Home Blog Page 1422

Junior Carnival sets the pace this weekend at the Central Broward Park

Junior Carnival sets the pace this weekend at the Central Broward Park

The 2016 Miami-Broward Junior Carnival, taking place this Saturday, is a parade for families to experience the rich culture of the Caribbean, while having fun. The “Mas Bands” feature over 350 young masqueraders who walk the perimeter of Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill while wearing bright, colorful costumes. Those who walk in the parade will compete based on the originality and craftsmanship of their costumes.

 

“It is extremely important that we promote our Caribbean cultural in this multi-cultural society. The community needs to witness our celebration so they can understand and appreciate the richness and vibrancy of our culture, which will improve our community.”  said Miami Broward Carnival Board of Director, Jeanette Haynes.

 

Apart from the parade, there are plenty of other fun activities for families to enjoy. Families can check out the Junior Calypso Competition, the Panorama show, get their face painted, and enjoy the TD Bank-sponsored kids’ zone.

 

All ages are welcome to enjoy the junior carnival, however, kids aged 2-18 can walk in the parade. Gates open at 11a.m. and the festivities will start at noon. Parking for this event is $1.50 per adult and admission is $10. Kids under 10 years old are in free.

 

If you would like to have your child participate, please visit the carnival website. www.miamibrowardcarnival.com

 

 

City of Miami Gardens police chief suddenly resigns

City of Miami Gardens police chief suddenly resigns

In a move that has taken city officials and residents by surprise, Antonio Brooklen, Police Chief of the City of Miami Gardens announced his resignation last week. In his letter of resignation which takes effect on Oct 1, Brooklen, who was sworn as that city’s top cop just 10-months ago, said the reason was to allow him to spend more time with his family. However, there are undercurrent allegations of a lawsuit against the chief that may have influenced his decision.

The City’s Assistant Chief of Police Cynthia Mechanic has been named Interim Police Chief, until a new chief is appointed.

Miami Gardens community activist Cecilia Lewin said she is “flabbergasted” by Brooklen’s sudden resignation. “He has been leading the department for the past two years and seemed very motivated and interested in his leading the police department. I don’t know if the pressures of the job got to him eventually.”

Brooklen was the third police chief to serve the city in three years. In 2013 former chief Matthew Boyd resigned, and was succeeded by Chief Stephen Johnson who was terminated after also serving about 10 months. Brooklen was appointed as interim chief to replace Johnson in February 2015, and confirmed as police chief last December.

Father Horace Ward, rector of the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, and member of the city’s Community Advisory Committee, which also includes the police chief, expressed surprise as well at Brooklen’s sudden resignation. “I never saw a resignation coming. I thought his appointment was a good choice, and believed he was doing a good job.”

Father Ward said he doubts Brooklen’s resignation is due to pressures arising from crime in the city. “I think crime in the city is under control, and not worse than neighboring cities like North Miami and North Miami Beach.” He also expressed confidence in the future leadership of the police department under Interim Chief Mechanic.

“I know Assistant Chief Mechanic, who resides in the city,” Ward said, “and find her a very competent officer respected by the police department and residents of the community. I find her to be a people person, who has a good rapport with her department and the community. The department will be in good hands with Interim Chief Mechanic.”

Brooklen has served some 22-years in the police force. Prior to joining the City of Miami Gardens Police Department, when it was created in 2007, he was with the Miami-Dade Police Department.

In his resignation letter, Brooklen referred to wanting to spend “precious time” with his ailing mother, four daughters and family. He said his two years serving as Interim Chief and Chief of Police of Miami Gardens Police Department were among “the most rewarding years in my law enforcement career.”

Efforts to contact the office of City Mayor Oliver Gilbert for comment on a reported sexual harassment lawsuit against Brooklen were unsuccessful.

 

 

 

 

Mining company pulls out of Jamaica

The Australian mining company, OZ Minerals, says it is pulling out of Jamaica after three years of copper-gold exploration activities.

“OZ Minerals, and especially the Bellas Gate management and geological team, would like to take this opportunity to thank Jamaica and its people for their support, hard work and friendship during the company’s time here,” the company said in a statement.

OZ Minerals’ operations comprise five wholly owned tenements at Bellas Gate in Clarendon, and the Rodinia in Portland. It said the withdrawal should be completed in late 2016 after it closes out formal legal agreements and tenement transfers with Carube Copper Corp, its local partners.

OZ Chief Executive Officer Andrew Coles said the company had decided to quit its operations in  Jamaica because the mineral deposits discovered were not satisfactory.

 

 

 

 

 

This Day in History: Olive Lewin was born

On this day in Caribbean history, September 28, 1927, Dr. Olive Lewin was born. Over a career Lewin was involved in researching, arranging and directing Jamaican traditional music for schools, church and theatre performances by the Jamaican Folk Singers and other groups.

Olive Lewin was born in Clarendon, Jamaica. She studied music and ethnomusicology in the United Kingdom. She became a Fellow of Trinity College, London, and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal School of Music. She also held the position of Director of Arts and Culture at the office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica as well as that of Director of the Jamaica Institute of Folk Culture. In 1947, she played the role of May in the play, Dragnet, on the London stage. She was the wife of an African-American man from the south who gets blinded during a scuffle with a white policeman in a ‘whites only’ bar.From 1983 she directed the Jamaica Orchestra for Youth.

Lewin was the author of several books and has made numerous recordings of folk music, performed by the Jamaican Folk Singers, a group in which she founded. She has been honoured by the Government of Jamaica, the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Government of France and by academia for her outstanding lifelong contribution to the arts. In 2001 she was awarded the Jamaican Order of Distinction, the sixth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honor. and in In 1987 she was awarded the Musgrave Gold Medal by the Institute of Jamaica.

From 1966 to 1980, Lewin was responsible for music in correctional institutions and music therapy at the Bellevue Hospital.

So of her works include: Timeless truths from humblest hearts, Rock It Come Over – The Folk Music of Jamaica, Come Mek Me Hol Yu Han – The Impact of Tourism on Traditional Music (collection of papers presented), Dandy Shandy, Beeny Bud, Alle, alle, alle, Forty Folk Songs of Jamaica, Some Jamaican Folk Songs.

 

Refusing to hire someone because of dreadlocks is legal?

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 28th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

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

Here’s a look at our top stories:
Legendary reggae band, Toots and the Maytals will perform live at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 11th. The line up will include classic  tracks like  “54-46 Was My Number”.

On Monday, Congress representative, Stacey Plaskett, met with Caribbean community leaders on behalf of the Clinton campaign. The representative alongside Anika Omphroy and the Caribbean Coalition Director, Karen Green visited Little Haiti, Overtown, and heavily dominated Caribbean cities. Plaskett visited Joys Roti Shop in Lauderhill, sitting with officials including Broward County commissioner Dale Holness, reiterating the importance the Caribbean community plays in deciding the next president of the United States.

The Idea Center at Miami Dade College in collaboration with Tel Aviv University, will host CyberMiami, a one-day technology conference featuring cybersecurity experts from business, education, and intelligence fields. CyberMiami will be held tomorrow, at 9 a.m. on the Wolfson Campus in Downtiwn Miami.

In sports:
Pakistan completed a series sweep over T20 world champions, the West Indies after winning the third and final International match yesterday by eight wickets in Abu Dhabi. This was the first time Pakistan has completed such a defeat.  The first match on Friday was won by 9 wickets, and the second on Saturday by 16 runs.

Now, here’s what’s trending:
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that refusing to hire someone because of their dreadlocks is legal. The lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was brought on behalf of Chastity Jones, a black woman, whose job offer from Catastrophe Management Solutions was withdrawn because of her refusal to change her hair.

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 77. Scattered Storms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 89 and a low of 74.
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 Jahlisa H.

Hillary to Host Voter Registration events Today

Hillary for Florida Host Over 300 Voter Registration Events Today

Today, September 27, Hillary for Florida will celebrate National Voter Registration Day by holding over 300 voter registration events across the Sunshine State. At these events, organizers and volunteers will register Floridians ahead of the October 11 registration deadline.

On Friday, September 30, Hillary Clinton will campaign in St. Lucie and Broward Counties as the race for the White House draws near. Event times and locations have not yet been determined, but campaign organizers are asking interested residents to RSVP on the candidate’s website, HillaryClinton.com. During these local events, Clinton will discuss her vision for an America that is stronger together and an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

Voters can check their registration status or find more information about registering to vote by visiting www.iwillvote.com. Below is a list of voter registration events in the South and Central Florida area.

Kissimmee Voter Registration Event

Date: Tuesday September 27 3:00PM EDT

Where: Lechonera El Jibarito 1985 S John Young Pkwy, Kissimmee, Florida 34741

Media RSVP: fpelayo@hillaryclinton.com

Public RSVP: Click here

 

 

Lake Worth Voter Registration Event with Olympian Carl Lewis

When: Tuesday, September 27 at 3:00 PM EDT

Where: 1828 N Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460

Media RSVP: hkalla@hillaryclinton.com

Public RSVP: Click here

 

Little Havana Voter Registration Event

Date: Tuesday September 27 10:00AM EDT

Where: 2140 W Flagler St Ste 102 Miami, Florida 33135

Media RSVP: fpelayo@hillaryclinton.com

Public RSVP: Click here

 

Miami Gardens Voter Registration Event

When: Tuesday, September 27 at 4:00 PM EDT

Where: 4773 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL, 33055

Media RSVP: jcervone@hillaryclinton.com

Public RSVP: Click here

Prime Minister Holness Urges Diaspora to sign Marcus Garvey Petition

Prime Minister Holness Urges Diaspora to sign Marcus Garvey Petition

Needing 100,000 signatures by tomorrow in order to get a response from President Barack Obama, at a town hall meeting in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to sign an online petition calling for the pardon of National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. He reiterated the importance by saying Marcus Garvey is our national hero and he should be exonerated. To sign the petition, go to Justice4Garvey.org.

“It should be struck from the records. It needs 100,000 to make it effective and I call on all Jamaicans throughout the diaspora to sign this petition so we can have Marcus Garvey, our nation hero, exonerated. This is very important for our country and our national hero,” said Holness. 

Born in Jamaica, Marcus Garvey’s was a protagonist of the Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements which paved the way to found the Universal Negro Improvement Association (U.N.I.A) and African Communities League. He advanced a Pan-African philosophy which inspired a mass movement known as Garveyism and Garveyites.

During a time when Blacks were seen as second class citizens, Garvey led a mass movement to elevate the Black community through economic empowerment and independence. In May 1923, Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in relation to the operation of his signature program for Black economic independence, the Black Star Line.  He was sent to prison and later deported never allowed to return to the United States. He was convicted after being targeted by J. Edgar Hoover and deprived of a fair trial. His sentence was later commuted by President Calvin Coolidge on recommendation by the U.S. Attorney General and with the support of 9 of the 12 jurors who voted to convict.

 

 

PM Holness to submit Marcus Garvey petition to Obama

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 27th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90.

Today’s news is brought to you by The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

Here’s what’s going on this weekend:
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to sign an online petition calling for the pardon of National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The petition needs 100,000 signatures by tomorrow in order to get a response from President Barack Obama. At a town hall meeting in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Holness reiterated the importance by saying Marcus Garvey is our national hero and he should be exonerated. To sign the petition, go to Justice number 4 Garvey.org.

Thursday the Family of Shakira Martin, former Miss Universe who died of Sickle Cell in August, and the Sickle Cell Warriors of South Florida will officially launch the ‘Shak’s Hope’ foundation starting 6 p.m. at Ginger Bay Café in Hollywood.  The mission of Shak’s Hope is to increase awareness of the disease and provide services to improve the quality of life for those afflicted in Florida and Jamaica.

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, has expressed an interest in appearing on the television series ‘Dancing with the Stars’. In an interview with People Magazine Bolt said, “I think I can dance, I would definitely do it.” Dancing with the Stars consists of a celebrity paired with a professional dancer and based on points and public votes, a couple is eliminated each week until only the champion pair remain.

In sports:
In the final of the Caribbean qualifier for the 2017 CONCACAF Under 17 Championship, both Haiti and Jamaica were victorious in their games. Haiti won 5 to 0 over Cuba on Sunday while Jamaica’s run for third, after playing a man down on Friday, posted a 3-0 victory over Curacao. All matches were held at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.

And now, here’s what’s trending:
This Friday Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will be visiting Broward County as the race for the White House draws near. Event times and locations have not yet been determined, but campaign organizers are asking interested residents to RSVP on the candidate’s website… hillary clinton.com. During these local events, Clinton will discuss her vision for an America that is stronger together and an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 73. Scattered Storms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 85 and a low of 76.

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 The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.
You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa H.

Shak’s Hope Foundation launches this Thursday

Shak’s Hope Foundation, improving quality of life

This Thursday the Family of Shakira Martin, the former Miss Universe who died of Sickle Cell in August, and the Sickle Cell Warriors of South Florida will officially launch the ‘Shak’s Hope’ foundation starting at 6 p.m. at Ginger Bay Café in Hollywood. The mission of Shak’s Hope is to increase awareness and to provide services to help improve the quality of life for those afflicted with the disease in Florida and Jamaica.

Martin was a “Sickler” who lived with yet thrived with the disease all of her life. In spite of numerous hospital visits and intense pain, she always lived life to the fullest. She competed and won the title of Miss Jamaica Universe and went on to compete in the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant in Brazil.

On the 29, Shak’s Hope’s Sickle Cell Warriors, under the guidance of Martin’s mother, Andrea Hall, will officially launch their #knowyourstatus campaign while raising funds for foundation programs.

“This was Shakira’s dream to help others be status conscious early so they could improve and manage their lifestyle,” said Hall. Healthcare assistants will be on hand to test all attendees interested for the Sickle Cell trait and Hall will be available for interviews. The public is encouraged to come out and meet other Sicklers and get tested.

Shak’s Hope, a 501(c)3 foundation, whose mission is to increase awareness about sickle cell anemia and provide services and help improve the quality of life for those afflicted with the disease, serves the Sickle Cell population in Florida and Jamaica. Through carefully crafted programs, their mission is designed to help show those with Sickle Cell how to live a full life, manage pain and conquer the disease in a way that limits suffering. For more information email shakshope@gmail.com or visit www.shakshope.com.

Cut calories without cutting flavor

 Cook smarter

Approximately two-thirds of adults in this country are overweight or obese. This extra weight may pose life-threatening health risks including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. For an overweight person, losing even 5 percent of their weight can be meaningful. While the idea of losing weight may feel overwhelming, beginning the journey means starting with small steps.

An important place to start is with healthy eating. Often times, go-to food favorites are high in fat, sugar, starch and sodium. Eating large portions of such foods can hinder weight loss and lead to obesity and related health risks. Reducing portions can help cut calories, and there are ways of adjusting favorite recipes to add healthy ingredients without skimping on flavor.

Try this easy healthy and delicious recipe tonight. Prep time only takes 25 minutes with a 45 minute cook time.

Oven-Fried Fish & Chips

What you’ll need:

  1. Canola or olive oil cooking spray
  2. 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
  3. 4 teaspoons canola oil
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning, divided
  5. 2 cups cornflakes
  6. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 2 large egg whites, beaten
  9. 1 pound cod or haddock, cut into 4 portions

What you’ll do:

  1. Position racks in upper and lower third of oven; preheat to 425°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Set a wire rack on another large baking sheet; coat with cooking spray.
  2. Place potatoes in a colander. Thoroughly rinse with cold water, then pat dry completely with paper towels. Toss the potatoes, oil and 3/4 teaspoon Cajun (or Creole) seasoning in a large bowl. Spread on the baking sheet without the rack. Bake on the lower oven rack, turning every 10 minutes, until tender and golden, 30 to 35 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, coarsely grind cornflakes in a food processor or blender or crush in a sealable plastic bag. Transfer to a shallow dish. Place flour, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon Cajun (or Creole) seasoning and salt in another shallow dish and egg whites in a third shallow dish. Dredge fish in the flour mixture, dip it in egg white and then coat all sides with the ground cornflakes. Place on the prepared wire rack. Coat both sides of the breaded fish with cooking spray.
  4. Bake the fish on the upper oven rack until opaque in the center and the breading is golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

brandpointcontent.com

Privert and the United Nations on Cholera

Cholera

The President of Haiti, Jocelerme Privert, has called for swift implementation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s urgent appeal for redoubled efforts to fight the scourge of Cholera and aid its victims.

Warning of a “significant humanitarian deterioration” following fresh outbreaks of cholera in his country, Privert told the UN that the government notes with the greatest interest the Secretary-General’s statements with regard to two issues which make the (UN) Organization uncomfortable – the multiple cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by the ‘blue helmets’ and the introduction of cholera into Haiti.

The UN’s acknowledgement of its responsibility in the second issue opens the way for real discussions on the obligation to definitively eliminate cholera from Haiti,” he added.

The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which currently numbers nearly 5,000 uniformed personnel, was set up 12 years ago to help restore peace and stability and took on added functions following the devastating earthquake in 2010.

The UN said the cholera outbreak has affected an estimated 780,000 people and claimed the lives of over 9,100 people.

Last month, noting that a United States Federal appeals court upheld the UN’s immunity from a damage claim filed on behalf of the cholera victims,  Ban said he deeply regretted the “terrible suffering” of the Haitian people, adding that the UN had a moral responsibility to the support the victims and the French-speaking Caribbean country in overcoming the epidemic.

 

 

This Day in History: First African-American to win pulitzer for poetry

Gwendolyn Brooks

On this day in history, Gwendolyn Brooks, author of more than 20 books of poetry and who  published her first poem in a children’s magazine at age 13, was born in 1917 in Topeka, Kansas. Growing up in Chicago, she attended four different high schools, including the city’s elite all-white high school as well as an all-Black institution, and graduating from the integrated Englewood High School.

By 1941, Brooks was taking part in poetry workshops with a highlight on one organized by Inez Cunningham Stark, an affluent white woman with a strong literary background. Stark offered writing workshops to African-Americans on Chicago’s South Side. It was there she found her voice and a deeper knowledge of the techniques of her predecessors. Renowned poet Langston Hughes stopped by the workshop and heard Brooks read “The Ballad of Pearl May Lee.” Brooks began to grow in the literary community of artists and writers around her as her poetry began to be taken more seriously. She and her husband frequently threw parties at their apartment including one for her friend and mentor Langston Hughes. Once he unexpectedly dropped in and famously shared a meal of mustard greens, ham hocks, and candied sweet potatoes with Brooks and her husband Henry Blakely.

Brooks’ collection of different surroundings moving from school to school played a big role in her work which frequently offered a commentary on race and class. Brooks received critical acclaim for her first book of poetry, A Street in Bronzeville, published in 1945 introduced a group of characters in a segregated urban area unknown to many in America’s reading public but closely resembling Chicago’s South Side. She also was named one of Mademoiselle magazine’s “Ten Young Women of the Year,” won a Guggenheim Fellowship and became an American Academy of Arts and Letters fellow. On September 27, 1950, she received the most coveted award of all,  the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, for her second volume, Annie Allen. She was the first African-American and one of few women to receive the honor.

US Department of Homeland Security to step up Haitian deportations

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 26th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, for CNW 90.

Today’s news is brought to you by The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

Here’s a look at the top stories:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that it would begin widening efforts to deport undocumented Haitians in response to thousands of immigrants overwhelming border crossings in recent months. After an earthquake devastated parts of Haiti in 2010, the U.S suspended deportations saying that sending Haitians back to the country at a time of great instability would put their lives at risk.

Miami Broward Carnival celebrations are set to begin next weekend, October 9, at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. The Carnival season will kick off with Junior Carnival this Saturday, at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, allowing for young people to parade, compete, learn and celebrate Caribbean heritage.

South Florida is gearing up for the 35th International Reggae and World Music Awards. The event is allowing residents and fans to have a say in the voting by participating online in categories including “Best Female Voclaist, Best Song, and Best Album.” The International Reggae and World Music Awards are set for this Sunday at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

In sports:
The Miami Marlins cancelled yesterday’s game against the Atlanta Braves due to the death of 24-year-old Jose Fernandez early Sunday morning. Fernandez was killed during a boating accident in Miami waters with two of his close friends. The Marlins will play the NY Mets tonight at 7:10

And now, here’s what’s trending:
America’s first national museum dedicated to African-American history and culture opened Saturday with emotional words from many civil rights leader and our country’s first black president. In a speech, President Barack Obama pointed out the highs and lows of being black in America, from slavery and Jim Crow segregation to voting rights and economic leaders. President Obama said that duality still lingers, through successes such as his presidency, and trials such as the police killings of black men.

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 73. Scattered Storms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 85 and a low of 75.
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 The Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “After a car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.

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

UANA Pan American Masters to be held in Orlando

UANA Pan American Masters to be held in Orlando

The Swimming Union of the Americas has selected Orlando and the Central Florida YMCA to host the 2018 Pan American Masters Championship. The UANA is a sports organization which caters to the Western Hemisphere, including South America, Central America, Canada and the US, with the intention to organize the amateur aquatics activities of Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Synchronized Swimming, Masters Swimming and Open Water. The event will be held at the YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive starting July 25, 2018, and will run until

August 12. The event will include swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo

and open water swimming

“It is an honor for the YMCA of Central Florida to host The UANA Pan American Masters Championships,” says Rowdy Gaines, Vice President of Aquatics. “We recognize the prestige of hosting this international event and our Masters teams, corporate partners and incredible volunteers are so excited to welcome the world of Masters Aquatics to Orlando for the first time.”

This will be the second time the USA has hosted the event, and the first time that it will be hosted in Orlando.

“This event will attract approximately 2,500 athletes from 43 Swimming Federations in North, South, Central America and the Caribbean.” says Mel Goldstein, President of UANA. “The popularity of Orlando will make this the largest Masters event, other than a World Championship, that North America has ever held.”

National Weekly September 22, 2016

This Day in History: Ida Owens, biochemist, was born

On this day in history, September 26, 1929, Ida Owens, one of two first African Americans to receive a Ph.D. from Duke University and the first woman to receive any degree in physiology from Duke, was born in Whiteville, North Carolina. Owens’ early education was in segregated public schools. Owens then attended North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University, graduating in 1961 summa cum laude in Biology (B.S.) and Mathematics (minor). In 1962, she began her Ph.D. studies in biochemistry and physiology at Duke University shortly after Duke racially integrated its graduate and professional schools. 

After graduating, Owens held a postdoctoral position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on how drugs are chemically processed in the body. Owens then became an NIH researcher, working for the Laboratory of Developmental Pharmacology in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). In 1981 her work evolved into the NICHD Section on Drug Biotransformation. Since 1988, Owens has directed NICHD’s Section on Genetic Disorders of Drug Metabolism in the Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics.

Owens’ postdoctoral work sparked her specific interest in a critical group of enzymes, called glucuronosyltransferases (abbreviated UGTs), responsible for detoxifying numerous drugs, toxic chemicals, and other substances. She then designed methods to study genes that code for specific UGT enzymes. These methods allowed her to characterize UGT1A1, the gene coding for an enzyme in this family that processes the protein bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and to identify 12 other previously unknown and independent UGT enzymes.

Owens’ research group has subsequently made multiple advancements regarding UGT enzyme biology. Her laboratory was the first to identify a genetic defect, in the gene UGT1A1, that leads to Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a disorder that disrupts normal processing and excretion of bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Owens’ research group also identified that UGT enzymes must be activated before they can detoxify foreign chemicals and that in some cases suppressing these enzymes could enhance the effects of therapeutic drugs. Owens’ laboratory found that activity of UGT enzymes can be lessened by kinase inhibitors and that protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase enzymes can alter the enzyme specificity, likely contributing to their ability to detoxify a wide range of foreign chemicals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wikipedia.org

5 DIY projects to liven up your office

5 DIY projects to liven up your office

Whether you go into the office every day or work from home, most of us probably spend a lot more time at our desk than anywhere else. Why not take some time to make it a space that you can enjoy? With some creativity and individual flare, you can transform a utilitarian work station into a personalized think tank that is as stylish and unique as you.

Best of all, you don’t have to hire a contractor to do this. Whether you’re a pro DIYer or new to the crafting game, here are five simple ways to make a serious design statement in your office.

Add color 

It’s truly amazing what vibrant or soothing colors can do for a space! So where to begin? Try this: Take a quick inventory of everything in your office that looks dull, flat or just plain. This could be a wicker basket, a lamp or even a coat rack! Try using a high quality general purpose spray paint such as Krylon COVERMAXX. It’s a paint and primer in one, resulting in premium coverage and superior color in one simple coat! Whatever color you choose – red, green or blue – the transformation will astonish you and the bright bold colors are bound to put a spring in your step, even on a stressful work day.

Go green and fill your space with plants!

If you already have a plant or two in your office, why not buy more? In most cases, you’ll want to select plants that thrive in low-light conditions. Now, the true creative work is in how you choose to arrange your plants. Rather than just placing them on your desk, look into hangers and wall hooks – all of which will create a winning combination where nature meets design.

Write it out on a chalkboard

If you’re someone who stays organized by writing out your schedule or to-do list each week, a chalkboard is the perfect addition to your workspace. Rather than buying a board, pick up a can of Krylon Chalkboard Paint. Simply spray it on wood, metal or glass and once it dries, you’ll have your very own custom chalkboard that works with chalk or chalkboard markers.

Declutter in style

We’re all more productive when we’re organized, so getting rid of clutter is a must do in every office. Make organizing fun by incorporating bold colors! Use bright file folders to keep track of important documents or create your own supply containers using mason jars to keep all of your desk items in one place. To add additional flare, spray your mason jars or glass containers with Krylon Stained Glass paint. This paint creates a beautiful translucent color on any glass surface and comes in a variety of exciting colors like royal purple and cobalt blue.

Revitalize your old stuff

Telephones, paperweights, old figurines – pretty much anything you might otherwise call junk – can make a strong artistic statement in your office. All you need is a canister of Krylon Colormaster Paint and Primer in new and trendy, Rose Gold. With a coat of rose gold paint and a metallic shine, any old thing can be turned into an amazing decorative item.

Feeling inspired to revitalize your office? Check out Krylon.com for more information on products and project inspiration!

 

 

 

 

branpointcontent.com

Traveler’s Guide to affordable Travel

The smart traveler’s guide to affordable autumn travel

Are you in need of a vacation but would rather skip the cost and the crowds during the busy travel months? You’re in luck; fall is considered the shoulder season at destinations across the country, which means you can relax and enjoy America’s beauty without breaking the bank.

Shoulder seasons are travel enthusiasts’ best-kept secret. Autumn, falling right between the busier summer vacation period and end-of-the-year holidays, offers plenty of affordable options. So give into your wanderlust and start planning with these travel tips for an amazing fall getaway.

Watch the weather

When deciding on a destination for fall travel, be sure to research the weather. In some locales, fall is the rainy season. In others, fall is simply an extension of summer. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the perfect example. Temperate weather and warm ocean water, paired with fewer travelers, makes this a prime destination for autumn adventures.

If you’re craving fall colors, explore regions with sunny days and crisp nights. National parks are a wonderful option, as they’re celebrating the centennial of the National Parks System throughout 2016. Check out Yosemite or Arcadia National Park, both well-known for fantastic fall foliage. Wherever you go, remember fall weather can be fickle. Be sure to select a location with a reliable climate.

Analyze accommodations

The shoulder season brings fewer crowds, which means not only a less stressful trip, but also less costly accommodations. Researching location-specific websites, you will discover many great options, from beach-side bungalows to chic city condos.

Resort costs often drop during autumn months, but so do the costs of private accommodations. House rentals may be the right home-away-from-home for you. Bonus: You might even have some negotiating power during the slow months.

Explore eateries

The fall provides a bounty of fresh flavors in regions throughout the country, making this time ideal for foodies or anyone who simply enjoys a scrumptious meal. Some destinations offer “stay and dine” deals to highlight local cuisine at an incredible price, so do your research and make reservations early.

If you want the food to be a central theme throughout your trip but don’t want to battle for a table every night, seek destinations with a new or revitalized culinary scene. Underground foodies are flocking to Myrtle Beach, home to many up-and-coming chefs offering diverse flavors that will awaken and surprise your palate, such as liquid nitrogen tuna at The Chemist, Low Country egg rolls at 2nd Avenue Pier, or mango gazpacho at Chive Blossom.

The secret’s out: fall may just be the ideal time for a vacation. Because you’ll get more for less, you may just make it an annual tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

brandpointcontent.com

Recipe: Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp is always in season, especially in the Caribbean! Try this easy and quick meal to mix up the same old family meal. This recipe works great for a family get together or a back yard meet up. The recipe calls for a fruit salad, but it can be replaced with rice, lettuce, bread or pasta. Share your meal photos with us on Facebook and Instagram!

What you’ll need:

  1. 1 tablespoon sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon paprika
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
  6. 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
  7. 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  8. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  9. 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
  10.  2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
  11. 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  12. 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  13. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  14. and 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  15. cooking spray

What you’ll do:

Shrimp:

1. Prepare grill to medium-high heat.

2. Combine first 7 ingredients.

3. Combine oil and shrimp in a large bowl; toss well to coat.

4. Sprinkle spice mixture over shrimp; toss to coat.

5. Thread shrimp evenly onto 8 (8-inch) skewers.

6. Place skewers on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 6 minutes or until done, turning once.

Fruit salsa:

  1. Combine 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, 1/2 cup vertically sliced red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 teaspoons cider vinegar. (Can be replaced with other meal substitutions including rice, lettuce or pasta.)

Commissioner Winston Barnes to hold citizenship drive

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 23rd, 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 what’s going on this weekend:

With the controversy surrounding this year’s presidential election, and the right to vote, Commissioner Winston Barnes will host a free Citizenship Drive this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Youth Enrichment Center in Miramar. The free event will assist all members of the largely Caribbean American community who are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen.

 

The Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant will be hosting the 11th Annual Pageant tomorrow at the Miramar Cultural Center for the Performing Arts.  Young ladies from the community between the ages of 7 to 25 will express their viewpoints and accomplishments while showcasing their Carnival Costumes and Evening Wear ending with a Question and Answer segment.

 

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill has announced the Grand Opening celebration of two of its franchise restaurants in Florida. A new location will open in Oakland Park next Thursday and in Plantation on Friday. The President & CEO of Golden Krust, Lowell Hawthorne will be in attendance. There will be free food samples and prizes for all guest.

In sports:

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Central Broward Stadium. Currently the Strikers are placed 7th and the Rowdies placed 6th, both with 32 points. The Strikers hold a seven game unbeaten streak in North American Soccer League following the 1-1 draw on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

Protesters marched in Charlotte for a third night over the fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, a North Carolina resident shot and killed by an officer attempting to serve a warrant for someone else. The National Guard was activated Wednesday by the state’s Governor as protest began to grow…the video of Lamont’s death has not yet been made public by the police.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 75. Partly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 87 and a low of 77.

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.

been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey.

Ephraim Martin: A New Path

From the hallowed halls of the Jamaica Gleaner –  one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the western hemisphere ,to producing entertainment events in the United States, Ephraim Martin is charting a new path  – that of producing 100 entertainment events consecutively.

Martin, a Jamaican-Chicagoan, will on Sunday, October 2 bring the curtains down on the

35th Anniversary of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

This was by no means easy  – but despite ups and downs over the years, Martin’s determination shone through.

His journey started in Kingston, in the mid-1970s,  Martin, who called “Johnny Walker” by his colleagues at the Gleaner, was well known for his coverage of reggae artistes.

Entertainers and producers, such as Tommy Cowan, Jacob Miller and Inner Circle, Peter Tosh,  Bob and Rita Marley were all covered by Martin.

An event that will forever be etched in his memory, may have shaped his future.

He recalls on the night of March 21, 1980,  Rita Marley called the Gleaner office and asked Ephraim to go to the Norman Manley Airport to meet and cover Bob Marley, Jacob Miller, Junior Mervin and Chris Blackwell. On this occasion, Bob Marley and Jacob Miller strongly encouraged him to get more involved with the music and to travel with them – an offer that was turned town.

The following Saturday, Martin recalls that Jacob asked him to take some of the photographs and a meeting scheduled for the Zinc Fence Theater. On that day, when Martin went to the Zinc Fence, Jacob left a message stating that  he would be right back.

Ephraim used the opportunity to return to the Gleaner to turn in his assignment. But while in office the then news editor Ivoral Davis demanded broke the news  of Jacob’s Miller death and asked  Ephraim to go to the scene.

“Jacob is waiting on me at the Zinc Fence,” Martin said. However Davies responded – “If you don’t leave now, you are fired!”

With that twist of fate, Martin felt compelled to do more for the reggae industry through the media.

One year later, in 1981, Martin arrived in Chicago and secured a job with the Chicago Daily Defender .

During his tenure, one of his articles resonated with Peter Tosh  who was on tour performing with Jimmy Cliff . With this – another seed was planted  and in1 982, Martin established the Chicago Music Awards (CMA) and the International Reggae Awards, (IRAWMA) with no intention of doing it for a long time.

Little did he known that  other productions would follow the CMA and today, 35 years later, Martin is doing something that no other Entertainment Producer has done.

So come October 2, it will be yet another achievement for the Jamaica when he produces his100thth annual entertainment event with the staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) .

St. Kitts and Nevis, explore the intoxicating beauty of the islands

St Kitts & Nevis

Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and white sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean.

Banana Beach

This stunning and secluded beach offers faultless waters, soft sand, and shady coconut trees. Easy going days allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views along the way to the open aired retreat.

 

Bird Watching

St. Kitts is fortunate to have a myriad of beautiful, complex ecosystems containing a range of photogenic wildlife and a whole host of things to do. St. Kitts’ Northern, Central and Southern mountain ranges are carpeted in thick rainforests supporting huge bio-diversity.

Sky Safari

Wingfield Estate is St Kitts’ most exciting eco-adventure. Visitors will ride in a comfortable harness reaching speeds of up to 80 km an hour on a state-of-the-art cable line system atop St. Kitts’ spectacular Rainforest.

 

 

Hermitage Plantation Inn

Trail riding from the Hermitage on the southeast side of the island is a memorable experience, from the hills around Gingerland. A breathtaking ride up to Saddle Hill, the saddle-shaped mountain that British Naval Admiral Horatio Nelson used as a look-out.

Turtle Monitoring

A group of volunteers work at night on the beaches tagging sea turtles and collecting information about their nesting and movement. Why not join them one evening and help? Additional information is collected by the Nevis Turtle Group on morning surveys.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in the sea around Nevis provides a world of possibilities with dozens of reefs, wrecks and volcanic vents to explore just minutes offshore. And what’s more? One hotel will let you dive with a chef and catch your own lobster who will then prepare it for you when you return top side.

 

Dreaded insurance rate increase for some SFLA homeowners

Dreaded insurance rate increase for some SFLA homeowners 

“For the past several years one of greatest pains for South Florida homeowners has been the cost and benefits of property insurance,” according to former State Farm agent and insurance broker Matthew Lawrence.

This pain will soon be worsened. Last week the Florida Office of Insurance Regulations approved a rate increase averaging 6.4 percent for state owned Citizens Property Insurance, the largest property insurer in the state. The increase is expected to take effective February, 2017.

Lawrence said Citizens is like a monopoly in Florida. Since the early 2000s when a rash of hurricanes created widespread property damages and significant increase in claims on then private property insurers like State Farm and All State, these companies, and very affordable rates, left the market. Citizens filled the void. “Overwhelmed with policy holders, Citizens transferred homeowner policies to new insurers on the market. But these insurers pretty much follow Citizens lead, so the increase announced by Citizens could be reflected in the rates of these companies.”

“Purchasing a home is the prime objective of a high percentage of Caribbean-American families in South Florida, but many are shocked with the high rate of property insurance they are required to pay along with their mortgage and property taxes, and the gap in the co-relation between property insurance premiums and the related benefits.”

To obtain property insurance coverage through Citizens and other local insurance companies, most homeowners are required to, for example, have roofs, doors, and windows built to “hurricane-proof’” specifications.   “Homeowners meeting these specifications may qualify for lower rates, but several home owners struggle to meet the cost of these specs,” Lawrence said.

The average annual cost of property insurance for a three-bedroom dwelling house in South Florida is $1,991. This is the highest rate annually followed only by rates of $1,722 and $1,625 in Louisiana and Texas respectively.

Local property owners are also peeved with the high deductible associated with property insurance. Lawrence pointed out “Deductibles increased from an average of $500 a decade ago to some $2,000 currently. Homeowners needing a lower deductible, will pay higher premiums. The impact of these high deductibles hasn’t been felt in recent years since there has been no major storm damage since 2005.”

Local homeowners like Jeremy Rollins, a Citizens customer cannot understand why rates are being increased when the region hasn’t experienced storms for several years.

However, Citizens, which have been trying to get a rate increase for some time, justified the increase claiming it has been getting increased claims from homeowners that are not storm related.

Although the average rate increase is 6.4 percent, Lawrence said homeowners living near the coast in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties could see an increase of some 8.2 percent if they only purchased wind damage insurance, and not comprehensive property insurance. “The risk increases the closer properties are to the coast,” he said.

In a statement Citizens said that homeowners living further inland may actually realize deductions in their rates.

This Day in History: Mary Church Terrell was born

On this day in history, September 23, 1863, Mary Church Terrell, an educator, political activist, and first president of the National Association of Colored Women, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. An 1884 graduate of Oberlin College External which was the first college in America to admit women and one the first to admit students of all races, Terrell was one of the first American women of African descent to graduate from college. She earned her master’s degree from Oberlin in 1888.

Terrell began her career as a teacher becoming active in the National American Woman Suffrage Association where she became a spokesperson for the particular concerns of African-American women. A passionate advocate of education, Terrell sold her speeches during this period in order to raise money for a kindergarten class. In 1895, she was the first African-American woman to serve on the Washington, D.C., school board, serving until 1905 and again from 1906 to 1911.

Black women’s groups were excluded from national women’s organizations during the late nineteenth century. It was the planning of the 1893 World’s Fair, which they were excluded from aiding in the planning, that spurred Terrell and other black women leaders to form the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896. Also known as the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, it was created to serve as an umbrella organization for black women’s groups throughout the country. Under Terrell’s leadership, the NACW worked to achieve social and educational reform and to end discrimination based on gender and race. In 1940, Terrell wrote her autobiography, A Colored Woman in a White World, a work that used her own more than seventy years of life as an example of the difficulties that blacks faced in a predominantly white society.

 

 

cred: Library of Congress

Rita Marley suffers a stroke in Miami

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 22nd, 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:
Hillary for Florida is set to Host a “Haitian Women for Hillary” House Party tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Aventura. The party will provide supporters and volunteers an opportunity to discuss issues important to Haitian women, including good-paying jobs, quality health care, and comprehensive immigration reform. Attendees will be able to discuss their reasons for supporting the Hillary Clinton campaign and learn more about how to get involved this election.
With high tensions surrounding shootings in South Florida neighborhoods including the death of 8-year-old Jada Page, local officials launched an anti-gun violence initiative called ‘Together for Children’ in North Miami Tuesday. The meeting was met with some community input and skepticism, however, law enforcement hopes to be able to use this feedback to fight against unnecessary gun violence.
South Florida’s first-ever Teal 5K Run and Fun Walk for guy-na-cologic cancer survivors and fighters will be held this Saturday at C. B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. Hosted by the Kindah Foundation, they are inviting participants of all ages are welcome to run, jog, stroll, and walk through the tree-lined race course. The trail is friendly to baby strollers, leashed dogs and wheelchairs. The run will begin at 8 a.m.
In sports:
Jamaica’s Under-17 soccer team secured their spot in the CONCACAF Finals and a place in the Caribbean Football Union Championship semi-finals after beating the host team Trinidad and Tobago 3 to 2 in the final Group A match at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Tuesday night. Tomorrow, Jamaican will face Group B winners Cuba in a semi-final match while Haiti takes on Curacao.
And now, here’s what’s trending:
Rita Marley, widow of Reggae icon Bob Marley is reported to be hospitalized in Miami as the result of a stroke. Marley, who is 70 years old was on a visit to Miami to attend a special event, when she suffered the stroke on Tuesday night and was immediately rushed to hospital.
For today’s weather forecast:
Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 90 and a low of 75. Mostly Cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 84 and a low of 78.
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 was brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.
Youve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa H.

1...1,4211,4221,423...1,545Page 1,422 of 1,545