Contraloría revela deficiencias en la Oficina Educativa de Arecibo

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

Un informe de la Oficina del Contralor reveló que el Departamento de Educación pagó $418,596 en servicios de agua y luz, que no fueron utilizados en el 90 por ciento de las escuelas cerradas en la región educativa de Arecibo.

“El análisis de una muestra de 10 de las 61 escuelas cerradas entre el 2017 y 2018, indicó que la suspensión de la energía eléctrica se produjo hasta 11 meses posteriores a los cierres y la suspensión del servicio de agua potable hasta 23 meses después. La auditoría de cinco hallazgos señala que los directores y los consejos escolares no cumplieron con los trámites correspondientes para el cierre de las cuentas bancarias de las escuelas, contrario a las Directrices para el Cierre de Cuentas emitidas en el 2017. En una escuela se certificó la emisión de un cheque por $4,834 pero la escuela receptora no evidenció el uso de dichos fondos. En las escuelas restantes la documentación de cuentas bancarias no estuvo disponible”, reza el comunicado.

Además, en el informe resaltan que, al visitar las escuelas, estas se encontraban vandalizadas y rodeadas por animales, equipo deteriorado y desperdicios, lo que no permite maximizar el desarrollo del plantel para otros fines.

Por otra parte, se indica que se “observaron cajas de expedientes de estudiantes y exempleados apilados sin clasificar ni inventariar, en un área húmeda y sin ventilación en dos escuelas que servían de almacén […] La auditoría devela también, que la Oficina Regional de Arecibo, no tuvo un encargado de propiedad del 2018 al 2019, no contaba con los inventarios físicos anuales de los años fiscales del 2017 y 2018, y otras deficiencias relacionadas con la propiedad”. 

Para acceder al informe, acceda a  www.ocpr.gov.pr.

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Senadora radica medida que propone pasar a municipios 5% del 7% del “room tax”

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La líder de la Comision de Cultura y Turismo en el Senado, Ada García Montes, radicó el P. del S. 936 con el propósito de allegar un 5% de un 7% del impuesto sobre el Canon de Ocupación por Habitación (conocido como el “room tax”) a los municipios que son sede de alquileres a corto plazo, como los existentes bajo plataformas como Airbnb y HomeAway.

“La radicación del Proyecto del Senado 936, hace justicia a los municipios quienes destinan más fondos para las áreas de seguridad y salubridad con el fin de manejar adecuadamente el impacto del aumento en alquileres a corto plazo en sus respectivos pueblos.  Esto significaría una redistribución del impuesto actual sin que represente aumento del canon por ocupación de habitación. Destinar fondos del impuesto sobre el canon de habitación o Room Tax sirve de aliciente al presupuesto municipal. Todos somos testigos del aumento en alquileres a través de plataformas digitales como las conocidas Airbnb y otros. Estos generan un aumento en en las visitas que reciben los municipios, lo cual requiere mayor seguridad, entre otros, sin embargo, los alcaldes carecen de fondos económicos para manejar estas y otras situaciones”, informó la legisladora.

Según la medida, que busca enmendar la Ley 272-2003, datos de la Organización de Mercadeo de Destino (DMO, por sus siglas en inglés) indican que a mediados del 2021, la demanda por este servicio aumentó un 85%. 

Aunque representa un buen aire para las economías municipales, García Montes explicó que, a su vez, los ayuntamientos han invertido adicionalmente en otros servicios, como la seguridad y la limpieza y ornato.

“Ese 7% busca aliviar las cargas administrativas de la Oficina de Turismo, garantizar un mayor cumplimiento por parte de los anfitriones y aumentar el capital disponible para reinvertirlos estratégicamente. Turismo mantiene este tipo de acuerdo con varias plataformas, lo que resultó en generar sobre $20 millones. Luego de conocer estos datos entendemos prudente que parte de ese dinero se envíe a los municipios para que fortalezcan la seguridad, la infraestructura vial y mejoren la iluminación, entre otros”, expresó Garcia Montes.

El presidente de la Asociación de Alcaldes y primer ejecutivo de Villalba, Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, favoreció la movida en medio de otras amenazas económicas que enfrentan actualmente los municipios.

“El proyecto 936 propuesto por la senadora representa un posible alivio para los municipios quienes enfrentamos el alza en hospederías individuales sin recibir fondos para el mantenimiento en carreteras, seguridad y servicios”, reiteró el alcalde.

Lea la medida: p del s impuesto habitaciones para municipios 7-jul-2022 sen. ada i. garcía

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César Vázquez confirma pudiera haber primarias para la gobernación en Proyecto Dignidad

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El presidente del partido Proyecto Dignidad, César Vázquez Muñiz, confirmó entre risas que, de cara a las elecciones del 2024, pudiera enfrentarse en una primaria con Ada Norah Henriquez, quien fuera candidata a la comisaría residente en el 2020 por el partido.

“De nosotros dicen muchas cosas. Yo no sé qué va a pasar, Penchi […] Si se cumple con el sistema alterno nuestro, pudiera haber primarias”, indicó Vázquez Muñiz en entrevista en Tiempo Igual, espacio en el que tampoco descartó que haya más aspirantes.

Ella en algunos momentos ha dicho que estaría disponible, como lo ha dicho media humanidad. En Proyecto Dignidad, a mí no me importa, al final del día, quién gane. Yo lo que quiero es que Puerto Rico vuelva a tener un gobierno honesto, independientemente de quién sea el candidato”, expresó el doctor.

El pasado lunes 22 de agosto, la senadora por dicho partido, Joanne Rodríguez Veve, confirmó en Pega’os en la mañana que no aspirará al cargo de primera mandataria.

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The SVG Sailing Association has completed its second 7-week sailing program

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: NBC SVG

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association has completed its second 7-week sailing program for sailors at Petit Bordel, Blue Lagoon Marina, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island.

Over 70 new and experienced sailors took part in the event which included camps, clinics and racing events organised by the Association’s Coaching team.

The program taught sailing skills within the communities with the aim to have fun, but also to discover talent to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at regional and international competitions, and to gain vocational qualifications for careers in the yachting industry

At Blue Lagoon, Mayreau and Bequia the objective was to work to encourage better techniques, help with rigging, and to develop new racing tactics.

At Petit Bordel, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island the Programme provided the opportunity for participants to practice basic sailing skills.

This year’s programme was supported by Barefoot Yacht Charters, the Bryan Adams Foundation, Kestrel Worldwide Shipping, and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association will next hold a Fun Regatta at Blue Lagoon Marina on 10th September.

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The Leeward islands are the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Champions

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: NBC SVG

The Leeward Islands Under-19s held on with one wicket remaining, to win Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Championship in a roller coaster three-day final against Barbados at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex here in St Vincent and the Grenadines last Saturday.

Left-handed allrounder, Nathan Edwards was unbeaten with 11 off 55 balls in over 90 minutes as he played a defensive masterclass for to help Leeward Islands hold on in their second innings on 51-9 to avoid being dismissed and denied Barbados Under-19s the title in dramatic fashion.

On last Saturday’s final day of the 3-day match, the Leeward Islands Under-19s resumed their 1st innings on 172-4, 107 runs behind Barbados Under-19s 1st innings total of 279-8 declared.

Before being dismissed in the 98th over, the experience of overnight batsman, Carl Bowen-Tuckett shone through in a crucial and composed innings of 68 off 200 balls with two boundaries to anchor the Leeward Islands Under-19s ahead of his team declaration on 250-8 to enable the team to earn key batting points for scoring 250 and facing 98 overs.

Although Barbados Under-19s held a 29-run lead, the Leeward Islands Under-19s had closed the points gap due to accumulated fast bowling and batting points accumulated.

That small lead on 1st innings for Barbados Under-19s became insignificant when Edwards trapped opener, Achilles Browne without scoring with the second delivery. Medium pacer, Chamiqueko Landerfort took 4-16 off 6 overs with 1 maiden as Barbados collapsed to 76-9.

In the final analysis, to win the match the Leeward Islands Under-19s were required to chase the 106 to win or just bat out the final session. On the other hand, Barbados Under-19s had to get all 10 wickets.

The Leeward Islands Under-19s started to wobble   When fast bowler, Johan Layne took a wicket in the first over of Leeward Islands Under-19s run chase started to wobble. Left-arm, leg-spinner, Nathan Sealy seemed to bowling Barbados Under-19s to victory with an inspired spell of 6-10, but one final twist occurred.

Sealy dropped Edwards at first slip off left-arm, leg- spinner, Devon Stevenson, a wicket which would have won Barbados the title. In the end Edwards and last man Onaje Armoy survived the final stages to win the championship for the Leeward Islands.

Edwards had a great all-rounder tournament. He scored 133 runs at an average of 44.33 and took 12 wickets at 15.25.

The final scores: Barbados Under-19s 279-8 declared, and 76-9, the Leeward Islands Under-19s 250-8 declared and 51-9.

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Serena Williams defeats Danka Kovinic

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: NBC SVG

 American, Serena Williams extended her US Open farewell with a gritty opening win on an entertaining night packed with hope and celebration in New York last night.

Williams, who is set to retire after the tournament, won 6-3, 6-3 against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic .

A near-capacity 25,000 crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium willed on their idol, who responded in typical determined style.

Williams, 40, will play Estonian second seed, Anett Kontaveit  in the second round tomorrow.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, who is one short of Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record, is also playing in the doubles alongside older sister Venus, adding another exciting element to what she hopes will be a long goodbye this fortnight.

Her first assignment was beating Kovinic , ranked 80th in the world, and there was a thunderous noise when she took the first of three match points to ensure her singles career was not over yet.

Williams jumped on the spot when Kovinic’s  backhand return hit the net, then twirled ecstatically in the centre of the court before blowing kisses to her adoring fans when she returned to her seat to soak in the occasion.

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Barbados Royals Women and Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots Men were crowned champions in the inaugural SIXTY Championship

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: NBC SVG

Barbados Royals Women and Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots Men were crowned champions in the inaugural SIXTY Championship after two thrilling matches at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis last weekend.

The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, lifted his own trophy as the Patriots won the inaugural Men’s Title.

Gayle was dropped twice in one over before he hit the winning runs to see his team over the line.

The scores: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 85-3 off 9.4 overs, Trinbago Knight Riders 64-6 off 9.3 overs.

Barbados Royals Women’s Shakera Selman produced a magical spell to claim 3 wickets in the penultimate over to stun Trinbago Knight Riders Women and help her team become the first to lift the Women’s SIXTY trophy with a 15-run victory.

The final scores: Trinbago Knight Riders Women 50-6 off 9 overs, Barbados Royals Women 65-6 off 9.2 overs.

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BFA shows support for regional blind football workshop Loop Barbados

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) last week showed its support for diversity in football by donating goal bars, nets, and protective barriers to a regional blind and visually impaired football workshop hosted by the National United Society of the Blind (NUSB) in partnership with the Blind Football Committee of Barbados.

In addition to equipment, the BFA sent three representatives – Kent Hall, Head of Coaching Education, Fitzgerald Carter of the Talent Development Scheme, and referee Tricia Forde – to the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) to attend the three-day workshop as part of a collective knowledge-building exercise and to assist in generating awareness about blind and visually impaired football.

The workshop, supported by the Paralympic Association of Barbados, various national disability organisations, and the International Blind Sports Federation, was attended by a diverse group of disability sports stakeholders from Jamaica, Guyana, St Vincent, Grenada, and Barbados, with world-class international blind sports facilitators delivering both classroom theory sessions as well as hands-on practical activities. The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith was in attendance and delivered the feature address.

Newly-appointed BFA Technical Director Emmerson Boyce also visited the workshop to gain further insight into the developmental initiative.

“The BFA is really pleased to be able to lend a hand in whatever way we can to assist to develop diversity in football,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to see participants from all over the region coming together and bringing awareness to the unique sporting needs of the blind and visually impaired, and I personally am very much looking forward to seeing this aspect of the game grow exponentially over the years to come.”

BFA Head of Coaching Education Kent Hall echoed these sentiments, and said the workshop was an invaluable experience.

“I went into the workshop curious and just generally wanting to be supportive,” he said. “But, I came out of it feeling not only more knowledgeable about this particular niche of the sport, but also with a greater understanding of people and communication. It was really inspiring and this experience will certainly change the way I coach. We thank the National United Society of the Blind Barbados for welcoming us to be part of such a wonderful learning opportunity.”

Chairperson of the NUSB Sports Committee Pedro Belgrave said he was thrilled with the turn out of participants and thanked the BFA for their donation and support in helping to generate much-needed awareness.

“This workshop is an important step in developing not only blind and visually impaired football, but also in our mission to bring more sports to the Caribbean for people with disabilities in general,” he said. “I want us to be able to shine in all areas and to reach the full potential of what is possible – it is my genuine wish that we can send a Barbados football team to the next Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. We thank all involved this week for their support and in helping to get the wheels in motion towards realising that goal.”

BFA President Randy Harris said providing assistance to workshops of this nature emphasizes the Association’s firm commitment to playing a vital role in developing the game at all levels in Barbados.

“The BFA’s main focus is always going to be guiding the development of football, and this of course includes areas like this that may sit on the peripheries of day-to-day operations,” he said.

“We are intentionally continuing to explore new landscapes for football development, and we thank the National United Society of the Blind Barbados for extending the invitation to us to participate and to continue to be a part of the wider conversation for the progression of sport in Barbados.”

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Worl’Boss Settling Down: Vybz Kartel Engaged & Dedicating EP To Fiancee: Exclusive

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Vybz Kartel’s upcoming EP announcement has left fans more curious than ever as the artist has been promoting a track for the project with the photo of an unknown woman whom he confesses his love for.

The EP True Religion is scheduled to release on September 30th, but while fans are excited about new music from the Gaza Empire boss, many are also curious as to who the woman is as Vybz Kartel has shared her photo with a snippet of the soundtrack “True Religion” in the background.

Vybz Kartel was previously thought to be in a relationship with Tanesha ‘Shorty’ Johnson. The two are not married, however, despite sharing three lovely boys, two of whom have kicked off their music careers.

Despite the new confirmation that the artist is now engaged, there has long been speculation that things were not working out between him and Johnson, who was his muse for the 2020 album To Tanesha where the artist appeared to address some of the pains from their relationship.

Vybz Kartel’s management exclusively confirmed with Urban Islandz that the mystery woman posted up with the artist is his fiancée Sidem Öztürk.

Last week, Kartel shared several photos of Öztürk and one with him hugging her from behind in what looks like a photo taken for family members on visitation at Horizon Adult Remand Center.

Vybz Kartel / courtesy

According to the deejay’s representative who spoke with us exclusively, “True Religion” is a song dedicated to Öztürk, who is now engaged to Vybz Kartel. The two have been together since 2015. “When he was at Horizon initially and their relationship has blossomed since then,” the rep said. The song does sing about forgiveness before one can love again, giving an idea of the artist’s state of mind.

While few details were shared about the EP, the artiste’s management, however, disclosed that there is a title track coming called “Like Royalty,” which homages Öztürk and will be “the sound of the EP, which is also a dedication to Sidem.”

Kartel and Öztürk were first linked together in 2018, but many Gaza fans directed hate at the artist’s new flame, with some calling her a “snow bunny” even though Öztürk’s social media accounts disclosed that she is actually of Middle-Eastern descent, specifically Kurdish heritage and from Turkey. Her latest updates since then show that she resides in the United Kingdom.

At the time, Kartel had put the haters on blast for disrespecting his lover. “Shes white? Lol come offa mi page wid simple minded ignorant rubbish,” Kartel had written at the time.

Urban Islandz understands that the artist will address the backlash he received from some Gaza fans for his decision to be with Öztürk in a track called “interracial.”

“Songs like “interracial” have the “same vibe as well. Cool and deadly reloaded,” the rep said.

Meanwhile, Gaza fans who have kept their eyes peeled for updates on possible features with other dancehall artists will need to wait a little longer.

“No, there are no features as yet. Let’s wait and see nuh…the EP will do the talking. Just wait and see, artistically it will not disappoint,” his rep told us.

Vybz Kartel is well-known in the dancehall world in Jamaica and is also famous among even hip hop and rap icons. The artist is also the inspiration for a new generation of artists like Skillibeng and Masicka whom he collaborated on “InfraRed.”

The artists have often shared their appreciation and the lessons they have learned from Vybz Kartel.

Vybz Kartel also appears to be keeping up with the movements in the local dancehall scene as we’re told he’s the biggest fan of his sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, who have not only grown up in the time since he’s been away, but they are also now fulling running his Adidjaheim Records Label.

They also recently launched their separate label, Uptown Gaza Records, as the brothers continue to pursue music as a duo or solo.

In the meantime, among Vybz Kartel’s favorite young artists aside from his sons are Skirdle Sparta, the son of his friend Tommy Lee Sparta, and Jahshii. The artist also keeps up with Skillibeng, Squash, and Chronic Law, who are all past the ‘young artiste stage’ but still among his top 10.

Vybz Kartel is presently awaiting the outcome of his Privy Council appeal. The artist is challenging his murder conviction on several grounds of facts and law and is represented by attorney Isat Buchanan.

The dancehall legend has also been receiving much public support from artists like Dexta Daps and Busta Rhymes.

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iCreate more than doubles second-quarter profit Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

iCreate Limited has reported a net profit of $6.4 million for the quarter during the quarter ending June 2022, representing an increase of 154.8 per cent against the $2.5 million generated in the comparative period of 2021.

The company said the positive performance came from a mix of new business clients and existing opportunities from the iCreate pipeline that closed in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the six-month year-to-date profit was $16.5 million, up from $4.4 million for 2021.

Revenue was $34.5 million for the quarter, a 123.4 per cent increase over the second quarter of 2021 and $80.9 million for the six months, 239.1 per cent above last year.

All divisions performed well, noted the company led by President and CEO Tyrone Wilson.

Wilson confirmed that the growth in Q2 is a result of the diversification strategy, noting that iCreate has

“Good management around our costing enabled us to deliver the 20 per cent profit margin,” Wilson said.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the demand for digital creative and design training, especially among large institutions,” he added.

iCreate Institute is well positioned to meet this demand and will continue to aggressively push business growth across our other divisions, including digital marketing and advertising, the company said.

In the meantime, iCreate Limited said it plans to expand its market share in these segments to become Jamaica’s leading digital training and marketing entity.

It said it is actively working on several mergers and acquisitions and other joint venture collaborations and expect continued strong revenue growth while closely managing cost efficiencies.

Wilson thanked shareholders, directors, team members and their client base for the continued support “as we chart the way forward towards an expanded digital and creatives group of companies.”

The iCreate head also applauded the solid advances made by the leadership team.

“The core leadership team with Declan Tully as the Chief Revenue Officer has been doing a fantastic job in creating the synergy between the different business segments,” he noted.

Total assets were $128.9 million up from $75.6 million on December 31, 2021. Assets include $38.6 million, which is also carried in liabilities, relating to funds set aside for the investment in Visual Vibe Limited.

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