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Recipe: Turkey and Zucchini Quesadillas

Try this simple and quick Roasted Turkey and Zucchini quesadilla recipe. It Serves up to four people for only $8!

What you’ll need:

1 pack white corn tortillas

2 turkey thighs

1 large zucchini

2 ounces queso fresco

2 ounces queso chihuahua

1 large, juicy tomato

garlic salt

onion powder

whole milk sour cream

What to do:

Season leftover turkey slices with salt and pepper.

Slice the zucchini thin, and mix with the turkey. Mix the two cheeses together with a sprinkle of garlic salt and onion powder.

Press the two mixtures between two tortillas and cook in a dry pan on both sides until the cheese is melted.

Serve with a slice of tomato, black beans, corn and sour cream.

Jamaican student athlete dies following school game

Spot Valley High School in Montego Bay, St James is mourning the loss of student athlete Saymar Ramsay who collapsed and died of a heart failure.

The basketball player died shortly after a match with Cornwall College. Dr Walton Small, President of the Inter-Schools Sports Association, said rigorous medical screenings will be mandatory as of next year for student athletes.

He said ISSA discussed the matter at a meeting last week and intends to implement measures to address the problem.

Ramsay’s death comes weeks after St George’s College football player Dominic James collapsed at a football match and later died.

Local Caribbean-American election victories provides silver lining

Caribbean-American election victories provides silver lining

Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Despite the dark cloud that hovers over South Florida’s Caribbean community from the outcome of the presidential elections, there is a silver lining as some Caribbean-Americans won election in municipal and state races in Tuesday’s general elections.

In the Florida Senate District 38 race former Florida Representative and Haitian American Daphne Campbell was elected. Campbell said she’s eager to serve in the Senate to continue representing the people of her Miami-Dade District and the state. “There are several challenges to overcome and policies to accomplish, hard work to do, and I am grateful to be given a chance to continue this work in  the Senate.”

In Lauderdale Lakes, former Florida representatives and Jamaican-American Hazelle Rogers who decided to return to the city where she started he political career on the that city’s commission, won the race as city mayor. She will succeed incumbent Mayor Barrington Russell who has been elected to represent her former district in the Florida House.

Rogers said she was “extremely grateful and humbled to be elected by the people of Lauderdale Lakes to not only serve the city but to lead its future growth. Lauderdale Lake is a small city, to thousands of African and Caribbean Americans and other ethnicities, and a city with powerful potential. With the help of the city commissioners, city staff, city businesses and city residents we will seek to meet this potential. My thanks to all those who voted to elect me.”

Local Attorney Mark Douglas, also a Jamaican-American, created history in the City of Sunrise to be the first Caribbean-American and the first black representative to sit on that city’s commission. Ecstatic, but humble in his victory, Douglas said, “I am so happy to have broken through this door that was previously closed. Now I have assumed a huge responsibility to adequately represent not only the large Caribbean-American population in the city, but all the people of this city that I call home. There is a lot of work to be done and I pray for strength, guidance, the cooperation of the other commissioners and the residents of the city to accomplish this work.”

Making strong bids for election, but unfortunately not succeeding, were Jamaican-American Richard Campbell who lost his bid to win Seat 1 on the City of Lauderhill Commission to incumbent Howard Berger. Campbell ran a strong race but in the end amassed only 44.35 percent of the votes to Berger’s 50.57.

A particular disappointing result was the defeat experienced by attorney Ian Richards who for the consecutive election lost his bid to regain a seat as a judge on the Broward County Court bench. Richards gained the majority votes in the August 30 primary elections over his opponent attorney Nina Weatherly Di Pietro but not the 50 percent needed to be elected. In Tuesday’s prevailing run-off election Richards lost by a very narrow margin to Di Pietro. He received 48.45 percent the votes to 51.55 percent received by Di Pietro.

Donald Trump elected 45th President of the US

Caribbean-Americans shocked, disappointed over Hillary Clinton’s defeat

Garth A. Rose

In what South Florida’s Caribbean American community describe as a “shocking” and devastating upset, Republican Donald Trump convincingly won the US presidency in general elections held on Tuesday November 8.

In preliminary results, as of Wednesday morning, Trump needing 270 electoral votes to be elected, had won 289, including Florida’s 29, and Democrat Hillary Clinton 218, with the race in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire too close to call, but would not change Trump’s election if the final tally even went for Clinton.

Clinton who was the overwhelming favorite of South Florida’s Caribbean American community by over 80 percent, conceded defeat to Trump in a congratulatory telephone call at approximately 2.30 on Wednesday morning, but she did not make a concession speech to her supporters. This was done later on Wednesday. In her speech, she thanked her supporters, and urged the nation to try and come together after the often bitter and divisive election campaign.

President Obama who campaigned aggressively for Clinton also called Trump to congratulate him. Trump is expected to visit Obama later this week at the White House to begin discussions and make plans for the transition of presidents. Trump will be inaugurated as the nation’s 45th president on January 20, 2017.

On Tuesday evening, several Clinton supporters and campaign volunteers gathered at an election watch party at a West Kendall restaurant. The mood was initially buoyant and optimistic as the group gathered around 8:00 pm but slowly turned glum as the votes for Florida came in and showed that Trump was leading by a large margin and eventually won the state. The mood worsened when the national results showed Trump winning Ohio and North Carolina, states the Democrats needed to win.

Granville Simmons, Caribbean American supporter of Clinton who had confidently projected her winning Florida, and the presidency by 303 electoral votes, said Clinton’s loss was “A devastating ad shocking defeat. It makes one numb with shock like hearing of the sudden death of a very dear, loved one.” Simmons response was similar with Caribbean-Americans across South Florida.

Commenting on the election results, a Clinton campaign coordinator in South Florida, Gabbie Marsh said, “What makes the loss the more devastating is that the campaign succeeded in turning out the Caribbean and African American votes. Some 80 percent of Caribbean Americans voted and 75 percent of African-Americans. South Florida voted for Hillary some 64 percent to 36 percent for Trump, but it still was not enough to win the state. It’s devastating.”

Although the results showed the coalition of Hispanics, Caribbean Americans, African Americans, women, and millennial voters voting in favor of Clinton, exit polls indicated  34 percent of Hispanics still voted for Trump. The black vote was down some 5 percent compared to the 2012 presidential elections and the vote by millennials was down by some 10 percent.

Marsh speculated. “Perhaps Hillary would have won if more Hispanics had voted for her, and more young people turned out to vote. However, even then those votes may not have been enough to overcome the surge of votes Trump received in the western and northern counties of the state from the coalition of white voters.”

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris hopes to build on long lasting relationship with US

KITTS-NEVIS 

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says he is looking forward to the building upon the longstanding relationship between St. Kitts-Nevis and the United States following the “decisive electoral victory” of Republican Donald Trump on Tuesday.

In a congratulatory message sent to the President–elect, Harris said Trump had attained a “decisive elector victory…particularly during a presidential race that saw record voter turnout, rally crowds and debate viewership throughout the campaign cycle”.

He said it was also noteworthy that Trump has had no “political or military experience, but rather strong business and negotiating skills that have been honed from a background in multinational real estate development and licensing, as well as television production.

“My Government and I are looking forward to seeing you govern as the 45th  President of the United States of America, as you work to execute your mandate of bringing jobs and prosperity to your country and protecting its interests around the world.  Your stirring message of change has energized and electrified the American electorate and changed the political playbook.”

Harris said he was also looking forward to working with the new US President and his administration in “advancing our dialogue…on important matters of security and sustainability, for the benefit of all of our citizens

“Our countries have a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and support, and I am optimistic that through bold leadership and continued partnership we will accomplish even more together,” Prime Minister Harris added.

Jamaica’s opposition leader congratulates Trump

JAMAICA

The leader of the opposition  People’s National Party (PNP), in Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller Wednesday urged United States President-elect Donald Trump to “quickly reach across the political divide in the US and try to build bridges in the global space so that we can continue to foster peace and development around the world”.

In a stunning upset, Trump defied the odds and defeated the Democrat Hillary Clinton, who was seeking to become the woman to be elected President in the United States.

Trump, who led a controversial campaign in which he spoke about building a wall to prevent illegal migration, deport Muslims and vowed to make America stronger again, has since said he would be President for the whole the United States.

In her congratulatory message, Simpson Miller, who lead the People’ National Party (PNP) into defeat in the February general election extended “sincere congratulations” to Trump  saying “he joins a select group of men who have attained the distinction of becoming Leader of the Free World.

“This job carries with it an awesome responsibility, as the President of the United States has a major influence on global affairs,” she said, adding that Trump has been an international businessman and television personality who has built a successful brand and is known as a hard and tireless worker.

“The United States is a strong democracy and Mr Trump’s victory is an expression of the confidence of Americans in his ability to push for the changes in Washington that many have advocated for over the years.

“In the weeks ahead we look forward to hearing and seeing how President Elect Donald Trump’s administration will take shape. Throughout his campaign, he offered policy solutions that may impact immigrant communities in the United States. We have some concerns, since Jamaicans are a big part of the immigrant community in the US.”

Simpson Miller said she hoped the President-elect “will quickly reach across the political divide in the US and try to build bridges in the global space so that we can continue to foster peace and development around the world”.

She said she also hopes that “after a spirited and sometimes controversial campaign everyone will accept the results and unite in the interest of their country and the world”.

Alicia Burke makes history on the cover of Vogue Italy

Alicia Burke made the cover of Italian Vogue November also making history as the first Jamaican or Caribbean model to appear on the cover of the magazine. Beginning her career in January of this year, Burke has made fast progress with such success.

Vogue is the top editorial opportunity available to models globally. Two other Jamaicans have made the cover of Vogue: Lois Samuels who graced the German edition more than 20 years ago and Jeneil Williams who was featured on the Turkish edition three years ago.

Shot by Steven Meisel, the magazine cover features the stunning Burke as one half of a couple, the other half being male model Hussein Abdulrahman. The cover was booked and shot in New York, as one of many secret deals with major brands by her managers. Burke won Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search Reality TV show in 2015 and quickly rose from there.

Immigration News & Updates

Belize moves to digital immigration, customs declaration system

IMMIGRATION NEWS & UPDATES

Nearly All 2016 Nobel Prize Award Recipients Are U.S. Immigrants

If any doubts about the benefits of Immigrants to the United States existed before, one only needs to look at this year’s Nobel Prize Awards to understand the importance of their contributions to our Nation. Of the seven 2016 Nobel Prize winners, six were first-generation immigrants to the United States, winning awards in the areas of chemistry, physics and economics. This is part of a trend since 2000, with 40 percent of all Nobel prizes being earned by American Immigrants in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. You can read more about this year’s U.S. Nobel prize winners by visiting our website at: www.Immigratetoday.com  and clicking on the Immigration Newsletter link.

Important USCIS News & Announcements

Upcoming Naturalization Swearing-in Ceremonies Scheduled In Some South Florida Locations:

The USCIS recently released the following list of upcoming Naturalization Swearing-in Ceremonies Scheduled in some South Florida Field offices for November:

Miami Field Office –  November 18

Hialeah Field Office –  November 10 and 19

Kendall Field Office – November 10, 18 and 19

Oakland Park Field Office –  November 18

Updated Form Released For Immigrants To Request The Return of Original Documents:

During the course of the Immigration process, Immigrants often mistakenly submit original documents to the USCIS, believing that the documents will automatically be returned. But of course the USCIS does not return original documents, except in response to a formal request to do so. Form G-884 is used to make a request for original documents to be returned. You can download the new form by visiting our website at: www.Immigratetoday.com  and clicking on the Immigration Newsletter link.

New USCIS Office Opened in Fort Myers, Florida:

A new USCIS Field Office has been opened in Fort Myers, Florida. The new Office serves the following areas in South Florida-

 

County Cities ZIP Codes Served by the
Ft. Myers Field Office
Charlotte All All
Collier All All
De Soto All All
Glades All All
Hendry All All
Lee All All
Okeechobee All All
Highlands Venus 33960
Miami-Dade Ochopee 34141
Sarasota Englewood 34223, 34295
Sarasota Venice 34284, 34285, 34292, 34293
Sarasota North Port 34286, 34287, 34288, 34289, 34290, 34291

 

THIS WEEK’S IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question: Hi, I just became a naturalized American citizen and have been dating my fiancée in Jamaica for about 2 years. We are ready to take the next step to get married, so we want to know how long the process is going to take for her to get her green card so she can immigrate to America? What are the procedures?

Answer: It depends upon whether your soon to be wife has a U.S. tourist visa. If she does not, then once you get married and the spousal petition is filed to sponsor her, she will undergo a process called “Consular Processing”. As part of this process, the case is properly prepared and filed with the USCIS inside the U.S.. The process takes about 6 months for approval. Once approved, the USCIS transfers the case to the National Visa Center (NVC) to prepare your wife’s case for the U.S. Consulate in Kingston, Jamaica. The Financial Affidavit and other documents must be provided to the NVC at this point and once the case is complete, the NVC transfers the case to the U.S. Consulate to schedule your wife’s interview. She will be required to have an immigration medical exam, then personally appear for the interview with certain required original documents, including documents which prove your marital relationship so that the Consular officer is convinced that the marriage is real. As long as the interview goes well, she will be issued the Immigrant Visa and given a packet to bring with her to the U.S. to give to the Immigration authorities when she enters the U.S.. Prior to entry, an Immigrant Visa fee must be paid online and the receipt presented at the time of entry. After she enters the U.S., she should receive her Green Card within about 60-120 days.

If your wife has a tourist visa and is in the U.S., the process is called “Adjustment of Status”. Once the Residency case is properly prepared and filed with the USCIS (along with the request for work authorization and includes the Affidavit of Support and other required documentation), your wife will receive her Work Authorization and Travel Permit within about 90 days. It then takes approx 3-4 months for her to receive her Residency Interview at the local USCIS office which you both attend together. You’ll be required to bring extensive documentation about your marital relationship and answer questions to prove that your marriage is real. As long as all goes well, your wife should receive her Green Card within about 15 days after the interview.

Question: I am 27 years old and my U.S. Citizen wife is 42. We were living in Canada together for nearly 5 years and just recently got married. We moved to Florida last week and want to legalize my immigration status. Our only concern is whether there will be a problem with the U.S. Immigration service approving my case due to our age difference? 

Answer: You should be fine. As long as you are a real couple, married for love, not for immigration, and your Residency case is  well prepared  and includes extensive joint marital documentation to prove your marriage is real,  your case should be approved. The main problem couples have in marriage immigration cases is failing to understand what  the USCIS expects from them to prove a real marriage. Couples often use their own logic, not the reality of what the USCIS is expecting. This is especially true when they  have other factors which do not fit the standard marriage case, for instance when couples are different ethnicities or when there is a significant age variance. The best advice is always to prepare your entire case to meet even the most extreme USCIS expectations, so that even if you are assigned the toughest USCIS officer, you will be successful, because you will be prepared. Let us know if you want us to represent you in obtaining your residency.

Attorney Caroly Pedersen, Esq. of the American  Immigration Law Center – Call 954-382-5378

 

Trinidad and Tobago award winning film, TRAFFICKED, heads to SoFlo

Trinidad and Tobago award winning film, TRAFFICKED, heads to SoFlo 

TRAFFICKED is a film by the award-winning international director Sean Hodgkinson that has been accepted into the 31st Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Film Festival runs until November 20 and Trafficked screens on Sunday November 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sunrise Civic Centre Theatre.

This marks the 20th time the film is being viewed by international audiences within one year of its premiere at the 2015 Trinidad and Tobago film festival where it was awarded best local feature.

“This entire journey has surpassed our wildest dreams,” Hodgkinson said. “The Quirky Family can stand tall wherever they are in the world as we have tried our best to make Trinidad and Tobago proud and promote Caribbean film globally”

“Trafficked is based on a true story so we also really have to thank Eye On Dependency for sharing the stories of those people who have experienced these horrors. I hope that this film continues to bring the reality of human and drug trafficking to people around the world. In September, a Polish man swallowed 53 pellets equaling half a kilo of cocaine before he boarded a flight out of Trinidad to Miami so for the Trafficked team, attending the festival is very timely.”

Coming up to Fort Lauderdale, Trafficked screened to sold out audiences in Toronto and Barbados. In September, it was an official selection of the Caribbean Tales Film Festival in Toronto and in Barbados, it screened at the Barbados Visual Media Arts Festival in October.

“The Trafficked team would really like to thank all of our sponsors who made this project possible,” Alonzo continued. “We extend our sincerest appreciation to First Citizens Bank, Toyota, The Ministry of Tourism, The Ministry of Trade, The Ministry of National Security, The National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program (NADAPP), The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), The Tobago House of Assembly and The British High Commission of Port-of-Spain.”

Government hopes to surpass economic growth target

JAMAICA 

The Jamaican government is predicting that the economic growth in four years will surpass the five per cent figure it has set. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressing the signing of a declaration of intent to implement the proposals outlined by the Economic Growth Council (ECG) said the said the so-called ‘5 in 4′ target could be exceeded.

The ECG chaired by businessman, Michael Lee Chin was established by the Holness government soon after it won the general elections earlier this year. It has a mandate to help the government achieve five per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in four years.

Holness addressing the ceremony on Monday night, spoke of the sacrifices Jamaicans made as the island dealt with a four-year made by Jamaicans under the four-year US$948.1 million Extended Fund Facility (EFF)  with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Lee-Chin said he was also confident that the growth target would be achieved.

Last week Finance Minister Audley Shaw said Jamaica recorded 2.3 per cent growth for the July to September quarter, the highest in a single quarter since 2002 and the Planning Institute of Jamaica has projected 1.7 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth this fiscal year. Over last 20 years, Jamaica has averaged GDP growth of 0.5 per cent per annum.

Children at Lauderhill prep school suddenly stricken

Children at Lauderhill prep school suddenly stricken

Panic struck the Ave Marie Friends Prep School in Lauderhill on Monday when shortly after served lunch, children were suddenly stricken with vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. The first child was stricken at approximately 2:00 pm and within minutes over 20 kids had fallen ill with similar complaints.

Some of the children were so badly affected with stomach gripes, and dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea that they had to be taken to neighboring hospitals including Plantation General Hospital and Broward Health Coral Springs.

Checks by National Weekly on Tuesday bore out that all the chidren had been treated and released.

Lucy Burns, whose 4 yr old nephew attends the school, and lives in the vicinity of the prep school located at 5801 NW 19 Street in the City of Lauderhill, said she was coming home and saw the ambulances and fire trucks at the school and thought “there was a fire at the school.” She rushed there immediately and found some children were suffering from she Burns assumed was “gastroenteritis” a stomach ailment in which the symptoms are vomiting, nausea and dehydration.

When she checked on the condition of her nephew, Charlie, he was fortunately fine.

Calling the school on Tuesday, one of the owners, Rudy Ford, said the school which accommodates some 50 pre- school children aged 3 to 5 daily, was closed while the Child Protective Investigation Section of the Broward Sheriff Office and the Florida Department of Health i(FDH) investigates what caused the children to be so sick.

Ford said he couldn’t comment on what caused the children, including some from Caribbean-American families to be sick. “We are waiting on the outcome of the investigation to determine what caused the problem,” he said.

Burns said she was told by some of the parents of sick children that the problem was ether caused by food poisoning, or contamination, in lunch the children had hours earlier, and catered for an outside vendor. That information was verified by Lauderhill Fire Rescue’s assistant chief Jeff Levy who said it appeared the “common denominator” for the sudden illnesses was the lunch the kids eat.

Calls to the FDH bore no information on the determined cause of the illnesses, as “the department’s policy prohibits providing information on ongoing investigations..”

Ford said the school began operation in 2012. The principal is Ms. Carinita Rhone of Caribbean heritage. He  described the school as “having an impeccable record.”

Broward County Childcare Center describes Ave Marie Friends Prep School as a “Full Day, After School” institution with “Food served.” The school has regularly inspected by the Childcare Center. Inspections were conducted twice in 2014 and twice in 2015.

At its most recent inspection in July 2015, as discerned from childcarecenter.us. the school was found to be in full compliance re staff requirements, including health requirements, discipline, facility/storage and indoor/outdoor space.

FL universities try to enhance accessibility to community college graduates

Florida universities seek to enhance accessibility to community college graduates

While for several years graduates of South Florida high schools have advanced to either of the regions three community colleges in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County, although gaining their associate degrees, several have not been able to fulfil plans of attending a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Recently, a committee from the Florida University System’s Board of Governors studied the problem and made recommendations to ensure more community college graduates can find it easier to advance to a four-year college, and graduate with the bachelor’s degree.

The report stated some 55,000 students receive associate of arts degrees every year, but although 35,000 of them apply to state universities, and 30,000 are usually accepted only 25,000 end up enrolling.

One of the main problem cited by the report is that graduates of two-year programs sometimes fail to take the courses to advance for a university degree or take credits that are not transferable.

The recommendations contained in the report suggest a close relationship between the community college and the state universities. lists some proposed solutions.

The reports suggest the universities should develop guidelines for community college students that establishes the classes that are requirement for specific degree programs.

Although Florida Atlantic and Florida International Universities have begun offering advise at community colleges on how to prepare to attend four-year colleges, the report called for this initiative to be expanded with more universities participating.

Other recommendations include: creating joint degree programs which would allow community college students to automatically transfer to universities; make the application process for transfer students from community colleges to universities easier, and waive application fees.

Community colleges are advised to focus on getting their students to improve their grade point averages. The report stated the GPA of community college students average 2.94 while most students who are enrolled at the state universities have a GPA averaging 3.12.

Although some of the colleges accept community college students with a GPA below 3.0, these students have problems meeting the requirements to pursue courses like nursing and engineering.

The Board of Governors of the state university system has planned a workshop for January for state community colleges and universities to make it easier for community colleges to be admitted to one of the state universities. The governors have expressed concern that some community college graduates, irrespective of their academic strength, have problems adjusting to the expansive university  environment on making the transfer.

“It’s not that the student isn’t as good, but they may have be coming into a whole new environment,” he said. “They’ve been in a community college and now they’re at the University of Florida, which is a whole different thing and they may not have been advised properly.”

 

This Day in history: Harry Belafonte recorded “Jamaica Farewell” and “Come Back Liza”

On this day in history, November 9, 1955 Harry Belafonte recorded “Jamaica Farewell” and “Come Back Liza” for RCA Victor. This is the album that made his career. Up to this point, calypso had only been a part of Belafonte’s focus in his recordings of folk music styles. But with this landmark album, calypso not only became tattooed to Belafonte permanently; it had a revolutionary effect on folk music in the 1950s and ’60s. The album consists of songs from Trinidad, mostly written by West Indian songwriter Irving Burgie (aka Lord Burgess).

Burgie’s two most successful songs are included — “Day O” and “Jamaica Farewell” ,which were both hit singles for Belafonte, as are the evocative ballads “I Do Adore Her” and “Come Back Liza” and what could be the first feminist folk song, “Man Smart (Woman Smarter).” Calypso became the first million-selling album by a single artist, spending an incredible 31 weeks at the top of the Billboard album charts, remaining on the charts for 99 weeks. It triggered a veritable tidal wave of imitators, parodists, and artists wishing to capitalize on its success. Years later, it remains a record of inestimable influence, inspiring many folksingers and groups to perform, most notably the Kingston Trio, which was named for the Jamaican capital.

For a decade, just about every folksinger and folk group featured in their repertoire at least one song that was of West Indian origin or one that had a calypso beat. They all can be attributed to this one remarkable album. Despite the success of Calypso, Belafonte refused to be typecast. Resisting the impulse to record an immediate follow-up album, Belafonte instead spaced his calypso albums apart, releasing them at five-year intervals in 1961, 1966, and 1971.

 

 

 

Apple Music

Prince Harry and Rihanna headline Barbados celebration

Hello to our viewers in the United States and around the world today is Tuesday, November 8th, and it is Election day in The United States. With all the top headlines making news across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, this is CNW 90, I’m Suzette Speaks.
Today’s news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.
Here’s a look at our top stories:
After a more than two-year long presidential election cycle, Americans will finally cast their ballots today, with some 44 million votes already cast around the country in early voting.  In order to win, candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump must win at least 270 hundred seventy of the nation’s 538 … electoral votes, which are divided among the 50 states based on state population, with Florida having 29.  Polls will close tonight at 7 p.m. and all voters must be in line prior to 7p.m. in order to cast a ballot.

Florida alumni chapter of Munro College and Hampton School in St Elizabeth, Jamaica will be hosting the Munro College 160th Anniversary Fall fundraiser dance, on Saturday, November 19 starting at 9 p.m. at the Kiwanis Club in Lauderdale Lakes. The proceeds from this Fundraiser will go to support student scholarships in Jamaica.

Award-winning international director, Sean Hodgkinson will present his orignal  film— TRAFFICKED… which has been accepted into the 31st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival set to take place this Sunday. This marks the 20th time the film is being viewed by an international audience, since its premiere one year ago, at the 2015 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, where it was awarded best local feature.

In Sports:
The Bahamian 4 x 400 hundred meter, sprint relay team consisting of Chris Brown, Steven Gardiner, Alonzo Russell and Michael Mathias.. are among leading contenders for the 3rd Annual Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association Sports Awards. Nominees for 2016 the Awards were revealed on Friday with a total of 48 nominees in 8 categories. The winners will be announced next Friday November, 18.

Now, here’s what’s trending:
Britain’s Prince Harry will join international pop superstar Rihanna during his upcoming two-week royal tour of the Caribbean. Prince Harry will join the Bajan beaty at a celebration to mark the 50th independence anniversary of Barbados, where she is slated to sing the Barbadian national anthem accompanied by a choir of children.

For today’s weather forecast:
Mostly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 69. Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 79 and a low of 72.  For more information on these and other stories, visit
Caribbeannationalweekly.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 Suzette Speaks.

Grace Jerk Festival to giveaway $1000 in Patty Eating Competition

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is on fire with the $1000 Grace Jamaican Style Patty Eating Competition

“I love the flaky crust”; “There is so much meat filling”; “That’s awesome, Grace now makes patties”. These are a few of the sentiments offered by consumers who taste the Brand New Grace Jamaican Style Patties, available in Mild Beef, Spicy Beef and Curry Chicken.

“Grace Foods has added a Jamaican favorite to its food product line and we are so excited about this”, states, Nimal Amitirigala of Grace Kennedy’s Global Category Management Unit. Grace Kennedy, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers, is renowned for its quality products and the Grace Patty line attests to this.

Consumers will be given opportunities to sample the brand new Grace Jamaican Style Patties this upcoming weekend in neighborhood supermarkets, such as Bravo on Kimberly Blvd and Sedano’s on Southgate Blvd, as the Grace Patties demo team will bring a taste of Jamaica to you.

The excitement continues at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, when one (1) lucky person will win the $1000 Grace Patty Eating Contest. There, patrons will also sample all three (3) flavors and some lucky persons will be able to take home Grace Patties with them and be $1000 richer.

The Grace Jamaican Style Patties can be found in the frozen aisle at any of your leading neighborhood grocery stores. Competitively priced, pick up as many as you can, as a snack item for anyone in the family, from the student, to the parent, who wants something that is convenient, easy to pack and prepare. Just pop the Grace Jamaican Style Patties in your toaster oven, your convection oven or your microwave; and then bite into the well-seasoned meat filling. (Be careful not to burn yourself).

Grace Jamaican Style Patties is to be shared with friends and family, so get yours today.

#GracePatties #BuyGraceFoods #GraceFoods

It starts with breakfast at Knutsford Court

 

It starts with breakfast at Knutsford Court

O’Neil

Among the many things that tourists, dignitaries and locals love about The Knutsford Court Hotel, all would agree that a meal at its Melting Pot restaurant is a delightful experience.

There’s a little something for everyone at its breakfast service, ranging from the standard continental fare to Jamaican-style cuisine. If a meal reminds me of my mother’s home cooking, you’re alright in my book. Well, I’m a witness that the Melting Pot’s rendition of ackee and saltfish hits the spot just right. While it’s possible for the much celebrated national dish to sometimes be \a little on the salty side, the chefs at Melting Pot prepared it perfectly with sides of fry roasted breadfruit. I also enjoyed a mean Johnny cake (fried dumpling) with a hint of Solomon Gundy that added a unique twist. To finish off the meal, I also tried a touch of steamed callalloo with a refreshing glass of freshly squeeze orange juice.

While breakfast was outstanding, it was only just the beginning. A later visit to the restaurant included a sampling of their brown stewed snapper with shelly rice and peas and seasonal vegetables which was right on point.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the hospitality of the staff. From the moment you arrive to the minute you leave, the service is impeccable. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness were second to none. If I was to get a dollar for every greeting I received, I would be a rich man. I can’t help but mention the manager, Owen. Not only was his entire team’s service impeccable, but Owen went out of his way to make sure that guests felt right at home.

It’s truly a great way to start the day in Kingston, whether you choose to venture out or stay in. The hotel’s welcoming ambiance was soothing and elegant. An abundance of lush, greenery in the well-manicured garden courtyard is a constant reminder to relax and take it all in. If you do find yourself hanging out in the courtyard or on your balcony at night, you can end a blissful evening by listening to some good music from an outdoor New Kingston party nearby. All of which leads to a great night’s rest at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

Marcus Garvey Memorial Park wait continues

Marcus Garvey Memorial Park wait continues

Cnweeklynews.com

Residents of St. Ann’s parish who’ve been waiting patiently to celebrate the opening of the Marcus Garvey Memorial Park will have to wait just a little bit longer.

On a recent visit to the site of the birthplace of Jamaica’s first proclaimed national hero, local sentiment leaned toward disappointment that the project was yet to be completed. Originally slated for a grand opening splash introduction during Jamaica’s 50th independence anniversary celebration in 2012, the project appears to currently be on hold.

Located at 32 Marcus Garvey Way (Market Street), the memorial park’s development would include the restoration of the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s childhood home, plus the construction of a memorial wall along with storyboards that share insight into Garvey’s teachings and the country’s heritage. The site’s landmark status would add tremendously to the country’s tourism offerings, and also serve as a historical treasure for generations to come.

At a groundbreaking ceremony held in 2011 by then Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding, the Marcus Garvey Memorial Park project was announced with funding by Jamaica’s Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

“Marcus Garvey’s work led to awakening of the consciousness of black people both in Jamaica and abroad,” said Golding. “There are many young people who would benefit from learning about his life and his legacy as a form of encouragement toward how they can contribute to the community today. While it’s unfortunate that it’s not completed yet, I hope it’s opened soon so that it can be celebrated as a symbol of pride in the strength of the Jamaican people.”

The project returned to the fore in August 2015 at a commemoration of Garvey’s 128th birthday, at the St. Ann Parish Library, in St. Ann’s Bay. Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, at the time in a message indicated The Ministry of Youth and Culture were ready to start plans to refurbish the house of Jamaica’s first National Hero and transforming it into a heritage site.

 

 

Shaggy comes to South Florida for Grace Jerk Fest!

Organizers of the 15th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival are pulling out all the stops to give patrons a day and night to remember, with a musical and cultural feast like no other … on all three stages.
Festival director Abdul Muhsin is fired up about this year’s Main Stage lineup, as the artists were selected, not just for the their musical prowess, but for the different eras of uniquely Jamaican music that they represent. Muhsin says, “We are espousing a part of our culture that’s endemic and that we share with the world—our food, our music and our culture. Everybody loves jerk, everybody loves reggae and everybody loves Shaggy!”

Cultural Stages coordinator Bridget Edwards is also excited about the performances she has lined up. She says, “It’s the 15th staging of the festival, so we want to make it extra special. With the theme “Celebrating the Caribbean” performances will be more focused on various Caribbean islands, because, “although the Caribbean is diverse, we can still relate to each other; we have so much in common.”

Boombastic Night on the Main Stage!

Eric “Monty” Morris, famous for hits like “Sammy Dead” and “Oil In My Lamp” is considered a foundation artist of the Ska and Rocksteady era, and he will be gracing the Main Stage to take festival goers on an authentic trip down memory lane. Also taking the stage will be Singing Melody, whose vocal stylings will appeal to the audience in tunes like “Want You Back,” “Say What” and “Let It Flow.” Singing Melody is a household name in Lover’s Rock and Reggae, and will definitely bring a nostalgic vibe to the stage. Dynamic duo, Chaka Demus and Pliers of “Murder She Wrote” fame will no doubt deliver an excellent show, with Pliers’ smooth vocals balanced beautifully with Chaka Demus’ deejaying skills. Expect to hear hits such as “Bam Bam” and “Tease Me” as they blaze the stage!

Headlining this awesome event is Diamond-selling, Grammy-winning artist Shaggy, who will pull from his repertoire of hits including anthems like “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.” The superstar will loom larger than life on stage, and on the new LED screens that will be erected to give patrons an even better view of the beloved artist. With his ability to win over an audience and reinvent himself; Shaggy has become a mainstay on stages across the world, thrilling with everything from his early hit “Oh Carolina” to his latest tune, “That Love.”

Cultural Melting Pot on Two Great Stages

But before festivalgoer’s head to the Main Stage, patrons will be thoroughly entertained on the Western Union Cultural Stage and the 411 Pain Fuzion Soundstage. Beginning at 12 noon, the cultural stages will be in full swing, with entertainers moving between the stages to give the patrons the high level of entertainment and culture they’ve come to expect from this festival. Singers will include brothers J-Stone and K-Charlez, as well as Yanique Sasha. Crys Alexandra and the E.L.E.M.E.N.T.S, with soulful front woman Crys, will no doubt capture the hearts of anyone who hears them. Sons of Mystro, the violin-playing brothers will transport patrons with pure talent and the Jerk Festival Dancers will ignite the stage with their moves.

Staying true to the Caribbean theme, the Trinidadian Melo Groove Steel Orchestra, a children’s steel pan group, will showcase the versatility and hypnotic rhythms of Trinidad for all to enjoy, while the Carib Isles Dance Group composed of members from islands including St. Kitts and Antigua will bring these different cultures to the stage. Jamaican Folklorist Dr. Sue, who has been performing at this event for years, will be there to grip the audience with her engaging storytelling. And, there will be a special treat from the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue, an authentic Bahamian Junkanoo band. Edwards is super-excited about this, saying, “We will do a Bahamian Junkanoo Parade and festivalgoer’s are encouraged to join in. So, bring your flags, your whistles, your grater, your pot covers and participate in the Bahamian Junkanoo Parade!”

Emcees, actor/comedian Johnny Daley will keep the vibes and comedy flowing on the Western Union Cultural Stage and WAVS-1170 AM radio personality Yvette Marshall will hold it down on the 411 Pain Fuzion SoundStage. Dancehall fans will also have their chance to hear the latest dancehall music and try out the latest dances in the party pavilion dubbed “The Hot Zone,” which will feature top DJs spinning dancehall music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The gates will open at 10 a.m. and patrons can take advantage of the $5 food specials between 10 a.m. and noon. Both Muhsin and Edwards encourage patrons to come early, bring the whole family and stay late to enjoy this day of food and fun.

Close the deal. Elect Hillary Clinton

Close the deal. Elect Hillary Clinton

At long last, this much too long, contentious and bizarre political season is drawing to a close. When this newspaper is published next week, all things being normal, a new president would have been elected.

The candidate this newspaper confidently endorsed for the presidency is Hillary Rodham Clinton. And, naturally, there is hope she will be elected.

Clinton received this newspaper’s endorsement, not as a caller to our offices alleged, because we would endorse “a statue if it was a Democrat”. But because the paper’s Editorial board has no reservation that she is the better of the two candidates.

Moreover, the board is also convinced she is more experienced, with the better temperament to lead the United States for the next four years through domestic economic and international challenges.

There is absolutely no responsible way this newspaper could recommend to voters — especially originating from the Caribbean — to support an individual who through his own words, has acted disrespectfully towards women.

In Caribbean communities in the US, and the Caribbean, it is customary to find women heading or running families. Women are not regarded as sex objects to be pawed, groped and grabbed by their genitals whenever a man feels he has the right to do so.
In Caribbean communities, women are pillars of the society. Traditionally, the men who American voters elect for president have been of moral integrity, even on the surface, but voters have never elected a president who by admission has tendencies of a sexual harasser.

Hillary Clinton is a woman who has over 30 years worked for the benefit of women and children, nationally and internationally. This history is testament that she will continue to seek the execution of policies for the upliftment of American women in their homes, their jobs, and the general society.

There’s also indication she’ll work diligently on behalf of people under 35 –– the millennials, make college more affordable, improve college financial aid, including the terms of student loans.

As a newspaper representing a community of immigrants, the Editorial board could not with any justification recommend its readers vote for a man who repeatedly made negative remarks about immigrants; threatens to ban people fleeing oppression, and others because of their religion.

For the past two decades, immigrants, particularly the undocumented, have been promised immigration reform by successive administrations only to see those promises fade. During President Obama’s second term, while the US Senate approved immigration reform, the Republican majority House did not follow suit.

Although Obama acted boldly, using executive order to implement some reforms, his efforts were defeated by the judicial system. There’s no sign Trump will consider immigration reform that benefit our communities. However, there’s reason to believe Clinton will continue initiatives started under Obama’s administration to effect crucial immigration reform.

Neither could the board recommend a candidate who has shown little understanding of America’s black community. Trump has repeatedly made comments that shows he believes the black community lives “in hell,” in ghettos, is impoverished, and perpetually threatened by crime and adverse social conditions.

Hillary Clinton understands the black community. It’s a community she has worked for and with. She has showed support for issues that concern this community. There has been no definitive plan from Donald Trump to address our issues.

This newspaper endorses Clinton despite her flaws and shortcomings, not because the Editorial board is blind to them. But whatever flaws Mrs. Clinton may have these are overridden by her years of public service working for Americans of all classes.

The board is confident she’ll have the respect of the majority of Americans, and they will have confidence in her leadership. The board is also confident she’ll have the overwhelming confidence of the international community as she works with American allies, and negotiate with American foes, for a more peaceful world.

No matter how deep this newspaper’s Editorial board searched, no matter how much it tried to be objective, not a modicum of confidence was found that Trump could lead the nation as effectively as Hillary Clinton. It’s because America needs an effective leader why we recommend voters to firmly close the election deal and elect her president.

Health authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines confirm reports of HFMD

SVG 

Health authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday confirmed reports of an increase in the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the country, but did not disclose any figures.

Communication Officer in the Ministry of Health, Neeka Anderson-Isaacs, said in light of the development, the Ministry is advising residents, particularly school administrators and parents, to be cautious in how they deal with the cases to minimise a further outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says HFMD is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and also buttocks.

Last week, Grenada’s Ministry of Health  confirmed reports of an outbreak of HFMD disease at some daycare and preschool centers across the island.

 

2016 Property Tax Bills Have Been Mailed

Taxes due as of November 1st

The Records, Taxes & Treasury Division has mailed more than 500,000 property tax bills for 2016. For property taxpayers whose bills are paid by escrow arrangement, a courtesy tax bill copy will be mailed in mid-November. Property taxes must be paid no later than March 31, 2017 to avoid penalties and delinquency fees, but may be paid now to take advantage of discounts. A four percent discount applies to taxes paid in November; a three percent discount applies in December; a two percent discount in January; and a one percent discount in February.

All 2016 tax bills will also be available at broward.county-taxes.com on Nov. 1st for viewing, printing, or online payment. Property taxpayers whose bill will not be paid by an escrow or tax-paying agent may pay tax bills in a variety of ways: in person online credit/debit card, or echeck payments, bank online bill pay service, by mail or at a Wells Fargo Bank Branch.

Partial Payments are also acceptable. Current taxes may be paid in up to five partial payments. Partial payments must be for a minimum of $100 and include a $10 processing fee. Partial payments forfeit all tax discounts that would otherwise apply to early payments. The final payment must be payment in full and paid by March 31, 2017, or the balance due will be subject to penalties and interest.

For more information, call 954-831-4000 or visit broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury.

Prime Minister on official visit to US

BELIZE 

Prime Minister Dean Barrow is currently in United States for talks the government’s legal and financial advisers. A brief statement issued by his office on Tuesday, gave no details of the discussions only saying that the talks will be on “various pending matters”.

Belize has in the past complained at the decision by banks in the United States to end their relationship with banks in Belize and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states.  Belize says the so called correspondent banking and de-risking issues could lead to economic problems.

Barrow is scheduled to return to Belize on the weekend.

Over 6,000 students attend 100 BlackMenSF’s College and Career Expo

100 BlackMenSF’s College and Career Expo  

Some 6,000 South Florida students attended the Career and College Fair and Exposition hosted by 100 Black Men of South Florida (100 BlackMenSF) and held at held at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition center on November 3.

The enthusiastic turnout was in response to the organizers objective to raise awareness about the importance of college and connects students with many different professions. The event also gave members of the community a chance to share their expertise with students

“It is important to connect students with the careers they want to pursue, said Yvette Harris, spokesperson for 100 BlackMenSF. “This makes the pursuit of a college degree more relevant.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education statistics from 2012, Florida is currently tied with four states with the fifth-lowest graduation rate. There is currently a national effort to increase the graduation rate of the nation high schools to an average of 90 percent by 2020.

On prior advice from 100BlackMenSF students attending the fir and expo were dressed in business attire, and were eager to connect with professionals and learn the best ways of utilizing a college degree to advance to a rewarding career.

Sheila Henderson who accompanied her daughter to the event said, “It was a great experience. My child was so excited to be introduced to so many colleges she never even considered previously. This was a really good event for the students. We are grateful to those that participated. I will attend annually and spread the word to friends and family.”

There were over 200 Colleges/Universities and Industry Leaders on hand to help the students navigate a plan for their future college and career experiences.

includes over. The Florida branch of the NACCP also participated and encouraged students to focus on graduation and plan their college and career path seriously. Students are 1were also encouraged by the NACCP to vote in the general elections.

The 100 Black Men of South Florida has been at the forefront of mentoring and providing innovative programs for young black males in South Florida. Some of their signature initiatives include Positive Youth Development, and the Dr. Harold Guinyard Leadership Academy and Collegiate 100. Members say these programs have made a significant impact on the young men of the South Florida community.

 

It’s Election Day in America

It’s Election Day in America

Garth A Rose

After almost two years of an election campaign its finally Election Day in the United States of America. Although voters in the 50 states will be voting on a variety of items on their respective ballots, the focus of every voter, the nation and the rest of the world, is the presidential/vice presidential election with Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine representing the Democratic Party and Donald Trump and Mike Pence the Republican Party.

Several states including Florida have already cast millions of votes through the process of early voting and mail-in ballots. As a result some 44 million Americans had already voted before the dawning of Election Day.

From the votes previously cast by early voting and mail-in ballots, Florida leads the nation with 6.4 million votes which represents almost two-thirds of the anticipated turn out of 9 million Florida voters when the polls close at 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

From the votes already cast in Florida, Democrats led Republicans and voters without a party affiliation (NPAs) by over 88,000 votes. Florida early votes were also characterized by a significant surge in votes by Hispanic voters, while votes by African and Caribbean Americans was slightly less that votes cast in 2008 and 2012.

The presidential election campaign leading to today, has been one of the most contentious, divisive and stressful of any in the US.

The contention began on June 16, 2015 when businessman Donald Trump in announcing his bid for the presidency immediately offended Mexican-Americans, in particular, and Hispanics in general by calling Mexican American immigrants “rapists” and “criminals.” Not given the modicum of a chance to win the nomination for the Republican Party, Trump survived a crowded primary election field of 16 other contenders including South Florida’s Marco Rubio, a US Senator, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. The primary contest was regularly characterized by insults Trump threw at his opponents

Long before she formally announced her candidacy for president in April 2015, Clinton was assumed to be the representative of the Democratic Party. However, she received an extremely strong challenge from Senator Bernie Sanders. In the end, she prevailed and was formally nominated at the Democratic Convention in August.

Throughout the campaign between the two presidential candidates Trump persisted with his barrage of insults often criticizing Clinton as “corrupt” and “not having the stamina” to be president. On the other hand, Clinton persistently criticized Trump of being “unqualified and not having the temperament to be president.”

Most recent polls leading to Election Day has Clinton leading. The average of these polls gives her a lead of 5 percent. To win the presidency either Clinton or Trump must win at least 270 of the nation’s 538 electoral votes, dispersed over the 50 states with Florida having 29 electoral votes.

Based on the polling projections Clinton is projected to win the presidency with 303 electoral votes.

The results of the elections are expected to be known at approximately 11:00 pm tonight.

If Clinton wins, she will make history as the first woman to be elected president of the United States of America,

 

This Day in History: Haitian government of Smarck Michel forms

On this day in Caribbean history, November 8, 1994, Haitian government of Smarck Michel formed. Georges Jean-Jacques Smarck Michel or Smarck Michel was appointed prime minister of Haiti on October 27, 1994, occupying the post from November 8, 1994 to October 16, 1995. Smarck was President Aristide’s third prime minister, and the first to be named after the President’s return from exile.

Michel attended college in New York, then returned to Haiti in the 1950s to help run the bakery his father had started. He later ran a grocery store in downtown Port-au-Prince.

Michel became prime minister in 1994, one month after a U.S.-led multinational military force restored Aristide to the presidency after three years in exile. Aristide’s first term was cut short in 1991 when the army ousted him in a coup.

The choice of Michel was seen as an effort to placate business leaders and many in Haiti’s small middle and upper classes who felt threatened by the return of Aristide, a populist left-leaning former Roman Catholic priest. Michel resigned almost a year later over opposition to his economic reforms, which advocated a privatization plan that was unpopular with Haiti’s poor majority.

 

 

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