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Trinidadian boxer inducted in Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame

Gisele Salandy

Caribbean boxer is among eight luminaries to be recognized

Officials have announced that lauded Trinidadian boxer Giselle Salandy will be inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF), scheduled for July 9 in Fort Lauderdale.

Giselle Salandy was a six-time world title holder from Trinidad and Tobago, and a winner of all seventeen of her professional bouts. But in 2009, the promising star was tragically killed in an automobile accident at age 21.

“It [international recognition has long been coming,” said Salandy’s former manager and coach Boxu Potts in a recent interview with Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. “It is inevitable that she has achieved the greatest results. She is the youngest human being on planet earth to ever win a boxing title at the age of 14. She is also the only one to ever unify the WBA and WBC titles at the age of 18 – a world record. Giselle is the first Caribbean fighter to ever defend her title six times. This will be the first of many boxing hall of fames that Giselle gets inducted into.”

Salandy is among eight luminaries be recognized, as part of the third class inducted into the Hall of Fame. Salandy is the only awardee being inducted into the IWBHF posthumously

BCPS to offer free SAT exam to all high school juniors

Broward Superintendent of Schools Robert Runcie

District Partners With College Board for SAT School Day

 As part of its mission to increase students’ access to college and to encourage and support a college and career-going culture, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is offering all high school juniors the opportunity to take the SAT, at no cost to students, on SAT School Day – April 12, 2016.
SAT School Day, in partnership with the College Board, provides equal access to all juniors in preparation for college admissions and scholarship opportunities. 

 

The District’s SAT School Day initiative aims to remove barriers that may prevent students from taking the test, including a limited number of testing days and locations, financial concerns, lack of test prep opportunities and transportation to weekend testing sites.

“We want every student to be able to participate in the SAT process as part of their post-secondary pursuits,” said Caribbean-American Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “SAT School Day is the next step to making sure that every student is college and career ready. In partnering with the College Board to build a culture of college and career readiness, we are investing in every student’s future.”

By providing students with the opportunity to take the exam free of cost during the regular school day, the District has removed challenges and barriers that might further reduce students’ chances of participating.  The new SAT School Day initiative addresses disparities among students preparing for and taking the critical college access exam and furthers the District’s goal to strengthen paths that not only lead to graduation, but also prepare students for college and career.

“Many more Broward students will have a path to college thanks to Superintendent Runcie’s decision to bring the SAT School Day to every public school in the county,” said College Board President and CEO David Coleman.  “We are grateful to everyone at Broward County Public Schools whose dedication to students has made it possible to deliver these benefits.”

Test scores can weigh heavily in admissions to colleges and universities. They can also play a big role in awarding scholarships. For example, BCPS students currently take the PSAT/NMSQT in 10th grade, which offers students an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Through this partnership with the College Board, BCPS students will have access to online personalized learning through Khan Academy and other college planning tools that provide comprehensive information to guide students preparing for the SAT, and researching colleges and universities.

“A college and career-going culture ensures that students are academically prepared, emotionally resilient, and that the admission tests and financial forms are completed before graduation,” said BCPS Chief Academic Officer Daniel Gohl. “Broward County Public Schools is focused on ensuring that all students complete the steps needed to have the choice of going to college.” 

 

BCPS is one of 20 school districts in Florida taking part in the SAT School Day Program in partnership with the College Board.

Harry Belafonte receives Trayvon Martin Award

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, February 2, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Famed Jamaican-American movie star and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte will receive the Trayvon Martin Foundation’s 2016 Champion of the Year Award this weekend at a special remembrance dinner in Miami. Long an outspoken advocate, Harry Belafonte campaigned in Florida to appeal the controversial “Stand your ground” law.

North Miami celebrates 90 years as a city tonight, in a special, inaugural presentation starting 6:30 pm at the North Miami City Call. The event commemorates the official release of the U.S. Postal Service’s 2016 forever stamp of early civil rights activist, Richard Allen. The Greater North Miami Historical Society will also present on the city’s rich history.

The Ft. Lauderdale Blazers and the FC Steelers emerged victorious in the opening round of the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) Super League tournament. The Ft. Lauderdale Blazers defeated the Island Strikers 2 to 1, while the Steelers confidently won against Melrose Strikers 6 to 1.

In sports, officials have announced that lauded Trinidadian boxer Giselle Salandy will be inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame this July in Fort Lauderdale. Salandy, who passed away in a 2009 traffic accident at the age of 21, was a 6-time world title holder.

What’s trending:

Tired of seeing a lack of diversity in children’s literature, 11-year-old Jamaican-American six grader Marley Dias has launched a viral campaign #1000BlackGirlsBooks – a book drive collecting stories featuring black girls as main characters. The books will be donated to children in her mother’s home parish of St. Mary, Jamaica.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 80 and a low of 71.

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.

Get fit at the Dr. Fidel Goldson Sr. 5K Run in the Gardens

5K Run and Health Expo to bring fun to healthy living

Bigger and better than ever, the 3rd annual Dr. Fidel Goldson Sr. 5K Run in the Gardens gets set to return on Saturday, February 20 at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.

After last year’s huge success, this year’s event, hosted by the Goldson Spine Rehabilitation Center and The City of Miami Gardens, will see more cheers and fun as runners, patients, vendors and volunteers hit their strides to promote healthy living, while raising financial support for students. The run kicks off at 7:30 am, taking walkers and runners across scenic surroundings to Sun Life Stadium and back. Then a health expo and festivities follow at noon. The expo will also feature companies specializing in wellness and local businesses, sharing their insights into keeping fit with smart nutrition and produce benefits. The event will also include entertainment and host special guests.

All proceeds from the event will go toward providing a total of $3,000 in scholarships for the Miami Carol City and Norland High Schools. An additional $3,000 will go to the Kingston College Scholarship Fund created in honor of Dr. Fidel Goldson Sr.

The 5K Health and Wellness Expo was launched by Caribbean-American Dr. Goldson Jr. in 2013 to honor the memory of his father, who spent his life spreading awareness on how natural health strategies can improve the quality of life.

“The reason why we put on this event is not only to continue my father’s legacy, but to also stress the importance of education to our youth,” said Dr. Goldson Jr. “My hope is that that people will come out to support and embrace this effort because we truly see it as a pathway to building stronger and healthier communities.”

LIAT removes fuel surcharges on new tickets

Caribbean airline fares to fall by 5%

Regional Caribbean airline, LIAT, has announced the complete removal of fuel surcharges on all new tickets as of March 1.

In a release on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer David Evans said with oil now trading at a 12 year low, ending a decade of high jet fuel costs, this has impacted the price of tickets.

“We are committed to offering our customers the most affordable fares so our Finance team regularly reviews the fuel surcharge levels and whenever changes are decided upon we announce them to the market, Evans said.

“In this vein, we reduced the fuel surcharge by 50 percent at the beginning of 2015 and it will now be completely removed from March 2016. This will mean that fares will fall by an average of 5 percent. So, beginning March 1, customers will only have to pay the airfare and any applicable airport and government taxes when they book a flight,” he added.

While the price of oil has been trending downwards, Evans explained that the effects of crude oil price reductions take some time to impact on the cost of aviation fuel.

“The jet fuel price to LIAT is on average 90 percent higher than the crude price and it takes on average three to six months for the crude oil price reductions to be applied in the region,” he said, noting that the surge in oil prices since 2003 had turned fuel into one of LIAT’s largest costs.

CEH expresses concern at possible constitutional crisis in Haiti

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Haiti (CEH) has expressed concern at the possible constitutional crisis in Haiti as President Michel Martelly term of office comes to an end on February 7.

The second round of voting on January 24 to elect a successor to Martelly was cancelled indefinitely following street protests by opposition supporters who have been calling for the establishment of an interim government to lead the country into the elections.

The situation has been further hampered by the resignation of Pierre-Louis Opont, president of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

The Organization of American States (OAS) has sent a mission at the request of Martelly to Port au Prince in a bid to broker a deal involving all the stakeholders.

The CEH, meeting in extraordinary plenary session ahead of the constitutional deadline said it “is very concerned, whereas until now, no agreement was officially adopted in order to solve with a consensual manner the current crisis”.

It said that it wanted also to salute “the courage of the Haitian people in these days so difficult socially, politically and economically” and is asking “informally, to facilitate exchanges and build bridges for dialogue between some actors involved in the current crisis.

The CEH said it believes that all political and state actors must work to find, before the February 7, 2016, a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution to the crisis with wisdom, insight, moderation and patriotism.”

Barbados sends 27 blood samples to be tested for Zika virus

Public urged to take necessary precautions

The Ministry of Health in Barbados is awaiting the results of 27 blood samples  that were sent to the Trinidad based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to be tested for the Zika virus.

Following the confirmation of three cases of the virus earlier this month, the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the disease, and is encouraging members of the public to take the necessary precautions. 

“This warning is especially relevant for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, due to reports of an increased risk of giving birth to babies whose head circumference is less than expected for age and sex,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Department says it is also intensifying its vector control programme through fogging of high risk areas for mosquito breeding, house to house inspections and other community mobilisation activities. 

 

EDITORIAL: Black History Month provides recognition the community needs

Actress turned Fox News commentator Stacey Dash attracted controversy recently for arguing that platforms like Black History Month, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the NAACP Image Awards are unnecessary and counterproductive to today’s pursuit for racial integration and equality.

The fact remains, however, that Black history is an integral part of American history, but still does not get the significance it deserves without these valuable platforms. That was the original goal of Black History Month, when is was founded as Black History Week in February 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson sought to focus on the teaching of Black history, believing “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition. “ When in 1976 Black History Month was officially sanctioned nationally by former President Gerald Ford on the 200th anniversary of American independence, Ford said the month was necessary “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Black history has been a crucial part of American history, from 1619 when Black Africans were first brought from West Africa as indentured laborers to work on tobacco farms on the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. From the early 17th century, Blacks were an integral part of America’s economic history due to forced slave labor, first in tobacco, then later cotton, production and export. The American economy before and after America’s independence from England in 1776, to the end of the American Civil War in 1865, was built on the backs of blacks.

Also, Black Americans were, ironically, corollaries to the fracturing, then the solidification of the United States, when the Southern states – including Florida – seceded from the union in 1861 due to the political pressures to abolish slavery.

After the Civil War, as Blacks asserted themselves as free men and women, they created one of America’s more powerful cultural movements – the Harlem Renaissance – which produced civil rights leaders like Jamaican Marcus Garvey, musicians, artists, singers, and literature geniuses like another Jamaican, Claude Mackay.

The legal limitation on Black life in the Jim Crow South led to the transformative civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s, including the leader of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and Caribbean-American Malcolm X (whose mother Louise Helen Little was from Grenada.) The influence of this movement changed the political landscape, shaping the civil rights movement for other minority groups in America pursuing political agency.

Today’s evolution of the community has seen constant innovation and strides towards progress, with more and more individuals joining the nation’s economic, cultural and political leadership – culminating in the election of America’s first Black President, Barack Obama.

Though Dash and others believe there’s no need for Black History Month, there’s much American blacks have to commemorate, celebrate and even mourn in recognizing their history. Truthfully, it is impossible to capsulate this eclectic legacy into a month, but it’s important that America’s black community, especially black youth, engage in this 397-year history, which provides a solid foundation as the community continues to build. Black History Month helps to create this focus.

Black leaders like MLK sought an integrated America where blacks and whites would coexist harmoniously, but this integration is still elusive to some extent. There still are establishment institutions like the Academy Awards which scarcely recognize black achievement, or when recognition is given, feels token and insincere. This has led to blacks developing institutions like BET and the Image Awards to showcase their talent and honor their own.

It’s ironic the controversial Academy Awards showcase is being held in February, Black History Month. The televised award should draw attention to the fact that America is still not as integrated as MLK had dreamed. However, when, and if, this integration is realized, there’ll still be need for Black History Month, to enable the nation and the world to recognize the community’s awesome contribution to American history.

 

Page 2: January 28, 2016

Violin maestros Umoja McNeish (left) and brother Malcolm of local group Sons of Mystro gave a stellar performance at the recently held President Obama Photographic exhibit at the Miramar Cultural Center.
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3 celebrities you may not have known were of Guyanese descent

The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultures and home to some of the world’s greatest entertainers. Check out these 3 celebrities who are of Guyanese heritage.

Leona Lewis

Singer and songwriter Leona Lewis was born in London Borough of Islington to a Guyanese father and a British mother. Lewis gained national recognition after winning reality-tv singing show X-Factor in 2006. Since winning the competition, Lewis has become a multi-platinum selling artist with hits such as Bleeding Love and Better in Time.

Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born to a Barbadian father and Guyanese mother in St. Michael, Barbados. After being discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers in Barbados, the singer shot to fame with her hit single “Pon de Replay”.

Sean Patrick Thomas

Best known for his role in the movie Save the last Dance and Barbershop, Thomas was born on December 17, 1970 in Delaware to Guyanese parents.

“Hash it out” with this yummy hash brown recipe

The breakfast sandwich has become a staple of on-the-go mornings. In fact, convenient and high-protein breakfast dishes are rising in popularity, according to a new study from Nielsen Perishables Group. But if you’re following a gluten-free diet or low-fat diet, buns, biscuits, English muffins and croissants commonly used in breakfast sandwiches might be off the menu for you.

There’s good news: potatoes can fit right in as the base of a quick, high-protein, low-fat and totally gluten-free breakfast sandwich. It’s easy to make Hash Brown Sliders with pre-shredded hash browns as a gluten-free substitute for traditional muffin or bagel-style breakfast sandwiches. Add eggs to the hash brown mixture and include a slice of ham and creamy avocado on the sandwich to create a meal packed with 29 grams of protein per serving.

Hash Brown Sliders

Recipe courtesy of Meagan from the blog “A Zesty Bite” as part of the U.S. Potato Board’s Potato Lovers Club program.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Makes: 10 sliders (5 servings)

Ingredients:

20-ounce package shredded hash browns

2 large eggs

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 teaspoon pure ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon table salt

2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

3 small avocados

Pinch of garlic salt

8 ounces mozzarella, sliced

4 ounces Serrano ham

Directions:

In a large bowl add hash browns, eggs, shredded cheese, pepper and salt. Mix the ingredients using your hands, making sure everything is well coated.

Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a large nonstick saute pan over low to medium heat. Grab a handful of the potato mixture, about 1/4 cup, and create a ball. Place it down on the pan and carefully pat it down to create a flat disc shape. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and then flip it over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel. Repeat until all hash browns have been used.

In a small bowl, mash the avocados and sprinkle with a little garlic salt. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto a hash brown stack. Top with half slice of Serrano ham and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Top it with another hash brown stack.

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New tool helps event organizers counterbalance carbon emissions

With the rise in awareness of the influences of carbon emissions to our environment, the Plan it Green Program, a local and voluntary carbon offset program intended to counterbalance carbon emissions generated by local events and visitors, has been revamped and relaunched.

The Plan It Green Program allows event organizers to offset carbon emissions generated by such things as transportation, product manufacturing, and electricity used for events, which contributes to the trapping of heat on the planet.

Administered and managed by Broward County’s Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division (EPCRD), the Plan It Green Program, an online calculatorconverts event activities to carbon equivalents and assigns a dollar amount based on the number of trees required in order to offset the activity.

Visitors, event organizers and attendees can go to the website and calculate the carbon footprint associated with events and travel and make donations to offset their share of that footprint. Program participants receive a certificate of participation and their funds support local tree planting at Plan It Green designated sites.

In addition to offsetting carbon emissions, the Plan It Green program expands urban tree canopy providing more shading and cooling and creating wildlife habitats.  For less than $2 per person, the average event can be Plan It Green certified while achieving local and corporate sustainability objectives and protecting the natural environment against future climate impacts.

The program builds on Broward County’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change through energy conservation, renewable energy initiatives and climate adaptation planning.

Jamaica confirms first Zika virus case

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 28, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Pembroke Pines police investigators are calling on the public for any information into the sudden murder of Jamaican-American Daveon Hall, a corrections officer for Miami-Dade. Hall was found shot in his home by mother Barbara Drummond. The police have ruled the case a homicide, but have not yet specified possible suspects or motives.

Opa Locka Mayor Myra Taylor and her husband, Bishop John Taylor, are under investigation for corruption by federal authorities for allegedly arranging kickbacks from the city’s sewer pump station project. Testimony claims the couple was pressuring new city manager Steve Shiver to provide $150,000 in kickbacks to Bishop Taylor for a new church in Miami Gardens.

Rev. Bishop Peter Eaton has been installed as head of the Episcopal diocese of Southeast Florida this past weekend, in a special service at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Miami. Rev. Eaton, who took over for Bishop Leo Frade following his retirement, maintains strong Caribbean connections, growing up both in Barbados and Puerto Rico.

In sports, the West Indies cricket team has officially lost their top spot in the ICC T20 world rankings, after India triumphantly swept Australia 3 to 0 in their 3-match series this past Sunday. India now has 120 rating points, just two more than the West Indies, currently ranking second.

What’s trending:

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the country’s first case of a Zika virus infection – a four-year old child from Portmore, St. Catherine. The ministry says the child began to showing symptoms on January 17 after returning to Jamaica from a trip to Texas. The mosquito-borne virus has spread across 10 other Caribbean nations, with recent cases appearing in South Florida.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 78 and a low of 67. For Miami-Dade, thunderstorm with a high of 78 and a low of 68.

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.

Rapper J.Cole added to Tobago Jazz Experience lineup

American hip hop rapper J.Cole is the latest international star added to this year’s Tobago Jazz Experience set for April 16 to 24.

In 2009, J. Cole contributed to J-Zay’s “The Blueprint 3”. In 2011, Roc Nation released his debut official album “Cole World: The Sideline Story”, which debuted on the top of Billboard 200. In 2013, the artist released the album “Born Sinner” which featured the hit “Power Trip” with past Tobago Jazz Experience performer Miguel.

J. Cole joins Lauryn Hill, as well local acts David Rudder, Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts, 3 Canal, Roy Cape All Stars and Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles.

Other acts are expected to be announced at a later date.

India defeats Australia in T20 series, passes WI in latest T20 rankings

The West Indies cricket team has officially lost their top spot in the ICC T20 world rankings, after India triumphantly swept Australia 3 to 0 in their 3-match series this past Sunday.

India now has 120 rating points, just two more than the West Indies, currently ranking second.

India have hit top form in the T20 format ahead of the World T20 to be held at home in March-April. They had famously won the inaugural World T20 in South Africa in 2007.  The West Indies won the tournament in 2012.

England (117 rating points) are fourth in the rankings ahead of New Zealand (116), South Africa (115), Pakistan (113) and Australia (110). Afghanistan (80) and Scotland (66) round up the top-10.

Jamaica confirms first Zika virus case

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the country’s first case of a Zika virus infection – a four-year old child from Portmore, St. Catherine.

The ministry says the child began to showing symptoms on January 17 after returning to Jamaica from a trip to Texas. The mosquito-borne virus has spread across 10 other Caribbean nations, with recent cases appearing in South Florida.

The ministry said it is advising persons, particularly pregnant women, to take extra precaution to prevent being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which transmit the Zika virus.

It said that there is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified.

Jamaica’s opposition party prepared for upcoming elections

Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party Andrew Holness

Leader of the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Andrew Holness says his party is prepared for the upcoming general election, scheduled to be held on February 25.

Holness was responding to the announcement made late Sunday by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller who told thousands of supporters of the governing People’s National Party (PNP) that she was prepared to “fly the gate”.

Holness, in an address to  supporters in the old capital of Spanish Town in the neighbouring parish of St. Catherine, said Simpson Miller had to go to the polls ahead of the tabling of the budget.

“We always knew that she would use the shortest time possible, and we also knew that she would not want the campaign to extend into the budget debate period, when she would have to announce new measures arising from the current agreement with the International Monetary Fund.”

“The other issue was the next step in the IMF programme, which is the need to bring public sector wages within nine per cent of GDP, which we expect will lead to the Government taking some undesirable measures which could further affect her chances at the poll,” he added.

And JLP Chairman Robert “Bobby” Montague says all candidates from the opposition party will meet at the Corporate Area headquarters on Monday to put the final touches on plans ahead of the election date.

“We anticipated the date and we were on track, the organisation is in top shape.”

Montague expressed confidence that the JLP will win the next election and take the country from “poverty to prosperity”.

Meanwhile, a meeting will be held on Monday afternoon with representatives from both of the main political parties and the Jamaica Debates Commission to discuss the staging of debates between Nomination Day and the election.

The purpose of the meeting is to finalise discussions regarding the commission’s proposal to organize and stage three debates. 

Nomination Day will be on February 9 and Parliament will be dissolved on Friday, February 5.

In the last general election, the PNP won 42 of the 63 seats with the remaining going to the JLP.

 

Jamaica general elections to be held February 25

On Sunday night, Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller ended the anxiety of of Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora by announcing that the General Elections will be held on February 25.

Simpson-Miller also announced that Parliament will be dissolved on February 5 and that Nomination day is February 9.

The Prime Minister made the announcement while addressing PNP supporters at a mass rally in Half Way Tree.

Simpson Miller is seeking a second consecutive term. She became Jamaica’s first female leader during a year-and-a-half stint in office that ended in 2007.

 The last general election held December 29, 2011, the PNP won 42 of the 63 seats. The JLP took the remaining 21.

Overall, the PNP has won nine general elections since 1944, to the JLP’s seven, which includes the 1983 poll when the PNP boycotted the activity, griping about what it considered a bogus voters’ list — something which had characterised local elections, especially between the three decades of 1962 and 1992.

Opa Locka Mayor and husband under investigation for corruption

Opa Locka mayor Myra Taylor

Opa Locka Mayor Myra Taylor and her husband, Bishop John Taylor, are under investigation for corruption by federal authorities for allegedly arranging kickbacks from the city’s sewer pump station project.

Testimony claims the couple was pressuring new city manager Steve Shiver to provide $150,000 in kickbacks to Bishop Taylor for a new church in Miami Gardens.

In 2004, the couple was arrested on federal charges of tax fraud, forcing the mayor from office until she was placed on probation and could win back her coveted post.

After her re-election in 2010, her husband and two other family members were arrested on criminal campaign charges, followed by the bishop’s eviction last year from his church by Miami-Dade police amid crushing debts.

Top Bahamian artists to exhibit in Harlem Fine Arts Show in NY

Bahamian artist Eddie Minnis

The works of three artists representing The Islands Of The Bahamas, will be featured at the Harlem Fine Arts Show which takes place in New York, at the historic Riverside Church, February 4-7. 

The Bahamian contingent of artists will include Eddie Minnis, Jamaal Rolle and Chantal Bethel.  Director of Culture and Heritage for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Arlene Nash-Ferguson will be in attendance at the show.

The Harlem Fine Arts Show is an exhibition of contemporary paintings, sculpture and photography featuring art from the African Diaspora. The 4-day New York Show will showcase over 80 national and international artists and galleries and will be open to collectors, art enthusiasts, educators and professionals.

As one of the show’s sponsors, The Bahamas will have three of its artists exhibiting at the show said to be a “celebration of that artistic history that also exposes visitors to modern day African American masters.”

Mrs. Arlene Nash-Ferguson, The Director of Culture and History for The Bahamas said, “It is an honour and privilege for The Islands of The Bahamas to partner with the Harlem Fine Arts Show 2016. This is another wonderful demonstration of the strong bond between The Bahamas and the African-American community, which has deep historical roots, and has existed for centuries.”

The Director of Culture and Heritage also said “The Bahamas is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, and we are delighted for this opportunity to showcase three of our outstanding artists at the Harlem Fine Arts Show.  The work of our Bahamian artists should give way to a conversation on the depth of the spirit of the Bahamian people that has transcended our beginnings as people of colour in the western world. We are especially looking forward with anticipation to hosting the Harlem Fine Arts show in our country in November.”

JPL to kick off 80th anniversary celebrations next month

The  Jamaica Progressive League (JPL), considered one of the oldest Jamaican Organisations in the United States of America, will officially kick off of their 80th Anniversary celebrations at the Annual Cocktail Sip on Sunday February 14 at the Country Kitchen Restaurant in New York.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in giveaways and raffle prizes and can enjoy a night full of fashion and exquisite meals.

Tickets to the event  are $60 and persons are strongly advised to RSVP by calling 718-994-5496.

St Vincent PM wants more studies on marijuana

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is calling for a collective Caribbean approach regarding the trade and other benefits of marijuana cultivation in the region.

“We have to have the studies. That is why I advocated the Caribbean marijuana commission. In the changing global context of marijuana use, Caribbean economists and other relevant professionals, including those in the pharmaceutical industry, ought to be ahead of the curve in conducting relevant research, not rehearsing traversed territory,” Gonsalves said in an address to the launch of the 40th anniversary celebrations at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).

He told delegates that the studies must point to a means of making the crop economically useful to the islands.

“I don’t want to see a book on ganja (marijuana) in the Caribbean that you just present the information which I could go on the Internet and just read. I want to see serious research about what is happening in the region with it.

“If we don’t do that with marijuana the people of our Caribbean civilisation are likely on this and other allied matters to be damned forever,” Gonsalves said, adding “the metaphoric spoils if our land will be appropriated by others not necessarily through the threat of physical harm but by ignoble covenants forced upon us by our ….circumstances induced in part by our own negligence of failure or refusal to act with urgency and good since”

In 2014, regional leaders at their summit in Antigua announced the establishment of the commission as they discussed means of decriminalising marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The commission will “conduct a rigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the region and to advise whether there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana, thereby making the drug more accessible for a range of users”, according to the communiqué issued at the end of the summit.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque said then that the objective of such a commission on marijuana “is to conduct an inquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean.”

La Rocque said the commission would “determine what recommendations they wish to make based on objective analysis and consultation within the Community”.

In his address to the UWI, Gonsalves raised the idea of banana-producing countries in the Caribbean looking to cultivate marijuana as a more productive crop.

He said after 50 years of commercial banana production some islands had become disaster prone and that it was time the region carried out some serious research on marijuana as a viable regional commercial product.

Lauderhill celebrates Black History Month

Judge Mablean Ephriam

The City of Lauderhill and the MLK Taskforce hosted several activities surrounding the National Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in January. This year, 60 students from 10 elementary schools and four middle schools participated in the Civil Rights Spelling Bee. Now, the city gears up for their annual the Black History Month Gala, scheduled for February 6th at 4 p.m., featuring Judge Mablean Ephriam, Esq. at the newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC).

Judge Ephriam is the host of the out-of-the-box hit television show, “Justice with Judge Mablean,” and became known throughout the world during her seven-year stint on popular reality show, “Divorce Court.” It was there she shared a wealth of legal wisdom and sensible knowledge, combined with her irresistible personality and sense of humor with fans nationwide. Known throughout the world as “Judge Mablean,” she began her law career as a Prosecutor in Los Angeles in 1978, and later opened her own practice. In 2004, Judge Ephriam shifted from practicing law to entertainment and public speaking. She has also authored a book Judge Mablean’s Life Lesson: Tools for Weekly Living.

She is the latest honored guest at the city’s signature event, which has been dedicated to scholarships for college bound high school students via MLK Scholarships.

“We have hosted Roland Martin, two of Dr. King’s children, Spike Lee, Lee Daniels, Julian Bond, and so many other esteemed guests,” says Vice Mayor M. Margaret Bates, MLK Taskforce Founder. “This very special year, our Gala has come home to stay in our permanent venue in the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center!”

 

Valentine’s MammoTime event to offer free breast screenings

Holy Cross Hospital, Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) are encouraging all women to give themselves the gift of health this Valentine’s Day by participating in the “2016 Valentine Is MammoTime” event.

Women of all ages can receive a free screening mammogram at “Valentine Is MammoTime” event, set from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center at Holy Cross HealthPlex.

Aboard the Mobile Health Unit, a physician or an advanced registered nurse practitioner will provide one-on-one education, a general health assessment, clinical breast exams and mammogram prescriptions for women age 40 and older.

“We are happy to partner with Holy Cross Hospital’s Partners in Breast Health Program for these services to the community,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

Holy Cross Hospital’s Partners in Breast Health (PIBH) program has provided outreach education, clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and diagnostic procedures to uninsured, lower income and minority women age 40 and older who lack access to healthcare services. The program also offers services to uninsured symptomatic women who are younger than 40.

 

Get to snacking with this quick and easy snack idea

Moms always makes sure their kids are getting a nutritious breakfast and are happily starting off their days, but it is equally important for moms to eat something that is both healthful and satisfying. An easy and better-for-you option to help power mom through the day is an open-faced sandwich packed with whole grains, protein and fiber.

“A nutritious, enjoyable and easy meal can be hard to find! As a busy mom, I find open-faced sandwiches to be a great solution,” says Registered Dietitian Katie Cavuto. “I recommend using 100 percent whole grain bread as a nutritious foundation, such as the new Healthfullbreads, and then experimenting with seasonal fruits and veggies like arugula and avocado – the options are endless!”

Any meal is fair game: Breakfast is a great time to make an open-faced sandwich because you can jazz up your morning toast with a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients like eggs, lox and avocado. Open-faced sandwiches are also great as an afternoon snack, especially after the gym. I like to layer one slice of 100 percent whole grain toast with better-for-you ingredients filled with protein and fiber, like almond butter and banana.

Go 100 calories or less: When shopping in the bread aisle, make sure to read the labels. I always make sure the bread I am purchasing is made with 100 percent whole grains and that each slice of bread contains 100 calories or less. I recommend the new Healthfull(R) whole grain bread varieties because they come in flavorful varieties such as Steel Cut Oats & Honey, Nuts & Seeds and Flax & Sunflower and have 80 calories per slice! The bread alone will satisfy your taste buds, meaning the less ingredients (and calories) you’ll want to pile on.

Avocado & Egg Open-Faced Delight

Ingredients:

*1 slice of Healthfull(R) Steel Cut Oats & Honey bread, toasted

*1/4 avocado, mashed

*1 hard-boiled egg, sliced

*3 cucumber slices

*1/4 teaspoon chili oil

*Lime zest

*Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

*Spread mashed avocado onto toast.

*Top with egg slices and cucumber sliced.

*Drizzle with chili oil.

*Season with lime zest, salt and pepper.

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