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Rihanna receives rock star award at BET’s Black Girls Rock

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

In the wake of dozens of youth gun violence incidents, Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo will be holding a daylong “Goals not Guns” forum this Thursday, at Miami-Dade College’s Tower Theater. Key stakeholders from the community, as well as federal, state and local government will discuss policy priorities to address the epidemic.

5 women journalists were honored recently for their work at the Women in Media awards, hosted by the South Florida Black Journalist Association at Florida Memorial University. The awardees included several Caribbean-Americans, including Trinidadian-American WPLG 10 anchor Neki Mohan, Turks and Caicos-born corespondent for Miami Herald, Jacqueline Charles, and Haitian-American WLRN producer Nadege Green.

CWN90 was on hand this past weekend at the first ever Tamarac Arts and Craft Festival, celebrating the city’s 52nd anniversary. Now a report from Jahlisa Harvey about the landmark event.
 

In sports, Caribbean Premiere League has confirmed the league’s first cricket games in South Florida are set for July 28 to 31st at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. The games start on July 28, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors facing the Barbados Tridents. The games will also give all six franchises a chance to chase coveted league points ahead of the finals.

What’s trending:

Bajan pop star Rihanna receives the rock star award at the recent Black Girls Rock! awards ceremony, hosted by BET. The singer thanked her mother and grandmother for being strong role models for her. The awards show will broadcast tonight on BET at 8 pm.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Sunny in Broward County with a high of 84 and a low of 66. For Miami-Dade, sunny with a high of 84 and a low of 65.

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.

Trinidad establishes sex offender’s registry

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon

Sex offenders register to be implemented in all police divisions by June

Trinidad and Tobago has established a registry for sex offenders, but National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said it would only be available to the police.

Dillon told legislators on Friday that the registry was established on December 22 last year by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

This electronic registry is intended to maintain a report of the particulars of sex offenders who have been mandated by the court to give notification. This information will be maintained in a registry to be accessed by authorised officers and investigators in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service only,” he told Parliament.

He said the police were now engaged in a training and sensitisation exercise with respect to operation of the registry and accessibility to it, as well as restructuring staff requirements to facilitate its requirement.

“Full implementation of the sex offender’s registry and the accompanying station sex offender registry across all nine police divisions will be implemented by June 2016.”

Dillion said he did not believe that it would be better to have public access to facilitate the protection of children, saying “I believe it is designed for police information only and not for the public”.

6 easy ways to boost your brain health

When you think about health and wellness, what first comes to mind? Most likely it’s along the lines of fitness, healthy eating and doctor’s appointments. But have you ever considered the importance of brain health as you age?

According to the National Institute on Aging, research shows that a complex interaction between your DNA, diet, physical activity level, sleep quality and every other aspect of your environment affects your brain health and cognitive function. This means that your bad habits can trigger changes in your brain and contribute to the decline of your brain health.

Stay sharp as you age with these easy ways to boost your brain power:

*Eat brain food. While a good diet can improve your all-around health, certain foods keep your brain functioning optimally,according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Some of these top “brain foods” include wild salmon, nuts and seeds, avocados, blueberries, dark chocolate and whole grains. Your brain loves both omega-3 essential fatty acids and anything with antioxidants.

*Exercise your brain. Your body isn’t the only thing that needs exercise. Puzzles, brain teasers and games help create new associations within your brain to keep it fresh. As an added exercise, try completing everyday activities with your non-dominant hand, such as combing your hair and brushing your teeth.

*Continue to learn. The learning shouldn’t stop once you leave school. Continue to try new activities and test your brain by reading, taking classes or learning a language. Keep your brain active by teaching it some new tricks.

*Take a well-rounded supplement. Your brain also requires a number of vitamins and minerals to function properly. For example, the three B vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) are all related to healthy brain function. Be sure you are getting enough of these essential vitamins and consider taking a supplement to boost your brain power even further.

*Keep a sleep schedule. Not only is sleep fundamental for regenerating your physical body, but it has restorative properties for your brain as well. A good night’s sleep helps you to look at problems in a new light and improves your ability to think creatively. If you’re having trouble getting at least six hours of sleep per night, try ditching the technology before bed. Too much screen time before you rest your eyes reduces the quality of your sleep.

*Maintain your social calendar. Humans are social creatures who need a variety of brain stimulation to maintain a sharp mind, including social activity. This becomes especially relevant as you age and your neurological processes start to slow down. Socially active older adults are less likely to develop both cognitive and physical limitations. Try a weekly card game with friends or volunteer for a local organization to continue to get out and meet new people.

The quick guide to home financing

It’s an all too familiar monthly event: you write out a rent check and wait for the funds to disappear from your bank account. But what if instead of making endless payments on something you don’t own, you could own a home of your own? When you finance a home purchase with a mortgage, you build equity and increase your percentage of home ownership with each payment made.

“Homeownership may sound like a big step, but it’s not as out of reach as you might think,” says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance.

Vanderbilt Mortgage offers these tips to home financing to help you realize a place of your very own:

Assess your financial situation.

Before you even begin to look at homes, you should know what you can afford. Consider your debt-to-income ratio which is your monthly income compared to your total monthly bills. After figuring your ratio you will have a better idea as to what you can afford for a mortgage payment. To determine what your monthly mortgage payment might be, use an online mortgage calculator.

Budget and save.

Financing a home begins with budgeting to ensure you have an appropriate down payment. Be sure to set a realistic goal and use the idea of your future home as an incentive to stick to it. You can set up a savings plan, evaluate your current spending, and consider earning extra income to help reach your savings goal. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way toward reaching your goal!

Maintain your credit. 

There are a number of ways you can build your credit, ranging from opening a checking or savings account to paying all of your bills on time. Getting a secured credit card can also help to build your credit. Be sure to monitor how often you use the credit card and how much you spend so as not to create revolving credit debt. Try to minimize your outstanding debt and keep existing debts in check.

Apply for a loan.

Know ahead of time what information and documents you’ll need to complete a home loan application to help make the application experience as easy as possible. Documents needed may include: proof of income, employment information from the past two years, state-issued identification, proof of residency, and your social security card. Brush up on home loan terms so you can be knowledgeable throughout the process.

Stay on track with your payments.

After you have moved into your dream home, be sure to make your mortgage payments in full and on time. If you can, plan an optional early mortgage payoff by making additional payments toward your principal balance each month.

Care for your home.

The financial responsibility of owning a home is just the beginning. You worked hard to finally get to this point, so why not keep your home in top shape? Create a home maintenance checklist and make a point to regularly go through it. Keep track of routine items like checking HVAC filters, cleaning the sink disposal and cleaning out the gutters.

Follow this guide to fulfill your dream of owning a home. For more information on home financing, visit vmfhomeloan.com.

“Simply Myrna” heads to Miramar

Myrna Hague

Jazz fans may soon get up close and personal with Jamaica’s “Leading Lady of Jazz,” the incomparable Myrna Hague, as she gets set to bring her acclaimed show “Simply Myrna,” to the Miramar Cultural Center on Sunday, April 17th.

“Simply Myrna” promises to be a stellar night, as the celebrated songstress performs from her wide repertoire of jazz classics, popular reggae and pop selections, in her classy and inimitable style. Musical Director Desi Jones, along with the Eugene Grey Band, will also provide musical accompaniment. The show is hosted by the Foundation for the University of the West Indies, and is under the distinguished patronage of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.

The concert has already received rave reviews in Jamaica, bringing fans one-on-one with the jazz star and her music in an intimate setting.

“This show just allows me to show off; because it’s my show, I get to sing what I want and to just be myself,” stated Hague, who has recently received her Doctorate in Cultural Studies from the University of the West Indies and currently lectures part time at the institution. “This is the most exciting time of my life, and South Florida, the UWI and this show has been a gift.”

The star will also be joined by a series of special guests, including vocalist A. J. Brown, the current lead singer for iconic reggae band, Third World, impressing audiences worldwide with his rendition of songs originally performed by the late William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke. Reggae crooner Ian Sweetness, known for chart-topping hits such as “Little Green Apples” and “Rhinestone Cowboy,” will also add his special honey-flavored blend of lover’s rock to the show.

The “Simply Myrna” concert in Miramar marks a welcomed return for the songstress, who first performed in 2008 at the official opening of the Miramar Cultural Center with her husband, trumpeter and founder of the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Sonny Bradshaw.

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) will benefit from proceeds towards their generous scholarship program, which awards tuition fees to deserving students in need to attend UWI at their various campuses throughout the Caribbean.

This Day in History

Léger Félicité Sonthonax

On this day in history April 4, 1972, the decree of the Haitian Revolution granted equal political rights of blacks and mulattoes in Saint-Domingue. This order gave people of color the same rights and privileges as those from the dominant group of individuals.

A second commission was assembled, led by Léger Félicité Sonthonax, to enforce the ruling.

1972 also served as the three-hundred-year anniversary of Columbus’ landing on Hispaniola. The indigenous people of Haiti were pre-Columbian Native Americans, who were called Taino, “good people”.

Easy homemade spirits and cocktails

During the holidays, many people turn to homemade items to help personalize celebrations and gift-giving. If you enjoy holiday DIY, this year why not try making your own holiday spirits? Unique infusions and liqueurs are not only memorable gifts, but they also add a personalized flare to holiday parties.

The mixology pros at Everclear offer some tips for creating your own infusions this holiday season:

* First, realize there are no rules for DIY infusions. Virtually any flavor you love and associate with the holidays can work in an infusion — from cranberries and chocolate to pumpkin and apple pie. You’ll learn through trial and error what works and what you like.

* The basics of infusion are simple: Add the flavor element of your choice to the neutral spirit and allow it to steep (soak) in the alcohol in order to extract the flavor. Steeping may take days or weeks, depending on the flavor element and the intensity of flavor you’re seeking. Generally, the longer an infusion steeps the stronger the flavor will be. Want a subtler flavor? Reduce the steeping time. Once the steeping is done, you use a fine, mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter the flavor ingredients out of the alcohol. The end result is a clean, flavored spirit.

* The higher the proof of the neutral spirit, the more powerful it is at extracting flavors. A high alcohol percentage makes Everclear perfect for infusions and allows you to extract even the subtlest of flavors from fruit, herbs and botanicals.

* Fruits and spices will infuse more quickly than nuts and roots. Generally, mixologists will steep ingredients separately and mix to taste after filtration.

* Typically, after filtering, mixologists will dilute the mixture with water or a similar liquid; it all depends on the proof you desire and how you’ll be using your infusion.

Once you’ve created your flavored spirit, you can incorporate your personalized infusion into your entertaining by serving up unique holiday cocktails. Kilgore offers some recipe ideas for every kind of holiday celebration:

The various liquors impart a neon and ethereal color, as well as an element of playfulness and great flavor. Pair this cocktail with butternut squash soup or butternut squash goat cheese crostini or bruschetta. Start by making Orange Spice Infusion.

Orange Spice Infusion ingredients:

10 ounces Everclear

10 ounces filtered water

4 ounces 1:1 simple syrup (mixture of water and sugar, you boil it down, or buy it ready at liquor store)

Zest of two oranges

4 cloves

4 allspice

2 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean split

Directions: Steep cloves, allspice, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest in 10 ounces of Everclear. Use a Microplane grater on oranges to get just the zest. Allow to steep for 24 hours. Strain. Add 10 ounces of water and 4 ounces of simple syrup. Bottle. Makes approximately 24 ounces of 80 proof infusion.

Otherworldly cocktail ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Orange Spice Infusion

1/2 ounce Creme de Cacao

3/4 ounce Ginger Liqueur (Domain de Canton)

1/4 ounce lemon juice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake hard. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with candied ginger and or candy corn.

Holiday Highball

This simple-to-make highball is packed with holiday flavors and goes great with a host of Thanksgiving treats, especially turkey and pork. Start by making a Fall Flavors Infusion.

Fall Flavors Infusion ingredients:

10 ounces Everclear

10 ounces filtered water

4 ounces 1:1 simple syrup

3/4 cup chopped Granny Smith Apples

3/4 cup chopped Red Delicious Apple

3/4 cup chopped cranberries

2 allspice

2 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

In food processor or with a knife, chop cranberries and apples. Add all the fruit to 10 ounces of Everclear. Add spices. Give a good shake. Let steep for 24 hours. Strain off and add water and simple syrup. Bottle. Makes approximately 24 ounces of 80 proof infusion.

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Commissioner Holness joined FLL workers in airport strike for safety & benefits

Fort Lauderdale airport workers for Eulen America and Rio on strike last week.

Workers protested safety & health concerns,  reports of stolen wages

Fort Lauderdale airport workers for Eulen America and Rio, service contractors for Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, United, and others, went on a 24 hour strike on Wednesday March 30th   and March 31st to protest safety and health concerns, sweatshop-like working conditions, and inadequate hours and benefits.

The FLL workers joined others at who were striking in major hubs including, New York City, Newark, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Seattle, Chicago, and Boston.

Airport workers were set to strike last week, but postponed the planned work stoppage due to the horrific tragedy in Brussels. Those attacks, which took place in the city’s international airport and subway, highlighted the dangerous working conditions that airport workers often work in and the need for more workforce investment.

Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness joined the striking workers in demanding better working conditions.

“South Florida is a major transportation hub, said Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport alone is the fourth fastest growing airport in the U.S., with almost 27 million passengers passing through in 2015. It is crucial that we invest in our workforce and ensure that we create a stable and safe environment for both passengers and workers.”

The strikes are taking place amidst record profits for the aviation industry, while many airport workers continue to live in poverty or face abusive working conditions. Last year the airlines raked in more than $23 billion in profits, while outsourcing many of their service jobs to low-bid contractors.

This has led to depressed wages, high turnover rates, and inadequate health and safety standards, which put workers in danger and undermine security and quality of service.

“As a front line airport staff member, the work that I do is important and should be valued,” added Morancy. “We need to have the right equipment and be properly trained in order to create a secure and healthy environment. We need good working conditions and adequate pay and benefits so that we want to stay at our jobs.”

Morancy and other cabin cleaners say that Eulen does not provide adequate cleaning supplies, like gloves or masks, and are not given Hepatitis B shots, even though they come into contact with blood, fecal matter, harsh chemicals, and possible blood-borne pathogens.

Night-time cabin cleaners are also required to do security sweeps of the cabins in order to check for explosives or other threats. However, some workers say that Eulen has cut their hours and give them too little time to properly perform these important tasks. Some workers also feel they are not adequately trained in emergency preparedness if they do encounter a dangerous situation.

After years of earning poverty wages, FLL workers recently won a wage increase when Broward County voted to include subcontracted airline workers in the county’s Living Wage Ordinance. Unfortunately, many workers are now complaining of cut hours, staffing shortages, increased workloads, and even stolen wages.

The strikes and rallies are part of a national push by airport workers who are uniting with other underpaid workers in the Fight for 15 movement to do whatever it takes to win at least $15, good benefits, and union rights.

Thousands turn out for Miami Superintendent’s 5K Challenge

Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho stands with students who came out in support of the Superintendent’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk

Supporters rallied together in support of education

An army of more than 2,000 teachers, students, parents and community supporters rallied together in support of education recently at the Superintendent’s 5K Challenge held this morning in downtown Miami’s Museum Park.

An unanticipated large turnout raised $60,000 which, in part, will benefit registered school teams.

The male winner of the first-of-its-kind event was Peter Bransden, a Miami resident, originally from England, with a winning time of 18:43. The female winner was Lisa Adjouadi, a student at Hammocks Middle School, who ran the five kilometer course in 21:00.

“By investing in and supporting public education, we are building a great Miami,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “Thank you South Florida for showing up and demonstrating your support of the work we do every day, in every school on behalf of our more than 330,000 students and their families. Today we ran for children and, with your continued support, we will continue to run to highlight the importance and value of public education.”

The inaugural Superintendent’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk was designed to promote health and wellness in our schools and in our community.

Moody’s Investors Services downgrades Barbados’ bond rating

B’bdos bond rating downgraded due weak funding conditions

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) has downgraded the Barbados government bond rating and changed the island’s economic outlook to stable.

Moody’s said that its decision to downgrade Barbados’ issuer and bond ratings to Caa1 and revise the outlook to stable from negative was “driven by slow progress towards achieving fiscal consolidation consistent with a sustainable debt trajectory.”

Moody’s also said the decision stemmed from “low level of foreign exchange reserves and weak funding conditions.

“Despite some progress to reduce the government fiscal deficit and contain pressures on foreign exchange reserves, macroeconomic and credit risks remain elevated in Barbados,” the credit rating agency said.

It said Barbados’ debt burden remains very high, stating that additional fiscal consolidation is needed to reverse the rising trend in debt burden.

Moody’s said slow progress to narrow the fiscal deficit to sustainable levels continue to put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, placing the exchange rate peg at risk.

Moody’s said although economic conditions in Barbados appear to be stabilizing, with the improved growth outlook and low oil prices, the recent and anticipated fiscal consolidation is unlikely to be sufficient to put the debt trajectory on a downward path.

 

West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams have made history

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, April 4th, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Legal experts gathered recently at the University of Miami School of Law to discuss CARICOM’s calls for the UK to pay reparations as compensation for its involvement in slavery and the slave trade. Rep. Maurice McCurdy from Jamaica’s National Committee for Reparations said reparations may affect any descendant of Jamaican slaves, and encouraged the Diaspora to engage in the commission’s efforts.

State lawmakers have passed a measure reinstating accreditation requirements for for-profit colleges, in their effort to protect students from unqualified programs. The measure reverses the legislators’ relaxing of regulations in 2013, which allowed now defunct Dade Medical College to established an unaccredited physical therapy program, that left many immigrant students unable to work in their field, and with debt as much as $40,000.

It was a friendly draw this past weekend at the 12th annual True Blue Alumni Soccer Match at Vizcaya Park. Teams from the St. George’s College Old Boys Association of Florida and the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida drew 1 all. The annual match is played in loving memory of former soccer coach for both schools, Dennis Ziadie.

In sports, it was victory for Jamaican team, the St. Andrew hockey club at this past weekend’s Miami Cup field hockey tournament at Hollywood West states park. St. Andrew won against New York ‘ Island Strikers 2 to 1 in sudden death penalty shoot outs.

What’s trending:
West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams made an historic sweet at this past weekend’s T20 Cricket World Cup in India. West Indies men won 161 runs for 6 against England while West Indies Women won their first World Cup against Australia with 149 runs for 2.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 63. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 84 and a low of 65.

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.

West Indies men beat England to claim T20 title

West Indies celebrate their win against England on Sunday

Carlos Brathwaite hit four astonishing sixes off the first four deliveries of the final over to push West Indies to an extraordinary four-wicket victory over England on Sunday.

With West Indies requiring a difficult 19 from the final over in pursuit of 156 for victory at Eden Gardens, the right-handed Brathwaite cleared the ropes four times in succession off seamer Ben Stokes to hand West Indies a spectacular victory with two balls to spare.

Brathwaite finished on 34 not out from just 10 deliveries, but it was veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels, who stroked an unbeaten 85 from 66 balls, who was the architect of the victory.

The Jamaican, adjudged Man-of-the-Match, smashed nine fours and two sixes, anchoring two crucial stands — first with Dwayne Bravo (24) and then with Brathwaite — to pull West Indies around from 11 for three in the third over.

Samuels and Bravo came together to steady the innings, which guided West Indies to 54 without further loss at the halfway point in the innings.

Bravo, dropped on 11 by substitute Sam Billings off Stokes in the 13th over, recovered to belt leg-spinner Adil Rashid over midwicket for six in the next over before top-edging the final ball to Root at point at 86 for four.

Samuels, on 50 at the time, then blasted a four and two successive sixes off seamer Liam Plunkett in an over that gushed 18 runs, but England struck back to claim two wickets for just 21 runs in the space of nine balls to leave the Windies tottering 107 for six in the 16th over.

Following the win, captain Darren Sammy said, “I want to thank the Almighty because without him nothing is possible. We have a pastor in the team in Andre Fletcher — he keeps on praying. We are a praying team. I’m really happy for this win and it’s something we are going to cherish for a long time.”

West Indies triumph as Australia lose women’s World T20 final

Women's T20 World Cup

West Indies crowned World Champions

Teenager Hayley Matthews and Captain Stafanie Taylor fashioned half-centuries as West Indies Women produced a superb run chase to beat three-time defending champions Australia Women by eight wickets and lift their first-ever Twenty20 World Cup title.

Set 149 for victory at the historic Eden Gardens, West Indies Women reached their target with three balls to spare, with the 18-year-old Matthews top-scoring with 66 from 45 balls and the in-form Taylor getting 59 from 57 balls.

The pair put on a magnificent 120 for the first wicket to take Australia Women out of the contest, and even when Matthews fell in the 16th over, Deandra Dottin (18 not out) joined Taylor to add 24 for the second wicket to keep the Caribbean side on top.

West Indies Women entered the final over requiring three to win and Dottin reduced the target even further with a single to cover off seamer Ellyse Perry.

The result sparked scenes of jubilation across the outfield as the remainder of the women’s team, along with members of the men’s team, ran onto the ground to celebrate.

Earlier, Australia Women Captain Meg Lanning and Elyse Villani both struck 52 to get the title favourites up to 148 for five off their 20 overs, after opting to bat first.

 

Taylor and Matthews gave the Caribbean side a fabulous start, taking the attack to the Aussies as they raced to 76 without loss at the halfway mark.

The pair gathered just nine runs from the first three overs, but accelerated nicely throughout. Matthews smashed a pair of leg-side boundaries off seamer Rene Farrell in the fourth over and then got down to medium pacer Megan Schutt in the next over to deposit her over midwicket for six.

Jamaican Foreign Affairs Minister wants Trinidad to improve holding facilities

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith

Minister made appeal following complaints from Jamaicans visiting Trinidad

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith is calling on the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago as well as Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to improve facilities for holding persons entering the country.

Johnson-Smith made the appeal following the receipt of two formal complaints from Jamaicans about the treatment meted out to them in the twin island republic following the decision to deny them entry on March 21.

“So were are aware of work that was done in 2013 and 2014 but there appears that more needs to be done. As far as I understand there is some particular concern about the facilities for holding persons who are denied entry in Trinidad. I believe that the Trinidad Government feels very strongly that it should be CAL who provides these facilities. We have undertaken that we will use our office to encourage CAL to ensure that these facilities are put in place. This is one step that we will be taking as we try to protect the rights of our Jamaican citizens who are traveling overseas,” she said.


The Foreign Affairs Minister added that following consultations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago more than two years ago on free movement under the CARICOM (Caribbean Community ) Single Market and Economy, both sides agreed to address issues, including the treatment of travelers denied entry.

Jamaica has been probing allegations that two Jamaicans were ill treated on their arrival at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago on March 21.

The Jamaican authorities have reminded nationals that there is a CARICOM  Complaints Procedure which may be used to ensure that nationals who have been denied entry, detained or mistreated at the ports of entry of other CARICOM states.

5 easy ways to reduce food waste in your daily life

For 795 million people in the world — those who don’t have a reliable meal to look forward to according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — the question is more open-ended.

You might be surprised to learn that an important step in the fight to end hunger is to reduce food waste. In fact, 1.3 billion tons of the food produced around the world goes to waste each year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The severity of the issue recently prompted the United States Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency to establish a goal to reduce U.S. food waste 50 percent by 2030. The country’s first-ever food waste reduction goal calls for the federal government to join forces with local governments, charities, faith-based organizations and the private sector to find ways to conserve the country’s resources in order to improve food security.

Here are five simple ways to cut back on food waste in your daily life.

Pay attention to packaging. Increasingly, high-performance food packaging makes it possible to better protect food as they make their way from grocery store shelves to your pantry. Take lightweight flexible pouches, for instance. You’ll find these packages used to protect some of your favorite foods at the grocery store, from frozen fruits and vegetables to cereals and crackers. The pouches’ layers keep contents from being damaged or spoiled. Resealable packaging allows you to use what you need and safely save the rest for later, preserving the remaining portions and making food last.

Learn the dos and don’ts of food storage. Believe it or not, pre-wrapped vegetables purchased at the grocery store can last up to 5 times longer than vegetables without packaging. Take for example a cucumber pre-wrapped in plastic. It can stay fresh up to 14 days instead of just three days if not wrapped.

Call on technology for new recipe ideas. Download an app on your phone to help inspire new dishes that use up last night’s leftovers. Several apps available in the App Store generate recipes based on ingredients you’ve marked as currently stocked in your kitchen. They’ll help you look at the food in your refrigerator as delicious opportunities rather than garbage-bound.

Donate to local organizations. Find a local food drive to donate non-perishable foods to those in need. Start by organizing your pantry and piling the items you likely won’t use in the near future. Rather than tossing the items, turn your waste into an opportunity to feed the hungry in your community.

Visit the Make It Last Site. The Make it last site from Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics offers information about the food waste crisis and leaves you feeling empowered with helpful tips and facts to help you reduce food waste in your home. The campaign also offers information on the role plastic packaging plays in preventing food waste from farm to table.

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DIY healthy skin tips: head to toe

It’s about time to rethink your skin beauty regimen and go sans salon. The right at-home products can give you the results you want – while dodging the investment of time and money in salon trips.

Check out these beautifying at-home shortcuts to help you look and feel your best, with a lot less effort:

Pamper your feet

At-home pedicures are a great way to pamper yourself – without having to devote time to visiting the salon. The experience can be more than just polishing your nails, however. Smooth and renew the rough skin on your heels and toes with new buffers on the market, such as Dr. Scholl’s DreamWalk Express Pedi Foot Smoother. These tools don’t require a warm soak if you’re short on time, but a little toe dip may be just what the doctor ordered.

Get a fresh glow

If you’re looking for a simple way to get glowing skin without spending a hefty amount of time and money, try an at-home facial. Start with a gentle, natural exfoliator, like salt or oatmeal. Next, soak a washcloth in warm tap water, wring it out, drape it over your face, and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps open pores. Remove the washcloth and apply your favorite mask, following the manufacturer’s directions for application, duration and removal. After removing the mask, apply a light moisturizer. You will feel fresh, revitalized and your wallet will thank you!

Scrub, Scrub

Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leaving a healthy and glowing look. Lack of exfoliation can lead to dull and dry skin. But you don’t need to go to an expert or even buy an expensive product to exfoliate your body. Combine one part olive oil, five parts sea salt, and a lemon together to make the perfect at-home body scrub in seconds! Keep extra portions of the scrub in a mason jar in your bathroom and use on dry skin before rinsing off in the shower. You will feel refreshed and glowing when you step out!

Top 5 soca tracks of the Carnival season

Kes the Band

With Jamaica Carnival fresh in our minds, check out the National Weekly’s top 5 soca songs that will make you want to jump around.

Machel Montano – “Like ah Boss”

“Look, trouble now!” barks Machel Montano as the snare drum gets smashed to pieces. This blistering, jazzy, ragtime stonker, produced by New York Trini Deputy from Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, shows why Montano is the reigning prince of soca. The song won this year’s overall Soca Monarch title.

Destra Garcia – “Lucy”

On “Lucy,” the Queen of Bacchanal croons on this chugging bass tune about her journey from growing up as a “real good girl, always home,” to the grown woman who “wines on top of a speaker box.” And these are far from shame-ridden confessions; they are straight up boasts.

Kes – “Million”

With his long dreads and boyish good looks, Kes Dieffenthaler is the poster boy of soca. Two of his many 2015 tracks demonstrate this versatility. “Million” is a jump-around track occupying the middle ground between power soca and groovy soca.

Chucky – “Doh Take it on”

“Once you have alcohol and plenty gyal,” Chucky claims, you’ll feel your stresses ebbing away.  It’s a daft track with a cheeky calypso-beat sped up to satisfy the soca hordes on boat cruises, at beach parties and cooler fetes.

Kerwin DuBois and Ravi B – “Overdoing It“

In 2014, Kerwin Du Bois erupted unto the music scene with his single “Too Real” which won him the Soca Monarch crown. This year, Kerwin didn’t enter the competition to retain the title but he did pen a song with Ravi B, a big soca chutney star. “Overdoing It” bubbles under without ever really taking off, making it a tune for when the party is winding down.

Dominica launches new anti-crime software

Information, Science and Telecommunications Minister Kelvar Darroux

Dominica has launched a new initiative that will allow people to submit reports of persons or businesses engaged in suspicious activities.

Information, Science and Telecommunications Minister Kelvar Darroux said ‘all communication between the user and the website is encrypted and protected by a SSL certificate”.

The Suspicion Transaction Report (STRs) application or ‘Dominica-FSU e-Filing System’ (DEFS) was launched at the Police headquarters earlier this week by the Information and Communication Technology Unit (ICTU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Immigration and National Security.

The online application eliminates the need for paper filing and provides a greater level of security and privacy for an individual filing a suspicion transaction report. The website can be accessed by typing this link www.fiu.gov.dm in your web browser.

“By clicking the appropriate link of the website, authorized users can access the STR application,” said  Darroux noting that additional information linked to the person or company, such as addresses, accounts, identification, and telephone information can also be submitted as part of the STR.

“As the demand for smart phones and talent increases, it is important to exhibit the talents of our young people who are innovators and entrepreneurs,” he said of those behind the new software.

“It shows that we have a wealth of talent in Dominica and it is good that our youth are using their talents, not just to develop the ICT sector, but Dominica as a whole,” he said.

St. Lucia PM welcomes investment by Trinidad-based flour mill

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony

Mill to provide significant employment for residents in the area

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony has welcomed the decision by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Grains Flour Mill to establish a facility in the south of the island, saying it will provide significant employment for residents in the area.

Anthony, who toured the facility earlier this week, said that it is a major boost for the south of the island, adding “I welcome this investment, particularly because of the job opportunities it presents now and in the future”.

Anthony, who is also the parliamentary representative for the Vieux Fort constituency, said that over the years, successive governments have had the challenge of dealing with unemployment in Vieux Fort, since most of the factories located there have closed and moved overseas claiming the high cost of operations in St. Lucia.

“The challenge then has been to find alternatives and to attract investors to the south of the island. Therefore, this is a timely and much appreciated investment in Vieux Fort. For many, it is nostalgic, as a flour mill once existed in the same location.”

Anthony said the facility, which is expected ti provide employment for at least 100 people, once fully operational would make the island self-sufficient in flour.

The investors have expressed a desire to be fully operational by November this year.

Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses

You may think of mosquitoes as being strictly hot weather pests, but these disease carrying insects can actually remain active until the temperature consistently stays lower than 60 degrees.

The risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses can remain a significant threat well after the long, lazy days of summer, and it is vital to remain vigilant against these pests until they become inactive for the winter.

Statistics from the Centeres for Disease Control and Prevention show more people contract West Nile virus (WNV) – a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness – in late summer than during any other time of the year, and transmission of the disease can also continue into the fall. Mosquitoes are known to transmit other diseases, including Chikungunya virus, a disease that causes joint pain and is most frequently brought in to the U.S. by travelers who were infected in countries where the disease is common.

The NPMA offers these tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illness:

* Many mosquito species are most active between dusk and dawn, so try to avoid outdoor activity during those hours. It is important to note, however, that the mosquito species that transmits Chikungunya is active throughout the day.

* Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon-eucalyptus or IR3535 whenever you’ll be outdoors. Follow the directions on the product label and remember to apply the repellent over sunscreen and reapply every four to six hours.

* Protect arms and legs with long sleeves and long pants, and wear closed-toe shoes when outside.

* Eliminate areas where mosquitoes can breed, such as standing water in flower pots, tires, kiddie pools, puddles and low-lying areas of lawn where water collects. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as half an inch of water.

* Make sure window and door screens are in good repair in order to keep mosquitoes from easily getting into your house. Patch holes in screens.

* A mosquito infestation can be a serious health hazard. If you find yourself losing the battle against mosquitoes, it may be time to call in a professional for help.

Despite your best efforts, mosquito bites can still occur, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of common mosquito-borne illnesses. WNV is among the most common and most serious. Found in virtually every state, the virus causes flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and eye and abdominal pain. “Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the disease, which can be fatal in severe cases,” Parada says. “It is possible to have West Nile virus for some time without experiencing any symptoms, and many people who contract the disease don’t ever realize they had it.”

The Chikungunya virus appeared relatively recently in the U.S. and the Caribbean, with the first known locally acquired cases being reported in Florida in July 2014. Although typically not fatal, the disease can be extremely painful. According to Parada, symptoms develop four to eight days after the mosquito bite, and include severe joint pain, especially in hands and feet, fever, headaches, muscle pain, rash and joint swelling. Symptoms usually go away after a week, but there is no treatment.

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TalkUp: Do people share too much on social media?

Do people share too much personal information on social media?

Fred – Fort Lauderdale, FL.

I think people put too much on social media.  Maybe a little personal stuff is fine, but not too much.  I think it is extreme when you go to events and then pictures are posted immediately on social media.

Karen – San Diego, California

It’s everybody’s own personal opinion as to what they should or should not post on social media. A lot of people post too much information.  People should use their discretion and not reveal too much. For example, I don’t need to know what you are having for dinner.  That’s just me though; everybody is different. The most personal thing that I have seen is pictures of a baby right after they came into the world.  I thought that was precious.

Dr. Flenyol – Lauderhill, Fl.

I don’t think people should post personal details on social media because what you think is harmless today might not be so tomorrow.  It can interfere with your employment, future relationships and the rest of your life.  People should learn from other people’s mistakes when they post too much information and have to face the consequences of their actions.

Patricia – Del Rae Beach, Fl.

Yes, I think people share too much on social media.  Some things you have to keep to yourself.  It is out of control. You put everything on Facebook and then people know your business.  Some of the personal information on there is not necessary.  I love social media for the benefits. The most revealing thing I see people post on social media is when they are going out of town and they give all the information of where they will be, as well as details about every relationship they are in.  It’s just too much.

Black Knight – Miami Shores, FL.

Yes, people share too much information on social media, especially about a relationship.  Whether it’s good, bad or ugly, keep it to yourself.  The most revealing thing that I’ve seen on social media is someone throwing out their boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s stuff.

Rashaed – Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

I don’t agree with people putting all their personal stuff on social media.  Some things should be kept private. For example, talking about your family issues should be kept private. Pictures are fine to show, but they should not be too revealing.  I personally would not post nude pictures, but like for everything else, I would put up.

Kellie – Wellington, Fl.

Yes, people post too much personal information on Facebook, and then they get upset when others tell their business.  Once you put it out there, you can’t get it back.  The most personal thing that I’ve seen posted is when someone is telling that they will be out of town and then their house gets broken into.  The most personal things that I have ever been posted about myself are my baby pictures.  Those are fun, embarrassing moments.

Demario – Miami, FL.

Totally.  There are certain things you should not say and pictures you should not share on social media.  I work at a law firm and we can find out anything we want about an individual.  The most revealing thing that I’ve ever seen is sexually explicit video footage.

Emmie and Tiffany – Pembroke Pines, FL.

Yes, people share too much on social media.  The most revealing thing I’ve seen someone share footage from an operating room. I’ve also seen pictures from someone who was in a car accident. They posted pictures instead of being concerned about their health and safety.  I don’t see how social media could possibly help at that time.  I saw a story of a woman who was shot by her four-year old son the day after she shared on social media that she taught him how to use a gun.  The most personal thing that I have shared on Social media is my relationship status. I will never do that again.

Kerwin – North Miami, FL.

I absolutely think people share too much personal information on social media.  Some of the pictures are just too outrageous.  The most revealing thing that I have seen on social media is pictures of inappropriate dancing and clothing that they have no business doing or wearing. Those days for them are over. I try to keep my personal business out of social media.  So I don’t reveal too much.  I’ve never had that problem of someone posting something about me that I don’t want revealed.

Kevin White – California

I don’t think people should post as much as we are seeing now on social media, but we are in an age where young people reveal almost all aspects of their lives, which sometimes can be detrimental, especially when they are applying for jobs.  Employers sometimes look at the information that potential employees post on their social media platforms.  I think people ultimately regret sharing too many details about their relationships on social media. The most revealing thing that I’ve ever posted is my job title.

Immunizations that protect hearing

Many factors — known and still being researched — can cause or contribute to hearing loss, including illness, noise and aging. However, there’s a myriad of things you can do to reduce the risk of you or your child developing hearing loss. Begin by getting all medically-recommended vaccinations against preventable diseases.

Diseases known to damage hearing

Many diseases known to be dangerous to overall health may also cause hearing loss. The following diseases and their associated vaccination information can serve as an introductory guide for parents and adults seeking information on hearing loss and certain diseases. As always, consult your physician for more detailed and personalized recommendations.

Pneumonia (pneumococcal disease)

More than just a lung infection, pneumococcal disease comes in many forms. More than half of middle ear infections are the result of pneumococcus bacteria, while severe forms of the disease can cause permanent hearing loss. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against 13 forms of pneumococcal bacterial infection. The PCV13 (brand name Prevnar 13) vaccine is used for infants and children up to 5 years old, adults 65 years or older, and adults under 65 with weakened immune systems. A different vaccine, PPSV23 (brand name Pneumovax), protects against 23 types of the bacteria and is intended for all adults 65 years or older and children two years or older at higher risk of pneumococcal bacterial infection.

Meningitis

The bacterial form of this disease is associated with hearing loss, which occurs in 15 to 30 percent of children who contract the disease, due to inflammation damaging the nerve that conducts sound from the ear to the brain for processing. Three kinds of meningitis vaccines are available in the U.S to protect against meningitis:

* Meningococcal conjugate (brand names Menactra, MenHibrix, and Menveo)

* Meningococcal polysaccharide (brand name Menomune)

* Serogroup B (brand names Bexsero and Trumenba)

A meningitis vaccine is only recommended for children 2 months to 10 years old identified as having an increased risk of meningitis infection. All preteens 11-12 years old should be vaccinated with Menactra or Menveo, with a booster dose administered at 16. Serogroup B is only recommended for those at increased risk of developing meningitis. As for adults who were never vaccinated for meningitis, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician about getting vaccinated if you are planning to travel overseas, are entering the military or have an immune deficiency.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella

Ear infections affect approximately one out of every 10 children infected with measles or rubella (aka “German” measles) and can leave them with permanent hearing loss. Pregnant women who contract rubella early on can pass the virus to their fetus, leading to birth defects that include deafness. A mumps viral infection can damage the cochlea (inner ear) and cause hearing loss or complete deafness in one or both ears.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all children starting between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years old. Adults should get at least one dose if they lack immunity, as should teens going into college. A variant of this vaccine is now available that also covers varicella (MMRV).

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Irreversible hearing loss is among the potential complications from whopping cough. At 18 months, children should receive their first DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine as part of a five-dose schedule administered again at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15. A booster is available for adolescents and adults called Tdap. Expectant mothers should also receive a Tdap dose between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Chicken pox (varicella zoster)

The chicken pox virus can damage hearing in children and adults. Babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy may be born with hearing loss, and children who contract it directly are at greater risk of ear infections that could result in hearing damage. Older adults who had chicken pox in their youth may lose their hearing if the virus reactivates as shingles or as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Two doses of the varicella vaccine (brand name Varivax) are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults. Alternately, the MMRV vaccine can be used as a single shot alternative in children between 12 months and 12 years old.

The flu (influenza)

In most cases, temporary hearing loss due to influenza is due to congestion and resolves once the flu passes. Sometimes, however, the virus attacks hearing organs directly, resulting in sudden and sometimes permanent hearing loss. Unlike the other vaccine options described above, there are a variety of seasonal flu vaccines. Each year the CDC calculates which flu viruses are more likely to be prevalent and recommends appropriate vaccines based on that data. They generally recommend everyone 6 months or older receive a flu vaccine at the beginning of every flu season (usually defined as the winter months) unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

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Tips for retirees and pre-retirees that will help improve financial stability

When it comes to retirement, practice makes perfect.

Retirees become increasingly adept at managing their expenses and income as they age, according to new research. Retirees report becoming better at controlling spending, feeling more financially secure and finding creative ways to cut expenses without giving up activities they enjoy, according to the study sponsored by MassMutual.

The study is part of a larger research project conducted on behalf of MassMutual by Greenwald & Associates. The research culled information from 905 responses from retirees within 15 years of retirement. Respondents had a minimum of $50,000 in retirement savings.

Of the study respondents who retired 11-15 years ago, 83 percent say they feel financially secure and 62 percent report being “very satisfied” with their lifestyle, the study found. Comparatively, 77 percent of respondents who retired fewer than five years ago say feel financially secure and 56 percent report being “very satisfied” with their lifestyle.

In most instances, retirees’ expenses are about what they expected or lower than expected before they retired, according to the study. In general, 40 percent of retirees say their expenses are lower than expected, with 30 percent reporting “much lower” expenses.

Sources of income shift for retirees the longer they are retired, the study shows, and few retirees report actually working, especially in later years. Only 36 percent of survey respondents who retired within five years report working as compared to 21 percent of respondents who retired 11-15 years ago.

Many retirees say they deferred taking Social Security retirement income until 10-15 years into retirement, according to the study. Deferring Social Security benefits increases payments by 8 percent a year until age 70.

Sarsynski recommended that pre-retirees take steps to realistically project their expenses before retirement:

* Connect with retirees to better understand their lifestyles and how they fill their days.

* Track all purchases, especially when on vacation, to better understand the cost and feasibility of activities you enjoy.

* Look for alternative ways to participate in activities you enjoy at lower costs, such as taking in local community theater in lieu of professionally produced shows.

* Reconnect with your spouse, children and friends to help bolster your social networks.

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The State of Black Miami

Upcoming forum to examine prosperity among the community

Does the black community in Miami-Dade County have an equal and fair shot at the American Dream? That the question for debate at the upcoming 2016 One Heritage Forum: The State of Black Miami conference. Set for April 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Florida Memorial University, Smith Conference Center, this free conference seeks to bring together black Miamians of all nationalities to discuss issues affecting the African diaspora and get behind a unified agenda.

This public forum will be hosted by Miami Dade County Commission Chairman, Jean Monestime. He will be joined by fellow local leaders, County Commissioners Barbara Jordan, Audrey Edmonson and Dennis Moss, and Miami City Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon.

The conference will feature three separate roundtable discussions to assess Black Miami’s state of economic prosperity, community development and quality of life. The expert panelists will cover a range of topics including jobs, housing, transportation, education, health, youth violence and criminal justice reform. The forum endeavors to pursue recommended ideas, initiatives, and legislation for impacting the “State of Black Miami.” The summit will also promote the cultural theme of “one heritage and inclusiveness within all of black Miami.

“At roughly 525,000, Miami-Dade has one of America’s largest population of Black residents,” says Chairman Monestime. “This is as tremendous asset that we have yet to fully unleash to our community’s benefit. Given this oneness of community heritage, we are inspired to look at our challenges and accomplishments through a common lens.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 305-694-2779.

M-DCPS to observe National Youth Violence Prevention Week

Several Miami-Dade County Public Schools will be observing National Youth Violence Prevention Week the week of Monday, April 4th. A variety of activities will be held to raise awareness about the need to prevent violence against and among the nation’s youth.

 Activities centered at District high schools include assemblies hosted by anti-violence educators and police, Orange Shirt days, door decorating contests, rallies and pledge days. 

The public school anti-violence programs and activities will be guided by the leadership of student ambassadors. Last year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) launched the Peace Ambassadors Leadership Program.

Through the program, 130 high school juniors from 13 area high schools were selected to be Peace Ambassadors – “change agents” in their family, amongst their peers and within their community. As “change agents,” Peace Ambassadors look for the opportunities to lead their community and actively speak out against the cycle of violence. M-DCPS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office coordinate neighborhood working groups with the Peace Ambassadors in order to develop tangible action plans that focus on neighborhood needs and leverage each of their unique strengths, understanding, and resources.

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