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Clarke Urges Senate To Create More Jobs For NYC
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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For several months, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke has joined the House of ○ Representatives in passing a host of bills that would create jobs and stimulate the economy which has been stymied in the U.S. Senate by a slate of Republican Senators. We must urge Republican Senators to stop blocking important legislation that would propel America’s economic recovery and put New York back to work. “With New York City’s unemployment rate at 9.6 percent, it makes no sense that Senate Republicans aren’t doing more to help families who are feeling the pinch of tough economic times,” said Rep. Clarke. “New Yorkers need to know what Senate Republicans are doing in Washington and let them know that working families, teachers and small businesses desperately need relief.” While the national economy has shown signs of improvement recently, the current pace of job creation is evidence that government action is needed to further stimulate our economy, particularly for our small businesses. Small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms, employ about half of all private sector employees and pay nearly 45% of the U.S. private payroll. “As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I find it unfortunate that Senate Republicans have decided to block critical legislation that would help restore the flow of credit to enable small businesses to expand and hire new workers by extending small business loan programs,” stated Congresswoman Clarke. “It is imperative that we provide small businesses with the resources they need to bring our economy from the brink. Democrats are the party of small business and have been consistently supporting and recognizing that small businesses are the engine of our economy! I am troubled that my Republican colleagues are putting ideology ahead of job creation. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to support policies that create favorable conditions for small business and job growth.”
EDITORIAL STAFF LENECIA HINES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IVROL HINES MANAGING EDITOR LEONARDO HARRISON GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEBMASTER EARL “JR JAMROC” LYN VP OF OPERATIONS PAUL HAUGHTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIASON DAVID LESTER NEAL JOHN ACCOUNTS MANAGER MARJORIE FLASH PHOTOJOURNALIST
UJAA (USA), Inc., High School Graduating Class of 2010. Claudette Powell (third left), a St. Hugh’s Alumnae who offered the ‘vote of thanks’, is flanked by members of the 2010 graduating class at the union’s awards presentation ceremony at St. Francis College, downtown Brooklyn, NY, on Monday, June 28. Pictured (l-r) are; Kimberly D. Stephenson, (Humanities & Arts HS, NY); David Charles, (LaGuardia HS, NY); David D. Babb (James Madison HS); Milana A. Baker (Poly Prep Country Day School); Andre P. Graham (Monsignor Scanlan HS); Karla A. Hay (St. Paul’s School); Jordain H. James (Bronx Lab School); Temeka A. Walker (Thomas Edison HS); Beresford A. Mills, Jr., (James Madison HS); Patrice A. Hutchinson (HS for Public Service); Matthew J. Thomas (Lingamore HS, MD.) Photo by Sharon Bennett.
UJAA Honors NYC Students Author and motivational speaker Devon Harris told an audience of high school graduates to, “go as far as they can see, as they embark on the next phase of their educational and personal development goals.” Harris, a three time Winter Olympian from the island nation of Jamaica, offered his audience of graduating seniors, their parents and business associates, to accept change as a measurement of growth. “Go as far as you can see and when you get there, you can see farther,” he said. “Do not resist change because to be the best that you can be, you must grow and growth means change.” Harris, on whose exploits the movie ‘Cool Runnings’ is based, was addressing the 20th Anniversary of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations’ (UJAA) High School Graduates Awards Ceremony at St. Francis College, downtown Brooklyn. Using his life experience growing up as a poor, bare-footed child on the tough, inner city streets of Olympic Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica, in the mid 1960s and later as a pioneering athlete/sportsman, as a member of
Jamaica’s first ever bobsled team to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, Harris cautioned against what he said was the ‘overnight success’ syndrome. Harris, who has so far authored two books, said that the path to success was not always easy and requires direction and dedication. “You have to put in the time, all the time. Winning is not always about the final score,” he said to applause. In offering her congratulations to the class, Union President Karlene Largie reminded the students that an entire community stood ready to help the transition from high school to college. “For you, today is an education milestone. As an immigrant, I must tell you, it’s not always easy. Soak it in, you did it, congratulations!” Milana A. Baker, of Poly Prep Country Day School, responded on behalf of the class. Started in 1990, the awards program recognizes high school graduating students of Jamaican heritage and parentage, for their academic and extra-curricula achievements. There is also a 500 word essay competition which the students are
encouraged to enter for a chance at prize money and other incentives. This year’s topic was, ‘I, too, sing Jamaica land we love”. The grand prize winner was Serena T. Morris, a student at Northeastern Academy, Manhattan. First, second and third prizes went to, Matthew J. Thomas (Lingamore HS, MD.), Kristina F. Bryce (Manhattan Center for Science & Mathematics, NY) and Patrice Ann Hutchinson (HS for Public Service, NY), respectively. Other award recipients from the Class of 2010 included; David D. Babb (James Madison HS), who won the MICO Old Students Association Business Award; Hutchinson, the Immaculate Conception HS Alumnae Association Diligence Award; Kimberly D. Stephenson (Humanities & Arts HS, NY), the Community Service Award, and Jordain H. James (Bronx Lab School, NY), the South Coast Sanitary Supplies Award. There were two high achievers awards this year. Bryce picked up the UJAA (USA), Inc., award for $1,000, and Thomas received the AXA Advisors, LLC award, also for a grand.
SPIRITUAL READING 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.
For reading call for appointment: Email: ssreading@yahoo.com
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Brief Sigh Of Relief Obama Extends TPS For Haitians
Former US president Bill Clinton heads UN efforts to rebuild Haiti.
For the past two months, Haitian advocates and immigration practitioners have been agressively pushing for the Barack Obama Administration to grant another six months extension in order to allow more Haitian Nationals to come forward to apply for the TPS program. If found eligible, TPS recipients will be able to obtain a work authorization enabling them to live and work legally in the United States for an 18 months period. USCIS Officials indicated that among the 55,000 individuals who applied for this measure, only 35,000 applications were approved. Mayorkas, during his first visit in Miami this past January, stated that his office was ready to process from 100,000 to 200,000 Haitian TPS applications. In May during a teleconference call with Haitian-American Leaders and community advocates, he stated that USCIS was wrong in issuing the estimate. The USCIS agreed with advocates that there are more Haitian Nationals currently present in the country who could benefit from this measure but the fear factor is playing a major role in keeping them at bay, explains Mayorkas who outlined the challenges and misery the Haiti Quake victims must endure. Haitian Advocates for months have raised concerns regarding the inability of some Haitian Nationals to document that they are Haitian even though the Haitian Constitution recognizes as Haitian anyone who is born from a Haitian parent. A hard to serve category among Haitionals are the stateless Haitians such as those who were born in Guantanamo, Cuba during the 1990’s, those who were born in the Republic of the Bahamas after 1972, and those born in Dominican Republic. This category has faced unsurmontable hurdles to proof their Haitian Ancestry. To remedy this situation, USCIS has agreed to consider affidavit endorsed by faith-based groups and civil
society organizations. Advocates applauded Mayorkas for his responsiveness and being open-minded in listening to suggestions to find better ways to serve the USCIS Haitian clientele. He indicated that he was counting on the community’s knowledge to provide some input in order for the department to take corrective action where needed. Jean-Robert Lafortune of the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition made a plea on behalf of the Haiti Quake Victims who are currently present in the US with tourist visa and seeking safe haven having fled the ruins of their devastated homeland. He requested USCIS to publish guidelines that provides clarity regarding the application process for deferred action. He reminded Mayorkas that there was some inconsistency between his statement made in May 2010 regarding the ability of the quake victims to apply for deferred action departure at the local USCIS offices and the reality on the ground at the USCIS offices. These people need a lifeline today, explained Lafortune who urged the Director to put in place proper structure to address the concerns of those quake victims who are on the brink of become homeless in America. USCIS Staff explains that the deferred action action procedures are left to the discretion of each USCIS District Director and advised those who want to apply for the deferred action measure to secure a meeting with their local immigration office via an infopass instead of doing a walk-in. If deferred action is granted, recipients are eligible to apply for a work authorization. USCIS Officials advised those quake victims with tourist visa to come forward and apply for deferred action before the expiration date of their I-94. Marleine Bastien, Haitian Women in Miami Executive Director, a congressional candidate for the Florida District 17th, urged Mr. Mayorkas to consider the possibility to change the TPS Eligibility date of January 12, 2010 to a post earthquake date that would cover those Haitian Nationals who entered the country legally after the earthquake. In the home front, the UNited States Coast Guard (USCG) continues to repatriate Haitian Refugees and migrants intercepted in high seas. From October 2009 to early July 2010, USCG reported having intercepted some 666 Haitian Nationals in high seas and repatriate them to their homeland. The Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition continues to raise concerns regarding the Obama Administration Haitian Immigration Policy vis-a-vis Haitian Nationals caught at sea. It has dubbed the Obama Haitian Repatriation Program inhumane in the Haiti post-quake era.
Reggae Legend Wows Summer Stage Jamaican born reggae musician and songwriter Jimmy Cliff known for penning the soundtrack to the movie The Harder They Come wows the capacity sized crowd at last Sunday’s SummerStage series, produced by City Parks Foundation. Dr. Cliff who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and holds The Order of Merit, Jamaica’s highest award granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts, performed a number of hits including, You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers to Cross and I Can See Clearly Now, made popular by the movie Cool Runnings.
NY Helps Students, Families Fill Tuition Gap College tuition invoices are in the mail and will be due in the next several weeks, leaving some New York students and families scrambling to fill the tuition gap between their available financial aid the amount due on the bill. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the State’s student financial aid agency, announced today the availability of $96 million in funding for fixed-rate education loans through the New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELPs) to students and parents looking to finance their college costs for the upcoming academic year. NYHELPs loans are available only to New York State residents and are for students attending a participating college in New York State. Students, parents, or a non-parent sponsor can receive a NYHELPs loan to help pay for a student’s total cost of
$96M For Low-Cost, Fixed Rate College Loans attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and transportation costs. Scholarship sources say that students and families who neglect loans offered by their home states could be missing out on some of the best college financing options. Specially priced state financing programs like NYHELPs generally offer students a reliable source to more affordable private education loans. “As we enter the peak student lending season, students and families may begin to see interest rate drops in variable-rate private loan programs,” said HESC Acting President Elsa Magee. “We strongly encourage students and families to do their homework when shopping for a private education loan so that they will select wisely and make the best choice to fit their needs.” Unlike the many available variable-rate loans in the private student loan market, NYHELPs interest rates will not change over the life of the loan. For the 2010-2011 academic
year, NYHELPs will offer fixed interest rates of 7.55 percent for borrowers choosing to make immediate principal and interest repayments, 8.25 percent for borrowers opting to make interest only payments, and 8.75 percent for borrowers looking to defer all payments until graduating. Borrowers who elect to make automated debit payments will receive an additional 0.25 percent interest rate reduction upon entering into repayment. The estimated Annual Percentage Rate (APR) ranges from 8.78 percent to 11.19 percent, depending on the loan repayment selected and the borrower’s default fee. Along with its requirement that students first apply for and receive all other free and low-cost aid for which they are eligible, NYHELPs requires that borrowers complete a financial literacy education course in order to receive loans that are capped at $20,000 for students pursuing a twoyear program of study, $50,000 for students pursuing a four-year program of study and $70,000 for students pursuing their graduate study.
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Interventional cardiologist Dr. Oluyemi Badero on a mission to heal the hearts of the African American community one heart at a time…
The Power Of Ambition Unleashed
Dr. Badero at the the grand opening of his new state of the art medical facility in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The power of ambition unleashed in no ordinary fashion is how anyone familiar with the Dr. Oluyemi Badero story would describe him. His journey from Nigeria to the US is one marked with innumerable story lines of not only remarkable successes but untold challenges; one which has surmounted the seemingly insurmountable, persevered against all odds and gotten him to the proverbial mountain-top. On Friday July 9, Dr. Badero introduced his newly minted state of the art medical facility to the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn; his second. For over twelve years, Dr. Badero and Cardiac Specialists of Brooklyn, have provided world-class, state of the art, highest quality, “One-stop-shop”, comprehensive cardiovascular services to the residents of central Brooklyn and medical pilgrims from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe at their Flagship office in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, located at 1932 Rockaway Pkwy. “It will be a center where all the residents of East Flatbush, the borough of Brooklyn and beyond will be able to get the best medical care,” said Dr. Badero. “And they will do so in the comfort of a impeccably appointed office, with the best equipment, efficient staff and the best doctors.” An important point to make as Dr. Badero is passionate not only about the quality of care he provides, but also the environment in which that care is delivered. “I believe our people deserve the best and it should be within their community,” he continued. The evidence stands at 687 Lennox Road ( and E46th. St.). It is a Jewel, in our midst; three floors with 10 examination rooms, and three consultation rooms, fitted with the latest and best medical equipment, and two waiting areas. The facility boasts impeccable décor and furnishings, is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator for easy movement between floors. Etched in the façade of his reception island, his personal and professional motto: “When It Comes to Matters of the Heart, We Get to the Heart of the Matter . . .” A dream fulfilled Twenty one years ago Dr. Oluyemi Badero a trained
doctor in Obstetrics & Gynecology arrived in the US from Nigeria with US five hundred dollars (all you could leave the country with at the time) in his pocket and a fierce determination to succeed. Now an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Badero holds three board certifications, in these areas of specialty; Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology, having completed an unprecedented nine years of post-graduate training. He is most proud of his “invasive and interventional cardiology accreditation. He endured homelessness, drove a cab, experienced untold challenges, yet remained undeterred and today stands tall amongst his peers. He is regarded as one of the top doctors in his field, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, among them, The Congressional Record issued by Congressman Ed Towns. “He has used his expertise to improve the lives of his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person,” Towns stated. He was the cover story in the February 2003 issue of The Network Journal’s America’s Best Black Doctors. You may also address him as Sir Dr. Oluyemi Badero, an honor so conferred by the Knights of the Order of Columbus. What drives him? His devotion to his profession is typified by long days, his week…a hectic composite of office and hospital obligations that would make the average man’s head spin; but then, he is no ordinary man. What drives him? The desire to be the best in his field, avail his expertise and knowledge to young African Americans (especially) who want to pursue a career in medicine but most importantly to make a difference in the quality of care available to the African American Community. Dr. Badero gets offers from all over the country with significant remuneration packages but will tell you, “I am firmly rooted here; I have no desire to leave.” This doctor is not done yet. As he embarks on this next chapter of his career he has great plans to make his community a healthier place, one heart at a time.
Dr. Oluyemi Badero shows Brooklyn Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene an examination room.
Dr. Basil Bryan To Address Jamaicans In New York The Jamaica Progressive League, (JPL), Inc. will celebrate its 74th Anniversary with a gala dinner dance and awards ceremony at Villa Barone Manor, in the Bronx, Aug. 6, at 7 pm. This year, the League will also use the occasion to celebrate Jamaica’s 48th anniversary of Independence as well as to recognize and acknowledge the excellence and contributions of Jamaicans residing in the United States and Jamaica. Eight individuals have been chosen from different strata of the community, particularly those tirelessly and selflessly making significant contributions, such as youths and homecare workers. The Jamaica Progressive League was launched in 1936 by a group of civic minded Jamaicans residing in the United States. This group was concerned about the
standard of living of their fellow countrymen at home, as a result of Colonialism. These men and women felt that basic dignity and self-determination were vital in shaping civil society. They toiled relentlessly to ensure that Jamaica achieved Self-government and ultimately, independence. “We have recently established a Library and Resource Center at the League headquarters, located at 2230 Light Street in the north Bronx, and are currently researching the possibility of establishing a vocational training institute in the community, noted Sadie Campbell, League president and convenor. The League continues to reach out to elected officials and community leaders across the city and state, in its drive to bring urgent attention to issues that continue to negatively impact low income and inner city communities.
Ten Year Old Writer Chanel Burton Inspired By President Obama By Chanel Burton I am ten years old, I have written my first fiction children’s book called ‘’Wildancer Takes First’’, at the age of nine, which took me three months to write. I am diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Emotional Disturbance. In spite of my illness, this does not prevent nor limit my ability to both intellectually and academically perform well. God blessed me and inspired me to write this book. Writing is one of my best subjects. Writing and reading has inspired me to write this book. Reading is like travelling through time and space without having to go anywhere. Just pick up a book, open it, and let all your worries flow out and just relax. Reading calms me down when I am angry and depressed. Ms. Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama’s ideas and educational background has influenced and impressed me, so I can become a better person and a good citizen of the United States of America and around the world. I have written to President Barack Obama at THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, D.C. in December 05, 2009, congratulating him on his Ideas and educational background. Indeed, to my surprise, in May 19,2010, The President Barack Obama, has responded back to my letter. I was in shock; I open my mouth wide like an Alligator, smiling from ear to ear, with my Mom, Mavis Green-Burton. I could not believe that The President Of United States, Barack Obama, in his busy schedule, took the time out to respond to my letter, and I Quote “when you find yourself struggling, be reminded of the founding promise of our Nation— that we as Americans believe all things are possible for all people.” Chanel Burton’s book is currently being edited by Strategic Book Publishers in Connecticut. Chanel has been invited to Beijing, China, for a Book Show, where she has an opportunity to secure a publishing contract. The cost for her trip to China is $6,000. Faith Pentecostal Of Jesus Christ Outreach Ministries, Inc. has agreed to host a Special Service on Sunday, July 25th, 2010, to collect donations towards her trip. We invite you to join us. If you can’t and would like to make a donation towards Chanel’s trip, send check or money order to: Faith Pentecostal Of Jesus Christ Outreach Ministries Chanel Fund at P.O. Box # 341512, Rochdale Village, N.Y, 11434 or call (347) 307-2529 or (347) 426-5643.
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Caribbean Consulates In New York Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-541-4119 Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl. New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-551-4300 Belize 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400G New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-421-6934 Cayman Islands (Dept. of Tourism) 641 Lexington Ave, Suite 1435 New York, NY 10170 (877) 874-5104 Dominican Republic 1501 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel. 212-768-2480 Grenada 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900D New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-599-0301 Guyana 370 7th Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-947-5110 Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 5th 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, #4 New York, N.Y. Tel. 212-742-8021
Caribbean Quake-Stricken Haiti Bears Scars Six Months Later By Matthew Price
If there is any hope for Haiti, you surely find it in the broad smile of sixyear-old Telia Jacques. She smiles despite her thin left leg that will not fully straighten, and despite the prominent vivid scar that runs down her forehead from the hairline to just above the right eyebrow. And she smiles even though she - like her country - will forever be affected by the earthquake that destroyed so many lives. Six months ago, Telia was lying on the floor of L'Hopital de la Paix, in the Haitian capital of Port-auPrince, wrapped in dirty, bloodstained sheets, her legs shattered, her head smashed open. She had been crushed when her home fell on her. Above her stood a desperate father, Astrel Jacques, pleading for the world to help. The hospital had no medicine, and barely a doctor. "Ca va?" he asked his daughter. "Oui," she replied, but she was not OK. The next morning he realised he had to find a doctor. So he managed to get Telia into someone's car, and drove until he came across some aid workers. They helped him and his daughter across the border to the Dominican Republic. There she spent a month and a half in different hospitals, and her life was saved. Another daughter and Mr. Jacques' mother-in-law both died in the earthquake. "Six months after not one day passes when I don't think about the earthquake," he says. "When I don't think about how our life was together. We lost everything. Everything has gone." On the surface there is little change here. The building material of necessity - blue plastic tarpaulin covers much of Port-au-Prince. The slums that seethe under those tarpaulins were meant to be temporary. Now they house more than a million people and have an air of permanence. So Fabula Gilme can count herself lucky - and that here is a relative term - in that she at least has a corru-
Dump trucks crowd the streets in the Bel-Air in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday. Six months after an earthquake killed an estimated 230,000 people, many Haitians are struggling to rebuild their lives. gated tin roof above her head. Most of the time it protects her and her son Mackenzie. "There are holes in the roof. Sometimes when it rains, it leaks on the baby - I don't know what to do," she says. Mackenzie was born a week after the earthquake. He barely made it into this world. Fabula was almost too weak to give birth. Outside her home there is a mound of rubble. The view from here has barely changed in the last six months. "It's the same it was. Everyone is using corrugated roofs, and tents and tarpaulins. Houses haven't been rebuilt. There are still people sleeping in damaged homes. Some sleep in tents," she said. That pretty much sums up this capital city. Rubble still appears to lie everywhere. Small groups of workers - paid mostly by international aid clear patches by hand. There is little sign of the much-needed heavy lifting equipment. It partly explains why it takes so long to get up to Jean-Michel Fleurimond's home. Or rather what remains of it. The paths in his village are
blocked by rubble. Jean-Michel has no family anymore. His two brothers are still buried under the rubble of their home. "I lost my brothers and everything I own," he says. Now he lives in a small tin shack, with bare earth for a floor. When it rains, the water runs right through the space, eroding the ground. He pulls out two sheets of wood, and a thin white curtain. This is his "bed". "Before, my life was good. I am an artist. I used to make artwork to pay for school. My mother used to help me pay, too." "Since the earthquake, I've been on my own. I can't live how I want to because I don't have a job. I can't feed myself how I like to. It's very difficult." He gets by thanks to the Red Cross. It pays him and others $5 (£3.30) a day to improve the camp. He helped to build the steps that lead through the shelters, for instance. But they are squatters here, and they fear soon the landowner may move them on. Help has also come for Iselene Celne. Six months ago she was
trapped under the rubble - she lost an arm, and both her hands. Now her children help her run a tiny stall she's managed to start up with money from a small British charity, Tearfund. "Without them, I'd be nothing," she says. She shrugs with the stump of her arm. "I'd have no money. I'd feel humiliated. Without the business what could I do?" On the surface, there has been some progress here. There's clean water in the camps to drink and to wash with. Educational projects are starting up. The Haitian police are starting to patrol the city and the camps. But few, if any, of the Haitians here feel that things are actually improving. It is as if their lives have been frozen in time. A day after the earthquake, Astrel Jacques stood beside his dying daughter in the hospital and said: "We are fighting." And now, half a year on, with Telia smiling next to him, he repeats those exact same words. He and the rest of the survivors know that they will have to keep fighting, if life is to get any better.
PJ Says Jamaica Didn’t Use T&T As ATM Card
Former Jamaica prime minister PJ Patterson Thursday distanced his country from remarks by the new Trinidad and Tobago government that the oil rich twin island republic would no longer be used as an automated teller machine (ATM) card with respect to providing assistance to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.
Patterson, who addressed a forum of business leaders here urging investment in Haiti, told reporters that he disagreed with the view that Port of Spain’s generosity had been abused by CARICOM members. “I can only speak for Jamaica and I would have to say that we did not line up or benefit from any ATM machine and I confine that remark to Jamaica,” he said. Last week, the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told her regional colleagues that there was need for greater account-
ability and transparency in the Petroleum Fund and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) – both of which benefit tremendously from funding provided by Port of Spain. “A lot of monies been shelled out by Trinidad and Tobago [with] no accountability, no transparency...we just cannot continue to do things in that way and each time there is a shortfall we cannot continue like Trinidad and Tobago is an ATM card ... you come in you put the card there and you come back out with cash. It just cannot happen anymore,” Persad-Bissessar said.
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Police Say Gangs Trying To Make Comeback In Kingston The Jamaica police Friday warned that criminal gangs were trying to re-impose themselves in the capital following the gains made by the security forces in recent days.
The police said that media reports that extortionists had returned to plague vendors and businesses in the commercial hub of the capital were part of a scheme by organised criminal networks to regain a foot hold. “The Police High Command views some of these reports as efforts by organised crime affiliates to escalate the social and political costs of effective law enforcement. Persons who orchestrated these complaints are desirous of returning the criminal enforcers to the business and market districts of downtown Kingston,” the police said in a statement. It said that these reports “are an attempt to hit back at the security forces for all the recent gains made in downtown Kingston” and that “these reports generate a sense of public fear by claiming that the police are incapable of dealing with the issues of extortion, crime and violence. “As a consequence of this false reasoning, criminal gangs are given
legitimacy and an opportunity to fill the perceived void,” the release said. Criminal gang members have been on the run after the security forces stepped up their campaign in the wake of the killings that followed the arrest and subsequent extradition to the United States of reputed drug dealer Christopher “Dudus” Coke on drugs and gun trafficking charges. The authorities have imposed a state of emergency in several parts of the capital to assist the security forces carry out their tasks. In the statement, the police said
it was urging businesses to invest in security and report all attempts by criminal elements to extort them. “We implore members of the business community to invest in inexpensive security arrangements like Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), proper lighting and lock-down measures. We also urge them to actively participate in crime fighting and prevention outreach activities which are ongoing features of the JCF’s policing efforts in downtown Kingston and indeed across the island,” the release said.
A man eats an orange at the Coronary market in Kingston, recently. The market is next to the bullet-pocked complex of Tivoli Gardens, where Jamaican security forces recently conducted a slum raid that left scores of people dead in gun battles.
Women in Latin America and the Caribbean are still discriminated against in the labour market and receive lower wages than men for the same work, according to a new United Nations report.
The report also points to women in the region spending more time on unpaid domestic or care work. “It will not be possible to achieve equality for women in the workplace until the burden of unpaid and care work which they have historically shouldered has been resolved,” Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said as she presented the report at the 11th session of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. “This calls for the establishment of a new virtuous equation that encompasses the State, the market and the family,” she said. The report – entitled “What kind of State? What kind of equality?” – reviews achievements made as well as the challenges facing countries in the region. According to ECLAC, studies of the total workload,
including paid and unpaid, of men and women in different countries in the region shows two trends. In all cases, total work time is greater for women than for men, and women devote more of their time to unpaid work than men. Figures from 2008 show that 31.6 per cent of women over the age of 15 had no income of their own, while only 10.4 per cent of men were in the same position. Also, more women than men were unemployed, at 8.3 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively. While the wage gap has narrowed – women’s average income rose from 69 per cent of that of men in 1990 to 79 per cent in 2008 – women continue to be overrepresented in lower-income occupations and underrepresented in senior positions. Women still receive lower wages than men for work of equal value. The report emphasises the need to raise awareness of the economic and social value of the unpaid and care work performed by women in the region. It also stresses the importance of empowering women to exercise their right to choice, so that they can participate under equal conditions in the labour market and in decision-making. It proposes a strategy for advancing equality, based on three main pillars: the State as a guarantor of effective entitlement to rights; equality in both public and private spheres; and redistribution of total work.
Jamaica Looks To Protect Young Criminals
Children’s Advocate, Mary Clarke said the study is to gather information on child offenders in order to ascertain the causes behind the phenomenon and make necessary recommendations to the relevant institutions, so that effective preventive and intervention strategies can be implemented. Mrs. Clarke said the study is be-
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A Warning For Jamaican Artistes
Caribbean Women Take Less Check
The Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA) has launched a three-month study to assess the profile and backgrounds of children in conflict with the law in Jamaica
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ing conducted with the assistance of overseas consultants from Texas and North Carolina in the United States. “We have gotten persons who are able to get sponsorship otherwise, so the cost to the Office will be very minimal for a study of this kind,” she said, adding “we have contracted some consultants with a lot of experience in working in the areas of juvenile justice and we’re hoping at the end of three months, to be able to call you back to share our findings with you”. Mrs. Clarke said that there is not enough information “about how our institutions have treated these children, and our systems that we may have in place for the good of children,
we do not know how these have positively or negatively impacted them”. OCA said that the study will target children in places of safety, remand facilities and correctional institutions. Clarke said the OCA will also conduct comparisons between delinquent children and those who have never been in conflict with the law, to help to determine the causes and ways in which these children may be assisted. “We want to compare the differences and so we will be looking at indicators to do with socio-economic status, educational status and background, as well as experiences in the school and family background,” she said.
Jamaica has told its entertainers and players in the music industry to be mindful of the laws and regulations of partner countries in the Caribbean. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Kenneth Baugh made the appeal against the backdrop of concerns being raised by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries regarding the transfer of negative moral values via the music of some Jamaican entertainers. He said while Jamaica recognises the freedom of speech and expression, local entertainers and others in the music industry must respect the laws and regulations of CARICOM countries, taking account of those partners’ rights and obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. In recent months, some Caribbean governments have banned Jamaican singers from performing in their countries. Baugh reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to regional integration and the five core principles of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime, which are free movement, right to establishment, movement of goods, services and capital. He said Jamaica was well advanced in putting in place the requisite legislative framework and other implementation requirements with regards to the CSME. “”The appraisal done by the CARICOM Secretariat only last year, confirmed Jamaica’s strong compliance with the requirements of the CSME Regime,” Baugh said, adding that the CSME represented opportunities for local businesses to expand into other countries in the region. “While we will admit that there are some barriers to trade - both bureaucratic and technical - these are not insurmountable and must be addressed within the provisions of the
Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” he told legislators earlier this week. Baugh said that in the current global mix of complex bilateral, regional and international trading relationships, Jamaica’s participation in arrangements, such as the CSME and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Community is necessary. “Our trading partners and donors are increasingly viewing the small vulnerable economies of the Caribbean under the regional umbrella of CARICOM and less in a bilateral context, especially in areas such as development assistance.” He said this was the reality that Jamaica must confront and as such an immediate priority for the government would be to ensure that regional arrangements complemented the country’s domestic and foreign policy goals, and “to make them work for us, especially as we seek to advance our national trade policy agenda.” Baugh said the Ministry of Foreign Trade would continue to facilitate the consultative process with its stakeholders, by concentrating on four major areas. These include engaging the private sector and civil society stakeholders, through the Jamaica Trade and Adjustment Team (JTAT), “to advance our common agenda in trade policy and negotiation”. He said it was also necessary for Jamaica to step up its campaign for direct contact between players in the private sector in all CARICOM countries. “The mainland countries of the Caribbean - Suriname, Guyana and Belize - have indicated a desire for Caribbean investors to take advantage of the assets, resources, comparative advantage of their countries, arable land and water for partnerships in investment and growth,” he said. He said that this would require more targeted dialogue with the private sector in order to fully take account of their views and positions in the development of Jamaica’s trade agenda.
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Entertainment
MOVIES now in theatres New Releases Despicable Me The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Predators Toy Story 3 The Last Airbender Grown Ups Knight and Day The Karate Kid The A-Team Cyrus
Bikini Under The Bridge Story and photos by Marjorie Flash
One could not help staring at all the beautiful people in the house at JRG Entertainment’s presentation of Bikini Under the Bridge held at Powerhouse Arena in Dumbo, Brooklyn on Sunday. The house was packed tight with designers, models, “the paparazzi” photographers and videographers, writers and numerous fashionista celebrities, dignitaries and guests drinking champagne as they celebrated with Bikini Under the Bridge in its fifth year. The fabulous event was hosted by the beautiful and renowned international supermodel Lu Celania Sierra, who is not only one of Elite Model’s top talents, but an actress, choreographer, producer and a runway coach for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. She certainly graced the catwalk in fine style as she sashay and captivated the audience while presenting the models and designers.
DESPICABLE ME In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon, yes, the moon. Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
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Although the event was held this year at a smaller venue, the impressive runway had ample room for the diverse, striking and sexy models to “strut their stuff” often drawing shouts and applause from the mesmerized audience. The show consisted of eleven designers showcasing their spectacular swimsuit and resort wear in two separate shows. Designers featured were Richnits, ME, House of Culture, Omegga ’98, Niki Chin Designs, Brazilian Bezel, Yard Rock, Chila For Fun, Swiyyah Couture, Samali, and Derek Moore. The designs were colorful and creative but not so outlandish that the average woman would not want to be seen in them. The collections focused on one-piece bathing suits, bikinis and stylish cover-ups for the “everyday” woman which, for this writer, was delightful to see. Every designer’s collection was as striking as the last one. I would certainly buy them! Entertainment was provided by pop artist Kamsha who opened the show doing her hit single Let’s Get This Party Started and Mr. Lexx gave a riveting and feet tapping performance of his dancehall hit Buss A Wine to commence the second show. The shows were followed by a fun-filled after party where guests could meet and greet with the beautiful models, talented designers, sponsors and stylists, drink more champagne and party hearty. The fifth annual Bikini Under The Bridge was a fashionista’s heaven and a star studded event. Congratulations to the designers, models and JRG Entertainment for a highly successful event.
Beres Hammond
Beres, Inner Circle Tour NYC This August The long-awaited, unprecedented and extraordinary live concert themed “For the Love of It” Tour 2010 is making its stop in the New York area with performances by an all-star lineup of legendary and prolific reggae idols. New York is all set and ready to sing and shout for two wonderful nights at BAM - Brooklyn Academy of Music and Lehman College – Lehman Center which are the venues of choice as people of all ages come out for two heart stopping concerts. On August 6th and 8th respectfully at BAM and Lehman College, the world renowned, ever popular and lovers rocker himself, Beres Hammond returns to the tri-state area where he performed to sold-out, standing room only audiences the previous year. In an unheralded event never seen for a reggae artist at BAM’s landmark venue, Beres Hammond filled the venue capacity for two straight nights. Just the sound of his soulful voice has made adoring audiences swoon from New York to Japan. He has both performed and produced some of Jamaica’s biggest lover’s rock hits, so his musical credentials stand tall. This year’ concerts are going be bigger and better with special guest artists Inner Circle Band singing their hits “Bad Boys” and “Sweat” along with Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill. Part of the proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) scholarship fund.
Godfather Of Dancehall, Sugar Minott, Dead At 54 By Yasmine Peru
Foundation reggae and dancehall artiste, Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott passed away Saturday night at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. According to Peter Burke, a close associate of the singer, Sugar Minott had complained of feeling ill on Saturday and was taken to the hospital where he died at minutes after 10 pm. “Sugar had a heart condition and it was about a year and a half ago that he got the first scare. He was in Canada at the time and I was with him. But as soon as the flutters subided, Sugar was back to being his old self. That is just how he is,” Burke stated. “This is just so sudden and unexpected. Sugar Minott has made a major contribution to the music business ... he was truly an icon and I am going to miss him tremendously,” Burke said, Sugar Minott, who was born Lincoln Barrington Minott on May 25, 1956, earned for himself the moniker Godfather of Dancehall. He is credited with being the pioneer, who, by laying vocal tracks over the original tapes from the ‘60’s, rather than using a live band — as was the norm in those days — caused a revolution in the sound that brought a new style to Reggae music known as dancehall. A prolific songwriter and singer, Sugar Minott is has over 60 albums and is known for such anthems as Herbsman Hustling, Mr. DC, House is not a Home, No Vacancy, Good Thing Going and Never Gonna Give Up Jah. The veteran singer also distinguished himself as a talent scout/producer and early on in his career established his Black Roots label, which led to the creation of a sound system and a company, Youthman Promo-
tions, to give young artistes a “buss”. Artistes such as Little John, Triston Palmer, Barry Brown, Tony Tuff, Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, Don Angelo, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Garnet Silk who did his first recording for the Black Roots label, Tony Rebel, Colorman, Daddy Freddie, Johnny Osbourne, Steve “Shalom” Harper are among those who passed through Youthman Promotions. On hearing of his passing, singers Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne and Leroy Sibbles reportedly volunteered to do a spontaneous tribute at the Rose Garden in Brooklyn New York, where Sugar was scheduled to perform last night. Minott also reportedly had gigs in California later this week including the popular Reggae on the River on July 18. The Reggae music fraternity has been rocked by a number of deaths in recent months. Minott’s death follows on the heels of IRIE FM founder Karl Young and Voicemail member O’Neil Edwards.
Sugar Minott was Honored at Irie Jamboree in New York 2009 and at Tribute to The Greats in Jamaica 2008
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Health
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First Lady Touts Anti-Childhood Obesity Initiative By Bill Draper
A child obesity epidemic fed by fast food, sugary drinks and too much television threatens to create the first generation of American youths who live shorter lives than their parents, Michelle Obama said Monday. The first lady was keynote speaker at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s national convention in Kansas City. She spent much of her halfhour address discussing her “Let’s Move” initiative to combat child obesity. Obama said the black community is hit especially hard by child obesity, in part because fresh fruits and vegetables often are not available in poor urban areas. While she charmed the receptive audience with her quips about growing up in Chicago, she also took parents to task for letting their children spend an average of nearly six hours a day watching TV instead of being outside playing. “In school, we had recess twice a day, gym class twice a week, like it or
not,” Obama said. “When we got home, there was no way we’d be allowed to lie around the house watching TV. Our parents made us get up and play outside. We had to get up, get out, couldn’t be inside.” The 46-year-old said that while she was growing up, her family rarely ate out, usually had meals as a family, and “we ate what we were served. My mother never cared whether me or my brother liked what was on our plates. We either ate what was there, or we didn’t eat.” These days children are spending too much time in convenience stores, where they walk out with roughly 350 calories worth of food and beverages — sometimes two or three times a day, Obama said. “Taken together, all of these things have made for a perfect storm of bad habits and unhealthy choices,” Obama said. “It’s a lifestyle that’s dooming too many of our children to a lifetime of poor health and undermining our best efforts to build them a better future.” Her four-part “Let’s Move” campaign calls for better labeling of foods at restaurants, improving the quality of food in schools, encouraging children to get more exercise and making fresh fruits and vegetables available — and affordable — in all communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls areas with little access to affordable and nutritious groceries
“food deserts.” According to a 2007 study, 13 percent of the nation’s more than 3,100 counties qualified as food deserts a decade ago. The federal government has proposed spending $400 million a year to bring grocery stores and other healthy food retailers to underserved and rural communities, with a goal of eliminating food deserts within seven years. “Surely the men and women of the NAACP haven’t spent a century organizing and advocating and working day and night, only to raise the first generation in history that might be on track to live shorter lives than did their parents,” Obama said. Helen Pierce, an NAACP delegate from Fayetteville, N.C., said Obama’s speech is a wake-up call to young people and their parents. Another delegate, Nathalie Bryant of Indianapolis, called the speech relevant to current circumstances related to overweight youths. “What she said about food deserts, that’s a really important issue that needs to be addressed,” Bryant said.
First lady Michelle Obama greets student reporters and young people from across the country after a town hall meeting on childhood obesity in the State Dining Room at the White House.
Mood Disorders Going Undetected In Children By Dennis Thompson
American kids who suffer from anxiety or depression may not be getting the help they need. Mental health experts say the reasons are complicated, but fixable. More than one in 10 children age 9 to 17 years old — girls more often than boys — experience some sort of mood disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And about half of them are receiving no therapy or treatment, reported a study in Pediatrics conducted by researchers from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Kids with anxiety and depression, especially, are going without treatment, the study found. This is a serious public health problem, doctors say. If left untreated, childhood anxiety and depression can grow into even more serious mental health problems later in life, said Dr. Jon Shaw, a professor and director of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “We know that 25 percent of children with major depressive disorder will become bipolar in adulthood,” Shaw said. Nearly three-fourths, he said, are likely to have a recurrence of their depression as adults. However, the conditions often go unrecognized, and thus untreated, in children in part because of the somewhat laissez-faire attitude that adults have had in the past regarding troubled children.
“We’ve always had the notion that they’ll grow out of it so there’s this thought that they are just reacting to something and it will be a short-term problem,” said Dr. Scott Benson, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Pensacola, Fla. Children also often are not as effective as adults in expressing how they feel. “They don’t have a good ‘feeling’ vocabulary,” Benson explained. “The bigger problem has to do with the concept of self-awareness,” he said. “Children don’t have a consolidated self to measure their feelings against so they don’t know how they are supposed to feel. It takes an astute adult observing them from outside to detect that something is wrong.” In addition, childhood anxiety and depression sometimes go unnoticed because troubled kids tend to internalize their symptoms, Shaw said. Kids with mood disorders keep to themselves, tend to be quiet and are rarely disruptive, he said. “They often do very well academically so teachers tend to overlook them,” Shaw said. Remedying the situation, Benson and Shaw said, starts with the parents. Parents should keep in mind that family history plays a big part in mood disorders, Shaw explained. A child with one parent who has had a major depressive disorder has a 25 percent chance of having the mood disorder themselves, he said. If both parents have had depression or anxiety, their child’s chances go up to as high as 50 percent. That means, Benson said, that children from a family with a history of mood disorders should be watched closely for signs of depression or anxiety.
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Travel
Antigua
UNIQUE Summer 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.
Paradise For The Whole Family If jaw-dropping beaches, tropical climates, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere is your idea of a perfect holiday then Antigua is the island destination for you. Not only is it a perfect paradise for parents, it has just enough adventure and enchantment to keep your children entertained too. The moment you disembark from your eight-hour flight you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals playing in a steel band and offering ice-cold fruit punch. You can’t help but adopt the relaxed island mentality as soon as you arrive. The Antiguan people are a friendly crowd, so you can assume the same kind of treatment throughout your stay, just don’t expect to set
your watch by them as timing-keeping isn’t a priority. Antigua weather is very pleasant. You can enjoy a warm climate throughout the year with temperatures averaging around the top end 20’s to 30’s. The constant breeze from the ocean keeps you cool and comfortable. Rainy or hurricane season is between June and November and during this time the atmosphere tends to be slightly muggier and damper. Known as one of the quieter Caribbean islands Antigua and Barbuda is famed for its 365 sandy beaches, set amongst shady palm trees and within calm, protected Caribbean waters. Many of them make the perfect environment for toddlers and young children to paddle and splash safely. The island offers a range of activities for families of all ages. A great way to get to know the 108 square mile country and it’s surrounding coastline is with top excursion operator Tropical Island Adventures. They can take you on an exciting 4x4 safari to explore local villages, thriving rainforests and breathtaking views . Or take a sail on their head-turning
mystic catamaran for a glorious afternoon gliding through Caribbean waters and snorkelling amongst the tropical marinelife. The trip includes BBQ, calypso music and dancing, and the famous free bar. If you like a little more action head for the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. An unforgettable high wire course of 26-zip line rides above the trees climaxing with a daredevil 60-foot controlled parachute jump. For water and wildlife lovers you can’t beat a tour kayaking with "Paddles" Kayak and Snorkel Eco Adventure. Families with children from the age of 7 can enjoy kayaking amongst the natural mangroves spotting turtles and stingrays and then recharging your batteries on a beautiful beach on an uninhabited island which is home to Antigua's own 'friendly' snakes! Other great activities worth mentioning are Stingray City, a calm, crystal clear reef where you can swim alongside, feed and stroke Rays in their natural environment. And new to the island is the Antigua Subcat which takes visitors on an underwater journey in a real submarine to get up close to the Island's beautiful marine life whilst staying bone dry – if you're lucky you could spot a ray, turtle or even a shark! Antigua offers an abundance of accommodation, ranging from modest guesthouses and cottages to luxurious hotels that make you feel you are in paradise. Kids club facilities in most are second to none, so parents can take some much-deserved time to themselves, safe in the knowledge their children are not only well supervised but also having fun. We've picked our favourite 3,4 & 5 star hotels which are great for families.
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W E E K LY W O R D S E A R C H
COMICS
DINOSAURS
Allosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Apatosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Camptosaurus, Compsognathus, Corythosaurus, Deinonychus, Diplodocus, Eoraptor, Hadrosaur, Heterodontosaurus, Iguanodon, Ornitholestes, Pentaceratops, Plateosaurus, Pterosaur, Scelidosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor.
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Commentary
How To Protect Your Kids In The Pool Q. I heard recently about a baby who died at a public swimming pool because he swallowed some pool water that was full of bacteria. Can you share some safety tips with parents? A. Sure! I discussed swimming pool safety earlier this year about how to avoid drowning accidents. The case you are referring to is just a sad reminder of how careful and diligent we have to be while watching our children. Children love to swim in pools! However, if the pools are not properly cared for, bacteria can thrive and infect children. Basically, if the level of chlorine is not high enough to kill bacteria from children urinating in the pool, parents allowing sick children to swim, parents swimming with babies in diapers who defecate in the water, then other children can get very sick. The WebMD.com website offers these safety tips from environmental dangers: Ask the management how the pool is sanitized and ventilated.
Talk to a pediatrician about the safety of chlorine exposure for your child. Only swim in a pool if the water looks clear and not cloudy — you should be able to see right to the bottom. Although a clear pool could still harbor germs, cloudy water is an indication of a pool that’s not being properly maintained. Touch the sides of the pool before going in — they should not be slimy or sticky. Listen to make sure that the filtering equipment is on. Be wary of a very strong chlorine smell — it’s a sign of chloramines and poor ventilation. Tell your kids not to swallow the water in swimming pools — it’s really best if they don’t get it in their mouths at all. Protect others by telling your kids to shower before getting in a pool, and by never letting them go in a pool when they’re sick – especially with a stomach bug. Avoid swimming in a highly chlorinated pool every day. If you have your own pool at home, you should; Make sure indoor pools have good ventilation — just opening the windows and doors can make a big difference in air quality. Keep your pool free of leaves and insects. If you use chlorine, make sure not to use more than necessary. Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a licensed and certified speechlanguage 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, The Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas available at www.Amazon.com. She is currently employed in the Hempstead School District. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.
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Sports
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Netball Contenders State Their Cases On Brooklyn Courts By Aubrey Campbell
Volcanoes4 (Juniors), Pitons3 (Intermediate), Upsetters2 (Seniors2) and Crusaders1 (Seniors), moved to the top of their respective divisions at the end of last weekend’s eighty round of competition in the LIME (formerly Cable & Wireless) sponsored Caribbean American Netball Association (CANA) tournament, being played at the Lincoln Terrace Park courts (E. New York & Buffalo Avenues), Brooklyn, NY. On a weekend (Saturday/Sunday) that featured a near full schedule of sixteen matches , Upsetters2 and Pi-
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tons3 scored two wins each to jump to the top of the standings. With Pitons2 dropping full points to Senators1, 31-27 for their first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon,, former champions Upsetters, parading one of the best unit in the park, literally walked over a Spice Girls team that clearly did not come to play. The final score 45-13, tells the story. It was a bad weekend for Pitons2 and one they will want to quickly forget. With a chance to at least share the division lead, they stumbled badly, dropping their second match inside 24 hours, failing miserably against the run and shoot, up tempo style of Upsetters2, 52-27. It was clear that they were still recovering from the bruising on Saturday, that had the two teams at each other’s throat and umpire Andre Edwin, hot under the collar. The pair of Sharon Pierre (c) and Sarah Marcelle (GS) did well to keep Pitons2 in the game up to the end of the third quarter, when a questionable call by umpire Edwin, forced a timeout. Senators played the final quarter under protest and almost their cool had it not been for the red hot shooting of (GS) Karen Charles on offence and Tanika Mercurius at GK.
With half of the schedule still outstanding, Pitons3 crushed the competition twice on the weekend to set off whispers about promotion to the senior division next season. They separated themselves from Crusaders3 in every department, winning 39-15 on Saturday, returning on Sunday to put the exclamation on a badly outclassed Islanders2 team 37-
18. They (Pitons3) share top billing at this stage with Senators2 – 15 points – which remained unbeaten with a lopsided 42-28 win over Volcanoes Inc. Crusaders1 moved to 17 points and the top spot in the ladies division, easily outscoring Pitons1, 40-26. Upsetters1 which has the same points total, did not play on the weekend.
Other results on the weekend were; Untouchables1/United1, 37-34; Volcanoes3/Typhoon1, 25-31; Sunsplash2/Typhoon2, 38-22; Volcanoes4/Sharecroppers, 32-16; Antillian1/United1, 36-38; Untouchables1/Spice Girls, 40-19; Crusaders2/Sunsplash1, 33-29. The tournament continues with 14 matches this Sat. & Sun. at 4 pm.
France Puts Jamaican Star Next To Zidane France has honoured Jamaican sprint wonder Usain Bolt ahead of his outing in the 100 metres of the Diamond League Meeting AREVA here Friday. The World and Olympic champion was presented with a plaque with his footprint that will be placed next to that of French football star Zinedine Zidane
Usain Bolt
in the mythical Stade de France, built to host the 1998 Football World Cup. Though gearing up for his sternest test of the new season – a clash with compatriot Asafa Powell – Bolt still had football on his mind especially with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup still in the air. “It was definitively a good game. Spain deserved to win although I wish there were more goals,” said the 23-year-old. “Personally, I wanted The Netherlands to win, since almost no people in Jamaica were supporting them and I decided to be with the minority.” Bolt exploded to super stardom in 2008 when he captured the sprint double at the Beijing Olympics in record times. He returned to the spotlight last year in
Berlin when he repeated his record-breaking feats at the World Championships as he again captured both sprint titles in the German capital. Despite his fame, Bolt said he remained humbled by his achievements and cognisant of the huge responsibility on his shoulders. “I’m conscious there are always a lot of people watching me and I try to be a role model for them, I live my life right and do my best,” said Bolt. “I’m involved in many activities to raise funds for my foundation which is involved in education and development of hospital material. There are a lot of problems in Jamaica regarding violence, my government has to put effort into it and I definitively can help too.”
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FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
Gayle Not Discarded, Assures JCA Official
West Indies captain Chris Gayle By Kevin Pile
Jamaica’s cricket operations manager Courtney Francis has dismissed suggestions that Chris Gayle’s rejection as Twenty20 captain has any serious implications for his future leadership of the national squad. In fact, Francis has argued that with Gayle having played very little cricket for Jamaica in recent seasons, Tamar Lambert’s appointment as skipper would augur well for the continuity and cohesiveness of the squad. Jamaica’s selectors delivered a shock on Wednesday when Lambert was chosen ahead of Gayle to lead the 14-man squad for the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament which bowls off in Barbados next Thursday. “I would want to say no to that (Gayle being discarded). That could not have been the case. Chris could not have been West Indies captain and just been overlooked,” Francis told CMC Sports in a telephone interview from Kingston. “Chris has not played a lot of games for Jamaica over the last couple of years and with Tamar being around the players for an extended period, it stands to reason they (selectors) may have wanted to keep Tamar for continuity. Tamar is more familiar with the guys. “[It’s best to] have Chris just come in and do what he does best, hit away the ball and win matches for us.” Gayle, fresh from leading West Indies against South Africa in two T20s, five One-Day Internationals and three Tests, had been expected
to lead squad for the July 22-31 tournament. However, Jamaica Cricket Association selectors opted for Lambert who has led Jamaica in the four-day first class competition in recent seasons, guiding them to a hat-trick of titles. Francis said while he was not privy to the selectors’ rationale, he believed Lambert’s outstanding record might have worked in his favour, along with the fact Gayle may have been rested following a grueling series against the Proteas. “I cannot speak with any great authority on why the selectors found favour with Tamar,” Francis noted. “I don’t know if it has to do with his record or with continuity as it speaks to the Jamaica line up. Though Chris is here [it may be a situation of] giving Chris a little rest off the stress off just captaining in a West Indies series.” He added: “Maybe this would just allow Chris to concentrate on his batting only and give us some mammoth performances which we know he’s capable of.” Gayle has been named in a strong squad which includes the returning Marlon Samuels and experienced left-hander Wavell Hinds who featured in the recent World Twenty20 Championship in the Caribbean. Jamaica will clash with Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands and guest side Canada in Zone A. They play their first game against the Leewards on Thursday at Kensington Oval. Francis said Jamaica would be going all out to win the tournament. “The complement of the team is one that seems to be very balanced. There are a number of prominent regional players in the Jamaica line up,” he pointed out. “And knowing Jamaica has been doing so well regionally with the senior programme to date, even though this is a different form of the cricket we expect them to go out and give a good account of themselves.”
Ramsammy Hits Back In Jockeys’ Race With Triple Trinidadian Emile Ramsammy reminded his opponents he was still a factor in the Woodbine’s jockeys’ championship when he landed a triple at the celebrated Canadian racetrack on Thursday. The veteran rider, who has been forced to play second fiddle to the trio of champion jockey Patrick Husbands, Eurico Rosa Da Silva and Chantal Sutherland, landed races one, five and six to make headway in the championship race. With his successes, Ramsammy continued in fourth with 53 wins but has narrowed the gap on the third placed Sutherland to seven. Da Silva leads the standings with 66 wins, four ahead of Husbands on 64 in a tight early season race. Ramsammy raised the curtain on the day’s proceedings by taking the CAN$ 52 300, sixfurlong sprint with the 2-1 favourite Wildcat Marie.
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FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
Recipes Caribbean Steamed Fish INGREDIENTS: 4½ lbs fish, scaled and gutted 2 medium onions, cut up 1 tomato, chopped 1 tablespoon vinegar 3 tablespoons lemon or limejuice 1 teaspoon Accent 2 cups water 2 teaspoon margarine
METHOD: Place fish will all ingredients into a saucepan and cook gently until fish is cooked, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve with sliced lime.
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR
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