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Haitian presidential frontrunner courts Diaspora support

Oxfam

Controversial presidential frontrunner from the preliminary elections results, Jovenel Moise, stopped by Miami on his U.S. tour courting members of the Diaspora, holding a conference this past weekend at the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

The visit is geared towards gauging the Diaspora’s support for his presidency, particularly as media reports circulating about the continued claims of election fraud and violent clashes among party supporters. Though still far away from the scheduled Dec. 27 presidential run-offs, the Michel Martelly-backed Moise presented himself at the de facto president-elect, assuring the local crowd of the election’s legitimacy. Moise told the crowd that he expected to confidently win the run-offs thanks to his vision and the strength of his campaign, dismissing a recent Brazilian exit poll placing Moise in fourth place, and also claims that the majority of Haitian surveyed believed there was fraud in the elections

“If there will be a second round, I am prepared to campaign to sell the same vision, the same program, the same project, which is to bring the soil, the rivers, the sun together to [develop] the county,” says Moise, citing his plan’s focus on boosting the nation’s agricultural sector.

Moise met a mild Miami crowd for his speech, far from the reception he received in New York, where he was confronted with protesters (often supporters from other political parties) at every turn, citing concerns of rampant corruption manipulating the election results in his favor.

However, local supporters from former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s Fanmi Lavalas party did attempt to launch a protest during Moise’s town hall meeting, outside the center. Presidential Candidate for Lavalas, Dr. Maryse Narcisse, is one of only two candidates who has legally challenged the results. Narcisse, who through her suit was given access to documentations to verify the results, claims that there were huge discrepancies, from votes outnumbering voters as polling stations, to missing voters’ lists. The local protestors for Narcisse’s cause were told they could not demonstrate without permits. Singer and Lavalas-supporting activist Farah Juste, was briefly arrested for trying to continue the protest, though she was quickly let go afterwards.

Bahamas declares National Day of Thanksgiving following Hurricane Joaquin

Bahamas Christian Council, Dr. Ranford Patterson

The Bahamas government has declared Wednesday “a National Day of Thanksgiving and Repentance” following the passage of Hurricane Joaquin last month resulting in widespread damage estimated at millions of dollars. The government said national services of thanksgiving and Repentance will be held in New Providence and the Family Islands as well as in New Providence.

“The purpose of these services is to bring together Bahamians representing all segments of society and the Church in The Bahamas in praise, worship and thanksgiving to God for protecting our people against the loss of life during one of the most devastating Hurricanes in our nation’s history,” said President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Dr. Ranford Patterson, in a statement after Prime Minister Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the proclamation.

“These services will also serve as a time for us to acknowledge, repent of and turn from our sin and get back on the road that leads to our God,”

Florida’s Dept. of Health approves 5 nurseries to grow medical marijuana

The Florida Department of Health has approved licenses for 5 nurseries in the state to grow and distribute special breeds of medical marijuana to treat patients with severe epilepsy and advanced stages of cancer.

For the state’s southeast region, Costa Nursery Farm won the bid to serve the South Florida area.

The state’s Department of Health chose the five from a list of 28 nurseries that had applied in July for the potentially lucrative licenses to provide Charlotte’s Web, a form of marijuana oil.

The product is low in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — which gives marijuana its psychoactive quality — but high in cannabadiol, or CBD, which research shows eases convulsions, inflammation, anxiety and nausea for cancer patients and those suffering from severe epilepsy.

How to score Black Friday-worthy deals this year

Black Friday: the unofficial holiday when retail promotions peak, and the winter holiday shopping season kicks off. Americans across the country scour the Web or wake up before dawn to beat the crowds and score bargains on their most wanted products. But deals don’t only have to happen on one day designated by the stores. With the hype of Black Friday on the horizon, here are four out-of-the-box ideas for landing the best deals all year long.

* Anticipate the season before it arrives. When purchasing seasonal items like clothes, prices tend to be higher right before the seasons change. Avoid this by purchasing items like your winter coat or that grill you’ve been eyeing for summer barbecues a couple of seasons early — you’ll likely be able to get a great deal and beat peak season costs.

* Be an informed shopper. Many people often find themselves without something they need then sprint to the nearest store to purchase it without a second thought. This sense of urgency tends to cause consumers to overpay for goods. Doing even a few minutes of Internet research beforehand allows you find the closest, cheapest location that stocks exactly what you need.

* Subscribe to email lists for tailored deals. Many companies offer deals to those who opt in to receive regular communication from them. You can score major savings (even ahead of other shoppers) at your favorite shopping spots if you opt in to receive an email newsletter here and there. Choose your favorite brands and sign up for their mailing list — sometimes you can even get exclusive deals but only if you’re on the list.

Brandpointcontent.com

Page 2: November 23, 2015

CNW90: Reggae Girlz U-17 coach says more support is needed for Jamaican women’s soccer

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 23, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Florida Highways Patrol is cracking down on drivers who violate the plastic pole partitions separating regular and express lanes on the I-95. More patrol officers will be assigned to trap offenders. Those caught may face a $179 fine plus 3 points against their driver’s licenses.

Delegates from the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo stopped by in Fort Lauderdale to discuss economic opportunities in the local market, as part of the county’s initiative to promote further international trade. In honor of the historic visit, the delegation was presented with a key to the County by Commissioner Dale Holness.

Torrential rains couldn’t stop the festivities this weekend at the Jamaican Women of Florida’s Ole Tyme Jamaican Gran Market at the Christway Baptist Church Grounds in Miramar. Local vendors shared their crafts and gourmet delights while the Tallawah Mento Band kept things joyful through rain and shine.

The group hopes the event brings back fond memories of the season, says JWOF member Valerie Simpson.

In sports, Coach Lorne Donaldson of Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz is calling for more financial sponsorship for women’s soccer in Jamaica. More support is needed for local players to match the exposure of their American compatriots, says Donaldson. The team currently has eight overseas-based players, including two from South Florida.

What’s trending:

Reggae Girl Sherona Forrester has been named the 2016 Jamaican Rhodes Scholar. For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Sunny in Broward County with a high of 74 and a low of 66. For Miami-Dade, sunny with a high of 76 and a low of 64. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

Book Talk shares business tips for Caribbean-Americans

Entering the business world in American can be a hard task when you’re a Caribbean immigrant, from navigating a new culture of commerce, to establishing your own value in the marketplace. Addressing this tricky quagmire, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) will be hosting Dr. Shelly Cameron as she discusses her new book, “Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders.”

The talk, set for December 5 at 2 p.m., explore strategies on how to be successful, inspired by effective traits from Caribbean-American business leaders, from the challenges they encountered after migration, to the factors that most influenced their success.

The project, says author Dr. Cameron, was inspired by the familiar confusion over “why some immigrants are successful yet others are still struggling?”

The book breaks down findings from a study at Nova Southeastern University, collaborating with successful Caribbean-Americans in the United States, who succeeded in business, media, healthcare, education, government, aviation, politics, and other fields.

Dr. Cameron hopes this book can help the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly minorities.

“I wanted to outline what the youth of America and ethnic minorities could learn from those who came before, who were born under similar circumstances as they were, and yet became successful,” said Cameron.

Shelly Cameron is founder of Cameron Calder & Associates LLC. She is a seasoned business consultant who helps organizations align their strategies, processes and people. She has worked for more than 25 years in healthcare and hospitality industries in northern Caribbean and Latin America regions.

EDITORIAL: Poverty takes no holiday

It’s almost the end of November, and the beginning of the “season,” which has a variety of interpretations. For some it’s the shopping season, for others a spiritual season, and for many, the giving season.

It’s heartening to see the bountiful number of individuals, groups and community organizations hosting Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless and less fortunate. This time of year, people who normally paid scant attention to the plight of the poor are often inspired by the spirit of goodwill to dedicate time and support to worthy causes. But such dedication often falters with the last toast of champagne for the New Year, as the pressure and daily tedium of life resume. Meanwhile, unfortunately, the poor reverts to poverty, the hungry to hunger, and the sufferers to suffering when the giving season ends.

Several community and other organizations should be commended for their seasonal efforts. However, those who are concerned about fighting poverty year-round often question why the same diligent fundraising, food collections, toy drives and home repairs can’t extend throughout the year. Others will argue that as much as some would like the spirit of goodwill to extend throughout the year, this giving spirit is accepted as an indelible norm of the holiday season, but not expected to either precede this season or follow it.

This argument is unacceptable. It is also unacceptable to just stand by and watch some in our communities year after year revert to poverty and the unbelievable struggles of trying to make ends meet. It boggles the mind that the same people who display so much generosity in organizing various Thanksgiving and Christmas events are not able to exercise similar commitment to develop long term plans for countering and alleviating deeply rooted poverty.

On Thanksgiving Day a few years ago, a local pastor was asked to offer the blessing at a dinner held for poor residents in Overtown, Miami-Dade. His prayer was brief and simple. “Lord teach us to always give thanks and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, not just for today, but always.”

Some who were present were touched not just by the prayer’s simplicity, but by the depth of its message. Asked why his blessing was so brief, the priest said “I don’t need to pray a long prayer to make people understand that love and charity towards each other shouldn’t be just a highlight of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Each year it amazes me that people don’t recognize that the spirit they display during the holiday season ought to be displayed all year.”

This Thanksgiving, as our communities gather to organize treats for the poor, we are urged to give thanks and seek means to continue this generosity to our neighbors. This generosity, especially for those less fortunate, shouldn’t only be committed for “the season,” but be part of a long-term commitment. Something seems awry when charities are placed on hold for eleven months, then unwrapped and displayed with much pomp and circumstance for just one month. As the community gives thanks this Thursday, remember that poverty takes no holiday.

 

 

 

Protect yourself from the cold and flu during the holiday season

 

“The holidays aren’t just the season of giving gifts and cheer, they’re also the season of giving germs,” says Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona. “When people block a cough by holding a hand over their nose or mouth, they’re actually concentrating the virus on their hands. Those hands then touch seatbelts, door handles, airplane trays and countless other objects that others will come in contact with when traveling. Anytime you have a lot of people together in a confined space – a family gathering or in route to one – germs are going to spread like wildfire.”

Since sickness is likely to be widespread after such an increased sharing of germs, 17 percent of holiday travelers said they wanted their cold or flu medication to suppress their cough and 14 percent want the relief to last for 12 hours. A cough medicine, such as new Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief formula, relieves cough symptoms all day and all night during holiday travels.

Gerba offers some advice to help Americans protect themselves from cold and flu during holiday travels — and the rest of the winter:

Be aware of germ risks while on the road

Plenty of Americans will fly, take a bus or travel by train to visit loved ones during the holidays. While public transportation may be convenient, it’s also a germy way to travel. Taking a bus increases your risk of catching a respiratory infection six times, researchers have found influenza viruses on airplane trays and studies show trains are the most germ-filled mode of public transportation, Gerba notes. Americans seem aware of the risks; 38 percent said public transportation such as a plane or bus is the worst place to be sick with a cold or flu.

“There’s no time to disinfect surfaces in an airplane between flights, so you are always flying with someone else’s germs,” he says. “Most of the risk for getting a cold or flu on a plane is the person you sit next to and the people in the row in front and back of you, because of the way the air flows in airplanes.”

Hygiene is key to a healthy holiday season

Good hygiene is even more vital during the holidays, when families and friends come together and bring their germs from all over the world. It’s possible to pick up germs during your travels and transmit them to loved ones before you actually start to feel ill.

“Hand washing and hand sanitizers are probably the best defense to reduce your odds of getting a cold or flu by half, especially after being in public areas,” Gerba says.

Try to avoid shaking hands and hugging or kissing anyone who has a cold. Push buttons with your knuckles and use a paper towel or sanitizing wipe to cover door knobs and bathroom stall latches before you touch them.

If you do contract a cough, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and use a trusted cold remedy, such as Robitussin Maximum Strength Sever Multi-Symptom Cough, Cold & Flu, to relieve a variety of symptoms.

“Protecting yourself from a cold or the flu doesn’t mean you have to give up seeing loved ones for the holidays,” Gerba says. “Practice good hygiene and take steps to protect yourself — and you can enjoy the company of your family and friends without worrying about feeling under the weather.”

Beijing-Havana flights to boost Cuba’s tourism industry

Cuban officials are anticipating a boost in tourism when direct flights begin between Beijing, China and Havana later this month.

Cuba’s deputy Tourism Minister Mayra Alvarez, says the flights, scheduled to being on December 27 will lead to the increase of Chinese tourism to Cuba, Latin American and the Caribbean.

Alvarez who recently participated in an Air China promotional event said China is the 17th major source of visitors to her country.

Meanwhile, Air China’s marketing manager He Zhigang announced that the first direct flight to Havana will make a technical stop-over in Montreal before arriving here next month.

The direct connection, which will use a Boeing 777-300ER three times a week, will be key to promote Chinese tourism to Havana, Alvarez noted.

According to official statistics, over 22 thousand Chinese tourists traveled to Cuba between January to November 2014.

Celebrate Thanksgiving, Caribbean Style

 

They don’t call good old USA the “melting pot” for nothing. So give thanks this Thanksgiving for the Caribbean’s hefty contribution to the American dinner table with some classic Caribbean flavors and ingredients.

Plantain Stuffing

This ripe plantain and cornbread combination is so good, it may outshine the turkey. 

SERVES 4-6

Ingredients

2 cups herbed or cornbread stuffing cubes

3 tablespoons butter, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1 tablespoon picked fresh thyme leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large plantain with some black areas, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 cup chicken stock

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add jalapeno, onions, bell peppers, and thyme, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook until tender, then add the garlic. Pour mixture over cornbread cubes in a bowl. Set aside. Wipe out pan with paper towel and place back on the heat. Add the remaining butter and olive oil. When melted and bubbly, add plantains and sprinkle with salt. Sauté until plantains are golden and caramelized on the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour over stuffing in the bowl. Add the chicken stock and stir. Press the stuffing into an 8 by 8-inch oven dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook until the top edges are golden, another 20 minutes.

Jerk Turkey

A dose of freshly-made jerk spice makes this centerpiece an authentic zinger

SERVES 10-12

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup olive oil

1⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar

1⁄2 cup chopped scallions

1⁄4 cup freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

2 1⁄2 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

1⁄2 tbsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1⁄2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1⁄2 tsp. ground cloves

1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus wedges for serving

1 1⁄2 tbsp. soy sauce

6 cloves garlic

2 Scotch bonnet or habanero chilies, stemmed and chopped

2″ pieces ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

8 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 (12) lb. turkey

Instructions

Heat oven to 500˚. Combine ¼ cup oil, sugar, scallions, ¼ cup pepper, 2½ tbsp. salt, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg cloves, juice, sauce, garlic, chilies, and ginger in the bowl of a food processor; puree until smooth and set aside. Melt butter and mix with remaining oil; set aside. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Season turkey inside and out with salt and pepper and let come to room temperature. Transfer turkey to a rack set inside a roasting pan, tuck wings behind turkey and tie legs together with kitchen twine. Brush turkey all over with butter, reserving some for basting. Pour 2 cups water into roasting pan and roast turkey, brushing once with more butter, for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350˚ and continue roasting, brushing occasionally with butter, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into a thigh, without touching the bone, reads 150˚, about 2 hours. Remove turkey from oven and baste completely with reserved sauce. Place back in oven and continue to cook until internal temperature reaches 165°, about 20 to 25 minutes more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board, and let sit for 30 minutes before carving; serve with lime wedges.

 

Reggae Girlz U-17 coach says more support is needed for Jamaican women’s soccer

Reggae Girlz Under 17 coach Lorne Davidson (center)

Coach Lorne Donaldson of Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz has called for more financial sponsorship for women’s soccer in Jamaica.

More support is needed for local players to match the exposure of their American compatriots, says Donaldson.

The team currently has eight overseas-based players, including two from South Florida.

The Girlz, who on Sunday became champions of the Caribbean Football Union after defeating Haiti 2-1, have already secured a spot in the CONCACAF round of qualifiers to be contested in Grenada in February.

The top two teams from the CONCACAF round will advance to the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan in 2016.

A guide to all things Caribbean art for this year’s Art Basel festival

Art Basel is far more than the glitzy gallery parties dotting Miami Beach. It’s also a great chance to explore exciting work from artists across the Caribbean and the Diaspora. Both family friendly and broad in scope, these events show that art appreciation is for all, regardless of ticket price.

Art Beat Miami

Little Haiti Cultural Center

December 1-6

Presented by Northeast Second Avenue Partnership (NE2P), Art Beat Miami is a week-long celebration of local and international artists, with a strong Caribbean flair. Check out the Little Haiti Mural Project, featuring mural curated by Yo Miami. Then there’s the daily art fair open from noon to 8 pm, which, in addition to the exhibit, will also include steel drum, jazz and roots music from local performers. And on Wednesday, December 2, the fair will host an intimate conversation session with legendary Haitian artist, Edouard Duval-Carrie.

“What’s INSIDE HER never dies” Exhibit

Yeelen Gallery

December 2-6

Jamaican gallery founder Karla Ferguson is celebrating three years of Yeelen Gallery with this special exhibit celebrates the legacy and influence of the Black Woman, featuring a compelling body of work from artist/activists. The event kicks off December 2nd with a panel featuring filmmaker Numa Perrier and moderated by Michelle Papillion. And on December 3rd, six prominent activist women will gather to discuss police racial profiling and violence, including Sybrina Fulton and Kadiatou Diallo – both mothers of late Trayvon Martin and Amadou Diallo.

Company Dance Theater Showcase

Miramar Cultural Center-Artspark

December 5th

The Company Dance Theatre, Jamaica’s leading modern dance company, will be showcasing its latest production, “The Rising!” under the company’s Artistic Director Tony Wilson, for this special one night only performance. Consul General of Jamaica Franz Hall and Miss Jamaica World 2005 Terri-Karelle Reid will also be hosting this special event.

BCPS announces Aftercare Supper Program at five new school locations

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has added five additional school locations to the Aftercare supped Program. The new sites include  Bair Middle School, Coral Park Elementary School, Cresthaven Elementary School, Monarch High School, and Sawgrass Springs Middle School.
BCPS participates in the Child Care Food Program, a federally funded program, which provides healthy meals and snacks in the child care setting.
Students enrolled in aftercare programs at selected schools enjoy a free nutritious early supper at school. The meals meet all USDA requirements and include a milk, fruit, vegetable, grain and meat (or meat alternate), and are offered in the school’s cafeteria.
The new sites will begin in December.

Jamaican actress casted in Tyler Perry TV series

Judi Blair

Jamaican actress Judi Blair has landed herself a role on Tyler Perry’s daytime show “If Loving You is Wrong”.

Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, the actress is no stranger to the acting world, having had minor roles in “The Game” , “Vampire Diaries”  “Single Ladies” , “Hear No Evil,” “My Other Mother, ”Lyfe’s Journey,” and “My First Love”.

Blair discovered her love for entertainment as a young girl in Jamaica, after watching her eldest sister compete in the “Miss Jamaica” pageant, which ignited in her a passion for the runway, inspiring her to emulate the glamour models she saw onscreen and in magazines.

After migrating to the United States at age 14, Blair turned her attention to acting, beginning lessons to immerse herself in developing her craft.

If Loving You is Wrong is aired on the OWN channel on Tuesdays at 9 pm.

Spice up classic holiday foods by adding these 7 ingredients

Food is a central part to any holiday celebration, but after having the same recipe for the fifth or sixth time, even beloved dishes can feel bland and boring. This year, spice up traditional fare with a few unique twists guaranteed to have guests raving.

Mushrooms give earthy appeal to stuffing 
The golden turkey or glazed ham is the star of the show at most holiday meals, leaving the meager stuffing beside it looking downright sad. It’s the stuffing’s time to shine when your give it a hearty upgrade with mushrooms. Simply chop your favorite mushroom variety like porcini, shiitake or cremini and add to your favorite recipe for a rich earthy flavor that is incredible satisfying.

Jalapenos infuse heat into sweet cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday essential, yet it’s the side dish that gets ignored the most. This year spice up your cranberry sauce with spicy jalapenos and watch it disappear fast. Simply seed and mince one to three jalapenos and add when boiling cranberries. The sweet heat is delectable on meats or as a relish to complement appetizers.

Cheese is the ideal topping for rolls

The lonely bread basket gets a holiday upgrade when you sprinkle tasty cheese to the top crust of baking bread. Hard cheeses like parmesan, asiago and fontina are good options. Grab your favorite shredded variety of Stella cheese when grocery shopping and you’ll be set for this incredibly simple, yet superbly savory addition to your rolls.

Nuts add rich crunch to green bean casserole
Green bean casserole is a holiday staple that is often topped with fried onions. This year think bigger with rich, delectable flavors. Start by making your traditional recipe, but update the topping by using chopped walnuts with crumbled corn bread for a tasty crunch that will garner rave reviews from guests.

Tangy romano cheese enhances asparagus
Sautéed asparagus is a colorful addition to any holiday meal. Give the dish an elegant upgrade by sprinkling cooked asparagus with tangy romano cheese. The sharp, salty cheese mingles with the pungent flavors of the asparagus for a side dish that is as tasty as it is eye-catching. This dish is great with turkey, ham, duck or beef.

Turmeric brings out savory notes in vegetables
As one of today’s most talked about spices, a quick dash of turmeric is perfect for adding a little pizazz to classic side dishes. For example, the warm, peppery flavor of turmeric brings out the savory notes of roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic addition when sprinkled on braised greens like kale or collards.

Gorgonzola adds zip to creamy potatoes
Starches are a must for any holiday meal, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with basic mashed. Instantly upgrade your favorite spuds when you add flavorful gorgonzola. The robust flavor of gorgonzola pairs perfectly with white or sweet potatoes

Jamaica’s Reggae Girl named 2016 Rhodes Scholar

2016 Rhodes Scholas recipient Sherona Forrester shakes hands with Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. (Jamaicaobserver photo)

Twenty four year old Reggae Girl Sherona Forrester has been named the 2016 Jamaican Rhodes Scholar.

The announcement was made on November 19 during a ceremony at King’s House, by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.

A former Glenmuir High Head Girl, Forrester, a member of Jamaica’s Senior Football team since 2014, holds a Master of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Statistician.

Currently an assistant lecturer in the Department of Economics, UWI and a tutor at the university’s Academic Support Unit, Forrester topped a field of eight candidates to win the covered scholarship to study at the prestigious Oxford University in London.

Established in 1902, the coveted Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award given to study at the prestigious University of Oxford in London.

Broward Commissioner discusses economic opportunities between DR Congo and Broward County

Members of the Democratic Republic of Congo delegation stand with Broward Commissioner Dale Holness (center) after receiving the key to Broward County from on November 19, 2015.

Delegates from the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo stopped by Fort Lauderdale to discuss economic opportunities in the local market, as part of the county’s initiative to promote further international trade.

In honor of the historic visit, the delegation was presented with a key to the County by Commissioner Dale Holness.

The DR Congo shares 9.165 kilometers of borders with neighboring countries, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.  With 37% of African hydropower potential and 23% of global potential, 47% of African tropical forests and 6% of global tropical reserves. The DR Congo has been a unitary Republic since 2006 as a result of the new constitution that was approved by referendum in 2005, and has achieved a remarkable economic recovery in recent years.  

The country has enormous assets for the development of the energy sector: a hydroelectric potential of 100,000 megawatts (23% of global potential and 37% of African Potential; 52% of freshwater reserves in Africa; and various potentials in renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, etc.).

The business and investment climate in DR Congo includes a One-Stop-Shop to simplify business creation procedures (creation time: 3 days); prohibition of nationalization and expropriation; freedom to transfer generated income; establishment of; and establishment of special economic zones.

Along with meeting Commissioner Holness, the delegation included visits to Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development and were given a tour of Port Everglades.

Florida Highways Patrol implements campaign to encourage safe driving on I-95

The Florida Highways Patrol is cracking down on drivers who violate the plastic pole partitions separating regular and express lanes on the I-95. 

More patrol officers will be assigned to trap offenders. Those caught may face a $179 fine plus 3 points against their driver’s licenses.

Officers have said problems on I-95 in Miami-Dade usually start when one set of lanes is backed up and the other is free. Drivers who are stopped, whether in the express lanes or the free lanes, seize the opportunity to drive off into the other lanes, which sometimes leads to crashes.

The express lanes are being extended north from the Golden Glades interchange to Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, where 14,000 more poles with a sturdier design are being installed. In addition, the buffer between the express and free lanes is a little wider, which engineers believe will lead to fewer poles being hit.

The narrow shoulders in Miami-Dade mean if you are caught lane diving, state troopers usually have to follow you to either the Golden Glades park-and-ride lot or downtown Miami to find enough room to safely pull you over.

The campaign, called Drive Safe 95 Express, will continue through June.

IMF decision sets off political row in Jamaica

The International Monetary Fund’s mission team to Jamaica has agreed to loosen the purse strings, relaxing Jamaica’s primary surplus target under the current extended fund facility. This, according to Minister of Finance Peter Phillips, will give the government an additional $4 billion to spend this year and $8 billion next year. And, on Tuesday the government received $2.3 billion from the European Union to support debt reduction and growth enhancement.

But, amid anticipation for an early general election this year, Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) official and former Minister of Finance Audley Shaw argued that these recent decision from international groups “could be interpreted as political interference…as it could free up the government to embark on an election spending spree.”

The original IMF restrictions had forced the government to hold back spending on several social projects to generate faster economic growth – which also would be a boon for the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) going into election season.

Jamaican economist Derwent Lindsay said one of the more profound benefits the government could accrue from the new IMF and EU deals is the immediate launching of “projects with the potential to create more jobs, and ease chronic unemployment, especially among the youth.”

Besides Shaw, other JLP supporters have expressed cynicism with the timing of both international bodies. However, speaking at a PNP public rally in Portmore, St. Catherine on Sunday night, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller emphatically denied the allegations. She said the PNP had adequate campaign funding and emphasized that funding available to the government by the IMF’s decision “would be spent wisely.”

“We don’t need to get the IMF money to buy elections… it must be spent on the people of this country,” Simpson Miller said.

Meanwhile, the IMF team will be conducting its tenth review with Jamaica under the funding facility program next month. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Jamaica is expected to receive a successful review, which would grant the government an additional US$39 million.

 

WICB president under attack

WICB president Dave Cameron

Three former presidents of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have condemned the decision by the Dave Cameron led WICB to ignore a request for an urgent meeting with Caricom leaders.

Sir Wes Hall, Patrick Rousseau and Ken Gordon have also blasted Cameron’s response to the Prime Ministers’ request as “pointedly discourteous”.

Last month, Chairman of CARICOM’s Cricket Governance Committee, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell called for an urgent meeting with WICB to discuss the latest independent report which demanded a dissolution of the board.

However the embattled WICB president has been insisting that the Board of Directors first needed to go over the controversial report before any meeting with CARICOM could be held.

The latest report on WICB was compiled by a Cricket Review Panel, which was chaired by UWI Cave Hill Campus principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau.

Apart from the dissolution of the WICB, it also recommended the resignation of the current board and the appointment of an interim board.

The former presidents also pointed out that the “widespread demand for transparency and accountability coupled with the obvious deterioration in the performance and governance of West Indies cricket” have led to the appointment of three independently structured committees over the past eight years.

They were referring to the Patterson report, Wilkin report and the Barriteau report, which was published two weeks ago.

“The Patterson and Wilkin recommendations have been treated with scant courtesy and virtually ignored by WICB which appointed them,” the former presidents noted.

Regulations governing Jamaica’s cannabis industry to take effect early next year

Chairman of the Cannabis Licensing Authority Dr. Andre Gordon.

Chairman of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), in Jamaica, Dr. Andre Gordon, has promised that the authority will be transparent as it seeks to regulate the local marijuana industry.

“Whatever we do that is not sensitive at the moment of discussion or decision, will not be kept away from the stakeholders. We don’t expect and will not give anyone the opportunity to have any doubts about how licences are issued and who get licences,” he told a recent conference on Jamaica’s Cannabis Reforms.

Gordon said that the guidelines which are used to govern the Authority will be made available to all stakeholders reiterating that the main function of the CLA is to foster the sector’s growth and development, and regulate the legal marijuana and hemp industry in Jamaica.

Gordon said that while the organization has no authority over the religious or sacramental use of marijuana, it will ensure that persons from that sector are given a level playing field on which to participate in a regulated and legal industry.

He said that the three Orders have been issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining for the use of marijuana for research purposes and the Authority, by law, will maintain jurisdiction over the drug that is used for research.

Gordon said he expects the final regulations of the CLA to be in place during the first quarter of 2016.

Establishing parental rights from an extra-marital affair

There are many emotional consequences of an extra-marital affair. But, if one of these consequences is a new-born, there are also many legal implications – most of all establishing parental rights for both parties. Because of the high passions involved, this common situation can escalate quickly, where emotional assertions are wrongly confused with the letter of the law.

Consider this situation. You have an affair with a married woman. She gets pregnant, and you believe it’s your child. But she claims that you have no right over the baby, but her husband does.

In this case, she is only partly right. Under Florida Statute §382.013(2)(a), the law state that “if the mother is married at the time of birth, the name of the husband shall be entered on the birth certificate as the father of the child, unless paternity has been determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

This means that when a child is born while the mother is married to man other than the biological father, the husband (at the time of birth) is the presumed legal father. This presumption of legitimacy is meant to protect the welfare of the child. However, this presumption that the mother’s husband is the child’s legal father is rebuttable. An action seeking declaratory relief is a proper method to resolve such an issue.

So here’s the bottom line. If you happen to be in a situation where you’ve gotten a woman pregnant, then later find out that she is actually another man’ wife – you have a very uphill battle ahead in establishing your paternity and enjoying the rights and responsibilities of parenting, such as timesharing, making decisions about your child’s health, education, or even extracurricular activity involvement. This is definitely one of those circumstances you should consider hiring an attorney who knows the law to help you navigate your situation.

Attorney Otto is the lead attorney at The Otto Law Group in Broward County, Florida. She focuses her practice exclusively on Personal Injury and Family Law matters. Call at 1-855-YES-OTTO or email at info@theottolawgroup.com.

Jamaica’s Ardenne High School participates in United Nations UFUNA Model Assembly

L-R Hugh Billings, Jonell Campbell, Tresecka Campbell-Dawes, (staff member), Sarah-Lee Tucker, Chelsi-Rae Buckley, Nadine Molloy (principal) and Christian Allen.

Students from Jamaica’s Ardenne High School were recently in New York City to participate in the United Nations UFUNA Model Assembly. The program offers students the opportunity to learn about the United Nations by simulating UN committees and roleplaying delegates.

While in New York, Finn Partners, the Jamaica Tourist Board agency of record, donated its office space to hold a welcome reception for the team.

 

Reggae Boyz claws back to the top, defeats Haiti 1-0

 

Jamaica clawed its way back into contention in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following a hard-fought 1-0 win against Haiti at Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday.

Newly recruited striker Clayton Donaldson scored the all-important goal for the visiting Jamaicans in the 64th minute, taking advantage of somewhat indecisive Haitian defensive side, and heading the ball into the back of the net.

In all, it was a strong performance from a Jamaican team short on options, following injuries to star player Garath McCleary and the absences of striker Giles Barnes and Rodolph Austin. In a game of limited chances, Haiti had a strong chance to equalize when a poorly cleared corner fell to Duckens Nazon in time added on, but his acrobatic effort flashed just over the bar and the palm of goalkeeper Jamaican Andre Blake.

The win against Haiti gives Jamaica three much-needed points in their quest for the World cup, following their disappointing 0-2 loss against Panama. Though currently third in Group B, the field is still wide open.

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