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Caribbean nationals to compete in MLS Combine

A record five Caribbean nationals have been selected to showcase their talents at the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine, set to start January 8th at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. The players join top soccer contenders across the U.S., as all compete for the attention of recruiters seeking new talent for MLS professional teams.

Two Jamaicans and one Belizean were selected from the U.S. college soccer circuit. Jamaican representative Neco Brett has been making a name for himself playing for Robert Morris University, and just last December was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division I All-America Team. The Kingston native was also the first player in Northeast Conference history to earn Player of the Year honors three times and has been a three time All-NEC First Team selection. Fellow Jamaican Vincent Mitchell of Butler University has also had a stellar season. The Manchester High alum has also been named a USCAA First Team All-American. Belizean representative Michael Salazar has also been making waves, playing for the competitive UC Riverside, and the Cayo District native has also played for the national team.

So far, Jamaicans Kevaughn Frater and Jorginho James have been the sole international invites from the region, recruited from the inaugural MLS-sponsored Caribbean Combine. Three try-out sessions were held in St. Kitts, Curacao and Martinique, pulling players from across the Caribbean to compete for the chance to proceed to the stateside combine. Jorginho James is a Kingston College alum, a starter for Harbor View FC, and a former Reggae Boy. Fellow Jamaican recruit and Harbor View FC teammate, Kevaughn Frater, has also most recently played for the Reggae Boyz in last November’s World Cup qualifier against Panama.

The Caribbean region may still get another invitation to Lauderhill, as a decision on possible players still hasn’t been formally announced from the final Caribbean Combine session currently being held in Martinique.

All invited players to the MLS Combine in Lauderhill will be eligible for selection in the 2016 SuperDraft presented by Adidas, held on Thursday, Jan. 14 in Baltimore, MD.

Detoxing for a new year of well being

Your liver and kidneys are vital organs that work together to help process and filter food, medications, alcohol and other substances that enter your body. These functions are of primary importance to overall health and longevity. So enhancing the detoxifying functions of the liver and kidneys is something that should be considered by every person seeking optimal health and vitality.

No matter how hard you try to keep your diet and environment pure, there are toxins in the air you breathe, the water you drink and the soil your food is grown in. With an ever-increasing number of studies linking exposure to chemical toxins with a growing list of health problems ranging from cognitive decline, memory and concentration problems, and weight gain, to hormonal imbalances and mood swings, it’s no wonder that “detoxing” has become a vital trend.

Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body’s most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Unfortunately in this day and age, with the pollution found in the air, water and food we eat, our bodies have a hard time keeping up. Our chemicalized diet, with too much animal protein, too much saturated and trans fats, too much caffeine, preservatives, artificial additives and alcohol, radically alters our internal ecosystem.

This toxicity can also affect how we gain weight as well. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by isolating and surrounding them with mucous and fat. Some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbors this waste. This also contributes to the condition often referred to as “Toxic Overload.” This condition can have detrimental consequences on your daily life, causing fatigue, brain fog, headaches, insomnia, weight gain and chronic joint or muscle pain. Negative symptoms also include multiple digestion issues, such as gas, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal pain. The hormonal imbalances created can also lead to a diverse slew of conditions, from PMS or menopausal symptoms, to acnes and skin rashes, to anxiety and depression.

Detoxing is especially important for persons with immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is already healthy, a spring cleanse can revitalize your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.

One of the best detox products available is DETOX AND FLUSH by Natural Herbs. It contains a balanced combination of natural anti-inflammatories, blood cleansers and detoxing agents to address all areas of toxic overload. It is recommended for at least 21 days in order to gradually rid the body of years of toxic build up. The product is available in a very simple, cinnamon-flavored shake formula, which can easily be added to juices, smoothies, shakes, almond milk or (alkaline) water.

This product is available at www.GetNaturalHerbs.com. Or call for more info 954-530-5363

Caribbean Airlines flight attendant sentenced for cocaine smuggling

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 8, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

A flight attendant for Caribbean Airlines has been sentenced to 2 and a hlaf years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 6.5 pounds of cocaine. Rohan Mayers was arrested at the Fort Lauderdale International airport, immediately confessing after officers questioned him. The Jamaican father of 2 asked the court for leniency for his first offence, but the District Judge decided on prison time based on the sheer amount of drugs involved.

Authorities in Trinidad & Tobago are teaming up with Miami-based Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Institute to establish a local branch to tackle the surge in money-laundering.  The Trinidadian office is a joint effort by the University of the Southern Caribbean and the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. The Financial Intelligence Unit reports that $3 billion were laundered in the country over the last four years.

Caribbean dancers and musicians combine for one stellar performance at this Saturday’s “Surya – the Eternal Rhythm” concert, starting 7:30 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center. The family-friendly event is a vibrant visualization of Afro-Caribbean poetry via Indian dances, featuring leading South Florida-based Indian and Afro-Caribbean artists.

In sports, the Diaspora community can add one more contender with Caribbean roots for the MLS Combine, starting today at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. Trinidadian-American and St. Louis University soccer star David Tyler is among the 60 players invited to strut their talents for recruiters at the Lauderhill showcase. David is the son for former T&T national player, Steven David.

What’s trending:

Reggae Revivalist stars Chronixx and Protoje have joined the line-up for the world-renowned Coachella Music Festival this year. Protoje tweeted congratulations to Chronixx, calling it a “big day for Jamaican music.”

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Scattered Showers in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 68. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 80 and a low of 69.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

No Mayoral Run, says Monestime

Despite calls from Florida’s Democratic Party leaders to join this year’s race for Mayor of Miami-Dade, current county commission chairman Jean Monestime says he will not be running.
In a public statement, Monestime said he was “greatly honored…by the encouragement I have received to take my prosperity agenda to the next highest office,” he believed he could do much more “by expanding my campaign for greater prosperity as the Chairman of Miami-Dade County.”
Monestime, however, expressed high policy ambitions for this year. In his statement, he outlined his strategy to “reduce the income inequality gap.” Proposed initiatives include expanding services eligible for Living Wage Ordinance healthcare coverage, and a “Bank-On Miami” program to improve public access to traditional banking. He also plans to reduce transit fares for workers, as well as launch a pilot program providing additional daycare subsidies for families. though not specifying what particular strategies he’s planning to take, Monestime also cited gun violence against local youth as a major priority this year, in response to the recent surge of drive-by shootings killing children in the county.
As the county’s first every Haitian-American Chairman, Monestime would have challenged — if he elected to enter the race — incumbent Mayor Carlos Gimenez and fellow Republican contender, county school district board member, Raquel Regalado.

Broward Water Partnership launches Neighborhood Water Challenge

From April through May 2016, residents in Broward can participate in the Neighborhood Water Challenge by competing in two categories- Water Conservation and Outreach and Education.

In the Water Conservation competition, neighbors will work together to save water over a two-month period. Water savings will be determined by comparing 2015 water bills with 2016 water bills. An average savings for each team will be calculated. The team that saves the most wins. Each (family) participant in the winning team will receive $1000 cash. Each neighbor on the second place team will receive a WaterOptimizer irrigation system.

The second category, Outreach and Education challenges contestants to develop and implement an outreach program to help their neighbors understand that conservation and reuse are more than saving water, they are about using all of our water resources wisely.The team that saves the most wins. Each (family) participant in the winning team will receive $1000 cash. Each neighbor on the second place team will receive a WaterOptimizer irrigation system.

Contestants must register by March 15, 2016. Program details are available at ConservationPays.com.

New cigarettes being pushed for adolescents

A new CDC reports says about 7 in 10 middle and high school students – more than 18 million young people – see e-cigarette advertising in stores, online, and in popular media.

Data from the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey show 68.9 percent of middle and high school students see e-cigarettes ads from one or more media sources. This number has prompted much concern among the CDC. “Advertising of tobacco products has been shown to cause youth to start using those products,” said the organization in a statement. “E-cigarette ads use many of the same themes – independence, rebellion, and sex – used to sell cigarettes and other conventional tobacco products.”

Officials are worried the unrestricted marketing of e-cigarettes and dramatic increases in their use by youth could reverse decades of progress in preventing tobacco use among the younger generation. Spending on e-cigarette advertising rose from $6.4 million in 2011 to an estimated $115 million in 2014. The results show, as in 2014, e-cigarettes became the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes. During 2011 to 2014, current e-cigarette use among high school students soared from 1.5 percent to 13.4 percent, and among middle school students from 0.6 percent to 3.9 percent.

The CDC suggest strategies to reduce youth access to e-cigarettes, including limiting tobacco product sales to facilities that never admit youth and restricting the number of stores that sell tobacco, and how close they can be to schools. The organization also suggests that e-cigarettes should be sold only through face-to-face transactions, not on the Internet, and require age verification to make purchases, and accept deliveries of e-cigarettes

T&T authorities tackle surge in money-laundering activities

Authorities in Trinidad & Tobago are teaming up with Miami-based Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Institute to establish a local branch to tackle the surge in money-laundering.

The Trinidadian office is a joint effort by the University of the Southern Caribbean and the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. The Financial Intelligence Unit reports that $3 billion were laundered in the country over the last four years.

Susan Francois, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit stated that while people consider money laundering as white collar crime, the three billion dollars which were reported came from violent crime. She also said measures to deter and detect the crime were crucial strategies in combatting the crime of money-laundering.

According to Francois, just as drug traffickers find inventive ways to hide and smuggle their drugs, so the money launderer will find new ways to disguise and move the money earned from his illegal activity.

Healthy Eating, Caribbean style

Start the new year right with our round-up of super versatile, healthy dishes to add to your Caribbean kitchen repertoire.

Zesty Cucumber Chow

This dish is inspired by fond memories from popular food blogger Chris de La Rosa of Caribbeanpot.com, of his dad “mak[ing] a huge bowl of this ‘chow’ with the ‘baby’ cucumbers (always the sweetest).” Bright and refreshing in flavor, cucumbers are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium.

Ingredients

6 Dill cucumbers

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 lemon (juice)

8-12 cherry tomatoes

1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (no seeds)

2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)

1 clove garlic (crushed or diced fine)

1/2 small red onion (optional)

Cut cucumber stems and bottoms off and chop into spears (peeling optional). Place in a large bowl with halfed cherry tomatoes. Dice garlic and cilantro finely, and roughly chop scotch bonnet. Add to bowl, give everything a good toss. For best results, allow it to chill and marinate in the fridge for about 1/2 hour.

Caribbeanpot.com

Steamed Snapper

This traditional dish from popular Guyanese foodie Jehan Powell from Jehancancook.com is also a perfectly healthy option, thanks to fresh ingredients and low-fat cooking method. Though there are many types of snapper, the popular protein-rich red snapper is also jam packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredients 

For marinade:

4 whole snappers, cleaned

Juice of 2 limes

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

About 10 sprigs of fresh thyme (estimate is fine)

1 tbsp. salt + 1 tsp salt

For steaming:

3 scallions, cut into half

2 tbsp. butter, cut into small cubes

About 10 sprigs of thyme

4 whole pimentos

1 whole onion, sliced

1 whole wiri pepper

Water

Cut two slits on each side of the fish.   Place fish in a large bowl with half of the lime juice and water, then rinse thoroughly. Place fish in a ziplock bag with the remaining ingredients for the marinade (this includes the other half of lime juice).  Refrigerate overnight, turning a few times.

To steam the fish, place scallion, thyme, pimentos and wiri pepper in the bottom of a pot large enough to hold the fish in a single layer. Place the fish on top of the onion and herbs. Next add a few pieces of the butter in the cavity of the fish, and then place the rest on top. Add onions on top of the fish. Pour just enough water so it’s just about 1 inch deep. Over medium heat, bring the water to a gentle boil. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot and lower the heat.    Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately!

Jehancancook.com

Vegan Carrot Shake

This delicious recipe from Charlene of thatgirlcookshealthy.com makes a delicious and healthy alternative to dessert when the sweet tooth comes calling. Carrots are rich in super nutrient beta-carotene and fiber for good digestive health.

Ingredients

2lb of sliced carrots

1tsp of nutmeg

¼ tsp of cinnamon

5 cups of water

1tsp of vanilla extract

Coconut condensed milk (sweeten to taste. A half cup should suffice)

Blend carrots and water in blender. You may need to do this in two batches, depending on the capacity of your machine. Once completed, use a strainer or cheese cloth to extract the juice from the pulp. Stir in the coconut condensed milk, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.

Thatgirlcookshealthy.com

Democrats court Haitian-American Miami-Dade Chairman for mayoral run

As election season looms nearer, state democrats are urging Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime to run for mayor of the county. As the county’s first every Haitian-American Chairman, Monestime would challenge incumbent Mayor Carlos Gimenez and fellow Republican contender, county school district board member, Raquel Regalado.

A win would make a historic appointment for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida, and would be the lone democrat running in the race. But so far, Monestime has been very discreet about the possibility of his run. State Democratic Party chief, Allison Tate, expressed uncertainty about whether Monestime would take up the campaign, noting that she does “think he has ruled out a run” in an interview with Miami Herald. But one source from his office, however, confirmed that Monestime is still seriously considering a potential mayoral bid, and has not yet decided.

While several South Florida’s Haitian-Americans say they would be “thrilled” if Monestime enters the race, other’s like Miami political consultant Antoine Ducasse says he would rather Monestime give “serious consideration to this bid.” Ducasse says while Monestime is “firmly entrenched in District 2”, where he first won his county commission seat in 2010, rising to become county chairman, “seeking election from the wider, more diverse county voter roll could be a risk to a very promising political career. However, if he’s going to do it, November’s general election is a good time, as he could benefit from Democrats voting for the next US president.”

Miami-Dade County Democratic Party chairman, Florida Senator Dwight Bullard believes Monestime has a great chance of unseating Gimenez.

“The Democratic majority in the county, and their traditional high turnout in general elections, makes a Democratic mayoral candidate very viable,” says Bullard.

Miami-Dade has not had a Democratic mayor since Alex Penelas in 2004. Penelas was succeeded by Mayor Carlos Alvarez, who was recalled by voters in 2011 over a property tax dispute.

“It would be great to have a Haitian-American mayor in Miami-Dade” said Magdeline Preval. “Monestime would be a good mayor. However, the campaign to be elected mayor of Miami-Dade County won’t be the same as it was for those Haitian-Americans who were elected mayor of North Miami.”

Fellow Haitian-American voter Patrina Lovell says while she too is eager to see Monestime run, she “would hate to see him lose. If he does, he will be out of the county commission.” According to Florida law, a candidate in an incumbent elected office must resign that office to campaign for another office. “He should only run if there are strong indications he will win.”

According to Miami-Dade Democratic Party strategist Dennis Morais, Monestime would be able to pull out the black vote across the district. “Blacks are overwhelmingly registered as Democrats in Miami-Dade, and they can be counted on to vote for the Black candidate. Moreover, Monestime has consistently supported anti-poverty policies in the county, and this should also serve him well with thousands of county voters who are struggling financially.”

Florida’s next top Yardie Swimmer

Jamaican South Florida-based swimmer Alia Atkinson has long been making waves on the international swimming circuit with record-breaking wins. But one other SoFlo-based yardie is making a name for himself in the sport – 14-year-old breakout sports star, Jesse Marsh.

Marsh ended 2015 on a high note, breaking the national 13-14 age-group record in the 100-meter butterfly at the recent SPEEDO Winter Juniors in Atlanta, clocking 58.49 seconds. This made Marsh the first 13-14 Jamaican swimmer to crack the 59-second barrier. Returning to Jamaica for Christmas, Marsh also managed to break some more national records at the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica’s Christmas Open Championships. He made a flashy time of 59.09-seconds in the boys’ 13-and-over 100-metre butterfly event. He also broke 6-year-old record, clocking 2:13:33 minutes in the Boy’s 13-and-over 200 meters butterfly.

The former Campion college student moved to South Florida this year to continue training at the St. Andrews swimming program in Boca Raton. As for 2016, Marsh has high expectations for himself, setting some “goals with my coaches in Florida for next year and we are already working towards them. My aim is to clock 57 seconds or somewhere thereabouts in the 100-metre butterfly and I want to go under 2:10 minutes in the 200 butterfly,” he added.

Guyanese swine flu victim dies in US hospital

Family has confirmed that the Guyanese businessman Vishnunarine Sugrim, who contracted the H1N1 Swine flu, has passed away from complications from the virus, while being treated at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

The father of five contracted the illness in China, and developed the symptoms within a two-week period when he returned to Guyana.

When Sugrim was suspected to have contracted Swine Flu, Health authorities here sent samples of his blood to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, says the Public Health Ministry is monitoring some of Sugrim’s close relatives and health care workers who had attended to him at a private hospital.

Persaud explained that the virus can only be transmitted if an infected person coughs or sneezes .

The Ministry has tightened its surveillance security system at the main ports of entry in the country, primarily at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Ogle International Airport.

Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include coughing, fever, sore throat, body aches and headaches.

Protoje, Chronixx join Coachella 2016 lineup

Reggae Revivalist stars Chronixx and Protoje have joined the line-up for the world-renowned Coachella Music Festival this year.

Protoje tweeted congratulations to Chronixx, calling it a “big day for Jamaican music.”

This year’s event, set for April 15-17 and April 22-24 will also see performances from artistes including Ice Cube, Jack Ü, Sia, Major Lazer, Death Grips, Sia, Flume, Calvin Harris, A$AP Rocky and Ellie Goulding.

M-DCPS’ graduation rate reaches all time high

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) graduation rate reached an all-time high of 78.1 percent for the 2014-2015 academic year, exceeding the state average (77.8) and those of other large Florida school districts, including Broward, Hillsborough, Duval, and Orange counties.

This 1.5 point increase from last year’s rate of 76.6 marks the highest graduation rate M-DCPS has achieved since the Florida Department of Education began tracking graduation statistics with modern methods in the late 1990’s.

Miami-Dade graduation rates for White, Black and Hispanic students also exceeded those of the State.

“Student achievement in Miami-Dade County Public Schools is soaring, and recent graduation rates released by the State demonstrate the ongoing exceptional work of our students, teachers, and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “Our efforts to ensure that students graduate and are prepared for college and careers mean that lifelong personal and professional successes are well within their reach. Parents, teachers, school leaders, and the entire school community can take pride in this impressive accomplishment.”

The District’s graduation rate continues to improve as a result of several strategies. A   comprehensive tracking tool monitors student progress through high school to ensure students meet established graduation requirements.  Student Services staff provides support to students as early as 9th grade and ensures they are completing requirements on time. Enrichment programs with a strong focus on literacy prepare students to meet State assessment graduation requirements.

City of Lauderhill to host’s first show at new LPAC

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM, the City of Lauderhill Officials will host the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & First Show at the highly anticipated Lauderhill Performing Arts Center Opening.

 

 Lauderhill’s own local talent organizations will be the first to perform in the facility as part of the evening’s line up of exciting events. Performers will include the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Ashanti, Jubilee, Encore Performing Arts, Ethnotricity and many more.
Guests can also receive guided tours of the facility, witness the Official and Historic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and enjoy a very special performance by the “DOO WOP PROJECT.”

For tickets and information, contact the LPAC Box Office is open daily, 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday, and Noon – 4 pm, on Saturdays as well as two hours before show time.

Who will make bigger bucks for 2016? Jamaica or T&T?

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 7, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Despite eager discussions about a potential candidacy, Florida Democratic Party chief Allison Tant says that Miami-Dade County commission’s first Haitian-American chairman Jean Monestime may have “ruled out” challenging Mayor Carlos Gimenez in the upcoming elections. No official comment on the rumors has been released from Monestime’s office.

In response to the police shooting that killed local musician Corey Jones, Palm Beach Garden officials plan to vote on funding a department-wide police body camera program.  The city council is set to vote on the over $260,000 budget at tomorrow’s [Thursday’s] meeting. Jones’ death sparked national outrage after an undercover officer approached and shot Jones 6 times along I-95.

Local non-profit Haiti Friends is launching their new “Pearl Art” series with their first exhibit this Saturday, starting 7 pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This free exhibit, which will feature work from world renowned Haitian artists, will celebrate the New Year with a “Bon Fet” theme. The series plans to premiere a new show every 2nd Saturday of every month.

In sports, Jamaican soccer Star Kevaughn Frater joins fellow young Jamaican Jorginho James as the Caribbean two international invitees for the upcoming Major Soccer League Combine, starting January  8 at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. Frater and James both currently play for Harbor View FC in Jamaica’s Red Stripe Premier League.

What’s trending:

UN projections for 2016 predict that Jamaica will grow at 1.5 percent, which improves on last year’s numbers and puts the island’s economic expansion ahead of its oil-rich neighbor and former regional economic leader, Trinidad and Tobago. A recent report from magazine The Economist says the twin republic’s economy may shrink by 1 percent.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly sunny in Broward County with a high of 79 and a low of 62. For Miami-Dade, mostly sunny with a high of 78 and a low of 67.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

Debunking detox with 5 easy fixes

Lots of things in life create messes that need to be cleaned up — even in our bodies. After a holiday season of overeating and overindulging, our bodies need straightening up to function at their best, otherwise our digestive system becomes cluttered with toxins. And with cold and flu season in full swing, a body clean up will not only help to improve your digestive system, but it may also help boost your immune system as well.

The goal of detoxing is to eliminate toxins in the body. Toxins are unusable products resulting from the metabolism of nutrients, pollutants, pesticides, food additives, medical drugs and alcohol. A true detox doesn’t require fasting or flushing your colon clean, instead it’s finding ways to boost your body’s own natural detoxification system to rid itself of harmful toxins. Just follow these five easy detox fixes from Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff to clean-up your diet and your health:

Eat organic. Reduce the toxins you take in by choosing organic foods that contain no artificial ingredients or synthetic preservatives and are GMO-free. Jumpstart your day with delicious Nature’s Path Flax Plus(R) Pumpkin Flax Granola that is rich in flax seeds and high in fiber.

Power up with plants. Phyto (plant) nutrients such as antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, spices, whole grains, nuts and seeds create your bodies clean up team. Eat more and let them naturally help clean up your digestive system.

Follow the rainbow. Variety is essential to a healthy diet, and it is important to add a rainbow of colorful, spices and blends of grains, seeds and nuts to your diet.

Find fiber In order to eliminate toxins through our body’s digestive tract, we need to eat foods rich in fiber and nourish good bacteria it is also important to choose foods that contain nutrients like magnesium that support healthy motility of the digestive tract and bitter herbs which help stimulate the digestive tract.

Nourish with nutrients. Our internal detoxification system needs the right nutrients to nourish our bodies. Add healthy and good-for-you foods such as, broccoli, garlic, leeks, sesame seeds, greens and beans to your diet to boost your energy level and cleanse your body at the same time.

Finally, detox foods can be delicious as they are nutritious. Check out this fiber-rich recipe that is sure to have your friends and family asking for seconds.

Roasted Squash with Crunchy Pumpkin Topping

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

Serves

6 servings

Ingredients 

1/2 cup Nature’s Path Flax Plus(R) Pumpkin Flax Granola

1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

1 large butternut squash (about 3 lb.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

Mix together Pumpkin Flax Granola, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ¼ teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper.

Spread evenly on baking sheet; bake for 6 or 7 minutes or until mixture is crisp and golden brown.

Toss together squash, brown sugar, thyme, and remaining pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper; arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until fork-tender and lightly browned.

Arrange squash on platter and top with granola mixture.

Tip: To make fresh bread crumbs, pulse day-old bread in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs; store in airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Facts, per 1/6 recipe

Calories 240

Fat 11 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 240 mg

Carbohydrate 33 g

Fiber 5 g

Sugars 9 g

Protein 3 g

Brandpointcontent.com

Antigua gives non-nationals more time to regularise status

Non-nationals wishing to regularise their status in the country have been given more time to do so.

The government has given a third extension and as a result the new deadline is February 29.

The previous deadlines were September 15, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

A warning has also been issued that those who are illegal in the twin-island state will be removed from the country if they miss the deadline.

The extension will allow the Immigration Department to conclude the processing of applications received in 2015.

In April last year, the government implemented the amnesty for several non-nationals who had no legal time in the country.

With the new deadline in place, non-nationals wishing to remain in the country can pay their outstanding amounts, become regularised and be placed on the path to citizenship.

3 Step Guide: Transitioning to natural hair

Transitioning from relaxed or damaged hair to your natural kinky/curly texture is a big and scary step. As someone who transitioned for seven months, I can completely relate. But chopping all your relaxed or damaged ends off all at once isn’t the only way to go natural. If you’re not comfortable doing “the big chop,” you can always transition until you’re ready to get rid of those unwanted ends.

This transitioning journey isn’t the easiest, and may bring about some challenges. So check out these 3 tips to help make your transition to your natural curls and coils go as easily and smoothly as possible.

Watch the line of demarcation

The “line of demarcation” refers to the point where your relaxed hair and new growth meet, marking the weakest point of your hair during transitioning. It is important to keep your hair moisturized. And do not excessively pull on it with tight ponytail styles, or brush or comb it too harshly. When combing, opt for a wide toothcomb that will detangle efficiently and remove shed hair, while minimizing damage with the widely spaced teeth that are large and seamless.

Style to blend two textures

Finding the right hairstyle can be challenging, especially when you want to wear your hair out and blend your two different textures. The best way to do this is to curl your hair to camouflage both textures without heat. Consider styles like bantu knots, twist outs, flexi rods and roller sets to help blend your natural and straightened textures.

Say bye-bye to all chemicals

While you’re transitioning to your natural coils, hold back on the chemicals. “Chemicals” do not only refer to relaxers, but also to products used to color your hair, particularly bleach. These chemicals are potent enough to permanently change your natural curl pattern, and depending on your hair type, can negatively affect your new growth.

JA Stock Exchange on top- But can it maintain momentum for 2016?

 

2015 turned out to be a landmark year for the burgeoning Jamaican Stok Exchange (JSE), following a recent report from global financial analyst Bloomberg News showing the JSE had the best performance of the year, among 92 markets tracked by Bloomberg.

On the JSE, some US$700,000 a day in securities were traded in the first 11 months of the year, an increase of almost 40 percent from 2014. The recent boost owes much credit changed regulations, including opening accessibility to the exchange for foreign-based investors.

South Floridian investors took full advantage of the growing market, according to local accountant Learie Mulling of Broward firm Crichton and Mullings. A key positive decision by the government, says Mullings, “gave special incentives like a 5-year tax free break to junior companies to trade and attract capital on the stock market.” And to facilitate overseas investors, including those in the Jamaican Diaspora, in May 2015, the JSE implemented an online trading platform.

“The attraction and strength of the JSE is the direct result of the IMF measures, and the tenacity of the Jamaican government to ensure it’s large debt liabilities were rolled back,” said Mullings. “It was the IMF and the government’s objective to encourage equity investment, with investors purchasing shares in companies, as the alternative to companies and investors accumulating debt by loan financing. The austerity measures have created cash surpluses in the Jamaican economy and this cash has been invested in the stock market.”

But Mullings notes that “there’s still a far way to go, but for investors, and the general Jamaican public, there’s now a foundation in Jamaica on which to build a very strong economy.”

Jamaica has successfully passed ten of the economic performance tests with the IMF, and is poised to pass the eleventh. The nation has recorded positive economic growth for the third straight year, reaching 1.4 percent in 2015, even as the government continue to unload the massive debt burden.

Miami investment analyst Godfrey Comrie said the positive report on the JSE isn’t surprising, as in recent years Jamaica has developed a collection of publicly traded companies with strong earnings. “In Jamaica, investors should find it more exciting to trade money in solid companies listed on the stock exchange than depend on banks to render fixed rates of return.”

Economist Sean Barnaby says he expects the JSE to continue its buoyancy in 2016. “Interest rates remain low, making the stock market the most viable option to investors. With investment capital pouring into Jamaica, this should also stabilize the exchange rate.”

One more push to raise Florida’s minimum wage

It may be a new year, but Florida’s hourly minimum wage will remain the same at $8.05. Some state law makers are hoping to change this, with renewed campaigns in the upcoming state 2016 Legislative session opening on January 12.

The issue has been stagnant among the state leadership. But Democratic state representative Hazelle Rogers says the need for a fixed living wage remains crucial, based on the living conditions she encounters among her constituents.

“Some people can’t even afford to live from pay check to pay check. Their incomes cannot stretch between pay-days,” says Rogers, noting the countless people in food-bank lines in Broward County who thank her for the opportunity, as “they otherwise would starve. We need a living wage where folks can adequately feed their families, educate their children and a keep a roof over their heads whether they rent or own a home.”

Rogers also realizes getting the House to raise the minimum wage “is a gigantic challenge.” She said in the past Democrats failed in their efforts to raise the ate to $10.10, but “Democrats going to Tallahassee next week will be relentless in trying to get this increase.”

Meanwhile Rogers, who terms out of the Legislature this year, is co-sponsoring House Bill 33 titled “Community Investment Program,” which seeks to counteract poverty in Florida communities. “The bill aims to alleviate the economic plight of residents in communities with double digit poverty and double digit unemployment,” Rogers said.

Miami community advocate Nelsa Cummings is among residents organizing an outreach to South Florida legislators for their support on increasing the minimum wage, setting Republican Representative George Moraitis, Jr. of District 93 in Boca Raton as their lobby target.

Moraitis, says Cummings, “should be sensitive to the plight of over 30 percent of his constituents who are living from pay check to pay check, or living on the poverty line because of Florida’s low minimum wage.”

She said she hopes every voter who is hurting financially and those concerned about those who are hurting “will call their state representatives immediately.”

 

T&T golfer places fourth in Orange Bowl

Trinidad and Tobago national junior golfer Sachin Kumar held his own among the world’s finest junior contenders, finishing fourth at the Junior Orange Bowl in Coral Gables.

Kumar, who is now based in South Florida, training at Club Med Academies, totaled 285. He finished just one stroke behind Joaquin Niemann of Chile and Adrien Dumont Chassart of Belgium, and just five strokes behind tournament winner Kristoffer Reitan of Norway. Demonstrating a maturing approach, Kumar has struggled on the first nine with 3 over par at 38, but was able to recover with two bogies and one birdie to finally earn a 75 score.

According to Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association technical director Chris Harries; “This was an outstanding performance by Sachin who was competing against 55 specially invited junior golfers. To qualify, a golfer’s performances and position in the Junior rankings over the year have to be of sufficiently high quality to gain an invite. This performance should have given Sachin the necessary confidence to do even better in 2016.”

The Junior Orange Bowl featured 55 specially invited, top performing junior golfers from around the world.

New conference in Broward seeks to boost small business in the community

Whether setting up a new restaurant, a real estate agency or law practice, starting a small business in our community can become a tricky proposition. How much funding and resources do you need to start up? What laws and regulations do you need to look out for? And how can you get your name out there in such a competitive market?

Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) plans to start local entrepreneurs on the right foot with the upcoming, inaugural Capacity Building Conference – set for Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Themed “Strategic Pathways to Growth,” this free two-day event seeks to help businesses chart a course to success by strengthening their core capacities in general business operations through insightful dialogue and key connections. Scheduled panels include key topics for any entrepreneur starting out or seeking to expand their operations. Get help navigating the mires of marketing through social media at the “Marketing Strategies” panel, or learn what insurance plans you need (and don’t) within your industry at the “Safety & Loss Control” discussion. The keynote address will also be delivered by Florida Secretary of Commerce and President of Enterprise Florida, Bill Johnson.

On Saturday, the conference will also offer a Business Financing Clinic, where entrepreneurs can get their business strategies accessed. There will also be the county’s signature “Broward is Buying” expo, where local entrepreneurs can both share their range of services, all while exploring contracting opportunities with the county.

This event is perfect for Broward County vendors. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are still available for this much-anticipated event. To find out more about this conference, and how you can get your business registered, visit CapacityBuilding.Broward.org.

Top 5 attractions in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s charms are many and quite unlike what you’ll find elsewhere in the United States. Although the island seems designed for relaxation, with white sandy  beaches and an inviting Caribbean-style nightlife, tourists can also find plenty of landmarks of significance.

Rio Camuy Caves

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Tourists and locals can embark on an interesting adventure into the largest cave system in the western hemisphere. If you want an exotic experience that you can’t find anywhere else, the Rio Camuy caves have what you’re looking for in Puerto Rico attractions. Explore over 10 miles of caverns, the third largest underground river in the world, and dozens of caves with a strange, otherworldly quality.

El Yunque National Rainforest

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El Yunque, nominated as one of the natural wonders of the world is comprised of cool, breezy, fresh air, endless tropical greens and refreshing spring waters waiting for you to jump in. Whether you’re coming for a honeymoon or bringing the kids El Yunque National Rainforest is a must visit during your vacation in Puerto Rico.

Bahia Mosquito

mosquitobay1-1024x683Also known as Bioluminescent Bay, Bahia Mosquito is filled with a species of harmless microorganisms called phosphorescent dynoflagellate, making the waters glow. It’s a magnificent sight, particularly in the dark.  Go swimming out in this water and a heavenly luminescence surrounds you.

Destileria Serralles

An important distillery in Puerto Rico and a must see attractions for connoisseaurs of fine liquor. Taste the best rum in Puerto Rico on the grounds and enjoy a tour of the distillation process. This is a favorite for father son teams and friends who maybe want to break away from the traditional sights of PR for a few hours. If you’ve ever wanted to know where Puerto Rico ‘s favorite rum comes from then stop by the Destileria Serralles for a quick drink and an awesome tour of the grounds. An authentic Caribbean experience.

Coliseo de Puerto Rico

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The Coliseo de Puerto Rico is Puerto Rico’s major entertainment center destination. Experience all the acts you would see in any major city in the world, including international rock and pop bands and Disney extravaganzas, and the area around the center is populated with restaurants and shopping centers to entertain before and after shows.

How to create and keep a financial New Year’s resolution

It’s that time of year again – millions of Americans are setting resolutions to better themselves in the New Year. For many, that includes a brighter financial future.

Whether eliminating debt, saving or investing, financial resolutions can be difficult to keep without a coordinated effort, says Mike Sullivan, spokesperson, Take Charge America, a national nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “While it’s very commonplace to create a resolution, few people actually follow through. When it comes to improvements in your personal finances especially, you need a plan, automation and accountability.”

Sullivan offers five tips to help consumers create a financial New Year’s resolution – and keep it:

  • Define a Specific Goal – It’s important to clearly define your financial goal and outline the steps you must take to get there. “Get out of debt” or “save more money” are simply too broad. You are much more likely to hold yourself accountable with a realistic and attainable goal in mind, like “save $100 from each paycheck” or “pay off $200 in credit card debt every month.”
  • Make an Ongoing, Automatic Commitment – Look for tools or avenues to automatically take steps to achieve your goal. For instance, if your goal is to add $10,000 to your emergency fund, consider adding another payroll deduction into your savings account. Or, if retirement is on your mind, increase the amount you automatically contribute to your 401k or IRA.
  • Get Creative with Paying Off Debt – If you are trying to eliminate debt, look at opportunities beyond your regular monthly payments. Consider consolidating your high interest credit card debt into a fixed personal loan, or entering into a debt management plan with a nonprofit agency. You can also reevaluate student loan repayment options to find out if you’re in the best plan for your personal situation.
  • Reevaluate Your Monthly Bills – There may be easy ways to save more money without generating additional income or adjusting your daily spending habits. Take a good look at your monthly bills to see what you can eliminate or reduce. For instance, you can get new quotes for auto insurance, refinance your home mortgage to a lower APR, eliminate premium cable services and decide if that gym membership is really worth it.
  • Track Your Progress – You’re much more likely to accomplish your goals if you establish timelines and milestones. You can even find a way to reward yourself for each milestone you accomplish. Also, tell close friends or family members about your goals so you have some outside accountability.

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How nutrient deficiencies are killing your health potential

Key nutrients are cornerstones of good health, yet deficiency among Americans is skyrocketing. Are you unknowingly suffering from a nutrient shortage?

Dr. Ronald Hoffman, medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York City and host of the radio program “Intelligent Medicine,” points to three major vitamin deficiencies affecting people today. He offers his expert insight on each and what you can do to fix the problem.

Omega-3s

“Many North Americans are omega-3 deficient because we eat highly processed foods that lack essential fatty acids and not enough oily fish,” says Hoffman. “The problem is particularly acute for vegetarians, those who prefer not to eat fish or are allergic, and young people who are picky eaters.”

In the U.S. up to 91 percent of Americans are omega-3 deficient and a Harvard study ranked omega-3 deficiency as the eighth leading cause of preventable death. Omega-3s are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them and must ingest them from external sources.

Omega-3s benefit the body in countless ways, including the optimal functioning of cell membranes. “The cell membrane is responsible for translating messages from adjacent cells and organs into chemical work inside the cell,” Hoffman explains.

There are more than 27,000 published studies on omega-3s showing the benefit of omega-3s, from brain and heart health to boosting mood and skin health. Omega-3s are particularly notable for cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 1 gram of omega-3 EPA and DHA a day for those with established coronary artery disease.

“Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines provide the most omega-3s,” says Hoffman. “I also recommend supplements in soft gels or liquid form, or gummies and emulsions for kids.”

He notes when selecting a supplement, freshness and dosage is crucial.

“Processing, packaging, quality control, proper inventory management and distribution make a difference. I recommend Nordic Naturals because they are vertically integrated from boat to bottle, ensuring the absolute freshest and purest omega-3 products in a wide variety of delivery systems,” Hoffman says. “I recommend that the average person take a dosage of 1 to 2 grams daily.”

Vitamin D 

Because people can produce natural vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with sunlight, many assume they get enough. In reality, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Up to 36 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient and up to 91 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. aren’t getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.

“Vitamin D is actually more than a vitamin,” Hoffman explains. “It’s a ‘pro-hormone’ and modifies the expression of many genes. This means it plays a powerful role, not just in building bone, but in the body’s immunity, muscle strength and even mood and cognition.”

Many factors affect a person’s ability to make enough vitamin D, including age and location. During sunny seasons, 10 to 45 minutes of direct sun exposure daily can help maintain adequate vitamin D, but for many people this is not possible all year long and supplementation is necessary.

“Current recommendations for vitamin D are 600 IU for ages 1-70; for pregnant or breast-feeding women and individuals over 70 it’s 800 IU. But this dosage could short-change many individuals with special needs or who have inadequate sun exposure,” says Hoffman. “The best bet is to measure vitamin D in the blood and supplement until an optimal blood level of 40-60 nanograms per milliliter is achieved.”

Magnesium

Most people have heard of magnesium but are unsure how it impacts their health. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium, mostly due to a diet of refined foods.

“Magnesium is an essential mineral that is a co-factor for literally hundreds of biochemical pathways in the body,” Hoffman explains. “It is particularly crucial for energy production in the mitochondria, tiny powerhouses within the cells. Therefore, inadequate magnesium can be responsible for physical fatigue and mental depression.”

He also notes magnesium, along with calcium and vitamin D, is essential for bone health.

You can correct a deficiency by eating a diet rich in plant-based, unprocessed foods like nuts, leafy greens, avocados and dried fruit. However, many people require supplements to reach optimal magnesium levels.

“Check labels for the amount of elemental magnesium in each supplement and shoot for 200-500 mg daily. Be sure to meet with your doctor prior to taking any supplement,” says Hoffman.

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