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Jean Louis stars in ‘The Empty Box’

Jean Louis stars in ‘The Empty Box’

Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis stars in ‘The Empty Box’, set to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), TIFF takes place from Sept. 8 – 18. The film, directed by Mexican filmmaker Claudia Sainte-Luce, features Jean-Louis, an illegal Haitian immigrant living in Mexico. The film follows the paradox of family life by highlighting the life of an estranged father and daughter. The two are brought together by an illness where they start to find ways of restructuring the bonds broken by neglect. Jazmin, played by the Sainte-Luce, is a young woman living in Mexico City and is surprised when she gets a call informing her that her father, Toussaint, is ill suffering from vascular dementia and finds herself having to care for a man who is more a stranger to her. The movie moves from the two characters’ points of view showing the fathers deteriorating mental state as his memories of become clearer than his present reality and he begins to have less and less lucid moments. At first reluctant to share her world with her father, Jazmin slowly begins to open up to him realizing that his hold on reality is gradually feeble and the time for reconciliation is ultimately now or never.

 

Police urgently need information

Police urgently need information

Despite calls from Miami Dade officials including county Police Director Juan Perez and School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho for information, there has been no arrest in the Aug 28 shooting death of 8-year old North West Miami resident Jada Page.

Page was one of four victims who succumbed to gun violence over the weekend of August 27 when four people including Page were killed. Page was the victim of bullets from unknown assailants as her father accompanied her to a Sunday movie on the evening of August 28. Her father was also shot, and is recovering.

Following the rash of shootings, community leaders and residents, members of the clergy, police officers and Miami-Dade officials including Mayor Carlos Giminez, Police Director Perez and School Superintendent Carvalho attended a special prayer vigil.

At the vigil, responding to the frustration of residents over the relentless incidents of gun violence, Perez called upon residents, parents and relatives of gang members and shooting victims to let the police know what is happening if they sense trouble. He told the community gathering, “If you see something, say something. Call the police before it happens.”

Superintendent Carvalho expressed frustration about the shootings, which has frequently involved public school students, and the unwillingness of residents to cooperate with police investigations. He said the people who have information about the shootings, but are not giving it to the police “are as guilty as the shooters.” He said in ridding the community of the “bad seeds” residents must be more responsible in cooperating with the police.

Miami City officer, Mike Martinez, decries what he calls a “code of silence” prevailing the region where people are reluctant to give information on crimes, particular gun related crimes. “After these crimes we go through the affected communities giving out fliers and interview residents coaxing them to give information, but, whether through fear or other reasons, the information is hardly forthcoming. Not even cash rewards are helping.”

The Miami-Dade police has offered a reward of $25,000 to anyone with information that could lead to an arrest in Page’s killing, but no one has come forward to date.

In the opinion of Cassie Jackson, Caribbean-American resident of the Northwest Miami neighborhood where Page was shot, “the youth with guns are so dangerous, people are afraid to contact the police and give information. I understand the police believe residents are not cooperating in giving information regarding these shootings, but they should understand we are afraid of reprisals from these gunmen.”

On Labor Day, residents of the community staged a rally on the eve of Page’s 9th birthday. They again pleaded for those who have information about the child’s killing to contact the police, and also demanded the shooters to turn themselves in. Valencia Garner, rally organizer and Page’s Godmother says the family is convinced “the killers are out there, and people know who they are.”

Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers 305-471-8477.

 

This Day in History: Arthur Ashe, first African-American to win U.S Open

On this day in history, September 9, 1968, the U.S open is established as the first time pros are eligible to compete in the most prestigious tournament in the United States with Arthur Ashe, an African American amateur, winning the tournament, becoming the first African-American male to capture a Grand Slam event.

Because of his amateur status, Ashe, 25-year-old lieutenant in the Army, is ineligible to receive the first prize of $14,000 in the $100,000 event, however, he collects $280 in expenses for 14 days. He is the first American to win the U.S. title since Tony Trabert in 1955.

Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia on July 10, 1943 and died on February 6, 1993 in New York City at 49. He set many first on the competitive courts of tennis including being the first African American to win the singles cup at Wimbledon on July 5, 1975 over defending champion Jimmy Connors. He achieved the ranking of No. 1 in the world among his peers and had a singles career record of 818 wins, 260 losses and 51 titles which included wins in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

In 1983 Ashe went through a second bypass surgery and received a blood transfusion, it was this transfusion that resulted in him contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Throughout the rest of his life he worked to educate people about the AIDS disease once he publicly disclosed his illness and died of AIDS related pneumonia. That same year, along with Harry Belafonte, he founded Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid which worked toward raising awareness of Apartheid policies and lobbying for sanctions and embargoes against the South African government. Two years later he was arrested outside the South African embassy in Washington during an anti-apartheid protest on January 11, 1985.

In 1985, his career was commemorated with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI.

Cal State considers segregated dorms for Black students

Hello everyone, today is Thursday, September 8th, and With a look at some of the top stories making the news 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:
With the academic year just starting in Jamaica, the U.S Diaspora Advisory Board handed out back-to-school supplies, to the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston on Tuesday. The supplies were delivered by Joan Pinnock, attorney-at-law, who told the Jamaica Information Service that the donation is a way of giving back to the children of Jamaica who are less fortunate. She pointed out that a call was made to the wider Jamaican population in the U.S who were encouraged to donate.

ITT Technical Institute, one of the nation’s oldest, private, for-profit colleges with campuses in 38 states including Florida, closed its doors for good  this week, attributing its closure to sanctions issued by the U.S. Department of Education last month. The restrictions included a ban on enrolling new students who rely on federal Pell grants or other Federal financial aid. In addition, Several local ITT Tech campuses, which were attended by a large number of Caribbean Americans, were cited as failing to meet national accreditation standards.

The Jamaican High Commission in London saw a multitude of protesters yesterday, after some 50 people residing the United Kingdom were labeled ‘illegal immigrants’ with plans to be deported to Jamaica today. The demonstrators, said to be primarily family members and friends of the persons scheduled for deportation, are calling on the Jamaican High Commission to prevent the deportations, however officials in the United Kingdom say these persons never took appropriate steps for naturalization, and are therefore considered to be illegal.
In sports: 
Jamaica’s men’s chess team produced a fourth round upset yesterday morning by defeating Nigeria 21/2 to 11/2 at the Open section of the 42nd World Chess Olympiad, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The major upset of the tournament was the defeat of Russia’s men’s team by former champions, Ukraine, and On the women’s side, former champions China defeated Latvia.
And now, here’s what’s trending:
California State University is considering offering a separate dormitory for black students… giving them what they’ve termed a “safe space” to protect them from racially insensitive comments. The proposal was sent to university officials from the on-campus Black Student Alliance grouo in a ‘list of demands’.
For today’s weather forecast:
Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 78. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 86 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 Grace Aloe. Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.
You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Suzette Speaks.

Daheli Hall, changes views of Haitian culture on Disney Channel

Miami local, Daheli Hall

Miami-raised actress and filmmaker, Daheli Hall, has continued to make a name for herself by creating a short film for the Disney Channel called “The Exchange”.

In a move to get children ready for back-to-school, Disney Channel debuted 12 short films streamed online, on YouTube and other mobile Disney platforms.

Hall, born to a Haitian mom and a Jamaican, said that her culture inspired her and was part of the plot for the short film.

From a moumou wearing grandma and Haitian food staples like griyo, Hall said she saw the opportunity as a way to present Haitian culture to a mainstream audience. The plot follows a group of students who come up with an idea when their study abroad program is cancelled, a teen girl, Brijitte, suggests her classmates spend a week at each other’s houses. Inspired by wanting to change the mainstream views on Haitian culture, Hall decided to take action.

“For me Haitians have always had a very specific representation in the media. Either it’s something that tends to be negative or something we have to feel sorry about it,” she said.”I loved growing up in Miami,” said Hall.  “We would go to parties and there was all this music from like Tabou Combo and then you would get little songs like Tiny Winey…from soca music to Zouk, to konpa all happening on this weekend.”

 

Sudden college closure frustrates South Florida students, again

Sudden college closure frustrates South Florida students, again

ITT Technical Institute, one of the nation’s oldest, private, for-profit colleges with campuses in 38 states including Florida, closed its doors on Tuesday. Operated by ITT Educational Services based in Indiana, the company has attributed its closure to sanctions issued by the U.S. Department of Education last month. The sanctions included a ban on enrolling new students who rely on federal Pell grants and student loans.

The college’s closure has taken its over 35,000 students, including several on campuses in Davie and Miami by surprise.

Morty Webb, an Antiguan-American said he arrived at the Davie campus on Monday to get his schedule for his business course set to resume on September 12, and was shocked to learn the school had closed. “I didn’t see this coming, the courses were good in my opinion. I was preparing to graduate next April. I have invested almost $8,000 in this course through loans, what do I do now?”

The closure affected another Caribbean-American student, Thelma Rowlings, really bad. Last year, days before beginning a medical technology course at Dade Medical College, another for-profit college in Coral Gables, it also suddenly closed. She then shifted to the ITT campus in Miami Gardens. “I’m so frustrated. I urgently want to get a diploma in med-tech and these private schools keep closing.”

Private-for-profit colleges and vocational schools serve students who do not meet acceptance standards of traditional two and four year colleges in gaining higher education diplomas in several fields. However, dependent on their financial viability on federal financial aid received by students, some of these colleges have come under scrutiny by state and federal governments. Some have been found to be not accredited institutions, as required, and some offering diplomas which have little value to graduates on the job market.

According to reports ITT Educational Service, which has been operating since the 1970s was being closely monitored by the feds since 2014 for its financial operations and accreditation requirements. Before the DOE enforced sanctions on the school on August 25, and banned it from enrolling new students with federal financial aid its accreditor reported the school failed to meet basic standards required for renewing its accreditation. It was also reported the school was being investigated for having students take large and risky loans and for compromising the quality of their courses.

West Kendall resident, Eugene Ross, originally from Jamaica, was a Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) with the Manhattan, New Yok campus of ITT ES in the 1980s. Ross recalls FAA’s were pressured into “packaging” students to receive federal grants and loans. “This was the life line of the school, and we would get gifts from admission officers the more students we succeeded in getting grants and loans for.”

National Weekly was unable to contact officials at either of the school’s local campuses. However, information sourced from the school’s main office in Carmel, Indiana indicated school officials are available to help students obtain transcripts, and transfer to other schools. The DOE is also urging community colleges to accept qualified ITT students and stated students who were enrolled at ITT within the last 120 days can apply to have their federal student loans erased by the Education Department.

Webb and Rowlings said they’ll be seeking help from officials at the local campuses to be transferred to other schools. “I desperately want to get my business diploma soon,” Webb said.

This Day in History: Jamaica changes to the Dollar

This day in Caribbean history, 8 September 1969, the currency of Jamaica was changed to the decimal system. Banknotes of 50 cents (5 shillings), $1 (10 shillings), $2 (£1), and $10 (£5) were introduced. The $5 note was introduced on 20 October 1970, followed by the $20 in June 1976, when the 50 cent note was replaced by a coin. $100 notes were added on 2 December 1986, followed by $50 notes on 27 July 1988. The $2 note was dropped in 1994, whilst the $1 note was replaced by a coin in 1990. In 1994, coins replaced the $5 notes and $500 notes were introduced. In 1999, $10 coins replaced notes, whilst, in 2000, $20 coins replaced the notes and $1000 notes were introduced.

In adopting the Jamaican dollar, Jamaica followed the pattern of South Africa, among other regions, in that when it adopted the decimal system it decided to use the half pound unit as opposed to the pound unit. The Jamaican dollar was used not only by Jamaica, but also by the Cayman Islands, a former dependency of Jamaica, until 1972. In that year, the territory stopped using the Jamaican dollar and adopted its own currency, the Cayman Islands dollar.

The earliest money in Jamaica was Spanish copper coins, however, following the revolutionary wars in Latin America, the source of these silver trade coins dried up. The United Kingdom had adopted a very successful gold standard in 1821, so 1825 was an opportune time to introduce the British sterling coinage into all the British colonies.

An imperial order-in-council was passed in that year for the purposes of facilitating the  sterling coinage as legal tender in the colonies at the specified rating of one Spanish dollar to four shillings and four pence sterling.It had the effect of actually driving sterling coinage out, rather than encouraging its circulation.

OneonOne: with Barrington Russell – Florida State Representative, District 95

Ganges Meets the Nile rescheduled to September 10

Ganges Meets the Nile rescheduled to September 10

Indo-Caribbean Meets Afro-Haitian

The event brought to you by the Jayadevi Arts Inc. create an experience to transport you through the flowing Nile river in Africa as with performers weave in and out of the aisle of the venue getting up close with the audience.  Interwoven between the African dancers will be the Jayadevi Indo-Caribbean dancers who like the Ganges will intertwine the African dancers.

“Ganges meets the Nile” is the merging of two Cultures represented by the Haitian Afro community and the Indo Caribbean community in one location. Jayadevi intends to revive and rejuvenate these forgotten cultures through dances which will merge both cultures. Afro-Haitian inspired dancers from the Nancy St. Leger Dance Ensemble will delve deep into their rich history to produce moves which will entice and educate the audience.

The event will be held September 10 at the Miramar Cultural Center; showtime is at 7pm. There will be no flash photography and no live streaming or video recording allowed at this event. Price range from $25 to $55 in advance. To purchase tickets online visit  https://tickets.miramarculturalcenter.org/TheatreManager/1/login&event=957

Sponsored in part by Broward County Cultural Division, State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and Florida council on Arts and Culture, this experience will incorporate Indian Tassa Drumming with African Drumming and Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers. State- of-the-art and professional Illustrators and animators will create the scenery on stage to transport the audience to incredible new heights seen for the first time in Florida.

 

 

Pakistan to take on the West Indies in the UAE

Pakistan’s one-day series against West Indies will take on special significance when the two teams clash in three matches starting later this month in the United Arab Emirates.

In the latest official International Cricket Council rankings released on Sunday, Pakistan was in ninth position on 86 points – just eight ratings points behind the once mighty West Indies in eighth spot.

With hosts England along with the seven highest ranked nations qualifying automatically for the 2019 50-overs World Cup, the latest rankings mean there will be a mad scramble at the bottom of the table for a top eight spot.

The two remaining spots for the marquee tournament will be filled through a 10-team qualifying competition set for 2018.

On Sunday, Pakistan scored a consolation four-wicket victory in the fifth and final One-Day International against England in Cardiff, but conceded a 4-1 series loss to crash to their lowest-ever points tally in the 15-year history of the current rankings system.

Pakistan will now face the challenge of sweeping the day/night series against West Indies in order to remain in contention for an automatic World Cup berth.

The first game is set for September 30 in Sharjah with the second two days later at the same venue. The third is carded for Abu Dhabi.

West Indies, meanwhile, will be hoping for a positive series result in order to maintain their spot in the top eight of the rankings and also avoid the qualifying tournament.

They already suffered the disappointment of missing out – for the first time – on a place in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy after failing to tie down a top eight spot by last year’s cut-off date of September 30.

The Caribbean side is  currently four points behind seventh placed Bangladesh and seven adrift of sixth placed Sri Lanka.

However, if the Bangladeshis can sweep their upcoming three-match series against minnows Afghanistan and then beat England in a similar three-match rubber following, they will move up to an unprecedented sixth spot in the rankings.

 

JA Toursim Minister explores cannabis-infused tourism

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 7th, 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:

The city of Pembroke Pines is trying to get its own ZIP codes from the U.S. Postal Service after city officials say the zoning reflects Hollywood, Miramar or Fort Lauderdale rather than Pembroke Pines. Zoning authorities say that ZIP codes designate delivery points, or mail sorting and distributing centers which hinders the chances of Pembroke Pines being successful in their pursuit.

Despite calls from Miami Dade officials for information on the August 28 shooting death of 8-year old North West Miami resident Jada Page, among 3 others, there has been no arrest. County Police Director Juan Perez and School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho have called upon residents at a special prayer vigil saying, “If you see something, say something.” Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers 305-471-8477.

Daheli Hall, a Miami-raised actress and filmmaker has brought her Haitian-Jamaican heritage to the small screen with a new short film shown on the Disney Channel.

“The Exchange”, follows a Haitian-American family which Hall said she used as an opportunity to present Haitian culture to a mainstream audience.

In sports:

For the final set of fixtures for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying matches last night, Jamaica fell to Haiti 2-0, the USA beat out the Soca Warriors 4-0, and St. Vincent lost against the Guatemala 9-3. Although it was a sad night for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago will compete in round 5 which runs from next month to October 2017.

And now, here’s what’s trending:

In an opening address at Canex Jamaica, the first cannabis-centered conference on the business potential of the marijuana trade, Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett said this area is ideal for the concept of cannabis-infused tourism where cannabis products would play a major part in the tourism sector. The Ministry expects that this will boost visitor arrivals to five million annually, generating earnings of US$5 billion by 2021 bringing a new demographic into Jamaica and establish the country as a destination with a difference.

For today’s weather forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 76. Scattered Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade as well, with a high of 85 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.

Live in Concert: Dion Todman

Credit: Dion Todman

Live in Concert: Dion Todman

Dion Todman, will be performing alongside Vianella, Silk Matthews and Kaylah Taylor at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center at Florida International University on September 24. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dion says a portion of the money from the concert will go to support the American Cancer Society.

Dion is a singer/songwriter based out of Miami, Florida. From the start of his musical journey at the age of six when he began taking piano lessons, Dion has accumulated a sizable list of accomplishments and performance experiences and has had his music heard in over 11 countries. He writes, produces, and records all of his own music. Dion’s first full length album is projected to be released in 2017.

This Day in History: Miss Lou was born, 1919

On this day in Caribbean history, Louise Bennett a.k.a Miss Lou, was born on September 7, 1919. She was a Jamaican poet and activist from Kingston, Jamaica. Louise Bennett remains a cultural icon and inspiration from her generation and the next. She received her education from Ebenezer and Calabar Elementary Schools, St. Simon’s College, Excelsior College, Friends College (Highgate).

Miss Lou was and is described as Jamaica’s leading comedian and as the “only poet who has really hit the truth about her society through its own language”, and as an important contributor to her country of “valid social documents reflecting the way Jamaicans think and feel and live”. Through her poems in Jamaican patois, she raised the dialect of the Jamaican folk to an art level which is acceptable to and appreciated by all in Jamaica.

In her poems she was able to capture all the spontaneity of the expression of Jamaicans’ joys and sorrows, their ready, poignant and even wicked wit, their religion and their philosophy of life. Her first dialect poem was written when she was fourteen years old. A British Council Scholarship took her to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she studied in the late 1940’s.

She lectured extensively in the United States and the United Kingdom on Jamaican folklore and music and represented Jamaica all over the world. She married Eric Winston Coverley in 1954 (who died in 2002) and has one stepson and several adopted children. She enjoys Theatre, Movies and Auction sales.

Her contribution to Jamaican cultural life was such that she was honored with the M.B.E., the Norman Manley Award for Excellence (in the field of Arts), the Order of Jamaica (1974) the Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Silver and Gold Medals for distinguished eminence in the field of Arts and Culture, and in 1983 the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies. In September 1988 her composition “You’re going home now”, won a nomination from the Academy of Canadian Cinema ad Television, for the best original song in the movie “Milk and Honey.”

In 1998 she received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from York University, Toronto, Canada. The Jamaica Government also appointed her Cultural Ambassador at Large for Jamaica. On Jamaica’s independence day 2001, Bennett-Coverley was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit for her distinguished contribution to the development of the Arts and Culture.

 

 

 

JIS.Gov.Jm

National Weekly September 1, 2016

Ambassador Audrey Marks makes history as Jamaica’s top diplomat

A look at some of the top stories making the news across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida

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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:
Florida Authorities say for the first time on the continental US, the Zika virus was found in three groups of trapped mosquitoes on Miami Beach. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in a news release, the Zika-carrying mosquitoes were caught in the 1.5- square-mile area identified as a hot-zone of active transmission of the virus.

Today Sistrunk Boulevard construction will begin on the “Safe Street Improvements Project.” Phase I of the project, which stretches from NW 27th Avenue to east of NW 24th Avenue….,are expected to be completed by November.

The Jamaica Women of Florida will host its fourth annual Health and Wellness Forum on Saturday, September 17th in Pembroke Pines.  The event, entitled  “To Your Mental Health”, will feature a three-hour conversation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the South Regional Broward College Library.
In sports:
The qualifying matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will kick-off today with Guatemala facing off against St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 6:15pm… and USA taking on the Trinidad and Tobago at 8:15pm… Also tonight Jamaica will play Haiti will take place at Independence Park in Kingston.
Also in sports, the Jamaica High School Alumni Association Soccer Tournament held this Labor weekend at the Lauderhill Sports Park, was abandoned due to lightning on Monday during the quarterfinal round.  Wholmers and Dint-hill High, both undefeated during the group stages, were among the favorites to win the coveted Caribbean National Weekly Cup.
And now, here’s what’s trending:
Diplomatic history was made in Jamaica with the appointment  of Ambassador Audrey Marks, as the first individual to serve twice as Jamaica’s top diplomat in Washington, D.C.  Ambassador Marks, who served for two years, from May 2010 to June 2012, will assume her duties next week.

For today’s weather forecast:
Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 75. Scattered Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade as well, 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 Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center who reminds you “After a Car accident, Call, Goldson Spine.”
You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Suzette Speaks.

Prince Harry to visit the Caribbean

Prince Harry to visit the Caribbean

Britain’s Prince Harry is scheduled to visit several Caribbean islands later this year.

An official statement from Kensington Palace noted  that Harry will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis and St. Lucia.

“The visit falls on the 50th anniversary of Independence for Barbados, the 50th anniversary of Independence for Guyana and the 35th anniversary of Independence for Antigua and Barbuda.”

Full details of Prince Harry’s visit will be disclosed at a later date.

“It gives me great pleasure to be able to confirm that Prince Harry will be visiting Guyana later this year. This will be the first visit by a member of the Royal Family since 2004 and comes, of course, in the year of Guyana’s 50th anniversary of Independence. It is therefore a particularly relevant time for such a visit,” said British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn.

 

This Day in History: First black chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court

Leander J. Shaw Jr.

On this day in history, September 6, 1930, Leander Jerry Shaw, Jr., an American jurist who served as the first african American Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court from 1990 to 1992.

Born in Salem, Virginia, Shaw went to Lylburn Downing School in Lexington, Virginia. He graduated from West Virginia State University in 1952 before serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1957, Shaw received his law degree from Howard University School of Law and in 1957 moved to Tallahassee, Florida and was a law professor at Florida A&M University. He was admitted to the Florida bar in 1960 and practiced law in Jacksonville, Florida.

When Leander Shaw took the Florida Bar exam in 1960, he was not allowed to stay or eat at the whites-only hotel in Miami where the exam was administered. Three decades later, Shaw became the first black chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

Shaw served on the Florida State Attorney staff in 1969, and in 1972, Shaw was appointed to the Florida Industrial Relations Commission. From 1979 to 1983, Shaw served on the Florida District Courts of Appeal. Shaw served on the Florida Supreme Court from 1983 until 2003 and was Chief Justice of that court from 1990 to 1992. He also served as judge in residence at Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. Shaw died on December 14, 2015 in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 85.

 

Shaw, whose career included working as a public defender, prosecutor, and appeals-court judge before serving on the Supreme Court, died at age 85. A statement from the Supreme Court said Shaw had suffered from a lengthy illness.

Jamaican Women of Florida set to host “To Your Mental Health”

The Jamaica Women of Florida, Inc. (JWOF) will host its 4th annual Health and Wellness Forum on Saturday, September 17 titled “To Your Mental Health”. The event is scheduled to  begin at 2 p.m. at the South Regional Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines.

The three-hour conversation will look at mental health – a subject that has long been a taboo topic for public consumption.  A team of four panelists will look at the emotional, psychological and physical as well as clinical effects of the disease while information will also be provided on the legal aspects of guardianship, estate planning and elder care.

A four-member panel of experts will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in their individual study of the related topic.  They include Dr. Karen Carpenter, Florida Board Certified Psychologist, Sexologist and Author; Dr. Stacey Brodie Walker, Florida Licensed Psychologist and former head of Psychology Unit at the University of the West Indies; Florida Attorney, Georgia Robinson, Law Offices of Robinson Law & Mediation; and Paul Jaquith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida.

As mental health could affect any member of the family, all family members are invited to the event which is free to the public.  The discussion will also include a question and answer period.  Information booths will provide clinical and legal advice and guidelines on all aspects of care and prevention of the damages associated with mental health.

“Health and Wellness Conversations have become an annual agenda item on the JWOF’s mission of community outreach because of the need to keep our families informed on varying topics affecting our everyday lifestyles”, according to Dahlia Walker Huntington, Esq., JWOF President and Florida attorney.  “We have assembled an experienced panel and hope that through an open discussion program, we will provide information and offer hope to persons still treating mental illness as a shameful disease whether as victim or as caregiver,” she added.

The event as with all others hosted by the JWOF members is known for the signature shopping gallery where retailers showcase a variety of items including personal items, accessories and Jamaican art and craft, and giveaway items.

This year’s Health and Wellness Forum is sponsored by The Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Victoria Mutual Building Society; Law Offices of Dahlia A. Walker;  Robinson Law & Mediation; Jamaica National Building Society; Goldson Spine & Rehabilitation Center; SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews.com; Jamaicans.com; Wild Child; Floral Group; and Riddims Marketing.

JWOF was launched in April 2013, as a Florida Not-For-Profit and an IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt corporation that has continued to provide an outlet for Jamaican women in Florida to empower themselves through charitable and educational endeavors, personal development and mentoring.

Through their ongoing commitment to engage and assist in the development of leadership and personal skills of Jamaican women in Florida, JWOF members continue to give back to the next generation of young women through scholarship and mentorship programs including their annual renewable “Powerful Women…Next Generation Scholarship.”  Through this program, three Jamaican-American female students are currently enrolled in US tertiary institutions charting individual careers through a four-year degree program. Under the guidance of JWOF members, these young women are mentored by the members in leadership and personal skills as they prepare to operate in a global environment.

The organization of vibrant professional women has made several strides through fundraisers, networking sessions and collaborative efforts.  One feature is the adoption of young female residents at Melody House Girls’ Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Coming up for the holiday season Thanksgiving through Christmas JWOF members will continue their third annual Food Drive Donations to benefit the LifeNet4Families of Broward County.  This year, members will also partner with Boys & Girls of Broward to continue the drive benefitting those in need. For the past two years, through donations from corporations, community groups, churches and individuals, more than 1,300 lbs. of food were provided for homeless and needy families in Broward.  “We have been able to achieve these milestones because of the support of our members and the community” stated President Walker Huntington.

 

 

 

 

 

press release from JWOF

Trinbagonian – American: Candice Veerasammy, The Carnival Queen

Credit: Grace Kasu

Candice Veerasammy

The Carnival Queen

Candice Veerasammy, 39, was born in Trinidad and Tobago, who she later represented as the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Queen in 1998. Designing her dress for the competition gave her a certain joy that comes with personal achievement, and became one of her most memorable moments. Switching gears from design to dance, Candice performed professionally for major acts such as N’Sync, Pink, LL Cool J, and D’Angelo. “This opportunity led me to do world tours and TV appearances on Saturday Night Live and B.E.T” to name a few. In connection with the love of her culture, she created the Carnival Soul Network, “a company that is made up of artist’s and creators who deeply care about and promote the Afro-Caribbean Carnival festivals.” A product of this network is “transformational Carnival-inspired workshops in which I taught and created at New York’s Grand Concourse House after school program in the Bronx and the Black Repertory Theater Summer Camp in Providence, Rhode Island.” Candice always leads a team of beauty professionals with ‘Carnival Queen Beauty’ on the day of Carnival to perform affordable beauty services and treatments for the dancers. Candice believes her Trinbagonian heritage has influenced probably 99% of everything she has done. “My heritage is the most amazing thing. I love my country and my heritage, it is a melting pot of people with the ability to create unity out of anything. That’s how we choose to live…it’s the most amazing thing.”

T&T vs USA, Jamaica vs Haiti, St. Vincent vs Guatemala tonight

T&T vs USA, Jamaica vs Haiti, St. Vincent vs Guatemala tonight

The 2018 World Cup Qualifying Matches on September 6 will show Caribbean nations taking the field across the country. Trinidad’s Soca Warriors, who are currently at the top of Group 3 of the CONCACAF qualifying with 10 points will take on the U.S. men’s team who is currently second in the group with 7 points.

The USA, coming off a 6-0 win against Group C St. Vincent and the Grenadines, however, Trinidad and Tobago may prove to be a bigger challenge. T&T’s Kevin Molina, who also plays for Orlando City, said “I truly believe we will beat the US and win the group.”

Team Jamaica was eliminated from contention for a place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday, when a 2-0 loss at Panama made it impossible to advance to the CONCACAF Hexagonal, makingit the fifth time that the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up missed out on the finals for a fifth consecutive time. They will kick off against Haiti tonight at 9:30 pm est.

Trinidad and Tobago will be the only match in the the U.S today and fans can watch the game hosted at the Everbank Filed in Jacksonville at 8pm est. The summer of 2015 was the last time the Soca Warriors played in the U.S and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. The game didn’t result in the team’s favor, Panama won 6-5 on penalty kicks after 90 minutes of regulation play and 30 minutes of extra time.

The matchwill be broadcast on FS1 and Univision networks.

Trinibagonian – American: Jonathan Baboolal, The Pan Musician

Jonathan Baboolal

The Pan Musician

Twenty-four-year-old Janathon Baboolal who was born in the US to Trinidad and Tobago parents and resides in Plantation, Florida is among the few talented musicians that plays in that country’s unique genre of steel-pan music. He specializes as a pan soloist.

Jonathan is currently attending Broward College pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration and plan to later complete the Bachelors of Science degree in Supervision & Management. In the mean-time he enjoys himself and spreads Trinbagonian culture in the USA as the captain of the Silver Stars USA Steel Orchestra, the former Panorama champions for two consecutive years.

He became interested in music from the early age of 6, when he was introduced to the piano in New York City but “that was an uphill talent for me.” He switched to playing pan at 12 years old, and although it took him a while, he eventually settled and built the confidence to play solo. “Once those first time jitters were gone, I knew playing pan is what I wanted to do.”

For him, being able to travel to meet new people is his memorable for him, and are moments he experiences every time he travel to performing in the steel-pan orchestra.

He has been featured in Trinidad newspapers for his musical talent articles, which he considers “a very proud achievement.”

He attributes his musical talent to his mother, who introduced him to the piano at age-6, guitar lessons, and after the family moved to Florida in November 2002, to steel-pan lessons.

Jonathan never regretted making music a major part of his life, and he advises youth in the Diaspora if they have a passion for music “a major part of my life. Music is a universal language in which everyone can communicate. To deny someone of that would be a tragedy.”

He is very grateful for his Trinidadian heritage which “helped me embrace the steel pan even more. Steel pan is a very important part of Trinidad carnival and where it got started. To see how far the music has come and how much it is appreciated internationally today makes him extra proud of his heritage.

“Music is my life. Trinidad is a major hub for music of all kinds and artists of all different backgrounds. I will always be proud to be a Trinidadian & Tobagonian-American.”

 

Trinbagonian – American: Krystal Permanan, The Proud Public Servant

 

 

Krystal Permanan

The Proud Public Servant

Krystal Permanan, 31, was born in Trinidad and migrated to Miami in South Florida at the age of 10.

After graduating from high school she focused on a wide path of higher education in various fields between Florida State University (FSU) and Florida International University (FIU).  At FSU she gained an Associate Degree in Communication, then attended FIU where she gained the Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism; an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Administration; and a Management Certificate in Human Resources Policy.

After graduating from FIU, she decided to pursue a career in public service convinced that public service “gives me an opportunity to make a difference, which contributes directly to the public good.”

In 2012, she joined the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami. She currently holds the position as Communications and Research Officer and considers her career as very fortunate, offering her the chance to directly serve her country while residing in another. Moreover, her job affords her the opportunity to “maintain and manage the reputation of Trinidad and Tobago and engender goodwill between the Consulate, local and international markets.”

A special memorable moment in her career was being a team member assisting Trinidad and Tobago’s former Consul General and former Ambassador during their three-day mission throughout Miami. The officials addressed the community about existing business opportunities in key industries in Trinidad and Tobago.  Following this mission, her written report titled, “T&T Ambassador Meets with Top Miami Executives” was featured in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspaper.

For the youth in the Diaspora, she advises that although the public sector can be a rigid field guided by harsh rules, regulations and politics, “what will set you apart is the teachings of your Trinbagonian roots to treat everyone with love, compassion, and at times, empathy.  We serve human interests, and we’re all humans, after all.”

“Being born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago is the backbone of who I am.  It has influenced the way I approach my career/profession by wanting to be a public servant who navigates through the challenges of today with integrity and respect.  In Trinidad, we regard our neighbors as family. These are values which cannot be bought or taught; but can only be acquired naturally from being a Trini.”

 

Trinibagonian – American:Leon Foster Thomas, The Musical Virtuoso

Leon Foster Thomas

The Musical Virtuoso

Trinidad and Tobago born Leon Foster Thomas, 35, is a unique force in modern jazz.

All About Jazz labeled him as “the next big thing on his instrument”; “his gift is an ability to bring forth any style with abandon, and play his steel pan as if it belonged in jazz all along…there are times when Leon Foster Thomas plays his steel pan like Gary Burton on vibes” (Examiner.com).

Winner of the World Steelband Music Festival’s Soloist and Duet competitions in 2002 and 2004, Leon has worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Melton Mustafa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Kevin Mahogany, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Slinger Francisco “The Mighty Sparrow”, Cyril Neville, and many more.

Born in the southern Trinidadian city of San Fernando, he credits his parents, for his musical voice, and the local pan yards for his initial musical training. Leon received a scholarship to attend Miami-Dade’s Florida Memorial University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree and was also recognized as the Visual and Performing Arts Most Outstanding Student. He later obtained his Master in Music degree from Florida International University.

His album, ‘Brand New Mischief’, was inspired by the birth of his daughter, received rave reviews from prominent publications such as All About Jazz, Jazz Weekly, Trinidad Guardian and Caribbean Beat to name a few.

His latest release, ‘Metamorphosis’ exemplifies his growth and maturation as a musician. He continues to perform at various festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting clinics at various educational institutions on Jazz, Caribbean music and the Steel Pan art form.

Apart from his playing, Leon is also recognized as a composer, arranger, and drummer. In 2003, he composed the piece, ‘Call of the Amerindians: Rule of the Cacique’, for Steel Pan soloist Shiron Cooper, which won her the top prize at the 26th Biennial Music Festival in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2005 and 2007, Leon was drummer for both winning bands of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Panorama: Phase II Pan Groove and Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille.

Leon has inspired youth locally and from Trinidad and Tobago to follow or even excel him in the world of music, especially the unique world of steelpan music. “I am all about T&T and that comes out naturally in my music.”

 

Trinbagonian – American: Shawn Mohammed, The Community Camera Genius

Shawn Mohammed

The Community Camera Genius

Born in San Juan, Trinidad, Shawn Mohammed, age-40, who resides in Miramar, is a man who has loved being behind the camera for several years, and today, he is an ambitious cinematographer.

Shawn took a gamble on himself and decided to launch his own career which he says was “a very memorable and life changing moment. I haven’t looked back since I made that decision.” As far as achievements are concerned, Shawn has made a few in cinematography. “I do very little marketing and it’s impressive that word of mouth is how I get most of my clients. This proves that my work is appreciated and highly recommended. I consider this a huge achievement.”

He cites one of his more memorable moments is having met CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta at a wedding at which he was the cinematographer. “that was pretty great in terms of memorable moments.”

“I started my career in the video production space in 1995, where I started at the Polytechnic Institute and pursued videography work simultaneously. I started my videography career with Stephen Lee Pow and Associates, as an intern for two years. In 1997, I was offered a job at CCN TV 6, as a junior editor. I was quickly promoted in 2000 to chief editor and lead videographer. In 2003, I started freelancing doing wedding videography and events, starting on my own in 2007.”

“Don’t give up. There will be ups and downs, but keep working hard and surround yourself with positive influences. Do it for the passion, not the money.” is the advice he offers to the youth who wants to also create a name for themselves in this field.

Shawn see’s this outstanding art as an ace for him in the community. “I am someone that members of the community come to for their special events, since I am a trusted resource. I would like to work even more with the community and even make it back home to Trinidad more often for cinematography work.”

Just as any Caribbean-American should be, Shawn says “I have the best of both worlds. I am a proud Trini and happy to be able to bring my culture and heritage to South Florida, which I have fallen in love with. South Florida is where I grew my career and started my beautiful family. I am happy to incorporate my heritage and my passion in what I do.”

 

Trinibagonian – American: Nirvana Sookdeo, The Gifted Dancer

Nirvana Sookdeo

The Gifted Dancer

Nirvana is a native Floridian, born to Trinidadian parents twenty years ago in Miami where she currently resides. She’s currently a student at the University of Florida (UF), and a professional Indian dancer.

At UF she’s majoring in Women’s Studies and minoring in Health Disparities in a Global Society, on a Pre-Medical path with aspirations to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

At the age of four, she became heavily involved in her Hindu Temple. “From singing to dancing to skits portraying Trinidadian holidays, I found an outlet to express my passion for my culture.”

As a former Miss USA Mastana Bahar, her platform was to encourage children to be unafraid of being ridiculed for their interest in their culture and learning where they came from. “I held multiple dance workshops and gave speeches motivating children to express themselves through any medium, whether dancing or playing an instrument. Growing up, seeing how uninterested my peers were in learning about their family history inspired me to be that person who opens children eyes to how beautiful our roots are.”

She regards the most memorable aspect of her young career as teaching Bollywood and Bharatanatyam style Indian dance to youth ages 3 to 18 years across Florida. “I strongly believe children are capable of carrying on the traditions of yesterday; it just depends on how willing we are to lead the way.”

Her students have performed at various Diwali shows, Trinidadian Independence programs and cultural events across South Florida.

The proceeds she made from teaching dance were donated to the Westlyn Home for Children in Chickland, Trinidad. “Being able to utilize my talents to promote the Indian culture and make life better for needy children makes my hard work and dedication incredibly worthwhile and humbling.”

She plans to continue teaching Bollywood and Bharatanatyam Indian dancing while advancing her career. This Diwali, she’ll represent the US in the Diwali Nagar pageant, and wants to leave a footprint in her community to “prove dedication and passion can take you anywhere in life.”

“I am proud of my heritage. Trinidadians are accepting of each other’s religious practices and ethnicities with open arms.” Her experience in Trinidad’s Diwali Nagar from her youth, highlighted what it means to be a Trini: “diversified and culturally inspired.”

Her Trinbagonian heritage also made her “an open-minded, accepting, and cultured young adult, most proud of how unified the people of T&T are, celebrating holidays and religious festivals as one people. “Being a Trinidadian and Tobagonian-American is a blessing I’ll forever be grateful for. May God always bless our nation.”

 

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