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Top 5 Beenie Man songs

Known as the “King of Dancehall”, Beenie Man began his musical career in 1981. Join us as we explore the dancehall star’s top 5 hits!

1.Girls Dem Suga

“Girls Dem Suga” was released on Beenie Man’s “Art and Life” album. One of his smoother tracks, the musical scheme is simple with a slow dancehall beat. Featured on this track is American singer Mya whose soft and sensual voice provides a compliment to the smooth rhythm.

2. Who am I?

One of his earlier songs, “Who am I” was released on his 1997 “Moods of Moses” album. The song, which is still very popular to date, cemented the musical icon as one of the best Reggae and Dancehall artistes ever.

3. Feel it Boy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5So_KXItNt0

In 2002, Beenie Man collaborated with Janet Jackson on the hit “Feel it boy.” Deep dancehall influences are heard on this track, and Janet Jackson brings her own style of pop and R&B for the perfect combination. The single not only births an international jam, but continues to be one of Beenie Man’s best works.

4. Girls

“Girls”, featuring Akon, was released in 2008. This cool, club ready track is the perfect blend of a hip hop beat and Caribbean music, and will get all the ladies moving.

5. Dude

Released in 2004 on his “Back to Basics” album, “Dude” is one of the best Beenie Man songs to hit the airwaves. The song features Ms. Thing whose feminine voice provides a nice contrast to Beenie Man’s rough tones.

mademen.com

Investor arrested in Miami for $10 million Jamaican Ponzi Scheme

The American Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged a former Boston resident with operating a US$10 million Ponzi scheme that claimed to generate profits from bridge loans to large businesses in Jamaica.

The charges were laid on Tuesday against Mark A. Jones, who lives in Miami and has a second home in Jamaica.

Mr. Jones was arrested on Sunday by the Federal Bureau of  Investigation while the U.S Attorney for the District of  Massachusetts filed related criminal charges against him on Monday.

According to the SEC complaint, filed in federal court in Boston, Jones began soliciting investors in 2007 and said their money would be pooled and used for bridge loans to Jamaican businesses awaiting loans from commercial banks.

Jones told investors the bridge loans would generate 15 per cent to 20 per cent interest annually.

Jones raised about US$10 million from at least 21 investors in six states and Washington, D.C., including three of  his relatives.

Jones appeared in YouTube videos touting investment opportunities in Jamaica and met with investors here to show local projects they had purportedly funded.

He used investors’ money to pay other investors – the hallmark of  a Ponzi scheme.

The American also used some investors’ money to pay his personal expenses.

According to US media reports, many of  those that Jones defrauded are retirees who are now in financial straits.

The SEC obtained a court order on Tuesday, freezing Jones’s assets, and an order to repatriate investor funds that were moved overseas

Put your poetry caps on at AARLCC’s Poetry Slam

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

Crush the competition with your creative phrasing, your contorted features and your inspired delivery at this year’s Poetry Slam hosted by the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) on April 23 at 2 pm.

There will be three categories of poetry awards. There will be a first, second, and third place trophy awarded in each category. In addition, every participant will walk away with a gift. Group A will consist of participants aged 10 to 17 years, Group B, 18 to 24 years and Group C is assigned to participants 25 and over.

Participants can recite their own original poems or choose other poems to read. Only one poem per poet with a time limit of 3 minutes each. A panel of judges will consider the poem’s merit, dramatic appropriateness and level of difficulty, and the poet’s physical presence, voice and articulation, evidence of understanding and overall performance, along with the public reaction.

Registration is required to participate in the poetry recital. Vendors are invited to purchase a table in the lobby and set up from 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

To register as a poetry contestant or a vendor, or to offer your services as a poetry contest judge or emcee, call Desmond Hannibal at 954-357-6224 or email dhannibal@broward.org.

Calabar and Edwin Allen High sweep School Champs!

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

Jamaican-American Dexter Williams has officially been appointed Police Chief of the City of Miramar. Chief Williams, who has served the Miramar Police department since 1993, has been acting Chief since January. In a previous interview with National Weekly, Chief Williams said he would like to particularly continue his work supporting children in the judicial system.

It was down to business in Belize this past weekend, as a contingent of South Florida business persons explored commerce opportunities at the Belize Trade and Investment Mission. Led by the Belize American chamber of Commerce of Florida, the trade mission presented investment opportunities in agribusiness, hotel development and financial services, said Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce rep, Michael Devin Young.

Miami Gardens hosted another stellar staging of the annual Jazz in the Gardens concert this past weekend at the Sun Life Stadium. This year’s showing boasted its usual slew of international acts such Usher, Babyface and Janelle Monae. But the concert also continued to spotlight South Florida’s own shining stars, such as R&B Crooner Ronnie V.O.P.

Team Guyana cleanly wiped out Trinidad and Tobago this weekend at the Lauderhill International T20 Night Cricket tournament, held at Lauderhill Sports Park. Team T&T batted a confident 88 runs for 9 wickets, but Guyana responded with a rapid 89 runs in 11 overs, with no losses.

What’s trending:

Calabar and Edwin Allen High maintain their dominance, once again winning the boys’s and girls’ titles respectively at this past weekend’s 106th staging of the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Althetics Championship, held in Kingston, Jamaica

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 66 and a low of 55. For Miami-Dade, cloudy with a high of 68 and a low of 55.

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.

Daylight Saving Time: Help or Hindrance?

Quick and easy recipes to satify your sweet tooth

Fire up the oven for these truly delectable Caribbean Confections

The Kid Favorite: Guyanese Mithai

Grated coconut, anise seeds, cinnamon, and ginger make this simple recipe from Guyanese-American food blogger Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse a sophisticated and crunchy bite

Ingredients

3 cups flour

1/3 cup freshly grated coconut, (squeezed to drain milk)

1/4 cup white granulated sugar

3 tbsp. butter

1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp anise seeds (optional)

3/4 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup water

Vegetable or canola oil for frying

1 cup white granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, coconut, sugar, and spices in a deep bowl. Cut butter into mixture until small pea sizes are formed.
  2. Combine evaporated milk, water, and grated ginger, stir, then add to flour mixture. Knead to form a dough ball. Set aside for 1/2 hour minimum.
  3. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into thin strips.
  4. Heat oil on medium fire. Fry strips until golden brown. Let strips cool completely before tossing in sugar syrup.
  5. Combine sugar, water, and vanilla, if using. Boil on low for about 35 minutes, or longer depending on your stove. Test sugar in water to see if it has reached the “soft ball” stage. When ready, pour sugar over mithai strips and toss until sugar is white.

Inner-gourmet.com

 The Classic: Jamaican Plantain Tart

This recipe from ReCaFo – Real Caribbean Food L Catering in New York City is the perfect blend of flaky sweetness.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

3 tablespoons shortening, chilled and diced

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon ice-cold water

3 very ripe (black) plantains

1/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

2 drops red food coloring (optional)

1 egg white, beaten

white sugar for decoration

Directions

  1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Rub in butter and shortening until mixture takes on a sandy appearance. Combine egg and water, and stir into the flour mixture until a dough forms, then knead to bring the dough together. Wrap well, and chill for 3 hours.
  2. Peel plantains and cut into thirds. Place into a small saucepan with a little water. Bring to a simmer and steam until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Once soft, pour out the water, and mash plantains with sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and red food coloring. Set aside to cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  4. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into circles using a 4 or 5-inch round cookie cutter. Spoon a little plantain filling into the center, then fold in half, to form a half-moon shape. Place the tarts on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg white, and sprinkle with sugar.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow tarts to cool to room temperature before serving.

Colors of the Caribbean Festival takes over Hollywood

Festival to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage

On Saturday June 18 from 4 to 11 pm, The Caribbean American Heritage Florida, Inc (CAHFI) will host the 5th annual Colors of the Caribbean family festival at the Hollywood ArtsPark at Young Circle.

Held on the Saturday of Father’s Day Weekend since 2012, and produced by Aifos Agency for Caribbean American Heritage Florida, Colors of the Caribbean celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month with music and flavors of the islands.

Hosted by ABC’s Local 10 news anchor, Neki Mohan, headline acts for this year’s festival include the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, popular Haitian groups T-Vice and Jahnesta, Trinidad’s female voice of Reggae Music, Queen Omega and Jamaica’s Reggae Pop Star, Red Rat. Other acts include local favorite Sizwe-C, and popular deejays Majestic and LLCoolBlaze.

In addition to music in the amphitheater, the ArtsPark at Young Circle will be full of Caribbean delights that will include a Caribbean Travel Expo; YMCA Kids Zone powered by CSC of Broward County, a Caribbean Food Village with all the flavors of the islands on sale, Caribbean arts and craft vendors, and smaller stages featuring folk dance and culture performances including Bahamian Junkanoo, tassa and the popular steel band.

The fun-flled event will remain free until 5pm for those who register online for complimentary admission. After 5pm, there will be a nominal $10.00 entrance fee for those wanting a true taste of the authentic experience. There will also be a paid all-inclusive VIP experience for those wanting a more intimate viewing experience.

For more information on registering for complimentary admission, vending applications and basic event details, visit www.colorsofthecaribbean.com.

Second medical doctor dies from swine flu in Jamaica

Doctor becomes 6th person to die from the illness

Health authorities have confirmed the death of a second medical practitioner as a result of the Swine Flu virus and are urging high risk persons who have contracted the disease to seek urgent medical attention.

The Ministry of Health said that Dr. Denise Duncan Goffe, who was in her 60s,  had died from H1N1-related issues. In 2010 she had been awarded the special commemorative Diamond jubilee medal for her contribution to the development of health and emergency services.

She worked in the public health sector for over 30 years. She retired from her post as director, Health Service Planning and Integration in the Ministry of Health in 2014.

Dr Goffe was later employed to the South East Regional Health Authority as Clinical Quality Assurance Officer.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, in a condolence message said “this is a difficult time for the entire team at the Ministry of Health.

“Dr Goffe was more than a colleague, she was family having spent decades in the public health sector. Her achievements are many and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her on something that we are all passionate about – impacting the lives of the ordinary man through the provision of quality health care. It is never an easy thing to lose a loved one. We will lean on each other for support as we come to terms with this loss,” Dr Tufton said.

Dr Duncan Goffe, who died Saturday at the University Hospital of the West Indies was diagnosed with Influenza A(H1N1), or swine flu, but also had other chronic medical illnesses.

Acting chief Medical Officer, Dr Winston De La Haye, said she was in the high-risk group as she had other complications.

De La Haye is urging people with flu-like symptoms especially those with other complications like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems to immediately seek medical attention.

“This is not the time to sit by and watch things,” he said.

She is the second medical doctor and sixth person to die after contracting Swine Flu.

Trinidad PM fires Housing Minister

Marlene McDonald Trinidad
Marlene McDonald

Prime minster Rowley reshuffles cabinet

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley on Thursday fired Marlene McDonald from the post of Minister of Housing and Urban Development,revoking her appointment and making several other shifts in his cabinet.

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 organisation, 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.

McDonald’s dismissal, six months into the new Government’s term, has made her the first minister of the Rowley People’s National Movement (PNM) administration to be removed. She has been replaced by Randall Mitchell, who formerly held the post of Public Administration Minister.

In a statement last night, Government announced the changes to the Cabinet which were made following McDonald’s dismissal.

With Mitchell replacing McDonald in Housing, his former Public Administration portfolio has been added to Cuffie’s Communication responsibilities. Cuffie will now be Minister of Public Administration and Communication. Young has been assigned as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, in addition to his current portfolio as Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General, where he serves alongside Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi.

 

Soccer player Michail Antonio turns down Jamaica for England

Antonio hopeful to get call up for England

West Ham’s Michail Antonio has revealed he turned down the opportunity to play for Jamaica as he still has ambitions to represent England.

The forward, 25, has caught the eye since his £7m move to the Hammers last September, scoring six league goals.

He has been overlooked by England for this month’s friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

“Jamaica called up for me, but I feel if I keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully I can get a call-up for England,” he told BBC news.

Antonio, a former non-league player with Tooting & Mitcham United, has flourished on the right flank for the FA Cup quarter-finalists this season.

He was a Championship player with Nottingham Forest until his transfer to West Ham, and he said he is taking inspiration from fellow former lower league players, such as Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, both of whom have been named in Roy Hodgson’s recent squad.

“You can see it with Dele Alli, he’s come from League One and he’s already in the England squad,” Antonio told Football Focus. “You see it with Vardy. Hopefully I can get the call-up as well.”

Caribbean scientists to meet to address prevalence of sargassum seaweed

Conference to be held on March 21 and 22

Environmentalists and scientists from across the region will be attending a conference to address the prevalence and management of the sargassum seaweed.

Political and business leaders will also attend the conference to be held on March 21 and 22.

A key component of the conference will be a review of the current research and practice in other countries where different varieties of seaweed are harvested for commercial applications.

A discussion will also be held on the transferability and or relevance of existing best practices to sargassum in the Caribbean.

The two-day conference is co-sponsored by the government of the BVI and Virgin Unite with Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Caribbean Council and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).


Leading scientists will also be invited to review the latest knowledge of the observed phenomena, project possible trends over the next two to five years and advance an understanding of the causes associated with sargassum prevalence.

Sargassum, which gets its name from the Portuguese word for grape, is a floating brownish algae that generally blooms in the Sargasso Sea, a three million-square-kilometre body of warm water in the north Atlantic that is a major habitat and nursery for numerous marine species.

Machel Montano cops AFUWI Bob Marley award

AFUWI awardees (L-R) Machel Montano - Bob Marley Award; Larry Miller - Trail Blazer Award; Christine & Phillip Gore - Vice Chancellor Achievement Award Daphne Jones - Caribbean Luminary Award and Tirrell Whitley - Corporate Award.

Trinidadian soca star Machel Montano was among the honorees at this year’s American Foundation for The University of the West Indies  (AFUWI) Annual Legacy Awards Gala on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at The Pierre in New York City.

Montano was awarded the Bob Marley award and in his acceptance speech said, “Receiving the AFUWI Bob Marley Award is a dream come true for me. It feels like my graduation.” The Trinidadian star also thanked AFUWI for honouring him and God for the privilege of a talent that has allowed him to achieve so much. He added that he was very grateful for where music had taken him. He looked up to the example of Trinbagonian calypsonians like the Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener and others including Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley.

Freeman, CEO, President and Founder of the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in New York and Professor Emeritus of Surgery at Columbia University also walked with an award that night, receiving the 2016 American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Among the other distinguished honorees was Larry Miller, President, Jordan Brand, a division of Nike Inc., who received the “AFUWI Trailblazer Award”; Phillip Gore and Christine Gore, both Directors of the Jamaica-based Phillip & Christine Gore Family Foundation, recipients of the “AFUWI Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award”, Tirrell Whittley, CEO & Principal of Liquid Soul, recipient of the “AFUWICorporate Award”, while healthcare executive Daphne Jones, Chief Information Officer GE Healthcare Global Services, accepted the the “Caribbean Luminary Award”.

Now in its 19th year, the annual event, organized under the auspices of Honorary Patron, Dr. The Hon. Harry Belafonte, O.J., seeks to raise funds for the University of the West Indies (UWI), the largest and most longstanding higher education provider in the English-speaking Caribbean.

This year’s event received strong support from a number of celebrities who were in attendance includingformer ESSENCE editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor and her husband, screenwriter Khephra Burns; actor and activist Danny Glover, entertainer Doug E. Fresh and Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.  WCBS News Anchor Maurice Du Bois, NBC 4 reporter Checkey Beckford and Dahved Levy of WBLS shared the duties as emcees for the evening.

Proceeds from the gala each year go toward providing scholarships and last year 50 scholarships were awarded to deserving students for the academic year.

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) since its establishment has positively impacted the lives of many Caribbean nationals. This has been made possible through the kind contributions and financial support of numerous individuals and corporations who are committed to nation building through education. Patrons attending this year’s gala at The Pierre in New York City heard from a number of scholarship recipients how the scholarships have impacted their lives.

 

FCSA to honor DJ Private Ryan at leadership conference

DJ Private Ryan

 

With a weekend of leadership and professional development workshops, cultural programming and community service, the Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA) and Caribbean Students Association at The University of Tampa (“UT CSA”) will honor renowned Caribbean DJ Private Ryan Alexander with its Distinguished Alumni Award at the 42nd Annual Conference, April 9, 2016, at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.

The theme for this year’s Conference will be “Many Shores, Waters Meet – One Land Under Our Feet”.

A   native of  Trinidad & Tobago, Ryan Alexander has redefined the profession of   DJ and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean region and around the world.  At eighteen he embarked onto the airwaves being scheduled at a primetime spot on the nation’s then number one Saturday morning primetime programme on 96.1 WEFM.

In 2005 he started his international foray as a college undergrad at Florida International University (FIU). He soon realized that there was a dearth of new soca releases available to Caribbean students and was determined to address this void. This provided him with the opportunity to introduce his own brand, DJ Private Ryan.  As a consequence of overload, the initial website was unable to handle the traffic, which led him to register www.djprivateryan.libsyn.com facilitating multiple free downloads simultaneously.

In 2009 after graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration and certification in Marketing Accounting and Financial Analysis he combined his marketing knowledge with his enhanced practical experience and focused on expanding his appeal and marketing his unique brand. With his signature Soca Brainwash mixes and themed event, Private Ryan has elevated the economic success of Caribbean music, culture, and entertainment lifestyle.

“As a graduate of one of our largest member schools at Florida International University and a musical architect of our organization’s history, Ryan is a true reflection of our Association’s commitment to academic excellence, entrepreneurial innovation, and passion for our culture,” stated Ashley McHayle, president, Florida Caribbean Students Association.

“We look forward to recognizing him for his professional career and contributions to FCSA and welcoming him to the turntables of our annual Conference party on the weeken d,” she noted.

Barbados postpones introduction of new policy to fingerprint Barbadians

Barbados has deferred plans to introduce new immigration policies that would have Barbadians fingerprinted when leaving and entering the island from April 1 this year.

The Barbados Immigration Department said that “accordingly, until further notice, no passengers, whether Barbadian or non-national, will be required to be fingerprinted”.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Wayne Marshall, said the decision to defer the start of the biometrics screening programme was taken to allow the department more time to re-examine some of the issues, especially the legal issues, raised in the public arena, both orally and in writing, and to increase public awareness about the initiative.

Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley criticised the move and told legislators that the measure was flawed and would be challenged in the court.

“You cannot take fingerprints from April 1. Against which data base would you be assessing these finger prints?

“There is no data base to assess these fingerprints against. This is in the estimates, over two million dollars (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) to spend and then secondly what are you going to do when a Barbadian citizens says I am not giving you my finger prints.

“Where are you going to deport them to? You can’t deport your own citizens. So if you can’t deport them, you then criminalise your citizens,” she told Parliament as she made her contribution to the 2016-17 Estimates on Expenditure and Revenue.

She said the measure would make “criminals of all good people who are frighten about the breach of privacy of their fingerprints”.

Earlier this month, attorney and social activist David Comissiong wrote to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart calling on him to outline the reasons for introducing the new immigration policies.

In his letter, Comissiong said that he had also written to the Minister Responsible for Immigration Darcy Boyce and the former Chief Immigration Officer Erine Griffith on the issue but to date has received no response.

In his letter, which was made available to the media, Comissiong said that he had been informed that the Immigration (Biometrics) Regulations 2015 were made by Prime Minister Stuart in his capacity as Minister Responsible for Immigration.

Last month, former attorney general Dale Marshall questioned the wisdom in having Barbadian nationals leaving or returning to the country be subjected to being finger printed.

Marshall said that the new measure was a “mindless adherence to international dictates”.

The Acting Chief Immigration Officer said that all legal procedures previously undertaken in adopting the Immigration (Biometric) Regulations, 2015, will be revisited, and any irregularities found corrected.

He said the review is taking place in collaboration with the Solicitor General’s Chambers and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

Marshall noted that the benefits of fingerprinting were national in scope and included enhancing the level of national security; identifying individuals travelling with fraudulent identification documents; strengthening border control; reducing crime; improving investigation of crime; and preserving the high international ranking of the Barbados passport.

Team Jamaica Bickle supports athletes at annual ISSA/Grace Champs

Irwine Clare, Snr with Dennis & Dawn Warren at the National Stadium

A team of executives, volunteers and key community supporters from the not for profit organization, Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) lent their support to the hundreds of athletes in competition at the annual ISSA/Grace Boys & Girls Championships, which took place at the National Stadium. The team cheered on the extraordinary talent from the stands that were on display over the five day meet.

“Our volunteers and supporters are extraordinary,” said Irwine Clare, Snr., CEO and Founder of the organization. “They have taken time from their businesses and work (and at their own expense) to make the trek, not only to show our support but because we are also fans of this fantastic sport. We are thrilled to serve our athletes and it pleases us greatly when they do well”, he continued. “We work very hard each year to ensure that they are comfortable when they are at the Penn Relays and will continue to do so. We thank the community for its support in making it all happen.”

Now in its 22nd year, TJB has been the mainstay of support for athletes every year at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, providing a plethora of services which include meals, transportation, booking and coordinating hotel accommodation and chiropractic care.

Having had the distinction of being the first Jamaican/Caribbean sponsor at the Penn Relays, TJB opened the doors and consequently the very lucrative Diaspora and mainstream markets to mega brands such as Grace Foods, (now title sponsor), Jamaica Tourist Board, VMBS, LIME, Digicel, Caribbean Food Delights, Golden Krust, Tower Isles and others who now participate or have participated in the three day carnival, gaining exposure to the over 115,000 spectators on hand and millions more through the NBC Saturday national broadcast.

The team will host a reception to kick off its 2016 activities at the Jamaica Pegasus on Monday before returning to New York on Tuesday to continue its preparation for the Penn Relays.

FMU Track and Field posts strong meet at Hurricane Invitational

Florida Memorial’s Corion Knight

Florida Memorial University men’s and women’s track and field teams concluded the 2016 Hurricane Invitational on Saturday at Cobb Stadium with strong showing on the track and in the field events.

Florida Memorial’s Corion Knight dominated the competition in the Men’s High Jump and Men’s Long Jump, He won the Men’s High Jump on Friday with a leap of 6-10.75 and came back on Saturday and gave another impressive performance to capture a win in the Men’s Long Jump in 23-11m and placed 14th in the 100m in 10.87.

Brittany Starling  had a big day with 8th place finish in the 100m Dash (12.00) and 17th  in the 200m Dash (24.61). Kimberly Nesmith finished 23rd in the 100m (12.96) and 38th in the 200m (26.82).

Eunique Byrd picked up an 8th place finish out of 16 thrower in the Women’s Shot Put in (35-01.25). Wilsandley Jacques  finished 12th (32-05.50).

Jean Charles was the top distance runner with a 10th-place finisher in the 800m Run (2:00.69).Sarah Robinson finished 19th in the 110m Hurdles (16.31).

The Men’s 4×400-meter relay of Jean Charles, Corion Knight, Rufus Wiggins, and Andre Hare posted a winning time of 3:40.44 in their heat.

Florida Memorial Women’s 4×400-meter relay team also posted a strong showing in the 4×400-meter relay team consisting of Jayna Baldwin, Kimberly Nesmith, Neugenia Joseph, and Brittany Starling with a time of 4:15.73.

Florida Memorial University Track and Field  returns to action Saturday, April 2 at Embry Riddle Spikes Classic Invitational in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Legislators create state seal of Biliteracy Program

Florida legislator Senators Anitere Flores

Program to award students who master world languages

Florida legislators Senators Anitere Flores and Rep. Eric Fresen sponsored a bill establishing the Florida Seal of Biliteracy Program that awards qualifying students, who earn a standard high school diploma, a Silver or a Gold Seal of Biliteracy, depending on their demonstrated level of competency in a foreign language, which includes American Sign Language, and classical and indigenous languages.

The seal, which will be awarded by the Florida Department of Education or local school districts, is affixed to the high school diploma and is included in the student’s transcript. It will serve to certify the student’s attainment of biliteracy to post-secondary institutions and employers.

Last September, School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman spearheaded the creation of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Seal of Biliteracy and began recognizing students who have attained a high level of competency in a world language upon graduation at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.

“The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy is to encourage students to study languages, certify attainment of biliteracy, provide employers with a method of identifying an individual who has language and biliteracy skills, and promote world language instruction in public schools,” said Ms. Hantman.

HB7029 will provide requirements for the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and school districts to implement the program, and establishes baseline requirements for students to demonstrate competency in a foreign language. The State Board must adopt rules that identify assessments and qualifying scores, as well as alternative methods, which students must meet to receive a Silver or Gold Seal of Biliteracy.

Jamaica’s top 5 eco-conscious hotels

Jamaica’s abundant natural resources makes the island a perfect fit for a sustainable lifestyle. With demands for more socially responsible and adventurous destinations, the “Home of All Right” has become a booming hotspot for green initiatives.

For your next Jamaican green vacation, check out these  5 eco-conscious attractions:

Kanopi House

Kanopi HouseThree words: Luxury Tree Houses. Located in Port Antonio, Kanopi House is nestled amongst 100-foot Banyan trees and surrounded by a secluded cove. Coined as “low impact luxury,” Kanopi boasts a limited footprint thanks to recycling wastewater and using sustainable and regionally sourced hardwood. www.kanopihouse.com

Bay View Eco Resort

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Sitting on a sprawling 30-acre estate, this resort lies in an unspoiled reserve in Port Antonio. Known for its organic, country-style cuisine, Bay View recently launched raw food Chef Dr. Aris Latham’s NATURAL LIVING brand. Bay View has also opened their new spa, which uses only local, natural botanicals. www.bayviewecoresort.com

Great Huts

Great Huts10web

Their signature safari-themed huts and tree houses nestled atop a cliff overlooking Boston Bay in Port Antonio, including an elevated hut 100 feet above the Caribbean Sea, boasting panoramic views. Great Huts provides Afro-centric and Judaic cultural programs and is committed to local voluntary community service. They offer minimally priced accommodations for volunteers of one month or more. www.greathuts.com

Jack Sprat Shack

Under the same family of Jake’s Treasure Beach, Jack Sprat Shack is a hostel with a laid-back spirit. With the option of bunk beds and quadruple occupancies and group meals, Jack Sprat Shack focuses more on community-style vacationing. www.jackspratshack.com

Camp Cabarita

Located in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Westmoreland, Camp Cabarita is an eco-retreat dedicated to physical and mental renewal. With options such as swimming, hiking, yoga, and meditation, Camp Cabarita allows visitors to unwind through spiritual reflection. Camp Cabarita encourages visitors to develop the wellness of the land, with seminars and activities involving green technology, permaculture and renewable energy. www.campcabarita.com

Bahamas hosts hundreds at major cruise event

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Obie Wilchcombe and Mickey Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise operator.

The Islands of the Bahamas host reception at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016

The Bahamas Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Obie Wilchcombe, led a delegation of Senior Bahamas Tourism executives attending the 2016 Conference of Seatrade Cruise Global, that took place at the Broward Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 14th-17th.

Other members of the senior delegation included, The Director General, Joy Jibrilu; Permanent Secretary, Harrison Thompson; Deputy Director General, Ellison Thompson and Sr. Director Cruise and Maritime Development, Erica Ingraham.

Significant to The Bahamas’ Seatrade presence was a hosted Cocktail reception and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s gala dinner on Wednesday, March 17th at the Hilton Marina.  The Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Commission hosted the reception.

Showcased during the reception were costumed Carnival models and a Junkanoo nymph; Island music was provided by the Spank Band; and delectable Bahamian native dishes representing the Islands Of The Bahamas, were served.  The reception presented the opportunity to give a taste of Carnival, showcasing the festivities of the Second Annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Festival that will take place in Freeport, Grand Bahama, April 15th and 16th and in Nassau May 5-7th of this year.

During the conference, The Minister of Tourism and his team connected with Cruise and Maritime stakeholders with the intent to further solidify The Bahamas’ relationship. Seatrade is the leading international exhibition and conference serving the cruise industry by bringing together buyers and suppliers for a week of networking, sourcing, innovation, and education.
Speaking on behalf of The Bahamas Cruise and Maritime Office, Erica Ingraham said that, The Bahamas will engage fully in all related initiatives to advance the cruise sector, and that the communication and marketing initiatives will further promote the diversity and excitement of the Isles scattered 100,000 miles across the Atlantic with 700 Islands and 2,300 Cays; a paradise for those seeking leisure, sports, romance and activities, as families, couples and even groups.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke joins panel discussion on USA/ Jamaica relations

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has been confirmed as one of four panellists to discuss issues on Security and Good Governance in Jamaica in a forum organised by the Jamaica-based public policy think-tank, the Caribbean Policy Research Institute and the US Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica.

Congresswoman Clarke, who is of Jamaican heritage, is a graduate of Oberlin College, and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAM/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis. She was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2006 and represents the Ninth Congressional District of New York, which includes the communities of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach and Madison.

The forum, scheduled for the New York Hilton Midtown,  New York, at 6:00 pm,  is the fourth in a five-part dialogue being held with Jamaicans locally and overseas, under the project–Dialogues Between Democracies: The Future of US/ Jamaica Bilateral Relations.
Other panellists for the New York forum include His Excellency Ralph Thomas, Jamaican Ambassador to the USA and Mr Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society and Ambassador Curtis Ward, former Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations (Security Council Affairs).  The discussion will be moderated by Joshua Polacheck, Counsellor, Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Kingston.

Good Foods Bad Foods Presentation at AARLCC

On Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 1PM, health consultant Verna Roberts will talk about good foods and bad foods at a presentation at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale.

The Good Foods Bad Foods presentation is based on the philosophy and research of Dr. Joel Wallach, a veterinarian by profession, scientist, M.D., and naturopathic doctor. This seminar suggests that the use and preparation of certain foods can be detrimental to health, while other foods and supplements can be beneficial to health.

The presenter recommends these books Dead Doctors Don’t Lie by Dr. Wallach and Dr. Ma Lan, Epigenetics by Dr. Wallach and Dr. Ma Lan and Black Gene Lies, by Dr. Wallach (book commissioned by Rev. Creflo Dollar)

 

Brazil joins the Caribbean Development Bank

The Federative Republic of Brazil is the newest member country of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), signaling that country’s commitment to sustainable development of the region. This became effective on December 31, 2015, following a process that began with Brazil’s application to membership in 2007 and its acceptance by the CDB Board of Governors in 2008.

Brazil is CDB’s 28th member, and the fourth non-borrowing regional member, joining Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela in that category.

The announcement was made on March 9th at CDB’s first Board of Directors meeting for 2016.

“We are delighted to welcome Brazil and thank its Government and people for joining hands with us to advance our mandate of reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth and sustainable development in the Caribbean. Brazil’s membership is another historic seal of its relationship with Caribbean and strengthening of Latin American-Caribbean cooperation,” said Dr William Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank.

Rafael Ranieri, Brazil’s Alternate Director to the CDB was in attendance.

“Brazil is pleased to join the Caribbean Development Bank in support of its important role within the Caribbean Region. We expect that Brazil’s membership will contribute to strengthened relations between Brazil and the Caribbean and lead to greater collaboration in building a better future for the people of both our countries,” said Mr. Ranieri who is the General Coordinator of Relations with international Organisations in the Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management and Secretariat of International Affairs.

Brazil’s Director to CDB’s Board is Carlos Eduardo Lampert Costa Deputy Secretary of International Affairs. The Governor to CDB is Francisco Gatani, Vice-Minister and Rodrigo Estrela de Carvalho, Secretary of International Affairs serves as Alternate Governor. All three are from the Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management and Secretariat of International Affairs.

Brazil is the world’s seventh largest economy with GDP of USD2.5 trillion and a population of more than 200 million. It shares many common geographical, historical and demographic similarities with the Caribbean.

CDB’s other recent addition is The Republic of Suriname which joined as a regional borrowing member in 2014.

Membership in the Caribbean Development Bank is open to States and Territories of the region; non-regional States which are members of the United Nations or of any of its specialised agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and Institutions.

 

PANCAP commits to implementing measures to sustain regional response to HIV

The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) partners have ended a meeting here committing to implementing high-impact cost-effective interventions to sustain national and regional responses.

A statement issued at the end of the Fourth Annual Meeting of National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners, noted that participants were challenged to identify the national and regional guiding policies and actions needed to sustain an effective HIV response.

It said that they were also challenged to fast-track the end of the AIDS epidemic by 2030, notwithstanding the current global economic environment and declining donor funds for HIV.

“The economic implications of sustaining Care and Treatment for All and access to affordable medicines and commodities were discussed. Strategies for operationalising new approaches for HIV prevention and treatment at the national level were agreed, and the need for the integration of HIV into health systems was reaffirmed. The cross-cutting role of civil society in the response to HIV, including service delivery and advocacy, was also reaffirmed,” the statement said of the meeting that ended on Thursday.

It said that the partners reiterated and agreed that the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis was within the Caribbean’s reach.

Cuba was validated in 2015 as the first country in the world to achieve this target, and 17 other countries in the region are working towards validation in 2016.

The statement noted that among the outcomes of the meeting were the new 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the use of antiretroviral drugs for the treatment and prevention of HIV disseminated, and challenges and opportunities for their implementation identified as well as the integration and alignment of the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission strategy with other key services to ensure sustainability of gains discussed.

PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing development partners.

Established in 2001, PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build capacity of partners.

Top 5 Beres Hammond songs

Jamaican reggae singer Beres Hammond’s soulful voice has made him a major figure in the lover’s rock movement. Check out the National Weekly’s 5 best songs the entertainer has to offer:

“A Little More Time featuring Buju Banton 

While Beres’ lyrics are essentially the same on these two tunes, it’s not just the appearance of Buju Banton that makes them different. The Buju tune “A Little More Time” is the better known of the two but engineer Steven Stanley’s mix on Beres’ “My Wish” gives that version an ethereal, eerie and haunting quality that sets it apart from other tunes on the ubiquitous Tonight riddim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhpEuG0NZk

Rockaway

Known as a romantic balladeer, Hammond delivers a smooth “lover’s rock” on this 2001 hit.

 

What One Dance Can Do 

Written and produced by Willie Lindo, What One Dance Can Do finally broke Hammond in the dancehall/reggae market. He has been one of the genre’s top acts since.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ3zWdbpTlw

Tempted to Touch

Beres signed with Penthouse Records in 1990 and recorded the dancehall smash “Tempted to Touch”, with producer Donovan Germain. This is perhaps his best known song in the United States and United Kingdom, and set the foundation for the hits “Is This a Sign” and “Respect to You Baby” on the 1992 Love Affair album.

 

Putting up a resistance
In the wake of Hurricane Gilbert, Hammond returned to Jamaica and recorded the tougher Putting Up Resistance with producer Tappa Zukie, which was released in 1989 and spawned a significant hit in the title track and a popular follow-up in “Strange”.

 

Festival of Colors takes over South Florida

Attendees pose for a picture at last year's staging of the Holi Festival of Colors in New York (Photo credit: Holi Festival of Colors Facebook)

Get a taste of traditional fun this weekend at the annual Holi Festival of Colors, set for Saturday, March 26, 2016, starting 1 p.m. at the Brian Piccolo Park in Hollywood. Full of singing, dancing and the joyful mess of throwing colored powder and water at each other, this year’s festival continues to honor the deep roots of the local Indo-Caribbean community.

“This Festival of Colors, a traditional event, is exactly how it was many years ago in India,” said event coordinator and president of Jayadevi Arts Inc., Denyse Baboolal. “[But] it doesn’t matter your creed, your ethnic background. This event is for everyone; enjoy yourself, you will be glad you did.”

In its fourth year, the festival promises to be more exciting than ever, full with a serious line-up of performers from Florida and across the Caribbean. This year’s headliners are the ever popular Baithak Gana Warriors from Suriname, led by Rayen Kalpoe. And straight from Trinidad and Tobago, Chutney Soca Monarch semi-finalist Dave Lall will be bringing the heat. Local dance troupes, the Jayadevi Dancers and the Champa Chameli Dance Group, will also be dancing up a storm with traditional and contemporary Indian and Indo-Caribbean dance styles.

For this day of music, dancing and color, there is only one rule – wear something (inexpensive) and white. Or better yet, dress head to toe in white, so you can get fully doused in all the Holi color. Whatever you’ll be wearing will be fully saturated and dyed forever in colored power and water, making a perfect memento for this festive day.

Continuing the celebrations at 7 p.m., Jayadevi Arts Inc. will host Color of Music and Dance concert at Artserve in Fort Lauderdale. This special concert will feature the Baithak Gana Warriors, and performances from many local and international dancers.

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