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5 golden rules of planning a group destination wedding

Soft sand warms the soles of your feet and the smell of sweet flowers fill the air. The salty mist of the ocean kisses your cheeks while the laughter of friends and family brings joy to the heart. This isn’t just an amazing vacation for your loved ones, it’s your wedding day.

Images like this are inspiring more brides than ever before to forego traditional weddings made popular by their parents’ generation in exchange for dreamy, relaxing destination celebrations. It’s the ultimate way to customize a wedding, and often it’s more affordable than going the traditional route.

“Once intimate affairs, destination weddings are no longer just for small groups,” said Cheryl Cox of Grand Strand Bridal Association. “The most intriguing and prominent wedding trend of 2016 is couples expanding the guest list for their destination weddings to include people beyond immediate family.”

The reason this trend is growing so rapidly is that it provides guests more than just the opportunity to see a loved one tie the knot. It really gives them a mini-vacation that they’ll never forget. It’s a vacation with a purpose, and plenty of time for fun and activities are built into the experience.

However, brides and grooms who want to embrace this growing trend have a few unique considerations. To ensure everyone has a great time, follow the five golden rules of planning a destination wedding for big groups:

Rule 1: Select an accessible location.
You’ll get more RSVPs if you select a destination that is easy and affordable for everyone to access. Consider air travel and drive times from guests’ locations. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a great example that is a four to eight hour drive from many Midwest cities, plus has an international airport, with plenty of non-stop flights from major cities. Furthermore, a domestic locale like this means guests don’t have to worry about passports and complicated travel logistics out of the country. Learn more at http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/.

Rule 2: Look for myriad of lodging options.
Getting a block of hotel rooms is a common practice, but go a step further to provide guests with a variety of lodging options so they can pick what best suits their tastes and budget. Traditional hotel rooms, B&B style accommodations at historic plantations and even vacation home rental options let guests choose what makes them most comfortable. Be sure to mention accommodation info on your wedding website and/or invitation.

Rule 3: Opt for a city with variety.
Some people adore spending days on the beach or hours golfing while others crave visits to landmarks and amusement parks. Consider what a location has to offer beyond the ceremony. You’re giving guests a reason to splurge on a mini-vacation, so a place like Myrtle Beach with more than 100 golf courses, plentiful shopping, 60 miles of pristine coastline and lots of attractions for kids means there’s something for everyone.

Rule 4: Be involved but don’t micromanage.
Provide guests with important information about the location, such as popular attractions, transportation specifics and amenity details. It is custom for the couple to pay for one or more events in addition to the wedding celebration, so let guests know what you’ve planned. However, keep it to no more than one activity per day to allow time to explore as they please.

Rule 5: Make gifts optional.
Guests spend more money to attend a destination wedding than a hometown affair. Be a gracious host and make gifts optional. By allowing their presence to be your wedding gift you’re showing good etiquette and understanding. This thoughtful gesture opens more funds to enjoy their vacation to the fullest, which is what you wanted when selecting a group destination wedding in the first place.

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National Weekly April 28, 2016

AFJ cut ties with alleged Ponzi Schemer Mark Jones

Mark Jones

President of American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), Wendy Hart, says the charity has not been affected by activities carried out by alleged Ponzi Schemer Mark Jones, who served as a board member and treasurer of the New York-based organization.

Jones, who had conducted an investment firm providing bridge financing to start-up companies in Jamaica, was arrested last month for allegedly operating a $10 million Ponzi scheme from the bridge fund.

Hart said that when she joined the AFJ some four years ago, Jones was an existing board member and the treasurer. “However, as far as I can recall he had no sole signing authority on the organization’s financial transactions.”

A recent Caribbean News Now report suggested that “as treasurer of the AFJ, he [Jones] may have had signing authority or other direct or indirect control in relation to funds held by the AFJ.” Hart emphasized, however, that this inference was completely false.

Jones, says Hart, had only limited signing authority over the charity’s finances. When Jones’ legal problems became public, the AFJ board also severed relations with him, removing his name from the organization’s promotional material, including its website.

“The AFJ now no longer has any association with Mark Jones,” says Hart.

Jones, 64, a Miami resident who also had a home in Jamaica, was arrested last month on charges of operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded some 21 investors. The scheme had promised a return of 15 to 20 percent annually to the investors, many of whom were retirees.  It was also alleged Jones used portions of investors’ capital to cover his personal expenses.

Hart, however, assured supporters that the AFJ’s fundraising has been flourishing. Founded in 1982 by U.S. businesswoman Anne F. Sabo, AFJ was formed as a not-for-profit organization to assist Jamaican charities in the areas of education, healthcare and human and economic development. The AFJ recently held their annual Gala in Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis, recognizing the contributions of several members of the Diaspora to the community’s development.

Following the gala, the AFJ also awarded over JA$27.4 million in 53 discretionary grants to selected Jamaican organizations at an official awards ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. During the course of the year, the AFJ reports that the charity has disbursed over JA$3.3 million in donor-direct grants. Grant recipients include the Early Childhood Center of Excellence, the HEART Institute, and the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s “We Care For Cornwall” fund, among others.

Joy Sawh of Joy’s Roti gets Lauderhill street named after him

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, April 28, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

In a special ceremony today, the Lauderhill city commission renamed NW 41st Terrace as Joy Sawh Street, in honor of the Trinidadian-born businessman of famed Joy’s Roti Delight. Friends, family, as well as local and international dignitaries gathered to remember the community leader, including former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and close family friend, the Honorable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

JetBlue Airlines launched their daily direct flights between Ft. Lauderdale and Barbados today, with the inaugural flight landing at Grantley Adams International Airport. Seymour Bailey of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Florida office said the new flights will secure steady access for South Florida travelers to the island.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has partnered with world-renowned Jamaican marine conservationist Guy Harvey to promote ocean health and sharks in the wild.  The partnership plans to raise awareness and support research on protecting these animals and their habitats.

In sports, the City of Lauderhill International T20 Cricket Tournament will have two matches at the Lauderhill Sports Park this Saturday. Third place Trinidad and Tobago will face Combined Islands at 5 p.m., followed by Jamaica hoping for an up-set against first place team Guyana at 8 pm.

What’s Trending:

Kevin Lyttle has been named headliner for this year’s Caribbean Village on June 26th at the Lauderhill Sports Park. The event promises a night of family-friendly activities, arts, and food, in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy skies as well with a high of 86 and a low of 73.

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.

Jamaican Women in full force at JWOF conference

Keynote Paula Williams Madison at the recent JWOF conference

It was a day filled with positivity and empowerment at the Jamaican Women of Florida’s (JWOF) annual Women’s Empowerment conference, held this past Saturday at Jungle Island in Miami.

Seeking to celebrate and support the proverbial “Strong Jamaican Woman,” the event launched with a rousing scholarship luncheon, injected with loads of energy from keynote speaker Paula Williams Madison. The CEO of Madison Media Management LLC and former VP NBC Universal shared her story about growing up in Harlem, New York, and the strong influence of her Chinese-Jamaican mother Nell Vera Lowe on her upbringing. Williams Madison encouraged parents in the audience to reinforce these same values instilled by their Jamaican ancestry – hard work, cultural pride, and the drive to pursue their dreams.

“Even though we are born here, we too are a product of that small island,” said Williams Madison in her address. “That place has a long reach. As Jamaican women we work so hard to improve ourselves and the next generation.”

Supporting the next generation was also a heart of the luncheon, as awards were presented to the current JWOF Scholarship recipients Adrianna Jones, Jaime Noicely, and Rachael Wildman, (whose award was accepted by her mother, Patricia).

The day continued with the popular panel discussion with Jamaican women professionals across diverse fields. Speakers explored various topics to empower women in their daily lives, from smashing the glass ceiling in the careers, to finding professional and personal balance. But perhaps the most valuable moments were the intimate exchanges of encouragement and experiences between generations of Jamaican women.

“It’s been a wonderful experience for me, someone who has been part of the women’s movement for so many years, seeing so many bright young women, women younger than me who are really focusing on women.” said special guest, Jamaican advocate and journalist Beverley Manley. “It was important to me to see that we’re not just dealing with individual women who are empowered, but also about the empowerment of women as a group.”

 

This Day in History

Jamaican actress Madge Dorita Walters-Sinclair was born

On this day in Caribbean history on April 28, 1938, actress Madge Dorita Walters-Sinclair was born. Sinclair was born in Kingston, Jamaica to parents Herbert and Jemima Walters. Walters-Sinclair is most known for her roles in Coming To America and the ABC series Roots. Sinclair was also the voice of the character Sarabi, Mufasa’s mate and Simba’s mother, in the animated feature film The Lion King.

In Sinclair’s early life in Jamaica, she was a teacher until she left in 1968 to emigrate to New York to pursue acting. In 1991, Sinclair won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama series for the role of Empress Josephine in Gabriel’s Fire. For her performance in Roots the T.V. miniseries based on Alex Haley’s ’76 novel, Roots: The Saga of An American Family Sinclair was nominated for an Emmy Award. She played Belle Reynolds, a slave owned by Dr. William Reynolds of Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

The ‘Jamerican’ leading actress was married to a police officer named Royston Sinclair and that marriage produced two sons. After her first marriage ended she remarried to actor Dean Compton. In 1995 Sinclair died of Leukemia. She was cremated, and her ashes were brought back to Jamaica to be scattered.

Sinclair’s most notable performance were in The Lion King in 1998, where she was the voice of Sarabi, in 1994 in Me and The Boys, she played Mary Tower, in 1988 in Coming To America and in 1993 in Star Trek: The Next Generation where she played Captain Silva La Forge in the episode of “Interface”.

New lawsuit seeks justice for Jamaican Tivoli Incursion

Jamaican Troops patrol Tivoli Gardens slum in Kingston during the 2010 Tivoli incursion

The Office of the Public Defender in Jamaica says it is making arrangements to file legal action against the State on behalf of residents of West Kingston who were affected by the May 2010 security forces operation to arrest Christopher “Dudus” Coke, known as the Tivoli Incursion. At least 70 people, including one police officer and two members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) were killed and more than 4,000 others detained during the operations. The assault prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in Kingston and the biggest mobilization of the security forces in Jamaican history.

Public Defender Arlene Harrison-Henry says the legal proceedings will begin within the next four weeks and appealed to people who were affected by the security operations to urgently contact her office.

Coke, who was extradited to the United States, pleaded guilty in September 2011 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The former Tivoli Gardens strongman is serving a 23-year prison sentence in the US. The final report from the three-member West Kingston Commission of Enquiry is due next month.

CDB supports data revolution for Caribbean development

National population and housing censuses provide data that could help countries in the Caribbean Region improve decision-making, accountability, and address development challenges such as inequalities in employment, education and wealth. As Caribbean nations answer the call for a global data revolution, they continue to tackle statistical capacity challenges.

On Monday, April 18 representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Borrowing Member Countries began a 10-day workshop in Jamaica to address these challenges, including gaps in countries’ capacity to mine and share census data in a timely and efficient way.

The participants, technocrats from national statistical offices and regional institutions, will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in the core techniques of demographic analysis, data quality evaluation, and population projections. They will learn how to effectively analyze demographic data from censuses, surveys, and administrative records using the United States Census Bureau Demographic Analysis and Population Projections System. At the end of the Workshop, they will have generated estimates of population and key measures of fertility, mortality, and migration as part of the process of learning how to calculate population projections.

“There can now be no disagreement that data is key to development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has called for a data revolution to address the need for quality, accessible and timely data. This Workshop, part of a wider statistical capacity-building project funded by CDB, is just one way in which we are supporting the improved accessibility and use of quality data for decision making,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB.

The Regional Capacity Building Workshop in Demographic Analysis and Population Projections, funded by CDB, is being hosted by the Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the U.S Census Bureau, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The CDB project, of which the Workshop forms part, complements the work of the CARICOM Secretariat Regional Statistics Programme, which has made notable progress in adopting and implementing a Common Census Framework. This Framework is central to comparing Census results within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union.

“As we move towards the 2020 National Population and Housing Census round, CDB is committed to supporting this common regional approach, and to promoting more thorough use and analysis of Census data in evidence-based policymaking,” said Best.

The Workshop follows a similar regional capacity-building learning event held earlier this month in Jamaica, which provided technical training to participants from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Saint Kitts and Nevis to promote wider use and analysis of national Population and Housing Census data.

Pelau: the Caribbean’s best one-pot dish

A Trinidadian meal that will leave you wanting more

Deborah LB

A one pot Caribbean dish, Pelau is a true Trinidad dish. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Jamaican rice and peas and  a Guyanese cook-up rice, but no other island one pot dish can even come close to the Trinidadian Pelau. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy this dish, just omit the chicken, add some extra veggies and you’re good to go.

Ingredients

  • 2 – 2 ½ lbs. mixed chicken pieces or legs and thigh, cut up and rinse with lime juice
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • ¼ cup green seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 plum tomato, chopped
  • 1 medium size carrot, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced/chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced/chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, DE-stemmed or leave whole
  • 4 pimento flavoring peppers, chopped, optional
  • 2 cups frozen pigeon peas, boiled for 15 minutes
  • 2 cups parboiled long grain rice
  • 2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoon brown or white sugar
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 4 sprigs parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 2 packs chicken or vegetable bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon cooking margarine (golden ray) optional
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, optional

Instructions

Marinade chicken with green seasoning salt and black pepper for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. Then add onion, tomato, carrot, bell peppers, pimento peppers, celery and thyme to marinated chicken, and set aside.

To caramelize the sugar, heat a large pot on high heat, add oil and heat for about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, but do not stir! Allow the sugar to melt until it starts to get brown around the edges. Using your pot spoon, stir the sugar around, about 3 to 4 times until it starts to melt and become like liquid. It should start getting light brown in color and frothy in less than a minute. Stir the sugar again with your spoon, until it becomes darker in color. The entire browning process should take at least 2 to 3 minutes. Start adding the seasoned chicken a few pieces at a time, stir constantly to ensure all the pieces get coated evenly with the caramelized/burnt sugar. But do not add the seasonings from the bowl, as you will be using it shortly. After adding all the chicken pieces, cover the pot and allow to cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes

Open pot lid, turn up the heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir to allow the chicken to get a nice brown color. Now add any seasonings that was left over from the marinated chicken bowl. Add the drained cooked pigeon peas. Cover pot with lid for 5 more minutes.

While chicken is cooking, rinse rice in warm water about 3 to 4 times and drain. Add rice to pot and stir. Add golden ray butter if using, bouillon seasoning, ketchup, coconut milk. Add water and mix together. Cook on high uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the whole scotch bonnet pepper. Turn heat to very low, cover pot and simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning if you need too. After you turn the heat off, add the parsley and mix in with your pelau.

Deborah LB is the popular food blogger of simplycaribbean.net. Inspired by her Caribbean upbringing, Debra owns and operates a Caribbean Catering and Meal Delivery Service with her husband, Bryan.

 

Barbados-UWI Vice Chancellor calls for racial equality

Sir-Hilary-Beckles
Hilary Beckles.
University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, is calling for greater economic equality in the island, particularly the continued marginality of the nation’s black population.
“The Barbados society in its current structure is not sustainable,” noted the famed historian during his lecture on 1816 slavery rebellion by Barbados’ national hero, General Bussa. Beckles argued that the economic and social structure of Barbados still retains the plantation dynamics of white supremacy and black marginality. Sir Beckles has dedicated himself to this cause
“There is, in Barbados, a division of labor which says that
the black community will occupy and control the politics and the white elite will control the economy,” said Beckles. “All of us as citizens of Barbados have to examine this model and transform it. It can only be done if the economic democracy movement is revitalized and insisted upon because, in my judgment, the young people of this island deserve a more democratic society.”
He assumed the office of Vice Chancellor of UWI on May 1, 2015. Beckles, who also served as chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, also argued that reparatory justice is essential for redressing the historic equality.
Earlier this year, he spoke at Oxford University in England about Britain’s debt to the Caribbean and reparations that should be made. He presented a 10-point plan to deal wit the issue. During his speech, he argued that “It is a renewed call for development co-operation between Britain and the Caribbean. It’s about Britain making a long-overdue contribution to the economic development of the Caribbean.” During Oxford’s 2014/15 year, Beckles was a part of the launch of their racial awareness and equality campaign. This came at time when the students of Oxford were campaigning for a more diverse student body and staff, on both administrative and academic levels.

Finding Help, Finding Hope

Miami Gardens highlights Children’s Mental Health Awareness

The struggles a child with mental health issues face daily can become the struggles of his or her parents, caregivers, teachers, siblings, grandparents and friends. But there is hope – and help – for every child. That the goal for the Miami Gardens, has the city gets set to host  Finding Help Finding Hope fair, on Saturday, May 7th at the Youth & Family Center.

 In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the event seeks to provide information for Miami Gardens residents on all the available resources and support for childhood mental health. Federation of Families Miami-Dade Chapter and local partner organizations will provide information to families and youth on behavioral health, as well as provide free health screenings. Plus, there will be music and fun activities for the whole family.

The event will also be composed of booths from different agencies across Miami-Dade County, including: Switchboard of Miami, Catalyst Miami, North Dade Youth and Family Coalition, Fresh Start of Miami Dade, UF IFAS Extension, and Jessie Trice Community Health Center, Florida DMV Licensing On Wheels, Live Healthy Miami Gardens.

By providing open access to all the local organizations available for support, Finding Help, Find Hope also hope to break the silence surround mental health, particularly for children. National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.

For more information, call at (786) 802-3448 or send an email at info@fofmiami.org.

 

Lasco to increase exports to the Diaspora

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, April 27, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Jamaican Food Manufacturer LASCO Ltd. plans to expand its market among Diaspora communities in the U.S., says founder Lascelles Chin in a CNW90 interview. The company aims to increase exports to 8 percent of its production to 30 percent. The company also appointed two export directors to focus on the expansion.

South Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has co-sponsored a bill calling for closer U.S. Caribbean relations. The bill would require USAID to submit a long-term outreach strategy for the Caribbean and Diaspora communities in the US. Key priorities include energy stability, economic diversification and diplomacy.

Munro College and Hampton School Florida Alumni Chapter will be hosting their annual Sun and Fun celebrations this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. The Family fun day is set for Saturday, starting 12 pm at the CB Smith Park. On Sunday at 10 am, the Pembroke Pines Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church will also hold a commemoration service celebrating Munro College’s 160th anniversary.

In sports, young athletes from across the Caribbean are set to compete for the annual Penn Relays, starting tomorrow in Philadelphia. Athletes to watch include Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor, ranked 4th in the world in Under-20 400 meters, as well as Trini-American and former St. Thomas Aquinas sprinter, Khalifa St. Fort.

What trending:

His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie of Ethopia says he welcomes assistance from Jamaican educators in the development of his country’s school system. The prince recently went to Jamaica to speak at the Inaugural ‘Haile Selassie I’ Lecture held at the University of the West Indies.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 70. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 84 and a low of 70.

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.

Caribbean-American women pursue Florida House District 95 seat

(L) Roxanne Valies and (R) Anika Omphroy

Two Caribbean-American women are contending against each other and three other male candidates to succeed Hazelle Rogers as Florida State Representative for District 95 in Broward County. Roxanne Valies of Surinamese ancestry, and Anika Omphroy of Jamaican and Haitian ancestry, are contesting the seat with Barrington Russell, current Jamaican-born Lauderdale Lakes mayor, Haitian-American Patrick Jabouin, Sr., and Lauderhill Democrat Robert Lynch. The five candidates will compete in the Democratic primary elections next August.

District 95, with an estimated 150,000 Caribbean Americans in the cities of Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Margate, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise and Tamarac, will prove very competitive for any Caribbean-American candidate.

Valies who officially launched her campaign earlier this month, was born in New York, but has been a South Florida resident for nearly 30 years. She says her primary reason for her campaign is “to give back to a community and country that has given me and my family so much over the years.”

“For me this call to service is personal,” says Valies. “It’s not okay some of us are doing well. For me, it’s about everyone getting a fair shake at the American dream.”

A former president of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, Valies said if elected, one of her priorities will be to advocate for legislation supporting small businesses. “Florida’s small businesses are the state’s largest employer, but these businesses face major challenges,” says Valies. “The small business sector need more support from the state.”

She also wants to secure a path to higher education for district residents. “I’m very concerned that 55 percent of adults over age 25 have only high school diplomas. People without opportunity to improve their educational standard are handicapped in obtaining good paying jobs.”

Anika Omphroy, also born in New York, has been living in South Florida since age 10. Engaged in the local Diaspora community, Omphroy chairs the PR Committee for American Friends of Jamaica’s Jamaica Charity Gala and previously produced the Caribbean
Music Showcase on 1170 AM in 2005. As the niece of outgoing Rep. Hazelle Rogers, Omphroy believes the district needs another strong representative “committed to the economic cause of the district, not someone seeking election just to profile as state representative. I want to get down and dirty, tirelessly working for, and being the voice of, the district.”

As current secretary of the City of Lauderdale Lakes’ Economic Development Board and former member of the Human Rights Board of Broward County, Omphroy also believes economic growth is the overwhelming priority. She wants to secure more jobs, especially for the youth, and push the general business development of the district. She will officially launch her campaign on May 7.

With only Democrats seeking to succeed Rogers, the victorious candidate will be elected to the Florida House in next August’s primary election.

CORRECTED: Changes have been made to the web version of this story to update credentials and statements from candidate Anika Omphroy.

This Day in History

The first general election was held in British Guiana (Guyana)

On this day in Caribbean history April 27, 1953, the first general election was held in British Guyana. The election was won by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Its leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan became the Prime Minister. This election was historic in more ways than one, because in Guyana (formerly called British Guiana), it was the first time a general election was held under the universal suffrage. When one speaks of universal suffrage it is regarding the right to vote and it is not restricted by race, sex, belief, wealth, or social status. In the 1953 elections, PPP won 18 of the 24 seats which gave them control of the House of Assembly.

With the elections being held under the adult suffrage this opened the door for more people to cast their votes in this historic election. The universal suffrage now gave approximately over 150,000 residents to vote. Of that number that could now vote, it was estimated that a little over 40,000 of them were illiterate, and special arrangements had to be made to enable them to cast their vote.
While this election took place under the “first past the post” system (a system used to elect MP’s within the UK system of government) history was about to be made yet again. This election gave rise to other momentous events such as Janet Jagan wife of the newly elected PM, who would later become Guyana’s first female PM, Jane Philips-Gay and Jesse Burnham all becoming the first women to be ever elected to the Guyanese legislature. Cheddi Jagan served as PM from the May 30, 1953 to October 9, 1953 he only served as PM for 132 days.

Tri-rail extends to Downtown-Miami

For thousands of passengers who ride South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter rail system, recently announced extension of the system’s route to Downtown Miami is most welcomed. Tri-Rail officials confirmed a $20 million loan will be allocated to the extension. South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) executive director Jack Stephens said by the end of 2018, service to Downtown Miami should be operating.

Tri-Rail will also share a new Downtown Miami central station with All Aboard, a rail express service being developed between Orlando and Miami. The extended Tri-Rail line will be on the Florida East Coast Railway corridor, operating between Jupiter the north and Downtown Miami  in the south. The extended line is estimated to double Tri-Rail’s passenger ridership to 30,000 passengers daily.

The news is much welcomed for many commuters in Broward County. For Caribbean-American Audley Roams, who travels by train daily from Hollywood to his Biscayne Ave job in Downtown Miami, it has been frustrating be unable to use the railway to get to Downtown Miami. Instead, she has had to disembark at the Hialeah station and take Miami-Dade’s Metrorail into Miami.

“While there’s nothing we can do about this, sometimes there’re delays in exchanging trains, making us late for work,” said Roams.

Another Tri-Rail commuter, Cidnay Thomas, says she enjoys commuting on Tri-Rail, but doesn’t use the system regularly because of the inconvenience of changing trains.

“At the end of a long day, I hate to have to transfer trains,” said Thomas, who is a Miami banker. “So most days I drive to work.”

Since January 1989, Tri-Rail has been transporting passengers between Mongolia Park in Palm Beach County to Hialeah Gardens in Miami-Dade County.

According to spokesman Mike Lawson, in its initial years the system struggled to have a full passenger load. However, as gas prices have risen on average in the past few years, passengers have increasingly turned to Tri-Rail as a commute alternative, especially between Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale. Today, according to Laughton, the system transports over 15,000 passengers daily.

Jamaica relay vets seeks Olympic Gold

Micheal Frater (left) and Asafa Powell

Two-time Olympic sprint relay gold medalist Michael Frater said Team Jamaica is aiming to strike gold for a third time this year at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. The 33-year-old Olympic veteran ran on the team’s star-studded teams that swept gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Games, where the team set world records of 37.10s and 36.84s respectively.

“We’re looking to do the same thing we did at the last Olympics and the one before that,” said Frater. “We’ve been very dominant over the past 10 years and I doubt we have lost a relay other than the World Relays last year.”

The race may also be a poignant one for many of the athletes, as 2016 Olympics may be their last games, like 29-year-old world-record holder Usain Bolt and former world-record holder Asafa Powell, who is also 33.

“It’s the last go-around for most of us,” notes Frater. “and we’re looking to continue our winning trend and end on a high.”

Frater hopes their run is just the beginning of many more wins to come in the iconic event, with some many promising young athletes coming up the rank.

“Before us Jamaica was good, but not that good, other than Herb McKenley and Don Quarrie in the ’70s,” says Frater. “There is now a tradition of sprinting and the Boys’ Championships is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Track and field is our major sport, bigger than soccer, and that’s what most of us excel in.”

Awardees announced for CAC Broward Fèt Champèt

Division Director at the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Regine Kanzki

Five stalwarts and advocates of the South Florida Diaspora have been announced for this year’s Broward County Leadership Awards, hosted by the Community Access Center (CAC). The Haitian-American recipients will be honored in a special ceremony during the 2016 Broward Fèt Champèt, set for May 7 at the Miramar Multi-Service Complex, starting 7 p.m.

In its sixth year, the CAC community leadership awards seek to highlight public servants who have contributed to the welfare and progress of Broward County’s residents. This year’s honors go to the Senior Community Outreach Manager of the Children’s Service Council of Broward county, Arnold Jean-Baptiste, Division Director at the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Regine Kanzki, community outreach liaison for Broward Sheriff Office, Patrick Jabouin, community outreach manager for The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), Jasmine Jones-Cadet, and voter education specialist for Broward County’s Supervision of Elections, McEddy Masson.

The awards are just part of the night’s festivities, celebrating Haitian culture through music, dancing and cuisine. Barbara G. Seraphin will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies, while Newton Sanon, the CEO of OIC of South Florida, will be keynote speaker.

Committed to public service and outreach, the mission of the CAC is to assist individuals and families with access to culturally competent, cost effective social and clinical services to the local Diaspora community, to ensure that their needs are met and that their quality of life improves. The group also aims to provide a centralized location aligning partners and programs with individuals and families being served, securing the community’s access the public services and opportunities.

Jamerican filmmaker wins best documentary

Charles Mattocks

Tampa-based filmmaker and health advocate Charles Mattocks has won big for his latest documentary “Trial By Fire,” which won the “Best Documentary” award at the Charlotte Black Film Festival, held in North Carolina.

“Trial By Fire” is inspired by his mother Constance Marley (sister of legendary singer Bob Marley) and her struggle with the rare and painful nerve disease, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Over 200,000 people within the U.S. and another 100,000 worldwide live with this disease that causes excruciating pain all over the body, for which there is no identifiable cure. The documentary has been featured in film festivals around the U.S., most recently winning the “Best Director” and “Most Impactful Film” awards the Hollywood South Florida Film Festival last February.

Despite the recognition for his work, said Mattocks in a recent interview with National Weekly, he is most concerned about spreading awareness about the debilitating condition, which is still misunderstood, even by the medical community.

“The main purpose of the film is to draw attention, especially that of the medical fraternity, to the thousands suffering from this disease,” said Mattocks. “I am hoping by grasping the attention of the medical fraternity, a movement will be generated to advance treatment, and a possible cure for the disease.”

Mattocks is also coordinating a social media campaign to draw attention to CRPS victims. The Tampa resident is also an acclaimed dietician and cookbook author of “The Poor Chef.”

LASCO to increase exports to Diaspora

Lascelles Chin, founder of Jamaican food distribution company LASCO, says the company plans to soon actively expand its market to Diaspora communities.

“We have become so popular, because we have very good quality products of excellent taste at very affordable prices,” said Chin in an interview with National Weekly. “Jamaicans who live abroad are proud of Jamaica products, so when they see a good product they’ll buy it. As a result, LASCO is planning to increasing exports to the US, Canada and other overseas markets.”

LASCO is currently exporting about 8 percent of its products overseas, says Chin, but the company recently appointed two export directors to focus more on the export market, with a goal of increasing exports to 30 percent.
“We are laying the foundation for a massive export drive,” said Chin, thanks to the already strong demand within the Diaspora for LASCO products like LASCO Food Drinks, LASCO callaloo, ackee, and condiments. In addition, the company is poised to place a new line of products on the U.S. market, with Miami and New York as primary target regions.

The expansion comes as the company emerges from a challenging period of the Jamaica economy, where there were “extremely high interest rates and the frequent devaluation,” said Chin. “But the challenges made us really tough businessmen, and we huddled down, managed effectively and survived.”

He acknowledged now that the Jamaican economy has “much improved” with interest rate down to 9 percent, “although that is still high compared with the U.S.,” despite the persistent devaluation of the Jamaican dollar, Jamaican business owners are hardened and “are going to do much better.”

In addition to his company’s economic contribution, the Diaspora community honored Chin last Saturday for his philanthropic work at the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Gala held in Miami, where he received Peacock Award for International Achievement.

Having grown up as a poor child in Jamaica, Chin says he understands the plight of the disadvantaged, and finds it natural to give.

“Jamaicans are wonderful people who just need opportunity, and as my success keeps growing I believe it is right to help the less fortunate,” said Chin. “I don’t worship money, and after ploughing some of my company’s profits back into the business to grow it, I use the rest to help Jamaicans at home and overseas, who are in need.”

Boomers: 5 proven practices to win the race against aging

Naps, knitting and nuzzling with the grandchildren — the traditional image of retirement is being challenged by the more than 76 million baby boomers in the United States.

This vibrant generation wants to make the most out of their golden years, and while hobbies and time with grandkids are a priority, they want more. To do so, they know that a proactive approach to health and wellness is a must.

Matt Johnson, health and performance expert and president of On Target Living, admires the tenacity boomers and all seniors exhibit when it comes to maintaining their health and well-being. He suggests five incredibly simple, yet powerful ways to age healthfully, and keep those engines revving at peak performance, no matter how vintage the model.

1. Take advantage of pit stops 

“Lack of sleep is the fastest way to age the human body,” says Johnson. “Additionally, adequate sleep is extremely important for a healthy brain. Deep REM sleep allows the mind to rejuvenate. Memory, creativity and cognitive function get refreshed in this stage of sleep.”

He recommends three steps to achieve quality sleep. First, go to bed at the correct time to achieve eight hours of sleep. Second, unplug and avoid digital devices that put out stimulating blue light. Third, add the relaxing mineral magnesium to your routine by taking an Epsom salt bath or foot bath once a week.

2. Fuel your machine 

“I like to tell people to think of nutrition as fuel for the body; without the correct fuel, the engine and components can’t work correctly,” says Johnson. “The most critical nutrients that boomers don’t get enough of are supergreens and omega-3s. We know we all need to eat more green veggies, but did you know that up to 91 percent of the American population is deficient in omega-3s?”

He recommends every Boomer get 1,500 mg of EPA and DHA each day, such as 1 tablespoon of Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil Orange Flavor. It’s a high-quality fish oil that offers an easy, safe way to add omega-3s to the diet. As for supergreens, he recommends spirulina and chlorella (types of algae), and frozen wheatgrass.

3. Get an oil change

Some oils are considered healthy and others cause health problems. Johnson recommends:

Adding:

* Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for salad dressings, baking and low-
temperature sautéing

* Virgin coconut oil as a substitute for butter and baking oil

* Cod liver oil as a supplement to get omega-3s (not for cooking)

Removing:

* Vegetable oils like canola and soybean which are heavily processed and
often made with GMOs

4. Rev your engines daily

“The benefits of exercise are endless, but the underdog benefit is how it makes us feel and think,” says Johnson. “You should move your body if you want to stay sharp and happy.”

Find an exercise program you enjoy, he suggests. “Exercise is the fountain of youth, but you shouldn’t do something you don’t like. Make sure you move your body daily. If you are looking for suggestions, think about hiring a trainer to learn a set program. I think focusing on form and technique over intensity is the first step.”

5. Schedule regular maintenance checks

“Play offense instead of defense with your health,” says Johnson. “Modern medicine is better than ever at early detection and treatment.”

The key is to focus on prevention. “Use annual doctor visits to screen, ask questions and monitor your risk factors. Remember, you can only get good answers if you ask good questions,” he says.

Finally, Johnson reminds people that anti-aging doesn’t exist. “We are all aging — the key is to age well. This means to aspire to quality of life. We all have motivators in our life: kids, grandkids, spouses, careers, passions, etc. Without your health, none of these can be enjoyed to the fullest.”

Lennox Lewis rallies for Olympic hopeful

Lennox Lewis

Retired world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has come out in support for Jamaican Olympic boxing hopeful, Janathan Hanson’s fundraising campaign. Hanson has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise the US$4,000 need to cover his trip to the Final Olympic Trials in Baku, Azerbaijan, in June, to qualify for the year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An Olympic gold medalist and British athlete of Jamaica heritage himself, Lennox tweeted about Hanson’s campaign, and encouraged his followers to support him.

“Amateur boxer @MufasaHanson raising funds for #Rio2016 #Olympics. Pls support &share!” Lewis tweeted.

“I was amazed really,” Hanson said about the famed boxer’s public support. “He didn’t just press the retweet button, he actually put the story in his own words and shared it.”

Hanson is hoping Lewis’ appeal will help him achieve his goal. “The last time a Jamaican boxer made it to the Olympics was in 1996 and it’s been 20 years since!” said Hanson in the GoFundMe appeal. “However, I firmly believe I can change that. I’m a 4-time national champion, three-time Boxer of the Year and the current middleweight Caribbean champion with a record of 45-8. Also, with five Olympic qualifying spots open in my weight class, I’m assured, if not certain, I can qualify for the Olympics.”

Get healthy with seafood

Fish is the premiere natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are not naturally produced by the body and, therefore, must come from food.

If you’re an expecting or breastfeeding mom, it’s even more important to eat fish because it’s a vital staple for optimal brain and eye development in babies, as well as brain and heart health for moms. Eating two to three servings of fish each week has also been shown to have a positive effect on developing babies’ and children’s IQs. Unfortunately, many mothers avoid eating fish based on fears associated with misinformation.

“Years ago, there were concerns that trace amounts of mercury in fish could be harmful, but, actually, hundreds of peer-reviewed studies show the health benefits of eating fish are real and the powerful nutrients in fish outweigh any potential concerns,” says Jennifer McGuire, MS, RD. “In fact, at a time when people are told to limit many foods, including popular proteins, seafood is among the handful of foods Americans are encouraged to eat more of for their health. Seafood is a satisfying and affordable source of protein that is easy to incorporate into meals twice a week.”

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating patterns should include at least 8 ounces – or two servings – per week of a variety of seafood because it is an important part of eating patterns that contribute to a healthy heart and weight. Seafood also provides powerful nutrients including brain-building omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron and selenium. In addition, eating seafood during pregnancy contributes to better health for babies.

Currently, the average American eats about half of the recommended amount of seafood, and the average mom-to-be eats less than a quarter of the recommended amount each week. If you’re not eating as much fish as you should, don’t worry – making a shift to add more seafood to your diet is easier than you think. Just substitute fish for meat, such as in a taco, or add it to a pasta dish. Fish can be the main course of a quick weeknight dinner, a pack-ahead lunch or even a weekend brunch. Fish is so versatile, you can easily add it to pasta, rice, tacos or a scrumptious salad, like this easy-to-make farro, tuna and fennel salad with crumbled feta.

Farro, Tuna and Fennel Salad with Crumbled Feta

Ingredients

1/2 cup farro, uncooked

1 (5-oz.) can tuna, drained

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 large bulb fennel, cut in half, cored and sliced very thin

2 generous handfuls baby arugula

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1/2 lemon

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook farro according to package directions. Drain well if any cooking water remains.

2. Transfer farro to a large bowl. Add tuna (flake with a fork), chickpeas, fennel, arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin and salt. Toss well.

3. Spoon into a shallow serving bowl or small platter and sprinkle feta over the top.

Lord Tanamo from the Skatalites dies at 82

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, April 26, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Alleged Ponzi Schemer Mark Jones has not affected funds for the American Friends of Jamaica, says President Wendy Hart. In an upcoming interview with National Weekly, Hart said that Jones, who previously served as a board member, had only limited signing authority over the charity’s finances. Jones was arrested in Miami last month for operating a $10 million Ponzi scheme.

The reward for information on the fatal shooting of Jamaican-American Miami-Dade Corrections Officer, Daveon Hall, has increased to $10,000. Contributions have been made by the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association, Crime Stoppers and Miami-Dade County mayor’s office. Hall was discovered dead in his apartment at Arium Resort in Pembroke Pines last January.

Celebrating Guyana’s 50 years of independence, the South Florida Guyanese Association will be hosting their annual Independence Gala, starting 7 p.m. at the Signature Grand in Fort Lauderdale. Special guest, Guyana’s Minister of State Joseph Harmon, will be in attendance to give the keynote address.

In sports, Trinidadian Machel Cedenio ran the third fastest time of the year in the 400 meters at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitation, at the University of Florida. The 2014 World Junior Champion posted a time of 44.79 seconds. The 44.79 scorcher was the fifth fastest time of the 20-year-old’s career.

What trending:

Former member of the legendary Skatalites, Lord Tanamo, has passed away at 82 in Toronto, Canada. The singer and percussionist performed on songs such as “Come Down” and “I’m in the Mood for Ska.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 82 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 82 and a low of 69.

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.

Take Charge America offers tips for safeguarding finances online

The past few years have seen a huge surge in data breaches and identity theft. In addition to major breaches of high-profile corporations, a study from Javelin Strategy & Research reported that a new case of identity fraud occurred every two seconds in the United States last year.

Milke Sullivan, a spokesperson with Take Charge America offers the following tips to help consumers ensure their financial safety online:

  • Keep personal information personal: Don’t give out your Social Security number or financial account details to an organization you don’t trust – and never to someone who calls or emails you to verify your personal information. Financial institutions don’t solicit this information in an unsecured manner.
  • Safeguard your computer. Install a personal firewall and an up-to-date software security package.
  • Don’t click on links from unknown sources. Clicking on a suspicious link in a text or email may install malware on your device, giving thieves access to sensitive information stored there.
  • Be careful where you log on. Don’t access financial accounts or shop online when using unsecured Wi-Fi. A secure website will start with “https://” instead of “http://,” and your status bar will show a padlock or key icon. When you’re done, log out completely.
  • Don’t be too social. Be careful about what you post on your social networks to protect yourself from “doxing,” a tactic hackers use to gather personal information from a variety of Internet sources in order to hijack identities.
  • Be smart with your smart phone. Protect it with a passcode that’s difficult to guess. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, wipe your old device before turning it in or selling it to someone else.
  • Take advantage of alerts. Opt-in to text or email alerts when your bank account reaches a minimum balance, purchases exceed a predetermined limit, or your card is used in an unusual locale.
  • Get a free credit report. Review your report each year at annualcreditreport.com to ensure your credit history is accurate.
  • Report fraud immediately. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT.

This Day in History

Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Jamaica in 2002

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Jamaica

On this day in Caribbean history April 26, 1975, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stayed at King’s House, Jamaica, to attend the third Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference.

The Common Wealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) is a conference that takes place every two years to discuss issues affecting the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations. This meeting takes place in a different member state and is chaired by that nation’s Prime Minister or President.

The third meeting of the CHOGM in 1975 was held in Kingston, Jamaica from April 29, 1975, to May 6, 1975. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came early before the scheduled event to spend time on the island. During her stay on the island, Sir. Florizel Augustus Glasspole, O.N., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., C.D. was Governor General of Jamaica and Michael Manley was Prime Minister. The visit by the queen during the third CHOGM is said to be one of Glasspole’s highest points in his occupancy at Kings House. During the third CHOGM, items discussed were: nuclear disbarment, the situation in Rhodesia, South Africa, and the decolonization of Southern Africa among other regional issues.

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