Home Blog Page 1478

Jamaican doctor suffering from swine flu dies

A 50 year old medical doctor is the first person to succumb to the H1N1 virus at the University of the West Indies Hospital.

Swine flu illness now on high alert list

A 50 year old medical doctor is the first person to succumb to the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu.

Suzanna Roye died at the University Hospital of the West Indies, after being transferred from a hospital in the central parish of Manchester.

The report adds that another female doctor is in the intensive care unit at the University Hospital, however, she is responding to treatment.

Last week, the Ministry of Health upgraded Swine Flue to a category one illness – meaning that within 24 hours of suspecting a case of severe acute respirator illness, medical practitioners must report it to the health authority.
So far, nine cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the island – the cases originated from the Corporate Area as well as central and western Jamaica.

Meanwhile the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has called on health minister Horace Dalley to provide Jamaicans with an update on the H1N1 virus.

“The Jamaica Labour Party is calling on the Minister of Health to tell the country what is happening with the H1N1. What steps are being taken to protect health workers. …We want to know when the first case was reported, when the first case was diagnosed,” said the JLP’s spokesperson on Health, Marlene Malahoo Forte.

Acting chief medical officer, Dr Winston De La Haye stated that Jamaicans should remain on the lookout when it comes to mosquitoes as there are now 23 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever in Jamaica.

Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for the transmission of chikungunya and Zika. Dr De La Haye said the same preventative measures, such as getting rid of mosquito-breeding sites, should continue in order to mitigate the risk of contracting the mosquito -borne diseases.

Read more: Guyanese swine flu victim dies in US hospital

Fort Lauderdale Strikers signs Haitian midfielder Jean Alexandre

Fort Lauderdale Strikers signs Haiti midfielder Jean Alexandre (right)

Alexandre joins fellow Caribbean teammate Julius James

Fort Lauderdale Strikers add one more Caribbean national to their ranks, as Haiti’s national soccer team midfielder, Jean Alexandre, has signed on with the team.

Alexandre, 29, brings a vast amount of domestic and international experience to Fort Lauderdale. For Haiti, the defensive midfielder has accumulated more than two dozen caps and participated in three CONCACAF Gold Cups. The Haitian-born midfielder also has strong roots in South Florida, having attended Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach and Lynn University in Boca Raton.

“The addition of Alexandre gives us a number of options in midfield,” said Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi. “He is a strong player; comfortable shielding the defense or playing higher up the field, with great experience in the U.S. and at the international level. We expect him to make a big contribution to our team are excited to have another player with local ties and international pedigree on our roster.”

 In 2008, Alexandre represented his country of birth for the first time in a friendly match against Honduras. A mainstay of the national team, Alexandre was captain of Haiti at the 2013 Gold Cup.

 Major League Soccer (MLS) side Real Salt Lake selected Alexandre in the first round of the 2009 MLS Superdraft. Alexandre was a member of the Salt Lake side that captured MLS Cup in 2009 and reached the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2011.

 Real Salt Lake recognized Alexandre as the club’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2010 for his charitable work of the field in Haiti.

 Alexandre was traded to San Jose Earthquakes in 2012 and also spent time with Orlando City, playing a major part of the club’s 2013 USL Championship-winning campaign. He joined Malaysia Premier League side Negeri Sembilan FA in 2014.

He joins recent addition to the squad, Trinidadian Julius James.

Read more: Fort Lauderdale Strikers sign Trinidadian center Julius James

PBC’s annual Dark Sky Festival set for February 27

Festival will include stargazing with local astronomers

On Saturday, February 27, the Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management and Parks & Recreation departments will “celebrate the night and turn down the lights” by hosting the fourth annual Dark Sky Festival at Okeeheelee Nature Center from 6-10 p.m.

The purpose of the Dark Sky Festival is to expose citizens to the marvels of astronomy and the importance of protecting dark skies, not just for astronomy purposes, but also for the effects on human health and the values that darkness provides to area wildlife. The festival will include stargazing with local astronomers, night time photography lectures, exhibits, vendors, nature walks, a children’s activity area, food trucks, a campfire and more.

Additionally, American Medical Association councilmember Dr. Mario E. Motta will discuss light pollution and human health including the strengthening link between light pollution and breast cancer. Shari Blissett-Clark, a member of the Florida Bat Conservancy Board will lecture about the importance of bats in our environment and have live bats on exhibit. And new this year will be the premier of the short film, “Pitch Black Light, A Journey Through America’s Darkest Skies” featuring stunning night-sky time-lapse images captured across the country by local artist Max Jackson.

The event is free, family friendly and enjoyable for all ages. Additional support for this event is provided by the International Dark Sky Association-South Florida.

CDC adds 2 destinations to interim travel guidance related to Zika virus

Aruba and Bonaire added zika travel advisory list

The CDC recently added the following destinations to the Zika virus travel notes – Aruba and Bonaire.  CDC has issued a travel notice for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.  Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time.

Travelers to areas where cases of Zika virus infection have been recently confirmed are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus. Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters.  They also bite at night. There is no vaccine or medicine available for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Some travelers to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission will become infected while traveling but will not become sick until they return home and they might not have any symptoms. To stop the spread of Zika, travelers should use insect repellent for three weeks after travel to prevent mosquito bites.

Some people who are infected do not have any symptoms. People who do have symptoms have reported fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other commonly reported symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and the number of deaths is low. Travelers to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission should monitor for symptoms or illness upon return. If they become sick, they should tell their healthcare professional where they have traveled and when.

For a full list of affected countries/regions: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.

 

Local investors urged to explore agro-production in the region

South-Florida businessman and conference chair Wesley Kirton.

The Caribbean region’s future in agro-production is ripe for investment, according to presenters at the recent CARICOM/CUBA/FLORIDA Trade and Investment Conference in Miramar.

“Research indicates return on investment in these areas would be lucrative, reduce the massive food import bill, and generate employment in the region,” says to South-Florida businessman and conference chair Wesley Kirton.

Trade leaders from across the region attended the forum to share current opportunities for agro-investment, including Belize Minister of Trade and Investment, Rafael Contreras, and Ambassador Bayney Karran of Guyana. The conference identified lucrative areas in the production of coconut-based products such as coconut water and virgin coconut oil, hot pepper, livestock, aquaculture and root crops.

Discussion with investors at the meeting, including South Florida’s Jamaican-American Aston Lue of Ocho Rios Foods, were positive, according to Kirton. He said investors now realize the region has land, labor and new alternative energy resources, including wind and solar energy, to facilitate agro-production, not only for the region’s consumption, but export to the USA.

“And there’s the potential for foreign trade zones in South Florida to play a pivotal role in agro-production in the Caribbean,” said Kirton. “Products can be shipped to these zones to be packaged, and redistributed to U.S. markets, with significant savings. South Florida traders in farm equipment, machinery and fertilizers, would also benefit significantly through exports to the Caribbean.”

Preferential access to international markets for agro-products from the Caribbean through trade agreements would also be available said Dr. Mark Kirton, Director at the Institute of International Relations at the UWI.

Mayor of the City of Miramar Wayne Messam and Florida Foreign Trade Zone Operator Robert Jacob also appraised investors on the benefits of the region’s foreign trade zones, and the potential to make exports from the Caribbean more competitive in international markets.

“The Caribbean cannot continue to import $4.5 billion in food from the U.S.,” says Kirton. “The region must make a serious thrust in the production of its own food, and through last week’s conference we have begun to target US investors, including from the Caribbean Diaspora, for this purpose.”

 

Caribbean sees 7% hike in visitor arrivals in 2015

Sugar Beach, St. Lucia

Estimated 28.7 million people visited the Caribbean region

The Caribbean tourism industry recorded a seven per cent increase in tourist arrivals last year, with an estimated 28.7 million people visiting the region, the Secretary General of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hugh Riley announced Tuesday.

Riley, presenting the “State of the Tourism Industry Report,” said that for the first time, the pace of growth of Caribbean tourism outperformed every major tourism region in the world.

“Our region has set new arrival and spend records in 2015, far surpassing expectations,” he said, noting that the seven per cent growth in 2015 is “much higher than the projected four to five per cent.

“This performance was above the global rate of growth, which the UN agency, the World Tourism Organization quotes at 4.4 per cent. “

He said in that period, visitors spent over a billion US dollars more than they did in 2014, contributing approximately US$30 billion to Caribbean economies, representing a 4.2 per cent increase than the US$28.8 billion spent during the previous year.

“So 2015 was the second year in a row that the region has done better than the rest of the world, and the sixth consecutive year of growth for the Caribbean. This solid performance by the Caribbean was based on several factors, not least of which was the sustained demand from major source markets,’ Riley said.

He said the Caribbean benefitted from a rise in consumer confidence in the United States where a strong dollar encouraged outbound travel among Americans and that other factors included increased air capacity and persistent marketing by many Caribbean destinations and resorts plying for business in the US.

Riley said consequently, travel from the US grew an impressive 6.3 per cent to 14.3 million visits, accounting for approximately 50 per cent of all arrivals.

He said Canadian market continued to be resilient with a 4.5 per cent increase in 2015, although its share of total arrivals dropped marginally from 12.1 per cent to 11.8 per cent, with 3.4 million Canadians coming to the Caribbean.

The European market made significant gains in 2015, recording its best performance in seven years.  For the first time since 2008, total arrivals from Europe reached the five million mark, a rise of 4.2 per cent compared to 2014, the senior Caribbean tourism official said, noting that the United Kingdom was one of the dominant performers, growing by a healthy 10.4 per cent to 1.1 million visitors.

Riley said that travel to countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin islands – was up 2.1 per cent, while every other sub-grouping recorded growth of at least three per cent.

Figures show the best performing was the grouping of “Other Caribbean” comprising Cancun, Cozumel, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Haiti and Suriname, which recorded arrivals of 11.3 per cent.

The combination of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saint Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba recorded a 7.4 per cent increase.

Region urged to brace for floods

Drought conditions to subside by start of Hurricane season

The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) is warning regional countries that they should brace themselves for floods as the drought conditions which have affected the region since late 2014 are expected to subside by the start of the 2016 Hurricane Season.

CIMH said this latest forecast comes after many months of “warmer-and-drier than average conditions in the Caribbean fueled by El Niño, a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific which has implications for weather patterns around the world, including drought in many regions”.

CIMH said that after the forecasted weakening of El Niño [and] its counterpart La Niña, “a cooling of the Pacific may take over and affect the region in the latter part of 2016.

“If the change in circumstance takes place, it is likely to result in higher than normal rainfall and stronger storm systems,” the CIMH said in its latest forecast, which it said will be further discussed at a news conference here on Wednesday.

It said that while near to above average rainfall is expected to ease the drought across the Caribbean later this year, “CIMH advises that areas experiencing long-term dryness will be more susceptible to hazards such as landslides and flash floods, once rains return excessive amounts.”

Agrometeorologist and CIMH Chief of Applied Meteorology and Climatology Adrian Trotman, said “limited rainfall over the last few months has left many parts of the Caribbean with dry, compacted soils.

“As a result, heavy rainfall will not be easily absorbed by affected soil which increases the risk of flooding,” Trotman said, adding that recent advances in climate forecasting services for the Caribbean now means that government planners and other bodies can now make important decisions based on seasonal forecasts from three to as much as six months in advance.

“We know that advanced warning of an extreme event like a hurricane can help us to be more prepared. The same now applies for longer-term climatic events and this means that the sooner we can have an early warning of changing conditions the longer time we have to prepare and be more effective at mitigating those impacts.”

CIMH said it will host the news conference to “discuss what the forecast means for the Caribbean, and in particular how its early climate warning information products can help the region’s six climate-sensitive sectors — agriculture, disaster management, energy, health, tourism and water — prepare for and adapt to what is expected to be a more intense wet/hurricane season”.

Talking History with Orlando Patterson

Jamaican born Harvard professor Dr. Orlando Patterson (left) shares camera lens with Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern USA, Wayne Golding after delivering the first talk in his lecture series at the FAU Davie campus last Saturday. Photo by Uriah Bennett

Academic professor stops by SoFla for inaugural lecture

Why is Barbados so economically ahead of Jamaica? That was the question of the night, as esteemed Jamaican-born Dr. Orlando Patterson stopped by FAU Davie Campus this past weekend, delivering the first talk in new lecture series, “The Evolution after the Revolution: Jamaica at 60.”

The John Cowles Professor of Sociology at Harvard University presented his paper “Institutions, Culture and economic performance in Jamaica: A comparison with Barbados.” To a fully engaged and enthralled crowd, Patterson explained his analysis of how both countries’ distinctive colonial histories led to the economic and political disparities between the two Caribbean nations. Patterson argued that blacks during and after slavery were given more bureaucratic power than their contemporaries on other islands, due to the social conflict between the wealthy planter class and Barbados’ working class white residents, known disparagingly as “Red Legs.” He cited an early example of the colonial government decision to disband the white-dominated militia for a professional police force mostly dominated by black residents. This gave Barbadian early and practice exposure to Western-modelled political and economic systems, compared to newly liberated blacks after Emancipation in Jamaica, where many opted to live apart from colonial bureaucratic powers, preferring to live in independent rural communities.

The new lecture series is presented by UWI Alumni Association Florida Chapter, the Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida, and local education non-profit, Reading Pays More Inc., led by attorney and local community advocate, Georgia Robinson.

Caricom leaders endorse course of action on Zika virus

Caricom Chairman Dean Barrow

Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders have endorsed a course of action to deal with the spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus and other diseases, Caricom Chairman Dean Barrow said Wednesday.

Barrow, the prime minister of Belize, said that his colleagues had agreed at their inter-sessional summit to undertake continuous public education on the virus and other diseases spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

He said there will also be action to implement at ports of entry, health facilities, schools, and private enterprises such as hotels and tourism facilities. “We also agreed that we will designate the second week of May as Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week. Governments are being asked to look at a temporary reduction in import tax on essential public health supplies, such as insecticide-treated beds, insect repellent for the duration of the epidemic in the region.

“Nobody knows how long it will last, but we are thinking of the possibility of two years,” he said, adding that the regional leaders have asked the Trinidad based Caribbean Regional Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat to report to the Council for Human and Social Development on Health on the implementation and effectiveness of the course of action the leaders have agreed to.

“CARPHA made a presentation to the leaders on the disease that has so far been detected in five Caricom countries. Prime Minister Barrow said on the issue of climate change, the regional leaders were pleased with the Caribbean’s representation at the COP21 conference in Paris last year.

“We commend the team. We are of course determined that we maintain the engagement full on so that we can support our goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius, noting that at the current levels of commitment, temperature would rise to more than 2.7 degrees.”

Prime Minister Barrow said while Caricom was able to get references and recognition “of our goal, the fact is that the way things are currently proceeding we will not realise that goal and, therefore, the pressure must be maintained”.

He said that the regional task force on sustainable development headed by St Lucia’s Environment Minister Dr James Fletcher would be maintained “to facilitate the implementation of the agreement reached in Paris”.

Prime Minister Barrow said an appeal was being made to all regional leaders to be able to attend the signing of the accord at the United Nations on April 22.

Guyana gets US$3mil World Bank grant to improve agri drainage

Winston DaCosta Jordan, Minister of Finance

Areas to targeted include Kuru Kururu, Coverden, Pearl and Sarah Johana

The Government has signed a grant agreement of US$3 million with the World Bank that will help improve drainage in agricultural areas located to the south of here.

The areas to be targeted are Kuru Kururu, Coverden, Pearl and Sarah Johana. The funds will also help better manage water levels and increase the capacity of channels draining the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC). Finance Minister Winston Jordon, who signed on behalf of the Government, thanked the World Bank for supporting Guyana’s “green economy” transition.

He also noted that farmers, commercial and industrial stakeholders on the East Bank, East Coast and Georgetown will soon experience some measure of relief from the financial burden that is often left behind by unexpected floods caused by the vulnerable canal.

He added that the agreement marks one of the tenets of the ‘Green Economy’ as set out President David Granger and recorded in the inaugural Budget presentation of the APNU+AFC Coalition, that the Government of Guyana will do all it can to reduce environmental risks by putting in place systems to ensure that our waterways are conserved for our livelihoods.

He said the EDWC will also be strengthened through the rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal that has not functioned due to years of neglect and hydraulic restrictions.

The World Bank’s country director for the Caribbean, Sophie Sirtaine, who signed on behalf of the lending agency, said the rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal will be essential to improve the flood risk management capacity along the flood-prone East Demerara Coast.

Among the works to be carried out under the three-year project are the rehabilitation of the drainage channel, upgrade of existing sluices, and the construction of a new sluice at the outlet of the Cunha Canal.

Contracts to start works are expected to be signed before the end of this year. Over 20,000 residents along the East Bank corridor are expected to see a substantial reduction in flooding by the second rainy season.

#Jamaicaelections: PNP to field questions from RJR after opting out of debates

After opting out of the debates organized by the Jamaica Debated Commission (JDC), the governing People’s National Party (PNP) has accepted an invitation from the RJR Communications Group to participate in a 90-minute forum ahead of the February 25 general election.

During the news forum representatives of the PNP and the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will be questioned separately by a team of journalists on their plans, proposals and campaign issues.

Both parties were invited to participate after efforts by the JDC to stage the usual debates between the parties failed.

    

In its invitation to the parties, RJR noted that its request was secondary to any participation in JDC debates.

    

Meanwhile the JDC has expressed disappointment with the decision of the PNP not to participate the debates.

“The JDC laments that since 2002 successive governing and opposition parties have found it possible to set aside or resolve their issues so that they could participate in the debates in the national interest,” the commission said in a statement.

 

It also noted that in professional surveys conducted independently after the last two debates, the majority of members of the public noted that the Commission’s political debates assisted them in arriving at their decisions on how they eventually voted.     

   

The Commission says it truly regrets the outcome, but did everything possible to continue the tradition of civil political debates.

 

The JDC says it will re-double its efforts to give itself additional flexibility and options for the staging of debates in the future.

 

Primary elections fever rising in Florida

Although Florida’s March 15 primary is several weeks away, Florida voters are gearing to go at unprecedented levels, according to Elliot Bowden, a Florida Division of Elections (FDE) official.

Bowden reports a steady rise in requests for mail-in or absentee ballots. According to the FDE, over a million ballots to nominate a presidential candidate from either the Democratic or the Republican Party are being mailed out, with over 340,000 heading to voters in South Florida. Voters have until March 9 to request ballots by mail.

According to reports, there was also “a surge of NPA [No Party Affiliation] voters” reapplying to register with either party, to ensure they’d be eligible to participate in the state’s primary elections open only to registered Democrats and Republicans.

Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections mailed over 157,000 ballots of the 927,000 registered Democrats and Republicans on that county’s voters list. Palm Beach County mailed over 83,000 out of 584,000. On Tuesday, Brenda Snipes Broward County’s Supervisor of Elections supervised the loading of over 100,000 ballots in pre-paid envelopes on a sixteen wheeler semi-trailer at the Voting Equipment Center Office in Lauderhill. That county has 792,000 registered Democrats and Republicans.

The main reason revving the region’s elections fever, argues demographic researcher and political analyst, Bert Samuels, is the “fierce atmosphere” in the Republican and Democratic presidential campaign. “There likely won’t be a clear frontrunner by either party by March 15, so Florida’s primary election will have great significance.”

The uncertainty of the upcoming primaries have also affected the normally predictable Caribbean-American voters. In November last year, a National Weekly survey show registered Caribbean Democrats supporting Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders 83 percent to 9 percent. But numbers from a recent survey shows a dramatic swing, with 33 percent now supporting Sanders.

The sudden surge in support for Sanders, argues Granville Webster, 26, of Plantation, could be explained by his growing appeal among the community’s youth.

“Although I like Hillary and think she’s experienced to be president, I am attracted to Sanders’ message of closing the earning and prosperity gap between the social classes in America,” says Webster.

Christie Daniels, 24, an ardent Sanders supporter, said she isn’t perturbed by Sanders being 74. “My interest is in his ability to lead. Honestly, I am not confident he’ll win the nomination against the powerful Clinton machine, but what he’s promising, I need as a young American.”

3 top rated attractions in Martinique

Thanks to its French Creole culture, and ever vibrant people, Martinique is one of the most unique destinations in the Caribbean. Check out 3 of their most top-rated attractions!

Downtown

Martinique’s lively capital city is safe and friendly for a walking tour, and must-see stops include the Schoelcher Library.The highlight of any visit is a stop at the bustling Covered Market, full of vendors selling unusual tropical produce, local handicrafts, and folk tonics, including at least one herbal answer to Viagra.

Mount Pelée

An active volcano, Mount Pelée erupted on May 8, 1902. The volcano is currently in a quiet phase and visitors can hike to the summit and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic and the surrounding mountains on clear days.

Trois Ilets

If you’re looking for nightlife entertainment, make your way down to the tiny marina village of Trois Ilets. Restaurants serve till about 11 p.m., and tourists and locals can dine by the marina or in old Creole houses. The tiny village also offers ice cream shops, clothing boutiques, and pizza joints.

Three Caribbean Women to receive “Women of Distinction” award

Dr. Celia Earle

Three esteemed Caribbean women are among the ten awardees scheduled to be honored at the Third Annual Women of Distinction Breakfast.

Hosted by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, the breakfast is scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2016, 7:30 a.m., at The BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida. The 10 celebrated women will be recognized for their professional achievements and community contributions:  Jamaica natives Pauline Grant, MS, MBA, FACHE, CEO of Broward Health North; Dr. Celia Earle, Governor, Kiwanis Florida Division, and Vice President at Brown and Caldwell; and Cuba native Maria Munro, CEO of Unique Productions International.

During the breakfast, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will serve as the Keynote Speaker and will be honored, as well. Other honorees include: Nicki E. Grossman, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau; Alice E. Ancona, Director of Global Outreach, Florida Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Lanalee Sam, Medical Director of Women’s Services, Florida Medical Center; Michelle Austin Pamies, Partner, Austin Pamies Norris Weeks, LLC; Captain Josefa Benjamin, Broward County Sheriff’s Office; and Danielle Knox, WSVN Channel 7, News Anchor and Entrepreneur.

“Congratulations to our 10 amazing honorees.   They have earned this recognition for excellence in their field, and are leading the way in public service, healthcare, law, and citizen engagement that strengthens our communities,” said President of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Winnifred McPherson. “This award recognizes the significant roles they play to improve the economy, their individual achievements, and the finest values of work and advocacy.”

During the event, one of the ten Women of Distinction will also be named “Woman of the Year.”  The Chamber is further pleased that the awards event is powered by the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center in Sunrise.

Open the public. $65 in advance for members and $75 for future members. Tables of 10 also available. Tickets may be purchased directly through the chamber www.lauderhillchamber.com. The event is being held at the BB&T Center, Chairman’s Club, 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL 33323. For additional information contact Colleen Gutzmore, Executive Director, Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce at 954-318-6118 or email info@lauderhillcc.com.

The Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that exists to support the growth of Central Broward business, help to attract and establish new businesses, and foster a healthy and inclusive business environment. Moreover, we improve quality of life through responsible, sustained leadership on community and regional issues of relevance to our members.

For more information about the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit online at www.LauderhillChamber.com, “like” us at www.facebook.com/lauderhill.chamber, or call 954-318-6118.

5 healthy and yummy breakfast ideas

5 wholesome breakfast ideas

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but it can often be the one that’s hardest to fit into busy schedules. Even if you have time for breakfast, you may find yourself trading wholesomeness and quality for speed and convenience. However, having better-for-you breakfasts need not require a lot of time or effort. It can be as simple as making better and smarter choices.

“One of my favorite breakfasts is a bagel with cream cheese, but when I was looking to make healthier choices, I thought this was too indulgent,” said New York Times best-selling author and food blogger Andie Mitchell. “In reality, it’s about moderation and eating a whole wheat bagel with a natural cream cheese is a guilt-free breakfast option I love.”

Food blogger Andie Mitchell
Food blogger Andie Mitchell

Here are five wholesome, yet easy breakfast options that can start your day off on the right nutritional foot:

1. Better-for-you bagel and cream cheese

Who doesn’t love a good bagel? They’re quick, convenient and delicious. They even have their own celebratory day – Feb. 9 is National Bagel Day. If you’ve been shying away from this traditional favorite thinking you don’t need all the carbs of bagels and the additives in most cream cheeses, it’s time to rethink your view. A whole grain bagel topped with a better-for-you spread, like Arla cream cheese, is a satisfying and delicious start to the day. Arla’s cream cheeses (Original, Light, Herbs & Spices, Peppercorn and Blueberry) are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, thickeners and stabilizers.

2. A better breakfast burrito

Classic breakfast burritos are filling, satisfying and nourishing, but unless you go the frozen route, you may not have the time to whip up a morning burrito. A faster, wholesome option awaits – simply top a whole-grain tortilla with your favorite Arla cream cheese, add fresh-sliced fruit such as kiwi, apple or banana, fold in half and enjoy!

3. Outstanding oatmeal 

As breakfast cereals go, oatmeal is a nutritional champ. A 1-cup serving of plain oatmeal has about 150 calories, and it’s loaded with nourishing fiber, protein and vitamin A. Add flavor with wholesome toppings like fresh berries, chopped apples, raisins or nuts. However, be wary of flavored versions that may have a lot of added sugar.

4. Terrific toasts

A slice of toasted white bread slathered in butter isn’t sufficient for a good breakfast, but you can take toast to the next level and create a morning meal that’s tasty, wholesome and toasted. Start by toasting a slice of whole grain bread. Next spread on some protein – this could be a sugar-free peanut butter, almond butter or better-for-you cream cheese. Top with your favorite fruit or veggies. For example, banana slices go well with peanut butter; mango or kiwi cubes are yummy with light cream cheese; and tomato slices atop Arla’s Peppercorn cream cheese make for a great wake-up call!

5. Easier eggs

Everyone knows eggs are a breakfast staple, but who has the time to prepare them in the morning when you’re trying to get everyone out the door? You do! The microwave is your morning best friend, from reheating your coffee to whipping up delectable, easy and wholesome egg breakfasts. You can make scrambled eggs in minutes. Just crack an egg into a microwave-safe cup, add a tablespoon of water or milk, a dash of cayenne pepper and some salt, and a teaspoon or two of your favorite veggie finely diced, such as scallions, tomatoes or mushrooms. Top with a generous spoonful of shredded Havarti or Gouda cheese and microwave everything for 45 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 45 seconds until the eggs are set.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be time-consuming or a disappointing compromise. A few better-for-you breakfast options can set a healthful, happy tone for the rest of your day.

“Lady Saw done and gone,” says Marion Hall in CNW90 interview

“Lady Saw done and gone,” says Marion Hall

CNW90 interview: Marion Hall to leave Lady Saw behind

Garth A. Rose

For those who think Marion Hall’s recent Christian transformation from the reigning Dancehall Queen persona Lady Saw is a fleeting fancy, they are totally mistaken – says the newly committed Christian. Fresh from her premiere performance as a gospel singer this past weekend at the One Love in the Park concert in Lauderdale Lakes, speaking in an exclusive interview with the National Weekly, the born-again Christian Marion Hall assured that Lady Saw’s transformation was real, and that she’s leaving Lady Saw behind.

Reluctant at first to be interviewed, wanting to “focus on the peace I’m feeling through the Lord” she eventually relented, but stressed we were speaking with Marion Hall, as “Lady Saw is done and gone, never to return.”

Growing up in St. Mary, Jamaica, Hall said she was influenced by the Church and her great grandfather’s wife – Aunt Linda, who showed her “God’s power.” At age 11, she was first baptized in the Seven Day Adventist faith under the guidance of her father, but “didn’t really understand Christianity” for herself.

Falling in love with music as a young girl, Hall began performing early, singing and dancing for friends and family members. Influenced by dancehall singers like Sister Nancy, she ventured into the professional music world, and before long was the genre’s leading star.

But surprisingly, Hall confessed that although she made “good money” as an entertainer, she never enjoyed the ride.

“I used to return to my hotel or home after a performance and bawl, asking the Lord to forgive me for the words I was using and my behavior on stage.” Through 25 years in the business, she often wanted to quit, but “the devil wouldn’t let go of me.”

“Lady Saw was really a cover,” says Hall now, looking back. “She wasn’t who I really am. Lady Saw was on a mission to save her family, mother and siblings from the wicked ghetto, and improve their lives. Lady Saw helped a lot of people, but Marion Hall wasn’t happy.”

 Lady Saw through the years

She said three years ago, while praying in her bathroom in Jamaica, she felt the Lord calling her to change her life, “but forces I couldn’t control pulled me back.”

She heard the call again last December when she attended the funeral of young dance hall artist, J Capri, who was tragically killed in an accident. As she saw the casket, says Hall, she thought that could be her, and the prayers and hymns pushed her to finally change her life. Days later, she was baptized at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Cross Roads.

“After all this time, it was so easy, so peaceful, to give my life to the Lord,” says Hall. “I can honestly tell you, there’ll be no going back to dancehall. I don’t even want to think dancehall. Some people think I’ll go back because of the fame and money, but I no longer need fame. And if I am hungry, God will feed me. I love this peace I am feeling. There’s nothing like this peace that comes from God.”

Hall says she wants to sing gospel, be a missionary and a minister, “but I am waiting on God to direct me. It’s His call.” She does know that she’s keen on ministering to abused women. “One of my missions, with God’s help, is to save young girls from sexual abuse. That’s really a bad situation.”

Regarding her premiere gospel performance in South Florida, Hall says she was so pleased the audience received her so well. With a new gospel track “Dash Holy Ghost” just released, Hall says she also plans to follow up with a full gospel album shortly.

“God gave me a gift to sing and I am going to sing for him every day to praise him, not for fame or money.”

Watch CNW90: Lady Saw baptized. Will leave dancehall behind

Page 2: February 18, 2016

Consul General of Jamaica Franz Hall hangs out with Miss Jamaica Diaspora Rohannia Mooyin, at the recently held Food for the Poor's Annual Building Hope Gala in Boca Raton.
[vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”9526,9527,9528,9529,9530,9531,9532,9533″ img_size=”full”]

Venezuela finally accredits Ambassador Cheryl Miles

Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles

Ambassador Cheryl Miles’ credentials presented to Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

Several months after being appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles was accredited on Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who made the announcement on Thursday said Miles presented her credentials to Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“That fulfills an obligation that President Maduro had given in November last year,” Greenidge said.

Miles had been identified in November 2015 to fill the top post at the Guyana embassy in Venezuela, following the change in the Guyana government.

Ambassador Miles’s accreditation also comes less than two weeks after the Venezuelan Minister of People’s Power for External Relations declared that “Venezuela will deliver the country’s formal accusation, observations and proposals to the documents presented on the territorial controversy”, while emphasising that the country will reaffirm its “legitimate rights” over the Essequibo territory.

Although Miles had relocated to Caracas, she had not presented her credentials at a time of rocky relations between the two countries over that Spanish-speaking nation’s ongoing claim to the Essequibo Region and the Atlantic Sea offshore that section of Guyana’s territory.

Ambassador Miles began her career in 1974, serving then at the Guyana High Commission in London. In 2008, she returned to Guyana after a nine-year stint as Ambassador to Brazil, but the then Bharrat Jagdeo administration chose to discontinue her service; and so she left, parting amicably with the government and ending 34 years of service to the profession.

With her now being accredited, Minister Greenidge is hoping that, within two weeks, the other appointed Heads of Missions would receive their approval from the respective countries. Guyana has 13 Missions, but only four have ambassadors. Minister Greenidge explained that, the for the most part, requests for agréments have been submitted to several countries.

Miles, will replace Geoffrey DaSilva as Guyana’s ambassador to Venezuela.

TalkUp: Is it ok to date older men?

Julius James: OneOnOne with Ft. Lauderdale Striker

julius-james-signs-with-fort-lauderdale-strikers
Julius James

Julius James joins Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

South Florida soccer fans can welcome a new Trini on the local circuit, as former Soca Warriors defender Julius James joins the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The 31-year-old James brings much-needed power to the Striker’s defensive side, as well a good mix of local and international exposure. Julius James has represented Trinidad and Tobago’s national team more than a dozen times after earning his first cap against Guyana in September 2008. He has also played across the North American circuit for team such as San Antonia Scorpions, Toronto FC and Carolina Railhawks.

The National Weekly sat down with the defender to talk about his inspiring career and anticipated future with the Strikers.

We’re looking forward to seeing you play in South Florida! What is Julius James looking forward to the most, playing here with the Strikers?

I love Florida. It’s really close to home and there are a lot of Caribbean folks here. And I’m really excited about working with the [Strikers] technical staff. There are really knowledgeable.

How did Julius James get into football in T&T? Did he have a mentor or role model? 

I used to swim in Trinidad up until age 12, when I had to take a big entrance exam for secondary school, and my mum insisted that I take a break. But when I went back I lost all my fitness. All my friends were playing football, so I thought, let me try this. Within a year I was in the U17 national pool to go into the World Cup in 2001. I just fell in love with it. For mentors, in my younger years, I just wanted to be like the guys who could juggle the ball. I started to play close attention to my couches that helped me along the way, like Lester Young, my secondary school coach. From watching international football, I loved Fabio Cannavaro. I would tell people that I was Italian, even though I couldn’t speak it.

julius-james-signs-with-fort-lauderdale-strikers
Julius James (right) during a match playing for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers

What has been Julius James most memorable moment in his career so far, and why?

Winning the Soccer Bowl with the San Antonio Scorpions in 2014, and getting drafted after my college career. But one of the biggest highlights – may not seem like much – was getting to play for University of Connecticut. They came to Trinidad to check out a striker on my team, and my coach told me they were interested in me too. They came the next year and took me. That was really the beginning, when I realized I could act achieve what I wanted to, make something of myself and take care of my family.

Read more: Trinidadian James signs to Fort Lauderdale Strikers

What advice would Julius James give budding players back home, dreaming of going professional in the States?

I want to tell the kids that it’s ok to dream. You’ll get doubters. It may come from friends, even your closest family members. But don’t pay attention to someone that doesn’t support you. Work hard, be disciplined, engulf yourself in what you want to do, and you can achieve anything, by the grace of God.

You’re also made an incredible recovery from your double leg fracture six months ago to come back in fighting form. What has Julius James personal journey been like to get to this point? 

One quote that I kept remembering was that adversity introduces a man to himself. When you get an injury. It’s basically you and yourself. When you include God in that, your faith become stronger, your faith in your strength and capabilities. I’m not sure I would have healed as fast without that positivity.

How has Julius James been gelling with the new teammates on the field?

Gelling comes like second nature cause I really really like these guys. We have good banter so far, and I think the Florida Cup also pushed us into the fire, and that allowed us to gel really quickly. The only thing that’s left is paying attention to their movements on the field, what passes I can make for them, and what situations they’re comfortable with.

Lady Saw says her faith is here to stay in CNW interview

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 19, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Two new cases of the Zika virus in Miami-Dade County has been confirmed, according to state health officials. This brings the grand total number of infections to 9 in the county, with 24 cases in all in the state. Health officials, however, confirm all infections were contracted by residents traveling in the Caribbean and South America.

Three Caribbean women have been chosen for this year’s annual “Women of Distinction” award, presented by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce. The awardees are Jamaica Broward Health North CEO Pauline Grant, Jamaican VP of environmental engineering company Brown and Caldwell, Dr. Celia Earle, and Cuban owner of event management company Unique Productions International, Maria Munro

Gospel singer Marion Hall, FKA legendary dancehall artiste, Lady Saw, says her recent conversion to Christianity is here to stay. In an exclusive interview with National Weekly, featured in this week’s issue, Hall says she hopes to become a minister for women suffering from abuse. Hall made her gospel premiere last weekend in Lauderdale Lakes at the One Love in the Park concert.

It’s a day of health and fitness this Saturday in Miami Gardens, as residents gear up for the annual Dr. Fidel Goldson Sr. 5K Run in the Gardens, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. Dedicated to the memory of Jamaican-American community leader Dr. Fidel Goldson, the event also includes a health and wellness expo.

What’s trending:

President Obama will make a historic visit to Cuba in March, becoming the first president to visit the island in more than 80 years. White House officials says Obama’s visit plans to “advance our progress and efforts that can improve the lives of the Cuban people.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 71 and a low of 63. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 72 and a low of 64.

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

 

Licenses for legal cultivation of marijuana to be issued to Jamaican farmers

phillip-paulwell
Phillip Paulwell.

Jamaicans urged to take advantage of economic benefits from marijuana industry

Licenses for the legal cultivation of marijuana will soon be issued to farmers across the island of Jamaica.

This was disclosed by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, who has also encouraged Jamaicans to take advantage of economic benefits to be derived from the local marijuana industry.

“In April to May of this year, we will be expanding that facility to enable full commercialisation for those of you who want to get into the thing properly and legally…,” said Paulwell at a function in the southern parish of St . Elizabeth earlier this week.

Licenses have been already been  awarded to University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of Technology (UTECH) and a Canadian nutraceutical and pharmaceutical company, to cultivate marijuana locally for research and development, in keeping with provisions outlined in the amended Dangerous Drugs Act.

Last year, Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Anthony Hylton, said Jamaica already has a head start with brand recognition towards establishing a legal cannabis industry.

Read more: Jamaica could stand out in ganja industry – Minister Hylton

Speaking at the Swept Away Resort in Negril on Saturday, November 14, on the final day of a Beckley Foundation two-day conference on Jamaica’s Cannabis Reforms, the Minister said that no country has “a greater opportunity than we here in Jamaica to leverage the country brand association with marijuana.”

He added that the cannabis industry, previously seen as a negative, now holds much growth potential for Jamaica, with opening markets in the U.S., the Netherlands and Canada, which recently announced plans to legalize the cultivation, sale and recreational use of cannabis.

“The implications are already sending ripples across the world. Indeed, once the cannabis industry fully develops, there exists a clear opportunity for trade in cannabis given Jamaica’s strong brand and long-standing trade partnership with Canada,” the Minister said.

Big Night in Little Haiti to feature Jazz legend Jean Chardonvoine

jazz- chardonvoine
Jazz legend Jean Chardonvoine

Concert to feature other jazz performances

The ever popular Big Night in Little Haiti concert series celebrates Creole Jazz this Sunday with a stellar line-up of iconic performers. On February 19, starting 6 pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the concert will feature Jazz legend Jean Chardonvoine and Creole Jazz Project, as well as Bemol Telfort.

Jean Chardavoine is a Haitian-born, Brooklyn-based bandleader and guitarist. He is well known for his work with jazz icon Dave Valentin, among his many interesting solo works. The Creole Jazz Project is his newest project, which brings together eight top local jazz musicians celebrating and evolving the unique genre. On bass is Josh Allen, a first-call musician in Miami, who has recorded and played with Negroni’s Trio, the World Music 5, Miami Jazz project, Dave Liebman, the Stephen Guerra Big Band, and Dave Grusin.

Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga is one of the most in-demand musicians and educators in Florida, performing with artists such as Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Allan Harris, and Arturo Sandoval. Rounding out the rhythm section are Vaughn Henry, one of the most sought-after international pianists in Miami, and Jean Raymond, one of the most respected Vodou drummers in Haiti. Fronting the band with Chardavoine is Anthony Church, teacher of the year (2014) in Pompano Beach and Special Teams leader, is an outstanding saxophonist, teacher, producer, and engineer.

Bemol Telfort is a Miami-based jazz guitarist, composer, guitarist, arranger and bandleader. Fans love Bemol’s natural ability to mix swing, pop, and Caribbean rhythms combined with great composition and arrangement skills.

Big Night in Little Haiti takes place every 3rd Friday at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex from 6 to10 p.m. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 or more. An after party will also be hosted in the Caribbean Marketplace.

Caribbean Premier League heads to South Florida for 2016 season

caribbean_premier_league_ceo_damien_o_donohoe
“This project has been in discussion for many months and we are grateful to the ICC for supporting this move which enables us to step up our planning and open up opportunities for the cricket-hungry American public,” said CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe

Caribbean Premier League to also support American players

South Florida cricket fans will soon have the chance to watch some of the greatest players in the world this summer in the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) . The Caribbean Premier League confirmed plans to host T20 matches in the U.S. – including Florida! – for the forthcoming 2016 season.

Six league games stateside will be staged stateside. Though dates have not been officially confirmed, the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill has been marked as a venue for some, if not all, of the games.

“This project has been in discussion for many months and we are grateful to the ICC for supporting this move which enables us to step up our planning and open up opportunities for the cricket-hungry American public. The Caribbean Premier League in South Florida will unite all cricket fans around Florida who have been yearning for an event such as this,” said CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe. O’Donohoe also asserted the league commitment to engage U.S. players.

Caribbean_Premier_League-2015_champs_red_steel
Caribbean Premier League 2015 Champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel

“The CPL has already had a positive impact in the Caribbean and we are excited about bringing top quality cricket to the USA. We are committed to developing the next generation of cricketers and we believe that by exposing the best talent from across the Caribbean and the Americas region in the CPL, we can inspire a new generation of cricketers in the USA.”

The Caribbean Premier League recently announced a record number of applications for this year’s draft. Four Caribbean-American cricket stars are up for the upcoming HERO CPL Player Draft, set for February 11th in Barbados.

Read More: Four Caribbean-American players registered for CPL Player Draft

From New York, Jamaican-born Timroy Allen, Guyanese-born Alex Amsterdam, and Guyanese-American Akeem Dodson are up for selection, while South Florida’s lone candidate is Miramar-based Steven Taylor, who played last year for CPL’s Barbados Tridents.

A record number of local and international stars have also been officially registered for the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft.

Commenting on this year’s record list of applicants both in the West Indies and across the world, Director of International Cricket for CPL, Tom Moody said, “Some of the leading names in world cricket have signalled their intentions to join the biggest party in sport at the CPL, so this year’s competition is sure to be our most exciting to date.

Read more: CPL T20 to welcome international stars for 2016 season

 

Kamala Harris pegged as favorite for Obama’s Supreme court nomination

kamala-harris-supreme-court
Jamaican-American state attorney general of California Kamala Harris is being pegged as a favorite by political pundits for President Obama’s pending nomination to the U.S. Supreme court.

Kamala Harris nomination pending 

Jamaican-American state attorney general of California Kamala Harris is being pegged as a favorite by political pundits for President Obama’s pending nomination to the U.S. Supreme court.

kamala-harris-barack-obama
Kamala Harris with President Barack Obama.

Harris, 51, is the daughter of Jamaica-American Stanford University Economics Professor Donald Harris, and Indian-born cancer researcher Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris. Former Obama White House advisor David Axelrod mentioned the possibility of a Harris nomination on a weekend news show, and Harris’ name has popped up on hypothetical lists from the New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today, and the National Law Journal. A graduate of Howard University and the University of California, Hasting College of Law, Harris is the first female, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American attorney general in California

Whether Harris would accept such an appointment however, is in question, as Harris is currently the frontrunner in the race for the U.S. Senate seat.

READ MORE: Supreme Court to review President Obama’s appeal In DACA & DAPA executive actions case

“While the attorney general is honored to be mentioned in these conversations, she’s committed to her current job and continuing her fight for California families in the U.S. Senate,” campaign spokesman Nathan Click said Monday.

Meanwhile, Jamaican-born Tanya Chutkan has been nominated by President Obama for the U.S. District Court Judge for Washington D.C. Chutkan is currently a partner at the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, where her practice focuses on complex civil litigation, especially antitrust class actions, but also on white collar criminal defense and corporate investigations.  If confirmed by the Senate, Chutkan would be the second Black woman appointed to the district court here in 32 years, only the third to ever serve, and the second currently on the bench, joining Ketanji Brown Jackson, another Norton recommendation.

READ MORE: Supreme Court asked not to review case on Obama Amnesty

1...1,4771,4781,479...1,544Page 1,478 of 1,544