NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
N E T W O R K T H E
M O S T
W I D E L Y
CARIBBEAN
OVER 300 JAMAICANS DENIED ENTRY INTO T&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
I N
WATCH IT. READ IT. LOVE IT. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
F L O R I D A
Best of the Best and more this Memorial Weekend The iconic Caribbean musical showcase, Best of the Best Music Fest, celebrates its 10th anniversary this Sunday, May 29th, as the show returns to Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. In honor of the landmark, this year's concert is going all out with a stellar line up of stars, including Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, Tarrus Riley, Cham, Mr. Vegas, Chris Martin and more.
ENTERTAINMENT
JAH CURE TOPS REGGAE CHART PAGE B3
See more memorial Weekend events in our Memorial Weekend Must-Do guide Con't B5
Mothers rally with Fulton and Clinton against gun violence
IS SMOKING MARIJUANA A SIN?
PAGE A5 JAMAICA
EDITORIAL
GUYANA INDEPENDENCE FEATURE PAGE B1
LOCAL
TATI GIVES BACK: LOCAL CHARITY HONORS DAUGHTER’S MEMORY PAGE A3
SPORTS
“CAPTAIN MORGAN” LEADS BOYZ TO COPA CUP
PAGE B7
More than just Reggae Diaspora vital to creative development, says Jamaica's Culture Minister Dr. Garth Rose & Jahlisa Harvey Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange assures Jamaicans overseas that the government is committed to “seeking closer relations, collaboration and exchange” between Jamaica and the Diaspora, as the nation launches new initiatives to boost profitable creative industries. In town last week to deliver an address at the “Creative and Cultural Industries Symposium” at Broward College, Davie Campus, Minister Grange outlined plans to turn continues on B6 – More than reggae
Grange
MIAMI GARDENS
Super Bowl 54 economic boom for Miami Gardens? Dr. Garth A. Rose The city of Miami Gardens will play host to the Super Bowl, following confirmation from the National Football League (NFL) that the 54th annual national championship game is set for February 2020 at the Miami Dolphin stadium in the city. Officials expect the games to bring a much-needed economic boost leading up to the event.
Despite the lucrative attention and estimated $450 million renovations invested by Dolphins' owner Stephen Ross, the stadium has yet to translate to big dollars for local residents. Carlos Potts, a sub-contractor on the stadium's renovation, says job opportunities for city residents related to the stadium have been limited to temporary jobs. “The stadium attracts large crowds when NFL games are played there during the NFL season, but this really hasn't continues on B4 – Super Bowl 54
Hundreds of South Floridians gathered to rally against gun violence at this year's Circle of Mothers conference in Fort Lauderdale, as current Democratic presidential candidate and conference keynote speaker, Hillary Clinton, asserted her support for reform. “We must do something about gun violence that stalks communities and terrorize families,” said Clinton during her speech at the recent conference Gala, hosted by Sybrina Fulton, President/CEO of the Trayvon Martin Foundation (TMF), founded in memory of her late 17-year-old son who was a victim of gun violence. “We have a moral obligation to protect our children, no matter what zip code they live in.” Founded by Fulton and Trayvon's father Tracy Martin, the conference seeks “to enable mothers who lost their children to gun violence to return and empower their communities, showing that they won't be devastated by their heartache and pain, but are returning to help build safe communities,” said Tracy Martin in an interview with National Weekly. The conference included workshops with professionals and public officials offering guidance for mothers on personal restoration. But the conference also serves as an opportunity for mothers to establish both local strategies and a national agenda in combating gun violence. The cause is a personal one for Circle of continues on B4 Rally
Fulton
A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
Message of Hope Presiden al Candidate Hillary Clinton delivers keynote address at the recent Circle of Mothers conference, hosted by the Trayvon Mar n Founda on at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale. CNW Photo – Andres Hernandez
Spor ng Affair (L-R) Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, Jamaica's Minister of Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange and Caribbean America Soccer League President, Richard Campbell were all smiles at the recent Crea ve and Cultural Industries Symposium in Davie, Florida. – Contributed photo.
Golden Champion Batsman Timothy Surujbally receives winning trophy for Team Trinidad and Tobago as they won the Lauderhill T20 Cricket tournament. Contributed Photo
Patrio c Picnic Soup's up as members gathered for the recent Family Brunch, hosted by the Grenada Cultural Associa on of South Florida in Miami. CNW Photo – Andres Hernandez
State of the City Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert delivers the annual “State of the City” address held recently at the City Hall Courtyard. CNW Photo – Andres Hernandez
Silver Prize Team Guyana accepts their second place trophy from Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness at the finale of the Lauderhill T20 Cricket Tournament last weekend at the Lauderhill Sports Park. – Contributed Photo
Picture Perfect City of North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph smiles as a proud #Hai anPhilanthropist at the Sant La Neighbor Center Booth at the recent Compas Fes val held in Miami. – Contributed Photo.
All smiles Miss Wilson smiles with her daughter at The Holy Family All White Party on Saturday in Miami. CNW Photo – Uriah Benne
Yardie Pride Jamaican-American Miramar Police Chief Dexter Williams is presented a proclama on for Na onal Police Week by fellow Jamaican-American, Mayor Wayne Messam. Contributed Photo
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
A3
LOCAL
Lauderhill to vote on $44.5 million bond Local charity honors daughter's memory for public facilities
TATI gives back In 2007, South Florida resident Tanya Ragbeer lost her eldest daughter Tatiana (Tati) to a tragic automobile accident on Florida's Turnpike, returning to school at the University of Florida. Since then, Ragbeer, a CaribbeanAmerican community organizer, has strived to create a positive memorial to her daughter through the non-profit organization, Transforming America Through Interaction (TATI), Inc. The charity has grown into a thriving organization, giving back to young local Caribbean-Americans. Ragbeer currently chairs the organization, with Albert Lettman serving as president. TATI's objectives are to bring youth of varying cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds together through mentorship and educational activities, building strong moral values and healthy communities, while promoting Caribbean cultural pride and cross-generational dialogue. “I am proud these objectives are being realized,” says Ragbeer. “Though we shift and change constantly, this is how we grow and develop.” The organization pursues its goals through the “Bright Faces” youth mentorship program, which launched last summer at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, hosted by Father Horace Ward. The 8week program continues “to bring kids
Tanya Ragbeer
together, providing them with mentorship and self-discovery activities designed to strengthen their selfworth…and help them to decide their futures,” says Ragbeer. The organization also promotes youth enterprise in South Florida, providing shoes, clothing and supplies to schools in Jamaica, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago. There's also the TATI Teen Driver Safety Awareness 5-K Walk/Run in Lauderhill, which Ragbeer said “was developed as Tati passed away in an auto accident. There's so much our youth and parents don't understand about teenage driving and decisionmaking.” This event will be held again next October.
One of the TATI's main achievements is the annual award of the Tatiana McIntosh Memorial Scholarship, made to deserving students. Combined with other scholarships, including the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month Youth Essay Competition, partnered with the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the organization has donated over $20,000 in scholarships to date. Next year TATI, Inc. will celebrate 10 years. As part of the celebration, the organization plans to reinstitute the University of Florida scholarship, for which over $10,000 was already donated. Ragbeer admitted in the initial stage of the organization “it was definitely a coping mechanism,” but TATI reflects her love for her children, community and Caribbean culture. She's committed for the organization to continue for several more years serving as a memorial to her daughter who she described as “a loving soul who excelled academically and spoke out against Genocide, spoke up for the underprivileged in Jamaica, and envisioned a unified community.”As part of its cultural outreach to the community, on June 12th, TATI, Inc. stages its annual Picnic on the Beach at the former John U Lloyd Beach State Park.
Lauderhill homeowners may see a hike on property taxes, if residents decide to approve a $44.5 million dollar bond for city improvement projects. The bond is up for vote during the state's August 30 primary elections. As Lauderhill accountant Max Levers explains, “voters are being asked to loan the city millions of dollars, which will be repaid from their future property taxes over a 30-year period.” The burden of this repayment will be based on the economic weath of the city's neighborhoods. Homeowners in lower-income neighborhoods like Broward Estates may pay an average of $45 annually, while those from wealthier, more upscale communities could pay between $280 and $300 annually. City Commissioner Howard Berger calls the bond a positive measure which he hopes voters will approve “as it will make a definite enhancement to the aesthetics of the city, and the quality of services offered including roads, public safety, parks and other recreational facilities.” According to reports, voters will be asked to vote on three ballot bond questions; one seeks a $20 million bond for parks, another $13 million for road-related improvements and $11.5 million for public safety, including $4 million to improve city lighting and place security cameras on some streets and in city parks. Because the bond “is essentially split into three parts,” says Levers, voters have the option to vote for the bond that meets their greatest needs, as well having the option to approve all three aspects of the bond.” According to the city, some $6.75 million of the bond being sought for road-related improvement will be extending city privacy with walls for communities like those along Inverrary Boulevard. According to City Mayor Richard Kaplan, these walls “add not only privacy to these communities but also make them more secure.” The bond is a welcomed initiative for resident Natalie Ford, who lives in a community off NW 56 Street, a main thoroughfare running from Sunrise Boulevard to Oakland Park Boulevard. She supports the $13 million bond, particularly for the planned privacy wall surrounding her community. Ford and her husband Kenneth said they have no problem with the three bond request on the ballot.
A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
ST. LUCIA
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Critics protest early June 6 election date
Over 300 Jamaicans denied entry into T&T
The St. Lucia National Students' Council (NYC) and the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) have criticized the decision of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony to name June 6 as the date for the general elections on the island.
The Jamaica government says more than 300 nationals were deported from Trinidad and Tobago last year, and that more than 100 have been denied entry into the oil rich Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country during the first quarter of this year.
In a radio and television broadcast last week, Anthony said that Nomination Day would be May 27 and that while he had until April 2017 to call the election, he felt it was important for the electorate to choose a new government at this time. “The National Youth Council questions the level of consideration shown by the government of St. Lucia to the students who will be engaged in CXC examinations on June 6th,” the NYC said in a statement, adding that at least three subjects including Food and Nutrition and Additional Mathematics are scheduled for June 6 at locations to be used as polling stations. “The date selected has left many of students along with parents curious as to the extent to which the general elections may affect the progress of such examinations. “The Council hopes that the execution of elections in St Lucia will not provide discomfort for students seeking to excel at this critical juncture in their lives. We therefore plead to the government to provide the students of St Lucia with adequate information ahead of the elections to avoid a state of confusion and mishap,” the NYC added. The UWP, for its part, said that it anticipates there will be chaos on and before Election Day as a result of the situation. The UWP said it was also concerned at the publication of the Voters List, which by law has to be made available by March 31 every year.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith told the Senate last Friday that 326 Jamaicans were denied entry to the twin-island republic in 2015 and that 113 Jamaicans have so far been denied entry during the first three months of this year. The two CARICOM countries have been holding talks in a bid to deal with the situation, particularly after Port of Spain deported 12
Jamaicans last month, claiming that they would have been a drain on the local economy. Port of Spain has said that several thousand Jamaicans are living there illegally. Both countries are signatories to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, services, labor and skills across the 15-member regional group. The Foreign Minister said that Jamaica has sought to deal with the issue at
both the bilateral and regional levels, and that following talks with Port of Spain, a commitment had been given by the Trinidad and Tobago government to resolve the issue “as expeditiously as possible.” She told legislators that at the regional level Jamaica requested that the item “Treatment of CARICOM Nationals Travelling in the Region” be returned to the agenda of the recent meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), which has oversight for the implementation of the CSME. Johnson Smith said that Kingston had used the occasion at the meeting to call for full implementation of the decisions taken at the 39th Session of COTED held in November 2014. Those decisions identified steps to be taken by member states and the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat to ensure that the CSME free movement regime operates in the interest of all CARICOM nationals.
DOMINICA
Two Zika virus cases con irmed in pregnant women Health authorities in Dominica say at least two pregnant women have contracted the mosquito-borne Zika virus as the number of cases of people infected with the virus jumped to 28. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Johnson, said there were no reported complications with the pregnant women and that to date '”we have identified a total of 28 confirmed cases of the Zika virus.” But he said that although the cases are confirmed, it doesn't mean those affected are sick at this time. “We take samples and those samples are sent to Trinidad, to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for confirmation. The turnaround time is usually around five days to a week but most times by the time we get the
result, the persons are in fact asymptomatic. “So in fact, all of the persons who I referred to, are asymptomatic at this time, in other words, they are not presenting any signs or symptoms of the Zika virus,” he said, noting
www.Laparkan.com
Global Freight & Logistics Solutions
Ship your barrels to any of our many destinations, including: ! NEW LOCATION
gs Lauderhill Crossin Park Blvd. 5710 W. Oakland 33313. Lauderhill, Florida Tel: 954.731.1440 Park Corner of Oakland Ave. Blvd. and NW 56th acle Church) rn be (Behind Faith Ta
Antigua Barbados Guyana Jamaica Suriname Trinidad
LAPARKAN SOUTH FLORIDA LOCATIONS MIAMI 3775 NW 77th Street Miami, FL 33147
FT. LAUDERDALE 5710 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, FL 33313
LAPARKAN AIRWAYS 2361 NW 66th Ave., Bldg. 702, Suite 102, Miami, FL 33122
(305) 836-4393
(954) 731-1440
(305) 870-9949
that the two cases involving the pregnant women are of the greatest concern to health officials. “We have a complete team of medical personnel, specialists who are monitoring these individuals to ensure that they provide, I should add, psychosocial support to the individuals and bring all of the necessary investigation and monitoring by our experts,” he said, adding that no complications have been identified in the pregnant women. “It's not a one to one ratio that if you have Zika virus and you are pregnant that your baby will born with any sort of malformation,” he remarked. Dominica confirmed its first case of the disease on March 15.
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
Talk UP Is smoking marijuana a sin? Jeremiah – Lauderdale Lakes, FL. That's a tricky questions. It is a sin in a sense. It really depends on how you smoke it and how much you smoke. Smoking small quantities and smoking for medicinal purposes is ok, but if you're smoking just for fun, that is wrong.
Mica Starr – New Jersey I don't think it's a sin to smoke marijuana. It's a natural herb that relaxes you. It also has medicinal benefits. I don't think it's for everyone though. As I mentioned, it relaxes you and can make you lazy so people who have children have to be very careful. Generally, you want to be sharp and alert when you are caring for children. Besides that the side effects are harmless so I don't see a problem with it.
Ray – Ft. Lauderdale, FL From a biblical perspective, vegetables and herbs were provided by God for our nourishment and our health. Marijuana is no different. God placed it on this earth for our healing and benefit. Therefore, it could never be a sin to use marijuana. As a matter of fact, it should be legalized. For years we have cast down Rastafarians and their use of marijuana only to now discover that there is great medicinal benefit to its use. The benefits far outweigh the costs.
Nelcia – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. No! Absolutely not. The bible says that the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nation. If I boil a little mint or senna or herb, it is for healing. It doesn't matter how you consume the herb. The herb was meant for the healing of the nation. So if you smoke a weed or drink a tea it's consuming the leaves that were meant to heal the nation and I do believe that it is healing the nation. Like anything else, it should be used in moderation and with proper supervision. Marijuana is not manmade. It is a gift from the heavens and it should be legalized.
Collin - Plantation, FL. God created the plant. It's a natural herb. I don't believe that God would condemn you for smoking weed. If however, it prevents you from worshiping Him or if you put it before Him, then I believe that is a sin. God should always be first. I grew up thinking that if you smoked marijuana, you were a bad person. Times have changed. God is awakening people. A lot of religious things keep you from reality. A religious mindset can imprison you. As long as we follow God's commands and put Him first we will be on the right track.
Yanique – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I think God would be ok with someone smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes. It's natural and it should be legalized. Like everything else, it should be used under proper supervision and with moderation. I've heard that there are no real side effects besides hunger so I don't see the harm in it.
Kalcium – Miami, FL. No, smoking marijuana is not a sin! Marijuana is a herb. The Almighty put it on the earth for a reason. It can help people in many different ways. It's good for glaucoma and many other illnesses. It is also used to treat various forms of cancer. It should be legalized. Legalize the ting!
Brad – Ft. Lauderdale, FL I am not a religious person, but I don't think it's a sin. I am spiritual and I believe that if it gives you spiritual upliftment you should use it. If we say that smoking marijuana is sinful then we would also have to say that smoking cigarettes is a sin. Throughout history, marijuana has never claimed lives due to lung cancer. Like everything else, it should be used in moderation. I also believe that it could be legalized, but users should be required to have a license in order to use it and it must be properly governed in order to prevent improper use.
Comprehensive Eye Exams Large Selection of Eyewear Contact Lenses Most insurance accepted including VSP, Eyemed, Spectera, Davis and Sunshine. Evening and Saturday Appointments Available
A5
A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
Very potent appetite suppressant Get a flatter stomach Burn calories fast Lose extra abdominal fat Detox and cleanse while losing weight
Weight and Wellness 6360 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Sunrise, FL 33313
954.530.5363
TSA working conditions must improve The world is still reeling from the recent tragic crash of Egypt Air flight 804 over the Mediterranean Sea, which led to the death of all 66 passengers and crew. Though the investigation is still ongoing, an act of terrorism has not been ruled out. The tragedy emphasizes the need for copious checks of passengers, crews and luggage boarding flights nationally and internationally. But the organization responsible for this daunting task, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has been fighting an uphill battle with limited personnel and resources. Already recent reports show long security lines at airports across the country, particularly in Atlanta and Chicago. Though reports have not been as severe at the local Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport, conditions will likely not get better as the summer travel season begins. South Florida's international airports are hubs for airlines and passengers travelling to various national and international destinations. Several times daily, flights arrive and depart from these airports for the Caribbean, and Caribbean-Americans
frequently travel to their home countries flying from or though these airports. Such delays seem inevitable due to the various challenges the TSA are currently facing in executing their procedures. As with other services funded by the federal government the TSA is beset by budget challenges. The agency was allocated a budget of $7.4 billion this year, reduced from the $7.8 billion budget approved the previous year. The reduction took place despite the TSA's need for 6,000 additional workers to enhance working conditions and system efficiency. The agency has a worker retention problem, losing some 5, 300 workers between 2013 and 2015, mostly due to workrelated stress and morale problems. Although unemployment remains relatively high in South Florida, according to local employment agencies, there is no rush for applicants to work with the TSA. The main problem, according to these agencies isn't the limited salary, but the everyday pressure employees must face when closely monitoring passengers to ensure items with the potential to endanger an aircraft in flight, do not bypass security checks. There is absolutely no way the TSA can compromise the quality of pre-flight security checks in order to avoid flight delays. However, the delays can be avoided if the TSA improves its operations. This requires that the Department of Homeland Security, under which the TSA falls, focuses on measures to improve the working conditions of TSA employees. These measures include increasing
P.O.Box 551712 Davie, FL 33355 advertising@cnweeklynews.com www.cnweeklynews.com
MANAGING EDITOR Garth A. Rose, PhD editor@cnweeklynews.com
EDITORIAL Kathy Barrett kbarrett@cnweeklynews.com
staff at high traffic airports; providing more security check points; escalating staff training and providing more breaks during shifts to alleviate some of the on-job pressures and counter the high turnover rate the agency is experiencing. Every incident of airline-related terrorism, nationally or internationally, escalates TSA's responsibilities, placing the agency between a rock and a hard place. Passengers hate delays and airlines hate incurring the high expense such delays cost. These factors are twin sources of tremendous pressure for the TSA, but the agency cannot compromise its responsibility. The glaring solution is for the agency to improve working conditions, and attract more workers. Employment agencies believe applications for TSA jobs would increase if applicants are assured of “worker friendly” conditions. However, the main solution is for Congress to grant the budget allocation for the agency worthy of its great responsibility. Airport and airline delays can be alleviated despite stringent TSA security checks, if there are sufficient, well trained TSA staff working in conducive working conditions.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com
SPORTS EDITOR Don Anthony sports@cnweeklynews.com
MEDIA SPECIALIST Stacy Rose-Warburton srose@cnweeklynews.com
ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Hugh Ferguson advertising@cnweeklynews.com hferguson@cnweeklynews.com Tel: 954-739-6618 Fax: 954-765-6199
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
Little Haiti's borderlines
LA SECCION HAITIENNE Haitian Heritage Month
Miami City Commission to vote on Little Haiti's boundaries The historic Little Haiti may soon be formally defined, as the City of Miami commission gets set to vote this Thursday at the Planning and Zoning meeting, on a new resolution of the neighborhood's boundaries. Sponsored by Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon, the resolution officially places Little Haiti roughly between 79th and 64th streets and NW 6th and NE 2nd Avenues. Thursday's resolution comes after years of argument over the idea of an official Little Haiti and where the boundaries should be drawn. The current boundary resolution has received support from local advocate groups, including Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami (FANM). The organization has called on their supporters to rally around the new plan at the scheduled meeting. Defined boundaries for Little Haiti, argues executive director of Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami, Marleine Bastien, would help reserve the cultural and society integrity of the neighborhood, which has been facing pressures of gentrification with new investors coming into the community, thanks to the neighborhood's affordable property prices and proximity to the booming Wynwood and Design District neighborhoods. "We feel it's a very important step forward," says Bastien, though FANM is still campaigning “for better map that includes 46th Street.” But, says Bastien, the new plan is much better than nothing. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative forces right now, a lot of developers
A7
Your weekly breakdown of upcoming local events celebrating Haitian Heritage Friday, May 27 Jazz at MOCA – MOCA Plaza, North Miami – 8 p.m. Haitian-born trumpet prodigy Jean Caze will be headlining this special free concert. Winner of the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, and the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition, Caze has emerged as one of today’s most exciting new voices in jazz, performing with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Najee, Arturo Sandoval, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau and George Duke. North Miami's HHM Closing Concert – MOCA Plaza, – 9:30 p.m. The city of North Miami celebrates the finale of Haitian Heritage Month with a free concert and live entertainment by Haitian compas band, Harmonik, performing their latest hits.
and investors who would be happy to buy property here and change the name. This would make that impossible." The move, argues Bastien, is also critical to preserving the city's name and the contribution of the Haitian community to the development of the neighborhood, which has also been known as Little River and Lemon City in the past before the wave of immigration to the area from the Haitian Diaspora in the late 1970s and early 1980s. “People come from all over the world to see Little Haiti," says Bastien. "The name represents the history of the people who through sheer determination and will turned a depressed neighborhood into vibrant, culturally rich area." Previous efforts to define the area were launched in 2013 by previous City Commissioner for the area, Michelle Spence-Jones. Critics of such a proposal, however, say the name Little Haiti erases the history of past Bahamian and African-American residents.
www.JamaicaFreight.com
Saturday, May 28 Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair – Caribbean Marketplace – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sosyete Koukouy of Miami Inc., with support of the Miami Book Fair International, the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, City of Miami and Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Libreri Mapou Book Store, presents its 4th Annual Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair. The fair kicks off with cultural performances and an author panel featuring Father William Smarth and Historian Anthony George-Pierre. Sunday, May 29 Haiti vs. Columbia soccer match – Marlins Park, Miami – 5 p.m. The excitement of international soccer returns to South Florida May 29 when the Haitian and Colombian national soccer clubs square off for a friendly match in South Florida at Marlins Park. Tuesday, May 31 Sant La Philanthropy Tele-Marathon – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local community non-profit Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center will be presenting the “put your money where your pride is” philanthropic telethon to raise money for their charitable initiatives. The telethon will be on Island TV.
100% Jamaican!
Thank you for making IFC number one to Jamaica for the past 18 years!
Hassle free clearance Fastest transit times Best prices guaranteed We load containers daily! Ship NOW AND pay nothing to collect your barrel in jamaica
FREE shipping!
2 2
Bring in
Ship to Kingston
barrels
80
$
for only
*Ship 1 barrel for $50
Kingston: 76 Marcus Garvey Drive Ship to Montego Bay
Bring in
barrels for only
100
$
*Ship 1 barrel for $60
Montego Bay: Seaboard Marine Warehouse
Open 7 days a week! ek
*one lucky customer each we
2712 NW 31st Avenue Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 Mon-Wed: 9am-7:30pm Thur: 9am-8:30pm Fri: 9am-4:30pm Sat & Sun: 10am-4:30pm
Toll Free: 888-SHIP-IFC
(888-744-7432)
FOODTOWN 5335 N. Military trail #60 West Palm Beach, Fl 33407
561.242.1100 or pickup every Wednesday! 9am – 5pm
A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
GUYANA INDEPENDENCE
Guyana's Next Gen Diaspora As Guyana celebrates 50 years of independence, the National Weekly turns to the surging Diaspora in South Florida, celebrating young and talented individuals 45 and under that are already taking our community to the next level. From a fashion designer to a surgeon, no doubt our future is bright in their hands. Here at the National Weekly, we're so proud of our selection: though already so accomplished, we know the one thing our diverse awardees share, is that they are nowhere near the apex of their potential. Their best is yet to come, and we can't wait to be there to see it.
The Shooting Star Nicole Cummings-Peterkin engines for their space program,” says Cummings-Peterkin, who ranks her proudest moment as “watching a rocket launch for the first time.” But the journey hasn't been smooth as a woman in a male-dominated field. Faced with such challenges, she credits her success to the strong work ethic and determination instilled by her two Guyanese parents. “The heritage of my parents and grandparents is a disciplined culture that has put great values in me as a person,” said Cummings-Peterkin. “I look at all the sacrifices of my parents, those sacrifices helped me keep my eyes on the prize and go after what I wanted. They gave me all I needed to succeed.” Cummings-Peterkin also hopes to give
Hometown: Miami, FL Profession: Aerospace Engineer Great inspiration can spark from the smallest moment. For Mechanical Engineering FAU Alumni, Nicole Cummings-Peterkin, that spark came when a Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment (SECME) organization visited her high school. “I didn't know I had a love for science,” said Cummings-Peterkin, now a field and launch engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne in Jupiter. “I figured out I had a talent for it when I got a chance to explore the science group.” That one class has now led to a distinguished career, including “working with NASA making rocket
Andre Goodluck The Auteur Hometown: Miami, FL Profession/Specialization: filmmaker, graphic designer From hanging out with world class athletes one day, to behind the scenes investigations the next, there's no telling what new adventures the day will bring for filmmaker and graphic artist, Andre Goodluck. As owner of media production outfit Spot on Media Miami, Goodluck has become the go-to guy for video production in Miami. A life behind the lens was a natural fit for Goodluck, who, as a pre-teen, joined his father in filming weddings for their family and friends.
His early talent led him to a scholarship at the Art Institute, and a managerial position at a local graphic design firm. But Goodluck soon got the itch to return to his first love, eventually striking out on his own. Though born in Miami, Goodluck spent his early years in Georgetown, Guyana, and attributes his drive to his family's determination. “In America people are drunk with the idea of opportunity,” says Goodluck. “But in the Caribbean it's sink or swim. You have to figure out a way to stay afloat. Seeing the situations my parents went through, I knew if they could do it with limited resources, there's no reason I can't do it in a country with so many opportunities.”
these same tools to the next generation of scientists, speaking at high schools around the county to help mentor other young ambitious students as they make decisions about their future. And, inspired by her own experience as a star-struck student, she has also volunteered as a speaker and mentor at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium's, GEMS Club (Girls Excelling in Math and Science), a free STEM program for girls from grades three to eight. As for her advice to young CaribbeanAmericans searching for their own passions, Cummings-Peterkin suggests to take a chance and “explore different groups to find out what you may like and may be good at.”
And Goodluck has been hard at work, collecting a reputation among Miami's production industry. So far, his most memorable project was a VICE TV investigation into the controversial staging of a boat show in Key Biscayne, which was causing severe traffic and endangering local marine life. “It was real covert ops filming,” recalls Goodluck. “The law firm managed to use the film and build their case against the city of Miami.” Personal success aside, Goodluck has his eyes set on future, hoping to create a stronger creative community in Miami by creating a collective of industry talents, challenging others in competitions. “In Miami people don't really work together,” says Goodluck. “I want to create a network of people interested in always trying to do better.”
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
B1
B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
GUYANA INDEPENDENCE
The Go-Getter Jermaine Lee Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana Profession: Trial Attorney, Complex Commercial Litigation A founding partner at Wallen Hernandez Lee Martinez law firm, Jermaine Lee has used his Guyanese American heritage to his advantage. Arriving in America at the age of eleven, he was steadfast in his determination to succeed. “Growing up in Guyana I learned early that life has its challenges, but those challenges are the building blocks and to never [make] excuses to keep you from always moving
towards your goals.” This determination came in useful when the Florida International University alum took a major turn in career paths, switching from accounting to law after a friend leaving PriceWaterhouseCoopers recommended a new path. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami, and “I have not looked back since,” says Lee. “I cannot think of anything else I would rather do than practice law.” Lee also took another bold step in 2013, striking out on his own to start his own firm with friend Eric Hernandez, whom he met while interning at the Florida Supreme Court for
Dr. Alia Abdulla
(HHMI) scholarship program, where she first began researching into cancer and its causes. “This was my first exposure to the severity of this
The Style Setter Hometown: Miami, FL Profession: Fashion and Design, Marketing If great style is cultivated, not born, the unique flair of fashion designer Victoria “VickyVybez” Gunraj is a master blend of Caribbean pride with infectious Miami vibes – perfectly embodied by her popular t-shirt line, DeportedTEES. Launched in 2011 as a University of Florida student from her small college apartment, the brand was inspired by her own upbringing as a Guyanese-American growing up in the vibrant Caribbean music scene in South Florida.
District of Florida, Eric called and asked me if I still wanted to start a law firm. I said yes and we started our fun journey, which other friends have now joined.” For young members of the Diaspora interested in law, Lee recommends to embrace their dreams with the same hands-on spirit. “Visit law school classes,” says Lee. “See if this is something you like. For those that like the art of war, visit a court and observe a trial.” For his future, Jermaine hopes to build a memorable and reputable brand. “The lessons I learned growing up from the people around me helped mold me to become who I am. I am grateful for those lessons and the wisdom behind them.”
The Helping Hand
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale Profession/Specialization: Surgical Oncologist/Cancer Surgeon A cancer diagnosis can be heartbreak for a patient. But the journey may seem less daunting in the capable hands of surgical oncologist Dr. Alia Abdulla. A specialist in several areas, Dr. Abdulla most enjoys “meeting new patients and helping them deal with their personal hurdles associated with their diagnosis.” Dr. Abdulla first became passionate about cancer treatment as a student at the University of Miami's Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Justice Peggy Quince in 2002. “[He] and I joked about starting a firm when we first met,” recalls Lee. “In 2012, before he left the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern
disease,” says Dr. Abdulla. “I was intrigued to learn more.” She then went on to take a PostBaccalaureate position at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute in Washington DC. “There, I continued my research and was also involved with patients with cancer,” recalls Abdulla. “This is where my interest in helping cancer patients began.” She now currently holds a practice at the Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Hialeah, where she continues her hands-on approach to care. Seeing the aftermath the disease can have on her patients, Dr. Abdulla is also eager
“to help and educate the community in dealing with cancer, especially the Caribbean population in South Florida and the West Indies.” Faced daily with the challenge of cancer treatment, Abdulla credits her Guyanese heritage for instilling a work ethic that "has allowed me to persist and succeed. As a child of immigrant parents, I have grown up seeing my parents work hard and sacrifice so I could be afforded the opportunities they never had." As for her advice to young members of the Diaspora eager to find meaningful work through medicine, Dr. Abdulla advises them to “seek out what you are most passionate about and go for it! It's not an easy road so you must like what you do. Medicine is a very diverse field with many specialties.”
Victoria Gunraj
“My inspiration was fed from the vibes of the music, the fetes, the carnivals, and the free spirited island life, said Gunraj about her line. “Back then there were no cool Caribbean tshirts; it was all generic at the time and not very fashionable. [So] I utilized these vibes and my American taste for fashion and created a modern Caribbean inspired t-shirt line.” The final result – completely custom, chic and witty tees in flattering cuts and sly Caribbean slangs. DeportedTEES have become the essential gear for Miami Carnival, and was featured in last year’s popular Carib Style Week fashion showcase. The fun shirts provide the
perfect patriotic touch for a generation of Caribbean-Americans, while capturing the deep connection so many second generationers have to the region's culture. “Even though I have never traveled to Guyana, I was very fortunate to grow up in South Florida where not only the Caribbean culture, but specifically the Guyanese culture can be found,” says Gunraj. With an additional background in marketing, Gunraj also hopes to bring this Caribbean positivity online through her new social media project #PrideGT – an online and national movement dedicated to celebrating “women of all complexions, features, and styles” among the Guyanese Diaspora.
WE’VE GOT THE
STAGE YOU BRING THE FREE ADMISSION LIGHT REFRESHMENTS Need to know more? Call (954) 747-4600 or visit www.sunrisefl.gov/lyrical.
Presented in partnership with:
TALENT Friday, June 10 7:00pm – 9:00pm Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Sunrise, FL 33351
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
Auto Accidents Slip / Trip & Fall Cruise Ship Accidents Work Injuries Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice
Justice Is Our Priority www.TheMcFarlaneFirm.com F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N
Main Office: Pembroke Pines Consultations also available in: Miami / Kendall / Ft. Lauderdale / Plantation
954-210-5571
B3
ATTORNEY
Camille Miller
ATTORNEY
Gregory McFarlane
GUYANA INDEPENDENCE
The Rising Stars
Two young Guyanese-American musicians celebrate music, culture and faith
Vikash Sharma
DJ Veejay Mangray
Age: 17 Hometown: Lake Worth Studies: Honor student at Santaluces High School
Age: 17 Hometown: North Lauderdale Studies: Media Communications at Deerfield Beach High School
The path to a faithful life can be a winding road, but for Lake Worth teen Vikash Sharma, his journey has been a melodious one. As a celebrated local singer and musician of classic Indian music, Sharma has become regular fixture at local Hindu festivals and concerts, celebrated for his soaring voice and deft hand at the tabla and dholak. “I love music,” says Sharma, who is also currently studying to become a priest like his greatgrandfathers, grandfather and father, Pandit Vishnu Sharma. “The study and vibes of Indian raagas touches the emotions and awakens the silence within.” The connection between faith and music is a natural one, as his family “has been the backbone of the Palm Beach Hindu Mandir, the first functional Hindu Mandir led by Guyanese Americans in Palm Beach County,” says Sharma. “My two brothers and I have grown up in the mandir. My dad has always been a lover of bhajans, Ghazals and filmi songs. He plays his harmonium every night before bed. [And] over the years, our family has maintained the tradition of enjoying music before bedtime…[with] a jam session involving a variety of instruments.” But Sharma's traditional roots haven't curbed his innovative urge. The young artist has actively explored other genres as a percussionist and keyboardist in the School Marching band, Concert band and Jazz band at Santaluces High, where he is currently a junior. He is also experimenting with modern productions of classic Indian music, “performing old-fashion filmi songs with a more "technological" experience behind it, by using the electronic keyboards and synthesizers.” Wherever his music and faith takes him, says Sharma, they have enabled him “to connect with my Guyanese roots. My upbringing has taught me a lot about who I am and the way of life I choose each day. Music, like spirituality, has been a part of me, it's not what I do but defines who I am.”
How does a 17-year-old break into the competitive music radio market? For Deerfield Beach High school senior Veejay Mangry, age is nothing but a number, as he's quickly making a name for himself as an upcoming radio DJ and singer, all while shining the spotlight on Guyanese music. Mangry is currently an online radio broadcaster for Abee Radio at GuyanaChunes.com, playing the latest in soca and chutney. Championing Guyanese music on the World Wide Web was a natural transition, says Mangry, who has “loved music ever since I was young. Broadcasting allows me to share my love for music around the world.” Mangry is already a celebrated singer and songwriter, performing Bollywood pop, classical Indian composition, chutney and soca. He has also worked with many Guyanese artists such as Anant Hansraj, The Supertones and Terry Gajraj, who Mangry plans to profile in a special documentary. “One of my final projects in school is to make a short documentary, [so] I decided to tell the story of Terry Gajraj as one of Guyana's top artists,” says Mangry. “[With] Guyana's 50th Independence this year, I feel that the timeliness of this documentary is perfect.” So far his most memorable moment as a singer has been performing “my song "Maticoor Bride" at Chutney Glow in New York last September,” says Mangry. “This has been my biggest performance so far.” But he has his sights set on higher heights in the future, working on honing his craft to eventually release more original work. “I am in the learning stages of music production,” says Mangry. “So once I feel I am ready I'll have a few music projects coming out.” But whatever this young artist will produce, his music will always been infused by his Guyanese cultural heritage. “The diversity and culture of Guyana is so rich,” says Mangry. “Knowing that this place is where my roots and culture comes from makes me a proud GuyaneseAmerican.”
WITH SAFARI YOU CAN SHIP 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 11am-4pm
Fastest transit times Hassle free clearance Lowest rates Packaging and Creating service available. Door To Door service in Jamaica Special package for returning resident.
3790 NW 16th St. Lauderhill, FL 33311
954-581-4655 4711 N. Australian Ave. WPB, FL 33407
561-844-2820
BARREL RATES
60 75
$
JAMAICA
$
BARBADOS TRINIDAD ST. LUCIA
80 90
$
GRENADA
$
DOMINICA GUYANA ST. KITTS ST. VINCENT DOM. REP. NEVIS SURINAME
$
95
ANTIGUA ST. MAARTEN
$
110
MONTSERRAT
SAFARI Spectacular! D-CONTAINER BOXES L
58” W 42” H 45”
$
260
JAMAICA
$
250
ST. LUCIA ST. MAARTEN DOM. REP. NEVIS MONTSERRAT BARBADOS DOMINICA GRENADA GUYANA ST. KITTS ST. VINCENT TRINIDAD SURINAME
$
300
ANTIGUA
E-CONTAINER BOXES L
42” W 29” H 30”
$
80
JAMAICA
$
120
ST. LUCIA ST. MAARTEN DOM. REP. MONTSERRAT NEVIS BARBADOS DOMINICA GRENADA GUYANA ST. KITTS ST. VINCENT TRINIDAD SURINAME
$
130
ANTIGUA
*Boxes need to be packed in accordance with specific dimensions. ABSOLUTELY NO BULGING. IF OVER-PACKED, A DIFFERENT RATE APPLIES.
B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
Super Bowl 54
benefitted the residents,” says Potts. “The crowds hardly spend money with the city, as they leave for their homes in other cities after the games ends.” This situation may change if current plans are to give the city more control over the stadium are successful. Residents are up to vote August 30 on whether to give joint control over building and zoning power around the stadium both Miami Gardens and Mimi-Dade County over building and zoning of the stadium and surrounding area. The news would be welcome for Charlotte Best, Barbadian-American cosmetologist, one of the estimated 28,000 Caribbean-Americans living in the city. Best remains optimistic that greater control over the venue would “attract more events and benefit the city, rather than the ten or so Miami Dolphins games played there
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
13
15
16
18
9
10
11
27
28
29
44
45
46
14
25
22
23
26
30
31
33
34 38
40
8
between October and January.” Other than hosting another Super-Bowl game, other objectives Stephen Ross has for spending millions to refurbish the stadium is to stage more frequent sporting activities and cultural events there. But “holding more events at the stadium cannot be the main hope for more benefits the city,” says Potts. “The city has to negotiate with the stadium owners in collaborating [with] businesses that serve visitors coming into Miami Gardens. There's a lot of property surrounding the stadium that is yet to be developed as businesses. The city can also be more active in bringing more cultural events to the city.” That's the plan Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert proposed in his recent State of the City address. Gilbert said the city needed “places where residents can shop, eat, entertain and recreate.” He believes a tighter partnership with the Dolphin Stadium can be a catalyst to meet this need, bringing more direct and indirect tax revenue to the city and fostering growth for residents.
19 21
24
7
Rally
from A1
35
36
37
39
41
42
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Get more at boatloadpuzzles.com
1. Legendary stories 6. Uno 9. Pig’s pad 12. Box 13. Business VIP 14. Pitching stat 15. Church walkway 16. Burst of bad temper 18. California wine valley 19. Make lace 20. Epochs 21. Caveman’s era (2 wds.) 24. Concurrence 27. Time past 30. _____ Witherspoon of “Sweet Home Alabama” 31. Had 33. And so forth (abbr.) 34. Proposed as a candidate 38. Renovator 40. Pub drinks 42. Shade 43. Stood up 47. Childhood disease 49. Golfer _____ Woods 50. Bathroom rug 51. Tax org. 52. _____ eclipse 53. Lyric verse 54. Compass dir. 55. Printing machine
from A1
Mothers member, Queen Thompson Brown who lost a son to gun violence in 2006. Brown called on the community of mothers to “become change agents, where we promote common sense gun laws.” For journalist and national commentator Michaela Angela Davis, gun violence has become an issue concerning every mother “wonder[s] if their child is going to get shot on their way to and from school and church.” Davis said she endorsed Clinton's views that “we have to protect our children first. If we can't do that nothing else matters.” Hours before The Circle of Mother gala, some 400 people also gathered to participate in a 5K walk in at the Koinonia Worship Center and Village in Pembroke Pines to “let people understand the fight against gun violence begins with the community,” according to event coordinator Melanie Wells. The Sons of Allen, the men fellowship of the Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, also held a retreat and a march through the community to “make a statement against the prevalence of gun violence.” The march seeks to “give hope to young black and brown men that their community is partners with them, and is encouraging them in their lives,” said The Reverend Kenny Irby. The pastor of Mount Hermon, Michael K. Bouie, said the retreat and march made a “powerful statement that the community is vigilant against gun violence.”
1. Skim over 2. Opera solo 3. Struggle for breath 4. Books of maps 5. Behold 6. Gasoline classification 7. Tidy up 8. Chunk of eternity 9. Military rank 10. Faithful 11. Sweet potatoes 17. Children’s game 19. Actor _____ Hanks
22. Adolescents 23. Make amends 24. Common verb 25. Acquire 26. Make again 28. Goodness! 29. Strange 32. Soldier 35. Additional ones 36. Styling foam 37. Wrath 39. Highway curve 40. Military supplies
41. Show the way 44. Leer 45. Oceans 46. Miscalculates 48. Recline 49. Recipe unit (abbr.)
Kick off 2016 as a CNA! Other courses offered:
EKG PCT CPR & CEU PHLEBOTOMY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECH
Dade/Broward:
NO HS/GED Required! Job Assistance & On Site Testing
FAMOUS INDIAN SPIRITUAL HEALER Indian Priest is an Expert in Predicting your Past, Present and Future. Can give immediate solutions to Love Problems, Marriage, Stop Divorce, Children Misbehaving, Financial Problems, Court Cases, Sexual Problems, Childless Couples, Job, Education, Promotions, Drinking Problem, Addictions, Enemies, Depression, Sickness, Family Problems, Bad Luck, Black Magic and can give House Protections, etc.
ANY TYPE OF NEGATIVE ENERGY CAN BE SOLVED
PRIEST - Ram 954.451.6590
Margate, FL
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
Memorial Weekend GUIDE Sunday, May 29th Best of the Best Music Fest Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami – 2 p.m. Best of the Best Music Fest 2016 gears up again for another round, celebrating its special 10th anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in Caribbean music, including Beres Hammond, Coco Tea, Tarrus Riley, Cham, Mr. Vegas, Chris Martin and so many more. Monday, May 30th Palm Beach Jerk Festival South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The official summer season kicks off with the 13th annual 1-800-411-PAIN Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival – a feast of culinary and musical delights. Expect iconic and luxurious treats from loca vendors and the ever popular Jerk Cook Off Competition. Jamaican reggae star Luciano leads this year's stellar musical line-up, along with the melodious sounds of Jamaican musical legends, Freddie McGregor and Dexta Daps. Best of the Best All White Boat Ride S.S. Musset 1717 North Bayshore Dr. Miami 7 p.m. The Best of the Best musical celebrations continue with a special party boat ride along North Bayshore, decked out with the hottest local DJ acts. Expect the pulsing sounds of music by DJs Massive Be, Platinum Kids, Noah and more.
B5
Jah Cure tops Reggae Chart Cerone White A Jamaican star has finally returned to the top of the Billboard reggae chart, with Jamaican roots reggae singer Jah Cure copping number one for his album “The Cure” this week. Though the record has been on the charts for 37 weeks, this marks the second time the album has reached number one on the Billboard chart since its release of August 2015. The success of Cure's album ignites hope for Caribbean artists seeking success overseas, as the Billboard reggae charts have been dominated by artists from outside the region. California-based band Stick Figure stands steady at the number two spot with “Set in Stone,” while British singer Joss Stone is third this week with “Water for Your Soul.” Fellow Jamaican dancehall star Alkaline is the only other Caribbean artist in the Billboard top five reggae album in this week's rankings. Cure's rise to the top of the Billboard reggae charts shows it's still possible for
Caribbean artists to be recognized for their work on the international scene. This progress comes during recent debates about Caribbean stars being shut out of the American market, despite the rise of more dancehall and reggae in current pop music. Jamaican dancehall artist Clifford “Mr. Vegas” Smith lashed out on international rapper Drake for doing the same thing – not giving credit to Jamaican artists whose music he sampled for his latest album “Views.” Drake sampled some of Jamaicans dancehall musical icons, such as Beenie Man with “Tear off mi Garment,” Popcaan's “Love yuh bad,” and Movado featuring Serani on “Dying.” Mr. Vegas has taken to social media to share his displeasure with the situation. According to the Jamaican Star, he referred to Drake as being “fake,” for failing to share the spotlight with the songs' creators. Mr. Vegas wants Caribbean artists to be treated fairly and be given credit where credit is due. “I see a clear sign of Drake being a fake, by not even mentioning the artists he sampled from Jamaica. I think if he Jah credited the others he Cure could have credited the Jamaican artistes too,” he told the Jamaica Star.
1 My Dream Nesbeth
2 Spanish Town Rock Chronixx
3 Long Finger Nail Ishawna
4 Out Of Many Busy Signal
5 Gain The World Jahmiel
6 How Mi Grow Vybz Kartel
7 Champion Dwayne DJ Bravo
8 Nah Ease Up Sanchez
9 Tom Cruise Don Andre, Ding Dong
10 Dancehall Dabb Mr. Vegas
11 Hello Fiona
B6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
More than reggae Jamaica's culture and sport activities into viable commercial enterprises. The ultimate goal, says Grange, is to exploit the country's other creative outputs that could prove just as valuable as its lucrative reggae music. And the Diaspora, argues Grange, will prove essential to these ventures. She confirms the ministry's plans to collaborate with local cultural productions among the Diaspora in the U.S., from folk festivals to culinary showcases, to mutually promote Brand Jamaica in the American market. “My presence at this event is manifestation of the government's commitment to engage the
MARKETPLACE
from A1
Diaspora in Jamaica's culture, and the importance of the Diaspora, especially the thousands of Jamaicans in South Florida, to Jamaica's cultural development,” says Grange in an interview with Caribbean National Weekly. “We want to engage the Diaspora in all cultural activities, and plan to collaborate, have direct involvement and provide whatever support Jamaica can to cultural events and activities planned in the Diaspora community.” Promoting Jamaica's cultural attractions, such as the historic Accompong Maroon Festival, also seeks to attract more Diaspora travelers back home – targeting those who would be more invested in supporting both old and new cultural ventures. “The government is aware Jamaicans from
the Diaspora and other visitors come to Jamaica annually for [Accompong] festival, but much more can be done to properly market the event as a major Jamaican cultural event, attracting more visitors,” says the Minister Grange. The government plans to give more marketing and technical support to the Festival as a tourism product. Plans are also already in place to host a major event for Jamaica's 55th year of independence next year, with special appeal to the Diaspora. Minister Grange also expounded on the government's plans to build on the nation's achievements in track and field to create a major international sport enterprise. She cites Jamaica's annual inter-secondary school championships as “probably the only one of its kind in the world”
and a major attraction for U.S. scouts seeking new track and field talent. “Many young Jamaican athletes have received international sports scholarships as a result,” says the Minister. The government also plans to ensure sports are an integral part of the nation's creative industries. “Maximizing on the success of the world fastest man and woman, Usain Bolt and ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, we plan to market Jamaica as a primary international athletic training center under the theme 'Come to Jamaica.' We have the training facilities, experienced coaches and technical infrastructure to train athletes from anywhere in the world. Already our coaches are in demand overseas earning the nation foreign exchange revenue.”
AA INSURANCE WORLD Auto Home Flood Motorcycle Boat Commercial Auto Commercial Liability Commercial Property Garage Liability Workers Compensation Special Events
We have more than 25 years of experience giving the best rates and service.
Why risk it? Call 954.430.7676 email: admin@aainsworld.com
8868 Miramar Pkwy. Miramar, FL 33025
aainsworld.com
INTERNATIONAL MORTGAGE & FINANCE GROUP, INC 4300 N. University Drive, Suite A-107 FHA VA USDA Conventional Home Ready Purchase & Renance Remodel/Additions Loans
954-858-5984
Lauderhill, FL 33351
“Purchase your dream home with as little as 3.5% down and 580 credit score”
Refinance your home up to 97% with No Income and No Appraisal Additional sources of income (relative, friend, rental, etc.) allowed on primary first mortgages
International Mortgage & Finance Group, Inc. your first and last source of mortgage financing. Have your loan approved by an underwriter at application, subject to Sales Contract, Appraisal & Clear title. Closing in two weeks.
CARIB AIR Air Conditioning
786-393-0479
COMPREHENSIVE
INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Homeowner and Business Owners
HOME COMMERCIAL AUTO CONDO FLOOD www.CompInsFL.com BROWARD
MIAMI-DADE
4100 S. Hospital Drive, Ste. 206, Plantation, FL 33317
12904 SW 133rd Court, Ste. A, Miami, Fl 33186
954.450.9890 305.259.3637
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE COMPETITIVE RATES
NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21 –
B7
CRICKET / LAUDERHILL T20
T&T crowned 2016 Champions overs, ending on 164 for 7 at the conclusion of the 20 overs. Dale Africa led the Guyanese run chase, slamming 42 from 37 balls including five fours and one six. Vickram Kumar and Sameer Khan chipped in with 27 and 25 respectively, while Richard Louis scored 18, Peter Anthony 14 and Masood Mohamed 11 not out. Bowling for Trinidad & Tobago, Neil Mungal grabbed 3 for 28 and Anon Maharaj 2 for 25, while Timothy Surujbally took 1 for 18 and Navin Stewart 1 for 40. Stewart will join other tournament and USA representative Steven Taylor, where each player will represent the Barbados Tridents in the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament at Central Broward Regional Park starting on July 28, 2016. Trinidad & Tobago all-rounder Ken Singh earned the tournament MVP and most runs trophies. Rajesh Sherma from Pakistan earned the award for most wickets in the tournament, while the Youth Player of the tournament was awarded to Tariq Hosein from Trinidad & Tobago.
For the second time, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force emerged the champions for the 2016 City of Lauderhill T20 Intl Night Cricket tournament. The Trinis copped the Champions Mayor's Cup after defeating Guyana in a closed encounter by 8 runs. After losing the toss and invited to bat by the Guyanese, Trinidad & Tobago national all-rounder Navin Stewart blasted 68 from 32 balls to lead the Trinis to 172 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs. Stewart, who will be representing the Barbados Tridents in the 2016 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), unleashed four delightful fours and seven powerful sixes, as he entertained the large crowd with delectable power hitting. Other useful contributions came from Parvish Deonarinesingh who chipped in with 24, Timothy Surujbally 20, Anil Bhawani 16 and tournament MVP Ken Singh 10. Bowling for Guyana, Masood Mohamed bagged 2 for 26, Fizal Shariff 2 for 26, Dale Africa 2 for 31 and Imran Siddiq 1 for 37. In reply, Team Guyana's batsmen blundered in the latter
SWIMMING
SOCCER
Alia targets Olympics “Captain Morgan” leads Wins bronze in preliminary meet South Florida's own Jamaican-born swim star Ali Atkinson copped some more medals on her march to this Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this past weekend, winning two bronzes at the recent Arena Pro Swim Series in Charlotte, North Carolina. Atkinson, who trains at the SoFlo Aquatics Club in Pembroke Pines, finished third in the 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke, clocking times of 30.77 seconds and 1:07.81 minutes, respectively. She also competed in events outside of her specialty races, recording times of 27.17 seconds and 1:02.70 minutes in the 50metre and 100-metre butterfly. These races, says Atkinson, are forming crucial part of her training for this year's Olympics, where she will be representing Jamaica for a fourth time. “I am just going to keep moving forward,” says Atkinson. “I treat swim meets as stepping stones towards my goals. I may stumble but I get up and do it again, because doing it again is practice, and practice is improvement and only improvement leads to perfection.” “Alia's performances were used as a
Atkinson
rehearsal to evaluate training areas for improvements leading up to Rio,” says her coach, Chris Anderson. “Her races, especially in the finals of 50m breaststroke, are promising for her success at the Rio games.” Atkinson is this first Jamaican and first woman of color to hold a world swimming title, which she earned in her signature 100-metre breaststroke event at the 2014 Short Course World Championships in Doha, Qatar. She also currently holds Jamaica’s national record in th 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, as well as the 100m freestyle. She also holds the national Mighty T&T Teammates Navin record in(L) theand5om and Surujbally 100m butterfly and Stewart Timothy 200m individual medley (IM).
Reggae Boyz to Copa Cup Fresh off leading his team Leicester City to their historic English Premier League victory, defender Wes Morgan will be leading the Reggae Boyz's 23-man squad to next month's Copa America tournament, from June 3rd to 14th. Morgan will be joined by the rest of the usual suspects, including English-based Adrian Mariappa (Crystal Palace), Michael Hector (Chelsea), Joel McAnuff (Leyton Orient) and Garath McCleary (Reading). The experience duo of Rodolph Austin and Je-Vaughn Watson, who have almost 130 caps between them, were named to the midfield. But there was no room for experienced midfielder Demar Phillips, who
joins Deshorn Brown, Darren Mattocks and Alvas Powell as notable absentees. Mattocks and Powell will, however, miss out due to sustaining recent injuries. Led by coach Winfried Shaefer, Team Jamaica will contest Group C of the tournament, kicking off their first match on June 5 against Venezuela at the Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The team will then face Mexico on June 9th at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA, and 5time tournament champion, Uruguay, on June 13 at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Jamaica will compete alongside fellow Caribbean team Haiti – the only other team invited to compete from the Caribbean region. Morgan
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
The hiring of an Attorney is a very important decision and should not be based solely on advertisement. Before deciding, ask us for information on our experience and qualifications
954.838.0621
B8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY
| THURSDAY, MAY 26 – JUN 1, 2016 | VOL. 13 NO. 21
A D V E R T I S E M E N T