 million to support continued minority small business growth.

Legendary Jamaican actor of “Dancehall Queen” and “Third World Cop” fame, Paul Campbell, will be the special guest at this year’s “Very Merry Holiday Fair” in Lauderdale Lakes, set for this Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vincent Torres Memorial Park. The free fair will also feature a performance from reggae crooner Pluto Shervington.

In sports, young soccer plays from across the Caribbean face off against South Florida’s best at the Caribbean American Soccer Association’s annual Youth Soccer Classic, at Lauderhill sports complex. The tournament begins tonight, with Barbados U17 vs. CASA U17 at 5 p.m., Plantation U20 vs Coral springs U20 at 6:30 pm, and CASA U20 vs Miami United U20 at 8 p.m.

What’s trending:

Lady Saw Baptized

Notorious dancehall star Lady Saw has been baptized a Christian at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston. Lady Saw, whose real name is Marion Hall, said she was spiritually moved to return to her faith following the recent and sudden death of young dancehall singjay J Capri. Hall announced on her Instagram account that she was also cancelling all her upcoming dancehall shows.

Read More. Lady saw gets baptized and leaves dancehall behind.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 82 and a low of 72. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

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