A letter to our health minister Molwyn Joseph

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
MolwynJoseph

Dear Mr. Joseph

As the minister of health and the overseer of our health facilities here in Antigua, I choose to ask you, how much does a “Patient’s life”  at SLBMC matters to you & the health authorities? Sickness, in my view, is everybody’s business and a positive outcome for each patient, resulting from an optimal functioning staff at the medical facilities including MBS, should be your main concern.

Recently, a mother took the airwaves to air her concern about her child as a patient at SLBMC. Surprisingly, I heard the child eventually died. Of course, I cannot say what was the cause of the child’s death,  but I can say that repeatedly, I keep hearing complaints about the operations of the hospital and the unfavorable end results of some patients.

Obviously, there had to be a tangible concern as to why that mother took that approach to make her concerns be heard. It is for that reason, why I am now prompted to ask you how many more persons are we going to hear about facing a similar situation and not getting the privilege of having a thorough investigation done by your administration or a health board in reference to the misfortunes that are encountered by a patient at SLBMC?

The ER unit is certainly another area of great concern. The waiting time to see a doctor is very burdening.  Persons have to wait extremely long hours before seeing a doctor to get medical attention. Don’t you think it is full time for our health care system / operations at SLBMC be reviewed and be upgraded accordingly?

At this moment, I am also compelled to ask you, why is our national medical insurance scheme (MBS), which I assume falls under your portfolio, seems to benefit the prominent residents of this country and not the common man who seems to be treated like second & third class citizens who are then faced with extreme challenges to benefit from the scheme when they also need that financial assistance for health care?

Interestingly, two of our prominent residents,  a politician & a well known radio personality received assistance from MBS in a twinkle of an eye to get their medical attention done overseas. However, with the common man, it appears as though the response time to get that financial help from MBS takes extremely longer or in some instances they may not get any help at all. Now Mr. Joseph is this really fair to the common man?

Of course the mantra of your ABLP administration is “Building an Economic Power House ” which in my view means, providing food & shelter &  proper health care & high standard education for ALL, regardless of the person’s economic status, their political persuasion, their nationality or their religious belief.

SLBMC is our main medical facility and the abnormalities that take place at this institution are percieved to be too many. These abnormalities should not be taken for granted. Sometimes it is percieved that such matters are overlooked or even be swept under the carpet, to protect a medical personnel. All lives matter!  Many persons are now suffering because of the perceived inconsistencies that takes place with patients.

Sir, If we are thriving to build an economic power house I am making a plea for the hospital to put in place an outlet, to provide patients the privilege to file complaints & seek a recourse of action concerning traumatic medical matters that they have experienced.

I am sure that An outlet of such will bring about better accountability to our health care system.

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Hurricane season is heating up, experts monitoring 3 areas for tropical development during the next 5 days in the Atlantic basin.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Tropical Weather Outlook

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL

800 AM EDT Wed Aug 31 2022

For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Central Tropical Atlantic:

Shower and thunderstorm activity associated with an area of low  pressure located several hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles  has changed little this morning.

Although environmental conditions  are only marginally conducive, additional gradual development of  this system is expected and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next couple of days.

The disturbance is forecast to move  slowly toward the west-northwest, toward the adjacent waters of the  northern Leeward Islands. Additional information on this system can be found in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…medium…60 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days…high…80 percent.

Eastern Tropical Atlantic:

Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low  pressure located between the west coast of Africa and the  Cabo Verde Islands have become slightly better organized.

Some gradual development is possible, and the system could become a  short-lived tropical depression over the far eastern Atlantic during  the next couple of days.  By late this week, environmental  conditions are forecast to become increasingly unfavorable for further development.

Regardless, the system could bring locally  heavy rainfall to portions of the Cabo Verde Islands through  Thursday.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…medium…40 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days…medium…50 percent.

Central Subtropical Atlantic:

An area of low pressure has formed along a decaying frontal zone  over the central subtropical Atlantic about 850 miles  west-southwest of the westernmost Azores.

Environmental conditions  are expected to be conducive for development, and a tropical or  subtropical depression is likely to form during the next few days  while the system drifts generally eastward.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…medium…60 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days…high…70 percent.

High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service

can be found under AWIPS header NFDHSFAT1, WMO header FZNT01

KWBC, and online at ocean.weather.gov/shtml/NFDHSFAT1.php

Forecaster Bucci/Pasch

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Parade preparation by arms of national security

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The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News
A member of the TT Fire Services band during parade preparations on August 22.

Newsday photographer Sureash Cholai captured moments on August 22 as arms of the security forces prepared in Nelson Mandela Park, St Clair for the traditional Independence Day military parade.

The parade returns to the Queen’s Park Savannah after a two-year break due to restrictions put in place to contain the spread of the covid19 virus.

Prisons Services members and band

Women police officers

Defence Force

Reserve Soldiers

Coast Guard

Cadets

Traffic Wardens

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Trinidad and Tobago celebrates diamond jubilee of Independence

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News
–

Sixty years ago, these two islands became one nation, as Trinidad and Tobago was freed from British rule and became independent.

The Union Jack was lowered in front of the Red House to the sound of the Last Post played on a bugle, and the country’s red, white black flag rose was hoisted for the first time to flutter proudly to the strains of our new national anthem.

At that time the queen was still this country’s head of state: it was not until another 14 years later that the country became a republic, and it remains an actiive and eager member of the Commonwealth as well as a stalwart of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Now, 60 years after Independence, in this special section, Newsday explores monumental events, risen stars and both the acknowedged and some unsung heroes of those decades.

We invite readers to consider what has changed and what has remained the same since then.

Through looking back at the past we may gain inspiration for the nation’s future growth, as we celebrate the diamond jubilee of Trinidad and Tobago.

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Penitentiaire ambtenaar verdacht van moord

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

NIEUW-NICKERIE — De penitentiaire ambtenaar Adjai R. is door de politie van Corantijn in verzekering gesteld. Zijn dienstwapen, auto, laarzen

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CPA wants govt agencies to respond quicker to planning applications Loop Cayman Islands

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass

A source close to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) said that a number of applications before the CPA were adjourned recently because the CPA did not receive timely comments on the relevant application from one or more government agencies. The situation is “clogging up the CPA agenda” and, as such, any government agency which is aware that it is not submitting its comments to the CPA on the timely basis should make adjustments to ensure the smooth operation of the vital CPA approval process.

Reason for delays

Regarding the submission delays, it is understood that, sometimes a government agency may fail to respond on time because of resource issues.

For example, only a handful of employees may be available at the government agency to review and comment on the high volume of CPA applications. These employees are expected to complete the reviews quickly, but, at the same time, efficiently manage their daily workloads at the government agency. This can make priorities complicated for government agency staff, who sometimes cannot find the time or do not have the opportunity to review a CPA matter within the timeframe stipulated by the CPA.

Unfortunately, delays in response times do not just raise concerns between the CPA and the relevant government agency, but they may impact outcomes for the public.

To illustrate this and the resulting “domino effect”, a CPA source pointed to “26 million worth [of] projects put on hold in one day” because the CPA did not receive the relevant government agency’s comments by the time that the CPA was scheduled to hear the relevant planning application.

Solutions

Speaking to a source close to one government agency, Loop understands that that agency is in the process of hiring additional staff to address the CPA’s concerns of slow response times or non-submission of agency comments.

If the agency is able to efficiently address the high volume of CPA applications through the new staff hire, this could improve the outcomes for the CPA and the public.

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Venus Williams, Raducanu, Osaka all out in US Open 1st round Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

NEW YORK (AP) — The welcome and support for Venus Williams in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday afternoon were not the same as they were for her sister, Serena, a night earlier. Nor was the result.

Venus, who turned 42 in June, has not made any pronouncements about her future in tennis, unlike her younger sibling, and while she has been successful and influential, too — a seven-time Grand Slam champion; a black woman in a predominantly white sport — the fanfare and attention are not the same.

Alison Van Uytvanck, of Belgium, waves to the crowd after defeating Venus Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig).

Playing in front of thousands of empty blue seats in an arena quite silent at the start, although growing louder later, Venus bowed out in the first round of the U.S. Open for the second consecutive appearance, losing 6-1, 7-6 (5) to Alison Van Uytvanck.

“She means so much to female tennis. Tennis, in general,” Van Uytvanck said. “She’s a legend.”

This was the 23rd trip to Flushing Meadows for Venus, who made it to the final in 1997 as a teen then won the trophy in 2000 and 2001, and her record 91st time participating in a major tournament.

Venus had never lost in the opening round at the U.S. Open until 2020, then was absent last year.

Asked what keeps her motivated these days, she answered: “Three letters: W-I-N. That’s it. Very simple.”

Emma Raducanu, of Britain, returns a shot to Alize Cornet, of France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II).

At night, Emma Raducanu became only the third defending U.S. Open champion to lose in the first round, eliminated by Aliz? Cornet 6-3, 6-3. And yet another past champ bowed out in straight sets when Naomi Osaka, who won two of her four Grand Slam titles in New York, was eliminated by Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a match that ended after midnight.

Osaka, a former No. 1, also lost in the first round of the French Open this year and has slid to 44th in the rankings. She had been 3-0 head-to-head against Collins, but this fun-to-watch, hard-hitting matchup went the other way.

“When you lose to somebody three times,” said the 19th-seeded Collins, who has struggled with injuries this season, “you have nothing to lose, so I tried to go for it and hope for the best.”

Raducanu, who was 18 and ranked 150th when she won the title as a qualifier a year ago, was bothered by hand blisters — she took a medical timeout for treatment after the first set — and was outplayed by Cornet, a 32-year-old from France who also upset No. 1 Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.

“Obviously really disappointing. Really sad to leave here. It’s probably my favourite tournament. But also, I mean, in a way, (I’m) happy, because it’s a clean slate,” Raducanu said. “I’m going to drop down the rankings. (Will) climb my way back up.”

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, reacts after defeating Rinky Hijikata, of Australia. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II).

Also playing under the lights was 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal, who returned to the U.S. Open for the first time since 2019 and beat 21-year-old Rinky Hijikata 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. Nadal did not show any serious lingering issues with the torn abdominal muscle that forced him out of Wimbledon in July.

Venus was off the tour in singles entirely from August 2021 until less than a month ago and is now 0-4 since her return. Her ranking — which 20 years ago was No. 1 — is 1,504th this week.

“It was definitely the longest time I have been away from tennis and been without a racket in my hand. So it was a completely new experience for me, getting a racket back in my hand and trying to acclimate as quick as possible to be ready for the U.S. Open, which was not easy,” she said. “Definitely playing lots of great points, but in the end, it’s just rust. There is nothing you can do about that except for, you know, not be rusty at some point.”

It was Serena who announced to the world on Aug. 9 that she was getting ready to step away from her playing career, leaving unclear exactly when the end would be, although she hinted it could come at the U.S. Open. So her first-round match Monday fell into the category of a must-see happening, drawing a record crowd of more than 29,000 to the tournament grounds, including more than 23,000 in Ashe — and the atmosphere was uproarious and electric from start to finish of her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Danka Kovinic.

Now Serena, who won six of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles in New York, will move on to a matchup against No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit in Ashe on Wednesday night.

And then she and Venus will join forces in doubles on Thursday, teaming up for the first time anywhere since 2018 this week.

When a reporter wanted to know whether retirement has been on Venus’ mind, she replied: “Right now, I’m just focused on the doubles.”

So how did that reunion of a pairing that has earned 14 Grand Slam titles in that event come about?

“It was Serena’s idea. She’s the boss, so I do whatever she tells me to do,” Venus said. “We have had some great wins. It would be nice to add some more.”

Van Uytvanck now meets Clara Burel, who eliminated Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-4.

In other action on a humid and windy Day 2 at the hard-court tournament, women’s winners included 2017 champion Sloane Stephens, No. 1 Iga Swiatek, No. 6 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 8 Jessica Pegula, No. 9 Garbi?e Muguruza, No. 13 Belinda Bencic — whose opponent, Andrea Petkovic, said she is retiring from pro tennis — and No. 22 Karolina Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up in New York.

Men who advanced included 2014 champion Marin Cilic, No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, No. 7 Cam Norrie, No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz, No. 9 Andrey Rublev, No. 11 Jannik Sinner, No. 15 Marin Cilic, No. 17 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 28 Holger Rune, who meets John Isner next.

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Aug 31 update: Forecast says three tropical depressions may develop Loop Cayman Islands

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass

The National Hurricane Center has now provided an update on weather disturbances today, August 31, 2022. Three tropical depressions may develop, according to their forecasters.

Tropical depression 1: Central Tropical Atlantic

The forecast of one tropical depression relates to a disturbance over the central tropical Atlantic, which is currently forecasted to move slowly toward the west-northwest, toward the adjacent waters of the northern Leeward Islands. This has an 80 per cent chance of formation into a tropical depression in the next five days.

According to the National Hurricane Center, shower and thunderstorm activities are associated with this east of the Lesser Antilles and may become more concentrated overnight.

Tropical depression 2: Central Subtropical Atlantic

The forecast of a second tropical depression or subtropical depression is connected to an area of low pressure which is expected to form this week over the central subtropical Atlantic, while the system drifts generally eastward.

The chance of formation over the next five days is medium, at 50 per cent.

Tropical depression 3: Eastern Tropical Atlantic

The forecast of a third, but short-lived, tropical depression is linked to a broad area of low pressure located between the west coast of Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the system is currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

This system could become a short-lived tropical depression over the far eastern Atlantic during the next couple of days.

The system could bring heavy rainfall to portions of the Cabo Verde Islands through Thursday.

The chance of formation through the next five days is medium, at 40 per cent.

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Misty Jean, la musique sous la peau

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Le Nouvelliste

Cela fait des ann?es que Misty Jean s’est cr??e une place particuli?re dans le milieu artistique ha?tien. Elle fait partie des premi?res ? qui une carri?re en solo avec le compas et entre autres le zouk en fond de tableau, a souri. Sans avoir disparue de la sc?ne musicale, la jeune dame s’?tait mise en retrait des projecteurs de la presse people. S’exposer est une p?riode r?volue pour elle car la chanteuse est plus motiv?e que jamais ? garder sa couronne. ? l’affiche de nombreuses f?tes l? o? la musique ha?tienne a conquis du terrain, Misty pr?pare en parall?le un album.

Misty Jean, c’est cette jeune femme au succ?s fulgurant avec des titres comme <>, <>, <>, pour ne citer que ceux-l?. C’est cette jeune dame qui a grandi sous le feu des projecteurs et qui a choisi la musique comme carri?re. C’est cette jeune femme qui a r?cemment offert au public des collaborations musicales les unes les plus int?ressantes que les autres, si l’on en croit la r?action du public. C’est ?galement cette jeune dame qui vient de franchir un nouveau tournant dans sa carri?re. Misty a non seulement chang? d’?quipe manag?riale, mais aussi elle se repositionne au-devant de la sc?ne. C’est d’ailleurs avec ce premier aspect de sa carri?re que la chanteuse a introduit ses projets actuels lorsque nous l’avons contact?e : <>, informe-t-elle.

Sous la houlette de cette nouvelle ?quipe manag?riale, Misty d?ploie ses ailes. Elle est partout ? l’affiche aux ?tats-Unis ou encore aux Antilles. Plus important encore, elle pr?pare un nouvel album qui devra bient?t ?tre dans les bacs. Pas d’inqui?tude, une grande majorit? des chansons devant y figurer sont d?j? pr?tes. Reste ? trouver le bon timing pour la sortie de cet opus : <>, continue celle qui est repartie vivre chez l’Oncle Sam, pouss?e par les derni?res tensions politico-sociales d’Ha?ti.

Parlant de d?m?nagement et du contexte politico-social trouble ayant pris place dans son pays de naissance, la chanteuse sp?cifie ne pas avoir d?finitivement quitt? le pays : <>, mart?le la voix f?minine du titre <>. Misty Jean pr?cise plus loin qu’en ce moment, elle va l? o? sa musique l’emm?ne.

Queen of Compas, sa position

Fi?re de son parcours, Misty n’est pas dans une dynamique de comp?tition aveugle et sans merci : <>, dit-elle. Elle ne s’est jamais pr?sent?e comme la reine du compas et pense que c’est un titre qui se gagne : <>, mart?le-t-elle.

Coh?rente dans ses propos, Misty souligne qu’il ?tait temps que les dames de la musique ha?tienne se fassent valoir. Selon elle, chaque chanteuse est diff?rente. Chacune est unique et apporte une touche particuli?re ? la musique ha?tienne. <>, souligne celle qui travaille sur tous les aspects de son retour. Elle affirme cependant que le travail doit continuer. L’hypocrisie, le boycottage et le parti pris sont toujours aussi pr?sents dans le milieu.

Ceux qui la suivent sur les r?seaux sociaux o? elle est tr?s active ont remarqu? que la professeure de danse latine a entam? une cure d’amaigrissement. En effet, Misty a r?cemment partag? un clich? d’elle-m?me visiblement plus amincie. Il s’agit pour elle de se sentir bien dans sa peau. Elle s’est laiss? aller ? un moment, mais maintenant, elle se reprend en main. Ce qui, selon elle, est b?n?fique pour sa sant?, son estime de soi et ses prestations. Pour rappel, Misty Jean bouge beaucoup sur sc?ne, elle danse et chante, en m?me temps, fait le show sur toute la ligne. Si vous ?tes d?j? tomb? sur certaines publications acides, sachez tout simplement que l’artiste ne supporte pas les critiques bas?es sur la m?chancet? et qui ne lui permettent pas d’avancer : <> lance-t-elle la voix empreinte d’aversion.

Revenant sur le format de ses prestations, Misty rappelle qu’elle ne joue jamais en playback. Elle se produit en compagnie de musiciens exp?riment?s dont le nombre varie selon l’occasion et surtout selon le paquet choisi par les promoteurs. Des nouveaut?s pour elle ? Oui, attendez-vous ? de nouvelles chansons avant la fin de l’ann?e. Peut-?tre que son album sera aussi dans les bacs. Sinon sachez que madame est ?panouie et est plus que jamais motiv?e ? vivre de sa passion : la musique.

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Barbuda ferry fee goes into effect

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

The newly implemented ferry fee for persons traveling between Antigua and Barbuda has come off without a hitch, according to former Barbuda Senator Linton Thomas.

As of yesterday, August 29, travelers utilizing the ferry service must pay a $5 fee both ways; and Thomas was full of praise for the first persons who did so, saying they did not make a fuss.

He says greater things are in the pipeline for the sister-island, as the fees will be used to construct restrooms at the Port and undertake repairs at the dock in Barbuda, among other things.

This fee was agreed to by the Cabinet and the Barbuda Council, and the Council is responsible for its management. The ferry operators will collect the funds, which will be handed over to the Council and verified against the vessel’s manifest.

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