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Local forum discusses Jamaica’s Vision 2030

Local forum discusses Jamaica's Vision 2030
President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) William Mahfood

Local forum discusses Jamaica’s Vision 2030

Top Jamaican financial leaders will be heading to Davie next week to lead a special Diaspora forum about Jamaica’s National Development Plan – “Vision 2030.” Hosted by Victoria Mutual Building Society’s (VMBS) Florida Representative Office, the annual forum will outline pathways for the South Florida community to invest in Jamaica’s economic progress. Open to the public, the third annual panel discussion is set for Wednesday June 8, starting 6:45p.m. at the Signature Grand in Davie.

“Vision 2030 challenges all Jamaicans to partner for the realization of the developed status for our country,” says panelist, President and CEO of Victoria Mutual, Courtney Campbell. “Through this forum we will speak to Vision 2030, offer pertinent information on the Jamaican landscape, provide sound financial advice and vital information for those who are considering investment options in Jamaica and want to own a ‘piece of the rock.’”

Other members of the panel are President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) William Mahfood, President of the Medical Association of Jamaica Dr. Myrton Smith, and General Manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Marlene Street-Forrest. The event will be moderated by Christopher Denny, Vice President of Distribution for Victoria Mutual. 

“We wanted to highlight the plans being undertaken to ensure the achievement of developed status for the island and how they can become involved,” said Suzette Rochester, Manager for VMBS, Florida Representative Office Our panelists were carefully selected and have in-depth knowledge and expertise in their related fields. They will bring to the table valuable insights on various sectors of the economy ranging from health to finance.”

In addition to highlighting areas of growth in the Jamaican industry and financial sector, panel patrons exploring real estate investment can also meet with housing developers from GORE, Kemtek and Richmond Developments to discuss upcoming projects. Financial capital however, says Campbell, is not the only thing Jamaica needs for greater economic prosperity.

Most importantly, the discussions will also expose the opportunities available for the utilisation of their skills, resources, knowledge and expertise that can contribute to building Jamaica,” says Campbell.

Registration for the event begins at 5 p.m. before the panel, or can be completed online at vmbs.caribtix.com.

This Day in history: Burma Road Riot took place in the Bahamas

Burma Road Riot in the Bahamas

On this day in Caribbean history, June 1st, 1942, many local political historians believe that this day marked the beginning of the modern political history of the Bahamas, The Burma Road Riots. The 1942 riot in Nassau was a short-lived impulsive outburst by a group of disgruntled laborers, and occurred against a background of narrow socio-economic and political policies.

The events of the Burma Road Riots came as a result of the agitation by natives wanting equal pay for equal work, regardless of color or nationality. Two rioters were killed by British troops, more than 40 people injured and over a hundred arrested, but those unprecedented events also led to long overdue reforms. The events in Bahamian history that played a significant role in shaping the modern Bahamas we experience today was what lead up to emanating from Majority Rule.

Randol Fawkes, the fiery Bahamian nationalist and labor leader who died in 2000 was the most popular black politician of his time, and in 1958 he was charged with treason for making a speech at Windsor Park. Later acquitted, he continued his union activities and helped tip the balance in favor of the PLP (Peoples Labor Party) after the 1967 general election. Burma Road has been described as the first sign of a popular movement in the Bahamas. And in his 1988 memoir The Faith that Moved the Mountain, Fawkes attributes the birth of the labor movement to the 1942 riots: “As long as Fort Fincastle rests on that immovable rock in our capital city,” he wrote, “parents shall tell their children, and their children shall tell their own of the saga of Burma Road.”

The construction of a satellite airfield being built in western New Providence for use by the American armed forces lead to a labor dispute over equal pay which took on a life of its own and became closely interwoven with the movement for social justice. Today that site is the Lynden Pindling International Airport. It is clear that from the first stirrings of political activity in the country, labor has been an integral part of the struggle. In those days it was illegal for workers to “combine” or unionize against their employer. But when the airfield project began mopping up some of Nassau’s unemployment, two proto unions came together to form the Bahamas Federation of Labor, which Fawkes later led.

After this, changes were implemented and in 1962 the first Friday in June was celebrated as labor day, a public holiday, by some 20,000 Bahamians, with Randol Fawkes as the main leader.

Strikers, Kickers game moved and rescheduled

Friendly’s match to play at Lockhart Stadium

On February 5, 2016, US Soccer announced the schedule for the US Open Cup, including the schedule for the third round, which says “Third Round – June 1. Participants: Winners of 21 Second Round games are joined by nine NASL sides.”

Differing from previous years, all the games in this round are held on the same day, not in a window of two or three days. One week ago, news broke that Guatemala and Venezuela were to play an international friendly at Fort Lauderdale’s Lockhart Stadium at 7PM, with a US Open Cup scheduled for that same day. The stadiums next move was to try and re-schedule however, this proved more difficult than imagined.

The Strikers attempted to convince Richmond to move the game either a day forward or a back, however, the Kickers declined the attempts. This makes sense for the Kickers because they have league games on each of the surrounding Saturdays, so it is not in their interest to move the game to accommodate the Strikers.

If you are in the area of Broward College South Campus today, Wednesday at 11 a.m., you can get into the game for $5 and enjoy free food and drinks. If you aren’t you can follow along on Twitter and watch the Kickers, along with D.C. United goalkeeper Charlie Horton, play the Strikers.

 

Miami Book Fair event features Haitian authors and dancers

The Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair over the weekend brought in authors and publishers from Haiti and the Caribbean to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, where the public was treated to author readings, workshops and cultural performances.

Jan Mapou, who owns the Haitian bookstore, Liberi Mapou, facilitated the fourth annual event, calling it a “celebration,” after the city of Miami last week named Little Haiti an official Miami neighborhood.

“It’s a success,” he said of the fair, “because the whole community is involved, not just Haitians.”

Miami Book Fair helped with the logistics and some of the programming for the event. Mapou said he’s excited that the Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair will join forces once again with the Miami Book Fair in November, where renowned Haitian authors will get exposure during the eight-day event.

“I remember when the Miami Book Fair started, it was very small, and now it’s one of the best and biggest literary activities in this country,” he said.

Mapou invited Father William Smarth, who flew in from Haiti, to speak at the event. The Catholic priest and professor is the author of Histoire de l’Eglise Catholique d’Haiti (the History of the Catholic Church in Haiti). He said the most important aspect of the Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair is that it brought people of all ages together.

“Many generations met,” he said. “Young Haitians were talking about their ancestors, and I think that is going to create some hope for the future of Haiti.”

Cultural performances and events included various local dance ensembles, author panels and book signings. Publishers and craft vendors were also present inside the Caribbean Marketplace, while food vendors lined the street, cooking traditional Haitian fare, like griotand fried breadfruit, under tents.

Myrtha Roy, the main organizer of the weekend fair, said some of the special elements included a Children’s Corner, where kids created art around the stories that were read aloud, and writing workshops for adults.

“My goal in doing all of this, and putting so much effort as a volunteer, is to keep the Haitian-Caribbean culture alive. I believe in Mapou’s dream. God forbid he dies today; the culture cannot die with him. We’re trying to get the next generation involved.”

Publisher Jerry Delince has exhibited at the Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair for three years now. His family’s publishing company, Edition Delince, started in Haiti in 1967 and offers translated texts of classic books, in English, Creole and Spanish.

“I think it’s a great way to explore the ambiance of Little Haiti,” he said of the event, “and it’s a good primer on Haitian culture. There is no “Little Haiti” anywhere else in the world, so it’s a very good way to experience the cultural history — on a literary front as well as musically, with food, and it’s just so interactive.”

Dr. Juniace Senecharles Etienne wrote an advice book for parents whose children are about to enter college.

“Nowadays, four-year programs at universities are taking students six years to complete” she says. “It’s because kids don’t know their purpose.”

She says she wrote Three Steps to Guide Your Children’s Educational Future as a way for parents to start talking with their children about their education.

Author Alexandra Barbot, a native of Haiti who has lived in Miami for 14 years, wrote and illustrated the book Tell Me About Haiti for young audiences in English and in Creole. It’s about the history and folklore of Haiti.

“It starts with the history of the first inhabitants, the Tainos, or Arawak Indians, and this illustration,” she says as she points to a coffee-toned woman with long dark hair. She “represents the queen, Anacaona. Just like you have Pocahontas in America, we have Anacaona, and she was famous for being a dancer and a priestess. All over the Caribbean, she is very famous. She ruled one of the five kingdoms of the island [of Hispaniola] when Columbus came.”

Kids, parents and grandparents rummaged through bins of free books at the event, courtesy of the “Read to Learn Books for Free” program, a partnership between the Children’s Trust and the Miami Book Fair, which puts new and used donated books into the hands of families throughout Miami.

Marci Cancio-Bello, program coordinator for “Read to Learn,” says about 3,500 books per week are delivered to 40 bookshelves all over Miami-Dade County, from Homestead to Miami Gardens.

“It’s two-sided,” she says of the program. “We give out books and we also rely heavily on donations. We’re doing about 30 ongoing book drives at any one time.”

 

 

BY CAITLIN GRANFIELD

www.MiamiHerald.com

Christmas in July to Help Local Homeless Children

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Donate to Christmas in July to Help Local Homeless Children Prepare for School Year

One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it can have on a child’s education. Frequent school transfers and the stigma associated with living in a shelter add up to great hardship for these children. Many of these children may begin the school year with another disadvantage, they may enter the classroom with no backpack, few, if any, school supplies or new clothes.

Broward County’s homeless children, boys and girls – infant to 18 years need your help! Residents are encouraged to participate in Christmas in July by purchasing school supplies, new children’s items such as clothing, undergarments, diapers and toiletries, and depositing them in collection boxes located at several designated Broward County facilities.
Christmas in July culminates with a fun-filled day where our community’s homeless children enjoy themselves and receive personalized items to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Donation Collection Box Locations:

  • Downtown Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
  • Government Center West, 1 N. University Drive, Plantation
  • Main Courthouse, 201 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale
  • North Regional County Courthouse, 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach
  • South Regional County Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
  • West Regional County Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation
  • Water and Wastewater Services, 2555 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach
  • Port Everglades, 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale
  • Aviation Department, 2200 S.W. 45th Street, Dania Beach
  • Broward County Main Library and all branch libraries

Suggested Donation Items

  • Underwear (Toddlers through Teens)
  • Shoes/Socks/Belts
  • Clothing (Newborns through Teens)
  • Bras
  • Diapers/Pull-Ups/Baby Wipes (all sizes)
  • Toiletries
  • Books
  • School Supplies
  • Pens/Pencils/Crayons

For more information email PUBLICINFO@broward.org

Take your grilling to a whole new level

Here are 5 steps

It’s time to grab the tongs and apron because it is officially grilling season. You’ve waited months to reclaim your rightful position behind the grill, and it’s finally time to achieve your goal of making this your best grilling season yet.

Now, you need a game plan. To take your place as the rightful master of the grill this year, consider following these five barbecuing tips.

Keep it clean. It may be the least glamourous part of your grilling experience, but keeping your grill clean is essential to delivering a quality product. A stiff wire brush is just the ticket along with plenty of oil once you’re done. Then, turn up the heat and enjoy preparing your meal on a clean, hot surface.

Direct and indirect grilling. Many summer chefs aren’t familiar with these terms, but mastering direct and indirect grilling is a great way to bolster your cooking skills. Direct grilling cooks the food directly over the heat source and is perfect for smaller, thinner pieces. Indirect grilling cooks the food near the heat source — but not directly over it. This is good for larger, thicker items.

Don’t fill the grill. A loaded grill is a mouth-watering sight but it jeopardizes the end result. Keep your grill at least 30 percent free so you have space to move food when the eventual flare up occurs.

Use the right tools. When it comes to rotating food, a reliable set of tongs beats a barbecue fork any day. Puncturing meat allows juices to escape prematurely, so don’t stab your food with a fork and never press burgers with a spatula.

Sit before you serve. For the best flavor, let your newly cooked meat sit for about 10 minutes before serving. The meat will be juicer and everyone will enjoy the meal a little bit more.

Ready to take your grilling game to the next level?

Creativity and having the opportunity to experience new tastes and flavors is arguably one of the most rewarding aspects of grilling season. To get you fired up for the season ahead, the team at King’s Hawaiian has offered up this one-of-a-kind chicken sandwich recipe your family and friends will love. Made using their new brand new line of Hawaiian-inspired barbecue sauces, this sandwich is sure to be a mainstay at your seasonal events. And for more recipes visit http://www.kingshawaiian.com/recipes/.

Big Island Lava Glazed Sesame Chicken Sandwich

Serves 6-8, Prep Time 15 mins, Cook Time 15 mins

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs. chicken breasts, thinly cut
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato, sliced
  • Mayo
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1 bottle King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava Sauce
  • 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Hawaiian Hamburger Buns

Preparation

  1. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill chicken. As chicken is cooking, use a basting brush to glaze each side of the chicken with King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava BBQ Sauce.
  3. Toast King’s Hawaiian hamburger buns over indirect heat.
  4. Build your sandwich: Bottom bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, chicken, sesame seed garnish, extra King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava BBQ Sauce, top bun.

 

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Education Effect expands to Little Haiti

Education Effect expands to Little Haiti

Education Effect expands to Little Haiti

With a $2 million donation by local philanthropist Rose Ellen Greene, the Education Effect, is expanding into Little Haiti at the Jesse J McCrary Elementary school. A joint program between Florida International University (FIU) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), Education Effect seeks to connect the local community, schools, students and parents with university expertise, resources and research-based intervention programs to address pressing educational and social needs.

The program is launching this week with a check presentation at Jesse J. McCrary Jr. Elementary School, to be attended by M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, M-DCPS Vice-Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, and program expansion donor Rose Ellen Greene.

The expansion into Jesse J. McCrary Elementary School marks the first time the program will be working with an elementary school and will incorporate researchers, faculty and staff from FIU’s Center for Children and Families, a nationally recognized interdisciplinary clinical center committed to improving the lives of children and families. Education Effect has been working with Miami Northwest Senior High School since 2011, launching an integrated STEM education initiative, a Bull Investors Financial Literacy and Investment Program, as well as expanded opportunities for Miami Northwest Senior High students to to take college courses for college credit in high school through Dual Enrollment.

UWI launches global alumni appeal

UWI launches global alumni appeal

UWI launches global alumni appeal

The University of the West Indies (UWI) is launching a global appeal for support to alumni, friends and donor agencies for the annual “UWI Global Giving Week.” Running from August 1 to 7 under the theme “Emancipate, Educate, Donate,” the campaign will also target the public and private sectors.

According to UWI, this marks the beginning of a tradition that will see graduates making an annual contribution to the regional institution.

UWI Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles says while regional governments have played their part in empowering the university for several decades, many are now experiencing difficulty and have urged the UWI to reduce its dependence on the public purse.

He says the university’s finance committee shows that contributions from regional governments have dropped significantly, from 80 percent of total operational budget 15 to 20 years ago, to 45 percent today.

“This giving week, then, is an attempt to say to our graduates all over the region and the world, to friends of higher education, to friends of the cause of research, public policy formulation, promotion of entrepreneurship, all of those who do believe not only in the empowerment of young people through education, but those who are committed to the further development of this region, to come to the aid of your university at this stage,” Sir Hilary said.

Former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur told the gathering at the recent launch of the program that investment in the university is needed now more than at any other time in the Caribbean’s history.

“The new economy, the new society, will be a learning society and it behooves us to be able to act today to make sure that our university and our society cease to function in the 20th century and come fully into the new society that is to be the 21st. The governments alone cannot do it,” Arthur said.

Zika cases in South Florida is still on the rise

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 31st, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

The number of Zika cases in south Florida is still on the rise. Of the 154 cases in Florida, 17 are in Broward county and 46 in Miami Dade. The Center for Disease Control continues to warn pregnant mothers to take precautions in order to limit the risk of passing the virus to her unborn child.

Starting June 13th, Harvard University’s introduction to computer science class will be offered free through a partnership between The Idea Center, Miami Dade College, and LaunchCode in an attempt to help open new doors for employees wanting to advance their career. The deadline for registration is Sunday, June 5.

Grammy Award winning singer, Ziggy Marley, will perform at the Vina Robles Ampletheater in August to promote his newly released album titled ‘Ziggy Marley’. This album is the follow up to ‘Fly Rasta’ which won best reggae album in 2015.

In Sports, the Island Strikers will play against the Lauderhill Lions tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1st at 7:45pm. Currently in the standings the Island Strikers are fifth and the Lauderhill Lions are fourth.

Here’s What’s Trending

18 young adults in Jamaica have received their first passport thanks to the Junior Achievement Company of Entrepreneurs and the JN Fund Managers Limited. With a passport available to them, these young people in Jamaica can now travel freely, carry out financial transactions and gain access to opportunities abroad which would otherwise not have been available to them.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Clear in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 77. Clear skies in Miami-Dade, with a high of 87 and a low of 77.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet.

This Day in History: Exiled Jean-Bertrand Aristide is welcomed in South Africa

Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide arrives in South Africa

By: Cerone White

On this day in Caribbean history, May 31, 2004, ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and his family received a first-class diplomatic welcome from South Africa making this new home in exile. Just a day before he and his family planned on making Jamaica their temporary home.

Aristide, a politician in Haiti, first came to notoriety when he was appointed to become a Priest in a Roman Catholic parish in Port -au-Prince after finishing his studies. Later on in his life, Aristide ran for the office of the president in 1990 and won. He was in power up until September 1991 before the military coup regime collapsed in 1994 under US pressure and the threat of force. Aristide took office again from 2001 – 2004 but this would be his last time serving as president of Haiti. In 2004, Aristide was ousted blaming the United States of arranging the coup d’état against him with support from the Jamaican government which was headed by then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson among other world leaders. In 2011, after more than seven years of being exiled, Aristide finally returned to Haiti.

Did You Know:

While being in exile in South Africa Aristide received a salary from the South African government and he and his family were provided staff to help with chores. He also became an honorary research fellow at the University of South Africa and he learned Zulu, the native tongue of South Africa. On April 25, 2007, Aristide received his doctorate in African Languages from the University of South Africa.

 

St. Lucia elections too close to call

St. Lucia elections too close to call

St. Lucia elections too close to call

St. Lucia’s upcoming general elections on June 6 are at a “statistical dead heat” between the two major political parties, according to the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services INC (CADRES). A recent opinion poll conducted among all 17 constituencies, showed a close race between the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP).

With a margin of plus or minus five percent, the poll found “a statistical dead-heat between the governing SLP and the opposition UWP, with the SLP recording 34 percent and the UWP securing 33 per cent of the committed vote share.”

The poll also noted that “some three percent of respondents promised to support independent candidates,” but did specify that this number remains in flux, as “this survey was conducted one-week ago when there was an anticipation of greater independent participation than that which materialized on nomination day.”

The remaining 30 percent of respondents were categorized as “uncertain voters,” which CADRES believes may still prove to swing the elections for either party.

“The size of the uncertain vote is clearly large enough to impact on the outcome of the election, therefore attention needs to be paid to several details of the poll which provide a clue to the possible outcome,” said a statement from CADRES. “Significant among these details is the swing analysis, which estimates the likely outcome in terms of party support based on the historic support levels of both parties.”

CADRES said it has employed this prediction tool with considerable accuracy in the past. But CADRES says the projected support levels at this time would give the SLP 51 percent and the UWP 49 percent which would be a swing of  plus1.7 percent for the UWP and minus 0.4 percent away from the SLP.

Ms. Lou in Color celebrates Jamaican poet

Ms. Lou in Color celebrates Jamaican poet

Ms. Lou in Color celebrates Jamaican poet

As a comedian, the Honorable Dr. Louise Bennett-Coverley (“Miss Lou”), used both irony and laughter as a tool for Caribbean reform. In her honor, Déjà Vu Theatre Productions, Inc. is producing a tribute to this formidable woman to their latest production, “Ms. Lou in Color,” on Saturday, June, 11, starting 5:30 p.m. at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Ms. Lou did not waver when she was told, “You can’t speak like that.” She adopted her ancestors’ language and turned it into a means of cultural expression through poetry.  Following her legacy, Deja Vu Theatre has adapted some of Miss Lou’s wonderful and creative poetry pieces along with original pieces for this special “Ms. Lou in Color” production.

Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley, OM, OJ, MBE, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on September 7, 1919. She was a Jamaican poet, folklorist, writer, and educator. Writing and performing in Jamaican patois, she was instrumental in bringing literary recognition to the dialect. She traveled throughout the world promoting the culture of Jamaica through lectures and performances. Her poetry has been published several times, most notably the volumes “Jamaica Labrish” (1966) and “Anancy and Miss Lou” (1979). Located at the heart of the Jamaican poetic tradition, Miss Lou also influenced many other poets, including Mutabaruka, Ivy Armstrong, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Trinidad’s Paul Keens-Douglas and numerous others.

Déjà Vu Theatre Productions Inc. is a not-for-profit group in April 2002 in Fort Lauderdale. Founded by Sharon Cummings, the community group is a Caribbean-American infused theater company seeking to unite the Caribbean community and its non-Caribbean friends in one cause: to form an outlet for young people to showcase their talents.

Caribbean Americans set for DC Legislative Week

Caribbean Americans set for DC Legislative Week

Caribbean Americans set for DC Legislative Week

The Institute of Caribbean Studies and Caribbean American Heritage Month will again be hosting the annual Caribbean American Legislative Week, set for June 19 to 24 in Washington D.C., with a special White House Briefing and the Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill.

Community and organization leaders among the Diaspora are being invited to attend this year’s scheduled events. The group’s goal is to have at least two representatives from each jurisdiction. Support is needed for a new bill, sponsored by Congressman Eliot Engel, calling for the U.S. State Department to work more closely with the Caribbean American Diaspora con key issues affecting the Diaspora and the Caribbean.

The Caribbean American Legislative Forum is an annual event that educates Caribbean-Americans on policy issues that affect the Caribbean American community. Attendees hear from elected officials and are given an opportunity to network with business leaders, policymakers, and advocates. It includes a round table as well as short presentations. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

Over the years, Caribbean American Legislative Week Forum speakers have included Ambassador Richard L. Bernal, Chair of the Small Economies Working Group of Free Trade Area of the America; Dr. Eddie Green, Assistant Secretary General of CARICOM; Lael Brainard, Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic policy; Congressman Major Owens and Dr. Bilali Camara of the Caribbean Epidemiology Center.

6 ways to give your home a breath of fresh air

Refresh your home

It is time to tackle home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. As you plan for these projects over the warmer months, include steps to improve your family’s home environment, both inside and outside. Your house will be a better, more comfortable place to live.

Conserve water. Help preserve this precious resource by replacing any leaky indoor faucets in your kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Also, think about replacing your showerhead with a low-flow model. Outdoors, check the watering hose faucet for leaks and replace it if needed. And when mowing the lawn, epa.gov recommends setting the blades 2 to 3 inches high because the longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention and helping the grass survive drought and tolerate insect damage.

Reduce indoor pollutants. Improve your home’s indoor air quality. EPA studies indicate indoor air may be 25 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, more polluted than outdoor air. A whole-house air cleaner, such as Trane CleanEffects, can remove up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles and allergens from the filtered air, such as dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, mold spores and smoke.

Seal air leaks. Keep cool air in and hot air out by sealing leaks and adding insulation. Areas to check for repairs include the attic, garage and unfinished basement. Throughout the house, ensure that all cooling and heating vents and registers meet the floors, walls and ceilings and are well sealed.

Keep cool more efficiently. Upgrading your cooling system to a more efficient one can save home energy consumption, helping to save you money. For example, a TruComfort Variable Speed Air Conditioner is one of the industry’s most efficient systems, delivering precise cooling by running at the exact speed needed to keep a home constantly comfortable. This allows the compressor, outdoor fan and indoor fan to vary operating speed as the temperature outside changes, slowing down or speeding up in small increments rather than turning completely off and on.

Shield windows from the hot sun. Seasonal heat comes indoors from windows, too, so close draperies and shades, or install them in rooms that don’t already have them. Outside, create some natural shade near the windows by planting a tree, tall bushes or adding awnings on the sunniest side of the house.

Control indoor temperatures. Ensure a more comfortable home environment by adding a programmable HVAC control. Trane’s programmable smart controls are easy to use and, when paired with the Nexia smart home system, let you remotely monitor and control indoor temperatures, so you can adjust your system to be more efficient based on your family’s schedule.

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Local charity TATI honors daughter’s memory

Local charity TATI honors daughter’s memory

Local charity TATI honors daughter’s memory

In 2007, South Florida resident Tanya Ragbeer lost her eldest daughter Tatiana (Tati) to a tragic automobile accident on Florida’s Turnpike, returning to school at the University of Florida. Since then, Ragbeer, a Caribbean-American community organizer, has strived to create a positive memorial to her daughter through the non-profit organization, Transforming America Through Interaction (TATI), Inc.

The charity has grown into a thriving organization, giving back to young local Caribbean-Americans. Ragbeer currently chairs the organization, with Albert Lettman serving as president. TATI’s objectives are to bring youth of varying cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds together through mentorship and educational activities, building strong moral values and healthy communities, while promoting Caribbean cultural pride and cross-generational dialogue.

“I am proud these objectives are being realized,” says Ragbeer. “Though we shift and change constantly, this is how we grow and develop.”

The organization pursues its goals through the “Bright Faces” youth mentorship program, which launched last summer at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, hosted by Father Horace Ward. The 8-week program continues to bring kids together, providing them with mentorship and self-discovery activities designed to strengthen their self-worth…and help them to decide their futures,” says Ragbeer.

TATI also promotes youth enterprise in South Florida, providing provide shoes, clothing and supplies to schools in Jamaica, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago. There’s also the TATI Teen Driver Safety Awareness 5-K Walk/Run in Lauderhill, which Ragbeer said “was developed as Tati passed away in an auto accident. There’s so much our youth and parents don’t understand about teenage driving and decision-making.”  This event will be held again next October.

One of the TATI’s main achievements is the annual award of the Tatiana McIntosh Memorial Scholarship, made to deserving students. Combined with other scholarships, including the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month Youth Essay Competition, partnered with the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the organization has donated over $20,000 in scholarships to date.

Next year TATI, Inc. will celebrate 10 years. As part of the celebration, the organization plans to reinstitute the University of Florida scholarship, for which over $10,000 was already donated.

Ragbeer admitted in the initial stage of the organization “it was definitely a coping mechanism,” but now the organization reflects her love for children, community and Caribbean culture.

She’s committed for the organization to continue for several more years serving as a memorial to her daughter who she described as “a loving soul who excelled academically and spoke out against Genocide, spoke up for the underprivileged in Jamaica, and envisioned a unified community.”

As part of its cultural outreach to the community, on June 12th, TATI, Inc. stages its annual Picnic on the Beach at the former John U Lloyd Beach State Park.

Little Haiti becomes official neighborhood

Little Haiti becomes official neighborhood

Little Haiti becomes official neighborhood

City of Miami commissioners have voted unanimously to designate Little Haiti as an official neighborhood. Hundreds of residents filled city hall to hear the final vote approving the official boundaries of the neighborhood in a resolution, sponsored by Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon. The official borders of Little Haiti are now defined southbound along 54th Street, West to Interstate 95 and North along the Miami City boundary on 80th street, going back down along NE 2nd avenue and 4th avenue.

Miami City Commissioners listened to three and a half hours of testimonies as residents highlighted the historical significance of the neighborhood. The proposal sparked a passionate debate amongst residents who offered their opinions on whether the City of Miami should officially designate Little Haiti or allow it to exist without designation, in appreciation of its roots as Lemon City – an unincorporated settlement founded by Bahamian migrants that pre-dated the incorporation of Miami. Advocates against the designation feared that the Lemon City history would be forgotten if the community was designated as Little Haiti. Miami’s first school and library were founded in Lemon City. Meanwhile, other local advocates such as the Northeast Second Avenue Partnership and Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami (FANM) for the designation believed it was fitting to acknowledge Haitian-Americans for their contributions to the City of Miami.

But the arguments for Little Haiti eventually won out. The decision however, will not officially affect city zoning regulations, or grant confirmation to redevelop the area. It is uncertain whether this ruling may affecting the surge in investment and developments in the area, which has sparkled concern from local advocates regarding gentrification in the neighborhood. According to The Real Deal, last year, the first co-working space in Little Haiti opened, MADE at the Citadel. A group of developers led by Thomas Conway spent nearly $1 million redeveloping the MiMo-style 26,000-square-foot building, and invested about $5 million in land in the neighborhood. At the time, Conway called it “mindful gentrification.” A New York City-based bakery also announced plans to open in a 4,000-square-foot space at 5550 Northeast Fourth Avenue. The owner of Sullivan Street Bakery is partnering with Steven Perricone of Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe in Brickell, which owns the building.

This Day in History: Dancehall Artiste Spragga Benz was born

Spragga Benz was born in Kingston, Jamaica

By: Cerone White

On this day in Caribbean history, May 30, 1969, Carlton Errington Grant aka Spragga Benz, a Jamaican Dancehall artist was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Beginning his musical career in 1991, he was known as “Spaghetti” because he was tall and slim but after about a year, he became known as Spragga Benz.

Throughout Benz career, he has released seven albums with his first being released in 1994 titled “Jack It Up” and his latest “Shotta Culture” which was released in 2010. Benz is a well-respected artist who has worked with many notable and well-established artist including Julian Marley, Tanya Stephens, Kelis, Lil Bow Wow, and Alison Hinds.

Benz has not only performed on many stages helping spread the Jamaican Dancehall sound all over the world, but he has also acted in several movies playing alongside Stephen Marley aka Biggs in “Shottas”. Years later in 1999, Benz he played himself in “Brooklyn Babylon.”

Benz lost Carlton “Carlisle” Grant Jr., his 17-year-old son, who was shot and killed by local police in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23 August 2008. After the loss of his son Benz founded the Carlisle Foundation, with the aim of helping local youths. Benz also has a daughter who recently graduated from Villanova University.

Jamaica to strengthen ties with Cuba

Jamaica to strengthen ties with Cuba
Karl Samuda

Jamaica to strengthen ties with Cuba

Jamaica’s Industry Minister Karl Samuda says the country is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Cuba in key areas such as agriculture and manufacturing.

At a luncheon hosted for Cuba’s deputy minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Ambassador Ileana Núñez Mordoche, Samuda said Jamaica is seeking to learn from the experience of Cuba, which “has done remarkably well with limited resources.”

He noted as well that Cuba has stayed on the cutting edge of competition with the technology that they have introduced.

Samuda has been having discussions with Mordoche to explore various areas for co-operation.

The Cuban Minister is in the island for a four-day working visit.

According to Samuda, one of the essential areas discussed during the meeting was how Jamaica could benefit from Cuba’s skills in sugar cane cultivation and sugar production.

“Our sugar industry is one sector where we feel we can gain a lot by being exposed to their training techniques and their approaches, in terms of the development of the factories and also the sugar fields as well.”

He said that out of those discussions, his Cuban counterpart extended an invitation for a team from Jamaica to visit Cuba “to see for ourselves, the techniques the methodology and the technology that they have applied to making their industry one of the most vibrant of its kind in the world.

Samuda added that Jamaica could also benefit from Cuba’s successes in the area of animal husbandry, where an alternative-feeding programme is used to reduce dependency on imported raw materials for the manufacture of animal feed.

He noted that Jamaica also hopes to exchange ideas and approaches with Cuba in terms of training opportunities in critical industries.

 

Jamaica shocks Chile in 2-1 upset!

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 30th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Here’s a look at our top stories.

Miami commissioners have voted unanimously to designate ‘Little Haiti’ as an official city neighborhood. Some city residents however, stated at the commission meeting that the boundaries were insulting to the founders of Lemon City, a city they say was built with the sweat of Bahamians before Miami was even recognized as a city.

The U.S Secretary of State along with Venture Hive are seeking nominations for mentors and investors to take part in a seven week program engaging Caribbean diaspora business owners, startups and experts.   Self-nominations will be accepted, the deadline for applications is tomorrow, Tuesday, May 31st.

The 10th annual Best of the Best concert and festival yesterday celebrated reggae music and brought a taste of Caribbean culture to south Florida but  the Memorial weekend activities are not over yet over. The 13th annual Palm Beach Jerk Fest will be held at the South Florida fairgrounds today until 10pm. In addition to a variety of Jerk flavored foods, performing at the event will be reggae icons such as Luciano and Freddie McGregor.

In Sports, during the Copa America Centenario friendly’s match on Saturday, the Jamaican soccer team delivered an upset against Chili with a score of 2-1. The victory came as a shock to many as Jamaica gained its first win against a team ranked top three in the world. Jamaica will play against Venezuela on June 5th for the start of their tournament.

Here’s What’s Trending

South Florida is set to host Super Bowl 54 in 2020. The football game is scheduled to play at the newly renovated Dolphins Stadium which will be the first super bowl played in Miami in nearly a decade.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 72. Partly cloudy in Miami-Dade, with a high of 87 and a low of 75.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. Remember to pick up this week’s copy of our Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean – American outlet.

“Captain Morgan” leads the Reggae Boyz to Copa Cup

 Reggae Boyz 

Fresh off leading his team Leicester City to their historic English Premier League victory, defender Wes Morgan will be leading the Reggae Boyz’s 23-man squad to next month’s Copa America tournament, from June 3rd to 14th.

Morgan will be joined the rest of the usual suspects, including English-based Adrian Mariappa (Crystal Palace), Michael Hector (Chelsea), Joel McAnuff (Leyton Orient) and Garath McCleary (Reading). The experience duo of Rodolph Austin and Je-Vaughn Watson, who have almost 130 caps between them, were named to the midfield. But there was no room for experienced midfielder Demar Phillips, who joins Deshorn Brown, Darren Mattocks and Alvas Powell as notable absentees.  Mattocks and Powell will, however, miss out due to sustaining recent injuries.

Led by coach Winfried Shaefer, Team Jamaica will contest Group C of the tournament, kicking off their first match on June 5 against Venezuela at the Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The team will then face Mexico on June 9th at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA, and 5-time tournament champion, Uruguay, on June 13 at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Jamaica will compete alongside fellow Caribbean team Haiti – the only other team invited to compete from the Caribbean region.

Haitian Heritage Month

Haiti flag

Your weekly breakdown of upcoming local events celebrating Haitian Heritage

Friday, May 27

Jazz at MOCA

MOCA Plaza, North Miami

8 p.m.

Haitian-born trumpet prodigy Jean Caze will be headlining this special free concert. Winner of the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, and the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition,Caze has emerged as one of today’s most exciting new voices in jazz, performing with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Najee, Arturo Sandoval, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, and George Duke.

City of North Miami’s HHM Closing Concert

MOCA Plaza, North Miami

9:30 p.m.

The city of North Miami celebrates the finale of Haitian Heritage Month with a free concert and live entertainment by Haitian compas band, Harmonik, performing their latest hits.

Saturday, May 28

Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair

Caribbean Marketplace

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sosyete Koukouy of Miami Inc., with support of the Miami Book Fair International, the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, City of Miami and Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Libreri Mapou Book Store, presents its 4th Annual Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair. This book fair features two days of vibrant cultural exposure to various writers, publishers, performers and informative events free and open to the public. The fair kicks off with cultural performances and an author panel featuring Father William Smarth and Historian Anthony George-Pierre.

Sunday, May 29

Haiti vs. Columbia soccer match

Marlins Park, Miami

5 p.m.

The excitement of international soccer returns to South Florida May 29 when the Haitian and Colombian national soccer clubs square off for a friendly match in South Florida at Marlins Park. The game will mark the fifth meeting between those countries, the latest being a 2-0 Colombia victory in February 2009.

Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair

Caribbean Marketplace

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sosyete Koukouy continues with the Haitian-Caribbean Book Fair all-day long, with a Haitian Cuisine Workshop, Cultural dance workshop, Natural Herbs workshop, Music by DJ Nicky Mix, as well as diverse authors, publishers and book sellers showcasing a wide array of interesting books.

Tuesday, May 31

Sant La Philanthropy Tele-Marathon

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Local community non-profit Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center will be presenting the “put your money where your pride is” philanthropic telethon to raise money for their charitable initiatives. The telethon will be on Island TV.

 

Lauderhill to vote on $44.5 million bond for public facilities

Funds for Lauderhill Community Projects

Lauderhill homeowners may see a hike on property taxes, if residents decide to approve $44.5 million dollar bond for city improvement projects. The bond is up for vote during the state’s August 30 primary elections.

As Lauderhill accountant Max Levers explains, “voters are being asked to loan the city millions of dollars, which will be repaid from their future property taxes over a 30-year period.” The burden of this repayment will be based on the economic weath of the city’s neighborhoods. Homeowners in lower-income neighborhoods like Broward Estates may pay an average of $45 annually, while those from wealthier, more upscale communities could pay between $280 and $300 annually.

City Commissioner Howard Berger calls the bond a positive measure which he hopes voters will approve “as it will make a definite enhancement to the aesthetics of the city, and the quality of services offered including roads, public safety, parks and other recreational facilities.”

According to reports, voters will be asked to vote on three ballot bond questions; one seeks a $20 million bond for parks, another $13 million for road-related improvements and $11.5 million for public safety, including $4 million to improve city lighting and place security cameras on some streets and in city parks.

Because the bond “is essentially split into three parts,” says Levers, voters have the option to vote for the bond that meets their greatest needs, as well having the option to approve all three aspects of the bond.”

According to the city, some $6.75 million of the bond being sought for road-related improvement will be extending city privacy with walls for communities like those along Inverrary Boulevard. According to City Mayor Richard Kaplan, these walls “add not only privacy to these communities but also make them more secure.”

The bond is a welcomed initiative for resident Natalie Ford, who lives in a community off NW 56 Street, a main thoroughfare running from Sunrise Boulevard to Oakland Park Boulevard. She supports the $13 million bond, particularly for the planned privacy wall surrounding her community. Ford and her husband Kenneth said they have no problem with the three bond request on the ballot.

“Voters approved a $35 million bond in 2004, and we saw that those funds were well spent in improving city facilities and some neighborhoods,” said Ford.

Memorial Weekend Must-Do

Your guide to this Memorial Weekend’s anticipated events.

 

Sunday, May 29th
Best of the Best Music Fest
Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami
2 p.m.
Best of the Best Music Fest 2016 gears up again for another
round, celebrating its special 10th anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in Caribbean music, including Beres Hammond, Coco Tea, Tarrus Riley, Cham, Mr. Vegas, Chris Martin and so many more.
Monday, May 30th
Palm Beach Jerk Festival
South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach
2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The official summer season kicks off with the 13th annual
1-800-411-PAIN Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival–a feast of culinary and musical delights. Expect iconic and luxurious treats from loca vendors and the ever popular Jerk Cook Off Competition. Jamaican reggae star Luciano leads this year’s stellar musical line-up, along with the melodious sounds of Jamaican musical legends, Freddie McGregor and Dexta Daps.
Best of the Best All White Boat Ride
S.S. Musset 1717 North Bayshore Dr. Miami
7 p.m.
The Best of the Best musical celebrations continue with a sp
ecial party boat ride along North
Bayshore, decked out with the hottest local DJ acts. Expect the pulsing sounds of music by DJs Massive Be, Platinum Kids, Noah and more.

Bermuda Introducing Young Team

Caribbean Cup

Bermuda Football (BFA) Association has named a new twenty man team for the second round Caribbean Cup match against French Guiana.

Reggie Lambe will captain in the absence of Kieshen Bean who is unavailable for Wednesday’s game.The absence of several senior members has created a number of openings with Andrew Bascome, the head coach, opting to bring in some fresh faces.

Among the missing are Osagi Bascome, Shaki Smith, Jahkari Furbert, Quintonio Lema, James Pace, Jabri Salaam and Kacy Butterfield. Many of the youngsters were national youth players only a couple of years ago, but Maurice Lowe, the BFA technical director, insists that all the players have been picked on merit alone.

“We’re not trying to ‘bring anybody along’, players have been included because they belong there,” Lowe said. “Many of them are U-20 players; it speaks to our national academy as being a proper academy now.”

On the squad are veteran Damon Ming, Rai Simons, Dale Eve, and Jahquil Hill, goalkeeper in place of Eve. Jaylon Bather, Zeiko Lewis, Killian Elkinson and Dante Leverock, have also been included along with Roger Lee, Drewonde Bascome and Willie Clemons.

“James Pace has been on the fringe just recently with a couple of the other squads that we put together, so we’re thankful to him for making himself available again,” Lowe said. “You get rewarded if you persevere and we’re looking for good things from him, and everyone else who has been included. We still have a ways to go in terms of work ethic, but this team is ready and willing to put in some work. We’re going to work hard.”

Squad: Drewonde Bascome, Damon Ming, Jaylon Bather, Jahquil Hill, Rai Simons, Shakir Smith, Jahkari Furbert, Dale Eve, James Pace, Roger Lee, willie Clemons, Reggie Thompson-Lambe (captain), Osagi Bascome, Zeiko Lewis, Quintonio Lema, Jonte Smith, Jabri Salaam, Kilian Elkinson, Kacy Butterfield, Dante Leverock.

Officials: Andrew Bascome (head coach), Kyle Lightbourne (assistant coach), Johnny Moreira (goalkeeper coach), Daniel Morgan (physio), Maurice Lowe (technical development director), Crenstant Williams (head of delegation).

The team will return to Bermuda to play the Dominican Republic on June 4 at the National Sports Centre at 9pm.

Jamaicans now largest number of U.S. black migrants

jamaican child immigrant

Jamaicans now largest number of U.S. black migrants

Black immigrants from Jamaica now account for the largest number of foreign-born blacks in the US today, according to a US Census Bureau survey. The study estimates the Jamaican-American as 682,000 or 18 percent of foreign born blacks that comprise America’s black population.

Haitians, estimated at 586,000, are the second highest number of foreign-born blacks in the US, representing in total 15 percent of  the US’s black population. In descending order of U.S. blacks migrants from the Caribbean are those from Trinidad and Tobago with an estimated 192,00 people, Dominican Republic (161,000), Guyana (122,000), Mexico (70,000), Barbados (51,000), Cuba (41,000), Grenada (34,000), and Panama (32,000).

The calculations, however do not account for 2nd generation Caribbean-Americans born in the U.S. which would bring the total population at a higher rate. For Jamaica, various independence demographic surveys place the number closer to closer to 2 million, including approximately 400,000 in South and Central Florida and 1 million in the Tri-state region of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

A record 3.8 million black immigrants not live in the United States today, more than four times the number in 1980, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Black immigrants now account for 8.7 percent of the nation’s black population, nearly triple their share in 1980. Rapid growth in the black immigrant population is expected to continue. The Census Bureau projects that by 2060, 16.5 percent of U.S. blacks will be immigrants.

The growing trend is most prominent in South Florida, where roughly 34 percent of blacks living in the Miami metro area are immigrants.

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