National Weekly March 30, 2017

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

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Scammer accused of eecing over US$5.6M

By Karyl Walker

Kingston's Mayor Williams to visit Miramar

A court-appointed lawyer for an accused lotto scammer wants nothing more to do with the case involving millions allegedly defrauded from American citizens.

Lavrick Willocks, has been accused in North Dakota of masterminding a multimillion-dollar lottery scam.

His attorney John Goff says he can't work with his client.

Goff filed a motion Tuesday to excuse himself from the case, citing that he can no longer communicate effectively with the accused. Willocks had previously filed court documents asking for a new attorney.

Another defendant in the case, Sanjay Williams, was sentenced in 2015 to 20 years in prison after he was convicted by a jury in Bismarck, the North Dakota capital.

Bi-lateral relations, trade and opportunities in culture between the city of Kingston, Jamaica and the City of Miramar will be some of the topics up for discussion when the Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams and the Mayor of Miramar Wayne Messam will address residents in a Town Hall meeting scheduled to be held in South Florida next week.

Willocks is charged in federal court with conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. U.S authorities say the elaborate scheme eeced more than 70 mostly elderly Americans, including a North Dakota woman, out of more than $5.6M.

continues on A8 – Kingston Mayor

WASHINGTON D.C.

Diaspora reps hold meeting with Trump admin.

By Garth Rose

An alliance of Caribbean Diaspora community, religious and business leaders met with representatives of the Trump administration this week.

Their objective was to provide input on the future of relations with the Caribbean and role of the Diaspora. The meeting follows talks last month to identify a mechanism to provide ongoing consultations between the administration and the Caribbean Diaspora.

At the center of the discussions is the United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 which was signed last December by President Barack Obama.

This legislation provides for the identification and implementation of specific initiatives and programs to enhance America's relations with the Caribbean at multilateral and bilateral levels.

The Act identifies nine broad areas which the US State Department and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are mandated to

Williams had two court-appointed lawyers replaced in his case. In November 2015, he was ordered to pay $5,672,561.15 in restitution, after he was found guilty in a North Dakota court of conspiracy to commit wire fraud or mail fraud, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and 35 counts of wire fraud.

Williams, 26, was the first Jamaican tried and convicted in the United States for selling lead lists for use in international cyber fraud. Lead lists consists the names, telephone numbers, and personal information of potential victims and are sold to lottery scammers.

Willocks was arrested in November last year in Kingston, the Jamaican capital, by police. He was reportedly found hiding in the garden of a Kingston hotel. When Jamaican cops searched his room they found US$10,000, J$148,000, several electronic devices and jewelry.

Willocks waived his right to an extradition hearing and was flown straight to North Dakota to face his accusers.

continues on A6 – Diaspora

WHAT’S INSIDE CARIBBEAN

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

TT PM IN WASHINGTON FOR TALKS WITH OIL COMPANIES A4

HONORING WOMEN FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH B1

ERNIE SMITH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN MUSIC B3

T&T’s CARTER WINS SILVER AT NCAA CHAMPS C1

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

Ziadie Cup Congrats to Maleke, 2016 winner of the Zaidie Scholarship. – Contributed

Dream Team Members of the FIU Dance team Karizma strike a pose for winning the trophy of the talent compe on at the FCSA Leadership Conference 2017. – Contributed

Truly Blue Hi five to Xavier and Addy, two of the strongest supporters showing off their “blueness” at the recent True Blue Party. – Contributed

Poetry Bus A Miami-Dade County bus that had been wrapped with poems wri en by students from Orchard Villa and Poinciana Park Elementary schools. The County's Department of Transporta on and Public Works wrapped the new bus, which will run on a route in Liberty City. – Contributed

Birthday Pride Carlton McLean surrounded by his daughters for his birthday celebra on at the Fort Lauderdale Golf Club. – Photo credit: Uriah Benne .

Much N Brunch VACC CAMP/Miami Children's Hospital 12th Annual Fundraiser benefi ng kids needing mechanical assistance to breathe. – Contributed

Caribbean Queen Miss Florida Interna onal University 2017, Shamola Madura, was crowned Miss Florida Caribbean Students Associa on 2017 at the recent Florida Caribbean Students Associa on Leadership Conference held at UF. – Contributed

Caught on Lens Rudolph and Sherone Kameka enjoying the night at True Blue. – Contributed

Champion Bump Jamaican Sprinter extraordinaire Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce showing off her baby bump. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

A3

LOCAL

Court rules against minimum wage ordinance On Tuesday, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Peter Lopez ruled in favor of a joint lawsuit filed by a coalition of Florida businesses supported by state Attorney General Pam Bondi, and against a City of Miami Beach 2016 ordinance increasing that city's minimum wage.

Last year the commission voted to increase the city's minimum wage to $10.31 effective January 1, 2018 and incrementally by $1 annually until January 1, 2021 to $13.31 per hour. The rates set by the ordinance is significantly higher than Florida's current minimum wage of $8.10 per hour.

Subsequent to passing the ordinance the City drew the ire of a coalition of powerful businesses, the Florida Retail Association, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida Chamber of Commerce. Last December the organizations filed a joint lawsuit in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court to block the city ordinance. The lawsuit claimed the ordinance was unconstitutional as the minimum wage it created could not supersede minimum wage set by the state.

The plaintiffs also argued the increase in the city's minimum wage would create hardships for the member businesses of the respective organizations.

While the plaintiffs hailed Tuesday's ruling as “great news for Florida retailers and the entire business community,” Miami Beach's attorneys said they will appeal immediately to the Florida Supreme Court. The City argues a Florida 2004 constitutional amendment which authorized the state to set its minimum wage higher than the federal rate also allows municipalities to set rates higher than the state.

City of Miami Beach City attorney, Robert Rosenwald, issued a statement indicating the city wants the Florida Supreme Court to intervene to “reverse the circuit court's

While I am extremely disappointed in today's ruling against Florida families, we expected that this case would ultimately end up before the Florida Supreme Court, – Levine

misreading' of the ordinance. The attorney said the court “simply got it wrong.”

Although Florida's minimum wage is 85 cents higher than the current federal minimum wage, it's still significantly below the living wage of $10.10 cents determined by various local economist. For several years, efforts by lawmakers on the Florida Legislature, supported by local trade unions, to raise the state minimum to coincide with a living wage have failed.

The primary proponent of the City of Miami Beach minimum wage ordinance Mayor Phillip Levine, a Democrat who is reported planning to campaign for Florida Governor when incumbent Governor Rick Scott terms out in 2018, decried the Miami-Dade Circuit Court's ruling.

In a statement, Mayor Levine said, “While I am extremely disappointed in today's ruling against Florida families, we expected that this case would ultimately end up before the Florida Supreme Court,” he said. “Our legal team is working on a swift appeal to ensure the will of Floridians expressed through the 2004 state constitutional amendment on minimum wage is fully implemented.”

Pending Florida immigration measures strongly opposed in Tallahassee For the second consecutive year, the Florida Legislature is attempting to enforce harsh actions against undocumented immigrants in the state, and, for the second consecutive year, the state's immigration advocates are firmly pushing back against laws that could affect undocumented immigrants harshly.

There are currently three bills in the House which if they advance to law would add to difficulties faced by undocumented immigrants resulting from the escalated enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Similar bills in the Florida House and Senate, HB 697 and SB 786, proposes to make it illegal for any Florida city to provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. This proposal is similar to a recent White House executive order that prohibits sanctuary cities in the nation.

Two other similar bills (HB 83 and SB 120) proposes more severe penalties for crimes perpetuated by undocumented immigrants, compared to other residents.

Immigration advocates across the state, including the Florida Immigration Coalition led by Francesca Menes, consider the bills before the Legislature as unconstitutional. A crowd of these advocates travelled to State Capitol in Tallahassee to make known their protest over any pending legislation.

Earlier this week the protestors, joined by Democrats who are members of the Florida Legislature, held a press conference to state more clearly the reason for their protest and presence in Tallahassee.

Menes speaking at the press conference said the advocates are A6 – Immigration

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

TRINIDAD

TT Prime Minister in Washington for talks with oil companies The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, left the island on Wednesday for a two-day visit to the United States for talks with officials of several oil companies, including BP Amoco, Shell and ExxonMobil.

Rowley, who is accompanied by Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young, will have discussions

centered on “strategies for navigating the challenges facing the energy sector and opportunities for growth and partnerships here, at home and in the region.”

During the visit, the delegation will also meet with officials from EOG Resources.

Earlier this month, Rowley said his administration is hoping a new gas agreement signed with Venezuela would come on stream as early as July to avert further closure of energy plants at Point Lisas in Central Trinidad.

He said that the agreement, which also involves the multi-national oil company, Royal Dutch Shell “will bring that gas to market in the

Rowley told reporters that the announcement “should warm the heart of every Trinidadian and Tobagonian that our future in the gas business now is assured once we are linked”.

shortest possible time.”

Shell is expected to build a 17 kilometre (10.6 mile) pipeline from Venezuela's shallowwater Dragon gas field to its Hibiscus platform off the north coast of Trinidad.

He said the talks with ExxonMobil was necessary given the US-oil giant’s involvement in the emerging Guyana Skerrit oil and energy sector and Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself to be a player in the industry of that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

Rowley

GRENADA THE BAHAMAS

PM Holness praises Grenada's fiscal discipline

CARIFESTA XIII launched The 13th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) was launched in The Bahamas on Monday with the Barbados Culture Minister Stephen Lashley underscoring the importance of the region's premier arts festival.

He said the August 17-27 festival will bring significant economic benefits to the island as it hosts some of the region's best in dance, the spoken word and other cultural events.

“CARIFESTA XIII is expected to generate much economic activity on our island when the expected 3000 plus artists and artisans come to Barbados along with their friends and relatives to take part in the festival. From hotels to transport to restaurants, technical providers and the list can go on and on. All of these will benefit from the activity associated with this event,” Lashley said.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said the festival highlights the whole notion of regional integration. CARIFESTA was conceived out of an appeal from a regional gathering of artists who were at the time participating in a Writers and Artists Convention in Guyana in 1970 and which coincided with Guyana's move to Republican Status.

The three main considerations with regard to the staging of CARIFESTA were, that the festival should be inspirational and should provide artists with the opportunity, to discuss among themselves techniques and motivations and it should be educational in that the people of the Caribbean would be exposed to the values emerging from the various art forms.

The regional creative festival which was first held in Guyana in 1972, will be held under the theme “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves.”

“For our economies, small island developing states, to survive in this changing world, our economies have to be more efficient, they have to be more robust, they have to be more diverse, From what I have they have to be more resilient, and they have to be growing and growing and read, and what has growing.” been reported, the He said the economic growth is scal discipline of “not just for the big people, they have to Holness, addressing the convention your government of the ruling New National Party on has been exemplary grow for the little people as well because economic growth starts at the Sunday, said that reducing the debt to – PM Holness root and the benefit of economic gross domestic product (GDP) ratio growth is that people must get jobs.” from 108 to 72 per cent in three years is Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell agreed that a feat that has to be commended. the country's current economic success did not come “From what I have read, and what has been on a whim, calling the lowering of the debt to GDP reported, the fiscal discipline of your government ratio a miracle. Mitchell also said the vision for the has been exemplary.” The Jamaican leader said it is future is to “promote an economic policy that will never easy for any country to go through a structural employ and empower all our people, by expanding reform of its economy but encouraged Grenada not opportunities to all sectors of our society.” to give up on those reforms.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has praised Grenada's fiscal discipline as it implements a home-grown structural adjustment programme with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

Talk UP

A5

TALKUP

The former NAACP chapter president identies as “transracial” and alludes to all races being descended from a Black mother.

Do you agree?

Nicole: Plantation/Jamaica – I do not agree.

When she first got the job, why she didn't say at that point she was transracial - she is now, because she wants to take away the shame and the embarrassment to try and justify her lie. Is there any proof that she was outed by her own race? No, so she is just plotting another scheme to take a next black person's job. The definition of transracial is someone who is born one race but crosses the boundaries of another. That's like me saying I'm white. No no no.

Jorja: Tampa/Jamaica – I don't support someone trying to change their race or identity; it is important to love and accept yourself as you were born.

However, I do empathize with her. As for her new identity as transracial, I support that from the perspective that we are so much more than the color of our skin or our ethnicity, and being able to transcend all racial barriers and have a greater appreciation for all races is the core of humanity.

The topic of race creates too much division on our society.

Magdalena: Miami/Puerto Rico – That's an interesting concept, and I do believe that while many of us can trace some of our biracial and bicultural roots, history shows that besides the out of Africa and one mother theory, migrations, war, and conquests have produced multicultural peoples.

I believe there is no such thing as any pure races.

Also, it's a shame she has been treated this way.

While many people deny their biracial background or do not like inter-racial mixing, she seems to embrace it.

Cyndia: T&T/Panamanian Heritage – In history, there are a lot of leads that trace DNA back to African origins. Not for every person in the world, but many. Using the label transracial is a little much, because the color that you're born with is what you are. Even if you change yourself you will still be what you are originally. For example, Michael Jackson still black even if he looks white. It's okay to change yourself but she's trying to give herself a title that never belonged to her in the first place.

Ellagene: Plantation/Jamaica – I agree because one's natural pursuit is to find his or herself. She obviously feels comfortable in the way she now identifies herself. If she is happy, and is comfortable in her skin, then I totally agree that she can refer to herself by whichever race she wants to be perceived as. Why should we box her into a race that she does not identify with? It's her thing, and she has to live with it.

Antonio: Baltimore/Jamaica – I fully agree with the concept of being “transracial” or having a “transracial identity.” I firmly believe in human selfdetermination as it relates to self identification. Selfdetermination is a fundamental right given to us by the creator which should not be infringed upon.

Self-determination is also a basic tenet of the UN charter, as well as the US Constitution.

Bonnie: Pensacola/Jamaica – I agree because it has been proven? That humankind started in Africa and followed the Nile up. Also it is a great compliment to the black race that she loved and admired them so much that she wanted to be one.

Also, she spent most of her life as a black woman.

She should be admired rather than looked down on.

Evelia: Panama – Some races, not all can probably come from Africa. But for my race, my family was from Panama and never from Africa. My grandfather's family were very dark-skinned almost black but they were native Indians from Panama, they weren't African. When the canal was being built slaves came from all over not just Africa to build there. But that woman who claims to be one race but is another, she cannot steal another culture because she isn't comfortable with her own.

Roy: Sunrise/Jamaica – One does not need to be “Black” to be a civil rights activist. But passing one's self off as being “Black” when one is not, is deceiving.

It leaves to ask why. Also, she is implying that she has some black roots. To me, “transracial” means one who is of mixed race.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

Obamacare is the law of the land After seven years attempting to repeal it; after campaigning against it in four election cycles from 2010 to 2016; after the incumbent president promised repeatedly to replace it on “Day one” of his administration; and despite owning the presidency and majorities in the US House and Senate, Republicans failed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act so aptly nicknamed Obamacare.

Obamacare remains the law of the land.

It remains the law of the land because in the hasty attempt to repeal and replace this law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010; Republicans drafted a replacement bill that was blatantly cruel. It was a bill this newspaper predicted would fail because of its inhumane cruelty. It was a bill that increased the cost of insurance to seniors who need health insurance most. It would have removed insurance to millions of low-income Americans, who can hardly afford to feed their families much more healthcare. It would have removed access to healthcare for pregnant mothers, the mentally ill, among other benefits.

The Republican bill was created in arrogance. Its authors did so in relative secret, without the knowledge of some of their own members. The arrogance of Republican leaders convinced them the bill would be passed in the US House, without the support of Democrats just seventeen days after it was released, and subsequently by the Senate in another two weeks. This

Daispora

arrogance extended to the White House where President Trump who prides himself as the negotiator-in-chief, and master-deal-closer, was confident he could use his influence to get this bill approved in record time.

The bill failed because Americans were not ready to have this bill pushed down their throat like bad medicine.

Americans protested repealing and replacing Obamacare even before being aware of the Republican bill.

Republicans and Democrats pressured their congressional representatives, and protested at rallies across the country not to take away something they never had prior to 2010 - affordable healthcare. It's evident there are Republican congressional representatives who heeded these protests.

Although the failed attempt to repeal and replace Obama-Care is a sweet victory for proponents of that law, the victory is far from complete. A battle has been won but the war still rages.

Speaking from the White House moments after the

from A1

address and provide recommendations for a plan of action to the US Congress by June.

The White Paper that is expected to form the basis for Wednesday's consultations, addresses the nine issues and received input from Diaspora leaders across the United States, representing organizations with members from across the Caribbean. Among the issues to be addressed are: diplomacy and security; economic development; and education and health.

US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Kenneth Merten, will lead the US discussion with an overview of current US engagement with the Caribbean. Guyana's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, who is also chair of the Caribbean Caucus of Ambassadors, will deliver opening remarks.

Republican's healthcare bill was pulled, Trump predicted “Obamacare will explode.” Americans must now remain vigilant to ensure clandestine moves are not taken to influence the “explosion” of Obamacare.

Admittedly, there are aspects of Obamacare that needs improving. Most social programs take years to perfect as they adjust to changing characteristics of the society. The Social Security law continues to be tweaked some 82-years after it was signed. With Obamacare being the healthcare law of the land, like Social Security, there's a need to keep on fixing the flaws in the law.

Despite the flaws in Obamacare, it does meet a national demand for affordable healthcare. It should be the responsibility of Republicans, instead of trying to repeal Obamacare, to work in a bi-partisan manner with Democrats to improve this law of the land.

The Republican healthcare bill also failed because of the factions among Republicans. Since neither the Republican nor Democratic Parties are monolithic, it's often difficult for the factions within the parties to reach consensus and pass critical legislation. However, it's possible for a faction within one party with similarities to a faction within the other to reach agreement through skillful bi-partisan maneuvering. For example, moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats may be more likely to reach bi-partisan agreement, than different factions within each party.

In order to fix the flaws in Obamacare and pass pending legislation like the federal budget and immigration reform, bi-partisan compromise will be needed.

Failure to pass immigration reform under Obama, and replace Obamacare, proved it's difficult to succeed without bi-partisan compromise. This should be an important lesson to Congressional leaders and President Trump.

Immigration

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from A3

tired for the immigrant community in Florida as if “we make no contribution to the state of Florida” when in fact the state's large immigrant community play a vital role in building Florida's economy. She and other advocates were emphatic in their statements that immigrants in Florida are her to stay.” The advocates demanded that the legislature stop the progress of the respective bills as immigrants are “sick and tired of being threatened.”

Despite the protests and the opposition coming from Democrats in the House and the Senate, Republican lawmakers have not given any indication they will pull the bills, as they argue by being in the state without the required immigration documents, these immigrants have broken the law and should punished.

Meanwhile in the House HB 83 is advancing. It has already passed two committees, with another committee hearing and vote pending before its voted on by the general assembly.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Agreement to reduce pregnancy related deaths The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has signed a new partnership with Canada aimed at reducing the number of maternal and infant deaths in Haiti.

PAHO said it will execute the CAN$39.8 million project in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada over a four year period and the project will also address the reproductive needs of women, as well as health care priorities of new-borns and infants in the country.

The SESAME (Essential care for Mothers and Children) project aims to improve the health, the lives and rights of women and children in Haiti and to advance the unfinished agenda on women's health from a development perspective,” PAHO said.

PAHO said the SESAME project, will support 45 referral hospitals, 10 at the departmental level and 35 community hospitals in all departments in the country.

Key components of the project include - establishing performance based contracting; developing a strengthening plan for each hospital; training to improve personnel competencies of sexual and reproductive health and child health.

Chile's President ends visit to Haiti Haiti has asked Chile to leave some of its military equipment in the country as its soldiers end a tour of duty with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

President of the Senate Youri Latourue said the request had been made as Chilean President Michelle Bachelet wrapped up a one-day visit on Monday.

“We have asked that Chile leave some equipment to our military and also train our young soldiers, as Ecuador did,” said Latourue.

The Chilean army members are due to leave here next month and the issue was among matters discussed by Bachelet whose visit came ahead of an April 11 debate by the UN Security Council in New York on the fate of MINUSTAH and the recommendation by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres that the mission, established in June 2004, close by October. 15.

During her visit, the Chilean President met with her Haitian counterpart, Jovenel Moise and Prime Minister Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant.

MIAMI

US Federal court bans Miami based Haitian tax office A federal court in Miami permanently barred Aleluya Universal Accounting Services Inc. (Aleluya) and its Haitian officers Frantz Petit-Dos, Luczor Fertilien and David Joseph from preparing federal income tax returns for others.

Visit our Branch or Facebook Page for details

In its complaint, the US government had alleged that Petit-Dos, Fertilien and Joseph prepared false returns from Aleluya's office located in Lauderhill, Florida.

In addition to barring the defendants from preparing tax returns, the court ordered them to post a notice, in English and in Creole, in the store window where they prepared tax returns stating that the defendants are barred from preparing tax returns for others.

According to the government's complaint, “the defendants prepared tax returns that unlawfully understated income tax liabilities and overstated refunds by fabricating and/or exaggerating deductions and tax credits their clients were not eligible to take.” For example, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the defendants claimed fuel tax credits for customers who did not qualify for this credit.

In particular, the DOJ said Joseph falsely advised one customer that she was eligible for the credit because she was self-employed and drove herself to work.

Similarly, Fertilien told the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that he advised anyone with receipts for gas used in their vehicles could claim the credit, according to the complaint.

The US Government alleged in its complaint that the misconduct of the three predated the creation of Aleluya.

The complaint alleged that they prepared false tax returns and committed other violations of the Internal Revenue Code while at Imperial Taxation.

Altogether, the complaint alleged that the loss to the US Treasury from the defendants' activities may be in the millions of dollars. In the past decade, the DOJ said its Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

SUNRISE

Kingston Mayor

from A1

The meeting is also seen as an opportunity lay the foundation for the establishment of a sister cities agreement.

A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries.

The relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement.

The upcoming meeting is of particular significance as Kingston celebrates a significant anniversary. “It is fitting to have Mayor Williams visit Miramar as Jamaica and the Diaspora celebrate the 145th year of Kingston as Jamaica's capital,” said Messam.

Kingston is the heartbeat of Jamaica, rich in history and seeped in culture, the multicultural city came into existence as a refuse for survivors of the 1692 earthquake that destroyed two thirds of Port Royal.

The City of Miramar in Florida, came into being fairly recently. It was established in 1955 to serve as a “bedroom community” for Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It is a thriving city with a growing complement of Fortune 500 companies. Significantly, Miramar has managed to stem the outsourcing of US jobs to countries like China and is prime for a partnership with largest Capital city of the English Speaking Caribbean just a few from the shores of South Florida.

Miramar is home to thousands of Jamaican- American residents and is the only city in Florida with an all-CaribbeanAmerican commission four of which have Jamaican heritage.

Based on the diversity of both cities, the Town Hall meeting is being touted as an opportunity for Williams and Messam to address residents of Miramar, members of the Diaspora and the Caribbean Trade community.

The event will be open to all residents.

Comm. Douglas opposes proposed Sunrise water park City of Sunrise first CaribbeanAmerican commissioner, Mark Douglas, is adamant in his opposition to the city building a water park estimated to cost $10 million in that city.

At a commission meeting held on Tuesday night, Douglas told the commission the $10 million which would be raised as a loan for city residents through a public bond issue could be spent on areas where it was better needed.

The commission has a proposal carried over from the former commission in 2015/16 to build the water park as part of a plan to construct a new 5-floor city hall and 800-space garage estimated to cost $42 million in another two years. The water park would be a part of the

complex. It would include rides, slides and other recreational facilities primarily for children.

In an interview with National Weekly Douglas said his opposition to the water park isn't anything new. He said when during his 2016 campaign to be elected to the Sunrise commission he made his opposition to the water park well known, and “Over 16,000 residents voted for me to sit on the commission.” He said during his campaign several residents expressed agreement with his opposition to the park.

“A water park is not needed in the city, at this time. There are four other water parks relatively near to Sunrise in Broward County which residents have access to,” he said. He also cited in addition to these other water parks a major $70 million water park is being planned to be built in Fort Lauderdale.

Douglas also said he's concerned the

If the city is going to raise funds through a loan from residents, I believe the funds must be spent efciently. As a commissioner I have a responsibility to see the city's funds are spent where it's really needed.” – Douglas competition from the existing parks, the park planned for Fort Lauderdale and another large water park planned for the mega-mall planned for Miami-Dade County, could deplete revenue for the proposed Sunrise water park. “This would necessitate the commission having to meet any operating loss the water park incurs, plus the cost of maintaining it year-round. Moreover, water parks in Florida are closed six months of the year. During this period, there'll be no revenue, while the property still has to be maintained.'

MIAMI

JWOF hosts Empowerment Conference Luncheon The Jamaican Women of Florida, Inc. (JWOF) will host the third annual Women's Empowerment Conference & Scholarship Luncheon to celebrate its fourth anniversary on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The event will be held at the Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, in downtown Miami.

Some 200 patrons are expected to participate in the daylong event which include three panel presentations and the Scholarship Awards Luncheon.

The sessions will include groups of professionals who are renowned first and second generation women of Jamaican descent who will share their experiences and insights into their professional and personal development.

The morning session Smashing the Glass Ceiling will include Commander Janice Smith US Navy Commander; Dr. Janice Cover – Former Assistant School Superintendent of Palm

Beach County; and Captain Maria Ziadie Haddad, the first female pilot at Air Jamaica.

A panel on Transformation follows with Imani Duncan-Price, Transformation business and political leader from Jamaica; Julie Mansfield, author and South Florida businesswoman who overcame domestic abuse; and Nailah Wagner, career leadership and executive coach from Washington, D.C. Mentoring will the close the day's activities with a panel of next generation professionals include Dr. Fidel Goldson, Jr., CEO, Florida based Goldson Spine Rehabilitation Center; Devona Reynolds-Perez, South Florida attorney and President of Caribbean Bar Association; and Jamaican based medical practitioner, Dr. Sanneta Myrie, former Miss Jamaica World (2015).

Guest speaker at the Scholarship Awards Luncheon is Jamaica's Political Ombudsman,

THERE'S

Donna Parchment-Brown, Esq. The attorney at law and former head of the nation's Dispute Resolution Foundation is expected to share her commitment to her goal of fostering a healthy political climate in her homeland. She will also draw from her experiences and successes professionally in a work environment once dominated by male counterparts.

The JWOF continues to give back to the next generation of women through several programs including the annual “Powerful Women…Next Generation Scholarship” program. This scholarship helps a college-bound JamaicanAmerican female student chart her career through college, sustained for a four-year degree.

The event will also showcase a line-up of retailers displaying a variety of Jamaican arts and crafts.

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women

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

This is the nal in National Weekly series honoring a number of South Florida women in Women History Month.

The women featured in this series who have made outstanding contribution if various sectors and professions.

We are proud of all the women who play a role in the development of this vibrant diverse community, and wish them continued successes as they continue to serve.

Maria Munro Marie Munro is Managing Partner of PTT of Florida and Unique Productions International, handling all facets of live event production for staffing and staging of events serving thousands within large arenas to the

Corporate Counsel with Commercial Law in Union Pacific Railroad.

Michelle is a member of the board of the Women of Color Empowerment Institute, a former member of the Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County, and Miami-Dade County Ad Hoc Committee for the Creation of an Airport Authority. Michelle has served on the board of Girls, Inc. and SantLa Haitian Neighborhood Center.

Maria Munro most intimate of venues. Maria served as president of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce for 2014-2015 (2 year term).

Originally from Cuba, Maria is very involved in the hospitality and entertainment industry both in Florida and in the Bahamas. She has always immersed herself strongly in family and community and has been an active member of the Lauderhill Chamber for over 10 years.

Michelle Austin Pamies Michelle Austin Pamies is a legal partner of Austin Pamies Norris Weeks, LLC., representing municipal and business clients in all aspects of their legal needs. She also represents two South Florida cities as Assistant City Attorney.

Michelle's past experience includes: General Counsel of Potamkin Automotive Group; General Counsel of Dept. for Economic Opportunity, State of Florida agency; Corporate Counsel for AutoNation; Corporate attorney in private practice at Holland & Knight LLP's Miami office; and Senior

Michelle Austin Pamies A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Michelle served on the University of Miami Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif, Phi Delta Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Major Josefa Benjamin Major Josefa Benjamin began her career with the Broward Sheriff's Office in the Communications Division as a 911 dispatcher. She completed the 126th Corrections Academy and was voted class president. She later completed the Rehabilitative Instructor Training Course at Ft. Mc McLennan, to become a certified Drill Instructor, and was awarded the Leadership Award.

Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2002, Lieutenant in 2008, Captain in 2013, and promoted to the rank of Major in 2016. She currently oversees the Paul Rein Facility.

Throughout her career, Major

Honoring PART 3

Josefa Benjamin Benjamin focused her attention toward program units, working with inmates in need of substance abuse treatment.

She has also worked in the Military Training Unit as a Drill Instructor and Drill Sergeant. She was the Commander of Carol L. Andrews Leadership Academy and was a member of the Emergency Response Team and Honor Guard.

Major Benjamin completed the Executive Leadership Program at Nova Southeastern in 2007, and the Southern Police Institute Command Officers' Course. She is working towards completing her Bachelor's Degree from Trinity International University in Organizational Leadership.

Dr. Celia Earle Dr. Celia Earle is a Vice President with Brown and Caldwell, an environmental engineering consulting firm of 1,500 employees and oversees South Florida's operations. She is an environmental engineer, chemist, and microbiologist.

Dr. Earle is committed to community service. She is a member of Kiwanis International, and has held positions including: Distinguished Charter President of Kiwanis Club of Lauderdale Lakes, Distinguished and Exceptional Lieutenant Governor of Florida's District of Kiwanis International, Foundation Trustee, and past Key Club Zone Assistant Administrator. She was elected

Treasurer in 2013, Governor-Elect in 2014, and Governor in 2016. She was the third female and first woman of color to hold this title.

Celia served as Vice President of the Coalition to End Homelessness for 14 years and is past Vice President of Caribbean Heart Menders Association, which provides heart surgeries for children in the Caribbean. She is founder and Chair of the Christmas in July program for Broward's homeless children.

Celia Earle Celia was inducted into Broward County Women's Hall of Fame and first recipient of Kiwanis Division 23's Errol Hanson Humanitarian Award.

Jakki Mitchell In the South Florida construction industry where women make up less than three percent of the workforce, Tamarac resident Jakki Mitchell has the defied odds. She has maintained a 20-year-career in construction, while bearing the responsibility of a dedicated mother to her 15-year-old son, volunteering in her community, and maintaining a regime of early morning physical exercise, and touring the globe.

Mitchell migrated to Florida from Kingston, Jamaica in 1991 where she jumpstarted her construction career.

Despite never foreseeing herself working in the industry, her disciplined and diligent spirit fueled her success and ultimately led to her current

B1

Jakki Mitchell leadership role as a Suffolk Construction Project Controller for Jade Signature.

“I feel blessed to represent a company that empowers and paves the way for women interested in construction to succeed and bridge this gender gap,” says Mitchell A woman of faith, Mitchell credits her relationship with God for giving her the strength to face the daily challenges that come with being a working professional and single mother. Despite her busy schedule, she is intentional about maintaining worklife balance, which entails gym workouts at 4:30 a.m. four to five days a week. She has also instilled the importance of community service to her son, Stephen, as they both volunteer at their church, and participate in nursing home visits and beach clean-ups.

Mitchell is a registered volunteer parent with Broward County Schools and is actively involved in her son's high school marching band as a chaperone for his trips and performances. On the same token, her son “chaperones” her personal travels around the world. Together, they have explored multiple countries in the Caribbean and Central America.

“All of my life experiences have helped me get to where I am today in as a strong Jamaican woman succeeding in a male dominated industry,” says Mitchell. “And in my personal life as a mother who unapologetically pursues her passions.”

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

Marleys to perform together for the rst time in 20 years Reggae King Bob Marley's five sons, Julian, Stephen, Ziggy, Damian and Ky-Mani will perform on one stage for the first time in 20 years at the upcoming Kaya Fest.

The historic coming together of the Marley siblings was made possible by Stephen Marley who is producing the concert to be staged at Bayfront Park Amphitheatre, 301 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami, on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Between them, the Marley brothers have won most of the Reggae Grammy awards and it is fitting that they should be performing at a concert which will be highlighting the virtues of cannabis, a plant revered by Rastafarians and made even more popular via a single penned and vocalized by their father, entitled Kaya.

There will be other Marleys on show in the form of Marley's grandson, Skip Marley and Jo Merca Marley, grandchildren of the Reggae legend. Kaya Fest will also feature special appearances by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Sean Paul, Hip-Hop legend Wyclef Jean, Reggae group Inner Circle and Shacia Payne.

The organizers of Kaya Fest will use the occasion to educate the public to the many uses of the cannabis plant as well as to inspire and encourage positive public awareness especially since more and more states are approving the use of medical marijuana, such as Florida where it just became legal this past year.

A Free Symposium titled “Education Before Recreation” will feature a panel of experts who are on the forefront of education and regulation in the state of Florida. The Symposium will be discussing the many uses of the Cannabis plant as well as the new Florida laws relating to it. It will be held on Friday, April 21st from Noon to 4PM at the Miami History Museum.

Nicki Minaj breaks Billboard record Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj is now the woman with the most Hot 100 Billboard Hits in any genre. Minaj gained the distinction by overtaking Soul Diva Aretha Franklin on the Billboard Charts.

Nicki Minaj

Franklin held the record for the last 40 years, until midMarch when Minaj drew level with her at 73 hits with her feature on Gucci Mane's Make Love single. The release of three singles No Frauds, Regret in Your Tears and Changed It with her label mates Lil Wayne and Drake, which charted at No. 14, 61 and 71 respectively, pushed her tally to 76 hits.

However Aretha Franklin still has the most hits as a lead artiste as most of Minaj's hits are due to the fact that she is a featured vocalist on a song.

Minaj took to Instagram to show her gratitude and thank her fans: “Man, I tell ya…God said he ain't done showing off yet. Lol. Walked off stage to find out history was made yet again today… To my fans: I …. love you guys more than I'll ever be able to put into words.”

1 Lovesick Romain Virgo

2 Borrowed Time Sasha Dias

3 One Draw Fab 5 / Marcia Griffiths

4 Nail Pon Cross Damian Marley

5 Rockabye Clean Bandit / Sean Paul

6 Times So Hard Bunny Lye Lye / Junior Cat

7 My Love Christopher Martin

8 Stay Up Popcaan

9 Don’t Come Back Tarrus Riley

10 Dis A Kind Of Loving Nana McLean

11 Blood Money Proteje

C A LY P S O R O S E

Smarter at 76 She is the undisputed Queen of Calypso but at 76 this elder stateswoman of one of the leading sounds to emerge from the Caribbean is showing no signs of slowing down.

Calypso Rose is at it again with a new single, Far From Home.

The Reggae influenced single is a collaboration of the talents of producer Ivan Duran, Toronto’s Drew Gonsalves (plus his band Kobo Town) and the ever mercurial Manu Chao.

After dominating the Calypso genre for more than half a century, she carries a diplomatic passport and is considered the darling of the Caribbean, but one thing is for certain, she is not slowing down and Calypso Rose is smarter at age 76.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

ERNIE SMITH CELEBRATES

Years 50 in music

When Ernie Smith recorded the slow ballad I Can't Take It, at the Federal Recording Studios in 1967, he had to convince himself he was a singer of sorts. Smith went there with no intention of singing the composition himself, but rather to find someone to sing it. Fast forward to 2017, 50 years after, Ernie Smith is having the time of his life, singing to packed houses and being showered with adoration from fans worldwide. Smith is scheduled to perform at the Miramar Cultural Center on April 1.

Smith is appearing as a special guest to Jamaica's top female Jazz vocalist, Myrna Hague on her annual signature show entitled Simply Myrna. Also appearing is Brazilian Voices, an all-female ensemble. The event is a fundraiser for the University of the West Indies Alumni Association, Florida Chapter.

Born Glenroy Anthony Smith in Kingston, Jamaica, in May 1945, Ernie, as he was affectionately called, remembers moving between May Pen and St Ann, depending on where his father got a job.

Nicknamed Ernie after his mentor and idol Ernie Ranglin, perhaps Jamaica's most accomplished international guitarist, Smith, with his guitar as his constant companion, repeatedly used Ranglin's instrumental from the Wailers' early recording, It Hurts To Be Alone. That fact is what forced the moniker to stick.

The fact that the recording did not take off initially, may have led to Smith's hiatus from the recording studios, during which time he ventured into life insurance for approximately three years, resurfacing in 1970 with his self-penned No. 1 hit, Bend Down, which was produced by Richard Khouri at the same studios as his debut recording. Smith followed up in December 1970 with Ride On Sammy, another No.1 hit. Sammy was followed by One Dream (1971), Pitta Patta (1972), and the landmark, Life Is Just For Living (1972), the first reggae song to win an international award, taking top honors at the Tokyo World Music Festival in Japan in 1972.

The dreadlocked Smith created a mind-boggler for the religiously uninformed, with his recording, All For Jesus (1973). By 1974, Smith was perhaps the most talented and popular musician in the nation. His Duppy Gunman, in that year, was a big hit all across Jamaica. Smith had several other jolly-sounding hit recordings during the decade, but when he recorded the stinging song, We De People Power And The Glory, in 1976, the Government of the day saw it as an attack on the system and banned it.

Fearing reprisals during the political turmoil, and a state of emergency in 1976, Smith relocated to Florida and Canada, performing in a one-man-band, drum-set format, while releasing a few albums. He returned to Jamaica in 1989, after a 13-year self-imposed exile, and has since been in constant demand performing locally and internationally. Smith has been honored by the Jamaican Government with the badge of honor for meritorious service from the Jamaican Government.

B3

Karen Smith releases Rush Karen Smith is one of Jamaica's premier female jazz vocalists whose smooth vocals are always easy on the ear.

Smith has been pleasing audiences around the globe for decades and is aiming to continue the positive trend with the released of her latest album entitled Rush.

Coordinated by veteran producer, Willie Lindo, the musical offering is a combination of Smith's personality and her vocal styling. According to Lindo the songstress is an excellent singer, whose personality shines through her music.

Lindo said he had no regrets spending hours and several nights in the recording studio recording the artiste who has earned the reputation of 'Jamaica's most versatile entertainer'.

Rush is Smith's third album, and of the 12 songs released, two are originals, the others are alltime favorites.

The originals, Don't Let the Children Cry and Something in the Water, are both written and produced by Lindo.

Other popular renditions include the work of the late prince of reggae, Dennis Brown.

The album is distributed by VP records.

Karen Smith

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

Sudoku 1

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1. Brownish Gray 6. Lyricist Gershwin 9. Time past 12. First Greek Letter 13. Lab animal 14. Toss 15. Water _____ (like some watches) 17. Sock part 18. Hint of color 19. Highway curve 20. Regard highly 24. Main course 26. Harpooned 28. Noise 29. Hearing organs 30. Polka _____ 32. Computer fodder 35. Got together 37. Made 39. Lifts 42. Burstyn and DeGeneres 43. Country hotel 44. Performed 46. School group (abbr.)

47. Oppress 52. CT time zone 53. Lennon’s lady 54. Actress _____ Sarandon 55. Deli bread 56. Newsman _____ Koppel 57. Adolescents

1. Pitch 2. Malt beverage 3. _____ and downs 4. Greek letter 5. Spring holiday 6. Mideast country 7. Kitchen appliance 8. Show up 9. Take turns 10. Silly bird 11. Chubby 16. Clocked 20. Compass point (abbr.)

21. Exercise club 22. Conclude 23. Soothes 25. _____ wave 27. Medic 31. Squirrels’ homes 33. Knockout count 34. Commercials 36. Pekoe server 38. Firstborn 39. More mature 40. Restless 41. Play part 45. Walked upon 48. Stage signal 49. Employ 50. Summer shade 51. Naval rank (abbr.)

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7 6 4 2 8 9 1 3 5

2 5 9 3 1 7 8 4 6

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13 –

C1

SWIMMING

T&T’s Carter wins silver at NCAA Division 1 Champs Dylan Carter won his first ever medal at the NCAA Division One Championships on Friday when he placed second in the 200yard freestyle.

The University of Southern California (USC) junior was participating in only his second individual championships final.

The talented Trinidadian had race splits of 44.00 and 47.16 to tie for the silver medal in a time of 1:31.16 with Indiana's Blake Pieroni. The gold medal went to Townley Haas of Texas in 1:30.65. Carter's previous best showing at the championships was 7th on the B final in 2014.

Dylan joins the Fraser brothers, Shaune and Brett of the Cayman Islands and the University of Florida as the only CARIFTA region swimmers to have won medals in this event at the championships. Shaune won gold in 2009 then won silver in 2010. Brett won gold in 2011.

Carter also continues a strong tradition at USC of producing championship finalists. The Trojans have medaled in this event five of the last six years. (Digicelsportsmax.com)

Carter

The U.S. Men’s National Team went on the road to the hostile confines of Estadio Rommel Fernandez and earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against hosts Panama thanks to Clint Dempsey’s 18th career World Cup Qualifying goal.

An evenly played first half saw the U.S. strike first when Christian Pulisic put in the hard work to run down a Jermaine Jones long ball, strip one Panama centerback before evading the other to set up Dempsey for his 56th career goal and fourth in two games, having secured a hat trick against Honduras four days earlier thanks to a pair of Pulisic assists and one spectacular free kick. The goal puts Dempsey one short of Landon Donovan for the all-time MNT goal scoring record.

Panama retaliated with a scrappy goal from Gabriel Gomez just minutes before the half-time whistle and while both sides hunted for a winner in the second half, strong defensive plays from Tim Howard, Tim Ream and Omar Gonzalez helped the U.S. see the game out and earn an important point on the road.

Now sitting fourth in the Hex standings, the away point gives the U.S. four total points with six games left, and is still a wide open race for all teams to secure passage to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

SOCCER / ZIADIE CUP 2017

St. George's defeat Jamaica College in the 2017 Zaidie Cup George's College based on an aggregate score of both matches with 1-0.

The True Blue weekend was organized to honor the memory of former Jamaican footballer and national coach Dennis Zaidie, who coached the Manning Cup teams of both St Georges and Jamaica College. Zaidie and another national coach, Jackie Bell, died during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico in a car accident.

Meanwhile Meadowbrook High School Alumni Association defeated the Immaculate

St. George's College Old Boys defeated the Jamaica College Old Boys to win the 2017 Dennis Ziadie Cup last Saturday at the Vizcaya Park in Miramar, Florida.

In the Grand Masters match, The Jamaica College over-45 team and the St. George's College over-45 team played to a 0-0 stalemate while in the Under-45 Masters match, St. George's College defeated Jamaica College 1-0 in a very competitive game.

The Ziadie Cup trophy was awarded to St.

Conception High School Alumnae Association to emerge winners in the Girls Schools Alumnae Penalty Kick-off while Kingston Technical Past Students Association emerged as the winner beating Cornwall College Alumni Association in the Boys School division.

True Blue weekend festivities are a joint effort of the alumni associations of Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida, Inc and the St. George's College Old Boys Association of Florida, Inc.

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C3

SOCCER / WORLD CUP QUALIFICATIONS

T&T’s World Cup dream fading Trinidad and Tobago's dream of making a second World Cup appearance is fast becoming a nightmare after a listless 1-0 home loss to CONCACAF hexagonical group leaders Mexico on Tuesday.

Diego Reyes' sealed victory for the Mexicans with a second-half header, to send his team clear on nine points. Trinidad and Tobago were regulated to cellar dwellers on three points as a result.

Reyes scored his first international goal off a Miguel Layun corner.

The Mexicans were not without luck however as a first half strike by Trinidad and Tobago's Joevin Jones was incorrectly ruled offside. Just after 30 minutes, Jones was sent through down the left and drove home from an angle, but the officials would have none of it.

Mexico gradually gained the ascendancy in the second half and seemed to turn off the throttle after Reyes opened the scoring.

Mexico made five changes to the team which beat Costa Rica on Friday, while, the hosts made just one change, brining in Aubrey David to replace Carlos Edwards in defense.

The visitors went close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute when Hernandez and Raul Jimenez combined, but the former missed the target with his header.

In other CONCACAF qualifying matches the United States and Panama drew 1-1 and Honduras and Costa Rica finished with the same result.

SOCCER / GOLD CUP

TRACK & FIELD / ISSA CHAMPS

Haiti crumbles out of Gold Cup

Records fall freely at Champs in JA

Haiti seemed to have it all in the bag with 10 minutes to go in their CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifier against Nicaragua in Managua on Tuesday. But fate decided otherwise.

With only 10 minutes to go the Central American hosts were down 3-1 on aggregate to the Caribbean team and a spot in the Gold Cup was within sight for the Haitians, but Juan Barrera had other ideas.

Barrera sent Nicaragua into the Gold Cup with a hat trick that effectively booted the first Caribbean country to qualify for the World Cup out.

The home team needed two goals to advance, but things began to look up for the Nicaraguans when they were awarded an 82nd minute penalty. Barrera stepped up to score and hand his team a ray of hope.

The goal seemed to knock the wind out of the Haitians who handed the Nicaraguans a second goal in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Steward Ceus ventured off his line to gather a high ball played into the area, but missed and allowed Barrera to score an opportunistic header., One minute later Barrera killed any hopes the Haitians had of clawing their way back when he beat the offside trap and made a beeline to goal before firing high and wide of the hapless Ceus.

Barrera will miss the next match however, as he received a second yellow card for removing his shirt during the celebrations and was ejected from the game.

Nicaragua will tackle the United States, Panama and Martinique in Group B when the regional tournament begins in the United States in July.

TRACK & FIELD

Riker Hylton retains lawyer in doping violation appeal Jamaican quarter-miler Riker Hylton has retained the services of sports attorney Dr. Emir Crowne, to represent him when he appears before an Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel who accused him of violating the Jamaica AntiDoping Commission's (JADCO) anti-doping rules.

Hylton is accused of evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection.

JADCO advised Hylton that he was being provisionally suspended from competition with immediate effect in “accordance with Article 7.11.3.7 of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Rules, 2015.”

The commission also stated that the length of his suspension depends on the final decision of the Independent AntiDoping Disciplinary Panel on the charge brought against him.

Crowne has written to JADCO strongly denying the allegations against his client.

After two days records were set and broken at the 107th staging of Inter Secondary Schools association (ISSA) Boys and Girls Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Petersfield High's Devar Clayton chucked a new decathlon shot put record of 14.90 meters.

The throw has placed Clayton in second position in the boys' decathlon open after three events.

Clayton's throw earned him 784 points and bettered the previous mark of 14.16m set last year by Kurt Goodlitt of Munro College. He has now progressed to 2223 points, just behind Kingston College's Donovan Thames (2256 points), who ended second in the shot put with a mark of 12.87m.

On day one of the Championships, the class two 100 meters hurdles for girls fell twice.

Britanny Anderson ran a smooth 13.37 seconds to erase the mark set a year ago by Peta Gaye Williams of Camperdown. Before the dust settled Holmwood Technical's Shanette Allison, motored to a time of 13.30 seconds to wipe out Allison's effort, but Allison too had barely enough time to celebrate as Aaliyah Wood of Edwin Allen bettered that time with a 13.92 seconds clocking.

Defending champion Daszay Freeman will have to dig deep to fend off the challenges of the young upstarts.

Then if the excitement was not enough, young St Jago High sprinter, Brianna Lyston, smashed the class four 200 meters record with a mind-boggling 24 seconds flat run. The 12year-old Lyston had only clocked a personal best of 24.50 seconds before her record breaking sprint.

Kingston College and Edwin Allen have been touted as favorites for the boys and girls titles respectively.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 30 – APR 5, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 13

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

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