National weekly feb 18 2016

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

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

TRINIDAD MAYOR RESIGNS FOLLOWING COMMENTS MADE ABOUT WOMEN PAGE A4

BUSINESS

BLACK TECH: THE LEGACY AND THE NEXT GENERATION PAGE B2

SHOULD YOUNGER WOMEN DATE OLDER MEN? PAGE A5 ENTERTAINMENT

MORGAN HERITAGE WINS GRAMMY AWARD PAGE B3

COMMUNITY

TALKING HISTORY WITH ORLANDO PATTERSON PAGE B5 HAITI

PRIVERT TO SERVE AS INTERIM PRESIDENT PAGE A7 SPORTS

ONE ON ONE WITH STAR JULIUS JAMES PAGE B7

C A R I B B E A N

A M E R I C A N

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PNP to win again Polls suggest close victory for the PNP Dr. Garth A. Rose

With Jamaicans heading to the polls on February 25, predictions in Jamaica and the South Florida Diaspora point to a close election, with the People’s National Party (PNP) returning by a close shave to serve a new term.

A survey among the Diaspora determined 55 percent of the respondents give victory to the PNP and 45 percent to the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP).

Translated to seats, this would mean the PNP would win 35 seats and the JLP 28, a loss of 7 seats for the PNP. Two Jamaica polls conducted by posters Don Anderson and Bill Johnson predict the elections will be close, with the PNP winning with a 4 percent lead.

Political analyst Dr. Herbert Gayle, a University of the West Indies lecturer, predicts the PNP “should safely” win 36 seats, the JLP 18, with 9 seats too close to call. continues on B5 – Jamaica elections

SOUTH FLORIDA

Primary elections fever rising in Florida over 157,000 ballots of the 927,000 registered Democrats and Republicans on that county's voters list. Palm Beach County mailed over 83,000 out of 584,000. On Tuesday, Brenda Snipes Broward County's Supervisor of Elections supervised the loading of over 100,000 ballots in pre-paid envelopes on a sixteen wheeler semitrailer at the Voting Equipment Center Office in Lauderhill. That county has 792,000 registered Democrats Bowden reports a steady and Republicans. rise in requests for mail-in or In November last year, a The main reason revving absentee ballots. According to National Weekly survey the region's elections fever, the FDE, over a million ballots to show registered Caribbean argues demographic nominate a presidential Democrats supporting Hillary researcher and political candidate from either the analyst, Bert Samuels, is the Democratic or the Republican Clinton over Bernie Sanders “fierce atmosphere” in the Party are being mailed out, with 83 percent to 9 percent.

Republican and Democratic over 340,000 heading to voters But numbers from a recent presidential campaign. “There in South Florida. Voters have survey shows a dramatic until March 9 to request ballots swing, with 33 percent now likely won't be a clear by mail. frontrunner by either party by supporting Sanders.

According to reports, there March 15, so Florida's primary was also “a surge of NPA [No election will have great Party Affiliation] voters” significance.” reapplying to register with either party, to ensure The uncertainty of the upcoming primaries they'd be eligible to participate in the state's have also affected the normally predictable primary elections open only to registered Caribbean-American voters. In November last Democrats and Republicans. year, a National Weekly survey showed registered Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections mailed Caribbean Democrats supporting Hillary Clinton

Although Florida's March 15 primary is several weeks away, Florida voters are gearing to go at unprecedented levels, according to Elliot Bowden, a Florida Division of Elections (FDE) official.

continues on A8 – Primary elections

Lady Saw done and gone Garth A. Rose For those who think Marion Hall's recent Christian transformation from the reigning Dancehall Queen persona Lady Saw is a fleeting fancy, they are totally mistaken – says the newly committed Christian.

continues on B6 – No more Lady Saw

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

Paying respects Barbara (right) pays respects to her late son Dave at his funeral service in Miami last weekend. Standing with her is daughter Chanel. – CNW photo- Uriah Benne

Standing pre y Suze e strikes a pose for our photographer as she celebrated Lindell Douglas' birthday in Planta on last weekend. – CNW photo- Uriah Benne

Book talk Jamaican born Harvard professor Dr. Orlando Pa erson (le ) shares camera lens with Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern USA, Wayne Golding a er delivering the first talk in his lecture series at the FAU Davie campus last Saturday. – CNW photo- Uriah Benne

Proclama on presenta on Code Fever Miami founder, Felecia Hatcher (le ) poses with Vice Mayor of Broward County Barbara Sharief a er being recently presented with a proclama on for Black Tech Week at the conference's Opening Recep on at the Adrienne Arsht Center. – Contributed photo

Wooing the crowd R&B ar ste Howard Hewi put on quite a show at the Valen ne's Day Concert at the Miramar Cultural Center – Contributed photo

Forever young Lindell Douglas poses with his wife Cheryl at his 50th birthday party celebra ons in Planta on last weekend.

CNW photo- Uriah Benne

Coupled up Mr. and Mrs. McIntosh make a perfect pair at the recently held birthday party celebra ons for Lindell Douglas. – CNW photo- Uriah Benne

Hanging with the Queen Consul General of Jamaica Franz Hall hangs out with Miss Jamaica Diaspora Rohannia Mooyin, at the recently held Food for the Poor's Annual Building Hope Gala in Boca Raton. – Contributed photo

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

A3

LOCAL

Caribbean open for business Local investors urged to explore agro-production in the region The Caribbean region's future in agroproduction is ripe for investment, according to presenters at the recent CARICOM/Cuba/Florida Trade and Investment Conference in Miramar.

“Research indicates return on investment in these areas would be lucrative, reduce the massive food import bill, and generate employment in the region,” says South-Florida businessman and conference chair Wesley Kirton.

Trade leaders from across the region attended the forum to share current opportunities for agroinvestment, including Belize Minister of Trade and Investment, Rafael Contreras, and Ambassador

Bayney Karran of Guyana. The conference identified lucrative areas in the production of coconut-based products such as coconut water and virgin coconut oil, hot pepper, livestock, aquaculture and root crops.

Discussion with investors at the meeting, including South Florida's Jamaican-American Aston Lue of Ocho Rios Foods, were positive, according to Kirton. He said investors now realize the region has land, labor and new alternative energy resources, including wind and solar energy, to facilitate agro-production, not only for the region's consumption, but export to the USA.

“And there's the potential for foreign trade zones in South Florida to play a pivotal role in agro-production in the Caribbean,” said Kirton.

“Products can be shipped to these zones to be packaged, and redistributed to U.S. markets, with significant savings. South Florida traders in farm equipment, machinery and fertilizers, would also benefit significantly through exports to the Caribbean.” Preferential access to international markets for agro-products from the Caribbean through trade agreements would also be available said Dr. Mark Kirton, Director at the Institute of International Relations at the UWI.

Mayor of the City of Miramar Wayne Messam and Florida Foreign Trade Zone Operator Robert Jacob also appraised investors on the benefits of the region's foreign trade zones, and the potential to make exports from the Caribbean more competitive in international markets.

“The Caribbean cannot continue to import $4.5 billion in food from the U.S.,” says Kirton.

“The region must make a serious thrust in the production of its own food, and through last week's conference we have begun to target US investors, including from the Caribbean Diaspora, for this purpose.”

Did South Florida do well in FSA test?

Lingering confusion over how to read public schools' performance under new standards South Florida Public School superintendents expressed caution all round on how to read the recently release county grades from the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) taken by students in the Spring of 2015.

Palm Beach County students performed the best among the three counties, receiving an overall A grade, while Broward and Miami-Dade counties were both rated B. Both Palm Beach and Broward counties received significantly more F's than in 2014, while Miami-Dade County stayed about the same. But, plagued by technical difficulties, the test had also attracted

controversy based on the clarity of its assessment criteria and how realistically the new, more challenging format could be applied for current students.

“They keep changing how they grade schools. It's difficult to understand the exact performances of the schools,” noted Palm Beach County Superintendent Robert Avossa, though noting pleasure with the county's improvement from a B grade last year. But, with schools rated on a former system over the last few years, the county would need another year or two on the current FSA system to really determine their

performances in relation to the new standards, argued Avossa.

Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said it was "illogical to compare" scores from 2014 and 2015 at a single school because the standards were different.

But "despite the increased standards, despite the challenges with the assessment, despite the rush to implement the standards, our school system comparatively speaking did very well," Carvalho said.

Alternatively, Broward schools Superintendent Robert Runcie suggested that

parents should not put too much stock in this round of school grades.

"These grades really only tell you about where students are today," he said. "And I will tell you just from a mission standpoint that we're not here doing this important work because of where our children are today, we're here because of where we can take them tomorrow… and in order to track that, we need to look at learning gains. We are continuing to analyze data, sharing best practices, and maintain our focus on doing what's right for students.”

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

BARBADOS

Barbados to install U.S. lawyer arrested for screenings for travelers defrauding Caribbean immigrants The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says an American had been arrested and charged with defrauding Caribbean immigrants. The DOJ said Helaman Hansen, 63, was arrested after a US federal grand jury returned a13-count indictment charging him for operating a fraudulent adult-adoption program that targeted undocumented immigrants.

According to court documents, between October 2012 and January 2016, Hansen and others used various entities, such as Americans Helping America (AHA), to sell immigrants

memberships t0 a fraudulent “Migration Program,” where he claimed immigrant adults could achieve U.S. citizenship by being legally adopted by an American citizen and completing a list of additional tasks.

At first, memberships were sold for annual fees of US$150, but that fee gradually grew and eventually was as high as US$10, 000, according to the indictment.

Although some victims completed the adoption stage of the program, no one obtained citizenship. The indictment states that, as early

as October 2012, Hansen was informed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that immigrants adopted after their 16th birthdays could not obtain citizenship in the manner Hansen was promoting.

“Despite that notification, Hansen and his co-conspirators induced approximately 500 victims to pay more than US$500,000 to join the fraudulent program,” the DOJ said. If convicted, Hansen faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a US$250,000 fine, the DOJ said.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Barbados will be implementing a system where everyone entering or leaving the island will have to be finger printed. In an announcement on Monday the government said the new measure will come into place starting April 1.

Chief Immigration Officer, Erine Griffith, said this will be followed later in the year with a measure to facially scan passengers. She said the only exemptions to these regulations will be holders of diplomatic passports and children under the age of 16.

The Chief Immigration Officer said these security measures will bring Barbados in line with international ports of entry and were mandatory under the Immigration (Biometrics) Regulation 2015.

Mayor resigns following comments about women at Carnival Port-of-Spain Mayor and Treasurer of the People's National Movement, Raymond Tim Kee, says he will resign from office, following public outcry in response to his controversial comments warning women to protect themselves from abuse during Carnival by restraining from “lewd behavior.”

Tim Kee's comments was in response to the murder of Japanese tourist, 30-year-old musician and pannist Asami Nagakiya, who was discovered strangled in her carnival costume following the festivities.

“I intend to call an emergency meeting of [the City] Council, and tender my resignation as Mayor,” he said. “It is hoped that with this

decision, the Office of the Mayor is now protected, my unreserved apology accepted by my fellow citizens, and that the focus can now be placed fully on solving the murder of a visitor to our shores.”

The Mayor attracted a firestorm for his comments on the case during a press conference, when he referred to his previous criticism of “vulgarity and lewdness” at carnival among women.

“The woman has the responsibility to ensure that [she is] not abused,” said Tim Kee. “And my argument was you could enjoy Carnival without going through that routine … of prancing and partying…Then why you can't continue with that and maintain some kind of dignity?”

Tim Kee's comments immediately drew outrage. Critics accused him of sexism and victim blaming. An online petition calling for his

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resignation quickly collected over 10,000 signatures. Though Prime Minister Keith Rowley confirmed he had no plans to fire the mayor, Tim Kee said he would step down as his comments were “sufficient to cause damage to the Office of the Mayor of Port of Spain.”

Many critics praised the news, including former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who described the development as “a true victory of the people.”

“I heartily commend the principled men and women who took up this struggle and spoke out against Mr Tim Kee's vile sentiments, for their courage, perseverance and commitment,” she said in a media release.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

Talk UP Shoulder younger women date older men?

Charles – Lauderhill, FL. Well, I think it depends on the age of the woman and the age of the man. I am somebody from the old school. It is acceptable to me for a young woman in her 30s or 40s to date a man who is in his 50s and 60s. It depends on what they are looking for. If true feelings are involved then I see no problem with that. I have a policy. I won't date anyone younger than my daughter who is 45. Sometimes the younger guys don't really have what it takes, older guys are more mature.

Derrick - Miami Gardens, FL. I don't think young women should date men who are much older than they are. For example, a woman in her 20's should date a man in his 20's or 30's, not in his 60s.

That's like dating their grandfather. I'm 39 so I would not talk to someone who is in their 60s, that's my grandmother's age.

Jonah – St. Elizabeth, Jamaica I don't see anything wrong with a young woman dating a much older man. Dating a younger woman will keep the man feeling young. I've dated a woman that was much younger than I was. Sometimes for me, the age does not matter. The younger girls are nice, but not too young though. Age of consent and above. I've also dated an older woman. I would date a woman that is 15 years older than me. When you date someone who is older, it helps you to be more mature. On the flip side, there is also a tendency to act very young when you date a younger girl.

Giana – Miramar, FL. When it comes to love, age shouldn't matter. If that person is stable enough for you, if they make you happy, love doesn't have an age. I don't see a problem with that.

You can't knock a person for how they want to live their life. It's not your choice, it's theirs. My personal limit would be 2 or 3 years older or younger. Older men don't necessarily know how to treat a woman. Sometimes they are worse than the young ones. I won't go too much younger either. I can't be raising nobody!

Karim – Margate, FL. I don't see anything wrong with that. In my grandparents' day that was the norm. Women dated and married men who were 10 -11 years older than they were. It's about the heart and finding that connection. To each their own.

Once you are old enough to drink, the sky's the limit. My wife is 5 years younger than I am. I've never dated anyone much younger than that but I've dated someone older. As long as they look good, age is just a number.

Julian – Miami, FL. I think it all depends on the age difference. It can't be too much because they won't have much in common, in which case, it would be gold-digging. If you don't have anything in common, you can't relate to the person. I know of a few relationships where there was a 12-year age difference and things worked out fine. I would date both younger and older women. For me, to date someone much older, I would have to have my mind in it. It would have to be true love.

Margarita – Miami Gardens, FL. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Sometimes it also happens vice versa. I think young women date older guys because the ones that are closer in age, are probably not as mature as they are. I would date someone who is twice my age. I don't see anything wrong with that at all. Older men may treat you better, you never know. There was a time when I dated an older guy.

It was worth it and I would do it again.

Orville – Fort Lauderdale, FL. I don't see a problem with a young woman dating an older man. In fact, it can be beneficial to certain people.

Some men and some women need that older person to give a little guidance and to help with the sexual lifestyle as well. When I was 15, I had a lady friend who was 46, so I think about 30 years is the limit. Talk up di tings!

A5

A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 11 – FEB 17, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 6

The Black

ote

Black voters may be the tipping point in this year's race P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com

As the presidential caucuses and primaries move from the homogenous voting pools of Iowa and New Hampshire, the race to the White House will take a different direction into more racially diverse states like South Carolina, Nevada, Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Now, it's the black vote that may help tip the balance of power in the 2016 presidential elections.

With 70 percent of eligible black voters and over 80 percent Caribbean-Americans voting democrat, most likely the Democratic nominee this year will be the candidate who wins majority support from black voters. It's also possible if the Republican Party succeeds in obtaining even a small percentage of the overwhelming Black vote that traditionally support the Democratic Party, this could boost the Republicans chances in swing states like Florida.

But all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will need to work very hard to attract the black vote. No party can count on guaranteed support from the coalition. It's no secret that a large percentage of black voters are disappointed that certain structural changes have not materialized under President Obama's presidency. Most are savvy enough to realize that these changes were vigorously opposed in the U.S. Congress.

Having their hopes disappointed with a black president in office, there are concerns voters will not be easily persuaded to turn out to vote this year for either the Democrats or Republicans.

Black voters also realize that although their votes desperately matter to candidates seeking election, the issues so crucial to the black population seem to be ignored when these candidates are elected to office. Clearly, black voters cannot continue to provide the cornerstone on which U.S. congressional members, state legislators and other

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

EDITORIAL Kathy Barrett kbarrett@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com representatives build their political careers, without demonstrating their investment in key issues.

The black vote must be earned, either with a record of improving, or presenting pragmatic plans to improve the economic circumstances of blacks, protect them from racial abuse, create a fairer and objective judicial system, access sound high school and college education, affordable healthcare and housing, among other issues.

But, when they have been brought to the political well so often only to find it dry, this year black voters must be weary of campaign promises.

Sure, it would be great to see federal minimum wage increases to $15 per hour, free college tuition available for all Americans, increases in Social Security benefits, and increased income tax thresholds to alleviate low-income earners. But how realistic are these promises? These measures must be passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. Obama's presidency has revealed how difficult it can be to get legislative support, even when he had Democratic Party majorities in both

MEDIA SPECIALIST

chambers of Congress. To earn the crucial black vote, political candidates can no longer simply make promises. They must show how these promises will be fulfilled when they are elected.

While campaigning in South Carolina last week, Hillary Clinton said "African Americans can't wait for solutions. They need results now."

These words could be the mantra for black voters in the current election cycle. Fifty-five years since the passage of the 1965 Voters Act, most members of the black population are still waiting for results that could indelibly improve the quality of their lives.

Eligible blacks are encouraged to register to vote and turn out to vote during elections. But they should ensure that whether the candidates are Democrats or Republicans they must present realistic policies and take stringent efforts to earn that vote. As the population commemorates Black History Month, it should disseminate this message: “We are proud black votes matter, but black votes can no longer be taken for granted; they must be earned.”

Stacy Rose-Warburton srose@cnweeklynews.com

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

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 11 – FEB 17, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 6 –

A7

LA SECCION HAITIENNE

Jocelerme Privert to serve as Interim President President of the National Assembly, Jocelerme Privert, has been selected to serve as interim president until a new election is held on April 24, and a new president installed on May 14.

Privert was elected by the National Assembly over two other candidates, Dejan Belizaire and Edgar Leblanc Fils, who were both former presidents of the senate. Privert's election comes one week after the departure of former President Michel Martelly.

After taking the oath, Privert announced that he would form a "consensus government capable of inspiring confidence, and able to create peace for the continuation of the electoral process."

This is the first time since 1946 that a Haitian chief of state is chosen by indirect vote. Privet will have the daunting task of selecting a consensus prime minister and government. He will also need to lead the process in selecting a new nine-member electoral council – which has been plagued with accusations of favoritism and fraud. So far, six of its nine members have resigned.

The presidential runoffs were delayed last month when opposition parties, including supporters of popular candidate Jude Celestin, had boycotted the second round of elections on January 24 to elect a successor to Martelly, accusing the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and Martelly of wanting to rig the polls in favor of the government backed candidate, Jovenel Moise. Several opposition parties and watchdogs have claimed the election was marred by voter fraud.

Privert also brings complex political associations into office.

His candidacy came under heavy criticism due to past accusations of his involvement in the St. Marc massacre killing opponents of the then exiled President Bertrand Aristide. He was jailed for two years before being cleared by the courts. He will serve as interim President for 120 days.

LITTLE HAITI

Creole Jazz jamming for Big Night The ever popular Big Night in Little Haiti concert series celebrates Creole Jazz this Sunday with a stellar line-up of iconic performers. On February 19, starting 6 pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the concert will feature Jazz legend Jean Chardonvoine and Creole Jazz Project, as well as Bemol Telfort.

Jean Chardavoine is a Haitian-born, Brooklyn-based bandleader and guitarist. He is well known for his work with jazz icon Dave Valentin, among his many interesting solo works. The Creole Jazz Project is his newest project, which brings together eight top local jazz musicians celebrating and evolving the unique genre. On bass is Josh Allen, a first-call musician in Miami, who has recorded and played with Negroni's Trio, the World Music 5, Miami Jazz project, Dave Liebman, the Stephen Guerra Big Band, and Dave Grusin. Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga is one of the most in-demand musicians and educators in Florida, performing with artists such as Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Allan Harris, and Arturo Sandoval. Rounding out the rhythm section are Vaughn Henry, one of the most sought-after international pianists in Miami, and Jean Raymond, one of the most respected Vodou drummers in Haiti. Fronting the band with Chardavoine is Anthony Church, teacher of the year (2014) in Pompano Beach and Special Teams leader, is an outstanding saxophonist, teacher, producer, and engineer.

Bemol Telfort is a Miami-based jazz guitarist, composer, guitarist, arranger and bandleader. Fans love Bemol's natural ability to mix swing, pop, and Caribbean rhythms combined with great composition and arrangement skills.

Big Night in Little Haiti takes place every 3rd Friday at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex from 6 to10 p.m. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 or more. An after party will also be hosted in the Caribbean Marketplace.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

New visa requirements for Caribbean workers The Department of State recently increased visa requirements for Caribbean residents coming to the U.S. as H2A agricultural workers. Beginning February19, H2A agricultural workers from the Caribbean will need both a valid passport and visa to ensure sufficient security screening prior to visa issuance.

The new requirements apply to H2A spouses and children as well. This policy change applies to a British, French, or Netherlands national, or a national of Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago, who has residence in British, French, or Netherlands territory located in the adjacent islands of the Caribbean, or Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago.

Primary elections

from A1

over Bernie Sanders 83 percent to 9 percent. But numbers from a recent survey shows a dramatic swing, with 33 percent now supporting Sanders. The sudden surge in support for Sanders, argues Granville Webster, 26, of Plantation, could be explained by his growing appeal among the community's youth.

“Although I like Hillary and think she's experienced to be president, I am attracted to Sanders' message of closing the earning and prosperity gap between the social classes in America,” says Webster. Christie Daniels, 24, an ardent Sanders supporter, said she isn't perturbed by Sanders being 74. “My interest is in his ability to lead. Honestly, I am not confident he'll win the nomination against the powerful Clinton machine, but what he's promising, I need as a young American.”

Caroly Pedersen Attorney at Law

Can I sponsor my new wife?

Question: I have a question about sponsoring my new wife for her green card. About 3 years ago, I got my green card through my previous marriage to a U.S. citizen wife. About a year after I got my green card, I joined the military and was able to obtain expedited citizenship. After that, my ex-wife and I divorced. I met my new wife while stationed overseas, and I want to sponsor her for her residency. Can I petition for her now, since I am a U.S. citizen?

Answer: Under immigration regulations, immigrants who obtained residency through marriage and are currently seeking to sponsor a new spouse within a five-year period are required to prove the initial marriage through which they gain residency was real. If the marriage with your ex-wife was real and you have extensive documentation to prove it, then a qualified immigration attorney can assist you in sponsoring your new spouse. The problem arises when the sponsoring spouse files a spousal petition within the five-year period, and is then unable to provide adequate documentation to prove that the past marriage was real. The key is to either make sure you are fully prepared, or wait until the five years have elapsed.

Can I get my green card back?

Question: My question is about getting my U.S. residency back. I was married before to an American in 1995 and got my green card, then we separated in 2005 and divorced. I moved back to the U.K. and have lived here ever since. In order to be able to travel back and forth to the U.S. for vacation, I handed in my green card at the Embassy in 2007. But now my American daughter will be going to college soon, and I plan to move back to the states to spend more time with her.

How can I get my old green card back?

Answer: That's a great question. Once a U.S. resident formally relinquishes a green card at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the officer usually requires that the State Department form I-407 be signed, abandoning all rights to residency. When this is done, all U.S. residency status is lost. Obtaining residency again requires a whole new application process. In order to qualify again, the immigrant must still have a legal basis for eligibility, such as being married to a U.S. citizen, or being sponsored by a U.S. citizen child, parent or sibling, since there is no way to apply solely on the basis of requesting the old green card status again.

There are instances where individuals have formally surrendered their green card at a U.S. Consulate, then later successfully applied for a new one in the U.S. by filing the I-90 application for a replacement green card. However, this does not follow immigration regulations, and can be potentially problematic when re-entering the U.S., or when applying for naturalization in the future. The main problem occurs when the applicant has obtained a U.S. tourist visa in order to re-enter the U.S. to apply for the green card replacement, since the USCIS can easily see the non-immigrant visa in the passport. Obtaining a non-immigrant visa once an immigrant has U.S. residency can itself result in a technical abandonment of residency.

In your case, since you are no longer married to a U.S. Citizen, you would need to have some other eligibility in order to apply for U.S. residency again.

Once your U.S. citizen daughter turns 21, she can sponsor your residency. Let me know how old she is and we will take it from there.

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

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

B1

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Jamerican pegged as favorite for Supreme You could be guilty of it without even knowing it court nomination Check fraud is usually associated with criminal intentions, whether as counterfeiting or forging of signatures. But did you know that a common (albeit sketchy) practice is also against the law? You are also committing check fraud when you place a stop payment on a check drawn and issued to a person or business. Several people do this, totally unaware that this is punishable as a misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the check's monetary value.

Under Florida law, someone stopping payment on a check can be charged with a criminal offense if the check was issued and payment was stopped with the intent to defraud the other party. Many may have simply placed a stop payment order on a check because they were dissatisfied with a service, with no intention to defraud the vendor.

But if the vendor sues the payer, the court must prove this was a fraud before charges are placed against the payer.

In Florida, the prosecutor in such a case must proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did draw and issue the check, and did so with the intention of defrauding the vendor. If the prosecutor successfully proves this, the court can charge the defendant with either a felony or a misdemeanor. If the check was drawn for goods or services amounting to $150 or more, the defendant can be charged with a third degree felony, which carries penalties of up 5 years in jail or 5 years probation, and a $5,000 fine. If the check is for amounts less than $150, then the defendant can be charged with a second degree misdemeanor, which can carry a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

To protect yourself from a lengthy court case, be sure to advise the payee or vendor of the intent to stop payment.

Not advising the vendor can be construed as fraud by a court. It is better to enter a dispute with a vendor over the

Under Florida law, someone stopping payment on a check can be charged with a criminal offense if the check was issued and payment was stopped with the intent to defraud the other party. quality of a good or service provided, and have the matter mediated, than deliberately stop payment in a check and not inform the vendor.

A check tendered is considered a contract to pay the individual or business. Not having sufficient money in one's account to cover that check, or stopping payment on the check is a breach of this contract and can easily be determined to be an act of fraud with serious repercussions.

Jamaican-American state attorney general of California Kamala Harris is being pegged as a favorite by political pundits for President Obama's pending nomination to the U.S. Supreme court. The court has a vacuum following the sudden death this past weekend of Chief Justice Antonin Scalia, 79, who has served in the position since 1986.

Harris, 51, is the daughter of Jamaica-American Stanford University Economics Professor Donald Harris, and Indian-born cancer researcher Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris. Former Obama White House advisor David Axelrod mentioned the possibility of a Harris nomination on a weekend news show, and Harris' name has popped up on hypothetical lists from the New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today, and the National Law Journal. A graduate of Howard University and the University of California, Hasting College of Law, Harris is the first female, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American attorney general in California Whether Harris would accept such an appointment however, is in question, as Harris is currently the frontrunner in the race for the U.S. Senate seat. "While the attorney general is honored to be mentioned in these conversations, she's committed to her current job and continuing her fight for California families in the U.S. Senate," campaign spokesman Nathan Click said Monday.

Meanwhile, Jamaican-born Tanya Chutkan has been nominated

by President Obama for the U.S. District Court Judge for Washington D.C. Chutkan is currently a partner at the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, where her practice focuses on complex civil litigation, especially antitrust class actions, but also on white collar criminal defense and corporate investigations. If confirmed by the Senate, Chutkan would be the second African American woman appointed to the district court here in 32 years, only the third to ever serve, and the second currently on the bench, joining Ketanji Brown Jackson.

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B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK TECH. The Legacy The bright future of technology, although always facing forward, would be nothing without the past. In honor of Black History Month, our weekly profile will highlight historically important Black inventors and thinkers that shaped today's tech landscape.

Mark Dean The Great Connector Groundbreaking computer engineer Mark Dean is the brain behind a number of landmark technologies for IBM, helping to the personal computer age with innovative that made our favorite tools more accessible and powerful.

A Jefferson City, Tennessee native, Dean landed a job at IBM after graduating from engineering at the University of Tennessee. He quickly went on to produce some of the company's most important innovations, holding three of IBM's original nine patents. He first invented the Industry Standard Architecture system bus with engineer Dennis Moeller, which allows for computer plug-ins such as disk drives, printers, and most of all, modems. But he didn't stop there. He also led the design team behind the creation of the color pc monitor and the 1GHz RISC processor chip. Having occupied several big positions at IBM, he would become the first ever African-American to join IBM Fellow, which is the highest honor any scientist, engineer, or programmer can achieve at the company.

The Next Gen Today's tech culture is full of talented innovators and tastemakers. In honor of Black History Month, we profile one of these influential individuals who is pushing today's technology to the next generation, while expanding access for all.

Melissa James Consider Melissa James the tech industry's super connecter. As the CEO of The Tech Connection and the Black Tech Boston Meetup, this Boston native and proud Caribbean-American (with a Jamaican mom and St. Kittian dad) has been dedicated to strengthening diversity in the industry, connecting underrepresented technical talents with elite companies such as Google and Teradata. James also mentors the next generation of innovators as board member of the Youth Institute of Science and Technology and the Young Black Women's Society. Ahead of her presentation this week at the Black Tech Week in Miami, the National Weekly spoke with James about her past inspirations and future plans.

Tell us about your companies The Tech Connection and Black Tech Boston Meetup?

How did you come up with the concept?

My company the Tech Connection works with companies to create a recruitment strategy that creates an approachable process to find the best software engineers and IT professionals. The Black Tech Boston Meetup is an industry event, where nearly 400 members come together to talk about tech. We also have our software platform set to launch, so candidates can market themselves to elite companies, so that people outside of Boston can access our resources. Working at Google on the diversity in tech initiative really pushed me to find a better way to engage diverse talent and highlight their strength.

How did you get started in tech? Did you have any particular mentors who encouraged you to venture out on your own?

My first interaction with tech happened shortly after I graduated. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. You know with Caribbean parents, the only option is nurse, lawyer or doctor! And I don't like blood. But I graduated in the middle of the recession, when lawyers were having a hard time getting jobs. Then a boyfriend suggested I try out for a tech company, Sample 6, which dealt with biotechnology – something I never knew anything about. They do diagnostic tests for food-borne pathogens, which I thought was super important. At that point they were looking for a manager to grow their team. My mentor there, Michael Koeris was the founder

of the company, and he let me see the entire process, from board meetings, to financing, to hiring. I got an incredible chance to see the ins and outs of how to start a start-up. It was like going to boot camp every day in how to start and run your own company.

How has technology changed you both professionally and personally?

Technology is the great equalizer. If you have Google, you have access to everything. There is no excuse for not learning more or taking advantage of resources. I don't always know what's the best decision, but through social media I've been able to create my own network of talented people to learn about business, and better understand our industry.

What has been your most memorable moment/project so far in your career?

All of it! So may great moments. But I am really proud of hosting the Black Tech Boston meetup. We went to the Google offices in Boston for our first meetup with a 100 members. It was such a great chance to give back to my family and community, inviting everyone to see the process behind this company whose products we use every day – that's just 20 minutes from where they live. We have 400 people in our meetup now. It's so important to show what it like behind the scenes at these companies. You can see that there is so much opportunity out there, and how much it can impact the socio-economic opportunities of your family.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

B3

Morgan Heritage wins Reggae Grammy Roots reggae band Morgan Heritage won their first ever Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album” for their latest work, “Strictly Roots,” at the 2016 Grammy Awards ceremony this week in Los Angeles, California.

In their acceptance speech, the band members thanked “Jah,” Jamaica and all the producers, songwriters and engineers who contributed in the production of the album.

“We want to thank all of our fans in Africa, Europe, everywhere,” said Mojo Morgan. “Reggae Music is global. If you didn't know we going to let you know…Jamaica big up yourself!” He also thanked VP Records, who has been their label for many years, and also named-check collaborators on their album, including Shaggy and Chronixx.

The reggae group won out against Jamaican heavyweights such as Barrington Levy, Jah Cure and Luciano.

But Gramps Morgan made sure to shout out to their iconic fellow nominees.

“Barrington Levy!. Big up yourself. Anywhere yuh deh.

Legend of the music,” said Gramps Morgan. “And Luciano and Jah Cure. This one is for Jamaica.” Local fans were thrilled for the much-anticipated recognition for the veteran band. “This group has released top quality reggae music for years,” said Miami Beach DJ Omari Phipps. “'Strictly Roots' is a really good album. Plenty of dance music.”

“I wouldn't have been surprised if either Jah Cure, Luciano, or Barrington Levy had won,” said Milly Beswick of Miramar. “But praise goes out to Morgan Heritage. They are a gifted, harmonious group, and genuine ambassadors of reggae.” “Strictly Roots” topped the Billboard Reggae Album Chart when it was released last April, with hit tracks like “Keep on Jammin,” featuring Shaggy and “We are Warriors,” featuring Bobby Lee of SOJA.

1 Use To Hungry Vershon

2 What You Gonna Do Freddie McGregor

3 This Magic Moment Vybz Kartel

Romain Virgo sings ode to Dennis Brown, “Caress Me Girl” Reggae's top crooner Romain Virgo is sending a soulful ode to the original Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown on his latest track, “Caress Me Girl,” just released on iTunes.

Covering Brown's original track released in 1996, Virgo's version of “Caress Me Girl” summons the Prince’s soul wrenching emotions on this 21st century edition.

The song is part of the upcoming “We Remember Dennis Brown” – a double-disc tribute album due in late spring on VP Records that celebrates one of the best reggae singers in the world. The album will be a collection of the Crown Prince's timeless hits covered by some reggae and R&B's most renowned artists today.

To celebrate the icon during his birthday month, VP Records will reveal one song from the album every Friday for the next five weeks. Romain Virgo's “Caress Me Girl” and Raging Fyah's “Milk & Honey” have already been released, while Jah9's “Bloody City” will be available on Feb 19, The Green's “Promised Land” on Feb. 26 and Marsha Ambrosius' version of “Have You Ever” on Mar 4. In addition to these power hitters, “We Remember Dennis Brown” will feature an array of singers from Jamaica. The island's latest crop of stars (including Jah Cure, Gyptian, Chronixx and Jesse Royal) as well as several icons who worked with Brown (like reggae vocalists Bushman and Freddie McGregor) all offer their contributions. Freddie's son Chino McGregor and Christopher Ellis, the talented UK-based singer and offspring of Alton Ellis (another one of Brown's musical mentors and confidants), also both deliver powerful renditions of Brown's classics.

4 Life Skip Marley

5 Hello Fiona

6 Here I Come Jahmel

7 I Couldn’t Believe Chris Demontague

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9 Try A Little Smile Adele Harley

10 Never Played A 45 Mack B

11 Rasta Party Bugle

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

Championing Change at Food for the Poor Hope Gala It was a night of charitable service and community at the recently held Food For The Poor 21st annual Building Hope Gala, held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Nearly 400 guests attended to support the charity, which has provided support for the disadvantage in the Caribbean and throughout the Americas. Gala guests included the Honorable Franz Hall, Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Miss Jamaica Diaspora Rohannia Mooyin and Bishop Ogé Beauvoir, Executive Director of Food For The Poor's Haiti office, and his wife Serette.

During the Building Hope Gala's live house rally, homes for 44 destitute families were pledged to be built in Source Sable, Haiti. A video was also shown at the gala to help those who have never traveled to a developing country visualize the deplorable living conditions in Source Sable, where residents live in disintegrating mud huts that offer no protection from the elements.

“We are looking to build, with the funds that we raise tonight, in an area that is one of the poorest areas of the world. If you walk around the room and look at the pictures, you will understand what drives our passion,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor, as he addressed the guests and thanked the committee members for their commitment to the poor.

Committee members include: Elena Del Alamo, Matthew Bryant, Mileyka Burgos, Becky Carlsson, Michelle Goldsmith, Kim Hylton, Wilnar Julmiste, Marlene Khouri, Ann Mahfood, Julie Mahfood, Rene Turner Mahfood, Nathalie Parchment, Courtney (L to R) Jim Dunn of JR Dunn Jewelers, Miss Jamaica Diaspora Rohannia Robinson, Kara Seelye and Renee Stetler.

Mooyin and Ann Marie Dunn.

B5

Talking History with Orlando Patterson Academic stops by SoFla for inaugural lecture Why is Barbados so economically ahead of Jamaica? That was the question of the night, as esteemed Jamaican-born Dr. Orlando Patterson stopped by FAU Davie Campus this past weekend, delivering the first talk in new lecture series, “The Evolution after the Revolution: Jamaica at 60.”

The John Cowles Professor of Sociology at Harvard University presented his paper “Institutions, Culture and economic performance in Jamaica: A comparison with Barbados.” To a fully engaged and enthralled crowd, Patterson explained his analysis of how both countries' distinctive colonial histories led to the economic and political disparities between the two Caribbean nations. Patterson argued that blacks during and after slavery were given more bureaucratic power than their contemporaries on other islands, due to the social conflict between the wealthy planter class and Barbados' working class white residents, known disparagingly as “Red Legs.” He cited an early example of the colonial government decision to disband the white-dominated militia for a professional police force mostly dominated by black residents. This gave Barbadian early and practice exposure to Western-modelled political and economic systems, compared to newly liberated blacks after Emancipation in Jamaica, where many opted to live apart from colonial bureaucratic powers, preferring to live in independent rural communities.

Jamaica elections

from A1

Should these nine seats go to the JLP, they would win an overall 27 seats, which would bemore in line with the Diaspora predictions, but would still be a loss.

South Florida broadcaster Don Daly predicts the PNP will “safely win” 37 seats, and could pick up one or two more close seats.

“While anything can happen on Election Day to change voter's minds,” says Daly, he believes the PNP has reformed the economy sufficiently, “as attested to by the IMF and other multinational funding agencies.”

South Florida political commentator and Jamaica Observer columnist Richard Blackford predicts the PNP will win 43 seats and the JLP 20. However, “this election will be won or lost by the ground game of either side,” notes Blackford. “The PNP has an excellent election machinery, and know where virtually every vote resides. The JLP has been strapped for cash as a lot of donors have pulled back. This has hampered their preparation. The JLP is banking on a huge voter turnout in order to secure a victory. If the turnout is over 60 percent, the JLP has a chance. Less than that and it's the PNP.”

Simpson Miller insists Holness apologize for “con-artists” remark Despite the Diaspora's leaning towards a PNP victory, a slight majority, 52 percent, are disappointed in the PNP's decision not to participate in three debates planned by the Jamaica Debate Commission (JDC) between February 16 to 20. The PNP refused to participate, demanding an apology from Opposition Leader Andrew Holness for referring to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as “Jamaica's biggest con-artist” after she called his 10-point economic plan a “con job.”

The PNP also demanded a change in the debate format to the town hall setting of the Democratic Party debates in the U.S. However, Daly believes “these political debates have been only a part of the Jamaican political process since 2007. I don't think they really sway voter's opinions that much. Most PNP and JLP supporters have already made up their minds.”

Blackford said he considers the PNP actions “political gamesmanship… and a demonstration of their own disregard for the disjointed campaign being conducted by the JLP.” Holness' “con-artist” comment was also “a bit over the top,” says Blackford, “and maybe Holness should simply take the high ground and apologize for his comment.”

B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

Lady Saw no more Fresh from her premiere performance as a gospel singer this past weekend at the One Love in the Park concert in Lauderdale Lakes, speaking in an exclusive interview with the National Weekly, the born-again Christian Marion Hall assured that Lady Saw's transformation was real.

Reluctant at first to be interviewed, wanting to “focus on the peace I'm feeling through the Lord” she eventually relented, but stressed we were speaking with Marion Hall, as “Lady Saw is done and gone, never to return.”

Growing up in St. Mary, Jamaica, Hall said she was influenced by the Church and her great grandfather's wife – Aunt Linda, who showed her “God's power.” At age 11, she was first baptized in the Seven Day Adventist faith under the guidance of her father, but “didn't really understand Christianity” for herself.

Falling in love with music as a young girl, Hall began performing early, singing and dancing for friends and family members. Influenced by dancehall singers like Sister Nancy, she ventured into the professional music world, and before long was the genre's leading star.

MARKETPLACE

from A1

But surprisingly, Hall confessed that although she made “good money” as an entertainer, she never enjoyed the ride. “I used to return to my hotel or home after a performance and bawl, asking the Lord to forgive me for the words I was using and my behavior on stage.”

Through 25 years in the business, she often wanted to quit, but “the devil wouldn't let go of me.”

“Lady Saw was really a cover,” says Hall now, looking back. “She wasn't who I really am. Lady Saw was on a mission to save her family, mother and siblings from the wicked ghetto, and improve their lives. Lady Saw helped a lot of people, but Marion Hall wasn't happy.” She said three years ago, while praying in her bathroom in Jamaica, she felt the Lord calling her to change her life, “but forces I couldn't control pulled me back.”

She heard the call again last December when she attended the funeral of young dance hall artist, J Capri, who was tragically killed in an accident. As she saw the casket, says Hall, she thought that could be her, and the prayers and hymns pushed her to finally change her life.

Days later, she was baptized at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Cross Roads.

“After all this time, it was so easy, so peaceful, to give my life to the Lord,” says Hall. “I can honestly tell you,

there'll be no going back to dancehall. I don't even want to think dancehall. Some people think I'll go back because of the fame and money, but I no longer need fame. And if I am hungry, God will feed me. I love this peace I am feeling. There's nothing like this peace that comes from God.” Hall says she wants to sing gospel, be a missionary and a minister, “but I am waiting on God to direct me. It's His call.” She does know that she's keen on ministering to abused women.

“One of my missions, with God's help, is to save young girls from sexual abuse. That's really a bad situation.”

Regarding her premiere gospel performance in South Florida, Hall says she was so pleased the audience received her so well. With a new gospel track “Dash Holy Ghost” just released, Hall says she also plans to follow up with a full gospel album shortly.

“God gave me a gift to sing and I am going to sing for him every day to praise him, not for fame or money.”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7 –

OneonOne

TAEKWANDO

with Julius James

Soca Warrior joins Ft. Lauderdale Strikers South Florida soccer fans can welcome a new Trini on the local circuit, as former Soca Warriors defender Julius James joins the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The 31-year-old brings much-needed power to the Striker's defensive side, as well a good mix of local and international exposure. James has represented Trinidad and Tobago's national team more than a dozen times after earning his first cap against Guyana in September 2008. He has also played across the North American circuit for team such as San Antonia Scorpions, Toronto FC and Carolina Railhawks. The National Weekly sat down with the defender to talk about his inspiring career and anticipated future with the Strikers.

We're looking forward to seeing you play in South Florida!

What are you most looking forward to playing here with the Strikers?

I love Florida. It's really close to home and there are a lot of Caribbean folks here. And I'm really excited about working with the [Strikers] technical staff. There are really knowledgeable.

How did you get into football in T&T? Did you have a mentor or role model?

I use to swim in Trinidad up until age 12, when I had to take a big entrance exam for secondary school, and my mum insisted that I take a break. But when I went back I lost all my fitness. All my friends were playing football, so I thought, let me try this. Within a year I was in the U17 national pool to go into the World Cup in 2001.

I just fell in love with it. For mentors, in my younger years, I just wanted to be like the guys who could juggle the ball. I started to play close attention to my couches that helped me along the way, like Lester Young, my secondary school coach. From watching international football, I loved Fabio Cannavaro. I would tell people that I was Italian, even though I couldn't speak it.

What has been your most memorable moment in your career so far, and why?

Winning the Soccer Bowl with the San Antonio Scorpions in 2014, and getting drafted after my college career. But one of the biggest highlights – may not seem like much – was getting to play for University of Connecticut. They came to Trinidad to check out a striker on my team, and my coach told me they were interested in me too. They came the next year and took me. That was really the beginning, when I realized I could act achieve what I wanted to, make something of myself and take care of my family.

What advice would you give budding players back home, dreaming of going professional in the States?

I want to tell the kids that it's ok to dream. You'll get doubters. It may come from friends, even your closest family members. But don't pay attention to someone that doesn't support you. Work hard, be disciplined, engulf yourself in what you want to do, and you can achieve anything, by the grace of God. You're also made an incredible recovery from your double leg fracture six months ago to come back in fighting form.

What has your personal journey been like to get to this point?

One quote that I kept remembering was that adversity introduces a man to himself. When you get an injury. It's basically you and yourself. When you include God in that, your faith become stronger, your faith in your strength and capabilities. I'm not sure I would have healed as fast without that positivity.

How have you been gelling with your new teammates on the field?

Gelling comes like second nature cause I really really like these guys. We have good banter so far, and I think the Florida Cup also pushed us into the fire, and that allowed us to gel really quickly. The only thing that's left is paying attention to their movements on the field, what passes I can make for them, and what situations they're comfortable with.

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B7

SoFlo's Melissa Joseph represents T&T in Olympic Taekwondo Orlando-based Trini-American taekwondo champ Melissa Joseph has been officially tapped to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in Aguascalientes, Mexico this March.

Joseph will be the lone female representative for Trinidad and Tobago, and will compete in the -49kg division.

Joseph is among three other U.S.-based Trinidadians competing for the Twin Republic at the Olympic qualifiers. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Taekwondo Association (TTTA) Anthony Ferguson also announced that Lenn Hypolite and Edson Breedy will compete for the men's side.

Ferguson said Joseph was selected by the association after her confident performance at the recent 2016 International U.S. Taekwondo Open held in Reno, Nevada. Joseph had held her own and kept form against the much taller gold medist Yuntao Wenren from China, eventually losing 3-4 in the round of 32.

Following the news of her selection, Joseph in a press statement thanked “her coaches both in Trinidad and the U.S. for all they have done in helping me, and the Trinidad and Tobago Taekwondo Association in having the faith to believe in me. I'm training like I have never before in the next four weeks, because my dream is within sights.”

The American-born athlete, who is also currently a medical student at the University of South Florida, has had an active season, most recently competing at the World Championships in Russia. Joseph qualifies to compete through her Trinidadian parents Derek and Sharon Joseph, who live in Orlando.

B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, FEB 18 – FEB 24, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 7

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