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A source for family meals

The edible backyard

Have your kids ever asked you where the food they’re eating comes from? It’s a question many parents are answering right from their backyard and porches.

To create a hands-on educational experience, many families are transforming their usable spaces into fruit and vegetable gardens that feed the whole family, and sometimes neighbors, too. For the price of a few seeds or seedlings, you can produce fruits and vegetables that are delicious, safe, economical, nutritious, and fresh-and the best part is, your whole family can dig in together.

Truly, a lifetime of gardening for your children can start with a simple seed, and the benefits are not only health-giving but educational as well. According to a study conducted by Tractor Supply Company, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, 89 percent of Americans feel their children need a better understanding of where their food comes from.

“Four years ago, we moved from Los Angeles to a small, rural town outside of Ashville, N.C. with dreams of growing as much of our own food as possible,” said Beryl Frohriep of WildRootsHomestead.com, a homesteader and Tractor Supply Company contributor who relies on homegrown food for her family of four’s plant-based diet. “By growing what we eat, we know what goes into the soil and what comes out of it; our food is fresh, delicious, safe and nutritionally rich. These days, it is my 5-year-old son doing much of the harvest, and I love that we get to learn and grow as a family by working together outdoors.”

If you’re interested in starting your own backyard garden, here are a few tips from the experts at Tractor Supply Company:

How do I start?

The first thing to do is decide where your garden will go. Choose an area with the most southern facing sun exposure. Next, get a soil test kit at your local Tractor Supply store. If you’re going to invest time, work and money into your garden, you should make sure your soil is fertile. This simple, inexpensive test will determine that.

What should I grow?

Simply put, plant the vegetables that your family likes. If your family eats a lot of salad, think about planting lettuces, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and, of course, tomatoes.

It’s also smart to think about the types of meals you cook. Do you stir-fry? Grow bell peppers, onions, peas, and broccoli. Do you enjoy Mexican food? Consider various hot peppers and cilantro. Do you create main dishes from vegetables? Then potatoes, squash, eggplant and spinach might be the way to go.

When planning your garden’s vegetables, consider adding some that your household considers tolerable, but not great. You may find that homegrown freshness increases the taste, and that vegetable just might turn into a family favorite.

Plant an unfamiliar vegetable or two, just for kicks. If it’s not to your liking, give the harvest to neighbors or your local food bank.

How large should my garden be?

A great size for a beginner’s garden is 10×18 feet, which can easily feed a family of four to six. However, your garden should reflect the size of your family, availability of space, amount of time you can spend tending to it and the amount of work you’re willing to do.

It’s important to remember that too large a garden can easily overwhelm you and become a discouraging chore instead of an enjoyable pastime. Keep it manageable. You’ll be amazed at the amount of delicious food you can grow in any space-even on a patio or balcony. No space is too small!

Supporting the culture

To help families spend more time together and maximize their garden yield, Tractor Supply Company carries all the supplies a family needs to grow a garden, including mulch, live plants, regular and organic seeds, and garden tools. The rural lifestyle store hosts gardening events featuring expert advice, special products and seed stations for children throughout the planting season. Check with your local Tractor Supply store for details on upcoming gardening events.

For more expert advice on lawn and garden care, visit Tractor Supply’s Know How Central, and for homegrown inspiration for your garden, visit Tractor Supply’s Pinterest page.

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JA Education Minister tours U.S. Schools

Minister Ruel Reid School Future
Jamaica's Education Minister Ruel Reid

Minister Reid calls for reform for special needs students

Jamaica’s Education, Youth and Information Minister Ruel Reid says Jamaica’s new education initiative will take note from the Minister’s recent tour of School of the Future in Philadelphia, with a delegation of Jamaican principals. The Pennsylvania school’s approach to integrating students with special needs will form part of the framework for the nation’s “Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education” initiative, to be launched in September. 

One of the most productive features of the American program, says Minister Reid, was the increased age limit. Children with special needs were allowed to stay in school until age 21, which mirror the ministry’s recent decision to extend the cutoff age from age 18 years. This, says Reid, would give students more time to get certified.

According to the School of the Future’s vision statement, the institution seeks to redefine the “norm,” hoping to reform education for the 21st century for all students. The school tour was coordinated by the Irwine Clare-led Team Jamaica Bickle, Inc based in the USA.

Following his visit Reid also repeated his call for partnerships with universities in Jamaica to  to determine the level of special needs in the nation’s education system. Reid argues that there might be a higher population of children with special needs, such as autism, than what education officials and school administrators are aware of – a crucial contigent that is being overlooked.

T&T to improve treatment of Jamaican travelers

Kamina Johnson Smith disappointed that TCI links Jamaicans to crime upsurge
Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Reforms scheduled for Piarco International Airport

Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has announced that they have come to a resolution with the Trinidad and Tobago Government regarding reports of Jamaicans being denied entry into the Twin Republic. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, says T&T have pledged to address the issues related to the treatment of Jamaican nationals.

Part of the proposed reforms include implementing customer service training at the Piarco International Airport by June 2016, specifically targeting those who interact with passengers who are denied entry. A dedicated facility at Piarco International Airport will also be retrofitted for the use of persons who are denied entry.

“We welcome these undertakings and hope they will provide tangible results to the Jamaican citizen, who we always represent,” said Minister Johnson Smith. “There is, however, more work to be done, and our discussions will continue on more complex aspects of our concerns – again, all in the interests of our citizens.”

She also explained that her counterpart’s response followed on their recent “face-to-face” meeting in New York in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS).  The Ministry advised that discussions will continue in earnest and further updates will be provided at the appropriate time.

Last month, Port of Spain deported at least 12 Jamaican nationals, with officials claiming that their stay in the Twin Republic would have cost the State significantly. Denial of entry would technically defy the traveling rights specified under the CARICOM Single Market (CSME), which guaranteed the all qualified CARICOM national can live and work in any CARICOM state that participates in the Free Movement regime without the need for a work permit. However, the Trinidadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Jamaicans were denied entry based on Section 8 (1) (h) of the Immigration Act, which allows the country to deny entry to any persons deemed likely to become charges on public funds.

Jamaicans in the IAAF Diamond League

Among all the Jamaicans in the 23-event meet in Doha, Qatar will be Hansle Parchment and Omar McLeod. The two are in a star filled 110 meter hurdles field, which also includes reigning Olympic champion Aries Merritt and his American countryman David Oliver.

The 22 year old McLeod, who recently won the World Indoors 60meter hurdles and his sub-10 100meter run, will hope to achieve a great win in his first Diamond League appearance.

“I just want to make a great debut to my Diamond League season,” said McLeod.

Kaliese Spencer, the country’s successful Diamond League athlete, will renew the rivalry with the two-time reigning World Champion Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic.

The Jamaican appeared to be a shoe in for a Diamond Trophy last year, however, Hejnova won the last four meetings taking home the trophy.

Spencer has won the 400meter hurdles Diamond Race in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014. However, having left the Stephen Francis-led MVP to join Bert Cameron’s Blazers has many wondering if this will have any bearing on her times and run this year.

Having opened her season with a time of 56.39 seconds, Spencer is hoping to gift herself with a victory of an improved time.

“It is my 29th birthday, so I want to come out with a victory. That would be something special,” said Spencer. “It would be good to run a 54 right now. It is a bit early. Anything faster, I would be grateful, but somewhere in that region.”

The very competitive women’s 100meter field will feature two Jamaicans as well, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Simone Facey.

Campbell-Brown, who won the Diamond Trophy in the event in 2014, is enthusiastic and looking forward to this year’s competition.

“I am excited. My objective is just to go in the race and focus on what I have to do and run a good race,” said Campbell-Brown.

The two Jamaicans will accompany Dafne Schippers who took home silver in the event at last year’s World Championships. The American, Tori Bowie, who shares the world-leading time of 11 seconds in the run, along with Facey, will also be in the line-up.

The Diamond League will implement a new point taking system this year. This new strategy will have the top six finishers in each event gain points instead of just the top three.

 

Lauderdale Lakes rallies for Broward Sheriff

Lauderdale Lakes Broward Sheriff's office
Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Kelvin Baker

City supports BSO’s halt on transporting prisoners

City of Lauderdale Lakes leadership is declaring their support for the Broward Sheriff Office’s (BSO) recent decision to stop using Lauderdale Lakes-assigned officers for transporting prisoners to court from the temporary holding facility in the city. This comes as the BSO received sharp criticism from Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Julie Jones, calling the office’s “inaction,” a “serious public safety issue.”

City Manager Kelvin Baker said he and the commission support County Sheriff Scott Israel’s decision, saying the move was in the “best interest of public safety.”

“To transport prisoners from the holding facility in the city to courts anywhere in the county requires assigning two officers, which reduces the slim security resources of the city, placing the city’s residents at risk,” said Baker. “The city supports the move by BSO to suspend this service, as it will enhance police visibility and presence in the city.”

As one of South Florida’s smallest cities, with a population of under 33,000 residents, Lauderdale Lakes, doesn’t operate its own police department. Instead, the city is dependent on BSO assigned officers from the county. According to City Manager Kelvin Baker, there are usually 10 sheriffs who serve the city 24 hours per day working two daily shifts with five officers per shift.

Baker emphasized the seriousness of the city’s limited police service, responsible for not only patrolling streets, but visiting crime scenes.

“If two cops are at a crime scene, and two are taken to transport prisoners for the DOC, that leaves only one officer on a shift to respond to other security issues,” said Baker. “That can’t be good.”

Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Beverly Williams also agreed taking officers from a five-man shift to transport prisoners “was grossly unfair and risky.”

“The city only has five officers on duty at a time to cover some 33,000 residents,” said Williams. “For years we have been appealing for this to stop, and DOC provide their own transport or make alternative arrangements. Nothing happened. Now that BSO has acted, we support their action. Lauderdale Lakes need maximum police service at all times.”

Whether Lauderdale Lakes plans to increase its own police presence, both Commissioner Williams and Baker both said the city still faces limited funding.

“Much as we would like to have more officers per shift, we are constrained by funding realities, and we just can’t go about increasing taxes on residents.” said Commissioner Williams

Baker said he’s fully aware and sensitive to the need of residents for more officers. He said the city’s staff is currently involved in the process of preparing the city budget, which should be finalized by the end of September.

“We are conducting a careful analysis, from all angles, of the city’s police needs to determine if it will be possible to address these needs in the city’s 2016/17 budget,” said Baker.

National Weekly May 5, 2016

TalkUp: What does Prince mean to you?

What did Prince mean to you?

Lori – Miami Gardens, FL.

Prince was a musical legend. I love all of his music. Purple is my favorite color and “Purple Rain” is my favorite movie. I had a chance to see him once in concert at the BB&T center. It was worth every dime. I was a teenager when I first heard his music. “Raspberry Beret” is my favorite song of his. I was really sad when he passed away. At first I didn’t believe it. We’ve lost Michael, Luther, Whitney – all of the real musicians are passing away. It’s very sad and heartbreaking. He will be missed.

Noel– Miami, FL.

I know all his music. I grew up listening to it, but I was not a fan. If I had to choose a favorite song of his, it would be “Purple Rain.” His passing didn’t affect me.

Jackie – Opa Locka, FL.

Prince was one of the greatest. “Purple Rain” is my favorite song of his. I grew up listening to his music. I am still in shock about his death. I can’t believe it. His legacy is that you can do whatever you set out to do. You can’t let anyone block your dreams and tell you what you can’t do. The dream lives on.

Eugene – Miami Gardens, FL

I loved Prince. I am a photographer. I had the opportunity to take some really great pictures of him live in concert. His passing really bothered me, it hurt me. My favorite song was “Darling Nikki.” We take people for granted and we don’t realize how valuable they really are until they’re gone. I felt the same way when James Brown passed away. I really enjoyed what these great musicians brought to us. Prince’s legacy is style, finesse, great music and I can’t wait to hear the unpublished music that he left in his vault.

China – Carol City, FL.

Prince meant everything to me. He and Michael Jackson go back to the days when I was partying and coming up. He brought a different style of his own to music and whatever he did. There was no style like his. He kept the tone, he never lost it, even with age. It didn’t matter what mood you were in, whenever you heard Prince, you just had to let it go and party, deal with it later.  My favorite song was “1999.” He left a legacy of style and class. He did it and said it all in a clean, beautiful way. Prince showed today’s musicians that they can present their ideas and reach their audience without the profanity. He and Michael were the kings and they brought beautiful music in a clean and respectable way. He will be truly missed.

Mike – Miami, FL.

He was a great artist for his time. His passing was very sudden like Michael’s. My favorite songs were “Purple Rain” and the one with “When Doves Cry.” I never got a chance to see him live in concert, although I would have loved to. Prince’s legacy was his music, his contribution to society and what he meant to the younger generation.

Nike & King – Miami Gardens, FL.

Nike: I’m kinda young, so I really don’t know much about Prince. I know a few of his songs. I know that he meant a whole lot to many people. My mom was very sad when he passed away and I was sad for her. My favorite song was “I will Die for You!”

King: He didn’t really mean anything to me, but I know though that he meant a lot to the music industry. They should give his money to his family. Everybody knew “Purple Rain.” That was a major favorite. He’ll be remembered for his style and for his music. Artists will be influenced by Prince’s music for many years to come. He was a foundation builder.

Lavail – Miramar, FL.                                          

Besides my kids, Prince meant everything to me. I loved him and adored him. He was a phenomenal writer, singer, and producer. He is one of the icons who will never ever be forgotten. The first time I heard Prince’s music I was 8 years old. It was “Little Red Corvette.” My favorite song is “Musicology.” I actually had a chance to see Prince live in concert. I even got a chance to get on stage with him. It was amazing. I still can’t believe that he is gone. It was way too soon for him to go. He leaves behind amazing music and all his fans who will miss him tremendously. He sang from the heart, and I am so grateful to him for sharing his gift with us. I would not compare Prince with anyone else. He was a musical genius.

Zeus – Miami Gardens, FL.

This generation probably doesn’t know a lot about Prince, but I’m 30 and Prince meant a lot to me. My parents listened to him, so I grew up listening to him. He was a very intelligent guy who stood for a lot. He is one of few artists who tried to buy the rights to his music, which music executives didn’t like. “Purple Rain” is one of my favorite songs. I never got a chance to see him in concert, but I have watched all the YouTube videos about him. This is an information age. Prince left behind a wealth of useful information for young artists on the rise. The closest you’ll get to Price’s style today is a new artist named Ro James.

Immigrants rush to get naturalized following Trump’s victory!

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 6th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The city of North Miami has plans to create a Chinatown Cultural Arts and Innovation District. The city believes the district will bring some new business and attention to the area. However, while residents agree with the renovation, some are concerned that the 25 thousand dollars used for a recruitment business trip to China would be better spent on the city itself.

The Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Trinidad has committed to implementing new customer service training at their Piarco International Airport. The country will also retrofit a facility dedicated for the use of travelers that are denied entry. This comes from recent complaints about the treatment of Jamaican travelers in the Twin Island Republic.

Haitian Heritage Cultural Month is underway and you can take part in the action by adding Zakafest to your weekend plans. Tomorrow, May 7th, from 1pm to 11 pm, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex will host a day of workshops, live performances and a movie screening of “The other Side of the Water”.

In Sports, The quarter finals have been rescheduled for tonight. The Fort Lauderdale Blazers are set to play the FC Steelers at 7:45 pm. The winner from this match will go on to play the Island Strikers on Wednesday in the Semi finals.

For a look at what’s trending:

Following the launch of Republican front-runner Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign, reports are showing a rise in immigrants applying for naturalization. The Associated Press states that applications for citizenship have risen by 14 percent from June to December in 2015.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Sunny Skies in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 59. It will be mostly sunny in Miami-Dade, with a high of 84 and a low of 62.

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.

You’ve been watching CNW90, I’m Jahlisa Harvey!

Caribbean Investment Summit 2016

Summit explores booming opportunities in region

Stakeholders and influencers from across the region gather in Miami this week for the third annual Caribbean Investment Summit, set for May 13 at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Continuing under the theme “The Climate is Right in the Caribbean,” the event will provide an unmatched platform for regional investment promotion agencies, senior government officials and ministers of government to expose “shovel ready projects” to prospective investors in their newest target market – USA.

The Summit, says organizers, will provide a unique window into three of the region’s key developing industries: renewable energy, business process outsourcing (BPO) and niche tourism. Faced with a fluctuating oil market, the Caribbean has made massive strives in the renewable energy industry, with growing use of wind and hydro power, as well as Exploratory drilling in the Eastern Caribbean for geothermal energy sources. Counties such has Jamaica has seen booming development in domestic Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)/ICT sector, which is currently valued at well over US$200 million (J$18 billion). And many countries have broaden their tourism attractions from the typical “sea, sand and sun” to adventure and eco-tourism.

Keynote speakers will include Manager of Integration and Trade Sector, for the International Development Bank, Antoni Estevadeordal, President of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), McHale Andrew, President, CAIPA, and Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Pamela Coke Hamilton. This year’s Summit which will once again be hosted by Ms. Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-Chief, FDI Magazine, Financial Times Group. Awards will be given out to the Regional Investor of the Year, recognizing innovative individuals and organizations within new markets.

The event is presented by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), and with support from Financial Times’ FDI Magazine. The event is funded and co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank as a part of the “Support to Foreign Direct Investment in the Caribbean.”

Anyone who is interesting in attending must register here. https://eventosconnectamericas.mybusinessmatches.com/Miami

“I’m Naturally Beautiful” in a Book Talk at AARLCC

On Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 2:30 p.m., author Jerod Simon will talk about his book, I’m Naturally Beautiful at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Mr. Simon has a powerful view of himself as an African-American and recognizes himself as a gifted artist. He says of himself, “I was born a lion in the harsh and beautiful jungle of Miami, Florida. I am grateful to be blessed with the tenacity needed to navigate and survive this existence thus far. I am an artist who enjoys every aspect of creativity.”

Through his beautiful picture book (illustrated by Diandrea Ancrum aka Koyuki Panda), the author is reaching out to young black ladies to embrace their color, to love their skin and their natural hair, and to realize that they can do anything they put their mind to, including becoming a doctor, lawyer or independent business owner . . . to become the “queen” they are destined to be.

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.

Construction Woes plague Broward Public Schools

Construction Woes Broward Public Schools

Plans to improve Broward County Public School District’s (BCPS) infrastructure has come to a screeching halt, follow construction delays and rising costs.

Broward County voters approved an $800 million bond for the project in 2014, but the original repair and construction estimates were lowball due to flawed data. Reports show plans to build new classrooms in Weston and Pembroke Pines were under-estimated by as much as 57 percent. The revised budget will cost the district an additional $15.9 million dollars.

Caribbean-American construction engineer Ivanhoe Hines noted that “too much shouldn’t be attached” to increased costs. “It’s almost routine for estimates on construction projects to increase between the time the estimates were made and when construction begins. There are many variables including cost of labor and material, redesign, weather condition, that impact construction estimates.” But he admitted a 57 percent increase over a two-year period “was unusual.”

The estimates were done by Jacobs Engineering Group, a consulting firm contracted by the district. Broward School Board Chairwoman Rosalind Osgood said the board has a responsibility to review some of the estimates, to ensure the problem is fixed.

Another reported problem is the district’s delay in sending out repair and construction projects for bids, although some of these projects were approved as long as a year ago.

The delay has been due to a variety of reasons, said one district staffer speaking on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized. The District has experienced problems in getting county permits, staff changes in purchasing departments, “plus there have been cases where request for bids have gone out, but no response have come in from construction companies.”

The official reasons for delay, however, bring little comfort for parents in the district, concerned about the conditions their children are learning in.

“Parents in the county just want to see the repairs get underway and be completed,” said Caribbean-American parent and Broward resident, Raye Kirkland. “Students and teachers can’t function in dilapidated buildings with leaky roofs, and malfunctioning air conditio

How to fit some fitness into your work day

10 ways to be more active during the work day

We’re sitting too much and it’s dangerous. The average American spends more than seven hours sitting every day, and the more time you sit, the higher your risk of serious, potentially life-threatening health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, what can you do about it?

Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make during the day – anywhere, even at the work place – to improve your wellness and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. As part of the American Diabetes Association’s(R) Wellness Lives Here(SM) initiative, the Association encourages everyone to get active for National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day(SM) with these 10 tips for the workplace and beyond.

Park a few blocks away from the office each morning and walk to work.

This allows you to start off your mornings energized and ready to take on the workday. If you take public transportation, get off one stop earlier to squeeze in some light exercise before 8 a.m.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Waiting for the elevator often takes just as long as walking up the stairs, so why not use this opportunity to get your heart rate up? Plus, you’ll get the chance to work your leg muscles.

Get up and move around the office once every 90 minutes.

When you’re nose-deep in work, it’s easy to lose track of time. Set up reminders on your phone or email every 60-90 minutes to get up and do a quick lap around the office. You can use this time to fill up your water bottle, go to the bathroom or catch up with coworkers.

Ask questions and discuss issues face-to-face.

Rather than sending an email every time you have a question, go to your coworker’s office to discuss the issue face-to-face. This gives you a good excuse to get moving and a chance to more effectively hash out solutions in person.

Use your lunch break to move around outside.

So many Americans today work through their lunch break. When possible, take advantage of this time to walk outside and soak in the nice weather. Fresh air and vitamin D are often all you need to stay focused and push through the afternoon slump.

Stand up and stretch.

If you don’t have time to walk around the office every 90 minutes, use the opportunity to stand up and stretch instead. Stretching is a great way to increase energy levels, reduce muscle tension and get your body moving.

Pace around the office during conference calls.

Conference calls are the perfect time to be active. Put clients and coworkers on speaker, or use your mobile phone during meetings to move around without any trouble.

Do chair exercises at your desk.

You’ve been wanting to tone your arms for the summer – why not achieve your goals at the office? When you need a break, do a few reps of chair sits. You can even alternate between chair exercises and push ups!

Hold standing or walking meetings.

Many coworkers will welcome the opportunity to stand and stretch their legs for a moment. If you have a two-person meeting, consider going for a walk.

Fidget when you work.

Small movements and quick exercise breaks add up, especially in a sedentary work place, so challenge yourself to stand, stretch or even tap a foot to bring motion into otherwise still parts of your day. Just remember to keep it professional!

Making a point to move throughout the day puts you on the right track toward wellness. For more ideas on how to increase physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle, download the Association’s e-tool kit today to incorporate the principles and activities of National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day into the workday and beyond.

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St. Lucia gets top marks for freedom of the press

St. Lucia press freedom Freedom house

Island ranked best in the Americas

St. Lucia has emerged as the top country for press freedom in the Americas, according to a survey conducted by the  US-based independent watchdog organization, Freedom House. Freedom House said it assesses media freedom using common criteria for all settings, in poor and rich countries as well as in countries of varying ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

It said all states from the most democratic to the most authoritarian, are committed Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.

It said that while “cultural distinctions or economic underdevelopment may affect the character or volume of news flows within a country or territory, these and other differences are not acceptable explanations for infringements such as centralized control of the content of news and information.”

Freedom House said that St. Lucia has a global rank of 11 from 199 countries surveyed and is followed by St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the second top country in the Americas for press freedom. Kingstown has a global ranking of 17.

The other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries listed in the report are Barbados and Jamaica are both placed fourth with a global ranking of 21, followed by St. Kitts-Nevis in the seventh position with a global ranking of 25.

The next CARICOM countries are the Bahamas and Belize at number nine with a global ranking of 31, followed by Grenada at 11 (38), Dominica 13th (44) Trinidad and Tobago 14 (47) and Suriname at 15 (51).

Freedom House placed Antigua and Barbuda at 17th (68) followed by Guyana 18 (70) Haiti 25 (110).

Freedom House said that of the 199 countries and territories assessed for 2015, a total of 62 (31 per cent) were rated Free, 71 (36 per cent) were rated Partly Free, and 66 (33 per cent) were rated Not Free. “This balance marks a slight shift toward the Not Free category compared with the edition covering 2014, which featured 63 Free, 71 Partly Free, and 65 Not Free countries and territories,” it said.

On This Day in History

On this day in history, David Michael Rudder, a calypsonian from Trinidad, was born. Born in Belmont, Trinidad and Tobago, he is one of nine children. Rudder spent much of his early life with his grandmother, a devout Baptist, and began singing with a calypso band at a young age. In his teens sang backup vocals in a calypso tent run by Lord Kitchener and by his 12th birthday, he had already begun singing with a calypso band, the Solutions.

David Rudder was one of the many to usher in a new era for calypso music. Rudder’s 1990 album, 1990, was named “best calypso album of the year” at the first Caribbean Music Awards at the Apollo Theater in New York, while the title track won “song of the year” at the Nefeita Awards. He supplemented his income as a singer by working as an accountant for the Trinidad Bus Company.

Recruited as a substitute for Christopher “Tambu” Herbert, lead singer of Charlie’s Roots, in 1977, Rudder impressed the group so much that he was invited to stay on as a co-lead singer. Together with the group, he continues to perform for the Carnival productions of Peter Minshall.

Air Canada launches Trinidad Toronto Flights

Air Canada launches Trinidad Toronto Flights

Flights also offer connecting routes to India

Air Canada has announced that its subsidiary, Air Canada rouge will be launching new flights between Toronto and Trinidad during the 2016/2017 winter season.

The new Trinidad and Tobago flights are expected to begin on December 21, 2016, subject to government approval, with flight AC1880 and operate twice weekly from Toronto departing at 9:00 am on Wednesday and Friday, arriving in Port of Spain at 3:25 pm. Return flight AC1881 departs Port of Spain at 4:45 p.m. and arrives in Toronto at 9:35 p.m. Service ends for the season on April 21, 2017. Flights are timed to offer  connections to/from all across Quebec and Eastern Canada, U.S. cities including Boston, Baltimore-Washington, Cleveland, Newark, Las Vegas as well as Delhi and Dubai.

“We are pleased to learn about Air Canada’s new services between Trinidad and Toronto and we are particularly impressed with the flights conveniently timed to connect to Delhi, India,” says Keith Chin, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. “For over a century, Trinidad and Tobago has enjoyed strong historical, cultural and social links with India, which led to the opening of a representative office in Mumbai in 2011. Our strategy for that market has been to target passengers who travel to the US and Canada for their vacation, which lasts for 2-3 weeks. The new connecting services by Air Canada rouge will facilitate greater engagement and co-operation between India and our twin islands.”

Canada sprinter and hurdler drop out of Jamaican invitational, Asafa as favorite

Canada’s Andre De Grasse and Jasmine Stowers have officially withdrawn from the Jamaica International Invitational at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday, May 7.

Speaking at a press conference in Jamaica on Thursday, Meet Director Donald Quarrie said that injury was the reason for the pull outs. He explained that Stowers, who set a stadium record of 12.39 in the 100-metre hurdles at the invitational in 2015, fell during a race at the Drake Relays last weekend and needs to recover.

“Stowers coach is not willing to allow her to take the risk of competing so soon afterwards.” said Quarrie.

There will be no replacement for the the two competitors at the invitational because of how late the withdraw came from the athletes.

Earlier this week, 2012 Olympic champion, Sanya Richards-Ross, announced she also was pulling out of the meet because of a recurring toe injury. Richards-Ross said she needed to take time and manage the injury to make sure that she would be fit in time to try and make the US team to the Rio Olympics this summer.

Asafa Powell, former world-record holder over the 100meter, started his 2016 campaign in the 200meter with a 20.51 seconds run in Texas last month, but before that the Jamaican sprinter had not run a competitive 200 meter race since 2011. Powell will enter the race as a favorite in this years competition.

IAAF 2007 triple world champion Tyson Gay of USA is among the leading contenders looking to get their Olympic Games preparation campaigns underway.

The American will compete against fellow countryman Mike Rodgers and Jamaicans Kemar Bailey-Cole, Julian Forte and Oshane Bailey.

Bailey-Cole, who trains at the same track club as world record holder Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in Kingston, will return following the injury that interrupted his season last year.

Want to see Beres Hammond? Tickets go on sale May 6

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, May 5th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Prompted by growing demand from the Guyanese-American community, Suriname Airways will launch the third weekly flight from Miami to Georgetown, Guyana, starting May 12. The Airline says the flight will be a permanent fixture on the schedule from Miami International Airport.

After a three-year hiatus, the Fort Lauderdale air show is back and so are the “Thunderbirds”.  As a result, the public is being advised that the east sidewalk will be closed, as well as north and southbound lanes of A1A from Sunrise Blvd to NE 14th court.

Tickets to see the reggae crooner Beres Hammond will go on sale tomorrow May 6. The concert will be held at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in July. Hammond is known for classics such as “Putting up a resistance” and “Come Down Father”.

In Sports, The four finalists in the T20 Night Cricket Tournament will battle for a top spot in the standings during the semi finals on May 14th starting at 5 pm. The first match will be India against Trinidad and Tobago and at 8 pm Guyana will face Jamaica. Both matches will be played at the Lauderhill Sports Park.

For a look at what’s trending:

The Caribbean Public Health Agency has confirmed the first case of the mosquito borne Zika virus in Antigua and Barbuda. The victim – a woman who lives in Grays Farm, just on the outskirts of the capital of St. John’s recently traveled to the Dominican Republic .

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Sunny Skies in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 62. It will be sunny in Miami-Dade, with a high of 86 and a low of 67.

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.

A Haitian Delicacy made in your own home

Black Mushroom Rice

This Black Mushroom Rice (Diri ak Djon Djon) recipe uses black mushrooms which are native to the northern part of Haiti. These mushrooms are considered to be a delicacy and are not used in everyday cooking. You can buy the mushrooms at most Caribbean markets and grocery stores. When the mushrooms are boiled, they release a grayish black coloring, this gives the food a distinct aroma and flavor. This rice is usually served with a meat or fish.

 

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups of Dried Black Mushrooms (djon djon)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tsp Ground cloves
  • 1 (12-ounce) can lima beans (or green peas)
  • 1 to 2 thyme sprigs
  • 1 green Scotch bonnet pepper

Method

  1. In small pot, soak mushrooms in 4 cups water for 10 minutes
  2. Boil mushrooms on low heat for 10 minutes
  3. Strain the mushroom water into a container for later. The mushrooms in the strainer will no longer be needed
  4. In a large pot, sauté the garlic and onions on medium heat for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the rice and stir for 3-5 min
  6. Add the mushroom water, salt, cloves and lima beans
  7. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat when some of the water evaporates this should take approximately 10-15 minutes
  8. Stir the rice and set the temperature to low
  9. Add Scotch bonnet pepper and thyme
  10. Cover the pot and steam the rice for 15 min
  11. Serve and enjoy!

 

Jamaicans serve up some Volleyball for the Olympics

Wright and Perry prepare to take on Rio

Jamaica’s female beach volleyball player, Kai Wright, believe their passion and determination will help with their plans to conquer in the Olympics held in Rio this summer.
With her partner Danielle Perry living in Florida, regular practice for the duo is not possible and tournaments like these play an important role in their preparation helping them gain practice and experience.

“The main purpose was to prepare for the third round of Olympic qualifiers, get selected for the Pan Am Games, get practice, see other teams and get some experience going into the third round,” said Wright. “The tournament was very challenging. Every team played us competitively because we were the underdogs. Nobody expected anything from us, much less to get a big placing, so they came at us really hard. But we played real hard, worked together and achieved fifth place and it shows the passion we have for the sport.”
The pair will travel to the Casova Women’s Beach Volleyball Olympic third round qualifiers in El Salvador next week. Attending a camp with the overseas players training every day, two times a day, Team Jamaica is preparing for the third round and will be ready mentally and to reach the Olympics.

“We have one week before we leave for the third round and we’re looking to qualify and put Jamaica on top. We want to pave the way for the younger volleyball players, so we will work hard, play hard and qualify for the Olympics,” Wright promised.

Zakafest kicks off Haitian Heritage Month

Zakafest kicks off Haitian Heritage Month

Annual event celebrates local Caribbean talents

Miami non-profit Fondasyon Zaka kicks off May as Haitian Heritage month with the annual Zakafest Art Festival, set for May 7, starting 1 pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.

Named after the patron spirit of farmers, Zakafest is an amalgamation of all forms of Haitian folk culture, filled with music and dance performances, and a spread of traditional cuisine and handmade arts and crafts.

Gracing this year’s stage are celebrated artists from across the U.S., such as famed Creole Jazz guitarist Jean Chardavoine, Haitian-born R&B crooner J Creole and hip-hop start KG Jay. This year’s concert also shines the spotlight on several local talents among the Haitian and wider Caribbean Diaspora, such as the reggae showstoppers Skotch Bonnett, singer-songwriter Empress Addi, spoken-word, R&B, and Kompas fusion Ayiti Bluez, the folk-infused Inez Barlatier and the Kazoots, and performance artist Vanya Allen. And no Zakafest could be complete with a traditional processional band, this year led by the legendary DJA Rara.

In addition to the slew of stellar performances, Zakafest will also be hosting artist workshops for local talents. The event will be chaired by Miami-Dade Commission Chairman, Jean Monestime.

The event is part of the Fondasyon Zaka’s mission to promote Haitian culture to Haitians and non-Haitians in South Florida, by providing interactive educational activities and cultural platforms. Their vision is “to become an organization in the South Florida community that educates the public about Haitian Folk culture, providing them with exposure to Haitian educational activities, positive role models and a productive environment.”

 

Kerry stumps for free trade in the Caribbean

State secretary John Kerry Caribbean free trade
Trinidad and Tobago's President Keith Rowley with US State Secretary John Kerry

Entrepreneurship and transparency essential to growth, says Kerry

Promoting free and open trade among the Caribbean and Latin America is the major priority for The Obama Administration, said United States Secretary of State, John Kerry. Speaking at the recent  Council of the Americas’ 46th Annual Washington Conference of the Americas/US-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit Reception, Kerry says the U.S is particularly committed to supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, and promoting accountability and transparency among government institutions.

“The fact is that, if we want the economies of Latin America and of the Caribbean to grow and thrive tomorrow, then we’re going to have to make the right choices now, today, tomorrow,” said Kerry. An “open, integrated platform for global success,” said Kerry, is you create and support jobs, and that is how we encourage innovation, and that’s how we drive growth.”

To promote entrepreneurship in the region, the Obama administration has also established the Small Business Network of the Americas, “to connect thousands of small business service providers throughout the hemisphere,” said Kerry.

“Economic experts agree that new businesses are a major source of new jobs, but our policies ought to reflect that by smoothing the way for people who have a good idea to be able to translate that idea into a company that will strengthen communities and build prosperity one step at a time,” Kerry said.

The State Secretary also called for an end to financial corruption in the region, which “robs the future of a country,” said Kerry.

“It steals not just money from citizens; it steals their trust in government. It steals their sense of – their national wealth. There are some countries in some parts of the world where I can tell you there are just tens of billions of dollars have been squirreled away in bank accounts that somehow they get to do. And these are people on a public payroll, yet they’re billionaires at the expense of their nation.”

“And it disadvantages all those businesses that don’t want to pay a bribe or can’t pay a bribe that want to have a fair shake on the competitive playing field,” he said, adding, however, that “the good news is that more and more citizens all around the world are saying ‘nomas’ to that – not anymore, none – and they’re stopping it, and they’re working to increase openness, to increase accountability and hold leaders to a higher standard.”

Among attendees were Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, “who are both making their first official trip to Washington in those capacities”, Kerry said.

This Day in History

On this day in Caribbean history May 5, 1494, Christopher Columbus first set foot on the island of Jamaica. The European explorer came to the island which was then known as “Xaymaca”, from Cuba after he learned of it from the indigenous people living in Cuba.

Columbus, who was looking for gold, arrived in what is now known as St. Ann’s Bay, claimed the country on behalf of Spain with much resistance from its original inhabitants, the Tainos. After Columbus captured the island for Spain, Spain sent Juan de Esquivel to establish residency in 1509, this was the beginning of Spain’s colonization of Jamaica.

The first Spanish settlement was called Sevilla la Nueva, located on the northern side of the Jamaica. In 1523 they left that location for Saint Jago de la Vega, which is known today as Spanish Town. The Spanish remained in Jamaica until 1655, when the British attacked the island, and seized it in the name of England.

AARLCC highlights French-Caribbean artists

ARRLCC highlights French-Caribbean artists diaspora
"Hasta la Victoria" by Gilles Eugene

Library celebrates Diaspora artists

Through May 2016, the gallery of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) will be continuing their “Art Through the Lens of Afro-French Caribbean Artists.” This special exhibit embraces the creative talents of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Haiti, and comes to the library from E-Islands Art collection. The show highlights work of two island artists, painter Gilles Eugene from Guadeloupe and ceramic artists Mathilde Flambert Lamothe from Haiti.

Gilles Eugene, also known as “Goodÿ”, is a plasticien artist well known throughout Europe, including France, England, Spain, Portugal and Russia. He manipulates colors with dexterity and infuses into his paintings the passion, the fight and the rebirth of the people of his country. He calls his art, “The Goodism.”

Mathilde Flambert Lamothe is a well-known former minister of social and cultural life in Haiti. Through her ceramic masks and pots, she diffuses the sufferings of her people and shares her aspiration for them to find peace, compassion and social bonding in everyday life. Both artists are using their talents to help channel the chaos of the Caribbean culture into enlightenment and healing.

The exhibit is just part of the mission of E-Islands Art, is to provide a voice and an art data repository for the Caribbean islands, particularly the two French Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique which the founders feel are overlooked in the wider art scene of North America.

Is Trump driving immigrants to citizenship?

SoFlo sees spike in citizenship apps. Observers see fear of Trump driving naturalization bump

Francesa Mena of the Miami-Dade Cities for Citizenship campaign reports “increase demand” from immigrants to become naturalized citizens, with over 3,000 South Florida residents applying in the past two months.  But what’s causing the spike? Observers believe the unusual surge in applications since February stems from the “Donald Trump Factor,” driving a community fearful of the Republican presidential front runner’s caustic rhetoric against immigrants.

“I can attest that permanent residents do not like Trump’s rhetoric of hate,” said Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, who has been spearheading a citizenship drive series  in partnership with several South Florida organizations such as the New Americans, Florida Immigration Coalition, as well as the Caribbean American, Jamaican-American and Haitian-American Bar Associations. Since February, two major citizens drives at the Lauderhill Mall collected 700 applicants, with 1500 expected to apply by the end of May.

“Clearly driven by this fear and dislike, we see people eager to become citizens to partake in the electoral process this year,” said Holness.

It’s this anxiety that has driven her to apply, says local resident Novleen Chisholm. Eligible since 2011, Chisholm said she procrastinated, but decided to apply this year “because if Trump becomes president, I am not sure how his presidency will deal with non-American citizens.”

Marsha Moore, a citizen drive volunteer in Miami, also found a similar attitude among new applicants. According to the Cities for Citizenship campaign, which includes Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Giminez and County Commission chairman Jean Monestime, of an estimated 1.17 million eligible green card holders in Florida, about 494,000 reside in Miami-Dade County.

“And as significant percentage of these people are Haitians and English-speaking Caribbean immigrants,” said Moore. “Unlike former years, when organizations involved in citizenship drives had to toil to get folks to apply for citizenship, this year the majority of these green card holders are taking the initiative to become citizens. It’s no secret several applicants have expressed an urgency to vote in November, fearful of a Trump presidency which they think could introduce adverse policies against non-U.S. citizens.”

This is despite the sometimes daunting application process, said Moore. The 24 page-application can “intimidate some applicants, especially those who can’t read well, or comprehend English. But more people are coming out to apply once they are assured of assistance.”

Further fueling the rush to become citizens is the fact that people from low-income families can qualify for waivers on the $680 application fee. The regulations allow waivers for single applicants earning under $17,650 annually, for a family of two earning $23,900, and families of three or four earning $30,135 and $36,375 annually.

“Most of the applicants are from low income families,” Holness stated. “Through the waiver process, some 70 percent of these applicants have had the application fees waived.”

Jamaica working to lure Chinese travelers

Brand Jamaica to expand new markets, says Minister Bartlett

Jamaica says it is going all out to lure visitors from non-traditional markets such as China and Eastern Europe. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said while the sector has been performing creditably, he is confident that there are more frontiers to be conquered.

“We have done a good job over the years, but there is a lot more to be done. If we are to attain double digit growth we have to aggressively target newer markets,” he said, citing also the South American market as a “frontier to be conquered.”

Bartlett said with business relationships with China currently at an all-time high, it was now time to make a play for that market in a more meaningful way.

“We are currently in discussions with China with the aim of having a meaningful presence. This will help us tap into that market in a far more aggressive way than we have ever done before,” he said.

Bartlett pointed out that his ministry will also be seeking to increase the country’s market share of visitors out of North America, to move the current figure from 1.7 million to in excess of two million.

“We must take the tourist industry to a whole new level. It requires a strong strategy with bold but achievable goals to grow a vibrant sector, which contributes to sustainable economic growth,” he said, adding that to accomplish that growth, it is imperative that all aspects of the tourism product are right and that the country can deliver on the promises made in the marketplace.

“The government will be doing its part to ensure that the infrastructure, policies and legislation required to facilitate growth in the tourism sector are in place.

“In addition, we are committed to developing a competitive and productive workforce that can benefit from opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. In this regard, the Ministry will pursue the development of a Craft Institute and a Hospitality College,” Bartlett said.

 

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