New York Liberty Star

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

1

50 CENTS NEW YORK ELIMINATES DEBIT CARD FEES, PAGE 7

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

••

Copyright © 2006, New York Liberty Star

Page 4

WWW.NYLIBERTYSTAR.COM

VOL. 10 ISSUE 205

Local News

NASSAU LAUNCHES CARIBBEAN FEST

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE joined the Jamaica Cultural Alliance in launching the first annual Caribbean American International Festival.

Page 11

Caribbean News

VYBZ SURRENDERS TO J’CAN POLICE

VYBZ KARTEL was expected to surrender to Jamaican police after he was named as a major person of interest.

Having Back Pain?

Need A Chiropractor?

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3

SEE STORY PAGE 6

2

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

3

4

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Local News

Nassau County Establishes First Annual ...

Caribbean Int’l Fest 2010

○ ○ ○ ○

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined the Jamaica Cultural Alliance and the Nassau County Caribbean Coalition in launching the first annual Caribbean American International Festival, to be held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park in Hempstead, L.I., Aug. 16.

The County Executive hosted a meeting with Press Secretary Michael Martino, Herbert Florez, Director of Minority Affairs and several representatives from the Caribbean Coalition, Tuesday, at the Office of the County Executive in Mineola, NY. “This is a great for Nassau County,” said Earl Lyn, Jr., of Nakisaki Restaurant. “We have a new county executive, and he is reaching out to the minority communities here in Long Island. He’s reached out to us in the Caribbean community, and provided us with a wonderful opportunity to feature a taste of the islands on Long Island.”

The festival will feature re-known Caribbean artists, to include the king and queen of Soca music, The Mighty Sparrow and Calypso Rose, reggae icon Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osborne, Caribbean Gospel sensation Hopeton Lewis and friends and a host of steel

pan performers. The event will also feature a costume parade showcasing the culture and styles of the Caribbean.

The family oriented event is free and open to the public, and will feature a wide array of food, arts and craft, and displays from the various Caribbean islands.

“As we come to the close of Caribbean American Heritage Month in 2010, this is a significant feat for us on a whole as a community to integrate and learn more about each other ... the culture, the music, the history, the arts,” said radio personality Bob Fredericks, WEE Radio.

The Caribbean American International Festival is sponsored by MGM Funding, Culture Jam Radio, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Irie Jam Media, VP Records, New York Liberty Star, Jam Roc Records and Sam’s Caribbean Market Place.

This legislation is part of a comprehensive effort to combat drug abuse in New York State. Along with other measures that focus on prevention efforts, this legislation targets those who exploit drug addiction for their own profit and holds them accountable when others die because of their actions.

Under current law, a dealer cannot be charged in relation to a heroin

user’s death unless the dealer is physically involved in the injection of the drug. Under the proposed legislation, the statute for Manslaughter in the Second Degree would be amended to include anyone age 18 and older, and with a prior drug conviction, who

Senator Craig Johnson

PAUL HAUGHTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIASON DAVID LESTER NEAL JOHN ACCOUNTS MANAGER MARJORIE FLASH PHOTOJOURNALIST DEREK NOEL STRATEGIC MARKETING PARTNER

NEW YORK CITY CORPORATE OFFICE

397 Rockaway Ave Brooklyn, NY 11212 LONG ISLAND OFFICE

276 Fulton Ave Hempstead, NY 11550 Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano

knowingly sells a controlled substance to another person that is consumed by such person or another person and such controlled substance contributes to the death of such person or other person.

Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said, “We must give law enforcement the tools it needs to stop the deadly sale of drugs to our children. From one parent to another, I commend Senator Johnson for his efforts to keep our streets safe and our children secure from drug dealers.”

Unintentional fatal drug overdoses nearly doubled from 1999 to 2004 and were the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States in 2004, behind only automobile crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The group with the highest increase in fatal drug overdoses were white non-Hispanic females, with an increase of 136.5 percent. The rate of increase for females

was twice that of males. And drug overdose fatalities are not limited to substances liker heroin, cocaine and crack.

“They include alcohol, new designer drugs like Estacy, and a whole set of prescription drugs that are abused by teenagers many of whom end up in our emergency rooms with life-threatening symptoms. Many die from the reckless profit motive of drug pushers, illegal suppliers, and others who want to make money by providing dangerous substances to our children. This bill will make it a criminal offense when our children die because of this reckless behavior,” Senator Sampson explained.

Added Senator Johnson, “A gravely serious heroin epidemic is gripping Long Island’s youth and those who sell death to our children must be held accountable. This legislation will give prosecutors one more tool to protect our communities and safeguard our future.”

Man from Jamaica ~ Clairvoyant

Prayer of the Guardian Angel

Oh protector spirit who incessantly watch over me. You who have received this mission, because you enjoy doing good works; and you need to do it for me and my family, so your soul will advance. Save me and my family during the night when our spirits wander through the unknown passage. Guide us safely to friends and loved-ones and those who would teach us lessons and grant us council useful to my living which are enact tomorrow. Guide our souls through nature. Help us contemplate it and lift our souls above new challenges that could make us lose our hope. Amen. In the name of the father, son and holy spirit.

Light a guardian angel candle, starting on Mondays. Best use with this prayer.

Email: ssreading@yahoo.com

IVROL HINES MANAGING EDITOR

EARL “JR JAMROC” LYN VP OF OPERATIONS

SPIRITUAL READING

For reading call for appointment:

LENECIA HINES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LEONARDO HARRISON GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEBMASTER

Tough Crime Bill To Squeeze Pushers A Long Island senator, Craig Johnson, is urging on his fellow lawmakers to toughen up existing laws that make persons who sell controlled substances that cause a death to be charged with manslaughter.

EDITORIAL STAFF

917-216-1507

www.shawnspiritualreading.webs.com

Telephone:

(718) 785-9722 Fax:

(215) 294-5903 Send Mail to: New York Liberty Star 1930 Rockaway Pkwy.

Brooklyn, NY 11236 nylibertystar@yahoo.com

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 rights reserved / Ivrol D. Hines.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

5

6

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NY Celebrates The Caribbean

By Duane Hines

With the sounds of steel pan music echoeing in the background, dazzling costumes and bright flags dressed the arena that became “Caribbean Central” at the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall, Wednesday, as New Yorkers commenced the fifth annual celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

The day kicked off with an Economic Development Power Brunch and Awards Ceremony in the courtroom. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham played host to Caribbean nationals and well wishers who made their way to Brooklyn for the grand celebration.

Former NYC Councilmember Una S.T. Clarke and community activists Dr. Henry Franks and Dr. Marco Mason were awarded a lifetime achievement awards for their contributions toward the Caribbean community and the world. A special community service award was presented to Sybil Chester of Moet

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joins Caribbean nationals during a Caribbean Heritage Day celebration , Wednesday, at Borough Hall.

Hennessy.

According to Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event was a success.

“I wish to express my deep appreciation to Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Deputy Borough President, and the members of the Caribbean American Heritage

Month Planning Committee for their hard work in making this year’s Caribbean American Heritage Day at Borough Hall the best ever!” he said.

Throughout the day, there were cultural performances, art exhibits, poetry, dance, fashion, gospel singers and much more.

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA)

hosted a Mas Camp Workshop, coordinated by WIADCA President Yolanda Lezama-Clark. The Pan Sonatas Steel Orchestra, Brooklyn Jumbies Stilt Walkers, The Contemporary Dance Theatre and New Horizon Band Masqueraders delivered stunning performances.

There was also a wide variety of Caribbean foods, provided by partici-

pating restaurants to include: Mike’s International Restaurant, Super Wings, Vincie Bakery, Culpepper’s Restaurant, Golden Krust, Crystal Manor and many others.

Some of the sponsors for the event included Western Union, Citi Bank, Health First, Grace Kennedy, Moet Hennessy, Caldwell Bankers, and Clarins Frangrance Group.

‘Sexting’ A Danger For NY Teens Lawmakers decided this week to educate New York’s youth on the dangers and lifelong consequences of “sexting,” and protects adolescents from harsh adult criminal penalties which may stem from the possession or spreading of provocative images of themselves or others.

In many states, including New York, gaps in existing law have labeled minors as sex offenders for sending sexually explicit images or messages electronically to a fellow minor. The newly-created affirmative defense will now apply: · When the defendant is less than eighteen years old; · When there is less than four years age difference between the defendant and the recipient at the time of the act; · When both the defendant and the recipient expressly or implied consent to the transmittance; and · When the defendant had no intent to profit from the conduct.

Besides the legal protections, the legislation also requires the Office of Children and Family Services to establish an educational outreach program to promote the awareness of the potential long-term dangers of “sexting.” It focuses on teaching adolescents about the longterm damage that could result from text messaging, emailing, or posting on the internet images and photographs of themselves that are provocative in nature. More companies than ever are doing online background checks of potential job applicants, affecting the employability of these children when they become adults.

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Technology is advancing rapidly, and we need to be aware of how those advances affect the safety and privacy of our children. I believe this legislation takes necessary and important steps towards protecting children, and teaching them

about the long-lasting damage such decisions can create. will help convince them to take advantage of today’s high-tech innovations in safe and productive ways.” This legislation is also carried by Assembly Member Kenneth Zebrowski.

“Our teenagers tend to get caught up in

youthful innocence, and may not process the long-term effects of their choices,” said Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson. “This law underscores the importance of raising awareness among our teenagers about how dangerous their cell phones and the internet can be when used improperly. It also helps protect them from the criminal charges that may arise as unintended consequences of their actions, and I commend Senator Stavisky for striving to set up safeguards that shield our teenagers from the unseen and unexpected dangers commonly found on the internet.”

Lifelong Consequences One national study found that as many as

Many teens are becoming involved in the sending, receiving, and posting of images or photographs which are provocative in nature. (Photo by leonardo Harrison)

20-percent of teens have sent or posted nude or seminude photos of themselves. This activity has the potential to impact teens’ privacy interests, and the emotional and psychological effects can be devastating.

In general, adolescents and their parents are unaware of the potential dangers, and this legislation seeks to raise the general awareness among teens and their parents on how to protect themselves through their internet usage.

Text messaging, emailing, and internet usage have become routine parts of everyday life, and have led to unanticipated forms of communication, particularly among adolescents. Many teens are becoming involved in the sending, receiving, and posting of images or photographs which are provocative in nature.

In the age of camera phones, Facebook, and Twitter these images can be rapidly disseminated and never truly destroyed. The reputation and safety of these youngsters are compromised.

The other unfortunate part of this recent wave has been the criminal prosecution of sexting. When child pornography laws were drafted, camera phones and similar technology had not yet been invented. As a result, the laws in many instances have yet to catch up with the technology, causing some unintended situations.

Last year, a 14-year-old New Jersey girl was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography after posting dozens of sexually explicit photographs of herself on MySpace.

In Florida, an 18-year-old boy was charged with distributing child pornography and put on the sex offenders registry because after a fight, he sent a photograph of his nude 16-year old girlfriend by e-mail to dozens of people. In Iowa, a young man is on the sex offenders registry because, at 18, he was convicted of distributing obscene materials to a minor after he sent a picture of his genitals by cell phone to a 14-year-old female friend who had requested it.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

7

Liu Exposes City Spending On Web

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu launched a powerful new tool that provides unprecedented access to view and track how New York City government spends money.

Councilmembers Protest Need For Immigrant Opportunity Initiative

Over $35 billion in City expenditures since January 1 are now accessible at the public’s fingertips at www.checkbooknyc.com.

“This has already raised the bar on the way things are done in government,” Comptroller Liu said. “The more information we make available to the public, the more built-in incentives all of us in city government have to save taxpayers money, which has really become more important than ever before.”

One of the most comprehensive initiatives of its kind in the nation, “Checkbook NYC” is an easy-to-use online database of the City’s expenditures, allowing users to search and download by agency, vendor/payee name, purpose and amount.

“It’s about open government,” Comptroller Liu continued. “It’s about intrinsic accountability. It’s about creating strong incentives to save taxpayer money. And it’s how we are determined to start the new fiscal year.”

Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, (center) Councilman Daniel Dromm (left) and Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito (right) gathered yesterday on the steps of City Hall with elected officials, community residents, and others to protest the proposed budget cuts to the Immigrant Opportunity Initiative (IOI). As a child whose parents were immigrants from Grenada, Council member WIlliams knows first-hand how difficult life could have been without IOI services.

“The services provided by the Immigrant Opportunity Initiative, make it possible for immigrant New Yorkers to become integrated into our city.

Supportive services funded through IOI such as legal assistance and ESOL classes, will better equip NYC residents to succeed in the long run. It is essential that funding is preserved for IOI because it is needed in all New York City communities, “said Councilmember Williams.

State Cuts Costs On Debit Card Use Credit or debit? For many people, the choice depends on the surcharges or fees their bank charges for making debit purchases, vice no charges when using credit. New York lawmakers are taking a stand against the extra fees.

The New York State Senate has extended an important safeguard to consumers, approving legislation protecting shoppers from paying an extra and unfair charge when they use debit cards to make purchases.

Since 1984, state law has barred merchants from imposing extra fees on credit card users, but that law did not anticipate the now widespread use of debit cards. This week’s action by the Senate, closes this loophole and gives debit card users the same protection. The legislation also allows merchants to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash or check, and a permits surcharges if a consumer receives cash back after making a debit card purchase – but only on the cash received, not the entire purchase.

The bill passed 60-1.

Senator Eric Schneiderman, lead sponsor of this legislation said, “Today, the Senate reaffirmed a fundamental principle of consumer protection: merchants can’t advertise one price and then charge a higher price at the checkout counter. Seniors and other consumers are under enough economic stress already - they shouldn’t have to pay another tax just to buy the everyday goods they need to get by. State law doesn’t allow surcharges on credit card purchases, and it shouldn’t allow them for debit cards either.”

Senator José Peralta (D-Queens), Chair of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee said, “Many New Yorkers receive unemployment insurance, food assistance, Social Security and other benefits through debit cards. It is unfair that those who can least afford it be forced to pay extra. This consumer protection legislation is particularly important and I urge the Assembly to pass it quickly.”

Rescue The Perishing Host Grand Opening Celebration

(Above) Rev. Dr. Delroy “DC” Chambers, Founder and Senior Pastor of Rescue the Perishing Deliverance Ministries International, and his wife, Minister Yvonne Chambers, celebrated their church’s grand opening, Sunday, at their Rogers Avenue location in Brooklyn. (Below) Worshippers from several other churches joined the congregation in praise and worship. The church was filled to capacity, forcing some congregants to receive their blessing from outside.

Valdin Brooks, chef at Off The Pier Jamaican Restaurant, located at 9712 Seview Ave in Canarsie, Brooklyn, said businesses will benefit more when customers are able to save on debit card purchases.

8

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Caribbean Consulates In New York Antigua & Barbuda 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311 New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel. 212-541-4117 Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 421-6420 Barbados 800 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl. New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-867-8435 Belize 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400G New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-599-0233 Cayman Islands (Dept. of Tourism) 420 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10170 (212) 682-5582 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel. 212-768-2480 Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-599-0301 Guyana 866 UN Plaza, Room 304 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-527-3215 Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel. 212-697-9767 Honduras 80 Wall Street, Suite 415, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10005 Tel. 212-269-3611 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017-2993 Tel. 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel. 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel. 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel. 212-840-2450 Puerto Rico 666 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, N.Y. 10103 Tel. 800-223-6530 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel. 212-535-1234 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel. 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Ste. 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. Tel. 212-682-7272

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Caribbean Golding Denies Dudus Head’s Up

The Jamaica government has dismissed allegations by former Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, that both Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his National Security Minister, Dwight Nelson, had alerted Christopher “Dudus” Coke about a US request for his extradition.

Coke, 42, was extradited to the United States last week on drugs and gun related charges. At least 76 people, including 73 civilians, were killed as security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to Coke, the reputed leader of the notorious Shower Posse gang.

In a television interview, Lewin said that when Washington made the request for Coke last year, he immediately informed the Prime Minister and Nelson and that within minutes of the meeting, Coke had known of the situation.

But the National Security Minister said that Lewin was being malicious and his statement was from a “bitter and vengeful man”.

Nelson also suggested that Lewin was being political.

But the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said it was disappointed at the government’s reaction to the statement by the former police commissioner.

PNP spokesman on national security Peter Bunting said the party also regarded the response as a personal attack on Lewin.

Bunting said Lewin’s disclosure was “consistent with the deception and seeming complicity surrounding the prime minister’s, and several of his ministers’ statements and actions to delay and frustrate the extradition request over a nine month period.

“Based on the evidence already in the public domain, including disclosures in the case filed by Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, as well as these new disclosures by Rear Admiral Lewin, a strong case can be made that some members of the Cabinet may have been involved in perverting the course of justice. The Opposition is repeating its call for a complete, independent investigation…into this entire

sordid affair,” Bunting said.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is still facing pressure to give more information about the involvement of the US-based law firm Manatt Phelps and Phillips in the whole extradition affair.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the law firm, which specialises in extradition and other treaty matters, had a contractual relationship with his government after initially denying the link.

A group representing religious, business, academic, and human rights bodies, said it was holding the prime minister to his word about taking steps to restore confidence in the government.

President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Milton

Samuda, warned that if the government continues to keep silent on the issue, the affair will continue to haunt the government.

Meanwhile, .Reverend Al Miller, who is due to appear in court later on Friday on charges of perverting the course of justice and harbouring a fugitive following Coke’s arrest has taken leave of absence from the government run National Transformation Programme (NTP).

Miller met with Prime Minister Golding earlier this week and according to a statement issued by the , Miller, his decision was made to ensure there was no distraction or prejudice to this critical programme of national transformation, while the legal process is being engaged over the next few weeks.

“I also want to give full attention to the preparation of my defence but more importantly, the defense of the principles of trust, truth, responsibility and justice,” said Miller, who was released on J$200,000 (US$3,000) bail when he made his first court appearance last week.

DEA agents bring Jamaican Christopher “Dudus” Coke From Westchester County Airport to a waiting vehicle, last Thursday, in White Plains, NY.

Frenchman Charged For Airport Bomb Hoax A French national, who threatened to blow himself up while on board a flight from St. Lucia to Guadeloupe, has been charged for “making a bomb hoax”.

Police said Serge Basil Mishaud was preparing to board the Air Caribe plane when he told officers screening his luggage that he was in possession of bomb and was planning to detonate it while on board the flight.

Operations at the George FL Charles Airport, just outside the capital, ground to a halt as police placed the French national placed under arrest.

The Bomb Squad from the Royal St. Lucia Police Force was called in to assess the situation which was found

out to be hoax.

Mishaud was charged for the offence of “Making a bomb Hoax” and has been remanded until July 9, when he will appear in court to answer to the charge.

This is second such incident so far this year in which a foreign national has been arrested for threatening to blow up an airline here.

In February, a 30-year old Columbian woman was charged and sent to jail for six months after making a similar threat.

The airport was shut down after the woman, who was about to board a LIAT flight, declared that she was in possession of an explosive device concealed in a clock. That claim also turned out to be false.

Police have warned that they will not take lightly to such pranks which waste valuable state time and resources to investigate.

Advertise Your Business, Product or Event in Liberty Star.

718-785-9722

Bajan PM To Deal With Health Issues Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson is to proceed immediately on two months leave, pending the outcome of further medical tests abroad.

The prime minister, who has been in and out of office for the past six weeks, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Thursday shortly before departing the island.

Thompson did not field questions but he told reporters he was not yet in a position to reveal a firm diagnosis.

He also said he was not ruling out the need for surgery at this time.

“I have not completed my regime of treatment and therefore there is nothing significant to report at this time.

“Shortly, an evaluation will take place to determine if I need surgery. It may be a complex and serious procedure,” he added.

In the meantime, Attorney General Freundel Stuart has been designated to act as prime minister in Thompson’s absence from the country.

The 48-year-old lawyer took over the mantle of leadership here two years ago following elections won by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

However, in recent weeks his state of health has been a matter of national concern with the prime minister appearing to have shed significant weight and based on his admission back in May that he had been experiencing significant stomach pains since March.

But even while stating that he did not expect Barbados to move at his current reduced pace, Thompson said he did not anticipate that the island would suffer any ill effects as a result of his current sickness.

Thompson also called on the country to pray for him and his family as they “go through one of the most testing periods”.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

9

10

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Global Economic Crisis Still Stiffling Caribbean Region

BILLY AUTO REPAIRS ELECTRIC TUNE-UP

1348 Utica Ave

MUFFLERS PIPE ASSEMBLY

(Cor. of Foster & Utica Aves) Brooklyn, NY

MOTORS INSTALLED

(718) 451-0730

By Peter Richards

BALL JOINT

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are gathering here this weekend for their annual summit still struggling to recover from the two-year global economic and financial crisis that has taken a toll on the economies of their countries.

TRANSMISSION INSTALLED & REBUILT

“The member states of CARICOM have not been immune.

There has been a major negative effect on the tourism industry and in relation to remittances arising from the reduction in disposable income in the region’s major markets,” CARICOM Secretary-General Edwin Carrington told reporters ahead of the July 4-7 event.

“This state of affairs cannot be separated from our continuing major social problems related to crime and security,” he added.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that at least half of the 15-member grouping will record either zero or negative growth this year, with officials expressing concern that high unemployment and other factors likely to exacerbate the problems.

Carrington’s economic adviser, Dr. Maurice Odle, told reporters that a looming debt crisis, the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico were also problems the regional leaders will have to discuss during the four day summit.

Odle said that the presentation to the leaders would focus on the challenges to the Caribbean to move from stabilisation to transformation and that the region “needed to become more competitive to effectively participate in the post-crisis economy”.

11

UNIVERSAL OIL CHANGED

GREASE JOBS

STARTERS & ALTERNATORS

IGNITION LOCKS INSTALLED

INSPECTION STATION

OLD AND NEW CARS

19

$

Former Barbados prime minister, Owen Arthur, addressing Caribbean chartered accountants in the Bahamas last weekend, said the international community had failed to adequately support the region overcome the global economic and financial crisis.

He singled out last year’s pledge made by world leaders at the G20 summit in London to provide US$1.1 trillion in new support to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the multi-lateral development banks to enable them to carry out a programme to restore credit, growth and jobs in the world economy.

But Arthur complained that the Caribbean has not benefitted in any way from these funds.

“Indeed it has not been able to access any of the new lending facilities established to disburse the additional funding that the leaders of the G20 countries purported to put at the disposal of the developing countries to enable them to cope with the effects of the global crisis.”

“The Caribbean, where the greatest need exists but where the least support has been received, must champion the call for the honouring of that commitment,” Arthur said.

The leaders will also have to con-

tend with growing criticisms from within their own ranks, with the latest coming from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who has warned that a lack of leadership is holding back the integration process.

“We need serious leadership in CARICOM. And I say this without any water in my mouth, we have not been having serious leadership in CARICOM,” Gonsalves said noting that his frustration with the pace of integration lies with the political directorate.

While he has refused to apportion blame on any specific regional colleague, Gonsalves, a stalwart of the regional integration process, said he believes that CARICOM still has a lot to learn and that it can start by looking at the progress being made by the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that recently signed off on a new treaty, establishing an economic union among themselves.

CARICOM countries have been working towards a fully-functional Single Market and Economy (CSME) by the year 2015 but have suffered several setbacks as they move towards that goal.

Another Caribbean Ponzi Scheme Unfolds The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it has filed charges against a US Virgin Islands-based fund manager who used the National Bank of Anguilla to deposit funds he raised in a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

The SEC said that Daniel Spitzer “perpetrated a US$105 million Ponzi scheme against investors” and “used several entities and sales agents to misrepresent to investors that their money would be invested in investment funds that, in turn, would be invested primarily in foreign currency.

“Investors were falsely told that Spitzer’s funds had never lost money and historically produced profitable annual returns that one year reached over 180 percent,” the SEC said in a statement.

It said that Spitzer used money raised from new investors to pay earlier investors, and misappropriated investor funds to pay unrelated business expenses.

“He concealed his scheme by issuing phony documents to investors that led them to believe their investments were profiting,” the SEC said, adding that it has obtained an emergency court order freezing the assets of Spitzer and his companies.

According to the SEC’s complaint, filed in US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Spitzer conducted the alleged fraudulent scheme, which involved

400 investors, from at least 2004 to present.

It said he only invested about US$30 million of the more than US$105 million he raised from investors. Of that amount, Spitzer used about US$13.5 million to invest through an offshore entity via a bank account in the Netherlands Antilles, the indictment charged. The SEC alleged that Spitzer used offshore bank accounts to pay purported business expenses of his companies.

It also charged that he deposited investor funds into bank accounts at the National Bank of Anguilla and the First Bank of Puerto Rico, from which he paid more than US$15 million in purported operating expenses and payments to himself and various sales agents.

Spitzer also used more than US$4.8 million to pay third-party business expenses, the SEC charged.

According to the SEC’s complaint, Spitzer’s scheme is “on the verge of collapse as he has attempted to delay and avoid paying investor redemptions.”

As recently as March 2010, the SEC claimed that Spitzer obtained US$100,000 from an unidentified investor for an investment in one of his “purportedly more conservative investment funds.”

“Rather than invest the money, Spitzer used a portion of the money in April 2010 to pay other investors and thirdparty expenses,” the complaint alleged.

In February 2009, the SEC filed a civil lawsuit against Texas financier Allan Stanford, accusing him of masterminding a US$7 billion Ponzi scheme involving his Antigua and Barbuda-owned Stanford International Bank.

Stanford, who is currently jailed in Houston, Texas, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He goes on trial in January.

99

OIL CHANGE (INCLUDES ALL FLUIDS) NOT VALID AFTER 7/15/2010

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel To Surrender To Jamaican Police

Popular dancehall artiste, Adijah Palmer aka DJ Vybz Kartel, was expected to surrender to police on Wednesday less than 24 hours after he was named as a major person of interest.

Since Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced a limited state of emergency in three areas last month as a result of the gun battle between security forces and groups loyal to Christopher “Dudus” Coke, wanted in the United States on criminal charges, the police have named more than 100 persons of interest as they seek to eradicate criminal gangs in the area.

The state of emergency gives the police the power to detain persons indefinitely. Despite rising popularity among dancehall fans, Vybz Kartel has had a troubled year. He has been

banned from performing in Barbados and St Lucia after authorities in those countries branded his music as undesirable and a wrong influence on young people.

His studio at Kirk Avenue in Havendale, St Andrew was locked down by police after residents of the community complained that the recording studio was attracting undesirables.

Meanwhile, Rodney Pryce, popularly known as the entertainer “Bounty Killa” has been freed of a charge of assault following a dispute involving his girlfriend.

Pryce was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm after Kadene Baker threatened to end their three-year relationship.

He was arrested and charged in April and while the entertainer was being processed he reportedly called his girlfriend and threatened her life in the presence of the police.

But no charges were laid against him since the girlfriend refused to sign a police statement on the matter.

12

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Entertainment

To Promote Your Party or Entertainment Event in NY Liberty Star, Call us Today at: (718) 785-9722

Another Jamaican Soap Opera

MOVIES now in theatres New Releases Toy Story The Karate Kid The A-Team Get Him to the Greek Shrek Forever After Prince of Persia Killers Jonah Hex Iron Man Marmaduke

Da'Ville, Kayla Bliss and Natural Black (Photo by Marjorie Flash)

Artists Set Big Reggae Festival This Weekend

By Marjorie Flash

Jammins Entertainment held the 3rd Annual Brooklyn Music Festival Press Party at ROAM Nightclub in New York City, last week.

The venue was filled with media flashing cameras and videographers clamoring to snap or interview some of the event’s celebrities that were in the house such as Da’Ville, Kayla Bliss, Natural Black, and Bennybwoy to mention a few.

Jammins Entertainment CEO, George Crooks announced the confirmed artists list of illustrious reggae headliners, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Da’Ville, Marcia Griffiths, Barrington Levy, Assassin, Tony Matterhorn, Lady Saw, D’Angel, Tanya Stephens, Junior Demus, Gregory Isaacs, Ding Dong, Ricky Blaze, Yellowman, Angels Caribbean Band, The late Peter Tosh son – Tosh-1, Bennybwoy, Little Hero, Mikey Jarrett, New Kingston Band, Courtney John, P.Zed, Nesbeth, The Rudie Crew and NY Ska Jazz Ensemble Ska bands. HipHop power stars Fabolous and B.O.B are also amongst the headliners.

The Brooklyn Music Festival has had enor-

GROWN UPS Five friends and former teammates reunite years later to honor the passing of their childhood basketball coach. With their wives and kids in tow, they spend the Fourth of July holiday weekend together at the lake house where they celebrated their championship years earlier. Picking up where they left off, they discover why growing older doesn't mean growing up.

mous success in its prior years and is known as one of the biggest Caribbean music festivals in the U.S. Georges urges patrons to come out early as this is going to be one of the biggest reggae events ever staged in the New York tristate area.

Crooks was joined on stage by reggae sensation, Da’Ville who was in the house to meet and greet the media and fans. Da’Ville expressed his appreciation for the support and his expectations that the Brooklyn Music Festival will be a great event. He went on further to say how much he is looking forward to working with the other great entertainers on the lineup and encourages people to come out to support the artists and enjoy what is expected to be a wonderful show.

JetBlue Airways, Western Union, The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI), New York Liberty Star, and Lime (formerly Cable & Wireless) are among the major sponsors for this year’s event.

Partial proceeds from the festival will be donated to the AFUWI Scholarship Fund.

The festival will be held at the Aviator Sports & Recreation – Floyd Bennett Field, Flatbush Avenue South, in Brooklyn. Gates open at 12 noon with show time starting at 1pm.

There are plenty of parking spaces available free to patrons.

VP’s Reggae Gold Features The Summer’s Hottest Tracks

VP Records released the newest installment of their Reggae Gold series on June 22nd, 2010. The compilation is Reggae’s most highly-anticipated release of the year. It Features 18 exceptional tracks, in a detailed sequence and represents the Reggae Hits for Summer 2010.

Reggae Gold 2010 compilation features a varied assortment of significant reggae artists and hits. Gyptian’s chart topping single “Hold You” sets the pace for this outstanding album. Keeping the vibe going is the feel good, Reggae Fusion track “Holiday” from Ding Dong featuring Chevaughn Clayton which is buzzing in dances from Jamaica to the U.S. We couldn’t leave out the track that

has been making it difficult for us all to find a pair of Clarks. The Gaza General Vybz Kartel featuring Popcaan, Gaza Slim’s on fire track “Clarks” is included.

Reggae and Hip Hop has always been closely related so we bring you the new banger “As We Enter” from the Distant Relatives Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas. Steadily becoming a party favorite and sparking a new dance craze is “Skip to Ma Luu” by Serani featuring Ding Dong. Reggae Gold smooths it out with Dancehall’s favorite Deejay Busy Signal’s romantic tune “Sweet Love (Night Shift).” Reggae Gold travels through the Gullyside with Mavado’s “House Cleaning” track.

“What A Ting”

Once again Island theater productions, who has been hailed as New York’s premier Caribbean theatrical production company and who has presented comedies with the likes of Delcita and Shebada, will be serving up a spicy blend of Jamaican comedy and real tenement yard mix up in the stage play “What A Ting” which is was originally titled “Big Yard Passa Passa”.

What a Ting, which recently played to sold out audiences in Florida, will hit the stages of New York: on Saturday July 17th in Brooklyn at Wingate High School ; Sunday July 18th in the Bronx at Truman High School; and on Sunday July 25th in Queens at Magnetech School (IS 231).

The play tells the story of Trigger, a sweet boy, who got married to American while he was in the U S. However, it was a marriage of convenience for him to get his green card.

Once he received his green card, he fled back to Jamaica to be with his long time girlfriend Precious. But lo and behold, when Trigger’s American wife and her daughter pursues him and ends up in Jamaica she meets Icylin, a rambunctious gossiper and motel owner , who makes everybody’s business her own.

This is where the mix up and blend starts, because Precious has been enjoying the gifts and attention that George, her sugar daddy is showering upon her, in the absence of her sweetheart Trigger.

While staying at Icylin’s motel, Tigger’s American wife and her daughter Ana meets Precious, George, and Officer Long Face.

Unknown to Precious is the fact that this American woman is the wife of her boyfriend trigger.

What A Ting features a very talented cast and is written and directed by Richard Halloway.

What A Ting is a Jamaican soap opera and a play that is suitable for the entire family. The play will definitely entertain and deliver good Jamaican humor.

To obtain tickets or information call 718739-4764 or 347-398-1210 or visit www.itpOnStage.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

13

14

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

15

16

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Health

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

17

Governor Announces Low Cost Health Insurance For Uninsured With Pre-Existing Conditions Governor David A. Paterson’s plan to help uninsured New Yorkers with preexisting health conditions will benefit 15,000 residents, including many Caribbean American nationals.

The governor announced that New York State has applied to develop a program so that uninsured New Yorkers will be able to benefit from the temporary pre-existing condition insurance funding made available in the Federal health care reform statute, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. “One of the most immediate benefits of Federal health reform is this program to provide assistance to people with health problems and no insurance,” Governor Paterson said. “We welcome this opportunity to help our most vulnerable uninsured New Yorkers and we look forward to working with the Federal government to implement this program as quickly and effectively as possible.”

The Federal statute makes $5 billion avail-

able over the next three and a half years, of which New York is expected to receive about $297 million. The Federal government has guaranteed that no financial responsibility for this program will be shifted to the states. The program will provide health insurance coverage to eligible individuals who are uninsured and have pre-existing health conditions. The program will begin in 2010 and will last until more comprehensive coverage options become available through a Health Insurance Exchange in 2014.

States have the option of designing their own programs or leaving implementation of a program to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

New York State Insurance Superintendent James J. Wrynn said: “I applaud Governor Paterson for his efforts to ensure that New York receives these funds to better serve those who need medical assistance the most. It is important for New York to design its own program because of the unique characteristic of our community rated, guaranteed issue insurance marketplace, which provides New Yorkers with access to health insurance without regard to their age, sex, health status or occupation. New York wants to ensure that the new program includes our important and hard fought consumer protections.”

Governor David A. Paterson New York has requested that Group Health Incorporated (GHI) serve as the designated nonprofit contractor to operate a qualified high risk pool on behalf of the State. By Federal rules, only a nonprofit can serve in this role. GHI is a subsidiary of Emblem Health and is the only nonprofit company authorized to operate statewide in New York State. GHI’s statewide network of participating providers will make it easier to facilitate access for care for New Yorkers all around the State.

In designing the proposed program, the

Teen Eating Disorders And Addictions Tough To Treat When it comes to treating eating disorders and addictions, the path to recovery may be even harder — and less straightforward — for children and teens than it is for adults, experts say.

“Disorders that start when you’re young, in adolescence, no matter what the disorder, are always harder to treat and harder to recover from,” said Dr. David Schlager, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

This applies both to a wide range of problems, he said, from eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, to addictions and mental illness. No one knows exactly why this is so, in terms of brain chemistry, but adolescence can be hard enough even without these complications.

“There are so many crucial things going on, so much pressure to establish yourself in various ways,” explained Schlager, who’s also a psychiatrist with Lone Star Circle of Care. Mental health can be easier for adults, he reasoned, because “if you’ve made it to 30 you’ve carved out a little groove for yourself, most people will give you a little latitude.”

Also, the bodies and minds of people suffering from any of these disorders work differently than those of healthy individuals, making the challenge even tougher.

“In anorexia, [which typically sets in between the ages of 14 and 17], when someone is severely underweight, their brain and their body tend to react differently,” said Andrea Vazzana, a clinical assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University Child Study Center. “Someone who is severely underweight is likely to have difficulty concentrating, making good judgments. Reasoning becomes more difficult and their mood is affected.

They’re more irritable and depressed and anxious.”

People with bulimia suffer from a similar problem. “They’re binging and purging and their body is affected. They have the same preoccupation with weight [as anorexics] and, to a lesser

extent than with anorexia, their judgment is impacted,” Vazzana said.

But clinicians are at a disadvantage when it comes to treating troubled teens, because there’s a dearth of research into what treatments actually work for the younger people.

For example, “there aren’t a lot of treatments [for eating disorders], especially in adolescence, that have been proven to work,” Vazzana said. Family therapy is one treatment that has shown good results in randomized, controlled trials.

There are good treatments that work for bulimia in adults but no one knows if they trickle down to children, though anecdotally they do seem to have some effect, Vazzana said. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

None of this means that parents should give up hope. Treating eating disorders, addictions and other mental health issues in younger people can be difficult, but it’s not impossible, said Schlager.

“It depends on the condition. If it’s one of the conditions that only have behavioral treatments and no medication, then it’s hard first of all to get them [children] to participate in behavioral treatment,” he said.

And, according to Vazzana, there’s no evidence yet that 12-Step programs work for eating disorders, especially in younger people, because they require people to acknowledge their illness.

“To get a teenager to acknowledge that they have an illness and that they need care, that’s narcissistically overwhelming,” Schlager said.

“Like most young people, they pretend it’s not happening.”

Wynn Oleson is a pseudonym for the author of My Daughter Is Bulimic and the Cat Has Hairballs: The 95-Pound Addict in the Room.

She found that neither 12-Step programs for addiction, nor a host of other “adult-oriented” treatments, helped her daughter, who has struggled with both eating disorders and addiction.

State Insurance Department consulted with a broad range of stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, providers and insurers. The goal was to create an affordable program that also offered comprehensive coverage. To ensure access to needed care, the program will include low co-pays as well as services that will assist enrollees in managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall health. The program is expected to enroll about 15,000 New Yorkers.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is required to cover a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. The Plan will not base eligibility on income and does not charge a higher premium because of a pre-existing medical condition.

The Federal funds will cover any operational costs and also subsidize premiums, which will be well below the current cost of coverage in the individual market. The State’s goal is to have premiums below $600 a month. The cost of the insurance premiums to individuals and the start date depend on Federal approval. Assuming timely approval of New York’s application, New York hopes to begin accepting applications by August 15, 2010, with coverage available by the late fall.

Become a Certified Baby Nurse in as little as 2 weeks. Train to become a professional Baby Nurse.

Learn about Newborn Babies: * Breast Feeding * Food & Nutrition * Parenthood * Special Care Babies * Allergies * Imminunization And lots more

CPR & First Aid Classes:

Firesafety Training also Available!

* Heartsaver CPR (Adult & Infant) * Heartsaver First Aid (Adult/Child/AED) * BLS Healthcare Provider * Heartsaver AED (Adult/Child/AED) * HS CPR in the Schools (Adult/Child/AED) * CPR for Family & Friends

Call today to register for Training

(718)JOB509-9777 PLACEMENT Happy Birthday

America!

18

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Restaurant Business For Sale Merrick Blvd., Queens Full Sitting Area Eat-In Take-Out Two Bathrooms Huge Basement and Backyard All Equipment 5 Year Lease

CALL (718) 406-1132 TO INQUIRE.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

19

20

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Travel

Saint Lucia Ranks In Top 10 For ...

RELAXATION & ROMANCE

One of the world’s top sources for travel tips and advice has placed the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia among its 10 best destinations.

The TripAdvisor 2010 Travelers’ Choice Best Destination Awards put Saint Lucia in the Top 10 Destinations in the Caribbean & Mexico region for two categories: Relaxation & Spa as well as Romance.

“We are delighted to be recognized by travelers as tops in the Caribbean,” says Saint Lucia’s Director of Tourism Louis Lewis, who believes this latest award adds to an accomplished list of accolades earned

by Saint Lucia and its hotel partners this year.

Lewis disclosed that the Saint Lucia Tourist Board had placed strong emphasis on promoting the island as an ideal place for both relaxation and romance over the past few years. “We are comforted that more and more visitors are responding with feeling

to our romance messaging and feeling the relaxing effect of the massaging they receive once they visit our shores.”

In addition to the two popular travel categories, Saint Lucia was also named amongst the Top 25 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2010. Trip Advisor’s 2010 Traveler’s Choice Awards also gave top-ranking to a number of Saint Lucia’s inns, villas and resorts.

TripAdvisor, an operating company of Expedia, Inc. and one of the world’s largest travel websites, assists travelers with real information, advice, and opinions from millions of travelers. TripAdvisor.Com is a place for insights and tips, that is alive with experiences and opinions. A friendly and relaxed community filled with honest conversations between travelers, it’s a place that feels like a local neighborhood coffee shop or café.

The program was reintroduced

Spring Sale

Without your travel agent you are on your own

Florida............................... 168 Trinidad..............................258 Kingston............................ 238 Montego Bay..................... 238 Haiti................................... 312 London...............................641 St. Lucia.............................310 Barbados........................... 348 St. Vincent......................... 480 George Town..................... 498 Grenada............................ 518

Taxes not included. Restrictions apply. All rates are subject to change.

Experience Jamaica Program 2010 Brings Excitement To Kingston The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has reintroduced the popular Experience Jamaica program to encourage Jamaicans to taste, see, feel and enjoy the country’s tourism product.

UNIQUE

with a simultaneous radio broadcast from the JTB’s Kingston offices. During the launch broadcasts, both passersby and call-in listeners were able to win prizes offered by participating tourism companies.

First introduced in 2009, the Experience Jamaica program uses customer education and value-added discount offerings to generate interest in and use of the tourism facilities available on the island, including accommodations, attractions, transportation

. The JTB’s Deputy Director of Tourism with Responsibility for Marketing David Shields (left) discussed the exciting discounts for Jamaicans offered through the program with Christopher Read, Managing Director for Jamaica Air Shuttle (center) and Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (right).

and shopping. This year the number of participating entities totals over 100, with discounts ranging from 5 percent to more than 50 percent. This is a marked increase in the number of participating companies from 2009, which peaked at 65 participating entities. All six resort areas are represented in the program.

“This is the start of the summer period when many Jamaicans come home to visit friends and family, and local school groups also organize day trips for their students. Plus, with the Emancipation and Independence holidays just a few weeks away, this is an excellent time to offer discounts to our people,” commented Director of Tourism John Lynch. “We are convinced that the Experience Jamaica program will offer excellent value to Jamaicans while driving business to our industry partners.”

The Deputy Director of Tourism with Responsibility for Marketing David Shields commented on the significance of launching the program in the capital city, “Kingston is culturally rich – boasting over 30 attractions including the Bob Marley Museum, Hope Gardens and the newly renovated Devon House – plus this summer will see several major events taking place in the area. The Experience Jamaica Program will highlight all of these facilities and will give all Jamaicans a chance to enjoy our homeland.”

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

W E E K LY W O R D S E A R C H

COMICS

BROADWAY SHOWS

A Chorus Line, Aida, A Little Night Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Beauty And The Beast, Cabaret, Camelot, Carousel, Cats, Chicago, Copacabana, Evita, Guys And Dolls, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Jolson, Kiss Me Kate, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Ragtime, Riverdance, Showboat, Singin' In The Rain, South Pacific, Sunset Boulevard, The King And I, The Phantom Of The Opera, Westside Story.

S

U

D

O

See solution, Page 23

K

U

DPH’S CONNECT THE DOTS

21

22

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Commentary

What Is Lead Poisoning And How Does It Affect Learning?

Q. My nephew was just diagnosed with lead poisoning.

The Health Department has become involved and my sister’s landlord has to clean up the areas of her apartment that have lead exposed. We found out he has lead poisoning because he has had difficulty learning in school. What exactly is lead poisoning and how does it affect learning?

A. Lead poisoning is a serious condition! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, lead is a toxic metal that can enter our bodies from drinking water, air, dust, dirt, or water. As a result, lead can accumulate in the body and cause serious neurological damage. Pregnant women, nursing women, infants and young children are very susceptible. At low levels, lead can affect children’s I.Q. (intelligence), reduce attention span, impede learning and language skills, loss of hearing and poor classroom performance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has identified a blood lead level of 10 micrograms per deciliter as the level of concern for lead in children. Below 10 is considered normal however, a level of 0-3 would be best.

First, your nephew needs to be away from the source of the lead he was exposed to.

He also needs high doses of calcium and iron daily as these help to remove lead from the bloodstream. You can buy these in health stores in liquid form that can be mixed into his favorite drink. Your sister will also have to monitor his diet and make sure that he eats well. Lead has been linked to poor appetites in children who have lead poisoning. Lead is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream on an empty stomach. Most people know about lead poisoning from ingesting paint chips. What most people do not realize is that lead sources include: water that passes through old lead pipes, lead exposed from surfaces where the paint has become old, and lead dust that is stirred up from friction sur-

faces when opening and closing old windows and doors. Lead dust is particularly dangerous because it can not be seen or smelled. Other sources of lead are found in old dishes, cracked dishes, toys from foreign countries and jewelry from foreign countries. Parents should have their potential houses or apartments checked before moving in. If lead is present, as it is in many old homes on Long Island, parents must keep the lead contained.

That includes painting suspected areas before they deteriorate and therefore expose the lead or sheet rocking over the suspected areas to block exposure. Lead poisoning has been identified as a cause for ADHD and other learning disabilities so parents need to be diligent about protecting their children from this health hazard. Visit www.epa.gov/safewater/schools, www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm, and www.epa.gov/safewater/hotline or your local health department for more info.

You may also call 800-424-lead (5323) for the National Lead Information Center.

Lisa-Anne Byers is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over two decades.

She holds graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and multicultural education. She is also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the book, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas available at www.Amazon.com. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.

Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a licensed and certified 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 the author of the book, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas available at www.Amazon.com. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Sports

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

23

Top Clubs Battle For Division Top clubs Upsetters, Crusaders and Pitons scored impressive victories in their fifth round (June 26-27) schedule of the LIME (Cable & Wireless) sponsored Caribbean American Netball Association (CANA) summer league, being played at the Lincoln Terrace Park (E. New York & Buffalo Avenues), Brooklyn.

Last Saturday, former champions Upsetters seniors held off bitter rivals Crusaders 30-28, in what may be a precursor to the mid August league championship showdown. Ninety minutes earlier, Upsetters’ second team left no questions which is the better outfit, finishing with a 20 point

SOLUTION to Sudoku, P21

Little Keanna Williams (right), of Typhoon Netball Club, gets a leg up on the competition during a junior division match with Sunsplash NC in the LIME/CANA Summer League at the Lincoln Terrace Park, Brooklyn, on Saturday, June 26. The match ended in a 7-7 tie. (Photo by Sharon Bennett) (53-33), run away victory margin over Antillians.

Senators’ second team defeated United2 34-27 and Pitons3 came away 33-20 winners over Volcanoes in the intermediate division. In Saturday’s only junior division meeting, Typhoon recovered from a three goal, third quarter deficit for a 7-7 tie against Sunsplash. Latoya Jaipaul (Sunsplash) was outstanding at goal shoot (GS), while Jorine Bynum and Chelsea McFarlane were outstanding at defense for Typhoon.

Sunday’s highlights belonged to the trio of Crusaders, Upsetters and Pitons. With a colorful crowd forming the perfect backdrop, Crusaders

managed a one goal (39-38) advantage in the night cap against Flying Targets. The stage was set earlier when Sunsplash seniors defeated Volcanoes 33-25 and before that, Upsetters seniors and Pitons playing to a memorable 33-33 tie.

Other winners on Sunday’s full schedule were; Junior division, Volcanoes4 over Islanders3 14-10, and Sharecroppers besting Senators3, 136. Intermediate division, Crusaders3 defeating Typhoon2, 25-20 and Sunsplash playing a better brand of n-ball for a 37-23 win over Islanders.

In two other senior division matches, Senators were no match for Typhoons, going down 19-26, while Pitons2

Despite being double-teamed by Antillians (Yellow/Blue uniform), Upsetters (White/Red), came out on top (53-33), thanks to outstanding goal shooting in their LIME/CANA tournament meeting at the Lincooln Terrace Park, Brooklyn on Saturday, June 26. were 10 goals/points better (43-33) than Crusaders2. Only one set of matches will be played in round six –

Saturday, July 3, to accommodate the Independence holiday weekend break.

Sunday is the off-day.

24

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

MORE SPORTS

Heavy Fines For Roach, Steyn

Fast bowlers Kemar Roach and Dale Steyn felt the brunt of their ill-advised breaches of the players’ code of conduct during the third and final Test between West Indies and South Africa in their pockets.

West Indian fast bowler Roach has been slapped with a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee, and South African fast bowler Steyn has lost all of his, following separate on-field incidents during the Test, which the Proteas won by seven wickets on Tuesday to formalise a 2-0 series victory.

The fines were un-welcomed birthday gifts for the two tearaways – Roach turned 22 on the final day, when he had a skirmish with South Africa batsman Jacques Kallis, and Steyn celebrated his 27th birthday last Sunday, a day before he spat in the direction of Sulieman Benn.

A war of words erupted, when Roach almost decapitated Kallis with a bouncer that nearly removed the helmet of the batsman.

Twice Roach had to be pulled away from the confrontation by team-mates, and warned by the umpires for his conduct, a point not lost on ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe, whose job it was to investigate the incidents, and hand down the fines.

“Kemar was involved in an unpleasant altercation in the final overs of the Test where he had to be pulled away by one of his fellow players,” said Crowe. “This was after he received warnings from the umpires, and so it could easily have been avoided. It was not acceptable behaviour for a player at this or any level of the

game, and it’s not the first time Kemar has been involved in such behaviour.”

Because this was Roach’s second breach of the Code within a 12-month period, his fine was more severe than normal.

Steyn’s infringement took place when Roach bowled him in South Africa’s first innings. As he retreated to the pavilion, Benn clapped and chirped a few choice words, which prompted Steyn’s tasteless reaction.

“Dale’s behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he knows this,” said Crowe. “The fact that he was provoked by Sulieman during his time at the crease helps to explain his actions, but cannot excuse them.

“Test cricket can be an examination of one’s emotions as well as skill, and players must learn to keep those emotions in check sufficiently to play within the spirit of the game. This was an ugly moment of which I’m sure Dale is not proud.”

Kemar Roach

Solid Performances From Caribbean Athletes Several Caribbean athletes distinguished themselves with victories at the Finnish Elite Games on Wednesday.

The vertical jump events had some outstanding performances on the Mondo track of the Leppävaara Stadium.

St. Lucia’s Laverne Spencer cleared 1.95 metres in the women´s high jump, and also took good attempts at two metres, as she continues her attempts to reach the top echelons of the

discipline.

Josanne Lucas of Trinidad & Tobago found no challenge in the women’s 400m hurdles and clocked 55.41 seconds.

In the women’s 100, Jamaica’s Sherri-Ann Brooks was as clear a winner in 11.32 secs.

“My goal for this summer is to run under 11 seconds and stay well,” said Brooks. “Finland is such a nice country to compete, that I’m looking forward to competing in Lappeenranta and Lapinlahti, too.”

Steve Mullings, another Jamaican, won the men’s 200 in 20.96.

25

26

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Recipes Jamaican Steamed Callaloo INGREDIENTS: 4 cups of firmly packed chopped callaloo 1/8 to 1/4 cup water 1 medium-sized onion, chopped 1 medium-sized well ripened tomato, chopped 1 large clove garlic, chopped 1/3 skin of a scotch bonnet pepper finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon dried time leaves 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 table spoon cooking oil 1 table spoon butter or margarine Recipe by Šeatjamaican.com Serves: 4

METHOD: Inspect callaloo and remove any debris, old leaves, or hard stalk, etc. Rinse in a large pot of cold water.

Discard the water then add enough cold water to cover the callaloo. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the water and let sit for 1/2 to 1 hour. The salt will help to remove any additional small debris from the callaloo. Throw off the water and rinse the callaloo in another pot of cold water. Remove the callaloo and chop in 3/4 inch pieces in a slanted motion.

In a large pot add the 2 tablespoon oil and 1/8 to 1/ 4 cup water. Put four cups of firmly packed chopped callaloo on top. Add the remaining seasonings on top of the callaloo. Put a lid on the pot. Place on a medium flame and cook for roughly ten minutes or until pieces of the callaloo stalks are tender. The callaloo must stay green. Any discoloration towards brown means the callaloo is being overcooked.

Best served as a side dish or with bammie and fried plantain or breadfruit for lovely vegetarian breakfast.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

27

28

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

CALL (718)785-9722 TO ADVERTISE IN LIBERTY STAR