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Jamaica’s Cecil Harvey Cooper, a renowned artist, musician and educator died yesterday at the age of 70

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

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

Here’s a look at our top stories:

The city of Miami is initiating this use of a new technology approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for emergency use in areas where Zika carrying mosquitos are present. The technology that attracts females and contaminates them with a larvicide they then spread to other breeding sites. Officials say that this method has proven to significantly lower mosquito populations in certain areas.

“Fire in the Coal Pot”, an electrifying evening of dance and music will celebrate the company’s fifth anniversary and recognize five outstanding women who will receive the first annual Community Award of Excellence. The event, brought to you in part by the Peter London Global Dance Company, is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at the Miramar Cultural Center.

Jamaica’s Cecil Harvey Cooper, a renowned artist, musician and educator died yesterday at the age of 70. Just over a week ago he was given one of  Jamaica’s highest honors, the Order of Distinction. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Cooper’s “intellectual leadership and artistic integrity have given instrumental foundation” to his many students.

In sports:

This Saturday the Wolmers versus Campion College reunion soccer match will take place at the Central Broward Regional Park. Proceeds from the match, which starts at 5:30 p.m, will go towards aiding Wolmers sports programs in Jamaica.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

The family of Sandra Bland, who was found dead in a Texas jail after a routine traffic stop last year, has reached a 1.9-million-dollar settlement with Waller County Sheriff’s Office. The settlement includes compensation for Bland’s death while in custody as well as several changes to jail procedures in Waller County, Texas. Sandra Bland was found dead in her jail cell three days after she was pulled over for failing to use her turn signal in July 2015.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 91 and a low of 76. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 88 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

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Suzette Speaks.

Cholera Victims Protest at Presidential Palace

WHO faces challenges fighting cholera outbreak in Haiti

Cholera Victims Protest at Presidential Palace

Protests erupted on Monday when about 100 Haitian cholera victims gathered in front of the presidential palace demanding the government acquire damages from the United Nations (UN) after it was confirmed that their peacekeepers are to blame for the Cholera epidemic which has taken thousands of lives in the nation.

Mario Joseph, a lawyer defending some of the cholera victims said “We are here so that Jocelerme Privert finally takes the victims’ side during the UN General Assembly next week.”

After almost six years since the epidemic first spread to Haiti, the United Nations publicly recognized that it had a “moral responsibility” to help the victims and promised material aid for the nation. “The United Nations is finally recognizing it brought cholera here, so it’s time for the Haitian authorities to say something,” Joseph said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has brought the plan of a six-month renewal of MINUSTAH, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti that has been in operation since 2004.

Many Haitians are speaking and accusing the UN and its peacekeepers of an international plot.

“Whenever the time comes to decide on whether to renew the mission, there is more insecurity in the city. The UN peacekeepers favor this insecurity in order to justify their presence and keep their jobs,” said 23-year-old Martine Febert.

The number of deaths caused by the epidemic reaches nearly 10,000 people in Haiti. The number continue to climb with about 500 more cases of the disease being confirmed each week.

Epidemiologists conducted a study tracing the specific strain of cholera to a U.N. base which concluded that there was no other plausible source of the disease. They reported that the first victims of the outbreak lived near a base which housed 454 United Nations workers from Nepal where a cholera outbreak was and waste from that UN base in Haiti, often leaked into the river.

Cholera, can be transmitted through contaminated drinking water and causes acute diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

 

‘Fire in the Coal Pot’ celebration set for October 1

Fire in the Coal Pot celebration to honor exceptional community members

“Fire in the Coal Pot”, an electrifying evening of thrilling dance and music in celebration of the company’s fifth anniversary is coming to town, brought to you by the Peter London Global Dance Company (PLGDC) in partnership with the Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park (MCC) and Riddims Marketing. The staging which is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at the Miramar Cultural Center, will serve as the season opener.

 

Peter London, founder and Artistic Director of the PLGDC, says “We are ecstatic that MCC has chosen PLGDC as one of its premier arts partners. Through this dynamic and creative partnership of excellence, the local Broward community, especially students, will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse offering of dance programs and performances by some of the most recognized dance professionals in the country.”

 

Thrilling choreography will entertain visitors during the evening event which also includes a world premiere performance of an improvisation dance set to live music, courtesy of master steel pan musician, Leon Foster Thomas, opera baritone, Angel Refusé, and the unsurpassed pianist, Felix Spengler.

 

This, the fifth anniversary celebration, will also recognize five outstanding women who will receive the first annual PLGDC Community Award of Excellence. Honored for their contribution of time and talent of merging citizenship within the local community, Elgeta Thompson-Martin, Sandra Bernard-Bastien, Yvette Belle, Carla Hill and Angela Messam, will receive awards from former Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll.

 

This program is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida. (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes). Corporate sponsors are Baptist Health South Florida, The Miami Foundation, The Links Incorporated, Jack Daniels, CaneTV, Pat Montague Marketing and Cannonball.

“Let me know who killed my son,” mother pleads

“Let me know who killed my son,” mother pleads

Unfortunately, another mother in South Florida’s Caribbean community is heartbroken over the loss of a son, and pleading with the community to assist her in finding who murdered him.

Monica Bromfield, while on her nursing aid job on August 3, got the devastating news in a phone call from a neighbor that her 24-year old son, Gavin Bromfield, had been shot outside the door of the family home on Alhambra Boulevard in Miramar.

Gavin had been shot hours earlier as he pulled up into the driveway in his car. His elder brother Bryan who was home alone at the time and asleep, was awakened by gun shots and rushed out to find his brother fatally wounded, and his car, a Lexus, missing.

Since that fateful August 3 day, neither Monica, her husband Barry, or her son Bryan has gotten any information about who shot Gavin, or why.

“There haven’t been one single clue. No clue whatsoever.” Monica told National Weekly.“We have asked questions; we have speculated, but can’t find any answers. It’s so painful losing my son in such a tragic way, and have no clue who killed him. I am praying for someone, anyone to come forward and give us the truth.”

Miramar police is also calling on the public to come forward with information. On Monday the department announced a $8,000 reward, made possible through the assistance of a friend of the Bromfield’s, to anyone who can provide the relevant information leading to the capture of the person or persons responsible for Gavin’s death.

The police arrived at the Bromfield’s residence at 3:30 am on August 3, to find Gavin suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, which he later succumbed to. Although they found Gavin’s car some distance from the home, they found no other clue, but they suspect robbery could have been a motive for the shooting.

Monica, who migrated to the US from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica several years ago, says Gavin had many friends and was a “good boy.” Gavin, also a Jamaican, relocated to South Florida in 2002 at age-10, attended Miramar High School, and after graduation attended Broward College though he didn’t complete his studies there. At the time of his death, he was working temporarily as a security guard.

“Losing a son in such a shocking way is awful, but not knowing why he was killed makes it much more awful,” Monica said.“Please someone, please let us know who did this; who took my son away.”

Miramar police are requesting anyone with information to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

 

GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Program open for applicants

GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Program open for applicants

The 2017 Jamaican Birthright Program, brought to you by GraceKennedy Limited, has opened their application period for students running now through November 30, 2016.

The Program is an internship opportunity open to university students living in North America or the United Kingdom who are second or third generation Jamaicans (of Jamaican parentage or grand parentage). In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate degree, and have a Grade ‘B’ average or higher. Additionally, they must have not lived in Jamaica for more than six months and are seeking an opportunity to learn more about their heritage.

The Program aims to expose the students to a diversified Jamaican experience through cultural activities and professional instruction at a GraceKennedy operation in Jamaica.

“The 2016 Program was very successful and the interns had a memorable and rewarding experience,” said Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood. “With the help of our partners Jakes Hotel, FLOW Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the interns received the opportunity to experience the business undertakings as well as Jamaica’s dynamic cultural traditions, from our food to music, sports and more. They really got the chance to make a personal connection with Jamaica.”

Natasha Allen,a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, said “The GK Birthright Program was a wonderful experience overall. I am so thankful that GraceKennedy saw fit to invest in us, and allowed us to go on all of these excursions. I really hope they continue the program and allow more persons in the Diaspora to connect with their heritage.”

Four applicants, two from the United States of America, one from the United Kingdom and one from Canada, will be chosen to participate in the 2017 Jamaican Birthright Program to run from July 1 to August 8 including will all-expenses paid for the five-week duration of the program.

Application forms are available at www.gracekennedy.com/birthright. For further information, interested persons can either send queries via email to gkfoundation@gkco.com or call 1-876 932-3541.

This day in history: US takes control of customs & finances of Haiti

Haiti

On this day in Caribbean history, September 16, 1915, the United States Senate ratified the Haitian-American Convention, a treaty granting the US security and economic oversight of Haiti for a 10-year period.

The US administration overhauled, the already Haitian constitutional system, reinstituted civil conscription for building roads, and established the National Guards. Opposition to the occupation began immediately after the Marines entered Haiti in 1915. The rebels strongly resisted American control of Haiti. During the first period of the occupation, they received considerable support from the German government and entrenched German-Haitian elite. While German capabilities were seriously limited by World War One and the United States was neutral for a time, they were hostile parties, determined to wrest hegemony over Hispaniola. Germany’s position benefited the indigenous resistance movements.

Racist attitudes towards the Haitian people by the American occupation forces were blatant and widespread. Initially, there was intermingling of officers and the elites at social gatherings and clubs but when families of American forces began arriving, such gatherings were minimized.

The Treaty read:

Art. I. The Government of the United States will, by its good offices, aid the Haitian Government in the proper and efficient development of its …resources and in the establishment of the finances of Haiti on a firm…basis.

Art II. The President of Haiti shall appoint, upon nomination by the President of the United States, a general receiver … who shall collect, receive and apply all customs duties …

The President of Haiti shall appoint, upon nomination by the President of the United States, a financial advisor…

Art. III. The Government of …Haiti will provide by law…for the payment of all customs duties to the general receiver…

Art. V. All sums collected …by the general receiver shall be applied first [to pay his expenses] second, to the interest and sinking fund of the public debt of …Haiti…

National Weekly September 15, 2016

This Day in History: First Black officials elected in Alabama

On this day in history, September 15, 1964, Reverend K.L. Buford and Dr. Stanley Smith were elected to the Tuskegee City Council and became the first Black elected officials in Alabama.

With the efforts of a strong local organization, the Tuskegee Civic Association (TCA), and leader, Charles Gomillion, a federal judge ordered white officials to make positive efforts to register African American voters. Combined with local registration efforts, the ruling opened Tuskegee and Macon County to “a great concentration of assertive Negroes entirely qualified under the laws of Alabama to vote.”
The political framework for the franchise in Macon County came from Tuskegee’s civil rights leadership, particularly the Macon County Democratic Club, an organization formed by Gomillion and the TCA to help support African American political candidates in local elections. In the 1950s and early 1960s, the group struggled to make headway against blatant discrimination, but by 1964 a growing black voting majority in Macon County, combined with a strong minority in Tuskegee city, gave Gomillion’s club new hope.

Chicken Parmesan Cupcakes

Chicken Parmesan Cupcakes

All kids love cupcakes and they love cheese, so this marries the two, plus the nutrition of Eggland’s Best eggs-what could be better?

Ingredients:

Chicken Mixture

1 Eggland’s Best Egg (large)

1 pound ground chicken

3 tablespoons Italian-flavored bread crumbs

2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic

1/2 teaspoon onion salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Coating

1 Eggland’s Best Egg (large), lightly beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs

Topping

1/2 cup marinara pasta sauce

4 (3/4-ounce) slices Land O Lakes 4 Cheese Italian Blend, cut into quarters

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 Fahrenheit degrees. Lightly spray eight muffin pan cups with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine all chicken mixture ingredients in bowl; mix well. Shape into eight meatballs.

Place flour, bread crumbs and egg into separate shallow dishes.

Lightly roll each meatball in flour, then beaten egg, then bread crumbs.

Pat each meatball into bottom of each prepared muffin cup, flattening top. Bake 15 minutes.

Top each meatball with 1 tablespoon marinara sauce and two quarters cheese. Bake 3-5 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and center is no longer pink.

Cool 1-2 minutes in pan. Serve warm and enjoy!

Florida NAACP and Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana endorse Florida Constitutional Amendment 2

cannabis

 

Florida NAACP and Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana endorse Florida Constitutional Amendment 2

The Florida NAACP and Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana, headquartered in Orlando, are both endorsing Amendment 2, which will be titled ‘Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions’ on Florida’s November 8 general elections ballot.

“We are thrilled to once again have the endorsement of the Florida NAACP, and to now have Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana, a Florida nonprofit and advocacy outreach organization fighting to pass a sensible medical marijuana law is fantastic. We really appreciate their support and we look forward to working with them,” said Ben Pollara, Campaign Manager for the organization United for Care, the key proponent for the proposed constitutional amendment.

Rosalind McCarthy, founder of Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana, has a personal reason for supporting proposed Amendment 2. “I firmly believe my father, who suffered from glaucoma, would have benefited from medical marijuana. My son suffers from sickle cell anemia and I think Amendment 2 is the only way he’ll ever have the option to legally reap the benefits medical marijuana can offer. My teenage son, just like the thousands of others who suffer from a disease that deteriorates their life, deserves another option- a less addictive option,” said McCarthy. “We are going to do everything in our power to make sure the African American community votes during this election cycle.”

On Friday, September 9, John Morgan who originally initiated the move to amend Florida’s constitution to make medical marijuana legal in the 2014 mid-term elections, addressed the Florida NAACP membership during their 73rd state conference. During the conference Morgan highlighted prescription addictions and the need for another option in healthcare, the different ways medical marijuana can be administered, and the difference between the current medical marijuana laws and proposed Amendment 2.

In the 2014 general election, the constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana failed by just 2 percentage points to reach the required 60 percent to be approved.

Polling average in Florida, with the latest poll conducted on August 11, showed 64.4 percent voter support for the amendment. Over 70 percent of voters in South Florida support the initiative. An independent poll among South Florida’s Caribbean Americans voters in June indicated over 80 percent support for the constitutional amendment.

 

 

 

Lauderdale Lakes City Manager resigns after one year

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 15th, 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:
Kelvin Baker, the City Manager for Lauderdale Lakes resigned at Tuesday night’s City Commission meeting, citing what he termed as a “loss of momentum”, and a city budget that did not reflect his desired goals. Baker was hired by Lauderdale Lakes less than a year ago, and had previously served as city manager in Opa-locka.

For South Florida residents looking to make some extra cash for the holidays, Target says it will hire more than 70,000 thousand seasonal store workers and an additional 7,500 five hundred. people for its distribution facilities… The retailer says it will hold hiring events at all of its 1,800 thousand hundred stores on October. 14th and 15th.

The Award Winning Jamaican Play, ‘For My Daughter…’ is set to premier in South Florida on Friday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. at SW Miami High School. The play follows the Parkins family, who is living paycheck to paycheck, and the relationship between Melissa and her mother, as Melissa falls for her first true love.
In sports:
In anticipation of its 2017 community soccer tournament, the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association will hold tryouts for their under 20 league every Monday and Wednesday from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. The tryouts are open to all members of the community between 15 and 20 years old.
And now, here’s what’sv trending:
Google recently announced the “Project Zero” contest in which it’s offering hackers up to $200,000 thousand dollars. for the first place prize, to anyone who hacks an Android device from “knowing only the devices’ phone number and email address.” Google isn’t stopping there, the company is also awarding $100,000 thousand dollars to the second place winner and $50,000 to third place.
For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 77. Scattered Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 88 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 is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious. You’ve been watching CNW90.

Sean Paul says Drake and Bieber exploit dancehall artists

Sean Paul says Drake and Bieber exploit dancehall artists

Sean Paul is the latest in a swarm of Reggae artists who say that American musicians need to credit dancehall artiste when using their rhythms.

The famous “Cheap Thrills” singer, who will be performing aboard the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, was one of the instrumental musicians who brought Jamaican dancehall into the American mainstream in the early 2000’s. Sean Paul took shots at Canadian artist Drake and the young Justin Bieber for appropriating the genre. “It is a sore point when people like Drake or Bieber or other artists come and do dancehall-orientated music but don’t credit where dancehall came from and they don’t necessarily understand it… I know artists back in Jamaica that don’t like Major Lazer because they think they do the same thing that Drake and Kanye did, they take and take and don’t credit.”

Paul, who became an independent artist a few years after dancehall lost a lot of popularity in the Unites States, told the outlet that the patois lingo Drake uses on “Views from the Six” is exploitative. In a similar rant, Mr. Vegas called Drake “fake” for not crediting any Jamaican artists on his latest album in a Facebook post which was later taken down and ‘clarified’ to his fans. “Dancehall is back but this time it’s also infused with Afrobeat, with hip-hop, with rap, and that’s fine with me,” he said. “Sure, I would like what we do in Jamaica, that authentic dancehall, to be on top, but it simply isn’t. So I want this album to bridge that gap.”Though Paul and other artists aren’t happy with the state of dancehall in pop culture, he said he hopes to push the genre’s true vibes to the forefront with his new album.

 

Caribbean-Americans awed by recollection of 9/11

Young Caribbean-Americans awed by recollections of 9/11

Nicole Spence was just two-years old, living in Jamaica when terrorists attacked the US on September 11, 2001. “I was a toddler, and have only grown to realize the devastating impact of the attacks that killed thousands of people in New York and Washington DC in recent years living and attending school in Miami.”

Spence was one of several young South Florida residents attending a ceremony at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport on Sunday, to unveil a memorial to those who perished in the terrorist attacks.

Accompanying Spence to the unveiling ceremony was her friend Duane Curtis, 25, whose birthday coincidentally falls on September 11. Also from Jamaica, Curtis recalls plans for a birthday party celebrating his 10th birthday was “messed up” in 2001 because of TV images of the attacks, and the loss of a close family friend who died in the attack on the World Trade Center towers. “The 9/11 attack motivated me to join the US Marines, and dedicate myself to protect my adopted country. Today I am a fierce American patriot,” Curtis said.

The memorial at the Fort Lauderdale Airport is a collage of memorabilia from 9/11. This includes metal from one of the destroyed towers at the World Trade Center, an American flag and a fireman’s helmet to commemorate the several New York firemen who died in New York when the twin towers collapsed.

Curtis said he was disappointed as a student at a public high school in Palm Beach County because 9/11 was not a focused part of American history courses. “We learned about history related to the American Revolution, the American Civil War and the two world wars, but little about 9/11. I think all those [who] died that day made a tremendous sacrifice for a safer America. Although the day was very tragic, young people who were too young or not born at the time should be taught this aspect of America’s history.”

Broward County American History teacher Lorna Green, said the history of 9/11 is included in post-Civil War History classes at South Florida high schools. However, there is not much focus on the attack itself at elementary schools, but rather on the sense of patriotism and heroism resulting from the attacks. “The 9/11 attacks are still a relative recent event as far as American history goes.  I’m sure it will be just a matter of time before a formal curriculum is designed to teach students about this tragic aspect of American history.”

Green said students, “most who were toddlers or not even born then,” are always keen on learning about the circumstances around the 9/11 attacks, especially around the anniversary. “I get very inquisitive interest especially from Caribbean-American students who only learned about the details of 9/11 as they grow up in America.”

Spence’s Mom, Nora, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at the Fort Lauderdale Airport was among an honor guard consisting of TSA staffers who were part of the unveiling ceremony at the airport. The TSA was formed by the US Congress immediately after 9/11 attacks to enhance security at US airports.

Actor Brad Pitt, reads excerpt from best-selling Jamaican author

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 14th, 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:

David Chiverton, former Opa-Locka City Manager, appeared in federal court Monday to change his plea to guilty on one count of conspiracy to accept improper gifts or payments. Chiverton previously turned himself in on August 8th after he and former Opa-locka Assistant Public Works Director, Gregory Harris were charged for their participation in a two-year long bribery and extortion scheme.

JetBlue Airlines is giving free books to children in needy neighborhoods throughout Fort Lauderdale. The program, called ‘Soar with Reading’, provides the books via vending machines in areas where libraries and other places to get books are scarce. The first placement of the machines was in Detroit, Michigan, this summer.

The twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago celebrated its 54th anniversary of independence on Aug. 31. To commemorate this milestone, Christ the King Catholic Church in Perrine, Miami-Dade County, will host a Thanksgiving Mass & Healing Service on September 18 and 19. The healing service will be held on Monday, the 19, at 7:30 p.m. and the Mass on Sunday, the 18, at 10 a.m. Father Alan Hall from Trinidad will be the celebrant.

In sports:

Gold medalist in this year’s Rio Olympics, Brianna Rollins, will be honored with her own day in the City of Miami. The ceremony will be held tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Miami Northwestern Senior High. Rollins grew up in Liberty City and attended Northwestern High School where she was trained by Carmen Jackson. Rollins was All-American honors at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in the 100 meter hurdles, and won three state championships and four District championship.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

In a two-minute video, American actor and social activist, Brad Pitt read an excerpt from Jamaican author Marlon James new book, ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’ as part of the newspapers Men’s Style issue. Last October, James became the first Jamaican winner of the ‘Man Booker Prize’ for his book which highlights political violence in Jamaica and the spread of crack cocaine in the U.S. The video of Pitt can be seen at N-Y-Times dot com.

For today’s weather forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 77. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 87 and a low of 80.

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.

Recipe: Pizza Frittata

Here is an easy, delicious and nutritious family meal recipe that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Pizza Frittata 

What you’ll need:

4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

3 large Idaho potatoes, peeled

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

2 tablespoons pesto

4 ounces turkey pepperoni

4 ounces shredded provolone cheese

What to do:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel potatoes and slice thin using a knife or mandolin slicer. Arrange potatoes on a 12-inch pizza pan (or in a baking dish) and drizzle with olive oil. Bake potatoes for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk eggs, tomatoes, olives and pesto in a large bowl.

Remove potatoes from oven and pour egg mixture over pan. Top with cheese and pepperoni and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Teachers urgently needed

Teachers urgently needed 

A combination of factors including comparatively low salaries, challenging working conditions, emphasis on measured results, increase in retirements, and decline in new enrollees in the profession, is depleting the number of teachers in South Florida schools.

In Miami-Dade County, a shortage of some 150 vacancies were reported at the beginning of the school year. In Broward County, earlier this year the school district had some 80 vacancies and Palm Beach County about 120.

The number of vacancies seems small in the three districts with an average of 12,000 teachers each. However, Broward School Superintendent Robert Runcie expressed concern with the retirement of teachers while less people are entering the profession, “The growing teacher shortage is one of the biggest problems facing public education today.” Runcie previously called for a special task force to address the teacher shortage problem, and state and federal governments to increase funding for teacher’s salaries.

Florida teachers are paid an average of $48,000 annually, while increases in salary in recent years averaged 3 percent annually. “And we had to virtually suck salt through a wooden spoon to get the increase,” said Wolford Harris who recently retired as a Math teacher from the Miami-Dade School District.

“But it’s more than the salary issue,” Harris said. “It’s also the unnecessary stress; the everlasting testing requirements, and the correlation between student’s test results and teacher’s performance. The system is not favorable to teachers. We work under perpetual stress.”

According to the Florida Department of Education, applications for teacher certificates fell some 17 percent between 2006 and 2014, from 71,781 to 59,334 applicants.

Enrollment for teaching courses have declined at two of South Florida’s higher educational institutions. At Florida International University (FIU), enrollment in undergraduate education programs fell from some 1,300 students in 2013 to 1,161 in 2015, and at Miami-Dade College from 300 in 2014 to 219 in 2015.

 

The teacher shortages are particularly reflected in the crucial math, science and technology subjects. Runcie also wants state educational leaders to stem this problem by creating means to attract science, technology, engineering and math professionals into teaching, making these teaching jobs more competitive with private-sector jobs.

Jose Dortes, head of human capital at the Miami-Dade School district, said the district will continue placing emphasis on teacher recruitment and retention well into the future. The measures the district is taking includes promoting teaching programs for high school students to interest them in the profession from early, and expand mentorship programs for new teachers to ensure they remain in the profession.

Palm Beach and Broward County school districts are also focusing on stoking early interest in the teaching profession in public school students by visiting classrooms and meeting with students.

Vanessa Barnes, a Jamaican teacher in Lake Worth, sees the shortage as a “realistic career opportunity for Jamaican teachers migrating to South Florida. Jamaican teachers are committed, hardly deterred by salary issues or classroom challenges. They should grasp the opportunities.”

Strides Against Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer

Strides Against Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer

South Florida’s first-ever Teal 5K Run, Fun Walk for gynecologic cancer survivors and fighters will be held on September 24that C. B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines at 8 a.m. Participants of all ages are welcome to run, jog, stroll, and walk through the tree-lined race course on the exclusive grounds of C.B. Smith Park. The trail is friendly to baby strollers, leashed dogs and wheelchairs.

“Teal 5K Run / Fun Walk™ is the Kindah Foundation’s first 5K annual event, and the first 5K dedicated to Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Survivors to be held in South Florida and will deliver an empowering morning to raise awareness and vital funds for education, programs, cancer research and the Teal Teen Project.” Bridgett Parris, Executive Director of the Kindah Foundation Inc.

Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., and the event kicking off with an invocation representing gynecologic cancers fighters and survivors of South Florida at 7:30a.m. The 5K run/ fun walk will follow at 8:00 a.m. and feature a free public health fair and family fun day that includes a silent auction and activities such as a dominoes game, face painting, and bounce house for the children.

All participants will receive a finisher medal, race T-shirt and goodie bag.Awards will be presented to both the female and male overall winners as well as the age category winners. Participants under the age of 13 will receive participation recognition and all participants under 10 years old run/walk for free.

Registration is available online at www.kindahfoundation.org. Early race packet pick-up can be done in-person at five Runner’s Depot locations. For early pick-up locations and time visit race website for detail.

All registered participants are encouraged to create a personalized fundraising page and share it with their friends and family and/or form a team, bringing together friends and family members to challenge themselves to complete the course and to raise additional funds toward Teal 5K Run/Fun Walk’ cancer.

A portion of the entry fee is deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes to the maximum extent allowed by law. All proceeds from the event will go to support the Kindah Foundation life-changing awareness programs, Teal Teen Project™, cancer research, SCOS Group, and the mission to ensure that no woman faces cancer alone.

Free Mammograms for women in Broward County with little or no health insurance

Mammogram

Free Mammograms for women in Broward County with little or no health insurance

 

Florida Department of Health in Broward

By Bob LaMendola

Broward Health and the Florida Department of Health in Broward County will be offering women with little or no health insurance a free mammogram this Saturday, September 17. The organization will hold the event for women up to age 65 at the Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center in Fort Lauderdale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are happy to partner with Broward Health once again for these very important services to the community,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of DOH-Broward. The special event will offer free mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast health information. Qualified women ages 50 to 64 who do not have coverage will be served by DOH-Broward’s Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Women of color under age 50 will be served by Broward Health’s breast cancer program, which is funded by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.“We will be offering qualified women in our community a great opportunity,” said Pia Delvaille, Manager of the Wells Women’s Center. “We encourage all to take advantage.”

Space is limited and appointments are recommended, call 954-762-3649 to register and find out if you qualify.

 

 

This day in history: The House and Senate agree on the Selective Service Act

On this day in history, September 14, 1940, the Selective Service Act was reported by the joint conference committee, and agreed to by the House and by the Senate.

The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, also known as the Burke-Wadsworth Act, was enacted on September 16, 1940, was the first peacetime conscription in United States history. This Selective Service Act required that men between the ages of 21 and 35 register with local draft boards. Later, when the U.S. entered World War II, all men aged 18 to 45 were made subject to military service, and all men aged 18 to 65 were required to register, including ‘blacks’. Signed into law by Franklin Roosevelt in 1940, the Act established the first peace-time draft in United States history. Under the Selective Training and Service Act, all American males between twenty-one and thirty-six years of age registered for the draft. The government selected men through a lottery system.

If drafted, a man served for twelve months. According to the Selective Training and Service Act’s provisions, drafted soldiers had to remain in the Western Hemisphere or in United States possessions or territories located in other parts of the world. The act provided that not more than 900,000 men were to be in training at any one time, and it limited service to 12 months.

Later in history, November 1942, with the United States now fully invested in the war, the draft ages expanded; men 18 to 37 were now eligible. Blacks were passed over for the draft because of racist assumptions about their abilities and the viability of a mixed-race military. But this changed in 1943, when a “quota” was imposed, meant to limit the numbers of blacks drafted to reflect their numbers in the overall population, roughly 10.6 percent of the whole. Initially, blacks were restricted to “labor units,” but this too ended as the war progressed, when they were finally used in combat.

 

 

 

 

 

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8 steps to feeling more self-assured

Creating confidence: 8 steps to feeling more self-assured

Virtually everyone struggles with a lack of self-confidence at some point in their lives and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure of yourself in certain situations. However, if you find a lack of confidence is holding you back from fully enjoying your personal life, or achieving your professional goals, it may be time to take action.

“There are actually steps you can take to rebuild your confidence, even when you’re struggling to feel self-assured,” says Susie Moore, a motivational speaker, best-selling author and life coach. “Confidence is a real-life super power that affects every aspect of your life, from your relationships to your career and social life, but it’s also more attainable than you think.”

Moore shares tips on how you can be your most confident self and live a
fulfilled, unconditional life:

* Tap the power of words and positive thinking by starting every day with an uplifting mantra. Positive self-talk such as “I am loveable. I am worthy. I am enough” can help boost confidence levels. Make a conscious decision to be more kind and gentle with yourself every day.

* Practice a strong pose and smile to help enhance your sense of confidence. Confidence is all about attitude. Making these small physical changes can immediately impact how self-assured you feel in any situation.

* Make self-care non-negotiable. Take time to listen to your body and give it what it needs to help you feel confident. For example, millions of men and women experience bladder leakage, but products like Depend FIT-FLEX Underwear, which are designed to move with your body while offering trusted protection, can help you think less about leaks. That’s energy you can devote to better things, like reconnecting with the people and parts of your life you’ve been missing.

* Keep your mind and body active. Being busy leaves you little time to overthink, so fill your life with activities you enjoy. Yoga, visiting friends, reading, cooking, going for walks or even organizing your closet all count!

* Speak with intention. The way you talk impacts your mood, your confidence and how other people perceive you. When you use verbiage like “I’ll try” or “I don’t think I can,” you’re really allowing yourself permission to feel unconfident. Instead, build confidence and commitment with statements like “I will” and “I know I can.”

* Don’t overcomplicate things or allow yourself to be distracted by unimportant things. Focus on your daily objectives and long-term goals by cultivating a clear and positive vision of how you want your life to be.

* Listen to, but don’t heed negative opinions of others. Your positive attitude and vision are more important than anyone else’s negative thoughts.

* Be sure to reserve time and energy for your own priorities. Busy lives mean we can get bogged down with commitments to others, and while those things are important, it’s vital to take care of yourself and your own priorities first. Build your schedule around the time you need for your own goals and let everything else fit in around that.

“Confidence is an almost-magical quality that can help you lead your best, most fulfilled life and – more importantly – it’s in your grasp!” Moore says. Check out how Depend FIT-FLEX Underwear is helping real people feel confident and request a sample at www.Depend.com.

 

 

 

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Caribbean Airlines issues ban on use of Galaxy Note 7 on board

Welcome to Tuesday, September 13th, and with the headlines making news across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Today’s news is brought to you by Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “after a car accident, call Goldson Spine.”
Here’s a look at our top stories:
Caribbean Airlines has enforced a ban, effective immediately, on the in-flight use & charging of the Samsung …Galaxy Note 7 phone… The phone’s use on the airline is now banned due to reports that its battery poses a fire threat, when overheated. Caribbean Airlines noted in a release on Friday afternoon, that the decision was based on a directive from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.

Palm Beach Health officials have confirmed a second case of, dengue fever in Palm Beach County. So far this year there have been two travel-related cases of the illness, and health department workers believe this latest case is also isolated. Officials have not said where in the county the infected persons are located.

A customs facility in St Marc, Haiti, discovered and seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition over the weekend, after searching a truck loaded with used items from Miami. Illegal contriband found included 150 hundred fifty, 12-gauge shotguns and five M-4 rifles. Haiti officials say an investigation will commence into the source and recipient of these items, both nationally and internationally.
In sports:
The Florida Memorial University Women’s soccer team shut out Ave Maria University 2-nil on Saturday at the AMU Soccer Field in Southwest florida. Florida Memorial’s Bianca Combe scored the first goal in the 17th minute and the 2nd Florida Memorial goal came from, Lovely Placide, in the second half. The FMU Lions return to action on Saturday, September 17th when they travel to Davie to kick off against Broward College at 5p.m.

And now, here’s what’s trending:
Natasha Smith, a Guyaneses news anchor, who claimed she was removed from her position because she is pregnant, is being reinstated after Prime Minister Moses Naga-mootoo directed Guyana’s National Communications Network lateWednesday, to place Smith back on air and instructed the CEO to apologize to her. In a statement the Prime Minister said “the act is an attack on her as a woman and as a professional journalist.”.

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 77. Mostly Scattered Storms in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 85 and a low of 79.
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 Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, who reminds you, “after a car accident, call Goldson Spine.”
You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Suzette Speaks.

Institute of Caribbean Studies seek to pardon Marcus Mosiah Garvey

Institute of Caribbean Studies seek to pardon Marcus Mosiah Garvey

The Institute of Caribbean Studies is seeking support from the Caribbean Diaspora to aid in their efforts to obtain a Posthumous Presidential Pardon for the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

The Institute’s website, http://justice4garvey.org, provides complete details about the campaign. A crucial component in this process is obtaining 100,000 signatures on the online petition by September 28 of this year to ensure that the request for a Posthumous Presidential Pardon will be acknowledged and reviewed by President Barack Obama.

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.

This put a halt on Garvey’s global movement for racial and economic justice breaking down the level of momentum. He never abandoned his movement to empower people of the African diaspora and he was recognized as a forbearer of the Civil Rights Movement by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Today, his legacy is celebrated the world over.

This Day in History: Alain Locke, first African American Rhode Scholar

On this day in history, September 13, 1885, Alain LeRoy, Harvard University graduate,  Locke was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Locke was the first African American to win the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. He also received a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard and taught at the university. Locke publicized the Harlem Renaissance to a wide audience. After he died, June 9, 1954, in New York City, he was laid to rest in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC.
Alain LeRoy Locke was born Pliny Ishmael and Mary Hawkins Locke. He was a gifted student who graduated from Philadelphia’s Central High School second in his class in 1902. He attended the Philadelphia School of Pedagogy before heading to Harvard University where he graduated in 1907 with degrees in both literature and philosophy.Despite his intellect and talent, Locke faced significant barriers as an African American. Though he was selected as the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, he was denied admission to several colleges at the University of Oxford because of his race.

Alain Locke taught English at Howard University before returning to Harvard to complete his graduate studies. He completed his dissertation, “The Problem of Classification in the Theory of Value,” in 1918, graduating with a doctorate in Philosophy. Locke then returned to Howard University as chair of the school’s Department of Philosophy—a position that he would hold until his retirement in 1953.Locke promoted African-American artists and writers, encouraging them to look to Africa for artistic inspiration. Author Zora Neale Hurston received significant support from Locke. He also reviewed the work of African-American scholars in the pages of the periodicals Opportunity and Phylon, and published work on African-American art, theater, poetry and music.

Much of Locke’s writing focused on African and African-American identity. His collection of writing and illustrations, The New Negro, was published in 1925 and quickly became a classic. He also published pieces on the Harlem Renaissance, communicating the energy and potential of Harlem culture to a wide audience of both black and white readers. For his part in developing the movement, Locke has been dubbed the “Father of the Harlem Renaissance.” His views on African-American intellectual and cultural life differed sharply from those of other Harlem Renaissance leaders, however, including W.E.B. Du Bois. While Du Bois believed that African-American artists should aim to uplift their race, Locke argued that the artist’s responsibility was primarily to himself or herself.

Award Winning Jamaican Play, ‘For My Daughter’ heads to SoFlo

Award Winning Jamaican Play, ‘For My Daughter’ heads to SoFlo

Sunshine Theatre Company proudly presents David Tulloch’s award winning play “For My Daughter.” David Tulloch is quickly becoming one of Jamaica’s top writer/directors and has won awards for his writing, acting, lighting design and composing musical scores. This production has already received 8 Thespy nominations and won 4 awards including ‘Outstanding Jamaican Play’ and ‘Outstanding Writer’.

The play will be shown at 8 p.m. September 23rd at SW Miami High School and September 24th at Miramar High School. September 25th will show the play at 7 p.m. at Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

“For My Daughter” also stars the legendary Leonie Forbes, recently out of retirement, Terri Salmon, Rosie Murray, Rushae Watson/ Ruschienne Deidrick and Akeem Mignott/David Tulloch.

The story surrounds the Parkins family who are living paycheck to paycheck. Molly Parkins matriarch of the family is a retired pharmacist who lives with her daughter Janet (Rosie Murray) and her granddaughter Melissa who is in school studying pharmacy. The relationship between Melissa and her mother is acrimonious at best as neither understand each other, but soon Melissa falls for her first real love, a young medical doctor Keith who shows her what it takes to open her heart as well as her mind.

Tickets for this event are available from selected Caribbean outlets, the Coral Springs box office or call Sunshine Theatre at 786-237-5493 for information, early bird and group discounts.

The show on Friday September 23rd will feature entertainer Keith Lynn, formerly of Byron Lee and the Dragonaire’s band. Part proceeds from this show will go towards Kiwanis Club of South Dade, Jamaica Association of Dade Educators (JADE) and Food for the Poor. Gate Prize for the shows include 3 day 2 night hotel stay and basket of grocery from Lady B of National Motor Club and Western Union/ Grace Foods respectively. Other Sponsors include Jamaica National Money Transfer Caribbean Today newspaper, National Weekly newspaper Attorney Georgia Robinson/ Reading Pays More and EVI of West Palm Beach.

Easy tips for smart snacking

Easy tips for smart snacking

It’s hard to remember when the norm was three square meals a day, and snacks were relegated to nibbles at parties or as an afterschool bite to eat for kids. Today, whether young or old, snacks are a big part of our regular eating habits. In fact, a whopping 92 percent of us snack sometime during the day or evening, according to research by the Hartman Group. Even more surprising? We’re no longer using snacks just once or twice a day to quell hunger between meals. Snacks have moved into meal territory, and now make up half of all our eating occasions.

When it comes to smart snacking, the foods you choose – and how much you eat – matters. One of your best bets? Fruit! Just 13 percent of Americans eat the 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit recommended each day, and snacks offer an opportunity to close that gap.

For the perfect pick, think fresh grapes from California. At just 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving, their delicious, juicy taste hits the snacking sweet spot. Heart-healthy and hydrating, they’re a nutrition bargain compared to many processed snacks high in calories, fat and added sugar that tend to offer little health bang for the buck.

Plus, grapes are portable – ideal for munching anytime, anywhere. With grapes, there’s no fuss, no muss – and no peeling or coring required. Whether added to the lunch sack to help end the midday meal on a sweet note, or tucked in the briefcase or backpack at the ready for when hunger strikes, grapes are a super snack.

If late-night noshing is your nemesis, go with California grapes for a tasty, healthy and guilt-free option. And if the ice cream carton starts calling your name, opt for frozen grapes instead – they’re just like a mini-sorbet. Simply rinse grapes and pat them dry, then place them on a sheet pan and pop them into the freezer for two hours. Store any extras in the freezer to keep them at the ready for your next snack attack.

Fresh grapes are a delicious addition to heartier snack fare, too, adding color, crunch and a light touch of sweetness:

* Make a fresh trail mix by combining grapes with cubes of cheese and a sprinkle of chocolate chips and nuts.

* Toss grapes into your favorite smoothie recipe.

* Spread celery stalks with peanut butter and place grapes on top to for a mix of crunch and sweetness.

* Put together snack sandwiches: smear a dab of cream cheese on top of graham crackers and top with halved grapes.

If game day requires a more adult-style snack ­- perhaps perfectly paired with a beer or glass of wine – try this scrumptious flatbread. You’ll love the combination of saltiness from the cheese and prosciutto balanced by the light sweetness of the grapes.

Prosciutto, Red Grape and Pecorino Flatbread

Serves 8 as an appetizer

Ingredients

4 prepared 8-inch naan breads

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano (divided)

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto

1 cup red California grapes, halved

1 cup arugula for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat the oven to 500 F.

Brush the naan breads with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place on sheet pans. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the pecorino and the lemon zest, then drape the prosciutto over the top. Add the grapes, then sprinkle with the remaining pecorino. Bake until grapes blister, about 10 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, cut into wedges and serve.

Nutritional analysis per appetizer serving: Calories 250; Protein 12.5 g; Carbohydrate 26 g; Fat 10 g (36 percent calories from fat); Sat Fat 3.3 g (13 percent calories from saturated fat); Cholesterol 23 mg; Sodium 700 mg; Fiber 1 g.

 

 

 

 

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