National Weekly December 22, 2016

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

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

LOCAL

FLORIDA COMPANIES FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST MIN. WAGE INCREASE PAGE A3

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

I N

F L O R I D A

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

Grammy or ‘Shammy’?

Freddie McGregor has had enough of the Grammys

Jahlisa Harvey

WHAT SPECIAL GIFT ARE YOU HOPING FOR THIS CHRISTMAS? PAGE A5

SPORTS

HOLNESS LEADS TALKS FOR CRICKET AT CENTRAL BROWARD PARK PAGE B7 ENTERTAINMENT

CHRONIXX RELEASES NEW ALBUM AND NORTH AMERICAN TOUR PAGE B1 COMMUNITY

A FEW TIPS FOR HANDLING HOLIDAY HEALTH PAGE B2

Internationally acclaimed, Jamaican icon and singer Freddie McGregor, O.D., has had enough of the Grammys, the 59-year-old American music institution; calling the reggae awards category of the organization “an embarrassment of indescribable magnitude to reggae music.” continues on B1 – Grammy or ‘Shammy?’

Pauline Grant TCI voters elect rst female Premier fires back!

Former Broward Health CEO files lawsuit against Board

by Dr. Garth A. Rose

Following her recent dismissal, former Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Broward Health (BH), Pauline Grant has responded with a law against her former employer.

Grant

On December 1, in an unexpected move by the BH Board, Grant was fired on allegations of accepting kickbacks from a physician during her prior tenure as CEO of Broward Health North in 2015.

Despite wide scale protests, the details of the allegations are yet to be revealed by the Board.

Protests have led to the Broward County Commission withholding an $8.5 million grant to assist the hospital in providing healthcare services to poor residents.

Grant who has strongly denied the allegations filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Broward Health. The lawsuit filed specifically against BH general counsel Lyn Barrett and the four Board members that participated in the December 1 meeting, claims the Board and general counsel violated Florida's open-meetings law in deciding Grant's dismissal.

The lawsuit claims Barrett collaborated with individual board members prior to the December 1 meeting, and made the continues on B4 – Pauline Grant

by Kathy Barrett

History was created in the British Oversees Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, December 15 when attorney at law Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was elected the first female premier after leading the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) to victory.

On the weekend, Cartwright Robinson, who was born in The Bahamas, received the Proclamation for Premier from Governor John Freeman and will serve a four-year term.

An attorney, she was admitted to the bar in the TCI in 1998 and eventually opened her own law firm – Cartwright & Co. while also lecturing at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

She entered the political area and became a candidate in the general elections of 2003 and 2012.

Cartwright Robinson, was the first female to serve her party as Vice Chairman, Secretary General and National Chairman and Deputy Leader.

In 2012, she was appointed leader of the PDM and in the general election of that year she was deemed the most popular politician after amassing the most votes of the all island candidates.

While on the campaign trail in the lead up to this year's general election, Cartwright Robinson,45, promised citizens that they will have their “fair share “ of wealth. She then led the PDM to victory, winning seven of the 10 constituencies. continues on B4 – TCI Premier

Robinson

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| THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

Educa on Counts Lisa Dunkley, former netballer; Barbara Gayle, chair of the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coali on scholarship commi ee, and Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Hazelle Rogers present the Hazelle Rogers Caribbean Friends of Florida Memorial University scholarship (Photo by: Donovan Bedassee)

When God Speaks Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, during her Gospel Album meet and greet held at the VP Records Retail Store in Miramar on Saturday (Photo by: Roy Sweetland)

Merry Time of Year Mayor of the City of Miramar, Wayne Messam during Santa's Polar Express at the City of Miramar's Cultural Center.

(Contributed)

Three's Company Mark Cameron, AJ Brown, & Paul Campbell at the Art Music & Cuisine event at KROMA Art Space & Studios Miami (Photo by: Roy Sweetland)

Black and White Ball Recipients of the Unsung Community Hero award with members of the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coali on. (Photo by: Donovan Bedassee)

Black and White Ball Juanita Phillips of Laparkan Shipping with Glenn Joseph receiving her Unsung Hero Award for community service (Photo by: Donovan Bedassee)

Naughty or Nice Vice Mayor of Miramar, Maxwell Chambers joined more than 200 Miramar residents Saturday to enjoy a hot breakfast, and for making Santa's "Nice List", each child received a special Christmas gi . (Contributed)

Winner Winner Jason Currie, winner of the JN Money Transfer 12 Days of Christmas Promo on campaign. (Contributed)

MVP Peter-Lee Vassell of Jamaica's AllIsland Under-19 team collects his MVP award from President of CASA Richard Campbell and board member Maxine Dwyer following the CASA Youth Classic at the Lauderhill Sports Park over the weekend. (Photo by: Dreamy Riley)

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

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LOCAL

Companies le lawsuit against wage increase Three major companies in Florida have filed a joint lawsuit to halt plans for an increase in the minimum wage, as approved by Miami Beach, effective January 1.

The lawsuit by Florida Retail Federation (FRF), Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, claims that the Miami Beach ordinance disregards a state statute which states that the Florida Legislature sets one consistent minimum wage for the state. This statute also allows local government entities within the state to adopt ordinances to exceed this minimum wage for those working or contracting with the local government.

Last June the City of Miami Beach led by

Mayor Philip Levine, approved legislation to raise the minimum wage to $10.31 cents per hour in January 2018 and incrementally by $1.00 per hour annually to $13.21 per hour in 2021.

With approval, the minimum wage in the state is scheduled to be increased to $8.10 per hour.

Although Florida workers and their unions are actively lobbying for Florida's Legislature to increase the minimum wage to between $10 to $15 per hour, reports indicate the states large corporations are not so inclined.

In countering the group's lawsuit, attorneys for the City of Miami Beach claim that Florida law is unconstitutional as in 2004 Florida voters approved an amendment allowing cities to set their respective minimum wages.

According to Frank Spaulding, a member of the Miami chapter of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) if the companies win their case – “it would be a very steep hill to

climb to get the state to improve the state's minimum wage.”

Miami Beach attorney Lois Frankel, believes it would be better for cities to set living wages for groups of workers, - a stance taken by Broward county earlier this year, “and leave the contentious debate over the state's minimum wage law to the Florida Legislature.”

In commenting on the lawsuit, FRF's President/CEO Randy Miller said, the proposed increase “will certainly lead to lost jobs, as small businesses, which make up 80 percent of Florida businesses, only have a finite amount of money to spend on salaries.”

For his part, Mark Wilson, President/CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce believes that “ a patchwork of government wage regulations and mandates hurts job seekers, small businesses, and Florida.”

While President/CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Carol

Dover, said “This is a critical issue that must be addressed to protect all Florida's employers, including the $89.1 billion hospitality industry which employs 1.2 million dedicated workers.”

Employees have also had their say “this is a joke, and impossible to live a decent life without having second jobs,” said an employee at a Lauderhill business.

The FRF consists of some of the region's largest employers, including Office Depot, Walgreens, Publix, Macy's, Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowes, Auto Zone and Hard Rock.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, include popular restaurants such as I Hop, Outback Stake-House, Applebees, Red Lobster and hotels in the Holyday Inn, Hilton and Best Western chains.

South Florida high schools achieve record graduation rates The 2015/16 school year in South Florida saw record high school graduation rates. In Palm Beach country, schools recorded a graduation rate of 82 percent; Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) reached a record of 80.4 percent and in the Broward County School District, 79 percent of seniors graduated.

The M-DCPS 2015/16 academic year graduation rate is 2.3 percent higher when compared to the 78.1 percent attained in the previous year. The rate is also the highest achieved by M-DCPS since the Florida Department of Education (FDE) began tracking graduation statistics with modern methods in the late 1990's. In addition, the District's graduation rate increased by close to 22 percent from 58.7

percent in 2006-2007.

“The graduation rates released by the Florida Department of Education demonstrate student academic progress in Miami-Dade County Public Schools continues to rise,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “Our school district's record-high graduation rate is a direct result of instructional rigor, teaching ingenuity, and education professionals who care about every student in every classroom. With a staggering, nearly 22 percent increase in the graduation rate since 2007, the three largest ethnic subgroups in Miami-Dade surpassed their counterparts across the State.”

Carvalho has attributed the District's impressive graduation rate to several strategies,

including - a comprehensive tracking tool that monitors the progress of students through high school by ensuring that they meet established graduation requirements; assistance from Student Services staff to students as early as 9th grade to ensure they are completing requirements on time; and enrichment programs focusing on literacy that prepares students to meet the assessment graduation requirements of the state.

One of the more impressive increases in public school graduation rates was seen at the South Plantation High in Broward County where the rates increased from 90.3 per cent in 2015 to 93.8 percent last year. Meanwhile, the Pompano High School and Nova High School recorded a graduation rate of 100 and 98.5 percent

respectively.

In Palm Beach County, Suncoast Community High School had a 100 percent graduation rate this academic year, and South Tech Academy a 95.8 percent rate.

Fifteen high schools in Palm Beach County attained graduation rates of 90 percent or more.

The Palm Beach County School District is targeting an average graduation rate of 90 percent by 2021.

Based on the latest results, and the FDE factoring graduating rates in grading schools in the state, school administrators have stated that they will place emphasis on providing assistance to help more students graduate.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

BARBADOS

GUYANA

Barbados records increase in respiratory illnesses

Guyana pledges to combat human trafcking

Barbados is recording an increase in respiratory illnesses in November 2016 as compared to the same period last year.

The Ministry of Health did not give figures to indicate the number of cases, but noted that “for the subset of cases tested, the causative organism was not the flu virus but mostly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

“Nevertheless, PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) has advised that the incidence of seasonal flu is starting to increase in North America and sporadic cases are also being seen in neighbouring islands.”

Health officials urged Barbadians to continue to practice good hygiene as this is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses.

“These practices include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcoholbased hand sanitizer is recommended.”

The Ministry of Health said as in previous years “persons at risk for severe illness from the seasonal flu virus are advised to ask their doctor about receiving the vaccine against seasonal flu. These include persons with asthma, diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases”.

The Guyana government says it remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, including those overseas, in combating human trafficking in the country.

In a statement following a two-day training course, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons thanked organisations such as the International Police (INTERPOL), the United States and the Task Force member agencies “for their unwavering support in the overall fight against trafficking in persons in Guyana” It said the objectives of the training course were to equip local stakeholders with information

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Journalist pleads guilty amidst controversy

regarding the nature of the crime of trafficking in persons; how to identify, assist and refer victims; and best practices for investigating the crime and create a network for exchange of information among frontline officers and other stakeholders in different regions of Guyana who may come into contact with potential cases of trafficking in person.

The Ministerial Task Force said in 2017, it intends to target other relevant entities, such as the judiciary, media and the general public in its coordination of similar training courses and implementation of sensitization initiatives as it seeks to increase the effectiveness of the Government's efforts to tackle the scourge.

In its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, the US Department of State noted that “Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced

A Trinidadian newspaper journalist has been slapped with a fine of TT$20,000 after he pleaded guilty last week to unlawfully benefiting from a contract awarded to his company under the controversial but now-defunct multi-million dollar Life Sport Program that led to the resignation of a government minister a few years ago.

Senior sports reporter Walter Alibey appeared before the magistrate on Tuesday for sentencing and was also ordered to repay the TT$33,000 he illegally recovered in Value Added Tax (VAT) although the company he owned had received a contract from the Life Sport Program, and was not registered with the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR).

The journalist who is also director of Agro Aggressive Organisation and Maintenance Services, received a government contract for TT$832,703.50 on July 1, 2013, to carry out refurbishment and maintenance work at the Valencia Community Centre by the Ministry of Sport.

He has until the 23rd of December to pay TT$5,000 and the balance of the fine by January 30. If he fails to pay the fine, he will be sentenced to two years in prison.

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“Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Venezuela are subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas.

Victims are subjected to forced labor in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops.”

Washington said that the Guyana government “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.”

It said one person was convicted and given a three-year prison sentence and that she was required to pay the victim restitution, “the first time restitution has been ordered for a trafficking offender in Guyana.”

Mark A. Douglas s

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

Talk UP

A5

TALKUP

What special gift are you hoping for this Christmas?

Carlton: Plantation/Jamaica – Just looking for a bright Christmas, a Merry Christmas with friends and family, nothing much, no material things really, just to have friends and family around for the Holidays. I have a big family and these guys come around all the time. You never know, a person you don't know might drop in at anytime, so we have to entertain everybody who sojourn in our parts during the Holiday.

Jovan: Fort Lauderdale/Ja-merican – This Christmas I'm looking for books because I would like to enhance my education, my knowledge. I'm interested in finance, business and also personal development – philosophy and learning to read people's body language. My goal is to pursue financial freedom and also to provide for the hands that fed me while I was growing up.

Lisa: Plantation/Jamaica – The actual special gift that I'm looking for is one of those electric scrub brushes, it's a dream come true and I'm trying to help my friends by getting them one because there is nothing better than not bending over to scrub out the shower stall or the bath tub. Yesterday I cleaned my stove with it, and it was really heavenly.

I would like to share that dream for other women who have been suffering (laugh).

Joel: New York/Dominican Republic – Health, maybe just health. Everyone around me healthy, that's good enough. I don't care too much for the material things, I have all I need. Just health for my parents because my mom suffers from high blood pressure and my dad is a diabetic, so just health over everything, you know?

Viviane: Sunrise/Haiti – Just prayer, that's what I want, the gift of prayer, people to pray for me, pray for protection for this country, for Haiti. Pray for the country getting better. My family in Haiti, for things to get better for them over there. They are doing ok so far, they've been blessed and I have been blessed.

Angela: Lauderhill/Jamaica – I am hoping for peace as my special gift and unity for each and every one so that we can come together as family to celebrate the love of Christ and his birth. For my loved ones, I hoping for an open door and financial blessings and God's blessings also on each and every one of them.

Barrington: Lauderhill/Jamaica – For this Christmas I'm hoping for health, strength, and prosperity for the family. It looks very promising as in the New Year, I am hoping to receive my first grandchild, my grandson, so that's the ultimate blessing.

Mercedes: South Florida/Afro-Cuban, AfroPuerto Rican and African American – That's a difficult question to come up with on the spot, but I'm starting a new business venture so I wish for success in my business pursuits this year. I'm starting a business that has to do with babies and home health care. For my family and friends, I wish health mainly and prosperity.

Eric: Sunrise/Jamaican parents – Gift for me?

No, no, I don't really wait for gifts, I just go out and get what I need, you know? I mean, I don't really wait for the 'gifts' thing, but in terms of what I would like to give? It's just happiness, you know, just make sure that everybody alright, everybody safe, and can enjoy them day. I'm hoping special happiness for my mother, my mother do everything for everybody so as long as she happy, everybody alright.

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Don't lose the merry from Christmas It's rapidly approaching Christmas Day. People are greeting each other with wishes for a “Merry Christmas,” instead of the customary “Have a nice day.” Noticeably, the genre of music played on the radio has changed to seasonal music with songs also wishing audiences a Merry Christmas.

However, this year to hear people speak, you listen to electronic media, read newspapers and follow social media, it's obvious that several hovering factors are about to steal the merry out of Christmas.

Another factor is the post general election disappointment that continues to affect sections of the community. Not only are several residents disappointed that Hillary Clinton isn't the Presidentelect, others are fearful, uncertain of what the future holds for them. Like first-lady Michelle Obama said in a recent interview, some people are having little reason to hope.

However, to those who are finding it difficult to be merry because of the election results, they should remember that the American Constitution provide various checks and balances. These protect the rights of all residents, including immigrants, from abuses by the governing administration. America did not relinquish its fundamentals as a Democracy on November 8. It's important for all citizens to be aware of their rights and the channels, including through those elected to represent them in the nation's Congress, to protect these rights. What the uncertain future requires is faith and strength, not fear and cowardice. The election results shouldn't be a reason for people to be denied enjoying a merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, others are very disturbed by the televised images of the suffering and carnage being wreaked on the people of the town of Aleppo in Syria.

It twists the hearts of caring folks to see and hear children crying, as bombs and gunshots explode around them, appealing to the world to rescue them.

No doubt this is a grave tragedy, and it has led some to

There are usually common antidotes to the threats which take the merry from Christmas, and joys from life. These antidotes are, strength, courage, and faith.

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MANAGING EDITOR Garth A. Rose, PhD editor@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL

question why the US doesn't have troops in Syria to prevent the blood bath that's taking place there.

However, if the US had thousands of troops fighting in Syria, the nation would again be at war, losing mostly its young people in battle. Americans suffered through the devastating news and images of what war did to the nation's young men and women in previous wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thus, people should understand why President Obama was hesitant about sending troops into Syria.

This would have risked a protracted war with Syria and its allies, including Russia. The images out of Aleppo are heart wrenching, and one hopes the United Nations can broker a satisfactory solution. However, if America was involved in the Syrian civil war, there's little doubt the cries for American troops to pull out would be loud and persistent. Understandably, the images from Aleppo trouble some people, but this should prompt earnest prayers for a quick solution and ultimate peace, as Americans celebrate Christmas in the religious spirt in which it's meant to be celebrated.

Others say they find it difficult to be merry this Christmas as they receive persistent reports of violent crime, including domestic violence against children and women, in their American neighborhoods, and in the Caribbean. But crime is another factor that people cannot afford to cower from. Crime is a very unpleasant component of the villages we call our

communities. These villages have to stand bravely, and support the authorities, including law enforcement, in combatting this scourge. We must be our brother's keeper in the fight against crime and usual associate, poverty. It's far from being an easy task, but one of the gifts people should grasp from Christmas this year is the gift of determination to combat crime of all sorts.

Crime shouldn't get the better of the community and, along with robbing material wealth and lives, also rob the community's joy.

There are several other factors including; persistent illnesses, financial challenges, loss of loved ones, failed relationships, that may threaten to rob some people of the merry in Christmas. However, what Christmas brings for most people is the support and fellowship of family. Being a member of a close family unit especially at an iconic religious commemoration like Christmas usually serve counter to the factors that threaten to rob people of their joy, or take the merry out of Christmas.

There are usually common antidotes to the threats which take the merry from Christmas, and joys from life. These antidotes are, strength, courage, and faith.

This Christmas along with peace and love, the National Weekly would like to wish our readers and advertisers strength, courage and faith, and yes, Merry Christmas.

Kathy Barrett kbarrett@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com

MEDIA SPECIALIST Jahlisa Harvey jharvey@cnweeklynews.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com

y p p a H

Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199

s y a d i l Ho from all of us at...

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

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

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LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Haiti joins UN Security Council in condemning human trafcking said, acknowledging that, as a long-term solution, it would mitigate underlying factors.

By the resolution, the Council called on UN Member States, among other things, to “investigate, disrupt and dismantle the networks involved, including through the use of anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism laws,” underscoring in that regard the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement.

The UN Security Council urged member countries, including the Caribbean to build strong partnerships with the private sector and civil society, including local women's organizations.

Haiti has joined the international community in condemning all instances of human trafficking as the United Nations' Security heard from more than 70 speakers during a day-long open debate on the subject, Tuesday.

Drawing attention to the link between conflict and human trafficking, former Haitian prime minister, Jean-Max Bellerive said the crime has “heightened vulnerability and undermined human rights all over the world”.

Bellerive said it was “crucial to bolster security, create conditions that were conducive to development and dismantle terrorist networks.

“Alleviating poverty was also critical,” he

Political parties in Haiti to challenge outcome of election The Electoral Court in Haiti has ordered a review of the preliminary results of the November 20 presidential elections, handing a lifeline to three political parties that have been challenging the victory of businessman Jovenelle Moise.

Last weekend, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) ejected a request by the three political parties challenging the results of the elections and instead referred them to the Electoral Court.

The CEP, which met behind closed doors over the weekend, with the attorneys for the

political parties – Famni Lavalas, Piti dessalin and LAPEH – also indicated that the operations of the Office of National Electoral Litigation (BCEN) did not fall within its purview, given that the BCEN is composed of three independent entities.

But on Monday night, the attorneys successfully argued against the tally giving more than 55 per cent of the votes to Moise, who was chosen by former president Michel Martelly to represent his party, Tet Kale (PHTK).

The attorneys representing defeated

candidates -Jude Celestin, Moise Jean-Charles and Maryse Narcisse- cited errors in the vote count and officials' failure to comply with the requirement that voters sign their ballots or mark them with fingerprints at polling stations.

The court has not set a deadline for completing the process which stated on Tuesday.

The CEP is due to announce the final results of the elections on December 29, but that announcement may be postponed because of the court ruling.

Colorado reaches out to Haiti following hurricane aftermath In October, Hurricane Matthew slammed the southern peninsula of Haiti as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm sliced through the country, leaving behind monumental damage.

“The hurricane destroyed 90 percent of the crops and 70 percent of the livestock was lost and about two-thirds of the all of the homes are damaged,” Teresa Henry of the Colorado Haiti Project said.

With the main road to the capital Portau-Prince destroyed and crops wiped away, the food supply and economy in southern Haiti quickly became a crisis.

All the trees were wiped out so they lost their future … the ability to have income for the next six to nine months,” Henry said.

For 27 years the Colorado Haiti Project has been helping in southern Haiti through education, livelihood development, clean water and health initiatives — and water and infrastructure projects.

Jackie Martin of the Colorado Haiti Project thinks their long standing relationship in the area is helping in the rebuilding process.

“They know they call us their family in Colorado and they know that we're here for long term to help them with these really big projects to get them back to where they were,” Martin said.

Back with a roof over their heads and seeds in the ground, there's a hope for the future of Haiti from the mountains of Colorado.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

Chronixx announces album release and tour dates Roots reggae artist Chronixx has announced his tour and the debut of his album title, both titled Chronology.

This year, Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption Band headlined tours in Africa, Japan, Europe and North America, and rocked major festival shows like Coachella in California, Austin City Limits, Lovebox in the United Kingdom and One Love in Italy. They also supported the iconic United Kingdom rock band, Stone Roses, at the Manchester City Football Club stadium, Etihad. In 2017, Chronixx, 24, and his band plan to expand deeper on this success, starting with their North American tour on March 2, 2017 in support of Chronixx's first full-length album. The Chronology Tour

spans 39 cities across the United States and Canada.

Chronixx has also released his first visual, Majesty, from Chronology. The song, an interpretation of Otis Gayle's 1971 Studio One classic, I'll Be Around which was originally sung by the '70s soul group The Spinners, is also featured on Chronixx's most recent mixtape, Roots and Chalice, curated by NYC's Federation Sound.

“Majesty is about a spiritual vibration, the divinity within the woman and the balance that can be found within I&I. It's celebrating that union,” explains Chronixx. In the visual, directed by Chronixx and Che Kothari, the singer serenades his love in a dreamy scenario, set on Jamaica's lush north coastal property Strawberry Fields Together in Robin's Bay, St. Mary.

B1

1 So Strong Stephen Marley / Shaggy

2 Cherry Oh Baby Patrice Roberts / Busy

3 Don’t Come Back Tarrus Riley

4 Judgement Mykal Rose

5 Dash Wata Raging Fyah

6 Hey Girlfriend Hopeton Lindo

7 Mercy of God Vershon

8 Progress Mavado

Nadine Sutherland ‘Shammy?’

This week, McGregor, himself a and Zyon I create Grammy-nominated singer, has joined the voices of what seems to be an increasing a 'Remedy' chorus of protest and outrage over the annual

9 World Cup

from A1

Jamaican Reggae singer Nadine Sutherland has made an appearance on a single teaming up with California-based reggae artist, Zyon I who together collaborated on the song Remedy.

Remedy is produced by Kenroy 'Yah Breeze' Archibald of 876Records, who has had a long musical relationship with Sutherland. “I think this song will do well because it has an old-school reggae vibe and a certain authenticity that the music is lacking right now, and most of all, it's an excellent song,” said Zyon I. He also mentioned that the collaboration was made easy as he was recording an album for 876Records at the same time that Sutherland was working on some tracks for an album of her own. “The producer thought it would be a good idea to put the two of us on a track together, and that's how we ended up recording Remedy. I feel honoured and blessed to have a song featuring one of the best female voices in reggae music,” Zyon I said in tribute to Sutherland.

nominations for best reggae album. This is not the first time the albums selected for reggae nominations have been under fire, in the past they have been criticized and called obscure and bland for being out of touch with the core of authentic Jamaican reggae music.

However , Humble Lion of WAVS 1170 AM Radio and WZPP 103.9 FM said in an interview with CNW Network,said; “It's futile to complain, it's time to stop complaining.

The Grammys does not belong to Jamaicans; the association belongs to them. America created their industry and it is not what we think about us, it is what they think about us.”

Also fueling the debate, recently the public was made aware that the manager and wife of Ziggy Marley, Orly Agai Marley, who is Israeli-born, was elected a governor of the Los Angeles chapter of the Grammy's executive, this being the largest chapter nationally that decides on eligibility for nomination and for consideration for this coveted music crown

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Ziggy and Orly Marley

for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).

The albums selected for the 2017 award taking place on February 12 are Devin Di Dakta, J Boog, Ziggy Marley, Raging Fyah, Rebelution and Soja. In a statement issued this week and reported by The Gleaner, McGregor said, “When we allow nonJamaicans to be the judge of our own Jamaican music, we have certainly lost it, and the reggae Grammy is officially a toy and a plaything for the West Coast of the United States.”

“They have no obligation to us to take it

from our perspective that 10 Nail Pon Cross Damian Marley is why you always have a 11 My Love Marley winning, Christopher Martin it's a recognizable name. The Grammy's invite anyone in the industry to pay the fee and have a say, that is what Jamaicans need to do to have a vote and impact it… join.” said Humble Lion.

Speaking with National Weekly Willie Stewart, former drummer for the international reggae band Third World, says he really wants to understand how selections are made; “What is the criteria used to win a Grammy?” he asks, “I don't know. Nobody knows. We would like the Grammys to be up front with what they are using to judge, is it record sales, popular music… what is it?”

Regarding other genres of music, Willie continues, “I mean, with other music like Latin music, do they have Latins in on the judging, or is there a general group of people selecting there also? [Everyone] needs to know.”

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

HEALTH

A few tips for handling holiday health The holidays are approaching, which means spending more time with family and friends-creating memories to last throughout the New Year. It is also when celebratory parties and get-togethers can challenge what may otherwise be healthy eating habits. Food and festivities often go hand-in-hand, but for the 28 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, that doesn't mean having to avoid these social gatherings.

As someone who has lived with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, legendary actor James Earl Jones knows this well. He has partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to share his experiences and how he manages

the holiday season while keeping the type 2 diabetes management plan he and his doctor set.

"Over the years, I've been in close contact with my doctor to create a type 2 diabetes management plan that was successful for me," James Earl notes. James Earl's doctor recommended INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) along with diet and exercise, which helped him lower his A1C and take control of his health.

"Because of INVOKANA®, my doctor and I were happy, I got my A1C to 6.9 and I even lost some weight." James Earl acknowledges that food will always be a major part of the holiday season, but shares he has learned there is a way

to strike a balance between maintaining healthy habits for diabetes management and participating in the festivities.

James Earl shares his tips for managing type 2 diabetes noting "during the holiday season, I count on four tips to make sure I can make the most of the time with family and friends while keeping up with my type 2 diabetes management plan." "After all, prioritizing health is a yearlong need," he adds.

Healthy Options: Let's be honest: Our favorite foods aren't always the healthiest options on the table. I try to just grab a samplesized amount of my "must-have" items, then fill my plate with more nutritious options. It's

helpful to remember that at least half of your plate should be filled with non-starchy vegetables.

Ingredient Swaps: If you're doing the cooking, add vegetables to soups, stews, and casseroles to add volume, texture, and flavor with very few additional calories.

Fit in Exercise: Find a moment before or after meals to take a walk. I always like to take a team approach, and get family and friends outside after a meal and involved in exercise.

It's nice to take a walk or a hike in the woods.

Steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.

1. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It's flu season.

Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.

3. Don't drink and drive or let

others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.

4. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.

5. Get exams and screenings.

Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history. Get insurance

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6. Get your vaccinations.

Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.

7. Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children's reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.

8. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don't leave fireplaces, space

heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.

9. Prepare food safely.

Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.

10. Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

B3

s e g a ChristmasMess

CHRISTMAS

Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America

The Consul General of Jamaica, Maimi My Fellow Jamaicans,

It is that time of year once again, when we come together to enjoy time-honoured traditions of celebrating Christmas. It is the season for sharing with family, friends and the less fortunate, and for giving thanks for our many blessings throughout the year. While we may not have Jonkunu, the white washed walls or the grand market, we nevertheless carry with us the cultural traditions that we will use to mark the season in a way that is uniquely Jamaican.

As 2016 draws to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on the developments that occurred throughout the year; from changes in political administrations in Jamaica and the USA; to the phenomenal achievements of our Jamaican Olympians in Rio; to personal challenges we have faced and the achievements that have brought us joy. Through it all, we have all represented the black gold and green with pride and a deep sense of who we are as Jamaicans – a people of resilience, talent and creativity.

Looking ahead to 2017, a year in which we will celebrate 55 years of Independence, Jamaicans overseas will play an even greater role in the development of our beloved homeland as the Government moves ahead, with purpose, to implement proposals to engage the Diaspora in a constructive, deliberate and sustainable way. I invite you to remain connected as we seek to create the kind of Jamaica that we all want to see, while creating a strong sense of community overseas.

We use this opportunity to say a hearty thanks to the Jamaican community in South Florida and the other areas under the jurisdiction of the Consulate for your continued support. We thank you for your patience, your constructive feedback and your expressions of gratitude, as we try to deliver the best service possible. We thank you for, and look forward to, your continued positive actions in support of philanthropy, business, education, health and culture in Jamaica.

On behalf of my colleagues at the Consulate-General of Jamaica at Miami, may you have a Merry Christmas, filled with happiness, peace and love, and a prosperous New Year.

Fellow Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica, I greet you warmly at this special and most wonderful time of the year.

Jamaicans across the globe look forward to Christmas for so many compelling reasons. It is a time for celebration and festivities as we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ; for family gatherings; and for sharing with those less fortunate. It is also a time for quiet reflection and an opportunity to look forward to a new year, full of hope and new beginnings.

As 2016 draws close to an end, we can look retrospectively on a year that was quite eventful across the globe. For Jamaica, we witnessed the peaceful transition of government, a hallmark of our democracy; we have proudly continued to maintain a stable economy, achieving a 2.2% growth at the end of the last quarter ending in September, mainly attributed to growth in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. One of the main highlights of the year was the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where our athletes yet again did us so proud, once more demonstrating to the world that “we likkle but we tallawah”. There were also many challenges. We must however remain resolute that we can and will overcome them, as one of our endearing traits, as a people, is our resilience in the face of adversities.

During this Holy Season, I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow Jamaicans across the United States of America for your unwavering patriotism to our beloved country, and for your invaluable contribution to the process of nation building.

The importance of the Diaspora has been clearly and widely articulated by the Government of Jamaica throughout the year. In September of this year, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs engaged the Diaspora at a Town Hall Meeting in New York, and used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of this partnership.

It is my intent to build on the efforts of the Government by facilitating the coordination of a more cohesive Diaspora across the U.S.A.; forging deeper alliances and developing new partnerships. It is my hope that these will ultimately lead to the empowerment of Jamaicans across the U.S.A, as well as, give support to the Diaspora's active involvement in the national growth agenda of our country.

As we celebrate this Season, and look forward to the New Year, let us be thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, as a people and as a nation. May the true meaning of Christmas remain in our hearts throughout the season and always.

On behalf of the entire staff at the Embassy and my family, I wish for you and your families a warm, safe, peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2017.

Audrey Marks Ambassador of Jamaica, to the USA

Franz Hall Consul General of Jamaica, Miami

Merry Christmas from a of us at N E T W O R K WATCH IT. READ IT. LOVE IT. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

Pauline Grant

TCI Premier

from A1

specifically informing her she was not being investigated, “then used outside counsel to conduct these rapid-fire meetings with only the information that there may have been a violation of the law……without the benefit and guarantee of public discourse as guaranteed by Florida law."

Barret previously sought legal advice from two attorneys prior to recommending Grant's dismissal.

The members of Broward's Health board are the appointees of Florida Governor Rick Scott. On dismissing Grant the board also reinstated former Interim CEO Kevin Fusco, who was previously removed and replaced by Grant last January.

determination to dismiss Grant in a private meeting. This was contrary to Florida's Sunshine law that requires public boards, like Broward Health's, to conduct meetings accessible to the, and in, public. The lawsuit also claims the agenda for the board meeting did not include an item related to Grant's dismissal.

The lawsuit filed by Attorney Eugene Pettis on Grant's behalf stated the hospital's general counsel conducted a secret investigation related to Grant for several months, while

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20. Stockings 21. Rational 22. Cup handle 23. Watering hole 26. Welcome mat locale 30. Former students 33. Photographer’s need 34. Produce 36. Morning drops 37. Ocean 38. Foundation 41. Fit of anger 43. Sidewalk material 47. Nervous strain 49. Directional symbol 50. Picasso’s field 51. Unrefined metal 52. Clatter 53. Sticky substance 54. Raises 55. Curl

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from A1

An elated Cartwright Robinson told supporters that the new government would stick to the policies outlined in the PDM manifesto and reiterated that all citizens including 'Belongers', will have a “fair share” of the wealth of the TCI. “For too long the Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands have been denied their rightful share of the wealth of our country.

For too long those holding political office have diverted funds away from where it rightfully belongs: it belongs in the pockets of all our Belongers. For too long we have had to tolerate the empty promises of false and weak leaders in the previous governments. No more… the time for talk is over, the time for action is now,” she added.

22. Time period 23. Purse 24. Pub beverage 25. Encounters (2 wds.)

27. Atlantic or Pacific 28. Browning’s “before” 29. Animal’s foot 31. Track events 32. Shooter’s group (abbr.)

35. Certain steaks (hyph.)

39. Meager

40. Baseball blunder 41. Deer 42. Infamous fiddler 43. Company (abbr.)

44. Cleveland’s waterfront 45. Throw 46. Flock females 48. Debt memo

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51 –

B5

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

WE GET RESULTS!

BROWARD

County seeks to eliminate homelessness The Homeless Initiative Partnership, in collaboration with the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Broward Sheriff's Office, 211, Nova Southeastern University and Hands on Broward, will begin collection of data for the 2017 Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count Survey and Built for Zero 2017 Initiative Registry Week. This survey will begin on Tuesday, January 24th through Thursday, January 26, 2017.

The purpose of this survey is to provide upto-date information about the needs of persons experiencing homelessness. The survey is an opportunity to engage in efforts to end homelessness and inform the homeless about

the Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC), and Broward Built for Zero: 2017 Initiative Registry Project.

Nearly 250 volunteers are prepared to assist in the Homeless Continuum of Care in the compilation of this survey.

According to Michael R. Wright, Administrator of Broward's Homeless Initiative Partnership, the County is charged with counting every homeless person and asking them to complete a survey. "An accurate count helps the County get needed resources to help persons experiencing homeless in Broward and is used to substantiate need for all federal and state grants," says Wright. "The Broward Built

for Zero: 2017 Initiative Registry is designed to create a registry of homeless and chronically homeless people and line up a supply of housing and service resources to help them and will assist in prioritizing chronically homeless persons for placement in HUD CoC Program Permanent Supportive Housing."

The "A Way Home" Homeless Continuum of Care is a network of organizations, advocates, residents and businesses that plan programs to implement a full range of emergency, transitional and permanent housing along with prevention and other services to help alleviate homelessness in Broward County. The County's Built for Zero: 2017 goal is to achieve functional

zero for veteran homelessness by May 31, 2017, chronic homelessness by 2017, and family and youth homelessness by 2020.

The Homeless Initiative Partnership (HIP), is a section within the Community Partnerships Division of the Broward County Human Services Department. HIP plans and coordinates services for homeless persons, and serves as liaison to the Homeless Initiative Partnership Advisory Board, which acts as agent for Broward County Commissioners in the development and implementation of homeless assistance programs.

President Obama’s continued acts of clemency include Floridians Continuing his policy to commute the sentences of American prisoners he believed were sentence unfairly related to their convictions, On Monday, December 19 President Obama commuted, or reduced, the sentences of 153 convicts, and pardoned, or erased, the prior conviction of 78 individuals.

The president's act of clemency included 22 Floridians.

During his presidency, President Obama has commuted or pardoned 1,324 individuals, more than any other president in American history. Of these individuals, 148 have been pardoned and 1,176 had their sentences commuted, including 395 serving life sentences.

Almost all the 231 individuals who received a pardon or a reduced sentence on Monday had

been serving or served harsh sentences related to federal drug laws including nonviolent crimes like possession of cocaine.

The 153 individuals whose sentences were commuted included 17 Floridians, including Daniel L. Morgan of Opa- Locka. Those who were pardoned of their convictions included 5 Floridians, including Erica Renee Ramos of Port St. Lucie.

Morgan had been sentenced in February 2002 to life imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. His conviction also included conspiracy to use and carry firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime; using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm. His life

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Ramos also known as Erica Renee DeVore and Erica Renee Ramirez was serving two years' probation after being charged for using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony in February 2003.

Neil Eggleston, White House counsel, in announcing the recent commutations and pardons said there's “a common thread of rehabilitation” that underlies each recipient. He said those receiving pardons were currently leading “productive and law-abiding postconviction lives,” making meaningful contributions to the communities in which they live.

Miami attorney Roslyn Brissett says,

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Brissett noted that although commutations doesn't revoke the negatives associated with conviction, they “offer the convict a reprieve on the term of sentence, usually by several years.”

She also said it was important to understand that most convicts who have their sentences commuted, previously participated successfully in drug treatment, and vocational and educational training during their sentence.

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Holness leads talks for cricket at Central Broward Park

2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers underway

At the December 6 Broward County commission meeting, commissioners discussed a proposal co-sponsored by Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness to host international cricket tournaments at Broward County's Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium (CBRP).

Krishna Persaud, local real estate businessman and proprietor of Worldwide Sports Management Group, will work to bring at least three international cricket tournaments a year to the stadium, beginning in 2017. An emphasis of the agreement between the Broward County and Persaud would be to place a priority on local vendors and CBE businesses.

Commissioner Holness has long advocated the positive economic impact cricket can bring to Broward County. In 2012 he successfully worked with other members of the community and brought the Digicel T20 Cricket Series- West Indies VS New Zealand to CBRP. The Digicel T20 games had an attendance of over 11,000 each day, the games were seen in 1.2 billion homes via ESPN and there was at minimum a $3.1 million economic impact for Broward County's economy.

Holness has worked with Persaud and his team for nearly a year to bring this item forward. He also supported the India vs. West Indies T20 international match in August of this year, which brought an estimated economic impact of $10 million, and supports bringing the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to CBRP which will bring an estimated economic impact of $5 million. Important to note, local teams and promoters will

be protected and will receive support from this initiative.

“Kris Persaud and his team members are willing to invest their own funds to help Broward County utilize CBRP& Stadium to fulfill its mission of providing international cricket games that will not only bring tourists to Broward County, but also grow our economy and create jobs for the people of Broward County,” said Commissioner Holness.

Opened in 2007, Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium (CBRP), is a 110-acre multipurpose facility. With an investment of nearly $80 million, the venue is also used for soccer matches and camps, cultural carnivals and music festivals. CBRP is the only cricket stadium in the United States certified by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup doesn't kick-off until July 7,2017 but there has been plenty of tournament-related action related.

The four 2016/2017 Scotiabank Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men's Caribbean Cup semifinalists, Curacao, French Guiana, Jamaica and Martinique, earn direct berths to the event.

The three best second-place finishers from the third round of Caribbean Cup play between Haiti, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, will compete against each other on January 4 to the 8, 2017, with the winner facing the fifth-place team from the Copa Centroamericana to determine the last Gold Cup qualifier.

Jamaica pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Gold Cup history when it reached the 2015 final, ultimately falling to Mexico, 3-1.

Along the way, the Reggae Boyz drew 2-2 with 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinalist Costa Rica and beat the United States, 2-1, in the semifinals.

In order to reach the 2017 Gold Cup, Jamaica captured the top spot in its 2016/2017 Scotiabank CFU Men's Caribbean Cup, thirdround group, posting a 2 win, 0 draw, 0 loss record, with a 4- 2 win over Guyana and a 1-0 win over Suriname.

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B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, DEC 22 – DEC 28, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 51

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