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Jack Radics and more set to perform at Mother’s Day Show at LPAC

Jack Radics

Platinum selling Jamaican recording artist Jack Radics will lead an all star lineup from across the Caribbean for A Caribbean Style Mother’s Day Show, to be held at the newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (Lauderhill PAC) on Saturday May 7 beginning at 8pm.

The production will be dedicated to mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8 and will mark Radics’ first performance in Florida in over twenty years.

R and B Singer and actor Christopher Williams, award winning actor and playwright David Heron, the internationally acclaimed Blak Diamond Band and the South Florida based musical duo, Sons of Mystro complete the lineup for the eagerly anticipated event.

According to Michelle Knight Stanley, CEO of Radics’ Sound Faculty label and Producer of the show, A Caribbean Style Mothers Day will be an event to remember.

“This will be much more than just a music concert. This carefully chosen lineup of artists spanning the worlds of music, theater, film and television guarantees that the production will transcend the music art form… I can say with certainty it will be a unique evening to cherish for moms and the entire family.”

Christopher Williams rose to prominence in the early 1990s with a series of hit singles. His latest album, Simply Christopher was released to strong reviews last fall. As an actor, his credits include films such as New Jack City and Gunmen and he also appeared on the 2014 season of the popular reality series, Real Housewives of Atlanta.

The Jamaican born David Heron will serve as host for the production.  He has penned the award winning plays Ecstasy, Intermission, Against His Will and Love and Marriage and New York City. His acting career includes Off Broadway and regional appearances in many diverse productions, including his recent performance in the world premiere production of Marley-The Musical at Baltimore Centerstage.

The popular Blak Diamond band is spearheaded by renowned bass player Ryan Wilson and includes accomplished musicians from across the Caribbean, while the performing duo Sons of Mystro are siblings who have been hailed as “violin virtuosos” since emerging on the South Florida music scene in 2010.

Part proceeds from A Caribbean Style Mother’s Day  will be  donated to Young People Matter (YPM), an organization that provides assistance to young people and families in need.

Tickets for the show are available at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Cente or online at www.lpacfl.com. For more information call 954 -777-2055.

6 sides you never knew you could grill

What image does the word “grilling” bring to mind? Do you envision thick, juicy burgers or steaks? What about sauce-slathered chicken breasts sizzling over coals? Cooking out is one of the great joys of warm weather, but if you leave side dishes out of your grilling plans – or stick with cold sides like salads – you’re missing out on some great flavors.

Side dishes give you a chance to really show off your grilling chops, savor the farm fresh flavors of summer harvests, and indulge in wholesome, organic fare. Here are six summer side dishes that go great on the grill:

1. Corn on the cob – If you’ve always wanted to try grilling vegetables but weren’t sure which of your favorites would go well on the grill – take heart! Virtually any veggie can be prepared on a grill, but corn becomes a show-stopper when grilled. Remove the husks and silk and toss the cobs right on a preheated grill. Watch them careful and keep turning them to ensure they brown but don’t burn. The heat from the grill causes the natural sugars in the corn to carmelize, and you’ll end up with the sweetest sweet corn you ever tasted!

2. Fries – A trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market for fresh produce may not fit in your schedule if you’re grilling on the fly. There’s good news – frozen options like Alexia Organic Oven Crinkles with Sea Salt deliver farm to flavor taste when prepared on the grill or in the oven. Made from Pacific Northwest russet potatoes, Alexia’s organic fries are sprinkled with bright sea salt to bring out even more of the rich flavor that Mother Nature delivered. Make a tray out of aluminum foil, spread the Oven Crinkles in a single layer, and grill for about 20-25 minutes at 400-450 degrees F. Turn once or twice during the cooking process.

3. Tomatoes – If you’ve only grilled small tomatoes on a kabob, or never tried grilled tomatoes at all, this is your summer to discover grilling tomatoes couldn’t be easier. Start with large, meaty tomatoes – a variety that’s dense and has fewer seeds works best. Slice in half, brush with your favorite seasoned oil and place the halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. Top with your favorite cheese when done.

4. Kale – Grilling greens like kale helps all those wonderful nutrients and flavor stay in the vegetable and don’t disappear into the cooking water – which is what can happen when you boil veggies on the stovetop. Grilling kale couldn’t be easier. You can adapt virtually any of your favorite kale recipes to grilling by tossing the kale with the recipe seasonings and some oil. Arrange the seasoned leaves in a single layer on the grill and they’ll cook to crispy splendor in just minutes.

5. Cheese – A slice of gooey melted cheese is the crowning glory atop your grilled burger, but cheese can also handle the grill on its own, and be a delicious, different side dish or appetizer. Many cheeses will work on the grill, and you can find recommendations for the best cheeses to cook on the grill with a simple online search. Slice your chosen cheese in thick pieces. Most grilling cheeses will need minimal seasoning and little or no oil. Generally, cheese takes just a minute or two to brown each side and allow the inside to melt.

6. Dinner rolls – Craving dinner rolls to go with that thick juicy steak, but in no mood to fire up the oven when it’s 90 degrees outside? You can make frozen dinner rolls on the grill. Choose your favorite variety, such as Alexia Artisan French Rolls or Artisan Focaccia Rolls, set your gas grill to the temperature recommended on the package’s directions, wrap the rolls in foil and place directly on the grill. Keep an eye on the rolls to ensure they don’t burn as they can cook quickly on a grill.

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Jamaican Jephtah Thomas receives civil citation for bravery

Jephtah Thomas (2nd right) after receiving his civil citation

Jamaican-born Plantation resident, Jephtah Thomas, has received a civilian citation from the Plantation Fire Department for his act of bravery rescuing a father and daughter last month from a car crash.

Driving from his home in Plantation to his job as a facility engineer at the Lifetime Athletic Club in Boca Raton, Thomas rescued Teophil Omegat and his daughter Vasthie when their car crashed and sank into the Sunrise Blvd canal on the morning of March 11.

As the husband and father of two reached near the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Northwest 46th Avenue, he heard a loud splash, and saw an object sail across his windshield. Stopping to take stock of his surroundings, he noticed a Toyota Odyssey van had run off the road and submerged in the canal adjacent with Sunrise Boulevard.

“I immediately called 911,” Thomas told National Weekly. “Then without a second thought I jumped into the canal to try and save whoever was in that vehicle.”

Reaching the vehicle, he saw Haitian-American Teophil Omigat, 40, in the back seat trying to open the windows to get his ten-year-old daughter Vasthie out. “Seeing this, I knew I had to save them,” said Thomas. “As if a miracle, I managed to place my fingers in a slight space between the door frame and window, broke it and helped Omigat and Vasthie out.”

Thomas recalls after the Omigats emerged from the car, he was “so overwhelmed with emotion, I cried as it could have been my wife and sons in a similar circumstance. I would want someone to stop and save them.” With his help, the pair were able to escape with minor injuries, soon treated and released from Plantation General Hospital.

Though hailed as a hero by both media and the public, Thomas said being a hero was “the last thing I thought about. It was a natural instinct to try to save those people. I had no fear, as I am a good swimmer, plus I was able to stand in a shallow part of the canal trying to open the van’s window.”

Despite his unwillingness for the spotlight, his heroic antics has made him an admired member of the Caribbean community here in South Florida, where he first moved to from New York in 2011 to join his mother. In 2014, he married his wife, Paula. Describing himself as a “God fearing man, but not an ardent church-goer,” Thomas, a Seven-Day Adventist, believes saving Omigat and his daughter “was sheer divine intervention. I was sent there at the right time to save those people.”

After the crash, Thomas recently spoke again with Omigat and Vasthie, who celebrated her 10th birthday on March 18. “I wished her happy birthday and many more years, and she was so very grateful to me for helping her and her father.”

This Day in History

Darren Powell

Cricketer Darren Powell was born

On this day in Caribbean history April 15, 1978, former West Indian cricketer, Darren Brent Lyle Powell was born.

Powell, who started playing cricket at the age of 9, was a right arm fast medium bowler and a right-hand batsman and has played for the West Indies, Gauteng, Hampshire, Jamaica, Lancashire, Lancashire 2nd XI, and Stanford Superstars.

On 21 June 2002, Powell made his international debut with the West Indies. He took three wickets in the Test match against New Zealand while conceding 102 runs.

His last match with the West Indies was in March 2009 versus England in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Powell was selected for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, after taking nine wickets at 27.55 in the West Indies’ One Day International series against India in 2006/07.

While much is not known about Powell, his records speak volume of his accomplishment and thus he was once a part of one best Cricket teams in the world.

His cricket career spanned from 2002 to 2009.

TalkUp: Can you forgive infidelity?

Jamaican Jephtah Thomas receives civil citation for bravery

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

Jamaican-born Plantation resident, Jephtah Thomas, has received a civilian citation from the Plantation Fire Department for his act of bravery rescuing a father and daughter last month from a car crash. Thomas rescued Teophil Omegat and his daughter Vasthie when their car crashed and sank into the Sunrise Blvd canal.

Nurse aides and other home care workers across South Florida gathered last night in Hollywood to protest for better wages. The group, organized by Service Employees International Union, is calling on national nursing home provider, Consulate Health Care, to pay workers a minimum of $15 per hour. Florida’s current minimum wage is $8.05 an hour.

In honor of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Broward County will be hosting their annual Broward AWARE! Family run and Resource Fair tomorrow, starting 11 am at Rev. Samuel Delevoe Park. The free event will include family fun activities, as well mini-workshops on keeping children safe, from safe sleep practices to drowning prevention.

In sports, Caribbean Football Union General Secretary, Gordon Derrick, has been disqualified by FIFA from running for CONCACAF president, after failing an integrity check. FIFA officials did not release specific details on why the Antiguan soccer administrator was barred, due to “privacy reasons.” Now Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani and Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden are the only remaining candidates.

What’s trending:

Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen called for “partnership for prosperity” between the ruling Jamaica Labor Party and the People’s National Party. The Governor General was delivering his traditional throne speech at the official opening of parliament yesterday at Gordon House in Kingston.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 70. For Miami-Dade, isolated thunderstorms with a high of 85 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.

Florida gears up for Zika

As the Sunshine state leads the nation in the number of newly confirmed Zika virus infections, Florida will likely become a major focus for a new White House proposal to provide $510 million in the fight against the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to higher birth defects.

As of April12, the state has 85 cases, with the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties) reporting 50 infections in total, making the region ground zero for the virus in the U.S. The CDC and the White House is urging Congress to approve more funding for vaccines, treatment, and mosquito control.

Meanwhile, local initiatives to control the Aedes-aegypti mosquito have increased through spraying and other methods in South Florida cities.

“These mosquitoes breed easily, even in a small tin of water,” said Kevin Simpson, a Barbados-born Miami public health inspector. “Aedes-aeypti mosquitoes have caused the spread of diseases like dengue fever in South Florida, so every caution must be taken by residents to prevent mosquitoes breeding in their yards, especially when it rains.”

As Southwest Miami and Caribbean-American doctor Olive Chung-James, told National Weekly, “It takes only one mosquito and draw blood from a patient infected with the Zika virus to spread the disease to others.”

But Simpson says he’s “confident mosquito control will be a top priority of the region’s public health departments, especially as the rainy season and very hot weather approaches.”

Success however, says Simpson, requires more public vigilance. “Mosquitoes are very stubborn and dangerous pests in South Florida, but surprisingly large numbers of residents aren’t aware of this danger,” says Simpson. “Residents are urged to be educated about this species of mosquitoes.”

Simpson said it’s important for residents to know Aedes-aegypti mosquitoes are “aggressive daytime biters, not at dusk and at night as some people assume. These mosquitoes also love indoors, and will settle in homes where windows and door are left open, have no mesh screens, and no air conditioning to keep them cool. These mosquitoes only feed on humans, so residents must take every effort to clear their yards of standing water, and prevent being bitten if they notice a flare up of mosquitoes around their homes.”

The CDC wants travelers returning to South Florida and other regions in the U.S. to take extra steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, so the insects won’t spread the virus. The agency indicated it expects some clusters of homegrown Zika in mosquito-prone regions like Florida, but is working these regions, states and local governments, to boost mosquito control.

US Government issues CIP warning

Cautions countries with CIP

The United States Government has warned regional countries that are offering the citizenship by investment programme (CIP), to refrain from issuing  “unless the issuing government is confident beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual is a bona fide applicant”.

 

In a statement issued Wednesday, the US Embassy in Barbados said while it does not approve or disapprove individual aspects of the CIP, the participating countries must ensure that the identity of individuals is fully validated and that the applicant lacks ties to transnational criminal or terrorist organisations.

The  US also noted that it understands the potential economic benefits from utilizing a citizenship by investment programme and that it is the sovereign right of all countries to choose whether or not to engage in such a programme.

“While the United States Government is willing to consult with governments on their citizenship investment programmes, the ultimate decisions to offer and how to operate such a programme, including the issuance of citizenship and related identifying documents, such as passports to applicants,  lie with each individual government and not with the United States,” the statement added.

Caribbean countries that have implemented CIP are Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts Nevis and Dominica.

St. Lucia has indicated that it will be implementing the programme shortly.

Under the CIP, foreign investors are given citizenship once they make a significant investment in the socio-economic development of the country. 

CARICOM Secretary General to meet with Jamaican gov’t officials

CARICOM Irwin LaRocque says Caribbean should have one Candidate for Commonweath Secretary General
Former Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque

Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque is scheduled to travel to Jamaica next week to meet with government officials for talks on a range of issues.

Foreign Affairs minister Kamina Johnson Smith made the announcement on Wednesday during a post Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

One top on the agenda will be the cases involving the refusal of entry of Jamaican nationals to Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, is scheduled to travel to Jamaica “The trip by the Secretary-General coincides with these issues. It is not in respect of them but it will be a matter on the agenda for discussion,” Johnson Smith said.

She informed that she has met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Dennis Moses, to have the issues resolved.

“We’re anxious for the address of these issues that plague relations between Jamaica and Trinidad,” she told reporters.

The Foreign Affairs minister again urged Jamaicans, who have been refused entry into certain Caribbean nations or who have been mistreated, to lodge a formal complaint at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

“Make a formal report either at the Ministry or at the airport when you are landed. It is important that you give us the information that will help us to represent your interest and that will address the broader issue,” she said.

In recent weeks Jamaica has been probing reports of some Jamaicans being denied entry into the twin island republic.

Stemming from the increase in the number of Jamaicans being barred from the CARICOM member state, the President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) , William Mahfood, has called on Jamaicans to boycott products from Trinidad and Tobago  until obligations under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy are honoured.

JAMPRO defends reputation

Nothing to do with investment scams, says agency

Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has long been marketed to the Diaspora as a vital resource for doing business with Jamaica, whether organizing exports/imports or exploring investment opportunities in the island. The government agency, however, is wading in hot water of late, after they were connected to the recent ponzi “bridge loan” scheme orchestrated by affiliated investor Mark Jones – who was arrested in Miami last month by U.S. federal authorities.

In a public statement however, JAMPRO denied any collusion with the investor who they had once endorsed and celebrated as a successful Diaspora investment story.

“Allegations that JAMPRO has any direct involvement in fraudulent investment ‘Ponzi’ or ‘bridge loan’ schemes are totally unfounded, detrimental to our good reputation, and must be retracted,” said JAMPRO’s President Diane Edwards in a released press statement.

The statement was in response to a recent report from Caribbean News Now, “JAMPRO or SCAMPRO? The politics of investment funding in Jamaica,” which implied that there may have been more to the JAMPRO/Mark Jones relationship besides an embarrassing connection. The report questions whether JAMPRO was “merely a government-regulated investment facilitator or was it a mechanism for misappropriation of investment funds?”

“Given the agency’s claimed peripheral role in the Jones Ponzi scheme, the current portfolio minister, Karl Samuda…may be asked to explain whether in this instance transparency and accountability may have been replaced by expediency,” said Claudette de la Haye in the Caribbean News Now article. No actually evidence, however, was given in the report to substantiate these suggestions of collusion.

According to U.S. federal charges, Jones has collected US$10 million from American investors to fund “bridge loans” to Jamaican companies looking for extra cash until lucrative bank loans were finalized. Reportedly, $485,000 of the funds went to Plantation, South Florida-based company, Global Gateway Solutions Inc.: a Jamaican-American tech support company, which he co-owned with Jamaican-born tech entrepreneur, Jacqueline Sutherland. (Though just last May, Jones stepped down from the company.)

Their collaboration was supported and endorsed by JAMPRO, who promoted Global Gateway Solutions Inc. as a success story through their website. But Edwards denied any allusions to JAMPRO collaborating with the illegal schemes, reinforcing JAMPRO’s public service goals.

“Our systems and operations are transparent,” said Edwards. “All services to the investor are free. We do not accept cash, checks or bank transfers for any investment that comes into Jamaica. Neither do we manage investment funds, interfere with or benefit from any investment funds that come into the country.”

Edwards, however, did acknowledge the fundamental flaw in JAMPRO’s efforts in finding and supporting legitimate investors, particularly in light of the recent leak of the “Panama Papers,” which documented efforts by the world’s wealthy to dodge governmental access to their financial information.

“We find published information on each investor,” noted Edwards. “Privately held companies with unpublished information cannot be traced and this is part of the challenge. So we can do due diligence on people’s existing holdings which are public, but we cannot find hidden information and we cannot guarantee what people will do.”

“Shacking up” in Florida now legal

Law reflects changing ideals among Caribbean-American community

Governor Rick Scott has recently signed a bill repealing a Florida law making it illegal for couples to live together without being married. The former law has existed since 1868, but not many South Floridians, especially Caribbean Americans, were even aware of this law. In a recent CNW survey, 95 percent of Caribbean Americans admitted to not knowing it was illegal to live together out of marriage or “shacking up.”

The repeal reflects changing norms in society, as rates unmarried couples living together increased. A 2014 study by the National Center for Health Statistics found more than half of women between ages 15 to 44 years cohabited with their male partners.

“Rapid change in social and religious views has reflected on how people view marriage,” says Miami sociologist Nina Fallon. “More people, especially under [age] 35 are more pragmatic about their cohabitation than, say, before the 1960s. More young people rather live together to see if the relationship woks, rather than marrying and risk early divorce.”

Coinciding with the National Health Center 2014 report, National Weekly found over 50 percent of Caribbean-American men and women said they were living together or in “trial marriages” with their significant others.

“I really don’t see the need to rush into marriage at age 25,” says Noreen, a Kendall nurse who has been living with her 31-year old accountant boyfriend for the past three years. Expecting their first child in August, she says “You don’t even need to be married to have a baby.”

Incidences of couples living together out of wedlock were less prevalent with people over 40, and contradict views expressed by younger Caribbean-Americans. Martin, a 43-year old banker of Miramar who recently married his “significant other” of 12 years, said “We were living together all these years, acquired a lot, have two children and are now born-again Christians. It’s important to live right and marry.” Martin’s wife Amanda said in her youth she had no moral problems living out of wedlock, but now “[I] think it’s a bad example for the kids as they grow older.”

Pastor Mary Levitt of a Riviera Beach Pentecostal church says while her church “refuses to turn away anyone in search of salvation,” it does not condone people living together out of wedlock. The pastor says that while she understands “the world’s value system has changed, the Bible speaks strongly against fornication. Cohabiting involves sexual activities, and that’s fornication. To avoid fornication, we preach and encourage people to marry.”

Miami legal aid attorney Gillian Nevers says although the old law was outdated, (a law which “technically” was a second-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine) she urges couples who live together to “know their responsibilities.” Nevers says she has dealt with several cases where people who were in unmarried relationships, “agonized about ownership of property they acquired during the relationship.”

She said some people assume Florida’s joint-tenant laws automatically affect unmarried couples, but they do not.

“Unmarried couples should make sure before they buy a house or other assets that they take legal steps to decide on the ownership of these assets, in case the relationship ends, or a partner dies,” says Nevers. “This is an extremely responsible action, because unlike marriage, which by law apportions property, this doesn’t relate in unmarried relationships.”

National Weekly April 14, 2016

Lauderhill T20: Victory for T&T, Jamaica edge Pakistan by 2 runs

Team Trinidad and Tobago enjoyed a confident victory against India by 51 runs in the Lauderhill T20 International Cricket tournament last weekend. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Trinidad and Tobago piled up 117 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs after a solid 61 runs opening partnership between National USA player Timothy Surajbally (33) and Neil Mungal (21).

Tariq Hosein continued the onslaught against the Indian bowlers, smashing 42 not out from 26 deliveries, featuring one four and three sixes, while Ken Singh blasted a cameo 38 and Zeko Burgess 19. Bowling for India, Khajapeer Mulla bagged 2 for 33, Prashanth Shetty 1 for 18 and Srinivas Nandina 1 for 34. In reply, the Indian batsmen were restricted to 126, with Sreeram Nimmala the only batsman showing any resistance with 32 runs, including one four and three sixes. Other contributions came from Khajapeer Mulla 17, Renjith Chandran 15 not out, Justin Holder 14 and Sarosh Siddiqui 13. Bowling for Trinidad and Tobago, Adam Khan grabbed 2 for 12 and Parvish Deonarinesingh 2 for 15, while veteran all-rounder Ken Singh further sank the Indian batsmen with 2 for 22 and Zeko Burgess 2 for 22.

For defending champions Jamaica registered their first victory in a nail-biting thriller against Pakistan at the Lauderhill Sports Park in game 11 of the 2016 City of Lauderhill T20 Cricket Tournament. Electing to take first strike after winning the toss, Jamaica got off to miserable start with four runs from one wicket, but a partnership between the reliable Ken Wright and Nicholas Mitto renewed hope. Wright caught fire to the delight of spectators, slamming 59, including four fours and six sixes, while Mitto chipped in with 35.

Bowling for Pakistan, Zeshawn Qureshi sniffed 3 for 26, Matasfa Dewan 2 for 18, Syed Hassan 1 for 19 and Rajesh Shrema 1 for 42. Chasing a victory target of 162, the Pakistani top three batsmen faltered against the Jamaican’s opening attack of Herlando Johnson and Elvis Watson. Reeling at 3 for 3, Samish Sadiq and Y. Tajpar shared 130 runs to rebuild the Pakistani’ innings. Sadiq blasted 69, including six fours and three sixes, while Tajpar smashed 56, highlighted by five fours. Pakistan needed 10 runs from the last over to secure a place into the semi-finals, but Keyoine Gayle restricted the Pakistani batsmen to 7 runs and handed Jamaica its first victory of the tournament. Bowling for Jamaica, Johnson snared 3 for 31, Elvis Watson 2 for 25, Glen Anglin 1 for 14 and Gayle 1 for 32.

The tournament continues on Saturday, April 16, at Lauderhill Sports Park, starting at 5 p.m. with India v. Pakistan, followed by Guyana v. Combined Islands at 8 p.m.

Adidas criticized for alleged racist portrayal of Dwayne Bravo

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, April 14, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

Jamaican inventor Jovan Evans is gearing up for a second round of donations of his Pump-n-Spray to the Flint Michigan water crisis. In collaboration with charity Servants Without Borders, Flint residents will get a pump that transforms a 4 or 5-gallon bottle of water into a portable shower. The city’s entire water supply has been contaminated with lead, leading to severe health issues among many residents.

A new Consumer Report says Florida hospitals have the second highest average Caesarean delivery for first time moms in the country. South Florida hospitals lead the pack in highest rates, with Hialeah Hospital at 68 percent of low-risk births delivered by c-section. Health advocates say the procedure can create unnecessary hazards and expenses for low-risk pregnancies.

The City of Lauderhill gears up to celebrate their annual free Jammin’ in the Park & Art fest, set for this Saturday, starting 4 p.m. at Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens. This year’s music line up will include the Old Skool Gang, Club Nouveau, and Heat Wave. There will also be an art fair by the Lauderhill Performance Art Center, highlighting local artists.

In sports, athletic brand Adidas is apologizing for a caricature of cricketer Dwayne Bravo that they posted on the brand’s twitter account, which fans criticized for its racist portrayal. Adidas removed the tweet and apologized, clarifying that they only intended to celebrate the Trinidadian-born all-rounder. The post was celebrating Bravo’s recent historic 300th T20 wicket.

What’s trending:

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has added St. Lucia to its travel advisory notice related to the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Travelers are advised to practice enhance precautions to prevent mosquito bites when traveling to the listed nations. Several other Caribbean islands are on the list, including Barbados, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 84 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.

Bringing “Freedom & Fyah”

VP artist celebrates roots reggae revival

Reggae music is no longer confined by race, skin colour or nationality. It always did have a global message, but the culture that it represents has now extended way beyond Jamaica and the Caribbean. Perhaps no one embodies this new international spirit of reggae than VP Records artist, Alborosie. The Sicilian born artist, who has spent over a decade living in Jamaica, delivers revolutionary songs with deep, heavy roots rhythms in his latest album “Freedom & Fyah.” The artist will be taking these real roots rhythms to the Sunshine State next week, as a special guest DJ at DUBWISE MIAMI at Coyo Taco in WynWood on April 20.

The new album, says Alborosie, has “a very strong dub influence, and with signs of dubstep and electronic music in some of the tracks.” Lyrically, he covers the familiar topics of the genre, including love, revenge and – most potently of all – politics and social commentary. Freedom & Fyah delivers uncompromising Rasta lyrics, on blazing roots tunes “Can’t Cool,” “Judgement” and “Cry,” which derides the gunmen who have turned Kingston’s inner city communities into killing fields. Alborosie also brought major performers to do guest features on the album, including Jamaican reggae star Protoje on “Strolling” and Ky-Mani Marley on the love song “Life To Me.” The album also introduces rising artists like Sandy Smith on “Carry On” and Sugus (former back up vocalist for Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs) on “Zion Youth” and the Reggae/EDM-influenced weed anthem “Fly 420” – which will be released 15 April 2016 as the first track on upcoming EP “Reggae Dubs & Dabs.”

In many ways, the album and its collaborations are an ode to the Roots Revival happening now on the music scene, for which Alborosie says he happily witnessed and fought for, along Roots Revival stars like Protoje and Ky-mani Marley. When Bashment dominated the charts as he began developing his own sound, local producers insisted that his authentic style of reggae music was just for Europeans,” recalls Alborosie. “’Jamaican people finished with that long time,’ they said, only to see the likes of Chronixx and Protoje change things round, and for roots music to become popular again. I’ve known Protoje from before he became famous but all the people I work with are brethren, and there’s always a special relationship between us. That’s how it is with Ky-mani Marley too, who’s a very crucial ingredient in my recipe. He came to Gee Jam studio when I worked there and we hit it off straightaway. It was just natural between us, y ‘know? He’s a son of the music and I have music in me too, so it was easy for us to do some collaborations.”

Barbados PM not bothered by pending no-confidence motion

Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Freundel Stuart

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says he is not worried at plans by the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to file a motion of no confidence in his Administration.

“This is the third no-confidence motion that is being brought by the leader of the Opposition since the DLP (Democratic Labour Party) came into office. The first was brought against the late David Thompson, one was brought against Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler and this is the third one now,” he told supporters over the weekend.

Last Friday, BLP leader Mia Mottley told a news conference that over the past 13 weeks, Barbados has been on auto-pilot “lurching from crisis to crisis”.

“We cannot have a government by stealth, a government by rumour and a government by anonymity,” BLP and Opposition Leader Mottley said, adding that this all adds up to “no government at all”.

She told reporters that there was a “culture of silence” within the government “which is unacceptable given the dire state of affairs in the country today”.“This motion of no confidence is not about having the parliamentary majority, because we clearly do not have the parliamentary majority, but it is about bringing the facts to the people of the country because Barbadians deserve the right to be able to determine their future and their destiny,” she added.

But Prime Minister Stuart, addressing the monthly meeting of the St Michael South Branch of the DLP, said the motion of no confidence had more to do with Mottley’s fear of the outcome of the BLP’s elections for a new executive of the party in October.

“There is a corps of people in the parliamentary group of the BLP committed to having Mottley removed as leader. Now that is not any secret, that is very well known. They do not hide their mouths and, as a result of that, the people who advise her, have decided that the best way to deal with that threat is to try and get rid of all the people in the parliamentary group who do not support her.

“They have reasoned that if they bring a no confidence motion — even though you do not support her because it is a parliamentary debate that would have been inspired by the opposition — even those persons who do not support her would be forced to line up behind her and vote on the no confidence motion,” Stuart added.

In the 2013 general election, the ruling DLP won 16 of the 30 seats in the parliament.

Get creative in the kitchen with squash

Finally, detox foods can be delicious as they are nutritious. Check out this fiber-rich recipe that is sure to have your friends and family asking for seconds.

Roasted Squash with Crunchy Pumpkin Topping

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

Serves

6 servings

Ingredients 

1/2 cup Nature’s Path Flax Plus(R) Pumpkin Flax Granola

1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

1 large butternut squash (about 3 lb.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

Mix together Pumpkin Flax Granola, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ¼ teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper.

Spread evenly on baking sheet; bake for 6 or 7 minutes or until mixture is crisp and golden brown.

Toss together squash, brown sugar, thyme, and remaining pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper; arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until fork-tender and lightly browned.

Arrange squash on platter and top with granola mixture.

Tip: To make fresh bread crumbs, pulse day-old bread in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs; store in airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Facts, per 1/6 recipe

Calories 240

Fat 11 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 240 mg

Carbohydrate 33 g

Fiber 5 g

Sugars 9 g

Protein 3 g

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This Day in History

Courtney “Cortz’ Dwight Smith

Rugby player Courtney “Cortz’ Dwight Smith was born

On this day in Caribbean American history, on April 14, 1971, Courtney “Cortz’ Dwight Smith, a retired Canadian professional rugby player was born. Smith played on the Canadian national team from 1995 to 1999.

Smith, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, held the wing-back position for all of his career. His test debut came on March 7, 1995 during the Uruguay versus Canada game in Montevideo.

Smith also played for Meraloma and London Scottish Rugby teams.

His last test was on October 2, 1999 during the France and Canada game in Bezier’s.

During his career, Smith had a 21 cap ( term for a player’s appearance in a game at international level), and had to end his rugby career due to a broken arm.

Firefighters warn of danger from burglar bars

Bars pose problems in the event of a fire

Fearing burglars breaking into their homes, it’s not unusual for some Caribbean-American and other homeowners in South Florida to install steel “burglar bars.” But Miami-Dade firefighter Eugene Mullings cautions the community that, while these bars “do have their use for protecting homes from burglars, especially when all the residents are away from home, they present a serious danger to residents inside the home in case of a fire.”

Incidents of death and serious injury from residents and pets trapped in residential fires “are much too frequent,” says Mullings. “It’s sad when people become entrapped by the very bars that are supposed to protect them. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable. These bars also present danger to firefighters.”

Miami code enforcer Desmond Browning says Florida’s building and fire codes require each bedroom must contain two means of escape — a door and a window. If burglar bars are installed, there must be a way to remove them without a key, and there must be smoke alarms in the home.

“If the house has burglar bars without a quick-release mechanism, that house is out of compliance,” says Browning.

But enforcing this particular building code “isn’t easy,” says Browning, as many residents install burglar bars after a house is built or purchased without getting the required permits. And if a residential property is in good condition, city code enforcement officers “usually have no reason to inspect the property.” On the other hand, he said, “code enforcement will randomly inspect homes with obvious evidence of burglar grills on the outside of doors, windows and enclosing patios.”

Ralston Burgess, owner of a Fort Lauderdale steel-grill company, said he “as a rule” only installs burglar bars in accordance with city building codes and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code, which stipulates a window or other means of escape should be operable from the inside “without the use of tools, keys, or special effort.”

Burgess caution consumers to ensure “burglar bar installers install bars with a quick release system on at least one window in each room, particularly bedrooms. Installers who don’t do this are totally out of compliance and place homeowners in danger.”

Caribbean-American North Miami homeowner Terry Mightly learned this the hard way when she had bars installed after her house was broken into “just three weeks” after moving into her new home.

“Out of fear I contracted a company to install burglar bars on every window, front and back doors,” says Mightly. “It was only after they were installed that I realized there wasn’t an escape system on the bars.” She recently contacted another company to remedy the situation as “I am deadly afraid of what would happen to me and my family in case of a fire.”

 

Settlement provides Medicaid for thousands of Florida kids

Thousands of low income South Florida children who were denied healthcare through Florida’s Medicaid program will now receive benefits, following a recent lawsuit settlement with Florida state officials.

The class-action lawsuit claimed that Florida’s Department of Health underfunded the Medicaid insurance program for Florida’s needy children, severely restricting access to care for low-income families. In December 2014, a U.S. Circuit court ruled in favor, that the program was operating in violation of federal law.

But it wasn’t until this month’s finalized negotiations that the health department agreed to terms. Under the settlement, Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA), which oversees the Medicaid program, will create incentives to increase the rates paid to most pediatricians and pediatric specialists providing healthcare to children under the Medicaid program. The settlement also requires that the state launch a promotional program to inform the thousands of families who were previously denied benefits under Medicaid program to now seek assistance.

Fort Lauderdale attorney, Stuart Singer, who led the lawsuit against the state, said because of the settlement, pediatricians and other related doctors under the state Medicaid program could see “up to 40 percent increase in their rates.”

“That’s certainly encouraging news,” says South Miami pediatrician Dr. Cynthia Burgess, who noted that for years several healthcare professionals were reluctant to treat some children who received Medicare, because “the program either took forever to pay the invoices submitted, or didn’t pay at all. Unfortunately, many poor children, including children of migrants from Haiti, other Caribbean countries and Central America, were badly disadvantaged by this.”

The news was also much-welcomed for Miami Shores resident Claude Dessant, who since March 2015 has been unable to secure treatment through Medicaid for his disabled daughter, “creating severe problems for the child.”

With such urgency from so many South Florida families, “hopefully the implementation of this increase won’t be protracted,” says Dr. Burgess. “It’s extremely important that every poor child have access to healthcare through Medicaid. Healthcare professionals will definitely welcome incentives to provide this necessary healthcare.”

Living Healthy Caribbean

Why Caribbean-Americans may need to “go back to roots” for a healthier lifestyle

In today’s “get-quick” culture, discussions about healthy eating and exercise are too often concentrated on the next super food ingredient or work-out craze. But living healthier could be as simple as returning to the old-fashioned Caribbean style of living, says Dr. Cheryl L. Holder, a board certified internist and Associate Professor at Florida International University’s Department of Humanities, Health and Society.

A longtime advocate for healthy living, particularly among underserved communities, Dr. Cheryl L. Holder has grown concerned about “the significant rise in hypertension, diabetes and other lifestyle issues in the Caribbean and among the Diaspora.” The increase in such issues, believes Dr. Holder, can be traced “to our changed lifestyles” as a community. Caribbean people (as well as Caribbean-Americans) “eat completely differently as they did when I was a child in Jamaica.”

To bring a little bit more of the healthy Caribbean way of life to our daily routines, here are Dr. Holder’s tips on healthy eating and living.

Diet

Eat early, eat naturally

“In Jamaica growing up,” recalled Dr. Holder of her childhood in St. Catherine, Jamaica, “we ate most of our food in the day. We would get up early for breakfast, then for a final meal, have a small supper around 5 in the afternoon. We never had the dinner at 9 p.m. at night that so many of us do now.” Research has shown that eating later in the day, when we are most active, is best to maintain and lose weight. Also, noted Dr. Holder, “many of our traditional meals included lots of complex carbohydrates rich in nutrients and fiber, from root vegetables like yam and cassava to fresh fruit.” She suggests families “avoid processed food as much as possible, and try to cook with ingredients in their most raw state.” And don’t forget fruit! “You should be eating 5 serving of fruit a day,” said Dr. Holder.

Exercise

Walking is Healing

Many older Caribbean-American grew up using public transportation or walking around their community, but living in South Florida, may have adopted a more sedentary lifestyle. But getting active doesn’t mean an expensive gym membership, or enrolling our children in expensive sports programs. “Walking once a day around your neighborhood for 30 minutes makes all the difference,” says Dr. Holder.

The upcoming Dr. Nelson L Adams “Walk a Mile with a Child,” (set for April 16 at Gibson Park in Miami) hopes to encourage families to walk regularly together for exercise. The event is hosted by the James Wilson Bridges, M.D. Medical Society (JWBMS) – of which Dr. Holder is a member. “The JWBMS is all about inspiring mentorship, encouraging health living by example rather than preaching,” says Dr. Holder. “We know what to do, what’s healthy for us. We just need to be shown practical ways to really make healthy living a part of our lives.”

Jamaica National streamlines Diaspora Banking

JN bank sells UK subsidiary
JNBS representative Office located in Tamarac

Jamaica National updates banking for South Florida members 

Members of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) based in Florida can now update their JNBS account records at the representative Office located in Tamarac. This updating process is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) program, which will confirm account holders’ identities and addresses, as required by Jamaican banking regulations.

“Our regulators in the USA have granted us permission to facilitate JN members in Florida, to update their personal records with us, at our offices,” says Janice McIntosh, chief representative officer with the JNBS Florida Office. “Previously, members were asked to complete forms and submit notarised documents via mail to JNBS Headquarters in Jamaica.”

To establish your identity and update your account, members will only need “to present a current passport or driver’s license and their Social Security Number (SSN),” says McIntosh. “Their address can be established with a utility bill, credit card statement or post marked envelope, which should not be more than six months old. A pay slip will also be required for employed account holders. ”

The process involves establishing the identity of the member, their source of funds, the nature of the member’s business and related transactions. The completed forms will then be directly dispatched to Jamaica by the Representative Office.

Updating membership information has become critical in ensuring your account and personal identification is secure, particularly due to the global risk of threats to financial security. “The rise in fraudulent activities, such as the lottery scam and money laundering, makes it increasingly important for financial institutions to be more vigilant,” says McIntosh.

In addition, updating your account information through the new KYC program will help members recover dormant accounts at Jamaica National. Currently, a savings account with JNBS becomes dormant when transactions are inactive for five consecutive years.

“There are members who may have accounts in Jamaica for several years; and, have lost access due to these accounts becoming dormant,” says McIntosh. “By being KYC compliant, they are able to regain control of these accounts.”

Careers and Camaraderie at JWOF reception

Chief Representative Officer for the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) in Tamarac, Janice McIntosh (right) was pictured with President of the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) President, Dahlia Huntington-Walker at JWOF’s Scholarship and Networking Reception last Friday in Lauderdale Lakes.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. And the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) is taking the old proverb to heart, promoting mentorship for young women across the Diaspora at the recent JWOF Scholarship and Networking Reception, held at the Lauderdale Lakes Educational and Cultural Center.

Seeking to expose young Jamaican-American women to the diverse career opportunities available to them, as well as the various challenges of pursuing a college education, the group hosted a special panel of speakers to share their collective wisdom. Tech advisor Yaneeke Douglas and marketing exec Tamara Wadley-Senior encouraged the young attendees to be unafraid to explore different fields, whether forging ahead in the still male-dominated tech world, or going for that second degree to expand their professional opportunities. Attorney Georgia Robinson and CPA Dale Telfer had more pragmatic advice, cautioning young women on being financially aware in their choice of both collage and career.

One thing was clear as the young students later met one-on-one with the many professionals in attendance, becoming absorbed in conversation about their aspirations. Whatever these young women wanted to be, this local collection of Jamaican women would be there to help all the way. JWOF hopes to solidify this sense of support at the upcoming Women’s Empowerment Conference and Scholarship Luncheon, set for April 23 at Jungle Island in Miami.

There, a host of Jamaican-American women professionals from across the country will speak on their own experiences and insights for the next generation of women among the Diaspora. JWOF will also provide further support for students with the “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship, which will be awarded at the luncheon. Awarded to a first or second generation, Jamaican-American female high school student attending college in Fall 2016, the scholarship (valued at $1,000 yearly) seeks to encourage the recipient to achieve her four-year educational goal at a tertiary institution.  So far, two students have been recipients of the Scholarship.

5 things you didn’t know about Peter Tosh

Reggae icon Peter Tosh established himself as a successful solo artist, and along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, he was one of the core members of the group The Wailers. As reggae lovers all over the world remember his life and music, the National Weekly looks shares a few little-known facts about the music legend.

Tosh was named after Winston Churchill

Peter Tosh was born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944 in Grange Hill, Jamaica. As a child he was given the nickname of Peter and other children referred to him as “McIntouch” for his proclivity to touch and handle things. Tosh dropped the “McIn-” from his surname and recorded early in his career as Peter Touch.

He was buddies with The Rolling Stones

Tosh was closely associated with famed British band throughout his career, because he was the only reggae artist signed to the group’s label (from 1978-1981). He also opened for the Stones throughout their 1978 US tour.

He wrote many of Bob’s Hits

As a member of The Wailers, with fellow reggae musicians Bob Marley and Bunny Wailers, Tosh wrote many of The Wailers’ hit songs including “Get Up, Stand Up,” “400 Years,” and “No Sympathy.”

Tosh was a better player than you, even as a kid

Peter Tosh picked up on music at a young age and taught himself how to play the guitar after watching a man in the country play, memorizing everything his fingers were doing.

Tosh made his final farewell in JA

Peter Tosh’s final public performance in his native Jamaica was in December 1983 at the Pulse Starjam Reggae Superjam Festival, held at the National Arena in Kingston. The concert also featured performances by fellow artistes Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Beres Hammond.

This Day in History

st kitts nevis geothermal energy Caribbean
A view of Nevis from the southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts.

St. Kitts was renamed St. Christopher and Nevis

On this day in Caribbean history on April 13, 1980 St Kitts. was renamed St. Christopher and Nevis.

On November 2nd, 1493 St. Kitts and Nevis was discovered and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus, and named Isla de San Jorge and Isla San Martin (later renamed Isla Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves).

In the 17th century Kit or Kitt, was a common nickname for the name Christopher and so the island was often informally referred to as “Saint Kitt’s island.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Known for cloud-shrouded mountains and beaches, the larger of the 2 islands, Saint Kitts, is dominated by the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, home to a crater lake, green vervet monkeys and rainforest crisscrossed with hiking trails.

Its population as of 2013 according to the World Bank was 54,191.

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