National Weekly November 30, 2017

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

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A Miss Jamaica Universe Doll For Christmas?

How many Jamaicans would buy a Miss Jamaica Universe 2017 doll for their daughters this Christmas? It you are one of millions of proud Jamaicans globally, who cannot get enough of the emergence of Miss Jamaica 2017, Davina Bennett, on the world stage, then you are not alone.

Caribbean Immigrants Among 55 ICED Nine Caribbean immigrants were among 55 nabbed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's, (ICE) agents recently.

American television producer, screenwriter, and author, Shonda Lynn Rhimes, best known as the creator of 'Grey's Anatomy,' Scandal' and 'How To Get Away With Murder,' wants a Miss Jamaica Universe 2017 doll for her daughters this Christmas.

“I am clearly going to need some Miss Jamaica dolls for my daughters. So they can play with a doll that shows them they are fully EVERYTHING the universe ever needed,” the 47-year-old Chicago-born African-American head writer and executive producer tweeted this week.

The Clarendon-born Bennett, who was received with pride back in Jamaica on Tuesday, Nov. 28th, has clearly left her mark on the world and social media.

She is the first Afro-styled contestant to compete in the pageant and that coupled with her unbleached black skin, an explosion of confidence and her Jamaican accent, has made her a darling of social media among Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans everywhere.

Her Instagram page has grown by leaps and bounds to over 78,000 at press time and on Facebook many are hoping she will become the 'doll' of which Rhimes spoke; an inspiration to many women.

“You did an awesome job as– an ambassador for Shonda Rhimes Jamaica … Jamaica appreciates your hard work.

Continue to make us proud; you are a great role model for the young girls in our country - showing intellect passion and natural black beauty,” Oneil Buchanan commented on the Miss Universe Jamaica page after the third place win by Bennett Sunday night.

“You Rock Dear; that why we say 'Black is Beauty' and you are the definition,” added Imteyaz'n Sharon

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ERO), agents grabbed five Jamaicans as well as two nationals from the Dominican Republic, one Guyanese and one Trinidadian in a A4 – ICED

Former Jamaican Cops Disagree Stiffer Gun Laws Will Solve Crime Problem

by Kathy Barrett/Garth A. Rose Members of the South Florida Jamaican Diaspora, who are former law enforcement officers either in Jamaica or the US, have different feelings regarding recent announced plans by the Jamaican government to combat the crime epidemic across the island.

Addressing the Jamaica Labor Party, (JLP's), 74th annual conference at the National Stadium in Kingston on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, National Security Minister Robert Montague, said the government is contemplating implementing stern gun laws to control gun violence.

A8 – Cops disagree

A3 – Miss Jamaica Doll

WHAT’S INSIDE CARIBBEAN

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES URGED TO RETHINK TOURISM STRATEGY A4

WHAT DO JAMAICA AND JAMES BOND HAVE IN COMMON? B1

WHO WILL WIN BEST REGGAE GRAMMY AWARD? B2

WEST INDIES TO OPEN FIRST TEST AGAINST NEW ZEALAND B5

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

Turkey Day: Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Hazelle Rogers (le ) along with Florida Medical Center rep pu ng a shi in on Turkey Day. – Uriah Benne photo

Turkey in a Bag: Residents of North Miami give thanks to Primary Medical Care Center who sponsored the turkey giveaway for thanksgiving.

– Contributed

I love you Billy: Stone Love’s Billy Slaugter teamed up with a fan for a photo up at the Stone Love Anniversary Dance in Hollywood. – Contributed

Puppy Love: It was all about puppy love at the City Of Miramar Puppy Palooza event held in the city recently. – Contributed

Black beauty: Patron donning her pre y black dress at Stone Love Anniversary party.

– Contributed

Barbados PreIndependence Dance – FamilyTing members Jackie Conliffe & Doreen Knight ready for a night of fun.

“Party with a Purpose”.

Photo by Uriah Benne

Frenemies: (l-r) Dennis Titus, Audrey Reid, Volier Johnson and Oliver Samuels on the set of the hit play “Frenemy.” – Contributed

Nami Walk: Florida Medical Center’s Chief Execu ve Officer, Trey Abshier (center), and several members of the staff par cipated in the Na onal Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk of Broward County. – Contributed

Santa Came Early: Santa came to South Florida for the heat and found me for a photo op with Sandy. – Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

A3

NEWSMAKER

Jamaicans Everywhere Proud Of Miss Jamaica Universe 2017 Miss Jamaica Universe, Davina Bennet, went from a wildcard pick to taking the title of secondrunner-up at the Miss Universe pageant on Sunday night, Nov. 26, in Las Vegas, Nevada, much to the thrill of Jamaicans globally.

The reigning Miss Jamaica Universe erased the stereotypical image of former contestants of the pageant, as she flaunted a striking 70s Afro hairdo and dark skin.

She carried herself with noticeable poise and grace throughout Sunday night's pageant and displayed a confidence that was evident when she was interviewed by the National Weekly while in Lauderhill, Florida on her way to Las Vegas. None of the butterflies and nervousness she said she was experiencing was evident to anyone looking on television, online or at the event.

The 5'9”, elegant 21-year-old Clarendon-born beauty, who before the contest was predicted to be a favorite by beauty pageants pundits, was first selected among the 16 finalists from the “wild card” group.

At this year's pageant, the record 92 contestants were categorized into three geographical groups – The Americas, Europe, and Africa and Asia. Four finalists were selected from the three geographical groups and an additional four from a socalled “wild card” group drawn from

Bennett

the three other groups.

Interviewed briefly on her selection to the top 16 by host Steve Harvey, Bennet immediately exuded pride in her Jamaican culture, greeting the Las Vegas and TV audience in Jamaican patios as she said: “Wha gwan Las Vegas?”

First appearing in the swim-suit segment of the finals, Bennett stood out among the other contestants because of her height, dark beauty and Afro hair-do. After the swim suit parade, she sent her Jamaican supporters - waving Jamaican flags in the audience - into frenzy, as she was selected in the top ten finalists.

Her confidence and poise were even more obvious when she paraded gracefully along the stage before the judges in the eveninggown segment, dressed in a gorgeous buttercup yellow sequined gown that complimented her dark complexion.

After the evening gown competition, pageant commentators predicted that she could move into the top five – and she did.

Immediately, social media was abuzz with news: “Miss Jamaica, Davina Bennett makes it to the top 3 in Miss Universe.”

The five finalists next moved on to the question and answer segment of the pageant. Bennett, asked about her views on the controversial issue of sexual harassment, confidently described this harassment against women as an abuse, which should be unacceptable by men and woman and fully addressed by the law.

From the five finalists, the final three were selected and Bennett continued to make Jamaicans everywhere proud when she was selected among the coveted final trio.

It was then obvious she could break the barrier no Jamaican women has

broken and be crowned Miss Universe 2017. As one of the commentators even opined giddily: “I think Miss Jamaican will win. I want Miss Jamaica to win.”

However, first she needed to answer a final question, which was also asked of the two other contestants, Miss South Africa and Miss Colombia. The contestants were asked what characteristics were their best and how this characteristic could help them as Miss Universe.

Bennet described her best characteristic as her “drive and determination.” She used the opportunity to highlight her advocacy for the deaf, saying her drive and determination led her to form a foundation in Jamaica to assist the deaf, and create a sign language App. Although proud, Jamaicans were nonetheless disappointed when Bennet was named 2nd runner up.

The winner was Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, while second place went to Miss Colombia, Laura Gonzalez, also 22.

Following, the final decision, the reaction on Twitter was mixed. Some Jamaicans tweeted that Bennett “was robbed.” Many believed with her poise, beauty and distinctive Afro, she was the most exotic of the three finalists. However, the consensus was one of national pride for the Jamaican who is a 2nd-year marketing student at UWI, Mona.

She didn't win the title, but made history as the first Afro-styled contestant to place so high in the Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Jamaica Doll from A1 Hossenbocus.

For her part, Bennett took to Facebook to post: “I did not win but I got what I was seeking. I won the hearts of many, I got to highlight deaf awareness; I stand as the first Afro queen to have made it thus far; I represented my little island and I received all the love one could possibly wish for.... I came, I conquered and if you know me, then you know that's just another story and you will be seeing a lot more from me.”

She also thanked Jamaica and the rest of the world for “your continued support!”

“It was your love, energy and positivity that made me unbreakable,” she tweeted after the pageant's lighted dimmed and the reality of the moment sunk in. She was now immortalized forever in the minds and hearts of millions, who now like Rhimes,' hope on for a miracle this Christmas – a Miss Jamaica Universe 2017 doll for that special little girl in their life.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

CARIBBEAN

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

NEWSBRIEFS

TT Prime Minister Says Government Will Not Accept Lawlessness Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has warned that his administration will not allow lawlessness to become normal in the twin island republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

He has instructed the police and the security forces to take “any and all resources” to ensure law and order. The Prime Minister warned that he would not allow Trinidad & Tobago to go down the road that exists in some Caribbean countries, where certain people believe that they must be in control of areas and even try to prevent members of the law enforcement agencies from entering those areas.

ICED

Guyana Police Investigating Another Assassination Threat On President Guyana's police is investigating another threat on the life of the country's President, David Granger.

The latest is linked to a call from a prison inmate identified as Alim Ally. Director of the Guyana Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, however, would only confirm that the inmate from the Lusignan, East Coast Demerara Prison called the emergency 911 number last week and reportedly told the operator that when he leaves prison he will kill the President.

This is not the first time a threat against Granger's life has been made. Earlier this year, police were engaged to probe an assassination plot. The Paul Slowe-led Commission of Inquiry was subsequently set up to look into the claim but no findings have been released to date.

from A1

deportation sweep in New York.

Among those arrested was Cedric Marston, 41, a previously removed Jamaican citizen who was arrested by ERO deportation officers in Jamaica, New York, on immigration violations.

Marston was previously removed to Jamaica by the legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service in March 26, 1999, following a California felony conviction for possession of concentrated cannabis, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation. But he re-entered the US illegally. Marston is currently detained in ICE custody and could face up to 20 years in jail as a previously deported felony and subsequent deportation to Jamaica.

Also nabbed was Dane John, 35, a Guyanese citizen, who has an extensive criminal history, with prior convictions for kidnapping, possession of a weapon and assault. He is currently detained in ICE custody pending deportation to Guyana.

Granger

CARICOM Countries Urged To Rethink Tourism Strategy Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has told an international conference underway in Montego Bay that if the Caribbean is to be globally competitive, the region must find ways to unlock new sources of competitiveness.

Addressing the three-day United Nations World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO), Global Conference on Sustainable Growth, Bartlett said “one approach would be to diversify our offerings to attract new markets.”

Bartlett said that it is important that Caribbean countries understand that sustainable tourism must mean inclusive growth that will expand economic benefits to the local population.

Bartlett

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

Talk UP

A5

TALKUP

“Do you think Miss Jamaica's success will give dark-skinned women a sense of condence?”

Gareld: “The success of Miss Jamaica has proven that black people, especially black women, need to take a long look at this black woman who is very much proud of her skin color and it has propelled her to the international scene without bleaching her skin to take on a shade of color that was not given to her by the Creator.”

Gillian: “I hope it does have an impact. For far too long, dark skin has been seen as "not beautiful" enough, sometimes resulting in a lack of self-confidence and bleaching. This has to change. I hope Miss Jamaica’s success spurs that change.

I am happy she reached as far as she did in the pageant.”

Amber Rhoden, a 22-year-old, Jamaican: “For years women have been told to stop bleaching. I personally think you can only give someone so much confidence. There have been numerous women of color who are dark-skinned who have been very successful, for instance Gabrielle Union. I really do hope and pray that Miss Jamaica has a positive impact on young women and older women – showing them that regardless of how dark you are, you’re still beautiful no matter what. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Alexis Sardarsingh, 23-year-old, Jamaican/Indian from Miami, Florida: “I don’t think it would make a difference because these individuals have had their mind set on beauty being light-skinned for years. People are ignorant and will believe what they feel is right and since their idols like Vybz Kartel bleach his skin, people do everything to follow/look like their idol and live up to today’s standards of beauty.

Even though Miss Jamaica’s success, there are still mainstream people pushing the argument that only white/ light skinned people are beautiful.”

Nathan Odiari, 26-year-old, Jamaican, born in London, England residing in South Florida: “I definitely feel like a lot more black people will have the confidence to run for more things as far as Miss Jamaica and other places, because they see that other black women are doing it and being accepted.

I feel like ever since Barack Obama became President in a way, he opened up the door for us blacks to put our minds together like we can do anything. The sky is the limit.”

Pedro Wright, 52-year-old, born and raised in Jamaica: “I would like to think it would have an impact on the bleaching culture. I would like to think this is a prime example of ‘Black is Beautiful’ and ‘Be Proud Of Who You Are, Not Who You Want To Be.’ I would hope this would be a progressive platform for the future of dark-skinned women to promote their beauty and intellect.”

Prince Harty, aka "Fresh Prince of South Beach," 28-yearold, Jamaican, residing in Miami Beach: “Irrespective of Miss Jamaica’s success, skin bleaching will continue to remain a problem. Although, she may absolutely be able to help uplift black women, the problem here lies deep within the insecurities of black women. Unless black women find a way to accept and be secure with themselves, this problem will simply continue to perpetuate.”

Athena Guice, 21-year-old, Afro-Puerto Rican from South Florida: “I do feel as if Miss Jamaica’s success is a step in the right direction and will have an impact on the skin bleaching culture because representation is so vital to any culture.

There is an inundation of media that continues to uplift and praise beauty standards, such as lighter skin or particular types of hair styles. We are constantly bombarded by industries aiming to make us feel insecure in order to sell products such as skin bleaching creams (etc). Being that I’m a mother to a (half-Jamaican) baby girl, who is of a lighter complexion than Miss Jamaica, I can only hope that she’ll grow to love herself for who she is and still learn that beauty comes in many shades of brown.”

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

More aggression needed to increase minimum wage Amazon is expanding its business and increasing wages, traditional retailers are struggling to stay open, while paying their employees just above the federal and state minimum wage.

With the federal government actively pushing to cut taxes, costing the government revenue, it could also have considered increasing the federal minimum rate. Any reduction in taxes, if approved

by Congress, will have detrimental effect on workers earning minimum wage. These workers will not benefit directly from lowered income taxes. But, they could see their expenses increase as the federal government contemplates cutting some social services to meet the loss of revenue from reduced taxes. Increasing the federal minimum wage to even $9 per hour would assist minimum wage workers to meet these expected increases.

Moreover, by cutting corporate taxes, the government offers businesses the ability to increase earnings. This should, therefore, be an opportunity for the federal government to increase the minimum wage to be met from these extra earnings.

Admittedly, increasing the minimum wage will increase a company's expenses, but it has the potential to increase a company's revenue. With workers having more money to spend, generally they will purchase more. Companies can increase their advertising, promotions and sales with consumers having higher incomes. This is not a theory, but a fact.

The government plans to cut taxes to afford citizens more money to spend on consumer goods and drive the economy. Increasing minimum wage has the potential to accomplish the same thing.

The argument that increasing minimum wages will cost jobs isn't totally valid. More elected officials at the federal and state levels need to counter this argument, and act more aggressively to have minimum wages increased to a realistic living wage.

The promise of an increase in the federal and Florida minimum wage, currently $7.25, and $8.10 per hour respectively, is rapidly fading as the year passes.

consecutive years. However, most businesses still oppose this formula for an increase.

Most businesses, and the politicians that represent them, perennially point to research which suggests increasing the minimum wage would necessitate mass layoffs and other detrimental effects.

On the other hand, some economists regard this argument as a fallacy that's overstated. These economists counter argue increasing the minimum wage places more money in the pockets of the lowest earners, therefore increasing consumer spending and boosting the economy.

Collectively, an increase in the minimum wage has the potential to benefit the general economy, leading to little or no job loss. It has the potential to improve the status of businesses generally, as these businesses could benefit from an increase in their customer base.

The experience of Amazon.com, debunks the theory that increasing the minimum wages cost jobs.

The rapidly successful and growing company pays thousands of employees well above the federal minimum wage. It is now one of the nation's top employer, while its profit margin increases. While

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Increasing the minimum wage paid to Federal and state workers is one of the issues that attracts most debate between elected officials and the public.

Despite almost every candidate seeking office in the federal and state legislatures making increasing minimum wage one of their objectives, invariably this promise isn't kept.

The base criteria for improving the minimum wage is the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjusted to consider inflation for certain goods and services. However, those seeking an increase in the minimum wage argue that the CPI isn't an accurate indicator, as it doesn't consider the real circumstance of workers, including family size and cost of rent or mortgage. These proponents prefer an actual living wage taking into consideration factors outside the CPI. However, the strongest opponent to increasing minimum wage, and reestablishing a more realistic living wage, are businesses required to pay the increase.

Recently, when the City of Miami Beach took the radical decision to increase that city's minimum wage from the state's minimum of $8.10, it faced aggressive opposition from a coalition of some of the states more powerful businesses.

Several economists have reached consensus that a more realistic minimum wage, or living wage, should be between $12 to $15 per hour. It has also been proposed that the impact on businesses could be cushioned by phasing the increase over three

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Will Lawmakers Listen To The Voices Of Haitian Children On TPS?

NEWSBRIEFS

IOM Says Thousands Of Haitians Deported From DR The International Organization for Migration, (IOM), says more than 229,000 Haitians have either returned voluntarily or been deported from the Dominican Republic to neighboring Haiti since June 2015 “Since the expiration of the registration period for the National Regularization Plan of Foreigners, (NRPF), in June 2015, IOM has recorded that more than 229,885 Haitian migrants, (as of September 28, 2017), who voluntarily returned or were deported from the Dominican Republic to Haiti,” said Bernard Lami, Deputy Chief of the IOM Mission in Haiti.

Haiti, Venezuela Ink New Deal

Advocates in Little Haiti, Miami are hoping U.S lawmakers will listen to calmer, more innocent voices on the issue of Temporary Protected Status, (TPS), for Haitians.

On the heels of the Trump administration's announcement that it will end TPS for some 60,000 Haitians living in the US as of July 2019, advocates are pushing a 'Dream for the Holidays,' campaign.

Young Haitian-American children are being urged to write letters to US lawmakers appealing to them for help for those

impacted by TPS. A 12-year-old girl recently wrote, “Christmas is almost here, and my dream for the holidays is to keep my family together. It is hard to concentrate in school because I am scared that when I get home, they will not be there because they were taken away.”

On Dec. 7, children from across the U.S. will travel to Washington D.C. to personally deliver their letters to lawmakers.

The campaign comes as a ten-year-old Haitian-American has become a public advocacy face of the push back against the Trump administration on TPS. Ronyde Christinia Ponthieux, a Miami-born, American citizen with Haitian roots, has come into the public spotlight since recording an insightful four-minute video directed at President Donald Trump on

behalf of her family and immigrant communities throughout the U.S. at risk of return to their countries of origin.

She insists: “They are not criminals; they are hardworking, honest people who just want a safe place to raise their families.”

Christinia also reminded Trump of his own immigrant roots and that of his current wife, Melania Trump.

Many Haitians were among protesters who gathered outside Senator Rubio's Doral office recently to push the Republican senator to help keep them in the country.

“Sometimes I get scared, but I believe that if I keep on fighting, one day President Trump will hear my voice and Congress will too,” said Christinia, who was among the many protestors.

The Venezuelan government has reaffirmed its commitment to the PetroCaribe program for Haiti, which will see the country benefiting from a 40 percent reduction in oil prices.

President Nicolas Maduro and Haitian President Jovenal Moise, held bilateral talks in Caracas Monday, where they signed fresh agreements in the areas of energy and agriculture.

Known as the Energy and Agriculture Cooperation Agreement, the deal will see Venezuela and Haiti continuing the oil deal, while deepening collaboration in agricultural production as well as in joint infrastructure projects.

Between 2011 and 2014, Venezuela helped finance 234 projects in Haiti to the tune of US$1.2 billion.

The trip marked President Moise's first visit to Venezuela since taking office in February.

Speaking during a meeting at Miraflores Presidential Palace, the Haitian leader paid tribute to the historic bonds uniting the two countries.

President Maduro, for his part, pledged his solidarity with the Caribbean island, which has been rocked by severe natural disasters in recent years.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

Cops disagree

from A1

He cited the “worrying trend,” where 84 percent of crime in Jamaica is committed using a gun and said he plans to introduce a new bill into the Jamaican parliament which would impose stiff penalties against gun use.

Montague told JLP supporters: “When I bring that bill to Parliament, we are going to say that if you are charged with a gun crime - no bail.

So far, this year 143 Jamaicans have been murdered by men who are on bail for other charges. We are going to put it in law that if you are caught with a gun or any gun crime, there will be mandatory minimum sentence.”

He suggested that those convicted of gun crimes could serve mandatory prison sentences of between 15-20 years.

However, John “John T” Hodgson, popular WAVS broadcaster in South Florida and a former detective sergeant with the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and Andrew Smalling, former City of Lauderhill police chief, don't believe stiffer gun laws will solve gun violence in Jamaica.

Hodgson, who had some 13-years in Jamaica law enforcement before migrating to the US, told CNW: “The solution is not stiffer gun laws. What needs to be done is to stop the gun from getting into the hands of people with criminal intent.”

“Guns are not made in Jamaica. Guns are brought into Jamaica,” he added. “If the authorities find a solution to stop the flow of guns to, and throughout Jamaica, this should help to control gun related crime.”

Former Chief Smalling added that “ways need to be found to stop criminals having access to the guns.”

“With less access to guns, there could be less access to criminal activities, especially gun violence,” he added.

On the other hand, another former Jamaican law enforcement officer, Jeffrey Coombs of Miami Gardens, believes stiffer gun laws will act as a deterrent.

“I believe if a man knows he won't get bail and could face a mandatory 20 years sentence in Jail he will think hard and long before firing that weapon,” he told CNW.

More Than $11 Million Paid To Settle Sexual Harassment Complaints The state of Florida forked over more than $11 million to settle over 300 complaints filed by women and men who alleged sexual harassment in the past 30 years.

The list, released Monday following a Freedom of Information request filed by The News Service of Florida, contains one payment for $165,000 to a woman who filed a sexual harassment complaint against the Florida Legislature.

The harassment occurred in 1994 and payment was made three years later The largest payment on the list, $1.3 million, was made as part of a class-action lawsuit against the Department of Corrections filed by nurses who worked for the department and alleged harassment in 2001. The payment was made in 2007.

In addition to state agencies, the list also shows allegations of sexual harassment were made at seven of the 12 state universities including the Florida State University, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University.

$$$ Coming To Homeowners Impacted By Irma Caribbean-American and other home and business owners across Florida who were impacted by Hurricane Irma could soon benefit from government aid.

The federal government on Tuesday awarded $615.9 million in aid to areas of Florida hard hit by Hurricane Irma.

Details of how homeowners might get help with new roofs or impacted businesses might get aid remain to be seen but the state says it is working with an array of government officials at all levels to establish a spending plan for the money.

The money is aimed at expenses that slip through the cracks of private insurance and federal grants and can go toward constructing new housing and helping restore businesses.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

B1

FEATURE

What does

Jamaica James Bond and

have in common?

If you guessed an anniversary, then you guessed correctly. Jamaica and James Bond recently marked their 55th anniversary with a Coral Gables, Florida celebration.

The Bond series was written by Ian Fleming at “Golden-Eye” in Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica, where he lifted the name James Bond from a book on Birds of the West Indies by ornithologist James Bond.

Fleming, an avid bird watcher, admitted that having created the charming, debonair, devilish, charismatic character, the simple, steely name, James Bond, was a perfect summation. Thus, James Bond, played by Sean Connery, in his first appearance as 'Dr. No,' premiered on world screens with phenomenal success fifty-five years ago.

Ursula Andress and Sean Connery in “Dr. No”

The lm was released just two months after Jamaica gained Independence from Great Britain in August 1962.

To commemorate the two special anniversaries - the birth of an independent Jamaican nation and the release of the first James Bond movie 'Dr No,' - The Jamaica Committee, Inc., in collaboration with Ortanique on the Mile and the Jamaica Tourist Board, (JTB), hosted Fifty-Five by Two on Tuesday, November 28, at the historic Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, Florida.

Ortanique on the Mile catered a culinary fare that highlighted Jamaica's birth as a nation, as well as the glitz and dynamism of Bond while Bond's exclusive "Shaken, not Stirred" martini was included.

Entertainment for the evening included a variety of Jamaican genres, such as mento and ska, which kept the guests captivated.

Exclusive photographs that were taken on the Dr. No set, which were not previously released, were displayed during the event. A screening of the film was shown following the reception in the

Miracle Theatre.

Donnie Dawson, Jamaica's acting director of tourism said, he was pleased to partner with The Jamaica Committee Inc. of Florida to celebrate the two significant milestones.

Funds from the Jamaica Committee Inc. will go to the Chi Chi Bud, Jamaica Epilepsy Association, Maxfield Park Children's Home, The Animal House and Victims of the September Storms charities in Jamaica.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

ENTERTAINMENT BUZZ

Wedding Bells Ringing For Soca Queen of Bacchanal

Who Will Win The Best Reggae Grammy?

Wedding bells are ringing for Soca's Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia. Garcia recently took to social media to announce her engagement to long-time partner, manager and music producer, Brian Morris.

The proposal took place in Guadeloupe. No word yet, however, on the date of the nuptials.

Reggae Star Shaggy launches ‘Rae Town Apparel’ clothing line Jamaican reggae artiste Orville Burrell, also known as Shaggy, has released his own clothing line.

Shaggy, who is best known for his hit songs “Bombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me” released his Rae Town clothing line last week.

In explaining why he chose the name Rae Town Apparel, he said it is his way of paying homage to the Kingston, Jamaica inner city community in which he grew up.

The clothing line includes T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, caps, and other products such as bumper stickers and pins.

An official website, raetownapparel.com, has also been launched through which items from Shaggy’s clothing will be marketed.

Morgan Heritage

Chronixx

Common Kings

Who will walk away with the coveted Best Reggae Grammy of 2017? That's the question as five top reggae artists compete for the top honor.

The nominees for the 60th Grammy Awards were announced on Tuesday, November 28th with 25-year-old conscious reggae sensation, Chronixx, getting his first nod.

Chronixx, born Jamar McNaughton,

secured his first nomination for his first album 'Chronology,' released in June. 'Chronology' has remained on the U.S. Billboard Top 10 Reggae Album chart for 19 consecutive weeks. Hailing from Spanish Town, Jamaica, Chronixx has spearheaded a reggae revival that's more than merely retro, and has been regarded as the most promising reggae ambassador of this generation.

Others nominated Tuesday include Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley, for 'Stony Hill,' released in July and Jamaican-American reggae group, Morgan Heritage, for 'Avrakedabra,' released in May. It is Damian Marley's third Grammy

Damian Marley

nomination. He won the award in 2002 for the album, Half-Way-Tree' and in 2005 for 'Welcome to Jamrock.'

South Pacific-born and Orange County, California raised reggae group, Common Kings and Long Beach, California born reggae artist, J Boog, rounded out the Reggae Grammy nominees with 'Lost in Paradise' and 'Wash House Ting,' respectively. The nomination for J Boog is his second but it is the first nomination for Common Kings.

The Grammy Awards will be handed out on January 28th at Madison Square Garden's in New York City.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

B3

Get Ready For An Exhibit On Reggae And Dancehall The count-down has begun to Art Basel weekend and this year art fans can get ready to soak up the vibes of reggae and dancehall in pictures.

'Let There Be Reggae,' is a unique showcase, curated snapshot of reggae music and dancehall culture that will feature works of Australian artist/illustrator Robin Clare; Jamaican photographer Roy Sweetland; Jamaican-born photographer and current Fort Lauderdale resident, David Muir; ultimate Jamaican Dancehall street sign collector Maxine Walters and founder of Irish and Chin “sound clash promotions,” Garfield “Chin” Bourne.

The three-day exhibition will begin with an opening reception on Thursday, December 7th, from 6 – 10 p.m., in the Wynwood section of Miami.

'Let There Be Reggae' will give art and music lovers a flavor of the musical scene while illustrating the odyssey of reggae music and current day dancehall. For more information on the event, visit lettherebereggae.com. Art Basel will also feature numerous black artists via 'Black and Basel.'

Sean Paul by David Muir

Ricky Trooper by Roy Sweetland

Look Out For The Jamaica Festival Song Competition Plans are currently underway for the 2018 staging of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition and is set to be launched today, Nov. 30th.

The competition was launched in 1966, and has produced perennial popular winners like “What a Bam Bam,” by Toots and the Maytals,

(1966); 'Cherry Oh Baby,' by Eric Donaldson (1971);and 'Nuh Whey Nuh Better Dan Yard,'

by Tinga Stewart, (1981).

2017 was the first year the popular song competition was not held.

Interim Executive Director of the JCDC, Orville Hill, said the decision to launch the competition so early is to mobilize singers, writers and producers, “to get them to start creating a product that will ultimately be satisfactory to the Jamaican people.”

He added that he hopes the early launch will also help to generate public interest in the

contest before the submission of entries.

The absence of the popular Festival Song competition this year was a disappointment to Jamaicans at home and in South Florida.

“I look forward to the Festival Song every year, and was surprised, since this year was a special Jamaican independence anniversary, the 55th, that there wasn't a special Festival Song. I was so disappointed,” said Dafne Pinto, a resident of Carol City, Miami County.

Hill

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48

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Crucial Moment For World Cup Soccer Friday, Dec. 1st will mark a crucial moment in World Cup soccer as the final draw is held.

B5

Reggae Boyz Back On Top The Jamaican Reggae Boyz soccer team is back on top – at least on the Caribbean Football Union, (CFU), rankings.

The Boyz ousted Haiti in the latest rankings and also climbed five spots to 54th in the overall FIFA rankings. Haiti fell one place to 57th. Jamaica and Haiti are two of four CFU countries inside the FIFA top 100, with Curacao ranked 84th and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), 89th. Haiti was followed by Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis on the top 5 ranks.

While the World Cup does not begin until June 2018, this Friday marks a critical moment for all 32 teams as the draw to populate the tournament's eight first-round groups will be made. Here's what you need to know about this highly anticipated draw:

When And Where Is It? Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Kremlin in Moscow.

Where To Watch?

The draw will be streamed at fifa.com/world cup. Television coverage in the United States will be on Fox Sports 1 in English and on Telemundo in Spanish.

Who Are The Hosts?

The event will be hosted by English soccer star-turnedbroadcaster Gary Lineker and Russian sports journalist, Maria Komandnaya.

West Indies To Open First Test Against New Zealand

Who Will Actually Draw The Teams?

One retired soccer star from each country that has won the World Cup will have the honor of picking the teams. They include: Diego Maradona of Argentina, Gordon Banks of England, Miroslav Klose of Germany, Laurent Blanc of France, Cafu of Brazil, Carles Puyol of Spain, Diego Forlán of Uruguay and Fabio Cannavaro of Italy, plus Nikita Simonyan, a former Soviet great.

The Windies cricket squad, led by skipper Jason Holder, will open their first test against New Zealand on Friday, Dec. 1st or Thursday 5 p.m. EST. The two sides will face off at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and the match will run through December 5th.

How Does It Work?

Each team has been assigned to one of four pots, based on their world ranking. One team from each pot will be placed in each of the eight World Cup opening round groups, though there may be adjustments at times to keep teams from the same confederation apart in the group stage.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 30 – DEC 6, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 48 –

Minister Grange lauds success of Jamaica’s Rugby Sevens team Jamaica’s Minister of Sports, Olivia Grange has heaped praise on Jamaica’s Rugby Sevens team after they defeated Guyana to crown themselves champions of the 2017 Men’s Rugby Americas North Sevens.

In the finals of the tournament, played in Mexico City, Jamaica defeated Guyana 28-24 in dramatic fashion, scoring a try in the last minute of the bruising encounter.

“They played with purpose and skills that showed nothing but the determination to win and qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in history,” Grange said.

“In one fell swoop, with that last minute try in the final against Guyana, our team also qualified as well as for the World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, USA; 2018 Central American and Caribbean Sports Organization (CACSO) Games, the Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Hong Kong Sevens,” Grange said.

Jamaica topped their pool that included the Dominican Republic and Bermuda, while Mexico and Guyana were also respective pool winners.

Mexico opened with a 61-0 drubbing of Curacao while Jamaica blanked the Dominican Republic 26-0.

The Jamaica Rugby Sevens team celebrate as they qualify for the Rugby Sevens World Cup 2018.

Mexico continued to show their strength with another impressive win, 66-0 over the British Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, Jamaica were also impressive with a 35-0 win over Bermuda.

The eventual champions had to battle hard in their third match, scraping a 19-17 win over the Cayman Islands before they met Mexico, who got to the semis by beating Cayman 33-0.

Jamaica proved to be Mexico’s Waterloo when they stopped the Central Americans 26-12 to book a place in the final with Guyana, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago 14-7.

“Magnificent was the performance by the ‘Crocs’,” Grange said.

“We must also shower kudos on the women’s team, the ‘Lady Crocs’, who also qualified for next year’s CASCO Games, after finishing third in their tournament.

“The Jamaica Rugby Football Union, led by Chairman Jerry Benzwick, is also deserving of our highest praise for the hard work put in to bring our Rugby players to their best performance to date. We wish for the Crocs and Lady Crocs many more successes as they play to make themselves, their families, their parent body and Jamaica even prouder.”

Mexico took the bronze medal over T&T.

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B7

Young Reggae Girls coach, to bolster squad ahead of CONCACAF Champs The Reggae Girlz qualified for the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships in Trinidad and Tobago next January last weekend, winning all three games in a four-team final Caribbean zone group in St Kitts and Nevis.

The Jamaicans beat the Dominican Republic 1-0 before beating Haiti by the same margin on Friday to secure their position in the CONCACAF Championship.

On the qualification competition's final day last Sunday, the Reggae Girlz celebrated their entry into the CONCACAF Championship, with a 9-0 win over the hosts.

"We will try to get a camp and also a game or two ahead of the CONCACAF championships. We want to get to Trinidad and Tobago early. The JFF will be working with us to make it possible," said young Reggae Girlz head coach, Lorne Donaldson.

The team that will play in the CONCACAF Championship will also include a few additions with Donaldson saying he would be looking for players to boost the squad.

That squad will have to be at its best because it will now have to contend with a group that includes, the United States, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

Jamaica will play Mexico on Friday, January 19, 2018, to kick off their championship, before playing against the United States on Sunday, January 21.

The final game of what is a tough group will be played against Nicaragua on Tuesday, January 23.

The top two teams from each group will play in a semi-final scheduled for January 26. The third-place match and final will be played on Sunday, January 28. The top three teams from the CONCACAF U20 Championship qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in France.

The Caribbean will be represented in the Championship by Jamaica, Haiti, and hosts Trinidad and Tobago. The Jamaicans will also have an eye on the 2018 Central American and Caribbean games in Colombia, for which they have also qualified. That tournament begins July 19.

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