National Weekly March 2, 2017

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

N E T W O R K T H E

M O S T

W I D E L Y

C I R C U L A T E D

Jamaican immigrant ascends to DNC top post The son of a Jamaican is now vicechairman of the Democratic Party.

Bronx Assemblyman, Michael Blake, won a vice chair position in the Democratic National Committee (DNC) special meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on February 25.

Grace Meng, Congresswoman from Queens, New York, won the other vice chair seat.

Blake, 34, worked on Barack Obama's presidential campaign. He called for unity. “We have to leave here united. We cannot walk out of here as Obama Democrats or Hillary Democrats or Bernie Democrats. We are a united Democratic Party, and that is who we are,” Blake said.

Delegates elected former Obama Labor Secretary, Tom Perez, as the new DNC chairman. Perez defeated his main challenger

C A R I B B E A N

A M E R I C A N

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I N

F L O R I D A

WATCH IT. READ IT. LOVE IT. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

CNAs beware!

Palm Beach County moves to weed out unauthorized caregivers

by Dr. Garth A. Rose

Palm Beach County has taken another step to regulate services by certified nursing assistants (CNA), usually referred to as caregivers.

Based on new regulations, effective March 1, CNAs who are not licensed by the county will be subject to a hefty fine. They also face a 60-day prison sentence.

The CNA service has long been a source of employment for first, second and third generation Caribbean immigrants for decades. In fact, some have used the service as a starting point to attain more lofty positions in the health care industry and as the genesis of other family member's migration to the US. In 2015, the county regulated service provided by hundreds of CNAs with passage of the Homecare Ordinance. This was in response to complaints that some senior citizens were being robbed and abused by some caregivers.

Donovan Anderson, Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Whitsyms Nursing Registry which he founded in Palm Beach County twenty-two years ago says the ordinance has actually improved the quality of caregiver's service.

“What it does primarily is weed out felons from the industry. Several 'informal' caregivers circumvent continues on A6 – CNAs beware!

JAMAICA

No more illegal prison recordings

by Karyl Walker

Keith Ellison, Democratic Congressman from Minnesota, on the second ballot. Ellison was elected deputy chairman.

US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, endorsed Blake.

“As a fellow Jamaican-American, it is with great pride that I endorse Michael Blake for DNC vice chair,” Clarke said. “Michael is absolutely committed to organizing on the ground, mobilizing communities to vote and communicating how policies are directly impacted by political decisions."

Jamaica's security ministry, responding to a proliferation of songs recorded by inmates, has outlined measures to stamp out the practice. State minister of national security Pearnel Charles Jr, declared it will not be business as usual.

He said rules are being implemented to eliminate smuggling of cell phones and contraband into maximum security facilities.

“There are two radio stations at Tower Street and St. Catherine (maximum security prisons), which have been utilized in that

regard. This however does not include unauthorized and illegal recordings. Any such activities are prohibited, and punitive action will be taken against any officer or inmate found involved and in breach of these regulations,” Charles said.

The directive comes one week after former

minister of youth and culture, Lisa Hanna, called for the music of imprisoned dancehall star, Vybz Kartel, to be banned from radio.

Kartel has released countless songs since he was imprisoned three years ago for murder. It is widely believed many of those songs were recently recorded.

Four staffers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) were recently arrested and are now before the court on charges of corrupt dealings with inmates. Other officers have been removed for alleged unprofessional conduct.

The DCS is also strengthening its collaboration with police and its Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, to analyze data found on cellular phones seized in prisons.

Among the new security measures are: continues on A6 – Recordings

WHAT’S INSIDE HAITI

CARIBBEAN

HEALTH

SPORTS

UN APPEALS TO MEMBER STATES REGARDING CHOLERA FIGHT A7

BARRELS CONTAINING MARIJUANA SEIZED AT ANTIGUA AIRPORT A4

DR. FIDEL GOLDSON LAUNCHES NEW JOINT PAIN CREAM B1

JAMAICA’S GILES BARNES TO BOLSTER ORLANDO CITY ATTACK C2

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

Gentlemen of Calabar Wine & Cheese (l-r) – Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, Mark Cameron, Godfrey Lewis and Paul Campbell. – Contributed

Love & Harmony DJ Fergie and Beres Hammond sharing the lens aboard the Love & Harmony cruise, a er the DJ rocked the boat around the turn tables. – Contributed

Caribbean authors for Black History Malachi Smith (le ) and Professor Geoffrey Philip (4th), with Juliana Marcus, Professor M. Ketsia TheodorePharel, and Althea Chris e at Turner Technical High School. – Contributed

City Ride Lauderhill PD joins ci zens of Lauderhill on a leisurely bike ride. – Contributed

2nd Annual Sistrunk 5K City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam (r) with former State Senator Chris Smith (center) & former City of Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Jonathan Allen. – Contributed

Youth and Family Summit Children's Services Council Asst.

Dir. PAOD Adamma DuCille and Douglas HS student and performer of US Natl. Anthem, Maevah Pe t-Frere. – Contributed

Voices of Jamaica The Jamaican Folk Revue performing at Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce's Black History Month program at Holy Family Episcopal Church. – Contributed

Full of Support Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers (l) and Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers (r) suppor ng candidate Yve e Colbourne. – Contributed

Taste of the Americas Belizean Chef Elena Gabb-Granderson (c) with Belize Tourism Board Travel Trade Manager Michelle BowersFlowers (l) and Travel Trade Officer Jana Puga. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

A3

LOCAL BROWARD

Broward schools in support of transgender, and all diverse students A recent decision by the US Department of Justice and the Department of Education to reverse a directive that allowed transgender students to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with, has not won the support of Broward County Superintendent of Schools, Robert Runcie.

Last week, both federal departments reversed a decision made in May 2016 by the Obama administration to provide bathroom privileges to transgender students.

The decision made by the previous administration in May 2016, followed a law passed in South Carolina to have transgenders use bathrooms in keeping with their birth

gender in public places, including schools.

However, Runcie, in reacting to the reversal of the stance taken by the Obama administration, said Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) must support the needs of diverse students - “As a community, among the most important things we can do is to provide a highquality education for all students in safe and secure learning environments.” He noted that as a district, Broward has a moral obligation and responsibility to protect students from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

“Prior to the federal guidance provided in May 2016, BCPS had guidelines in place to support transgender students. Therefore, the announcement by the U.S. Department of

Justice and U.S. Department of Education will not have an impact on the operation of our schools.

There will be no change to the District's existing non-discrimination policy, which states:

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.”

Runcie

Runcie made it clear that long before the federal

guidance was issued in May 2016, Broward schools had, and will continue to have genderneutral bathrooms available for all students.

“Our administrators, teachers and staff want our students to feel safe and accepted in their school communities. BCPS provides resources and guidance to our schools on a regular basis. This includes providing professional development on meeting the needs of our diverse students; providing the District's Transgender Support Guide to our schools, which outlines our roles and responsibilities; instituting and supporting awareness campaigns; and Creating community partnerships.”

Runcie reiterated the City School District will continue to respect, value and support the varying needs of its diverse students, “and we will continue to provide all students with the resources to succeed in their education and beyond.”

The State of Black Broward can be vastly improved Broward Commissioner Dale Holness has expressed confidence in members of the county's black community based on their purchasing power and the growth of business.

Holness made the statement in an address to approximately 500 mainly African and Caribbean American residents on Tuesday, at a function to discuss the state of “Black Broward”.

The meeting - the State of Black Broward Conference also highlighted the positives and negatives existing in Broward County's black community, while attempting to lay the foundation for the development of the community.

According to Holness the success of the local community “can be a blue print for black communities not only in America, but worldwide.”

At the conference – the first of what will be

Holness

an annual event, the Broward Commissioner also highlighted the challenges faced by the county's black community of over 550,000 residents.

He said while the annual median household income for the white population of the county is $74,000 there's a “stark difference of $21,000” compared to the $43,000 which is the annual median income for black households. In addition, the rate of unemployment in the

county stands at 4.4 per cent, the rate was 9 per cent among the black community.

Holness noted that “prosperity abounds in many areas of Broward County” but for various reasons the black community lags behind.

In an interview with the National Weekly, Holness expressed confidence that the situation can be improved.

“We don't have to depend on policies originating out of Washington to grow. The county's black community has the resources to see to its own growth. Ordinary black residents, educators, business people, and elected officials must be a part of the solutions the black community can reach.”

The conference dealt with various issues such as politics, economic development, employment, criminal justice, health care and education.

Panelists including Broward School Superintendent Robert Runcie, County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, and City of Lauderhill Commissioner Ken Thurston.

The three officials agreed that the county's Black community should be to be more engaged politically to secure some of the solutions needed.

Runcie, said more black voters need to vote during election cycles. Snipes also stressed the importance of voting, saying “voting is the bedrock of political growth,” and a factor that “equalizes all of us” and “drives the wheel.”

Thurston, Snipes and Holness urged residents to push for a constitutional amendment on Florida's ballot to restore the civil rights for people who have been denied the right to vote because of prior criminal convictions.

Holness indicated that on June 19, Broward Black elected officials will celebrate Juneteenth – the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

“We plan to merge this with a celebration of the emancipation of slaves in the West Indies .

“It's important that our black youth be conscious of the history of black freedom.”

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Guyana welcomes appointment of envoy to end border dispute with Venezuela Guyana has welcomed the appointment of Dag Halvor Nylander of Norway as the new envoy who will try to resolve the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country's ongoing border dispute with Venezuela.

“We welcome the appointment. We feel it's a positive move. We are confident that the appointee can do his job and we will abide by the Terms of Reference and the conditions that have been laid down by the United Nations' Secretary-General,” President David Granger said Wednesday.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was also prepared to turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the issue.

Earlier this month, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Nylander was appointed to help broker a settlement “until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation.”

He said that if no progress is made toward a settlement by the end of 2017, Guterres “will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement unless the governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.”

Last December, Guyana welcomed the position of then outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that its border dispute with Venezuela be subjected to at least one more year of mediation.

Granger said that Guyana will continue to engage the UN through confidence building measures, while at the same time will do whatever is possible to move the process along to enable the Secretary-General to make a decision about the juridical course of action requested by Guyana.

Barrels containing marijuana seized at Antigua port Antigua law enforcement officials seized more that one million EC dollars worth of marijuana in at the port located in Deep Water harbour.

The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy said that the drugs was found in two barrels but no was arrested.

It said the barrels arrived in the twin island federation from the United States to an address in Antigua and that the discovery was made during a joint operation between the police and Customs and Port Authority officers.

The marijuana weighed 252 pounds and had a street value of more than a million dollars. The officials said the barrels also contained personal effects.

Skerrit

DOMINICA

Attorney dismisses threat of private lawsuit against Dominican Prime Minister An attorney for Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit this week dismissed a threat by an opposition parliamentarian and attorney that he “has the right to institute private criminal proceedings” against the head of government over remarks he made during a national address last Friday.

Joshua Francis, the Member of the Roseau South constituency, in a statement said that Skerrit in his radio and television broadcast last Friday breached the Sexual offences Act and that media houses may also be “equally culpable”.

The United Workers Party (UWP) Member of Parliament said “Skerrit was very irresponsible, reckless and/or grossly negligent

and ought to have known better as the head of the Executive in the Commonwealth of Dominica” because the legislation “prohibits any matter that is likely to lead members of the public to identify a person as the complainant or as the accused in relation to a charge with an offence under this Act, subject to an exception by operation of law.

Francis, who is among three high profile individuals, including a former government minister embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, said he has filed a formal complaint with the police.

“The report calls for an investigation into the matter. Should the Police department of the Commonwealth of Dominica fail in its constitutional and natural duties to investigate and to act appropriately; the complainant has the right to institute private criminal proceedings against Roosevelt Skerrit, the

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica,” Francis said in the statement.

But Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has dismissed the statement, noting that he is at a loss as to how “a prime minister could possibly disclose something contrary to the Sexual Offences Act when it is public knowledge, both by statements made to the executive and leadership of the United Workers Party, by their decision to expel him as deputy leader…and by his own statements that are quoted in newspaper articles for Mr. Joshua Francis to make the allegation that the prime minister has “disclosed anything”.

Francis said that under the Sexual Offences Act a person who publishes or broadcasts any matter in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for three years.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

Talk UP

A5

TALKUP

Should music from a convicted murderer be playing on the airwaves, e.g. Vybz Kartel?

Conrad: Miami Lakes/Jamaica – No, why should he have that luxury when he committed a crime? No way. He shouldn't have access to anything at all in prison, he committed a crime. He should be locked away. They should cut off whoever it is that is coming in there to get his music; they need to find who it is.

Ricky: Ft. Lauderdale/Jamaica – No committed murderer should be allowed to be recording, or releasing any music. I think that we should be holding the radio stations accountable, the program managers and their disc jocks, they should not be playing it, and if they violate (that), there should be a law against it. I don't condone it. It's either that you do music or you are supposed to be a bad man. He should not be benefitting from it, neither his family.

Keith: Davie/Jamaica – I don't think they should play the music on the radio, because if the artist is a known murderer, he shouldn't benefit - him personally. Now if they are going to play it, any benefit should go to the victims and the victim's family, and if he has young children, it should help those children, but that is it. So if you're going to be humane, the victim's family should benefit, and if he has children and a family that are dependent on him; but him, he must pay his price.

You can also look for us in Jamaica

Dino: Plantation/Jamaica – I think that yes, his music can play on the radio, but he shouldn't be able to benefit from it. His kids, family can benefit from it but not him. You commit a crime – if you serve the time, and the court feel that it's justifiable, then yes, but if he's doing life, I don't see how he can benefit from it. It's more about making sure that his family can still eat. So that's my opinion - play the music for that reason, not to endorse the wrong that he has done.

Bert: Pembroke Pines/Jamaica – I think that depends. No. 1 - what is the content of the music in terms of the lyrics, are they negative lyrics where they're saying to kill people and things like that, then I would say no. Also, has the convicted criminal served their time already? If he's still in prison then he doesn't deserve to have his music played. Once he's released and has served his time, then I would say he'd be allowed more flexibility and freedom after that.

Gareld: Plantation/Jamaica – It's a sticky situation.

When you think about the music that has been played before, that really shouldn't have any impact on what happens now. Now maybe the stuff that is made afterwards, I would say it should be at least restricted because you don't want to say that you're promoting someone that does wrong, and they're rewarded and benefitting from doing bad things to people.

Jacob: Pembroke Pines/America – Yes, but no. If they changed, then maybe they should be given a second chance, because most people deserve a second chance. If they're still serving a sentence, then no, most likely not, but depends if he or she feels sorry about what they did, but most likely not; it would be ok to an extent, depends on how apologetic the person feels and how recent it was.

Rob: Plantation/ Jamaica – I think that everybody is protected by freedom of speech. So they should have the right to say whatever they're going to say. It's a shame, though, that somebody like that is profiting from those types of things.

Tariq: Kendall/Trinidad – I think that Vybz Kartel, if he is in a rehabilitation program, he should be able to create his music, because it could have a positive influence on people with some of the things that he says, and also I think that if these people are allowed to do certain things like that in jail, leisurely, they would be focused lesser on trying to harm people; it may help them rehabilitate instead of giving them a negative impact with what they're trying to do.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

WE GET RESULTS!

Elected ofcials are elected to serve the people Over the past several weeks since a new administration took over the White House, representatives of the US House of Representatives and Senate have come under pressure from disgruntled constituents at town-hall meetings across the country.

Scheduled to attend a town hall meeting in South Florida last week, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, one of Florida's two US Senators, failed to show up, to the consternation of constituents concerned about Republicans' plans “to repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.

Hours before the town-hall meeting Rubio was spotted at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, although indicating he would have been in Europe, but ignored answering people who asked if he would be attending the meeting.

Approached again by a voter later that day at Florida International University and asked why he didn't host a town-hall, Rubio responded, “…..because town halls, people get rude and stupid ― on both sides.”

Rubio's evasive action is very unfortunate and irresponsible for an official who aggressively sought votes across the length and breadth of Florida to be elected to the US Senate. Did he consider voters “rude and stupid” in seeking their votes four months ago?

Recordings

from A1

Amendments to existing legislation, regulations and procedures to increase accountability and enforcement; Ÿ Installation of X-Ray Scanning Machines at Tower Street and St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centers and the Horizon Adult Remand Centre; Ÿ Metal detectors and New Entry Management Protocols; Ÿ Polygraph tests for all recruits and correctional officers; Ÿ Relocation of inmates and re-zoning spaces in all institutions; Ÿ Expanded CCTV coverage across the correctional system; and Ÿ Enhanced use of cellular phone jamming technology.

“We have to respect the public's concerns, protect our citizens and secure the reputation of the honest, hard-working correctional officers in the system," said Charles. Ÿ

Rubio's actions reflect a trend by several elected officials whether elected to federal, state, county, or municipal offices. These officials are elected by the voters to serve. They are people's servants, paid by the people through their hard-earned taxes.

However, too often after these officials are elected the promises made so passionately to voters are forgotten.

Too many local elected officials are adept at the art of profiling. They strut around town profiling, craving all the attributes of being an elected officer, instead of dedicating their stewardship to fight for the welfare of their constituents.

Voters are often criticized for not turning out at elections, perhaps other than presidential elections.

But how can voters be motivated to vote for people who put themselves up for office, when like Rubio, they refuse to meet with them when the going gets tough?

In the current raging controversy regarding the stringent enforcement of immigration laws, and threats to repeal and replace Obamacare, the intervention of elected officials is needed.

This intervention is needed not only at the federal level, but at the state, county and city

CNAs beware!

levels. The more elected officials that join in intervening on behalf of their constituents, the more likely the demands of constituents will be heard and respected by decision makers.

Instead, there's such a loud sound of silence among some elected officials. It's disconcerting some South Florida officials who were elected to public office amidst much fanfare last year have rarely been heard from since, even with so many critical issues at stake.

Last week in Miami-Dade County, after weeks of appeal and two-hours of passionate arguments by county residents, the county commission voted contrary to resident's demands. In a 9 to 3 vote, commissioners approved Mayor Carlos Gimenez actions to support federal officials detaining undocumented immigrants. Commissioner Jean Monestime, the only Haitian/Caribbean-American on the commission, must be commended as one of the three commissioners who supported their constituents by voting against Gimenez.

The community is faced with serious problems, and need dedicated, courageous elected officials of conscience to stand up and fight for the welfare of their constituents when required.

The community certainly doesn't need profilers, and officials who are reluctant to represent or face them when the issues become highly controversial.

Rubio

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from A1

licensed nursing agencies because they had prior arrest or conviction records. If these caregivers abused or stole from a patient, the patient has no recourse, placing a bad reflection on caregivers generally,” he said.

Anderson also cited that background checks, including fingerprinting, are a state requirement for CNAs to be employed with an agency. “The requirement isn't new. But, to reiterate, with Palm Beach County taking steps to ensure CNAs are licensed by the county, it will weed out unauthorized caregivers, some of whom may be felons. It reduces the risks of patients being abused.”

The Palm Beach County ordinance required caregivers, whose services include housekeeping, bathing, feeding, cooking and shopping, to be licensed by the county.

Regulations require caregivers to undergo a Level 2 background check that includes being fingerprinted.

When the ordinance was first announced it was resisted by some county agencies that employ and assign caregivers. It was also opposed by several caregivers, who feared that a minor run-in with the law could prevent them from making the requirement and jeopardize their jobs.

The CNA sector is more regulated statewide than several years ago. Some counties do not require caregivers to be finger-printed or wear county-issued photo-ID badges, as is the case in Palm Beach County.

Pearline Harding, owner/operator of a Lake Worth nursing agency, said there have been difficulties recruiting caregivers because of finger-printing and ID requirements. Harding was initially opposed to the ordinance.

“I now welcome it as it has improved the quality of the services we provide. It's important that caregivers are people of integrity who put the interest of our clients foremost. Stealing from, or abusing seniors or the disabled cannot be tolerated," she said.

According to Eugene Reavis, manager of the Palm Beach County Division of Public Safety-Consumer Affairs, 5,000 caregivers have registered and applied for licenses. However, there are some who are working without documentation.

To obtain the license and photo-ID, caregivers and nursing agencies must make an appointment with the Division of Public Safety-Consumer Affairs. Reavis says due to overwhelming demand for licenses, applications are processed by appointment only.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Former government ofcial denies sexual assault charges against minor The former Deputy of the southwestern coastal commune of Léogâne, Jean Baptiste Anthony Dumont has surrendered to police after he was accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old child.

A statement from the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), said Dumont, voluntarily surrounded to the public prosecutor's office of Port-au-Prince last weekend, before a warrant was issued for him to answer the charges that are brought against him in the report of the RNDDH. The RNDDH is claiming to have in its

Dumont

UN appeals to member states concerning cholera fight in Haiti

Commission appointed to probe penal institutions A nine member commission has been created by newly appointed President Jovenel Moise to probe prisons and overcrowded lockups across the country and to make recommendations to improve conditions for the inmates.

In a recent statement, Moise said the commission is expected to finish its review and submit a report within one month.

“Under my presidency, the Haitian nation will by no means ignore what seems to be a flagrant violation, even a contempt for the right to life that every individual should have, regardless of where he lives.”

The presidential announcement came a few days after the news agency – the Associated Press published a report on an upsurge of inmate deaths, including 21 last months at the country's biggest prison, due in large part to malnutrition-related illnesses and other preventable diseases.

Last week Justice Minister Camille Edouard visited several prisons amid concerns that many inmates were dying. According to a statement Édouard visited the facilities to inquire about the situation in which prisoners live including the lack of toilets in cells, food shortages, unsuitable water, care, presence of rats and insects in the cells.

Edouard, led a delegation that also included by Himmler Rebu, Secretary of State for Public Security and Jean Gardy Muscadin, the Director of the Directorate of Prison Administration (DAP), has vowed to continue working on

possession video backing its allegation, saying that the material was obtained after the woman whom the former official was having an affair with became concerned at the relationship he had with her 11-year-old daughter.

Dumont, who has since been remanded into custody, has denied all the allegations and accused the woman of a conspiracy against him.

There have been over 40 deaths of detainees since the start of 2017 alternatives to incarceration and a better distribution of prisoners in the various prisons.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Sandra Honoré also reiterated her concerns over the deaths of 42 detainees since the start of the year.

Last year 53 people died in detention and the authorities have acknowledged that the 14 deaths in January were due to anemia, severe anemia, cardio respiratory arrest, respiratory distress, pulmonary tuberculosis, hypovolemic shock and gastroenteritis.

The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has asked member states to inform him by March 6 if they intend to make voluntary financial contributions to the implementation of the new UN plan to counter cholera in Haiti,.

“Earlier this week, the Secretary-General sent a letter to all member states” in that regard, Stéphane Dujarric, the secretary general's spokesman said.

As you are aware, under the new approach, the UN is intensifying support to the Haitian government in building sound water, sanitation and health systems – the best long-term defense against cholera and other water-borne diseases – and also developing a support package to provide material assistance and support to Haitians most directly affected by cholera,”Dujarric added.

In his letter, the Secretary-General recalled that the UN bears a moral responsibility for ensuring that the new approach – launched in a report to UN member states on December 1, 2016 – is implemented.

Costing about US$400 million over the next two years, the proposed UN package under the new approach will center on two different elements, known as “Track One” and “Track Two,” the UN said.

The cholera outbreak has affected an estimated 788,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 9,000.

Guterres

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Effective January 4, 2017 through March 31, 2017

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

Graduates from Kauffman Foundation FastTrac NewVenture Training Program honored

Leadership change for JWOF The Jamaican Women of Florida, Inc. (JWOF) has changed its leadership. At the fourth annual general meeting of the organization held last Saturday, Camille Edwards an administrator with the Broward School Board was elected to succeed local attorney Dahlia Walker-Huntington as the organization's president. WalkerHuntington and other members of the board had termed out.

The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) recently graduated 14 entrepreneurs from its second Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® NewVenture™ Program.

“We are pleased to recognize and congratulate our second class of NewVenture graduates and are looking forward to welcoming our third group of participants for the upcoming spring course,” said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. “We are excited by the possibilities this program brings to Broward County by way of educating, engaging, and empowering local entrepreneurs.”

This four-month educational program allows participants to complete 10 challenging and fast paced modules held at the Innovation Hub at Broward College. Participants learn to refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan and access the appropriate resources to have an effective business.

Upon completing the program and giving an oral presentation, the top three scored business plans become eligible for seed money grants to fund their business.

The top three from the second graduation group were Marlene Brunot (Brunot Maps), second Janice Weinsoff (Have u Heard) and Matthew Fornaro, P.A. (Attorney at Law).

OESBD, used a competitive application process to select participants and incorporated the training program into its regular roster of free service offerings. The program currently has 29 graduates to date.

THERE'S

Edwards previously served as the president of the Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association and Broward Alliance of Caribbean Educators (founder). She hails from Montego Bay, Jamaica and holds Masters of Science and Bachelors of Arts degrees from St. Thomas University, Miami, FL and York University, Toronto, Canada.

The newly Elected Vice President is June Minto – Marketing Consultant and Managing Partners with Jamaican Jerk Festival & Jamaque – Paridis Magazines.

Rounding out the new Board are Secretary Tamara Wadley; Treasurer Dale Telfer, CPA – who is returning for her second term in the position; Director-At-Large Ann Marie Clarke, Esq. and Legal Director Hilary Creary, Esq.- who previously served as the association's Secretary.

JWOF was launched in April, 2013 with

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twenty founding members. The membership has tripled since, and the organization continue to seek members to strengthen the group. The non-profit was founded as an organization to provide an opportunity for Jamaican women residing in Florida to empower themselves through charitable and educational endeavors, personal development and mentoring. JWOF seeks to engage Jamaican women and to give back to the next generation of young women by assisting in the development of leadership and personal skills to operate in a global environment.

Since its launch, JWOF has initiated several measures to accomplish its goals.

These include the annual Women's Empowerment Conference & Scholarship Luncheon; the “Powerful Women…Next

Generation” scholarship, the annual Health & Wellness Conversation, and the adoption of Melody House Girls' Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Members of JWOF have made several trips to Jamaica to visit Melody House and have supported the girls home financially over the years. The organization has also helped several Jamaican women and families in Florida in need and continue to live up to their mission of helping the community.

“We the new board embrace JWOF's mission and vision and are dedicated to the organization's continued growth over the next two years” says JWOF President, Camille Edwards. “We have some big shoes to fill but with the guidance of the outgoing board we will strive to provide avenues to empower the now gen and the next gen,” said Edwards.

To celebrate their fourth anniversary, JWOF is again hosting the popular “Jamaican Women of Florida Empowerment Conference & Scholarship Luncheon”, on Saturday, April 8th, at Jungle Island in Miami, Florida. The event will include three panel presentations focusing on the organization's mission - empowerment; personal growth and development, and mentorship; the annual scholarship awards luncheon to benefit a female high school senior and promising second, third and fourth year college students.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

Health nd

a Wellness

Enjoy a pain free life with Dr. Goldson's new

SPINE.JOINT. MUSCLE. PAIN CREAM The pain relief formula promises up to eight hours of relief for people with a broad range of issues. The cream and spray are truly meant to work on almost any type of muscular, joint or spinal aches and pains.

Chronic pain symptoms cost Americans around $600 billion every year. Thanks to prominent South Florida chiropractor Dr Fidel Goldson Jr, there's a powerful new solution for pain sufferers. Dr Goldson's Spine, Joint, Muscle Pain Cream (Goldson Pain Cream) was developed by the second generation physician based on his own experience treating thousands of patients over more than 16 years.

The all natural, hypo-allergenic formula penetrates deep into muscles and joints to soothe pain away, and it's now available on Amazon. Detailed information is available on the company's website at goldsonpaincream.com.

Goldson Pain Cream, available in 4oz and 8oz sizes, contains camphor to numb pain, menthol to cool and warm the application site, and wintergreen oil - a deep heating pain reliever that may help to increase blood circulation. They've also created a spray version called Dr Goldson's Cold & Hot Spray that even works upside down to get to hard to reach places like the upper and mid-back.

The pain relief formula promises up to eight hours of relief for people with a broad range of issues. People with back and knee problems in service industries like healthcare and retail, athletes with muscular pains, older folks with arthritis problems, and even those with neck and shoulder problems from desk work, can find respite in the benefits of Dr Goldson's products.

The cream and spray are truly meant to work on almost any type of muscular, joint or spinal aches and pains.

In a heartfelt testimonial, real life bursitis sufferer and pain cream user Denise Mathis shares, her experience. She says, “When I tell you, a pain that stops you in your tracks, where you can't do anything but just try to breathe, that's a serious pain. And to be relieved from that, it really helps.”

Dr Goldson himself encourages pain sufferers to try the cream because “patients in pain don't necessarily have to live in pain.”

Dr Goldson's Pain Cream and Spray have been sold through the family's four South Florida chiropractic offices for several months, and are now available through the international retail site Amazon.com.

B1

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

HEALTH and Wellness

Colorectal Cancer Awareness March is also Colorectal or Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Once a cancer that was more evident in men and women age fifty and above, the cancer which has one of the highest mortality rates of cancers in the US is now found frequently in younger people.

Jackson Memorial Hospital internist, Dr. Marshall Vasquez, describes colon cancer as one of the more “insidious cancers,” because the symptoms are not usually revealed until the cancer has advanced. This, he says, is the reason why preventative medical examinations is vitally important for individuals to have done every three or four years depending on one's age to determine if one has problems, usually polyps in the colon. Especially the lower colon or intestines, and rectum.

The cancer is called colon cancer if it is discovered in the colon and rectal cancer if discovered in the rectum.

It is not unusual for abnormal cells to grow in the colon and rectum. These cells can merge to form polyps, which can develop into cancer.

According to Dr. Vasquez, the best way of determining if one has polyps in the colon/rectal is to have the preventative medical examination known as a colonoscopy.

“During the colonoscopy, the patient is sedated, and a long flexible tube is inserted into the colon through the rectum, The doctor conducting the test is able to get a visual image of the colon from a monitor to which the tube is

COLORECTAL CANCER AT A GLANCE

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

On average, your risk is about 1 in 20. Although this varies widely according tp individual risk factors.

50+ 90% of new cases occur in people 50 or older

linked. If polyps are seen, usually the polyps are removed during the procedure. Later a biopsy is taken from the polyps to determine if they are cancerous.” He said despite warnings and urgings within the medical profession of the importance to be screen for colon cancer “you would be surprised” how many people are reluctant to have the screening. “Most of these reluctant people cannot tolerate the prescreening procedure, which involves taking medication to totally cleanse the colon and rectum the night before the screen is done. It is essential that the colon is totally clean for the screening to be effective. Then, there are people who fear being diagnosed with cancerous polyps if they are screened. But it is imperative that people get colonoscopys regularly, say every three or four years, especially between age 50 and 75.”

Other tests that are useful in determining the possibility of colon cancer is a stool test to determine if one has blood in one's stool. Blood in the stool is a sign of possible colon disease.

The other test is a Sigmoidoscopy. This test is similar to a colonoscopy. A lighted scope is inserted into the lower portion of the intestine.

During this test, polyps can also be reduced if identified.

People with a rst-degree relative (parent, sibling or offspring) who has colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease.

There are currently more than one million colon cancer survivors in the U.S.

Cause of Colorectal Cancer Doctors have no specific reason what causes colon cancer, but research has indicated people who eat less red meat, pork, processed foods, and a diet more focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking are less inclined to have colon cancer

Symptoms of Colon Cancer The common symptoms of colon cancer include, pain in the belly, especially the lower belly; dark or black stool which is indicative of blood in the stool; constant fatigue, back ache; and changes in one's bowel habits. These changes include more frequent bowel actions; alternate bouts of constipation and diarrhea; a sensation that the bowel isn't empty; and change in the size of one's stool, particularly passing narrow pencil sized stool.

Other Prevention Suggestions Despite there being no specific cause of colon cancer the American Cancer Society recommends that one can take steps to prevent colon cancer by:

In a 2016 report the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one in three adults aged 50 to 75 have not been tested for colorectal cancer in te US.

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Avoiding being overweight. People with big bellies or fat around the waste are more at risk.

Copious management of one's diet, including a diet of more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish; eat less red meat, refined grains, and sweets. Not more than two alcoholic drinks daily.

Frequent physical activity, including visits to a gym. Frequent physical activity help to clear the colon daily, and keep it healthy.

Quit smoking.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

B3

HEALTH and Wellness

Does Diabetes affect oral health?

by Sharon Robinson Yes. Diabetes does affect oral health. People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases. If you have diabetes, it can affect many parts of your body. It can harm your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body. This includes your teeth and gums.

Plaque buildup Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. If it is not removed, it can lead to infections such as gum disease.

If your high blood sugar is not controlled, you may have more plaque bacteria than most people. That means you are more at risk for oral health problems.

Gingivitis Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. If you have diabetes, it is harder for your body to control plaque bacteria. That is why people with diabetes are 3 to 4 times more likely to get gum disease.

Be sure to see your dental professional if you have any of these symptoms: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

gum tissue. The gum becomes uneven, and dentures may not fit well. People with diabetes often have sore gums from dentures.

Does Oral health affect Diabetes?

Red gums Swollen or Tender gums Gums that bleed easily Periodontal disease

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. This is a more serious form of gum disease.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. In advanced stages, they lead to painful chewing problems and even tooth loss because it can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, causing teeth to become loose. Like any infection, gum disease can make it hard to keep your blood sugar under control.

Serious periodontal disease not only can cause tooth loss, but can also cause changes in the shape of bone and

Yes. Oral health can affect diabetes, too. An infection like gum disease can affect your blood sugar. That's why it's vital to practice good oral care habits at home. It can help you protect your oral health, as well as manage your diabetes.

People with diabetes should have dental check-ups at least every 6 months, or more often if recommended by their dentist. Be sure to tell your dentist you have diabetes.

Frequent dental check-ups are needed to find problems early when treatment is most effective. See your dentist as soon as possible if you have any problems with your teeth or mouth.

If you have diabetes, be sure to use your blood glucose meter! It can help you control your blood sugar levels and protect your oral health.

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Health Benefits of

Apple Cider Vinegar People continue to use apple cider vinegar as a medicine chest item useful in treating a wide variety of physical ailments. For years, the more senior citizens in the community and herbalists have cited the healing qualities of apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar found in supermarkets, and herbal shops, is made from pulverized apples after a period of fermentation when the apples are broken down to bacteria and yeast, turned into alcohol that ferments into vinegar holding high contents of acetic and amino acids.

The proponents of the healing effects of apple cider vinegar, preferably the organic kind, recommends its consumption (usually a tablespoon in an 8 ounce glass of water two - three times daily to treat: Ÿ Digestive problems like heart-burn or indigestion. (Consume the apple cider vinegar after meals). Ÿ Diabetes: apple cider vinegar reduces glucose (sugar) levels (Consume a dose of the product before going to bed). Ÿ High cholesterol: Consume daily apple cider vinegar reduces high levels of cholesterol. Ÿ High blood pressure: Regular doses reduce high blood pressure and promotes a healthy heart. Ÿ Cancer: Apple cider vinegar is said to slow the growth, and even kill cancer cells. Ÿ Weight loss: the product promotes weight loss, as it is said to reduces the appetite making people feel less hungry.

Health effects of the properties found in apple cider vinegar; Potassium: Aids the building of muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity, prevents brittle teeth, hair loss and nasal mucus.

Acetic acid: Slows the digestion of starch, and lowers the increase of glucose in the blood.

Ash (or alkaline): Helps to maintain proper pH levels in the body, which prevents and/or fight cancer cells.

Malic acid: Helps to prevent the ill effects of viruses, bacteria, and fungi; removes toxins from the body, enhance bowel regularity, and promotes clean, healthy skin.

Because of the acidic qualities of apple cider vinegar, it's always recommended it's diluted before applying it to the skin or drinking.

If applied or consumed too strong it can damage the tooth enamel, tissues of the throat, mouth or skin, and have the reverse effect in the stomach.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

HEALTH and Wellness

Prostate Cancer Men, be sensible, be medically tested for prostate problems done at least once per year. Not getting screened for prostate disease when there are symptoms of problems can lead to serious prostate problems including prostate cancer.

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostrate problem tends to affect black men, in particular, but is one which some black men are not paying sufficient attention to either through ignorance or stubbornness.

Prostate Tests Because one of the methods of prostate screen is invasive, involving a digital (finger in the rectum) exam by a doctor too many men are embarrassed to have the screening. However, this is stupidity that can mean the difference between life and death.

During the digital rectal exam, the doctor wearing a glove with a lubricant, inserts an index finger into the rectum to check the size and shape of the prostate. If the doctor feels an insignificant enlargement in the gland, or too much firmness or lumps, there could be a problem.

A more pleasant test is the Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test which checks the amount of protein produced by prostate cells.

Higher levels of PSA may be a sign of cancer.

However, higher PSA levels could also point to an enlarged prostate or prostatitis. But, levels may be low even with men who have prostate cancer, so the PSA test is not usually enough and should be done in conjunction with the digital test.

Men with high PSA results or other symptoms of cancer may have a tissue sample taken of their prostate to determine whether cancer is present.

According to a recently published study, an increasing percentage of Black men are succumbing to a variety of illnesses, particularly prostate cancer, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure). The same study indicated that there are more widows, and fatherless children, because of stubborn, often ignorant men, who waited too long to seek medical care.

The American cancer society predicts that in 2017, some 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and of these cases, 35,000 could result in death. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicated that the preponderance of prostate cancer cases among Black men is almost at epidemic levels, and they are 50 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than, for example, white men.

Another startling NCI data indicates 66 percent of Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer will survive at least 5 years compared to 81 percent of white men with the disease.

Moreover, the mortality rate among Black prostate cancer patients are twice as high as that for white men. Alarmingly, this rate is increasing at an average of 2 percent annually.

The Prostate Gland The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s often described as about the size of a walnut when normal. The gland also surrounds part of the urethra, the tube in the penis that carries urine form the bladder.

One of the main functions of the prostate gland is produce the fluid in male semen which transport sperm from the testacles when he ejaculates.

The problem with the prostate gland is that it

can grow from the size to a walnut to the size of a lemon by the time a man approaches or is in his 60s.

Signs of Prostate problems In some men, the size of the enlarged prostate gland is larger than other man their age.

However, men can suspect there are problems if there are changed patterns when they urinate.

These problems may vary to include unusual frequent need to urinate, especially at night, a great urgency to urinate; a week stream when

urinating; stopping and starting the urine flow; feeling like the bladder isn't empty after urinating; and straining to urinate although the sensation to urinate is present. These symptoms come about because as the prostate gland increases it impacts the tube that carries urine through the penis. The medical term for this problem is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

However, this is not a cancerous condition.

However, men, who have these symptoms should ensure they visit their doctors for a prostate screening. This screening should be

Screening for Cancer According to the American Cancer Society, men should be screened for prostate cancer: At age 50 if they have an average chance for prostate cancer. At age 45, for men with a higher chance for the condition like African-Americans and history of prostate cancer in the family involving male members diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 65 or younger. In the case of men with male family members who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age they should begin being tested as early as age 40.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

Liberty City residents elated with “Moonlight” Best Picture Oscar Residents of Liberty City in Miami-Dade County, experienced a range of emotions --from confusion to celebration --- last Sunday when the winner for Best Picture was announced at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

As they waited with bated breath, they were disappointed with the initial announcement that the musical “La La Land” won.

But a few minutes later, the 'decision' was reversed when producer of “La La Land”, Jordan Horowitz, declared an error. He held up the winning card indicating that “Moonlight”, made in Miami about a young gay boy growing up in Liberty City, was winner of the coveted Oscar.

Moonlight, a book written by Liberty City resident Tarell Alvin McCraney, is based on his life. Adapted for the screen

by Barry Jenkins who also directed the movie, it had won several awards including the Golden Globe for Best Picture.

It focuses on the challenges in Liberty City, traditionally one of Miami's poorest neighborhoods.

Jenkins and McCraney also won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Mahershala Ali won Best Supporting Actor.

Despite winning two awards, some Liberty City residents doubted “Moonlight” would win Best Picture given the preOscar hype around "La La Land".

“I was stunned. I could not believe it at first when among the confusion on stage, even as the producer and cast of 'La La Land' gave their acceptance speeches, that it was announced that a mistake had been made and it was “Moonlight” that had won,” said Merylee Boyne, an aspiring actress and former drama student at Norland Middle School in Miami.

Several members of the supporting cast in “Moonlight” also attended Norland Middle School.

They were selected by Tanisha Cidel, head of its theater program.

B5

Vybz Kartel still Dancehall’s hottest commodity

by Howard Campbell

As it approaches the third year since he was sentenced life in prison for murder, Vybz Kartel remains the hottest commodity in dancehall.

Last week, the self-proclaimed Worl' Boss made headlines in Jamaica, after Member of Parliament and former culture minister Lisa Hanna, called for his music to be banned from the country's airwaves.

That sparked a social media backlash against Hanna by his fans whose rabid loyalty has paid off for manufacturers of Vybz Kartel merchandise.

Keisha Gooch is Chief Operating Officer of Whirlwind Entertainment, a Kingston company that launched the VK line of leisure wear in June last year. She told CNW that the T-shirts and hot shorts (for ladies) are most popular. "Right now we're trying to go outside of Kingston because of the demand," said Gooch.

She added that the T-shirts, which includes 'Free Vybz Kartel' and 'Gaza4Life', appeal to Jamaican youth from diverse backgrounds.

Hanna's pronouncement is likely to result in another sales spike. According to Gooch, "I don't think it will hurt."

Another Vybz Kartel item enjoying sustained interest is the book, The Voice of The Jamaican Ghetto, which he co-wrote with South Florida-based entrepreneur Michael Dawson.

Released by Ghetto People in 2012, it is in its fourth print run.

BUZZFEED

Chronixx performs his newest songs on the Tonight Show The episode was aired last Friday with the reggae singer taking up a spot performing his singles “Majesty” and “Likes”. Chronixx is currently doing the press run for his upcoming album Chronology which is due later this month.

The reggae artist was filled with gratitude for have been given the opportunity share this platform. “Give thanks! The Tonight Show was a great experience for myself and all the musicians. We give thanks for these things that come with music.”

'Leave Me Alone' is being raved as Trinidad's newest Feminist Anthem Every year, high-octane Soca music is released ahead of Trinidad's pre-Lent Carnival. The songs are new and most of them tend to relate to themes involving rum, partying and the love for a woman's body.

Commonly known as “Queen of Calypso”, 76-year-old-music legend, Calypso Rose's new hit 'Leave Me Alone' is gaining international attention as a “Feminist Anthem”. The song features a woman trying to party in the streets without interference from men, exhorting them to “leave me, let me free up.”

B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

Rihanna honored with Harvard's Humanitarian of the Year Award Barbadian-born singer, Rihanna, was honored Harvard University's 2017 Humanitarian of the Year award with a moving but often comical speech at the school's Sanders Theatre on Tuesday.

The Barbadian pop star opened her speech with a cheeky hair flip and the remark, “So I made it to Harvard,” before discussing how her humanitarian instincts developed over the years. Rihanna recalled the commercials she saw as a kid that asked people to donate 25 cents to help children in need. “I would say to myself, 'When I grow up, and I can get rich, I'm gonna save kids all over the world,” Rihanna said. “I just didn't know I would be in the position to do that by the time I was a teenager.”

The Harvard Foundation annually honors prominent publicspirited leaders and named Rihanna as the recipient of the Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award for her charitable work which promotes healthcare and education in the Caribbean. In addition to funding a state-of-the-art center for oncology and nuclear medicine in her home country of Barbados, the singer has set up the Clara Lionel Foundation Scholarship Program to help Caribbean students attending universities in the U.S. succeed.

“All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return,” Rihanna continued. “To me, that is a humanitarian, to help somebody”.

Trini carnival came to a splashing close Trinidad and Tobago's annual carnival came to a splashing end on Tuesday, February 28 at the Queens Park Savannah in the capital city of Port of Spain.

Carnival in the land of the Hummingbird is unrivaled in its pomp, pageantry and revelry and on Tuesday's closing not even the steady downpours of rain could dampen the spirits of the throng of locals and visitors who converged on the Caribbean state to let their hair down and party with wild abandon.

Even though the celebrations begin from as early as January, festivities culminate in the last three days before the start of the Lenten season.

On Sunday night, Chalkdust real name Hollis Liverpool, was crowned the 2017 National Calypso Monarch for the ninth time to equal the record of the legendary Mighty Sparrow, with his entry Learn The Arithmetic. Liverpool was awarded the princely sum of TT$700,000 for his effort.

Rondell Pierre and Lillan Pierre were crowned the 2017 King and Queen of Jouvert. MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects dethroned Machel Montano and took the 2017 Road March title.

Thousands of revelers from around the globe were in attendance in the twin island republic for the culmination of the revelry. Included among them was the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt.

He was then offered a human sacrifice in the form of a woman who matched him whine for whine as the

selector egged them both on.

On the final day of the worldfamous Trini Carnival where costume bedecked masqueraders paraded through the streets, the rains fell, stopped and fell again but the party never missed a beat. And, as they say in the Caribbean island “We Doh Business”.

Another significant feature of this year's Trini Carnival was the emergence of the feminist rallying cry in the form of the song, Leave Me Alone; The single was penned and voiced by 76-year-old legend, Calypso Rose. The song is about women partying and dancing up a storm during Carnival without unwanted interference from ogling men.

And of course there would have been something very wrong if the main component of carnival was missing. It was not. There was more than enough rum to go around.

Bolt was observed on the island covered in paint and gyrating wildly with Trinidadian beauties at a street dance in Port of Spain. Bolt was also at a party dubbed TRIBE Ignite where he jumped onstage and declared “I love this country so much!”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9 –

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR CUTLER BAY MIDDLE SCHOOL The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (Board), intends to select one Construction firm for the following General Obligation Bond (GOB) project: PROJECT NO. 01339200 CUTLER BAY MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS 19400 GULFSTREAM ROAD CUTLER BAY, FL 33157 BIDS DUE: Sealed bids will be received by The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the project listed herein, until 2:00 P.M. local time. Tuesday, the 4 day of April, 2017, at 1 450 N.E. Second Avenue, Room 650, Miami, Florida, following which time and place, or as soon there-after as the Board can attend to the same, the said bids will be publicly opened, read and tabulated in the Board Auditorium, Miami-Dade County School Board Administration Building, by an authorized representative of the Board. Award of the contract will be made to the lowest, pre-qualified responsible and responsive bidder for the actual amount bid considering base bid and accepted alternates (if any) as listed in the bidding documents. The Board will award the contract based upon the results of the tabulations as covered by applicable laws and regulations.

Bidders desiring to participate in this solicitation must be pre-qualified by the Board prior to submitting their bid in response to this solicitation. Contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity for Pre-qualification information at (305) 995-1307 for information regarding Contractors' Pre-qualification procedures.

QUESTIONS: Written questions regarding this project will be accepted. All written communications must be sent to the Project Architect/Engineer, Laura Perez (laura1@lmptc.com) Laura Perez and Associates Inc., 2401 N.W. 7th Street, Miami, Florida 33125.

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE (Cutler Bay Middle School): Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Cutler Bay Middle School on 19400 GULFSTREAM ROAD CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA. There will be a sign-in period from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Potential bidders arriving after the fifteen (15) minute sign-in period will not be allowed to participate in this solicitation. Proposals submitted by firms not represented at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not be considered.

BOARD POLICIES: Cone of Silence A Cone of Silence, pursuant to Board Policy 6325, shall commence with the issuance of this Legal Advertisement and shall terminate at the time the item is presented by the Superintendent to the appropriate Board committee immediately prior to the Board meeting at which the Board will award or approve a contract, reject all bids or responses, or take any other action that ends the solicitation and review process. Any violation of this rule shall be investigated by the Board's Inspector General and shall result in the disqualification of the potential applicant from the competitive solicitation process, rejection of any recommendation for award, or the revocation of an award to the vendor as being void, rendering void any previous or prior awards. The potential vendor or vendor's representative determined to have violated this rule, shall be subject to debarment.

General questions regarding the legal advertisement will be sent to Contract Management, talfau@dadeschools.net and a copy filed with the Clerk of the School Board at celiarubio@dadeschools.net (or at 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Room 311, Miami, Florida 33132), who shall make copies available to the public upon request.

Lobbyist Lobbyist requirements, pursuant to Board Policy 8150, shall be applicable to this solicitation and all proposers and lobbyists shall strictly conform to, and be governed by, the requirements set forth therein. Contact the Clerk of the School Board for additional information. Ÿ

Ÿ Local-Vendor Preference Local-Vendor Preference, pursuant to Board Policy 6320.05, shall apply to this solicitation. Based on Board policy, Local Business – means a vendor or business that has a valid business tax receipt, issued by a jurisdiction located in Miami-Dade County, that has either (1) its headquarters, manufacturing facility, or locally-owned franchise located within the legal boundaries of Miami Dade County, for at least twelve (12) months, or (2) has an office with a street address within the boundaries of Miami-Dade County for at least twenty-four (24) months, calculated from the bid or proposal opening date. Post office boxes are not verifiable and shall not be used for the purpose of establishing said physical address. In order to be considered for local preference, vendors must provide a copy of their business tax receipt and the Local Business Affidavit of Eligibility with their proposal. Proposers who fail to submit the required documents will not be considered for Vendor Preference.

Jessica Lunsford Act The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Florida's House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012.465, 1012.32, 1012.467 & 1012.468 and Board Policy 4121.01, Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all Employees (also refer to Board Policy 8475). Ÿ

Ÿ Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Anti-Fraud Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following ethics, conflict of interest and anti-fraud policies: - Board Policy 6460, Business Code of Ethics; - Board Policy 6460, Disclosure of Employment of Former School Board Employees; - Board Policy 8700, Anti-Fraud; and all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable Ÿ

Contractor Debarment Procedures

Pursuant to Board Policy 6320.04, Contractor Discipline Procedures, debarred contractors are excluded from conducting business with the Board as agents, representatives, partners, and associates of other contractors, subcontractors or individual sureties. Ÿ

Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion

Proposers responding to this solicitation shall comply with the following anti-discrimination policies: - Board Policy 6465, Commercial Anti-discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (proposers shall be required to certify compliance with Board Policy 6465); - Board Policy 1362.02, 3362.02 and 4362.02, Anti-discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure; and - all related Board policies and procedures, as applicable SMBE & M/WBE Programs SMBE & M/WBE Programs, in accordance with Board Policy 6320.02 and the “Small/Micro Business Enterprise Program Administrative Procedures Manual” Board-approved May 8, 2014, shall be applicable to this solicitation.

Contact the Office of Economic Opportunity at 305-995-1307 or OEO@dadeschools.net for list of certified firms. Ÿ Protest Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board Policy 6320 (Purchase Approval and Competitive Bidding Process Requirements) or in accordance with FS Section 120.57(3) shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under FS Chapter 120.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The proposer acknowledges that all information contained in their RFQ Response is part of public domain as defined by the State of Florida Sunshine Law. Therefore, any information received is subject to public inspection and copying in accordance with FS 119. No action on the part of the proposer would create an obligation of confidentiality on the part of the School Board including, but not limited to, making a reference in the RFQ Response to trade secrets FS 812.081 and 815.045. It is recommended that potential proposers exclude from their response any information that, in their judgment, may be considered a trade secret.

Board policies, as amended from time to time, can be accessed and downloaded at: http://www.neola.com/miamidade-fl/.

The successful proposer(s) shall fully comply with the State of Florida's House Bill 1877 “Jessica Lunsford Act” (JLA); FS 1012.465, 1012.32, 1012.467 & 1012.468 and Board Policy 4121.01, Employment Standards and Fingerprinting of all. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed and in the manner specified in Board Policy 6320 or in accordance with §120.57(3). Fla. Stat. (2014) shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Pre-qualified bidders may obtain a CD of the documents for construction at no cost or a full set of printed documents for construction at the bidder's expense from the office of Go Green Document Solutions, Inc. 3715 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133, on and after February 27, 2017.

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Assistance levels have been established at: Cutler Bay Middle School: MBE/SBE Mandatory Subcontracting Goals: 25% Construction and 25% Local Work Force within a 10 Mile Radius of school.

Aspirational M/WBE Subcontracting Goals: 10% African American and 5% Women Board reserves the right to waive informalities and to reject any and all bids.

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools

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C1 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

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C2

Reggae Boy Giles Barnes to bolster Orlando City attack Reggae Boyz forward, Giles Barnes, has been acquired by the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Orlando City and is being boosted as a welcome addition to the club's attacking thrust.

Barnes was acquired over the weekend, via the trade route from the Houston Dynamo. In his four years as an MLS player, Barnes has played for the Houston Dynamo for three and a half seasons before coming to Vancouver in the summer trade window last season. He has netted 33 times and earned 15 assists in his MLS career.

He is expected to provide experience up front and could be a good source of guidance for team regulars Cyle Larin and Carlos Rivas.

Team manger, Jason Kreis, was optimistic that Orlando City had made a wise investment.

“Giles [Barnes] is a very exciting player. I would tell you that a couple of years ago I felt he was easily for me one of the best players in the league,” Kreis said. “He's an attacking gifted player, has great pace, great strength on the ball, and typically makes really good decisions

with it. These are the types of players we're looking to add to Orlando City; the type of players who are always comfortable on the ball but are also willing to work for the team,” Kreis said during a press conference at the club headquarters to officially announce the player's arrival. Kreis would not say whether Barnes would start or warm the bench.

“I do see Giles Barnes competing right away,” Kreis said. “For me, there aren't starters and nonstarters.

There's a bunch of team members that are in contention to be starting on the weekend and that changes week by week,” he said.

Giles Barnes has scored three times for the Reggae Boyz including an equalizer on his senior international debut against Venezuela in a friendly at Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2015. He also scored in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against the United States and Haiti that same year to help his team advance to their first ever Gold Cup finals which they eventually lost to favorites Mexico.

REGION

World stars sign up for 2017 Hero CPL Player Draft A record number of local and international cricketing stars have been officially registered for the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft which takes place on Wayne March 10 in Rooney Barbados.

Some 258 players from the Caribbean and most of the leading cricketing nations are seeking to secure a coveted place in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place between 1 August and 9 September.

Director of International Cricket for CPL, Tom Moody was pleased with the positive response from the players.

“T20 is capturing the world of cricket by storm, and with the huge numbers of talented players from across the cricketing world eager to sign up to the biggest party in sport, I've no

doubt that the 2017 season will be our best yet.

“In attracting the cream of international talent from a healthy blend of established and fastdeveloping nations, it extends the growing international appeal of the sport and of the Hero CPL itself, and I have no doubt that we are going to see a hugely contested Player Draft in Barbados on March 10th,” Moody said.

Former Antigua Hawksbills and St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots all-rounder Marlon Samuels, who was the man of the match for the West Indies in their ICC World T20 final victory over England last year, leads a strong cast of West Indian players in the draft.

There will be 28 players from Australia,, an increase of six from the 2016 campaign. The Aussie list includes Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, and Adam Zampa who was a star for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2016 season.

There are also 17 New Zealanders, including Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott and Jimmy Neesham.

England have four players, while Ireland will have three representatives in the draft.

Pakistan will have the highest representation in the draft after increasing last year's tally from 38 players to 46. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's rise in the shortest format of the game sees Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi named in a fivestrong contingent who will also be hoping to make their tournament bows.

With the high-profile transfers of Chris Gayle (Jamaica Tallawahs to St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots) and Dwayne Smith (Guyana Amazon Warriors to Barbados Tridents) already confirmed, the list does not include those players who have been retained by their franchises.

They, like the marquee players, will be announced at the Player Draft on March 10th.

C3 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

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C4

CRICKET

Jamaica trounce Guyana in Lauderhill T20 night cricket Last year's finalist, Guyana, were trounced by Jamaica in the opening round of the 2017 City of Lauderhill T20 Int'l Night Cricket Tournament last Saturday.

Under the patronage of the City of Lauderhill Mayor, Richard J. Kaplan and Broward County Commissioner, Dale V.C. Holness, the 15-year-old cricket tradition got off to a thriller in the Cricket Capital of the United States of America-the City of Lauderhill.

The Jamaicans won the toss and elected to

bat then scored a competitive 181 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Jamaica and USA national representative Steven Taylor entertained the spectators by smashing a whirlwind 61 from 28 balls including three fours and six sixes. Other useful contributions came from Wayne Cuff 28 not out, Omari Williams 21, Sherwin Powell 13 and Sheldon Erving 11.

Bowling for Guyana, former USA national player Masood Mohammad bagged 3 for 29, whilst Dale Africa took 1 for 26 and Fizul Shariff 1 for 51.

Thompson In reply, Guyana was dismissed for 82 in 19.2 overs with Vickram Kumar ending on 23 not out. Only two other players reached double

figures with Raid Mohammed scoring 17 and Dale Africa 15. Bowling for Jamaica, Steven Taylor grabbed 2 for 8, whilst Elvin Watson collected 3 for 17, Jammie Smith 2 for 6, Herlando Johnson 2 for 18 and Omari Williams 1 for 12.

Taylor was awarded Man of The match honors.

Through the endorsement of the South Florida Cricket Alliance and Florida Southeast Cricket League, the City of Lauderhill T20 International Night Cricket Tournament has achieved the reputation as one of America's largest and most-popular night cricket tournaments.

TRACK & FIELD

Caribbean athletes sparkle at NCAA regionals Jamaicans showed the way as Caribbean athletes turned in strong performances during the regional indoor championships in the United States on the weekend.

Christoff Bryan, Chrisann Gordon, SenojJay Givans, and Rushelle Burton all won their respective disciplines at the Big 12 Champs at the Iowa State University.

In addition Bahamians Devyne Charlton and Pedra Seymour took the top three places in the 60-metre hurdles at the Big 10 Conference Championships in Geneva, Ohio.

Bryan, who attends Kansas State University, cleared 2.24 meters to win the men's high jump over Trey Culver (2.21m) of Texas Tech and Oklahoma freshman Dean White (2.16m).

Bryan's compatriot Kansas State senior, Kimberley Williamson, was second in the women's equivalent after clearing 1.82m, losing out to Texas Tech sophomore, Zarriea Willis, who also cleared 1.82m but won on the count back. Willis had clean rounds while Williamson failed once at 1.72m.

Williamson's teammate Nina Schultz cleared 1.77m for third.

Meanwhile, University of Texas senior Chrisann Gordon won the 400m in 51.79s ahead of teammate Zola Golden, who took the silver in 52.11.

Leticia De Souza of Baylor was third in 52.62s.

SPORTS

BUZZFEED

Jamaican gymnasts take top honors at Caribbean Fest tournament Jamaica's triumphant gymnastics team returned to the island on Monday after taking top honors in two classes at the Caribbean Fest Gymnastics tournament in Virginia over the weekend.

Jamaica's 11-member team topped both level one and two while finishing runnersup in level three.

The top performer in the junior team was Jenya Allison who copped gold in the vault, bar and floor apparatus while finishing runner-up on the beam.

The Caribbean Fest tournament was used to fine-tune the team's preparation phase ahead of the Caribbean Gymnastics Championships scheduled for April 28 and 29 in Barbados.

CONCACAF opens new office in Jamaica CONCACAF has opened an office in Kingston, Jamaica, in a move the confederation says will help enhance governance for all their members.

The University of Texas senior Senoj-Jay Givans, easily won the 60-metre dash in 6.59 seconds ahead of Maxwell Willis of Baylor University, 6.67 and Malik Givens of Oklahoma State.

In the women's 60-metre hurdles, 2016 World Under-20 silver medalist Rushelle

Losing more gold medals? Not worried says Bolt The world’s fastest man Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt says he harbors no fear of losing further relay medals should future tests reveal doping violations by teammates.

Bolt, former world record holder Asafa Powell and Michael Frater were stripped of their 2008 Olympic 4x100m relay gold medal when first leg runner Nesta Carter tested positive for methylhexaneamine after samples were re-tested.

Bolt’s Olympic medal tally was reduced to eight instead of nine as a result, robbing him of the famous triple-triple accolade in the process.

The medals lost could, however, be quite significant for the global icon should Carter’s samples fail to pass the future re-tests.

Carter was the starter in the 2012 Olympic Games relay team and 2011, 2013 and 2015 World Championship teams. The 31year-old Carter has since appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

“Even if I lose all my relay gold medals, for me, I did what I had to do, my personal goals,” Bolt said in a recent CNN interview.

The sprinter has ruled out an appearance at the 2022 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

“Maybe if it had come before the Olympics, maybe it would have taken away a little from me, and then I would have thought about it, but the fact that I got the chance to say, ‘the triple-triple,’ kind of made me feel good,” he said.

Burton claimed the Big 12 title with a smart run of 8.09 seconds..

Shardia Lawrence continued her strong season with a 13.39m leap for second in the triple jump.

CRICKET / WEST INDIES

Cricket World Cup spot a priority says new West Indies coach Newly-appointed coach of the West Indies, Stuart Law, says his team’s primary focus will be on securing a place in the 2019 World Cup. Automatic qualifying spots to the prestigious tournament is awarded to the top eight teams in the world and the West Indies are currently ranked ninth. The Caribbean team were absent from ICC Champion’s Trophy and will have until a September 30, 2017 deadline to avoid what could end up being a similar fate.

Law is trying to avoid his team participating in an laborious qualification process, which will see 10 teams fight for only two spots in a play-off in Bangladesh.

“The main aim is to qualify for the next World Cup, the 50-over World Cup, so these one-day games are extremely important to us,” Law told Espncricinfo.

“So that’s our main focus really at this stage. I know we have Pakistan coming for T20s, Tests and one-dayers as well but the one-day series probably will take paramount importance.”

The continental governing body for football in North, Central America and the Caribbean, says it identified Jamaica as a “strategic location” which would help to “streamline the operations of regional competitions, while facilitating engagement with key stakeholders; including federations, partners, government and fans.”

Opening the new office in the Caribbean represents a major step towards our ONE CONCACAF Vision. It reaffirms our focus on serving all 41 member associations, while investing in football,” said President Victor Montagliani.

“This new location strengths our Confederation's ability to operate efficiently and in a fully integrated way, in order to continue driving long-term growth across the region.”

The office, which will be headed by CONCACAF Caribbean football director, Jamaican Horace Reid, will be the second to be opened outside of the confederation's headquarters in Miami, Florida, with one already established in Guatemala.

CONCACAF said it planned to “triple its investment” in Caribbean competitions throughout the coming year and the Kingston office would help administratively in this regard.

“Additionally, in order to boost development efforts in this zone, nearly 80 percent of the ONE CONCACAF financial assistance program is allocated to member associations from the Caribbean,” the confederation noted.

“Through this new office, the Confederation aims at ensuring that the investment is effective, efficient and focused.”

The office will be up and running from March.

C5 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 2 – MAR 8, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 9

A D V E R T I S E M E N T