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African Fest Highlights African Diaspora with Mutabaruka, today

Afrikin Fest Highlights African Diaspora with Mutabaruka

Miami’s fall festival season is here and bringing with it, Afrikin Fest, a new and multifaceted festival that spotlights innovation and highlights the ingenuity, economic, and social opportunities of Africa and the African diaspora.

The two daylong event will be held at Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park from November 18-20, significant in history concerning the Battle of Vertieres, Haiti; Gettysburg Address, USA; Quilombo dos Palmares, Brazil. Joining in on a series of lectures and workshops called Afrikin Talks, influencers such as poets and activists, Dr. Sonia Sanchez and Mutabaruka, Village Voice music writer and producer Greg Tate, documentary filmmaker and author Donisha Prendergast, and Tufts University Professor, Dr. Gregory Thomas, will inform and empower festival goers interested in attaining human and capital resources.

Not to mention the amazing chefs we have for our culinary experience. The festival also features a carefully curated assortment of musical acts that represent the African Diaspora.

This year’s lineup includes Tiken Jah Fakoly, Jah9, Raging Fyah), T-Vice, Boukman Eksperyans, Kevens, Oshun, and more.

“We’re excited to have a mix of prominent and global musical acts at the festival,” Afrikin Fest producer, Alfonso D’Niscio Brooks stated. “Afrikin Fest is different from other festivals we’ve produced like Miami Reggae Festival and Bayside Rocks. This is also a forum, an opportunity to network and to attain knowledge.” Brooks adds, “This is the first festival to take the usual music and arts formula, and blend with education, business, and activism, all in relation to the African diaspora. It’s Africa’s time, and we’re just here to show people the way.”

Event proceeds will benefit Give Me Dignity, a Miami-based nonprofit that provides resources for survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, as well as Man Dodo, a nonprofit organization that focuses on poverty alleviation in Haiti, with its current project providing Hurricane Matthew relief.

Luciano Cancels Zion Awake European tour

Luciano.

Luciano Cancels Zion Awake European tour

In a three-minute, 47-second video on social media, the reggae icon expressed his displeasure with the setup of his tour by his booking agents.

The tour, scheduled start in Bremen, Germany on November 2 was to run through Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Italy throughout December. In the video clip, the singer said “I just want to apologize greatly that I have to cancel. Reason being, I don’t like how this tour was planned. I can see it was haphazardly done, and as a messenger, I take pride in my music. I work too hard to bring my career over the years to see my thing going down the drain. I don’t like it… These people book me and don’t even make my manager come; my engineer is sick because he met in an accident, who is my son. And even with that, the people don’t release the importance of me having people around me. A me alone fi tek a plane fi go all the way a Germany? I don’t like these things. With one harmony singer? They know I always have three harmony singers. Where am I going with one harmony singer? Come on, man. Them (the fans) would feel seh mi tun rookie. I want all the promoters and fans bear with me until I set my life and career straight,” Luciano said.

Sterling has issued a release stating, “It’s with a heavy heart to announce that the Europe 2016 ‘Zion Awake Tour’ has been cancelled. I tried my best to save the tour by working with the promoters to ensure that the artist Luciano’s needs were met in regards to adding more people to his travelling crew, and that the shows were professionally produced and promoted. This tour was carefully thought through and put together by T-Boy and myself. We realized it was important to Luciano’s fans to perform in other territories and keep his works moving, so we looked to Europe and Africa to build a tour.”

The JN Girlz are Back

The JN Girlz are Back

Following an absence last year, the JN Girlz will be back in SoFlo for the Senior Florida Netball Classic tournament next weekend, November 19 and 20, slated for a new venue, Carter Park, in Sunrise.

More than 20 teams from across the world are expected to participate this year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the tournament. Jamaica’s four decades old Business House Netball Association draws in big names in competition which could mean the JN Girlz are likely to come up against strong local competitors such as Digicel, Scotiabank and RJR/Gleaner.

JN Girlz are making their fourth trek to the tournament and Team Manager, Josette Smith Scott, said the 17 player squad is looking forward to the tournament. The JN Girlz is the representative team of the Jamaica-based JN Group.

“This is a developmental experience for us,” said Smith Scott. “We have been improving our performance in Jamaica’s BNHA Competition, and we are looking forward to the competition on this international stage.”

The tournament location has moved from its previous spot and is set to be held at Carter Park due to its ability to accommodate multiple courts as the interest from teams around the world grows. Apart from the consistent Caribbean participation, teams from Kenya, Australia and New Zealand have also shown interest in participating.

“In the year we took off from the Florida Netball Classic, we focused on our fitness and game strategy,” Mrs. Smith Scott said. “We are looking forward to a good outcome. There is another special factor associated with participating in this event. As we play, we know that are also helping to build support for the development of netball in Florida.”

 

 

 

One on One: Chef Odean, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

One on One: Ikaya, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

One on One: Zeke Don , Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

One on One: Chef Andre Fowles, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

One on One: Shaggy, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

One on One: Chef Dee, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm cases of the Zika virus found in Miami

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 17th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90 I’m Jahlisa Harvey.

Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here’s a look at our top stories:

Last week Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed additional cases of the Zika virus found in Miami in mid-October. The ban in that area will not be lifted, worrying local business owners that tourist will not visit the area as the international art fair, Art Basel begins in December.

The City of Miramar is accepting donations to support ongoing Haiti Relief efforts. Multiple donation sites including the Miramar City Hall building, will be collecting your kind and generous offerings. Acceptable donation items include baby diapers, infant and adult clothing, hygiene products and medical supplies.

Today is the 5th annual Give Miami Day. A 24-hour online fundraiser which aims to get residents to donate to local nonprofits. Today sponsors of the event will match a percentage of all contributions supporting everything from job creation to children services. This year for the first time, during “Match Minutes,” at 3:05 p.m., Miami FC soccer club will match all donations 100 percent. Visit Caribbean National Weekly dot com for more details.

In Sports:

Trinidad and Tobago is confirmed to host the Concacaf Gold Cup qualifying Caribbean final leg playoffs in January. National Senior Teams of Haiti and Suriname will join Trinidad and Tobago as these three second place teams will battle for the opportunity to advance to a final playoff against the fifth placed team of Central America.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Jamaican entertainer, Jah Cure, pleaded not guilty in a Bahamian court Tuesday after being accused of committing a misdemeanor stemming from an argument at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort on Sunday. Jah Cure appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney to face the single charge of “fighting in public”.

For today’s weather forecast:

Mostly Sunny in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 66. Partly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

Caribbean national weekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet. Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.”

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey.

5 Reasons For Women To Take Charge of Their Reproductive Health

Five Reasons For Women To Take Charge of Their Reproductive Health

There are many options when it comes to female reproductive health choices. These are very personal decisions; however, input from your partner and health care provider is paramount. Here is some important information to keep in mind as you speak with your healthcare provider and consider what might be right for you.

Trends in contraception in the United States, who knew?

Approximately 43 million (70 percent) of U.S. women in their childbearing years are at risk of unintended pregnancy. Research shows, however, that the percentage of women who use birth control has grown substantially.

While the pill remains the most common form of reversible birth control for women in the United States, the intrauterine device (IUD) has become increasingly popular, especially for women ages 25-34. In fact, recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) show women are using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants significantly more than they have in the past.

Plan for pregnancy on your terms

Women may choose to delay childbearing to have more time to achieve personal and professional goals. And generally the less you have to do, the more effective the birth control method tends to be.

The Skyla® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 13.5 mg IUD is effective for up to three years and can be used by women who have not had a child. The Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg IUD is effective for up to five years and is recommended in women who have had at least one child. It is recommended to check the IUD threads monthly. If continued use is desired for pregnancy prevention, Mirena must be replaced after five years and Skyla must be replaced after three years. Skyla is effective for up to three years and can be used in women who have not yet had a child. Both the IUD and the implant are reversible.

The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical trials of Skyla were vulvovaginitis (20.2 percent), abdominal/pelvic pain (18.9 percent), acne/seborrhea (15.0 percent), ovarian cyst (13.2 percent), headache (12.4 percent), dysmenorrhea (8.6 percent), breast pain/discomfort (8.6 percent), increased bleeding (7.8 percent), and nausea (5.5 percent). The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials of Mirena were alterations in bleeding patterns [including unscheduled uterine bleeding (31.9 percent), decreased uterine bleeding (23.4 percent) and increased uterine bleeding (11.9 percent), abdominal/pelvic pain (22.6 percent), amenorrhea (18.4 percent), headache/migraine (16.3 percent), genital discharge (14.9 percent), vulvovaginitis (10.5 percent), breast pain (8.5 percent), back pain (7.9 percent), benign ovarian cyst and associated complications (7.5 percent), acne (6.8 percent), dysmenorrhea (6.4 percent), and depression/depressive mood (6.4 percent).

Recognize the effectiveness of available contraceptive methods

“It is important to know how well contraceptive methods work. Only abstinence is 100 percent effective. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers long-acting reversible contraception, like IUDs and implants, to be among the most effective methods available” explains Alyssa Dweck, an OB/GYN in Westchester, New York. “Women should talk to their health care provider about the best option for them.”

Protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

STIs can result in uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. While nothing is 100 percent preventative, barrier methods of contraception, specifically condoms, are the best way to protect against STIs. Keep in mind that certain infections like the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause genital warts or cervical cancer, are transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, so condoms are not 100 percent protective. Herpes as well as other STIs can be transmitted during oral sex. One caveat that deserves mention: Don’t use an IUD like Skyla or Mirena if you have an active vaginal or pelvic infection or get infections easily. Some Mirena and Skyla users can get PID (less than 1 percent). More serious cases of PID may require surgery. A hysterectomy is sometimes needed. In rare cases, infections that start as PID can even cause death.

Skyla and Mirena do not protect against HIV or STDs.

The biological clock keeps ticking

It’s important to keep age in mind when considering reproductive decisions since fertility in women naturally declines with advancing age, specifically from age 35 and most notably after 40. Ideal intended family size should be taken into consideration as well. Your health care provider can offer blood testing to evaluate your ovarian reserve as age advances.

Contraception has never been more accessible

Access to contraception is now easier than ever. Online and print education is abundant. In addition, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most women in the U.S. with insurance can access prescription contraception at no cost. CoverHer.org, run by the National Women’s Law Center, provides assistance determining individual coverage. Moreover, many companies offer patient assistance programs for eligible women, including the ARCH program from Bayer for Skyla® and Mirena®.

Indication for Skyla® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 13.5 mg 

Skyla is a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) indicated for the prevention of pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Indications for Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg 

Mirena is a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want to for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception. Mirena is recommended for women who have had a child.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT SKYLA AND MIRENA 

  • If you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Skyla or Mirena. Less than 1 percent of users of Skyla or Mirena get a serious pelvic infection called PID.
  • If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain or if Skyla or Mirena comes out, tell your doctor. If Skyla or Mirena comes out, use back-up birth control. Skyla or Mirena may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems.
  • Pregnancy while using Skyla or Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility. Ovarian cysts may occur with Skyla or Mirena but usually disappear.
  • Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular with Skyla or Mirena. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

 

Trevor Noah of the Daily Show Recounts Apartheid at the Miami Book Fair

Trevor Noah Recounts Apartheid Regime in South Africa at 33rd Miami Book Fair

By: Jaury Jean-Enard

The 33rd annual Miami Book Fair opened officially Sunday, November 13, at Miami-Dade College Downtown campus with the new host of Comedy Central’s Daily show, Trevor Noah.

Noah, who is from South Africa, recently replaced John Stewart on the Daily Show after being a frequent contributor to the program. Using humor and comedy as his platform, he intelligently told of the realities of Whites and Blacks in the US and abroad.

During a conversation with Bob Weiserberg, regional attorney for the Miami District of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Noah talked about his new book entitled Born A Crime. He recounts his upbringing during South Africa’s apartheid regime.

“I was born at a time … due to the laws of apartheid, my parents weren’t allowed to be in any shape or form in contact with one another,” said Noah. “We were governed by the laws of miscegenation … Interracial relationships were forbidden; the mixing of races was forbidden,” he added.

Noah was born of a South African Xhosa woman and a Swiss man. Such a union was illegal during apartheid and hence the title of his book. In public, his mother pretended to be his maid so to not get the attention of authorities. And his father was not allowed to be with them in public for fear that the illegal union of the parents would be discovered.

When asked by Weisberg how this impacted his interaction with his parents, Noah jokingly responded: “Luckily for me, I interacted with them like a child.”

He went on to recall rare instances when his mother and father were with him at the park:

“I would chase him [my father] as any child would. But then he would run away to protect us,” said Noah to a laughing crowd. “And then I was like, yea, the game is on. So I would chase him and then my mother would be chasing me,” he continued.

“So I, like many other children, have great memories of running in the park with my parents – the only difference is they see it from a slightly different perspective,” he closed.

In a more serious tone, Noah revealed his candid thoughts on apartheid saying it was “an abominable system.”

“Apartheid was perfect racism. It was a system designed to oppress a majority… The apartheid government was really (bis) committed to finding ways to do that. They studied racism from all over the world … and so they found that the key was to separate people into the most … miniature of the groups; finding ways to convince people that they were different even when they were not. So they didn’t see black as a monolith as it’s seen in America; they said no, we’re going to divide you up into tribe, … into shade…”

Later in the conversation, he said, “I wonder why racists don’t commit to making the world a better place.”

Noah who is polyglot in several languages including English, Zulu, German and Xhosa, talked about the importance learning languages to “gain entry into other worlds and insight into other ways of living and thinking.” He equally talked about the importance of traveling to remove ignorance and connect with people.

He ended his talk with dual effect of segregation and racism in Soweto (his township) which he says subsequently brought people closer to one another and created communities.

The Miami Book fair continues through November 20th with presenters such as US Senator Bernie Sanders and talk show host Tavis Smiley. The Book Fair also introduces for the first time ‘Read Caribbean,” a program featuring extensive Caribbean-specific events, including readings and panel discussions.

 

Thousands attend 15th Annual Jerk Fest in SoFlo

Thousands attend 15th Annual Jerk Fest in SoFlo

As occurred over the past fourteen years, thousands of patrons, from South Florida and other regions in Florida, the USA and the Caribbean turned out for fun and food at the 15th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, held at Markham Park in Sunrise on Sunday, November 13.

The event which has grown to become one of the biggest Caribbean events held in South Florida, proved plenty varieties of the Jamaican peculiar spicy jerk meats, including jerk fish, chicken and pork.

Sunday’s event featured a celebrity chef competition where Amateur and professional chefs, celebrity chefs and personalities went head to head to cooking up the best jerk dishes. Included in the lineup was two-time Food Network’s Chopped Champion Chef Andre Fowles, who exhibited his cooking chops with a demonstration at the Publix Aprons Cooking School in Plantation prior to the festival. Also featured was Eddie Jackson former NFL player who also host a cooking show on the Food Network.

A special guest at the Festival was Jamaican sprint Olympic champion Elaine Thompson who was presented by a special proclamation on behalf of the residents of Broward County, by Broward County Dale Holness.

One of the highlights of the night was the $1000 Grace Jamaican Style Patty Eating Competition. One lucky winner went home with $1000 in cash.

Saving the best for last, headlining the signature event was Diamond-selling, Grammy award winning artist Shaggy, who reminded us why he is such a pioneer by singing his hits including “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.” Shaggy has become a mainstay on stages across the world, thrilling with everything from his early hit “Oh Carolina” to his latest song on the radio, “That Love.”

Miramar resident, Carly Vendries, who was attending the Festival with her family for the 10th consecutive year, said, “Every year I come to the Festival I say it is the best year. But this year was definitely the best based on the organization, the access to food vendors, the provisions made for children who attend, and this year especially the ‘boombastic’ entertainment. I wish the Festival was twice a year instead of once. Big ups to the organizers.”

Soca Warriors off to a bad start

Soca Warriors off to a bad start

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart says that despite a slow start, the team will not panic for the final round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualification. The Soca Warriors have failed to pick up a point in two outings so far after losing 3-1 against Honduras at the Estadio Olimpico on Tuesday. Goals from Romell Quioto, Emilio Izaguirre, Eddie Hernandez secured the win for the home team, while Carlyle Mitchell scored what turned out to be a consolation goal for T&T. The loss added to the opening round disappointment of a 2-0 home loss to Costa Rica, which leaves the twin island republic in fifth place. Hart admits the team must get things together quickly, but does not believe a slow start to the campaign means the team doesn’t have a chance of making the World Cup. “The last time we qualified for the World Cup in the first three games we had just one point. Of course, after these defeats things are difficult and have to rejuvenate the team completely to turn things around,” Hart said. “We made mistakes, Honduras beat us physically but some situations like the first two goals we could have saved, but they beat us physically,” he added.

Miami-Dade Public Schools recognized by White House

Miami-Dade Public Schools recognized by White House

Earlier this week on November 15, Miami-Dade County Public Schools was recognized at the White House in the nation’s capital as the leading large school district in innovation and personalized learning for all students particularly underserved ones.

The commendation was offered to County Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho who was a special guest at a White House discussion convened by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement and the White House Domestic Policy Council. The discussions focused on Innovation and Improvement in American public schools.

The Miami-Dade superintendent was the only one from Florida among superintendents from 35 districts around the US to attend the one-day roundtable White House discussion. All 35 districts are determined be leading personalized learning efforts in their public schools.

Responding to the White House recognition Superintendent Carvalho said, “Education is the great equalizer. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is honored to be recognized for our innovation and personalized learning for all students. This recognition is a testament to the teaching ingenuity of our exceptional team of educators and the impact of the school district’s academic rigor and enrichment opportunities for students.”

 Some of M-DCPS’ personalized learning includes Digital Convergence – a multi-year initiative resulting in the distribution of over 140,000 digital devices to enhance the learning experiences. This convergence complement the 11,620 interactive boards previously installed in District classrooms and the 45 million square feet of physical space configured for Wi-Fi connectivity; the iPrep Academy – a K-12 school that leverages an innovative, technology-rich environment to provide personalized learning experiences for all students. The program has been franchised into 11 other high schools as choice academies; and iPrep Math – a personalized instructional program in the District’s 49 middle schools that combines adaptive software with face-to-face instruction to encourage an inquiry-based approach to mathematics courses.

The topics at the White House, included: students’ access to technology at home, particularly in high-poverty areas;   equitable access to qualified teachers who can effectively facilitate personalized learning for all students, particularly those that are struggling and live in high-poverty areas; and reconciling the delivery of personalized learning with the demands of state-mandated assessment programs and timeline.

M-DCPS has begun to provide students living in high-poverty areas with learning technology through the JumpStart Connect @ Home initiative in select elementary schools across the District.

 

Record Obamacare enrollment, despite threats to end it

Record Obamacare enrollment, despite threats to end it

Despite the anti-Obamacare rhetoric from the opponents of the federal healthcare program and promises made by Republicans, during the recent presidential campaign to repeal the law, the Affordable Care Act, that launched the program there has been record enrollment since the 2017/17 phase begun on November 1 through to November 12.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), over a million people have enrolled in an insurance plan through the federal website healthcare.gov. These enrollees include 250,000 new enrollees and 750,000 renewals. The pace of enrollment is faster than it was during the first two weeks of enrollment in 2015. Open enrollment runs through January of next year.

DHHS indicates that the momentum for enrollment is growing despite the surprising outcome of the presidential elections which enhances the threat of a new Republican administration to repeal the healthcare law.  More than 300,000 people enrolled in insurance plans from Nov. 9 through Nov. 11 after the Nov 8 elections.

“The American people are demonstrating how much they continue to want and need the coverage the Marketplace offers, and we are encouraging all Americans who need health insurance for 2017 to visit HealthCare.gov or their state Marketplace and check out their options,” said U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell.

Since his election President-elect in an interview on CBS TV program “60 Minutes” appears to be rethinking his stance against Obamacare. He suggested he would retain certain aspects of the program including providing insurance to millions of Americans  with prior illnesses and to keep children up to age-26 on their parent or parents health-insurance plan.

He did, however, say that if the program is repealed it would be immediately replaced by the alternative program and current beneficiaries of Obamacare would not lose their coverage.

Jah Cure pleads not guilty in Bahaman court

Jah Cure pleads not guilty in Bahaman court

Jamaican entertainer, Siccature Alcock, who is also known as Jah Cure, pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court in The Bahamas on Tuesday after being accused of committing a misdemeanor that stemmed from an argument at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort on Sunday.

Jah Cure, 39, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, along with another Jamaican Terefe Mason, 26, to face the single charge of “fighting in a public place”.

Another person, Trevor Thompson, 22  – a Bahamian national, did not appear in court.

The police report that the Jah Cure, Thompson and Mason were at the Atlantis Resort when a fight broke out at the resort.

The incident was captured on camera and distributed on social media.

Jah Cure, who was here for a concert on the weekend, pleaded not guilty to the charge when called on by the magistrate during his arraignment.

However, Mason admitted guilt and was fined US$150. However if he fails to pay the fine, he will incarcerated for one month at the Department of Correctional Services.

Jah Cure was subsequently discharged and the matter was adjourned to November 23 when the case will proceed against Thompson.

 

This Day in History: Jonestown Suicide in Guyana

On this day in Caribbean American history, November 17, 1978, the “Jonestown Massacre,” more than 900 members of an American cult called the Peoples Temple died in a mass suicide-murder under the direction of their leader Jim Jones. The mass suicide-murder took place at the Jonestown settlement in the South American nation of Guyana. Jones had founded what became the Peoples Temple in Indiana in the 1950s then relocated his congregation to California in the 1960s. In the 1970s, following negative media attention, the powerful, controlling preacher moved with some 1,000 of his followers to the Guyanese jungle, where he promised they would establish a utopian community. On November 18, 1978, U.S. Representative Leo Ryan, who had gone to Jonestown to investigate claims of abuse, was murdered on an airstrip , along with four members of his delegation, by Jonestown gunmen. That same day, Jones ordered his followers to ingest poison-laced punch, while armed guards stood by.

Another historical milestone for Hazelle Rogers

Another historical milestone for Hazelle Rogers

Garth A Rose

When Hazelle Rogers, former Florida Representative is sworn is Mayor of the City of Lauderdale Lakes on Monday November 21, she will make history as the first Caribbean-American, first black woman and first woman to be a mayor in that city.

Rogers previously made history in 1996 as the first Caribbean-American from the English-Speaking Caribbean community to be elected to office in the South Eastern United States in 1996. That year she was elected as a commissioner of the Lauderdale Lakes city commission, after losing by 2 just votes in her previous election bid in1995.

Rogers was elected by an overwhelming majority over former city commissioner Dr. Edwina Coleman in the mayoral election held on November 8.   Although Rogers, when she termed out of the Florida House this year, could have sought to be elected to the Florida Senate or other office as some of her former peers in the Florida House did it was her “heartfelt desire” to return to Lauderdale Lake to serve the city where she has lived since she migrated to Florida from New York City in 1981. She served the city as commissioner for 12 years before being elected to the Florida House in 2008.

Having prevailed at the polls Rogers says she is now motivated “to work with my colleagues on the City Commission to bring an atmosphere of civility to the dais.” She said she believes this will come with respect for self and each other.   “My leadership will be engaging and I invite those that are interested to serve on our established boards to do so as quickly as possible through the city clerk’s office.  The first commission meeting will be on November 22, and my top priority will be code enforcement, addressing the esthetics and image of our city as perceived by our residents and business community and protect the assets of our city though our community redevelopment efforts and public safety programs.”

Rogers said she wants the commission to set a policy  process that mandates a  mid-year budget review. “I would like my colleagues and I to be on the same page financially and otherwise so we can achieve what is best for the city that we call home and would like for others to visit and do business.”

Give Miami Day

Today is the 5th annual Give Miami Day. A 24-hour online fundraiser which aims to get residents to donate to local nonprofits. Today sponsors of the event will match a percentage of all contributions supporting everything from job creation to children services. This year for the first time, during “Match Minutes,” at 3:05 p.m., Miami FC soccer club will match all donations 100 percent. Visit Caribbean National Weekly dot com for more details.

More than 600 organizations stand to benefit, everything from job creation to animal welfare to services for children and people with disabilities. Communications director Matthew Beatty says the goal is to create a philanthropic buzz.

“Generating all this energy on one day helps us capitalize on everyone across the community talking about one thing,” he said. “That helps this message be carried much further and deeper” and encourage giving throughout the year.

In addition to online giving, there are bonus prizes for the nonprofits throughout the day. The organization that receives the 16,000th donation wins a bonus in honor of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández; the organization that gets donations from the most U.S. states wins the “Patriotic Prize” and a bonus.

And new this year is something organizers call “Match Minutes,” where for one minute, at 7:10 a.m. and 3:05 p.m., Miami FC soccer club will match gifts 100 percent.

Beatty says organizers think they can break the $7.1 million benchmark set last year.

“If it’s one thing that we do in Miami, it’s that we do anything big. And we love a good competition, even when the competition’s against ourselves,” he said.

 

 

 

WLRN.com

Bolt stirs social media with his Holiday hit, “Gifted”

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 16th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90 I’m Jahlisa Harvey.

Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here’s a look at our top stories:

This evening, the U.S Citizenship and immigration services from the Hialeah field office will be at the Miramar Library to provide general information and to hand out forms. All residents with questions on the immigration process are advised to attend from 5:30 to 7:30.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, the African American Research Library will host a ‘First Time Homebuyers Housing Fair’. The event will include a homebuyer’s workshop to help with finding grants, mortgage loans, and getting credit information.

Broward County residents voted against the two-part Penny Tax initiative which appeared on the November 8 ballot. The initiative was an effort by county officials to use tax monies to revitalize and improve county transportation and infrastructure. Broward Commissioner Dale Holness said County and city leaders must now revisit the issue to find a compromise that satisfies voter’s demands while meeting county and the cities objectives.

In Sports:

Lionel Messi’s future at FC Barcelona may not be certain after a Spanish newspaper claimed the he had backed away from plans to agree to a new contract. The 29-year-old five-time world footballer of the year is expected to agree a lucrative extension to his existing deal which runs out in 2018.

Now, here’s what’s trending:

Fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, has started creating viral buzz with his new holiday song entitled “Gifted.” Inspired by Eddie Murphy’s 1980s hit “Party All the Time”, the music video has gained more than 6.5 million views and 100,000 likes on Facebook and Instagram in just five days.

For today’s weather forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 79 and a low of 62. Mostly Sunny in Miami-Dade, with a high of 78 and a low of 64.

For more information on these and other stories, visit

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Jamaica’s first mutually owned commercial bank to be launched next year

Jamaica’s first mutually owned commercial bank to be launched next year

Members of the  142-year-old Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), on Monday, voted overwhelmingly to reorganize the group and convert the society into Jamaica’s only mutually owned commercial bank.

Over 20,000 members voted in person or by proxy for this move that will result in the bank being launched early next year.

During a meeting on Monday, Chairman of the JNBS Board, Oliver Clarke said the reorganisaion of the Group and conversion to JN Bank, will strengthen the organisation.

“These changes will make us ultimately more flexible and position us to expand our services to our members,” he said.

JNBS Executive, Maureen Hayden-Cater  – who will head the bank, assured members that JN Bank will not operate similar to other banks in Jamaica.

“It will be a commercial bank fully-owned by Jamaicans, by you, our members. And, as members serving members, our commercial bank will be a family business.”

She explained that the Society is converting to JN Bank based on the demand from the majority of the organisation’s members for more banking services, which the organisation could not offer as a building society. These include a wider variety of loans and chequing accounts.

“Since we made our application to the Bank of Jamaica, we have been busy preparing for our entry into the market, developing new products and services, which you have requested, such as auto loans, credit cards and unsecured loans.

JNBS General Manager, Earl Jarrett, general manager said the organisation will present the result of the vote to the Supreme Court for final approval, and following that exercise, it is anticipated that the Bank of Jamaica will exchange the organisation’s building society license for a commercial banking license.

 

Gwen Ifill, prominent African-American journalist dead at 61

Gwen Ifill, prominent African-American journalist dead at 61

Gwen Ifill, one of America’s more prominent and respected African-American journalist died Monday, November 14 after a long bout with cancer.

Following a career as a newspaper journalist Ifil was, for the past several years, the co-host of the PBS news show, “The PBS News Hour,” and moderator of PBS’s  “Washington Week” a roundtable public affairs show.

In recent months she continued to host these shows despite being treated for cancer.

Although she was well known and respected in journalistic circles and was a distinct influence to her younger colleagues, she gained popularity with the American public in 2008 when she moderated the vice-presidential debate between Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden. Earlier in February this year during the Democratic presidential primary election campaign she also co-moderated a Democratic primary debate in Wisconsin between former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Her absence was peculiar during PBS coverage of the results of the 2016 presidential elections on November 8. However, it was learned that Ifil was being treated in a hospice institution in Washington DC, where she eventually died.

Ms. Ifil began her reporting career in the late 1970s, as a political journalist newspapers in Boston and Baltimore. Because she was a black woman she was referred to as “a rarity in newsrooms and rarer still on the city hall beat.”

In the 1990s she rose from covering city politics to cover national presidential politics and campaigns, including Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992, and was an frequent panelists on Washington public-affairs shows.  She represented the New York Times as White House correspondent in the early years of Clinton’s presidency. In 1994 she joined the staff of NBC-TV news in New York, on the recommendation of the late host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Tim Russert.

Ifill who was of Caribbean heritage was born in Queens New York on Sept. 29, 1955, the fifth of six children of O. Urcille Ifill, a Panamanian immigrant, and later pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal church. Her mother, the former Eleanor Husbands, was an immigrant from Barbados.

Ms. Ifill was the author of the book, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama” (2009), which traced a post-civil-rights generation of African American politicians.

 

Lauderhill prep reopens following mysterious illnesses

Lauderhill prep reopens following mysterious illnesses

The Ave Marie Friends Preparatory School in Lauderhill is reopened on Monday following the sudden outbreak of a mystery illness that affected some 20 children with vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. After the illness flared on Monday November 7, with most of the sick kinds requiring treatment at nearby hospitals, the principals voluntarily closed the school at which some 50 students ages 3 to 5 attend.

On Tuesday, one of the school’s principal, Rudy Ford, confirmed the school had reopened, and “most of the students returned and all is well,”

The school’s director Caranita Rhone said the school was been thoroughly cleaned following last week’s sudden illnesses, by a professional company following and she gave assurance the children who have returned to the care of the school while their parents are employed are safe from any health issues.

Although it is suspected that the children became sick after eating lunch prepared by an outside catering company, and the Florida Department of Health is investigating the cause, there is still no conclusive evidence the lunch was the cause.

Following the illnesses, the Lauderhill Fire Department checked the building housing the school thoroughly and found nothing within the environment that could have caused the illnesses.

According to reports, Director Rhone has called the parents of the students attending the school informing them of the reopening schedule, assuring them of the steps taken to ensure the illnesses will not be repeated Rhone said she no reason to believe any of the parents would be withdrawing their children.

Neither Ford nor Rhone commented if the school had contracted a new catering company to cater lunch for the students. The reports referred to indicate the company that catered the lunches suspected of causing the illnesses is located in Hialeah.

Neville and Natasha Brown whose 3-year old daughter attends the school did not fault the school administrators for the outbreak of illnesses. “The school has always been an exceptional caring institution, very professionally run. What happened was caused by an outside issue, not directly by the school administrators themselves. We remain confident in the school and our child is back.”

 

Half-penny makes major difference in Broward County

Half-penny makes major difference in Broward County

Garth A. Rose

 

Two initiatives appeared on Broward County’s general elections ballot last week which if approved would provide funding from a penny increase in the county sales tax to improve the county’s transportation system, and repair some of the county’s crumpling infrastructure.

The two ballot initiatives each asked voters to approve a half-cent increase in sales tax. Voters narrowly approved the increase to support improvement of the county’s transportation (bus, rail system, etc.) to reduce traffic congestion. However, by a large margin they voted against the increase to fund improvement of the county’s local government infrastructure, including public buildings, roads, recreation facilities, purchase public, safety vehicles, etc.

Prior to last Tuesday’s election voters questioned why there was not just one initiative asking voters to approve a penny increase in the sales tax, as was done in the case of Palm Beach County. If this was the case, and was  approved, the increase would facilitate both transportation and infrastructure development, but since one of the initiative failed, the transportation initiative has also failed.

Prior to approving the twin-tax increase initiatives on the county ballot Broward Commissioners and mayors of the county cities, focused on a one-penny sales tax to fund transportation a matter of critical important to county residents. A local poll conducted earlier this year indicated some the majority of residents were anxious for the county’s transportation system to be improved. In this poll 73 percent said they were “frustrated by the long, tiring commute problems within Broward.”

However, before the initiative was approved for the ballot some city leaders balked at receiving a proposed 30 percent of the proceeds from the penny tax, demanding a 50 percent share for infrastructural development in their cities.

The resulting compromise was two different initiative, one for transportation, another for transportation. “But this was risky, if not nonsensical,” said Leopold Phillips, a Fort Lauderdale public administration consultant, “because both initiatives had to be approved by voters before either could be implemented. Moreover, a half-cent tax increase would be impractical anyway.”

Several voters contacted by National Weekly said they were not aware both ballot initiatives had to pass for either to be implemented. “To me improving county transportation was more crucial than repairing buildings, so I voted for the transportation initiative,” said Mondie Sinclair.

Broward Commissioner Dale Holness said vote on the tax increases indicated where “the priorities of voters lie. The people, like the county commission, are concerned about easing traffic congestion, better synchronization of stop lights, and a more efficient bus and rail system.  County and city leaders must now revisit the tax increase issue and find a compromise that satisfies voter’s demands while meeting county and the cities objectives.”

 

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