NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
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Sun rises for Nevin NFL star tells how football changed his life by Howard Campbell
As a student at Piper High School in Sunrise, Nevin Lawson was a star running back with several college teams nipping at his heels to get him on their team. A misspent youth nearly messed that up. Lawson, now a cornerback for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, told National Weekly that he lost as many as 10 scholarships due to indiscipline. “I definitely went through a dark period, but you know I have to thank my parents and my lawyer Mr. (Denzle) Latty for guiding me to where I'm at today,” he said. He did not go into detail about his period of delinquency, but also credits football with changing his life. The second of three sons, 26-year-old Lawson was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He migrated to South Florida at six years-old and played soccer and cricket early on. Football took over at Piper High School where he was mentored by coach Matthew Lewis. Eventually, Lawson played for Utah State University where he had an impressive three-year run. He was a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2014 His discipline has earned strong reviews from Lions head coach Jim Caldwell. In a 2015 interview with the Lions' website, he said, “He's a hungry individual. He's one of those guys, let me just tell you something, absolutely love him because he'll fight you at the “I want to play as long drop of a hat.” Lawson's parents are from rural as possible. And I'll like Jamaica. His father, Clive, was born in Westmoreland, a parish known for its to reach out to young sugar-cane industry; his mother, Jennifer, was born and raised in the people here…I'm a tourist mecca, Montego Bay. family man now, so Lawson grew up in Lauderhill, which has a large Jamaican community. it's important to be Staying close to roots was important in
“My Dad, he listened to Gregory Isaacs a lot and Bob Marley, of course. My Mom, she makes the best oxtail in the world!”
Nevin Lawson (right) and his attorney, Denzle Latty. – Uriah Bennet photo
the Lawson household. “My Dad, he listened to Gregory Isaacs a lot and Bob Marley, of course. My Mom, she makes the best oxtail in the world!” The stocky Lawson, his wife Mari Angel and infant daughter are visiting South Florida. He travels to the old neighborhood frequently to catch up with family and friends. Nevin Lawson is wary about life as a professional athlete. The average career of an NFL player is two-and-a-half years, he noted. But he is determined to make an impact in the league and his hometown. “I want to play as long as possible. And I'll like to reach out to young people here…I'm a family man now, so it's important to be responsible,” he said. Lawson (right) playing for the Detroit Lions against the New York Giants
responsible,”
WHAT’S INSIDE CARIBBEAN
FEATURE
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ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
T&T PRIME MINISTER KEITH ROWLEY SUED A4
CONFRONTING CULTURE SHOCK IN AMERICA B1
ISHAWNA IN HOT WATER B3
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CULTURE: THE TWO SEVENS CLASH B2
POKERSTARS BET ON BOLT C1
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
American Pride These lovely young ladies were showing off their American Pride at a recent event in Miramar. Photo credit: Leo Gilling
All Smiles (l-r) Wendy Stephens McCann, Christopher “Mexx” Gayle, and Lanie Clarke were having a good me at the birthday celebra on for Cancerians this past weekend. Photo credit: Leo Gilling An gua/Barbuda Bus Ride Arlene Gumbs relaxes on Fort De Soto Beach as she enjoys the day courtesy of the An gua/Barbuda Associa on of South Florida. Photo credit: Julie Andrews
Enjoying the Sun John Friday, Treasurer of the An gua/Barbuda Associa on of South Florida and his wife Pat enjoyed the sea, sand and sun on the Bus Ride that took a group from Orlando to Fort De Soto Beach in Verde, FL. Photo credit: Julie Andrews
Cancerians Rock! André Largie (l), Richard Lindo (r), and Nichola Lindo (2nd from right) gather with friends to celebrate Cancerians at 1st Class Café hosted by Eddy Edwards, Gary Harris, and Patricia Aus n. Photo credit: Leo Gilling
How many fingers? This li le cu e took a break from lunch with Mom to share his coun ng skills. Photo Credit: Leo Gilling
Know Your Rights The Hai an Lawyers Associa on joined Impact The Outcome to speak on Immigra on and TPS at Miami-Dade College. Contributed
The Joke Sweet! Sharing a joke at a recent Miramar event. Photo Credit: Leo Gilling Laparkan Back to School Drive City of Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers (2nd le ) Laparkan's Juanita Phillips (3rd from right), Malachi Smith (right) and WAVS radio personali es at the recent Laparkan School Drive in aid of White Marl Primary School in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Nikyta Haynes of KYTA BEEZ MEDIA
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28 –
A3
NEWS
J'can PM calls for responsibility by Karyl Walker
Following public outcry that Jamaica's finance minister Audley Shaw racked up a $64,000 cell phone bill, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that all Cabinet ministers will take responsibility for their telephone bills. Following an emergency meeting of the Cabinet in Kingston on July 11, Holness said the situation is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately. During the meeting, Holness ordered an audit of all cell phone bills of ministers and state ministers to confirm the accuracy of information in the public domain. Shaw was appointed finance minister in March, 2016. Holness admitted that there was no standard, clear and consistent policy being applied across government regarding the
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness (center) and finance minister Audley Shaw (to his right) in a recent meeting of the Jamaican Cabinet.
treatment of communication expenses for ministers and state ministers. The Prime Minister has directed the ministry of finance to review and report on the respective policies for the provision of communication services including cell phones, in the various ministries. This is to allow Cabinet to make a comprehensive decision on how communication services and expenses for ministers are treated. In the interim, he instructed that cellular phone expenses be capped. The ministry of finance has been tasked to advise the Prime Minister, within a week, on the appropriate amount for the cap to be paid by each ministry for the minister's cellular phone bills. Any amount exceeding the cap should, therefore, be the responsibility of the respective ministers unless approved by the Permanent Secretary. The Cabinet agreed that public concerns about the level of some bills are valid. They have committed to reimburse the government, retroactively, the difference between actual bill and capped amount to be determined and imposed.
Living the high life in T&T Caribbean politicians have a reputation of living the high life. As Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness grapples with high cell phone bills of his Cabinet ministers, his counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago is in a similar pickle. Prime Minister Keith Rowley launched a probe into sports minister Darryl Smith's $92,000 trip to Tobago in May. Then, there is tourism minister Shamfa Cudjoe's $59,000 cell phone bill on a recent trip to The Bahamas. Smith attended the Tobago House of Assembly Sports Awards and stayed at the Magdalena Grand hotel.
In May, Rowley said he was disappointed at the revelations, but “not overwhelmed.” “I'm leading a young Cabinet and I have a responsibility to ensure they're guided in the appropriate way,” he said. “When I reached out to young people to come forward and take responsibility for this country, I will hold them responsible for taking on that assignment.” Rowley said it is important he leads by
example. Since his election in November, 2015, he has never had a meal in the Office of the Prime Minister. He noted that he could have also incurred a huge phone bill during a recent trip to Ghana. In Rowley's case, the Parliament's clerk informed him of data issues with cell phones and the need to turn the data roaming aspect off.
Sport Minister Darryl Smith says he was not joyriding in Tobago and a $92,000 bill for a weekend visit in May was all work.
Darryl Smith
A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
T&T Prime Minister Rowley sued Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Is facing a lawsuit over the termination of one of his ambassadors. On Tuesday, a High Court judge granted Eden Charles leave to file for judicial review challenging his termination on the grounds that it was illegal. Charles was terminated following a Cabinet decision last year and in January he petitioned the court to seek judicial review. He was appointed T&T's Deputy
Rowley
Charles
British Virgin Islands signs multi-million dollar hotel deal An agreement for redevelopment of the government-owned Prospect Reef Hotel has been signed by government and the ICA Group Corporation. The project is expected to lead to hundreds of jobs and will cost approximately US$90 million. The announcement was made following the signing between ICA Group representative Ali Nawaz Shaikh, and British Virgin Islands (BVI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. D Orlando Smith. According to a statement from the Government's Information Service, Shaikh noted that the process was tedious. “The key thing here is that we have signed an agreement, and we are going to go forward, and I think it's a success and a win for the people of the BVI, because we will be employing hundreds of people,” he said.
Premier Dr D Orlando Smith and Managing Director Ali Nawaz Shaikh signing the agreement
Shaikh further stated that work has started and a team including architects, engineers and master planners will visit the BVI at the end of July. “The components of the project include the construction of 150 rooms, condos/townhouses, marina, conference centre, and parking lots. There will also be dolphin attraction, Infinity pool, salt-water
pool and villas,” added the BVI government. Smith, in remarks following the signing, noted that Government saw the need to continue development of the territory's tourism product and financial services in 2005. He added that purchase of Prospect Reef gave Government an opportunity to move into the direction of development.
Permanent representative to the United Nations in 2012 by then President George Maxwell Richards, on the advice of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar. The former ambassador is seeking, among other things, a ruling that the process used to terminate him is illegal and unfair and was made in bad faith. He is also seeking to have the High Court declare that the Cabinet decision was (a) null and void (b) of no legal effect and (c) was contrary to his fundamental human rights. Based on these arguments, Charles wants the court to.quash the decision and make an order to have him reappointed.
Stolen boat found in Jamaica The police have intensified a probe following reports that a boat stolen in The Bahamas, was found in Jamaican waters last week. The police, in a July 11 report, said four men --two Jamaicans and two Bahamians --- were found aboard a 30-foot vessel that was intercepted by the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard off the eastern parish of Portland. The men were handed over to police in the parish. During investigations, they discovered discrepancies in documents presented for the vessel and information the men gave. They also failed to properly account for their presence in Jamaican waters. The Bahamian authorities were contacted and it was revealed that the boat had been stolen in that country. Detectives have called in the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency for assistance, as it is believed the men may be concealing their true identities. They remain in police custody on suspicion of breaches of the Customs Act, Maritime Act and Immigration Restriction on Commonwealth Citizen Act.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28 –
Talk UP
TALKUP
What is your favorite Caribbean meal and why? Courtnee: Jamaica/Pembroke Pines – My favorite Caribbean meal is fried fish (escovitch). It brings up most of my happy memories with family and friends, it reminds me of trips to Hellshire Beach when I was younger, and of Good Fridays eating fish with my mom and sister as I watched hints of Easter festivities popping up all around the house. It reminds me of fish frys with one of my best friends Shakira Martin before she passed away. You could never go wrong with good food and great company. Bernadette: West Palm Beach/Jamaica – I don't think I have a favorite food, I like all foods. All Jamaican food. Especially on Sundays – Early dinner on Sunday – Sundays at 2:00pm. Back home with the family we all sit down at the table and enjoy family meals and reminisce about the past, what's happening this past week, or whatever. Megan: Ocala/Jamaica – Well, I like the ackee and salt fish for breakfast with fried dumplings and festival, and also I like escovitch fish. Those are the two main dishes I really do like. Ackee and salt fish takes me back to when we used to pick the ackee off the ackee tree. We had an ackee tree at home, and we'd pick it and we'd clean it and everything. Nice. That was good. The escovitch fish, now that was one of my husband's favorite dishes. You know, I haven't cooked it since he died. That brings back memories of him now. Carol: Canada/Jamaica – As a Jamaican, I'm not able to conform to the North American foods. I still care for my Jamaican foods like ackee and salftfish and bammy, but I also like stewed peas and gungo peas soup and red peas soup… anything with peas or beans. After I left Jamaica I married a Guyanese and went to Guyana. I got to love roti and curry. I think my children love it more than I do. I learnt to make roti but now I buy them because it's easier. The one I really like is the dhal puri with seasoned split peas filling that's finely ground. Gail: Hollywood/USA – My favorite Caribbean meal is escovitch fish and bammy. I love to make a stop while driving along the south coast at the St. Elizabeth/ Westmoreland Parish borders in Jamaica, and I enjoy fresh-caught fish and hot bammy over an open fire. Alexi: Cooper City/Trinidadian-American – I think my favorite food would have to be a nice curry goat roti! I remember trying it for the first time when I visited my family in Trinidad and ever since then, I've been hooked. My parents always take me to my favorite roti shop on my birthday; it always reminds of my being in Trinidad around carnival time, enjoying the company of my family. Philip: Pembroke Pines/Belize – My favorite Caribbean meal is ackee and codfish, although in Belize we don't eat too much ackee, but I'm a fish guy. I enjoy any type of fish cooked anywhere. It brings back memories of my native country of Belize. Belize is fish country. We eat a lot of fish but we don't call it codfish, we call it barracudas. We catch it and put salt on it and put it in the sun and when it dries up, we pick the flesh and soak out a little bit of the salt and then hash it. We make it similar to the way the Jamaicans make the codfish. Katrina: Ft. Lauderdale/Jamaican-American – Growing up, whenever Jamaican food was involved, I would head straight for the oxtail. For me, it wasn't something I could have on any random day. Instead, it was a special meal that was reserved for holidays or occasional trips to Jamaica. I remember looking forward to visiting my grandparents in Jamaica because I would always know to expect hominy for breakfast and oxtail for dinner. Now this is making me hungry for oxtail. Helena: Miami Lakes/Puerto Rican-American – My favorite Caribbean food is ackee and saltfish. The reason why I like it so much is because it's homey and comforting and delicious and is reflective of the simple foods that's put together with love and local ingredients and tastes delicious. The first trip I made to Jamaica was for my honeymoon in 1987, so every time I eat it, even now, I think of that time.
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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
Crime: a social problem that begs broad social solution Last week, at a press conference during the CARICOM Heads of Government conference in Grenada, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness drew attention to the issue of crime.
In 2017, the cancer that aficts Jamaican lowincome communities has advanced to stage-4 crisis. It has spawned and intensied violent crime within and outside these communities to impact children, teens and women, and the domestic serenity of households. individuals associated with the community. These are communities associated not only with low-income jobs, but inefficient and overcrowded housing; high unemployment; low education achievement; viral birthrate; frustrated, angry youth; insanitary conditions; and barriers to affordable and competent healthcare. These are the communities that are a persistent cancer on Caribbean governments. It's a cancer that none has been able to ostracize. Between 1972 and 1976, administrations of Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley came close to finding solutions to improving the conditions that breed violent crime in lowincome communities. More people got jobs through so-called “crash programs” and easy lease of land for farming; youth got some hope and focus through a National Youth Program; and thousands found inspiration and jobs through Community Enterprise Organizations. But even as Manley experimented with social solutions to the problems that bred crime, alternative forces threatened this mission by stoking violent crime associated with Jamaica's political divide. From the 1970s, violent political-associated crime has continued as a social problem. As crime, social and political, increased throughout the 1970s the Manley administration turned to various drastic measures to curb the plague. There were
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Citing the crisis of violent crime across the region, he requested Caribbean leaders collaborate on a macro-social solution when they next meet. Holness would like leaders to look at broad social implications leading to violent crime in Caribbean societies, and find broad social solutions. This is a very sound recommendation made by Holness. It's one that should have been actively explored in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations plagued by increase in violent crime. Crime has many components, but these are held together by a common thread – society. Crime is, and always has been, a liability of society. As society develops, so does crime and the violent nature of crime. Of course, crime isn't associated with only Jamaica and the Caribbean. Neither is it a new social liability. For example, In Jamaica in the 1940s and 1950s, crime was less intense. People were mostly fearful of criminals robbing their homes and stealing crop and livestock from farms. Murder, rape, and aggravated robbery were less frequent, and when they occurred, made bold headlines in newspapers. After independence in 1962, as Jamaica began the task of governing itself, crime turned to a more violent form. In fact, crime and violence developed various prongs: political violence; domestic violence; violence associated with robberies; sexual assault against women and children; violence associated with illicit drugs; and development of violence between rival gangs. Over years, myriad theories and explanations have been given as reason for the increase of violent crime in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. However, there remains one constant. Violent crime concentrates within lower-income communities, the ghettoes, or the more refined name, inner cities. The perpetuators of these crimes are usually
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stringent, much criticized state of emergencies; spontaneous law enforcement raids on residents and communities; laws enforced against illegal use of guns, and a bright-red Gun Court and associated camp to detain those who broke the law. But crime persisted. Draconian measures applied to fight crime in the 1970s failed because the social solutions attempted by Manley were sabotaged. In 2017, the cancer that afflicts Jamaican low-income communities has advanced to stage-4 crisis. It has spawned and intensified violent crime within and outside these communities to impact children, teens and women, and the domestic serenity of households. It has been proven that it is devastating social--economic problems that are the root-cause of crime. If Caribbean leaders decide the solution to crime is to build prisons, and perpetuate police violence against criminals they won't succeed. It's primarily by finding solutions to the region's socio-economic cancer that crime will be curbed. Crime in the Caribbean seriously needs a broader, macrosocial, solution.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28 –
A7
LA SECCION HAITIENNE
S of luck troke
How Francois Thimothee survived Haiti's challenged healthcare system by Chely Paul
Eighty-one year-old Haitian Francois Thimothee knows all too well the challenge of being in a country where healthcare is in poor condition. On the morning of June 26, while preparing for church, Thimothee found himself lying on his bathroom floor unable to move and feeling as if he was slammed against the wall. “Do you remember Hulk Hogan”? , Francois asked his daughter as she caressed his face and fought back tears. She was relieved to find him alive and coherent at a local private hospital. Thimothee's daughter flew in from South Florida on June 26 on the only flight to CapHaitian, Haiti where he lives. He had suffered what appeared to be a stroke. Unable to move his entire left side or speak clearly, the left side of his faced drooped. “Time is brain” is a common phrase used in the American healthcare system to emphasize the importance of getting immediate treatment when symptoms of a stroke appear. With no emergency system in place
Thimothee was driven by neighbors to a private hospital about 20 minutes away due to the congested streets with no streetlights. At the hospital, there was no diagnostic imaging machinery and no emergency system in place such as a ventilator or crash cart. The hospital was not prepared for such a case. The only CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) machine available was a sevenhour drive away, making the odds of surviving less than favorable. There was no way to confirm, determine the type of stroke or means of treatment. Being in Haiti at the time was an absolute predicament for Francois Thimothee. Fortunately, he is a United States citizen, having lived in Brooklyn, New York for 40 years. He was able to travel to there with his daughter, a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse. They flew in to Florida on a commercial flight and immediately traveled to Stroke and Level 2 Trauma Center at Broward Health North in Pompano Beach. The fast and efficient care at this facility saved his life. Thimothee, owner of Belsieda, a nine-room “bed and breakfast” in Cap-Haitian is concerned about the inadequate medical system in his country. “I pray that the leaders of Haiti consider that this can also happen to them and make healthcare an urgent issue on their agenda,” he said.
A recovering Francois Thimothee and his son Myrdouin at the Stroke and Level 2 Trauma Center, Broward Health North.
They ew in to Florida on a commercial ight and immediately traveled to Stroke and Level 2 Trauma Center at Broward Health North in Pompano Beach. The fast and efcient care at this facility saved his life.
A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
What are Plea Bargains? by Wolde Rose Legal Aid Attorney
There are generally three types of Plea Bargains:
So often in legal cases, especially criminal, defendants are offered a Plea Bargain, or requested the attorney prosecuting the case to “plea”, meaning plead guilty. The legal means of settling a case with a Plea Bargain has become extremely popular in Florida and other courts in the U.S. increasing from less than 50 percent of cases in the 1950s when criminal cases were less prevalent, to some 90 percent of U.S. criminal cases today. As criminal cases escalated in courts, delaying trials for months, more Plea Bargains were offered to defendants especially those with damaging evidence against them. Essentially, Plea Bargains are an agreement of a bargain made between prosecutors and defendants for the latter to plead guilty in order to reduce the charge(s) and receive a lesser sentence. While some members of the legal community support Plea Bargains because they lower potential sentence a defendant could get in a jury trial, others argue there are defendants who are sentenced through plea bargaining who could have been exonerated. Others argue some defendants --- for example a poor black youth who has a case built against him --- could be coerced into a Plea Bargain although innocent, but fearful of a damaging sentence threatened by a prosecutor Probably the strongest argument offered by those opposed to Plea Bargaining, is it does not stand a real chance for a defendant to receive justice. Despite the criticisms, courts tend to lean
Charge Bargaining This is the most common form where defendants agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for more serious charges to be reduced or dismissed.
Plea Bargaining allows prosecutors to reduce those cases where they and defendant attorneys agree the evidence against a defendant would certainly lead to a prison sentence, allowing both attorneys to deliberate more serious cases.
towards Plea Bargains as it reduces caseloads. The current overcrowding of courts is a justifiable argument for Plea Bargains as without the outlet providing by this system, there simply would not be enough judges and court rooms to adjudicate cases by jury trial. Plea Bargaining allows prosecutors to reduce those cases where they and defendant attorneys agree the evidence against a defendant would certainly lead to a prison sentence, allowing both attorneys to deliberate more serious cases. It also saves the defendant, with insurmountable evidence pitted against him/her, money from a long trial and also precludes he and his family from serious embarrassment as the evidence unfolds. In fact, defendants who are aware of their guilt in several cases, welcome the opportunity of a Plea Bargain. By pleading guilty they are likely to have the charges, and potential sentence they could receive in a jury trial, reduced.
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Sentence Bargaining This is when a defendant agrees to plead guilty to the stated charge in return for a lighter sentence. This type of bargaining requires the review of a judge before it is binding. Fact Bargaining Fact Bargaining is when a defendant agrees to certain facts in a case, for example issuing forged checks in a fraud case, in order to prevent more damaging facts in the case from being introduced into evidence.
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28 –
B1
Confronting
Culture Shock in America
The term culture shock is often used to describe the unaccustomed experience that migrants from various countries experience on being exposed to new cultures in the countries they immigrate to. In the United States, it is not unusual for migrants from the Caribbean to experience this shock and take time adjusting to new cultural norms. by Garth A. Rose A significant aspect of this culture shock is found in the way Caribbean migrants adapt, or don't, to the laws of the U.S. Several practices that Caribbean residents take for granted as part of the ways of life, are illegal and grounds for arrest, and even jail time in the U.S. For example, on Monday we observed a police-officer interrogating an elderly man standing by a vehicle bearing a Jamaican flag on a suburban side road in West Kendall. Noticing the man looked very scared we decided to interfere.
“It's imperative Caribbean migrants acquaint themselves with the laws of Florida. The new legal system creates culture shock for them, but unless they want to have frequent run-ins with law-enforcement they must be aware of, and conform to, the laws of this country.” The officer, who was quite polite, told me the man was being charged with indecent exposure as he was caught urinating in the open by the road. In the Caribbean, men with a strong urge to urinate while driving can simply pull over to the road-side and discreetly relieve themselves. In the U.S., men caught doing this by police, can be arrested and charged with indecent exposure. Of course, the poor man in West Kendall couldn't believe he was about to be arrested. Thankfully, the officer sternly warned him instead of arresting him.
A building in Brooklyn, NY decked out in the flags of various Caribbean countries for the annual West Indian Day Parade.
Several practices that Caribbean residents take for granted as part of the ways of life, are illegal and grounds for arrest, and even jail time in the U.S.
After the man drove off, the officer, a Cuban-American, expressed concern how many migrants from the Spanish, French and English-speaking Caribbean are ignorant of American culture and laws. He said almost daily migrants from these countries are arrested for charges like jay-walking and child abuse. In the Caribbean people tend to cross public streets at any point they want. In the US, crossing a thoroughfare outside a pedestrian crossing can lead them to be arrested and charged for jay-walking. Among members of the CaribbeanAmerican community, whipping of children for various acts of indiscipline with a leather belt or switch is sort of the norm. Very few CaribbeanAmericans can attest to not being beaten by their elders. Such punishment rarely, if ever, attracted law enforcement intervention. However, in the US it's definitely illegal for anyone to punish a child with physical beating. Doing this easily leads to arrest on charges of child abuse. No reference to the Holy Bible which exhorts parents to not “spare the rod and spoil the child” will make the legal problems go away. As the officer, who asked to remain anonymous having no permission to speak to the media, said, “It's imperative Caribbean migrants acquaint themselves with the laws of Florida. The new legal system creates culture shock for them, but unless they want to have frequent run-ins with law-enforcement they must be aware of, and conform to, the laws of this country.”
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, JUL 13 – JUL 19, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 28
40 years of Culture’s
Two Sevens Clash
July 7, 2017 was a momentous day in the annals of reggae. It celebrated the 40th anniversary of Culture’s Two Sevens Clash, an ominous song that had Jamaicans expecting the worst on that day in 1977.
The song was written by Joseph Hill, the trio’s lead singer and leader. Hill died in Berlin, Germany at age 57 in 2006. “I spoke to him a couple of days before he died, Joseph was a man of the people,” said George Michailow, an American booking agent who worked with Culture for almost 20 years. He recalls Hill being the consummate showman and professional. “He would say, ‘Some sing for the dollar, I sing for my brother’.” In May, VP Records reissued the album Two Sevens Clash which first came out in 1977.
Get those dancing shoes ready for Where It's At by Howard Campbell For Jamaican youth who wanted to show off their dance moves and rub shoulders with reggae stars, Where It's At was the place to be in the 1970s. A half-hour television show with a format similar to Soul Train in the United States, Where It's At went off the air in 1982. But to diehard fans like Paul Johnson, the memories linger. “My generation has a lot of respect for Where It's At. It set the trend for how we dressed, how we ate,” he said. On August 26, Johnson and former Where It's At dancers and fans will gather at Temple Beth Emet in Cooper City for a reunion event. It will be hosted by Baldwin “Boppy Boo” Howe,
one of the original stars of the show. Alphonso Walker, who also produced and hosted the program, is involved. Since launching a Where It's At alumni Facebook page in June, Johnson said as many as 100 persons (mainly former dancers) have joined. They live in Jamaica, Florida, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia and Canada. Where It's At debuted on the government-run Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation in 1972. Instantly popular, it also attracted established and emerging artists. Johnson, who is from rural Trelawny parish in Jamaica, has lived in South Florida for over 30 years. He has promoted several live shows featuring top acts like Leroy Sibbles.
According to Hill, Two Sevens Clash was based on a prophecy by Marcus Garvey that said there would be mayhem on the day the sevens clashed (July 7, 1977). Many stores in Jamaica’s business districts closed that day. Hill’s son Kenyatta has led Culture since his death. Along with Telford Nelson and Albert Walker, he is on a North American tour marking the song’s anniversary. This evening (July 14), they play the Tropicalia in Washington DC.
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B3
Ishawna in hot water
Jo Mersa “Mi nuh dress inna tablecloth like Miss Lou,” headlines IMFest by Karyl Walker
The second International Music & Food Festival (IMFest) was launched on July 10 at Miami Gardens City Hall in Miami Gardens.
A social media post by raunchy dancehall artist Ishawna, has drawn the ire of many Jamaicans who believe it disrespects legendary folklorist Louise BennettCoverley. Ishawna posted a photograph of herself in a two-piece bathing suit with the caption, “Mi nuh dress inna tablecloth like Miss Lou” using the hashtag RipMissLou. The tablecloth Ishawna referred is the bandana which is part of Jamaica's national dress. It is worn by Jamaican contestants in Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. The post was roundly condemned on social media. “You don't even realize that Miss Lou was the one who paved the way so that you could come and make a small change. You can never be remembered as a part of Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and shall soon fade away,” one poster stated. “There was a time when people used to be respectful of the pioneers and those that set the way for them but I guess that is why dancehall music is being taken over by foreigners because you local artistes so think everything began with you that you all lose sight of the big picture. You just turned your five minutes of fame into two and a half,” another stated. Affectionately called “Miss Lou”, Bennett-Coverley died in 2006 in Toronto, Canada. She is revered for her role in making Jamaica's culture accepted worldwide and widely regarded as a pioneer of idioms like dub poetry, due to her use of Jamaican dialect in her poems. Miss Lou was also an accomplished actor who appeared in numerous pantomimes. Her poems, which include Colonization Reverse, Dutty Tough, No Lickle Twang and A'merika are still taught in Jamaican schools. Ishawna, whose real name is Tayasha Corniffe, is a tabloid darling. She has been in several controversial episodes including well-publicized affairs with sound system selector Foota Hype and music producer Skatta. She recently released the song, Equal Rights And Justice, which calls on men to perform oral sex.
Miami Gardens Vice-Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro (second left) presents a citation to singer Jo Mersa at the launch of the International Music & Food Festival on July 10 at Miami Gardens City Hall. John Gay (left), vice-president of Optell Solutions and Abebe Lewis of Abebe Lewis Marketing Group, share the moment.
“Mi nuh dress inna tablecloth like Miss Lou,”, Ishawna wrote. “#RipMissLou,”
Singer Jo Mersa, who will headline the August 5 event, attended the launch along with Miami Gardens Vice-Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro. The day-long show also has the support of Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Jordan. The show takes place at Betty T. Ferguson Amphitheatre in Miami Gardens. Mersa is the son of singer/songwriter and multiple Grammy winner Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley. Abebe Lewis of the Abebe Lewis Marketing Group said Mersa is the sole act confirmed to date. Other performers are expected to be announced soon. The Abebe Lewis Marketing Group, Optell Solutions and Liz Garcia are copresenters for IMFest which is being held on the day Jamaica celebrates its 55th year of independence.
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PokerStars bet on Bolt Online gaming company, PokerStars, will sponsor the July 21 Diamond League 100 meters race in Monaco featuring sprint legend Usain Bolt. It his Bolt's final Grand Prix event before the World Championships in London in August.
C1
Nike puts spike in Elaine's step Fans at the July 8 Diamond League meet in London were stunned how double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson destroyed a crack field to win the 100 meters race.
In June, Bolt signed an endorsement deal with Amaya Inc, owners of PokerStars. The company has similar deals with several celebrities including actor/comedian Kevin Hart. He spoke about his latest partnership in June via social media. "PokerStars is a winner and I'm happy to join Kevin in helping to bring poker and PokerStars to the masses. It's a challenging game that's fun, social and competitive so I'm pleased to be able to introduce it to my fans and to people around the world." Bolt and rivals in the race will wear PokerStars bibs. The company's director of corporate communications, Eric Hollreiser, commented on the decision to get involved with the athlete and meet. “PokerStars is proud to support the men's 100 meters race at the IAAF Monaco Diamond League and further our relationship with Usain Bolt. Usain is one of the greatest athletes in history and we look forward to seeing him in what will be an exciting event for sport fans around the world,” he said. Bolt will retire following the World Championships. He competes in only the 100 meters where his main rivals are his compatriot Yohan Blake and Andre deGrasse of Canada. The 30-year-old Jamaican won the 100 and 200 meters at the last three Olympics and holds world records for both events.
She did it in new, custom-made shoes from Nike. Thompson revealed after the race that conventional spikes hurt her Achilles tendons. Running in them made her uncomfortable. The Nike shoe has small spikes that suits Thompson, a .Jamaican who won the 100 and 200 meters at last year's Olympics in Rio, Brazil.
CRICKET
Bravo, Cameron patch things up interview to SportsMax TV during which I discussed player retainer contracts and the grades of contracts that had been awarded to certain players. In the course of the interview I stated that Darren Bravo had previously been on an 'A' contract, which I have since been advised is not correct.” “I apologize for the misstatement, and wish to assure Mr. Bravo that there was no insult or offense intended towards him. Darren is a senior cricketer who has been a valuable part of the Windies setup for a long time, and I would hope to see his game continue to progress and mature, at both regional and international level.”
“On November 11, 2016 after viewing statements made about me by the President of Cricket West Indies, Dave Cameron, on a television sports program .I tweeted a response which referred to the President which was, in retrospect, inappropriate.” “As I have always tried to uphold the best traditions of West Indies Cricket and its players, I now therefore wish to withdraw the comment made on my Twitter account and apologize to the President of CWI and to all Windies fans.” Cameron has also apologized: His statement read: “In early November, 2016, I gave an
Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron and Darren Bravo have resolved an issue that prevented the left-handed Trinidadian batsman from playing for the regional team since late 2016. On July 13, the CWI confirmed that Bravo, who was sidelined over a comment on Twitter, is available with immediate effect to play in all forms of cricket. The organization said Bravo, 28, issued an apology to Cameron that read:
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First-class honors for Taylor Steven Taylor could become the first American to play first-class cricket. The USA captain has signed a contract to play for Jamaica Scorpions in next season’s CWI Professional Cricket League. The 23-year-old left-hander, Taylor signed the contract on July 7. The Caribbean first-class season is played early in the year and includes six teams contesting matches in a round-robin format over four days. Taylor was born and raised in Florida to Jamaican parents. He first played for the U.S. senior team against Jamaica in 2010. He has played club cricket in Jamaica during the last two seasons, and played for the country in this season's Super50 one-day tournament. His best performance in the Super50 came in February against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Jamaica Scorpions made 434 for four with Taylor smashing 88. The Jamaicans lost to Barbados in the final. For this month's Hero CPL, Taylor will play for Guyana Amazon Warriors.
SALUTE
David Rudder West Indian man
When fans of Caribbean heritage attend Hero Caribbean Premier League matches in South Florida next month, Rally Round The West Indies will likely be Lawrence played. Rowe on the go
The song is Trinidadian David Rudder's homage to cricket, the game that has unified West Indian islands since a regional team was formed to represent them in 1928. Fitting that Rudder recorded the song in 1987 when the West Indies were the most powerful team in sports. Not just cricket --- sports. Inspired by his countrymen Lord Kitchener and The Mighty Sparrow, Rudder identified with West Indian life. His songs like The Hammer which saluted another hero, pan maestro Rudolph Charles, had a strong Caribbean flavor that resonated with fans outside of Carnival season. His greatest statement, however, is Rally Round The West Indies, which officially replaced Booker T And The MGs' Soul Limbo as the West Indies cricket team's theme song in the 1990s. The Calypso's commentary which was the working man's newscast 50 years ago, is lost on the current generation of West Indians. They are tuned into dancehall and soca, and hip hop from the United States. They are awestruck by NBA superstars like Lebron James and Stephen Curry. Sobers, Richards and Lara are forgotten heroes. Which makes it even more important to heed David Rudder's cry and Rally Round The West Indies.
C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
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