National weekly march 31 2016

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

N E T W O R K T H E

M O S T

W I D E L Y

CARIBBEAN

BELGIAN BOMBER, NOT BAHAMIAN, SAYS GOV’T PAGE A4

C I R C U L A T E D

C A R I B B E A N

A M E R I C A N

N E W S P A P E R

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F L O R I D A

Green Card Blues

Immigrants more vulnerable than ever to scams Dr. Garth A. Rose

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Immigrants in South Florida are more vulnerable than ever to immigration scams, according to recent reports from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC, in association with the state Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, is alerting South Florida residents to be cautious of individuals claiming quick routes to residency and citizenship.

“Florida is particularly prone to such fraud,” says Southeast Regional Director of the FTC, Cindy Liebes. “The state is known to have a vulnerable population of immigrants and seniors. So lots of fraudsters come here to run scams, as it's safer than robbing a bank."

With several immigrants from the Caribbean seeking to sponsor relatives from the region, or apply for permanent residence and citizenship, the community is particularly vulnerable to immigration scams, where individuals offer extraordinarily faster processing at more affordable prices.

However, Carolyn Hann of the FTC's Division of Advertising Practices, cautions that these claims immigration services often

Ganja

Healing

Medical marijuana opens up, but reigns still held tight on production

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continues on B4 – Scams

JAMAICA

DO PEOPLE SHARE TOO MUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA? PAGE A5

Diaspora vote revived New Jamaican Foreign Affairs minister to pursue voting power for Diaspora Cnweeklynews.com

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Members of the Jamaica Diaspora may finally get to vote in general elections, if a new initiative launched by new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson-Smith, is successful. Minister Johnson-Smith has ordered embassies and missions in select countries to, “as a matter of urgency,” examine models used by other nations to incorporate Diaspora votes. Following consultations, plans will be placed before parliament for approval.

“I know that Jamaicans in the diaspora are passionate about their homeland and maintain a key interest in issues of national importance,” said JohnsonSmith, speaking at the recent Advancement in Education Summit. “In this regard, many of you have indicated a desire to be involved more actively in the political process, particularly in our democratic electoral system.”

Johnson-Smith said the Government would explore the best practices of countries like India, Mexico, France, Israel and Ireland, which have successfully facilitated diaspora voting, and is committed to exploring options “for giving the Jamaican Diaspora a stronger voice in the affairs of our nation.”

So far, Jamaica's Consul General to the Southern U.S., Franz Hall, said he hasn't been officially informed of the consulate's involvement in canvassing the views of Jamaicans in the region regarding the Diaspora vote, but will be seeking Kamina the required information. continues on B3 – Diaspora vote

Johnson-Smith

ccess to medical marijuana in the Sunshine State opens even further, following Governor Rick Scott's recent approval of a new bill providing more potent strains of marijuana for terminally ill patents. The new law extends the provisions of the state's Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 which made a lower Under the 2014 strain of marijuana, law, only five nicknamed Charlotte's nurseries across web, available to treat patients including Florida, including Alpha children with epilepsy.

Advocates have Foilage in expressed concern Homestead, whether the new bill Miami-Dade, will actually open were granted access to terminally ill patients. Because of licenses to grow several legal hurdles, and process the that 2014 law didn't herb into a come into effect until medicinal oil last November, and the that can be medical extract is yet to ingested. be dispensed.

Dr. Jasper Keene, a Miami advocate for medical marijuana to treat diseases like cancer, said although Florida has “enacted laws to provide ailing patients access to medical marijuana these laws resulted in so much legal discord, it's difficult predicting when the drug will reach patients. Means must be established to ensure the medical extract from marijuana is produced and available to patients continues on B3 – Medical marijuana

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

Aye aye Captain Captain Andrew Dunbar of Lauderdale Lakes addresses the crowd at the City's Town Hall mee ng last Thursday. – Contributed photo

Music soothes the soul Students of the Toussaint L' Ouverture Elementary school put on quite a performance at the recently held Miami Music Project 2016 Spring concert Series. – Amanda Smith Photo

Guyanese Pride Members of the South Florida Guyanese Associa on smile for the lens at the recently held South Florida Guyanese Associa on Easter Family Picnic in Miami. – Monique McIntosh photo

Strike a pose Dancers Allison Narsingh, Sandhill Singh and Suvanie Tulsi of Nrytya Mandali Palm Beach showed off their pearly whites at the 4th annual Holi Fes val of Colors held in Hollywood last Saturday. – Monique McIntosh photo

Color me crazy Chelsea and Trinity posed for our photographer at the 4th annual Holi Fes val of Colors held in Hollywood last Saturday. – Monique McIntosh photo

Bright smiles (L-R) Bertha Henry, Jocelyn Carter-Miller, Shaheewa Jarre -Gelin and Josie Bacallao (front) were elegantly dressed at the recently held Women in Leadership Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Broward County last week. – Contributed photo

Happy Easter!

These cu es were spo ed hanging out with the Easter bunny at the City of Miami Gardens' 7th annual Easter Family Fun Day last weekend.

– Contributed photo A family affair Seepersad siblings Amrita, Tarun, Anita and Renuka enjoyed a day in the sun at the 4th annual Holi Fes val of Colors held in Hollywood last Saturday. – Contributed photo

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

A3

LOCAL

Lauderdale Lakes turning a new leaf Major state grants provide push behind city's development plans Monique McIntosh The City of Lauderdale Lakes will undergo a serious uplift, according to city manager, Kelvin L. Baker. Speaking at a recent Town Hall meeting at Lauderdale Lakes City Hall, Baker shared with residents the list of redevelopment plans in the works, following a $15 million grant from the state. With Mayor Barrington Russell and commissioners in attendance, the session also sought suggestions from residents regarding their priorities for the community.

“The sky's the limit on where the city can go,” said Baker. “But we can only succeed with the commission and residents working together to find what's best for the community.”

The city's appearance was clearly at the top of the agenda for residents at the meeting, with many attendees expressing concern about areas

of blight. The city in the past few years has been severely cash-strapped servicing debts, including $11.7 million to the Broward Sheriff's Office. But with the windfall in state grants, and possible more down the pipeline, city leadership hopes to refocus the city on its future.

Among other infrastructural developments, from reinforcing canal embankments to facade improvements, the clear crowning initiative is the development of the Community Redevelopment Agency's (CRA) Commercial Park, along the long unoccupied property on the south side of Oakland Park Boulevard and NW 31st Ave. Proposals have offered a pedestrian-friendly, mixed residential and commercial space, providing a communal hotspot for residents.

“The CRA project is design to create an opportunity to transform a blighted area,” says Mayor Russell. “It's a great initiative pushing the city to the forefront of development.”

With full funding still pending and negotiations over the site's design still in the works, plans for the landmark property are far from being finalized. But whatever the results,

says Baker, the new property will carefully fulfill the strategic needs of the city.

One possible priority for the property, says Baker, is a project that would provide “high density growth,” for Lauderdale Lakes' population, bringing in more people – and more funding – to the city's coffers. Growing the city's population from its current 35,000 residents to 50,000 “would make us an entitlement city,” says Baker, “opening a tremendous amount of federal dollars arriving at our doorstep, almost overnight.”

A bigger Lauderdale Lakes, despite its current infrastructural challenges, argues Baker, will be a more affordable one to live in. “The more people you have, the more tax dollars you have at your disposal, therefore allowing us to maintain and develop the city while keeping costs at a reasonable level.”

Florida's clinics face being defunded due to new anti-abortion bill As the debate over abortion rights continues, a new bill recently signed into law

by Governor Rick Scott has put funding in limbo for many women's health clinics, causing concern from health providers and advocates.

The new law called HB 1411, which takes effect July 1, cuts all state funding for clinics that provide abortions. The law also enforces stringent abortion requirements on health clinics that may force them to shut down due to the expense of compliance. Under the new regulations, doctors performing abortions would need admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The clinic would also require annual

licensure inspections. State agencies, local governments and Medicaid managed-care plans would also be blocked from having contracts with organizations that own, operate or are affiliated with clinics performing elective abortions.

Losing these clinics, however, argues Dr. Clarabelle Manigatt, who works at a women's clinic in North Miami, would have a severe impact on the broad spectrum of health services provided for women, particularly the financially disadvantaged.

“It's unfortunate these clinics which provide a variety of services for woman are routinely described as 'abortion clinics,'” says

Dr. Manigatt. “These clinics provide general healthcare for women, including cancer screening, birth control, and pre-natal care.”

The doctor also emphasized most of the patients are low-income women, many of whom are immigrants from the Caribbean.

“Lawmakers tend to only focus on abortions, unconcerned that depriving these clinics of funding hurts several women needing vital healthcare,” Dr. Manigatt said.

Several states with Republican led administrations have passed legislation challenging the operations of such clinics, most prominently that Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The organization

support clinics that serve over 67,000 women in Florida annually, and millions of women nationally.

Planned Parenthood's national president, Cecile Richards, also argued that the new law will negatively impact access to healthcare and family planning services for low-income women in South Florida. She cautioned some clinics could close because of funding issues.

Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, also expressed concern that the law will result in increased HIV rates and teenage pregnancies, as women will lose access to regular treatment at state-funded clinics.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

GUYANA

THE BAHAMAS

One dead and several injured from killer bee attack

Belgian bomber not Bahamian, says Gov't

A swarm of African killer bees attacked sugar workers, leaving one dead and several others injured, in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Guyana.

The man who passed away from the attack has been identified as Romesh “Satesh” Lalaram. Lalaram, who worked with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for 23 years, was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility. His fellow colleagues, R. Bissondyal, Haripaul Jagdeo, K. Lookraj, D. Persaud, Khemraj Latchman, and Ganesh Hemraj have already been treated and released from Fort Wellington Hospital. However, another victim, Alta Ali, reportedly remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Latchman reported that during the attack, some members of the group managed to escape to a nearby canal, but Lalaram and Ali remained behind. Latchman said he was able to light a fire, creating smoke to ward off the bees. Though they managed to revive Ali, Lalaram remained motionless. GuySuCo has launched an investigation into the incident.

The Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that that Khalid elBakraoui, who allegedly was one of the suicide bombers from last week's terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, was not a Bahamian national, as initially reported by international news outlets.

Reports had initially claimed, based on records, that Khalid was a dual citizen of both Belgium and the Bahamas. But, “accordingly, in close cooperation with the Belgian authorities, including the Criminal Bureau of Belgium, The Bahamas Government was able to confirm that

the suspect in question was not a Bahamian national,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a public statement.

The false nationality attribution was instead, “a clerical error, made by the country that entered the information into the Red Notice for the INTERPOL database,” the statement said. Instead, “Belgian authorities have advised that the suspect was a Moroccan citizen at birth, who later assumed Belgian nationality.”

In their statement, the Ministry also express condolences to “the tragic loss” of the 35 victims killed by the terrorist attack on the Brussels Airport and Maalbeek Metro station. Khalid, along with his brother Ibrahim el-Baktraoui, (who is also a suspected suicide bomber from the Brussels attack), was born in Brussels and raised in Laken, a residential suburb in northwest Brussels.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

T&T dollar depreciates The Trinidad and Tobago dollar exchange rate against the United States dollar has depreciated, according to the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT). The CBTT said due to changing supply and demand conditions in the foreign exchange market, the Trinidad and Tobago dollar exchange rate against the US dollar depreciated by roughly three percent over the three-month period, from January to March 21, 2016. The local dollar is now being exchanged at US$0.15 cents.

This comes as the oil rich twin island republic continues to face economic challenges posed by lower energy prices, operational issues and maintenance-related activities in the domestic energy sector. The CBTT said that based on historical patterns, “pass through” effects to domestic prices

could take about two to three months.

The Central Bank said it utilized its various instruments to manage banking sector liquidity and that over the period January to mid-March 2016, it withdrew roughly TT$1.5 billion via net open market operations, and rolled over a commercial bank fixed deposit valued at TT$1.5 billion on March 14 2016.

“Since the last Monetary Policy Announcement at the end of January 2016, TT-US interest rate differentials have been broadly favorable,” said the CBTT. “The differential on the 91-day Treasury securities stood at 86 basis points as at March 15 2016, from the 67 basis points at the end of January 2016. On the other hand, the differential on the 10year Treasuries held steady at 197 basis points, from the 196 basis points over the same period.”

Diaspora vote

For years, the Diaspora vote has been the subject of strong debate throughout the Diaspora. Last year, after then Opposition Leader Andrew Holness expressed support for the Diaspora vote following an extended tour overseas among the community, many in South Florida called for the vote to be examined further. Keeble Stoddart, a Jamaican attending Florida International University, wrote to the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, suggesting a special Diaspora committee be established to study the pros and cons of the voting issue. However, he said he never received a response, but reacted positively to the new minister's announcement.

Tomas Rattary, a Nigerian of Jamaican heritage and member of the International Diaspora Engagement Alliance (IDEA), commends the Foreign Affairs ministry's effort to initiate consultation on the Diaspora vote. “Jamaicans overseas wanting to actively participate in elections is part of a global Diaspora trend,” said Rattary. “A study conducted by IDEA in 2008 revealed 115 nations allow their Diaspora citizens to vote in their elections. Since then, there have been protests, lawsuits, and online petitions from various Diaspora including Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong to vote in their home country elections.”

Rattary also commends the Jamaican government for acting proactively, to analyze the views of the Diaspora, as “these views should be integrated with those of the Jamaican government to make the relevant decision in accordance with the constitution.”

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

Talk UP Do people share too much personal information on social media?

Karen – San Diego, California It's everybody's own personal opinion as to what they should or should not post on social media.

A lot of people post too much information.

People should use their discretion and not reveal too much. For example, I don't need to know what you are having for dinner. That's just me though; everybody is different. The most personal thing that I have seen is pictures of a baby right after they came into the world. I thought that was precious.

Dr. Flenyol – Lauderhill, Fl. I don't think people should post personal details on social media because what you think is harmless today might not be so tomorrow. It can interfere with your employment, future relationships and the rest of your life. People should learn from other people's mistakes when they post too much information and have to face the consequences of their actions.

Patricia – Del Rae Beach, Fl. Yes, I think people share too much on social media. Some things you have to keep to yourself. It is out of control. You put everything on Facebook and then people know your business. Some of the personal information on there is not necessary. I love social media for the benefits. The most revealing thing I see people post on social media is when they are going out of town and they give all the information of where they will be, as well as details about every relationship they are in. It's just too much.

Black Knight – Miami Shores, FL. Yes, people share too much information on social media, especially about a relationship.

Whether it's good, bad or ugly, keep it to yourself. The most revealing thing that I've seen on social media is someone throwing out their boyfriend's/girlfriend's stuff.

Rashaed – Fort Lauderdale, Fl. I don't agree with people putting all their personal stuff on social media. Some things should be kept private. For example, talking about your family issues should be kept private.

Pictures are fine to show, but they should not be too revealing. I personally would not post nude pictures, but like for everything else, I would put up.

Kellie – Wellington, Fl. Yes, people post too much personal information on Facebook, and then they get upset when others tell their business. Once you put it out there, you can't get it back. The most personal thing that I've seen posted is when someone is telling that they will be out of town and then their house gets broken into. The most personal things that I have ever been posted about myself are my baby pictures. Those are fun, embarrassing moments.

Emmie and Tiffany – Pembroke Pines, FL. Yes, people share too much on social media.

The most revealing thing I've seen someone share footage from an operating room. I've also seen pictures from someone who was in a car accident. They posted pictures instead of being concerned about their health and safety. I don't see how social media could possibly help at that time. I saw a story of a woman who was shot by her four-year old son the day after she shared on social media that she taught him how to use a gun. The most personal thing that I have shared on Social media is my relationship status. I will never do that again.

Kerwin – North Miami, FL. I absolutely think people share too much personal information on social media. Some of the pictures are just too outrageous. The most revealing thing that I have seen on social media is pictures of inappropriate dancing and clothing that they have no business doing or wearing.

Those days for them are over. I try to keep my personal business out of social media. So I don't reveal too much. I've never had that problem of someone posting something about me that I don't want revealed.

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Is religion still speaking to the youth?

This past weekend, many members of our community gathered to celebrate the holy Easter holiday with worship at church, ending the spiritually reflective Lenten season. However, based on the comments of several religious leaders in the community, there's concern that the significance of the Lenten season is not making its mark on the younger generation. Even on Easter Sunday, one of the most popular days of worship for Christians, some local pastors commented that “few young people turned out to worship.”

This observation fits the findings of a recent study conducted at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), which found nearly a third of those under age 30 said they were not religious – an increase from 12 percent of those among the same age in the 1980s. The author of the study concluded that the "large declines in religious practice among young adults are further evidence that Millennials are the least religious generation in memory, and possibly in American history."

In South Florida's Caribbean community, pastors of different Christian denominations have admitted to the challenges in engaging the youth in church activities. One pastor said the message of Christianity remains the same as it was for older generations, most of whom remain faithful to the religion. However, “something seems to have gone wrong with us, the messengers.”

This pastor, like several others, believe some of their peers have not sufficiently copped with the

Studies show that churches with younger, more charismatic pastors, services including music played by live bands and animated choirs, and an active presence on social media, were more successful in attracting and maintaining young worshippers. impact of modern day innovations like the Internet and social media. “Today, the youth have more faith in Google and Yahoo than the teachings offered by some preachers,” one pastor stated.

Proof of this, are the comments of a 23-year-old South Florida college student who claimed being raised in a Christian household, and “faithfully believed” the teachings of his church. However, on further researching some of what he learned on the Internet, he has come to doubt whether most of these lessons “are either practical or feasible.”

The church need to find more innovative and interesting ways to engage the youth into Christianity.

There are real signs among the younger generation that Christian traditions are being threatened by modern belief systems. Another pastor acknowledged the church's need to “find a way to blend its traditions into more modern practices,” as “some of the more traditional rituals doesn't resonate with the youth.”

Revamping the spiritual significance of rituals

make bring some momentum to the cause, based on the response from younger members of our community feel unengaged with their faith. Asked to give reasons why they are not attracted to the church, some young people said the music and hymns were boring, the services and preaching were uninspiring, and that the experience was irrelevant to my life. However, the most prominent response of all was that they were not convinced by those who were preaching to them.

Some churches have taken these concerns headon, adapting their service to inspire a broader congregation. And there is some data that suggest that these moves are effective. Another study in 2014 found that churches with younger, more charismatic pastors with services that include music played by live bands and animated choirs, and an active presence on social media, were more successful in attracting and maintaining young worshippers.

Recently, it has been noticeable that more churches, locally, and nationally, concerned with reaching the youth have initiated the practice of sending religious messages and notices through social media postings, with some success. A more traditional pastor of a Riviera Beach church said, “slowly, but surely,” he's getting the youth to participate in church through frequent Facebook and Twitter messages.

Mindful that it's important for the youth to remain positively engaged with religion, he said he's committed to being a more “relevant messenger” using modern, popular communication tools to reach the youth.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

A7

LA SECCION HAITIENNE

President Privert swears in new Cabinet Haiti's Interim President Jocelerme Privert has sworn in a 15-member Cabinet, promising citizens that his administration would push ahead with the planned presidential elections scheduled for next month.

“You will not have the luxury of any grace period: It is already time to get to work” he told the ministers at the National Palace on Monday. “I would ask you to measure the extent of the mission entrusted to you. You will not have the risk of a grace time. The time is to work.”

Last weekend, the Parliament approved Enex Jean-Charles, a 55-year-old professor of administrative law, as the new interim prime minister after it had earlier rejected the first nominee, economist Fritz-Alphonse Jean. The interim government has to organize the second round of presidential and legislatives elections, scheduled for April 24, according to the agreement signed by former President Michel Martelly and leading lawmakers in February.

Jean-Charles, who was a special adviser to

three former presidents, said “the major challenges of the fight against insecurity, hunger, high prices, corruption in a conjuncture marked with the electoral controversy” at the end of last year and that “the urgency of the hour therefore recommends us to put us immediately to the task.”

Last October, Jovenel Moise, who was strongly favored by Martelly to succeed him, won the first round of presidential voting 33 percent as against 25 percent for Jude Celestin, who along with opposition parties

denounced the results. A scheduled January 24 runoff between Moise and Celestin was canceled when Celestin refused to participate unless widespread electoral reforms were enacted, and following violence and protests.

Local media reported that Privert called for a Cabinet meeting Tuesday regarding the formation of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), which has the responsibility of organizing the elections, will be composed.

The Parliament had also last week dismissed Privert's choice for members of the CEP.

LHCC celebrates women's contribution to the Diaspora It was a celebration of individual excellence and community collaboration this past weekend at the inaugural International Women's Brunch, hosted by the Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC).

Celebrating March as Women's History Month, local leaders, activists and tastemakers gathered to honor the accomplishments of both women across the Haitian Diaspora, as well as women who made valuable contributions to the development of the South Florida community.

For LHCC's the inaugural Visionary awards, the honorees included a broad selection of leaders and influencers across the country. The awardees ranged from U.S.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, to Associate VP of Business and Education Development at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Graylyn Swilly-Woods. This year's celebration also took care to note the many innovators in arts and culture, such as founder of Caribbean artisanal curation website CulturestoGo.com, Carole Ann Taylor, President of the locally-based Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance, Mireille Chancy Gonzalez, Curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Joanne Hyppolite. Award-winning Haiti correspondent for The Miami Herald, Jacqueline Charles, was also awarded in recognition of her invaluable coverage of the Haitian presidential elections.

Honoring the event's celebration of

Fellow awardees Mireille Chancy Gonzalez and Joanne Hyppolite at the Women’s Brunch

visionary women, the brunch also provided a sneak peek into the LHCC's latest exhibit, "The More I Let Go, The More I Am Home: A Visual Mémoire, 2000-2016" by Miami-based artist, Vickie Pierre. This exhibition, which runs until April 22nd, features a thoughtful selection of work showing the ongoing and dynamic evolution of the contemporary HaitianAmerican artist's practice.

The event also served as the launch of the “Pretty It Forward” initiative, where attendees were asked to bring gently worn dinner, cocktail or evening dresses and accessories that will be later featured in the upcoming Chic Mademoiselle Pop Up store at the LHCC gallery on April 29 to 30. All proceeds collected from the re-sale of the dresses will go toward funding the LHCC's programming.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

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Guyana on a mission!

New investment and trade mission heads to Guyana Trade remains one of the most productive ways members of the Caribbean diaspora can engage with the region and contribute to its growth. To promote further commerce between South Florida and Guyana, the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) and Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) will be leading a special Trade and Investment Mission to Guyana, from May 10 to 14 – just in time for the nation's celebration of 50 years of independence.

Participants will meet with officials from the Ministry of Business and the Private Sector Commission, outlining their initiative to attract foreign investment and commerce. The mission will also meet with representatives from the US Embassy in Georgetown, who will provide an overview of doing business with Guyana. Participants may also arrange specific sector meetings and tours based on their particular investment and trading interests.

This trade and investment mission is also timed to coincide with Guyana's national exhibition of products, services and trade

opportunities, which opens on May 12, where mission members will be officially invited.

The trade mission is designed to serve as a “a platform that facilitates networking with the key stakeholders and high-level decisionmakers in Guyana,” says mission coordinator, Wesley Kirton. “[This is] an opportunity to meet these decision-makers face-to-face and present your business in a one on one environment. You can introduce your products directly to your target markets, and

network and build relationships with potential customers for joint venture partnerships and investment.”

A nation with under one million people, Guyana provides opportunities for investment in gold and other mining, eco-tourism and related hospitality development, agriculture and agribusiness, clean energy, electronic assembly, low income housing, financial services and the supply of consumer goods, raw material and equipment.

This will be the first trade mission led by the newly launched GACC, based in Miramar, Florida. This past year, the GACC has led two business conferences in South Florida, including the Caribbean Trade and Investment Conference and the Cuba and the State of Florida Conference, where both business experts and state officials from across the region discussed the latest changes in business opportunity and the general business climate. To learn more about the trade mission and its various opportunities, contact the GACC at 305-998-8398.

Create your own personal pension Retirement planning has certainly changed a lot over the years, hasn’t it? First came pensions, or defined benefit plans, with their guaranteed income for life. After that it was 401(k)s. These plans focused on growing wealth from the stock and bond markets. Your pension and 401(k) were meant to work together but now pensions are disappearing and many people are left with just their 401(k) plan.

Your 401(k) is an important piece of your retirement savings but it was never intended to be your sole retirement solution. Instead, your 401(k) was meant to provide additional retirement savings that worked with your pension, savings and other income sources to paint a full retirement picture.

But now for many people the pensions are gone and while you have other savings avenues – what can you do to replace this lost retirement income?

One option could be a deferred income annuity (DIA). A DIA allows you to set up a guaranteed income stream beginning later in your life. With a DIA it’s important to remember that the guaranteed income is based on the strength and claims paying ability of your financial institution so it’s important to choose the right partner. DIA’s are traditionally funded with a lump sum payment up front and the contract promises to pay you a lifetime income stream starting with a date of your choice.

For example, let’s say you purchased a DIA

with a $50,000 lump sum. That money will then be held by your financial institution for a defined period, according to the contract, where it will grow with interest. After a specified amount of time has passed, you can start receiving payments. This guaranteed stream of income can then be used to supplement additional retirement savings and help you fill a void in your retirement portfolio.

A DIA is one example of the many options that are available when it comes to retirement strategies and that’s good news for any investor seeking retirement income. With traditional pensions disappearing from the landscape, there are still plenty of options that let you design personal solutions for your own retirement.

ATTORNEY ATTORNEY

Camille Miller

Gregory McFarlane

“Money Matters” in Miami Gardens New program gets community financially fit for April In honor of April marking “National Financial Literacy Month,” the city of Miami Gardens gets set to make the community financial fit with “Money Matters Miami Gardens,” a new workshop series offering free, helpful seminars in diverse personal financing issues, including family budgeting, retirement planning, auto insurance, Medicare and home ownership, among others. All session will be led by top business experts from across South Florida.

These free workshops will be held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. all month long at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. This first session starts this Saturday, April 2, with “It's All About the Money,” hosted by the Henderson Financial Group. On Tuesday, April 5th, you can also get help at the “Getting your Financial House in Order” session, hosted

by Joseph Webb of Profit Planners Management Group. Other useful sessions include “I Got Bank! Financing for the Entire Family,” set for Saturday, April 9, with practical planning advice for all ages, include Teri Williams, representative from One United Bank, and 9-year-old entrepreneur Zoe Terry of Zoe's Dolls, a nonprofit organization delivering dolls of color to little brown girls to remind them that their image is beautiful.

“Becoming financially empowered is one of the most liberating experiences of someone's life,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.

“Our residents should experience that same feeling. My goal with this month-long series is to equip residents of all ages with the confidence and knowledge to make better financial decisions when it comes to investing, planning for retirement or college, shopping for insurance, and rebuilding credit to purchase a home.”

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

B1

Boyz II Men and En Vogue at LPAC Best of 90s R&B showdown in Lauderhill The stellar line-up at the new Lauderhill Performing Arts Center continues this April, as iconic R&B stars Boyz II Men and En Vogue get set to performance April 23, starting 8 p.m.

Boyz II Men remains one of the most truly iconic R&B groups in music history. The group redefined popular R&B and continues to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations.

Recently celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, the band has penned and performed some of the most celebrated classics of the past two decades. In addition to their iconic songs, the group will also be performance instant classics from their new album, “Collide.”

En Vogue is also beloved by fans for their fierce fusion of R&B with new jack swing and hip-hop rhythms, which made them one of

Holi Holi!

Cerone White

The 4th annual Holi Festival of Colors did not disappoint, scoring high marks with festival goers this past weekend at the Brian Piccolo Park in Hollywood.

FL. This year's festival celebrated the pan Indo-Caribbean community, including both local and international acts, as well as visitors from across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Event coordinator and president of Jayadevi Arts Inc., Denyse Baboolal, thanked the festivalgoers from across the region for “attending the annual Holi, Festival of Lights, and making it a success for its fourth year in a row.”

Known as “Holi” or “Phagwa,” the “Festival of Colors” means the coming of Spring and the triumph of good over evil and diversity in brotherhood,” said Baboolal “When we are all wear pink, purple green and yellow, there's no race color

the best-selling musical groups of the '90s. Boasting a record number of MTV Video Music Awards as well as seven Grammy nominations, this talented trio is known for enduring hits like "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)," "You Don't Have to Worry," "Free Your Mind" and "Don't Let Go." The lucky audiene may also get a preview of cuts from the latest En Vogue album, set to be released in 2016.

This is just the latest to anticipate from the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, which brings the finest in music, dance, comedy and more to the community, offering a variety of entertainment and artistic events for all ages and interests. From the best of Broadway, to top comedians, jazz and pop concerts, and a diverse selection of family productions, the theater has something for every taste. Tickets can be purchased at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center Box Office, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 12pm to 4pm, or online at www.lpacfl.com.

Boyz II Men

En Vogue

Festival of Colors takes over Brian Piccolo Park

or creed or gender. Everybody is just colored.”

And this year's line-up certainly showed off the broad talents of this diverse community. The day's entertainment included traditional dances from the Nrytya Mandali dance troupe from Palm Beach, as well as upbeat Indian and Chutney contemporary performances from Jayadevi Arts and Champa Chameli dancers. The Baithak Gana Warriors from Suriname, led by Rayen Kalpoe, keep the day's energy high with rousing traditional tunes. Other performers included Mala Samaroo, Apache Waria, and Dienish Gangadin of Caribbean Vibezz, Ashley Ramnarine, and – all the way from Trinidad and Tobago – Chutney Soca Monarch semi-finalist Dave Lall.

In addition, the ever dynamic GuyaneseAmerican talk show host from New York, Lakshmee Singh, served as master of ceremonies for the event, rallying members of the different nationalities from the crowd to dance-offs – both in the spirit of friendly competition, but also in the shared Caribbean celebration of good music, good food and sense of community.

GRAND OPENING BOYZ II MEN | EN VOGUE

1 This Magic Moment Vybz Kartel

2 Life Skip Marley

3 My Dream Nesbeth

4 Hello Fiona

5 What You Gonna Do Freddie McGregor

6 Rasta Party Bugle

7 Use To Hungry Vershon

8 Gain The World Jahmiel

9 Here I Come Jahmiel

10 Never Played A 45 Macka B

A patron with his daughter at the Festival of Colors

11 Try A Little Smile Adele Hartley

SATURDAY APRIL 23 8:00 PM BERENSTAIN BEARS APRIL 10 | 3:00 PM

BOB SAGET APRIL 15| 8:00 PM *For Mature Audiences

ACROBATS OF CIRQUE-TACULAR APRIL 24 | 7:30 PM

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

HEALTH

Florida braces for Zika Virus Warmer weather calls for greater mosquito control The mosquito-borne Zika virus infection continues to spread in Florida, with 75 cases confirmed by the Florida Department of Health (FDH), with 32 cases in Miami-Dade County and 11 in Broward.

This makes Florida lead in pack in states with Zika infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Though all cases in Florida were contracted outside the state, authorities have expressed growing concern that disease – which has been connected to severe birth defects – could spread during the upcoming rainy season. The disease is carried by the Aedes-aegypti mosquito, commonly found in South Florida.

“These mosquitoes breed easily, even in a small tin of water,” said Kevin Simpson, a Miami public health inspector. “Aedes-aeypti mosquitoes have been the cause of the spread of diseases like dengue fever in South Florida, so every caution must be taken by residents to prevent mosquitoes breeding in their yards.”

As Southwest Miami Doctor Olive ChungJames told National Weekly, “It takes only one mosquito and draw blood from a patient infected with the Zika virus to spread the disease to

Areas in the U.S. where the Aedes-aegypti mosquito live

others.” Simpson said it's important for residents to know the Aedes-aegypti mosquitoes are “aggressive daytime biters.”

“There's a myth mosquitoes are more prevalent at dusk and at night,” said Simpson.

Have you lost your crown?

THE WISDOM TOOTH DR. SHARON ROBINSON

What do to when fillings or crowns break off Fillings, which are materials used to fill cavities in the teeth, and crowns, which slip over and cover the tops of damaged teeth, sometimes loosen and fall out. This is rarely an emergency, but it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to pressure, air or hot and cold temperatures.

In some cases, a filling or crown may come loose because decay has developed underneath it. The decay can cause the tooth to change shape and as a result, the crown of filling no longer fits the tooth properly.

What You Can Do You may be eating or biting on something hard when you discover that a filling or a crown has become lose or fallen out. You may feel the lost filling or crown in

your mouth. If it's a crown, put it in a safe place and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can. You don't want to wait too long because the tooth will be weak and could be damaged more if it is not protected by the crown. Also, when a crown is missing for a long time, your teeth may move. If this happens, your crown may no longer fit.

If the tooth is sensitive and you can't get to your dentist right away, here's what you can do: · If you can reach the sensitive area, apply a little clove oil with a cotton swab. It works well to dull tooth pain. You can buy clove oil in pharmacies and also in the spice aisle of many supermarkets.

“These mosquitoes also love indoors. If windows and door are left open and have no mesh screens, mosquitoes will enter homes and live indoors if the conditions are right. These mosquitoes feed exclusively on humans, so residents must take every effort to clear their yards of standing water, and prevent being bitten if they notice a flare up of the pests around their homes.”

South Florida counties all have mosquito control units, and conduct aggressive mosquito eradication drives annually, but definitive plans for this year couldn't be ascertained. However, it's understood there'll be aggressive mosquito spraying and community educational programs.

FDH officer, Gabby Ramson said with “so many cases of Zika in Florida and our history with the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Florida will be leading the nation in mosquito control efforts.”

· If you have the crown, you may be able to slip it back over the tooth. Before you do that, it's important to clean the inside of the crown as best you can. To hold it in place temporarily, coat the inner surface of the crown with tooth "cement," which you can buy in the dental section of your pharmacy.

There are several temporary cements available. Some need to be mixed; others come ready to use. You also can use denture adhesive or even petroleum jelly if nothing else is available. These aren't permanent solutions, but they will help to hold the crown in place until you can see your dentist.

You should not use any household glues to hold the crown in place. These products are not safe to put in your mouth and can damage the tooth and crown.

· If you've lost the filling or crown, you can use over-the-counter dental cement to cover the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you're able to see your dentist, and can make you more comfortable.

What Your Dentist Will Do If the tooth is structurally sound and the crown still fits properly, your dentist will clean the area and then replace the crown.

But, if the tooth has been affected by decay, your dentist will need to prepare the tooth again by removing the decay and then making a new filling or crown to replace the old one.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

B3

Home for the Holidays

Let's go Food for the Poor frees nonviolent prisoners for Easter fly a kite!

Prison overcrowding is a major problem in the Caribbean, often creating a deadly environment for inmates and correctional officers working in these facilities. So, in the spirit of the holy season, Caribbean charity Food For The Poor, headquatered in Coconut Creek, worked this year to free 256 inmates serving sentences for nonviolent crimes across the Caribbean for Easter.

For 18 years, Food For The Poor has been paying the fines of nonviolent offenders, freeing them from their prisons twice a year.

Thanks to the generosity of the charity's donors, four men were freed in Guyana, 232 men and women in Haiti, 11 men in Honduras and nine men in Jamaica.

"These are being filled to the max with people who are committing petty offenses," said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. "I understand if a person commits a crime, they must face the consequences of their actions, but the majority of these first-time offenders are being locked up with hardcore criminals for weeks, months and even years at a time because they cannot

afford to pay the minimal fines for their freedom.”

One such inmate, Rajesh Guyana, was sick and suffering from tuberculosis when he was sentenced to four months in prison. But

Medical marijuana expeditiously Critics also argue that the bill does little to relieve the state's limited supply of these medical strains, due to the state's restrictions on who can grow marijuana. Under the 2014 law, only five nurseries across Florida, including Alpha Foilage in Homestead, Miami-Dade, were granted licenses to grow and process the herb into a medicinal oil that can be ingested. The state is also authorized to approve three more nurseries, once 250,000 qualified patients register with the state registry. And at least one of these new licenses must go to a member of the Florida's Black Farmers and Agriculturists Association –

April is Kite Flying Month at AARLCC

Rajesh and three other men were finally released from the Georgetown prison after Food For The Poor paid their fines for Holy Week. In Rajesh's case, the charity also provided treatment for his tuberculosis, which he was extremely grateful to receive.

"Thank you very much for your gift of freedom," said Rajesh, in a phone call with Mahfood. "I feel so much better now and I want to thank you for the treatment I received while in prison.”

Each of the four men were given a Holy Bible, a change of clothes, caps, personal care items, food and a monetary gift as they were released from prison.

In Jamaica, nonviolent prisoners were released from Hunts Bay Police Station, and Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, and the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town. Each newly released person was escorted from their cell to a room, and later to the chapel where they were each greeted by Food for the Poor staff. They also received words of encouragement, a hot meal and personal care items.

“We serve a God who is very merciful," said Mahfood. "We can only pray that each prisoner who was released will recognize that our Lord is a God of second chances."

It's kite flying season across the Caribbean, and the perfect time to celebrate the tradition in South Florida with the family. That's the plan during the month of April at the AfricanAmerican Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC). Take to the skies with the culture and craft of kite making and kite flying this April through the AARLCC's kite workshop.

Kite making workshops will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All materials will be provided. After participants finish assembling their kites on Saturday, they will be invited to walk to an adjoining field and fly the kites. The library is looking for collaborators and sponsors who would like to contribute to the kite exhibit in the gallery or provide materials for the program.

Sharing the enthusiasm of kite flying helps to bridge both cultural and generational divides, providing an opportunity for the whole Caribbean family to share and celebrate this beloved tradition. So come to the library and think lofty thoughts on the tails of your homemade kites!

To learn more about this exciting program and for more information about other programs at Broward County libraries, visit www.broward.org/library.

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

from A1

responding to criticism from a coalition of black farmers that minorities were being shut out of production.

However, several of the 15 nurseries who were unsuccessful in their application for a license claim foul, arguing that more licenses should be granted to fulfill demand, or at the very least to lower thresholds required for expanded licenses.

“The state is operating a very unfair system,” said Mike Batton, whose Miami nursery was an unsuccessful applicant for a license, said, “Thousands of Florida's vast population of over 11 million people are ailing, so it will take more than five or eight nurseries

to serve the sick.

Ben Pollara, campaign manager for marijuana advocate group United for Care, believes the bill serves as an empty gesture to appease those considering the proposed Amendment 2 “right to Medical Marijuana” initiative – a constitutional amendment up for vote this November, which would have opened the gate to medical marijuana access for all qualifying patients.”

“This is an illogical, limited bill which does nothing for the vast majority of patients,” said Pollara. “[It's] a ploy by the state to say they've already passed medical marijuana and therefore we don't need Amendment 2.”

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B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

Immigration scams

cultural background, or even shares mutual friends, this fact allone shouldn't serve as complete assurance of transparency and legitimacy.

These types of fraud are called “affinity scams,” says Gepsie Metellus, executive director of Miami's Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center. “When scammers speak the same language, have the same culture and traditions, they are more likely to be trusted by their community."

The FTC advises residents not to seek immigration and other legal advice from a notary public. They are not attorneys and are not authorized to give legal advice or represent immigrants at agencies like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) or Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The only professionals authorized to give legal immigra-

advertised on internet websites, in newspapers and on the radio may not what they purport to be. Some of these individuals who call themselves immigration experts “have no expertise, but no qualms to take large fees from the vulnerable,” says Hann.

Instead, these scammers “charge large fees without giving any help and often do things that hurt people's chances to immigrate lawfully,” said Leslie-Ann Maroone of the Florida Immigration Coalition. “These fake experts fraudulently charge fees for blank government forms, temporary protected status (TPS), meetings with U.S. immigration officers, and benefits which most people don't qualify for.”

And if the individual promising an end to immigration woes shares your nationality or

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“These fake experts fraudulently charge fees for blank government forms and temporary protected status (TPS), which most people don't qualify for.” tion advice or represent residents are attorneys and accredited representatives.

Those who have problems in finding an immigration attorney are advised to contact the Florida Bar Association or the bar association affiliated with their community, to locate an attorney who's in good standing. Accredited representatives must work for an organization that's officially recognized by the U.S. government. Accredited immigration representatives and recognized organizations

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can be accessed through the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) at the Department of Justice. Law students, supervised by an attorney or accredited representative, are also authorized to assist immigrants needing assistance, but aren't authorized to charge fees.

To avoid the pain and financial loss from immigration scams, the FTC also advises residents to: never pay for blank government forms (they are free); seek immigration information from U.S. government websites (designated as “.gov”); not let anyone keep original documents like birth certificates or passport, as scammers may seek a fee before returning them; and to never sign a form before it has been filled out. Persons who suspect they're being fleeced by immigration scammers are advised to report to the state attorney general's office or the FTC.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

Jammin' for Earth Day Sunrise celebrates Earth Day Festival The City of Sunrise gets set to celebrate their annual Earth Day Festival with good music and good times, set for Saturday, April 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sawgrass Sanctuary Park. This free event features a family-friendly mix of education and entertainment.

The festivities kick off at 11:15 a.m. with a special Tree Planting Ceremony in observance of Arbor Day. Afterwards, audiences can enjoy a round of live music from exciting local bands, including the high-energy funk and chill reggae of Bushwood.

The ever-popular Kids' Korner will also feature children's activities, bounce houses, face painting, arts and crafts and more. Participants will also find an array of handcrafted goods, fantastic food and beverage vendors, as well as information sessions and non-profit exhibitors to help you green your routine.

Also, in honor the day's spirit of promoting sustainability, the first 1,500 people through the gates will receive a reusable shopping tote and a BPA-free water bottle – useful sustainability alternatives to the daily and excessive use of non-biodegradable plastics. The bottles can also be refilled throughout the day at the City's complimentary water station.

The Earth Day Festival is sponsored by the City of Sunrise Utilities Department, All Service Refuse, and Baptist Health Urgent Care-Sawgrass, and presented in partnership with The Shark 104.3 FM. No coolers, glass bottles, pets or bicycles will be allowed in the park during the Festival. However, dedicated bicycle parking will be available.

B5

The Lucky Bastard New book series tells one immigrant's story of humor and heartbreak Behind every immigrant is a story waiting to be told.

For the travails of Jamaican immigrant Lenny Kingston, life proves to be an epic tale full of heartbreak, sexual discovery and unexpected luck, as chronicled in new book trilogy, “The Lucky Bastard.”

A gently fictionalized auto-biography based on the life of author Collen G. Lowe, “The Lucky Bastard” tells of a man's journey to self-discovery and acceptance. Born to a suicidal young mother who at the last minute decided not to abort her unborn child, Lenny Kingston struggled to overcome the circumstances of his birth and dreamed of a life of romantic happiness and professional success. But, like many a Caribbean immigrant, there were more than a few share of obstacles (and pit stops) along the way – childhood illnesses, a foray into Kingston's gambling, an affair with a married Englishwoman, and the necessary survival of a murder plot. Lenny Kingston, like the proverbial Anansi, proves always to be “in the wrong place, at the right time.”

Through the many twists and turns of this three-part series, Lowe hopes to convey to readers the pervading truth that no one can predict life's journey.

“I think my story shows that a person has no control over their destiny,” says Lowe. “In my life there have been many escapes, closes brushes and complete wipe outs. The travels were arduous, and you get to a point in life where you can't believe how you got there. This just goes to show that you have no control – of the beginning, the end, and everything in between.”

“The Lucky Bastard” series can be purchased in e-book or paperback at Amazon.com

The State of Black Miami Upcoming forum to examine prosperity among the community Does the black community in Miami-Dade County have an equal and fair shot at the American Dream? That the question for debate at the upcoming 2016 One Heritage Forum: The State of Black Miami conference. Set for April 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Florida Memorial University, Smith Conference Center, this free conference seeks to bring together black Miamians of all nationalities to discuss issues affecting the African diaspora and get behind a unified agenda.

This public forum will be hosted by Miami Dade County Commission Chairman, Jean Monestime. He will be joined by fellow local leaders, County Commissioners Barbara Jordan, Audrey Edmonson and Dennis Moss, and Miami City Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon. The conference will feature three separate roundtable discussions to assess Black Miami's state of economic prosperity, community development and quality of life.

The expert panelists will cover a range of topics including jobs, housing, transportation, education, health, youth violence and criminal justice reform. The forum endeavors to pursue recommended ideas, initiatives, and legislation for impacting the “State of Black Miami.” The summit will also promote the cultural theme of “one heritage and inclusiveness within all of black Miami.

“At roughly 525,000, Miami-Dade has one of America's largest population of Black residents,” says Chairman Monestime. “This is as tremendous asset that we have yet to fully unleash to our community's benefit. Given this oneness of community heritage, we are inspired to look at our challenges and accomplishments through a common lens.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 305-694-2779.

B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13 –

B7

TRACK & FIELD

OLYMPICS

CARIFTA Gold for Khalifa St. Fort

T&T blocks sale of Olympic medal

South Florida-based rising sprint star, 18-year-old Khalifa St. Fort, copped the gold medal for Trinidad and Tobago in the U-20 100-meter dash recently at the 45th CARIFTA Games, held at the National Stadium in St. George's, Grenada.

Against a strong head wind, St. Forte still manage to run a competitive time of 11.40 seconds, trouncing Jamaican Patrice Moody, who came second place at 10.68 seconds, and Bahamian Brianne Bethlel in third place at 11.75 seconds.

“It feels amazing,” St. Fort told reporters after her race. “I am so happy I was able to represent Trinidad and Tobago well. There is a great field of competitors out here. I was so excited to come out here and have goals.” The former St. Thomas Aquinas student, however, just missed her chance for a double CARIFTA win, when coach and two-time Trinidad and Tobago Olympian Ato Boldon, decided to withdraw her from the 200 and 4×100-meter relay events when she complained of severe hip pain.

“I pulled her from the meet this morning,” Boldon said. “She had hip pain overnight and couldn't warm-up this morning. Her CARIFTA 2016 is over.” Despite the disappointment, it was a red letter week for the budding sprint powerhouse. Just before the official launch of the CARIFTA Games, St. Fort announced that she would be turning professional, following a lucrative deal with Caribbean-based Flow Communications. Reports also say that St. Fort will also soon sign a shoe contract.

St. Fort

Born in Miami, St. Fort is eligible to compete for Trinidad and Tobago through her mother, who is a Trinidadian native. “I make a vow today that I will represent Trinidad and Tobago well at every sports event,” St. Fort said at the press conference announcing her professional career. “I will do my best to show every young girl and boy that with help, determination, hard work and great parenting you can achieve your dreams.”

St. Fort is currently the third fastest in the world under-18 for the 100 meters, last year winning gold in the 100-meter race at the Pan American Junior Games.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC) says it is taking legal action to prevent the current online sale of a collection of medals won by Trinidad and Tobago's first Olympic medalist Rodney Wilkes, who died on march 24, 2014.

Bids for the Helsinki 1952 bronze medal for weightlifting closed off on eBay at an asking price of US$30,500. The former weightlifter won a silver medal at the 1948 Olympics in London and a bronze medal in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki.

Known as the “Mighty Midget,” Wilkes also won medals at the Pan American Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, as well as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

Family of Rodney Wilkes

SOCCER

Costa Rica topples Jamaica in CONCACAF bid Jamaica's Reggae Boyz were unable to fend off Group B leader Costa Rica this week, losing 3 to 0 in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica.

The medals were originally loaned to late historian Louis B Homer, to be display in a museum at his home in San Fernando during a visit by a delegation from Martinique. The medals, however, were never returned, according to Wilkes' daughter Grace Wilkes-Worsley, who said her brother tried on three occasions to get them back.

In a statement, the Mayor of San Fernando, Kazim Hosein, said the City Corporation is taking legal action against the sale of the medal and that the chief executive officer Indarjit Singh has already met with law enforcement officials to discuss the possibility of stopping the sale.

The Central American champion needed only a draw to guarantee advancement. Celso Borges put the host ahead 1-0 in the seventh minute, heading home from eight-yards out off Cristian Gamboa's right-sided cross.

The advantage was doubled 30 minutes later, when Bryan Ruiz netted his second goal of the current qualifying competition. The score line was completed in the 77th minute, when Marco Ureña gathered the ball and slipped a pass back to an unmarked Johan Venegas, who rolled a left-footed shot into the right side of the net from the left corner of the six-yard box.

Jamaica remains in third place on four points. They will return to the pitch on September 2 to compete against Panama. The Reggae Boyz will now have to defeat Panama to maintain their hopes of advancing to the next round.

Immigration Family / Divorce Personal Injury Opal Lee Attorney At Law

Attorney Lee also practices in Jamaica; her practice areas include Real Estate, Probate, Family, Litigation and Commercial.

FloJam Legal, P.A. 29 South State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

954.358.2020 www.FloJamLegal.com Fax: 954.358.2021

Email: flojamlegalpa@outlook.com

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B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 31 – APR 6, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 13

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