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Jamaica goes green

Fitzroy Vidal, Jamaica Director of Energy, Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy

Renewable energy experts aggressively push green initiatives for Miami audience

The future of clean energy is bright in Jamaica, according to experts attending this week’s Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, held in Miami. Several Caribbean officials and business leaders focused on energy innovation gathered at the Miami forum, anxious to find economical energy alternatives to the rising energy costs in the region.

The push to go green across the Caribbean takes a political edge at the conference, as part of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI), which was launched last year by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden with Caribbean leaders. The U.S. has pledged to fund renewable energy projects, partly to minimize the Caribbean’s close ties with political opponent Venezuela, who provides oil in the region at cheaper rates through the PetroCaribe agreement.

“We’re coming together, not just the U.S., but both international financial institutions and the EU [European Union], to say to Caribbean island states that if you’re willing to make the politically difficult decisions, we will be there with you, to support you, to work with you, to make sure the private section comes in to make that investment,” said U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Energy Affairs, Amos Hochstein, in a special interview with the National Weekly. “That will mean a brighter, better future for the Caribbean, and for all of us.”

Hochstein, who chaired the CESI task force’s first high level meeting in Miami, noted that significant progress has been made since 2014, including a $150 million renewable project in wind and solar energy in Jamaica.

As a result, Jamaica has been stepping up their energy development, according to Fitzroy Vidal, Jamaica Director of Energy, Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy.

Speaking to the National Weekly, Vidal says the Jamaican Government has increased its renewable energy development effort by “using indigenous sources in the country.” The use of wind solar energy alone rose from six percent in 2012, to around 10 to 12 percent today.

“There’s a long way to go, but there’s a lot of interest in the country in renewable energy,” noted Vidal.

He also confirmed that the Jamaican Energy Council, established by Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell in 2012, is aggressively mobilizing renewable energy reforms, with participation from both public and private sectors.

Acknowledging the high cost of renewable energy, Vidal said Jamaica is changing the “Legislative, policy and regulatory levels to ensure the platform is transparent for investors.”

Meanwhile, Kelly Tomblin, President/CEO of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) – a group often criticized for high electrical rates – said tremendous renovations have been made to the generators at the utility company. This renovation has improved the company’s fuel efficiency, making both domestic and business rates “the lowest in ten years’. She said the company is fully supportive of the renewal energy initiatives to ensure “if oil prices go up, JPS rates won’t go up with them.”

CEO of BMR Energy Bruce Levy, whose company is currently building a wind farm in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, said when the company is operational, it and other wind farms will transfer the related energy to JPS grids, delivering power at much cheaper rates to consumers.

 

Page 2: October 22, 2015

The guest speakers at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum

One on One: with Earl Jarrett – Now that JNBS is a commercial bank, how will it differ from other commercial banks?

One on One: with Earl Jarrett – What is the best and most practical role the Diaspora can play in Jamaica?

One on One: with Earl Jarrett – How prepared is the Electoral commission for an early election?

One on One: with Earl Jarrett – What is being done to improve manufacturing in Jamaica?

CNW90: Miami-Dade’s Chairman Monestime condemns “No Haitians” Job Ad

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 22, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Miami Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime is condemning a recent job ad declaring “No Haitian” should apply, from south florida-based home health aid company, Interim Healthcare. The company has since apologized for the ad, posted in a New York City pennysaver for their New York branch, calling it unacceptable and offensive.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, will arrive in Miami tomorrow to deliver keynote address at the 17th annual Eric Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida International University. The Prime Minister will discuss the Caribbean’s new place in changing U.S./Cuba relations.

The City of Miami Gardens celebrated yesterday the life and work of community advocate, Georgia Ayers, declaring October 21st at Georgia Ayers Day, in her honor. Ayers, who passed away in February this year, founded the Alternative Program, to help thousands of first-time offenders find a second chance.

In sports, Trinidad and Tobago Football Association president Raymond Tim Kee has sacked his general secretary Sheldon Phillips weeks ahead of the organization’s general elections. According to a statement, Phillips was fired for “failure to adhere to directives regarding the operational activities of the FA.”

What’s trending:

Vice President Joe Biden has announced he is not planning to run for president. 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:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 85 and a low of 73. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 85 and a low of 72. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

3 ways to add a bit more jerk to your life

Tired of your everyday jerk chicken or pork? Wait, no! Who could ever get tired of spicy jerk combined with juicy, fatty meat? But that doesn’t mean jerk is for meat-lovers only. Jerk can be just as delicious with fruits, veggies, and even desserts! Check out these three unexpected ways to add more jerk to your life.

Shredded Jerk Jackfruit Tacos

Ingredients

1 14 oz. can young green jackfruit, drained and hand-shredded

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons jerk marinad

10 corn tortillas, warmed

2 cups shredded cabbage

½ bell pepper, seeded and sliced thinly

2 green onions, minced

¼ cup cilantro, minced

¾ cup coconut milk from can

1½ teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add shredded jackfruit. Stir to heat through, then stir in jerk marinade. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until the jackfruit gets slightly browned. For the creamy slaw, in a bowl toss shredded cabbage, sweet pepper, green onion and cilantro. In another bowl combine coconut milk, thyme and lime juice. Whisk and pour over shredded cabbage mixture. Toss well and let sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. Divide the shredded jackfruit mixture among 10 warmed corn tortillas. Top with coleslaw and garnish with cilantro. Squeeze lime and enjoy!

 

Grilled Jerk Fruit Salad

 Ingredients

4 slices fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, cut 1/2-inch thick

1 mango, peeled & sliced into 1/4-inch slices

4 slices peeled papayas, cut 1/2-inch thick

1 peach, unpeeled & quartered

1⁄2 tablespoon jerk seasoning paste

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 small just-ripe banana, thickly sliced

Directions

Lightly schmear pineapple, mango, papaya and peach with the jerk seasoning. Grill both sides until heated through with nice grill marks. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Stir in rest of fruit gently.

Optional: Combine with yogurt, lime zest and juice, sugar and salt to taste.

Jerk Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups fat-free milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 cup multigrain dry penne pasta

1 tbs. dry Jerk seasoning blend

1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced

1 green onion, chopped

Instructions

Cook pasta in large pot per package directions. Drain and set aside. In a small skillet, sauté habanero pepper and some of the green onion until soft. In the same large pot you cooked the pasta in, melt butter and whisk in flour constantly, for about two minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking until incorporated. Continue to whisk until sauce thickens (about five minutes). Remove pot from heat and stir in jerk spice. Adjust seasonings to taste, then stir in cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Load mac and cheese into greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for twenty minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for five minutes. Garnish with remaining green onion.

National Weekly interviews Gerard R. Latortue

Former Prime Minister of Haiti Gerard R. Latortue at the recent Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo last week in Fort Lauderdale

Interview with Gerard R. Latortue

Speaking at the recent Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, former Prime Minister of Haiti Gerard R. Latortue sat down with the National Weekly to discuss elections and Haiti’s economic future.

What would you say is the general state of democracy in Haiti?

I would say it’s a joke, but at the same time I have to recognize our progress in freedom of the press. Among the Caribbean, we have the most radio stations and newspapers. And journalists today can say whatever they want. It’s a long way from 2004, since Aristide. As I noted in my presentation, all the murdered journalists were killed prior to 2004, like Jean Dominique and Brignol Lindor. Then, nobody could get the truth about who killed them. So if we look a democracy only in terms of freedom of the press, we pass with flying colors.

But democracy is not only freedom of the press. We need free elections. Unfortunately in Haiti we haven’t reached that point. Whether we’re organizing a book club or carnival, everybody wants to dominate the process, to select their choice.

How important is the Haitian Diaspora to the democratic process?

Well, I was the first from the Diaspora to return to Haiti as Prime Minister, so I can’t say Haiti ignores the Diaspora. But they can play politics also, look for favors. When I was Prime Minister, I knew many from the Diaspora who came to see me, and nine out of 10 were looking for quick money. I’m not for that.

But the Diaspora can make very good contributions to Haiti, from direct aid to their families, to support for education and housing. And I hope we soon can give the vote to the Diaspora. They know how to select the best candidate, perhaps better that those living in Haiti, because they are not looking out for their own interests, but for the best person.

There have been questions about the allocations of Red Cross and other institutional funds after the 2010 earthquake. Where do you think the money went?

I want to know too! We talk about corruption in our country, but corruption at the international level is much worse. For example, the U.S. or EU gives some money to the region, but they pretend the Haitians – or Jamaicans, or Guyanese – are corrupt and don’t want them to manage their funds, so they give them to UNDP (United Nations Development Program). The UNDP takes 13 percent commission, and because the commission depends on whatever is spent, whatever locally cost $10, they pay $100, because it’s better to get 20 percent of $100. And they will send us “experts” – I don’t know what “experts” mean in their jargon – and pay them thousands of dollars. I call them the “Lords of Poverty,” because they use the poverty of our countries to make money. So the money that was given to Haiti did not go to Haiti. In CARICOM we have to start raising questions about these practices. Aid is killing all the local initiatives, and it is local initiatives that will make the big difference.

FITCE boast Broward as international trade hub

Today’s economic hot-houses have nothing on Broward County, if new local commerce showcase, Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo, has anything to say about it. The event, which took over downtown Ft. Lauderdale last week at the Broward Convention Center, shed the spotlight on what the region has to offer to a host of political and business leaders from across the globe.

Orchestrated by the Broward County Board of County Commissions, the 5-day trade and cultural expo was attended by hundreds of international delegates from every continent, and including the Caribbean.

Speaking to the National Weekly, expo co-chair and Broward Commissioner Dale Holness expressed confidence in the county’s position as a major international trade hub.

“Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong has nothing on us,” said Holness. “We are more strategically located, as we are the access way to Latin America and the Caribbean, and the world’s number one economy – the USA.”

Holness argued that South Florida’s diversity, where the population speaks some 120 different languages, makes the region rich with potential ambassadors for international commerce and “strategically connected to the rest of the world.”

“This is enhanced by the region having three first class airports and three first-class seaports that can accommodate any amount of trade,” says Holness. “Broward County must utilize these advantages to create economic opportunity, jobs and prosperity for the residents of the county and South Florida.”

Recognizing Broward County’s potential, entrepreneur Leopold Lee and his partners relocated their food export/import business from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale three months ago.

Lee confesses that, at first, he was hesitant about moving his entire business to Fort Lauderdale and “more tentative about expanding its international trade potential.”

But the transition, says Lee, as been fruitful, thanks to “the facilities and incentives available in Fort Lauderdale for trade with the Caribbean, and for distribution deeper into the USA market,” said Lee. “The people in the county’s trade department has been of great help in providing expertise to assist us.”

Providing such hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs on international trading, says Holness, has been a priority for the county, which recently launched “The Eleven Steps to Export” program. New businesses and potential international traders are guided through the entire export process. Businesses are also connected to funding and industrial experts to help them position themselves most competitively for the export market.

The U.S. Department of Commerce in the region also has a “Gold Key” program, which for a reasonable fee sets businesses up with up to six appointments in countries with U.S. commercial attachés. Holness believes the county’s investment into trade will equal serious dividends for the region.

“Research shows the region’s economy can grow by a trillion dollars through international trade,” says Holness. “The region’s cultural diversity gives us the opportunity to bring everyone to the table and grow the economy.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local girl group bringing old school harmony back to pop

Pop group 3B4JHOY

SoFlo music fans better get in tune ASAP with upcoming local girl group, 3B4JHOY. With velvety smooth harmonies, conscious lyrics and seriously dreamy princess hair (locks for days), sister singers Heather, Dominique and Claudette have been generating major buzz. The group’s new video for their latest track “Not an Island” has already racked up over 110,000 views on YouTube after only two weeks. Plus 3B4JHOY have a major fan in none other than Third World’s Willie Stewart, who is mentoring the songbirds. “I call them the harmonic angelic sisters,” says Stewart about 3B4JHOY. “They can sing in perfect pitch. Their harmonic blend captures you from their first note in a very spiritual and uplifting way.”

The National Weekly stopped to chat with the talented trio to talk about their new video and the secret behind their signature sound.

What’s the story behind your group name, 3B4JHOY?

3B4JHOY represents who we are as individuals and as a group because it holds the very essence of what we believe. 3 (Trinity) is before (b4) JHoy (the original name of our group). It simply means “God is with us.”

How did you learn to harmonize so well? Do being sisters help?

We started singing when we were little girls and played around with harmony as soon as we learned our first song together. Harmony is our passion.

Though your latest track is reggae-tinged, you seem interested in diverse music styles. Who are your music inspirations?

We have many musical inspirations that have influenced our sound today. We like 90s R&B, like Brandy, Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and SWV. For reggae, Bob Marley of course, and Alaine. We like alternative rockers like Switchfoot and LifeHouse and Afro Pop artist Tiwa Savage. And Celine Dion is MAGIC!

What was the inspiration behind your new hit video for “Not an Island.” What feel were you going for?

Brainstorming ideas in the studio, we knew we didn’t want a typical island video. So we thought that it would be pretty cool to see a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme. We wanted a bit of mystery and steam, mixed in with survival elements like the jungle scenes. The best of both worlds!

 

Biden announces he will not run for president in 2016

Vice President Joe Biden announces that he will not run for President of the United States

Vice President of the United States Joe Biden announced Wednesday he will not run for president, ending months of speculation over his 2016 plans.

Speaking in the Rose Garden alongside his wife Jill and President Obama, Biden said the window of opportunity to mount a viable campaign “has closed.” Biden also spoke movingly about mourning the recent death of his son, Beau, a process he said does not match the political calendar.

Biden’s decision puts to rest the uncertainty hanging over the Democratic primary. The race now will likely settle into a two-person contest between Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has energized the party’s liberal base but lacks Clinton’s campaign infrastructure and support from party leaders.

TTFA president sacks Sheldon Phillips

TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association president Raymond Tim Kee has sacked his general secretary Sheldon Phillips weeks ahead of the organization’s general elections.

According to a statement, Phillips was fired for “failure to adhere to directives regarding the operational activities of the FA.”

Tim Kee also indicated that he asked Phillips to resign on Monday but was forced to sack him after the former general secretary refused.

Reports already circulating in the media suggest that Phillips was fired because of an interview done with the Trinidad Guardian where Phillips is alleged to have said Tim Kee, who only last week decided to run for re-election as president of the TTFA, had the full support of the organisation’s executive committee.

The response from the three vice-presidents in the TTFA was immediate, with Lennox Watson, Rudi Thomas and Krishendath Kuarsingh all saying they had no intention of supporting the candidacy of the incumbent Tim Kee.

City of Miami Gardens declare October 21st Georgia Ayers Day

The City of Miami Gardens celebrated yesterday the life and work of community advocate, Georgia Ayers, declaring her birthday October 21st as Georgia Ayers Day, in her honor.

Ayers was active in the community since 1968, serving as Charter Member of the Opportunity Industrialization Center (I.O.C.) and 1967 developing the Miami-Dade Police Department Community Relations Council, and the Miami Police Department Community Relations Council in 1969.  She was also the first recipient of the Miami Herald’s “Spirit of Excellence Award” in 1985.

Georgia has received numerous International, National, State and Local Awards, including the “Trailblazer Award” from the City of Miami Police Department; the Education and Community Service Award from Bethune Cookman College Alumni; and the Civil Rights Advocacy Award for the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Ayers, who passed away in February this year, also founded the Alternative Program, to help thousands of first-time offenders find a second chance.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines arrives in Miami to speak at Eric Williams Memorial Lecture

St Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, will arrive in Miami tomorrow to deliver the keynote address at the 17th annual Eric Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida International University set for October 23, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Under the theme “The US-Cuba Accord: How the Caribbean Paved the Way”, the lecture will address the historic 1972 initiation of diplomatic relations with Cuba by Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana – the four signatories to the establishment of CARICOM the very next year. This unprecedented step was taken, despite intense pressure from Washington, a full 43 years prior to that of the US earlier this year. The underpinnings of the Trinidad and Tobago position stem from Williams’ oft-stated insistence on an “extended Caribbean Community embracing everybody – British, French, Dutch, American, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and the three Guianas” (From Columbus to Castro: The History of the Caribbean,1492-1969).

The Prime Minister will discuss the Caribbean’s new place in changing U.S./Cuba relations.

Jamaica voted leading Caribbean destination for 10th consecutive year

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook

For the tenth consecutive year, Jamaica has been awarded the “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” at the 2015 World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony. Hospitality industry leaders, international media and specially invited guests, gathered at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas on Saturday October 17 to celebrate excellence within the tourist industry.

Destination Jamaica was the toast of the evening, winning a number of awards including the coveted Caribbean’s Leading Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board as well as Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port (Ocho Rios).

“We are truly honored that travel professionals around the world have bestowed on Jamaica the designation of the Caribbean’s Leading Destination,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “This recognition, along with the other awards received at this year’s gala, are a testament of our truly unforgettable tourism product. Kudos to our valued industry partners who continue to deliver world class service, desirable attractions and the best accommodations in the Caribbean. We are delighted to be a shining example of excellence.”

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to celebrate excellence in the tourist industry.

Are you stressing out your teeth?

Too much stress affects your whole body, including your mouth, teeth, and gums. Stress can have obvious physical manifestations, literally cropping up when you’re suffering from strong anxieties. Think mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores, or event aggravated gum disease. Stress can also nurture bad habits that spell bad news for your oral health, like clenching or grinding your teeth and chewing your nails, ice, pencils or other objects. Not to mention, good lifestyle choices like a healthy diet and taking regular care of your teeth may be the first thing to go out the window when you have too much on your plate.

You can prevent these oral health problems, if you know what to do. Here are a few strategies to tackle these common stress-induced issues. Because oral health is not just about brushing your teeth, but also nurturing overall wellbeing.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip brushing, flossing, and rinsing. When you’re stressed, you may also develop unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on large amounts of sugary foods or drinks. This can put you at risk for tooth decay and other problems.

What to do: Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy eating may help. A regular exercise routine can relieve stress, rev up your energy levels, and encourage you to eat healthier. It may even make you more likely to tend to your mouth.

Mouth Sores

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin.

What to do: Talk to your doctor about medical options, such as ointments and oral meds, which can alleviate sores. But emotional upsets can trigger an outbreak, so it’s important to manage stress, which again can be soothed by exercise, or even daily meditation.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth — during the day or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.

What to do: See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

Dr. Sharon Robinson DDS is located at 6738 W. Sunrise Blvd. Ste 105, Plantation, FL 33313 and can be reached at 954-792-1857

 

CNW90: Charlie Crist announces run for Congress

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 21, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist has decided to return to the political wheelhouse, announcing on Tuesday his plans to run for Congress. Crist has lost two previous bids in statewide elections, most recently for state governor. Christ was governor from 2007 until

Palm Beach County Commissioners have delayed plans to allow civil citations for individuals arrested for small amounts of marijuana. The decision comes after the County Sheriff’s office expressed concerns regarding whether the citation will replace any arrests. Miami-Dade County has already approved a similar law providing alternatives to arrests for such crimes.

History of Jamaican music gets the spotlight, as the Rootz of Music concert opens this Sunday, starting 7 pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The musical extravaganza, led by composer Eugene Grey, goes on a ride through decades of Jamaican pop music from 1940’s to the present.

New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch confirms MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips remains undecided on which Caribbean national team he will represent. The forward is eligible to represent Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Both Jamaica and Grenada have invited him to represent their teams.

What’s trending:

Rights group Jamaicans for Justice says Jamaica should accept the United Kingdom’s offer to build a prison. 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:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, scattered showers with a high of 85 and a low of 73. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

Page 2: October 21, 2015

Bell and Holness

Former Virginia Senator drops out of Democratic Presidential Race

Former Virginia Senator Jim Webb announced on Tuesday that he will no longer seek the Democratic presidential nomination.

 

Citing frustration with party leadership and what he sees as a corrupt political class, Webb announced at the National Press Club this afternoon that he is withdrawing from any consideration of being the Democratic Party’s nominee.

Asked if he is still a Democrat, the former Ronald Reagan administration appointee replied: “We’ll think about that.” He also said he has no plans to endorse a candidate of either party.

Webb had run a low-key campaign and had little organizational infrastructure. As a Democratic candidate, he faced a number of deadlines to get on the ballot in several states beginning in the next coming weeks.

Mighty Sparrow gets British honor

Mighty Sparrow

Slinger Francisco, popularly known as the Mighty Sparrow, will be bestowed with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on October 22.

The Mighty Sparrow will receive the award in his birthplace Grenada, in recognition of his distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.

Sparrow is the holder of the Order of Trinidad and Tobago (OTT), the nation’s highest award in 2014.

He was also awarded the T&T’s Humming Bird Medal (Silver) in 1969 and the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1993.

In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the government of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1997, the government of Nigeria awarded him with a chieftaincy title and named him Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi.

Sparrow was born in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935 and at the age of two his mother brought him to Trinidad.

He won his first Calypso King title in 1956, singing “Jean and Dinah.”

Sparrow won the title on seven subsequent occasions and the Road March title eight times.

Normality returns to Jamaica’s airspace

Nari Williams-Singh *** Local Caption *** Brian McCalla/Freelance Photographer Though Williams-Singh no longer gets his hands dirty fixing aircrafts, he loves every aspect of his job.

Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA)  Nari Williams-Singh, says normality has been restored to the country’s airspace, following major disruptions last week.

Between last Tuesday and Saturday, several flights were delayed or had to be diverted, due to what were reportedly problems caused by malfunctioning equipment.

However, Williams-Singh says the issues have been resolved.

“Last week we did reduce our operations – providing service between the hours of 7am to 11 pm – those matters have been addressed (and) as of last Saturday we resumed the 24 hour operations.”

The disruptions forced management personnel of the JCAA, to monitor control towers during the period of disruption.

Fingers were pointed at the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association (JATCA) saying some of JATCA denied this.

Williams Singh says there’s been no fallout with Jamaica’s aviation partners due to the disruptions.

We were in touch with our international partners, we understand and we know that there were disruptions with some airlines …..,” he said.

Red Bulls’ Bradley Wright-Phillips still undecided about which national team to represent

New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch confirms MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips remains undecided on which Caribbean national team he will represent.

The forward is eligible to represent Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Both Jamaica and Grenada have invited him to represent their teams.

The player was reportedly earlier this year approached by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Guyana Football Federation, but requested more time to carefully consider his future.

Coming off last year’s Golden Boot campaign, Wright-Phillips has 16 goals and seven assists this year for the Red Bulls entering Sunday’s regular-season finale at the Chicago Fire.

Rootz of Music concert to highlight history of Jamaican music

Eugene Gray

History of Jamaican music gets the spotlight, as the Rootz of Music concert opens this Sunday, starting 7 pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 

Chronicling the development of popular songs in Jamaica and the Americas starting from the mid-1940s to present time, the show celebrates the way the musical elements have merged to become what is now known as reggae and hip hop. Led by composer Eugene Grey, “American Roots of Jamaican Music: The Legacy” features singers, dancers and specials guest artists performing the music of the various stars of each era.

The concert is presented as part of the Broward Center’s Arts Access Program, which assists community-based organizations in presenting arts and cultural performances at the Broward Center. The program provides technical assistance and marketing support to local community groups enabling them to develop and build their audiences. Arts Access has collaborated with nearly 50 performing arts companies, nonprofit organizations and cultural and community groups to present all genres of the performing arts including music, dance, theater, poetry and comedy.

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist to run for Congress

Charlie Crist to run for Congress

Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist has decided to return to the political wheelhouse, announcing on Tuesday his plans to run for Congress.

Mr. Crist, now a Democrat, is running in a district that is expected to lean Democratic and include all of St. Petersburg, though its final shape has not been determined.

Crist has lost two previous bids in statewide elections, most recently for state governor last year, when he ran against Governor Rick Scott, losing the close race after Scott spent almost $13m of his own money in the final week of the election to saturate Florida with television commercials.

Christ was governor from 2007 until 2011.

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