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Famed Jamaican Scholar Orlando Patterson speaks at FAU

On Saturday, February 13, 2016, the Florida Atlantic University (FAU), College of Business, will host internationally renowned Harvard sociologist, Orlando Patterson, Ph.D., O.D.,

Dr. Patterson will speak on “Institutions, Culture and Economic Performance in Jamaica: A Comparison with Barbados” at the first in a series of lectures, jointly organized by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Alumni Association Florida Chapter, Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida and local non=profit ReadingPaysMore, Inc., and the Florida Caribbean Students Association.

Described as one of the Caribbean’s foremost scholars, Dr. Patterson was the second person of African-descent to be hired by Harvard University, and is the author of “Slavery and Social Death, “The Cultural Matrix: Understanding Black Youth,” and the classic Caribbean novel, “The Children of Sisyphus.” Dr. Patterson was also awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in 1999.

Patterson’s lecture marks just the first in the “Evolution after the Revolution: Jamaica at 60” speaking series, which seeks to promote ad preserve Jamaican culture by showcasing the nation’s prominent figures tackling the island’s major obstacles.

“The country of Jamaica is facing the fierce urgency…in creating a solid educational foundation in its citizenry to be able to compete in the global market, more so in this information based economy to create sustained economic progress and stability,” says Georgia D.N. Robinson, local Jamaican-born attorney and founder of ReadingPaysMore, Inc. “Jamaicans must make a commitment that we will also be known for our intellectual contributions in areas such as business, law and medicine, as well as in sports and music. The only way this will happen is if we nurture a national culture of reading/education,” she continued.

The forum is free to the public and begins sharply at 5:00 p.m., at the FAU Liberal Arts Building (Room LA 120) in Davie. Dr. Patterson will meet with patrons in attendance at a book sale and signing following the lecture.

New exhibition showcases work of Jamaican artist Judith Salmon

Judith Salmon

The stories of the past, if cherished, can both transcend and challenge across generations and national borders. This power of memory shared, particularly among the Caribbean Diaspora, will be the focus of renowned Jamaican-born artist Judith Salmon’s upcoming exhibition, “Memories and the Carriage of Feet,” opening February 4 at the KROMA Gallery in Miami.

The exhibit surveys a significant body of her work, including paintings, mixed media and installations at the KROMA Gallery, Miami, Florida, from February 4 to March 13, 2016. The show recently exhibited at the popularly received Explorations 111 show at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Audiences who visited Salmon’s exhibits had the opportunity to interact with her “Pockets of Memories,” where they could share a memory, by leaving a note or token in the crochet pockets. “Pockets of Memory” will also be shown at KROMA Gallery and South Florida visitors will also be encouraged to continue the engagement with the work. These items will later be consolidated to create a new work, tying the shared memories of the Diaspora into a thought-provoking installation.

Judith Salmon was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1952, and is now based in Florida. She has received several awards for painting from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and received a Professional Artist Development Grant from the Pinellas Arts Council in Florida.

Florida universities urged to boost job placement

Florida Governor Rick Scott is urging Florida University to increase job placement rates among graduates, as part of his new “Ready, Set, Work” challenge.

One major goal is to encourage students to pursue majors with high earning potentials. In his recent appeal, Governor Scott, cited that the employment rate for students remains just around 60 percent.

“The problem is that although colleges do have programs geared at finding jobs for students, too many students are pursuing courses where there are relatively few job vacancies,” says Broward County career specialist, Sadie Francis. “Colleges should be more involved in directed students to pursue courses that leads to realistic employment opportunities.”

Students however, says former college guidance counsellor Dannielle Finson said, seem to be motivated towards courses that “leads to an easier graduation path,” rather than focusing on immediate job prospected related their chosen degree.

One antidote to this, says Finson, is to increase internship programs exposing students to practical work experience with employers in their chosen field of study.

“These internships are proving to help graduates more easily, as interns get practical work experience,” says Finson.

This was certainly the case for FIU graduate Mikhail Robbins, who had entered the college to pursue a medical degree, “but couldn’t cope with subjects like chemistry. I switched to psychology which was much more attainable, and interned for six months at a law firm. Now I am employed at the firm, and with its help is going to pursue a law degree.”

Florida’s most popular major is psychology, with nursing, business, mass communication, English, and criminology following behind. But, “with the exception of nursing, the state simply doesn’t have enough jobs in these areas, especially in urban markets in South and Central Florida, to place graduates in these courses in jobs,’ says Francis.

However, many college educators like Professor Orlando Zimbab reject the employment focus of higher education. Instead, the purpose of a university or college is  “to provide a student with a rounded education that will adequately equip that student during his adult life,” says Zimbab. “Granted, this education should enhance a graduate’s job potential, but it can’t be the responsibility of the college or university to lead that graduate to a job.”

 

Florida tops nation in HIV

Recent state and federal data show Florida has the highest cases of new HIV infections nationwide, with the highest concentration in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, ranking number one and two respectively.

New HIV infections in Florida increased from 4,512 in 2012 to 6,240 in 2015. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties accounted for 38 percent of the increase in 2015. Minority communities were cited as particularly vulnerable among infection rates, specifically black women. Veteran Miami-based HIV case worker Canute Newland described the continued predominance of HIV infections, especially among the region’s black population, as “one of Florida’s best kept, but very deadly, secrets.”

“There has hardly been a year in the past decade that HIV infections have declined,” says Newland. “People are being treated, but because education and prevention methods are limited, the disease continues to spread.”

To address the issue, Newland believes “more funding and more staff” is needed to combat the spread of the disease.

Addressing the funding issue, Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. John Armstrong, who is currently up for reconfirmation by Florida’s Health Policy Committee, said through a federal grant Florida plans to spend some $34 million on AIDS/HIVs.

“That is good news,” notes Newman, “but that’s federal money meant to treat patients who already have the disease. What is needed is for Florida to allocate more funding for the prevention of the disease.”

Democrat Florida Senator Oscar Braynon – a member of the Senate Health Policy Committee – and Republican Senator Don Gaetz, did agree that cuts in the state’s public health and social services budget has negatively impacted the attention given to HIV prevention. Correlating to the statewide increase in HIV infected cases from 2012 to 2015, there were significant staff reductions during this period. According to the state health department, staff position in the 67 county health departments declined from 12,759 to 10,519 in the past 5 years.

“The nature of HIV, a sexual transmitted disease, requires the efforts of a large compliment of staff, especially in the poorer neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Broward,” said Newman.

Particularly damning, notes Miami social worker Gladys Wilks, is how the cuts have disproportionally affected minority communities, particularly in South Florida.

“I hate to associate the need for more HIV prevention methods with racism,” said Gladys Wilks, “but I believe there is not enough focus on a concentrated anti-AIDS/HIV campaign because the highest at-risk groups are in minority communities.”

State health officials however deny such neglect, arguing that “in the past five years, the state has consistently launched programs to address HIV and AIDS in minority communities, including the black community.”

But Don Beckles, a local affiliate of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said these cuts ultimately affect education on the disease, which remains a “pivotal tool” in preventing HIV infections.

“Effective implementation of this education needs concerned, sensitive leadership and an army of public health workers people going house to house in high risk communities to educate people in the prevention of the infection,” said Beckles. “Florida cannot combat the spread of HIV infections with less public heath staff.”

Diaspora hopefuls gear up for CPL Draft

The player draft for the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tournament has been scheduled for February 11 in Barbados.

This year’s competition will see a number of changes that may see more Diaspora cricket players from the U.S. in the league. New reforms in the rules have increased the number of players who must live in the franchise territory being reduced from four to two, opening up potential recruitment. The limit on overseas players has also increased from four to five players.

The league has been making strides in increasing talent from the diaspora, Last season saw the introduction of ICC Americas players, with South Florida’s own cricketer, Jamaican-American Steven Taylor playing for the Barbados Tridents – who has made several star turns for the national American team in international matches – and Canadian-based player Nikhil Dutta playing for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots squads.

Commenting on the changes to the format, Tom Moody, International Director of Cricket for CPL said; “Our aim each year is to make CPL even bigger and better so that we can attract the best T20 players in the world and make it as entertaining as possible for the fans.  Over the past few months we’ve worked alongside the franchise owners to make sure that the 2016 player draft is open and competitive so that the buzz and excitement of CPL will start building from January right through to the tournament launch in the summer.

In addition, the number of players that a franchises can retain before the player draft is held has been reduced from four to three, while squad sizes increase from 16 to 17 for the new season. The new rules also allow the six franchise teams to sign one ‘marquee’ player as a free agent before the draft process begins.

Guyana investigates Suriname Coast Guard’s harassment of Indigenous Indians

Guyana Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Guyana has summoned Suriname’s Ambassador for talks amid reports that the Coast Guard in that neighbouring Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state has been harassing local fishermen and indigenous Indians who traditionally fish in the Corentyne River.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said he also received reports that the Indians were being charged GUY$10,000 to fish in the river.

Harmon said the matter would be further addressed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge when he returns from a meeting in Ecuador.

“There are wider issues of the use of the river that we have to deal with so the question of Orealla and the Amerindian people is one aspect of how the Surinamese have been treating with that river,” he told the website.

Harmon said fishermen were being pulled in and their passports and identification cards demanded.

The State Minister said that it appears the economic situation in Suriname is behind the new situation and that the encounters between the Indigenous Indians and the Surinamese Coast Guard have been reported to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples.

 

Top 4 jerk restaurants in Jamaica

Has Grace Jamaican Jerk Fest wetted your appetite for more? Learn more about the homeland of jerk by eating your way through Jamaica at these iconic locations, from roadside eateries to adventurous culinary tours.

Scotchie’s Jerk Center – Island-wide

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With locations near Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and in Kingston, the jerk lover can follow the Scotchie’s jerk trail across the whole island. The franchise started in the coastal community of Coral Gardens, and soon got so popular that they opened a second location in Drax Hall just minutes outside of Ochi. With comfortable seating and a welcoming, airy atmosphere, this location is ideal for people in transit. Smack dab in the middle of the island’s capital, the Kingston location is just as much an oasis of flavor. The menu features an excellent selection of succulent jerk pork, chicken and sausages. There are also delicious fish dishes available for those who are not of the pork persuasion.

Jamaican Jerk Outback Adventure – Ocho Rios

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Get the culinary adventure of your dreams at the truly unique Jamaican Jerk Outback Adventure. This gourmet boot-camp is a hands-on cooking experience offered at the historical Great House at Prospect Plantation in Ocho Rios. Class takes place in the “Sea View” kitchen, on the veranda of the historical house 1100 feet above sea level. Each person will have their own work station with a clear view of Chef “Irie,” as he guides you in the preparation of your own Jamaican fare. Prepare your own Prospect’s Special Blend Jerk Sauce, coconut “run down” with shrimp, and more.

Boston Jerk Center – Boston Bay

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Boston Jerk Center is an organic, literally home grown mall focused around jerk cooking. The legendary center features seven jerk pits, fresh fruit juices, and even a resident DJ, DJ Sheppy. As a truly organic and rural community-created experience, it is also very much a network of related families. Many of the center’s Jerkmen have ancestors who were among the original jerk masters that first made the iconic dish for commercial sale. The center is also home to the third and fourth jerk pits that ever existed in the world: Ivy’s Jerk Center and Shaggy’s Jerk Shop, respectively. The iconic bay is also home to Jamaica’ thriving surf scene, with a nice jerk lunch being the perfect pick-me-up between waves.

Ossie’s Jerk Center – Negril

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A small wood shack with outside tables under a roofed patio located on the Morass side of Norman Manley Boulevard in Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual” Negril, Ossie’s Jerk Center has a solid reputation, not only for its tasty jerk dishes but also for its outstanding “must-have” sauces. A rare gem that’s as popular with locals and visitors alike, this spot is perfect for those seeking home-cooked goodness. The atmosphere is also as delightful as the affordable food, this spot is definitely worth a stop for anyone vacationing in Negril.

7 tips to breathe new life into your healthy habits

Nearly 70 percent of Americans set a goal to stay healthy this year and 43 percent had the desire to lose weight by making healthier food choices, according to Nielsen data.

“Summer seasonal fruits and vegetables add color and variety to your meals with low-calorie benefits,” says registered dietitian,Jackson Blatner Dawn author of “The Flexitarian Diet.” “Enjoy the summer festivities and stay healthy by forming a few easy health-conscious habits.”

Stay in shape by eating healthy and breaking a sweat regularly. Try these simple tips to enjoy a healthy summer:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep skin looking its best. Plus, hydration is a secret weapon for staying focused and energized.

2. Drink green tea rather than sweet tea

Sweet tea has a lot of sugar and calories, which is the last thing you want weighing you down in the summer. Instead, drink unsweetened green tea which is full of healthy compounds, like catechins, that give your metabolism a boost.

3. Make smoothie pops

Drinking smoothies is all the rage, but in the summer, freeze your favorite fruit and veggie smoothies into popsicles for a wholesome and refreshing treat.

4. Snack smarter

Keep cut-up seasonal vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini and carrots in resealable containers for easy grab and go snacking. Splash NAKANO Rice Vinegar onto all of your veggies for a super flavor boost.

5. Stay balanced

Fill your plate with half veggies, a quarter lean protein and a quarter of whole grains for a balanced meal. This will keep energy levels up so you can enjoy more summer fun.

6. Grill fruit for dessert

When your sweet tooth needs a treat, grill seasonal fruits like peaches, plums and pineapple for dessert. The heat of the grill brings out even more of fruit’s natural sweetness.

Police Body Cameras? Good or Bad?

Doctor urged to test mothers traveling from C’bean for Zika virus

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 25, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Center for Disease Control has recommended doctors to test pregnant women and newborns from mothers who recently travelled to the Caribbean, due to the region’s current Zika virus outbreak. A relative rare and non-lethal virus, Zika has been linked in Brazil to growing rates of underdeveloped heads in newborns.

Current Lauderhill Mayor, Jamaican-born Barrington A. Russell, has filed to run for House District 95 seat, held by outgoing Rep. Hazelle Rogers. Barrington will join Surinamese-born Roxanne Valies, Robert lee Lynch and Patrick Jabouin in a four-way Democratic Primary for the Broward County seat.

Miami-based singer Sean Kingston is making the rounds promoting his new video for latest track, “One Away,” recently filmed during his return visit to motherland, Jamaica. The dancehall track is the first single off of his upcoming new album dubbed “Redemption,” though no release date has been announced.

The Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) kicks of their first match for the 2016 CASA Super League tournament tonight, starting 7:45 pm at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. The first match will see the Lauderhill Jr. Football Club face off against the Albion Plantation Football Club.

What’s trending:

Jamaica College has announced plans to reopen boarding facilities n campus by September this year. New principal Ruel Reid says he is strongly recommending students living outside the Corporate Area to consider boarding.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Thunderstorm in Broward County with a high of 76 and a low of 68. For Miami-Dade, thunderstorm with a high of 77 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 Caribbean National Weekly at your nearest Caribbean outlet.

Sean Kingston releases video for new single One Away

Miami-based singer Sean Kingston is making the rounds promoting his new video for latest track, “One Away,” recently filmed during his return visit to motherland, Jamaica.

The dancehall track is the first single off of his upcoming new album dubbed “Redemption,” though no release date has been announced.

The song, directed by Rogen ‘Ruption’ Walker of RD Studios, features cameos from dancers of the Ravers Clavers dance group.

Kingston hit it big with Beautiful Girls in May 2007. The song went number one on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

His subsequent hits include Me Love, Take You There, Fire Burning, Face Drop and Letting Go (Dutty Love) featuring Nicki Minaj.

No Letting Go (Dutty Love), which has sold over one million copies, is Kingston’s last major US hit, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. The video for that song was shot in Ocho Rios.

Lauderdale Lakes Mayor to run for House District 95 seat

Current Lauderdale Lakes Mayor, Barrington A. Russell, has filed to run for House District 95 seat, held by outgoing Rep. Hazelle Rogers.

Russell, who filed for the seat on January 19, is the fourth Democrat to enter the race for the majority-minority seat held by Rogers since the 2008 cycle.

The Jamaican born mayor was elected Lauderdale Lakes mayor in 2008, after a close race with Levoyd Williams.

Before he was elected mayor, Russell spent four years on the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission and also runs a real estate business in Fort Lauderdale.

Barrington will join Surinamese-born Roxanne Valies, Robert lee Lynch and Patrick Jabouin in a four-way Democratic Primary for the Broward County seat.

Reprieve for Jack Warner in U.S. extradition request

Former CONCACAF head and FIFA VP Jack Warner has won a tentative reprieve following a favorable ruling in the extradition request for him to face fraud charges in the U.S. A High Court in Trinidad ruled to allow him to challenge the extradition, putting the current proceeding on hold.

Warner’s representation successfully argued that there were some discrepancies between the Trinidad and Tobago’s Extradition act and the country’s extradition treaty with the U.S. In addition, his defense argued, Warner’s legal representatives were prevented from making a presentation on the issue to the Attorney General. The court, however, ruled against Warner’s claims of apparent bias by the Attorney General, due to lack of evidence.

Warner’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein, has 14 days – until February 5 – to file their claim. The State will then also have 14 days to respond. The case has been adjourned until February 26.

Warner is accused of 29 counts of racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. The charges claim Warner began using his executive position for financial gain as early as the 1990s. Among the charges is accepting a US$10 million bribe from South African officials in return for his vote for their claim to host the 2010 World Cup. He was among the nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives that were indicted last May.

Brian Lara disappointed Chanderpaul not getting a proper farewell

Batting legend Brian Lara believes recently retired West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul should have been afforded the time to make a graceful exit from the game.

Hailing Chanderpaul as one of the “giants of West Indies cricket”, Lara said he was disappointed the 41-year-old had been axed from the Test team without having the opportunity to have a “proper send-off”.

“Shiv, who played since 1994, had a tremendous career. I started with Shiv in Guyana and remember his first Test match against England,” Lara said here Monday.

“That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don’t think people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution.

“I was very disappointed that Shiv was not allowed a couple of more Test matches, not necessarily to break the record but to have a proper send-off. Something I think he is very disappointed (about) and unfortunately that did not happen.”

Chanderpaul’s form came under the microscope after he managed just 91 runs in three Tests against South Africa last year January and 92 runs in a similar three-Test series against England in April.

In announcing the left-hander’s sacking ahead of Australia’s tour of the Caribbean last May, chief selector Clive Lloyd said Chanderpaul’s decline in form had been “rapid” and selectors had opted to focus on younger players.

Overall, Chanderpaul pummelled 11,867 runs from 164 Tests at an average of 51, with 30 centuries.

Though known for his patient, attritional batting, Chanderpaul piled up 8,778 runs from 268 One-Day Internationals at an average of 41.

Lara said he was a big admirer of Chanderpaul throughout his career.

“He has been a great servant for West Indies cricket and he has done some tremendous things throughout his career, and credit must be given to the man for how he has played,” said Lara, who is here to play in the Masters Champions League.

“When I do have the opportunity to give him a call and thank him, I will because for me he was one of the giants of West Indies cricket.”

Jamaican Master Painter Barrington Watson dies

Jamaica’s master painter, Barrington Watson well known for several major commissions, including the mural ‘The Garden Party’ in 1975 and the the mural ‘Our Heritage’ in 1974 at Olympia Art Centre, passed away at home in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday night after being ill for some time.

The 85-y-o painter, born in St. Lucea Hanover in 1931, attended London’s Royal College of Art, the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris and the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam amongst other major European art academies.

Returning to Jamaica in 1961 he quickly became one of the most influential post-Independence artistic figures. Along with Eugene Hyde and Karl Parboosingh, he established the Contemporary Jamaican Artists’ Association (1964-1974) and was the Director of Studies at the Jamaica School of Art, introducing the full-time diploma. He later served as visiting professor at Atlanta’s Spelman College.

Royal Caribbean resumes service to Haiti

Royal Caribbean has resumed its service to Haiti after the cruise line has suspended port calls to the country because of the protest and violence linked to political unrest in recent months.

Royal Caribbean Spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez said  the Miami-based cruise line has been communicating with Haitian officials and is satisfied that it is safe to resume port calls.

She said Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is now “comfortable that there will not be any significant impact” on passengers.

Martinez said that another of its ships the “Allure of the Seas” called into Labadee on Tuesday.

Over the last weekend, the company said its “Vision of the Seas” had skipped its scheduled stop at Labadee because of  the situation in Haiti.

Little Haiti Cultural Center celebrates Black History Month

Looking for a little creative inspiration this month? Get on dose of revolutionary creativity as new exhibit “Symbols of Freedom: The Power of Revolution” gets set to open with a special reception on February 1, starting 6 pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC)

The exhibition, curated by Marie Vickles, LHCC’s Curator in Residence, and organized by Romuald Bianchard of Lobey Art and Travel, will feature the works of Haitian visual artist Florestal Evens. Evens’ colorful works explore the rich history and significance of the Vévé symbols as catalytic element of the Haitian Revolution and subsequent establishment of the first free Black state in the New World, founded by self-liberate African slaves. The exhibit, which will run until March 12, is presented by the center in collaboration with Lobey Art and Travel, and Future Roots Collective. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public.

The show is part of the Center’s annual series of celebrations during Black History Month, celebrating and paying tribute to the history and contributions of people from the African Diaspora.  The celebrations will also include family-friendly interactive workshops on Haitian history, traditional Haitian folk dance, West African drumming, and Brazilian Capoeira.

A winter getaway- Top 3 things to do in Aruba

If you are a nature lover who is enthralled by natural coral reefs and unique, colorful marine life, the tropical island of Anguilla is among the best Caribbean vacation destinations for your particular tastes.Check out our top 3 things to do in the island known for its pristine beaches and friendly local spots.

Baby Beach Jeep Adventure

Hop in and ride off for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and outdoors exploration as this exciting open jeep tour explores Aruba’s diverse charms on land and offshore. Admire Arikok National Park and snorkel beneath Aruba’s clear blue waters. Take in the preserve’s vast desert flora, then journey on to the natural limestone archway of Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge. Stand 23 feet (7 m) above the sea and take in the amazing view. (expedia.com)

Aruba Party Cruise

Enjoy an unforgettable evening on the only party cruise in Aruba. Dance under the stars and enjoy a delicious dinner as you sail along the coastline of the picturesque island. With great music setting the mood, jump on the rope swing or sip a cocktail, beer, or rum punch from the cash bar. (expedia.com)

Island Tour

Get an introduction to Aruba on a tour of the island’s top sites, including pristine beaches and fabulous landmarks. Experience the wonder of Aruba’s beautiful tropical environment as you travel with the assistance of an expert guide. (expedia.com)

7 breakfast makeover meal tips for kids

Between transporting kids to school, getting to work on time and never missing extracurricular events, the minivan can feel like a second home, making eating on the run a necessity. Whether planning breakfasts on the way to school or snacks after soccer practice, the following tips can help upgrade parents’ minivan meal game.

Start the day right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and many options are portable. Store peeled hardboiled eggs in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to take along in the morning. Bring yogurt in squeezable tubes, instant oatmeal in cups that can be microwaved right before heading out the door and easy-to-eat fresh fruits like bananas and apples.

Use drive-friendly dishware. Muffin liners make the perfect disposable dishware for snacks on the road. For an even easier solution, keep an empty muffin pan in the car and let kids use it for a lap tray to hold the snack-filled cups in place.

Make easy-to-hold foods. Instead of buying string cheese, cut back on packaging by making easy-to-hold cheese sticks. Cut off lengthwise pieces of naturally delicious Arla Dofino(R) Havarti for the perfect portable snack. Made with few ingredients, no added hormones and from local farmers’ milk, it’s a simple, nutritious and delicious take-along food that you can feel good about serving to the whole family.

Keep cool. To ensure that foods stay fresh, keep a cooler or insulated container in the car for storing foods to be eaten later in the day, and for leftovers from any unfinished meals and snacks. It’s also great for keeping cold water bottles available so everyone stays hydrated.

Be crafty with snacks. Raid the kids’ craft table to create quick on-the-go snacks. Popsicle sticks are the perfect vehicle to hold together bite-sized foods like cheese cubes, cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes.

Put a fresh face on food. Animal outlines like fish, bunnies and bears can put a fun spin on fresh foods. Use cookie cutters to cut fruit, veggies, cheese and bread into cute shapes ahead of time and store in a bring-along container.

Put magic into mini meals: Creative snacking keeps kids’ tummies full and their imaginations active. Create edible magic wands by topping pretzel sticks with Havarti cheese cut into star shapes. Pair cubed Arla Dofino(R) Smoked Gouda with satisfying beef jerky for a “caveman haul” snack, or add the cheese cubes to trail mix for an extra boost of protein.

Fast, fill ‘em up sandwiches. Bigger kids also need fuel to keep them going between all their activities. Top whole wheat bread with peanut butter, pre-sliced Gouda cheese and slivers of fresh pear. Pita bread is also a portable, edible container, perfect for filling with sliced turkey, Dill Havarti, hummus and chopped bell pepper.

Ensure less mess. Stock the minivan’s glove compartment with napkins and wet wipes to avoid a mealtime mess. Zip-top bags also come in handy for storing foods that kids might not have time to finish between activities. Keep a box of garbage bags in the car to easily stash the trash and dispose of it at home.

Record number of participants attend BCPS’ Ed Talk

On Saturday, January 23, 2016, a record turnout of approximately 700 people, including parents, students, business leaders, elected officials and community members joined Broward County School Board members, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert W. Runcie and District staff for the fourth annual Ed Talk event at the Signature Grand in Davie.

 

This year’s community forum engaged participants in discussions to develop and update the District’s educational strategies, and advance the three core components of the District’s Strategic Plan – high-quality instruction, continuous improvement and effective communication.  Input and feedback received during today’s Ed Talk event will be used to advance the District’s vision and commitment to educating today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world.

Ed Talk’s interactive discussion sessions allowed participants to instantly provide feedback and responses to polling questions via laptops at every table and on personal mobile devices. Among the topics of discussion: integrating technology in education, literacy, early childhood learning, and preparing students for college and careers.

“We had an incredible turnout on a beautiful South Florida morning. It’s exciting and encouraging to see so many people committed to making a difference in education,” said Superintendent Runcie. “The success of our students and schools impacts all aspects of our community. The important discussions that took place today will help move our District forward for the next 100 years of educational excellence.”

Haiti seeking to engage Diaspora investment

Several Haitian organizations dedicated to promoting investment is revamping their outreach to the Haitian Diaspora with a new outreach program, informing the community of investment opportunities in Haiti.

First up this week, the Center for Facilitation for Investments (CFI) launched a Q&A conference call series, where members of the Diaspora community learned more about CFI’s work, and asked specific questions related to investing and doing business in Haiti. Christian Loubeau, the Economic and Commercial Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and Norma Powell, Director of CFI fielded investment questions from participants. This is the first of four planned conference calls between Haitian institutions and the diaspora related to investment opportunities. Those interested can go on their website at cfihaiti.com to learn how to join the information session.

The CFI is Haiti’s national investment promotion agency, which works to attract investments that contribute to the development of the country, diversify the economy, strengthen supply chains, and generate jobs. The CFI ́s main mandate is helping potential investors find and take advantage of opportunities in Haiti. Servicing ranging from supplying customized reports on investment opportunities in Haiti, to offering aftercare services to investors establishing operations in the country.

Usain Bolt sidelined with injury ahead of Olympics

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 25, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has added Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and Guyana to their travel advisory list of countries to be avoided due to outbreaks of the Zika virus. The disease, which has flu-like symptoms, has been correlated to birth defects in newborns from mothers infected with the disease.

Richard Byles, the CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and co-chair of the country’s Economic program oversight committee, has been admitted into hospital in Miami, Florida, due to a sudden illness. In a public statement, Sagicor representatives say Byles was in South Florida for business, and remains head of the company.

Local food fans turned out for some tasty treats recently at the inaugural Lauderhill Taste Tour, hosted by the city. For both lunch and dinner, participants sample diverse cuisines from restaurants around the city, including flavors from the Caribbean. The tour seeks to promote local attractions surrounding the newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.

World’s fastest man Usain Bolt has been sidelined from action following a recent ankle injury sustained during training. The Jamaican sprinter, however, says the injury is minor. He will only be taking a break from training as a precaution, and it will not affect his preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

What’s trending:

Reggae artiste Capleton announced plans to release his first album in 5 years. The yet untitled album, produced by Clive Hunt, will be distributed by VP records.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 76 and a low of 68. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 77 and a low of 70.

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

Lauryn Hill joins Tobago Jazz Experience lineup

Lauryn Hill

American signer Lauryn Hill will be among the star attractions at this year’s Tobago Jazz Experience, slated for April 16 to 24.

Hill, whose Grammy-award winning debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, remains one of the stand out Hip Hop albums, will join other international artistes Third World and Bajan saxophonist Arturo Tappin, as well as 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.

Tips to help keep you and your family flu-free this winter

According to a recent national survey conducted by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) more than half of U.S. adults (55 percent) incorrectly think that when they get sick, others in the household are bound to get the flu and they just have to wait for the flu virus to pass. The survey also found that almost twice as many U.S. adults call a healthcare professional when their child experiences flu symptoms (46 percent) versus when they personally experience flu symptoms (25 percent).

“It’s important for adults to take care of themselves as well as those they care for, including children. The virus does not have to take down your whole family if one person gets sick,” says Dr. William Schaffner, MD, NFID medical director. “There are ways to fight flu. If you see a healthcare professional quickly, they may prescribe prescription flu medicines that may help you get better faster. Your doctor may also prescribe them to prevent others in your household from getting the flu.”

“Be proactive when it comes to the flu. It’s the considerate thing to do,” says Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette guru Emily Post and co-author of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th edition. “Etiquette is all about consideration. Using basic good etiquette can help keep you and your family flu-free by preventing the virus’ spread.”

The Emily Post Institute offers the following etiquette tips to manage situations where the flu virus could spread:

* Know your F.A.C.T.S.: If you’re experiencing Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness and Sudden Onset, it’s likely flu. Realize that you’re contagious and quickly see a healthcare professional.

* Stay home: If you have flu symptoms, it’s okay to cancel plans or take a sick day. The polite thing to do is to stay away from crowds to avoid spreading the virus. Be sure to call your host, or the office to let them know you won’t be able to make it.

* Stock up: Keep tissues and hand sanitizers with you at all times. If it’s others who are sick, like that cougher or sneezer next to you, prompt them to protect others by offering a tissue or a spritz of alcohol-based sanitizer.

* Hands down. Keep your hands below your shoulders when in public. The idea is to avoid touching your face, which may also help keep you from getting sick after rubbing your nose, mouth or eyes with unclean hands.

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Adrienne Arsht Center celebrates 10 years

As part of their 10 year anniversary celebration, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host a special dance performance by the Haitian dance company AYIKODANS on February 4-6 in the Arsht Center’s Carnival studio Theater.

The piece, titled M’Angaje, is inspired by the Center’s ongoing alliance with the company which originated when they found a home at the Arsht Center following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Performed by the 9-member Port Au Prince-based ensemble with live vocal and drum accompaniment, M’Angaje speaks to making new allies to advance a cause.

Tickets to AYIKODANS’ performance are $40 and can be purchased now through the Adrienne Arsht Center Box Office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online atwww.arshtcenter.org.

 

 

 

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