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The State of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert presents annual address

Want to learn about the progress and upcoming initiatives in Miami Gardens? Residents can get set to learn more about their city at the 13th annual State of the City Address, presented by Mayor Oliver Gilbert. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, starting 6:30 p.m. at the Miami Gardens City Hall.

 

At the top of the agenda will be the city’s development initiatives based on the approved $60 million general obligation bond, including renovations to city parks and infrastructure, developing growth of local small businesses, and well as enhance police technology and expansion of the force. Mayor Gilbert will also outline the city’s upcoming developments, as well as major goals this year for the city’s leadership.

 

An official breakdown of what plans the address will list have not been released, but the city has taken the spotlight in many public issues and potential projects this past year. City leadership has continued their campaign to claim zoning rights at The Sun Stadium from Miami-Dade County, with the city council voting for all zoning applications to the processed by the city, which would grant greater control over the lucrative property. The city has also considered using CRA funding for building a performing arts center to boost surrounding property development and consumer traffic through the city. Preserving community security will also likely be at the top of the agenda.

 

Residents may also get a chance to chat one-on-one with Mayor Gilbert and city officials during a special reception before the address at City Hall, starting 5:30 p.m.

Spike lee’s Lil Joint: Redemption Song

Seven Jamaicans star in the story of Howard University’s first ever NCAA Soccer Championship

As they played they were called the N-word. Fans held signs that read “monkeys go home.” The game would go into quadruple overtime.

The Howard University teams of the early 1970s might just be the best soccer story most fans of the beautiful game have never heard. But that’s about to change.

The tale of the 1971 and 1974 NCAA national championship-winning Bison teams will be one of its first feature subjects–with a big assist from none other than Spike Lee.

A crowd flocked to Howard’s Cramton Auditorium on recently to watch the world premiere of Redemption Song, a short film directed by Kenan Holley as part of Spike Lee’s Lil Joints which will air on ESPN’s SportsCenter on June 7. The work brings the amazing achievements of the Bison’s multi-national squad, who included Caribbean and African players and their legendary coach Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips to a global audience.

Phillips rose to prominence in the nation’s capital during a particularly contentious stage of the civil rights movement. Amid that, he utilized Howard’s large population of overseas students from Africa and the Caribbean to build a pacey, skillful, and aggressive team. In 1971, they made history as the first historically black college to win an NCAA national championship.

But the celebrations would be short-lived–they would be stripped of their title, and banned from post-season competition for a season, for eligibility violations related to four players’ participation in amateur competitions in their native lands. These were obscure procedural grounds that were widely perceived to be applied unfairly amid the polarizing racial politics of the moment.

Even the beneficiary of the NCAA’s harsh punishment, runners-up St. Louis University, were unimpressed. Their iconic coach, 1950 US World Cup participant Harry Keough, did not accept the resulting championship trophy.

As shown in Redemption Song, the Bison stayed determined to win back the trophy they felt had been unfairly snatched from them. Shortly after, in 1974, they inspired their entire campus with an undefeated season, marked by a blistering 19-0 record with 63 goals scored and just six allowed.

Their stadium packed to capacity at every home game, filled with the rhythms of African drums, Howard’s teams both entertained the fans and demolished the opposition. It all culminated in a dramatic, quadruple-overtime national championship rematch at Busch Stadium with mighty St. Louis, who’d won nine of the 15 NCAA Division I men’s soccer titles contested up to that point.

Phillips, himself a star goalkeeper from Trinidad & Tobago who faced off against the likes of Pele in the old NASL, was just 29 years old when he took the helm of the program. He would go on to earn his undergraduate’s degree–even taking some of the same classes as his players–during his coaching tenure, which set him on the path to a distinguished second career that continues today.

“It allows the student-athletes of today to see what we can be like at Howard,” said HU athletic director Kery Davis of Redemption Song. (Naturally, both Howard’s men’s and women’s soccer teams attended the premiere.) “The soccer team at that time galvanized the university. It was a source of pride; everyone came out. The seats were filled.”

The charismatic Phillips, naturally, drew warm, repeated applause from the audience when he joined Holley and Redemption Song producer Mark W. Wright on stage at Tuesday’s premiere. With the 1974 NCAA trophy proudly displayed behind them, they discussed the team and the film. Both will figure prominently on The Undefeated when the site launches under new editor Kevin Merida on May 17.

Merida has also said that beyond being the permanent home of the documentary, the Undefeated will present new reporting on the specifics behind the NCAA’s 1971 eligibility case against Howard when Redemption Song launches this summer.

Tuesday’s premiere also gathered many members of those teams, who, to Phillips’ great pride, went on to carve out successful careers in life after facing down virulent racism both on the field and in the streets.

“They are still winning,” said Phillips, “and it’s a legacy I hope will not be buried.”

Watch the Trailer here: https://vimeo.com/128618357

 

Four Swine Flu cases confirmed

St. Vincent and the Grenadines swine flu

Gov’t says surveillance is ongoing

Health authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have reported four confirmed cases of the HINI virus, commonly known as “Swine Flu.”The Ministry of Health said the four cases last month have now fully recovered, and public health surveillance relative to these cases is ongoing.

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, therefore, urges the entire population to recognize the importance of hand washing as critical to their health and wellness,” said the ministry in a statement. “Hand washing is a relatively cheap and very effective way of reducing the spread of infectious diseases which are caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites such H1N1.”

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions, and listless behavior. The virus can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms include coughing, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache.

 

Messi will miss out on Rio

Copa America over Rio

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, will miss out on the Rio Olympics to take part in the Copa America Centenario in June.

Messi admitted that he would have liked to play in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro however; Coach Gerardo Martino opted against making Messi compete at both June’s Copa America and the Olympics in August.

Martino stressed that the athlete agreed with the decision, but Messi confessed that he is disappointed not be involved for the campaign in Brazil.

“I would have liked to go because it was a spectacular experience for me to play in the Olympics, just as it was for the U20 World Cup,” Messi told ESPN. “Not just because we won, but for the experience I gained.

Messi, who won gold at the Bejing games in 2008, is on the verge of another “La Liga” title, and also heading into the final round of the season, added: “World Cup is great but Olympics are something special.”

This Day In History: Sprint Queen Merlene Ottey was born

merlene

Jamaican sprint queen Merlene Ottey was born

By: Cerone White

On this day in Caribbean history, May 10, 1960, Jamaican Olympian and the country’s first sprint queen was born. Merlene Ottey was born in Cold Spring, Hanover, Jamaica to Hubert and Joan Ottey. The Olympic runner was introduced to the sport by her mother who bought her a manual on track and field. Throughout her years at Gurneys Mount and Pondside Schools and Vere Technical high school,Ottey excelled in the sport winning many titles. Growing up her inspiration was Donald Quarrie.

The career of Jamaica’s original sprint queen didn’t leave the starting blocks until she left Jamaica in 1979 and started attending the University of Nebraska. In that same year, she represented her home country at the Pan American games winning a bronze medal in the 200 meter. Ottey attended the 1980 Moscow games where she became the first female English-speaking Caribbean athlete to win an Olympic medal. Ottey was honored with the “Order of Distinction”, the “Order of the Nation” prize, and the Jamaican Sportswoman of the year thirteen times between 1979 -1995 totaling 29 medals throughout her career.

Ottey has won nine Olympic medals during her career; that is the most won by any woman in track and field history and also said to be more than any other athlete, male or female. Her extensive medal collection includes 14 World Championship medals won between 1983 to 1997. Ottey’s wins hardly included gold medals in major international competitions, thus she was dubbed “the Bronze Queen”.

The bronze queen no longer represents Jamaica in any form because in 1998 she moved to Slovenia to train and in 2002 she became a citizen of Slovenia. In 2004 Summer Olympics she competed in the 100 meter where she reached the semi-finals. Despite many sets-backs in her career she has triumphed with many track and field athletes around the world looking to her for guidance and a beacon of hope. Happy Birthday Ottey.

 

Did you Know?

Ottey was once married and she briefly used the name Ottey-Page

Here’s a look at Ottey In action:

Jamaican cast for Spike Lee’s movie “Lil’ Joints: Redemption Song”

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 10th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Lauderhill Mall citizenship drive will have another event this weekend for people interested in becoming or learning about how to become a U.S citizen. The Citizenship Drive will be held on May 14th AND 15th and will include information from members of the Florida Bar Association on what you need to do to get through the process.

The Guyanese American Chamber of commerce is leading another investment mission to Guyana today which included a group of South Florida leaders and private sector business representatives. These officials are hoping to promote more trade between the markets in the two countries.

David Beckhams plans to build a major league soccer stadium in Miami has hit another hurdle. The obstacle comes from Miami’s requests including free transit passes for stadium employees, and an agreement that Beckham’s group will not disqualify applicants or subcontractors based solely on a prior incarceration.

In Sports, the CASA Super League match last weekend ended in favor of Miami United. The team won against the Lauderhill Lions with a score of 3 to 2. The Island Strikers took home a big win against the Academy with a score of 5 to 2.

For a look at what’s trending:

Seven Jamaicans will star in Spike Lee’s new movie titled: “Lil’ Joints: Redemption Song”. The movie is an inspiring documentary about black soccer players who led Howard University as the first ever N C A A soccer championship team in 1974. The men’s team which was all black at the time consisted of Caribbean and African players.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Only Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 73. Cloudy in Miami-Dade also, with a high of 85 and a low of 74.

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

LHCC under investigation for corruption

Little Haiti Cultural Center LHCC Corruption Investigation
Caribbean Marketplace venue - Little Haiti Cultural Complex

Emails show quiet audit of LHCC

The Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC) received another blow, following reports that the center is the target of a corruption investigation by Miami police. The Miami Herald reported that, according to publically released emails from the city, an investigator was pulling rental records from the facility since Jun 2013, and was reporting to the city’s Department of Real Estate and Asset management – the organization that oversees the center.

The released records about the investigation do not specify particular lines of inquiry. But the news followed the recent, controversial dismissal of the center’s longtime director, Sandy Dorsainvil. Dorsainvil was fired by the city without warning, which sparked protests from several local advocates and residents, who protested at a recent City Hall meeting, calling for an explanation from City Manager Daniel Alfonso, who refused to expand on his office’s original statement thanking Dorsainvil for her service. His refusal and urged city commissioner Keon Hardemon to call for a vote on firing Alfonso.

Dorsainvil, who started working for the center in 2013, did tell The Miami Herald that she was aware of the rumors of an investigation. Hardemon, who also hired Dorsainvil in her office after her dismissal, said he was aware of the investigation into the center, but assured that he has seen nothing in the report that made him concerned about Dorsainvil’s leadership at the LHCC. Meanwhile, the LHCC has been operating as normal, with a slew of upcoming events scheduled this month for the Haitian Heritage Month celebrations in South Florida.

 

Cuban cancer vaccine undergoes trials in the U.S.

Cuban cancer vaccine trials US America Cimavax

Researchers hope Cimavax can help patients

A lung cancer vaccine developed in Cuba will be tested in the United States through the work of the Rosewell Park Institute – a cancer research and treatment center located in New York. The vaccine, known as Cimavax will soon enter the US and could benefit cancer patients in that country.

“We believe that treatments should be available to all patients and that politics and geography should not prohibit the drug development process,” reads a statement on the webpage of the Washington based Lung Cancer Alliance. “The development of Cimavax is particularly exciting as it would represent a new class of therapeutics for lung cancer – a vaccine that primes the immune system, similarly to the flu shot or common childhood vaccines.”

The Lung Cancer Alliance was founded in 1995 to meet the needs of lung cancer patients and those at risk by improving outcomes, eliminating stigma and securing public health research funding. In 2010 Lung Cancer Alliance began its first awareness program. Since then, Lung Cancer Alliance has developed many programs focused on lung cancer awareness: “Give a Scan,” “National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer,” and “Team Lung Love,” have helped create awareness in the United States and internationally.

In February 2012, Lung Cancer Alliance took on its first major initiative, creating a national framework for lung cancer screening. In June 2012, it launched its national “No One Deserves To Die” campaign to help raise awareness and change the stigma associated with lung cancer. By the end of the campaign, more than 281 million impressions were made and market research proved a shift in sentiment around lung cancer.

Bite back against mosquitoes

Prevention Tips

From annoying itchy welts to serious conditions like Malaria and West Nile virus, mosquitoes have been making humans miserable and sick for thousands of years. And now, there’s Zika – a mosquito-spread virus that may be linked to serious birth defects. In fact, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the diseases mosquitoes spread make them the deadliest animal on the planet.

The arrival of warm weather means it’s time to step up your mosquito prevention and protection efforts in order to help protect your family. The National Pest Management Association offers some information that can help:

* The type of mosquito that transmits Zika bites during the daytime hours. Most other types of mosquitoes bite during dusk and dawn.

* Within the U.S., mosquitoes have been known to spread West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and encephalitis-causing viruses in humans, and heartworms in dogs.

* Mosquitoes spread disease when they bite one person, fly to another and bite again, spreading the infection. What many people don’t realize is that the saliva from the mosquito’s bite causes the red, itchy irritation that we all know so well.

The NPMA recommends some ways you can help reduce your exposure to mosquitoes:

Eliminate breeding areas – Mosquitoes need only about a half-inch of standing water in which to lay their eggs. Get rid of any stagnant water around your home, such as flower pots, bird baths, kiddie pools and standing water in low areas of your yard.

Use repellent – Whenever you spend time outside, protect your skin from mosquito bites by applying an insect repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. Also, consider wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes.

Be aware of the time of day – Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, although the variety that transmits Zika prefers to bite during the day. Minimize outside activity during peak biting hours, or, if you must be outside, wear long sleeves, pants and repellent to thwart mosquitoes.

Watch what you wear – Dark colors, floral prints and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes can attract mosquitoes to you. Wear light colors and forego perfume when spending time outside.

Protect your house – Screens help keep mosquitoes out of your house. Be sure all windows and doors are outfitted with screens, and that all are in good shape. Repair tears to keep mosquitoes from getting inside.

Travel wisely – Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries, so if your summer vacation will take you outside the country, check what travel advisories may be in effect in your destination. If someone gets sick upon returning home, seek medical care immediately.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts at control, mosquitoes on your property can still be a problem. A licensed pest control professional can help you manage mosquitoes. To find a professional near you, visit the NPMA’s website at pestworld.org.

 

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Bunny Wailer hospitalized in South Florida

bunny wailer flu hospitalized culture room fort lauderdale
Bunny Wailer

Publicist says star will make recovery

Reggae legend Bunny Wailer has been hospitalized for the flu after missing a scheduled concert in Fort Lauderdale.

The iconic singer and founder of The Wailers (along with fellow famed Jamaicans Bob Marley and Peter Tosh), was scheduled to play at The Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale. According to a report from Riddim Don Magazine, Wailer’s publicist Maxine Stowe says Wailer is recovering from bronchial flu, which he and the whole band caught while on their North American tour is 16 cities. All the members are recovering from the effects after seeking medical treatment.

“The whole band came down with the flu on the tour and we completed 15 of the 17 dates,” said Stone Riddim Don Magazine. “We had to be going to ER all along the tour. Several members are on asthma pumps that never used before. Jah B [Bunny Wailer] got bitten after the New York show and we did 2 other shows. It is a bronchial flu so that’s what we are clearing up.”

Stone however assured fans that Wailer has “no other issues” and should make a recovery soon. She however did not confirm whether and when Wailer will be released, or whether Wailer will continue with his North American tour. Fans who gathered to hear the star were refunded their tickets, and were emailed a notice Saturday morning, citing the event was canceled.

Best of the Best gears up for Memorial Weekend

Best of the Best reggae Miami
Best of the Best

Beres Hamond, Tarrus Riley and more at Bayfront Park

Best of the Best Music Fest 2016 gears up again for another round, celebrating their 10th anniversary with some of the biggest names in Caribbean music on Memorial Weekend Sunday, May 29th at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami.

Best of the Best Music Fest 2016 will feature Caribbean superstars Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, Tarrus Riley, Half Pint, Cham, Mr. Vegas, Denise Belfon, Nesbeth, Lady G, Chris Martin, Destra, Little John, Patrice Roberts, Vershon, Kranium, reigning Jamaican king of comedy, Majah Hype, and just added, Elephant Man.

The official Best of The Best 10th Anniversary Press Launch was held recently at Cafe Iguana Pines. Media and tastemakers were invited to meet and greet with BOTB 2016 performer, Nesbeth, who said “When people come out and support our lifestyle, our culture, then we owe them nothing but the best of the best.”  He also mentioned being excited to perform in the music fest, coming up in 29 days.

Joseph Louis, CEO, Best Of The Best & Rockers Island Entertainment stated, “Best of the Best welcomes thousands of visitors from the US Eastern seaboard and from across the Caribbean region for Memorial Weekend in Miami. We are proud to be a signature event in our vibrant multicultural tourism destination and are truly grateful for the support of the GMCVB,”

Best of The Best 10th Anniversary Weekend takeover activities will kick off with a grown and sexy Welcome To Miami Party on Friday, May 27th at Cafe Iguana Pines in Pembroke Pines. After the big show on Sunday, May 29th, it is back at the Cafe Iguana for the Official Best Of The Best After Party. 10th Anniversary Weekend events conclude Memorial Monday, May 30th, with the All White & Shades Boat Ride aboard the luxurious S.S. Musset.

Gov’t says no to travel treatment reform at Piarco

Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, travelers, Piarco International Airport
Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

No special facilities for Jamaican travelers, says Ministry

The Trinidad and Tobago government has denied suggestions that it is establishing a new facility near the Piarco International Airport to house Jamaican nationals prevented from entering the oil-rich twin island republic.

Last week Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, informed Parliament of plans to build the facility for Jamaicans. However, Trinidad and Tobago’s  National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, told a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that it was wrong to say that the new facility, expected to be completed in July, would only house Jamaicans.

“As the acting minister of foreign affairs…it is not specifically for Jamaicans,” says Dillon. “It is for anyone who has been debarred entry based on immigration status. “We are treating with them in a particular way, so it is not for Jamaicans and we are putting measures in place to treat with anyone.”

Relations between the two CARICOM countries have been strained over the decision of Port of Spain to deport a number of Jamaicans, whom they said would have been a charge on the state for their stay here having shown no means of sustaining themselves while in the country. A former national security minster for Trinidad and Tobago has blamed the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) for the number of Jamaicans arriving in the country, and has urged the government to maintain a tough stance on the immigration issue. The Jamaica foreign affairs minister said that in respect of the discussions regarding the free movement of people, it has already been agreed to refer the matter to the regional leaders when they meet in Guyana in July.

Building a culture of health

Reducing nurse shortage in the Caribbean key for next pandemic – PAHO

Cultural awareness, collaborative spirit

Patient behavior and attitudes about health are deeply rooted in outside influences like cultural and societal norms. Thanks to their role in providing person-centered care, a type of care that takes a patient’s physical and emotional well-being into account, nurses develop close relationships with their patients. That’s why nurses’ understanding of a community’s traditions and culture as well as patient habits is essential to identifying potential health risks and barriers and proactively managing them with patients firsthand.

This community-driven mindset and evaluation of each patient’s needs within the broader context of their life supports what the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) calls a “culture of health.” A culture of health exists when every citizen is empowered to live the healthiest life they can in and out of the health care setting. It is fueled by the families, health care teams, and other communities of care that contribute to overall health of patients.

Patient and community-first mindset

To build a healthier society, nurses must understand variables affecting each patient’s health – many of which stem from their family and home environment. Patients are part of a larger ecosystem, and incorporating their worldviews and backgrounds when developing effective treatments is not an aspirational goal, but an integral part of a nurse’s job.

“For nurses, building a culture of health means many things, including having a deep understanding of each patient’s concerns, and arming them and their caregivers with tools and education to manage them,” says Roberta Raymond, assistant professor in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program at Chamberlain College of Nursing.

This person-centered mindset is especially important in today’s global society, where nurses interact with a diverse group of patients with different attitudes, beliefs, habits, education, financial stability and family backgrounds.

Healthier societies through professional collaboration

Cultural congruency is a team effort that involves partnerships between patients and health care professionals. By enabling interprofessional, collaborative communication between health care providers and enhancing the continuity of care from hospital to home, nurses may be better equipped to understand and react to community health indicators and needs.

One nurse who is building a healthier society through professional collaboration is Linda Minnich, a staff nurse at John Muir Health in Los Angeles, who is leading the cross-professional charge in her region. A recent Chamberlain graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Minnich passionately co-chairs her hospital’s Quality Pain Management Team.

The Quality Pain Management Team assembled in 2012 to identify best practices addressing post-surgical or chronic pain management. Minnich and her colleagues developed new treatments for patients with a variety of pain management issues ranging from nerve pain after joint replacement and hip fractures to post-surgical chronic pain. The successful program was picked up by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a national health care alliance, as a framework to help other facilities achieve the same success.

“I saw an opportunity for nurses to work more closely with anesthesiologists to understand the latest treatments available,” Minnich says. “We noticed many patients were experiencing the same symptoms, so collaborating with other departments showed us new pain management techniques that will be our standard level of care moving forward.”

From the classroom to the community

Minnich’s interprofessional success was shaped by learning from community-minded nursing professors who led by example in supportive classroom settings.

“At Chamberlain, we are equipping students with a collaborative attitude and the skills to work together, both with fellow nurses and other health care professionals – to provide patients with the highest level of care,” Dr. Raymond says. “We believe taking care of our students as individuals will in turn empower them to take extraordinary care of the patients and families they serve.”

according to Raymond, this collaborative educational culture extends into the way nurses approach the unique health needs of the community. Nurses serve as community caregivers by developing realistic, impactful care plans that address patient needs and behaviors within and outside the health care setting. Collaborative by nature, nurses build a culture of health in their communities when they work together to shape societal attitudes toward a healthier tomorrow.

 

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Shanique Myrie found not guilty of beating husband

Shanique Myrie Jamaica Barbados court case
Shanique Myrie

Shanique Myrie, who arrived on the public spotlight following her successful suit against the Barbados government, has won another court case, acquitted in the United States of an assault charge. The charge had stemmed from allegations made by Myrie’s estranged husband, Troy Pusey, that she had chased him with a knife, and kicked and punched him.

A Harford, Maryland court last Thursday announced a not guilty verdict.

“He went on the stand and told a bag of lies, contradicting himself, and the judge saw him for the liar that he is,” Myrie told the Jamaica Star newspaper.

Myrie and Pusey, who was born in Jamaica, but has U.S. citizenship, got married three years ago after meeting on Facebook. Pusey has accused Myrie of using him to get a green card and becoming abusive after she attained it, but Myrie has insisted that her husband is emotionally unstable and is on a mission to ruin her reputation.

The Jamaican woman first came to public attention in 2011 when she claimed that on March 14 of that year, when she arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, she was assaulted by a female Immigration officer, badly treated, and then denied entry to the island.

She took the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice which ruled in her favour and she received BDS$75,000 (US$37,500) in non-pecuniary damages and BDS$2,240 (US$1,120) in pecuniary damages.

Haitian Cultural Celebration with Book Signing and Expo

Educator Montfort Alexis is hosting a book signing and expo to celebrate Haiti’s culture on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 1 to 5PM at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. This event is produced by Montfort Alexis and the Urban Tour Host. It is a family event with free admission, and an opportunity to purchase food, art and handmade crafts. Entertainment will be provided.

The English title of Alexis’ French language book is: From Poverty to Prosperity: Decentralization and Economic Development in Haiti.In this book, the author talks about how failed public institutions and lack of transcending ideas have altered Haiti’s image and damaged its standing as a nation-state. He says, “Haiti’s archaic centralized fiscal, political and administrative system has contributed to its impoverished attributes and impeded any transformative ideas emanating from the bottom.” He also states that “Haiti’s poverty can be alleviated if powers and decision-making are coherently shared among national and local leaders.”

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. For more information, call the Welcome Desk at 954-357-6210.

For more information about Broward County Libraries, visit www.broward.org/library.

Summer Opportunities for Teens in Miami Gardens

Miami Gardens CareerSource summer job youth

Teens can explore career options with new program

Teen summer job opportunities return again to the City of Miami Gardens this year, thanks to a new a partnership between the City and CareerSource. The City of Miami Gardens is investing $100,000 to the CareerSource program, who will in turn is providing matching funds to ensure that Miami Gardens’ promising youth can explore different career opportunities.
CareerSource South Florida will provide summer job placement for youth between the ages of 14 to 17 along with providing comprehensive administration of the program by utilizing their staff to prepare time sheets, recruitment, and payment of program participants. Youth enrolled in the program will also receive employability skills training–from what it takes to find a job, to how to keep a job and develop a career– in addition to job experience. The program will provide access to entry level positions within the City of Miami Gardens and local businesses. Summer interns will earn $ 9.00 an hour for 140 hours, to include 20 hours of work readiness skills training.
“Based on the overwhelming success of last summer’s participants, I am looking forward to working with the young people chosen to work this summer,” said Mayor Oliver Gilbert. Watching our young Residents become gainfully employed is inspiring but more importantly
watching them learn the importance of taking pride in one’s community is priceless. We appreciate CareerSource for helping make these job opportunities available.
Sign-up for the Summer Youth Employment Program officially began on April 28, and will run through May 14. Those interested can sign up for the program online at careersourcesfl.com. Potential applicants can learn more about the program in person at the upcoming CareerSource
Mobile Unit, set for May 14th at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens. Those who apply must live in Miami Gardens to be eligible for this program. If selected, parents will be asked to bring proof of residency to complete the selection process. Employers interested in participating in the program and giving back to their community can also contact CareerSource South Florida to register.
For program details, contact Darian Martin at dmartin@miamigardens-fl.gov or Starex Smith at ssmith3@miamigardens-fl.gov.

RCB replaces Gayle

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli, has revealed the decision to leave West Indian Chris Gayle out of the line-up for the team’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match-up against Rising Pune Super giants was a tactical decision.

Gayle who was replaced by Travis Head as RCB powered to a seven-wicket win over the Supergiants, even through the left-handed batters struggles to find form during this campaign, the decision to leave him out of the line-up came as a surprise to many prompting conversations that the player was injured.

“We chose Travis Head in place of him because we felt like we needed more solidarity in the middle order. Travis strikes the ball really well and KL and me are opening well for the team, and Travis can bowl off-spin as well in the middle if need be,” Kohli said.

Travis Head, however, was dismissed after hitting 6 of 9 balls. RCB will contest against Kings XI Punjab, in what will be a key match-up. Both teams are tied on six points each, keeping them aware that any mistake at this point can lead them to elimination from the tournament.

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Florida businesses to explore Guyana market

South Florida business Guyana market investment
Georgetown, Guyana

South Florida Guyana Investment mission launches May 10th

Continuing their efforts to promote trade between South Florida and the Caribbean, the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce will be leading a Trade and Investment Mission to Guyana, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10. A select group of Caribbean-American business persons and investors in South Florida will be exploring opportunities in mining, eco-tourism and related hospitality development, agribusiness, clean energy, and manufacturing.

This trade and investment mission is timed to coincide with Guyana’s national exhibition of products, services and trade opportunities which opens on May 12. Members will meet with top private sector and government officials, including Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, as well as representatives of the Private Sector Commission, to discuss potential areas for business development.

“Specific sector meetings will be arranged based on specific interests,” says coordinator of the mission, Wesley Kirton, in a press release. The mission, put on by Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) CARICOM Outreach Program in conjunction with the newly established Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is intended to serve as a platform that facilitates networking with the key stakeholders and high-level decision-makers in Guyana.

The Guyana Consulate in Florida, said Kirton, is also assisting with arrangements.
“We have also written to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat for a meeting, since many of the companies want to get a better understanding of arrangements for both intra-regional trade and preferential access to international markets for products from Guyana and other CARICOM member states,” said Kirton.

In February, the two organisations hosted the CARICOM/CUBA/FLORIDA Trade and Investment Conference in Miramar, which focused primarily on investment opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sector. CARICOM imports almost $5 billion (US) in food products annually and at that conference, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) identified a number of investment opportunities in this sector.

This Day In History: Dominica law passed banning inter-marriages within the Kalinago Tribe

kalinago tribe Dominica

Inter-marriages within the Kalinago Tribe in Dominica is banned

On this day in Caribbean history May 9, 2008 a Dominica legislator seeks legislation to outlaw inter-marriages within the Kalinago tribe. Chief Charles Williams proposed a law that members of the ethnic group Kalinagobe be married only to each other for self-preservation. Williams also asked that foreigners be barred from living on the tribe’s 3,800-acre reserve. This was in an effort to “up” or grow the population within dwindling indigenous population.

Williams created a law that states that the people of the tribe of Kalinagos should “pair off” and produce children to help raise the population of the Kalinago tribe. The country of Dominica which shouldn’t be confused the Dominican Republic was originally inhabited by the Kalinago in the 1400’s before the Europeans colonized the island.

Facts About Dominica:

  • The Common Wealth of Dominica is located in the Lesser Antilles province of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Dominica is located south-southeast of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique.
  • The population was 72,301 at the 2014 census.
  • The capital is Roseau, located on the leeward side of the island.

JA PM Holness says Jamaica is ready for business

Jamaica Prime Minister Holness investment
Jamaica PM Andrew Holness

New ministry to streamline investment process

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness is reassuring U. S. investors that the government is streamlining the investment process in Jamaica. Speaking to over forty influential U.S. investors at a joint meeting of the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMJAM) at chamber headquarters in Washington, D.C. last week, Prime Minister Holness said that the government was very mindful of current delays in the country’s investment process.

The newly formed Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Office of the Prime Minister seeks to drive the reform in fast-tracking investments. All agencies responsible for permitting and all approvals would fall under this ministry umbrella, said Holness, which would require only one ministerial sign-off and eliminate the need to obtain multiple approval, which in the past created significant delays in investment projects.   Once all the basic requirements are satisfied, investors seeking permits will deal with this one ministry.

“My government will ensure that the risk to investment is minimized,” said Holness. “That foreign investors can feel comfortable about the process of transitioning from the US into Jamaica and that the process is as seamless as possible.”

 

Reggae legend Bunny Wailer hospitalized

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 9th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The U.S Fish and Wildlife services are warning travelers returning from the Caribbean to be aware of what souvenirs they are bringing into the country. They warn travelers that certain animal souvenirs bought abroad are illegal here in the US and may be taken upon arrival to the airport.

This weekend’s Zakafest celebration had an amazing turnout at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Patrons attended the event and took part in cultural activities, music, and development workshops. This is only the beginning of many events scheduled for Haitian Heritage Cultural Month.

This month the gallery of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center will feature a series titled “Art through the Lens of Afro-French Caribbean Artists.” This exhibit embraces the spirit of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Haiti. The paintings and ceramic work of two island artists, one from Guadeloupe and the other from Haiti, are currently featured in the exhibit.

In Sports, the CASA Super League match ended in favor of Miami United. The team won against the Lauderhill Lions with a score of 3 to 2. The Island Strikers took home a big win against the Academy with a score of 5 to 2.

Here’s what’s Trending:

Reggae legend Bunny Wailer is in the hospital after missing his Fort Lauderdale concert Friday night. The concerts opener, Big Harvest, made the announcement during the show that the 69-year-old was in the hospital running tests.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy as well with a high of 84 and a low of 74.

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

 

Unifest celebrates 22 years of bridging culture

Vincent Torres Park in Lauderdale Lakes is the place to be for “A Total Caribbean Experience” on Sunday, May 15th as Unifest celebrates 22 years of bridging culture. The Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition is excited for yet another year of this highly anticipated event. This year also recognizes the 50th year of independence for Barbados and Guyana. The day long event starts at noon and lasts until 11 p.m. So this give you plenty of times to enjoy all that Unifest has to offer. This celebration of Caribbean culture features food from different islands, live music and more.

A carnival style parade is made up of dancers, stilt performers and drummers. There will be a Kids Zone with rides and activities for the little ones, children under 12 are in free. The Battle of the Marching Bands will include competing local high school bands and the visiting Jamaica Portmore Marching Band. This year marks the 3rd annual Teen Sensation Contest, a teens music competition. This contest features teens between the ages of 14 and 19 to showcase their talent. The show starts at 4 p.m.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month is in June, so what better way to lead into it than with the annual Caribbean Heritage month scholarship essay competition.

Tickets are only $12.00 is you buy them in advance online, they’ll be $20.00 at the door. Vincent Torres Park is located at 4331 NW 36th Street Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319.

Visit www.UnifestLive.org or email info@gcaccoalition.com for more information and tickets sales.

Dr. Trevor Munroe to speak at Caribbean Network lecture

Dr. Trevor Munroe CIN Lecture
Dr. Trevor Munroe

Professor to highlight critical Diaspora issues

POLITICAL scientist, former trade union leader and politician Dr Trevor Munroe will be delivering the 12th Annual CIN Lecture at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in New York in October. The Lecture will be held at Harlem’s Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture in New York on October 20.

The series seeks to provide a platform Caribbean political leaders and academics “to reflect on regional affairs and provide hope and direction for the future,” says Stephen Hill, the Jamaican founder and CEO of Caribbean International Network (CIN), which broadcasts Jamaican programmings to an estimated 18 million viewers in the New York Market.

“The annual lecture attracts capacity audiences to participate in this unique exchange between Caribbean thought leaders and members of the New York Caribbean community,” Hill says.

Munroe, who is also executive director of National Integrity Action (NIA), the Jamaican Chapter of Transparency International.

Advocates protest resumed hangings in Jamaica

Hanging death penalty Jamaica capital punishement
Hangman's noose against black background

Groups say capital punishment does little to deter crime

Human rights groups Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) are protesting recent plans announced by National Security Minister Robert Montague regarding the government’s consideration of resuming hanging as capital punishment.

Montague said the National Security state minister, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, is meeting with public offices, including the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, to find if there are any “legal impediments” in resuming capital punishment.The Jamaica human rights advocate groups, however, argue the capital punishment will do little to combat crime.

“Instead of reviving an inhumane and ineffective practice, Government should focus on fast-tracking the critical reforms needed in the justice and law enforcement systems,” they said in a joint statement. “Capital punishment does not address the root causes of crime and this is where we feel Minister Montague should focus his attention.”

The statement also argued that such a move would risk losing support from many international donors and partners, who have expressed clear opposition against capital punishment. The group also assured the Ministry that they would strong oppose any such measure.

“Minister Montague’s comments about a resumption of the death penalty has fed into the frustrations of many Jamaicans and has served to ignite passions about what is a very widely debated issue,” said SUFJ Executive Director Carla Gullotta. “If we are not careful, this frustration could lead to citizens taking matters into their own hands once they come to appreciate the well-established legal impediments which make the resumption of hanging highly unlikely in Jamaica.”

Hillary Clinton confirmed for Trayvon Martin Foundation Gala

Hillary Clinton Trayvon Martin Foundation circle of mothers
Mother of Trayvon Martin and founder of foundation, Sybrina Fulton (L) with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton

Clinton set as keynote speaker for Circle of Mothers Conference

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has been confirmed as keynote speaker for the upcoming Circle of Mothers Conference, hosted by the Trayvon Martin Foundation. The three-day conference is set for May 20 to 22, at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale. Clinton will speak at the conference’s gala on May 21st. A $1,500 minimum donation to the foundation is required to attend the fundraising dinner.

The Conference was established by Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, to create a platform “to empower women who have experienced the loss of a child, especially due to gun violence,” said the Foundation. Fulton, as well as other mothers from the foundation, have joined the Clinton campaign trail to advocate for gun legislation reform.
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