National Weekly - April 21, 2016

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

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

CARIBBEAN

JA GOV’T REPUBLIC CAMPAIGN CASTS SHADOW ON QUEEN’S 90TH PAGE A4

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ENTERTAINMENT

LEEA STEWART TAKES FAMILY’S LEGACY TO THE NEXT GENERATION PAGE B2

SHOULD TEACHERS WEAR BODY CAMERAS FOR THEIR PROTECTION? PAGE A5

C A R I B B E A N

A M E R I C A N

N E W S P A P E R

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F L O R I D A

Joining the ght against child abuse Jamaica's Education Minister visits South Florida to support local campaign Newly appointed Jamaica Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Ruel Reid, takes the campaign for child abuse awareness to South Florida this Saturday, as scheduled keynote speaker for the PROTECT THEM Gala.

Hosted by the local NUH GUH DEH campaign against child abuse in Jamaica and the Diaspora, Minister Reid will address the nation's current efforts in protecting its children, and outline ways the Diaspora can contribute.

“If children have biological challenges, schools and families need to recognize and accommodate children that need special support. They can't be abused because they behave differently.” – Reid Child abuse prevention will be a critical issue under his tenure, says Minister Reid in an interview with National Weekly. “We are working with UNICEF [United Nations Children's Emergency Fund] to train our teachers to spot abuse, as well as change how they relate to their students,” said Minister Reid. “We are also working on our parenting program to better equip our parents on how to handle discipline.”

But meaningful change will also require a cultural shift in discipline, says Minister Reid, particularly for children with behavioral conditions, as too often children with developmental challenges suffer abuse because parents and institutions are unable to manage.

“We need to understand more as a society about childhood development,” says Minister Reid. “If children have biological challenges, schools and families need to recognize and accommodate children that need special support. They can't be abused because they behave differently.”

The Minister is encouraging the Diaspora to contribute in any way they can to the Ministry's new initiatives targeting these needs, from provide safe facilities for children escaping chronic abuse, to curriculum reform to help

Back to the Farm Caribbean-Americans returning to farming lifestyle in South Florida While the national Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association reports a steady decline in minority-owned farms in Florida, a new breed of Caribbean-American farmers has been expanding in South Florida. Thanks to rising demand in the region for traditional Caribbean produce, many have opted to go back to the land to fill the void in the market.

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WASHINGTON D.C.

South Floridians among hundreds rallying for immigration reform Over a hundred South Florida immigration advocates are in Washington DC this week, joining public demonstrations calling on the Supreme Court to vote in favor of President Obama's executive action DAPA, which would defer deporting parents of legal U.S. residents. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in United v. Texas case, where 26 states, including Florida, are challenging the order's constitutionality. Made originally in November 2014, the

Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) presidential executive order is estimated to potentially affect some 5 million, including over 183,000 persons in Florida.

The Supreme Court may release a ruling on the case as early as June.

Whatever the court's decision, it's a personal one for CaribbeanAmerican sisters Angela Hastings and Deborah James, who were

continues on B4 – Immigration reform

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

Pu ng on a show Members of the African Children's Choir put on quite a show during their performance at the Miramar Cultural Center last week. – Gregory Reed photo

Fundraising event Heather, Roxanne and Lisa were all smiles for our photographer at Roxanne's recent fundraising event in Tamarac last weekend.

– Donovan Bedasee photo

Wooing the audience Ian Sweetness wooed the audience at the recently held “Simply Myrna” event held at the Miramar Cultural Center. – Gail Zucker photo

Hanging out Charise, Marck, Tonya and Patricia hung out at the Broward County Annual Judicial Recep on, hosted by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Associa on, the Caribbean Bar Associa on, the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Associa on, the Hai an Lawyers Associa on, the T.J. Reddick Bar Associa on and PNC Bank in Fort Lauderdale last Thursday. – Contributed photo

A bevy of beau es Kathleen Barreau, Nadege Vilsaint and Marleine Bas en looked radiant as ever at the Hai an-American Nurses Associa on's (HANA) 32nd Annual Scholarship Fundraising and Awards event last Saturday in Hollywood. – Contributed photo

All gold everything Hai an-American Nurses Associa on (HANA) President Amina Dubuisson had heads turning as she rocked a gold gown at HANA's 32nd Annual Scholarship Fundraising and Awards event last Saturday in Hollywood. – Contributed photo

Scholarship recipient State Representa ve of District 92 Gwyndolen ClarkeReid (le ) and State Representa ve of District 95 Hazelle Rogers (right) present first year Florida A&M student Karen Joseph (middle) with the Ta ana McIntosh Memorial Scholarship on Caribbean Heritage Day at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. The presenta on was on behalf of Transforming America Through Interac on (TATI), Inc. – Contributed photo

Salsa me Members of the IFE-ILE Dance Company, a worldrenowned Afro-Cuban dance troupe in Miami, took over the AARLCC stage at the recently held Des na on Cuba in Fort Lauderdale. – Steve Vinik photo

Music to the ears Jazz musician Myrna Hague had the audience on their feet during her rive ng performance at the Miramar Cultural Center last Sunday. – Gail Zucker photo

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

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LOCAL

Equality under the law Panel to discuss judicial diversity in South Florida Jahlisa Harvey Addressing public concerns about the lack of racial and ethnic diversity among South Florida judges, the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association (VHFCNBA) will be hosting a free panel discussion “Black Judges: By Any Means Necessary,” on Saturday, April 23, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Ft. Lauderdale.

The panel will explore how homogeneity on the bench has affected equality under the law in South Florida. Statistics show that

Broward County and Miami-Dade County are two of the most diverse counties in the state of Florida. Yet Broward County has six AfricanAmerican judges out of nearly 90 judges currently serving on the bench. In MiamiDade, 10 of the 123 judges are AfricanAmerican.

“The numbers speak for themselves.” said Anthony J. Hall, president of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter. “The lack of black judges in Broward County and Miami-Dade County are dismal, they're horrific, and they haven't changed in over 30 years.”

This lack of diversity on the bench can have

serious repercussion on how decisions are ruled, says attorney and Virgil Hawkins Florida chapter Member George Odom Jr., as minorities could receive harsher sentences for the same crime.

“Gender and ethnic background plays a role in the decision of any judge, because we're all human,” says Odom. “But when a defendant is a minority, his or her reasons are harder to understand when you don't know what background and economic disparity they're from or what they have been through.”

The forum seeks to expand on the Florida Supreme Court Standing Committee on

Fairness and Diversity Report, which concluded that the state had much room for improvement on the issue of judicial equity.

“The Florida State Courts System can better serve the people of this state and enhance the credibility of the justice system,” said the report, “if judges and court staff reflect the diversity of the community we serve.”

"Just like a defendant gets a jury of their peers, judges should also represent the community,” says Odom. “We need to equalize our judicial branch because if we don't, the same thing will keep happening.”

Rogers to receive League of Cities awards Topping off her final year in office, Caribbean-American Florida State Representative Hazelle Rogers is being awarded the Legislative Appreciative Award for 2016 by the Florida League of Cities.

The award, says the League in a public statement, is in recognition of Rogers' continued dedication during her tenure to empower and support regional leadership and governance among the South Florida cities in her District 95, which includes Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes and North Lauderdale.

“[Rogers] has shown strong support of municipal home rule on several key issues considered by the Legislature this year,” said the League in a statement. “We sincerely appreciate

how closely you worked with the League's advocacy team to ensure municipal interests are maintained.”

Rogers is among 15 legislators receiving the League's Appreciation Award. Other awardees include Rep. Bobby DuBose of Fort Lauderdale, Rep. George R. Moraitis of Fort Lauderdale, and Rep. Sharon Pritchett of Miramar. The date for the presentation of the award is to be announced shortly. The Florida League of Cities, a coalition of Florida's municipal governments, seeks to promote and secure selfgovernance for Florida's cities and municipalities. Growing from a small number of cities and towns, the Leagues membership currently represents more than 400 cities, towns and villages in Florida.

The award comes as Rep. Rogers ends her tenure in November when she terms out.

Rogers served for 8 years in the State House of Representatives, since she was elected in 2008.

She first served as a Democratic Deputy Whip for 2010 to 2012, and again from 2012 to 2016.

The soon to be former House Rep. now plans to return to local government in her home city of Lauderdale Lakes, where she first started her political career in 1996 when she was elected as city commissioner, where she became the first person from the English-speaking Caribbean American community to be elected to office in the southeastern U.S. She is currently running for Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, as the term expires for current Mayor, Barrington Russell.

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| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

JAMAICA

Iraqis should be CIP citizens, says PM

Gov't’s republic campaign casts shadow on Queen's birthday

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has called for an end to the criticism of Muslim religion in Iraq as his administration moves ahead with plans to allow Iraqi nationals to participate in the country's citizenship by investment program (CIP).

The main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) has called on the Antigua and Barbuda government to re-think its decision to allow Iraqi nationals to participate in the program, saying “there can be no benefit to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“We have no cultural and we have no trade ties with Iraq. What is the benefit to opening an embassy in Baghdad? Iraq as we know is in the midst of a civil war with ISIS and ISIS is in control of large sections of Iraq. We are unnecessarily exposing our country and our people to unnecessary risk,” said UPP leader Harold Lovell recently. “Perhaps it may benefit a few individuals financially, but it will not benefit the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”

But Prime Minister Browne argued that the “greater risk that we face at this point is that if members of the opposition is going to mock these people's religion and draw attention to themselves that is a far greater risk of attracting some form of action than processing the CIP passport.”

Prime Minister Browne said that it is not in the interest of the country to provoke, saying “clearly the Caribbean is not a priority for them at this time.”

“I am not saying that a terrorist could not end up in the Caribbean, but it is not a priority.

But if in Antigua and Barbuda,” said Browne, “you are going to have individuals for partisan political reasons. You are going to provoke them, then clearly there could be consequences.”

British newspaper the International Business Times says the announcement by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen that Queen Elizabeth II may soon be ditched as Jamaica's head of state will cast a shadow over the monarch's upcoming 90th birthday celebrations. Sir Patrick made the announcement on Thursday as he delivered the Throne Speech at the official opening of parliament.

The announcement has since been picked up by several news organizations around the world. In its report, CNN said the Governor General in ousting the Queen could be putting himself out of a job as well, since he is the monarch's representative in Jamaica.

The Queen is officially the head of state in 15 countries in the Commonwealth, including Australia, New Zealand

Immigration reform

and Canada. Although Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, it remains within the Commonwealth. If a constitutional amendment is made, the Queen would be replaced with a ceremonial president, who will perform a similar role to the current Governor General Another Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state, Barbados, will drop the Queen as its head of state later this year, ahead of the 50th anniversary of its independence from British rule, while Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are already republic states.

The Queen last visited Jamaica in 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee year celebrations.

BARBADOS from A1

among the Florida Immigration Coalition members who travelled to D.C. for the hearings. Deborah said she made the sacrifice to travel to Washington to support her sister Angela, who has been in the U.S. for “some fifteen years, has a 4 year old who is a US citizen by birth, and would have benefitted from DAPA.” They were both heartbroken, says Deborah, when the executive order was halted. “She had already gathered all the necessary documents, ready to file for the authorization to stay and work in the U.S. when the lawsuit stopped everything,” says Deborah. “I think it was important that as large as possible a number of protestors rally outside the US Supreme Court to draw attention that the executive orders have strong support nationally.”

Despite her hopes, Deborah admitted to not being very confident that the Supreme Court justice will vote in favor of the executive order “seeing that one justice [Justice Antonio Scalia] recently died, and this means without a seventh justice, there may not be a clear decision, and the matter could end up deadlocked.”

The Supreme Court is currently operating with eight remaining justices, with an assumed ideological divide between four liberal justices who could support the presidential executive order, and four expected to rule against the order. For a ruling in favor or against the order, a majority vote is required.

Without a majority vote, the case would revert to a Texas court's decision against the order made in February 2015.

The wait for the Supreme Court ruling “will be long and agonizing,” says Deborah. Asked what she hopes the next step would be if the Court becomes deadlocked or rules against the presidential executive orders, James said. “There would have to be another reset for immigration reform.”

Gov't reviews mobile policy in schools The Barbados government says it is still considering a mobile use policy for primary and secondary schools. Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Ronald Jones, said it is likely that the policy, which could come to fruition by September 1 this year, could reinforce the Ministry's other initiatives and encourage sensible use of the technology.

“The policy is there being refined by the stakeholders and hopefully teachers, parents and students will all be on board because it really doesn't make any sense deploying the internet and hotspots and Wi-Fi… across all of our learning institutions and then you don't have the capability to utilize that technology,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Jones called on former students to give back to their schools as he spoke at the handover ceremony for 160 desks to first formers at Harrison College (HC) by the Truss Foundation. “Wherever you have gone to school and [if that has] made an impact on your life, you should be giving back to that educational institution,” he said, thanking the Foundation also for providing hotspots around the school.

Jones urged the students not to use the new technology for “research that was not necessary for their learning.”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

Talk UP Should teachers wear body cameras for their own protection?

John Henderson – Lauderhill, FL We shouldn't have to go that far, but I understand.

When I was growing up I would get caned if I did something wrong. Students today can do almost anything in the classroom and you can't touch them.

In the event that a teacher is provoked and loses their temper, it is a good idea to have a camera present to capture the entire situation before another student whips out their phone and records a limited view of what really occurred. This is a protection for the teacher. They don't have any rights these days. Kids seem to have all the rights. This is not fair. These children need a good whacking half the time.

Cathy – Ft. Lauderdale, FL I think it's a good idea. This way, we would know who the problem children are. Some children are off the chain. It would benefit both the children and the teachers. The presence of cameras would force the children to be better behaved. It would also provide support when teachers present reports of misconduct to parents. My grandchildren know that I don't play.

They are required to maintain the same high standard of behavior in public as they do at home. Cameras would just ensure that.

Anita – Lauderhill, FL I was a teacher for over 30 years, and this is such a new concept for me. It is a very interesting idea. With today's technology, maybe it should be given a shot. If people were able to witness the students' true behavior, maybe there would be more understanding of the challenges that teachers and administrators face on a daily basis. When I was in the classroom, I didn't need a body camera. I gave out a lot of love.

Children need love more than anything else. They are not perfect, but when they believe that you are on their side, that's what's important.

Akeelah – Miami, FL This is good because everyone will know if the teachers and students are doing a good job. The presence of cameras would make children want to act their best. If my teachers wore body cameras, I would make sure that I do a great job in school, because I wouldn't want anything bad to happen.

Norman Nelson - Lauderhill, FL There are 2 sides to this. Considering the happenings in classrooms today, we definitely have to think about security. However, should teachers be required to be policemen or security guards, or is their primary job to teach? Things have changed. When I was going to school, wearing a bodycam was unheard of. School districts need to be very specific about what they hope to accomplish with these cameras.

Lorraine Baim – Chicago, IL I think it's a good idea. It protects the children as well as the teachers. The fact that a camera is present should make the student think twice about what they say and do in the classroom. Nowadays students get away with too much and it would be good to catch them in the act of their misbehavior.

Alton - Margate, FL I think that things have gotten outrageous. Bodycams take the focus away from the teachers simply teaching and students simply learning. Nowadays students and teachers live with a very real concern for their safety.

In a sense, these cameras are an invasion of privacy, but in light of the craziness happening in schools nowadays, it is necessary. My grandchildren shouldn't even worry about the presence of this technology if they are going to school for the right reasons.

Hermione and Lee – Ft. Lauderdale, FL I think this is a good idea. The world has changed since I was in school. It's dangerous now. You never know what to expect. There is no such thing as privacy in schools. There is too much going on nowadays. Right now it's a matter of security and safety. This is a new time. I think that body cameras should be used in all schools.

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| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

The State of our Community?

Caribbean-Americans need forum to address our progress and concerns Recently, officials and community advocates across Miami-Dade County, led by county Commission Chairman Jean Monestime, held the muchneeded “State of Black Miami” forum at Florida Memorial University.

There, individuals at the frontline of the community discussed ways to improve the quality of life of the county's black community with emphasis on youth empowerment, economic prosperity, community development and stemming the scourge of violence.

The forum was long overdue, shedding a light on the wide variety of unresolved issues impacting the black community, not only in Miami-Dade County, but throughout South Florida.

The forum recommended some potent solutions, and hopefully ongoing discussions and planning will see these recommendations develop. This forum's productivity, however, highlights the need for a similar platform for the Caribbean-American community, where leaders can brainstorm with residents over

shared issues. Although the Caribbean-American community is an integral part of the region's black community, it has its specific challenges and concerns that need to be urgently addressed.

Because of our immigrant past, as individuals, Caribbean-Americans historically faced different social and economic challenges. Yet the problems that need to be addressed don't pertain to individuals, but those of the wider community. One glaring issue is the economic viability of the Caribbean-American businesses. Many of our small businesses are located in South Florida, but their survival rates are limited due to difficulty raising financial capital to fund past the start-up phase. Over the past two decades, millions of dollars have been wasted and jobs lost because of the lack of efficient business planning, and sustained funding. Our community cannot evolve into a formidable social force if it doesn't have a strong business base.

A forum would help form strategies to deal with these limitations. We may require, as was suggested at the “State of Black Miami” forum, the pooling of investment resources to create a reliable source of available capital for businesses. The more successful

long-term businesses we can develop and sustain, the more jobs we can provide for our community.

Moreover, the growth of jobs will enhance the overall viability of our community.

Our community tends to focus on individualistic growth rather than our growth as a whole. This could be for various reasons – that we were mostly economic immigrants – seeking better job and education opportunities for ourselves and our families, rather that escaping a shared oppressive regime that would unify us all under a single, traumatic experience. However, even individualistic Caribbean-Americans are missing out on opportunities created from a strong, clearly identified Caribbean-American community. A forum would bring us together, training us on how to think of social issues collectively.

There are too many issues pertinent to CaribbeanAmericans that are discussed without our representation. We need a structured platform to provide the broadest contribution to those solutions. Caribbean Americans have the potential to be a strong, distinctive community, but we need to come together to make this a reality.

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The Forgotten Youth: Why targeting teen homelessness is critical to our communities Cheyenne Wakeland Hart The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that every year, over 1.7 million teens under 20 are homeless in America. That's approximately 34 percent of the entire homeless population. Yet despite this, homeless teens are often overlooked by the media and local government. As a result, runaways escaping abusive homes, teens aged out of the foster system, and other vulnerable groups, remain voiceless. And most tragically, young adult vagrancy often results from our own social failings. Regional and national action in preventing and targeting youth homelessness is necessary if we hope to break this cycle.

Without helping these teens while they are

young, living outside the system becomes their only way of life. Becoming an active part of society becomes harder after living their most impressionable years outside the mainstream.

For those that do seek vertical mobility, many often succumb to drugs, street violence, and the sex trade. Consequently, high percentages are unemployed or incarcerated. The National Health Care for the Homeless Committee report that the adult criminal justice system is disproportionately filled with young adults and older teens because of the system's “lack of emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation.”

However, if we as a community find a way to provide rehabilitation and support for homeless teens, we can stop this regression in its tracks.

Focusing on homeless youth could mean a drop in overall homelessness over time, as fewer teens transition to long-term adult homelessness. As we are now, without specific focus on this vulnerable community, we can never put an end to homeless. For each person that is rehabilitated, a next person replaces them. If we ever hope to break the cycle, we must target the youth.

With this exact idea in mind, many clinics around Florida are providing sanctuary and stability specifically for homeless children and teens. Organizations such as the Covenant House and Children's Home Society of Florida in Fort Lauderdale are setting up hotspots for teen homelessness in the area. But with limited

resources, funding, and awareness, their efforts are limited. These organizations rely on community support to achieve their goals, and need greater public awareness on this issue.

Through campaigns and charitable donations, more is being done to eradicate teen homelessness, but these efforts needs greater community support to reduce the number of kids robbed of their lives before they have a chance to move up in the world.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

A7

LA SECCION HAITIENNE

Big Night in Little Haiti says Farewell Popular concert series Big Night in Little Haiti had a triumphant farewell last Friday at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, as music fans gathered to celebrate their last event. Big Night, hosted every third Friday since March 2011, had to close because of lack of funding, said a statement from organizers, The Rhythm Foundation.

For the concert's last round, there were stellar performances from premier Kompas group Gabel, with DJ Mack Brazile keeping the

beat strong all night long. Local band RARA Lakay closed the night with the traditional rara parade spilling out the venue into Little Haiti.

The event initially launched with a $125,000 grant from the Knight Foundation, and another $120,000 grant to cover expenses for 2013 and 2014. And in 2015, the Knight Foundation dished out another $60,000. The final donation dried up in September.

Unfortunately, no major sponsor stepped forward to cover the expenses of the free

community concert, which cost $10,000 a month. “In a perfect world, we would have had a title sponsor," Rhythm Foundation director Laura Quinlan told the Herald. "I don't know why we didn't get one — it seemed to me like the project was so fundable. I imagined at the beginning that Target or Bank of America would come in and sponsor it. It was such a quality production. It was so family-friendly.

So many people came every month with their extended families. We had activities for kids

and great institutional partners.”

Quinlan does hope the foundation will soon be able to re-launch the popular event.

One new concert series has already popped up, promising to fill the void. “Sounds of Little Haiti”, will host a fun, family-friendly cultural activity every third Friday of the month at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, beginning May 20, with performances from Tabou Combo.

Uncertainty remains following Dorsainvil's iring from LHCC The future of the popular Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC) remains in flux, following Miami City Manager's Daniel Alfonso rejection of calls to reinstate LHCC's director Sandy Dorsainvil, who was recently fired without explanation by Alfonso.

Many among the Haitian-American community are rallying around the longtime LHCC director, who said she was not given any notice of her firing and was only given 30 minutes to clear her office. In response, a group of local leaders and advocates showed up to protest Dorsainvil's removal at the recent Commission meeting in Miami City Hall, demanding her reinstatement and an explanation for the manager's decision. Alfonso, however, refused to budge, saying the LHCC Director position is still “open for recruitment,” and did not expand on the reason behind Dorsainvil's

dismissal.

In response, a tearful City Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon called for greater transparency, and issued a motion to oust Alfonso. Eventually, Mayor Tomás Regalado stepped in, promising he would veto any motion to dismiss Alfonso. Without enough votes to overcome a veto, Hardemon rescinded his motion, but offered Dorsainvil a job in his office, starting this week.

Functioning now without a formal director, LHCC's fate remains ambiguous. The only possible explanation Dorsainvil has put forward for her firing has been the recent debate on the LHCC's focus on showcasing Haitian-American and Caribbean-American culture.

“Just feel maybe I wasn't moving the complex in the direction that the Department of Real estate and Asset Manage wanted,” said

Dorsainvil in an interview with Miami Herald. “there's been lost of conversations about…making [LHCC] less a community-oriented venue and more of a rental facility that can generate revenue.”

The situation has sparked much unease among community advocates about whether LHCC will remain accessible to the community, particularly as Little Haiti faces growing concerns of regentrification with rising rent prices and investors purchasing property in the neighborhood, due to Little Haiti's location adjacent to the high-end neighborhoods such as Wynwood and the Design District.

“We are not against evolution, but we need to preserve the history and culture of a people who sacrificed so much to get here,” says Jan Mapou, founder of famed Libreri Mapou and a member of the original committee which oversaw the

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center's development. “Sandy kept the Center focused, developing programs that promoted and preserved Haitian culture. The center was build with money from the community, so the center should be 100 percent for the community and run by the community.”

Meanwhile, many among the community have not given up on reinstating Dorsainvil. A group of community members have launched an online campaign, #HireSandyBack to spread awareness on the issue.

“We are taking every opportunity to show that she did nothing wrong,” says Gepsie Metellus, founder of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center. “I am in favor of and actively involved in the efforts to get Sandy reinstated. We need to spread awareness about her success, and the alliance she created to make [LHCC] a shining jewel in Miami.”

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| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

Feds set up fake university to catch F-1 visa sting Attorney Caroly Pedersen, Esq. In an effort to crack down on so-called “Pay-to-Stay” university schemes, which allow foreign students to stay in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa without actually attending school, federal agents created a fake university to lure individuals searching to take advantage of such fraud.

As a result, some 21 brokers, recruiters, and employers nationwide were arrested in the sting. The thousand or so foreign students who applied for visas to the college have not yet been arrested, but are likely to be contacted by U.S. Immigration and Custom's Enforcement's (ICE) officials and may be subject to removal.

Cap reached for this year's H-1B visa On Thursday, April 7th, the USCIS announced that it had received an excess number of new H-1B application for the 65,000 regular cap and 20,000 masters cap. The USCIS will conduct a random lottery to select applications from the thousands received. The first such randomly selected are 20,000 for foreign nationals who have U.S. Masters or above degrees, then 65,000 for all other applications. Applications that are not selected will be rejected and returned to the applicants along with all filing fees.

Operating from New Jersey, the fake University of Northern New Jersey (UNNJ) sought out international students both in the U.S. and abroad to attend the phony school. The UNNJ was not staffed with instructors, had no curriculum, and conducted no actual classes or education activities. Agents say that all prospective students were told that they would not have to attend any actual courses, earn credits, or make academic progress toward a degree.

Instead, false student records, including transcripts, attendance records, and diplomas, could be purchased by the foreign student to demonstrate fulfillment of academic requirements. And in yet another scheme, recruiters used the fake university to apply for work authorization and work visas for students, H1-B visas and even labor certifications for immigrant visas.

Contributions to this column are made by Attorney Caroly Pedersen, Esq. of the American Immigration Law Center. Call 954-382-5378

Question: I am a U.S. citizen and getting married, and my sister applied for a visa to come for my wedding in June. She just got denied yesterday for something called 214 B. Can you please tell me what does that mean? Can she reapply?

Answer: A visa denial under section 214(b) is one of the most common types of visa denials, normally based upon the consular officer's belief that the applicant has the “intent to immigrate” to the U.S. 214(b) denials are usually issued when a foreign national is not able to convince the consular officer that he or she has “strong ties” to their home country, which would likely compel the applicant to return home at the end of their visit and not stay in the U.S. Demonstration of “strong ties” includes documents proving that the applicant is employed, owns a home or other real estate and has close family members who reside in the home country. Most foreign nationals mistakenly believe that the fact that they have family in the U.S. will work in their favor when applying for a U.S. Visitor Visa (B1/B2). However, contrary to popular belief, close relatives in the U.S. such as U.S. citizen or resident parents, spouses or children can have a very negative impact on an application, since the mere presence of such relatives in the U.S. tends to show that an applicant might be more prone to want to stay in the U.S. In your sister's case, it's hard to know exactly why she was denied, since I don't know if she is employed or has property titled in her name and significant funds in her bank account in her home country to show that she intends to return there once her temporary visit in the U.S. has ended. Unfortunately your sister will not be able to make it to the U.S. for your wedding. The best thing in the future is for her to wait 6 months then reapply again, this time providing extensive documents, which would establish that she does intend to return home.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

B1

The Four must-have legal documents Georgia D.N. Robinson, Esq. When I was a child, I really loved to read “Tell Me Why” in the Jamaican Gleaner, because it helped me to understand so many things. As an adult, I have come to learn that the most important factor that determines our actions is our “Why” – our motivation, the reason why we should do what we need to do.

As an attorney who counsels families with ailing parents and during the death of loved ones, I have found that my clients are more motivated to take action when I tell them a powerful “why” – the benefits of the recommended action. As human beings, we are all tuned in to WIIFM? (What's In It For Me?) even when what should be done is in our

own best interest.

So what are the “four must have” legal documents, and why should everyone have them? I tell all my potential clients that when you are over 18 years of age, the four most important legal documents to have are: your Health Care Directive, your Power of Attorney, your Trust and Last Will and Testament. Without these documents, the government will make your decisions in the event of sickness or death. If you are over 40 years old, these papers are even more important. At this age, you are more likely to have minor children, to have a house and a pension, to be single or in a second marriage.

Getting these papers ready helps us to reduce the anxiety of dealing with the three

most expected unexpected events in our lives: aging, sickness and death. When you have your Health Care Directive, Power of Attorney, Trust and Last Will and Testament, you'll reduce taxes, attorney's fees and court costs associated with the guardianship and probate process, as well as ease the burden on loved ones. And more importantly, you protect your hard earned money and preserve your dignity in life and death, avoiding becoming a ward of the court.

Too many people, Caribbean-Americans in particular, are aging and dying without these basic legal documents in place. Then their loved ones are left with difficult and costly options, family conflict, government intervention and delays.

Preparing these four documents will take a few hours and cost much less than you think.

But best of all, it will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on living well, knowing that you are in control of your life in health, sickness and in death. You can rest assured knowing that you have chosen someone who will honor your wishes while you are alive. You will also know that your assets will be distributed to the persons and organizations (including your church, library and alumni organization) that you choose, and your minor children will be taken care of.

Georgia D.N. Robinson is an attorney and mediator in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

She can be reached at 954-535-0827 or at robinsonlawmediation@gmail.com.

Misdemeanor and felony charges – what's the difference?

Legal-Aid Attorney Wolde Rose Those who read or watch news reports often hear of people being charged either with a felony or a misdemeanor. But is there a difference between these charges? See our breakdown below.

Misdemeanors: According to Florida law, a misdemeanor is any criminal offense subject to a sentence in a county correctional center for no more than 12 months. Contrary to popular belief, misdemeanors don't include convictions for routine or noncriminal traffic violations. County courts have jurisdiction in all misdemeanor cases.

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, and are categorized by first and second degrees. First degree carries county jail sentences up to one year, while second degree convictions attract up to 60 days. However, for both first and second degrees, the court can enforce a probationary sentence for a similar maximum period.

Alternatively, the sentence for both degrees can include a combination of probation and jail time, or maximum jail time, if the convict reneges on their probation. Some misdemeanors can be advanced to felony charges, depending on the prosecution's findings.

Felonies: A felony constitutes a much more serious crime, which according to Florida law,

calls for a state prison sentence for over a year, and in some case, life imprisonment and the death penalty. Circuit courts have jurisdiction over felony cases. There are five categories of felonies created by the Florida Legislature with specific sentences: Capital Felony: A defendant convicted of a capital felony must be punished by death if the proceeding held to determine sentence determines so. The alternative is for the convict to be punished by life imprisonment, without eligibility for parole.

Life Felony: A defendant who has been convicted of a life felony may be sentenced to life

in prison or for 25 to 40 years. People convicted after September 1, 2005 were subject to a life imprisonment, or a split sentence not less than 25 years' imprisonment, followed by probation for the remainder of the person's natural life.

First Degree Felony: Someone convicted of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a prison term not exceeding 30 years, or by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment.

Second Degree Felony: This felony can result in a prison sentence not exceeding 15 years.

Third Degree Felony: This can result in a prison sentence not exceeding 5 years.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

Spotlight: Leea Stewart

Young artist takes family's musical legacy to the next generation Tell us about your latest song, “I'll Be Right There”?

My brother had a box guitar, playing these chords. And I just started to sing. The whole thing just came out. I was going through my own personal struggles at the time, and it just felt like the song was giving me strength from God. That though you feel like you're losing ground – like your world is coming to an end, God is right there with you.

Monique McIntosh Upcoming new artist Leea Stewart has some serious musical pedigree, as daughter of percussionist Willie Stewart of Third World fame, and niece to calypso pioneer Byron Lee of ByronLee and the Dragonaires. But make no mistake – Leea stands out in her own right, offering pop music reflecting her soulful roots and eclectic, global perspective. Fresh off her latest release “I'll Be Right There,” the hit lead track for new movie, “The Heart of Summer,” National Weekly sat down with the starlet to discuss her inspirations and upcoming projects.

How would you describe your style of music?

I never really boxed myself into one particular genre. I've always done many kinds of music. Pop, R&B, and fusion, with a hint of all different cultures, all genres. I left Jamaica when I was 7 and lived in London, and now Florida for 14 years. I've been lucky to encounter all sorts of music – house music, funk. So I love to draw on all different styles for inspiration. But I won't say that I’ll ever forget reggae. It runs in the blood.

How has your family inspired your work?

My dad always taught me the drum is your heartbeat. Music is a place to express yourself and heal yourself and others. I think that's why I have that drive to make purposeful music that can uplift people. And my brother, [Monea Stewart] he's taught me to be a perfectionist, always aim for the best take, the best lyric. And he'll always there telling me to keep on believing in my music.

Do you have any other upcoming projects?

I'm working on an EPK to be released over the summer. It doesn't fit into a box genre-wise, but the music deals with things people can relate to. I hope the music can bring people through a hard time, inspire them and encourage them.

Where next can fans see you perform?

Next I'm performing with Daddy on May 7th for the Tribute to Mothers Concert [starting 6 p.m. at the Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church in Pembroke Pines]. He's bringing together some great musicians. It's a lot of fun vibing with them, learning from people who have been doing music for so long.

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11 Try A Little Smile Adele Hartley

Jack Radics headlines “A Caribbean Style” Mother's Day Show Platinum-selling Jamaican singer Jack Radics leads an all star lineup from across the Caribbean for A Caribbean Style Mother's Day Show, set for Saturday, May 7, starting 8 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.

Dedicated to mothers in celebration of Mother's Day, this concert also marks Radics' first performance in Florida in over twenty years. R&B singer Christopher Williams, actor David Heron, the Blak Diamond Band and South Florida-based musical duo Sons of Mystro complete the lineup for this eagerly

anticipated event.

“This will be much more than just a music concert,” says the event's producer Michelle Knight Stanley. “This carefully chosen lineup of artists spanning the worlds of music, theater, film and television guarantees that the production will transcend the music art form. It will be a unique evening to cherish for moms and the entire family.”

In a career spanning nearly three decades, Jack Radics has sold over three million records worldwide and is a Guinness Book of World Records holder for the fastest selling reggae cover “Twist and Shout” – a collaboration with Chaka Demus and Pliers. His latest single, “Make You Mine,” from latest album “Way 2

Long,” rose to number 9 on Billboard's Top 20 singles chart within three weeks of its release last fall.

Christopher Williams rose to prominence in the early 1990s with a series of hit singles.

His latest album, “Simply Christopher” was released to strong reviews last fall. As an actor, his credits include films such as “New Jack City” and “Gunmen,” and on popular reality series, “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

The Jamaican-born David Heron will serve as host for the production. He has penned the award-winning plays “Ecstasy,” “Intermission,” “Against His Will” and “Love and Marriage and New York City.” His acting career includes OffBroadway and regional appearances, including

his recent performance in the world premiere production of “Marley – The Musical” at Baltimore Center Stage.

The popular Blak Diamond band is spearheaded by renowned bass player Ryan Wilson, and includes accomplished musicians from across the Caribbean, while the performing duo Sons of Mystro are sibling “violin virtuosos,” hailed ever since emerging on the South Florida music scene in 2010.

Part proceeds from A Caribbean Style Mother's Day will be donated to Young People Matter (YPM), an organization that provides assistance to young people and families in need.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

B3

HEALTH

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

When it comes to a fast metabolism, some people seem to have it easy. However, modifying your exercise habits and making wiser food choices are two ways anyone can achieve a faster metabolism and a smaller waistline.

THE WISDOM TOOTH DR. SHARON ROBINSON

Some teeth have cracks that are too small to show up on X-rays.

Sometimes the cracks are under the gum. These small cracks are known as "cracked tooth syndrome."

Causes Cracked tooth syndrome is most common in lower back teeth (molars). That's because these teeth absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth are more likely to have cracked tooth syndrome. Sometimes, the way a person's teeth come together can put too much pressure on one tooth. This can cause the teeth to crack.

Teeth with large fillings may also be more likely to crack, as well as teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, because they become weaker than other teeth. People with one cracked tooth are more likely to have others, either at the same time or in the future.

Symptoms The tooth may hurt sometimes when you bite or chew. The sensitivity or pain can be mild or intense. It may last a brief time or a long time. It may be painful only when you eat certain foods or when you bite in a specific way.

You will not feel a constant ache, as you would if you had a cavity or abscess. The tooth may be more sensitive to cold temperatures.

If the crack gets bigger, a piece of the tooth may break off. You may also develop an infection. This can happen in the gum around the fractured tooth. You may notice a pimplelike bump on the gum near the tooth. Pus may drain from the pimple. This is known as a fistula. Many people with cracked tooth syndrome have symptoms for months.

Cracked tooth syndrome is one of the most difficult dental problems to diagnose because the pain is not predictable. Your dentist may

Foods to fire up your metabolism

refer you to an endodontist (root canal specialist).

Diagnosis Your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth, focusing on the tooth in question. They may use a sharp instrument called an explorer to feel for cracks in the tooth. Your dentist also will look at the gums around the tooth. X-rays may be taken, but they often don't show the crack. Your dentist may also use special tools to test the tooth. One tool looks like a toothbrush without bristles, which fits over one part of the tooth at a time as you bite down. If you feel pain, the part of the tooth being tested most likely has a crack in it. Your dentist may shine a very bright light on the tooth. He or she may stain it with a special dye. If the tooth already has a filling or crown, your dentist may remove it in order to see the tooth better.

Treatment Treatments for cracked tooth syndrome do not always relieve the symptoms. Treatment depends on where the crack is, how deep it is, and how large it is. Sometimes a crack affects one or more cusps of a tooth. These are the highest points of the tooth. In this case, the tooth may be fixed with a crown. When cracks affect the pulp (the center of the tooth) where the nerves and blood vessels are, the tooth will need root canal treatment.

About 20 percent of teeth with cracked tooth syndrome will need root canals. After a root canal, the tooth will no longer be sensitive to temperature, but it will still respond to pressure. If you felt pain before the root canal, you may still feel some pain afterward. It probably will not be as intense or as frequent, but it may still occur.

In some cases, however, the tooth may need to be removed. Some cracks affect the root of the tooth in the jaw, and there's no way to fix this type of crack. If your tooth is removed, you can have it replaced with an implant or a bridge.

Your dentist can make a night guard (a plastic bite piece) to prevent you from grinding your teeth. This will relieve the pain from grinding. For some people it can stop tooth sensitivity. The night guard can be worn during sleep. It also can be worn at other times if clenching or grinding happens during waking hours.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS may be reached at The Dental Place, located at 6738 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite #105, Plantation, Fl. 33313. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 954-792-1857 or visit the website www.dentalplace4u.com.

Increased physical activity affects the metabolism more than anything else, but before you opt to take the stairs over the elevator, make sure you are fueling your body with the energy it needs. A great first step is to examine your diet and understand which foods will give you long-lasting energy to help you move more during the day and burn more calories. So check out these key foods recommended to help boost metabolism:

Eggs The satiating and blood sugar stabilizing protein found in eggs helps keep you full and extends the power boost from carbohydrates like oats. Eggs also includes vitamin B12, a nutrient that assists the body in creating energy, as well as double the omega-3s which stimulate leptin, a hormone that increases feelings of fullness.

Oats The complex carbohydrates in oats fuel your brain and your body. Without them, your metabolism will suffer because you'll have very little energy to be active and burn calories. Oats are also fiber-filled which helps extend energy levels.

Berries Berries, such as blackberries and strawberries, taste great and contain the phytochemical known as Cyanidin-3glucoside (C3G). Research shows C3G aids in the production of both adiponectin, which enhances fat metabolism, and leptin, which suppresses appetite.

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

Back to the farm That’s the story of Elliot Reynolds, who with his brothers owns and operates a 56-acre farm in the Redlands, Southwest Miami. They found that with thousands of Caribbean migrants living in South Florida, and lots of land available in the region, “in recent years more Caribbean American farmers are operating farms growing produce similar to that grown in the Caribbean,” said Reynolds.

Their farm specializes in growing strawberries, assorted green vegetables and tomatoes, but also grows large acres of popular Caribbean ingredients such as scotch-bonnet peppers and callaloo. Farming callaloo was not quite what Reynolds pictured when he migrated from Jamaica to Florida 21 years ago.

from A1

He knew little about farming, but living in Southwest Miami he saw an “array of farms in places like the Redlands and Homestead, and I decided to give up my white collar job, bought the land and began to operate the farm.”

He admits farming is hard work, but finds it profitable, as there's “constant demand for fruits and vegetables by middlemen who supply the big supermarkets.”

Operating on a smaller scale, Jamaicanborn Al Fearon owns and runs a five-acre farm in West Davie, where he grows callaloo – a profitable product reliably marketable to several local Jamaican grocery stores.

But replicating some of the familiar flavors for the Caribbean-American market, says Fearson, has proven tricky. He initially planned to grow produce like scotch bonnet peppers, but because of South Florida's soil and climatic

conditions, these peppers noted for their peculiar flavor, “can't be the same as those grown and imported from Jamaica.”

Dennis Martin, who owns a twenty-acre farm in Davie, has found a similar problem with his produce. He first tried growing scotch bonnet peppers, but also found the flavor “wasn't right compared with the peppers grown in Jamaica.” He switched to growing sour-sop, June plums, avocados and green vegetables.

“Although I have reliable market for my products, I still find the June plum and avocadoes aren't of that rich quality grown in Jamaica,” said Martin. “If we could only import the Jamaican soil to South Florida.”

David Saunders of the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDA) – where all farmers must be licensed to operate – has certainly seen an uptick in Caribbean-Americans applying to

operate their own farms. But “either through insufficient research or attention to farming details, some of these farms are struggling,” says Saunders.

This could be because many of the applicants “are businessmen and professionals who purchased and operate small farms to secure income-tax write off,” argues Saunders, as property owners are given property tax breaks if they farm within “greenbelts” or designated agricultural property. “But most of these owners are absentee farmers, not giving their farms undivided attention. Farms need rain, sunshine, good soil and focused attention to be productive, especially as some are subject to a variety of pests.”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

Everyday Hero

ChildCaribbean abuse Village from A1

returns to Lauderhill students with behavioral conditions such as

integrate autism.

“The Diaspora can contribute by fundraising. Children in abusive environments need to be in safe homes, and homes and boarding institutions require extensive funding,” says Minister Reid. “The Diaspora can also help by speaking out. Write articles, post on social media. Make your voices be heard though your consulates. Collective influence can bring pressure on this issue.”

“We thought it ideal for Senator Reid to be invited to address this critical manner of preventing child abuse affecting children in Jamaica, the USA and elsewhere,” said the founder of the NUH GUH DEH campaign, Lavern Deer.

“We are extremely pleased that even as the new administration in Jamaica grapples with the challenges of government, Senator Reid, who has three very critical portfolios coping with, has taken time out to attend the gala and join us in this very important struggle.”

Senator Reid who is also the principal of Jamaica College (JC), one of Jamaica's oldest high schools, took leave from that institution to accept Prime Minister Andrew Holness' invitation to join his Cabinet after the Jamaica Labor Party's general election victory on February 25.

Referred to as the “reluctant politician” Senator Reid is generally regarded as an “outstanding educator” among Jamaica's education circles, and has been targeted by previous administrations to serve under the education portfolio.

Kevin Turner of Miramar, who was a senior at Jamaica's Munro College when Senator Reid began his teaching career there in 1996, describes the minister as “not only an A-class educator, but someone who take the positive development of youth very seriously. He's ideal for addressing the need to protect young people from all forms of abuse.”

Senator Reid was conferred with the Jamaican Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2011, and formerly served as chairman of Jamaica's National Council on Education, and chairman of the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Also at Saturday night’s Gala, Florida State Representative, and Hazelle Rogers, and Angela Messam, wife of Miramar's mayor Wayne Messam, will be honored with the PROTECT THEM Humanitarian Award. Both women are being honored for “their outstanding efforts in the community to educate, integrate and motivate via information-sharing, as well as their proven ability to make a difference in the lives of the people they've touched through their work and community involvement.”

The gala will take place on Saturday, April 23, starting 6 p.m. at the Carolina Golf Club in Margate.

Jamaican-American awarded for bravery in car crash Jamaican-born Plantation resident, Jephtah Thomas, has received a civilian citation from the Plantation Fire Department for his act of bravery rescuing a father and young daughter last month from a car crash.

Thomas was presented his citation in a special ceremony

by City of Plantation Fire Chief, E. Laney Stearns III and City of Plantation Mayor Diane Veltri Bendekovic. Also on hand were the father and 10-year-old daughter Thomas rescued from the canal crash, Haitian-born Teophil Omigat, and his daughter Vasthie, who have stayed in touch with Thomas since the accident, and now consider him a close family friend.

The crash occurred on March 11, when Omigat, heading to drop off Vasthie at school, when he lost control of his van, and crashed into the Sunrise Boulevard Canal. Passing on his way to work in Boca Raton, Thomas saw a van quickly sinking into the canal. Seeing the car in distress, “I immediately called 911,” said Thomas in a previous interview with the National Weekly after the incident. “Then without a second thought I jumped into the canal to try and save whoever was in that vehicle.”

Thomas saw Omigat in the backseat trying to open the windows to get his ten-year old daughter out. “As if a miracle, I managed to place my fingers in a slight space between the door frame and window, broke it and helped Omigat and

Jamaican-born Plantation resident, Jephtah Thomas, has received a civilian citation from the Plantation Fire Department for his act of bravery rescuing a father and young daughter last month from a car crash.

Vasthie, his daughter, out,” recalled Thomas. The pair incurred minor injuries, were treated at the Plantation General Hospital and released.

Describing himself as a “God fearing man, but not an ardent church-goer” Thomas, a Seven-Day Adventist, believes saving the Omigat's “was sheer divine intervention. I was sent there at the right time to save those people.”

FORT LAUDERDALE

Dancing with Dignitaries at Guyana's 50th Anniversary Gala Jahlisa Harvey Start celebrating Guyana's 50th independence anniversary in style, as the South Florida Guyanese Association gets set to host their annual Independence Gala on April 30, starting 7 p.m. at the Signature Grand in Fort Lauderdale. In honor of this special anniversary and first ever recognized Gala, attendees will enjoy a night of dinner, dancing and dignitaries from Guyana and across the Caribbean and North America.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, will give the keynote address alongside the Mistress and Master of Ceremonies, Guyanese-American Police Chief Ian Moffett of Miami Dade School Board and Trinidadian-American Neki Mohan of Channel 10 news.

Entertainment includes a slew of Caribbean talent, including locally-based Guyanese band leader Harold Caribbean, Guyanese crooner Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, who previously performed with calypso legends Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Miami-based traditional Indian Tassa drummers and dancers, as well as DJ C-Roy of WAVS Radio.

Guyana's 50th Anniversary Gala is hosted by South Florida Guyanese Association in collaboration with Joy Agness events and the Guyanese Sports Development Association (GSDF).

Part of the gala's proceeds will be donated to the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, a Georgetown-based nonprofit dedicated to providing sexual and reproductive healthcare for young women.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16 –

B7

TRACK & FIELD

GYMNASTICS

Blake back in ghting form

Jamaica gets irst Olympic qualifying gymnast

After a string of injuries, Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake showed he is back in fighting form, winning the 100 meters in a world-leading 9.95 seconds at the recent MVP Classic meet held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

After a late start from the blocks, Blake was able to recover nicely and accelerate against a tail-wind of 1.6 mps.

Sprintec's Dwyer was second in 10.10, the same time as third-placed Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain. The win was welcomed news for Blake, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury for the past two years.

“I felt really good from the relay and I said to myself and my friend I am gonna get a nine something or the world lead,” he said to The Jamaica Gleaner following his win.

As for whether this most recent performance bodes well for Blake's potential this year – particularly the Jamaica Olympic Trails coming up next June, Blake remained cautious, but grateful.

“I don't want to set any expectations, but as I say God is good,” said Blake. “Oh my God it has been really tough, but thank God my friends who have been there, my coach… has been working really hard on getting the leg up to scratch and right now it's firing.”

Blake

Jamaican Toni-Ann Williams has made history, becoming the island's first gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

CRICKET

West Indies’ Legends rally against WICB Several West Indian cricket legends are rallying together to support CARICOM's recommendation to disband the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). The group, dubbed the West Indies Cricket Legends Panel, criticized the board's stagnancy, disorder and unaccountability.

“During the last two decades, many different presidents and CEOs have led the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and yet, its performance has declined steadily with each passing year," the group said in a press release.

"The Board is an oligarchic structure that considers itself answerable to no one but itself.

It is one of the few sporting institutions that have remained virtually unchanged in attitude and structure in the last 70 years or more."

The dissenting group, led by famed Barbadian all-rounder Garry Sobers, met with Grenada Prime Minister over the weekend to discuss their concerns. Other Legends members in attendance at the meeting were allrounder Roger Harper, fast bowler Charlie

Sobers

“We are very proud of our legacy," the release said. "We cannot now in good conscience stand idly by and watch everything that we fought so hard to build and achieve disappear right before our eyes because of the actions of inept Board members and an incompetent Board."

Griffith, wicketkeeper Deryck Murray, (who was also member of the CARICOM review panel) leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine, (previous president of the West Indies Players Association) and opening batsman, Desmond Haynes.

The group concurred with CARICOM's recommendation that the WICB become accountable to CARICOM authorities, and that the board should “undergo structural adjustment.”

Although many of the players have voiced opposition against the WICB in the past, this marks the first time a formal group has been formed in opposition to the WICB. “We are very proud of our legacy," the release said. "We cannot now in good conscience stand idly by and watch everything that we fought so hard to build and achieve disappear right before our eyes because of the actions of inept Board members and an incompetent Board."

– West Indies’ Legends press release

Williams came in at 38th place overall at the recent Olympic Test event for this summer's 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She scored as an individual not competing with a full team, with a 52.931 total in the all-around event.

The athlete's highest score of the day came as a 14.066 on vault, which ranked her 24th among competitors. She also finished in the top 35 on beam (29th, 13.666) and floor (32nd, 13.366). Williams tallied an 11.833 on bars.

Williams

“What an amazing accomplishment,” praised Williams' coach Justin Howell on her qualifying performance. “It's a little surreal at the moment, but we believed without a doubt that she would qualify.”

A UC Berkley Student, Williams had skipped the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships to compete at the Rio Olympic Test Event. But fellow countryman, Jamaican-born Danusia Francis, opted to compete in the Championships, winning first place in the balance beam event. Williams initially finished below Francis at last year's World Championships, but was given the nod by the Jamaica Gymnastics Association to compete at the Rio event.

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B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 21 – APR 27, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 16

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