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Stephen Marley, Spragga Benz in a “Rub A Dub” style

Stephen Marley

Artists to perform at Spring Break Roots Dub Fest

Reggae stars Stephen Marley, Spragga Benz, Dezarie and more go Rub a Dub style this Sunday, March 27 for the Spring Break Roots Dub Fest, starting 6 p.m.at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrating the classic and internally influential genre, the event offers odes to dub music from the hottest contemporary stars. Doors open at 6 p.m. with performances from Dezarie, Then Ron Benjamin of the Midnite Band, hailing from the US Virgin Islands, will hit the stage at 8pm for a deep roots dub performance, along with a performance from South Florida’s own Mixed Culture band. The evening will be complimented with selections from popular Reggae Revival DJ Yaadcore from Jamaica, alongside the Mighty Jah Stream with Israel and Ragga, Agony Muzik with Chrys Lee, Supreme Sound with DJ Nkosi from St Lucia and Lalibela Muzik with Empress Yvette and Humble Lion.

The night honors the unique genre that emerged from reggae in the 1960s, pioneered by iconic Jamaican producers such as King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Errol Thompson. These producers, especially King Tubby’s and Lee “Scratch” Perry, looked on the mixing console as an instrument, and manipulated tracks to come up with innovative rhythms and unique soundscapes. Dub has influenced many genres of music, including rock, pop, hip hop, disco, and later on house, techno, ambient, electronic dance music, and trip hop. Dub has also become a basis for the genres of jungle/drum and bass and dubstep. However, traditional dub has survived, and some of the originators, such as Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mad Professor, continue to produce new material, and traditional dub sessions are now the norm once again.

Haiti’s interim president nominates new Prime Minister

Haiti Interim President Jocelerme Privert

Enex Jean-Charles to replace Fritz Jean

Less than 48 hours after lawmakers rejected economist Fritz Jean as the country’s new prime minister, Interim President Jocelerme Privert has nominated another person for the post.

Professor of administrative law, Enex Jean-Charles, who also served as an advisor to several heads of state, was named on Tuesday as a replacement for Jean. He now has to get parliamentary approval for his policies, as Privert seeks to move ahead with plans for development as well as fresh presidential elections scheduled for April 24.

Privert has said he will wait for Jean-Charles to get the nod from parliament before naming members of the new Provisional Electoral Commission (CEP). On Sunday, Privert watched as legislators voted down Jean and the CEP that is needed to organize the twice-postponed presidential runoff vote following former President Michel Martelly’s departure from office on February 7, without any successor being elected.

Last week, Sandra Honore, the top U.N. envoy for Haiti, told the United Nations Security Council that Haiti was at a “critical juncture” in consolidating its democracy and the next few weeks would be decisive.

Last mont, the Tet Kale Haitian Party (PHTK) political party of former president Michel Martelly criticized Interim President Jocelerme Privert over his selection of a prime minister Fritz Jean, saying that it was done in violation of the February 6 agreement.

Leaders of the PHTK told a news conference that Privert’s decision to appoint Jean, a fellow member of his own party as the new provisional prime minister, was in violation of the agreement and could deepen the country’s long-standing political crisis.

“The decision of the provisional president Jocelerme Privert to unilaterally name as prime minister Fitz Jean is a violation of the February 6 agreement with the former President Martelly and the two branches of parliament,” said PHTK strategic adviser Guichard Dore. He told reporters “we are dealing with a monocular power.”

A conversation with Roberto Martino

Roberto Martino is the lead singer and band leader for T-Vice

NE2P hosts intimate chat with popular kompas singer

Kompas star Roberto Martino of Miami-based band T-Vice will be the next conversationalist scheduled for the ever popular “A Conversation with…” series, hosted by Northeast Second Avenue Partnership (NE2P). The event is set for next Friday, April 8, starting 6 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.

Roberto Martino is the lead singer and band leader for T-Vice, composing hit music with brother Reynaldo Martino. The band has help to revolutionized the genre, blending multiple influences such reggae, merengue and electronica, and has helped spread kompas around the work with several international performances across the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe. The group is loved for such hits as “Sensation, “Timidite, and “Innocent.” Both Roberto and Reynaldo are the sons of renowned Haitian lead guitarist Robert Martino of classic kompas band, Top-Vice – which originally inspired T-Vice’s name as an ode to their father.

The Conversation Series is part of a monthly program highlighting talented Haitian-American professionals, as they “share their stories and life lesson with the community,” says Executive Director Northeast Second Avenue Partnership, Joann Milord. Recent past speakers include DJ and record producer Michael Brun, new media publisher of the Haitian American and L’unionsuite Wanda Gilles, and marketing guru for Rick Ross, Lex Pierre-Louis

Must-have snacks that define the Spring season

According to Nielsen, Americans spend about $374 billion annually on snack foods. For many of those snack lovers, items that are only available for a limited time are one of the major highlights of seasonal occasions and holidays, especially this time of year when, according to a recent Cheetos brand survey, 65 percent of Americans profess their love of seasonal Easter treats.

Here’s your guide to the top treats to watch for this spring, and throughout the year.

It might still be too chilly to feel like spring in some areas of the country, but St. Patrick’s Day undoubtedly marks the start of the springtime snacking season. Milkshake lovers kicked things off with mint-green milkshakes, and quickly turn their attention to Easter candies and snacks.

Chocolate and marshmallow sweets are the traditional stars of Easter baskets across the country – for both the young, and the young at heart. It is no surprise that 71 percent of parents who celebrate Easter admit to sneaking snacks from their kids’ baskets, according to the Cheetos survey.

Of course, everyone is familiar with jelly beans, peanut butter eggs, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks, but the majority of consumers say they desire more variety beyond just candy. This year, there’s a new must-try alternative to satisfy the search for something beyond the candy animal monotony. Cheetos Sweetos, the cinnamon-sugar version of everyone’s favorite cheddar cheese snacks is reappearing in stores — and Easter baskets — this spring, but only for a limited time. Launched in 2015, Sweetos snacks are the perfect, and delicious, twist on Easter snacking.

 

However, autumn also heralds state fair season across the country — and the arrival of a variety of innovative sweet treats that can only be enjoyed among the unique surroundings of fair rides, tickets and games. Funnel cakes are a state fair staple, and what could be better when the weather gets nippy than enjoying lightly sweetened, deep-fried dough dusted heavily with confectioner’s sugar? Depending on where you live in the country and which fair you attend, you can find over-the-top sweets and snacks such as deep-fried ice cream, fried candy bars and even pretzel-encrusted brownies deep-fried on a stick.

Heightened security at Miami International Airport after Brussels attack

Security guard walks through one of the gates at the Miami International Airport.

Security is on high alert at the Miami International airport, says officials, following yesterday’s terrorist attacks at Brussels airport and metro in Belgium. 

Increase security measures include more patrols and random inspections at entrances. Officials however assure travelers that there is no direct threat to the Miami International airport.

More than 30 people are believed to have been killed and dozens injured in attacks yesterday at Brussels international airport and a city metro station.Twin blasts hit Zaventem airport early in the morning, with 11 people reported killed.

Read more: Major US cities ramp up security after Brussels attacks

Another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station near EU headquarters an hour later, leaving about 20 people dead.

Brussels police have issued a wanted notice for a man seen pushing a luggage trolley through the airport.He was pictured in CCTV footage with two other suspects who are believed to have died in the blasts.

The Islamic State (ISIS) group said it was behind the attacks in a statement issued on the IS-linked Amaq agency.

The Miami-Dade Police Department and its K-9 Unit were sent to search the airport of any suspicious activity, Tuesday morning.

Airport officials urge all employees to remain vigilant and aware of all activity to ensure the safety of all persons on the premises.

Security at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was also heightened. “The events in Brussels today kind of raised our interest a bit,” said Broward Sheriff’s Office Capt. Roy Liddicott. “We’ve added a little more security, a little more that you’ll see and a lot more that you won’t see.”

Many passengers were happy to see the increased security. “I woke up this morning thinking that I put my mom on that flight because I bought her ticket, and if she had gone, it was pretty much my fault so you know, never again,” said concerned daughter Roxane Mignot. “Something needs to be done, these are innocent people.”

Jamaica launches studies on green economy policies

daryl vaz Jamaica
Minister Daryl Vaz

Jamaica has released two studies that chart a course for the country towards sustainable development through implementing inclusive green economy policies.

The studies, Green Economy Scoping Study for Jamaica and Vision 2030 Jamaica and Green Economy, were produced by the Jamaica government and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The scoping study focuses on five key economic sectors -agriculture, tourism, construction, energy, and water and sewerage-, while the policy briefing document demonstrates the linkages between Jamaica’s existing national long term development plan and inclusive green economy.

The documents recommend policies and government actions that can help improve resource efficiency and adaptability to climate change, create jobs, and attract investment across sectors of the economy, fostering the transition from a high level of indebtedness and dependence to resilience.

The recommendations build on Jamaica’s existing policies and are designed to respond to the fiscal and social conditions in the country. The studies also highlight leadership from the private sector and civil society.

 “In keeping with the global movement towards a green economy, Jamaica’s study demonstrates that the greening of economies is a new engine of growth; that it is a net generator of decent jobs, which is a vital strategy for the elimination of persistent poverty,” said the Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz.

“The report also seeks to motivate policy makers to create the enabling conditions for increased investments in a transition to a green economy. Notably, it reiterates the need for public-private partnerships”, he added.

The studies were presented during the meeting Green Economy: A Tool for Sustainable Development, hosted by the Jamaica government with support of UNEP, through a European Union funded project Advancing Caribbean States Sustainable Development Through Green economy (ACSSD-GE).

Jamaican singer Jimmy Riley dies

Musician loses cancel battle at 61

Jamaican singer Jimmy Riley lost his battle to cancer last night,at the age of 61.

Riley was the father to popular Jamaican singer Tarrus Riley, who following his death posted a “F*** cancer” image to his Instagram page.

Riley is best known as a solo act but had carved out a great reputation as a member of the Sensations and The Uniques.

He had several hits in the 1970s, including Tell The Youths The Truth, Nyah Bingi, and Clean up the Streets, and continued to be successful in the 1980s, working with Sly & Robbie’s Taxi productions. In 1983, Riley topped the UK reggae chart with his version of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing. In the late 1980s, Riley moved to Miami, and put his career on hold, but returned to Jamaica in the early 1990s.

In the late 80s Riley moved to Miami and opened a record store, but after two years away from recording, he returned to Jamaica. There, in addition to producing his own songs, he also undertook producer duties for several artists, some of which were also released on his label.

In 1996 Riley received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bob Marley Reggae Festival in Los Angeles, California and up to a few years ago continued to perform in Jamaica and to tour such countries as Brazil, Bermuda, The Bahamas and USA, giving concerts also in New York, Florida and California.

In Jamaica, Riley has been regarded as a reggae icon, a beloved and respected symbol of reggae’s roots origins, and the heights to which those roots have ascended.

EDITORIAL: Suffering in Silence

Fighting homelessness in the Caribbean-American community

Homeless ness remains one of the most urgent issues in our community, afflicting countless American cities, and severely so here in South Florida. But not enough is being discussed – or done – about how this very prevalent issue specifically affects the Caribbean-American Diaspora. Many among our community are included in the thousands here in Florida who have nowhere to live.

Many Caribbean-Americans are living in local homeless shelters such as the Salvation Army shelter in Fort Lauderdale and the Camillus Home in Miami. They were made homeless because of a variety of reasons – mostly commonly due to the inability to earn sufficient income to purchase residential shelter. Defying our mental image of what homelessness looks like, these individuals were also people who once owned or rented upscale residences, but through financial failings were forced to live on the street.

One of the more poignant stories is from a 23-year old women, whose parents died while she was studying at a college in California. Graduating and returning to South Florida, without relatives and unable to get a job, she was evicted from the home she lived with her parents for 12 years. She was invited to live with a friend, but soon wore out her welcome and was asked to leave. She lived in a homeless shelter for two weeks before she was able to land a job. Her story however, is a brief experience compared to many other Caribbean-Americans. Many families experience repeated bouts of homelessness when their earning circumstances are unstable, forced to live in their cars or find shelters that provide a stable situation.

Maintaining good health and sense of safety is one major consequence not discussed enough. Several homeless people have been the target of beatings, robbery and rape. Particularly for homeless teens, their circumstances have often forced them in illegal activity, from gang violence to prostitution. Most dreadful of all, homelessness still carries a powerful stigma in our Caribbean-American community, with the tendency to marginalize those most in need. This makes our community’s ability to talk about the many faces of homelessness difficult, leading us to a culture of silence that fails to seek solutions.

Fortunately, the conversasion has opened up, with more volunteer community groups emerging to fill the void not being filled by public organizations to alleviate the plight of homelessness. Many Caribbean-Americans participated in Homeless Forum, led by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in Miami-Dade County. Those participating in this forum included business and community leaders who met to find solutions to the complex issues that continues to affect so many lives.

Our community, however, is still in need of some cohesive organization actively campaigning for the cause. Granted, some  churches and residents in the community reach out to the homeless periodically with meals and clothing. But these initiatives, however noble and useful, are limited in scope because all their resources and personal efforts are fragmented. This is a community-wide problem that requires more than food drives, or free meals around the holidays. It’s not enough to give homeless individuals handouts, but divert the real solutions to this problem to over-burdened public organizations. It’s a formidable truism that most people are one pay check away from homelessness.

In hindsight, society seems to treat crime and homelessness in the same, problematic ways. Often society build prisons to incarcerate criminals instead of developing programs that offers pragmatic, preventative support to vulnerable individuals. Similarly, society tend to focus on building homeless shelters instead of developing programs, including job-training programs, that offers those faced with homelessness alternatives to living in these shelters.  There’s a urgent need for all communities to explore practical resources that makes living in homeless shelters the sole option for too many.

An appeal goes out to altruistic-minded people within the Caribbean-American community to take leadership in developing organizational support that can pragmatically assist those within the community who are threatened with homelessness, and provide safety nets to help those who have lost the resources to maintain a home. This is a problem the community cannot allow to escalate.

 

Usain Bolt say no to 2020 Olympics

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 23, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Security is on high alert at the Miami International airport, says officials, following yesterday’s terrorist attacks at Brussels airport and metro in Belgium. Increase security measures include more patrols and random inspections at entrances. Officials however assure travelers that there is no direct threat to the Miami International airport.

Locally-based Cruise giant Carnival corp. will launch its first voyage from Miami to Cuba starting May 1. Carnival is among 10 cruise brands recently approved by the Cuban government. The cruise, which will run bi-weekly under the company Fathom brand, will mark the first time in 50 years that ships from the U.S. will be allowed to sail to Cuba.

The Caribbean community gets set this Saturday to celebrate the annual Holi Festival of Colors, starting 1 p.m. at the Brian Piccolo park in Hollywood. Honoring South Florida’s Indo-Caribbean community, the event includes performances from both local and international artists, including the popular Baithak Gana Warriors from Suriname and Chutney Soca Monarch semi-finalist Dave Lall.

The soccer showdown continues tonight for the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association’s Super League tournament, starting tonight 7:45 pm at the Lauderhill Sports Park. 8th ranked Team Haiti will face 9th ranked Melrose Strikers, as both sides seek to rack up goals to climb up the tournament ranks. The FC Steelers is currently the team to beat at first place.

What’s trending:

Jamaican track star Usain Bolt has confirmed that this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with be his last Olympics. In an interview, Bolt said it would be difficult to “keep the motivation” to go on to the 2020 games in Tokyo.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 79 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 79 and a low of 70.

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

Dillard Arts Center performs ode to Langston Hughes

American poet, Langston Hughes

Concert to feature performance by the Ron McCurdy Quartet

Celebrating National Poetry Month, the Dillard Center for the Arts and the Old Dillard Museum presents a musical tribute to the legendary American poet, Langston Hughes, featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet.  Part of the popular Cannonball Jazz Series, the concert is set for April 10, starting 4 p.m. at the Dillard High School Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.

Known as the Langston Hughes Project, the event is a multimedia concert performance of Langston Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite titled, “Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz”. This is Hughes’ homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s. It is a twelve-part epic poem which Hughes scored with musical cues drawn from blues and Dixieland, gospel songs, boogie woogie, bebop, progressive jazz, Latin “cha cha,” Afro-Cuban mambo music, German lieder, Jewish liturgy, West Indian calypso, and African drumming – a creative masterwork left unperformed at his death.

Its recovery now in word, music and image provides a galvanizing experience for audiences everywhere. Utilizing engaging videography, this concert performance links the words and music of Hughes’ poetry to topical images of Ask Your Mama’s people, places, events and to the visual artists Langston Hughes admired and/or collaborated with most closely over the course of his career. Together the words, sounds and images recreate a magical moment in cultural history, which bridges the Harlem renaissance, the post-World War II beat writers’ coffeehouse jazz poetry world and the looming Black Arts performance explosion of the 1960’s.

The performance is brought to life by the extraordinary talents of the Ron McCurdy Quartet. Dr. Ronald C. McCurdy is the director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble and combo, serves as Director of the Walt Disney All-American College Band in Anaheim, California and is professor of music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California (USC).

For seat reservations call 754-322-8828, go to our website at www.olddillardmuseum.org or visit the Old Dillard Museum at 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

Doing Business with Belize

South Florida mission explores investment opportunities in Belize

With such spectacular natural wonders in Belize, from the barrier reef to the rainforest, it can be easy to go AWOL. But it was all business this past weekend, as several South Florida business persons traveled to Placencia for the Belize Trade and Investment Mission.

The 15- member mission explored potential business opportunities with both the private sector and the government. Several members had one-one-one discussions with various officials, including Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, Glenford Ysaguirre, and Minister of Trade and Investment, Erwin Rafael Contreras. Members also met with Belizean traders and manufacturers to explores possible products that could be exported to Florida, as well as potential consumer markets in Belize for Floridian products.

Belize has recently prioritized boasting trade relations, launching many competitive investment incentives. This includes an export processing zone, offering multiple tax exemptions, including full import and export duty exemptions. The Fiscal Incentives Program also encourages investments in Belize through duty exemptions and tax holidays.

Of particular interest to South Florida business interests is the several “investment opportunities which Belize offers in a wide range of sectors, including hotel development, agribusiness and financial services, among others,” says Michael Devin Young, representative of the Belize Ministry of Trade and Investment in Florida and president of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce (GCACC).

The mission was organized by the Belize American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (BACCOF) in collaboration with Broward County, Florida, the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), the United States Embassy in Belize & its American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), the Ministry of Trade and Investment, & Beltraide. Several local officials were also in attendance, including current Florida State Representative for District 95, Hazelle Rogers, as well as Broward County’s Economic Development Specialist, Paola Isaac Baraya, from the Office of Economic and Small Business Development.

“The trade mission to Belize organized by the Belize American Chamber of Commerce & Greater Caribbean Chamber allowed Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business to find tangible exports opportunities for our Broward businesses and strengthen our bilateral ties with Belize,” said Isaac Baraya.

WHO chief issues new warning on Zika virus

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan

Says virus now considered “disease with severe public health implications”

The head of the United Nations health agency has issued a new warning on the mosquito-borne Zika virus, saying that “the more we know the worse things look”.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, said that in less than a year, the status of Zika has changed from “a mild medical curiosity” to a disease with severe public health implications.

She, however, said the knowledge base is building very rapidly, thanking all countries and their scientists who have worked to help build up the evidence base.

“The virus is currently circulating in 38 countries and territories. On present knowledge, no one can predict whether the virus will spread to other parts of the world and cause a similar pattern of fetal malformations and neurological disorders.

“If this pattern is confirmed beyond Latin America and the Caribbean, the world will face a severe public health crisis,” Chan warned.

According to WHO, the world was alerted to the first appearance of Zika in the Western Hemisphere on May 7, 2015, when Brazil confirmed that a “mysterious outbreak” of thousands of cases of mild disease with rash was caused by the Zika virus.

In July last year, the country then reported an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), followed by an unusual increase in microcephaly among newborns in late October.

“The possibility that a mosquito bite could be linked to severe fetal malformations alarmed the public and astonished scientists,” Dr Chan said.

“The association with Guillain-Barré syndrome and other severe disorders of the central nervous system has expanded the risk group well beyond women of child-bearing age. We now know that sexual transmission of the virus occurs.”

Detection of microcephaly and other fetal malformations comes later, as pregnancies of infected women come to term, Chan said.

To date, she said 12 countries and territories have now reported an increased incidence of GBS or laboratory confirmation of Zika infection among GBS cases.

Chan said additional effects on the central nervous system have been documented, notably inflammation of the spinal cord and inflammation of the brain and its membranes.

Since February 1, she said WHO has convened seven international meetings and published 15 documents that translate the latest research into interim practical guidance to support Latin American and Caribbean, as well as other, countries as they respond to the Zika outbreak and its neurological complications.

 

Top 3 best summer Caribbean music festivals

The summer season is known for it’s scorching hot days. But it’s also the season that is filled with the most Caribbean reggae and dancehall music festivals. We know summer is quite a few months away, but check out our top 3 music festivals the summer has to offer!

Best of the Best

Going into it’s 10th year, Best of the Best concert has become the go to concert for dancehall lovers during Memorial Weekend. A massive, all-Caribbean showcase, this year’s lineup features a mix of reggae and dancehall acts- Christopher Martin, Allison Hind, Cham, with more artistes to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Reggae Sumfest

Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s only weeklong festival dedicated to showcasing the island’s indigenous reggae music while also promoting Jamaica as a prime summer destination. Reggae Sumfest is now widely regarded as one of the world’s premier reggae events and attracts visitors and media from all across the globe.

Reggae on the river

Reggae on the River (locally known as simply Reggae) is a reggae festival that is held annually on the first weekend in August in Humboldt County, California. The longest-running active reggae festival in the US, last year’s festival saw performances from Stephen Marley, Tarrus Riley and Cecile just to name a few.

 

Alumni Showdown for True Blue Weekend

Promoting school spirit and fundraising efforts for their beloved alma maters, The St. George’s College Old Boys Association of Florida, Inc. (STGCOBAFL) and The Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida, Inc. (JCOBAFL) has announced their twelfth Annual True Blue celebration, set for April 1st to 2nd.

The True Blue weekend is an expansion of the annual Ziadie Cup soccer match between STGCOBAFL and the JCOBAFL. The annual match is held in memory of Dennis Ziadie, who coached both schools to Manning Cup victories. With last year’s match drawing over 1700 spectators and supporters, this year’s event will also include a festive fundraising True Blue Party featuring DJ Radcliffe, set for April 1st, starting 8 pm at the Grand Palms Resort in Pembroke Pines. The True Blue Soccer Fest will begin April 2nd, including the 12th Annual Dennis Ziadie Cup soccer match (JC vs. St. Georges), the Dennis Ziadie Youth Soccer Tournament and the All Girls/Co-Ed Schools Alumni Penalty Kick-off. The Soccer Fest will be held at Vizcaya Park in Miramar, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s events,” said Xavier Murphy, president of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida. “This annual fundraising events give us the opportunity to provide scholarships to JC and STGC high school students, while honoring the legacy of Dennis Ziadie.”

New workshop seeks to empower artists in business

Does one need to be a starving artist to lead creative lives? From ska to dancehall, Jamaica creativity has long been solely a labor of love, with many artists never being properly compensated for their work, or washed along the wayside without industry support. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Broward Cultural Division certainly think so, hoping to help South Florida artists find balance between creative needs and financial demands with the ever popular Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute (AEI). Back by great demand, the program returns to South Florida, set for every Saturday in June at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. AEI seeks to empower artists, from musicians to graphic designers, on how to support their craft with smart business tactics.

Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to attend, including musicians, dancers, media/filmmakers, photographers, designers, illustrators, metalworkers, writers, jewelers and all interdisciplinary artists. Artists residing in any county are invited and welcome to attend. The program has already helped many local Caribbean artists, such as Jamaican-born photographer David Muri and Jamaican painter Peter Marshall.

Designed to help artists operate in the marketplace more successfully, the AEI course curriculum covers all aspects of developing an artistic business. It helps participants outline a personal brand, develop strategies for communicating with target markets, raise capital and identify a variety of tools for protecting one’s work legally. To date, more than 500 South Florida artists have graduated from the Institute, and many with exceptional success stories. The program includes a curriculum of 20 difference sessions over the four Saturdays, as well as the ever innovative business plan clinic and workshop, set for June 25th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business clinic seeks to guide participants through preparation of a simple business plan, an essential tool for any artist. In addition, participants will learn how to work effectively with lenders to obtain financial support.

To spread the word about the program, an information about AEI and its various services will be held on Monday, April4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Studio 19 in the Pines, Pembroke Pines. To RSVP to attend the event, as well as learn more about the program, go to broward.org and view the Artist as an Entrepreneur webpage for more information about the course and its history.

Jazz in the Gardens comes alive with local acts

PHOTO CREDIT: Ronnie VOP performs onstage during the 11th Annual “Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival” - Day 1 at Sun Life Stadium on March 19, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mychal Watts/Getty Images for Jazz in the Gardens)

This past weekend’s line-up for the 11th annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival proved as stellar as ever, featuring international acts such as Usher, Janelle Monae, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Fred Hammond among others. But the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens gave just as much spotlight to local stars – showing off South Florida’s own spectacular talent.

Local girl CriStyle Renae made good on stage Saturday night, showing off her uniquely jazzy, R&B stylings and refreshing original music.

“My music is love, R&B, soul, and passion; R&B soul runs in my DNA,” said CriStyle Renae in an interview with CNW Network. Her latest album, “Signature of Love,” reflects her eclectic tastes, with “R&B, soul, flirts with a little jazz, hip hop, a little blues – all original materials.”

And as a South Floridian, performing at the Jazz in Gardens’ international stage was particularly poignant for CriStyle Renae. “To be able to get the validation to say that you’re good enough to come onto the Jazz in the Garden stage is everything in life for me…this was an amazing opportunity.”

The feeling was mutual for fellow local artist Ronnie VOP. The R&B crooner and Miami Gardens native was thrilled to shared his new music, which is “leaning more towards R&B, pop, though you never know what you’re gonna get from me…I hate to put [my music] in a box.” The young Bahamian-American star, who just released an exciting new single “Would you Mind,” also got some sage advice before his performance from famous uncle, Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier.

“I actually had the opportunity to speak with him for the first time last week on his birthday, which was a true blessing,” said Ronnie VOP. “He gave me so much encouragement. And just told me to remain humble…It was just a great thing. I was so full.”

With such great promise, it’s refreshing to see these artists are striving despite the obstacles, because of their genuine love for their craft. Here’s to hoping our young local stars will soon be top headliners at the Jazz in the Gardens concerts to come.

This Day in History

Former Prime Minster Sir Lynden O. Pindling

Former Prime Minster Sir Lynden O. Pindling was born

On March 22, 1930, Sir Lynden O. Pindling, former Prime Minister of the Bahamas from 1969 to 1992, was born. Pindling also served as the first black Premier of the Colony of the Bahama Islands from 1967 to 1969; and was regarded as “Father of the Nation” of the Bahamas.

Political Party Affiliation: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) from 1956 to 1997.

Pindling’s father was a native of Jamaica, who had earlier immigrated to The Bahamas to join the Royal Bahamas Police Force as a constable.  

Pindling’s widow, Dame Marguerite Pindling is the current Governor General of the Bahamas, after taking office on July 8, 2014. The couple was married from 1956 until his death in 2000. Together they had four children.

Pindling was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983. His political career, however, ended when he resigned from public office amidst scandal and allegations of corruption.

In honor of Pendling’s legacy, government officials renamed Nassau International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport. The name of the airport was officially changed on 6 July 2006. Pendling is also featured on the Bahamian one dollar bill.

Some of the highlight of his Career include leading Bahamians to independence from Great Britain on 10 July 1973, introducing social security measures in the form of the National Insurance Scheme, and forming the College of The Bahamas, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Pindling emphasized public aid to education and the continued attraction of foreign investment, international banking and tourism and fought vigorously for equal rights.

Whip up these Peanutty Pie Clusters in just 30 minutes

There’s no shame in eating peanut butter straight from the jar, but these recipes will convince you to actually cook with this magical spread.

Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters

With just six ingredients, these clusters are easy to make. Plus, the inclusion of peanut butter and pie crust evokes a nostalgic and warm feeling.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Makes 30 servings/clusters

Ingredients:

1 Pillsbury(TM) refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box

1 bag (12 ounces) white vanilla baking chips (about 2 cups)

1 tablespoon Crisco(R) Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable shortening

1 tablespoon Jif(R) Creamy Peanut Butter

1 cup salted cocktail peanuts

2/3 cup toffee bits

Directions:

Heat oven to 450 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with Reynolds(R) Cut-Rite(R) Wax Paper. Unroll pie crust on work surface. With pizza cutter or knife, cut into 16 rows by 16 rows to make small squares. Arrange squares in single layer on large ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove squares from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about five minutes.

In large microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips, shortening and peanut butter uncovered on high for 60-90 seconds, stirring once, until chips can be stirred smooth. Add pie crust squares, peanuts and toffee bits. Stir gently until evenly coated. Immediately drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lined cookie sheets. (If mixture gets too thick, microwave on high 15 seconds and stir.) Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until set. Store covered.

One on One: with Robert Runcie, Broward County School Superintendant, Part 2

Jamaica confirms fifth case of Zika virus

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, March 21, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Bahamas Government is taking major stride in expanding the stem cell industry, signing a consultancy services agreement with the University of Miami Miller’s School of Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute. The University will provide Bahamian researchers technical expertise as well as access to the Stem Cell Interdisciplinary lab in Miami.

New reports show rising home prices in South Florida this past February, according to local real estate associations. Broward County’s median price for single-family homes rose 5 percent at $299,000, while Palm Beach County’s median prices rose 11 percent to $295,000. South Florida home prices have been steadily rising since 2012.

Outlining aggressive new city reform initiatives, Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Kelvin L. Baker is hosting a special town hall meeting this Thursday, starting 7 pm at the city hall commission chamber. Baker will reportedly roll out his plan to create jobs, build the city’s tax base, attract new businesses and upgrade infrastructure.

In sports, continuing its mandate to fight racism and discrimination within soccer, FIFA has announced the launch of the first ever FIFA Diversity Award. To be presented in July this year, the award aims to recognize an outstanding organization or personality campaigning for diversity in soccer. The award is part of the FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination initiative.

What’s trending:

Jamaican Ministry of Health confirms fifth case of the Zika virus. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says the ministry is completing fever monitoring and contact investigation among the affected communities.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 75 and a low of 64. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 75 and a low of 66.

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.

CDB funds training for food service professionals in Dominica

Edward Greene, Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, CDB.

Dominica’s MSMEs to participate in ServSafe Food Safety and Training Workshop

As the Government of Dominica focuses on enhancing its hospitality sector and improving opportunities for tourism investment, it is driving initiatives to provide best-practice training for local food service businesses.

From March 21 to 23, 2016, 30 Environmental Health Officers and representatives from Dominica’s Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) will participate in the ServSafe Food Safety and Training Workshop, conducted and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

“CDB supports the Government of Dominica as it focuses on the importance of food safety and the role it plays in economic development. We are pleased to be collaborating with the Ministry of Health to deliver this workshop, specially designed for local food service professionals through the internationally and regionally recognised ServSafe Food Safety Programme,” said Edward Greene, Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, CDB.

The ServSafe Programme is an accredited, United States-based educational course that provides comprehensive training for food service professionals. It is accepted throughout the Caribbean region and recognised as a fundamental certification for food handlers.

During the three-day workshop, participants will explore food safety principles and techniques such as cleaning and sanitation; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points; methods of thawing, cooking, cooling and reheating food; safe food preparation; and time and temperature control.

At the end of the workshop, participants will take the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Examination. Successful participants will receive the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate, which is valid for a period of five years.

Participants will also develop action plans to upgrade the food safety practices at their establishments, with the help of certified ServSafe Instructors. The Ministry of Health in Dominica will help participants implement these plans.

The Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services Network (CTCS), managed in the Bank’s Technical Cooperation Division, will oversee the delivery of the workshop.

“CTCS was specifically designed to help CDB fulfil its commitment to enhancing the capacity of MSMEs throughout the Caribbean Region. This workshop is one way in which we continue to turn that commitment into action, to boost the livelihoods of our Region’s entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Greene.

Workshop facilitators are Julie-Ann Laudat of JAL Training and Consultancy Services, a company based in Antigua and Barbuda and Lionel Michael, Chief Health Inspector of the Ministry of Health in Antigua and Barbuda. Both Laudat and Michael are trained and certified ServSafe Instructors and Proctors.

The ServSafe Food Safety and Training Workshop in Dominica follows successful pilots run by CTCS in Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and Guyana over the past two years.

The workshop, a technical assistance intervention, aligns with CDB’s strategic objective to promote broad-based economic growth by providing support to private sector development, which aims to enhance the viability of MSMEs.

Home prices increase in South Florida

Home prices steadily rising since 2012

New reports show rising home prices in South Florida this past February, according to local real estate associations.

Broward County’s median price for single-family homes rose 5 percent at $299,000, while Palm Beach County’s median prices rose 11 percent to $295,000. South Florida home prices have been steadily rising since 2012.

The market has been on a tear since 2012, when prices hit bottom after the six-year bust. But some sellers stubbornly insist on overpricing properties, and buyers are starting to push back, real estate agents say.

House values in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties rose 7.7 percent in September last year, compared to September 2014. Prices have also grown in double digit rates since 2012.

The rise of home price and shortage of home availability has strained the housing markets. Home buyers have been affected by concerns about potentially increasing mortgage rates as the concerns over the rate hike by the Federal Reserve continue to persist.

Analysts last year expected that the Federal Reserve would raise rates during its meeting in December. As the target federal funds gets raised, the interest rates and mortgage rates would also increase.

 

Trinidadian police launch investigation into McDonald

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams

McDonald accused of breaching parliamentary rules

The police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud and misconduct leveled against former Cabinet minister Marlene McDonald.

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams announced that McDonald, the Port of Spain South Member of Parliament and former minister of housing and urban development, has been accused of breaching parliamentary rules when she hired relatives to work in her constituency office.

McDonald, who was fired on Thursday, had come under intense pressure after the chairman of the non-government organization, Fixin’ T&T, Kirk Waithe, claimed that she had as far back as 2008 abused her ministerial power to facilitate a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) home for her husband, Michael Carew. While the Integrity Commission had investigated the matter and cleared her of the allegation, Waite said he had obtained new information and called on the body to re-open the probe.

Last week, Waithe said he also received information from the Parliament which showed that Carew and a director of the Calabar Foundation was employed at the Housing Minister’s Port-of-Spain South constituency office for five years, while Michael’s brother, Lennox Carew, still worked at the MP’s office. Carew, who worked at the office from June 1, 2010 to September 7, 2015, earned the second highest salary on the constituency payroll for the full parliamentary term. Lennox began working in the office on March 1, 2011, and has been in receipt of the highest salary out of 13 people working in the office. The Parliament pays the salaries of all employees in the 41 constituency offices.

McDonald, who also served as Community Development Culture and Gender Affairs Minister in the Patrick Manning administration, has denied the allegations. McDonald has been replaced by former public administration minister and San Fernando East MP Randall Mitchell.

Usain Bolt confirms Rio Olympics will be his last

Usain Bolt

Track star targeting three more golds in Rio

Usain Bolt has confirmed this year’s Olympics will be his last, dismissing the possibility of extending his career to the 2020 games in Tokyo.

The Jamaican sprint king had raised the prospect of prolonging his Olympic career in January after revealing that his coach Glen Mills had suggested his fitness would carry him through to Japan.

However Bolt said subsidiary in an interview that the curtain would come down on his Olympic career in this year’s games in Rio de Janeiro, where he is targeting three more gold medals.

“My biggest dream at the Olympics is to win three gold medals again. That’s my focus, that’s what I want,” says Bolt.

“It’ll definitely be my last Olympics,” Bolt said. “It’s going to be hard to go four more years for me, to keep the motivation that I want, especially if I accomplish what I want to in Rio.

“It’s going to be hard to keep the motivation to go on for four more years so it’ll definitely be my last one.”

Bolt, who already has six gold medals from his stunning performances in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has repeatedly said he plans to hang up his spikes for good after the 2017 World Championships in London.

Jamaica confirms 5th Zika Virus case

Jamaica ramps up zika response

The Jamaican Ministry of Health has confirmed its fifth case of the Zika virus. 

The Ministry of Health is intensifying its response to Zika, focusing attention on communities where three new cases of virus have been detected.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says a public health team is undertaking vector control, fever monitoring and contact investigation in the affected communities, as well as public education in those areas – Greater Portmore and Christian Meadows in the southeastern parish of St. Catherine, and Lyssons in St. Thomas, in the east of the island.
Read more: Zika – the Newest STD?
“We have also commenced a fogging blitz in the affected communities. This means that fogging will take place in the communities for three consecutive nights per week for three weeks to eradicate adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread the Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses,” he said.

He said his Ministry would also continue to actively investigate to detect any additional cases that might be present in the communities or other areas of the country.

In addition, the Ministry will be ramping up its national clean-up programme “Operation: Mosquito Search and Destroy,” which is aimed at eradicating mosquito breeding sites.

Dr. Tufton said the Ministry’s National Emergency Operations Centre will continue to coordinate the national Zika response.

“The island-wide enhanced surveillance system is in place to monitor all fever and rash cases, neurological syndromes and congenital malformations and any other presentations consistent with Zika,” he said.

Two of the new Zika cases were confirmed by tests carried out at the recently upgraded University Hospital of the West Indies’ (UHWI’s) Virology Lab. The other was from a sample that was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA in Trinidad and Tobago.

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