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South Florida Caribbean and African voters rally behind Clinton

Hillary Clintoon

 

South Florida Caribbean and African voters rally behind Clinton

It’s no secret that South Florida has a large percentage of registered Democrat voters. Included in these are over 30 percent are either Caribbean or African Americans.  As was evidenced during the Democratic Party primary election on March 15,, the overwhelming support of these voters are for Hillary Clinton. With her now being poised to be the Democratic Party’s candidate in November’s general elections, not only are these voters prepared to cast their vote for Clinton, but several are volunteering to actively campaign for her.

Earlier this month the Clinton campaign opened a campaign office in Wynwood, Miami Dade. Among the primary objectives of tis office is to target and ensure a heavy turnout of black and other minority voters in November.

In recent weeks the Clinton campaign has been holding conference calls and meetings with Caribbean and African Americans in South Florida in an effort to engage them in the campaign.

FIU students and Caribbean Americans,  Millie Savoy and Stanford Rangeet said they have volunteered to be actively involved in the campaign.  Rangeet said “I am ready to stuff envelopes, make robo phone calls, and walk door to door campaigning for Mrs. Clinton. She is the only sensible choice in this election.”

Savoy said, her concern is that black voters in South Florida will not turn out in large numbers, “as they take it for granted   that since the region has a large percentage of Democratic voters, their vote doesn’t matter.  For Hillary to win this state we musn’t only target Democrats, but influence independent voters to vote Democrat. A lot f work is needed.”

Simone Ward the Florida director for Clinton’s campaign said South Florida is extremely important to the campaign’s strategy to win Florida which she describes as the largest and most important battle state in the presidential elections. “The diverse population of South Florida, and all the people of Florida are represented by, and is critical to this campaign.”

Although several recurring polls show strong support by black voters for Clinton, the national campaign has employed staff to specifically target the black vote.  Nadia Garnett, an African American,  has been assigned as the African-American Vote Director and is leading  overall strategic efforts. Underscoring the concerns raised by Savoy, Garnett says the strategy is to mobilize a larger black vote for Clinton in 2016 than the 66 percent Barack Obama received in 2012 and the 64 percent that voted in the 2008 presidential elections.

Savoy and Rangeet are also included in a group of young Floridian students and professionals who are working assiduously to escalate more Caribbean and African American residents applying for US citizenship and register to vote to be eligible to vote in November. “Recent research is still showing  large percentages of Caribbean Americans who are eligible for citizenship are still green-card holders, and an equal large percentage who are citizens, and mostly under age-30, have not registered to vote. More volunteers are needed to participate in citizenship drives, register voters and influence voters to turn out to vote in primary elections on August 30, and most importantly in November.”

Jamaica and St. Lucia PMs condemn attacks in France

PM Holness and PM Chastanet

Jamaica’s Prime Minster Andrew Holness and his St. Lucian counterpart, Allen  Chastanet, have condemned the terrorist attacks in France that left at least 88 people dead in France.

In a letter to his French counterpart, Manuel Valls Holness said “this atrocious act, perpetrated against the French Republic during the festivities on the occasion of the 227th Anniversary of your National Day in the city of Nice, has left Jamaica and the international community in dismay and anguish.

“The attack seeks to undermine the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity championed by the French in 1789 which have been accepted by the civilized and peace-loving world as core tenets of democracy. “Today, it is clear that there are elements in the world that do not embrace these ideals; elements which are dedicated to inciting fear and hatred among others,” Holness wrote as he extended Jamaica’s condolence to the people of France and their bereaved families.

Chastanet said “once again the world has to bare the pain of another dreadful attempt to terrorize innocent people”.

He said the attack in Nice “was an attack against people on a day that celebrates Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. People across the world need to draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are not only values that the French share but they are values that most of the world share. We implore the entire world to embrace those values to make certain that these ideals endure far beyond any act of terrorism or hateful crimes.”

Chastanet said he St. Lucia was offering its “deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who were killed and our hopes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

Beenie Man performs a cappella at Tallawah match in Jamaica

During the match between the Jamaica Tallawah and the Trinbago Knight Riders in Jamaica, a performance from dancehall icon Beenie Man gave the crowd more than they were expecting. In light of some technical issues during the intermission of the Hero CPL match, Bennie Man managed to answer the crowd’s calls to perform a cappella. Performing the deejays signature songs, Girl’s Prayer and Dem Get Heart Attack, he poked fun at the sound issues saying,

“After the sound bruk down fi bout three minutes, dem seh mi only have 12 minutes, so everybody, come mek we do this. I’m ok!”

The Digicel Appleton Estate will conclude its entertainment package with a performance from fan favorite reggae singer, Sanchez.

The Hero CPL matches wrap up the Jamaica leg of the tournament tonight as the Tallawahs seek their fourth straight win when they take on the Barbados Tridents.

The 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign will break new ground on next week Thursday, 28 July when Guyana Amazon Warriors faces the Barbados Tridents in a night game, starting at 7pm, in Broward Regional Stadium, Lauderhill.

The ground-breaking Florida swing of the fourth edition of CPL will also present the final opportunity for all six franchises to chase coveted league points ahead of the play-offs and finals.

All six teams will feature in the 10,000 capacity stadium across four days, with Faf du Plessis, Samuel Badree and Lendl Simmons’ St Kitts & Nevis Patriots facing newly re-named defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), who will this year have New Zealander Brendon McCullum in tow as their marquee player alongside spin twins Sulieman Benn and Sunil Narine, on the Friday night.

There will then be exciting weekend double-headers between the Zouks, who have in their ranks local favourite and West Indies’ T20 captain Darren Sammy and the world’s leading all-rounder Shane Watson, against Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Kumar Sangakkara’s Jamaica Tallawahs, with Kieron Pollard and Proteas star AB de Villiers’ Barbados Tridents taking on Martin Guptill’s Guyana Amazon Warriors at 4 p.m in a reverse fixture on the Saturday.

 

 

Hero CPL 2016 Media Release

Guyanese man sentenced to 21 years for mortgage fraud

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, July 20th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Todays news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera drink, refreshingly delicious.
Here’s a look at our top stories.

A Guyanese man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for a multimillion-dollar Florida mortgage fraud scheme, in 3 counties including Miami-Dade. A federal judge ordered  56-year-old, Ravindranauth Roopnarine (ROOP-NA-RINE), to pay more than $9 million dollars in restitution to defrauded banks and lenders.

Florida Department of Health will offer free immunization shots at the Lauderhill Mall, from August 8 through 23.  According to health officials, skipping imminizations can lead to serious health issues. Many local  residents do not have access to a primary physician care and children must be up-to-date with their immunizations in order to register for school this Fall.

The South Florida Book Festival and Literary Conference is coming to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. The festival kicks off this Friday with an evening VIP event, followed-by an full day of speakers and book-signings on Saturday, July 23rd.   The South Florida book Festival is sponsored by the Broward County Libraries Division and will feature international authors and bestsellers. Saturday’s event is free and open to the public.
In Sports,

Six members of the Jamaican track and field team, competing at the IAAF ( I-DOUBLE-A-F) Under 20 Championships, were tested on Monday morning when representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency, showed up at their hostel.  Team leader, Ewan  Scott said testing by officials was expected  and usual activity.

In Trending news:

A resident of Clarendon, Jamaica bares a striking resemblence to and is often mistaken for record holding tennis player, Serena Williams.  After years of having people run through airports asking for photos and autographs, the Celebrity Look-alike, named Santana Sinclair, earned a spot on the Wendy Williams show this summer.
For todays weather forecast:
Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 90 and a low of 78. Scattered Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 90 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.
Todays news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera drink, refreshingly delicious.

5 tips for protecting kids with food allergies at school

5 tips for protecting kids with food allergies at school

If it seems like life-threatening food allergies are more common than they were when you were a kid, you’re not imagining it. The number of children with food allergies increased by nearly 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers are working to discover why food allergies are on the rise in developed countries around the world.

In 2011, Congress passed the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act to improve food safety in the United States. This act shifted the focus of food safety from response to prevention. The shift resulted in new guidelines for parents and educators to manage the risks of food allergies and severe allergic reactions.

There might not be a cure for food allergies, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your child is safe at school:

Form a partnership with teachers and school staff.

Communication is key when it comes to managing allergy risks. Introduce yourself to all the adults your child sees every day, from teachers and nurses to bus drivers, cafeteria staff and administrators. There are often misconceptions surrounding food allergies, so take this time to clear those up. Provide specific information about your child’s needs and how each staff member can support them each day, as well as in an emergency situation.

Have a collection of go-to safe snacks. 

Food allergies can be scary, but don’t let food become an object of fear in your family. Allergies create an opportunity to teach your kids about safe eating. Find safe snacks to put in your child’s lunchbox or backpack, like Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels, which are now made in a peanut-free facility and safe for kids with peanut allergies. Kids with allergies often feel left out during times with class treats, but storing wholesome and tasty options like these in their locker is the perfect solution.

Teach your child to manage their allergies.

Encourage your child to advocate for his or herself when it comes to prevention. Find books about food allergies to read with younger children and help them practice with auto-injector trainers. When they’re ready, teach them to read food labels, speak up for themselves at school, avoid non-labeled or homemade foods and recognize the symptoms of a reaction.

Have your child wear a medical ID. 

You can keep your kids safe when you’re around, but when they’re at school, camp or even a friend’s house, you can’t always protect them. Wearing a medical ID helps kids remember exactly what they’re allergic to. And if they have a reaction when you’re not there, a medical ID lets others know what to do by listing your contact information and instructing to use an auto-injector or call 911.

Have a plan for emergencies. 

You can download the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan from the Food Allergy Research and Education website. This plan outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction and has space for specific doctor notes and emergency contact information. It also includes allergens, symptoms and easy-to-follow treatment instructions. Print out several copies of your plan and keep them in an easily accessible place. Let your physician, school staff and other parents know it is available.

Follow these steps to ensure your child is as safe as possible from their food allergens. To learn more about food safety, visit foodallergy.org and for more peanut-free snack options, visit snydersofhanover.com.

 

 

 

 

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This Day in History: Bruce Lee died in L.A

On this day in history, July 20, 1973, martial-arts expert Bruce Lee died in Los Angeles at the age of 32 from a brain edema. During Lee’s career, he became a movie star in Asia and, posthumously, in America and the Caribbean.

Jun Fan (Bruce) Lee was born on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco, California. At the time, his father, a Chinese opera star, was on tour in the United States, the family moved back to Hong Kong in 1941. Growing up, Lee was a child actor who appeared in some 20 Chinese films also studying dancing and trained in the Wing Chun style of kung fu.

In 1959, Lee returned to America, where he attended the University of Washington and opened a martial-arts school in Seattle. In 1964, Lee married Linda Emery, who in 1965 gave birth to Brandon Lee, the first of the couple’s two children. In 1966, the Lees moved to Los Angeles and Bruce appeared on the television program ‘The Green Hornet’, playing the Hornet’s acrobatic sidekick, Kato. Lee also appeared in karate tournaments around the United States and continued to teach martial arts to private clients including the actor Steve McQueen.

Wanting better roles than Hollywood offered, Lee returned to Hong Kong in the early 1970s and successfully became a star in Asia with the action movies ‘The Big Boss’ and ‘The Way of the Dragon’, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Lee’s next film, Enter the Dragon, was released in the United States by Hollywood studio Warner Bros. in August 1973. Tragically, Lee had died one month earlier in Hong Kong, after he suffered a brain edema believed to be caused by an adverse reaction to a pain medication.

Enter the Dragon was a box-office hit, grossing more than $200 million, turning Lee into a movie icon in the States. Due to how sudden the movie star died and the young age, theories began to make the rounds about what the possible cause of death was. Among the many interesting theories, on said that Lee had been murdered by Chinese gangsters while another rumor circulated that the actor had been the victim of a curse. The curse theory came around again after Lee’s son, Brandon, died in an accidental shooting on the set of the movie ‘The Crow’ on March 31, 1991. Both father and son are buried at the Seattle Lake View Cemetery.

JA bobsled helmet that saved life for auction

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, July 19th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Todays 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.

Prime Minister  of Jamaica, Andrew Holness and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr. Keith Rowley, held bilateral talks yesterday during which they focused on several issues aimed at improving the relationship between the two Caribbean Community, CARICOM, member states. At a press briefing yesterday, Rowley, who is leading a six member delegation to Jamaica on an official visit, said he is confident that the foundation has been laid for improved relations between both countries. Holness says the details of the talks will be revealed on Thursday prior to Rowley’s departure.

An elderly resident in Utah has died after contracting the Zika virus, according to  the US center for disease control and Prevention. This is the first Zika related death in the U.S, however officials are not releasing how the virus may have affected the resident. As of today, there are over 300 reported travel-related cases of zika in Florida, with 43 cases in Broward County…. and 84 in Miami.

Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago will be 2 of the 4 countries highlighted during the city of Miami Gardens international music festival this weekend. Starting at 8 pm on Saturday, at the Betty T. Ferguson Center, Councilman Ighodaro says that many South Floridians trace their heritage to the caribbean and the festival will be celebration of the rich cultures of the community.
In Sports, The Caribbean Americas Soccer Association and the Netball Youth Sports Association held their annual award banquet this past weekend. The awards included MVP and Coach of the Year, and an Award for thr Most Disciplined Team which went to the Plantation Futballers.
Here’s whats Trending:
The helmet that may have saved Dudley Stokes, the driver for the famed Jamaican bobsled team who competed at 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, is up for auction.. The teams journey from a tropical island to a frozen ice chute in Canada, inspired the 1993 movie “Cool Runnings.”
For todays weather forecast:
Isolated Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 91 and a low of 78. Isolated Thunderstorms in Miami-Dade, with a high of 90 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.
Todays news is brought to you by Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, Who reminds you “After a car accident, call Goldson Spine”

Simple traditional meal with a Caribbean flare, Pineapple Pork Chops

Pineapple Pork Chops

Try this easy prep meal today! Simple steps and only 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. This recipe can be prepared over rice, couscous or salad for a lighter meal. If you do not eat pork, don’t worry. This meal can be substituted for beef or chicken as well. Enjoy some Caribbean flare to a simple traditional dinner.

What You’ll Need:

  1. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  2. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  3. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  4. 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  5. 4 (10-ounce) bone-in pork rib chops (about 1 inch thick)
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  7. Cooking spray
  8. 3 (1/2-inch-thick) red onion slices
  9. 1 trimmed fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
  10. 1 teaspoon lime zest
  11. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  12. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  13. 1 pack of Rice or Couscous

What to do:

  1. Sprinkle salt and pepper on pork chops then coat them in flour (be sure to coat them well with the flour).
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil at medium-high heat.
  3. Add pork chops and brown for about 4 minutes (flip them one time).
  4. In a bowl, mix ingredients.
  5. Distribute this mixture evenly onto the pork chops.
  6. Cover and cook at low heat 8 to 10 minutes or until pork chops are slightly pink inside. (If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water)

 

Share your photos of your meals with us on our Facebook and Instagram page.

All-round brilliance by Russell takes Tallawahs to top of Hero CPL

All-round brilliance by Russell takes Tallawahs to top of Hero CPL

Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinbago Knight Riders 

The Jamaica Tallawahs have moved to the top of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a fine win against the Trinbago Knight Riders at Sabina Park, their third successive home victory in three matches. A career best score by Rovman Powell and a brilliant display of hitting at the end of their innings from Andre Russell helped the Tallawahs to set a target of 159 to win.

Runs from Hashim Amla further cemented his place at the top of the Hero CPL run-scoring chart, but he played a lone hand with wickets falling around him as the Tallawahs won by 19 runs with Andre Russell backing up his batting display with four wickets with the ball.

Much of the speculation before the match was about whether Chris Gayle would be fit to play, and the Tallawahs would have been delighted when he was able to take the field. Unfortunately for the packed crowd at Sabina Park his innings did not last long. Gayle struggled to get off the mark and was dismissed for a nine ball duck when he edged behind off Kevon Cooper.

With both openers gone it fell to Sangakkara and Rovman Powell to rebuild. Powell has continued to impress in his first ever T20 tournament, he has been the find of the Hero CPL. Here he struck four Hero Maximums as he made a T20 high score of 44. Sangakkara and Powell departed within three balls of each, both falling to short balls from Cooper. Their partnership of 72 came from just 50 balls.

Cooper was in fantastic form with the ball, getting extra bounce that troubled all of the Tallawahs batsmen. He finished with figures of 3-22, his best figures in Hero CPL, and those three wickets were Gayle before he got going and Sangakkara and Powell when well set.

It looked like the Tallawahs would set a sub-par total, but a brilliant counter-attacking 44 from Russell gave the home team a chance.  Russell smacked five fours and three sixes using a neon pink bat to give the Knight Riders a stiff chase.

Brendon McCullum came back into the Knight Riders team and opened the batting with Hashim Amla. With Colin Munro at three the Trinbago team have a very strong top order but two of those men were gone within the first four overs. McCullum was out stumped off the bowling of Imad and Munro spooned a catch into the covers off Dale Steyn.

That left Amla to hold it all together, and his innings of 42 did just that, but in the absence of a significant partnership the requited run rate climbed quickly. While Amla was at the crease with Denesh Ramdin the Knight Riders would have felt they were in this chase, but when Amla was out going for a big shot off Kesrick Williams there was still a lot of work to be done.

Dwayne Bravo struck back-to-back boundaries to bring the rate down but another cluster of wickets including two wickets in two balls from Russell ended TKR’s chances of reaching the victory target.

Match 21, St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Preview

The next stop for the St Lucia Zouks is their home leg at the newly christened Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium that also now features the Johnson Charles Stand. Tickets for the opening fixture have been reduced by 50% to celebrate the first match at the stadium since it has been renamed in honour of the West Indies’ World T20 winning captain.

It will be a big four games for the Zouks who are currently bottom of the Hero CPL table but with three games in hand over the leaders they are still more than capable of making the knockout stages. Sammy is still confident that his team can make the playoffs, despite defeat to the Barbados Tridents in their last match.

“We have six games to go, we just have to keep winning. Last year five games, or four and a half games, would get you into the playoffs. We just we have made it a little bit more difficult for us to qualify. But we are going to keep our heads up and look forward to going home.”

The Zouks’ first opponents at Gros Islet will be St Kitts & Nevis Patriots who are virtually eliminated from the tournament, but Sammy is not taking them for granted. The one win that the Patriots have achieved this season came against the Zouks.

“They defeated us at their home ground, we just have to keep believing and believe that we are a good team. We have just not clicked together, it is not how you start but how you finish a tournament. This week we could go home and play back to back games and gather some momentum. The first game at home is very crucial and hopefully we win at home against St Kitts.”

 

 

 

2016 Hero CPL Media Release

This Day in History: Women’s Rights Convention

Women’s Rights Convention

By: Cerone White

On this day in history, July 19, 1848, the first women’s rights convention took place in Seneca Falls, New York. This was the first time a women’s rights convention had taken place where they were able to discuss social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman. This two-day event attracted media attention and soon after, other organizations around the United States began to follow suite.

Fredrick Douglass, an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, and statesman, spoke on behalf of women to be able to have the right to vote during the afternoon session on day 2 saying in his speech, “I could not accept the right to vote as a black man if woman could not also claim that right,” he further went on to say that the world would be a better place if women were involved in the political sphere.

In the mid 1800’s black women formed groups in which they could co-ordinate to help fight for women’s right. Some of the women for the early movement were Mary Church Terrell, the president of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and, Ida B. Wells, who founded the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago. Other leaders that helped make away for women to have the right to vote and let their vices heard were, Sojourner Truth, Mary Ann Shadd- Cary, Nadine Helen Burroughs, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Daisy Elizabeth Adams Lampkin.

Celebrate the last days of summer with a weekend getaway for the whole family

Plan a quick family getaway to enjoy summer’s final days

Before those magical summer days vanish into fall, now is a good time to pack your suitcases, load up the car and escape on a final summer adventure.

The late days of summer offer much to enjoy for a new segment of traveler: the Seekender. They are bold adventurers who take advantage of the weekend to pursue their passions.

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton knows a few things about the Seekender lifestyle.

“With my family, we seek to live the life we love together, especially on the weekend of busy work-filled weeks,” Bethany says.

Does this sound like you and your family? Get out the map, choose a place you haven’t experienced yet and get ready for a fun weekend. This is how Bethany does it:

Put a cap on drive time: Don’t waste the weekend with hours and hours in the car. Bethany tries to avoid ultra-long travel days, so her little one can get a nap in. Find a destination you can reach without hassle within three hours or so, while the kids doze and relax in the back seat. On Saturday, you’ll wake up at your getaway spot, ready to seize the weekend.

Think simple: Don’t book every hour of the day with an activity. Back off a bit on the planning, and set your sights on one or two spots you’d like to visit each day. Leave some space for relaxation and spontaneity. Go with the flow and consider letting the kids help make the plans for the day. Involving them in the planning will keep everyone’s mood elevated and allow for a stress-free trip.

Be on the lookout for family friendly activities: Along with the usual parks and museums, don’t forget to check for special weekend events in your area. In the final weeks of summer, for example, fair and festival season is in full swing. Set aside some time for the destination’s local festivals or state fairs, where the kids can enjoy carnival rides, local music and food.

Get outdoors: Embrace the outdoors and the warm weather before it cools down in the fall. Did you know that the National Parks Service maintains 397 parks and 2,461 national landmarks? Bethany has added Yellowstone National Park to her travel bucket list and hopes to experience its natural wonders with her family soon. Check out this interactive map to see if you’ve missed any exciting stops in your region. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, this is a perfect time of year to visit the mountains. In the summer months, the parks often offer alpine slides and mountain biking trails, which makes an excellent day trip outing under the sun.

Pick the right hotel: Choose a hotel that offers a variety of locations so your entire family can have a good night’s sleep wherever you land. For example, with over 2,100 properties globally, Hampton by Hilton is the perfect option for your family weekend getaway. With a free hot breakfast for every guest and takeaway bags for families on-the-go, you don’t have the hassle of planning breakfast — plus there’s plenty of fresh tea and hazelnut coffee to keep parents caffeinated. Downtime at the hotel is also easy and relaxing, with free Wi-Fi, and, at most locations, an exercise room and a pool.

Pack up the bags and begin planning your next three-day weekend trip with your family. For inspiration, follow Bethany’s Seekender adventures on HamptonSeekender.com and join the conversation on social media at #Seekender.

 

 

 

 

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Manhunt continues for murder suspect, Dayonte Omar Resiles

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, July 18th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Todays 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.

The manhunt continues for murder suspect, Dayonte Omar Resiles, whose escape from a Broward County courtroom on Friday, police now say was  pre-planned. The suspect was able to remove his prison jumpsuit and handcuffs before he escaped the courthouse late last week. Broward  County Sheriff, Scott Israel, says four people accused of aiding in the escape have been detained and may now face charges.

Miami Caribbean Code also known as M.C Squared, invites Tech innovators from the Caribbean region and Miami to participate in a strategic panel discussion, focusing on mapping regional resources and creating visibility for business opportunities available in the local tech sector. The M.C Squared event will be held on July 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 pm in the Miami Design District.

Third Horizon Caribbean Film Festival launches this September in Miami for their first annual event. Supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the festival will take place from September 29th to October 2nd at the ‘O Cinema Wynwood’, and will showcase both short and feature films. Deadline for applicant wanting to enter their film is August 12.

In Sports, The Cayman Islands Under 17 Boys National Football Team traveled to Sunrise last week for a seven day training camp. The Cayman team played Aruba on Wednesday, Puerto Rico Friday, and Haiti at on Sunday. The team will play in Group 2 of the Caribbean Football Union.. Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers which are set for July 20 to the 24th at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Georgetown, Cayman Islands.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

Turks and Caicos-born sprinter, Delano Williams has been named to the 80 member Great Britain olympic team set to compete at this year’s Rio games. Williams, who attended Munro College in Jamaica where he would become a winning sprinter in Jamaica’s National Boys Champs competition, has been named to the 4 by 400 hundred squad after helping the team to a bronze medal at last weekend’s European Championships in Amsterdam

For todays weather forecast:

Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 91 and a low of 79. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 92 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.

Todays news is brought to you by Goldson Spine and Rehabilitation Center, Who reminds you “After a car accident, call Goldson Spine.”

Donnie McClurkin performs at the Best Dressed Fun in the Son

Best Dressed Fun in the Son Concert and Festival

Donnie McClurkin lived up to his reputation showing visitors why he is a three time Grammy Award winner. Concertgoers at the 13th staging of The Best Dressed Fun in the Son concert held at National Heroes Park Saturday, greeted McClurkin with excitement and anticipation.

The event, sponsored by Jamaica Broilers and produced by Glory Music, had more than 60,000 people in attendance and hanging on to the musicians every word. The mission of the organization is to win the next generation for Jesus Christ, and to provide opportunities for anointed ministers to convey the unadulterated message of the gospel through their God-given talents.

McClurkin’s set began with the track “I Came For Deliverance” and “Speak To My Heart.” He then went into a Jesus-themed medley which included “Jesus” and “Oh How I Love Jesus.” Praise and worship is what McClurkin is known for and it is what he brought to the people in great abundance. Bringing the crowd what they wanted and bringing down the house was an understatement to his performance as he belted out “Holy, Only You Are Holy,” and “How Great is Our God.” Not getting enough of the American musical talent, the crowd cheered and chanted for more screaming, “We want Donnie!” getting him to return to close out with his song “Stand.”

The power house performing who has said he wanted to stop making music to concentrate fully on his passion for ministering, has shown us once again that it is very clear that he could never really stay away from recording the uplifting and soulful music. Not with comments like the now from a concert attendee, Lisa-Gaye Russell, who came particularly to see McClurkin, saying she was satisfied with his set.

“Donnie delivered very well! I wish he was on the stage all night!” she said.

Judith Gayle who was introduced by McClurkin, was a worthy addition to the stage and had the crowd singing along with familiar hits. Carlene Davis, Jamaican gospel and reggae singer since the 70s performed an hour-long set which included several memorable moments and was followed by Papa San who closed the show. The Reggae Dancehall Gospel artist shared his view on why dancehall is a significant addition to Gospel music saying,

“Dancehall is really just a branch off of the Reggae tree. It was first called toasting in the early ’70’s when artists, who became referred to as DJs, began to put lyrics more to rhythms than melodies. It was built less off the keyboard and more from a hard-core beat.”

The Best Dressed Fun in the Son concert also included a children’s village, sports competitions, extreme sports performance, heritage tours, and wellness zone.

This Day in History: First Formal African American Military Unit raid Confederate fort

54th Massachusetts Infantry

On this day in history, July 18, 1863, one of the first formal African American military units, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, attempts an unsuccessful assault on Confederate-held Battery Wagner.

President Abraham Lincoln was one who argued diligently that the Union forces were not fighting to end slavery, but fighting to prevent the disintegration of the United States. For abolitionists, however, ending slavery was the reason for the war, and they argued that black people should be able to join the fight for their freedom. However, African Americans were not allowed to serve as soldiers in the Union Army until January 1, 1863. It was on that day, the Emancipation Proclamation decreed that “such persons (African-American men) of suitable condition, will be received into the armed services of the United States.”

Colonel Shaw and his troops landed at Hilton Head on June 3 of that year, and the next week they were forced by Shaw’s superiors to participate in a particularly destructive raid on the town of Darien, Georgia. The colonel was furious, he complained to superiors that his troops had come South to fight for freedom and justice, not to destroy undefended towns with no military significance. He wrote to General George Strong and asked if the 54th might lead the next Union charge on the battlefield.

Even as they fought to end slavery in the Confederacy, the African-American soldiers of the 54th were fighting against another injustice as well, the U.S. Army. Payment for black soldiers was $10 a week while white soldiers were given $3 more. To protest against this, the entire regiment of soldiers and officers alike refused to accept their wages until black and white soldiers earned equal pay for equal work. This did not happen until the war was almost over.

On July 18, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts prepared to storm Fort Wagner, which guarded the Port of Charleston. At dusk, Shaw gathered 600 of his men on a narrow strip of sand just outside Wagner’s fortified walls and readied them for action.

“I want you to prove yourselves,” he said. “The eyes of thousands will look on what you do tonight.”

When the sun set, Shaw led his men over the walls of the fort. Unfortunately, the Union generals had miscalculated the amount of confederate soldiers that would be waiting for them on the other side. 1,700 Confederate soldiers waited inside the fort, ready for battle against the attack. The men of the 54th were outgunned and outnumbered and two hundred and eighty one of the 600 charging soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. Colonel Shaw was shot in the chest on his way over the wall and died.

To show their contempt for the soldiers of the 54th, the Confederates dumped all of their bodies in a single unmarked trench and cabled Union leaders that “we have buried [Shaw] with his niggers.” The Southerners expected that this would be such an insult that white officers would no longer be willing to fight with black troops, however, the opposite was true. Shaw’s parents replied that there could be “no holier place” to be buried than “surrounded by…brave and devoted soldiers.”

The 54th lost the battle at Fort Wagner, but they did a great deal of damage there causing the confederate troops to abandon the fort soon afterward. For the next two years, the regiment participated in a series of successful siege operations in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The 54th Massachusetts returned to Boston in September 1865.

 

Fun Fact: The 54th Infantry was made into a blockbuster hit movie, Glory starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington

Free Program Gets Youth Involved in Aviation

Summer Aviation Academy

The City of Miramar welcomes a summer of learning and high flying adventure as Mayor Wayne Messam, in partnership with Kellstrom Defense Aerospace and South Florida Aviators Fly-In and Educational Expos Flight (S.A.F.E.E.), host a one-day Summer Aviation Academy for youth in 5th through 12th grades. This free program will  provides with the opportunity to explore and experience all that aviation has to offer. Instructors will cover careers in aviation, along with safety procedures, after school programs and more. Participants will pilot planes from flight simulators software, direct aircraft as air traffic controllers, learn about the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) organization and more.

“This is an outstanding STEM opportunity for our youth to expose them to the industry of aviation,” said Mayor Messam. “Miramar being the home of so many aviation companies provides an opportunity for our corporate partners to give back to the community.”

Up to 125 participants will be accepted for the one-day program being held on Tuesday, July 26th from 9 a.m.to Noon at the Miramar City Hall building, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025. Only 35 students from that group, will be selected to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Miami International Airport on Thursday, July 28th.

“We are very pleased to support the City of Miramar and the SAFEE program. Talent and potential for our youth are limitless, especially through these educational academies. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the City of Miramar and supporting our community,” said Ruth Garcia, Director of Marketing & Communications for Kellstrom.

* STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math.

Caribbean Help for the Road to Rio, Team UK

Track and Field, Summer Olympics

Delano Williams, Former Munro College sprint champion, has been named in the 80 member  Great Britain squad heading to the Rio Summer Olympic Games next month. Winning a bronze medal at the European Championships in Amsterdam, Holland last weekend gave the young track star a great advantage after winning with a time of 3 minutes and 01.44 seconds.

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Junior champion in the 200 meter in 2012 in Barcelona, Spain, missed the Great Britain Trials held three weeks ago but was included in the team for the European Championships for the relays. Williams was part of the UK team that won the bronze medal at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing last year with Jamaica just shortly behind.

In the US Collegiate season at Louisiana State University Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake was named by the British Olympic Association to the 80-person track and field team as well after running a personal best, a time of 19.95 seconds, second fastest time ever by a Briton. Mitchell-Blake will compete in the 200 meter and has been included in the 4×100 meter relay team joining fourteen athletes with LSU ties will be in the 2016 Olympic Games, becoming the school’s ninth track and field athlete to earn a trip to Rio de Janeiro. Mitchell-Blake will also be in the 4×100-meter relay pool. He is the third athlete who competed this past season for LSU to make the Games, joining Fitzroy Dunkley, who will represent Jamaica, and Canadian Chanice Chase.

4 ways to save during the back-to-school season

4 ways to save during back-to-school shopping

Back-to-school shopping can come with plenty of sticker shock, if you don’t plan ahead. This year, parents said they plan on spending more this year than last, with totals exceeding $900 to outfit and supply, according to a survey by Rubicon. To shave some dollars off that total, here are a few savvy strategies to save while preparing for school.

Watch for extreme deals 
This is the key time of year to follow the cardinal rule of the extreme saver: Keep an eye on the ads for rock-bottom prices on school essentials. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, it’s your time to save big.

Take advantage of price matching
A traditional frugal shopper will tell you not to settle for anything but the lowest price. If you have to make six lists and drive all over town, being a penny pincher costs dearly in time. Instead, compare those weekly ads and save yourself some time by taking advantage of price matching. Staples, for example, offers a 110 Percent Lowest Price Guarantee, meaning all you have to do is show proof of a competitor’s lower price, and Staples will not only match it, they tack on another 10 percent off. If you are interested in learning more, visit www.staples.com/backtoschool

Stock up 
If you find some unbeatable deals, stock up for next year. And don’t overlook this opportunity to replenish your home with art supplies to keep your child’s creative flow moving along. Either way, if Junior springs a due-the-next-day project on you, you’ll won’t have to go the store on an already busy weeknight. A great resource to stock up is the Less List for School offered by Staples, which features season-low prices on the essentials, such as pencils, composition books, notebooks, crayons, batteries, glue and more.

Don’t forget the thrift store
Make more room in your budget by looking at secondhand options for big ticket clothing items like shoes, coats and jackets. Choose the basics in solid colors for a timeless look. Sometimes, you’ll find a like-new, high-quality item hiding in the rack, and at a fraction of the price.

At this level of spending, it’s smart to capture savings where you can. Even if you save 10 percent across the board, it’s worth it because you’re still going home with a handful of $10 bills in your pocket.

 

 

 

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South Florida responds to recent tragedies

South Florida responds to recent tragedies

As in other American cities, residents of multiple races is responding to last week’s shooting death of two black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, by law enforcement officers and five police officers in Dallas.

Last weekend there were several peaceful marches organized by Black Lives Matter, involving hundreds of protestors in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Wynwood. More protests are planned for the coming weekend end, including a march in Miami Gardens.

Marcell Grant, a St Lucian-American was among over 700 protestors that marched from Stranahan Park in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night to the Broward County Jail, chanting among other slogans,  “No justice, no peace.”  Grant, 34, the father of two sons, said “I am grieved by the tragic shootings of the Dallas cops, but would be dishonest if I didn’t say I protested because I am also grieving for repeated shootings of black men by irresponsible police action. I march because this could happen to me or my sons.”

Before the Fort Lauderdale march, the participants were given forms to complete in case they were arrested and needed to contact relatives to free them from jail. However, police officer, Nigel Boothe, said, “The marchers strictly abided by the law.”

In West Palm Beach, Wayne Jonas, 20 year-old son of a city police officer, said he “had no alternative” but join the protest in that city “as all lives matter including that of Palm Beach Gardens’ Corey Jones who was Killed by a police office last year, and police officers shot doing their  duty. I’m black, and my father is a police, so my reason to protest is two-fold.”

Like the protest in other cities, most of the protestors were between age18 and 35. The protest march planned for Miami Gardens on July 16, is organized by 26-year old Dashana Honore resident of Miami-Dade County. Honore reportedly organized the march for Miami Gardens as felt the city is safe for the protestors and police.  She regards the Miami Gardens Police Department, led by African American police chief Antonio Brooklen as  “one of the most approachable police departments in the country.” She is expecting at least 200 protestors.

Miami Garden nursing-aide, Mimi Lagorde, also a parent of two sons, says she’ll “definitely be marching. With the disgust of people in the community with the killings of black men and police, I’m sure there’ll be more than 200 protestors.”

Protestors will march from the Miami Gardens City, through city streets and back.

Churches in the region are also protesting the shootings and racial divisions in the country.

At the North Miami Avenue Church of God members of the congregation prayed for the victims of gun violence. “None of what’s happening is right in God’s sight,” said Norma Bayliss. “Nobody should be killing the police, and the police shouldn’t be killing residents without just cause.”

In Miami ten South Florida pastors collaborated in an anti-gun violence rally at the Miami Police Station last Friday. Following prayers, the pastors addressed community concerns related to the shootings, asking people to unite in faith, peace and love, and for the community and law enforcement to work together because “as one unit we can make a difference.”

On Wednesday, a group of Broward pastors headed by Caribbean American Rev. Dennis Grant, and community leaders participated in a motorcade and prayer vigil for “All Lives Matter” at the Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial park in Fort Lauderdale.

 

 

 

Watermelon Drinks for Summer Fun

Watermelon Drinks for Summer Fun

Get creative with our Watermelon recipe for the whole family. This recipe can be served with or without alcohol to accommodate all ages and occasions. Tag us in your finished photos on our Facebook and Instagram page!

What you’ll need:

4 cups cubed watermelon

2 tablespoons sugar

3 limes, 2 juiced and 1 cut into wedges for garnish

8 ounces tequila

5 ounces Triple Sec, divided

3 tablespoons salt

What To Do:

  1. Scoop out watermelon as close to the rind as possible.

2. In a blender, puree the watermelon and sugar until smooth.

3. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer. Transfer the liquid to a pitcher and add the lime juice, alcohol choice (or go alcohol free) and 4 ounces of the Triple Sec. Stir to combine.

4. Place salt in a shallow dish, in a second small plate, add the remaining 1-ounce of Triple Sec.

5. Dip the rims of 4 margarita glasses in the Triple Sec, then coat them in the salt mixture.

6. Divide the margarita between the 4 glasses and garnish each with a wedge of lime, lemon, kiwi.

7. Enjoy!

 

TalkUp: How can we fix race relations?

What can we do to fix race relations in this country?

Dwight – Hollywood, FL

We need love. It’s simple, but very fundamental.  If we show love and kindness to each other, we would resolve many of the problems that divide us. This all begins at home.  We must teach our children to love and respect themselves and others. This will make a huge difference in the way we that relate to each other across cultural lines. I am really not sure if any of this will be resolved in my lifetime. We humans have very short memory.

Gussy “Miami Puff Daddy” – Miami, FL.

We all need to work together to achieve a resolution. Unity is key. I worry about my children’s safety. Things are getting out of hand. I advise the youngsters in my family to be polite and compliant when dealing with the police. We have to allow them to have the upper hand because they hold the reins right now. I am hopeful that change is on the way. I have great confidence in our President and his successor Hillary Clinton.

Margie Wilson – Hollywood, FL

We need to all change our mindset and turn our backs on the anger and hate of the past. It doesn’t matter what color we are. We are all equal. We all have the power to seek out the truth and when faced with that truth, we all have the power to make the right choices. We can choose to perpetuate hate or we can choose to love. I choose love.

Lorenzo – Miami Beach, FL.

Education is key. We must work to reduce the knowledge gap in this country so that people can gain a better understanding of different cultures and have a better understanding of how the world works. The world is a dangerous place. I’ve traveled extensively and seen small children drinking from sewers. We have a lot of opportunities here in this country that millions around the world do not have. In a relative sense, race is not a big issue when compared to some of the issues that people grapple with in different countries.

Nelly – Hollywood, FL.

If we could exercise empathy and try to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes then perhaps we would truly begin to understand each other.

George & Jennifer – Miami, FL.                         

We need more love and positivity. We also need to establish more stringent screening processes for individuals who are being placed into positions of power. The situation at hand is very saddening. All lives matter, but in light of all that has happened and that has been happening, we need to focus on the lives of black men and women in this country. Black lives matter.

Rome – Hollywood, FL

I think people need to be fair and just. We also need a governing body to closely monitor police activity. I was once a victim of police brutality. I was unlawfully arrested and when my case was thrown out, the officers who perpetrated the crime against me went free without even a slap on the wrist. I worry about my son. I would be highly upset if he was victimized by the police. I am hopeful though. A change is coming. There are many leaders in our community who are standing up and making their voices heard. We need to stand beside them in support.

Kristal – Pembroke Pines, FL

If black men could be seen in a positive light then they would experience less prejudice. Right now, they are viewed as aggressive and violent and this perceived image influences the way that they are treated. I don’t think that this issue will be resolved in my lifetime.

Thaddeus – Overtown, FL

We need to understand that we are 1 race..the human race. We all need to learn about each other and just get along. All lives matter. Our problem is senseless violence. People of various cultural backgrounds are being killed every day. We need to address that. It is important that we talk to each other, respect the things that make us different and commit to working together to build a strong tomorrow.

Margie – Hollywood, FL.

We need to be united. We are so much stronger together. We’re fighting each other and at the end of the day we all lose. We need God in our lives. God will help us to establish stable homes in which we can raise strong, positive children. The healing starts at home. If we teach our children to love and respect themselves and others, we will begin to see a change in this world.

This Day in History: Buju Banton was born

Buju Banton

By: Cerone White

On this day in history, July 15, 1973, Jamaican dancehall, artist Mark Anthony Myrie a.k.a Buju Banton was born in Kingston, Jamaica in a poor neighborhood called Salt Lane. Buju came on the scene in 1988 but rose to prominence in 1992 with the release of  Mr. Mention, which became the best-selling album in Jamaican history upon its release.

After his successful album in 1992, Buju released Voice of Jamaica in 1993 after he signed with Mercury Records. In the mid- 1990’s Buju switched to Rastafarian then shortly after the transition his music took on a more spiritual tone. His 2010 album Before the Dawn won Best Reggae Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Buju’s career has been filled with many accomplishments but it has been filled with many disappointments as well. The Grammy winner has been linked with anti gay lyrics when his 1992 song “Boom Bye Bye” sparked controversy around the world. After charges were dropped against Buju and 11 others who were accused of beating men whom they believed to be gay in a house in Kingston near Buju’s recording studio, he signed the Reggae Compassionate Act which was created by the Stop Murder Music campaign. The act sought to refrain from performing homophobic songs or making homophobic statements in 2007, but he later denied that he had made any such commitment.

Buju has also faced drug charges which landed him in prison in 2009 after he was sentenced to ten years and one month in a federal prison for the cocaine trafficking conviction. Buju is scheduled to be released in December 2018. To date, Buju has released ten successful albums, and he has 15 children.

Hero CPL opener at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St. Lucia


Local games to be played at Broward Regional Stadium July 28-31

The St. Lucia Zouks are gearing up for the home leg of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which starts next Thursday, 14 July and the message from tournament organisers is to book your tickets early to be a part of the historic re-naming of the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 21 July.

Ticket sales have been strong as the St. Lucia public gear up for a huge period in their calendar and fans have several options to acquire their places for the biggest party in sport: the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium Ticket Office, Delirius, The Cell in Castries and Vieux Fort and tickets will also be available from Soufreire and Rodney Bay by this weekend.

Looking ahead to the St. Lucia leg of matches, Mr. Pete Russell, Chief Operations Officer of the Hero CPL said: “We’re really excited about moving on from Jamaica to St. Lucia next week as the Hero CPL table begins to take shape. The St. Lucia public have always been proud and loyal followers of their team and next week they will have the first chance to honour the efforts of Darren, Johnson and Andre Fletcher, who were members of the West Indies World T20 winning squad.

“In addition, some of the biggest names in world cricket will be showcasing their talents on the field. And if the standard of cricket so far is an indicator, then I’m sure we’re in for a real treat of top-class T20 cricket next week. The Zouks will be bidding to reach the play-offs for the first time and have some outstanding quality in their squad including players of the calibre of Shane Watson, David Miller, Mike Hussey, Morne Morkel and the recently signed Jerome Taylor.

“There are lots of fun community projects, which will further extend the ties with the St. Lucia public taking place next week, while on the field each of the five teams will be battling it out for much-needed points as they bid to make the play-offs in St. Kitts & Nevis in the first week of August.

“It’s shaping up to be a terrific showcase for St. Lucia and we would urge everyone looking to come along to watch the biggest party in sport to book your tickets either online on www.cplt20.com or from one of our outlets early to avoid disappointment. With ticket prices starting at USD $6, it represents great value for every member of the family.”

In addition to top quality cricket, as Darren Sammy’s men get set to welcome the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (21 July), Barbados Tridents (23 July), Guyana Amazon Warriors (24 July) and Trinbago Knight Riders (26 July), there will be a number of events off the field which will have a strong Hero CPL presence at a number of Carnival events where Ms. St. Lucia Zouks will be present.

The Zouks’ opening home match against the Patriots is one not to be missed as it will mark the launch of the newly re-named 12,400 capacity Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, previously known as the Beauséjour Stadium. Fans will also get to be a part of history for the opening of the newly-renamed Johnson Charles Stand as the island honours two of its favourite sons who both played a significant part in the West Indies ICC World T20 success earlier this year.

*Tickets for all CPL fixtures in the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale are on sale now from www.cplt20.com.

St. Lucia Zouks Home Fixtures (all times local): 21 July – St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (6pm), 23 July – Barbados Tridents (12 Midday), 24 July – Guyana Amazon Warriors (5pm), 26 July – Trinbago Knight Riders (6pm)

St. Lucia Zouks: David Miller, Shane Watson, Darren Sammy (captain), Michael Hussey, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Morne Morkel, Jerome Taylor, Derone Davis, Grant Elliott, Kristopher Ramsaran, Shane Shillingford, Delorn Johnson, Kyle Mayers, Keddy Lesporis, Nitish Kumar, Gidron Pope

 

Hero CPL Media Press Release

National Weekly July 14, 2016

Simple summer home improvement

Upgrade your curb appeal

Summer is a great time to complete your home improvement projects, but deciding which ones to tackle can be overwhelming. Here are a few simple curb appeal projects you can tackle this summer to welcome your family and friends into your home with style.

Start fresh with a new front door

For a dramatic refresh replace your front door. From single doors, to double-door options, to those accented with decorative glass or sidelights, it’s easy to find a door that fits your budget and your style. Once you have a panel design selected, pick a material such as wood, fiberglass or steel. Don’t forget to look for an ENERGY STAR qualified option to help keep your home comfortable.

Pick a standout color for your front door 

Nothing adds to your curb appeal like bold, vibrant color. Pick a front door color that shows your personality and makes your home different from your neighbors. From red to blue and green to orange, color can instantly refresh the front of your home. A good place to find inspiration and the perfect color is from the limited-edition Vibrancy Collection from Pella.

Sticking with your current door? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Pick a color that coordinates with your home’s exterior, but dare to be bold with color contrast to add eye appeal. Take a look at this Favorite Front Doors board on Pinterest for ideas.

Add greenery around the entrance

Greenery placed near the entrance instantly makes a home feel more welcoming by adding texture, color, and a sense of care to the exterior. Install some window boxes on this side of the house and add plants that create visual balance, as window boxes naturally draw the eye toward the entrance and soften hard architectural lines. Framing the doorway with plants or seasonal flowers also helps highlight the front door while making the space feel lived-in and inviting.

Update your hardware

Refresh your existing front door with new hardware. New hardware can be a quick update and add beauty to the entrance to your home’s exterior design. Hardware is available in a variety of finishes including satin nickels as well as unique designs including modern and traditional. Look for inspiration at this Baldwin Reserve board on Pinterest.

Replace broken or damaged items

Replace broken light fixtures, burned out bulbs, and worn out weather-stripping on exterior doors. Pitch that faded wreath, worn out mat, and dead plants, and instead, add a bright new welcome mat and eye-catching seasonal decorations.

Lay a new path

From the moment your guest step off the sidewalk, the path to your front door showcases your home. Flagstone, gravel, or pavers — any of these materials can be used to create a new, inviting walkway in a weekend or less.

Illuminate your walkway 

Make it easy for others to see the way to your front door at night. Transform and illuminate walkways with easy-to-install solar lights. Stake them in the ground positioned so solar cells get enough southern exposure for sunlight to recharge nightlights during the day.  

Trim bushes, create great container gardens 

Landscaping should accent your home, not dominate it. Keep bushes below the bottom sill of your windows to improve your view. Trim or replace overgrown shrubs and trees. Keep plant material trimmed several feet away from your home to minimize damage from wind or insects. Fill decorative containers with plants that accent your home’s color scheme, front door, and landscape design.

Visit Pella on Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram for more design inspiration and Pella.com to connect with your local Pella representative for ideas on how to transform the look and comfort of your home inside and out.

 

 

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Terrorists attack France again! At least 84 dead

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, July 15th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Todays news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

Florida’s first Haitian-American judge, Fred Seraphin, is working hard to retain his seat after 15 years on the bench. As the only Haitian judge in Miami,  the possibility of his losing is raising concerns within the Caribbean  American community. Voters go the polls for judicial and other offices in the August 30 primary.

A one-day Summer Aviation Academy is being brought to the Miramar City Hall for children and teens in 5th through 12th grades. In a partnership between Mayor Wayne Messam, Kellstrom Defense Aerospace and S.A.F.E.E. Flight, the free program will allow attendees to participate in flight simulators, direct aircrafts as air traffic controllers, learn about the Civil Air Patrol and more. The program will be held Tuesday, July 26th, from 9 am to Noon.

Soca sensation, Rupee, will replace Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons as the headline act to perform on the Main Stage at the 6th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in New York.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is scheduled for this Sunday, July 17th at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

In Sports, Barbados’ chef de mission, Dr Adrian Lorde, announced a 12-member Olympics team, highlighted by multi event star Akela Jones and Bajan tennis ace Darian King. The team was officially named yesterday morning at the Barbados Olympic Association for next month’s Summer Games in Brazil.

Here’s a look at what’s Trending:

Terrorists attack France once again. In yesterdays attack, a lone man drove through the crowd in the resort town of Nice as hundreds attended Bastille day celebrations.

For todays weather forecast:

Scattered Storms in Broward County with a high of 90 and a low of 79. Mostly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 91 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.

Todays news is brought to you by Grace Aloe, Aloe Vera Drink, Refreshingly Delicious.

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