FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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50 CENTS HO W CAN I ST OP MY SON FR OM CHEA TING IN SCHOOL? HOW STOP FROM CHEATING
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010
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Copyright © 2006, New York Liberty Star
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Local News
HEALTHCARE REFORM GOOD FOR BROOKLYN
YVETTE CALRKE -- The passage of the historic Health Care Bill in the US House of Representative has marked a turning point in American history. Page 7
Caribbean News
BARBADOS PM NOT FEELING THE ‘VYBZ’
VYBZ KARTEL and Movado’s rivalry has forced Barbados’ Prime Minister to pull the plug on this weekend’s show.
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VOL. 10 ISSUE 193
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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
CONTENTS VIVIAN BLAKE
W E AT H E R
MOVADO
TODAY Partly Cloudy High: 40° Low: 25° TOMORROW Mostly Sunny
High: 45° Low: 34°
GANG LEADER DIES
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Vivian Blake, the reputed leader of the notorious Shower Posse gang died on Sunday following a heart attack. JIMMY CLIFF
PM PULLS PLUG
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PM David Thompson has pulled the plug on this weekend’s highly controversial reggae show. KERTSON MANSWELL
EDITORIAL STAFF
10 Jimmy Cliff was inducted in the Rock MORE RIVERS TO CROSS
23 Talks are currently ongoing for
LENECIA HINES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
IVROL HINES MANAGING EDITOR
& Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf Trinidadian Kertson Manswell to face Astoria Hotel in New York. Jamaican Keron Speed.
CACCI Salutes Women History Makers The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) sponsored A Salute to Women History Makers in recognition of National Women’s History Month at its Monthly Membership Networking Power Breakfast Meeting on Thursday, at the Historic Brooklyn Borough Hall in Brooklyn. According to Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., CACCI President and CEO, and convener of this event, “we saluted a diverse group of women who are making tremendous contributions in their respective areas including corporate affairs, manufacturing, diplomatic, civic, human rights and micro-enterprise enterprise.” They honorees were: Joy Crichlow, Director, Women and Minority Affairs, Con Edison Company of New York; Patricia Gatling, Commissioner/Chair, NYC Commission on Human Rights; Bishop Ebony Kirkland, President/CEO, Ebony Marketing and Manufacturing; H. E. Geneive Brown Metzger, Consul General of Jamaica; Natasha Holiday, Founder, New Heights Community Initiative and Ana Walker, Director, Flatbush Caton Market. Jes-
H. E. Geneive Brown Metzger, Consul General of Jamaica
DAENECIA HINES NATHANAEL HINES OFFICE ASSISTANTS EARL “JR JAMROC” LYN VP OF OPERATIONS, NYLS L.I. PAUL HAUGHTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIASON DAVID LESTER ACCOUNTS MANAGER
NEW YORK CITY CORPORATE OFFICE
397 Rockaway Ave Brooklyn, NY 11212 LONG ISLAND OFFICE
Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr. sica Odle-Brail, Former Consul General of Barbados served as Mistress of Ceremonies and CACCI Board Members Balfour Peart, Business Consultant and Edmund Sadio, CACCI Membership Chairman and Owner, Century 21 Achievers served as facilitators. During this business networking meeting President Hastick also presented membership plaques to the most recent CACCI members. In addition, several critical issues that affect small business owners during this economic downturn were also addressed. The topics were: Access to Small Business Financing; Small Business Resources and Services; Job Development; Financial Literacy; Census 2010 Impact and Opportunities, and Partnership Opportunities with Medgar Evers College, CUNY. Special guest speakers who made presentations were Greg Bishop, Assistant Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services; John T. Devine, Manager, Chase Home Ownership Center; Joy Crichlow, Con Edison Co. of New York, and Dr. Moses Newsome, Jr., Vice President, External Relations. Representing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham was Ms. Xamayla Rose, Policy Analyst who brought greetings
276 Fulton Ave Hempstead, NY 11550 Telephone:
(718) 785-9722 Joy Crichlow, Director, Women and Minority Affairs, Con Edison Company of New York; Ivrol Hines, Publisher, New York Liberty Star; and Ana Walker, Director, Flatbush Caton Market. (Photo by Leonardo Harrison)
Fax:
(215) 294-5903 Send Mail to: New York Liberty Star 1930 Rockaway Pkwy. Brooklyn, NY 11236 nylibertystar@yahoo.com
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Natasha Holiday, Founder, New Heights Community Initiative
Jessica Odle-Brail, Former Consul General of Barbados
on behalf of the Borough President and his Deputy. The next CACCI Business Seminar will be held on Wednesday, March 31st at 9 a.m. at the Flatbush Caton Market. Topics to be addressed include: Access to Financing, Micro Loans for Micro Enterprises, Job Development and Business Services. Pre-registrations are required. For information on upcoming
Monthly Membership Networking Power Breakfast Meetings, CACCI membership, Small Business Workshops, Financial Literacy, Affordable Housing, Small Business Loan Referral, Business Plan Preparation, vending at the Flatbush Caton Market, or to schedule a confidential appointment at CACCI’s Business Resource Center, contact CACCI. (718) 8344544.
New York Liberty Star welcomes letters from readers and press releases. We reserve the right to edit all materials, in keeping with publication standards. To submit an article, send email to: nylibertystar@yahoo.com. Hours of operation: M-F, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. All material due by 12 p.m., two days prior to publication. The New York Liberty Star is not responsible for typographical errors in ads beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Copyright New York Liberty Star 2001. All rightsreserved / Ivrol D. Hines.
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Health Care Bill Good For Caribbean-American Families By Sharon Gordon
The passage of the historic Health Care Bill in the US House of Representative has marked a turning point in American history. For more than fifty years Democratic Presidents alike have tried and failed to move forward with changes to a health care system that many deemed “broken.” Along comes President Barack Obama who campaigned on a platform of health care reform. He, along with Speaker Pelosi and the leadership of the Democratic Party has pulled one out of the proverbial hat. It was their leadership, in spite of the poisonous vitriol from the GOP and naysayers alike, who declared that Health Care Reform was dead some fourteen months ago that helped to secure a majority win 219-212 in the House. For the sake of clarity, the chain of events are as follows. The House voted to approve a Health Care over haul which was already approved by the Senate in December 2009. The House then passed a package of amendments to strengthen that Senate bill and sent that to the Senate for approval. According to Senate Leader, Harry Reid, the Senate intends to approve those changes via
Rep. Yvette Clarke reconciliation and it is expected that the President will also sign those changes into law. Nonetheless, with the passage of this historic Health Care Bill, change has certainly come to America. According to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of Brooklyn’s 11th Congressional District, which boasts the largest concentration of
Caribbean Americans in the United States, “I am just honored to have been a part and have done my part especially for the people of the 11th Congressional District. It was an extraordinary feeling being on the floor of the House of Representatives as the votes started coming in.” During a late night interview with the Congresswoman, she confided that, “this has been a real struggle especially for hard working people who don’t have disposable income; people who try to put their children through college or are trying to just make ends meet…a catastrophic illness can mean bankruptcy, it can mean putting off that life saving operation or purchasing those life saving medications and that is one thing that Americans and people in our communities in particular will not have to worry themselves about any longer.” The passage of this bill, she says, “is good for our people, our communities and our economy. We must congratulate the House leadership and Speaker Pelosi and we must big up our President for his vision and for being a great leader.” Congresswoman Clarke proclaimed that the passage of this bill “has been revolutionary.” Fortyseven millions Americans will have health care insurance.
Several things will take effect immediately for example, children will be covered for preexisting conditions, for example, those who have asthma or develop diabetes; credit will become available to small businesses so that they can begin to extend insurance coverage to their employees. “One of the main things that a lot of people are unaware of is that the reconciliation vehicle that we used to be able to do the amendment to the Senate Bill is a Student Aid Package,” Clarke said. “This bill provides direct lending to students in colleges so that they no longer will get the types of high fees and cost of lending to them for their education.” For many, especially those in the Caribbean American community, assistance to help cover the cost of education is a big deal. This will translate into assistance that raises the amount of money those students can receive through Federal Pell grants. “There is so much in this health care and educational package that we just passed that it will certainly change the quality of life for Americans and bring us directly into the 21st century, poised for the type of competitiveness we need to have in a global economy,” said Clarke.
Haitian Man Jailed For Mortgage Fraud PHOENIX, Arizona -- A Haitian man was sentenced here on Tuesday to nearly 17 years in prison for his conviction on multiple counts for leading a mortgage fraud scheme here that cost banks as much as US$9.5 million. The US Attorney’s Office in Phoenix said Mario Bernadel, 51, was found guilty by a jury in September 2009 on 19 counts related to mortgage fraud, including mail, wire, and bank fraud, and money laundering. The office said Bernadel led a “two-year conspiracy” involving the purchase of 37 properties using fraudulent loan documents and receiving cash back at closing. Seven co-conspirators were also charged and have pleaded guilty for their involvement in the conspiracy. They are expected to be sentenced in the next few months. Dennis Burke, US Attorney for the District of Arizona, underscored what he described as “the significance of this sentence. “Mortgage fraud is a top priority for the US Justice Department in the District of Arizona, where it has destroyed property values, lending institutions, and entire neighborhoods in our community,” he said. “No question, complex fraud schemes – a prime example, here – played a role in crashing our real estate market,” Burke added. “Culprits like these defendants will be tracked down, prosecuted and convicted,” he warned further. He said the case against Bernadel and the other seven, who were unidentified, was based on an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which revealed that, from December 2005 through March 2007, they conspired to commit mortgage fraud in Phoenix. Bernadel played a leading role in
recruiting unqualified borrowers as straw buyers, submitting fraudulent loan applications on their behalf, obtaining mortgage loans in excess of the selling price of the property and then taking the excess amount out of the loans through escrow. Bernadel then directed portions of the proceeds to bank accounts in his own control. “Bernadel prepared or directed others to prepare fraudulent loan applications misrepresenting salary, assets and liabilities,” he added. “Bernadel used the proceeds from the fraud to live a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing several expensive homes and luxury vehicles,” he continued, stating that evidence presented at Bernadel’s sentencing demonstrated that he continued to engage in mortgage fraud while in custody after his conviction. “Today’s sentence signifies the continued efforts of the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI’s Mortgage Fraud Task Force to investigate and prosecute those who commit mortgage fraud,” said Nathan T. Gray, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Division. “We want to send a message that when individuals knowingly defraud the public during the course of mortgage transactions, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding them accountable in accordance with the law,” he added. Burke said after completing his sentence, Bernadel, who has legal residence in the US, will be deported by the Department of Homeland Security to Haiti.
Kevin Mambo plays lead in Fela on Broadway.
FELA!
A Broadway Musical Whose Time Has Come!
By Sharon Gordon
The new Broadway musical, Fela! directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones is a must see. Based on the life of Fela, the high energy production is fast paced, full of biting commentary, provocative imagery and colorful dancers. Two-time Emmy winner Kevin Mambo, played Fela on the night I visited. He gave an extraordinary performance and so did the entire cast. The setting is Fela’s last concert at the Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria in the summer of 1978, six months after the death of his mother, Funmilayo. Immediately, upon entering New York’s Eugene O’Neil Theater, you are sonically transported to Fela’s legendary nightclub via the electrifying sounds of Afro beat music served up by the house musicians already jamming on stage as you are escorted to your seat. As your eyes adjust, you become awestruck by the bold, colorful imagery which surrounds you. Large letters jump off the walls wel-
coming you to Na De Shrine; a huge rendering of Funmilayo Anikulapo Kuti (Fela’s mother who was an anticolonialist) hangs stage right; African masks and fertility dolls are every where along with other imagery that transports the audience into the world of Fela, his Queens and his band. Dancers move through the aisle with ease and of course in traditional African form, the audience is encouraged to participate. Fela! was exhilarating and exciting. The musicians were jamming; the dancers were erotic and exotic and the compelling story provided a synopsis of what life was like for Fela who dared to speak out against the injustices of the Nigerian government. “Too much sweets will give you rotten teeth,” Fela declared as the audience laughed, but, “Too much Nigeria will give you broken heads, burned houses, dead students.” He was arrested, beaten and tortured on numerous occasions. Yet he remained defiant, because for Fela, there was no difference between his music and his politics. During the
song “International Thief Thief,” dancers walked across the stage holding up signs accusing not only corporations like Shell who are said to have and continue to exploit Nigeria for its oil, but also corporations like Halliburton and the International Monetary Fund. Fela! the musical was conceived by Stephen Hendel, who hails him as one of the most important artists in the past 50 years. “I thought it was some of the most exciting music I’ve ever heard,” he says. “The way he used music to be a voice of the people was inspiring ... and still very relevant.” When news broke that Hip Hop millionaire Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, along with the husband and wife team of actors and philanthropists, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith was bank rolling the Broadway production of Fela! a level of excitement never before seen on Broadway erupted. News of the breathtaking performances in Fela! has been spreading like wildfire. Run; don’t walk to go see Fela!
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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Tragedy For Newly-Wed Jamaican In Bermuda HAMILTON, Bermuda - A 26 year-old Jamaican man who died after being caught in a hail of bullets outside his apartment was a newlywed who planned to hold a big wedding reception for family and friends in Bermuda this summer, family members have disclosed. James Lawes, known as Junior, was a barber who had been married for only four months to his 27 year-old hairdresser wife Greashena, who is being comforted by her family. The couple, who got married in Jamaica, met when they were co-workers at a beauty salon. The daughter of well-known community activist Gina Spence-Farmer, Greashena recently opened her own salon. Her youngest sister Mychel said she was “devastated” by the sudden loss of her husband. “It is really heartbreaking,” she said. “They were so much in love and were really happy. It was like puppy love, they were so into each other. He was very warm-hearted and respectful. “They just got married in Jamaica in December and it’s only four months now.” “Junior was a God-fearing, kind and caring man. We were blessed to have him in our family,” Spence-Farmer said. “We are praying for God’s healing over our land and would like to thank Bermuda for the outpouring of love, encouragement and prayers we have received.” Lawes, who had been working in Bermuda since February 2008, was the father of a five-year-old son, Adijah, in Jamaica.
James “Junior” Lawes Mychel said the Spence-Farmer family are in close contact with Lawes’ parents, Lauren Frasier and James Lawes, and his two sisters and three brothers in Jamaica. Lawes was killed as he stood chatting to a group of men at the entrance to the apartment building by Place’s Place bar in Dundonald Street, Hamilton late on Friday night. Two other men were also injured in the drive-by shooting. One of them, 26-yearold Jamaican Maurice Martin, also rented an apartment at the rear of the bar. Police said a passenger on a motorcycle fired 11 shots at the men before fleeing from the scene. The rider of the motorcycle had earlier chased a man along nearby Court
“It is really heartbreaking. They were so much in love and were really happy. It was like puppy love, they were so into each other. He was very warm-hearted and respectful.” Mychel Spence Street before he made good his escape. Martin’s condition and that of a third man shot, 49-year-old Bermudian Robin Stovell, was described as “stable” by a hospital spokeswoman. Lawes is the sixth man to die in a firearms incident in the island since May 2009. However, in a encouraging sign following the Lawes incident, the Bermuda Police have made an arrest in the case, and a 30 year old Smith’s Parish man is currently in custody.
Escaped Haitian Prisoners Flee To Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jamaican security officials have taken three Haitian refugees into custody after determining they were prisoners who escaped from the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince when the building crumbled during the January 12 earthquake. Inspector Steve Brown, the head of the communications arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), said it was not immediately clear if the men, who were among a group of over 60 Haitians that arrived here early Tuesday.. “…the government had said they have two weeks with them but from a police perspective we are doing what we are supposed to, we have placed them in police custody and we will take it from there,” Brown said. Meanwhile, two of the Haitian refugees, including a baby, were admitted to the Port Antonio Hospital in the eastern parish of Portland after suffering from extreme exhaustion, dehydration, fever and gastro-enteritis.
Another was treated and released on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Information Minister Daryl Vaz sought to reassure the nation that all precautions were being taken in regard to security to ensure the protection of the Haitians and Jamaicans. “Both the military and police were on alert in terms of expecting them and obviously based on the fact that we don’t know who these people are based on the aftermath of the earthquake and the fact that all the prisons were damaged. “We have to be very careful that we have them under full control of the authorities here so that there is no chance of them being able to interfere with the Jamaican people if in fact any of them have criminal matters” he said. According to the Jamaica, 78 Haitian nationals were repatriated via chartered flight to their homeland early Wednesday afternoon at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The Haitians’ bids for asylum in Jamaica were reportedly turned down by a United Nation’s ad hoc committee headed by Jamaican jurist, Justice Lloyd Ellis. Four of those repatriated had been arrested by law enforcement officials for illegal entry into Jamaica and were never a part of those who had entered the country during the Haitian political crisis. According to the Ministry of National Security, another 40 Haitians are expected to be repatriated in the coming weeks.
SPIRITUAL READING Man from Jamaica Woman from Haiti
“Saint Philomena “Saint Joseph keep us Keep us grounded.” steady in our doings.”
Email: ssreading@yahoo.com
www.shawnspiritualreading.webs.com
Vivian Blake, the reputed leader of the notorious Shower Posse gang, said to be responsible for over 1,000 murders in the United States, died on Sunday following a heart attack, according to Jamaican authorities. Police have confirmed that Blake, who spent eight years in a US prison, returned to Jamaica last year. The mastermind behind the ruthless Shower Posse, which had established drug bases in more than 20 US cities, Canada and the United Kingdom, Blake was sentenced to 28 years in Federal prison in June 2000 in a Miami Federal Court. He had been indicted in the United States 12 years earlier but American authorities said he fled to Jamaica on a cruise ship and entered Ocho Rios in the northern parish of St Ann. He managed to remain free for five years before he was arrested on an extradition warrant in 1998. He spent five years fighting extradition before he was eventually handed over to US authorities after striking a deal with the ‘Feds’. Blake and other members of the Shower Posse were given lengthy sentences based on 52 charges brought by federal prosecutors in the US. These included racketeering, smuggling and distributing marijuana and cocaine from The Bahamas through the United States, according to official reports. However, Blake was deported to Jamaica in January 2009 after serving eight years of a 28year prison sentence in the United States. The Shower Posse was reportedly a strong supporter of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Blake was raised in west Kingston, an area that has backed the JLP in general elections since the 1960s. Today, Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston is controlled by Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who is at the centre of an extradition battle between Jamaica and the US. It is believed that “Dudus” inherited the reins of the Shower Posse’s multi-million drug ring from his late father who was also at the helm of the drug ring.
This psalm is good for protection against enemies; also good for court cases. This is a good pocket piece as well. Psalm 35
“Saint Peter open all doors for us all.”
Saint Barbara
For reading call for appointment:
917-216-1507 or 614-805-6530
Reputed Gang Leader Dies
Read this prayer before going to bed.
One Remedy To Remove Jinx And Bad Luck & Bring You Good Luck
1 Elegua candle, 7 green lime, 1 cananga water, 1 ball blue, 7 stalks scallion, 1 chinese wash, 1 hay sup wash, 1 go away evil wash, 1 btl. verbena wash, 1 btl. white lavener wash, 1 dragon blood wash, 1 hand full rock salt, 1 btl. protection oil, 1 btl. cinamon oil, 1 btl. dragon blood oil.
VIVIAN BLAKE
In the name of Shango, Lightning and thunder for all our enemies.
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me; fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and block the way against them that persecute me. Say unto my soul, “I am thy salvation ...” To be continued. Read three times daily. 917-216-1507
www.shawnspiritualreading.webs.com
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN NY LIBERTY STAR 718-785-9722
Grenada’s Foreign Minister Hon. Peter David
Foreign Minister Says US Important Friend WASHINGTON, DC – Foreign Minister Peter David has underscored the relationship between Grenada and the United States insisting that the North American country remains an “important ally” in the island’s quest for future socio-economic development. David said while Grenada is interested in developing closer ties with countries such as Brazil and Argentina, Washington remains an important partner in Grenada’s overall development. “We’ll be meeting with the State Department, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Trade,” said David, who arrived here earlier this week for the 39th Organization of American States (OAS) Special General Assembly. “As we have indicated, while we seek non-traditional areas of support, the United States remains an important ally in our quest for development,” he added. A Grenada government statement issued here said David is seeking development assistance and would be meeting with representatives of the World Bank, the OAS and various departments of the United States government. “We’re going to be meeting with the Department of Trade to discuss not only trade with Grenada, but also trade with the region,” said David, adding that issues of security assistance will be discussed at the State Department. The Grenada foreign minister said the discussions at the World Bank would focus on support in “developing and enhancing” the operations of Grenada’s Diaspora Affairs Office. “We are meeting with them to discuss the possibility of them giving us some kind of assistance to develop our own Diaspora Affairs Unit in Grenada,” he said.
PM Pulls Plug BRIDGETOWN, Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson has pulled the plug on this weekend’s highly controversial show, involving Jamaican dancehall artistes Vybz Kartel and Mavado. The two entertainers have been at the centre of heated public debate over the past few weeks, with the island’s police chief, Darwin Dottin, complaining that he had been left totally in the dark over an earlier decision to proceed with the show. After meeting with the show’s organisers on Thursday, Thompson met with reporters and said he was happy to announce that “in deference to the expressed wishes and anxieties of a very wide cross section of Barbadians that the organisers of the Mavado/Vybz Kartel show and youth forum have agreed to the revamping of both initiatives resulting in the cancellation of this weekend’s activities”. The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the two artistes had also created substantial public division, as well as bloodshed in Jamaica where their much publicised GazaGully rift had also resulted in loss of life. While expressing doubt that his Jamaican counterpart Bruce Golding would be eager to have the GazaGully culture exported, Thompson said the issue of inspiring and guiding Barbados’ youth was one that all stakeholders must sign on to. “I value the involvement of all persons of influence, including youth leaders, entertainers - both Barbadian and regional entertainers as well as
Not Feeling The Vybz
others - as well as promoters of show. “Accordingly, I have also signalled to organisers of this aborted show, the inclination of government to fully support any of their initiatives that are deemed by us to be helpful in the process of instilling positive values in our young people.” In the meantime, the prime minister is not expected to fire his Economic Development Minister David Estwick. The minister recently landed himself in hot water over his behaviour in the precincts of parliament but Thompson sad the matter was not one for him to adjudicate. Rather, he said, it was for the Speaker of the House to rule on. “The censure of members over incidents occurring within the precincts of Parliament is very much a matter that the Speaker in our traditional Westminster system holds to himself. In other words, the Speaker is supreme in matters of that sort,” he told reporters.
Thompson, who was not present for the recent incident, said it was not for him to substitute his judgement or any other Member of Parliament for that matter of fact. However, the Prime Minister who has just returned home from official business said he did not like “the nature, tone or what may be interpreted by some to be a logical interpretation” in relation to the goings on in the Parliament of Barbados. He said “the tone and content of many of our debates and incidents of loud, lewd and aggressive behaviour within the precincts of parliament are to be condemned”, adding that the time had come for a review of the current regime of procedures and practices to determine what is desirable and what is not.
Movado
Coard Seeks Closure On Location Of Bishop’s Body By Rawle Titus ST GEORGE’S, Grenada -- Former deputy prime minister Bernard Coard says he plans to lobby the United States government in an effort to recover the remains of the country’s revolutionary leaders slain during the bloody 1983 coup. Coard, who served under the People’s Revolutionary Government, was a member of the group known as the Grenada 17 jailed for assassinating then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and several of his cabinet ministers during one of the darkest moments of this country’s history. Bishop and the others were executed by soldiers of Bishop’s own People’s Revolutionary Army (PRA) at the height of a power struggle between himself and Coard, resulting in a United States-led invasion of Grenada. However, their bodies have never been recovered and their location remains a mystery. But Coard said he is seeking to use his connections to bring some closure to case. “We are utilising people who I hap- Bernard Coard pen to know in the (United) States from my days at university who are very close to people…networking in order to reach directly to the top and get them to crack the whip,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “We also want some congressional committee or subcommittee (to be formed). This is vital to open a hearing,” the former deputy prime minister said. “Why a congressional committee or subcommittee? Because the one thing no bureaucrat in America will do easily is lie under oath before Congress because that has
jail in it. That is serious jail”. A number of prominent Grenadians including former Governor General, Sir Paul Scoon, have been quoted as saying that Bishop’s body and the bodies of his colleagues were destroyed and disposed of before the United States troops landed here more than 26 years ago. Coard has consistently disputed these claims and has now announced that he has formed a broad-based committee to capture the attention of the Obama administration. “I take the matter very seriously, as do all of us. It is something that, frankly speaking, we will not rest until the matter is dealt with because it is something that means a lot to a lot of people,” he told CMC. “Not just the immediate families and in that regard a committee comprising many stakeholders from a wide section of the spectrum of opinion has been formed and the objective is to try and reach people within the Obama administration,” Coard said, although he declined to provide the names of the committee members. A pathologist from the United States was among witnesses who testified before a commission four years ago that they had seen the remains of the Grenada leadership dug out from a hole at an army camp in the south of the island after the invasion. Coard, who was released from the Richmond Hill Prison six months ago, has been living in Jamaica with his wife Phyllis, the lone female member of the so-called Grenada 17. He is due to return to Jamaica this week, after a conducting research for a book highlighting Grenada’s political history
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CARIBBEAN REPORT
Weston Gordon
Ex-Cop Opts To Defend US Charges ST JOHN’S, Antigua -- A man wanted in the United States to answer to charges including attempted murder, has waived his right to extradition proceedings, saying he wants to go to the US to defend charges against him. Weston Gordon appeared before Senior Magistrate Asquith Riviere in the All Saints Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday when his attorney George Lake notified the court of his decision. Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Armstrong did not oppose Gordon’s waiver of his extradition rights. Senior Magistrate Riviere said having examined and reviewed the request of the US government for Gordon’s extradition and all other relevant documents, he is satisfied that the offences for which the man is charged are extraditable crimes under section 9 of the Extradition Act No.12 of 1993. Riviere said he is satisfied that there is evidence to support the request, which he added would be sufficient if the crimes had taken place in this country. The magistrate said since Gordon has waived his right, there was no reason to satisfy him that the extradition should be prohibited. Riviere later committed Gordon to be extradited to the US pending the decision from Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer in his capacity as Minister of External Affairs. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Gordon has been slapped with four counts of aggravated assault and one count of being in possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. The US government is alleging that in September 2005, in New Jersey, Gordon accosted the complainant. Earl Matthias. Matthias and his 14-year-old son were reportedly in a store when Gordon approached them and an argument ensued over outstanding monies. Gordon allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Matthias twice in the stomach. Gordon, an ex-police officer, was arrested and was granted bail but failed to show up for his trial on July 17, 2006. He subsequently left the US for his homeland. Lake said at the time Gordon left the US jurisdiction he did not have the necessary immigration status to remain in that country.
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St. Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas says the crime situation in the region must be addressed with regards to the Regional Security System (RSS).
Douglas Worried Over Escalating Criminal Activities In The Region BASSETERRE, St Kitts – A one-day meeting of the Regional Security System (RSS) got underway here with Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas expressing concerns over the escalating criminal activities across the Caribbean. “You cannot divorce the challenge that the RSS faces from the financial situation the region faces as well as violence and crime. This meeting is critical because the RSS can be called upon to rise to the challenges with so little financial resources and so we must examine the program before us and look within the context of the realities of the financial situation,” said Douglas. In his brief remarks to the meeting, Douglas, who is also the Chairman of the RSS Council of Ministers, said despite the financial situation, there should be no duplication in the role of the RSS in the context of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Security framework.
A proposed Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) police service and the integration of the RSS within the CARICOM security framework are among the agenda items for the one-day meeting that is being attended by Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson, his Grenadian counterpart, Tillman Thomas and the national security ministers from the RSS member countries. Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Sir Dwight Venner made a presentation to the meeting regarding the OECS police service. The Council will also discuss the proposed RSS Vetting Policy, the development of anti-corruption strategies for public servants in the RSS member countries as well as a training academy and Caribbean-US security arrangements. The upcoming International Cricket Council WT20 championships to be held in the West Indies and the RSS’s annual budget will also be discussed.
Armed Sexual Assaults Indicate Possible Serial Rapist In Central Brooklyn A man is wanted for two sexual assaults in Brooklyn , which happened near Franklin Avenue and Fulton Street . The sketch below of the rapist was released by police. Tuesday’s armed attack of a 42-year-old, near Franklin Avenue and Fulton Street mirrors the sexual assault that occurred on March 16 when an armed man approached a 56-year-old women. He took both of his victims to isolated areas, raped them and struck them on the head with a firearm before fleeing on foot. This rapist attacked during the early morning hours, as well as in the late afternoon. “In light of two recent sexual attacks that occurred in the ‘border district’ between the 79th and 88th Police Precincts, a possible gap in NYPD coverage is cause for concern. I call for an undercover detail in that area, and well as increased early morning patrols at transit facilities, including the Franklin shuttle, and C train. This attacker seems to be aware of the black hole in policing that exists on the edge of
Clinton Hill and Bedford Stuyvesant,” said Council Member James. Police described Tuesday’s attacker as 25 to 35; between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-11; 160 to 180 pounds; wearing a green jacket, dark pants, and white sneakers. The cases are under investigation by Brooklyn ’s Special Victims Unit. “In light of the recent sexual assaults and muggings that have occurred over the past few weeks on our streets, the CLEXY (Classon, Lexington , and Quincy Block Association) group is urging Police Commissioner Kelly to increase the police presence in the 88th Precinct. We are in desperate need of more foot patrol, particularly during the late night, early morning shift,” said Laura Benko, vice president of CLEXY. Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.
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ARTIST FEATURE
WHAT’S PLAYING AT THE MOVIES? New Releases Alice in Wonderland Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Bounty Hunter Repo Men She’s Out of My League Green Zone Shutter Island Avatar Our Family Wedding Remember Me
OUR FAMILY WEDDING "Our marriage, their wedding." It's lesson number one for any newly engaged couple, and Lucia and Marcus are no exception. They learn the hard way that the path to saying "I do" can be rife with familial strife. When they return from college and too suddenly announce their marriage plans, they soon discover that their fathers - two highly competitive over-the-top egos can wreak a major amount of havoc on their special day. With insults flying and tempers running high, it's anyone's guess if the alpha dads will survive to make it down the aisle in one piece.
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Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas 2784 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY UA Sheepshead Bay 14 3907 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 2210 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY Cross County Multiplex Cinemas 2 South Drive, Yonkers, NY Green Acres Cinemas 610 West Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream
Jimmy Cliff embracing his long time friend, Rev. Fernando Morris, pastor of the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. (Photo by Roland Hyde)
More Rivers To Cross Spryng I Jimmy Cliff Ready For Phase Two Of His Career
By Anthony Turner NEW YORK, NY -- Three days after the Hon. Dr. Jimmy Cliff, OM was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, the 61 year old reggae superstar told members of the Caribbean press in New York that he hopes to one day win an Oscar Award. “The next trophy I would love to be holding like this is an Oscar Award” he proclaimed, triumphantly hoisting the trophy in the air. Monday’s glittering black-tie induction ceremony marked the 25th renewal of this now entrenched American music industry tradition and Jimmy Cliff becomes only the second Jamaican performer and the third Jamaican to hold this enviable distinction. Bob Marley was also previously inducted, and so too was music mogul Chris Blackwell, the latter in a non-performer category. All three Jamaicans join a list of the most awe-inspiring musicians of the twentieth century. Other distinguished inductees from previous years include Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Prince. It has been a long road for the actor, musician, singer, songwriter, music producer and businessman Jimmy Cliff, christened James Chambers at birth by his parents in the district of Somerton, St James, Jamaica. He has appeared in three successful movies including the 1986 comedy Club Paradise, co-starring Robin Williams and Peter O’Toole. Four years later he snagged a role in “Marked for Death” but he had his career defining role as reggae singer, Ivan Martin in the cult classic ‘Harder They Come.’ Cliff is currently thumbing through at least four movie scripts, including the final draft of a screenplay tentatively titled “Wappy King” - the story of a legendary character from Jamaica who has a fearless spirit. Cliff will not only assume a starring role in the flick but will write much of the music for the sound track. If all goes well, shooting could begin early next year in Jamaica. Could this prove to be the big role that lands him an Oscar nomination and the pride and joy of Tinsletown? Some would say you have to dream the impossible dream before it can be realized. Jimmy Cliff is arguably the most celebrated reggae act on the international stage, playing to stadiums and arenas in Africa, Brazil and parts of Europe. He has an equally impressive following in the USA where he is best known for songs like “Sitting in Limbo”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, Wild World, I Can See
Jimmy Cliff addresses the audience at the Marriott Marquis in mid town Manhattan on Thursday. (Photo by Roland Hyde) Clearly Now and “Many Rivers to Cross,” all from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come. Regarded as reggae’s first international star and the genre’s greatest living legend, Cliff is hoping to connect with a new generation of fans with the release of his new album titled ‘Existence’ which boasts 15 exciting songs, 13 of which are brand new compositions. “The new album is about our life on planet earth. It touches all aspects of our existence, from global warming to starvation, economics, politics, the spiritual and beyond. It deals with love… unconditional love and relationships on a one on one basis. In the spiritual realm we have different points of view” he confessed. Speaking confidently and passionately about the disc he said, “I just love this album. It is like a new baby. Now I have to nurture it into adulthood.” Among the tracks that will be included on the disc are Blessed Love; Rebel, Rebel, Rebel; Everybody Loves a Winner; You’re a Blessing in Disguise and I Got to Move On. His last studio album was released four and a half years ago. To support the disc, he will embark on a US tour this summer.
For Spryng I, Reggae music is the vehicle for him to express himself, a writer of poetry, political issues and social commentary. He uses this medium to highlight the many problems affecting people worldwide. “My music deals with historical events and current affairs. I am representing the voiceless people of the world, the ones who are down trodden, the have nots, the people who need help”. Born in Mason River District in the parish of Clarendon on the October 14th, his given name is Gary Williams, His parents are avid lovers of the music, this had a lot of influence on him musically. He was exposed to many different genres of music from a child. A graduate of Kellits Secondary School, he first began performing at school concerts and community events. A Rastafarian, who was once a Dee Jay, Spryng I got his inspiration from Iyann Ilekk Family who endorsed his career and whom he admired as the ardent ones . He was introduced to Producer/Disc Jockey /Fashion Designer, Pancho from the Tren-Setta Production by David of Sling and Stone. Spryng I saw his dream turn to reality when Pancho gave him the Green Peas Rhythm to vibes and he found just the right song with the right melody to vibes and he found just the right song with the melody to sing on the rhythm. The song he recorded, titled “Heights Up” was to be his first radio play song and the beginning of great things for him. The song got heavy rotation on FM radio, he later recorded Bun Pagon” on the Journey Rhythm. His current radio hit “Pressuring The Poor” on the Khaki Suit Rhythm done in tandem with Ras Shiloh, is a staple on radio, as it is a favorite of many disc Jockeys. With the video getting heavy rotation on Television and Cable Stations, Spryng I is becoming quite popular here in Jamaica. The song is also getting favorable play in the Caribbean, England and Europe. Spryng I has performed on stage shows, such as Sting 08, Hype 2K9, The Curry Festival and Irie Fm Road Show. Signed to Tren-Setta Productions, Spryng I is determined to make an impact on the music industry, he is cognizant of the fact that this will take a lot of hard work and dedication. “Youths of today just be wise and remember that education is the key. Life is a journey whenever you stop on the way you can never achieve what you want, you have to continue until you succeed for by the will of the almighty all things are possible”.
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Rihanna’s ‘Rude Boy’ Atop Hot 100 Rihanna maintained her No. 1 standing on the Billboard Hot 100 Thursday with her single “Rude Boy,” which topped the chart for a second week.
Lady Gaga and Beyonce dialed up the biggest move within the top 10 as “Telephone” soared from No. 9 to No. 3, while Atlanta rapper B.o.B jumped from No. 5 to the second rung with “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars. After holding the runner-up slot for the past two weeks, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Know” dipped two to No. 4. Also slipping two spots was Taio Cruz’s “Break Your Heart” at No. 5. The Black Eyed Peas fell from No. 4 to No. 6 with “Imma Be,” while Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” dipped one to No. 7. Rounding out the top 10 were “BedRock” by Young Money featuring Lloyd (down one to No. 8), Ke$ha’s “TiK ToK” (down one to No. 9) and “Baby” by Justin Bieber, which climbed two rungs from No. 12, returning to the top 10 for the first time since it debuted at No. 5 two months ago. Bieber scored the Billboard Hot 100’s Hot Shot Debut for the second time in three weeks as “U Smile” opened at No. 27, selling 83,000 downloads. Two weeks earlier, “Never Let You Go” debuted at No. 21 (101,000). The three tracks preview his “My World 2.0” album, which is set to debut atop the Billboard 200 next week. Among the week’s other debuts, T.I. bowed at No. 44 with “I’m Back,” which serves as his return to the list after his release from prison in December, and Maine rapper Spose opened at No. 54 with the modestly titled “I’m Awesome.”
Rihanna maintained her No. 1 standing on the Billboard Hot 100 Thursday.
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Newly Installed Archbishop 2010 Census Is Here Help Move Your Urges Anglicans To Get With It Community BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC - The newly-installed Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies, John Holder, has called on the Christian community to ensure it does not lose sight of reality and to be keenly aware of the challenges facing the region. “We must allow our theology to
speak to the realities and the experiences of the Caribbean,” said Holder in delivering the sermon during his Service of Recognition at the St. Michael’s Cathedral on Thursday night. “As we minister, we need to do so with a good working knowledge of the social, religious, economic and
Archbishop John Holder, who replaces the retiring Drexel Gomez, was presented with the insignia of office during the service.
political dynamics that shape the lives of the people. “We need a theology that engages with the Caribbean experience for we strongly believe that God can continue to speak to us through these experiences in this region. It is with this conviction that we are able to truly grapple with challenges that we may face each day,” he added. Addressing a large congregation that included other Bishops from across the Province, he further challenged the church to engage with its adversaries. “We need to strengthen our willingness to engage with those who may hold positions contrary to ours,” he said. But he warned that “the adversarial approach to life that we see all around us in other areas of life and with which we are all familiar is one that we cannot afford to embrace in the church,” adding that “we dare not confuse being different with being wrong”. In the face of present day challenges, he further implored the Anglican community not to despair or throw its hands in the air but to believe in the Christian message of hope. Holder, who replaces the retiring Drexel Gomez, was presented with the insignia of office during the service. He is the second Archbishop of the Province to be selected from Barbados. The first was Archbishop W.P Swaby, who held office in 1916.
NEW YORK, NY — After an intense promotion and outreach campaign, the much-anticipated form is now arriving at 120 million households across the country. Lester A. Farthing, the U.S. Census Bureau’s New York regional director, urges everyone in the New York and New Jersey area to be counted. “When you receive the form, immediately fill it out and mail it back,” he says. “Your community is counting on you.” Farthing has a challenge for area residents: “Help your community exceed its 2000 mail response rates.” Response rates for communities will be tracked via an interactive “Take 10 Map” at www.2010census.gov. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in history, with just 10 questions taking about 10 minutes to answer. But the impact of those questions lasts for 10 years. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the once-a-decade count of people living in the United States determines the fair apportionment of congressional representation among the states. Census results are also used to redraw state and local legislative boundaries. And it doesn’t stop there. Each year, based on census data, more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments for health care, education, youth services and more. Mailing back the questionnaire is the easiest and cheapest way to ensure a full and accurate count.
Forward — Participate Now! “It’s a lot less expensive to get responses back by mail than it is to send census takers to knock on doors of households that failed to respond,” says Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. Every one percent increase in the mail response rate saves about $85 million in operational costs. Census answers are confidential. Strict federal laws prohibit the Census Bureau from sharing personally identifiable information with any other government agency or law enforcement. All census staff are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. For more information about the 2010 Census and the locations of Questionnaire Assistance Centers, Be Counted sites and language assistance visit www.2010census.gov. Telephone Questionnaire Assistance is available in English (1-866872-6868), Spanish (1-866-9282010), Chinese (1-866-935-2010), Vietnamese (1-866-945-2010), Korean (1-866-955-2010) and Russian (1-866-965-2010). If you or someone you know speaks another language not listed, please check out the Bureau’s language assistance guides also available in 60 languages online.
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YOUR WEEKLY HEALTH WATCH
Allergic Kids Should Carry Two ‘Epi’ Doses NEW YORK – Children with a history of food-induced allergic reactions may need more than one shot of epinephrine to halt a severe reaction, a study has confirmed. Among a group of children treated for food-related “anaphylactic” reactions over 6 years, 12 percent needed a second epinephrine dose, according to a report out today in the journal Pediatrics. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that develops quickly, within seconds or minutes of exposure, causing potentially life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing. Prior studies found similar results. One found that nearly one in five severe food-induced allergic reactions will require more than one epinephrine shots. Taken together, these studies add weight to the recommendation that children at risk for severe food-related allergic reactions carry two doses of epinephrine, note Dr. Susan A. Rudders of Children’s Hospital Boston and colleagues. Food allergy affects up to 6 percent of children and, by most estimates, seems to be rising. Appropriate treatment involves an immediate self-administered shot, or two, of epinephrine, available in convenient pre-loaded devices, such as EpiPen. In the new study, Rudders and colleagues report on some 1200 children, about 6 years old on average, who were treated at two Boston hospitals for food-related allergic reactions between 2001 and 2006. When they narrowed the group to those with a severe food-induced anaphylactic reaction (52 percent), they found 44 percent of children received epinephrine and among this subset, 12 percent received more than one dose. Before arriving at the hospital, 31 percent of children with a severe reaction received one dose of epinephrine and 3 percent received two doses. Once at the hospital, 20 percent received one dose of epinephrine and 1 percent received more than one dose. SEVERE REACTIONS STILL MISSED, UNDER-TREATED What’s troubling, the researchers say, is that half of the children with food-induced anaphylactic reactions did not get epinephrine either before getting to the hospital or while at the hospital. At the hospital, the children received antihistamines, steroids, intravenous fluids and inhaled medicines more often than epinephrine, “despite the lack of evidence” for their usefulness as a first-line treatment, the authors note. Additionally, fewer than half of the children with food-related allergic reactions left the hospital with a prescription for self-injectable epinephrine and only 22 percent were advised to see an allergist. Clearly, food-related anaphylaxis “continues to be under-recognized and inadequately treated,” Rudders and colleagues warn. Estimates suggest that approximately 150 to 200 people die each year from food-related anaphylactic reactions, and delayed or lack of administration of epinephrine is often to blame. Confirming prior reports, common offending foods in the children studied included peanuts, tree nuts, milk, shellfish, fish, and eggs. “Surprisingly,” however, say the researchers, fruits and vegetables — foods typically thought to have a low propensity to cause allergic reactions — were also triggers. Most of the children with severe reactions to food had the typical signs and symptoms — skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble swallowing and breathing, nausea and vomiting. People with a history of severe food-related allergic reactions “should be prescribed and taught how to use self-injectable epinephrine,” Rudders and colleagues note in their report, and they should carry two doses with them at all times.
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Older Women Need 1-Hour Workouts To Fend Off Flab By Lindsey Tanner CHICAGO – Rev up the treadmill: Sobering new research spells out just how much exercise women need to keep the flab off as they age — and it’s a lot. At least an hour of moderate activity a day is needed for older women at a healthy weight who aren’t dieting. For those who are already overweight — and that’s most American women — even more exercise is called for to avoid gaining weight without eating less, the study results suggest. “We all have to work at it. If it were easy to be skinny, we would all be skinny,” said John Foreyt, a behavioral medicine expert who reviewed the study but wasn’t involved in the research. Brisk walking, leisurely bicycling and golfing are all examples of moderate exercise. But don’t throw in the towel if you can’t do those things for at least an hour a day. Even a little exercise is good for your health even if it won’t make you thin, the researchers said. Their findings are based on 34,079 middle-aged women followed for about 13 years. Most were not on calorie-cutting diets. The women gained an average of almost 6 pounds during the study. Those who started out at a healthy weight, with a body mass index less than 25, and who gained little or no weight during the study consistently got the equivalent of about an hour of moderate activity daily. Few women — only 13 percent — were in this category. Few already overweight women got that amount of exercise, and the results suggest it wasn’t enough to stop them from gaining weight. The results echo what gymfuls of middle-aged American women see every time they step off the treadmill and onto the scale. “Talk to any group of women and they all say the same thing,” said Janet Katzin, 61, a “slightly overweight” marketing director from Long Island who exercises for an hour twice a week. Thin as a younger adult, Katzin said the pounds started creeping up after she had her two children in the 1980s, despite exercising and watching what she eats. “It’s just extremely frustrating and discouraging.”
The study appears in Wednesday’s Journal of the American Medical Association. Only women were studied, so the researchers from Harvard’s Brigham and Women Hospital said it’s uncertain whether the results would apply to men. The research “reinforces in a nice, clear way the idea of how difficult it is to maintain a healthy weight in our society,” said Foreyt, of the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. The results bolster a 2002 Institute of Medicine report that emphasized the importance of balancing diet and exercise and recommended at least 60 minutes daily of moderate activity for adults and children. But the study also indicates that the 2008 U.S. guidelines urging about a half-hour of exercise five days a week won’t stop weight gain while getting older without cutting calories, said Dr. I-Min Lee, the study’s lead author. The study underscores some inevitabilities about aging. Men and women often put on weight, partly because their metabolism slows down. But that probably has less to do with it than people’s natural tendency to become more sedentary, without changing their eating habits, Lee said. Hormonal changes in menopause also can make women prone to weight gain, especially around the belly. Women who don’t want to take on so much physical activity will need to cut back on calories to prevent more pounds. But Lee said they should do so in ways they can live with permanently, not with drastic diets that are doomed to fail. Still, Lee emphasized that the benefits of exercise extend beyond what you see in the mirror, helping keep the heart healthy and protecting against chronic disease even if you don’t get enough activity to lose weight. Katzin, a size 14, said she does an hour workout twice a week — including weights, an elliptical machine and bike. “I know I should go more, but that’s all I can swing,” she said. She also has switched to diet soda and eating fewer treats, but that hasn’t curbed her weight. Katzin was not involved in the study. The researchers analyzed data on women who took part in a long-running federal study.
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How Can I Stop My Son From Cheating In School? Q. My son, who is in the 7th grade, was just caught cheating on a test. He was suspended for three days and got a zero grade. We also punished him by taking away some privileges. He was not alone. Ten children in all were cheating. I am so upset and was told by his teacher that this is a big problem in education today. How big is this problem? How do we stop kids from cheating? A. Academic pressures have pushed many children to cheat. Although some cheating occurs on the elementary level, most cheating begins in middle school as the stakes get higher. Research indicates that cheating is on the rise according to an article in the November, 2005 issue of Parents magazine. Many parents think that it is only the struggling students who cheat, but experts say that’s not the case. Dr. Don McCabe, an education researcher at Rutgers University, states that it is often the highest-achieving students who are under the greatest pressure to cut corners. What’s more, starting around 5th grade, the course load intensifies, providing an even stronger incentive to come up with short cuts. Peer pressure is another motivating force. Kids this age are
easily lured into doing something wrong if they think everyone else is doing it and they think it is the cool thing to do. Kids are not alone. We live in a society that seems to value getting ahead no matter what. Many high school and college students will buy term papers online or will pay a good student to write one for them. I’ve even seen students pay to use someone else’s paper that was written for the same class with a different instructor. What’s the big deal? Well basically, we have many ‘so called’ professional people, including teachers, who have weak writing and occupational skills because they didn’t do the work themselves or would not have graduated without cheating. Do we really want people like that providing services to our children and family? What can parents do? · Reduce the Pressure. Let your child know that his/her best effort is enough. · Teach long term planning. Help your child to avoid procrastination. · Discuss the issue before hand. · Practice what you preach! Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over two decades. She holds graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and multicultural education. She also holds certification in educational administration. She is also the author of the book, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.
Send email to Lisa-Anne Ray Byers at speechlrb@yahoo.com
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SPORTS
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Pollard, Ramdin Need To Stand Up Trinidad’s undefeated heavyweight Kertson Manswell
Manswell Eyeing Jamaican For Title PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- Talks are currently ongoing for undefeated Trinidadian heavyweight Kertson Manswell to face Jamaican Keron Speed for the CABOFE title next month. The fight will serve as the undercard for the WBA mini-flyweight and super title bout between Trinidad and Tobago’s Ria Ramnarine and Japan’s Etsuko Tada on April 24, at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence in Tunapuna. Manswell is coming off a unanimous points win over Czech Tomas Mrazek in their eight-round elimination bout in Antwerp, Belgium last Friday which kept his unbeaten streak in tact. Manager Boxu Potts confirmed negotiations were on the way to ensure the fight between Manswell and Speed materialized. Potts predicted the CABOFE (Caribbean Boxing Federation) title would soon become vacant because holder American Manuel Quezada would not defend it due to his position in the rankings where he lies ninth. Manswell, who has a record of 20-0 and a Commonwealth Games medal to his credit, is also planning to fight for the FECABOX title as he continues his quest for a world title bout with Russian Vitali Klitschko. Discussions are also ongoing to have Chico Farrier, the man who trained ex-World lightweight champion Trinidadian Leslie Stewart, in Manswell’s corner.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Former West Indies head coach David Williams has identified all-rounder Kieron Pollard as key to the regional squad’s fortunes in the upcoming World Twenty20 Championship. The 22-year-old Trinidadian copped the most lucrative price tag in the Indian Premier League recently but has failed to fire for West Indies, with an average of 13 in 13 T20Is. “Pollard played very well in Australia but has been struggling since then. It is time we stop hoping that Pollard make runs and look forward to actually getting some big runs from him. He needs to be positive and the [upcoming] camp will be crucial for him,” said Williams, who now serves as assistant to new head coach Ottis Gibson. “We have to work with him and try to get him in a positive frame of mind. He plays really well when he is confident.” Though slapped with a big-hitting reputation, the right-handed Pollard is yet to play a quality innings for West Indies in a T20, with his highest score being 38 against New Zealand a yearand-a-half ago in a losing effort. His last six innings has yielded scores of 6, 9, 3, 12, 5 and 1 as he has scrambled just 36 runs at an average of six. Pollard is one of two young players in wretched form with wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin also struggling with the bat, and Williams said he would also need to step up. “Ottis used Denesh up the order in the last couple of games against Zimbabwe and maybe this is an indication that he would be used higher up,” said Williams, a former West Indies
Kieron Pollard of the West Indies wicketkeeper. “Hopefully his confidence can return and he can play a part in helping his team at this tournament.” The World T20 Championship will run from April 30 to May 16 and will involve 12 teams across four zones. West Indies will do battle with England and Ireland in Group D to be hosted in Guyana and Williams be-
lieves they can be as successful as they were in the tournament in England last year when they reached the semi-finals. “We did very well in the last T20 World Cup in England, where we reached the semi-finals, when no one gave us a chance,” said Williams. “I think that once the players play to their true potential we will again do very well.”
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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
Porter Creates Surprise With Super Jump At ‘Champs’ KINGSTON, Jamaica – Manchester High School’s 15year-old athlete Chanice Porter surprised all including herself on Thursday when she produced a shocking 6.43-metre leap to win at the High School Track & Field Championships. Porter’s jump came in the girls’ Class Two (Under-18) long jump event, beating her previous best of 6.10 metres. “On my first jump when I looked on the board, I asked myself the question ‘is this for real’. It was a big surprise,” said Porter, the CARIFTA Games Under17 silver medallist. “[It was] a surprise because I was not training for the long jump because of an injury.” She had things her way from as early as the opening jump when she recorded 6.24 metres, way ahead of her competitors on the second day of “Champs”. The 6.43m mark is the second best jump by anyone – senior or junior – in the world this year, only behind Jacinta Boyd of Australia with 6.47m. It erased the Champs record of 6.11m by Salcia Slack, who established the mark for Holmwood in 2007. The second place athlete was Rochelle Farquharson of St. Elizabeth Technical with 6.14m. Meanwhile, Chad Wright and Candicea Bernard also shone with record-breaking performances. Wright of Calabar measured 58.86m in the boys’ Class One (Under-20) discus while Bernard of St. Hugh’s threw 13.24m in the girls’ Open Shot Put.
SOLUTION to Sudoku, P18
New Charlotte Bobcats majority owner Michael Jordan speaks during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C.
Jordan’s Dream Come True CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A relaxed Michael Jordan broke into a wide smile as he sat at his desk Thursday night amid his whirlwind week of realizing a longtime goal of becoming an NBA owner. Soon, though, that steely resolve that defined his superstar playing career peeked through as he fielded a question about his commitment to turn the Charlotte Bobcats from a money-losing, non-playoff team into a winner in both areas. “It’s motivating,” the six-time NBA champion said of the naysayers who joke he’ll be more worried about tee times than season ticket renewals. “I’ve never been asked to be out at the forefront of an organization. I never had the financial commitment to do that. Now I have. Now I’m involved. How can I not, when I’m owning 80 percent of the basketball team, not put my face on the organization?” Jordan’s $275 million purchase of the club from Bob Johnson was approved by the rest of the league’s owners on Wednesday. The North Carolina native spent his first full day on the job insisting he’s ready to “dive in with my sleeves rolled up” to turn around the six-year-old franchise, while downplaying the significance of becoming the first former player to own an NBA team. “I’m not wearing that on my sleeve,” he said. “For me, everybody
just wants to see us win. Doesn’t matter if it’s me. Doesn’t matter if it’s Bob. Doesn’t matter if it’s anybody else. I’m happy to be in this position and given this opportunity by Bob. “But that part of being the first athlete to control his own team is secondary in terms of me trying to provide a winning program here in Charlotte.” A few hundred season ticket holders watched Johnson hand the team to Jordan in an event at Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday night. Johnson, the first black majority owner of a major professional sports team, lost tens of millions of dollars annually as the city struggled to warm to the expansion team that replaced the New Orleans-bound Hornets. “I think he’ll do absolutely great,” Johnson said. “I think you will see a change in him in that he now knows he’s on point. He is the face of Charlotte. He knows that this town asks a lot of its owners. And to me, emotionally, psychologically, economically he’s prepared for that task. “When I talked to him I said, ‘One of the things you’ve got to do here is you’ve got to be willing to touch and be touched.’ And I’m sure he’ll do that.” Jordan didn’t in his role the past four years as a minority investor with the final say on basketball decisions.
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Recipes
Curried Chicken INGREDIENTS: 1 chicken (about 3 lbs) 1.5 tablespoon Vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic- chopped 2 Scallions - chopped 3 sprigs fresh thyme -chopped 3-4 tablespoon Jamaican curry powder 1 tablespoon allspice 2 teaspoons salt 1 tsp ginger 2 cups water 2 teaspoon pepper 1-2 potato -diced
METHOD: Wash the chicken in lime juice. Cut chicken in to small pieces. Rub all the ingredients into the chicken and allow to marinate for while. Heat the vegetable oil, well hot, and add the chicken Cook for about 5 minutes then add the potatoes and water. Cook until potatoes are tender and sauce is thick. Serve with whatever you like. I suggest boiled dumplins.
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
SPORTS
JORDAN SAYS OWNERSHIP ‘A DREAM P. 25 COME TRUE’