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Two local churches donate much needed funds to disaster relief in The Bahamas

Rev. Vincent Brown of the of the Miami-based St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church and the Baptist Minister Council of Greater Miami, presented the donation to Consul General Ricardo Treco at The Bahamas Consulate General Miami office.

As The Bahamas still reels from the aftermath of this month’s Hurricane Joaquin, two local Baptist churches decided to do their part by donating the nation’s relief efforts. The funds will be targeted in the central and Southern islands, which were most affected by the storm.

On behalf of the Miami-based St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church and the Baptist Minister Council of Greater Miami, Rev. Vincent Brown presented the donation to Consul General Ricardo Treco at The Bahamas Consulate General Miami office.

Rev. Brown, a native of The Bahamas, says this was just a small way for the Diaspora community to “give back to their homeland.”

“Such acts of kindness and love means a lot to The Bahamas and its people,” said Consul General Treco. “The Bahamas is a blessed nation and with individuals like Rev. Brown and others, we will be able to rebuild the islands.”

Public assistance needed in solving two bank robberies

The FBI are calling on the public for any assistance in solving a series of two bank robberies that took place on Thursday.

According to the FBI, the SunTrust Bank branch at 601 W. Broward Blvd. was robbed shortly after 2 p.m. by a man who went into the bank and demanded money. Money was taken but the amount was not released. There were no injuries.

Surveillance photos show a person in a green ball cap, long-sleeved shirt and pants with a blue pattern.

About two hours earlier, the TD Bank branch at 4101 W. Commercial Blvd. in Tamarac was robbed in a similar manner.

In that case, surveillance photos show a person wearing a blue ball cap with a red bill and a dark-colored shirt.

Though authorities did not confirm whether the two crimes were linked, both were done in a similar manner, with one lone assailant.

Miami Gardens interim police chief offered permanent position

Antonio Brooklen

After an intensive nation-wide search, current Miami Gardens Interim Police Chief Antonio Brooklen will stay on permanently in the city’s top law enforcement post. Brooklen took over the position since February this year, after former chief Stephen Johnson was arrested in an undercover prostitution sting.

City Manager Cameron Benson chose to keep Interim Chief Antonio Brooklen in the position permanently after conducting a nationwide search. Benson said his decision was based on numerous factors, including Brooklen’s familiarity with the city and his willingness to partner with other police departments.

Brooklen will take over the force after a few years of leadership changes and questions over police tactics. He is the city’s third full-time police chief, following Johnson and his predecessor Matthew Boyd.

JA Swimmer Alia Atkinson wins silver at FINA World Cup

Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson rallied to earn silver in the 50m breaststroke at the FINA World Cup series in Tokyo in 30.79.

The Pembroke Pines-based swimmer came a close second with a time of 30.79 seconds.

Atkinson was the top seed after morning prelims in 30.86.

American Molly Hannis, winner of the 100 breaststroke and second seed in the sprint event in 30.93, won in 30.63. Aussie Leiston Pickett was third in 30.88.

In the 50-meter butterfly, Atkinson tied for eighth in 27.55 with Japan age group swimmer Asuka Kobayashi. Atkinson chose not to swim the swim-off.

Caribbean Airlines CEO resigns

Michael DiLollo, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines (CAL), has resigned with immediate effect.

After just 17 months on the job, the Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines (CAL), has resigned with immediate effect.

Michael DiLollo, 48, who was appointed CEO in May, cited personal reasons for his decision.

He was appointed following the sudden resignation of Robert Corbie in September 2013.

The airline’s chief financial officer, Tyrone Tang, will act as CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

Members of staff were informed of the resignation via a memo from the airline’s chairman Phillip Marshall .

 

Page 2: October 29, 2015

EDITORIAL: More needed from the Diaspora to improve Jamaica’s infant healthcare

Both Jamaica and the Diaspora have been reeling over the shocking and tragic reports of unprecedented newborn deaths from infections contracted in the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) neo-natal intensive care unit. The shock only escalated following a Ministry of Health (MOH) report, stating that since June this year, 18 out of 42 babies in the neonatal intensive-care unit have died from hospital-associated infections at the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the UHWI. Based on such data, this mean that three out of seven infants die in neonatal intensive-care.

The news brings deep heartbreak in particular for the Diaspora, which has done much to give back to children’s healthcare back in the homeland. Over the years, countless groups in the Diaspora have sent funds, equipment, furnishing, and medical supplies to assist hospitals and clinics in Jamaica. And many diaspora medical missions visit the island on a regular basis, providing general healthcare to both urban and rural communities.

But the frequent surge of infant deaths must lead us to ask – is the Diaspora doing enough? And can we be an effective force against the widespread shortfall among the medical field, and the government’s apparent apathy – or outright helplessness – with this issue? The government’s initial response to the crisis proved completely out of touch. During a press conference on the new report, Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson and his team told journalists that such deadly outbreaks “happen from time to time” in special-care nurseries.

This crisis only hints at a deeper healthcare plight in Jamaica, as outlined in a recent report released earlier this year from the Jamaica Medical Doctor’s Association. President Dr. Alfred Dawes publicly revealed the deplorable conditions of the nation’s healthcare system, particularly in public hospitals. Dawes particularly was alarmed by the lack of equipment vital for surgeries and doctors working in substandard conditions at serious risk to patients and themselves. While ministry of health officials didn’t take kindly to Dawes report, the ministry did promise steps would be taken to improve conditions, but certainly not in time to save the lives of 18 infants since this summer.

Although Jamaica is challenged by severe financial constraints, it’s far from being a deplorably poor, backward nation. Every measure should have been consistently taken to ensure the treatment of infants, children and adults at the nation’s hospitals are conducted under the strictest hygienic conditions, and with the technology and personnel required. And health officials shouldn’t seem socontent with such high level of fatalities among infants in neonatal care. The news that the European Union, through the Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality program, has approved J$243 million in healthcare contracts, is heartening, particularly the program’s focus on improving quality of care for premature infants and high risk pregnancies.

However, much more is needed. And the Diaspora must play its part. Gone are the days where the Diaspora’s sporadic donations and medical missions were enough. A more systemic approach is required, uniting all the Diaspora’s resources into a singular and ambitious focus, instead of divided into smaller goals set out by scattered organizations. Firstly, we can do much more with boosting personnel, by supporting scholarships and programs to nurture a larger pool of talent. And, with several gifted medical practitioners living in the Diaspora, a Jamaica/Diaspora healthcare monitoring unit should be established to monitor the development and maintenance of Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure, and the quality of care provided.

With so much at stake, it is disappointing that the future of Jamaica’s healthcare was not among the official recommendations released from this 6th Biennial Jamaican Diaspora Conference. It did not include more in-depth proposals for a stronger, more systematic collaboration between the Diaspora and Jamaica to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. Regardless, it’s clear that there is much more systematic assistance that’s needed from the Diaspora to improve the nation’s healthcare system.

 

Guyana’s opposition party plans to return salary increases

Guyana’s main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says it plans to refund the salary increases that have been approved for the Opposition Leader and parliamentarians in keeping with its position that the pay-hikes are astronomical.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told a news conference that the ministerial and parliamentary pay hikes could not be justified.

“The PPP members of parliament have received the increase and so we are discussing one of two options on how to proceed on this matter-either to return the money to the Treasury with a cheque or to hand it over every month to a charity but definitely the members on our side will not take the increase,” he said.

According to documents published in the Official Gazette last month, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will be paid GUY$20,580,000 per annum, a 10 per cent increase on his present salary.

The four Vice Presidents will receive GUY$11,135,064 per annum, while senior government ministers will receive a new salary of GUY$10 million, a 50 per cent hike.

The Opposition Leader will also receive a 50 per cent increase bringing his new salary to GUY$10 million.

Other parliamentarians, will receive a 19 per cent increase, while the Speaker will get a 50 per cent increase.

Jagdeo told reporters that it was illogical for the government to claim that the economy was bankrupt while at the same time paying higher ministerial salaries.
The former finance minister accused government of failing to fulfill its promises of increased salaries and doubling of Old Age Pensions.

Jagdeo – who is also a former finance minister accused government of failing to fulfill its promises of increased salaries and doubling of Old Age Pensions. He said the cost of paying 26 ministers more would be higher than providing water subsidy for 44,000 pensionsers.

Government has argued that it needed to increase the salaries to avoid a loss of income, similar to what they had earned as professionals in the private sector.

 

CNW90: New chip card scam may put your finances in danger

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

Health insurance rates will rise next year, according to the U.S. Department of Health. The report says a standard mid-level plan will rise by 2 percent in South Florida. The data echoes an earlier report from Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, showing a 10 percent rise overall in all health plans.

Local officials are warning consumers to be on the lookout for chip card scams, which have surged as credit companies undergo the massive transition to chip technology. The public is warned not to give out personal information by phone or email to anyone claiming their account must be updated before a new card can be delivered.

South Florida fashionistas get set for the stylish premiere of “Carib Style” – a new documentary giving an up-close look at those making their mark in Caribbean fashion. Starting 7pm at the Gateway Theater, the premiere features special guests, former Miss Jamaica Universe Kaci Fennel, Former Miss T&T Universe Jevon King, and designer Rhian Ramkissoon.

In sports, golf aficionados gather in Tamarac this Saturday for the annual Jamaican United Relief Charity Golf Tournament, starting 8 am at the Woodlands Country Club. Proceeds from this year event will go towards the 3D Project, a community-based rehabilitation program for the Disabled in rural Jamaica.

What’s trending:

House GOP officially nominates Paul Ryan for speaker. 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:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 84 and a low of 72. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

University of the West indies honors David Rudder

David Rudder

Calypsonian David Rudder has been honoured with the degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus.

Rudder, who had the honour bestowed on him by UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, was recognised for his outstanding cultural contribution to the twin island republic and the region.

UWI singled out Rudder classics such as ‘Ganges meets the Nile’, ‘Hosay’, ‘The Power of the Glory’, ‘High Mas’ for their impact in further inculcating all facets of the country’s social fabric into song saying that he more than any other local artiste has been recognised internationally for his integration and capture of the essence of Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural society through his music.

Following a performance at the event marked the third day of the 2015 graduation ceremony of the University of the West Indies, Rudder said he was inspired by the response from the younger members in audience and saw it as a sign that his music was not “just floating in the wind.”

The other honourees included former chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Public Service Commission Dr Marjorie Thorpe, Hollis R Charles, Justice Angela Permanand, A. Norman Sabga, Gerard Besson, Justice Ralph Narine and Rajkumar Persad.

In October and November UWI will confer honourary degrees on 21 individuals during graduation ceremonies on the four campuses, Cave Hill (Barbados), Mona (Jamaica), St Augustine and the Open Campus.

 

Warner dismisses call to return to UNC

extradition
Jack Warner

 

Former chairman of opposition United National Congress (UNC), Austin Jack Warner, has dismissed call for his return to the party as it prepares for internal elections to appoint the leaders for the joint People’s Partnership coalition.

On Monday, former health minister Dr. Fuad Khan called on the party to bring back stalwarts such as former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Warner in order to be a credible alternative in 2020. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has launched her campaign for re-election, but Khan said he would not support her, suggesting a chairmanship instead.

Warner, who resigned as UNC chairman in 2013 and formed his own Independent Liberal Party (ILP), said he wanted to commend Dr, Khan “for his honesty and frankness on the matter …(but) I wish to make it very clear that I have no desire to rejoin the UNC in any capacity. The ILP is where I will invest my time, effort and love.”

Persad Bissessar is likely to face a challenge for the top UNC post from her former Housing Minister Dr. Roodial Moonilal and former communications minister Vasant Bharath, both who were absent during her re-election launch over the weekend.

Health insurance rates to rise next year

Health insurance rates will rise next year, according to the U.S. Department of Health. The report says a standard mid-level plan will rise by 2 percent in South Florida. The data echoes an earlier report from Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, showing a 10 percent rise overall in all health plans.

Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation looked at all health plans, including those not sold on the ACA exchange. Employer-sponsored plans were not included in the data.

Plans sold on the ACA exchange are categorized by metal level, with bronze covering the lowest percent of a consumer’s health care costs (60 percent) and platinum covering the highest (90 percent).

Silver plans are the most popular choice on the ACA exchange. Nearly three of four Floridians with exchange plans, or more than 1 million people selected a silver plan.

The single-digit rate increases forecast for next year signal a normalization of medical inflation, said Audrey Brown, president of the Florida Association of Health Plans.

JURA hosts Charity Golf Tournament

Golf aficionados gather in Tamarac for the annual Jamaican United Relief (JURA) Charity Golf Tournament, at the Woodlands Country Club.

Golf aficionados gather in Tamarac this Saturday for the annual Jamaican United Relief (JURA) Charity Golf Tournament, starting 8 am at the Woodlands Country Club.

Proceeds from this year event will go towards the 3D Project, a community-based rehabilitation program for the Disabled in rural Jamaica. Based in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, 3D represents the three major areas of disability- sensory, learning, and motor and three crucial areas of rehabilitation: social, educational and economic. 

This tournament is organized in aid of our mission trip scheduled for November 12 – 16, 2015 to lend a hand to this worthy cause.

New chip card scam may put your finances in danger

Local officials are warning consumers to be on the lookout for chip card scams, which have surged as credit companies undergo the massive transition to chip technology.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are emailing people pretending to be the card issuer. The emails says that in order to get a new chip card you need to click on a link to continue the process or update your account with personal information.

The scammers can use the personal information you provide them to commit identity theft. Clicking on the link could also allow the con artists to install malware on your device to steal personal information, monitor your online activity, cause your device to crash and commit fraud.

The public is warned not to give out personal information by phone or email to anyone claiming their account must be updated before a new card can be delivered.

New Doc puts Caribbean style on the big screen

Caribbean fashion, from neon bright and glittering dancehall getups to the eternally cool rude boy style of flood pants and skinny ties, has long been a global style inspiration. But never has the region’s invaluable contribution to fashion– and the talented Caribbean voices behind its creation – gotten its own shine on big screen. Until now.

Carib Style Week, the popular week-long festival that brings fashion talent from across the Caribbean to South Florida every summer, also took Caribbean fashion to the big screen this week, premiering a full feature documentary at the Gateway Theater in Fort. Lauderdale. A bevy of fashion stalwarts attended in honor of the landmark event, including former Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell, former Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago Jevon King, Caribbean’s Next Top Model Judge Richard Young, and leading Trinidadian designer Rhian Ramkissoon of Honamic Designs.

The film features an intimate look at the numerous designers, models and idea makers that make the future of the industry in the region bright. The project is all a part of Carib Style Week’s effort to feature the growing industry and the works coming out of the Caribbean region.

“The documentary is a step in the right direction,” says Executive Producer Asa P. Sealy. “The Caribbean fashion industry is bursting at the seams with talent and Carib Style Week gives those ready to present to a mainstream market the opportunity to do so, and to do so with ‘style’.”

The documentary has already been picked up by major TV networks servicing the Caribbean region and with content distributor partners such as Synergy TV and One Caribbean TV. Hopefully, this important documentary will also premiere soon on local TV for South Florida fashionistas.

 

United Nations votes 191-2 to condemn U.S. embargo against Cuba

The United Nations has voted 191-2 to condemn U.S. embargo against Cuba, as Congress once again votes against resolution.

The vote was the first since the U.S. and Cuban leaders agreed to restore diplomatic ties last December, and the U.S. had considered taking the unprecedented step of abstaining.

The General Assembly voted 191-2 to condemn the commercial, economic and financial embargo against Cuba, the highest number of votes ever for the measure.

Only Israel joined the United States in opposing the resolution, and when the vote lit up on the screen many diplomats jumped to their feet in a standing ovation.

Obama and Castro announced last Dec. 17 that they were restoring diplomatic ties, which were broken in 1961 after Fidel Castro took power and installed a communist government.

On July 20, diplomatic relations were restored and embassies of the two countries were reopened, but serious issues remain, especially the U.S. call for human rights on the Caribbean island and claims for expropriated property.

The resolution welcomes the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and recognizes “the expressed will” of Obama to work for the elimination of the embargo.

CNW90: Officials call for police body cams following Corey Jones shooting

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

Following the police shooting death of Palm Beach resident Corey Jones, officials are renewing calls for police officers to be equipped with body cameras. Member of the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials have pledge to reintroduce legislations requiring body cameras, though critics have cited the police department’s dwindling budgets as a concern.

Miami Dade College will receive a major financial boost, thanks to an additional $13 million in grants. The funding is specifically earmarked for program supporting low-income and underserved students, including peer tutoring, research opportunities and a support network.

Jamaican author and newly awarded Man Booker prize winner Marlon James has been confirmed as special speaker for the upcoming Miami International Book Fair. The fair will host a special talk and open Q&A with the prestigious writer on November 18, at Miami Dade College.

Lauderhill again plays host to international cricket talent, as Pakistan’s national women’s cricket team heads to Central Broward Regional Park for a special T20 showcase with the U.S. national team, set for November 4. Organizers hope the game will bring more international exposure to American cricket.

What’s trending:

United Nations votes 191-2 to condemn U.S. embargo against Cuba, as Congress once again votes against resolution. 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:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 84 and a low of 72. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

The World Bank predicts slowdown in remittances to developing countries

world bank

The World Bank has predicted a slowdown in remittances to developing countries, including the Caribbean, in 2015.

The Washington-based financial institution said weak economies in Europe, especially Russia, are slowing the growth of remittance flows.
In addition, it said weaker currencies vis-à-vis the US dollar, and lower oil prices, are further restricting the ability of many migrants to send money back to family and friends.

According to the World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief, remittances to developing countries are expected to reach US$435 billion in 2015, registering a modest growth rate of 2 percent from last year.

The bank said this represents “a significant slowing in the growth of remittances from the rise of 3.3 percent in 2014 and of 7.1 percent per year from 2010 -13.”
Global remittances, sent home from some 250 million migrants, are projected to grow by 1.3 percent to US$588 billion.

The report added that slowing remittances this year will affect most developing regions, in particular Europe and Central Asia, where flows are expected to decline by 18.3 percent in 2015. A weakening of the Ruble against the US Dollar is the main cause of that decline,.

Looking to 2016, the bank says remittances to developing countries are expected to rise by about 4 percent, reaching an estimated US$453 billion, buoyed by the continuing recovery in the United States and a modest acceleration of economic activity in Europe.

Miami Book Fair hosts special evening with Man Booker Prize-winner Marlon James

Jamaican author and newly awarded Man Booker prize winner for his novel based novel on the attempted assassination of Bob Marley, Marlon James has been confirmed as special speaker for the upcoming Miami International Book Fair. The fair will host a special talk and open Q&A with the prestigious writer on November 18, at Miami Dade College.

The winning book charts political violence in Jamaica and the spread of crack cocaine in the US, and hinges on a 1976 attempt on the life of reggae superstar Marley — identified in the book only as “The Singer”. The story is told in a cacophony of voices — from gangsters to ghosts, drug dealers to CIA agents — and in dialects ranging from American English to Jamaican patois.

Born in Jamaica in 1970 and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, the 44 year old James wrote his first novel, John Crow’s Devil and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for first fiction, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was a New York Times Editors’ Choice.

Miami-Dade College awarded $13 million in grants

Miami Dade College will receive a major financial boost, thanks to an additional $13 million in grants. The funding is specifically earmarked for program supporting low-income and underserved students, including peer tutoring, research opportunities and a support network.

The grants are focused on improving teaching in the classroom and services for students outside the classroom and are aimed primarily at serving Hispanic students, who make up the majority of MDC’s student population.

Four campuses – Hialeah, InterAmerican, Wolfson and Kendall – are the recipients of the combined amount of nearly $10 million in Title V grants and the college received nearly $3 million through the First in the World (FITW) program, a federal grant initiative designed to drive innovation and keep higher education within reach of all Americans.

Forget pumpkin mania, it’s almost time for all things eggnog

Step aside pumpkin spice, the holidays are quickly approaching and it’s time for eggnog to have its moment.

While pumpkin permeates the culture every fall — from coffee flavoring to air fresheners — too often eggnog gets relegated to a glass that shows up on tables just a few weeks a year. Creamy, spicy, sweet and often spirited, eggnog is the quintessential holiday beverage. In the spirit of the season, here is everything you need to know about all things eggnog:

* Although eggnog’s origins are rooted in 14th century England, it didn’t really hit its stride until the American colonies got started. In Europe, milk and eggs were expensive in those days, so only the wealthy could afford to drink something that contained both. In the Americas, colonists had their own dairy cattle and chickens, so it was easy and inexpensive to make the drink that became known as eggnog.

* Typical eggnog includes milk and/or cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, some form of alcohol, such as rum and raw eggs. In the olden days, homemade eggnog contained alcohol in the hopes that it would kill any bacteria that might be present. Today, we add spirits for enjoyment, confident that all-natural pasteurized eggs.

* Today, you can find eggnog in cartons in the grocery store, in many varieties. If you’re an eggnog lover you’ve probably tried them all … and come to the conclusion that no matter how good store-bought eggnog might be, nothing beats homemade. Fortunately, it’s easy to find eggnog recipes online, and all the ingredients – such as cream, pasteurized eggs, spirits and seasonings – are readily available in your local grocery store.

* Eggnog isn’t just for drinking. It’s a flavorful, festive ingredient in a range of dishes, from breakfast options like to lunch yummies like classic Monte Cristo sandwiches dipped in an eggnog batter and pan-fried. And of course, eggnog has a place of honor in holiday desserts. Incorporating homemade eggnog into recipes is easy, and it brings out the rich, authentic eggnog flavor that makes holiday dishes special.

You can find plenty of eggnog, eggnog-inspired and eggnog infused recipes online at sites like www.safeeggs.com. Here are two eggnog recipes from the safe egg aficionados at Davidson’s:

Caramel Apple Pie Eggnog

Ingredients:

4 Safest Choice pasteurized eggs

1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling

1 1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon apple or pumpkin pie spice

whipped cream for garnish

caramel ice cream topping for garnish

cinnamon sticks (optional)

apple wedges (optional)

Directions:

Combine eggs and apple pie filling in a blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth, scraping container as needed. Add milk and apple pie spice. Blend on high speed until smooth.

Pour into glass or mug and top each serving with whipped cream and caramel topping. Sprinkle with additional apple pie spice and garnish with cinnamon stick or apple wedge, if desired.

Classic Eggnog

Makes 20 servings

Ingredients:

12 Safest Choice pasteurized eggs, separated

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 cups heavy cream

2 cups whole milk

2-3 cups dark rum, bourbon or brandy (optional)

2 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)

ground nutmeg or cinnamon to taste

Directions: Place egg yolks in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer until combined. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is thick and pale yellow. Stir in cream and milk, then rum and vanilla, if desired.

Cover and refrigerate until chilled or as long as overnight. Just before serving, beat room temperature egg whites with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Stir egg yolk mixture, then gently fold in beaten egg whites. Pour eggnog into punch bowl. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

5 exciting places to visit in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Days in St. Vincent & The Grenadines consist of lazing along white-sand beaches, exploring coral reefs, and day-tripping to the Grenadines’ rural islands and cays. As the island celebrates 36 years of Independence, the National Weekly explores the sunny island and what it has to offer to locals and tourists.

Macaroni Beach

Not the first thing you would think of when you hear the word “macaroni”, however Macaroni Beach is just as pleasurable as would be any macaroni and cheese dish.This isolated strip of sand along the island’s eastern shoreline makes an idyllic spot for sun-seekers and surfers.

Critter Corner

St. Vincent doesn’t hold the renowned title of “Critter Capital of the Caribbean” for nothing.  Diving is one of the activities for which this island is well known. The sea grass and boulders of Critter Corner—which hugs Indian Bay Beach’s sugary sands located to the south of Kingstown—are home to a wide variety of fish which makes it the perfect spot to go scuba diving and snorkeling.

Wallilabou Bay

Pirates of the Caribbean fans looking to retrace Captain Jack Sparrow’s footsteps from the opening scenes of “The Curse of the Black Pearl” should head straight to Wallilabou Bay. Leftover film sets preside over Waillilabou Bay today, allowing visitors to explore the filming location of the first part of the series. Once you’ve snapped pictures of the sites’ cannons and docks, you can sunbathe, swim, or grab some grub at the Wallilaou Anchorage, a popular hotel and restaurant located on the bay.

Montreal Gardens

Located in the mountains above the Mesopotamia Valley, lies this estate blessed with the volcanic fertile soil and frequent rainfall. There you will find an array of exotic flowers, spices and plants interspersed with green foliage in an environment which is cool, misty and quiet. The gardens are opened to the public during the weekdays from 9 – 5 pm between the months of December and August.

La Soufriere

La Soufriere is a massive active volcano that takes up the northern third of the island of St. Vincent. The volcano, which name comes from the french word soufre, which means sulphur, rises majestically over 4000 feet and last erupted in April 1979. A guided tour to La Soufriere volcano is a rigorous, uphill hike which takes you along the picturesque windward coast of the island to the crater, which can then continue down the west coast (along the Leeward side) terminating in the valley of Chateaubelair.

 

Gonsalves grants salary increase as SVG celebrates 36 years of independence

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) celebrates its 36th anniversary of political independence from Britain on Tuesday,Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced a salary increase of 2.5 per cent for 2015, retroactive to January 1 and payable on December 18.

“This increase is at 2. 5 per cent and it is tax-free.  The cost to the Treasury amounts to approximately EC$7.25 EC million,” said Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance.

It will be the first increase for public servants since 2011.

In an address at Victoria Park, Gonsalves also announced that the much delayed multi-million dollar Argyle International Airport will be operational by 2016.

He told the cheering crowd that the airport would be operational in time for the national team’s World Cup match against the United States on February, 2 next year.

The prime minister’s announcement of a salary increase to public servants comes one day after the 1,500-member strong Public Service Union (PSU) said it had written to government seeking a 1.5 per cent salary increase for 2014, 2.5 per cent for 2015 and two per cent for 2016.

Gonsalves said the 2015 salary increase will cost the Treasury seven million EC dollars and announced a Gonsalves, who is leading his Unity Labour Party (ULP) into general elections, said he intends to create a number of senior graduate teaching posts from the current 65 “to a number closer to one hundred to facilitate further upward mobility to these beneficiaries of the education revolution”.

 

WHO links processed meat to cancer

On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that cured and processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs cause cancer, adding the foods to a list of carcinogenic substances that includes alcohol, cigarettes and asbestos.

Processed meats can be bundled with these threatening carcinogens because of their link with bowel cancer, according to a report from WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, though their inclusion doesn’t mean that bacon causes cancer at the same rate as, say, smoking.

The report also links red meat to cancer. It classifies beef, lamb and pork as “probable” carcinogens in a second-tier list that also includes glyphosate, the active ingredient in many weedkillers.

The findings, which are based on more than 800 studies, are already receiving pushback from meat industry groups that argue meat is part of a balanced diet and that the cancer risk assessments needs to expand to include risk in the context of lifestyle and environment.

Pakistan women’s cricket team heads to Lauderhill for T20 showdown with U.S.

On November 4, the U.S. National Cricket team will host Pakistan for two T20 matches at Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium in Lauderhill.

With the USA Cricket Association (USACA) currently under suspension by the ICC, the matches will only have the status of exhibition games. The matches were made possible due to the fact that Pakistan is currently touring the West Indies for a series of one-day internationals.

Among the big names on the U.S. team are Erica Rendler from San Jose, who switched from softball to cricket with much success, Nadia Gruny, Sindhu Ashok and Gita Venkat.

The Pakistan team, led by Sana Mir, the country’s most successful captain in the women’s game, includes veterans such as Nain Abidi, Javeria Khan and Marina Iqbal, as well as several promising youngsters like Anam Amin and Rabiya Shah. Masood, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan before he moved to the United States more than three decades ago, believes the women’s game is becoming more popular in the country.

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